#bora borosa

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 55

Old acquaintances and new faces on Boro-Borosa have to say goodbye in different ways.

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

On Boro-Borosa, some cities, especially the capital Amos, had formed from the smallest oases of the desert planet and still treasured them. But there were also many untouched places that were not inhabited by the masses. That was where the sand people had been drawn to. In the middle of the desert, at the foot of a mountain from which the spring that supplied the flourishing date palms with water gushed before it flowed into the lake amidst the green splendor. The fish in it were part of the diet of the inhabitants of the oasis. Many of the tents stood between the shady palm trees, and stables had been erected a little to one side. Eopis, banthas and other farm animals were responsible for agriculture and food. The Tusks were once again leading a peaceful life on Bora-Borosa.

Basmah stepped out of her tent, Yamha had finally fallen asleep. The little girl was becoming more and more agile and curious about the world. Her husband sat in front of the campfire, nodding to her. The pipe he always indulged in at night protruded from his mask. He pointed to the free cushion next to him, but she shook her head. Basmah wanted to stretch her legs a little. The glow of the campfires or the torches could be seen everywhere. There were whispers so as not to wake the sleeping people. A breeze moved the palm leaves and let the moonlight through, which was reflected on the surface of the lake. Basmah walked past it, hearing the snorting and humming of her animals. Normally they were asleep at this time of night, but something seemed to be keeping them awake.

The Tusken woman paused when she saw a figure sitting on a rock outside the palm trees. The shape looked familiar to her and Basmah tried to make loud noises so as not to frighten the blind woman. She touched Umm gently on the shoulder and the old woman smiled knowingly.

"What are you still doing here at this late hour?" she asked, crouching down in front of Umm. Basmah had been watching her for the last few days, Umm couldn't rest, did that have anything to do with Nhean's visit? He had not come alone, his wife had accompanied him for the first time. Umm was silent and the wind picked up again. Basmah shivered and reached for Umm's hand. It was very cold, how long had she been sitting here? Had she even eaten dinner?

"Come on, I'll take you back to your tent, you'll freeze to death here!"

Umm shook her head and lifted it. Basmah followed suit and looked up at the sky.

"I'm watching the stars. They have changed!"

The young woman noticed the multitude of stars shining so brightly next to the moon, something she had never noticed before. And then the words slowly sunk in for Basmah. She stared at Umm.

"What do you mean, you watch the stars?"

Umm squeezed Basmah's hand and she could see the old woman's happy features.

"The light shows me the way. There is no place so dark that the eye cannot spot a star. And now they all shine for me!"

Umm looked up again and closed her eyes. Basmah could see the tears glistening as they found their way. And then Umm's head slowly sank down onto her chest, returning her last breath to her home.

As the door slid open, Severin looked sternly at his colleague, who hung her head with a sigh.

"I'm sorry!"

Severin glanced at his watch.

"You're over half an hour late, Bice!"

She sighed again and dropped her bag next to her desk.

"I left on time, but they're going crazy in the city!"

Severin frowned.

"The coachmen had to catch their orbaks again. The animals have been running through the alleyways in complete disarray, destroying many traders' displays and the chickens have broken out of their cages in the market square. The parrots were screeching, and a trader who was on her way out with me said the noise was unbearable!"

Severin looked out of the window, where they could watch the hustle and bustle of the spaceport. Everything seemed the same as always and yet something seemed different.

"But the data is normal, apart from the one spike a few days ago, everything is fine!" he muttered to his colleague. She sat down in her seat and also checked the reports. None of the arriving tourists knew which inconspicuous building they were passing as soon as they left their ship to enter the city. And yet it was so important to inform everyone in good time if a disaster was about to strike. Time passed until Bice thoughtfully pressed a few keys and turned to Severin.

"Are you getting data from sector 4 at the oasis? I'm missing them!"

Severin looked and shook his head.

"No, I'm not getting anything either! But that would be at a completely different location, as it was measured a few days ago!"

Bice shrugged her shoulders helplessly and called one of her technicians. But he was busy in Raija. Bice ended the call and hesitated briefly before grabbing her bag and jumping up. She repacked her drink and Severin looked at her questioningly.

"I've already been to Sector 4, it'll be quicker if I take care of it myself!"

Her colleague agreed and looked after her as she left her workstation and hurried past the window outside. Bice took one of the speeders, which also contained tools, and set off.

Bice slowly approached the green oasis that lay sheltered at the foot of the mountain. She knew that Tusken lived here, but that they were peaceful. Nevertheless, she didn't want to be rude and simply storm into their home. She stopped the speeder at a rock and took off the sand goggles and the cloth. She shook out the sand before putting it in her bag. Bice got out, grabbed her bag and the toolbox. As she walked past the rock, she noticed the bowl on top and the many fruit pits inside. Bice walked on, approaching the palm trees and the small settlement. It was very quiet for the time of day, which surprised her a little. But as she walked past the tents to get to the stream that would lead her up the mountain, she smelled it. Bice paused and closed her eyes. Neroli, the scent of bitter orange blossom. She guessed why it was floating in the air. In Amos, too, it drifted through the alleyways from the windows when people mourned the dead and sought solace in their grief. The flowers exuded the peace that was so urgently needed in these times. So the Tusks had a loss to mourn. Bice sighed, sorry to have to disturb the sand people. The stream babbled along and Bice climbed the hill. A few children came towards her, waved and ran back to their village. Before she reached the ledge, she was spotted by the adults. Bice stopped and bowed her head. She would not go any further until she got a sign. A woman stepped up to her, a small body stirring beneath her robe, and Bice smiled at her counterpart.

"I'm sorry, you're in mourning!"

The woman nodded, her eyes reddened yet composed.

"I have to go to the cave, fix the sensor!"

The Tusken woman stepped aside and Bice thanked her. She left the mourners behind and set to work.

Bice had thought it would be a matter of a few minutes, but the repair took several hours and when she stepped out of the cave, she was greeted by the soothing scent and the setting sun. From her vantage point, she had a beautiful view of it and she took her time. After the last red dot had disappeared, she descended the slope. There was a pot of soup simmering over the fire and Bice realized how hungry she was. She hadn't even touched her snack yet.

"Is everything ready again?"

Startled, Bice moved to the side, she hadn't noticed the Tusken woman. It was the same one who had greeted her this morning. Bice nodded.

"Yes, now I hope my colleagues can receive all the data again. I didn't want to disturb your ritual!"

The woman smiled, you could see it in her eyes, which were the only ones uncovered.

"We gave Umm back to the Creator shortly after she died. The loss will be with us for some time!"

Bice nodded in understanding.

"I am Basmah and I would like to ask you to join us for dinner. You've been working all day!"

Before Bice could refuse, her stomach growled loudly and the women giggled. While the Tusken retreated to their tents to eat, Bice sat down on a cushion under the open sky and enjoyed the soup. It was not only filling, but also warmed her up. In the city, you didn't notice the cold after sunset as much as you did out here. Basmah joined her again, holding her child in her arms, who rubbed her eyes tiredly but didn't want to fall asleep. Bice felt the same and yawned. She shook herself, she still had to go back.

"Does the speeder have autopilot?"

Bice sighed.

"It's a work machine, why would it have that luxury equipment in it?" she scoffed and Basmah laughed. The baby babbled too, as if the little one knew what it was all about.

"Stay here. We always have a tent free!"

Bice wanted to object, but she could feel the tiredness in her limbs and knew she wouldn't get far without falling asleep. She agreed and asked to be shown to her sleeping place.

The baby cried loudly and Bice opened her eyes tiredly. It was a strange cry and slowly she sat up between her blankets. In addition to the crying, she also heard the bleating of the Eopis and snorting of the Banthas. The voices of the Tusken joined in, trying to calm the animals. Bice put on her shoes and left the tent. Most of the fires were out, torches burning, and yet this infinitely star-studded sky was so appealing that this was the first thing Bice saw. Then she heard the beeping of one of her devices in her work bag.

But before she could get back into the tent, she felt strange, the sensation traveling through her body. Creeping up from her legs, it made her tremble. She felt unwell, dizzy and as if everything was spinning. She tried to hold on, but even the fabric of the tent swayed and she understood that the ground was shaking. This was joined by the humming coming from below. In addition to the sounds of the animals, which had sensed the danger much earlier than all the sensors and had not recognized it. Rocks could be heard rolling down the slope, breaking away from the mountain. The Tusks wailed in their own language, but did not scream. They probably didn't want to worry the children any more. Bice felt sick, hopefully the slope wouldn't slide down and they would be buried under it. And then it stopped. The humming disappeared and the animals stopped complaining. The swaying subsided and yet Bice clung to the fabric of her tent for several minutes as if it could give her a firm hold. It was quiet, no one made a sound, even her tool had fallen silent again. And then her Komlink beeped in this strange silence. With trembling hands, she pulled it out of her pocket and when she activated it, she heard Severin scream. Bice sank to her knees and couldn't believe it. Amos was in ruins...

__________

@the-rain-on-kamino

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 57

Boro-Borosa needs help. Sona is not the only one to set off.

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

When Sona went to see Cara the next morning, Paz was already at her door.

"What do you want?" she asked gruffly and walked past him. Paz followed her and grabbed her shoulder, but she shook him off.

"To know what you've decided!"

She could hear the nervous tremor in his voice.

Sona bit her lips and dodged into an alley where there weren't so many people. A few had already noticed the two of them arguing. She gave Paz a sour look and had to control herself not to shout.

"You push a child into a hole and leave him lying there and you ask me what punishment you're getting?"

Paz shook her head.

"I didn't do that, he must have overheard me and ran that way in fright..."

Sona stared at him.

"What could he have overheard you doing?"

Paz swallowed, looked to the ground and raised his hands in resignation.

"Bo-Katan..."

Sona snapped.

"I couldn't tell her anything. I don't know anything. She's so angry!" Paz lied. He was aware that if he told the truth, he would be an outcast and would surely be locked up. But even the untruth didn't reassure Sona. Without saying another word, she left Paz standing there. She was angry with herself because she should have listened to her feelings much sooner. She could feel Paz following her, but she ignored him. At least she tried to.

As always, the door to Cara's office was open and Karga was there with one of his bounty hunters, talking to Mythrol and Kadin. Cara nodded to Sona, who hid her anger despite herself.

"Ziv made it through the night okay, but they're going to give his body some rest before they operate on him again!"

Sona exhaled in relief and she could sense the same action from Paz. If the boy woke up with the memory, Paz would get his just punishment. She would like to tell everyone about it now, but perhaps his contact with Bo-Katan was still useful.

Suddenly an alarm went off on the radio and everyone flinched in shock. Many conversations and noises came in and Mythrol had trouble understanding anything for a while.

"What's going on?" asked Karga. It couldn't mean anything good if there was this commotion. Kadin was on the other radio, wearing a headset and talking to a captain who probably knew more. Kadin took off the headset and Mythrol looked up at everyone.

"All planets are being called upon to send rescue ships with medical personnel and other helpers, if possible working droids. There was a catastrophic earthquake on Boro-Borosa and other strong aftershocks that destroyed the capital and the other cities. First responders were probably also injured in the aftershocks. Soldiers from the New Republic are already on their way!"

Sona froze. While most people only knew Boro-Borosa by name or knew that Din had recently been there with Liara, Sona had a personal connection.

"Walli!" she exclaimed, startled, and everyone looked at her questioningly.

"Her sister lives there," Paz replied when Sona didn't respond. Cara touched the weaponsmith on the shoulder and that brought her out of her stupor.

"I have to see her!" she shouted and wanted to go, but Karga held her back.

"We'll ask at the medical center which of the doctors is expendable and also collect materials. We'll also look for volunteers, including those with medical knowledge! Then they will set off together. Acting hastily won't help now!"

He nodded to her and Sona took a deep breath. Karga was right. She nodded, then he left the office with the bounty hunter to devote himself to the task at hand.

"I'll go with you," Paz said forcefully and Sona didn't contradict him.

When Sona stepped onto the ramp of the rescue ship with her rucksack a few hours later, there was a lot of hustle and bustle around her. Goods were still being loaded and families were saying goodbye to their loved ones and friends. There were also many Mandalorians at her side when they heard about the disaster. Paz stepped up beside her and she knew he wanted to make it up to her. She couldn't bear to be near him... Sona raised her hand when she spotted Cara and she nodded to her. Sona sighed, started moving and looked for a seat. As the ship took off, she hoped they could help many and find her sister alive along with her husband.

A shaking woke Sona, she hadn't been able to sleep for a long time because she was so worried, but eventually sleep overcame her. Paz was standing in front of her, his hand still on her shoulder. In the other, he held a bowl of fruit. She took an apple and noticed that the others were also eating.

"We land in an hour!" came from the loudspeaker. During this time, everyone was lost in thought. Two doctors from the hospital were talking about the possible injuries and how they would proceed. Sona swallowed when they talked about amputations and was really glad when the jump out of hyperspace pushed her into her seat and the men ended their conversation. At first they could only see the darkness of space through the narrow windows, but then it became brighter. Clouds passed by and then they flew over sand dunes.

"We've been assigned to Amos!" the pilot announced and Sona closed her eyes. Hopefully Walli was all right.

They found a place on the edge of the still intact spaceport. It had been specially built for vibrations and had suffered only minimal damage. As the ramp lowered, warm air and all kinds of noises hit them. Basic and various languages could be heard alongside the typical droid sounds.

Soldiers could be seen running towards other new arrivals who had landed in front of them. A woman, her name Ajuda embroidered on her jacket, welcomed the troops from Nevarro and smiled warmly at them despite everything. She looked curiously at the Mandalorians' armor. A Twi'lek from Karga's guild approached her and handed her a datapad. All the names of the helpers and their loadings were written on it. She nodded and waved to a droid to unload the ship.

"I'll show them where they'll be staying first and then we'll assign them to their tasks!"

They were taken to a container containing cots and wet cells. They left their luggage there. Sona turned to the female soldier.

"My sister lives here with her husband!"

The woman looked at Sona, her expression regretful.

"We've set up several military hospitals outside, maybe their names are on their lists!"

The soldier did not speak of the other list and Sona smiled gratefully at her.

As they approached the large forecourt, Sona stopped, shaken. So much had changed. On her last visit, she had enjoyed the smells, the colors and the life in every corner of this city. She had stayed far too short a time. She looked at the large white gate that led into the city. It had indeed resisted the tremors, some of the mosaics had fallen out, but the high walls around it had collapsed along with the buildings. Orbaks pulled out the rubble on carts, Banthas were waiting there to transport it further. Among all the helpers of different races, the smaller creatures with their trunk-shaped noses stood out. Blarinans.

"They were the first to come!" said Ajuda gratefully, who had noticed where everyone was staring. Ajuda took Sona aside while she sent the others to a shelter where the work was being distributed. "I'll take them to the military hospital!"

Sona nodded and climbed into the glider. They drove past supply tents and droid charging stations and reached the city limits. In front of them, Sona could see a landscape of tents as far as the eye could see. All the medical personnel were here. Several containers caught her eye.

"That's where the operations take place, the doctors were able to save some lives!"

While Ajuda talked to another soldier and checked the lists, Sona observed those who were bustling around. Pregnant women with only minor injuries walked up and down their paths. Uninjured children played with each other, their relatives somewhere in the tents. Elderly people supported each other and lamented having lost their homes.

"We've found someone with that name!" Sona heard and followed the soldier. Her heart pounded in her throat as they walked through the rows of wounded, just a little privacy through a curtain. Near the end, Ajuda pulled it aside and Sona saw her brother-in-law.

"Nhean!" she exclaimed. His eyes widened, his leg was in a cast and one arm was bandaged. His usually bright blue eyes had lost their sparkle, but she could see the surprise in them. Ajuda left the two of them alone and Sona took a seat in the chair next to the bed.

"Did you find Walli?" he asked, his voice busy and knowing immediately from Sona's worried expression that this was not the case.

"My mother died, I was in the oasis when the earth started shaking that night. Walli had stayed at home. A technician from the city was in the oasis, she had checked the measurements. She took me with her and I immediately started to help. It was so terrible. And then there was this aftershock, that's when it hit me..."

Nhean pointed to his leg.

"I wish I could help!"

Sona squeezed his hand tightly and firmly.

"I'll find her!"

After three days of searching, however, Sona no longer believed she would see her sister alive again. An AZ droid hovered next to her and Paz, while another team had just recovered bodies and were now taking them away. At night, when the others took over her work, Sona lay awake. When she closed her eyes, she dreamed of the chaos and, above all, the smell. Even now, it was in her nose again and she envied the droid for not being able to smell it.

