Private A Common Enemy

[Kaila Irons]

A lone stealth-courier made it's graceful descent through dusty red skies, weaving through jagged peaks and great statues of ancient sith and slaves alike as it flew low, swooping to a sudden halt atop the landing pad like a Hawkbat returning with food to the nest. It was only moments later that the boarding ramp extended before the feet of it's dismounting master.

Darth Anathemous regarded the palace of Korriban with mixed awe and caution, golden eyes peering out from under a shaded hood widening the barest inch at architecture that seemed so new, yet simultaneously ancient. The ancient homeland was, in the young scholar's opinion, a legendary example of the sith's enduring nature. From the utter annihilation of this world at the hands of Jedi thousands of years ago, to the rise and fall of so many empires all laying claim to this legacy...

The sith were... eternal. A force of nature, really.

And she'd made so many enemies amongst them now, and so very few friends. It was fortunate then that she and Revna had an enemy in common. Though it was ironic perhaps that she'd garnered more support only after escaping her Kainite chains than she had whilst writhing against them. In the end she only had herself to count on, and so she would not make the mistake of shackling herself to the dependency of allies again.

But she sure as hell wasn't going to do this alone either.

Sooner or later, she would find herself an enemy of the Kainate once more, and so whatever peace Srina Talon had broached between herself and her former master would be spent preparing for war in the shadows. As she had always done, as she always would. She knew Darth Prazutis to be for Revna as Darth Carnifex was to her. In the end it seemed that making enemies through unnecessary cruelty ran in their blood, and the list of potential allies available to Anathemous was growing each day.

But so too had her enemies.

"Stay close, SB-13." she sighed anxiously, hoping to see a friendly face soon enough.

The hooded droid behind her nodded in confirmation, metal fingers clamped around a vibrosword it's master hoped would not be unsheathed today.

"Roger, roger."



Revna

​

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Revna had received word that an ally of hers, one of the very few she had in the galaxy, was making a return visit to Korriban to meet with her. The little Sith woman was eager to meet this ally of hers, for their first interaction had proved fruitful and now she hoped that Kaila, or rather Darth Anathemous, had some information from the wider Empire to pass to Revna.

Information was valuable amongst the Sith, for knowledge was power, and Revna was ever hungry for it.

She stood near the landing platform of the Palace of Vardin, watching the stealth class ship descend, dressed in rather plain Sith robes and a simple utility belt around her waist that contained a Sith lightsaber, granted to her by Darth Carnifex some time prior. Hidden underneath her robes to lay against her chest was a necklace that seeped with a dark presence and power that was separate from her own Force signature. To any who had been around or known the late Darth Strosius, they would recognize the aura immediately. It went with her everywhere she went, for it was perhaps the most precious item she had in her possession. Gloves covered both of Revna’s hands, which were held in front of her as she continued to wait patiently for the ship’s passenger to disembark.

Fiery eyes, like twin embers set in her elegant but pale face, watched as the ramp to the ship lowered with hydraulic hissing and steam and stepping from the ship's belly was the familiar figure of the Sith Knight, along with what appeared to be a personal droid of some sort.

A faint flicker of anxiety registered through the Force, but Revna couldn’t be sure if it was coming from Kaila, or from someone else who might be nearby. Still, she took note of it as she offered a small smile to Kaila - though unlike their first time meeting, Revna did not dip her head in a bow.

“Welcome back to Korriban, Lady Kaila. I hope your journey was smooth and uneventful.” she said politely to Kaila as she eyed the other Sith woman. A good portion of time had passed since they had last seen each other; Revna hadn’t heard much of anything from her ally in that time frame. One could only hope that the woman was still an ally, but the little Sith figured she would learn the truth here soon enough.

Revna turned and began to walk slowly, indicating to Kaila that she wished for the other woman to follow along beside her. A relaxed and what one might consider a friendly smile graced Revna’s face briefly. “I have personal quarters within the Palace of Vardin; I figured we could speak there over some wine, without the need to fear who might be listening to us. It has been some time since we last saw one another, Kaila. I hope your endeavors have proven fruitful.” She said as she continued to walk, guiding them both inside the Palace proper and towards a lift that would take her to the area where she resided for the time being. ​

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Lady Revna." Kaila smiled briefly, but genuinely.

"It's... good to see a friendly face after so long."

She noted the lack of formal bows exchanged, even if a slight dip of the chin had been her own way to avoid kneeling. However it made sense she supposed, being a former Kainite slave herself. She would not press the matter to Revna, who was surely just as tired of bowing as she.

Thinking on it, this was... pleasant, in a strange way. That rare sense of understanding, however small.

There was however a curious change in her presence as well, namely that it felt as if there were more sith here than met the eye. However Kaila was a force walker, her own presence reeked of many souls who'd been bound against their will, locked safely away and imprisoned inside the girl where they could harm others no longer. It was a rare, and lost art.

Was Revna like her perhaps? It made the sorceress more curious by the minute.

Kaila marched to the smaller woman's side with her droid securing the rear as she listened intently, despite her gaze wandering about the Palace of Vardin still. There was a shift she noted in the Wanosa's tone, cautiously hopeful yet friendlier than when they'd last spoken. It made the young darth wonder if her extended absence had caused her fellow Vahla to worry. But for her sake, or merely the loss of a rare ally, she could not say.

"That sounds lovely, Revna. And exactly what I need right now... My endeavors have been fruitful, yes, but... taxing. Even if well worth it, I should think."

"For I am no longer a Kainite."

She afforded Revna another smile, perhaps even a little wider this time.

"But I appreciate your caution, I'll explain more in private. You never know who's listening."

And that is why her ship remained cloaked for most of the journey, despite her newfound freedom.

More troubling then what her master could hear however, is what he could see. How he was already in system during the coup remained unknown, gnawing at the back of her mind like the remnants of an unfinished story begging to be told.

Troubling news to say the least.

"And what of you?" she said, shaking the thought away.

"How has Korriban treated you of late?"



Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Kaila greeted Revna amiably, and seemed rather agreeable to Revna’s suggestion of chatting over wine, and this brought another smile to the smaller woman’s face. But the revelation that Kaila was no longer a Kainite made Revna smile even wider. That was excellent news indeed, if she could say so herself.

Together they entered the lift and as it began to move them upwards, Revna noticed that Kaila's presence seemed...chaotic. As sensitive as Revna was to the energies of the Force, the aura that the Darth exuded practically screamed at her. She studied the other Sith woman in a moment of silence, intrigued by what she was sensing. Perhaps, it was something she could ask the blond Sith about later.

The lift brought them to the section of the Palace that Revna called home. The structure itself was dark - like an almost gothic version of the Palaces in Naboo. It carried with it the echo of times long since passed, of wars and memories and whispers - but was elegant and gilded as any Royal dwelling place would be. As they made the journey, the Sith Knight asked Revna how her own ventures were fairing, inquiring how Korriban had been treating the younger woman. To this, Revna smiled and there was a strange glimmer in her eyes; memories and images of the recent dance, and her night with the King, danced before her mind's eye briefly and a faint pink hue colored her cheeks for a moment.

