Private Matters Of the Heart

[Revna]

Revna found herself nose-deep in an old tome, her brow furrowed as she tried to focus on the almost obscure text she was reading. It was a leather bound book that was aged but well preserved, discussing some philosophy of Sith ideologies - different ways the Sith Code had been interpreted over the years, and comparisons between it and the Jedi creed and beliefs. It wasn’t a hard concept for her to understand; the young Sith found the different opinions and views inscribed therein to be interesting and fascinating…but her attention was fractured.

With a deep and heavy sigh, she pulled the book away and set it on her lap and leaned her head back against the soft cushion of the chair behind her. All around her was a grand library befitting a Sith Lord, and the King of Alvaria - Darth Malum of House Marr , her cousin. She spent a lot of time in his palace, when she was not aiding her Master in his duties or doing other tasks on his behalf, or running around the galaxy fighting in various skirmishes and wars and campaigns. If she wasn’t on Faldos or Formos, then she was on Alvaria - her second home away from home. It put her within Sith space, within a short distance of Faldos, where Darth Strosius had his main base of operations and was his primary seat of power as the Lord Inquisitor, and it also put her within short distance of Jutrand, the capital of the Sith Empire.

Revna’s mind drifted back to her last adventure to Jutrand - her first time ever in the capital. Fond memories and a smile touched her face as she recalled her outing with the young man, Zachariah Conway …the adopted grandson of the Imperial royals - Darth Empyrean and his icy Dread Queen, Srina Talon. The young woman’s adventure with the young man hadn’t started on Jutrand, but it had been the latest in a saga they were building together.

Together.

That was a strange word to have, to share, with another person who wasn’t her Sith master. Her connection to Zachariah went back a ways; they had fought together, aided one another, seen each other at their best and worst. She was drawn to him - not because he was connected to the Imperial royals, but because she valued Zach for who he was as a person.

Certainly, his connections were an added bonus, if she could be honest with herself. Her cousin Malum seemed all the more encouraging of the two spending time together, and getting close. She had a feeling that he was manipulating their friendship to allow him better access or a foot in the door so to speak with the powers that be. A connection to Zach was profitable to others around her.

Revna closed the tome in her lap after slipping a place marker between the parchment pages, and set it aside. She pondered on the distraction she was feeling, allowing the memories of her outing to come back to her, and with it - the feelings they conjured within her.

She had really enjoyed her time with Zach. She found comfort in his presence, a sense of companionship, of friendship. But there was something else there that she didn’t quite understand. She wanted to be around him more, she thought of him often, and when she did see him in person her heart stuttered in her chest.

The young woman didn’t know why this was happening, or what these feelings were. But she knew that someone else would, someone whose opinion and counsel and words meant much to her - even if her Master didn’t like it and wanted his little shadow to stay away.

Lady Talon, the grandmother of Zachariah. Another woman, who surely knew what these emotional stirrings young Revna felt were. She briefly considered bringing up the topic to Malum and even to Strosius - but she quickly tossed those ideas aside. This situation called for a woman’s intuition and advice, not that of a man’s.

The apprentice recalled her dance with the icy and stunningly beautiful woman, and the open invitation for her to come and visit with the Empress whenever she so desired. A rare opportunity and gift given to her, and one she felt was time she took advantage of.

And so, Revna prepared herself, seeking assistance from one of the many servants that attended the palace and those within with a crown braid of her dark and silver streaked hair, before adding a smokey hint around her eyes to accent their golden hue. She was wearing her usual attire of a simple black shirt and pants and boots, with a finer cloth cloak about her shoulders, pinned with lapels that sported the symbol of the House of Marr. It was the only symbol of her heritage and connection to the noble house that she was comfortable wearing. Unless she was going to a more formal affair, then she did not dress to show off her noble connections. It wasn’t that she felt shame for it; she was incredibly proud to be a part of the Marr bloodline. But she did not agree with flaunting it before others.

Satisfied that her appearance was suitable and to her liking, Revna added the final touch: the hilt to a darkly elegant lightsaber she had acquired as a gift from the Mandalorian warrior Ordo some time prior. She was never without her saber; a Sith never knew when they would need it. She then set off and headed to Jutrand, heading straight for the Palace to meet with Srina.

