Jennet

Dinner was magnificent; the women had outdone themselves. I had no idea if this was a normal meal, or a special feast, although I suspected the latter. I was pleased to know I would never go hungry when I was among Canderous's people. The food had quite restored my energy, and I felt fabulous.

Topping off my evening was Canderous declaring he loved me in front of everyone. I had been mildly shocked but hugely pleased. Tuning in to the mood around me, I felt the buzz of gossip spreading around the room, and was happy that there didn't seem to be much in the way of disapproval. Maybe they will accept me. I hoped so.

I had offered to help clean up after the feast, but Lorna and the other women shooed me out of the kitchen, saying that there were still some left to feed: most of the honor guard, the burial detail, and a few stragglers that had been elsewhere when the meal began. They assured me that they'd have plenty of help once everyone was fed and urged me to rejoin the rest of the party. The rest of my friends from the Ebon Hawk had also wandered in about this time and were firmly told that as honored guests, their place was out in the hall. So we left, with our compliments to the cooks. Lorna seemed especially pleased with the gesture.

Shortly after our return to the table, Canderous stood and announced there would be a bonfire and story telling out on the grounds. About six men saluted and hurried out to prepare the fire pit, and then everyone else slowly filed out of the mess hall. Kex, Kelborn, Xarga, Tagren, and Zuka remained behind to have their own meals. We passed a group of three coming in as we were heading out. I assumed they were the burial detail, and stopped to ask them where Cressa was laid to rest. They told me it was near the entrance to the camp, just inside the border. I made a mental note to go pay my respects. She had been ambitious and conscienceless, but she had been a Mandalorian warrior, and deserved to be honored for her part in the war, if nothing else. I was sorry she had had no opportunity to change her ways, whether I believed she would have or not.

There were roughly a hundred and twenty people gathered around the huge bonfire, watching with anticipation as the six men holding torches prepared to light it. At Canderous's signal, they thrust the burning brands deep into the wood that had been soaked in some sort of alcohol; I could smell it wafting on the air. The dry timber caught quickly, and soon there was a hot blaze reaching for the sky. There was a collective "Ahhhh" of appreciation, and everyone made themselves comfortable.

Canderous sat on the ground, long legs stretched in front of him, leaning back on his elbows, watching the fire. I sat next to him, legs crossed, chin on my hands. I love looking at fire; I always think if I listen hard enough I will hear it speak, and the flames make me either want to dance, or sit utterly still, mesmerized by their glowing beauty.

Ladria sat off to his right, Atton beside her, not quite touching, but they both leaned ever so slightly toward each other, her dark red hair merging with Atton's sable brown, both highlighted with orange and gold from the flames. Bao Dur was behind Ladria, dreamily staring into the bonfire, with Visas and Disciple nearby, chatting quietly. Jarxel was with them, talking about the upcoming trials, no doubt. Disciple looked his most earnest and was gesturing with his hands. Dax and Mira were about a meter to my left, heads together, voices too low to hear. Mira's hair was an echo of the bonfire's flames, and Dax's black head blended with the growing darkness.

The rest of the people from the hall had joined us. The eight Mandalorian women had seated themselves a few meters away, while the honor guard had placed themselves discretely around me and Canderous. Kex was to my left; I smiled at him, and he gave me a gruff grin back.

I had asked Canderous about him, and why he couldn't fight anymore. Apparently Kex had taken considerable damage to both hands, and one leg; he could hold weapons, and fight one on one well enough, although most of the warriors could take him pretty easily. His speed and agility were severely depleted, and it made him bitter. I had heard a few mutterings about his temper, and the fact that he tortured himself by going into the battle circle, only to lose almost every time. I wondered if there was anything I could do to restore some of his mobility. I silently asked Canderous if Kex would let me try.

I don't know, Wildcat. He's pretty much brought bitterness up to an art form; I'm not sure he'd be willing to let go of it. If anyone can heal him, you could. But I would be wary of giving him false hope.

He's a good man, ti kar'ta, I said quietly. If I can help, I would like to.

Go ahead and ask, Wildcat. Just don't be insulted if he tells you to mind your own business. And he likely won't be nice about that.

As your Mate, he is my business, I answered. I can handle a few insults.

I'll alert the troops; they'll want to set up the betting pool, Canderous said sardonically.

I decided to ask now, rather than later, before I lost my nerve. Truth was, Kex did intimidate me somewhat; the waves of bitterness coming off him were palpable. I'd noticed, however, that it had abated somewhat in the time we've been in camp. If I was wise, I probably should wait until after the Mate trials to talk to him. But when have I ever been wise?

I approached Kex cautiously, and sat close enough to be able to talk without being overheard. He looked at me, weathered face impassive, sharp eyes gleaming in the firelight.

"What's on your mind, lass?" He asked without greeting me.

"I was wondering about your leg and hands," I said, equally straightforward.

"And why would you wonder about that?" he growled, looking at me sharply. "Heard I was a cripple, eh?"

"You're not; Jarxel wouldn't have chosen you for the honor guard if he thought so." I said tartly. "I only wondered if perhaps I could help. I am a healer, quite a good one."

"Good enough, I suppose, but you couldn't save Jareth," Kex said rudely. "And you couldn't tell Dax was alive."

I flinched, but said steadily enough, "I suppose Dax told you about that."

"He did."

"That was a long time ago," I said, trying not to sound defensive. "I've learned a lot since then."

"If it's all the same to you, keep your healing. I like you, lass, but you can't help me." Kex said shortly.

"It's not all the same to me. How do you know unless you let me try?" I asked reasonably.

"Why would you care?" Kex asked harshly.

