Wolven | The Mandalorian

Chapter 9: The Redemption (Part 1)

Chapter 9: The Redemption (Part 1)
Word Count: 3,595
*EDITED*

"Sorry for the remote rendezvous, Mando, but things have gotten complicated since you were last here." Greef said as Din, Elodie, Kuill, the child, and Cara grew closer. The four of them rode the three Blurrg's, with Elodie having to share with Din. The new cot drifted close behind as it was linked to Din's wrist pad.

The magistrate looked among their group, dissatisfied that they had brought reinforcements. From where she sat behind Din, Elodie could see his upper lip curl in displeasure.

She particularly noticed the way his eyes lingered on the mountainous form that was Cara. "It appears that introductions are in order. It seems we've both provided a security detail. I recommend the shock trooper guards the ship. These lava fields are lousy with Jawas."

"She's coming with me."

No member of the group moved, remaining statuesque under his challenging gaze. His eyes spoke of his mistrust between the ways of his glances.

Greef weighed the power dynamics of the groups, trying to estimate the value of his hired guild members. He probably assumed someone like the Mandalorian would have no friends and no one to rely on for backup.

Thoughts of the Mandalorian ambush crossed Elodie's mind, but she couldn't ponder their whereabouts before the magistrate spoke again. "But the town is now run by ex-Empire. If a Rebel Dropper is with us, they'll all get their hackles up."

"She's coming." He stated more firmly, and Din felt hands tighten around his waist.

"Fine. At least cover your tattoo. No need to flaunt it. Now, I see the Wolven. Where is the little one?" Slipping down next to the pram, it followed beside her as she stepped closer to the man. Standing in front of Greef, Elodie took time to see that his dark hair and neatly trimmed beard were dashed with salt and pepper hair. Fine lines littered his face with age. His robes were made of fine materials, expensive materials, and jewel encrusted accessories.

Greef nodded to the floating pram and signalled for Din to open it. The first thing to note was the oversized ears and eyes when the child's form came into view. "So, this little bogwing is what all the fuss was about. What a precious little creature. I can see why you didn't want to harm a hair on its wrinkled little head."

Reaching down, Greef lifted the child to get a closer look. His face softened at the creature, but it still had her whispering, "Think of hurting him, and I will gladly dismember you." He looked up at Elodie in bewilderment, holding the child further away from his body and setting him down gently in the pram again.

"You are Elodie, is that correct?" She nodded, lips pierced. This man was not trustworthy in the slightest, and his actions so far have been suspicious. "Well, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I'm hoping we can put that all behind us." He held his hand out to shake.

Elodie simply stared at it. "We'll see."

Sealing the pram lid again, she turned to see Din's Blurrg had made its way beside her, and the man was offering a hand up. Taking it, she was hoisted back into her position behind him. He set a reassuring hand on her unholstered thigh.

"Well, I'm glad this matter will be put to rest once and for all. The sun drops fast on Nevarro. We can walk for a spell, camp out at the riverbank, then make our way into town at first light."

Both of their groups gathered around the spit. Dangling over was some creature that had been caught and dressed. Scraps of the meat were shared among the group. The remaining meat on it was crispy and charred. Everyone had gotten their fair share, and Elodie sat with Kuill, feeding the child little amounts. No doubt he could easily eat the rest of it effortlessly.