Private The Call of Korriban

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander remained seated, hands resting on his knees, absorbing Revna's words. The boy felt a subtle tension, but it was the kind that came with facing a harsh truth. Still, his head nodded slowly, acknowledging her insights about promises. The words themselves sounded like they were of good intention, but the Sith woman’s piercing gaze appeared to hint at something else. Something he didn't entirely understand. Here on Korriban, far from home and the life he once knew, it felt like the layers of him being naive were peeled back. He’d always been guilty of wanting to be a perfectionist, sometimes forgetting to reflect on the actual journey itself.

After another moment of contemplation, he pushed up and stepped across the small space that separated them. He wasted no time in folding himself into the lotus position; the posture was familiar and grounding. Now his legs were crossed with purpose.

Shifting slightly in his position, his brows knitted together as her words echoed in his mind. The prospect of learning to conceal his presence so soon was intriguing, and even surprising; though, it wasn’t due to her ability to teach as a Sith, but rather the honesty of being aware of his own uncertainty. While growing confident by the day, the tides of certain emotions had become relentless.

Either way, he nodded once more, this time thoughtfully, conveying respect and signaling he was ready for the challenge before him. “Well, I usually try to find a quiet place,” he said, his voice steady. “But I’ve grown to dislike meditating outside in nature. It can be.. distracting at times. At least for me.” He rubbed the back of his neck; a hint of unease crept into his once composed demeanor unexpectedly. “For the last two months, I've started meditating with the lights dimmed.. or even turned off.. as if eliminating the light can somehow erase the distractions.” He shook his head while the corners of his lips lifted upward. “It probably sounds complicated, doesn’t it, Lady Revna?”

He then began to take slow and deep breaths, inhaling through his nose, and then exhaling through his mouth. It didn’t take long for Lysander’s shoulders to relax, all lingering tension beginning to ease. Lifting his gaze back to the Sith woman, he continued. “During these times I just try to reflect solely on my purpose.” His voice was softer now as familiar images surfaced in the mind’s eye. “My thoughts never aligned with the Jedi Code.. even from the very beginning.. it was always about defeating my peers at the Jedi Temple, proving myself against them in competition.” A casual shrug followed. “Everything to me is a competition. It gives me.. inspiration.”

A small stretch of silence followed. “I don’t recite any mantras or anything like that. I just whisper to myself that I’m the best.. unbeatable. That way, I can truly believe in myself no matter what challenges I face.”

Of all things, it would be curiosity that broke through the meditative state that once enveloped him. The intrigue was clear in the boy’s emerald orbs, and eagerness was evident in his tone. “What about you? How do you meditate?"

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

Lysander’s willingness to follow her guidance pleased Revna; in the very beginning, when she had first met the boy, she hadn’t known if he would resist her teachings or comply or follow her example. She’d been prepared to face his resistance, though within she really didn’t want to. So to hear him be open with her, and watch him fold down to the floor opposite to her, was a relief.

The blond teen was reflective upon her words, contemplative and thoughtful. He was intelligent, there was no arguing that. He had a thirst, a drive to push him onward, and she would make use of that.

Revna listened in her attentive silence as Lysander responded to her inquiry about how he meditated, absorbing the information he fed her and locking it away. She would need to hold onto this information in order to better guide him, and she felt it was a responsibility on her part to do this.

The boy indicated that he preferred more quiet places, and had more recently begun to meditate in darker spaces - as if to cast away the light and its distractions. He figured that it sounded complicated, asking her if that was the case. A very small smile tugged at her lips.

“Not at all, Acolyte.”

In time, the boy would learn to meditate even with distractions going on around him. It would be necessary for him to do so, and would reveal his strength and mastery of himself. It was partially why she chose this location; it was quiet…but not entirely so. The lights were low, but not gone completely. This would be a place where there would be familiarity and a measure of comfort for him, but it would also push him to stretch himself a bit.

All a part of learning something new.

Revna observed as he took deep breaths to center himself and clear his mind. Before too long, the boy had relaxed, and she could sense the ease in his aura. Seeing this did not disturb nor did it bother her; Sith had various ways of meditating, and some chose to forego it completely. What the boy revealed to her now, was no doubt how the Jedi had taught him how to meditate.

After a few moments, he lifted his eyes back to hers and continued to speak, sharing how during his moments of meditation he tried to focus on his purpose. He shared further that his thoughts had never really aligned with the Jedi Code, and he was always seeking ways to be competitive with others, even his fellow Jedi. That the competition he felt inspired him.

That…was something she could work with. Sith, in their nature, strove to achieve perfection in all that they did. Or at least, that was what they were supposed to do. The term ‘Sith’ meant perfect, or supreme, in the Old Tongue. And with his competitive nature, she knew he would strive to achieve such heights, especially in the challenges he faced.

Revna sensed a kindred spirit in Lysander; like her, he no doubt would do his best to give his all. Maybe not for her, but for himself.

She allowed the silence between them to linger, keeping her gaze and her face neutral and open to indicate she was utterly focused upon him. Nothing else mattered in this room except Lysander and this space created for the two of them. She wanted him to feel seen and noticed - a subtle draw on him to pull him further into her influence.

