Epilogue:
6 Years Later:
The Imperial officer was momentarily stunned by the beauty of the place as his ship touched down on the surface of Alderann that morning. It was clear blue sky, with not a wisp of white within it as the sun with all its warmth bathed the mountainous, fresh landscape in the feeling of spring. It had been quite some time since he had felt this mesmerized by something and this relaxed, admitting to himself that not worrying about the stresses and strains of Imperial life was a burden off his chest. He had managed to trace Iz'phal to the beautiful planet of Alderann and wondered if this was where she really set her heart on being. It had been many years since he had last seen her and that was when she had expressed how much she hated him. He only hoped with all those years she had moved on, started a new chapter in her life while he set out to make things right, to admit his wrongs and regain his valuable friendship with her. If there was one thing Quinn despised it was throwing away a friendship that was meaningful, and one selfish mistake, that one night with her had nearly made him dead to her but things were different now. He felt remorse, regret for his actions and only wished to let her know how he felt. After years of warring between the Empire and the Republic the two sides had managed to negotiate a fragile peace treaty, granting a ceasefire to the relief of most of the soldiers from both armies so that they could go home. Malavai Quinn had been granted immediately leave of the Imperial operations on Balmorra when word of this cease fire had reached his superiors thus allowing him to go where he wanted freely without hindrance and he knew what he had to do, who the first person was he had to see. After all she had suffered and been through in her past the least he could do was see her again, face to face even if it was just for one last time to let her know how truly sorry he was for that night and everything else that had happened after then. It was true…He thought to himself as he disembarked his ship just grateful to feel the cool breeze on his face and breathe in clear air that didn't smell of smoke and blood…I did have feelings for her, I even loved her once but that bond can never exist between us again. After all she seems settled down with the right person and she is happy. I just want to set things right and even if she doesn't forgive me at least I can sleep a little easier knowing that I did the right thing by her…His thoughts trailed off as he exited to spaceport, just feeling like a normal individual in the galaxy not carrying any weight or responsibility and it was a pleasant feeling. The first beauty to catch the eye when one strode through the marketplace and walked around House Organa was the tall mountainous hills that surrounded the landscape, a gelid breeze blowing through the air rustling the leaves in the trees. The air was so clear and refreshing, the grass so green, the sky so blue that he could've spent forever just standing there, taking in the beautiful surroundings. It was the height of spring on Alderann but even the chill from the mountains was felt down here at ground level. There was a war raging on Alderann but it was for the throne, which had the correct bloodline to rule. It was almost a civil war as the families of the noble houses fought among themselves as to who was the rightful ruler of Alderann but this was a war that neither concerned the Empire or the Republic, even though both sides backed several of the houses it was not of much concern and so the Empire had withdrawn its troops from Alderann almost altogether, safe for a few outposts here and there. Quinn was glad that at last he was on a world where the war and all its troubles could not follow him, finally bringing a peace to his conscience that he never thought he'd feel. Alderann unlike many of the other worlds in the core was a remote, unindustrialized planet, determined to make its own way in the galaxy without relying on commercial powers such as Coruscant and Balmorra. Through a huge growth in natural resources such as minerals and crops Alderann had produced life changing mining techniques to harvest the rich elements growing within the mountains, allowing the world had become popular for its eco-friendly methods of harvesting. Providing the galaxy and its many worlds with much needed resources, Alderann like Naboo became a world not only famous for its natural produce but for its breath-taking scenery and beauty. Quinn was just thankful he was on a world where he could truly put his duty, as much as it meant to him to one side and focus on the one person who really deserved his attention. Making his way through the winding walkways he set his concentration on finding her, even if he had to trek across half of Alderann he would do so. To find the friend who meant so much to him.
