Private Following in The Footsteps of Blood

[Rann Thress]

E S H A N​

WEARING: Rann's Robes
TAG: Spencer Varanin

A world so very far away from where Rann was comfortable in CIS space, far away from allies and safety, but he did not allow himself to think about it. At least on paper, the SJC that controlled the world were not his enemies, but friends. Yet even if they were enemies, and Eshan not but a world rife with hostile forces, he would have to still come here. This is where she was. Or at least, where she was from.

Rann had heard scant stories of Isley’s instructor. An Echani Force user who had trained Isley Verd and helped make him the man he was once. Darth Metus. The once Vicelord of the Confederacy. It was clear to see the results for himself. Isley Verd was far stronger than Rann Thress was, at least with the Force. This was something Rann had to rectify, if only for pride's sake. If his Father’s master still lived, that's who Rann would seek out to study under.

Armed with the story of Isley Verd’s training (sans more than a few details as to the how) and a name, Rann departed CIS space for Eshan. Being an Echani, it stood to reason this is where his father’s once-master would be found. He didn’t bother asking his father for a description of her or even a picture. He didn’t want to ruin whatever surprise that could await Isley following his training and return to the CIS. Plus, he liked the romanticized idea of the hunt. Practically however he silently cursed his brashness.

Yet as he touched ground on Eshan and departed his ship, he held high hopes. He knew the training, if ever he even found her, would be difficult, yet he remained optimistic. He kept the goal in mind. Power, strength, and respect were powerful motivators for the young Metuspawn, and as he began his search through Eshan, he reached out through the Force, projecting a single thought as far as he could, seeking any response.

“Spencer Varanin”
​

 

[Spencer Varanin]

Rann Thress
"Spencer Varanin"​

An eye opened, ending her moment of tranquility. Someone shouted through the Force, blundering and screaming, baying like a hungry kitten seeking the teat of its mother. His presence in the Force stomped and barreled through his search for her. An eyebrow raised as she tried to connect just enough to feel who this child of the Force was. She wondered if he would be able to feel the delicate pushes against his aura as she felt a hint of familiarity.

"Oh?" She spoke aloud; this child felt like one she hadn't seen in some time. As she remembered Isley Verd, a fond smile cracked against her youthful face. He had grown over the years, powerfully strong and his presence in the Force no longer shouted like a child wanting the world to bend - it roared, commanding it to his will. Yes, Isley Verd was a man who could bring a reckoning, but he was wise enough not to. Spencer stood, brushing her long robe aside. She moved quickly through the sliding doors of her meditation room and towards the balcony of the small estate.

The boy was planetside, searching for her for some reason. Did Isley send him, or did the boy hunt for his father's teacher on his own? Slender fingers shaped her chin as she exhaled softly, letting her own voice enter the Force.

As Rann searched, she would hear the words of the former Eshan Queen caress the grooves of his mind. Why do you search for me? It's been some time since a puppy longed for my attention.

When her words left his mind, an image of the southern estate would appear in his mind. With each step he took, the road before him would illuminate - guiding him to what he sought.

 

[Rann Thress]

O B J E C T I V E​

WEARING:
TAG: Spencer Varanin

For a brief moment, Rann felt like the greatest hunter the galaxy had ever known. He knew it was silly, but he allowed the pride for making contact to fill his chest and warm his thoughts. A small victory, but one he cherished.

The thought of responding crossed his mind. To answer as to the reason for his search, but he thought against it as his destination appeared before him. It seemed as real as the scenery around him, and as he moved forward a faint illumination showed his way, directing him towards her estate.

Instead of responding, initiating a conversation through the force, Rann simply projected an acknowledgment, and silently made his way towards her estate.

. . .

After a tiring hike from his ship to Spencer’s estate, he finally saw it. An impressive home that he couldn’t help but be envious of, and as he approached the door, the thought of how to present himself flashed across his mind.

He thought briefly that perhaps he should kneel, present himself as a student to a master… or perhaps stand tall and defiant. Surely a worthy master would instill that domineering presence herself… right?

