Private Stars Will Align

[Cyrus Thorin]

The heavy footfalls of the blackguard that flanked him announced his presence in a way he would have much rather avoided, but these were the parameters of the meeting that had been laid out to him by the Dark Lord. Yes, he could meet his daughter, yes he could attempt to sway her toward where she had always meant to be, where he had always meant for her to be. But it would begin, under the watchful gaze of the blackguard.

It was an agreement he had come to begrudgingly. Revna was his and no one else's. Every step she had taken, every path she had walked had been watched and carefully curated to make her just so. Now, all he had to do was win her over.

He plucked a wayward thread from his arm as they stopped before the cell door, the black guard stepping forward to open it for him before moving out of his way. He stepped into the cell with a grace befitting his position, emananting power, though nothing in comparison to the Lord he served. His eyes swept the room, noting the carefully placed insignia, the subtlety of his lord's brainwashing techniques. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips before settling on the girl who occupied the room.

His face was a mask that was expertly crafted, betraying nothing of the way his heart had jumped at the sight of her. She was her mother and so much more. The perfect creature of darkness. "Lady Revna," he began with a small bow of his head. "The Lord Carnifex has sent to escort you for a spell, to stretch your legs beyond the confines of your cell."

 

[Revna]

Revna was seated at the small table in her private quarters, staring into the remnants of her meal, her mind lost in thought and memories. These moments alone in her chamber were precious to her, for it was the only time she truly had to herself. Truthfully, she wasn’t used to such moments of privacy; even before her capture by Kainate forces, she had dedicated herself to helping her fellow Wonosans, her fellow Brothers and Sisters of the cult, and of course her High Priest on whatever missions he had for her - as well as her own Sith training. Rarely was she truly ever alone.

She both loved and hated it. On one hand, the solitary time was good to rest and recuperate, but on the other hand her thoughts pestered her constantly. Here, in this quiet place, her mind was her own worst enemy.

How many times had her own thoughts whispered to her that no matter what others promised, she had been abandoned by her family? Cast aside by her own Master? She didn’t want to believe these whispers, but it was hard to ignore them in the solitude of her confinement. At least when she was training under the purview of the Shadow Hand, or listening to the imparted wisdom from the dreaded Butcher King, she could focus on something other than her own mind.

Today, she found herself musing almost morosely that she missed the companionship her cult family had offered her; the closeness she had had with her Brothers and Sisters, with her own flesh and blood family in the Marrs, even the occasional moments of connection she had with Darth Strosius that fell outside the usual confines of the Master-apprentice relationship.

Tears had long since dried up and gone away; she had shed them all while chained within the Black Cells in the early days of her capture. Now, she just remembered those moments, feeling numbness for it all. Though she had been promised freedom, promised that someone would help get her out of this place, she didn’t expect that to actually happen.

She expected to spend the rest of her days, however long or short that may be, within the Kainate realm. The sooner she accepted her place here, the sooner she could move on and rebuild a new life for herself. But letting go of the past was difficult, and she wasn’t quite ready to kill her hopes of returning to her Master’s side, where she belonged.

The silver and raven haired woman was deep in these thoughts when she heard, then felt, another presence just beyond her doorway. Immediately, she pushed up from her seat and turned to face the door to her chambers, hoping almost desperately that it was Lina, come to initiate her “lessons” in High Sith and Sith sorcery, and give her news about her High Priest.

The door opened, and her hopes died in an instant.

Standing in the doorway was not the familiar face and presence of Lina, but a stranger whom Revna had never encountered before. She regarded the man warily, studying him briefly as he eyed the chambers in which she dwelled in, his gaze momentarily lingering on the Kainate symbolage that adorned her room before his eyes landed back on her.

The man, a Kainite and the Sith she assumed, was well dressed and carried himself with an air of power and importance that made her wonder just who he was, and why he had seen fit to come to her. Perhaps he was here on behalf of one of the Dark Lords?

The man said her name, called her ‘Lady’, and offered her a small bow of his head - a gesture of respect that she did not receive by others here on the Malsheem. It caught her off guard somewhat, but she kept herself composed and near emotionless as she heard the reason for his visit.

