Bad News and Moral Support

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia had needed to excuse herself from the conversation inside the Spec. Ops. HQ as soon as she felt it was 'safe' to do so. Her datapad had made something very clear to her, and it was much to her dislike. Inside the building, the mando had put on a good face, but honestly she was much less happy. Her father was supposed to have returned to the planet the next day, but now....now he wasn't going to return at all. He'd gone to make a trade agreement with another mandalorian family for a piece of land adjacent to theirs that the other family was no longer using. He'd had to leave Italia's mother in her hands because she was sick and wasn't able to travel, especially not to the planet of Mandalore.

Now, standing outside of the building, she tightened her armor once more, making sure it was secure. It would be a decent length run...in fact, she might not even be able to run the whole length, but she would try. Taking a moment to gaze down the hill at the farms below, she felt hot tears starting to well up in her eyes, but shook them stubbornly away. How was she going to tell her mother...WHAT was she going to tell her? What about the farm? She knew nothing of farming...not any more...only the most basic of basics...she was a hunter, not someone attached to the land.

Heaving a sigh, she started walking. It wouldn't do to get there and still be upset. By the time she got home she needed to be calm enough to support her mother.

[Zarkan]

Ark excused himself not long after Italia left and left the compound to look for the young woman whom had looked disturbed even before she left. Really it didn't take long for the cyborg's optics to find the woman determinedly walked under the moon lit plains. Unless focused on her objective she'd hear ark coming a mile away his thunderous steps echoing across the plains as he jogged after her closing the ground in moments before slowing to for him a slow walk besides her. "Rather late for a rabbit delivery don't you think?" he asked hopping the woman would take it as the prodding joke it was.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Hearing the thundering sounds from behind her, Italia turned her head to find Ark come up beside her. Making sure to look at the proper plate this time, she again brought a thin smile to her face. She looked more worn now than she had before, but she still managed to chuckle slightly at his comment.

Perhaps it is, but...it isn't just rabbits I'm delivering.

She replied, and felt those blasted tears creep up on her once again. Honestly...why did people have to cry anyway? What use was it to cry? It didn't change anything, didn't help anything...it only served to make one look weak and red in the face. She supposed some people could cry 'pretty' but she doubted she was amongst them. Nothing she did could really be described as 'pretty', least of all crying. Shaking her head again, Lia sighed and looked down at the fields once more.

Ark? Can I ask you something?

The auburn sounded rather timid this time around, as if she wasn't sure she really wanted to ask her question, but had decided to anyway.

[Zarkan]

Ark felt worried for the woman and sighed slightly saying. "No, I doubt it is." Ark looked out at the rolling moon lit hills italia's head shake brought his attention back to her and he tilted his torso down almost like a bow. "Of course you may ask me a question." he said quickly some what unnerved by the quiet.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Have you ever...have you ever had to tell family..or anyone...that one of their loved ones is dead?

She asked, not daring to look at him. Her hands balled into fists as she thought of what had happened. How could they? Pirates...they were pirates...they didn't abide by rules of honor...or anything else for that matter. It made her furious. It made the worst in her come bubbling to the surface...the want for revenge, to make them pay with their lives as her father had payed.

Italia barely noticed the passing of the land around them as she walked, her body automatically stepping over or around whatever stood in her way. Stopping in her walk, the woman put a hand to her face and heaved a shaky sigh. Trying for a laugh, it turned out more like a pathetic little chuckle.

My father. That's why I ask. He just died...that was the message. I've no idea how to tell my mother...she's already sick enough...I've never had to deal with something like this before.

Her shoulders slumped slightly as she spoke, her voice slightly muffled by her hand as she still fought not to cry. Her father had raised her, taught her to make her armor, to hunt, to survive...and now he was gone. With her mother sick, she was almost certain she would follow soon, and her brothers....she could never find them. Was she truly so alone?

