Private From One Generation, To Another

[Delsin Shaw]

E S H A N
Varanin/Jacobs Summer Home

This was a rather unique encounter. So many written depictions of who these people were. Only having met them really in passing. Like knowing of cousins you met at a family reunion, only to never see them again. They were there, but not really. As an act of good faith, I reached out to this particular "cousin." of mine. A unique individual who was a descendant of Spencer Jacobs, and Ashin Varanin. Former Empress of the Sith Empire, and Former Queen of Eshan. Quite the resume of parents to look up to. Of course, my father somehow had connections with them. Mostly what was written was about his accolades with the Sith Empire in removing power from an Emperor in a coupe de grace. More over, fighting other Sith for the right to have his mother freed from slavery. Which while it had been given to him, was also the explanation for why he had the mark of Naga Sadow on his chest. A Blood Trail that forever marked him as an asset of Ashin.

While that mark had not been handed down to me, I still took that application to heart. More so, both Spencer and Ashin have shown a grace and benevolence to Darren that he never accepted. Never made mention of thanking them. Of procuring such things like his armor, his love of Alchemy and teaching him to use the force in such unique ways. As such, I bare the sins of my father to them. However, not directly. Instead, hoping to provide a better arrangement for which I could move from. So that our two legacies could meet once more.

Quinn Varanin is a unique individual. Only meeting her in passing here and there. Knowing that her Sister is the current queen of Eshan, and even if its a world within Galactic Alliance space, they were allowed to remain there as an aspect of respect towards this family and legacy that had done so much within the confines of this current galaxy. My hand tightened in a white-knuckle grip around the case. The handle pressed heavily into my palm as I walked up to the abode. While I had reached out, and confirmed that I was given the prior consent to arrive here under the notion of meeting with this princess of the Echani, it was a little vague for fear of something getting lost in translation.

"Good foot forward."

Voiding this to myself, I reached up, and knocked on the summer home.

Quinn Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Delsin Shaw //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn wasn't often allowed to stay for an extended period at Eshan. The Jedi and the Alliance usually found her presence concerning, knowing that she could take the throne from her slightly older sister at any moment. The threat was there, and Quinn never bothered to hide it - despite the Queen asking her sister to behave. There was a resentment for the Alliance, but Quinn rarely acted on it while home.

With her sister's help, Quinn could garner an extended stay - on one condition: she stayed away from the main palace. It was a hard bargain, as Quinn often missed her usual bedroom, but it was something she could do for now. The summer home was out in the countryside - away from the populace, which allowed Quinn to let her guard down slightly. The Alliance promised to leave her alone while in the chateau, which was the best thing Quinn could have.

At least being on Eshan this time, she felt it was home.

Today was special. There had been word that an associate's son would make her acquaintance. Quinn had grown up hearing stories about Darren Shaw, the battles, and the things Ashin and he accomplished.

Her parents spoke of the man with love, affection, and reverence.

At times, Quinn wondered if there was something more underneath her mother's affection for the man. Still, in her eyes, Darren Shaw was a hero.

Growing up with those stories, she wondered why the man never brought his young son to play with her. Even if she was banished to Bastion and then Jutrand, the Princess did make the odd appearance back on Eshan.

A part of her always wondered what the boy was like. Did he follow in his father's footsteps? Did he look like the man she had seen in holophotos? Would he like her if they ever met?

So many questions formulated and were soon remembered by the woman as she flicked through some of the old photos her mother had left stored in one of the lofts. As she let her mind wander, she remembered her foolish little crush on the unknown Shaw. The memory was vague, but she remembered it as she discovered the old drawing of her marrying this boy.

"Idiotic girl," Quinn whispered as she examined the drawing. At the same time, she sipped the tea she had just brewed in case the man decided he was thirsty. She had manners, ones that she grew up with and ones that she learned while she was being raised as the Sith Imperial Princess.

As she continued letting her mind return to those foolish little dreams, a knock shook the door, and Quinn quickly shut the album. "He's here already?" She looked towards the clock, seeing that he had arrived perfectly punctual.

"Doesn't he know you're supposed to be fashionably late?" she groaned, knowing that she had to find a place to hide the album with the embarrassing memories of her little heart, wondering if Delsin Shaw was a mythical Prince.

Scampering across the marble floor, her heels clicked double time as she found one of the sofas and shoved the album under its cushion. The couch now sat lopsided, but in hopes, she shoved the cushion down to help make it look normal. A hand waved as she shooed the guards away; there was no reason for them to linger and be overly cautious.

