Private The Steak Dinner

[Alina Tremiru]

Alina kicked open the door.

Gently, this time. With her hands full of various cookery supplies she used her foot to push the door open. Perhaps a little kick, but, the door wasn't broken this time. The house guard knew she was here, sent word ahead, and for better or worse she was allowed in. So, she took some advantage of it. Without even addressing the owner she moved to the kitchen, setting down the several bundles of food and cookery before she pulled out some packages of meat.

Steak.

The Sangnir stared at the package for a little while, possibly too long considering how quiet she'd ben. But again, said nothing as she set it down and instead turned to flip on the stove and started to prepare the meat for searing. Right now she just wanted to cook. When she was done, she'd talk to Malum. Asides, she felt Quinn had far more to say than she did right now.

Quinn Varanin | Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

When he had received the news that she, she, Alina Tremiru was coming to the Palace, his first instinct had been to deny her, tell her to leave and go far, far away from this place. Yet, such thoughts left him quickly enough, when had she ever listened to him, and then... and then say she did not? He did not wish to clean the blood of his subjects off the palatial walls, seeping through the floorboards, just because he himself, did not want to interact with anyone from the outside world.

So instead he had done the actions familiar enough to him when Alina Tremiru was approaching his door, he dismissed his staff, told the Guard to take up positions at the outskirts of the Palace, and though new, had evacuated the infirmary, kitchens, and all other permanently staffed positions.

As he waited in his chambers, the wonders of modern medicine, all the injuries he had sustained, had been mostly tended to. He still walked with a limp, of all the injuries his foot had indeed been broken, and required more time to heal, yet, it was surprising, gazing into the mirror, how much he looked... well, like himself. A noble face, framed by long raven locks, an aquiline nose, thin neutral lips, and the red eyes which those of his House were all so well known for, ever shining like rubies.

Yet, the non-physical ailments had hardly healed.

His eyes flashing gold seemed to just be a mocking reminder of that. Yet, as a ping was heard by his ear, he knew, he hardly had much more time to avoid this. Sword on his back, armoured as ever, pressing the replica mask back atop his face, he limped towards the entrance, only to pause, and begin limping towards the kitchens. Updates fluttered over his mind, apparently, Alina held with her cooking supplies, and the items to cook... and neither was she alone...

...There was another reason why he had not rejected her coming. Despite the knowledge that this could end in a fight that he was hardly prepared for, something had told him, that was not going to happen. Instead... he was inviting into his home, one that might, in their past, in their own way, had loved Ali- Darth Stros- Ali, as much as he had. In some cases, that might have meant she was here to kill him, yet... as he reached the outskirts of the kitchen, as he took a deep breath into his lungs, and as he held his legs in a forced position, attempting to hide the limp.

He pressed forward.

And confirmed all which had been seen, there indeed was Alina Tremiru, with cooking supplies and cooking tools. It was a sight that was not impossible by any means... but it was a sight rare to him, entirely.

"Needed a bigger kitchen?" He tried for the joke.

Yet, the weight on his soul, hardly made it sound like one.

Alina Tremiru Quinn Varanin
Mentioned: Darth Strosius

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Alina Tremiru //: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

Little time had passed from the Kaggath and now. Quinn still fumed over how Malum reacted after he ended the life of his brother. She continuously plays the last moments of Ali's life in her mind. It had upset her that she hadn't been able to block him out; if he lived, he would have had free access to her mind. A dangerous gateway that she needed to protect.

It had been both of their idea to speak with Malum. Quinn knew the man was suffering as much as Alina was. Both regarded the deceased as a brother and had their lives changed by his existence. On the other hand, Quinn's life was also changed by this man. In their past, they were classmates.

Furthermore, her paramour had been his closest confidant and lover. Alisteri murdered Alina acc, according to her, because of her foolishness. The Echani felt otherwise, but she wouldn't speak ill of the dead. Because of Alisteri, she had learned how to retrieve those she wanted from the Netherworld. A power not many possessed and one that she hoped she never had to use again.

They were welcomed in a sense; Alina kindly pushed the door down, and Quinn followed. As she entered, Quinn expected to see the attendants she had met on a previous trip to the boy king's realm. As Alina made her way towards the kitchen, Quinn removed her gloves and placed them inside the pocket of her coat. She held out her arms, waiting for the attendant to remove the jacket for her.

No one came, minus the King. He attempted to joke, and Quinn gave him a half smile. Her arms were still raised, waiting for the attendant.