Lord Carnifex sent him to escort her so she could stretch her legs? That was intriguing, she thought to herself. Normally the Blackguard was her escort to and from her cell and wherever she was to go, and it certainly was never to allow her a breath of fresh air and to 'stretch her legs'. Her gold-orange eyes narrowed slightly with her curious suspicion.

“Hmm. Normally the Blackguard are the only ones sent to escort me to and from any given location.” She tilted her head slightly at the man, looking over his features once more, noting his amber eyes, swarthy skin, and silver streaked dark hair that was pulled back into a braid and bun at the back of his head and his facial hair that neatly trimmed and groomed. She had to admit, upon first impressions - he was a rather handsome looking man.

“Things are never done without reason around these parts. So forgive me for not believing that you’re here to simply escort me while I stretch my legs.” Revna said to the man before her, expressing her blunt observations about this unplanned visit. However, she had learned her lesson about showing due respect to others around here. She didn’t know who this man was, his status within the Malsheem, his connections to the Dark Lords - so to err on the side of caution the small Sith woman chose to swallow her fierce temperament and show some respect.

“That being said, what purpose or duty shall I serve for you, my Lord?”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

She was sharp and full of fire, Cyrus was pleased to see that the Dark Lords had been unsuccessful in dampening her spirit. Yet she remembered her place, or rather the place they wanted her to be in. Revan could and would be so much more, she would outshine both of them and rise as a Chosen of the Vahla.

He was getting a head of himself and he knew it but he'd been working so hard towards this that it was impossible to not. Still, he had to gain her trust first, earn her friendship. He made a small show of looking like a boy who'd been caught in a lie, his eyes dropping down briefly to his boots before lifting back to her with a roguish smile.

"Ah, I suppose that I should have thought of something a little bit more believable than stretching your legs." he placed a hand on his chest "My name is Cyrus Thorin, I am an Ember of the Vahl. When I heard that the Great Lords had a vahla in their captivity I requested the chance to meet you, but I loathe cells." His eyes drifted around the room "No matter how well decorated."

His amber gaze slipped back to her and he offered a smile. "So a walk and a conversation, unless of course you'd rather stay here?"

Revna

 

[Revna]

Her gaze upon the new intruder was hard and she watched him carefully to judge his reaction to her bluntness as well as her attempt to show respect. Revna tilted her head slightly in mild amusement when he dipped his gaze before glancing back at her with an impish smile and she crossed her arms over her chest and arched a delicate eyebrow as he admitted he should have come up with something more believable, before he announced himself and what she assumed to be his status and rank amongst the Kainate.

Her head tilted in curiosity and her amused expression turned to one of confusion when this Cyrus mentioned something about another ‘vahla’ in captivity, and seemed to suggest that it was what she was.

She was still staring at him with a puzzled look when he suggested that they walk and talk - though he was kind enough to give her the option of staying in her cell, if she so wanted to. Which she didn’t.

The small woman blinked a couple of times, gathering herself as best she could. She was very much intrigued by this man’s statements as well as what the details of this ‘conversation’ might be. Perhaps he was someone else on the inside who could help her get free of this place?

Revna moved her hands behind her back and bowed her head slightly in greeting: “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Thorin. I am Revna of House Marr. But you probably already knew that, didn’t you? Especially since you referred to me as Lady Revna.” she said, a hint of her more sassy nature laced in her voice as she stepped forward, still cautious of the man, but making her intentions to go with him known. “And like you, I loathe cells as well. So I might as well take you up on such a generous offer.” Her gaze cast around to the inside of her private quarters, and the different symbols that adorned the walls. “Though if I had it my way, the decorations would suit my tastes and not that of my overlords.” She growled, pursing her lips in clear disdain. She’d rather burn the Kainate banners and symbols to the ground if she could, but she couldn’t exactly announce that desire aloud. Especially around others she had to assume were loyal to either Darth Carnifex or Darth Prazutis, if not both entirely.

Her fiery ember hued eyes flickered to the armored forms of the Blackguard; their presence was something she was becoming accustomed to by now - before she turned her attention back to Cyrus Thorin.

