Whatever Djaret Lome had in store for him, Din knew it was in the interest of preserving this, so he couldn't rouse himself to anxiety. He was just too happy to trouble himself with theories of what his ancestor wanted to show him, and all that mattered in this moment was Grogu's laughter echoing through the trees, and Aldor's fine fingers laced with his.
Over the last few hours, they'd been engaged intermittently in Force games Din was overjoyed to be a part of at last, but Grogu became distracted when he happened upon a concentration of his favorite black lizards nesting inside a hollow log. With Grogu happily engaged, Aldor and Din continued behind, just enjoying their freedom while they watched their son giggle and run after his late morning snack.
"The Eye is happy today," Aldor commented dreamily. "It was so kind to give us good weather for our journey." There was an electric rustle through their tapestry that belied his Lady's serene statement with powerful feelings. Something beyond common happiness. Her heart lit up with it, and Din could only be grateful she allowed him to bask in its gorgeous glow.
"They're encouraging us," he mused on a deep breath that filled his lungs with gratitude and peace. "The Eye and the suns. I know you feel it too."
"I do," she answered. "It's very uplifting isn't it? Like everything is in a greater harmony than is typical. Of course, that could just be because we're all in a good mood. The Eye reacts as much to us as we to it, you know."
"It does," Din agreed. "That's why we had to walk. We need to feel that interaction. Study it… in our way. Somewhere in the exchange is the true power of the Force, I think. How it binds things. Not just the effect and the use of the bond, but... the bond itself."
"What brought you to this conclusion?" she asked, snuggling closer as he looped his arm around her.
"I keep noticing lately how much my mind has changed," he answered. "I'm who I've always been. I have the same experience, the same past. But… I see things differently. Understand differently. The things I want are different. What I don't want anymore or have finally lost my tolerance for. Things I accept now that I never thought I would. Things I believe that I just couldn't before." He chuckled a little ruefully. "All I ever thought about was the next bounty. The next payday. I thought of everything in terms of tactics because that was what the Watch trained me to do. To bring glory to the Way of the Manda'lore. Bring us out of the shadows. But outside the shadows was only shadow. I'd become numb to it, living my life like a non-sentient droid." He inhaled life and growth while he remembered death and smoke, and shook his head at his past. A delighted squeal from a few dozen meters ahead chased away the regrets that still lingered, and Din huffed as he drew Aldor closer. "All that changed the second I laid eyes on Grogu. What I felt for him became my reason to exist. No glory in battle could come near it. Then when I met you, there was no going back. Since then, everything I think about has been in service to our Clan. I even think about new ways to enjoy it. A new thing for me. I think about chores to be done or how I need to practice my Jar-Kai. What I'll do before and after dinner and the things I want to tell or ask you and Grogu. Then I only plan on holding my Lady until morning. Wonder whether we'll make love or just fall asleep. Either makes me happy, so I rarely make plans for that."
"Sometimes you do."
Din chuckled. "Sometimes I do. But mostly, I'm just happy to lay down beside Aldor Verische, and know I'll open my eyes to her face in the morning." He stopped walking and pulled her closer. "And that's the point, my Lady," he said softly. "Everything I plan for has to do with the exchanges between us and the planet. This bond Yoda and Father Lome say folk will be drawn to." He kissed her, then released everything but her hand as they started walking again. "I truly believe I'm ready for it now, whenever it comes."
"Hopefully not too soon, my Love," she cooed, and wrapped both her arms around his bicep as if she wouldn't dream of letting go. "I like this quiet. I like our pace. Maybe we can maintain it when the time comes. At least to some degree."
"I think we can, my Lady, but I'm not in any rush to test it."
They held to this philosophy all day, taking their time along the track southward. Any time Grogu got distracted by a new species of reptile or amphibian he hadn't tasted yet, they were perfectly content to let him stop and explore. In between, they continued their Force games, tossing stones playfully at each other and testing reflexes with trick shots and surprise projectiles, taking turns becoming the target or teaming up to launch attacks on the other. Din was most often the target, but he didn't mind it. His old, buried skills were given a chance to stretch out again, and he couldn't think of a better way of exercising them than pelting tiny stones back at his loved ones when they thought they caught him off guard.
It was an active and engrossing game, so the morning passed quickly. Grogu's curiosity held them up several times, but they didn't mind so long as he was learning something. Then, about fifty klicks in, one rouge vulture decided it wanted a shot at their food. Din dispatched it without much fuss, proving again that his pike was the best weapon against them. Threat eliminated, they cheerfully continued on their way after Din and Grogu helped Aldor pluck most of the vulture's feathers. Not long afterward, they stopped for lunch by a cheerful little stream, and basked for half an hour in the gentle sunlight before they were up again and back on their way.
He barely noticed it at first, but as they continued closer to the Iris, Din realized he was becoming easily distracted. At first, it was just a few extra kisses. Then he couldn't keep his hands off her. A few dozen klicks more, and it had become palpable. He was more talkative and cheerful than usual to be sure, and in the back of his mind he knew he was feeling much like he did just before the Solstice last year. Of course it made sense that they would feel something like the Solstice effect as they progressed toward the source, but Din didn't expect it to be this intense.
After a few more klicks, Din was struggling mightily to keep his desire from becoming obvious. His mind intermittently drifted back to this morning in the shower, thinking of how she tasted when he made her cum for the fifth time. How it felt when he fucked her hard and heavy against the wall while that beautiful sound echoed through the room. He took her from behind, and decided they should utilize this position more often because they both came so hard, he had to lick her clean again when release poured down her thighs. He bit his lip at the memory, and squeezed her hand tighter to keep himself from taking her to the ground right here and now while plasma and dark matter rushed through their tapestry.
She asked the question even though she knew the answer.
Where are you, my Love?
Licking you clean after I made you cum in the shower. Can taste you even now, my Lady.
I haven't cum so hard since the Solstice. I can only imagine what it will be like this year. Because every time we're together, it gets better, my Love. Didn't know that was even possible.
We've been fucking like it's the Solstice lately, haven't we? At least three times yesterday and twice this morning. And I want you again right now. Can't get enough. Because you're right, my Lady. It's only gotten better. When we made love first thing this morning, I went somewhere I've never been before, even with you. If that's how it'll be this year, we might need an extra day. Might fuck all the way through it, if it feels anything like this.
Right now I would welcome it, my Love. It's taking everything I have not to shove you to the ground and mount you where we stand.
Fuck, Aldor. Don't tease me. I've been half-hard for the last hour. I've never had to concentrate so hard on anything in my life as I have been on keeping my cock down these last few klicks.
The second he goes to meditate, you won't need to.
Every hair on his body stood up on end while a thousand bolts of silver fire rushed through him. The Eye gently rumbled as he fought the command of his body to drag her off into the woods and fuck her until she was screaming that sound to the Galaxy. He barely reined himself in, and squeezed her hand again to let some of the uncomfortable fire feed his lover's anticipation so his wouldn't drive him mad. When you think these things, I hear you making that sound. I can smell it, my Lady. You're soaking wet right now, aren't you. Want so bad to taste it, Aldor. Tell me we'll find a few minutes, even if you're not sure.
We'll find a few minutes, my Love.
Although the chord was struck and the Eye continuously teased them with geothermal thunder, they maintained propriety in the presence of their son, who had been slowly winding down as they came nearer their campsite. By the time they made it there a few hours before sunset, both of them were practically trembling. Despite this, they had to find a suitable patch of moss for their shelter, which Aldor pointed out to a dubious Din. He was confused that she suggested a spot with large stone smack in the middle until she explained it would keep them warmer through the night. The stone was imbedded pretty deep in the ground, and she reminded him they were much closer to the Pupil. Din confirmed her claim when he lay a hand on the stone to find it was indeed much warmer than he expected it to be, so at last he agreed, and they pitched their enormous tent around it.