"Because you're a good man, a fine warrior, and loyal to Canderous. Why wouldn't I care?" I shot back.

"I'll admit from what I've seen so far, you're a good match for the Mandalore. But you're not Mandola, and know little of our ways. You're born of jetti blood; this would be no ordinary healing, even if you could do it. I'm not eager to be beholden to a jetti."

"I see." I looked hard into Kex's eyes. "You'll accept me as Mate to Canderous, but not the benefit I will bring, even if it restores you to full warrior status? A gift freely given, without expectation of reward? Are you so afraid of me, then?"

"You call me coward?" Kex snarled.

"I do," I said calmly. I could feel Canderous tensing behind me, and warned him to keep out of it.

I turn my back on you for two seconds, Wildcat, and you get in trouble, he answered, resigned. I warn you, if Kex gets ugly, I don't care how loyal he is.

I can take care of myself, I said with a mental finger shake at him.

That's what I'm afraid of, Canderous chuckled.

"I ought to kill you for that, but I'm not an idiot; I've seen you fight." Kex glowered at me.

"Go ahead and challenge me, then," I said. "There are other ways to best me."

"What do you mean?" Kex asked suspiciously.

"If I can out drink you, you'll allow me to try and heal your hands and leg; if not, I'll stay out of your business, publicly apologize and pay whatever penance you choose for calling you a coward." I said with a smile.

Dax heard this and looked up at me sharply. I saw the astonishment and warning on his face and waved him off. He looked resigned, and shrugged.

Wildcat, you are a devious woman, Canderous said in my head.

It's for his own good, I answered.

Maybe. He's either going to adore you for the rest of his life, or hate you with a terrifying passion, no matter if you actually heal him or not.

I noticed he had no doubt I'd best Kex in a drinking match.

It isn't exactly a fair contest, Canderous warned me. He might accuse you of cheating.

Would you?

Hell, no.

Then I'm betting he won't. He's a bit afraid of jetti in general; he classifies me as one. I'm certain Dax has told him a bit about how much I can drink, I don't think he really believes it.

I just hope it doesn't go badly, that's all.

I'll do my best to let him save face, I promised.

Kex was looking at me consideringly. Finally, he shrugged.

"All right, lass, I agree. Let the Mandalore judge us."

"How much have you had so far?" I asked.

"Only two tankards; I'm on duty."

"I've had four. Would you like to catch up, or will you allow Ladria to start us both off sober?"

Kex looked at me sharply. "She can do that?"

"Yes."

Canderous came over to us and said matter of factly, "I've been healed this way; there's nothing to worry about."

"I guess it would do no harm," Kex said reluctantly.

Canderous spoke to Ladria, who came over and used her healing on both of us. Kex looked a little stunned by it, but unexpectedly grinned.

"That could come in handy once in a while; kolto doesn't do this."

Ladria smiled. "It is a useful ability," she agreed.

Kex looked at me suspiciously. "You can do that too, can't you?"

I smiled. "Yes."

His brows drew down into a ferocious frown. "You are a dangerous woman."

"Possibly," I said easily. "But you did agree to the challenge."

"I did. I could claim coercion on your part. I don't see how I can win." Kex said with a growl.

"I give you my word I won't use any more of my healing than normal." I said gravely.

"And what is normal to you?" Kex asked sharply.

"She means she will allow the alcohol to metabolize at her body's normal rate," Ladria explained. "No spurts of healing to keep her completely sober. I imagine it's not that far off from yours; you are at least twice her size."

Kex thought about this a moment, and shrugged. "All right, that is fair."

A barrel of ale was brought out, with two mugs, a few chairs, and a small table. We'd attracted a sizable crowd by the time it was set up. Canderous took one of the chairs, sitting on it backwards, amusement on his face. Dax was asked to keep the mugs filled, and we began.

The stuff was strong; I sincerely hoped my body would metabolize the liquor fast enough not to disgrace myself. Kex was calm, steadily drinking down the tankards with little pause. I was glad the mugs weren't the huge ones from dinner; these were about half that size. We got to ten before Kex started swaying a bit in his chair. I was steady enough, but starting to feel a little muzzy. There was laughter and shouting going on all around us, and I heard bets exchanged. At fourteen, he was slurring and starting to tilt sideways, pausing to steady himself by putting his hands flat on the table top and closing his eyes. I remained upright, but had the feeling my head was about a foot above my shoulders.

We were given another mug each, and drank it down. My mug shook slightly and I concentrated on keeping my hands from trembling. Kex regarded me with a genial grin.

"You're good, lass," he said, slurring enough that the 'lass' sounded more like a hiss. I smiled back fuzzily.

"You too," I said warmly.

Dax handed us each another, and we managed to down it. By this time I was starting to really need to find a 'fresher and was wondering if I could get there without assistance. Kex was listing alarmingly now and I considered forcing him to call it off. Better not; if I was going to have any chance at all of winning him over it had to be on his own terms. Dax refilled our mugs and I regarded it thoughtfully. Kex picked his up, downed it in one gulp, and I followed suit.

Kex's mug hit the table with a thump and he keeled off his chair, dead to the world. A shout of laughter and cheers went up and I slowly stood up and made my way to him, checking his breathing and pulse. He was starting to snore loudly and I giggled. Ladria was there right behind me and she smiled at me.

"He's fine," she said unnecessarily. "How are you?"

"Okay," I said with difficulty. "I need to find a 'fresher though."

I smiled at the cheering crowd and staggered off to find Canderous's – our – quarters. I saw him engulfed by his people and sent him a fuzzy thought that I'd be right back. I hoped he got it.