Arianthe was hungry. She had spent a week on this blasted planet, scavenging for food in the forests and running from flesh raiders. She hadn't had a proper meal since she left Taris, and her limited knowledge of Tython's flora and fauna had brought her to her current state: alone, starving, and scoping out the camp of a rich looking stranger just a mile away from the Jedi temple. Aria knew it was dangerous to go near the temple-she was, after all, wearing a tunic and trousers stolen from the pack of an unsuspecting padawan. If they found her, they would send her back to Taris. However, Aria's empty stomach urged her to the stranger's fire. If nothing else, she could steal a few credits from the stranger as she slept and trade them for food in the Twi'lek settlement. The Jedi rarely ever visited the Twi'leks-Aria could trade there without being caught.
As Aria was planning exactly how to steal from her, the stranger let out a short laugh. Setting down her meal-the smell of which had drawn Aria-the stranger brushed off her robes and leaned back to stare at the night sky. Before Aria could back away from the stranger's camp, the stranger said, "You believe that because I cannot see you, I cannot tell that you are here." Confused, Aria studied the stranger and realized that the veil over her eyes was not simply an accessory. "Yes, child, I am blind. Do you still wish to steal from a cripple?" asked the stranger, turning to face the tree Aria now cowered behind. Before Aria could answer, the stranger stood and crossed the small clearing in a few long strides. Sighing quietly, the stranger stepped around the tree to face Aria. Leaning down, the stranger offered a small piece of bread to Aria, smiling slightly. "I am not angry, child. I am no stranger to hunger… although I do know better than to steal from a Jedi." At this, Aria noticed the lightsaber hanging from the stranger's belt. Her breathing hitched and she pressed herself back against the tree, expecting the Jedi to apprehend her and take her to the temple. Instead, the Jedi took Aria's hand and led her to the fire, settling her on the ground next to it and offering her meal to the child. "Eat," the Jedi urged, "my questions can wait."
Aria eyed the meal dubiously, and debated trusting the stranger, but her hunger finally won out. As she devoured the simple stew and dry bread, Aria watched the stranger out of the corner of her eye. She was dressed in fine white robes, and held herself in a manner different from most Jedi that Aria had encountered. While many of the Jedi helping rebuild Taris had treated Aria with a measure of cold politeness, this Jedi seemed genuinely concerned for Aria's wellbeing. The Jedi seemed to study Aria right back, and eventually Aria focused on finishing her meal, unnerved by the feeling that the Jedi could still somehow see her, despite her supposed blindness. After Aria had finished eating, she set down her bowl and moved to get up.
"Sit." The Jedi commanded.
Aria dropped down to the ground, resting on one foot in case she had to spring away at a moments notice-despite her kindness, the Jedi made Arianthe nervous.
"I am Jedi Master Tabrett Banereaver: keeper of truth, seeker of knowledge, and healer of harms. Who, my child, are you?"
Aria gulped. "I-I am… My name is Arianthe. But everyone calls me Aria! Or, they used to, I mean…"
Tabrett tilted her head to the side. "'Used to?'" she queried.
"My parents. But they're gone now."
"I am deeply sorry for your loss, Arianthe. Why are you out here on your own? Have you no other relatives?"
"No," Aria answered quietly, "My parents were the last. Another family took me in, but…"
"You left." The Jedi answered quietly.
Aria nodded.
"You are not from Tython, I gather. Your clothes are not your own—borrowed from a distracted padawan, no doubt. You recognized my lightsaber, so you've encountered Jedi before, but your fearful aura tells me that such encounters were less than pleasant. I apologize—I myself find the Jedi order somewhat frustrating in regards to their treatment of others. Detached, yet polite. Hardly endearing…"
Tabrett smiled. "You are wondering how I know that you are wearing a padawan's garb. Child, what do you know of the Miraluka?"
Aria shook her head. "Miraluka?" she asked.
"We are a species born without eyes, Arianthe. Our ancestors once had eyes, but our adopted home-world was so dark that eventually our race began birthing children with no eyes. To make up for this lack of physical sight, the Miraluka gradually honed the skill of seeing through the Force. That is how I know what you are wearing."
"You're an alien? But you look like a normal person!" Aria exclaimed.
At this, Tabrett laughed. "You are young, and there is much this universe has to offer that you have yet to see, Arianthe. You will meet many different races in your time here, and you may yet come to understand that the universe does not revolve around humans. But for now, rest. I will keep watch for the rest of the night." Tabrett reached over into her pack and pulled out a thick blanket. Laying the blanket out near the fire next to Aria, Tabrett indicated that Aria was to sleep on it. Aria eyed the Jedi, but saw nothing in her expression or demeanor that revealed malicious intent. Aria settled on the blanket, and was about to drift off when she felt something being draped over her. Looking up, Aria saw that Tabrett had removed her outer robe and laid it over her as a blanket.
"Why is she being so nice?" Aria wondered, before finally succumbing to her weariness and falling fast asleep.