With their shelter arranged, they took a few minutes to relax and catch their breath, taking in their lovely little spot near a steaming pond. Most of the clearing outside was scattered with small boulders, but the moss in between them was lush and soft. It was almost too comfortable as they lolled a little longer than they intended, until Grogu expressed a need to meditate. He indicated the hot spring that was indeed rife with Force energy, and his parents encouraged him. The next hour or two thus scheduled, they told him to stay put while they went in search of hoppers for dinner.
Their intentions were exactly what they told Grogu they were, but this opportunity wasn't lost on them. Din planned to take advantage of it as soon as they found dinner, but his patience was wearing increasingly thin while he watched her tromp just ahead of him through the moss. All he wanted was to sink his teeth into her perfect ass, and all he could think of were memories of last Solstice, and all the delightful methods they discovered of pleasuring each other. Ways of making love that he couldn't imagine with anyone else. His mind seized on how he fucked her against the wall of the Gauntlet, painfully aroused as he remembered ripping her clothes apart. Then he glimpsed a large boulder just as they passed it. His mouth watered and his body filled with a massive plume of boiling steam, then suddenly he couldn't deny himself a second longer.
He grabbed her around the waist and pinned her against the boulder, kissing her insistently as her nails dug into his shoulders, welcoming him as if he'd done exactly what she hoped he would. He opened his eyes to hers fluttering closed as he forced his hand under her waistband, and eased his finger into the honey he could practically taste. He groaned as he imagined it filling his mouth, listening to her breath hitch as he probed deeper.
Knew you were soaking wet. You've been ready for me, haven't you, my Lady?
Yours, my Love. Take what you want. Just let me feel you inside me. She caught her breath and squeezed her eyes shut as he eased a second finger into the flood rising between her legs, torturing himself thinking of how it would feel to bury his aching cock in all this silk. "Din," she breathed. "Please, my Love…" Her voice died in her throat when he bent his fingers up to slide along the length of her pussy, drenched and slick as he brought his lady to the breaking point. She was almost fighting him, thrusting her hips into every flutter of his fingers as she clawed at his shoulders and struggled to maintain her feet. Then she seized and crumbled, sending waves of euphoria billowing through their tapestry while deep pulses of precious silk quivered around his fingers. Her face went red and radiant, rising quickly to the suns and begging him to send her flying past them.
Anything. Everything. He'd give her what she wanted. Do anything to hear her scream his name and make that beautiful sound. He swirled his fingers deep inside her, exploiting that incredible patch of nerves as she clawed at his hair and panted and shook as everything inside her collected around his soaked fingers. She gasped with surprise as he drew them gently apart within her, and her nails scraped over his shoulders as she screwed up her eyes and sobbed to the sky. "Oh! Din! Din!"
"Make that beautiful sound, my Love," he growled into her ear, possessed and existing only to please her. Full of fire and cum, barely registering anything but her and how much he needed to hear that sound, sheathe himself in this incredible softness, and fill it with everything he'd ever been. But not yet, because he had to watch her cum first. Had to watch her break and fall limp under his hands so he could revive her with more.
He took hold of one restless hand with his free one, and brought it up over her head to pin it to the rock face at her back, keeping her steady as she sobbed and called out, bucking and writhing with every deep swirl of his fingers. "Cum for me and make that sound," he begged, and released her hand only to smooth his fingers down her arm, worshipping the willowy softness all the way down and over her shoulder to her plump breast. He pulled her shirt down to free the beautiful swell, and closed his lips possessively around the puckered nipple as her arm dropped over the top of her head, and he thrust his fingers brutally into her spasming body. "Ahhh!" she cried in alto chimes that rang through the trees and all through her lover as a dozen hurricanes converged inside her. They formed a massive swirl of plasma and steam, flying around a pinpoint eye until an insistent rumble underfoot finally ripped her apart.
He could barely stay upright while her orgasm spread through every cell like wildfire on the wind. He grit his teeth against the pull of the black hole that opened up right in front of him in an instant, on the verge of ripping her clothes off when she dropped to her knees to tear into his trousers, and swallowed his length whole.
Din's mind immediately arrested because all he knew in this moment was her tongue and lips. Her hot mouth and delicate hands all entrapping him in a fury of smoke and silk, like a cloud of static erupting over a volcano. The chaos of powerful elements tore him to pieces as he struggled to hang on. He clawed at the rock face and gritted his teeth harder, fighting a losing battle until he shot through the galaxy and disappeared through the fathomless black hole as every second of his life and thread of Force within him collected between his legs, then exploded into her hungry little mouth.
He was useless in the aftermath as a billion strands of plasma and dark matter continued to rush through him. He nearly blacked out when she raised her eyes to his, and swallowed deeply. He didn't know where or who he was as one final sweet lick destroyed him all over again. For half an instant he thought he died while he watched her collect the last of his cum on her tongue, and swallowed again.
It took him some time to collect himself. At first all he could do was tremble and heave while explosions reverberated through his veins. When he was able to open his eyes again, he saw her breathtaking, beautiful face gazing up at him in satisfaction. It shouldn't have been possible, but that look alone sent a bolt of lighting straight through his cock, and he already wanted more. He took her by the hair to bring her back up to him so he could taste his own flavor on her tongue. Beautiful and maddening and messy. So fucking satisfying.
Want to fuck you so hard right now, but you already made me cum. Greedy, my Lady.
How will you retaliate, my Love? What will you do to me?
A burst of raw plasma bloomed in his chest at that incredible look of challenge, already full of fire again and needing to put his dick in her as soon as he was able. He gathered both her wrists in one hand and pinned her arms over her head. He yanked her bottoms off her hips with his free hand, fumbling until he found her clit swollen and pulsing, her pussy wide open and drenched as he deftly slipped his finger inside her again, listening to her moan as she closed her eyes and melted against the stone. Gonna make you cum so hard you draw blood from my back. Then I'm gonna fuck you until I fill your sweet pussy to overflowing, just so I can lick it up and make you cum again while you're still full of me.
Her eyes were closed and her face already pointed skyward as he hammered two fingers into her. But she managed a shaky sigh, and finally breathed, "How… how dare you. Aaahhh!"
Aldor had no idea how she got here. Limp and useless in the soft moss while her lover feasted on her, licking indulgently and deeply into puddles upon puddles of their combined release while he stroked her clit with his thumb. He fucked her into the rock face until she came twice, she remembered. Now she was here, filled to the brim and about to cum again as he moaned into her pussy, bringing vibration on top of vibration while the ground rumbled underneath them.
"Din," she whispered, conscious again and clutching a handful of his hair, arcing and swaying into the insistent tongue that held her captive until her blood was boiling and her soul soaring skyward on another deep orgasm that had him lapping up another mess he made. His hand on her bare breast made her realize she was only half-unclothed, and she whimpered because she needed his touch on the other one. She pulled her shirt down to set it free just as her lover ran a final long lick up the inside of her thigh, and raised his head to look at her. He shifted to bring his weight back on top of her, and obliged her liberated breast with a big, warm squeeze of his hand. He relinquished his hold just long enough to curl a lick over the engorged nipple, making up for his previous neglect as a sultry "Mmmm" hummed through his lips, and rolled over her skin like gentle thunder.
How long have we been here, my Love? I honestly don't know what planet we're on, let alone how long it's been.
Not long enough, my Lady. But it's been a while.
He's still at meditation. But did we ever get a hopper?
I don't think so. I guess we should probably see to that before he's out of it.
Probably.
