Private The Call of Korriban

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander inhaled deeply; the dry breeze caressed his exposed skin as he continued to press forward. He could sense it— the beckoning pull of darkness that had been whispering to him for months now. This was far from an ordinary journey; it was a pilgrimage of sorts, fueled by something he was still trying to grasp more fully. From what he gathered so far, this place was a stark contrast to the more serene landscapes of Naboo. Now, he was completely alone, shrouded in a deep brown robe; while it was meant to shield him from others, it only managed to draw curious gazes with every single turn he made.

A small datapad flickered to life as he glanced down, the screen displaying the directions he needed for the Kor’ethyr Academy– the very place he desired to find. While being excited at the prospect of discovering sometime new, anxiety still swirled within him. The Padawan was stepping into Sith territory for the first time ever.

A shiver ran down his spine as shadows of the past begin closing in; Lysander had heard countless stories about the Sith’s dark and evil ambitions back at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. While past teachers saw the dark side as dangerous and corrupted, he found himself torn. Still, the allure was strong enough to make him finally explore the one thing he’d been always been taught to fear. Was it actually evil, or just a different kind of power?

Even with feigned confidence, he couldn't help but feel vulnerable underneath the hood that masked his youthful features. The weight of the decision to arrive here and its potential risks pressed heavily on his shoulders. However, he was determined to find clarity here, to hopefully discover his true purpose.

With each step towards the academy, he could feel the eyes of other students lingering on him. It was as unsettling as the growing whispers still echoed in his mind. Even now, the boy held his head high. For as long as he could remember, Lysander had always prided himself on the ability to control any confusion or disarray around him. But here, surrounded by the powerful essence of the Sith, it was slowly becoming a hard pill to swallow.

Finally, he arrived at the front desk area. When it was his turn, he stepped forward and looked up at the irritated looking Hutt woman, before eventually drawing the strength to inquire about the entire admission process. "You need a sponsor," she hissed. The boy's heart dropped; the thought had never crossed his mind. It made him feel foolish. The credits required for the studies were well within his reach, but finding a sponsor sounded like an impossible task.

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

During her time on Korriban, Revna had grown increasingly fond of Kor’ethyr Academy. She found it a joy to see the progress of the students that traversed its many halls and learned within its many ever changing chambers. Two students she had been keeping an eye on had been joined by a third, and last she had heard they were to undergo a special Trial - and she had offered a prayer to Bogan that they would be guided to success in their endeavors. But even though these three students had captured her attention, she still liked to scope out others that showed promise.

Maybe, one day, she could find someone who would be worthy apprentice material. Granted, she needed to move beyond her own status as a Sith Apprentice - but she had a feeling she would be completing her Knighting trials either before or not long after she ascended to become Queen of Korriban, something she felt she was near ready to undertake. Of course, there was much yet for her to learn but for a Sith - the process of learning was something that continued throughout their journey into the mysteries of the Force.

Revna’s presence within the halls of the Academy had become a bit more commonplace, and rumors had begun to spread that she had gained a place of favor with the Sith King, though no one truly knew that their future queen tread the halls and watched them with careful consideration. She was keeping it that way for now too - at least until her and King’s little secret could be made public.

Today, Revna found herself making her way towards the grand entrance of the Academy - where prospective future students could come to be enrolled, or where sponsors could come and stake a claim on a student. She wore her Sith robes, as she always did - though today hers were a bit finer, and bore the colors of the noble House of Marr - gold and red stitching. She rarely flaunted her connection to nobility, and whenever she did she tried to keep it as tame as possible. But with her future status set to climb higher than she ever thought possible, she figured she should start getting used to wearing finer things - as much as she hated it.

Of course, never apart from her, was her necklace that bore the ashes of her late Master and carried His powerful aura - as well as the fitted black gloves around her hands, the only means of safety to stop her from utterly destroying those she touched.

Around her waist was her dark leather utility belt, which held a lightsaber hilt; her hair was worn long this time - silvery black hair left to flow like blackened mist down her shoulders. She wasn’t tall, but her presence carried the subtle weight of power, and she appeared sure of herself. Not arrogant or prideful, but aware of what she was.

The Zeyd-cloth robes rustled about her softly as her boots made dull clicking sounds upon the stone floor as she made her approach through the entryway. Her burning eyes flickered over the various different people that were speaking to the unnerving Hutt woman who handled the registrations, and for a moment her gaze settled upon a boy, a teenager, who was asking about the process for admission.

Revna came to a sudden halt as she turned her full attention to the scene playing out before her, and her head tilted to one side as her eyes narrowed slightly. He…stood out to her, like a white stone in a field of black sand. A small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she watched and listened to the exchange play out. The cranky Hutt woman hissed at him that he needed a sponsor, and the boy seemed to deflate a little bit.

He was alone - and if her insights into what he was, was true - then it didn’t surprise her that he had found his way here without a guardian. She weighed her options, waiting a little bit longer to see what the boy would do and when he did nothing to suggest he had a sponsor, the Sith woman took a breath and stepped forward, making sure her presence was known as she settled her burning eyes upon him.

