Ask Tatooine It's Called "Bas'lan shev'la", Not "Bailing on a barfight", Di'kut!

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Never, in her life as a bounty hunter, had Reiel bailed out of a barfight that devolved into a tense standoff as fast as she did. While she avoided being a part of such scuffle, she didn't expect finding herself getting engaged in one with a Jedi to boot.

And to make things worse, some strange man who was oddly not-Jedi had been involved as well – seemingly taking the two women's side despite not belonging to the Jedi Order himself (as implied by the Jedi the Mandalorian had unceremoniously dragged out of the bar with her, anyway). He might have sort of sided with them, but kriff, he had been the source of what should've been a bloodbath taking place in the cantina had Reiel not attempted her hand at diplomacy to settle things – all thanks to yet another Jedi persuading the bar patrons to disengage but pulling her lightsaber out at them regardless. Utreekov. Trying to get all of us fecking killed.

She remembered seeing the strange man winking at her in the dark as they made their leave, the light from his unstable saber bathing him with it's soft but crackling glow. And when he made the move to follow, Reiel found herself gripping the Jedi's arm tighter and practically bolting away from the place once she set foot outside of the cantina.

Reiel didn't stick to the streets on her way back to the spaceport with the Jedi in tow – the Mandalorian took to several alleys, switching paths so as to shake off anyone who were foolish enough to follow. Only when she was sure that they were not being tailed did she head straight for the spaceport where her buir's ship was docked.

"Over here, quick," she urged the Jedi, and would push the latter hurriedly towards the docking bay until the young Mandalorian finally caught sight of her father's ship. As she approached, Reiel looked up and caught sight of her parent gazing down at her from the same viewport she'd seen him last. With a wave of her hand she greeted him, but he did not return it and instead his grey helmet moved slightly to the Jedi's direction.

Okay, that didn't look good.

Hand immediately lowering, Reiel turned to regard her companion instead.

Rescuing a Jedi now, are we? And calling her your acquisition? Bold of you to make such claims, idiot.

"Hey, um... were you hurt? From the barfight? Are you okay?" she asked, concern bleeding in her voice despite her attempts to conceal it. "Sorry I had to drag you out there... didn't feel right leaving you... er..."

Reiel would trail off, helmeted head tilting to the side in a silent request for the Jedi's name.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach allowed herself to be almost literally dragged out of the cantina. Something had felt off, but she had no idea what. The Force was like that – it gave warnings, but without any detail. But as soon as they’d left the establishment, she felt the sense of foreboding diminish (albeit it did not dissipate entirely).

She allowed the Mandalorian to lead the way – instantly aware she was making sure they were not being followed. Through the Force, Fiach did the same and could sense nobody tracking them.

Finally, they were at the closest spaceport and the silence that had stretched between them was eventually broken. She did as urged and entered the docking bay. She glanced up at the ship and saw the exchange between the two – or rather the lack of it. Fiach tucked the information away for use later.

Fiach’s usual smile still played on her lips. “I’m fine thank you and I applaud your quick thinking. And yes, if you’d left alone, I suspect things would have turned…interesting.” The inflection on the word suggested interesting was not a positive. “And I’m Fiach by the way. Fiach Dubh. And, as you’ve probably guessed, I’m a Jedi.” She gave a short bow, the least formal of the three she used. She turned her head towards the ship. “Is this yours?”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Reiel sighed and smiled in relief at the Jedi's response. Despite the helmet keeping her face hidden, the young Mandalorian fought the urge to blush at the praise she'd received nonetheless. Sheepish, she lifted a hand to gingerly rub the back of her neck – if only to ease the slight awkwardness she felt.

Fiach's follow-up comment had Reiel frowning with worry, however. The way the Jedi mentioned the word 'interesting' seemed to head off towards a negative route. Was it due to the fact that they had been outnumbered, or because of the strange man with the unstable lightsaber?

Or perhaps it was the 'evil' the strange man had spoken of?

Before she could ask, though, Fiach had already asked her own question. Reiel shot the ship behind her another look and saw her buir still watching – most probably the Jedi and not her.

"In a manner of speaking, yeah," Reiel replied, shifting her gaze back at Fiach once more. "My buir– my Dad's up there, the huge guy in grey armor looming over the viewport. Wouldn't mind him too much if I were you. He doesn't bite."

The joke felt a little cringe-worthy, given her father's open dislike for Force-users. The fact that Fiach was clad in robes that identified her as a Jedi was an instant cause for the older Mandalorian's (rude and threatening) staring. But Reiel also knew that he was not beyond offering a helping hand to those who genuinely had need for it. And given the fight she and the Jedi have just escaped from, Reiel wondered and would understand if Fiach would need a ride offworld and to where she might be headed off to next to avoid any further trouble. Should she choose to remain to conduct whatever business she had on the planet would be fine as well.

"What's a Jedi like you doing here in Tatooine, if you don't mind me asking?" Reiel would then inquire of Fiach. It wouldn't bother her should she choose not to give a direct answer – she would not hold it against the Jedi and besides, it was not the young Mandalorian's business. But should Fiach respond, Reiel would readily respond should the question be thrown back at her.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach was always comfortable with silence. In fact, it was social discourse that she found generally awkward. But if the subject was business-related in some way, she managed to keep the conversation going.

As a result, and due to her ability to pick up on emotions (although she naturally dampened down this ability, else her own mind would not be able to cope with the volume of input) she tended to find gaps in conversations useful.

And it gave her the opportunity to reflect on what she’d seen, sensed back in the cantina – and extrapolate why it had concerned her.

She shot another glance at the viewport and the Mandalorian standing there. She knew a little of the customs and honour code of the Mandalorians – but not enough to be sure if the interest in them was protective towards Reiel or defensive against Fiach. Or even hostile. Jedi and Mandalorians had a very long history, but it was more positive in recent times – or at least not entirely negative.

And she wondered if the relationship was truly father-daughter or an assumed connection. The latter was quite common – not that it truly mattered to Fiach.

“As for me being here?” Fiach replied, “We operate routine missions all the time. Dropping off essential supplies. Giving or receiving valuable data. Helping out when we’re asked – primarily due to organised crime, especially when the local enforcement are unable to manage.”

“Which explains why Tatooine – which was a routine task – but not the cantina. Sometimes the Force nudges us to go somewhere. And sometimes we aren’t even fully aware. This planet has a long history for the Jedi and can be seen as a place to visit as some sort of pilgrimage. I’ve been here a few times and maybe I just happened to be passing that cantina or maybe the Force guided me. And maybe it was my destiny to meet you, or to avert bloodshed.”

