Multiple steps echoed the metal hallways. Countless that walked it were faceless, with the only defining features were their similar helmets, with minor distinction in their accessories. Their armor resembled the more traditional tribal Mandalorian attire of their ancestors. A sight that most will fear given their notorious reputation in the galaxy.

A few, however, that accompanied them were different. Their blue skin and flowy dark hair contrast to the rest of the group. And their dark canine eyes pierces through their surroundings, one of which is more in disarray than the other.

Ashden trembled while she was behind Rochelle, her belly occasionally brushing the amazonian Nelvaanian's back. Her fears weren't unfounded given their current situation at hand. While no longer drifting into space, they were constantly reminded by the heavily armored men, taking them what appears to be another chamber.

"I…I’m so scared Rochelle…" Ashden whimpers, the idea that they have to meet the leader of a Mandalorian war band doesn't bode well with her.

"It’s gonna be ok Ash, just stay close and I'll deal with it," Rochelle said, "Whatever you do don't make a scene"

"I didn't want… You should have tried to convince them that I didn't have to come…"

"Everyone has to meet the warlord, no exceptions." Said one of the Mandalorians escorting them.

"What do they want with us?" Ashen then asked shily.

"Whatever they want, let's hope it something better than being slaves."

"N-no! But they saved us. They can't do that… right?"

"I heard a lot of atrocities from Mandalorians. Really messed up stuff. I just hope some of the rumors aren't true."

The two could only silently consider their fate as they were moved along by their guards, until they finally reached the large door chamber. It was bigger than the rest of the structures they had traveled so far. As soon as the doors opened, it became clear it was a throne room, a throne room for the warlord.

Runes decorated the walls of the chamber. These symbols were pretty alien for Rochelle, but something about them looked… familiar to Ashden. What wasn’t too familiar was the overhang and drapes that gave the green-ish atmosphere a bit of red tint over the brightest part of the room. The otherside of the room had a giant banner that displayed their Mandalorian tribe’s symbol.

“You finally arrived. Welcome… guests!” A femenine voice echoed in the room.

The two were still on guard, as they approached the warlord. As soon as they were in visible range they soon learned who was behind this voice. It wasn’t a Taung or even a human. In sheer shock they soon find she was nothing more than a Neelvanian, just like them!

Everything about her gives off an uneasy presence. Scars decorated the face of a matured Neelvanian warrior. No doubt from the many battles that got her into this position. She also wore a similar outfit like the other Mandalorians, albeit without any additional armor pieces and decorations; likely done to accommodate her gravid midsection.

To see one of their kind in this position was unexpected. Even as a bigger surprise their leader was… expecting, and not by a little bit. The lavish warlord was sporting a larger womb than Ashden and looks proud of it. The two were questioning this scenario even more. What’s going on? Was this a sick joke by the real warlord?

“When my warriors told me that they had rescued a duo of Nelvaanians from a band of lowly pirates, I just had to meet them. It’s been many years since I’ve seen my people off-world; barring my kinsmen of course.” the Nelvaanian spoke as another heavily pregnant figure appeared at her side; a Bothan female, who poured some kind of drink into the warlord’s awaiting cup.

“So that leads me to my next question. What brings you two to this part of the Galaxy?” the Nelvaanian warlord said to the two Nelvaanians standing before her.

Rochelle was more apt to respond, her exact words were "It's just business." She then added "My client wanted an escort to Lothal and that was the plan."

"It sounds simple" the Nelvaanian warlord then said "And yet life always finds a way to make it interesting for us, hm?"

"If you put it that way," Rochelle said “but I don't find this fun if bounty hunters were also following us a few star systems so far. I can’t find this safe for my client's sake."

"That is true. Getting followed by a bounty hunter is almost a fate worse than death. But it is not that common to see a platoon of them. What if we learn it's an entire guild of them that wants her head? Your client surely had a death wish to mess with the wrong, powerful people."

What did Ashden do to get this much heat? This had become a bad deal over time, but not this horrendous. Ashden seems more shaky after they mention it, she almost feels sorry for causing this trouble.

"On the bright side, it did lead you to us!" the warlord said and then sip on her cup.

Ashden finally got the courage to butt in "A-and we thank you for that. We would have died there!"

"Not without reservations of course." Rochelle commented. Mandalorian are still equally if not more dangerous than the prior group they had to fight off.

"You are my guests, " the warlord responded. "and as my guest you are welcome to stay with us as much as you need. And believe me this is a luxurious offer not many get! And I suggest you two make the most of it until things eventually calm down."

It all sounds too good to be true for the two. “Is there a catch?”

“I am true to my word but we don’t tolerate dead weight. We’ll put you to work according to your skills. We are basically family here. In fact, you can always join us. As one.”

Ashden and Rochelle looked at one another; uncertainty in their eyes. A silent agreement between the two was made and they gave the warlord their answer. “We’ll do some work for you until then. Just give us some time on the latter, warlord.”

“Very well.” the warlord said, a hint of disappointment in her tone of voice but she seems determined for some affirmation in the near future “Please, call me Ildiko.”

Ilidiko then gestured to her Bothan servant to come closer and whispered to her ear. The female Bothan slightly bowed down despite her heft and then she left the chamber “You’ll soon find our clan much favorable in the end.”

---

Now then, there was a little project that was being worked on in the background. It's related to a nelvaanian mom that I shared a few months ago that suggests there was something more to her story. Well here we have a collaborative effort with  snowpirate-101 and  gothia1565 for almost a year! All for free to enjoy! Expect more artworks with little stories attached to them in the following weeks.

Coincidentally this was posted on May the fourth, so happy star wars day too!

Ashden belongs to  Derrysome

Rochelle belongs to  snowpirate-101

Ildikó and other characters belongs to :Gothia1565:

Story by  Derrysome and  gothia1565

Art by  snowpirate-101 and  Derrysome