Author's notes

If anyone is interested in a visual of Paz feel free to go on Pinterest to AstoldbyAja and look in my Fanart Board. I saw it on Tumblr and thought it would be perfect for Paz.

5

The next morning, I was getting ready to put my armor on. As I did, I could feel my hands shaking to fasten my pants armor. Gods, what was wrong with me! How could one woman make me shake like a scared infant? I caught a glimpse of myself in a cracked full body mirror I had found when scavenging. I turned and faced it for a moment.

If Alithya accepted my gift then we would see each other bare and complete the courting ritual. I could see on her face yesterday she was saddened when I told her I could not remove my helmet before her, and knowing I had made her sad so early in our meet, made me feel like I had somewhat failed the mission before it even started. She had no idea how curious I was to feel her soft full lips against my own. I wanted to feel her body entirely.

But she would at least get to see my body from neck to toes. My skin was softly kissed by the sun, my chest covered in scars from past missions that should have taken my life. I had a scar over my right pale grey eye and my brunette hair had stripes of grey in it as well as my beard. The tattoos I had gotten were for the first of many successful hunts and I wanted to remember them all. The Armorer did say I was physically the same as Celestial males, being one reason why she chose me for this task. I hoped Alithya saw that quality and was attracted to me as I was already attracted to her. I let my hands callously rub at my beard. I always kept it and my mustache neat and trimmed. I felt bad that she would not be able to feel it. But maybe she could…

Alithya's POV

It had been years since I slept alone and woke up alone. I didn't like it. I was used to the body heat of another, the scent of my mate lulling me to sleep and waking me the next morning. To wake up now was a constant reminder that I was alone.

But you aren't alone. You have a mate.

My husband would say. A false mate! I refused to let negative thoughts stay in my head. There was a soft knock.

"Lady Alithya, a message from the Mandalorian camp. Paz Vizsla invites you to the camp to get more acclimated to The Tribe." I heard a robotic voice say. A droid.

"Yes of course." I replied. Maybe being surrounded by my new mate's people will help me feel less alone.

"Breakfast will be up in a moment."

"Alright." I replied. On my planet there would be fruit trees growing from my huts window and I could pick them right out and make a bowl of fresh fruits for my love and I. He would just be coming in from a hunt with some large slabs of meat to add to the meal. A white-tailed monkey would jump in and steal a piece of fruit, and we'd laugh and allow it to eat with us. But that would attract more. But we allowed them all in. Then my love would go off to training the young warriors, teaching them to protect their homes and families.

But it was just me sitting on the bed eating the fruits that the droid brought. I put on a silk white top that had a strap to go around my neck. I slid on a lace skirt with long slits on either side of my hips. In our colony the young girls and women would hardly wear anything because the air was always hot, but cool at the same time. Elder women would be bare chested, their markings matching their daughters and even their sisters. We would talk and clean and care for each other's children. But now I did not have that here. I could not console a crying child in the care of another because its mother would not know who I was. I took my gold clip and pulled my hair back and clamped it together. The clip had my love's crest on it, a sabor beast. A large dangerous feline with long bottom fangs. They used to be a danger to my people, but Runar's great grandfather tamed them and bred them. Now they do as they are told.

I had Greef take me to my ship the other night to grab the gift for my new mate. I wondered if he had gotten anything for me. No, it's too soon, I didn't want him to feel rushed or pressured. Maybe me giving him a gift first would make him feel more confident. A female presenting a courting gift first, my family would never let me live it down. If they ever met Paz, which was doubtful they would think lowly of him. A male letting a woman present him a gift first. It was not normal. Runar presented me with many gifts before asking to court me. He brought me bones of animals or enemies as a trophy for me. He valued his trophies and so to share them with me brought me honor.

What was in my possession I had hoped would please him.

The wagon arrived at the camp and I got off. I immediately heard a happy squeal and I turned and saw Grogu with his little arms out. Din was behind him but I just smiled at the two and placed my bag over my shoulders and rushed to the little one.

"Ah my babeh!" I said happily lifting him.

