Private Ascendance

[Xian Xiao]

Resting her hand on the shoulder of the boy while he babbled at her, Xian nodded and smiled. He was too young to make any sense to her, but she certainly pretended she did. When the exchange finished, she stood up to talk to Caelan again. She wore a half smile as she listened to him.

"If you think about it, though, if they hadn't abandoned me, I don't think we would be standing here talking."

That smile faded as she thought about the reason she was here. While she hadn't known Anavi, she was here to express her condolences and serve as a representative for the Diarchy. She thought she had succeeded at both, but some doubt crossed her mind.

"You're right, it doesn't. Before joining the Diarchy, I spent a couple of years on Castell. That's what I spent the first part of my life until my parents died. I have no idea what has happened to any of the Jedi orders. Just that I gave up on them. I don't mind you're one, though."

After she demonstrated her skills with the elements, he asked where she had learned them.

"No, I've been able to do things since I was a child, actually. It helped keep me and some others alive when our orphanage was destroyed on Coruscant. I do it naturally. Do you have any special skills?"

Instead of discussing the attack or her reason for being there, the conversation turned personal. Some of her wanted this to happen, and another wanted her to run. Her choice was clear, and she remained with Caelan. Who knows what would come of this encounter? Time would tell.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

She had a point.

The way things worked out, if they hadn't done so, they wouldn't have met. But what did that mean? Was there a reason for their meeting that he hadn't yet deduced? More than likely. There was always a reason for the meetings they encountered in their lives, even if they didn't know what they were. Perhaps, there was more to the timing of their meeting than he knew? He did know enough that she hadn't planned it. It had been obvious from her demeanor and the way she acted towards him and the kids. She'd been genuinely surprised by the attack earlier, as well. She certainly had no part in it.

"The Force always has a way of getting what it wants," he said, reaching a hand down to ruffle Kastiel's hair.

When the boy got old enough to be able to fuss back about it, he certainly would. For now, he didn't even really know what his father was doing.

"Sorry to hear about your orphanage."

He could, actually, imagine what that was like. Probably wasn't all that different from when he'd lost his parents and his home. It was a shame the Jedi had let her down. He would make sure that didn't happen again. He reached his hand over, after ruffling Kastiel's hair, and placed it on her shoulder to show trust between them and to give a squeeze of reassurance. Perhaps she would understand his understanding.

When she asked about his abilities, he nodded and created a barrier off to the side of them. No ordinary one, though. This one was made out of pure lightside energy. Vibrant, bright.

"I've always been gifted at creating barriers. A fellow Jedi taught me how to harness the light itself to cleanse darkness and I combined that with my barriers to create this. It's saved my life more than once."

He let the barrier linger for a bit and then it dissipated.

"I wish it could save more lives."

ATTIRE: | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

Listening to Caelan talk about how the Force always had a way of getting what it wanted, she wondered what it wanted from her today. Most of the time, it wasn't much, but once in a while, the price was high, and Xian wasn't looking forward to collecting any debt from her today.

Watching the father's actions with his son, Xian realized he would do whatever it took to keep them safe. She was thankful he'd also included her in his barrier earlier. Not only had it kept them safe, but also a handful of his people. Then he had chosen her to accompany him. Among everything that had happened, it felt like he saw her as a flame and that light shouldn't fade away.

Where had that come from? The young woman didn't know, but it gave her a touch of clarity on this clouded day. When he mentioned his sympathy for the orphanage, she shrugged.

"I think the landscape of Coruscant changes every few years as different governments invade and take over. I'm happy to be away from there. Less danger, and I have the freedom to follow my dream now. To train and learn at my own pace and not worry about taking care of other orphans. Somebody needed to do it, and as I grew up, it fell on me. I did what I could. I was then discovered by the Silver Jedi and taken away from that planet."

Falling silent, it was clear she still harbored some harsh thoughts about Jedi as a whole. He was different, though, and she was getting to know him on a personal level. Not as a master, but as a friend, and perhaps more. Certainly not yet an equal, but she liked that thought.

