Private To Be Waited On

[Valerya Tion]

T I O N
Beatrice Govan
​

It was court day.

The high-ranking Lords of the Sith and members of high Imperial society coming together. They'd bask and gossip and betray one another. It was absolutely delightful. In fact, this was one of the things Valerya looked forward to most. Tionese Court was brilliant. Yet, there was something biting about the Imperial court. An additional layer of danger, which made it all the more intoxicating for someone like her.

A surprise waited for her however.

One of the Zambrano family had requested an audience with her.

Oh, she was on good terms with Darth Carnifex . But she never truly paid much heed to his brood or extended family. They were vipers. Of the uninteresting sort, mostly. Evelynn was an... anomaly of that. Val didn't know much about her, which in itself was an anomaly. Apparently the girl had been a woman once. The Slave Queen? A disgrace to her father, creating her own Empire build on the blood of pit slaves. A revolt. Two deaths. And now decades later she was back again. Why the grand Emperor bothered Val didn't know. At some point you'd think a daughter would run out of chances to disappoint.

Far more magnanimous than Val would have been.

Either way-

This could prove to be amusing, so the Lady of Tion accepted the request and set out a date. The acceptance itself was an insult however. Instead of accepting it on Bastion? She let it stretch out... until she was back on Tion once more.

Make the blood of Zambrano come to her instead.

And then she also set the audience at an ungodly hour.

There Valerya Tion waited. Cloaked in brilliant shades of crimson and black, silk, expensive, multiple thin layers that accentuated but left plenty to the imagination. Until Evelynn arrived. By the landing pad a servant would wait, instead of the Lady herself. Another push of boundary and propriety. Testing Evelynn from the moment of acceptance. This wasn't very polite. But then... Val wasn't by and large, unless she wanted to be.

The servant (if allowed) would lead Evelynn to a sitting room. Where a pitcher of tea, two cups and some biscuits were already waiting on her.

Val herself? Nowhere to be found yet.

 

[Beatrice Govan]

These slights were to be expected.

Evelynn Zambrano, was of course, terribly offended. Her request for an audience had been accepted, but then delayed into the realms of inconvenience. The time of such an audience? Why, it was so late that it was practically morning, casting aside any notions of schedule. When she had arrived, was she to be greeted by the Lady of Tion? Laughable. A servant in her place. Perhaps when the diminutive woman came to the sitting room the Sith Lady would be waiting? How silly to expect such a courtesy!

Oh, but at least there are biscuits and tea!

By the time she had arrived at their meeting point, Evelynn was already inwardly seething, her anger threatening to spill out onto her gaunt features. A twitch of an eyebrow and the slight flare of a nostril the only outer-indication that the woman was furious.

It was not the first time that someone of great power had, to put it bluntly, taken the piss and the Emperor's daughter knew that it wouldn't be the last. Her surname, both a boon and a curse. No loyal Sith would dare outright attempt to murder her on last name alone in fear of the consequence. However, if Evelynn was just an ordinary Sith Apprentice of little note then these constant insults would be much less frequent.

She refused to sit and let herself become comfortable, out of sheer spite more than anything. The tea and biscuits untouched, both a rejection of the Lady's mockery and because without a tongue the sight and more importantly the sound of Evelynn Zambrano eating was absolutely mortifying.

The very thought of her host swanning in just as she attempted to swallow a biscuit morsel like some kind of demented baby bird was so powerfully embarrassing that just considering it was too much.

So she waited, her back to the door with arms folded across her chest. Her robes a plain black that drowned her fragile form, blonde hair scraped back into a severe bun. It defied the opulence that was readily available at her fingertips. So plain. So unassuming. So humble.

A small sneer flickered to life. Humble. Yes, this would be quite the humbling experience. Composure would be key.

She would fantasise about her wicked retribution later.

Valerya Tion

 

[Mariel Dawnrider]

In the corner of the room was a tall perch. On the perch? A small owl. A slender, truly beautiful and intricately wrought chain ran from one of its ankles to the perch. It looked on calmly with wide violet eyes that blinked slowly and sleepily. There was no real impact in the Force around the creature (owing more to the voidstone wrought into the chain than from any lack) and it seemed, for all intents and purposes, simply a living adornment to the room itself.

As it happened? That was most of the story.

The rest of it of course was that the owl was actually a Songwing named Mariel. Once Jedi, now 'pet' to the Sith Lord Valerya Tion . Valerya has asked- oh so politely and sweetly but in reality it was no request- that Mariel settle into the room and watch. First the arrival of the Zambrano daughter, Beatrice Govan , to report to Val later on her behavior before the Lady arrived, but also over the course of the meeting.

