Private From the Darkness

[Revna Marr]

Revna had rested long and deeply after her heart to heart with Darth Strosius . Though they had gotten angry at each other, Revna held no hard feelings towards Him for the outbursts, the painful words, the utter frustration He brought her. The logical side of her mind and her heart told her it was to be expected: after everything they had gone through, emotions were bound to be all over the place - and they had been.

She wasn’t any less loyal or devoted to Him for it. If anything, she felt closer to the one she now called Father. It was a bond that went beyond them being Master and Apprentice, Prophet and Disciple. She was His daughter, accepted and embraced. And He was her Father, chosen and beloved. Every single nightmare, every ounce of suffering and pain, the trials and tribulations and testings by her overlords had been worth it in the end - especially when she had discovered He was alive. She was free, finally and completely. She wasn’t bound to Prazutis any more, she didn’t feel the tug of his will upon her, didn’t have to bend the knee and hope she stayed alive from one moment to the next when in his presence.

But the price she had to pay to take back her freedom had been steep; it almost cost her her life. She had very nearly died in the arms of Alisteri - and her recovery immediately after her rescue had been touch and go. But she had made it; she was alive, she was free, and she was home.

The half-Vahla woman had spent some time in the hidden medical ward after she had awoken from her medical induced coma, slowly regaining her mental and spiritual strength and undergoing physical therapy to strengthen her body enough so she could shuffle-walk to various locations. The device that had been forcibly removed from her spine had left long-lasting damage in its wake; part of her spine was synthetic now, and it had taken a miracle to reconnect her nerves and repair her spinal cord. But the healing wasn’t complete; despite the efforts and the hard work of the medical staff and alchemists and others involved in her surgeries and recovery, she had numbness and nerve pain on her left side, and a pronounced limp.

One day, some time into her recovery period, she was finally transferred from her medical chamber and into a more standard room aboard the Harbinger, a place where she could recover more fully without being attached to monitors and IVs. She continued her therapy and stayed aboard the Harbinger per her Father’s wishes and instruction; after their disagreement, she figured it was the least she could do.

It was in this room where Lina would find the young Sith woman - seated in a chair that had a view out one of the glass windows. Revna was wearing one of the black robes that associated her with the Wonosans - a robe she hadn’t worn in a long time. Her silvery hair was pulled back into a braid, her face even more pale than usual. Black web-like veins spread from the corners of her eyes and towards her temples - a mark of just how deeply she had been forced to tap into the Dark Side in order to make it through her captivity, her service to the Dark Lords. Where skin was bare, sigils and tattoos could be seen, though most of them were hidden by the black robe she wore. Lina would recognize them if she saw them - as they marked her as ascended in the eyes of the Dark Lords. They were the sigils that their Sith bore when found to be worthy to carry such marks upon their flesh. Revna wasn’t ashamed of the sigils, placed upon her body through ritual and pain. They were a reminder of what she had come through, and the power that radiated from her was greater than it had ever been.

Revna sensed Lina’s presence long before she saw her, and a sense of excitement filled the young Sith woman at the prospect of seeing an ally, a mentor, a confidant, of hers.

“...I won’t lie, I am rather surprised to see that my Master allowed you aboard one of His ships. Though I am happy He did so; it has been too long since we last saw one another, Lina.” Revna stated softly when she felt Lina’s presence draw closer. There was a smile upon her pale face, small - but genuine. She had missed seeing and speaking with the woman who had become a lifeline to her while she had been bound in chains.

Lina Ovmar ​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

To hear of Revna's freedom and recovery had brought Lina a mixture of joy and shame. Shame that she had not been there to do her part, that she had failed in her promise to see that she was freed. Her absence was not exactly something she could have had control of. She'd been travelling the Void when the Planeshift happened, trapping her for months; she had barely escaped with her life. Her own recovery was long and ongoing, but for the most part, she had it controlled.

She was still working with Darth Strosius to understand the full effects, an alliance that felt comfortable. An unusual feeling, truth be told, alliances tended to be temporary; they had her watching her back at all times, or making sure that she was one step ahead of any betrayal. With him, there was no need. And she was growing quite fond of him. His apprentice, however, Lina adored. She saw something of herself in her, and the injustice wrought upon her by the Kainites only enraged her.

She paused outside her chambers, a hand resting on the door frame to steady herself. Heightened emotions made things difficult to hold together. The door slid open at her command; she didn't need to knock; she could feel Revna's excitement; she knew she was here. The door opened with a hiss, and Lina stepped over the threshold. The Sith Lord was paler than when they had last met, her cheeks a little more drawn, but she had lost none of her grace, still sporting a simple black robe with a high collar to conceal the scars beneath.

Crossing the room to where she sat, the shadows she passed seemed to stretch out towards her like dark fingers, pulling away from their natural shape. "Oh, that stubborn bastard couldn't keep me from you if he wanted to." A gloved hand reached to gently stroke Revna's hair before she moved to stand before the younger woman, drinking in every detail, a smile spreading across her face. "Freedom looks good on you, Revna."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

"Oh, that stubborn bastard couldn't keep me from you if he wanted to."