They had come so far and had reached the neighborhood where Nhean and Walli lived. They found toys, cooking utensils, clothes and other private things that had once belonged to someone. They were either in the military hospital or still under the rubble. Droids used thermal imaging cameras to see if there were any living people to be found. And indeed, they had some hits. Then it became quiet, any work nearby was interrupted and they tried to make contact before looking for a way down. But they became rarer...

Sona hooked her helmet onto her belt, took a drink of water and wiped her sweaty forehead. Today the sun was burning down on her mercilessly and despite the cooling function of her helmet, it was unbearable. She spotted colorful scribbles on a still-standing wall as she let her gaze wander. Branches of a fallen tree protruded from between the stones. An intrusive beeping could be heard and she noticed how the droid with the thermal imaging camera moved across a field and flew back again. It beeped again and reported several bodies.

"There seems to be a cavity giving them shelter. They're moving!" declared the AZ droid and the work began. Some of the rubble was cleared away, then they heard children crying and a woman shouting. Even though the voice was muffled, Sona knew immediately who it belonged to.

"Walli?!" she called out several times and then finally received a relieving answer. They lowered food bars and water packets through a small gap so that they had something until the rest of the debris could be carefully removed. In other areas, other search teams had also found survivors and you could feel everyone bursting with positive energy.

And then it was finally time, they got the mother and baby out first. The older boy hung limply in the arms of a rescuer, followed by Walli. She and Sona hugged each other, crying with joy. "Ori'vod (older sister)!" Sona whispered gratefully, kissing her on the forehead. Walli clung to her. Sona gently wiped the dust from Walli's cheek. She looked at the debris, startled.

"My helmet!"

Sona frowned. Walli nodded.

"Yes, I had it with me!"

Paz, who had heard the conversation, put his water bottle down on a ledge, went back and spoke to the droid.

"Why did you have the helmet with you?" Sona wanted to know and Walli sighed. Her hair was just as covered in dust, falling down as she moved, but otherwise she looked fine.

"Nhean wasn't home and I felt a restlessness in me all day that I took the helmet into the bedroom. I felt a certain security radiating from it... When it started to shake, I put it on after all this time. I thought that if something fell on my head, I would be better protected. I ran into the stairwell, up to Danica and helped her with the kids. On the way down, everything was crashing down around us and I thought we were going to die. But Ahio saved us. He controls the Force and stopped the debris, we were locked in the void. It was a basement room, we had stored water there. Ahio was pretty weak since then and slept most of the time. The encounter with him didn't do Liara any good either. He showed her something, a prisoner called Cara!"

Sona looked at the boy who was receiving medical attention.

"He saw it?"

Walli nodded.

"It must have been terrible. Liara wasn't well and he had nightmares for many days! Did she make it?"

Sona nodded and another paramedic came up to them and wanted to check Walli over.

"I got him!" she heard Paz say and saw the AZ coming towards him, taking off his helmet so he could climb back out of the pit. Then she felt this vibration. One of the aftershocks. Not the first since they'd been here.

"Oh no!" exclaimed Walli, who also knew the cause, and then the ground shook. Not violently, but enough to shake the body. Sona still hadn't gotten used to it. She saw the bottle fall off the wall and Paz's helmet, which he had placed on top of it, wobbled.

"Watch out!" someone shouted, but by then it was already happening and pieces of wall were sliding into the pit. Sona would never forget the sound of one of them hitting Paz.

The hum of the ship taking off went through her whole body and Sona sat exhausted in her seat. They had been helping for several more days and had also been to Sorra, one of the other cities. Now they were flying from Amos back to Nevarro, while new ships landed and brought helpers. It would be some time before they had cleaned up everywhere. They had heard again and again from the locals that they wanted to rebuild everything. Perhaps not everything would be as big as before, but they still didn't want to give up.

The gate of their city had also held up and would hopefully soon be able to welcome the people of Amos again. But not everyone was staying. Walli and Nhean sat opposite Sona. Despite his injuries, he was feeling much better now that his wife was back with him. The sparkle in his eyes had returned. Danica also came with them. Ahio could hardly wait to run into the ship. Sona was happy for the boy that he was fit again. Her gaze went to the almost empty seat next to her. Only his helmet was on it. She stood up and looked out of the window; the pilot had told her that he would fly over it. And he did. It was late when they took off, the sun had already set, but it was almost daylight in the desert. Torches had been set up in front of the graves and the lines hardly wanted to end. So many who had not survived the quake or who had died helping. Paz was now one of them. As they jumped into hyperspace, Sona's communicator came on. She smiled with relief when she read the message. Ziv had woken up again.

......

@the-rain-on-kamino

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 29

Chapter 29 overview:

Memories come back and Liara feels the closeness to her birth mother. At the ruins of the Jedi temple they experience the wonders of nature and try to solve the riddle to find the crystal.

The poem that Elric, Liara's father, sings is by Masha Kaléko - The Man in the Moon.

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

Bedded on a blanket, a red-haired woman had her head propped on the man's thighs and was looking up at the stars. His Mandalorian armor lay beside him; he could quickly put it on in case of danger. His hand rested on her swollen belly and tenderly circled his thumbs over a spot. "I will take you to our new hiding place. There you will be just as safe among all the fighters and our child will be able to grow up with other children!" he whispered, kissing her forehead. The woman closed her eyes with a sigh.

"Brix and the other Kiffar are trying so hard to hide the place. Why don't you stay here!" she replied and he shook his head, which she couldn't see.

"I can't!"

She opened her eyes again as he put something in her hand. It was a silver box. She looked at him questioningly and he indicated that she should open the box. She sat up and carefully opened the lid. Inside was a ring, also silver with a red sparkling stone that matched her hair.

"As my wife, you belong to my clan!"

She looked at him with wide eyes before they filled with tears. He took out the ring, slipped it over her finger, and looked at her with his gray eyes.

"We belong together forever!"

She smiled and kissed him lovingly until she flinched slightly and her hand moved to her stomach. He looked at her with concern.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded and put his hand to the spot. That's when he felt the gentle kick, too.

"Hello little one, you should be asleep at this hour!" he grinned and he bent his head down, his mouth over his wife's belly. Softly, he began to hum:

"The man in the moon hangs colorful dreams that his moon wife spins of light, All-night in the evening trees, with a smile on her face. There are yellow, red, green and dreams all in sky blue. Interwoven with gold, delicate, bold, for boy and girl, man and woman. There are also dreams that lead to faraway, adventurous journeys. There they hang on silver cords! And one of them is for you. Nuhoy ner adiik, Ni kar'taylir darasuum gar (Sleep my child, I love you)!"

She looked at him happily, looking forward to their future together. But none of them suspected that it was their last evening together.

Sand flew through the air as the jet sled accelerated again and the 15-year-old driver clung to the handles. She had forgotten her gloves and the coarse sand dust wetted her skin. Her scrunchie had come loose during the rapid ride and her hair was fluttering in the airstream. Finally she could see the tents of the sand people and she slowed down her vehicle. She couldn't approach the camp too fast, or she would risk being shot at. Before the speederbike came to a complete stop, she already jumped off and the bike flew a few more meters before it jerked forward and stopped. Liara had taken off her goggles and meanwhile reached a Tusken who was keeping watch and had noticed the hurried approach. He croaked a greeting and asked what she wanted. Liara followed his lead and explained her request. He tilted his head and she could well imagine his surprised look under his mask.

"Please, I know Nola is here!"

The Tusken snorted and then nodded towards one of the tents. Liara thanked him, nervously kneading her goggles in her hands on the way there, and stopped when Nola came out of the tent. The looked at the girl in amazement, her silver-gray hair lying open over her shoulders. She couldn't change into another shape that quickly.

"What are you doing here? Do your parents know you're here?"

Liara nodded.

"I've been looking for you!" she groaned, and Nola asked her to come into the tent with her. There they took a seat on one of the many cushions. There was a pot of tea on a small table and the Shi'ido poured her a cup. She also had some cookies, which she offered to Liara.

"How long do you remember?", Nola asked her, watching Liara nibbling on the cookie. Then she lowered her head and Nola had to concentrate to understand the soft voice.

"A few months. I didn't tell dad and mom, I didn't want to worry them. It started with dreams, memories of my birth mother when she was pregnant with me. My dad spoke a poem for me to go back to sleep. His voice was so soothing. He also spoke in a foreign language, but I understood everything. And then I realized that I can move things only with my thoughts. And then you came into my consciousness! How you erased my memories of it again and again. I was attacked at school, I'm an outsider anyway because I don't live in the city. A group of girls intercepted me, surrounded me and they wanted to cut my hair off, then all of a sudden I had this tingling sensation in my hands and I pushed them off me, it was so scary. They've been avoiding me ever since. And this tingling in my neck is so persistent... Please tell me what's happening to me!"

Liara frantically ran her fingers through her disheveled hair and Nola sighed.

"I've told your parents several times not to keep it from you. The older you get, the more your powers come out!"

She could see the tears in Liara's eyes.

"Why me? What was my mother?"

Nola looked at Liara. She couldn't keep it from the girl any longer.

"Your mother was the guardian of a crystal that is very important for the balance of the galaxy. There are more of them and many guardians. Some live normally among the people, others hide, like Alma, your mother. She too could have left this place, but it was a very dangerous one at that time, which it still is in the present days. I hid the crystal and brought you to your parents because I knew they would love you as you are. But they also had concerns about your heritage. The Jedi are hunted, and you are Force-intensive as well. With a lot of training you can do even more and with the crystal you would be very strong. Even a lightsaber is possible. But fear is not conducive!"

Liara stared at her, startled, as she realized what her mother had left her.

"I just want to be normal! Please let me forget - forever!"

The girl started to cry, sobbing up, and Nola took her in her arms.

"I can try again. But I don't want to hurt you!"

Liara sniffled and nodded.

"Just do it!"

Nola took her hand and placed it on Liara's forehead.

"Close your eyes!"

Liara did and felt the warm hand on her skin. The warmth spread, she felt fatigue enter her limbs, then she collapsed to the side and Nola gently laid her down on a pillow. She eyed the sleeping woman and decided to leave her a message anyway. It was her gift. But for now, she let Liara live her life the way she wanted to. The future would intervene again soon enough and change her life.

Liara felt a careful, delicate touch on her hair. This was repeated again and again until she slowly opened her eyes. She was lying in a meadow, the sun was shining and the light wind made the grass sway gently back and forth. She closed her eyes again, greedily soaking up the warmth on her skin, wanting most to go back to sleep.

"Liara!"

A voice made her blink and a shadow fell on her face. A woman with red hair bent over her.

"I'm sorry for causing you pain. I had only one thing on my mind, to meet my daughter. I'm sorry I let you down. I'm so glad Nola found such good people who took such loving care of you!"

The hand stroked Liara's hair again and she hoped her mother wouldn't stop. As if reading her thoughts, she smiled and looked at her wistfully.

"I can't stay long. You are a brave, responsible young woman and you have found a wonderful partner. I wish you could spend more time together than I did with your father. I love you my child and will always be by your side!"

Liara felt the wetness on her cheek, but she herself did not cry. Once or twice her mother ran her hand through her hair, then she broke away and left her behind.

Darkness greeted Liara as she awoke from her sleep and groped at her cheek in confusion. She felt the wet marks and frowned at what she had experienced in her dream. But was it just a dream or had her mother really been here? A clacking sound made her flinch, she stared into the darkness and listened intently, but heard only the typical low hum that the silver lining emitted, whether the ship was flying or stationary. Liara yawned, flipped the covers aside, and slowly sat up. The headache was gone, the painkillers and sleep had actually helped. She opened the shade of the small window and the pale light flooded the room a little. She had slept longer than she thought, it seemed like it was already late afternoon. When she had adjusted to the brightness, she changed her clothes and left the sleeping area. It was quiet in the ship, the ramp was open, yet she climbed up a few rungs of the ladder, but Din was not in the cockpit. She found him outside the ship, he had gathered wood and piled it in front of the ramp to make a campfire later. When he heard her footsteps, he looked up and smiled at her with relief.

"How are you?"

Liara smiled back.

"Better!"

She reached him and he kissed her on the forehead. Liara now looked around more closely. Not far from them was an oasis. A small lake surrounded by palm trees and flowering bushes. At the lake, a group of wild eopies were romping around, replenishing their stores. There, where the green was already fading and only a few grasses sprouted from the sand, a desert fox sat on a hill and observed the situation. Eopies were peaceful creatures, but they could escape in danger and the fox seemed to prefer to wait a bit rather than take the chance of getting kicked. It was a handsome animal, its fur brown-red, like its surroundings, but its white ears and spots on its chest, lifted its camouflage.

"He's been sitting there since we arrived!" said Din, who had noticed Liara's gaze. Then she spotted the rock formation on the hill.

"Have you looked at it yet?"

Din shook his head.

"I was going to wait for you. Are you fit enough?"

Liara nodded, watched him put on his helmet, was pulled into his arms by him, and shrieked the next moment as they flew into the air. She had missed his jetpack, and as quickly as they were in the air, he was already setting her back down on the ground. Liara slapped him gently on the arm. Din grinned under his helmet and shrugged mischievously.

"Went faster!"

They turned to the ruin and climbed several steps. Seven of the eight rocks stood in a circle around a pedestal in the center, one of the massive stones lying on the few steps they had just climbed. In the rocks, which were overgrown with lichen, were hollows. In one of them stood a bronze bowl, remnants of a wick and wax still clinging to it. As Liara put the bowl back, a lizard scurried past her feet and hid in a crevice. Din crouched down when he saw something red shimmering through the sand. He wiped the dirt aside and out popped a well-preserved ornament. A sun was depicted and as he cleaned more spots, he could spot other such ornaments scattered all around the base. Most of them, however, already had faded paint; the weather had damaged the ornate base. They approached the pedestal on which stood a white marble sphere. Where it was set in the foundation, a red ring went around it.

"It's like it was put here just yesterday!" murmured Liara, and Din silently agreed with her. The sphere looked as pristine as if it had stood in a sheltered room instead of outdoors, exposed to the weather and sandstorms. Fine grooves and lines were visible, and when Liara got over herself to touch it, she could feel more indentations. With her fingers she traced a few, there were characters engraved in them, but she could not read them. She asked Din, but he shook his head. He felt the same way. As she stroked it another time, her fingertips began to tingle and she got goosebumps.

"Very strange!" she murmured, and Din wanted to know what was going on. She showed him the raised hairs.

"The tingling is not as intense as it was this morning. I had never felt it like that even with Ahsoka and Brix! But I think we're definitely in the right place!"

Din activated his helmet and turned slowly. But no other heat sources or energy points were indicated to him. He glanced up, this reminded him too much of Tython. Liara noticed that he was looking at the sky for the second time and his posture was tense.

"Din, are you all right?"

He shook his head.

"Yes, no sign of danger!" he answered a little grumpily and circled the sphere until he came to a stop again at Liara. He had noticed his tone himself and raised his hand apologetically. She said nothing, but her look was clear that she would like to know what was bothering him.

"There are just so many parallels. I got distracted on Tython back then, I don't want to re-accuse myself of not paying attention to everything!"

Liara squeezed his hand.

"We look out for each other!"

He returned her handshake and then they looked around thoughtfully once more. Liara chewed on her lip and eyed the ferns that had forced their way through the cracks in the foundation, swaying in the warm wind as it touched them.

"I guess we won't get any smarter here until tomorrow morning!" she sighed, leaning against him so that Din lifted into the air with her and bridged the short distance to the silver lining.

Dusk had already begun and Liara had been sent to the silver lining by Din. He had planned a surprise for her and she had been waiting in the bedroom for some time now, the blind down, because she had promised him not to look, although she was almost bursting with curiosity. At some point there was a knock at the door and as she left the room she heard the crackle of fire. Din was standing in front of her, having taken off his armor, carrying his weapon for safety, and leading her to the exit. There she stopped and looked at him, puzzled. At the foot of the ramp, he had shoveled the pillows they had needed for their guests on the flight here, in addition to a few blankets. Not far away, the campfire was burning. Potatoes were skewered on two sticks, waiting to be held into the fire.

"There's fish to go with it. It's cooking wrapped in leaves, in the little pit next to it. While you were sleeping, I explored the oasis and found that there were fish swimming in the lake. I actually managed to catch a few with the spear! You love to eat fish!"

Din grinned proudly and Liara breathed a kiss on his cheek.

"How do you know about the fish?" asked Liara in surprise, she had never told him.

"I squeezed Peli!" he laughed and the two sat down. He poured them each a glass of red wine that he had been given by Wing in Calodan. The two toasted him and all who were no longer with them.