The son was a family friend who deserved to be treated like family. Slowly, the door opened, and Quinn's face appeared; to her surprise, the boy wasn't a boy - but a full-grown man - which was expected. Still, Delsin had inherited all the right genes from his Echani father. And, as much as Quinn wanted to hide it - her porcelain cheeks suddenly blossomed into a gentle blush.

"Hello," she started clearing her throat as her composure struggled to remain. Quinn stepped back and offered him a lane to enter the chateau.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Delsin, Ashin—my mother spoke so highly of your father. " Her smile remained gentle, refined, and soft as she looked to some of the guards to help Delsin with the items he had brought with him.

"I've made tea for us; I hope your travels were peaceful - I haven't been to Eshan in some time, and I'm excited that we were able to meet here in particular." She felt herself rambling in her excitement. Delsin had always been a dream or thought for the Princess, but seeing him in the flesh was breathtaking.

Pausing, she brushed back the stray strands of her ashen hair from her face - wondering what it would be like to fight him and if he knew their people's language.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a bit nervous about finally meeting you." Her eyes glanced away as she turned away from him, leading him towards the sitting room where the staff had laid out the tea and small snacks.

"I hope I don't fall short of any expectations." A hand gestured for him to sit, and she ran her hands from her waist to behind her thighs. She flattened her skirt to sit across from him.

"What brings you to Eshan?"

 

[Delsin Shaw]

"Um, Hello!"

I replied back to the woman. Having only waited for a moment before she had produced herself to the door. To say I was not expecting such a fine specimen of our kindred, would have been a complete understatement. Of course Darren had spoken well of Spencer and Ashin. Namely stating that while Spencer held many of the Echani traits, that her children likely would have more. And it showed. I could not resist letting my eyes play over her frame and take in the sight of her. My voice caught in my throat as she ushered me in.

Her words speaking of providing tea and even having one of the guards of their house come forth to take the case. However, I held firm to it and finally broke whatever kind of womanly spell she held on my tongue. My hand denying the case being taken with a simple wave. What was held inside was worth more to me than just giving it up. I had been carrying it for some time now and was not going to simply hand it over. However, gentle I still produced this denial while following her into the main room.

A tea set clearly sat on the table. Fine ceramics and decorative. I could not tell if it was authentic porcelain or some other material, but it was fashioned as such. She pulled all the stops in my attendance of her abode.

"As am I. Darren's writings spoke highly of your mothers, and how they had affected his life after their many accolades together. To meet them would have been an honor."

I sat the case down but looked more closely to her.

"However, I feel that there is more in meeting you today Miss."

I kept myself formal at the moment. Yes, while she was inviting me to be somewhat informal, I had decided to keep it just a little longer. I was here firstly on professional upkeep of the connection that my father had with her mothers. While she did provide an apology for any nervousness in meeting myself, I waved it away to the best of my ability.

"Please, don't feel nervous of my presence. I am just a simple man."

Turning to look around and making sure I was taking a seat upon the couch provided and indicated to me, she voiced the question of why I was here at all. While she appreciated me doing so, I did keep it vague of my conjuncture of requiring her to be here. Even more so, asking for it to not be behind the Blackwall that the Sith had formed. I sat straight and locked eyes to her. Daring to not let my eyes wander about her or her home. A deep breath in and sigh before finally breaking.

"I have written records of my father, Darren, and your mother Ashin being associates during her tenure as an Empress and further. However, the act of such was not truly cultivated of a friendly relationship. I have been studying my father's research notes, and so much more about his life. Trying to gleam all I can of why and how he, shall we say altered himself? One thing that stayed no matter how much he attempted to change himself into some Demi-God, a mark remained upon his body."

I pulled a small holo-projector from my coat pocket. Its image lit up in a soft blue glow to show an image. It was a still of a crimson and black tattoo that was emblazoned upon his chest. A symbol of the Sith Empire under Naga Sadow's rule. An old symbol that the Empire under Ashin had used various times.

"This is not a simple tattoo. It was a brand. Made by the blood of Ashin so that Darren was always tracked and at Ashin's beck and call. I only know this because In my attempt to study my father, that mark would never remove itself from him. No matter what I did."

I breathed in deeply once more. Shutting the device off and putting it back into my pocket, I leaned forward and clasped my hands together. Letting my head fall heavy and look upon the floor and my boots. Finding a sudden fascination in them as I spoke softly.

"Essentially, my family, heritage, and legacy is bound to yours because of this mark. He made note that this was done due to a deal. He gave his servitude to Ashin for the release of his mother, my grandmother, as a slave to the old Empire. She has long since passed, and as you may well know. Darren too, has made his own path to the netherworld."