"Alina tends to be a messy eater, and I just had the counters detailed, so what's better than ruining yours as I come to ensure you are at least bathing?" Her smile widened as her arms lowered, and she looked over her shoulder. As quickly as the smile appeared on her face, it disappeared, showing the Princess' confusion.

"Malum, where's your attendants?" Looking back at the man, she raised an eyebrow. Quinn waited a moment longer and then raised her arms again. "Please be a gentleman." Her arms gestured once more as she fought the urge to stomp her foot slightly in a spoiled princess manner. She would have demanded Alina's assistance, but the woman was probably busy.

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"I'm a very clean eater. But a very messy cook." Alina spoke up, glancing briefly to Quinn and Malum before she turned back to the steak. Up went the heat, which considering how she stared at the flame she didn't often use, and once she was kinda sure it was hot enough? Meat went down in a sharp, heavy sizzle as she let it cook. When was the last time she cooked?

The memory came through, distant. Warmer, when she had heat to her skin. Blood that flowed and a hunger only for food and booze and well, drugs. Some of the best and yet, some of the worst days of her life.

She did her best not to laugh, though. Ever the princess Quinn was. She smiled faintly, a fanged grin at her amusement. Distraction. A flip of the meat came next, mostly because she thought it was long enough. The cost of coming back from the dead? Scent. She couldn't smell this, smell what was right or wrong. Considering the char, well, that much was obvious, but she continued regardless.

"Did you ever see his face, Malum?"

Darth Malum of House Marr | Quinn Varanin

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He knew he should be cautious, he knew he could hardly trust this situation, even as for the two before him... he could at least say that he trusted one of them over the other one, yet, they were a betrothed pair, at least the last he had heard, that made for a certain bond, a certain trust, that would easily overshadow whatever he had with either of them.

And frankly... he did not have much of a bond with either of them, however, the old adage remained, that continued presence over so much time, could make the strangest of bedfellows. Still, even as he was hardly sure what exactly to think of this, despite his wish to bluntly dismiss them and miserly return back to his sheets, the decision for that had been long before they had made themselves inside his walls.

Now he would pay for his unwillingness to offend.

A single hand came to rest upon his masked face, a short hiss sounding out from his head as the mask detached, shaking his head, the raven flocks flowed easily framing the ever-noble face, aquiline nose stalwart and straight, thin lips curved into a facsimile of a cheer, all the while ruby eyes shimmered with emotions untold yet ever fixed. It was not as if Quinn's actions were not humorous.

It was simply that humour was difficult at current.

"I would say that now being elevated to the busyness of Lord Inquisitor is a rather good reason to not be bathing, but... trust, I am not so useless at present to have forgotten how to bathe," He tutted, as his jaws at least firmed in the smile expressed, "Alas, what is the use of my counters and kitchens unless for others to ruin them?" He continued the jape on, amused enough at Quinn's actions to answer her silent call for aid, "You need not ask," Even as his eyes fell upon Alina, his own silent question, before his arms fell out, his hands gently taking her jacket.

It was hardly an unfamiliar act, nor the most intimate, yet between the limp, between their history, it still held a hint of oddity. Coat in hand, he found himself on the empty hanger usually used by the staff, hanging it as if it was some relic, rather than a piece of apparel, though little doubt considering it was worn by a royal form, that it might hold the price of a relic.

"...As for my attendants, I imagined it would be better to have whatever conversation we have here, beyond the ears of anyone else," He might trust his staff, but he would not doubt that some Sith Lord might try to gain eyes upon the young Sith Lord that had been elevated yet once more, and... more accurately, though he might trust them, there was every chance that Lady Tremiru and Quinn would not.

May as well cut out the awkwardness early.

The smell of smoke was enough for him to turn away from the hanger, towards the kitchen. It was not so bad... and the steak certainly would be more done than he would prefer it, however... likely no worse than something he would try to make. The great irony of himself, employing chefs who specialised in the extravagant while himself only with the basics to survive on campaign or in space, and the middle? A great anomaly.

Her words were enough to make him still, as red orbs turned to consider her... "...The entire Order has now... a great shock to all those who wished to know what the masked apprentice of Darth Ophidia looked like... I imagine they did not quite expect that sight," He had wished to insert some levity, instead it all came out sounding entirely flat, with the knowledge after all, that was hardly the answer she wanted, "...But yes, before that, I saw his face... on Fiviune."

His vision flickered, turning gold for a moment, a sight one would blink and would miss, as memories long remembered, made their presence felt.