Liara enjoyed the meal, he had prepared the fish perfectly, and after the delicious meal, she leaned against his shoulder, full. He put his arm around her, and kissed her on the temple. For a while they said nothing, just listened to the crackle and pop of the fire. Their gazes were fixed on the starry sky, the half moon making the lake glitter where its light touched the surface.

"You spoke in your sleep, on Mando'a! I was checking on you when you suddenly started talking!", Din was the first to break the silence and Liara turned her head to look at him. She frowned, then guessed what it had probably been.

"I dreamed about how my birth parents spent their last evening together. Under the stars, like we are now. My mother was pregnant with me, he proposed to her and asked her to come with him to his clan. And then he sang me a poem and said something in his language. I understood everything, although I never heard it until now, except Ni kar'taylir darasuum gar (I love you)!"

Din gulped, her pronunciation was beautiful and Liara smiled happily at him.

"Just that!" he replied, lowering his lips to hers. The kiss was tender, gentle and long-lasting. When they broke away from each other, their noses touched, rubbing together lovingly. They stayed like that and Din pulled her even closer. Liara had her eyes closed, feeling the warmth of the fire and that emanating from him.

"Look!" groaned Din in amazement, and Liara looked up at the play of colors in the sky. As if someone had knocked over pots of paint to conjure up a painting there. A thin pale green band stretched across the firmament, not yet quite covering the twinkling stars, and shortly thereafter changed to a mild violet hue. Then it became larger, more intensive and swelled to a large color stripe. At the same time it changed its shape again and again. The band became wider in some places and began to move. Yes, it indeed began to dance, moving horizontally and vertically through the sky, completely silent. And as if a stone had been thrown into calm water, small colored waves ran along the horizon. Suddenly another emerged, and then another, with the first band gradually fading. Liara pulled the blanket over her shoulders as wind picked up, clearing the sky of the fascinating spectacle once again. In the end, they were left alone, with the moon and the stars.

"Have you ever seen anything like that?" asked Liara, awe still audible in her voice. Din shook his head.

"But I've heard of it. Stories said that these were our brothers and sister who had fallen in battle and were on their way to meet the Creator. And the lights were created because their armor cast the moonlight and starlight back to those who mourned them, to rejoice in the colors and forget their sadness!"

Liara wiped her cheek, moved, and snuggled even closer to Din. It was not long before he heard her steady breathing, her eyes had fallen closed and sleep had overtaken her.

As the blue hour began the dawn phase, Din woke Liara up. He had already put his armor back on, and as he looked toward the oasis while Liara went yawning into the silver lining to freshen up, he could see the fox drinking by the lake. The animal pricked up its ears and looked in his direction before disappearing behind the bushes.

"Do you have the dark saber?" asked Liara, coming back out of the ship and making a bun. Din pointed to his belt, where the handle of the weapon dangled. This time the two of them bridged the way to the ruins on foot. Liara took a deep breath as they stood in front of the sphere and again noticed the slight tingling in her body. She was curious to see what would happen now. The gray-blue color on the horizon hesitantly receded from then, the indirect light of the crescent moon faded and eventually was gone. Slowly the sunlight won and drove away the shadow of the night. Likewise it became already somewhat warmer. What they had experienced in the darkness with the lights that had danced in the sky, the morning also showed its most beautiful colors. They alternated until the 3 suns peaked out from behind the hill and their rays touched the desert floor and everything else. Din had positioned himself very close behind Liara, his helmet not yet on. They had both been able to watch so many sunrises and yet it was always enchanting.

Liara watched the light meander between the rocks, the rays falling on the orb, and the tingling sensation grew stronger. She took a step towards the sphere and placed her hands on it. Immediately she felt the warmth that was transferred to her. The characters glowed golden and she closed her eyes. As if someone were translating them to her, they appeared clearly in her mind.

"Only when we face the darkness will we be given the gift of stepping into the light!" she whispered and looked at Din, who was watching the scene curiously and alertly. He had the feeling that a kind of aura had been emanating from her ever since she had touched the sphere. Her hands were still on it, and in the center of the stone a symbol was now shining. It was a sun whose rays touched small dots that were probably meant to represent planets. Liara looked at the image for a moment, somewhere she had seen it before. She ran through all the books she had read in her head, especially the last one about the Jedi, but she didn't come up with anything until Din moved next to her and her eyes went to the hilt of his saber.

"Din!" she groaned excitedly, and he looked at her questioningly.

"The saber! Only when we face the darkness will we be given the gift of stepping into the light! Activate the saber! Look at the hilt!"

Din took the handle and turned it a bit, then he also spotted the symbol. He had it with him for so long now, but he had never noticed the symbol before. Din activated the weapon. The heat and tingling increased and Liara shuddered all over her body. Her heart pounded with excitement.

"Do you feel this energy?" she asked Din, but he shook his head. In the next moment, another ray of sunlight caught the Dark Saber and connected with the Shining Mark. That's when Din felt it, too. The steady hum of the saber seemed to creep into him and he thought he heard voices from far away. His arm began to tremble and then they heard a dark rumble.

Liara felt light vibrations in her hands, which spread more and more and seized the foundation. She let go of the sphere as if she had been burned by it and jumped to the side, startled. Din deactivated the saber, drew his blaster instead, and watched suspiciously as the pedestal began to move and slowly rose into the air. Three thin columns had pushed it upward and held it above the ground. There was now an entrance in front of them. Din activated his lamp and descended the steps first. Just as he was about to look around, several torches on the walls ignited as if by magic. Liara had climbed down the steps and looked around in amazement.

The temple was underground, protected from attack and the elements. But even here, time was slowly taking its toll. Cobwebs hung down and dust trickled in the firelight of the torches. Din took one from its wall mount and walked toward a stone archway that led into another room. From there they heard water splashing. The light from the flame was reflected in a small stream created from a spring that bubbled out from between the rocks. Several columns reached to the ceiling, on them and the walls were drawn pictures, scenes of the desert. Banthadroves who were traveling with the sand people, at the oases were traded. And again and again patterns of the sun, surrounded by many stars and planets. Liara flinched slightly as a breath of air touched her neck and she turned around, she could see the one pillar. It was more of a pedestal, with crystal resting on it in a bowl, glowing a soft violet hue. Liara did not notice that she carefully walked towards it with bated breath and took it out of the container. Din noticed this brief flashing of her body, but when he blinked, it was gone and he didn't know if he had imagined it. As Liara's hands wrapped around the crystal, she felt a little dizzy, but that immediately subsided and she suddenly felt as if she was now complete. It also radiated a warmth that she no longer wanted to miss. A tear ran down her cheek, she never felt so close to her mother as she did now. Din touched her on the shoulder and she smiled at him in relief.

"We did it Din!" she whispered, all emotions just gripping her. A clatter made her look at Din again, he had taken in his bag the box of her mother and she put the crystal

full of love into it. When he had put the box back safely in the bag, Liara fell sobbing into his arms and let her tears run free. All the experiences of the last months, the murder of her parents, the torture of Duncan, only because of this stone, this had not passed her by without a trace. Din just held her and that was one of the most important things for her. Not to be alone, to have a companion at her side, who would now begin another adventure with her.

When the two stepped out of the temple again, the pedestal sank back into the ground as if by itself. There was nothing to indicate that there was a secret hiding place here. Furthermore, in the other worlds travelers and crooks would tell each other about the treasure on Bora-Borosa and the searchers would return after a long time without any result.

Liara was walking in front of him when Din noticed something blue on the side. He stopped and wondered. The flower had not bloomed there earlier. Something about the shape of the blossoms irritated him, and he slowly crouched down in front of it.

"Din?"

Liara had noticed that he was no longer behind her and came back. She noticed his finding and swallowed.

"You know the story about this?"

Din nodded and looked her in the eye.

"The Tusken on Tatooine told it to me! They said it was the explanation why on Bora-Borosa the women didn't need to cover themselves completely! But I guess among the guys there are a few romantics too!"

Liara giggled and put her hand on his neck and touched him gently. She remembered how Umm had told her.

A long, long time ago, Neela, a Tusken girl, fell madly in love with a young man, a trader who regularly came to her tribe and negotiated with her father, who was the tribal leader. He also felt affection for her, although he only saw her with the typical mask she wore in front of her face. On one of those days, he was allowed to stay overnight because the negotiations had lasted that long. It was the middle of the night when he was awakened by her and they crept out of the camp, to a small oasis that was near the camp. She told him that her tribe would soon be moving on. Stay with me, he begged her, but she shook her head. Her father would not allow that. She made a decision for this, for which she could have been disowned by her tribe. She unwrapped her silk from her head enough so that he could see her piercing blue eyes in the moonlight, and a dark strand of hair. She told him he would always find her and stroked his cheek lovingly. He kissed her gently on her closed eyelids and they enjoyed their time together.

As soon as the tribe moved on, she buried seeds of a flower on her way and dripped them with her tears. Time flew by and the young man set out to find his beloved again. As he rode through the desert, he noticed a beautiful flower. The flowers were in the shape of drops and they were as blue as her eyes and a black line divided them. Now he knew where to find it. When he finally reached the trunk, he went to her father and asked him to marry her. At first he refused, but then the merchant showed him the flower and he recognized his daughter in it. He agreed with a heavy heart because he had to let her go. But he and all the others who loved each other or had just found their love and it was still as tender as a plant in growth, enjoyed from now on to find a blooming blue flower in the desert.

Din rose jerkily, walked around the pedestal, and reached for the former fire bowl in the hollow. Liara watched him as he carefully dug the flower out of the sandy soil and placed it in the container. He smiled at Liara, she reached for his free hand and with the sign of their love, they walked back into the ship and left Bora-Borosa.

_______

@14mcmd1122 @shescabob @casperthefriendlygh0st

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 28

Chapter 28 overview:

A beautiful morning for two and information and developments that the two would not have expected.

Smut

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

Din awoke when he felt the warmth on his shoulder, but only the residual warmth on the empty page next to him. The sun shone on his upper body through the narrow window. He was wondering where Liara was when he noticed movement through the half-opened curtain and now heard the sound of running water. Liara had left the door to the bathroom open and he could see directly how she was standing under the large shower. He licked his dry lips and felt a tug in his abdomen. He flipped the covers aside and ran into the bathroom.

Liara leaned back and rested her head against the cool slate tiles as she let the steam envelop her and hot water beat down on her. It was as if she were standing in the middle of a waterfall. It was early morning and a few rays of sunlight had crept through the window. Din was still fast asleep. He had seemed so relaxed, so she hadn't wanted to wake him.

She felt a breeze and when she opened her eyes, she saw Din come in. His naked muscular body was a wonderful sight and she could feel her body responding to it.

"Good morning!" he greeted her and kissed her tenderly on her mouth.

"I missed you waking up!" he murmured in her ear.

Both of his hands slid up over her stomach to her breasts. Liara wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss. Warm water streamed over her skin, Din clasped her full breasts and teased their already hard tips with his thumbs. He breathed kisses on her neck and throat. Then he took one of her sensitive nipples in his mouth, circled it with his tongue and sucked on it until Liara thought she would pass away from pleasure. Then he caressed the other breast in the same way. Liara sighed. How was it possible after last night to be so aroused again?

"Let me spoil you a little!"

Din took a bar of soap and started spreading the fragrant lather on her body. And he didn't miss an inch of it. He caressed her breasts, clasped her buttocks, and slid his hands between her thighs, making her yelp. He devoted himself especially extensively to this spot. He touched, caressed and teased her, while at the same time pressing his manhood against her belly, hard as steel and pulsating. Din added another finger and Liara couldn't hold it in for a second. She quivered in his arms and with his kiss he stifled her cries as the waves of fulfillment took possession of her body.

"Did you like that, Mesh'la (Beautiful)?"

"Oh yes!" whispered Liara breathlessly, sinking against his shoulder. She began to cover his chest with kisses, stroking his hard nipples with her tongue, and Din moaned. Her lips touched one of the scars on his chest. Carefully and gently she kissed it. One of many drops of water ran down over his belly and she followed that trail. Liara got down on her knees in front of him, kissing, licking and exploring him inch by inch. The devotion with which she devoted herself to him almost drove him out of his mind and quite obviously she enjoyed it as intensely as he did. The blood rushed in his ears and his muscles tensed. Din braced himself against the wall with his hands and gasped when he felt her fingernails on his butt and thighs. Stronger and stronger the lust pulsed inside him and not much was missing before his desire would finally take over and discharge as if in an explosion. Din stroked her hair and moaned deeply as a small movement of her tongue almost brought him to climax. Quickly he withdrew from her mouth. Liara looked up at him.

"I want to be inside you when I come!"

Din lifted her up, Liara wrapped her legs around his hips.

"Hold on!"

Liara clung to him. His penis touched her, gently and slowly penetrating her. She moaned out and moved her hips to take him in as deep as she could. It was wonderful to feel him sliding deeper and deeper, filling her completely.

"Oh!" she sighed.

"That feels so good!" hissed Din.

He kissed her neck, her throat, her breasts as he found his rhythm. Which grew faster and faster. It was like paradise for both of them, Liara's heart hammering in her chest and her arousal growing until the sweet pain was released.

"Din!" she gasped, her center quivering. Din looked at her and his gaze burned like fire. Patiently, he waited for the waves of her climax to subside. Then he began to move inside her again. He quickened his pace and thrust harder and harder. With her thighs wrapped tightly around his hips, Liara surrendered to his powerful thrusts. When a harsh and long moan escaped his throat, Liara knew it was his time and she could feel him unloading inside her. Panting, he set her back on her own feet, which were still a little shaky, but continued to hold her in his arms. They stood still while the hot water rained down on them. Their lips found each other again, but it was a quiet and slow kiss. After a few minutes, they turned off the water and got ready to go to the roof terrace for breakfast.

After checking out and paying, they made their way to the Tanners' Quarter. Din had the feeling that there were fewer people on the road than the day before. So they got through the alleys faster and smelled the acrid smell again when they stepped into the large courtyard. Today more basins were occupied by workers, at his place sat again the old man and drummed. As if the young man from yesterday had been waiting for them, he was already approaching them and again handed Liara a sprig of mint. Din had his helmet on and was mostly spared the scents.

"Nhean will see you in a moment," he informed them, gave Liara another interested look, and then ran into one of the buildings. While waiting for Nhean, they watched as a new brew was made in one of the vats.

"We use only natural substances. Here we use walnut leaves, bark from the argan and olive trees, and droppings from the parrots. The advantage to the chemical substances is that they don't corrode the skin, but they stink all the more!"

The two turned to the pleasant rough voice. There stood a lanky, older man with a brown complexion. His smile seemed genuine and made his blue eyes sparkle. He extended his scarred hand first to Liara, then to Din in greeting.

"I've been waiting for this day for a long time. Coco contacted me yesterday and I left as soon as I could."

Liara looked at him questioningly and Nhean smirked.

"Let's go to a quieter place. There are too many prying eyes and ears here!"

Din noticed the workers in the front hollows eyeing the visitors.

Nhean asked them to follow him. They left the neighborhood and walked silently through winding streets until they passed through a nondescript gate and entered a courtyard shared by several houses. Music could be heard coming from an open window. A large date palm tree provided shade, and on a bench beneath it a woman sat nursing her baby. A slightly older boy was playing with wooden blocks in front of her. He looked up when the three of them passed by and waved to Nhean, beaming with joy. He greeted him and his mother, who smiled warmly at everyone. Liara and Din followed Nhean to the entrance of his house. The shutters and front door were painted red, and blue ivy had spread all along the wall. Nhean invited them in and took them to the living room, which housed a wide sofa. An old wooden table and matching chairs stood beside it. They could see an elderly woman in the kitchen kneading dough in a bowl. A nutty smell was in the air.

"Walli, finally the girl is here!"

The woman looked up and paused in her work, frozen. In shock, she made a movement, dropping the bowl to the floor and spilling the contents on it. Then she rushed out of the kitchen and fell on her knees in front of Din. Startled, Din took a step back. She shook her head in bewilderment, and Nhean had probably not expected this reaction.

"Darling?"

His wife looked up at Din and in her eyes they could see tears. She glanced at her husband.

"Look, he's the Mand'alor. He has the dark saber. The Chalactan predicted it. I am at my king's service!"

Din reached under her arms and helped her up. As he did so, he noticed the chain on her neck, with a mythosaur pendant on it. Din cleared his throat and looked around at everyone present.

"I think we have some things to discuss!"

Nhean nodded and asked his guests to sit down.

The four of them sat at the beautiful old table, each with a steaming cup of tea in front of him, Din also with his helmet. They had decided, after Liara had helped Walli to clean the floor in her kitchen, that Nhean should start and he told them how Nola had sought him out at that time. His mother, in spite of everything, had had so much confidence in him that she had sent Nola to him. In fact, she had been alone in the desert, entrusting him with a box that she wanted him to keep and give to Liara. He left the room for a moment, only to return with a small silver box. He handed it to Liara, and it bumped into Din's bracer. A bright sound followed.

