Hello again and Merry Christmas everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, hard as its been. I originally finished this chapter yesterday, but I thought I'd wait till everyone had time with their loved ones before posting it.
I honestly loved how this came out. In my mind, unlike the series, I made it so that the Death Watch members are aware that other Mandalorians exist and maybe aren't as zealous as the ones who originally founded the branch of Mandos, just seeing how Din and the Armorer act around others. I'm not super clear on the Clone Wars series, I know the basic premise, but I honestly haven't watched the whole series. So, most of this is sort of my own ideas of how the different Mandalorian clans would act and treat each other. I think even though they follow different paths that they all feel a communal bond with each other. So, that's how I wrote them up.
I also want to give a shout out to AllTheWayMae. She has written the amazing Mandalorian story 'An Unexpected Journey', which is a beautiful piece of work. With her permission, I've used a line from her story in this chapter, as I feel it truly sums up some of the actions and beliefs of the Mandalorian culture in the most heartfelt way. And as a writer I would never utilize someone else's ideas or works without explicated permission.
I also liked the idea of the Death Watch not really giving out names and instead using titles more as a way of identification. Like 'The Armorer' being the leader, Paz Viszla being known as 'The Heavy' and Din simply being, 'The Hunter.' It sounded cooler to me, so hopefully people liked that aspect of it.
In any case, everyone enjoy and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hyperspace was weird. No matter how many times she traveled in the lightspeed tunnels, Val always found it to be an abnormal, disorientating experience. It created a strange sort of warping energy field that her senses always picked up on regardless of how hard she'd worked at trying to block it out over the years. She constantly felt energized and invigorated, balancing on a hair trigger that left her edgy and irritated.
Val kreiffing hated frakking space travel!
Rolling onto her back to stare at the Razor Crest's celling, she idly wondered if it had always had that many scorch marks on it. She'd been trying to sleep for the last 4 hours and despite her fatigue, it just wasn't working. Mando had lifted the ship off Carlac and locked the autopilot in for whatever location his fellow kinsman had given him before partially stumbling to his quarters. Val had set the child up on his bunk before lightspeed had kicked in and so far, she hadn't heard a peep from either of them.
Heaving out a heavy sigh, she sat up. Moving to push herself to her feet, Val bit back a yelp of pain as her right arm reminded her that a very large boot had recently stomped on it. Cradling her limb gingerly, she quickly glanced at the door separating her from the metal man in the other room. Nothing happened and she stood up slowly.
Padding silently across the hold, she carefully scaled the ladder one handed. The streaking, swirling blue-white cosmic display that filled the cockpit window was truly mesmerizing, even if traveling through the time-dilating pipe annoyed her to no end. Rotating out the captain's chair, Val sat in the worn seat, which creaked a little under her weight. Looking straight ahead, she could see the rear engines of the Lancer class ship piloted by the other Mandalorian.
Now fully awake, buzzed from the hyperlane and not having anything to occupy her, Val's mind started to wander. Without her permission, her fingers lifted to brush against her cheek. She could still feel the soft caress of leather covered digits on her skin, the lingering scent of spice and metal in her nostrils.
Krief, this man was confusing and frustrating as hell, she couldn't read him. At times he looked ready to pin her to the wall in a frenzy of mindless passion and other moments he was pulling so far into his shiny carapace that one would swear nothing existed under the plates but wires and gears. Val didn't understand it. She didn't behave like that, didn't hold back her desires in such a way. When she wanted sex, she got it. There wasn't usually a lot of protest from her chosen quarry either, none of this push and pull shenanigans.
Was it her? Was he worried she was only interested in a one night stand or something? Did he want a deeper connection? Val wasn't normally one for longer term relationships, but she wasn't opposed to them either. She'd let Zechs hang onto her for the better part of a standard year before cutting him off. Another sigh left her lungs,
"Must be a culture thing then..." she murmured softly to herself.
"What is?"
Valriya swore her heart literally stopped dead in her chest at the unexpected, electronic baritone that spoke from behind her. A scream left her throat and she jolted up from the chair, spinning in a wildly, uncoordinated circle which caused her to crash into the locked console, bashing her bruised arm on the unyielding metal.
"Son of a bitc-!"
She cut off the violent curse with force as agony shot up her arm, making the whole limb throb like a pounding drum. Clutching her forearm to her chest, Val blinked through her now slightly watery vision as Mando quickly moved closer and grasped her hand in a firm but still surprisingly gentle hold, pulling up her sleeve to see the ugly blue-purple welt decorating her skin. Before he could say anything else, her mouth started moving.
"Frakking hell, Shiny! How do you move so damn quietly while wearing all that?"
Because of course he was fully armored, why wouldn't he be.
"Practice," he answered distractedly while studying her arm, "You're hurt. Why didn't you use any of the bacta?"
"For this, are you kidding me? You must've gotten cracked in the skull harder than I thought. Besides I was serious, I heal fast. It was black before, by the time we drop lightspeed, it'll hardly even be there."
He didn't look like he was particularly happy about that, continuing to study the blemish. After a few moments, she finally tugged her arm back. His hold tightened for a split second before he opened his fingers. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, but she wasn't sure if the sudden fright was the reason for it or if the fact that he was crowding her against the console and pinning her in place was more the cause. She hated not having an exit, however, there was also a tingling thrill racing through her bloodstream.
"Why aren't you sleeping?"
His voice was softer than normal, maybe trying to avoid waking up the kid. Though if the child hadn't stirred from her shrieking, she doubted he was going to now. Mando hadn't moved at all and Val shifted a little before answering, turning her head to look out the window with a careless wave.
"Hyperspace and me don't get along. It's always hard for me to sleep in the tunnels unless I'm totally burnt out. Why are you awake?"
"Bacta afterglow."
"Ahh..." She hummed in understanding. It was rare for her to use the healing drug herself, normally she managed to avoid getting injured seriously enough to need it. But the few times she had, there'd defiantly been some interesting effects. In some circles, the substance was used by addicts as a stimulant for the euphoric properties that lingered in the body for a short time after the microscopic critters did their work. Personally, Val figured Spice was probably better and cheaper to use for narcotic abuse.
