Private Secrets, Sold and Shared

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Korriban. How long had it been since she tread her red sands?

Long enough, it seemed, that Kaila had come to view it much the same as Dathomir; an ancient homeworld upon which once dwelled ancestors she may never meet, but knew in spirit. Though the young Darth Anathemous still had much to learn, she was no longer that lost soul who questioned her faith upon Echnos. Her place was among the empire, her commitment, her zeal, absolute.

Revna, despite their friendship, had not been privy to the great journey which led Anathemous to the heights of her loyalty.

She'd not seen the physical toll it would exact upon the warrior-sorceress, how her body had adapted beyond prior limits not only to survive, but to thrive. She was covered in steely muscle now, the gentleness of her citrine gaze worn away by war, yet given fire anew.

Kaila had changed, yet a friend, she remained.


She walked proudly into the palace, pulling away her hood, a warm smile across her freckled face as she caught sight of the Queen-to-be of all Korriban. The woman to whom she'd entrusted the well being of her apprentice, Tamsin Graves , for a time, and whom had shared with her such closely guarded secrets.

Today, it was time to repay the favor in kind.

"Lady Revna," she bowed her head, a little deeper to her than most.

"It has been far too long. I bring news, of war, of victory and court. We've so much to talk about."

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Some time had passed since Revna had last seen her friend, Kaila. She recalled that last interaction fondly; the two women had shared stories, and Revna had told her fellow Vahla about her little secret. So far, Kaila had been the only non-Korribani that knew the truth, a secret that Revna hoped the other woman had kept safe and sound in their time apart.

A small entourage of ladies-in-waiting accompanied Revna as she traversed the cold but beautiful halls of the Palace of Varin, on her way to meet the Governor of Echnos who had just landed only a short while ago. Revna rounded a corner, her black robes embellished with gold and red intricate patterns flowing about her with elegant grace. Of course, never apart from Revna was the necklace of the ashes of her late Master, as well as her lightsaber.

Upon seeing Kaila, a genuine smile creased Revna’s face and she drew near to the other Sith woman, who had just pulled down her hood from her head. Kaila greeted her and dipped her head in a bow of respect, something that warmed Revna. She was slowly getting used to individuals showing her respect these days - namely the palace servants and those who were privy to the knowledge that Revna was the King’s Lady. But it was still something that brought a flush of pink her cheeks.

“Kaila, my friend!” Revna said softly to the woman. “Welcome back to Korriban.”

"It has been far too long. I bring news, of war, of victory and court. We've so much to talk about." Kaila said to her, and Revna nodded eagerly, her fiery eyes glimmering with the anticipation of hearing whatever her friend had to share with her.

“It has been too long. Come! I arranged for a courtyard to be sanctioned off for our use today. We can converse there without worry.”

Revna turned and invited Kaila to walk beside her before she led the pair of them onward, down a series a long stone hallways, up a spiral staircase, then down another series of hallways before turning the corner and into a moderately sized courtyard filled with various flora, both native and non-native species to Korriban. Near the back of the courtyard sat a table and two comfortable looking chairs where the two women could sit and enjoy their conversation. Immaculately wrapped, veiled and perfumed Jen’ari servants awaited nearby, ready to serve the two Sith Ladies should they need anything. The entire space looked inviting and cozy; a perfect spot for two friends to become reacquainted with one another and share stories.

Upon entering, Revna turned towards the arched doorway and briefly closed her eyes, lifting a hand to face the open pathway. There was a shift in the energy around both her and Kaila as Revna erected a Force barrier at the entryway, before she lowered her hand and glanced at the blond Sith Knight.

“There; we shouldn’t be disturbed now and what we say here will stay here. Make yourself at home; I have refreshments and some treats prepared for us, should you wish to partake in any of that.” Revna said softly as she glanced towards the Jen’ari servants, before moving towards the table to take a seat in one of the chairs. She summoned one of the veiled servants over, who brought a pitcher and two crystalline glasses to the table, setting them down before retreating back to its proper place nearby.

