Manda'yaim: A New Beginning

[Judah Lesan]

They had stopped saying their goodbyes at Briika's soeeder as the temptation had been getting very strong, and likely for them both. Mesh'la fussed of course, but as all children do, she eventually gave in. The dog came and laid on the wooden porch next to the swing Graad had stayed in.

"What," Graad asked the canine which was looking at him funny. "I know, I like her too..."

How the dog had thought the guest room was his had been a mystery. Likely because whenever Mesh'la was there the dog slept with her. Graad had typically taken the couch, or remained fully clothed on top of the covers of his own bed when Briika used it. Tomorrow was a big day, so Graad finished his evening chores and waisted no time in going to bed.

As any vhett, Graad was up before the sun getting a start on what he could do before Briika arrived. He worked fast, and efficiently, to get a few days worth of chores done. Fortunately the livestock had not been purchased yet, so the worker droids were simply programmed to keep the irrigation cycle moving. By the time Briika arrived, Graad was packed and ready for her.

"Morning," he said handing her a tumbler with hot caf in it, and one for himself to be deposited in the cup holder. Graad loaded his stuff in the back, and made sure there was room for Atin. The dog was coming too. "Well here we go!"

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

"Are we there yet… Are we there yet," seemed to be the chorus that came from the back seat over and over well before they approached the snow-capped majestic northern mountains of Mandalore. Briika just flashed [member="Graad Hokan"] a smile and kept on driving the packed up speeder. This was all par for the course on a family trip. Perhaps some day it would be an aliit of their own going camping. Did I really just think that?!

Soon enough though, the five Mando'ade and one canine were at their destination. They would set up a campsite along the Grand Fork's river. From there, hunts, fishing, and hiking trips could be easily taken. It would be fun yet educational. Every moment and situation would be utilized to teach something and make it enjoyable at the same time.

"So what should we do first?" Briika asked the group after the finishing touches on their campsite were done.

 

[Judah Lesan]

It was cute about the first thirty minutes. By the time they arrived at the river, Graad wanted to pull his hair out and shoot them all with tranquilizer darts. He smiled in return to the blonde as she likely knew what he was thinking. The first order of business was to let Atin out, then to grab the twins, Valen and Shaen, and teach them what a man's role on camping trip was. Some assumed because daylight was limited one needed to get work done, but warmth was limited also, so they would clear the firepit and build a suitable fire. Briika and Mesh'la would see to clearing the rest of the site.

Once the fire was built, the men grabbed the tent, one large one for the five, and began to set it up, mostly it was Briika and Graad, but the boys were convinced they had helped. Mesh'la was off keeping Atin company. He swore the dog was truly hers, even though it lived with him. When Briika had a handle on the last touches, Graad smiled.

"We're gonna catch dinner of course. Trout tonight, and tomorrow we can all go on a quick hunt for tomorrow's dinner."

The ade were never too young to learn how to use a small blaster. In another six years Mesh'la would be ready for her verd'goten, and this was part of the preparation for it. They all had poles, and in no time, had dinner caught and ready to cook. Night came quickly, so when they all had their fill, the adults put the young ones to bed, and stayed out for a bit sipping on campfire caf. The stars were bright. Graad looked up at them, and sighed out of contentment.

"Mesh'la," he commented about the night sky, "Just like the company," he said finally taking the fist of whether he'd be shot, or the compliment would be accepted.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

"Elek," Briika answered simply, then finished off her caf. She had gotten the double meaning of the rugged Concordian's comment, and if the ade were not around Bree might have rested her head upon [member="Graad Hokan"]'s broad shoulder as they shared a log in front of the fire. Instead, she got up and stretched with a yawn. It was the best way to ward off temptation.

"I'm going to turn in as tomorrow is going to be a full day. Good night, ner vod'ika," Briika smiled, then made her way to the tent. Sleep would come quickly for the baar'ur, and so would dreams; ones that she only dared to think about.

