Private Remnants of a Secret

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kaila Irons //:

Echnos would never be the same. Quinn knew as well their Governor. There had been a part of the Echani that had hoped no one would have interfered in the fight between those on the landing pad. There was a lesson to be learned, and she wondered if it had been. The young were swinging up and stepping higher than their stations, and Quinn knew it was her place to do so as well. However, would the place she stepped be higher than her current station? A question she found herself constantly asking. Already, god-men desired to give her the things she wanted and shield her from the battles that lay across her path. Did it benefit her? Would it gain her the thing she most desired?

Probably.

Quinn found herself wondering about the woman who shouted so loud her chains shattered. Srina had found interest in the girl which only meant the Empress' goddaughter would find the same interest.

The shuttle landed, allowing the Sith Royal a view of the same landing pad she had demolished with her lightning storm. Remnants of the struggle stained the duracrete, but Quinn did her best to ignore it. Knowing the government, they would probably prefer it if she didn't draw attention to it. Quinn was quickly escorted off the shuttle. The ladies waiting paid attention to the Princess' attire, and she found her eyes trailing towards the sky of the dome. Only a few weeks ago, the storm threatened to rip open the protective dome and consume the artificial lands.

"Quickly now," A voice summoned her, motioning the Princess to leave the landing platform and into the vehicle that would transport her to the Governor's residence. It was a place she had planned on visiting the last time she and Kirie were here, but things didn't go quite her way. Remembering that, Quinn frowned as she peered outside the window, watching as workers continued to clean up the mess from her storm.

The drive was quick and Quinn was ushered through the front steps and into the foyer where her name and titles were announced. "Princess of Eshan, Goddaughter of the Empire…" Quinn stopped listening, as much as she enjoyed her stature it was a bore to hear it every time. In reality the girl wanted to keep her life quiet, avoiding those that sought power through her. Once the introductions were made, the Princess stood in the center of the foyer and waited.

There was something in the back of her mind, something inkling for her attention. Quinn let her eyes wander, spotting small fragments of darkness. Each bit clinging gently to one of the Governor's workers, draining them and feeding off whatever emotions it desired. Quinn raised a brow, knowing the feeling from her childhood and school days. Whatever it was lingered, and she had hoped that it wouldn't come because of her. Exhaling softly, Quinn focused her mind; through the gentle threads of the force, she found the dark cloud. As the essence attached to it, she pursed her lips, knowing the hunger that it forged. Slowly, Quinn began to drain the essence, consuming it within herself. Something that typically was dormant began to stir, craving the little cloud. An action that felt like an eternity was done in moments, unseen by any in the room; Quinn once more exhaled and smiled towards her ladies. "I'll be fine; you can excuse yourselves and enjoy the city; I'm sure Lady Kaila will be able to entertain me." Almost with pure joy, the women left, leaving the Princess to her hostess.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Location: Governor's office, Echnos city
Wearing: Dress
Tag: Quinn Varanin

The office of Darth Anathemous was as it's owner; out of place. Plant life which could not have survived in native soil gave the once monotonous monochrome box of durasteel and artificial stonework a strangely lush feel, with dagger-like leaves and thin reeds hugging the walls and long strands of jungle moss hanging from pots suspended from the ceiling. What dominated the shelves more than plants however were books, some holo, some parchment. History, Dark side theory, and even philosophy sourced outside the sith order, sometimes from the enemy, though more often from civilizations long since fallen, taken from or translated directly from the stone walls and rubble of ruins far and wide.

In that small way at least, they fit right in. Though the city at large had recovered remarkably quickly since the siege, The manor was in a curious state of disrepair. The corridors which Princess Varanin took to reach this office were sometimes flanked by broken pillars of duracrete, sometimes halved and suspended over pieces which had simply been rolled aside like a troublesome log in the road. Even the office from which Anathemous managed her city like the all seeing eye of a judgmental wraith seemed cared for only enough to keep camera feed on and her plants alive. In particular there seemed to be a strange hole in the floor, it's round frame seeming freshly welded in place and the glasteel which allowed her to see into the dining room below could not hide the oddly jagged edges beneath, if one were to look closely at the retrofit.

The entire city had seen battle and been loving nurtured back to health. Save here, where the vanities of a previous government had been torn down and left to decay around it's new governor.

This is the world in which the princess entered, showed in by a cloaked commando droid who at least had the sense to perform a bowing gesture to Quinn, it's movements too fluid to be a mere servant yet no less prepared to serve it's master in such a way.

"Echnos is honored to host her highness. You may now see Darth Anathemous, Governor of Echnos." It intoned the whole of her titles in it's deep, metallic voice. Not High Inquisitor, Not "Lady Irons" and no longer Apprentice to Darth Carnifex. Just Governor, and Darth.

For all which Srina's "youngest darth" had gained, so too had she lost a great deal to get this far.