“I may know someone might be willing to sponsor you, but I have some questions for you first.” She said to him, the small smile still playing across her face. “Come, and let us speak together, young man.” She said further as she stepped away from the reception desk, indicating that he should follow her lead.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

As Lysander stood in silence, both doubt and dread played on his face. Seconds later, he stepped back so that the line could continue flowing. Disappointment settled in his stomach, and despair began threatening to wash over him, until a voice cut through the air like a vibroblade– a woman’s voice, one much smoother than that of the Hutt woman who had been barking orders.

“Come, and let us speak together, young man.”

Instinctively, the boy meticulously studied the Sith woman before him. His brows knitted together slightly; it wasn't meant to be disrespectful; rather, it was the curiosity of looking at someone unfamiliar. She easily stood out from the drab browns and whites typically worn by Jedi. His older sister had instilled in him a keen eye for fashion, and though black wasn’t a color he found himself wearing often, he would still offer a subtle nod in approval. The corners of his mouth curled upward, hinting that he understood elegance.

Still, it wasn’t physical appearance that drew him in, but the confidence exuding from the Sith, which quickly reminded him of the halls of court back on Ukatis. Having grown up amidst the whispers of loyalty and deceit, he could easily spot royalty not just in garb, but also in one's demeanor as well. Any feelings of nostalgia that briefly stirred were brushed aside.

Despite her short stature, the intensity in her gaze spoke of primal strength and determination. In truth, they pierced right through the boy, leaving him exposed. It was one of the first times a smile that should have been seen as inviting, left him unsure. The warnings of her kind echoed in his mind, fueling more doubt. But with each moment of hesitation, Lysander could begin feeling the thrill of danger that he so often sought. Now he was caught between intrigue and fear.

Finally, he surrendered and fell in step beside the woman. For a heartbeat, he chose silence, until eventually pushing back the hood of his cloak; blonde hair began to fall forward. He brushed back several strands from his forehead. Inhaling deeply, Lysander gathered his racing thoughts and attempting to find inner peace. His gaze then shifted to the woman. "Thank you.”

He was well aware how revealing too much too soon could be dangerous, but rather than allowing desperation to work against him, he would simply be forced to take another big step into the unknown. "I don't mind covering the cost of sponsorship, if needed" he continued, his voice finally becoming steadier. “I’m more than capable of making it happen." The Padawan paused momentarily. "I just need a chance. There's something within me.. something powerful.. that I haven't been able to quite grasp. But most importantly.. I want to truly understand myself."

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

Revna did not appear to look bothered when the boy seemed to look her over, taking in her appearance, studying her. It was something that, as a Sith, she was used to, and she let him do so without correction for the behavior. Still, her gaze never wavered from him, though she was aware of all the others that were around them, watching the situation unfold with curious eyes. He was uneasy, she could sense that, though that was mixed in with other emotions that seemed to drive him forward.

Finally, it appeared that his curiosity and intrigue won the battle over his fear and doubt, and he stepped up beside her. Her smile widened briefly, before she began to guide him away from the others and towards a lounge area where they would be able to speak more one on one. She had a chance to study him a bit more closely, especially as he lowered his hood to reveal a face framed by pale blond locks of hair. After a few moments of silence, the boy seemed to compose himself before he glanced over at her.

“Thank you.” he said, and Revna simply glanced at him to acknowledge the statement.

After a few more steps, he added further that the cost of sponsorship wouldn’t be an issue for him, and that gave her a bit more insight into what sort of background he came from. He stated he just needed a chance, and then said something further that really caught her interest.

"- There's something within me.. something powerful.. that I haven't been able to quite grasp. But most importantly.. I want to truly understand myself."

Revna said nothing as she finally guided him to the lounge, her ember eyes sweeping its interior before recognizing that it was truly empty and they could speak alone. More for his sake than for hers.

She took a seat on one of the cushioned chairs and gestured that he could sit in one beside her, and she crossed one leg over the other as she slipped her hands inside the sleeves of her robes and rested them across her midsection. She studied him for a few longer moments in silence, her expression studious as her fiery gaze continued to pierce through him, as if burning away the layers.

When she spoke, it was with a soft voice. “You stand out like a white stone in a sea of black sand here.” Her gaze narrowed slightly then. “Hmm. No…that is not true. You are more of a gray colored stone. I sense that perhaps your light is colored by a touch of shadow… That is what brought you here, isn’t it…Jedi?”

She let that hang for a moment. “Kor’ethyr is a Sith academy…I do hope you understand that? If you enroll yourself, you will be surrounded by Sith…from acolyte to Lord, and beyond. This place is steeped in the Dark side, there will be no escaping it. It is no walk in the park here; you will be tested and tried, pushed to your limits and beyond them. Challenged. But…should you succeed, you will come to understand yourself more. And perhaps, you just might begin to understand what that power is within you, that you can’t quite grasp yet.” She gave him a small half smile that was almost playful, before her expression returned to a more serious one.

“But this is your choice. If you decide this was an …unwise decision on your part, then you can leave safely. But, if you choose to stay…then I will be your sponsor, and as such you will fall under my care during your stay at the Academy. What say you, young man?”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander followed her into the lounge, the echoing of the barking Hutt and other students beginning to fade away. Despite the woman’s elegant composure, the Padawan could feel the sense of unease returning, coiling around him like a serpent. He cautiously took a seat beside her, his senses studying her every move. At first, a nonchalant shrug was offered as if trying to dismiss her observation. "I'm well aware that I stand out. Each and every person I passed on my way here made that rather clear."