“So, you wish to converse with me? You certainly have my curiosity now - outside of the Dark Lords themselves, I converse with no one else really. Though I must say, I think you have mistaken me for someone else…” she replied softly as she left her quarters behind. “You seemed to suggest that I was a ‘vahla’ in captivity…but I do not recognize that term or name or whatever that is.”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

That flash of fire passed behind her eyes again as she commented on the decoration choices of her cell and Cyrus could not help the grin that flashed across his face. They were not even close to breaking her spirit, and nor would they ever be, he had made sure that she could never be broken. Shaped and moulded into something great, but never broken. "I'm sure your own decoration choices would be exquisite."

He noted her gaze flicking towards the Blackguard and thought for a moment she might comment on their presence. It had not been his choice but it was a compromise he had had to settle with. Cyrus let her lead the way out of the cell before falling in step with her.

"My dear child," he said with a look of horror crossing his face at her lack of knowledge. "Vahla is what you are. It's what we are. We're a rare commodity these days, scattered and nomadic though many have come to reside here. Carnifex offered us a shelter when the One Sith fell and as such we owe him our allegiance, but our devotion is always first and foremost to the Goddess…" he trailed off, a sadness touching his gaze.

"That you have gone so long without knowing where you have come from…did you never feel like you were lost…or missing something?"

Revna

 

[Revna]

The images of the blood of her enemies splattered across her walls as decoration was an entertaining thought for Revna, but she kept those thoughts to herself.

“It would be an eye catcher, for sure.” She replied, noticing the grin that flashed across the man’s face. “If I could, I would decorate my chamber with tomes and holocrons, perhaps the saber hilts of my kills. But I really shouldn’t complain too much. My chamber certainly is a greater improvement over the Black Cells…”

Once they stepped out into the main hall, the Blackguard settled in behind the two of them, keeping a short distance away. One day, she might prove that she didn’t need to be guarded and watched at all times, but that was to the discretion of the Dark Lords.

The man walking beside her had a genuinely shocked reaction to her statement, and when she heard the words that spilled from his mouth, she found herself coming to a complete standstill. The young Apprentice’s mind whirled, then jammed, as she tried to understand but came away with more confusion and even more suspicion.

“First of all, I’m no child.” She responded, her voice sharp as her gaze glinted with a flash of indignation. “I am a grown-ass woman, and a Sith apprentice on top of that. And second, I don’t even know who you are, so how would you know anything about me?”

Revna paused for a moment as she recalled something, and a somewhat disturbed frown creased her pale forehead. Perhaps it wasn’t too far-fetched to believe that perhaps the Dark Lords had mapped her genetic makeup; she had undergone a very thorough medical examination after her near fatal encounter with Darth Prazutis. And based on what she had just heard from this Cyrus fellow, perhaps the information about who she was had been shared with him?

“How…would you even know if I was this ‘vahla’ yourself? Was this information given to you by someone?”

Now that she was getting a closer look at the man, she thought she saw similarities with herself: the silver streaked hair that was almost identical in hue and texture to hers, for example. Except that simply could have been age expressing itself upon this man.

His last statement, his questions, really sent the young woman for a mental spin, and she regarded the man with far more caution and suspicion. If he was a ‘vahla’...did they perhaps possess some sort of…connection with their own kind, to prompt such questions?

“...family.” Revna murmured. “I’ve always felt like I was missing a family.” Her gaze suddenly hardened, her golden-orange eyes turning to stone. “But that tends to happen when one lives a life of enslavement. But that no longer matters as I now have a family to call my own, that fills that void.”

Once upon a time, she would have been ashamed to admit such a fact about herself, but the Sith Empress, Lady Talon, had encouraged her to embrace it and not let it define her. To wear her scars with pride, for she had survived and come out stronger.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered on the rest of his words. Her curious nature was getting the better of her, as it usually did - as now she wanted to know more about what he was, and this goddess he mentioned.

“I am not convinced that I am this so-called ‘vahla’ that you say I am. If proof can be provided, that would change my mind. I am sure you can imagine how…shocking it is to have a stranger show up and tell you what you are. However…I am a curious creature.” Revna said after a moment, composing herself well as she turned and continued to walk down the hall, her posture suggestive that they should carry on with their walk and talk.

