Private To Make the Fractured Whole Again

[Revna Marr]

Primary Tag: Darth Strosius
Other Tag: Varin Mortifer



A Continuation of The Lengths That Were Went​

Weeks had passed since the day Revna had awoken aboard the Harbinger of Absolution, when she opened her eyes to see a familiar and very welcome sight of Darth Strosius there, keeping a watchful vigil over her. So much had happened since that moment, and sometimes Revna would catch herself thinking back over everything. The confessions made, the arguments that had occurred, the tear-filled raw emotions that had been expressed between both of them. If anything, it had brought them closer together, reformed and strengthened the bond. It wasn’t just between a Master and an apprentice anymore…but the bond that was found between a Father and a daughter, even if adopted. To Revna, it didn’t matter if Alisteri Haxim wasn’t her flesh and blood, wasn’t her biological Father. He’d been there for her in ways her real father hadn't, and she held that close to her heart.

Revna was home, finally. Back with her Wonosan Family - what remained of them, anyway. She received visitors in the weeks after she’d left the specialized medical wing and had been placed in her own quarters. Lina Ovmar had come to see her and reconnect, as had Salneva and others. The young Sith woman had worked very hard to strengthen her body after the devastating injuries she had sustained in her fight for freedom with her Master on Dromund Kaas, the fateful day she had finally been released from Prazutis’s control. It had taken a small miracle and a handful of the best healers Wonosa had on hand to repair her shattered spine and recreate the tissues needed to give her back the ability to walk. It was strange to do so without constant, near crippling agony her spinal cage had induced…and she quickly realized she almost preferred the pain over the tingling numbness that now existed in her left leg. It made walking a frustrating challenge, one she was determined to overcome. Eventually, however, she could walk again, even jog…albeit slowly. She would need months to further her healing, and there was some concern that she may have permanent nerve damage in her lower back and left side. But she was alive, and free, and that was what mattered to her. She could work on the rest in her own time, in her own way.

When she was capable of walking on her own without aid, Revna would roam the length of the ship to help strengthen herself further, but it would soon become clear that she was doing it more out of restlessness than anything else. More often than not, her mind returned back to her other home…Korriban, and her desire to return to the famed Tomb World was growing day by day. She’d left so much behind, left behind people she deeply cared for. She wanted to return to them, show them that she was alive. She wanted to find her apprentices and introduce them to their Sith grandmaster - if either of them were still alive, anyway. She wanted to return her Father’s ashes back to Him…and she desperately wanted to embrace Caedes once more so he would know that she was alive and she was free. She’d missed him so much, and as each day or night passed, the ache in her heart only grew deeper.

Korriban was calling her home, and she knew the time was fast approaching when needed to go.

And so, when she felt the time had come, Revna limped through the ship towards her Father’s workstation where she hoped He would be, tinkering on something. Once there, she would make her presence known, seeking entry.

“Father? …Are You there? May I come in?”​

 

[Darth Strosius]

The past few weeks had been nothing short of exhausting. A feat considering His unnatural biology, yet one that had been accomplished nevertheless. Revna's release from the medical ward and into physical therapy had offered little chance for reprieve, He had spent the days leading up to her awakening and then her initial recovery period by her bedside and as such there was a plethora of tasks to attend to. Giving orders via holocall and over datapads could only do so much after all.

While His daughter was being put through the steps and phases crucial to regaining strength and motor function, Darth Strosius had been rather occupied in one meeting room or another. While He still didn't wish to part from the Harbinger itself while Revna was still recovering, there was still work to be done. Thankfully without having to worry about her being in His line of sight at all times He was able to make full use of the vessel's command purpose.

Orchestrating the Order of Wonosa from one ship wasn't ideal and it was a task that He hadn't had to pursue since the cult founded a home on Formos, yet it was accomplished all the same. Albeit with more than enough headache to go with it. Darth Strosius hadn't been able to visit Revna during her physical therapy as much as He'd have liked but each time He did see her meant that her recovery was simply all the more remarkable in His eyes. It was the only thing that eased His mind within the past few days.

Not even His usual tinkering had been quite as cathartic as it usually was. Wrapping His mind around the little ring project for Lady Ovmar had seemed easy enough in concept, in practice however it was increasingly frustrating. Casting Phrik successfully was proving to be quite the challenge. Darth Strosius hissed a curse as He pulled another failed ring from the mold, the item brittle enough to come apart in His fingers even before He threw it aside and out of the way.

He straightened up from His hunched position over the workstation and kiln at the sound of knocking, stepping away from it completely when He heard Revna's voice. Well at least there was one bright spot in the day He supposed. "Yes of course my dear, come on in." The masked man idly smoothed out His more casual and practical robes, sliding off the heavier gloves that He had been using to handle the molds during casting and swiftly replacing them with His usual ones before the door had time to slide open.

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer

 

[Revna Marr]

Tag: Darth Strosius
Other Tag: Varin Mortifer ​

Revna didn’t hesitate to open the door and step through and into the workshop, her ember eyes trailing over everything within sight before settling upon the robed form of her Master in His natural habitat. Clearly, He was working on a rather important project for the room reeked of residual frustration and her eyes beheld an assortment of items that appeared to be a part of some project or commission He was involved in.

But of course, she couldn’t forget her manners. Darth Strosius was her newly adopted Father, yes, but He was still her Lord and Master and so she always gave Him respect for that station by dipping her head in a bow.

“Thank You for allowing me to bother You. Especially since You seem…busy.” She murmured as she limped further into the chamber, stepping closer to the workbench to see what it was He was working on. While a small part of her felt bad for pulling Him from whatever He was so intently working on, she figured He could use the distraction. A break never hurt anyone.

