Private Meeting a Princess

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

It had been a few months in her training, while Eira had not made progress with the designing of her Lightsaber, the other aspects of her training had been progressing well. She was growing in power with her Force Lightning at a more steady pace. Eira had already learned some other Force powers and techniques as well. She was also learning from the Tsis'Kaar on how to be a skilled hunter, assassin and utilising her weapons. Now permanently carrying hidden daggers on her person as well as the practice saber she carried for training. Eira was also working on which Lightsaber forms suited her style of unpredictability and fluid combat fighting style. She did not wish to fight fair or in the practiced styles that old masters praised as the practiced way to fight.

While there was a lull in her training, Eira thought on who to reach out to seek out some further instruction, even see who might be willing to teach her something new. Something that will assist her in rising the ranks of the academy, get her ever closer to that top rank. Eira knew that one of the professors here might be someone that could assist her. Quinn Varanin was very close with Iuuna's family and it was Iuuna's blessing and backing that had gotten Eira into the academy. Made sense that she would reach out to the Echani and see if there was a way to get in some extra training and push herself in her abilities.

Approaching the office door of Quinn, Eira ensured her hair was tightened appropriately and checked her appearance in a nearby window to make sure she looked her best before entering the room. Arriving at the door, she gave a firm knock, "it is Eira Dyn. I wished to speak with you Professor Varanin." Eira announced in a calm and respectful tone of voice.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

The day had been quiet for most of it, which meant that Quinn could get through most of the papers she had been pushing off to grade. There had been a lot of social events she had been attending, along with her own personal excursions. A finger ran through the datapad, reading each line carefully to ensure the student fully understood the lecture. Teaching large groups was a challenge in itself. But she was learning and developing her curriculum as she went along. Putting the datapad down, she felt someone just outside her door. Sensing the students when they were about to interrupt her was beneficial. At least then, they'd never catch her in a compromising position.

"Come in," Quinn called out. A hand waving unlocking the door and opening it for Eira to enter the simple office of the Professor. Several banners and decor were hanging on the walls representing Eshan, along with knick-knacks and other stuffed animals adoring her desk. Her youth was on full display compared to the older Masters and Professors. Quinn was in the middle of gathering her datapads and placing them on her desk. The woman smiled softly when Eira approached her desk and leaned back into the desk chair.

"Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable." Quinn stood and walked towards the small tea cart, beginning to heat water with the only form of pyrokinesis she could muster. "I hope you're alright with tea. It's from Eshan—a gentle blend meant to help with focusing." Quinn continued to brew the tea after the water reached the proper temperature. She turned, facing away from the cart, allowing the tea leaves to steep.

At times, Quinn forgot how close in age she was to some of the students. Eira was one of the older and more mature students. She remembered the girl because she was the apprentice of her cousin Iuuna. Quinn wondered if her cousin was why Eira was in her office now. "So what brings you to my office? You caught me on a good day. Typically, I'm not here during this time, but I'm a bit behind on things, so if you're here to ask about your grade, I must admit I don't have the current grade just yet." There was a slight blush on Echani's cheek as she was embarrassed about her slow grading. "Other than that, I'm available to provide anything else you might need."

When the tea was finished, Quinn placed a cup and saucer in front of Eira and then brought herself a cup of sugar for the student to help herself. Quinn took three cubes quickly, trying to hide her sweet tooth. She leaned back in her seat and smiled while inhaling the sweet and herbal scent of the tea.

"How is my cousin? She's treating you well enough?"

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Entering the room, Eira took a look around the room and spotted the decor was very Eshan focused, which made sense since Quinn was a princess of Eshan and Echani. What Eira was not expecting were the stuffed animals that were also on display. Eira had not expected a Sith professor to have them better yet displaying them. Eira breathed in deeply, she was unsure what to make of this revelation, was Quinn someone softer? Perhaps a child-like quality to her? It was something that Eira pondered over as she took a seat.