“This is Gnostra berry wine. I haven’t tried it yet, figured it might be a good beverage for us.” Revna said, inspecting the bottle for a moment. “At least, I hope so.” She glanced at Kaila, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I feel a bit fortunate to have access to many unique foods and drinks here on Korriban; many things are imported in from all around the galaxy, to give others who live here a taste of what is beyond our borders. Also, when I heard you were coming by for a visit, I stopped by our kitchens and prepared some goodies for us. I am pretty sure I mortified the cooks and servants there; what noble bakes or cooks their own food and treats for guests?” she added with a touch of sardonic humor in her voice as a second servant carrying a tray of what looked to be perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies was set down as well, and with the cookies came freshly prepared varieties of fruit.

“I hope you don’t mind the drinks and goodies…I had to spoil my friend. And it has been a long time since I made my favorite cookies for anyone so I just couldn’t help myself. I hope they turned out alright…” The raven-haired Sith woman said, her smile returning as she glanced back up to Kaila.

“Anyway! How have you been? Last we spoke you informed me that you were going to be meeting with a non-Force using Governor… Reicher Vax, wasn’t it? How did that go?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Kaila would nod and follow her friend with a smile through the palace.

It felt almost strange to hear her given name so far from home, or what she'd begun calling home at least. There were very few close enough to call her that beyond her walls, and a certain apartment on Jutrand. Revna was one of the few she allowed to address her as such, in fact.

Equally strange yet no less welcome however, was the sight of her fellow Vahla in such exquisite finery.

"Revna, had I known this were an occasion to dress, I'd have dispensed with the cloak for a dress of my own." she chuckled.


Both their circumstances had improved greatly, it seemed, and Kaila was delighted to see it. While it was true she did not know Revna quite so well as her friends of closer proximity, she was well aware of the things which had been done to her by the Kainites, and the raven haired woman deserved so much better.

The otherwise silent trip through the palace was, due to the time which had passed, almost unbearable. To see the flowery courtyard after was a great relief, and Kaila was pleased to see the barrier erected in their wake, giving her time enjoy the scenery on the way to sit, running gloved fingers through the leaves as she passed.

The food caught her pleased and hungry eye first, then the servants.

She watched them curiously while Revna told her story, and though she was indeed listening, she couldn't help examining the veiled Jen'ari. She did not appear disturbed nor disgusted, rather she began to slowly tilt and stare in thought.

Something about the way they moved.

It was inhuman, yet they were no droids. The force clung to them if only faintly, and Revna would be allowed to watch in real time as the former seeker put the pieces together. The intricate coverings which deliberately masked their forms, their dead silent, Revna's trust in their secrecy. She knew why they were here. And it was so clever of the queen.

Kaila smirked, and turned back towards her host.

"Gnostra berry, you say?"

She poured herself a glass and sniffed delicately.

Kaila pulled her gloves away, and there was but a moment's hesitation as she glanced to her blackened nails dwelling. Revna had caught onto their purpose when the young Darth had curiously dipped a single claw into her drink when last they spoke.

She knew better now, such was the trust they'd built, and the paranoia she'd overcome since.

"Mmm... you've access to finer things than my little moon." she hummed.

The wine was sweet against her lips.

Yet it was the story which brought a smile to them.

"You baked these yourself?" she laughed softly.

"Oh that takes me back. Saryn would bake for me, once upon a time. I don't miss the bloody malsheem, but I sure miss his cooking. His cake, especially." she sighed happily.

But moments after, something in her smile changed. Froze, really.

Never mind all that, she thought. Instead she took a bite of Revna's cooking, letting it restore her smile anew. It was the first time anyone had baked for her since she became governor, and the importance of that gesture was not lost on. Nor was the flavor, in fact that would surely leave a lasting impression.

"They're lovely," she assured, half muffled by the chocolatey remnants in her mouth.

It was unusual for her to forget manners at the table.

“Anyway! How have you been? Last we spoke you informed me that you were going to be meeting with a non-Force using Governor… Reicher Vax, wasn’t it? How did that go?”

"Ah."

Kaila paused to finish chewing before she continued.

"The Vax-Calis family are... complicated people."

She pinched her chin in thought, turning her distant gaze towards the garden.

"You asked for my advice once, on ruling. I wasn't experienced enough to speak then, but I've learned a valuable lesson since."

"The friend who declares her loyalty the loudest will break her oaths first. Keep your eyes sharp, and your patience sparingly."

"An be willing to replace." she hummed, almost mournfully.

Almost bitterly.

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Revna chuckled at Kaila’s remarks about wearing a dress instead of a cloak, and she smiled at her friend. “Come as you are, Kaila. This isn’t a formal affair so there is no need for fancy dresses.”

