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Plagued by the aftermath of a Kaggath, Kasir had begun a long journey to piece together a puzzle mixed with both loss and loyalty. With every encounter and whispered word from Faldos and beyond, he continuously sought out the Disciple of Faith, a figure highly valued by the late Darth Strosius
, who’s memory lingered within the depths of the Darkseeker’s mind. Determination was also swelled from another absence, that of Veradun Sharr
, the Nagai akin to a younger brother; the weight of it tore at him constantly outside of daily meditation.
Amidst the entire process, as nearly half a year passed, he’d become a silent sentinel for an acolyte on Jutrand; though, his fondness for the Felacatian always remained concealed beneath stoic armor. Perhaps that was why, unbeknownst to Soah Ty’Jyn
, in a galaxy filled with ever shifting alliances and deceit, a lone ember still ignited the icy core of a Sangnir’s existence.
As the final piece eventually fell into place, it illuminated a direct path to Korriban and Revna, but there would be one last stop– a detour on Severarcos II, where the air tasted of blood. It was there, dawning a black mask, that he emerged, a figure of vengeance. In his hand, he carried a ceremonial dagger forged of songsteel, a weapon of beauty and malevolence. And during the series of public executions that were broadcasted, his presence became known, as a messenger of death.
When the 578-R finally emerged from hyperspace, it was piloted by a droid, and he could feel the pulse of hunger that fueled him growing. Captive in the cargo bay was a human from the spice rich planet, now at his mercy.
As the transport shuttle broke through the atmosphere of Korriban, the Sith’s gaze fell upon his prey. Kasir’s elongated canines sank to her tender flesh, dragging the very essence of life; it was intoxicating and flooded his senses. Everything around him blurred; every plea was drowned out. The Sangnir drank greedily, savoring every pull as though it were Corellian wine paired with submission, until he could feel the spark of the woman's life flicker away. When he finally pulled back, the warmth within flowed like a forbidden potion, and he wiped away any traces of sustenance from his chin.
Before long they landed just outside of the capital city of Vardin. The very walls of a nearby building beckoned him to come closer. It was time to discover the truth, as he’d heard rumors of a Sith Lord who brought the former Lord Inquisitor’s apprentice here. Unknown to him at the time, she’d also been present at the Kaggath, enduring the harsh fate of survival.
Adorned in robes, he approached; the architecture was an example of ancient Korriban style. The ceilings were high and the halls dimly lit. Aside from the eerie silence, the air grew noticeably colder. Given his enhanced senses, there was also a scent detected, one he couldn’t entirely place just yet. Kasir quickly took note of figures in obsidian armor and black cloaks; they moved as though they were undead, but seemed to pose no threat.
The Sith was drawn towards a corner. Dropping to his knees, it became a sacred place, and he embraced the darkness that wrapped around his lithe frame like a blanket. Kasir's devotion was a flame; now, it flickered with intensity after a decree from the Priests of Wonosa. The name Urvaz Strosius tave Vi'Kas echoed in his mind. Both hands rested on his knees while beginning to murmur an incantation, the words feeling like they were drawn out from his very soul; he would ask the Dark Side of the Force to respond.
In the very beginning, Revna’s views on Korriban were tainted by the cruelties that had been inflicted upon her after her capture by the Kainate Dark Lords. She had expected the same treatment in coming to the Sith Holy World…but she had discovered quickly that wouldn’t be the case. Be it the hand of fate, the hand of the Force, the will of the Dark Side…she wasn’t sure. But her Master was gone, and she had to endure. No, she would endure.
And she had.
Despite all that had happened to her, all that she had lost, had suffered - she never lost her faith. If anything…all her trials and the crucibles that had forged her thus far had only deepened it. She was as connected to the currents of the Force, to the Darkness itself, as she could be in her current state of being. And she knew there was more to learn, more to take, more to glean.
Death had tried to swallow her hole, but she had prevailed and risen from those ashes - a small flame that had ignited into an inferno.
And now she faced a future of hope, despite it all. A future of freedom, finally. Though her fate and her purpose might have shifted somewhat, she listened to the whispers of the Dark Side, felt the tug of its will. It placed opportunities before her, ones she did not hesitate to step into and take advantage of. She had learned from two Dark Lords of the Sith, grown in her power, grown in her wisdom and insight.
And what was more? For her faithfulness and her willingness to embrace what was laid before her…she had been rewarded with the deepest desires of her heart. She wished her Master was still there with her…but she knew that if He had been, none of what had happened due to His death would have occurred. And she had come to recognize that now.
Still…the thoughts of her Family, the Order of Wonosa, were never far from her mind. She had carefully poked and prodded several individuals to help her ascertain knowledge of what had happened to them in the wake of their High Priest’s demise…and when the Emperor’s Executioner, Gerwald Lechner, had told her that he had heard nothing about them…she had felt relief. That meant they were keeping their heads low, and staying safe - well, as safe as they could be. Though they had been dealt a grievous blow, they would recover. But they needed leadership…something she couldn’t provide for them, right now. She could only pray that the Dark would guide them, its willing servants, and provide the necessary leadership until she was free at last.
It was these thoughts, among other things, that filled her mind these days. That…and her preparing for the next step in her life that was looming ahead. It was something that both terrified and excited her. The possibilities that could come with this new step in her life was what really energized her. As she was, right now, she may not be able to help her brothers and sisters in Wonosa. But as a queen?
It would be a frank discussion she would have with the King, in time.
Today though, she felt it was time to strengthen her connection to the Force, to the Dark Side. Though she meditated each and every day as part of her daily routine that had been deeply instilled in her while aboard the Malsheem, it had been some time since she visited one of the temples that could be found on Korriban. A linen wrapped servant helped prepare her hair, pulling it up and braiding it in a crown-braid around her head, the rest of her raven black and silver streaked hair was worn long. Like usual, she chose to wear simple Zeyd-cloth Sith robes, a blackened leather utility belt wrapped around her waist that held the saber hilt she kept with her. All her other personal belongings had been either destroyed on Formos or left somewhere else, and every possession that had been on her when she was captured had been taken from her and destroyed: Darth Prazutis’s way of trying to convince her that her old life was over, and her new life could only be found in him and with the Kainate.
Around her neck and against her chest, near to her beating heart and never apart from her except on very specific occasions, was a necklace of great importance. Its presence was distinctly separate from hers, and anyone who had been around or had known the late Darth Strosius would recognize the presence instantly.
Satisfied that she was presentable but not flaunting her nobility, Revna of House Marr made her towards the temple, her blackened robes flowing about her like shadows as she moved with silent grace through the Palace of Vardin. Eventually, she reached the entrance of the grand structure and stepped inside its hallowed and lowly lit halls, already feeling and embracing the familiar cold presence that was the Dark Side.
Burning ember eyes swept through the interior to view the individual souls who had come to pay homage within the temple, her gaze settling on a knelt figure in a distant corner for a moment longer than perhaps necessary, before her attention moved elsewhere. This place was no Formos Cathedral - though perhaps far more grand than her old place of worship - but it did bring back memories that were pleasant for her.
Taking a breath, Revna found a place for herself and knelt down as well, settling herself and closing her eyes and stretching out her presence and senses to welcome in the Darkness that flowed around and through her. Revna reached inside her robes to pull free the small vial of her Master’s ashes, something she used as a focus for her for such moments as this, and held it gently in her enclosed, gloved fist. Such a thing would have been forbidden if she remained on the Malsheem…but here on Korriban, she was free to carry the vial where and how she wished, and she did so, without fear of correction for it.
In a soft voice that held a touch of reverence, she began to recite the Sith Code in the language of the ancients that came before her. She didn’t pray to her fallen Master, she knew He would have spurned such a thing. Instead, she focused her voice and her energy and poured it into the Force around her, seeking once more the guidance and will of the Dark to give her strength and courage to face the trials that she knew lay ahead of her.
Kasir’s posture remained steady. His knees continued pressing into the cold floor, yet a sense of piety enveloped him now. The chill crept through the fabric of his robes, but he paid it no mind; his entire focus was drawn inward. The hood fell over his pale face as he bowed slightly. Softy, but with clarity, he began to recite the Sith Code. The words echoed against the wall before him and wrapped around the assassin like dark tendrils. "Peace is a lie, there is only passion." Every line fueled him. "Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power."
The Force was tuning into his frequency, and currents of air around him flowed with intense energy. Next, he envisioned the Tenets of Wonosa, each word like a promise buried deep in his core– the idea of freedom from all limitations kindled a sense of longing. His gaze drifted down to the mechanical hand, forever a reminder of sacrifices, failures, and even purpose.
