I have just 5 minutes of break, just 5. The whole time of which I spend in deep thought almost oblivious of everything going on around me. I'd caused quite the stir by the looks of it. The guy who challenged me, little to my knowledge was a member of Ursa's most trust circle of warriors, those who would often occupancy her to any battlefield she had the pleasure of gracing. Was this a complete coincidence? The selection was random…. did Ursa know it was him? Either way I just defeated him, people noticed.
Now I had to fight Tristan, wonderful. I have no idea what to expect, it's a strange choice. It would honestly be short of a miracle if I were to beat Ursa herself, but Tristan. Tristan is The Future Leader of Clan Wren, to show him up…. but then again Ursa would surely not accept me if I only won a single fight. I can beat him, I'm sure I can beat him.
"Take this." I look up, it's Alrich. Sabines father was a certainly different from her Mother. He was a calm well-meaning man, who was deeply passionate, not just about art but about people. "It will help you to regain strength…." He leans toward me a bit further "I also mixed in some herbs that should help calm you nerves." He whispers. I smile, obviously if the crowd hears that…. But Alrich knew that.
"Thank you." I take in the smell of the mug, it contains a stew, Mandalorian strews are legendary for their healing and protein, warrior's food. I sip the stew, it's warm and immediately begins to pick me up. Still I'm curious about Alrichs comment.
"Is it really that noticeable?" Please don't let Ursa have picked up on that! "No not noticeably, but I can tell after all, look around." I glance around the room, still alive with chatter, chatter about me mostly. "if you were not then I would be pleasantly surprised." He pauses and looks to my side "Your Helmet."
I glance to my side to see it. "I could easily tell you felt exposed without. It's a useful tool, not just in the technical way. It's a mask, yes it screams expression on the outside, with the design, but that expression is defined by you. On the inside it acts to mask your expression." He is right, I do feel more confident when I can place feelings behind it. Part of a fight is judging your opponent, including their expressions, seeing someone's face can give allot away. Obviously, I was and still am nervous, but then again maybe all Mandalorian are if they choose to wear helmets. Yes, they offer tools and physical protection, but they offer mental protection.
"I do not mean to offend you. You did well in your fight. Yes, armour is personal and extension of self for many. But you should not feel you should hide yourself behind it, own it, show your feelings. Yes, we Mandalorian are harsh, but in this humble artist view. Real strength comes from expression. Not who has the bigger weapon, the brush is mightier than the blaster no?" I chuckle slightly. "See I knew you would like that one."
"I did, but it's true. Thank you, I will try! I see where Sabine gets her soft side from." He laughs slightly "My Sabine has the Iron Will of my dearest…. when she so chooses. The perfect coupling of art, with both brush and blaster."
"SILENCE!" it's Ursa. "Better go." Alrich quickly darts off toward the doorway. Crap... I better drink this up quickly. "The second duel will now begin."