Her gaze observed Quinn as she began to use her pyrokinesis to warm the tea. Her eyes were studying the attire, the alluring figure that Eira could not help find herself attracted to. She smirked and shook her head, she knew that Quinn was a younger professor but seriously held doubts that the professor would find a mutual attraction for Eira to exploit or enjoy. Eira heard the offer of a tea and nodded her head, "that would be delicious, thank you, professor."

There was a kindness that Eira was not sure how she felt about. Training and life at the academy had been cutthroat. Her short-lived relationship with Kaila had demonstrated the cruelty of even letting someone open her heart a little. The cruelty a Sith would display if she was not constantly on guard. Eira worked on figuring out what this angle would be, was it a way to lower her guard? Cut through her defences and flay her for weakness? Those ideas lingered in her mind.

Breathing in deeply, she felt the carefully trimmed nails tapped on her thigh. Sitting upright and looking to Quinn, "I am seeking extra tutoring. I feel that there is more I could be learning, more training I could be doing to get stronger, to demonstrate my determination and dedication to the Sith Order." Leaning forward, hearing that Quinn was willing to admit she was not on top of the grading. It was something that did matter to Eira but right now there was something else she was wanting.

"I thought that you would be willing to help me train. You are undoubtedly a stronger, powerful Sith and it is something I respect." She didn't want to overdo it with her compliments, just enough to win Quinn over.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

As oblivious and young as Quinn came across, the woman was calculated. She allowed her presence in the room to fill it, feeling through the Force the acolyte's intentions. Several followed the old teachings of 'kill a master, become a master.' Quinn knew that some would assume her weakness, especially for the subjects she taught and the powers she sought to help her students master.

Eira did well enough in her class, but the woman needed to strengthen some aspects. The doubt the Professor felt from the student made her smile behind the teacup. As much as Eira wanted to trust Quinn, there was something that kept her from it. Was it fear? Uncertainty? Or was it something else? Quinn mused over it as she listened to the compliments of the acolyte. Carefully, as Eira finished and silence returned to the office, Quinn set her cup on the decorated saucer. The tip of her tongue absentmindedly ran along the edges of her lips; Quinn chuckled softly. "Relax your mind, Eira. I'm not here to try and fool you or find an opening in your weaknesses. I just offered you tea and a seat to sit down in." Quinn tilted her head slightly, continuing to smile.

"You're already pretty strong, easily ready for the trials to knighthood - you're even moving up the ranks within Jutrand. All impressive, of course; how could I help you?" Quinn took another sip of her tea and let the question settle in. "I do appreciate the compliments, though; they're very kind of you."

Quinn mused over how she could help; Eira seemed more inclined to close combat while Quinn dreamed of avoiding it. "I offer a few talents to aid you in your training." The only thing that came to mind from the Echani was the traditional hand-to-hand combat. It wasn't unheard of for an Echani to teach a non-Echani the language. Still, they would never be able to achieve perfection as an Echani would. Still, some elements would benefit a close combat enthusiast.

After the initial training, she would suggest visiting Echnos. After her playful spar with the Governor of the planet, she could see Kaila giving Eira a good lesson. It would be a mention for later. Quinn caught Eira's gaze as she assessed the student. There was a fire behind the girl's eyes, and it excited the Professor. "I can offer you Echani hand to hand, I don't teach it as part of the curriculum in the academy, but I can give you private lessons." The woman stood and began removing the bulker bits of her armor till she was left barefoot, sleeveless, and in the loose clothing she wore under her attire.

"If you think it's something that you want to do, then follow me; I have a private training room in the back of the office." Quinn waved for Eira to follow, "Also, if you can remove any bindings and at least expose your forearms, midsection, and your feet. As much as armor protects us, Echani combat is about communication between the participants. Will allow me to better understand you and you to understand me." Quinn finished and pushed through a hidden door. Inside, the training room was lit brightly, the floor padded soft, allowing for any takedowns to now cause severe injury. Along the walls of the small training room hung different banners from Eshan and training weapons. Quinn began to braid her platinum blonde hair, making sure that stray strands wouldn't inhibit her vision.

