The dinner had been of spice and conversation. Albiet a smidge awkward and stunted during Bril’s introduction and bringing to the table, but Cora in his usual grace and charisma soon had conversations rolling as if Bril had always been there.
Melissa was beyond pleased to see him ok. At the door she’d hugged him, relieved. But he was different too. But Ruka had a raised brow and there was no time to talk, so the moment was gone for now.
There was nothing preventing it returning later. Which Melissa did hope for.
She was excused from helping clean up today and took that to show Bril the living room. Not that it was exactly cut off, the space between there and the kitchen was open with only a counter making a wall between them. A blue couch faced away from the kitchen with was another smaller one opposite it, in a different style and coloured green. Two matching arm chairs squared off the space, a coffee table sat in the midst and bean bags were strewn around the room on the carpet. Various lamps, magazives and bookshelves surrounded the outskirts. What seemed to be a tiny kind of shrine sat on top of a wood cabinet along one wall, holding a bowl with orange peels and cloves, old/wilted and fresh with a few candles in various states of melt, unlit beside it. The walls had multitudes of family photos taped, tacked and stuck to the walls in clusters of memories.
“You can sit anywhere.” Her voice was soft, choosing to sit on a bean bag that was set beside the couch. She leaned into it to sit at an angle. Silvery eyes watched Bril, the worry from before returning. Something was different.
A distant, pensive look lingered on Zabrak’s face as he followed Melissa into the living room. Had he not been in his head, he likely would have taken the time to admire the cozy living space that the Ya-Irs had made for themselves and their family. The dinner went well, all things considered, and Cora offered an indispensable contrast to the critical–at times hawkish–dad energy that Ruka brought to the table. Be that as it may, he was overjoyed to see Melissa again, a fact that showed in how he held the hug for a little longer this time.
Her voice pulled him away from his musings and back to the present. “Oh, right,” he began, lips curling into a sheepish grin as he settled into the couch seat closest to her. Two hands moved to smooth out the wrinkles in his pants, skipping over the two holes in the fabric covering each thigh. The gesture provided a momentary reprieve from the glimmer of unease underlying his every word and action, though it would take a lot more to make him feel truly comfortable here.
“It’s great to see you again,” he offered, a thread of hesitation carried in his voice. “Your visions were correct all along.”
Memories that he’d done his best to stifle, to quash beneath a million other things, came flooding to the surface again–terror, desperation, and rage lingered in his mind like dark clouds that made his expression darken. A forced breath helped him collect himself again so he could continue. “… I’m lucky to be alive. And for the part you played in that, I wanted to thank you.”
Slender, tattooed hands rummaged through his back to fetch her gift. He presented to her a necklace made of a thin silver chain attached to a teardrop-shaped pendant, which was a stunning blend of teal and skobeloff-green swirls reminiscent of rolling waves with traces of dark gold and bronze sprinkled throughout. Wreathed in a thin silver case, the polished gem glinted in the warm light of the Ya-Ir’s living room.
-
“I hope you like it,” he said softly while handing it to her.
Your visions were correct all along.
A cold sensation shot through her. Paling what little colour was in her face, raising the hairs along her arms, making her sit up just that bit straighter. Her mouth had opened, to say something or another, but shut as he reached into his pocket.
And pulled out a gem, wreathed in silver and hung on a chain. A necklace. A gem. Something distant in her chest panged, a memory of the last time someone had gifted her a small jewel of the worlds creation. It clogged her throat, but she didn’t need to say anything for a moment. Melissa reached her hands out to recieve it, letting the chain form a mound across her fingers on one hand and resting the pendant in the other.
It was beautiful.
“It’s incredible.” Her voice was soft, as if the air had been knocked out of her. Melissa moved the chain so it was all in one hand and lowered it into her lap. “Thank you. For this and.. And for listening. Even if you didn’t quite believe. I was worried for you.”
The words hung on the air for a few moments, but Melissa cut in before he could quite respond again, “I still am. Actually. You’re different now.”