Revna chuckled heartily and grinned upon hearing Lina say such a thing; the mirth was genuine in her eyes and upon her pale face as she felt Lina stroke the silvery black braid before stepping more fully in view so both Sith women could get a better look at one another. Much like Revna, Lina looked more pale and drawn than she had the last time they had been together. Flashes of memory returned to the young Vahla: Lina had sat with her at the King’s table, discussed various topics, and it was perhaps the first time Lina might have seen that something else had begun to stir between Revna and Darth Caedes.

Revna had wanted to tell Lina about her dance with the King, and other things that had transpired, but the woman had seemingly vanished into thin air. Revna knew that if the woman didn’t want to be found, then she wouldn’t be - and she left it at that. Though she had hoped Lina would be around to help with her rescue, but events transpired the way they did and they were both here now - alive and well.

For the most part, anyway.

"Freedom looks good on you, Revna." Lina said with a smile, one that Revna returned with a knowing half smirk. She rose to her feet, more slowly and stiffly than she might have before, a faint twitch of discomfort flashing across her face - one she hid a moment later as she drew herself up, lifting her chin ever so slightly.

“It feels…so good…to finally have my mind and my will returned to me. Almost died for it but that stubborn bastard worked His ass off to keep me alive.” Revna replied with her half grin still in place. She hesitated for only a moment, before she stepped into Lina’s space and wrapped her arms around her in an embrace that didn’t last longer than it was meant to. “It is good to see you again...” she said before stepping away and giving Lina her space once more. Revna gestured with a hand and an empty chair nearby slid towards them, offered to the Sith Lord if she desired it, before she returned to her own seat with a contented sigh.

“How have you been, Lina? I…haven’t seen you since the Race dinner on Korriban. I imagine a lot has happened since then?”

Lina Ovmar
​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Concern flashed briefly across her face as Revna pushed herself to her feet with a flicker of discomfort. Lina instinctively shifted her arms, almost moving to support, but the way Revna held her chin up made her stop. Lina would never tire of her fire, the defiance in her golden eyes even now she was free. She would never be held back by anyone and certainly not by anything as insignificant as pain.

Pride flashed in Lina's.

"It feels…so good…to finally have my mind and my will returned to me. Almost died for it but that stubborn bastard worked His ass off to keep me alive."

Lina opened her mouth to respond, only to find herself pulled into an embrace. The gesture caught her off guard, not only because she was afraid she might hurt Revna, but also because she did not think she was deserving of such affection from her when she had failed so miserably to keep her word. She returned it nonetheless, finding a lump forming in her throat.

"It is good to see you too," she said, gently squeezing Revna's arms before settling into the chair the younger woman had drawn up. "The Race dinner..." she mused. Where to start? "Well, for me, only a few weeks have passed since that dinner, but you are not wrong; a lot has happened in that time." She waited for Revna to be seated again.

"Do you know what the Void is?" she asked.

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Thankfully, Lina returned Revna’s embrace, though the younger Sith woman could tell that Lina had been taken by surprise by the motion. She gave Revna’s arms a squeeze, returning the sentiment, before taking a seat in the chair that the younger woman had provided for her.

Revna crossed one leg over another, and folded her hands in her lap as she observed the older woman with sharp eyes. She blinked with a slight frown when Lina said that, for her, only a few weeks had passed since the dinner. That couldn’t be right; a few months had passed for Revna, at least.

“The ‘Void’?” Revna inquired, a thoughtful frown on her face as she rummaged through her memories and knowledge banks. She clicked her tongue before responding, an action and sound that was rather similar to what Darth Strosius did. “Hmm…I can’t say that I do. Well, the only thing that I know that is ‘void-like’ is whatever has taken root in my spirit, after my Father died. But I doubt what I carry within, and what you mentioned here, are the same thing.”

Truthfully, Revna had no idea. She was too afraid to poke and prod the Void within her to find out the truth about it.

Revna suddenly leaned forward a bit, her gaze and expression curious, though somewhat bewildered. “You said weeks had passed between the dinner and now, for you? That is…very strange, as it has been months since I last saw you. And indeed, a lot has happened. Is this ‘Void’ responsible for the difference in time, you think?”

Lina Ovmar
​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

That click of the tongue brought a flicker of a smile to her face. The more time she spent with them, the more similarities she was beginning to see. Revna took on more than just her Master's lessons; she took on aspects of his personality much like a child would take from their parent. Lucia instantly came to mind, the child she would never see grow, the daughter stolen. Sadness flashed in her emerald gaze momentarily before it vanished with a blink. She had to stop dwelling. There was no going back; there was only here and now, and what lay ahead of her.

"The Void is a region within the Netherworld. It is the true final resting place of all Sith Lords. I have been using it for some time to travel between worlds; it's also where I summon my little spies from. Time is different there, sometimes slower, sometimes faster. When the Planeshift struck, it affected all planes of existence, including the Netherworld. I was...trapped." Her eyes glazed as she seemed to find herself back there, lost in the dark, fighting for her life. Her hand reached for the vial of ash that was no longer there before she snapped back to the room and cleared her throat.