A curious frown creased the woman’s forehead as she peered closer, noticing the ring molds and the dozens of discarded, broken, or crumbled rings that had been failures. “Ohh You’re working on a ring?” she asked with blatant and bright curiosity, lifting her gaze to look back at the Sith Lord.

“...Is it for a wedding? Is someone getting married??” she inquired innocently, having no idea the project was actually for a certain Lady Ovmar.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Her thanks was dismissed with a wave of one of His gloved hands, the masked man idly cleaning up the workstation a bit to reset it for another attempt in the future. "As if you're ever a bother." Darth Strosius spared her a glance out of the corner of His visor as she approached, watching her limping stride. Revna had come far in her recovery but she was still a fair bit of time out from being back to her full capabilities.

There were some doubts that she'd ever be back to her normal level of mobility before the incident but Darth Strosius and the those healers of Wonosa blessed with the Force were confident that they could amend what her natural recovery couldn't. Albeit only after she had recovered as much as she could without intervention of course. They couldn't simply interrupt the natural process, even if it was for the best in the end.

He cocked His head to regard her at the question, glancing between Revna and the mold before nodding. "That I am. And it is proving exceedingly vexing." It hadn't been far too long since He'd had the chance to show off some of His tinkering and projects to His daughter, as well as vent a bit about His frustrations to her. She always listened so intently, He had missed it. The question made Him chuckle fondly as He shook His head, holding up a ruined piece of Phrik ring. "Oh if this was a simple wedding ring I'd have four pairs of them done by now."

He dropped the bit of ring with a sigh, the metal cracking in half with a clang the moment that it landed on the workstation. "No this is a far more special project I'm afraid. It's for Lady Ovmar." The masked man said it so simply and casually, as though competely unaware of the possible connotations that it might carry for Revna's curious mind. In fact He almost sounded rather proud of it as though He was indeed making something of a far more personal nature.

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer

 

[Revna Marr]

Tag: Darth Strosius
Other Tag: Varin Mortifer ​

Alisteri cocked His head with her probing and curious questions about the project He had been working on, looking from the ring mold and back to her for a moment before responding that the project was proving to be rather frustrating for Him. She smiled faintly upon hearing that, even as she gave a closer look to the mold and the pile of failed rings.

It appeared that they were not for a wedding or upcoming marriage ceremony, however. Strosius rather bluntly told her that if that had been the case, He would have finished it long before now and several more on top of that. Revna chuckled as He tossed the one failed ring back on the workstation with a metallic thunk.

"No this is a far more special project I'm afraid. It's for Lady Ovmar." the masked man said with clear pride in His voice. Revna’s head snapped up as she looked up at her Father, a surprised expression on her face. Her Father was making a ring… for a woman?! And not just for any woman either, but a rather special lady that they both knew?!

“A ring…for Lina?” She tried to keep her voice neutral, but there was a slight tinge of emotion in her words. Surprise, curiosity, playfulness even. She tried to compose herself, hoping to stay nonchalant, though now her mind was racing with a thousand thoughts. Did the man understand what He had just said to her? Did He understand the conclusions she could come to, without context?

Revna turned around to face the Sith Lord a bit more directly and leaned somewhat casually against the workstation, tilting her head at Him. She had to work hard at staying composed and act like what He had just said hadn’t roused her curiosity, and she had to restrain herself from peppering Him with a dozen questions about all of that.

“What is the ring for, if You don’t mind me asking? Did she commission You for it?” she asked after a moment, hoping her probe was gentle and not conspicuous at all.

 

[Darth Strosius]

"Of course, who else would saddle me with the task of making a Phrik ring?" There was a tone of amusement laced into His words, the barest hint of a chuckle punctuating the remark. "I understand the appeal of course, it does have quite a nice sheen and is protective, but I can certainly see why its usually just forged as plating. Working it is a nightmare." He hadn't quite managed to achieve anything of note by working the material delicately as one normally would for a casted item. It always came out too brittle and thin.

Darth Strosius wasn't one to simply balk at such a challenge however. He'd get the ring done no matter how much it fought Him, both for His own pride and for the sake of Lady Ovmar. He idly noticed the slight shift in Revna's demeanor, her initial curiosity seeming to dampen into something more relaxed only for her to question Him further. For what reason He couldn't quite tell as of yet.

"Commission? Revna, you know I don't produce anything for profit." He scoffed at the idea of it. "We both agreed that it was a necessity given her...well..." He cleared His throat, trying to find some respectful manner of referring to her condition. He doubted that Revna knew much about it and it wasn't His business to tell after all. "...current predicament." That was the most tactful way that He could think of to word it. Less than ideal but it was what it was.

"Really its something of a mutual benefit, you'll see soon enough I'm sure." Darth Strosius shrugged and hoped that the vague answers would satisfy His daughter's odd curiosity. "Once I get this wretched thing to work at least." He huffed and shook His head, leaving the molds and the ring remnants to lie on the workstation where they sat before turning to face Revna properly. "And if you speak to her before I do, please refrain from mentioning my difficulty with this task. I'd never hear the end of it."

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer

 

[Revna Marr]

Tag: Darth Strosius
Other Tag: Varin Mortifer ​

She chuckled deeper with Alisteri when He made the comment about it being a phrik ring, and she rather enjoyed hearing the amusement that laced His words. It told her more than words ever could: that this project, making this ring for Lina, was something that brought Him as much joy as it did frustration. This was not just some ordinary project for one of the Wonosans. This was personal, and that was something she took note of.

As for her gentle probing questions to learn more, her Father seemed to indicate that it wasn’t an actual ‘commission’, and admitted that it had been something that both He and Lina had agreed upon, something to help her with her ‘condition’. He was vague with Revna on the details, and she noted His desire to be respectful and not reveal personal information about Lina to her. This brought another small tug to the edges of Revna’s mouth as her curious suspicion was ignited even further. There were certain things about Darth Strosius, things He did or said, that were indicators in what He thought about individuals. Scorn or disgust would fill His voice when He mentioned individuals He loathed, and when He was speaking or thinking about someone He was fond of…or perhaps becoming fond of…He was more relaxed and even jovial.

