Obi-Wan and Iyla travel to Mandalore to meet Satine's family. Obi-Wan is angst, Iyla is excited, Bo is complicated, and Korkie is just trying to keep everyone happy. Part 1 of 2 massive chapters in the Mandalore arc.

Mando'a translations in the end notes. Enjoy!

Chapter 24: Meet the Kryzes

As much fun as Iyla had with her Aunt Padme and Uncle Anakin, she was delighted to have her Papa back. He barely had time to get in the apartment before she was squealing and jumping into his arms. His heart melted at the soft kisses she gave him and the pure love and affection radiating from her Force signature.

"Missed you so so much, Papa!" she said, squeezing her face against his beard.

Obi-Wan chuckled and gave her forehead a long kiss. "I missed you too, my little one."

After saying their thank yous to Padme and Anakin, the pair of Kenobis were off to their quarters, still attached to each other. Obi-Wan explained to Iyla that he had a good trip to Mandalore and that he decided it was safe for her to go with him to meet her Mama's family. He said they'd leave in two days, giving him enough time to rest after his trip and her enough time to relax and have her Papa back.

Two days later Obi-Wan and Iyla were on a ship to Mandalore. Iyla spent most of the trip talking excitedly about visiting "Mama's house" and wondering what her aunt and cousin were like. She'd asked the vod'e to help her learn some Mandalorian words so she could impress her Mama's family. Obi-Wan, knowing Mando'a himself, helped her with her vocabulary and pronunciations (a difficult task when dealing with a 4-year-old with a speech impediment). They practiced many times on the ship on the way there. Iyla wanted to say the words perfectly and show her new family how smart she was. Obi-Wan just hoped they wouldn't laugh at her attempts to say the words because he knew that would severely hurt Iyla's feelings after she'd practiced so much. So, he endured the endless Mando'a lesson for the sake of sparing his little girl any embarrassment or hurt.

"How you say auntie again, Papa?" Iyla asked.

"Ba'vodu," Obi-Wan replied, slowly and carefully pronouncing each syllable.

"Bah-vood-oo," Iyla replied.

"Bah-VOD-oo, darling. Like the word vod, that you call Fives and Waxer and the rest," Obi-Wan corrected.

"Oh! Ok. Bah-vod-oo. Is that better?"

"Yes, well done, dear. Now add her name to it."

"Bah-vod-oo Bo-Katan," Iyla said.

"Perfect," Obi-Wan praised.

"Wasser said there's no word for cousin," Iyla pouted slightly. She wanted to impress Korkie as well.

"No, I don't belive there is. But, you can call him family. Which is aliit," Obi-Wan replied.

"Ah-leed?"

"Ah-leet. With a 't' sound," Obi-Wan said. Phonics and pronunciation were things that Iyla and the rest of her crèchemates were working on, but it's difficult enough to learn in your native language, let alone a foreign one.

"Ah-leet," Iyla repeated, over emphasizing the 't.' Obi-Wan smiled at her attempt. She really was trying her best and Korkie and Bo better appreciate her at least making an effort.

"I know how to say 'hello' too!" Iyla said excitedly. "Su'cuy, which is soo-coo-ee!"

"Very impressive, little one. Maybe we should try a sentence?" Obi-Wan said.

Iyla's eyes lit up at the prospect of saying a whole sentence in Mando'a.

"Let's try 'hi' with 'Auntie Bo' together," Obi-Wan encouraged.

Iyla took a minute to think then gave it a try. "Soo-coo-ee, bah-vod-oo Bo-Katan."

Obi-Wan gave her a wide smile. "That was wonderful, darling. I'm very proud of you!"

Iyla smiled shyly and bit her lip. "Fank you, Papa. I hope Auntie Bo is pwoud too!"

"Me too," Obi-Wan replied, not wanting to promise that Satine's wayward sister would be proud because he really wasn't sure when it came to Bo.

The rest of the trip went much the same way, Iyla practicing words and Obi-Wan praising and correcting. He was so proud of his little light and her hard work. Eventually Iyla fell asleep, something Obi-Wan was thankful for. He didn't want to face the big and eventful day with a cranky 4-year-old. Plus, the ship was blessedly quiet. Now he had time to think.

