Aleidis Zrgaat
Young soul from an older generation.
I like to start my mornings with a bit of productive reflection. It's something uou instilled in me early - that, like all things that live in the light, I am healthier for putting my hands and mind to use as the night ends. Now, I'm not going to say I'm perfect. I'm really not - ask anyone who knows my name. Even after half a decade of living here on Dayark, the rain begs me to spend an extra hour or two under the covers every day, soaking up the warmth of her body and pretending that peaceful introspection is an acceptable substitute for getting out of bed. Maybe for some, it is. For me, it's not.
So I pull myself out of bed as quietly as possible and take an assessment of myself - the same way I've started every morning since I can remember. Remember how concerned you were when I told you that I checked every inch of me for lacerations every morning? Codi's been sharing my bed for almost a decade, now, but neither of us are perfect. I'm a little ashamed of how long it took me to be able to admit that to you out loud. I cannot imagine that you'd be anything but supportive, like you always were, but I was always afraid of judgement. I could shoulder the Galaxy thinking little of me, but I always held my breath at the hinge of your approval. I know it'd hurt Codi to know how many minor bruises and hairline fractures I've quietly mended over the years to preserve her pride, so I count it among my blessings that she sleeps in, and sleeps heavily. She's always been a nocturnal creature. Today, I am unharmed. It's a good day. I miss you terribly.
A bit of small vanity before I face the day in earnest - a nightgown exchanged for proper clothing, a quick fix of the tangles in my hair, mostly. Don't think you'd begrudge that. I don't bother with shoes, most of the time. Neither did you, but Light knows we had our different reasons! I won't, today. It's only drizzling out. A quick breeze out into the kitchen to grab a piece of fruit and my tablet, and I'm outside. I like that I can be outside from pretty much every part of the house very quickly. And that we have trees! Imagine that! Growing up on Coruscant, I didn't realize how much I missed out by just having stuff to climb and watch grow, until I met you.
Dayark really is a lovely planet. Six or so years ago, when Codi and I were looking for a place to settle down, we had a real time of it! You can imagine - her heart beats in time with the thrum of the city. Coruscant really was her vision of heaven. Maybe Nar Shadaa would be more accurate, but still. And I've always like a bit of green. That wasn't even entirely your fault! We considered Naboo for awhile, as it'd still be close enough to the Galaxy for me to do my work, but that whole region is growing a bit tense for my tastes. Eventually, we found Dayark. It's out in the middle of nowhere, sure, but that's why the Holonet exists, right? It's always raining here, and it's mostly humans and Ithorians so Codi sticks out like a sore thumb, but Rytal Prime is just busy enough to keep Codi happily busy, and for me? Well, there are Ithorians, here. Some of them even knew of me. I wonder how much of that was your doing, sometimes.
I wish you were here. Well, that you were alive. Sometimes because I think you'd really love Dayark, and other times for the very worst reasons. Selfish reasons. After I escaped from Jared Ovmar, I did my best to erase myself. My body was exhausted and my health was failing, my spirit was flagging. Pride insisted I'd done enough for the Galaxy, that I'd given enough, but nothing seemed to have helped. And I know how you'd said that even a small seed can grow to a mighty vine, and that any small act of good makes the Galaxy a better place, but I grew afraid. I felt I was losing myself. And I ran. And I'm sorry. You taught me better than that, I feel, and while the rational parts of me insist that you'd support what I'm doing, I'd give almost anything to hear you say it. I'd give anything to have been with you when they killed you. And it's your lessons that taught me that seeking your killer won't bring you back, but still. I hurt. I'm getting better, but I count not being there with you at the end as one of my most profound regrets.
Anyway.
I'm sure the tabloids would love to hear what I'm up to. Former Chancellor, Barsen'Thor, the woman who stopped Velok and secretly runs Silk Holdings, guess what she's up to? You'd never, in a million years, believe it. Or maybe you would! You always did see right through me. I'm a waitress! Couldn't you just die laughing? Sure, I maintain my garden. And funnel most of my (way too inflated, in my opinion) wages into relief funds. But day-to-day, I'm still serving people; just with appetizers and stuff instead of with a saber and the Force.
I suppose I should elaborate. Thanks to Jorus and Alna - lovely people, I think you'd like them aside from Jorus' violent history for good causes - Je'Gan and I were running Silk Holdings, which you might now as a really big company. Je'Gan fell off of the side of the Galaxy (along with most of the people who, in reflection, likely think I'm dead) so I'm basically in charge of things! Which is neat. But I've got people to handle the day-to-day, and the 'big picture' stuff I'm responsible for is usually just making sure the Board doesn't do crappy, bad-company-like things. The best part is is that nobody knows it's me issuing orders, so there's a lot less pressure. But it also means I have more money than I know what to do with, which is why most of it goes to charities. In entirely related news, Trevel'ka is doing better every year.
