The Red Crown of Eshan
The question was innocent enough. Quinn, while surprised Bastila was here, she shouldn't be. The woman was a Jedi; she was part of a lineage like her own. When you were part of these families, these legacies, you didn't stray from the path. If you did, you risked everything, and nothing ever felt worth enough to throw it all away.
Still, Quinn hoped.
Such a disgusting feeling for a Sith.
Quinn's eyes moved between the woman; she allowed herself just a moment of indulgence, then looked towards the satchel. Like the others, it seemed Bastila was here to obtain the lost information that was abandoned when the Alliance left. A pity.
"If you wish for technicalities, this is Sith space — just not Sith Order space." Quinn gave a small laugh as she sighed softly. Technicalities were something that the galaxy often found amusing, lumping things together just because. She shrugged softly, shaking her head again as Bastila spoke.
"The Force works in mysterious ways," another laugh as they could both see the irony in the comment. "Isn't that something old Jedi teach? In a way to explain the unexpected or the unexplainable?"
The Jedi had always interested Quinn; her parents had once been among their ranks until they had both seen the hidden corruption of their orders. Ashin had been akin to a shadow, sent to discover the dark side artifacts that fueled the Sith of her day. Unfortunately, she had become poisoned, cut off from the light, and abandoned by the Jedi. Spencer, the woman who had carried her, had been easily tossed aside by the Jedi — seen to be too difficult by the era's grandmaster.
Would things have been different if they had an order like the High Republic?
A bit of surprise softened her features as she looked back at the Jedi. Reading had been her favorite pastime; it was the only way the youngest Varanin could escape the four walls of her forced prison. There, she could pretend to touch fields of flowers in the deep valleys of Naboo, she could enjoy the bright twin suns on Tatooine, or feel the waves crashing against a boat on Manaan. Every adventure could be experienced without harming someone else. Though she wouldn't reveal it all, just enough for Bastila to know her more.
"I love reading." She spoke quietly, "When I read… I don't have to be me, I don't have to be where I am — I get to pretend to be something or somewhere else." Small and subtle, but it didn't explain what she was doing here, nor what she was looking for.
"I'm here because I'm looking for answers." Quinn didn't indulge further as Bastila reached for the tome, one that she hadn't quite finished. Just as quickly, Quinn reached out and placed her hands upon Bastila's. There was no pressure or pain; it was only just a touch — if the younger woman wanted to pull away, she could, but Quinn hoped she didn't.
"I'm not finished with that one… I unfortunately can't let you take it just yet — even if I'm as fond of you as I am." She stepped forward, her hand moving from the back of Bastila's palm to her wrist and forearm. The Echani's touch was light as she remained close — no one here could see them… they didn't need to perform for their handlers.
"I am curious, which of you is with me?" Her words, her breath caressing the curve of Bastila's ear — a cheek brushing lightly, touch needed for Quinn to understand.
"Am I with Bastila the Jedi, the good daughter of the Republic…" She paused, letting her words linger just momentarily, "Or am I with the Bastila the woman that wanted to kiss me, just as badly as I wanted her to."
Quinn smiled, her red lips contrasting against her porcelain skin.
"I want you to show me…"