“Korriban has become a home for me - and it looks like it will probably become a more…permanent thing. Though those details need to be arranged and figured out a bit more...” she said to Kaila with a small smile.

The section that Revna took Kaila to was reserved for the highest ranked Sith Lords that visited or resided and worked within the Palace and on Korriban. It was a strange thing to see a mere Sith apprentice in such a place, and one who carried herself as if she belonged here, or at least was comfortable to be herself in such a place. Her presence seemed to be recognized by servants and others that went about their duties; those that greeted her with respect were given notice with a small dip of the chin or a glance as they passed by.

The door to her personal living quarters opened upon her arrival, admitting both Revna and Kaila into a spacious chamber. To the right was a lower section of the room that sported elegant small tables and cushioned chairs, set up to face large windows that gave a breathtaking view of the distant Valley of the Dark Lords. To the left was a wall and against that wall sat an ebony table and atop that table was an elegant wine rack and crystal goblets; along that side of the wall was also a wash station. Ahead was a hallway draped in shadows with a singular door that led into a massive washroom, and beyond eyesight was a spiral staircase that led to an open balcony overhang above their heads that contained the bedchamber where Revna slept.

As soon as the door closed behind both women, Revna turned to Kaila and gestured to the space around them. “Please - make yourself at home and comfortable. Help yourself to the wine that is there in the rack; I’m given a variety to try so I’m sure there is something there that you’ll fancy.”

She stepped to the table and pulled two goblets out, setting one aside for Kaila while she popped open an already open container and poured a very dark, purple-red hued wine into her goblet. “This one is quite flavorful. Strong but sweet and rich.”

Wine in hand, Revna stepped down to the lowered platform and took a seat in front of the tall windows. “Oh my Master would be rolling over in his grave right now if he saw where and how I was living. He absolutely despised such rich lifestyles that nobles partake in. I do too - but after the hell I’ve endured aboard that monstrous worldcraft, I feel that I can at least enjoy what I was given here. Sure beats what the alternative would be…”

She paused for a moment and swirled her wine as she eyed the young and beautiful Darth for a moment. “Whatever you say here will be safely guarded. They can’t hear us, nor will what has been said reach their attention.” Another brief pause, and Revna leaned a bit closer in the direction of Kaila with curiosity burning in her fiery eyes. “So…no longer a Kainite, hmm? How did you manage that?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

It was quite interesting to see how Revna interacted with the servants, and the deeper they strode into the palace, the more her ally seemed to belong here. Not merely as an apprentice moving between duties, but almost as if they were her servants in a way. It could be that her fellow Vahla had simply earned their respect in some way, although Kaila suspected that they would have found ways to show this without bowing.

Did it have something to do with this more permanent stay, she wondered.

Though she was given a hint of sorts as to her motives at least, a look in her eyes, and a heat rising to her skin. It was a look that Kaila knew well, for it reminded her of... of Ala Quin . The way she looked at her, and undoubtedly the way Kaila looked at her in kind. The very thought brought a feint smile, near uncontrollable smile to an otherwise cautious face. Perhaps then this too was love? For a sith lord most likely, wealthy and powerful enough to hire servants of their own.

It must be nice, allowing the heart to root one in place. How she wished that she and Ala could share something so simple as this.

The thought caused her eyes to wander aimlessly for a moment, leaving the young darth her typically quiet self as she entered Revna's quarters, SB-13 stopping to guard the door from outside.

The interior however broke her trance.

"It's so... spacious, nothing like Echnos." she hummed in quiet awe, taking in sights that reminded her of living spaces where her master's intimate and wealthy companions would rest their heads each night.

Her own quarters within the tight confines of the dome, which was really more of a giant apartment building than a traditional city, where so dull in comparison. More of a place of governance than a living space, really.

Kaila took the rather expensive looking goblet she was offered and poured herself a glass of the very same wine before sitting herself not far from Revna, although it wasn't until she'd curiously dipped a fingertip in her glass that she truly began to relax. She watched for barely a second, the black polish unchanging. She pressed it to her lips as if merely sampling the wine before making a decision, masking the true purpose of this strange gesture.

"Mm! quite good." she smiled briefly.

“Whatever you say here will be safely guarded. They can’t hear us, nor will what has been said reach their attention.” Another brief pause, and Revna leaned a bit closer in the direction of Kaila with curiosity burning in her fiery eyes. “So…no longer a Kainite, hmm? How did you manage that?”

"Hm."

Kaila offered another, although somewhat forced now as she laid back against the windowsill, fingers drumming along it's edge as she stretched one arm across the frame.

"Well... since we may speak privately..."

"Initially I threw my lot in with Lord Malum... He promised my freedom in exchange for..."

She clenched her jaw, eyes wandering towards nothing in particular, just a distant stare as she recalled that night in the dining hall. Her legs crossed one over the other almost instinctually, and she took quite a sip from her wine.

"My... support." she cleared her throat before continuing.

"And then he left me amidst the Kainate to spy. So I took matters into my own hand."

"I used him, I suppose. Forced his hand. Cut off all communications, deported all the Kainites, then Declared Echnos a Tsis'kaar forgeworld. What good is a spy if she paints a target on her back?"

Revna was given a concerned glance from the corner of her eye as more wine vanished.

"I hope you know that I would not take such risks to my allies... but I don't take broken promises lightly."

"...anyway," she sighed, glancing elsewhere again.

"Carnifex was just... there, waiting before the broadcast had even sent... There was fighting when Malum appeared, I was forced to coordinate elsewhere... In the end it was The Empress who came to deliver terms. I am free, but... A sepulchral priest now dwells within my court." she spat.

Golden eyes closed themselves off from the world momentarily, too exhausted sleepless nights spent shoring up defenses to care for this momentary lapse in concentration. Revna had ample opportunities to strike or poison her already. Perhaps she could afford time to simply live, however brief.

"Still," she sighed "I owe her a great deal. She has earned my loyalty where Marr has not."

"But truth be told I... I don't know what this means for me. I'm not even sure what to do with my freedom."

Kaila took another sip, glaring at nothing in particular.



Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

Revna smiled ever so slightly, mostly to herself, when Kaila remarked that her living quarters were much more spacious than whatever the other Darth had on Echnos, and after a brief moment the smaller woman glanced at Kaila after setting the goblet aside for her.

“It is spacious, quite…luxurious, yes. But - I would have been happy in the servant’s quarters, to be honest. But, after what happened at the end of the Kaggath, I had no more will to fight in me, no will to refuse all of…this. I just accepted it and was thankful to be left alone so I could mourn and try to pick up the pieces.” Her small smile turned more wry. “Of course I grew to like the place, so I never asked for a downgrade…”

Once they had sat down, Revna spied the other woman dip a black polished nail into the wine before tasting the drop left there. For most, the gesture would have seemed…odd. But Revna was insightful; clearly Kaila had a method to check for drugged or poisoned drinks, but she would find that the wine was clear…minus the alcohol content within, of course. Revna gave her a more knowing smile, but said nothing about the gesture as she moved on to ask the blond woman about how she had cut her ties with the Kainate.

