Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 602
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on May 21, 2022 5:07:04 GMT -8
Given the circumstances surrounding the conception and birth of the Twins, there wasn't a great deal of comforting news that would relate to them. Though, truth be told, Octavian seemed to be experiencing much lesser effects than Fiora was. The Force did seem to like its dualities. His expression turned more sombre as Faina enquired as to the exact nature of how uncontrolled her powers are
Very much on the side of not being able to consciously control them. For the most part, her current form is stable, but we have found a few triggers, usually where emotional connections are concerned...
So far his fight with her had caused her to morph into her mother, her dreams had caused her to morph into Jin, and a fight with Jin had caused her to revert back. Since then, things had been quiet, thankfully. But barely a week had passed since her powers rather forcefully emerged, and there was no telling what ignoring them could lead to
So far she's only felt hungry and tired from the changes. So nothing too dangerous yet... That holocron should prevent any escalation of those problems. Unless you have any more questions, you can head up. Just... be careful...
The last thing they needed, was Fiora experiencing another transformation and taking on Faina's features. Especially if his hunch about the Holocron turned out to be wrong. Though, in theory, it would provide another chance to test out what affect Jin's presence has on Fiora. He stepped out of the way then, allowing Faina to pass on up to the lounge
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301 
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 23, 2022 10:22:38 GMT -8
Faina feels relieved when Harnan explains that, so far, Fiora's inability to completely control her abilities has not caused any problems beyond being hungry and tired when using them. Nodding when Harnan tells her to be careful after saying that she can head up to see Fiora, Faina says with a nervous smile, "Right," understanding Harnan's warning while not exactly sure what being careful means in this instance; it has been so long since she has seen Fiora outside of the few instances where Imperial functions required her daughter and Harnan to be present, and even then there was little opportunity to really speak together, meaning that a reunion is bound to have some degree of emotion involved.
Guessing that the best she can do is try and dampen down her level of concern for Fiora to a degree that it will not be so obvious as to trigger the unstable part of her eldest daughter's powers, Faina takes a deep breath before heading up to see Fiora, using her training in erecting mental barriers to push her worry and concern to the back of her thoughts and focusing instead on her love for Fiora and excitement to see her and spend time with her after so long apart.
Once she has stilled her thoughts as best she can, Faina heads up, her steps quick and lively as her anticipation builds, and looks around for Fiora. . .
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 23, 2022 19:43:18 GMT -8
The last few days had been... intense. That was probably the best word she could use to describe them. From the moment her powers explosively awoke during her training session with Harnan, she'd been through an intense couple of days where she'd been morphed into other people. Thankfully Jin had been able to help her return to her true form and look like herself again. Something she had honestly never been more grateful for. Like most teenage girls, she definitely had some self-image issues with how she looked. Not that her figure had ever particularly been a problem. Being a Princess and a Knight of Ren had meant her training regime kept her fit. But there had always been some self doubt about it all.
However, that self doubt had diminished a lot when she'd found out she could adjust her appearance. After that, she had wanted nothing more than to look like herself again. And the days since then had not seen any further uncontrolled changes in her appearance. Not instantly noticeable anyway. She couldn't help but feel like some things hadn't fully changed back to their original proportions. Whether that was just natural changes from puberty, or she had sub-consciously adjusted them was unclear. Whatever the case, she had been hesitant to leave Jin, worried she might end up involuntarily transforming again.
But Harnan had all but ordered her to accompany him and refused to give any explanation or details as to the why. She knew he'd disappeared off to Byss for a day or so before returning to Prakith and seemingly dealing with some other matters. She'd suited herself up in her armour and followed obediently as he lead her to the Spaceport, which had given her little clue as to what was going on. But as the Dione had drawn closer to the Spaceport, Fiora could sense Faina's presence within the Force. Something which had only concerned her and raised some pressing questions. But Harnan had sat calmly, before telling her to remain in the Lounge before he departed to greet the ship.
She was stuck between panic and concern over why Harnan and Faina were meeting, whether it was meant to be them meeting, and acceptance that she couldn't stop Harnan going down. In the end, she'd removed her helmet, setting it on the bench next to her as she tried to calm herself, her long red hair falling down around her face and mid-way down her shoulder blades.
She cautiously moved toward the window and steathily kept an eye on the Hangar bay. Seeing neither figure draw a blade and try to kill the other was a relief, but they were talking for a little while. Finally Harnan moved aside and allowed Faina to head up toward the Lounge. She scurried away from the Window and rushed toward the door as Faina appeared, instantly wrapping her arms around her Step-Mother and hugging close to her. It had certainly been quite a while since they'd been able to spend any time alone, despite the handful of Events that had drawn them together over the years
Faina! You shouldn't be here, it's dangerous for you...