Leaning back and crossing both arms over his chest, he attempted to appear unbothered, though it didn't prevent a knot from tightening in his stomach. Her stare burned away any chance of maintaining his bravado, a tactic he'd become almost too comfortable relying on since leaving his home world. Sitting there made him feel self-conscious, a rare feeling for the boy, which caused him to shift slightly in the chair.

He’d read about the academy’s reputation, enough to be aware of potential dangers, but it wasn’t until he heard it from the Sith woman lips that it truly felt real. The tension increased; more than words on a datapad, it was a stern warning from someone who was a manifestation of the dark side itself.

For Lysander, challenges were more than just a test of skill; they were the flames that fed his soul, a reason he pushed himself each and every day in training. Now, both the risks and stakes seemed higher, and he couldn't deny that the thrill from it was intoxicating. He'd been around his share of fake camaraderie on the light side, so facing true enemies whose intentions were clear, didn't sound entirely bad at first thought. And having joined the academy on Coruscant at a later age, he was already used to being at a disadvantage, and the very thought only added to his determination.

In a moment of silence, he reminded himself of why he traveled all this way from Naboo. Yes, he had remained less than truthful about his destination, but the pull of understanding the depths of the Force was undeniable, even if it meant flirting with the temptations of the dark side. There was no denying that what he sought was laid before him with clarity.

“I accept your offer,” he murmured. Curiosity pulled at him. “It would be.. foolish to turn it down. But.. why did you offer it? What’s.. in it for you?”

Hesitation lingered in the air between them before finally deciding to introduce himself. He leaned slightly forward. “I’m.. well, I’m Lysander,” he said, meeting her sharp gaze once more. The boy refrained from offering a hand, as he was uncertain of the customs here on Korriban.

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

"I'm well aware that I stand out. Each and every person I passed on my way here made that rather clear."

Amusement glinted in Revna’s eyes for a moment as he retorted back as he took a seat beside her. She studied him as he leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms over his chest, attempting to appear unconcerned with being surrounded by Sith, even being seated next to one. But she could still sense the subtle coil of his anxiety as it trembled through the Force. Her direct stare made him shift in his seat, something she took note of but made no mention towards.

He was silent as she gave him her warning, and she could feel his tension increase. Her words had an impact on him; Good, she thought. Now I might get to see how deep his bravery goes, how hungry he is to learn more.

Silence reigned between them after Revna had said what she felt was necessary in the moment. She gave him time to ponder her statements, her warning, her offer. She watched him carefully, as a predator might with their prey…and patiently waited.

“I accept your offer. It would be.. foolish to turn it down.” he paused briefly, looking at her curiously for a moment, before adding - “But.. why did you offer it? What’s.. in it for you?” He was quiet for another few heartbeats, seeming hesitant for a moment, before he added: “I’m.. well, I’m Lysander.”

Revna smiled slightly at him; she was pleased to hear that he would accept her offer, and was happy to receive his name; it was better than having to refer to him as Jedi, anyway.

“Well met, Lysander. I am Revna Marr.” she responded, giving him her own name in return. “To answer your curious question…Hmm. Because it was an offer I chose to make, just like it was your choice to accept or deny it. As for what is in it for me? The chance to have an influence in someone else’s life, and watch them grow and learn who they are, and what they can achieve when not bound by limitations.”

She paused for a moment as she felt the near longing tug on her heart to teach another, to pass her knowledge on...to keep the legacy of her Master going forward. She weighed her thoughts for a moment, before she narrowed her gaze at him. “Besides being your sponsor, I can also teach you some things that I know on the side…if you’d like. Of course, you will learn much while you attend Kor’ethyr but…learning one on one with someone else I’ve always found to be a joy. Optional, of course.”

Revna uncrossed her legs and sat forward a little bit, still keeping her gaze upon him as she did so.

“You said you could pay for your tuition. I will not stop you if you wish to do so, however I am more than capable of providing for your tuition as well. Or, another option would be that you cover your tuition expenses, and I can front the cost of anything that might accrue separately…except for any fines. You will pay for those.” A gleam shone her eyes for a moment upon saying that; she didn’t exactly share in what way he would pay for any misdeeds. She figured he could learn that on his own, should it ever prove necessary.

“But, now it is my turn to be curious and ask questions. What brought you here to Korriban? How much training have you had thus far? Do you have a Master you left behind who might come looking for you?”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

His brow furrowed in contemplation as she offered a smile; while it felt genuine, something about it was also alien. Lysander had heard countless tales of her kind, all pointing at treachery and manipulation. Everything about them suggested hidden intentions. Still, it sparked something within; a tendril of warmth that seemed sincere, even with the whispers in his mind warning him to be careful. Inhaling a breath and shaking his head, he tried to brush away the unease clinging to him. “It’s nice to meet you, Revna.”