She shrugged. “The Force never offers a beginner’s guide. You simply do what you believe is right. If there is truth between your heart and the Force, you’ve done the right thing…mostly.”

She turned to face her companion. “What about you? A particular reason to be here?”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Reiel listened with rapt interest as the Jedi answered her question. Sounded like a noble cause to be a sorcerer of their Order – more so when Fiach made mention that the Jedi even helped local authorities in taking down crimes that went out of the latter's hands.

Kind of like bounty hunting, then. Well, sort of. Reiel wouldn't ask if she and her kind received payment for offering their aid. Who knew if it would be a rude thing to do so. And besides, the woman in front of her was no hunter.

The thought of Tatooine as a sort of pilgrimage site for the Jedi would have made Reiel laugh if it weren't for the history lessons she had been taught before her adoption to the Mandalorian Creed. On the farming village she grew up in, she remembered one of her teachers talking extensively about Tatooine and a legendary jetii called Skywalker hailing from said planet. The young Mandalorian couldn't remember which Skywalker it was, though – the man or the woman?

Fiach briefly brushed on the topic about the Force, and Reiel visibly perked up as the Jedi spoke. It was obvious that the Mandalorian lacked general knowledge about the Force aside from it being a sorcery its users employed in battle or out of it, but that same lack of concept only seemed to pique Reiel's curiosity about it.

Destiny, huh? Reiel believed that – after all, fate worked in mysterious ways. It was up to people on what to do or make out of it. Create allies or enemies? Build or burn bridges? In the grand scheme of things, the young Mandalorian wouldn't presume to know how fate itself operated. It was best to either go with its flow or swim against the current.

"Ah, well. You see, my presence here is not as grandiose as yours. Hells, I'm not even here for a job," she explained, chuckling sheepishly. "One of my clanmates is in need of certain parts for their ship. Something for the control panels... And since I'm taking a break from my job, I decided to volunteer to go and procure it for them. Had my Dad give me a ride here since I still haven't obtained a ship of my own."

Heat crept up Reiel's face, up to her ears, and down her neck in embarrassment. She and her big mouth – it's as if the Jedi needed to know that a bounty hunter like her operated without a ship to call her own. But the damage was done, and she couldn't take her words back, right?

"Anyway, I was on my way back here when I saw you enter the cantina. I have to admit that it was curiosity that made me follow you there – you're the first Jedi I might get the chance to witness how to fight using your sorcery, you know..."

And not that I'd use whatever knowledge I'd manage to scrounge up against a sorcerer should I find myself facing one, Reiel wanted to add but kept herself from doing so. Dad would surely ask her about that one – but it was as if the young Mandalorian could deliver an answer. She knew that her father had experience fighting Force-sensitives, but getting only theories about the encounters would only get her so far. And thus Reiel had found herself following Fiach to the cantina – to see firsthand how a Jedi fought.

And now that a Jedi was in front of her, Reiel grabbed the opportunity to learn more about sorcery.

"Er... so, uh, the Force. Is it... is it true that you can control people's mind with it?" the young Mandalorian asked with apprehension, already veering towards her major concern towards sorcerers. But suddenly remembering her manners, she gestured towards the ship's open ramp rather gingerly. "Before answering that, would you like to have a drink? Maybe a bite to eat? I mean, I did drag you out here and pretended that you're an acquisition back in the cantina. The least I can offer you is my hospitality in return for any damage – whether if it's your reputation or something else – I might have caused."

Reiel mentally gave herself a pat on the shoulder. This was going to be fun – her buir lurking in the cockpit away from the Jedi but making his presence known every now and again. He just had to bear with it – Reiel was intent on learning from Fiach, after all.

Served him right for telling her off about engaging with the Jetiise and their sorcery every chance he got when he himself had fought Force-users himself.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach felt a little like she did when approached by a Youngling. Full of questions and some facts that needed to be confirmed or dispelled. Not that she objected, in fact, she really enjoyed sharing what she knew – and saw it as a duty…and a pleasurable one at that.

She smiled at the suggestion her own presence her was in any way grand, but did not comment. Every task was essential in the grand scheme of things. At least in Fiach’s eyes.

“You volunteering is noble, and therefore a most worthy cause if you ask me,” she said. “And as for the notion of sorcery?” She smiled and cocked her head to one side. “In a way it is. Not everyone seems to have the ability to connect with the Force the way I do. And sorcery is an interesting way to explain it to people who do not understand what the Force is about.”

“The way it works is this,” she explained, ready to go into a well-used response. “The Force is everywhere, in every living thing. It connects us all. But only some of us can sense it. And Jedi, we swear to use it for good. So, unlike those that practice the Dark-side, we believe we do the Force’s bidding. Sith tend to use the Force to do their own bidding. So, can we control people’s minds? Some, yes. If an individual is weak-willed, we can plant suggestions in their mind. But it is dangerous and should only be attempted if necessary and for a truly noble cause. I have used the ability before, but sparingly…very sparingly.”

“And I’d be delighted to have something to eat and drink. I like simple fayre, if that’s not too much bother. Some seem to love food. I see it as energy only. And given I’m hungry and thirsty, now would be a good time to satisfy both. Plus, you can ask me any questions you have, and perhaps I too could find out more about…the Resol’nare. I hope I pronounced that correctly.”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Bashful at the thought of considering her volunteerism as something akin to a noble and worthy cause, Reiel could only thank her lucky stars that her helmet prevented the Jedi from seeing the meek smile the latter's words managed to pull from the Mandalorian. It seemed that the more she travelled out here on the fringes of the known Galaxy – and even sometimes on both Mid and Core Worlds whenever she got the chance or a job – the more Reiel found people who exuded kindness and honesty like Fiach did, much like how she crossed paths with those filled with nothing but ill intent.

The Galaxy did know how to balance the good and the bad in its own mysterious ways.

Reiel had a feeling that the Jedi had explained the Force a lot to people like the young Mandalorian, those who lacked the knowledge but were willing to learn. The words might have seemed as if they have been repeated a hundred times, but the sincerity and the conviction accompanying the statement felt as if it was a belief in and of itself. Almost like reciting the Resol'nare to a group of wide-eyed foundlings and oath takers to give them a sense of belonging and something to hold on to.

"So, controlling people's minds is possible, but only to a certain extent...?" Reiel murmured to herself, still sounding a little unsure. Fiach did say that individuals who were weak-willed were susceptible to suggestiveness laced with sorcery. Feeling a little wary, the Mandalorian internally listened for any voice in her head that was not her own and nodded in assurance to herself at the absence of invading thoughts that weren't hers.