It was a sense she’d picked up on when he entered the house. Bril hadn’t felt in any particular leaning. She knew them well, Cora was of the light and Ruka followed the dark. It confused her sometimes, but the traces of the Force were easy to pick out now she knew them. And now, Bril had been dragged onto a path. Or so she could assume. It wasn’t quite like Ruka’s darkness. It was frustrating trying to work so many things out when less than a few months ago she didn’t have a name for the gift. For the Force.
But Melissa knew that while it could be ok, it could also be the start of a terrible journey.
While Melissa examined the necklace, Bril had watched her carefully with an expectant look on his face. When she expressed her approval, he had to lower his gaze to hide the subtle redness that peeked through the sun-kissed skin of his face–a symptom of the burgeoning warmth beneath high cheek bones.
When his Echani friend mentioned still being worried for him, he nodded his head in tacit acquiescence to her observation. “You’re right,” he admitted, a trace of wistful reticence retained in each word. “My mission for my clan, the creatures we fought … it changed me. They changed me. I’ve been struggling with the Dark Side ever since.”
Melissa frowned. It made sense that such things could linger like that. Like a stain. She reached to his hand, putting hers over it.
“You survived. That’s the most important part. And.. well. If it hasn’t taken over yet, then the dark side is struggling with you.” Her voice was firm, and she gave his hand a squeeze. “You’re smart. And strong. Ruka could help you learn, he is with the Dark side. He knows how to control it. Once you know how to.. well. Knowing is the hard part right?”
Bril looked to Melissa with a surprised expression. “That’s … a really good way of putting it, Melissa, thank you,” he said, giving her a warm smile. “It makes me feel like less of a victim. But yes, knowing how is the hard part.”
He gave a gentle sigh and shook his head, “Enough of that, though. I’ll manage. How have you been?”
“You don’t have to manage alone, though.” Melissa smiled, a sadness to it that turned to slight amusement. She withdrew her hand.
“Nothing much. Exploring more of Selen, learning to control my visions better. There’s a Shistavanen in the clan who has been teaching me, it’s very insightful. Difficult. I still lose myself to them but I can pull back easier now. Learning about more… simple stuff as well. It’s very strange sometimes, here. I learned about Synthflesh the other day..” She shook her head, “Very odd.”
“You’re right,” Bril said with a reluctant nod, “Sometimes, that’s a little easier said than done, though. I come from … stubborn stock.”
He rubbed the back of his neck with a smile. Iridonians were a stubborn bunch, and his family even more so. He’d learned that from how often his parents would bicker about the correct route to the next planet during long travels, or how best to track down an ancient site they were looking for. Bril appreciated the advice his friends had given him so far, but he was starting to realize more with each passing day that the burden of finding balance within himself would fall on his shoulders alone. No one else would be able to complete the undertaking for him.
As Melissa began to explain what she’d been doing recently, he found himself nodding along excitedly at the mention of exploring Selen. What wonders there probably were to explore–what amazing people and cultures with which to interact. He’d have to ask Ruka for a tour later. “Oh? See anything interesting in your exploration? What’s stood out to you the most so far?” he asked.
“It seems that the road to mastery for any Force ability is a difficult one, even for me. But I get the sense that you’re … gifted, as well. I mean, I can literally feel it, Melissa. Combine that with a bit of hard work and you’ll be impressing your teachers in no time.”
He laughed at her mention of Synthflesh. “Yeah, it is unusual. Comes in handy, though. You think that’s strange? Wait until you get a chance to read about all the fanfiction people write about the Jedi and Sith.”
“Probably still the reef, honestly. There’s something about the ocean…” She trailed off with a small smile, before blinking and shaking her head, “The north is pretty amazing as well. I’ve seen snow before, but never so much of it. I wouldn’t want to stay long but it is pretty.”
Melissa chuckled, “I.. hope I will. There’s a lot there, but I think that makes it harder.” She shrugged, before slowly tilting her head.
She frowned slightly, silvery eyes filled with confusion, “fan..fiction? People write.. stories about…. fans that jedi and Sith used to own? That. Well that is strange.”
He nodded. Although she didn’t elaborate, Bril understood what she meant. “It’s captivating, right?” he added, “The pristine waters, like rolling blankets of green and blue. White sands. Takes your breath away when you see it for the first time. Kind of like–”
He trailed off for a second, losing himself in a thought. It wasn’t until he noticed her staring back at him they he pulled himself out of it. “–kind of like the necklace. I felt its call and when I found it, I was stunned.”