[Zarkan]

"I've had to tell more wives and husbands that their loved is dead then I care to remember I have even had to tell my own daughter that her mother and brother died by her own vod's hands." Arks said rolling his shoulders slightly. "It's not a duty I enjoy, but it is a vital one however." Ark looked at italia before speaking "It is hard for a mandalorian to lose their father, I remember when I lost mine." he said placing a hand on her shoulder. "You must take pride in what your father did, comfort in his love for you, and do your honor to him in carrying on."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia listened halfheartedly to what he had to say, but instantly felt bad for him having to go through something like that. Again, she wondered just how old he was. Looking up at him, she nodded slightly as he put his hand on her shoulder. Feeling the weight of it settle on her, she sighed again. It didn't do much to help her know what to say, but....wait! Say?! She had to get there before someone else told her. No doubt their friends had been notified as well. There was no more time to be standing about mourning over something she couldn't change.

Ark, I have to go...I can't have someone else telling her before I get there.

She nearly shouted at him. Okay, so the volume was a little unnecessary, but it was the emotions of concern that spurred to sudden motion. Not waiting another instant, the auburn was off at a dash. If she'd stopped to think for half a moment longer, she might have realized that the cyborg could have easily gotten them both there far faster than her own legs...however, the fiery woman didn't regard Ark as a cyborg, but rather a regular man no sooner able to carry her that distance faster than herself could run.

[Zarkan]

"Wait!" ark hollered at the woman as she ran away before turning back to look at the distant base and let out a deep sigh he'd had been hoping to finish his centurion model he thought before turning and running at full clip after woman his long legs and robotic servos carrying him quickly towards the woman. Whom is sweept up easily with one arm while still in a full sprint. "Your going to have to point the way." he said turning he eyes to her before looking ahead.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Ignoring the sound of the cyborg's call, or even the heavy thudding of him coming up behind her, it wasn't until she was swept off her feet mid-stride that she cared she was being followed. Yelping as she was pulled off the ground, she clung to his arm for a moment and panted, half from her run at top speed, and half from surprise and fright at being picked up so easily. Calming herself a bit, she blinked as the wind rushed past them. Ugh, she wished she had her helmet, or at least some glasses, the cold wind was stinging her eyes and making them water more than when she had almost cried.

Straight down this hill...there are four farm houses there...it's the back right house.

She told him over the wind. Trying to keep her perch on his arm, Italia did her best not to squirm uncomfortably. Good lord this cyborg could move fast! It was like riding a speeder, only...far more jostled.

And please...PLEASE...stick to the path between them so you don't crush the crops...there's been a drought this year...

She huffed, not at all pleased by the fact that there had been so little rain.

[Zarkan]

Ark laughed as he neared the farms. "Yes I will endeavor to evade the weeds on my way." he said still attempting to lighten the mood. He slowed down as he neared the first to houses of the psudo village and finally lowered italia to the ground. "It may be best if I stay here, most do not take well to my appearance" he said slowly and almost sadly. "Besides I doubt you'd want to pull your poor sick mother out her just so I can be involved."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia managed to laugh a bit and shake her head at his words. Really, weeds? Really?! "This guy has some sense of humor," she thought, still trying to keep her perch on his arm. Slowing, he put her down once more, and it took her a moment to regain her legs.

Honestly Ark...let me know if you're going to be picking me up like that next time, eh? I can barely walk now.

She teased, before her eyes became more serious. Folding her arms across her chest, she gave him a slight glare.

You can at least walk me to the house. I won't have you standing here waiting for me...that's no kind of hospitality, and I don't give a rip what the others think. If they don't like it, they can come to me.

She stated stubbornly, showing that she wouldn't take no for an answer.

As for mum...she's most likely outside anyway. She's been on the mend recently, which is good, and she never listens to me to stay inside either. Besides...she'd wring my neck if I didn't bring you 'round.

Italia added with a slight laugh of embarrassment before starting to walk down the worn dirt path.

[Zarkan]

"If you insist." Arkandos replied to both her first statements with three little words. "If I may ask what is wrong with your mother? and why would see wring your neck if I stayed out her not tramping plants?" he said as he began following her as he waited for a answer a loud crack echoed out and he steeped back and looked down prodding a broken peace of concrete with his toe. "Or cracking paths." he laughed shoveling dirt up over the broken edge and walked carefully to avoid the path.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Chuckling at his question, she had been about to answer when a cracking sound was heard. Stopping to look around, she noticed what had just happened. His addition to the question only made Italia giggle, his action causing her to nearly double over with silent laughter. Calming herself, she straightened up and giggled again, just slightly.

