Archive of Our Own

It had definitely been a long day, with multiple patients coming into the centre, suffering from the flu that had been passing around to all the surrounding villages.   I told my assistant I was going to rest in my office for the next thirty minutes. I just laid on my couch, closed my eyes, and tried to rest, when the sound of muffled yells, rushing footsteps, and speeders outside racing through pulled me out of my rest.   I tried to hope that maybe it was just some of the youths in the area that were having a bit of fun, when the yelling started coming from my waiting room.   I knew my respite was gone, I couldn’t take the noise anymore, I removed myself from the comfiest couch in existence and headed to my waiting room.  As I stepped through, there was at least ten guards, and the head guard of the Mand’alor, Paz Vizsla, in my clinic.   

“What’s going on?” I asked my main assistant as she was trying to talk to one of the guards, who was checking the exam rooms.

“Doctor, there appears to be some sort of emergency” she said with all the confidence she could muster.  After all ten Mandalorians, each with some sort of heavy weaponry, was intimidating at the best of times, even more so when they rush into your centre.  I nodded, squeezing my assistant’s shoulder, letting her know I got this, she stepped aside, and let me walk forward.  My hair was hanging loose and no doubt messy, I didn’t care however, as there was clearly an emergency, either the Mand’alor was hurt or one of his aides, I didn’t waste any time and headed to the head guard, Paz Vizsla.

“I’m the doctor of this Centre, tell me what happened?”

The bigger than life Mandalorian turned to face me, his visor taking me in as my assistant handed me what I needed for any emergency. 

“It’s …” I heard him take a deep swallow, “it’s Mand’alor Djarin.  He’s injured.”

I nodded, “Take me to him.”  Vizsla simply nodded, he seemed nervous but I wasn’t sure exactly what about, could’ve been he was nervous his King was injured and felt responsible, maybe it was his adrenaline crashing after whatever had happened.  Either way, he seemed ready to fulfill his duty and led me to the speeder that was outside of the Centre.   As I walked closer, the speeder had what appeared to be a flatbed attached, I made out one Mandalorian kneeling, her armour didn’t leave me with any doubt as to who she was, as I reached the flatbed, there lay the Mand’alor resting his head on the legs of Lady Bo Katan Kryze. 

I walked up to my King, putting my hair in a bun, so my eyes would remain unobstructed while I did my best to assess what I could immediately, “Tell me what happened?”  Vizsla looked to Lady Kryze, she gave him a slight nod, as I began to assess the man laying prone, his breathing was shallow, when I moved my hand away from his side, it was covered in blood. 

“We were surveying a local territory” Vizsla began, “the Mand’alor wanted to assess what assistance the territories needed especially since the Great Purge, when a contender from one of the Clans appeared, challenging the King for the darksaber.”

I didn’t answer, simply looked over my shoulder, and held up a finger, “Continue the story inside, we need to get him on my table.”  We moved our King and Leader onto my med table in no time flat, I had to say having ten strong Mandalorians there to help lift him and his beskar armour was definitely useful.  The other guards left the exam room, leaving his head guard, Lady Kryze, and myself in the room.

“Lady Kryze, please wait outside.”

“I’m not going anywhere”

“Last I checked, you are not his riduur, please wait outside” we all had heard how our new Mand’alor was single, more than one of the eligibles here on Concord Dawn were ready to make themselves available to him.   However, seeing how possessive she was getting really irked me, especially since I knew who she was, knew her past, her true past, she had rather wished everyone else forgot.   Bo simply glared at me, she let out a huff and walked out, the door closed behind her.

“Please, continue” I motioned towards the Mandalorian that was easily two feet taller than myself.   I began to take off the armour of my king, as his head guard proceeded to tell me exactly what happened.

“First, you need to know, our Mand’alor fought bravely, I may have my issues with him, but he does what needs to be done for our people.  He defeated the challenger with no problem, however none of us expected to see how dishonourably he would behave.  He and his clan ambushed us as we headed to the next territory to survey, simply because he lost.  We were able to defeat the entire clan, but one di’kut snuck in and stabbed the King several times in the side.  I believe the blade was coated with some sort of poison.”

“Do you have the blade?”

The Mand’alor lay on the table his chest bare to Paz and myself, Paz didn’t even flinch when I had begun to remove the armour, clearly not the first time he was injured.  When I positioned myself closer to Mand’alor Djarin, I noticed how his body was littered with scars, some very old, some newer, a few that looked more like tiny scrapes, and some that looked like it would have caused a great deal of pain, even years later.  I did my best to remain professional, but I finally understood why so many wanted to be his mate, I really did try to ignore how beautiful his chest looked, the tan skin, the defined muscles, and his toned arms, I snapped out of it, when I leaned down to view the wound closer, there was definitely some sort of poison eking from the wound. 

“Here” Paz handed me the vibroblade, I grabbed my scanner and began to analyze the dagger.   The answer it gave was disturbing.  I let out a shaky breath, our King would certainly die if I didn’t have enough antidote.   

“Let me guess, it was Clan Sarcina, wasn’t it?”

“How did you know?”

“They all dip their blades in this poison.  Was anyone else cut?”

“I …”

“Please go and find out, there is a short window, before the damage becomes permanent.  I will begin with our King, when he is stable, I will look after everyone else.”

Paz nodded and headed out, I grabbed the antidote, thankfully, I had enough, for five people.  I really hoped no more than five had been injured.  I gave the antidote to our leader, and held his hand.  His hands were strong, calloused, they were littered with their own tiny scars.  My hands dwarfed in comparison to his, maybe I was overstepping, but seeing the amount of injuries he had suffered throughout his life, he deserved a little compassion, I leaned down to his helmet, his breathing was still shallow “Do not fear my great Mand’alor Djarin, no harm will come to you while you are here.  I’ll make sure of it.”

A few minutes passed, but the antidote began to work almost instantly, his breathing started to ease, I gave his side a numbing agent, and was able to stitch the jagged wound, put a bacta patch on.  Thankfully he was out of immediate danger, for the most part his injuries weren’t severe, but had they delayed in getting him to me, things would have been much worse.  I still had to assess if there was any permanent damage, but I was hopeful.  His breathing was practically even now, his skin no longer was sweaty or tacky, even his hands had started to warm up.  I turned when I heard the door slide open behind me, Paz’s presence engulfed the room, not because of his intimidating stature, but rather his larger than life personality, not to mention his broad shoulders practically engulfed the door, now that I was watching him, I started to wonder how he actually walked through the door without having to turn.  