"Beskar!" the whispered, and the two looked at each other in surprise.

"I'll have something to tell you about that later!" declared Walli, letting Liara look into the box. Inside was just a piece of paper with coordinates.

"Nola said that Alma's daughter wouldn't come alone. The escort would have an important weapon with her, which would be a key to the entrance of the temple. You must wait until the darkness fades and the brightness takes its place. You have only a few minutes to see the writing!" explained Nhean, looking at Liara.

"That's all she gave me. You would feel it if you were in the right place!"

He pointed to the box.

"That once belonged to your mother. It was a gift from your father to her. Look inside again and take out the velvet cloth!"

Liara opened the box, placed the red silk on the table, and let the lid fall shut, startled. Din looked at her questioningly.

"What's wrong?"

Nhean smiled knowingly.

"You recognize the clan sign?"

Liara nodded and swallowed. She pushed the box toward Din and he marveled as he recognized the crest as well.

"Your father was of the Clan Djarin. I had last seen him as a young boy, but your eyes clearly belong to Elric!"

Walli touched Liara on her hand. The latter and Din looked at Nhean's wife, who had since calmed down. Her cheeks were still slightly flushed. Walli cleared her throat and withdrew her hand. She carefully took a sip of tea and lowered her cup again. She nodded to Din.

"I'm sorry about earlier, but a few years ago I helped a Chalactan and she gave me her vision of the future in thanks. Nhean told me not to believe everything they say, but as you stood there... Besides, I recognize my sister's work!"

Walli stared at his armor and Din frowned.

"Your sister?"

Walli smiled.

"I left the clan because it was like a prison to me. I wanted to see the worlds with my eyes and not hidden. When I left, Sona was still small, but the contact never broke off..."

Walli rose and disappeared into the hallway. They heard her running up the stairs to the upper floor, after a few minutes she came back, carrying a helmet. It had the same shape as he knew from the armorer, only in red, instead of gold like hers. Walli placed the helmet on the table.

"A gift from Sona when she passed her test!"

She looked at it thoughtfully.

"Paz and a few others from the clan suddenly showed up here a year ago after they had to leave Nevarro in a hurry. Sona followed a few weeks later, but didn't stay long. She moved on with the others. A shuttle brought her to Morak. I haven't heard from her since!"

"Morak?"

Walli nodded.

"The Empire had a refinery there, and in order to save the child, I had to get in there to get the coordinates of the ship she was trapped on. If I had known how close I was to them...," Din muttered.

"But currently a good friend is on her way there. Maybe she can find out where they are! I have so many questions!"

Then he looked Walli in her brown eyes.

"Or can you tell me why they took me in, even though they knew who I was and that I still had relatives?"

Walli sighed and chewed her lip. She shook her head.

"Only Sona can answer those questions for you!"

Since Walli insisted on cooking them something, they stayed a while longer. Soon it smelled sweetly coming out of the kitchen and she put a pot on the table shortly after from which it steamed. Nhean also distributed bread to everyone. The date soup tasted delicious. Din was actually starting to worry that his armor was getting too tight, but he was really enjoying this time. He had never taken this time for food. The main thing was that it was quick and easy.

When Din and Liara left the house, the boy was still playing in the yard. He had built a large tower, bumped into it, and one of the wooden blocks rolled toward Liara. She bent down and picked it up. As she approached the boy, she felt a strange tingling sensation. She stopped as if rooted to the spot and he stared intently at her from his blue eyes. Then he raised his hand and Liara did the same. The next moment a gust of wind drove into the courtyard and made the palm leaves rustle. The shutters rattled and dust on the ground was stirred up. Liara watched as the block came loose from her hand. She made a twitching motion and it floated toward the boy. The boy closed his eyes and the next moment Liara shuddered all over.

The woman tied to a chair had her chin lowered to her chest and was breathing frantically. Her hand was twitching in pain. A nail was stuck in it and blood ran from the wound and seeped into the wood of the armrest. Tears dripped from her cheek onto the dirty blue-gray pants. When the woman raised her head, she looked Liara straight in the eyes and called out to her....

Din touched Liara anxiously on the shoulders. Nhean and Walli had alerted him to the scene and he had addressed Liara several times. But she was in a trance and did not react. Only when the boy's mother came rushing out of the house screaming, grabbed him and he started crying, Liara shook herself and looked at Din in irritation. The block of wood rolled across the floor, hovering over it just moments before. Liara swayed slightly, grabbed Din's arm, and clutched the box. Nhean came up to them and asked the neighbor if everything was all right.

"Ahio keeps doing that. That's why we ran away from Coruscant. He was getting beat up by other kids and we had hopes that everything would be okay here!"

Ahio sniffled and his mother hurriedly left the courtyard. Liara swallowed.

"That was weird!" she whispered, rubbing her arms and sitting down on the bench.

"I saw Cara, she was tied up and hurt!" she informed Din, squinting her eyes strained. She felt a twinge at her temples and a throbbing in the back of her head.

"I'll try to contact them right away! Let's go!"

Liara nodded, letting Din help her up, and the two left the courtyard. Nhean and Walli looked after them.

"They don't even realize the weight of responsibility they both have on their shoulders yet!" sighed Walli, walking back into the house.

On the way back to the spaceport, the two did not speak a word. Each was lost in his thoughts and tried to understand what he had just experienced. Liara's headache increased more and more. She also felt slightly nauseous and dizzy and looked for Din's hand. He sensed her discomfort and supported her.

"Can you still make it to the silver lining?"

Liara nodded, breathing hard. When they reached the main gate, the coachman from last night waved at them with a grin, but then wondered at Liara's spare expression. The Mandalorian also looked very tense. He watched the two leave the forecourt and hastily enter the spaceport.

In the silver lining, Liara ran into the refresher and threw up. This incident had triggered a migraine attack in her. Din helpfully held her hair to the side and when her stomach had settled a bit, he helped her into the sleeping area so she could change. He got her some water and pain pills. When he returned, she had darkened everything and was already in bed. She massaged her temples to ease the tension a bit.

"Sleep well!" whispered Din, putting everything on the shelf next to the bed and kissing her gently on the forehead. Liara stroked his cheek gratefully and turned on her side to get some sleep.

Din climbed into the cockpit and tried to reach Ezer's ship. In hyerospace travel it was usually very difficult to communicate directly. But the connection worked and the young bounty hunter reported. They needed at least one more day until they would reach Morak. Ezer called Cara to him and Din informed them what had happened so far. Cara promised to watch out and keep her eyes open to maybe spot the other Mandalorians. Din thanked her and entered the coordinates they had received from Nola. Then the silver lining left the spaceport and searched for the target in the desert of Bora-Borosa.

------

@14mcmd1122

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 27

Chapter 27 overview:

They have reached Bora-Borosa now. But unfortunately Umm's son is not in town. Until he comes back, Din and Liara have a few nice hours together and explore the city.

Smut

Songtext: LeAnn Rimes - I Need You

Notes:

Unfortunately, a few migraine attacks stopped me in my tracks. Now I finally finished the chapter and it became quite long... In a few days it goes on vacation to Lake Garda (Italy) and I think that it can be written there well relaxed.

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

Bora-Borosa.

The silver lining floated in space in front of the desert planet with its three suns. But since the celestial bodies were not very large, the three together had the power of only one sun. Thus it lived on the planet very well and the vegetation had used its chance. The first settlers of the planet had built their villages, which later became big cities, around the many fertile oases. The capital of the planet was Amos and richly populated. Then there was only desert far and wide around it, before it became slightly mountainous and then the city of Raija appeared. There and in Amos some Chalactans lived, had their temples, where one could meditate with them for hours. Many a newly arrived person had already gotten lost in Amos. Winding little streets, houses decorated with flowers and colorful bricks or walls, partly connected by stairs with the many stores, one stood sometimes suddenly in a cellar and had lost his sense of direction. But who had actually made it through the streets, stood at some point on a large marketplace which was populated by many more merchants who wanted to sell their delicacies and crafts. From there, one reached the old gardens in the courtyards of the houses, which had been laid out by those who had long since left the planet. In the park, besides the palm trees, there were many old olive and argan trees, under which visitors could rest in the shade and in the branches sometimes dozed a loth cat. Liara had already explored all this.

She stood in the cockpit next to Din, who was steering the silver lining intently, and remembered her first visit here, when her father had taken her to bring the Eopies to the Tusken tribe. She had been a child then, and yet it seemed like only yesterday as she looked at the planet. Din had never been here before and perhaps she could show him something of the city, her favorite places. But first they had to find Umm's son. She sat down and strapped herself in as the ship entered the atmosphere and began to jerk. But Din had everything under control, and after a few minutes he was assigned a spot in the spaceport and the silver lining landed on the platform without a hitch.

As Din lowered the ramp, there was a roar, a ship taking off loudly, almost drowning out the announcements of a shuttle's next flight times.

Bora-Borosa had a special charm than other desert planets like Tatooine, which did not have a good reputation simply because of its crime. That's why Bora-Borosa attracted more tourists. Some of them already left the planet and followed a droid that brought them to their shuttle. But when they discovered the group, they stopped with open mouths, Sand People in the company of a Mandalorian, was certainly the experience, which they could now tell at home.

Liara also liked the city so much, because despite the modern world, here was still a rather traditional way of life. After Din instructed an employee of the space port to refuel the silver lining, they left the port. Basmah turned to Liara and nodded at her. She gestured toward an enclosure where she saw several banthas standing.

"The owner is a friend. He will help us!"

The two women hugged and said their fond farewells. Meanwhile, Umm Din touched his arm and he eyed the old woman. She seemed more relaxed than she had two days ago on Tatooine.

"Take care of yourself Mandalorian. And no matter what others say, you will be a good ruler of Mandalore!" Surprised, Din looked at her from under his helmet. Umm smiled knowingly, then turned away and held onto Myrrh. Liara sighed as she looked after the group until they were only small dots in the distance. Din put his hand on her shoulder and she nodded.

"Let's go find the tanner's quarter, then!"

While in the area of the spaceport speeder whizzed along, droids took the work from the people, it was like another world when one left this. On the forecourt of the city, city guides were loudly trying to reach their future customers. The clatter of hooves on the cobblestones of orbaks pulling small carriages with tourists behind them or loaded with goods, were among all the sounds, among the most typical. They reached the large magnificent white entrance gate, which was decorated with shiny red and green mosaics.

"The red represents the sun and the green represents the oasis that gave life to the city!" explained Liara, and Din would later also note how colorful the locals kept their city. Beyond the gate was a plaza from which several paths forked. Liara took Din by the hand and led him into one of the alleys. There was a big crowd there and again and again they had to dodge people standing in front of the stores looking at the items. The various smells in the air penetrated even through the filter of Din's helmet. They passed lacy pyramids of spices that moved slightly with each breath of air, dispersing their aromas, and colorful displays of tailors, yarn merchants, and wool dyers. A speeder bike rattled along in front of them, and Din eyed the vehicle suspiciously. The owner had loaded it full with carpets and the bike groaned under the load. At the next turn, Din spotted a sign from the tannery that told them they were headed in the right direction. However, they had to wait as there was a traffic jam in the narrow road. One cart had a broken wheel and the owner was in the process of loading the last of the sacks onto another that had been procured in the meantime and hitched to the orbak.

Then they finally moved on and after a while they turned into a wider alley, drumming sounds could be heard.

"You can smell it already!" commented Liara, holding her hand in front of her nose. Din noticed it, too. And then they came to an open gate that led them into a large courtyard that was not covered, like part of the alleys. Countless pits with different liquids opened up in front of them, it almost seemed like a paint box. The harsh smell made Liara cough in disgust.

"There's definitely banthaurine in there!" she muttered as they watched a worker standing barefoot in the lye, kneading the large piece of leather in it. A few of these pieces were hanging to dry on the wall of a house, and a loth cat was clawing at one and stretching with relish. She didn't seem to mind the smell. In front of her, an old man sat on the ground, oblivious to it and making the drumming noises. He set the tone for the men, who danced around to the rhythm of the drum in the large pools of dye, softening the leather in them.

"Can I help you?"

A young man had discovered the two, he handed Liara a branch, which she gratefully accepted and held under her nose. It was mint, which softened the smell.

"We're looking for Nhean, Umm's son. He used to be ..."

"With the Sand People!" the boy added, smiling. At that, she could see the gap in his teeth, making him look mischievous.

"You just missed him. He's getting a supply of skins in Raija. Come tomorrow at the same time and he'll be back!"

Liara heard Din sigh beside her, and she shook her head with a grin. They thanked him for the information and left the place again. At the fork to one of the main paths, they stopped and Liara looked at Din. She could tell by his attitude that he was not happy with the situation.

"I'm afraid we're going to need a lot of patience on this one!"

Din agreed with her.

"I have no problem waiting and staying put for hours, but we are so close now and again an obstacle is somehow put in our way!"

He sighed again. Liara smiled at him encouragingly.

"I'll distract you. You'll see, time flies here. Take off your helmet, you'll miss so many little things and all the colors. Now I'll show you the marketplace and the park. And tonight we're going out to eat. There's a place, it's pretty hidden, we'll be spared from the tourists!"

Din felt her anticipation so he couldn't say no. He also took her suggestion to heart and pulled his helmet off his head. And indeed, it was already other impressions than just staring through a display.

Liara handed him her white shoulder bag, he took it from her, put his helmet into it and hung the bag around himself. A moment after that, he had a strange familiar feeling as the weight of his helmet pressed against his hip and he squinted his eyes in memory. Liara noticed his reaction.

"What's wrong?"

Din shook his head.

"Briefly, I thought of Grogu ..."

Liara took his hand and squeezed it.

"He will be in your memories forever, and each one is precious. You will surely see him again someday!"

Din returned her handshake, then they let a few more people pass before squeezing into a gap and drifting along.

Sometimes it went slightly uphill, then around a bend and again in zigzags. Din admired the finely decorated buildings, pictures with small colorful stones on the walls, which usually spread over several houses. Then there were whole streets of different colors, blue, green, orange. Above their heads were plants attached to ropes, spreading in all directions, blooming beautifully and providing shade. And then the alley spat them out and they stood in an equally busy square. Here, fruit and vegetable vendors had spread out, their wares protected from the sun under tarps. Another had chickens in cages, clucking and fluttering excitedly inside, for sale or even slaughtered on the spot.

Liara led Din past it, a temple standing directly in front of them. It was open on all sides and you could see the Chalactans sitting in it, immersed in their thoughts. And behind it was the park. The argan trees were overflowing with their yellow fruit and many a visitor would steal one. The white blossoms were everywhere on the olive trees. In the shade of the trees many had made themselves comfortable on blankets, ate and drank, or simply rested. A large fountain enticed children to run around in it and enjoy it when a jet of water came shooting out. There were several streams where children also threw leaves and branches in and followed them to fish them out again. Parrots sat on some palm trees preening their feathers. They stopped under a palm tree, Din took off his cloak and laid it on the grass. He sat down next to it, leaning against the trunk of the palm tree, leaving the cloth to Liara. She smiled lovingly at him and made herself comfortable on his cloak. She rested her head on his thigh, sunbeams shining through the palm leaves that moved in the light wind, tickling her nose.

Din stroked her shoulder, lost in thought, and felt really relaxed. He didn't know himself like this at all, always tense and alert to observe the area. But the peaceful mood gripped him, he closed his eyes for a moment and took in the surroundings even more intensely. He heard Liara's quiet breathing, the rustling of leaves, and the chatter and laughter of visitors. Music was playing somewhere and a smell of herbs wafted into his nose from the market. Hearing a hiss, he opened his eyes and discovered a loth cat sitting in one of the olive trees. Another was sitting below an argan tree and had invaded the others' territory, playing with a fallen fruit. The cat from the tree hissed again and set to pounce. The one on the ground grabbed the fruit and disappeared, leaving the hissing cat to calm down and relax back on its branch.

Liara reached for his hand, tugging at the leather of his glove, and he looked down at her.

"In a few hours you wouldn't recognize the marketplace. In the evening, this becomes a huge restaurant. There's cooking and sizzling, games and music. There are the delicious smells drifting over the square next to the smoke from the grills!"

Then she pointed to a covered platform that could be seen at the end of the park.

"Once a month for a few days there are concerts or theater performances. Then the park is so crowded you can hardly turn around. And then there's a chance you'll get lost and your father will be on the verge of a nervous breakdown!" she chortled. Din looked at her questioningly.