Just like her Master had done with her, she would do for this boy. And perhaps, if she was lucky, he would bless her with his loyalty. But that would come in time, if she did her duty by him right.

He told her that he didn’t recite any mantras, only that he would whisper to himself that he was unbeatable…the best. Something to believe in when he faced challenges. Revna was…cautious…about hearing him say such things. Sith could be very prideful, arrogant beings. She knew plenty of Sith who believed the same thing he did - that they were nigh untouchable.

Her Master believed that…and He was now dead.

“What about you? How do you meditate?"

His emerald eyes peered into her own, full of curiosity and intrigue. It widened her smile further, and a flicker of warmth shined in her coal-hued eyes.

“The answer might surprise you: I actually meditate in a similar manner that you do.”

Revna took a deep breath and let her eyes drift shut, and the world around her quieted as she focused on the steady thrum of her heart within her chest. She felt the Force pulsating within her, around her…a chill breath that was like the touch of winter, something that was rather comforting to the Sith woman, though to those not familiar with the presence and the touch of the Dark Side, it would be uncomfortable. She let herself slip into the currents of the Force, her presence intertwining with that of the Darkness. Her aura grew colder, stronger, more potent - as cold and frosty as the merciless winter. A few moments later she opened her eyes to peer at the former Padawan in front of her, her expression just as piercing and intense as it was before. She seemed almost...ecstatic from her small dip into her dark meditation.

“I find that I connect with the Force when I am in a state of stillness. Once I have established my connection with the Force, I seek out the presence of the Dark, and I allow it to fill me and slip through my essence. I commune with it, and sometimes if I am in the deepest part of meditation…I can hear it whisper to me.” Revna paused for a few heartbeats, watching Lysander for a few moments. “The Dark can sense those who reach out for it, to it, those that are persistent and seek it with all their intent. And it does reward you for it.” She did not elaborate further on such rewards or what they might be, though her small smile seemed to carry the weight of an understanding she wasn't imparting to him yet.

“I approach meditation as a way to deepen my connection to the very thing that gives me my power. Sometimes, I recite the Sith Code, or the Tenents of Wonosa. Something to refocus me and remind me of my purpose, to give me the strength I need to face all that would seek my subservience, my destruction. That is how I meditate. Now…”

Revna took a deep breath and exhaled, tilting her head to one side as she studied Lysander once more. “...the reason I asked you about meditation, and how you choose to do so, is because what I am going to show you starts with a basic foundation of meditation. If you have a grasp of how to meditate, and you are aware of your presence and the presence of others in the Force…then you should be able to achieve this ability with some dedicated practice. I will demonstrate to you through an example of what I wish to teach you. First, close your eyes and allow yourself to sense me and my Force presence. I want you to focus on it, feel it. When you have done this, let me know, and I will move forward with the lesson.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Revna

Lysander remained in the lotus position. And in a way he didn’t completely understand, comfort was flowing through him-- an odd sensation, considering all the stories he heard about Sith on Coruscant. While portrayed to be ruthless and cold, the woman before him exuded silent strength and.. serenity. With a faint smile still tracing the corners of his lips, the currents of the Force swirled in the space around them, pulsing with darker energy. What made it even more surprising was as the essence of darkness enveloped the boy, instead of fear, he found solace. It was one of many things that challenged everything he had taught.

After realizing how her method was much like his own, he furtht admired the way she easily surrendered to it. It was a testament to someone who put countless hours into their craft. Given his passionate nature, there was even a peculiar allure in the intensity of it, the way she intertwined her spirit with the Dark Side, thriving in its cold embrace. More than just a lesson in skill, it offered him a more nuanced understanding of their kind.

Even if he were to go on instinct alone, it would whisper to him with certainty, confirming that it was ok to accept this connection.

As the woman conveyed her insights, he couldn’t shake the strange feeling of familiarity. Back on Naboo, he experienced something just like it. In the beginning they were haunting, as if teasing his consciousness, promising things he couldn’t even begin to grasp. However, Revna’s words wrapped him in understanding.

A faint smirk appeared. “I’ve been reciting the Sith Code. Right now, I'm just keeping it simple.. one sentence a day,” he stated, the words rolling off his tongue with ease. “Each one serves to remind me of my purpose. It has a way of.. grounding me, too.”

He raised an eyebrow next, suddenly intrigued by a name he hadn’t heard yet. “What’s a Wonnohsuh?”

After receiving her command, Lysander filled his lungs with another air of life, before closing his eyes. His breathing fell back into a slower pace: in through the nose, then out, his chest rising and falling. At first, the outside noise distracted him, but with every exhale, they began to fade away. While it took longer than he would’ve liked, the connection would eventually form, threads of the Force weaving like a stream of water.

Delving deeper, he allowed himself a moment to simply savor this experience. The acolyte found himself first, becoming aware of the energies around him. While complex, it was a unique understanding.. like life passing through his existence. The boy invited the energy, building a bridge. After what was beginning to feel like an eternity, he cautiously extended himself outside.

It was then he felt the pull of Revna’s powerful presence, like a beacon beckoning him forth. A rush of excitement fell over him, and his lips twitched into a smile. He struggled to suppress it, even as it threatened to break the concentration he worked so hard to achieve. “Hey! I found you!” Hints of boyish innocence exuded from the words, like a kid sharing a secret.