“...tell me more. I do enjoy hearing about other cultures. Helps to expand my personal knowledge.”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus stopped when she did, watching the shift of emotions across her face, her questions laced with accusation that he remained silent on, his eyebrow raising as she seemed to find her own answers the more she went on. He would not correct those thoughts. To do so would mean unveiling himself far too soon and she was clearly not ready.

One tiny step at a time.

"I did not mean to cause any offence by calling you child, while you are a grown woman, you still bear the ignorance of a child. That is not a fault of yours, Revna, it is a fault of those that failed you, that abandoned you to enslavement and the hardships you have endured, that you continue to endure."

He wanted to take her hand in his, to hold it in comfort and tell her that he didn't need DNA to know who and what she was. But the prickliness in which she had responded told her that that would have been a poor choice of action on his part. When she had composed herself and began walking again, he once more fell in step beside her, his hands clasped at his back.

"I can do much more than tell you about your…" he paused, correcting himself "about our culture. The Ember of Vahl resides with this very station. It is our religion dedicated to the Goddess Vahl, she who embodies the destructive power in the dark side of the force." There was no doubt of his devotion, his tone was almost like that of a man talking about a woman he loved.

"I can take you to the temple, if you like?"

Revna

 

[Revna]

Revna noted that he did not respond or answer to her probing question into why he just might know about who or what she was, and his raised eyebrow at her question on if the information had perhaps been given to him, seemed to be the only answer she would get for now.

Her irritation at being referred to as a child disappeared as Cyrus explained that he meant no offense, and she couldn’t argue against his point that she did harbor a child’s ignorance with certain matters, and she became momentarily pensive as his words fell over her.

“Hardships shape us as Sith, and they are necessary though certainly not enjoyable. No doubt, I will continue to endure them for as long as I draw breath. Yes I was failed, but I have also failed in areas of my life. Part of why I’m a captive right now.” she said with a sardonic smirk, as her thoughts turned inward. Yes, she’d been up against some impossible odds…but she still failed her Master. She failed all those people who relied on her for safety.

Their dying screams and the scent of their blood would forever haunt her - but it only served to fuel her hatred for all those who had put her through that nightmare. She would have her vengeance…one day.

They continued to walk, and just as Revna hoped, the man was more than happy to share more about his culture with her, noting his pause to correct himself, before he divulged further. She’d never heard of the Vahla before, but that did not surprise her; the galaxy was a big place and there was so much to learn, more than what any one person could learn in their lifetime.

So far, what she heard very much intrigued her. A smile touched her face as he mentioned this goddess. “I take it the name ‘vahla’ was inspired after this goddess of yours?” the small woman inquired with a raised eyebrow, noting as well the fact that this man clearly felt strongly for this religion, this goddess, of his.

It reminded Revna of just how strongly she felt towards the Dark side itself, and by extension, towards her High Priest.

“Intriguing that she symbolizes an aspect of the Dark Side. Honestly, I am surprised that you and your people are even allowed to practice your religion here. I’ve heard rumors that the Kainites revere and worship Lord Carnifex as their god. I know they even pray to him. I am surprised that it's not the same for you and your folk. Unless…you do?” She inquired of Cyrus with a glance towards him and an arched eyebrow.

When he mentioned that he could bring her to the temple dedicated to this this religion of his, she hesitated and fell silent for a few steps, staring out ahead of her to the vastness that was the hall. After a few heartbeats, she gave him her answer.

“Sorry for the hesitation, I…I am wary about going into other places that are dedicated to the worship of something else. But I suppose it can’t hurt. I am very much curious about your culture and this religion of yours - and anything involving the Dark side is of keen interest to me.”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cryus had to smile at the wisdom, to all she had learned since he'd sold Elara into slavery, till he'd set her upon the path of suffering so that she could become the creature of power that she was steadily growing into. There was still more to be done, but when all was said and done she would make a perfect Chosen.

He chuckled. "You are correct, we take our name from the goddess. But you are wrong that we are Kainites. The Ember of Vahl, our religious sect has its headquarters here and while Lord Carnifex holds influence over us, we are largely independent of his Kainite rule. Coexisting, you might say. Our loyalty and our devotion is and always will be to the Goddess Vahl."