Spring was the most pleasant it had been for several years on Alderann, the warm sun bathing the land in an orange glow as it made its way gliding over the horizon. The spot which the couple had set their heart on was indeed in some isolation to the rest of the houses and the main towns but that's how they had wanted it: Just a quiet, peaceful spot to bring up their family and to live their lives without complications or strains. It was a large, spacious homestead with golden and green fields stretching out for miles into the distance, surrounded by a crystalline winding lake which flowed through the land, the sound of running water most pleasant to the ear. The terrain had the most specular view of Alderann's mountain ranges; in the distance beyond the scenic dwelling their huge towering masses were visible, even on the cloudiest of days. Several tall poplar trees surrounded the fields where Nerfhearders grazed peacefully and colourful Flutterplumes sang their chorus taking their wings to the skies. It was indeed a dream but one that had been realised by years of hard work and teamwork. It was almost like a work of art as Iz'phal gazed out happily at their beautiful patch of land and thought to herself…Haven't we done well. It was a fresh start for the both of them but she had never imagined it would be this heavenly. The couple had not retired but mainly just put their work on hold to realise their dreams and to bring up their family. Iz'phal and Corso were now parents of two young ones, a human boy of seven years and a twi'lek girl the mirror image of Iz'phal of five years. Iz'phal just sighed in happiness watching them run around with him in the fields, the twi'lek girl hauling her father down by the legs as both children leapt on top of him, trying to see if he was ticklish as he burst out laughing flinging his arms around both of them. She was so pleased that Corso had took to being a dad so well, just so happy that he would always be around to support her and that now they had offspring of their own things would be different. She ran out of the front door, her beautiful face a mask of happiness, her daughter's identical brown eyes reflecting joy as she picked up her daughter and spun her around in her arms, Corso still holding their son, who very much had his face and eyes as he smiled warmly up at her. The fact she had given him what he had always wanted and asked for nothing in return, just a family and a girl to have his heart made him realise how fortunate he was. She was a wonderful mother to the children and who knows in the future perhaps they would have three or maybe four, but for now he was contended with what he had and this was what being in paradise truly felt like. A soft breeze blew across the plains, the soft crow of the Nerfhearders drifting through the valley as Iz'phal nuzzled her daughter with affection before the boy harped in a playful tone, making his point over and over.
"Look mum, I got father, I got him this time!" laughed the brown haired boy as he still continue to tickle him while he was on the ground.
"You sure did, Riggsy I told you to watch out for our boy. He's growing damn fast!" Iz'phal giggled as he managed to sit up and flash a contended smile at her.
"Our little Jacen, he's got his father's eyes and his mother's heart…" Corso grinned, a protectiveness in the hold of their boy as his cheerful voice reached his ears just wanting him to go and have fun.
"Father can me and Jacen go play now?" piped up the young twi'lek girl they had named Hann'ah, her shimmering brown eyes reflecting the expression of her mother and he couldn't seem to resist.
"Oh go on then, both of you" Corso sighed chasing them off into the open fields, his heart pounding against his chest "But be back for dinner tonight and don't stray too far!" Corso called after them as the excitement danced in both their eyes as brother and sister dashed after each other into the distant field, the sun warming their backs as they ran.
"Would you just look at this place…" Iz'phal coaxed sweetly as she slipped a hand in his, gazing at the beautiful surroundings, knowing she was the luckiest girl alive as he wrapped his arms around her neck just happy to finally be settled down somewhere and with the person who meant the world to him. "They grow up so fast!" Iz'phal chuckled as he beamed warmly down at her, his handsome face drawing her in as she closed her eyes feeling the softness of his hand on her cheek.
"They are the most gorgeous little bundles of life I could've ever hoped for…You've made me so happy…Thanks Izzy" he told the truth lovingly against the crown of her head, entwining his hands in her lekku as without warning he pulled her down into the long sun drenched grass, Iz'phal just going with it as they rolled over and over in each other's arms under the clear sky until they came to a stop, his eyes gazing down into her beautiful face as she just let him lie there with her on the soft ground, interlocking her arms around his neck pulling him close. "You've given me everything I could ever dream of Iz, everything I always wanted and it means the world to me…Love you Izzy…" he purred gently against her neck as she still clung to him, memorized by the softness in his eyes, swept away with the tenderness of his embrace.
"Trust me Riggsy, this wouldn't be happening if I wasn't with the right person. This place is so beautiful and I'm happy our kids can grow up on such a beautiful world…I see Hann'ah taking after me, confident with a blaster or two…What about Jacen?" she asked warmly stroking the back of his neck and down his back as for a moment Corso thought of the many paths his boy could take before having a clear cut idea in his mind as the cool breeze rustled the tall grass.
