It Ain't Much but it's Home

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((For Vexmun's "Daryn"))

Gods she was glad that she and the others were back and alive. She would have been happier, however, if she could say they were back and in one piece but...Ark...

Ba'buir...

Even as she limped home the red headed mando's thoughts were absorbed by her worry for her cyborg...great great, however many greats, grandfather. The giant, and amazingly sturdy, cyborg shell that what remained of her grandfather had been housed in had been destroyed in the protection of Bane, Mal and herself as the three wounded mandos had tried to escape with their lives...only his brain casing had been saved....fortunately. That was the only part of him left that was human anyway. The details of the escape were still difficult to sort out in her mind because she'd been so filled with pain and blood loss from her injuries, and rage from seeing her grandfather all but blown to bits...she didn't really remember anything clearly, but rather as covered by a dull red haze.

Heaving a sigh, she looked up at the sky, then at the planet around her, scorched and parched from the drought that had been plaguing the area. Waves of silvery heat rose from the ground below, rising into the blue, and unfortunately cloudless, sky. Itani had already gone ahead of her back to the poor little farm they called home. He was unscathed, and was able to move faster and more easily, so she'd asked him to take their earnings back to the farm. If they were very lucky Itani would get there before the debt collector. Sighing, she realized she'd have to go to the city to pick up the new tools they would need. Not like they could do much with the farmland they had with the drought, but they had to try, and many of the tools they had were worn to near uselessness. Green eyes moved from the direction of the farmstead to the direction of the city. With another soft sigh, the woman pulled her long hair to the side of her and headed in the direction of the city.

It took her the better part of three hours to walk there, and though she was injured, she refused to spend the money to take one of the few passing transports. If she'd been uninjured, she'd have made it to the city in perhaps an hour and a half at a good jog, and considering money was tight she couldn't justify taking a transport, and though she had the Ghost Star...well she was already locked up tight in the base for repairs...so she had no choice. Italia reached the city the hour after mid-day, her long red hair loose down her back, her typical set of three strands of beads holding the hair back were noticeably gone. They'd been lost in the museum when she'd had to pull the beads off to get at her last weapons, three thin blades that she had concealed in them. She would have to make and gather new ones now.

She got more than a few looks from the passing mandos, a few understanding nods, and several smiles of varying meanings. It was no wonder she was getting looks, she'd not had a chance to change yet out of the clothes that she'd worn for the mission...brown combat boots (not dissimilar to those the jedi wore), brown pants, green long sleeved shirt, utility belt...to any who didn't know better she would have been one lightsaber short of a jedi. If the clothes weren't enough to garner attention, the state of them...singed, ripped, torn, doused in blood (she'd managed to wash some of it out on their way back so it was just stains now)...and the myriad of bandages that were wrapped about her legs, arms, torso, and most notably the ring finger of her right hand (which she held protectively against her chest most of the time), were reasons to be noticed. The fact that most of the residents of this city knew the happenings around the base, from either gossip or dealings with the soldiers themselves, it was swiftly becoming common knowledge that the special ops group had returned from their mission successfully....whatever that mission might be.

Slipping into the cool shadows of ship repair shop, Italia leaned heavily against the outer wall under the awning that provided her, and the actual patrons of this establishment, shade from the scorching heat. Letting her head drop backward tiredly, green eyes slid closed for a moment as she propped herself up and pulling that blasted hot red hair around her shoulder to get the fiery stuff of her back and neck to allow some air on them.

[Vex]

Daryn really was becoming less and less fond of Mandalorian space. It was starting to become a habit that, every time he went into such sectors, his ship wound up damaged enroute or after arrival. It really was starting to get to be a bad habit and he was about to swear off Mandalorian space all together.

Really, it wouldn't be so bad if there was at least some decent entertainment to be had on these worlds, but they were, seriously, quite behind when it came to modern entertainment and recreation.

...not to mention that picking up a woman for a simple, one night encounter was risky at best, if not utterly pointless.

And they tended to stare. He was sitting under that awning, drinking some piss that was supposed to be a local brew and wondering how he managed to hyperjump into the tail end of a scuffle between pirates and local Mando forces. The Mandos had won, of course, but not before he found himself in the cross fire. He hadn't been able to get his shields up in time and a line of stray laser fire had managed to blow one of his sublights and fry his navicomputer. He was only supposed to exit lightspeed long enough to recalculate and jump again. Obviously that wasn't going to happen, so he'd had to limp into orbit, obtain landing clearance, and start working on getting the repairs done.