He watched her closely from the corner of his eye as she fell silent, almost apprehensive as she seemed to weigh up the dangers of agreeing. She truly was just as beautiful as her mother. He could not help the wide smile that spread across his face at her answer.

"I promise that I have no intention of converting you, Revna, I simply want you to see where you come from. Our people are spread throughout the galaxy, searching for our lost homeworld, most are members of the Ember of Vahl, though all are expected to follow our rule."

Revna

 

[Revna]

The more she heard, the further intrigued she became. She had assumed these vahla were Kainites as well, but it was made clear fairly quickly that this wasn’t the case. Perhaps some were, but Cyrus explained that while they were under Carnifex’s rule and his influence, their loyalty remained steadfast to their religion, and to their goddess.

Now that was something Revna could understand. Even while being held prisoner by the Kainites, she still held fast to her devotion to the Order of Wonosa, and to her High Priest. Nothing would ever take that from her, of that she was certain.

“You have my respect for you and your people for remaining loyal and true to your ways and your beliefs. It…is challenging, to hold onto what one believes when surrounded by others that don’t see things the way you do.” Revna said quietly, a hint to her own struggles and the fact that she believed or followed something different than the rest of the Kainate.

They continued onward for a little bit longer, and Revna could sense him looking at her though she continued to look ahead. Much to her relief, Cyrus assured her that he had no intention of ‘converting’ her, though she caught his words when he stated that he wanted her to see where she had come from. This time though she chose not to correct or rebuke it. Truthfully, she didn’t know much about her past or her heritage, beyond what she thought or was told by her mother as a child. Revna supposed it was possible that she indeed was a vahla herself, though the odds that were almost astronomical, considering what this Cyrus had to say about his people and them being scattered across the galaxy. They didn’t seem as numerous as humans or other races.

His last statement, however, really caught her attention and she turned her head to gaze at him.

“And if I am indeed a ‘vahla’ as you seem to believe that I am, would I be expected to follow the rule of your people? Even if I believed something different from you and the rest of your kind?”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus's truthful answer to her question was far more complex. He wanted to tell her that she could be more the following the rule, she'd be leading it. As a Chosen of Vahl she would have command over them, but that was too much, too soon. His forehead reased with a frown as he made a deliberate show of contemplating his answer.

"Your circumsatnces are unique, Revna. I think for you to be required to follow our rule would need more than simple confirmation of your heritage. Especially if your beliefs are held elsewhere. It would require acceptance…and perhaps belief of your belonging."

He stopped, taking her hands in his for a moment. "I give you my word, that I have no intention of forcing any of these things. you have lived your own life, formed beliefs based on those who have guided you. to forcibly strip that from you would be a dishnour to them and the woman you have become." He gave her hands a squeeze before releasing them as they continued towards a turbolift that would take them deeper into the Malsheem.

"There's an added bonus to being inside the temple," he told her as they stepped inside, the blackgaurd flanking them. "Our shadows will not be able to enter." he winked at her.

Revna

 

[Revna]

Well, he was certainly right in that regard; her circumstances were rather unique.

She dipped her chin slightly as she listened, her hands clasped loosely behind her as they walked at a leisurely pace. Cyrus seemed to indicate that there would need to be a change on her part, if she was to be required to follow any of the rules that governed the vahla as a whole. The Disciple pondered his statements, the earlier fiery behavior she had exhibited all but gone now. The small Sith appeared to be more…thoughtful, curious, and perhaps even a bit somber.

Revna was pulled from her thoughts when a warm and large hand captured hers and she froze in place, stiffening slightly as she stared at his hands before looking up at him, the wary glint back in her eyes. But - she did not pull away from him. Whether that was because she didn’t want to, or didn’t want to risk the wrath of a Sith Lord, wasn’t entirely certain in the moment.

He gave her his word, however, that he would not force any of his rules upon her, or forcing any of the vahla ways or beliefs upon her either. He seemed so assured that she was a vahla, like him, that it really began to make her question it herself.

Was it possible? Was she more than just a human?

She suddenly wanted to know the truth; she wanted to know if this truly was her heritage, her…inheritance. So much had been kept secret from her throughout her young life, so much taken away that truthfully, she couldn’t say one way or the other.

