Just so you know the three troopers are 21 at this stage since I think it's been a year in the clone wars already or almost a year.
It was a new day and the guys were rested after the night they had. Rex had wanted to stay asleep, but habit had forced him to get up early.
Bly on the other hand, even though he did sleep well, he had a nightmare at one point that he was getting married. The dream started off nice, it looked like he was getting married to General Secura.
But when he reached the alter an unidentified figure took her place and instead the General was standing some ways away smiling as she walked away. Bly tried to call her, but it was no use. Bly shivered at the memory hoping it wasn't some sort of force vision, if clones could even have those.
Wolffe did sleep but his dreams consisted of being in battle with his brothers and the General. Only a day away and he was already missing everyone.
As they got to the dining hall they saw the General and Chiefess already talking. As they saw them come in she smiled "I hope you boys slept well."
"We did thank you." Rex said for the group.
"I'm so sorry about yesterday, I had hoped my people would have had more restrain." Dora glares at a maid who was over watering a plant as she looked dreamily at the guys. She ran off as she noticed the glare though.
"It would have been nice for you to tell us that we were coming during the courting season." Kenobi raised a brow.
Dora sighed "I had to do it this way. Our peoples cycle on such matters are very, precise." She frowns.
"What do you mean by prices ma'am?" Bly raises a brow.
"Well you see. Our people are very much like wolves, and like them we have an appointed time to find a mate, bread, and birth the next generation. We can still do all these things other times of the year, but winter is when we are the most fertile." Dora frowns.
"Ah, now I see. You needed us to be here for the best time to start a new generation." Kenobi nods.
The guys fidget at this, finding it a bit embarrassing. Though Wolffe did have to ask.
"Wait, you say you give birth in spring. But from what we know it's takes nine months of gestation for most species to have children." Wolffe raised a brow as the others turned curiously.
"Well as I said, our people are much like wolves. So instead of nine months our people only take four months to give birth. And there can be up to four pups in a litter." Dora explains.
"Four!" the guys jumped. Sure they came in fives, but that was in an individual pod each. How did their people do this? And if they had kids how would they raised so many at a time.
"Don't worry boys, the number of litters has gone down greatly for some time now." Obi-Wan sips his tea.
Dora sighs "Yes another reason for our depleting numbers."
The guys flinched at this, it seemed the Lubin just couldn't catch a break.
Dora caught this though and just smiled and said "But enough of such matters. Let's talk about what you will be doing here for the next month."
The guys looked curios, they knew they were there to find wives. But how would they find them and how did actual dating work anyway?
"Well for the first month of the courting season our people have a festival so couples can meet and try to impress each other. It's quite an exciting time." Dora's grin grew.
The guys thought of this. Bly thought about how Secura might like it, Rex wanted to try out the games as his competitive side was coming out, and Wolffe found it a waste of time as he looked on bored.
Dora then said "For the rest of the month till the end couples just try to get to know each other and impress each other a bit. Sometimes with gifts, you can hunt them something or buy. Also, Serenading goes well with the females. And if it goes really well, couples will give each other charms to clip to their necklaces as a way of proposing." Dora smiles, reaching for her own, remembering her lost mate and the day he gave her the charm.
The guys notice the sad look in her eyes but Kenobi said "Don't forget about the ball."
"Oh right, by the end of it all we have a ball on the day of the full moon to celebrate the new couples. Males or females asking their loved one to go with them to the big event." Dora smiles.
The guys took this in. It seemed there was a lot to take in and that courting here was different yet similar to normal dating, from what they heard at least.
Rex then said "But ma'am, there's something I don't understand. We heard that Lubin have bonds when they find someone. How will we know if we have a bond?" Rex raised a brow as did the other.
Dora smirked as she said "That I'll let you boys find out on your own." She winks.
'Great a female Kenobi.' The boy internally groan as the two others smirk at each other.
At that Rook came in and said "I'm ready to take them out Chiefess."
"Thank you Rook, please show them around and help them pick out a wardrobe. They'll need it for the upcoming events." Dora then took some money out and gave it to them saying that they could also use it to get courting gifts.
