A Match for the Mandalore

Jennet

Dinner was magnificent; the women had outdone themselves. I had no idea if this was a normal meal, or a special feast, although I suspected the latter. I was pleased to know I would never go hungry when I was among Canderous’s people. The food had quite restored my energy, and I felt fabulous.

Topping off my evening was Canderous declaring he loved me in front of everyone. I had been mildly shocked but hugely pleased. Tuning in to the mood around me, I felt the buzz of gossip spreading around the room, and was happy that there didn’t seem to be much in the way of disapproval. Maybe they will accept me. I hoped so.

I had offered to help clean up after the feast, but Lorna and the other women shooed me out of the kitchen, saying that there were still some left to feed: most of the honor guard, the burial detail, and a few stragglers that had been elsewhere when the meal began. They assured me that they’d have plenty of help once everyone was fed and urged me to rejoin the rest of the party. The rest of my friends from the Ebon Hawk had also wandered in about this time and were firmly told that as honored guests, their place was out in the hall. So we left, with our compliments to the cooks. Lorna seemed especially pleased with the gesture.

Shortly after our return to the table, Canderous stood and announced there would be a bonfire and story telling out on the grounds. About six men saluted and hurried out to prepare the fire pit, and then everyone else slowly filed out of the mess hall. Kex, Kelborn, Xarga, Tagren, and Zuka remained behind to have their own meals. We passed a group of three coming in as we were heading out. I assumed they were the burial detail, and stopped to ask them where Cressa was laid to rest. They told me it was near the entrance to the camp, just inside the border. I made a mental note to go pay my respects. She had been ambitious and conscienceless, but she was a Mandalorian warrior, and deserved to be honored for her part in the war, if nothing else. I was sorry she had had no opportunity to change her ways, whether I believed she would have or not.

There were roughly a hundred and twenty people gathered around the huge bonfire, watching with anticipation as the six men holding torches prepared to light it. At Canderous’s signal, they thrust the burning brands deep into the wood that had been soaked in some sort of alcohol; I could smell it wafting on the air. The dry timber caught quickly, and soon there was a hot blaze reaching for the sky. There was a collective “Ahhhh” of appreciation, and everyone made themselves comfortable.

Canderous sat on the ground, long legs stretched in front of him, leaning back on his elbows, watching the fire. I sat next to him, legs crossed, chin on my hands. I love looking at fire; I always think if I listen hard enough I will hear it speak, and the flames make me either want to dance, or sit utterly still, mesmerized by their glowing beauty.

Ladria sat off to his right, Atton beside her, not quite touching, but they both leaned ever so slightly toward each other, her dark red hair merging with Atton’s sable brown, both highlighted with orange and gold from the flames. Bao Dur was behind Ladria, dreamily staring into the bonfire, with Visas and Disciple nearby, chatting quietly. Jarxel was with them, talking about the upcoming trials, no doubt. Disciple looked his most earnest and was gesturing with his hands. Dax and Mira were about a meter to my left, heads together, voices too low to hear. Mira’s hair was an echo of the bonfire’s flames, and Dax’s black head blended with the growing darkness.

The rest of the people from the hall had joined us. The eight Mandalorian women had seated themselves a few meters away, while the honor guard had placed themselves discretely around me and Canderous. Kex was to my left; I smiled at him, and he gave me a gruff grin back.

I had asked Canderous about him, and why he couldn’t fight anymore. Apparently Kex had taken considerable damage to both hands, and one leg; he could hold weapons, and fight one on one well enough, although most of the warriors could take him pretty easily. His speed and agility were severely depleted, and it made him bitter. I had heard a few mutterings about his temper, and the fact that he tortured himself by going into the battle circle, only to lose almost every time. I wondered if there was anything I could do to restore some of his mobility. I silently asked Canderous if Kex would let me try.

I don’t know, Wildcat. He’s pretty much brought bitterness up to an art form; I’m not sure he’d be willing to let go of it. If anyone can heal him, you could. But I would be wary of giving him false hope.

He’s a good man, ti kar’ta, I said quietly. If I can help, I would like to.

Go ahead and ask, Wildcat. Just don’t be insulted if he tells you to mind your own business. And he likely won’t be nice about that.

As your Mate, he is my business, I answered. I can handle a few insults.

I’ll alert the troops; they’ll want to set up the betting pool, Canderous said sardonically.

I decided to ask now, rather than later, before I lost my nerve. Truth was, Kex did intimidate me somewhat; the waves of bitterness coming off him were palpable. I’d noticed, however, that it had abated somewhat in the time we’ve been in camp. If I was wise, I probably should wait until after the Mate trials to talk to him. But when have I ever been wise?