I lightened my head. Still leaning forward, elbows on my knees and hands clasped but now bringing my eyes leveled to hers. My tongue playing in my mouth trying to parse how I would say my next words.

"Not that I want to break the connection of our families. I think it has done well for both of us. However, I hope to change the circumstances of such relationship. To be one of mutual aid and not of this servitude. Which is why I came to you instead of your mothers. Maybe, just maybe, we can change these circumstances ourselves."

Quinn Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Delsin Shaw //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn poured the tea for both of them as she listened. Delsin was picture-perfect in his manners, something she found admirable. A couple of cubes of sugar went into her own cup, and she passed him the small ramekin if he wanted. Quinn mused silently, wondering if he would enjoy the delicate floral scent of the tea that lingered in the air.

She remained quiet as he began to explain his reasons for coming to Eshan. In his words, she was reminded of the pact between their families. She hadn't known it was one of servitude; Ashin and Spencer never spoke of Darren in those terms. To her, he was simply another warrior her parents had trusted. An ally. A close friend.

"I'm sorry for your losses, Delsin," Quinn said gently, as she bought herself time before addressing the request he'd laid before her.

Her throat tightened as she took a sip of tea. The concept of her parents forging generational bonds of obligation made her uncomfortable. It didn't seem fair that Delsin had to carry this burden, and for how long? Would it be to her, or only until her parents passed from the galaxy?

"I'll be frank. I'm our parents' relationship was framed like this." Quinn's posture shifted slightly, betraying her discomfort.

"Do I even have the authority to change this?" Her gaze dropped from his as she rested her hand against her lips, thumb lightly pressing the curve of her jaw. Her thoughts drifted. She'd grown up on Bastion, away from much of her parents' influence, but she was still their daughter. Ibaris wouldn't be the one to handle this. Noelle was likely too busy to even entertain it.

Her expression softened. There was a sadness behind her eyes. She was the last of the daughters, the one with time, the one available to meet with Delsin. Maybe the last resort. But she could at least make this matter.

Her hand lowered back to the saucer.

"Well," Quinn began, her voice calm as her eyes met his with quiet conviction, "I'm not privy to all of my mother's choices in shaping the galaxy. Whatever our parents arranged—that was their generation. I don't believe in indebted servitude. It's unfair to bind someone to a legacy they didn't choose."

Leaning forward, she set her cup and saucer down. Her body shifted slightly, legs crossing with elegance. The distance between them subtly closed.

"I don't see you as a servant. Or a retained warrior. I've always wanted to meet you. Your father was incredible; my mother told me stories of their journeys together. Out of respect for him, and for everything he did for my family…"

She hesitated for only a second, steadying herself.

"Your family is no longer in service to mine. From this point on, I want us to be equals. I want you to feel that Eshan is home—and that this estate will always welcome you."

 

[Delsin Shaw]

She spoke reserved at first. It was clear, discomfort was hitting the back of her mind. This was clearly new information to her. While it may have not been to me, it took me some time to figure it out. So much time. Studying it excessively to the point of obsession. I knew it was a behavior that was harmful to myself. I let it consume me and my quest to determine all that my father was. And what I-No.

I dashed that thought from my mind before it could form. My eyes peering to her as she spoke. Her lips covered at first and thinking. Her posture spoke of her thoughts. Almost as if there was a twinge of doubt. At first, I thought nothing could be done. She may sill be beholden to her mothers. Even more so, she was the youngest of the siblings. Much like myself. However, I had no one left. Nothing left. Just the name and my obsessive, greedy, hunger for the knowledge and how it pertained to my family. It is why our families were intertwined. They had been bound together for years. It may have first been a sentence of servitude. However, with how he spoke of them, and how she spoke of the stories of her mothers and Darren, it made me really hope that it had become something more. Something much greater.

She did not see me as a servant, or a warrior to be chained. I did what I could. My eyes watching her, reading her for any information to if her words held any falsehoods, or ill intentions. I could not find any as she spoke of wanting to directly meet me. My father being an incredible man in her eyes. Not tainted by what he had done. She only knew so much. I would let her keep that image of my father. Maybe then his personage would bring something good? It racked my head to think that. A deep intrusive thought tried to claw its way, and I smashed it down again. That feeling of being seen, heard, and understood. Emotions. Quashed.

I further listened. Proclaiming that my family, was no longer bound to hers. No longer chained. She wanted an equal relationship. One built upon mutual trust and understanding. And I saw to nod my head curtly. Agreeing with her. Eshan was open to me again. More over, the Varanin Estate, was open doored to me.