He smiled again, gesturing with a hand at it. “Why don’t you try it on? It almost hums with the Force. Maybe it can help you with your practice. Like … a focus of some kind.”
Hearing Melissa’s interpretation of his mention of “fanfiction” made him laugh. He had to lift a hand to cover his mouth, apologizing for the outburst when he regained his composure. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he began, “I know you’re still learning. But no, Mel, it’s not about fans. They’re fiction*al stories written by *fans of the people. You know, like the one where Ahsoka Tano redeems Vader and they fall in love during their plotting to overthrow the Emperor.”
He froze, realizing that he sounded like he knew that particular story a little too well. A barely perceptible tinge of maroon formed beneath the skin of his tattooed visage. Hopefully, she didn’t notice that nor the enthusiasm with which he described the tale.
Melissa laughed at the explanation, a light lilting noise.
“So thays a favourite of yours huh?” She swallowed back another round of giggles, “I can’t say its odd. I spent many summers imagining all sorts of stories. Though.. uhm. I don’t know either of those names.”
She rubbed the back of her neck. It was weird knowing she was stuck so far behind. Melissa hadn’t really told Bril much, of why she knew quite so little. She wondered if she should sometimes.
Her gaze found the necklace again, rubbing the pendant with her thumb. It reminded her of her brother in a way. A gift of a little stone, beautiful but innocuous.
She pulled the chain round her neck, awkwardly fiddling for a few seconds before managing to get it clasp. The pendant sat stark, a flash of colour against pale skin.
“It.. definitely feels of something.” She smiled, “Thank you. Again.”
A playful pout formed on Bril’s lips when Melissa inquired about the fanfiction he mentioned. “Okay, you got me,” he admitted, “But I don’t normally read them … this one was just really good.”
It was better than it had any reason being. He found most fanfictions, or fanfics as they were often called, on the holonet tended to be lackluster at best and downright painful at worst. Growing up with an older sister with a penchant for writing had led to the refinement of Bril’s taste in literature. Although he respected people’s courage to publish their writings for everyone to read–something he couldn’t see himself doing if he ever decided to write–, he nonetheless appreciated finding a genuine gem in the vast corpus of fanfic stories.
When she mentioned not knowing neither Ahsoka Tano nor Darth Vader, he had to remind himself of what she’d mentioned twice now since they met: the world of Jedi, Sith, and Force Disciples … of Empires and of Republics … was one to which she was still adjusting. It made no sense to expect her to know all the details and characters involved, yet it still seemed hard to imagine that there were people who hadn’t heard of Ahsoka Tano, let alone Darth-kriffing-Vader.
“Ahsoka Tano was the formerJedi padawan of Anakin Skywalker. She was an extremely skilled tactician, leader, and Force User who played a pivotal role in helping shape the Galaxy’s history,” he explained, pausing to let the weight of his words linger in the air for a moment. Based on the hint of pride carried in his words, he clearly admired this woman.
-
When he continued, his tone still carried a trace of admiration, but also became heavy with regret that loomed around him in the Force. “Anakin Skywalker was a Jedi general during the Clone Wars, and the Chosen One–born of the Force and prophesied to restore balance to it. And he did … but not before helping Darth Sidious nearly annihilate the Jedi Order and enslave the Galaxy under the rule of his new Empire. It wasn’t until decades later that Anakin, now the Sith Lord Darth Vader, was redeemed by his long-lost son, Luke Skywalker. He restored the Force to balance by killing Sidious to save his own son, losing his life in the process.”
Bril heaved a heavy sigh and absentmindedly rubbed his knee while ruminating on his explanation.
She sounded like an incredible woman from his descripton. Being the padawan of someone so powerful, someone who was prophesised even, was incredible. Though.. terrible as well. Bril’s admiration of her sung through the room, in his face and voice.
Though it was a tragic story for the man. Anakin. Destroying a whole order of people? Enslavement.. it was good he got redeemed. But what a horrible story. Except it wasn’t a fiction. It had happened.