A short round of awkward silence followed, with neither really knowing what to say or do. She gave Mando another few moments to react before poking him in the chestplate with one finger, "Scooch back before I climb you like a tree, you know I hate being caged in."
"Is that a promise?"
The husky, dark tone of his voice had her thigh muscles clenching together as heat shot straight to her core. Gods, how did someone managed to sound so damn sexy through a vocalizer? Her heart was defiantly pounding for a whole different reason now. Val carefully breathed out a calming breath in order to keep her voice steady. She wasn't really sure if she succeeded or not.
"I'm willing to pass that off as the bacta talking, however, bear this in mind. Don't start something you're not willing to finish unless you want to personally experience the quote "Hell hath no fury..." and all the mojo that goes with it."
He still didn't move for a moment, helm tilted and studying her. Val was a heartbeat away from literally lunging at him when he finally took a healthy step back, placing more space between them.
"Noted."
Val was amazed her legs were still holding her up, given how weak they felt. Frak, maybe shooting him up with the regenerative fluid hadn't been such a good idea.
Mando turned the co-pilot seat and sat down, seeming to be completely unaffected by what had just happened. Puffing out a breath at the lock of hair that always liked to fall in her eyes, she resumed her seat as well. It was a little surprising that he'd let her keep the captain's throne, normally if he was in the cockpit, that was automatically declared his spot. She was just going to wave off everything that happened for the next little while as post-bacta madness, it was easier that way.
Pulling up one leg and wrapping her uninjured arm around the front of it, Val leaned back in the chair, watching the display of lights outside. For a while, both of them sat in comfortable silence only broken by the occasional creak of leather upholstery or a slightly more noticeable distorted breath.
"Can I ask you something? Seeing as you've got a looser tongue than normal right now."
"Would it stop you if I said no?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Brat..."
She laughed lightly through her nose. Val turned her head and waited till she saw him nod before continuing to talk. She might want her question answered, but that didn't mean she wanted to take advantage of his addle-brained state. Though, honestly, it was really hard to tell if he was truly affected by the bacta or just acting differently.
"I know your stand on the kids...err...foundlings. But it sounds like this Covert we're going to is...different than yours? How's that work exactly? I thought being a Mandalorian was all about following the Way...your Creed. Keeping yourself and others safe and secreted away. Jar-Tan made it sound like his people are...I don't know, acting like a defense patrol or something. Guarding worlds and removing problems. Is that a normal thing for your kin to do?"
Her partner stayed quiet for so long after she'd finished speaking that she really thought she'd gravely insulted him, "Look, I'm sorry. I'm not-"
"Don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just trying to figure out how to answer in a way you'll understand."
With that comment, Val shut up again and forced herself to wait. After another lengthy round of noiselessness, he finally responded.
"Inaction is next to sin...a scar in the armor that nothing can remove. It's...we don't really exist as individuals...names mean very little to us. We are one...I am them and they are me. That's why we don't remove our helmets, choose not to show our faces. It makes us all the same, one being...one heart. Foundlings matter more than any other, but beyond that...one life doesn't mean more than another's. If one of the clan chooses a path, makes an enemy or becomes overwhelmed, the rest rise to support them, regardless of the reason. We stand and fall as one...This is the Way. "
Val was struck absolutely speechless, her chest hurt from the words. It took a while before she was able to form words and when she did, her voice stuttered.
"T-that...that's...beautiful..." She really didn't know what to say, her brain-to-mouth filter was just not working at all,"...and kreiffing terrifying. So, no one takes them off around others? Like ever?"
"My Tribe is...more strict than others. The Resol'nare can be translated in different ways, so long as the heart of the tenants are upheld. Our culture is a cluster of refugees, immigrants and wanderers. Some believe that those who prove trustworthy, those that are true Burc'ya, may know the flesh beneath. For the Kyr'tsad, only immediate family are exempted."
She looked over at him, having managed to somewhat stabilize herself. Val had been exposed to a bunch of different cultures during her travels. But none of them had struck her as deeply as this one. It was just...amazing, she didn't have the words.
"The kid's seen you without your helmet on?"
The Warrior looked at her with the expressionless screen that somehow held more emotion than anything she'd ever seen if her whole life. His words reverberated across universes, "All children should know what their parents look like."
Val had to turn away from his gaze, there was just too much rolling around in her head, she needed to remember how to breath.
Wow...just...Wow...
Finding a place to land on the jungle planets surface wasn't as annoying as Din expected. In fact, there were several areas around the co-ordinates Paz gave him that had clearings large enough for the Razor Crest to park in. It was actually big enough for both ships to set down landing gear on. Din stepped out into the humid air, feeling beads of sweat already start to form under his durasuit and studied the open space. The foliage had been cut back, he could see the markings of sharp blades and burnt plants on the edges. It was a maintained landing zone. Signs that the area around was inhabited.
Val trotted off the ramp behind him, stretching her arms out as she basked, "Oh sweet, blessed heat. Humanity! This is how you're meant to live: slightly damp and blissfully warm!"
He almost snorted out loud but held off, still scanning the area around while he waited for Paz and his small crew to exit the Lancer resting on the other side of the clearing. In the bag hanging by his hip, the child's head swiveled around in fascination. The brunette finished her rant and stepped into place beside him, looking over the lush greenery with a saucy smirk.
"I'm in a set of crosshairs right now, aren't I?"
"We both are," Din confirmed in a monotone. He could see the heat signature of two figures crouched in the dense forest. Both were in the position of holding a large gun.
"Terrific," She chirped back cheerfully, "Remind me why I agreed to come here again?"
"Sweet, blessed heat."
"...Fair point."
Their conversation was paused as Paz and the foundlings walked towards them. Well, Jar-Tan was walking alongside the Heavy, Kalei was running with Tavor jogging behind her. Val realized what the toddler was doing and her smile faltered a bit, palms raising towards the charging kid.
"Ehh? Wait-wait, hold on Sweetie...Ahh!" The youngster ignored the Runners protests, jumping up with arms open wide forcing Val to bend down and grab the child, hoisting her up or risk Kalei falling to the ground, "Oookay then...this is really not a great place for you to be right now, Sweetie."