"Princess," she inclined her head deeply, though it was the closest to bowing she would afford any from now on, save perhaps Srina and The Emperor.

The holographic security feed and electrical related casualty reports standing between them vanished without so much a button press, allowing tired yet no less keen eyes to give Quinn their full attention, aglow with the golden hues of the dark side in that dimly lit office.

They beheld hazel-green in kind, a thin brow raising the barest inch upon the realization that Quinn's were unafflicted by the corruption of dark powers, with which only days before she had wreaked havoc across her city. With such power behind those eyes it was surely no matter of attunement, and so it was far more likely that the Princess of Eshan was simply in better control of her own powers than the young darth. It was strange to think that such a small and gilded vessel housed such volatile power.

"SB-13," she abruptly called to the droid as Quinn's own servants were dismissed.

"Be a dear and check on my tea."

Her golden eyes followed the droid until it left the room, Anathemous having grown more aware of the vulnerabilities inherent to such digital minds of late, particularly to a select few sith.

Once the door was shut once again, she turned her attention back towards her curious guest, wondering just what exactly she was doing here. As she recalled, Quinn had been wounded whilst facing Carnifex when last she saw the Echani, and so likely had no ill notion of her betrayal. Perhaps then this was about Malum and the Tsis'kaar? The first time she'd seen the princess was Exocron, and if memory served, she seemed somewhat close to the young man in a way which seemed unusual of his... female companions.

A friend, perhaps. Was she aware of the great lie which brought him here? It was hard of late to see other sith as anything but an enemy lying in wait, even if she was trying to afford the benefit of the doubt to those gentler souls.

Besides, the room felt a little warmer in her presence. As if the lingering energies of the phobis device were suddenly quieted. How strange.

"You've recovered quickly, I must say. After the battle, I was worried that we'd lost a royal."

A battle that was rightfully hers, as Srina had made her see now. How many had been sacrificed for her freedom that day, while she sat here atop them all? It left a bitter taste in her mouth, even if she had been trained not to show it.

"What brings you back here, I wonder." she intoned not unlike her expressionless droid, though her voice was notably softer.

​

 

[Kirie]

Location: Governor's Mansion, Echnos
With: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons

Kirie sat on the cushioned bench outside the Governor's office, her legs pressed together, back upright against the wall. She had told the other Ladies that she wasn't feeling well, and encouraged them to follow Quinn's instruction to explore the city. Really, Kirie felt fine, but the other Ladies did not like her, nor she them, so she figured simply waiting at the mansion would be easier on everyone. Besides, after her last visit, Kirie had no interest in wandering the streets of Echnos City.

She did not think much of the mansion, which was more of a hulking structure made from boxes of prefabricated duracrete and steel, and shared more in common with a military fortress than the Princess of Eshan's residence, with its tasteful architecture and plush furnishings. To the Governor, though, the cold grey building probably felt like an oasis, a place for herself, fought for and defended. Kirie could understand that, even if the hallways of the building seemed to leech the warmth from her skin.

The office door opened and Kirie looked up from twiddling her thumbs. Instead of a person, a tall droid slipped out. She recognised the design; a war droid. Kirie gave it a nervous smile, half rising as it chattered in a modular voice.

"The tea?" Kirie asked, fully standing from her seat. "Sure, I'll ask now."

She trotted off down the hall, unnerved by the droid but glad to have something to do. The kitchens were not hard to find, just a short descent down the stairs and she could follow the sound of clattering dishes from the main dining room. Kirie stood by the entrance with her hands clasped together, waiting until she caught someone's eye. A moment later, Kirie emerged with a tray of sapir tea in hand, with fine duraporcelain cups and a decorative bowl heaped with sweetener. Balancing the tray awkwardly, she made her way back up to the office, the commando droid dutifully following behind her, silent as the grave save for the barely audible whine of its servos.

Kirie stopped outside the door and rapped on it with her knuckles, waiting to be invited inside. She looked down at herself, the thin frame swaddled in dark cloth, the half-sleeves that left her brand and tattoo exposed. Kirie knew she did not look her best. She hadn't really been able to sleep since she had drank from Adeline Noctua 's poison cup, so she had dark circles under her eyes, and there was still a scrape on her cheekbone where she had fallen on it during her last visit. But, she was alive, and presentable enough. The door opened, and she stepped inside.

"Governor," Kirie said, inclining her head towards Anathemous. "Your Highness." Another bow to Quinn, this time with a quickly smothered half-smile. "Your tea."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kaila Irons //: Kirie //:

Quinn could glean Kaila's curiosity about the visit. Both of the assumptions were wrong. Quinn had not come because of Malum or the betrayal of the Kainites. Her visit was simple, one rooted in something unexpected. The office's air was thick, and Quinn cleared her throat slightly, trying to wade through everything that surrounded the Governor. Unlike with Malum, Quinn would keep her influence in check, knowing that it was unlikely the young woman who had stripped herself of her chains would enjoy the Princess casting out the swirl of emotions that weighed on them.