She loved and cared about Faina a lot, as one would a Step-Mother. And despite her Father's insistence, and the fact Octavian had been more than comfortable addressing her as such, Fiora had never grown comfortable with calling Faina her mother. She was and always would be Faina to Fiora. There was no spite meant by not calling her mother. The term just did not sit right with her ever since her birth-mother had died. She wasn't sure she would ever be able to address anyone with that title ever again
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 23, 2022 21:43:17 GMT -8
Faina wraps her arms around Fiora and holds her tight as her eldest daughter rushes to her and hugs her, almost unable to believe that she is here and together with Fiora after so long, and so overcome with emotion that, as stoic as she likes to believe she is, she can feel her eyes tearing up. Hearing the distress in Fiora's voice as she says that it is dangerous for Faina to be here, Faina remembers Harnan's warning and does her best to get her emotions under control as, not ready to let go of her eldest daughter just yet, she steps back while keeping her hands on Fiora's shoulders and shushes her gently with a reassuring, loving smile, "Shhh. . . it's okay, my little Fee. Don't worry, Harnan and I have an understanding, and he wouldn't let anything happen to me, finding it odd in a distant way that she believes that to be true, and not only because of her title or the possible repercussions if she were harmed, but also because of the respect they have strangely come to have for one another and the love both bear for Fiora. Resting a hand on Fiora's freckled cheek, Faina tries to lessen the chances Fiora's worry might trigger her uncontrolled abilities with a joke, arching her eyebrow with a cocky grin as she reminds her eldest daughter of the fact that she is a trained, seasoned Imperial Knight, Besides, you know I'm quite capable of handling myself."
Keeping her hands on Fiora's shoulders, Faina falls quiet a moment, just taking in the sight of her daughter, unconsciously looking, as she had with Harnan, for any signs of the effects long term reliance on the Darkside can have while consciously noting the subtle changes in Fiora's appearance that, when seen over time as with those of her children she sees more often are easy to miss, but with Fiora, who she sees less often can be more startling. Fiora looks older, naturally, more mature, and yet still somehow not entirely unlike the little girl she used to watch sleeping. She cannot see, or thinks she cannot given that such things are not always readily apparent even to a trained eye, any signs of unhappiness or stress in Fiora's eyes, and Faina is grateful that whatever training she has undergone with the Ren has left no visible signs that would make her feel guiltier for not having fought harder against the fate that had been decided for Fiora even before she had married Nicademus. Brushing an errant lock of Fiora's red hair behind her ear, Faina smiles and repeats, My little Fee, using the nickname she has used for her eldest daughter ever since she was little. Just as Faina has always been Faina to Fiora, Fiora has always been her little Fee, even after she was not quite so little. I've missed you," Faina says softly, her eyes shining as she feels her tears threatening to spill over again, just how much she has missed Fiora and worried for her something that again threatens to overwhelm her.
Smiling brightly and tamping down her emotions as best she can once more, Faina asks, "How are you? How's Jin? It had surprised Faina when she learned that Fiora's friend had begun to train with the Ren, mostly because Jin had never struck her as someone that respected authority much, making it difficult to see her accepting anyone as a Master, but also because her independent, artistic and carefree nature seemed so at odds with joining an Order known as the Sword of the First Order. Laughing a bit, Faina says, I still have a hard time picturing her as . . . she shakes her head, not wanting to sound critical of the Ren and unsure how to phrase what she means without sounding as though she is, settling for a vague, you know. Not yet ready to delve in the subject of what Harnan has asked her to deliver, hoping the topic comes up on its own when the time is right, Faina says, Your father, uncle, brothers and sister all miss you too, and send their love. Her excitement and eagerness to learn how Fiora is doing, and what she is feeling making her repeat herself, Faina asks again, How are you, my little Fee?"
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 25, 2022 5:20:22 GMT -8
She hadn't realised how much she needed the hug until that very moment as she clutched onto Faina. She wanted the moment to last a little longer, even as her concern for Faina's safety continued to grow. But then she noticed something different, amplified as Faina seemed to pull back whilst keeping her in arms reach. She'd grown used to this feeling with her Step-Mother. She had known about Faina's objection to Fiora training with the Ren, and had felt the barrier Faina used to hide her concern and objection behind. And it was in full force in this moment. Which was a good indication of just exactly what Harnan and Faina had been discussing down in the Hangar Bay.
She did her best to put on a smile for her Step-Mother, pouting a little at the 'Little' moniker that Faina still attached to her name. It wasn't that she entirely disliked it, it was just part of the little routine between them. She pressed her cheek into Faina's hand, while gripping her Step-Mother's hand with her own
I know... but it doesn't make it any less dangerous...
