Chapter 10: The Coalition

I shivered as I woke and instinctively hugged my arms more tightly around my body. Yellow and orange light slowly filtered through the tent's meagre opening as I sat upwards, my eyes struggling to adjust to the morning sun. As I scanned the empty space surrounding me, I realized that that was the first time that I had been separated from Din and the child ever since...ever since I had been Din's captive. I had grown so accustomed to their presence that being with them just seemed so normal, so natural. Given my father's outburst the day prior, I couldn't blame Din, the child, and Cara for wanting to stay elsewhere within the encampment - far from where my father did. However, what I did appreciate was that they understood that I wanted to be near my father, to spend as much time as possible by his side prior to what was to come.

My heart leapt at the thought of Din. Of what had occurred with him at the waterfall. I hadn't seen or spoken to him since we parted. Perhaps it was best to leave things this way for now; it would give us some time to process what we had said to each other.

What we admitted.

I understood Din's perspective - truly, I did. He had his demons and worries, and so did I. But a part of me actually thought that we could have found solace in one another. That we could continue to be at each other's side, no matter what life - this entire galaxy - threw in our way. No matter his duties, his creed, or his way of life. I guess I was mistaken. Nevertheless, I had the courage to express to him what I truly felt, to wear my heart on my sleeve and ask him to take it. I knew the risks associated with doing this, and yet I still took a chance. In the end, he refused. The only thing left to do now was move forward even though, in a strange way, Din didn't seem able to.

At least, not with me.

Having my own shelter beside my father's, I used the rare privacy that I was afforded and changed my clothing, donning a sleeveless, grey shirt and black trousers that my father had given me. I chucked my old clothing in my bag and let my long, dark hair free from its binds, allowing it to fall and shield the sides of my face. I tied my belt loosely around my waist and fixed a fur-lined cloak around my neck as I exited the tent. Given the time of day, my father would have already awoken a few hours prior, ready to take on the day. I strode with purpose, greeting other combatants as I zigzagged through the encampment towards the headquarters.

"Luna!"

Cara's call came from behind me. She excused herself from a few Grádian Officers and jogged to my side.

"Cara, hi." I clasped her arm in greeting and threw her a small smile. She returned the gesture and nodded. "How did you sleep?"

"Din snores." Cara had no qualms about voicing her displeasure. She rolled her eyes. "Had to sleep outside under a tree instead."

"Oh?" I shook my head, confused. "That's weird. He never snored whenever I slept with him."

"Uh huh." Cara raised her eyebrows and pressed a tongue upon the inside of her cheek. "I see."

Realizing only then what I had just said, I put out my hands in front of me in defense. "Oh, well, you know what I mean…"

"Do I?"

I waved my arms maniacally, just wanting the conversation to change. Cara appeared to revel in my discomfort. "My father is planning a feast tonight. He says it's to celebrate my return, but I know that it is also to boost morale as we await more combatants." I gave her a smile, the previous conversation now somewhat forgotten. "My father is also looking to speak with you and Din tonight. He feels as though you got off on the wrong foot and would like to make amends."

Her lips twisted, doubting what I had just said. "Are you sure? He seemed pretty pissed off yesterday." She tilted her head from side to side as she considered the situation. "Although, after what Din had done to you, he has a right to be pissed off. I mean, I'd rip the face off of anyone who kidnapped my kid, if I had one."

"My father is a reasonable man." And an honest one, too. I placed a hand on her shoulder. "It will be just fine."

"Alright, I trust you." Cara then gave me a sidelong glance. "By the way, are you alright?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I know I haven't known you for a long time, but I can always tell when something's up." She appeared to almost read me, her lips pursed in thought. "I'm pretty sure, in this case, this has something to do with Din."

Heat emanated from my cheeks as I was unable to hide my emotions. "I...we…" I sputtered, unable to formulate anything coherent.

She quickly held up her hands in front of her. "It's none of my business, I know." She placed a hand on my shoulder. "But you do know that Din wouldn't go through all of this just for anybody, right?"

