Private In The White Of Winter

[Arcturus Dinn]

Thornwood Hall had been vacant as far as the Dinn Family were concerned for many moons now. It had been upkept by a skeleton crew of house-and-groundskeepers, the bedding freshened regularly, rugs beaten, furniture polished. Anything and everything to make sure everything was ready at a moments notice. This had been most useful in that Arcturus had whisked his family here by way of the Eliad Tattoo on his arm, holding each of the children tightly so as to ensure they came with. There were five of them in total who arrived within the library, the multiple hearths burning brightly and shaking off the chill which otherwise would have permeated the room.​

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Winter had come to Eliad, and though it left things cold and dire in the present it spoke of a promise of spring in the near future. A time for rebirth, rejuvenation... Precisely what his family needed.​

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Most notably absent was Ishani Dinn whom he typically went nowhere without these days. She was back on Zaathru, surprisingly unwelcome on this trip. Well, not so surprising if one were privy to the recent goings on of course. The staff were not aware, so surprised they most definitely would be.​

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"Marcus, Eloise, freshen up please, then meet me in the private dining room." They hurried off, just as they'd been bid, more than familiar with this domicile. As he held Starlin against his chest, he turned to face Zachariah. "Welcome to Thornwood Hall, our home here on Eliad... Pharus' homeworld." He frowned in grief, but fast moved on. "You are welcome to peruse the books while we are here, though we do have a guest arriving shortly and I would request your presence for supper with them."​

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Leaving the library behind, and hopefully finding that Zachariah was following, he led the way down numerous halls, and a flight of stairs, before coming upon the family's dining room. Though it was smaller than the grand one meant for feasts, it was no less luxurious. Plus it afforded them a view over the gardens, blanketed in snow. The glasshouse was still warm enough inside to ensure that fresh food and some cut flowers made it to the table all the same.​

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"How are you feeling?" he inquired of Zach, while shifting his head to gently kiss the fluffy baby hair of his youngest son. "Nervous? Excited?" They were here to give Zachariah room to grow into his own, to allow him to attend the Sith Academy, and find his own sense of peace. It was not to be a forever goodbye as it had been with Pharus, no Zachariah was still both his Apprentice and his Son, but with how things had been lately he needed this break.​

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Srina Talon had been invited to dine with them that evening, and by his reckoning she would soon be arriving. Therein she'd find herself graciously welcomed by the Master of the House and led through to the private dining room. It made more sense than to drag the children hither and tither. They were exhausted by recent events, after all.​

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Zachariah Conway ​

 

[Zachariah Conway]

Location: Thornwood Hall, Eliad
With: Arcturus Dinn | Srina Talon
Equipment: Lightsaber​

Zachariah hadn't left Zaathru since being freed from the captivity of Brunas Drace.

However with everything that had happened the last few days, he was thankful that his Master had agreed that he would leave the planet for a time, both to clear his head after the situation involving Ishani Dinn and Pharus Dystra and also to learn more about himself as a person, who he was when he wasn't acting like a God to the people of Zaathru.

It wouldn't be a forever goodbye. Arcturus was unfortunately stuck with Zachariah, he had agreed to take him on as his Apprentice and honestly Zachariah was happy learning under Acturus. The man was a good teacher and Zachariah hoped he'd shown the same respect and had been a good student in return. However, with everything he had been through, he needed time to find himself. Zaathru wasn't the place to do that, not at that specific time.

Thornwood Hall was a beautiful estate, each room seemingly more luxurious than the last. The library had caught his eye. Arcturus knew he was a reader, he liked books, and when his mentor had informed him he was free to explore the library to his hearts content he was beyond excited. However, Arcturus noted that was expected to supper, expected to meet with a guest.

Leaving the library and following his Master through the building, Zachariah made a mental floor plan of the estate so that he could find his way around should it be required. It had taken him days to get used to the different buildings on Zaathru and he dreaded to think how long it would take him to get used to Thornwood Hall too.

"Excited to learn more about myself. Develop into a person, not just a former slave. A process I am sure that you yourself had to go through"

The young boy had heard the question, and gave the most honest answer he could. He was sure that Arcturus, a former slave himself, had to go through a very similar process to that which Zachariah was going through right now. He was sure that his Master would be able to give advice having done the same transition from slave to person that he was currently doing.

"If I may, Master, who is the guest whom you have invited?"