Her smile grew a little smaller as Faina studied her. Some part of her sensing the inspection that was occurring. The Ren, unlike the Sith, were not wholly reliant upon the Darkside of the Force. They were just more willing to make use of its power than others, under controlled circumstances of course. Some of her new sisters amongst the Ren definitely bore the marks of corruption from such use over a long time. But they were exceptions, than the rule. Fiora well and truly held no such marks, and not because of her rapidly manifesting powers of transformation. Truth be told, she would be able to hide the usual telltale signs of Darkside misuse. Not that such a fate was a concern.
Her smile grew a little and she closed her eyes as Faina brushed the lock of hair out of the way. Long hair was nice, but it definitely carried its own set of challenges. Challenges which were amplified when you spent a significant amount of time wearing a protective helmet.
She opened her eyes and met Faina's gaze, waiting until her Step-Mother had finished gushing and just about verbally tripping over herself with everything she wanted to say. The two Orders of Knights within the First Order were so very different in philosophy and function to such an extent that conflict was inevitable. While Faina seemed confident a truce existed between her and Harnan at the moment, Fiora was not sure that would last forever. One too many bad dreams had revealed a great conflict between the two sides.
But such events were still yet to come, and so she tried her best to enjoy this moment with Faina
I'm... good, I think... There's... a lot going on... As for Jin...
She let out a bit of a sigh, reminiscing about some of the things that had happened in the last few days. As her thoughts strayed onto Jin and the moment she had shared with her best friend... Her face took on a red blush
Well... She's... Uhhh... She's good... You know how she is... She's Jin...
A statement which would have sounded vague and uninformative to most. But she was sure Faina would understand, as Fiora managed to focus her own thoughts a little
She's not really a Ren... I don't really know what she is... Neith trains her because of me, but...
She let out another sigh. She knew Jin had only agreed to train with Neith because it meant they could be together in the long run. Fiora couldn't help but feel guilty about the path she was forcing her Best Friend down. Was it really ok for her to force this upon Jin? She knew Jin would never complain, especially since Harnan didn't seem to interfere.
Fiora forced a smile as she pulled herself out of her thoughts
I promise everything is fine... well... ok... mostly fine...
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 25, 2022 20:44:19 GMT -8
Clucking her tongue and arching an eyebrow in a mostly playful and theatrical display of incredulity when Fiora repeats her concerns about the potential peril inherent in Faina's having come alone to Prak, Faina nods with a more serious expression to silently acknowledge that she understands Fiora's concerns, the steadiness of her gaze making it apparent that she does not, and will not regret her decision to come to see her eldest daughter; if there is to be a price that will be exacted, Faina will pay it willingly. Though Faina makes no effort to peer into Fiora's thoughts, their closeness and Force sensitivity make some things seep through all the same, and just as Fiora was able to discern some sense of Faina's scrutiny for any evidence of corruption, Faina has the sense that her eldest daughter's concern for her safety is more deeply rooted than the fact that she has come here now, and recalls Harnan's ominous warning to her long ago before he had come to begin Fiora's training that Faina and he both will have the greatest burden to bear when the time comes. Determined not to let the talk of danger take center stage in her reunion with Fiora, Faina sets the thoughts it has stirred aside, glad that Fiora, too, seems to move on from the topic as she answers the numerous questions Faina had asked of her.
Faina smiles sympathetically when Fiora, after saying with less conviction than is comforting that she believes she is well, goes on to say that there are many things going on in her life. Faina notes the slight blush that briefly colors her eldest daughter's freckled cheeks after she begins answering Faina's question about how Jin is doing, and wonders what might give rise to it. Jin and Fiora have been all but physically attached at the hip since they first met, ever thick as proverbial thieves, but Faina had always assumed their relationship was platonic in nature. The blush could suggest that Faina missed something, though she knows it is equally possible that Fiora and Jin's relationship has developed into something more, or that one or the other has developed feelings for the other that may or may not have been revealed to or shared by the other, or that such feelings may have only just begun to develop for one or both of them. Whatever the case may be, Faina takes the fact that Fiora does not go into greater detail to mean she is not ready to share whatever may have given rise to the blush yet, and so she keeps her expression from revealing anything other than amused agreement with Fiora's statement that Jin is simply Jin, which she understands perfectly, and nods as she expresses her understanding of the simple statement that in fact encompasses the whole spectrum of unique qualities that make Jin . . . Jin, by repeating simply, "She's Jin. And, Faina adds with a loving smile, I am glad that you have each other," to express not only the simple truth that she is comforted by the knowledge that Fiora has as dear a friend as Jin at her side as she undergoes her training, but also to subtly invite Fiora to open up more about her and Jin if she so chooses.