Reflection wasn’t needed when given the answer for her reason to sponsor him, though it did almost seem too simple. But then again, Lysander had a tendency to overthink, to dive into the complexities of just about anything when it may have actually been as straightforward as it sounded. Besides, he already made the choice to come here, had taken a leap into the unknown, and it was somewhere after all of that he could hopefully find the path to growth.

The idea of not having limitations almost sounded like a tease. In truth, no one had ever put it to him that way before; no teacher, no friend, had ever suggested that every wall could be torn down and built into something.. much stronger. Real freedom carried a certain allure, promising potential that he couldn’t fathom. It was that very reason that Revna’s words still echoed in his mind. Excitement kindled, easily surpassing everything else he had been feeling.

Lysander offered a small nod as Revna mentioned teaching him more. The gesture was subtle, yet it ignited a handful of memories to swirl in his mind's eye. He could hear his sister's laughter from their childhood back on Ukatis. He thought of Roman, too, who had become like an older brother. There was warmth in those memories, but the thought of revealing his truest desires always left him unsettled. The Padawan knew none of them would fully grasp what he was after; his ambitions would be seen as unorthodox and misunderstood completely. There was no doubt about that much. Navigating through those thoughts, there was only one figure that came forth with clarity: Danger Arceneau . Unlike the rest, the blonde believed he could be honest with her whenever the time came. His heart told him that in the tradeswoman's presence, he could shed any mask that would soon be worn. The boy further assured himself that she wouldn't use judgement like some kind of weapon; instead, he was confident she might offer wisdom and guidance on the decision being made here.

“There is so much I want to learn.. especially how to mask certain emotions, to allow others to read me only when I choose.”

His tone became firm. “I would still like to pay you, if possible. That's just how I was raised, and truthfully, I..hate receiving things for free.. I don’t like feeling as if I owe someone something. It just feels wrong.”

When Revna began to ask her own series of questions, a flurry of different feelings wash over him. “I’ve always been rather skeptical of the teachings with the light side," he confessed. "So much of it.. feels almost unnatural given how chaotic this galaxy truly is. And the first time I felt some of these emotions that the Jedi forbid, I decided to embrace them, and felt stronger, and more capable than I ever have.” The Padawan faltered for a moment. “But I don’t understand how to control them properly.” A long pause followed. “I started my journey as a Padawan later than most.” Instead of allowing his eyes to wander, he locked them onto the Sith woman's “My specialty is in lightsaber dueling and close combat.” A slight tilt of the chin followed. “That is a realm I’m very comfortable in”

He then reflected on Briana. “I do have a Master, but I’m positive that she isn’t going to find me. I lied about where I was going.. and I’ve covered all my bases to make sure I can not be found. When the time comes, I will find a way to address things with her.” The boy leaned back into the seat, trying to find comfort wherever he could. “What else should I know? I feel like there are some things you’re not telling me.”

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

The boy, Lysander, appeared thoughtful to what she had to say, and the more she spoke the more she could sense his growing excitement until it eclipsed his other emotions. That was what she wanted, to draw him in - speak to his curious nature, for she knew how effective such a thing was. She herself was a curious and hungry creature, and her own Master had learned how to ensure she was always taking a step forward onto her pathway, guiding her ever onward.

The blond boy nodded subtly at her offer of learning from her on the side, and though she didn’t reveal it - his acceptance of that excited her as well. To be able to teach another what she knew, what she had been taught by Darth Stroisus, made something within her come alive. It was a chance to pass on His teachings, His legacy, to another - even if in a small way.

“There is so much I want to learn.. especially how to mask certain emotions, to allow others to read me only when I choose.”

Revna could not help herself, and a grin crossed over her face. “That is something you can learn, certainly. One of my past mentors is the Lord of the Tsis’Kaar - Sith assassins, in essence. Learning to mask and hide one’s presence is a critical skill to have on hand for such Sith, and it is something I am experienced in. I can help you with that, in time.”

When the topic of payment came up, the boy’s voice became firm as he stated that he would rather pay her back as he hated receiving things for free. Once again, the shine of amusement lit up her fiery eyes. Something he would come to understand in time is that with the Sith, and the Dark Side, nothing came free. There is always a price to pay, for something. Of course, she didn’t tell him that. Learning this truth had been one of the most important lessons for her thus far, and it was something she had to learn through experience and the hard way.

“Yes, you will be paying me back - but what and how that will look like is something that I will decide in due time.” was her response to him on the matter before the conversation moved on.

The little woman listened with patient curiosity as Lysander began to answer the questions she asked him. She arched a black eyebrow slightly with his confession that he was somewhat skeptical of the light side, and she took note of that. It would be easier to break down the walls that had been built within him by his past Jedi teachings if he viewed such things with doubt already. She grew more intrigued the more he shared - that he had felt some of those emotions that the Jedi forbid their kind from truly embracing and he had felt stronger for it - but that he truthfully didn’t quite know how to control such emotions yet, not properly anyway. A small but knowing smile curled at the corners of her lips; she knew exactly what that was like. He paused for a long moment and she was content to let the silence linger for a few moments before she said her own piece on that topic - a point of possible connection, something he could identify with her on.

