Private Secrets, Sold and Shared

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Korriban. How long had it been since she tread her red sands?

Long enough, it seemed, that Kaila had come to view it much the same as Dathomir; an ancient homeworld upon which once dwelled ancestors she may never meet, but knew in spirit. Though the young Darth Anathemous still had much to learn, she was no longer that lost soul who questioned her faith upon Echnos. Her place was among the empire, her commitment, her zeal, absolute.

Revna, despite their friendship, had not been privy to the great journey which led Anathemous to the heights of her loyalty.

She'd not seen the physical toll it would exact upon the warrior-sorceress, how her body had adapted beyond prior limits not only to survive, but to thrive. She was covered in steely muscle now, the gentleness of her citrine gaze worn away by war, yet given fire anew.

Kaila had changed, yet a friend, she remained.


She walked proudly into the palace, pulling away her hood, a warm smile across her freckled face as she caught sight of the Queen-to-be of all Korriban. The woman to whom she'd entrusted the well being of her apprentice, Tamsin Graves , for a time, and whom had shared with her such closely guarded secrets.

Today, it was time to repay the favor in kind.

"Lady Revna," she bowed her head, a little deeper to her than most.

"It has been far too long. I bring news, of war, of victory and court. We've so much to talk about."

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[Revna]

Tag: Kaila Irons
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Some time had passed since Revna had last seen her friend, Kaila. She recalled that last interaction fondly; the two women had shared stories, and Revna had told her fellow Vahla about her little secret. So far, Kaila had been the only non-Korribani that knew the truth, a secret that Revna hoped the other woman had kept safe and sound in their time apart.

A small entourage of ladies-in-waiting accompanied Revna as she traversed the cold but beautiful halls of the Palace of Varin, on her way to meet the Governor of Echnos who had just landed only a short while ago. Revna rounded a corner, her black robes embellished with gold and red intricate patterns flowing about her with elegant grace. Of course, never apart from Revna was the necklace of the ashes of her late Master, as well as her lightsaber.

Upon seeing Kaila, a genuine smile creased Revna’s face and she drew near to the other Sith woman, who had just pulled down her hood from her head. Kaila greeted her and dipped her head in a bow of respect, something that warmed Revna. She was slowly getting used to individuals showing her respect these days - namely the palace servants and those who were privy to the knowledge that Revna was the King’s Lady. But it was still something that brought a flush of pink her cheeks.

“Kaila, my friend!” Revna said softly to the woman. “Welcome back to Korriban.”

"It has been far too long. I bring news, of war, of victory and court. We've so much to talk about." Kaila said to her, and Revna nodded eagerly, her fiery eyes glimmering with the anticipation of hearing whatever her friend had to share with her.

“It has been too long. Come! I arranged for a courtyard to be sanctioned off for our use today. We can converse there without worry.”

Revna turned and invited Kaila to walk beside her before she led the pair of them onward, down a series a long stone hallways, up a spiral staircase, then down another series of hallways before turning the corner and into a moderately sized courtyard filled with various flora, both native and non-native species to Korriban. Near the back of the courtyard sat a table and two comfortable looking chairs where the two women could sit and enjoy their conversation. Immaculately wrapped, veiled and perfumed Jen’ari servants awaited nearby, ready to serve the two Sith Ladies should they need anything. The entire space looked inviting and cozy; a perfect spot for two friends to become reacquainted with one another and share stories.

Upon entering, Revna turned towards the arched doorway and briefly closed her eyes, lifting a hand to face the open pathway. There was a shift in the energy around both her and Kaila as Revna erected a Force barrier at the entryway, before she lowered her hand and glanced at the blond Sith Knight.

“There; we shouldn’t be disturbed now and what we say here will stay here. Make yourself at home; I have refreshments and some treats prepared for us, should you wish to partake in any of that.” Revna said softly as she glanced towards the Jen’ari servants, before moving towards the table to take a seat in one of the chairs. She summoned one of the veiled servants over, who brought a pitcher and two crystalline glasses to the table, setting them down before retreating back to its proper place nearby.

