"This ship belongs to the clan, so please make yourselves at home in it. We actually stole it from the Imperials — " Mia chuckled as she gave them a quick tour. "But don't worry — it's registered with the New Republic," Mia says with a sly grin.

Leaving behind the starfighters, the gunship was foreign yet comfortably spacious. It had two guest quarters with a pair of bunkbeds, as well as a captain's room with a bed large enough for two people. In addition, it had a fairly sizable refresher, as well as a kitchenette and dining area. Surprisingly, it also contained a washer and dryer for their clothes. The ship also included a decent size cargo hold and weapons rack for storage, which is very convenient for two Mandalorians.

Once they packed up their supplies onboard the ship and closed the ramp, Kia watches as Din off-loads his weapons into the cabinet. Yet there's something she has yet to offer him, "Ya know, I can teach you how to use that saber, if you're interested."

"It's like your laser swords, right?" He asked, and when she nodded 'yes' he continued speaking, as he placed the Darksaber inside the rack and shutting the doors. "It got so...heavy."

"They're called lightsabers and they react to your emotions. If you are angry, sad, afraid or troubled, then the weapon will respond accordingly. If you're going to be carrying it around, you should at least know how to wield it."

"That is true. I know I have a lot to learn."

"Next time we are free, we should spar. Your saber against my saber."

"Alright then. I want you to train me, and I don't want to stop until we fight to a draw."

"Well, I do like a challenge."

Din removed his helmet and smiled. "As do I."

"I won't go easy on you."

"Good. I don't want you to," he says and leaned a little closer and continued; firm in his resolve. "Once other Mandalorians find out I have the Darksaber, it won't go well; especially if Bo-Katan is still intent on reclaiming it from me. I've already had Paz challenge me for it, so I know I must be prepared. I don't want this thing, but I am not willing to die for it."

"When we arrive at Krownest, we can try to find a secluded place where we can train."

"Sounds good to me."

"We may have to go in the evening," Kia continued, a twinge of excitement in her voice. "I mean late, when everyone else will be asleep."

"Okay. We have a deal."

"By the way, I don't believe you ever told me where you're from?" She asked him.

"Aq Vetina," he simply stated. "My town was attacked by the Separatists army. A battle droid killed my parents and was about to kill me, until I was rescued by Death Watch."

"Well, regardless of what others may say or think, they raised an honorable man," she tells him as she placed her hand on his chest plate.

"Thank you," his voice gone soft, he still seemed lost and unsure of himself.

"Even if you don't want the title of Manda'lore, I'll always support your decision. Only you can choose your fate."

He sighed as he lowered his forehead down onto hers. He was a bit clammy, but she didn't mind. His arms wrap around her waist as Grogu's hovercrib floats nearby.

"We should get going," she says after a while.

"Yes. I agree," he huffed out as they make their way up into the cockpit with the baby.

***

The gunship was remarkably fast for its age. It only took 72 hours in hyperspace to travel to their destination. Covered in ice and snow, Krownest is a very beautiful planet. Originally colonized by Death Watch, it was once an exile world in the Mandalore sector. With its mountainous terrain, snowy tundras, evergreen forests, and countless frozen lagoons, it can be incredibly hazardous for the inept traveler. Furthermore, the below-freezing temperatures, especially during the darkness of the night's sky, are just as dangerous as the ferocious animals that call this place home.

Overlooking a large ice-covered lake is the Wren Stronghold, which was constructed sometime during the waning years of Tarre Vizsla's rule. This planet was highly valued by House Vizsla, due to the sheer number of ore and minerals found all over the planet. The harsh environment made the fortress nearly impossible for any to lay siege to it, except for the most highly trained or the more foolish of soldiers.

Most of the tribe specializes in explosives and electronics. The family has been manufacturing munitions and ships for years. Therefore, it is important for the new Mand'alor to maintain a decent relationship with Clan Wren. The resources here are necessary to begin repairing the damage done during the Imperial occupation. As they enter the atmosphere, Kia and Din spot an icy docking bay beneath the main balcony, awaiting their arrival.

As soon as the landing gear of their ship came to rest on the empty landing dock, Kia went to wrap the baby with as many clothes and blankets as she could manage on his tiny body, and still have him be able to move around. Luckily for the two Mandalorians, their thick flight suit and armor acted as barriers to the intense cold they are about to endure.

Once Kia and Din step out into the frozen tundra, with Grogu's hovercrib floating close behind, they are greeted by the rest of the their clan, Mia and Vax, as well as Fenn. Amongst the welcome party waiting for them in the hanger was Alrich and Ursa Wren. The two of them both gave a smooth half-bow before introducing themselves.

"Good afternoon," Alrich welcomed them. "I am Alrich Wren. This is our clan leader, and my wife, Countess Ursa Wren. Welcome to Krownest, Mand'alor," he greeted Din with his hand outstretched.

Alrich wore fancy white robes and was the only one not in armor. Din takes the man's extended hand, roughly greeting him with unpracticed informality. Although the greeting appeared friendly between them, yet the smile and twinkle in Alrich's eyes seemed to hint that there was something more left unspoken.

"Fenn has already updated us," Ursa explained cordially to Din as they also share a more gentle handshake. "If everyone would follow us, we can make our way inside and out of this freezing cold."

