Private Hymn to the Void

[Revna Marr]

Revna accepted Taeli’s apologies for her wife’s abrasiveness with another dip of her head, and she relaxed a little further when it was just the two of them. The little Sith was mildly disappointed at the sudden turn of events, but she hoped that space and perhaps some time apart would allow Fiolette and her to speak on more…friendly terms later on. She didn’t expect the woman to outright embrace her or accept her; that was an unreasonable expectation for strangers, especially when Sith were involved. But she hoped that the frigid attitude would be more kept in check in future interactions.

“A strange Sith is not easily trusted, and I do not expect her to accept me with open arms immediately, if ever. So I do understand. I was more confused on why there would be a relatively warm welcome aboard the ship, only to have it turn sour within moments, and with no fault of my own that I can see. Such things would put anyone on edge, I imagine.” the young woman replied.

She listened to Taeli as they walked onward, moving at the same pace with ease, nodding in understanding of what the older Sith Lady was asking of her. It made sense that she would want to know what all Revna had been taught, that way she wouldn’t be repeating lessons and techniques that the little apprentice already knew or had mastered to some degree. Revna took a deep breath as she began to shift through her myriad of thoughts, trying to consolidate them enough for a reply that would hopefully give an overview to the woman.

“I would be lying if I said that Lord Strosius was the only Sith I have learned from, but he was my first guide, my Mentor before he became my Master - a much more recent development, if I can be honest. When I first came under his mentorship I didn’t even know about the Force, the Light side or the Dark side. I didn't know who the Sith were, or the Jedi for that matter. All I had been told was that I had “magic”, and it was bad and to never use it in front of others - my slave masters, that is. My mother’s command, which I observed unless I was alone and confident that no one would learn about my little secret.”

Revna smiled slightly then; even back then as a small child, she had kept secrets from others, her own mother even. A trend that continued on even in the present.

“In the first couple weeks of my new life, I was given an adjustment period as I was fairly frail and malnourished and relatively weak. Strosius started slowly with me but he saw that I was hungry for more and I often pushed him to teach me more. Sometimes he relented and sometimes he was a bit more firm in me not taking on more than what I could at the time. I began studies into Sith history, I memorized the Sith Code, I learned meditation techniques, and I was introduced to other Force abilities that were a bit stronger, to see if I could manage such things. We found that I have a natural inclination towards Force Lightning. I was introduced to Sith alchemy, which became a keen interest of mine, and I would aid him on very minor things from time to time, though learning ur-Kittât has been an unexpected challenge. For some reason I still struggle to pick up the language and understand it.” She paused once more, taking a few steps and a breath before continuing.

“When he felt that I was physically well enough, I began my basic combat training under one of his Battlemasters as well as the Sith Lord himself. That…was a challenge, but I loved it. I was pushed to my limit and beyond, physically. Strosius was very good at identifying weakness in me and working me until he was satisfied that it was gone. There were times I hated him for it, for how much my body ached, but I am thankful for his harshness. Otherwise I wouldn’t have survived the realities of combat, or I would be a liability to others who serve with me.” She chuckled softly, thinking back briefly over the training days almost wistfully, before moving on.

“I trained to proficiency with every weapon we had available, and I was introduced to swordsmanship and dueling. When I was not in physical training, I was learning more and more about the Force itself, the Dark side, and more of the Sith and their culture, their history. As you can imagine, this has been taught to me through the lens of my Master and to some degree by Darth Malum as well, so admittedly it might be biased views and teachings...but I have an open and thirsty mind. That which is deemed unfit for me to learn...I just go and learn elsewhere without either of them knowing about it until after the fact. Such as the lore and history behind Darth Bane and the Rule of Two, which my Master disregards...as well as information about our foe, the Jedi. My Master will answer my questions when I ask them, of course - to a point...but if he thinks its not important for me to know then he won't teach or pass on such knowledge. He is also...very cautious about me reaching for powers and abilities he feels are beyond my means. I have had more than my fair share of stern discussions on such matters...and I doubt they will end anytime soon. There is a bit more of course; if you wish me to share with you all the Force techniques and abilities I have learned up until this point, I will do so.” Revna finished as she once more glanced at Taeli, a devious smile tugging on her lips.

Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro
​

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Fiolette found herself in the refresher, hands gripping either side of the porcelain sink. Her face had paled considerably as she tried to steady herself. An image appeared in the mirror: a Netherworld entity. "You dally and waste precious time, Yvarro," it hissed, turning its hand and squeezing inwardly. Fiolette found herself on one knee, one hand over her chest. Pain radiated through her, and she struggled to breathe. "Give her the pendant."

"I just..." she struggled, "need more time."

"You have had plenty, Yvarro. Neither of you comprehend the forces you deal with," the entity warned darkly, squeezing its hand again before releasing its fist. Fiolette coughed and struggled to stand, leaning against the sink. Dark, almost black sludge splattered into the basin, followed by blood. "Your time runs short, Yvarro," the entity warned again, leaving her with the stark reminder of her task.

After cleaning herself up, Fiolette emerged from the refresher and made her way down the corridors, hands clasped behind her back. She would maintain the facade, the idea that nothing had happened, but Taeli would know. Taeli would most certainly know what just happened.

The Warspite, a far cry from the mundane grey and ordinary metals of a typical Imperial starship's interior, mirrored the lush Galidraani interiors of an age gone by. For this adventure, the typically lonely ship was more lively with HRDs—human replica droids—who had the souls of servants who once roamed Stormvale.

Stormvale had been ruined in the war, its occupants slaughtered. Fiolette had found them in limbo and devised a workaround to save them. For a few months, they had been unaware of what had happened. Many opted to forget the truth, while some retained the knowledge. Fiolette did not begrudge those who wished to maintain blissful ignorance. Among those who kept the truth close to their hearts were Mr. Carrington, the butler, and Mrs. Lane, the head housekeeper.

It was Carrington and Lane who greeted Fiolette. "What a wonderful day," Carrington began. "Shall I take your coat?"

"No, that won't be necessary, Carrington, thank you," Fiolette responded, giving a smile toward Mrs. Lane. "Mrs. Lane, we do have a guest aboard. Could you see to it that one of the maids tends to her?"

Mrs. Lane beamed. "Of course, Admiral. I'll dispatch Miss Aubert straight away."

The galley, styled less like the interior of an old elegant ship and more like Stormvale, was a quick favorite. "Admiral, if I may," Carrington began, likely voicing the charge of a spreading request, "many of us here, while we do so enjoy the ship, perhaps for those whose memories are not what they used to be, would it be possible to change so that it feels more like home?"

Fiolette gave him a warm smile. "Of course, it shall be done."

There were not many things Fiolette had control over, but the ship was one of them. "Warspite, darling," she said, placing a hand on a wall, "why don't we make them feel more at home, hmm?" While the ship was not sentient in the traditional sense, it had some rudimentary understandings. Tied to Fiolette's heart, in the blink of an eye, the lush Titanic-inspired interior shifted.