"I was maybe 12 years old, it was not my first visit here. Dad often took me with him, mother stayed behind on the farm and was always worried that something might happen. Yes, when we were here, it was busy and my father got nervous. He had simply forgotten and it would have been impossible to get through the crowd with the Eopies. So he left again, with the animals. I, however, had stood on one of the benches and listened to the lecture. At some point I noticed that there was no dad and no animal left. Alone through the alleys back I did not dare. But then I discovered Basmah. She had been with her mother and a few other sand people in the city on the way. The people of Amos have a very different relationship with the Tusken and it is not uncommon to find them here. The group took me into their care and brought me safely back to the spaceport where dad was standing with the Eopies. By the way, he didn't notice that I wasn't there until he got to the ship. He almost died a thousand deaths. We never told Mom that!"

Din giggled, but then noticed her facial expression change. A tear ran down her cheek and she put her hands over her face.

"I miss her so much. I never cared that they weren't my birth parents, I loved them and they taught me so much. And then I always think to myself, I can't complain, had so much time with them and you lost your parents even more sooner!"

Din shook his head, took her hands, leaned down to her and gently kissed her forehead.

"Please allow your grief. It is painful for everyone, whether they spent many moments or few with those. And you just told me earlier that every memory you have is precious. And I thought mine were lost. But ever since Corvus, when I heard my father's voice, they've actually been coming back in bits and pieces!"

He pointed to the red parrot that had landed in the meadow and was nibbling on an argan fruit.

"On Aq Vetina there had also been parrots and in our garden there had been a couple. One of them was so cheeky, he flew right into the house and stole food from the kitchen. I named them, unfortunately I can't remember!"

Liara ran her hands over her eyes, sat up and leaned her head against Din's shoulder.

"Do you think your home is still there? That someone lives there again now?"

Din sighed.

"I don't. But maybe the neti can help us with that question too!"

They remained sitting for a while, until Liara suggested slowly returning to the ship.

"I still have to get the maca root to help your legs. And then I'll show you the best ice cream they have here!"

Hand in hand, they strolled back through the marketplace. The merchants were already starting to clean up their wares so that the cookshops would have room here later. Liara led Din through an underpass and when they came back upstairs, the typical smell of blood greeted him. This he then saw. Half of an animal was lying on a cart, flies buzzing over it. It belonged to a butcher shop a few yards away. Goat feet hung in front of the open window. A man stood in front of it, in ragged clothes, begging the butcher to give him some food.

After passing this somewhat dingy corner, they came back onto one of the main paths. There they actually found a store for remedies. Din waited outside, because inside everything was so crowded from floor to ceiling that one could hardly turn around. The older woman behind her counter was almost out of sight.

"Oh you're lucky, I have it as a salve too. By the time you boil the roots, it takes way too much time and does all kinds of work!" the healer was pleased and pulled out a tube from one of the many drawers.

"You two are going to have a lot of fun!" she winked, and Liara frowned. The old woman put her wrinkled hand on Liara's.

"Well the maca root is stimulating too. Whereas I think your husband is still well in the juice!"

Liara bit her lips a little embarrassed, put the money on the healer's counter and hurriedly took her leave. Din wondered at Liara's red cheeks as she came back out with a small bag.

"Are you all right?" he asked, and Liara nodded.

"Yeah, it was just pretty stuffy in there. Come on I need a tasty cool down now!"

There was a rush outside the ice cream store and they had to wait a few minutes before it was their turn. Liara ordered two scoops of Amos ice cream for each of them and Din was curious to see what it consisted of. The vendor handed them the treat and they walked slowly while they lapped at the ice cream. Din thought it was delicious. The main part was vanilla. Mixed into it was the oil of the argan plant. So it had an intense special nutty flavor.

"Very good!" murmured Din as he licked the ice cream and Liara grinned mischievously at him.

"What's wrong?" he wanted to know.

"Oh you don't see an armed Mandalorian with ice cream marks on his nose every day!" she giggled and leaned over to wipe the spot with the napkin wrapped around the wafer. The next moment she felt something cold on her chin and Din laughed out. He had deliberately smeared his ice cream on her face. "Hey!" she indignantly chortled. Din gently grabbed her wrist, pulled her to him and kissed her on the spot and Liara gasped in surprise before he tenderly touched her on the lips. Liara snuggled up to him, the two of them so engrossed in their kiss, until Liara noticed something liquid running along her fingers. Her ice cream had melted.

Din stood at the kitchen counter and drank a sip of water. After they had returned, he had already given himself the injections and then contacted Cara. But instead of Cara, Karga greeted him and informed him that she had left for Morak with Ezer. If she knew anything new, she would contact him. Karga wished them good luck in their search for the crystal and said goodbye again. Din had decided to put on his new trousers for dinner and also the new cloak. The old one had also got grass stains after today's excursion. And he had also polished his armor a bit. Now he waited for Liara, who was still freshening up. He was looking forward to their dinner together, he had had to do without such a thing all these years. He heard the door to the refresher open and turned around. Din was about to say something, but it took his breath away. Liara was wearing one of the dresses he had noticed on the local women earlier today. It was dark green, covering her shoulders, but had a V-neck that emphasized her cleavage. On the torso it was tight fitting, from the waist it was flowing and went down to her ankles. White embroidery was at the hem of the neckline and along the side of the dress. The white strappy sandals completed her outfit perfectly. Her hair was braided a bit on the sides, otherwise it was loose and fell over her shoulders. Din cleared her throat.

"You're beautiful!"

Liara blushed slightly and complimented him as well. She had noticed that he had made an effort to clean his armor and it now shone like new.

The spaceport was a little quieter now than it had been in the morning, and the shouting of the city leaders had also stopped in the forecourt. The suns were already very low and illuminated the entrance gate. In front of it stood a carriage and Din asked Liara how far they had to go.

"Yes, already at least half an hour!" she said and Din smiled at her. He took them to the carriage and the driver was happy to see his new guests.

"Where may I take you?"

"We want to go to Aimi!" she informed him. The driver nodded and signaled his orbak to go.

"You're in luck, I know a shortcut, it goes through the artists' district!"

A few of the stores Din recognized, at first they drove through alleys they had already been in today. The coachman made his presence known with a bell as they drove, when people wouldn't move aside. Then he turned into a yard, another gate on the opposite side was open and they reached a new street. Din noticed the colorful paving stones, the paintings on the walls. From the open windows could be heard various instruments or just singing. The paintings on the houses became more and more creative. A sleeping loth cat, under it hung a flower box that seemed as if this was her bed. Then she was under a window, her paws hanging from the painted ledge. And the last motif was next to a door, a hand reached out and stroked the cat.

The sunlight gradually disappeared into the alley and the street lights came on. They drove under a carpet of lights that hung over them. Then the carriage slowed and its driver stopped in front of a house entrance whose wooden door was painted mint green. A sign was fastened over the frame, Aimi, they had arrived at the right place. Din gave the driver his money, he got out and helped Liara down from the carriage. Din was curious to see what was waiting for him behind the door and he was surprised. They were in a garden, actually a courtyard, but that was not so obvious at first. Surrounded by several orange trees, whose scent was very intense, seat cushions had been spread out underneath and a few visitors were sitting there relaxing. Another eye-catcher was the ornate wall fountain in which a small bird bathed, as well as the light green and white tiled marble floor with a central mosaic element, on which, a white marble fountain stood and whose water ran gently splashing into a narrow basin. In it Din could see a few goldfish swimming. Soft background music rounded out the area. He looked up and counted three floors. The railings were kept white, had the mint green theme in various places, as did all the doors. The courtyard was open to the top and dusk could be seen. Liara had already walked to the reception desk, which was next to the stairs. A young woman was standing there, smiling at the two of them.

"How can I help you?"

"Do you still have a table for two on the terrace?"

The young woman answered in the affirmative and Din followed Liara up the three flights of stairs. They were treated to a great view when they got to the rooftop terrace. In addition to the restaurant, there was also an area here equipped with hammocks and comfortable seating areas. Din stepped up to the wall with Liara, put an arm around her shoulder and they watched the suns set. The sky was bathed in beautiful pink hues. People had also gathered on the terraces of some outbuildings to enjoy this spectacle. When the last orange celestial body had disappeared and darkness claimed its place, they lit several fireplaces on the terrace. Small candlesticks were set up at the tables. Din skimmed the menu and couldn't decide, there were far too many choices and everything seemed delicious. Liara laughed, she felt the same way on her first visit here.

"Let's order something from the tajine. You won't regret it!"

Din leaned over the table and tenderly ran his hand over her cheek.

"You don't contradict a beautiful woman!"

Liara enjoyed his compliments and touches. While they were waiting for the food, a man and a woman came out onto the terrace. He had a guitar and started playing a pleasant tune. She joined in a few bars later and sang along.

The tajine was very flavorful and delicious. There was chicken meat with carrots, potatoes and peas. But what you could taste the most and made the dish even better was the sweet honey in it. Din hadn't eaten something this good in a long time and was worried that the new pants would be too tight.

After eating, Liara disappeared to go to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Din watched a couple dance who had joined the musicians. He wasn't sure if it was the wine, the romantic setting, or Liara who had somehow charmed him, probably all of the above, but when she returned to their table, he rose jerkily and took her hand in his. He was not one to dance, certainly not in armor. When he was young, he had gone clubbing with the other Mandolorians from time to time, but only to tap his foot at most. But now he wanted it badly, to hold her in his arms and give himself up to the music. Surprised, Liara followed him to the dance floor and he pulled her to him. The singer just started a new song and he listened to the lyrics.

“I don't need a lot of things I can get by with nothing With all the blessings life can bring I've always needed something But I've got all I want When it comes to loving you You're my only reason You're my only truth”

As if by magic, they floated across the dance floor, perfectly in time. Almost telepathically, they seemed to know what the other wanted. It was almost as if they were one being for that moment, one soul in two bodies, to which the music had given weightlessness. Liara leaned her head on his shoulder, enjoying the slowness, and closed her eyes.

“You're the hope that moves me To courage again, oh yeah You're the love that rescues me When the cold winds, rage And it's so amazing 'Cause that's just how you are And I can't turn back now 'Cause you've brought me too far”

So she did not notice how the other guests looked at this couple and realized that the man in the armor, despite his Beskar, was the most vulnerable at this moment, because he openly showed his love for this woman and exposed his soul.

“I need you like water Like breath, like rain I need you like mercy From heaven's gate There's a freedom in your arms That carries me through I need you Oh yes I do”

"I never want to let you go and spend eternity here with you!", Din murmured in her ear and Liara sighed. She also pushed aside all thoughts that went in the direction of the crystal and what problems had arisen since then because of it. The only thing that mattered now was this moment with Din. He gently stroked her back and stayed with his hand on her bottom. She felt warm and licked her lips. Maybe the idea she had earlier hadn't been so wrong after all.

"Let's go!" she whispered, breathing a light kiss on his chin. His beard tickled her slightly, but wasn't bothersome. She broke away from him, pulling him behind her, past her table to grab her bag, and sped up the stairwell. Din let her pull him along until they came to one of the lower floors, to a door, and Liara pulled out a map from her bag.

"We'll be on the ship long enough during our travels. That's why I booked this room earlier!" she explained, opening the door. A pleasant fragrance welcomed her, the bouquet of lavender was in a vase standing on a wooden table. Behind it, in the middle of the room, a large couch took the place. On the wall shelves were several burning candles. On one side there was a bathroom, on the other there was a white curtain gathered on a pillar, which was supposed to delimit the sleeping area. Flower petals were scattered on the floor, leading up to the bed. Liara turned off the electric light, now only the candles illuminated the room.

She looked Din firmly in the eyes, opening her braided hair as she did so, and stepped toward the bed. With her finger she lured Din to her. The latter took notice of the invitation, stopped close to her and looked deeply into her eyes. With his fingertips he touched her neck, ran it down over her collarbone towards her shoulder, slipping under the hem of her dress. A pleasant shiver made her tremble slightly, his touch made her skin tingle, and her breath caught in his gaze. In his now dark brown eyes burned undisguised hunger, which also awakened a wild desire in her. The air between them seemed to crackle and she ran her tongue over her dry lips. Her heart beat up to her throat. She waited for him to continue, but he only stared at her.

"Din!" she whispered. A second later he locked her mouth with his, she opened her lips and let him in. It was a slow, gentle and incredibly sensual kiss that swept them both into a deep vortex of passion. With every fiber of her body, Liara ached for Din, tugging at his armor as they continued to kiss. She longed to be touched by him. Din's kisses grew more urgent, more greedy, and his tongue played a fascinating game with Liara's. His wild caress stole her senses and she was no longer capable of any clear thought. Din briefly detached himself from her, took off his armor, tore his shirt from his body in a frenzy. Instinctively, Liara nestled against his broad bare chest, breathed soft kisses on his skin, and sighed deeply as he ran one hand through her hair and stroked her still-covered back with the other. Liara could feel how aroused Din already was as he pressed her close and moaned in her ear. She desired Din with a desire so fierce that it made her tremble. Liara couldn't suppress a lustful sigh as he ran his lips over her cheeks to her earlobe and on down to her throat. She felt like she was made of nothing but erogenous zones, writhing rapturously in Din's arms. These moments they had together were like getting to know each other all over again every time.

"I want to see you!"

His voice sounded rough, throaty and full of hunger for sex. Gasping, Liara allowed his fingers to slide over her shoulders, slowly pulling the fabric down. Exposing her breasts, Din swallowed and slipped the rest down to her waist. He let out a moan that seemed to come from deep in his throat as he revealed her breasts, the tips of which stretched out towards him and seemed to beg for him to touch them.

"You are simply adorable, Cyar'ika (darling)!"

Din put his hands around her breasts and bent his head, sliding the tip of his tongue over one of the buds, again and again, until Liara moaned with lust and her knees went weak. He caught her, lifted her up and Liara thought for a moment she was lying under an infinite starry sky.

A canopy was fastened over the bed, from the fabric hung countless small silver beads that sparkled in the candlelight. Din he bent over her, kissed her again full of passion and sensuality. Her lips felt swollen from his demanding kisses, so he let go of her and slid down her a bit, only to take one of her nipples in his mouth. Liara cried out lustfully as he began to caress her again with his tongue. Waves of desire flooded her body and she wished that this pleasure would never end.

Din knelt over her, she caressed his chest and wanted more, wanted to feel his bare skin all over. His skin shimmered in the candlelight and she eagerly explored the looming muscles with her fingers. They traveled further down, she stroked the distinct mound under his zipper of his pants and heard Din groan harshly.

"Liara!"

He sucked in the air sharply and it took all his control not to tear the dress off her body immediately. Breathing heavily, he looked down at her, her long hair sprawled across the pillows, the red petals lying around her, and the way her naked breasts rose and fell excitedly.

"You look like a goddess!"

Din was enchanted, Liara had to be a magician, he couldn't explain all the feelings for her. Where had they been all these past years? Had they been dormant inside him, just waiting to be kissed awake by someone? He wanted all of her and pushed her dress over her hips, taking off her panties as well, he could feel the wetness on them and gasped at her arousal.

Her clothes landed on the floor without further attention. He slid his hand between her thighs and gently spread them. Delicately he stroked her most sensitive spot with his thumb and Liara moaned out. She bent towards him lustfully and when his caresses became more and more intense, he guided two fingers into her, she had the feeling of being on fire. Instinctively she pushed herself towards him, already small waves of pleasure ran over her. But she wanted more, wanted him inside her. Driven by a desire she had only since she was with Din, she clung to his shoulders and tried to pull him down to her.

But Din only laughed, rose and took off his pants along with his underwear. A joyful shiver ran over Liara when she saw him in his full glory. Din knelt between her legs, slid his hand under her buttocks and lifted them a little. Then, with a swift movement, he penetrated her and stifled her pleasurable moans with a kiss.

The pleasure Din felt was simply overwhelming, he moved slowly at first, but Liara asked him several times to thrust harder into her. She did not make it easy for him to try to hold out for long. With her eyes half closed, her head pressed into the pillows, she lifted her hips towards him and gave herself completely. He filled her, their bodies merging together, moving in perfect unison toward the magical moment Liara felt approaching. Din sensed it, reached between them and stroked her clit. She clawed into his skin at his shoulders, the waves of pleasure piled up inside her and she let out a piercing cry. An incredible intense climax made her body tremble again and again, and Din could stand it no longer. He thrust into her faster and harder, her walls enclosing him tighter, then he realized the time had come for him. Din grabbed her hips, with a loud moan and face contorted with pleasure he pulled her even tighter.