(V)(V)(V)

"Are you sure about this, Cineál?" I visibly winced as I surveyed myself upon a full-length mirror. The woman who stared back at me seemed so out of place. Alien. "I mean, it might be a little much for a military celebration…"

Cineál, the Grádian woman who had knelt before us upon our arrival the previous day, had sought me out and generously gifted me several items. When she had learned that the feast tonight was to be held in my honour, celebrating my return, she insisted on giving me a sky-blue, empire waist dress, which flowed freely to just above my ankles. Though it was customary for my people to wear more formal attire for the type of feast that my father had planned, the drop-sleeve dress seemed to have been made for a princess - a queen, even - and as I continued to observe myself at different angles, I felt more and more like an impostor.

"You look lovely, my dear." Cineál beamed as she continued to arrange my hair into long, flowing curls. She appeared to be satisfied with the kohl around my eyes and the ruby shade of my lips. "Think of tonight not only as a celebration of your return, but a celebration of what you and your father have done - and continue to do - for Grá." She gave me an observant glance, her eyes shining in delight. "With everything that you have gone through and are willing to sacrifice, you deserve to enjoy this night, Luna." As she pulled back from me, her expression gradually grew dim, her light eyes, falling to the ground. "Especially with what is to come."

Grádian soldiers had erected and furnished an extensive mess tent upon a barren field by the headquarters. When I arrived, the celebration was already in full swing, Grádians and allies alike drinking and feasting to their hearts' content. Spirited cries sounded as I entered. Still a little embarrassed about my unexpected appearance, I merely nodded politely to the onlookers and smiled in greeting. My eyes instinctively searched the large space for my father's table. To my surprise, at the north end of the tent, I found my father already sitting and conversing with Din and Cara. The child sat in between them, seeming to enjoy the celebrations around him.

I caught Cara's eyes first as I approached. She grinned and let out a low whistle at my sight. "Hey, new look?" She raised her glass as she nodded in appreciation. "I like it!"

Din, with his back to me, slightly turned his head in my direction. When he realized that Cara was speaking with me, he fully turned, taking in my sight.

I was oddly more self-conscious at that moment than during my encounter with Din at the waterfall.

He stood, almost painfully slowly, as he made space for me to sit beside my father. His gaze never left my form. "Luna," he greeted with a nod, my name delicate upon his lips. When I reached his side, he leaned in closely and said in almost a whisper, "Gar cuyir mesh'la."

My head tilted in question. Before I could respond, the child climbed on top of the table and stood in between us, his stare moving between me and Din alternately. I squinted my eyes upon closer inspection of his garb. I nudged Din. "Wait. Is he wearing...a bow tie?"

"Cara and I don't do the dressing up thing," Din explained with a light shrug, then gestured to the child, "but I don't see why he couldn't try."

The child gave me a wave and flashed his little teeth.

I laughed, feeling my heart melt at his adorable sight. "Well, aren't you handsome!"

Din's probing stare remained on my form as I took my seat. In return, I gave him a tender smile as he took his seat beside me. My father's sharp eyes noticed these gestures, though he ultimately said nothing. I didn't even realize just how long Din and I had been staring at one another until Cara cleared her throat...though she masked it as her having trouble swallowing her meal.

"Daughter, I have spoken with Din and Cara about what had occurred," my father began, finally gaining my attention. His face was calm and bore no sign of hostility. "Though I still do not condone what Din has done to you, I do accept his apology and believe that he is now an ally."

I beamed at Din, feeling my heart soar. He looked at me, then nodded to my father.

When my father had heard that Diabhal had placed a bounty on my head and had captured me, it not only ignited inner rage, but also the fire within him to rally troops in order to find me and end Diabhal's hold on Grá once and for all. In a twisted way, Din successfully capturing me influenced what had happened - and what was happening now.

"Cara here has already begun working with Captain Stridende on tactical matters on the ground," my father announced with a gesture to her. "I believe they make an excellent team and their combined expertise will bolster the safety and success of our troops." He leaned forward and started shaking a playful finger at the child's direction. "Although, what I do wonder is, if you are the father of this child, Din...are you green under there?"