"Ba'vodu!" Was the toddler's response as she cuddled into Val's chest. Din jolted slightly, more than a little stunned at the child's words. Evidently, the young girl had formed a deeper attachment to his partner than he'd previously thought. Tavor joined his sister, reaching up to grasp Val's free hand with his. She looked over to Din with a grimace and slight eye roll.
"Oh goody, I've official got two human shields. Lucky me."
"No one's going to shoot you, Aruetii. Be calm." Paz's voice was laced with amusement as the pair finally reached them. Val scowled at him.
"I am the only one here who's age is in double digits that's doesn't have a tin can on my head. Forgive me for being a little skeptical."
Grinning behind his helm, Din choose to intercept, "Actually, the kid is the oldest one, he's over fifty."
"Come again?"
He turned his attention away from Val's stunned expression, fighting to keep from laughing. It was nice to pull one over on her from time to time. From the jungle forest, the two figures he'd detected walked towards them. Both wore the helm of the Mandalore and held impressive sniper rifles.
"Su cuy'gar, Kyr'tsad," the taller male on the left said towards Paz, scanning over Din before settling firmly on Val, "You bring an Aruetii here? Why?"
"She's with me," Din interrupted bluntly. If this clan was going to be angry about bringing an outsider to their hideaway, they could be pissed at him, "She's proven herself, many times over. The foundlings owe her their lives, as do I. Burc'ya vaal burk'yc, burc'ya veman."
A long moment of pause followed his words as the two newcomers studied Val, looking at each other once before the one who spoke shifted, "We shall see."
His helm leaned towards the jungle and the two guards moved to flank the small group on either side. Paz took the lead and everyone else fell in behind him. They traveled down a somewhat wore pathway that weaved through the tropical rainforest. Insects buzzed through the air and the cries of numerous birds and small mammals filtered around.
The Heavy pushed aside a large leafy fern and Din almost stopped at the sight on the other side of the plant. A massive stone pyramid stretched into the sky. It had multiple flat tops, like a few smaller structures had been placed on top of each other, and ascending sets of stairs on all four side. Scattered around the huge structure were several smaller buildings, each one of similar design of whatever civilization had built this jungle city. There were a few additions that likely weren't created by the ancient people that once lived in the area. Namely a pair of large laser cannons set out on the corners of the upper level of the monolith.
Cut into the temple were open doorways on the ground floor. It was towards one of these entrances that the group was lead. The inside was lit by slits in the buildings walls and battery powered lights. The hallways were long and twisted around. Din saw the forms of other Mandalorians walking around as they moved. All turned to look at them as they were lead through the fortress and his chest tightened at the sight of a group of foundlings running after each other while laughing.
It was...heart wrenching. It reminded him of how his Covert had been below the streets of Nevarro. In fact, the organ thudded harder when he saw one of his fellow Death Watch members pass by a doorway. He wore armor that was mostly orange in color and was known by most as the Keeper. His skills in battle were subpar compared to most, but his knowledge of their history and the stories he wove were highly valued. Oral tradition was how they passed themselves onto the next generation, Din was beyond relieved that he'd survived. Their guides directed them to an empty room with chairs and tables set up. Perhaps an eating area or gathering hall.
"The Aruetii will remain here under guard. You will speak with our Alor. If he finds your words to be true and allows it, the woman may stay as an honored guest."
Jar-Tan piped up after they'd spoken, "I wish to talk to Alor, as well."
"Me too," Tavor chimed in. Din felt more confident about addressing the clan's leader. The foundlings clearly intended to throw their support into the fray. Kalei wiggled out of Val's arms and gave her legs a quick hug before joining her brother.
His partner sent a nod towards him, pulling out a chair and sitting down. She looked calm and relaxed. The silent scout stepped away, clearing being the one who was going to watch the Runner. The second Mandalorian directed the group to follow him. As he left the room with Paz and the children, he heard her complain out loud.
"...i should've brought a holo-pad, can't imagine you're going to be a bushel of stimulating conversation..."
Din had to lock his jaw to stifle the grin that tried to form.
The Alor met with them alone, dismissing the guard with a wave as soon as the group entered the meeting room. His armor was steel grey, with edges of red over the helm and pauldrons. There was a signet on the left shoulder pad that Din felt was very familar, but couldn't quite place its shape to a name. Kalei squealed in delight at seeing him, rushing forward with all the excitement and joy that only a child could exude.
"Ba'buir!"
Din smiled softly as the leader bent to one knee, opening his arms and enveloped the toddler in a Beskar guarded hug. The young girl was a sweetheart, it was amazing she was still so loving and carefree after what had happened. Maybe it was a defense mechanism. In any case, the Alor rose after reassuring the toddler, letting her cling to his leg greaves as he turned towards Din, folding his arms primly behind his back.
"You returned our foundlings to us. For this, I am indebted to you, Beroya."
"I did not do so alone," he responded firmly, "If not for the actions of my partner, these young ones would not have survived."
The leader ticked his helm a bit, "I've been informed of the Aruetii that arrived with you. Speak of the events that occurred and I will judge her place among the clan myself."
It took about a hour to go through the story. Din left out the details of how the two of them had known that the foundlings had been on Carlac, simply stating that he'd been in the sector and needed to stop for supplies. It wasn't a complete lie, he had refueled the Crest before leaving the ice world. The children voiced their experiences and faith in Val, though the Alor did not appear swayed by their words. At the end of the tale, he remained silent for a length of time.
"It was not necessary for you to bring the Aruetti here, Beroya. She could have been left at a safe port till you returned."
Din smiled behind his helm, "With respect, Alor, anyone who spends any amount of time with Valriya Kordes knows her to be...extraordinarily tenacious. She would not be denied personally seeing the foundlings returned to safety. I would have had more success trying to convince a Hutt to perform a pole dance."
Paz let out a strangled sound beside him, but managed to avoid laughing out loud. The chancellor showed no signs of being amused by his dry humor. However, he did look down when Kalei hugged his leg tightly,
"Ba'vodu stay, Ba'buir...please..."
