Chapter 2: How Kindness Can Save a Life
Iz'phal's eyes flickered open, her face almost exploding with pain as she moved slightly but felt comfortable wherever she was. She was warm, had dried out, felt clean for the first time in ages and as the room came into focus around her, she had a roof over her head. Too weak and wrung out to move she just lay there, gazing at the endearing space around her, enraptured by the artworks on display and colours of the room. Iz'phal spied many famous twi'lek artefacts and assumed whoever they belonged to loved twi'lek culture. She didn't understand what was happening and was still frightened, the experiences of last night having shaken her. She'd lost her bearings and had no idea where she was, but it was cosy and comfortable, and anything was better than being left on the streets, vulnerable to all around her. Whoever had saved her must have had a compassionate heart as she gazed at the end of the bed, finding freshly pressed clothes ready for her to change into. Iz'phal just sighed, bewildered, heart pounding in her chest. Who would save poor suffering Iz'phal who had nothing. Who would be this kind to her? She knew she'd been attacked but never realised she'd been poisoned. She still felt nauseous, ears picking up the thunderstorm raging outside, forever grateful she was away from it, felt safe as a tall man with an elegant stride in his step entered the room, a smile lighting up his face glad to see she was awake as he gazed at her. She just turned her head weakly to acknowledge him, not being able to move much now, still feeling ill. The poisoning itself had been cured so she would get better, but the effects still lingered. Her fever becoming worse every hour as he did everything, he could to help her, her condition paining him every time he saw her. Not being able to speak or say anything, just wrung out from the events of the last twelve hours she drifted back to sleep as he perched on the side of the bed running a hand over her forehead. At least he could help her get back on her feet. Anything was better for her than being preyed on by those heartless criminals. It had been a difficult night for him. Not being able to get much rest, having to look after her but his duty was to protect the people of this galaxy and if saving a young girl's life meant that then he would do so. Besides she looked young…Too young to have her life wasted away.
"I want to help you miss. I'll lock the heartless person away who has done this to you. Believe me I have the power to do so…" He comforted as his words fell on deaf ears, but he wanted to assure her that she was going to be alright. He ran a hand over her forehead again before he stood, diming the lights in the room so that she could get some rest, going to try and get some sleep himself as he would forever remember tonight. The night he had to carry that poor girl bloodied, bruised, sickly in his arms. It was a tormenting image, and he wanted it to leave him alone. "I'm here miss and won't be going anywhere. I'll be here if you need anything" His kind disposition still ever present even through his tiredness as he left the door ajar before wearily striding into his room, picking out his robes for the morning as he needed to rest.
All through the night Iz'phal kept having to limp to the bathroom, blinded by pain, having to throw the contents of her stomach up. The young senator felt terrible for her, but the doctor had told him it was a fever and that was no medication for that. She just had to mend with time, but Iz'phal felt as if all the organs in her body had been pulled inside out and stuffed back inside her. She felt awful. After the third straight day of being sick Iz'phal had nothing left to throw up as her stomach growled from the lack of nutrition, every so often she choked up bile, but wrenching made her feel better. A day or so later Iz'phal began to feel like she was mending but that man, the one whom she'd thought had saved her was at her side most of the time, giving up a lot of his work to take care of her but he had explained to his colleagues in the senate and with time his life would be back to normal. He just couldn't leave her like this. It would put a hole in his heart if he didn't help her. It would plague his conscience. He washed away the dried blood on her face with warm water, bathing her bruises and other wounds as he just gazed at her, heart panging for her state, wishing he could just make her better with a click of his fingers, but he wasn't a healer, or a cleric. Just had to be there and help her. Iz'phal managed to open her eyes and gage him in eye contact and for the first time in four days managed to speak, trying to lift her head to sit up but her urged her back down gently, not wanting her to go through any strain.
"Thank you…" Iz'phal managed to say, a weak smile turning up the corners of her mouth before she added "Where am I?" He responded truthfully not wanting to keep her in the dark.
"You're still very sick miss. Do you remember who did this to you? I need to catch them, so they cannot harm anymore people" He replied as Iz'phal tried to remember, head pounding, still feeling queasy as the name eluded her.
"It was all fine at first…Then he…he…" She began but obviously reciting the memory was too much and he didn't want to put her through any more pain.
"Hush miss it's going to be alright. At least you're not out there in that ghastly weather anymore are you" His tone full of empathy as she just nestled against the pillow letting him finish fixing up her wounds. Why was he being so kind to her? She had never experienced this kind of humanity in her life and wondered what made him so kind? Who was he? Where was she? All these questions buzzed through her head until he rose to his feet, promising he would answer all her questions later when she felt better as he wondered if she could keep some food down. That would aid in her recovery.