"There's no need to be so formal. I appreciate the gesture, though." Quinn smiled at the bow of the blonde's head. "And thank you; luckily, the wound was superficial." A hand rested against her side. While she was telling the truth, Quinn could still feel the lingering effects of her healing. "The Force has gifts, and thankfully, one of them is healing." Her smile continued as she let her eyes wander the room, searching for more of the little dark clouds.

The door creaked open, and Quinn was caught by surprise to see Kirie being the one to deliver the tea to the two of them. Her smile softened at the sight of the woman when she was finally addressed, but something caught her eye. The wound on the slave girl's cheek had been an oversight, potentially something Kirie decided to hide after seeing the state the young royal had been in after they reunited after the chaos. A pain of guilt came over the Princess, but she hid it the best she could, knowing some emotions were best disguised as power in front of others. Her smile remained soft, especially to Kirie, as she reached out and ran her finger gently under the woman's chin, forcing her to look in her direction. Quinn gained a full view of the scratch along Kirie's cheek. With a gentle caress of her thumb, the warmth of the Force would follow along the scratching - healing it and removing the blemish from the girl's face.

"Next time, tell me you're not feeling well, I would have commanded you remain at my side." Quinn released Kirie as she accepted the tea and inhaled the aromatics of the light brown liquid. Her eyes didn't leave Kirie until she caught herself, and then she closed them and found a seat at the desk across from the blonde Darth. "My lady-in-waiting will remain with us; she may have some insight into things we discuss." Quinn took a sip of the tea and let its warmth fill her chest; it was a pleasant blend - one that Quinn would like to have again.

"I guess what brought me back was curiosity. My godmother took an interest in you, and so I've also taken an interest - of course, along with my own interests in a former Kainite." Quinn set the cup and saucer onto the desk, letting her hands rest in her lap as she leaned back in the seat. "It was quite the display as you broke free; I support it, of course; I do feel the Kainites have extended their reach beyond their means and that they've been given far too many courtesies." Quinn shrugged with a gentle laugh as she brought the cup to her lips once more. "But my Uncle has always been particularly fond of playing god for them." Another casual sip as she let the words sink in.

"So, with the interest of my godmother, the Empress - you have my interest and conditional loyalties. It depends on what you do next, I figure you have plans - ones that potentially involve pushing back against the Kainites? I'd like to help; I have a personal interest in dismantling what they've built in some sectors of the Empire." As she spoke, her eyes wandered toward Kirie, knowing that the girl was only in her service because of the Kainite's slave trading.

"I came because I wanted to hear your thoughts, your plans and to see if they align with my own." Quinn smiled as she looked back to Kaila. The woman was strong-willed in the Force, and her presence had grown since breaking free of the Kainites. But why did Srina find interest in her? Why did Malum? There were so many questions about the young Darth Anathemous.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Location: Governor's office, Echnos city
Wearing: Dress
Tag: Quinn Varanin Kirie

"Healing, hm?"

she wondered if the Princess had gone to the jedi for help, or if she had talents considered... un-sith. But Kaila had crossed that line before, and so would no begrudge her such lifesaving knowledge.

Far more concerning was her so called lady-in-waiting, who brought to Echnos something she hoped never to see.

"Governor," Kirie said, inclining her head towards Anathemous. "Your Highness." Another bow to Quinn, this time with a quickly smothered half-smile. "Your tea."

"Ah, thank-"

Her eyes widened upon recognizing the brand, lips pursed in dark thought.

"-you."

There had not been a single slave on this planet since she came to power. The underworld was in her pocket, and closely monitored for trafficking. Even as a Kainite world, the barbarous practice had seen absolute intolerance and those officers who thought otherwise often were often disappeared and replaced with nary a word.

This was a civilized world, relatively speaking.

Whoever this young woman was, she certainly did not belong to any Echnosian, Kaila least of all. Her servants were well paid for good service.

Initially she gripped her desk, internally swearing that there would be hell to pay for whichever accursed Kainite thought to own slaves in her city. But as Quinn so delicately took the young maiden by the chin, quickly but tenderly treating an otherwise superficial cut that could have waited, Kaila began to see why this young woman had been brought into her city.

She afforded them a most faint smile. They were... cute.

"My lady-in-waiting will remain with us; she may have some insight into things we discuss."

"Naturally," she said, a second chair seemingly gliding to the desk on it's own, to which she gestured for the servant girl to sit.

Kaila took one of the duraporcelain cups in hand, idly scooping sugar whilst listening to the princess, of whom she was already learning quite a lot. A godchild of The Empress who seemed to hold the lady Talon in high regard, and a niece to her former master, though whether this were merely a formality or if the princess was truly related to whatever foul creature spawned his ilk, she dared not ask.