I approached Kex cautiously, and sat close enough to be able to talk without being overheard. He looked at me, weathered face impassive, sharp eyes gleaming in the firelight.

“What’s on your mind, lass?” He asked without greeting me.

“I was wondering about your leg and hands,” I said, equally straightforward.

“And why would you wonder about that?” he growled, looking at me sharply. “Heard I was a cripple, eh?”

“You’re not; Jarxel wouldn’t have chosen you for the honor guard if he thought so.” I said tartly. “I only wondered if perhaps I could help. I am a healer, quite a good one.”

“Good enough, I suppose, but you couldn’t save Jareth,” Kex said rudely. “And you couldn’t tell Dax was alive.”

I flinched, but said steadily enough, “I suppose Dax told you about that.”

“He did.”

“That was a long time ago,” I said, trying not to sound defensive. “I’ve learned a lot since then.”

“If it’s all the same to you, keep your healing. I like you, lass, but you can’t help me.” Kex said shortly.

“It’s not all the same to me. How do you know unless you let me try?” I asked reasonably.

“Why would you care?” Kex asked harshly.

“Because you’re a good man, a fine warrior, and loyal to Canderous. Why wouldn’t I care?” I shot back.

“I’ll admit from what I’ve seen so far, you’re a good match for the Mandalore. But you’re not Mandoa, and know little of our ways. You’re born of jetti blood; this would be no ordinary healing, even if you could do it. I’m not eager to be beholden to a jetti.”

“I see.” I looked hard into Kex’s eyes. “You’ll accept me as Mate to Canderous, but not the benefit I will bring, even if it restores you to full warrior status? A gift freely given, without expectation of reward? Are you so afraid of me, then?”

“You call me coward?” Kex snarled.

“I do,” I said calmly. I could feel Canderous tensing behind me, and warned him to keep out of it.

I turn my back on you for two seconds, Wildcat, and you get in trouble, he answered, resigned. I warn you, if Kex gets ugly, I don’t care how loyal he is.

I can take care of myself, I said with a mental finger shake at him.

That’s what I’m afraid of, Canderous chuckled.

“I ought to kill you for that, but I’m not an idiot; I’ve seen you fight.” Kex glowered at me.

“Go ahead and challenge me, then,” I said. “There are other ways to best me.”

“What do you mean?” Kex asked suspiciously.

“If I can out drink you, you’ll allow me to try and heal your hands and leg; if not, I’ll stay out of your business, publicly apologize and pay whatever penance you choose for calling you a coward.” I said with a smile.

Dax heard this and looked up at me sharply. I saw the astonishment and warning on his face and waved him off. He looked resigned, and shrugged.

Wildcat, you are a devious woman, Canderous said in my head.

It’s for his own good, I answered.

Maybe. He’s either going to adore you for the rest of his life, or hate you with a terrifying passion, no matter if you actually heal him or not.

I noticed he had no doubt I’d best Kex in a drinking match.

It isn’t exactly a fair contest, Canderous warned me. He might accuse you of cheating.

Would you?

Hell, no.

Then I’m betting he won’t. He’s a bit afraid of jetti in general; he classifies me as one. I’m certain Dax has told him a bit about how much I can drink, I don’t think he really believes it.

I just hope it doesn’t go badly, that’s all.

I’ll do my best to let him save face, I promised.

Kex was looking at me consideringly. Finally, he shrugged.

“All right, lass, I agree. Let the Mandalore judge us.”

“How much have you had so far?” I asked.

“Only two tankards; I’m on duty.”

“I’ve had four. Would you like to catch up, or will you allow Ladria to start us both off sober?”

Kex looked at me sharply. “She can do that?”

“Yes.”

Canderous came over to us and said matter of factly, “I’ve been healed this way; there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I guess it would do no harm,” Kex said reluctantly.

Canderous spoke to Ladria, who came over and used her healing on both of us. Kex looked a little stunned by it, but unexpectedly grinned.

“That could come in handy once in a while; kolto doesn’t do this.”

Ladria smiled. “It is a useful ability,” she agreed.

Kex looked at me suspiciously. “You can do that too, can’t you?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

His brows drew down into a ferocious frown. “You are a dangerous woman.”

“Possibly,” I said easily. “But you did agree to the challenge.”

“I did. I could claim coercion on your part. I don’t see how I can win.” Kex said with a growl.

“I give you my word I won’t use any more of my healing than normal.” I said gravely.