After he thought for a bit, he decided a more humble yet proud compromise. As he rose up the steps of the entrance, he knocked forcefully on the door then took a few steps back, placing a fist inside his other hand and holding them out in front of him with his head bowed and eyes closed.

If she were to meet him at the door, he would respond:

“I am Rann Thress, child of Isley Verd. I’m here to receive your training, if you’d have me.”



​

 

[Darth Metus]

As the young pup sauntered towards the monarch's den.

Somewhere.

Isley Verd was laughing.​

 

[Spencer Varanin]

Rann Thress
​

It took the boy a while to get to her. A part of Spencer was worried that the puppy had gotten distracted and fall into a pit. There was a knock at her door, one that screamed as loud as his presence in the Force. Spencer stopped pouring her tea and frowned; just like his father, there was no patience. Walking towards the door, Spencer pondered what she would do to the puppy. She could leave him at the door for days on end like she had done his father, or she could be kind, allowing him entry into her home without trial.

Rann would for several minutes longer until the knob of the heavy door twisted and opened, revealing the Monarch. Spencer stood, wrapped in light fabric that highlighted her blond hair and pale skin. “Isley Verd, you say?” Her voice pierced the silence between them as she stared at him from her elevated doorway. “You fumble and cry into the Force just like him.”

Spencer reached through the Force, wrapping it around the boy at her doorstep. Rann would find himself lifting him from the top of the stairway and let him hover for a brief moment. His limps locked as she drew him closer till they were face to face. “You’re not ready for my lessons, puppy.” As she finished, her lips curled into a smirk, and the world in Rann’s vision began to spin.

As if he was a ball, Rann Thress, child of Isley Verd, bounced down the stairway, and Spencer shut the door behind him.

 

[Rann Thress]

O B J E C T I V E​

WEARING:
TAG: Spencer Varanin

Rann kept his eyes shut and head bowed as she spoke to him, confirming what he said about his parentage. He finally opened his eyes and raised his head to look at her when she said that he fumbled and cried into the force as his father had. When his eyes fell upon her, he couldn’t help but be surprised by what he saw.

Far from the ancient woman harboring dark and forbidden secrets he had envisioned was a quite stunning woman that appeared to be not much older than him. He didn’t allow himself to be distracted, however, and bowed his head again. Just then, he felt the Force wrap around him and his eyes shot open and he pulled his hands away from each other as he tried to break out of the invisible grip that had surrounded, and then proceed to pull, him.

Despite his efforts, any attempt to free himself was in vain. She had him. It was not often these days that Rann was completely overpowered, especially in anything telekinetic. As she pulled him towards her, he continued to strain, gritting his teeth trying to find any weakness to free himself, yet failing. As she deemed him unready for her lessons he squinted in confusion.
Unready? No, he was ready, he thought as she threw him backwards, shutting the door as he tumbled and caught himself.

Rann dusted himself off as he rose back to his feet and frowned. “Unready?” He quietly repeated, and shook his head. Should he go into the woods and kill a thousand woodland creatures to become more powerful? He thought silently.

“No.” He declared, stepping forwards to the base of the stairs and once again putting empty hand in fist, bowing his head. This is what he would do, he would wait. Unmoving, unwavering. As long as it took.

The Force will sustain me. I am not unready. I am not afraid, or unwilling or unable or incapable. I can play this game for as long as is necessary. he thought to himself as he inhaled through his nose deeply, and exhaled through his mouth, closing his eyes.

She had shown him, in that brief interaction, that she was worth the trial. And that’s what Rann saw this. A trial. He would not infringe upon her. He knew she was his better, and to anger a superior was foolhardy indeed. But he wasn’t going to falter. He wasn’t going to sit down or relax. Whatever her tutelage would be, it was worth it if it made him even a fraction more powerful.

And he would wait, hand in fist eyes closed and head bowed until Spencer saw in him what he knew to be true.

He was ready.​