Most importantly however, Quinn did not support him, and she was drinking the tea, meaning her servant had not tampered with it.

She listened carefully, her expression almost unchanging, right up until the very end.

"I came because I wanted to hear your thoughts, your plans and to see if they align with my own."

"My plans..." she took a sip, and sighed.

The real reason she'd come, and a question everyone was asking of late.

Herself included.

Anathemous rose to her feet, turning towards the rounded viewport behind her. It was one of very few places in the dome where sunlight reached inward, choked by toxic clouds as it was. There was nothing out there, just miles of dust and stone. That emptiness wouldn't last, soon she'd have the whole perimeter torn apart by trenches and defensive bunkers to keep this city safer than when she'd found it.

But for now, the emptiness was strangely soothing. There was no one out there counting on her, and no life which could do her harm. Just the reflection of her sickly eyes and thoughts unrelated to work.

As if surviving all of this was merely an occupation.

"I am wearing thermal boots on thin ice, my lady." she said, a hint of that uncertainty bleeding into her voice.

"And there shall be a sepulchral priest here soon enough, watching my every move."

She had her freedom now, but what could she do with it?


"All my assets in Kainite space are... criminal. And under a joint payroll with His wife, to whom I am... no longer engaged. They'll be of little help, except perhaps funneling credits into my accounts from Canto Bight."

"I've just enough forces here to guard my world, the rest have all been taken by the second legion."

"My allies in Kainite space are individuals, not armies, not since the Haxion Brood went silent."

Kaila took another, longer sip of her tea.

"No one came for me, Varanin."

​

 

[Kirie]

Location: Governor's Mansion, Echnos
With: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons

The first thing Kirie noticed after laying the tray on the desk was the Governor's reaction. Kirie saw her eyes linger on the raised white scar tissue on her arm, in the sharp angular lines of the Kainate's symbol. Kirie saw how her back stiffened, flaring her nostrils and pursing her lips, absolutely incensed. Kirie's stomach dropped, and her mind raced for something to say, some easy way to explain herself to this important, dangerous woman she did not know. Her mouth opened, then closed again.

Then, she felt something beside her, the familiar warmth of the Princess, and Quinn's hand was on her face. She jerked backwards on instinct, but then she stilled, letting Quinn run her fingers over the scabbed flesh, leaving nothing but smooth pale skin behind it. When Quinn's hand released her, Kirie swore she could still feel the woman's forefinger on her chin, her pointer tracing Kirie's jawbone. Her skin tingled where Quinn had touched her.

Quinn took a cup, but her gaze was fixed on Kirie, who looked up at her in turn. For a moment they were locked in some wordless exchange Kirie herself couldn't quite understand, though she could feel its effect; the fierce beat of her heart, the warmth in her chest. Then Quinn closed her eyes and the spell was broken. Kirie let out a held breath.

"Next time, tell me you're not feeling well, I would have commanded you remain at my side."

"Yes, Your Highness." said Kirie, unable to hide the shy smile that crept onto her face. She quickly stifled it, falling back into the comfortable mask of the quiet and loyal servant, a role Quinn had taught her to play convincingly. For a girl who had grown up on the isolated valleys of Weik, her ettiquette was passable too. Not for the Echani Ladies, who no doubt had grown up in palace life, but enough to keep up appearances, and enough for Quinn, who didn't seem to mind that Kirie was a little rough around the edges, or that she had to be taught how to properly use the palace silverware.

"Naturally,"

The Governor seemed placated by Kirie and Quinn's enchange. Kirie's eyes followed the high-backed chair as it moved across the room on it's own. She stuck out her foot to stop it, but there was no need, it came to a halt just beside her, the perfect distance to take her own seat at the desk beside Quinn. Kirie had seen feats of the Force far greater during her last visit, but there was something about the casual, almost thoughtless way that Anathemous had manipulated it that made Kirie shiver. What better reminder that she was among greater beings? As much as Kirie liked Quinn, as glad as she was to be protected, there was a part of her that wished that once she was free, once she was home, she would never share a room with a Force User again.

She took her seat and listened, glad that she was no longer the subject of the conversation. Pouring herself a cup once Quinn and Anathemous had both partaken, Kirie did her best to follow the discussion. She had given Quinn a doubtful glance when she'd said Kirie might have insights to offer, and her scepticism proved correct. Sepulchral priest, Second Legion, Haxion Brood. Kirie took a mental note of each term, as well as the mention of 'criminal' assets. When they were done, she would ask Quinn to explain it all. The more Kirie knew about the structure, the factions of this place, the better she would fare.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kaila Irons //: Kirie //:

Quinn listened, her emotions quiet, hidden from the other Sith in the room. Her eyes followed Kaila, the woman, while good at keeping her composure; for one moment, Quinn was able to glean the rise in the woman's anger. Eyes glanced back towards Kirie, and the Princess wondered if the reaction was about what Kirie represented. The woman's clothing hid nothing from the other Sith; the thick brand of the Kainite and the chain code highlighted the twisted nature of some Kainites. Quinn's attention drifted back to Kaila, who had moved towards the window to look over her kingdom.