He remained silent for a long while. Din fought the urge to fidget and shift around, waiting for his decision. He would respect whatever he decided. If he wished Val to leave, Din would take her off the world immediately. It was the Alor's duty to protect the clan, he had no right to overrule that.
Finally, the grey armored Mandalorian inclined his head, "In light of your actions, Beroya, and the actions of your comrade, I will allow her to remain within our Covert. Let us hope your judgement in this matter is better than previous choices made."
Din's hands fisted tightly, guilt and anger climbing in his gut. At his side, the child cooed in concern, head turning up towards him. Exhaling slowly to control his emotions, Din bowed his head in respect to the leader.
"Vor entye, Alor."
A nod was returned, "I'm told that your skills among the Kyr'tsad are quite remarkable. When you've rested, I should like to test my own against yours."
"I'd be honored."
With that line of business taken care of, Din took his leave from the meeting. Once out in the hallway again, Paz nudged his arm, "You should speak with the Armorer now, I'm sure she'll wish to see you."
"She's here?" The Heavy nodded back.
He swallowed hard but continued to follow his brethren to a different part of the stronghold. Din knew they were getting close to the forge as he could hear the ringing of blunt tools on metal and feel the area become hotter than before. The workshop looked different than the one on Nevarro, but the forge was very similar, with the blue flames jutting upwards from the active center furnace.
Like the previous location, there was a small table with stool to rest on for those that came for wisdom and exchange of goods. Paz paused with him outside the door before resting a strong hand on his shoulder, squeezing firmly before leaving Din alone with the gold helmed Alor. Din drew on his reserved and stepped into the room, moving to the low seat. Shifting his Ad'ika, he sat and waited.
As the thundering of her hammer echoed in the room, Din fought to keep down his rising memories. He shut his eyes tight, remembering the sounds of the droids blasters as they decimated his village, felt his Mothers arms around him and heard his Fathers voice screaming in desperation. The ringing silence suddenly pulled him from his dark thoughts and he looked up to see the Armorer step in front of him and sit down. For a time, she simply studied him. Finally she spoke in her firm, calm voice,
"You have returned to the Tribe. With the foundling. You've yet to find its people?"
Reaching down, Din carefully wriggled the child from the bag and set him on the table between them, "I've been searching. But the Jedi seem to be more elusive than even our own people. It's been difficult to locate anyone that knows where they may be."
"Unsurprising," she responded, helm turned to study the small baby. His Ad'ika looked back with curiosity, "The Jetiise existed in days of the Old Republic. During the rise of the Empire, their numbers were greatly diminished. What of the Aruetti that you now travel with?"
"I..." Din paused and tried to decided how to answer. While he had no desire to betray Val's confidence by telling another of her abilities, he trusted the Armorer's wisdom and knowledge, "May I...ask for your discretion, Alor?"
"You may."
"She claims to not be a Jedi...but she holds similar powers to the child. I sought her out hoping she might help to guide my quest, but she knows nothing of them. All her talents are self taught. It was her gifts than allowed me to know that the foundlings of our sister clan were in danger."
His Alor stayed quiet for a bit before responding with a touch of amusement in her voice, "You seem to have developed a habit of collecting unique and rare specimens, Beroya."
Din bit his lip to keep his composure. The Armorer reached out and carefully picked up the child, rising to her feet. He mimicked her, waiting to be dismissed.
"Your beskar'gam needs maintenance, you will leave it with me before you depart. I will watch the foundling for a time, it will be good for him to know our ways, should he choose to follow it when he is of age. You and your Aruettii will be welcome among the Tribe once our new location is settled."
"W-what...but..." She was granting Val an honorary place within the Tribe? Allowing her to be one of the rare, outside contacts? All without even having met her? "But...why?"
"You trust this woman, Din Djarin?" He could only nod in helpless shock, "Then you have your answer."
"But...it was my folly that lead to so much of the clan being killed, my actions that forced the Covert to move, how can you-"
"Was the hold on Nevarro the same one you remember training in as a youngling?"
Now Din had to think, eyebrows pulling together, "No...it...was a different location. We moved to Nevarro shortly after I took the Oath."
"And we shall move on from wherever we settle next. Our home is not one place, it is not walls and roofs and floors. Our home is with each other, with our foundlings and with our faith. It matters not how many fall or how many times we change worlds. So long as one who follows the path of the Mandalore lives on, our people will never die."
She looked to the child in her hold, who was staring at her with rapt attention, unmoving and listening with ears perked as high as they could go, "This is the Way."
"This is the Way..." Din recited automatically.
The guilt still warred fiercely inside him. He would always feel responsibility for what happened on Nevarro, for having put his clan in such a predicament. But after hearing his Alor's words, seeing his people in this stronghold, realising that the Tribe still held faith in him and watching his Ad'ika run his clawed hand over the Armorer's horned helmet, the torment felt more...tolerable.
This wasn't such a bad place once you got used to it. A bit too isolated for Val's liking, she was already feeling the urge to move on creep up on her, but it was an okay spot to unwind for a while. Stretching her arms above her head, she yawned widely and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Despite not really liking to sleep against a wall most of the time, she'd gotten comfortable enough in the Mandalorian hold to utilize the stone bench in the room she'd been granted. They'd even provided a small mat, pillow and blanket to make it more comfortable. Climbing to her feet, Val started her morning ritual while thinking things over.
There were more members of each clan than one would initially think upon first observation. In Mando's group, there were approximately seven adult warriors and five foundlings ranging from Kalei to Jar-Tan's age. The sister tribe- whom Val learned called themselves Clan Ordo- had about 12 members and 8 young ones. This of course didn't included the Mandalorians that were currently off world executing missions, doing scouting or gathering supplies. So really, Val wasn't 100% sure just how many of the armor clad beings were running around.
Brushing out the last tangle in her hair, she pulled the strands to the base of her neck and secured her long tresses in a low ponytail. She was relaxed enough in the Covert to not pin it to her crown as was normal for her, but it was still annoying to leave completely loose. She still slept with her boots on. Wandering down the hallways without any real goal in mind, she sent a couple friendly waves to a few members she recognized as she passed by. Most of the Mandalorians hadn't given out their names, so she had to distinguish each one by their armor style or color. And speaking of Mandalorians with unique designs...
