Jennet

Canderous and I had talked to the Elders, and they agreed that we would resume the Trials in a week. The last stage involved combat, and Bao Dur needed a little time to get the energy dampeners ready, for one. Mostly, though, it had just been a hell of a week, and we needed some time to assimilate.

As Elder Evana had said privately, no one really questioned we were Mates anymore. The Trials were continuing because of tradition, and because I was an outlander; they wanted all the information they could get. I understood the importance of documentation for future generations; having so very little from my own life and family I certainly wasn't going to balk at helping others keep records. Trials were also a way for everyone to get used to me, and see what I can contribute as the Mate of the Mandalore. I didn't mind being a bit of a sideshow if it meant it made things easier for Canderous.

Another thing I had privately discussed with the Elders was the traditions of the wedding ceremony. I was pretty sure I understood the ritual itself, I just wanted to know what was appropriate as far as gifts, or dowry. Dowries were still common, and I had no idea if Mandalorians subscribed to them, or if a formal negotiated contract was necessary. I had no family at all to represent me, if that was the case. Luckily, none of it was required in our situation. They did have formal contracts and dowries, but only for a first arranged marriage; in the case of a widow or widower remarrying, contracts were only necessary if the other party was marrying for the first time. I was, but I was an outlander, and had not been found by search and negotiation; therefore, the only thing tradition states is exchanging wedding gifts.

"Well, I'm glad there's less fuss than I'd feared, but what is considered an appropriate wedding gift?" I asked curiously. "He's got weapons, armor…hey, I know, I could get him a new helm; that one he wears is awfully battered."

Elders Drane and Gregor gave me horrified looks and started lecturing me on the importance of the Helm of the Mandalore. Elder Evana just laughed until she cried.

"Lighten up, you two," she informed the male Elders. "Can't you see she was just trying to provoke you?"

"That," growled Elder Gregor, always the most pompous of the three, "was in very poor taste, and not funny at all."

I smiled sunnily at him. "I apologize. But you should take Elder Evana's advice. That shade of purple can't be healthy."

At that, Elder Drane started to chuckle too, and Elder Gregor reluctantly smiled. "Irreverent, irritating child," he rumbled at me, but without malice.

"Did you hear that?" I asked the other two Elders. "He loves me!"

I popped up out of my chair and kissed Elder Gregor on the cheek. His face turned several more interesting shades, and I was afraid I'd pushed things too far. I reached for my healing, just in case. Only a moment went by before he visibly relaxed and merely glowered at me. But I could see the corners of his mouth twitching, and his eyes gleamed with humor. I smiled back, and resumed the conversation.

"Seriously, what is usual for the bride to give the groom?" I asked.

"The gifts exchanged are usually practical, and something that symbolizes the partnership of the couple. Household goods, weapons, armor, transportation, things like that." Elder Evana leaned forward, elbows on the tabletop, looking earnest. "If a dowry is required, she would usually provide the basics of running a home, he the home itself, or often the other way around, especially if she's a fighter too. I'd advise you to think about what the two of you need most, and if you can afford it, get that."

"I have an idea," I said slowly. "But I'm not the best at this sort of thing. But Bao Dur or Atton, or both, would help me."

I explained, and all the Elders agreed it was perfect. I thanked them for their input and guidance, and went off to find my friends.

Predictably, I found Bao Dur at the workbench, building energy dampeners. I noticed little Danni nearby, playing quietly in a corner. Someone had made her a doll out of cloth with yellow yarn for hair. The yarn had somehow been coaxed into spirals, and I touched my own curls by reflex. I smiled at Danni, and she gave me a look back, not quite a smile, but the corners of her mouth definitely twitched upwards. She hadn't spoken a word since Canderous and Bao Dur found her and Megari in the cargo hold. Her mother had a beautiful voice, now that the Iridonian had repaired her vocal cords, but she used it sparingly. I understood; it had only been two days since she came to this camp, and while as far as I could see she was being treated very well, it would take time for her to trust we meant her no harm. I was surprised she wasn't here, for that matter. I looked around, just in case I'd missed her; the woman could come and go quieter than a cat.

"She's taking a bath," Bao Dur said quietly, seeing me looking around. "I said I'd watch Danni for her."

"How is she doing?" I asked curiously. "I haven't had much opportunity to talk to her myself, and she's very reserved. I understand, of course," I added hastily.

"Well," Bao Dur said consideringly, "well enough, I think. She's been through hell, that's certain. But she's not really broken; just battered. I'm sure given some time she'll be all right. I just wish we could do more for her."

"Like you said, give it time," I said quietly. "You don't get over things all at once. I wish Danni was more…childlike, I guess. But Megari has done a magnificent job keeping her as normal as could be managed. I hope I'm as good a mother some day. Has Danni talked at all?"