Of course, once she arrived, her progress was hindered as she was halted and detained, her motives questioned as to why she would be entering the Palace and seeking a royal without an invitation or a summons. She passed along her request to see and speak with the Empress, that she had been given an open invitation to visit whenever she so desired. Still, she was blocked, while a messenger flanked by Imperial guards would seek out Lady Talon, and inform her that a certain small and rather feisty Sith by the name of Revna was seeking an audience with her.

Srina Talon​

 

[Srina Talon]

Tag: Revna
Location: Jutrand
______________________________________________________

She waited in the grand hall of the Imperial Palace on Jutrand, the embodiment of ethereal beauty and grace. Her silver hair cascaded in waves down her back, and her golden eyes, sharp and piercing, surveyed the opulent surroundings. The red and gold attire she wore complemented her regal bearing, further accentuating her status as the Dread Queen of the Sith. A flicker of amusement played across her features as she received the message from the guards—a certain young Sith Acolyte, Revna, was requesting an audience. Finally.

She had been waiting after all.

With a slight nod, she dismissed the messenger, her mind already conjuring the image of the little one she had once danced with. Revna's determination and capacity for learning had left an impression on Srina, and she was curious to see what had brought the young woman to her today.

"Bring her to me…Restraints are not required.", Srina instructed the guards, her voice a cool whisper that echoed in their minds. She turned and moved toward a more intimate and serene chamber within the palace, a place where she could speak with Revna undisturbed. Away from prying eyes and ears that might besmirch her visit and mistake it for something that would upset Darth Strosius more than normal. The wintry woman did not fear him—But there was respect to be observed between an apprentice and their master. There was a contract. Belonging.

As her guest was led into the chamber, she would find that Srina observed her with a keen eye. The young woman's attire, simple yet purposeful, was touched with meticulous preparation. She noted the symbol of House Marr, and the lightsaber hilt at her side—And realized that some things were not as they had been. She was very well acquainted with House Marr in their last conversation Revna had admitted to being a slave. Living a life of servitude and noble did not mix. "You have changed, little one."

Not that Revna was truly that small…But there was a cool edge of affection to it. Rather, than condescension. "It is good to see you again. Come, sit with me." She gestured to a long comfortable couch by a grand window that overlooked the bustling cityscape of Jutrand.

As they settled, Srina's gaze remained steady on Revna, quietly, letting the staff leave while they settled a tray of sweets and a teapot between them. For all the social queues that Srina often missed she could indeed sense the turmoil of emotions within the young woman. "You have come seeking counsel…", she said, her tone quiet yet probing. It was not a question…It was a statement of fact. Much as Zachariah had done not so long ago, and others, before them.

"Is something wrong?"

It was strange, to her, that her people oft sought her out for advice and understanding the unknowable. If only they knew the gaffes she had made in her younger years. If only they knew how close she had come to breaking when Maliphant, when Empyrean, found her again. He had felt her pain from systems away after years of no contact. He had felt her when her grief reached tantamount to a cosmic storm…He had felt her in the ether…Lost, alone. And he had come.

No one else had.

"Usually…", she reached out and began to pour two cups of tea in such a way that it almost seemed ceremonial. The way she held back her sleeve bespoke years of practice. The domestic staff and the Sepulcher hated it more than anything when she did their work for them…But that was her way. Stubborn. "People do not often come to see me on Jutrand when the sun is shining."

"Is there a storm I might need to prepare for?"

A very quixotic way of asking if there was something extremely wrong, she needed to prepare for. Regardless, Srina was pleased with the company. Even if…The proverbial sky might have been falling.

 

[Revna]

Revna was escorted by the guards sent back to her, guided through the palace complex without further hindrance or complaint. She was led into a private chamber and as she passed through the entryway, her eyes caught sight of the Empress, who appeared to be awaiting her presence. The sight of the woman momentarily brought a pause to the young Sith’s steps; she was struck once more by the icy beauty of the woman, accented even further by the red and gold she wore.