The idea of Kerstas, the flame of vengeance, flickered within his chest. He conjured an image of Malum in his mind’s eye, and with it came the burning desire– a revenge long overdue now. It had the same pull and allure of Sevarcos II, where one met death's embrace. It was further intertwined with wishing to eliminate the remnants of his bloodline, to remove every trace.
Tikras was shadow wrapping around him like a serpent; it whispered in his ear as the silence stretched on. It reminded him of his allegiance, the type that bound brothers in arms, where loyalty was never questioned. His mind immediately turned to Veradun; no matter how far fate had pulled him away from the Order of Wonosa, he was determined to pursue him in the same manner that brought him to Korriban. It then shifted to Soah, and how he planned to bring her into their community, where one would find strength, when Jutrand would no longer serve her cause.
Others passed through his mind, such as the former High Priest himself. Deep in thought, he was struck with a sudden clarity. Like the edge of a blade, it cut through the veil, revealing a simple truth: his meaningful connections could be counted on a single hand. But with this, also came a wave of ease. They were not burdens, but reminders of a higher calling he strove for, guiding him on a path towards something more.. meaningful.
Slowly, as if pulled for an irresistible force, his head turned, breaking through his prayer. His gaze swept across the large room, landing upon a woman whose energy was palpable. It brought forth curiosity, but was laced with uncertainty. Curiosity was almost like a foreign emotion, but the tug was still felt– a need to approach her.
Pushing himself to his full height, the distance between them shrunk with silent steps. The weight of the moment became heavy; still, there was an undeniable dance of fate at play here. Instinctively returning to his knees several paces away, Kasir’s gaze was averted; it wasn’t out of fear, but a display of respect. The Darkseeker was no stranger to fighting in the chaotic galaxy; his blood stained the grounds of countless worlds. But a temple.. it was uncharted territory, a realm he'd yet to face conflict. He was forced to take a chance within these sacred walls.
"Forgive me for interrupting," the Sith began, his voice low. The words tasted like bile on his tongue; he was used to taking whatever he desired. But speaking in such a manner felt natural at the same time now. “You carry a presence that I’ve felt before, but not this close.. in a long time now.”
The sleeve that covered his organic arm was rolled up. It was a modest attempt at suggesting openness. Upon the flesh was an simple tattoo, representing Wonosa, peeking out from the fabric. "You carry something..different with you, something that echoes my former Master. I must know.. what binds you to such power? It is as if he still resonates in your heart.”
She was still as a statue, as if carved from obsidian itself - her head bowed, eyes closed. Such a posture of meditation, of prayer, almost seemed…peaceful. But to those who knew and were connected to the Force, they would feel the raw energy radiating off of her. There appeared peace on the outside - but underneath that was a turning maelstrom of emotions.
Revna sensed the man in the corner rise up and slowly approach her, though she made no outward gesture that she had taken notice of it. Energy and darkness radiated from him in cold waves, and something about him seemed almost…recognizable, somehow. She was aware when he knelt back down and, after a few heartbeats, finally spoke to her in a low voice that sounded faintly familiar.
"Forgive me for interrupting,"
Only then did she open her eyes and tilt her head ever so slightly to regard him with impassiveness. His eyes were averted - not in a fearful display, no…he didn’t wish to evoke a conflict in such a place as this. The thought brought a touch of amusement to her: how many lives were brought to an end in such places as this? Sacrifices offered to the Dark Side to further feed into the power of the place? Korriban was soaked in blood, in rage and fear, and sorrow.
“You carry a presence that I’ve felt before, but not this close.. in a long time now.”
A slight frown creased the raven haired woman’s brow and she regarded the man more closely, before her eyes were drawn downward to his arm as he began to roll back its sleeve. Her growing curiosity turned more to recognition, then surprise and awe as the man revealed a mark, a tattoo, she recognized all too well.
Wonosa.
"You carry something…different with you, something that echoes my former Master. I must know.. what binds you to such power? It is as if he still resonates in your heart.” the man said further, and this time Revna shifted more so that she was facing him more directly, even though she was still on her knees. She felt the Darkness wrap around her, wrap around them both, for a moment, before something clicked into place within her mind.
She knew this man. She’d seen him before, fought with him before…so long ago, or so it felt now. Was it possible? Had one of her own found their way here? Was it by chance…or fate?
“...I imagine the presence you are sensing belongs to the fallen Dark Lord, Darth Strosius
.” Revna replied, her voice soft with reverence, keeping her burning eyes on the man before her as she revealed her most prized possession to him - the silver and glass vial containing her Master’s potent ashes. She then extended her right arm out towards the man slowly, so as not to startle him, and pulled back the black sleeve of her robe to reveal the inside of her forearm where he could see a faded but still legible tattoo that read Kerstas, one of the tenets of the Order of Wonosa, inked into her flesh - though it appeared it had almost be nearly boiled away.
“And He does resonate within my soul, my heart. He goes everywhere with me, for He was my High Priest, as well as my Sith Master.” she revealed in the same soft voice.
Revna then reached up with a gloved hand to grip his chin gently to turn the man’s head so she could more fully see him, and her eyes burned brighter with full recognition. “I know you… Kasir Dorran…” she breathed. “You were a Darkseeker for my, our, fallen Master.”
A dark frown creased her brow then as she released his chin and returned her gloved hand to her lap, one of her hands resting near to the saber hilt given to her by Darth Carnifex, and she regarded him with more wary caution. Her Master’s Darkseekers were efficient and lethal assassins, and she knew Kasir had been one of the most passionate of their ranks, utterly dedicated to his duty.
Either he was here because the winds of fate brought him here…or he was here for a more nefarious purpose.
“...what brings you here to Korriban, Darkseeker?”
There was a shift in Kasir’s dark orbs while looking ahead, absorbing the essence of the moment. He felt a familiar energy brush against his skin like a cool breeze. The sensation stirred memories of the past.. many of which had been long buried now. Somehow, they connected to her. Rather than study facial expressions, the Sith inhaled deeply, simply feeling the atmosphere of the grand building thrumming between them.
When she turned closer towards him, it was though his breath caught in his throat; no doubt, it was a foreign feeling. The shadows then had a way of cushioning him in an embrace, whispering of their former Master’s legacy. Wrapped in darkness, there was just as much uncertainty as the growing curiosity now.
Kasir could sense the struggle within the woman.
His gaze flickered to the side and fell upon the glass vial. It was like a prison for the ashes. The assassin swallowed hard, the weight of everything pressing on his shoulders. When his eyes shifted down to her arm, a physical pain shot through his being. The word was nearly obliterated, the ink itself appearing fragile, and it was then he tried to understand the struggle and trial she had faced.
It was difficult to fathom.
If the young Nagai were a brother, then the Disciple of Faith was already a sister like figure, revealing her wounds. It was in that moment, that familial care, much like with his apprentice, washed over him in waves; the emotion was powerful. The space didn’t need to be filled with pointless words; there was another language in the air-- one of mutual understanding.
The bond within Wonosa went beyond mere beliefs; this was why they were capable of facing overwhelming odds at any cost. The entire Sith Order couldn’t sever it if they tried.
Kerstas in physical form had been forged into the very essence of the ceremonial dagger within his cloak; it was more than a weapon, but a token of his dedication to their Order. The curved blade was attached to his soul.
There was a hint of anger igniting in his gaze as he answered the initial question. “He still lingers within many of those still loyal to Wonosa,” he began. The Sith’s voice was a low murmur. "Our spirit remains unbroken. And though we are scattered, our numbers are strong." He then paused for a moment, exploring the depths of his current emotions.
The way she spoke his name with familiarity surprised Kasir. It was not an easy thing to do.
As Revna's hand briefly cradled his chin, guiding the Sith’s gaze so the intensity of her bright eyes bore straight through him, it felt like a silent request. “I am still a Darkseeker,” he breathed out with a hint of pride at the title. His words began dripping in malice. “But now, I serve the Prophet of Bogan. Our work.. is far from complete.” He allowed himself a second to gather his thoughts
“I came here seeking you,” he admitted. “I pieced together whispers.. Those from eyes that caught you leaving the Kaggath with another Sith Lord.”
Unknowingly, there was a faint touch of concern that graced his pale features, but only for an instant. His brows furrowed, and elongated canines brushed lightly against the Sangnir's lower lower lip.