"She seems to, sort of, to Megari," Bao Dur answered, a slight frown on his face. He was carefully pitching his voice low, so as not to be overheard by the child. His back was to her, so she couldn't see his face. I glanced over, and saw the little girl look up at him, her face as close to a smile as I'd seen.

"She likes you, that's for sure," I said, smiling at her. She met my eyes for a second, then looked down at her doll.

"Do you think so?" Bao Dur asked. "I've worried that she finds me…frightening. Despite Megari being raised by Zabraks, Danni's never seen one, as far as I know. Her adoptive grandparents died before she was born."

"I can't imagine anyone that doesn't deserve it being afraid of you," I said honestly. "Kids know that sort of thing. And she comes as close to smiling as she ever does only when she looks at Megari…or you. I thought she came close with me once, but I'm not sure."

"I'm glad to hear it," he said with some relief. "She's a great kid. Almost too good, if you know what I mean."

"I do," I said. "But give her a while; she'll be getting into things and…well, doing whatever three year olds do."

"What were you like at three?" Bao Dur grinned.

"I don't remember a lot of it; my parents told me I was precocious. Apparently, my Force ability kept things…interesting. Dad told me they once had to climb a huge willow tree. Apparently, I had learned early to jump high enough to grab the lower branches, and just kept going. According to my father, the chief distress I had was that I couldn't fly like the bird I was following. He caught me just as I was trying to."

"You're kidding, right?" he asked, with a swift terrified look at Danni.

"Afraid not," I said with a smile. "Don't worry; I don't think Danni is going to try that. Although…" I paused thoughtfully. "She does seem more in tune with the Force than most children."

"You felt that too?"

"Yeah, I have. But hers seems more inward than physically inclined; if I had to guess I'd say she might have Seer talent."

"Interesting. Maybe Visas could do some tests, if Megari and Danni agree. But not now," he said quietly. "Once she's used to us, maybe."

"I agree," I said easily. "And it might not come to anything; there's lots of people Force sensitive that don't need or take well to Jedi training. They're powerful enough, but don't experience many of the side effects of an unrecognized Force sensitive."

"Like me?" Bao Dur inquired, interested.

"I suppose," I said slowly. "I didn't think of it like that, though. And you did become Jedi, eventually. As did Mira."

"What about Atton?"

"Well, he did get training early," I pointed out. "Even if he did turn to the Dark Side for a time. I think he's one of those wild talents that needed the training, then got it twisted for a while. He probably would have been a much bigger danger if he hadn't had the early intervention."

"The more I learn about the Force," Bao Dur said seriously, "the more I realize how little I really do know."

"And that's the first step to wisdom, Padawan," I quipped, grinning. "Or so I'm told."

He cuffed me lightly, and changed the subject.

"So what did you need, my tiny friend?" he asked teasingly.

I mock-glowered at him. I was the smallest adult in camp; he was the largest. Walking next to him, I didn't even reach his armpit, and felt about Danni's age. Even she looked as though she might get to be nearly as tall as Mira or Visas; already at three she was waist high to the Iridonian. Her father must have been a tall man, Megari herself was only middle height, which still made her considerably taller than myself. Bao Dur and I shared a friendly verbal sparring about weather differences and keeping up with the grown-ups.

"I want to get a ship for Canderous for a wedding gift," I said. "I'm an okay pilot, and know enough about mechanics to not get cheated when my ship needed work, but buying a good one is a pain. I'd appreciate input from you and Atton."

"Of course," he said promptly. "When would you like to go look?"

"Well, we have a week until Trials resume. I thought an overnight shopping trip might work. Canderous would want to go, of course, but he'd agree to split off if I gave him a good enough reason," I said. "Maybe in the next day or two? When will the energy dampeners be ready?"

"Oh, they won't take long; give me another two days and they'll be ready and tested."

"All right, does three days from now sound okay?"

"Perfect." He looked at me consideringly. "This is an expensive prospect, you know. Are you looking to buy new or used?"

"Probably good condition used. I can afford new, but why pay that unless you have to? A good ship will last a lifetime, so I hear. Besides," I said with a flattering smile, "I'm lucky – I'm friends with the best mechanic and the best pilot in the galaxy. How could I go wrong?"

He snorted good-naturedly. "Flattery will get you nowhere." But I saw the gleam of pride in his eye.

"But Lorna's spice cake will get me at least a diagnosis," I wheedled. "I saw you eat a whole one all by yourself at dinner yesterday."

"All right," he laughed, throwing up his hands in surrender. "Throw in a keg of Mandalorian ale and you've got yourself a mechanic."

"Deal," I grinned.