Private Under My Own Vine and Fig Tree

[Efret Farr]

It was a beautiful day in Lake Country, but then again almost every day was a beautiful day in Lake Country.

On this particular one, a handful of rainbows leapt from the bases of distant waterfalls where they poured into the lake. Nowhere in the galaxy that Efret remembered visiting—and she remembered something about everywhere she went—had reminded her as Naboo did that great beauty could, even would, come out of great disturbance. She planned to learn all the lessons that the phenomenon had to teach.

She watched the furthest shaaks that she could see in the meadow, much further off than an average, sighted near-human could see thanks to Nirrah's eyes. Still, they were but dots of brown waddling above a second great lake of grass from up here on Darjeeli, a hill that was almost a mountain. The small dwelling she had acquired some months ago was as close to ascetic as Efret considered that most Naboo could get, but that was just as well: a good balance between strict necessity and the finer of life's allowances. Perhaps there was something to be learned in that as well, rather than just comfort to be enjoyed.

Efret sat in the courtyard—though more the size of a porch—on a low stone ledge while Nirrah perched on a tree branch overhanging the area. The Jedi master held a thin sheaf of paper and an ink pen in her lap as she watched to shaaks graze and water.

Then she blinked with that certain intent to switch focus after an extended period of being engaged in one activity. Her own eyelids shut and opened, but didn't likewise shutter her shared sight with Nirrah. Efret clicked her tongue. Nirrah heard the sound she herself did not. As the convor swiveled her head on her body, Efret came into her own view. She saw herself sign, <Come please,> and the convor obey, the tips of her tan wings flitting along the peripheries of her burrowed eyes.

Efret uncrossed her legs and set the papers against her thighs in a stable position to write the letter that she had been meaning to for days.

In just a few more hours, Ala Quin would hear the pecking of another convor at her window.

Ala:​

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My words come to you privately by way of sweet Haerami. It would be deeply appreciated by both him and me if you might let him roost for an hour or two before you send him back on his way to me, reply letter in beak or not.​

​

We first met too long ago in the Coruscant Temple's meditation gardens between invasions. I sincerely regret that we didn't get to finish our ponderance on redemption, just as much as I'm embarrassed to be only reaching out to you again now. Evidently, at least two personal changes have come to pass since then—one for each of us.​

​

I extend my heartfelt albeit belated congratulations on your appointment. As I'm sure you're well aware, the mantle of a grandmaster is a heavy one when worn rightly, which I am certain is how you shall wear it.​

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As for the change to my own station, which I'm also sure you're aware of: I resigned as Chief Curator of the Galactic Alliance's Jedi Order some months before the faction dissolved. I won't burden you with my reasons nor do I wish to indulge your curiosity should you wonder about them. However, if that is in fact the case, I will assure you that I have not left behind the core Jedi teachings, though, even if I had, I suspect that you would be all the more curious rather than simply displeased.​

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In other words, I mean your High Republic no harm, but apologize to inform you that I also will offer it no help for the foreseeable future.​

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I imagine there will be a time, or series of instances, where my expertise in Jedi history and Sith artifacts is missed and sought out. Should such efforts ever come to pass, I ask that you put them swiftly to rest.​

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I have not been an official part of any Jedi Order since I left my councilship. For that reason alone, I much remind you and any High Republic Jedi who remember me either by reputation or relationship that I am now but a regular civilian of your government. I have the same rights to peace and prosperity in privacy as any other.​

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My intent in requesting you to graciously recuse me of any duties that I might otherwise be called on to tender to the High Republic as an unaffiliated Jedi is not to withhold potential advantages in the ongoing war with the Sith; it may unfortunately, however, have that effect. Thus, I would not ask this of you without having first meditated on it thoroughly.​

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I realize that my retreat from the galactic Jedi community might seem to you and many more as abrupt, callous, or both. It is not, though I understand any such or similar reactions. I only hope that in time my fellow Jedi may view my departure with indulgence.​

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Hopefully, still your friend,​

Efret​

Ala Quin​

 

[Ala Quin]

She had found the largest, puffiest pillow in the group meditation chamber. It had clearly been made for a Jedi of a species whose natural size was considerably larger than Ala. Most of the cushion was left undisturbed, with the tiny Jedi Master sitting cross-legged in the middle, and barely making and indent.

She did not like meditating alone all the time. It was good to get out, be around others, not sequestering herself in the private meditation chamber that rank afforded her. No, Ala loved people. And being around people. And the room, filled with younglings on the verge of ascending to apprenticeship, was just about her favourite place to be.