Once within the courtyard, Kaila seemed to roam and examine the space chosen for their little get together. Revna watched the blond Sith woman for a few brief moments, noticing all that Kaila looked upon as well. The Knight seemed curious about the veiled servants, and Revna wondered if her friend would catch onto the truth of what these servants were.

Revna’s eyes glimmered as she spied Kaila’s smirk; yes, it did appear that she had figured out just what the Jen’ari actually were. These reanimated servants would pose no threat unless directly ordered to, and they were perfect for more secretive or reclusive gatherings such as this.

Kaila poured herself a glass of the Gnostra berry wine, and Revna poured one as well. It’s scent was sweet and aromatic, and she was pleased to see that there was enough trust between the two women that Kaila didn’t feel the need to test the wine. Revna would have understood if she had anyway, and wouldn’t have faulted her for it.

“Mmm.” Revna hummed as she finally tasted the wine, noting that it was both sweet and tart and it was immediately clear that such a beverage could be rather dangerous. It didn’t taste like alcohol..at all.

"You baked these yourself? Oh that takes me back. Saryn would bake for me, once upon a time. I don't miss the bloody Malsheem, but I sure miss his cooking. His cake, especially." Kaila exclaimed about the goodies that Revna had baked for the two of them to enjoy. The raven haired woman smirked a little wider as her friend bit into a cookie and gave it a taste. She was most eager to see if they were any good, and her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she waited for her friend’s judgment of her baking skills.

"They're lovely," the Vahla said between crumbs and mouthful, and Revna chuckled.

“Oh good! Glad to hear it!”

Revna then was quiet as she waited for Kaila to fill her in about what had transpired in the meeting with the other Governor, and tilted her head as her friend passed along some advice to her.

"You asked for my advice once, on ruling. I wasn't experienced enough to speak then, but I've learned a valuable lesson since. The friend who declares her loyalty the loudest will break her oaths first. Keep your eyes sharp, and your patience sparingly. And be willing to replace."

Revna hummed and sat back in her seat, crossing one leg over the other as her expression turned more introspective and thoughtful.

“Hmmm. I recently had to caution one of my Acolytes about making promises that they may not be able to keep. Oaths and swearing of loyalty are…a double edged sword. For most Sith - such things are simply lies, a tool to manipulate another into a favorable position so they can get what they want. It is…unfortunate that this happened to you, Kaila. Sometimes those can be the hardest and most painful lessons to learn. I do thank you for that advice, however. It is something I think we all could stand to hear repeated, a time or two.”

Revna picked up a cookie and bit into it, chewing for a few moments before she glanced over at her friend and smiled gently, genuinely. “Besides that, what all has happened with you? You mentioned that you carried news of war and victory. I am aware that the Sith went to war against the Jedi once more, on Woostri I believe? Were you there? I had hoped to go and do my part but...the King and I chose to remain here for the time being, and watch our neighbors who are encroaching upon our borders a bit too closely for our tastes.”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Kaila stirred, giving a sidelong glance.

Then quickly as it came, the gloom passed and she moved on to better things with Revna's help.

"Woostri," she smiled, "Is another story entirely."

The young knight turned, finishing the last of her cookie in short order before addressing her gracious host, having since remembered some manners even if she leaned her elbows against the table in what looked to be excitement.

"It was frightening at first, I'll admit. I believed my charge wounded, falsely so. But when my nerves had given themselves completely to the battle—fanged god—I never thought that war could be so..."

What was the proper word?

"...Glorious."

"Even if they did break my bloody nose!" she pointed to her face and chuckled, though the healer had done good work.

"I fought beside an echani sorceress and her apprentice amidst a force storm, and together we routed the jedi right quick! The alliance were forced to flood the data center to halt our advance you see, but I'm told we've ways of salvaging our spoils still. I can confidently say I'd fight beside the pair again if given choice."

There was something different in her smile then. Proud to be sure, but not only in herself. Despite the grim nature of battling in a crumbling city, illuminated only by lightning through the hurricane and fire on the horizon, it seemed a fond memory. The kind that would cement the bond of companionship.

"Of course, glory is not all I won that day."

Kaila pulled her glove away, holding her slender ring finger to the light, and sat upon it, a band of echani silver wrapped around. Elegant even in it's simplicity, fitting of the warrior culture which produced it, and the belying the complicated woman who'd bestowed it.