He released her hands, and Revna bowed her head in acceptance of his words, before they continued onward toward a turbolift, shadowed by the ever present Blackguard. When she heard that they would not be allowed within the temple he was taking her to, she offered a small and devious smile.

After a few more moments of silence, Revna turned her head to look at Cyrus, her expression briefly vulnerable and open.

“...is there a way for me to find out if I indeed have vahla blood in my veins? You seem very sure that I do, but I can’t just accept your word as proof. I want to see proof of it for myself. To know for certain. My mother…she was a human, of that I know. I even know her lineage, that she came from the noble House of Marr. Maybe…maybe this will help me somehow find out if my father still lives. Because if I am indeed half vahla, then that would mean that he himself is a pureblood. And perhaps I can use this knowledge to help me track down my father. Or at least, learn what became of him.”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus looked thoughtful for a moment. There would be no reason to not have a DNA test, but to allow it so soon? To give her the ability to trace it to him. No, he couldn't allow such a thing to happen just yet. Things were too fresh while she was softening already, the fire relaxing in her haze to reveal the child beneath, he was not fool enough to believe he had her trust yet.

“Let me see what I can do, it may take some time convincing Carnifex to allow such a privilege but I am sure with the help of the Chosen I may be able to persuade him.”

That Elara was a Marr was news to him, she had been a Sharr when they had met, but it matterer little. It simply meant that Revna's blood had more power within it, beside that he had given her. The turbo lift slowed to a halt the doors hissing open to reveal what could only be described as a town within the Malsheem.

The space station held an entire civilization, but this one seemed to be seperate from the rest, a place for the Ember's of Vahl to live and worship. In the centre stood the temple. It was a simple building in the shape of a pyramid and flecked with gold a statue of Vahl set at its top. It stood elevated above the rest of the buildings around it. The steps up its entrance were laden with candles and incense; a few scattered Vahla sat upon them in quiet conversation of contemplation.

Cryus stopped at the base of the stairs, allowing Revna a moment to take it in, and to take the lead. If she wanted this, she would need to take the first steps herself.

Revna

 

[Revna]

Revna waited in patient silence while Cyrus seemed to contemplate her question, and his response was one that slightly disappointed her, but she let it pass swiftly as she understood that her request might be more complex than what it seemed.

“Well…Lord Carnifex is a sort of… mentor for me right now. I meet with him almost daily for training and other lessons. I could perhaps broach the subject with him too. I do not fear him, and I have no qualms about stating what is on my mind with him. However, if you think that I should refrain from speaking to him about it and let you do it, then I will follow that.”

The lift they rode on came to a stop and they disembarked, along with the Blackguard that shadowed them. What lay before Revna was a sight to behold: an entire collection of people, separated from the rest of the Malsheem as if to show its distinction, surrounding a raised pyramidal temple with the carving of a figure at its peak. It was quite beautiful to behold, she silently thought to herself before memories of her past in the Formos Cathedral swam before her eyes. It took her a few moments before she could blink the memories away and continue onward with Cyrus beside her.

The young Sith took in all the sights around her, and the more she looked the more she was reminded of her home. A sadness bloomed in her chest, wondering what had become of the Formos Dresuoti, of her beloved Cathedral. They had been under siege when she’d left, just prior to her capture. She didn’t hold out much hope that the place had been spared, but part of her hoped it had been.

Revna quietly pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind to focus on the present as they neared the temple. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that the figure atop the structure was carved in the shape of a womanly figure, and she marveled at the expert craftsmanship that went into the carving.

“...wow.” she breathed, her voice echoing the awe she felt, as they neared the steps and she gazed more fully upon the temple itself. Her ember eyes flickered briefly towards the other individuals who sat on the steps either alone or with others, and her presence was noticed by a few of them.

But there was something else within the temple that she felt, that she recognized - even within the great expanse of the Malsheem itself and the potent energy that filled it.

The Dark Side.

It drew her in like a moth to flame, and it was a whispery call she could never ignore. She did find it intriguing that the vahla would call it a goddess and worship it as such. It just made the Dark side so much more mysterious to her, that it knew of these people and their beliefs - yet it let them continue with it.