“No one else was cut,” he said, cutting me out of my musings. 

“Good.  Mand’alor Djarin is doing well.  He will be out for a while, I suggest not moving him until he wakes up.   Have any of your crew eaten or drank any water?”

“We had something before we landed on Concord Dawn”

“How long ago was that?”

“Almost ten hours”

“Please have your men sit in the waiting room, I will make sure my assistant gets you and your men food and water.”

“That’s not …”

“Necessary?  But it is, I don’t need to be dealing with hydration issues or having people pass out because you all refuse to eat.  Please go and sit.”

“Yes, Doctor” Paz bowed to me and exited, his mannerisms struck me as childish almost but it was sweet, I couldn’t help but chuckle at him.  When he left, I started to wonder, why did he just bow?  What a weirdo?

“Ha” I hear from behind me, it’s muffled and groggy, I turned quite quickly.

“My Lord, you’re awake!  I thought for sure you would still have been passed out, after everything your body just went through.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve had a lot worse.”

“Oh I can tell, my King.  Tell me, how are you feeling overall?”

“You know you don’t have to be so formal, anyone who can handle my overbearing aides, deserves to be on a first name basis with me.”

“Thank you, my King, but I wouldn’t feel right about it.  I already feel I’ve seen more of you than most” I motioned with my hand over his bare chest, “also, Great Mand’alor, if you call those two overbearing, you have clearly never dealt with a mother of three, who believes she is always right, and refuses to listen to your counsel, despite the fact she came solely for the purpose of seeking help.”

“Wow, maybe you should be on my council.  I have some ministers who definitely need a strong hand.”

“You enjoy a strong hand, my Lord?” I asked leaning over his helmet 

“Never one to shy away from some discipline”

“Interesting.  I would have figured you would have been the disciplinarian.”

His hand reached up and began caressing my arm, gently, “I rather do enjoy giving a good tongue lashing,” I couldn’t help but blush, “but personally …'' Before we could continue our most bizarre conversation, I heard the door slide beside me.  I looked to see Bo Katan Kryze walk in, I moved away from Mand’alor Djarin, as his hand rested back down. 

“Lady Kryze” I nodded, “is there something I can help you with?”

“I came to see how my King is doing”

“He is healing nicely, he will need to rest for an hour,” I felt a flick on my palm, “or longer, depending on how well he is reacting to the antidote.”

“I will sit with him”

“I must insist that you wait in the waiting room”

“I will stay with my … with him”

“Are you engaged to this man?  Married to him?  Having his children?”

“Excuse me! How dare you?”

“No, Lady Kryze, how dare you!” I felt a finger graze my palm, “I am his physician, and I will dictate what his best course of treatment is, now please you are disturbing my patient and our King, please wait outside, or would you like to be responsible for his recovery not going as well as it should?”

“Fine! As soon as he awakes, you let me know.”

“As soon as he awakes, I will ask him who he wishes to speak to first.”

“Ugh!” was all the response I received from Lady Kryze before she walked out of the room. 

“Seriously!” I heard from behind me, I turned to face my Mand’alor once again, “Want a job on my counsel?”

I couldn’t help but giggle, “As honoured as I am, Mand’alor Djarin, for the offer, I wouldn’t feel right abandoning my patients, or the area.  It was hit pretty hard, and they need all the help they can get.”

“I respect your answer, and your thoughtfulness.”

“Now before we get carried away, tell me how are you feeling?  Any pain?  I wasn’t sure what kind of creed you followed, so I left your helmet on, your head guard Paz Vizsla was allowed to remain to make sure your creed was honoured.”

“I feel a lot better, thank you.”

“Any pain? Any  head injury, I should know about?”

“No.  It was just the stab to the side” I nodded, “Tell me, are you always this kind?  I heard how you were quick to provide my men food, quick to see how many others were injured.  I can’t even begin to thank you for all you did.”

“It is my pleasure and duty, Mand’alor.  Unfortunately, I must insist that you rest.  Allow the antidote to do it’s work” I grabbed my med blanket, it wasn’t the prettiest thing to look at, but it was warm, and many of my patients enjoyed the comfort, and the weight of it.  I unfurled it and laid it on my King, I tucked him in.  His laughter echoed through the room.

“It’s been a long time since someone tucked me into bed,” he let out chuckling. 

“Sorry, force of habit, I can untuck if you prefer?” I went to grab the edge, when his hand rested on my elbow. 

“No, leave it.  It’s … it’s nice”

I simply nodded, “I can turn off the light, so you can take off your helmet.  I’ll knock twice and wait 15 seconds before entering, so you can make sure your helmet is on.”

“Thank you”

I gave him a smile, walked to the door turning off the lights, and exited the room.  I looked to see a room full of hardened warriors, sitting around laughing, eating, and joking.  When Paz noticed me, he stood. 

“What is the word on the Mand’alor?”

“He is resting comfortably.  I will check on him again in half an hour, but the antidote is working.”

“Thank you”

I nodded, “Do you all have enough to eat?” 

“More than enough.  Thank you.”

I sat and enjoyed the camaraderie, it had been a while since I was able to enjoy such good company, filled with laughter.  Turned out Vizsla was actually quite the character, he was funny, and charming when he wanted to be, he was even kind.  A number of times he asked if he needed to reign in his men, if they were being too difficult to be around, I simply shook my head. 

“No, it’s fine, I miss hanging out like this”

“With Mandalorians who barely have any manners” he said glaring at the youngest guard, who was shovelling food into his mouth like it was running out of style.   I couldn’t help but laugh at his expression, when he noticed Vizsla’s reprimanding face, half his food hung out of his mouth, then when he opened his mouth and pulled it out, it was completely covered in saliva.  He promptly placed it back in the container, we all groaned and laughed. 

“How is that better?” Another guard shouted.

“What? Either I shove it all in or I pull it all out again and take smaller bites” the younger guard tried to justify. 