The acolyte’s brows came together then, appearing more thoughtful. "What about you? Can you tell how strong I am?!" He shifted slightly, the smile more shy now. "..or do I look weak?"

Silence followed.

“I'm ready to continue. Well, if you think I am, that is.”

 

[Revna]

Lysander von Ascania
​

Truthfully, Revna was a bit surprised to hear that Lysander had already begun to memorize and even utilize the Sith Code in his meditations; it was something she was going to have him do once she had gained a better understanding of his personality - but it seemed that he had beaten her to that milestone already. The knowledge that he had already started doing this on his own accord sent a thrill race through her; the Sith Code was often something she meditated upon and studied in her own ways, and she found that she was rather eager to dive into such a thing with this aspiring acolyte before her.

She couldn’t help a small chuckle escape her when he tried to repeat the word ‘Wonosa’, and a half smile tugged at one side of her face.

“It...pleases me to hear that you have already started learning the Sith Code. It is something we can go over more in depth later on, as it is integral to what it means to be a Sith. And ‘wonosa’ is the Sith word for freedom. It is the name of a smaller Sith sect within the wider Order that I am a part of, as well as being one of the three sacred Tenants of said sect - founded by my Master. I can divulge a bit more about it after our lesson - if you’d like.”

The lesson carried forward, with Revna giving forth her soft spoken commands for him to follow. She watched him for a moment as he complied with her directions. He breathed in slowly, settled into a rhythm that told her he was entering a meditative state. Some time passed, but eventually she felt his own presence begin to stretch out beyond him, like fingers reaching in the dark for something solid to grasp. She made no movement nor sound during this initial phase, content to study him and learn his mannerisms and little quirks as he sought to find her presence and essence within the wider field of the Force.

She felt his presence brush up against her, and a moment later a sense of excitement came over Lysander. A smile formed on his face, and his contraction seemed to waiver a bit as he fought to stay focused. His almost childlike exclamation of ‘finding her’, pulled another small smile from the Sith woman. She remembered all too well her own excitement the first time she had explored this ability of hers. Excitement and elation may have been positive emotions - but she was not about to reprimand him for expressing such things.

“Good…very good, Acolyte.” she said softly, almost soothingly, so as not to break his concentration further. The boy’s brows suddenly dipped in a frown, and he asked her if she could tell how strong he was…or if he looked weak in the Force to her.

Revna hesitated, at first. Was this something she should answer, or not? What would her Master have said to her, had she asked Him the same questions? Her eyes narrowed slightly and she chewed her lip for a moment in weighty consideration. Truthfully, it didn’t matter if she felt he was strong or weak or not. What mattered most was if he believed he was strong or not. Her input on that matter would only hamper him in the long run, she felt.

So, in the end, she chose to keep her response to herself. If Lysander questioned her about it later, then may she could explain her reasoning.

“I'm ready to continue. Well, if you think I am, that is.”

“Very well. Keep and hold your concentration. You can sense my presence clearly, yes? Pay close attention…”

Revna made sure that he could still sense her presence, feel her Force signature. She took a deep breath, still watching him closely, and then in the next moment Lysander would feel… Nothing. Her presence, utterly gone, almost leaving a void in its wake. As if she had gotten up and simply walked way - though she hadn’t moved an inch.

She remained right where she had been, watching him closely to see what he would do next and how he would react to her sudden “absence”.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Revna

The boy’s brow furrowed in thought as he replayed the word; then, he whispered it slowly under his breath. “Woh-no-sa.”

He pondered the idea of different sects, as he originally believed they were all intertwined, carrying the same ambitions, with differences in philosophy. In truth, he was also feeling influenced by the Sith woman's unexpected warmth. Her words always felt more like an invitation, rather than a threat. Unconsciously he found himself offering a nod, his features brightening at the idea of learning more about the Sith through Revna's own perspective. And as his curiosity about her former Master only grew, as he found himself drawn towards the idea of delving deeper into her own personal story-- if she allowed him. From the rapport they'd established so far, she was really easy to communicate with. "I think that would be great! Honestly, I'd be open to hearing anything you'd like to share with me."

While he wasn't experiencing loneliness per se, there was definitely a void created from being so far away from family and the acquaintances at the enclaves. The only sense of companionship ever felt was around his mentor.

His lips quirked up into a smile. "Besides, it's nice to have someone like you around," he admitted.

Lysander then nodded as they continued, his eyes closing. Lost in the stillness, he could easily detect her Force signature, like a shadow guiding his every move with a magnetic pull. Then, without any warning.. it vanished.

For a moment, the acolyte couldn’t hear any other sound besides his own heartbeat, racing in confusion, struggling to hold onto the presence of Revna's aura. He opened one eye, casting a quick glance to confirm her physical presence. Having confirmed that she was indeed still there, he closed his eyes and took another deep breath.

With intense focus, he searched, trying to find her distinct aura amidst the ocean of energies that pulsed around him. Lysander could at least sense the presence of other students in close proximity.

The currents of the Force ebbed and flowed around him, carrying whispers and secrets. He could feel a gentle tug, though it were trying to guide him in multiple directions.

