Chapter 15: Winter

Djarin had just arrived in the front hall to see Satine waiting by the front door, a neutral expression on her face. He had seen and heard enough about Jacques Schnee to know that this expression was just a mask for the Councilwoman's anxiety. He was feeling rather nervous himself, given the fact that Cinder shot the man in order to help them escape from that Atlesian complex. Luckily, his helmet hid his emotions and Cinder knew to keep her distance from the man. If Jacques just stayed with the Councilwoman, things would be fine.

"I trust you remember our plan, Djarin?" Satine asked calmly.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "We'll be leading Mr. Schnee to your office. I'll be waiting outside while you conduct your business."

"Actually, would you mind staying inside with us?"

Djarin was surprised to hear this request, as it didn't sound very practical. "But ma'am, what if Korkie or Cinder get in trouble?"

"Oh, that's unlikely, Djarin. I think you'll be more useful inside with me."

"Ma'am... you don't think he's involved with Councilman Redwood, do you?"

"That's also unlikely," Satine assured him. "I'll be perfectly safe with him, but I think having a Mandalorian warrior in the room will help keep Jacques in place. You may not know, but he gets... loud when he's upset." Now the Mandalorian understood. Keeping Jacques in check would help balance the conversation in Satine's favor.

"In that case, sounds like a plan," he agreed.

The Councilwoman turned to the door when she heard a knock. "Come in," she politely said. The door opened to reveal Jacques Schnee walk in with his daughter close behind him.

"Councilwoman Kryze," the man addressed her with a smile. "It's such a pleasure to see you again."

"Hello, Mr. Schnee. Thank you for coming," said Satine. She looked at the young girl who walked to her father's side. "Hello, Winter. It's good to see you again."

"...Hello," said Winter. Before she could say anything else, a loud cough escaped Jacques throat. He quickly grabbed a handkerchief from his suit's pocket and raised it to his face.

"My apologies," said Jacques as his coughing stopped. "Now then, shall we get to business?"

"Indeed," the Councilwoman replied. "We can go-"

"Are we safe with him, by the way?" Jacques interrupted her, pointing to the Mandalorian.

"This is my new security guard. As long as there are no problems regarding my safety, all he'll do is listen."

"...Very well. But before we start, is your nephew here?"

Satine slightly titled her head. "Yes, Korkie should be around here somewhere," she answered. "Would you like to see him?"

"Oh, no thank you," the businessman said. "I was wondering if it would be alright for my daughter to go find him."

Now Satine was even more confused. Winter had met Korkie before, but the Councilwoman usually insisted that the children spend time together rather than let the young heiress stay with her father at all times. Now, it didn't seem to be necessary. "Of course," she said, not seeing any harm in the request, despite her confusion. "Winter, you can find him upstairs while your father and I talk."

The group began to walk further into the house, Satine leading everyone to a separate room. Before Winter went up the large staircase, her father grabbed her shoulder. Making sure the Councilwoman and her guard weren't looking, Jacques leaned closer to Winter. "Remember what I told you, Winter," he ordered. "You'll speak with me after we leave."

Winter frowned. "...Yes, Father."

Cinder had just finished getting dressed and left her room. She saw the Mandalorian before he left to find Satine, and he warned her about staying far from Jacques. Nothing pointing to Cinder as his shooter had ever been released, but they couldn't take any chances. So she instead went to go find Korkie.

"Cinder!" a familiar voice called out. The young girl turned around to see the boy she had just been looking for. "There you are."

"Hi, Korkie." Cinder walked up him. "I was just looking for you."

"And I you," Korkie said with a laugh. "I hope you slept well."

"I did, thank you." She played with a strand of her hair while talking to him, but quickly realized that she forgot to fix it. Rather than it being tied in her usual bunches, Cinder's black hair was just above her shoulders. And the boy seemed to be entranced by the sight. "Sorry about my hair, I just woke up."

Korkie raised an eyebrow. "Um... why apologize?" he asked.

Cinder blushed in embarrassment. "It's kind of a mess right now. I know it looks strange."

Korkie smiled. "Not at all. It actually looks... quite lovely."

Cinder blushed even more and smiled. "Thank you," she said, grateful she didn't seem to embarrass herself in his eyes. Rather than go any further, she decided to change the subject. "Did you say you were looking for me?"

"Oh, yes!" Korkie remembered what he was doing in the first place. "I wanted to introduce you to someone I know."

"I don't think that'll be necessary," another voice called out. Cinder looked behind Korkie and softly gasped as she recognized the visitor. "Hello, Cinder."

"Winter," Cinder said in surprise. "You're here."

