𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐'𝒂𝒅

{| 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 |}

☾✦✧✦☽

It had been a while since they had seen a new face around, in the literal sense. The foundlings rarely, if even, see the bare face of another that wasn't each other (as they have not yet sworn to the Creed). Imagine their surprise when they were made aware of the newcomer brought to them. One moment they were attending their lessons and the next they saw Din Djarin carrying the limp form of a stranger while yelling out for medical assistance.

Like all curious children, they attempted to follow and find out the extent of the outsider's injuries but were scolded by Paz Vizla to not enter and sent to rest despite the early evening.

They listened.

Temporarily.

Waking up earlier the next day, they all gathered around the unconscious girl's bedside. They immediately notice the long, stitched line that traveled diagonally across the space between her brows, near the inner corner of her right eye, to down the side of her regal nose.

They awe at the potential scar and quietly discuss amongst each other the cause of the injury, coming up with exaggerated, detailed possiblities that paint the wound as an epic battle mark.

Eventually their discussions grew louder than whispers, pulling the girl out of her slumber with a weak groan.

The foundlings tensed still, gazing at each other with similar expressions of panic as the girl's eyes slowly opened.

They waited in suspense for her initial reaction, preparing themselves to catch her if she planned to run or reassure her if she were to freak out. However, she merely tilted her head questioningly with furrowed brows at the random children around her.

By then the Armorer had entered the room with a fresh bowl of broth in her gloved hands and firmly asked the foundlings to leave for early meal so they could start their lessons.

They didn't dare argue as they scurried quickly out of the room, nearly bumping into a scolding Paz who stood tall and broad with crossed arms and a shaking helmet.

The girl sat up within her cot holding her now empty bowl within her fidgeting hands as she listened to the strong, attuned voice of the woman before her.

She calmly informed the young girl that she was in no danger and was brought to them to heal her wounds. Wounds that would have been infected and possibly fatal if not treated properly.

After processing the consoling words, her worries slowly faded and her mind drifted to admiring the style and design of the woman's attire that was heavily similar to the masked man she had encountered.

She was also covered head to toe. No display of skin. Her helmet was a contrasting gold with spikes adorning the top, similar to a crown. A shawl of fur laid upon her shoulders that looked soft to the touch, and her chest plate was of a shade of maroon without the presence of dents or marks of wear.

The girl's admiration was cut short when she realized the woman had gone silent and was offering her extended hand. There was no sign of hostility or sense of danger. She felt oddly safe in the presence of this stranger.

Nervous but protected.

Her hand was enveloped in leather as they walked through the middle of, what seems to be, a tunnel lined with many other armored individuals. Their vacant helmets turning to focus on the pair as they walk past. The girl was anxious at the undivided attention and stepped closer to the Armorer's side.

They eventually enter through an archway that held a rather large skull of a creature that she did not recognize-one that had a long snout and tusks.

The Armorer departs her hand from the girl and walks to the furnace set in the middle of the room, turning on the blue flames. She speaks to her about performing a high honor within the culture of her people and how she will offer her a choice.

If she desires, the girl can decide whether to be returned to the planet she originally resided or choose to reside here to grow, learn, and be accepted alongside the other children within the Tribe.

The girl's eyes were wide with wonder and contemplation. She weighed the options within her mind and reminded herself of the struggles she would have to endure again if she were to return to the forest. Unlike here where she was given food and rehabilitation without a demand of anything in return but a simple choice.

She voices her decision and the Armorer nods at her answer, retrieving an item from a nearby worktable.

A pendant, with a smaller version of the mysterious animal skull she previously saw, was tied around her neck.

"Olarom, ad'ika."

She didn't hide her confusion at the unfamiliar language.

"You will learn soon enough."

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Please inform me of any spelling errors or mistakes please & thank you!