The soon-to-be-Padawans were adorably alight with hope and excitement for the future. Sure, a Jedi ought not to crave excitement and adventure, but it was foolish to deny that these moments existed in life. They ought not to make it their focus for life, but there was nothing innately wrong with it for this season of life. Being a grumpy old hermit and insisting that a young person not crave and hope to be the hero of their story...well...that sort of person probably lived in a swamp and looked like an ogre.

The young Jedi stirred, causing Ala to open her eyes. To her delight, and the younger Jedi's confusion, there was a bird sitting on the floor, staring at her with eyes that knew too much. It bopped up onto the cushion. Ala almost laughed to see the creation waddle on the uneven surface. Her hand extended, and she gratefully received the message held within its beak.

Thank you, my friend. Let's us see what you have brought for old Ala, hmmm?

The Grandmaster opened the message, and read it allowed, though in a murmur. Part way through, she smiled, broadly, and stood.

"Right...I need a desk...and something to write with...come along bird-friend," she said, stooping to pick the bird up and allow it to perch on her shoulder. With a pat of its head, and beaming grin she was off to write her reply.

Dear Efret,

Dear. Sweet. Lovely, Efret. Helloooo! I will apologise, too. You are very good with formal documents and learned ways of speaking. I probably should be better at it as the Grandmaster. Alas, it is but one of my great failures! So please forgive the informality of my reply.

Oh my Shiraya...hiiiiiiii! How are you? Wait, you told me that already. I am so glad you are here, and yes, totally, please take all the time you need. I have had so many soul searching sojourns I have lost count. If you need some you time, totally take some you time.

There is absolutely no pressure whatsoever for you to join, come back, or take any role. Just to know that you are well, and breathing in the beautiful Naboo air and soaking in the immaculate sunshine...well...it does my heart good. You are officially the reason I am smiling today.

I am sure that someone better at this could give you deep philosophical words about the Force. I just know this: You can only help others if you first receive the help you need.

Take your rest. As long as you need.

By the way, and I hesitate to ask, but this is not strictly Jedi business. It is more personal. I am seeking information on some cloners from about 900 years ago. I know it isn't ancient by galactic standards, but you are good with history...so would you...could...you have a look at it?

Big hugs and smiles from your friend, always,

Ala

At the bottom of the scroll was a poorly inked imprint of an insignia from some ancient cloning cult. Ala had clearly smudged one corner of it while trying to perfect the stamp.

| Tag: Efret Farr |​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret was curled up next to her fireplace when she received Ala's response letter. She opened it right away, trying to calm the growing thumping in her chest.

But then all symptoms of apprehension gave way to raspy laughter which rang through the otherwise silent domicile.

Dear Ala,​

​

It's not a weakness to be personable, especially if that's who you are. And that is who you are.​

​

I must admit that I have read this letter a few times over, as has Nirrah (for I often see through her eyes as you'll remember). Your words bring me much joy, which has been a difficult emotion for me to come by in these last months. I can almost see clearly your face and its expressions as if you were here speaking to me.​

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Perhaps someday we will meet face-to-face again. I fear that I cannot say if this it is but a chapter of my life or the way it must permanently be, but if it is the former I do hope to walk the halls of your temple.​

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Regardless of what is or is not the happen, your support is a great blessing. Thank you for that.​

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I would be happy to look into this personal matter of yours. This insignis looks familiar, but I can't say for sure. I might have a lead in my personal notes. I will write again as soon as I have gone back through my records and have gathered my thoughts.​

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Keep always well,​

Efret​

The next letter came a week later.

Ala,​

​

I found something I hope you will find useful. But first, some context:​

​

I went to Christophsis many years ago for a genealogy appointment—for family planning, specifically. The idea of bearing a child has excited me for my whole adult life. Though it has also terrified me, it has not done so for the obvious reasons. I'm not worried for what the child may inadvertently do to my body; I am worried for what I may inadvertently do to them.​

​

I was born Deaf and sighted. My blindness came on late in my padawan years and worsened by the day until...the will of the Force intervened, I suppose. I wanted to know the chances of passing on progressive blindness—not because I think it is a fate to be at all costs avoided but one to be prepared for, especially if one is to be a good parent.​

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There was a moment that Nirrah and I were alone with the doctor's notes. I definitely saw your insignia among them. It stuck me as odd, so I drew my own replica that night from memory. Curious that a doctor of his caliber would have an ancient cloners' marking in his notebook. What do you make of it?​

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The doctor was Hysio Dene, an Atrisian and an expert retinologist. At the time, his office was in Epoch Point in Chaleydonia, suite #703E.​

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Best of luck if you decide to pull on this thread yourself. For my part, I'll look further into this matter and report any progress I make.​

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Efret​

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P.S.​

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It would be helpful if I could temporarily and remotely access your Jedi archives. Let me know if this is something that you're willing to arrange. I was allowed to keep my Jedi-issue datapad with all of the high-security software that I used as Chief Curator.​

Ala Quin​

 

[Ala Quin]

There was many aspects of Ala's life that brought her happiness. Isla. Lorn. The Jedi Order itself. Her work and growing devotion to the role the Force had gifted her. And newly, she had added the joy-stirrer of being a pen-friend. It was certainly a first for the almost 900 year old Jedi.