She listened quietly, keeping her attention on Kaila as the woman divulged her interactions with Revna’s cousin, Malum. A promise of freedom in exchange for the younger Darth’s support. Revna tilted her head to one side and slightly narrowed her gaze as Kaila’s body language seemed to suggest something, uncomfortable, had occurred between her and Malum. I can only imagine what that could have been, Revna thought to herself sardonically. It was no secret that Malum fancied women. No doubt, he had tried his charms on Kaila too, and it seemed that they had worked.

Revna almost pitied the other woman, but she would not reveal that. Pity would do Kaila no good. The other Sith woman did what she had to do, no doubt, as they all had to do at some point. Some decisions and choices were far more difficult to make than others - and that was something the younger Sith knew all too well.

The more Kaila revealed, the more Revna became intrigued. She had forced Malum’s hand? Declared Echnos a Tsis’Kaar world? Cast out the Kainites? Revna raised an arched eyebrow at that; a bold move, certainly one that would garner the attentions of powerful Sith Lords, and not the pleasant kind.

Kaila drank more deeply from her wine as she cast a more worried look at Revna, saying how she did not take broken promises lightly. She revealed further that somehow, Lord Carnifex knew what she had been up to - had almost been waiting for her. Of course, Malum had to involve himself - and a sneer crossed over Revna’s face briefly. Of course. At least the Empress had been willing to step in and it seemed her involvement was what secured Kaila’s freedom…but at a cost.

There was always a cost, Revna mused to herself darkly. A price to pay, when one called themselves a Sith.

She sat back in her seat and drank a bit of wine as she considered and digested all that Kaila had revealed to her. It was clear to her as well that the other Sith woman was weary; the stress of leadership, of always being sharp and prepared for danger, could be heard in her heavy sigh.

“Well, you are free to be who you want to be now, whatever that looks like to you. No one can tell you who you are, or what you should be. You get to decide that for yourself. That is what freedom is; the ability to make your own choices - be they good or bad. And if you can survive and triumph over your bad choices, then you learn from them, and grow wiser, and stronger.” She eyed the other woman for a few moments, her gaze piercing. “Lady Talon is a…wonderful woman. She has had a great impact on me as well; I’d daresay I am still alive and who I am now, because of her. You will not go wrong, having her on your side. I have a…suspicion…that she passed some words of wisdom to you. Take her advice, whatever it was. Be who she sees you to be.”

Revna took a deep breath and turned to look out into the distant desert sands of Korriban. Once upon a time, the chilly atmosphere had gotten under her skin a bit, but over the months she’d been here she had come to love it. She let the silence between her and Kaila persist for a few moments, before she turned to look back at the other woman.

“What else has transpired since we last spoke? Have you heard any word about the Wonosans? Has Malum forced them under his command? What of the Inquisition? Has any of that changed since we last spoke?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

"She knighted me in the field you know." Kaila half blurted out, a thumb against her lip in thought.

"Not Carnifex, Her. I was supposed to be executed that day if my performance did not satisfy him. But Srina Talon 's presence was all around the battlefield that day. It was amazing. It was... terrifying. I suppose she liked what she saw."

"I am Anathemous, Dark Lord of the Sith! And I will be denied no longer!"

She recalled the words which started it all, bellowed at the world that day. Though many assumed she was speaking to the jedi. A name which the dark side of the force implanted within her mind whilst fully embraced in it's dark tendrils. A name by which The Empress had called her before any other.

"Hmh. our empress truly is a remarkable woman, isn't she?" Kaila smiled faintly.

The only to believe in her whilst surrounded by the enemy, perhaps even still. And the only one, even among her own allies, who had treated her as anything more than a tool. save for Revna, perhaps. Perhaps just as Lady Talon, she would know better than any sith that loyalty was something to be earned, not merely taken.

“What else has transpired since we last spoke? Have you heard any word about the Wonosans? Has Malum forced them under his command? What of the Inquisition? Has any of that changed since we last spoke?”

Something that a Kaggath could never achieve.

"It's... A chit show." Kaila spat, a woman who rarely spoke such foul language, for it reminded her of a people no longer her own.

"There is no Inquisition. It's just a hollow title given to any Tsis'kaar who can bark orders to a few men, not even a separate oranization. We're to hunt traitors, but I know we were being led by one. It's only a matter of time." she chuckled bitterly.

"Nor have they found any Wanosans that I can say, though I suppose that's fortunate."

Kaila leaned her head back, gaze cast about the sandstone ceiling with a sigh.

"I left... Just another set of fanatics dying for a dream not their own."

"Can't believe I was so stupid." she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"It's a good dream though... just... naïve."



Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

A rather soft smile graced Revna’s face as Kaila blurted that it had been Lady Talon who had knighted her, instead of her master. Who would have probably executed her, had the Empress not taken an interest in the young Sith woman that sat near to Revna. This must have taken place during the battle between the Galactic Alliance and Sith Order, Revna mused to herself. She had already been taken captive by that point in time, and had only heard whispers of what had truly happened.

No doubt, her own Master had been involved in that skirmish. He leapt at any chance to reap His vengeance upon the Jedi and their lackeys. She felt a twinge of sorrow that she would never have the chance to ask about His exploits, but…there was no use dwelling on the sorrows of what could have been. He was gone, nothing was going to change that for her.

“Yes…that she is.” Revna replied, agreeing with Kaila’s statements about the Empress. “My Master despised her…and for no good reason, other than that she was married to the Emperor, and thus shared in his guilt and sins and whatever. But I pushed that aside, and made an attempt to actually get to know her a bit. And she was receptive to my…boldness. I would be…devastated if we lost her. There are very few people in this galaxy that I would lay my life down for…and Lady Talon is one of them. And I am unashamed to admit that. She’s earned that from me.” She blinked for a moment, before moving on and asking her other questions of Kaila.

The response she received was not surprising to Revna…but it still was grim news, and further confirmation to her that the Empire was collapsing in on itself. It made her glad that she had decided to ally herself with the powers that be here, on Korriban.

Still she was relieved to hear that the Wonosans had stayed hidden, even after all these months.

Kaila’s comments about fanatics brought a small crease to Revna’s forehead. It was something she couldn’t argue against.

“Lord Lechner hasn’t heard anything about them either…” Revna murmured, letting it slip - purpose purposefully - that she had been in contact with the Wolf; how deep did Revna’s connections go? Only she truly knew the answer to that. “And if he hasn’t had them on his radar, then they are doing well enough I suppose. When I am free of my shackles…I will be hunting them down to gather them back into the fold. It is part of what I was being trained for…” She also needed to find her Brothers, if they were still allied to the cause. It was highly likely that they had cut their losses and found new masters to serve, or were attending to their own agendas.