"He heard you were coming and was already trying to rush off to meet you. He must really feel something good about you." Din explained. I smiled gently humming to him.

"Celestial women are natural care givers. In our colony, motherless children would spend time with other's children helping raise them. I was preparing to have a child with my husband before the war broke out and those vile creatures poisoned us." I said lowly not wanting to think any more about it. My smile was already starting to fade and Grogu's little nail brushed against my arm and it brought a smile back to me. I held him up and pressed my forehead to his and he replied.

"A sign of trust and protection from me to you little babeh." I whispered. I don't know why I declared myself a guardian of him, or maybe I did. I finally looked up at Din.

"Is Paz here?" I asked. Din nodded.

"Yes, he's bringing in some cargo, let me take you to him." he offered, and I nodded and followed him into the camp. Many warriors saw me and nodded at me, and I returned it.

"You seem to be the subject of many around here." Din replied, and I looked at him confused before nodding.

"Of course, they probably wonder where my people will go and how long I will be here." I replied.

"Maybe. It seems many of them never encountered a Celestial. They wonder if you have mystical powers." he said. I hummed looking at Grogu who just looked happy to be in my arms. "So do you have powers?"

"Celestial beings are one of two things: soft and violent. Women are born to be magical and soft, we have an inner connection with many life forms, those who have ancestral blood like me, have strong abilities." I replied.

"And the violence?" Din asked.

"That is mostly the men. Their instincts are to kill and to protect. We are meant to balance each other out." I replied.

"I see." he replied.

"Have you ever met a Celestial being?" I asked.

"Other than you, no." he replied. He finally stopped and I stopped beside him and immediately gasped quietly as I saw Paz carrying a large cargo container on his back. My eyes widened, that thing had to weigh tons. And he carried it with ease. I felt an immediate arousal in my groin at this as if my heart was being in my inner walls. I gently handed Grogu off to his father and looked at him and smiled my thanks before he walked off. Now I was left standing there watching as Paz carried the large container inside the tent then he came back out to do it again. Each container seemed bigger than the last. I just watched obviously entertained by the sight of him carrying such heavy objects. He was helping other Mandalorians move cargo before his head finally whipped to me. I merely held my hand up in a slight wave.

He stood there for a moment before approaching.

"Alithya." he said, collectively. He didn't even sound tired.

"Paz." I said looking him over some.

"Are you alright?" he asked as I continued to look him over from helmet to toe armor.

"You are quite strong, Paz. I find that a very attractive trait in you." I replied casually. He let out a light noise and cleared his throat immediately the moment it happened.

"I- Thank you. I am glad my strength pleases you. Did you sleep alright?" he asked. I shook my head lightly.

"No. It is difficult to sleep alone, but I will manage. How about you?" I asked. He nodded.

"For the most part. My… son says I snore heavily." he said with a gentle chuckle. I smiled and finally excitement grew in me as I pulled the bag off me.

"I brought something for you." I replied. He then raised his gloves to stop me.

"Wait is it your courting gift?" he asked. I nodded wondering if maybe this was not a good time. He was moving supplies. "Okay wait I have yours as well. Will you wait for me in my lodge, I won't be long? I promise." Now my eyes were sparkling at this. I could hear traces of excitement in his voice as well. I nodded remembering where his lodge was. His large sigil was on it. I moved inside to see what I could imagine would be in a war tent. A large cot was in the corner and there was a small hygienic area along with some weapons propped up on a small table. It was very personalized. I finally removed the bag and slowly just walked around the place. It wasn't very big, I doubt he always slept here. But he did say the children had a large sleeping lodge that was protected. I walked around noticing the many knives and guns he had.

They were not like weapons of Celestials. I held my bag close now feeling somewhat worried Paz wouldn't like my gift. The lodge opened again and I turned and saw Paz standing there looking fierce and intimidating. He slowly approached me and I just stood there looking up at him as he grew closer.

"You look beautiful… I hope that is alright to say." he said. He had no idea. I just nodded.