And the next two days were indeed full of lots of hunting, fishing, shooting, bonding and good ol' fashion outdoor fun. By the time the group got to the Tor farmstead in Enceri, civilization was no longer taken for granted. Briika was nervous introducing Graad to her buire, but it seemed Solus accepted him into their family by the way the elder Tor let the man help him in the fire pit as normally that was off limits... Course it helped that Mesh'la had sweetened her ba'buir up before hand, plus the boys thought the ver verd/vhett was cool showing them all about wilderness survival.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad and Briika had certainly found themselves dancing the line very closely during the camping trip. Had their been no children, Graad imagined there would have been certain other activites which would have taken place. The relationship the two adults shared was certainl more than a close friendship. The meeting with Solus in the home smitthy had made that very clear. When asked what his intentions were with Briika, Graad had reassured the goran everything had remained above board and would.

The two came back into the house laugung as if they'd known eachother their entire life. No one would really know what the conversation had been, but everyone would know Solus had approved of the outcome. Dinner was ready, and everyone was getting ready to sit down when Graad's comm buzzed. He looked at the frequency, and knew Briika's would be going off soon as well. One look to everyone at the table, and everyone knew the trip had just been cut short.

Standing and heading outside so the ade did not need to hear the call, Graad conversed with his allit'buir. When he had finished he stepped into the house, and sat back at the table. As always, his daily rememberance was muttered under his breath as the others were dishing up an excellent smelling roast.

"Wayland has been invaded, and Manda'lor has called all able bodied to come to the defense. Briika and I will need to return to Keldabe as soon as the meal is over to retrieve our gear."

The comment was made in passing. This was normal for the Mando'ade. Solus nodded knowing he would be getting more time with the young ones, and the meal was eaten in quiet, and rather quickly on Graad's end. The drums of war had sounded.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Wayland… There weren't enough descriptive words to say how much she hated that Force forsaken planet, well more so it was the enemy that had invaded the Mandalorian planet, but needless to say the experience would forever stick with Bree. It too had made the baar'ur really think about what was and or more so who was important to her, and that life needed to lived fully with the living and those present.

During the trip back to Manda'yaim on the transport carrier, Briika had separated from [member="Graad Hokan"] as her skills as a medic were needed in treating the wounded verd. Once they had off loaded though, the two were reunited, both showing signs though of being physically and emotionally exhausted, yet they were alive and well for the most part.

"All I want right now is a hot bath and a soft bed… And both of those can be found at your yaim. You coming?" the blonde said with a tired smile, then she carefully slung her gear bag over her shoulder that was sore from the near-death escape out of Mount Tantiss and began walking towards her parked speeder at the starport.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Wayland had been a mess. From the very beginning things seemed to be okay, the objective was clear, but the environment complicated things. Graad had decided there was nothing more to be done, and was glad to be off the world as the simple objective had turned into a near death experience. Briika moved off to be with the medical personnel as the wounded needed attention, so Graad was left alone with his thougts, thoughts which focused on a particular baar'ur. Graad was not sure if it was the near death experience, or the fact he was finally ready to, but he embraced the thoughts which had been sequestered to his dreams. Graad finally allowed himself to think of Briika in a romantic light.

His duffle bag was slung over his shoulder as he made his way through the spaceport looking for Bree. He found her filing off the vessel with the medical crews, and offered a tired smile when they finally were reunited. She had stollen the words from his mouth at the thought of a hot bath and soft bed. With his buy'ce clipped to his helmet he grinned another tired grin and popped off a joke that was clearly his sleep deprived brain speaking.

"Well you we're my ride here... I guess if I don't want to walk the whole entire way..." Right. He was going to forget that was even said.

Briika had them to the farmstead in no time, where Graad was quick to leave his beskar'gam at the door. Bree had never minded him running around in just his kute and he was in no rush to organize the mess... he would do it later. His mind was focused on one thing, setting the tub up for Briika, and grabbing his ale so he could head to the porch as Briika enjoyed her soak.