The guys flush not ready for that and didn't want to take the money, but there was not arguing with her.
As they left Bly said "If it wasn't for the rules I say those two would be a great couple."
"You said it, they be a terrifying team." Rex shiver.
"What are you talking about. Master Kenobi couldn't be with the Chiefess since he already has a mate…." At that Rook stopped and remembered that they didn't have sense as great a sense of smell as they did.
"What?" The guys jump.
Well the bone was out of the bag, so he said "Kenobi has a mate, or at least had one by the old scent. Whatever rule your talking about he clearly didn't fallow it." with that Rook walked on.
As they did the three looked at each other and new through their eyes that they wouldn't say anything. Kenobi was one of the few jedi that actually respected his men, and they weren't going to rat him out on something like this.
Though Rex couldn't help but think 'Anakin would get a kick out of this.' He internally chuckled, knowing how competitive those two where.
Also, he had an idea on who the mystery woman was 'Duchess' cough cough. Let's just say it was obvious to anyone who had been on that mission. Especially after overhearing them talk on the coms.
As they walked Rook showed them some basic structures. A school, a library, and even a Paladins temple. Then he started showing them some small businesses.
As they walked though, they were nervous. They still got looks but the females seemed to be calmer.
Rook noticed this and smiled "Don't' worry, they only got that wild yesterday cause you were new and your scents drove them mad. They're used to you now so you don't have to worry about being chased again." He chuckles.
The guys looked surprised, did scent really affect Lubin that much. After a moment they headed into a small cloths store and they were surprised at who they saw.
"Hey guys how you doing?" Sonya waved looking over some cloths.
"Hey Sonya, here to pick something for the festival?" Rook walked over with them fallowing.
"Yeah, with how things are I thought it be a good idea to find a mate this year. Pluss I'm 23 I guess it be a good a time as any to find a partner." Sonya shrugs.
'So she's interested, but then why didn't she jump at us?' Rex raised a brow.
"Well I wish you luck. Hey what about one of our friends here, maybe they be interested." Rook smirked.
The guys flushed as Sonya did so as well and smacked his arm "Rook! I don't even know them."
"I said the same thing to the Chiefess." Wolffe frowns.
Sonya looked shocked "You told her about yesterday?"
"They wanted to know how we escaped." Bly flushed rubbing the back of his head.
"That reminds me, why didn't you jump like the others?" Rex tilted his head.
"Oh, I honestly don't know. You guys are good looking don't get me wrong…" Sonya starts, making the boys flush.
"But I guess the way we met just made everything seem natural in a sense. Pluss chasing you guys around doesn't seem like a good way to start a relationship." Sonya chuckles.
The three chuckled back seeing what she meant.
"Well if you don't want them, what about me?" Rook smirks.
The guys looked surprised; Rex felt his stomach drop some at this, not sure why.
Sonya glared as she said "Stop joking like that!"
"Who says I'm joking? We are friends, why not take the next step?" Rook crosses his arms.
Sonya shook her head "Rook I know for a fact your head over tail for someone else. It wouldn't be fair to either of us if you were with me while you're in love with someone else. You wouldn't be able to give all your love in the relationship then." Sonya frowns.
Bly flinched at this 'What am I doing here then? Is it right for me to try and find someone when my heart will always just want Secura?'
The guys noticed Bly's upset look and worried for him.
Rook then said "You're right it's not. I'm sorry." He sighs.
"You can make it up to me by courting your crush. You can still have pups so you'll definably be irresistible to her." Sonya winks.
"Sonya!" Rook jumps.
"I had to get you back." She smirks.
The guys had to chuckle at that, the two acting like a pair of siblings. They could see why they didn't get together. It would be weird.
Then "So you boys out looking for cloths?" Sonya smiles.
"The Chiefess thinks we should get some and courting gifts." Rex flushes as do the others.
"I say hold off on the courting gifts and just stick to cloths for now. A good outfit makes a great impression on a potential mate. Color and style tend to help." Sonya thinks on this.
"Hey Sonya, why not help them out. I don't think they've ever done this before, have you?" Rook looks to the guys as they shake their heads.