Leaving him here. In this dustbowl, backwater planet drink some swill while Mandalorians glared at him and tried to stiff him on prices, not know that he could understand enough of their own language to be able to know when they were trying to play him.

A flash of read caught his eye before he turned, seeing the lithe form of a female Mandalorian that had come in. Despite the fact that she looked like she'd been through hell, he had to admit she still didn't look too bad. He'd let his eyes wander up....no, not bad at all...and he did have a thing for redheads. He finally took a look at her face and almost choked on the swallow of alcohol he'd just taken.

He remembered her. A job, couple months back. Mia...Tia...no...Lia? Yeah, Lia. Italia... Oh yeah, he remembered her. Hadn't been a bad job, all things considered, save for that little blonde boy toy that had been hanging all over her. Woman should have saved herself for someone a little more worthy...or at least someone that could have shown her a little more "appreciation". Smirking, he shook his head

"The Jedi always say, there is no coincidence...."

Pushing his chair back, he stood up, sauntering his way over. He was still anything but sutle. Gleaming black spacers boots, black pants with a bloody stripe along the side, and that synthleather jacket as rich in crimson as her hair. Pressing his palm to the wall next to her head, he leaned in and spoke. "I wondered why it suddenly got fifteen degrees hotter in here, darlin', then I saw you..."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

If she'd been in any better shape, or frame of mind for that matter, Italia might have reacted much more strongly, and violently, to Daryn's words. Lucky him that, as things stood, all she did was blink at the familiar voice and try to place it. As she heard movement near by, she opened emerald eyes and glanced around. It didn't take much looking since the man had come right up to her and spoke again. A small smirk curled across her face as she shook her head. Just by the color that filled her view she could tell who it was.

Daryn Destrell...I certainly didn't expect YOU to be the one talking. City boy like you being out here in the country with all us "hick mandos"...

She put a heavy accent on the "hick mandos" comment and chuckled. Of all the people she'd met out in the galaxy, Daryn was one of the more interesting and infuriating characters. He had a way, from the beginning, of irritating her beyond words (to the point of wanting to give him a blaster hole in the head for a third eye once) one moment, and then setting her curiosity (and sometimes other things) on fire the next. The red head had opted for Cuir at the time, however, the blond mando being much more her style, not to mention much less irritating and confusing.

What ARE you doing out here Daryn?

Green eyes locked onto his as she tilted her head to the side slightly and folded her arms carefully across her chest.

[Vex]

He feigned martyrdom in his voice when he spoke, managing an over-exaggerated quaver in his voice. "Indeed, it's so horrible, there is dirt on myboots and I haven't seen a halfway decent holoprojector since I left the Core!"

And then he grew a bit more serious, although there was a bit of a self-deprecating smirk that curled one corner of his lip when he spoke again. "Though, it wasn't my intention to stick around. Was just planning on stopping in for a quick plot adjustment...wound up coming out of light speed smack in the middle of poo doo firefight between your boys and some pirates. I was strafed before I could get my shields up, took out half my sublights and my navicomputer so I'm stuck here until the repairs are finished. I've got the worst luck when it comes to everything Mandalorian..."

Could have been a subtle jab at getting passed up on during their last mission, but it was hard to tell. Daryn, for all his bluster and bravado, was pretty good at layering his words and keeping his motives to himself if he so wished. That grin, which could somehow make itself infuriating and heartwarming in the same moment, widened. "Though, as for what I'm doing right now? I'm hitting on a lovely little red head that looks like she's long over due for some intensive TLC."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Lia chuckled and shook her head at his teasing. She'd been about to retort when he continued on and she decided not to interject. The red head simply blinked as she listened to his story. Grimacing slightly, she shook her head again. What a way to come across her home planet. The beaten and bruised woman tried to decipher the meaning behind his last statement but found she could only narrow down the possibilities, and no more.

Man...I'm sorry you had to find my home world THAT way...ugh. I'd hate being stuck here too after that.

She paused for a moment, thinking about the implications of his situation. Chances were he wasn't being treated the best. Mandos weren't generally unkind to others, but they weren't overly kind to non-mandos either, and tended to give them rotten deals. Her face darkened a moment before lighting up and smiling over at him.

So have you paid for the repairs yet? I hope not...because I think I could give you a hand with these people. Despite bein' mando, I know that most of us don't exactly give fair deals to anyone who isn't...I could maybe negotiate for you, and could certainly get you some better treatment as far as...drinks....are concerned.

Poor guy had even been stiffed on the drinks. Rolling her eyes at the thought, she caught his last statement and that...grin...of his, she huffed a sigh and snickered. Only him...only he could get away with something like that and not have her wallop him.