"I followed what I thought was the force guiding me, waited till the pull was strong enough to be sure it was safe and opened a portal out of the Nether, landing at your dear Master's feet. He has been helping me come to terms with my new...shall we call it state of being?" As the last words left her mouth, she let go of the anchor, and although she remained seated before Revna, an ethereal shadow form of herself rose to stand, moving to where the shadows were reaching for her, the two connected by shimming black tendrils.

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Revna listened with rapt attention as Lina explained to her what this ‘Void’ was, and the fact that she had apparently been using it to travel from one place to another. A dangerous thing to do, clearly, as when everything shifted and changed, it had seemingly trapped her. Her sudden disappearance made sense now to Revna.

Something else that Lina said, however, disturbed the young Sith woman. She had mentioned how this ‘Void’ was the final resting place for Sith Lords. All of them. And yet, the story and experience that her Father had told her contradicted this. Or did it? If Alisteri had truly died…would He have then gone to this Void? Or would He have become one with the Force? This challenged her faith, her views a bit, but she didn’t peek inside that box too much.

It was definitely something she would discuss with Darth Strosius though, at some point. She wanted answers on this.

Revna’s attention and thoughts returned to her when Lina cleared her throat, and continued to listen as Lina divulged further. "I followed what I thought was the force guiding me, waited till the pull was strong enough to be sure it was safe and opened a portal out of the Nether, landing at your dear Master's feet. He has been helping me come to terms with my new...shall we call it state of being?"

The little woman tilted her head in curiosity, her eyes narrowing then growing a bit wider, as she witnessed another version of Lina - a sort of shadowy presence - rise from the seat and move towards the shadows around the chamber that seemed to be reaching for the older Sith Lord. Revna traced the scene with sharp fiery eyes that absorbed and tried to make sense of what she was seeing.

“Oh now this is fascinating.” Revna breathed as she pulled her focus back to Lina - who was still seated in the chair nearby. “I imagine He was quite...surprised...to see you arrive the way you did. And since you are alive, it appears that He did not immediately try to rip your head off your shoulders.” She smirked slightly at that; they both knew how the cantankerous Sith Lord could be at times. But...ever since being reunited with Him, Alisteri had been a bit different. Revna drew her brows together slightly as her expression returned to one of curiosity:

"You know, this new state of being of yours reminds me of the sort of winged…things…He carries with Him. Is this…a result of touching the Void, the Nether? Or…leaving parts of one's self behind?"

Lina Ovmar
​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

"Not as surprised as I was to see him alive. Truth be told, I drew a blade before he did, but..." she trailed off, shifting slightly in her seat, recalling the projection back to herself and shuddering slightly as they reconnected. "He has been unusually nice. No threats, no anger towards me...just understanding and kindness." Lina was not used to it from anyone; she kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see the glint of a dagger or catch the whisper of betrayal. Revna was different; in her, she saw kinship and a connection that she couldn't quite place. They were not Sith trying to seize the upper hand; they were simply...friends.

"You know, this new state of being of yours reminds me of the sort of winged…things…He carries with Him. Is this…a result of touching the Void, the Nether? Or…leaving parts of one's self behind?"

Lina frowned in thought. "I don't think so. There are plenty of Sith who have died and returned who don't suffer with the same ailments, and I have been walking the Void for long enough that if it were the entire cause, then it would have happened earlier on. I was injured crossing from one plane to the next. I believe that had a great deal to do with it. As for Lord Strosius' condition...I believe that has a lot more to do with his tampering with his own physical state before his death. The similarities are simply because our souls are laid bare and are perhaps broken."

There was no sadness in her final statement. Lina had chosen to remain like this, side effects and all. The benefits far outweighed the cost, and she would use every advantage available to her in the road ahead. "But, enough about me and my misery. I want to know everything I have missed. Not just your fight for freedom, but your time on Korriban too."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Revna felt a knowing smile curl the edges of her mouth upon hearing Lina mention how Darth Strosius had been ‘unusually nice’ towards her - no threats, no anger. She had been met with kindness and understanding, it seemed. The younger woman nodded in agreement; she too had witnessed a different side to the Sith Lord. Yes, He certainly still had His fire - but it seemed like dying and coming back to life had altered or changed Him somewhat.

“Oh He still has His temper…” Revna murmured with a touch of amusement, recalling the rather heated argument they had had after she had awoken from her coma, and the few other moments where they both butted heads. Revna was just as stubborn as the Sith Lord and she was not afraid to speak her mind or her opinions - much to His frustration and aggravation, no doubt.

Revna listened as Lina responded to her curious question, revealing that her condition might have been caused by receiving an injury while attempting to move from one plane to another; the younger Sith nodded her head in understanding. It made sense to her - no doubt, receiving a wound while moving between planes could cause all sorts of problems to arise.

A grim expression drifted across Revna’s face as Lina shared her thoughts on Strosius’ condition. She believed His wings were due to His meddling and tampering with His physical form before He was cut down. Lina mentioned that perhaps the similarities were there, due to the fact that both their souls had been laid bare and were broken.

"But, enough about me and my misery. I want to know everything I have missed. Not just your fight for freedom, but your time on Korriban too."