“I know about her condition, or well - at least a little bit of it. Lina shared some things with me when she visited me not all that long ago.” Revna replied softly before falling silent to hear the rest of what He had to say. Her eyes brightened with His wording on certain things, like mutual benefit and that Revna would see ‘soon enough’ - or at least, she would once He was able to get the ring issue figured out.

The man turned to face Revna more directly, leaving the ring and molds behind for the time being. "And if you speak to her before I do, please refrain from mentioning my difficulty with this task. I'd never hear the end of it." He said and she chuckled with the statement.

“Oh I’ve no doubt You’d never hear the end of it.” she replied with a knowing smirk that reflected in her eyes. “Lina and I are close and I rather enjoy talking and spending time with her, and we can get a bit...carried way, as ladies sometimes do when they talk. But not to worry - I won’t say anything to her about it. It will be our little secret.” she let her words hang between them for a moment, hoping that perhaps it would reveal to Him just how much she cared and thought about the other woman. Lina was the closest thing Revna had to a mother figure, though she wasn't going to admit that to Alisteri.

Not immediately, anyway.

If her suspicions were right though...perhaps there would come a moment when she revealed the truth to her Father. But it was still far too early to know for certain if there was truly something sparking between Lina and Darth Strosius. Only time would reveal the truth, but Revna was now aware that something was going on and she would be keeping a closer eye on the two of them moving forward.

"...What about a phrik alloy blend, to help strengthen the castings so they are not so brittle?" Revna asked suddenly, making an attempt to be helpful. "Is that something that is possible with this...ring project the two of you have going on?"

 

[Darth Strosius]

That Revna knew of Lady Ovmar's condition wasn't too surprising, He knew that unlike Himself she wasn't as bothered by the implications of what such a metaphysical disconnect entailed, but there was still a subtle glance towards His daughter when she mentioned it. It made Him idly wonder what else might have been revealed during their visit. Still, there wasn't any need to delve into the specifics of the ring's function and design at the moment otherwise they'd be there all day.

Darth Strosius knew well enough how in depth the discussions of His crafts with Revna could go, a depth that was apparently mirrored by her and Lady Ovmar's talks as well. That the two had grown somewhat close was something that He had suspected since their reunion aboard the Harbinger a short time ago. He had first been very surprised indeed to hear of the interaction but given the pair's differing yet similarly restrictive conditions following His own demise some catching up was to be expected and as such He hadn't thought much of it at the time.

Now though after some more thought and her own assertion it seemed as though there was some form of connection between Revna and Lady Ovmar after all. A potentially terrifying prospect in the long term, which was most certainly not a fact which He voiced now nor intended to voice anytime in the future. Showing weakness in front of Revna was one thing, having Lady Ovmar know of it was entirely different.

The suggestion drew a hum from Darth Strosius and He idly tapped on the mold that the ring fragments had just been fully plucked out of. "It's not impossible to be sure, would certainly make the trial and error process a bit cheaper." He admitted with a nod. "Were it not for my own unfamiliarity with working Phrik like this then I'd be attempting an alloy. The problem is that I can't seem to get the heat on the metal right, it either burns too hot and makes the cast brittle or its too cold and can't become molten enough to be poured."

Working with Phrik might not have been all that much of a rarity within the Order of Wonosa but it was still sparse enough in use to be somewhat foreign for less typical jobs than this one. Working the metal into plating was simple and that He could do, casting it was entirely different when the heating element was proving to be unreliable thus far. "I fear attempting to alloy it would have a similar issue until I can get the basics of the material figured out. Not to mention diluting such an already small amount of Phrik may render its lightsaber resistant qualities insufficient."

The last thing they wanted was for the one object keeping Lady Ovmar's self intact to be so easily severed or melted off by the blade of a foe during a battle. He'd never known her to be one that got involved in duels or conflicts too often but it was better to lean towards caution than not. Darth Strosius sighed and leaned back from the workstation, rolling one of His shoulders as He leaned against it and looked back at His daughter. "Anyway enough about this little chore, I presume you've come for more than hearing me talk shop?"

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer

 

[Revna Marr]

Tag: Darth Strosius
Other: Varin Mortifer ​

Revna listened to Strosius as He responded to her suggestion, nodding along with understanding on the issues He was facing with the ring cast itself. The issue seemed to be about getting the temperature just right, and she knew that solving that particular problem would just take time and some fine tuning. And, as her Father pointed out, diluting the Phrik itself might remove some of its properties and if this was indeed to be a special item made for Lina, then it made sense that He’d want it to be at its best, product wise.

“That is a good point.” she replied. “Well I am sure You will find the sweet spot with this project. You are far too stubborn to just give up on something like this anyway.” she gave Him a slightly more playful smile, before the focus shifted from the little project He was working on, to the reason why she had come in the first place.

Revna hesitated for a moment, a coil of uncertainty forming in her belly. Ever since their heated argument about Korriban and her time there, she’d been rather wary about mentioning anything pertaining to that to Him. Normally, she wouldn’t have cared what people thought or felt…but that was not the case with Alisteri.

“I uh…yeah. I came for a different reason.” she chuckled softly, nervously, and had a hard time looking at His masked face. “Umm…I think I’m at a point in my healing where I can leave the ship. I can walk on my own and travelling shouldn’t affect me adversely.” Revna paused to take a breath and steady her rising tensions. “I…I want to return to Korriban. But I want You to come with me. You…You don’t need to worry about Caedes or anything. I won’t be stopping by to see him when You’re with me…since I know how You feel about all that.”