I also use a part of that credit pile for an entirely selfish thing: Fulfilling Codi's life-long dream of owning her own bar. It's actually doing pretty great! And she named it after me, which is super flattering. She's 'big city' enough that she can make it exciting for Rytal Prime. Out here, it's mostly rain and farms aside from Rytal Prime, and as cities go? Well. Compared to Coruscant, it's obviously a tiny village! But it's kind of a gateway to the rest of the Kathol Republic, so there's plenty of homesick travelers to drink alongside the regulars who like a little taste of Inner Rim neon and excitement. It's fun! Codi likes running the place, which makes her happy. And I'm finally making her happy, so I'm glad for it. She spent so many years watching me flay myself trying to save the Galaxy, and she was right there beside me every step of the way. I'm glad I can validate the love and faith she's always shown for me.
I'm working with some local Ithorian friends on a new breed of succulent. It flowers, we estimate, once a decade. So by the time I'm thirty, I might get to see it! I'm glad I am at a point in my life where I can plan that far ahead. I think that'd make you happy. Hopefully, I can convince the Priestess to name it after you! I tend my garden, I am keeping busy, and living well. I miss home, but my home became strange and hostile. The place is there... but without you there, without Master Watts and all the others, it isn't really home at all anymore. But listen to me prattle on like an old woman! I always did have a dramatic tongue, didn't I?
I know you're here with me, connected through the Force. When the sun breaks through the clouds and dries my garden, I can almost hear your deep, thrumming laughs. I miss you dearly, though. Thank you for everything you taught me, Master.
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Taking a deep breath, Aleidis signed the letter before carefully folding it and sliding it into an envelope. Sure, it wasn't going anywhere, but it was the thought that mattered as much as the action in this case. It was an emotional way to start the morning, to be sure, and Aleidis wasn't really sure why she'd felt the sudden, powerful urge to hand-write a letter for maybe the first time in her adult life, but she was glad she did.
There was something cathartic about putting words on paper.
By her estimation, Aleidis had an hour or two before Codi woke up. Which made this the perfect time to get some work done! Popping a slice of citrus into her mouth, Aleidis opened up her Holomail to catch up on what Silk Holdings was up to, write a few emails, that sort of thing. nothing too strenuous. It was too nice a morning to work hard. The rain had faded into a modest drizzle, making her garden really pop as the flowers anticipated the sunlight on it's way. Paths that were nearly overgrown with exotic herbs and bushes, flowering things. Some of them were medicinal, a couple made for really good tea, most were there simply because they were pretty and Aleidis loved watching them grow. The center of the garden was dominated by two broad, squat trees with shallow, exposed roots and frond-like leaves, perfect for providing shelter from rain or sun.
Sliding away from her patio table, Aleidis quietly lit a thin cigarette and peeked her head out to gauge the clouds. They were breaking - it'd be a sunny day for the first time in weeks. A rare treat! Her plants were no doubt excited. Folding her arms, the Ghostling got comfortable; she'd watch nature spring to life to take advantage of the brief reprieve, at least until her Togruta woke up and came looking for her and possibly breakfast.
Life was pretty good. Odds are that everything would be alright.
So I pull myself out of bed as quietly as possible and take an assessment of myself - the same way I've started every morning since I can remember. Remember how concerned you were when I told you that I checked every inch of me for lacerations every morning? Codi's been sharing my bed for almost a decade, now, but neither of us are perfect. I'm a little ashamed of how long it took me to be able to admit that to you out loud. I cannot imagine that you'd be anything but supportive, like you always were, but I was always afraid of judgement. I could shoulder the Galaxy thinking little of me, but I always held my breath at the hinge of your approval. I know it'd hurt Codi to know how many minor bruises and hairline fractures I've quietly mended over the years to preserve her pride, so I count it among my blessings that she sleeps in, and sleeps heavily. She's always been a nocturnal creature. Today, I am unharmed. It's a good day. I miss you terribly.
A bit of small vanity before I face the day in earnest - a nightgown exchanged for proper clothing, a quick fix of the tangles in my hair, mostly. Don't think you'd begrudge that. I don't bother with shoes, most of the time. Neither did you, but Light knows we had our different reasons! I won't, today. It's only drizzling out. A quick breeze out into the kitchen to grab a piece of fruit and my tablet, and I'm outside. I like that I can be outside from pretty much every part of the house very quickly. And that we have trees! Imagine that! Growing up on Coruscant, I didn't realize how much I missed out by just having stuff to climb and watch grow, until I met you.
Dayark really is a lovely planet. Six or so years ago, when Codi and I were looking for a place to settle down, we had a real time of it! You can imagine - her heart beats in time with the thrum of the city. Coruscant really was her vision of heaven. Maybe Nar Shadaa would be more accurate, but still. And I've always like a bit of green. That wasn't even entirely your fault! We considered Naboo for awhile, as it'd still be close enough to the Galaxy for me to do my work, but that whole region is growing a bit tense for my tastes. Eventually, we found Dayark. It's out in the middle of nowhere, sure, but that's why the Holonet exists, right? It's always raining here, and it's mostly humans and Ithorians so Codi sticks out like a sore thumb, but Rytal Prime is just busy enough to keep Codi happily busy, and for me? Well, there are Ithorians, here. Some of them even knew of me. I wonder how much of that was your doing, sometimes.
