Private Burning Water

[Xian Xiao]

For what felt like the tenth time in a year or two, Xian found herself once again working at the small diner. It wasn't that many times, but it certainly seemed like it to the quickly abandoned teen. Thankfully, the owner was understanding and always welcomed her back. The two of them both carried secrets, and they kept them from the normal population. Once in a while, a person would come in, and the owner would allow them to take the girl away. Soon enough, she would be on her own and return to Castell and this job.

In her short life, she had learned there was so much more out in the Galaxy. Sadly, something consistently happened, and she was let down. Eventually, she had given up making anything of herself and felt like she had settled into a familiar daily pattern. Waking up, she put herself together for the day and headed into work.

With a small and resigned sigh, she pulled open the door and got to her duties. Patrons, both new and familiar, came and went throughout the day. She cared for them as best she could, and eventually she could take a break and sit down. Quietly drinking hot chocolate, she noticed a new face sitting in the corner. One of the other servers had taken care of him, but she had gone home for the day. Now it would be up to Xian to take care of his needs.

After finishing her drink, she went back to the kitchen to wash it and then planned to check on the man. The water heater stopped her, though.

"Mam, the waterheater took a crap again. Do you want me to boil water to wash these dishes?"

Grumbling under her breath, she dried off her hands and went to the dining area to see if the man wanted anything. Blowing her hair out of her face and returning it to her hat, she walked over to the table in the corner.

"I'm Xian and will be helping you this evening. Is there anything I can get you?"

At this point, she was going through the motions and wasn't giving him everything she could.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The bell above the door gave a half-hearted chime as another customer stepped in. Nobody looked up. That was the point. Wrapped in a simple brown cloak with a beige tunic underneath - he could be seen as some overworked jedi or just another drifter looking to sit and sip something warm. He chose the corner seat because it was furthest from the window and the door. Just enough shadow to stay out of trouble.

His hood had been pulled back, revealing a clean shaven face with a cut across the cheek. Golden eyes tracking the bustle with quiet amusement.

It was relatively dangerous for him to be this deep into the core worlds. To be frank, he had never committed any "Crimes" against the Galactic Alliance but it would not surprise him if they made some up just to use him as a political tool against the Diarchy itself. Yet, the galaxy was a beautiful thing and it was meant to be seen and enjoyed. Finding a small diner like this was a blessing. Somewhere he could enjoy local cooking while being unrecognized.

A first server came over, giving the menu and offering to fetch any beverages he would like. He thought about getting a Coruscant cooler but he determined that was a bit much. For now he would just get a water and enjoy the view of the world moving around him. It was a blessing in its own to be away from all of his responsibilities.

He watched another worker sit down for their break and enjoy what seemed to be hot chocolate. Something he had not had since his youth on Taris. - Eventually she got up and went into the back. She seemed so young and he wondered how long she had been working here. This small diner in a galaxy that never seemed to stop moving.

He was lost in the thought. Looking out while imagining what he would have been like if his Father was not the man he was. Dominating - Demanding - and the force of his purpose placed on Rellik and Reigns shoulders.

As he was in a daze thinking of the past that same girl he saw before came up to ask if he needed anything.

"I'll take a hot chocolate, if it's good here" A light chuckle followed, warm and comfortable.

He looked up to match the gaze of Xian. For having eyes that looked like a dark siders, they did not burn the same way. They seemed peaceful, like small golden specks of sand were sprinkling around within them.

"Thank you Xian, if possible when you come back can you tell me about this diner or the planet Castell a bit? I am a bit of a tourist to this sector and could use some advice on getting around. If you have the time, I can tip you very well for the effort."

Tags: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

Nodding with his order, her head tilted slightly to the side as he asked her to spend some time with him.

"The first won't be an issue, but as I am working, I might need to take care of these other people from time to time."

Then again, plans could change, and her boss pulled her aside as she returned to the kitchen. Mam tipped her head toward Rellik and gave Xian her cup of hot chocolate back with more of the warm drink in it.