Turning her attention to the side when he nodded in that direction, she smiled as she was impressed.

"That's a great skill to have and saved our lives. Thank you."

Returning to face him, that smile lingered, and for once, she liked the feeling of his hand on her shoulder. What was happening to her? She didn't want to think too deeply at the moment and just enjoyed the gentle sensation she was feeling.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

"It does," he agreed. "Which is unfortunate for the people who live there, becoming subject to the constant change of leadership, some of which rules them in a manner that leaves people worse off than others."

Most notably he did not say which governments did which. He did not believe the Alliance had been doing a good job of things. His run in with the girl named Line had shown him that firsthand, as had his own time spent in the lower levels of Coruscant. As always, it seemed the majority of the Alliances work had been focused on making the rich richer instead of helping the poor that needed it the most. Perhaps that was why they had failed to stop the Galactic Empire from taking the core. Despotism. Bloat. Bureaucracy. He didn't like it at all.

She complimented his skill and he nodded. It was useful in saving life. His own several times, hers, several others as well.

"It has come in very handy over the years. I wouldn't be here without the skill."

Serenya began to stir in his arms and he glanced down at her. She was probably going to want to eat soon, especially with everything she had been through that day. It left him in a bit of a situation because he honestly needed to go and take care of her and Kastiel, which meant parting ways with Xian.

"I need to go and take care of my children. They're going to need much of my attention. If you wish, with what has happened, you may use an empty room inside of the manse instead of leaving immediately. It might be better to leave in the morning when things are calmer."

ATTIRE: | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

Once she had returned to Castell, Xian had left the world of politics, Jedi, and Sith behind. She had focused on earning her living at the diner and learning to live independently. It wasn't a life she'd return to unless she had no choice. However, the experiences she'd had made her into the woman she was turning into. As she thought about it, there wasn't anything she would change.

At least, he agreed with her, even if she didn't know why. His life was his own, and they hadn't shared anything mutual. He was even of a different Jedi Order than she had been. That didn't matter to her, and she was doing her best to keep that in mind.

"I wonder what it would be like to fight at your side. With your barrier and my elements...I bet we could be formidable partners."

Maybe her life with the Diarchy was rubbing off on her.

"I'd like to learn it if you can teach me. I'm not sure if I can teach bending like I do. That's what I've taken to calling it."

Looking at Serenya as she started stirring again, she wanted to touch her but resisted the urge.

I understand and would like that. It'll give me the chance to rest as well. It's been a long day for all of us. Thank you, your highness. You know, I don't even know your name. I gave you mine."

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

When she mentioned fighting together, he frowned just slightly. Not because what she said was wrong, but because he didn't relish the idea of fighting.

"Though I know many ways to fight, and have fought many times, I always prefer to strive for peace rather than combat. I honestly hope we would never have to fight together."

Then she asked about learning the barriers. That was something he was willing to teach to anyone who wanted to learn. It was important to him that he teach anyone who wanted how to defend themselves. That was what it meant to be who and what he was. If she was capable of utilizing the Force then he saw no reason she wouldn't be capable of learning to utilize the barriers.

"I would be glad to teach you to use the barriers at some point. Perhaps when everything has calmed down, though."

When she mentioned that she would stay, he nodded his head and then motioned for her to follow him before bending down to pick up Kastiel. Carrying both children wasn't hard, even though Kastiel was squirmy. He'd lead Xian out of the medical rooms and through the halls of the manse until they reached the living quarters on the upper floor. There were many rooms. Some were obviously unavailable as they were locked, chiefly his own room, which the kids were also in, and that of his sister Kita, but there were many rooms available.

"Go ahead and choose a room. You can speak with one of the staff to bring you something to eat if you wish. I'm going to spend the rest of the evening with my children."

ATTIRE: | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

"I haven't actually seen battle or fought in anything more than a wargame. It was a training exercise for the Diarchy, and it pitted us against each other."

She didn't think she had learned very much, but she kept that to herself. Listening to what he said, a part of her agreed. A slightly distant look crossed her face that lasted a few seconds. Shaking her head, her focus returned, and she listened to his answer about teaching her the barrier.

