Private Evermore [Darth Malipant]

[Srina Talon]

| A C E R B I T A S |
| DINNER TABLE |

Tag: Darth Empyrean
_________________________________________________________​

Silvery orbs followed the line of him while he made his way toward her. So casually, as if her words hadn't held all the gravity of a falling star. She chewed, quietly, and swallowed with a little more difficulty than she should have when his fingers moved across her form and she left her fork on the edge of the plate. The touch to her chin caused her head to momentarily rise, the sensation dizzying, if only because it was accompanied by a tender kiss. Srina, for all her adjustments, still wasn't used to that.

Being touched without needing to tense. To prepare, to kill.

She internally scolded herself. A gesture so natural, so small, that it shouldn't sweep her away like a leaf dancing in the breeze. Nor should she tense. Maliphant had never, ever harmed her. "It is not the vision I fear."

Srina held no fear of shadow and flame. She lived in it, thrived in it, but the loss of him was palpable. She could not forget the sheer sense of emptiness. As if her anchor had been removed and she was left to drift—Aimlessly. She couldn't wash that sensation away. Not even if it had only existed for a fraction of a second. Her visions often, vividly, came true. He came down to her level and her expression softened, immeasurably.

"I know…That I am difficult. I am not the ideal…", she paused, elegant brows furrowing for a moment while she searched for the word. Something that didn't sound too possessive, nor, too negligent. Srina did not know how to quantify their relationship at the moment. "…Partner. There are many Sith who would vie for power at your side and bow to your every command but I…"

She was none of those things.

Srina shook her head slowly, the tone of his Echani words still lingering somewhere near her heart. He spoke as such when he wanted her to know that he meant every word. His fingers curled around her own and her eyes closed. He was right, of course. Being alive, truly, meant living. Which encompassed every heartache and bliss imaginable. "I want you to be right."

"I want that to be true. I want, you."

But there was always a bigger fish. Every time she accumulated enough security and strength to caretake that which she loved there was always something, or someone, waiting to prove her wrong. It surprised her momentarily how much she did want a family of her own. It felt almost taboo. As if it were impossible for hands as coated in blood as they were to give birth to anything but more death. Could she really, do that? She wasn't even sure she could conceive but Maliphant seemed…So very certain.

The smallest ghost of a smile touched her lips. There and gone. Srina leaned forward and let her nose brush against his briefly. It was a small gesture but for the Echani…It spoke worlds and wonders. "You need to eat, my love. Your food will get cold."

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"My food can wait.", he quipped, smiling up to her.

"I am on the precipice of being the singular most powerful person in the Galaxy without an army - there will be nothing that can harm us. Beyond my dreams and Fantasies, I would burn it all if I were made to choose between us and them."

"Because I don't want someone to sprawl and jump at my commands, I want a partner. Tangible and real, powerful and willful - someone I can learn from, respect, and give my all for. Not someone who surrenders themselves to my strength and will."

He shook his head as he stood, hand still resting on hers.

"Even though I have no doubt if I asked, you would. I simply would never ask that of you - but someday I hope you are as much apart of my ambitions as you are in my dreams."

"Someday."

He moved finally back to his own seat to eat, a smile on his lips as his metal eyes watched her - through her.

Srina Talon

 

[Srina Talon]

| A C E R B I T A S |
| DINNER TABLE to HRIWEAG|

Tag: Darth Empyrean​

She made a small tsk'ing noise behind her teeth but quietly enjoyed the smile he afforded. The liquid feeling of warmth it left behind would have continued—were it not for the next declaration. He aimed to become the most powerful individual in the galaxy. Srina had always known that his designs were grandiose in nature; but hearing such a thing so casually was earth-shaking. It was more than simply fantasy or words. It was a challenge.

To her, to others, to anyone who might want to see him fail. To claim such a title for themselves. Sith of all shades traditionally did not take well to being told someone was their equal let alone their better.

"…You must know it by now, love. There are times when a choice is not given. The galaxy just…Takes."

There were times when she would surrender to him, though, that was neither here nor there. Srina understood the meaning of his words and a delicate sigh escaped. "You say that now.", she commented, shaking her head, and tendrils of snowy white hair danced around the frame of her face.

"But you know that your opinion won't be the only one. I weaken your power base—Rather than strengthen it."

Because she wasn't truly part of it. Srina was only present in any capacity for the warring children he referred to as Sith Lords for his sake. She stood by, with, and for him. Not for the dogma or the seat of imminent dark that seemingly longed to be filled. The sweet words that he left her with caused her to give him a knowing glance. He knew, what he was doing.

Rhysiôn also knew she secretly liked it.

The little narrowing of her eyes confirmed it. Regardless, as he resumed taking part of his own meal, she did the same. He had given her a lot to think about in a very small amount of time.

Someday…

"….We will see."

It was the best answer she could give.

The hovercraft came to a stop in the courtyard of a sprawling estate surrounded by splashes of crystalline pastel colors. It was bright. The grass was carefully maintained and every flower seemed to be in full bloom. Strategic pathways led toward different buildings that raced in geometric ley-line patterns as far as the eye could see. Eshan itself seemed to have recovered completely from the Mandalorian orbital bombardment nearly a decade prior. Eshan City, was picturesque.

Srina loathed the feeling of her stomach turning. Butterflies, causing little tornados. The flaxen-haired woman was seated in the driver's seat. Not because she insisted, but, because she knew the way like the back of her hand. The countryside that they traveled to get to Winters Reach was a skylane well-traveled. She had so many memories. Some were good. Some, less than.

She could remember fleeing a decree that she marry a detestable Warlord. Dalantus—of Clan Eägon. It had been the only option at the time in order to keep her family from his grasp but she was certain the Elders had never quite forgiven her for it. She could have returned with the Queen herself and they still would have given her the cold shoulder. Thankfully, he had died in the Mandalorian invasion. Hríwaeg… Hríwaeg was the only place she had difficulty calling home. If only—Because it was her only truth.

It held the story of whom Srina Talon was without the Confederacy. Without the Force—Without a Master or a Droid Army at her beck and call. She was not the "Dread Queen" on these shores.

She was a moon child. A daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt—A loyal servant of the Six Sisters.

"This is it.", she breathed to her companion, quietly, letting the engine idle for a moment before she turned off the vehicle. The boot was filled with enough of their belongings that they would be able to stay at least a fortnight. Perhaps longer, if Maliphant wasn't ready to run for the hills.

