Private Hello Again

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Onderon, Japrael Sector, Inner Rim Territories
​

This is a grand city. Minerva thought as she viewed the ancient structures above her, walking through one of the bustling streets.

The last time she was here it involved war against the crusaders. A battle worthy of song and she would do it again in a heartbeat against those slaving, child killing zealots. For now though the warrior sought no conflict but rather some R&R. Being associated with the New Mandalorians, Minerva was allowed in the capital once her identity and past involvement in the city's defense was confirmed.

She marched forth in full gear. Of course she had the New Mandalorian emblem blazed on the left shoulder in case it was necessary. It wasn't long before Minerva arrived through a market filled with numerous people both local and outworlders alike. The air was filled with incense due to certain venues, others were competing fruit stalls. People gossiped or haggled with one another but Minerva let them be, navigating through the bazaar.

Finally she exited from it and entered into a new park marked with exotic flora seeded from the nearby jungle. In the center was a fountain with crystal clear water somewhat surrounded by multiple people, hanging out. Yet what caught Minerva's attention was a spacer at a piano and a woman next to him, with a holo-michphone getting ready to sing. Curious, the Mandalorian stopped meters from them to watch as did some other bystanders, while others went on their separate ways

Soon the piano began with a gentle tune followed by his partner, singing in the Tao language.

The combination took Minerva's full attention. She became lost in the sad yet hopeful melody that followed, closing her eyes. Standing there the daughter of Jorel allowed her a smile and sighed and the song ended with people clapping including Minerva. The singer and her partner, the latter got up and they both bowed in appreciation, thanking their audience.

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

Trips into the city weren't ones that Drego made often. Not because he disliked them, but just because he was always one who prided himself on self sufficiency.

But every so often, it was required. A broken part, a specialty piece needing to be made, a luxury item needed.

Or, in this case, something much more mundane.

A refill on ammo. The one thing he couldn't make himself.

The sound of singing filled his ears, as he passed by a small stall, and spotted a familiar set of colors. A smirk grew under his helm, as he walked over, and brought a hand up, giving the back of Minerva Fhirdiad 's helm a smack.

"Long time no see."

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Grunting upon impact and taken off guard Minerva twisted around, ready for action. Instead she froze recognizing the armor before her and the voice.

Shock gave way to joy. Laughing out loud Minerva exclaimed.

"Drego you overgrown Gundark! Great to see you!"

Without hesitation she headbutted Ruus' helmet with her own. One bystander rolled her eyes in annoyance and murmured as she walked away. "Lousy Buckets, always loud."

Still laughing, Minerva then asked.

"You passing through the sector or are ya working with Kryze?"

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

Drego's response to the headbutt was a low chuckle, and an offer of a handshake.

"Little bit of both. House Kryze has offered my Clan a home, but you know me. I don't stay in one place for too long. Just in the neighborhood to refill my ammo stocks. I know a guy uptown who does this stuff for half off. You mind hangin' around, or are you up to something here yourself?"

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Firmly shaking Drego's offered hand Minerva listened to her Vod's answer. It made sense. At his question she shrugged her shoulders.

"I was looking for a good shop for weapons and not really doing anything else other than sight seeing."

Gesturing for him to lead the way Minerva followed alongside Drego when he did. A number of people gave them a wide berth, given there were two Mandos. She wasn't insulted by it, because unlike a certain group of murderous self-entitled fanatics the warrior didn't believe she had to gun down folks for looking her in the wrong way in order to be Mandalorian.

Not wanting to dwell on the bad, Minerva remarked cheekily to Drego.

”You sure know how to invite a girl."

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

"Oh, you'd be surprised." Drego chuckled. "I was never good with girls back in my youth. Too much of a foul mouth, always too focused on myself. Well, that, and I was thick as a mountain. Why?" Drego couldn't help but squint under his helm. "You aren't hitting on me, are you?"

The thought, admittedly, amused the Icarii. He'd never been one for romance, but Minerva was always one who had fought beside him.

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

“What if I am?” She asked amusedly in return.

Truth be told Minerva hadn’t given herself much time to pursue romance for a few years on account of her being focused on fighting and whatever tasks she sought. Also there was her trust issues with many fellow Mandalorians that built up from the Enclave to the Neo Crusaders today. Yet Drego defied both and she respected that. Not to mention they fought together a number of times.

Minerva hadn’t forgot how he trusted her with command of his warriors during the battle of Coruscant. She was humbled by that trust. Of course that doesn’t they were made for each other but Minerva was rather curious to see how things could go. Climbing up some steps the other warrior said.

”I dated sometimes when I was younger but I let myself get too busy to really commit truth be told. The guys would tell ya I’m too work obsessive. Guess that‘s fair.”