She finally shifted her gaze to look at the mask that hid His face underneath, and it would be very clear that she was nervous about even mentioning this to Him. "I...I need to return something to You that belongs to You, and I need to know if my apprentices are still there. Still alive...still...waiting for me to return to them."

 

[Darth Strosius]

The playful remark drew another warm chuckle from the masked man, settling into an amused hum as He responded. "Sounds like a certain someone else that I know as well." Like father like daughter in that sense. And in a few others of course, but perhaps none as prominent as their shared stubbornness. One of these days He was still idly curious to see which one of them proved to be more willing to relent in the end. He wasn't quite sure of the answer really.

Darth Strosius noticed the hesitation and in an instant His casual almost slouched posture straightened up just enough to show a new level of attentiveness. His head dipped slightly to reflect Revna's own expression back at her within His impenetrable visor, a clear sign that He was soon to be hanging on to her next words. That she didn't seem willing to meet His hidden yet intense gaze only served to pique His interest further and make Him tense up just a bit more in anticipation.

That she wished to leave the Harbinger wasn't surprising at all of course, keeping her confined this long would have been impossible were it not for her abhorrent physical condition following her rescue. If she hadn't been bedridden for the past few weeks then Darth Strosius had no doubts that Revna would have already taken her leave of the vessel and been back to visit Him at least once by now.

The mention of returning to Korriban caused a somewhat displeased hum but He didn't interrupt or otherwise disagree with His daughter's request. Not yet at least. He'd rather that she be far away from any bad influences, primarily those that she had been forced to endure in the wake of His demise, but even after weeks of being awake and back at His side she had maintained the narrative of a positive relationship with the denizens of Holy Korriban in spite of her imprisonment.

His immediate reaction was to deny her request and reaffirm the need for her to finish out physical therapy until her limp had been fully worked out but the desperation in her expression kept Him silent long enough to actually consider it. His shoulders heaved with the sigh that He loosed, a sight which would normally be hidden by His heavier robes but which now was all too easy to see. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you'd ask to be brought there eventually."

Darth Strosius turned away from His daughter and reached for where His heavier robes were laid across the far side of the table, slipping a hand into them and pulling a holocommunicator from within. He clicked the button to activate it and the device pulsed out a crimson light, humming for a moment before the call was answered and a red hologram formed the figure of a Mirialan in a naval officer uniform. "Captain Bragon, set course for Korriban." The captain bowed and the hologram flickered into nothingness as the device was clicked off and set aside once again.

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer / Lysander von Ascania

 

[Revna Marr]

Tag: Darth Strosius
Other Tags: Varin Mortifer // Lysander von Ascania ​

Revna playfully rolled her eyes with Alisteri’s comment, before the conversation shifted elsewhere. She could tell that her Father had noticed the hesitation in her, and He stood up a little straighter and angled His helm in a manner that told her that He was intently listening to whatever she was reluctant to say.

Of course, as she suspected might happen, He was not pleased to hear what she had to say - though she was a bit pleasantly surprised that He didn’t offer an immediate rebuttal, other than uttering an unhappy hum. He at least allowed her to finish saying what she needed to say, and make her desire to return to Korriban known to Him.

Revna idly wondered just how hard it was for Strosius to keep His silence on the matter, and for a moment she marvelled at the restraint He showed. She marvelled too that He chose to face this situation as her Father, and not her Master. Had He said no, and meant it under the authority of their Master-apprentice relationship, then she’d have no choice but to heed that order.

It was one thing to rebel against a Father figure. It was quite another to rebel against the orders of one’s Sith Master. For most, that would be a death sentence, though she knew He would never do such a thing to her. She would have to royally mess up for Him to even consider such a thing - like if she left Him, turned traitor, and joined the Kainate.

There was some relief that flooded through her when He released a heavy sigh, His shoulders visibly heaving as He wasn’t wearing His heavier robes. Though it was clear that He didn’t want to, He nevertheless did consent to her request, turning away from her for a moment to reach inside one of the many pockets of the heavier robe to fish out a holocommunicator. He activated it and the somewhat fuzzy red image of what appeared to be a Mirialan man in a crisp naval uniform responded. Darth Strosius gave a curt command to set course for Korriban, then set the communicator aside.

“Thank You.” was all Revna could murmur after a moment of silence between them. “I know You don’t want to do this. Don’t want me to go back there.” A faint and somewhat uncertain smile flickered across her face as she leaned against a workbench, taking weight off her bad side for the moment. “I hope You like them…the boys. If they are even still around or waiting.”

Revna turned her gaze away, a flicker of what appeared to be doubt or uncertainty crossing over her pale face for a moment. “I wouldn’t blame them if they left or found other teachers or guides though. I’ve been gone for too long and without a word to either of them. But it was safer that way…safer for them.” She exhaled heavily and tucked a stray lock of silvery black hair behind one of her ears. “Guess we shall see how loyal they are once we arrive to Korriban, won't we?”

 

[Darth Strosius]

The masked man let out a decidedly neutral hum at her thanks, taking the moment of silence to get His workstation fully organized and cleared off. Or well, mostly cleared off at least. He fully intended to resume His work once they returned from this little venture to Korriban and as such there was no need to put away everything at the moment. "I'd rather you not go anywhere given that you are still recovering. Let alone...uncertain territory such as the Holy Worlds."

Ideally Revna had another week or two before she was fully cleared from regular physical therapy sessions, close enough that she could by and large continue on her own but also just far enough to warrant caution and consideration. Long walks around Korriban were a far cry from the level floors of the Harbinger after all and one twisted ankle would be quite the setback for her overall recovery. Of course that was all without mentioning the, in spite of her own assertions, threat that they could face from the planet's inhabitants.