"Thank you. Shall I start?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"Let me. If we are to do this right, then the male should present his gift first." he said. I was inwardly happy about this, but didn't want to seem overly eager. I nodded and watched as he moved over to his cot and pulled out what looked like a small rectangular box. He seemed to be staring at it for a moment, letting his glove brush lightly over it. He then turned to me and approached and held the box out to me. I looked at it and then placed my bag down between my feet and slowly took the box. I felt more knots in me as I was nervous, but I opened it and was stunned at the polished blade inside. The handle was a solid black, the blade looking sharp to the touch.

"This was the first blade that I used to kill a predator that wanted to kill me as a youngling when I took the creed. It always brought me luck and made me feel safe. You are in an unknown world, surrounded by strangers. I made a vow to protect you and so I give you this to feel protected when you are in town." he explained. I couldn't help but feel my eyes start to gently water at his words. I could feel the strength in his tone as he spoke. There are many memories with this blade, and he was entrusting me with it.

"Paz Vizsla, I am beyond honored that you would trust me with this blade." I replied. He exhaled heavily as he must have been holding his breath.

"So, you accept this gift?" he asked, his voice hinting anticipation. I nodded immediately.

"It is perfect. Thank you." I replied before quickly wiping my eyes before any tears could fall. He had the mind of my husband for a weapon was something I loved as a gift from him. I placed the box delicately down on the ground and closed it slowly as if moving too fast could damage it. I now leaned back up with the bag and looked up at him.

"From what I gathered from you, your heavy blaster is a part of your armor, like a third arm to fight with, but maybe this would be good for hand to hand combat." I explained and slowly I removed a large leather sheath and held it up to the large warrior. He looked down at the object and opened his hands. I bit my lip trying to contain my emotions. I slowly placed the sheath in his hands. "I had this made for my husband as a victory for our last war. But due to the immediate damage to our planet, I was not able to give it to him. There was never time. I held on to it hoping one day I could, but I do not know when that time will be. So I would like to give it to you as a courting gift."

He had removed the mighty sword from the sheath and acknowledged the black blade with a silver handle with the sabor sigil on its handle. It had some weight to it for me at least, but in his hands, it looked light as a feather.

"Alithya, this is an impressive blade, but I couldn't possibly accept such a gift that was meant for your husband." he said moving to hold it back to me but I placed my hands over his and lightly pushed it back to him.

"Keep it, Paz. If you ever find yourself surrounded by Celestial warriors or maidens, you only need to show them this and tell them you are an ally of me and you and those in your party will be granted refuge." I explained. He looked down at the blade before looking up at me.

"I am honored to have this blade." he said. I smiled warmly up at him happy that he accepted my courting gift. Slowly I let my arm move up toward his helmet. Rightfully so, he recoiled, but paused when my hand gently rested on the back of the helmet and slowly I pulled him forward to me. He leaned down to me so that our foreheads touched. His helmet was warm against my skin from him being out in the heat. But even now I could still smell that dominance on him. I was nervous now for what I was about to say, because once I said it, it meant a lot would happen in these next few weeks that would write the path of this agreement going further.

"We have started the official courting ritual. Now we must explore each other physically through all our senses. Repeat my words." I replied softly.

"We have started the official courting ritual. Now we must explore each other physically through all our senses." he repeated in a heavy tone. I nodded and slowly pulled back.

"Now it has started. As time goes on close to my heat cycle, I will be different. Things will feel different in me. I would like to be close to you in an area you can have access to me. It is best we do the second part of the courting ritual in a place you trust as well." I explained. Paz nodded.

"My ship would be best. We would be safe there and have privacy." he replied. I nodded.

"Alright." I replied. He nodded.

"Would you like to meet my son?" he asked. I remembered his son, and felt now would be as good as any to meet him. I nodded and now I felt a calloused hand reach for mine and I let it. The courtship had officially started and mild touches like these would be okay until it was time for the exploration of our bodies. I knew he would not fully know what to do.

"A Mandolorian? Can they even handle Celestials?"

"You will teach him to."

Yes, now the teaching will begin. Once we start to explore each other, I will not hold back in my curiosities. I will explore him as he will explore me and we will truly know if he is a good temporary replacement. Give me strength, Runar.