He tried to visualize the Sith woman’s essence, the unique signature he had brushed against only moments ago. He concentrated on that very feeling, letting it guide him now. As time passed, searching for any possible sign, he quickly became more desperate.

After several moments, he finally stopped.

A smirk curled at the corners of his mouth, a mask attempting to hide the frustration swelling in his chest. “It’s.. kind of like Sith hide and seek, and you’re clearly winning,” he muttered to himself more than anyone else.

When that smirk dissolved, Lysander became filled with contemplation. A flurry of questions surged through in his mind. What was it like to hold such vast knowledge? How was it possible to simply vanish? Did she always succeed in staying hidden? They quickly piled up, pressing against his consciousness. The weight of them began to feel heavy.

The acolyte didn’t like how suddenly felt woefully unprepared. Eager to learn, he exhaled a sigh, knowing it would be better to approach with curiosity, instead of revealing more frustration.

Both his expression and tone softened. “Lady Revna, how can I improve? I’d like to learn more from you.” A few beats passed. “Should I try again?”

 

[Revna]

Lysander von Ascania​

A flicker of emotion - Joy? Pride? Elation? - crossed over Revna’s eyes as she heard Lysander try to pronounce the name of the Order she called her family. That expression only grew more when he said he was open to hearing anything she had to say, and she made a mental note to share more about the Order of Wonosa with him later on.

But for now she had a lesson to teach.

The Sith woman watched the boy intently, once she had concealed her presence from him. Within moments, she could feel his confusion as he tried to reach out and detect her once more. A few heartbeats passed by and she observed him open one eye, to confirm that she was indeed still there with him, before he closed it again. She didn’t speak to him during this time, letting him work to try and understand and piece together this apparent mystery.

Truthfully, Revna’s ability to conceal herself was quite strong - enough to hide her from Acolytes and Sith Knights and perhaps weaker Lords…but a strong Force sensitivity could still sense her, if they knew where and how to look. She was still honing this ability, seeking to perfect it over time, and this was a perfect opportunity for her to practice such an ability while also passing her knowledge of the skill onto another.

A faint smirk crossed her face as she felt Lysander attempt once more to sense her presence through the Force, concentrating even harder this time to do so. Several longer moments passed them by, and she continued to sit as still as a statue - even as Lysander grew more desperate and frustrated that he wasn’t able to find her.

Eventually, he stopped altogether.

She chuckled softly, hearing his muttered words about ‘Sith hide and seek’, and mirth shined in her eyes.

“It is indeed like hide and seek.” she responded back to him, her voice the only indication that she was still there with him. Lysander released a heavy breath, and despite his clear frustration, she was able to sense his eagerness still. That is good, she thought to herself.

“Lady Revna, how can I improve? I’d like to learn more from you.” the boy said, his tone and expression softer. “Should I try again?”

With a rush of cold and dark energy, Revna’s presence snapped back into existence. She knew it would more than likely be a shock to him, to suddenly feel it again, akin to a punch in the gut - but that was to be expected. Nothing about the Dark side was gentle.

“No. You did exactly what I wanted you to do in the moment - which was simply to observe and learn.” She said, keeping her voice neutral but soft. “What I just demonstrated for you is an ability known as Force stealth. It is also known as concealment or buried presence. In my opinion, it is an essential skill that any Force user should be trained in, but there are many who don’t seem to know or utilize this ability.”

She idly smoothed out some wrinkles that had formed on her robes, before she continued onward with the lesson. “As I am sure you can see, it is the perfect tool for a Sith assassin to utilize. Your prey will never know you’re coming, if they are Force sensitive. And if they do, then it may just be too late to do anything about it. It is also very handy to have on hand when you're trying to hide from someone - like a Jedi, for example. Now…we shall work on having you practice this. All I want for you to do today is lay the foundation for this skill and practice it when you have any free time. I will be testing you on this, at some point in the future.”

Revna inhaled deeply and slowly, before releasing the breath. “I want you to feel your own presence, as you would whenever you meditate. It will be harder for you to focus on just your presence, as you will be feeling mine as well as those around you - but this ability requires discipline and focus, and what better way to exercise that than here? When you are confident that you can sense your presence and yours alone, I want you to try pulling your Force presence inwards towards your core. Take your time, there is no need to rush this. When you are ready, you may proceed.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Revna

When Revna’s presence returned, it felt like the air around him was incredibly heavy with shadowy tendrils, weaving around him and invading every part of his consciousness. It was overwhelming and made him question the reasoning for it. He wondered if it was due to some of the Light still clinging to him, or perhaps that was how it simply was with those stronger with the Dark.

Despite his uncertainty, determination flickered in his emerald gaze; part of him wanted to try again. Still, he found himself eagerly absorbing her guidance. "I’ve never met anyone else who possesses that skill, except for one Padawan I've encountered," he admitted, the words escaping before he could fully process them. For a moment, he wondered if he should have guarded that information more closely. But then, a deeper part of him figured that honesty was the path he needed to walk here on Korriban, or, at least with this one Sith, if no one else.

Still sitting cross legged, his body appeared to be calm, but beneath the surface, his thoughts were spiraling out of control. Lysander couldn’t help but think of all the times his endeavors of sneaking around at late hours had ended up with him getting caught, and how this skill Revna was teaching him would have totally been invaluable back then. After finally pushing away some of these regretful memories, he drew his focus back to the present task. Inhaling another fresh and feeling the cool air enter his lungs, he re-centered himself.