During his short visit to Mandalore a few days before, he had only met with Korkie. Bo had been elsewhere apparently, so he wasn't able to scope her out personality and demeanor wise. He knew she was rough around the edges and he was nervous that Iyla would pick up on the negative feelings and be afraid. He asked the Force, and Satine, to be with both of them during the sure to be interesting meeting.

Obi-Wan comm-ed Korkie once they entered Madalore's atmosphere and informed him that they would be arriving soon. Korkie instructed him to land just outside of the capital city of Sundari and he'd meet them there with a speeder to take them to where he and Bo were currently living. The palace was still being renovated after Maul and the Death Watch ravaged it, so it didn't allow for any residents at the moment.

Before landing, Obi-Wan woke up Iyla and took her to the 'fresher to get her straightened out a bit. He fixed her hair and smoothed out her clothes, basically trying to make it look like she didn't just wake up from a nap.

Korkie was waiting on the landing pad for them as they touched down. He had a wide and friendly smile on his face and stood tall and confident. He looked every bit the regal leader that he is.

"Uncle Obi-Wan," Korkie greeted. "Long time no see," he teased.

"Korkie," Obi-Wan bowed and smiled. "You've grown since the last time I saw you."

Korkie laughed and gave him a bow as well. "Good to see you."

"You as well. Now, enough small talk, I think there's someone who has been waiting to meet you," Obi-Wan said, moving to the side to show a nervous Iyla clutching his robe.

Korkie locked eyes with the little girl and if possible, his smile grew even wider. Her strawberry blonde curls were slightly disheveled and looked as if they'd been hastily tamed and her big blue eyes gazed into his with wonder and curiosity. She was biting her bottom lip which revealed a slight apprehensive undercurrent to her curiosity.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Korkie said, giving her a bow.

Iyla looked on with wide eyes then flicked her gaze to Obi-Wan. Her father nodded encouragingly.

"Peased to meet you, my name is Iyla Kemmobi. Su'cuy aliit Kowkie," Iyla said shyly.

There was a twinkle in Korkie's eyes and he melted a bit. "Or'jate ad'ika," he replied.

Iyla looked questioningly up at Obi-Wan. "Korkie says 'well done, little one.'"

"Yes, very well done, Iyla. I am impressed with your Mando'a," Korkie complimented.

"Fank you, aliit Kowkie. My vod'e teached it to me. But they said there's no word for cousin, so Papa said I call you ah-leet, which means fam'ly."

"Aliit is correct, Iyla. Though you can call me Korkie from now on if it's easier."

"Ok, Kowkie," Iyla smiled.

Korkie turned to Obi-Wan. "Auntie Bo is waiting for us back at the house. If you don't mind putting your things in the back of my speeder, we can head over there."

"Of course," Obi-Wan agreed. He loaded their bags in the back then sat down next to Iyla as Korkie started for his home.

Although it wasn't a palace, the Kryze estate was just as beautiful. The home had been in the Kryze Clan for generations and served as a vacation or get away of sorts for the family. It was elegant and befitting of the new ruler of Mandalore until the palace could be finished and Korkie Kryze would take his rightful place on the throne.

The speeder came to a stop on a landing platform that was just outside a large courtyard which led to the estate. Korkie helped them with their bags and they followed him up the steps to the front entrance. Obi-Wan could see a red-haired figure standing at the top of the steps with their arms crossed and a defensive posture. They made for an intimidating presence. Obi-Wan could feel Iyla's growing apprehension as they got closer to the steps. Clearly she'd seen the imposing figure and came to the conclusion that they were not particularly friendly. Not nearly as friendly as Korkie at least.

Slowly and cautiously Iyla climbed the stairs with Obi-Wan, tightly gripping his hand and shrinking back behind him as much as possible. He tried to send her calming and reassuring feelings through the Force, but it didn't seem to be working. Probably because he himself wasn't particularly calm or reassured when it came to Satine's rebel sister, Bo-Katan.

"Auntie Bo," Korkie greeted happily.

"Korkie," Bo replied. "I see you've brought our guests."

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Bo-Katan," Obi-Wan spoke up.

"Kenobi," Bo greeted simply. She then gave a sharp look around Obi-Wan's back and narrowed her eyes slightly. "Is that the girl?" she asked.