A small but genuine smile touched Revna’s face with the Empress’s comment about the subtle changes in the little woman, dipping her head in a respectful bow before stepping further into the room and moving to sit at the couch, getting comfortable though there was still a touch of tenseness to the young woman’s posture, which was perhaps more proper and indicated education more befitting for a woman of noble bearing, and not that of a former slave.

“It is good to see you again as well, Lady Talon.” Revna replied back, smiling more widely. “And yes, there have been some…changes in my life since we last met at the Gala.”

The little Sith’s now mostly golden eyes, watched as attendants set down treats and a teapot between her and the royal, before she turned her gaze back to the woman seated with her. Revna listened to the quiet, probing voice of the Empress as the woman poured two cups of tea for them both.

“No…nothing wrong, per say my Lady. No storm - not yet anyway. But you know how we Sith can be. We start fires where there shouldn’t be, and make more problems than solutions for ourselves.”

That had been an observation of the young woman in her time growing and learning and being more involved in Sith affairs. Since her last meeting with Lady Talon, Revna had been involved in a few of her Mentor’s campaigns and had shadowed him on missions and duties he carried out, and she had come to learn of his rather unorthodox and cantankerous ways of achieving his goals or desires. It caused issues, more often than not, with others - but it was a very good learning experience for the young Sith, especially on what to do and what not to do in certain situations.

But that wasn’t why she was here visiting the Empress.

“You are right though, of course. I am here seeking counsel. A lot has happened in my life; a lot of changes and growing and adjustments.”

Revna paused for a moment, her gaze slipping away from Lady Talon’s for a moment to look over her surroundings as she gathered her thoughts, noting the serenity of the chamber and its beautiful aesthetics.

“I went from being the lowest of the low, as you already know - to a place of influence and power. I went from being a nobody, to someone with a name. And now because of that, there are other…expectations and responsibilities placed on my shoulders. Things I didn’t expect to happen, but have embraced as best I can.”

The young woman returned her gaze to the woman sitting with her. “And I knew that of all the people I’ve encountered or built connections with, that you would be the best one for me to come to about this and confide in. Not because you are the Sith Empress, but because you are another woman. There are things that I can speak about with my Mentor - but some things he simply can’t help me with, because he’s a man.”

She took a deep breath and released it slowly, before the wall broke and she began to speak, letting everything pour out in a gradual stream.

“After my dance with you, Lord Strosius realized that I needed some…higher education if I was going to be ‘mingling with those sort of people’. His disdain for nobility is no secret, I think, but even despite his distaste for it, he must have recognized or seen that it would be important for me to know certain things, and how to integrate myself with Sith of higher rank and status. Be it for his own purposes or not, who knew. Of course, the only noble he truly knew was Lord Malum. So I was sent to his…estate…to learn more proper etiquette.”

“Well, that brought about certain revelations about myself, which in turn opened doors that otherwise would have been shut to me. I found myself spending more time on Alvaria, with Malum and his family. Malum of course has connections to Jutrand, and knows people. And one of those individuals happened to be your grandson - Zachariah. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know of his connections to you and Lord Empyrean. He revealed that himself while he and I were on a mission together some time back. I realized just how dangerous that knowledge could be, if it ended up in the wrong hands. And despite the loyalty I have for my Mentor - I made the choice not to tell him anything about Zach. I think we both know just what he might try to do if he learned about Zach’s identity. I…contemplated keeping your grandson at a distance, tried to limit our time together - but where Malum was, so was Zach.”

Revna fell silent for a few moments, sipping on her tea to wet her throat as her mind danced through the various memories she had that involved the young Sith man, and unconsciously a small smile touched her face as she recalled them.

“We get along great - which I think is fairly rare amongst those of our Order. I would go into the thick of battle alongside him if he asked me to, and even if he didn’t. He summons for me and I go to him without complaint, curious to see what he wants to do next with me. But, after our last time together here in Jutrand, I was confronted with…feelings…I don’t know what to make of. Like - I find myself willing to fight my own Mentor to defend Zach from him, and I hope I never have to face that situation. They confuse me, and I couldn’t talk to Strosius about this. I don’t even feel comfortable talking to Malum about this. I know very few women; the Marr sisters, sure, and the Exarch who works closely with my Mentor…but I just didn’t feel it would be safe to talk to any of them about this. The only one I felt I could speak to was you. And that is why I am here today. I’d speak to my own mother about this if I could but…she is dead.”