“And what is normal to you?” Kex asked sharply.

“She means she will allow the alcohol to metabolize at her body’s normal rate,” Ladria explained. “No spurts of healing to keep her completely sober. I imagine it’s not that far off from yours; you are at least twice her size.”

Kex thought about this a moment, and shrugged. “All right, that is fair.”

A barrel of ale was brought out, with two mugs, a few chairs, and a small table. We’d attracted a sizable crowd by the time it was set up. Canderous took one of the chairs, sitting on it backwards, amusement on his face. Dax was asked to keep the mugs filled, and we began.

The stuff was strong; I sincerely hoped my body would metabolize the liquor fast enough not to disgrace myself. Kex was calm, steadily drinking down the tankards with little pause. I was glad the mugs weren’t the huge ones from dinner; these were about half that size. We got to ten before Kex started swaying a bit in his chair. I was steady enough, but starting to feel a little muzzy. There was laughter and shouting going on all around us, and I heard bets exchanged. At fourteen, he was slurring and starting to tilt sideways, pausing to steady himself by putting his hands flat on the table top and closing his eyes. I remained upright, but had the feeling my head was about a foot above my shoulders.

We were given another mug each, and drank it down. My mug shook slightly and I concentrated on keeping my hands from trembling. Kex regarded me with a genial grin.

“You’re good, lass,” he said, slurring enough that the ‘lass’ sounded more like a hiss. I smiled back fuzzily.

“You too,” I said warmly.

Dax handed us each another, and we managed to down it. By this time I was starting to really need to find a ‘fresher and was wondering if I could get there without assistance. Kex was listing alarmingly now and I considered forcing him to call it off. Better not; if I was going to have any chance at all of winning him over it had to be on his own terms. Dax refilled our mugs and I regarded it thoughtfully. Kex picked his up, downed it in one very long gulp, and I followed suit.

Kex’s mug hit the table with a thump and he keeled off his chair, dead to the world. A shout of laughter and cheers went up and I slowly stood up and made my way to him, checking his breathing and pulse. He was starting to snore loudly and I giggled. Ladria was there right behind me and she smiled at me.

“He’s fine,” she said unnecessarily. “How are you?”

“Okay,” I said with difficulty. “I need to find a ‘fresher though.”

I smiled and waved at the cheering crowd and staggered off to find Canderous’s – our – quarters. I saw him engulfed by his people and sent him a fuzzy thought that I’d be right back. I hoped he got it.

I found the ‘fresher with only a little difficulty and once relieved, I gave myself just enough healing that I wouldn’t vomit. I wanted to, badly; it had been quite a long time since I’d allowed myself to get really drunk. I didn’t think it would help Kex much if I suddenly was sober, and didn’t want to have to pretend all night I was drunk. I managed to get back outside without too much damage; I only stumbled into things twice. Kelborn and Xarga were outside the door, waiting to escort me back.

“Don’t you guys get tired of being on duty?” I asked.

“Are you kidding? This is the most fun we’ve had in ages,” Kelborn said sincerely. “No one knows what you’ll do next,” he added with a grin.

“Great; I’m the local entertainment,” I grumbled. “Glad to be of service.”

“I’ve never seen anyone out drink Kex, not even the Mandalore,” Xarga said admiringly.

“I’ll tell you a secret; I was worried there for a bit,” I slurred. “He’s got the constitution of a kath hound.”

I started back toward the bonfire. Xarga gently steered me the right way – apparently I’d lost my sense of direction. I allowed him to lead me back to Canderous, who gathered me to him in a hard hug.

“You know you’re impossible, right?” He asked rhetorically.

“Not if you play your cards right,” I said, leaning over to nibble on his ear.

He purred a little and sat down with me draped ungracefully over his lap. I closed my eyes and leaned against him, smiling. I could feel the alcohol slowly being absorbed and neutralized; I gave it about an hour before I was sober enough to want to move again. Meanwhile, storytelling had geared up again and I listened to various people recounting tales of battle and glory. Sometimes they spoke in their own language and I was surprised to find even drunk I could follow well enough.

Canderous’s arms were warm and soothing; I snuggled into his chest and raised my face for a kiss. He was smiling at me and obliged, stopping before it got too involved. I growled a little in frustration.

“As much as I would love to, Wildcat, I can’t leave the circle yet,” he murmured in my ear. “Give it an hour or so.”

“Oh, all right,” I said, resigned. “I’m enjoying the stories anyway.”

About a half hour later, someone shouted “Jennet!”

I was much clearer now; a good deal of the drink had metabolized. I looked up at the shout and yelled back, “What?”