"At some point, when things have calmed down, I'll take you up on that offer. I wonder if I could throw in some of my elemental skill..."

Her voice trailed off as she considered avenues of using a barrier as an offensive skill. Then his initial words penetrated her thoughts. He didn't want them to fight together. It caused her to focus on something new and different. Not just the room he offered her, but a hint at a future. One thing the girl had never expected.

Following him in silence, instead of the firecracker she would have been usually, a calmer and more mature woman was coming out. This was not anything she planned and was a natural part of growing up. Some people never succeeded at moving past being bratty, but Xian would. Given a direction to go, perhaps Caelan would give her that.

"Thank you, your highness."

Returning to the choice of a room, she picked one of the open doors and didn't give any of the others a second glance. Curiosity wasn't something she was fostering this night.

"I hope you and your children sleep well."

Giving him a shy yet genuine smile, she closed the door and looked out the window at the view it offered.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

Sleep was fitful when it did come. How could one sleep after having someone attempt to take their life and the lives of their kids? There were guards at the door, guards outside, guards all around, but he still didn't feel safe that night and spent most of it sitting at a desk near the window, his kids asleep close by. He sat and he wrote, words in a journal that someday his children, or theirs, would read. He also penned a second declaration. The first had been carefully calculated to avoid letting people know the truth, but with this new attack? No, he needed to expose it.

When light finally peaked through the window, he was asleep at his desk. Someone had placed a pillow beneath his head, for which he was grateful, and the children were nearby. Kastiel was playing with an attendant and Serenya was being held by a wet nurse who had taken over the duties of feeding the young princess. He wiped his face with his hand, and shortly thereafter some food was brought to him. He thanked the attendant and ate quietly for a few moments before he remembered that they had a guest, which sent him hurrying to finish and seek a change of clothes.

"You'll be alright with the kids?" he asked their attendants.

"Yes, your highness. We will watch over them, no need to fret."

He watched them for a moment, just standing there and lamenting the fact that Anavi wasn't the one caring for them, but then walked out of the room and down the hall to where Xian had chosen a room. He was assured, by several attendants, that she had received breakfast already, for which he was grateful. It would look terrible on them if she hadn't been offered food upon waking.

Approaching her door, he knocked.

"Xian, it's Caelan."

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

Her sleep had not been as restful as it could have been. Most likely it was due to this being a new place and bed for Xian. Once she returned to her ship and then Bastion, she would sleep much better. The threat and danger might have also played a role, but oddly, she felt safe under this roof. She hadn't brought a change of clothes to the funeral, so she had nothing else to wear. Redressing in the gown, she had been comfortable in her skin as she slept, though.

After breakfast was dropped off, she got dressed and ate while looking out over the manse's grounds. One thought crossed her mind. For a girl who grew up on Coruscant, she yearned to be out in the natural surroundings she saw before her. To touch the earth and feel the wind on her face. A distant dream, maybe. His knock brought her out of her daydream.

Putting the silverware down, she opened the door after the few moments it took her to get there. Giving him a quiet look and smile, she was silent for a second or two. It was nice to have him be the first thing she saw. Pushing that away, she had no reason to think on that anymore.

"Good morning, Caelan."

It was the first time she had spoken it, and she rolled it around on her tongue. Feeling the sound of the consonants and vowels.

"I like your name, your highness. Thank you for telling me."

The night before, she had asked, but he had never answered. She assumed it was because of the attack and the stress he felt from that. As well as mourning the death of his wife.

"How are your children?"

Moving aside, the invitation to enter would be clear.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

Instead of entering fully, despite the obvious invitation, he leaned against the door. Entering the room with her could be construed as improper in certain circles and he wasn't interested in stirring up gossip. What he was interested in was checking on her and seeing that she was well taken care of before she left to return to the Diarchy. As evidenced by her wearing the same clothes, she didn't have extras. She undoubtedly hadn't planned to stay more than the day. Only circumstances had kept her.

"You're welcome," he said, smiling. "Sorry I didn't mention it yesterday. Think I just had too much on my mind."