"I overheard him. I'll take care of these others now. Enjoy some conversation and a drink with him. Don't forget to get him his as well."

He might notice her obvious gesture of showing him the end of a lightsaber hilt if he were paying attention. These were the secrets she and Xian kept from the general populace. They were both Force users, just not aligned with any group or government.

Quickly putting together another cup for Rellik, the teen returned to the booth and sat across from him.

"I'm about the only person who drinks this around here. What do you want to know?"

She had given her name but had not asked him his. It would be up to him if he wanted to introduce himself.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

​

He knew his request might not be feasible but there was something about Xian that made it seem like a good idea. Perhaps its just the way the force flows.

"I understand, thank you for the help."

She had departed and gone back to the kitchen to prepare his beverage. As she did though he noticed an older woman who also worked there stop her for a moment. He was trying not to stare and be invasive yet the small workings of the restaurant were enjoyable in their own nature. It all seemed a little more grounded than what he was used to. He saw the older woman nod towards him and he offered one in return with a smile.

That was when the moment of surprise hit him. A flash of a lightsaber hilt as the two were talking. The Diarch realized that he presumably looks like a jedi in his brown cloak and beige tunic. Although to be fair he had his saber hidden under his cloak. He believed they were probably under the assumption he was here for intelligence on local gangs or something. Rellik decided he might as well be honest.

Xian returned and put down his drink. He took a quick sip and was pleased with the dark rich nature of the drink.

"I'm about the only person who drinks this around here. What do you want to know?"

He lifted his cup in a small cheers and put it back down before he spoke.

"I used to drink these when I was a child. I have not had one in many years. I will have to find a way to make them back on my home of Bastion, so far in the north." - Relliks eyes matched hers as he watched in case she was picking up on the clues to his nature.

"Something that matters a lot to me is the quality of life people have. When I travel I like to see if those on each world are happy - well taken care of by their government." - Pausing his words for a moment he reached out into the force. Determining how quickly he could escape if needed. He did not think it would be much of a problem but he would rather not cause a intergalactic faction wide incident.

"The reason I care so much... is because I am Diarch Rellik. My brother and I rule over the Diarchy in the northern sector along the Braxant run. - I am unsure if you have ever heard of me. If you have, it is probably about some speech declaring war on the galaxy or invasions of worlds. Yet I can promise you, I mean no harm and never have. I did not wish to lie to you about being some Jedi or have you think I am Sith. Neither are the correct term. I am just myself, Rellik. I travel around the galaxy and confirm reports we get and see for myself if they are lies or the truth, at least when I am looking for a nice vacation. - For Castell, I have heard there are imperial remnant gangs that roam around and still attack the Gossam. Furthermore, that the rich who promote the Perlemian Trade Route in the core; are uncaring for the colony worlds that surround it. Leaving only the wealthy and those who secure the dockyard above the planet in good shape."

He gave the words a moment to settle. - It was probably a LOT

"Yet it appears the hot chocolate here has not gone to waste." - The Diarch was doing his best to keep it light hearted after the dump of information he gave. He was talking to a random young girl but, if the opinion of one person on a planet could be more valuable than anything else.

Tags: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

"They are my daily treat."

Her black eyes met his golden-hued eyes, and she did not flinch away. Many years ago, she had needed to work alongside another person of the same color. At that moment, she had thought him to be an enemy; however, her opinion changed throughout their ordeal. They had succeeded together and parted ways. She thought of him from time to time, and the way the conversation was going, Xian thought of that young man again.

Lifting her hot chocolate to his, she took a sip and set the drink down. Giving him the attention only a teenager can, she finally focused on him when he started telling her about himself. Leaning back, she held her cup while it still rested on the table, the warmth of the drink seeming to warm her body.

"There are attacks that happen occasionally. When they do, I sometimes give aid to the people who were attacked. It's been a while since that happened."