Undoubtedly, Taeli and Revna would be aware of the changes, but only Taeli would know exactly what the ship's interior now reflected. Artificial sunlight poured in, and Fiolette's smile grew. "Much warmer now, I think, and welcoming."

"Thank you so kindly," Mrs. Lane remarked as she stepped aside to allow Fiolette to pass. "I heard there's to be a dinner tonight."

"Right you are," Fiolette acknowledged as she walked past Mrs. Lane. "I shall discuss it with Mrs. Hicks right away. Oh, and could you see to Miss Ahern fixing her Ladyship's study?"

"Of course. Oh, and Admiral, have you shown her Ladyship the new library?" Mrs. Lane replied as she was about half a step away from carrying out her duties.

Fiolette smiled. "Not yet, but I will. Now then, we've got a household to run."

"Right you are," Mr. Carrington's deep voice resonated with warmth as he turned to carry out his duties. Fiolette looked around and sighed happily. For a moment, she could forget she was aboard the Warspite. She felt right at home at Stormvale, and so she pressed ahead toward the kitchen, where Mrs. Hicks was humming away.

"Mrs. Hicks," she almost cried, moving to give the woman a hug. Mrs. Hicks looked at her for a moment and then stepped away. "I apologize; I was overcome with joy."

Mrs. Hicks let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh, well, we all have those moments, don't we, dearie?" Mrs. Hicks was among the first to want to forget her fate. She was an older, stockier woman who knew every Galidraani recipe there was to know and had gone about teaching herself Lorrdian and Corellian classics so that her Ladyship might feel more at home. "I've got dinner planned out. I was thinkin', since it's been so long, how about an old-fashioned Sunday roast."

"That sounds excellent already," Fiolette replied, appreciating the suggestion. "Perhaps, if we can manage it, beef and lamb?"

"Dearie, do you think me daft? Of course we can manage it. It will be both, and of course the potatoes. Just got a fresh batch in this mornin', and carrots, parsnips, a bit of cabbage, and then I think some onions, with peas and spinach on the side. I know her Ladyship likes her vegetables, and then, of course, the gravy and the pudding," explained Mrs. Hicks. Fiolette was starving at the sound of the delicious meal. Mrs. Hicks narrowed her gaze on the cauliflower. "And of course, these delicious greens here with a garlic confit and cauliflower cheese."

Now that Fiolette could actually eat again, she was all the more eager. "Well, that sounds delicious, and I cannot wait for it."

Her stomach growled, and Mrs. Hicks chuckled. "Oh, alright, dearie. I think I've got something for you, just to hold you over." Fiolette sat at the large wooden table that doubled as a chopping board and sometimes a bread or pasta board. She could see the seed cake, cabinet pudding, and cherry pie that would likely be offered that night. "Right, here we are," Mrs. Hicks said, pouring a cup of classic black tea and presenting little sandwiches: coronation chicken, egg and mayo, smoked fish and cream cheese, and some lovely cucumber sandwiches. Fio happily had her share of it, and when the meal had concluded she aided in the clean up and went about to speak with more of the staff.

Particularly the Hardwick brothers, since the ship would be mimicking Stormvale proper it meant the stable and their meadows would have a return as well. Fiolette wondered why she hadn't turned the Warspite into the Stormvale sooner, what with the ship being larger on the inside than the out, and that was quite considerable already. Warmly, she stepped out of the kitchen and onto the old Stormvale grounds.

Revna Marr | Taeli Raaf ​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

The admission from Revna that Alisteri was not the only teacher she had sought out brought a wider smile to Taeli's face. That was certainly something she could relate to with the girl, considering her own training under Darth Praelior. She had been forced, by the necessity of wanting knowledge, to seek out any avenues she could to acquire the skills and techniques she wanted. Praelior had fostered a love of alchemy and sorcery, but while her personal projects had been... colored by her Zeltron tendencies she had concluded, Taeli had wanted to go beyond that. The path to that required learning more, always more. Revna understood that and she seemed to understand that secrets, and keeping them, were important as well.

As they were walking and Revna was explaining the beginnings of her education under Strosis, she felt the pain lance through the bond with Fiolette, and she had to pause for a moment. Concern flooded through to her, comfort, as she could sense that the entities holding her wife's tether had made their presence known. She might know exactly how, but whatever they had done had caused Fiolette more pain... she would add that to the list of transgressions.

"Learning the language of the Sith can be challenging, especially without proper guidance," she would remark. "It can take years to master properly, and even longer than that to use it for creating and casting spells through Sith magic. I am surprised that your Master, or Lord Malum, did not provide you with a Sith amulet as they allow a neophyte to understand the language both in the spoken word and written record. That can certainly be something we can address."

She made a note that the younger woman had focused her explanation, for the most part, thus far on her physical capabilities with a brief touching upon of more important subjects. She was pleased to hear she had a proclivity to Force Lightning as it was one indicator that Revna could access the intricacies of sorcery and alchemy as well, if properly guided.

The offhand way she mentioned how her Master disregarded some history and teachings of their past, along with his overly cautious approach to what sounded like teaching his apprentice abilities and techniques, made her pause again in their walk. The Lord Inquisitor had not made it a secret that he held... unorthodox views of what it meant to be Sith, perhaps warped by his own personal experiences, but it was concerning to hear that Revna might not be receiving the instruction she needed. It also made her wonder what teachings he was disseminating throughout his Inquisition.

"I would love to hear about what techniques you have learned," she said, resuming their walk and turning the corner to...

She blinked first in surprise, and then a feeling of warmth would settle over her. The corridor had become a replica of one from Stormvale, their first home they had built together, that led out to the grounds and through the solarium. Sunlight from the Bastion sun was streaming through windows, revealing what were no doubt shifting rooms beyond into the grounds that she had once meticulously oversaw the design of along with the gardens. It seemed her wife had taken to heart one of her favorite shows on how she had designed this Netherworld-tied version of her flagship.

If this part of the ship was like Stormvale... she would smile more, saying to Revna, "My wife at work I believe," as a means of explanation for the sudden change in layout of the ship. "Please continue, Revna, and I believe a turn around the grounds will be good. It will also be an ideal place for lessons, as you will see."

She would gesture for Revna to continue her tale and detailing of her skills as they passed from the corridor out onto the grounds themselves.

Fiolette Yvarro Revna Marr

 

[Revna Marr]

A spark of interest lit in Revna’s eyes when Lady Raaf mentioned the Sith amulet that would help her pick up and understand the language of the Sith faster, and mentally she did ponder on exactly why neither her Master, nor her own cousin Malum, had even mentioned such a thing to her before now. It certainly would have helped her in the very beginning, but the more she thought about it the more she wondered if such information was purposefully kept from her by Strosius. He knew she struggled with the language; perhaps him withholding the knowledge of the amulet was his way of pushing her to overcome her challenges. It wouldn’t have been the first time he had pulled her away from anything that might be considered a “crutch” to the young Sith; he had started her training far away from the Cathedral and its enabling power, to force her to tap into her own well of power and fortitude instead of having help from an outside source.

