Campfire Songs

After they'd both dried off and dressed, the Outlander prepared breakfast. He got the fire going, then checked over their supplies. Senya had planned to be out in the woods for a while and had plenty of foodstuffs available to use. The Outlander made his choices and took a hefty cast-iron skillet from his gear, then put a dozen small breakfast sausage links in it, along with diced potatoes, chopped onion, and a chopped green pepper. Soon the smell of it cooking filled the overhang they were sheltering under.

"So, he can cook," Senya said.

"Yeah, I didn't always have a droid servant or crew with me, I learned to make a few things. My mom taught me a little, when I was a kid. And going hunting, we'd always cook something over the fire at camp. I still like making a few things now and then." He was quiet for a moment, remembering. "After Mako and I got together, I made her pancakes. She almost set the ship on fire trying to make bacon to go with it. Girl could slice through Republic Intelligence databanks like they were made of warm cheese, but she was lost in the kitchen."

Senya cocked her head. "She was... your lover?"

"Partner. Lover. Wife, for a while, before Arcann imprisoned me. In the end, she got sick of everyone she loved disappearing, so she quit the business. Quit the crew. Quit looking for me. I don't blame her."

"I'm sorry," Senya said.

"You couldn't know. She was out of the picture before we even met." He stirred the contents of the pan, producing a satisfying sizzle. "You know, I don't know if I've talked about her much to anyone besides Lana since this all went down. So, thank you for listening."

"I am honored that you confide in me," Senya said. "Trust is not easy."

"No, no it is not. But we've mourned together, shared a shelter, comforted each other, washed each other. I think we've earned trust. Fierfek, I even sang for you."

Senya laughed. "That was a surprise. Do you know many songs?"

The Outlander shook his head. "I know a few of the more important Mandalorian songs and chants, that's about it."

"Can you sing me another one of those?"

He nodded, and began to sing Vode An - Brothers All.

Kote!
Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode An
Mando'lora adenn mhi, Vode An
Bal kote, darasuum kote,
Jorso'ran, kando a tome,
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode An

Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode An
Mando'lora adenn mhi, Vode An
Bal....
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc runi cet slarycina solus cet o'r.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc cet slarycina runi trattok'o.

Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an!

Then he translated it for her.

GLORY!
One indomitable heart, Brothers All
We, the wrath of Mandalore, Brothers All
And glory, eternal glory,
We shall bear its weight together.
Forged like a saber in the fires of ****, Brothers All.

One indomitable heart, Brothers All
We, the wrath of Mandalore, Brothers All
And...
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame
Our vengeance shall burn brighter still
Every last traitorous soul shall kneel
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame
Our vengeance shall burn brighter still
Every last traitorous soul shall fall

Forged like a saber in the fires of ****, Brothers All.

She had listened intently. "It sounds like a lament, but the words are those of a war song. How curious."

He nodded. "It does sound like a lament. The song of the Ori'ramikad is like that, too."

"Ori'ramikad?"

"Supercommandos. Elite special forces, each capable of leading and training a company of special operations troops as well as handling the really tough jobs. Selection's tough, wash-out rate's like 95%. And it's invite only."

Senya looked impressed. "Well then, this I have to hear."

The Outlander cleared his throat, before singing once more. The song sounded like a dirge more than a proud warrior song. And yet, there was a power to it.

Ara'novor Kyr'am mhi,
Teh serimir parjai,

Naasade rohakar mhi, kandosii verde an

Mhi briikase at'chur Haran,
guyamir kar'tayl mhi!

We cheat **** of his rightful victory

No one can defeat us, indomitable warriors all

We happily leap into the depths of Hell,
In the knowledge we will survive!

Senya attempted humming the cadence. "How strange, a song that would normally be boastful is sung as a song of mourning. Is all Mandalorian culture so dour?"

The Outlander laughed. "Not by our standards, but I see what you mean. There's one chant, the Dha Werda Verda - Rage of the Shadow Warriors - that is done en masse. The rhythm is beaten out on your armor and that of the warriors next to you while you recite it, and you turn in unison. Miss your timing, and you might catch a fist in the mouth. And if that happens, you just keep going. Horns and drums are also played. It's about the Taung fighting for the domination of Coruscant in the midst of a massive eruption of volcanos, thousands of years ago. One of these days maybe Torch and her troops will show you."

"That does sound impressive. Torch... how well do you know her?" Senya asked.

"Well enough. Let's see... on Rishi, her clan was doing some a Blood Hunt, which I interrupted to try and get information on Revan. I beat her challenges and her champions, and then we fought as well. She's a cunning, dangerous, smart warrior. I proved worthy and she agreed to help. She was part of the campaign on Yavin IV as well, and when we faced Revan - or rather, the Dark Side manifestation of part of Revan - she was one of the many who joined the battle. Shae, Lana, Darth Marr, Theron, Jakarro and C2-D4, Grand Master Satele Shan, and myself, all against Revan. It was a hard battle. Then, after being freed from Carbonite and while fighting Arcann, she'd become Mand'alor and was leading the Mando fight against the Eternal Empire on Darvannis, hoping to resupply. I found my old friend Torian was one of her clan leaders, and together we destroyed some of the factories as well as got the Mandalorians a massive cache of equipment to re-arm with. We got closer then, and after that, she joined my Alliance as a friend and ally. She's a good ally to have, and a terrible enemy."

Senya raised an eyebrow. "And nothing more? I would have thought that the two of you would make a good pair."

The Outlander shrugged. "I like her well enough but there's been no hint of romance between us. And I love Lana. She's smart, and challenging, and focused. She saved my life, and made it worth living again."

Senya looked down. "I see. Did you notice your breakfast is burning?"

He laughed. "It's just getting good."

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