"When you're ready," She would say if Eira entered the training room, "try and take me down, I want to see what you can do." Quinn's gentle smile continued as she waited for her potential student.

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Eira felt her muscles tense and her heart skip a beat, Quinn had gotten into her mind and sensed her thoughts. Eira had been working on ensuring her mind was a fortress and that accessing her mind was not possible. However, it was clear that she was still very much learning her skills in how to ensure her mind was a locked fortress. Her jaw unclenched itself and she recomposed herself, not wishing to bring in a negative energy to an otherwise kind gesture. However, Eira did not take a sip from the tea till after Quinn and she took a small sip, her eyes focused and observant as possible. Eira was not letting her guard down at all when around another. She had done that once and it blew up in her face.

No, she needed to be smarter now.

"Your words might state a caring gesture to help, but we are Sith, everything comes with a catch and the academy is a place that is ruthless and cutthroat to ensure only the best exit their doors as graduates." Eira stated, explaining her careful nature and suspicious gaze. "Being paranoid, focus on all potential threats keeps me alive and so far, has allowed me to rise in ranks that my peers have not matched." Eira continued as she decided to finish the tea since there was meant to be some assistance to focusing. A skill that Eira knew was of great importance when learning.

Hearing that Quinn would offer a training in the Echani hand to hand combat, Eira knew it would help her with the goals of becoming a skilled assassin. She also knew Quinn was skilled with the Force which was another element that held her interest. "Master Iuuna briefly showed me a few moves of hand to hand combat that was Echani based but I was not privileged to learn more and it is only in more recent times that I have been able to grapple the close combat aspect of training." Eira admitted, her gaze watched as Quinn partially undressed. Her eyes lingering far longer than she had intended them to but she could not help but admire the body that Quinn was revealing.

Catching herself far too late, Eira rose from the chair and began to unwrap her forearms and shift out of the thicker garments of her attire. Standing in a sports bra and shorts that were mid thigh and allow her to have bare arms, Eira stretched a little in the private training that Quinn had. She grabbed the loose curls of her midnight black hair and began to tie them into a loose bun to keep out of her face and eyes while they sparred. When instructed to take Quinn down, Eira breathed in and bounced a little on the spot.

Eira moved forward and feinted a tackle coming from one angle before switching and aiming the tackle from another side. Aiming to take Quinn off balance with the deceptive move.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn was pleased seeing that Eira had taken the chance to learn seriously. Students sometimes arrive at her door wanting particular training or something more. Both requests were instantly denied, but having Eira open to any training brought a smile to Echani's face. She was here for learning's sake and to become strong no matter what Quinn offered to strengthen her. It was unfortunate that the pair had met under the guise of Master and Student. Quinn would have complimented the girl who was her cousin's apprentice. Eira was a beautiful woman, and being close in age to Quinn meant that she would have fallen into the Echani woman's dating pool

Alas, Quinn kept her gaze professional as she watched the girl prepare for the attack. Her mind worked, and Quinn continued to glean off of the emotions. Eira's words reminded her of Iuuna. The desire for self-sufficiency and not letting others in, even just have a friend or an ally. Quinn wondered how damaged Eira truly was. She would have to reach out to Iuuna with questions, especially if she was going to be aiding in the women's training.

"You're not wrong about the academy. Still, the Empire functions on allies and partners. I suggest you learn to assess people better - I am trying to be your ally." Quinn responded, hands tucking into the pockets of her training pants. While Eira prepared, Quinn watched the girl's footing. She could feel Eira's mind racing, running ideas on how to throw the Echani off.