Alright, that was admittedly silly. The Jedi had no reason to use whatever mind trick her kind employed, right? And besides, she did say that she used the ability sparingly...

"That's very informative," commented the young Mandalorian as she gestured for her Jedi companion to follow. Reiel gave the ship's viewport another cursory look but found that her buir had already disappeared. Maybe he had already stalked off someplace in the ship while Fiach was answering her question. She shrugged and continued to address the other female, "If the Force is prevalent among every living thing, then that means I have it, too, right? And my Dad as well? But we can't feel it nor use it like you do... why? Seems pretty weird to me, is all, if this Force is all around us.

"Oh! You did pronounce it correctly, and I'm happy to answer your questions about the Tenets as well to the best of my abilities!"

Reiel would continue making her way towards the ship's ramp while she talked, glancing at her newfound companion every now and again. Once the young Mandalorian's booted feet hit the ramp, however, the intimidating older Mando would be found looming just a few steps away from the ship's entrance.

"No sorcerer on my ship, little one," her father would tell her gruffly in Mando'a, preventing any outsider from understanding what he was saying. At Reiel's beginning protests, he would raise a hand to silence her and continued as if he wasn't interrupted. "Ad'ika, if you would wish to sate your curiosity, then all I can offer you is to sit with her here on the ramp where I can see you or just tell the Jetii to leave. Pick your poison."

Pouting under the helmet, Reiel would turn to face Fiach and tell her with a hint of embarrassment, "Would it be alright for you if we sit here instead?" she asked the Jedi, motioning at the ramp. Continuing in a louder voice so her father – who started to clean his wide array of weapons for Fiach to see – would hear, "Because someone is being a stingy old man and won't even let the ladies have a proper chat inside his big, clunky but stupidly cozy ship!"

Fiach would hear the older Mandalorian's answering snort at Reiel's words.

"Wait here a moment, please. I'll get you your food and drink," she would then tell the Jedi.

Now addressing her in Basic, her father asked, "What food are you talking about, cyar'ika?"

Reiel paid her father no heed, placing her blaster rifle amongst the weapons he was cleaning, and practically ran towards the kitchen area. Piling two slices of uj'ayali – a Mandalorian sticky-sweet cake – on a plate along with a fork and grabbing a canteen of water, the young Mando would hurriedly make her way back to Fiach, carefully handing her the food and water should Reiel find the Jedi already seated where she wanted to.

Reiel hoped Fiach wouldn't mind what she got for her to eat.

"I, uh, would've gotten something more but I don't want my buir hovering over you like a group of mynocks," she would whisper at Fiach conspiratorially, gesturing between the food and her father, while obviously shooting the other Mandalorian an accusing look (she had no idea if she'd pulled it off even with the helmet on). Reiel would sit beside the Jedi, legs crossed and elbows resting on each knee. Helmeted head tilting to look at Fiach, Reiel would repeat her earlier question and silently offered her a chance to ask her something in return once the Mandalorian's query was answered.

"So, the Force. It's in you, it's in me and my Dad... why can you feel and use it, and we can't? Does the Force choose the people who can use it?"

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach nodded at Reiel’s understanding of the Mind Trick ability. “That’s it. Some are immune to the effect, others are quite susceptible. But a Jedi would never use the ability unless necessary and as gently as possible. We have a code of ethics and we are here to protect the weak, not exploit them.”

As they walked, Fiach continued to listen and respond – enjoying the experience. “The Force is in every living thing, well…most. Plants, animals and people. What allows a few to access it in a way that it can be used is something called midi-chlorians. They’re microscopic life-forms that live inside the cells of all living things. If you have sufficient, you can detect and connect with the Force. How we end up with different levels is a mystery.”

“Think of the Force as infinite. It surrounds us in every direction as far as you can travel. A Youngling – a person identified as Force-sensitive but with no training, can access it to a small degree. Think of a box,” she mimed the outline of a small box. “Once they use up that amount, they need to rest before they can use the Force again. A Padawan, one with some training, has a bigger box.” She mimed the outline of a larger box this time. “A Knight,” the imaginary box was bigger still, “and finally a Master.” Now the box was significantly larger. “Maybe everyone has a box but for most it is so small that it is insufficient for the Force to be accessed.”

Before she could share any of her questions about the Mandalorian Code, they reached the ramp. The elder Mandalorian made it quite clear that Fiach was not welcome. Not that she took offence. People were entitled to their opinion and many thought ill of the Jedi or Force users in general. She did not understand what was said, but the tone was clear to interpret.

Fiach nodded at the suggestion they remained on the ramp. “That would be quite fine by me – thank you,” she replied. Her face remained impassive as the young Mandalorian gave her father cheek. It would serve her no purpose to take sides and so she took a seat on the ramp and awaited Reiel’s return.

When the young Mandalorian returned, Fiach was pleased it was simple food. Water was her preferred drink and the cake seemed relatively plain, albeit sweet.

“This is more than enough food,” she replied, “and I thank you for your hospitality.”

Aware that the same question was being posed, Fiach put her plate and fork down and considered a different way to answer the question. It was, after all, the hardest one of the lot to answer.

“In truth, nobody knows. Perhaps the Force does choose, but if it does, its pattern is so random as to defy any analysis. I suspect that it is entirely random in fact. Yes, some children of Jedi become Jedi too – but that does not explain why so many come from families with none at all in their heritage. It’s like…how some people are born with an ear for music. Some can pick up an instrument and play with little training. Others try for years with no result. It’s the same with painting or writing poetry. I appreciate it’s not a satisfactory answer, but I’m afraid it’s the best one I’ve got.”

“Now, tell me what you can about the tenets?” She cast a watchful eye at the elder Mandalorian. She did not want to get Reiel into any trouble.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Reiel had to give Fiach a lot of credit for making the topic about the Force very understandable – more so from an outsider like her's point of view.

She wanted to ask more on the topic of midichlorians, but even her Jedi companion made mention that there were still mysteries surrounding said life-forms. The young Mandalorian hoped that it would be an enigma that could be given an answer sometime in the future. But even then, maybe some mysteries were better left unanswered.

"So, the further the training a Force-user receives, the more he or she is capable of using sorcery on a much larger scale and, er, without getting easily exhausted. I, uh, just assumed on the latter, because..."