In fact, the last time it had happened, she had been taken away from Castell and then abandoned again soon after. So she had returned and was still working at the diner. He couldn't have known that when he mentioned the attack. At least, she didn't think so.

"Are you here on vacation then, or investigating attacks?"

As a slight reaction to him admitting he could use the Force, she motioned with her fingers, and the drink within his cup got exceptionally hot. Steam rose from it, and she peered at him over the rim of her hot chocolate as she took a drink. A little bit of a twinkle emanated from the darkness of her iris.

"Most of us here live our day-to-day lives and don't care about what happens above."

What she said was accurate from her point of view. It might not be true, but she didn't know that.

"I'm glad you like it!"

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

​

"That is a honorable trait. Helping out - when there is an attack."

He let her continue. Asking him if he was here for vacation or for an investigation.

The Diarch put a hand to the back of his head and laughed a little.
"When you are as busy as I am, it is a vacation." - He was not sure if she realized it yet. The man who sat across from her; even then though, a part of him was happy either way that she was talking to him as just a person.

The sentiment only amplified by her showing of the force. A smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eye as she warmed up her drink. - it reminded Rellik of talking to his brother when they were younger. A rarer event now than it used to be.

"You seem rather worldly and smart." - He gave a warm smile as he spoke.

"You said you fought for Castell before. Do you think this is where you belong? Have you ever wondered if this is the world or a life lived up to what you want?"

He was not trying to be rude but he was genuinely curious. His life was forced on him. Sometimes his responsibilities eat at him. How much he would like to be on the beaches of Artorias with the love of his life. Yet, he could not and was burdened with more. So seeing this young woman working away in a small diner it gave him a chance to glimpse of what his life could have been.


Tags: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

It took Xian a few seconds for his words to sink into her brain. He wasn't just a random man who came to spend time in the diner. While he might not have been here for a specific purpose, he was still here and had her full attention. She couldn't help but let out a small grunt when he mentioned honor.

"So many honorable people in my life have failed me. I will try to do better than they ever were."

Allowing him to finish his statement, the teen nodded.

"Helping people when one can is honorable, and I do my best when I can. I imagine you are quite busy and enjoying a chat day, and hot chocolate is a nice break."

If he was trying to get on the good side of the girl, his compliment put him there. Blushing just a little, she wasn't sure what to say.

"Thank you."

Shaking her head before answering, she was silent while she finished her hot chocolate with a few quiet sips.

"No, sir. This is not where I belong. However, life keeps bringing me back home. This is where I was born, my parents were killed in a fire, and I was taken to Coruscant. I lived in an orphanage until things started going strange around me. Little did I know, I could use the Force. The kids didn't like me until I was older than they were and could cook food and keep them warm. I eventually escaped the streets, and a Jedi picked me up. He was the first to drop me. So I spent time with the Jedi until I realized there wasn't a trustworthy person in the Order. I left and came here."

Taking a deep breath, he had given her much information about himself. Now it was her turn to tell him about herself. Leaving out some details, these were the important ones. Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on the table and looked at him keenly.

"My problem is I'm too young to accomplish much for myself and on my own. Do you have any idea how difficult things can be?"

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The questions left his lips and his hand slowly drifted to his head. Two fingers pressed against his temple, the index slowly drumming away. - He felt no need to look into her thoughts - it was simply a man fascinated.

Born on Castell, left before and brought back again, orphaned by fire, moved to Coruscant, rescued by a Jedi - than betrayed by them.

His hand lowered, thumb on his cheek and fingers across his lips as sweet introspection turned to saddened concern.

The scars all over Relliks body slowly smoldered as Xian said "Do you have any idea how difficult things can be?"

His hand than moved instinctually over his chest and rubbed softly. Burn marks from his fathers lightning, a large scar from Darth Prazitus, deep cuts from the trials of Ozzuk Thren, and much more. It was a blessing his upper torso took the most of the pain and his cheek was the only truly visible small cut healed from time.

