Around 49 BBY, a battle took place within the city of Zehava, situated on the planet known as Melida/Daan. This particular conflict was one of numerous clashes between the warring factions of the Melida and Daan tribes. The fighting was initiated when the Daan launched an offensive targeting the Melida-controlled section of the city. Nield, a Daan child, along with his cousin—who had previously fled to Zehava following a dispute in their village—were present during the battle. The boy's cousin was compelled to participate in the fighting; however, he was ultimately killed during the conflict. Nield, an eight-year-old orphan, found himself alone on the streets and subsequently joined a group comprised of many of the planet's children—known as the Young—who were dedicated to establishing peace on Melida/Daan. In 44 BBY, Cerasi, a friend of Nield, recounted the hardships of Nield's early life, including the battle of Zehava, to Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Padawan, while the Padawan was undertaking a mission on the planet.
The 1999 young-readers book titled The Defenders of the Dead first made mention of this battle. Jude Watson authored the book, which served as the fifth installment in the Jedi Apprentice series.