Heh...you are, are you? You know mandos don't take well to non-mandos hitting on their women, right? But...I won't tell if you won't.

Lia gave him a light wink before hissing slightly as her ripped and stitched finger gave a painful throb from being down at her side too long. She hadn't even realized she'd put it down. Lifting her right hand to settle against her chest again, the wrapped and splinted finger gave another, more dull, throb.

Well I'm long overdue for something anyway...dunno if it's TLC...and it depends on what kind of "TLC" you're talking about.

Yes, she was a flirt. Italia knew she was a flirt, and at times she hated it.

Now was NOT one of those times.

[Vex]

"Well, you know that I don't really give a bantha's behind whether or not some synthroid-addled Mando likes the fact that I'm hitting on one their women. Can't help the fact that I'm more charming, better looking, and can take care of their women better than they can. Sounds like their problem, not mine. Only thing I'm worried about is whether or not you like it."

Giving her a wink, he came to rest against the wall next to her. He saw her reacting to the pain...the way she held that hand to her chest so gingerly. Poor girl had gotten messed up severely and he had a lot of respect for her. He'd known she was a fighter from the beginning. Hell, it took a lot to put up with him. He wasn't unaware of that. In fact, he counted on it. It helped weed out those who weren't worth his time.

It was also why he knew she wouldn't want im to coddle her about it. "As for the repairs...no, haven't paid for them yet. I'll make you a deal. Help keep your mates from trying to clean me out and dinner is on me, finest food you can find. After that, I'll show you the proper way to get some TLC."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Lia chuckled lightly, flipping some of her hair out of her eyes she blinked at him, smiling brightly. Same ol' Daryn...confident to the point of being cocky about it, not to mention he always said such things in a manner so one was never QUITE certain if he was serious or not.

You never do seem to care, do you? ....oh, but you care about if I like it, eh? Hmm, and what if I don't?

She was, of course, teasing him...flirting back. The little spitfire of a woman watched through emerald eyes as he leaned up against the wall beside her. He just kind of looked at her for a moment and she raised an eyebrow slightly and smirked. Really now, what was that look for? At his offer, her eyes widened with her surprise momentarily before she looked away.

Well, I like the offer Daryn but...

Sighing, Lia brought her eyes up again to meet his.

I can only help you out here, then I have to grab the tools we need for the farm and hike back and get some work done around the place....(not like there's much to do with a pile of dust from no rains)...and it needs to get done before it gets too dark. Then there's the whole issue of helping mum with din....oh holy krayt dragon eggs!...I sure hope that brother of mine decided to make himself useful and hunt us something. I'll kill him if he didn't.

As she'd been explaining to Daryn just why she couldn't accept his offer of dinner, Lia had accidentally gone off on a tangent of her own thoughts, green eyes narrowing dangerously as she growled about her brother. Itani was good enough at taking care of things, but sometimes she just wasn't sure about where his head was at. She still remembered the little prankster that he was, and the fact that he'd taken up the assassins job didn't help her confidence in him...on the other hand, since he'd arrived after their father had died he'd seemed...different. Maybe she would be able to count on him now....maybe. Italia wasn't holding her breath for it. Sighing, she shook her head slightly.

Sorry Daryn, didn't mean to go of into left field there...I've just...got a lot on my mind...

That was putting it mildly. Lia could practically feel the grey hairs growing in because of everything that had happened since the last time she'd talked to him.

[Vex]

"Well, if you didn't like it...I'd just have to find out what you did like and do that instead. Honestly, it's half the fun..." He gave her something bordering on a salacious wink as he shrugged and chuckled a bit to himself after the innuendo.

He listened as she explained just why she could't go and have dinner with him. Made sense enough, even as she rambled about it a bit. Finally, even as she was winding down anyway and apologizing, he reached over and pressed finger to her lips to silence her and keep her from going on again.

"No worries, Lia. Tell you what...you help me with this and I'll help you. I rented a speeder and probably paid an ungodly sum for the time...might as well get some use out of it. You shouldn't be walking about, let alone going on treks across the land. We can bring back those tools with it and even stop and get something for the meal...just in case your brother didn't manage to get anything. I'll help you get done what needs getting done...then you get yourself cleaned up, have some fresh bandages, and you can show me how you Mandalorians choose to unwind after rushing headlong towards death and narrowly missing."

He grabbed her hand...the uninjured one and would begin to draw her along gingerly. "Let's go."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Lia raised an eyebrow and poked him in the chest with the pointer of her good hand.