She had a grasp of the very basics of the language. She could understand and inscribe certain sigils and glyphs, but even after months of study she felt that she should have progressed further than she had. Perhaps having the amulet now would help her move forward. She didn’t see the harm in having it, personally.

They continued forward, and Revna looked over the beauty that was the interior of the Warspite, only pausing briefly in step when she noticed Lady Raaf do the same, though why the woman paused in stride for a heartbeat was unclear to the young Sith woman. She almost appeared distracted by something, but the little woman paid it no mind.

“I…think I understand why Lord Strosius, at least, refrained from informing me of such an item. I don’t think Malum actually considered such a thing. He didn’t have too much impact or say over such studies of mine, as he taught me other things. Truthfully, while I was introduced to the language, most of the study on it has been self-taught and self-imposed. The lesson I think my Master wanted to impart to me has already been done, so I don’t think it would harm me to have such an amulet. Quite the opposite, actually. So yes…I would like to address that if possible. Also, while I have read and heard of Sith magic before in my readings, I am unlearned on such things. And being that I have no real knowledge in this area, I am very interested in hearing and learning more about it.”

After sharing a bit about her early learning experiences and asking Taeli if she wished to hear more, Revna was about to divulge further when her surroundings suddenly changed… dramatically. This caused the young woman to stop hard in her tracks, her attention on what was around her, and the glint of both alarm and awe flashed across her eyes.

Before she could question further, Taeli informed her that what had just happened seemed to be the work of her wife, Fiolette. It was…alarming, but not in a threatening or frightening manner. It made Revna far more curious about how such a thing could even happen in the first place, and it sent a myriad of thoughts racing through her mind.

“...uhh, right. Well, this was rather…unexpected. I am…more than curious to know how this happened, but maybe that will be a discussion for another time?” Revna inquired of the other woman with her, who encouraged her to continue with their previous topic. “And you are far more familiar with the layout of this ship…so lead the way.”

Revna was rather curious to know what lesson Taeli had in mind for her, and though she was eager to know she knew that it would come soon enough, so she returned her attention back to the topic at hand. For a few moments, the young woman was silent, her brain sifting through the various lessons and Force abilities she had been introduced to and had learned in the time she’d been under Strosius’s guidance, as well as lessons from Darth Malum and a couple others as well.

“Apologies for the hesitation; I am mentally going through all I’ve learned thus far. I will start with what Darth Strosius has introduced me to, then move from there. Besides Force Lightning, I was introduced to abilities such as Consume Essence, other various techniques of Telekinesis, Force Body techniques such as Force rage and Enhance attribute, deeper applications of Drain Knowledge…something I already practiced before I even came under his wing, but he helped me hone it a little more through lessons on interrogations and whatnot; Inertia, Life Detection and Force Detection were some of the very first things I was tested on, but they were abilities I was able to do before I met him, he just helped me hone such things a bit more as well, and any other Force related abilities in this field were discussed and practiced as well. Though there were many other more…practical lessons that were taught on the field of battle. Lord Strosius is a teacher who would rather teach the basics and then use the crucible of experience to temper and hone the student further. An example I can give is when he and I infiltrated a secret hideout of remnant rebel Tsis’Kaar assassins to get our hands on an item he wanted, he gave me just enough information to make me aware, but when we were attacked, I had to adjust instantly to their assassination techniques or be faced with serious injury or death. I prevailed, and he used the experience to further instruct me. I prefer it that way, if I can be honest.” Revna paused for a breath and cleared her throat as she mentally sifted through her memories of lessons with Darth Strosius, before she moved on to lessons and applications taught to her by Darth Malum.

“Malum taught me things more attuned with the Tsis’Kaars and their abilities and skill sets. Both he and my Master realized fairly quickly that I have a more…predatorial mind and nature. Malum taught me stealth and cloaking techniques, mind shielding, Force resistance, Force Smell and Tracking…basically anything that a Sith assassin might need to use or have knowledge of. Beyond that, Lord Malum also furthered my swordsmanship instruction. He drilled me until I was familiar with most, if not all, of the common saber forms. Though I hadn’t earned the right to a lightsaber at that point in time, so I practiced with my Sith sword.”

She glanced at Taeli again, looking over the woman and her features and facial expressions one more time, before moving on. “From Lady Talon, I learned Telepathy. It was a lesson I learned while at the Life Day Gala on Eliad. I might be forgetting a few things, so forgive me for that. But to the best of my memory, I think I have recounted everything. I am still new and fresh in my Sith learning, and I know I have much left to discover. There are things I desire to learn and master that I have heard about, but not been introduced to…not on an educational level anyway. But such things will come in time.”

Brief memories of her rather foolish and near fatal run in with a particularly dangerous Sith Lord resurfaced in her mind, and though she hadn’t seen nor heard from the Entity in some time - the mere thought of him was enough to make her heartbeat quicken and flash of anxiety and icy fear rip through her. He would feel such emotions - he always did. But she was quick to rein herself in and mask her emotions. The less he felt from her right now, the better.

The little Sith apprentice turned her face towards Taeli and smiled slightly. “I am curious and eager to know what this lesson you have in mind entails, my Lady.” Revna said, trying to distract herself from her spiral of thoughts and refocus on the topic at hand.

Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro​

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Feeling the warm glow of sunlight on her face, Fiolette took in a deep breath, the fresh scent of lavender so surreal. As she exhaled, she almost cried—this was home. Her outfit mirrored the old Galidraani riding habits, a perfect blend of tradition and elegance. She beamed warmly as she stepped across the path. "Afternoon," she tipped her hat toward Mr. Temby, "how's the game lookin'?"

"Not bad," Temby said with a smile, several hares on a hook, "Mrs. Hicks requested these. I heard there's a plan for hare stew tomorrow. Probably have the young Miss Camburn get started on them."

"They do look splendid, Mr. Temby." She took her gloved hand and inspected them. "Plump as well. Say, Mr. Temby, do you suppose there might be enough hide for the milliner?"

Temby looked at the hares. "Believe so. Got a good number here. I'll let Mrs. Hicks know to have the young lass go easy on these."

"Thank you so much. I'll send details to Mr. Brisley when I get to my office," she told him plainly and tipped her hat to him as Mr. Temby headed into the home through the kitchen's backdoors. The gardens looked quite well, Fiolette thought to herself. Mr. Danton had done a splendid job maintaining the ornate gardens that surrounded the home, and of course, the kitchen garden with their vegetable plots, glasshouses, and orchards. As she passed Mr. Danton, she tipped her riding hat toward him.