Kasir could feel that her ties to Wonosa were still true. It was undeniable. He leaned forward as though to avoid prying ears. “What happened, Revna?” he murmured once more. “I need to know everything that has happened in the last year.. there are many who would like to know. Your voice is safe with me ”
The atmosphere and energy that surrounded both her and Kasir was charged with emotion; here were two souls, bound together by the same Order and the same cause who had both served the same man - and after chaos and death had separated them, the tides of the Force had reunited them. It was a surreal moment that Revna simply existed in, for it was all she could do in the moment.
She could feel the stab of pain within the Darkseeker as he laid eyes upon the glass vial that had been so gently clasped in her hand, and in the marking on her skin that bore evidence of unimaginable torture. No words were really spoken in that moment - just a simple understanding between them both.
Revna remained still and quiet, even as a spark of anger ignited in Kasir’s eyes when he responded in a low murmur that the spirit of Darth Strosius still lingered within those that were loyal to Wonosa; those that remained, were still unbroken. Though scattered, their numbers were strong.
Relief flooded through the Sith woman; this man had answered the one question, the one concern, that had kept her up for many a-night since the fall of her High Priest. Where others could not answer that question, Kasir had in such a way that it finally allowed her to release that concern of hers.
She offered a small half smile as Kasir told her that he was indeed still a Darkseeker - that had never changed. But he said something else that made her frown: what was this ‘Prophet of Bogan’ that he now served? An aspect of their High Priest? It certainly seemed like something that was influenced by Darth Strosius, but she would need to question the man before her further on that before she knew one way or the other. Revna dipped her head slightly in understanding of his statements; it was true - their work was far from completed.
Her intense gaze remained on the man as he admitted that he came to Korriban seeking her, that he had heard whispers, rumors…that she had returned to the Holy World with a Sith Lord, and though nothing about her changed, she became more alert - just in case. Korriban was a part of Kainate space, and if what he said was true, then he would know that she had been in the Kainate box with their enemies. She hoped he wasn’t going to try and attack her, but until his intentions were known, she couldn’t rule it out.
Something about him seemed…different, though. She caught sight of fangs, and her head tilted to one side in curiosity. Reaching out, she read into his presence and recognized something that was familiar, and yet not at the same time. But before she could ask about it, Kasir leaned forward and asked her what had happened, that he wanted to know everything that had transpired, and that her words would be safe with him, and that there were others who would want to know what had happened as well.
She trusted that - if he had come to assassinate her, he would have already lashed out, and so she chose to relax her guard somewhat. “Has it really been a year? Hmm…time has flown by so quickly it seems. And yet has dragged on for an eternity.” She murmured, casting an almost lazy glance around the temple and to those nearest to them.
Briefly, she closed her eyes and spread out her senses, barely perceived within the shadows and energy of the place. None around them seemed to be paying them any mind, and though she trusted the King, for her own reasons - not all who visited his realm were friendly, and not all who served him were her allies. But for now, their conversation would remain private.
Revna’s gaze reopened and settled upon Kasir, and a somewhat grim smile graced her pale face. “What happened? That is a very long, and painful story to tell…but I suppose I can give you a rough breakdown of what occurred. I can share more details if you wish me to.”
She was quiet for a moment, as if trying to decide where to start…but eventually she chose to start at the beginning.
“I was captured by the Kainate Shadow Hand, Darth Prazutis, not long after the Dark Councilor, Lady Raaf, launched her assault on Formos. He captured me in hopes of breaking me down and reshaping me to be a weapon used against Darth Strosius and the Order of Wonosa. I…defied him, refused to submit to his shows of dominance and power…and so he decided to punish me for my disrespect. He electrocuted me with his Sith lightning first, then he burned me until I was little more than a charred corpse at his feet, fighting to stay alive. He snapped my spine, and when I finally yielded - he ripped into my mind to try and take every scrap of useful information that he could from me. I fed him as many false leads as I could but I knew he would see through them all eventually.”
Revna took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, her gaze flickering down to her gloved hands briefly before looking back at the Darkseeker before her. “My body failed from my injuries, and I died several times…but he pulled me back to life as I simply didn’t have his permission to die. I received medical care to stabilize me, and in that process the Shadow Hand crafted from his twisted and cruel mind a device made from Sith alchemy and dark magics and rituals that I don’t understand, and fused a part of himself into the device which he then melded into my flesh - fused into the broken bones of my spine, replaced part of my spinal cord. I could walk again, but that came at a heavy cost. The device is somewhat…sentient, and it was designed to cause me as much pain as possible, without killing me.”
“The first few weeks, or month or so…was hell. Not only did I have this thing attached to me, making me feel like I was burning alive all over again…but I was forced to undergo training, undertaken by Darth Prazutis himself. I was tortured, forced to say and do things I still hate myself for…but I did them anyway, in order to survive…to see outside the Malsheem again. I had to play a dangerous game with the Dark Lords; I needed them to believe that I was turning into a loyal Kainite, a willing servant for them, so they wouldn’t look too deep and see the devotion I still carried for our Master. That they would not know that I was trying to find a way out, to seek my revenge. I was meeting with someone on the inside who had connections to Lord Strosius and was acting as a sort of liaison for us, so we could make a game plan on getting me free.”
She fell silent for a moment, her hollow gaze searching Kasir’s face. “...and then Malum killed him in the Kaggath, after he promised me he wouldn’t do so. I knew about the Kaggath, you see. Malum told me some of his plans; I trusted him…because he is family, because he always talked about how my Master was his brother. But he betrayed that. And I haven’t heard anything from Malum since my capture. He is Lord of Tsis’Kaar…I highly doubt he didn’t know what had befallen me. And instead of working with my Master to secure my freedom, he killed him instead. But…I can’t shift my anger all on Malum. Had our High Priest been victorious, He would have killed my own flesh and blood, His so called brother. Either way…neither of them would have been clean in my eyes. I suppose…it hurts more, because of the promise Malum gave to me. My Master would never have made such a promise, and I know that.”
In the pause that followed, she debated on share more of what had transpired in her time with the Kainate, or what had transpired since her arrival on Korriban, but she chose to remain quiet on those topics for now. “I won’t lie…I half expected you to try and assassinate me. Whispers and rumors can fan the flames of conflict like nothing else can. I am grateful you chose not to lash out at me though. You have no idea how long I have prayed that I would be reunited with a Brother or Sister from Wonosa. It would have broken me, if I was forced to fight you.”
As Revna knelt before him, a testament of survival, Kasir felt a blaze of anger awaken within him. It simmered just beneath his composed exterior, alongside sorrow that he was unsure of how to even express. His rage, his hatred, the very emotions that fueled his existence had grown significantly since the Kaggath, but now there was an unfamiliar layer that he struggled to comprehend. Was it a weakness, or something else entirely?
He could almost taste the agony and torment, surrounded by the currents of dark energy. The Sith wanted to believe he understood it, that he could feel it in the air that both of them now breathed.
Kasir nodded slowly, allowing the heavy weight of the time to truly sink in. Since the Kaggath, he’d wandered all over the galaxy. Sitting here with the Sith woman, some of it suddenly began to make more sense. The loss of the High Priest left a void he attempted to fill with nonstop movement. Each mission was him simply escaping, purposely placing himself in different activities and responsibilities. From the extended isolation on Mustafar, to the training grounds on Jutrand, and even a trip to the Malachor V in search of hidden knowledge.. Each pulled him further away from the only world he once knew, that of a Darkseeker.
It was as if the fog was lifting, bringing clarity.
"Time," he murmured, "it feels like it has its own way of playing tricks on us..no?" And as the words slipped from his lips, Kasir felt something shift within. For the first time since he could remember, the assassin began to lower the steep walls he’d built around himself. His own inner struggles felt lighter in Revna’s presence. “I’ve been busy,” he admitted, “busy.. running away from certain memories.”
In the fragments of his mind, he clung to one specific memory-- one of the last moments he recalled with the Lord Inquisitor. A moment of validation, praise, and even privilege for his role, all due to capturing a Jedi on New Cov and bringing her to the Bailiff Station. Though small in comparison to the accomplishments of other Sith, even if he never compared himself to them, was a rare gem in the never ending darkness and bloodshed of his dark existence.
Her smile had a way of lighting up the pale visage with a touch of warmth amidst the shadows of their surroundings. For a second, he felt a faint tug on his own lips– an attempt to mirror it. Yet despite the effort, it fell short; his remained in a more stoic manner.