"Who knows Iz, maybe one of the greatest pod racers this galaxy's ever seen" Corso grinned seeing Iz'phal's eyes light up at that proposition, seeing a mischievous light flicker in his eyes running her hands over his waist just gazing back. "One of these days Iz they may be fortunate enough to have two more brothers and sisters…That's a strong possibility" he crooned seductively in her ear as a shot of pleasure rushed up her spine just wishing to share this moment with no one else.
"Aww Riggsy, you're so sweet…I'm just so happy" Iz'phal responded in a soft whisper as no matter what had happened in the past, all the abuse she'd suffered that was all gone and she would've happily lay in the grass with him, in his loving arms, his warm voice sending her mind spinning in circles as nothing in the whole galaxy could take this moment away from her.
"As am I Izzy sweetheart…As am I…" he spoke lovingly against her neck as she tightened her arms around his neck, feeling his lips trace hers, her heart just melting away at his touch as if she tried to respond he only wanted to express how he felt for her through his actions rather than words. While he had her like this he was reminded how much he was in love with her, the memories of when he first displayed his love for her that night on Balmorra swimming inside his head. As she returned the kiss with more intensity he pulled away her overcoat, revealing the fair skin of her shoulders and arms. All Iz'phal could do was murmur a longing thank you…to him as he caught her words and pulled back from her slightly regretfully breaking the kiss as he just lay contended in her arms listening intently, running a hand down the back of her head and over her lekku.
"I am most fortunate…Most girls would probably kill to be in my position" Iz'phal giggled as his touch was making her giddy as she felt his fingertips massaging the back of her head.
"Meh maybe Iz, but I only need the one girl and I have her right here…Am I glad I met you Izzy or we wouldn't be here" Corso murmured against the crown of her head as her heart pounded swiftly against her chest, her pulse coming on faster as she ran her hands down his strong forearms.
"I suppose that's true…" Iz'phal sighed, the warmth of the sun's rays tickling her skin as her heart became so light she like it was going to fly from her chest as he lowered himself to his forearms, deep brown eyes just gazing longingly at her. "Love you dear Riggsy, so much…" Iz'phal's voice was almost as soft as the breeze itself as he held her with such care and intimacy that she was almost paralyzed by it.
"Izzy if I had to say how much I love you I'd be here forever…Why say it when I can show it sweetheart…" Corso crooned into her neck as a wide smile split across her fair face as she let his slender, yet muscular frame smother her as her breathing began to quicken from anticipation. She decided not to respond but just let him spoil her in his affections, the grass tickling her skin and was just about to return the favour when Hann'ah ran up to them, wondering what her parents were up too. Immediately Corso helped her to her feet but still held her by the hand, a small part of him slightly annoyed at the interruption but his children were everything in his life, just like Iz'phal was.
"Hey darling you okay?" Iz'phal asked as she picked up their daughter and held the young, spritely twi'lek girl close to her chest, nuzzling her face an expression of closeness among twi'lek families while her father ran a hand over her forehead.
"Mummy Jacen doesn't want to play…" Hann'ah whined slightly, gripping and pulling on her mother's lekku another symbol of closeness between mother and daughter as the comforting voice of her father seemed to bring some explanation to her.
"He probably just wants time by himself Han, but don't worry we'll all do something together…" he smiled at her before Iz'phal nodded, the young twi'lek girl happy that at least her parents would play with her unlike her grumpy brother. Just before Iz'phal was about to set out a game for them all to play a voice consumed with emotion as his voice caught her ears as she couldn't believe who was standing in front of her. For a moment Corso was defensive of his girl and rightly so after what he almost did to her, then remembered he had saved her life and slowly backed down. Quinn just gazed at the beautiful spot around him before fixing his gaze her on, having trekked across half of Alderann it was relief to see her alive and well. This time however she noticed something different about him. He was much more relaxed, a peace about his being she hadn't see since all those years ago on Ord Mantell as his blue eyes shimmered with kindness, the breeze ruffling his short black hair.