Srina Talon ​

 

[Srina Talon]

Tag: Revna
Location: Jutrand
______________________________________________________

As Revna entered the ominous, however tastefully adorned chamber, Srina Talon observed her with a seventh sense that would seem to pierce through to the very soul. The young Sith's nervousness was palpable, her every step echoing with the gravity of moving freely within these walls. Srina's icy demeanor remained unbroken; her ethereal presence was almost otherworldly in its stillness. When she finally moved it would always appear almost magical, a statue, that had suddenly decided to become a person.

Revna's respectful bow and genuine smile did not go unnoticed, and a ghostly smile curled ever-so-faintly into the kiss of her mouth. She gestured gracefully for Revna to sit, her movements fluid and deliberate, like a cold wind dancing through a moonlit forest. As Revna settled, Srina's golden eyes never left her, capturing every nuance of the young woman's posture and expression.

Saving it for later…Dissection. This new sense of nobility was...Curious.

"I thought…You might not come.", Srina spoke after a moment, her chilly voice a melodic whisper that seemed to resonate within the very air around them. She had been waiting, but, only so many seasons could pass before she would have to admit her future sight had been incorrect. Thankfully, that was not the case…And she would not have to admit to being fallible. Yet. "Perhaps…That your Master might not allow it…We share very different ideologies, after all."

Steam rose in graceful tendrils from the teapot and Srina ensured that her guest was comfortable to the best of her ability. The Empress was a poor hostess and homemaker…But she tried her hand at this game of pretend. Handing a gilded cup to Revna, she listened intently as the young woman began to speak, her words tumbling out in a mixture of respect and apprehension. It was…

Something, to watch, while being almost able to see the gears turning in the young apprentice's mind. She was so…New. Unbroken. Unburnt.

For now. ​

Srina's expression remained serene, burnished golden orbs flickering. "We Sith are indeed adept at conjuring squalls and tempests where there should be calm…It is chaotic…", she mused, her tone carrying a hint of amusement that was swiftly buried beneath layers of ice.

"It is troublesome…Yet, I love a good storm."

The kind that shook the foundations when it thundered, when, she could feel it in her bones.

As Revna spoke of her recent experiences and the unexpected responsibilities placed upon her, Srina's gaze remained constant and unsurprised. She understood the weight of such burdens all too well. When Revna mentioned Zachariah, Srina's interest was piqued, though she maintained a perfectly composed exterior. She listened with the patience of an ancient being, allowing Revna to unburden herself fully.

"…Zachariah is a unique soul.", Srina spoke after a moment's silence, her voice carrying a cold, yet compassionate wisdom. "He has the potential to inspire greatness in those around him, much like you, little one. Your connection to him is not something to fear, but to understand and harness."

"Like many things…It will serve you until it does not. Some relationships span the ages…And others? Merely moments. Precious, partial seconds, that flicker by like a rainfall. It does make them any less valuable but they are...There and gone."

It was ironic that Revna was seeking an understanding of interconnectedness with her peers from her of all people. She was female, but, she had often caused numerous upsets with her taciturn demeanor. The Sith for all their grandstanding were quite sensitive when everything was said and done. Taking offense to this and that, blooding one another, because of some imagined slight. It was also interesting to learn even more about the connection between Darth Strosius and Darth Malum of House Marr without their swift intervention.

They were closer than they let on.

A true Master, after all, wouldn't trust his apprentice with just anyone.

It was a good way to get stabbed in the back at the earliest convenience.

"I will do my best to answer your questions…But there are only a few souls that understand me as I am. I was raised a warrior, from the cradle, and was tasked with the protection of my clan. I was taught to think and utilize logic and pragmatism. I was never taught to feel. It was not…Productive, for a weapon, to feel when cutting down any adversary. It produces hesitation and I, above all, do not hesitate.", she paused and gave it a moment for her words to sink in. It was more than most of the Order knew about their Empress. "This makes expression difficult for me…regardless of how I practice. I can summon any element from thin air…But a smile to my eyes? That is beyond me."