Darth Strosius's bold walk on Dromund Kaas would undoubtedly still be fresh in the minds of the Kainate's vile Dyarchs and He doubted that any on Korriban would genuinely halt the pair if they came for their heads. Or even worse, were already lying in wait for their arrival. But of course Revna didn't share such caution regarding Korriban's denizens. As such He simply nodded when she mentioned her apprentices, another development which He was still having trouble fully wrapping His head around.

"You left them in the care of Korriban's Academy I'd presume, yes?" He finally spoke after His daughter revealed her doubts of her apprentices' loyalties. It was an understandable and relatable concern of course, perhaps even an apt one depending on the circumstances. "The whole point of an academy of Sith is to instruct and guide Acolytes in the absence of a master, but not as a replacement for them. Unless some other Sith has come along to snatch them up then I can't foresee them having simply abandoned you as their master."

Darth Strosius spoke rather clinically, as though merely stating facts, but His tone betrayed the comfort that He wished to assuage her concerns with. That was one of the reasons that He had never particularly cared for academies in general. They were useful to be sure, but the lack of that personal touch and guidance often resulted in academy Acolytes being honed into simple weapons rather than proper Sith.

He'd seen enough of that both during the last Sith Empire and the current Sith Order, those unlucky enough to avoid being selected by a master were the first to fall on the frontlines of the Sith's wars. The masked man reached out and gave Revna a very light pat on her shoulder. "Besides, they couldn't ask for a better master than yourself anyway. Them moving on would be to their own detriment entirely." There was the slightest hint of mirth in His words, meant to help her keep her chin up rather than continue delving down the path of doubt.

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer / Lysander von Ascania

 

[Revna Marr]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Varin Mortifer // Lysander von Ascania ​

Revna inhaled quietly as her Father made it clear what His wishes were. She didn’t blame Him for wanting to keep her on the ship, and He was right - she was still recovering. It did pass through her mind, if briefly, that perhaps going to Korriban now was not the best decision…but she pushed that thought aside. Of course, He was still set upon the idea that the Holy Worlds were treacherous…and she had no argument for Him on that topic. She could only speak about Korriban…not the other Holy Worlds like Ziost or Makem Te or any of the other worlds there. Except for Dromund Kaas; she already knew that place was dangerous, being the throneworld of Darth Prazutis himself.

The young woman lowered her eyes and tinkered with the hem of her robe for a moment, even as Darth Strosius worked to clean off and organize His workbench. Despite her desire for Him to see Korriban the way she did, she had already come to terms with the understanding that He likely never would, and it would be an act of futility to try and persuade Him any differently. It made her heart ache with a pain she wasn’t familiar with.

“We won’t linger longer than what will be necessary. And then we can return back to the Harbinger. I…I don’t intend to stay on Korriban until I’m more fully healed and at least back up to form. The other things I mentioned though…they can’t wait any longer.” She murmured, her voice sounding somewhat dejected as a slew of doubts and other negative emotions swirled around within her, though she was quick to move on to the topic of her apprentices.

To that, the masked man seemed to shift a bit and focus on that topic instead for the moment. He inquired if she had left them in the care of the Academy before leaving, stating the honest truth about the function of Sith Academies when it came to teaching apprentices.

“Yes - both are enrolled, and I know my…colleagues…would have stepped in to keep an eye on them in my absence.” She didn’t name names aloud in case they incited her Master's ire, but she knew that the Lord Seer Madrona A’Mia would have had her back in her absence, keeping her boys on track and focused on their studies and other activities. “Though I wouldn’t be surprised if another Sith tried to recruit them in my absence; both of the boys are…desirable apprentice material. Very promising and already rather known in the Sith circles there. They’ve made quite the name for themselves amongst the other students of the Academy as well.” That was both a good and a bad thing, though she didn’t divulge anything further to Alisteri about that. The stories to be told belonged to Varin and Lysander and, should they wish to, they could tell their Grandmaster about it in due time.

She didn’t say it aloud, but she was both excited and nervous to see Lysander and Varin again.

What would they think of her, with how she had left them behind? Lysander, though devoted and loyal, was her apprentice that liked to roam - much like she had when she’d been an acolyte. She knew of his comings and goings, monitoring from afar, but never stepped in with a word of caution unless it was necessary. She wanted him, wanted both of her students, to learn the way she had: having a Master to learn directly from, but also having the room to learn things their own way. Even if that meant going and learning from others.

Varin, on the other hand, had been raised in such a way that when one gave their oath - that was it. He had sworn himself to her while under her leadership and guidance, and he took that very seriously. She had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that, between both Disciples, he would be the one to give in to feelings of abandonment and thus anger and resentment. She hoped and prayed it wasn't the case, but inside she steeled herself for that...just in case.

"Besides, they couldn't ask for a better master than yourself anyway. Them moving on would be to their own detriment entirely." Her Father said as He gently patted her shoulder, a hint of mirth in His voice, bringing forth a soft scoff and a small smile from her, perking up despite the initial tension that had started off their conversation.

“Well I don’t know about that - I do know a thing or two but I am certainly not as experienced as other Sith Lords. Honestly…sometimes I wonder why they even chose to stick with me in the first place. I’d ask them but…I don’t want to come across as doubting my abilities or my skills in front of them.”

Revna narrowed her eyes in curious thought as she tilted her head at the man. “Did You ever experience that too?”

 

[Darth Strosius]

"Mhm." Darth Strosius didn't bother trying to hide the slight glance that He sent her way at the assurance she gave about not staying on Korriban until she was healed. Given how strongly she had insisted on returning to the world even after being rescued, He had His doubts that she was being completely honest. Still, if Revna was willing to toe the line then He'd let the matter rest for now. He nodded as she confirmed that her apprentices wouldn't be left completely without guidance in her absence, probably for the better really.