"Fuucck," he growled, and devoured her breast as he gave it a thrilling squeeze, and brushed his half-hard cock through her soaked curls. "Mmmm…. Really wasn't long enough, but you're right, my Lady." He groaned deeply through a lustful kiss, then took his lips away from her before she wanted him to. "I could fuck you again right now, Aldor. Came twice already and I could fill you half a dozen more times before sunset. We're really going to need an extra day this year."
"I think you're right, my Love," she murmured, and licked the salt from his neck as thunder murmured through his throat. He dipped his head to her nipple again, and her words fell apart as the thunder grew in intensity, rolling through their tapestry while a sly tongue softly tickled the straining bud. She wrapped herself around him just to steady herself, repeating to herself over and over that they needed to get going even as she held his head at her breast, begging him to never stop. Then everything fell away except a thick shove of molten gold deep between her legs, and the last remnants of her conscious thoughts finally made it through her lips in a broken whisper. "Two… maybe need… two… extra days. Aaahhh!"
Once again, she found herself helpless and subject to a hungry tongue with no notion of how long it'd been. She only remembered that last broken thought, then nothing but fire, dark matter, and molten gold. They were still bursting through her body as her lover's deft tongue raked and licked through the mess he made, determined to make another as time began to beckon.
I know, my Lady. Just… cum for me one more time…
She was already done for, then he moaned into her pussy again and licked deep enough to send new implosions popping through her body, building on those reverberating through her womb. She was so full of light and fire, she practically screamed when she could no longer hold it all in, and let it break over her lover as he trembled and grunted through her destruction. Afterward, all either of them could do was lie there a few minutes more, until at last they sensed they were running out of time, and finally set out to complete their promised task.
It wasn't their best day of hunting. The Solstice effect continued to distract them, and they nearly ended up on the ground again more than once, but Din and Aldor managed to take down one hopper each. Supper secured, they headed back to camp, where they found Grogu just coming out of meditation. He was excited and hungry, so he must have enjoyed good visions today. After enthusiastic greetings, their boy cheerfully helped them dress and skewer the hoppers, speaking only of pleasant things and excitedly asking questions about kyber crystals and what he would see when they got to the Iris.
"I wish I could tell you, my dear One, but I'm afraid the experience is different for all of us," Aldor answered. "It's deeply personal. The only advice I know to offer you is to simply understand yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know your mind and feelings. But never forget they can be used against you." She looked over at Din and smiled encouragingly in response to a brief ruffle of anxiety. "Who is better suited for such a trial than you, my Mandalorian. Just remember what you already know, and all will be well."
Din nodded from his spot at the campfire in front of a small boulder. "I feel that," he said thoughtfully. "I used to tell myself all the time, but… now I actually trust what I know." Thanks to you, my Lady.
Thanks to Grogu.
He released a tiny huff, and his smallest smile settled into place as he leaned contentedly against the boulder. "Did you trust in what you knew before you found your first crystal?"
Aldor laughed ironically. "Maker no, my Love. But by the time I had it in my hand, I did."
"How so?"
Aldor was momentarily distracted from his question, because her Mandalorian looked like a benevolent fire god as the sinking suns set his eyes and face aglow in a soft amber light. He looked utterly relaxed and unperturbed, leaned back against the rock with his knees spread wide in the recumbent posture of powerful Spice King. She couldn't resist it, and scooted between his legs to be immediately claimed and pulled closer. He smiled because this was exactly what he wanted, and kissed her neck as she inhaled his spicy scent. Perfectly content with this new positioning, Aldor settled against him and finally remembered his question.
"I found mine on Ilum like most Younglings," she began. "But unlike most, I was already aware of my shortcomings. At least I thought I was. I was very much aware of the darkness in my nature. I think I've been aware of it from the day I was born, and it frightened me before I even knew what darkness was. I was afraid it would come too easily when I started to learn about the Dark Side of the Force and the Sith who indulge it. So when the time came for me to participate in the Gathering, I was terrified darkness would lead me astray. So I studied every record and account I could find on the ice caves and where Jedi had encountered something sinister. My plan was to avoid all these areas, hoping to prove my disdain for that part of the Force to myself and my Masters."
"Did it work?"
Both Aldor and Grogu laughed at the memory they shared. "Not in the least. But poor Grogu can attest to my state of mind in the few weeks leading up to it." She pulled Grogu into her lap to give him a loving squeeze. "He kept telling me I was wasting my time." She reared back to meet Grogu's eyes and smile deeply at his little whisps of I told you so. "He was right, of course. Because when I got there, I spent so much thought on avoiding darkness that it ended up chasing me around in circles. I avoided every corner that felt eerie or looked inky, and I kept finding myself in exactly the same place. Until at last it dawned on me that it's impossible to outrun the Dark Side, and I realized I was being cowardly. So at last I stopped in my tracks to let it find me. It wasn't as powerful as I thought it was, and I quickly learned that I could mislead and direct it. So I used that new understanding against it, and tricked it into showing me the way. I found my crystal in a particularly cold, oppressive cavern, but it summoned me so emphatically, I allowed myself to traverse that blackness. The moment the crystal was in my hand, everything grew brighter, because I'd learned to control the Dark Side both within and without."
Grogu shook his little head and patted Aldor's hand. "Mother doubt self much. Grogu remember."
Aldor chuckled and hugged him tighter. "And you gave me all kinds of grief about it, my dear One." She kissed the top of his sweet little head and smiled down at him while he cuddled into her lap. "Once I got past my fear and started to use it, I knew exactly what to do." She looked sightlessly down at the top of Grogu's head and released a little chuckle. "I never forgot that lesson. Since then, I stopped trying to avoid the Dark Side, and focused instead on learning it. That way, I can continue to use it without letting it rule me. Granted, I've let it take over once or twice, but I was so regretful, the memories are enough to keep me under control when it gets persistent." She sighed deeply and shook her head, reflecting for a moment on those few times when she was overtaken. A soothing squeeze of golden blankets sent the memories running off, and she answered it with a smile and a brighter voice. "There is always more to learn, though. Much of what I know now, I learned from you, my Love. Because I understand darkness, I could see how you naturally use it to your advantage. For me, it takes a lot of concentration, but your lessons are so thorough, it almost comes as naturally to me now as it does to you."
Din kissed her temple in humility. "You sell yourself short, my Lady. I think it's just as natural for you as it is for me. The only difference is, you grew up knowing more, and had to fight through other people's egos to learn. If you'd been as clueless as I was, I'm sure you would have found your own way."
Aldor's heart lifted at Din's sensible retort, and she had to agree that much of her conflict arose between what she was taught and what she knew. Just like her own beloved Mandalorian, she'd struggled under intense indoctrination. It was easy to forget that sometimes. She smiled contentedly as a decades-old weight lifted from her heart, and she let her lover feel her relief in the kiss she lay under his jaw. "Thank you, my Love," she sighed. "That does make me feel better."
Din briefly took her cheek in his hand and kissed her lovingly. "I only want to remind my Lady that she is stronger than she knows." He paused as he gazed a moment longer into her eyes. He released a soft chuckle and added, "Besides, you still kick my ass every time we spar with darkness."
Aldor smiled at this, happy as ever to hear him compliment her in this way, because it absolutely was a compliment considering how skilled he'd become. "Thank you, my Love," she said softly. "But I can't take all the credit. My skill improves because my students improve on it. Both of you present quite a challenge these days, so I have to work harder. My skill continues to grow while yours does."
"So you're saying I'll never win a match?"
"I'm sure you'll find some devious way to distract me at some point," she answered as sparks briefly rose between them, thinking of all their best sparring matches. "I'd wager that someday, a yellow blade will come out on top of one purple one."
Din and Grogu laughed at this, and she couldn't resist snuggling deeper into her lover's arms and legs while she hugged their son, thrilled to the core at the sound of their laughter. "I'm not holding my breath, my Lady," Din chuckled. "But someday I hope I can disarm you at the very least." Again he kissed her, but his mind lingered on blades. "You said before that a purple blade is associated with darkness. I guess that must've kicked up a bit of a stir."