Val paused at the sight of the gold helmed woman. She'd only met her partner's leader a handful of times over the last few days, mostly when she was talking to Mando or Hulk. Following beside her was a round, egg-shaped, white and orange hover-pram with a little green skinned baby sitting happily inside it. Val respectfully gave the intimidating woman a nod before bending slightly and wiggling fingers at the child,
"Hey Kiddo, you having fun hanging out in your new digs? This is amazing, by the way, absolutely superb work." Val knocked her knuckles lightly on the metal frame of the electronic crib. It was true, the little pram was sleek and shiny like it had literally just come off an assembly line. She wondered briefly if it was made of Beskar, it was hard to tell under the paint job.
"It was a simple device to craft. I found it rather relaxing."
"I imagine pounding on indestructible metal all day gets tiring," The Armorer started to walk again and Val step in on the other side of the pram, following along. She wasn't nearly comfortable enough with the blacksmith to stand beside her, the femme fatal was scary as frak.
"For those beginning the craft, it does. For those who walk the path, it is merely another motion of the body."
Val chuckled lightly, "We've all got our own niches to fill, I guess."
"Indeed. I have been told you are a Runner. Is this accurate?"
"Was a Runner," she nodded back in confirmation, "I got out of that a long time ago."
"That does not mean your skills have diminished. If anything, not being subjugated to another's will hones such things to a razors edge."
She had a point, Val defiantly enjoyed the chases hunters and mercenaries put her through more now than she had when she'd been semi-forced to do it as a Cartel servant. Not really knowing how to answer that, she made a slight face and shrugged one shoulder in a dismissive gesture. The Alor moved through an open doorway and Val's eyebrows pulled together at the sounds coming from below. The room opened up into what almost looked like some kind of ancient auditorium or stadium. There were stone benches all around the room, angling upward at a 45 degree rise, with a large, raised square platform on the lower level.
Set up around the depressed stall was a bunch of equipment stands filled with melee weapons, shields, guns and other things she couldn't identify. A bunch of Mandalorian's were scattered around the platform, some chatting with each other, some practicing casually with the weapons, others observing was what happening in the center with unwavering attention. On the stone stage, two warriors were fiercely battling with one another. One of whom happened to be her shiny partner. Following the leader to a seat about three-quarters of the way down, Val leaned back on the support behind her and observed the heated match with interest.
Mando had a long wooden staff in his hands that he spun with terrifying speed and agility at the man he was sparring with. His opponent blocked the over the head hit with his own pole, the cracking sound of the hardened instruments colliding filling the air. The other male twisted the weapon low, trying to sweep out Mando's feet. He managed to catch the Warriors heel on the tip of the staff, making his balance waver for a moment. But his overconfidence cost him, for as he lunged to strike a decisive blow, her partner spun away with speed that should be impossible for someone weighed down with that much metal and slammed the staff into his opponents back, sending the other male crashing to the ground. As he rolled over, Mando shifted the tip of the wooden cane to the man's neck. A moment of pause followed before he pulled back the weapon and offered his fallen comrade a hand up.
A brief round of applause sounded from those watching. Val joined in the clapping and the sound made Mando turn his helm towards her. She sent a light wave down to him as the praise ended and he looked towards the next challenger that stepped into the ring. She was too far away to hear what they said, only picking up on the distant sounds of murmurs, but Mando nodded and walked to the edge of the ring, handing the staff down to one of the observers. When he moved back to the newcomer, he was handed a knife. Val arched an eyebrow, noting that the weapon he was now holding wasn't a sparring prop, it was an actual edged dagger.
Both fighters were circling each other, the knives held in a backwards grip which placed the blade along their forearms. Val was unsurprised that Mando did not make the first move, choosing to keep his distance and wait for the other man's patience to run out. The more inexperienced Mandalorian lunged forward, trying to slash across her partners lower abdomen. Mando simply blocked with his arm, letting the knife reflect off his demi-greaves before grabbing his opponents wrist, twisting harshly. A moment later, a blade rested against a neck and the newcomer yielded with a nod.
Val again joined in the light kudos of the crowd, but was feeling a whole new reason for giving her approval. Sitting here, watching these powerful men duel with each other, showing off their skills and strength. It was stimulating, strumming along primal needs ever woman had, but tried hard not to admit to. There was a heat coiling in her lower portions, her eyes were drawn to the sharp curves and confident movements of Mandalorians below her, particularly towards the current reigning champion. Mando's silver, unpainted armor made him distinct among the soldiers, she found her gaze constantly following him as he walked around.
There was a shifting around the gathered clan members, heads turned and Val's eyebrows lifted as the blue armored Heavy stepped up onto the elevated platform, standing before Mando. Now there was a buzz in the air, a tense atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. She exhaled heavily and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
"This otta be good..." she murmured, not really aware that she'd spoken out loud.
Both men stood on the edge of the sparring ring, each studying the other intensely. Mando finally moved, lashing out his arm and throwing the knife he was holding, which imbedded itself in one of the wooden poles of the equipment stands. Sitting on the edge of the stone bench, Val's blood heated up when Hulk turned his helm and looked over at her, feeling her muscles quake a little when Mando's gaze followed. Both men paused for a moment, staring at her, before refocusing back onto each other.
Kreif, but this was something else! Val wasn't one who normally sought out the dominate type of male. She was too headstrong and mouthy to submit to anyone's whims and demands easily. But, Maker help her, there was something that was just so frakking alluring about seeing two powerful, dangerous men preparing to beat each other bloody in an attempt to impress her. Val didn't think there was any woman that was completely immune to that kind of a display.
The prowl began, they started to carefully walk the edges of the ring. It wasn't a ploy this time, each one was meticulously searching for a hint of weakness in the other. Unlike before, against this opponent, Mando chose to be the aggressor. He darted forward, fist drawn back before leaping into the air, bringing his arm hammering down towards the larger man's helm. Hulk shifted his stance back, bracing for the hit and raised up his arm, blocking the punch.
