Under the Beskar

A New Threat

DIN'S POV

The second the woman disappeared, he felt helpless. He could not walk or stand. His armor is on the floor in the corner, and he can't reach his weapons. Yet, this woman has been kind and thoughtful towards him, even though she shouldn't be. He knows he is being too rough and cold for no reason. He has gotten so used to everyone threatening his life, that this caring and warm environment is uncanny and feels very foreign to him. He closed his eyes under his helmet and lets out a frustrated sigh. He's never been this injured where he needed expert help from a healer. He usually is able to patch himself up and continue with his work.

He couldn't help but feel a little guilty that he reacted so harshly. It was his natural reaction after his armor was removed while he was unconscious. That woman is quite assertive with him, which he finds captivating and irritating at the same time. Most people are normally turned off by his menacing appearance and hostile behavior, which apparently doesn't have any affect on her. He knows she's a Jedi, and although she has denied it, he knows the truth. He felt it when she healed him. As he continues to lay on the bed in this enclosed medical room, there are many thoughts and questions going through his mind. Does anyone here know what she is?

NIA'S POV

She has met so many people in her travels as a healer and wandering nomad. She hardly ever stays in one place for too long. Always on the move. Always running. Never belonging anywhere, even here on Felucia. She has gotten used to the isolation, but her profession has given her a sense of purpose. Yet, there is always something missing in her life. An empty feeling inside her that cannot be filled with the duties of her career. After their first interaction, she feels that this Mandalorian is quite different than the others she's met in her life. Every action from him sets off a reaction from her as well. It's like a game of wits, seeing who is more in control of the other. A power play of dominance. For her it's unusual and uncommon, yet enticing and frustrating at the same time.

She left her old life to study the Force, and to dedicate herself to helping those in need. Two years ago, she arrived here to learn about the rare nysillin plants, and to research the mysteriously strong Force power that surrounds this planet. The owner of the clinic, the assistant, as well as those in the town who have received treatment from her, all know that she wields the Force. Even so, this settlement has been very peaceful and quiet. No one has ever made her feel unwelcome or uneasy about living here. She's not a Jedi, and she never considered herself one ever since she escaped Coruscant as a child. For as long as she's lived here, she hasn't seen one bounty hunter - that is - until he showed up!

Yet she recognizes his deep voice, but it's probably just a coincidence. It's interesting that he is carrying the darksaber. How did it end up in his possession? She knows the old traditions. It must be won in single combat. Is that what he did? He definitely has a story to tell, one that she would be interested to learn more about. However, she knows he will want to leave this place the moment he can and never return. Perhaps it's for the best. Her relationship with the Mandalorians who rescued her didn't end well. It's also not a good idea to have a bounty hunter snooping around.

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Nia soon returned holding a tray of hot soup and a cup of cold tea. As she glanced over to where his bed is, she saw the man was still looking away from her.

"I hope you like vegetable soup. Our fields are very healthy this time of year," she says, walking over to place the tray on a nightstand to the left of his bed. "This is a very powerful medicinal tea made from the local nysillin plant. It will help bring down the swelling and ease the pain. So I expect you to drink it," her voice coming out more hardened yet caring.

Once again, he didn't acknowledge her or look at her. He continued staring at the wall beside him and said nothing. The woman walked up closer to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Here, I'll help you."