Exhausted, sweaty, and gasping for breath, the two lay side by side, touching only at the tips of their fingers, trying to calm their wildly beating hearts again. Liara turned to him, kissed him tenderly on the cheek, and rested her head against his shoulder. They watched the flickering on the walls of the candles, the shadows swaying back and forth. When the flames went out, they heard the deep and firm breathing of the two sleeping.

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 38

How will Din handle this experience of power? Before they can set off from Gelgelar, to the coordinates he got, they hope for the skill of Nofre to get the silver lining running properly again. An argument and a rescue that almost goes wrong...

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

The warm tea steamed from the cup Din held in his hands, warming him not only from the inside. He leaned his head idly against one of the pillars and his eyes followed the movements of the small cleaning robot. Din had thrown up one more time and Thule had wordlessly dragged in the electronic helper. Din sipped the tea that did his stomach good and looked out while doing so. The windows were clear again and the fire in the bowl was out. Gray clouds passed quickly in the sky without raining. Liara gratefully accepted a mug of tea from Thule as well, Din heard them talking quietly to each other and he tried to concentrate, the whistling in his ears already diminishing. He eyed Liara and noticed that she was quite pale. He felt so drained, the last time he had this lack of strength was when he had woken up after his coma. His whole body ached and above all his mind was still quite confused. But he was also worried about Liara. When he thought about the fact that she had also been very bad on Bora-Borosa and her breakdown at the Neti.

"Are you okay?"

His voice was slightly hoarse and he cleared his throat. Liara nodded and brushed her hair behind her ear.

"It was exhausting, but I think I'm fitter than you are!"

Din nodded, even speaking, was exhausting. He did, however, look questioningly at Thule, who was re-stuffing his pipe.

"What was that?"

The questioned smiled and lit his pipe. He took a few slow drags until it didn't smoke so badly.

"A new experience. Unfortunately, you were thrown right into the deep end and couldn't learn this in stages like I did with your grandfather. But he didn't fare well afterwards either, despite long preparation!"

Thule chewed thoughtfully on the mouthpiece for a while and finally sighed.

"It is always fascinating what the power can do and the one who feels it does with it. Also a reason of the old order to stubbornly believe it makes sense to separate the special ones from their families and friends, in order not to be distracted and to be fully there for their gift. I say it's important to continue to have these people as background so you don't have to deal with it alone. That you are caught up when there are setbacks and not let the mind carousel win. Also with me there were problems, my master had at that time already a good feeling and I was particularly on the death day of my mother, who went unfortunately very early from us, very fahrig. So it was not trained on that day, but he spoke with me, about the grief and the life afterwards in the higher levels! He was one of the few who did not follow the rules of the council. In the end, it didn't matter how you stood by the rules, many of us were killed in cold blood and didn't stand a chance because of Order 66, even the younglings weren't stopped... I was lucky, escaped and holed up here."

He stared out and was silent. For a while everyone wallowed in their thoughts, until Thule stirred again and looked to Liara, who placed her empty mug on the tray by the teapot.

"Dagli is also someone who will challenge you but not overdo it. She'll be a good teacher for you!"

"Who is Dagli, anyway?" asked Liara curiously.

"A kind-hearted creature who, because of her small stature, you wouldn't think she could do anything. I hope she's still among the living, of course, since it's been some time since I last saw her. But her people are known for their long life, so I think you should find her alive and well!

After Din felt strong enough again and no longer thought his legs were made of jelly, the two said goodbye to Thule. He wished them a good journey and asked them to greet Dagli from him.

"May the Force be with you!"

Din nodded to the old man, Liara returned his greeting. Then they turned their backs on him and Thule lingered at his door for a while longer until he no longer saw them and the bad air forced him to go inside.

At the place where the old huts could be seen, Din stopped. Liara reached for his hand.

"Would you like to see inside?"

Din shook his head. He had everything he needed in his memories, burned into his heart. He didn't think he would find anything else of value there.

So hand in hand they walked back, both lost in their thoughts, processing what they had experienced earlier.

"I understand a lot more now, and Ahsoka too, why she didn't want to teach Grogu. And yet, what happened to me earlier is so unimaginable! And it must have been a great strain on you, too!", Din broke the silence.

"Most of it was done by Thule. I was supposed to accompany you in case you needed help. However, I lost you at some point, he then fortunately caught you again! I was worried that my fear would have a negative effect!"

Din squeezed her hand. His thumb circled gently over her skin.

"On the contrary, you calmed me with your voice and I felt safe!" he said lovingly. The two looked at each other for a moment, then Din lifted his helmet and Liara also fleetingly removed her mask so they could kiss.

It began to rain again as they approached the Eel. Liara swallowed, the child was still lying in front of the house. She took one of the lizard fruits out of her pocket, peeled it off and crouched down in front of the little one. Carefully, she held the fruit out to her. As she did so, she noticed that there were bags and scraps of cloth tied to the child's body, one of the rags partially covering her face, only the brown eyes blinking at her, not sure what the stranger wanted from her.

"You must be hungry?" asked Liara, smiling under the breathing mask, hoping the little one could see it. Hesitantly, she reached out for it, but just before she reached the fruit, a roar was heard and Liara jumped up, startled, and dropped the fruit. The next moment Boyk and two other Trandoshans, each armed with blaster rifles, came out of the house and pushed in front of her. Boyk eyed them and Din.

"What's a mando looking for here?" the Trandoshan hissed.

"Vacation!" replied Din dryly, his hand loosely on his holster, but ready to draw his blaster at any moment. Boyk laughed, then pointed at the child.

"That's mine, and I won't allow you to deal with it! Unless you give her money!" he growled at Liara. The looked her counterpart firmly in the eyes, trying not to show her fear. The snorted and looked at Din.

"You should rein your woman in a bit!"

"She is a free man, unlike others here!" returned Din.

Boyk stuck his head up.

"I can offer you weapons. You Mandos are so fond of them!"

Din declined with thanks.

"Then get lost and don't you dare touch them again!" threatened Boyk. He left, the other two following him again. One of the Trandoshans kicked the child with his foot as he did so. No sound was heard, but one could see the little body curl up in pain. Liara gasped angrily, wanting to say something, but Din pulled her along.

"But...!"

"Liara they are outnumbered and I don't know how many of his friends are still lurking around!" hissed Din to her, slowly getting angry. Liara tore herself away from him. He could see her anger in her face, but she said nothing more. Silently they walked back to the spaceport.

Nofre was already there to meet them.

"How nice to see you, I hope the old man could help you!"

Din confirmed, while Nofre looked a little irritated at Liara, who nodded to her and ran straight into the silver lining without waiting for Din. She caught the ill-tempered look as well.

"Um... At least some good news on this day. We actually found the problem!"

Nofre scratched her forehead and Din feared the worst because of her statement.

"The scan showed that the Hollow Cathode has voltage spikes and momentary interruptions. You have, after all, determined this in the sense that the thrust control of the Wookie's propulsion system briefly goes into emergency mode due to this voltage drop. As a result, the outflow velocity from the engine is not constant, which is noticeable as a clear jerking and, above all, no possibility of re-entering hyperspace!"

"Yes, and only a reboot could at least disable the alarms!" reported Din.

"I could see that in the error memory. After a software update and calibrating the system, it should work again. I have a friend on Eriadu, he works in a factory that also makes parts for the Wookie. I contacted him and he says that on the older models the problem you have is known and comes up every now and then. He's sending me the latest update and then we can hook up the silver lining and then it should be ready by tomorrow morning!"

"I don't even know how to thank you!"

Nofre grinned.

"Don't thank me too soon, you'll get the bill! The transmission from Eriadu will shut down our communications for half an hour!"

"Can I access the navigation then?"

Nofre nodded.

"As long as you don't start the silver lining and try to run away. The system is extra coupled and not needed for the update!"

Din thanked her and followed Liara into the ship. He put his helmet down on the galley counter and hurried into the cockpit to enter the coordinates of the destination. When the navigation computer gave him the travel time and it got longer and longer, he puffed out his cheeks. Even with hyperspace flight they would be on the way over 1 week. The destination was somewhere in the middle of nowhere. He sighed, but they were so close to the destination, now surely he wouldn't be deterred by the long flight. Din decided to inform Liara that they were also going to get enough provisions. He would also ask Nofre also to fill up the silver lining.

Liara was putting the lizard fruit in the refrigerator when Din descended the ladder.

"The trip takes 9 days!" reported Din as he jumped down the last step, and Liara slammed the cabinet door a little harder so that the bottles inside rattled.

"Great. Then you've almost reached your goal!"

Din shook his head.

"It's just as much yours!"

Liara shrugged and willed herself past him.

"If you say so!"

Din grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Cyar'ika (darling)! If you're still mad about that kid..."

Liara looked at his hand and he let go. Then she nodded.

"I'm glad you realize it. I don't understand why we can't help the little one!"

"I already explained it to you, you and I are outnumbered. I don't think Boyk has just two friends sitting in that house with him. And I'm sure a few others will be happy to help him, like that Lannik guy who would have loved to kill me back in the Eel already!"

This time it was Liara who shook her head.

"Good thing you didn't think about Grogu and just listened to your gut!"

"That was something else entirely. The Imps weren't the problem and I had my brothers behind me!" retorted Din. Liara laughed.

"That was pure luck that they realized you needed help! I don't think Boyk is hosting an entire army in the city!"

Din got angry and a little louder, too.

"Let me tell you something. I was at home in Nevarro, I could judge it better than I could here. And I don't intend to drag the Sullustans or farmers into this. It's not going to stay a secret if Nofre or someone else from the city helps us kill an arms dealer. What do you think will happen when this story leaves Gelgelar. We'll be gone, but everyone here will be defenseless to the revenge of other criminals! It's not worth it!"

Liara stared at him in open-mouthed dismay and shook her head.

"Then you and I are lucky that we were saved by people who didn't think that way. Otherwise we wouldn't be here having this discussion. I thought your tribe took in foundlings. Children are the future. And then you want to tell me this child is not worth saving? That you of all people should say that..."

With tears of rage in her eyes, Liara grabbed her bag and breathing mask.

"Where are you going?" grumbled Din, trying to stop her from leaving, but she squirmed out of his light grip.

"To get the fucking provisions. So we don't starve when we fly to your family!", Liara nagged back.

And before Din could respond, she had already left the silver lining and hurried out of the spaceport. On the ramp Nofre stood and bit her lips, she had listened to the argument involuntarily, because she had to connect something in the cockpit. She cleared her throat and looked at him seriously.

"We can take good care of ourselves, Mandalorian! I don't know who Grogu is, but if you saved someone from the Imps, you can save this kid from the clutches of that asshole too. But since this Grogu isn't with you, I suspect there's a fear in you of having to let someone go again!"

With that, Nofre had said it all, and without her knowing it, addressed the very sore spot that was working in Din. When he tried to pass her, she held him by the arm. He looked at her in irritation.

"I advise you not to follow her now!"

Nofre left him like that and set to work in the cockpit.

Liara's anger slowly faded as she walked down into the city, but she was increasingly disappointed by Din's actions. She could not understand it at all, especially Nevarro had had to mourn many innocent victims after his encounter with the other bounty hunters, of which he probably did not even know. But there was no point in rubbing his nose in it now and making him feel guilty, that was long gone. Still he was saved then, he did it with Grogu, with Ziv likewise he didn't care and now this child deserved to be allowed to live a better life and he resisted. She sighed and tilted her head when she saw something red lying on the ground. Liara crouched down in front of it and looked at several feathers, she guessed from these deer birds, lying there like new and intact. She carefully stroked them, smiled and put them in her pocket. Who knows what else they could be used for. Her feet led her first to the little bakery Nofre had raved about. Shelves full of breads up to the ceiling and a wonderful smell lingered in the air, settling in her nose as soon as she took off her mask. She had to control herself, buying a real loaf and then enough powder to feed a whole company with. But then, if it smelled this good in the silver lining, it was worth it to her. Nearby there was a small grocery store run by an Aleena. The old woman was barely up to Liana's waist when she came out from behind her counter. To the side, a man sat in a rocking chair, snoring. Liara suspected it was her husband, because she gave him an affectionate look.

"Exhausted from doing nothing!" she explained, grinning and showing her tiny pointed teeth. The old woman led Liara through the store and when she left 15 minutes later, she now had an extra bag. Besides jam made from the lizard fruit, she had also made a point of packing the liquor, wine and juices. Also, dried meat, which was made from the glarsaur and reeho. The old woman already wanted to wake up her husband, that he should bring Liara the bags back to the spaceport, but luckily she could talk her out of it.

Packed full, she now stood on the puddle-strewn street, the rain now abating somewhat. She could make out the bundle lying on the ground and in Liara this anger grew again. While she walked back to the spaceport, she made a decision.

A slight vibration on Liara's wrist jolted her out of sleep. When she had made her plan, she had actually thought that she would not be able to sleep at all because of her excitement. Her fingers deactivated the alarm clock in her watch and quietly she sat up. Din was lying on his side, his back turned to her, but by his quiet breaths, she could tell he was fast asleep. Still, she remained mindful not to make any noise and slipped out of the bedroom. She had already hidden the clothes she needed for this in the refresher. After quickly changing her clothes, she opened the gun cabinet. She knew the code and winced when the sound of the combination lock sounded so loud in the night silence of the ship. Liara waited a few seconds, but nothing moved and she reached for the dark saber. It was heavy in her hand and she hoped that she would only have to use it once to free the little ones. She didn't feel like fighting and she hadn't practiced with the dark saber at all yet. Carefully she attached it to her belt. While the ramp slowly descended, she put on her long black coat with hood and thanked Peli in her mind that she had repaired the hydraulics during her last stay with her in the hangar. So there was no sound as the ramp touched down on the ground. With the mask in her hand, she left the silver lining.

It was quiet in the spaceport. Beside the noises of the ventilation of the ships and the howling of the wind, a squeaking snoring from one of the freighters, which parked not far from them, penetrated to her. As she had often seen and heard drunken Jawas sleeping in front of the cantinas on Tatooine, this was clearly the ship of the group of little guys. She could see several collapsed pit droids lying on crates under a canopy, and Taku sitting among them. His head was lowered, one of the cables going from him to a gonk droid that was supplying him with fresh energy. One floor up, where flight control was located, lights were on, but she saw no one standing at the window. Still, she had no intention of being seen.

She pulled the mask, then the hood over her head and left the spaceport. The cold and wet climate was unpleasant and made her shiver despite her warm coat. The clouds had cleared a little and the moon could be seen reflected in the puddles. She was walking all alone and that was just fine with her. A distant crash sounded from the marshes. The pale street lighting was of little use, Liara had to help herself out with her flashlight to spot any particular stumbling blocks. The Eel's billboard blinked obtrusively, even though the restaurant was closed. The cone of light from Liara's flashlight caught the child, who had pressed himself tightly against the wall, presumably in the hope that he would freeze less. Under all the garbage, the little body was almost impossible to make out. Liara extinguished the lamp, squatted in front of the girl and gently reached for her. She could feel the frightened flinch and the fearful look the child gave her the next moment. Liara put her finger to her mouth.

"Shhh. It's all right. I'll get you to safety!" whispered Liara. She smiled encouragingly at the little one, then took the dark saber and activated it. Humming, he waited for the next action. Liara hadn't expected the weapon to be so heavy, dragging her hand down. She had to concentrate with what she was going to do next. Din made it look so much easier when he was training with the saber. She applied the blade to the thick chain attached to the wall and cut through it with it as if it were butter. It landed on the floor with a clang. The other end was on the girl's foot, but Liara didn't want to hurt her and possibly cause burns. She would leave that distance to Din, who was much better with the saber. She deactivated the saber and waved to the little one that she would not hurt her. As she waited for the child to move, she felt goosebumps forming all over her body. Something crunched behind her, then she felt the barrel of the gun thrust into her back.

Din leaned against the kitchen counter, still quite sleepy, and drank another sip. He had woken up with a cramp in his right leg and had tried to sneak out of the bedroom as quietly as possible without waking Liara. The magnesium mixture in the water seemed to be working now, he had tried a few steps without any pulling in his calf. He placed the empty glass in the sink unit and walked back to the bedroom with only a slight limp. On his way to the sleeping area, he automatically and without thinking much, pushed the door of the weapons cabinet shut, which was open a small crack.

As he sat down on the bed, he thought about the argument he had had with Liara. After their return from shopping, they had spoken only the most necessary things to each other and the tension between them had been unbearable. He had planned to talk to her again in the morning and then make a plan how they could free the girl. Perhaps Boyk would also take money or Beskar plates, some of which he had taken from Calodan, so that there would be no need for a fight. Din sighed, he didn't want to lie down again, he had to talk to Liara now, even though she would probably be additionally pissed if he woke her up. In the dark he groped for her, frowned and activated the light. Her side was empty, he felt only residual warmth on her pillow. As if he had been struck by lightning, he jumped up and hurried to the weapons cabinet. Hectically he entered the code, but he mistyped it. During the 30-second wait to type in the combination again, Din imagined all the horror scenarios of what might have happened in the city and leaned his forehead against the cabinet.

