[Jango]

As the servant led his ven'riduur off toward the central stronghold Jango couldn't help the feeling of anticipation running through him. Obi-wan hadn't tried to stray. Not even once. He'd obeyed the ramikade and had even begun to interact more with the rest of the soldiers. But it was Obi-wan's interactions with Cody, and his reaction to the boys, that really lightened Jango's mood. It was obvious from how the man's eyes had softened and expression became less guarded that he adored children, no matter whose they were. He had no doubt his venriduur would come to love the boys as much as Jango did. It was only a matter of time.

"Mand'alor, you've returned early. I hope your trip was successful?" Turning to meet familiar wine colored eyes he smiled.

"Very. Vizla is no longer a problem and I have divided up their lands. All the paperwork is done, I'll be filing it with your clerks when I get a chance." Piriik Gaarla Ta'rayd, current Word Keeper of Concordia, nodded politely even as his eyes strayed past Jango. He snorted in amusement.

"Go, greet your vode." There was a look of mischief in the man's eyes as he quickly saluted and hurried on to harass his twin and younger brothers. Jango could hear the near monotone drawl from where he was standing and knew that he'd be needling the three guards. From where he was standing he could hear Alphard's laughter as his sons teased one another.

"Buir?" He looked down at Rex, the boy was already taller than Cody had been at his age, no doubt he'd shoot up like a weed eventually. Out of his three children Rex was the one who shared the most physical traits with his birth mother's people.

"What is it ad?" The boy had decided to stick next to him, rather than go hang out with his brothers and the horses.

"Do you think our new buir is going to like us?" Copper eyes stared up at him, hopeful but uncertain.

"Maybe not right away, Rex'ika, you don't know each other yet. But I think he'll come around pretty quickly. He's already made friends with Cody." Rex frowned and looked down, fidgeting.

"Cody's friends with everyone…" He muttered sullenly. Jango sighed in fond exasperation. Boba might have been the most troublesome of his children, with his disdain for most two-legged beings, but Rex was a close second. Sometimes he wondered if it was the lack of a second parent that had the boy acting so self consciously. Hopefully Obi-wan would be a good influence on him.

"Your vod works hard to be friendly with everyone, even if he disagrees with them." The fact that Rex had a nasty temper and would rather fight someone than talk out their problems went unsaid. The boy knew he had a temper and although he was working on it he had already alienated several of his schoolmates. The fact that the current Gaarla kids in his class, Wolffe's twins, were still his friends was a gift from Manda. "If you worked at it I know you could be good at making friends in your own way. However," he placed a hand on fluffy blonde hair and smiled. "That's not who you are, is it? Cody can talk circles around almost anyone, even me, it's what he's good at." He motioned toward Boba. "And I've never seen anyone who has Bob'ika's talent or connection with animals." Some days he thought it might be a Blessing but he could never be sure. "You have your own talents, Rex'ika, you just need to find them and hone them like any blade."

His boy looked thoughtful, rather than upset, and he counted that as a victory. Some times the boy took his words to heart while others he swore the lad was hearing something completely different than what was actually being said. Rex wasn't stupid by any definition of the word but he was reckless and at times his body seemed to move too fast for his mind. It made him an excellent warrior in training, he was already at the top of his class in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand.

"Thanks buir." He chuckled.

"You're welcome, Rex'ika, now go save Cody from your vod'ika." Cody stood blinking down at Boba in confusion, the youngest of his children scowling at his eldest for no discernible reason. Rex clicked his tongue judgmentally and hurried off toward his other boys, leaving Jango behind chuckling to himself.

"Alor, your Consort has settled into their quarters. Would you like us to draw them a bath and prepare a new wardrobe?" Looking to the servant wearing both the Kyr'bes of the Mand'alor and the Mereel Clan's feather he felt himself relax slightly. There were very few left who could be considered a part of Clan Mereel, most of which had given up their clan ties in their grief and either returned to their original clans or took up the Fett Clan's talon symbol instead. Seeing one of Jaster's servants, a mando'ad he had known most of his life, always filled him with a mix of grief and joy. These were people who understood his loss and had chosen to stick by him no matter what.

"Keep to Clan Fett colors and be sure to use white thread." The servant bowed in acceptance and disappeared among the many mando'ade still unloading their gear before getting settled in.

Looking around he took a deep breath and let it out again.

It was good to be home.

[Obi-wan]

Following the servant they entered the large Keep and Obi-wan was once again blown away by the sheer amount of colors everywhere. Tapestries, beautiful floor rugs made out of what appeared to be colored grasses, banners, flags, and even just painted walls. It was a far cry from how the outside world saw the Mandalorians, that was for sure. On the outside everything looked cold, practical, and impersonal. But as he followed the servant through the halls he could practically feel a welcoming warmth that reminded him of the Jedi Temple.