As Din hung his head, defeated, Cara and I burst into laughter, almost choking on our drinks. The child giggled in glee. "I asked him the same thing, father!" I sputtered, finding it difficult to breathe. When Din threw me what appeared to be an unimpressed expression, I shrugged my shoulder and defended with, "Din, come on, it's a fair question!"

"For the last time," Din began in mock anger, "I am not green!"

This caused us all to laugh even harder. The sounds were amplified by other boisterous laughter filling the air as more and more combatants entered the tent to partake in the festivities.

"I never even bothered to ask," I continued as the laughter died down, "but what planet is this? It's really beautiful."

"Kalevala," Din answered, head turning to face my father, "within the Mandalorian System."

My brows raised as I surveyed the two of them alternately in astonishment.

"This is the home planet of many Mandalorians," Din recounted, stare now transfixed to his cup, "and a site of Mandalorian civil war."

I gave Din an empathetic glance.

My father nodded in acknowledgement, though I could tell that he already knew this fact. "The Mandalorians native to this planet had given us passage and permitted us to use it as our base of operations," he said. "The Kalevalans are one of our strongest allies."

As though on cue, a familiar voice sounded behind us.

"Are we late for the party?"

A wave of silence rippled through the tent. It became so quiet that we could hear crickets chirping outside.

Like many others surrounding us, my mouth became agape at the sight at the entrance of the tent. Kriger, donning his full, grey-black Mandalorian armour, fully stepped through the opening and into the light. In a steady place behind him, other Mandalorians stepped from the shadows, side by side, their numbers continuing to grow as the seconds passed. The glint of their armour danced as they moved, almost in sync, each step seeping with pride and certitude. Each warrior donned the signature Mandalorian t-visor helmet, though their garb and armour each had their own colours, intricacies, and variants; a perfect reminder of how each warrior had their own personalities and histories. It was a wonder to realize how simultaneously uniform yet unique they all were, bound together by a creed that called for honour, duty, loyalty, and courage. There were so many of them now that the tent suddenly looked crowded.

Din was the only one out of the other guests who moved then, walking purposefully through an open walkway to meet Kriger halfway. A light hiss sounded as Kriger removed his helmet. He carried it at his side, tucked securely under his forearm, as he extended his right hand to Din. "Brother. I'm glad to see you made it here safely."

Din clasped Kriger's hand tightly. " I appreciate all the help that you have given us. To tell you the truth, I didn't suspect Kalevalans were this hospitable."

The amusement in Din's tone was not lost on Kriger. Kriger bounced his head from side to side, a playful smirk appearing on his lips. "Well, it depends on who's asking for the help!"

I couldn't help but smile at the exchange. My spirit lifted even more to learn that Kriger had been instrumental in bringing the coalition together, that he supported Grá in its time of need.

My father moved forward next, standing beside Din. He greeted Kriger in the same manner. "Nice of you to finally show up."

Kriger's emerald eyes sparkled with mirth. "We couldn't miss all this fun, could we?"

A Mandalorian in a green and blue helmet began to approach me. As the warrior came closer, I realized that it was a woman, particularly given the type of helmet that she wore. Stopping a few paces from me, she took off her helmet...

...or, at least, tried to.

"Ow, what the -" her muffled voice echoed beneath the beskar. "How in the hell do you take this thing off?"

I stood up abruptly, caught off-guard. "T'iana?"

"Yeah, hold on a second…" she continued to struggle, putting all of her effort on her current task. A task that shouldn't be this difficult to do. When she finally managed to pull the helmet off of her head, she giggled in glee. "It was stuck in my hair."

Her dark mane, now all askew, covered half of her face.

"Luna, you look great!" she remarked in a high-pitched tone as she gripped me in a tight embrace.

"T'iana," I said breathlessly, inspecting her new attire in turn as I pulled back, "what is all of this?"

"I took the oath," she grinned widely, knocking her knuckles upon her breastplate. "Kriger asked if I wanted to join his clan and follow the neo-Mandalorian creed. He thought my helping you was brave and honourable, and those are the precise qualities that he's looking for...or something like that." She leaned forward conspiratorially, whispering in my ear. "To tell you the truth, I think he's just in love with me, though!"