Beskar collided together and the crystal clearing ringing was beautifully musical in its deadly song. The Heavy lashed out at the Hunter, striking him dead center in the chestplate. Mando's armor prevented the hit from causing any injury, but the larger man was clearly much stronger than her partner. The blow made him stumble back, struggling to stay on his feet. Anyone else probably would have been instantly flattened.
Hulk sought to keep his advantage over Mando, charging forward. Her partner was faster than the trooper, diving to the side and rolling over the floor. The blue armored monster did not stop his assault, turning to keep them in close quarters. Mando crossed his arms in front of him and blocked the punch. Such was the force that the smaller male skidded back. Ducking low, the Warrior used his greater agility to swoop around the Heavy, driving his heel into the back of his knee.
His leg collapsed, forcing him into a kneeling position. Mando lunged forward, trying to gain an edge. Hulk jerked his elbow backwards, slamming the appendage into her partners helm. Even from the distance she was at, she heard the cry he gave off as the hit connected. He staggered back, stunned, and the Big Guy stumbled back to his feet. Val's heart was thudding in her ears, her breath stuttering in her chest. Frakking hell, this was so hot! Watching these two incredible men war with each other. It was just...awe-inspiring. As she watched the pair circle around the ring again, a nudge on her mental shields drew her from her stupor.
Curiosity...Concern...Danger? It was a question, an unknown, he wasn't sure if the threat was real or not. Whipping her head to the side, Val's eyes locked onto the floating bassinette beside her. Which was now empty, abandoned by the inhabitant while everyone had been spellbound and enraptured by the fighting. Gasping in shock, she jolted up, head snapping around and frantically scanned the area. The Armorer twitched at her sudden movement, realizing the child was missing a moment later.
She spotted the little alien climbing up the last step of the elevated platform to stand on the rings edge, ears twitching in interest. Neither combatant had noticed him and they were seconds away from engaging each other again.
"Time Out-Time Out!" Val yelled at the top of her lungs, leaping over the bench in front of her and flying down to the ground level as fast her feet could carry her, "Stop moving! If you step on him, so help me Gods, I'll kill you both!"
Both men froze at the scream, the observers chattered in confusion and the kid proceeded to power-run at Mando, happily glomming onto his leg with a gleeful "Buir!". Which officially ended the sparring match on the spot.
Striding down the hallway with a bounce in her step, Val grinned broadly as she moved. She was feeling pretty damn proud of herself right now, jauntily swinging the canvas bag by her side as she walked.
Night had fallen on the jungle planet and most of the Mandalorians had retired for the evening. Which also included all the children. While Val enjoyed the foundlings company immensely- having learned that little Kalei had basically adopted her whether she liked it or not and that Jar-Tan, who'd finally taken his helmet off around her, was actually a blue skinned Chiss boy- tonight she was a mood for more of an adult setting.
Originally, she'd first thought of seeking out the bulky Heavy, but a passing scout had told her he was on guard duty for the next 8 hours, which put a kibosh on that plan. Some part of her was sort of glad about that fact. Finally arriving at the door she wanted, Val lifted her knuckles and rapped on the wooden barrier sharply. Behind the thick hatch, she heard soft shuffling before a voice answer.
"Tion'cuy?"
"Basic, Shiny, that doesn't translate."
After a moment, he spoke again, "Hang on a minute."
Val blinked a few times, feeling her eyebrows furrow. His voice seemed different. She brushed it off as the door causing issues with how her ears were picking up the sound. Standing awkwardly in place, she waited. The lock clicked and the wood panel swung inwards. What was weird was that her partner remained behind the door, hiding his body from sight.
"Come on in."
She jolted at the now unmuffled sound, eyes widening in shock. His voice wasn't just different...it was unfiltered, with none of the electronic buzz she'd gotten so accustom to. Without thinking, Val spun on her toes and turned her back to the door, slamming her lids down with one hand slapped over her eyes.
"Kreif, Mando, why didn't you say something!? You know I won't get upset or anything, I can just-"
"Val, get in here. It's alright."
Despite his voice being laced with annoyance, she still hesitated, now feeling her earlier high start to fade as uncertainty gripped her, "Are you sure? I don't care, I can come back later."
"Yes, I'm sure. Come inside, you look ridiculous."
The mocking tone was enough to lock up her spine and make her glance over one shoulder. Now she saw that the room was darkened, the lighting turned down to its lowest possible setting and Mando was standing just around the edge of the open door. His shadowed form was clothed in what looked like a heavy cloak, a wide hood pulled over his head, leaving his head completely enshrouded in blackness. Turning sideways, she smirked at the man.
"I look ridiculous? If you're eyes were yellow, you'd be classified as a exceptionally tall Jawa."
He was insisting and she'd offered to leave. So really, it'd be pretty shallow of her to take off now. Plus, there was a burning curiosity that she just couldn't quite stifle. Carefully stepping into the room, she paused in the open space as Mando closed the door behind her and she stood still, blinking rapidly while waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dim gloom.
"Don't talk to me about those chakaar, they're all a waste of flesh."
When her vision adapted to the blackened room, she looked around. There was enough of a haze from the low set lamps to see faintly see the furniture in the room. She shouldn't run into anything. But somehow, this whole thing just felt wrong on some level. That didn't stop the spine tingling thrill from running through her system. Her heart was beating hard in her chest. Mando walked around her, gliding deeper into the room.
"Watch your step, the kids running around on the floor somewhere."
Val still didn't move. She couldn't pull her eyes away from his figure. He was moving so lightly, free and unburdened. And his voice...Maker help her, that voice! Without the high pass filter on his helmet that constantly distorted it slightly, the deep, dark tone struck something primitive inside her, twisting her all up. Trying to re-stabilize herself, Val took in a breath.
"I-I thought there was some kind of rule against this sort of thing?"
"...Loophole..." was all he said, head turned a little towards her, the darkness still enveloping his face.