"Ni cuyir mie di'kut (I'm such a fool)!"

He cursed his stubbornness and that he had not spoken to Liara sooner. And then, in spite of everything, he felt a little pride in himself, at her courage to simply act. When the time was up, he took a deep breath, typed in the code more slowly, and finally the cabinet opened. Din had taken a peek inside and immediately spotted the missing dark saber.

"Dank Farrik," he grumbled, yanking out his Amban rifle and blaster, depositing everything on the table, and angrily slamming the double doors. In record time he had changed clothes and put on his armor. When the ramp had finally descended, he grabbed his rifle, sprinted through the spaceport, and lifted off with his jetpack into the humid night of Gelgelar.

Liara swallowed, her pulse quickened and she was annoyed at her unreasonableness.

"I thought I made myself clear!" rumbled Boyk.

She felt nauseous as she felt the sharp claw on her neck and Boyk pressed it deeper into her skin. She raised her arm, thinking how to activate the saber and turn around quickly, but Boyk was faster and wrenched the hilt from her hand. He hit her in the head with the rifle and she slumped to the side, dazed. Nevertheless, he continued to aim the rifle at her as he activated the saber and began to grin wickedly.

"Did you steal that legendary weapon from your Mandalorians? You really are a naughty thing. Now I will become a rich man when I sell the saber! And I'll keep you for now!"

Boyk laughed out loud, but it did not drown out the roar of the jetpack. Din landed behind the Trandoshan, who turned and held up the saber.

"Look Mando, your wife has brought me a gift!"

Din clenched a fist when he saw Liara lying there and slowly raised his Amban rifle.

"You won't live to see my gift!" he growled, and Boyk glared at him with his red eyes.

"Is that what you really want? Start a gunfight with me and my staff over a piece of dirt. They'll wait for my signal and then you won't stand a chance!" the hissed at the Mandalorian. Boyk opened a mouth again and a first loud hiss sounded as a lightning bolt released from the tip of the Amban rifle, caught the Trandoshan and its body disintegrated in an instant. Remnants of ashes were carried away by the wind, only his clothes and the rifle still bearing witness that he had once lived. Din picked up the saber and knelt anxiously beside Liara, who was bleeding from a wound on her head. But she had her eyes open and tried to sit up. He helped her to do so. The child was trembling. But before Din could respond, blaster shots rained down on them. Din threw himself over them, thanking the Creator that so far the Trandoshans were only hitting the beskar and bouncing loudly off of it. There he would be allowed to bother with some bruises again for the next few days. A bang sounded and Din noticed Thull providing fire support from the Eel.

"Liara, run over and hide in the Eel!"

She nodded, stood up staggering, grabbed the child and ran with wobbly legs to Thull. He pulled her into the building and shot off again. Din jumped for cover behind a barrel and returned fire. Shortly after, he heard another shooter who was on their side and spotted the lannik firing at a Trandoshan who was leaning out of a window and already had Din in his sights. The latter, however, was hit first, fell and landed on the ground with an ugly cracking sound. A few more shots were fired, from somewhere a Twi`lek had come in to support them in the shooting, then dead Trandoshans lay scattered everywhere. Din came out from his cover and the lannik approached him.

"Sorry for threatening you. I was on Boyk's tail because he stole weapons from my boss. I thought a bounty hunter was here for him and would ruin my mission."

Din shrugged his shoulders.

"There's nothing left of him, I'm afraid!"

The lannik waved it off with a grin.

"The main thing is that I bring back most of the weapons to my boss!"

He climbed over one of the dead and went into their lair. Thull had just high-fived the Twi'lek and cheered as Din approached him.

"What a delightful excitement. That was fun!"

"And I was just about to apologize for disturbing the night's rest!"

Thull laughed loudly and slapped Din on the shoulder in amusement. Then he let him pass that he could get into the Eel. He heard Thull informing someone over a communicator that there was work to be done and trash to be cleaned up.

Din shook his head in amusement, but drew in his breath sharply when he saw Liara and the child clinging to her. He wrapped his arm around Liara's waist to support her, that he could bring them both back to the silver lining.

There Liara slumped to the floor and tore her mask off her face, panting. The girl broke away from her, looked around and ran into the depths of the hold, hiding behind a crate. The chain that was still attached to her leg rattled across the floor as she did so. Overwhelmed, Din looked after her, but he decided to take care of Liara first. He fetched the medical kit and knelt beside her. The bleeding had subsided, but the wound had to be treated. Carefully, he pulled her sticky hair to the side and cleaned the area. Liara contorted her face as she did so, because it burned.

"Sorry!"

As Din gently rubbed the bacta ointment on it, the pain eased and Liara relaxed a bit. While Din was still putting a band-aid on her, Liara reached for his arm. He heard her quiet sob and then noticed her tears.

"I'm sorry Din!" whispered Liara.

"I got too involved. I shouldn't have acted alone!"

Then she remembered something and she wanted to jump up.

"The saber!"

Din held her back by the shoulders.

"Calm down. The saber is safe!"

"I shouldn't have taken it. Please forgive me!"

Din put a finger to her lips to silence her and pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry for being so stubborn. I... This fear of taking in a child, of taking him into my heart, and then possibly having to let him go, has become so deeply ingrained in me that I have not been fair to you and have not explained my worries to you. That's the only way all this came about. We have to talk more with each other in the future and not just run blindly! When I realized that you were gone and so was the Dark Saber, I had all kinds of thoughts about what might have happened. I couldn't go on living without you!"

Din kissed Liara on the forehead and she snuggled close to him.

"I don't want to lose you either!" she whispered, wiping away her tears. For a while they just held each other, listening to each other's breathing.

"Where is the little one?" asked Liara, and Din pointed into the darkness of the hold.

"We have to give her time!" he sighed, hearing the chain rattle again.

When the ramp had lowered, Nofre clapped her hands loudly.

"That was a great move. You should have woken me up, I really liked that!"

The Sullustan paused as she noticed the band-aid and bruise on Liara's forehead. Din looked very worn out as well.

"Is everything all right with the little one?"

Liara nodded and pointed to a corner of the hold. There they had still had pillows and blankets stacked in a crate when they had taken the Tusken with mach Bora-Borosa. Din, after doctoring Liara, had sent her to bed. He stayed awake to be there if the little one needed anything. Early in the morning, Liara had given her water and food, which she had actually eyed cautiously before tasting.

"She's holed up... I... I'm sorry I've caused you trouble now!"

Liara held her hand over her mouth in shock.

"The dead in the city..."

Nofre sighed and gave Liara a squeeze. The little Sullustan was barely up to her hips.

"Calm down. Others have already taken care of that. And we have you, you to thank. If only we'd had a little more guts, like you, it might not have come to this. We just complained all the time, but didn't act. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for putting it on your backs. And this child's soul could have recovered from its suffering much sooner. She is in good hands with you! My mother always said never hesitate when it comes to doing something good!"

Liara smiled gratefully at the Sullustan. Her words did her good. Nofre broke away from her.

"But please don't tell anyone I have feelings. Who knows who will come here and want some personal advice from me!"

She winked at them both, and Din shook her head in amusement. After the night, the mechanic's banter was just the thing.

Then Nofre set to work in the cockpit. She checked to see if the update had been completely fed in, booted up the system, and ran diagnostics again. The result made her whistle happily and she slapped her thighs.

"It looks very good. All the bugs have been worked out. Let's take it for a spin, if any glitches show up, we could fix it right then!" she told Din. He didn't mind, just let Liara know, who stayed in the lower part of the ship and watched the child.

"And then I finally get to fly in a Wookie!" grinned Nofre excitedly, and Din laughed at her enthusiasm. They switched seats and she watched from the copilot as Din maneuvered the silver lining out of the spaceport. She took over the radio and called flight control in her native language about the test flight and that the Silver Lining's landing bay had not yet been reopened. She kept glancing at her datapad during the flight and was pleased with the readings.

"According to the simulation, it should work again with hyperspace. I'd actually prefer it if you took a jump. Then I can also send you on the long journey with a clear conscience!"

She guided Din out of the clouds and gave him the okay to jump. In the next moment they were in the white-blue tunnel, before Din left it again and started again to jump back to Gelgelar. This also succeeded and after the silver lining had landed safely in the spaceport again, Nofre could not stop grinning.

Taku and a Twi'lek were waiting for the mechanic. She handed the latter the gauges and the Twi'lek hurried to the next patient. Nofre slapped the droid lightly on its back.

"Such a great flight, you would have liked that too Taku!"

Din, who had followed Nofre, thought for a moment to see confusion in the droid's fixed eyes. The droid was uncomfortable with his boss's delight and made off as fast as he could with his limp.

"Such an ungrateful thing!" chuckled Nofre, then became more serious again when she caught sight of Liara, who had also left the silver lining.

"Did the little one make it through the flight okay?"

Liara nodded.

"It's just that she's not too comfortable with closeness. And if so, only for a short time!"

Nofre chewed her lip thoughtfully.

"She probably seeks affection and then is afraid of being punished for it. No one can say for sure what she had been through the last few years..."

Din clenched his fist at Nofre's words. If he hadn't already dissolved the Trandoshan, he would now.

The mechanic suddenly began to smile.

"With your permission, I have two suggestions and it wouldn't cost you anything. One would be, I would pull up a wall for you and install a door so that the little one has her own room. She needs that retreat. And in the cockpit, make a bench out of the co-pilot chair so the three of you all have room. The pit droids can do that in a couple of hours easy! And second, I know one of the farmers. He's very old now. His wife died a few years ago, and he's been coming to the Eel ever since. I could ask Yasir if he knows where the little one lived and if the house is still standing, maybe you can find out something about her!"

Liara looked at Din and they both thought the same thing. They nodded at the same time, Nofre did the same and asked the two to wait a moment, she would send a probe over to Yaris that he would get the message right away. She hurried to her office. And sure enough, shortly after, a small flying droid zoomed out of the spaceport.

The cargo speeder slid across the muddy ground and stopped in front of a closed wooden gate. The droid beeped and Nofre jumped out first. Behind the gate waited an older man who, as Din followed the Sullustan, unlocked it and let the two of them in. Liara had stayed with the silver lining, taking the child into the cockpit while the droids worked below to make the room. Din recognized the settlement, he had seen it when they had flown over it on their arrival. Nofre introduced Yasir and to him their companion. "Follow me, I know where she once lived. But do not hope for too much. Here one has only so long the decency of the other property not to steal, as long as this lives. Once the person has breathed his last, this rule no longer applies. When I came back to my house after my wife died, all her clothes were missing!"

His look was sad, then he led her through the small community. These buildings were also made of metal pieces, some crooked and crooked, others had taken more effort. At one window, a boy pressed his nose as he looked out curiously. But the next moment he was pulled back and loud voices could be heard.

"How did Boyk get in here to get the children?" asked Din Yasir.

"He bribed certain people, they had enough money after that to stop working here and leave Gelgelar. The one who suffered was Jis. She always looked after the children, played with them and taught them. Boyk didn't let her live..."

Yasir shook his head, his hat almost falling off.

And then they had reached the dwelling. The door had broken out, just leaning against the wall. Din pushed it aside and activated his lamp on his helmet. The dirt crunched under his shoes as he took his first steps inside. He wiped aside cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. A wooden table stood at an angle because it was missing two legs, cupboard doors stood open or were completely destroyed. Occasionally, plates lay around or other dishes carelessly thrown to the floor.

There was a hole in the roof, and the floor underneath was damp and moldy. A single armchair stood in the middle of the room, through the dust and with water stains dirty, holey, gnawed upholstery, one could only guess its original red color. A flash among all the destroyed possessions under an overturned shelf caught Din's attention. It was a broken picture frame, the hologram still trying to rebuild itself after all this time, but you could only see three people on it for a moment before it collapsed again.

Din sighed and put it back. A charred pile of wooden remains indicated that someone had recently sought shelter here. Din was sure that the gate at the entrance had no real use and that if someone wanted to get in here, they would. He glanced into a small adjoining room, also here shelves cleared out, overturned, empty bottles. He was glad he was wearing his helmet and didn't have to endure the stench when he saw the overflowing glasses, the original contents beyond description. He shook himself and sought out the next room. Here he seemed to be right, although the children's room had not been spared from the destruction and looting. Colorful wallpaper remnants that still hung on the wall, or had already fallen down, showed that the little one had been made as comfortable as possible on this planet. A single child's shoe lay in the empty closet. As his gaze slid over the mattress covered with brown stains, he noticed something yellow stuck in the gap between the bed and the wall. Din pulled at it and out came a stuffed animal that represented a gungan. This too had suffered, but he decided to take it with him. At least something that had been left for the child. One last look into the parents' bedroom, then he left the dwelling, in front of which Nofre and Yasir were waiting for him.

When Din returned with Nofre and stepped off the speeder, he immediately noticed the two small windows that the silver lining had not had that morning. One of the pit droids cackled when it saw Nofre. The turned to Din.

"The boys thought the kid might like a view. And they're actually ready already!"

"Very good idea!" praised Din to the droid, wondering briefly to himself that he had become so accustomed to droids by now, and getting an excited chatter back.

In the silver lining, Liara sat on the bench, the child watching the action below the ladder that led into the cockpit, all from a safe distance. Din noticed that one of the rags was missing and the chain was gone, too.

"Taku helped me. The little one took confidence in him and I was able to cut off the rags."

Liara spotted the stuffed animal in Din's hand and looked at him expectantly. Din sighed and took a seat next to her.

"No sign of her name. The shelter was ransacked and the animal was the only thing I found!"

Lifting it up, Liara could see the dirt stains and edges on the faded fabric. The little girl had noticed it too and ventured toward her. The child's eyes shone and she stretched out her arms. Din held it out to her and very carefully she took it from him. Immediately she pressed the cuddly toy to her and hugged it.

"Gunga!" she whispered, stroking along its long ears.

"Gunga!" she sighed again and sank to the floor with her cuddly toy.

A knock on her office window made Nofre flinch, but she immediately relaxed when she saw Din and Liara standing in front of it. The Sullustan slipped out of her stuffy workspace and eyed the two. Liara handed her a bottle. Nofre eyed the dark contents suspiciously and Liara chuckled.

"It's liquor, from the black melon of Tatooine!"

The Sullustan's face brightened.

"I'll be sure to share it with Thull and the old wise man and toast you!"

She gave Liara a hug, and when she broke away from her, she looked sentimental. Nofre shook her head.

"You've really grown on me in that short time, and maybe somewhere, sometime, our paths will cross again. Take good care of the little one and I hope your journey ends successfully."

Liara nodded, it was also hard for her to say goodbye to the Sullustan, she felt the same as Nofre. She ran her hand over her wet eyes and Din cleared his throat. He reached out his hand to Nofre and put a bundle in it. The Sullustan opened the pouch and stared at the Mandalorian, dumbfounded.

"This is...I can't take this. It's a fortune..."

Nofre couldn't get her head around the Beskar plates.

"Actually, it's not enough to thank you!" replied Din, staggering backward a step as Nofre gave him a swinging hug.

As the silver lining took off shortly after and disappeared into the clouds, Nofre was pleased with her gift for remembering certain things or people forever. She had now taken both of them into her heart forever.

_________

@rain-on-kamino @ultrarebelheart @illegalcerebral

[june-girl-86]

Chapter 26

Chapter 26 overview:

A visit to the Mos Eisley market just before leaving for Bora-Borosa reveals some surprises and new clues.

Notes:

I was inspired for the market during my vacation on Djerba at that time. And the city they will visit on Bora-Borosa will be somewhat similar to Marrakech.

Pairing: Din Djarin x OC Female!

ReaderRating: Mature/Explicit (+18)

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence / Love / Action&Adventure / Blood&Violence / Drama & Romance / Slow Burn / Fluff&Smut

A red glow lay on the horizon, you could hear it crackling, cracking and rustling everywhere. The sky darkened with smoke and the air was hot and stuffy. Many screams came from the dense forest. Terrible, cruel, until they fell silent. The trees could not withstand the fire, bent over, buried everything under them. The wind passed through and fanned the flames further. It carried them from one treetop to the next and the flames ate their way through the branches with relish. They whispered and hissed, everyone knew they were coming. By now, the black billows of smoke were blowing not only more in the sky, but also through the trees, making breathing almost impossible. Along with the smoke, the scent of death was also in the air.