Poor Eira, forgetting the key piece to Echani culture. Despite her wanting to deceive the Echani Princess, her efforts failed. As she switched her location, Quinn jumped back and watched Eira miss the grapple. "Remember, I can read your movements, even the smallest twitch of your muscle as an Echani, I know your next move before you even think it." Quinn walked up to Eira, offering a hand to the woman, "You're quick, and your mind is fast; we can start from the beginning."

Quinn stayed smiling, "Tell me what Iuuna has taught you, and why you struggle so hard to give someone a chance to be on your side."

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Her feint had been caught and Eira dived to grapple thin air. She let out a huff, she knew that the Echani could read body language but she didn't realise how well one could read the body. She assumed that she held some chance in deception or manipulation, however now she was unsure. Eira breathed in deeply as she mulled over the thoughts of how she could attack next, what would work on the Echani princess? It seemed that the cunning techniques that Eira was used to using were not ones that would fool the princess.

Perhaps she needed to be simpler.

"The last person who claimed to want to be in my corner decided to betray me and abandon me out of nowhere. And she was not part of the academy." Eira muttered, Kaila Irons had been the last person she let in and it proved that she could not let others get in close, that it was best to keep everyone at the arm's length. Eira was unsure how to let someone be an ally but ensure that she did not hold the risk of getting burned once again. In Eira's mind, once was too many times to lower her guard and feel betrayed.

When the hand was extended to her, Eira reached and took the hand, as she did, Eira decided to sacrifice honour in an attempt to get the win. Pulling Quinn down to grapple the Sith Lord in an arm bar. It was taking the kind offer that Quinn extended and deciding to turn it into a strategy to win. "Iuuna taught me the basics in fighting. Understanding the concepts of upper class life, appropriate behaviours and some of the basics in Force training. I have learned a lot from experience in the field, studying in the academy these past months and from a few other Sith."

"Letting someone in is a weakness that can be exploited. Whether by an outside force or by the person you allow in. There is no room for weaknesses right now since my life is in danger and my opportunity here is not guaranteed, I cannot afford to lose this chance." Eira stated firmly, she couldn't afford to fail this opportunity, with her background, there would be no other chance to demonstrate she was worthy for more than a simple soldier.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn soon learned the desperation of the acolyte. The hand that was extended was given but was not ill-prepared for the dirty tricks. Eira unfortunately telegraphed everything she was thinking and doing. It gave the Echani a map of the woman's thought process and battle plans. Any other Sith would have taken advantage of Eira at this moment or kill the woman for her disrespect.

As Eira reached out and grasped Quinn's hand, their eyes met, and as swiftly as the acolyte began to pull, Quinn's hand clasped back. She allowed Eira to pull her but remained in control, and instead of being thrown off balance, the Echani dropped her knee hard into the girl's ribs. After the blow, she pushed off with her other leg and straddled the younger woman. Hands moved quickly and pinned them above Eira's head.

Grinning, Quinn shook her head. "You need to learn to at least trust one person. Things are lonely when there's not at least one person that keeps you grounded."

Quinn remained where she was, keeping her legs tight around Eira's midsection, keeping the girl pinned the best she could. "Okay, how about we take a deep breath and start over?" Quinn raised her eyebrows, emphasizing that relaxing would be in Eira's best interest. "You came to me for help, and you're trying to play dirty tricks. Tsk tsk." The Echani Princess shook her head, teasing the young acolyte. Quinn would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy the little counter she did to the student.

"So it's up to you," she started. "You can relax and get a solid tutoring session, or you can go and keep being the little angry spit fire you are."

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Quinn saw through her attempts to be deceptive and dishonourable with the helping hand. It was tough and reinforced that Eira would not get one over the Sith Lord with her simple tactics. It caused a low growl to rumble in her throat as she felt the knee connect with her sharply. Then in quick succession, her hands were trapped above her head and Quinn was straddling her midsection. It caused Eira to huff, somewhat indignant at the situation but also amused since she was not displeased with the view she got to enjoy in this position.