"Oh, yes. This is iyla," Obi-Wan replied, guiding Iyla to stand in front of him as he held her shoulders and rubbed them ever so slightly in comfort.

Iyla stared up at Bo-Katan with a look of a nervousness and bewilderment. She was clearly trying to figure the red-haired woman out but was coming up short.

"Darling, would you like to introduce yourself to your Auntie Bo? Just like we practiced?" Obi-Wan encouraged.

"S-su'cuy, b-ba'vodu Bo-Katan," Iyla stuttered and gave a small bow. "Peased to meet you."

Bo stared at Iyla silently as if examining her very closely. Iyla fidgeted under Obi-Wan's hands and bit her lip nervously. Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes challengingly at Bo, daring her to crush the spirits of his little light.

Finally Bo's mouth quirked up in a half smile and she nodded at her niece. "Su'cuy, Iyla."

Iyla's eyes lit up at her aunt's approval and she flashed a wide grin. Immediately Bo's eyes clouded over and her brow furrowed. Seeing Satine's smile reflected back at her from the child was unnerving. Iyla's smile fell flat and her eyes turned to the floor. Bo didn't pay her disappointment any attention.

"Come," she said. "We will show you to your room." She walked away without a look back to see if they were following.

Korkie gave them both an apologetic smile and a shrug then indicated for them to follow Bo and himself into the house. The inside of the estate was just as impressive as the outside. Tall glass windows lined the hallways and the tile floors sparkled in the sun, pieces of colorful gems mixed in among the rock.

"Wow, this a vewy nice house, Kowkie," Iyla said as her head spun around wildly to take in everything as they walked.

"Thank you, ad'ika. It has been in our family for generations," Korkie replied.

They came to a stop outside a large varnished wooden door and Bo finally turned around to face them. "This is your room for the next few days. I hope you will find it satisfactory," she said, raising a challenging eyebrow at Obi-Wan.

"Oh, I'm sure it will be more than satisfactory, thank you," he replied. Bo gave him a quick nod then walked off down the hallway without a goodbye.

Korkie cleared his throat uncomfortably. "You'll have to excuse Auntie Bo. She's not the most…personable."

"I don't fink she likes me vewy much," Iyla said, lowering her head. "Maybe…maybe I not do my Manlowan good 'nuf. I prolly said somefing wrong. I say lotsa fings wrong. Masser Al-an said it's called a speed uhpedmen and it's ok acause lotsa kids have it but I'm a big girl and I should know how to say fings right."

"Darling, there is nothing wrong with having a speech impediment and saying things incorrectly. You're still learning and it can be difficult. I thought your Mandalorian was wonderful. You said everything correctly. I'm very proud of you," Obi-Wan praised, putting his finger under her chin to raise her eyes to his.

"Your Mando'a was most impressive, Iyla," Korkie agreed. "Auntie Bo enjoyed it too. Didn't you see her smile when you called her ba'vodu?"

"Yeah, but then she stop smiling and look mad and sad. Acause of me," Iyla said dejectedly.

Korkie bent down to her level and took her hand. "Ad'ika, Auntie Bo isn't mad and sad at you. You've done nothing wrong. She's just…well, it's complicated. But I promise whatever is going on with Bo is not your fault."

"Ok, Kowkie. I unnerstad," Iyla answered.

Korkie smiled then stood up and addressed Obi-Wan. "We'll be having supper in about an hour. Is that enough time to get settled in?" he asked.

"Yes, that sounds perfect. Thank you, Korkie," Obi-Wan answered.

"Lovely. I'll come retrieve you in an hour then," Korkie said with a bow then headed off down the hall.

Supper was modest, yet still nice and elegant. Iyla was excited to try some new Mandalorian cuisine and was interested to know which foods her Mama preferred. Korkie told her about Satine's love of sweet Mandalorian pickles so Iyla decided to try one. Maybe she'd like them too. She took a bite and chewed it slowly then scrunched up her face in disgust. She managed to swallow it down because her manners would not allow her to spit it out at the table, but the look of revulsion on her features said it all. Korkie and Obi-Wan laughed at her grossed-out face and Bo even cracked a smile.

"I not like pickles," Iyla said, as if it wasn't obvious from her reaction.