Every syllable of her story was laced with pain. An array of emotions he hadn’t anticipated felt like a blade cutting into his chest. Each detail— her capture–the lightning, and her broken body–sent fury coursing through his veins. Bile rose in his throat as the idea of her spine being snapped. A potent storm was brewing within; he was concerned with it becoming noticeable to others in the temple, but he couldn’t deny it either. The Darkseeker’s mind began to wander, envisioning the day when the tides would turn in their favor, while standing over bodies of their enemies with a cold and malevolent grin.
He wasn’t merely hearing her pain; he was feeling it too.
“Revna, I want you to understand that you’re not alone anymore; the Order stands with you now. I stand with you.” He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Maximilian.. he is the one in charge now,” he said in a low voice. “He has strayed from our Lord’s intentions. If only the others knew you were still here,” he continued, the words just above a whisper, “They would rally behind you without a second thought. That I believe.”
His desire for revenge was a deep and primal urge. He wanted them—the entire Sith Order—to experience the same pain that was in her tale, the same pain he’d endured for almost a year since the Kaggath.
“I want them all to suffer." This time his voice was guttural. "Every last one of them.. I want to watch their lives vanish for making our people suffer," he continued. Vivid images flashed before his mind. "I want to watch them writhe, to know what it means to truly feel pain.”
Kasir's gaze became detached. He felt indifferent towards the Lord of Tsis’Kaar, especially considering there were no familial ties to him. In truth, the core of his personal beliefs held zero admiration for any Sith outside of Wonosa.
They were all just names with no real significance.
At the mention of assassination, all he could do was offer a subtle shake of the head. “I would never hurt you.” He recognized the strong bond between Revna and the High Priest. In fact, he knew for certain that many did. "I would rather be of assistance."
A flicker of something dark in his eyes appeared while reflecting back on the past. “There was a time when I was consumed with envy for those above me. My biggest.. desire was always to prove myself as the favored Darkseeker. But since the Kaggath, there is a part of me that doesn’t want to see the faithful within our Order suffer any longer, so long as their loyalties remain true.” His gaze shifted to a small space between them. “They’re the only ones I've ever truly felt any real connection to.” Memories of Darth Strosius during his time at the Jutrand Academy when was once just an acolyte resurfaced, before he found his true calling in the Dresuoti on Formos.
“But Malum..”
A heavy silence followed as his jaw clenched.
“..I want his screams to be heard across the entire galaxy.”
Another question lingered in his mind; one he probably should have asked first. "Why are you still here on Korriban?"
“Indeed…time does seem to play tricks on us.” She agreed softly, watching and sensing as the walls the Darkseeker surrounded himself with, slowly seemed to lower themselves before her as he admitted that he had been busy…but at running away from the memories of the past. Or trying to, anyway.
It was something she understood all too well herself.
Kasir was silent, even as he boiled in his anger, as she recounted her tale to him, though she left much out of her story - like the fact she had met her biological father while aboard the Malsheem, and the fact that Darth Carnifex himself had spared her life, had healed her and showed her mercy when she deserved none, and that the Dark Lord was also partially responsible for her stepping into her potential as a Sith, and though she still counted him amongst her enemies, he now held her respects. She also withheld the events that had transpired to her after her arrival to Korriban.
When she had finished speaking, Kasir made sure to tell her that the Wonosans stood with her, that he stood with her, and that she wasn't alone anymore. To hear that was…humbling, if she was honest with herself. The weight of that settled upon her shoulders, not a terrible burden to bear, but one she noticed. The words he spoke carried significance, and she wondered if he was aware of that.
Next, he shared that Maximilian - her Master’s protegé and the adopted son of Exarch Limont - had stepped into a leadership role for the Order after the High Priest’s passing, and Kasir said that the young man had seemingly strayed from their Lord’s intentions. This did concern her, but she didn’t reveal as much at the moment, but she knew she would have a challenger to face when she gained her freedom and she sought to bring the flock underneath her. She had a sinking feeling that there was no way he was going to willingly step down and release that place of power and authority when she returned. But there was something that Kasir didn't mention that brought her further concern: where were her fellow Disciples? They should have stepped in to guide the Order upon the passing of their Master...
She remained quiet, simply listening and observing as Kasir revealed the depth of his desire for revenge against those who had hurt them all, those who had made their Order suffer. She could sympathize because she used to feel the same way, but her time in captivity had revealed something to her that changed her perspectives on how she saw and viewed others.
Not everyone within the Order was their enemy.
Kasir assured her that he would never hurt her, and would rather be of assistance to her, when she confessed her concerns regarding him trying to assassinate her. His words brought her some relief, and the tension that coiled within her released its grip on her. Still, she would be unwise to completely lower her guard, but she chose to take him at his word.
“I am relieved to hear that. While this place is soaked in generations worth of blood, I am not eager to spill yours here.” she replied with a small smile, before falling silent once more as he confessed that he used to be envious about those within the Order that were above him in rank, his desire to become the favored Darkseeker in the eyes of Darth Strosius. She nodded in complete understanding of that desire; she had strove and worked hard to gain her Master’s favor in the two or three years she had trained with Him. Kasir went on to further expose his…desire…to see her cousin suffer, to hear his screams echo across the galaxy. To hear someone else say that about her own flesh and blood felt…strange, but she understood where that hate was coming from.
Then, he asked her why she was still on Korriban. “We will get to that in a moment. Right now there are other things that you have said that I wish to address.” Revna stated honestly as she leveled her gaze on him.
“Firstly, I am thankful that you stand with me, and that you believe the Wonosans would stand with me as well - but it doesn’t matter right now if Maximilian has supposedly strayed from Lord Strosius’s desires for the Order…he is keeping them alive and together, and for now that is all that matters.” Revna replied softly. “At least, until I am free from my overlords and can return to the Order and assess what all has been done, what all has changed. Right now, they must stay away from me. I am still bound to the Dark Lords - and they would like nothing more than to use me against the Order, especially the Shadow Hand. I will not lead those enslavers to those who are freed from their shackles. It is in the Order’s best interest if I stay away from them.” Her voice was firm, though she kept it at the same low volume as before. She searched his face, his eyes, hoping that he understood what she was saying, before she moved on.
“Secondly…I want you to hear me clearly on this, Darkseeker. Not everyone within the Order is our enemy, and we would be incredibly unwise to make enemies of those who would rather be of aid to us. Something is coming, I can sense it but I can’t quite grasp what it is yet. Something on the event horizon that will change things. Already, things are beginning to shift with the Order, the Empire itself. Now is not the time to be gaining enemies, Kasir. We need allies, otherwise we simply will not survive whatever is coming. I have…been stretching out my influence while I’ve been here, making connections with others who will support not only me, but the Wonosans as well.”
She paused, letting him digest all that she had said thus far, before she continued with what she wanted to say. “As for Malum….my contacts and informants have told me that he tried to bring both the Inquisition and the Order of Wonosa under his command and authority after the Kaggath’s conclusion - but the Order has resisted any and all of his efforts to take control over them. I am both relieved and nervous about that; relieved - because that man doesn’t know a damn thing about what it takes to shepherd the Wonosans, but nervous because he is a Dark Councilor and he has the power to utterly destroy them if they get under his skin too much.” She settled her gaze on the man before her, and her eyes turned hard. “Do not engage him, under any circumstances. No matter how much you hate him and want to see him suffer. He has the power of the Emperor, and he is crafty and ambitious. I want our Order to survive, and I cannot have members losing their chit over their need for revenge and destroying everything that Darth Strosius spent decades building. That doesn’t just go for you, but for everyone else too. Am I clear on that?”
There was a harder edge to her voice than what she wanted, but she wanted to make sure that nothing would befall her people before she had a chance to get to them and start to rebuild. “Kerstas will come in time, Darkseeker. You are an assassin; you know the value of being a patient hunter.” she said after a moment, her voice softer as she asked about her Apprentice-Brothers. "Do you know the whereabouts of the other Disciples of Darth Strosius? Are they involved in helping guide the Order, or have they vanished into thin air?" She wasn't entirely sure if Kasir would know about the other two apprentices of their Master, but it was worth asking, she figured.
She sighed and glanced around her casually once more, quickly taking note of different individuals that came and went from the temple, the linen wrapped and scented Jen’ari servants that stood as silent sentinels within the temple, ready to step in and aid wherever they were needed. She recognized some students from the Sith Academy, come to either meditate or pay homage to the Dark. She felt a stirring of pride for them; they were the next generation of up and coming Sith, and for those who survived their trials…they would formidable indeed. Revna returned her attention back to Kasir, and she lifted her chin up ever so slightly.