“How about you just learn how to eat properly?” Lady Kryze stated, the laughing died down instantly, clearly no one else liked her, that just made me like these guards even more. 

“Well we can’t all be following your example of goodness, now can we?” I said, defending the younger guard. 

“Have something to say, doctor?”

“I think I just did, Lady Kryze” we locked eyes from across the room, she may not remember me after all I was young when we had met, but after the incident involving Death Watch in my village, I was quite certain I’d never forget her, or Pre Vizsla.

“Some of us had the benefit of being educated, understanding what our position in life is.  I understand that a simple farm doctor wouldn't actually be able to comprehend such difficulties.”

“I’m surprised you’re able to move”

“Excuse me?”

“What with that giant beskar spear stuck up your butt,” all the guards started laughing, I stood grinning from ear to ear, “thank you gentlemen, Lady Kryze, it’s been a long time since I was able to enjoy good food and good company.  Excuse me.”  Her face was priceless, not only because she didn’t have a response to my jab, but to see her own man dying of laughter, she couldn’t exactly yell at them.   As I headed to the exam room, I heard footsteps behind me, the weight behind those steps left me with no doubt as to who it was.  I turned to face Paz.

“Something you need?” I asked him

“Just wanted to make sure you were okay, that was some pretty intense, albeit polite, digging you did into Bo Katan.”

“Thanks for asking, Paz, but I’m good.  We have some history, even if she’s forgotten I haven’t.  Excuse me, I must check on the Mand’alor.” I nodded, and continued towards the exam room.  True to my word, I knocked twice, loud enough for him to hear, and waited 15 seconds.   When I entered, our King was still tucked into the blanket, his helmet remained on, yet his head was tilted to the side, his snores filled the room.  I simply chuckled, clearly this was a man who took every opportunity given him to get his rest in, I grabbed my scanner and passed it over, everything came back with healthy numbers.  

Last thing to do was to take some blood to determine how much of the poison would remain in his system, that would determine what sort of side effects he would have to deal with going forward.  As I walked to the side of the room, my steps were soft and imperceptible, an experience I acquired from working around infants, some who were very light sleepers.  I lifted the blanket slightly to pull out his arm.  However, when I injected the needle, his years of protecting himself and being on guard from the slightest noise or provocation came back in full gear.  His other hand that had been kept under the covers, came fast like a grappling chord and straight for my throat.  I never doubted his strength, but even more so now, as his hand wrapped around my throat and squeezed.  

“My … Man… Mand’alor…” I gasped while trying to pry his hand off my throat, he must have been having a bad dream, he shook his helmet and released his hold.   

“I’m … I’m sorry … I’m so sorry” he let out through his own jarring moment. 

“No” I let out before a coughing attack started, I pulled myself away, sitting on my chair, and putting my head between my knees, I held up a thumbs up, indicating that I was alright.  Once my lungs were no longer burning and my breaths were coming more naturally, I raised my head up to meet his visor.  He kept his helmet trained on me, as he was half on and half off the med table.  

“Are you alright?” I’d never heard a man sound so timid before.

“I’m …” I cleared my throat, “ahem, I’m fine” I gave him my best smile, I walked over to the panel, to fully turn on all the lights, “Serves me right for trying to be as quiet as possible.”

“No.  No.  It’s my fault.  I … I’m just always …”

“On guard duty” I finished for him.  He nodded, “I get that, like I said, I should have been more aware.”  I walked over to him, and motioned for him to get back under the blanket, he didn’t argue or try to talk me out of having him rest.  I think partially he was feeling too guilty, I had no doubt there was probably a bruise forming, not my first, probably not my last.  “My king, if you would kindly hold out your arm, so I can collect a blood sample, I just need to see how well the antidote worked.”

He simply nodded and held out his arm, nothing more was said between us, I took what I needed and headed to my analyzer, within minutes I had my answer.  I let out a sigh of relief, and turned with a wide grin. 

“Would you like the good news or the great news?”

“After what I did, doctor’s choice”

“Stop beating yourself up about that, it was an accident.  Nothing a little bacta can’t fix” I smiled even bigger, “now good news or great news?”

“You’re really too kind.  I’ll take the good news first.”

“Alright, well then great news it is”

“Ha, then why ask?” He chuckled

“Give you a sense of ownership, and if you had picked the right one, it would have looked like it was your idea” I winked. 

“Clearly, not your first time” he chuckled.

“My lord, it hasn’t been my first time in years” I saw how his helmet tilted, almost to say ‘really?’, I don’t know where all this boldness was coming from, this wasn’t me, not in a long shot, but the blushing that came to my cheeks couldn’t have been missed in a sandstorm on Tatooine.   I cleared my throat, “Anyways, um… great news, right!  Great news is you are fully healed, no damaging side effects from the poison.  You'll feel groggy over the next two days, but that’s about it.  Doctor’s recommendation: sleep as much as you can, and avoid any heavy lifting, long travels, just try and stay tied to your bed …” I stopped,  thinking how that sounded, “What I mean is, um … that’s not the way it should have come out.”

“Maybe I need your watchful eye, doctor, to make sure I’m following your rules, especially being tied to the bed.”

Oh he was just having fun now, I chuckled, “Are you always this forward with your citizens?”

“Forward? I thought we were just having some fun” he let out chuckling.  His laughter was genuine, but it also sort of ached my heart a little, I was stupid to think he would have found me … anyways, didn’t matter. 

“Just wanted to make sure, I'd hate for people to assume something was happening in here.”

“Would it be so bad if they did?” His tone was cautious, and almost searching.  Was that?  Did he just… that was concern, right?  I’m not just reading into it. 

“With you being my patient, yeah, kind of.  Doctor’s oath, don’t get involved with someone you’re healing at the moment.”

“Interesting.  Is that just in the moment?”

“I … um … getting back to my recommendations: sleep as much as you can”

“You said that already” I could practically hear his smile radiating through his helmet.

“Right, I did … where did I leave off?”

“Tying me to the bed”

“You’re not gonna drop that are you?”

“Let me think… nope”

“You know you could be nicer to me” I jokingly motioned to my neck, “after all I’m injured here too.”

“You said that was your own fault, who am I to disagree with the doctor?”