“This is Gnostra berry wine. I haven’t tried it yet, figured it might be a good beverage for us.” Revna said, inspecting the bottle for a moment. “At least, I hope so.” She glanced at Kaila, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I feel a bit fortunate to have access to many unique foods and drinks here on Korriban; many things are imported in from all around the galaxy, to give others who live here a taste of what is beyond our borders. Also, when I heard you were coming by for a visit, I stopped by our kitchens and prepared some goodies for us. I am pretty sure I mortified the cooks and servants there; what noble bakes or cooks their own food and treats for guests?” she added with a touch of sardonic humor in her voice as a second servant carrying a tray of what looked to be perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies was set down as well, and with the cookies came freshly prepared varieties of fruit.

“I hope you don’t mind the drinks and goodies…I had to spoil my friend. And it has been a long time since I made my favorite cookies for anyone so I just couldn’t help myself. I hope they turned out alright…” The raven-haired Sith woman said, her smile returning as she glanced back up to Kaila.

“Anyway! How have you been? Last we spoke you informed me that you were going to be meeting with a non-Force using Governor… Reicher Vax, wasn’t it? How did that go?”

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Sith robes
Tag: Revna

Kaila would nod and follow her friend with a smile through the palace.

It felt almost strange to hear her given name so far from home, or what she'd begun calling home at least. There were very few close enough to call her that beyond her walls, and a certain apartment on Jutrand. Revna was one of the few she allowed to address her as such, in fact.

Equally strange yet no less welcome however, was the sight of her fellow Vahla in such exquisite finery.

"Revna, had I known this were an occasion to dress, I'd have dispensed with the cloak for a dress of my own." she chuckled.


Both their circumstances had improved greatly, it seemed, and Kaila was delighted to see it. While it was true she did not know Revna quite so well as her friends of closer proximity, she was well aware of the things which had been done to her by the Kainites, and the raven haired woman deserved so much better.

The otherwise silent trip through the palace was, due to the time which had passed, almost unbearable. To see the flowery courtyard after was a great relief, and Kaila was pleased to see the barrier erected in their wake, giving her time enjoy the scenery on the way to sit, running gloved fingers through the leaves as she passed.

The food caught her pleased and hungry eye first, then the servants.

She watched them curiously while Revna told her story, and though she was indeed listening, she couldn't help examining the veiled Jen'ari. She did not appear disturbed nor disgusted, rather she began to slowly tilt and stare in thought.

Something about the way they moved.

It was inhuman, yet they were no droids. The force clung to them if only faintly, and Revna would be allowed to watch in real time as the former seeker put the pieces together. The intricate coverings which deliberately masked their forms, their dead silent, Revna's trust in their secrecy. She knew why they were here. And it was so clever of the queen.

Kaila smirked, and turned back towards her host.

"Gnostra berry, you say?"

She poured herself a glass and sniffed delicately.

Kaila pulled her gloves away, and there was but a moment's hesitation as she glanced to her blackened nails dwelling. Revna had caught onto their purpose when the young Darth had curiously dipped a single claw into her drink when last they spoke.

She knew better now, such was the trust they'd built, and the paranoia she'd overcome since.

"Mmm... you've access to finer things than my little moon." she hummed.

The wine was sweet against her lips.

Yet it was the story which brought a smile to them.

"You baked these yourself?" she laughed softly.

"Oh that takes me back. Saryn would bake for me, once upon a time. I don't miss the bloody malsheem, but I sure miss his cooking. His cake, especially." she sighed happily.

But moments after, something in her smile changed. Froze, really.

Never mind all that, she thought. Instead she took a bite of Revna's cooking, letting it restore her smile anew. It was the first time anyone had baked for her since she became governor, and the importance of that gesture was not lost on. Nor was the flavor, in fact that would surely leave a lasting impression.

"They're lovely," she assured, half muffled by the chocolatey remnants in her mouth.

It was unusual for her to forget manners at the table.

“Anyway! How have you been? Last we spoke you informed me that you were going to be meeting with a non-Force using Governor… Reicher Vax, wasn’t it? How did that go?”

"Ah."

Kaila paused to finish chewing before she continued.

"The Vax-Calis family are... complicated people."

She pinched her chin in thought, turning her distant gaze towards the garden.

"You asked for my advice once, on ruling. I wasn't experienced enough to speak then, but I've learned a valuable lesson since."

"The friend who declares her loyalty the loudest will break her oaths first. Keep your eyes sharp, and your patience sparingly."

"An be willing to replace." she hummed, almost mournfully.

Almost bitterly.

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