Perhaps how one chose to worship or revere the Dark side didn’t matter…so long as due reverence was rendered.

“I feel it…I could never mistake that presence.” she murmured as she took one step, then another, led onward as if by a tether.

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus was quiet, watching Revna's reaction carefully a dark smile curling at his lips as she ascended the steps. He had dreamt of this moment a thousand times, picturing what her face would have been like as she found her way home. The touch of sadness did not go unnoticed, Cyrus knew well enough of the cult into which Darth Strosius had drawn her. Perhaps he would do some digging to find out their fate for her.

Yet another way to earn her trust.

For now, he kept a pace or two behind her, quietly touching the shoulders or hands of those who lifted their heads to greet him, though his attention never swayed from his daughter. The doors to the temple lay open, the heady smell of incense wafting from within. Carsunum, a more refined version of spice among it, gently, Cyrus caught Revna's elbow pausing her just before the door.

"I should warn you, the incense within is mixed with spice. It will do little more than open your mind further to the dark side and those around you. The first time can be a little overwhelming and may even make you feel nauseous, but it brings us closer together, as a people and to Vahl."

He gave a small smile. "Do you still wish to continue?"

Revna

 

[Revna]

Revna was drawn in closer and closer towards the wide open doors of the temple, the pull of the dark presence beyond something that was almost irresistible to her. A faint scent of incense had just reached her nose when she felt a light grip on her elbow pulling her to a stop. She turned her gaze back towards Cyrus, a curious frown on her face as she wondered why he had stopped her…until he gave her the warning that the incense beyond was also laced with spice.

She hesitated, an expression of unease coming over her face as she looked back at the temple doors.

“I’ve…never partaken in spice before. Diluted or otherwise. At least, not from what I can remember.” She murmured, her uncertainty clear in her voice as she eyed the structure and the darkness beyond.

For a few long moments, Revna was silent as she weighed the choice before her. If she continued forward…then she was willingly putting herself in a position where she could become intoxicated by the spice, even if it was diluted. If she chose not to go forward, then she could miss out on an experience or a chance to draw closer to the Dark side in a different way than she normally chose to.

“What do you mean exactly by that? Open my mind to others around me? Opening myself to the Dark does not concern me and I am more than willing to do that, but it is the other variables that make me wary. I want to know what I can expect.”

Cyrus Thorin ​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus gave her a reassuring smile, releasing his hold on her elbow. Despite everything she had been through, she was still so innocent...so naive to the world around her. It could have gone the other way, with all he had abandoned her to suffer she could have become far wiser. That Alisteri Haxim was the one to find her and blind her views with his cult was truly a blessing in disguise.

"Spice grants a telepathic boost. You will likely feel the emotions of those around you, much like an empath would and surface thoughts will be readable without effort, which goes both ways. There is nothing to fear though, Revna. These are good people, whatever your thoughts or feelings are, they will be safeguarded."

His face became serious for a moment. "I understand I am asking for a great deal of trust from you during our first meeting. It is possible to shield yourself from the effects, the same as you would close your mind off in any day-to-day situation to prevent a telepath from reading you. It just requires a great deal more effort under the effect of spice. Particularly this variant. I'd be happy to teach you?"

Revna

 

[Revna]

She regarded Cyrus in silence for a moment, her face a mask to conceal what might be going on in her head as she listened to his words regarding what the spice would do to her, and for her. Truthfully, what he said it would do for her she already could do or experience even without the drug, but she didn’t indicate that this was the case. He may have been friendly towards her since his arrival upon her doorstep, but he was still a Sith. And Revna was wise enough to know that no one who considered themselves a Sith could be trusted, especially as he said she would have nothing to fear from others within the temple, and that her thoughts and feelings would be safeguarded within.

She really didn’t want her traitorous thoughts to be exposed in this manner, or the plans she was making with others outside the walls of the Malsheem to come to light. She had to assume that Cyrus was loyal to Darth Carnifex, and while she knew it was highly likely that the Dark Lord already knew of her plans…she didn’t want to risk being ratted out in case he didn’t know.