She looked at her father over her shoulder. The first foundling the older Mandalorian took as his child was a sorcerer, albeit untrained. Reiel remembered him glossing over the details of Ilta – the older sister she could have had – using her sorcery and getting tired after doing so. She wished to know more about the Dathomirian, but would not want to kindle the guilt he still felt for her untimely death.

One day, maybe. When they're both ready.

Another smile brightened Reiel's face at the Jedi's appreciation and gratitude. She muttered a bashful 'thanks', the tension from the barfight finally leaving her.

"Oh, no, no. I think the comparisons you made sound sensible. Like... everyone has the capacity to do the skills you mentioned, but not all of us turn out to be pretty talented...? And about the Force and whether if it chooses those who can use it – I think it's a mystery none will ever find the answer to, huh? Best to leave some things the way they are."

The young Mandalorian did not miss the way Fiach looked over at her dad. Reiel mirrored the action, helmeted head tilted to the side in bemusement. He must have felt two pairs of eyes on him for he looked up from the blaster rifle he was disassembling and sighed in fond exasperation.

"Sing the rhyme I taught you, ad'ika, why don't you?" the older Mandalorian said, a touch amused.

What a way to give her permission to talk about the Six Actions.

Reiel shifted her focus back at the Jedi beside her and, instead of singing as her father instructed, settled for reciting the rhyme taught exclusively to the foundlings in their covert.

"Ba'jur bal beskar'gam,
Ara'nov, aliit,
Mando'a bal Mand'alor—
An vencuyan mhi."
​

Pride filled her voice as she recited the Tenets, and a warmth she could only describe as love for her father and her clan bleeding in her tone. If she hadn't become a Mandalorian and chose to stay in that backwater planet she grew up in, Reiel knew that she would have missed out a lot on experiencing the sense of belonging the Mandalorians had blessed her with.

"Education and armor, self-defense, our tribe, our language and our leader— all help us survive. That's how you say the rhyme in Basic, and pretty much sums up the Six Actions– the tenets which define a Mandalorian. I'll go as far as to say that the Resol'nare is a guideline on how we Mandalorians should live our life."

"As per tradition, a Mandalorian is expected to practice these actions daily, being a way of life and all. Failure to comply to all six tenets – let's say, you practice only five out of six – reduces you to dar'manda. Neither Mandalorian nor outsider, but someone who has lost his heritage and soul. I– I've been taught that there's no going back from that."

Fearing that she was straying into deeper grounds at the mention of dar'manda, Reiel had to remind herself to focus on explaining the Six Actions themselves. She went silent for a moment, thinking her words over to avoid any misunderstanding, and continued.

"Accepting the Creed is not enough to make you a Mandalorian. As the rhyme says, one must wear beskar'gam– armor, speak our language Mando'a, defend the clan and yourself, raise your kids as Mandalorians, help contribute to the clan's welfare, and heed the Mand'alor's call and rally to their cause." Reiel ticked off one finger for every Action she enumerated. "The Resol'nare is pretty much straightforward about how we must live our lives as Mandalorians. We survive because we adhere to the Six Actions, and the Six Actions survive because we live by it."

She waited for her buir to either comment or make corrections on her explanation. Reiel shot him another look and all he offered her was an approving nod.

"So, um, another question. Is it true that your Order take children who can use sorcery from their families? I– I've met people who frown upon that, but of it's true it's got to be for the kids' benefit, right? To help and teach them how to use the... the Force at an early age?"

"Any further questions about the Resol'nare, and maybe even the Way, I'll answer them to the best of my abilities and understanding. Fair exchange, right?"

Regardless of the helmet, Reiel still offered Fiach an encouraging smile.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach listened to Reiel. It was good that the young Mandalorian repeated what she thought she heard – it made understanding much more easy. So, she nodded about the part where training equates to greater control of the Force. “That’s exactly right,” she agreed, wondering where Reiel might be going with the explanation – but didn’t push it when the Mandalorian chose to end the story there.

She smiled at Reiel’s pragmatism. Some questions simply didn’t have answers – not yet anyway – and so it made perfect sense to allow them to remain mysteries, bit not everyone though that way, sadly. FIach used to think the Masters and Knights at the Order were being inscrutable half the time and only recently understood she was asking questions that were – as yet – still without acceptable answers.

Fiach was no expert on social interaction, but even she noted that the elder Mandalorian was somehow giving permission for Reiel to share information about their Code. And she appreciated that she was allowed to learn, and that Reiel would be the one to teach her.

Of course, Fiach did not understand what was being said, yet felt something powerful in the words none the less. So, she listened acutely to the translation.

She nodded at the words. “They’re precise yet open to your personal interpretation. The guidance seems clear as to what is important to Mandalorians. Arguably more so than the Jedi Code, which provides endless hours of debate and allows for probably greater latitude than was intended.”

“And I also appreciate the way you are intended to practice these daily. As for the ‘no going back,’ that is very different to the Jedi way. We are taught that all can be redeemed and our history has shown that. Not that this is an excuse to deviate from the path, which some seem to think it is.”

“And the fact the actions guide you and you strengthen then by being guided is a wonderful symmetry.”

Fiach took another piece of cake on her fork and ate it before answering Reiel’s next questions. “That was the old way. It was believed that training should begin as early as possible. That older children would lack the discipline to be a Jedi. That bad habits might be formed – or the child might even be already treading the path to the Dark-side. This ended not because of any decree or review of the practice, but because all of the Younglings were slaughtered. The darkest of times for the Jedi. Since the Order was re-established, the old ways are, I believe, seen as useful but not mandatory. We never take a child just because we know them to be Force-sensitive. Yes, some parents ask us to take them in – and we do. But unlike the old days, they remain in close contact.”

There were many questions she would like to ask, but she prioritised them and chose the one closest to her own interests. “What do you know of the Darksaber?”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

If she was being honest, Reiel never expected for her buir to allow her to educate an outsider – let alone a Jedi – about the Resol'nare. But his permission surprised her, and she took the absence of corrections as encouragement to continue.

The young Mandalorian did not miss the smile on Fiach's lips as the former expressed her thoughts about the Force. The Jedi must've agreed with something Reiel said, and it only served to fuel her curiosity even further.

Reiel smiled at Fiach's understanding of her explanation, helmeted head bobbing with agreement. "They are, indeed. There are some of us who adhere to the more strict and rigid practice of the Actions and the Way, and there are others who follow a much looser interpretation. The former, such as myself and my father, are expected to never show our faces to any other living being – sans our close family, of course. The latter are free to remove their helmets even in a public setting. From what I've learned–"

The older Mandalorian loudly cleared his throat, cutting off Reiel's explanation. She looked at her father over her shoulder again and found him staring at her. He did not need to use words to tell her to stop. A simple blank, lifeless gaze of his T-visor was more than enough to keep her from speaking about the Death Watch and its Children, and how they broke away from Mandalorian society to re-establish the ancient ways of their people.