"If they don't mind." Sonya looks over hopefully.
The boys weren't much for fashion, sure they loved painting things on their armor but that was about it. Cloths were a completely different matter.
"We'd really appreciate it." Bly sighs.
Sonya jumped excited, ears twitching making Rex inwardly chuckle as she said "Okay let's start with shirts. What are your favorite colors?"
Things went smoothly after that. Sonya helped them picked cloths suited for the season and with colors they liked or that matched them.
Sonya remember Rex liking blue and got him a few shirts with that color style and a few with some yellow to it saying "The two color's complement each other so it will look nice and eye catching."
Rex had raised a brow at this, not knowing about color combos like this but he liked the idea.
For Wolffe she gave him dark colors and she noticed how much he looked at the red and added that in. Wolffe looked uncertain, he stopped using red in honor of his old battalion but wasn't sure how to explain that.
"These two colors mix well together. This way you have a mysterious look to you, but the red helps people see you. I'm thinking you're a long coat kind of guy so let's try some of those." Sonya explains looking at them.
Wolffe raised a brow but in the end had to agree. The long coats making him look stronger but elegant in a sense. 'Elegant, that's not something I'd ever see myself as.'
With Bly Sonya went with yellow and some orange. "It might blend you in a bit, but it will also help you match with the settings. And will complement your face marks. Sweaters seem to be your thing I think. It will make you seem warm and approachable." Sonya holds some sweaters up.
Bly flushes and thinks 'I like the blending in part, not so much the approachable part.' Though he wondered if the General would like his new look. Again, he had to shove that out of his mind.
Normal work pants seemed to be the best style for them, along with combat and camping boots. Wolffe liked dark gray pants as they reminded him of his battalion's colors, Rex went with black ones, while Bly took in some brown ones.
"Well you guys will look great tomorrow whatever you choose. I hope I helped out." Sonya smiles, happy with her work.
"Plenty, thanks for doing this. We be lost in a place like this." Rex smirks.
"Be glad the fashionista was here then." Rook smirks.
Sonya frowned playfully and said "Well better get back to my own shopping. If you guys are hungry I suggest heading to the café in the corner. Best dear steak you'll find on the planet." Sonya waves as she gets back to finding her own stuff.
The guys nod and they're about to leave but Rex says "Hey guys, we should wait for Sonya. I mean she helped us out a lot. The least we can do is invite her to lunch."
The two thought on this, they guessed they did at least owe her lunch.
Rook chuckled as he said "Trust me letting her dress you guys up was more than thanks. She loves giving makeovers and using her talent, so you guys made her day."
"Still we kind of made her use up a lot of time and we still have a lot of cash. We could at least invite her." Rex shrugs.
The two bothers looked at each other and wondered 'Does he like her?' Well they were looking for someone and so far, Sonya seemed like a good pick. So, the two agreed.
Rook shrugged and said it was their choice but want to tell Sonya. She seemed surprised as she looked at them but smiled as she said "Okay, I won't take long."
And indeed, it didn't take long. Sonya was quick to look through the cloths and seemed to find something quick. She didn't even try it on as if knowing already what she would feel in it and payed quickly. They didn't even get a chance to see what it was as it was quickly put in a bag.
Once done she rushed up and said "Okay ready to go."
The guys looked shocked and Bly said "You didn't need to rush for us."
"Oh I had an idea of what I wanted to wear anyway before I got here. I was just here to pick it up really. If I was looking, we be here much longer, but I'm hungry." Sonya explains as they head out.
It wasn't long till they reached the café and soon sat down to eat. "Thanks for inviting me. I love this place." Sonya looked at the menu excitedly.
"Well you did help us, it's just our way of thanking you." Rex shrugs.
"Well I can't say no to a free meal." Sonya smirks, as did the others.
Soon a waiter came up and asked for their orders. Though they noticed how many of the female waitresses were angry at this as if they had wanted to be the ones to tend them.
'The manager must have noticed.' The three thought thankfully, not wanting to deal with crazy girls at the moment.
As they each ordered something to eat the guys felt uncomfortable with all the stares, so Sonya decided to start up a conversation.