You're pushin' it there buddy.

She gave him a cheeky smile and crinkled her nose to show she was teasing, mostly. As she had explained herself and then tried to apologize he'd pressed a finger to her lips to stop her. Blinking at him in her surprise at the gentle action, she raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity. Her confusion only doubled, then triple, however, as he made his new offer. He would do that? The idea caught the woman flat footed and she wasn't certain how to reply for a moment...but she wasn't given the chance either as he led her along gently by her uninjured hand.

Hold on there Daryn. While we're here I should talk to the repairmen.

She sighed slightly and shook her head. Honestly Ark would have been better at getting discounts...he was, after all, nearly famous around here...and not just because he was a honkin' big cyborg. Taking her hand back, she turned herself right around and headed into the shop.

Oi. Who's workin' on the Ante Up in here?

This earned her more than a few looks from the surrounding waiting mandos and workers, but Lia hardly minded. One of the workers came hurrying up to the counter, recognizing her from the other times he'd seen her come in here to get her own ship repaired.

"What the hell happened to you? Don't tell me...bad bounty?"

Hardly. I went with the Ops team to Coruscant.

More heads turned at this and she shifted slightly under the weight of their surprised gazes, but kept herself from doing any more.

"Heaven and Hell in a speeder race, Italia! What was it like? How many were there? How many'd you slaughter? Were they.."

Shut it, eh? I'm not here to gossip. You want that find another member of the team or someone else from the base, okay? I just want to know what the damage to my pocket is for the Ante.

Of course SHE wasn't paying, but it was better that he believed that she was.

"What are you talkin' about? The di'kut said it was his ship."

Oi! Watch what you say 'bout my friends Johnar. It IS his ship, but I told 'im to meet me here after the Operation for a job. Not his fault he exited the jump in the middle of a dog fight, so I said I'd pay. Now what's the damage?

The red haired woman glared at the mechanic as he blinked back at her, stunned by her sudden temper and not quite sure how to deal with it. Finally he mumbled an outrageous price and hung his head slightly as she slammed her hands down on the counter, sending a wave of pain up them both, especially from her injured finger.

Oh you've GOT to be kidding me! You quoted him that?! Well, I suppose I have no choice but to pay it, do I?

Huffs and starts reaching into one of her belt's pouches before Johnar, stunned again, started talking.

"Woah there...calm down Lia...since you're paying I'll give the normal price, eh?"

One of the mechanics from the back stood up and growled slightly.

"C'mon man, they just got us the basilisk back and you're only givin' her the regular price? Where's your sense of honor? I'll work the Ante, and I'll let you have her done without the commission, eh?"

Italia blinked, surprised slightly by the happenings, and shook her head.

I couldn't let you work her without pay for the time, thanks though.

"Fine, half commission off. It a deal?"

The brunette mando walked forward to stand beside Johnar and lean against the counter. Lia settled an elbow on the counter and gazed at the two of them shrewdly for a moment, as if weighing her options. Fact was, she was simply pleased by the outcome of her little trick, and was sealing the deal by making it look like she were simply considering the offer and hadn't already decided to accept it. Finally she sighed and nodded.

I suppose asking you to make it more fair to yourself would be pushing it and I don't want to seem ungrateful. I'll take you up on that offer ner'vod. When do you think the Ante will be ready?

"I can have her done by tomorrow evening. I'll start workin on her soon as I'm done with this speeder."

Lia nodded and smiled and eyed his name tag.

Thanks again...Horun. We'll be back for her then.

With that done, she stood up from where she'd been leaning and walked back over to Daryn, trying to keep herself from sauntering and smirking at her negotiation skills with the two mechanics. No sooner had they left the shop than she let out that smirk and gave him a wink.

There you go....and discounted too.

[Vex]

Daryn hung back, letting her deal with the mechanics while he simply let an ear remain trained on them. He was quick enough to understand that, sometimes, you just needed to let the locals handle it themselves and not butt in. She was doing him a favor and interjecting himself into the conversation wasn't going to do anyone any good. So, for once, he was quite.

Yes, Daryn Destrell was quiet, try not to faint.

As she walked back to him and confirmed the good news he could partially overhear, he grinned and fell in step with her. He waited until they were out of sight before he leaned in closer, his breath lightly rustling that crimson hair at her nape as he spoke.

"I am deeply indebted to you, Italia. Lets get you your tools, get your work and dinner done...and then we can go out and I'll endeavor to make it all up to you...with interest."