"I usually prefer to wined and dined before being positioned like this," Eira smirked flirtatiously as she gave a wink. Attempting a more flirtatious way to get out of the situation though she doubted her chances.

Hearing the words of trusting at least someone, Eira had flashbacks to Kaila and developing that trust slowly there. "Trust is something that has been burned and I refuse to give it easily. Sith fight for everything they have, ready to cut you down to ensure they rise higher. Hard to depend on someone when internal fighting and betrayal is something hard coded into our Order." Eira pointed out. She had grown up not even trusting her family or wanting to be around them. She fought for everything and she fought everyone. It was why her family saw her as a black sheep, but figuratively but literally since her appearance was a stark contrast to theirs.

"Dirty tricks have and will save my life, achieving victory at any and all costs, doesn't make the tricks dirty if they are successful. Victors write the history." Eira pointed out, she saw it as the tactics were only dishonourable if she lost, they were clever and taking advantage of a foolish enemy if she was victorious. "I just figured I would show you that I was dedicated to achieving the goal you set me." Eira didn't want to have a bad relationship with Quinn, her facial features softened as she honestly attempted to show that this was in the hopes of showing how dedicated and persistent she was, that she would do anything to achieve success.

Looking up at Quinn, "so, unless you wanted to have some other fun while we are positioned like this, do you mind if we stand up?" Eira writhed flirtatiously under Quinn, not against having some fun but also showing she had dropped the hunt of taking down Quinn. Willing to have that fresh start that the Sith Lord was offering her.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn listened; a part of her felt sorry for the Acolyte. She had quite the experience with others, and it caused a fit of anger and hate build. Those things were good for a Sith but unsuitable for a whole person. Quinn made mental notes about the words coming from Eira; this was probably the most she'd heard the woman talk. Typically, she stared angrily from the back of the classroom with a flirtatious quip from time to time. Quinn wouldn't entertain it for the most part, but from time to time she gave the girl a teasing retort.

Speaking of flirtatious quips, Eira made her intentions known again, emphasizing it with a feigned struggle. Quinn smirked, leaning forward till her face hovered near Eira's. A little Cheshire grin and Quinn teased, "You wish." The Princess pulled back, and as she did, she kicked the girl's butt, gently pushing her to get up quickly. "Get up; you have to do it alone this time." Quinn stepped away, keeping Eira in sight as she stretched her arms. It had been a while since she had to counter a surprise attack like that.

"Dirty tricks and sly tactics do have their places, I will agree with you." She started and pulled an arm across her body as she continued to stretch. "Your thoughts are very narrow; everything is black and white, and victory is the only goal." Quinn reiterated what Eira had described. "I appreciate the dedication, but the goal isn't to take me down. The goal was to show where you stood in your training. The goal was to see what my cousin has taught you and where you had holes in your training." Quinn shrugged as she finished and crossed her arms before her chest.

"What exactly do you want?" she asked; the Princess could see that there was something more desired by the Acolyte. "Victory is hollow and only holds value in competition. If there's no competition, what are you trying to achieve? What drives you, Eira?" Eira was an example of why Quinn disliked the ranking system the academy did. Constantly pitting the children against each other provoked these desires that were so tied to the Sith Code. But there was more to everything; fully embedded in the Sith Code wasn't just to win.

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Jutrand Academy
Outfit: Training Gear
Equipment: Practice saber, daggers
Tag: Quinn Varanin

As Quinn leaned in closer, Eira's smirk grew and she breathed in deeply, until Quinn decided she would be a tease once again. It was something that Eira enjoyed since she was keen to see if she could break through one of these days. Find her way to snake in and demonstrate some of the other skills that Eira had that were not Sith related.

When she felt the kick to her butt, she gasped, "come on, if you are going to touch my butt, the least you could do is at least spank over kicking me." Eira teased with a thick flirtatious tone. However, once she realised the moment of flirting had passed, she kickflipped herself back onto her feet. Demonstrating her dexterity and flexibility to move in a fluid motion.