Korkie looked back at Winter. "Oh, you two know each other?"

"Not exactly," said Winter. "We only met once, on one of Father's business trips." She stopped walking and extended her hand. "But it's good to see you again."

Cinder was surprised at Winter's calm demeanor. She was expecting a million questions or accusations about what she did to Jacques. But the surprise quickly turned to joy as she shook Winter's hand and smiled. "It's good to see you, too."

Winter smiled. "Korkie, would it be alright if we go to the garden?"

"Of course," said Korkie. He led the way as the girls walked together. Cinder knew she shouldn't talk about shooting Jacques, but she was surprised that Winter was so calm and happy about seeing her again. Was she actually glad to see her again? Or was there something more to this? There was only one way for her to find out.

"You're not going to tell him?" Cinder whispered.

"I actually want to talk to you first," said Winter. "Alone."

Cinder, Korkie, and Winter were all in the garden, looking at the flowers Korkie had for his parents. At the moment, he was watering them.

"I see you've been keeping busy with all of this," said Winter.

"Whenever I have the time," said Korkie, who had just finished watering the flowers. "It's been a while since you last saw them."

"But it still looks the same." Winter leaned down at one flower. "Still just as breathtaking."

"You can say that again," said Cinder. "This was actually one of the first things I saw here, and I think I fell in love with them." She leaned down to a patch of orange flowers. "Especially these ones."

Winter smiled and walked closer. "Those are called 'Marigolds.' I can see why you like them so much."

"Actually, Winter..." Korkie spoke up. "I'm pretty sure those are 'Chrysanthemums.'"

Winter looked back at him. "Are you sure? They look like Marigolds to me."

Korkie laughed. "Nope, pretty sure they're Chrysanthemums."

"I doubt it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, I do."

Korkie began to walk back to the door to the house. "I'll get my Scroll and show you." Right after he left, Cinder looked up at Winter.

"Nice trick," she said. "You want to have that talk now?"

"I do," Winter replied as she walked over to a bench. Tapping her hand on an empty space, Cinder slowly walked over, afraid of what Winter was going to say. Once she sat down, Winter spoke again. "I keep thinking about what happened that day. It's... hard to forget."

"...Are you upset?" Cinder asked nervously.

"More like... surprised. It was the first time I ever saw something like that. I was... even more surprised when you didn't seem to care. You just smiled and waved at me."

"Does your father know?"

"No." Winter took a deep breath before speaking again. "I kept it to myself because... I have some questions for you."

Cinder looked up from the ground. "...Okay." she said. "Ask me."

"Cinder, have you ever done something like that before?"

"Shot someone?" Cinder considered lying to Winter, but was worried about what would happen if Winter found out she lied. "On that day, no. But after a while... I've been doing it more."

Winter gasped. "But why?"

"It's how I live. Kill or be killed." Cinder took her necklace out from her shirt and showed it to Winter. "Do you know what this is?" Winter shook her head. "This is a Mandalorian symbol. One of the first, actually."

Winter quickly realized what she was talking about. "Cinder, are you... a Mandalorian?" she asked in surprise.

"...Yes," Cinder answered. "You remember how I said someone was looking after me? He's a Mandalorian, too."

Winter took a moment to process what Cinder had just said. She began to understand it as well, specifically when Cinder said "kill or be killed". She knew the Mandalorians were fighters, killers. And here was a little girl who was just like them. It explained a lot, why she was at that prison in the first place, why she left with the Mandalorians.

"Are you... scared?" Cinder asked, seeing the dread on Winter's face.

"Of you?" Winter inquired. "...No. But I'm scared for you, Cinder." She put a hand on Cinder's. "Before going to that prison, I learned a little bit about the Mandalorians. What they do, how they live, how they only care about... Cinder, being around them is dangerous."

"I know. But I'm better off with him." Cinder gently squeezed Winter's hand. "He keeps me safe, he's been helping me become who I am right now."

"But you don't have to be a warrior. You're just a kid."

"Trust me, Winter. I belong with the Mandalorians."

Winter knew she couldn't convince Cinder to leave the Mandalorians. But she wasn't quite done asking questions. "But what about shooting Father like that? You didn't have to do that."

"Actually, I did," Cinder replied. "If I hadn't stopped him from pressing the alarm, the rest of the guards would have stopped us from leaving."

"Well... you have a point there."

"But I also did it for you."

Winter was taken aback by this. Cinder wanted to shoot her father for her? "...What do you mean?"

"We're not so different, Winter," Cinder said as she took her other hand once again. "I was like you once."

"Like me?"