"Riggsy, I'll be with you soon. Just give me a minute" Iz'phal soothed gently as reluctant to leave her alone with him but understanding why he was here he stepped forward, Iz'phal about to protest in case Corso put a blaster to his head but he merely nodded in respect and shook him roughly by the hand.
"You were the Imperial that saved my girl's life, that makes you welcome here" Corso said, his tone still short as he knew why he had come to Alderann "You may stay as long as you need" he offered before pecking Iz'phal on the forehead, whispering something in her ear that Quinn could not catch as he spied the blue skinned twi'lek girl in her arms and only realised now how far they had moved on. All those years he had not seen her and they now had a family of their own, but it was pointless to be making those bonds if she refused to forgive him and if anything that's all he wanted: Her forgiveness. "Izzy don't be long okay" Corso said, knowing that if there was any time she had to make up with her long lost friend it was now and guessed she was safe with him so respected what his girl wanted.
"I won't Riggsy, don't worry…It'll be fine" Iz'phal cooed sweetly as she lowered her daughter to her feet, drawing a kiss from his lips as the little twi'lek girl ran off into the fields her father chasing after her as she giggled happily as the grass tickled her legs. For a moment Iz'phal just stared at the man before her when Corso and their daughter had ran off not knowing how to get the words out. She was so shocked at the sudden appearance of her old friend that she could hardly speak, her attractive face a mask of surprise as she seemed to forget all he'd put her through. She leapt at him, flinging her arms around him in a relieved embrace just overjoyed that he had made the effort to find her and to physically see her. This proved one thing which she had doubted for many months: He did have a heart and he did care for her. It took a while for him to accept her excitement as he placed a hand behind her head, drawing her close to him as she held him not wanting to let go. After a moment she relinquished her hold on him but he still clung to her as if he let go he suspected she was going to run off into the distance and not want to know him again. Iz'phal stayed routed to the spot, gazing up into his expressive blue eyes still amazed by his sudden presence before her. The moment having past Quinn slackened his hold on her, cautious that if Corso was watching he would not approve of him holding her for too long but he knew the two had some important matters to patch over so he understood that and left them in private for a while.
"Quinn…?" Iz'phal questioned softly wanting to doubly make sure it was him but by the expression in his eyes, the good she knew he always had in his heart she knew it was him. "How'd you know I was here?" she asked as he placed a kiss on her forehead just so pleased to see her and looking in good health.
"You know me Iz I have my ways" Quinn responded as he paused to break eye contact with her taking in the surroundings and realised now this was her home, the place where she had set her heart on and it was beautiful and saw why she was attached to it. "You live here now?" he asked, Iz'phal's brown eyes beamed brightly at him as she nodded gesturing to the landscape around them and the homestead on the highest most point of the hill.
"I never thought me and Riggsy would ever find a place like this but it is beautiful. We have a whole flock of Nerfhearders too. I'll show you round if you like?" Iz'phal suggested as delighted at the prospect to see where she lived he accepted immediately as they strode side by side through the grassy plains to her home. They engaged in small talk along the way, Quinn waiting for the appropriate moment to say his true reason for visiting her as he admired the spaciousness of the place and the wide open green spaces. She showed him around all the Nerfhearder pens and Flutterplume cages and explained how they would harvest the Flutterplume eggs for the winter. Iz'phal throughout her first few years of being a mother had learnt to make the most delicious treats and had time to bake when the eggs were ready for harvesting. It was a new way of life for her but she enjoyed getting up early in the morning with Corso or whoever's turn it was to let out the Nerfhearders and feed the livestock. It was a much slower life but one Iz'phal was enjoying with all her heart and sometimes wondered when their kids were grown up if they'd ever go back to work…She wanted to stay here as every day she awoke at the side of the man she loved, saw her children looking so well and just though to herself…Well then, things turned out pretty rosy after all…She knew she was most fortunate, especially when she had everything she'd even wanted in her life…A place to call home, a loving man by her side, children whom she loved with all her heart and of course her nearest and dearest friends who she cared so much about. Throughout much of the tour of her home he asked the occasional questions, voicing his enthusiasm especially about the Flutterplume and Wings breeding programme before they took a walk down to the river winding down through the grasslands and knew with an air of silence between them he had to be strong, find the courage within himself and take the lead otherwise he could lose her friendship forever. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he turned his face to gaze at her, just pleased she was so happy but his conscience would never rest until this came out into the open. He had to say it now.