Understandable with everything that had happened.

"The children slept well. Can't say the same for myself, but that happens often. They're being taken care of by their attendants at the moment."

He wished it weren't that way, but there wasn't anyone else to care for them when he needed to work or take care of royal affairs. He couldn't take them into dangerous places and he often went into those out of necessity. But for now, it was fine. He wasn't far away from them at the moment.

"How did you sleep?"

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

She accepted his company and lightly appreciated him leaning against the door frame. Her extra clothes were on her ship, but she had decided to stay at the manse. That left her wearing the same dress as the day before. Giving him the personal space she felt he deserved, they stood a little more than an arm's length apart.

"I understand, and I didn't take any offence at it. I know it now, and that is what matters."

As she spoke, she didn't notice it, but her eyes lit up, and they softened slightly. A small smile turned up the corners of her mouth, and she meant what she said.

"I'm glad they are getting taken care of. But not you. You don't have anybody now to take care of you."

Lifting one of her hands to hover above her chest, she closed her eyes for a moment and allowed herself to feel. To actually feel the sympathy she'd come to give him, and while she couldn't comprehend what he felt, she could try. Opening her eyes again, she gave him that sympathetic look and blinked it away before anything else could show.

"I didn't sleep well either, but for a different reason than you, I would imagine. This is a new place and I'm not familiar with it. I'm sure if I stayed longer, I would sleep better."

What had she just said? Her cheeks colored, and she looked at the ground as she was too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

She wasn’t wrong. He didn’t have anyone to take care of him, at least from a closeness perspective. There were plenty of staff in the manse that saw to his needs, especially now. Some of them were a bit overly involved in his day to day routine because they were concerned about his well-being. He appreciated the concern. It was well-received by him, but at the same time, it often came at times when all he really wanted was to be left alone for a bit so that he could privately grieve. In the case of Xian, though, he understood what she meant.

“I’ll be alright. There’s plenty of staff here to make sure my needs are met, I assure you,” he said, nodding his head in appreciation.

One of her hands rose to her chest and he could see that she was concerned about him. This seemed odd to him as he would be fine in time, and she barely knew him, but maybe it was just her way. His head tilted slightly and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I often have that happen as well. New places are difficult to feel safe in. Anyway, would you like me to walk you to your ship?”

Whether there was more to her comment or not, it went straight over his head. He’d just seen it as an innocuous comment about staying somewhere new. The first time he slept on Coruscant had been awful, in a burned out, half-destroyed building in the lower levels, behind a pile of rubble without even a blanket to keep him warm. He’d shivered the whole night and felt very ill the next morning. Even now, when he traveled and stayed in a new environment he often felt it difficult to get a good nights sleep because he didn’t know how safe the place was. At the manse he normally felt safe. The day before was a fluke.

At least he hoped it was.

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

"I'm glad you have the people to make sure your needs are met."

That was the extent to what she said about that and let the subject drop. Listening as he continued, she nodded. If he had told her about his time on Coruscant, she would have understood it even more. It had been where she'd grown up and lived—a place she didn't want to return to if she could avoid it.

"That would be wonderful, your hi...Caelan."

Having provided his name, a bed for her to sleep in, as well as breakfast, she felt confident in speaking his first name. Besides, it was just the two of them, without anybody else nearby.

"Thank you."

Her blush faded when he didn't make the situation any odder, and Xian appreciated that.

"Let me put my shoes on."

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

At least she didn’t finish the sentence and call him your highness. He really didn’t like it when people did that because he didn’t want everyone to feel as if he was somehow above them. It made him more accessible that way and that’s what he wanted to be for his people. He didn’t want to sit behind closed doors all the time, or ride in a glass carriage that cut him off from being able to speak with them. He liked to mingle. He wanted to be among his people and lead them from the perspective of understanding them and their needs.

And he was grateful she used his name.

“Take your time,” he said in response to her comment about needing her shoes.