 

[Srina Talon]

| E L I A D |
| Thornwood Hall |
x
Tag: Arcturus Dinn | Zachariah Conway
_________________________________________________________​

As was so often the case…Srina arrived in relative silence.

There was no fanfare, nor, did she travel with any sort of Sepulchral accompaniment that would sing of her apparently unholy praises. No. She filled her duties as an Empress on Jutrand more than anyone could ask. The small moments that she spared for herself were not the place for politics or grandstanding. This was a destination, a visit, that she had found herself looking forward to. She knew from the sudden invitation that something was amiss—But the white-haired Echani had made certain promises to Arcturus Dinn that she would never break. One of them?

If he called?

She would answer. Always.

The bewitching wife of Darth Empyrean began to make her way toward the castle proper from the designated landing zone. The wind from the thrusters of one of her many ships pressed waves of loose snowfall into the air and she found herself taking a moment to observe the frost-touched land that spread out as far as the eye could see. She wore a dark cloak with an oversized hood that was fringed with feathery fur and an elegant gown beneath it. It was a shade of deep grey, of brimming storm clouds, that was stricken with shocks of gold that were artfully reminiscent of lightning.

A baseline human would have chattered and lost feeling in their toes. It wasn't subzero by any means but the snow held and icicles had formed from the parapets of the winsome castle before her. Srina…Seemed like she didn't feel it at all. In truth—She had been born under a glacier moon and had also been blessed with a penchant for cryokinesis. Long story short…The cold was an old friend.

It had never bothered her.

By the time she made it to the receiving hall, expected by staff, she could be found patiently brushing snowflakes from lengths of silken ivory hair that, even partially braided, swept the back of her knees. It moved with her rather than being a hindrance in swirling waves that gave an aura of art rather than being flesh and blood. Her heritage left her otherworldly in appearance. Out of place, if only, because the composite of her genetics had created a seemingly fragile, striking creature, that couldn't be real.

She let her outer-covering be taken by domestic staff, though, they seemed a little stunned in her presence. It was hard to place and occasionally hard on the senses of those that had never met one of her people. It was like watching the sun and the moon hang low together in the same dark sky. Intense. The way her eyes seemed to lance through those she passed by. As if they had no secrets. As if…She knew everything there was to know about them. How to lift them up. How to grant their deepest desires.

Or—How to reduce them to nothing. Moreover, without ever having spoken a word.

When she finally made it to the private dining hall Srina found a sight that was in truth…Her weakness. As perfect as she seemed to be on the outside, just like everyone else, she had deeply etched flaws. The Sith Order would refer to her dedication to her family as one of those unsightly shortcomings. This…Thornwood Hall, owned by the Dinn Family, housed things that were most precious to her. "Arcturus…", her voice pressed into the area, soft, though carried on swift wings to the ears of those present. It was devoid of emotion. Frigid. But within that ice hid a silent fire, warmth and devotion, that only those closest to her would ever come to know. "…I hope I have not kept you waiting."

She had, after all, taken time to appreciate the view.

Gold-hewn eyes that had once been silver as mercury pools slipped over the children and Zachariah Conway with quiet curiosity. While she proudly had accepted Arcturus as her son, a family chosen, she was wholly uncertain if he would consider his offspring as her grandchildren. Zachariah was old enough to make his own choices in that regard, moreover, it was a decision that both Arcturus and his wife would want to consider heavily. Especially, when she scarcely looked old enough to have children of her own. Echani aged…Very, very slowly. Especially when they dabbled with the Force.

Srina…Had done a lot more than dabble.

Her gaze lingered soundlessly on the youngling Arcturus held. She held the desire to draw nearer so that she might see his face a little more clearly but she remained at a distance. Respectful, rather thoughtful, for a Sith that had purged cities simply because they were in her way. Motherhood had afforded her that perspective at the very least. Perhaps, this would be the time that she could share with her son that there were more branches to his ever-growing family.

Slowly…Her swanlike neck inclined and she offered a delicate nod to Zachariah Conway .

It was their first formal meeting, after all.

"A pleasure to meet you, dear one."