"Thank you…" Iz'phal said again but really meaning it this time as again that smile and that seemed to warm her heart, made her feel needed in the galaxy, like she was someone. She would have to tell him the truth about what happened. But could she gain back her confidence and face going out there again, back to the only life she knew…Selling herself to the galaxy's men and now she realised all their sadistic ways to treat women. She would always fool around with heartless, sleazy, rich guys with nothing left to do than to pick up a poor girl and she was starting to feel as if she didn't want this anymore. She wanted to improve her way of life and never go back there. She realised the simple facts now. That she was lucky to be alive and going back to that hell hole could kill her for good. She had to escape now while she had the chance but didn't believe she had to the skills to achieve anything else other than sweet talk people. Perhaps it would all become clear to her in the future. For now, she just needed to focus on herself and get better.
"My pleasure miss. Now you just get some rest. It will do you good. If you'd like anything to eat or drink let me know. I'm sure I can fix you something up" he perked up his tone to make light of the situation as she accepted his kind offer before again falling into the realms of sleep. She was too tired to stay awake as she collapsed her head against the pillow, sleep taking over her. She would get answers to her questions and then perhaps her fortunes would change.
A further two days on and Iz'phal was making a swift recovery. Colour back in her cheeks, bringing the healthy look back to her face and the bruising would go away with time. She was able to get out of bed and wonder around, still her movements were jarred by pain and every time she made a sudden movement she cried out in discomfort where some of her ribs had been shattered but she was on the mend. It all came back to her now. What that pirate had done to her, poisoned her, beat her up before throwing her in the gutter leaving her to die. She thanked her lucky stars she was safe but had yet to know who she owed her life to. Having remembered faintly his words about food and admitting she was little hungry she stepped gingerly out of bed, her legs grateful for the stretch as she slipped on the night gown, he'd slipped onto the door for her and admired it. It was the most beautiful thing she'd even seen, let alone worn and it was just another token of his kindness. Making her way quietly to the kitchen in case he was sleeping something caught the corner of her eye and like an excited child she dashed over to it. While spying many twi'lek artefacts over her small wonders through the luxurious apartment she'd been admiring their beauty and history and now she'd seen the handcraft arodium warrior, Ryloth made in origin as the craftsmanship caught her eye. Holding it up to the dim light she tried to examine it with more detail before his voice behind her made her jump and she accidently dropped the figure as it smashed on the floor into pieces, Iz'phal's heart sagging with regret as she apologized profusely, getting her clumsy hands in the way.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't realise it would break! Damn it!" She scolded herself, trying not to cry as she tried to put the broken pieces back together, but it seemed impossible "It must've meant a lot to you! I'll buy you another one!" Iz'phal promised before he strode over to her before losing a laugh, Iz'phal just staring at him confused.
"What…This?" The senator smiled warmly, picking up a piece of the broken statue in his hand before resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "This was just an old antique I won off an old Hutt at a game of Sabacc. It really means nothing to me. It's not your fault. Now how about I get you something to eat?" he asked kindly as still not sure if he was telling the truth she just wanted to be sure.
"Really, I'm sorry. I just make mistakes everywhere I go. I don't know what I've done to deserve your help…Really…" Iz'phal tried to confess how grateful she was, but he was having none of it, ushering her towards the kitchen.
"Not another word out of you miss. If it's food you're after you can eat until you're content as a Wookie" the senator beamed at her as liking the sound of that, feeling her appetite returning for the first time in almost a week as she strode into the kitchen to fetch herself a decent meal.
"You said Sabacc?" Iz'phal called from the kitchen as she wondered into the living room, chewing vigorously as he just stared at her. "Oh sorry…" She apologised, lekku swinging sadly down at her waist "Have I messed up again?" She asked gingerly as she chewed slower, but he just laughed again, eyes sparkling a cheerful spark that almost warmed her heart.
"Oh, don't worry about the way you eat miss. I've dined with many a Hutt in my time and trust me they make a lot more noise than you!" She sniggered at this, his sense of humour tickling her fancy as he picked her up on her latest point. "Oh yes Sabacc! A fantastic game of gambling and wits. Some say a game only good for the bandits of the galaxy, but I've won a few credits in my time from a few colleagues. It's a good way to pass the time. I can teach you if you like, when you've time of course" The senator put his suggestion to her as she nodded immediately, liking the sound of that as she finished off the last of her food before examining another twi'lek artefact and was careful not to touch it this time.
"Oh, I love a good game! That's sounds great! I'd love to learn if you'd teach me!" She smiled seeing he was enthused already as he blew dust from his old set of Sabacc cards, thrilled to get the chance to play again.
"Of course, miss, it would be my honour. Now why don't yourself a nice warm bath then lesson one can begin" he threw a challenge her way as she nodded, returning the smile as she made her way to the bathroom, running the water until the temperature was to her liking. Iz'phal still didn't understand why he helped her, why he would save her? He had done so much for her, and she hadn't repaid him. Perhaps if she had the confidence to step outside tomorrow, she would buy him something, but knew nothing of the galaxy's culture. Perhaps it was time she learnt. Looking forward to a good game of cards later she let the horrible events of the past few days drain away as the warm water soaked her bare skin, never feeling happier.