Mariel shifted on the perch, trying to stay awake. She had lost any semblance of a natural day and night cycle while kept in the dark in a cage for months. Now she by and large adhered to the schedule Valerya desired.

She watched the girl with that drowsy eyed gaze, completing the illusion of nothing more than a mindless animal.

 

[Valerya Tion]

Beatrice Govan Mariel Dawnrider

It took some time before Valerya Tion, Lady of the aforementioned world, arrived.

It was a suitable amount of time.

Enough to insult, not enough to suggest a mistake.

Once she glided into the room this was even more clear. Clad to opulence. The latest fashion from the Core, with a dress that was sleeveless and clung to her curves in a less than appropriate fashion. A rich necklace with a ruby the size of a small child's fist hanging of her neck. Mirth in her eyes, while she scanned the room while sweeping into it. Resting for a moment on the owlet. Expression softening just a bit there. Sleepy little owlet. Poor thing, she had been gone through so much. No matter ... no matter, Val would fix it up, make it all better.

But perhaps it would be her arms that would draw the most attention.

Tanned... and littered with white lines. Lines that Evelynn would know best. The telltale sign of someone cutting themselves. Over and over. And over again without letting it heal properly. Too deep to let the skin heal properly. Too raw to let the sun tan the skin afterward. Instead of hiding this? Valerya flaunted the symbolic.

"Ahh, my Lady Zambrano!" Val exclaimed, before stepping right into the girl's comfort zone. If auras existed? Well, she certainly had just thrust through it. "I was hoping you would be here." A bright smile with too many dazzling teeth. This was nonsense. After all, Val had invited her to Tion herself.

Unless Evelynn stopped her Val would sweep in even more.

Moving to plant two kisses on each cheek.

"Oh, was the tea not to your liking?" Already sitting down, before anyone could recover from the sharp piercing scent of her perfume. She'd pour herself some... and then pour some for Evelynn too. As a good hostess should. "-or perhaps you are not used to pouring your own tea. Of course, that was entirely my mistake."

Pushing the plate over gently to Eve.

One leg, showing too much skin, crossing the other as that bright smile was once again aimed at Zambrano.

"Now- how can I help an illustrious member of the Zambrano family such as yourself?" If there was any mockery it was packed in so tightly? That it was really difficult to take overt offense to it.

Hopefully Mariel wouldn't fall asleep. She really hoped to see this conversation from two sides, once this was done.

 

[Beatrice Govan]

Still, she waited.

Frustration ever-swelling with each minute that passed. What else could the blasted woman be doing at this time of day? Nothing, she imagined, her sneer being pulled into a much more irritated expression that held a stiff lower jaw, bottom lip peeling back to reveal teeth. There was a temptation to just walk out, counter this inconvenience by no-showing the Sith Lady in turn.

Oh, it would have been bold but far too counterproductive in her efforts for a coterie of tutelage.

The door opened, and immediately any visible signs of Evelynn's irritation vanished in a beat, her back still to the entrance of the sitting room as her face shifted into a placid mask. Turning on her heel the Apprentice could only cringe inwardly at the great sweeping luxury that moved to greet her.

By the Force.

The contrast was stunning between the two women as austerity stood opposite sheer opulence, the blonde couldn't help but stare, briefly pondering the necessity of this look. The fashion, the hideously large jewellery, all that flesh on display. Yes, that flesh. Littered with brilliant marks of self-indulgence that against her best wishes turned Evelynn's polite smile into a flash of a smirk, if only for a second.

Of course, the Sith Lady didn't stop, smashing right through her own frigid little bubble without a second thought. Head tilted backwards somewhat on instinct alone as her nose was overpowered by the strength of her perfume and her cheeks were assaulted by overly-familiar pleasantries, reserved for high society ninnies.

The gesture was not returned.

Quite. Thank you for granting me an audience, My Lady, came the formal telepathic reply alongside a brief bow of the head, nothing but stark politeness to be found.

Before one could properly get their bearings her host was already sitting down, pouring tea and getting in a few light jabs, as if she was so incapable of pouring her own. She sat down in kind, but in a far less provocative sense with hands upon knees, as she observed the tea and saucer that had been forced upon her. That same smile, perfectly cordial.