Empyrean drew the most out of her, followed closely, by her former Master and Kaine. Even her children…Had required practice and adjustment. How cold they must have assumed their mother to be. She was nothing like the books, nothing, like the holos or anything close to what they saw in others. Srina brought the steaming cup of tea to her lips and took a sip regardless of how scalding it was. She preferred it that way. "Emotions are powerful, but they are also volatile. They can drive us to great heights, but they can also lead to our downfall if not controlled. You must learn to master them, to use your affection as tools rather than be consumed by it."

Another irony. That she would suggest Revna do…The opposite as she had done. Srina was chained to the Emperor through past, present, and future. Their love was all-consuming. It was everything she wanted, needed, and craved. It was why power itself held very little allure...Because she already had what she had always desired. Home. Acceptance. Her heart was where he was. But…

It was also incredibly dangerous. How, they had suffered.

"Explore what you feel, but do so, with clarity and purpose. Let your instincts guide you rather than hinder you. If you stray too far without maintaining some sense of self…Your heart will break."

Srina's hand reached out, her touch as cold as ice yet strangely comforting as it rested on Revna's shoulder. Her gaze turned contemplative, her mind drifting back to her own journey through a labyrinth of emotion and power. How closely, it was intertwined. "These stirrings you sense…Say that you are more than a warrior....More than a tool of any Empire. You are unique, an individual."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken understanding, the weight of Srina's words settling over them. It was not an unpleasant sensation…But it brought gravitas to an otherwise lighthearted moment. There was a darkness beginning in the Empress's eyes that would seem like the beginning of an event horizon. Startling, and surprisingly full of enormity. "…Remember, strength comes from within—between passion and discipline, between attachment and detachment. Cherish your connection with Zachariah, but do not let it become a weakness."

The pale Echani paused. The darkness in her got louder…Deeper. Black as pitch.

"I found my strength…My true strength, after my unborn was stolen from me during a war with the Light. Once, decades ago, I held the Jedi no ill will. I fought with them. I defended them. I even took one as my own. They promised diplomacy...What I received was a bomb. It was my weakness and sentimentality that cost my child everything. I lived, she did not. She never had a chance to breathe, to exist, because I let the promise of mercy sway my judgment. I let the promise of a pretty lie, love, cloud my instincts. They stole my husband, from me. They cut his body in half and made him the Empyrean you know today. This is how I know what the Jedi Order is capable of... Her blood...His blood...Will always be on my hands. I will never not long for the sight of my husband... I will never not long for the sound of her cry…"

Her eyes flickered.

"Understand…I do not want that loss for you. Your strength will be found in other ways. So. Be careful, my little one. Love deeply…Find your passion… But never lose sight of who and what you are. Not for anything, anyone."

 

[Revna]

A glint of mischievousness danced Revna’s eyes and her small smile reflected that as well, when Srina mentioned that she wasn’t sure the young woman would even come at all, mentioning that Revna’s grumpy Mentor might not have allowed it.

She was correct. Darth Strosius would never have approved of her coming to Jutrand to see the Empress, their enemy.

No. His enemy.

“While I respect my Mentor…he doesn’t always keep track of my comings and goings, and even if he did tell me I couldn’t come to see, I probably would have anyway. Jutrand is close to Alvaria, where I have been staying a good portion of my time, and I use that as a cover to come here. To see Zachariah, and now to see you. Deceptive, yes. But what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

Lady Talon was attentive and silent as Revna outpoured what was on her heart, especially in regards to her grandson. There was a voice of caution in the back of the young woman’s mind that told her to be careful with all she revealed, and to guard her heart. This was his grandmother she was talking to; if for some reason she felt that their interactions were not good and said as much, then Revna needed to be prepared to hear and face that disappointment. When she fell silent, she took a sip of her tea before looking back at the Empress with the slightest bit of unsurety, but her ears were open and eager to hear what the woman had to say on the topics she had brought up.

Pink lightly dusted Revna’s cheek when Srina said that like Zach, she could inspire greatness in others around her. She’d never had someone say that about her before, though she did agree that Zach could inspire those around him. He inspired Revna, afterall. But the Empress slipped her wisdom into more of her words, reminding Revna that some relationships built with others were meant to last a lifetime, and others only for a season.