She had fired off a quick message after Efret's second message. And did not hear anything back for a while. Ala wondered if she had offended Efret, or perhaps had become less interesting. Force save her from being uninteresting, that was a fate worse than death itself — well, death wasn't that nice either.

When the avian mailman returned, Ala breath a sigh that she had not realised she had been saving for the moment. She devoured the message within seconds, mouthing each word in a hushed tones as if speaking them too loud would see the following word vanish before it could be read.

Effie!

Thank you so much for looking into that for me. I am not sure if you aware, but I am a clone. Of myself. Well, sort of. It is a long story. And quite convoluted. Sorry. I cannot delete this ramble. You would probably not believe how many rambles I delete from official Jedi Order communiques. OK, maybe you would. Anyway, this low tech form of communication really captures...the spirit...of an individual. It is way too confronting.

I have a mission to Christophosis at the end of the month. Perhaps I roll into it a little personal time and a side investigation. Thank you so much for this lead. It is not easy to figure out some of this stuff. Any lead is a good lead. Who knows when you might pull on the thread that is the answer. I just hope it is not me that it unravels. : (

The message continued in a different shade of black.

I forgot my pen. Writing this in the archive. I spoke to Master Servais, he said that he will arrange a special one-time access key to use my archival information. He was very reticent. Oh, that was a fancy word! Sorry. Sorry. Keep on track, running out of paper. Why did I waste paper to write that? ALA! STOP!

The writing became smaller, squeezing into the last small section of paper, and then curving up the right hand side when she ran out of room.

I understand that this bird is no mere bird, but your closest ally. I am entrusting this key to your usage. When you log in, please go to the day that we first met (please don't read the log entry, it is a little embarrassing now) but just access that day and then go back, that way I know it is you. Talk soon, my dear friend.

| Tag: Efret Farr |​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret started her research before the end of the month but waited until a week after to send another letter.

She tried to put off in her mind the worry that someone potentially connected with the group that Ala sough had her DNA. Or, at least, had had it. He wouldn't have it anymore, would he? It had been years since that appointment.

Yes, the sample of her genetics given to Dr. Dene's office would have been long destroyed.

After soothing herself of that concern, Efret could focus on the task at hand. She followed Ala's instructions for access. When she clicked into the entry for the day that they had met, she had every intention to respect her friend's privacy. But she saw the text before she could register it and her mind started instinctively processing what Nirrah's eyes showed her. The segment of text she was drawn to read:

Today I talked with a blind Jedi, it makes me a little sad to know she will never see how beautiful her eyes are. I could stare at them for hours.​

The features of Efret's face softened. What a touching reaction for Ala to have had and recorded.

Then, just as she had read without meaning to, she remembered the warmth, the literal warmth like light from the brightest star, of two eyes that she could stare at for hours.

The Jedi master shook her head. That was more than enough of that, both of reminiscing and accidental prying. There was much more here to be discovered than an old (?) infatuation of Ala's.

Ala,​

​

You're right—Nirrah is my closest ally—but you haven't seen her since Coruscant. I've been sending her new 'brother' to you. His name's Haerami and he's one of the convorees that I'm training to use the Force like her. I hope that, in time, I'll be able to connect them with other Blind people so that they might have a new way to navigate the worlds like I do.​

​

Perhaps you can help me reach the people I intended to help when I am ready.​

​

More importantly, did you learn anything during your mission to Christophosis?​

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Also, could you clear something up for me? I found reference to a locket that you recently came back into possession of in your notes. You mention that it has a specific design; is this design the cloners' insignia that you shared?​

​

Efret​

When she sent Haerami away at the threshold out to the porch, she lost sight of him quickly to the spot obscuring her natural vision. She knew this relatively new space of her well enough to transverse it alone and leave Nirrah to her own devices.

Efret worried her lip lightly. Her mind wandered to Corazona von Ascania . Like the older Jedi had with everyone she knew, she had fallen out of contact with Cora. She hoped she was doing well.

Ala Quin​