Ah, I simply did not wish to indulge without my host, Evelynn stated, her golden hand (the only grand thing about her) picking up the saucer with a steadiness that let the Sith Lady know that it would take more than this to unravel her poise.

I seek your tutelage, My Lady, the Apprentice said matter-of-factly, I have heard that you are very accomplished in the realms of the arcane, and in my return I am looking to broaden my horizons, as it were.

She took the plunge, to show intent more than anything as the petite woman took a sip of her tea, actively having to tilt her head backwards to swallow the liquid, one of the many downsides of not possessing a tongue. Yes, it was as mortifying as she imagined, but the Sith Lady needed to know that she would not be rattled so easily.

Valerya Tion

 

[Valerya Tion]

Beatrice Govan Mariel Dawnrider

A brief pause there as Valerya watched her take a sip and then swallow.

Fascination in the glint of an eye.

"Oh, my, so it IS true." She breathed lightly, watching obsessively, until the tea was swallowed. "No tongue? You poor thing. Part of me hoped that it was simply a nasty rumor, while you were training your mentalism with your dearest father." A sad shake of the head accompanied those words. Of course, it was all utter nonsense. Anyone who spend more than two hours in Court would know about her tongueless state and the veracity of it. There was always gossip, yes, but some things were easily verified.

"I wouldn't know what to do myself, if I had no tongue. It has so many practical uses."

The tone there slightly deepening. It wasn't simple talk that Val spoke of, which was clear once she shifted. Showing just a bit more flesh. Finally returning to the matter at hand however.

Nodding there primly.

"Oh, I do dabble in the Arcane Arts, yes, this is true." Val murmured. The tone suggesting humility, but the smile and flicker of the eye suggested something else entirely. "But surely your father himself could teach you? He is a masterful practitioner of the magicks, after all." Wouldn't it make more sense for the Dark Emperor himself to spend time on her tutelage?

A challenge in her eyes.

Word had it that her father was rather unhappy with Evelynn. Was this true, Val wondered, and if so how deep did that animosity go?

 

[Beatrice Govan]

A single eyebrow rose, that same civil smile remaining static as the Sith Lady feigned shock regarding nasty rumours of her tongue. She placed the saucer upon her lap, pinching it between golden thumb and index finger as to not spill and make a complete fool out of herself. Practising mentalism with her father indeed, the Emperor was an Epicanthix and thus held a mind shielded from her telepathy and Evelynn knew that the Sith Lady would be well aware of this.

Unfortunately, this brought around a concern of a different manner, her smile remained but teeth were clenched beneath. News had reached court, presumably meaning that her father knew that once again his child of failure was rendered mute.

Before the woman had a chance to continue that train of thought or prepare some form of rebuttal, a rather provocative statement slipped from her host's lips. Smile wavered for a moment, a flicker of eyes following shifting skin before returning to the woman's face with a snap. Not an ounce of such practical uses was lost upon Evelynn and they both knew it. Even if it would be left mercifully unspoken.

I am aware of the consequence, My Lady, it was my choice to make.

Conversation returned to purpose, but not in a desired manner. Her question to the blind observer was rooted in logic. Why wouldn't her father be training her? However that glint in her eyes held different connotations. Placid smile still but inside sheer scorn.

I do think that the Emperor's schedule is rather crowded at current, very little time to be dealing with another of his numerous children, she replied, mental words growing a touch more frigid as they implied that Valerya's time was not worth as much as her father's.

A small snipe but it wasn't the truth.

She had gone to one of her father's enemies to replace her severed arm and had intentionally given up her only means of personal communication with her family in the process. Had travelled to Sictis Academy for private tutelage from Darth Adekos. It wasn't a case of not seeing the Emperor because he was busy, but because she was actively avoiding him. This was her last chance, and Evelynn chose to spend it balancing precariously upon a line of treason.

How much of that did the court know? That was the main concern, she wasn't as discreet as could be.

Apologies, My Lady, I did not mean to imply that your time isn't important, I am of course very grateful for this audience, she remedied swiftly with a horrendous lie after getting that small measure of backtalk out of her system, I find that the Force is not so unanimous in understanding and I wish to adsorb differing interpretations and methods. This involves branching out from those I am already familiar with, such as my father.

Seemed believable enough, but it all depended on what this crow already knew.

Valerya Tion

 

[Mariel Dawnrider]

Mariel shifted, drowsy annoyance, on her perch. She shook her head, feathers rustling, forcing herself more awake.