He remained against the frame of the door, merely watching her and thinking about how she seemed so nice, and yet the Diarchy was known to have done some things that he disapproved of. Granted, that was true of the Alliance as well, so who was he to judge? Maybe it was time that Lazerian make its stance clear on things. At the same time, that could just make them an easier target. Might be better to secure some friends, first.

When she had her shoes, he’d step into the hall and wait for her to join him before starting the walk through the manse towards the garage, where they could take a speeder to get her to the starport and her ship.

“I wish you could see Lazerian without being clouded by what happened. I think you’d enjoy it here.”

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

It didn't take her more than a minute to slip into her shoes, and she returned to Caelan. She didn't even hurry. Noticing he waited for her patiently, she followed him out of her borrowed room.

They walked at a leisurely pace, and it gave her the chance to look around at the manse. Places like this were rare sights for Xian, and she liked the beauty here as well as the natural world outside. Maybe it was odd for a girl raised on Corsucant—a world without nature and built entirely of metal and glass. Then again, with her control of the elements, maybe it wasn't odd.

"That would be nice, Caelan. Just a quiet evening in my room was wonderful. I'm sure I would enjoy it here."

The young woman wasn't just repeating what he was saying, but she was agreeing with him fully.

"In time, your people and world will heal."

She almost added that she wanted to come back when that happened, but they had just met yesterday. It wasn't her place to invite herself to return. That was in his court, but she hoped it would happen.

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

He led her through to the garage and approached one of the speeders, holding the door for her. This one was an airspeeder. He could have taken a landspeeder, but the airspeeder would be quicker and she could get a little more of a birds eye view of the city before they reached the starport. He wanted her to have some good to take back to the Diarchy for her report, something more than just being nearly killed by some mad imbeciles that wanted to take the throne.

Once she was seated, he went around and climbed in, powering it up and lifting off. They slipped out of the garage and into the air above the manse before beginning the journey across the city.

"They will," he agreed. "They did when my parents died, persevering in spite of it my absence. I've no doubt they will recover from this tragedy as well."

They flew over the city and she got a good view of the residential areas, the neon district, the smokes, pretty much all of it as they flew across. It was a vast city now, still expanding because of all the people that were coming to live there. Growing up, and down, was more apt to become the norm soon. He was going to have disallow outward expansion for fear of losing the farmland needed to sustain the world.

Eventually they landed at the starport, inside of the royal landing platform. He did post-flight, and then hopped out before going around to let her out. A couple of guards stepped forward and Caelan motioned to them.

"These guardsmen will make sure you reach your ship safely, if that is alright with you."

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​

 

[Xian Xiao]

They walked in a comfortable silence to the garage as she looked at the beauty of Caelan's home. It matched him somehow. A sad but mellow attitude reflected against the not-quite opulence of the manse. He was a man who accepted himself, but had been forced to grow up faster than he expected. Xian didn't know anything about him or how accurate her internal observations were.

Taking the seat next to him, she kept her hands on her lap and sat straight. Her height didn't mar her view, and she could tell he took a little extra time to show her some of the city. Looking out the window, she had a shy and quiet smile, but was looking away from him. She had no reason to feel like this. Especially for the new widower.

"Your absence?"

Trying to keep her face as neutral as possible, she turned to face him as she asked her question.

Maybe she shouldn't have asked for clarification but would understand if he didn't answer.

He brought them to the spaceport and opened her door for her. Like she was some princess and he was courting her. For a split second, her heart was in her throat as she climbed out and looked at the approaching guards.

"Thank you for everything, Caelan. That would be fine."

Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

"I'll explain what I meant by absence if we meet again," he said, offering a smile. "Have a safe trip and give my regards to Reign. Please do ask him if he knows anything about the Obsidian syndicate. I'll take all the help I can get."

Even as she would move off, following after the guards, he watched her go. He couldn't help but feel like there was something more than chance in her having been the person that was sent to pay condolences for the loss of his wife. When she was out of the small landing platform he let his eyes drift closed for a moment and take just a minute of silent reflection, only a brief short time where he was actually alone.

"She seems kind… Xian."

His eyes snapped open and he looked around until he saw her, shimmering faintly blue.