Yeah...there was bound to be some kriffing Mandalorian male that was going to see Daryn and take offense at some point. Would just make the evening more...interesting...than it was already shaping up to be.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((what is it with me and the rambling posts lately?! tried to give you something more to reply to this time but...))

Italia couldn't help but chuckle, barely withholding the blush she felt creeping up as she felt his breath against her neck. Oh no, none of that now, there was always Mal to....to what? It wasn't like she was even dating the guy. Sure there was interest, sure he was sweet, sure he'd saved her skin more than once on that kriffing mission, but really they had only just met and hadn't talked much. Nodding to his words, she offered a smile in return and paused as she looked around, eyes squinting in the bright sun. Finding her direction, she headed off down the dusty street...if you could call it that....it was more like a strip of ground clear of buildings. A trail that the few people who lived and worked around here used to meander through the rough buildings that created the town.

It didn't take long for them to reach the small building she needed, she dipped into the building, the dark interior causing her to pause slightly as her eyes readjusted. The smell of feed and fresh dirt for growing making a smile come to her face. As her eyes finally started to see the interior, Lia moved further in, nodding to the shop keeper slightly. She'd grown up knowing the old man and it was nice to see him again.

"Oi, Lia...been a spell since I've seen you 'round these parts...that mean your brother is back too?"

Hey hey Torrus. Yar, he's about somewheres. Who knows with ninja boy. Supposed to be at the farm he is, buuuut...well you know Itani, never can stay put for more than five seconds without gettin into trouble.

It was amazing just how different she was around the people she'd known and grown up with...she was so much more relaxed that even the laid back mando she was looked tense. The auburn moved easily about the shop, picking up a shovel here, a plow there, a rake a trowel.

You ever done any farming, Daryn? City boy like you, doesn't seem like you've even seen one before.

Italia gave the man a wink as she walked along, pausing at the chicken feed. Honestly she needed to pick up some feed, but...well, there just wasn't funds enough for that yet. Not until she saw the damage done by the collectors. Sighing at the thought she brought her tools up to the front and set them against the counter.

So...what's the damage?

"Welp...let's see....I'd say it'd be near on 130 m'girl."

Ugh...robbery...highway robbery.

She flashed a grin at the old man and leaned carefully against the counter as she reached into her belt for the money. Pulling a pouch out, she dropped it on the counter lazily.

Pha...count it out old man, I would but....

She waved her other hand at him slightly and smirking. He gazed at it steadily for a moment then grinned.

"Bah, I've had worse pup, show some respect. Anyway, who's the lad with you? Doesn't look to be mando...he new round here?"

Daryn? Friend of mine...his ship's in for repairs, offered to help me out at the farm today while he waits.

"Good for you boy. Maybe you're not s'bad at I first thought from the looks of ya."

Lia shook her head slightly and sighed.

Aw c'mon Torrun...just count the money will ya? I need to get home before it gets any darker, can't work dead dirt in the dark after all.

He sighed slightly and nodded, counting out the amount he needed and handing back the rest of the pouch, which was considerably lighter as she stuffed it back into her belt.

"It gettin that bad out there eh? Times like this makes me sad to be in this business but happy to be out of the farming itself."

Yeah, drought's killin us, but...not much to be done. Thanks Tor.

She watched him wrap the tools in some leather and tie them together before hoisting them up her back with her good hand and heading for the door.

So where's this speeder of yours then, Daryn?

The question sounded far more chipper than she truly felt. Lia was more than thankful, now, that he'd offered to help her, especially with using the speeder. She didn't show it, not yet, but she was aching all over and some of her injuries were starting to sting again.

[Vex]

It was interesting, watching the woman. This was an entirely different facet to her than the one he'd seen before. Certainly, he'd seen her on Dxun, when they'd first met, but that was a public place, somewhere he doubted she felt comfortable there. She wouldn't let down her guard. Then there was the time spent together with her on her ship and during their mission. Well, that wasn't the best indicator either. After all...she'd been dealing with Cuir at the time and him. While he'd gotten a good view of what she was like when she was ogling Mando'ade man candy, it wasn't necessarily an indication of what she was really like.

Now, however, he knew....watching her interact with the man there...how her voice and mannerisms changed in ways he doubted she even recognized.

Watching her linger at the feed, he quirked a brow as she finally passed it by and collected up the rest of the tools. At her light goading, he grinned and shrugged, thrusting his hands into his pockets. "We had cooks...and people to buy the food for the cooks. But I'm a pretty quick learner and I'm sure I'm in better shape to handle the work than you, spitfire." He gave her a wink of his own.

