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