Private Maleficent

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Quinn Varanin | Lily Decoria | Zark San Tekka​

The plan felt different on paper than it did standing on a Naboo sidewalk. Requesting an audience in Mandalorian space was a calculated diplomatic move, but discovering Quinn Varanin was currently at her embassy on Naboo changed the optics entirely. Lorn looked at the two Jedi flanking him and felt a sudden realization.

They looked like an extraction team. The Battlemaster, the Gatemaster, and the Sword of Shiraya were not the titles one sent for a casual chat. To any observer, or to the Queen herself, it looked as though the Council had come to make an arrest. He adjusted his stance, trying to shed the martial tension that usually lived in his shoulders, but the presence of Zark and Lily made for a formidable, if unintentionally aggressive, silhouette against the embassy gates.

"Maybe Knight Decoria should lead us in?" Lorn asked, his voice low as they reached the entrance.

He glanced at Lily, realizing his earlier protest against her attendance had been short-sighted. She was the only one among them who didn't represent a direct threat or a total stranger. If they walked in behind a familiar face, it might keep the Mandalorian guards from drawing steel before they could state their business. He hoped Quinn had been warned they were coming. If not, the next few minutes were going to be exceptionally awkward.

"Both of you have a history," Lorn added, nodding toward the doors. "It's better if she sees a friend first. We're here to talk, and I'd like to actually get to the talking before someone starts swinging."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Quinn Varanin

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

It had been a long time since Master San Tekka set foot on mandalorian territory. That he was approaching an enclave in the heart of Republic space did little to ease his sense of foreboding. Some Jedi could not see past their savage nature but after witnessing mandalorian honor during old border raids he became a student of their strange culture. Eshan however remained an enigmatic mystery to him.

"Both of you have a history," Lorn added, nodding toward the doors. "It's better if she sees a friend first. We're here to talk, and I'd like to actually get to the talking before someone starts swinging."

"Are you afraid Quinn will take the first swing or I will?"

His cortosis mask distorted the dry humor into something more robotic. With some reluctance Zark took his hand off the lightsaber on his belt. He wore a traditional Jedi tunic underneath an anachronistic field jacket like something a military officer might dress in while on assignment.

"I hope you are right about her Lily," glowing yellow eye lenses turned to meet the echani Jedi's gaze, "But if you are wrong, we must be ready. Keep an open mind is all I ask. I will do the same."

He meant what he said. There was far more at stake here than just one life. Master San Tekka was wise enough to see that, just as he'd been wise enough to see that when Romi Jade recommended him for this delegation she was sending exactly the kind of message Lorn now feared. This wasn't an arrest, but if Quinn made a mistake, it could be.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo - Mandalorian Embassy
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Lorn Reingard | Zark San Tekka | Quinn Varanin

Breathing in deeply, Lily had taken steps that she had thought would ensure that whatever was discussed during this conversation would go as smooth sailing as it could. The words she had with the council, the warning she had delivered to Quinn on their knowledge and desires, the fact that Lily insisted on her presence being here for this meeting. While she was a formidable warrior and she could handle most fights that she got into, Lily also tried to be a friendly face. Smiling to those around her and reassuring through her expression as well as her actions that everything would be okay. It did not seem like Zark and Lorn were Jedi famous for being friendlier faces. At least from what Lily had observed at the moment.

"I highly doubt anything will occur on Naboo, even if this is a Mandalorian embassy." Lily hoped that nothing would go sour but she knew that there was likely a chance she would have to attempt to ease any tensions that developed during this conversation. While she was a Jedi, she did also believe that ensuring the best outcome, one that did not lead to war, meant there had to be some finesse.

Looking to Zark, "I have stated from the beginning that all I wish for is an open and fruitful conversation. I am glad to hear that you will be entering with an open mind. That is good." Lily was not going to stop what needed to be done, as long as there was no alternative and that the situation was not going to backfire. She was here to keep the Republic safe. "Understood, Master Reingard." Nodding her head to the Sword and stepped forward. Opening the doors to the room.

Lily did feel very undressed in this moment, the Echani within her desired to be dressed in her best attire but she was working as a Jedi so it felt important to reflect that. Stepping forward, Lily gave a deep, respectful bow to Quinn. "Your majesty. I and my fellow members of the Jedi Council are here in the hopes that we can have a clear and open conversation with you. Clearing the air about some rumours and accusations that have been made towards yourself."