“I struggled with that too, in the beginning. Learning how to properly control those emotions that would overwhelm me. It is what drove me to break my chains of my enslavement and find a Sith Lord who would teach me how to better grasp and control them. He taught me how, and so much more. That is partially why I offered to teach you some things myself - having a mentor will help expand your horizons.”

She was certainly more intrigued by this young man, no doubt still a padawan within the Jedi Order. But there certainly was the makings of a Sith acolyte in him…and now that he had taken that first step, it was something that could become a reality.

Lysander continued, explaining that he had begun his journey as a padawan later than most others, and he boldly locked his gaze with hers as he said his speciality was in lightsaber dueling and close combat - a realm he admitted to being very comfortable in.

“Darth Thaliax will likely test you on that. He is the Academy’s Battlemaster. I am sure you will meet him due time.” She had seen and heard a handful of other acolytes who had made similar statements, only to watch them be utterly humiliated by the veteran warrior Sith Lord in short order. He had survived countless battles for a reason, and for an aged Sith Lord - that spoke volumes in and of itself. No doubt, if Lysander proved to be strong in such an area, Thaliax would certainly push him to become greater and better. To perfect those skills.

The boy confessed that he did indeed have a Jedi master, and he felt fairly positive that she wouldn’t find him on Korriban, for he had apparently lied about where he was going and covered his tracks in order to conceal his arrival on the Tomb World. Revna wasn’t too concerned about this, but in time she knew that he would have to confront that chain to his past, the very nature of the Dark side would demand it. Though she did find it intriguing, yet again, that this padawan would so willingly lie in order to conceal his whereabouts. He was off to a good start on his path to the Dark side, she mused to herself.

“What else should I know? I feel like there are some things you’re not telling me.”

Revna regarded him for a moment, before she smirked slightly at him in what could be taken as a sassy and playful manner. “If I shared all the things I’m not telling you, then we would be here for a long time indeed. But you are more than welcome to ask any lingering questions you may have. And when you are ready, we can begin the process of your enrollment.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander's gaze flickered over Revna with an intensity that matched her own. Still, there was another glimmer in her fiery stare, subtle changes that brought forth curiosity, but also confusion. He had spent a modest amount of time working on his ability to read people’s expressions, so that he could also understand their true intentions.

A sly smirk danced on the boy’s lips, crooked to one side. “Oh, I see,” he mused, his tone carrying notes of amusement. “What you really mean is you just need more time to determine how many credits I owe for the sponsorship, right?” The jest was modest, for he was always willing to push his luck; however, as soon as the words escaped his mouth, the Padawan began to think that perhaps this wasn't the best moment for one of the verbal spars he so often craved. Besides, Revna was not just any opponent. She was a Sith. “What was it like for you? Breaking free.. from those chains? Did it like..you know, hurt? I always feel like I’m floating between two different worlds, even if I know which path my heart truly yearns for.”

The boy fully understood he wasn't just preparing for a change in path; he was also embracing a journey of self discovery.

He desired the flame that occasionally flickered within his core to become a roaring fire.

Continuing to lean back in the seat, his arms would slowly uncross and fall to his lap. Oddly, hearing the name Darth Thaliax caused him instinctively to graze the outside of his deep brown cloak; his finger instantly found the curve of the lightsaber hilt. Their conversation managed to surprise him, feeling more genuine than he’d anticipated. Lysander wasn’t one to open up easily; trust was a luxury he considered forsaken most of the time. Images of Naboo flickered in his mind's eye, still leaving a small pang that was unsettling. Making the decision to arrive here hadn’t been easy.

The comment about the Sith Assassin’s earlier still lingered in his thoughts as well. If given the choice, he would avoid a life of having such a role. Yet here, in the presence of the Sith woman who was opening a door to many new possibilities, parts of it suddenly became alluring. The skill of masking his presence sounded invaluable, and he would need to master it to the best of his ability before he could those he left behind.

“Who is this Lord of the Tsis'Kaar?” the Padawan asked, his voice smooth. There was a strong pull towards wanting to understand more. Gratefulness unexpectedly bloomed within him, which at least felt better than all the moments of vulnerability that’d been gnawing at him. “And, um.. thank you,” he said sincerely, “for being willing to help me. It means a lot.”

His brow furrowed slightly; there were so many things he wanted to ask. “I’m ready to start the process of enrollment.. Unless there’s anything else you think I should know first.”

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

Perhaps surprisingly to Lysander, Revna smirked back at him with his jest, her eyes alight with her own amusement at his comments about how many credits he would owe for the sponsorship. She could sense his desire for some verbal banter as it showed through his sly smile, and though she appeared to be amused by his antics, she did not confirm nor deny his statement.

“What was it like for you? Breaking free.. from those chains? Did it like..you know, hurt? I always feel like I’m floating between two different worlds, even if I know which path my heart truly yearns for.”

Revna regarded Lysander for a few moments, the mirth in her eyes and the almost playful expression on her face shifted to one of introspection as she weighed his curious question and his honest statement about himself.

“It wasn’t painful in the physical sense, no. It was an exhilarating experience - I was a conduit for raw power that far surpassed my own understanding, and I was both in awe and horrified by the things I did in order to free myself from slavery. It was more painful in a mental and spiritual sense; the more I gave in and used those powers, the more my sanity was affected and the more fear I felt for that power, the Darkness. Then my Sith mentor helped me to face those fears, and showed me how to properly feel and wield that power…and that was the moment I experienced true freedom, and it was like a veil had been removed from my eyes.”