"I—"

No sooner had she spoken than the peaceful Hríwaeg burst into a frenzy of movement. White-haired individuals filled the courtyard as if they had been poured into it by some mighty deity watching from afar. They were mostly female soldiers, clad in blue, and white with hints of silver. Srina drew in a deep breath and sighed at the sight of raised weaponry—No doubt, they'd been running drills nearby. "Clan Talon has grown, it seems."

Either by blood or rite...Each was a whirling dervish of death if the situation demanded it. There were far more unfamiliar faces present than she was comfortable with. Rather than to delay the inevitable she opened the hovercraft door and removed the light silken wrap from her head. The massive entry portals to Hríwaeg opened smoothly and both she and Darth Empyrean were greeted with the sight of a woman she had not seen in many, many moons.

Aeris Talon. Matriarch, Teacher, Leader.

Mother.

The tall, svelte woman, was the spitting image of Srina. She did not speak…But her eyes pierced the air like sharpened daggers. Srina had almost forgotten how her mother had a tendency to see right through her. Even as a youngling, lying, was forgotten art. There was simply no point. The warriors slowly lowered their pikes and vibroblades once they realized who had arrived. Whispers ran through them like a wave and as one they respectfully inclined their heads. Srina was, after all, the heir apparent.

"Naneth."

Her voice carried crystalline in the air. It was sharp—With an authority, all were familiar with. Mother and daughter truly were almost identical. From behind the statuesque Echani Matriarch came a rather tall man, refined, but slightly less intimidating than his wife. "Srina…", Raihane spoke to his daughter while descending the elegantly carved stone steps. He interrupted whatever stare-down seemed to be transpiring and crossed the courtyard to unabashedly wrap her in an embrace.

He held tight for a moment.

Slate-gray eyes did not miss the male companion Srina had in tow—But he had not held his child in far too long. His grasp tightened, so much so, that only the muffled sound of 'Ada' coming from between them caused his hold to lessen. "You did not return for Solstice…I was worried."

"We were worried."

Srina…He recognized too much of his wife in her. Too much weight pressed on her shoulders. Too much had always been expected of her. He felt a subtle sense of guilt. Was it not the duty of the Father to protect his young? Instead, that duty had befallen a sable-skinned man. A Sith Lord of all things.

Slowly, he released the young woman and seemed to consider his greeting. He wasn't sure what custom this Rhysiôn followed. He looked similar to their kind, to an outsider, but it was easy to see he was something else entirely. Raihane held out his hand to Darth Empyrean , not unfriendly, and offered the young man a smile. Srina would not have brought him to Hríwaeg if he were not important.

"Rhys, is it? Why don't we all go inside?"

 

[Darth Empyrean]

Rhysion could sense her anxiety, the turmoil behind the unwavering display of strength she covered it with. To most, it was imperceptable - but to Maliphant, it was a bandage over a bleeding, gaping sore; just as obvious to him as a gunshot in the next room. As the speeder landed, he squeezed her thigh just beneath the view of those coming out to greet them; giving a small reassurance in his smile.​

​

He allowed her to exit first, to speak to her family as she required. When the first connection was made, the Sith Lord Maliphant exited the speeder and glanced around. Tailored in a fine suit befitting his wealth and position, it was just short of black tie formal - notably since it didn't have a tie, was only double buttoned, and had no extravagant tuxedo finish.​

​

Metal eyes glanced over each of the people before him - all looking as close to the copy of Srina as one could imagine. Yet even then, Maliphant could tell her apart in a moment - one leaned slightly from a wound in her knee, another mindlessly clenched at her index finger as a cope to stress, and another still looked at Srina in such an oddly studious manner - as though trying to find reason in her attention. It forced a hum out of his throat as their collective attention slowly moved to him. To study him.​

​

To test him.​

​

Nothing new to the Sith Lord, he adjusted his cufflink, pulled down his jacket and offered a hand out to Srina's Ada. The training of a business came forth, and he was as diplomatic as he ever was - because the stakes to him, were far higher than any multi billion credit deal he'd made before.​

​

"Rhysion, yes.", he said.​

​

"Please, lead the way - I can't wait to see your home."​

​

He made a quick glance to Srina, then back to the family.​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|

Tag: Darth Empyrean​

Srina held still while her father did his best to crush her while her half-hearted complaint was mostly ignored. "Ada…", she chided, quietly, squirming enough so that slender arms could wrap around his midsection. She seemed so small, then. Frail—Being fully engulfed and hidden. Raihane had always worn his feelings plainly and had no qualms with letting the whole of Hríwaeg know it. His kind smile and expressive eyes could be found in many of her siblings. Such expression came easily to them, whereas Srina, felt things in silence. Incredibly deeply, but hidden away.

She let emotion settle and burn in the halls of her heart until it left her raw and aching.

"You don't need to worry. I'm fine, Ada. I can take care of myself."

The words were met with a challenging half-glare that melted in the face of her obvious defiance. Raihane merely murmured something under his breath in Echani that would be hard to catch. It caused her eyes to narrow and she gave him a none-too-gentle thump on the arm with the back of her hand. Her father also thought he was incredibly humorous. He was not.

After he shook hands with Rhysiôn and gestured them toward the family home she half expected to be very traditionally attacked by her blood sisters. Not the members of Clan Talon that were standing in the courtyard. None of them were her direct relation, though, they still did hold that Echani sense of sameness. They were curious, about the man at her side. She had only ever brought two individuals to Hríwaeg. One, her Force Master. Two, a dark-haired near-human.

This man was neither.

Rhysiôn was handsome, to a fault, with features that more than complimented the woman at his side. Srina realized that their arrival in the same vehicle did not spell out their relationship adequately for inquisitive minds and in turn, slowed her step, so that her hand could catch his mid-step. She twined their fingers gently, but deliberately. The smallest movement, gesture, meant so much more here than it did anywhere else.

The act was two-fold. It would, cause gossip to spread. It also pressed a more than obvious warning into each one of them. It might as well have been a blazing, neon sign.

Raihane seemed to sense something was amiss and turned to glance at the pair. Again, slate-grey eyes took in the scenario. In one way his heart warmed to see his eldest moving forward. Growing out of her pain enough to let someone in. She was difficult to know, to read, and most wouldn't take the time to see the gentle soul behind the warrior. He raised his hand in the air and the soldiers suddenly stood at attention before moving to continue their morning drills.