As he began returning to the meditative state, Lysander allowed himself to sink into the Force as Revna instructed. It was challenging at first, where the slightest shift in focus could expose him to all the presences around him. The Force was very much alive, a collection of energies threatened together. Among them was that of the Sith woman, powerful and close, and it felt like her aura was pulsing vividly.

Narrowing his focus, he tried bringing his awareness inward. He could see the Force’s presence like darker energy surrounding him, vibrating faintly in the vastness of the galaxy. Cautiously, trying to not rush, he began to gather the edges, pulling them towards his center. It was akin to trying to retrieve a shadow, folding it until it was compact, and he could nestle it into his core.

As minutes passed, he began to find his rhythm. Any outside sensations faded, honing in on his own energy. The acolyte could still hear Revna’s voice, however, as she suggested to just focus on laying the foundation. Rather than all of the different presences merging together, he felt his own becoming more distinct.

His mentor being close in proximity did undoubtedly add another layer of pressure. He didn’t necessarily fear her judgement; instead, it was more so that he feared disappointing her, or not meeting any expectations he believed she held. From what he gathered thus far, the Sith were much more ambitious than the Jedi could ever think to be. And if he were being completely honest, he’d already witnessed a handful of apprentices that struck him as lightyears ahead of seasoned Jedi Knight’s in terms of power. Revna’s approval actually meant more to him than he dared to confess, and the thought of falling short bothered him.

As more time passed, and his own energy was the only point of focus, unbothered by any outside energy, he opened his eyes. “Well, it took much longer than I expected,” he said, a notes of sheepishness evident in his voice. “But I think I got it now.” The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk. “It’s like.. trying to capture smoke in a jar.. or something like that!”

A moment was taken to search the woman’s expression. "But... I think I'm getting there. Maybe with more practice, I'll improve. I can already see how this would be super useful."

 

[Revna]

Lysander von Ascania​

Revna was not all too surprised with Lysander’s admittance that he hadn’t really encountered anyone who possessed the ability to bury their presence in the Force, like she had demonstrated. There was a mild raise of an eyebrow when he confessed that he knew of a Padawan who had the skill; that she found intriguing. Perhaps said Padawan was training to be a Shadow? - she mused to herself as she watched Lysander return to his meditative position.

The smaller Sith woman was patient with her student, but her patience had its purpose, as did her relative silence. She was studying and learning the young man, figuring out how he ticked so that she could best teach or guide him in future lessons. Though subtle, she could sense his distracted nature; he wasn’t as focused as she wanted him to be in the moment, but she knew how challenging it could be to learn something new in a strange environment. Still, she applauded his tenacity and desire to push forward; it would aid him well as he continued to learn and grow on this new path of his.

Lysander was respectfully quiet as she passed on her instructions to him, and followed her guidance dutifully. For her part, Revna remained still and quiet after she had said what she needed to say - allowing him to focus and attempt to do what she had instructed him to do. Seconds turned into minutes, and Lysander seemed to deepen his focus and that was when she felt the slight dimming of his presence in the Force. This continued further, ebbing and flowing like the waves of a sea, and she felt another small smile curl at the corner of her lips.

It felt so good to see someone learning something that she had to teach. It made her feel good inside, accomplished, and there was a swell of pride. For herself, for her capacity to teach, and for the younger acolyte in front of her for even giving her the chance to teach him. She wrangled her emotions and kept that pride under tight control, however. She didn’t want the sensation of it to distract him.

After a while, the blond boy opened his emerald eyes and looked back at her and sheepishly said that though it had taken longer than he had expected, he thought he had the idea down. He then smirked and commented that it had been like trying to capture smoke and place it into a jar, and Revna chuckled at the description.

“Indeed! It can feel that way at first. It was a challenge for me too, in the beginning.”

The boy seemed to search her face, her presence, for a moment, before he added: "But... I think I'm getting there. Maybe with more practice, I'll improve. I can already see how this would be super useful."

She allowed a genuine smile to break through her composure. “You did good for your first try. I imagine it was difficult but I could sense your presence in the Force dim once you found your rhythm. Practice makes repetition, and repetition brings mastery over time. You will improve over time, if you take the time to practice. I expect you to.” She added, her expression turning a bit more firm. “As I said earlier…I will test you on this at some point in the future.”

The Sith woman regarded Lysander in thoughtful silence for a few moments, before her fiery eyes narrowed and she tilted her head slightly to the left. “You said earlier you were learning the Sith Code. Recite it for me, Acolyte - and tell me what you think it means. I am curious to hear your thoughts on it. Afterwards I can tell you a bit about Wonosa, if you'd still like to hear about it.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Revna

Revna made it seem like it was ok to make a mistake and stumble, and then rise stronger. The challenge she spoke between them wasn't much of a surprise, and he allowed them to be planted like seeds in his mind, to grow. There was a peculiar allure to the thought of honing his skill under his mentor's eye and also exceeding them.