He knew well enough the sort of antics and shenanigans that an Acolyte could get into when left to their own devices. Many years ago Darth Strosius was one Himself of course, and even with a devastating war going on He still found Himself in some rather precarious and unusual circumstances in more than one instance away from battlefields. That they had apparently already gained some level of fame only credited the need for them to remain under some supervision further.

"If someone wished to take an apprentice from you, they wouldn't wait until you were gone to do it. We are Sith my dear, shows of strength and influence simply come with the territory." The masked man offered a shrug to accompany His words of consolation, hoping to help ease His daughter's mind somewhat. Although it wasn't an inaccurate statement by any means of course. While He'd never experienced it Himself back in the day He had heard of Acolytes going through different masters as a sort of status symbol before.

They were simply a pawn to all involved in the end of course but for a fresh Sith not yet wizened to the grand games of their more experienced peers, even hollow praise can ring quite loudly should one seek it. Revna's concern about appearing weak or unworthy to her apprentices was understandable, she had experienced and done much but she was still relatively new to the wide world of the Sith Order. Something that He was partially responsible for of course, shielding His followers from the worst aspects of the Sith was simply part of His duties.

The question made Him scoff and let out an amused hum in an almost knee-jerk reaction. "You have to ask?" He chuckled and leaned back against the workstation, crossing His arms over His chest. "Revna, dear, imagine trying to instruct those blessed with the Force through their first lessons in using it when they are already far and away more potent and powerful in it than you are. Do you think maintaining an air of control and authority in a situation like that is easy?"

He clicked His tongue and shook His head. "I am not the most powerful Sith within the Order of Wonosa, I haven't been in decades. Whether they were born into our order or joined later in life through one circumstance or another, I've had to take leadership and mentorship over those who were simply born better than I when it comes to being able to use the Force." He gestured towards her with both a nod and a slight wave of His gloved hand. "Yourself included of course. Especially now, you were already a league ahead of me before but now you've far surpassed me. If you had a few more years to hone your skills I genuinely doubt that I could match you in anything apart from bladework alone."

Darth Strosius pushed Himself off of the workstation and idly paced around Revna as He continued, spiraling from a simple answer into a lesson. As per usual. "Experience is the great difference, as you'll find. Your apprentices may be skilled and blessed, perhaps even more than yourself at times, but to be a Sith is not simply to be a capable weapon or even a powerful Force User. Wisdom, cunning, strategy, these are the things that you will always hold over your juniors and these are what they will always seek from you in turn."

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer / Lysander von Ascania

 

[Revna Marr]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Varin Mortifer // Lysander von Ascania ​

“Hmm. You are not wrong for the most part, but some Sith are sneaky, Dad.” She tilted her head for a moment as she regarded Him. “I certainly would wait to try and lure another’s apprentice to my side when their Master wasn’t around, especially if it is an apprentice I desire to have within my possession. We may believe we hold the ‘power’ but in reality it is the Apprentice that decides who will be their Master or not. And it is they who decide who is more worthy to teach them. That is what I believe anyway. You may disagree.”

No doubt He would, too. He had age and experience on her and knew things she didn’t and though they didn’t see eye to eye on many things, His insight and wisdom was still very much valuable to her.

To her question on whether He had ever experienced something similar, He scoffed and asked if she had to ask such a thing as He leaned back against the workstation and crossed His arms over His chest as He launched into a typical monologue, one she listened to closely but with a touch of amusement. He made it clear that while He wasn’t the strongest Sith the Order of Wonosa, but nonetheless He had been required to step into the position He was currently in now - as Leader and Mentor and Guide. He fluffed up her usually tempered pride when He told her that she had already far surpassed Him, and if she had had a few more years to hone her skills then He said He doubted that He could have matched her in anything apart from blade skill.

“Pfft. A few more years? I think the only thing You outmatch me on right now is bladework, Master. In a match Force against Force, I think we both know I could kick Your ass.” Revna said with a smirk and that gleam of challenge in her eyes. He pushed off the workstation and paced around her and Revna watched Him as He did so, her playful grin slipping into a knowing smile as His answer shifted into that of a lesson.

"Experience is the great difference, as you'll find. Your apprentices may be skilled and blessed, perhaps even more than yourself at times, but to be a Sith is not simply to be a capable weapon or even a powerful Force User. Wisdom, cunning, strategy, these are the things that you will always hold over your juniors and these are what they will always seek from you in turn."

Revna nodded in almost sagely manner; she knew exactly what He was speaking about, for it was something she had come to figure out when she took on the role of teacher herself with her boys.

“Experience trumps power usually. Insight, wisdom, knowledge and how to employ or use it can mean the difference between victory or defeat. And as I have learned in my journey teaching Varin and Lysander, having wisdom and insight on how best to guide them often means the difference between a lesson learned or not. Not saving them from their mistakes either has been important. Failure is a great teacher in and of itself. Defeats teach one more than a victory - so long as you live through the experience.”

Revna fell silent for a moment, deep in thought and memory. “Learning when to step in and offer insight or wisdom or a lesson or not has been my greatest challenge, but one I was becoming more comfortable with before I ended up on Kaas. There are lots of things I know…things and knowledge You didn’t teach me that I learned on my own…that I want to share with the boys. But I feel that to become a Sith they must struggle for that knowledge. Show to me that they are ready for it, or if the moment feels right. Otherwise the lessons won’t stick. Sometimes, I don’t even share valuable insight or wisdom unless they fail. You did that with me too from time to time.”

She returned her gaze to the man pacing around her, her expression somewhat soft, thoughtful. He was one of very few she actually felt safe enough with to lower her guards and be open and honest. "It...feels good - and strange - to talk to You about these things. Not all that long ago You were teaching me things and now I'm passing what You taught me on to others...with my own flavor of course. Doesn't mean that I still don't have much to learn from You. A wise Sith doesn't or shouldn't stop learning all they can. Even the most wise and experienced of Masters have things they can learn and pass on to others. I do hope You will continue to guide and teach me until...well...You know..."