"You can call me Raihane. Take care to find familiarize yourself with Hríwaeg…It can be a bit of a maze.", Raihane instructed with a bit of a chuckle. He wasn't joking. What should have been a "home" was more like a small town on the inside. Some members of the family moved out on their own while some chose to spend their lives here. Even, after marriage. It wasn't uncommon to see a Non-Echani in the vast halls or someone with mixed heritage. "And try not to mind my wife. She can be…"

"Very goal oriented."

Srina raised an eyebrow, loftily, but didn't bother correcting him. Her father seemed to find every mood her mother had an endearment. She would never understand. "Is everyone home?"

"Most of your sisters are here somewhere. Var is still out adventuring. Your bedroom is as you left it…", the tall Echani responded thoughtfully, though, his expression seemed to pull together remembering the stunt Srina had pulled in the courtyard. Yes. She had warned them away from Rhysiôn but there had been no official announcement of their status. Which meant, she had also issued a challenge.

Echani loved nothing more.

"We've prepared the quarters directly across from you for Rhysiôn. I hope they will be sufficient, but, if you need anything Srina will of course see it done."

As they passed through the oversized portals there was another burst of energy. Not due to their presence but because Winters Reach was alive with people moving this way and that. There was a grand hallway that served as a concourse to the different wings of the estate. It had been built over centuries. From a small, modest home, to a domain fit for a dynasty. There were notably individuals standing on scaffolding, hanging ribbons, silks, and different colored blue and white brocades. "You've come just in time for the Lantern Festival so things are a little busier than they normally are. You'll have to excuse the mess and—"

Raihane paused to allow a throng of younglings through that were chasing each other with what appeared to be actual swords, though, the blades had been dulled. "The younglings."

"They're always underfoot."

Raihane led them from corridor to corridor seeming rather happy to give them a history lesson. Srina zoned out part of the way through and merely observed the pieces of her home that hadn't changed. The smell of festival-cakes in the air. The sound, distantly, of metal hitting metal…Soft laughter that rang toward high and arched rafters. Her hand ran past the silks that framed windows that were thrice her size, though, her other never left Rhysiôn. Eventually, they were led to the heart of Hríwaeg where her immediate family resided.

She could feel her mother nearby.

"You both must be exhausted…I'll leave you to rest and get your bearings before dinner."

Ever the gracious host her father inclined his head at Rhysiôn before reaching out to press a hand to his daughters' cheek. He was trying his best not to be overbearing. The separate bedrooms had not been upon his insistence, but, his wife could be…his wife. Srina appreciated the efforts more than he knew and released the breath of air she'd been holding as her father took his leave. She turned, slowly, and her subtle footsteps closed the distance between herself and her lover. The light hand to his chest, against his heart, was sympathetic. Apologetic. "It's not too late to back out, you know."

"I thought my mother would have forgiven me over the years. I'm not certain she has—and if all my sisters are here—", Srina breathed, eyes closing, while her whispered words were stolen with the sound of crystalline chiming in the distance. "They won't let you go easily."

 

[Darth Empyrean]

Maliphant listened to the tour with earnest interest - asking questions befit a scholar, as he made unseen connections between the books he'd read on echani culture, and the things Srina's father pointed towards. He was as academic as they came - arguably one of the smartest members of his race, and in turn the galaxy - so history tickled him as much as anything could. When her father departed, however, he beamed slightly as he looked down upon Srina;​

​

"You have a wonderful home full of people who act and do everything so different than you.", he said with a coy grin.​

​

"It's concerning anyone would confuse you with the others."​

​

It was a jest, of course - to the laymen every single person here looked exactly like Srina in different hairstyles, different outfits. Even their demeanors and voices were similar - but to the trained eyes of Maliphant, who'd been a duelist for years, could tell those subtle differences with minimal issue. More than that, he knew Srina on a level beyond emotional - he knew her soul. He could hardly ever confuse her with any other being, no matter how convincing they tried.​

​

"So...", he said with a twist.​

​

"Who do I have to fight to sleep in your room?", he said with a cocked brow.​

​

"Am I allowed to use the Force? If your family fights like you, they're probably going to take these eyes too."​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________
​

Srina was glad that at least one of them was truly paying attention to her father. She had walked these halls for twenty years before absconding in the middle of the night on a stolen ship. There was not a pathway she did not know. Not a piece of history, truth or fiction, that she had not heard. She knew every secret passageway and every ward that her mother had woven into the geometric leylines that patterned the floor. When Maliphant smiled down at her the tension in her shoulders lessened somewhat. She half expected him to have one foot out the door.

Realistically she knew it was not in his character. Especially, not if it meant giving up on her. With the weight of her mother’s ire and rules bearing down on her? She wouldn’t blame him.

At the gentle tease, she let her hand tap against his chest and the corners of her lips pulled down in something that was akin to a subtle sulk. “You’re terrible.”, she countered, but, she leaned into him regardless. Aeris would have had a conniption to see them standing so close, unwed, but Srina had long since abandoned that notion. Her mother knew that she had been with child before. Obviously, that had to happen somehow. Srina hadn’t been chaste in over a decade.

Still, it still drove the matriarch insane to see her with a mate that was not of their people.

Specifically—Not a man she had chosen.

“I know that you will always know me…But that doesn’t mean they won’t try to confuse, fight, or seduce you. It’s a test of honor and loyalty.”

Not to mention that men were severely outnumbered by women on Eshan. The soldiers from before looked arguably different than she did to the trained eye, but, her direct bloodline? It would be hard for anyone to tell them apart. Her sisters would never try to coax Rhysiôn from her but the courtiers and extended family, cousins, as there were hundreds, would have no such hesitation. Everything on Eshan was a challenge. May the better woman win.

A light laugh pulled from her unbidden when he asked about their sleeping situation. It would be incredibly strange to feel him close by, yet, not beside her when she woke. It was different when they were on opposite ends of the galaxy…But this? It was merely the matriarch being petty. “I will speak to Naneth—Aeris. Perhaps, she will see reason.”

Despite the fact that he was teasing, certainly, a chill went down her spine at the thought of him coming to blows against her mother. The statuesque woman seemed to be keeping house and maintaining her children but that was not her true nature. Aeris Talon was one of the fiercest warriors she had ever known. “Obvious use of the Force would be frowned upon, but it isn’t exactly against the rules.”

Srina leaned up and pressed a kiss to his chin. It was a frequent habit because of the fact that she was a good head shorter than Maliphant. “Do not tease me, so. I cannot lose your eyes again. If Naneth remains stubborn she will simply have to accept that it will happen without her blessing. You are, after all, right across the hall…Just come to me. As you always have.”