"I've found my cause at last, to whom my blade belongs." she grinned sheepishly at the ring.

The lovestruck knight cleared her throat then, lacing her fingers as she wrested control of her usually more mechanical feelings, a task which her love had made difficult of late. A most welcome challenge.

"Much like you and Caedes however, we are something of a secret, one I trust with only yourself and my student."

She would answer if asked of course, gods know Revna had shared more with her and that those secrets had been well kept thus far. For now however, there were questions on her mind as well.

"Oh and, after our talk of the heart, you must tell me of these neighbors. I'm afraid I am as ignorant of your northern struggles as you are the south. It is unfortunately wise that you and the King direct your attentions here I'm afraid, vital as the holy worlds are to the Eternalist church."

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Revna noticed the sidelong glance that Kaila gave her, but soon the young Knight shifted to the topic of Woostri - a triumphant smile crossing her face. She recounted the tale of how it had been a frightful situation, but also admitted that she hadn’t realized that war could be glorious. Revna shared the same kind of smile that Kaila wore, for she understood just how sublime war could be - especially for a Sith.

Mirth shined in Revna’s eyes as Kaila recounted her nose being broken - though it appeared that whoever had healed it had done a damn fine job - before she moved on to tell Revna how she had fought alongside an Echani and her apprentice and together they all were able to route the Jedi while fighting through a Force storm.

Revna’s friend paused for a moment, and she could sense a different sort of energy around Kaila. An excitement that she was barely holding on to. This intrigued Revna, but she waited for her friend to divulge further in her own time.

She didn’t have to wait long.

"Of course, glory is not all I won that day." the Vahla woman said as she pulled a glove free from one hand, revealing a ring around one of her fingers, light glinting off of an elegant band of silver. Revna inhaled a breath, excited joy dancing across her face as her eyes lit up like a wildfire. "I've found my cause at last, to whom my blade belongs."

“Oh my - Kaila! Congratulations!” Revna practically squealed, excitement for her friend pouring from her as a wide grin crossed her face. “How exciting! I’m so thrilled for you!”

"Much like you and Caedes however, we are something of a secret, one I trust with only yourself and my student." Kaila confessed further, and Revna nodded in understanding.

“Your secret is safe with me, my friend. It is only right that I honor that, since you have been true to keeping me and Caedes a secret, to which I am very thankful for!” Revna breathed as she sat back in her chair and swirled her glass of wine, her happy smile still beaming.

"Oh and, after our talk of the heart, you must tell me of these neighbors. I'm afraid I am as ignorant of your northern struggles as you are of the south. It is unfortunately wise that you and the King direct your attentions here I'm afraid, vital as the holy worlds are to the Eternalist church."

Revna nodded as she tracked what her friend was saying, taking a sip of the sweet wine as she pulled her thoughts back together from the news Kaila had revealed. While she was eager to discuss the other matters mentioned, she didn't want to brush past this special moment with her friend. “Of course! But you have to tell me who the lucky individual is who stole your heart! Other matters can wait for a moment longer. It’s not every day a Sith gets to talk about things dealing with the heart, afterall.”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Kaila sipped and savored wine in those little pauses.

She couldn't remember a time when wine had been something to enjoy rather than a tool to make herself appear more sophisticated at court or an anchor to distract her ever swimming thoughts. Clearly she needed to visit Korriban more often, much as her duties and adventures would allow.

“Of course! But you have to tell me who the lucky individual is who stole your heart! Other matters can wait for a moment longer. It’s not every day a Sith gets to talk about things dealing with the heart, afterall.”

"Very true." she chuckled softly.

"I appreciate that we may share such secrets safely between us. It is a breath of fresh air."

The young Darth gazed happily at her ring for a moment, pondering how best to introduce her love, only to become distracted with imaged memory of such haunting beauty. It completely slipped her mind to bring up the woman's titles, nor the significant role her dear princess was to play in the empire's future.

To Kaila she was so much more than her titles.

She was simply...

" Quinn Varanin ~"​

...And she was her everything.​

Kaila wore a sheepish grin whilst saying the name, averting eye contact almost embarrassedly, like a young girl announcing the name of her crush to a fellow student in hushed whispers. Such a far cry from the molten glare most knew her for, especially the enemies of her paramour who only ever saw her as the royal bodyguard, the echani's wolven knight on a leash.