Mr. Danton rose to his feet. "See them bloody hares? Was gettin' to me parsnips they were. Mr. Temby's keepers got 'em nice and clean, eh?"

"That he did. Oh, I hope they didn't cause you too much stress there, Mr. Danton," Fiolette remarked as she looked over the rows. "Looks rather sorted out here."

"Oh yes, well, they had gotten to me carrots and cabbages already when I told Mr. Temby, and as it happened, Mrs. Hicks was plannin' a right stew, so now these vegetables will go right into the pot with 'em hares." Danton remarked as he got a look at the gardens. "Tell her Ladyship that the new oleanders will be put up by her study on the morrow. There was a delay in the delivery this mornin'."

Fiolette inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Absolutely. You know her Ladyship is a patient woman; she won't mind too much. I'll leave you to the gardens. Have the Hardwicks arrived?"

"They have, tendin' to the horses now, I think. They've got the farrier over, so mind your step, Admiral." Mr. Danton explained and then turned back to his work as Fiolette pressed on, smiling warmly. It felt good to be home, and as she walked the gardens, she could see Mrs. Yorke on her way in, the dressmaker likely here to take Taeli's measurements for whatever party they were to attend. Fiolette was unsure of the time in which this was taking place, but as she continued to walk, the Galidraani noticed something. There were no skyscrapers on the horizon.

The thing with Stormvale was it was the only plot of green that large in a world that had become a jungle of duracrete and durasteel. Here, the Warspite seemed to have eliminated it altogether. As she continued on, she remembered that they didn't have a milliner. Fio wondered if the Warspite was trying to tell her something and for the moment pushed the thought aside.

The stables, however, did appear on the horizon, and as she looked toward them, she saw out of the corner of her eye a man she didn't quite recognize. She adjusted her path and headed toward him. "Afternoon," she greeted calmly, and then the man looked up.

"Oh, grand rising to you, Admiral."

"Twas on me way up, finished the smoked trout just this mornin', got it right here." He held it up, and sure enough, smoked trout was hanging from a small circular rack. "T'would you like a bite?"

"What a mighty fine lookin' piece here, of course, erm, Mr. Hillyard, was it?" She inquired, somehow the name occurred to her but she was almost sure they did not have a gillie or river keeper of any sort. That was impossible—there was no water near Stormvale. They had a pond, but it was more for looks than anything else. There were scarcely enough snails for a stew in that pond.

"Aye, Cecil Hillyard. I wanted to thank you for your kindness after hiring me and me sons last week. You had every right to toss us on our hides, but am glad that you have need of a gillie. Now, I'll tell you what, soon as those mussels are ready, I'll send 'em over to Mr. Temby and Mrs. Hicks to have a look. Might be a mighty nice lunch, them."

Fio smiled and replied as she played the part, "Well, Mr. Hillyard, we do try to extend grace around the manor. Have you and your family settled in well then?" She moved to break off a piece of the offered smoked trout. It was, of course, divine. She hadn't had something like that in decades, not since her time on... Galidraan. Things were now starting to come together, she wondered if by virtue of the Warspite being connected to her the way it was. If, these lost souls were arriving to find... home? Certainly something for her to explore, but that must have been where Hillyard had come from. "This is delicious."

"And yes, we've settled in well enough. The Mrs is workin' on a fine quilt for you and her Ladyship. The boys are out now tendin' to the ducks. When they've laid their eggs, we'll have 'em up for Mrs. Hicks." He paused a moment and then added as an afterthought, "And, you know, the Mrs can turn them goose feathers into quills. Her Ladyship does a fair bit of writing, eh?"

Fio continued to give him a warm smile, but the cogs in her heart spun a little faster. "She does, actually, so your Mrs is quite the talented woman. Then I am quite glad we've been able to make a place for you, Mr. Hillyard. Her Ladyship so does adore precious stationary materials."

Mr. Hillyard's eyes lit up. "Oh, good, splendid. I'll tell her once I get these trouts to the kitchens."

"Of course, oh please, let me get out of your way." She took a step to the side and watched as the older man ambled along the path. Fio's brows furrowed slightly as she wondered what was happening. A thought from her mind to Taeli's: There are servants here that I know did not work on our property, but I am not sure what to make of them. If you come across any that seem out of place, do play the part. I do not wish to make them uncomfortable. I've an idea as to who or what they might be. From there, she resumed her walk toward the stables, where she finally was able to get a glimpse of the riding horses and the Hardwick brothers.

"Mr. Hardwicks, ah and Mr. Hardy, lovely to see you as always," Fio greeted the Hardwick brothers who tended to the stables, and then Mr. Hardy, the farrier, who was working on one of the horses now, "Titan," who was quite the stallion—a large draft workhorse that had come from Galidraan III.

Mr. Hardy stood up from his anvil. "A pleasure, Admiral. Don't worry about ol' Titan here, he'll be back to plowin' fields soon enough. Just needs a bit of rest. Not sure what happened to his foot, but lad's got a bit of an infection. I'll have 'im sorted soon."

"Sounds good. Mr. Hardwick, do you think ol' Medusa is ready for a ride about the meadows?" Internally, Fio wanted to question why she had just said meadows. That was certainly strange.

Mr. Hardwick, that was Gadeon and not Matthias, "Aye, she's just been brushed out. She's out in the pad. Oh, and a young lass is due to come by. Not sure if you recall, she's a young machinist, I think. A young Miss Aldworth. She'll be driving one of your cars into the garage later, I think."

Fio was really starting to worry but didn't let that show. "I'll trust Mr. Carrington to handle it, and I am quite glad the country car has been completed."

"Of course. Anyway, Medusa's out that way," Hardwick gave Fio directions. He never did that before. She wondered what else had changed on the Warspite, but as she tipped her hat and made her way toward the pad, Medusa, the beautiful mare, was waiting, and Fio was eager to head out onto the meadows.

After a little while, Fio and Medusa had hit the trails that led out into the meadows, and as Fio felt the wind in her face and heard the steady beat of Medusa's hooves on the ground. She had never felt more alive.

Taeli Raaf | Revna Marr ​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

She would click her tongue as Revna explained why she thought Strosius and Malum had neglected, or refused, to give her an amulet to better her understanding of the Sith language.

"A Sith amulet is not a crutch, but a vital part of and test of a student's ability to grasp what form the building blocks of Sith alchemy and sorcery," she would explain, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "When I was an apprentice myself, one of the first tasks my Master had me do was create an amulet for myself and it is one of the first lessons a budding alchemist or sorceress needs. We shall indeed be correcting that issue."

To Taeli, as she processed what Revna was saying about how Strosius had taught her, how Malum had assisted in her education, how the Empress had taken an interest in her development, she was beginning to understand a few things.