 

[Darth Empyrean]

​

Maliphant smiled at that - but simply shook his head;​

​

"No, my moon and stars.", he said gently, in Echani.​

​

"I think it may be best we not incur her wraith - at least yet.​

​

"But - if there is to be a test of my worth, I will do my best. No matter how much they try to seduce me - I will hold firm.", he laughed.​

​

"Come now - let us get ready for dinner. Our things should be in our respective rooms - shall I see you then, or would you prefer before?"​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

A long-suffering sigh escaped her when Maliphant denied her simple solution. The slightly off-grey color in silver eyes painted a dour picture, bothered, and displeased by the whole scenario. He had wished to meet her family. She wished him to be part of it. The road to such a thing was paved with hurdles under normal circumstances but in an Echani household? It was even more difficult. The best she could hope for was that he didn't hate her at the end of the trip. "…Her wrath is never ending."

That was a fact. Even being called his moon and stars couldn't fully mollify her in the moment. The fact that the matriarch of her family was being this petty was something she couldn't come to terms with. It was silly to hold a grudge. Especially, against one's own. "It is a test of us. Not, just you."

"To see if I have chosen correctly."

It was never a challenge toward either of them as a singular entity. They were planning to unify. To become one in the eyes of all—Both the bright lady and the rest of the universe. She had little doubt that no matter how charming her cousins or sisters were, her beloved, would be true to their unspoken covenant. Srina just didn't like the thought of putting him through it. He wasn't a horse to be put through paces. He didn't need to be broken.

She was drawn from her thoughts by the reminder of dinner. The silvery woman nodded her head slowly and pressed a light kiss to him one last time. He was right, of course. "I'll be ready soon—We can go together.", the words were hesitant, though, it was unclear as to why. Their things would indeed be in their quarters. Separate, quarters.

It felt like she was being treated like a youngling.

Srina did not like it. Not, one bit.

The Echani pulled away and disappeared into the door on the right. She didn't slam it shut, but she might as well have. Annoyance radiated from her in waves. Naneth was in for a rude awakening.

As promised—She met in Rhysiôn in the hall but a swell of feminine laughter caused her to look at the ceiling. Wondering, what deity she had angered so thoroughly. She was dressed in pale blue evening wear and long white hair had been pulled up into buns on either side of her head. A braided circle ran around them and smaller braids ran throughout the twin tails that went down to her lower back. Her hair just got longer, and longer. She had little desire to cut it.

The slight that greeted her was her littlest sister, Bibiana, and a gaggle of her cousins who were also on their way to dinner it seemed. All were willowy and fair—Each lovelier than the last. Each gushing and asking dozens of questions at the same time. How had they met? Did they plan to get married? Was Srina going to have a baby—Was that why they'd come to Eshan? Were they staying? Did he have brothers? It was never-ending.

"Bibi—Let him breathe."

Her words came through as a cold command that parted the sea of white and blue. Immediately, they seemed to back away and Srina found herself staring at the youngest of the Talon Clan. She was barely a teenager and already lovestruck by the world around her. "Decorum, ladies. You all know Naneth would throw a fit."

That seemed to straighten out the cousins but Bibi only pouted and grabbed hold of her hands.

"But Rini he's so handsome and you never tell us anything!"

Srina pursed her lips at the nickname but shook her head, slightly, as she reached out to pat her little sister on the head. "I'll tell you when you're older, nilmë. Rhysiôn this is Bibiana…", Srina introduced and ran down the list of everyone present, and, how they were related. Once finished, she gently guided them all toward the dining hall. Not because she was all that hungry but because the matriarch did not like to wait. Upon entering the grand hall through gilded passageways, she kept her arm wrapped around that of her beloved.

"You are late, child of mine."

The frostbitten voice of her mother didn't draw any visible reaction from Srina. She had long ago gotten used to it. "Apologies, Naneth.", she responded on autopilot but didn't miss the sympathetic expression her father gave them. That seemed to mollify the matriarch and the tall woman gestured toward two empty seats nearby.

"Be seated."

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"Then she will simply have to learn how invulnerable we are to such things.", he said with a reassuring smile, pulling Srina's chin upwards to face him. It was firm, demanding, but never too much - just enough to remind her how much he needed her.​

​

With a gentle kiss he pulled back and removed himself from her to return to his room - separate quarters of no ill expense. He considered for a moment if Srina's mother would be impressed by his accomplishments - that telling her he had the total networth to buy Eschan if he so chose would build confidence in her daughter's choice. Was such a claim worth sacrificing his identity as Dorian?​

​

No, he imagined not, nor would she likely be that impressed. Srina hated that persona, and bragging about it would likely force a reaction - her mother wouldn't like such things. He wrote it off with a sigh as he changed his suit jacket to something more fitting a dinner, and then moved to meet with Srina in the hall.​

​

He wondered if she'd impressed with his status as a Sith? No, probably not that either...​

​

---​

​

When Srina took his arm entered the dining area, he was swarmed my small clones of Srina - each with slight differences he picked up immediately. With so many faces, however, he would be lying if he didn't admit it was only in part due to his alchemized eyes - they could spot every imperceptible difference faster than light could travel, where as his natural eyes likely could only sense what he trained them to.​

​

He tried to answer some of the questions, but each answer was overlapped with another question - forcing him to stumble over his answers or cut off mid way before skipping another three. It was only Srina's grace that saved him from their innocent pressure - forcing Maliphant to realize he was suprisingly out of his element here.​

​

There was never a point where he grew up with family - he watched his mother die as he was held down, and he barely remembered even her. As a slave, he was never given attention beyond how he looked - and that was rarely the attention a slave wanted. The rest of the time he was ignored or abused, but never asked about his life.​

​

Most masters simply understood that his life was meaningless - but it stirred a thought that had been delving in him. Sure, he was a Sith Lord now - but did his life have meaning? What was there once he became the best, the strongest being to have ever existed? He knew the answer - it was why he was here now, to give his life for another.​

​

To only way he would find peace at the end of this road was to build something he could love - give himself in service to. That would be Srina, her family, and his.​

​

"Rini, huh?", Maliphant said as he snapped himself from his thoughts - quickly teasing his love before turning to Bibiana, who looked like a less battle hardened and cold Srina. It warmed him to think that their own children might share that bubbly nature.​

​

"She never told me she had such a beautiful sister. It's a pleasure to meet you, Bibiana."​