In a nearby clearing, a woman was tied to a tree trunk, struggling to get free and screaming. But no one was helping her, the one who was supposed to protect her was helpless himself. In the middle of the meadow was an elongated boulder, in front of it knelt a man, also bound by his hands, his head resting on it. His silver armor had been spread in the grass, the firelight already reflected in it. Around him walked a Mandalorian woman, holding a dark saber in her hands, its color matching the sky. Dead, burning birds that had not made it out of the treetops in time kept falling, missing them by a hair's breadth. His breathing was frantic, he was bleeding from several wounds. A nearby tree groaned, its face showing and wailing as sparks touched its bark and injured him. He asked the human woman to help his people the Neti, but the Mandalorian only laughed distortedly through her helmet. The tree creaked and gave up as the sparks ate deeper and deeper into the trunk. The Mandalorian stood beside her captive and raised her saber. He turned his head, kept his eyes open, and stared at her. Incomprehension, incredulity was in it, but she didn't seem to care. So did the woman's gasping and coughing as she struggled to get air, the acrid smoke having enveloped her. She dropped her arms and snuffed out his life. Rain of ash trickled into the clearing as the Mandalorian deactivated the dark saber, used her jetpack, and escaped the hell of fire.

Chenda gasped, her fingers clawing into the table in front of her as she returned to the present. Her horns ached and sweat stood on her forehead. She had not had such a violent vision since she had turned her back on her homeland. Her parents had always hoped that she would train as a seer, but for her it was not a gift, but a nuisance. When she was old enough, she boarded a shuttle and tried to get as far away from her home planet as possible. Now and then blurry images had appeared in her dreams, but they had hardly bothered her. Mos Eisley was supposed to be just a stopover, but when she saw the sign hanging in a window on a side street while exploring the town, she knew she would stay here. She had taken over the fabric store of an old woman who had put it up for sale. Since she was very good at sewing, a tailor shop was created to sell the fabrics, and it became very busy. After some time, she had been able to hire another seamstress.

Chenda's hand trembled as she filled her water glass and took a sip. She had just finished the last pair of pants with the magnet inserts for the Mandalorian's armor pieces when that vision had gripped her again. He had sought her out in her store two days ago and the vision had been repeating ever since. Chenda glanced at her watch and sighed. She needed to calm down; soon the Mandalorian would appear to take his order. He would surely notice her uneasiness and become suspicious, but she couldn't tell him. Chenda took a deep breath and noticed her pulse returning to normal. She retrieved a bag, put the three pairs of pants inside, and a cloak. A short time later, the bell on her door jingled and the Mandalorian stood waiting at the counter as she appeared with the order. She smiled at him and showed him the cloak. He had not requested it, but she had seen his old tattered one and she had found this weatherproof fabric still in storage. He thanked her, she could clearly hear his surprise through the modulator of his helmet. Although she didn't ask for anything in return, he put more credits on the table than they had actually agreed upon. As he was about to take the bag, she touched him on his wrist and his dark visor stared back at her.

"Take care of yourself!"

He stiffened at her words, but didn't inquire further, nodding and leaving her store. She sank onto the stool behind her counter, Chenda's fingers trembling again, the energy emanating from him rattling her body. She could see him standing outside for a moment before he disappeared from her sight, and she hoped that her gift had only deceived her.

Din could still hear the bell ringing despite the closed door, when he was already standing in front of the store again. He looked thoughtfully at the shop window and the colorful fabrics hanging inside. The goodbye had been strange, the Iktotchi had given him a worried look. He had heard about them being able to see into the future. Did she have any idea what might happen? But wouldn't she have told him? Din shrugged slightly, then took a deep breath and left the side street to come across the main street to the marketplace.

Today was market day and already before the big square, a few merchants had sporadically set up their stalls to intercept the first shoppers or because they needed more space for their goods.

He dodged a nuna that darted out of the shadow of a tent, in its mouth one of the dragon fruits that the owner was preparing for sale in boxes. A stone and several curses followed the green wingless bird, but it was already over the hills. Next to it, a blacksmith had begun his work, hammering the heated metal into the desired shape while the customer waited.

The closer Din got to the main square, the livelier and louder it became. The typical sounds of the water seller reached him before he could even see him. For before he appeared, the clatter of his tin cups could already be heard. And then a colorfully dressed older man appeared, with a canister on his back and on his arms the baskets of drinking vessels, which he kept shaking to get everyone's attention.

And then suddenly it was a stream of people and figures pulling him along, a tangle of different languages and other sensory impressions.

A carpet seller had his colorful wares spread out around him, touting them as the best in the whole city. A boy stood in front of it, discouraging people from simply walking across it and threatening with a stick anyone who dared to do so anyway.

Nearby, under a holey tarp, several women sat squatting on the ground among bundles of green leaves and stems, plucking herbs. Another tossed them into a pot that stood on a hot plate, into a curd-like mass, stirred it all together, and filled it into small jars for sale. A ventilator hung above them, trying to displace the accumulating heat. Their small children lay sleeping in the background, not bothered in the least by the hustle and bustle. In front of a booth with several clay jars, a few people craned their necks curiously and watched as a snake charmer used his flute to wind out his animals.

From somewhere, the scent of mint crept through his filter into his helmet and he passed a tea stall a moment later. Different tea leaves were presented in various bowls, and in the pots behind them the finished drink was already drawing in the warm water. In addition to the smell of mint, a fruity berry flavor and an earthy, spicy aroma mingled. He, like everyone else, had to wait a moment as eopies with luggage on their backs, were led through the crowd. Everyone made way voluntarily and no one got in the way or tried to scare them. The eopies tended to spit out their undigested stomach contents in large quantities and this was to be avoided at all costs.

While Din was standing to the side, he overheard a Togruta large family arguing with the jewelry seller and disagreeing over price. The woman held a green beaded necklace in her hands and looked at it longingly. She hinted to her husband that she wanted it badly, while the four small children around her, whined, defiantly stomped their feet and tugged at their clothes, while their father got an even redder skin tone on his face than she already was. When it was finally possible to move on, Din tore himself away from the scene, not wanting to stand by and watch all the children get howl attacks all at once, or their father throw a tantrum.

He hoped he could find Liara in the commotion, they had arranged a meeting point because she wanted to get some provisions for their trip and he was annoyed that he wasn't wearing his jetpack. That way he could just take off and escape all this. But the next moment his annoyance disappeared as he passed one of the many cookshops. The meat skewers looked delicious and he felt a slight pressure in his stomach. He thought about it for a moment, then ordered a couple of them, just the right thing for a long flight. The olive bread that the vendor sold at the side of the kitchen also looked delicious, and Din had several of those wrapped up as well. After paying, Din continued to fight his way through the crowds, searching the stalls for Liara.

After a few minutes he actually spotted her, a merchant just handed her a bag of fruit and she put it in her bag. Turning away from the stall, she noticed him as well and waved.

"I almost thought I wouldn't find you!" he greeted her, gently lowering his helmet to her forehead. Liara smiled and when he looked into her eyes, he got lost in them for a moment. She pointed to all the bags and Din shrugged his shoulders in amusement.

"The hunger got the better of me! Even I'm powerless over that!"

Liara chuckled and offered him to put the bread in her larger bag with her. As they strolled along the edge of the market, Din put an arm around Liara and they still looked around in silence. Liara was distracted by an older man who was moving a rusty hovering cart with huge pumpkins in front of him, the vehicle already slightly tilted by the load.

Meanwhile, Din overheard the commotion that had broken out not far from them. One of the Trandoshans was in the process of fighting with three male Tusken, who had stood protectively in front of their families. Din called Liara's attention to this, pressed all the bags into her arms and was about to leave when she grabbed him by the wrist. She had noticed a detail about the Tusken and she gulped.

"Din, they're sand people from Bora-Borosa!"

He nodded.

"I know. Please stay back and let me help them. Then we can still figure out why they're here!"

Liara sighed, clutching the groceries and watching as he approached the group. She was annoyed that she hadn't put on her blaster.

When Din turned to face the three Tusken, they nodded at him in relief, one of them holding a rifle, the others having only a vibroblade.

"Leave them alone!" said Din, his hand lingering near his blaster.

"Are you in cahoots with this scum, Mandalorian?" he was growled at. Wonder who the scum is here, Din thought, but said, "Mind your own business!"

His voice had a warning tone.

Liara noticed two half-bright boys sneaking up on the women and throwing sand at them.

"Eat your dirt!" they shouted hooting, while the women ducked and tried to protect their children. The little ones clung fearfully to their mothers and cried in fright. Din still had business with the Trandoshan, so she didn't hesitate and rushed to them.

"Get out of here!" she nagged at the boys, and they flinched in fright. The two dropped the sand to the ground and ran off laughing.

"Liara!"

One of the women addressed them and Liara recognized her.

"Basmah, you have to get out of here! I'll take you to our ship!"

By now the atmosphere was tense; the group had attracted the attention of the market-goers present, and a few of them were not afraid to drop vile words. But at least so far no one physically attacked the women. Still, there was no time for grand greetings; that would have to wait. Basmah nodded, fear evident in her eyes, and asked Liara to help her with Umm. The old blind woman scolded in broken Basic about those who wished them ill, but then hooked Liara's arm. Carefully but briskly, they hurried to leave the place.

Out of the corner of his eye, Din could see them disappear into a side alley.

"MURDERER PACK!"

A stone flew after them, luckily only hitting the wall of a house and bouncing back to the ground.

The Trandoshan now took a step toward Din and he drew his blaster.

"You want to start a gunfight here in the middle of everyone?" asked Din, his helmet tilted to the side. He tensed his body, appearing even wider with his armor. He had seen his opponent's blaster, but it was still in his belt. The Trandoshan snorted in anger, then spat in the direction of one of the Tusken.

"Get out of here with this rabble!"

Then he turned and ducked into the fray. He didn't want to mess with the Mandalorian after all. Din exhaled slowly and the tension eased a bit. But he didn't want to find out if another one had the idea to mob the Tusken and indicated to the men to follow him. They walked the same way as Liara a few minutes before.

Peli was astonished when Liara and Din appeared in the hangar with the Tusken. A little confused, she eyed the newcomers, who seemed a little rushed. Liara helped Umm sit down on the sofa, the old woman puffed with strain, and Liara dropped her purchases on the cushions beside her to give Basmah a hug.

"I thought you were dead!" groaned Liara, tears glistening in more than just her eyes. Basmah sighed and eyed Din curiously, who joined them, taking off his helmet.

"I think there's a lot to tell!" she said, and then Liara heard a soft mewling. Basmah pushed aside her brown robe to reveal a baby hidden in a sling, only a few weeks old. It was awake and blinking as it looked into the brightness. Liara smiled delightedly at Basmah and gently stroked the child's dark fine hair.

After Liara had reassured Peli that the Tusken were peaceful, who then offered everyone a place to sit, Liara stowed her purchases in the silver lining, and the droids had brought everyone something to drink, they now sat together and listened to Basmah's report.

"My sister got married here in the Tusken Tribe and since I was pretty far along in the pregnancy, we were going to spend some time here until after the birth. And then came the news from the new republic that everyone else had not survived this massacre at home. Actually we had decided to stay here now, but Umm wants to go home. When she dies she wants to be buried with her ancestors!"

Liara looked at the old woman next to her. She had become very slender since she had seen her last and was also walking a bit bent over. Gray hair sprouted from under her headscarf.

"Are you so bad?" she asked Umm, touching her gently on the hand, her skin wrinkled and covered with pigment spots.

"My child. I'm just old and the longing is there. When the time comes for you, you will understand!"

Her blind dull eyes wandered aimlessly around the hangar. Liara thought back to her visits when she had gone to the tribe with her father and then alone. Around the campfire, Umm had always told the stories of the past, of the time when she had not yet lost her sight. Everyone had listened to her intently, and except for the crackling of the flames, it had always been dead silent.

"We tried to find someone at the market to take us home!" explained Myrrh, one of the other women. Her boy had calmed down and was no longer crying. He sat on her lap and sucked his thumb. This was one of the differences between the Tusken of here and Bora-Borosa. On the latter, children could remove their masks, which protected them from sandstorms and sunlight, up to a certain age and walk around outside the camp without them. The women had masks, but their eyes they left free. And in old age, like Umm, they wore none at all. So that the Creator could recognize them when he came for them.

"We were going to leave for Bora-Borosa later today. We need to find a crystal that Nola took there and hid. A message from her said you knew where it was! Probably that's why everyone from your tribe was killed!"

Basmah listened to Din's explanations. Liara had taken her aside briefly earlier and told her all about their relationship, then congratulated her warmly on her engagement.

"No we can't help you there!"

Basmah looked at the others, but they all shook their heads.

"Dank Farrik!" cursed Din, and one of the children giggled. Liara sighed. Would have been too easy, too.

"Nhean knows!"

Everyone looked to Umm, who looked quite stiff. Basmah touched her lightly on her thigh, yet she flinched and her fingers clawed into the fabric of the sofa.

"But he had already left the tribe. I may have been a child, but I remember Nola's visit well! She told us about the different planets and all the different creatures that exist in the galaxy!"

Umm closed her eyes.

"I sent Nola to see him! I didn't want the tribe to get involved in anything. But they still weren't spared!"

Umm's voice grew quieter.

"Who is Nhean?"

Liara heard the name for the first time though she had been with them often enough.

"My son!" whispered Umm, slumping down again. Her hands trembled slightly and she fell silent.

"He chose to live a different life. He had been informed about the slaughter and he gave the New Republic the information that we were here. He lives in Amos. You can find him in the Tanners' Quarter!" explained Basmah.

Hyperspace passed the silver lining and threw the blue-white light through the windows. Din sat in the cockpit and checked all the data again before he sank back into his chair and reviewed the last hours. Who would have thought at the beginning of the day, which he had greeted so wonderfully together with Liara in bed, that his ship was now occupied by a group of Tusken and that they would now have to seek out someone new to find the crystal.

When they had said goodbye to Peli, she had shed a few tears and also hugged him tightly, asking him to come back safe and sound and to contact her in the meantime. She had been able to quickly find hammocks for her fellow travelers and Liara had gotten some toys for the children. Two days could be long if the little ones got bored. Din noticed the slight pulling in his lower leg, it was time for his shots again. Just before they had left, Umm had been sitting on the sofa and he had wanted to help her into the ship. There she had asked him what was wrong with his legs. Her laughter which followed had been slightly croaky but hearty, she must have sensed his puzzled look.

"I'm blind Mandalorian, but my hearing tells me you're dragging your leg and limping!"

He had told her everything as they climbed the ramp, and as if she had known Liara was standing not far away, called out to her.

"Child, I thought you paid better attention when I explained the medicinal herbs to you!"

Liara had looked uncomprehendingly at both of them before Umm tipped her off to get a certain root on Bora-Borosa. Liara promised her to do so, and the old woman had sat down contentedly on the bench. After they had also distributed food in the meantime, silence now reigned throughout the ship.

Din rose and climbed down the ladder, he had stowed the syringes in the bedroom. When he reached the bottom, his eyes wandered through the silver lining. Although they had set up a cot for Umm, she preferred to sit on the bench, next to the kitchen counter. She had fallen asleep, her head resting on her chest, and she was snoring. Din grinned. The others were in the hammocks, fast asleep. He turned around and stopped, frozen. The door to the sleeping area was open, with only the bedside lamp burning, and he saw Liara pacing in the warm light. In her arms she held Yamha, Basmah's daughter, humming a tune to her. The little one was awake and had her fingers clenched into a fist around Liara's hair. Liara spotted Din and smiled at him. Slowly he came in and watched as she released her little fingers from her hair and in the next moment they sought her finger and held onto it.

"I wanted to give Basmah some rest, the little one doesn't know how to fly yet and was a little restless earlier!"

Din nodded. He couldn't say anything, it was such a beautiful sight and Liara looked so happy with the child. He cleared his throat and the child's eyes slid to the source of the noise. Din smiled at the girl, he took off his glove and gently ran it over her cheek. Her skin was so soft. The baby yawned, Yamha opened her little mouth wide and her eyes grew smaller. Shortly after, she was asleep in Liara's arms, carefully tucking her into a nest of pillows. Din sat down on the bed and began to take off his armor. Then he took out the syringe from his thrust and sat it down. He frowned slightly as his leg began to burn again from the medicine. Liara touched him on the shoulder.

"Get some rest. I'll stay awake until then and wake you if there's an alarm!"

Din thanked her, leaned back into the pillows, and watched Liara sit down on the stool in front of the sleeping Yamha. It wasn't long before sleep had overtaken him as well.