“Dreams are what keep us going, Kaila. No matter how far fetched or unrealistic they may be. They give us something to live for, to fight for. You had your dream of one day being free from Darth Carnifex…and perhaps, at the time, it was an unrealistic goal for you. A naive dream. But you still worked for it, still fought for it. And now look at you…free at last.” Her ember eyes searched Kaila’s face for a moment before she took a longer drink of her own wine, savoring its tart but sweet bite. Revna took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“The…news about how things have turned into a chit show doesn’t surprise me - but it is troubling. Our Empire, our Order…I sense is crumbling from within. I can’t escape the feeling that something is happening, or is about to happen…that will change everything for us. And if we are not careful…our enemies - both internal and external - will capitalize on that breakdown and destroy us.” She paused once more to look out the window to the landscape beyond, her mind adrift with different thoughts and fears and uncertainties, before she turned her attention back to Darth Anathemous.

“It is why I strongly believe that making powerful alliances now with like-minded individuals is so…vital. It could very well be the only thing that ensures our survival…while the others who scoff at such a thing are destroyed. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be destroyed. I don’t want all the suffering I’ve endured to be for nothing. And the sense of urgency I feel to get this damn device off my body is growing stronger. I do not want to be under the control of Them, when everything collapses.”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Anathemous sat silent as always. Stoic Anathemous, unbreaking Anathemous. But Kaila... Kaila brought her knees close to her chest.

The two sith spoke of dreams, yet what had she ever dreamt of? To be free of Carnifex? That was no dream, merely the end of a nightmare, yet it would haunt her in these waking hours still. She had sacrificed everything- her dignity, her body, even her ideals- for the bare minimum. Simply to survive, and in all these years, she still hadn't the faintest clue how to live.

"You know... When I was finally recalled to the empire, I'd been in the field for so long. A seeker, behind enemy lines. I'd never even seen Jutrand before, certainly not Echnos..."

"I was so afraid, but... beneath it all, I was excited."

She glanced to Revna, but the fire was... gone.

"The thought of a united empire... To be a... a part of something, for once."

Kaila turned away, the glass stopping just short of her lips for a moment.

"That was my dream, Revna."

"To matter." she smiled bitterly, then downed the remaining wine in one go.

There was a brief pause after as she coughed, the wine being a little stronger than she'd expected in such a deep cup, and memories unbidden coming back up as the warmth traveled down.

"...The Kaggath changed all that," she finally winced.

"I'm a soldier... A..." the words in her mouth left a more bitter taste than any wine.

"...a Mandalorian. Women like me, we need a cause, something to fight for. And people to fight beside, not just against. But we're sith... it's all we do... It's all this bloody galaxy does anymore..."

Peace was a life of course, for not even the Jedi were safe in their gilded halls anymore, as dark cousins had proven not so very long ago. Now she wasn't sure if they'd even give her the chance to change, not that she believed she should. Ala Quin was the exception, not the rule. And so even with her freedom, even if the empire really did collapse, she'd still be visiting her in secret.

A single tear fell into her empty cup. She was so tired.

"I don't know what to do without the empire." she sniffled.

"And if anything happens to The Empress, it will crumble. I'll lose my protection from Him. And my... my cause. My reason for fighting on."

Anathemous, or whatever glimmer of stubborn fire was left to bear the name, leaned her head back against the window, eyes squeezed shut.

"I do not know how to help you... But I will try. Let it be the one thing I give to this empire, something beside blood and lies."

"But until I learn how, it's back to supplying Lord Lechner's legion. In that small way at least, I still have a part to play in keeping this damned ship afloat. The rest in Lady Talon's hands, I suppose."

"But If she gives me the command, if she would have us save it somehow, I must follow orders."

Gods know The Emperor would not save them.

"It's... all I have left."



Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

Revna watched the barriers slowly start to crumble around Kaila, and the other woman drew her knees to her chest as she revealed a little bit of the woman behind the mask she put on before others. There was turmoil there, coiling in the shadows within the young Darth. Revna sat still and quiet, watching with what one might consider a gentle expression. Not a pitying one, just one of understanding. She had told Kaila that her place, this place, was safe for her. And she meant it.

She maintained her silence, sipping her wine as Kaila opened up a little more, about being recalled back to the empire from her duties as a Seeker, how she had been afraid but excited. She glanced at Revna, and the burn in her eyes was gone, especially as she brought up the idea of a united empire - something she had wanted to be a part of. That to matter had been her dream. It was something Revna understood all too well. One of her greatest fears had been her Master not finding worth in her anymore, and casting her aside. It was her deepest fear, deeper than the fear of death itself even. She wanted to matter to others in her life - even to her own enemies.

Kaila chugged the rest of her wine, coughing a bit from the acrid bite. Then she said something that surprised Revna - she told her that the Kaggath had changed that dream of hers. A frown creased Revna’s brow. Why…was the fight between Malum and Revna’s Master the turning point for her?

The blond woman continued, revealing that she was a soldier, a Mandalorian; that she, and her people needed something to fight for, people to fight beside. But fighting was something that the Sith did very well, all the time. Silence fell between them for a moment, and a tear dripped into the cup in Kaila’s hand as she shared her fears about losing the Empire, and about losing the Empress, among other things that spilled forth. She didn’t really know how to help Revna, but said she would try. She mentioned working for Lord Lechner, and that intrigued Revna. Seemed they both had ties to the Dark Councilor, and frankly Revna felt that Kaila was in better hands with Gerwald, than she ever would be with Malum.

“Our lives, our paths, are not easy - for we are Sith. Whether we chose that life or not, it is who we are now.” Revna said softly, referring to the paths they both walked as Sith. She looked at the other woman in silence for a few longer moments, just simply being someone there who was a listening ear. She could tell Kaila was tired, for her own reasons. Revna felt that too, for she was tired in her own way.

“If you do well for Lord Lechner, he will take note of that. Gerwald is a powerful Sith Lord - greater than many, I would dare say most, in our Empire. He has my deepest and utmost respects…and that is something I give to a rare few…Lady Talon being one of those few. You won’t go wrong, being under the command of either of them.” She said softly, hoping to encourage Kaila in pushing deeper towards working for and with Lord Lechner. If anyone could offer her a measure of protection from Darth Carnifex should anything happen to Srina, it would be the Wolf.

But…like Revna…Kaila would have to learn to stand on her own, and defend herself. For there would come a time when they had no allies to call upon, no protection offered by others, nothing to rely on. Just themselves. But that time was not right now.

Right now, there was a chance for the two young Sith to perhaps build something beyond a simple alliance.

“You have already helped me, Kaila. More than you think you have. I didn’t expect you to return to Korriban, to speak to me, to share…any of this. Yet you did. To be honest…I feel a sort of…kindred spirit with you. We both have had our struggles and our trials, and in that we find a common ground with one another. A lot of unknowns face us, but we are stronger together than we are alone. I would…be honored to consider you not just my ally, but my friend too…if you’d like.” Revna paused for a moment and looked at Kaila, her expression sincere and honest. There was no hidden motive behind her words; she wasn’t being a Sith right now, just another fellow person who understood what Kaila was going through, even if in a small way.

“And know…that as my ally, and my friend, should you like to be…that you matter to me. I may not be able to help you very much either right now…but I can offer a safe place for you to come to. My doors are always open to you, should you have need of it. I hope…knowing this helps you some, Kaila.”