"So, you guys will be here for the month. Excited for the festival." Her tail wagging.
"Seems interesting. We've heard of them but never gone to any." Bly shrugs.
"I'm hoping there will be plenty of games to try out." Rex smirks. Holding a chuckle in at her excitement.
"I'm not really interest." Wolffe shrugged.
"Well maybe you'll find something you like. There's plenty to do, we have rides, games, and even competitions." Sonya smirked.
All three of the brothers looked curios at the last part "Competition?" They all ask.
Rook chuckled as Sonya smiled "Yeah, there's archery, staff fights, and even a log run."
"Log run is always difficult, only those from river region have ever won." Rook groans.
"What's a log run?" Rex raised a brow at the challenge.
"Chuckle, it's when you place a floating log on the river and then try to run on it as it spins in the water." Sonya explains.
Bly and Wolffe looked confused thinking 'Who'd want to do that.'
While Rex just thought 'Sounds like a challenge.' He smirks.
"Excuse me." The boys stiffened at this as they looked to see a female Lubin with red hair and fur looking at them flirty like, her tail swaying about.
The guys gulp. Oh boy here they go again. The red head came up to Bly and said "I love your markings, they look so similar to Lubin ones. Our colors even match." She puts her checks next to Bly who flushes deeply.
The guys cringe, he looked really uncomfortable. But how did they tell her no? Rook wanted to help but didn't want to get in trouble with the Chiefess for interfering.
"Come on leave him alone you're scaring him." Sonya finally spoke up.
The girl looked over and growled "What you say beta."
"You heard me, leave him alone." Sonya glared.
The guys got nervous, but Bly was thankful that the female had let him go and sighed.
"Stay out of this beta. Unless you want to fight for him?" the red head smirked.
The guys jumped, they would do that?
"Hey there's no need for that. Sonya's a friend and she just didn't want you making them uncomfortable." Rook stood up finally.
"Oh, a friend how cute. Listen if you're not here for courting, beat it. Some of use actually want to try getting a good mate. Not like you be able to catch one of them anyway." The red head snarls.
Rex frowned, he was getting tired of this girl as were the other two. And they didn't like the idea of Sonya, who had been nothing but nice to them, getting treated badly just because she actually treated them normally.
Rex then smirked as he looked at his brothers and winked. He signed something in ARC under the table, the two smirking as they got the idea. At that all three got up and surrounded Sonya, making her flush "Guys…?"
"Don't listen to her darling, you're good enough for us." Rex kisses her hand.
"Yeah, it's too bad you can only pick one though." Wolffe holds her close with an arm around her.
"If only we could decide without fighting each other." Bly sighs dramatically.
The red head looked like a fish out of water as she couldn't find the words, and so just left. Once gone the guys laughed and Sonya was deeply flushed but laughed as well "You guys are crazy!" She shoves them off.
"Sorry we just couldn't stand seeing her insult you." Rex smirks.
"Yeah it's not right that the only girl who treats us normally gets attacked just for being around us." Bly shrugs.
"Pluss she was getting really annoying." Wolffe huffs as he sat.
"Thanks guys, but try not to do that again. People will think you were serous, and well…" Sonya looked at a very red and angry faced Rook.
The guys jumped at this "Is something wrong?" Rex looked surprised.
"Don't ever joke like that again! Saying you want to challenge for a mate is a huge deal here and saying it as a joke can be seen as a way of dishonoring that person." Rook growls.
The guys eyes widened not knowing this.
"They didn't know Rook, and I don't think anyone will take it seriously since their off worlders." Sonya explains.
Rook calms and says "Right, sorry it's just something that we see as taboo here okay. Please be more careful, you could get someone in trouble."
They all nodded at that, it being the last thing they wanted to do. So, they continued their meal. When Sonya was done, she got a com about a photoshoot and had to go.
The guys finished their own meal and looked around the town a bit more before heading back. Tomorrow was the festival, and they had a lot to think on. They just wondered what their choice would be.
Just a little slice of life and the guys are dealing with unwanted attention and some feelings seem to be brewing. How will it go?