“Sure, sure.  Anyways, stay confined to your room for the next two days, drink plenty of water, avoid any heavy foods, light meals four times a day, bone broth, for today only.”

“Yes, doctor”

“Your armour, Mand’alor is right here,” I motioned to the closet that housed his armour and tunic, “I’ll let Paz know that you are ready to head home, and I’ll also inform Lady Kryze you are awake, before she decides to murder me.” I smirked at him.

“Yeah, she’s … ugh!”

“Protective?”

“Sure, let’s go with that”

“Well, it must be nice to have someone worry about you.”

He didn’t say anything for a minute, just tilted his head, “You don’t have anyone to worry about you?”

I moved away from his side, going to clean up my desk, and throw away the used medical supplies that couldn’t be cleaned properly, he didn’t need to see how pathetic my life was.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep” I heard him shuffling behind me, I didn’t want to appear weak before my King, I cleared my throat, turned around with a big grin. 

“Didn’t overstep at all, my King”

“Hmmm… yet, you’re back to being so formal”

“Sorry.  I get proper when I’m nervous”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s a weird thing.  I should um…” I motioned behind me, when he finally stood before me. I hadn't realized how tall he actually was, he was at least a foot taller than me, but his broad chest was just there, and oh so beautiful, I quickly averted my gaze.  “Um … I was saying, I should let your people know you are up, my lord.” I turned to leave.

“Wait” I turned to look at my King, “You didn’t tell me if you had people that worry about you”

How was this King so considerate?  Most in power cared only of what the people could do for them?  Even our little banter back and forth was more to just make himself feel at ease, right?  I rested my hand on the control panel of the door, I took in one deep shuddering breath, “My family …” I just shook my head, “I have no one, your Majesty.”  I nodded once more and headed out.

“Good news” I announced as I entered the waiting room, “our Mand’alor Djarin, is awake, getting dressed, and fully healed.  He will need two days of rest.  Please make sure he stays confined to his bedroom, Vizsla.  He is only allowed to have bone broth for the rest of the day, light meals over the next two days, he can have something more substantial for his dinner on the second day.  He will need to make sure to drink plenty of fluids too.  No heavy activity.  No royal duties of any kind, just for the next two days.  The antidote is very strong, and will make him quite groggy.”  

Paz simply nodded to me, I looked around the room and noticed Lady Kryze was not there, I raised an eyebrow to Vizsla.  “She wanted some fresh air, she’s outside.”  I nodded, and headed outside.  I saw her standing by the speeder. 

“Lady Kryze,” she turned to face me, “Mand’alor Djarin is awake, he is currently getting dressed.  You will all be able to leave shortly.  Paz Vizsla and the Mand’alor are fully aware of what needs to be done for the next two days.   I have no doubt they will fill you in.”  I turned around and began to head in.

“What is your problem with me?  I have done nothing but support our people”

I stopped dead in my tracks, and glared at the woman who refuses to let go of her title, “Really?  Done nothing but support our people?  Hmmm…” she didn’t say anything, “Is that what you tell yourself at night, when you remember you were with Death Watch, and were responsible for the deaths of those in my village, or the numerous other villages you claimed in the name of Death Watch?  Tell me, does our King know of your past?”

“Listen …”

I held my hand up, “Lady Kryze, I have no desire to spend any more time in your presence.  I wish you good health” because I do not want to be the one to take care of you.  I bowed and returned back to my Centre.   I saw as Paz and the Mand’alor stood beside each other, Djarin was clearly doing his best to look every bit as health itself, yet I knew.  

“You are all good to go” I stated as I walked back in, “I would recommend sending a few of the guards to get the ship ready and bring it closer to the Centre, it wouldn’t be ideal for the Mand’alor to walk all the way,” I saw how Paz looked from me to his King, “doctor's orders.” I finished knowing that was probably the only way that would have been accepted. 

“You heard her” was all the man, whose face had remained hidden the entire time he was here, said.  How could someone capture anyone’s heart so quickly?  I could still feel the ghost of his finger grazing my palm, and his hand softly caressing my arm. What's wrong with me?  Maybe I’m just exhausted.  Yes,  That’s it.  

Paz directed for four of the guards to head out, get the ship airborne and brought closer to the Med Centre.  Eventually, all left, I stood from my Centre door, watching the most eventful afternoon, and the most amazing man, who literally laughed in the face of danger, walk on to his ship.  Paz helped him when they were closer to the ramp, they both stopped to look at me once more, I waved them off.  Hoping that I’d be able to see that helmet again, but hoping and wishes were a fool’s dream and left for children.  I watched as the ship got higher and higher until there was nothing left by the sky of Concord Dawn.  

- - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Four weeks later….

“Alright, so Gil you gonna listen to your mom this time?” I asked the child that was latched on to me for dear life, knowing if he was in his mother’s arms, he would definitely end up receiving a smack for scaring her half to death with his fall.  

The child simply nodded into my shoulder trying to almost bore himself into my shoulder, I laughed at his actions, he was trying so hard to stay with me.  “You know you can’t hide from your mother”

“You sure?” He asked, I nodded against his head.

“Yes, mothers tend to find their children.  Especially when they’re in trouble.”

“Can’t you tell her it’s the doctor’s orders not to punish me” he whispered

“I could try, but do you think you deserve a little bit of punishment” I turned to look at his mom who was grinning from ear to ear, she was a good natured mother, and would never exact a punishment that was harsh, rather it was a lecture that he would receive when he arrived home. 

“Fine, but can you tell her to limit her lecture to thirty minutes this time.”

“Did you learn your lesson last time?” He simply shook his head ‘no,' “then I think we’ll have to let her give you the full lecture, don’t you?”  Again he simply nodded.  

“I thought because you treated the Mand’alor, you had ultimate control now?”

I laughed at that, “No, sweetie, that’s not the way it works,” I passed him to his mother, who thanked me again for his care.  I waved them off, walking with them into the waiting room, when a familiar beskar helmet caught my attention.  He was leaning against the wall.   I noticed how Gil and his mother took a quick gulp and headed out as quick as possible, after all the Mand’alor’s head guard was someone you didn’t want to tick off. 

“Paz, surprised to see you here” I offered with a smile, “business or pleasure?”

“Pleasure, definitely” he offered, his voice didn’t hide any intentions.  