Faina nods, a sympathetic and understanding expression on her face when Fiora explains that Jin is not a Ren, and is being trained by Neith because of Fiora; the way Fiora speaks of the matter suggesting that she may have some concerns that her relationship with Jin is the only reason that her friend has chosen to follow down the path set before Fiora. As much as Faina understands Fiora's concerns, she has always had the impression that there is no one other than Jin herself that could make her walk down any path other than one she chooses for herself, and so after Fiora has concluded by trying to assure her that everything is mostly fine, Faina smiles reassuringly as she gives Fiora's shoulders a warm squeeze and says, "I guess mostly fine is better than not fine at all, and then reminds her eldest daughter, And I think we both know that Jin wouldn't be here with you if she had any misgivings about it at all. Crinkling her nose, Faina jokes, If she did, she'd have dragged you away long before now."
Looking around and noticing an indoor tapcafe nearby, Faina nods towards it as she asks, "Do you want to get something to eat or drink? We could at least sit down, and talk some more about those lots of things going on you mentioned, she adds with a smile. Harnan has told me a little bit about your struggles with the abilities you inherited from your mother, Faina explains, ignoring the slight sting it causes her to acknowledge that despite how she feels a mother's love for her eldest daughter, she will never be able to fill or completely soothe the aching void Illaria's death has left within Fiora, and I have something for you that we hope will help you with them."
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 29, 2022 3:00:08 GMT -8
I'm glad I have her too....
The slight blush returned and her heart raced a little as her thoughts lingered a little longer on Jin and the events of the last week. Things between them had indeed started out as friends when Jin had helped save her in the Underworld of Coruscant. They'd grown close over the years and become Best Friends, especially when Jin had stood by her when Fiora joined the Ren. At some point though, she had started to feel differently about Jin. It hadn't been until that training session that Fiora really started to work out what that different was. It was still too new and uncertain though. Jin seemed to feel the same way, but neither one of them had wanted to approach the topic in the last few days. So she wasn't really ready yet to talk to Faina about it.
She smiled as Faina gave her a reassuring squeeze of her shoulders, trying her best to be reassuring about the concerns Fiora had. She did her best to draw some strength from the statements
Yes, I could see Jin putting on her tough face and making us run away...
She caught her self again, her thoughts wandering a little around the idea of her and Jin running away together. She shook her head, trying to regain some sense of control over her thoughts and also prevent herself from accidentally triggering another change. Harnan had impressed upon her the importance of being careful with her thoughts and feelings. A not so easy task for someone hitting the opening strides of puberty. But she was making her best effort to do so.
When Faina first suggested they sit and talk some, Fiora had gone to decline. As much as she wanted to spend more time with Faina, she could feel small sparks within the Force adjusting the path forward. But before she could say anything, Faina mentioned she had been talking with Harnan and that she had something the pair thought would help Fiora. She looked to the tapcafe and the little seating area with tables
I... I suppose we can sit and talk for a little bit...
She grabbed Faina's hand and pulled her over toward the chairs and slid down into one while letting Faina sit opposite her
What do you have for me?
Despite the seriousness of the situation, part of her couldn't help but feel that child like excitement for receiving a gift
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 29, 2022 8:24:09 GMT -8
Faina smiles as Fiora, blushing once more, says that she too is glad that she has Jin with her, and given that her eldest daughter says nothing more about her friend after also agreeing that being dragged away by Jin is well within the realm of imagination, guesses that whatever may or may not be going on between the two is something that Fiora is not ready to share with her just yet. Though she can remember the time, before Harnan came to take Fiora to begin her training, when Fiora shared everything with her, Faina understands that a part of growing up is stepping back from one's parents a bit, the natural process probably expedited by the fact that training to be a Knight of Ren and being apart for long from one another means that a certain amount of distance between them is all but inevitable. The thought makes Faina sad, and she wonders if that distance is something that will ever be closed again with what may lay ahead for her eldest daughter, but they are together now, and Faina sets her concerns for the future aside so that she can make the most of what time together they do have.
Noting the brief hesitance that Fiora exhibits after asked if she wants to sit and possibly get something to eat, Faina wonders just how brief their time together will be; Harnan hadn't been clear on the matter, but Fiora's reaction seems to indicate that she is eager to get back to her training or something else that demands her attention. Fortunately for Faina, when Fiora hears that she has brought something for her, the apparent need to rush off evaporates. Smiling with a laugh as Fiora takes her hand, her enthusiasm reminding Faina of her eldest daughter when she was younger and less filled with care, Faina is tugged along willingly to the seating area.
Settling into a chair opposite Fiora after taking her rucksack off her shoulder and setting it on the table, Faina opens it after looking around to make sure that they are more or less alone and explains, "A holocron that was made by a Shi'ido that knew your Mother well. Harnan and I hope, she takes the holocron, still wrapped in oilcloth from her rucksack and passes it to Fiora, that it contains training or other information that will help you gain a better grasp on the abilities you've inherited."
