Mandalore visit Part 2! This is the feels chapter. Lots and lots of Satine feels that might call for tissues mixed with some fluff and sappy-ness. (I kind of made myself cry a few times writing this, so heads up). Obi-Wan faces his emotions and broken heart , Iyla gets a gift and "meets" her Mama, and the night is lit up by some special little visitors.

Mando'a translations in the end notes.

Chapter 25: Darasuum, ner cyar'ika (Forever, my darling)

"Papa," Iyla whispered in his ear.

Obi-Wan shifted on the bed and mumbled incoherently.

"Papa, wake up. Kowkie said brefast ready and he want to show me some of Mama's fings!"

"Yes, yes, breakfast," Obi-Wan mumbled and moved to sit up.

"And then Kowkie show me Mama's fings! He and Auntie Bo binged them here from the palace. Acasue the palace is broked right now and gotta be fixed."

Obi-Wan nodded in acknowledgement and ran a hand over his face.

"Come on, Papa. You a slow poke," she giggled and tugged at his hand.

With a slight groan, Obi-Wan stood up and stretched. "Alright, darling. I'm coming. Give Papa a few minutes to get ready, ok?" he said.

Iyla nodded then bounced in place next to him. "Look it, Papa! I gots dwessed on my own! And I goed potty and bwushed my teef. And I twied to fix my hair but it's not listening. It's vewy 'noying!" Iyla huffed and pouted.

Obi-Wan laughed. "I'm afraid you inherited my unruly locks, little one. I'm sorry."

Iyla shrugged and tilted her head. "S'ok, Papa," she said, patting his arm.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, love. Can you play for a bit while you wait?"

"Yes, Papa. I'm a big girl. I can be good when you in the shower," she said, standing tall.

"Very good, dear. I'll be out soon."

Obi-Wan felt lightyears better when he exited the 'fresher. He quickly put on his robes and checked Iyla over to see if she put everything on properly. A few quick brushes through her hair did little to tame the locks.

"Told you it's 'noying," Iyla muttered.

Obi-Wan smirked and chuckled. "Come on, wildling, time for breakfast," he teased.

Iyla looked confused and frowned, but ultimately hunger won and she let it go.

An hour later found them in a large room full of boxes. A few were labeled and sealed against a wall but others were open and sitting on the floor. Korkie sat on the couch in the room with various photos, jewelry, notes, and books laid out on the table in front of him.

"Is that Mama's fings, Kowkie?" Iyla asked as she excitedly bounded over to the couch to sit by her cousin. Obi-Wan took a seat opposite them on a wooden chair.

"Yes, ad'ika. I've gone through Auntie Satine's possessions and found some things you might be interested in. Both of you," he said, his eyes flicking to Obi-Wan as well.

Obi-Wan moved his chair closer, now interested in what Korkie picked out.

"First, here are some pictures. Printed out, because Auntie always loved having hard copies of things she valued, especially pictures. There's a few of you and her, Uncle Obi-Wan," Korkie said, handing him the stack of pictures.

Obi-Wan flipped through them, a wistful and sorrowful smile on his face.

"I see too, Papa?" Iyla asked. Obi-Wan beckoned her over and sat her on his lap.

The pictures ranged from various stages of Satine and Obi-Wan's relationship. He wasn't even sure how some of them were taken. Master Qui-Gon must have found a holocamera in the palace somewhere and snapped some of them during their last few days on Mandalore when he was a Padawan, right before he left Satine to rule her people and he went back to being a perfect Jedi. They were in the back courtyard sitting under a tree, talking and leaning against each other as they looked at the clouds.

Iyla laughed at his short hair and his lack of beard. "You look silly," she giggled. Obi-Wan pretended to be offended and tickled her playfully until she apologized.

"I suppose I do look a bit silly," he replied. "See my crazy hair? That's why yours is the way it is," he laughed.

"Funny hair!" Iyla agreed. "Mama's hair looks nice. She's vewy bootiful too!"

"That she is, darling," Obi-Wan answered.

Another picture showed young Obi-Wan and Satine sleeping on each other under that same tree, apparently after the cloud watching eventually became dull.

"You both seeping," Iyla whispered, as if the subjects of the photo might wake up if she raised her voice.

The next photos were taken when Obi-Wan and Satine met again as adults. There were some from a Senate party, dancing together and smiling, Obi-Wan holding out his hand to help Satine off of a speeder, both of them blushing and smiling shyly, and the two of them laughing next to each other at a formal dinner. He didn't know how Satine had come by these photos, most likely taken by Anakin or Padme, but he would cherish them forever. As much as they pained his heart and started to further open the gaping wound of grief, he was grateful to Korkie for giving them to him.