Leaning forward, she set the saucer and tea cup on the edge of the Governor's desk. Hands rested in her lap as she stared at the woman. Despite the weight of the Kainite regime off her shoulders, the woman still seemed weighted down. In reality, she only exchanged the shackles of the Kainites for the shackles of the Sepulchre. Sighing softly, Quinn brushed aside stray strands of her whitish-blonde bangs. "You make it sound like you were completely abandoned." Quinn's voice was hinting at annoyance. She could have missed something with the interactions of her Godmother or Lord Marr with Anathemous.

"My Godmother came to your side, and even Lord Marr decided to step into Darth Carnifex's way." A soft chuckle escaped her perfectly painted lips. "I, like many others, would like to believe Lord Marr's stupidity, but I doubt he would step into my Uncle's path without a good reason beyond proving himself."

Quinn reached forward and retrieved her tea and took a sip, her lips pursed together, catching whatever lingering remnants of the drink. "I believe you, and I understand that I may not be privy to any of the details of your relationships with either individual, but they did play a part in aiding you from my perspective." Quinn took a moment to reach Kirie, grasping the girl's hand briefly and squeezing it to provide reassurance. Like Kirie, she did pick up the distaste from Darth Anathemous.

"I'm also curious, what wife do you speak of that you had connections to? Also, I've never heard of this Haxion Brood? They sound unreliable, and you should forget them because it's obvious their intentions are not to bother you with whatever your plans are. Unreliable allies are nothing but a liability." Quinn scoffed at the thought of another tendril of the Sith working in the shadows. How many were there at this point?

Knowing that she was blunt, Quinn did her best to try and rescue the conversation. "You might feel alone, but some people are at your side. Fortunately, I work quite closely with Gerwald - maybe I could help ease some support from the second legion if you so wish." A hand gently rested against her chin as she let her eyes drift away from Kaila, leaving them to linger on the teacup in front of her.

"As for the Sepulchral Priest, they're easily persuaded by those with power. They're quite crusty old men who wish to continue their wretched lives, so show your power easily when he arrives and undermine him to your side." Quinn smirked, "While being strong in the Force, they aren't invincible. Who is sending this priest to watch over you? The Emperor?" The young Princess had known the priests to be reasonably connected to the Emporer himself, but who else would pull their strings. From her understanding, Srina wasn't their biggest fan, but she could be doing it to protect Kaila from Carnifex.

Still, while Kaine Zambrano had a big bark, but when it came to the Empress's will, he bent the knee - like so many others.

 

[Kaila Irons]

Location: Governor's office, Echnos city
Wearing: Dress
Tag: Quinn Varanin Kirie

The young darth's grip upon the windowsill suddenly tightened as she spoke through grit teeth.

"He came because I forced him to. And if that harlot of man wants my forgiveness then he can ask for it himself."

"All he had to do was uphold his end of the bargain."

"Though I'm sure he's too busy with other women for that."


At this point she hardly even cared what others thought. She was abandoned, Marr would have left her behind enemy lines were it not for this disaster of a plan, and if anyone wanted to plead his case to the woman he had used in more ways than one, it would fall on deaf ears. A woman scorned was problematic on it's own, but a Sith Sorceress? And a witchblade at that? That was a curse.

Honestly it was a miracle she could be reasoned with at all.

"Otherwise..." she breathed deeply.

"...your advice is appreciated."

Kaila sipped her tea again, allowing the warm steam to uncloud her mind further in these uncertain times. So much had changed in so little time, and though she had been driven to this decision by the actions of others, it was still the decision she made. This was her fault, and no amount of blame would change that. But she could choose to be more careful, and to build her alliances in the shadows away from her former master's prying eyes.

"We are of one mind about The Wolf's support, it seems. He approached me not long ago and an allegiance has already been struck. But on the grounds that I contain my hatred for your uncle... I'll be joining him on campaign soon."


"As for my affiliations, if you must know..."

So many questions to answer at once, all with complex answers and deep meaning to herself.

"It was Saryn..."

Kaila hummed the name mournfully, despite knowing well that they still lived.

"Darth Xyrah, I think that's the name they've chosen now. We were to be married, once. To live far away from Kainite politics."

"Fate had other plans."

For as wide as that rift had been when Saryn chose to marry her master, she still them in her own way. But if the two of them were fated to- she closed her eyes.

No.