"It did," Aldor answered with a tone of amusement. "Something I can appreciate much more now than I did then. Master Windu was the only other with a purple blade, and I believe I was slated to be his Padawan. I'd just passed the trials, so no Master had chosen me yet when the Temple fell. As you can imagine, the Council was distracted in those days."
"Are you sorry you never got to train with him?"
"I did train with him a little," she answered. "Master Kelleren Beq was our primary lightsaber instructor, but Master Windu gave me special lessons in Vaapad as my skills improved. He gave me a good foundation, but I'm not sure I would have liked being his Padawan. Master Windu was cold and severe and very by-the-book. He only let his darkness show when he was wielding a light saber, and in his mind, it was the only way either of us should use it. He never really wanted me to learn darkness at all, and thought it was best to train me to be more like him." She released an ironic laugh. "As if I could do that without learning more about the nature of the Dark Side. But I never figured out how to use anything I don't understand. Certainly can't fight it. But besides that, Master Windu was a good man. A good heart and a strong mind. Just… a little too rigid for my taste."
"Good Master," Grogu agreed. "Not good for Mother."
Aldor nodded in agreement. "Our dear One is wise, my Love," she said. "I was honestly excited at the prospect of becoming Master Windu's Padawan, never thinking of how our personalities clashed. It would have been a great honor to be Padawan to any member of the Council, though, let alone one of its leaders. A rare honor. But looking back, I'm pretty well convinced it would have been a disaster. I don't think we understood each other. Like most Jedi, Master Windu thought learning about the Dark Side was the same as bowing to it, and I've always had issues with that point of view."
"I imagine so," Din said with a note of admiration. "Plus you and a by-the-book Jedi… or really anyone with that kind of mind… I can't even picture it, my Lady." At this he paused and released a soft huff. "Of course, I don't have much room to talk here. I used to be as certain of the Way as Master Windu must have been of the Jedi Order."
"Yes, my Love, but you weren't exposed to much outside your upbringing until your masters knew you were set in their beliefs." Aldor reared back over his arm to look up at him curiously. "Even then, though, I sense you questioned a lot of things many of your comrades never would."
"Not out loud," Din admitted. "But I thought them. As I got older, I was so programmed, the questions just kind of sat back in a lock box in my head. I didn't want to ask anymore, so I put them away." He chuckled deeply, and smiled in his nothing way that meant everything. "But Grogu unlocked it, then you threw it wide open, my Lady."
"I'm sorry if it was unsettling, my Love. So soon after everything on Mandalore too."
"It was unsettling," he said softly, then paused to kiss her forehead. Then he met Grogu's eyes, and lovingly brushed his fingers through the boy's hair. "But I'll forever be grateful for it," he murmured softly. "So maybe it's too bad for Master Windu that you never became his Padawan."
For another half hour, the three of them sat together in their little bundle of Clan Djarin while dinner sizzled over the fire. After a while they fell silent, content to simply marvel at the blazing orange and red twilight over the Eye. It was truly in beauty tonight, dotted with indigo clouds and twinkling with distant stars while the light from the suns gradually faded, and the gas giant took over their vigil, guarding her lover and hovering ever closer.
With this thought from her head, Aldor's own lover gathered her and their son closer, and buried his nose in her hair. Suddenly he was drawing every element around them into his chest, and at the very moment it became concerning, he let it go, and squeezed them tight while plumes of dark matter flew out into space. I saw this the first time I meditated, Aldor. I just realized.
What did you see, my Love?
By the fire. You in my arms. Grogu in yours. I saw this right before I woke up and saw your face. Does it mean something?
Path end. Path begin.
Both of them looked down at Grogu, who was purring contentedly, wrapped up in Aldor's arms and robe while he looked significantly up at his parents. "All path," he continued aloud, then pointed to himself, then each of them in turn. "All path start new."
"A bend in our Way," Din murmured. "I guess I knew that."
Grogu nodded. "Father always know. Believe now."
Din smiled lovingly at his son, and smoothed a gentle caress over his ear. "Yeah. I do believe in a lot of things now. Our Clan more than anything."
"And nothing will take it from us, my Love."
"Nothing take," Grogu agreed.
"This is the way."
With that, he reluctantly relinquished his hold on them, leaving Aldor with a kiss and Grogu with a nose bump to kneel in front of the fire and check on their dinner. "Well then," he said after a quick inspection with his vibroblade. "We can't start out on a new path on an empty stomach. Looks like it's ready, Clan Djarin, so let's dig in."
When all of them were sufficiently full on hopper and savory berries, Clan Djarin stayed outside a while longer because the ground was so warm, they barely felt the chill creeping into the air. Din brought out his tools and the blue stone he'd been bent over for days, and Aldor got back to work on a pair of buck leather gloves for her Mandalorian.
Throughout their symphony of notions, he tried to coax her into making something for herself for a change, because he knew these gloves were for him. She'd repaired and patched her own wardrobe so many times, he was worried it was getting worn out. He didn't want her to freeze to death if a spiteful gust of icy wind were to take a sly dip under her coat this winter. She assured him she had plans for some new pieces, and reminded him she made new boots for herself. Anyway, his gloves were a priority now that autumn was drawing closer. No matter how many times he promised the gloves he had were perfectly warm, she wasn't blind to his occasional grimace when stiff fingers struggled to do fine work on their perimeter shield last winter.
Din huffed and smiled when he looked up at her, then simply sighed and shook his head as he looked back down at the blue stone. A soft wave of molten gold trembled through their tapestry, and he smiled admiringly at his work.
You're very engrossed in this piece, my Love.
I am. Strange… felt like I couldn't leave it. Anyway, want to finish it before next week.
You're pouring power into it with every stroke of your laser. I sense it, my Love. As if you're making a holocron or some holy relic. It's… exhilarating… to feel this from you… the creative fire…
I feel it from you every day. I guess it rubbed off on me. One of the things I most admired about you from the beginning. I could live off your excitement for days… any time you get an idea or make another piece of clothing for one of us. I love that so much about you, Aldor. One of my favorite things. Glad I have some of that in me. Not as much, but some.
Throughout all of this, Grogu continued to work on an elaborate braid he said would serve as a strap for his lightsaber. A small huff of frustration from him roused Din and Aldor from their conversation, and both of them paused in their tasks to see what was going on. He'd only accidentally looped one way when he should have looped the other, and it was easily corrected. He was soon rapt on his work again, and his little claws found an unhurried rhythm as he continued with his braid. He'd added strips of every texture of fabric and leather he could find in Aldor's scrap bin to create a wide, multi-layered braid that reminded her very much of how she pictured Clan Djarin's tapestry. She couldn't wait to see it completed with the signet his father made for him, on a lightsaber he would build himself.
She could barely contain her pride while she watched him, so grateful she could finally repay all the wisdom he bestowed on her when they were both children at the temple. He'd come so far so quickly, just like his father. In many ways, because of his father. They'd seen proof now that Din should have always been part of their little family, but even Aldor couldn't fully identify what it was about him that made him Grogu's perfect guardian. Whatever it was, Grogu desperately needed it, and always had. Every bit as much as Din needed a similar unidentifiable thing that Grogu provided. Maybe it was the same thing for all of them.
Our hearts, my Lady. That's what it is. Grogu has both the Djarin heart and the Verische heart. A combination of the two. So it's like I've said before, Aldor. We're raising a part of ourselves. That's why everything has come together like it has. It's something we were always meant to do.
So easy to see that now that we know more about our ancestors. More about ourselves. As if he was born of some Vergence in the Force that had something to do with our lines.