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 29, 2022 22:00:21 GMT -8
Each hangar bay was sectioned off from one another in this part of the spaceport and thus had their own private sectioned off lounge areas. The only people close by were the Purge Troopers that provided security for this section of the spaceport, and they were stationed outside of the doors. All of the latest state of the art privacy technology was employed in these spaces. From construction materials to privacy fields. In terms of being alone, they were as safe and secure as anyone could be.
Fiora watched intently as Faina removed the rucksack and set it on the table, before producing a oilcloth wrapped Holocron. She carefully accepted the item and set it on the table in front of her. A holocron made by a Shi'ido that knew her Mother. While a part of her had perhaps hoped it was from her Mother, she didn't get too disappointed that it was not. Though she was curious as to who this friend of her Mother's was. She gingerly unwrapped the folds to reveal the small blue and grey pyramidal device. Nothing abut its appearance gave her any real clue as to its owner being someone she knew
I wonder who...
She shifted her focus back up to Faina, blushing a little as she realised what had happened
Oh! uhh... thank you! I guess I should activate it...
She shook her thoughts clear and reached her hand out and picked the Holocron up and held it in the palm of her hand. She focused the flow of the Force around her into the object. A blue glow grew brighter within the cracks of the device, sections popped free and rotated before settling back into place. Finally, however, a light emanated from one of the emblems at the bottom of one of the Holocron's sides. A vague shape formed in the air, standing next to the table. Slowly the form started to take shape and clearer definition. A human male, wearing Imperial Knight armour.
Fiora almost dropped the device as she recognised the owner of this Holocron. She'd been young when Kortos had died, but she remembered the nightmare she'd had when Harnan had almost died, but she'd seen Kortos there with him. It had been one of the few dreams she'd lied to Faina about. But her recognition would be impossible to pass off, though she hoped Faina was more focused upon Kortos' image than she was upon Fiora
The apparition finally came into focus as it surveyed the two women seated before it. A few moments passed as Kortos processed who was present before offering a formal bow to them both in turn
Princess Fiora Delvardus... Grandmaster Faina Nikulin... I see some time has passed since... well... I died...
There was no real delicate way to address one's own mortal death when you were a stored copy of a consciousness. But he was well aware of what he was, and had a good idea of what had happened
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 30, 2022 1:31:17 GMT -8
Faina smiles as she watches Fiora unwrap the holocron, reminded of past birthday parties or other celebrations involving unwrapping presents when Fiora would become just as absorbed in the task of unwrapping in her eagerness to learn what was inside. Shaking her head and waving a hand to let Fiora know that she has no need to thank her, Faina almost laughs when Fiora almost immediately suggests that she should activate the holocron, just as she would start playing with her unwrapped toys as a child as soon as they were unwrapped.
Faina is, just as Fiora hoped, so intent on the holocron's gatekeeper when it is successfully activated that she fails to note the expression and slight fumbling of the holocron that would have suggested Fiora recognized Kortos' image. When the gatekeeper recognizes Fiora, however, Faina cannot help but wonder how that is possible when, to her knowledge, Kortos never met the twins. Reminding herself that she never knew Kortos was a Shi'ido or that he had a relationship of some kind with Fiora's mother, Faina sets the unanswered questions aside given that, in the big picture, they are not relevant at this time so far as she can see, and so focuses instead on the present.
Save for inclining her head to acknowledge the gatekeeper's greeting, Faina holds her tongue; she has only had limited experiences with holocrons, but knows that a holocron's gatekeeper decides what to teach or share with its user, and does not want to risk interfering with Fiora's access to that information by interacting with the gatekeeper anymore than necessary. Though she knew Kortos only a little, it is strange to see his image now and know it is a simulacrum of the man, and she has trouble thinking of it as Kortos rather than simply a gatekeeper. Smiling reassuringly, Faina motions for Fiora to take the lead in interacting with the holocron's gatekeeper.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 30, 2022 16:19:10 GMT -8
It was such a surreal experience seeing Kortos' projection. She hadn't known him personally when he was alive, but she was aware of the... sacrifice he had made, in giving his life to help kill the former Master of the Ren and ensure Harnan survived. A quick glance toward Faina, revealed that she was doing her best to process things as well.But, being the stalwart leader she was, she remained silent and let Fiora take the lead. She didn't know a huge amount about Holocrons, beyond that it took the Force to activate and use them and that they contained a great wealth of knowledge. But she did not have a particularly large wealth of knowledge when it came to gatekeepers.
She just was not sure how to properly interact with it, without risking messing up
It's Fiora Ren, actually. And Empress Faina Delvardus...
