Struck Talon

[wardeninexile]

[Post Battle of the Behemoths]

[1]

After the mission, Ranna is in the hangars, overseeing mechs with battle-damage being transfer from the Wolf dropship back to the White Chalice. There are some new additions - mechs painted in the Jade Falcon colors as well.

In fact, another young woman with sharp and refined features is standing besides Ranna, wearing a Falcon uniform, and a visible chord wrapped around her wrist. She does not appear to be restrained at all. Whatever a bondsman is to the Clans, it is not the typical definition of 'prisoner'.

See how they are doing?

[2]

Later, Ranna is by the Chalice comm console, a map of the planet on display. There are symbols all over the map, most of them have some form of Wolf or Falcon iconography attached.

She listens in to the reports, her expression calm.

Comments

[fermionprincess]

Dear lady Whose Name is Unfamiliar to Me, you seem not to be most content of this situation.

A Trial, is it? How fascinating.

[wardeninexile]

"Aff, a Trial performed via combat. In this case, for the possession of a Trinary of mechs which this warrior commanded."

Ranna's use of the word 'warrior' seemed to straighten the other woman.

"As such, she is now a bondswoman of Clan Wolf. However, I should let you two introduce yourself to each other."

The other woman gives Ranna a faint nod before looking at Alessandra in the eye, without any hints of condescension despite the... difference in height.

"I am Sandra Pryde, former Star Captain of Clan Jade Falcon, now bondswoman of Clan Wolf."

Ranna decides to add, "Unlike me, she has already earned her bloodname. It is a great honor among Clan society, and to do so at her age indicates great skill in piloting."

Sandra nods with fierce pride at that.

[fermionprincess]

Ah, quite a distinguished individual then, if I do say so myself! Allow me to introduce myself - Chosen Champion of House Consenesco, Alessandra Langelier!

[Short may she be, but Alessandra is prideful enough to appear at least an inch taller.]

...

What might a bondswoman be?

[wardeninexile]

"A bondswoman or bondsman is indicated by this that you see." Ranna points to the woven chord on Sandra's wrist.

"And it means for now, she is of the Labourer Caste within the Clan." The former Jade Falcon grimaces at that.

[fermionprincess]

A mighty warrior, reduced to the role of menial worker? What a terrible fate! Please remind me never to allow myself to be defeated by anyone of the Clans.

[wardeninexile]

Ranna chuckles.

"It is customary for them to be humbled, and a chance to see their new Clan from a different perspective as we determine if they have fulfilled the bond obligation.

Once that is done, they will be Warriors once again."

[fermionprincess]

My statement stands strong. And yet...

[Thinking of that time when Resnick took the Siberian Terrible Trio under his wing.]

Is there an option for people outside the Clans to throw the burden of Bondsmanship on others?

[Yes, Alessandra wants some free servants/slave labor now.]

[wardeninexile]

"Neg. For it even as it is the bondsman's duty to fulfill the bond obligation, it is the bondholder's duty and responsibility to be there to free the bondsman once that obligation is done."

Ranna explains solemnly.

"However, two on the White Chalice, excluding myself, are now bondholders due to defeating their Jade Falcon enemies in the Trial. I had allowed them to claim their defeated opponent as bondsman if they wish, and they did."

[fermionprincess]

Of course, we would not want any kind of irresponsibility after all!

Oh, who might the two be?

[wardeninexile]

"The bondholders would be Ryouma and Kamina. They came out victorious during the Trial."

[fermionprincess]

Ah, the literal caveman and the borderline psychotic individual? I am sure they will take care of their underlings just fine!
[Spoken with no sarcasm whatsoever.]

[wardeninexile]

"They are on the White Chalice after all. There will be many who would point out any neglect seen, I suspect."

Replied with a straight face.