It was midnight but Iz'phal didn't care, the rain still thundering down outside but she was warm, cosy and felt safe for the first time in over a year. She had picked up the game of Sabacc faster than any being he'd ever seen, and she was on her sixth straight win, admitting to herself she was becoming slowly hooked to this game. Perhaps playing in a casino with real money was something she could look at. After all, from her last year of unclean work she was wealthy. Had lots of credits to blow. Perhaps she could invest. The senator sat across the table from her, studying his hand before the final card revealed itself from the card shark and Iz'phal showed her hand, grinning widely, pulling the pot of chips towards her as he sighed rolling his eyes. Remnants of fine food and empty glasses of wine lay around the table as she admitted she could get used to this life. Perhaps one day she would have it for herself. She could've drunken a whole bottle of that Corellian Brandy, but he'd corked it before she could have anymore.
"Again Iz'phal! Honestly! You should join a professional Championship! They pay out large amounts of credits and I haven't lost this many games in a long time. I'd reckon you'd be the best out there. No one just gets a pure Sabacc twice without having talent!" He complimented as Iz'phal gushed from across the table, tapping her feet impatiently wanting another round but she could see he was getting tired.
"Again, come on one more round! I love this game!" Iz'phal hollered, crying with glee but to her disappointment he moved the card shark from her reach and shut the cards away. "Aww…" Iz'phal moaned, looking imploringly up at him, large eyes pleading "But I was winning!" He looked down at her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, rubbing his eyes.
"Iz'phal I'm serious it's getting late, and you've been through a lot. You need your rest. Besides I'm sick of losing" He chuckled as Iz'phal grinned before limping her frame relaxed and full of food, feeling content to bed as she couldn't thank him enough for what he'd done for her.
"Could do with some shut eye. Thanks for tonight sir. I had a great time. All the food and wine and what have ya" She put on her drawling tone as he knew she was grateful but just wanted her to rest so she could get back on her feet, just pleased to see her recovering well.
"Any time Iz'phal. Perhaps I'll take you off world tomorrow. I need to journey to Coruscant to speak with my colleagues in the senate. Have you ever been to the capital?" He asked and Iz'phal just merely stared at him wide eyed. So that's who he was? He was a man of government! No wonder he was so wealthy and lived in this lovely place but why Nar Shaddaa? She hoped all people in politics were this kind as she nearly choked before gazing at him.
"Coruscant. Me go to Coruscant? No, I couldn't sir. I'd only spoil everything. I'm chaos wherever I go. I'm better out of the way" She rejected the offer, but he was having none of it. If this girl was going to be a cultured and civilized being in society, she needed to see Coruscant with her own eyes to see what it could offer her, the opportunities it had there.
"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard Iz'phal. You will walk into the senate tower with me, see how we govern the galaxy. This galaxy is rich and glorious Iz'phal, and I want you to experience it. You deserve much in life Iz'phal and you will go far, that I promise you" he smiled as Iz'phal nearly burst into tears before flinging her arms around him, trying to take in what he'd just proposed before her face split into an overjoyed grin, jumping up and down.
"Coruscant! Are you for real?! That's amazing! I can't wait! Thank you so much! I'll do my very best sir! I promise!" Iz'phal harped as she continued to jump in the air before she clutched at her side, realising she was still fragile and wasn't fully healed. He managed to calm her down, clutching onto her arms to steady her, looking into her eyes, a serious expression etched on his face.
"Iz'phal I don't want you getting over excited. You're still not fully healed and need to take care of yourself. We board a shuttle tomorrow morning and don't worry about attire. I have just the thing for you. You'll fit right in" The senator promised her as Iz'phal couldn't believe what was happening. Her being beaten up and left to die might have just been the biggest turning point of her life. She was going to go to the galactic capital, leave her old, dangerous life behind and was going to have the opportunity of a lifetime. She was going from being a scrounger on the street to walking into the finest buildings in the galaxy, meeting with the wealthiest of people and wearing the finest garments. It was such a change of fortune her head span as she inclined her head in a gesture of respect, knowing he had to work, had political matters to take care of but he was going to look after her. She owed him everything, after all he had saved her life.
"I can't thank you enough sir. You've done so much for me and helped me beyond what I thought possible. You saved my life sir. What can I do for you in return?" Iz'phal offered but he merely shook his head, that smile making her heart warm to the core.
"Iz'phal, I saved you because I had to. You have so much life in you and so much to gain from this galaxy and if I achieve one thing it will be to lock up the tyrant that did this to you" he sighed in regret, gesturing to the bruising that was still visible on her face and sadly she would have to show that to galactic nobility, but it would only make her stronger.
"I appreciate it sir but he's not worth it! If only he could see me now" She laughed, making light humour out of her misfortune but he was serious. Catching an animal that had the guts to treat someone like that would be a high priority of his. If the galaxy was to ever know a peaceful era all these low lives would have to be locked away for good.
"You'll make a fine impression Iz'phal I'm sure. Now please get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow" He beamed at her as she nodded before saying good night, closing the door to her room as her head swam with all the events of the last few hours. It was such a crazy change of luck that she couldn't quite believe it but the next day when she looked like a galactic senator and undertook a transformation it would hit home that the galaxy was made up of more things than just money. She felt now she was ready to explore that.