Revna rose to her feet then, and quietly walked back over to the wine rack and grabbed the opened bottle and returned to her seat, setting the bottle on the small table between them, making it available - should Kaila want more of it.

“You said something earlier that…piqued my interest, my curiosity. You said that the Kaggath…changed things for you. What…what did you mean by that?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Mm." she nodded "I wouldn't call him kind exactly, but in his words, he and Talon are the only sith to treat me as an equal."

Something even The Emperor said she would become soon, though she was bound by secrecy never to speak of their meeting. Still, it was a conversation she would have liked insight upon from outside. What did he mean by this, comparing her future self to Him?

How soon...?

Though it seemed there were others, as Revna soon revealed. Strange and almost un-sith things were said, yet they struck at something deep within her, crumbling the decayed walls of stone around her heart. Kindred. Honor, and...

"...friend."

The word sounded almost foreign on her tongue, though her glance showed that it had some meaning yet.

"I think I'd like that." she allowed herself a small smile.

Revna departed her seat momentarily to fetch a bottle of wine, and Kaila actually scooted herself a little closer upon her return, no longer keeping her at arm's length. It was no grand declaration of friendship everlasting, but a small act of trust afforded to few souls.

Kaila was quick to fill her goblet anew, though soon her focus shifted to her newest friend's question.

“You said something earlier that…piqued my interest, my curiosity. You said that the Kaggath…changed things for you. What…what did you mean by that?”

"Brotherhood died in the arena."

She said bitterly, the words hanging uncomfortably between them whilst she watched the purple hued drink rise to the top of her glass.

"Dreams of a world in which I needn't fight and kill my fellow sith, a place where I may simply exist and pursue my work in a bastion of prosperity and order. Disillusioned in less than an hour."

"We are no different than Kainites here, ritually cannibalizing one another for favor and rivalries. Think what you want of Echnos, I simply gave in to our reality."

Anathemous sighed, sipping her wine.

"I was... jealous, you know... Of those who served with Darth Strosius ." An admission long overdue.

"Sith freeing slaves, men and women who felt as though they had made a difference in this empire. But when I needed men like him most, I was given front row seats to his execution..."

"Admittedly I grew quite bitter when one of his assassins challenged me in my own city after..."

"We can't afford this anymore." she anxiously traced the rim of her cup, knowing damn well she'd been part of the problem.

And that she'd given ammunition to the powers that be.

"The empire is changing."



Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

She nodded to Kaila’s thoughts in regards to Lechner. No, he wasn’t kind. He was a Sith Lord, and he did what needed to be done. But he could be a great ally, as well as a great adversary if crossed. “I agree with you - I wouldn’t call him ‘kind’ either…but he holds himself to a different standard than most other Sith. If he is looking to you for something, supplying his Legion as I think you mentioned, then I would certainly lean into that. He is not someone you want as your enemy, or standing against you - especially if he treats you as an ‘equal’. Take that however you will.”

Revna was nervous for a brief moment as Kaila processed what she had said to her; she was taking a risk in exposing her not very Sith side to the blond woman, but she felt the risk was worth it. Kaila repeated the word ‘friend’, as if it was a strange and foreign concept to her, and perhaps it was. It was part of the reason why Revna had even dared to suggest such a thing.

Friendships were so rare amongst the Sith…but not unheard of. And Revna never really fancied herself to be like all the other Sith; she wanted to do things that were different, that made her stand out from the rest. To show others that such things like friendship were possible, even if they were challenging.

With Kaila’s acceptance of the offer of friendship, Revna felt warmth spread through her chest and she smiled happily. Once she had returned with the wine, she noticed that Kaila had shifted to sit closer to where she was, and that gesture was not lost on her. She didn’t comment on it, but it definitely helped to perk her up a bit more. Kaila wasted no time in popping the cork free and pouring more wine into her goblet, responding bitterly that ‘brotherhood’ had died that day in the arena, and she let that settle between her and Revna for a few long moments.

Revna couldn’t really argue against that herself; what she had witnessed in the arena had shattered and shaded her own views on different things, made her take a step back and really consider what she thought she knew. And clearly, Kaila had some strong feelings and thoughts on what occurred as well.

Revna listened quietly, her attention fully on the woman beside her, as Kaila continued and shared what she had been hoping for, dreaming for, had things been different. Had the empire actually become unified. She mentioned that what happened on Echnos, had just been a product of her giving in to the reality of the Sith - the spiraling of rivals consuming one another for the favor of others that may be around them. Revna lowered her gaze to her own goblet of wine, deep in thought.

“It is a tale as old as time, with the Sith. Our very nature and who and what we are encourages such cannibalistic relationships amongst Sith - surrendering to bitter rivalries and ripping each other apart. Sith want loyalty…yet are so willing to backstab and betray. And most Sith, I’d daresay all Sith…do not handle betrayal very well. Sith are the best at holding grudges.” she said darkly.

Surprise flickered across Revna’s face when she heard Kaila admit that she had been jealous of those who had served with Darth Strosius. She mentioned the biggest reasons for it - working against slavery, being connected to others who fought and worked hard to create a better life, a better future, for them all. It was what had drawn in Revna, had kept her with her Master, with the Order of Wonosa - bound in utter loyalty and devotion to the man and his cause, to their people.

Kaila was bitter, and that much was obvious, especially as she spoke about one of Strosius’s assassins attacking her within her own city. Revna’s lips pulled in a thin line, and a deep frown creased her forehead. She idly wondered who that might have been...based on what little she was told, she figured it was probably one of His Darkseekers - but which one was a mystery.

Disappointment filtered through the young Disciple of the late Darth Strosius; her unique situation with Kaila was another reminder as to why she was so adamant about getting to know her supposed “enemies”, before truly making judgment calls about them. Revna knew, in her heart, that her own Master would have struck out against Kaila Himself, uncaring about anything because Kaila bore the title ‘Kainite’. And Revna had long since learned that one needed to look deeper, to know who was truly an enemy, and who was not. Who could be a worthy and reliable ally, and who could even be considered a friend.

Her Master had strongly disagreed with her views, but Kaila was further proof of her point.

“I…regret that such a thing happened to you, Kaila. We are all deeply dedicated to the mission that our High Priest gave to us - to free our shackled brothers and sisters in chains, uproot those who practice such things like slavery within the Outer Rim - and excise such things within the Sith Order as well. Some are very passionate about His teachings, and have very black and white thinking. The Kainate is known for its slavery activity, its practice and endorsement for such things. Hatred for the Kainate, all of it, is very much encouraged and fed into. Even I surrendered to that - I used to kill any Kainite I came across on sight, if I had the power and means to do so. Such a deep and fiery hatred for them all burned within me.”

“That said, I didn’t always agree nor accept everything Lord Strosius said or taught us, taught me. And though I had such a deep hate for the Kainate, and I still do, at a fundamental level - I have since come to realize that not all within the Kainate are truly Kainites. Some…wear the title because it is shackled to them, and have no love for it.”

Revna fell silent for a long few moments, her mind drifting over various things she had come to understand in her time on Korriban; how there were others here that bore the title, but wanted nothing to do with it. Kaila stated that they couldn't afford such infighting anymore, and she could only agree with it.