So much had happened in the galaxy.
Luke Skywalker. That was a name to remember then too.
“I think a tale such as that is more impressive than anything people could make up.” Melissa spoke quietly, clearly weighted by the importance of it all. “As nice as it’d be, that he’d have been redeemed sooner.”
She went quiet for a few moments more before picking back on the admiration Bril clearly had for that one woman.
“Ashoka. What was she like? If you know.”
He smiled brightly and nodded in agreement. “You’re right,” he concurred. “The greatest stories are those we create ourselves, with others, with the Force as our guide.”
When Melissa indicated that she was interested in hearing more about Ahsoka. Bril produced his datapad and navigated to his copies of the Shadow Academy’s logs on major figures of the Galaxy’s pre-Imperial era. He first showed her a picture of Ahsoka as a teenager, then as a young adult under her Fulcrum guise, and finally her wearing her iconic white robes in her later years. As he scrolled past each picture, he provided an explanation of her personality and character.
“The brave. headstrong, often rash padawan. Bold, compassionate, and daring.”
He continued, “The former Jedi, having assumed the role of Fulcrum to help the Rebellion fight against the Empire that her own former master helped create.”
And finally, he stopped at the image of the Togruta dressed in robes of white and beige, carrying a staff with a ring at the very top. “A fully-realized master of the Force, whose connection to the enigmatic Daughter from Mortis still isn’t completely understood.”
Melissa looked over the photos in fascination.
She could see how the world had aged Ashoka. Moving from the intense but kind stare to a gaze that held the weight of the world on her shoulders. The final image bore the same weight, but with acceptance. Confidence.
“She would be an incredible person to talk to, I’m sure. I see why you admire her. She must have been relieved when her master redeemed himself, even if he died afterwards. I can’t imagine it’s.. a kind weight to hold, knowing someone you looked up to was gone in such a way.”
He nodded while tucking the datapad away. “Relieved but with no small amount of remorse, I’m sure. I couldn’t imagine having to go through that with my own master,” he said, shaking his head. “Though, Ahsoka’s relationship with Anakin was probably a lot stronger than mine with my master is.”
Bril didn’t seem bothered by that fact–more that he was simply stating things as they were. “It’s unusual, knowing Sith of today who are completely different from generations past. Makes you wonder what has changed.”
“Everything, in a way I’d expect.” Melissa mused, “It doesn’t take much, for a lot to change like that. One moment can do so much. Even just in our life times, I’m sure there’s been plenty of them. Both for the galaxy and for us as individuals.”
He nodded. “You’re right, of course. But it doesn’t strike you as odd? I mean, Ruka uses the Dark Side, and he’s one of the kindest people I know,” he said, stroking his chin. “And Karran is a full-fledged Sith. So are my master and my godmother, but they’re all so … nice. Sith have always been, well, evil. Makes you wonder why the rules have seemingly changed.”
“..I didnt even know what a Sith was 6 months ago.” Melissa pointed out, “It all seems strange. I thought I was incredibly strange for having the abilities I have, and then it turned out that many people have it. Maybe it isn’t that the rules changed, but that you just don’t hear about the nice sith?”
She shrugged, one hand still fiddling with the pendant but otherwise glancing over the room and the many pictures there.
Bril contemplated her answer for a moment. He supposed that Sith technically didn’t have to be evil. It just so happened to be that anger was one of the most commonly used emotions to fuel the Dark Side but it by no means was the only emotion one could use.
“You know, I never thought of it that way,” he admitted, “But you may be right.”
Bril tapped his hands on his knees while looking around the room. His eyes shifted back to her a few moments later, and he regarded her with a curious look. It hadn’t really occurred to him prior to now, but it was a little odd that she knew so little about the Galaxy and its history. Even people he’d met on remote planets in the Outer Rim Territories new more than she did. How could someone be so … disconnected?
He wanted to learn more about her and her history, but he wasn’t entirely sure how to broach the subject. “Hey, Melissa?” he spoke, giving himself some time to contemplate how he’d ask. “Where are you from? I’m just curious because it seems like you have a lot to catch up on. A remote territory, maybe?”