 

[Arcturus Dinn]

"I'm glad you are excited," Arcturus claimed quite sincerely, "It is good that you are, you should be. There is plenty in this Galaxy that you have been deprived of, Zachariah, and I hope that you use this opportunity to its full advantage. Learn all that you can, make friends and allies, and most importantly? Find yourself. Discover what it is that Zachariah likes, wants, strives to be."​

​

They were in the dining room by now, and talks turned to their upcoming guest. The children were soon joining them, hopping up into their preferred seats as though it hadn't been so long since they'd last been here.​

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"My mother," he retorted, as he gestured for Zachariah to sit should he wish. Though Srina wasn't his mother by birth that did not change how he would be addressing her. Though he did understand that the boy might be confused by that, for Arcturus had spoken of his own orphaned state before with him. "She is the wife of my Master." He could have delved deeper into that, but he didn't. It didn't matter to him, and hopefully Zachariah would read between the lines.​

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It was not long at all before a familiar voice graced their ears, beginning first with his name. Arcturus turned toward her and gently inclined his head, unable to keep a smile from his lips. "Hello, mother," he greeted, "Not at all, we have only just arrived back ourselves. Please, by all means sit. Dinner should be ready shortly."​

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He noticed the way in which her eyes set upon the babe in his arms.​

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"Zachariah, children, this is Srina... Your grandmother." Zach of course could decide for himself, and he reckoned the twins could too, but he wanted it known how he viewed her, that he was welcoming her into their family as more than just his relation. "Mother, this is Zachariah, Eloise, Marcus, and little Starlin." He set a kiss to the babes head, then peered across to the Echani. "You can hold him, if you'd like?"​

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Zachariah Conway Srina Talon Ishani Dinn (if you want to write the twins <3)​

 

[Ishani Dinn]

Thornwood Hall, with its civilized grandeur, was exactly what Eloise had been missing on Zaathru. But she had expected that her whole family would come here under happier circumstances.

She and Marcus stuck close together, holding hands as they entered the dining room. The eight year old twins sat next to each other at the table, easily sitting in the adult-sized chairs despite their youth. They were big kids for their age. Mature, too.

While her father spoke to Zach, Eloise stared at the empty plate and utensils before her. She wasn't very hungry. In fact, she was a little bit nauseous, her stomach tied up in knots. Everything felt wrong, messed up...

An unfamiliar presence entered the room. Eloise looked up, seeing a woman with white hair and golden eyes. She was beautiful, and very nicely dressed, but cold. An ice queen.

Beside her, Marcus shivered as if he had caught a sudden chill. His gaze was distant, no doubt distracted by another vision.

"Zachariah, children, this is Srina... Your grandmother."

Eloise stared at the white-haired woman. Grandmother? She looked too young to be anyone's grandma. Her gaze flicked toward the conspicuously empty seat where her mother would normally be. Did Srina intend to take that seat?

The baby began to fuss. Marcus snapped out of his dreamy trancelike state at the sound, opening his mouth to say something along the lines of Mom needs to feed him, but the words died in his throat. Mom wasn't here. How were they going to feed Star?

Zachariah Conway Srina Talon Arcturus Dinn

 

[Zachariah Conway]

Location: Thornwood Hall, Eliad
With: Arcturus Dinn | Srina Talon | Ishani Dinn
Equipment: Lightsaber​

Zachariah nodded when his mentor spoke, his eagerness to find himself again palpable in his words.

"Of course, Master. It's been too long since I truly knew who I was, especially after everything with Brunas Drace. It would be nice to know what the real me is like, what interests the real me has that I haven't been able to explore for so long"

The young boy had followed his mentor's subtle gesture and taken a seat. Zachariah hadn't asked any further questions when the man mentioned they would be meeting his mother, for he had taken the hint and had read between the lines. He assumed that in much the same way Arcturus had taken him in, someone had taken Arcturus in when he was younger and the woman they were meeting would be the wife of that man.

It wasn't long until the children had arrived and took their places. They'd clearly visited Thornwood Hall before, taking seats as if they'd taken the same seat multiple times over and over. It was the first time in a while that Caden remembered he wasn't a true member of the family, despite the repeated claims of his mentor that he was.

It was the first time in a while he'd felt like an outsider, even though it wasn't intentional. Eloise and Marcus had been around for years, born to Rhiannon and Arcturus. They'd clearly accompanied their parents to Eliad on multiple occasions, made memories as a family on Eliad. Zachariah couldn't help but feel like he was forcing his way into those family memories.

The third party joined only moments later, the silence being peirced with the name of his Master. Zachariah's eyes followed Arcturus', watching as the woman entered the room. Arcturus made the introductions, introducing Srina to the group of children whom had gathered at Thornwood Hall once he'd finished introducing the group of youths to Srina, whom he had introduced as their grandmother.