The next task caused a knot to tighten in the boy’s stomach. Lysander wasn't exactly shy; or at least, he never considered himself such, but something suddenly made him uncertain. Breathing deeply, he steadied himself, rushing to gather the familiar words scattered about his mind with more clarity.

The acolyte’s voice would be calm and measured. "Peace is a lie; there is only passion." He paused, flicking a glance at the ground before him, allowing the power and truth of the words to ground him even further. "Through passion, I gain strength." His attention then shifted back to Revna, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory." Each verse felt like a building block. "Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.”

Lysander took another breath, but this time, exhaled slowly. "Alright, so.. the Sith Code.. it’s not just some fancy words. To me, it’s more like.. a reality check, you know, Lady Revna? It destroys all the lies about peace and fake harmony; that’s something I don’t believe has ever existed. It’s almost like saying.. hey, don’t just sit around on your ass meditating for things to just magically change. It also makes me rethink my own passion, and what drives me.”

Shoulders shrugged with nonchalant grace, but his brows furrowed, revealing a hint of emotion. “Jedi act like power is some kind of evil thing, but honestly.. It’s just something you need to take control of, to shape, or at least try to shape what happens in your life. Well, that’s how I see it at least.”

The acolyte’s hands made a subtle gesture. “And yeah, like.. Power, it’s so much more than just beating the chit out of someone so they know not to feth with you again. It’s about breaking through limitations.. things that hold us back.” A thoughtful pause followed. “Maybe it’s almost like the Jedi Order trying to tell me how to live my life; I want to be free from it all and find my own identity, to leave my own impact in the galaxy.” His confidence grew once more, and his words became more fervent. The flames within kindled.

He then leaned forward, as if sharing some kind of big secret. “Look, the Force is supposed to let you be whoever you wanna be, or something like that.” A smirk curled along his lips. “History is full of people in the Mid and Inner Rim who are these peace loving types who are actually too scared to step up and do something. Like, congrats on achieving nothing. Great work guys, you’re constantly losing on every front and the only way you got a real chance at taking Tython back was because the Dark Empire beat themselves by going financially bankrupt.”

Suddenly realizing he’d veered slightly off course, the acolyte straightened up. At least his little rant didn't suggest having a privileged or aristocratic upbringing, something he was still trying to hide.

With his gaze still fixed on the Sith woman, a spark of curiosity settled over him. A single brow lifted as he readied to shift gears, and hopefully move the attention away from himself. “Soo.. what does the Code mean to you?” Still, ysander did find himself genuinely interested in her perspective. "And yeah, I’m totally down to hear more about this Wonosa gang!”

 

[Revna]

Lysander von Ascania​

She listened quietly, ember eyes almost smoldering, as the former Jedi padawan recited the Sith Code phrase by phrase with a calm and steady voice. At first, his eyes flickered to the ground beneath him - but soon his gaze had lifted back to her face, which remained smooth and almost devoid of reaction. Revna was neutral, simply listening, or at least that’s how it appeared.

Lysander took another deep breath after he had finished reciting the Code to her, and she was pleased to hear it roll off his tongue with ease. But, it was one thing to simply speak the Code, and another to truly let it sink in and start to understand it and apply it.

That was why she asked him to tell her what he thought it meant, and dutifully - he did so. The Sith woman’s gaze never left him, ensuring that he knew he had her undivided attention and she was listening to everything he said.

It was refreshing to hear a someone so new and fresh to this pathway tell her what the Sith Code meant to them; she enjoyed hearing other’s perspectives on it, and she found herself nodding along at points in understanding as Lysander shared what the Code meant to him, how and where it resonated. Revna did not interrupt him, nor did she say if he was right or wrong in his thoughts and opinions about the Code; truthfully, in her eyes, she believed the Code could be interrupted in many different ways - and the only way that mattered was how a Sith perceived and embraced the Code for themselves. There were probably some out there who would disagree with her logic and point of view.

But she didn’t give a chit if they agreed with her or not.

The Acolyte leaned forward suddenly, as if to share a secret with her, and he spoke his mind about those in the Mid and Inner Rim of the Galaxy, the “peace loving types”, as he referred to them as. A faint smirk curled on her lips as she listened to the boy’s impassioned thoughts. Seeming to realize he had taken a bit of a side trail in the rant, he straightened himself back up, before he asked her what the Code meant to her and confirmed that he was still interested in hearing about the Order of Wonosa.

“What does the Code mean to me?” She repeated back softly, sitting back a little bit as her gaze shifted away from the boy in thought. “...that life at its core, is a struggle, and to achieve anything we must fight for it, claim it, take it for ourselves - otherwise someone or something else will take it from us. Passions drive us to excel at whatever we apply ourselves to and become better than we were before…and through that we gain our strength. And the stronger we grow in our passions and pursuits, the more our power grows as a result. Through the power we claim and utilize, the more victorious we will be in our endeavors. And when we are victorious, we sever the various chains that hold us down to our limits. Through the Force, we can do anything. But we must dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of it and its secrets, if we ever hope to find our true freedom in the Force.”

Revna returned her gaze to Lysander then, still thoughtful and pondering. “The Code can be interpreted in many different ways. There are Sith out there who are very…traditional in their thinking when it comes to the Code. Old school, you might say. There is nothing wrong with that - though they may say your view or my view is wrong. What they believe or say doesn’t matter; what matters is how you allow the Code to shape your life, how you choose to live by it.”