I wish you were here. Well, that you were alive. Sometimes because I think you'd really love Dayark, and other times for the very worst reasons. Selfish reasons. After I escaped from Jared Ovmar, I did my best to erase myself. My body was exhausted and my health was failing, my spirit was flagging. Pride insisted I'd done enough for the Galaxy, that I'd given enough, but nothing seemed to have helped. And I know how you'd said that even a small seed can grow to a mighty vine, and that any small act of good makes the Galaxy a better place, but I grew afraid. I felt I was losing myself. And I ran. And I'm sorry. You taught me better than that, I feel, and while the rational parts of me insist that you'd support what I'm doing, I'd give almost anything to hear you say it. I'd give anything to have been with you when they killed you. And it's your lessons that taught me that seeking your killer won't bring you back, but still. I hurt. I'm getting better, but I count not being there with you at the end as one of my most profound regrets.
Anyway.
I'm sure the tabloids would love to hear what I'm up to. Former Chancellor, Barsen'Thor, the woman who stopped Velok and secretly runs Silk Holdings, guess what she's up to? You'd never, in a million years, believe it. Or maybe you would! You always did see right through me. I'm a waitress! Couldn't you just die laughing? Sure, I maintain my garden. And funnel most of my (way too inflated, in my opinion) wages into relief funds. But day-to-day, I'm still serving people; just with appetizers and stuff instead of with a saber and the Force.
I suppose I should elaborate. Thanks to Jorus and Alna - lovely people, I think you'd like them aside from Jorus' violent history for good causes - Je'Gan and I were running Silk Holdings, which you might now as a really big company. Je'Gan fell off of the side of the Galaxy (along with most of the people who, in reflection, likely think I'm dead) so I'm basically in charge of things! Which is neat. But I've got people to handle the day-to-day, and the 'big picture' stuff I'm responsible for is usually just making sure the Board doesn't do crappy, bad-company-like things. The best part is is that nobody knows it's me issuing orders, so there's a lot less pressure. But it also means I have more money than I know what to do with, which is why most of it goes to charities. In entirely related news, Trevel'ka is doing better every year.
I also use a part of that credit pile for an entirely selfish thing: Fulfilling Codi's life-long dream of owning her own bar. It's actually doing pretty great! And she named it after me, which is super flattering. She's 'big city' enough that she can make it exciting for Rytal Prime. Out here, it's mostly rain and farms aside from Rytal Prime, and as cities go? Well. Compared to Coruscant, it's obviously a tiny village! But it's kind of a gateway to the rest of the Kathol Republic, so there's plenty of homesick travelers to drink alongside the regulars who like a little taste of Inner Rim neon and excitement. It's fun! Codi likes running the place, which makes her happy. And I'm finally making her happy, so I'm glad for it. She spent so many years watching me flay myself trying to save the Galaxy, and she was right there beside me every step of the way. I'm glad I can validate the love and faith she's always shown for me.
I'm working with some local Ithorian friends on a new breed of succulent. It flowers, we estimate, once a decade. So by the time I'm thirty, I might get to see it! I'm glad I am at a point in my life where I can plan that far ahead. I think that'd make you happy. Hopefully, I can convince the Priestess to name it after you! I tend my garden, I am keeping busy, and living well. I miss home, but my home became strange and hostile. The place is there... but without you there, without Master Watts and all the others, it isn't really home at all anymore. But listen to me prattle on like an old woman! I always did have a dramatic tongue, didn't I?
I know you're here with me, connected through the Force. When the sun breaks through the clouds and dries my garden, I can almost hear your deep, thrumming laughs. I miss you dearly, though. Thank you for everything you taught me, Master.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taking a deep breath, Aleidis signed the letter before carefully folding it and sliding it into an envelope. Sure, it wasn't going anywhere, but it was the thought that mattered as much as the action in this case. It was an emotional way to start the morning, to be sure, and Aleidis wasn't really sure why she'd felt the sudden, powerful urge to hand-write a letter for maybe the first time in her adult life, but she was glad she did.
There was something cathartic about putting words on paper.
By her estimation, Aleidis had an hour or two before Codi woke up. Which made this the perfect time to get some work done! Popping a slice of citrus into her mouth, Aleidis opened up her Holomail to catch up on what Silk Holdings was up to, write a few emails, that sort of thing. nothing too strenuous. It was too nice a morning to work hard. The rain had faded into a modest drizzle, making her garden really pop as the flowers anticipated the sunlight on it's way. Paths that were nearly overgrown with exotic herbs and bushes, flowering things. Some of them were medicinal, a couple made for really good tea, most were there simply because they were pretty and Aleidis loved watching them grow. The center of the garden was dominated by two broad, squat trees with shallow, exposed roots and frond-like leaves, perfect for providing shelter from rain or sun.
Sliding away from her patio table, Aleidis quietly lit a thin cigarette and peeked her head out to gauge the clouds. They were breaking - it'd be a sunny day for the first time in weeks. A rare treat! Her plants were no doubt excited. Folding her arms, the Ghostling got comfortable; she'd watch nature spring to life to take advantage of the brief reprieve, at least until her Togruta woke up and came looking for her and possibly breakfast.
Life was pretty good. Odds are that everything would be alright.