It made the young woman pause and think, even as she continued to listen to the silvered haired Echani speak. Was…this bond she had with Zach only there for a brief moment in time? It was possible. They were still both young and inexperienced; it was not unrealistic to think that either of them could be killed in the future at some point. Such was the way of the Sith and their conflicts; death was never truly too far away.

Revna nodded as Lady Talon told her that she would do her best to answer her questions, and listened intently as the woman shared a little more about herself, and Revna soon caught on to what the woman was saying: what the young Sith acolyte was asking of her, was difficult for the Empress to give. But she would try. Instead of closing her off however, Srina only deepened Revna’s awe. She spoke in a way that Revna understood, in her heart. It was soothing. Her assertions about emotions sank deep into the little woman’s mind and heart…though questions did arise from the Empress’s words.

She understood about controlling her emotions; that was one of the first lessons Strosius had taught the young woman. She was so easily consumed by her hate and rage that it made her more akin to an animal than a weapon that could be sharpened and honed for precise strikes.

But affection? Revna had never heard the term before; she didn’t know what it was, or what it meant. Clearly it had something to do with emotions, otherwise the silver haired Queen wouldn’t have mentioned it. But from what Revna had gathered, whatever this affection was…it was a tool for her to use wisely. The dark haired acolyte remained quiet and studious, drinking in everything Lady Talon shared with her. There was wisdom here for her to gain, to learn, and that was sometimes far more precious than any knowledge she would ever learn.

Let her instincts guide her…explore what and how she felt, but keeping a clear head on her shoulders as she did so. Always remain aware of who she was, aware of herself.

The touch of the Empress's pale hand on her shoulder brought a measure of comfort to the young woman, and she relaxed a little more. She was receiving more from this wintry woman than she ever had from her own mother. And it made her feel good on the inside. To hear Srina remind her that her strength came from within, brought another smile to Revna’s face. She lost count of how many times her own Mentor reminded her of such things as well. They may have been different in ideology, but clearly they both taught the same thing to those younger and less experienced than they.

Revna lowered her gaze when the word of warning, of caution, came through to not let her attachment to Zach become a weakness. Her mind shifted and her thoughts churned once more; she had once said and thought that she would sacrifice almost anything on his behalf…but was that wise?

Perhaps not.

The little woman’s eyes shot back up to Lady Talon as she felt the darkness stir and shift. There was no outward change, no shadowy presence around the room, yet in the Force…she felt and saw the woman before her darken. For a moment, Revna was put on edge, but she had nothing to fear from the woman, as she hadn’t done anything to warrant a punishment or reprimand. But the expression of power was still something that made Revna …alert. And the more she listened to what Srina Talon told her, the more she understood why she felt that gathering darkness.

There was a clash of confliction within the acolyte. She did not harbor too much ill will towards the Jedi herself, as she even had formed a sort of understanding with one herself not all that long ago, but the more she heard about their crimes from yet another Sith, the more she really wondered just who was truly more wicked in their ways. But beyond this, Revna heard a warning, and learned a lesson from another’s pain and experience. A confession from Lady Talon that her own attachment had been her weakness, and had brought her pain and loss.

There was another word uttered that Revna did not understand. Love.

Revna tilted her head at the Empress as silence fell between them for a few long moments, before she cast her gaze downward to look at the ornate teacup in her hand, studying it absentmindedly. The tale that had been shared was heavy, but it was important. It made her pause and truly wonder: Did the things she feel for Zachariah…were they stirrings affection? Of this cruelty called love?

“...you will have to forgive me, Empress. I…I am afraid I don’t know what affection or this love…is. Or, what it looks like. These things were not explained or taught to me as a slave. All that was expected of me was…duty. Honor. Respect. I felt strongly for my mother, she was my protection in the face of danger, of uncertainty. But…she was distant and cold. She was more akin to a fellow, nameless slave like all the others, than she was what I imagine a mother to be. Truthfully, I don’t even know what that is supposed to be like either…” Revna finished, her voice trailing off in a murmur as she recalled memories of a time long since passed. After a moment, she raised her eyes back to the golden orbs of the Dread Queen seated with her.