The Jedi Knight felt it was important to stress these were mere rumours and accusations for now, since she did not wish to sour the conversation from the jump and accuse Quinn of being a Sith. Rising back up to her full height, "hopefully you will indulge us in this conversation and we can ensure this will continue to move peacefully."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Lorn Reingard //: Zark San Tekka //: Lily Decoria //:
//: Attire //:

This week has not been going well for Quinn. Meetings had been canceled, she had to rework some of her proposals for the Mandalorian Empire, and on top of it all, she had been cornered recently by a Jedi spewing nonsense in her face.

Today was the peak of the issues; she looked down at her noodles and their lack of hot sauce. Her Dr. Yoda's was flat to top it all off. Sighing softly, she was thankful 312 had escorted her to the office. The woman had kindly gone to get some sauce and another drink.

Staring at her food, she grabbed her chopsticks and began to slowly eat. There wasn't a lot of time in her day that afforded her the luxury of staring at her food. So she began to eat, not minding much the lack of heat.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, voices lingered at her door, and she was suddenly happy. 312 had made record time to get the replacements for her meal. Everything seemed to be going right again, until…

Your Majesty…

The three figures that now stood in her office, as she had a half-mouthful of noodles, were not 312. She quietly listened to Lily and slurped the noodle that hung slightly. Quinn cleared her throat as she placed the lid back on the lunch; this was now going to be dinner.

Her eyes looked towards each face, memorizing them. Lily knew, but the other two she had never seen before. She didn't like what was happening — the Jedi should have scheduled a meeting with her… perhaps they wanted the element of surprise.

Figures.

A tight smile crossed her face as she stood to greet the three Jedi. Moments like this she was thankful her presence suppression and art of the small came as easy as breathing. To them, she would appear as a weak flicker in the force, aligned with neither Light or Dark.

"A clear and open conversation?" She echoed, then looked at the two men. The look was momentary, and then her eyes fell back towards Lily. At least Lily was there, and she wasn't alone. Quinn cleared her throat and offered the chairs that were near the desk.

"Alright, please take a seat then." Quinn sat as well, wondering if the Jedi would take a seat. She was warned this could happen, but didn't realize it would happen now.

"Rumors? Would this have been the reason a Jedi decided to corner me in the streets unprovoked? It was an unpleasant experience to be shouted at like that…" Quinn frowned, but did her best to avoid any eye contact with Zark and Lorn. Their presence alone was unnerving to the Echani… but not for the reasons they may have begun to interpret.

"May I know the accusations?"

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Quinn Varanin | Lily Decoria | Zark San Tekka​

Lorn returned Zark's look with a silent, knowing expression. He didn't know the Gatmaster's history, and while he shared the man's distrust of the Sith, he knew that a single misplaced spark here would burn down more than just this office.

He followed Lily into the room, his eyes scanning the corners. They had checked their lightsabers and any weapons at the entrance. But security cameras still tracked their movement. It was standard for an embassy, but it made him wonder who was watching the feed in real-time and what they were looking for.

When his eyes finally landed on the Warden, the image didn't match anything he had anticipated. He had expected a shroud of cold dread or a presence that felt like a void, but Quinn Varanin looked like a young woman interrupted during a mundane lunch. Her presence in the Force was almost sterile, a quiet flicker that gave nothing away.

Lorn took the offered seat, sitting with a calm, grounded posture. Unlike the Queen, he chose not to mask himself. He let his presence remain open, a soft, steady light that signaled his peaceful intent to anyone who cared to look.

"Hmph. We are sorry about that," Lorn began, responding to her mention of the confrontation in the streets. "The matter was looked into. She is not one of ours." He spoke with a quiet sincerity, his voice lacking the sharp edge of an interrogator. "I am Knight Lorn Reingard, Sword of Shiraya for this Council."

He interlocked his fingers, resting them on his knee as he maintained steady, non-threatening eye contact. "I want to make it clear that we are not accusing you of committing any crimes within this Republic. Our presence here is a matter of clarity. We have absorbed many members from the Galactic Alliance and the New Jedi Order who have expressed concerns about your history and your presence here."

Lorn leaned back slightly, his part of the introduction finished. He had set the stage for a conversation rather than an arrest, and now he looked toward Zark and Lily, waiting to see who would be the first to pull the veil back on the "rumors" they had come to discuss.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Quinn Varanin

"Your majesty."

Zark inclined his head in a gesture of respect. The echani queen's presence felt unremarkable but he knew better than to trust his senses. If rumors about Quinn were true, then she could be trained in the dark arts of deception. His own presence in the Force was muted by the cortosis mask he wore. It shielded the old man's thoughts from mental intrusions.