Reaching the next district she asked. “How far is this shop of yours?”

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

That got a snort. "I guess I could try it. Just don't expect me to be all lovey dovey."

It was worth a shot at least, both of them had always been adjacent to each other. First as former GADF, then as part of the Protectors, now as part of the New Mandalorians, and Drego wasn't sure how long that would last.

At least they would have each other.

"Right up the road." He answered, as he passed a speeder. "Guy used to work with me when I was with the Protectors. After that fell apart, I helped him move shop to here."

Drego led them down the road, then suddenly turned into a back alley. "So what, you want flowers on a first date?"

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Grunting in further amusement Minerva confessed. “Sounds good to me. Don’t expect me to be soft either.“ That lovey dovey stuff was for Nabooanian Operas not her. No she wanted a warrior and a man who won’t bow to the self destructive zealotry that often plagued their people.

She grew curious with the way Drego described this shopkeeper while they went around a speeder. It’s good to have someone you can rely when it comes to weapons. Following her vod, Minerva then heard his new question and rolled her eyes while bumping one of his arms with her elbow.

”Come on Ruus I’m a Mandalorian, not some Twi’lek pop singer who tears up over blue flowers.“

That new holofilm she saw from last week was so stupid and annoying. Then Minerva added with a smirk inside the helm.

”I rather have a good round of ale instead or whisky.”

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad​

"I can do that much. First we hit the gun store, then the bar. A regular mandalorian night on the town." Drego laughed under his helm. Into a back alley door he led them, before opening up to a rather extensive gun shop, a male Twi'lek currently filling a slug round by hand. "Minerva, meet Garand."

"That's what he calls me." The twi'lek smirked. "Name's Gotho Garand. I take it you're a friend of Drego's?"

"Girlfriend, apparently. As of five minutes ago."

"Huh. Guess I'll have to give the fine lady a discount." The twi'lek chuckled. "What can I do ya for?"

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Snorting in amusement at the offered discount Minerva grinned.

"Good to meet you Garand."

Leaning on Drego's right shoulder as she looked around the wares before asking.

"Any scatter guns available for sale? Been wanting an extra close quarters weapon."

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

The sudden contact was...strange. Drego was never one for romance, nor emotional closeness. Not since he lost his entire battalion, not since joining Bralor.

But things change. This was nice. He threw an arm around her waist, and tugged her in slightly.

"Oh, of course. M.I. put out a new shotty a while back that I've got in stock, and a few special order ones if you're wanting something custom. Of course, you could always ask your new boyfriend. Scatterguns are her specialty."

"I could make you something." Drego rolled his shoulders at the thought. He'd never made anything for anyone other than himself, at least...nothing custom. He'd always encouraged his men to learn to make their own armor, own weapons, own gear. After all, no one knows their own gear better than the one who made it.

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

She can't remember how long since someone held her like this that didn't involve hand to hand combat. It felt good, real good. Whether their new relationship will last the day or year or more Minerva intended to seize it.

Hearing Garand's words then Drego's subsequent offer she tilted her helm, facing him. She considered it for a few moments before softly chuckling.

"I'll make something for you too Ori B'amr(Big Boy). We'll have time to think about it all."

Turning back to the weapons merchant she said. "I'll take the MI. Just name me the price."

Letting go of Drego for the time being she would pay whatever Garand said it was.

Standing back Minerva then folded her arms together and playfully added. "Let's see what you'll get here."

Tag: Drego Ruus

 

[Drego Ruus]

Tag: Minerva Fhirdiad
​

That...was a new nickname he'd have to get used to. Not that he disliked it, just...something he might prefer to be called in the privacy of his ship, rather than in public.

Drego smirked as Minerva gave him the room to buy what he needed. Most of it was grenades, the one thing Drego didn't dare craft himself. Messing up making those was one of the few things he didn't seem to risk, though the rest was simple materials. Slugpowder, metal, things he could use to craft his own rounds. It was often one to hide his process behind closed doors, but now he'd had to figure out what Minerva liked.

More importantly, he'd need to figure out how their styles gelled. He wasn't one to do aerial fighting, nor keep his distance. He considered it for a moment. Maybe that would be their second date, trying to figure out where they lied in combat together.

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Of course grenades. We Mandalorians enjoy our explosives. Minerva silently observed.

Deciding not to make it awkward by continuing to stare she inspected her new weapon examining its gun sights and loading mechanism. Nodding in approval she said to the shop owner.

”Thanks again Garand. I'll be sure to come by here whenever I stop by on Onderon for new weapons or ammo."

Once Drego was done she put up the scatter gun and gave a quick nod to let him know she's ready whenever he wants to go. Inwardly Minerva had gotten even more carious about him.

Tag: Drego Ruus