And as if sensing this issue, Cyrus mentioned that he was aware of how much he was asking of her, how much he was asking for her trust. To offset that, and perhaps to lower her guard a little bit, he offered to teach her how to guard her mind against the effects of the spice.

The young woman weighed back and forth on the offer for a moment, before deciding on a rather risky option. She technically had already been trained on how to shield her mind from telepaths, and this could prove to be an excellent challenge for her to truly test her abilities and her skills and her strength of will.

Revna offered the man a genial smile. “I appreciate the offer, my Lord. But I don’t think it will be necessary. Just being aware of what I can expect should help me go into this a bit more…prepared.”

Her gaze traveled back to the open temple doors that silently beckoned her to step within. “I would like to experience this. I don’t think my curious soul would let me walk away from this anyway.”

Cyrus Thorin​

 

[Cyrus Thorin]

Cyrus visibly relaxed, his shoulder dropping with relief as tension rolled away from him. It wasn't pertinent that Revna enters the temple today, tomorrow or even in a month, gaining her trust was the first goal. That he had gotten this far with her was a testament to her curiosity than his skill. Yet he could not help smiling widely when she finally decided to enter. He would have been disappointed had she chosen otherwise, understanding, but disappointed all the same.

He took a risk, showing such emotion, but he hoped that she would take it as a simple man eager to share his world rather than a Sith trying to manipulate her every move. He gave a sweeping gesture with his arm and a small bow. "After you then, Lady Revna."

The doors opened into a long wide chamber supported by vast marble pillars. The walls were painted with bright colours and gilded with gold, each section depicting a different part of their history, from their persecution from the Jedi of old to the fall of the One Sith and their scattering among the stars once more. The base of each pillar was laden with candles of various sizes and incense burners that cast a warm flickering light across the people within. some gathered in small groups talking in low voices or meditating together, others preferred to worship in isolation.

Doors were carved into the walls, leading off to various side chambers, some open and welcoming, others sealed shut. At the end of the main chamber, the greatest source of light burned, an altar bearing a large statue of Vahla, every inch of the dais she rested upon was covered in offerings. Some left coloured candles or lit incense, others left coins or small trinkets of meaning to them. A great bronze bowl rested at Vahla's feet, a bright fire burning within it.

Revna

 

[Revna]

The man seemed…visibly relieved that Revna had chosen to enter the temple with him, instead of backing out at the last minute. She supposed she could understand that relief; he’d brought her all the way over here, and it might have been a bit awkward if she’d chosen not to go within.

She probably shouldn’t have made the decision to go inside with the knowledge that she’d be exposed to the effects of spice, but her curiosity wanted to be satisfied. Living the life of a Sith was full of risks as well as rewards - but one had to be courageous enough to take the risk in order to reap the benefits.

Besides, she had faced worse things before in gaining new insights. She could handle this.

Cyrus gave her a bow and gestured for her to continue forward, and Revna turned once more to face the entryway, took a deep breath, then stepped forward and over its threshold.

The cloying scent of the incense filled her senses and the shadows faded away to reveal a long and wide chamber held up by pillars made of beautifully sculpted marble, the walls brightly colored with golden accents that revealed images that drew Revna’s curiosity. Already, she could feel her senses starting to sharpen, her awareness starting to heighten and spread out further as she stepped further into the Temple of Vahl. The sights that greeted her immediately drew her in, her awe evident and clear upon her face and her eyes as she drank in everything she saw. Her gaze flickered over the rest of what was around her, and she saw people in groups or alone, praying or meditating and simply existing within a space that allowed them to worship as they pleased. Revna also saw doors along either side of the chamber, some open and some closed and all of these eventually drew her gaze to the centerpiece of the entire temple:

The altar, with its statue carved in the likeness of their goddess.

Revna turned her gaze back to Cyrus, and it was easy to see the wonder upon her face, shadowed by pain. The temple reminded her of the Cathedral on Formos, a place she had lived in and served in and knew was now destroyed.

“These images on the walls…I know they tell a story. Can you tell me about them?” She asked him in a soft voice so as not to disturb the others within. “This place…reminds me of the Cathedral I lived and served in. But…it’s gone now.”

Cyrus Thorin ​