Private Broken Tea Leaf

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

It was always the little things for Quinn.

She felt how alive he was as she hugged Malum, giving him a sense of physical comfort. It had been some time since she had hugged someone and felt their heart racing against her chest or the heat of their body against hers. It was a feeling she didn't realize she missed it when being in contact with someone. Still, the comfort Quinn felt while being in Alina's arms was worth more than the warmth of another. It was a different kind of warmth she received from the Sangnir. The brief hug was enough; she released him after feeling him stiffen slightly from the awkwardness. Hugging him even surprised her, but it felt like the natural reaction to try and comfort someone.

Quinn stepped back, her face flushed as she regained her composure. She listened to both continue their conversation about Alisteri. They were closer to him than she was, and knowing her luck - Alisteri probably thought of her as a mean girl or lesser than her. The thought made her chuckle under her breath, but it still hurt. Remembering the comment about his disheveled look, Quinn brushed a bit of his hair back. "Better," she commented gently with approval, then looked back towards Alina, who continued cooking.

Instead of questioning the pair about Alisteri, the woman crossed her arms gently over her frame and watched between them. It was only through Alina that she knew anything true of Alisteri, and like Malum, she wondered how their relationship worked. Even after he killed her, Alisteri still had a place in Alina's heart. Parts of Quinn wondered if things were different, would Alina have gone back to him?

Silly little thoughts of doubt, Quinn sighed, doing her best to put them from her mind. Glancing back towards Malum, she tilted her head slightly, "Was he that much of a threat to the Empire? I thought all Sith wanted my Godfather's head on a plate so that they could proclaim themselves Emperor." She shrugged; her mother had been victim to a coup while orchestrating one for her rule of the Empire.

It was in their blood, as Sith and Quinn hated it.

The evening passed uneventfully; Quinn stayed after Alina was called away. In most cases, she would have left with her, but with the emotional turmoil bleeding off of Malum - Quinn assumed she should stay to ensure things were alright.

A hand wiped down the countertop nearest the stove of the kitchen. Despite being royalty, she grew up knowing chores and caring for a home. She moved towards the sink and rinsed the sponge clean of dirt and soap, squeezing it so often to make sure the water was expelled with the soap. After a few squeezes, the water ran clean, and she turned it off and placed it on the counter. "It has been a little while since I've cleaned a kitchen." Quinn chuckled, dried her hands, and pulled a fine lotion from her purse.

Rubbing the lotion in her hands, Quinn looked to Malum, who more than likely watched her clean. "Hope you enjoyed the show." she teased while removing the apron she had borrowed. "I hope you have room for some tea? I brought some of my favorites from Eshan, such as a light chamomile blend with a fruity finish." Delicately, she filled the tea bags and tied them to the handle of the twin mugs. She quietly waited for the water to reach the proper temperature. Funnily enough, she warmed the kettle without using the stove. It was the extent of her pyromancy, nothing more than a party trick.

When the water was ready, she carefully poured it into the two cups and plopped a sugar cube. After a short consideration, the Princess added an extra cube to her own. Quinn rotated her finger in a circle above the warm liquid, pushing it to stir with the Force. When she was satisfied with the sugar being dissolved, she grabbed the tea bag string, dipped it a few times, and pulled the strings to push the rest of the water from the bag. Repeating this process with her own cup, she turned and tossed the tea bags and blew gently on Malum's mug before handing it to him.

"It's hot, but it should help you sleep tonight." Quinn grabbed her own and blew gently once again on the liquid before taking a sip. "My mother's blend helps ease the mind of its worries. I find myself drinking it more often as time passes." She gently smiled and leaned against the kitchen island's countertop.

"How have you been, Malum?"

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

As much as the embrace had surprised him, as much as it for barest moment embarassed him, he was certain both emotions would not have compared to the chill that was the absence of her arms around him, the regret that instantly flodded across nerves, that he had not embraced her in return, remorse at a missed warmth that as quickly as it had been given, it had been taken away.

He so wished to say something, as she pulled away, the pink dusting her cheeks indicative enough of the embarrassment which she felt at his lack of reciprocity, the apology was on the tip of his tongue, the urge to draw himself out, as awkward as the act was, as alien and unfamiliar as it was to him who knew only the formal ways of interaction...