I tried my best a third time to quash it. To hold the reins upon this emotional bronco trying to wrench free itself. I failed. A soft smile came to my face. Slowly breaking a little wider each time. It hurt. A pit in my chest. It was no stab wound, no slug. A deep twisting pain in the center of my chest. I could feel the emotions rise in me and I did my best to hold them. My throat dry and filled with sand. A lump so large I hoped she could not see it. I bowed my head into my hands. Letting the tension release from my neck. Hands holding my head and elbows digging into my knees. Breathing became hard. This was not okay. Not now. Not ever.

"T-Thank you."

I was able to barely get out. I pulled myself together. Feeling my voice return to me. Feeling the emotions fading as I was able to finally get the reins back into my hands. I lifted my head. Eyes looking back to her. Finally holding the composure, I leaned forward. Grabbing the tea cup and the saucer beneath it. Holding it in both hands. The cup brought up to my face. Smelling its flora fragrance. A deep inhale to enjoy the scent before taking a sip. No additives in the drink. Just straight leaf juice. The tase was pleasant, filling my mouth and swallowed with a small pleasure. Lips licked before I held the tea in my hands.

"I appreciate this. It means quite a lot to me. I hope that in the future, that our families can build one another up. That is the second reason why I am here today."

I took another sip. Placing the saucer and cup down on the table between us before being able to swallow the tea. Indicating requiring space on the table for the case, My right hand waved in front of the setting. Gently and with a delicate touch the fine porcelain lifted to the air, and moved to the side. Soft clacks of the metal corners of the case as it touched the glass table. Opening it from both sides, and pulling the lever down, revealed a rather large chromatic egg. One scaled and reflecting the light of the room.

"I feel this may be a sufficient start to the mutual relationship."

Quinn Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Delsin Shaw //:

Quinn smiled, seeing that things were moving towards the right path. She would need to ask her mother about the relationship she had with Delsin's father. It didn't seem like something her parents would usually indulge in; there had to be another reason why. She leaned back slightly in her seat as she sipped the tea again.

His reaction, she felt it in her core. The tea served as a distraction from her own emotional outburst. Like her mother, strong emotions tended to burrow their way through. They could, at times, force the young Echani to fall victim to them. This time, she let herself feel it — his thanks, his gratitude, and the weight lifted from his shoulders. Another reason why she worried about the relationship her mothers had fostered with his father.

"I agree, there's no reason for us not to work towards something together. Especially with how the galaxy is nowadays." Quinn, being a sweet tooth, casually scooped in an extra cube. She let her mind drift for a moment as she stirred the amber liquid.

Before she could say anything else, Delsin mentioned he had a second reason for visiting her. She took another sip of the tea as the man lugged the massive case he had brought with him onto the table in front of them. She was thankful for his care with the porcelain dishes, but her attention was entirely on the box.

"I was wondering what you had brought with you." She smiled, "You were quite protective of it." Quinn teased her guest, feeling a bit more comfortable with him now that the troublesome issue had been taken care of.

At once, the box opened, and she stared at the massive egg. She had never seen anything like this.

"It's beautiful, but what is it —" Quinn paused, realizing she sounded a bit obtuse. Her cheeks colored as she looked to Delsin from the corner of her eye.

"I know it's an egg, but… yes."

 

[Delsin Shaw]

She was enthralled with the case as I had brought it forward. A smile lighting up my face after I had opened it. Showing her the contents of what was a singular egg. The chromatic patterns of various colors played over it. Shifting one's perception of it would make it shimmer in the light differently. Even sensing it in the force, it was clear that this egg was more special than others. Her question posed to me was almost answered with her second set of words. A light chuckle escaped as she jumped on herself so I could not.

"Yes, it is an egg. However, the species of which I feel you would find interesting."

I stood straight from my position and moved closer to her. A hand indicating and questioning if I could sit down next to her. Once she had confirmed as such, I sat down. Just enough space for either of us, but close enough that it was well within personal space. Looking over to her, My eyes lit up slightly. Explaining what it was. Almost like a child that was released within a candy store.

"This, is a Dovahdrake. A very unique dragon species from Solaris. An obscure planet in which had many great beasts. I had acquired this from a predecessor of mine. I had sensed he did nothing with the egg. Letting it sit as it could not hatch for him."

Looking over to the egg, I placed a soft hand on it. Using the other to support it, I removed it from the case. Holding it from the top and the bottom, I presented it to her. Allowing her to put her hands on either side.

"Apparently, they only free themselves when they sense a strong enough warrior or presence holding them. As such, I felt that if there was a chance, you could try to... I guess commune with it. See if it opens for you."

Nodding for her to try, I also lowered myself into the force. Allowing an influence to lightly touch what was held within.

"Go ahead."

Quinn Varanin