Iyla took the photo of them dancing and held it in her hands. "You wuv Mama lots, Papa," she said, not asking, but stating a fact instead. "You smiling at each other and you look happy."

"I loved your Mama so much, my dear. Just as I love you," he whispered in her ear.

The last photo was simply a portrait of Satine, wearing her blue, turquoise, and purple dress, with the lily headpiece sitting on her wavy blonde hair. She was standing in a regal pose with a soft smile on her face. It looked like an official portrait taken for a publicity shot. Iyla ran her fingers over her Mama's face and breathed out a "bootiful." She leaned back against Obi-Wan and sighed, never taking her eyes off of it for a second. After a minute she brought it to her lips and planted a kiss on Satine's cheek. She held the photo up to her father expectantly. Obi-Wan smiled and gave the picture a kiss as well.

Korkie cleared his throat. "There is a journal and some letters I found as well. They were all meant for you, but were never sent. I thought you'd like to have them," he said.

Obi-Wan nodded and picked them up. He tucked them away with the pictures for now. He'd read them another time. When his heart wasn't so sore. "Thank you, Korkie," he said. "These are truly wonderful."

Korkie smiled and picked up a small circular locket with the Kryze Clan symbol engraved on the front and the symbol of the Jedi Order on the back. It looked to be specially made and Obi-Wan wondered how Satine had found someone who would willingly put both symbols on the same locket. The history between the Jedi and the Mandalorians was complicated and not easily forgotten. She'd probably had to call in a few special favors.

"I think Auntie was planning on giving this to you, ad'ika. Once the war was over and the galaxy was finally at peace. It represents the two pieces of your family that make you who you are," Korkie handed the silver locket to Iyla who took it with wide eyes full of wonder and awe.

Obi-Wan helped Iyla open it up and found a unique style of locket he'd never seen before. Three picture slots were inside instead of the two that most had. Obi-Wan and Satine stared back at them from their prospective sides where their symbols were located while a laughing baby with short strawberry-blonde curls and piercing blue eyes sat in the middle slot, the backside of which had an inscription. Tome ra dar'tome, aliit darasuum. Together or apart, family forever.

"That baby gots the same hair as me, and eyes too!" Iyla said, pointing to the middle picture.

Obi-Wan smiled. "Darling, that baby is you."

"Wow! I'm cute!"

Korkie and Obi-Wan laughed heartily at her not so humble statement.

"Very cute, ad'ika," Korkie agreed.

"Adorable," echoed Obi-Wan. "Now, would my oh-so-very cute little one like to put on her locket?"

Iyla nodded enthusiastically. Obi-Wan took the locket and slipped it around her neck. It settled right over Iyla's heart, where it belonged, a little piece of her family to carry around with her always, a reminder that their love is forever. She took the locket in her tiny hands and clutched it to her chest, as if trying to feel her mother through the piece of jewelry.

Korkie slipped a few more papers and some small objects into Obi-Wan's hands while Iyla was fascinated with the locket. He looked them over briefly. Details, records, and documentation of Iyla's birth, early pictures of her and Satine, and small baby trinkets from her first year and a half of life. More treasures from his love to their little light.

Iyla, now done examining the locket, was begging Obi-Wan to finally be able to go and explore the estate. She'd thoroughly exhausted every part of the outside courtyards the day before, but had yet to see everything the big house had to offer on the inside. Korkie smiled at her energy and offered to take her on a tour.

"I'll keep her entertained, Uncle Obi-Wan. I'm sure you'd appreciate some time to yourself. We will see you at noon meal," Korkie said.

"Thank you, Korkie, I appreciate it," Obi-Wan replied, standing up to give his nephew a pat on the shoulder.

Korkie gave him a nod and a smile, then ushered the bouncing girl out of the room. Iyla didn't even take notice that her Papa wasn't following them, too eager and excited to spend time with her big cousin.

Noon meal came and went, after which Iyla took a very long nap. Obi-Wan was grateful to Korkie for utterly wearing her out on their tour of the estate. It meant she slept longer and gave him more time to try and meditate and prepare himself for the trip to the palace. Korkie had asked delicately if Obi-Wan would be interested in going to visit Satine's grave and letting Iyla see the palace. He said he was due to check on the progress of the renovations anyway, so he might as well take them with him. Obi-Wan's breath had caught at the idea of going to the last place he'd seen his love alive, but although it hurt to think about, he accepted the offer. Iyla should meet her mother and see the palace she loved so much.