Revna smiled, the emotion reflected in her eyes, as she sat back in her chair to assume a more comfortable position. “Oh, that would be a lot my dear. We would be here for hours if I told you everything. But I suppose I could touch upon the more significant events.”

She tipped her head back to look at the plain ceiling above her head for a moment, collecting her thoughts. Where to start? She inhaled deeply and released the breath slowly before she returned her gaze to Lina.

“Hmm. Well, I have two Apprentices now - my very own Disciples: Lysander von Ascania and Varin Mortifer . I am paying for their education at the Academy, while passing along my own knowledge and experience when I deem it necessary. I am rather proud of them both - even if they are both a pain in my ass at times.” Revna smiled, thinking fondly upon the two young Sith men that she had left behind. She hoped they were still there, waiting. It had been weeks since she’d last seen them. For all they knew, she could be dead. For all she knew, they could have moved on to new masters. Though something in her heart told her that they were still loyal to her, still waiting. I will return soon, boys. I promise.

“Hmm….what else? Oh, yes! I started teaching at the Sith Academy a little bit. Well, I offer insight or help to students if they desire it. I made allies, cultivated friendships. A former apprentice of Carnifex, and a fellow Vahla such as myself. We help each other out from time to time, or she will stop by and pay me a visit and discuss the happenings of the wider Sith Order. She was my eyes and ears to keep track of the Order of Wonosa after Alisteri’s demise. Their continued existence and welfare was a concern of mine but I couldn’t go anywhere near them.” Revna inhaled and lowered her voice somewhat, keen to keep what she was about to share just between her and Lina. “I haven’t dared to tell Darth Strosius but…there were a couple of Wonosan outposts in the Outer Rim that I…that the Shadow Hand forced me to destroy. I killed or was forced to enslave my own Brothers and Sisters, under the banner of our enemy. So you can imagine why I wanted to stay as far away from them as possible during my stay on Korriban. I couldn’t risk going to them, and having Prazutis follow me or compel me to kill them, or worse.”

It was just another thing added to a pile of circumstances that still haunted Revna; seeing the pain of betrayal in the eyes of those she cut down or forced back into chains was something she would live with for the rest of her life. It was one of those things that, should her Master discover the truth and decide to execute or exile her for it - she wouldn’t stop Him. It was exactly what she deserved…or so she felt, anyway.

“There is something else, a significant moment in my life, that happened on Korriban, before the events of my rescue took place.” Revna murmured as she returned her gaze back to Lina, her fiery eyes now glimmering with some sort of emotion like excitement and joy. “A few weeks after the Race dinner you and I both attended, the Sith Academy held a Dance for the students and the citizens. I went there, thinking that maybe I could share a dance with someone, have some fun for once. I was met by the Lord Seer, A’Mia - and we danced together. Then she passed me off to what I thought was a stranger, a very handsome one at that. But no, it was not a stranger.” A blush crept into her cheeks as Revna smiled, her eyes brightening further to reflect the smile.

“It was the King, in disguise. He came there for me…just for me. We danced, and we both realized that uh…we felt rather strongly for one another. Enough so that he asked me to be his Queen…and I accepted.”

Lina Ovmar ​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Apprentices? Lina's brow furrowed, though only briefly. She had never taken an apprentice. It wasn't that she did not want to see her knowledge passed on to the next generation; it was more a lack of candidates she could deem worthy of such dedication from her. Besides, her experience of being taught was not exactly an example she would willingly repeat. Teaching at an academy, however? That she could do. She made a mental note to herself to reach out to Darth Caedes .

When she spoke of the former apprentice to Carnifex, the room seemed to darken just a little, her distaste evident, but she didn't interrupt. Her own experiences should not be forced to taint Revna's. She was more than capable of making a sound judgment of a person's character. If she trusted this fellow Vahla, then Lina would simply have to trust Revna. Her expression as she spoke of the Wonosan outposts she had been forced to destroy. "I cannot imagine how painful that must have been for you, but I do not think you should hide this from Him. Secrets we keep from those we love often have a way of coming to light against our will. Better that he find out from you than through other means. I think, despite his temper, he will understand that it wasn't your doing."

Lina watched as her whole body language seemed to shift, her eyes glowing with a glee she had not seen in her before, her head tilted, a small smile appearing on her lips. Was Revna....giddy? Lina's eyes widened as the story unravelled, before a laugh escaped her. She had seen it begin, seen how they reacted to each other at the race dinner. Even then, she had suspected something was stirring, but she had not been able to place it.

"Well, I'll be damned." Her smile was wide, "Revna, the future Queen of Korriban. I saw something between you, but I never would have suspected..." She shook her head, chuckling. Now she truly had to visit the King of Korriban. "True love is so hard to find among Sith. I am glad that you have found happiness, Revna. You deserve nothing less."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Revna noticed the room somewhat darkened when she mentioned that she had made an ally of an apprentice of their shared enemy; she hadn’t exactly explained in detail why and how she had made such an ally in Darth Anathemous, and so the reaction did not surprise her. She expected some kind of retort or scoff, but Lina refrained and the shadow of distaste passed almost as soon as it had come.