At the man's light goading, Daryn gave a slight shrug and a slow smile. "No worries...it's always more amusing when people underestimate me. The reactions are better."

As she finished paying, he came up with two bags of feed, throwing them up onto the counter before he leaned against it.

"Not far, Lia. Soon as I pay for my purchase, I'll take you to it."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Lia paused and turned around as he walked past her with two bags of feed. Green eyes blinked confusedly at him and she nodded slightly as she watched him pay. It was odd, really, that he was being so nice to her. Before she'd only seen the insufferable git that he was, and this new side of him confused her. Italia had been so sure that she'd been able to puzzle him out, for the most part anyway, during their job. Perhaps she'd just been blind to it and it had really been there all along? At Daryn's reply to his goading, Tor chuckled.

"You're not half bad, boy. These for the farm too? Hmm...Lia here con you into buyin' 'em for her?"

TOR! What do you think I'm about old man!? I didn't con anyone into buying anything! Didn't even ask! Ugh!

With that Italia turned and swept from the shop. Torrun shrugged and chuckled.

"That's gonna be 35 in credits. Pretty sure you don't use our currency."

As he took Daryn's payment, Torrun seemed to size the man up quietly.

"You be nice to that girl today, boy, she's awful beat up and I'd hate to have to come and knock a few teeth out of you to set you in your place"

[Vex]

"No. She agreed to take on an...aruetii," he spoke the word in a questioning tone, quirking a brow in silent wonder if he'd used it right. He could understand a good deal, but it was another thing entirely to try and speak it. "She covered my ass and helped us all make it out in one piece and a lot more fiscally well off. Helped me out today too from getting robbed by my ship's repair bill. I don't forget favors from friends and I try to give them back as good as they give me."

Daryn did the math, pulled out his own coin, and counted out the amount in their currency. He was on their planet, after all. It was courtesy...and it made it harder to try and sneak him with a messed up exchange rate.

Hearing the man's words, he grinned, glancing out the door she'd just stormed through and then looked back to the man. "I'm an honorable guy, mate...unless she decides she'd like me to be dishonorable. You know as well as I, however, that it doesn't matter what state she's in. If I did something she decided she didn't like, you'd be behind her in the line seeking to do reconstructive dental work..."

Chuckling a bit, he picked up the bags of seed and walked out after her, calling over his shoulder. "Ret'urcye mhi."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Torrun chuckled. It wasn't the best word to use for non-mandos, but it was close enough for the man not to fuss over it. Hell, if this lad wanted to insult himself like that, he'd not complain. Better to speak worse of oneself and prove it wrong than to speak highly of oneself and prove it wrong. He listened as the kid spoke and pulled out the proper coinage...even in their currency...well, that was a nice change. This kid...did Lia say his name was Daryn?....wasn't half bad for someone who wasn't Mando. Nodding at Daryn's explanation he chuckled.

"A good way to live, especially around here, mate."

Again the older man chuckled at Daryn's words and nodded.

"That she would. Might not be anythin' for me to pummel when she gets done with ya...best be careful then lad. Re'turcye mhi!"

Lia had found a small bit of shade against one of the near walls and had leaned quietly against it, her eyes closing as she bit back, and willed away, the pain that was starting to gnaw at her again. She pressed a hand to the side that had been riddled with shrapnel. Luckily for her most of it had been superficial damage, and what HAD damaged internal organs had swiftly been seen to upon their arrival back on planet. Right about now, however...she was reeeally hurtin'. Hissing as she took a breath, she pulled her hand away to find it lightly dotted with blood...just like the bandages that wrapped the area.

Looking up again, she watched Daryn walk out of the shop and she offered him a small smile and motioned for him to lead the way as she hitched the tools up her back a bit more. Walking beside him, she allowed him to lead the way to the speeder he had as she focused on her breathing to dull the pain that was slowly creeping up as the pain medication started to wear off.

Hey...Daryn....uh. Thanks. I mean, for the help and the feed....though....I'm not really clear why you would buy it.

It was obvious she was thankful, not only had she said as much, but her tone said so...however, it was also fairly obvious that the woman was feeling a bit bashful about the situation. Truth be told, Lia wasn't used to getting help, not really, and the fact that the help she was getting was from Daryn perplexed her slightly.

[Vex]

"Because you needed it. I saw that. Because you helped me out, at the docks and before. Ain't saying I wasn't a bit of an ass back when we worked together, but we made a pretty good team. Besides, you saved my butt back there in Saleucami, coming back when you did after they attacked the ship." He was being honest with her. He took the half-step lead so that she could follow him as he led her to the speeder. "And because I'm here, with nothing better to do, and you are the only friendly face I know in this quadrant. And you need help. Don't think I missed the blood on your side, Lia."