“Now…as for the reason why I am still here on Korriban? Well, honestly that is a bit complicated.” Revna said softly as she averted her gaze for a moment, idly but gently tucking the vial of her Master's ashes back inside her robes to rest against her chest once more. She wasn’t entirely sure if Kasir would like what she had to say on the matter.
"On one hand...I am here because the Kainite Dark Lords haven't recalled me back to wherever they are, yet. But I sense that time is coming, and soon. But on the other hand, the truth is that I...want to be here, now."
Like a statue, he remained motionless, feeling Revna's words as if they were a sharp blade cutting through his mind. The resolve beneath the calm exterior was clear, yet as she spoke of freedom and other Lords, a coil of uncertainty found itself within his chest. Deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more still to this predicament than she was admitting. The weight of her allegiance to the other Lords began to gnaw at him; he found himself questioning the motives.
The Darkseeker was then torn between voicing them or swallowing them like bitter pills.
Furthermore, a nagging thought flickered like a warning in his mind; the Sith began to question whether he was stepping into deceit and distraction from the very purpose he sought. The response in his mind was one from contemplation. “And how long until your.. overlords come to collect their due?”
The Disciple of Faith’s words seemed to hang in the air, bringing insight, but Kasir felt a familiar disturbance stir within that caused him to shift ever so slightly. “I agree with you to an extent, Revna,” he murmured, his voice steady. “There are those among our Order who desire no ill will.” During countless hours of meditation and contemplation, he’d listen to the whispers of a change, as though it were a current flowing through the beating hearts of those within Wonosa and the Sith Order as well.
His gaze was averted to the side once more, fixed on a distant part of the temple. With the tensions growing and allegiances ever shifting, trust felt more fragile than ever.
There was a small stretch of silence. Kasir's role was easily defined— a weapon forged to dispose of threats without a single question, bound to the Lord Inquisitor. There was no denying the Sith woman before him possibly thrived in a world that he absolutely hated. Politics and the like were not something he'd been properly trained in, nor exposed to properly to navigate them with the same precision as an assassin.
Inhaling deeply, he let his cold gaze meet her own once more. “You speak of connections and alliances, but my existence and purpose for now denies such maneuvering,” he admitted, his voice but a whisper. “Diplomacy is.. a complex issue that only blocks my path.”
Every time the name Malum crossed her lips, it ignited a spark of fury that coursed through his veins like the lava of Mustafar. Eliminating the Dark Councilor wasn’t quite on his agenda; not yet.
Moreover, he couldn’t ignore the choice of words that seemed to dance right along the lines as to what he considered tolerable.
It grated against him. “No, not entirely clear,” he stated. “I’m only allowing myself to be spoken to in such a manner out of respect for Darth Strosius. But I’d rather not let the trajectory that has been shaped over countless months to arrive here now be in vain.” His eyes darkened as he leaned forward. Revna carried wisdom, undoubtably, but he would delve too deeply in it; the raging fires of vengeance had a firm grip on his black heart.
There was a subtle shake of his head at the inquiry of other Disciples. It was a search for clarity even he understood, but a different journey had taken him all over, drifting far from Wonosa at times. Without the Lord Inquisitor’s presence, his recklessness was left unchecked. “I have spent my time elsewhere,” he finally said, his voice low, aware it was a poor answer that may prove disappointing, “consumed by something that has pulled me far from Sith space.”
He planned to return soon.
When the Sith woman’s focus turned to younger of their kind lingering in the temple, Kasir followed her briefly. The disinterest was etched across his face. The guards were ignored altogether, for he felt no threat from them, not since his arrival on Korriban. In truth, he thrived in chaos when necessary, and the higher the odds were stacked against him, the more capable he believed himself to be.
“Then tell me, what reason drive you to remain in this place?” He shifted slightly, a move that suggested mere curiosity. Another break was inhaled.
“And so that this trip is not wasted.. on a personal level,” he continued, eyes beginning to narrow, "how can I be of assistance while I'm still away for a short while?" He couldn’t help but feel that part of this action may have been in line with what their Master would have wanted.
Even as she spoke, she could sense the subtle shift within Kasir. No doubt, what she said only gave him more questions - yet he seemed to hold them back, though why she wasn’t sure. Though one question of his did slip through, as he questioned when her overlords might come to ‘collect their due’.
“I…don’t know. Hopefully never.” she stated softly, simply. It was the truth; she didn’t know when she would be summoned back to resume…whatever it was they wanted her to do next. She dreaded thinking about it, and tried not to. More than likely more training, but there was the small and nagging fear in the back of her mind that whenever she was recalled, it would be to declare her allegiance - and if she refused…
Her remarks about them needing alliances, and that not everyone in the Order was their enemy, hung between them for a moment and once again, the man shifted - as if he almost didn’t know what to make of such statements. He agreed with her in part, but further stated that his existence, his purpose, did not agree with such diplomacy, the delicate maneuvering of politics, and to that the young woman simply dipped her head in understanding.
“I understand, Kasir. I wasn’t…suggesting that you do such things. More or less a general statement for us as a whole. Or maybe more specifically the leadership of Wonosa. Unfortunately, when you lead people…you have to interact with others who are leaders, or representatives of such. Leaders have to…look out not only for their interest, but for the interests of those beneath them. It is not an easy burden to carry nor deal with and not everyone can do that. Some would rather leave that to others, and that is fine. It certainly is easier to take orders and carry them out, and not have to worry about the finer details.”
The topic of her cousin stirred the anger within the man again, and her harsher, sharper tone was met with resistance. He made it clear to her, as respectfully as he could, that he only tolerated her sharpness because of his respect for their late Master. His gaze was dark as he let his words, perhaps a warning, settle between them. Revna grew a bit stiff herself, and her ember eyes glittered with a brief chill.
“Hmm.” She hummed softly to herself as she let her gaze pierce through him before she sighed. She considered the man before her a brother, both of them bound through the tenets of Wonosa. But she was a Disciple of Darth Strosius, and she could not allow such an attitude to slip by without some form of correction. Her Master would have expected her to correct such a thing, and even though He wasn’t here now did not mean she could disregard His expectations of her.
“I respect you, Kasir, as a Darkseeker and as my brother. I respect the service and loyalty you rendered to my Master, and thus to the Order. I don’t want you to think I was saying such a thing to have some sort of power trip over you, but that there is a reason behind why I say what I say. As far as I am aware, you are a member of the Order of Wonosa, and as per how my Master trained me and guided me, I was simply stepping into the authority He authorized me to wield within the Order.” She paused for a moment longer, and held his gaze boldly.
“I assume you would have respected any directive I gave to you before He passed, since the Sith Lord was my direct authority, and there was no one else above me on that power structure. And that is still the case even after His death, no matter what others think or say.” She let that settle for a moment, before she finished. “Unless you are no longer a member of the Order of Wonosa, in that case the directive I gave you has no meaning.”
Revna moved on to ask the Darkseeker if he knew the whereabouts of the other Disciples, and he shook his head for no and admitted he had been elsewhere, his time and attention taken up by something else that had led him away from Sith space. In other words, he had been away from the Order of Wonosa. She was disappointed to hear nothing in regards to her Apprentice-Brothers, but she did not let that reveal itself to him. She simply nodded to what he had to say, and accepted it for what it was.
The conversation shifted to why she remained on Korriban, why she was choosing to remain in the Holy World. There was a brief pause, where he further inquired how he could be of assistance to her, so that he felt his trip wasn’t…wasted, at least not on a personal level. A shadow flickered across her face as she frowned briefly at his words; she didn’t know how to take that, but she chose to let it go.
Still, she was quiet as she tried to figure out the best way to answer his curious question. “I’m choosing to remain on Korriban for a number of reasons, one of which is to keep my fellow Wonosans safe for the time being.” Revna regarded Kasir for a few moments in silence, before she continued. “However, perhaps a larger reason behind why I am staying here is something I am trying to keep as quiet as possible for the time being, and I have my reasons for that. If the truth reaches the wrong person, it could complicate my situation further and I am not willing to jeopardize my chance at freedom. But if you truly desire to know, I will tell you. As for how you can assist me? Hmm.” Revna was quiet as she contemplated that for a few moments.