As they are led into the building, it was remarkably warm inside in comparison to the temperature outside. Every corridor looked the same to the visitors of this incredibly enormous citadel. Grey, plain and confusing to navigate. Most of the rooms they passed were dark and empty. Either left to collect dust or filled with an assortment of storage. All except Din had removed their helmets as they entered the massive keep.

It seemed this fortes could house an entire infantry, and yet not many guards were seen patrolling these immense halls. Eventually, the group was led into an empty section through the maze that is the Wren Stronghold. They soon see two suites on either side of a long hallway as the two hosts suddenly stop.

"This is our guest wing. We have these rooms available for you all," Ursa Wren stated as she gestured. "We would if you all will join us for dinner tonight at 8:00."

"I'm sure everyone has had a long trip, so tonight will be a casual meal among Mandalorians," Alrich Wren kindly says with a bow.

"Our son and daughter are expected to arrive sometime late tonight. So Alrich and I are hoping to set up a formal assembly tomorrow morning in the throne room, once everyone has had a chance to rest," Ursa suggested.

"You all are guests in our house, so feel free to make yourselves comfortable. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask us or any of our servants," Alrich reassured them with another ceremonial bow.

"Our housekeeper will come by tonight at 7:45 to escort everyone to our dining hall," Ursa says.

"We look forward to seeing everyone," Alrich says as they both nod in unison before quickly exiting the area.

"They seem nice," Kia acknowledged.

"The Wren's have been our friends ever since the fall of Mandalore," Fenn stated.

Suddenly, a high-pitched yelp is heard from further down the passageway.

"Mommy! Daddy!" A little girl's excited voice echoed throughout the stone walls.

"Ad'ika!" Mia shouted with her arms outstretched.

"We missed you sweetheart," Vax greeted his daughter.

But as soon as the eight year old got within a few feet from Kia, she immediately gasped sharply and stopped dead in her tracks. Her face turned white, like she's seen a ghost.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" Mia asked with concern.

"Oh, well now this is interesting," Kia interjected as she sensed something strong coming from the little girl.

"Kia, what's going on?" Vax asked firmly. The little girl's mouth was wide open in shock as Kia got to her knees.

"You must be Alina," Kia says sweetly, but the girl looked terrified. "Your parents and I grew up together. It's okay, come here little one."

"Is everything alright?" Vax asked as he watched Kia and Alina interact.

"Nothing is wrong," Kia says, offering her hand to the girl as Alina steps up closer. "Don't worry."

"I thought I was the only one," Alina says as she holds Kia's hand.

"No, you are not. Would you like to meet our foundling?" Kia asked, but before the girl could answer, Grogu's crib comes hovering over.

"Him, too?" Alina blurted out happily.

"That's right," Kia smiled.

"How come I can hear him in my head?" Alina asked, her wide eyes looked at Kia.

"Oh yes, he does that a lot," Kia laughed. "It's called the Force. It's an energy created by all living things. It's what gives Jedi their powers."

"Are you a Jedi?"

"I am, and you can be too if you'd like to learn," Kia offered.

"You mean I can be a Jedi?!" Alina exclaimed.

"With the right training, of course. The choice is yours."

"Hello, Grogu," Alina addressed the baby as they communicate telepathically, her hands resting on the edges of his crib.

"Have you ever done anything or has anything happened to you that you can't explain?" Kia asked as the girl looks down at her feet.

"Well — I've had dreams of you, but my mommy and daddy always say they are just nightmares."

Kia's gaze shifted downwards as he lets out a sigh, "Foresight." It can be a useful tool as well as a curse. Her eyes shifted back to the small child in front of her, "The Force can sometimes mislead you, but there is a way to control it," Kia explains as she places her hand gently on her shoulder.

Then Alina turns to look at Kia with her wide eyes, she opens her mouth and asks with enthusiasm, "Can I play with him?"

"Of course," Kia smiled at the girl before looking over at Grogu to hold his tiny claw. "Now you be on your best behavior, okay?"

"Patu!" The baby cooed.

"Yes! Thank you," the girl leaped for joy and took the hovercrib into one of the guest rooms. "Would you like to see my toys, Grogu?"

When Din took a massive step forward in a highly protective stance, "Hey. It's alright," Kia says as she placed her hand on his chest plate. "Don't worry. He'll be okay," she reassured him.

"Uh, Kia," her friend says. "Mind telling us what all that was about?"

"Mia and Vax, my dear friends, did you know your daughter is Force-sensitive?"

They both stood there, frozen in place as they took in this recent information. There was an unsettling feeling that hung in the air, it felt thick and made the area very claustrophobic. Then Vax spoke first to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Does that mean your Jedi friends will come to take her away from us?" Vax asked Kia forcefully, but it certainly felt like he was mocking her.

"No, I won't let that happen. That is — unless she decides that is what she wanted. Grogu was given a choice, and your daughter should be given the same opportunity," Kia says as she tried to soothe the two parents. "Alina is a Mandalorian and she's part of this clan, first and foremost. But she has a gift, one that can make her a very powerful warrior, or a very good pilot, bounty hunter or maybe even a remarkable healer. Either way, it's her choice."

"She has told us about her dreams, but we always brushed it off as if they were just her imagination," Mia's voice trembled with anxiety, thinking that she may had misunderstood her daughter all this time.

"It's okay, I'm here now," Kia pats her friend on her shoulder. "After all, I was recently given the title of master."

NOTE: I wanted to give Grogu a friend he can communicate with. There's more interaction with the Wren's coming up.