The Sith woman paused for a moment once more to look at the blond Padawan seated beside her. “You feel like you’re floating between two worlds, because you are - between the Light and the Dark. And you will continue to be pulled in both directions, until you choose one or the other. This will be a time of discovery for you, if you allow yourself to be open to those discoveries.”

As their conversation continued, Revna noticed the young man’s posture relax a bit more as his arms uncrossed and dropped into his lap. Though this further encouraged her and excited her, she did not reveal that to him, simply keeping those emotions to herself, or allowing some of it to slip through her tether to her King, so he could feel such things as well. No doubt, he would ask her about it later, and she could tell him about her experience and interaction with Lysander.

The boy’s curiosity revealed itself when he inquired about who the ‘Lord of the Tsis’Kaar’ was, and to that she could not hold back her smile. Sharing her knowledge with another was perhaps one of her greatest joys, and she had a chance to feed into that now.

“His name is Darth Malum of House Marr; he is also one of the Sith Emperor’s Dark Councilors, and the King of Alvaria and Eliad.” Malum had always fancied the titles and accolades and so she shared them all here too. Even if the thought of him sent her into a dark rage currently, she would still refer to him with some respect. “And he is now the Lord Inquisitor as well, due to some…political shifting within the Order. He is also a family member of mine, a cousin, though distantly related.”

Lysander then did something she wasn’t entirely expecting, though she nonetheless appreciated - he thanked her for being so willing to help him, and genuinely so. Revna dipped her chin in acknowledgement of his gratitude as he then declared that he was ready to proceed with his enrollment, unless there were some last minute things she felt he should know.

“Hmm…yes, actually. A bit of wisdom that might help you as you begin your journey down this pathway: you will face and feel emotions of every kind - fear, anger, elation…perhaps even hatred in due time. It will be tempting to let the power of the Dark side utterly consume you when you use those emotions to tap into it, especially in the very beginning of your training - but to do so is folly. You are the master of your emotions, not their slave. Now - ” She then rose to her feet, her dark robes falling about her with a soft whisper.

“Let us return to that decrepit old Hutt woman and get you enrolled and scheduled for your entry tests.”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander's expression softened a bit. Unlike some of the Jedi he bantered with, who displayed their morals like some kind of special honor, she at least seemed laid back. The Padawan found himself more intrigued; she also seemed free from the arrogance of being so self-righteous.

But when she expressed her view on freedom, there was an intensity to the woman's words that held his full attention. Without a doubt, there was a huge gap between their personal experiences-- she was a Sith with real power coursing through her veins; he, having been taught to be accustomed to restraint. Nevertheless, he tried to absorb every word that filled the space between them, dissecting the layers, and allowing them to seep into the depths of his mind. Her concept of liberty was far beyond anything he'd ever known or experienced.

The boy felt less vulnerable the next time he spoke “I’ve felt fear from power, too. I was mostly worried about.. not knowing what the consequences would be if I lose control.” Images of a recent trial on Naboo surged within. “There was one time where the anger almost consumed me entirely. I actually believed I was truly going to hurt someone,” he admitted while shaking his head. A faint smirk curled along his lips. “She’s also insanely annoying.. and probably would’ve deserved whatever was coming though.”

There was a pause while trying to think of the best way to convey the next message. “It’s hard to put into words, Revna. I’ve been drawn to the shadows for a while, but I feel like it could.. swallow me whole. But then every time I try to take a peek, the Light starts pulling me back. It’s made me feel like I’m stuck in a cage.” Lysander ran a hand through his hair. “It’s been impossible to explore this side, you know? My friends, even someone from my family, they’re all drawn by the Light. There’s only one Padawan I've discussed it with, but I know the rest would most likely just judge me harshly. It’s not easy to feel like I have to keep some kind of secret buried in me. For the past month, every time I close my eyes during meditation.. I can feel it pulling me.”

It was easy to note how the conversation simply flowed effortlessly; no doubt, it was actually refreshing compared to the lectures he regularly received for his antics within the Jedi enclaves. There were only a handful of people he could easily communicate with.

As Revna continued, his eyes widened in surprise at the many titles her cousin carried. “Darth Malum of House Marr, the Dark Councilor, King of Alvaria..” he murmured. A chuckle began to bubble in his throat, and he quickly placed a hand over his mouth. It was difficult to maintain his composure. “Wow.. it sounds like this Mr. Marr guy is pretty important or something.” Just after, it caused him to reflect on the political shifts within the Jedi Order. From his own perspective, year after year, it was always the same kriffing faces, never facing competition or even a challenge for their roles.

His thoughts churned at the different emotions mentioned that would be faced. Hatred was possibly the most intriguing of them, believing that he’d already experienced that one. "I also want to be the master of my own fate," he added.

The boy let out a heavy sigh at the mention of the Hutt woman, then stood tall. “To be honest,” he said, his defiance beginning to flicker, “I really didn’t like the way she was speaking to me earlier.” His tone became sharp like a vibroknife. ”Light or Dark.. I don’t care. It’s totally unacceptable.”