Not doubting her latter statement, my heart swelled in pride as I embraced her once more. "That is wonderful! But does this mean that they are training you to fight?"

"Yeah, I'm not really good with the hand-to-hand combat part right now," she grimaced as she scratched her head, "but I'm actually really good with the vibroblade." She started to search for the weapon on her person, patting at various areas upon her form. Her lips pursed in concentration. "I can show you...once I can remember where I put that bloody thing…"

"It's fine." I shook my head at her quirkiness. "I'm just really glad you are all here safe."

She looked at me curiously, the slits of her eyes narrowing. "So...have you and Daddylorian over there…" her brows raised suggestively, repeatedly, "...you know…" She then proceeded to make an obscene gesture, her hips moving around in what did not appear to be comfortable positions.

"T'iana!" I hissed admonishingly, self-consciously surveying the others around us to ensure that no one could overhear what we were saying - or see what she was doing. "Stop!"

She stood still and eyed me innocently. "What?"

"It's neither the time nor the place to discuss this," I sighed, massaging my temples. So far, the pressure upon my forehead did not cease!

"Just saying," she persisted, nudging me with her elbow as her eyes landed on Din, "that man is so into you."

"How could you possibly know that?" I groaned, wondering what I've done to deserve this onslaught. Perhaps I was evil in a previous life.

"I just know," she said, slapping my arm with the backs of her fingers. "Oh, look, he's staring right at you!"

"You can't even see his eyes!"

She jumped up excitedly, her voice rising an octave. "Here he comes!"

Albeit flustered, I managed to greet Din as he approached us. T'iana stepped back, allowing him to take her place in front of me. Behind Din, I saw her animatedly mouth "so into you" once more, pointing repeatedly towards the back of his helmet. Din turned back to eye her, as though out of instinct, but she plastered a wide grin on her face and clasped her hands behind her back before he could see what she was doing.

"Looks like the coalition is complete," Din stated. The light tone of his voice led me to believe that he was perhaps smiling under his helmet.

"I have never seen so many Mandalorians in one place," I admitted, still finding it hard to believe what we were seeing before us.

"Hmm," Din agreed with a nod. "It has been a long time for me. I didn't even think clans this size existed anymore."

My father called out to garner everyone's attention. The crowd grew silent once more as all eyes turned to him expectantly.

"Soldiers, allies...friends," my father held up his drink in front of him. "For too long has Grá been under siege by marauder scum, plagued by their poisonous ways." The deep baritone of his voice reverberated through the space around us. All eyes were fixed on him now. "You have answered our call to fight by our side to reclaim what is rightfully ours - and for that, Grádians will forever be indebted to you. The eyes of the galaxy will be upon us. But let them see that we will not go down without a fight, that we march in unison to bring about the destruction of tyranny. We may be on our knees, but we are not dead yet!"

Rousing cries erupted all around us, vehemently supporting my father's speech. There were toasts all around, some glasses remaining raised high as a salute to my father. Though a part of me knew that this coalition was what he had wanted to achieve, it dawned on me then that perhaps he insisted on tonight's celebration as he was aware that, despite our best efforts, not everyone in this gathering was going to return alive. The thought consumed me, and I hung my head, staring at the grass between my feet.

Din observed me with a sidelong glance.

"Some of them aren't coming home," I said quietly, looking up at him.

Ever so delicately, he entwined his hand with mine, the exhibition of affection discreet as he moved closer. Without hesitation, I held onto him, the texture of his gloved hand soft upon mine. He eyed the contact of our hands momentarily, then said, "It's the price of war."

(V)(V)(V)

A/N: I want Luna and Din to get together so badly, you don't even know! XD hahaha Thank you all for your patience, support, and reviews. You guys make me laugh! To know that my vision is being well-received is awesome. It's a busy time for me (and probably, for most of us) right now, but I'll keep doing my best to produce the best possible story. More to come. Please note that this story will move into the realm of "Mature"...if it hasn't already? Love y'all! xx IFHD