"Difficult? For myself, I was raised rather sheltered actually. My father was wealthy and powerful. Yet in its own way, it was a prison..."
For the first time he drifted off. Looking outside at something.

"Kakus, was my fathers name. The word lingers like shadow and sunshine wrapped into one. If we dared leave his compound of a home; my brother and I. - To live, experience and grow. We were met with punishment befitting a Sith Slave. Than came a cold sunny morning where he request my brother and I to the training courtyard. To a fight to the death. - In that moment, through tears, blood, and love - I chose to strike my father to protect my brother Diarch Reign . - For I could never live on my own without him."
Relliks eyes changed from their peaceful demeanor to a quite storm of golden flakes that stemmed from his pupils and splashed against the calm sand iris's.

"So yes, I know how hard it is to be young and accomplish things on my own. - On my own, I am no where near the man I am supposed to be. So I chose family and bonds."
He returned to look down with a smile.

"You could always come with me and I can show you Bastion. You can have board and bread on my dime. For as long as you wish. There is no reason to be alone."

Tags: Xian Xiao

 

[Xian Xiao]

It could be said that Xian was not entirely or fully aware of what her words or questions could do to people. After she spoke, she suddenly felt she had said something wrong. While the man did not lash out or even act angry, she could tell he had changed. He sounded almost distant, like he was remembering his hard past. As the teen listened, her eyes widened just slightly.

Even though he said he had grown up sheltered, his life was far from easy. It was harder than Xian imagined when she asked her simple question. She momentarily looked at the cold mug before returning her gaze to his golden eyes.

"I'm sorry. I assumed you had an easy life."

Feeling properly chastised, the girl tilted her head in slight confusion. She understood his message about growing up and sensed he was not mad at her. Maybe another person would be, but not this calm storm. His eyes met hers again, and he offered her a place to call home.

"What's the catch?"

Cursing to herself silently, she knew Rellik could easily squash her like a dung beetle, but the words were out before she could stop them.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

When Rellik heard Xian's apology his heart ached a bit. He had not meant to shame her for how she felt but the interaction gave him more insight into her personality. When met with someone with a completely different life that still held hardships - she was empathetic and sincere. They were good traits and ones that should be respected. He felt like his offer was given to the right person.

"There is no need to apologize, I am sorry for my tangent. Your words just reminded me of the path it took to get here today."

She was smart to ask what the price of the offer was. It sent a jolt of excitement through the Diarchs brain that she had so much foresight.

"Like I said, worldly and smart. The catch... In the Braxant run, the home of the Diarchy. We are all family, we look out for each other. I would hope you do your best to do the same. You seem smart, kind, and excited for life. Sometimes, the greatest thing we can do is try to give to others. Whatever you wish to be, I want to offer someone to really help you. A builder, banker, chancellor, Soldier, Wielder of the force. Your payment to me would be seeing your journey. I promise the money is no problem. I am in charge of nineteen planets. I can fund your education or training."

He paused for a moment, wondering if his last words made it seem like Xian was just one of billions.

"When you struggle, you can come to me. As time goes on, hopefully if I am struggling I can come to you. Together over time - we may uplift each other and achieve things others would never dream for us. What is the point of being a King, Ruler or Lord in this big galaxy if you didn't want to share it with others and see what they can do. Think on it for a moment."

Rellik stood up and wiped down his robes. Reached into his pocket and pulled out a large bundle of credits and placed them on the table. He then walked to the main counter and spoke to Xian's boss. He was not talking loudly but he assured the woman he was not trying to purchase Xian and gave the boss a communicator that she could use anytime to contact her. Than he placed a comically large bundle of credits on the counter. The Diarchs robe appearing to be a endless pocket of sorts.

He than returned back to the booth and stuck out his hand.

"What do you say dear? Want to give it a shot?"

Tags: Xian Xiao