The way her buir's hand tightened around the hilt of the vibroblade he was cleaning was in no way a threat to silence the younger Mandalorian, but a grip of one who kept himself from reliving the past his own adoptive father had experienced – a curse (end yet a blessing) carried by a race whose lifespan exceeded Reiel's and Wulfric's.

Sighing in defeat, Reiel conceded and turned to face the Jedi beside her.

"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I can't explain any further. I'll just try to answer whatever question you have in mind."

When Fiach began to answer her questions, Reiel, again, listened intently. Taking the children might have been an old way as she said, but it brought the young Mandalorian relief that it was indeed done for the benefit of the little ones. But not taking in older children because of the assumption that they might lack the discipline to be proper sorcerers? Reiel frowned at that, but not unkindly.

At the mention of the practice coming to a stop due to younglings – all of them, in the past – being slaughtered sent a chill down Reiel's spine. Who could be so cruel, so monstrous, to commit such a hideous deed? Mandalorians valued their children for they were the future of their people. An image of the foundlings of her clan flashed in her mind in the stead of the massacred Jedi younglings, small bodies broken beyod repair and faces contorted in horror and fear.

It was the darkest time for the Jetiise, indeed. The slaughter of helpless children always would be.

The young Mandalorian barely heard her father moved from his perch and further into the ship.

"That's nice to hear. To maintain the children's connection with their families," Reiel commented on the last statement. Her thoughts still remained on the murdered younglings, and it might have happened a long time ago but she still felt awful that it was the cause for change in the Jedi Order's practices. The young Mandalorian had been taught to keep her emotions locked away in the presence of sorcerers, but she allowed the sadness and horror to bleed in the way her shoulders slumped and a shaky exhale to escape from her lips.

She was grateful for Fiach's next question. It would help her take her mind off of what she had just learned.

"I won't pretend to know much about the weapon nor it's complete history, but from what I've learned in my education as a Mandalorian, the Darksaber was created by Tarre Vizsla – a Mandalorian sorcerer who lived over a thousand years ago. Some historians say that he was the first and only Mando'ad to be inducted in your Jedi Order, and that he created the weapon during his time with them as a Knight."

"Records say that the Darksaber was one of a kind, that there existed no other black-bladed lightsaber such as that one. And apparently, it became more than a simple weapon made to be wielded – my buir said that should anyone claim and wield the Darksaber, that person would then be called Mand'alor, the leader of our planet and people. It had then become a symbol of power and leadership."

Reiel considered her next words carefully. She could always talk about everything she learned in her past lessons, but her father wasn't present and therefore the young Mandalorian could not be sure if going in full detail would be wise.

"What I know from the education I've received is this: people have fought for the Darksaber's ownership several times in the past out of their desire to rule Mandalore and unite its people. It even fell into the hands of an aruetii– an outsider. The Mandalorians were torn by this. Some followed the decree to rally under the new Mand'alor's rule despite his status as non-Mandalorian as per the Six Actions' mandate, and there were others who remained loyal not on the allegiance the Darksaber demanded of them but on the people of Mandalore themselves. The Darksaber returned in the hands of a child of Mandalore eventually, only for the weapon to be lost once more."

Yep. Maybe that was a good enough answer to the Jedi's question, even if it fell a little short to Reiel's liking.

The next question she posed was closely related to the redemption Fiach spoke about earlier. Reiel grew up under the care of pirates who have turned their lives for the better before she became a Mandalorian. And so it was natural that the subject of her question was–

"Is it true that a Dark-sider – I believe he was called Kylo Ren – redeemed himself? That he helped Rey Skywalker defeat the Emperor?"

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach sensed the tension and so did not press Reiel for a continuation of her explanation. She was a guest here and had no doubt already caused some strain between the two Mandalorians – so she was not about to make it any worse.

As Reiel listened about the Younglings, Fiach was aware the older Mandalorian left them – it was not a conscious use of the Force but an innate one. Whereas once she had to focus to sense people coming and going, she now realised it the same way you might hear or see someone moving. For in her mind, there was something of a radar map – a 360-degree one. As she had progressed as a Jedi, the range had improved and she could now sense through walls if she concentrated hard enough.

It was interesting to hear that a weapon she took for granted – as every Jedi did – could be seen as such a powerful symbol. Yes, she appreciated that the saber was an icon for everyday folk – for either hope or despair, depending on their lawfulness – but to determine who led a people?

“The Jedi believe that all are capable of redemption. Two of the most powerful Sith in recorded history – for it is understood that Emperor Palpatine destroyed as much evidence of the Jedi as he could during his reign – ended up being the ones to help bring balance to the Force. Both started as Jedi, turned to the Dark-side and finally returned to the Light. And for both it was – I believe – love that made it happen. Which is ironic, given the Jedi’s Code.” She paused and shared a line from it, “There is no emotion, there is peace. Many misinterpret that to mean Jedi cannot have emotions, or do not have them. Rather, it means we should not let them dictate our actions. Yet, two Dark-siders – who thrive on emotion – used the greatest emotion of all, love, to end a Sith regime.”

But she had not finished her questions about the Darksaber and pressed on. “Tell me, given the Darksaber’s history and the role of Tarre Vizsla, why do you mistrust Jedi so much? And I don’t mean you personally, but Mandalorians as a rule.”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Love.

Of course, love would be the biggest game changer in the fight between good and evil. Reiel hated the Sith because the clan taught her that such Dark-siders only brought pain, suffering, and death to those who crossed their path but to hear – and given the confirmation – that two of them have been brought back to the Light was not unfathomable. But the young Mandalorian was still surprised nonetheless that it was love that ended two Sith regimes.

Fiach's explanation answered Reiel's question about the Dark-sider, Kylo Ren. The Mandalorian would not assume on how he overcame the darkness in him and redeem himself – whether if it's because of his love (platonic or romantic, she won't presume) for Rey Skywalker or for someone he once held dear. It truly was the greatest emotion, capable of giving redemption to those whom the galaxy thought were way past saving.

At the follow-up the Jedi sought regarding the Darksaber and Tarre Vizsla, the smile Reiel hadn't noticed she was wearing made way for dismay – though not at the question itself but to the young Mandalorian's capability to answer something she deemed a daunting inquiry.