He’d asked this before. Similarly.
“Well. Lahn is rather remote. Most people don’t seem to know its name. It is in the edges of the outer rim.” She answered. It wasn’t a clearer answer than the one she gave before however. He’d told her so much history, leaving her own so.. thinly mentioned seemed wrong. “My town.. we didn’t have a name for ourselves. But little news makes it out that far anyway and not many ships come down. It was a very rare day that people would come to visit. And I..”
But how much to tell?
It was visible on her face, the conflict. In the way her eyebrows came together, her gaze averting to the edge of the rug a few feet away from herself. A few feet away from Bril. Her fingers tapped against hte bean bag before the Echani relaxed somewhat.
“I was alone. For a long time, since I was small. Nine, specifically. I didn’t have anyone to teach me. I’m sure everyone else knew some of these things at least, but they were afraid of the girl who saw terrible things in her dreams. I don’t blame them for it but that’s why I know so little. I was being taught how to live in our home before then, not the galaxy at large. Afterall, very people ever left.”
Well, she was certainly right about that. During his travels as a youth, Bril had visited many of the Outer Rim worlds. And those he hadn’t, he at least gained a cursory familiarity with them whenever he sat in on his parents’ course-plotting sessions. But Lahn, the world of Melissa’s birth, was unfamiliar to him–in fact, he hadn’t heard of it at all prior to their first meeting months prior. As she explained more about her town, he nodded to convey his understanding. He’d visited towns just like the one she described. Towns where everyone knew each other by name. Towns where news and local gossip spread faster within it than it received news from the greater galaxy. They often possessed a quaint charm, and the people a more down-to-earth attitude that evoked found memories of his own people back home on Iridonia. Perhaps that was why Melissa was so easy to talk to?
Bril noticed the changed in her demeanor … how could he have missed it? The corners of his mouth dipped into a frown when he saw how her gaze became distant–a clear indication that this was a sensitive topic. Sensing that he she had more to say, Bril resisted his urge to speak, to say something. Sometimes, it was better to just listen.
A heavy silence hung in the air for a time after she finished her explanation. Although she didn’t elaborate and he didn’t expect her to given the sensitive topic, the implication was clear. ‘I didn’t have anyone to teach me.’ She was alone? At the age of nine? He couldn’t fathom what it must have been like, yet he felt a wave of sympathy wash over him that forced his gaze to the floor.
-
“That … couldn’t have been easy,” he began with a sigh, lifting his gaze to regard her with a serious expression. His voice was soft, marked by an air of tender solemnity. “I’m sorry that you had to live through that, Melissa. But I’m glad you survived.”
“It wasn’t.” Melissa admitted openly. “The town.. well. One of them, he made sure I had food. That I didn’t starve at least but..” she sighed, shaking her head and taking a moment. It was less one of grief, she’d spent many years grieving so much. She was tired of grief. But it took time sometimes to gather her thoughts. Flickers of visions pushed at the verges of her visions, and Melissa took a few seconds to return to the present and realign her thoughts.
“I had my parents before then. They died. I knew it was going to happen. The town thought I was strange, but then they died. It frightened them. Not enough that they were cruel, they didn’t turn me away when I walked into town. But they were afraid and I could feel it so I didn’t more than a few times. But then.. well. Ruka found me.” A smile crossed her face then, “Its turned out for the best I think. I’m glad I made it too.”
It was quiet a few moments longer before she added on, “And now I have all sorts of people around me. Its wonderful.”
“I can’t imagine what that must have been like,” he began, voice tinged with remorse, “Having to see your parents pass away, and then it coming true later.” Why the Force would show her that at all was anyone’s guess.
The frown transformed into a wistful smile. “You found each other,” he added. “I’m sure you have and will continue to impact his life, and the lives of everyone else in Arcona.”
“Speaking of which, have you had time to interact with them? I’ve met a few members so far, and they’ve all been pretty cool for the most part.”
“A few, Sivall.. Doon Sulvir,. I think Ruka is nervous to let me really.. partake. If I go to the larger events, it would be overwhelming but I’d also eventually be looped into some mission or another. It can be dangerous, I’ve read some of the news updates from the most recent conflicts.”