I couldn’t help but blush a little at his insinuation, “Why don’t you follow me to my office, we can talk there.” I motioned for him to follow me, I winked at my assistant, who had thought the younger guard was quite attractive, I’ll see what I could find out for her. 

The man looked gigantic in my exam room, but here in my office, I was almost afraid he wouldn’t fit in the chair, however, he eased himself in with practiced motions.  I’ll have to remember to get bigger chairs. 

“Well, head guard of Mand’alor, what can I do for you today?”  I asked as I took my seat, while Paz sat in front of my desk. 

“I came with an invitation,” he handed me a beautiful piece of flimsi, it had been years since I saw something made of flimsi, it was hard to come by, very expensive.  The flimsi felt stiff, but still bendable, the writing was gorgeous, the border shimmered, the colour was definitely the colour of our King’s armour.

“Thank you, an invitation to what?” I asked not wanting to ruin the beautiful flimsi.

“You’ll have to open it to find out”

“Are you always this difficult?”

“When I see something I want, yes.”

My eyes locked with Paz’s visor, unlike last time he left his helmet on, maybe he was nervous.  Which is crazy to think that he was nervous handing me an invitation, but not nervous with his King on the verge of death.   I simply shook my head, and blushed, I opened the invitation.

You are invited to
the INAUGURAL BALL  of 
MAND’ALOR DJARIN 

I looked up to Paz a little confused, “I thought the inaugural ball was something that happened right away, when he became the Mand’alor”

“Usually, that’s the way it would happen, but seeing as how he spent the first three months trying to find his cabinet ministers, then spent the next three setting up shelters, and housing for those in need, then the last five months he’s been surveying the territories seeing what needed to be done, who needed the most help, there was no time and no proper venue.  Truth is I don’t think he even wants it but…”

“Let me guess, Lady Kryze wanted one, so she could ‘mark her territory’ right?”

“You really don’t like her?” He chuckled

“You do?”

“Nope.  But I don’t have the luxury of being so vocal.”

“Ahh well see that’s where being a farm doctor comes in handy.”

“If I’m not overstepping, I would very much …” he cleared his throat, and rubbed the back of his neck, “What I mean to say is that I would very much like you to be my date for the inaugural ball, if you were so inclined.”

I was shocked, Paz was asking me out and to such a fancy event, “Really?”

“I asked to deliver the invitation, so I would have a chance to speak with you”

“That’s so sweet” I couldn’t help but blush, “I would love to, thank you.”

Paz simply nodded, and stood.  The ball was in two weeks, Paz and I agreed that I would meet him there.  I had one of the older women of the village make me a dress from one of the best materials I could find.  It wasn’t super fancy, but it was elegant.  She even dyed the dress so it would match the colour of beskar, a colour I found to be the most beautiful, elegant and simple.  When I saw the dress it was everything I could have imagined it to be.  It fitted tight in all the right areas, but modest and elegant for the event.  I couldn’t wait to arrive and show off to Paz.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Inaugural Ball Night….

Well, I certainly expected this evening to go much differently than it was going.  First, Paz’s charm faded quite quickly.  It started to fade when he showed up 15 minutes late, then it ebbed away even more when he started to drink a bit too much, more when he tried to grab my butt, saying it was an accident, and completely left when he left me alone for an hour, when I found him again he was busy charming his way into someone else’s arms.  

I felt utterly humiliated, I could just imagine what everyone at the ball was thinking, this pathetic farm doctor was completely out of her depth and she should have stayed home and read.  I needed fresh air, away from the chattering di’kuts.  I asked one of the servants if there was somewhere I could go for some fresh air, she was kind enough to point out a door that looked hidden to the left of me, I nodded my thanks and headed out.  I just needed a moment of peace.  Actually, what I really needed was a stiff drink, but I wasn’t much of a drinker and I needed to get home. 

As soon as I walked out the doors the fresh air hit me like a punch in the face, it was cool, calming, and absolutely perfect.  I closed my eyes for several minutes, tears were beginning to prick me, thinking of how hard the older woman worked for my dress, how excited I was to get the invitation, to learn that the Head Guard was nothing more than a bully when drunk.   I knew I deserved better, but it was still a little bruising to the ego.  I heard a shift in front of me, and I opened my eyes to see a man, I hadn’t seen before, dressed in an exquisite suit.  His hair was dark with beautiful curls, his eyes warm and brown, his skin tanned.  I realized I had seen that face throughout the evening, somehow it was always around, that’s when I noticed the red sash draping him. 

“Mand’alor” I curtsied instantly, “forgive me, I didn’t mean to stare, or intrude your solitude.  I am also sorry for curtsying, not sure why I’m doing that, or why I haven’t moved.”

He let out a chuckle, his voice was so different from what I remembered and played over in my head.  I looked up at him and stood.

“You’re really nervous, huh?”

“Told you, it’s a weird thing.  Anyways, I’ll leave you, I didn’t mean to interrupt” I turned to head out.

“Wait” he said wait, right? I’m not imagining it.  I stood there, not saying anything, not turning around just in case I misheard, “I wouldn’t mind some company.”

I turned slowly, almost like sneaking up on a loth-cat. I didn’t want to ruin this moment, “You sure?”

“Yes, and you can move faster, I’m not gonna choke you again by accident.”

I let out a giggle, “Well thank the stars for that” I let out laughing.  I stood by the door for a bit, we just seemed to stare at each other, not sure what the next step was.  I noticed how his hands were clenching and unclenching.  I tried to look in every direction but the one I wanted to, he was ridiculously handsome, and in his suit even more so, not to mention to know what his chest looked like under there… Okay focus, woman!

“How … how are you um… how are you enjoying the ball?” He finally let out

“Oh … it’s … um … it’s great!” Why did I say that? It’s not great! I’ve been humiliated.  

“Oh… that’s … that’s good”

“How … How about you?  How are you enjoying the ball?”

“Oh … it’s … um … it’s great!” He offered

“You’re hating this as much as I am, right?”

“I think even more” we both laughed, here we were trying to prevent the other one seeing how this wasn’t exactly our scene, “I’d rather be in my ship, not the one I have now, my first ship …” he got this far away look in his eyes. 

“What happened to it?”