...He wished to do something.

Instead, the conversation continued on about Alisteri, the moment, the regret passing, yet not forgotten, his breath stolen, as once more, she was within the space that they both knew she was not meant to be within, yet, he did little to resist as her hands parted through his hair, as the shiver travelled down his spine, and his lips thinned, his weakness hidden behind only the veneer of composure.

As he could only wonder what she was thinking, her who gazed back towards the Sangnir, and was so... effortlessly blase about all of this.

Her question made him pause, had Ali-steri truly been much of a threat to the Empire? Not at all, he had been a gnat that would be swatted away at the face of true power, the fact that Malum had struggled so dearly... only indicated of his weakness. That Malum had been the one that had needed to swat him, had been misfortune...

...Misfortune that he had orchestraated.

"His Imperial Majesty," That she so casually referred to the Corpse as her Godfather would never not strike him as odd, "Might not inspire love amongst his subjects, but he provides the relative free hand that most desire, if it came down to it, I imagine inertia would find most defending him against any singular threat that emerged," Malum mused, even amongst Sith, duty had to mean something, honour had to mean something, if all else failed...

...Fear would keep the Lords in line.

"For all which they might desire his throne, they would hardly support one so divisive and controversial proclaiming themselves Emperor, all but declaring his intent to wipe them all out." Bogan, he required a drink. The words came through clammed teeth, such was the mood of the rest of the conversation, not only because those same teeth struggled to break down the sinews of burned meat.

Yet, he powered on ever still, it might have not been to his taste, it might not have been to his class, it might have hardly been edible.

But, he was not here to enjoy a meal, neither were they, his manifest purpose was to conceal, conceal everything, to commiserate a shared loss for them all, a loss they all felt in keenly different ways. Even if, for Malum, the loss in itself was of guilt grounding upon his heart in different directions, all for different cause.

Suffice it to say, they spoke much that evening, suffice it to say for no fault the Sangnir had... mostly, Malum was glad for her deperature.

It only left the remaining obstacle of the Empress' grandmother to contend with... a less physically daunting challenge perhaps, but one which was daunting for her own very key reasons.

He allowed himself a hollow breath, as the water rang in his ears, the clatter of plates meshed and soaked in the soapy depths of the sink, he should have given much more of a reaction to the sight, instead, he was sunk into the depths of his fractious mind, occupied by far more than singular entity, stiched together by more gravity, than connection, it was truly... him.

His cousin's teachings, pervaded across him, for she held capability similar enough to the woman before him...

...And the last thing he needed was her entering his mind, and seeing truths she was not meant to know.

"...Most Princesses are never meant to clean a kitchen," Malum muttered, leaning back against the countertop, bringing the cubic glass to his lips, the ice swirled about the amber liquid, as it passed between his thin lips, fire touched his tongue, as it flowed down as magma down his throat.

It was a pity, he had to nurse his drinks tonight, and for his own good, as the last of it flowed down his gullet, it would have to be the last he would partake tonight.

He raised an eyebrow at her teasing remark, eyes drawn for a moment to the the apron she had taken... he had never seen her in such light before, there had been the prim and proper Princess with confident flame that day on Jutrand, there had been the raucous fire that burned at her vulnerability here on Alvaria, then the inferno that had burned so overwhelmingly on Abraxas when made to protect her students, but he had never seen her so...

...Domestic.

He raised the empty glass to her, "No mortal man is worthy of such a sight, I shall treasure it to the end of my days," Malum japed back at her in similar tone, the sight continued as she found two mugs, quickly filled with water and brought to temperature, "If you share the Empresses' taste in tea, than I would hardly refuse," It had been quite some time, since he taken tea with the Empress...

...Too long.

She would forgive him, he hoped, much had happened as of late... not only what he concealed, but what had been revealed to him.

A ghost of a smile appearing upon his face, with a pang of his heart, the memory...

...No, she could not know.

Bogan, he needed another drink.