"That is her name. One I believe the whole empire will know and respect in time."

"She is a great woman, kind and fierce all at once. So much has happened since you and I last spoke, and I've been at her side through most of it. Truth be told I sometimes wonder if I am worthy of her, I've seen first hand how genuine her heart is, and the lengths she would go to protect our love."

"She can be vicious, when she needs to be." the knight laughed nervously.

"And I wouldn't trade that for the world."

She sighed happily, tracing the echani silver between her fingers all the while.

"I hope that you and Caedes share what we do, it would make me very happy for you."

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

Revna watched Kaila, curious and eager to hear just who had stolen the young Darth’s heart, and gave her friend the space and time to share the truth when she was ready. The raven-haired Sith recognized that almost dreamy expression upon Kaila’s face as she gazed at the ring on her finger. Revna may not have such a trinket yet, but she understood that happy appearance, and the warmth that came with it.

Finally, Kaila shared the name of the woman who had stolen her heart - none other than the Echani Princess, Quinn Varanin.

Revna’s eyebrows nearly shot into her hairline when she heard this. “Princess Varanin?! Wow, Kaila!” she breathed, her voice echoing her happy awe for her friend. Revna wasn’t too familiar with the Princess, as they had never met face to face, but Revna was familiar with the name. She listened as Kaila spilled her heart about how she felt about Quinn, and the younger Darth’s words echoed Revna’s own sentiments and thoughts regarding her own blossoming connection with Caedes.

"She can be vicious, when she needs to be. And I wouldn't trade that for the world." Kaila said with a nervous chuckle, before she sighed happily and added: "I hope that you and Caedes share what we do, it would make me very happy for you."

Revna’s smile grew wider for a moment as she briefly reminiscenced about her and Caedes. “I…think we do. Or at least, something similar. I feel that we bring out the best in one another…” She paused for a moment, then scoffed softly in amusement, “-though other Sith might say we bring out the worst. I feel very…privileged…that I get to see a side to him that others may never get to see.”

She took another sip of her wine, enjoying the moment as she gazed around the flora of the courtyard. “You know…the first time I ever saw Lady Talon and Darth Empyrean together…I was in awe. What I saw was not only incredible power between the two of them, but a connection that defied the traditional thinking of the Sith. I didn’t really understand- it perplexed me. How could two beings of such immense power, wielders of the Dark side, connect, like that? How could one uphold the way of the Sith, and yet hold the hand of another? Speak, softly - to another? To let someone…in. Look upon that singular individual, and know without a shadow of a doubt that you would burn the galaxy for them, and face any hardship or trial.”

Revna turned her gaze back to Kaila, her smile still warm and thoughtful. “I didn’t get it then…but now…now I do.” She was quiet for a few moments, still thoughtful, as she lowered her eyes to her satin gloved hands as she opened up a little more about why the bond she had with Caedes was so strong. “I…I was a very broken individual when I came here to Korriban. A part of me was broken off, missing…gone. And the night Caedes danced with me, and we were able to just be ourselves…I realized that he was my missing piece. I think…I think I was that missing piece for him too. Especially considering that he willingly Force bonded with me.”

Revna raised her ember eyes back to Kaila’s face and asked softly, “...Was it similar for you when your heart found Quinn? Did it feel like you found a missing piece of yourself, in her?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Kaila nodded excitedly.

She indeed shared a heart with Princess Quinn Varanin. Heir of Eshan and daughter of The Empress. What that made herself, other than extraordinarily happy, Kaila was unsure. Perhaps that didn't matter as of yet, she was simply Hers and by her own merit, that's all she needed to be so long as Quinn's arms remained open to her whenever the young knight returned from battle.

“I…think we do. Or at least, something similar. I feel that we bring out the best in one another…” She paused for a moment, then scoffed softly in amusement, “-though other Sith might say we bring out the worst. I feel very…privileged…that I get to see a side to him that others may never get to see.”

"Oh frak other sith." she waved dismissively, a rare break in her sense of decorum.

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion. And what is love if not passions aspect?"

It was the first part of their code by which all sith lived, and the most neglected in her opinion. Too many stifled their passions and muted their emotions to that of a monks, even forbidding attachment, as if they were some twisted mockery of Jedi.

"Hmh."

Kaila reclined, sipping her wine and nodding along.