Until He was gone, or she was. She just couldn't bring herself to say it, not right now. For several long moments, Revna was quiet - thoughtful, reflective. She had made plenty of mistakes, but she had learned from them...or at least she had tried to.

"...what is something You would pass on to me that You've learned in Your time as my Master? Insight or wisdom that I could reflect on and incorporate into my own guidance for them?"

 

[Darth Strosius]

The masked man hummed appreciatively at her little remark on Him not being wrong, even if it wasn't so simple. She did have something of a point to make of course, Acolytes and especially apprentices could very well choose to throw their lot in with whoever they wished whenever they wished. However even the most bold and arrogant of apprentices knew well enough how fleeting the attention of a Sith Lord could be, and more importantly how vengeful a spurned one was.

A master within the Sith Order wasn't simply a granter of knowledge and technique but perhaps more importantly an anchor of status and opportunity. Darth Strosius knew that well enough, He'd turned His own master's status into opportunity for Himself and made use of her resources to establish Himself away from prying eyes. Any level headed apprentice would know that eventually their apprenticeship would have to give way to true Sithhood and would align themselves with a master which would give them the greatest chance of starting off properly within the Order.

Or an Apprentice could always simply become rather attached to their master in spite of their flaws and drawbacks, as Revna had done with Him. Regardless shedding one apprenticeship for another wasn't quite so simple, although He suspected that she probably knew that already to an extent. Even if she did have the audacity to insinuate that she could best Him now. "Oh in raw power there would be no competition, but technique and application?" Darth Strosius scoffed with a smirk of His own forming under His mask. "You still have much to learn my apprentice."

Evidently she had been doing some such learning in regards to experiencing the role of an instructor and mentor, in all of its facets seemingly. She was quite right that oftentimes failure and mistakes had to serve as vessels for learning, even more than a master could in some instances. To struggle wasn't just integral for Sith, it was a cornerstone of their way of life. Peace was a lie after all. If an apprentice couldn't rise from their failures then they simply weren't meant to become a Sith in any meaningful measure. The galaxy was cruel and the Sith knew that truth better than most.

"I'm glad that my methods have carried on into your teachings. Perhaps you can even improve upon them in time, provided that you continue to listen and abide my words of wisdom." He was proud to hear of His daughter's own wisdom shining through even when she seemed unsure of her own approach to teaching. From the sounds of it Revna had a promising future ahead of her in the realm of instructing Acolytes, just as He always knew she would. With some guidance from Him along the way of course. Apprentices or not she was still His student after all.

"Until you grow beyond me, yes I know." If Darth Strosius caught on to the rather grim tone that she held in that moment then He didn't comment on it nor did He mirror it. He'd rather not dwell on such thoughts, not when they'd just been reunited at least. Perhaps He had done her a disservice by not preparing her for a time without Him already, He most certainly was by not intending to make any such preparations now in spite of everything, but He didn't see the need to change course. Not yet anyway.

Her question brought a thoughtful hum from the masked man, an idle hand reaching to rest on one of the prongs of His mask as He pondered on it. "Well first of all, keep a tracker on them at all times to see when and where they're running off." He chuckled for a moment before responding properly. "In truth the best insight I can offer is to trust in the Force. It has already endowed your apprentices with blessings, not just of their power and talents but also in granting them you as their master. If you ever doubt your path or need guidance on how best to teach them, then listen to the Force as it resonates within them and you shall find your answer."

He nodded towards her. "You came to me as another lost soul wishing to find sanctuary in Wonosa, but I knew from the moment we met that you were meant to be more. It was always in your nature to find your own strength and persevere, all I had to do was guide you where I thought you would be best suited and let you push yourself forwards from there. Although, if your apprentices do veer off of their path then you shouldn't hesitate to correct them. Curious and ambitious minds are the easiest to lead astray, and every Acolyte has both traits in spades."

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer / Lysander von Ascania

 

[Revna Marr]

Tags: Darth Strosius // Varin Mortifer // Lysander von Ascania ​

Revna smirked hearing her Father’s scoff at her bold claims, though He did agree that when it came to raw power in the Force - there would be no competition. But when it came to techniques and application? Well, He was right of course - she still had much to learn.

“Well I’d be a fool to believe that just because I’m teaching others, doesn’t mean I’m beyond the realm of being taught myself. I still have things I need to learn from You…and You’d better teach me these things…or I’ll pry the knowledge from Your mind.”

Her tone was playful, even if challenging and daring, for they both knew that when it came to the realm of mental fortitude, Darth Strosius had her beat. Sure, she had worked hard to defend her mind and lock it down tight while in Kainite custody, but that didn’t mean she had the skills or necessary experience to rip information from the mind of a Sith Lord. Maybe another Apprentice, maybe a Knight…but not a Lord. Not yet.

Alisteri seemed happy to hear that she was at least putting His lessons and methods to use, and even mentioned that she could perhaps improve upon them - something she was already doing, in her own way. Taking the lessons and knowledge she’d gained from Him and adding her own flavor to it. It made her happy to know that He was pleased with her, especially when it came to applying the things He’d taught her thus far.

Revna was still quiet and thoughtful, even when Alisteri finished the words she couldn’t bring herself to speak. She knew the day would come when she “grew beyond Him”. It was an inevitable outcome when a Sith took on an apprentice and taught them all the things they needed to know in order to rise in power and strength. That student, should they live and truly step into their own being, would eventually reach a point where they eclipsed their Master and grew past them. It would happen to her with Darth Strosius too, one day. But…she had no intentions of killing Him any time soon, unlike other apprentices with their masters.

To her question on what other insights or wisdom her Father could share with her to keep in mind for her own apprentices, His first recommendation made her laugh - a bright and full chested chortle that brightened her eyes and face.