To Revna’s confession of her attacks against her own people, Lina encouraged her to speak to Alisteri about it, to come clean to Him about her “secret”. Truthfully it was one of many secrets she was keeping hidden from Him; some were out of fear, others out of necessity. But this one was due to fear; she didn’t truthfully know how He would react…and that was what made her nervous.

“Yes…you are right. I suppose I am a little bit afraid to tell Him the truth. I will tell Him in due time…prefferably when He’s in a decent mood.” she said with a soft chuckle.

When Revna shared her more happy experience, Lina’s eyes widened as a smile filled her face in reaction to the news. "Well, I'll be damned. Revna, the future Queen of Korriban. I saw something between you, but I never would have suspected..."

Revna’s cheeks flushed deeper red, dimples forming as she grinned from ear to ear. She seemed to sit up a little straighter, her eyes aglow with pride. “It took me by surprise too, let me tell you. I was expecting him to ask me to be his apprentice or something…since I was in need of a new Master to finish my training. But no…” she sighed softly, blissfully almost.

"True love is so hard to find among Sith. I am glad that you have found happiness, Revna. You deserve nothing less."

Revna nodded, fully in agreement with that statement. She knew just how rare and special the bond she shared with Caedes was. Her Father may think he was using her and would break her heart…but Revna knew the truth. It was something that Darth Strosius would never understand, unfortunately.

“It has been kept a secret…for now. I was elevated in status as the King’s…Lady, if you will. A royal consort is the term, I think? At least until it can be announced officially. I…had to do a few things first before it could be publicly announced - such as free myself of the Kainate, and ascend to the rank of a Knight…both of which happened at the time of my rescue.”

It was at this time that Revna’s expression turned from joy to one of somber recollection. She reached down and pushed a sleeve of her robe up, exposing sigils and markings that had been ritualistically carved and inked into her flesh for all eternity. “I was summoned to Dromund Kaas by Prazutis. He…tested me, as did Lord Carnifex. In the end, I was deemed worthy enough to receive these marks, etched into my very being. I was told to choose a Sith name for myself…one that would be recorded in the annals. I chose Etizira…Tempest, in the Sith tongue. Then I was given my final test: I had to kill the interloper into the Sith Citadel. I had no idea it was my Master, returned to take me back. I was so…sure that He was an imposter.

“I saw one opportunity to take back my freedom my way, perhaps the only one I would get that wouldn’t involve the Dark Council or the Empress getting involved…so I took the chance. I fought Him, though I knew I had precious little time. I knew the Dark Lords would see through my little ruse. I finally managed to tell the ‘imposter’ what was wrong with me, and what needed to happen…knowing full well that it could kill me. But I was willing to die to break my chains that bound me to the Kainate. I told myself that…if I was going to die, then I would do so as a free woman.”

Revna fell silent for several long moments, her gaze distant as she stared past Lina and into the void of space beyond the Harbinger. For a moment, she relived those exhilarating and terrible moments - the fight, the confession, the blood and pain and…

“Darth Strosius wasted no time - He carved that damned thing right out of my back with His own sword. I almost died in His arms…actually I think I did die, at least once - but I’m not that easy to keep dead.” she said with a slight smirk. “I fought back with every ounce of strength and power I had in me.” At that point, the young Vahla’s eyes began to water as tears dripped down her cheeks. “I couldn’t leave them behind…my boys, Caedes, the Wonosans…everyone else I’ve ever come to care about. I couldn’t go like that…but I was bleeding out in His arms and I was paralyzed and we had Prazutis on one side and Carnifex behind us blocking our way out. Carnifex said something about Is this all you have? and it just lit a fire in me to live. To prove my worth and my strength against Death itself.”

Revna sniffled and lifted her hand to wipe the tears off her cheeks and chin, closing her eyes and breathing for a moment to compose herself, before she looked back at Lina. “But we made it out. I was…unconscious when we left. Father told me that it was Malum that dropped in and pulled us to safety…and then I drifted in the darkness until I awoke in one of the medical chambers. Recovery has been…a journey…but I can walk now. I have pain still, tingling and numbness on my left side. Part of my spine is synthetic…but I won, Lina. I faced down my own Death and I won.”

Lina Ovmar
​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Lina fell still as Revna recounted the story of her rescue, each beat rising guilt further in her chest, gnawing away at her. She should have been there. She had given Revna her word that she would see her free. She had wanted to find Strosius, to tell him of the device in the spine, of all she had learned in the visits she'd managed. Lina's failure had almost cost Revna her life. The Force wills as it wants. Revna survived and was far stronger for it, but that didn't shake the magnitude of shame she felt.

Lina reached forward, cupping the younger woman's chin. "You did so well, Revna." The words were soft, choked with emotion, reflected in glittering emeralds as she blinked back her own tears. "Pain is nothing compared to what you have suffered. I am proud of you." A gloved thumb brushed her cheek before she withdrew. "I should have been there. I gave you my word...I gave Strosius my word..." she trailed off, looking away and shaking her head.