"It's ok, Iyla, I don't really see what Auntie Satine liked about them, either," Korkie chuckled.

"Maybe there's a fruit you can try, darling. You like fruit and I know your Mama did too," Obi-Wan suggested.

Korkie reached across the table and snagged a red, orange, and yellow colored fruit then held it out to Iyla. "This is a Mandalorian peach. It's very sweet and flavorful. Auntie Satine's favorite. Go on and give it a try."

Iyla took the fruit cautiously from Korkie, afraid of a repeat of the pickle disaster. She took a small hesitant bite and closed her eyes, prepared to be disgusted again. The sweet flavor was delicious however and Iyla's face lit up as she chewed. She let out a long 'mmmm' and took another bite.

"I think we found a winner," Korkie said.

Iyla nodded and continued to eat the fruit, humming and smiling as peach juice covered her cheeks. "Yummy!" she mumbled around her full mouth. Obi-Wan gave her a look for talking with her mouth full and Iyla smiled sheepishly and ducked her head.

"Satine and I used to pick peaches every summer from our family's orchard on Kalevala," Bo spoke up.

Obi-Wan, Korkie, and Iyla turned to look at her. Bo blushed slightly.

"What's Kavalala?" Iyla asked, red and orange peach juice dripping off her chin and cheeks. Obi-Wan's quick reflexes stopped it from getting on her clothes.

"Kalevala. It's where we were born. Our parents had a large estate like this one and we had many different fruit trees. It was our job to pick the fruit and bring it inside for our mother. She'd make all kinds of jams and pies from them," Bo said, a tiny wistful smile on her face.

"That sounds lovely," Obi-Wan replied.

Bo looked at him then looked away. "Yes, well, it was a long time ago," she brushed it off.

"Are there fwuit twees here, Atie Bo?" Iyla asked.

"There are some orange and peach trees in the back courtyard."

"Maybe I help you pick some? Like Mama did," Iyla suggested, looking excited at the prospect of doing something her mother used to do as a child.

Bo looked thoughtful and stared at Iyla for a moment. "I'm not sure I'll have time. I'm rather busy," she answered.

Iyla tried to hide her disappointment. "Oh. Ok."

"But," Bo said. "If I do have time, I'll let you know," she wasn't quite comfortable dismissing the girl completely.

Iyla gave her a wide smile and turned back to finish her dinner. When everyone was finished, Obi-Wan and Iyla bid them both goodnight, tired and worn out from traveling and the excitement of the day. After Obi-Wan tucked Iyla in and got her settled, she looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"Papa?" she asked.

"Yes, dear one?"

"Do you fink Atie Bo is sad acause of Mama?"

Obi-Wan came to sit on the bed beside her. "I think that makes a lot of sense, love. Your Mama was her sister after all. I'm sure she misses her a lot."

"And that makes her sad. Acause Mama goed away and she not see here no more," Iyla said. Once again she looked contemplative. "I fink Atie Bo is nice, Papa. Just sad. But I can make her feel bettew! I be estra supew nice and do my bestest to make her happy. Acause Mama not want her to be sad."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, darling. Very kind and brave of you to help your Auntie feel better. Your Mama would be very proud of you," Obi-Wan smiled even though his own heart hurt as much as Bo's.

"I make Mama pwoud, Papa?" Iyla asked drowsily. Her Papa's fingers in her hair and his soft voice were quickly lulling her to sleep.

"Everyday, my little light," he whispered as her eyes finally closed.

He waited a few minutes more before getting off the bed and retreating to the armchair in the living area of their room. He sat heavily on it and let out a weary sigh. His emotions were a mess and he couldn't shake the pain that had settled itself in his heart ever since they touched down on Sundari. The memories and heart-aches that came with this place had been plaguing him all day. Force he missed her. Deeply, madly, and constantly. He knew this trip was necessary. Iyla desperately needed to feel more connected to Satine and Obi-Wan could not deny her the chance to be a part of the Kryze family, but blast it all, it hurt so much.