Revna took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, and watched Lysander for a few heartbeats in silence, letting him digest her words for a bit before she moved onward.

“Now! About the Wonosa gang, as you called them…” she paused again, a smirk dancing on her lips for a moment, before she pressed onward. “It is a small religious sect within the Sith Order itself, once led by the High Priest, Darth Strosius. I mentioned the tenets to you earlier - wonosa, tikras, kerstas. They mean ‘freedom’, ‘faith’, and ‘revenge’ in the Sith tongue. Those who are loyal to the order and devoted to its cause can earn marks or tattoos to signify such. I bear such marks myself, like this one - ” To demonstrate, Revna pulled back the black sleeve of her robe on her right arm and turned it over to reveal the word kerstas tattooed onto the inside of her forearm, though it appeared faded and damaged and scarred by some type of past trauma. She pulled her sleeve back down and returned her hands to her lap before she continued.

“The Order of Wonosa is a group made up of Sith and non-Sith alike; we are all devoted to unshackling those in chains within the Outer Rim, and we fight criminals, slavers, and pirates fiercely wherever we encounter them. The slaves we free, we offer a place amongst our ranks within the Order - if they wish. Some stay, some decide to take to the stars and try to rebuild their life in their own way. We help them get back on their feet.”

“We have numerous outposts spread throughout the Outer Rim and Sith space, and we do our best to render aid where it is needed, and help those less fortunate than us. We guard those who become our Brothers and Sisters in Wonosa fiercely, for we are Family. It is a value that was instilled in us by our High Priest before He was taken from us.”

Revna heaved a deep sigh, clearly troubled by what she had just shared with the Acolyte sitting across from her. A sorrow flickered over her face and eyes, as if she had recalled some sort of painful memory, before she hid it behind a small and gentle smile.

“We are seen as heretics amongst the wider Sith Order, zealots even. Some even accuse us of leaning towards Jedi ideals because we fight on behalf of the weak, the slaves, the helpless and hopeless. We give them a chance to rise, and we spread the faith of the Dark side in doing so. The Light and the Jedi didn’t save them; those in the Mid Rim didn’t help them, even when they knew the slavery rings were there…but we did, through the gifts that Bogan gave us. And those whose chains we break, return their gratitude by joining us and carrying forth our cause with loyalty and devotion rarely seen elsewhere.”

Revna paused and drew in a breath, realizing with an almost painful understanding that she had launched into her speech with passion, much like how her Master would have launched into His speeches, His sermons. The thought, as painful as it was, filled her with warmth and she smiled once more. It was yet another reminder to her on how her own mannerisms reflected that of her late Master. It made her proud.

“I sound like my Master. He used to get worked up talking about these topics too. He was so impassioned by His vision and His purpose. Seems He passed some of that to me before He died.” She said with a soft chuckle before she settled her fiery eyes upon the Acolyte once more and her smile turned sad.

“I wish you could have met Him, Lysander. He was a great Sith Lord; most Apprentices hate their masters, but all I felt was pride serving alongside Him. Even though He could be a pain in the ass sometimes with His fiery antics…man do I have stories to tell you! But…that’s for another time, maybe.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

As her words enveloped him, Lysander's hands folded in his lap. For a moment he did not meet her eyes, though it wasn’t out of fear, but reflection. He’d beaten the code into his psyche relentlessly these past few weeks, but as he listened to the Sith woman, he now wondered how much of it he had truly absorbed. Seeds of understanding began to take hold; they were unsettling at first, but also enlightening. One thing he’d learned since arriving on Korriban was there was freedom to be found in embracing the different struggles; and unapologetically, he found himself ready to reach for more. Much more.

The acolyte’s gaze dropped to his hands, unconsciously tracing a thumb over his palm, finding himself collecting his thoughts that had been scattered since the end of the meditation and practice of Force Concealment. “There's much truth in what you’re saying,” he admitted, his voice casual. “Honestly, I don’t know that I fully understand what the Code means to me yet, not really. I’m still trying to figure out how it’s meant to shape who I am. Or what I want to be. But I do think every day here at the Kor’Ethyr Academy brings me one day closer to that understanding.”

Revna’s smirk was impossible to miss; to him, it meant being bold and daring, at least his own personal pursuits. Still, it was infectious; Lysander mirrored it, allowing it to stretch across his entire face. When her tattoo was revealed, he noticed how it faded, warped by something possibly even harsher than time itself. He stared at it for a second too long–there was some kind of pain within it, something beyond needles and black in, far beyond the skin and possibly into the soul. Of the three words of Wonosa, he caught himself thinking about the last. Revenge. That word struck something that resonated with his own desires, followed by memories of annoying Padawan’s who’d doubted him with their nose in the air. He rarely let the thought linger, but the idea of returning and besting them all one day, showcasing his power that was leagues ahead of their own, was intoxicating.

With a gentle exhale, his next question arrived. “Why did you choose kerstas?” Though asked with genuine interest, the smirk hadn’t faded from his lips just yet.