The speeder ride to the palace was full of mixed emotions. Iyla was excited to see the place her Mama used to live and to see the beautiful palace that Korkie talked about, even if it was under construction. Obi-Wan was on edge. The last time he'd been there he was forced to watch helplessly as Maul killed the love of his life before his eyes. The palace didn't hold excitement and wonder for him as it did for Iyla. It held pain and fear. He knew he had to confront it though. His control over his emotions was close to disappearing completely despite the endless hours he'd spent in meditation. Usually, when meditation offered no relief, it meant that the problem needed to be faced head-on and couldn't be solved simply by sinking into the Force. Obi-Wan cursed his weakness but gathered himself up to confront his guilt and pain. He'd faced down countless villains and foes during the war. Surely he could face his broken heart…right?

Korkie had kindly offered to show Obi-Wan and Iyla to the cemetery in the back gardens. The one where Satine was buried with the rest of the Mandalorian royalty, the great leaders and rulers that came before her and helped build the world that she loved so much. Although Korkie would have preferred Satine to be buried at the estate, he respected her wishes to be at rest in the place that she'd made her home and her life. Mandalore was Satine's pride and joy (besides Iyla) and her loyalty to it extended even after death.

The cemetery was large and beautiful, full of trees and flowers that stretched the length of the palace itself. Birds and insects flew around and their chirping and buzzing made for a peaceful hum, like a constant song of loss and new life. Iyla bounced excitedly when she saw the large garden and Obi-Wan could tell that she was itching to run around. But before she could get distracted, there was someone she needed to meet.

Korkie led them through rows and rows of grave stones. Some overgrown with weeds and dirt, others crumbling and covered in moss. Obi-Wan saw Satine's grave stone before they even reached it. It was the cleanest one and clearly the most recent, plus the row of white lilies that lined the base immediately gave it away. The same lilies she so often wore in her hair with her fancy headdresses that Obi-Wan loved to tease her about. A lump formed in his throat as he remembered his snarky remarks and her mock exasperated replies. He missed the banter and the sass they used to fall so easily into. The way he'd pluck at the lilies and say she was overcompensating. How she'd scoff and hit his hand away then say the same about his lightsaber. The wicked grin he'd give her after that and the smell of those same lilies in his nose as he nuzzled her hair and her sweet laughter filled his ears.

He didn't even realize that he'd stopped short of the grave until he heard Iyla's confused voice. "Papa, I meet Mama now?" she asked.

It took a few swallows for him to be able to give her an answer. "Yes, darling. You can meet your Mama now."

Korkie bowed politely to them then walked off toward the palace to check on the renovations, giving them their privacy. Obi-Wan gripped Iyla's hand and led her over to the flowered grave, positioning himself behind her and settling his hands on her tiny shoulders. They stood quietly for a moment before Iyla's curiosity got the better of her.

"Mama in the gwound, Papa?"

"In a way, little one. Her soul lives in the Force among all other living things. But her body rests among the earth deep underground."

"Oh," Iyla replied simply. She bowed her face and upper body toward the ground and gave a small wave. "Hi, Mama," she greeted. "Peased to meet you."

Obi-Wan let out a chuckle. He watched as the 4-year-old sat herself down across from the stone and set her hands on the grass. She closed her eyes and sat very still, as she did with Masters Koon and Fisto during her first visit to the temple gardens. A look of deep concentration passed over her face followed by a smile and a giggle.

"Mama says hi," she stated and opened her eyes to look up at him.

Obi-Wan was struck silent and could do little more than nod at her. Iyla didn't seem bothered by his lack of response though and instead launched into conversation with her hand still in the grass.

"Su'cuy, Mama. I'm so sited to meet you. I like your pwetty house and your pwetty gawden. It's like the Fowsan Fownans in the tepol. That where I live acause I'm a Jedi like Papa. Papa says I'm a good Jedi even if Moweck and the mean Massers say I'm bad. But it's not bad to have a fam'ly when you a Jedi. Papa chained the Code so now uver Jedi can have fam'ly too. He not get in twouble for bweaking the rules tho, even if it was 'bidden."

Obi-Wan found himself mesmerized by the ease with which the little girl "talked to" her mother. As if she was right there with her. Although, he thought, perhaps she was right there with her.