Alas, the drink which she handed him, which he began to blow into for it to cool, hardly held the alcohol content which he desired, still, it promised to be its own kind of pleasure, he supposed, he laid his glass to his side, both of them leaning against opposite countertops, nursing their drinks... left to each other's devices.

Joy of joys.

"I find very little helps me sleep these days, so much appreciated," He allowed, bringing the liquid down to reasonable temperature, as he took his first sip.

Still too hot, yet, entirely delicious, of course it would be.

It was the comment of her mother, which drew interest from him, for after all, she was such the special case... "Which one, if I might ask." Both were renowned, famed, and legendary in their own rights, both were hated, infamous, and despised in their own right...

...Such was the spell of success within an Empire like theirs...

It was the question regarded to him, which ceased his drink, his lips thinning, as he lay the cup at opposite side to his glass, gesturing down to his foot, "...As well as I can be, considering the circumstances, the doctors say my leg will be back to full condition within a few days, hoping that is the case..." It was not the answer she wanted, he suspected.

Alas, the longer he could delay that, the better.

Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Alina Tremiru Darth Strosius Srina Talon

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

Despite him talking, Malum didn’t need to speak. Quinn could easily glean the pain the man was feeling. It made her feel guilty for chiding him during the Kaggath, his actions opposite of what he felt. It was a hard image to erase from her memory, watching him slay his brother and then claim his brother’s people like property. It was that moment she doubted her loyalty to him and doubted the friendship they had so carefully created. Like the Princess, Lord Marr was searching for his place in the galaxy. Nothing felt right, but everything seemed impossible.

Quinn let her gaze fall from him as he spoke, explaining his lack of sleep and joking about the recovery of his leg. She laughed, it was the least she could do for his terrible lie. “You should of let me heal it.” She quipped, “At least then it wouldn’t look so crooked, what will your lovers think?” A jab, knowing that there were rumors of the promiscuous Dark Counselor. Quinn didn’t care for the rumors, but it was entertaining enough to try and guess everyone who had come across the man’s desk.

Still she listened, not only to his words but to the swirl of the Force surrounding him. Absent-mindedly, Quinn played with her engagement ring, turning it over and over while trying to read Malum. As closed off as he felt, she could still catch glimpses of his torment. It hurt her knowing that this was an event that neither man could avoid.

Remembering his inquiry about which mother the tea blend belonged to, Quinn laughed and answered, “Spencer, former Eshan Queen. Srina might get her taste in tea from her - I know they would drink a lot of it when she would come visit me.” While Quinn was born into a set of twins, Srina Talon had only become the godmother of one. Quinn was her favorite, while also being the black sheep in the family. She took another sip, while the blend belonged to her mother, it only reminded the Echani Princess of her chosen mother.

Looking up from the cup, Quinn smiled. “You do know that I could probably help you sleep. With how fractured your psyche is, I’m surprised you’re even capable of stringing words together.” Fingers pressed frustratingly into the tea cup, everything that she could do to help him, the man refused.

“I’m tired of assessing you, at least let me help.” Quinn pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to calm herself down. “I’m sorry, I just hate seeing you like this and not being able to help you.” Frowning, she brought the cup to her lips and looked at him over the rim.

“You’re so stubborn.”

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum raised an eyebrow, with a bemused smile gracing his features at her words, "It is hardly the duty of a Princess to tend to the wounds of..." He could give title, but he could not much say which one was appropriate, he could give definition to the bond between them, but he was hardly sure what was appropriate for that either, "...Regardless, do not worry yourself, it is not the first time I have been injured in combat, by Bogan, it will not be the last, my doctors are proficient at what they do," And they served as steady reminders, to not make the same mistakes that led to those injuries in the first place.

His smile became sly at the continuation of her words, "...I have never had a lover complain about my leg... or any other limb of mine, do not worry yourself, Your Grace," His words ended with a smirk, and a wink that one would miss if they blinked, blowing on the tea in his hand, even as it drifted upwards to kiss his face, he took another sip.

It was unfair, how sweetly delicious it was.