Zachariah returned the nod from the woman before bowing his head softly in respect.

"The pleasure is mine, ma'am"

 

[Srina Talon]

| E L I A D |
| Thornwood Hall |
x
Tag: Arcturus Dinn [/USER] | Zachariah Conway | Ishani Dinn
_________________________________________________________​

Grandmother.

Were she anyone else the title so easily granted would have drawn a smile to her face. There was an inherent emotional connotation that pulled at heart strings in a way that little else could manage. Arcturus Dinn was one of the few in the galaxy capable of reaching what humanity she had left, though, the same could be said for all her children. Her husband…Well, he knew her better. Best. If only because he had known her when she had been a broken thing. Wings clipped.

Her only child stolen. Murdered, but a Light-Leaning Empire.

She would let the younglings in the room refer to her as they pleased but spared each a thorough look. They were equals beneath her imperious chill, though, she would find some trait to favor in all of them. It would be what endeared them to her. Reinforced their individuality—Versus simply being the offspring of her son. They were each gifted with symmetrical features and would no doubt grow into them as time passed. It was a fleeting thing. Srina was pleased to meet them now so that this memory of their youth might cement itself.

"Hello Eloise…Marcus…", she responded to the introduction, still, observing her surroundings as if she were some sort of bird of prey. Her countenance was different in that way. Hawkish. As if she could naturally hear things that others couldn't. Perhaps, she did.

When given leave to take a seat the gilded woman was in mid-step when the offer to hold her littlest grand child came. Her eyes turned back to Arcturus with some measure of question. Could, she? Part of her thought that she ought to decline. That the gesture would make a supposed Empress appear too soft before outside forces that sought her weaknesses. She found it a trite effort. Anyone who had spent any amount of time in her presence would see her attachments for what they were. The break in her perfected armor. The stoic being seemed to melt and flow into motion while her head nodded softly to the affirmative. "…I would like that."

Since permission had been granted the darkly clad Echani reached lightly for the child once she was close enough. Hands that were a little too skilled knew what to do, easily, betraying that it was something she had done before. There were few things in which she excelled that were unique of her heritage. Sword play, was a given, as was her propensity of the Force. She gathered up Starlin as if the babe were made of glass. Her eyes hovered with unspoken things. She knew what it was to be a devout mother, having had one of her own, though their icy temperaments often clashed. That sense of Echani family values translated to being a grandmother that such children might require. Perhaps, not the one they wanted. But…They would be well kept. Safe.

The things she would do to see her family thrive were unspeakable.

Srina did not sit at the table, but rather began to fall into a light sway that was…Instinctive. Her arms felt empty without her own and it was a small comfort to bear such a small part of Arcturus. She had been nonexistent when he'd been young. Not even a thought. A possibility. She couldn't turn back time and mend what had been broken. This stolen gift, hidden moment, lessened the guilt she unintentionally carried. Even if—it was just for a little while. When she felt that Starlin had settled into a new embrace she turned her attention back to Zachariah, Marcus, and Eloise. The eldest was polite. Manners, intact. The younger twins seemed to be floating adrift, despite, very much so being present. Was it her arrival that made them this way? Almost…despondent? "You need not fall to any formality, with me. You may simply call me Srina if that is your desire…"

It was their first real interaction.

While Arcturus had welcomed her, openly, she would be patient with the rest. Familial bonds often took time to form. Especially, when she was a new element. Absent from formative years. Her eyes turned down to the child in her arms. Something felt…Incorrect. Amiss. It wasn't so much about what she didn't see versus what she did not feel. Golden orbs swept the dining hall and eldritch fingers of metaphysical might reached through the grounds and permeated every inch of the estate.

"…Rhiannon is not…here?"

Was that also her fault? Elegant eyebrows knit together for a moment while she tried to fathom why that might have factored…But she was unable to divine any answers. Srina hadn't thought that she'd offended anyone, though, it was often hard for her tell. There was an emotional gap in her knowledge base that was hard to bridge. Had she been too blunt? Too harsh, in some way? It wouldn't have been the first time. Srina could not be always with her newborn children. It wasn't safe and that sacrifice nearly drove her mad in her foulest moods.

Was it not safe for Rhiannon either? But then, what about Arcturus?

Srina did not know. She did not like, not knowing.