​

He'd offer them all a smile and wave before they walked the path to Srina's Naneth - who looked like a more battle hardened Srina. That had quite the opposite effect on Maliphant, reminding himself that this was, in essence, a battle against a woman genetically engineered to win. Perhaps it wasn't as serious as that - but for a man built on war such as he, it was the closest example he could find to get his mind in the right train of thought.​

​

Bowing slightly, Maliphant pulled out Srina's seat for her before finding his own. He fiddled with their paired ring beneath the table - putting a small sensation to Srina's own, as though his thumb was rubbing along her finger as reassurance. Above the table, his face was a warm and inviting smile - unhindered by the threat these people posed to Srina's happiness.​

​

And in turn, his own.​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

A kiss was just a kiss, but there was something about it that let her breathe a little easier. Dealing with the intricacies of family dynamics might not have been his area of expertise but knowing it wouldn't discourage him was a relief. Srina might have kept him longer were they not expected for dinner quitter soon. The sensation of being held, needed, was still bewildering—But she found herself longing to return to it more than ever. It was the only place her soul seemed to find peace.

If there was something Srina could have told him to do that might impress Aeris Talon she would have done so. The inner workings of her mother's mind were a labyrinth of which she scarcely understood. How could she expect him to?

It was a lot to ask of anyone.

She was grateful for his restraint and respect. Srina…Was having trouble finding it. Throughout the last few years, she had grown accustomed to being the one to call the shots. No one questioned her wisdom. No one denied her strength—Nor her experience in the field. Naneth?

She questioned everything.

The childhood nickname that Bibiana released for the world to hear was something that earned Maliphant a withering glare. The tease was overlooked when he complimented the overly excited Bibi who seemed entirely delighted.

"—AND he has a sense of humor.", the younger Srina look-a-like chimed in sweetly. She gathered the edges of her skirts exposing the bottoms of pale green leggings at her ankles in a perfectly cultured curtsey. Everything about the Talon sibling seemed sweet, innocent as the dawn. As if she didn't have a thought in her head darker than the occasional storm cloud. "It's soooo good to meet you too, Rhysiôn. If you want to hear embarrassing stories about Rini when she was—"

The discussion was cut off entirely when they caught sight of Aeris standing before the family. Bibiana, the cousins, aunts, and everyone else knew when to pay attention. The seating they were called to was specific. Srina was the heir to Clan Talon which meant that she belonged on the right side of her mother. Her father sat on the left. The seat beside Srina should only have been empty if she was present with her legal husband—Which, Maliphant was not. Yet. For some reason, Naneth hadn't made the distinction and Srina didn't question it. Not when she'd had the presence of mind to force them into separate quarters. She accepted the respect that her beloved gave by pulling her chair out and rewarded him with a ghostly smile.

Some of the women at the table burst into chittering whispers. Wondering, if Srina was just as cold as Aeris. Most women would have given more than that to their intended. If, in fact, this white-haired non-Echani was their future leaders intended. No announcement had been made, no whispers, just a sudden arrival. With Maliphant seated beside her, feeling him through their rings, she took a deep breath and found her center while the exceedingly long table observed a mandatory moment of silence and reflection. When it was done, the chatter began anew.

"Hríwaeg looks the same as when I left. Thank you for having us, Naneth."

Aeris was silent for a long moment while robotic domestic staff began bringing a variety of dishes and drinks to the table. The matriarch had either made or supervised the making of most of it herself. She was very particular in general and never moreso than on a holiday. "It is not the same, Srina. You would know that if you remained here. Where you belong."

Words that might have chilled anyone else at the table barely caused Srina to blink. It might have seemed harsh but Srina was well-accustomed to the glacial parenting her mother often left her with. She had never been as hard on her other siblings. Often, just her. What she had done to deserve such treatment was something she had never understood. "We have spoken of this at length. After…What happened before…You did not want me here. I also have responsibilities to uphold. You might not agree with how I live my life but a Talon never runs from a fight."

What happened before?

Her sister Tellu had followed her to the Confederacy and had sacrificed her life for the restoration of Hoylin. She had a niece that often preferred to follow her own devices, but Srina often kept tabs on her. She simply didn't feel comfortable on Eshan. Not without Srina.

"I do not enjoy how our sayings only matter to you when they are of use in an argument."

"They always matter, Nana."

Aeris had blamed Srina for the death of Tellu, for the death if Valina, for years. Srina hadn't had anything to do with it either time but the matriarch needed someone to vent her anger toward. It was just a pity that she never thought that referring to her eldest living child as "an avatar of death" might have had unforeseen repercussions. For example, deliberate distance. Aeris had told Srina to leave. Srina had—And though things had since calmed, still, as a daughter she remembered those words.

The silver-eyed elder Talon picked up her fork and took a few bites of some kind of colorful vegetable dish and her focus shifted without warning. "Rhysiôn…You must be aware that my daughter does not bring just anyone to Hríwaeg."

"What are your intentions toward her?"

The table went silent again. Clearly, everyone was listening.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

There was always a quiet smolder of rage and passion that filled a Sith's heart - and Maliphant was certainly no exception. On the contrary, he had mastered an art few had - to build that repository for when it was needed. Mastered his emotional output so that he never lost control, always had a reserve to build upon when he needed the extra strength. It festered in him constantly, fought tirelessly to break free, but he kept it contained for structure and purpose.

So that he might not burn down everything he needed to build happiness.

In the moment a challenge was presented against Srina, an intrinsic and animalistic rage boiled to the edge of its containment. How often had someone challenged Srina? More than that, how many dared to challenge her in front of him? The words crept into his mind like steam, heating the thoughts around it until they were a vicious storm of violence.

Outwardly, however, he expressed nothing but a calm serenity - knowing that this was simply a byproduct of the Dark Side. To contain himself now was harder, yes, but it was more important now than it had ever been. Where one thought spoke to him to kill everyone over a simple argument to one he loved, the far more in control and sensible Maliphant reminded him of his own teachings. That a rabid dog deserved nothing but the gun.

The most he offered, the most he could offer Srina in that moment, was a firm press of his thumb against the ring. To remind her where he was next to her - to ensure she never forgot that he was bound to her. Where her own dam may crack and struggle - there was him to support it further still, even if it were to come down entirely. He smiled at that thought of support, then glanced up to see the matriarch eating.

It encouraged him to try the food himself - which fit the fine echani culture well. Traditional foods done up with modern interpretations, and he even noticed some local garnish placed delicately like food on his plate. He surmised it was one of the challenges Srina had spoke of - to see if he would embaress himself by eating a decoration.