"I am so sorry, Revna. I failed you."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

When Revna had finished recounting the details of her rescue to Lina, the older Sith woman surprised her by leaning forward to cup her chin in one hand, a movement that made the younger Vahla woman grow still - not from alarm but in quiet connection. Lina told her in a somewhat choked voice that she had done well, the emotion that Lina was feeling glittering within beautiful green eyes. Revna’s expression became somewhat reflective as she was told that the pain she had endured had been nothing compared to the rest of the suffering she had undergone. It was true - but as much as Revna hated to admit it…the pain and suffering had been necessary for her evolution as a Sith. She would undergo many more trials of pain and suffering before the end came for her, too. That she knew was for certain.

"I should have been there. I gave you my word...I gave Strosius my word..." Lina murmured as she seemed to fight back tears, a thumb gracing over one of Revna’s cheeks before she sat back once more and looked away from Revna. "I am so sorry, Revna. I failed you."

Her words made Revna’s breath catch in her throat as a knot of deeper emotions coiled and tightened within her chest. Most other Sith might have found the breach of one’s word to be a betrayal, but Revna was not that kind of Sith. She was guided by her fiery passion as much as she was by her wisdom and insight.

“No…you didn’t fail me or my Master, Lina. It’s not like you were in a cantina somewhere partying and sleeping around and getting drunk or lost in some spice haze. You were trapped in another realm entirely, due to events that happened outside of your control.” She paused to let her words sink in, her eyes glancing over Lina’s face in the silence before she continued.

“The Force dictated the flow of events, and things transpired the way they did by design. You’re alive, I’m alive, and Darth Strosius is alive. And I firmly believe, in my heart, that there is a reason for that. A reason or purpose that has not revealed itself to any of us…yet.” She inhaled and exhaled slowly. “...have you felt it? The change in the fabric of the Force? The ripples? Something is happening…something is coming. I feel it but I can’t see it yet. I think that maybe we three have a part to play in what is coming…and in order to see it through, we each had to become stronger or even ascend to something beyond what we once were.”

Revna sat back in her seat and closed her eyes for a moment, “Sorry…that kind of came out of nowhere.” she murmured. “I am not angry at you for not being there with Alisteri when He came to save my ass. I did miss you though. I had become rather fond of your company and visits so I am happy that you are back and we can visit one another again. Having someone…to trust, or even call a friend or an ally…as a Sith is so rare and I don't take it for granted. My Father doesn’t think such things are possible but…I’m determined to prove Him wrong. But I know I have my work cut out for me with that…”

Lina Ovmar
​

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Tears spilt over her cheeks, only to be swept away rapidly. Revna's understanding only seemed to make her feel worse. Lina closed her eyes, willing the well of emotion rising in her chest to settle. She would not lose control, no matter how easy it was, how freeing it felt to be in the company of someone who held no judgment. To be able to let down her guard. She drew in a deep breath, holding it for a moment as the face of a red-skinned twi'lek, decorated with swirling black tattoos, swam before her mind's eye.

Attachment is a weakness, Calina. It will bring you nothing but pain and misery.

Lina exhaled slowly, swallowing the emotion back down. Try as she might to break free of her mother's torment, the woman practically lived in the dark recesses of her mind. She sniffed, wiping away the few tears that escaped, pulling herself together. How someone as level-headed and reasonable as Revna wound up the apprentice to Strosius would forever remain a mystery to her. After a moment, she lifted her gaze, listening intently to her words, her head tilted as she pondered them, nodding slowly.

"It's like a season changing," she agreed ", it feels different, charged, almost. Though I've been so occupied with my own predicament, I have not given it much thought." She fell pensive, eyes glazing for a moment before snapping away from trailing thoughts. Her next words brought a sad smile to her face, her eyes searching hers for a moment before responding. "I am inclined to agree with him," she said, "Every experience I have had has ended in misery or betrayal. My mother believed it so strongly that when I was a child, she murdered the first friend I made and made me watch. People were just tools to be used and sacrificed as you saw fit to achieve your goals."

She tilted her head. "But with you, it is different. I am not sure why, perhaps it is because I see my younger self in you, or maybe I am a mother who is seeking to fill a void. I don't know for sure. All I know is that time spent with you is precious, and that I will kill anyone who brings you to harm."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Lina Ovmar ​

Revna sat quietly, her presence calm and even soothing as tears dripped from Lina’s emerald eyes, tears that were quickly dashed away. The older woman seemed to take a few moments to collect herself and settle the upwelling of emotions that had surfaced from Revna’s words. The younger woman knew all too well the feeling of such things herself; attachments were dangerous for Sith to have or form with others. It was all too easy for such things to be used against one’s self.

But they were oh so worth it.

Every battle Revna had ever faced, she had done so with the determination to make it through to the other side so she could see the faces of those she cared about again. She withheld nothing when she fought for them, or to see them again. She felt it was something that made her particularly dangerous to her foes; she wasn’t just fighting for herself, and that made her far more violent and tenacious.

Lina responded to Revna’s statements and probing question, saying that what she had felt was more akin to the changing of a season, though she pensively admitted that she hadn’t paid much attention to it due to her own circumstances. After a moment, her attention returned to Revna as she said she agreed with Strosius, and told her how every experience she had had with others had ended in betrayal and suffering. She told Revna how her own mother had believed in such a thing so much that she had gone so far as to kill Lina’s first childhood friend in front of her.