“Things are changing within the Empire, within the Order. I’ve sensed it for some time, but I've really started to hear whispers that make me want to know what is really going on. That is partly why I desired to have you as my ally while I’m here, Kaila, to be my eyes and ears out there. My movements are tracked due to my connections to the Dark Lords - and though I have the capability of leaving this place and figuring things out on my own, it would be dangerous for me to do so. That is until I am able to shake off my own shackles that bind me to the Dark Lords. And that time I sense is coming soon. Sooner than I thought it might.” she finished saying, almost cryptically.

 

[Kaila Irons]

"I suppose that is why we're... friends." Kaila smiled softly.

"Because we're both different from our masters, in our own ways."

Perhaps herself more so than Revna, although she couldn't deny that the twice-emperor had lasting impact on her. Whether she liked it or not, and whether He appreciated what His creation had since become, Anathemous had been reforged anew by His hand. And her own, in the end. However there was no more time for regrets, the young darth must simply do as she had always done; adapt to the times.

Times which Revna seemed to agree were changing, though seemed no less prepared for.

"Soon...?" she wondered aloud.

"I trust that you are prepared then? That you are... safe?"

Kaila took another sip of her wine, drowning out the temptation to sigh upon the realization that it was hardly her place to remind one of such thing after her disaster of a coup on Echnos, even if The Empress had salvaged her youngest Darth's efforts.

But that wouldn't stop her from showing concern, for fear of losing the first friend she'd made in that damned order.

"Forgive me, I do not mean to s ay that I doubt your plans, I suppose I am merely after reassurance. You are... important. Under your leadership, the Wanosa could rise again, but levelheaded this time, a force for real change in our order, not merely the destruction of it's current face."

"We will need people like this, equally soon, I think."

Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons ​

If Revna was honest with herself, having a friend was strange for her. Being able to be a Sith and have any friends was strange. It was something she mulled on over her wine - along with the other woman’s words that perhaps it was because they were different from their masters.

“Yeah. I…have heard that the apprentices are supposed to be better reflections of their masters. We are our own people, with our own desires and personalities and wants. Yes our masters have their influence on us - but in the end, we are not them. And we have the ability to acknowledge their flaws…and do better than they did. I think that’s what allows us to be friendly towards one another, despite our backgrounds.”

Kaila seemed to catch onto Revna’s hidden statement, and asked if Revna was prepared for that, if she was…safe. That brought a soft smile to Revna’s face. Very few would truly care if Revna was safe - and one of them was now dead. But where she has lost someone, she had gained two more.

Revna’s new friend voiced further her concerns, admitting she was seeking reassurance, and indicated to Revna that she was important to Kaila. Her friend shared her hopes that the Wonosa could rise again under Revna’s leadership, to be a real change and force within the Order. Revna wanted and desired that too - but she needed to be careful with how she went about it right now. Until she was free from the Kainate, she could do nothing. But once that time came, she knew she had her work cut out for her. She would have to prove her capability and worthiness to the Wonosans; she was not their High Priest, for example. She could never be Him. No doubt, there would be those that resisted her, defied her even. And she knew exactly what she would need to do in order to secure the loyalty of the others in that case, and it was something she dreaded.

But…it wouldn’t have been the first time she had to execute members of her own Family, members of the cult. Her own Master had made sure she understood that it one day would be one of her duties to do such acts, and He made sure she could carry them out.

“Nothing to forgive Kaila. I understand the concerns.” She swallowed hard for a moment, as she gathered her thoughts. This might be the moment where she revealed to Kaila what was going on, why she had indicated she would be staying on Korriban perhaps more…permanently, should things go the way she hoped they would.

“A…lot has happened since I’ve arrived here on Korriban. Darth Caedes took an interest in me, though up until quite recently I thought he might be testing me to see if I would make a good apprentice for him. We kind of tested one another in our own ways. He started to involve me a lot in his affairs, both personal and social. I, uh, began to feel something deeper for him, but I wasn’t sure what it was. I just liked how I felt when I was around him and I always seemed to know who and where he was, even in a crowd. But I kept that hidden from him; I didn't want the growing...whatever it was...within me to ruin any chance I may have had at gaining my freedom. I figured that if he took me as his apprentice, then he would demand the Dark Lords release me from their command, as I would now be his. Well…uh, Korriban hosted a dance a short while ago, and I attended. The King did too, though he did so in one of his disguises. He came to the dance to find me.”

Revna drank more deeply of her wine, feeling the warmth of it spreading through her veins and further relaxing her, but not enough to let down her guards. Friend her not, ally or not, Revna wasn’t entirely sure she could tell Kaila everything she truly wanted to.

“Well…long story story, I took a leap into the dark and confessed the deeper things I felt for him, and it quickly became clear that uh...he had been feeling the same. I thought he was intending to declare me his apprentice but no, he surprised me and told me he wanted me to be his queen.” She paused for a moment, swirling what was left of her wine, her gaze flickering away from Kaila for a moment, before she looked back at her friend, a gleam in her fiery eyes. “And I…accepted."

"Am I prepared ...for what will come due to that? Can one truly prepare themselves to go from being nothing, to suddenly having a place of authority and power? It will be a learning curve, for sure. But I have a wealth of resources around me to help guide me. That and my Master did set the foundation for me to take a leadership role, should I need to. But this is something unique. Am I prepared for what may come once the King demands my release from the Dark Lords?" Revna paused and tilted her head from side to side for a moment in thought. "That...remains to be seen. I don't think Lord Caedes will be taking 'no', for an answer. Am I prepared for what will happen in that event? If I have to fight once more to regain control of my life, then you bet I would in a heartbeat. And now I won't be fighting alone this time. Am I safe? Yes...I am. The King will not harm me, now that we are bonded."

She fell silent, looking into her goblet for a moment, before looking towards the large windows that allowed for a view of the distant sands and cliffs of Korriban, the distant Valley of the Dark Lords. Her mind churned with thoughts, visions of what the future might look like - some of which excited her but also made her incredibly nervous. A lot of work lay ahead of her, a lot of trials and challenges that she had to face and overcome. But she had come out victorious through all of her other trials. These would be no different.

"I am...hopeful...that with this new change in my life, I will actually be able to help my Family, the Wonosans. I will have the resources to help them rebuild, re-fortify themselves, and have a measure of protection and...maybe one day...I can bring them here to live, connected to the Dark Side - at home amongst the ancients. A base where they can go out and continue the work of our Order in these surrounding regions. But...a lot of things need to happen, need to change, before that can take place. A great challenge lies ahead of me, but at least I won't be going into any of this alone."

 

[Kaila Irons]

Kaila leaned forward, resting her chin atop her knee whilst listening most curiously. At first, one could see the gears of her mind slowly turning as she contemplated on just where this story was going, until the realization struck. Kaila found herself smiling, having now confirmed her earlier suspicions that it was not something keeping Revna here, but someone. A most grand ally even, and she hoped, an equally grand lover.

Hers was a toothy grin, not only at being proven right, but because she was happy for Revna.