"Iz this is a very beautiful place and I am glad you are so happy but all those years ago I just want you to know that…" he paused, placing his gloved hands behind his back as they continued their slow walking pace, Iz'phal immediately snapping from her trance as she knew what he was going to say. "It was my fault, what I did to you was wrong. I should've explained but we were both too young and naïve to understand and I made a mistake…Back then Iz I did love you but I suppose I was just too brazen to understand the consequences of my actions…" Quinn paused, almost waiting for her to reply but she was stunned by his courage for a moment before she let him continue, trying to keep the tone in his voice strong refusing to let the wrong emotions come to the surface as the sunlight caught the leaves of the trees around them, dappling the ground with dots of light. "I left you that morning Iz because I just didn't want to take responsibility and now I understand why you hated me. I never knew what I had then until I lost it and I know you are settled and I am happy you have found the person for you but I just want to know how sorry I am. That's why I've come here Iz, as you deserve nothing less than an apology face to face and if it came from behind a hologram you'd think me a coward…" Again he ceased his flow of speech as she just gazed at him, eyes wide with apprehension, not expecting him to be so brave, to bring up to past and speak so maturely about it in front of her. "You need not blame yourself for anything Iz, as yes you had feelings for me at the time but there was no need for me to lie to you then use you and abandon you. What I did to you was utterly wrong and I understand if you still can never fully forgive me but I just wanted to let you know Iz you mean a lot to me, you are still in my heart one of my closest friends and even I would never let the Empire impede that…" He paused again and was about to speak when she replied almost too stunned to get the words out but touched at how much he obviously meant it and how the apology was heartfelt and real. She looked at him seriousness etched on her perfect face as the water flowed on by effortlessly below them, sending her into a tranquil piece of mind.
"Quinn…I don't know what to say…" she stammered slightly before lifting her face to catch his eye contact and knew he meant every word but why here, why now? Why wait all this time? Still she was conflicted about the nature of his apology and still wanted a proper explanation. "You came all the way out here to apologise to me…I thought you didn't care" Iz'phal said a little unsure of her feelings at the moment as she paced away from him then, eyes lowered to the floor, arms hanging limp by her sides. "But Quinn it's been years, years since your Empire nearly beat me to death. Why wait until now to come and find me? You had all that time!" Iz'phal growled slightly as the bitter part of her past began to surface to the forefront of her mind as she paced back and forth between them as he explained, trying to calm her distress.
"Iz I was not allowed to leave my post on Balmorra. This war is tearing this galaxy apart. If I had been able I would have come to find you sooner but I refuse to hurt any more people that are close to me…I can't go through with it. I may still work for the Empire but Iz you have to listen to me. I never supported what that troop did to you and your family that day; In fact when I heard what they did I was tempted to defect to the Republic…" He made his way to silence as that statement angered her slightly, the memory being brought to the surface as tears sprung up from her deep brown eyes.
"So why didn't you?!" Iz'phal snapped exasperated as she paused her tirade to gauge his response "Why stay with a regime you know fights for the wrong reasons. Why support them?!" She almost cried out as Quinn took a step towards her but she fully expressed herself now, not holding anything back as he was going to know how she felt one way or the other. "Did you not even stop to consider how I would feel after you left?! You know damn well I loved you. You just used my age and my gullible mind to get to me, to make me believe every damn lie you whispered to me. Why leave and cut me off?! Did you not think how that would impact me? Why Quinn?" Iz'phal almost shouted as she just wanted a truthful answer but this time she got it, his response more impassioned and apologetic than she had ever heard it as she just cooled her head, dispelled the bad memories and listened.