Why? Because my brothers and I were always taught to be good hosts, especially to vod from other clans...though I think I'm the only one who retained those lessons. Hospitality, honor, kindness, fairness, and loyalty. Those were all things our parents believed in strongly. As for what's wrong with her...well...she's not as young as she used to be. One day she simply got quite sick. I don't know all the details as I wasn't here when the doctor came, but since the time my youngest brother was born she seemed frail. Dad said she had been sick with the middle brother and that was why.

Italia sighed slightly and shook her head.

I guess she was doing well for quite a few years while I was gone, then she just got sick again. It's happened from time to time, so I'm used to it...her getting sick that is.

By this time, they were nearly to the walkway of the house, and sure enough, an older looking woman sat on the front porch, one leg crossed over the other as she gazed out across the fields. At the sound of the two walking toward the house, she looked over, her face becoming startled at the sight of Ark, but it swiftly settled into a more neutral and curious look.

I was wondering where you were Lia....you took quite a while to get back with those blasted rabbits. Now, who's this? C'mon girl, speak up.

Italia rolled her eyes and smirked slightly as her mother spoke. She knew that the persnickety old woman was just giving her a hard time.

Hello to you too, yes, I had a fine day. No, no snakes managed to bite me this time. Yes, I got you your bloody rabbits...hard to catch suckers learned my tricks so I had to improvise, thanks for asking.

She teased back, a smile on her face, but not in her eyes.

Mum, this is Arkandos Phelan...Ark for short. He's a Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for the army.

Lia stated, setting her pack down on the porch.

Ark, this is my mother, Kiva Firians.

Nodding, Kiva stood and walked toward the giant cyborg, eying him warily, almost as if she were trying to figure out if he were truly there. It wasn't an unkind look, but more a clever gaze that would have seen through nearly any being with skin and bone.

A pleasure. I assume that Italia means the Mandolorian army?

[Zarkan]

"It warms my heart to know that even in the dark times some of my vod still practice the true traditions of the mandaloirans." he said ignoring the irony of a heartless cyborg saying such a thing as they finally neared a small fence. "Speaking of clans what is yours my dear?" he asked as he looked up to spot the old slightly stooped woman on the steps of the porch one whom gave him a somewhat disbelieving look he would have smiled at the old woman if he could. "I believe your young daughter wished to watch the handsome young warriors train, vod." he said cheerily in his normal deep voice. He watched the woman approach him slowly. "Oh, no, vod the pleasure is mine." he said with a deep bow. "And yes the mandolorian army I have served them for a very long time and am not about to abandon them yet, Kiva."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Well, not everything has stuck, I'm sure, but they did their best not to let us slide by. Hahaha...well, I doubt you'd have heard of it, we're small now, only these farms and one other family that I know of make up our clan now...Shiros is our name.

She replied with a bright smile. Italia was rather proud of the name, despite how small the clan was and that all of them, save herself and her brothers, were farmers. Farming, feeding others, was honorable too she supposed, it just wasn't for her. At his comment to her mother, Italia blushed and gaped, sputtering in the negative as Kiva chuckled and grinned as well.

I see! So that is why you took so long. It's about time you came wise.

B...but!....That's not...Ark! How...you....ugh.

Italia finally gave up on trying to convince them other wise, and her mother only laughed harder, coughing slightly and sniffling a bit. Blinking up at him, Kiva chuckled.

I would invite you in burc'ya, but I don't believe you would fit into my small house! But oh, how I'm glad to know that Italia here is finally starting to see sense. She's such a stubborn girl, I was beginning to wonder if her father's love for our army would ever rub off on her. If only he could be here instead of off gallivanting about the galaxy. Hopefully between the two of you she'll wise up.

She said with a chuckle and a shake of her head. Italia bit her lip then and furrowed her brow.

Mum....about dad....