Even if memories of that dance diminished it some. If this were the same dance she believed it to be, then it was in those red caves which she and Eira Dyn parted. Truth be told, she was never quite sure whether to be proud of herself for seeing through her lies, or to mourn what little connection they had.

She turned away for a time, at least until a most unexpected word drew her back in.

"Queen?" she near gasped.

Though certainly not an unwelcome turn of events, it was strange to think that the apprentice —the prisoner who Kaila had met at the Kaggath, or perhaps that quiet corner in the academy, would soon ascend to heights that she herself could not begin to fathom. This wasn't some backwards feudal world with dated customs that meant so little to the empire, no this was Korriban, and the word of it's queen surely carried weight behind it that few sith could ignore.

And maybe, just maybe, her former master may honor that ascension, if only to disarm a civil war amidst the holy worlds he'd worked so tirelessly to claim.

"You are... better prepared than I was to leave the Kainate." she stifled a chuckle.

"I think the odds are in your favor, Revna, that you may rise to meet that challenge. Korriban is in good hands."

"I am happy for you," she added with a smile.

"I truly am."


Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

The more that Revna spoke, the more the other woman smiled, as if she realized or caught on to what the darker haired Sith was saying or alluding to, and that smile was infectious. Though Revna noticed that Kaila eventually looked away from her and off to the side, she was clueless to the fact that Kaila had been at the dance as well. And had she known the other woman’s experience hadn’t been that great, the raven haired Sith might have skipped over that detail - if only to not bring painful memories to her friend.

Kaila’s attention whipped back to Revna, however, when she mentioned the word ‘queen’ and Kaila repeated it with a near gasp. The shock of the revelation was evident on the blond Vahla’s face; truth be told, Revna was still shocked over the events that had taken place herself.

Revna’s friend digested the information, before commenting that Revna was better prepared to leave the Kainate than Kaila had ever been. She wasn’t so sure about that, but how the events played out would say one way or the other. Revna smiled as Kaila said that Korriban would be in good hands; that the odds were in her favor. That made her bite her lip in thought for a moment, before smiling at her friend as Kaila expressed her happiness for her.

“No else knows right now - you’re the first to hear about it, outside of one of the other Lords of Korriban.” Revna confessed softly. “So…please, don’t share that with anyone. I want to keep it quiet until there has been a more…official announcement made. But…yeah. I didn’t expect…anything like that to happen. I’m still quite shocked over it; sometimes I think it was a dream…and then he reminds me that it wasn’t. But…”

Revna’s eyes drifted to her folded hands, and for a moment the mask that she bore as a Sith, fell away to reveal a somewhat frightened young woman underneath, almost as if the enormity of what was facing her was beginning to settle into her mind.

“Darth Caedes is…a good King. A good ruler. I don’t mean in the kindness sense - but in that he will do whatever he needs to do, to keep this place growing…to keep it defended...to keep it under his rule. Those that do dwell under his domain respect him, but he still very much is a Sith Lord. As far as I know…no one has opposed his rule since he ascended.” Her gaze lifted back to look at Kaila. “And you and I both know how the Sith are; any scent of weakness, and there would be a fight to claim that throne, that title. I say all this…because I am very much aware that anyone who becomes his queen, must be equally as fierce and powerful. Any hint of weakness from me could bring trouble. And that is a burden I’ve never had to carry before.” She poured a little more wine into her goblet, before taking another drink.

“Now…what exactly my role will be in all of this, I’m not entirely sure yet. I could inherit a measure of power and authority, like what the King has. Or the title queen could simply be more ceremonial, and he would still be Korriban’s absolute ruler. That is something I have to discuss further with him. Either way…it is a great honor and a privilege I do not take lightly.”

She fell quiet again for a moment, thoughtful and contemplative. “If I do end up with a measure of power or authority that comes with that…then I certainly would do my very best to be the best ruler I can be. But…I have a lot to learn. I will also have a lot to prove; just because the King believes I am the one to be his queen, doesn’t mean that others will agree. I already have a feeling that some of his Lords are going to test me…if not outright try to undermine me. Or even try to manipulate me. Especially one in particular.” Revna smiled grimly. “Though, I suppose since I am aware that this Lord might do such a thing, it already gives me an advantage over her. Anyway…You mentioned Echnos earlier, and that you declared it a Tsis’Kaar world…are you…its Governor now? How has that been for you? Any wisdom you have from being in leadership you can share with me?? ” Revna added with a lighthearted chuckle, curious to see how Kaila was fairing in her own way with a leadership role. "What else is going on within the Empire, that you're aware of?"

 

[Kaila Irons]

Kaila gave the future queen an understanding hug, wrapping her arms around the woman in a way meant to comfort despite her concerned frown, however it soon gave way to an almost surprised chuckle as she pulled away.

"Not many would request my advice after nearly starting a civil war, regardless if Marr struck first. The situation must be desperate indeed."

But she understood the gravity of such a question, and so Anathemous went to work pulling at whatever threads could possibly reel in scraps of information from her memory that may yet prove useful to the royals of Korriban.

"Hmm." she would drum fingers against her angular chin.

"I am afraid that for all the hassle, I've learned but two lessons both as servant and master; That one mustn't allow over caution to steal away opportunity to make alliances, as I once allowed it to steal from me connections such as ours, and from my own treason I am now aware that one's followers must feel rewarded for their loyalty, lest their sacrifices seem as nothing and faith give way to bitter resentment."

"Faith unrecognized is the breeding ground of treason."

And a beacon to thieves of ambition. Tempting those faithful scorned by their masters is how Kaila often pushed certain Jedi to the dark side, rewarding even the smallest acts with small favors of her own, filling the vacuum left in hearts who's devotion had been drained and squandered.

Ironically, that is exactly how Kaila had been tempted herself, and more than once.

"As for the order itself..." she sighed.

"I am indeed the governor, as I've been since the siege, however I have since pledged my loyalty solely to our empress and empire, and only the red banners of the sith fly there now, not Tsis'kaar, nor Kainite nor Eternalist. It is simply... mine."

Kaila allowed herself a thin, momentary smile.

"Yet there are many new political parties appearing by the day, at least two of which have taken interest in myself, all preaching for unification despite their very different plans to achieve it. Ironically, our assembly seems more divided now that it has been since I arrived, with Marr's screeching disproving his intent for unity and the non-force sensitives trying to carve their way into representation despite his best efforts."

"I'm to meet with our first non-force sensitive governor, in fact. I have my suspicions that he may appreciate my less... supremacist views."


Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

At first, Revna was surprised and therefore a bit stiff, when Kaila leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. Up until recently, the only embrace she’d ever received had come from Darth Caedes, and so Revna wasn’t used to such gestures, but the stiffness melted away as the young woman simply gave in to the warmth of the gesture. Revna didn’t say it aloud, but the willing hug from Kaila had meant much to the young, raven haired Sith.

Kaila chuckled when Revna asked her for some wisdom, and when she pulled away she stated that not many would have asked for her advice after nearly starting a civil war, and that Revna’s situation must be desperate indeed for her to ask such a question. Revna smirked slightly, but was quiet and listened intently as her friend shared what she had learned from her experiences, and she nodded in understanding.