He idly nodded as he was given answer, Spencer Varanin, though married to the Sith Empress Ashin Varanin, she never attained the title of Empress-Consort herself, still, becoming Queen of Eshan was hardly a bad prize, especially as it was within her own right, "Does she visit often? I cannot claim to have had the pleasure, though... I would not mind conversing with such a storied figure," Quinn's mothers were figures that existed specifically in the history of the Sith, not the ancient history of Revans, Sidiouses, and Krayts, but... of the kind he respected to some degree, those that took to the stage, and then bowed once their performance had ended.

Neither of them were Twice-Failed Empresses after all.

He choked on the drink, as her offer transmitted across to him, red eyes immediately narrowing, as they found themselves on her fingers, thumbing a ring for which he knew its exact significance, "...Perhaps make that offer to me, when you are not bound to another, Your Grace," He answered, with a teasing smile. He had already made the mistake of engaging with one bound to another before, and though he hardly minded having the son of Kaine as an enemy, it had obviously made events problematic.

And well, truthfully he had no wish to make an enemy of Lady Tremiru.

He paused at her confession, parsing his lips, and calming his thoughts... why did she...?

"...My Mistress taught me that help from others had a cost, suffice it to say, asking for help does not come naturally for me..." He brought the tea to his lips, allowing himself a low moan at its taste, before red eyes were gazing at green flecked with hazel, "...What do you have in mind?" He finally allowed.

Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Spencer Varanin Darth Carnifex

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

"No," Quinn answered almost matter-of-factly. Spencer and Ashin rarely visited the Empire. They were far too busy tending to their own pleasures. Quinn sipped the tea calmly, unbothered by the fact that she never saw her parents beyond the one visit from Ashin when she was in school. They had given her away to allow her a better life beyond what they could give on Eshan. The tea was placed back onto the counter as Quinn realized she would need to give the man an explanation - mainly to prevent him from digging.

"I haven't seen my parents since I was a teenager. Even then, Ashin had decided to let herself into my dorm." There was no emotion in her storytelling; Quinn had settled her feelings with her birth parents when she was younger. "My Birth mother, on the other hand, the last time I saw her was when Ashin was prepared to sacrifice me and my sister to the netherworld in exchange for my Mother's soul." She shrugged, with a very hint of annoyance in her voice. "The Empress raised me, and I can't ever repay her for it."

Quinn's features softened as she thought fondly of the woman who raised her. She was lucky to have her and her uncle. "I don't even think they'd come for my wedding, " she laughed. It was almost tragic that her parents were so absorbed with themselves and with her sister—still, she was luckier than most.

"It reminds me I need to talk to my godmother to see if Empyrean could give me away, or maybe one of my other uncles." Quinn mused over her choices, and her thoughts were saddened when she remembered Prazitus. If it had been a perfect reality, she would be married to Vesta, potentially already ruling the Empire as a consort. Her sad thoughts faded as she forced a smile.

Until...

"Malum!" Quinn's face suddenly became a deep crimson. His comment had come far too easily to tease her - he knew fully that was not her intention. A hand covered her brow as she let her eyes look towards the tea in the cup. How dare he say such forward words to her, especially knowing her fiancee would not be fond of the phrase so freely pouring from his lips. Quinn cleared her throat as she tried to settle her embarrassment and re-organize her thoughts. A hand brushed back her hair as she exhaled deeply.

"You're ridiculous, you know that?" She was still flustered, but he seemed potentially open to her help. Her finger tapped against the ceramic cup as she thought, "It's fairly simple; you'd have to trust me - but I can at least lock away anything causing problems and help fit the pieces back together like a puzzle. The fragments are what I feel are what haunt you. At least having an order for them would comfort you, particularly at night." Her eyes shot to his, a fervor to ensure he understood her intent.

"So you can sleep. Alone. In your bed. Without me."

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He might have coughed into the tea if not for the possibility of wasting such a choice beverage, hacking and choking on the liquid with such sweet aroma, and even sweeter taste. Instead, he simply continued sipping. Continued sipping as he wondered how possibly those Sith that he had held in such high esteem, still held in such high esteem...

...Had failed their family so.

But he supposed, that he was hardly the exemplar of familiar conduct was he... how much had he neglected his sisters? How much had he negleted his parents? How much had he neglected his own children...? Theres was a House that had been built on the foundations of babes that had been unworthy to carry the Marr name.