A part of her wanted to stay put, maybe get a proper education that wasn’t to do with the Force and see where that took her. Melissa had so much to learn, grasping at the straws of it all was beyond tiring and the idea of extending further to join the conflicts of Arcona… She udnerstood Ruka’s hesistations. Yet, the rest of her called against such idleness. She had spent many years walking tracks in the forests of her birthplace, doing nothing but focus on her survival. Now so many were there to help her, pushing her through and into the world with guiding hands and more love than Melissa had felt in a decade.
No returning that love, that dedication, would be wrong. Determination shone in her eyes, despite the solemn smile still on her face as she spoke, “What.. What does your clan ask of you? The people and beyond?”
Bril nodded. “I think that’s wise of him. You already have a lot on your plate, so easing into making new friends seems like the best option,” he reasoned, folding his arms in front of his chest while craning his head upward to look at the chandelier through which warm light filtered out into the room. “The galaxy is a dangerous place, indeed. Take care, Melissa.”
Even if they weren’t always clear, Bril took some measure of solace in knowing the Force provided her glimpses of the future. He just hoped that should danger ever coming knocking on her door, it would give her ample opportunity to protect herself.
Her following questions elicited a sigh, conjuring forth still-fresh memories of the events that had transpired earlier in the day. “My relationship to Plagueis is … complicated. They don’t have a good reputation, at all,” he began, speaking with a measured tone. “Almost exclusively users of the Dark Side, who up until recently were one of the biggest proponents of slavery in the Galaxy.”
He felt his lips tightened as he ruminated on that last sentence, but he managed to dismiss the swelling emotions with a shake of the head. “The people of Aliso, my clan’s homeworld, are struggling to adjust to life as free people. I … have to help them.”
“I realize that that doesn’t exactly answer your question … my apologies,” he said while rubbing the back of his neck.
Melissa grimaced slightly at the mention of slavery. She’d heard the term before, and while never having seen the victims of it could still imagine what horrors such treatment wrought on a person.
“It doesn’t, but it’s still what you’re going to be doing at least. And it’s a good thing. Espeically considering your clan’s history. Though.. the dark side is far from evil. Ruka almost only uses it. It’s like a cloud, a stormy one, but he know how to ebb and feed it when he wants to. It sounds like that isn’t the case for your clan mates, if they often used to be slavers, but.. still.”
She hummed, then smiled over at him, “I’m sure you will help them. You’re the type of person who can achieve most of anything they set their mind to. I think a lot of people in the Brotherhood are.”
Melissa herself was more of one to go with the current. She had no issue with it anymore, accepting the direction of the waves made it easier to flow with them. It made it easier to percieve the rising crests and tell which ones would crash down in time to dive below the surface and evade the impact. Sometimes the Echani wondered if she should step forward more, but time had it’s ways and so far her faith in it had been worthwhile. To step away now, after time or.. well, the Force, had granted her all of this felt like betraying what it had done so far. Even if in part some was awful, this part had been lovely.
Bril smiled at Melissa’s comments. It was a nice sentiment, a thought that he himself wished were true, but a detailed study of the history of the Force and its users told a clear message: that the Dark Side was anything but good.
Bril unfastened his lightsaber from his hip and let it rest in the center of his palm for both of them to see. It was an exquisitely designed crossguard hilt modeled after those commonly used in the High Republic era. “A good man can use a weapon of war and destruction as a tool to protect the Good in the galaxy,” he began, running his thumb over the polished metal. “Ruka is an example. But the Dark Side is a miasma that pollutes everything it touches. That’s the one truth of this galaxy. Some are just better at staving off its noxious touch than others, but that doesn’t change its nature.”
He paused for a moment to let the memories of the last few weeks, of his frequent and dangerous encounters with the Dark Side of the Force, pass from his mind. Once he no longer felt its icy grip nipping at the corners of his mind, he began to speak again.
“Those who call upon it, myself included, have to be aware of that fact if we’re to resist giving in completely. Based on what Ruka told me earlier, I think he knows that well.”
