Happy Friday! Please enjoy my darlings!

"This is the way."

She had never heard a phrase like that. What was "the way"? Whatever it was, she was glad "the way" was not marriage to the bounty hunter. What was it with everyone assuming they were married or in a relationship? Was there something in her bearing that made people think they were close? It certainly couldn't be his body language that hinted at that. She had rarely seen colder shoulders.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden feeling of her legs being swept out from under her. She bit back a startled yelp as she once again found herself cradled in her Mandalorian's arms. At least she hoped it was her Mandalorian. Seeing as how she heard no protests at her being bodily hauled away, she felt it was safe to assume that it was Mando.

They remained silent as Mando carried her back up the spiralling stairs and back out into sunlight. The girl kept her attention firmly on the number of steps he took and in which direction he took them, until the rising sound of the approaching market distracted her. Mando set her down on her feet once more and she felt his hands deftly untie the knot at the back of her head before the blindfold fell away. She kept her eyes shut against the glare of the sun and so was unaware of what he was doing until she felt something rest lightly over her head. Blinking her eyes open, she found she could bear it better because of the hood he had replaced on her head.

"Come." He ordered, stoic as ever. Then he began to walk away, towards the market. Right! The supplies he had left at Vizsla's. She quickly set out after him, drawing close to his side just as they exited the alley into the crowded market square.

They made it to Vizsla's quickly but when they arrived, the Gossam's booth was being manned by a large, older man who grunted acknowledgement of the bounty hunter before ignoring them as Mando went around the stand to collect his bags. It was too bad they wouldn't be able to say a proper goodbye to the sweet old lady, but when Mando left without a word to the man, she was quick to follow.

When she saw that he was planning on carrying their bags of supplies as well as his weapons she was more than a little shocked. She was a slave. Moreover, she was his slave. Why wasn't he using her services? Picking up her pace, she broke into a quick little trot and circled around him until they were face to face. The Mandalorian went to move past her but she stepped into his path again, head bowed in servility even as she did so.

"What?" He bit out, sounding impatient. She quickly pointed to the sacks draped over his shoulder, then pointed to herself.

"Not necessary." He answered shortly before attempting to step around her again. She matched his move and pointed more emphatically at the sacks, then at herself. He already didn't have a choice in taking her with him. The least she could do was help him with his general chores. She heard him sigh in irritation through his helmet and she felt sure he would hand over one of the sacks then. However, he surprised her by closing the distance between them and catching her chin in his free hand, urging her to look into the darkness of his t-visor.

"You are no longer a slave." He stated firmly. She reached up to touch the collar on her throat that said otherwise but he shook his head, stopping her motion.

"Forget about the damned collar. It's only a temporary nuisance until I find someone to take it off. I am telling you now, you are no longer a slave. If I need your help, I will ask for it. Until that time comes, your only job is to keep up and stay out of my way until our paths part." With that he released her and continued on his way, leaving her standing there a bit shell-shocked.

So...he was serious about not treating her like a slave. But where did that leave her? If she wasn't his slave and he wasn't her master, what were they? They weren't friends. At least, she didn't think they were…

Seeing that he had almost fully disappeared into the crowd, she quickly took off after him. Keep up. Stay out of the way. She could do that. If that was all he required of her for the time being, she would carry out those two tasks to the absolute best of her abilities!

"Girl! Hey, Girl!" A newly familiar voice called from behind her. She paused and looked back to see Vizsla hurrying after them.

"You go. No bye?" She scolded as she caught up. Without waiting for an answer, the Gossam pulled the girl into a brisk hug before shoving a small jar into her hands.

"You take. Good." Vizsla ordered sternly.

The girl looked down to see what she had been handed, and found the jar of healing cream that had been used on her feet. Immediately she tried to hand it back but Vizsla crossed her arms and took a step away.

"No." She stated firmly, refusing to take the jar back.

"What's the hold up here?" Mando had finally noticed that she was no longer following him and had turned back to find her.

"Mando!" Vizsla exclaimed before jabbering to him in her mother tongue. He listened patiently before turning to the girl, who was watching the exchange with a stubborn expression.

"Vizsla has informed me that if you will not accept her gift graciously, she will have no choice but to shove it up somewhere unpleasant to force you to keep it. She believes you will need it far more than she ever will, particularly considering my supposedly habitual reckless actions." Mando translated, his tone mildly indignant at her statement. Vizsla nodded firmly, glaring the whole while.

The girl looked down at the jar in contemplation before looking up at Mando, who nodded slightly. She smiled and suddenly lurched forward to throw her arms around Vizsla. She had never received such a beautiful gift before and was truly grateful for the old woman's thoughtfulness.

Vizsla accepted the hug with enthusiasm but also shot a glare over the girl's shoulder at Mando.

"You take care of this girl. She's a special one." She ordered sternly. For his part, Mando didn't say anything but nodded stoically. Vizsla nodded back before pulling out of the hug and pressing her right thumb to the center of the girl's forehead.

"May you find peace and tranquility during your journeys.

May you find home wherever you go.

May the force of life guide and protect you always." She intoned solemnly.

It was a blessing her people bestowed upon their children as they left home and began their life's adventure. The girl couldn't understand what was being said but she nodded anyway, somehow knowing that it was important to Vizsla. Vizsla then turned to Mando and gestured for him to duck closer. He did so and she pressed her thumb to the forehead of his visor and repeated the blessing. It was something the old woman did every time they parted ways so he was accustomed to the loving gesture.

"Until next time, Scamps." Vizsla finished fondly, pulling the girl into one last hug before melting back into the crowd. The girl watched after her until Mando turned away, shifting the bags on his shoulder slightly. She was quick to silently follow as they made their way out of the town and to his ship with no further interruption.

What do you think? Am I finding the balance between ruthless Mando and sweet-despite-himself Mando? Its like walking a tightrope over Niagra with this guy!