"Before I met you, I lived at a place called the Glass Unicorn. Well... 'lived' is the wrong way to put it. As soon as I got there, the woman who adopted me put me to work. I had to do everything she told me or..." Cinder lifted her necklace to show Winter her scar. "Well, I told you about this before."

Winter put a hand over her mouth. "That's horrible," she said with sympathy. "How... How did you-?"

"Get away? Well, I have the Mandalorian who's looking after me to thank for that. It took him a while, but he decided to take me away with him. He freed me. Not just from the Glass Unicorn, but from myself."

Winter lowered her hand. "Yourself?"

"Ever since I arrived at the Glass Unicorn, I was... angry. At the Madame, at her daughters, at the people who ignored me, at... everything. But ever since Mando took me with him, I haven't felt angry at the world. I don't hate my life anymore. And it's all thanks to him."

Winter smiled at Cinder's heartwarming confession, but there was something she didn't understand. "I don't really see a connection here."

"Winter, meeting you was like looking into a mirror. I could see all my pain, sadness... loneliness. When I saw all of that with you, and the cause behind it, I knew I had to do something. I couldn't save myself at the Glass Unicorn... but I could try to save you."

A tear fell down Winter's cheek as Cinder said this. Nobody had ever stood up for her before, she didn't have many friends who could do that. But knowing that someone cared about her this way had made Winter feel happiness. True happiness, something she hadn't felt in a while.

"I know, I didn't do enough." Cinder got the wrong idea when she saw Winter cry. "Or maybe I did too much, I don't know. I'm sorry, I wish-" A pair of arms wrapping around Cinder caused her to stop talking. Winter smiled as she softly squeezed Cinder.

"Thank you, Cinder."

"For what?"

Winter pulled away and wiped her eye. "...For caring."

Jacques and Winter left after a couple of hours, but not before Winter promised she would be back tomorrow. While Korkie went to go eat lunch with his aunt, Djarin was talking to Cinder before joining them.

"So... how did it go?" Djarin awkwardly asked.

"Well... she knows about me shooting Jacques," said Cinder. "But she didn't tell anyone."

"Why not?"

"She wanted to talk to me about it. And... she had questions."

Djarin's heart skipped a beat. "What did you tell her?"

"Nothing about what we're doing. Just how we met and why I did what I did."

"And?"

"She still won't tell anyone."

Djarin sighed in relief. "Good. But still, don't get too close to Jacques. We can't take any chances." Cinder nodded in agreement. "And be careful around Winter."

"I don't think I need to worry about that," Cinder said. "I can trust her."

"Don't be so sure."

Cinder's eyes started to widen. "...What?"

Djarin realized what he had just said. "Sorry. What I meant to say was... just don't say too much around her." He began to walk towards the dining room, with Cinder following close behind him.

"Mando, you don't need to worry about Winter," she assured him. "We can trust her, she's-"

"I know you trust her," said Djarin. "Just be careful what you say, that's all."

Cinder walked up in front of him. "What do you mean? She won't sell us out."

"Not willingly, you're right. But have you noticed how she acts around her father?"

The answer to that question was one of the reasons Cinder wanted to be friends with Winter in the first place. She had to be there for Winter when things got too much for her. "Of course," Cinder said. "I can empathize with her feelings about that."

"And how would you describe her feelings?"

"Sad, alone... scared."

"Exactly." Djarin knelt down to Cinder's level. "I've hunted enough bounties to know that fear leads to people talking. If Jacques pushes her to the edge, Winter will tell him everything. He'll use her to get to us."

Cinder looked at the ground, understanding the Mandalorian's point. There had been times when Cinder's fear of the Madame caused her to do everything she said. "So... you don't want me to be friends with her?"

"You can be her friend. Just don't talk too much about us. Okay?" Cinder looked up and nodded. "Good. Let's go get some food."

The next day the Schnees came, Winter was with Cinder and Korkie in the library. Winter was showing Korkie a book they used to read together and were having a good laugh at one part. Winter and Korkie had been spending most of the day enjoying themselves by catching up and talking. Cinder, on the other hand, was feeling disappointed. She had never seen Korkie this happy when he was with her. The sight of him being with another girl didn't make Cinder jealous, but rather curious. Curious about what Korkie liked about Winter that he didn't like in her.

She found her chance to answer this question when Korkie got a message on his Scroll. As soon as he left to look at it, Cinder looked over to Winter. "Hey, Winter. Can I ask you something?"

Winter turned away from the bookshelf to Cinder. "Sure. What is it?"

"...You've known Korkie for a while, right?"