“Yeah -You’d have experience with that wouldn’t You?” She muttered when He briefly paused to chuckle Himself, sharing a moment of mirth with Him before He gave her a more proper response. Revna listened intently as she always did; she always did her best to make sure her Father knew that she was absorbing every word He said. His time and His knowledge and wisdom and insights were valuable to her.

His wisdom to her this time was a simple one: she needed to trust in the Force, and let it be her guide. His words sobered her somewhat, for He was right. Her apprentices were blessed - perhaps even beyond her. And the Force had practically dropped both of them in her lap. One had literally crashed in his ship in front of her in the Golg Desert.

If that wasn’t a sign, then she didn’t know what would be.

Darth Strosius used her own story of how she came to Him as an example to reinforce the wisdom He was trying to impart to her in the moment. She may have been another lost soul, a broken and run away slave, but He had felt that she was meant for more, and He had listened to the Force and now look where she was. A Sith in her own right, though she still had much to learn.

Her Master encouraged her not to withhold correction should her students ever veer off their pathway. She gave Alisteri a grim and ironic smile, for His words evoked memories from when she had veered off her pathway from time to time.

“Oh...like ground them to their room? Lecture them for ten hours straight?” she said in a voice that was clearly meant to be playful but also evoke memories of the past when she had been “corrected”. “As for curiosity and ambitious minds, yeah…You definitely would know about that wouldn’t You? I mean look at me - I went from being a slave to an acolyte to a Disciple to a master and now soon to be Queen.”

It was only after she fell silent that she realized what she had said, and her face went very pale indeed. Oh chit…I hadn’t told Him that bit yet, had I? Oops…

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius didn't hide the amusement that her lighthearted "threat" brough Him, inclining His head and fixing her with a hidden gaze that must have been rather smug. As though daring her to try. While He may not have been the most powerful between them, His skill in the realm of the mind wasn't one for debate. Especially when it came to His own mind of course. "All in due time my dear, all in due time." In spite of His teasing He didn't have any intent on keeping anything from Revna in terms of lessons, albeit such lessons might be rather spaced out as it were.

Unlike most Sith Lords He wasn't intent on reigning over His apprentices and powerbase forever, even though He very well could have. He was already ageless and practically untouchable by almost every possible ailment, in any meaningful sense at least, so it wasn't as if He had to fear the encroachment of time or decay. Were it not for His own demise and the experience of the afterlife then He would admittedly be tempted, it would make shepherding the Sith and the galaxy itself towards Bogan's will far easier with Himself at the head for all time.

Yet that wasn't what He wanted, for as selfish as it was. Darth Strosius had seen such an ambition burning within the hollow hearts of so many others within the Sith Order and He knew it would consume them all in the end. It already had done for Ophidia, He just delivered the killing blow. He wouldn't be brought low in such a manner, He'd promised Himself as much years ago on Odavessa. And now that He knew what waited for Him after death He certainly had no qualms about embracing it.

One day He would perish again and He would hopefully leave the Order of Wonosa in a position of strength and prominence but also wisdom, not just capable of sustaining themselves but also carrying on His vision and their divine mission without corruption. His daughter had the potential to be the next shepherd for the Sith, provided that He could give her the knowledge and wisdom that she needed to do so. Of course she wouldn't at all be uncontested in such attempts, but He could fix that. Or give her a few advantages by knocking off the greatest threats at least.

One such threat being her own incessant need to wander and explore, as she reminded Him when He mentioned the tracker. That was one that He wasn't certain He could ever fully conquer but He had faith that she would overcome it herself in time. Revna was bold and incredibly stubborn but she was far from reckless. Especially now that she had a pair of apprentices of her own to guide and fret over, Darth Strosius had no doubts that she'd one day grow to become a proper Sith Lady in her own right.

Provided that she listened to His wisdom of course, especially when it came to wrangling unruly apprentices. "I recall those lectures being requested half the time in your case, but if such methods work then yes. If not then you may have to attempt some more...situationally creative corrective measures for them." As she had said herself, allowing an apprentice to fail was often a simple necessity. Even if such failure wasn't quite so simple and easily recovered from. As harsh as it was.

Her latter remark drew a raised eyebrow from beneath His mask, the silence thereafter less one of suspicion and more Him silently urging her to continue. When she didn't, Darth Strosius cocked His head to the side. "I didn't know that you had your eye on a world to conquer. Although, you'll need to work on the title. 'Queen' just carries far too many..." He sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "Connotations and implications that are unsuitable for you. Labels and terminology are very important Revna, both for the Sith and for the wider galaxy."

He gestured to Himself with a hand on His chest. "Take my titles within the Order of Wonosa for example. For the longest time I simply went by 'High Priest' of the Order. It instilled authority, placing me as the highest of the priesthood, but it didn't engineer obedience. I put myself forward as a guide, a leader only for those who wished to listen and adhere to my words. The first among equals perhaps, but not the one and only ruler of the Order." There was an oddly clinical way that He spoke, more so than was typical for His lessons.

"When I died and the Council sought to make me a martyr to unite the disparate Wonosan factions around, they gave me the title of 'Prophet' in order to cement me as some divinely appointed figure. One who had heard the will of the Dark Side and sought to lead others in its name. An evolution of my former title in a sense, albeit interwoven with implications that only I could have founded the Order." He shifted, almost sheepishly one might say. "I...would prefer not to have such a moniker. I am no different from any Sith, I just saw the truth of the Dark Side and sought to spread it. Any could have done the same and under our banner many do now. But my resurrection has only strengthened that divine connection. To my followers I might as well have always called myself the Prophet of Bogan, as they'd deem no other label befitting of me. So I must wear it, and in doing so I must earn it."

Revna Marr / Varin Mortifer / Lysander von Ascania