Only a Flesh Wound

[Judah Lesan]

"Oh, I'm sorry. Here I am still feeling sorry for myself, but your loss is so much more recent... I can be a di'kut somtomes. Part of being an jag I guess."

Graad was genuine with the apology. Sure everyone dealt with loss differently, and Graad still felt guilty that he lived when the rest of his alliit died, but Briika's loss was fresh. He could only hope he didn't get as calloused as he was. Not only that, but she had an ad to care for. Graad had to process that, because he really did see Briika as everything he could ever ask for in a potential riduur from the little he knew of her, or the time spent. Could he introduce himself into the life of a child that had lost a buir? Maybe he could. Maybe he could help her, but maybe he'd only make it worse. He swallowed hard not knowing what to say, thankful she asked about something else.

"Well I might get a small farmstead here on Manda'yaim. There is also the option to just hire myself out full time. War is also coming again, and Manda'lor will be calling. I have no family, so, it makes sense for me to follow his call and help fill the front lines. It would be my place to go there and save at least one buir or Riduur from having to take that call."

Graad finished his meal, and drained about four cups of caf. Credits were left on the table to pay for the meal and cover a generous tip. Part of Graad's business over the next couple of days would be to find a suitable property if he could. It would certainly make selling the farmstead after harvest that much more enticing. Truth be told Briika was doing that too.

"Shall we explore the market further, or does duty call for the ever faithful baar'ur?"

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

"You are not a di'kut, [member="Graad Hokan"]… It simply is what it is. We remember our dead while life for the living goes on as it should. Vor entye, bal n'eparavu takisit for your loss as well," Bree nodded sincerely.

Talk of possible plans of him moving to Mandalore helped to ease the pain in Briika's chest she always felt when talking about the loss of her riduur and ik'aad. Could it be Bree enjoyed this rugged Mando'ad's company more than she cared to admit for some odd reason?

"Sadly, there are few to many vacant farmsteads that are in and around the Keldabe area that could use a good vhett tending them. I am sure if you truly want to make a new yaim here, a good one will present itself. If rather a life as a full-time ver'verd is your choice, then may you have jate'kara on your side."

The blonde baar'ur wiped her mouth on the napkin, then slide out from the booth, reattaching her buy'ce to the utility belt worn low on her shapely hips.

"I do hope no more duty for today, though tomorrow I will be making my rounds in the country. I usually visit the shut in's, who are needing medical care or followup. It's part of the outreach program I helped to set up for MandalMedical. It is really up to you… How are you feeling? You should not push yourself today, if you are not feeling well… And vore for the meal," she smiled as they walked towards the door of the cafe.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Still, yours is more recent. I suppose though I've only allowed the memories."

Graad didn't know what he meant by that. So he let it go. He followed Briika out the door. His eyes dipped, just couldn't help himself. She was attractive, and suddenly the thought this might be where they said good bye was not setting well with the vhett.

"I feel fine, and if you need to make calls, I am certain the market has a fine pole and some takle and I could fish the river this afternoon. Provided you promise to join me for the spoils of my efforts. My pan fried fish is excellent!"

Did he just ask her to dinner? Was it too forward? Was it right? Graad wasn't sure anymore. All he knew was he did not feel alone when Briika was with him, and if he did have to leave her company, it would be with the promise of meeting with her again later. The healer was finding her way through the armored walls the verd kept so high, and she was doing so quickly. Graad wouldn't admit it, but she was already swaying his decision on finding a yaim among the vacant one near Keldabe.

"If you say no I might have to follow you around like a pup giving you the sad eyes until you agree..."

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Briika giggled at [member="Graad Hokan"]'s last comment. She hadn't giggled in a long time. What Bree was about to suggest probably wasn't the smartest or thing, but the widow (Is that what she really was?) didn't want to be all alone with her personal demons. The ver'verd/vhett made her forget for just a moment about her troubles, and that certainly was a good thing, right?. The hospitality didn't have to go anywhere or mean anything other than what is was.

"Okay, okay… How about this. The Kelita River goes right past my vod'ika's place where I am living now and the fish are plentiful with the right bait. You catch us dinner for tonight, then we can make a meal of it together. Might even throw in some uj cake, which is my specialty," she offered, then added.

"And don't worry, Kad'ika is not there nor the ade so we can relax in peace and quiet."