It was quite jarring.

Up three separate staircases, which were located on alternating sides of the Keep, he was led to a wide hall with seven doors. The most elaborate being the one at the end of the hall. "This is the current Royal Wing." The servant explained when Obi-wan gave them a curious look. "It is where those of Clan Fett reside." Obi-wan blinked and couldn't help the odd clench in his stomach. He was no royal! It was ridiculous to house him with the royals!

Before he could object the servant strode down the hall and pulled out a set of keys. They unlocked the door at the farthest right and beckoned him along. With a sigh he followed them into the room, only to stop dead in the doorway.

The room was twice as large as the one he'd stayed at in Kranarsa. The flooring was stained a rich earthy brown and covered in plush green rugs embroidered with pink and red flowers at the edges, calling to mind a garden bed. The same leafy green was used as the heavy blanket on the bed, with undyed linens peaking out from underneath.

On one side of the room was the large bed, which looked like it could hold four of him, with a nightstand on either side and a trunk at the end. There were two windows with heavy shutters, which were open at the moment to let in the natural light. At the far end of the room was a fireplace, before which was another plush rug and two very comfortable looking chairs. There was also a couch and a low table. Against the wall with the windows were a set of large bookshelves filled with tomes, scrolls, and what looked to be journals. There was also a corner dedicated to a washing tub, a privacy screen, and a large armoire.

To his surprise everywhere he looked there was a potted plant of some kind. They were placed around the room and added to the overall earthy feeling of the space. Taking a deep breath he smelled a pleasant fragrance he didn't recognize and turned to the servant. "I beg your pardon, but what is that scent?" The servant smiled.

"Vormur, they are native to the Manda'yaim mountains but are very adaptable." The flowers he motioned toward were a deep, rich, purple the likes of which he had rarely seen in life. "The Mand'alor instructed us to air out and redecorate this room, we were uncertain why as the Mand'alor isn't one to to make frivolous requests." The servant turned to look him up and down for a moment, as if trying to gain some insight into the mind of their ruler. "But I can see he had his reasons." A knowing smirk crossed the servant's face and Obi-wan couldn't help but feel a little unsettled.

Looking around again he spied the second door and frowned slightly. "Where does that lead?" He had a sneaking suspicion but didn't want to jump to conclusions.

"That leads into the Mand'alor's quarters." The servant supplied easily. "Across the hall is the Orilor'ad's quarters. Beside you is where the Alori'ade stay, across from them is the Mand'al'verde, and the last room on your side of the hall is taken by the Ori'ramikad." Obi-wan frowned for a moment as he tried to understand what the servant was saying.

Orilor'ad was Cody, he was fairly certain it meant Crown Prince. Alori'ade… could that be the other two princes? Obviously they would be staying close to their father and elder brother. He knew the Mand'al'verde was Myles and he was about fifty percent certain that the Ori'ramikad was Alphard.

Well… at least he wouldn't be dwelling in a place where he didn't know anyone at all, but it was still distressing to know he was being housed in the royal wing. Was it really just because he was now a part of Clan Fett?

"I have a question, if you would be so kind as to answer." The servant blinked at him and smiled.

"I'm at your service, Alor." Obi-wan hid his confusion as well as he could. Didn't Alor on its own mean Lord? He hadn't even been Knighted yet for Ether's sake!

"How large is the Fett Clan? I have met his Majesty and their Highnesses, as well as Sirs Myles and Alphard, but no one else." The servant stilled for a moment before frowning slightly.

"There are those pledged to the service of Clan Fett, but you have met the entirety of its members. The Clan was quite small to begin with and with the death of the previous Mand'alor, and the genocide of the Mereel Clan, our current Mand'alor has very few Clan members left." They seemed to shake themselves and gave Obi-wan a small smile. "It is considered the highest honor to be invited into the Mand'alor's clan. Many people are going to be curious about you, Alor." Obi-wan wanted to groan.

He hated being the center of attention.

"One last question before you return to your duties?" The servant waited patiently and obi-wan sighed in relief, he really didn't want to bother anyone but… some things just didn't make sense to him yet. "Are any of those books in Basic?" He nodded toward the shelf. The servant chuckled.

"The shelf closest to the fireplace is entirely in Basic, Alor. The Mand'alor is very well read and the Orilor'ad is quite the scholar." Obi-wan smiled in relief. At least he would have something to do while he was confined to another room.

"Thank you, now please don't let me keep you any longer." The servant shook their head, almost incredulously.

"Think nothing of it, Alor, I am happy to serve." With a polite incline of their head they left him alone in the luxurious room.

"But why?" He asked the fragrant air. Why was everyone so quick to help him? Weren't they supposed to be enemies?