She was only getting HALF of the conversation. It was really very annoying. Like listening in on one side of a holocall. Even with the bit of voidstone in the chain keeping her from accessing the Force, she didn't need that to realize the blonde human was using telepathy to speak to Valerya.

Fluffing up her feathers again, she let out a soft cry. Then, with annoyance, tap tap tapped on the chain with her beak.

She wasn't supposed to let on that she was sentient. FINE. Very clever pet that wanted attention. Another sound lobbed in Val's general direction.

Come get me and maybe loop me in if you want my opinion.

She couldn't send the thought but she hoped the intent was clear.

Beatrice Govan Valerya Tion

 

[Valerya Tion]

Beatrice Govan Mariel Dawnrider

Before Val could respond to anything Mariel drew attention to herself.

A blink.

Then glancing back... where her expression positively melted. "Oooh, honey, you cute little thing. Do you want to cuuuddle?" The Sith Lady murmured lovingly, before rising up. "Apologies, my Lady, but duty calls." A sweet sharp smile was flashed the way of Evelynn, interrupting literally everything they had been doing, for her to rise up gracefully. Oh so gracefully. Sweeping towards the little owlet. Fingers slowly, carefully, meticulously scritching the top of Mariel's head and cooing there a little bit.

"Who is a pretty owl? Who is a good owl? Do you want to join our little meeting? Yes, you do, yes you dooo."

Picking her up carefully. There she wrapped the chain around her bare arm, but keeping Mariel between her hands. In the warmth of her touch. "I found her only a little while ago, but the poor baby has had a tough time acclimatizing to my schedule." Another soft scritch of her wing there. She sat back down again, keeping the former Jedi on her lap.

A lap owlet.

"Mmm, so you were saying... you wanted my tutelage. My expertise in the arcane and your dearest father is sadly busy." Val pouted there just a little bit, like she was a young lass at kindergarten, rather than a powerful Lord of the Sith. At the same time this served as a summary for Mariel. Making sure she was up to date to their conversation. In truth Val hadn't thought about this complication. Tongue ripped out. Mariel without the Force. It meant a blind spot that was annoying difficult to bridge.

Without giving away Mariel's true nature at any rate.

A slow smile there, when she looped back to Evelynn's earlier remark.

"As for your apology... quite unnecessary, darling, but I will give you some advice." Leaning in there, her fingers continuously stroking Mariel lovingly, while offering a wide view for Evelynn to enjoy... or detest. "Be very careful who you snark back to. While I find it positively amusing, you will want to sort people into two groups. The ones you can piss off and the ones who you can step on without thought."

Val winked there and it looked steamy.

"Consider it your first lesson... since it would be my honour to teach you, of course."

 

[Beatrice Govan]

Oh, what now? And what was that baby-talk? On the surface, a single eyebrow larked at the interruption in the flow of conversation but within the blonde cringed. There was something innately horrifying at the sight of a Sith Lord babbling away like that. Horrifying, yet nostalgic, which quite honestly made it so much worse.

The woman returned with an owl in tow and Evelynn's visage was permitted to display curiosity as her emerald stare focused upon the bird.

Another girl, another lifetime and she might have gotten quite excited about the creature. Having once held a great love for the animal-kind, The Silent Sister of Rattatak had been a walking bestiary, much preferring the company of creatures than people. A small knowing smile. Oh yes, she would have been scolding the Sith Lady on her evident lack of an aviary and then no doubt it would have delved into utter depravity.

Mercifully, Evelynn Zambrano was not that girl any more and as she continued to stare at the owl she felt nothing beyond simple curiosity. Her prior knowledge had not been lost to her, who she had been in her former-life had not vanished from consciousness, only fading naturally in the way memories did with time.

She didn't recognise this creature. At all.

Before her mind could ponder any further, the conversation returned to the matter-at-hand and thus, Evelynn's stare returned to the infuriating woman before her. The wink was greeted by that same polite smile, back out in rampant force in the face of her advice and overwhelmingly sultry nature.

Yes, you're quite right, she replied still holding the saucer and cup upon her lap before giving Valerya's own cup a small glance, it is rather humbling to have lost such power and status, leads me to forget myself now and again. Luckily I am quite...durable.

Now those were some rumours.

However, with your guidance, I have no doubt that my lowly status shall be cast off once more, no? Upon the surface it seemed self-deprecating, Sith weren't known to swagger about acknowledging their lack of power. The mutilation of one's own pride was tactical if anything, it took the pleasure away from others.

When may we begin, My Lady?

Mariel Dawnrider Valerya Tion