Quinn Varanin Alina Tremiru

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Malum of House Marr //: Alina Tremiru

Quinn smiled gently at the man as he helped her from her coat. Being of a family banished and returned to power, the boy king had manners fit for his position. More and more, she could see why the Empress, her godmother, had suggested his hand for her betrothal. "Thank you, Malum," the young Princess offered him a small curtsey as she stepped away; the melodic tone of her heel echoed as she moved to see where her actual Fiancee had gone. The entire trip they had taken made her question things. On one hand, she figured Alina would have wanted to gut Malum for what he had done, but on another, she knew the woman had changed since being thrust from the nether.

Her smile softened as her eyes laid upon the woman, who stifled a small chuckle. It looked like the steaks were going to be well done tonight, but Quinn didn't care. There wasn't a time she remembered Alina ever cooking for her; they weren't the best company for each other during Alina's living years. However, Quinn does often find herself regretting her childish antics.

Turning her attention to Malum, she mused over his words - there had been a time that she probably had seen Alisteri's face. Yet that would have been almost a lifetime ago when they were all at the academy. Even then, the man enjoyed his secrecy. Her smile faded slightly, and she remembered that he was gone and that she and Alina were the last of their acolyte group. Quinn had found some solace teaching at the Jutrand academy. She could easily pick out students that reminded her of her class. Quinn smiled, seeing the similarities between them and those attending Jutrand. There is so much hope and drive to be better and serve the Empire while trying to navigate growing up.

Malum's voice continued carrying on as he answered Alina's question. Quinn sighed gently, "So you expect to have explicit and secret conversations with us?" Her nose wrinkled as she teased the man. The air was tense enough from what Malum had done, and Quinn was doing her best to be light. Crossing her arms gently across her waist as she sighed, her smile faded. "I would hope you were bathing Malum," She attempted to jest. "I am worried about you, Alina, as well."

Quinn moved closer to the man, "You look horrible." She gave him a small smile as a hand rubbed his arm. Comforting was hard; she didn't know what to do. Quinn was usually the one that required comforting. She often needed support from those around her, including Vesta, Alina, and even Malum. Maybe this was where she failed when it came to Vesta. They had ambitions that often put them in the center, the world viewing them as monsters. Quinn knew otherwise, yet her love was not enough.

Was love enough for her and Alina? Quinn hoped.

"I know you're probably going through a lot. Blaming yourself, confusion, anger - regret…" The latter, she questioned if Malum would feel it. He was the one who challenged his brother to this Kaggath. Quinn couldn't pinpoint the reason for the sudden challenge; she could only think it was a ploy to diffuse the situation. Their peers saw the Kaggath as a sport, while those who had gotten to know Malum and even more who had grown to know Alisteri saw it as a travesty.

"Malum, why did this happen? Are you going to be okay?" Another step closer; as much as Quinn wanted to drive a knife in the man's chest for killing someone close to her paramour, she couldn't. Malum had wormed his way into her favor. He had shown her care when she revealed some of her most hurtful memories. The man had reached out to her at every whim he could, and she had grown to trust him despite every effort not to.

With one last click of her heel, Quinn wrapped the man in a tight embrace. She squeezed, giving him the only comfort she knew how. They were all there because of their connection to one man, and he would never know.

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"The why is easy enough. I did the same thing when I rushed him. So confident in my views, in my strength. It was his own fault, shouting himself the Emperor like that. How cringy. How.. .. Unlike him." Alastari had always been a zealot in her mind. She knew just how deep into his faith he'd gotten, how he'd even taken the gift they shared and turned it into a source of mysticism for his followers. She'd always assumed that meant he understood the relationship between blind faith and manipulation. There was another sharp sizzle as she turned the steak she was cooking, just to make sure it was cooked. Raw meat was dangerous or something, right?

"Did you know he had cybernetics, once? It's been so long, I can't even remember which parts they were. His eye? His hand? He had.. So much potential. So much drive. He let himself squander that far too easily."

Darth Malum of House Marr | Quinn Varanin

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

They were two very different women, and that was as much an advantage as it was a disadvantage. If they had both been oppositional to him, perhaps even worse if they had been unknown and aloof to him, he would have very little leverage in a situation in which he already felt he had none. Instead, they were different, very different, to such a degree that he wondered how they had come together.

It was a question that he had never thought to ask.