"Yes, I've known him for about a few months. Why do you ask?"

"I've noticed he likes to spend a lot of time with you."

Winter walked over to Cinder. "Well, I guess so. We don't see each other that much, so he might want to enjoy our time together while he can."

"What would you say he likes about you?

Winter tilted her head a bit. "Um... I don't know. Maybe he likes my taste in literature." She looked back at the bookcase. "We like some of the same books."

"Well, are you sure it's not anything else?" Cinder asked.

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Maybe that you're... girly."

Winter wasn't sure how to reply to that, except state the obvious. "What? Cinder, that's not even a word."

"You know what I mean," her friend replied. "It's just that, the way you dress, talk, act. Does Korkie like you because of that?"

Winter opened her mouth, but quickly stopped herself. She had noticed Cinder staring at her and Korkie while they were talking and laughing a few times. Now Winter was starting to realize why. A small smile formed on her face. "You want Korkie to notice you, don't you?"

Cinder immediately blushed at the question and turned away, embarrassed that she didn't hide her feelings that well. "I... I don't know. Maybe?"

Winter giggled and walked closer to Cinder. "I don't know, Cinder. I sometimes catch him looking at you too."

"Really?" Cinder asked with a smile.

"Just a quick glance every now and then. I hate to say it, but I'm not sure I can make him pay more attention to you." Cinder sighed and looked back at the ground. Winter put a hand on her shoulder. "But if you're asking to be more like me... I think I can help with that." Cinder's head shot up again and looked at Winter.

"Really? Thank you," said Cinder. "Where do we start?"

"First, learn to stand up straight." Winter immediately changed position to stand in a more formal manner, her left hand over her right. Cinder was taken by surprise at the immediate change, but stood straight like Winter when she regained her thoughts. Winter immediately began to walk around Cinder, examining her posture. "Your form could use some work," she observed. "But secondly, there's no need to slurp like a savage." Winter held up a glass of water that Cinder was drinking earlier, recalling how loud Cinder was drinking it. Cinder rubbed the back of her head and laughed, slightly embarrassed that her friends heard her drink loudly.

"Wow, I've never seen you act this way before," Cinder said, impressed by Winter's apparent confidence and no-nonsense attitude. "You're certainly know what you're doing."

"It comes with experience," Winter replied. "I've come to learn that appearance is everything in Atlas. It's one thing that I've come to take pride in." She began to walk behind Cinder and have a good look at her hair. She took her small bunches and untied them, letting her hair fall. "You have the right hair to just let loose rather than tie up. I'll be right back."

Winter left the room, leaving Cinder to feel her loose hair. All of this change came quickly and surprisingly to her. Cinder was a little nervous, changing everything about her at once, but she had faith that Winter knew what she was doing. And that faith seemed to be rewarded when Winter came back with a hairbrush and started brushing her hair.

"Oh, you're not going to tie it up?" Cinder asked.

"I've always left my hair tied up like this, but I don't think I can do that for you," said Winter. "I can brush it, make it neater."

"Okay." Cinder let Winter work, but she had another question. "You don't tie your hair like that?"

"No, my mother helps me. After she helps my sister."

Cinder turned back a little. "I didn't know you had a sister."

"Don't turn, you'll ruin it," Winter quickly ordered. Cinder turned back as Winter continued. "But yes, I have a younger sister. She's four right now."

"What's her name?"

"Weiss."

Cinder smiled. "That's nice."

"We should go over a couple more things before I go." Winter said as she continued to comb. "Also, I'd suggest a change of clothes when you get the chance."

"Well, that was... exciting."

Satine had just finished up her meeting with Jacques. It turned out to be a frustrating one, as Jacques was insistent on the costs and locations of the mine. He was looking in unsafe places and demanded to be compensated highly. It almost got out of hand, but the Mandalorian stepping forward helped keep Jacques under control. Now, Satine was pouring herself some white wine while Korkie and the Mandalorian were listening to her vent.

"I'm sorry things didn't go well, ma'am," said Djarin.

"It's not your fault," said Satine. "But thank you for being there with us. It seemed you helped out after all."

"That's why I'm here."

Satine sat down and took a sip of her wine. "I imagine things will be worse tomorrow."

"What are you planning to do, Auntie?" Korkie asked, worried about the next meeting.

"I'll give him the land, but there have to be rules set," she said. "For instance, the tools and working conditions need to be up to par. I don't know how things work in Atlas, but this is different." Satine took another drink. "I've always hated fighting, but this matters too much."

"He'll agree to your terms," Djarin countered. "He seems desperate to get these mines open. And it's your way or the highway."