“I do not know where you will go once you leave this place but…it would be a great help to me for others to know that I am alive, and I am working on finding a way back to them. I would also love to know if my bases of operation I established in the Outer Rim by the orders of the High Priest are still being used, or if they have been abandoned. Perhaps there is someone who would be willing to be my liaison between me and the other Wonosans so I can coordinate and be of some use to them while I’m still here - someone who can slip in and out of Korriban without attracting attention. I am not concerned about the King knowing that a member of our late Master’s cult is visiting his realm, I am more concerned about the other Dark Lords sniffing out the truth and causing issues for us, so the more I can keep this quiet, the better.”
It was perhaps the best hint that she could give to Kasir that something else was going on in the background, something she couldn’t quite divulge in yet.
“And maybe schematics for the Sith plate armor that Darth Strosius had customized for us; mine was destroyed when the Shadow Hand got a hold of me. I’d like to make my own armor based off of those schematics; I have access to resources here that I could use to do that.”
Revna returned to her silence for a few heartbeats, her burning eyes searching Kasir’s shadowed face for a few moments. She was unsure if he would be willing to do any of it, but he offered some assistance and so she was taking him up on it. Beyond that, there was something else that kept nagging at her mind, and after a brief hesitation, she decided to speak her mind.
“I could tell earlier you had things you wanted to say as I was sharing a bit of what happened on my side, but you seemed to think twice about voice such thoughts or questions. Speak them, while you are here - as this may be the only chance we have to talk to one another face to face. I’d rather us not part ways with unsaid questions, or the seeds of mistrust and doubt.”
In the beginning, he could practically feel the weight of his ill chosen words hanging in the air between himself and the Disciple of Faith. A knot in his stomach turned; he had clearly missed the mark, and the nuances of her speech, even if brief, were noted. Kasir assumed there might have been unspoken fears, but it didn’t press him to bridge the small gap created then, for the right words simply eluded him. “Not my best moment,” he murmured thoughtfully, realizing the silence he so often sought may have served better.
Next, he allowed her words to echo in the stillness, feeling an unfamiliar weight settle as he mulled over Revna’s thoughts. For so many years, he’d assumed the name of Darkseeker, a title he carried proudly. Or Dorran. But here, in the temple, being referred to as Kasir, it was more profound. It felt strange even, nothing but a simple name, something left behind in the Dresuoti that forged him so many years ago.
Leadership required a depth of understanding that he’d never fully grasped before. There was no doubt of that awareness gnawing at him; rather, just a simple truth in admitting he had little experience leading before. Still, that wasn’t to say he hadn’t stepped beyond the confines of his usual self regularly; he was accustomed to constant trials and lessons that defined his existence as a living weapon.
Inhaling a deep breath, the Sangnir finally decided to speak, now feeling his words flowing forth from contemplation, rather than the ones earlier that were more impulsive. “You’re right. It is a title I do not entirely understand, nor is it a responsibility I particularly care about. There is a certain.. clarity that comes with orders, especially when from one I may have even admired, such as the High Priest.”
For several heartbeats, Kasir wrestled with his emotions; there was tightness in his chest; however, it was like a compass guiding him to introspection. "The only time I've stepped into that role is with an acolyte from Jutrand that I decided to take under my wing." The Sith thought that sharing this connection to Soah Ty’Jyn
was also extending a bridge to Revna, to make up for earlier, something built on understanding despite the complexities of it. “Under my guidance she is like a flower unfurling in the dark; and yet, it leaves me with emotions that should be left untouched.” With a slight shift of his weight, he placed one hand on the cool floor, leaning onto it. “I would go to any lengths to protect her, and the trials she endures weigh heavily on my conscience; sometimes, it’s like tightening a noose around my own neck, though I dare to never show it.” There was a faint pause, mulling on his words. "Though my feelings may be slightly different, the intricate dance of trust and responsibility did give me some insight into how the relationship may have been between you and Darth Strosius
. It's one of the reasons I wanted to seek you out, to assist however I can."
A faint smirk flashed at the idea of authority, even if only for a split second. For as long as he could remember, any form of command felt distant, nearly impossible to register in his mind. The Sith then straightened, locking his gaze onto her. "I respect you too, Revna," he replied, a rare moment of sincerity and warmth in his tone. "As a Darkseeker, yes, but more importantly, as my sister in the Order of Wonosa, regardless of how things currently stand. I should have taken more time to reflect before this. In truth, I rushed to arrive here, unsure if I’d even find you on Korriban. I wanted to know if the rumors were true."
Leaning back, her words swirled in his mind. There was a mix of curiosity and regard for her keeping guard, to not reveal every detail. The truth called to him, but sometimes secrets were for the greater good. He studied her expression before finally offering a nod. ”I respect that— truly. Whatever your reasons are, I won’t pry if you believe it’s safer to keep them close to your heart."
He was keenly aware of the nature of their kind, the Sith; unlike them, he knew he needed to be someone that could be trusted in the shadows. “But I do wish to help you navigate through this...chapter. If you’re open to it, I will serve as that liaison between you and our people. I do know a few within the Order I can trust.” Kasir hoped his words were well received. “I’ll need time to search for ears worthy enough to listen without drawing too much attention. I’m willing to move silently in and out of Korriban if necessary, as such is like second nature for me. I’m fully aware of the risk involved.” He leaned closer for a moment. "This way, I can take full responsibility if anything were to happen. Your secrets shall remain safe with me. The fact that you have already confided in my presence does not elude me. And for that, I will also carry some of this burden.”
Kasir regarded the Sith woman. Finally, he offered another nod. “Retrieving the schematics for that armor may be one of the easier tasks,” he said, his voice calm. “If you’d prefer, I could even deliver a new set altogether.. if that’s what you want.”
There was another momentary pause. “Tell me,” he began, the tone of his voice shifting to something more serious, “do you know the whereabouts of Veradun? I've been meaning to track him down too. I went to Faldos with the boy shortly before the Kaggath. Also, knowing the names of those you’d consider allies may help me navigate the long road ahead of us better.”
The little Sith woman was relieved to hear that Kasir understood what she had been trying to say; he agreed with her, and admitted that leadership was not something he had a particular interest in, and that there was a simple clarity that came with simply following orders - especially when given by someone that he admired. To that, Revna smiled in understanding.
In the very beginning of her training under Darth Strosius, she had found it a joy to follow His directions, His orders. Doing such things allowed her to step up and prove her mettle, and it always brought her happiness to see that her obedience had pleased her High Priest. And then He had started teaching her how to guide and lead others, and when He elevated her to His apprentice - she was given a measure of authority so she could carry out His will in places where He couldn’t go.
And there, she learned to be a leader. What it meant to have others look to her for guidance, for instruction, for orders, for training…for hope and faith. It was a great burden she shouldered, but she did the best she could to honor her Master. He had relied on her to do her part, and she didn’t want to fail Him nor the faith He had placed in her.
And neither did she want to fail those who looked to her and entrusted their lives to her.
Most Sith would use, abuse, and throw away such things. But not her; she’d been taught that everyone had a purpose, and if she took care of all her assets and her “tools”, then they would work and serve her for a long time.
Revna’s posture relaxed as she gave Kasir her undivided attention as he revealed perhaps the reason why he had been away from Wonosa. Her eyes brightened as he mentioned having brought an acolyte from Jutrand under his wing, and a genuine but small smile graced the woman’s pale face and it only widened further with warmth as he revealed that this student of his was growing under his guidance. She understood, at least in part, the depth and complexity when he said it left him with emotions that he thought should be untouched, but that he would do anything to protect his acolyte. The Disciple nodded in understanding as he stated that his own connection with his student gave him some insight into the unique relationship she and her Master shared.
“Having someone to teach and guide is a great honor and great responsibility. But...don't be afraid to let the connection grow stronger between the two of you. Many Sith would say that such a bond is a weakness, but I disagree. Great strength and power can come when one is connected to another; I can't speak for everyone but, I became far more loyal and devoted to my Master because He took care of me, and poured into our connection. He didn't abuse me nor cast me down or promote hatred between us, and that had a greater impact on me. I look forward to meeting her, your acolyte. Hopfully soon, too!"
The conversation drifted into that of authority, and though Kasir did smirk faintly, he didn’t make a further issue about it. He straightened himself and looked her in the eyes, and honestly told her that he did indeed respect her as well. Not just as a Darkseeker, but as her brother in Wonosa. He admitted that he should have taken more time to consider and reflect, and a simple dip of her head was all she needed to give him to show that she accepted what he had to say. She was relieved that their conversation hadn’t fallen into bickering or hostilities, and the tension that had coiled in her released itself and she relaxed again.