The image of Kortos stood still for a moment, seeming to process the information
I see... Information updated, Lady Ren... It's good the Emperor remarried, he bears a great burden... But, enough about that for now. I trust I am right to state you did not seek out my holocron just to reminisce?
It was weird watching him talk, some things seemed like natural speech while others had a more mechanical tone to them. She tightened her grip a little on the Holocron, ensuring the device did not slip and fall away
I have so many questions, I don't even know where to start... If you know who I am, you know who my birth mother was, correct?
That is correct. The name you would be most familiar with, would be Illaria Ren. Hmm... Ah! I see. Your powers have started to show...
If by that, you mean my ability to shift form? then yes...
Yes, I do mean that. I have much to teach you. I will do my best to answer your questions, but somethings I cannot and will not answer...
It was difficult not to feel the sting of disappointment. There were things Harnan was keeping from her, which she was sure were also being held back by others. But perhaps it was for the best she did not know them. She let the flow of energy cut off then, causing the apparition of Kortos to disappear. Fiora set the Holocron back down upon the oilcoth as she studied it a little longer. There were answers and training contained within that would take her weeks to work through. But it was a step in the right direction. She shifted her gaze to Faina
I mean it, thank you Faina... It's... It's scary having something happen to you that you can't control... I know the Ren have a bit of a bad reputation, but they teach about control and balance. Things I've felt far from being in the last week...
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on May 31, 2022 11:04:17 GMT -8
Faina, keeping as still and silent as possible to avoid any chance her presence might distract the holocron's gatekeeper, watches as Fiora interacts briefly with the holoprojected image of Kortos. It is eerie, Faina thinks, to see how the image's comportment and speech pattern mirrors that of the Imperial Knight she remembers, and even stranger still to hear it's reply to Fiora when she clarifies for it that she is now a Ren and Faina an Empress.
While Fiora does not interact long with the gatekeeper, Faina is relieved when the image of Kortos tells Fiora that there are some questions it will not answer; her relief born from the fact that its reply dispels any doubts she may have had about the holocron's purpose. That Kortos was a Shi'ido, and tied to Fiora's mother in some way, had made Faina question whether he had been planted within the Imperial Knights for nefarious purposes, and whether the information on the holocron might contain teachings that veered into the Darkside. That the gatekeeper indicates it will withhold some things lets Faina know that she probably has no need to worry on that account, for only Darkside aligned individuals create gatekeepers that grant unrestricted access to what teachings or knowledge they leave behind. Odd as it sounds, the gatekeeper on the holocron she has brought for Fiora seems intent on giving her only information that it deems safe for her to know, and Faina hopes that what it can and will share with Fiora will help her learn to control her new abilities.
Smiling reassuringly as she places her hands over Fiora's and gives them a gentle squeeze, Faina says, "No need to thank me, my little Fee. I know it must be scary, I can only imagine how it must feel to have a part of you that you've only just begun to understand and that you cannot always control, but I also know, she smiles and leans forward to emphasize her words, that you are strong, and smart, and you will learn to control these abilities. It may take time, and it may be difficult, but I know you can do it."
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 31, 2022 19:07:26 GMT -8
She was grateful for Faina's reassurances and reminders. She had made it this far in life and through the training the Ren had put her through and had come out of it all. Kortos would provide her the correct instruction on how to master her powers and she would need to practice and trust in it. She offered up a smile, a few stray strands of hair falling across her face as they were want to do when her helmet was off
You're right... I can do it! I will do it!
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Jun 1, 2022 4:52:33 GMT -8
Faina smiles as she reaches over to push the errant strands of Fiora's hair back from her face, "Absolutely, my little Fee. Didn't I just say so? Tilting her head to the side in a comical portrait of thinking back very hard on their conversation, Faina nods, I believe I did." Covering Fiora's hands with her own, Faina looks at her in silence for a moment, keeping her smile in place even though she knows that she must part soon from her eldest daughter, and will be doing so with no idea of how long again it might be before they see one another again; the thought threatening to stir sadness at how infrequently she sees Fiora along with the all too familiar guilt Faina has often felt that she did not fight harder, longer, or dirtier to keep Nicademus from honoring his promise to the Ren. There is nothing to be gained in allowing her thoughts to gain purchase on the surface of her mind, and so Faina lets them fall back down into her subconscious, knowing they will return as they always do.
Remembering Fiora's reaction when asked about getting something to eat or drink, Faina does not extend the invitation again, knowing that her eldest daughter will be anxious to continue learning what Kortos' holocron will be able to teach her, and so she sighs and frowns a bit as she crinkles her nose and says, "I imagine Harnan is pacing around and worrying about you right about now, so I had better head off before he charges in. With a smile, she gives Fiora's fingers a squeeze as she chides her playfully, Now that I know these little things here are working just fine, I don't think you have, she taps Fiora's freckled nose with the tip of her index finger, any excuse not to give your father and I the occasional holocall or, at the very least, holonet message."