“...are you saying that what I’ve been feeling for Zach has been these things? Affection? Love? Because if that is the case…then I feel these things for others too. But it…looks different. Feels different. I…don’t understand.”

Srina Talon
​

 

[Srina Talon]

Tag: Revna
Location: Jutrand
______________________________________________________

​

"Be mindful of deceit little one…It is common of our people—But it has a way of catching up to you."

Srina's eyes, like molten gold, studied Revna with a deep, curious, contemplation. The young sithling's vulnerability and confusion resonated with the Empress, though her expression remained a mask of serene composure. The once temperate room had grown colder since recounting the story of the child that had been taken from her. It reflected her frame of mind—The need to maintain the icy exterior that kept the parts of her at bay that Revna did not need.

Her agony was not the meaning of the lesson she intended to impart. Only, the logic of it.

The consequences.

"Love…", Srina began, her voice as smooth and cold as ice, "…Is an emotion that defies any simple explanation I can give. It is both a profound connection and a powerful force, capable of driving us to achieve great things or to commit...Great folly."

The Dread Queen was distant for a moment while she tried to find the words to explain a subject that she only knew from one perspective. Empyrean, rather, her Maliphant had been the one to show her what love really was. That it existed as more than an inconvenience, or, a chemical reaction that more or less led to a temporary bout of insanity. It was a loss of reason. It invaded every thought, made her frozen heart beat like a drum, all the while leaving her speechless...Helpless…

Srina had railed against that feeling. Run, from Maliphant. He had crossed the stars to find her hiding in the Ryloth Nightlands from all that knew her because the loss she had endured was unbearable. Her grief called to him, through an alchemized sword, and he walked out of thin air with the face of Dorian Harper…His IGBC cover. It had been like looking at a lie while he wore that mask.

But when he lifted it?

His face…His eyes…If she was being truthful…She knew it then. In that moment, she knew he loved her.

Srina had just been too hurt, too broken, too much of a jaded Echani warrior to see it.

"To recognize love, you must understand its nature. It drowns you. Sets your heart on fire. It has no fear, no reason. Gives…Everything you want and asks for nothing in return. It is a feeling of deep fondness and care, a desire to protect and cherish another person. It goes beyond mere attraction, duty, social contracts, or friendship; it is a bond that feels as though it has been woven into the very fabric of your being."

Was Empyrean woven into her? Yes. Emphatically, yes. She could not breathe without him, would not, and even in this form he now held her heart only called for him. It was…Complicated.

She paused, letting her words thread through the air before continuing. Srina was always set on the backfoot when required to talk about emotional ties so in depth. It was not her specialty and she almost felt foolish trying. Maliphant knew her heart and soul. He knew how to say these things, bluntly, plainly where everyone understood. "As Sith…We are taught to master our emotions, to harness them as tools rather than allowing them to control us. Love, in this context, can be seen as a potential weakness, something that can be exploited by our enemies because it breaks that control. It is a vulnerability that can be manipulated, a chink in our otherwise impenetrable armor."

Srina's gaze softened slightly, though her demeanor remained composed. She realized that she was painting it to be a death sentence…But that wasn't the whole of it. Not even close. "However…It can also be a source of immense strength. It can inspire us to protect those we care about, to strive for greater heights, and to endure hardships that would otherwise break us. To find our passion. The key is to be aware of this emotion, to embrace its power, while guarding against its potential to cloud our judgment. And it will cloud you…To some degree. There is no escaping that."

She leaned back slightly, her presence shifting while she took another sip of the hot tea. Still…Considering what Revna had asked of her. Trying not to get lost in her inability to convey things as they should be. Srina wished little more than to do this young woman justice in a world where she had been denied, it seemed, even the comfort of maternal attention. "Affection is a component of love, a precursor if you will. There are several forms of love…From a parent to a child, between friends, and between lovers. You may feel all of them to varying degrees…"

Srina's eyes never left Revna's, her voice carrying the weight of her experience...But there was still that touch of uncertainty. The discussion was based on subjectivity, not, fact. Love itself could not be measured or proven and it left the Empress a little off-kilter. She was nothing if not logical, and pragmatic, but the inexplicable bond that connected her to Empyrean was…Completely other. "It is possible that what you feel for Zachariah is indeed love. It manifests differently for each person. It can vary in intensity and expression…You may also feel affection for others, but the depth and nature of your bond with Zachariah could indicate that it is something more profound."