"Papa said you had to go 'way, but you not want to. He said you love me lots and lots even if you did go 'way and you pwoud of me evy day. I made Atie Bo happy, Mama. She was vewy sad acause she miss you, but I was nice to her and made her not sad no more. Now she likes me and we all aliit. That means fam'ly in Manlowan. The vod'e teached me that. The vod'e are so nice, Mama. They call me vod'ika and they maked me a pawty for my lifeday! I'm fouw now! Papa says I'm a vewy good big girl and I'm so telgent. I always clean my mess and put on my clothes by myself and I'm vewy good at the potty and not have assidents too much. And I eat all my food, esept the yucky fings, like the pickles Kowkie gived me. Sorry, Mama, but they gwoss. But the peaches were yummy! I helped Atie Bo and Kowkie pick some from the twees at the big house. It was fun!"

Obi-Wan lowered himself to the ground a little bit behind Iyla and listened silently as the little girl went on to tell her mother about the crèche and her friends, including Barney, and all the things she was learning about being a Jedi. She told her about her lifeday party and the flower Master Yoda had given her. She talked endlessly in her little babbling and childlike voice about every part of her life, her giggles and expressions so like the mother who had missed out on so much.

Obi-Wan noticed however that now her demeanor was shifting and so was the conversation.

"Papa sad a lot, Mama," Iyla stated, more subdued.

Obi-Wan looked startled and froze. Did she forget he was listening? Did she know he was here? Was this conversation better had without him? Probably, but he couldn't quite bring himself to leave, every part of him curious about what Iyla had to say. So he sat and listened.

"Papa miss you so much, Mama. I can tell acause I feel it in the Fowce. Papa gots really good sheelds, that's what Master Tewwul says grown ups do when they not want you to know their 'motions and Papa gots good ones. But I still know he's sad. Sometimes…sometimes I wanna know 'bout you and 'bout Manlowe but I not wanna make Papa sad, so I not ask. I not want Papa to be sad acasue I wuv him and he's the bestest Papa in the whole 'tire world," Iyla said, waving her hand wildly to make a big circular motion.

"Papa taked me away from Missus Huber and he's not mean or hurt me like she did. He give me scwatchy kisses and lotsa hugs and make me feel bettew when I cwy or when I scawed. He even clean my yucky messes when I'm sick or have a assident and he never get mad 'bout it! He says I'm his little light and he never ever frow me 'way acause he wuvs me so so much fowever an' evew!" Iyla said, smiling widely as she described why her Papa was perfect.

Then her face turned serious and determined. "I wish you was here, Mama, but I gots Papa so I'm ok, you not need to worry. And no worry 'bout Papa acause I will make him happy and make sure he's not sad or scawed. And the uver fam'ly too! Like Unka A'kin and Atie Pamay and Soka, and the vod'e and Ganpa Qwi! We all look after Papa, Mama, pwomise!" she raised her little pinky and held it up to the air.

Obi-Wan kept a hand firmly over his mouth and his beard, appearing deep in thought, but it was actually to cover his trembling lip and hide his shaky breaths. Iyla's honesty and innocence caused his throat to tighten and the simple and easy way that she talked to Satine, as if talking to a dear friend, made his eyes water. The determination he saw in her eyes when she talked about looking after him rendered him speechless. Leave it to his 4-year-old to see through this mask and his near impenetrable shields. She was so perceptive and so sensitive to his feelings when it was not her job to worry about him at all. Oh, his compassionate and wonderful little light. A heart of gold and a sweet spirit just like her mother. Satine would be immensely proud of Iyla.

"I gonna go look at the fowers now, Mama, ok?" the little voice spoke up again. "I wanna find Masser Yoba's fower he gived me and I sawed a pwetty birdy that I wanna look at. Maybe Papa can talk to you." Iyla looked back at Obi-Wan and gave him a questioning look. "You say hi to Mama too, Papa?"

Obi-Wan nodded and cleared his throat. "Ye-yes, darling. I'll talk to Mama now. Go look around the garden but don't go too far, love, ok?"

"Ok," she said, smiling brightly. She turned back to the stone and took her hands from the grass, pressing her lips to both of them then opening them up and raising them in the air.

"What are you doing, dear?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Giving Mama kisses. I gived them to the Fowce acause that's where she is now," she replied as she cupped both of her hands then brought them down to her chest to hold them protectively. "Mama gived kisses back," she stated simply.

Obi-Wan felt small fingers grace his lips. "One for you, Papa," she said. "And one for me," the fingers on her other hand touched her own lips.