“What makes you think something happened to it?”

“You have the same look my patients get, when they lose someone they love.  If you want to talk about it, I’m a really good listener.”

He thought about it for a second, and motioned for me to sit at the nearby bench, he took the seat beside me, “I haven’t really talked about this with anyone, I mean Bo and Paz each know a bit of it, but not the whole thing.”

“Well you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, or reveal more than you wish to”

His lips pulled into one of the most beautiful smiles I had ever seen, he began telling me how he originally was a bounty hunter, how he saved a small child after giving him to the Empire.  How he regretted that decision, but he made up for it by looking after him like he was his own son.  How he lost his ship, how his son was kidnapped.  How eventually he obtained the darksaber, and retrieved his son, only to give him up afterwards because he needed to be with his own kind. 

“Wow! That’s … wow!” He simply nodded to my speechlessness, “No wonder, it took you a few months before you took up the mantle.  If I were you I would still be 5 bottles deep in spotchka, rocking back and forth like a baby.  The fact that you’re here, doing what needs to be done …” I looked to the floor for a second, “… you impress me.”  I couldn’t hide the blush that he seemed to bring out so naturally. 

“This is the way”

“This is the way”

“How come you’re not enjoying the ball?  I was sure Paz wouldn’t have let you out of his sight”

“Oh you mean my date who showed up late, than progressively got drunker throughout the night, tried to grab my butt, and is currently shacking up with some bimbo in the coat’s closet,” the Mand’alor’s eyebrows shot up to his head, “it’s okay, not the first worst date, I’ve had.”

“I can speak to him, if you’d like”

“No, thank you.  Honestly … I’m not even sure why I said yes to him.  I guess, I just wanted to be …” 

“Seen”

I looked my King in his eyes, and nodded, “Yeah, I thought … when I saw him at my Med Centre, I thought maybe …” maybe you had told him to come there, definitely not voicing that out loud. 

The Mand’alor looked away from me towards the sky, I clearly overstepped, and made him nervous. 

" You know" he began, "I asked Paz to go and drop the invitation off to you.  I told him, I wanted to invite you personally but he said it would be better if I go, less imposing that way." 

My mouth gaped open "Really?" My tone was incredulous to say the least. 

He turned to look at me, "What?"

I shook my head, "Paz told me he asked to drop off the invite because he wanted to ask me to the ball.  Had I known … I'd never …. Wow.  I sure know how to pick them huh?"

He didn't say anything, just smirked, "Do you know what he and Bo told me when he came back after dropping the invite?"

I simply shook my head, "That you had told them you were only being friendly to make it easier to treat me, that you were always interested in Paz." 

Oh my blood was boiling, how could they? I looked at the ground "Did you believe them?"

"No"

I turned to look at him, a smile forming, "Good"

"I'm pretty good at reading people"

"I wish I could do that, I'm no good at reading people unless I'm healing them."

"What did you read from me?"

"Your hands spoke volumes"

"Really?"

I nodded, motioned to him to pass me his hand, he did it without hesitation. Holding his hand it felt right, felt as though I had been missing the extra.  "Your hands tell a story" I kept my eyes focused on the calloused hands that still felt so soft. 

I began tracing his hands, "You learned how to fight since you were small, the knuckles are expanded, an indication of increased calcium deposits.  Your hands are soft, which means you still take care of them, because you wear gloves, but not cheap gloves. Gloves that are expensive and will protect from knives, rough terrain.  However, you can be a bit careless, these tiny scratches on the back of your hand means something sharp slipped into your gloves probably when you were climbing the side of a cliff or something.  You keep your nails trim and clean, which means you're a man who appreciates cleanliness, and order.  Actually the order part I'm guessing at but makes sense.  You're gentle, but know how to protect. The calluses on your palms show how you've trained over and over again using your blaster.  The muscle on your shoulder, here," I reached over and stroked his shoulder, "shows you've trained with a rifle.  The paled cuts, clearly from when you were learning how to handle a knife, there’s a cut that looks like someone tried to cauterize it on your upper left arm, clearly someone who either didn’t care about what they were doing or were in a rush to get the bleeding to stop, because no respectable physician or medic would have used something so brutal to seal such a deep cut.”

He cleared his throat and took his free hand to rub the back of his neck, “I … I did that,” I nodded and gave his hand back.

“Anyways, that’s basically what I could read, but that doesn’t mean anything without getting to know someone.”

“Still that’s quite the skill.  Would it be alright if I tried it on you?”

“Uh… yeah, sure.”

He took my hands this time, caressing my palm, once again I was amazed by how my hands dwarfed his, his touch was gentle, his hold pleasant.  It wasn’t painful, just the right amount of pressure to know he was there, and I could trust him.  

“You have soft hands, the hands of someone who cares for those who need a loving hand.  Your nails are short to make sure you don’t injure anyone you’re working on.  You have slight cuts probably from hard work, something you used to do, as the cuts are old.  Your palms are calloused, but not in the way of holding a blaster calloused, they’re calloused from hard work, field work, and from working with the tools of your trade.”

He took my hand and held it to his cheek, having me cup his cheek, “These are the hands of someone who captured my heart from the moment you climbed onto the flatbed and gently assessed my condition.  The hands of someone who I could see as my future.  The hands of someone who I would like to get to know.  To feel these hands all day long.”  He held my hand and closed his eyes.  “These are the hands of a loving woman who only needs to ask, and I would do anything to give you the stars.”  He took my hand, holding my fingers, my heart was beating so fast, I couldn’t even breathe, “These knuckles,” he left a kiss on them, “show they are willing to fight, willing to defend, but would rather heal.  In short,” he lowered my hand, he held it in his, as he rested them on the bench, “these hands are the hands that will forever live on in my memory, they were the ones that removed my armour with respect, they were the ones that stitched my side with barely any touch, these are the hands that tucked me in, and held my hand when you declared you’d defend me and keep me safe.”

I looked from our hands to him, to his eyes, they were so full of adoration, so full of something I had never seen before. 

“I invited you to the ball, because I wanted to learn all I could about the woman I fell in love with over one afternoon, the woman who gets nervous and becomes the most proper person in the entire universe,” he smirked at that, “I had no idea Paz was going to try and snake his way in, otherwise I would have delivered the invitation myself, and you would never have had a horrible first date.”