Both elbows supported him as he leaned forward to his knees, listening to her words, all pieces of a puzzle that helped him understand his mentor better, especially since she mentioned her Master often, who's teaching clearly shaped her in ways he wanted the Sith Code to for him. Watching closely, brows furrowed in concentration, he did find himself fascinated with what he learned about the Order. "That's actually a very impressive.. network? I think that's the right word for what Wonosa has built in the Outer Rim. Do they receive the same kind of training if they decide to stay in the Order? Well, it does sound like your High Priest valued unity."

Just as he was prepared to ask more, there was a shift in the air that caught the acolyte off guard. Something bothered her; he could see the physical changes, too. Falling silent, he felt like he didn’t have much other to offer than his presence. “I’m sorry about your Master. I can tell he meant a great deal. Family like that is rare.. Anywhere in the galaxy. That's worth more than approval from any outsiders.”

Feeling thoughtful, he tilted his head back and gave a lopsided shrug. “And well, you’re not alone. I’m totally seen as a heretic in the Mid Rim, so.. I feel like I understand where you’re coming from. At least a little. I'm sure your former Master would be proud of the way you carry on his teachings.”

He paused again, now appearig distant. "It doesn't mean he's entirely gone, though. Someone like that.. he still gets to live on in the memory of those he impacted. In you."

Warmth then entered his tone. "I'm also really grateful for you taking time out of your day to keep teaching and helping me, Lady Revna. It means a lot. I hope you know that!"

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

Just as she hoped it might, her words and own thoughts about the Code seemed to stick with the blonde boy, and he seemed reflective upon what she had said to him. Lysander was honest with her, saying that he truly didn’t know yet what the Sith Code meant to him, that he was still trying to figure out how it was supposed to shape him into what he wanted to be.

“You will discover in time how the Code transforms you and shapes you. Sometimes you don’t even know it's happening, until you come out of your trials on the other side and look back over what you’ve been through, what you’ve survived - what you’ve risen from.”

The conversation shifted into her chat about Wonosa, and the boy stared at her tattoo for a long moment once she revealed it. He seemed to ponder something within the confines of his own mind, before he exhaled and asked her why she had chosen kerstas.

“Symbolism, Lysander. I have kerstas marked upon my right forearm - because it is my dominant side, the hand and arm with which I deliver death to my enemies, those I take my revenge on. I also have wonosa marked above my heart, on my chest - because freedom resides in the heart, and my heart is full of gratitude that the Force brought me to my High Priest, and gave me a home and family whom I could live and fight for.”

Revna continued onward, sharing more and more about the Order of Wonosa with Lysander, and the Acolyte leaned forward with his elbows on his knees as he listened intently to what she had to share. Seeing him so invested in what she had to say made her feel very good, and further reinforced that desire she carried to continue teaching him the things she knew, and sharing her stories and insights and wisdom.

"That's actually a very impressive.. network? I think that's the right word for what Wonosa has built in the Outer Rim. Do they receive the same kind of training if they decide to stay in the Order? Well, it does sound like your High Priest valued unity." Lysander commented at one point when she mentioned the various outposts set up across the Outer Rim. He seemed ready to ask more questions, but the young woman was on a roll - and she finished her lengthy bit about the Order of Wonosa by sharing that their High Priest had died.

There was silence for a few moments between Mentor and Acolyte, before Lysander spoke again, expressing some sympathy for the loss she had suffered. Revna watched and listened as the boy tilted his head and continued. “And well, you’re not alone. I’m totally seen as a heretic in the Mid Rim, so.. I feel like I understand where you’re coming from. At least a little. I'm sure your former Master would be proud of the way you carry on his teachings.” He paused briefly, appearing distant for a few heartbeats. "It doesn't mean he's entirely gone, though. Someone like that.. he still gets to live on in the memory of those he impacted. In you."

He returned his attention to her then and expressed his gratitude for her taking time out of her day to help teach him and guide him - that it meant a lot to him, and she returned his warmth with a warm and soft smile of her own.

“Well, hearing it from you certainly helps me know it. And teaching others the things I know is a…passion of mine, so I am happy to share what I know with you. And you are right - though my Master is gone from this galaxy, He’s not gone completely. I am determined to carry forward His legacy - and I am, by passing what He taught me, onto you. So in a way, you are helping me carry forward that legacy into the future. Well, that is if you decide to take my teachings and lessons and insights to heart and continue on this path.” She finished with a chuckle, before her expression turned thoughtful.

“About your earlier question though - yes, Sith in the Wonosan network did receive the same kind of training as the rest of us. I was responsible for their training, an expectation laid upon my shoulders by my Master when He elevated me to the position as His Disciple, basically His term for Apprentice. Those who were not Force sensitive were also trained in a variety of tasks to help ensure that operations ran smoothly. Before I was captured and held prisoner by our enemy, the Kainate, I had laid the foundations of several secretive outposts within Hutt Space, targeting their slave centers, and set up processing bases where freshly freed slaves could come and receive aid and medical care before they were sent off to the main base on Formos.”

Revna sighed somewhat wistfully, even sadly. “But…I have no idea what has happened to the outposts since my capture and the destruction of Formos and the death of our High Priest. The Order of Wonosa is leaderless but…we are surviving, based on the reports I’ve been receiving from members within the Order. But anyway…any other questions for me, Acolyte?”