Iyla closed her eyes and smiled. "Bye-bye, buir, that means Mama, Kowkie teached me. See you later! I wuv you fowever an' evew!" The wind whipped her hair and she giggled then jumped up and skipped away to a patch of flowers nearby.

Obi-Wan brought his own shaky hand to his lips briefly, the feeling of Iyla's light touch and Satine's "kiss" still lingering. He swallowed thickly then took a shuddering breath. He prepared himself to break.

Turning to face Satine's grave, he pictured her face in his mind and, as if she was right in front of him, began to talk to her. "Satine, cyar'ika, my love, I miss you so much," he whispered. "I can't…I need you, my Satine. My heart…it hurts and I…" he trailed off, his voice shaking as he wiped at his eyes. "I think about you every day. How much you'd enjoy seeing our beautiful little one grow and how happy you'd be to see the family she's made for herself. She's…she's amazing my dear. And you…you should be here," he said achingly, as if begging the Force to grant him a miracle, to return his love to him.

Obi-Wan realized he was trembling but he could do little to calm himself down, and he knew he shouldn't. He needs to break. It's the only way he'll get any relief. "Force, Satine, we shouldn't have to talk to a grave stone. You should be showing her the palace, telling her stories, picking peaches with her in the courtyard. You should be the one to answer her questions, and Force does she have a lot of questions. So many questions," he chuckled wetly. "So curious, so mirdala, just like her mother. The mother she needs so desperately, cyar'ika. The mother who should be here, would be here if it wasn't for that sith-spawned Zabrak and his…if I'd only been able to…I should have…"

Obi-Wan could feel his chest constricting and his eyes burning as regret and loss choked him. The wound in his heart that had been scabbed over was starting to bleed again and he had to grip the grass tightly to keep from letting out a sob. His pain was pulsing in the Force and he hoped that Iyla wouldn't be affected by the intense emotion. Obi-Wan reached out slightly and was relieved to find her unaffected by the chaos of his emotions. Small mercies for a broken-hearted man.

He continued on before he lost his nerve completely. "Ni ceta, my love. I'm so sorry. I should have protected you. I should have stopped Maul and saved you. I should have killed that karking monster the first time he took someone I loved. But I failed Qui-Gon and I failed you, my dear and I'll spend the rest of my days in regret that I couldn't keep you safe. Forgive me, ner kar'ta, gedet'ye, I-" his desperate pleading was cut short.

"Papa, I see Atie Bo and Kowkie by the twee over there. Can I go to them?" Iyla's voice interrupted from somewhere behind him.

Obi-Wan took a steadying breath. "Of course, darling," he answered over his shoulder. "Stay close to them though."

"Ok, Papa. You keep talking to Mama," she instructed, her voice growing distant as she trotted off to her cousin and aunt.

Obi-Wan laughed and ran a hand over his face and through his hair. "Our little one is a remarkable child, Satine. She's been hurt and treated terribly but she's such a kotyc ad'ika, so brave and resilient. She's smart and kind, loving and cheerful, and of course atin, which she gets from you, by the way, because I'm never stubborn, my love, as you know," he teased, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

"Iyla is so dral, Satine, in the Force and outside of it, she lights up my life. I don't know what I'd do without cuun mesh'la nau'ika to guide me and brighten my darkest days. And I promise you, cyar'ika, I will not fail our daughter as I failed you. I will protect her. I will lay down my life for her if it means keeping her safe and happy, because she is such a gift, Satine. A gift you blessed me with and a little piece of you to help hold me together. My heart will always long for you, my love, but Iyla is healing me and our aliit is keeping me going. As our little one said, there is no need to worry because I know you are with us, always. We will hold you in our hearts forever, my Satine, my love and my light."

The tears he'd been holding in were falling freely now but the knot in his chest was loosening and the pain was starting to ease. Iyla's joyful laughter floated on the wind back to him and warmed his soul. Obi-Wan closed his stinging eyes and reached out into the Force, centering himself in the life swirling all around him.

"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, cyar'ika," he whispered to the wind. "Darasuum."

A strong breeze kicked up his hair and brushed against his cheek. Darasuum, cyar'ika, it softly sang in his ear, Darasuum. It faded into the buzz and chirps of the garden, the melodious wind that rose above the trees and mixed with the currents of the Force, healing and filling his broken heart. Finally, blessedly, he felt peace.