He supposed that he was in little position to judge, he had indulged in the recriminations of those that he should have stayed far, far away from. It was why he did not judge at all these days, after all when heart and... desire, had brought him to passions of Mor- Mandalorians, Jedi, and Sith alike, when he knew better than to sleep in the beds of the enemy... weakness had always failed him.

And now, it seemed there were consequences for that.

He blinked, the visage of two blue-skinned children disappearing from his sight, as he breathed out caustic air.

There was another reason not to judge the relationship before him as particularly odd, at the very least the humours of both suited each other, Quinn was suitably sanguine and melancholic, while Alina coloured by her cholers and phlegm, from an outsider was not perfectly obvious at first glance, yet, to simply gaze, as seconds bypassed, one made a certain sense of it.

So the question was...

...How had Ali- Alisteri and Alina possibly managed a functional relationship?

Another question he had never thought to ask... and in this case, one who might have given him an answer... the protrusion by his throat bobbed up and down as if a fruit floating in a water-filled barrel, blinking away thoughts that as ever threatened to overwhelm him, and which he at this moment, when he should have been at most guard... instead... did not feel ease, but instead felt... distracted?

He shrugged his shoulders unhelpfully, a ghost of a smile upon his features, yet, not even that reaching his eyes, "...We are Sith, it is always a possibility," He countered, even as his eyes narrowed, red eyes finding themselves to hands crossed over... rubies drifted up to emeralds bespeckled in other gems, yet did nothing more as she spoke, as she drifted closer, and her hands were on his arm, "...I am obligated to protect our Empire, our people, from threats from both within and without our borders... I hope you will forgive me for being dishevelled to some degree, Princess," He turned his head to his side, black locks flowing down easily his neck as if he was preening, a fuller smile filling his lips, yet, his eyes remained ever unchanged, "After all, I think it makes me look quite dashing."

The smile fell away, as the rest of her words emerged.

His heart beat a quiver faster as she approached.

His breath was stolen, as he felt her warmth pressing up against him, as arms wrapped themselves around him, he was frozen, as his chin rested upon her shoulder, and instincts failed him. Those questions, those questions were what he feared being drawn against him, his lips were dry, and he was still, too still, as he felt the hammering in his chest.

It would be the Sangnir that saved him from answering, even as his eyes were drawn to her, he could not help but feel a moment of worry... did she approve of this?

"...I do not know what came over him to declare what he did, but there was only one way treason would end, it would be my blade, or it would be someone else's," Lies came smoothly, lies came easily, he could imagine the why of his appre- battl- brother's actions, most of them were beyond the belief of most mortals, but some... as his mind shifted to a cousin held in bondage, he could imagine exactly why Darth Str- Ali had done something so foolhardy.

For, after all, Malum was only inches away from doing something similar.

Quinn Varanin Alina Tremiru
Mentioned: Darth Strosius Revna

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Alina Tremiru //: Darth Malum of House Marr //:

It was always the little things for Quinn.

She felt how alive he was as she hugged Malum, giving him a sense of physical comfort. It had been some time since she had hugged someone and felt their heart racing against her chest or the heat of their body against hers. It was a feeling she didn't realize she missed it when being in contact with someone. Still, the comfort Quinn felt while being in Alina's arms was worth more than the warmth of another. It was a different kind of warmth she received from the Sangnir. The brief hug was enough; she released him after feeling him stiffen slightly from the awkwardness. Hugging him even surprised her, but it felt like the natural reaction to try and comfort someone.

Quinn stepped back, her face flushed as she regained her composure. She listened to both continue their conversation about Alisteri. They were closer to him than she was, and knowing her luck - Alisteri probably thought of her as a mean girl or lesser than her. The thought made her chuckle under her breath, but it still hurt. Remembering the comment about his disheveled look, Quinn brushed a bit of his hair back. "Better," she commented gently with approval, then looked back towards Alina, who continued cooking.

Instead of questioning the pair about Alisteri, the woman crossed her arms gently over her frame and watched between them. It was only through Alina that she knew anything true of Alisteri, and like Malum, she wondered how their relationship worked. Even after he killed her, Alisteri still had a place in Alina's heart. Parts of Quinn wondered if things were different, would Alina have gone back to him?

Silly little thoughts of doubt, Quinn sighed, doing her best to put them from her mind. Glancing back towards Malum, she tilted her head slightly, "Was he that much of a threat to the Empire? I thought all Sith wanted my Godfather's head on a plate so that they could proclaim themselves Emperor." She shrugged; her mother had been victim to a coup while orchestrating one for her rule of the Empire.

It was in their blood, as Sith and Quinn hated it.