The Padawan inhaled a deep breath, attempting to ground himself, but the words he truly wished to say were already on the tip of his tongue. “If I didn’t want so desperately to join this academy,” he muttered, “I'd definitely have told her to go feth herself. Maybe she’ll actually be nice with you there?”

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania​

Slowly, the young man’s walls crumbled down before her, one by one. All she had done, all she was doing, was the very thing that her own Master, Darth Strosius , had done with her when she’d come searching and seeking answers - looking and desiring for someone to simply listen to her and be open and honest. Well, mostly so. At the time, when she sat in that building face to face with the High Priest for the first time, she didn’t realize that He might have kept some things from her, at His own discretion and wisdom.

But now that she sat across from Lysander, she found herself in a similar place as well - choosing carefully what to say to him, and when. All a careful plan in order to draw him further towards the Dark and away from the Light. And thus far, her efforts were paying off as he seemed to lose his uncertainty around her, and reveal a little more of his hidden desires and motivations…the small things that could be used to turn him from a Jedi padawan, to a Sith acolyte.

“I’ve felt fear from power, too. I was mostly worried about.. not knowing what the consequences would be if I lose control.” Lysander said, before sharing a sort of confession with her of a past incident that had taken place.

“There was one time where the anger almost consumed me entirely. I actually believed I was truly going to hurt someone,”

She watched him with her ever steady but piercing gaze, noting the way a faint smirk played over his lips as he continued. “She’s also insanely annoying.. and probably would’ve deserved whatever was coming though.”

It was this comment that revealed a bit more about the boy and his personality to her, and she had a sneaking suspicion that he might be one to find himself tangled up in disputes with others. It wasn’t something that bothered her, as no matter how hard the Academy pushed their students to work together in unity, there was always going to be contention and strife and conflict between young and hot blooded Sith who had the urge to prove themselves before their peers. She would need to cautiously warn him to be wise about the fights he chose to pick with others, but she wouldn’t steer him away from such a thing. But that was a topic she could discuss with him at another point in time, and she remained quiet and listening as he said further to her that while he felt the pull towards the shadows, he often felt like it could swallow him whole. And every time he would try and take a taste, the Light would pull him back from that edge.

“It’s been impossible to explore this side, you know? My friends, even someone from my family, they’re all drawn by the Light. There’s only one Padawan I've discussed it with, but I know the rest would most likely just judge me harshly. It’s not easy to feel like I have to keep some kind of secret buried in me. For the past month, every time I close my eyes during meditation.. I can feel it pulling me.”

“You will have a harder time than some of the others that are here due to your connection to the Light, but do not let that discourage you. If anything, let that be a driving force for you to truly step into and embrace this new path before you. I will…be a guiding hand and voice where I am able to. You can explore this side freely now, without fear of judgment from others. You don’t have to hide your secret anymore, Lysander.”

Revna watched as amusement as the boy’s eyes widened with surprise at the many titles she listed for her dear cousin, and she took no offense when a chuckle bubbled up from his throat as he repeated them all, and commented that this ‘Mr. Marr guy’ sounded pretty important. And to that, she chuckled in response.

“He has a penchant for announcing the titles and accolades of everyone else…including himself.” she muttered with a small eyeroll. “But yes, one could say he is an important figure in the Sith Order. You may be able to laugh and jest about it and all his titles with me right now, but should you ever face him directly, do be sure to show due respect that is owed to a Dark Councilor. Besides the Emperor, his Councilors hold the greatest authority within our Order.” As much amusement as the situation brought her, she knew she needed to at least make sure the boy understood the seriousness of the title that her cousin held. She may not see eye to eye with Darth Malum currently, but that did not mean she could allow another to think they could get away with disrespect in the future. If Lysander chose to ignore her warning beyond this point, then whatever happened to him was on his own head.

"I also want to be the master of my own fate," Lysander said in response to her words of wisdom to him, and to this Revna simply smiled. He would come to master his own fate in time, and become the architect of his own destiny. He would be free to make himself into anything he wanted, for a Sith nothing was truly off limits.

He could even attempt to become Emperor, if he so chose to and had the desire for it. The possibilities were endless…but first he needed to truly turn and embrace the Dark side, so he could in turn use it to pursue all that he wanted to.

The boy rose to his feet when she did, and upon her mention of the Hutt woman, the boy straightened himself and a tone of defiance entered his voice. Revna regarded him with an arched eyebrow as she listened to the rather arrogant statement he made, saying that he hadn’t liked how the Hutt woman had spoken to him. That it was unacceptable. She continued to watch and listen as he took a deep breath, made some attempt at grounding himself, but ultimately allowed whatever words he wanted to say to get the better of him.

Revna barked out a laugh; not at him, but at the fact that he sounded like her. “You know, I once told a Dark Lord of the Sith to go feth himself. I was nearly burned to death for my defiance and disrespect. In time, you learn that some things that you want to say…are just not worth the hassle in the end. Though…you might be better off if you start learning that lesson now, instead of when you’re in deep chit like I was. Now come along, Acolyte. The next few hours are going to be tedious and a little bit boring, at least until you can undergo your entry trials. I am curious to see how well you do in those, and where you will be placed amongst your peers, or even what House you will be called to...”