“Tell us a story, lass!” the voice said. I focused and saw Angus about halfway around the fire, a tankard in his hand.

“Um….” I looked up at Canderous, he was grinning.

“Go on, tell them a story,” he encouraged.

“I don’t know any,” I protested.

“Tell them about Jareth, then,” he said, his eyes serious. “There are some of his kin here, they would like to hear it.”

I stood, glad that I wasn’t swaying anymore and the ground felt solid beneath my feet. My head was still feeling a little floaty, but I could speak steady and stay upright. Someone pressed another mug of ale into my hand and I eyed it dubiously. Oh, Gods. I took a sparing sip and the crowd cheered. I cleared my throat, and started to speak.

To my surprise, I spoke Mandoa. It came to me easily, with the occasional mental help from Canderous when I couldn’t find a word. There were startled looks all around the bonfire, and a rumble of approval. I’d noticed the Elders had joined the circle, sitting near Canderous, their eyes fixed on me. I nodded to them, and they inclined their heads back in greeting. I could see Dax and the rest of the honor guard quietly translating for my friends.

I started with the fight at the cantina on Tatooine, and meeting Dax and Jareth, how they tried to make a pass at me and I defeated them both at once. I spoke of the friendship we forged, and skimmed over the jobs we did together. The crowd loved it; they were quiet in the right places, shouted approval when I spoke of the fights we got into. When I reached Jareth’s death and my belief that Dax was killed too, there was dead silence. Dax stood, and recounted his escape from the Hutt and how he had thought that I had run away. We finished the story together, ending with meeting on Telos and how he discovered I had believed him dead, and his admiration for Canderous and his Mate.

I concluded, “Jareth was a good man, and a brave warrior. He died as a Mandalorian should; in battle, protecting his boss and friends. I will miss him.”

There was a sober silence, then Canderous stood. “To Jareth,” he said, raising his mug.

“To Jareth!” the roar almost hurt my ears.

Someone started playing a lively tune on some sort of flute; drums joined in, and a few other instruments I couldn’t identify. Almost as one, the crowd started dancing around the bonfire, and I was whirled into the pattern. Canderous was beside me, laughing, and I was astonished to see he was very good. I knew he was graceful as a big cat, but dancing wasn’t something I had pictured him doing. He read my thoughts and grinned.

Nice to see I can surprise you.

He picked me up and whirled me around, making my head get dizzy again. Then he tossed me to the next man in line, and I saw that all the women, Jedi and Elder included, were being whirled and tossed too. We were all laughing and flushed and happy. The men of course outnumbered the women about ten to one. It was quite some time before I was back with Canderous. Finally back on my feet, I stumbled a little and regained my balance. It was time for another trip to the ‘fresher.

I tossed a mental call to Canderous about where I was headed and found my way back to our room. I drank some water afterwards and felt it give me some more energy. Refreshed, I came back outside and was a little startled that I didn’t have a guard waiting. I was rather glad; I’m not used to being followed around and hadn’t had a single moment really to myself in ages. I leaned back against the wall of my quarters, enjoying the cool air on my flushed face. The stars were very beautiful and I could make out the bright light of nearby Onderon, where my mother was from. I wondered if she could see me, and if she would approve of where I was and of Canderous. I thought that she could, and did, and Dad too, and felt comforted.

“I miss you both,” I said softly to the stars. They twinkled back, a cheerful glow in the night sky.

Not really paying attention to where I was going, I headed back toward the bonfire. I was mostly sober now, but still a bit light-headed; I tread carefully on the uneven ground. After a bit, I realized I should have reached the crowd by now, and the sounds of merriment were faint. I looked around, confused, and heard something off near the shadow of a building. Curious, I quietly approached and saw the tall form of Dax, enthusiastically wrapped around Mira, absorbed in a very passionate kiss. Mira looked equally enthusiastic and absorbed.

Good for them, I thought, and melted back into the darkness.

Trying to get my bearings, I walked toward the noise of the party, but the wind was carrying it oddly and I couldn’t place where it was coming from. I ended up in a dead end and retraced my steps. I wasn’t alarmed; the camp wasn’t that big, and I would be damned if I interrupted anyone else making use of the shadows to ask for help. Besides, I was a bit embarrassed that I was lost, and didn’t want to give the camp more gossip to chew over. On the heels of that thought, I suddenly came upon Atton and Ladria, as occupied as Mira and Dax, and again silently slid back into the shadows. I was pleased for them and had no intention of interrupting anything. It was about damn time, in my opinion.