There was a time when he thought he'd come to terms with losing his love. He was a Jedi and he had a duty to the Republic and the Order. He'd hidden the pain away and pushed it back to 'deal with it' later and then later became even later which then became never but was now becoming soon, way too soon. He knew he'd break on Sundari. He felt it ever since he came to greet Korkie a week ago. If he was honest with himself, which he rarely was, he'd been breaking ever since he picked up Iyla from Stewjon, but he'd felt in control so far. Now, in the family home of his love, surrounded by her kin with memories and hints of her everywhere, he felt his infamous Jedi General control slipping at an alarming rate. It was no longer a matter of if he'd lose it, but when. He needed to meditate. Right away. For a while.

Obi-Wan gently slipped from the chair to the ground and assumed the mediation position, then threw himself deeply and wholeheartedly into the Force.

The next morning at breakfast, all Iyla could talk about was the big courtyard and garden she'd seen as they walked to their room the day before. She chatted excitedly with Korkie about her favorite flowers and plants and told him about the Room of a Thousand Fountains where she would spend time with her Papa and her friends and learn how to move leaves and rocks with the Force. Korkie listened intently and asked her questions to further engage her in conversation. Bo was absent from breakfast, having left early that morning to do some work in the city. No one knew what, nor did they really want to know either. Business for Bo was usually something shady and questionable. Best to leave her to her own devices.

Ob-Wan somehow managed to get Iyla to wash her hands and use the 'fresher without her whining about not being allowed to play in the garden yet. She humored him with a surprising amount of self-control and he was so impressed that he didn't object to her practically running from the room while yelling for Korkie that she was ready. Obi-Wan simply chuckled and decided to enjoy his respite from his little ball of energy to get caught up on his comm calls and Council notes from meetings he was missing.

In the garden Korkie and Iyla played hide-and-seek, a favorite of the 4-year-old because she usually won every time. The young man had to admit that she came up with the most creative hiding spots and was surprisingly quiet for an energetic child. Most of their time was spent with him checking every inch of the garden and coming up short multiple times. After finally finding her in between two sets of tall bushes, burrowed down among the branches, he told her it was his turn to hide.

Being significantly taller than his cousin, Korkie struggled to find effective hiding spots. Iyla's constant "I see yous" were starting to frustrate him, though he'd never admit to being bitter and a poor sport about losing a game of hide and seek to a 4-year-old. Finally it seemed like he'd found a suitable place to hide, though he felt a bit bad about it. He'd climbed a tree and now sat among the branches and fruit, camouflaging himself and staying silent. Iyla would have to be looking very hard to find him, and be looking very high as well. Was it unfair to hide somewhere so high when the little girl could barely see over a bush? Perhaps. But that didn't mean he was going to get down.

He watched from his place up high as Iyla searched and searched, clearly growing annoyed but never once giving up. Korkie smiled to himself. Stubborn and persistent. Just like her mother. Seeing that the girl was now getting discouraged, he thought about coming out from the branches and jumping down. Then a voice from below startled him and he barely saved himself from falling out of the tree.

"Having fun?" Bo-Katan asked, smirking up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Playing hide-and-seek with Iyla. This was the only spot she couldn't find me," he explained.

"Oh, I see," she said, sounding amused. "So you're winning?"

"Currently," he replied.

Bo grinned wickedly and opened her mouth. Korkie recognized that look and whispered harshly. "Auntie Bo! Don't!"

"Hey, Korkie, what are you doing up in that tree?" she shouted.

Korkie scowled at her and definitely did not pout. Small footsteps were heard bounding across the pavement and squishing in the grass before a breathless Iyla appeared next to Bo.

"Kowkie!" she exclaimed. "You in the twee the whole time?!" she asked. Her face screwed up in annoyance and she put her hands on her hips. She looked up and leveled him with an unimpressed look that was so Satine that it sent a shock through his heart. He smiled despite the pain and jumped down in front of her.

"Sorry, ad'ika. It was the only place you couldn't find me," he answered.

Iyla side-eyed him then exhaled heavily. "Alright, fine, I forgib you," she said with a little sass in her voice.

Bo-Katan chuckled and knocked her shoulder against Korkie's arm. "Bested by a little girl. You're losing your touch, nephew."

Korkie smothered down the urge to stick his tongue at her. "What are you doing out here anyways, Auntie Bo? I thought you had business in the city."

"I did. Finished early," she said defensively. "I also thought that it might be a nice day to pick some peaches. Well," she looked at the grass around them, "What's left of them anyways after your big old boots kicked half of them down."