First and foremost, it appeared to her that Strosius seemed to take an interesting spin upon traditional training methods. Adversity and overcoming challenge had long been a tool of Sith instruction, a tradition deeply rooted in the Sith code. It was expected that Sith apprentices could face down and overcome whatever challenge their Master gave, and if they didn't, another would take their place that was worthier of the Master's time. It sounded like Strosius took that approach in all aspects of training, not just in physical development, and while it did have merits, it could also be something that could hold back a student. Especially for a student like Revna, one with boundless curiosity, a heavier focus on the basics and making the student figure it out might not allow them to see how the basics could lead to more advanced techniques. It certainly sounded to her that Strosius was deliberately slowing the pace of her training by relying on adversity and determining if she was ready for knowledge or not.

She would rectify that.

Second, she was curious about the extent of training Malum had given her in stealth and espionage techniques. While she did not doubt it, he and Strosius were apprentices of Ophidia, neither had fully struck as on the path of the Sith assassin or spy. Her impressions thus far of Malum were of the schemer, the politician, and she had to wonder if he had taken into account how such techniques he had shown her could be augmented, tricked, or outright hindered.

She would have to test that.

Third, it appeared to Taeli that the younger woman took pride in her physical capabilities as she had once again mentioned her combat training. Combined with her admitted predatorial mindset, with proper guidance and training, she suspected that Revna would be a terror on a battlefield or in the field. Although once again it sounded like they had focused exclusively on the basics or working to make her well-rounded by knowing all saber forms, whereas she would have seen tested her to see where her aptitudes lay. The younger woman had too much of a drive for knowledge to be one who would walk the Sith warrior path.

Another thing to test.

"My wife's ship was created from matter collected in the Netherworld, and thus it has a... looser connection to the material realm and can be reshaped according to your will," she would offer as an explanation. She had seen the awe as the ship shifted around them and it was only fair to give her some explanation rather than leave it fully a mystery. "She modeled it on the flagship she used in the wars, but as you can see, it has become something more through her connection with it."

She would tilt her head as she received her wife's message through their bond. She shared both Fiolette's confusion and caution on why there were unknown souls populating among the servants on the ship, but she could form some theories. A casual scan of the gardens they were walking through would identify to her at least three groundskeeper assistants she was unfamiliar with. She had known all of them in life, having vetted them herself as she was very particular on the layout of the grounds.

"Perhaps the ship drew them in, offering them a safe space within the Nether because they couldn't or wouldn't fade away and it didn't want to see them destroyed," would be the thought she offered to Fiolette. It was one theory, and could be completely wrong, but she knew from crafting her concealment spell for herself and Revna that the ship had a base consciousness or at least the beginnings of one and it was heavily tied to her wife's soul.

"And from what you have explained, it certainly will be more than one lesson, my dear," she continued saying out loud, leading Revna towards a central stone gazebo that would be large enough for the first test. Explaining what she knew, the basics of a Sith apprentice, was all well and good, but she wanted to appraise her skills herself. "I was your age when I joined the Sith myself, a story for another time, but we have and had a similar drive to learn. To know. The stories we can read or the legends we are told, even those of our contemporaries, can capture the imagination and quicken the ambition of a young acolyte."

She would gesture for Revna to stop as she continued to the center of the gazebo.

"The first test is rather simple in concept, but will be extremely challenging," she continued, turning to face the younger woman. "It will tell me what your limits are, both real and imagined, and it will tell me how adaptive you can be. It will begin to show me your creativity and your imagination, both traits I find desirable in a pupil. And it will show me your tenacity, to see how dedicated you are to a challenge and overcoming it, and it will test your combat capabilities."

She would offer the girl a smile.

"Make me move physically or ignite my lightsaber. You may approach that goal however you see fit."

Revna Marr Fiolette Yvarro

 

[Revna Marr]

The exasperation in Lady Raaf’s voice as she explained the importance of such an amulet was not lost on Revna; clearly, she took issue with how Revna’s master chose to teach her. A slight frown creased the young woman’s brow.

“Do not mistake my honesty with you as me complaining about how my Master chooses to teach me. I value everything he has passed on to me, and I use that knowledge when and where applicable. And I am still very early on in my training; he has much left to teach me. He simply has never mentioned such an item to me; I am merely assuming he refrained from telling me about such a thing for his own reasons - and I could be completely wrong about that. And I never asked him for help on the language. How can he help me with something if I don’t tell him I’m struggling? Yes yes, it could be argued that he should have known his pupil was dealing with such issues, but the fault lies with me as well; I am rather stubborn at times, but in this situation I only hindered myself, and took away an opportunity from him to further teach me. Regardless…learning how to create or get my hands on such an item would be very helpful, and I won’t say no to learning this. And it will provide me with the knowledge and experience necessary to pass that on to my own apprentice, one day.”

Revna glanced at the woman, and a small and almost devious smile crossed her face. “And besides…an apprentice is supposed to be the better version of their Master, yes? Or so I’ve heard. I should learn from his mistakes and failures so that I can rise above such things, and likewise my own future student will do the same.”

She cast her gaze about her, taking in the changes of the ship’s layout, and after a few more steps, spoke once more. “A lot of Sith are obsessed with gaining as much power as possible to rise to the top, to dominate and control all that they can see and touch. And while I am not opposed to this, it is not my primary drive on my journey as a Sith. I won’t say no to positions of power and influence, if it suits me and my purpose and goals. But really…I want to learn everything I can about the Force, the Dark side and the Light side because I want to pass that knowledge on. I want to be the best for my student, or even my own children - if I have any of my own.”

Of course, Revna was keeping some of the truth to herself. Some might wonder why she still chose to stay with Darth Strosius, instead of leaving him to find another Master, someone like Taeli who was perhaps more suited to her needs. But she had her reasons.

To the apprentice’s surprise, Taeli shared a bit behind just why the ship had changed, and this only further deepened Revna’s awe over it. She truthfully wasn’t too familiar with this netherworld, but to hear that something in the material realm could be shifted by one’s will intrigued her greatly.

As they continued towards a stone gazebo, Taeli continued to speak and share further knowledge and information with Revna - all of which she drank up with rapt attention. She fully agreed that the legends of old were of great inspiration; the feats of ancient Sith Lords long since passed often encouraged the young woman and shaped her own visions and goals she had for herself. She would be lying if she said that their stories didn’t feed into her own ambitions, but she was also real and honest with herself.

Out of the many, many Sith that had roamed the galaxy over the many thousands of years of the Order’s existence - only a fraction had ever risen to true greatness. And the rest were mere footnotes, fodder for their betters, their names long since forgotten. And more than likely, this would be her fate as well. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t strive to reach for greatness and attempt to make a name for herself.

Taeli indicated for Revna to stop as she continued on towards the center of the gazebo. The little woman had a feeling that this was where her first lesson would take place, and sure enough - her feelings proved right. Revna tilted her head as the Sith Lady explained the nature of her first test: To simply make her move, or force her to ignite her lightsaber. And she was free to do this in any way she felt was right.