A shame he was practically an expert on Echani culture now.

Still, when the Matriarch called his newly founded name, he cringed almost impercetably. Not because she had ordained to reference him, but because she used that damn name. It was like a tender spot for him, used only by those most intimate with him. Were a Sith to call him it, he'd kill them for disrespect - but for her to call him it meant the world.

He'd of preferred Srina's mother to call him by his Darth title, that which everyone had called him for years. Names were an important detail to Maliphant, he detested the disrespected intended or not - but could do little more than smile as she spoke to him. Logically, he knew he'd simply have to get used to it.

But he couldn't help but leak just a tinge of his own challenging nature into the response.

Maliphant chewed what food he had picked up, finished it before wiping his face of non existent mess. There were a careful few seconds of silence like glass, waiting for someone to shatter that tension. Still, that everyone in the room was waiting on the likely unknown Sith Lord put the ball in his court - he led the conversation without saying a word, demanded their collective attention. It was a skill he had perfected in diplomatic talks in business and war.

"Simple, Matriarch.", he said in fluent echani.

"I intend to marry Srina."

Srina Talon

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

She felt his anger.

It was immediate and intense the fact that he kept it bottled up inside. Srina referred to his control simply as compartmentalizing, but it was far more complicated than that. The Darkside was something that called like the sweetest song. It justified every act. Applauded, extremes. Anything to reach the pinnacle of the force user’s desire. If his want was to be with her? It would push to see it done no matter the price to be paid. Rather than to rely on things rings she reached beneath the table and rest her hand just above his knee. It was many things unspoken.

I’m here. I love you. We have this. I’m all right.

She was used to Aeris Talon treating her like the enemy.

Her mother was poking at him on purpose. Srina had introduced him as Rhysiôn because the intent would be, one day, for him to take her last name. To become a Talon. They would need to know that before the name the Sith had given him. As she loved him, as he became her family, so would they. There was no other alternative. Srina quietly held her breath while waiting for his response. She couldn’t do it herself for a number of reasons. Nor, could she show any expression other than blank perfection. Aeris would pick up on it faster than words could say.

When Maliphants response came, his intent, there were several small gasps from down the row on the otherwise silent table. Srina had done her best to prepare him for life on Eshan simply through their day-to-day interactions, but nothing could prepare him for this. She could not predict what the matriarch would say or do.

“I see. Did you not think to ask for her hand, first?”

The biting words were touched with frost despite the fact that the woman had not raised her voice. She still ate, slowly, despite the topic of conversation. Aeris was aware that this outsider was at least aware of some of their customs simply by how he watched them, moved, and ate. So, he wasn’t completely ignorant. “Srina is the eldest daughter of a well-respected, known, Eshan family—Which means that you will one day lead at her side. You are an unknown in our realm. We must ensure that she will be taken care of, and supported, in all ways...As is the duty of any, truly dedicated, partner.”

“Naneth—”

Aeris leveled Srina with one glance that caused the renowned warrior to stop speaking. She could not help but try and come to his defense. It wasn’t like he’d expected to get the third degree before everyone over dinner on his first night. The matriarch pulled no punches, however. If he flinched at her line of inquiry, she would never forget that weakness.

“Will you provide for her? Will you gift her with children? Will you bring her home?”

“Beloved, perhaps, we can discuss this in private?”, the voice of Srina’s father carried over the table like a cooling river. The temper that the ice-born woman displayed had started leaking and boiling over. He could see his child in distress, bothered, despite her lack of expression and he did not wish to see her happiness destroyed a second time. She had been through so much. She deserved her heart's desire whether it was pre-arranged or not. “This is a time of joy...Our light has come home. Come now, everyone. A toast?”

“Yes, Ada.”, Srina agreed, almost immediately raising a glass filled with some sort of sweetened wine before the matriarch could answer further. She could feel the eyes of her mother burning into her like a thousand needles but she addressed the congregation as if it were her own court. As if she were the matriarch, not, Aeris. This was the realm she knew. Leading, from the front. “Jewel of the night, beauty of heaven, mother of stars, and fosterling of the sun. I Ithil ned nîn fuin. (The moon in my night) Glory to you—Blessed be.”

“Blessed be.”, a chorus of voices pulled together to praise the Moon they all held so reverently. It seemed to snap everyone out of a daze and they began to enjoy the dinner and company once more. Aeris seemed unreadable. Srina knew, however. That slight would not go overlooked. But to her father? As always, she was ever grateful.

Rather than address her mother again her hand moved under the table and she found his. She pulled it on top of the table and held it for all the world to see. The golden ring she wore would be undeniable. Although it wasn’t an engagement ring exactly, they would assume differently, and rightly assume that in his quest for her hand—She said yes. “The wine is delicious, nîn meleth (my love). We should bring some back with us when the Lantern Festival ends.”

A swift and equivocal change of subject.

Entirely forgetting that she did not drink.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"That was one of the reasons we came here, actually.", he had quipped, though between the grilling.​

​

This conversation was not unlike a duel - she carried her words like weapons, fists and kicks to strike him down. She battered at him like a training dummy, and it dawned on him this was simply another form of echani combat similar to Sith Dun Moch - but far less common. Most in the Echani chose to speak through sparring, and this was much the same. A challenge, a test from a martial matriarch intent on securing his lineage and family as only she knew how.​

​

Through blood.​

​

Her questions however, sparked that dark surge in his heart. Contained by a glass vessel, pressures threatening to crack it - it demanded his declare himself. I am the one who is feared, I've made tyrants bow, destroyed Empires, spoken into existence such carnage and destruction there are none who do not know the name I was given. I am the heir to Darkness, I am eternal, and I am the closest thing to God this planet may ever see. Unknown in her realm only by the sanctity of Rhysion, but he was known to every sentient in the Galaxy.​

​

He was Darth Maliphant, God Among Men, the greatest alchemist to ever live, and one of the most influential men to be alive.​

​

All of that bounced around that meager glass vessel in his heart, demanded to be let out and displayed in droves as confidence and arrogance manifest. Deeper, the Dark Side demanded it feed on that danger - to show her how true those words were. It hungered for the death of the planet on a mere question of his ability to protect and provide for Srina, demanded death for doubting him.​

​

Srina would feel that darkness - but she would understand it. That darkness was what all Sith dealt with, and many fell victim to - for Maliphant it was not the greatest passion he ever felt, it was simply Tuesday. He had grown accustomed to such thoughts, trained himself to be beyond them, to not be goaded into displaying all that he was on the simplest provocation. Were he so weak, any amount of Dun Moch would see him destroyed in a duel among Sith of his standing.​