"The Empire is a way of life Iz, it's not what I want forever…Those days on Ord Mantell are passed Iz and you know they are. I did love you and you know I did but you were the first girl I was ever with. I was young and stupid Iz and I regret every waking moment what I did to you. It should have meant more to me but I just didn't know how to express my feelings for you in words. You were the first girl that really meant something to me and it was all my fault that I left you. Don't you understand Iz?" he pleaded with her as she turned to face him, her heart fluttering as a sense of calm washed over her. She played the events over and over again in her head. He had saved her when the Admiral was about to kill her, he got the Empire away from hunting her and then out of the blue when given leave of the fighting he had come to find her to express how he truly felt. She knew deep down he cared and she wanted a friendship with him but how could she know to trust him after all that had happened in her past life, after what the Empire had done to her. He took another step towards her and this time she didn't retreat, just let him pour his soul out onto her, her heart almost bleeding as she wanted to accept his apology but her conscience wasn't letting her just yet. "You mean a lot to me Iz and I'm sorry if my fellow Imperials have treated you badly…" he stated trying to mend things over but she crossed arms and looked down at the floor, tears falling over her cheeks and down her chin.
"You know how badly the Empire has treated me. Why suddenly feel all sorry about that now. You could've had the chance all those years ago but you didn't…I just don't know what to do Quinn…I feel so lost…" Iz'phal confessed the difficulty she was having and this was all a bit of a shock to her. In the end she just pressed her cheek to his chest letting the tears fall as it was better to get all the feelings that she had supressed for so many years and it lifted a weight of her heart. "This war must end Quinn don't you see that. I have lost so many friends to this damn fighting and I don't want to lose another one. I don't want to lose you…" she admitted for behind all her toughness he had exposed her soft inside and it caught her off guard to know he truly meant every word he said. Why else would he venture all the way to Alderann to find her if she didn't mean anything? Why now? The thoughts played themselves over and over again in her mind until she realised, he did care for her and he valued her friendship. If not why was he here? In the end she wanted to forgive him because he meant the apology because he truly was sorry and that was all she'd wanted from him. "The past is in the past and we can I suppose just gloss it over. After all these years I don't want to fight anymore, I just want to be there for you…" she vented what she truly meant as a wave of warmth spiralled through his chest making his heart grow another two inches in size as he just wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close just grateful to have the chance to mend the broken bond between them and set things right. His mind reeled as he held her, knowing nothing physical could ever be between them again as she was happy with the man in her life but as long as he could call her friend then he would feel at rest. Closing his eyes he felt the soothing beat of her heart against his chest, the heart that had just forgiven him and it felt as if an entire weight had been lifted from him. "It took great courage to do what you just did. Most men would've not even bothered to remember the girl from that night but you did, you do care and that's why you came back…" Iz'phal cried as she bunched her hands into fists against his chest and sobbed quietly as he tried to calm her, his comforting voice bringing her back to a sense of respite.
"It's going to be okay Iz, everything is going to be fine you'll see. It'll all be fine…" he soothed against her forehead as she looked up at him imploring, his blue eyes bringing back that face she had adored so much from her childhood and knew this was no dream, this was real but she just wanted to ask him one final thing and knew it was a long shot.
"Come to the Republic…Leave the Empire behind…" Iz'phal almost suggested, willing he would choose the option she wanted but that was going too far as he shook his head with regret as she instantly knew where his loyalties lay but with his heartfelt apology and the reminder he had saved her life she respected his decision. Still cradling her in his arms she lifted her head from his chest to gaze into his eyes and knew one day the war would end and she would reunite with all her friends but most of all she needed to protect her family, protect her son, her daughter and stand strong for Corso will all her mind, body and spirit but she would always think of the man who seemed a distant memory but was now ready to be back in her life.
"Iz I wish I could but I can't…You know where I stand and where my loyalties lie and the Empire have given me more than I could ever hope for. Perhaps one day this fighting will end but I cannot say for sure when. When it does though your face is going to be the first thing I want to see…" he smiled down at her as she blushed slightly, hiding her face against his chest as she felt his warm hand behind her head.
"You have no idea how much this means to me…How at rest I feel now. I have lived for so long thinking you never wanted to be my friend but all along you did…Thank you" Iz'phal's eyes shimmered with expression as the minutes ticked by, the Imperial officer holding the spacer until he replied, truly relieved that she had forgiven him. "So we're friends again now right?!" Iz'phal beamed as she broke away from him and skipped ahead as he called after her, face lighting up into a grin.