Simple, yet challenging - as immediately her mind shifted through different ways that she could achieve this. Revna hated being put on the spot in such a manner, but such was the nature of learning some lessons. Sometimes, it was simply better to turn off the mind and just act on instinct.

…what would she do if this woman was her enemy?

Die, probably - she mused to herself darkly as she made a more direct approach to the challenge. She could adapt from there, as needed.

Despite her small size, Revna was swift and rather agile on her feet. She closed the distance between her and Taeli in the space of moments, though she shifted to her left - Taeli’s right - just before she could directly collide into the woman. Her saber hilt was in her hand with a simple gesture, the emitter facing the older Sith woman at her flank and the ignition switched on to activate the orange blade, her desire to either force Taeli to step out of the blade’s path or have it blocked - and as she did so, she called the Force around her like an invisible shield. It wasn’t the strongest barrier - but it was simply there to help her absorb any energy directed her way.

Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro​

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Fiolette felt her wife's voice in her mind, mentioning that perhaps the souls were drawn in by the ship. The Warspite, a beacon of safety, passage, and home, offered a sanctuary for these lost Galidraani souls. So, with a soft reply through their bond, Fiolette agreed, Then welcomed they shall be. Perhaps one day, we can see to their rescue. The beautiful sunlight, artificial as it was felt as real and warm as ever. Roaring up from the back of the estate, the red head patted Medusa's neck.

Medusa, the beloved mare, galloped toward the meadows. A cross between a Galidraani Shire and a thoroughbred, Medusa had been her most cherished companion since she and Taeli had married. Urging the mare forward, Fiolette couldn't help but laugh. She had missed the feel of the wind whipping through her hair, the sense of freedom that riding brought.

Medusa was a magnificent creature, her glossy black coat glistened in the sunlight. Her powerful muscles rippled beneath her skin, showcasing the strength and grace of her lineage. Fiolette felt a deep bond with her horse, a connection forged through years of companionship and trust.

As they sped through the meadows, Fiolette threw down her hat, undoing her hair to let it flow freely. The sensation was exhilarating, the wind tangling her hair as they rode past the garden gazebo. Medusa's hooves thundered against the ground, a rhythmic beat that matched the racing of Fiolette's heart. She felt alive, unburdened by the weight of her responsibilities and the lingering shadows of the past.

The sound of a honking vehicle reached her ears, and she narrowed her gaze to see Miss Aldsworth arriving in one of her country cars. A smile tugged at her lips. Miss Aldsworth was always reliable, and Fiolette knew the Hardwick brothers would keep her busy long enough. Long enough for Fio to enjoy the afternoon sun with Medusa.

She and Medusa pressed onward, their path only turning back when the forest around the edges of the meadows refused to allow them any further. Perhaps that was the Warspite's limit, a boundary beyond which even its influence could not reach.

As she slowed Medusa to a gentle trot, Fiolette saw another vehicle approaching. The path that had welcomed Miss Aldsworth would welcome others. It was a warm, welcoming sight—a bookbinder and his family, along with a clockmaker and his kin. These were souls she recognized, fragments of her past now finding their way to the Warspite. She could scarcely believe it, Taeli... these souls, I recognize them from when I was a child, how in the Force did they become lost?

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Langridge!" she called out to the bookbinder and his wife. Their children waved excitedly from the backseat, their faces alight with curiosity and joy. Fiolette clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, and Medusa moved forward together they approached both the Langridges and the Ansouts.

"And you, Mr. and Mrs. Ansout," she greeted the clockmaker and his family. "Welcome. It is so good to see you all."

The families emerged from their vehicles, their expressions a mixture of relief and happiness. Fiolette dismounted Medusa, giving her a gentle pat before walking over to greet them more personally.

"This is your home now," she said warmly. "A place where you will always be remembered and cherished."

She spent a few moments chatting with them, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. These were her people, and she was finally where she belonged—free, home, with her wife, on their estate. The Warspite, with its grand interiors and familiar comforts, was more than a ship. It was fasting becoming a sanctuary, a vessel of hope and unity for the lost Galidraani who had found their way to its embrace.

Taeli Raaf | Revna Marr​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

She appreciated the younger woman's loyalty to her Master, recognizing that Taeli had been exasperated with his teaching methods, and her quick defense that she hadn't asked him for assistance in her struggles. She could understand that, as it seemed to feed into Revna's desire to keep secret her abilities and knowledge even from her Master, and she understood that it was expected for a student to surpass their Master in time if they had the ambition and power for it.

As she regarded the young woman as she chose her initial attempt at her test, she considered what she had said about her views on power and influence. They were similar in that regard, as Taeli had never sought out the positions she held. The prestige of sitting on the Dark Council, in two empires now, was immense. The economic and military might she commanded through her power base were significant and, if she ever had the inclination, could challenge for the throne itself. The infamy she had gained by her infiltration of the Jedi, of turning a full third of the previous Alliance and New Jedi Order to the Sith, was a powerful reputation. But all of it was a means to an end. The prestige allowed her to shape the Sith, forcing an evolution in doctrine and techniques, and her power base fueled her own experiments and pursuit of knowledge. The reputation ensured she generally would be left to her own devices, not having to worry about the internecine conflicts of Sith politics.

At least until the future...

But in the present, to hear the girl admit she wanted to learn everything in the great mystery, not just the dark side but everything even the light side techniques of the Jedi, well it warmed her heart to see an apprentice show such ambition and hunger for knowledge. If she understood what the test was, she might know it was one of the Jedi, but she doubted she would recognize it nor would Strosius see the value in such a lesson.

Fiolette's voice, and surprise, floated through their bond. Taeli would offer her thoughts on such intriguing mysteries as why spirits from her childhood were starting to appear on the Warspite later, as she would send her wife an image of the test beginning to unfold. There would be the subtle brush of her mind against hers, leaving the feeling of a lingering kiss, before her attention shifted back to the young woman in front of her.

Violet eyes and a placid, if thoughtful, expression would follow the girl as she launched her attack, coming in on her right, saber hilt in hand. The blade started to ignite as she stabbed in at her flank, going for the obvious option that Taeli needed to move or intercept the attack or risk being impaled on the blade. She would look down in that instant, her smile widening slightly, as the Force rushed to her command.

The blade would freeze in place, halfway ignited and in length, but still several centimeters away from touching the dress of the Lady of Secrets. Revna would find she couldn't move the blade for a moment as an eyebrow would cock up, and she would say, "A frontal assault? I certainly hope it's more of a probe to see what would happen."

She would turn her gaze aside and the lightsaber would move in the same direction, bringing its owner along with it to the edge of the gazebo and back to her starting point.