​

So instead, he offered nothing but a tranquil pool undisturbed by the warring words of the Matriarch.​

​

"Ask of me anything, and I will show you all that I am capable of, Matriarch.", he said - his voice endearing and convincing, but any of the warriors in the room could sense that small edge in his tone. Something that existed whenever warriors spoke to one another - the threat of capacity. What he was capable of was hidden in those words - but it was exactly what the Matriarch hoped to see, and all the more what Maliphant was willing to offer her.​

​

Afterall, he couldn't hide his identity as a Warlord forever - he shouldn't provide false weakness or gentleness to someone who would only detest him for it later.​

​

Before he could answer her next line of questions, however, he was interrupted by Srina's father - a reprieve from the tension that fogged the windows now. Maliphant resisted the urge to shake his head, but allowed the gathered to speak their blessing upon the toast and drink - he himself taking part. He did not resist when Srina pulled his hand above the table - instead displaying it fully.​

​

A squeeze to reassure her of his confidence, that she need not fear for him now - fear for them.​

​

"Yes, I think we shall. We'll bring it home."​

​

That last word was spoken a touch louder than the rest - to ensure everyone heard his declaration. There home was where they made it, traditions be damned, and that would be all there was. To make this there home would simply rely on their choice and nothing else - for Maliphant feared no living being in the galaxy, and he would not be chained by a damned thing. Especially not cultures and beliefs he would always be an outsider to.​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

Srina did understand him.

Long ago she had embraced him for his sweetness, and, his savagery. The pale woman held him close as the boy, the slave, the man, the Sith—The would-be King, God, or whatever he chose to be. There was nothing in him that she did not value or respect. Her affection came without compromise and her love was nigh unattainable. Yet, he had it. All of it.

She could feel the Darkside rising in him. Not that the rest of the table could, though, a good many of her family members were force sensitive. It was their bond that let her feel it. The way they moved as a dyad in all things. Rather than to concern her, really, she felt a distinct sensation of peace. His energy moved through her and offered strength and protection despite the fact that she wasn't in any danger at all. Aeris Talon could be dangerous, but at the dinner table?

All bark, no bite.

Srina didn't like that he had to go toe to toe with her mother but it was expected. He held his own. That was all that the rest of the family would see, despite, Raihane coming to their rescue. Maliphant had never backed down. The fact that he had not bent to her whims made him all the more desirable to some of them, while others, whispered of a trial. It was not the custom of outsiders to endure it when marrying into the family. It could be dangerous.

Aeris breathed in deeply before settling glacier eyes on the arrogant man that her eldest had brought to their home. She had been understanding, the first time. The matriarch of Clan Talon would not allow a weakling to take possession of her child once more. Not a creature that abandoned her in the dark of night. That bore a child with her—And disappeared. She would not see her own blood broken again.

Perhaps, that was also partly her doing. But admitting fault was not one of her strong points.

"Be careful what you wish for, child."

Raihane gave her a warning pat on the shoulder after that last sentence, but, Aeris would not be made fool of in her own home. Srina had never taken over the blessing before, but, some part of her felt a string of pride in it. That she did so effortlessly. She might have been more lenient on the pair had she not overheard the next interaction. It was impossible to miss such a declaration from the thin male who seemed to paint himself a warrior-king. He spoke like one. But, did he act like one?

They would return, home.

It held the implication that Hríwaeg would not be that home.

Srina and her chosen mate would have the reprieve that Raihane had ordered for them, however, this was not the end of it. Aeris had noted one thing. The whelp intended to ask for her daughter's hand, still. What would he do if she refused it? Would he let it stand?

When dinner and dessert ended, they were treated to a light cup of flowering tea and a performance from very talented flame dancers. They did not perform traditional dance routines but instead treated them all to a story woven in combat with very real aspects of fire. This was a tale of a young Echani woman scaling a mountain to slay a monster, but instead, taming it. Falling in love with it—And from the monster was born an Echani male. They spent the rest of their days in playful battle while chasing one another throughout the land…Bringing sunrise and sunset.

Srina found that she had moved closer to Maliphant during the story, rather, than sitting upright to pay attention. These were the things she missed most about Eshan. The traditions that others scoffed at often made her feel a little bereft because it was something very missing from the galaxy as a whole. Things were actually quite simple, here. Srina need only prove herself the greatest warrior among them and they would all bow, swiftly, but she wasn't necessarily interested in that.

She already had legions at her feet. Did she need her proud people to do the same thing?

No.

Her fingers remained entwined with his. If anyone had any questions about the nature of their relationship—Most of it should be shelved. The only thing that caused any concern at all was the stress of the incoming conversation with her parents. Perhaps, Aeris would have calmed down. It was unlikely but at least it would be held in private. Srina couldn't speak before the rest of the Clan as she might have wished to out of respect to her family. Her father didn't deserve an ungrateful, unfilial, child.

"I'm sorry, nîn meleth."

Maliphant would hear her words in the dim light and know that she sought to cool the Darkness within. She could hold it, touch it, even. The truth of him would never harm her nor would it shy away from her. Her everything became his, and vice versa. Srina knew that he could control it on his own but that didn't seem quite fair. This trip had been her idea, therefore, his frustrations were all her fault.

She wanted him to have the one thing he'd never had, even, if she couldn't give him the child he wanted.

A family.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

He had certainly been called worse things than 'child'. If she had called him 'slave', he may have lost his temper - but he did not, it seemed to calm him slightly to be referred to so ignorantly. Only those who didn't know him, know what he was capable of, what he had done could refer to something so innocent - and that forced a small smile upon his lips as he went back to eating.​

​

When the story began, he paid attention - while also ensuring Srina knew he was close. During it, he found small connections to their own lives - but he knew it wasn't as accurate as he had hoped. Srina never intended to kill him, nor had she 'climbed a mountain' to fall in love with him - it was rather mutual, rather sudden. They were bound by their own design, and it gave all the more meaning to the eternal love that came from calling her his moon and stars, his sun and sky.​

​

He smiled at that, greater than before.​

​

His thoughts were interrupted by Srina's apology, forcing him to glance down to her, as she seemed to avert her eyes but open her soul. His other hand came up to stroke at her cheek and hold her head to his chest for a brief moment as he responed - letting his voice vibrate his chest, as though the very movement would instill the words deeper than he could.​

​

"Do not apologize, my love.", he said with support.​

​

As she had hoped, the dark vessel in his soul quieted - but only the tension in it. It was as ever dark and deep as it had ever been, endlessly full of every dark emotion Maliphant ever had, forcing himself to carry. It was strength and turbulence, power and violence - but for now it could be little more than a led weight. He would allow that, for her.​

​

"In some sense, this is as good as a family as I have ever seen.", he reassured.​

​

"Given I have such little reference, can you blame me?", he laughed.​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

Maliphant would eventually note that Aeris referred to anyone younger than herself as "child" as it referred strictly to age. Not ability. As lovely and ageless as she appeared the matriarch had lived far longer than most would think. She was at least half a century older than Raihane. Looking as he did, young, and fair of face, it was easy to associate him with a younger generation. That in itself was a form of ignorance—But Echani were stubborn, if nothing else.