“Darth Strosius made sure to do the same…bolster those who served with him. He was honest with us, when we made mistakes. He corrected us, sometimes very harshly - when it was needed. But He made sure to recognize our loyalty and faithfulness. I learned to do the same by watching and observing Him. So…that bit of wisdom I certainly understand and to hear it from another person outside of those I know only reinforces that rewarding faithfulness from those beneath you is a good idea.”

And it only made sense to her. She could still be a Sith, and reward those who would serve her. It was an investment that would pay back to her. Besides, it was more tiresome to constantly be dealing with traitors than it was to feed the masses what they wanted to hear. Kaila was a good example, now that Revna thought about it. She didn’t want Kaila to betray her, so she was working to foster a good relationship between them. If she showed her friend that she meant what she said, then it would only increase Kaila’s loyalty, and minimize the risks of the other Sith turning her back on Revna - though that risk was never truly gone. Kaila was not a droid, afterall. She was a thinking, sentient being who could make her own choices - good or bad.

Revna’s friend confirmed that she was indeed the Governor of Echnos, and had been for some time. But instead of pledging her service to the Tsis’Kaar, or keeping her connections with the Kainate, she had chosen to align herself with the Empress, with the Sith Empire as a whole…though she did make it clear that no one’s banners except her own flew upon Echnos. Revna did not comment one way or the other, but she knew that Echnos didn’t truly belong to Kaila, and that even though she didn’t fly Eternalist banners there…it didn’t make any difference.

Echnos, and indeed Kaila herself, belonged to the Sith Emperor. So long as she remained a part of his empire, then she would be under his domain, and his rule.

The blond Sith offered Revna a thin smile, before she continued. It appeared that there were many political parties rising up with the Empire, preaching for unification despite the many different plans they had to achieve said unification within the Sith Order. Now that was something Revna was familiar with; her King desired a unified Sith Order as well, and was working in his own ways to achieve that in his own domain. It was something he had stated publicly on several occasions now, and no doubt such statements of his would have spread far and wide. He had wanted them to.

She remained impassive upon hearing that her own cousin seemed to be preaching to the masses as well - that didn’t surprise her. With all the power and assets he had suddenly amassed after her Master’s demise, it only made sense that he would try to make a name for himself even more. Like every other Sith Lord out there, he had his plans and goals and he would work to achieve them.

That was the crux of the issue when it came to the Sith Order; everyone had their plans and goals and wanted to see them come to fruition, and that inevitably led to conflict and war.

“Sounds like he is trying to maintain a power bloc.” Revna murmured. “Though, without seeing or hearing any of it for myself, it is hard to say for sure.”

To hear that Kaila would be meeting with a non-force user who had been elected Governor did pique Revna’s curiosity, however. A small and knowing smile formed on Revna’s face. “I always find it entertaining when a non-Force user interacts with a Sith who is not…like the rest. How do you expect this meeting to go? What planet does this new Governor oversee? What did they have to offer the Sith that saw them elevated to such a position?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Not like the rest..." she echoed.

Kaila was never sure whether to be proud or hurt when those words were inevitably spoken.

Years were spent to prove herself worthy of the mantle she now clung to as if it were a cloak against the harsh storm around her, yet equally long had she spent trying to demonstrate to those beyond her master's sight that she was not as assumed, lest the young Darth lose what few allies she had.

One had to wonder if perhaps she was doomed to forever be a cheap copy of Reven; neither sith nor jedi, alone for all time. She had few doubts that her fate would be the same one day, not enough, for friend or foe.

She must prepare for this to prove temporary as well.

Bringing her knees in close again, chin resting atop folded arms, she sighed and shook the thoughts from her mind.

"I expect it to be... tense, at first." she answered after a time.

"But fruitful in the end."

" Reicher Vax seems a pragmatic sort. Rumor is he took Polis Massa by way of coup whilst the sith had their sights set on Echnos, and that it was Marr who legitimized his claim through influence in the assembly. No doubt an ambitious former legionnaire seemed like a useful ally."

"However... I know something Marr does not." Kaila allowed herself a faint, satisfied smile.

It reminded her of that day with Serina Calis, and though toying with the Tsis'kaar was reason to smile on it's own, it was that day with one of Reicher's family which truly brightened her day, as much as one could for a sith, at least. She wondered then why they hadn't arranged another meeting sooner. Perhaps she would ask of her when visiting Vax.

"I've err... formed some manner of companionship, with the governor's sister-in-law. She believes he will prove a most steadfast ally for it."

Neither Jedi nor Sith, perhaps Serina was one of few capable of understanding her. And maybe, just maybe, when it all inevitably went to chit, Kaila would not be alone after all.

Time would tell.


Revna

 

[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
​

Revna watched as Kaila drew her knees in to rest a chin on folded arms. The blond Sith seemed contemplative, and Revna was quiet to allow her to think and ponder. Kaila had repeated a phrase that Revna had said in her own statement, not like the rest, and the raven haired Sith wondered if that had struck some sort of cord with her new friend. She didn’t pry into it, and Kaila did not divulge her thoughts on the matter.

Instead, she moved on to the next topic of their conversation - her meeting with the non-Force sensitive Governor. Kaila said that she expected it to be tense at first but she was hopeful that it would be a fruitful meeting in the end. Revna nodded; in her experience in dealing and interacting with those who were not blessed with the Force, they tended to act differently around those who were. Distrust, hate, fear, misunderstanding, confusion…all the way over to the other side of the spectrum - love, awe, admiration, worship even.

Revna stored the name of Reicher Vax away in her brain for later recall, should she ever need to, and listened intently but quietly to what her ally had to say on the topic. A mild look of admiration crossed over the Disciple’s face as she heard about the rumor that he had supposedly taken over Polis Massa, and right under the noses of the Sith while they were distracted with something else. It seemed that her own cousin, using his powers as a Dark Councilor, had signed off on Reicher's claim and legitimized it before the Assembly.

However, Revna’s eyes alighted with burning curiosity when Kaila mentioned that she knew something that Malum did not and she leaned closer to Kaila, her expression betraying that she wanted to hear these details. There was a brief pause, as the blond woman told Revna that she had formed a sort of a sort of companionship with the governor’s sister-in-law, and through that avenue Kaila was led to believe that this new governor might be a steadfast ally.

“How intriguing. Hopefully he can keep a hold of his world, being surrounded by those who are blessed with the Force. Though, if he makes the right allies then it shouldn’t be any issue. From the sounds of it, he has the guile to do what must be done and stake his claim amongst the Sith. I do hope your meeting with him goes well and is profitable for you, Kaila.”

Over the next little while, the two women simply sat and talked with one another, the wine in the bottle slowly disappearing as they both exchanged stories and gossip - building upon the friendship that still so new and forming. Eventually, however, Kaila decided it was time for her to depart back to Echnos with the promise to return when she had more information to share with her. Revna made sure to see her friend off, before returning to her quarters to reflect on everything that had been shared between the two women, and ponder further on the future that awaited her.