He might even be the reason you and I have always been bound. I don't know. I only know I'm grateful. Grateful to be bound to two beautiful beings. Grateful they think I'm beautiful too.
The most beautiful thing I've ever seen, my Love.
Clan Djarin remained in this dreamy state of creation and gratitude for a little while longer, until the sky had nearly gone dark, and even the ground couldn't mask the cold. Grogu had curled up in Din's lap at some point, and started to doze off. He quickly roused when Din gave him a tender nudge and a soft, "Hey Buddy." He looked up at his father and grinned sleepily, then stowed his strap in his satchel and went to Din for a nose rub, then turned to Aldor for a peck on the cheek. They took the hint and fed the fire so it would burn through the night to keep off the vultures, then retired to their tent.
The rock inside was doing its job splendidly, so they only had to keep the coil on its lowest setting, thus preserving power. Something Din marveled at for a few minutes while they all took off their boots and coats and spread a thick pelt over the densest patch of moss for their bed. He again commented on how resourceful she was, and gathered her close in one arm. He took Grogu with the other, and settled into the pelt as Aldor brought another over the three of them. Din positioned Grogu between them as he and Aldor sank into the furs, using the bags of vulture feathers for pillows. "So resourceful," he murmured with a sleepy smile as he drew her closer, and Grogu settled into the warm little space created by his parents' bodies, where he was already softly snoring.
Goodnight, my Lady. He kissed her briefly, and settled his forehead against hers. Tomorrow we meet a turn in our Way. I'm grateful. I knew it was coming and I'm glad it's here, but I hope we will always have this.
We will, my Love. Don't worry. We have everything we need.
I'll always worry, my Lady, but I can use it to our advantage like you and your darkness. I just have to work on it. I know you'll both help me.
Always, my Love.
And I'll do anything I can for you, my Lady. Again he kissed her, then finally took a deep breath and burrowed deeper into the furs. He gave them a gentle squeeze, then closed his eyes. I'm here. However you need me.
The thought was meant for both of them, and both felt it through every gentle thud of their Mandalorian's heart as they all drifted one-by-one into a deep, restful sleep.
He'd never been so fucking furious in his life. These fools who called themselves Masters! Infuriating.
He'd been away from the Temple too long maybe, and lost his patience for politics. Or maybe his cause was that much more critical now that he had a wife and baby boy to think of. But more than likely, it was just that he missed them terribly, and could only think of getting back to Kalevala to be with them. Whatever the cause of his intensified impatience, he was struggling to maintain his composure, and the only thing that kept him from screaming in the Grandmaster's face was the presence of Fainion Verische nearby.
Verische always had a calming effect on those around him, which was part of why they were quicker to listen to him than anyone. In Djaret's case, the effect was necessary, and he was grateful his friend was nearby, doing his best to stick up for him. "I understand why the Council is hesitant," Verische began in his most dignified tone, making sure everyone on the Council heard the words and felt their intent in a way Djaret just didn't know how. "But I see no harm in reaching out to particular fringe communities of Force worshippers. We all know they're out there, however we may pretend they don't exist. We certainly monitor them closely enough, don't we? Have you ever known any but the Sith and the Night Sisters to fully embrace the darkness?"
"Exactly," Lome agreed, bolstered by Verische's sensible words. "During my time in the Mandalorian sector, I've come across Force adepts I never knew existed before. Their skill is every bit as effective in defense of their homes as ours is to the Republic. Why not harness that?! The darkness is stirring, my Friends. I've seen it with my own eyes, and it's now tied to the Mand'alor. Many among them have seen it too, and I've been working these many years to earn their trust. They cannot fight the Sith threat on their own, and look to us to supply the deficiency. These Mandalorians believe the Night Sisters are feeding the Mand'alor's lust for power, and may be more willing to let us help them if we can do more to understand them. These fringe groups could act as intermediaries, because believe me, Master, Mandalorians are much quicker to trust mercenaries than the Jedi. The same can be said of many other independent systems. But if we can bridge the gap in their trust, and keep faith with our Force-adept privateers, we could form a militia for more than just the Mid-rim."
"Master Lome," the Grandmaster interjected. "Need I remind you that Mandalore is not part of the Republic, and therefore it is not the Jedi's responsibility to defend it."
"Yet you sent me to spy on them," Lome grunted. "And you do not seem to care that their leader has been tainted by the Dark Side of the Force. Was this not my mission, Grandmaster? Was it not this Council's intent that I monitor the activity on Dathomir and present possible solutions? Or are you just afraid the Mandalorians might be better off without us?"
The pompous Twi'lek Grandmaster puffed and glared with his mind screaming, "Sedition!" But many heard this comment from Djaret Lome differently, and the Grandmaster sensed it. He resettled in his seat, and grumbled lowly before he answered, "We understand your concern, Master Lome. But we expected a report on Mandalore and Night Sisters, and now you come to us with Force-Adept militia. What are you suggesting we do exactly?"
Master Verische stilled Lome's temper with a friendly hand on his shoulder, and stepped forward again to supply the eloquence Djaret lacked. "I believe Master Lome suggests that we might use their strength to our advantage, Grandmaster. I have also encountered these sects of Force-wielders. Those I met informed me they were nomads, and earned their credits doing small jobs for locals. Some settle in one place for years at a time, until the settlement is peaceful and they've made more allies. It sounds to me, Grandmaster, like they are a militia already, and could only benefit from a partnership with the Jedi Order."
"In this way, Grandmaster," Lome spoke up again, more measured. "In this way, we can make allies at the same time we keep unsettled regions safer. Groups like these are always loyal to those who treat them well. If we treat them well, we could build an entire network of Force-Adept militia spanning every system. In the face of a galaxy-wide threat, we would already have eyes on the ground."
"You've been on Mandalore too long, Master Lome," the Grandmaster chuckled condescendingly. "Ready to go to war for every minor skirmish."
It was only the feeling of Master Verische's eyes boring into the back of his head that kept Djaret from going supernova. Thankfully, it was enough to keep his voice even. "This was more than a minor skirmish, Master," he said quietly. "And not one year ago, the Mand'alor's captains killed an ambassador from Aq Vetina, who came in peace. Such a militia could have prevented that by providing neutral protection."
"But how do these brigands provide protection?" the grandmaster asked more critically when nobody laughed along with him. "How do they wield the Force? That is our greatest concern. We cannot allow Bendu and Grey Acolytes to police the Galaxy, Master Lome."
"I'm not talking about Bendu, Grandmaster, but the Grey Acolytes could be valuable allies." At this the room stilled, and Master Lome cleared this throat. He felt the static of wildly varying thoughts throughout the room, but closest to him, Master Verische tried and failed to conceal his amusement at their colleagues' confusion. "Yes, I know their reputation. I know what they've done. But they did those things for good reasons. No Master here would dispute that Master Formir let power lead him astray, and as much as I loved him, I've never blamed the Grey Acolytes for their actions. And if you'll just take a few moments to listen to their point of view, I think you'll understand why. Please, Master, for the good of all the Force, allow me to bring one of their leaders…"
At this a vision popped into Lome's head of a small, green mage with stark white hair streaming down her back in lavish braids, brandishing a wicked pike with such skill, every strike of a magenta blade was like lightning filling the air…
Din snapped awake at this vision, recognizing his son's species in Lome's memory. A powerful female. She was all he could see for a moment as his heart slowed and his mind adjusted, until he remembered where he was.
Aldor lay in the crook of his shoulder, her breath softly stirring his collar as she slept. Grogu was sprawled out on Din's other side, with his little head leaned back against Din's belly while he continued to snore quietly, still loosely holding on to his father's thumb where his hand lay protectively over the boy's small body. Din chuckled to himself, smiling wide enough to show his teeth even though nobody saw it. Well… maybe Djaret Lome did. Either way, he knew he'd never forget this. Huddled up with his family in their homey tent, on their way to seek the future. He closed his eyes to savor it for a while, brushed his lips across Aldor's forehead and buried his nose in her hair while he felt his son's heart beating under his palm. For a while he was perfectly content to stay exactly here for the next three hours, and almost dozed off again in the fragrant warmth that permeated the tent.