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Revna

Lysander listened intently as Revna's laughter ricocheted around the lounge, his own bubble up to join with hers. It almost felt like a moment of camaraderie. Whatever it might have been, it was the last thing he imagined sensing on a Sith inhabited planet. Any uncertainty from earlier began to vanish. A faint smile fell across his lips, appreciating the way she allowed him to speak freely.

“It’s good to hear that I’m not the only one who’s got a thing for finding trouble. I mean.. what’s life without a little fun, right?" His voice carried a hint of playfulness. "Though, I do think I’ll try to avoid the whole.. nearly burned to death.. part. That sounds completely terrible, Revna.” An eyebrow raised. “Did you at least give the Dark Lord a proper ass beating for that nonsense?”

Even as the mirth faded, the warmth still lingered. "Now I'm curious.. how are disciplinary actions handled at the Kor'ethyr Academy?" He reflected upon his time on Coruscant, where rebellious acts were always met with ‘reminder' lessons— annoying tasks like scrubbing walls or assisting local communities in some of their efforts. If he were being honest, it was more like child labor.

As Lysander prepared to leave the lounge area, he cast a final glance at Revna. The corner of his mouth slowly curved upward into a grin. “And I’m pretty sure that Hutt lady isn’t a Sith Lord,” he said, “but I do understand what you’re trying to say regardless.” Perhaps there was truly a touch of wisdom weaved into the Sith woman’s message— a call to navigate this new journey with caution and not pass up any potential opportunities.

The title of Acolyte was bestowed upon him, a word that held both mystery and even a sense of belonging. It seemed to whisper secrets in his ear.

Heading back to the reception area, he couldn't help but have a multitude of questions surface in his mind. “What do these trials consist of?” The thrill of the unknown always stirred something within him.

The line moved quickly. Each step was beginning to feel like a small victory, an inch closer to his fate. Just as before with the Hutt woman, the tension in the air was palpable. This time however, their exchange carried more caution and respect--at least from his end. Eventually, he was handed a datapad. Lysander began to fill out the necessary information, his fingers dancing over the screen in excitement. Halfway through the process, he turned his head towards Revna, a thought he had pushed aside earlier now beginning to resurface. “You mentioned earlier that your cousin is a Dark Councilor. What exactly do you do here on Korriban, if you don’t mind me asking?”

 

[Revna]

Tag: Lysander von Ascania
​

“Right. A ‘little bit of fun’.” She responded back with a touch of sarcasm to the boy’s choice of words. “And yes, burning to death is not a fun or pleasant experience. I do not recommend it.”

She raised an eyebrow at the boy’s question on if she had at least given said Dark Lord a ‘proper ass beating’ for the situation, and she snorted again. “Pfft Bogan no. I got burned because I tried to ‘beat his ass’. I was not anywhere near strong enough to attempt such a thing at the time, and I paid dearly for my recklessness.” Her eyes gleamed a bit as she smirked at him. “But that will change in due time. So long as I continue to live, that is.”

She was quiet as Lysander asked how disciplinary actions were handled in Kor’ethyr, and she offered him another one of her smirks. “Don’t get in trouble and you won’t find out. But, I suppose the general idea is…don’t get caught, and you won’t have to deal with disciplinary action. Beyond that…” she chewed her lip for a moment, tilting her head to one side as a cunning gleam shined in her eyes. “Being here is…dangerous. You may never receive ‘disciplinary action’ - because you were killed due to your own foolishness. Something to keep in mind.”

Revna guided the young man from the chamber she had brought him into earlier and back to the front and into the line of others. As they waited for their turn, the boy asked her what the trials might consisted of and the little woman glanced at him.

“I am not entirely sure; I know there is a M Count test to ensure Force sensitivity and how predisposed you are for it. There are other general tests to see what all you know with basic Force applications, basic combat, so on and so forth. If you had come from a predominantly Sith background, then you might be placed in a higher rank than First Year or Initiate. But, again, I am not too certain about that.” Her answer might have been a bit disappointing as she couldn't provide more in depth answers, but she knew he'd figure it out for himself sooner rather than later.

When it was his turn to face the Hutt again, Revna was there beside him to ensure it was understood that he had a sponsor for his time at the Academy. She watched his interactions with the Hutt, and noticed that he was at least more respectful and didn’t give in to the desire to rip the registrar a new one. Once he was handed a datapad, the real work began of filling out all the necessary information he would need to provide the Academy. For the most part, Revna did not interrupt or distract him from the task at hand - the sooner they got it done, the sooner they could move on with what came next.

Eventually however, it was Lysander that broke the silence, his curiosity evident in the way he glanced at her.

“You mentioned earlier that your cousin is a Dark Councilor. What exactly do you do here in Korriban, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Per usual, Revna was quiet for a few moments, perhaps longer than she had been before. The answer to his question was truthfully very complicated, but also rather simple at the same time, and she wanted to find the best way of feeding his curiosity enough so as not to reveal the truth of her place and status on Korriban - at least, not yet.

“What do I do here? Hmm… suppose the easiest answer to that is that I serve the King, Darth Caedes. That and I live here, too.”