"Haha," Korkie sarcastically replied.

"You really mean it, Atie Bo? You wanna pick peaches?" Iyla asked.

"Yeah, I'm in a picking peaches mood."

"Can…can I help?" Iyla asked nervously. "I pwomise I be good. I'm a vewy hawd worker. And, and I'm not lazy or worfless like Missus Huber said."

"Who's Mrs. Huber?" Korkie asked.

"She the leader of the owfinige. She maked us do lots of work all the time and always said I'm not good at it. But I really am. Missus Huber is wrong. Papa tolded me I'm a good worker. And Uncle A'kin and Atie Pamay, too. So…can I help you? Pease?" Iyla's big blue eyes looked up at her aunt.

"Sure, kid. As long as you tell me more about this Mrs. Huber lady," Bo answered.

Iyla's face lit up in a blinding smile and she jumped in place excitedly. "Fank you, Atie Bo! I be the bestest helper evew!"

Bo and Korkie chuckled. Bo started explaining to Iyla the best way to pick the peaches and how to tell if they are ready or not while Korkie went off to find a few baskets and a small ladder.

The next half hour was spent picking the ripest Mandalorian peaches the three of them could find. Both Bo and Korkie took turns lifting Iyla up to the branches and holding up a basket for her to drop the peaches she'd picked into. Iyla loved being on Korkie's strong broad shoulders as she held on to his hands and head to keep herself steady. He would playfully knock her around a bit and pretend like he was about to fall over while she shrieked and laughed in delight. Bo kept a firm hold around her waist as she lifted her up with extended arms, teasing her about which ones to pick. She'd point to a peach, which Iyla would reach for, then change her mind at the last second, only to change her mind three more times, causing the little girl to grab wildly at almost every peach on the tree. Bo chuckled at Iyla's "Atie Booooo," and gave her stomach a soft tickle. This elicited a loud giggle from Iyla who squirmed in her arms. Bo set her down after that and all three of them rested against the trunk of the tree. Korkie took out three of their prized pickings and handed two of them to his aunt and cousin to eat.

They ate their peaches and a few more as Iyla told them both all about Missus Huber and the Jons Home, but also about how her Papa saved her and her wonderful life with the Jedi and her new family. Bo and Korkie kept exchanging concerned and angry looks over the little girl's head and silently decided they needed more information from Obi-Wan later on. Both of them looked down when Iyla went silent and smiled fondly at the completely passed out little one in between them. Korkie reached under her legs to lift her into his arms and settled her on his hip carefully. He tried not to think about the sticky hands gripping his shirt or the juice-covered cheeks against his neck. Instead he walked in silence with his Auntie Bo, both reflecting on the child's words.

When they entered the hallway of the estate Korkie stopped to face Bo. "I think we have a problem, Auntie Bo," he said.

"Yeah, no kidding," Bo scoffed.

"No, I mean, I'm not hungry for noon meal anymore," Korkie smiled.

Bo snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Hey, Auntie Bo?" Korkie asked. "Why did you decide to pick peaches after all? You didn't seem too interested yesterday."

Bo's mouth twitched in a half smile. "I heard the kid talking to Kenobi last night. She said she was going to try her best to make me happy because she didn't want me to be sad about Satine anymore. Damn Jedi and their perceptiveness."

"You were eavesdropping?" Korkie asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Not actively," Bo said defensively. "Our rooms back into each other. With a house this old the walls are bound to be pretty thin."

Korkie nodded and looked contemplative. "She's very much like Auntie Satine. Charming and kind, and have you seen her-"

"Smile? Yes. It's almost unnerving. But…"

"But what?"

"But as much as it makes me uncomfortable, I can't help wanting to see it. That's part of why I decided to pick peaches today. I've missed that smile."

"What's the other reason?" Korkie asked.

"I've had a lot of time to dwell on my mistakes and wallow in regret. Satine and I had a complicated relationship. Mostly caused by me. I know I can never go back and right my wrongs with Satine, but maybe I can do better by her daughter. It may not completely wipe out my guilt or repay by debt to my sister, but the kid deserves better than what her mother got from me and I want to give it to her."

"Wow, that's beautiful, Auntie Bo," Korkie teased.