As before, he set the tup in front of the fire place, and grabbed Briika what she would need to dry herself off with, and some of his dry clothes. Heading to the kitchen he quietly grabbed his ale, and headed for the porch as was his habit.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Even as tired as Bree was, she still stacked her beskar'gam in a neat pile by the door in the mudroom area; a creature of habit. So by the time that was done, the tub had been set up. Now was the time Briika needed to make her decision as both her body and heart ached for [member="Graad Hokan"]; to be held and loved by him.

Briika's stomach was tied up in knots and she really wondered if her voice would fail her when her hand reached out to take the rugged Concordian's to stop him as he walked towards the door to give her privacy. A deep breath was taken before the blonde spoke one single word. "Stay," she said softly, giving a gentle squeeze to his hand as their eyes met in the fire light illuminating the room.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Stay."

The soft spoken word rang in his ears louder than Briika could have ever mustered the breath to speak it with. Her staying hand which had taken his caused him to stop in his step, and turn to face her. His heart raced as she led him to the tub before leaving her kute to step into the tub of hot water. No other words were needed as the invitation was clear. Graad left his own kute next to Briika's and slipped into the tub with her.

Several intimate moments followed as the two not only cleaned themselves, but united in a way only true lovers could. Their encounter was not ruled by lust filled passion, or desires of the flesh, though there was no mistaking the desire they had for each other. The encounter was marked by the love they felt toward the other. Feelings neither one had allowed their mouths to express were exchanged in a moment of deep intimacy which would rival the most fabled of love stories. The union had been months in the making, and with the events of near death pushing them to each other, they gave in to the thoughts and feelings which had been kept in the recess of their soul.

When morning came, the two were curled up together on his bed, the top sheet covering their nakedness. The sun shone through the line window, greeting the lovers with the promise of a new day. Typical for a farmstead, the roosters were crowing at the early morning sun, likely cranky that it had interrupted their sleep. A smile stretched on Graad's face as his strong arm pulled the woman closer to him.

"Good morning, cyar'ika" he greeted her. His words matching what his actions did the night before. After all, Graad was a doer, more than a wordsmith.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

The care and tenderness that [member="Graad Hokan"] had shown her for their first time said it all. He truly did love Bree, and she already knew that Mesh'la held his heart too. How had she been so lucky to have found him?

Briika thanked the Manda, then turned her golden head upwards to look into the rugged Concordian's loving brown orbs that in turn gazed back into her blue as he spooned her from behind. "Mhmm It is a very good morning," she smiled, then reached up with her hand and gently pulled Graad's head down to hers, capturing his lips in a sweet kiss.

"I hope you sleep well, ner cyare. I know I did… And now I do not wish to leave this bed. You spoiled me last night. A girl could get used to it. Us."

 

[Judah Lesan]

"So could I," Graad said pulling her that much closer to him. "I have not slept that well in a long time."

The answer was true, and like Briika, Graad did not wish to leave the bed. Instead his hand moved to run his fingers through her long golden locks. He smiled as he finally propped himself up on an elbow. His eyes searched hers for any regret of choosing what she had the night before, and if she felt any, Graad could not find it. He knew she retuned his love, and now that they had expressed it, Graad could not help but caress her skin, even the places which bore evidence of battle and childbirth.

His lips began to slowly kiss her shoulder, just before his stomach growled. Graad could care less about food now. He had everything he wanted in the bed with him. The only piece missing was the sound of Mesh'la's bare feet to inevitably interrupt them. The window was small, he felt, so Graad pushed it.


[member="Briika Detta"]
"You don't have to go back to Kad's. You and Mesh'la could stay here."

 

[Briika Munin]

[member="Graad Hokan"]'s tender kisses and soft caresses made it almost impossible for Bree to think as they were making her insides scream out for more, but not rushing too and just enjoying this moment too was enjoyable. Making love wasn't all about the physical. It was about the emotional as well, and laying here entangled with one another talking was just that.

Briika turned in the rugged Concordian's embrace to face him, then draped a bare, well-toned leg over his to bring them closer. Long, nimble fingertips ran down the dirty blonde's grizzled side of his face. There was cleft in his strong chin. She kissed it, then his lips again.