She weighed the thoughts that sprang to her mind in response to Fiach's question. The answer would be easy and simple if Reiel replied with what history lessons have taught her. But even the lessons felt as if she would only be defending her people and claim that their distrust towards the Jedi was justified. She assumed that other Mandalorians – though not all of them – would take this route. Reply with the Jedi keeping the Darksaber to themselves instead of returning it to Tarre Vizsla's family and people. Maybe even jump to the Mandalorian-Jedi War. Or maybe go straight for one history that the Ancient Mandalorians saw that the Jedi were the only formidable enemy they thought were worthy enough to fight, which led the former to wage war against the Republic to draw the sorcerers out – which ultimately led to the Mandalorians' utter defeat.

Reiel suddenly felt ill-equipped to answer a question of such magnitude despite the history she just thought of. She had only been a Mandalorian for... what, eight years? And those eight years were spent asking her buir the same question Fiach was asking of her right now.

Why did her people mistrust the Jedi so much?

At least Fiach did not use the word hate.

In the end, Reiel went for her buir's brief explanation to her during her verd'goten. Still a lesson in history, then.

"I know my answer won't be that satisfying enough because believe me, it... it doesn't sit well with me, either, because we're supposed to learn from the past so we could once more build bridges and not burn them any further," Reiel prefaced in a low voice. She looked over her shoulder once more and was sort of relieved to find her father missing. Gaze shifting back to Fiach, the young Mandalorian continued. "But there were some points in history–" okay, so she did end up with that route as well "–where Mandalorians began to harbor... grudges against the Jedi for their perceived crimes against my people. Tales of eons past spoke of Mandalore the Great's battle against the Jedi. There's also the matter of the Jedi keeping Tarre Vizsla's Darksaber after his death instead of returning it to his family – prompting House Vizsla to steal it in return. If anyone would ask me, they, uh, they should've just... I dunno, talk? Like, talk with the Jedi instead of stealing–"

Reiel shut her mouth, feeling stupid with every word. In the end, she felt as if her opinion on the matter didn't mean that much, but–

"Aside from the wars and conflicts between our races in the past, I think... I think one of the main reasons the Mandalorians distrust the Jedi is because of your sorcery– the Force. From my questions earlier, it's evident that we've become so cautious, so wary, of things and phenomena we don't understand. One such thing is how you use the Force, whether if it's on a fight or not. Even the way we were trained, armed, and armored reflected a warrior who could go against a Jedi in a direct combat – to be able to fight against sorcerers. That's why I ask you about it, in the hopes that I may someday teach my clan about the... Force. So we won't grow to distrust it and those who use it for good."

Her answers felt... lame. But it was the best Reiel could offer Fiach. The young Mandalorian was still mentally beating up herself for being unable to give a solid reply that she had forgotten to ask Fiach a question in return.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach’s smile turned melancholy. “In so many ways, the questions we want to be answered so much are the ones that defy an answer. Maybe that’s why they seem so important to us. I think history plays a part in our understanding of the present – as it shapes our view of it. And given history is invariably written by winners, it tends to colour the perspective. At least in my opinion.”

Fiach was a studious learner, reading everything there was on a given subject before coming to a conclusion. Often times, she would decide there was insufficient evidence to arrive at one, and parked the debate until new information came to light.

“I am aware of the Mandalorian-Jedi battle and also the fact the Jedi retained the saber after Tarre Vizla’s death. To a Jedi,” she unclipped her saber hilt and turned it around in her hand (but did not activate it), “this is nothing more than a tool. But a personal tool. The crystal it houses is attuned to me. In fact the crystal chose me, not the other way around. That is the way.” She smiled broadly at her pun, hoping not to have offended Reiel. “So it would not occur to the Jedi to return it. Which is understandable. But to refuse to return it, given its importance to the Mandalorians, that would be entirely unacceptable. So, we can tone down the notion of stealing I think, and reflect that both sides could have done better.”

“For the key point about the history of the Darksaber is that the Force did not make anything happen – good or bad. People did. Not Jedi, not Mandalorians. People. The Force does not make me act any given way, other than to swear an oath to uphold the Jedi way myself. Not to enforce it on others, or use it to my own ends. But to help others. Everyone. Including Mandalorians. And even Sith, come to that.”

“And you’re right. We tend to distrust what we don’t know or understand. Banish ignorance and the galaxy would be a better place, no?”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

While Fiach explained, Reiel resorted to reflecting on the Jedi's words and what the young Mandalorian have learned from her lessons. She was aware of the bias from the Mandalorians' perspective. Past events were something to be learned from, not a set of occurrences and mistakes to be repeated. Looking back from before she became a Mandalorian, the ex-pirates who have raised her were big on redemption and never letting history (the bad side of it) repeat itself. They were something she carried despite becoming a clean slate after accepting the Creed.

One did not, after all, throw away every valuable lesson you were generously given. Only a fool would do that.

Sometimes – well, most of it, truth be told – Reiel wished that the ability to travel through time existed. If only to show the past without any shred of bias from one faction to another. It was a childish dream, yes, but still...

"You're right. Our people could've done better, come to think of that," she agreed to Fiach's words. "At the end of the day, it's people who make choices about how things would go. Big or small, decisions tend to make an impact in the grand scheme of things, yes? It's you upholding the Way of the Jedi, and then there's me who lives by the Resol'nare. We do what we have to, and we can only hope that we're going down the right path with our choices and not the crooked one."

She shot the Jedi a kind smile, appreciating the goal she set for herself. Reiel was a bounty hunter, one of the providers for her clan. While it seemed a noble cause, would it be nobler to help outsiders as well? To not just focus on a single group of people, but to extend that helping hand to aruetiise, too?

Reiel still found it hard to wrap her head about helping the Sith, but redemption remained available even to the most wretched of beings. She would have to come to terms about the notion, but the young Mandalorian wouldn't force herself to do it now. There would come a time that she would come to easily share Fiach's view about helping the Sith – someday soon, maybe.

"Now, that would be really grand," Reiel agreed. "A galaxy without ignorance. And you've taught me about the Force now. I... wish to teach the Clan further about it as well. I think it wouldn't be impossible to do that, given their prior experience to a Force-sensitive founding."

Reiel might have been reserved with talking about Ilta earlier, but glossing out majority of the detail and leaving one striking characteristic didn't feel inappropriate. It was, she guessed, her way of honoring the older sister she could've had.

