Under the Beskar

Unexpected Comfort

DIN'S POV

Din has no idea how long he has been laying awake, alone in the dimly lit room. Thoughts of Asra kept pouring into his mind. She knows about the Tribe, but how is that possible? Her name is unknown to him but her voice reminds him of someone he knew long ago, but it could just be a coincidence. He grunted as he looked over at the nightstand to his left. He sees his helmet, the remote control, the cup of water, and the sleeping pill resting on the top of it.

Two things he is realizing as he shifted his gaze back towards the ceiling. One, his leg fucking hurts! Each time he moves or shifts his weight, a jolt of agonizing pain is felt from his hip to his knee. And two, sleep is becoming nearly impossible. He's very uncomfortable about taking the sleeping pill. Just the thought of being unconscious again, especially in an unfamiliar place, around people he doesn't know, and with his precious armor on the floor makes him feel ill.

It's agonizing to lay in this bed with a broken leg, unable to move or get up on his own is killing him. He has no idea what time it is, but it could be around midnight or so at this point. He could contact her. Make up an excuse. Maybe he could ask for a painkiller or something. Another hour or so goes by as he thinks about what he's going to do next. The longer he waits, the harder it gets to make a decision.

It was almost like being kept in a dark cage, unable to escape or move. He has never felt this pathetic or pitiful in his life. He's had plenty of close calls and broken bones, but never this extensive or serious. He didn't want to admit that he wished she was here with him. Her boldness and confidence was appealing as it was frustrating, yet she was also tender and comforting at the same time. The way she cares is not something he normally encounters with people he's met. Most are either terrified of him, or try to kill him for his beskar. He's used to violence and weapons being aimed at him.

Overtime, the urge to speak to her became too overwhelming. Finally, he decided to give in and press the call button on the remote control. After a few seconds, he hears her beautiful calming voice through the audio transmitter.

NIA'S POV

Darkness fell upon the small farming village as residents all head inside for the night. After she locks up the clinic, she heads home for dinner and unwind after a long day. Her tiny single-story house is made of the dense mushroom stalks from the nearby jungle. A small square window above the kitchen sink is her only view of the outside. Everything she could ever need is under one roof. Yet there are days where she wonders what planet she would like to see next. She's never been to Kashyyyk, a tropical planet and home of the Wookiees. Or Ibaar, another faraway planet with mountainous terrain.

Traveling was always something she enjoyed. Learning about the various cultures and traditions of the inhabitants was her passion. Yet, she couldn't help but yearn for companionship. This is the reason why she has stayed on Felucia all this time. Maya has been her close friend, and has welcomed her into the community and into her life. Very aware of her Force ability, Maya has always been fascinated with how Nia heals her patients, seemingly effortlessly each time. As a physician, Maya has performed numerous surgeries and procedures over the course of her life. Recently, Maya hardly touches her equipment due to Nia's incredible talents, and some of the residents even call her a miracle.

As Nia heats up leftover food for dinner, she walks over to remove a floorboard from underneath her bed. She has kept her lightsaber in a hidden compartment, away from the prying eyes of her neighbors, but today she's feeling an urge to hold it. She takes it out, closes the shades of the window, and ignites the blade. The color of the kyber crystal is a rare teal color, representing great devotion, honesty and trustworthiness, traits which are imperative for healers. As she stares into the turquoise glow, her mind wanders to her youth, the day she first constructed her saber back at the Temple on Coruscant. How great it felt to have her first saber. She wanted to be a Jedi. It was all she ever dreamed about at the time.