Before long, they were at the speeder. He fished into his pocket for the control fob, popping open the storage compartment.. Throwing the feed in there, he turned and took the tools from her, laying them within as well. Closing the hatch, he lightly pressed his palm against the small of her back, careful of the wounds, and guided her around to the passenger's side. Pulling open the door, he'd gesture for her to enter first. Once she had, he closed the door and slipped to the other side, sliding in and turning the vehicle on.

It wasn't a Coruscant luxury speeder, but it was one of the best that they had on this part of the blasted rock. Clearly, he was a man with more means than expected, give his profession.

"Where to?"

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia followed him, listening quietly to his reasons. As he mentioned the fact that he had seen the blood from her side, she blushed brightly and sighed. Well, it couldn't be helped she supposed. Surprised again as he took the tools from her, then as he guided her gently around and opened the door for her, she climbed in with a light hiss and settled into the seat carefully. He climbed in shortly after and they were off.

Just follow the main road for about 5 miles, then we have to go east for another 4. We'll be passing the base on the way, so there might be some military traffic, but...shouldn't be anything that would stop us.

She gave a light shrug, and forced her body to relax. The ride itself was uneventful, the land only becoming slightly more rocky and dusty. Small groupings of farmsteads dotted the land, men and women could be seen in the farms, walking the land, some were obviously hunting something. As they reached the point she knew as their turn, she pointed it out with a slight motion of her hand and a few words. Not long after the cold grey blocks of the military base where Ark and Mal were being treated and worked on rose up from the ground and flew past them. Another small set of farms appeared over the horizon, the four small houses clustered together as if for protection.

Here....this is it. My little clan...

She sighed as she looked over the grounds for her brother, but there was no sign of him outside anywhere. Huffing in irritation, she directed Daryn to the proper house before falling silent again.

((before anyone asks, yes, I invited Itani (the brother) to join us...he had to anyway since he has dinner ))

[Latus]

((Sorry, I tend to ramble here... its the only way I know how to write ^_^))

Dust. He hated dust. It itched, made him cough, got everywhere, and was just generally unpleasant. Itani had made good time returning home to the farmstead. He had arrived earlier than this mother's debtor and, through careful action, gave the stocky man quite a fright. He and his mother laughed at the man's expense and that really seemed to brighten the day. The farm seemed to welcome him home as he went about the tasks his mother needed done. The peace of the remoteness gave him time to reflect, to finally mourn his fathers passing.

The moment the Star had landed on Concord Dawn he had requested the money for his services and departed. It had been difficult for him though. He wanted to just fade into the background like he always had, move onto the next job. In fact, that was what he had planned when he returned in the first place but there he stood regardless. Itani had discovered something in one of the Spec. Ops soldiers, Trin. It was unfamiliar to him but he had an idea of its true meaning. He would have to see her before long or he would regret it forever. Shaking off the feeling of uncertainty, and having caught two brace of wild rabbits for dinner he excused himself from his mother's presence, he would clean them in a while. For the moment he needed some alone time.

Stepping over the threshold and out onto the dusty earth he made his way to one of the only large trees located on the farm. Itani had loved this particular tree as a child. Many a day he had spent lounging among its shaded branches, concealed from any who hoped to find him. His brown work boots dug into the bark as he climbed into the familiar branches, his natural-colored shirt and pants catching bits of bark in the coarse fibers. He finally eased himself onto one of the larger branch joints and found a comfortable position. He could see most of the farm from where he sat, perhaps that was why he enjoyed it so. The small house was a few tens of feet from the base and the edges of the fields were barely visible from the heat distortion. Unable to help himself his eyes slid shut, enjoying the cool of the shade.

Some time later, how much he was unsure, he was aroused from his siesta by the unmistakable sound of a speeder. Peeking through the branches he could see it in the distance, growing steadily as it approached the house. At that he grew worried, that wasn't Lia's speeder, nor anyone he knew. As it glided up to the house Itani sighed in relief as he saw Lia's red hair and the face of someone he was unfamiliar with. Sitting straighter he gazed down at his sister and the stranger. The man didn't look Mandalorian, perhaps he would have to have some fun.

[Vex]

(Anyone as in...me? Because who else would be asking? lol)

Daryn took direction surprisingly well, all in all. He'd followed the directiosn she'd given him to get to the homestead and now that they were nearing where her clan had settled, it really made him wonder. Seeing this place...the dust, the hardscrabble land that they had to fight just to eek an existence out of, he had to wonder why. Why fight so hard for someplace like this. The love they showed for the place seemed rather one-sided, especially given drought and the current state of crops.