Bo rolled her eyes and smacked his arm. "Brat," she said affectionately. She was secretly grateful to Korkie for making light of the situation. Emotions and feelings always made her uncomfortable.

"Watch it! Don't want to wake up ad'ika!" Korkie said, ducking out of the way of her hand.

Bo smiled and gave him a friendly shove. "Go take Iyla to bed. And tell Kenobi we're having a talk tonight."

Korkie nodded then headed off to Obi-Wan's room to set down his exhausted cousin.

Dinner that night was followed by a small lifeday celebration for Iyla from Bo and Korkie. Bo had left after their peach picking adventure to buy an uj cake from a nearby bakery along with four candles. The cake was set down in front of Iyla and Bo and Korkie shared amused glances at her wide-eyed, open-mouthed expression. Satine's smile reappeared on the little girl's face as her Mandalorian family sang briikase gote'tuur and clapped when she blew out the candles. Obi-Wan then served them all pieces of cake. Iyla loved the blend of nuts, fruit, and sweet syrup and finished it quickly with a satisfied sigh. Obi-Wan, recognizing that a food coma collapse was near, quickly ushered Iyla out of her chair to bid her aunt and cousin goodnight. She gave them each a tight hug and thanked them for the cake then walked off holding her father's hand.

After making sure his little one was deeply asleep, Obi-Wan called for Korkie and Bo to meet him in a sitting room just off of their temporary quarters. He knew they had hard questions and unfortunately, he had hard answers. He wasn't sure how this conversation would go and he'd rather not have it, but they deserved to know the truth.

He started by explaining how he'd come to find out about Iyla during the war and after Satine's death, when she came back in time to meet them. Bo didn't seem happy that Ob-Wan had kept the information from him, arguing that Iyla could have avoided all the hurt caused by the Jons Home if she'd been found sooner.

"I too would have loved to spare Iyla her terrible experience, but really, were any of us in a position to take on a two-year-old at that point? Plus Mandalore was in disrepair and Maul was still a threat, as was Death Watch. Stewjon was the safest place for her, as wrong as that sounds," Obi-Wan said.

Bo narrowed her eyes but didn't argue his point. There really was no safe place for Iyla on Mandalore at the time.

"But why keep her from us? After you found her?" Korkie asked.

"I never meant to keep her from you, Korkie. That was never my intention and I'm sorry if it seemed like that. It was just…hectic and overwhelming those first few months. I was still adjusting to fatherhood and Iyla was still trying to find her place among the Jedi. I felt it best to let her settle in first."

"That's understandable I suppose. I just would have liked to meet her earlier. But what's best for Iyla is most important," Korkie answered. "Does she enjoy the temple? And life as a Jedi?" he asked.

"Oh, very much so. She's built quite the family among the Jedi and the troopers as well," he smiled.

"She should be building a family among her agol and not the stuffy self-righteous Jettise and those engineered Kaminii. Satine would want her among her blood clan, stepped in her heritage," Bo said with a biting tone.

"The Jedi are part of Iyla's heritage just as much as the Mandalorians," Obi-Wan defended. "She deserves to know both. Satine would want her to know both. I always thought the Mandalorians believed that aliit ori'shya tal'din, after all. Plus, the Jedi aren't so stuffy anymore, but that's a story for another time. As for self-righteous, well, the jury's still out on that one," Obi-Wan smirked.

Bo huffed out a small chuckle. "Sorry, I'm just being protective. I still don't quite trust the Jedi. They refused to aid Mandalore when we needed it the most."

Obi-Wan couldn't help the small flare of anger and irritation that her words brought on. Mandalore wouldn't have needed defending if it weren't for Death Watch and their alliance with Maul.

"If I recall correctly, Mandalore wouldn't have needed defending if Satine's rule hadn't been compromised by the very organization you yourself were a part of," Obi-Wan replied, not quite willing to let the matter pass.

"Mandalore was weak and Satine wasn't doing it any favors. Anyone could see that," Bo replied angrily.

"Mandalore was prospering and flourishing under Satine. Anyone who wasn't blinded by their own selfish ambitions could see that," Obi-Wan countered.

"How dare you question my loyalty to my people and my home! Everything I ever did was for Mandalore's benefit, for my family!"