"He's right," said Korkie, putting a hand on his aunt's shoulder. "Don't worry, Auntie. This will..." His eyes turned to the hallway as he stopped talking. He seemed... entranced.

Djarin followed his gaze to see Cinder walking into the room, with a few things different about her. Cinder's hair was loose and combed while her walk was more sophisticated, as if she was addressing someone important. "Good evening, everyone," Cinder politely said with a smile.

"Cinder," said Djarin. "You look... different."

"I was a little tired of tying my hair. Winter helped me make a few changes." She turned to Korkie, who had his mouth slightly open.

"Oh, sorry!" Korkie quickly said. "I was just... used to the two bunches you had."

Cinder slightly blushed and took a piece of hair in her fingers. "It's not... bad, is it?"

"Of course not! It's a nice change, I really like it."

Cinder smiled as she walked over to a chair. "Thank you," she said as she sat down. Winter also taught her how to sit differently, having one leg on top of another rather than both on the ground. "I was also thinking about a change of clothes as well."

Djarin was caught off guard by Cinder's change in attitude and hair. Now, he was starting to become concerned at her desire to change. "I thought you liked those clothes," he said.

"I do," Cinder said, turning to the Mandalorian. "I just... get a little tired of the same old thing." She looked back at Korkie and smiled, which he returned. Djarin was watching her gaze.

Cinder had returned to her room with Djarin, who was having a good look at her hair. Cinder noticed this and was starting to feel uneasy.

"Is something wrong?" Cinder asked, unsure why the Mandalorian was staring at her new hair.

"No... nothing," he replied.

"Are you sure?" Cinder pulled on her hair. "It's not... bad, is it?"

"I don't think it's bad," Djarin honestly answered. "I just don't see why you felt like doing it."

"I just thought it would look better."

"Or you were looking for attention." Djarin could tell she wanted Korkie to look at her differently.

Cinder began to feel embarrassed explaining herself to Djarin. This was something new, but she didn't know he would question her like this. "Well... kind of. I was also thinking about getting some new clothes. Maybe I could-"

"You don't need new clothes."

Cinder was taken aback by this. He seemed to be rejecting her new idea. "Well, no. But I'd like some."

"To show Korkie?" Djarin continued.

"Well... I-"

"Cinder, there's not really a need to do all this," Djarin said as sat down.

"But I-"

"Remember, we won't be here forever. So don't feel you need to change yourself just because of one person."

"..."

Cinder looked at the ground in defeat. She knew she wouldn't be staying in the house forever, and Djarin seemed dead set against the idea. She wasn't sure why he was acting like this.

"I'll be right back," he said as he got up. "I think I left my rifle in the dining room."

The Mandalorian walked out of the room and went to get his rifle back. He didn't think too much of what he said, he felt that he made his point. Cinder shouldn't feel that she needed to change herself for someone she wouldn't see again. Once they found out about the Branwen tribe, they were gone.

He was expecting Cinder to understand this when he got back to the room.

The last thing he expected was to hear soft whimpers coming from the bedroom.

As he quietly opened the door, Djarin could see Cinder laying down on her bed, the cries growing a little louder. Djarin was taken aback by this, he wasn't sure what happened. But before he could ask, he took a moment to replay what he had just said.

And looking back... he could have been a little nicer about it.

Djarin mentally sighed to himself as he quietly closed the door. "...Dammit."

"You have a lot to learn about raising someone like Cinder."

After what happened last night, the Mandalorian had been repeating Auntie Em's words in his head. He knew he wasn't exactly raising Cinder, but he knew how much he meant to the young girl. So, he knew he had some things to learn about looking after her.

And more importantly, not making the same mistake as last night.

He saw an opportunity to learn better when Satine began to walk down the stairs, looking at the clock on her Scroll.

"Another meeting to live through," she said with a sigh. "Let's just hope this one ends quickly." The Schnees weren't due to arrive for another ten minutes, so Djarin knew this was the best time to talk to someone with experience raising children.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" Djarin asked. Satine turned to him and the Mandalorian asked his question. "You've been raising Korkie, haven't you?"

"Yes, ever since he was a baby," Satine confirmed.

"I was wondering if I could ask you... how you did it?"

Satine tilted her head and walked over her guard. "Trust me when I tell you, there's no right answer for that question. All children are different. I had to do various things for Korkie like you'll have to do for Cinder."

Djarin looked to the ground. "I'm not exactly... raising her, but I'm trying to look after her the best I can."

"I had that mentality once," Satine confessed. "But then I realized how much I meant to Korkie. Just like how much you mean to Cinder."