"What path forward do you see for yourself, Revna?" she would ask, waiting for her next move. "Do you seek the path of the Warrior, becoming a fearsome Marauder that brings death to all on the battlefield with their blade and their speed? Do you see yourself among the Assassins perhaps, an agent of quiet and shadow that only strikes at the opportune moment for the kill? Or do you seek the ways of the Sorceress, bending the mysteries of the Force and the galaxy to your will?"

A purple and black energy would form around her hand, but nothing would occur yet. She was waiting to see what Revna would try next.

Revna Marr Fiolette Yvarro

 

[Revna Marr]

Revna’s smirk was grim in response to Taeli’s raised eyebrow and her question on the younger Sith’s initial attack. Truthfully, Revna did not like frontal assaults; she didn’t like her foe to see her coming, if it could be helped. But this situation was unique and indeed, challenging. This was not a fight against a bitter enemy, but simply a test. But the young, raven haired woman had it in her mind that half measures would not be accepted - not from herself and not from the woman testing her.

The frontal assault was halted by the other’s power in the Force. Revna was awed by this display, even as she was forced back to the very beginning to start again. It didn’t frustrate her that this had happened, but it gave her an idea of what she was facing. She cocked her head to the side as her brain processed what had happened, and tried to formulate another plan a moment later, even as her ears picked up on the spoken words of the Sith Lady: what path did Revna see for herself?

Becoming a warrior, using her blade and speed to lay low her enemies? She was already one, wasn’t she? She found the rawness of the battlefield and the closeness of death made her feel most alive.

Did she wish to follow the path of the Assassin, one with the shadows? This was her instinct already, ingrained in her being since the first time she met Darth Strosius. She recalled those moments of predatory instinct, even as she looked down upon her Mentor from her lofty perch.

How about the ways of the Sorcerer - to seek the mysteries of the Force and shape it to her will? She hungered and tried to pursue this very thing like it was her last breath. It was what drove her to learn more. To find and claim that power for herself.

“Do I have to choose only one way forward? Why limit myself to one path? I have exhibited characteristics of all three at some point. Sometimes I am the hunter, lurking in the shadows…waiting to ambush my prey. But when the fight begins, the closeness of death and the raw power that flows makes me feel so alive. And yet the mysteries of the Force guides me ever onward to seek more, to learn more, so that I can empower myself further.”

The Disciple’s then took notice of something else - swirling black and violet energy that seemed to form in the other Sith’s hand. And in that moment - she had a flashback, to the last time she’d seen that sort of energy, that power. Her golden eyes narrowed ever so slightly, before she tilted her head at Taeli and then…

…vanished. From sight, and from the Force.

Only to reappear behind the woman a moment or two later, a powerful surge in the Force expelled from her and around her - fueled by a surge of emotion that was tied to her memories, though the other wouldn't know this. The energy ripped through the ground beneath her feet, and through the air in front of her, as if seeking the unsteady the ground beneath the elder Sith’s feet, and knock her off balance. Revna utilized her quickness and agility to almost dance into a different position, slipping in close as if to attack.

Before disappearing again in the blink of an eye, appearing a final time on a different side, this time the orange blade of her saber igniting in a vicious swipe, the intent to maim or kill clear on Revna’s face.

Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro ​

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Once Fiolette helped a few more souls get settled, she hopped back onto Medusa. She patted the mare's side, her touch light yet filled with affection. "Alright, girl, let's do this," she whispered, settling back into the saddle and nudging Medusa forward. With a powerful surge, Medusa bolted ahead, and the two began their track around the estate.

The wind tangled through Fiolette's hair, and she felt a rush of exhilaration as they turned parts of the garden into their own equestrian track. Each stride of Medusa's hooves on the earth brought a sense of freedom that Fiolette cherished deeply. The world around her blurred into a tapestry of colors—greens and blossoms blending into a vivid backdrop as she lost herself in the moment.

Memories of the past flooded her mind, vivid and warm. She recalled the thrilling races with her younger brother, their laughter echoing through the fields of Galidraan. They'd galloped across the vast landscapes, pushing their horses to the limits, their sibling rivalry driving them faster and faster. Those carefree days were etched into her soul, a reminder of simpler times.

Another memory surfaced—her first hunting trip with her father. She had tagged along, determined and headstrong, much to her father's initial reluctance. The thrill of the hunt, the bond they shared, and the pride in her father's eyes when she proved herself capable. It was a rite of passage, one that connected her to her roots and to the rugged beauty of Galidraan.

As Medusa carried her effortlessly across the estate, Fiolette felt the weight of her responsibilities lift, if only for a moment. The rhythm of the ride and the familiarity of the sensations wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. Every breath of fresh air, every heartbeat in sync with Medusa's powerful strides, was a testament to the freedom she rarely found in her daily life.

Galidraan's essence was alive in her heart, a constant reminder of home. The vast estates, the rolling hills, and the traditions of her family were woven into her very being. Riding Medusa allowed her to reconnect with that part of herself, to feel the unbridled joy and the unspoken bond between rider and horse.

Fiolette urged Medusa onward, relishing the speed and the connection they shared. The mare responded with unwavering loyalty, her strength and grace a reflection of the heritage they both carried. Together, they were a force of nature, a harmonious blend of past and present, of memory and reality.

In that moment, amidst the rush of wind and the thunder of hooves, Fiolette felt truly free. Her mind cleared, her spirit soared, and she embraced the pure, unadulterated joy of the ride. It was a brief escape, but one that renewed her, reminding her of who she was and where she came from. Galidraan was not just a place; it was a part of her soul, a reminder of home that she carried with her always.

Taeli Raaf | Revna Marr ​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"You're young and new to the ways of the Sith, so no, you don't have to choose now," she replied as she awaited Revna's next attempt, listening to the younger woman's rational. "But I would warn against the path of the generalist."

She understood that desire to want to learn everything, to be the best at everything one attempted to learn. On Lorrd, you were judged by your academic accomplishments and your entire reputation could hinge upon on your breadth and depth of knowledge on a topic. She had seen, in her university days, so many students flame out because they tried to learn a little about everything, but when they were forced to debate in greater detail on a subject, they would be eviscerated by students with greater knowledge on that particular topic.

In the studies of the Force, there were pros and cons to such an approach.

Before she could continue the discussion, Revna made her next move by disappearing. Interesting, she thought. The younger Sith had not mentioned she knew how to blink herself in the initial rundown on her abilities, but she was not annoyed by this. On the contrary, she approved that she had held some knowledge back and it was a solid demonstration that she could keep secrets and, importantly to the Sith Lady, she understood that concealing your true abilities was important in their world.

Not that it would help.

She had known several Jedi in her day that loved that tactic, Coren Starchaser chief among them, and she had long learned how to track a subject. For while they physically vanished, their essence still had to exist, still needed to disrupt the currents of the Force in the local area. Her training with the Fallanassi had long ago shown her how to read and feel these currents, and as Revna reappeared behind her, she did not turn as the Force Push was unleashed. Stone broke and cracked at the energy launched at the Lady of Secrets... but she would anchor herself firmly in position. She became the very definition of an immovable object as the energy hit her and passed around her, turning their practice gazebo into a practice patio. Honestly, she liked it better this way, more open.