"You're..." Val stuttered, not really knowing what to say. The level of trust he was display towards her right now was just mind blowing. She had no clue how to act. So Val pushed aside the churring emotions and walked carefully towards the table, "I have no idea how to take all this right now, so I'm just going carry on with the reason I stopped by. I come bearing gifts."
Reaching into the bag, Val withdrew a whitish-blue, plush Vulptex stuffed animal toy. Holding it in her hand, she bent down to the ground looking around.
"Hey Kiddo, get over here. I've got something for you. "
She didn't know where in the room the child had been situated, but after waving the stuffed canid around at his level a few times, a delighted squeal lit the air and she hear the pitter-patter of little feet booking it towards her. A small figure flew out of the murkiness, tiny arms outstretched and grabbing for the fuzzy doll. Laughing lightly, she handed over the velvet furred toy, which was as almost as large as he was, and the kid hugged it tightly to his chest, babbling in joy while rubbing his face against it. After squeezing the life from the plushy, he turned to Mando, holding up his new treasure in a supremely proud display.
"Buir!"
"I see it, Ad'ika."
Val grinned widely, feeling her earlier joy rise up again, "There's more Kiddo, hang on."
Big ears lifted and the little being turned back towards her. Rustling through the bag again, she pulled out a wooden Krayt Dragon replica. Or at least, what the skeleton would look like, it was only a head and spine, the joints held together with bendable wire so it could slither along like a real snake.
She swore the kid was about ready to have a heart attack from the sheer excitement he vibrated from. It was amusing as all get out to watch him try and hold the fox figurine in one hand while desperately reaching for the new item. Val took pity on him and set it on the ground in front of him. The child proceeded to grab the toy by its tail and dragged it under the table, plopping onto his butt to chirp and coo in sheer bliss, clawed fingers running over the Vulptex's soft fabric and rattled the Krayt Dragon along the stone mortar floor.
A deep chested rumble caught her ears and her breath stuttered at bit at the sound. Mando had stood still during the exchange, watching passively with arms crossed over his chest as she handed the toys over to his son. They stood together for a time, watching the baby play with his new possessions before Mando spoke up again, sounding a little ashamed.
"I've...been meaning to get him some. But it seems like every time I manage to stop somewhere, things...don't go so well."
"When do they ever," She responded casually before turning back to her bag, "I've got one more thing."
Grasping the much heavier item, Val pulled out the dark bottle and set it on the table. As she dug inside the cloth for the glasses she'd brought along, Mando stepped closer, picking up the container with interest. He was close enough for her to smell the soap he'd probably washed with. It almost made her shudder.
"How the hell did you get your hands on this?" He questioned, sounding genuine surprised and impressed, rotating the bottle to better see the label on it. His night vision had to be superb for him to be able to tell what it was in the gloomy room. Now Val felt her ego swell and a smug smirk bloomed on her face.
"One of the Ordo ships touched down today. They picked up a cache of supplies and I managed to nab that little prize. Got the things for the kid from them too."
"You convinced a Mando'ade to part with a bottle of Alderaan whiskey?"
"I believe it's referred to as 'Single Malt Scotch', you'll be tarred and feathered if anyone from Alderaan hears you call it that."
After the Core Planet had been dusted, the few items that had been left behind were constantly increasing in value. It had taken a lot of fast talking, a significant amount of flirting and an exchange of a few more credits than she really wanted to coerce the returned pilot into parting with the rare alcohol. But she'd managed to obtained it in the end, and now she wanted to flaunt that victory. Preferably with a friend. It was the original reason she'd come looking for Mando. Grabbing the metal cups, she waved them under her partner's nose.
"It's sheer heresy to drink something this good by yourself, crack that bottle and pull up a seat. I feel like celebrating."
He laughed low again, the sound vibrating through her system. Val turned away, setting out the glasses as Mando dug through his belonging and pulled out his knife. Rotating the blade over the wax seal, he wiggled the cork loose, clearing not intending to refuse the offer of sharing the uncommon liquor. While he worked she glanced around the room, noting that she couldn't actually see his armor anywhere in sight.
"Where's all your sparkly bits anyway? You barely ever take them off, I swear sometimes there're wielded to you."
"Alor is working on it, she insisted on giving the beskar'gam a good once over."
"Ah..." Val responded with a nod. Grinning in sheer delight, and unable to resist teasing him, she pulled out the last item in the bag, "Guess I didn't need to bring this along then."
Mando looked over at the long drinking straw she wriggled at him, a full belly laugh escaping him before he could stifle it. Finally he popped the top to the bottle and sheathed the knife. Pouring two generous portions, Val picked up her glass, savoring the burning smell that the harsh alcohol left in her nose before pausing with a grin. The wild in her veins was pumping hard tonight.
"Shall we toast?"
"To what?"
Val tilted her head, having not really thought that far ahead. After a bit, considering what she'd just walked into, she smirked back at the enshrouded Mandalorian and raised her glass towards him.
"To the unexpected. Stars know, you've put me through enough of those recently."
"Likewise, Brat."
Glasses clinked together and Val tilted back the drink. The burn of smoke and peat on her tongue was absolutely orgasmic, she literally moaned as she swallowed. Across from her, Mando made an odd sound. Val wasn't sure if he'd stifled his own delight at the taste of the whiskey or if that was how he showed his appreciation. There really was a lot about the man that she didn't know. Right now, with the amber liquid flowing down her throat, she couldn't bring herself to care that much.
They both finished the first glass in a few swallows, not really speaking as they savored it. Val realized something afterwards. Mando's room only had one chair, they couldn't sit at the table together and enjoy the alcohol she'd brought. Feeling bold with the scotch burning in her stomach, she scooped up the bottle, walking over to the stone bench that formed his bed and sat down. If Mando wanted more of the rare liquid, he was going to have to perch his not-so-currently-shiny ass down beside her. He didn't seem to mind the suggestion, following her and sliding close enough that his hip skimmed against hers. Filling both their glasses again, she set the bottle aside and leaned back on the wall behind her, sipping contently.
If she looked really hard from the edge of her vision, Val swore she could almost imagine seeing the slightest curve of a rugged jawline glancing out from the edge of the hood as he sat beside her.