He hesitated just a moment longer than the other Jedi before accepting the offer to sit down.

"Zark San Tekka," the mask altered his voice not unlike a mandalorian's helmet, "I am Master of the Temple Guard."

As promised, he allowed the others to take the lead. Glowing yellow eye lenses remained fixed on their host. Quinn's reluctance to meet their gaze did not escape his notice. Master San Tekka listened to the Jedi Knights' attempts to place the sovereign of Eshan at ease. When Lorn sought his gaze, he spoke last.

"These are dark times for the Jedi. Many of us were lost fighting the Empire, and now the Sith powers seek to exterminate those who remain. The wayward Jedi you encountered is not the only one who fears the line of Varanin might have divided loyalties in this conflict."

Now he understood why Lily defended her queen. She looked so small. Regal in her own way but hardly the doom of their Order. Even Master San Tekka was beginning to have doubts.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Naboo - Mandalorian Embassy
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Lorn Reingard | Zark San Tekka | Quinn Varanin

Lily noticed that the queen was part way through eating her meal and felt the immediate pang of guilt that she had interrupted the queen during a private moment. This should have been something discussed in a formal meeting, but that time had passed and the Jedi alongside her were desiring to resolve this situation swiftly. There was a silent apology to Quinn for the intrusion before Lily took a seat. She noted the hesitation in taking the seat from Zark. It was understandable given what had been said but she was glad that he accepted the invitation. Lily was sure that Quinn would be taking note of the hesitations and movements of each Jedi. Understanding where their motivations were and how their thoughts towards the queen would be. Thoughts were often betrayed in the way a person moved their body.

Hearing that Quinn had been accosted by a Jedi on the streets, a flash of concern flickered in Lily's eyes to Quinn, she had given the Echani queen a means to contact her if something occurred. It was unfortunate that Lily could not have been there to help resolve the issue. But if it was someone not associated with the Jedi Order then it would be hard for Lily to persuade this Jedi to leave the matter. Breathing in deeply, Lily let out a disappointed sigh, Jedi going rogue like that was not good. It did not reflect well on the Order.

"We were hoping to ensure matters like that did not happen at all, but now, we wish to prevent them in the future. I understand that you might have some hesitation in talking with us on these issues but we wish to ensure that the best possible outcomes for us, yourself and our respective factions as well." Lily stated, what those might be were different from each of the Jedi in the room from what Lily had understood but her words were not wrong.

There seemed to be some beating around the bush with the other Jedi, hints about what they wished to discuss and not outright coming forward. Lily was confused and a little surprised, she figured that a direct approach would have been the simplest and easiest manner to get the discussion going and having a resolution. "There are claims that you are a Sith Lord, that you could potentially be here to bring down the High Republic and corrupt the Padawans of the Jedi Order." Lily said in a very blunt fashion, deciding that they needed to just be very direct so that Quinn knew what they were seeking to talk about without sifting through everything else said.

"My colleagues and myself wish to discuss these accusations with you, understand your reasoning for being around Naboo and figure out what is the best approach moving forward from all sides in this matter." Not just the Jedi, but Quinn, the Mandalorians and the High Republic itself. Lily wanted to make sure this matter was ended with this discussion so that everyone could just move on.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Lorn Reingard //: Zark San Tekka //: Lily Decoria //:

With each introduction, the Echani Quinn nodded with her tight smile. At least they were kind enough to introduce themselves. Though one name lingered on the back of her mind, she only glanced for a moment towards the Sword; his face was familiar, and his name more so. She paused, letting the others talk as she tried to filter through her memory for when she had heard it.

“You mean Lorn? He is a bit of a hairy mess, but he isn’t any threat. He’s well I guess he’s my Jedi Master…”

Yes, the hairy man from the masquerade who had interfered with her attempt to draw Bastila's attention. So this was Lorn, the man who was responsible for her as her teacher. Quinn's eyes would soften slightly as she continued to listen. If Lorn was involved with this, it was only natural that his student would know as well.

That thought weighed heavily on the Echani.

Quinn didn't have much time to dwell on those matters; the other Jedi in the room were speaking, one she didn't know or recognize. His mask hid his face; everything about him was unknown besides his name. The tension returned to her shoulders as she continued to avoid the glowing gaze.

Her words were soft, showing her discomfort with the Jedi Master. She didn't look at him, even when she spoke.

"Please, Master Tekka — if you want to have a clear and open conversation, could you remove your mask… It's well known even in the Embassy that masks and helmets make me uncomfortable…"

It was the truth, and she had hoped that the man would see it as a simple request.

