Kyr'bes - King of Crowns

Keldab

You were awake at first light. Like always. Your body was on a strict schedule. As soon as your eyelids caught the light, you were wide awake.

You used to start your days with exercise around the base, keeping yourself focused on staying on your feet, but with the new cuffs over your wrists and a sore back, you decided to just wait for the others to wake up.

When the wagon finally rolled into the edge of the village, you felt both Cara and the Mandalorian shift, waking up suddenly to the cries of excited children and villagers greeting the wagon.

It was a nice thing to see. People excited to see you, instead of fearing your arrival. It made a grin pop over your face as The Mandalorian sat up.

"It looks like they're happy to see us." Cara remarked.

"It looks like it." He agreed.

"Everyone, they're here!" You heard someone shout behind the crowd, shadowing the wagon as the Mandalorian moved first.

The child stirred, bleary eyed and tired as he heard a commotion, groggily sitting up from your hold as a small group of children came to see him.

"Hi!" One greeted, a little girl with dark hair.

"He's so cute!" Another cooed. "Aw!"

The Mandalorian had to help you off the cart, keeping you steady as you stumbled over the wheels. You slipped, but he caught you, keeping a hand over your arm as he steadied you.

As you made your way to the village, passing by pools of water, you let yourself take in the sights of the tiny clearing.

It was a circular village, a few dozen huts and houses centered around the pools, crossed by gangplanks and wooden boards. It was cozy. A few other farmers had paused in their tasks to gawk at you all. Clearly still in cuffs, you ignored their stares as The Mandalorian followed the farmers to a smaller hut on the edge of the village. His hand was on your rm, guiding you through the village with a steady palm keeping you balanced.

It was small, and clearly outfitted to be the hut you'll stay in temporarily. A curtain was draped over the entrance, tied back to let the air inside.

There was another woman against the back wall, seemingly finishing the last touches of the hut as she heard you both enter.

When she turned, your breath caught in your throat. Oh, stars. She's gorgeous. With long, dark hair and a kind expression, you could also feel the Mandalorians grip sway at the sight of her. Her dark eyes glinted with a smile as she spotted the Mandalorian.

"Please, come in." She asked. Even her voice was gentle.

"I hope this is comfortable for you. I'm sorry, all we had was the barn."

"This will do fine." The Mandalorian reassured her.

"I stacked some blankets over here." She pointed beside her. He followed her gaze, and looked back at her. "That's very kind. Thank you."

He didn't take any more steps inside, but instead you felt his knee jerk reaction. He pulled the blaster from his hilt and whirled to the door, keeping you between whoever was behind.

Then, he suddenly dropped the blaster as soon as you both saw dark hair whip around the corner, and a childish gasp.

"This is my daughter, Winta." She reassured him.

He dropped his blaster to the table, and you knew he felt sheepish. Keeping a hand on your arm, his grip had tightened. It was almost painful. "We don't get a lot of visitors around here. She's not used to strangers."