"Course Iz that's why I came to see you. You never told me you had children Iz, they're bound to be as handsome as you are" Quinn complimented striding behind her as again her cheeks rose in colour but she took the compliment in good stead, her step light and happy.
"They can be mischief makers sometimes but I love them to pieces. We have a five year old girl called Hann'ah and a seven year old son, the gem of Corso's eye Jacen. If you're not too busy we'd love you to stay a while. You can meet them!" Iz'phal beamed, her heart leaping at her own suggestion as he hurried his pace to keep up with her, unsure at first whether to accept the invitation after all he and Corso were not the best of friends after the events he was involved in throughout her life and frowned on him for what he had done to her but he thought to himself it was all in the past now just as Iz'phal had said.
"That's very kind of you Iz but won't you're man disapprove. After all I'm not exactly on his friend list…" Quinn asked in concern but she just shrugged it away knowing he was now her friend again and Corso would be more than welcoming to a friend of hers and was not a person to hold grudges.
"That don't matter Quinn" she protested as she ran up to him and took his hand, his handsome face gaining colour from the gesture "That's all in the past. Any friend of mine is a friend of his. We're also going to be eating soon so you're welcome to stay for dinner" Iz'phal invited warmly as he immediately accepted, joy swimming in her brown eyes as she walked with him up the long winding path to the old house knowing tonight was going to be one of the most poignant in her life. The time she could have a proper catch up with him with no animosity around them and for Corso and him to also put their differences aside.
"It's a most welcome invitation Iz thank you. After all we have so much to talk about like the old times. I'd love to" he returned the smile as she showed him the way up the path. Iz'phal had never felt so complete, so happy in all her life. Her heart was now fully at rest as he had not only admitted his wrongs to her but he still wanted to be her friend and what he had done to her had all been forgiven. There was just so much to talk about and she hoped her children would warm to her friend.
It was a bright future ahead and nothing was going to change that.
The singing of the birds outside flying through Alderann's fresh spring skies gently stirred her from her slumber as her lekku fell over her face as she roused from sleep. Last night had been one to remember but not as poignant as when she had given birth to their little boy Jacen. Over food, plenty of wine and the best of company the two friends caught up with everything that was happening in their part of the galaxy, Corso intrigued to know more about the Empire from Quinn's point of view as they both respected each other's opinions and Iz'phal could just relax in the company of two people who meant so much to her. Quinn had left later that night, Iz'phal having offered him a bed for the night as he had to be back in Sobrik headquarters by the morning. Hugging her best friend goodbye he promised to see her again soon as he made the arduous journey off world and back to the war capital. She rolled onto her side, reaching an arm to drape around his chest but Corso wasn't there. She sat up blinking for a while then sunk her spine back down into the mattress as most probably he was going to treat her to breakfast in bed again. It was almost like ritual. He'd get up early so as not to disturb her then bringing her up her fuel food for the morning. She thought it very sweet but just once she would like to do it for him. Corso always insisted he would dote on his girl and it would never be the other way around but one day she would catch him napping and treat him when he least expected it. Iz'phal loved this new way of life. The pleasantness of the air and the coolness of the streams and mountains made her feel as if she was living a different life but it was a life she loved with all her heart and thought about never going back to smuggling again. Just as she was about to turn over onto her side and drift off, her daughter the mirror image of her jumped onto the bed, calling in her ear wanting some attention from her mother. Groaning Iz'phal opened her eyes to see the colourful eyes of her daughter gleaming back at her, as she shook her gently by the shoulders.
"Mummy wake up...wake up!" the twi'lek girl hollered in her ear, still tugging on her arm as Iz'phal sighed placing the pillow over her head trying to at least get five minutes more rest before the day began.
"Mummy's sleeping sweetie, why don't you go and wake Jacen up…" Iz'phal suggested as at the mention of her brother she hopped from the bed and dashed into the room she shared with him leaping onto his bed and pulling at his legs. They really do grow up fast…Iz'phal thought happily to herself as she rolled over onto her other side and closed her eyes before inevitably her son would bound into the room and both her children would demand her attention. Ten minutes past before that familiar loving voice hummed in her head as she stirred, sitting up, rubbing her eyes trying to supress a yawn.