"That was your goal, the goal you set me was to simply take you down. I understand now, you wished to assess me more, I probably should have realised that but I got tunnel vision in achieving the task." Eira admitted, she let out a sigh, there was a lot in the young acolyte that was driven to victory at all costs. She did not come from a prestigious Sith background, in fact, she might have been the first in her family for hundreds of years that was Force Sensitive.

She was a nobody and being surrounded by those with titles, money, and power that she could not even dream of holding. It spurned her into wanting more. To demonstrate that she did not need the family name, the heritage to be great. What she needed was to be who she was. To demonstrate that in spite of her weak family, Eira was forged into something far stronger than her peers.

There was a pettiness to her desires but it was stoking flames that pushed her to be greater.

"Life is competitive. Nature ensures that we compete to be the best, to survive." Eira argued, "Even reaching the top, you fight to survive and maintain that position. Look at the recent events, Carnifex, Malum, the Emperor. They are some of the top Sith, but all three are competing to maintain their power." Eira mentioned, she did not think there would be a time in her life where she would not be fighting. Where she would not be competing to ensure she was alive and pushing forward in life.

"My goals are to rule. To achieve power that inspires jealousy and surprise in others. That demonstrates that I did not need a powerful name or the advantages of birth to be remembered as a Sith to fear. To wipe the Jedi out and make sure the galaxy remembers that they were false heroes." Eira mentioned, she held lofty goals, some would consider her desires grandeur, and over the top. But the fire in Eira's eyes were alight with a passion that showed she held every intention of achieving those goals.

It just might take a long time, a life time, for her to succeed.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Eira Dyn //:
//: Jutrand Academy //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn chuckled at the young acolyte's comments. As much as she knew she needed to be the pair's mature one, it was hard at times. Eira was just a couple of years younger than the Princess, and with such a minimal age gap, she could see them being more like friends. Though, Eira's worldview was troubling. She pointed out the constant struggle Sith had, forever fighting and never being able to rest. Maybe that was why Quinn's parents found value in remaining balanced in the Force. Peace was hard to find on the Light or the Dark side.

"Interesting point of view, Eira." Quinn massaged the base of her palm as she mulled over what to say to the woman. She was partially aware of how her status as a Princess created a different perspective on the world. Still, it couldn't be as other than what Eira had been through. "Eira, life is competitive, but there is time for a reprieve, that you can live your life and not wait for someone to stab you in the back." Shaking her head, she walked towards the woman, "Whoever hurt you really did a number on you, but not everyone will be like that. People hurt us, but what we do with that hurt is more important."

Quinn laughed softly, remembering the names that Eira had rattled off. Some of the mentioned Sith Lords seemed to make more problems for themselves than actually struggling. She kept her opinions to herself, but it still made the Princess laugh. "Anyways, while the history books talk about Darth Carnifex and the Emperor's rise to power - there are others that have also dealt with struggle, but because of the associates they have made, they don't always have to look over their shoulders." She was speaking of Srina Talon. The woman had a network deeper than most would think. Quinn kept quiet on who was the individual she was speaking on - there was no reason to make things easy.

"You're impressive. So my offer is there if you want it. I'll be your Master while my cousin is busy. You'll be away from the academy, but you'll be earning the credit necessary along with any merits you make to help rank you up within the Jutrand system." she headed back into her office, leaning over the desk she rummaged through the drawer for parchment. The record keepers on staff would need to know the change. It took her a moment to scribble the necessary information for sponsorship for Eira to be changed to her. Leaning back from the desk, she folded the parchment into the envelope, licked the corners, and sealed it.

"Here, take this to the front office; they'll change your information and officially make you my apprentice. Toss it out if you don't want the change." Quinn smiled and sat on the edge of her desk to see how Eira reacted to the potential change. Quinn had never taken on an official apprentice - so she looked forward to the experience.