"Wasn't Satine your family?" Obi-Wan asked angrily.

"You know nothing about me and my sister. You think you know, but you don't. Did she ever tell you about me? Did she ever mention a sister?" Bo asked, raising her voice.

"No," Obi-Wan replied. "But I don't blame her. If I had a sister in a criminal organization doing all it could to bring about my downfall, I probably wouldn't mention her either."

"Satine had her own issues. She wasn't innocent. Yes, I have my regrets, but the rift in our relationship was both of our faults. But she probably wouldn't have told you that. It's hardly appropriate conversation to have while you're bedding a Jedi."

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed at the red-haired woman and he grit his teeth. "Death Watch's alliance with Maul caused Satine's downfall. While you were off conspiring with Sith murderers, I came to her aid."

"Yes, and look what good that did her," Bo snapped.

Obi-Wan felt as if the breath had been stolen from his lungs.

"Enough!" Korkie cut in harshly. "You two can play the blame game all night but that's not what we're here to discuss! The past is the past and there's no changing it. We're here to be a family, for Iyla's sake, and to honor Auntie Satine's memory. We'll get nowhere if we continue in this way. Iyla will not benefit from another family rift," he said, shooting a scathing look at Bo. "Can we just agree to leave the past as the past and move forward, for Iyla?"

There was a stony silence as both Bo and Obi-Wan reigned in their emotions. Obi-Wan was the first to concede.

"For Iyla," he nodded, looking ashamed.

"For Iyla," Bo repeated with a contrite look on her face.

"Now," Korkie said. "Let's focus on the ad'ika. Is she happy at the temple? Is she thriving despite her treatment by those hut'uuns at the orphanage?"

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow at the curse, but didn't comment. "Yes," he answered. "It was difficult at first. The Jons Home had done a lot of damage. But she seems to have moved past that, with the help of her family, and she's improving everyday. She's a resilient little one," he smiled.

"Good," Bo replied. "And the hut'uuns? Have they been taken care of?"

"Yes. The Republic dismantled the home and Mrs. Huber and her associates have been taken into custody. They're not our problem anymore."

"If I had my way they wouldn't just be in custody," Bo muttered.

"Well, then they should be thankful that the Republic doesn't see things your way, Auntie Bo," Korkie teased.

Bo gave him a slight smirk. "Satine would never have sent her daughter to such a place. How did she end up there?" she asked.

Obi-Wan answered, "The Jons Home wasn't Iyla's original destination. She was at a different home with a kind caretaker, but Mrs. Huber eliminated her competition and took over. Iyla and the rest of the children were moved the the Jons Home as a result. An unfortunate circumstance that I would have given anything to save her from in the first place."

"But, you did save her," Bo replied. "You took her away from that horrid place and gave her a happy home. Despite our disagreements and resentments, I am thankful for that."

Obi-Wan smiled and inclined his head. "And I am thankful for your acceptance of Iyla. I heard nothing but happy tales about her peach picking adventure earlier today."

"Maybe we should have a fresh start," Korkie suggested. "Cin vhetin."

"Cin vhetin," Obi-Wan agreed, extending his hand to Bo.

"Cin vhetin," Bo replied, smiling as she took it.

"Good. Now, I say we all go get some sleep. I for one am feeling the affects of chasing a 4-year-old around all afternoon," Korkie said.

"Welcome to my life," Obi-Wan laughed. He stood to see the two out of the sitting room and bid them goodnight.

"Jate ca, aliit Obi-Wan," Korkie said when he reached the door.

"Jate ca, aliit Korkie and Bo," he said with a nod and a smile.

Mando'a Translations:

Ba'vodu—aunt/uncle

Aliit—famliy/clan/tribe

su'cuy—Hi

or'jate ad'ika—well done, little one

uj cake—very dense and sweet cake made from crushed nuts, dried fruit, and spices soaked in a sticky scented syrup

briikase gote'tuur—happy birthday/lifeday

agol—flesh and blood

Jettise—Jedi (plural)

Kaminii—Kaminoans (clones)

aliit ori'shya tal'din—family is more than blood

hut'uuns—cowards (worst possible insult)

cin vhetin—clean slate/fresh start

jate ca—goodnight