"So, I guess we now have one less person who's ignorant about the Force, huh?"

Looking over her shoulder, her father remained missing. Reiel then shifted her focus back at Fiach, grinning amiably under her helmet.

"I have last two questions for you, Fiach, if that's okay. Given the history between our people, do you think a lasting friendship is possible between a Jedi and a Mandalorian? If your answer is yes, then, would you be willing to be friends with me? It's alright if you don't want to, no pressure here–"

She would understand if Fiach declined the offer. Not everyone were keen on befriending bounty hunters, after all. But Reiel had learned a lot in their exchange, and she wished to learn more about the Jedi and her people. Didn't mean that the Mandalorian was extending her hand in friendship simply because there was something to be gained, however. It was nice to have friends who would have your back in a fight, but wasn't it nicer to have one whom you could truly care about their well-being? And regardless of her answer, Reiel would still consider Fiach her friend.

(Reiel had always been quick to form an attachment to other people. More so when she felt at ease with them. Years of living with ex-pirates and then becoming a Mandalorian helped in scoping out the good people from the bad.)

"I'm Reiel, by the way. Reiel Mal Crowholde," she would the introduce herself, feeling shy and a little awkward all of a sudden, raising a hand for Fiach to take regardless of her response. "We've been exchanging questions, and I haven't even given you my name. I trust you with it, though, despite giving it a tad too late. Sorry about the oversight, hehe."

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach, as ever, listened intently and reflected on what she heard. “I think it’s fair to say that we could all do better, every single day. Laying the blame at one person or one group is rarely productive.”

“And as for the path we tread – my experience is to keep an eye on the destination. We cannot all walk precisely the same path, even if we have the same intentions. There is more than one way to achieve the equivalent outcome – so let’s be focus on the end and meet there, yes?”

Fiach smiled. “Not that I am saying my ideas or thoughts are unique or even the best way, just the way I see things. As I said before, two of the Jedi’s greatest nemeses ended up bringing about our greatest triumphs over the Sith.”

“Not that I would like us to get to such extremes to redeem those that have fallen to the Dark side. And overcoming ignorance helps – although arrogance plays a part too. Many Jedi fall because they believe they are better than the Dark-side. They believe they can flirt with it and walk away unscathed. That is not my approach. I shall never succumb, regardless of the temptation. I know my limitations and how easily one step in the wrong direction becomes two. Then three…”

“And your philosophy is sound. We can’t change the galaxy in an instant. But one person at a time is possible. And if that person impacts one more. And those two then teach two, pretty soon hundreds and thousands of minds are enlightened.”

“And please ask whatever you wish. I never lie and will always answer as fully as I can.”

Fiach listened and paused.

“I believe lasting friendships are possible regardless of background – as long as both remain true to their beliefs and do not break any vows in maintaining the friendship. That’s a true friendship. Once one, or both, lie to themselves about their true principles, trust is broken.”

She paused once more. “Well Reiel, you may be wondering why I took so long to answer the second question. It is not because I do not wish to be your friend. Or anyone’s friend. I think it is because, as I reflect on my entire life – I have never had one. I’ve known lots of people, but never forged a true friendship. The way of the Jedi does not forbid having friends, but it is clear about attachments.”

“For many, a real friend will always put you first, do anything for you. I could easily agree to do most things for you – legal and moral things. But I will always put the will of the Force first, the needs of the many over the needs of the few – or the one.”

“I could gladly be friends given these parameters, and wanted to be clear with you from the outset what being a Jedi means. If you were in danger, I would risk my life to save you – without hesitation. But if that endangered innocents, I would stop to consider the right path.”

“I hope this makes sense and does not make you think I value you any less by sharing my obligations to the Jedi Order.”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

As a Mandalorian, an outsider might possibly expect that Reiel had been taught that there was only one path to take in order to achieve success or defeat whatever evil that impeded them from their quest: Forward. No hesitation, no looking back – eyes ahead, and your brothers and sisters in arms marching supportively and resolutely beside you. But her adoptive father and the ex-pirate captain who raised her knew better and thus have instilled in her that the path forward did not always remain fixed. The path always branched out depending on the choices an individual would make, whether for good or for bad. Hesitation could speak of fears, of doubts, but it could also speak of knowledge – of one who had taken a look back at the past, learned from it, and would use that hesitation to ponder if the path before them would take them to the light or the dark.

"Yes, I agree. Paths branch out, and may we all stick to the right one – to the light – as we make our way to meet each other in the end."

And she agreed with Fiach. She was the first Jedi Reiel had come across, and thus the young Mandalorian was humbled to learn of their ways from her. She also felt rather honored to have learned of the Jetii's personal outlooks and views, and to share Fiach's philosophy.

"And pride," she added, tipping her helmeted head upwards to look at the sky. "Nothing good comes out when it's mixed with arrogance and ignorance. I believe it's the combination of those three that brought Mandalore to it's destruction. And it touches everyone in the worst possible ways – regardless if you're a Jedi, a Mandalorian, or another being making your way 'round the galaxy."

She smiled at Fiach's resolve and placed a supporting hand on her shoulder. "I would be honored to offer a helping hand should you find yourself in the Dark. Your resolve is admirable, and I believe that you have it in you to overcome whatever temptation the... Dark Side throws at you. But buir taught me that help from outside sources – with good intentions, of course – are good as well. Contrary to popular belief, Mandalorians are pretty supportive towards those they hold dear, whether if they're family or friend – in my and my father's case, anyway."

"Don't tell him that I divulged his secret to a Jedi, though. Dad's got a tough Mando persona to uphold," she then joked, chuckling, but was quickly cut off by a perfectly aimed balled-up rag hitting the back of her helmet with a light thunk. Reiel looked back, face flushed with embarrassment at having been caught unawares by her father's return. The younger Mandalorian picked up the rag, chuckling again at the sight of one of the shifter knobs wrapped in the tattered piece of cloth.

He offered no words between the two women's exchange, however, and remained a listener on the sidelines. Neither supportive nor opposing the continued interaction between his adoptive daughter and the Jedi.

Looking back at Fiach, she nodded in understanding at her answers.

"I understand, Fiach. Everything – well, except for the attachment part, to be fair and honest. And I would be more than honored to be called your first real friend. But all in due time, though! I wouldn't want to forcefully thrust the prospect upon you. Friendships are forged, they don't just... happen instantaneously."

"And for me, a real friend will do anything for you, yes. But a real friend will also not give you the choice to pick between them and your beliefs, your principles. A real friend will not make you do things that go against your code. A real friend is someone who is willing to forge a bond with you, but who is also willing to understand the differences between the two of you and acknowledge them."