"I've... heard that before."

"Like I said, Djarin, there's no right answer for raising children. But the first step is realizing that it's not just about keeping them safe. It's also about being there for them when they need you. Like... last night." The Mandalorian shot his head up. "I think... Cinder was looking for some support about trying something new."

"..."

The Councilwoman had a point. Djarin had his mind set on keeping Cinder out of trouble that he saw the slightest change as a bad thing.

"I don't have all the answers," the Councilwoman continued. "I can tell that you do a good job at telling Cinder what's the right way or wrong way. Just don't burden yourself or her with just that. Remember that there's more to raising a child than that."

"...Excuse me." Djarin went upstairs straight to his room. Opening the door, he saw that Cinder had just woken up.

"Hi Mando," said Cinder. "Listen, I'm sorry about last night, I was-" She stopped talking as he walked up to her bedside and placed a few Lien on the bed. "...What's this?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, too." Djarin placed one more card on the bed. "If you're still thinking about new clothes, I can take you into town later today."

"Mando, you don't-"

"This isn't about me, Cinder. Don't worry about that. Besides... maybe it'll be fun," he said with a chuckle.

"...Are you sure? I don't want to burden you or anything."

Djarin rubbed Cinder's head. "I'm sure."

Cinder smiled at him. "...Thanks."

"You're welcome. The Schnees leave around noon, so I'll take you then." He began to walk to the door, leaving Cinder to get dressed. But before he left, he wanted to say one more thing. "Cinder."

She looked back at him. "Yes?"

"Look, I..." Djarin took a deep breath before making his point. "When we're together, there might be times when I don't always say the right thing or don't always do things like this. But I want you to know that I'll be there for you if you need anything. So don't hesitate to ask. Okay?"

Cinder smiled again. "I... I really appreciate that. Thank you, Mando."

Seeing that Winter and Korkie liked to spend time in the library, Cinder decided to look through some of the books there when she had time. She had finished the book on Mandalorian culture Djarin gave her, so she decided to find something else to read. At the moment, Cinder was particularly invested in one book that Winter seemed to ignore: Fairy Tales of Remnant. And there was one story she had just begun.

"The Story of the Seasons," Cinder said aloud. "Isn't this the story Bo-Katan mentioned?" Curious about how this story might be related to her powers, Cinder began to read more. However, footsteps coming into the library caught her attention.

"Cinder?" a voice called out.

Cinder looked up and smiled when she saw that Winter had come for another visit. But the smile faded when she saw Winter's eyes were red and puffy. There was also a trace of a watery line on her face. Winter had been crying.

"Winter, are you okay?" Cinder worriedly asked as she put her book down. Winter turned around after Cinder asked her question. Seeing that nobody was watching, she turned back and shook her head.

As Cinder approached closer to her friend, she noticed that her left cheek looked red. It was as if something... or someone... had hit Winter across the face. A scowl formed on Cinder's face as the realization of what happened dawned on her. She walked past Winter with clenched fists, prepared to teach Jacques a lesson.

"Don't," said Winter, putting a hand on her arm. "Please... don't."

Cinder turned back to her. "Your father hit you, didn't he?" she asked, confident this claim was true. "He has to pay for that."

"Please don't make things worse."

"..."

Cinder growled as she released her fists. She didn't like the idea of Winter's father getting away with this, but she didn't want to cause Winter any more pain. Instead, she decided to heal some.

Closing her eyes, Cinder began to feel her right hand become cold. She placed the icy hand on Winter's face to relive some of the pain. Winter winced for a second, but leaned closer once she felt the pain go away.

"...Thank you," said Winter. "Is this your Semblance?"

"Yes," Cinder lied. It was actually one of many little tricks she was practicing when she wasn't reading or spending time with Korkie and Winter. "I have to admit, I never thought I'd use it like this."

"Would you be alright keeping it on for a little longer?" Winter politely asked.

"Of course." Cinder kept her hand on Winter's cheek. "What happened?"

"Let's just say... I didn't want to do something Father asked me to."

"Has he ever done this before?"

"...Yes."

Remembering what the Mandalorian promised her earlier, Cinder had an idea. "Let's go talk to Mando once you feel better," she suggested. "He can-"

"No!" Winter yelled, a tear coming down her eye. "That will only make things worse."

"..."

Cinder didn't know what to do. She couldn't help Winter if she wouldn't let anyone do anything for her. But why was Winter against asking anyone for help?

"You're scared, aren't you?" Cinder asked. After Winter nodded, Cinder asked another question. "What are you scared of?"

"...Father said... if I told anyone, nobody would believe me. That it's his word against mine."