"The way she looks at you—it's not duty, or expectation. It's something gentler. Like she sees you, not the crown, not the Jedi."

He stared eyes wide and mouth agape.

"It's been a long time since someone looked at you that way."

"Anavi..." His voice trailed off and he walked, quickly to her, moving to embrace her, but passing right through her. "Force apparition. Right."

He turned about and she was looking at him with a sad smile. It was almost more painful to see her with that look on her face than it was to have lost her. He'd never liked seeing her sad.

"Xian was just here to represent the Diarchy. How are you..."

"Maybe that's why she came. But it's not why she stayed. You've always been blind to how people are drawn to you, Caelan… even when we were young. You thought I only followed you through the gardens because I was bored." She smiled, true and genuine. "But it was because you made me feel safe. She looked at you the same way, just now."

"I think I followed you around more than you followed me, if we're being honest. But considering you only ever saw me as a brother, what's to say she won't do the same?"

"Maybe you did. You were stubborn that way… always making sure I didn't fall behind." She paused, just for a moment, seeming to look at something beyond him. "But you're right—I only ever saw you as my brother. And that's exactly why I can tell the difference now. Xian doesn't look at you like I did. There's something else there… something you shouldn't dismiss so easily."

"But... wouldn't I just be putting her at risk, as well? They got to you. They almost got her once."

"Caelan…" there's a trace of ache in her voice, but she stays calm, "you can't live every day believing love is just a weapon for your enemies to take from you. If you do, then they've already taken everything. Yes, there are risks. There always will be. But you didn't fail me, and you wouldn't be failing her. What happened to me wasn't your choice, and it isn't a chain you need to wrap around yourself. If you close yourself off, Kastiel and Serenya will grow up learning that love only leads to loss. And that… would be the real danger."

Caelan frowned at that, but he knew she was right. The children were so young. They'd barely know their mother as it was. If he never tried again, they'd grow up without one; with nothing like the love of a mother.

"I know, I just..." He sighed. "I don't want it to happen again. Losing you has been hard enough, even though we never were as close as lovers."

"I know. And I won't pretend it doesn't hurt me too, knowing how far apart we'd drifted before the end. But what we shared… it mattered, Caelan. Even if it wasn't the kind of love people write ballads about, it was ours. A friendship, a family, a life built side by side. Losing me doesn't mean you're destined to lose whoever comes next. Don't let fear decide for you. I'd rather you risk the pain of love again… than spend the rest of your years empty, only holding on to ghosts."

"So you want me to move on? Even this soon?"

"I don't want you to measure time in days or years, Caelan. Grief doesn't work that way. It lingers, it softens, it comes back when you least expect it. What I want is for you not to close the door before life even has the chance to knock. If kindness finds you, if love finds you… let it. Whether it's soon or far from now, don't deny yourself because you think it would dishonor me." Her voice gradually became warmer, and a smile blossomed. "You honor me best by living. By showing Kastiel and Serenya that their father's heart is strong enough to carry loss… and still choose love again."

He stared at her for a few moments, a tear slipping down his cheek, which he wiped away with the back of his hand.

"Alright. I guess I will see where this goes then. Thank you, Anavi. For everything you ever did, and for Kastiel and Serenya. I'll make sure they know who you were, and I'll always keep them safe."

"That's all I could ever ask, Caelan. That they grow up knowing their mother loved them, even if I couldn't stay. Tell them my stories, even the silly ones. Let them laugh at me, let them feel me as more than just a name. And you—don't carry this as a burden. Carry it as a gift. Kastiel's laughter, Serenya's tiny hands… they're pieces of us both. Protect them, yes, but don't forget to live with them too."

Slowly, the apparition of Anavi began to dissipate, but not without a few last words.

"I'll be with you in the quiet moments. Not to hold you back… only to remind you that you're never truly alone."

And then she was gone, and Caelan was once again alone.

- End Thread -

ATTIRE: Link | WEAPON: Lightsaber | COMPANION: BD-F8 | OTHER: Sigil Bead (Necklace), Prosthetic Left Arm

TAGS: Xian Xiao ​