"Obligation or friendship? While this might be a difficult choice to make, a real friend will strive to understand should one choose the former. Friendship bonds two or more people together, yes, but true friendship for me consists of faith and trust, not choices or beliefs one party is willing to make and break for just so an agreement can be formed between them. True friendship is surrendering to the knowledge that you can never ask your comrade to have them put you above their beliefs, duties, and principles."

"Given these, it looks difficult to maintain a friendship like that. But consideration for me is key. You wouldn't want to force your friend to do something they can't and have them do the same to you. Don't do unto others what you don't want to be done to you, right?"

"The parameters you set make sense, and I respect them. We have our obligations to our people that we must uphold, which I also respect." She then mirrored Fiach's words while also putting into consideration the clan that had taken her into their fold with open arms. "If you were in danger, I would risk my life to save you – without hesitation. But if that endangered innocents and my clan, I would stop to consider the right path.”

"And I won't value you any less by sharing my obligations to my clan and my people."

Reiel's smile was bright and genuine under the helmet, almost akin to a beacon in the dark.

"Alright, so now that our terms are established and recognized," she said, tone joking and light-hearted as she made a play on her occupation. Reiel continued, sincere and hopeful for the path that now lay before her and the Jedi, "I'm delighted to be your friend, Fiach."

One hand held out for the Jedi to shake.

Behind them, Wulfric remained silent, save for a quiet chuckle and a wistful smile on his face. He still held mistrust towards Force-users, yes. But he guessed he could start making a list of those he could tolerate for the sake of the one he loved.

The things I do for you, ad'ika.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach nodded continuously as Reiel spoke. For someone so young – or apparently young, for Fiach did not have any inkling of her actual age – she spoke with great wisdom.

“You have been taught well. Which may sound a little pompous of me, to be the arbiter of good or bad teaching – but I have spent many, many years being taught and being a teacher and would offer my knowledge on the subject as being better advised than the average person.”

“There is an old saying that pride comes before a fall. It is a difficult one. If pride means being conceited or full of self-importance, then it is doomed to failure. And I suspect that most failures of epic scale were born in some way out of that viewpoint.”

“None of us are as strong as all of us. And, like you, I believe that working with others from outside your own group is truly powerful. Sometimes, we Jedi see every problem as one that can only be solved with the Force. Others see the challenge differently, and that is both refreshing and the combination of perspectives will show us the best path.”

Again, she listened intently as Reiel spoke of friendship, taking a sip of water from time to time.

Nodding, she added, “I find the notion of friendship and being a Jedi a challenging one. I suspect it is something you cannot study, like some mathematical equation. Instead you have to experience it – and find your own way.”

“So, on that basis, I think we can consider ourselves as friends, and find out how that manifests itself over time.” She put down her drink and took Reiel’s hand. “May the Force be with you.”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

"I've been taught by some of the best," she said, fondness bleeding in her words as she taught of the ex-pirate captain who raised her, the teachers she had in the farming village she grew up on, the elders in the covert who accepted her with open arms, and the gruff but loving Mandalorian who adopted her. Reiel was thankful for their teachings and held them dearly – loved them – for shaping up who she was today.

"Thank you!" exclaimed Reiel in response to Fiach's words. She did not bother to hide her happiness from the Jedi, because what was the point of concealing emotions as genuine as the one she was showing right now?

It was true that Mandalorians were taught to guard their emotions when in the presence of Force-users. But considering she was now friends with one, the least Reiel could do was to be open with her feelings. She beamed as the Jedi took her hand.

"May Hod Haran bless you with nothing but the best of luck," she answered before adding a little shyly, "and may the Force be always with you as well."

Letting Fiach's hand go, Reiel would then point at the uj'ayali, feeling proud that the Jedi partook on the fayre. "I hope you like the cake. Dad made it."

Another projectile hit the back of her helmet, this time in the form of a vibroknife's scabbard. What a way to betray her father's outstanding domestic skills to her new friend. It was all harmless banter between father and daughter, though.

"I never asked why you brought a Jedi to our ship, ad'ika," Wulfric piped up all of a sudden, the amusement in his modulated voice making Reiel cringe. "And why you looked like you've been chased by a ghost earlier. Not the Jedi, though, but you."

She looked at him over her shoulder and saw that his T-visor was focused on her and Fiach, his helmeted head tilted a little to the side with curiosity.

"And don't think I didn't notice the lack of supplies our clanmate is seeking."

Reiel could be a good liar, but not towards her buir.

"Barfight," she mumbled. A little louder, she repeated when prompted, "I lost them in a barfight."

"And why, pray tell, have you been involved in one?"

"I was just helping. At least I didn't start it. Not this time!"

The older Mandalorian's gaze would shift to the Jedi, silently asking if his child's answers held truth but not obliging Fiach to answer in detail. Just the specifics. He could get the whole story from his daughter later, once they parted ways with the Force-user.

@Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach rarely chatted. In many, many ways she saw it as a waste of time. If she wasn’t on a mission, she was studying. Or training. Or meditating. Her Master had encouraged her to broaden her experiences – she was a person as well as a Jedi after all. But to Fiach, she was a Jedi first, foremost and in reality only.

She had no issue with a lack of social time, and often found it a distraction. But this, she sensed, was different. This was no idle chit-chat but the joining of two quite different cultures – who were understanding their commonality. Whereas once Jedi and Mandalorian could only see differences, Fiach hoped this was the new way. Common ground.

Her ubiquitous smile broadened at the mention of the cake – and the baker. “It was very nice, and genuinely appreciated that you would share it with me.”

At the mention of the bar-fight, Fiach held her tongue. She felt this was a conversation between the two Mandalorian. But she was clearly meant to be part of the discussion - and so she faced the elder Mandalorian and answered his unasked question.

“There was a disturbance at a cantina. I was walking past and, if this particular Jedi has one weakness, it is the fact I cannot walk by an altercation. Given we have no formal authority, I suppose you could technically call me a vigilante, but I ensure I abide by the laws of whatever planet I am on.”

“Anyway, a number of men were trying to kill one man. I did not wait to debate the validity of their actions – but wished to avert a death. So, I engaged in disarming the miscreants until the truth could be told. Reiel here must have heard the same commotion and joined me. But then two Sith entered the fray, which is when we stepped out of the way. This had the potential to escalate into a bloodbath – and our presence was never going to calm matters. Quite the reverse.”

@Forsythe Crowholde