Saryn was safe, so long as she remained here, far away. She had to remember this, and to be strong for both their sake. Her visions would never again come to pass, she would make certain of it.

"As for the homefront... The priest was given roost here in terms set by our empress, however my former master has taken control of the priesthood. He does not control me, but He will have eyes here very soon."

"Whatever aid you seek of me, It cannot be direct." Kaila clarified at last.

She turned regard the pair from over her shoulder, gaze lingering on the servant girl and her brand a little longer.

"I know what this is about, I'm not blind... Were this another time, my men in the Haxion Brood would have used their connections to find exactly what you're looking for, and they would have joined me in liberating as many slaves as you could point us toward."

"They were better people than you give them credit for." she stated as if defending an old friend.

But Kaila turned back towards the window a moment, remembering that all those names were just more on the list of those she'd been forced to part with too early.

"But our leader... She's... gone. She died on Dorvalla during the alliance siege whilst I was here, fighting under your uncle's command. She was the Haxion Brood, and now it's gone. I'm all that's left."

Leven Jeyd... Another name etched into her heart, written in scar tissue. How many more would it take before the fates were satisfied?

"You say I am not alone, Princess, but for the moment I must as proceed as if I were. I cannot afford another incident, nor can I offer you support unless I know what it is you want me to do. What you really want me to do."

"But what of you...?" she turned towards Kirie specifically, curious if she were not yet free somehow, or if she were hoping to free more like her.

"What do you want?"

​

 

[Kirie]

Location: Governor's Mansion, Echnos
With: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons

Kirie listened intently at Quinn’s responses to Anathemous. She was a difficult woman to read, especially when her guard was up. From what she was saying to Anathemous, Kirie’s patron seemed almost like a negotiator, weaving between a complex web of allegiances to extract… What? Her advice seemed sound to Kirie’s untrained ear, but it was slightly strange to hear her talk so casually about sidestepping spies, rivals, and enemies. Another dissonance. Another reminder of the dark place Kirie had come to find herself.

What would Quinn be like, taken away from here? What if, like Kirie, she had grown up without the Sith, in a small and wild place. Would she still have that hard edge, that inscrutable manner? Kirie liked Quinn, really liked her, but she was afraid of her too, and didn't understand her at all. If she stayed in her service long enough, maybe she would learn, but what would the cost be?

"Though I'm sure he's too busy with other women for that."

The words yanked Kirie from her reverie she choked on her tea mid-sip, trying to cough as quietly as she could. For all the power and influence these Sith Lords wielded, it seemed some things stayed the same. In fact, as Kirie was beginning to understand, much of the power brokering amongst the empire’s highest echelon was along relational lines. It was those below that lived in a world of rigid hierarchy and order. Kirie didn’t envy Quinn, or Anathemous. Their seat at the table was not divinely granted, as it might seem from afar. It was precarious.

Once Kirie had regained her composure and set her cup back upon its saucer, she mused at what her future would look like if Quinn herself fell from grace. All that reverence, the wordless authority she carried, the understanding she seemed to have with the Kainate, would all crumble. It would be back to disguises and secret outings, and securing Kirie’s freedom would be that much harder. Luckily, after the events on Echnos and some smoothing out, Quinn was able to go where she pleased, and Kirie was untouchable so long as she walked in Quinn’s long shadow.

Well, that arrangement worked for her just fine.

Anathemous continued, and Kirie felt pity for her. She had freed herself, only to emerge into a larger, more complex cage. It seemed her allies were either fairweather friends, or had ulterior motives. Even Kirie understood Anathemous had ventured perilously close to annihilating herself. That would put fear in the heart of even a god-person.

"What do you want?"

Kirie looked up at her, startled. She cast a quick glance at Quinn, waiting for affirmation, if she could trust Anathemous with her full story, especially given the Sith’s reaction when Kirie had first sat down. A blink later, her eyes were back on Anathemous.

“I was captured by the Kainate. Quinn helped me get away from them.” Kirie said with some hesitation. “I was on a ship. There was an acc-” She trailed off. “Well, I think they shot it down. Some of us survived. They picked us up, treated our wounds. We were branded and had our chain codes printed on our skin. They said that if we tried to get away, they would always know where we were.”

More had happened that day, things she had told nobody. That she probably would never share. Some stuff that Kirie couldn’t explain, and plenty she didn’t want to. She held out her arm for Anathemous to examine, and left a moment of quiet for Quinn to contribute her thoughts.

“The chain code, I think, is based on my own characteristics.” Kirie continued. “But the brand, I don’t know how it works, only that neither of them could be removed.” She looked at Quinn questioningly. “You said it was… Alchemised?”

Realising she never answered Anathemous’ question, she glanced back at her.

“I want to be free.” Kirie said coolly. “I want to go home, and make sure I can never be followed.”

Kirie spared a look back at Quinn. She didn’t want to say the next part out loud, lest she hurt her, and these days, she felt less and less sure about it anyway. But, she had promised herself.