But just as he was drifting, he saw a flash of violet eyes and raven curls, and felt his son's heart beating inside a phantom womb. He snapped awake again, and gathered both of them closer for a little while. He could still feel his ancestor's grief, and screwed his eyes up against anxiety as he thanked the Force he was Din Djarin and not Djaret Lome. But Lome's memories would not leave his mind, and after another half hour of willing himself back to sleep, he sighed in defeat. Leaving them was the last thing he wanted to do, but they were safe at least, and he wouldn't go far.
He carefully hugged his lover closer and kissed her forehead, promising he would be near, and slowly let her down onto her side in the furs, her head well supported by the bags of feathers. He looked down at his son, and briefly stroked his fingers over his hair, then tenderly resettled the boy close beside his mother, who sensed him there, and instantly wrapped her arms protectively around him. His family well tended and wrapped in extra blankets, Din tugged his boots on, suddenly realizing his feet weren't the least bit sore after trudging ninety klicks over jagged bedrock and rough forest passes. He wanted to kiss her again in appreciation for his new boots and the gloves she insisted were more important than anything she could make for herself. Wanted to beg her again to spoil herself more. Truthfully, if he had half an idea of how to sew as well as Aldor, he would have already tried to make her something.
He sat for a moment longer watching her snuggle their son in her sleep, and came whisper close to joining them again. But they were peaceful and he was restless, and the last thing he wanted was to disturb them. So at last he motivated himself into action, and pulled on his rayskin coat as he stepped out of the tent, then quietly closed the flap with the Force. Standing to his full height, he looked up, and inhaled the sweet air as he marveled for a moment at the cacophony of stars overhead. Summer definitely ruled this morning with a warm dry breeze blowing in from the center of the continent, clear as a bell and breathtaking. It was still cold, but Din was used to it by now, and actually kind of enjoyed it.
As he walked aimlessly through the scattered rocks and stunted willows, he realized how much he truly loved this planet. With it's melancholy, indigo glow and deep palette of blue-green and purple foliage against a backdrop of simmering reds and oranges over the Pupil, he'd never seen a planet that so suited his sensibilities. He was born of arid blood and spent years of his life on arid worlds, but he loved this cool humidity. The freshness of the air and water. That sweet herbal fragrance that became the finest perfume on his Lady's skin. Even in the depths of winter, there was some beauty in the violence of the storms. It suited his heart. Suited his Spirit. So whatever his blood was made of, every drop of it told him the Eye was his true home.
With this in mind, Din stared unseeing into the hot spring, until it occurred to him how inviting it looked. He remembered he had one of Aldor's scanners in his coat pocket, and brought it out to run a few scans on the spring. Fresh water with a moderate amount of magnesium and traces of potassium. Better than the Twi'lek healing baths and pulsing with Force energy. What better way to sort through ancient memories than to lounge in a mystical hot spring under a beautiful night sky. So he slipped out of his coat and boots and stripped down to his skin and carefully draped all his clothes over a nearby rock. There was a sedimentary shelf that was only submerged by a few centimeters, and after Din tested it with one bare foot, he dropped down into the pool to find it not quite chest deep and the perfect temperature.
He closed his eyes as the beautiful warmth and all those delightful salts sank deep into his flesh, and he sighed as he bent a little deeper into the water, and leaned back against the smooth stone bank. Fuck it felt amazing. It always felt good even in their lukewarm little pond, but this was bliss. Din immediately swore they would all make this trip once a year just for this, but then his thoughts drifted away, and all he could comprehend for a little while was the gradual release of a thousand strands of muscle all at once. It continued in a wave, every weary sinew finally relinquishing its grip on his bones as the golden warmth inside him flowed with abandon through his blood. He sank deeper against the bank and smiled to himself, thanking every god of every religion in the Galaxy for this planet and its hot springs.
As his mind continued to unwind, it went back to Mandalore and his attempt to purify himself in the Living Waters. He remembered Bo Katan looking on with a bemused smirk on her face while she simultaneously mocked and admired him. It was the effect of disillusionment more than apathy, but her attitude always seemed to cheapen things. She would have kept on if the fucking Mythosaur didn't drag him under almost as soon as he submerged. That kept her quiet for a while, but it irked him that she never let on what she saw. Granted, he didn't either, but he was only half-conscious at the time, and wasn't even entirely sure what he'd seen until Grogu summoned it to the surface months later.
Din shook his head at himself, cradled and cleansed in the Eye's embrace while he looked back on what he used to think would redeem him. When he tried to cleanse himself in the Living Waters, how did that work out? Did he feel as renewed and full of purpose then as he did now in this shallow hot spring? He asked himself seriously, because he honestly couldn't remember. He closed his eyes to call it up, remembering that he spoke the Creed as he stepped down. He still remembered the words. Still believed them to some extent. So he could honestly say for those brief seconds before the Mythosaur dragged him under, he did feel somewhat renewed. But it was only a warrior's brief relief before yet another messy battle. More blood and more sorrow. When all was said and done, it didn't feel much at all like redemption.
Din opened his eyes again to remind himself of where it brought him. He should be grateful, he decided. Grateful Mandalore had become so sad a reflection of itself that he couldn't bear it. As recently as a few months ago, he still felt horribly guilty for leaving it behind. But now that he understood the Force and his own ability, he began to see this failure was necessary. Like the Jedi Order, Mandalore needed to fall apart. He told Aldor himself just night before last, things fall apart when they need to be rebuilt. It was as true of any sentient as it was of their institutions. True of the Force and true of the Way. It was just their shit luck they had to witness so much of the demolition. But it was also a blessing that Clan Djarin amassed so much experience with the worst of the Galaxy, so they might understand how to repair the damage those scugholes wrought.
Like this idea of Force-Adept militia. Considering it deeply, Din decided the biggest flaw in Djaret Lome's plan was that he limited himself to Force-Adepts when there had always been legions of pissed off old soldiers who would love to die for a worthy cause if nothing else. He instantly thought of his friends out in the Galaxy. Fighters like Cobb Vanth and Cara Dune. Determined settlers like Omera and Kuiil. People of no political or social importance who fought for what they loved, not what they wanted. He could build the grandest militia the Galaxy had ever seen from people like them. Of course, if they were out there, the Force-Adepts would give them a distinct advantage. Add in a few angry indigenous, and such a garrison could destroy any Imp stronghold in any sector. Hell, he and just a few of his friends already did it twice.
With this thought, it suddenly occurred to him that Master Verische was right. The militia were already in place. Always had been. They'd been doing the Republic's job for centuries on their own. These same sorts of people the old Twi'lek Grandmaster called brigands. Brigands like that glorious mage he saw in Lome's memory. Fuck, Din was a brigand himself. Just like Aldor and Grogu. Every being he called a friend was a brigand, and Din felt an enormous swell of pride at that thought. Because who better to fight the darkness than those who knew it best?
But there was still a lot to consider. He wasn't even entirely convinced it was a practical idea. They could certainly keep it in mind, but if the seed were to germinate, it needed to grow naturally anyway, and Din wasn't in a rush to see it sprout. Elemental foundations were the strongest, but they always took time. Time Din could happily wait out on the Eye while his own militia took eagerly to their training, and carefully tended Clan Djarin's own roots.
Content again and reminded of his present mission, Din sank a little deeper into the spring and took a deep breath. All this new information kept sending his mind too far forward or backward when there was still now to think about. That was one thing about his awakened ability that remained unsettling. He could see so much farther in so many new directions, it was sometimes difficult to remain where he was. But he was lucky. He had Aldor and Grogu to keep him on track, and it was the thought of them that finally drew him out of his own mind.