"You're going to have to try a lot harder than this if you want to get me drunk."
Val snorted back, "Oh, please. You're a lightweight, I could drink you under the table any day."
"You think so?"
"Have you ever gotten doped by a hunter and still managed to escape out of a holding cell before?"
"...Fair point," He responded in a slightly playful tone.
Draining her glass again, Val poured out another portion, feeling a good buzz running through her. She wasn't resisting the alcohol, if she'd wanted to she could've fought off the drugs effect just like she claimed. But she didn't, letting the potent substance flow through her system. Humming happily, her body relaxed and she leaned a little more into the side of the man sitting next to her. It was hard to tell if Mando was feeling the intoxication of the drink and right now, she was in too much of a happy place to really care that much. Plus, he really did smell good. Clean and fresh, with an underlayer of spice that always stuck in her nose for days on end.
"You're dangerous, woman..."
That quietly spoken comment made absolutely no sense to her and Val blinked several times, "Ehh? How the hell am I a threat to you? Are you drunk already?"
"I'm not as far gone as you are, Brat. Who's the lightweight now?"
"Bite me."
"Don't tempt me, my fortitude isn't particularly strong right now."
Now his words started to make some semblance of coherence. Ah, so that was what he meant. As though he wanted to cement that statement, Val felt his knuckles brush the outside of her knee, fingertips skimming over the top of her cap. Electricity sparked up her leg from the caress, she really, really wanted to reach down and touch his hand. She didn't though, choosing to let him pick the pace.
"Not in front of the kid," Val had standards and she didn't want to confuse the child by getting frisky with the man. Or risk him thinking she was hurting his Dad and get thrown across the room.
His hand shifted, sliding over her leg so his fingers rested on the underside of her knee, squeezing softly. The gesture was somehow possessive and sweet at the same time. Val had no idea how he managed that and the heat from his bare skin radiated through her pants, making her shiver. If he moved his hand higher up her leg, she sure as hell wouldn't object. But he didn't, keeping his grip right where it was.
"Why do you think you're still wearing clothes?"
She was grateful for the darkness now, it hid the fact that her cheeks lit up with a flush. Maker, how long had it been since a man had actively made her blush? His voice had dropped an octave, the growling tone making her lightheaded. Or maybe it was the whiskey, it was hard to tell.
"I'm not asking for anything, you know. I also didn't come here with that in mind, I did just want to share a few drinks."
A long pause followed that comment before he responded, "I know. I'm just...trying to figure this out."
She snorted after taking another drag of the fine scotch, "You would take something as simple as 'friends with benefits' and complicate the frak out of it."
"Nothing with you is ever simple, Valriya Kordes."
What exactly was she suppose to say to that? Val had no idea at all, so just stayed quiet. The bottle was empty now, the contents simmering in their bloodstream. Feeling warm, heavy and remarkably safe, Val closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall. As sleep started to creep up, she sensed Mando move. He took the glasses and bottle, setting them back onto the table before nudging her over, silently encouraging her to lay down on the bed. Rolling onto her front, Val felt the Warrior sit onto the berth beside her, hesitating before laying down on his back, stretching out along her side.
"Is this...okay?"
"Mmm..." she hummed back contently in agreement, too pleasantly drunk to object to the fact that she was pressed against the wall and finding it stunning that someone like him could still act like such a gentleman. Just before Val was about to give in and drift away, a tiny body climbed over her and Mando's legs. The two adults shifted around as the baby cuddled his new plushy and happily nestled himself comfortably between them.
Her last thought before falling asleep was that they had to be the weirdest damn family in whole crinking galaxy.
Resol'nare: Six Actions, the tenets of Mando life
Burc'ya: Friend
Kyr'tsad: Death Watch
Ba'vodu: Aunt, Uncle
Aruetii: Traitor, foreigner, outsider
Su cuy'gar: Hello - Literally: "You're still alive"
Burc'ya vaal burk'yc, burc'ya veman: A friend in need - Literally: "A friend during danger is a true friend"
Alor: Chancellor, leader, chief
Ba'buir: Grandfather, Grandmother
Beroya: Bounty Hunter
Vor entye: Thank you - Literally: "I accept a debt"
Ad'ika: Little one, son, daughter
Jetiise: Jedi plural
Beskar'gam: Armor
Buir: Father, Mother
Tion'cuy?: Who's that? Often used as a challenge to identify someone - like "Halt! Who goes there?"
Chakaar: Corpse robber, thief, petty criminal - general term of abuse
Mando'ade: Mandalorians - sons and/ or daughters of Mandalore
And that's where I'll end it. Seems every time I start writing up a chapter, they get longer and longer. Not a bad thing I suppose. But I hope that I'm managing to success in creating a slow burn story and not progressing too fast. Val, being as confident in herself as she is, would have no issues being the aggressor in a physical relationship, but she's also sensitive enough to know when to back off. And Mando's just too self isolated to jump into something like that without overthinking the hell out of it. So for now, the two are still just dancing around each other.
Finally got Baby Yoda some toys and he's got his little hover-pram back again. Hope everyone likes how this ended up. Feel free to leave any comments and reviews, they really do mean the world to me.
Happy Holidays everyone!
As usual, I proceed to shout outs.
LiliAnn Jackson: Well, I hope my version of the two Coverts was acceptable, thanks for your input Jackson, I love the support.
Eklectica: You're English is perfect Eklec, no worries. Still chocked up about the final myself, hopefully this chapter makes you feel better.
TizyLish: Val's a tough girl, she knows herself well. It's what lets her utilize the Force without being trained by a master. I think if she was ever formally trained as a Jedi, she'd flourish as a Jedi Sentinel. That was kind of my thought pattern when I created her.
Biberflub: The thought of Paz and Val flirting back and forth is tempting. I may add it in yet, but my heart is defiantly aiming for Din and this Lady to figure out what their doing. Thanks so much for the support, it means so much.
Love. Fiction. 2020: I always love seeing your words, Love. Thanks so much for your loyalty. Merry Christmas to you.
QueenMitchell: Ahhh, thanks so much Queen. Fight scenes are really hard for me to work out, so I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.