After a small and quiet dinner in one of the intact kitchens of the palace that was still used throughout the day and actually had food in it, the sun was setting on Sundari. The Kryzes and Kenobis walked the halls of the palace, passing construction workers and machines that were winding down for the night. Korkie, ever the diplomat and charismatic leader, stopped to thank all of them for their work and dismiss them to their homes to rest after a successful day. Bo, Obi-Wan, and Iyla waited in the wings for him to shake each hand and bow respectfully to them. Iyla was in Obi-Wan's arms, having tired from all the walking and playing, and was fading quickly into sleep. Her eyes were blinking slowly and she was lightly rubbing her fingers over the locket she'd been given earlier in the day.

Korkie rejoined them and they followed as he continued to lead them out to the back courtyard toward the landing platform where his speeder was waiting. Obi-Wan was so engrossed in savoring his last moments in the place that Satine loved so much that he didn't notice Iyla had perked up in his arms and was squirming restlessly.

"Papa! Look!" she exclaimed.

The group stopped and followed her little finger pointing out to the garden. Hundreds of tiny lights filled the space, floating and hovering over the plants and around the trees, sitting lightly on the flowers, and streaking through the air as they moved around each other.

"Tracyn wisr," Bo whispered.

"Firebug?" Obi-Wan translated. "Mandalore has firebugs?"

"They're very rare. The weather has to be just right. We haven't seen the tracyn wisr since…" Bo trailed off.

"Since we laid Auntie Satine to rest. That night hundreds of firebugs filled this very courtyard for hours. I'd never seen anything like it," Korkie finished for her.

"Bootiful," Iyla whispered.

"Indeed, darling," Obi-Wan answered, staring in wonder at the tiny bugs lighting up the garden. He'd only ever seen firebugs on one other occasion during a mission with Qui-Gon.

"Can I go see the firebugs, Papa? Pease?" Iyla asked, vibrating with excitement, her big blue akk-pup eyes boring into his own.

Obi-Wan laughed and set her down. "Yes, little one. Go on," he said with an encouraging nod.

Iyla took off with a squeal of happiness straight into the garden and immediately started jumping around and reaching out her hands to catch them. Obi-Wan, Bo, and Korkie settled themselves around the courtyard to admire the beauty of the firebugs as well.

Obi-Wan found a bench not far from Satine's grave, where he could sit and watch his little light dance and giggle among the other little lights surrounding her. Her Force presence was nearly blinding and made even brighter by the firebugs that illuminated her wide sparkling eyes and her warm smile. Satine's smile.

Korkie had said the firebugs hadn't been seen since Satine was buried. Was it luck or a coincidence that the firebugs came to them tonight, their last night on Mandalore? Jedi don't believe in coincidences or luck. They believe in the Force. Had the Force brought the tracyn wisr? Perhaps, but perhaps it had help from a certain Duchess as well. The same breeze and tickling touch he'd felt while he was talking to Satine hours earlier had returned. He closed his eyes and reveled in the warmth and light that surrounded him.

"I catched one, Papa!" Iyla yelled, her footsteps pounding on the ground.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes to see her excited face inches from his own. He laughed and brought her cupped hands closer. Iyla climbed up on the bench to sit by him and leaned in as she opened her hands a little to show her father.

"It flied into my hands. I was twying for a long time to get one but they kept movin' away. Then I asked Mama to pease let me get one and it goed right to me! Mama gived me the firebug, Papa!"

Obi-Wan smiled widely at her and brushed a curl from her face. "That was very kind of your Mama, little one. Did you tell her thank you?"

"Not yet. I wanna say it in Manlowan but I not know how. You help me, Papa?"

"Of course, dear you is vor entye. Vor-ent-yay," he said, slowing the syllables down for the little girl.

"Vow-ent-yay, Mama," Iyla said softly. "Oh, wait, I mean, vow-ent-yay, boo-eer," she corrected herself, wanting to use the Mandalorian word for mother as well.

Obi-Wan put his arm around her and pulled her close. "I'm sure your buir is glad you're happy, darling. And she's proud of you for doing so well with your Mando'a."

Iyla bit her lip shyly and blushed. "I wanna give my firebug back to Mama now. So she can be happy too," Iyla said.

Obi-Wan helped her open her cupped hands all the way and they both watched with wide eyes as the firebug circled once around their heads then flew off across the courtyard.

Father and daughter sat for a few minutes longer watching the firebugs and feeling the breeze kick up their hair. Soon Iyla was sagging against him and her head was drooping toward his chest. Ever so carefully Obi-Wan stood and picked her up, cradling her in his arms and kissing her forehead. He kept a warm and steady hand on her back and rubbed it slowly. Iyla let out a contented sigh and nuzzled his neck. Korkie and Bo were waiting for them at the speeder, the lights of which he could see up ahead. Before leaving the courtyard completely, he paused to brush a hand over Satine's grave stone. He lightly kissed his fingers and lifted them up to the sky as Iyla had done earlier.