Then, I never want to see another Sith as long as I live.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kaila Irons //: Kirie //:

Quinn was silent as she listened to Kaila speak. She wanted to gauge the woman and see if it was worth offering her a line of support. It wasn’t their first meeting, they had seen each other another time under different circumstances. The last time Malum had been scolding the woman along the lines of loyalty and how the Sith worked. Seeing all of this play out now, it was obvious neither took the scolding seriously. Malum on the other hand had several more cards to play than Kaila, but that only made the Princess want to support her more.

She chuckled while nearly choking on her tea,upon hearing the slander about the man she considered one of her closest personal friends. The Princess couldn’t help but enjoy it at Malum’s expense. It seemed he did get around as much as the rumors about him claimed. Quinn honestly didn’t know if she should be offended or relieved; he never made a pass at her. Though she would have easily turned him down in fear of catching something. Quinn made a mental note not to mention the Boy-King in front of Kaila again.

“Rest assured, I’m not here to apologize or defend the boy-king of Alvaria. I was just curious as to the nature of you feeling alone.” Quinn sipped her tea quietly as she let Kaila continue. She paused with a smile hearing that Gerwald had already reached out to the woman, it meant they would be allies more often than naught. “That’s good, I understand we’ll be seeing more of each other then.”

Quinn nodded along with the explanation of the woman’s allies, and the wife of Kaine Zambrano. Her eyebrows raised at the name drop and Quinn nodded with an understanding. She had heard that Kaine had taken over the priests, which also put a wrench in Kaila’s plans. Hopefully, having Quinn in her corner along with Srina Talon should help ease issues with Kaila.

“I apologize then.” Quinn slipped in, seeing that the Haxion Brood was a touchy subject especially with their leader passing as of recently. Her comments about the group were probably the only thing she regretted at this moment. Kaila seemed to already know why Quinn was here, which she figured with the reaction upon seeing Kirie. It surprised her that a Kainite or former Kainite was against the slavery that they seemingly promoted. It seemed she was right in coming to the woman. Before Quinn could talk, the Governor's attention moved to Kirie. Quinn clenched the cup tightly in her lap as she waited to hear what Kirie had to say.

The words didn’t surprise her, nor was the feeling Kirie had bleeding off of her. Quinn did her best to remain poised, the last she wanted was to show her dislike for how Kirie was feeling. It was selfish, especially since Quinn knew getting into this matter what the end would look like. Kirie was going to leave her and once more Quinn was going to be alone in the galaxy.

But everyone left Quinn, it was normal. Adjusting in her seat, Quinn hid her sadness behind the cup of tea. Despite her wanting to keep Kirie by her side, she knew what was good for the woman and giving her what she desired was worth more. Setting the cup down, Quinn nodded as Kirie questioned her. “I tried to remove both the brand and the chain code, but there seems to be something more going on with them. I was able to heal them to where they didn’t cause pain anymore to Kirie, but I couldn’t erase them.” Frustration furrowed her brow as Quinn looked back towards the brand and the tattoo. The tea was finished and she placed the cup and the saucer back onto the desk.

“Yes, we were on Echnos during the Kainite exile. We had come here to try and figure out what process went into the branding and the tattoo. Our investigation ended up more dead-ended than I liked.” Quinn sighed softly and looked back at Kaila. “So if you have any information about your former brethren that would be beneficial and in exchange you’ll have my utmost loyalty.”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Location: Governor's office, Echnos city
Wearing: Dress
Tag: Quinn Varanin Kirie

"You... poor thing." Kaila's expression softened as Kirie told her story.

It wasn't a new story either, but one of countless others. That was perhaps the most heartbreaking part of all. To hear that it this brand was alchemized however, that part was different. Her former master often preferred the works of metallurgy and enchantment over that of fleshshapers, however that didn't mean He was incapable, nor that other Kainites were.

"Alchemy?" she winced, turning to Quinn momentarily.

The princess explained that she had made attempts to simply remove them, however Anathemous highly doubted that they had tried simply cutting away the flesh and letting it regrow, however she understood that the pair may be unwilling to take such a... pragmatic approach to removing it as she might have, were it her arm that had been branded.

She also explained that their search had yielded nothing on Echnos, although it was the final part that surprised her the most.

“in exchange you’ll have my utmost loyalty.”

"Loyalty doesn't last long here." Anathemous sighed painfully.

But for as untrusting as the young darth was, neither was she blind. She needed all the friends she could get right now, just as Kirie did. And if the Princess of Eshan was willing to risk so much for the life of one slave, then perhaps she was the sort of woman Kaila wanted the loyalty of... Or could give her loyalty to, and still sleep at night. Loyalty goes both ways, after all.

"But I suppose your cause is... worth consideration." she added at last, turning her attention towards Kirie again.