She made no comments of Empyrean and Talon's love however, for she had only met them apart or on the battlefield thus far. The Emperor himself, theirs was a secret meeting of which she could say no more, not even to those closest.

“...Was it similar for you when your heart found Quinn? Did it feel like you found a missing piece of yourself, in her?”

Kaila smiled again, knowing the answer by heart.

"Yes."

She laughed softly.

"I have never loved so potently as I do now, and even so far away, I can feel her in the cracks, through a bond such as yours."

"And I know that if it were severed again, she'd rip the world apart to find me."

"She proved as much on Woostri."

Kaila wasn't even sure if the Jedi survived, remembering Colette especially. Poor thing was close to bleeding out last she saw, they both were, and she almost felt sorry for them, bringing down Quinn's wrath like that.

Nevertheless she smiled and finished her wine, knowing she'd have done the same.

"I thought I'd lost her on the battlefield. I'm not supposed to speak of it but..."

She paused, and refilled her wine before taking another sip.

"She died once."

Kaila's fingers drummed anxiously against the table.

"I didn't know we could bring her back... I lost control, did things I'm not proud of. So I stayed with her in the hospital till she awoke, confessed everything. This was some time ago, Susevfi."

"She uhm, she told me she'd have done the same. And I realized that I would never have to hide myself again."

"Been inseparable ever since."

She smiled at the bittersweet memory.

"You and Caedes, have you shared any close calls, as we have? I find they tell a lot about one's character."

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons​

"Oh frak other sith." Kaila remarked with a dismissive wave and Revna chuckled heartily. Kark them indeed, Revna silently mused to herself as her chuckle softened upon hearing the rest of her friend’s words; "Peace is a lie, there is only passion. And what is love if not passion’s aspect?"

The raven haired Sith woman was introspective for a moment. Kaila’s words echoed one of Strosius’s lasts discussions He had shared with Revna, and her brow furrowed upon hearing the little “L” word again…love.

It was still a concept she didn’t quite grasp...but the words she had heard from both her High Priest and now her friend were beginning to make the wheels turn in her mind.

Kaila listened and sipped her wine as Revna revealed a bit more about her thoughts and growing connection with Caedes. However, she responded to Revna’s question with a smile and a confirmation that, like Revna, she had found a missing piece of herself in Quinn. She shared further that she had never loved someone so powerfully before, had that even from a distance she could still feel the bond she shared with the Princess.

It made Revna smile, to hear and to learn that others experienced what she was currently experiencing herself. Kaila may not have known it at the moment but she was a living example to Revna on what love looked and acted like. And that became even more apparent as she continued sharing with Revna the blooming relationship she shared with Quinn.

Revna sucked in a soft breath when the truth was revealed that Quinn had actually died and been returned to life, at some point in the recent past. And it was this traumatic experience that allowed both Kaila and Quinn to realize just how much they truly cared about the other, the moment that deeper feelings had been revealed.

And now they were nigh inseparable - something that Revna certainly could relate with herself now.

"You and Caedes, have you shared any close calls, as we have? I find they tell a lot about one's character."

The little Sith was thoughtful for a moment, taking another drink of the sweet berry wine as her mind drifted through her various recent memories involving the King.

“Not anything like what you experienced with Quinn. Though…when I think about it, I am reminded of the day of the Kaggath. Caedes was there with all of us in the box; we had been communicating through our minds to one another…he was still connected to me mentally when I felt my Master die and I very nearly lost myself to the void that tried to pull me into its depths, and I wanted to give in to it - to escape that horrific pain that was ripping me apart. He called me back though, kept me sane in those fragile moments. Perhaps even saved my life.”

Revna slipped into a moment of silence, staring across the garden to nothing in particular, before she refocused her gaze back on Kaila’s face. “I don’t know if that situation counts, though.” She added with a small chuckle and a smile. “Though I do sense that there will be some close calls in our future…things that will truly test us and just how much we care for each other.” Revna frowned again, then, as if perturbed by something. “It is a feeling I can’t escape.” she heaved a sigh but pulled herself from her thoughts and her smile returned.

“I am happy for you, Kaila! I am so glad you and Quinn found each other. Something that I have been learning in my journey here on Korriban and with Caedes is that…sometimes we are stronger when we are united with someone else. There is very little I wouldn’t do on behalf of Caedes, and I would face anything with him at my side. I imagine it is the same for you and Quinn, yeah?” She swirled her wine then took another sip before she shifted the conversation to other topics.

