Chapter 4: The Haven

"When bad guys come," the Mandalorian mimicked a solid swinging motion with an invisible weapon, his body even twisting for effect, "you swing as hard as you can like this. Do you understand?"

The child tilted its head to the side and curiously examined the shaved tree branch in its right hand. Its large, almond-shaped eyes then moved upwards, twinkling in delight. With a toothy smile, it merely raised the "weapon" proudly before it and waved at the direction of its teacher.

I bit my lip to stifle a laugh.

Defeated, the Mandalorian hung his head and released a prolonged sigh. "Alright, I think it's time for bed."

He scooped up the little creature and held it firmly upon his arm as he crossed the length of the cargo hold. Ever so delicately, he placed the child in its sleeping area and arranged a blanket around its tiny frame, as though shielding him. Without protest, the child only eyed him contentedly, its head slightly moving back and forth from side to side. Their bond was so palpable, so pure, and I would bet a million credits - and more - that the Mandalorian would do everything in his power to protect the child. I could only smile at their exchange as I realized that the tenderness between them was something I have not experienced in ages. The longing to care for someone, and to be cared for, ignited in me then.

I pushed away those thoughts with a shake of my head. Such wishful thinking was dangerous. Instead, I sat back on my makeshift seat and let out a breath of relief. "I didn't think I'd ever be back on this ship," I admitted, resting my head on a stack of supply crates behind me, "but, at least, these are much better circumstances."

The Mandalorian turned to face me as he crossed his arms upon his plated chest and gave his broad shoulders a curt shrug. He appeared to give me a once-over, then quipped, "It probably feels pretty good to have your hands free."

I swear I could see him smirking under that helmet!

I threw him a tired expression, then shook my head as I watched his infinite struggle to securely apply a gauze bandage around his armoured arm. After a few more mumbled curses, I motioned for him to hand the fabric over. "Here, let me do it."

He let out a sigh of acquiescence. He eyed my outstretched hand for a moment, pulled off the loose bandage from his arm, and handed it firmly over to me. I stood and gently took his right forearm to examine the wound. Though the abrasion was quite large, it thankfully was not deep enough that it continued to bleed. I grinned up at him, though only seeing my own reflection upon his visor. "Good news is, you'll live."

At first, his body was rigid - almost defensive. I could sense his eyes hovering over me closely as I began to wrap the bandage. Though injured, the strength is his arm remained, as did the confidence in his poise. I began to think about what had happened to me over the past few weeks and what led me to this very moment. My overall circumstances in life haven't really changed much - and yet, being in the presence of the Mandalorian now, I had a feeling that they actually have. A rush of anxiety about what the future would hold filled me then, but I took solace in the fact that my captor had indeed turned into an ally. I glanced at him for a brief moment, then focused my attention back on bandaging the wound.

"I never thanked you for protecting the little womp rat."

I smiled at the acknowledgement and patted the bandage down in place as I finished the job. "You did," I replied, nodding to the healed wound upon my scapula, "in your own way."

"Here." The Mandalorian retrieved a loaf of bread from a bag and held it up between us in offering. "It's not much, but it should sate your hunger for now." As I took it from his hand with a grin of gratitude, he added, "Your stomach was beginning to sound like a Wookiee giving birth."

A moment of silence passed between us as my jaw dropped at the unexpected quip. "Hey!" I waved the bread admonishingly at him, barely missing his helmet. "You can't just... be nice to someone, and then insult them!"

He released a curt chuckle then leaned back on the wall of the ship.

"Take some of this, at least." I broke half of the bread and offered it to him in return. "You must be hungry as well." He accepted the piece after hesitating for a moment, but then nodded to me in thanks. I took a bite out of my share, then threw him a questioning glance when he didn't do the same. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I will."

"I don't think I've ever seen you eat." I eyed him quizzically, my lips pursed in thought. "Come to think of it, I've never seen you without your helmet."

"It's part of my religion."

When I was younger, I had heard tales of Mandalorians, their warrior culture, and their home planet of Mandalore. However, this particular religious tenet was foreign to me. "Wait." I stopped chewing, visibly confused. "You never take your helmet off?"

With a curt shake of his head, he replied, "Not in front of anyone."

I took a step closer to him. "So, your family, your friends," my brows furrowed in concern, finding the concept bewildering, "have never seen your face?"

"Not since I was a child." After an elongated pause, he stated with a bow of his head, "My parents were killed, and the Mandalorians took me in. I'm indebted to them." The firmness in his posture reappeared. He stated sternly, "This is the way."

The ship suddenly hit what felt like a pocket of turbulence, sending it askew abruptly. The engines thumped in effort as the ship attempted to realign itself. "Whoa!" I yelped, still not used to the mode of travel. I managed to grab hold of a cargo net, but still lost my balance as it swung me in the opposite direction. I fell sharply forward, knocking down the Mandalorian in the process. His armoured body hit the metal floor with a harsh clang, and I followed soon afterwards. I let out a prolonged groan as I landed on top of him. His arms caught my sides as I rested my hands upon his chest.

