Private Is that a monster over the hill?!

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister energy bow, Ichor sword
Tag: Aiden Porte

It had been a while since she had gone on a mission due to her desires to care for Aileni in his early development. However, enough time had passed and Dreidi was now able to feel more comfortable about going out on more dangerous missions. The mission for today was a taster for things to come, she didn't want to jump into the deep end right away but figured it would be good to experience some action with a friend. Hence extending out the invitation to Aiden, he had been through a rough time and Dreidi had not been there at the time to comfort him or support him. Now was her chance and Dreidi was not going to fail a second time at this. Instead, she organised a meeting spot with some information on a Sithspawn creature out in the wilds of Naboo.

At least, Dreidi assumed it was a Sithspawn from the reports, it could also be a Netherworld demon as well. Something she needed to take in mind since the Nether was such a predominate issue on Naboo.

Stretching her arms and legs, Dreidi wondered how out of shape she might look and feel during the mission. While she had not put on loads of weight and was still fairly active, being a single mother was not a role that allowed for much peace, Dreidi knew that she had not been training as hard as she usually did when working on missions. She hoped that her appearance would not look too dishevelled as well as hoping that Dreidi was able to keep up with Aiden as much as she would have before the pregnancy. The dread was finding herself to have fallen so far behind in skill once again.

That was something that Dreidi always dreaded and it had been amplified when she had to stop training while pregnant with Aileni. Only her Magick seemed to feel stronger now, the love for her son fuelling a fire inside her that burned hotter and deeper than any emotions she used before. Dreidi felt as powerful as some of the clan mothers now and started to begin to understand why they mentioned that her power might increase after Aileni was born.

Arriving at the meeting spot, Dreidi was a little in her thoughts more than she usually would be. Thinking on Aileni and continuing to hear the words of the clan mother she had previously talked to about his potential future. The future where the clan mothers referred to him as the Night Wolf. The Wolf of Dathomir. It was a dark future they predicted in her mind. A future of suffering and turmoil. But they could also be wrong. She prayed that they were wrong about his future. However, there were traits that were different in him, behaviours that leaned into this proposed future.

It all concerned Dreidi since she had only tried to save him from harm. Letting out a sigh, Dreidi wondered if she might be the worst mother in history if Aileni ends up truly cursed for her actions.

All she could do was wait and see. Just as she waited patiently for Aiden.

 

[Aiden Porte]

Too say times were difficult for the jedi Padawan would be putting it lightly. He had gone through his fare share of troubles and such over the past several weeks. And the with talking of the impending dive into the netherworld happening incredibly soon he had made it a point to stay focused. So he was more goal focused and eyes on the prize type than his usually self.

He of course would flash a smile and show those that he was alright, but inside was a constant storm and he was forever trying to find the shelter to rest for a least a few hours before he would venture off once more.

He hadn't seen Dreidi in quite some time, no doubt her duty as a mother now did complicate her time. And rightfully so, when you became a parent he was sure all sorts of things did change. Naturally he was happy to see Dreidi, it had been far too long since they last communicated or even talked. So when she mentioned about this dark creature, and the report that followed. He happily volunteered to help her in this endeavor.

He could see her from the distance and he gave her a small wave as he neared her vicinty. She looked well, and strong. He could help but smile at seeing his old friend.

"Dreidi, its good to see you. How is motherhood going for you?"

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister energy bow, Ichor sword
Tag: Aiden Porte

Dreidi could tell a fake smile when she saw one, it was something she often used herself when struggling with the grief of her father's death. Dealing with the aftermath of a lot of loss in her life. However, Dreidi was not going to tug on that issue, if Aiden wished to share what was going on, it had to be on his terms not when Dreidi wanted him to do so. She understood that because it was something her therapist had said years ago to her, that she only had to share when she was ready to share. Dreidi wanted to offer support best she could but Dreidi couldn't push Aiden to share.

Waving to Aiden, Dreidi made sure that her presence was a place where Aiden could feel safe and relaxed. "Hey Aiden, it has been way too long. Motherhood is going well, it has its moments but every day Aileni seems to be growing rapidly." Dreidi dreaded the thought of how short she will appear next to her son when he finishes growing. Maybe two Dreidi could match his height. The thought made her chuckle mentally.

"Thanks for coming to help me. It shouldn't be anything crazy but I haven't been training myself as much so more out of practice than I would like to admit." Dreidi mentioned as she gave a warm smile to Aiden. "We should head out," Dreidi stated and started walking towards the last known location of the sightings from the monsters.

Looking over to Aiden, "what have you been up to?"

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Hey Aiden, it has been way too long. Motherhood is going well, it has its moments but every day Aileni seems to be growing rapidly."

"That's good to hear. That boy is going to be beyond spoiled, I can promise you that." He chuckled lightly, pushing past his own issues and focusing on her and her son. He moved forward within reaching distance and pulled her into a small comforting hug. Perhaps he needed it much more than she did, it was just good to see a friendly face.

"Thanks for coming to help me. It shouldn't be anything crazy but I haven't been training myself as much so more out of practice than I would like to admit."

"We should head out,"

"what have you been up to?"

"You don't every have to thank me, I'll do this gladly." Aiden chuckled as he walked along beside her. "Lead the way." He smiled, and then the next question came, and while Aiden had no regard to jump right into the chaos that was his life the last few weeks. Well, these were indeed trying times and well, he made a silent promise to not keep things bottled up.