"Darasuum, ner cyar'ika," he said breathlessly. The Force answered with a soft voice. Darasuum, ner kar'ta. With tears in his eyes, Obi-Wan carried his little light back to the speeder, the wind whipping at their hair and dancing across their skin.

Obi-Wan roused Iyla early the next morning. He wanted to be on his way back to Coruscant by late morning and they still had to pack up their things, eat breakfast, and say their goodbyes. For once it was Iyla who was groaning and whining about being woken up and Obi-Wan chuckled as he helped her through her morning routine seeing as she was almost zombie-like. Mandalore had succeeded in wearing her out. Obi-Wan filed that useful information away for another time.

His little one was somber at breakfast, clearly reluctant to leave her new found Mandalorian family and her "Mama's house." Obi-Wan sympathized but reminded her that they really needed to get back to the temple so she could go back to learning how to be a Jedi. This brightened her mood a bit, she loved being in the temple and going to her lessons. The rest of breakfast was lighter and included more conversation with Iyla's mood being improved.

Both Korkie and Bo were at breakfast and seemed to be trying to get in as much last minute time with Iyla as they could. Korkie answered some of Iyla's left other questions about Mandalore and Bo told her stories about Satine from when they were younger. Iyla lapped it all up excitedly and Obi-Wan watched fondly as she flashed her mother's bright smile at her aunt and cousin. The pain in his heart had mostly faded and his unsettled emotions were now a calm sea in the Force. His beloved had grounded and centered him yesterday and he was grateful to her. Leave it to Satine to calm him down more than the Force itself.

This trip had been good for both himself and Iyla. He had finally allowed himself to break, painfully and messily, but he had also healed as a result. Simply being at the palace had soothed his ailing spirit and talking to Satine was like a balm to his tender wounds. Iyla had learned so much about her mother from the people who knew her best. Obi-Wan had been struggling for a while to answer Iyla's questions and requests for stories about Satine. What Korkie and Bo were able to provide for her, a connection and relationships with a mother who was no longer there, is something Obi-Wan would always be grateful for.

"Papa, can we take some peaches back to Crosant? Atie Bo says she gots a lotta them and we can have some," Iyla asked.

"Of course, dear. Did you say thank you to Auntie Bo?"

"Vow entye, ba'vodu Bo!" Iyla said.

"Your Mando'a is impressive, little one. Well done," Bo praised, silently amused by her speech impediment mixing in with her Mando'a.

Iyla beamed at her aunt. Bo gave her a true smile, not being able to resist seeing her sister's smile on the bright and happy little face staring back at her. She set a bag of peaches in the girl's arms and ruffled her hair.

Obi-Wan rose from his seat to take the finished plates to the sink then set about washing them.

"You don't have to do that, Uncle Obi-Wan," Korkie told him.

"It's alright, Korkie. I don't mind. Plus you both have been so generous and kind the past few days. The least I can do is wash some plates," he replied. Korkie thanked him and left him to it.

Bo followed them to their room and helped take their bags to Korkie's speeder in the courtyard. Korkie had disappeared for a bit so they stood and waited for him to turn back up so he could drive them to their ship.

A few minutes later they saw him jogging up to them with something small and white in his hands.

"Sorry for the delay," he panted, slightly out of breath. "I just thought ad'ika might like to have one of the lilies from Auntie Satine's grave. Don't worry, there's still plenty there," he said.

Iyla looked curiously at the flower in Korkie's hands. He held it out to her and she ran her fingers over it a few times.

"It's pwetty," she said, taking it from him.

Bo stepped forward and knelt down in front of her. "Would you like to wear it in your hair, Iyla?" she asked.

Iyla's eyes lit up. "Just like Mama in the pishure we sawed!"

Bo smiled back. "Yes. Lilies were your Mama's favorite flower. That's why she wore them in her hair a lot."

"Can I wear the fower, Atie Bo?" Iyla asked.

"Of course, kiddo," Bo answered. She took the flower and tucked it behind Iyla's ear then settled her curls around it. "There. Now you look like Satine," she said with a slightly sad smile.

"We best get going if you want to make Coruscant by tomorrow evening, Uncle Obi-Wan," Korkie said, holding the speeder door open for them.