In the background, the child giggled in glee.

How in the galaxy did he manage to remain upright?

"Ow," my victim breathed out, first raising his head to look at me, then at the child suspiciously.

"Sorry!" I offered sheepishly, pushing myself off of him. "Thank you for breaking my fall, Mandalorian."

He rolled to his side, resting on his elbow for a moment. He seemed pensive then. "Din," he replied in a low tone as he kept his gaze on me. "My name is Din Djarin."

(V)(V)(V)

After a few days of travelling through the Outer Rim, we began our descent upon a planet that appeared only to be a barren desert. I squinted my eyes in order to focus, but it was difficult to see through the billowing clouds of sand that formed around the ship as it landed. The sun was unrelenting as it pierced through the cockpit windows. I could already feel the elevated temperature even before we stepped outside. As the hatch door opened, I looked over at Din and asked, "Where are we?"

"The planet Arvala-7," he replied as he programmed the child's crib on his vambrace. With a swing of his arm, and much to the delight of the child, the crib smoothly moved and hovered between us. Beads of sweat already began to form upon my forehead only after a few steps. Through the haze of the heat, I could make out some simple shelters in the distance. How is this land even habitable? I followed Din towards a structure that appeared to be made of metal sheets, its main opening rather small for humans. It was located in the middle of a moisture farm, it seemed, which was speckled by numerous metal vaporators. Across the main structure was a fenced-off pen area that housed several blurrgs, which were being attended to by a sole Ugnaught. The Ugnaught noticed our presence and moved to meet us at the opening of the main structure.

"It's good to see you, old friend," Din began, bowing his head in greeting.

"Mando!" the Ugnaught responded cheerfully as he gave Din's hand a firm shake. His fatherly presence was quickly evident. His white brows raised as he tilted his bearded chin upwards. "To what do I owe this visit?"

"We've run into some problems." Din's tone was curt, yet remained respectful. "We need to get off the grid for a while."

"I figured as much," the Ugnaught replied evenly with a nod. "Please, do come in."

I followed them into the shelter and took in my surroundings. Though cramped for all of us, the Ugnaught's home was oddly warm and inviting. It was decorated with his tools and trinkets and lit by several lamps that hung from metal supports. The beige and brown shades of the residence were akin to the scorching desert outside, yet the home itself was surprisingly cool. I welcomed the moment of respite. He motioned for us to sit on an open area at the centre of his home.

The Ugnaught examined the child, who held out its tri-fingered hand towards his face in greeting. "It hasn't grown much since I last saw it on Navarro." He allowed the child to take a gloved finger, then looked up at Din with a smile. "I believe I can attribute its good health to a good father."

Din nodded as though in appreciation, his stare affixed to the child. "I still haven't found his people." He let out an elongated sigh, the weariness now evident in his voice. "I've had to seek jobs from the Guild to make ends meet."

At this point, the Ugnaught turned his attention to me. "And this explains your trouble?"

"This is Luna Láidir," Din began, motioning a hand towards me. "She…"

"...was his bounty," I finished, throwing him a knowing look.

"It would not surprise me that a woman does not mingle in your company willingly," the Ugnaught quipped, holding his hands behind his back. His face bore absolutely no sign of jest.

Din held up his hands defensively and gave his head a shake. "Wait, that's not…"

With all the dignity in the galaxy converging upon his form, the Ugnaught raised his chin. "I have spoken."

I burst out laughing at the exchange between the two.

Din sighed exasperatedly and placed his head on his palm.

"I am Kuiil." The Ugnaught shook my hand. "These are my lands, and you are welcome to stay as long as you need to."

The sincere generosity that he displayed for a complete stranger lifted my spirit. His stern face bore so much wisdom, yet his dark eyes betrayed his kindness and compassion. His demeanour exhibited such pride and dignity, and it was clear that there was more to him that meets the eye. "Thank you, Kuiil. That is very kind."

"What trouble has found you?"

I wrung my hands in front of me as I was forced to confront my present situation. I looked to Din for encouragement. He gave me a supportive nod. I began, "After the Empire fell, there were tribal warlords who roamed the galaxy, looking to rebuild their ranks and searching for resources to supply their troops. They eventually found my planet, Grá, and began their conquest. We don't even know where they came from. They wanted fertile lands, mining resources…all of it." I gritted my teeth at the memory and attempted to fight the anger that was quickly rising within me. "Diabhal, their leader, conscripted my people for her army and forced us to do their bidding. A few months ago, I helped some escape this forced service, and we all fled in what vessels we could find. I've been in hiding ever since."

"I am sorry for that." Kuiil gave me a sympathetic glance. "These are hard times, dear girl. With the lawlessness and destruction in our galaxy, there are those who try to bring order to a world that's collapsed and those who reap the benefits of the chaos. These tribes and warlords are on their own, unchecked, clinging to an order that is no more." He motioned a hand towards Din. "Why did Diabhal seek the help of the Guild and open a bounty for you?"