Finally, Lily spoke, giving her the answer to the reason they were here. Quinn let the silence fall as Lily finished. These weren't light accusations. They were something one would expect to hear when it came to Darth Carnifex or someone more prevalent in the Dark Side.

"Everyone lost people to the Empire when they decided to set their sights on Atrisia." Quinn's voice was strained, but calm. She hated this, she hated being the focus here — accused of things she was not.

"My heart goes out to your order and your people, but I am not responsible for your religious war with the Sith." She shook her head; she had always hated that they chose to constantly fight — Jedi and Sith alike. There was a neutral ground, and they could learn from each other.
Her own distaste for the Jedi stemmed from how they treated her world, her, and, above all else, her parents.

"My parents, Spencer and Ashin Varanin, that you speak of, Master Tekka. They were both Jedi once upon a time. Both were ostracized and abandoned. While we all know the stories and how often they can become exaggerated..."

She kept her gaze on Lily, never looking towards Zark or Lorn. It was already too much to feel exposed in this confrontation. The accusations, at any point and time, could turn into a crime; she knew the capricious nature of the Jedi.

"These worries shouldn't be at the forefront of the Jedi. Would you feel more comfortable if I took the name of the woman who raised me? Would Talon be more appropriate? Would it ease the minds of the Jedi?"

She knew it wouldn't; there was a reason the decision was made to keep Quinn's birth name, despite her desire to take on Srina's surname.

"I'm not what you're accusing me of, I'm not here to sully the minds of your padawans or young. I am not here to destroy the Republic from the inside."

Her back straightened in her seat as she exhaled, trying to find some resolve buried under her nerves.

"I'm here as a Warden of the Mandalorian Empire and the Queen of Eshan."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Quinn Varanin | Lily Decoria | Zark San Tekka​

Lorn offered a slight, sympathetic wince when Lily threw the accusations onto the table with the grace of a thermal detonator. He looked back at Quinn, noticing the way she straightened her back and the strain in her voice. She looked less like a galactic threat and more like a person tired of being hunted for a history she didn't choose. When she requested Zark remove his mask, Lorn looked toward the Gatemaster, silently hoping the older man would prioritize the girl's comfort over his own traditions.

"No, that won't be necessary," Lorn said with a soft chuckle, trying to break the rising tension. "Your name is your name. Changing it won't change the past or our present concerns. We are just here to do our due diligence." He shifted in his chair, trying to find a posture that seemed less like a sentinel and more like a guest. Despite his efforts, he knew his presence was still heavy, but he kept his Force signature open and calm.

"I am glad you are here in an official capacity for the Mandalorians and Eshan. Truly," Lorn continued, his voice dropping to a lower, more conversational register. "But the testimony of my colleagues indicates there might be more to you than just those two titles. We are simply here to get a better idea of who you are when you aren't wearing a crown within Mandalorian space."

He looked toward Lily briefly, gauging her reaction to the shift in tone, before turning his focus back to Quinn. He leaned in just an inch, his expression more curious than accusatory. "If we were to meet you behind the Black Wall, away from the Republic and the diplomats, who would you be there? We aren't here to judge your parents' choices, Quinn. We just want a better sense of who you are."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Quinn Varanin

"I have taken a vow to wear this mask as a symbol of devotion," Master San Tekka said after a long uncomfortable pause, "It is an old Jedi tradition. Since we are your guests, I will...make an exception."

The request seemed preposterous. She was a Warden of the Mandalorian Empire who could not abide the presence of masks? Zark felt certain this was about the cortosis that protected his thoughts from darkside influence. With some reluctance he slowly raised a hand to unseal the mask in a hiss of suction. If Quinn expected to gain some insight, the inscrutable granite expression on a weathered and battle-scarred face might disappoint her. Calculating eyes bore into the echani queen just a fervently as the glowing lenses had.

"You give your family too little credit," he grunted in a voice that sounded different now without the mask, "Dark Lady of the Sith is an impressive pedigree for an outcast even if it was a long time ago. As Knight Reingard says, your lineage does not condemn you."

Master San Tekka did not glance over to the Jedi Knights. He kept his eyes always fixed on Varanin. His presence in the Force now unconstrained felt like the burning embers of fanaticism.

"There are fears within our Order of a connection deeper than blood. Your nefarious intentions toward the Republic are mere speculations based on those fears. This is a dangerous line of thinking. We have come only to learn the truth for ourselves."

Of course, Zark left unsaid that he'd been among those Jedi doing the speculating.