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Well that sounds like a plan then, and the uj cake will seal the deal. So market for rod and tackle, and dinner at your place after. And the quiet sounds good after the injury. I might have a hard head, but loud noises I am still a bit sensitive to."

What was he supposed to say about being alone with her? Oh yay we'll be alone which could lead to things, and have it taken wrong? Of was he supposed to say it didn't matter ether way and have that taken wrong. He played it safe. Besides they were friends right? There wasn't some expectation that this was a date which would lead to any romantic entanglements. Graad would welcome them, but he wasn't looking for that. He just didn't want to leave Briika's company.

So he got the rod and tackle, was dropped off at the river. It didn't take long to catch his limit, so he actually fell asleep. He dreamed, but nothing memorable. He just had to wake up. It was peaceful by the river. Maybe it was too peaceful. Either way he was looking forward to the meal. Briika would find him resting near a tree with the fish cleaned and ready to cook.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

After showing [member="Graad Hokan"] to her vod'ika's favorite fishing spot on the river, Briika went on to the house she shared with [member="Kad Tor"]. She was in need of a long, hot shower and to get out of her beskar'gam. After doing so, the baar'ur wiped up a batch of uj cake since she'd promised the ver'verd some with dinner he was catching.

While the Mando'ad dessert was cooling, Briika made her way back to where she'd left the ver'verd. Now dressed casually, the golden blonde carefully followed the river's edge until the rugged man could be seen. Was the Concordian sleeping? Sure enough he was, and seemingly peaceful too.

Not wanting to startle him, Bree called out a few feet away from the skilled fisherman it seemed looking at his prepared catch. "Graad…. I'm ready to make dinner, if you are?"

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad woke quietly as he heard the soft voice of the woman. Eyes flickered open again and as before, her face came into view, but instead of being grogy as he had been before, he smiled softly. He first noticed her outfit was not the traditional armor of the Mando'ade. How he was jealous. He'd love to strip his shoulders of the weight he carried, but all he had was the armor weave underneath. Had he known the day would be as it turned out, he would have packed some extra clothing... maybe he had something in his duffle.

The vhett nodded. Standing to his feet, he picked up the fish gently and tossed them over his shoulder. They were ready to be seasoned and put into the skillet, or over a grill. It all depended what Briika was in the mood for. Graad didn't mind because it had been too long since he had fresh river trout.

"That's certainly not your beskar'gam, but you look nice if I'm allowed to say so."

She looked more than nice. Graad just knew he shouldn't go further with woman that was as fierce as she was pretty. He followed her back to the yaim as he didn't know which one it was exactly. Graad was thankful for the time to fish, and the company Briika was willing to give him. The verd still thought it was dangerous to be alone with her, but he put all caution aside and went into the yaim.

"So am I crying it or grilling it?

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

"Vore… I'll take your observation under advisement. I usually only wear this kind of clothing when relaxing at home. I like to be practical and comfy. Come on… The yaim isn't too far from here."

When the door to the Tor house was opened, the aroma of the cooling uj cake greeted them. She slipped off her soft-sided boots in the mud room, then proceeded inside to the karyai.

"If you want to remove your beskar'gam, you can stack the armor plates on the bench there near the door with your buy'ce. I don't mind you running around in your kute. Oh and cetare off gedet'ye," Briika smiled, then walked into the kitchen and pulled out a well-used iron skillet from below the cooking area.

"As for the fish, how about pan fry tonight… I don't know about you, but I'm actually hungry again and don't want to wait for the barbecue to heat up," she added, not hiding her hearty appetite like non-Mandalorian women often did. Bree did have a womanly body, but it was very toned with little fat on it even after two pregnancies. She was a doer and it showed both in how she kept herself and her yaim; well her vod'ika's yaim, though they had picked it out together before both their riduuroke.

The long table was already set with two places directly across from each other at one end. There was a vase in the middle of the aliit table that had a small bouquet of vormur blooms displayed in it.