"I actually was hoping you'd say that because I don't want to, and I know that Mesh'la loves it here. You've become a central part of her young life as mine. Though before we do move here permanently with you I need to do something… formally verbalize ner shuk'la riduurok from [member="Kable Detta"] to his vod'ika, [member="Nolan Detta"]. Since there is no definite proof he is dead after all this time, it's the only way to truly move on. This is not something I do lightly. I did love him as any riduur could, and will always have a special place in my heart for him, but I just can't live in limbo any longer nor do I think it's good for our ad either. Closure is what is needed for everyone involved. And if we are to, well… make an aliit of our own someday, this has to be done."

 

[Judah Lesan]

Her kisses were amazing. The blonde baar'ur had managed a feat not other woman hand managed to accomplish. Briika had captured Graad's heart. A smile pulled at his lips as Briika accepted his invitation for her and Mesh'la to move into his yaim. this made his heart happy, and Graad found himself lost in the eyes of his new found lover. The smile melted away, however, as Briika spoke of shuk'la riduurok. His mind could not bear to think he had been the reason Briika chose to verbalize the break from Kable. She had told Graad it was to move on, and the only way she could, but he found himself asking for reassurance.

"So you are doing this for you and Mesh'la?"

Graad looked away for a moment.

"There is part of me which feels guilty that I've caused this, and another which is happy, because I do want an aliit with you. Especially if you want that as well.".

His forehead pressed to hers as if he was giving her a Keldabe Kiss.

Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, [member="Briika Detta"]," he said before kissing her again.

 

[Briika Munin]

Briika cupped the rugged Concordian's face in her hands and pleaded lovingly with her eyes.

"Gedet'ye, cyar'ika… Do not feel guilty. This has been something I have been contemplating well before we ever met. Ner vod'ika and I talked long and hard about this very matter. He is in the same boat with his riduurok. Ral has not returned either. We both agreed that each of us needed to move on not only for ourselves, but for our ade as well. I've been hesitant up till this point, but now I see the validity of it as clear as day."

His declaration and the kiss sealed the deal.

Briika intertwined their fingers together, then brought their joined hands to the place over her heart. "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, [member="Graad Hokan"]," she replied, using the same declaration, then after a moment she smiled mischievously.

"Why don't you spoil me a little bit more before we have to get on with our day… "

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad smiled. He loved Mesh'la as if she were his own, but she could wait another morning without her mother, as Graad was going to enjoy the time he had with Briika alone for the moment. Graad laid on his back as he pulled his lover to him. The two shared a wonderful moment or four, before they were ready for the day, and on the road to retrieve Mesh'la. When they picked her up, Graad was certain the adults could tell a little extra spring in the the step of the two lovers, but fortunately nothing was said.

A few weeks had passed and with the loss of Wayland, Graad became concerned about the safety of Manda'yaim. Without saying a word, Graad had been working on a ship to take his "aliit" somewhere else. There was talk about the culture returning to one of a nomadic one. Graad liked this, and made certain steps to prepare everyone for change.

The thought made Graad sad, because the farmstead had truly become a home for him. It was here he gained what he lost all those years ago. Briika and Mesh'la had given him what he had always guarded against, and shown him how foolish it had been. The thirty two year old Concordian walked back from the far fields where he had been keeping his project. Mesh'la was playing with Atin, and the smell of a hot dinner greeted his nose. A smile tugged at his face. The scene was too perfect. How was it they made him so happy?

Graad scooped Mesh'la up on his way into the yaim despite being tired and sweaty after a long day of weeding the near ready crops. Harvest would be on them soon, and Graad knew they would need these funds for emergency. He knew he needed to say something to Briika about his concerns soon, but they were so happy, and Graad did not want to take that away from them.

Setting Mesh'la down, he walked up behind his blonde partner, and wrapped his strong arms around her before leaving a trail of kisses down her neck. He still smelled of the earth, and would need to bathe later, but not until after he ate.

