Odd Bounty

A Choice Given

It had been a week since she had last seen Din and she was increasingly worried that he wasn't ever coming back.

So she tried to take her mind off of him...off of worrying about him.

The farmstead was thankfully in need of quite a few repairs and so she threw herself into helping her father. Learning at his side how to clean the fans for the pumps, how to fix the wiring for the lights and turrets and how to properly program and set the perimeter alarms.

Today she was learning how to repair the tiller so they could prepare the ground for planting. It was hard work but it kept her occupied.

By the second week, the farmstead was fully operational and a few people from the town came to help plant. One such person was a young man named Berun Tyralt.

He was handsome and easy-going, quick to laugh and he had a kind smile.

He never strayed too far from her since that first day they met and was always bringing her flowers or small gifts.

She always thanked him but when he would try to lean in and kiss her, she would panic, quickly turning her head and letting his lips land on her cheek.

He would always apologize after. "Sorry, Tel. I'll...uhh...see you around."

Telana didn't know why but it just didn't feel right...something felt off with Berun.

He wasn't Din.

She bit her lip at the thought of him. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted him to be the one to kiss her but he hadn't returned yet.

Would he even come back?

'Try to be happy here...not for me but for you. You deserve it.'

She wouldn't be happy here...not without him.

Telana didn't know anything but that.

He made her happy.

/ - / - / - /

When the ship landed, Din emerged from his bunk and slipped the small bag into his belt.

Boba eyed it confused.

"What do you got there?"

He didn't answer him and Boba chuckled.

"It's for Telana?"

Din stilled and after a moment nodded sharply.

"The Armorer gave it to me to give to her. Well, that is..." He trailed off.

Fett cleared his throat, "Damn kid. Just what did you have to clear up with your mom?"

"She's not my mother, Fett. She is an honored matriarch of the covert. Everyone goes to her for advice."

"So, what you went to her to see if you could ask Telana to marry you?"

The younger hunter shifted back and forth, tugging at his vambraces.

"I...I may have already made a claim."

That set Fett off and he threw his head back and laughed hard.

"Kid, you really are in trouble."

"Shut up, Fett."

"I've been married before, Din. I know what it means when you find someone who drives you up a wall insane but also tears at your chest until all your weak spots are exposed."

That stunned Din and he could only stand there, head tilted.

"What you don't expect though is how they fill in those weak spots and you find yourself stronger than before. I hope Telana's that woman for you kid. After the child went with the Jedi you've been lost...I hope you find some semblance of peace. Maker knows it difficult enough for us hunters...even more so for Mandalorians."