She did not find parallels between the story and her relationship with Maliphant—If only because her mind didn't work that way. Srina could not compare the lives they led with a work of fiction no matter how beautifully it was portrayed. She had met him, once, for a business deal for the Confederacy on Denon where a KDY merchant lost his decorum and stormed out. The next time was through an invitation to a party where he gifted her Noana. From that point on she'd thought of him fondly, but, in the capacity of a curious friend.

It wasn't until he walked the Night Road and appeared before her on the dark side of Ryloth. She had been so lost, then, drowning in her grief. Looking for the small soul she had unintentionally sacrificed for the Confederate people. The daughter that had been taken before she ever had the chance to breathe. She had held her creatures, her dragons, to her breast and hoped they might quell what felt like eternal sadness and rage. She had tried to do it alone, for so long, and had been unsuccessful. There was no peace. There was no end to that particular agony.

And yet—There he stood. Called by…The Force. Noana, perhaps.

She wasn't quite sure.

Regardless, after that, she felt herself drawn to him like a moth to the flame. He came to her under the guise of an advisor, but in truth, he was far more than that. A balm to her wounds. Srina had shied away from the prospect of anything more for far longer than most would have been willing to put up with. Then, Atrisia happened. She remembered her hand in his wound—The coppery scent of blood in the air.

The sensation of his lips crashing against her own.

And the rest…Simply seemed to fall into place. As if it were meant to be. Srina stopped running from him and began to accept what had been there, beneath the surface, for quite some time. In that sudden moment, she knew the truth. That she loved him, truly, and hopelessly.

Even when he wore the face of Dorian.

When his hand came to her cheek, she found herself leaning into that touch. She didn't care if there was an audience that was paying rapt attention as she was used to being in the spotlight. Their chairs had been gradually moving closer and it didn't take much for her to wrap an arm around his middle and rest her head against him. She loved, his heartbeat. It was such a simple thing but it was something she could always find peace with—Fall asleep to. "As you wish…", she murmured.

The Darkness was ever-present within him but the storm did find a certain stillness.

She reached into him with invisible hands, a focused mind, and took care to help hold that weight. The young woman knew that she could not solely bear it for him. It was his power, his might. But she could provide an anchor and support him. She did not besmirch it nor try and quiet it. She merely held it, as she held him. As she almost innocently loved them both.

It was the only thing left about her that remained pure.

"It is not always this way…", she intoned, carefully, trying to reassure him without giving false hope that Aeris would suddenly turn a page of kindness. "Naneth is…Protective, as she is cruel."

The rest of the guests turned to glance at them when Maliphant laughed and Srina felt her lips purse while she hid a smile against his chest. She liked the way he reacted to things—Took them in stride. He also livened up these desperately, dreary, ritual-born events. "Ada likes you..."

That was a small victory. He could be equally as protective over his children, but he hadn't joined Aeris in trying to break down his daughter's intended. That spoke volumes. Srina just needed to get her mother on a page that didn't involve imminent violence. They were speaking, as was tradition, for an outsider. They didn't know that he had been training with Srina for so long that he would be able to communicate with his fists as well as his voice.

At the same time—She didn't want him to fight. Not because she thought he would lose, but, because she knew he would win. His control over the Force was not something many of them knew.

Aeris was the strongest and even her ability paled in comparison to what the two of them brought to the table. Srina simply hadn't told her mother or anyone else, that.

Not yet.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"A trait we all share.", he mused.​

​

"Ada... Is that the one that looks like you?", he jested, stifling his laughter to ensure none looked back to them this time.​

​

A hand stroked her hair as he continued,​

​

"I'm glad he likes me - my hope is, they all eventually will, but I warn you, I am not known for my ability to make friends."​

​

"I believe I'm known for something quite the opposite of that, actually.", he jested.​

​

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

| E S H A N |
| HRIWEAG|
Tag: Darth Empyrean
_____________________________________________________​

"I can see where that may cause issue.", she responded, quietly, ever understanding when it came to his protectiveness over her. Srina, in truth, could handle herself—But there was something maddeningly reassuring that he was only ever more than a second away. The lingering smile that she hid against his chest had to be hidden all the further when he teased her slightly about using the Echani word for "Father" and their likeness. Yes, they had the same coloring. No. She did not share his facial features nor his structure. She was indeed her mother's daughter.

The way they fell into one another was effortless. His hand in her hair was such a familiar thing that she thought it strange when it was not. The crowd did not matter—As she had no shame for her affections. It definitely caused more than a few curious glances but she merely closed her eyes while the story on the makeshift stage went on, scene, after scene. Their quiet words to one another wouldn't be well-heard over the swell of music. "Things will calm, you will see. Ada will respect you because he can see that you make me…"

"Happy."

What a strange word. She wasn't sure she'd said it in that content before. Was she, happy?

Yes.

"I am not known to be friendly either, and yet, you are mine.", the flaxen-haired woman trailed off in a light musing. She had never found Maliphant to be unfriendly or unnecessarily taciturn. He tended to treat others accordingly. As they deserved. "Perhaps those people do not know you."

Or were unworthy.

So many people thought themselves Kings and Queens of their own domain and didn't take kindly to learning that their small sphere of influence was nothing more than temporary. That there would be rulers to come during their reign, and after, to claim it anew. Accepting that they were wrong, weak, or unfit to rule? Heresy, clearly. Especially when a Sith claimed it to be so.

"We must only weather the storm. It will end."

 

[Darth Empyrean]

"Perhaps they don't.", Maliphant smiled, brushing one of her loose hair strand behind an ear.​

​

"I can weather it as long as you need me to, beloved. That being said - will you fair alright if she does not relent?"​

​

Srina Talon​