He was just reaching out with the Force to check on them when he suddenly became aware of a tender tremor that set the water in motion, as if it were filled with filaments of raw plasma. "Mmmm…" he murmured absently as the sweet little watery sparks seductively licked his thighs. "My Lady."
Where are you my Love?
Right here. Right now. Hoping you'll join me in this hot spring.
How could I not, my Love?
He sat up from his recumbent position against the bank when he heard the soft sounds of fabric and leather being lain aside behind him, and turned to watch enraptured while his lover undressed. One by one, pale limbs emerged from their coverings, glowing in the dim light of the gas giant and soft as the breeze that stirred her hair. He couldn't help himself, and reached out to smooth his fingers over her calf, looking up at her as if in prayer to a higher power. She did look like a goddess tonight. Aglow and graceful while she smiled seductively under a symphony of stars. His mouth actually watered while he watched her pull her top off over her head to reveal her gorgeous breasts, and all those glorious slopes and rises. All the while, he could swear the spring grew warmer, and the little silvery strands flowing around him huddled closer, as if the water were embracing him. It was practically boiling by the time she kicked out of her bottoms, and all Din could think about was the beautiful shape of her legs. How she tasted under those pale curls.
He was still mute and dumb as she padded to the natural step, and eased into the water, causing a beautiful riot in the springs as they welcomed their favorite. Or maybe it was just him, constantly in awe of his patron goddess. The moment she was within reach, Din seized her and crushed her into his embrace, kissing her neck while she pressed her body flush against his, seizing his shoulders as she tried to pull him even closer. Sweet and fragrant and so warm. He couldn't stop kissing her. Couldn't stop his hands as they ranged over every beautiful curve and soft dip of her precious body. She tasted like nothing else. Felt like nothing else.
My lover missed me.
Yes, he did, my Lady. For forty-five years, he missed you. So forgive your Mandalorian if he feels the need to make up for lost time.
When Din finally came up for air and opened his eyes, he could only smile, and dropped his forehead against hers. Her delicious mouth perked into that lovely little bow, and she brushed the fingers of both hands through his hair in a way that sent a gorgeous shudder down his spine. "Your lover missed you too, my Mandalorian," she whispered, and pulled him closer as she stood on her toes to drag her lips under his jaw, and kissed him in that perfect spot. But your mind has been busy, my Love. I sensed it as soon as I woke up.
More dreams, my Lady.
Djaret Lome?
Yes. Verische too. Fascinating how Verische's effect on Lome was like your effect on me. He calmed Father Lome. Made him slow down and think before his temper got the better of him. At least in that regard, our relationships are similar. I think I'd need you by my side if I ever had to the face the Jedi Council. Or any council really. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'd do some damage.
Aldor smiled and rubbed her lips briefly into the stubble under his jaw. And like Master Verische, I'm sure some part of me would encourage doing damage.
Yes, my Lady, but the larger parts of you would favor wisdom.
I suppose you're right.
That's what the dream was about. He was speaking before the Jedi Council. Furious. But Master Verische was there to prevent the damage. Probably a good thing.
"Why was he angry?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Din answered. "But I think it had something to do with a skirmish in the Mandalorian sector. Something that scared him, because I think this was not long after Djae was born. He had a plan to create some sort of Force-Adept militia using non-Jedi sects."
"Ooooh…" Aldor hummed. "I bet that riled the Council right up."
Din chuckled. "I believe it did, my Lady. The Grandmaster was furious. Of course, only Lome knew that because about half the Council didn't seem to think it was such a bad idea, so the Grandmaster kept all but his mind quiet." Din paused, thinking again of that little green mage from Lome's thoughts. "But then he said something about the Grey Acolytes. Father Lome mentioned a Master named Formir that maybe crossed them. They were some sort of mercenary group made up of Force-adepts that traveled around to systems that needed muscle." Din reared back a little, and studied her for a moment before he asked, "Have you ever read or heard anything about Master Formir or the Grey Acolytes? I think the leader was Grogu's species. A female."
"Really?" Aldor asked with a tone of fascination. "Oh, I'm deeply sorry to say I've never heard of either before, but…"
"… you'll check your archives?" he finished with a grin.
"Absolutely," she answered with wide smile. "But how did the Masters react to those names?"
"I don't really know," Din answered. "There were definitely reactions, but they were so varied, I don't think Lome could sort through them on the spot. Plus apparently Lome was close to this Formir. His Master maybe. So I think a lot of it was just… shock."
"Interesting," Aldor murmured. "Oh, I hope I have some little snippet about them at the very least."
Din chuckled heartily, and hugged her tight. He wanted to taste her enthusiasm. Wanted to breathe it in and let it lift his Spirit. He settled for a tender kiss, and brought her head down to his chest so she could hear what his heart had to say. That she made his entire body smile when she was like this. That he couldn't wait to hear her summarize what she would learn about the Grey Acolytes, even if it was barely anything. One way or another, she would certainly have a theory. "One of my favorite things about you," he murmured, tangling his fingers in her hair as he gathered her ever closer, until one shapely leg wrapped around his, and the warmth of her core pressed seductively into his hip. "Mmmm… love that too."
Aldor turned her head to press sweet kisses to his damp chest. Such a small thing that always stirred him beyond reason. Tonight she seemed to particularly enjoy giving him this pleasure, purring as if his skin was the most delectable thing on the planet. It is, my Love. I dream of it. Wake and need to taste it. A subtle shift brought her leg tighter around his, and a press of submerged silk sent shots of watery plasma through his blood and straight to his cock as she briefly flicked her tongue over his nipple. "Mmmm…" she whispered. "I dream of that sound in your voice. Like velvet, my Love. I want to wrap myself in it."
"Want to wrap myself in you, my Lady," he murmured, and took her in a deep, insistent kiss. He barely knew what he was doing while he indulged himself, lost in the flavor and feel of her, needing her in every possible way as he swept her up into his arms and settled her legs around his hips. The water seemed to give way, roiling and frothing in his wake as he carried her to the bank and set her down on the stone step. "Tell me you brought the All-Weather droid."
She leaned down from her seat to take his face in her hands, and kissed him with such fire, he wasn't sure they needed it anymore. Then she stood and offered her hand, helping him up to the bank while spring water dripped like jewels down her naked skin. "Just who do you think you're talking to, my Mandalorian?" she asked seductively, and summoned the small sphere from her pile of clothes to settle and activate over their heads.
She stood like some priceless piece of sculpture in a graceful stance like a dancer at rest. The warming beam from the droid released an intoxicating wave of her herbal scent, and suddenly Din was a buck in rut again. He seized her in his arms and devoured her in kisses, rock hard and half mad with wanting her. He scooped her backside into his hands and settled her legs around his waist. "Lady Aldor Verische of Clan Djarin," he whispered, and sank to his knees with her, then gently lay her down in a soft patch of moss. "Lady of the Eye," he breathed, and kissed her again as he took his erection in hand, and positioned himself just at the door of all her delicious silk. He barely dipped in as she bit her lip, and he nearly lost all his senses at how wet she was. "Mmmm…" he growled. Ruler of Din Djarin, her willing servant. He slowly eased into her, heart stopped and body seized as he seated himself as deep as he could, relishing soft sighs and hitched breaths from his goddess as she accepted every inch. Take everything you want, Aldor. I need nothing but you. Just let me watch you cum. Tell me how good I feel inside you. And please, my Lady... make that beautiful sound.
It was a beautiful day with his beautiful mate and their beautiful son. The sky over the Eye was a passionate array of deep azure and dusky indigo, swirling together to form soft benevolent clouds that made way for all three suns. A good way to start their second day of travel.