I hadn’t had the opportunity to get the layout of the whole camp yet and had no idea where exactly I was. I saw a shuttle craft in a hanger nearby with several buildings scattered around. There was a building that seemed to be a bathhouse, and one I thought was probably barracks next to it. A man was coming out of the first, and saw me looking confused. As he approached, I could see he was very drunk, and I turned to walk the other way.

“Hey lass, you shouldn’t be out here in the dark by yourself,” he called. “Someone could get the wrong idea.”

I didn’t answer, just started walking the other way, fast. I didn’t like the aura I was getting off him and didn’t want a confrontation. He was quick though, for all his drunkenness, and caught up to me, grabbing my arm.

“I wouldn’t do that,” I said pleasantly.

“Just trying to see you safe,” he said, slurring. “I should get a nice reward from the Mandalore for protecting you, yes?”

“I doubt it,” I answered.

He made a sort of lunge at me, and I yanked the arm he had a hold of forward. He stumbled, off-balance, and I quickly brought my knee up and caught him under the chin, hard. He went down like a fallen log, out cold.

“I hope you don’t remember that,” I said to him, and swiftly trotted the other way. I gave up trying to find my way alone, and tuned in to Canderous, following his presence that glowed like a candle in my mind.

Everything all right, Wildcat? Where are you?

I’m fine, I projected back. Just went for a walk.

You got lost, didn’t you?

Um…

What happened? He had caught a bit of my confrontation before I could block it.

Just an overly helpful drunk, I said dismissively.

Is he still breathing? Canderous asked dryly.

Yes, I answered brightly.

Do I want to know who he is, and what he did?

Probably not.

Wildcat, do you think you could get through the rest of the night without getting into trouble? Canderous sounded more resigned than irritated.

I don’t know; how much longer before we can politely leave the bonfire?

Just get back here and we’ll leave. I have an idea that will keep you occupied.

I smiled. Almost there.

I made it back without further incident and Canderous kissed me warmly hello. Warmth turned to serious heat in seconds and I felt him pick me up so I could reach his mouth better. I helpfully wrapped my legs around his waist so he didn’t have to carry my full weight, and concentrated on devouring his tongue. He groaned appreciatively and sucked mine into his mouth. My turn to groan.

Before things could get out of hand, he shifted me around so he could walk easier and without putting me down headed toward our room. I saw out of the corner of my eye two of the honor guard starting to follow and felt Canderous shake his head sharply at them. I had a feeling Jarxel wouldn’t allow us to escape the guard altogether, and would send them after we were safely in our room. I quit thinking about that and started nibbling Canderous’s ear, tracing the whorl of it with my tongue. He rumbled like a big cat and I smiled. I bit a little harder and he shivered.

Arriving at our quarters, he strode in to the little bedroom and elbowed the lock. Turning, he let me dangle, grabbing me by the waist and leaning us against the door, kissing me hungrily. I wrapped my legs around his waist again, answering his hunger with my own, feeling him hard against me. I pulled at his shirt and he paused only long enough to take it off, get mine out of the way, and picked me back up against the door again. His skin was hard and smooth against my softness, the muscles flexing as one of his hands explored my breasts, the other keeping me in place. I ran my own hands down his broad back, enjoying the solid feel of him.

His hands and mouth were driving me to frenzy and I wiggled impatiently against him. He pulled back with the grin of a kath hound at feeding time and let me drop long enough to finish getting naked. Then he reached for me again, propped me against the door, and took me, right there. I moaned aloud and tightened all my muscles, pulling him even closer. A few strokes later I came hard, and he gripped me by my ass, backed up, and sat down on the bed, lying back with me on top, him still inside me.

I leaned forward, riding him slowly, teasing him with my hands and breasts and mouth. His eyes never left my face as I quickened the pace, slowed again, and repeated until he was absolutely insane. With a growl, he rolled us over and gave back exactly what I had just done: slow strokes, then faster, then slow. I was moaning and bucking and begging him to fuck me faster. He grinned maliciously and slowed down. I growled and bit his shoulder, not gently. His eyes darkened and the pace increased until we were both wild with lust, pounding each other mercilessly. I came twice before he was close, and when he finally exploded, I was right behind him, dissolving into a thousand fragments.

Eventually, we made it under the covers and exhausted with the events of the day, fell asleep. Just before I drifted off, Canderous pulled me close to him, spoon fashion, his muscular arm heavy around my waist, one hand cupping a breast. He murmured something incoherent in my ear and I caught the word ‘home’. Too tired to ask him to repeat it I sent a thought as my brain shut down.

Home is where you are.