...Was it truly his right to judge simple neglect?

In some sense, yes, of course, for all the failure that had been embeded into the earth which had sprung forth the House Marr tree, for all the branches that had been cut off, or otherwise abandoned, those which had been worthy of the name, those which had been considered worthy of the blood, would want for nothing. A house that had spanned the stars, that whose amount meant they were rarely remembered... but always belonged.

They had served loyally, served dutifully, they had been Marrs.

"...It sounds as if you had a colourful relationship with them..." He parsed, not entirely certain what in fact he should say, condolence somehow felt both appropriate and inappropriate, especially considering how the closest emotion to negativity that she seemed to express was... annoyance?

His owlish blinks, were his utmost reaction to the revelation that one of said mothers had tried to sacrifice their own daughters, in a bid to regain their partner...

...Would he be able to sacrifice Aureus and Caelia for Kara?

...Would Kara even ask for such a thing?

Both answers easily slotted into his mind.

"I am glad you had Her Imperial Majesty," Somehow out of the three, this odd seemed... the least odd suddenly. His heart stilled in his chest at both her admission and the laughter that accompanied it, the fact that there was no hint of hurt in the discordant notes bothered him more than he would have liked to admit, "...Set the date, Your Majesty, I could have the Tsis'Kaar move to uncover their locations, and hand them the invitiations personally, should you desire it." He imagined, he already knew the answer she would give.

At the same time, what parents would not wish to come to their own daughter's wedding?

"...I was not aware that Her Imperial Majesty, Varanin, nor her wife had brothers..." He knew what she meant, especially if she considered the Emperor one of her uncles, there was only few others of similar status... at the same time, there was little harm in fishing for more information.

Still such thoughts were quickly abandoneed as the smirk rested easily on her lips, covered by the teacup, as the pink blossomed so feverishly on her face. It was a secret joy of his, bringing out these reactions, nervousness married with adrenaline of askance, joined with the sweet fruit of success.

...She was particularly beautiful like this, her hands parting in gentle caress that white gold locks, her face... she might have been the realm's delight.

"...I have been told," He placed the cup back down, leaning back against the table, and allowing the grin to become visible, a grin that grew ever wider as she finished her words, as the mirth stayed stagnant upon his eyes as he processed what she was telling him... would that not be something...

...Yet it could not be.

"...Alas, I did so enjoy imagine you being in my bed," The slyest of smirks returned to his fore, ever teasing, ever flirting, "...But, my mind is..." How to even begin with that topic, hiding all that he had, secrets within secrets, "...My mind is my own, I do not think it would be wise to have someone enter it... is it possible for you to teach me the technique from the outside?"

It was as soon as he finished his words that he realised a mistake, "...It is not to say I do not trust you," But it was, wasn't it? Or perhaps more accurately, that he did not trust anyone, "But as... take my word for it, that my mind has been through more than most."

Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Srina Talon Darth Empyrean Spencer Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

Quinn shook her head, calming herself, remembering their arrival time. It was getting late, and her stay was starting to lead to the improper hours a guest should be out. Alina would start getting worried, and Quinn wouldn't want to put her through that. "I appreciate the sentiment, but my birth parents are just that - my birth parents. I've come to accept my situation and accepted it with open arms - the same way I was accepted." It was true; Quinn had only truly known the warmth and gentle comfort of Srina Talon. Before she could talk, as a babe, she was only soothed to sleep in the young Echani's arms. Even her own birth mother couldn't get the child to settle; maybe it was why Spencer had surrendered the child to her beloved Srina.

His following question about her parents having brothers furrowed the young princess' brow. It was a curious inquiry that she didn't understand the source of. Was it general curiosity about her family tree or something more? Either way, Quinn only knew Srina as a familial visitor, and her parents didn't speak much about the family. "I know of one brother; if he's alive or not, my birth parents would never say. So, as far as I know, they had no male relatives." Her tone indicated that Malum should press his luck elsewhere with conversation. The family was a touchy subject for the Princess, seeing as they were nowhere to be seen, and the family that raised her was who she cared to speak to.