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Jun 2, 2022 16:34:02 GMT -8
Fiora closed her eyes instinctively as Faina's hand reached out and brushed the hairs aside. She turned her hands upward and gripped Faina's hands in return, offering a small smile. She could also sense this meeting drawing to an end, which a small part of her was relieved about. Something born only of her concern for Faina's safety in the current moment and the shifting of future events. Fiora giggled a little at Faina's assessment of what Harnan was likely doing down in the hangar
He always paces and worries about me. He tries to hide it, but he is getting sloppy about it in his old age...
She let go of Faina's hands and shook her face a little as her nose was booped by her step-mother
I mean, they're working fine right now, but accidents happen... But I'll try message you more. It's not my fault you and Father are always so busy leading an entire nation to reply quicker...
She teased back as she stood up from her chair and helped Faina up, before pressing in close and giving her a tight hug
I know you'll worry anyway, but I promise everything is fine. Kortos' training will help make sure of it. If anything happens, I will let you know. Besides, Jin will make sure I'm safe.
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Jun 2, 2022 20:02:04 GMT -8
Faina smiles as Fiora giggles and explains that pacing and worrying is something Harnan has become more sloppy about as he gets older; the thought a comforting one even though Faina has known for some time that the Master of the Ren's concern for her eldest daughter's safety is deep, abiding and genuine even though the idea of him getting sloppy seems at odds with what she has seen of him. Fiora, of course, is in a better position to judge such things given that probably she knows Haran better than anyone, and Faina knows that the comment may well have simply been a joke.
Giving Fiora a theatrically guilty smile as though having been caught when her eldest daughter accurately points out that her parents are not always the speediest to reply to her communications given how demanding their respective duties can often be, which she reminds herself can apply just as well to Fiora, Faina says, "True enough, my little Fee. I'll work on our promptness since you've graciously agreed to work on the frequency. Glad to be ending their all too brief reunion in high spirits, joking together almost like old times, Faina smiles with an arched eyebrow as Fiora helps her up, and holds her eldest daughter just as tight as they embrace, feeling tears once more threatening to spill. When they break the hug, Faina's voice is just a bit more husky than usual from her atypical display of emotion, and she smiles, her eyes glistening from the tears gathering as she laughs and says, Of course I'll worry, crinkling her nose as she quips with a lightness she does not feel, It's in my job description I believe. Thank Jin for looking after you, and give her my love. Before her tears fall, Faina hugs Fiora again, then kisses her forehead softly, Be well, my little Fee, and remember always that your father and I love you." Not wanting to say goodbye, Faina backs up and waves instead before turning just before her tears finally fall to make her way back down to the hangar bay.
Stopping once she is halfway down the stairs to wipe her tears away and compose herself for seeing Harnan, Faina continues down once her usual stoic composure is back in place. Nodding a greeting to Harnan, and managing not to smile as she believes that she caught him in mid-pace, Faina says, "She has the holocron. Kortos' gatekeeper seems to believe it will be able to help Fiora learn to control her abilities, then tilts her head to the side as she recalls the gatekeeper merely said it had much to teach Fiora after learning that her abilities had begun to manifest, clarifying, at least that is what I took from what it said. Sighing, wishing there were some way she could stay long enough to see whether or not the gatekeeper's teachings would accomplish all she and Fiora hope for, Faina says, We'll see, then laughs a bit bitterly, Or you will anyway. Let me know, she asks, if you can. Managing a smile despite her sadness that she must leave so soon, Faina puts a hand on Haran's shoulder and says with obvious sincerity, Thank you, Harnan, for this. I needed it, and I think Fiora did too."
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Jun 5, 2022 14:28:25 GMT -8
I'll let Jin know... And I love you both too...
There was a bitter sweetness to the end of their brief reunion. While part of Fiora wanted Faina to stay a little longer, she also knew it was for the best that Faina not linger here too long. While she knew her step-mom had taken an oath to not interfere with her training by the Ren, Fiora was aware of the pain it must have been causing her. The longer Faina stayed here, the more tempted she would be to break the oath she swore. Something which would cause more reaction from the rest of the Ren than it would from Harnan. He my act big and scary and inspire a great deal of fear for what he might do, she knew he would let it pass. Not because he did not care for her, but because he had seen some of what was yet to come.