But Revna was not done yet. She blinked again almost as soon as the energy was unleashed and came in again at her side, orange blade swinging in a vicious swipe. Her hand, glowing with the purple and black energy, would rise up and catch the blade as amethyst eyes alight with amusement looked at the girl.

"Better, and it would be rather effective in normal circumstances and normal opponents you would face," she remarked conversationally, even as she held the lightsaber blade and the energies crackled as they were absorbed and fed back upon each other through Tutaminis. "I've known some Force users that like to blink around a battlefield and developed countermeasures for such by studying with the Fallanassi. Physical matter may disappear, but your ethereal essence remains. Even if you were to conceal your presence, it creates eddies for lack of a better term in the currents of the Force around us, places where the Force can't flow properly because you desire concealment."

She would push the blade away and unleash her own Force push at the girl to force her once again back to the beginning.

"On the prior and continuing topic, I ask about your path because, while yes we can always exhibit traits from all three or more, it does create vulnerabilities in your knowledge. For example, I chose to focus more on the sorcerous and infiltration paths. This granted me numerous powers and immeasurable knowledge on the workings of the Force and allowed me to infiltrate and live among the Jedi for over a decade without detection of my true nature, but I had to choose against learning some of the lightsaber forms. Not that I truly minded because some of them did not fit my proclivities or even my body's abilities, but it is something to keep in mind. If you choose to learn everything, you gain a great many skills, but your depth within each suffers. For example..."

That hand that had been channeling tutaminis would shift to that of Force Lightning, but instead of being unleashed in the standard stream of electricity, it was concentrated into a ball of dark side energy. A simple flick of her hand would send the sphere towards Revna to explode into a large sphere of dark side lightning.

Revna Marr Fiolette Yvarro

 

[Revna Marr]

Revna listened as Taeli replied to her, cautioning her against being a generalist in her path. She stored that piece of advice away for the moment as she launched her next assault, determined to do as the other Sith Lady had challenged her to do.

Yet it seemed that even this attempt was thwarted - her orange blade grabbed by the hand that swirled with violet and void energy. Taeli’s expression was amused by the young Sith’s tactic, explaining that she had encountered others who had used such abilities before and had developed a way around that. Of course she had, Revna mused to herself darkly. And she didn’t really expect anything less - this was a Sith Lord after all. Compared to Revna she had far more experience and training than the Sithling did.

And that experience gap showed.

But it was also another revelation to the young woman into what she could and couldn’t use around this Sith - should they ever cross blades in animosity. She stored away the information that perhaps others on the field of battle wouldn’t expect such a tactic - and the young woman knew she could use it to her advantage against other Sith, and perhaps even other Jedi. And now she also knew what to look for if someone should ever try this tactic against her. So while her efforts were denied, Revna had still learned something valuable.

She felt the swell of Force energy just before the push came, once again creating space between her and Lady Raaf. Particles of dust rippled up and around the young Sith as she came to a sliding halt and straightened back up, her faintly pulsing blade held out to the side for a moment as she listened to the elder Sith continue with what she had been saying before Revna had launched her assault.

The young apprentice knew that what Taeli shared was truth; indeed, strengthening one’s self in one area often left you vulnerable in others. She explained that she had chosen the path more inclined to the sorcerer as well as infiltration, enough to be able to hide amongst their greatest enemies without detection for many years. But in doing so, she had to sacrifice knowledge in other areas.

It was a give and take situation, something all Sith would become intimate with over time. And the Disciple knew she was no exception.

She then noticed the familiar flickers of Force lightning begin to form in Taeli’s hand. Revna was no stranger to the ability, as she was quite gifted with it herself, but what happened next heightened her curiosity about the ability even further.

Instead of a stream of lightning, the woman unleashed a dark ball of energy towards the younger Sith. Revna had seconds to register and react, and her instinct was to concentrate the Force around her in a shield like bubble to deflect the dark energy around her. It took a bit of her concentration in order to do so, and though her bubble wasn’t perfect - it protected her well enough.

When the electrical energy had ceased, the shield evaporated and Revna regarded Taeli with open curiosity and awe.

“Now that was interesting! I want to learn how to do that!”

Taeli Raaf // Fiolette Yvarro​

 

[Fiolette Yvarro]

Fiolette led Medusa back to the stables with the practiced ease of a seasoned equestrian, her red hair flowing down past her shoulders in soft waves. As she strode towards the gazebo, the wind caught the hem of her riding jacket, which she unbuttoned at the top, allowing herself a small breath of relief as her body began to unwind. The firm leather of her riding boots added another inch to her height, making her entrance into the gazebo all the more commanding at five foot ten. Her sharp blue eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction as she spotted Taeli nearby, the familiar warmth of homecoming settling in her chest.

Drawing closer, Fiolette gently peeled off her gloves, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Taeli's cheek. "Hey," she murmured affectionately, the simple word carrying the weight of a thousand shared moments.

Gloves now in hand, Fiolette turned her attention to Revna with a warm smile. "Lessons coming along well, I hope?" she inquired, her tone genuine. As her thoughts drifted to the evening ahead, Fio added, "I'm going to head in for a bath and check if Mrs. Hicks has everything prepared for dinner." She paused, casting a thoughtful glance back at Revna. "One of the maids, Miss Aubert, will show you to your room, help you prepare for dinner, and run a bath if you'd like."

With that, Fiolette stepped out of the gazebo, the soft rustle of her clothing accompanying her departure. She made her way towards the manor, her feet familiar with the path, even though it was aboard the Warspite. Its interior had been transformed to echo the grandeur of the old Stormvale Estate, and as she stepped in through the back door, she took a moment to inhale deeply. The warm, comforting scent of Sunday roast and its accompanying fixings filled the air, wrapping her in a sense of contentment.

Time for a bath, she thought to herself, moving gracefully through the hallways. As Fiolette ascended the grand staircase, Miss Saxon, her ever-diligent lady's maid, approached with a respectful nod. "My lady, shall I prepare your bath?"

"Yes, please, Miss Saxon," Fiolette replied with a smile, her thoughts drifting over the day's events.

As they walked together, the sound of voices from the library reached her ears. Miss Ahern was engaged in conversation with a bookbinder, no doubt discussing one of Lady Taeli's treasured volumes. Fiolette caught fragments of the discussion in passing, the careful attention to detail a reminder of the precision required in every aspect of their lives.

With Miss Saxon at her side, Fiolette began to recount the day's happenings, allowing the gentle routine of their conversation to ease her mind as they made their way to the bath.

Taeli Raaf | Revna Marr ​