"What about your mother?"

"She doesn't know. She knew something was wrong once, but my father denied it. I... didn't say anything." Winter looked down in shame. "I wasn't brave enough.

Cinder took her hand off Winter's cheek and put in on her chin. Slightly picking her head up, Cinder made eye contact with Winter. "Well, you can be brave now." She took Winter's hand and walked out of the library. "Let me show you."

Cinder found the Mandalorian doing some work on the Razor Crest, Satine didn't need him at the moment. Winter stayed a few feet away as Cinder walked up to him. "Something wrong with the ship?" she asked.

"Looks like something's stuck in the landing gear," Djarin replied. "Think you can come over here and give me a hand?" Cinder walked over and the Mandalorian pointed to where he thought something was stuck. Using her smaller hands to reach inside, she was able to pull out a loose piece of metal.

"Where'd this come from?" Cinder wondered.

"No idea," he replied. "Thanks for the help."

Cinder got up and walked back a bit. "Mando, do you think you can help me with something?"

The Mandalorian moved back from the ship and stood up. "I told you I would. What's going on?"

Cinder gestured for Winter to come over. The Atlesian was slightly nervous about talking to a Mandalorian, so Cinder nodded to her, telling her it was going to be okay. Walking over to him, Winter took a deep breath and explained her situation to him. After she finished, Cinder took her hand and looked up at the Mandalorian. "Is there anything you can do to help?" Cinder asked.

"One minute," said Djarin, going into the ship. After a few seconds, he came back out with a little box. Opening it, he showed Winter a Scroll and a circular device, small enough to look like a pin. "This is a camera linked to this Scroll." He put the small device on Winter's shirt and handed her the Scroll. "The Scroll will show what the camera sees. Soon, it won't be just your word against his anymore."

"...Thank you," said Winter. She looked over to Cinder. "And thank you, too." Cinder smiled.

"You should head back inside," said Djarin. Winter walked back towards the house while Cinder stayed behind.

"Sorry about that," Cinder said. "I just... wanted to help her."

"Don't worry about it," said Djarin as he rubbed Cinder's head. "That's what friends do. You did good."

Cinder smiled back. "Thanks, Mando. I should probably head back, see if she's alright." Djarin went back to the ship while Cinder went back to the house. As soon as she stepped inside, she saw Winter with her father and Satine. Grimacing at the sight of the man, she walked over to Winter. Her scowl disappeared once she saw that Winter had a genuine smile on her face.

"So, we'll be seeing you in a few days?" Satine asked Winter's father.

"Of course," said Jacques with a smile. "Winter and I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Wonderful."

Cinder quickly remembered that today was the last day of the Councilwoman's meetings with the CEO. That meant she wouldn't be seeing Winter anymore. But from what the adults were talking about, there seemed to be a change of plans. Before she could say anything, Jacques took Winter's hand and walked towards the door. Winter smiled and waved at Cinder, who quickly did the same thing. As soon as they left, Cinder looked up at the Councilwoman. "So, it's over then?" she asked.

"My affairs with him are all done," said Satine. "Now, I can finally start planning."

"Planning what?"

"I'm going to be hosting the Life Day celebration this year, so I can starting planning the party." Satine walked around the large hall, picturing what kind of decorations would be placed across the room and where she would have all her guests.

"Life Day?" Cinder asked. "What's that?"

Satine turned back. "A holiday to celebrate the founding of the city of Mistral. Since the city was the cornerstone of the kingdom, everyone saw fit to celebrate its creation. It's actually my favorite holiday, one I think you'll enjoy."

"How do you usually celebrate it?"

"There's a festival in the city, where the citizens go to enjoy themselves. And every year, a member of the council hosts a large ball for... well, for lack of a better word, the wealthy elite and their families. Now, it's my turn to host it."

"A ball?" Cinder asked. "Like a dance?"

"Exactly," Satine said with a smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do." Satine went towards her office to start her planning. But rather than thinking about all the various tasks she would need to do to prepare for her party, there was one lingering feeling Satine was fixated on. She was feeling excited not just because of the party, but because of a promise someone once made to her.

"Please... Please come," she whispered, but not to herself.

Winter enjoyed her week in Mistral, she cherished all the time she spent with Korkie and Cinder. Well, especially Cinder. Winter felt like a different person around her. With her father and all the businessmen she had to meet, she was forced to hide behind a mask everyone demanded that she wear. She needed to be firm, unwavering, unapologetic. Her father and everyone around her tried to make her look like what the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company was supposed to look like.