"It smells wonderful, and I'm hungry! What have you made for us tonight?"

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

The baar'ur was being domestic today. Since Briika and Mesh'la had moved in with [member="Graad Hokan"] after the two Mando'ade declared their love for one another, the farmstead's yaim had become cluttered with a mix match of their things stuck here and there. The place needed a good cleaning too so that was her major task for the day; to give some order to the living quarters.

While Bree tackled that, she sent her ad out to do the barn chores and tend to the livestock. Later the mother and daughter would weed and till the garden together they had planted. Course the young girl's constant companion, a large canine named Atin, would keep them company and watch over them while the vhett was out working on the south forty.

Before making their evening meal, Briika had cleaned herself up a bit and changed out of her work clothes into a simple cotton dress. It had been a scorcher of a day and only now was a breeze starting to cool things off. A smile graced the golden blonde's face as she heard Graad and Mesh'la come in from outside. Bree could finally say with all honesty she was happy once again.

The loose nature of the collar on her dress allowed the rugged Concordian to take advantage of Briika's long neck and bare shoulder as the material had slipped off of it on the one side. His sensual kisses gave her chills down her spine and it was hard to keep focused on stirring what was in the pot on the stove.

"Mhmm I'm glad you think so… I made red gourd soup from the ones picked today from the garden. I also have the left over roasted meat and vegetables from last night warming in the oven," Bree smiled up at him over her shoulder. "Why don't you two wash up, then we can eat."

While they did that, Briika put out the food on the long table. After waiting for Graad to finish his daily remembrance, she served the meal.

"So I went looking for you earlier in the fields to bring you refreshment, but I didn't find you… What have you been up too, hmm?" she asked while casually passing the platter of meat to him.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad washed, but did not change out his work clothes. The checkered shirt was filthy, as well as the brown cotton pants, but Graad was too hungry for a full shower, and soup was sounding too tempting to resist. The woman who made was also too tempting, though Mesh'la being present was a good deterrent from indulging his other desires presently.

There was a natural rhythm to their life now. Both blondes knew Graad would say his daily remembrances at dinner, Mesh'la even began to occasionally, and Briika would wait. She still said hers during the time she took alone each morning. Graad tried to imagine the loss of an infant, but he could not. There was a strong part of him that wanted to give Briika another son to help ease that loss, but he had a feeling no child would ever truly replace the feelings she had for her little Ven'ika.

Briika's question did take Graad by surprise. He should have known he would be discovered at some point. Unfolding the cloth napkin which had been on the table next to his silverware, Graad demonstratively indicated Mesh'la to Briika, then looked back to her.

"I've been working on an expansion of sorts," he answered cryptically.

It simply meant they would discuss the matter later, when Mesh'la was no longer awake.

"I'm sorry you didn't find me in the south forty earlier. This other project has taken a bit of priority as of late. Perhaps we can take a walk after Mesh'ika is asleep. Atin can stay with her."

Graad put a spoonful of the soup in his mouth, and let his face tell Briika how much he enjoyed it. She really could out cook him, and he was fine with that. Briika still enjoyed it when Graad decided to relieve her of kitchen duties to play with his grill and cook them something meaty as he had the night before.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Briika quirked up a brownish-blonde brow as she chewed the food in her mouth when [member="Graad Hokan"] cryptically told them what he'd been doing. 'Working on an expansion of sorts,' the man had said. What the heck did that mean? Now Bree was very curious and anxious to find out especially as the vhett had made clear it was for her knowledge only at this point with the offer to 'take a walk' later.

"Well your loss, cyar'ika… I was bringing you freshly brewed iced tea, sandwiches, and dessert," the older blonde quipped teasingly, knowing Graad would get the double meaning there. Sometimes parents had to get creative in order to acquire 'them' time. "I saved the sandwiches in case you are in need of a midnight snack after our walk, which I look forward too as always."