"So tell me more about your farmstead. What kinds of crops do you sow and/or animals do you keep? It must be a lot of work for just one either way," the blonde asked [member="Graad Hokan"] grabbing a pitcher of freshly made iced tea from the cooling unit.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad nodded, and removed the cetare first. The beskar'gam was removed and set where Briika had indicated, the buy'ce was set next to the armor plates, and Graad was running about in his kute. The material was lighter, but stronger and breatheable. His weave was meant to be practical, but the color of it to offest agains the bone colored plates he wore. Being intimidating was part of the job. The vhett liked to get out of the suit and lead a somewhat normal life, and Briika was giving him the gift of a day and evening of that. Regardless of where things led, or did not lead, Graad would always appreciate he kindness and hospitality.

"Pan fried it is then," he said as he put the iron skillet on the stove top.

The open flame unit would heat the pan quickly. A bit of oil was put in the bottom to keep the fish from sticking, and simple spices were put on, salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, lemon zest for a little punch, and trace amounts of garlic just for the heck of it. The filets would cook fast, but not so fast that he couldn't answer the question. Graad just wasn't going to leave the meat unattended.

"Springs is the bread belt, so grains, beans, corn, all do the best. I grow them all, along with a small alfalfa patch to keep the cattle fed. I've let most of the livestock go because I haven't been able to maintain them. I had some dairy cattle, but that was about it. Everything else was for personal needs like hens for eggs, and such. It's a simple life, but I like. Though it's a lonely life when there isn't anyone to share it with. Likely why I take a lot of contracts. It keeps me around people, even though I am introverted."

And like a true introvert, he was best in one on one situation like he was with Briika now. He also trusted her, and felt a connection, so it was easy to be outgoing with her. He was still reserved, didn't show much of emotion. Where most people would have shown signs of sadness with the words he spoke, Graad seemed to remain stoic. He was more likely to show happiness than sadness anyway. It was just how he was wired.

"What about you? You mentioned you had a farmstead. What did you grow? Though if you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to."

The trout was done anyhow, and Graad dished it onto the plates Briika had already set out. The woman had been busy to prepare the table for dinner, among other things. She would make a good wife, already had for the riduur she presumed lost. Graad could at least be a good friend to her, and if something more came of it... well, it was likely best to not think such things. They had just met.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Briika was simply just enjoying [member="Graad Hokan"]'s company. She had no expectations other than to have a good time with a friend, be it a stranger until today, and that they seemed to be doing so far together. The rugged Concordian was easy for her to talk to and Briika's normally outgoing and friendly personality was coming to light once again. Ever since the personal tragedies had afflicted her, Bree had retreated into herself in order to keep from getting hurt any further. Today, she was taking a step forward again, and it felt good.

While Graad had been preparing the trout to be fried, Briika had warmed the oven so she could make them some jo jo's. When it was hot enough, she slipped the baking pan with the seasoned long potato wedges into the oven and set the timer.

"Well I think I'll tell you about the aliilt farm in Enceri where I grew up first. Like you, we had a bit of everything to sustain ourselves, and of course ner vode and I had chores up the ying yang to do every morning and evening like clockwork, but that taught me a good work ethic. The growing season in the northern country is limited from late spring to early fall as the winters are long, hard, and cold… Not like here where one can pretty much grow some kind of crops all year long being nearer the equator," Bree shared freely, then added with a bit more hesitation though did none the less. It was good for her to talk about it. The memories were what they were, and they were a part of her; be them good, bad, or painful.

"The farm out in Bralsin really didn't get enough time and love to see it's potential filled. Ner riduur was one of Manda'lor's ori'ramikade so he was gone a lot. And, I got pregnant with Mesh'la early on so tending the farm got difficult for me by myself. It was my idea to get the farm in the first place, and perhaps being too young to realize… Well, I was a bit too hasty given our situation looking back. Maybe I'll get a chance again to follow my dreams when the timing and circumstances are more reasonable."

And with the fish done, Briika took the jo jo's out of the oven as she had timed it perfectly, then put them into a bowl to serve them in. Grabbing the other side dish she'd prepared earlier out of the cooling unit and the tarter sauce, Bree sat down at the table with them and motioned for Graad to do the same. "I hope you like coleslaw with your trout? It is a Tor aliit tradition."

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Coleslaw actually is great," Graad said as he took the bowl from Briika to help her get it on the table.

He smiled at her, though wasn't really sure why. He found this bit of normalcy to come naturally, and wondered to himself if this is what it would be like to have a riduur. He liked it, and began to wonder if he had been robbing himself of joy for no reason. Yes he didn't want his death to cause anyone the pain he experienced as a very young verd, but that loss was part of life. Graad needed to take another step forward, and allow himself to be open to the possiblity that a woman could capture his heart and make his a good riduur. Briika was surely setting the standard for what he would look for certainly.