"Izzy's sleepy this morning…" Corso teased as she flashed a playful glance his way before propping herself up, her eyes still adjusting to the daylight.
"You do the Nerfhearders this morning?" she asked, gratefully accepting the steaming mug of her favourite fruit drink and a kiss on the forehead. He perched on the side of the bed looking endearingly into her eyes.
"For you Iz I would do the Nerfheaders every morning" Corso beamed, as she smiled warmly at him as she took a sip from the mug.
"Thank you Riggsy…" Iz'phal replied as she was just about to accept a kiss on her lips when their brown eyed boy Jacen, the spitting image of Corso bounced into the room, pulling at his father's leg obviously wanting some attention over his sister.
"You're up early little one" Iz'phal chuckled Corso picking up their son and placing him on his knee, Iz'phal smoothing back stray strands of his brown hair from his forehead, tickling him under his ribs slightly making him laugh.
"Han woke me up" The brown haired boy whined as he clung to his father round his middle as his sister ran into the room, clambering onto the bed and pulled on her mother's lekku. "What are we doing today dad?" Jacen asked curiously as Corso pulled back to look into the eyes of his son, the eyes that looked exactly like his, his mind thinking on the day ahead. Getting up each morning and not having to meet the demands of any galactic clients was a refreshing reminder to wake up too.
"Well son I thought we'd train to Flutterplumes today and teach them to fly. Han you can name them if you like" Corso smiled kindly as Hann'ah was still demanding attention from her mother and in the end getting it, Iz'phal clasping her daughter's tiny hands in hers, placing her arms around her.
"I get to train them to fly! I'll do my best…Thanks father" Jacen said excitedly as he told his sister who just stared her brother, slightly jealous but she knew that giving names to all the Flutterplumes would be an important job.
"Now why don't you two run along…" Iz'phal smiled as she released her daughter from her embrace as both children making excited giggling noses made their way down stairs, Jacen jesting his job was more important as Hann'ah began to playfully pull on his hair. "Why do they have to wake up so early…?" Iz'phal sighed rolling over as she knew her role as a mother had been difficult at first but she was growing into it, loving every moment she saw the happiness on her kids faces and just how contended her partner was.
"Sure enough we did that when we were kids, I drove my parents crazy for hours" Corso reminded her lying down by her side, both of them rubbing noses as Iz'phal's cheeks rose in colour, snuggling against his chest.
"I suppose…They are so wonderful aren't they" Iz'phal said, letting out a contended sigh as life was just perfect. She had the man she loved at her side, a beautiful place to call home, kids to call her own and she had repaired a friendship that had meant much to her.
"It's not surprising Iz…You're their mother" he hummed against her forehead as her eyes shimmered with mirth, their usual expressive depths warming his heart to the core.
"It's not all me Riggsy. You are a great father and don't you forget that. This life is perfect. I hope we never have to leave it behind" Iz'phal almost pleaded with him, her voice its usual relaxed tone as his heart was happy where it was, just there with her, in this moment with not a care in the world or a worry to think about.
"I'll make sure we don't have to Izzy…This is what I have dreamed of. This place and my girl being able to share it with me. I'm so damn lucky Iz, just lucky enough to have you…" Corso crooned lovingly into her neck, the gentleness of his lips on her skin making her almost drift away. "I am so fortunate we met on Ord Mantell Izzy…The place that brought us together. You have given me more than any woman in my life and you will always be my girl…Always…" he lowered his voice to a soft whisper as she just wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. She didn't bother to respond as she felt so spoiled by his affections, the warmth of the sun's rays pouring through the windows onto her skin and it was a blissful feeling.
This was what the perfect life felt like and she had given her heart to the man who would always stay at her side while they brought up their family into the galaxy. After all the trials and tribulations of her life up to this point she was rather pleased with the outcome and would not trade this moment for any other desire or craving. It was all just as she had dreamed it to be and all their hard years of working had paid off.
This was the perfect life…The life of the famous spacer Iz'phal Trua and it was a life she would never give up. She wanted it to go on forever, the road winding and long with him by her side to hold her hand.
She just surrendered to the moment and let it all wash over her. Finally she was in paradise and it had been well worth the wait.
The End