"Where are your parents youngling?"
The boy didn't look much older than 7 or 8. His face smeared with dirt and his orange jumpsuit looked like it had seen better days. His hair was unkempt and uneven, but what caught her attention was the boy's eyes. Ocean blue eyes looked up to her with mistrust, caution, and fear but what really struck her was the rebellion and mischief lingering in his stare.
"I don't have any parents" the boy responded as his gaze now held a touch of despair
"Are you alone?"
At this question the boy looked down to stare at his feet. Shoulders stiff and hands clenched, it was obvious what the answer was. She felt her heart clench at the hopelessness that seemed to roll off the child. She knelt down so she was facing him, her heart clenching again when she saw him flinch.
"I know what it's like to be alone. I have a ship not far from here. I have everything you may need; food, shelter, clothes. Would you like to come and stay with me?"
The boy looked up, distrust lining his face but a glimmer of hope shone in his eye.
"What's the catch?"
"Catch?" At this she let out a silent sigh, realizing the boys mistrust ran deeper than she could see. "There is nothing I require from you, but I would be lying if I said I didn't desire some company. I have been alone for a long time, and the ship gets very lonely from time to time. It would be nice if I were able to share it with someone."
"You are alone?" He whispered, a sense of understanding in his tone.
"I am. But not for much longer I hope." She smiled and held out her hand. "Will you join me?"
At this the boy looked down at her hand, a looked of contemplation crossed his face before he looked up and grinned, taking it. "Sure, it's not like I got nothing else to do"
The togruta matched his grin with one of her own, standing up and beginning to walk towards her ship, never letting go of his hand. "Then come young one, you look like you need a bath"
"You have nooo idea" He snorted, not pulling away from her hold of his hand "I'm Ezra by the way. Ezra Bridger."
"Nice to meet you Ezra. I'm Ahsoka. Ahsoka Tano"