"Well, the homestead burned down roughly two weeks ago. They uh......" Aiden glanced over, as he gave her a small rough look. "Those individuals I told you about, they came for...well of us. Me, my father, and everything we had. We fought them back and left none alive, they won't ever do what they did again."

Aiden cleared his throat as he looked forward trying to find the easiest and simplest way to get these words out.

"Something happened.....Esme came back, but a shadow of her former self. Darkness, despair and evil. But it wasn't directed towards me, love and joy was directed at me. She asked me to come with her, leave all of this behind. Everything I had ever known or believed. Just to be with her....in darkness."

The Padawan looked over to Dreidi. "I have to apologize Dreidi, there was instance. A moment, maybe a few seconds where......I..." Aiden chuckled lightly as he looked forward again. It was clear the guilt and disappointment he carried. The laugh was more so the stupid decision he could've made. It was so small of a choice but could've had long lasting outcomes for various people.

"I considered going with her. And I feel so much shame that I even considered that for so brief a moment."

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister energy bow, Ichor sword
Tag: Aiden Porte

Dreidi chuckled at the mention of Aileni being spoiled. "You too, huh? Briana mentioned the same thing when she first met Aileni when she was helping me get a place on Naboo." Dreidi mentioned, shaking her head as she thought about the fact that her friends intended on spoiling her son plenty was a sweet gesture and she would always do the same for them in the future when they had children of their own.

"I don't have to sure, but I want to thank you. Taking time out of your day to help me. It is too kind." Dreidi mentioned with a soft smile, she was too stubborn to drop the thank yous simply because Aiden asked. She led the way as Aiden began to open up about what occurred to him recently, there was sympathy in her eyes, she had heard about the incident at his homestead and the losses there. She knew all too well the pain of losing a father. How raw it felt even years later.

Nothing soothed that pain.

Then the mention of Esme... The one who had won over Aiden's heart. The one who made Dreidi realise all that time ago when she was still fresh faced to the Galactic Alliance that Aiden was someone she saw more than just a friend. However, Esme had won Aiden over and Dreidi had to just sit and watch someone else live that happy life she had wanted but realised too late. Then she heard Esme had died... Now she had returned but a corrupted version. A version that was not the right Esme.

Dreidi stopped and turned around to look at Aiden, she moved closer and placed a hand on his face, "Aiden... you have nothing to apologise for. Anyone would have been tempted seeing the person they love returned to life and asking to run away with them. But you didn't fall into temptation, you saw through the deception and you came out stronger for that." Dreidi gave a warm smile as she caressed his cheek. "Don't ever feel like you failed me or anyone else because you considered for a moment to pursue a life of happiness. Everyone considers that."

"I'm sorry that I wasn't there to help you, to help your family with the problems. I want to be there to help you and protect you as much as I can." Her eyes glinted with the warmth of her affection for Aiden once again before she pulled her hand away and sighed, "I am glad you felt able to trust me enough to share that though."

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Aiden... you have nothing to apologise for. Anyone would have been tempted seeing the person they love returned to life and asking to run away with them. But you didn't fall into temptation, you saw through the deception and you came out stronger for that."

She caressed his check and smiled softly, her touch bringing a soothing affect to him. It would always be there, her and him. He wasn't sure why he never made a move. What it his own stubbornness, or perhaps it was someone else. Or perhaps he was just a moron.

Truth was, he felt that she deserved better than him.

She was amazing, smart, beautiful and caring to her core.

He was.....not that.

"Don't ever feel like you failed me or anyone else because you considered for a moment to pursue a life of happiness. Everyone considers that."

"I appreciate your words Dreidi, truly I do...." He said with a very soft and lighthearted smile. "I guess I just didn't think I would even consider it for a moment. Then again, I guess everyone has a moment of temptation in their lives. A point in their lives where they have to make a choice. About what they are going to keep and what they are going to let go."

"I'm sorry that I wasn't there to help you, to help your family with the problems. I want to be there to help you and protect you as much as I can."

"I am glad you felt able to trust me enough to share that though."

"Stop that." Aiden spoke as he shook his head. "You have a child now, someone that needs you. Flesh and blood, that far outweighs me or any of my problems. I do trust you, and it's good to see you."

He let out a small sigh as he looked ahead, the path before them.

"What do we have today?"

Dreidi Xeraic

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Lightsaber, Nightsister energy bow, Ichor sword
Tag: Aiden Porte

Dreidi smiled warmly as Aiden admitted that he didn't think temptation would ever cross his mind. It was a slightly naive thought, but Aiden was like that at times. In the best ways. It was something that made him endearing to Dreidi since she knew that he was a caring and empathetic person who always believed the best in others. Whereas she had a colder exterior, Aiden wore his heart on his sleeve which was something she loved about him. "Hey, if someone I loved came back and asked me to run away with them, leaving everything else behind. It would take a lot for me to say no, so be proud of yourself that you were able to do that."

Shaking her head, "I might be a mother but if I use Aileni as an excuse to stop myself from helping others then I am failing as a Jedi and a warrior. I have my powers for a reason, I still need to use them. Just need to find a balance in raising my son and my duties in helping others." Dreidi stated, she was not allowing her son to be used as a justification for her inaction, that was not fair to pin on Aileni and there was still work that she could do as long as she put her mind on it.

"I am not sure what this nether beast is meant to be like. I don't have much experience with how they are but this one seems to be dangerous." Dreidi mentioned as she walked forward, arms crossing her chest as she pondered what the dangers could be faced.