Iyla and Bo settled into the back while Obi-Wan took the front seat next to Korkie. Before they took off, Korkie put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze, having seen the light film of moisture in the Jedi's eyes as he watched Bo put the lily in Iyla's hair. Obi-Wan smiled and mouthed a 'thank you' to Korkie then put a hand on his shoulder as well.

All too soon they were at Obi-Wan's ship. Obi-Wan had stalled long enough, putting their bags away and doing some checks on the engine. The small family now stood next to the ramp to say their goodbyes.

Before anything could be said, Iyla launched herself into Bo and Korkie's arms and held on tight.

"I'm gonna miss you!" she said, the words slightly muffled from against their shoulders.

"We will miss you too, ad'ika," Korkie answered.

"You're always welcome on Mandalore," Bo said. "Both of you," she looked at Obi-Wan and offered her hand. He took it and smiled at her. Bo nodded and smiled back.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Obi-Wan said. "And for helping Iyla feel connected to Satine. We both needed this and I'm grateful for everything."

"It was our pleasure, Uncle," Korkie answered with a bow. Obi-Wan squeezed his shoulder and smiled at the young man.

"Mandalore is lucky to have you, Korkie Kryze. Satine would be proud," he said. Korkie blushed.

"Fank you for playing in the gawden wif me and picking peaches and giving me Mama's fings and buying me a lifeday cake, and being estra supew nice!" Iyla spoke up.

"We were happy to, kiddo," Bo answered. "You're our aliit after all."

"Aliit fowever!" Iyla exclaimed.

"Da-rah-soom," Bo said. "That's forever in Mando'a."

"Da-wah-soom," Iyla nodded.

Bo smiled at her attempt. "Very good, ad'ika," she replied.

"I'm sorry, darling, but we'd best be on our way," Obi-Wan said reluctantly.

Iyla's shoulders slumped. "Ok, Papa," she said.

Korkie knelt down and drew Iyla into his arms. He pulled back and brushed a stray curl from her face. "I enjoyed our time together, ad'ika. I hope you see you again very soon. Ret'urcye mhi, cousin Iyla."

"What that mean?" she asked.

"It means, goodbye," Korkie answered with a sad smile.

"Oh, ok. Retuwshee mee?"

"Close," Bo answered. "Ray-toor-shay-mee."

"Ray-toow-shay-mee, Kowkie!" Iyla replied and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Obi-Wan laughed as the young man's face went red and he stared a bit wide-eyed at the little girl. Bo cleared her throat and Korkie snapped out of it. He gave Iyla a kiss as well then stood up for Bo to take his place. Bo knelt down and lightly put a hand on the girl's arm, not used to initiating physical affection. Iyla didn't seem to pick up on her discomfort though and threw herself into her arms, planting a kiss on her cheek as well.

"Ray-toow-shay-mee, Atie Bo," she whispered in her ear. Bo tensed at the hug but melted at the adorable little voice speaking Mando'a with so much emotion.

"Ret'urcye mhi, Iyla," Bo whispered back.

Iyla stepped back to Obi-Wan who put his arm around her. "Ret'urcye mhi, Bo and Korkie," he said.

"Ret'urcye mhi, Obi-Wan," they answered.

"I come back soon, pwomise!" Iyla said.

"I'll hold you to that, ad'ika," Korkie answered. "You will always have a home on Mandalore."

"You're a Kryze, after all. And Kryzes stick together," Bo replied.

With one last smile and wave, Obi-Wan and Iyla walked up the ramp and bid a last silent goodbye to Mandalore and their new found family, promising that they'd meet again.

Mando'a Translations:

Tome ra dar'tome, aliit darasuum—together or apart, family forever.

Su'cuy-Hi

Aliit-family/clan/tribe

Vod'e—brothers

Vod'ika-little sister

Buir-mother/father

Cyar'ika—darling (romantic)

Mirdala—clever

Ni ceta—sorry/apologize

Ner kar'ta—my heart

Gedet'ye—please

kotyc ad'ika—strong little one

atin—stubborn

dral-bright

cuun mesh'la nau'ika—our beautiful little light

Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, cyar'ika—I love you, my darling

Darasuum—forever

Tracyn wirs—firebugs (not sure about the accuracy on this one, had to look at many different sites to find "bug" and I'm still not sure it's right. Oh well *shrugs*).

Vor entye—thank you

Darasuum ner cyar'ika—forever, my darling

Darasuum ner kar'ta—forever, my heart.

Ret'urcye mhi—goodbye (lit. Maybe we'll meet again)