"I know where the others are." I met Kuiil's eyes, then rested my gaze on Din. "She was going to torture me for the information had I not escaped."

"Mando, I am afraid your circumstances are worsening." Consternation flashed upon Kuiil's countenance. "First, the child, now Luna…"

My head shook in confusion. "W-wait...the child?" I eyed the tiny creature, who looked back up at me contentedly. "This child?"

"The ship that shot at us, the Trandoshan who shot at you," Din paused, his muscles visibly tensing, "they were hunting the kid."

"They're after the child?" Disbelief lined my voice. "Why?"

"I don't know, but he's special." Din studied the child in front of him, lightly scratching its ear. "My mission is to return him to his people...or train it as a Mandalorian."

The creature smiled up at us, flashing its teeth, as though looking forward to the latter.

The gravity of Din's circumstances dawned on me then. I began to understand that what he had done to me was only a means to an end - that he, too, was attempting to sift through the rubble of the war in his own way. Guilt struck me. Here he was, on a noble mission to reunite a child with its people...and what have I done? Ran away and hid in the shadows like a coward?

"I can tell that both of you are weary." Kuiil announced, bringing me back to the current conversation. He handed the two of us neatly folded blankets. "I do not usually get that many visitors, so I do not have too much room." He walked to my side and opened a metal door to an attachment to the main shelter. "I hope this is comfortable enough for the three of you."

We thanked Kuiil as he bid us goodnight.

I studied the sparse sleeping quarter. A single lamp, hanging from the ceiling, lit the entire space. I eyed the one bed in the middle of the room, then met Din's gaze. "I can sleep in the ship," I blurted.

"It will be safer for the three of us to stay together," Din reasoned, hand outstretched as he motioned towards the quarters. "There's enough room for all of us here...unless that makes you uncomfortable."

"N-no," I stumbled, taking a step forward, "I just figured you'd need your privacy."

"It's fine." He stepped inside and waited for me to do the same.

I nodded in acceptance.

Din tucked the child in its crib, taking the time to ensure it was comfortable. As it slowly closed its eyes, he entered a code on his vambrace and shut the cover of the crib.

On the other side of the room, I began to prepare for bed. I took my top tunic off, leaving myself in a white, sleeveless shirt and brown trousers. I stared at my faint reflection on a tiny mirror in front of me. My face had become gaunt, my high cheekbones more pronounced. My dark eyes were devoid of mirth, now hardened by my experiences yet besieged by exhaustion. I almost didn't recognize myself anymore.

I caught a glimpse of Din through the mirror as he removed his cape and armour; the helmet, however, remained on.

I turned and walked towards him. "Din?"

"Yes?"

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it lightly. "Thank you."

His shadow danced upon the wall behind him as he moved closer to me. He looked down at the contact, then back up to meet my eyes. "It's the least I could do." He almost sounded embarrassed then. "I...did take you from your home."

"Well, yes, that's true," I nodded in agreement, then reasoned with a small smile, "but you did mean to save me afterwards."

I then felt the overwhelming sense of closeness to him. My body reacted almost instinctively as my focus remained only on him...on the light breaths that I could hear through the helmet, on the warmth emanating from his body. With my free hand, I traced the taut muscles of his chest and ventured upwards, feeling the coolness of his helmet. How I desperately wanted to see those eyes! At first, he was tense at the contact, but his body eventually softened as I moved even closer to him. As the lengths of our bodies touched, I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my cheek on his chest. When he didn't respond to the embrace, I lifted my head upwards, my eyes questioning.

I could sense the doubt and discomfort through his actions. His arms remained at his sides, and his eyes did not even peer down to look at me. As I pulled away, however, his right hand reached upwards. His bare fingertips traced the side of my face, as though memorizing every curve. His free hand then trailed along the side of my body, then grasped at my shirt. He eventually enveloped me in a warm embrace in return, placing a hand protectively on the back of my head. Tears began to cascade down my cheeks - not due to sadness or fear, but because of relief.

"Let's get some rest," Din said. His thumb traced my cheek. "It's been a long day."

I lay down on the bed first, my back towards his form. I heard the rustling of his clothing and light footsteps, then felt the weight of the bed shift as he sat. The warmth of his body reached mine as he pulled the blanket over him. I could feel his eyes on me, but I remained as I was, clinging on to my pillow as though for dear life.

"Goodnight," I heard him whisper.

"Goodnight, Din."

(V)(V)(V)

A/N: That was a fun chapter to write! Now that Season 1 is over, we'll have this story to fill in the gaps until Season 2! I'm a bit under the weather, but I'm glad I managed to finish the chapter. Thank you to those who reviewed, favourited, and followed this story. Ninja Squirrel, in answer to your question, "Diabhal" in this story is pronounced "jow-al". As always, I love hearing from you all and am so happy to see you're enjoying the story. Happy New Year, everyone! xx IFHD