Moonwater Perfume/Written before Lisou’s First Awakening

Yet another interesting discourse unfolded last evening in the sitting room, gathered around the marble table filled with after-dinner coffee and liqueur. Reunahn’s nightly gatherings never lack for vibrancy, sometimes enlightenment, among our companions. Lord Arcadin’s presence at dinner for the last three nights has provided unique exploration into areas of Deiu’s history not generally taught in the schoolrooms or public learning institutions. The Huranz family are one of the most revered clans from two worlds; their eminence began on Ysonesse, and carried onward to Deiu. They were among that notable group called “The Establishers”, a quintet of families that found another planet to colonize after Ysonesse was rendered inhabitable. Their combined political and financial resources allowed the survivors of The Great Deluge new lands to call home.

But last night’s discussion took an unexpected path, one that could alter Josym’s life. Nothing is definite, but this new course would provide him with the best alternative to his present circumstances and potentially rotten future.

The idea was first uttered by Reunahn, based upon a comment I first broached: the subject of Josym leaving here to attend university. Lord Arcadin had attended university on Alderaan soon after his eighteenth birthday, but he was part of a select group of Prestatines who gained permission to go off-world for any extended time. Most heirs are kept imprisoned here, ostensibly to gain a better understanding of the world and its people they will own. No possibility should exist for any heir to leave Deiu, not in the present. But Lord Arcadin thinks otherwise, and has sent messages to a friend in the Advisory Office at the Cultural University on Aeithera.

Finally, there is a way for Josym to leave…other worlds upon which my beloved can thrive, where he can live rather than merely exist…incredible!

Generations of aristocratic children rarely depart from the confines of Deiu's atmosphere to another planet. Aside from The Grand Tour which is undertaken by the sons of privilege, very few aristocrats venture offworld. Dissipation and pleasure are their sole desires. Nothing enlightened can grasp their minds, which explains the lack of universities or colleges in the city and towns. Sons and daughters of the Prestatures are taught rudimentary lessons in tiny rooms not much bigger than Reunahn's cloak closet. The boys receive instruction on subjects considered essential for their futures: primary history (of Ysonesse), secondary history (of Deiu)...rudimentary knowledge of politics, law, and economics. Of course there is no room for literature or the other arts in the aristocratic child's education. The blatant prejudice against scholarly pursuits is rooted within dread of everything feminine; any subject which doesn't lie within the jurisdiction of administration aren't considered practical.

The education of daughters is permitted, but in those subjects considered trivial by the Lords, not worthy to be uttered among men. So the girls are taught literature, poetry, painting, art history, and the required attributes like needlework.

What lies beyond the schoolroom for the children of privilege? For the Prestatines and their younger brothers nothing exists but years of waiting for the elder Lords to die and relinquish their inheritances. Young ladies, of course, are quickly married and fulfill their appointed roles as vessels for the next generation. The sons of privilege are rarely involved in day-to-day operations of the estates. Land managers and their cadre of assistants are in charge of the prestatures' daily operations, but the Lords consult with their staff on every matter pertaining to the land and beings that lives on these properties. The heirs and brothers of the Prestats are excluded from this vital aspect of operations. Power demands absolute control of all things connected to the estates, and to give any responsibilities to the heirs would require generosity. Sons of the aristocracy engage in perpetual quests into the capital seeking amusement and diversion. Debauchery is the ultimate goal of any expedition into the city, whether in the brilliance of Lisou's illumination, or under the silvery gaze of Najahal. It's a lonely pursuit, even among the company of like-minded boys who lack the necessary depth to comprehend the void of their mutual dissolution.

Joysm isn't spiritually dead enough to find the aimless path of the disaffected. He's never demonstrated one inclination toward furthering his education. He possesses natural intelligence and restless curiosity which could be utilized in academic pursuits; perhaps he might obtain a degree in Drama, or Holocinema Studies. Even if Jos decides to major in “Undecided” until the final week before graduation, being within the structure of a university could provide him with new experiences that can only aid in the development of his personality. A well-rounded man requires multiple influences, not only from the world of his birth, but from places unknown. Out among the varied beings in the galaxy, Josym will find others like himself; Force sensitives have to exist among the billions of sentient creatures which live on those worlds! The Jedi were eradicated, yet another of that august group has begun the journey toward another day. He shall meet Skywalker one day, perhaps on Aeithera...this must be his destiny!

Jos has mixed feelings about leaving; any sentimental connections which emanate from his familial relationships are balanced with the awful knowledge imparted by his father. Strong love cannot alter the Prestat's declaration on Josym's birthday night about wanting to place his oldest child at the bottom of an oubliette. Staying here can only poison him, turning a pure soul into some creature best left to diseased imaginations.

Yet his desire to explore other worlds, to run away from a planet not called home, is tempered by what he calls “a vital temptation”. This alluring element is, no surprise, me. Neither of us wishes to spend any days or months apart, especially since we're still in the “honeymoon phase”. Yes, we are in love, and that's wonderful, yet...great sadness comes with our feeling. The notion of Jos leaving for years cannot be grasped with one's abstract heart...to cope with the reality of his departure in my true heart is a matter best left for another day.

Yet, love often requires generosity. My heart grieves, my soul aches, yet my conscience resonates with the obvious understanding of Josym's plight. Beautiful distractions exist on Deiu in several corners; I'm the most obvious distraction, at least for now.

If the Force and fate work together in perfect communion, then Josym could fulfill a possible destiny and follow the path of his namesake: becoming a Jedi. I'm not certain sure how attending university could lead him toward a point in the future when he could begin the journey. But I cannot fathom how this potential new life can begin without the guidance of Skywalker. What chance in a trillion might ever place the last Jedi on the same world during those years when Jos is attending university? The only apparent connection I can see lies between Aeithera with its mother world, which is Alderaan. Certain media reports talk about an influx of refugees from that lost world to Aeithera, in search of a temporary home. One day, a notable Alderaani princess might come to the ancient colony on a mission of mercy...it's sensible to assume the princess would be accompanied by her usual companions, including the Corellian smuggler and the Jedi. If galactic affairs have turned favorable, maybe it will be under those circumstances when Josym and Skywalker finally meet, and thus will my beloved's destiny truly begin...

But Jos needs to leave Deiu if this fate shall unfold. Again, again, that unfortunate truth confronts me. What I need and what Jos needs are now separated on divergent paths. Love is a blessing, yet it's a curse in equal measure. The push and pull of what eases my heart and fulfills any selfish whims doesn't bode well for my beloved's life. Playing the guilt card might keep him with me, but it will cast us both into misery. I must be generous, for the hope of his future, and let Jos go somewhere far away, to a little Mid Rim planet where his destiny shall arrive.

Part XIV