Quinn couldn't eye roll harder at Malum, the forever ridiculously man, and his comments. She shook her head and brought the tea to her lips, sipping the remnants of what was left. It had warmed her enough for the evening, helping settle the unfortunate steak she had to eat. At least Alina tried, and that was all Quinn could ask for. The woman had her redeeming qualities, which was why she had let herself say yes. "You can imagine all you like, Lord Malum, but unfortunately, it won't be something that will ever be a reality. Though I'm sure you have your hands full with enough ladies you can handle." She teased, a little Cheshire grin spread across the Echani's face as she finished. "I highly doubt you'd be able to even fathom the energy to keep up with me. As for the mental teachings, unfortunately, we don't have time this evening, and it's a skill that's hard to teach unless one has an affinity with mentalism." Her attention was now on the empty cup as she rinsed it in the kitchen sink. "It would just be better for me to do it myself, less chance for error; if you mess up, you would turn into a vegetable, and what would House Marr do then?"

She smiled and looked at the time, "I apologize we've lingered for so long."

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

How a child could have such a blase relationship and view of their own parents, Malum could never understand, what was more galling was simply the fact that unlike most instances, where he might have considered the consequences of one of means being spoiled... that was not the case at all.

Her parents had simply failed her.

And he... could not understand how ones so powerful as they, could have possibly done so. He had often fractious relations with his own parents, frustrating, and angry, but... had they ever failed in their duties to him? To his sisters, or the rest of their House? Had he ever doubted, that despite all the finery, the etiquette, and all other else... that they loved him?

No... but for the Princess...

...It would be impossible not to wonder, would it not?

Apathy was fomented as a shield against the pangs of the heart... so how hurt had her heart become? He knew it was not his place, knew it was not his place to speculate, knew it was not his place to... attempt to heal such grievous injury that had hence scarred over.

But between two roads, he was always the one who took the most treacherous, was he not?

"...I understand," Malum answered, even as clearly he was uneasy with the idea, yet, there was no antidote to the poison, not now at least, in the future, maybe...

...In the future, he might draw out again that smile he had seen the last time she had come to his world.

It was as her brows were raised, as an explanation was given, that he raised his brow, the tone of her voice, only providing him further questions, was she simply holding the information to her chest, or...? "But the... but you mentioned, uncles?" Srina had no brothers, as far as he was aware, only sisters.

But why conceal this? Were the specifics the point of contention?

The roll of her eyes had his attention back to her fully, though, she was not one who could be ignored, her presence one which demanded attention, seemingly no matter what she was doing, even if in this moment, it was finishing her tea. A ghost of a smile sprouted from his features, as he regarded her with a twinkle in his red eyes.

"So... I have express permission to imagine, do I?" He teased, lightheartedly, as he pushed off the counter, mug seized upon, and brought to the washing basin, the water cascading down, as he filled his cup with it, before pouring it out, and leaving it to dry, "...I do alright for myself, not that it is a matter you wonder about, I hope." He turned it around as easily as silk flowed, red eyes seeming to glow in the darkness, as he gazed upon her.

A smirk lit his lips, as he exaggerated a gaze up and down, "...A pity that we will not have the opportunity to test your... energy." He paused, the line was growing blurred, but he was confident enough he hoped, that he had not crossed it.

She might not have been a married woman, but she was close enough to it, for him to know better.

He listened attentively to the last of her words, a shimmer of disappointment burying itself in his heart, as still he understood the reasons easily enough, "I have four sisters, and many more cousins, trust, should anything happen to me, I am easily replaceable." He offered still with the smirk as he tilted his head.

"You will have to teach me some other time then," After Ordo, he had learned to create barriers against such intrusion and attack, but self-learned as it was... with the aid of his Mistress or not, to have one test them, teach him what he might have missed, would be invaluable.

He regarded the moonlight of the outside, with something akin to suspicion as she commented on the time, "Yet, I have enjoyed every moment of it," He replied, turning his eyes back to her, a small, if genuine smile resting upon his features, "But I shan't keep you from your betrothed, how do you plan to return home? I shall escort you off."

It was not as if his sleepless self had anything to do tonight.

Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Srina Talon Alina Tremiru