“But with you, it is different. I am not sure why, perhaps it is because I see my younger self in you, or maybe I am a mother who is seeking to fill a void. I don't know for sure. All I know is that time spent with you is precious, and that I will kill anyone who brings you to harm." Lina confessed with a tilt to her head as she regarded the younger Sith seated across from her. Revna smiled again, one that was edged with both sorrow and happiness. Sorrow for the suffering Lina had been through as a child, and happiness that she was willing to trust Revna and let her in, despite the violent lessons of Lina’s past.

“You and my Father both.” Revna replied with a light chuckle in response to the comment about how Lina would kill anyone who would dare bring Revna harm. For a moment, she was quiet and reflective as she further pondered Lina's words. “Well...you don't need to worry on whether or not I will drive a knife through your back. I only reserve such actions for those who betray me first or who are my enemies.” the little Sith woman said, her cautionary warning very subtle but she knew that Lina would catch it. She disliked that she had to even mention such a thing...but they were Sith.

Another warm and friendly smile curled upon Revna's face as a thought drifted through her mind and she leaned forward in her seat a little bit. "...I do not yet know the time or place but...I would very much like for you to be there when I ascend to the throne beside Caedes and become his bonded partner." She lowered her gaze for a moment, a hint of sadness passing over her face. "I...I don't think my Father will attend or be a part of it. He has His own grievances against Caedes and He is not thrilled about my connection to the King. Despite my desire and wish for Him to be present for such a special day I...I don't see it happening. But I would like for someone that I care about to be there to be a part of it. Maybe He will surprise me but...I don't know."

Hopefully, if He did decide to be a part of it, it would be as the Father of the Bride and not to crash it like He had with Lina's wedding. Revna was fairly positive that she would kill the Sith Lord if He dared to do such a thing to her.

 

[Lina Ovmar]

A flash of sadness, followed by understanding crossed Lina's face at Revna's not so subtle warning. She had no intention of betraying her, yet deep down Lina knew the truth of it all. It wasn't just that they were Sith, it was that Lina had made a decision that she would sacrifice whatever was necessary to achieve her goal. She prayed to Bogan, that Revna would never fit that category, that she would never be forced to break either of their hearts.

Just as quickly as the moment came, it vanished with the infectious smile that spread across Revna's face, that giddiness from before washing over her again. Anger pulsed briefly at the possibility of her Father shaming her by not being there to support her. She leaned forward, taking both of Revna's hand in her own. "It would be my honour, Revna, to be there for you on such a special day. As for your Father..." she pursed her lips trying to find the right path, the right words.

"I want to believe that he has learnt enough to be able to put aside his own reservations to support your happiness, not just for your sake, but for his. However, if he is so fething stupid that he can't then let me know and I will drag his stubborn backside into the Netherworld and teach him the sanctity of having a daughter."

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Lina Ovmar ​

Lina leaned forward and took a hold of Revna’s hands in her own, and told her that she would be honored to be there for Revna’s special day. It made the smile on the younger woman’s face broaden with joy, watching how Lina’s face shifted and her lips pursed with thought. She seemed as if she was trying to decide how best to respond to the comments Revna had made about Alisteri not attending, before she spoke her thoughts aloud.

"I want to believe that he has learnt enough to be able to put aside his own reservations to support your happiness, not just for your sake, but for his. However, if he is so fething stupid that he can't then let me know and I will drag his stubborn backside into the Netherworld and teach him the sanctity of having a daughter."

Revna couldn’t help a snort of grim laughter as she gave Lina’s hands an appreciative squeeze. She knew she could count on the other woman, and it was comforting to hear that Lina would step in on Revna’s behalf should the Sith Lord decide to pull His usual shenanigans and bring a dark cloud over an otherwise special moment in Revna’s life. A moment that she intended to only happen once.

“I won’t lie…if that happened, I would pay to see it.” the younger Sith woman said with some dark amusement laced in her voice before her grim smile slipped away and her face returned to one of thought and introspection as she pondered Lina’s words. “Truthfully I’ve yet to tell Him that Caedes asked me to be his Queen. I…am afraid to tell Him, if I am being honest. Our last discussion involving Caedes turned into a heated argument so I currently don’t have much hope for Him understanding or even accepting it. But…it’s not His choice at the end of the day. It’s mine. My heart is mine to give to whom I wish and please…whether He likes it or not.”

She fell quiet, still thoughtful, before continuing; “But it still hurts to know He has such bitterness towards the man I intend to wed. And it hurts even more because Caedes has nothing but the utmost respect for Alisteri. He even helped me build a memorial tomb for Him in the Valley of the Dark Lords. Once I am recovered enough here…soon…I am taking that stubborn man with me back to Korriban to meet His grand apprentices, and to show Him the memorial He refuses to believe actually exists.”

Revna sighed heavily and shook her head. “I am sorry for dumping my problems and woes upon you, Lina. It just feels good to have another woman to talk to about these things. I’ve had no one since I woke up on this damn ship weeks ago. I don’t know how to navigate any of this…and I feel lost sometimes.”