The rest of the meal was filled with lighthearted talk mostly spurred on by Mesh'la's delightful and insightful musings. She was just as happy as Briika it seemed with the new situation. The young girl had certainly become accustomed to the rugged Concordian being the head of their unofficial aliit. She looked up to him like an ad would their buir as he mentored her with a firm, yet gentle hand. So far, so good, though there was this feeling that things were almost too good. Bree prayed to the Manda to give her strength and patience to weather any thing that would sully their little happy affair. After all the galaxy as a whole wasn't such a carefree place anymore with war drums banging just around the corner from them it seemed nowadays.

After dinner when the dishes were washed and put away, and the evening chores on the farm were done, a very tired Mesh'la was tucked into bed with Atin laying on the floor nearby to watch over her as the canine companion always did. Briika grabbed a shawl from the hallway closet after her daughter was fast asleep, then met Graad on the front porch where he was waiting for her as usual.

"So this expansion of sorts… I guess it's not the one I suggested to you about building onto the back of the house to make more room, hmm?" Briika asked inquisitively as she grabbed his hand and threaded her small fingers into his much larger, callused ones.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"All my favorite things. Especially the dessert," Graad said with a wink.

After dinner, Graad used the shower he had installed in the room he and Briika shared as lovers. They enjoyed the tub, but it was not always practical, and shower served to allow for other fun as well. He came out in fresh clothes. A blue denim shirt, sleeves rolled just before his elbows, and dark wash jeans. He stepped into Mesh'la's room and kissed her forehead, as he did every night, before meeting Briika near the door.

Once they stepped outside, Briika asked her question as her fingers laced together with his. He shook his head. Bree had been pretty insistent on him adding to the yaim recently. Graad had not been, but because he was preparing to leave at a moment's notice should the Capitol be attacked. He had to think about keeping them safe, for he would not lose what he had just gained. It was quiet for a bit as they walked along the edge of the fields along the tall grass. Graad's free hand brushed the fuzzy tips as the passed through.

"I've been building a ship for our aliit. There will be plenty of room for Solus, Ka'ra, Kad, the twins, us, Mesh'ika. With the Primevil so close to Manda'yaim I've been preparing for our evacuation should they choose to strike."

As they came through a small patch of trees, the framework for the vessel was already assembled. A month's work was visible, and it was clear a few more was needed as long as Graad worked alone.

"I should have said something sooner, but I didn't want to worry you or Mesh'ika."

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

The soft, cool breeze felt good after the hot and humid day as Mandalore's sun was setting to the west. The couple walked in pleasant silence hand-in-hand as they made the rounds of the farmstead, though in a way that worried Briika as [member="Graad Hokan"] was in a thinking mood. He often was.

The fields were looking real good and a promising full harvest to come would seem to be the order in the next couple of months; the Manda willing. There were spots along their walk that were conducive to stopping and drinking in their love for one another, but tonight the rugged Concordian was all of seriousness. Her question at the dinner table must have struck a nerve or hit on something of mighty importance. She just didn't know what.

When Graad finally spoke of what he'd been doing and why, Briika was nothing but impressed. The skeleton of the ship he showed her was a sight to be seen. "You did this all by yourself? Wow, just wow… and you did this for us, ner cyare aliit? Well which is basically yours now too," she smiled with proud tears glistening in her eyes as she faced him, then stood on her booted tip toes and pressed a tender, appreciative kiss to his lips.

"You never need to worry about saying something to me, whether good or bad, happy or sad. life changing or not. Because as life partners, that is what I am here for… not only to be your lover, but more importantly your best friend, soul mate, sounding board, protector of your six. I can understand shielding Mes'ika as she is still too young, but don't leave me in the dark again. Okay? I'm a strong Mando'ad, like my buir'ika before me. Oh and better add Atin to that list of passengers… I think you might have a mutiny on the ship if he was left, if and when the time comes to leave. Just saying."

Briika let go of his hand and moved closer to inspect his work. After a few moments, she spoke again. "I think it is time you brought ner buir and vod'ika into this project of yours. And I know they wouldn't hesitate to help you either. Talk to them. Utilize their knowledgable skills as well."