"I was like you, in a way. There's a reason you found no slavers here."

"May I?" she asked, her hands halting in their tracks just before they could touch the brand. Kirie, she thought, had likely been handled without permission one too many times as is.

"The trouble with Alchemy is it that it follows no rules nor logic, not as we know it, at least. I know more of metallurgy than fleshshaping, but I know some things, at least..."

Her eyes narrowed in thought at the brand, wondering how exactly it was applied.

"Do you remember how it was applied? Cut, or perhaps seared? Most likely it is a link to a specific individual or perhaps the very item which harmed you."

Yes, already the ideas were coming to her. This is what Anathemous was made for; the hunt. Things, people, it didn't matter what the target was, so long as she had something to search for. Perhaps the former mandalorian had more in common with the wolf than she once thought...

"My circle is small, but I am pleased to count a particular dark jedi among them," she spoke of Serina Calis , who she wished to see again as it was. This would merely hasten their next encounter.

"She can see echoes of one's past, Psychometry, perhaps. If she were to study this brand, perhaps we might learn more of those who inflicted it."

 

[Kirie]

Location: Governor's Mansion, Echnos
With: Quinn Varanin | Kaila Irons

Kirie nodded along with Quinn's words. Her healing had helped remove the puffy, raised lines of infection around the brand. At the camps, it had been left to fester, with medication doled in minute doses as a result of compliance, until eventually, the wounds healed. Kirie had never received a drop of medicine. Her reward for refusing to open her mouth to her captors.

"We tried everything short of cutting it off." Kirie agreed. "Which, I guess we could try? But, if it's affected by the Force somehow, would that even work?"

Kirie had entered her service to the Sith Empire in silence. Even when she had been delivered to Quinn's doorstep, she had kept her mouth stubbornly shut until she had realised the Princess was quite unlike the Kainites who'd captured her. Now, Kirie spoke often, if not entirely freely. Around Quinn, she was more herself, but with the other Ladies, and when they were outside Quinn's apartment on Jutrand, Kirie was careful to remain polite and proper. That could be frustrating, especially when she was supposed to be helping Quinn find her a way home.

​

"You... poor thing."

Usually, at such words, Kirie would feel something like a flicker of irritation, even distaste. Before she had found herself in this strange world, Kirie had always hated being pitied. It made her feel... Lesser.

But Anathemous was different. Quinn had explained some of the Sith woman's history, and the marks upon her skin did the rest. Hers was the pity of a fellow wretch who had been held by the same chains, and Kirie could be okay with that.

She stared at Anathemous, wondering the path she might have walked if she had been blessed, or cursed, to have the strength to free herself outright. Kirie loathed violence, couldn't stand the thought of others suffering by her hand, no matter how vile they were. But, if she had been caged, tortured? Maybe she would be like Darth Anathemous. She did not judge the woman for the path she'd walked, even though she seemed to indulge in the darker aspects of power than Quinn, nor did she fear her. Kirie had the distinct impression, observing the empathy in the woman's eyes, that so long as she gave Anathemous no reason to think she was a threat, she would not harm her. Here, she was coming to understand, that was as good as having an ally.

I suppose your cause is... worth consideration.

So it was without hesitation that she bowed her head in thanks. Quinn's influence stretched far, but there were limits to her reach. Another contact would help her to survive longer, maybe even help her get home. Kirie had a theory working, that the Sith were rather attached to their personal pets. She was no threat to them, so if she ingratiated herself, played the loyal, dutiful servant, she could simply sail around the Empire in Quinn's wake. But, the lingering threat of the Kainate's slavers still hung over her, as did the growing feeling that it would be very, very difficult for her to leave Quinn behind.

After a moment's hesitation- No soul had touched her besides Quinn since the conflagration on Echnos- Kirie extended a her arm for Anathemous to examine, hoping the Governor didn't notice her jump slightly when she grabbed her.

"It was seared." Kirie confirmed, her eyes taking on a faraway look. "With an iron, on a long stick. Someone knelt over me. I had mangled my foot in the crash so I couldn't run. He held a hand over the burn and chanted something in a language I don't know." Kirie shook her head, looking back to Quinn mournfully. "I thought he was healing it, but it didn't feel like when you did."

Kirie looked at Quinn and Anathemous both. There was a thought that had been nagging her, and she supposed while she had the counsel of a former Kainite, now would be as good a time as any.

"Could we just leave?" Kirie asked. "I mean, I had never heard of the Kainites before I ended up here. Do they have the ability to follow us if Quinn and I left for Weik? Would they?"

Since her rescue by Quinn, Kirie had wondered how genuine the threat of apprehension from her slavers was. Certainly they existed within the borders of the Empire. She had encountered swathes of them already while travelling with Quinn. But outside? She didn't know, but Quinn and Anathemous might.