[Zarkan]

Ark hummed at her answer to the question he had asked about her clan. "That name sounds familiar." he said before bursting out laughing at italia and her mother. He pointed at italia wishing he could smile for not the first time. "Ha, I knew it!" he was laughing hard enough to be out of breath and maybe crying when he was still flesh and blood. "I understand my dear it's not something I'm wholly unused to." he snapped his vocabulater closed when the woman mentioned her husband and placed a supportive hand on italia's shoulder as she began.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Call me Lia. Everyone else does.

She stated as the three joked around. As soon as she had started her sentence about her father though, her face became serious. Kiva simply raised an eyebrow at the beginning of the sentence and the sudden seriousness.

I have a feeling I should sit down for this...*sigh* okay...Out with it child.

She stated, sitting down in the chair she had been in before.

Mum, dad....died today. His ship...it was attacked by pirates on his way back from Mandalore. The ship was completely destroyed. I'm....I'm sorry....

Why she felt the need to apologize was beyond her...but she did. Kiva's face blanched and she put a hand to her face, bowing her head. Removing herself from Ark's grip, Italia went to her mother and knelt before her hugging her mother's knees and trying to talk to her, but the older woman wouldn't reply. Looking to Ark for help, with the shaking older woman, Italia blinked up at him.

[Latus]

He had received the word only hours before. Itani had been in system on a job when he was contacted. His underworld contacts may not be the best of friends but they at least let him know that his father had died. He strolled only as fast as his consciousness would let him, he did not look forward to informing mother.

He had left the space port garbed in his armored jumpsuit and no helmet, he likely would not need his weapons on such a backward planet but he had a few "items" hidden here and there. The wind was dry and warm as he passed rows of stunted crops. A meager year indeed. As he came up over one of the low hills he finally observed his destination, a cluster of small farms however something was off. There was something off about the scene, and this wasn't referring to the hulking frame slouched very close to his mother's hovel. That just added to it.

Itani quickened his pace down the slope, careful to jump over the low fences and run down the rows of crops and not over them. As he neared the low lying dwellings he examined the beast hovering over the community... didn't seem overly threatening. However, there, in the light of the day was a frighteningly familiar sight. It wasn't just that SHE was there... she knew what had happened. Blast. How to lighten the mood. He was clever but even this was a situation nearly beyond him.

The hulking beast would be a little easy but... hmm. Crouching he shifted his route behind the buildings and into the shaded areas where he was less likely to draw attention to himself. Moving with all the silence of the wind he stole up behind the hulking, it appeared to be a droid, and rapped twice upon its outer hull.

"'Scuse me, big guy. I believe there are two women about who need me at the moment."

Slipping past him he toward his family, a look of pity and sorrow on his face.

"Too long I have been away from home."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia sighed heavily and blinked back tears, trying to stay strong for her mum. How dare he not be here...either of them. Those blasted boys! She was about to make another attempt at getting Kiva to at least say something when a voice came from behind her. She knew that voice! Thank god! One of them was still around! Leaping up, she nearly flung herself at her brother, half batting him around the head with her hands, and half hugging him, all the while trying not to cry.

Where have you been! Itani Firians, I swear to....you....you....you ignorant...selfish....two faced....ASSASSIN!....it's about time you show your face! What a time though!

She shouted at him before tossing her arms around his neck and nearly choking him with the force of her hug. Kiva had also looked up at his arrival, and standing shakily, walked over hugging him as well.

[Latus]

Ooh... assassin stung. Truth did always hurt worse than actual pain and that certainly helped at the moment. He hadn't seen either his mother or Lia since what seemed like centuries ago.

"You know I don't show my face for just anything, Lia."

Itani wrapped both arms around his family not shedding a tear. It was times like this that he wished he wasn't so desensitized to pain and death. He was ever so close to his father when he still lived. He stood a head higher than his mother, breaking his hug with Lia he stooped low so he could hug his mother proper, allowing her to rest her head on his thin shoulder.

Lia... mum. I came as soon as I heard and considering the circumstances I got lucky.

Standing he gently embraced Lia again and whispered.

Who is this behind us, huh? New boyfriend? You always did have an eye for the odd ones.

His mouth curled into a smile but was still not sufficient to hide the visible pain in his eyes.