Port Ol’val

43 ABY

Something had changed within Mune. Something was not the same. The fur at the back of their neck prickled, but their senses detected nothing amiss.

It was a routine patrol, more like a stroll, for the Captain of Voidbreaker Battleteam. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Yet with all the changes to the very slipstreams of the Force that connected the Oracle to every other living creature in the Shadow Port, something was definitely off.

Mune Cinteroph had lived as long as they had thanks to trusting their instincts, but perhaps it was this new awareness, this connection with their more feral side, that the former spymaster missed the shadows flitting through the alleys. A rustling noise caused their ears to twitch and flick, eyes darting towards its origin. Their hands moved to the hilt of their lightsaber but did not draw it. They stepped into the alley and started to open their senses—

Quicker than blinking, and with no notice or warning through the Force, the sound of cylindrical metallic objects clanked, followed by the tell-tale hiss that accompanied the cloud of smoke that quickly enveloped the Shistavanen. Mune wrinkled their nose in disgust and attuned their senses to the potential attackers that would try to take advantage of the smokescreen. But no fist or weapon encroached. Instead, the cloud continued to thicken, and Mune’s heightened senses were overwhelmed with something...unnatural.

They broke out into a fit of coughing and dropped to their knees. Their fangs bared as they started to sneer and growl ferally in defiance, but their eyes and muscles became heavy until they lay down and went still.

----<O>----

Selen

Felurigade

“It’s okay. You’re safe,” a familiar voice pierced through the blanket of their dreamless sleep.

Mune awoke with a sharp intake of breath followed by a snarl. Their muscles tensed, ready to fight off anything that dared try to hurt them with every claw and fiber of their being. Instead, they saw a small child standing over them. They had mismatched eyes, one a vibrant blue and the other a milky white framed by a mess of silver hair. Mune quickly realized they were speaking in fluent, well-accented Shistavanen.

“Kirra,” Mune acknowledged slowly as they sat up.

Cinteroph quickly gathered their bearings, making note of forestation and sound of tranquil water and chirping avians. Their attention moved past the smiling young girl to the man behind her. “Marick,” Mune nodded, but they did not make a move to reach for a weapon that was, surprisingly, still clasped to their belt. If Marick had wanted him dead, or this was some kind of tribunal, it was unlikely he’d have his daughter with him.

“Sorry for...all of this,” the Hapan explained. “It’s a tradition we’ve tried to maintain while also...refining.” He gestured to the cadre of hooded figures who had gathered and lowered their hoods. Mune knew their names: Atyiru, Kordath, Zujenia,Tali, Lucine, Aiden...and even James Entar had come. The latter gave Mune a knowing grin.

“I’m sorry, but what tradition?” Mune asked carefully, watching as Kirra moved to stand beside her father, gripping the side of his leg while trying her best not to bounce up and down on her toes.

“When you came to us, there were concerns about your motivations. To walk away from the Empire you had given so much to was...unexpected. However, you never once let the weight of that scrutiny hang around your neck or dampen your spirit. You have proven, time and again, through warfare and prosperity, through trials and teamwork, that you embody the principles of what it means to be part of the Shadow Clan. We are honored to welcome you into the ranks…the pack, you may say, of the Arconae.”

Mune’s thoughts raced. They knew the honor and what it meant, but a complicated swarm of emotions washed across their consciousness as they processed the new information. Perhaps later there would be time for questions...

“...thank you for this honor. All of you,” Mune said, meeting each present Arconae’s gaze before throwing a wink down at Kirra.

“Also...we hope you like the new tattoo—” Atyiru blurted out with an impish grin.

“Tattoo?—” The Shistavanen suddenly became aware of a tickle on their fur, as if a small patch of it was missing...

“—she didn’t draw it, don’t worry,” Marick quickly added, only the corner of Mune’s eyes giving away the flash of panic he suppressed.

Atyiru waved her hand in front of her blindfold.

“This place is known as the Felurigade, home of the Cythraul,” Marick continued. Mune spotted Fela tormenting Ivoshar as the older wolf tried to nap. “We thought it fitting, as we accept you, Mune Cinteroph,” Marick said with an air of finality, patiently keeping his face serious despite his wife’s humor. “—in all your forms.”

This time, Kirra winked, and only the newest Arconae noticed.

Mune Cinteroph has shown their loyalty every day since joining the Clan back in 2021. Over the past four years, Mune has earned 2,013,960 credits for Clan Arcona, an Emerald Dagger, Amethyst Kukir, Sapphire Blade, 2 gold novae, 1 silver novae, and has competed in 649 comps (as of this writing). They are currently a Battleteam Leader, where their positive attitude is always on display while creating an inclusive and welcoming presence for the Clan. When they joined us, they left behind their previous Clan title, something not many are willing to do. There is never a guarantee when going somewhere new, but Mune never once, for even a moment, ever let that be a chip on their shoulder. They have been a light through dark and muddled times, and one of the many reasons I'm probably still willing to wake up everyday and fight for the future of this Clan.

Through all of that, Mune has been a loyal friend. We trust them. And I couldn't think of a more deserving member to represent the values we strive for.

Congratulations, Mune. I am proud and honored to serve alongside you in Clan Arcona.

~Wally

Lord Marick Tyris Arconae; Quaestor, House Qel-Droma

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Thank you, Wally, for the fiction and message.

It goes without saying that Mune has become a staple of Arcona, our community. They have built a home out of the Voidbreaker, quite literally with all the schematics drawn up and room designations the members have enjoyed. They are always willing to lend a hand, whether to a new member or teammate or fellow summit leaders(thank you for the XP admin lessons🙏). Moving with kindness, grace and compassion, Mune’s friendly demeanor is infectious and welcoming to be around. They create a positive atmosphere within the clan and Brotherhood at large — an example of the beacon we look for in the spirit of Arcona.

Congrats to you, Mune!

~Zuji/Jakob

Consul Diyrian "Diy" Grivna; Consul of Arcona

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For those that wish to learn more about what goes into earning the Clan title, what it means to carry the title, or to see the full roster of those who have earned it in the past, please see the updated Wiki page.

Thank you, Wally, for the lovely fiction above honoring Mune.