A moment or two of silent reflection passed before Bril returned her smile. It was nice to know that she believed he was capable of affecting meaningful change in the lives of the people of Aliso. “That’s very kind of you, Melissa,” he said, “Thank you. I hope you’re right.”
It did seem like quite the daunting task, but he refused to let that discourage him. The calling he felt to help in any way he could was too great for that.
Melissa felt like the room dimmed when Bril quietened initially. It wasn’t dissimilar to when Ruka tapped into the Force, though more raw. Grasping for more before being pushed back still dragging it’s nails into the dirt. The young woman frowned, but didn’t comment on it. The Dark side was something she didn’t feel the call of. Whether she was too lost in the Force itself for any particular side to lay claim or some other reason that Melissa didn’t know, but she knew she didn’t know enough to comment on something Bril was experiencing.
She returned his smile though, once it brightened his face.
“Sometimes a little hope is all we need. Anyone who underestimates what just… hope alone can achieve is probably quite cynical.”
More wisdom from his Echani friend. Bril nodded in agreement, quietly amused at his recognition of the common themes that continued to appear in the galaxy’s history and their conversations with each other. He recalled reading the words of some wise hermit that history unfolded in the galaxy like rhymes of a poem.
“You sure you haven’t read more than what you’re leading on?” he said with a chuckle, reaching out to give her a gentle nudge in the arm. “That’s just the budding sage in you.”
If she continued on this path, Bril had no doubt that Melissa would become a revered seer and master of the Force one day. He didn’t have the gift of Foresight but he could see the foundation of what would one day be a titan in the Force.
Melissa looked a little confused, before laughing, shaking her head.
“I haven’t! I just.. Hope got me a long way. I’d be silly if I couldn’t see the power in it when it saved me.” She rubbed the back of her neck, a slight flush coming to her cheeks. “I’m glad it sounds good. I say things I think are right, but there’s a lot more to experience but I’d ever try and say that for sure.”
“Well, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that one being proven wrong any time soon.,” Bril said, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. “I’m glad that you survived.”
The tall Zabrak rose to his feet, gesturing for Melissa to do the same. “And I hope you continue to. And we should continue having these conversations. I’ve really enjoyed speaking with you again.”
Melissa smiled, following in suit once he stood.
“Me too. I’m glad that you’re doing well. It’d be great to have a way of making sure that’s still the case with how much you have coming up it seems.” A soft laugh escaped her. It was amazing how much he was hoping to achieve. She had no doubt in him. “Though, what is next? Specifically. In case we don’t cross paths for a while.”
Bril nodded. “I’m glad you mentioned that, because I was going to ask if you have a comlink yet,” Bril replied, pulling out his own. “If you don’t, just pester Ruka for one and he’ll get you one. But here.”
He pulled out a piece of paper and pencil and copied down the unique code to his comlink. “This will let you connect to my comlink and send me messages whenever you want to catch up or just chat.”
He handed it to her before continuing. “As for what I intend to do next, I’m not sure. I’ve been thinking of traveling again for a bit. But I’m not sure. What about you?”
“Oh!” Melissa took the note, smiling, “I have one, but it’s in my room. I’ll message you in a bit so you have mine, I don’t know it yet properly.”
She folded it carefully, holding low with both hands. Travelling. “That sounds like it’ll be fun. I think I’ll just be making my first steps. Doing small missions, getting used to things. That’s enough for me currently.”
“That sounds like a good fit for you, yes. Stay safe. And don’t be afraid to pull back from things if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Bril took a step forward and opened his arms, offering a hug. If she accepted it, then he’d give her a warm hug before stepping backward and smiling. “Let’s do this again. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you.”
Melissa hugged him back without hesistation, barely able to get her arms fully around him considering her significantly smaller frame but certainly not minding the difficulty.
She stepped back afterwards as well, a broad smile across her face.
“Then I’ll see you soon Bril.”
One way or the other, her visions had found him once. She doubted such a link would truly fall away. Melissa could only hope she’d be able to tell him if anything else was soon to trouble his horizons.
He stepped to the door and opened it, taking a final look at her while standing in the doorway.
“Indeed, you will, Melissa.”
Bril gave another smile and a wave before stepping outside and closing the door behind him.