Such things were new to Daryn. He'd been borne and raised in the Coruscanti penthouses of the upper crust. No place became home because his family worked at always improving their lot and therefore, their place. They'd had the Destrell estates moved so often as they literally climbed to social ladder of the planet that he'd stopped worrying about calling a place his. Places, therefore, never held as much of a draw, of a sense of home, as they did for Italia and her ilk. The closest he had was in the form of Ante Up, which he spent a gross amount of time tinkering and taking care of whenever he could help it.

Finally, he drew the speeder power down as they came before the house she'd indicated. Killing the speed altogether, he let it drift, pulling hard on the controls and fluttering the front repulsors to make that tail end swing around. It only took half a heartbeat for that speeder to complete it's 180 degree turn and settle to a stop neatly. Now the storage hatch in the rear was pointed in the direction of the homestead itself for easier accessibility as they removed the tools.

"How about you tell me where you want this stuff, Italia, and I'll put it away. I'd rather you not push yourself any harder than necessary. You'll be absolutely useless for our date later otherwise." He grinned, winking at her as he pushed open the door and stepped out, the door slamming closed before she had a chance to respond.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

(( bah…yes…you and anyone else that might read this. Now shush you ))

If anything, Italia was tired. Tired and sore. As Daryn swiveled the speeder around, she grunted slightly and gave him a weary look of annoyance, though a slight smirk hovered around the corners of her mouth. His words made her smile…well, the first part anyway. The last sentence elicited a blush and another look of annoyance, which would have been followed closely by a smart remark of her own, except…he was already out of the speeder. Grumbling about moronic men, Italia carefully removed herself from the speeder as well.

Brown boots caused the ground beneath them to crackle and crunch dryly, the heavy prints of Ark’s former frame still slightly visible near by. Heat shimmered up from the ground, the stunted green plants in the fields behind the house causing her to sigh heavily. Chickens could be heard clucking noisily in the coup not far away, and the various sounds of livestock and dogs could be heard over the gentle blowing of the warm wind. Over all it was a serene place. Daryn stuck out like a sore thumb.

The thought struck her hard as she watched him in his red jacket, and she chuckled, shaking her head slightly. God, what was her buir going to think of HIM. A short laugh made the woman hold her injured side for a moment as she moved to the back of the speeder, where she leaned carefully against it.

It all needs to go into the barn. Follow me and I’ll show you.

Out of habit, and stubborn pride as well, the mando’ade picked up the tools from the hatch and carried them easily in one hand. He wanted to be the big strong man, fine…he could carry the heavier feed. She headed toward the fairly small brown barn and stepped into the cool, dusty, darkness. The air in there smelled of cattle, feed, and hay…a welcome and familiar scent that made the woman smile gently as her eyes drifted closed for a moment. That moment passed as soon as it came, however, and she settled the tools against a wall where others of similar shape and size were hung, to be replaced later by the new ones. Turning to Daryn, she pointed to a knee height container where the feed for the chickens was typically kept.

Feed can go on the floor there beside the bin, I’ll have ninja boy deal with it once I find his scrawny rear…however…before anythin’ else, I need ta make sure the stock is fed.

She let out a weary sigh and was just about to turn and go further into the barn when an aging woman appeared outside.

“Italia? Thank Manda! You really ARE back! Wayii ad’ika! K’olar! ((Good grief little one! Get over here now!))”

Italia blinked and turned slowly as if in trouble. She smiled, rather bashfully, at her stern looking mother and made her way over, only to be given a good solid rapping of the knuckles to the forehead followed by a hug that made her close her eyes tight from the pain. She never made a sound. Her arms wrapped around her mother calmly as she endured the pain before she was finally released, her breathing abnormal as she fought to get the hurt under her control again. Finally she managed it and coughed slightly, one hand going to her side and resting there lightly. Yeah…that hurt.

Mum…that REALLY hurt.

“Good. Maybe next time you’ll not get me to worrying so badly! Ad’ika you…who’s your friend?”

Italia blinked.

Oh! Ow…Mum, this is Daryn, I worked with ‘im earlier this year, he’s a friend of mine. Gave me a ride back here. Daryn, this is my mum, Kiva Firians.

She neglected to tell her mother about the feed for a purpose, and she gave Daryn a look of “go along with me here.”

“Good…thank you. If you’re a friend of my Italia, you’re more than welcome here.”