A smile crossed her lips when he said that he had rushed to Korriban to see if the rumors of her whereabouts had been true, even though he had been unsure if he’d even find her here. That warmed her heart, even if she wouldn’t outwardly say so. To know that someone cared enough to try and track her down, despite the dangers, meant a lot to her. It was further proof to her of the deep bonds that their High Priest had encouraged them all to form with one another, to truly be a family united under a common cause.
Though she could tell he was still curious about her reasons for remaining on Korriban, Kasir respected her wishes to keep the real reason hidden, though he did make sure to tell her that he wanted to help her navigate whatever chapter that lay ahead of her. He offered himself to be the liaison for her, if she was agreeable to it. Truthfully, she had hoped he would step in to be that middle ground for her. Out of everyone she knew, he was the best suited for stealth due to his training and the nature of who and what he was. Revna nodded in understanding as Kasir said he would need time to find the ears who would be worthy enough to hear what needed to be said, without drawing undo attention. She felt that was wise.
Kasir leaned closer to her once more, and told her that her secrets would be safe with him, and that he was willing to help carry some of the burden. There was silence between them as the woman pondered and chewed over everything he had said, weighing her options and choices.
“If you are willing to be that link between them and myself, I would greatly appreciate it. Out of everyone I know, you are the most suited for that task, and your voice and presence still carries weight. Since you’ve been away for some time, I suppose I can give you what little information I have been given by my allies. Faldos is closed off to pretty much everyone. There are Wonosans still there, but I am not sure if they have defected and gone to do their own thing or not. There are still outposts scattered around between here and the Empire proper. Perhaps starting there might be beneficial.”
Revna paused and searched Kasir’s face for a few moments, still weighing on if she should reveal the truth on why she was staying on Korriban or not, but that was pushed to the back of her mind for the moment when he told her he could bring her the schematics for the Sith plate if she wanted it, or he could even bring her a whole new set if she wished. To that, she offered a somewhat rueful smile. “My armor had to be custom made due to how…small I am, and to adjust for some…physical differences I have over the rest of the other Sith in the Order. I figured having the schematics would be good, that way I can have Korriban’s armorers build me a new set with some…additions or modifications.”
Kasir paused as she said her piece, then he asked her a question that made the woman go still as a statue. Her expression turned hard, and there was no hiding the flash of concern that came over her and spiked through her. “Last I saw him was when he was leaving to go to Jutrand to attend the Academy. I haven’t heard from him since.” She leaned in a bit closer to Kasir, a deadly serious look coming over her face. “He should still be at the Academy. I asked a couple people to keep their eye on him from a distance, but I haven’t heard anything from them either…I hate to ask yet another thing of you but, if you can try and figure out what is going on with him, that would be a great relief for me. There is little I can do for him right now if he is in danger.” Her worry and concern for the wellbeing of her little brother continued to grow, but there was little she could do about it for the moment, and she exhaled heavily to release some of the built up tension as she tried to focus on what else Kasir had asked of her. It took her a few moments, but she pulled herself together enough to think clearly and provide him some names.
“Right…allies and their names. I have only managed to secure a couple of them since being here on Korriban, but they are nonetheless important to me for various reasons. First is Kaila, or Darth Anathemous, a former Kainite who has been a great aid for me in recent weeks, feeding me information from the Empire at large so I can keep tabs on what my dear cousin is up to…among others that she has connections with. The other is Lina Ovmar, formerly Zambrano. She was aiding my Master in finding a way to secure my freedom, but she and I became close and she has been working with me to find a way out of Kainate control. Last I spoke with her, she was going to do some research into the device on my back to see if there is a way we can remove it without killing me. The other ‘allies’ of mine are not really allies, more or less individuals I am now on good terms with and I wish to keep it that way - they would be the Dark Councilors, Lord Lechner…and Lady Raaf.”
Revna had a feeling that Kasir might not like hearing that, but she was prepared to explain her reasoning if he asked her about it.
“When I am freed, and I am no longer under the direct control of Prazutis or Carnifex…I will come and find the Wonosans. And if need be, I will quell any rebellion amongst our ranks, any dissension will be uprooted. Anyone who is stepping away from the desire and the wishes of the High Priest and thus putting the Order directly into harm's way, will have to answer for such things.” She met Kasir’s eyes for a moment. “If you can, pass the word along that the Wonosans are to adhere to the teachings of our High Priest, and anyone stepping away from that or dishonoring His will for the Order, will face a reckoning for their dissension.”
Kasir at times was rooted in thoughtful silence, the weight of Revna’s words heavy upon his shoulders. His brow furrowed, as conflict brewed within him. Despite any flaws in his guidance, he'd never abused Soah Ty’Jyn
, nor mistreated her; his methods of training were harsh, yes, but they were always with intention. Each test he created was to push the Felacatian beyond her limits. But as he listened to Revna, her loyalty and passion were palpable, even a year later after the Kaggath. While he always viewed the boundaries of Sith relationships as the path to strength, her perspective kindled a bit of intrigue that he’d simply never considered in the past. The way she spoke of connection, as a source of power, rather than weakness, was something completely foreign to the Darkseeker. “I find isolation easier than understanding at times,” he admitted. “But perhaps it could serve us both well to explore the depths of this bond, as I’ve never allowed her to connect with me.”
With a deep breath, he acknowledged his dark past— the bitter taste of betrayal felt as though it on his tongue even now. “My focus has been solely on her growth in skill and ability. But maybe..” He paused, a rare flicker of doubt crossing his mind; Kasir was battling to maintain the facade he easily clung to. “Maybe my way has removed some motivations that could hold the girl back from reaching her full potential.”
His chest tightened, gazing around the vast room of the temple. “With everything going on,” he continued. "Do you truly believe it would be safe for her on Korriban?”
The Sith contemplated for a moment, lost in thought before eventually continuing. “I’ve found myself drifting through a handful of planets in Sith space. Faldos, in particular, has crossed my mind more recently.” An air of disappointment curled around him. In his memories. His mind wandered to Formos, a place that felt like it had culture, its own life. The backwater planet was a mere shadow of that. Nonetheless, disappointment still pierced him; the planet had been the property to the Lord Inquisitor. Property meant power. And now, it only served as a reminder for the ever shifting tides within the galaxy.
A heartbeat later, he would nod his head, acknowledging the Disciple of Faith. “I’ll get the schematics for you,” Kasir confirmed. “I’ll ensure they are in your hands as soon as possible.”
Soon tension radiated from the woman, and he sensed her resolve hardening like durasteel. The Sangnir was rather fond of the young Nagai boy, even if there weren't any clear signs of it. As forceful as it felt, he leaned in closer. “Revna,” he began, his voice smooth. “When I accompanied your brother to Faldos, he spoke of becoming the apprentice to Darth Nefaron.” He allowed a short time for the name to settle in the air. “I’ve been at the Jutrand Academy more recently, strictly at the training grounds. But I haven’t seen him since. I met Nefaron on New Cov when he sought to claim territory and spread his influence. I will say, he is much different from many others within the Sith Order. He is ambitious, but also.. detached.” His eyes narrowed for a split second. “He wields his own army..but..there is isolation that separates him far from the others on the Dark Council.” There was a subtle shake of the head. “And yet, somehow.. I prefer him over the other Sith Lords. He wears the badge authority well.. that much I can say.” His gaze fell to the floor, before returning to Reva. “Veradun made the choice to accept Nefaron’s offer. The High Priest.. Our High Priest, was even aware of it at the time. And though I have not heard from him.. I do want to believe that as harsh as Nefaron can be, your brother will grow more under him than what the Jutrand Academy could possibly ever offer.”
The next time his brow furrowed, it was deeper, listening to each name Revna listed. The Sangnir’s gaze sharped at the mention of Kaila, the Governor of Echnos. It reminded him of a desire for revenge that was fueled by raw emotion after the Kaggath, yet ended with him barely escaping with his own life. Doubt gnawed at him, close to challenging her beliefs in this potential ally of hers. “Do you really believe you can trust Kaila?” His tone was laced with skepticism. ”I.. wouldn’t trust any of the Kainite."