"Love and affection are not weaknesses in themselves, but how we respond to these emotions can determine whether they become strengths or vulnerabilities. Use them wisely, let them guide you but not rule you. And as I said before…Always remember to remain true to yourself."

She moved to set her teacup down on the table and lifted the pout to fill both of their cups again. The action was smooth, as if she had served such a beverage professionally, or for decades, with the same perfect pour. "Forgive me, if I am unhelpful, Revna. I wish to be."

The small admission of her fallacy was coupled with settling the gilded teapot back on the table. She didn't like the feeling of failing one of her children when they came to her with an earnest desire to understand. Yet, how could she define the unknowable? How could she impress upon this young sithling the nature of something she hardly understood? Her eyes flickered, realizing, that she had not addressed one secret admission… "I am sorry that your mother was not able to be the mother you deserved. I make no excuse, but I imagine her life was…Quite difficult."

"I am cold, they say. Frozen of heart. My Naneth is…Untouchable, for me. We have the same temperament on a different scale, yet, I am an avatar of death and destruction to her eyes. Not every mother deserves their children. Not every mother, is capable of being a mother. That doesn't mean that your value is any less."

 

[Revna]

Yes…she would be wise to be careful with her deceit. And Revna knew that one day, her deceptiveness would catch up to her, one way or another. She would have to face the consequences of that when the time came. But, that didn’t mean she would discount the wisdom, the caution, Lady Talon gave her on the topic.

Truthfully, Revna didn’t want to deceive her Mentor. She wanted him involved in matters in her life, but some things he simply couldn’t know. Like who Zachariah was. Knowing the hate her Mentor had for the royal couple, he would use Zachariah against them - despite her feelings for the young man.

And the thought of that stirred emotions within the young Sith that frankly frightened her.

Revna listened intently as the Echani tried to explain what love was to her. It was the first time anyone had ever bothered to even explain such a concept to the Acolyte. But the more the Empress spoke on the topic, the more connections and understanding were made within the little woman’s mind. Revelations that gave her pause, and made her truly think about how she connected and felt with certain individuals. But the description of love looked like something different to Revna. To her, it was devotion. Perhaps love intertwined itself with devotion and loyalty?

And the more Lady Talon broke down what love truly was to Revna, the more she realized that she did indeed feel such an emotion, but what came as a shock and surprise to her was that while she did feel some of this for Zach, he was not the primary individual she felt these intense emotions for.

Revna’s face paled slightly and her gaze became…distracted. The revelation that was coming to light from this unbalanced her, and she didn’t know what to do with it. It took her a moment, but she managed to pull herself together enough to bring her attention back to Srina as the silver haired woman explained that they were taught to master their emotions, and that love could be seen as a weakness as it could be used against a Sith.

But that didn’t make it bad. It certainly made it a challenge, and Revna could understand why a lot of Sith chose to cast off such things. What Sith wanted to have a weakness used and manipulated against them?

Revna frowned slightly as Srina asked for her forgiveness for being unhelpful. “You’ve done more for me in this moment than anyone, short of my Mentor. I am incredibly thankful for the wisdom and insight you’ve provided for me on this. What you have told me thus far has opened my eyes to some things I didn’t know about. Revelations about my connections to others. How…frightening those revelations are.”

She looked back at her hands for a moment, when Srina mentioned Revna's mother, as well as shared a little bit about her own relationship with her mother. She was right, of course. Her mother had a very difficult life; in hindsight, she knew why her mother had been the way she was.

“My mother was cold to protect me, I think. But I think she hurt me more than she helped me. I have been alive for almost thirty cycles...and I am just now learning and trying to understand what I feel for certain...individuals that have come into my life.”

Revna was quiet for a few long moments, gathering her thoughts, before she finally looked back up at the Empress with a deep frown on her face. She needed to be very careful with what she said next, while still getting an answer to the questions that flooded her mind. “...how does one go about revealing such things to another? And what do I do if they don’t feel the same? Should I just keep it to myself?”

Srina Talon ​