Din knew more than ever now that this quest was a weighty one, but he could safely say he'd never undertaken such an enjoyable mission. It was far more worthy than any he attempted before he met Grogu, because he knew this time it would produce more than credits and reputation. When he considered all the things they'd been able to teach their boy along the way, Din decided he wanted more adventures in this vein. It could continue to be a valuable teaching tool for Grogu, and simultaneously serve to keep himself and Aldor sharp.
It's a good idea, my Love. She looped her arm through his and leaned in to press a kiss to his shoulder. Where do you think we should go?
"We should explore more of the Eye, my Lady," he answered. "Go to the places we never do. I remember reading in your notes last year that you never quite made it to the southern shore. Maybe we can make an exercise of it. Get him to plot the route and anticipate the supplies he thinks we'll need. Maybe have him chart a simple map of the area when we get there. Scout for game and identify edible plants. I think it's something all three of us would enjoy."
"I believe we would, my Love," she agreed. "You're right. I've never been to the southern shore. Never really had a need to go."
"But you're curious by nature, my Lady. I'm surprised you didn't go down there just to look around. But then again, I guess I understand why you didn't want to be so far from the YT while you were alone."
"That is true, my Love, but I wouldn't say that's why I never went down there. I'm honestly not sure why I haven't." She paused to reflect a moment, then shrugged. "I suppose… I suppose I've always felt like I shouldn't disturb it. I don't know why, but I sometimes get the sense that the southern shore belongs to something else."
"Do you think there's something down there, my Lady?"
"I don't know," Aldor answered. "I couldn't even guess, really. I suppose I decided I'd find out if I need to."
"Mmm." Din took a few moments to consider this deeply, thinking of his Lady and her typical excitement for the unknown. This attitude didn't seem like her, and he wondered if something else was at work.
"I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility," Aldor answered to his unspoken thoughts. "Now that I think about it, that is rather unlike me."
"Did any of your old companions ever go down there?"
Aldor took a moment to sort through old memories, recalling the few expeditions she wasn't a part of. "You know, I don't think they did," she answered thoughtfully. "Interesting." She paused and looked curiously up at Din. "How do you feel about it?"
Din took a moment to stretch over the crust of the Eye, and sensed only hot springs, geysers, and more forest until he reached what felt like a rocky beach, then nothing but sea and ice. Then he tossed a few questions at the suns that didn't result in much of an answer. Finally, he shrugged. "The suns say there's nothing threatening down there, and they always tell the truth. Plus I don't sense anything particularly dark down that way."
"Well, I never have either," Aldor answered, continuing to process various theories. "It just always felt a little… off-limits. Like somebody's quarters when you're not invited. That being the case… I suppose I just never thought about exploring down there."
"I couldn't say I have until now. But it doesn't really feel off-limits to me."
Aldor released a quiet laugh. "It suddenly doesn't to me either, but that's likely your influence more than anything."
Din smiled a little, flattered at the idea that he could influence Aldor at all. "Then I think we should definitely explore it sometime. Like this. On foot. Feels like it needs to be that way with us."
"Yes, my Love. I believe it does. I'm quite excited by this prospect." She laughed. "Maybe the Force just kept me blind to that sector because it wanted me to discover it with you and Grogu. It wouldn't surprise me."
Din chuckled and looped his arm around her shoulder, and drew her closer. "At this point, nothing surprises me except you and Grogu, my Lady. And I kind of like that."
Eventual plans agreed to, they continued to toss around ideas for lessons they might include in between wondering what they'd find on the southern shore, if anything at all. This continued for several klicks until Din caught a pebble that flew from Grogu's general direction several dozen meters in front of them. Their boy was wide awake now and full of energy, so Din and Aldor geared up for another round of Force games.
All this practice was already serving to refine Din's revived skill. He could move small boulders wherever he wanted them, and could even nudge the largest ones a few feet. He felt it growing stronger with every experiment and every challenge. Then, in an act of pure instinct driven by a brutal pelting, Din managed to isolate the junction of all the crisscrossing bonds between a barrage of incoming stones, and grabbed onto it to bring all the projectiles together in mid-air. When he caught them all in his hand at once, Aldor and Grogu stopped in their tracks to stare at him in awe.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Din… how did you…"
He looked down at the stones in his hand. "How did I catch these?"
"How did you pull them together so quickly?"
"I just… found where all the bonds intersected. Is that…"
Aldor chuckled and shook her head. "Yes, my Love. That is… rather extraordinary. I've never tried that. But I bet you could do some real damage with it in a fight."
They started walking again as they discussed it, and learned they were doing the same thing differently. To pull multiple objects together with the Force, Aldor shot out her ribbons to find the things she wanted to bring together, and pulled them together with her own Force, rather than grasping on to intersecting bonds. Din felt her way was more refined and likely more precise, and almost dismissed his own as too simplistic until Aldor insisted he shouldn't. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to learn Din's method. If she could teach him hers as well, they could pick and choose which method might suit various situations. After some thought, Din realized his method worked a little like a bola he could make out of anything, while Aldor's would allow them to pinpoint specific things. Finally, he agreed it could become a powerful tool, and they instantly decided they would practice it the next time they went out to the Maze. Although he knew they couldn't focus as much as they needed to in the middle of a march to the Iris, he was excited to get started, and they both practiced the other's method on a smaller scale for the next few klicks.
This continued until they stopped briefly for a quick lunch, and realizing how close they were to their destination, grew more serious when they set out again. The land was quickly losing vegetation now, and the ground was obviously warmer. The closer they got, the more layers they shed until Aldor had even abandoned her silk robe and tied her hair up with a length of leather. Din was immediately distracted by this, because it made her look even sleeker. Like she could cut through the deepest jungles of Kashyyyk without disturbing a single vine. But he wouldn't let his thoughts continue down this track, because their quest was at hand.
It didn't even occur to him until now to contemplate what he would encounter at the Iris. The call had been kind to him today, and only gave him an occasional hum, but Din felt it watching him all the while. It seemed satisfied to have him in sight, like a parent who was relieved to know his child was near. Under this relaxed supervision, he'd been enjoying the journey more than thinking of the destination. Din sensed it was an important aspect of this quest, as if he had to prove himself by not trying to prove himself. It made sense, of course, because it was a great failing of his nature that he sometimes tried much too hard. Over the years, he'd come to notice that things always turned out for the better if he simply acted on instinct. That was a lot easier to do now that he had more reasons to fight than things to prove.
Just as the thought floated through his head, the Eye told him to stop and listen. He heeded it, and began to feel a tug that wanted him to turn southwest. Aldor knew what was happening, and waited patiently while Din worked out where to go. He met her eyes and merely nodded. She gave him an encouraging smile, and let him direct her toward the call. Up ahead, Grogu had already turned that way, and now waited for them to catch up. When they came nearer, he pointed one little claw due south. Understanding this, they all continued south-southwest for another kilometer or two until both Din and Grogu stopped where they knew they should part ways.
Grogu pointed again toward his destination, and looked up demonstratively at his parents. "I go there. Mother and Father go other way for Father. Okay?"
Din couldn't deny him. He knew Grogu needed to be alone for his trial, even though it cost him a bit not to protest. He had to remind himself that Grogu was more than capable, even though he still saw a helpless baby when he looked at his precious boy. But Grogu reassured him yet again with a confident little grin, and promised he'd be careful. Din nodded his consent, and heaved an enormous sigh as Aldor nodded hers, then their boy went off on his own.
"Don't worry, my Love," Aldor soothed. "You taught him well."
"So did you, my Lady."
"I hope so. But more than that, I know our boy is ready."
Din nodded. "Me too."
"Come, my Love," she said soberly. "You have your own quest to complete."