“I could sit here all day and talk and giggle with you about matters of the heart, but I know that this is not all you have to share with me is it? Tell me, how fares the Order on your side of the galaxy? What is my darling cousin up to these days, if you know? I had heard a rumor, a whisper, that war very nearly erupted not all that long ago - something that the Empress had to get involved with. Do you know anything about that?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

The kaggath.

Kaila had learned so much about the world that day, blurry as it was now. The Inquisition was gutted, The Sith Brotherhood which had been founded to avoid such bloodsport between brothers in it's wake, and she missed them so dearly. Leven especially. So much had changed.

Looking back, she had to wonder if things might've been different, had Darth Strosius won that day.

"Revna..."

She reached out, almost hesitantly, to touch the future queen's hand.

Normally the young Darth was so much more reserved, as hesitant to touch as she was to be touched for fear of poison, spell and blade alike. But the echani princess had since taught her the value of such small gestures.

"I'm sorry. I don't know much, but surely he must have done something right, to capture hearts and minds so."


She pulled back then, still processing that day herself, let alone how Revna must've felt.

"Well, that counts I think. I am glad he was there for you, it tells me a lot."

Perhaps the souls of Susevfi would not have been consumed, where someone there for her when Quinn had perished for the first time.

“It is a feeling I can’t escape.”

Rusted-gold brows furrowed as she glanced to Revna, then elsewhere. Kaila had learned the hard way to heed visions and omens, but could not rightly say if this was any such thing.

"Trust your instincts." she muttered.

“I am happy for you, Kaila! I am so glad you and Quinn found each other. Something that I have been learning in my journey here on Korriban and with Caedes is that…sometimes we are stronger when we are united with someone else. There is very little I wouldn’t do on behalf of Caedes, and I would face anything with him at my side. I imagine it is the same for you and Quinn, yeah?” She swirled her wine then took another sip before she shifted the conversation to other topics.

"Very much." she smiled faintly, allowing the previous comments to pass by for now.

"She gives purpose to all I do, allows ambitions to grow that I might never have known before."


Then the conversation shifted with a few simple questions, with very complicated answers.

Her jaw visibly clenched at the word "cousin", and the young Knight found herself drinking more than a sip of wine. Otherwise her expression did not change, a purposefully subdued look, one the rest of this order was more accustomed to seeing about her freckled face. Deceptive as it was, it was in instinctual mask which afforded her time to think more often than not. She no longer realized when she did it.

"You mean that business on my little moon, don't you?"

She wiped the wine away from her lips on her sleeve, forgetting once again that this was a time to be a "lady".

"I haven't spoken to him since. To be quite frank, you'd be short a cousin if I had."

Darth Anathemous no longer cared who knew. Her visions of unity were shattered long ago.

"I... used him, I'll be honest, to free myself of the Kainate. I didn't think they'd free me so I launched a coup of my own, claimed I had their support and then exiled the Kainites from my city, thinking they'd not risk war with what I naïvely believed a higher authority."

"My master did not appreciate this, nor your cousin, who appeared—somehow—and they began to duel. It took The Empress and I both to prevent a civil war."

"So you see, it was The Empress who freed me."

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

Kaila’s touch on her hand brought warmth to Revna’s heart, even as pain lanced through it from the memories, and it brought a small smile back to Revna’s lips. The young Darth’s words about the late Lord Strosius made her smile further, if only briefly. The blond sat back after a momentary pause, and confirmed that she at least felt that Revna’s example of Caedes bringing Revna back from the brink, counted - that she was glad he had been there for Revna in that dark moment.

To the dark haired woman’s remark on her feeling that there would come a time when Caedes and Revna would face their own life and death struggles, trials that tested their bonds and just how far they were willing to go in their combined ambitions, Kaila muttered for her to trust her instincts.

Their conversation continued forward, shifting from discussion of the exciting news to more serious topics - namely what all had transpired since the last time Revna and Kaila had seen one another. Revna wanted confirmation about the whispers she’d heard, and she figured her friend was the best one to divulge further on the situation that transpired on Echnos.

"I haven't spoken to him since. To be quite frank, you'd be short a cousin if I had."

Mirth danced behind the fiery hue of Revna’s eyes; oh how she understood that sentiment all too well. Kaila continued, however, and Revna was silent as she listened.