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Lina listened, watching Revna flicker from happiness to sadness, torn between loyalty to the man she had chosen to call Father, and the call of her own heart to be with Caedes. While she spoke, Lina's thumbs stroked the back of Revna's hands. She was not at all surprised by Strosius dislike of Caedes, he seemed to judge every book by its cover. Caedes was, on the surface and Kainite, loyal to Carnifex and as for as Strosius was concerned, that made him an enemy. It was the same book he had judged her by when they had first met. He never asked questions, he just assumed.

Lina shook her head when Revna apologised. "Please don't apologise, you are not burdening me with anything. I have all the time in the galaxy to be here for you Revna, whatever you need. Alisteri's bitterness is no doubt born out of ignorance, the same ignorance that led to misjudge me, and yet here I am on his ship, working with him." A smile tugged at the corners of her lips "I might even go so far as to say he's starting to like me, but I doubt he will admit it, men who admit they were wrong are a rarity."

She gave a small smile. "There is hope, Revna, for him to see beyond the prejudice, he just needs time and if there is no time...well, perhaps we need to force his hand. That is of course, if you would like my help?"

Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

Lina Ovmar
​

Revna took comfort in the way that Lina’s thumbs rubbed over the top of her hands. It helped to ground her in the present and not get lost in her thoughts or memories. Lina seemed to understand very well, and as she responded once more to Revna’s concerns and fears, the little Sith once more found herself to be so thankful for another woman around that she could speak her heart to.

If her mother had still been around, still alive…would she have done the same? Would she have sat here with Revna and held her hands and given her insight and wisdom, laughed with her, cried with her? It was a mystery that Revna knew she would never know.

When Lina responded, Revna returned her attention to the woman as Lina waved off her apology. Her assessment of Strosius brought a half smirk to Revna’s face because she frankly agreed with it. Even from the early days of being an Acolyte under His tutelage, Revna could see that He was often guided by ignorance…be it purposeful or simply because He didn’t want to take the effort to find the truth for Himself. But she knew it was more than that too; His ignorance was also a product of pain…the pain He had suffered throughout His entire life. Sometimes it was just easier to hate without thought, without reason, than it was to stand back and assess who was who and what use they could be.

But she also knew to some degree that Alisteri’s ignorance was a face He wore; on the contrary, He was rather observant of those around Him. He picked up on things that others did not, and He had history with other Sith that she frankly didn’t have. But still…it was frustrating that He wouldn’t look past His own prejudice. If He could, He would find allies eager to stand with Him, eager to help Him tear down the powers that be.

"-I might even go so far as to say he's starting to like me, but I doubt he will admit it, men who admit they were wrong are a rarity." Lina said, then smiled, before saying, "There is hope, Revna, for him to see beyond the prejudice, he just needs time and if there is no time...well, perhaps we need to force his hand. That is of course, if you would like my help?"

Revna’s smile mirrored Lina’s as a hint of amusement shone in her eyes. “Oh don’t I know it. And clearly He likes you. Otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed on his ship, to roam where and when you please…mostly. He may have changed a bit since His return but He is still that fiery Sith Lord everyone knew Him to be. It’s just covered by a thin veil of caution this time around, I think. And that caution makes Him…listen before acting. For the most part.” She paused, pursing her lips as she considered Lina’s offer of help.

“I think…that time will be our best ally in this. If He came around for you then I feel that He will come around in time with Caedes too. He just needs to hear and see with His own eyes that the things I told Him are the truth. And, truthfully, we still have time. There are still things I need to do before I can ascend to the throne. I…I need to undergo my Trial, and be Knighted.” Again. “Once I am better though I intend to tell Him that I am ready for it. I mean…it would look kind of weird to have the Queen of Korriban be an apprentice and not a Darth.”

Revna paused for several moments and tilted her head to one side in thought as her eyes narrowed almost conspiratorially. “...however, if the time draws nearer and He’s still being stubborn, then I just might call upon you for the help you offered. I’m sure you can find a way to convince Him to see the proverbial light in the matter.”

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Lina gave a half shrug at confirmation of the growing friendship between her and Lord Strosius, though the smile that glittered in her eyes told the truth of how she felt about it. It was a pity that they had to go through so much to get to this point and she often wondered how things would've panned out of he had just given her a chance on Faldos they day they met. Yet the Force willed and weaved as it wanted, everything that had transgressed had done so for a reason.

Even if she couldn't yet see that reason.

As always, Revna showed a patience that eluded many Sith Lords that had been alive far longer than she. She would be a wonderful Queen, that much Lina knew. "I never took a Darth name." she said in response to Revna's need to hold such a title. Pass the trials, absolutely but why was a Darth name so important? She had never chosen one. her mother had, though it was a title rarely used. "I never felt much affinity to a single name to need to take it. that and I spent nearly four decades going by an alias to stay under Carnifex's radar."

She gave her hands a squeeze. Lina did not mean to diminish her need to take the trial. Tales of her own past seemed to come freely with Revna. It was easy to talk to her, there was no fear of judgement. "Whatever you need, Revna, I will be at your beck and call. though, be sure to give me plenty of warning for your wedding date. I need time to make you both a gift."

Revna Marr