The name Lord Lechner echoed in his mind; he had been present during the invasion of Echnos City. Still, it was someone he knew little of. But it was Prazitus that ignited a flame within him. It spread through Kasir like the rivers of lava on Mustafar. He had heard tales of this Sith, and though he understood Prazutis’s power far surpassed his own, a thrill coursed through him anyhow. Despite the anger, he was fascinated. "When you are free at last.. I wish to meet this.. Prazutis," he stated. Fervor seeped into his voice before he could even process any further thoughts. “But until then, I will simply do what needs to be done to better serve you.. in any way that is beneficial. Before long, I will return to The Order of Wonosa, as Darth Strosius would have surely wanted.”
He shifted, searching for the right words as uncertainty threatened to wash over him. “What would be the best way to keep in touch, then? How do I ensure that you know I am still here.. still fighting?”
Expressing concern always carried a certain oddness to him, but it felt right to try and reassure her somehow. “You have my word that I will people. I will not allow them to fall further into disarray.” He inhaled a deep breath, falling into a sense of vulnerability, which he despised. “Your strength inspires me, my sister, and I believe in you.”
Kasir spoke aloud as he reflected upon what Revna had told him, especially in regards to his connection with his own student. A small but knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips when she saw that he seemed at least somewhat open to what she had to say. “Growing her skills and testing her is important in raising her up to be the Sith she is destined to be. She is relying on you to get her there.” Revna murmured, pausing briefly, before tilting her head to one side slightly and speaking the thoughts that rolled through her mind.
“Let me propose something to you, based on personal experience. Have you told her that you are proud of her? Have you taken the time to reward her achievements, her hard work, her obedience to you? How do you think she would respond if you did this? You don’t need to answer me, just something for you to think about. Darth Strosius did this with me, and more. He took the time to truly get to know me. I felt seen by Him, known by Him. I was not just another tool to Him, but a valuable asset that He poured time and energy into. And I in turn gave back to Him by doing my utmost to give Him my best at everything. Perhaps, it is something you could try…and see how it impacts her interactions with you.” Revna smiled softly to Kasir; she hoped her words and her experiences with her own Master could help him better connect with his own student. “There is so much more I could say on that matter, truthfully.”
Revna was quiet as Kasir let his gaze flicker around the room they were in, and he asked her if Korriban might be a safer place for his student. To that, the dark haired woman was reflective for a few moments - but she would speak the truth to him on that matter.
“We are Sith, Kasir. Nothing surrounding our way of life is safe, and nowhere for us is truly ever safe. Especially for the Wonosans. But…if she came here, I would ensure that she is watched over by myself, as one of my own - while also being given the room to be who she is, who you are training her to be. She is welcomed here; anyone I consider tied to me is welcomed here.” However, Korriban was a Kainate world, and thus had its own dangers, and she chose to be honest with him about that fact.
“Korriban is considered a part of the greater Kainate cloud - and as such, the Dark Lords of the Kainate do have a measure of power over all worlds contained within their sphere of influence. Korriban is the domain of Darth Caedes, her King, but even then…it is directly overseen by the other Dark Lords.” A small smirk touched Revna’s face then as a gleam shone in her eyes momentarily, and she leaned a bit closer to Kasir to whisper to him. “The King has taken great efforts to dismantle their laws over this world, all under their noses too. Slavery, for example, is banned here - whereas it is welcomed everywhere else. The King pays the tithes that are owed, and only does what he needs to, to keep them from looking too closely. A dangerous game to play, but he is a Dark Lord in his own right and is quite cunning and powerful and defends his realm fiercely when he needs to. So…with that being said, I will let you decide for yourself if you think Korriban is a safe place for her. Like I stated before, should she come here…I would watch over her as one of my own too.” She then leaned away from him to let him digest her words and come to his own conclusion on the matter.
Kasir was silent in his contemplation for a little while, and Revna was content to let him be and waited patiently for what he might say next. He told her that he had been drifting through various worlds in Sith space, but that Faldos had been on his mind more recently. She could feel the shift of disappointment within him, and it was something she understood herself. Their bases of power, their Master’s bases, were gone. They had nothing to their name now, really. The Order was likely aimless without a solid leader to guide it, and it was another reminder to Revna that she needed to free herself sooner rather than later so she could be their guide - at least, as much as she was able to be. She knew she would never be able to fill the shoes of Darth Strosius, but she owed it to them and to Him to be the best she could be for them.
Revna was tense as Kasir leaned a bit closer to her when the topic of her adopted younger brother came up. She listened carefully as the Darkseeker explained that while he had spent time with Veradun while on Faldos, the boy had mentioned becoming an apprentice to a Sith Lord…one whose name she knew, and her face paled slightly.
“Nefaron?” She was quiet for a moment as she pondered that statement. Kasir further informed her that he had been to the Jutrand Academy since meeting with her brother, and he had not seen or heard anything of the young Nagai there, before sharing his own thoughts on the Sith Lord. Her mind swirled with thoughts, chief among them was if her brother had accepted an apprenticeship - and that was answered a moment later as Kasir confirmed her questioning thought. She was silent for a long few moments as she tried to wrap her mind around that news. It made her uneasy.
“I know of Darth Nefaron, though I personally do not know him. He was…a sort of ally of my Master, though it definitely seemed like something more for convenience and not out of true alliance. There are whispers that he is known as the ‘Lord of Fear’ - and yes, while he is a powerful Sith Lord…I fear what kind of influence he will have on my brother.”
Her gaze shifted around, looking at nothing for a moment. “If our High Priest knew about it…then Veradun must have shared that information with Him. The boy really looked up to Lord Strosius. No doubt, he would have sought His advice on the matter.”
The Disciple of Faith took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment to steady herself, before looking back at the man before her. “I don’t…like Nefaron, for my own reasons. As much as I desire to protect the boy…I would only do him a disservice in doing so. If he is under the guidance of a Sith Lord, then that is where he will stay - regardless of how I feel about it. Hopefully, once my freedom has been secured, I can track him down and see him for myself and track his progress.”
As she moved on to listing off her allies, she could see that Kasir seemed troubled by some of what she said. “Do you really believe you can trust Kaila? I.. wouldn’t trust any of the Kainite." He questioned, and a faint smirk touched her lips. She expected such a question from him, and allowed it to be spoken without raising an issue over it. She appreciated his concern and thoughts on the matter.
“Trust is a very rare thing between Sith. Do I absolutely trust her? No, not fully. But I am giving her a chance to prove her loyalty and her trustworthiness. It is a risk to take, for sure. So far, she had been a true ally.”
A knowing smirk flashed over her face as he mentioned wanting to meet Prazutis one day, the tone of his voice betraying what he was really saying. “Get in line, Darkseeker.” she chuckled, before nodding as Kasir said he would be returning to the Order of Wonosa, and wanted to serve her in the best way he could.
“What would be the best way to keep in touch, then? How do I ensure that you know I am still here.. still fighting?” He asked her after a few more moments of thoughtful silence, before adding: “You have my word that I will tell our people. I will not allow them to fall further into disarray.” he said, before taking a deep breath and saying further, “Your strength inspires me, my sister, and I believe in you.”
“Thank you, Darkseeker. I do appreciate your willingness to aid me on this.” Revna murmured, a genuine emotion of gratitude within her words. To hear that she was inspiring him with her own strength, even while in the midst of her bondage, humbled her. Though perhaps he was unaware of it, it was yet another thing that added to the weight of responsibility that was upon her shoulders now. She didn’t want to fail him, nor any of the others, and she would strive to ensure that she never did. She took a deep breath to collect her thoughts so as best to answer his question on how he could best reach her.
“I…will be here more than likely for some time. You are welcome to come here and speak to me in person at any time…though I do recommend that you conceal or bury your presence when you find your way in. You can pass a message along to any of the servants you see on the grounds of the Palace itself. That is where I reside now, and all the servants and those who work within the Palace of Vardin know who I am. If you cannot do so, then I suggest you make your presence known to Lina Ovmar. She will be the one I can communicate with if I am called back to the Malsheem. I can also inform her that you might be seeking her out, so she doesn’t kill you by accident.” She offered a small half smile, before continuing onward.
“As for me knowing or being reassured that you are still fighting…well, I trust that you will continue to do so. If not for me…then to carry on the legacy of our Master, our High Priest. That is what matters; that we honor Him by carrying on His work.”
Revna
Darth Strosius
, who’s memory lingered within the depths of the Darkseeker’s mind. Determination was also swelled from another absence, that of
Veradun Sharr
, the Nagai akin to a younger brother; the weight of it tore at him constantly outside of daily meditation.
Soah Ty’Jyn
, in a galaxy filled with ever shifting alliances and deceit, a lone ember still ignited the icy core of a Sangnir’s existence.