"I... used him, I'll be honest, to free myself of the Kainate. I didn't think they'd free me so I launched a coup of my own, claimed I had their support and then exiled the Kainites from my city, thinking they'd not risk war with what I naïvely believed a higher authority. My master did not appreciate this, nor your cousin, who appeared—somehow—and they began to duel. It took The Empress and I both to prevent a civil war. So you see, it was The Empress who freed me."

Revna swirled her wine once more and took a longer drink than usual. It did not bother her to hear that her friend had used her cousin to benefit herself; Revna would have done the same thing in her shoes. And she wasn’t surprised to hear that her cousin had sought to fight with the Butcher; he was always trying to prove himself to the powers that be.

“That…certainly was a risky move on your part. But sometimes we have to make bold moves in order to break our chains, and rise higher than where we were before. I am glad to hear that the Empress was able to secure your freedom, in the end. From all parties involved. And frankly, I am relieved to hear that you are not under my cousin’s thumb.”

She smiled once more at Kaila. “Our pathways are not paved for us. We have to figure out our way forward, through trial and error. Though the dangers are far greater for us Sith than for anyone else - it is a dance of death we play on a daily basis. But it sure does keep life interesting, doesn’t it?”

She refilled their glasses of wine from the bottle, taking a deep breath as she felt the slight tingle of a buzz working its way through her system.

“I hear whispers that the Empire of the Lost and the Dark Empire are beginning to fracture and break apart. Have you any confirmation about this too? The Imperials were slowly encroaching on our borders; we’ve been keeping an eye on them but I am not sure how much longer they will continue to be a threat. The Diarchy as well came to Korriban, before they truly set themselves up. They had interaction with the King - but I’ve not seen them here since they came to power and made their announcements to the greater galaxy. They made enemies of the Sith, from my understanding.”

Revna glanced at Kaila once again in thought. “What else has happened in your life, Kaila? Or in the Order, from what you’ve seen or heard? How is your apprentice? Are there any goals or ambitions you have? Anything that I can help with?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Her smile returned, surprised though she was.

It made sense, searching the well of memories, that Revna would be pleased by her newfound freedom from the raven lord. He did slay her master after all, and brutally so.

"He would not have controlled me, even if I'd stayed. None of them could for long." she chuckled dryly.

"Though I am afraid my bold antics must come to an end, at least outside the battlefield. If Quinn were to sit the throne one day, then I will do my part to ensure she rules a strong, united empire. Then the real change may begin."

They spoke of more whilst Kaila enjoyed the rest of her food, finishing off her sweets first like a child's first taste of sugar. Empires teetering on the edge of oblivion and rivals broken upon their own hubris. Inside the Blackwall however, the Sith stood their eternal vigil over the greatest kingdoms the galaxy had known since the four hundred year darkness.

A grim and mystical land, which she and Quinn would turn to a dark paradise.

"Oh yes, the Core War is nearly at an end. The Dark Empire's failure to hold Coruscant has cost them dearly, and the Alliance is gaining ground too swiftly, I give them a month or two at best."

Kaila shrugged, though a wry little smile played at her lips. It was good to see their pompous cousins fall.

"The Lost as well, I should think, though it's difficult to tell what with the Blackwall and all. Rumor has it we had a hand in their stagnation but who knows, it's just as likely they've spread themselves thin fighting both rebels and Mandalorians, though even the Mando'ade-"

She paused, voice momentarily tinged with regret.

"The Moridinazid," she corrected herself "Have begun to relent in their crusades."

"The entire east seems to be struggling for one reason or another."

"And I pray to the Fanged God it does not come here." the young Darth said worriedly.

"Your king's interactions with the Diarchy have caused... suspicions. I do not know how far up the chain it goes, but some sith do not like how cozy Korriban has become to that cause. I'm told the Diarch's declared war on every major power, only saving the sith for last in their crusade for absolute order."

"Please... proceed with caution, both of you." she paused again, sipping her wine anxiously.

“What else has happened in your life, Kaila? Or in the Order, from what you’ve seen or heard? How is your apprentice? Are there any goals or ambitions you have? Anything that I can help with?”

"She's..." Kaila sighed.

"I worry for Tamsin... that I am underqualified to teach her as a knight. She is like a sister to me in every way, but..."

"Hm." she chose not to finish.

​