I didn’t realize how close we got, his breath was fanning my face, his lips were a mere hair’s breadth from my face, I closed my eyes leaning in.

“My Lord!” came the voice from behind.  I didn’t even have to question who that voice was, it was Bo freaking Katan!  

He let out a huff, “Yes, Bo, what is it?” he leaned back, as did I.  His voice was annoyed, and truly irritated.

“My King, one of your ministers is asking to speak with you.  Apparently, there is a matter of territorial dispute that must be addressed, immediately.”

He turned to look at her, almost saying ‘really?’, “Tell them I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“My …”

I had enough of this, I turned to face Bo, “Lady Kryze, I do believe the Mand’alor, has made his intentions clear.”  I saw from my peripherals how a smirk appeared on his face, and something akin to pride. 

“Excuse me, who are you to address me, you country doctor”

“Bo!” Our King shouted.

I laid my hands on his, “It’s okay, my King, I understand that Lady Kryze is used to getting her own way, after all that’s the way it was back in the day, wasn’t it?”

“If I were you…”

“Ah, but see you aren’t me, and your veiled threats do not frighten me, I have spent a long time learning how to defend myself and my family.  Therefore if I were you, I’d head back inside and wait until the Mand’alor has decided to summon you.”

“You dare dictate terms to me.”

“I dictate terms to the woman who murdered my brother, and has conveniently forgotten her history with the Death Watch.  If you are not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.  Please leave and allow the Mand’alor his privacy.”

“I did not forget my history, what exactly would you know about loyalty?”

“About as much as you do apparently, but then again I’m not the one who fought side by side with Pre Vizsla, dictating terms to your so-called own people, killing at will because they were weaker than you.  I still remember, as though it were yesterday, the day you and your Death Watch entered my village.  You claimed you were in need, we offered to take you in, we gave you food, shelter, clothing, and what did you do, you betrayed us, held us hostage.  Made the women serve Pre Vizsla and his men.  Forced our own men to be weak by threatening to hurt any of us. I may have only been 6 years old, but I do remember how my brother stood up for us.  How he fought to get rid of you, and you were the one who killed him.  He was only 15, barely old enough to even be considered a man, yet he had more dignity than you hold in your pinky.  He understood what it meant to be a good man.  How about the fact that you were partly responsible for the Empire being on Mandalore, because you and Pre Vizsla helped Darth Maul take control of Mandalore.  Were you loyal to your sister, when you were partly responsible for her death.”

I felt his hand hold mine, I could feel his eyes on me, watching me trying to fight back the tears, trying to hold it together.   I almost missed the glint of happiness in Bo Katan’s eyes. I was so distracted by his concern, I wasn’t expecting to hear what Bo said next. 

“My love, ner Mand’alor, please understand, my love, my King, that was a long time ago.”

I turned from Bo, to the man holding my hands, the man who declared his love to me, the man who was so loving and so charming.  I pulled my hand out of his.  His face was one of shock.  I saw how his face turned from me, to Bo, “Bo, please wait inside.  I will be there shortly.”

He didn’t deny what she said.  He didn’t deny her affections.  Why does he look guilty?  What … oh I am such a fool!  I really can pick them can’t I!  I stood from my seat once Bo had left us alone, I moved my eyes to meet his’ and stood as tall as I could.  I swallowed, hoping to keep the tears and warm bubble that was wanting to erupt from my throat down.  

I bowed to my King, “I apologize, my King, for keeping you from your duties.  I apologize for my attention as well.  I wish you well.” I bowed once more and exited as fast as my feet were willing to move, I heard him call me.  I could hear rushed steps coming up behind me, I’m not sure what happened, but it seemed everyone was calling to get his attention.  I didn’t look back, I just needed to get out of there, I needed the safety of my home, I was brought here simply to be amusing entertainment for the upper class.  I should have learned my lesson from Paz.  I climbed on to my shuttle and took off, I didn’t wait for anything or anyone.  

I don’t know how long I lay on my bed still in my dress crying, I simply remember feeling the warmth of the sun, warm my cheek.  I rose from my bed to look out the window, I was destined to be alone, I was destined to live my years taking care of others.  I resolved and vowed to the rising sun, I would make sure to treat all those who came to me, with utmost love and care.  Maybe I was entertainment for them, but they didn’t break me.  

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Two months later ….

“How are the new treatments working, Jael?”

“They’re amazing.  The pain in my lower back is practically gone.  How did you figure it out?”

“Just a bit of tinkering with some of my experiments”

“You are an amazing healer, doc, honestly this community is beyond grateful to have you here.”

“Thank you, Jael, you are too sweet”

Jael nodded to me, a silent thanks.  We continued talking as we headed out of the exam, mainly just basic community gossip, I walked him to his speeder, waving him goodbye.  I turned to see my assistant running up to me, from the Centre.  

“What’s wrong?”

“I just heard,” she said gasping, “I heard from Forlu,” it had been two months since the young guard showed up at the Centre again, looking for my assistant, apparently the attraction was mutual, and they had now been dating.  He always kept her up-to-date with the gossip from the Palace. 

“Not sure, I want to hear anything about any news from the Palace”

“No, you’re going to want to hear this” she wrapped her arm through mine, “Paz Vizsla is no longer the Head Guard, Lady Kryze was stripped of her title.”

I stopped and looked at her, “What?”

“Apparently, they were conspiring together, to take over the throne.”

“Humph, not surprised to tell you truthfully.”

“Maybe the Mand’alor …”
“Stop!”

“I’m just saying …”

“No! I …” I let out a sigh, and ran my hand over my face, “I was stupid for thinking the Mand’alor was interested.  I’ve had nothing but heartache thinking and wishing he’d just show up at my door, explaining how everything was a big misunderstanding.  But it’s been two months, and nothing.  I can’t …” I let out another loud sigh, as we continued to walk inside the Centre, “I can’t keep hoping, it’s killing me.  I need to move on, and just realize this is it” I motioned to my Centre, “this is all I’ll ever have in life.”  She held her eyes on mine, sadness appeared there, “It’s okay, Avoga, honestly, I’m happy with my life.  Honestly, I’m happy.”