But with Cinder... she was finally able to take off that mask. Winter couldn't help but feel special around her. Cinder showed her what it meant to be different, to let it all out. True, she made herself vulnerable to harm. But Cinder took in all of Winter's pain and sadness and transformed it into something unique. She treated Winter like someone who deserved to be happy, to be... more like a child.

Even though Winter helped Cinder change her appearance and make herself act a little more ladylike, she felt like an ant compared to that girl. She was brave, loyal, and above all else, a true friend. And the best part was that in just a few days, she would be seeing her friend again.

"Winter."

Her thoughts and admirations were cut off as she put her mask back on and turned to her cross father. "Weren't you listening to me?" he asked firmly.

"...No, Father. I'm sorry," Winter apologized. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking what else you saw today."

"Oh." Winter looked down. "I... went to the library first."

"You already told me about it. There's no entrances their. What else?"

"Well... outside, there's a thick bunch of bushes and tall trees."

Jacques coughed before he continued. "I see. That may prove useful. But we've been there for a week. Are you sure you looked everywhere?"

"Yes, Father. It's all as I described."

"What about the dining room? The garden?"

"Windows in the dining room, and a back door in the garden."

"Any other back doors?"

"I... may have seen a wine cellar."

Jacques leaned closer and pointed his index finger at the girl. "You 'may have?' You have to be sure, Winter."

Winter pulled her collar and felt a cold sweat come down her cheek. "I'm... I'm sure, Father. There's a wine cellar on the side of the house."

Jacques leaned back into his seat. "Good." He pulled out a Scroll and began to write a text message to someone. Winter peaked and saw he was writing what she described. But as soon as she did this, Jacques pushed her shoulder. "Don't invade my privacy."

"Sorry, Father." Winter slumped back into her seat. She was having a bad feeling about this, ever since her father told her to look around the house for entrances. She only wished she was brave enough to tell someone.

Jacques heard a soft beep on his Scroll and saw a message from someone.

"Excellent. Stick to the plan."

Author's notes: I don't really have a lot to say right now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, despite it not being very long and having any action. But I'm still making minor grammar changes to my earlier chapters (and will do so with this one). Nothing in the plot will change, just something I feel I need to do.

To aklike95, I'm glad you like Duchess Satine. I hope I captured her character well in this. As for Korkie, he's actually a canon character in the Clone Wars. He was born on Mandalore and he's Satine's nephew. As for Maul or Gideon, you'll have to wait and see. Hope you liked the chapter, thanks for your support.

To 54godamora, I'm glad I surprised you. I'm glad you like the idea of Jacques lung and the relationship with Cinder and Korkie. I know it's a little younger, but I thought it would be interesting to do. Hope you enjoyed it further here, thanks for your support.

To Mandalorian00, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for another letter, you said many true things in it. Thanks for your support.

To Marc Ello-Re Yes, no kid should be a nomad. It's too sad. As for Korkie, he is an actual character in the Clone Wars. He's Satine's nephew, but he's younger here. Bo-Katan's not his mom, she's also his aunt. As for Winter and Jacques, I hope you enjoyed them here. Jacques iron lung isn't a reference to Vader, but more to General Grievous. His lung is messed up and he coughs a lot like Grievous. Hope you liked the chapter, thanks for the support.

To The Avenging Titan, Watts is back to his old tricks from Volume 7, but he has a different plan. I know you're worried, but you'll see what happens next chapter. I hope you like Satine here, it felt weird not to include her since Bo-Katan is here. Maul didn't kill her here, so I thought she should be in this story with Korkie. I'm glad you liked Cinder and Korkie and I hope you enjoyed Winter here and Jacques (he's more like General Grievous rather than Vader). Thanks for your support.

To Mrsauce96, thank you for the support. I hope you liked Winter here and this chapter. You say I can't fool you with Korkie, huh? Well, I can't confirm or deny anything just yet. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, thanks for reading.

To D.N Works, no trouble just yet. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, thanks for reading.

To GojiraFan455515, glad to see you finally made a profile on this site. I'm also glad you like Cinder and Korkie's talk here. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, thanks for your support.

To Mo Eazy, I read your review and I understand what you're thinking. Mando's armor is taken from The Mandalorian. His armor is kind of plain in the show, you're right. I didn't want to experiment with it just yet, but I was thinking on changing it later. Just know that I used his armor from The Mandalorian show. Thanks for reading, I hope you're enjoying the story.

Thank you all for your support and reviews! I'm really glad you're reading this and enjoying it. If you haven't already, please consider favoriting and following the story, it helps let me know if I'm doing good or not. Thanks again for reading, hope you enjoyed!