"Thank you for going to all the trouble to set this up. I wasn't expecting all this food, and the uk cake, it smells wonderful. It makes me almost want to skip the fish and head right to dessert."

The key word was almost. Graad scooped a large helping of the coleslaw onto the plate and spread some of it onto the trout. He didn't need the tatar sauce with all the coleslaw he had taken, and large pile of jo jo's as well. The meal was simple, but it would be very filling. It had been a while since he ate a home cooked meal like this, and after leaning his head over the plate to mutter his daily remembrance (it was just his habit to do it at the evening meal) he dug into the food, starting with the fish. It was delicious.

Graad was a quiet, but quick eater, and for a moment, almost forgot there was company. He was so used to being alone he had forgotten his manners for a moment, the good country boy kind his father had raised him with.

"Compliments to the chef, she makes wonderful coleslaw and jo jo's. A man could easily get used to this," he said without even thinking about what he just said.

It was true though. A man could get used to this, especially if the yaim was on farmstead as well. Briika had helped cement his decision to move to Manda'yaim. Graad just wasn't going to tell her yet.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

"It was no trouble… Felt good actually to make a grownup meal, and your company is appreciated. I usually am the short-order cook nowadays with everyone's busy schedules, likes and dislikes," Bree replied, then cut into the flakey trout. "And you aren't such a back chef yourself. The fish is perfectly cooked to my liking," she flashed a smile at [member="Graad Hokan"] before taking a bite and making a 'yum' face.

As they ate their meal together, it was quietly done so, but pleasant none the less. The banter was to be saved for after dinner it seemed, which was totally fine by her. Usually the Tor table was very noisy with the boisterous ade telling their tales of the day.

After dinner, Briika cleared the dirty dishes and placed them into hot soapy water to soak in the sink while a pot of caf was brewed and the uj cake sliced. "Shall we enjoy our dessert out on the deck? It's lovely this time of day out there with the river nearby. The sunset is pretty nice as well, that is if you would like to stick around for it. I don't mean to occupy all your time while you are visiting here… as unintentional and forced as it was."

 

[Judah Lesan]

"The deck would be nice, and of course I would like to stay for the sunset, especially if they are as beautiful as you boast."

The truth was something he didn't have to verbalize, and Briika would know all too well, it was lonliest at night when one was left with all their thoughts, and no one to be with. Graad had gotten used to it, but suddenly didn't want to be alone to think about the company Briika had given him for the day. Eventually he would have to, and he knew that it would hard to get her out his mind. Was it wrong to think such a thing of a woman who was still potentially in a riduurok. Their culture taught them it was not, but it was still a matter of conscience and personal morals.

He followed Briika on the deck where the breeze was light, cool, but not cold, and brushed against his face. It was pleasent, and the smell of the river nearby only added to the beauty of the scenery. Graad walked right to the edge, placing his large, calloused hands on the wooden rail of the deck. His hands were the hands of a man who worked the land. They would not be soft to the touch, and would not feel soft against the soft flesh of woman. Graad was a rugged Mando'ad, a verd, a one who worked the land in times peace.

"I must admit, this city, the landscape around it, is really growing on me," he said as he sipped the caf which had been handed to him. "I can see why you like it here so much. Enceri has its own beauty I imagine?"

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

While [member="Graad Hokan"] moved to the wooden railing on the deck, Briika decided to plant herself on one of the lounge chairs. Plus, the scenery in front of her was indeed nice to look at. She sat down the dessert plate that had two slices of uj cake on it onto the small outdoor table, then leaned back casually into the upright lounger, crossing her bare feet at the ankles and took a sip of the caf; two-fisting the mug, which was the blonde's norm.

Briika didn't want to let herself go there as she studied the rugged Concordian, but it was hard not to. The baar'ur was lonely and well the man before her had many admirable qualities to him that she found extremely attractive. Some of those were the very same as her buir, some of her ner vode, and yes, her riduur. But then, the ver'verd slash vhett was different enough to be distinctive in his own way. Could she ever love another man? Or be with another? That question could not be answered at this juncture, nor maybe ever.