“I’d believe you more, if you didn’t just repeat yourself, sounding like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, “Maybe I am.”  She threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.  

“You’ll always have me,” she said into my hair.

I laughed at that, “That is until Forlu decides to make you his riduur” I joked.  

“Even then, you are like a sister to me, I’m not leaving you behind.”  

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

A month later ….

Avoga had left for the day, it was a slow day, and she wanted to get ready for her date with Forlu. I was cleaning up the exam rooms and tidying up the waiting room.  When I heard the door behind me open. 

“I’m sorry but the Centre is closed” I shouted over my shoulder, while I cleaned the floors, “if this is an emergency, I can help you but otherwise you’re gonna have to come back tomorrow.”

I turned holding the broom in one hand to the person who walked in, and there was that helmet, that face, the face I only saw once, but I was determined to declare it the most handsome face in the entire universe.  Those warm brown eyes that practically peered into my soul, that night in the garden. 

“My King,” I curtsied, cursing myself, I heard him chuckle a little, “I didn’t realize it was you” I slowly rose.

“You can call me Din”

“I don’t believe that would be appropriate, Mand’alor Djarin.  After all, I’m a simple country doctor who is used for the entertainment of those in power.  A lowly servant such as that doesn’t deserve to be on a first name basis with our King.”

I moved to put away the broom, I didn’t care if I had swept everything, I needed to get out of here. 

“Please,” he said as he walked towards me, “please, hear me out, just… let me apologize for everything and then you can decide if you never want to see me again.” I gripped the broom with more strength then I possibly could, my knuckles were turning white, my hand started to hurt, when I realized what I was doing I put away the broom, and turned to face my King. 

I simply nodded, there were no words that I could say that would express my exact sentiment at this moment.  He motioned to some of the chairs in the waiting room, I noticed how he held his helmet, it was gentle, a thing he valued, and cared for.  I walked over to one of the chairs, he left a chair in between us and sat in the next one. 

“I think … no, I should start from further back.  When I was a child my parents died by Separatist droids, they had hidden me in the community storage, if it were not for the Mandalorians, I would have died.  They saved me, took me in as one of their own.  I grew up with Paz Vizsla, we were raised in the same fighting corps, he was always … I don’t want to say jealous but annoyed by me.  Annoyed by how quickly I picked up handling a blaster, how quickly I learned how to defend myself, and my ability to defeat opponents twice my size.  He had always looked for a way to get even with me.  I thought when I became Mand’alor, and he dedicated his life to me, that we had moved on from children’s squabbles, but apparently that hadn’t been the case for him.  When he saw how enamoured I was with you, he took that as an opportunity to try and one-up me. Thankfully, his own vile personality couldn’t be controlled for too long, and you didn’t have to suffer being attached to a man like that.

Apparently, Bo Katan Kryze, was also looking for ways to make me suffer, punish me for taking something she deemed rightly hers.  Her right to the throne.  I know quite a few did support her at one point, but many saw her, the same way as you did.  I was never involved with her.  She had been flirting with me since I took up the mantle as Mand’alor, I ignored her.  She knew nothing could happen between us, nothing would ever happen between us.  I’ve had so many choices taken from me, so many times where I had no choice but to either follow the Creeds code, the Bounty Hunter’s code, the Mandalorian code, the only choice I knew was always mine, was who I would fall in love with.  

I didn’t even think it was going to happen, that was until I ended up in front of your Med Centre, and then my whole world turned upside down.  I can’t breathe, I can’t eat, I can’t think of anything but you.  You are the only one I’ve ever wanted.  Even when I was challenged for the darksaber, I didn’t have it within me to fight it to hold on to the mantle of Mand’alor.  I have been Mand’alor for almost two years now, and I thought I was doing a good job, that is until I saw how Paz and Bo treated you.”

He stopped for a second and shook his head, “You never deserved to be treated that way, I should never have let you run away from me that night.”  He locked eyes with mine, my tears were welling up, I couldn’t believe this was happening, this was … this couldn’t be … “After that night” he continued, “I knew what I needed to do, I found the evidence I needed to strip Paz and Bo of their titles and status, I made sure our government was set up, I didn’t want the throne when I won accidentally, and after that night, I had never wanted it less.  I did everything to make sure the infrastructures were in place, everything was set up and everything was ready for the next Mand’alor.  I lost the darksaber, for you.  I want to be a simple country doctor’s husband, a man who can tend to his own fields, who will make his home warm and loving for you, a man who will care for you, after you’ve taken care of healing all those who need your soft and tender hands.  I want to be the man who wakes up beside you, who hears our kids calling our names wanting us to settle a dispute, a man who spends his nights reading to you, and our kids.  A man who will work harder than he’s ever worked in his life to make sure you know you are loved without a doubt, that I see you, that I’ve seen you from the moment you walked into my life, that I will continue to see you even after I lose my eyesight.”

Tears had started to stream down my face, this can’t be happening, I watched through tears, as he picked up his helmet and moved it off the seat that was between us and moved to the seat next to me.  He reached up and cupped my face, “Will you let me be the man, who knows you deserve all the love I can give you and so much more?”

I nodded, I couldn’t speak, the tears didn’t stop coming he brushed off what he could, he leaned forward and pulled me into a kiss, my arms wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss, his hands moved to my waist, pulling me in even closer.  He tasted sweet and minty, his scent filled me completely.  We pulled back when we both needed to breathe, I rested my forehead against his.  

“I’m sorry for running away that night” I let out, finding my voice finally.

“I tried to run after you, but some ministers blocked my path. By the time I made it outside, I saw your ship pulling up and you were gone.  I knew at that moment, I was determined to do what I needed to do, so I could be free for you.”

“So you said you fought the challenger for the darksaber?”

“Yes”

“Is he a good man?”

“One of the best, an honourable man, I researched him thoroughly before our match’’
“Any injuries I should be aware of?”

“Just my broken heart, which you’ve already managed to heal, mesh’la”

“Anyone’s sheb you would like me to kick, maybe Bo Katan?”

He laughed the best laugh I had ever heard, it was boisterous, warm, and filled the room, “Maybe later, cyar’ika, right now, I was hoping to take you out to dinner first.”

“Sounds perfect, ner copikla cabur” (my charming protector)