Trying to look at himself through the eyes of the servant he realized with a sinking dread that what they were seeing was not a Jedi Squire, but another Mandalorian. Everything Obi-wan had been before had been stripped from him. His magic, his sword, even his clothing. With his bonds severed he was certain the Jedi believed him deceased.

Obi-wan Kenobi had ceased to exist.

So who was he supposed to be now?

[Cody]

To be perfectly honest Cody was more than happy to be home. The whole business with the Vizla clan had been a blow. Even knowing that traitors could be anyone, considering his own mother, it still bothered him that anyone could turn against his buir.

The former Mand'alor, Cody's ba'buir, had taken one look at some of their older traditions that were no longer sustainable and had worked hard to change the mando'ade so they could thrive. When he was killed everyone thought that the knew Mand'alor would reverse some of the changes made by Mand'alor Mereel. But Jango had far more respect for his buir than he had hatred for those who had betrayed him.

Even after the coup, aided by his own wife, Mand'alor Fett refused to allow anyone to revert back to the ways of the conquerors. They had thriving farms, profitable trade, and beneficial alliances with other kingdoms. There was no need to conquer when there was still untouched wilderness they could explore and claim for themselves.

There was no reason besides craving bloodshed that anyone should turn on his buir. And yet… Pre Vizla had been a traitor. He had been a co-conspirator with Montross Ramses to overthrow Cody's buir. For what? The Vizla and Ramses Clans had both been considered powerful in their own right. But that hadn't been enough.

Learning that Vizla and Ramses had a hand in his ba'buir's death and the deaths of all Clan Mereel filled Cody with cold rage.

He was glad both men were dead. One by his buir's hand and the other by his future buir's hand.

Thinking of Obi-wan had him brightening considerably. His buir had taken all his ideas to heart and admitted that he'd ordered the servants to stock the Consort's room with books in Basic and all kinds of plants. Nothing potentially harmful, of course, but lots of brightly colored flowers. Already a team of court tailors were making the future Rid'alor's new wardrobe. His father even admitted, sheepishly, that he had asked them to clothe Obi-wan in Clan Fett colors, rather than the colors of the Mand'alor.

Cody couldn't be happier for his buir but at the moment he was having a little trouble. Somehow something he'd said to Boba had ticked him off and he was being subjected to the worst scowl the seven year old could manage. He floundered for a moment, confused, before Rex came in to diffuse the situation.

Just because Cody was the diplomatic child out of the three of them didn't mean he understood everyone. And Boba was very complicated, read strange, for a seven year old.

"I'm sorry, Boba, I didn't mean to upset you." Rex gave him a knowing grin from behind their younger brother, knowing he had no idea what had set the kid off.

"You should apologize to Ne'tra'den." Rex motioned to their father's stallion and Cody raised an eyebrow at his brother. Rex looked pointedly down at Boba and he had to hold back a sigh as the boy crossed his arms and glared up at him.

"Ah, of course, my mistake." He tried to sound serious but it was difficult with how Rex was grinning at him. "I am terribly sorry for offending you, Ne'tra'den. Won't happen again." His younger brother stared at him for a few moments longer before nodding and going back to petting the black horse, muttering under his breath. Rex clapped his hand over his mouth to hide his snickers as Cody backed away to stand next to him.

"So, what was that all about?" Rex leaned against him, shaking, and Cody rolled his eyes. Once he calmed down his brother finally began to explain.

"Before he left buir promised him he could have his own horse for his birthday. So he's been 'talking' to all of the horses, trying to find a best 'friend.' But apparently none of them really suit him. Ne'tra'den is still his favourite. But buir isn't going to give up his prized warhorse, we both know that. So he's been in a sour mood for a while." Well, that would explain it. His brother could be very particular about certain things and while he loved all animals there were those that he just seemed to gravitate towards.

"Ori'vod?" He glanced down at his brother. "What-what do you think about our new buir?" Cody took a moment to think about Obi-wan and what he had seen so far.

"He's a good warrior, honorable, and has the guts to look buir in the eyes. He's very honest and if he says he'll do something- he does it. At least from what I've seen so far. He likes books and plants, languages too. We've talked a lot the past week and a half. I think… I think he'll be good for buir, and us." Rex watched him, copper eyes intense, before he nodded and relaxed.

"Thanks Cody." He smiled and gave his brother a one armed hug.

"Any time, vod'ika."

Mando'a;

Ven'riduur- Future spouse/mate
Vod/Vode- Sibling, Siblings
Buir- Parent
Orilor'ad- Crown prince
Alori'ade- Princes
Mand'al'verde- King's Commander
Ori'ramikad- Captain of the Royal Guard
Ba'buir- Grandparent
Orivod- Elder sibling
Vod'ika- Younger sibling