She let Faina go, waiting until the Empress had disappeared back down the staircase before letting her own emotions finally free. She fell back into the chair and all but collapsed onto the table, her tears flowing freely. Fate was a cruel master, letting her glimpse the future but being unable to change what she could see. But she took solace in knowing that everything for the time being was fine and she now had something with which she could learn to control her new abilities from
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 602
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jun 5, 2022 17:06:20 GMT -8
Stopping once she is halfway down the stairs to wipe her tears away and compose herself for seeing Harnan, Faina continues down once her usual stoic composure is back in place. Nodding a greeting to Harnan, and managing not to smile as she believes that she caught him in mid-pace, Faina says, "She has the holocron. Kortos' gatekeeper seems to believe it will be able to help Fiora learn to control her abilities, then tilts her head to the side as she recalls the gatekeeper merely said it had much to teach Fiora after learning that her abilities had begun to manifest, clarifying, at least that is what I took from what it said. Sighing, wishing there were some way she could stay long enough to see whether or not the gatekeeper's teachings would accomplish all she and Fiora hope for, Faina says, We'll see, then laughs a bit bitterly, Or you will anyway. Let me know, she asks, if you can. Managing a smile despite her sadness that she must leave so soon, Faina puts a hand on Haran's shoulder and says with obvious sincerity, Thank you, Harnan, for this. I needed it, and I think Fiora did too."
As Faina appeared from the stairs, he came to a stop. Grateful as she confirmed rather quickly that the Holocron did indeed appear to hold the answers or training Fiora was going to need. He could sense the desire to stick around and see for sure that Kortos' Holocron would actually help. But he had already tempted fate long enough as was. He had very quickly misjudged her affection toward Fiora in the early days. But that error had been corrected over the years. He could see even now the temptation growing within her. Something that another might have latched on to and used. In another situation he might have suggested she join the Ren, letting her spend as much time as she wanted with Fiora.
But he was pretty certain she would decline, and trying to tempt her was quite beneath him. Besides, she had her own role to play elsewhere. He doesn't move as she rests a hand upon his shoulder and keeps speakingI'm not a monster Faina, I'll let you know how it goes if Fiora doesn't let you know first... Now, you should be going. Temptation does not suit you... |
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Jun 5, 2022 20:29:44 GMT -8
Faina smiles in a way that somehow manages to convey both surprise and mild amusement as she tells Harnan, "I know you aren't, Harnan. I've known it for a while now," she adds, as much to herself as to him, suggesting that the observation is, while not new to her, one that never fails to surprise her. Were anyone to have suggested to her all those years ago that she and Harnan might ever come to have any degree of respect for one another, begrudging or otherwise, Faina would have laughed incredulously. She was younger then, Faina thinks now, and still clung to the certainty that things were black and white; now she knows that there are innumerable shades of gray between those two extremes. Or, Faina thinks as her old, familiar guilt and regret shift and coil around within her, maybe they are both monsters; Harnan for taking her eldest daughter from her to mold into whatever it is that she is to become, or Faina herself for allowing him to do so without fighting against it with all she could bring to bear.
Patting Harnan's shoulder after he has told her she should go lest she court temptation, Faina nods with a resigned sigh, telling him, "I should, and no, it does not." Her arm drops to her side, and Faina wonders which of the many temptations she has been subjected to in just the little time she has been here Harnan would have her escape from; but there are so many to choose from that he may have instead been referring to them collectively. Harnan should know, Faina thinks, that her word is stronger and more binding than the temptation to try and undo what has been done, for having given her word not to interfere binds Faina to that promise, just as it damns her to whatever fate comes to pass because of it. Harnan had spoken, before he had come to take Fiora from her to begin her training, of a heavy burden to bear that will come, but Faina feels as though she already shoulders a weight that, at times, threatens to break her.
With a nod of farewell, Faina silently makes her way back to her ship to begin the journey home, her steps heavy even though she maintains a bearing that reveals her spirit, while bloodied, remains, for now, unbroken and unbowed by the weight she bears.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 602
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Jun 7, 2022 19:54:57 GMT -8
There was a bit of surprise in Harnan at Faina's admission. Part of him wished she had remained stubborn and set in her ways about him. But at the very least, perhaps such knowledge meant less to worry about in the short term. He offered something of a smile as she seemed to look defeated and resigned to leaving, hoping to help lift her mood a little
Goodbye Faina...
He stood silently and watched as Faina loaded up into her ship and took off back to the capital of the Empire. With the shuttle disappearing up into the sky, Harnan turned around and headed back up into the lounge. His helmet was still tucked under his arm as he finished ascending the stairs and walked through the door and over to the table Fiora was seated at, still sprawled out on the table. He reached out his right hand and gently rested it against her cheek, the armoured fingers of his gauntlet getting tangled in her flame red locks
Hey kid... I'm sorry... I didn't want to ruin the surprise or get your hopes up...
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