And without a body to prove her riduur had truly marched, there would always be that lingering doubt, hope… Was he still alive? Should she wait for him just in case, or move on? As time passed though, family and friends had suggested Bree look to moving on. It was not unusual for Mando'ade couples after being separated for long periods of time and space to take up a lover or even remarry in some instances. It was perceived okay as long as any ade born of that pairing were raised to follow the Resol'nare. It just didn't seem to be the right thing or time to take such a bold step. Maybe later or maybe never. Time would only tell, and it would have to be with the right person if it did happen. Bree could afford to be picky, choosy even not only for her sake, but Mesh'la's more so.

Graad's question about her home village brought Briika out of her musings. "Enerci, yes it is… The village is butted right up against the foothills of the northern mountain range, which the peaks are snow-covered all year long. There are four definite seasons, which I do miss. I go up there frequently as ner buire watch Mesh'la for me when I am deployed with the Medical Corps, that is if ner vod'ika is not available. This time though, Kad'ika, his ade, and ner ad all went up to partake in the Summer Solistice Festival. The whole village comes out for it. It's quite a good time. The lot of them will be bushed when they return," she replied, then took another sip of caf before picking up her slice of uj cake and taking a bite.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Graad eventually made his way back to the second lounge chair on the deck. He wanted the uj cacke, and the fact he had his back to Briika, drew him back to lounging rather than watching from the position he had been in. The sky was beginning to turn as the sun lowered closer to the horizon. All kinds of pinks, reds, and purples, danced off the clouds which had come in for the evening. This truly was heavenly, a moment the ver'verd would cherish for a long time to come.

If he were to let his mind, and heart, go where it wanted to, he would find himself falling for the blonde he sat next to. He had already mused several times how she would make a great riduur had she not already been one for another. Yet, there was also the part of him that wanted to be selfish, and pursue her as his own. Yes, he wresteled over the fact she had an ad, a daughter likely as beautiful as she was. Any relationship with Briika would be one with her daughter as well, meaning there was no rushing into anything. It seemed that wisdom was telling the ver'verd to guard his heart, though also to keep it open.

The uj cake was delicious, and his face would tell Briika everything she needed to know. Graad never made it for himself, he was always on the go. This was the perfect ending to what had turned out to be the perfect day. In reality the only thing which could make it better was if Graad could stay, but he knew that once the sun passed below the horizon his time would done, and he would be standing to leave.

"I am sure the festival is a great diversion for the community. We did similar things in Springs. I remember the Harvest Celebration one particular year where my buir made a complete di'kut of himself as the funny man for that year's play."

Graad's smile turned to a more serious look once more.

"Though it feels as though that was a lifetime ago now. I can honestly say I don't think I've enjoyed a night like that since, not until tonight anyhow. Your kindess has left an impression I will not be forgetting."

It was almost with that the sun had set, and Graad was taken back to the room he was renting above the tap cafe. Briika had given him her contact information and told him to look her up if he ever made the move to Manda'yaim. As he lay in the bed of the small room, Graad kept replaying the events of the day over in his mind. He processed things internally, in the quiet, as it was now. He knew what he wanted, deep down, he already knew. It was time to let go of the aliit farmstead and move on. Graad knew the reason he hadn't fully moved on from the loss of his buire was becasue he still held on to the one thing that tethered him to them in the physical world. For closure to happen, Graad needed to sell the farmstead. Sleep came easy once the decision was made, and his dreams went where he would not allow his heart to go just yet, to a blonde baar'ur on a farmsted just outside the city with a little girl, the hair color to match. For the first time in a long time he did not feel alone.

[member="Briika Detta"]

 

[Briika Munin]

Briika had been bold and gave [member="Graad Hokan"] her comm number to him with the message if he should ever make his way back to Manda'yaim to give her a call. This was just before the baar'ur said goodbye outside the Oyu'baat as she had given him a ride back to his room after their shared dinner and was parked out front. The whole day had been weird, yet not. It was like a date, but not. They were friends, though it seemed like something else.

As soon as Bree got home, she went to bed and fell fast asleep with no need of a shot of tihaar either as a sleep aid. The blonde's main dream that night had her standing in front of a farmstead with Mesh'la by her side and a baby in her arms. She was waving to a familiar rugged looking ver'verd coming down the path towards them. It was a good dream, a happy dream making Briika feel hopeful again.