Ask Field Studies

[Darth Tempest]

.

Vahliri had begun spending increasing amounts of her free-time on Korriban. The half-Annfyn had always been a voracious study, and the libraries housed on the homeworld of the Sith were second to none in the Galaxy. With the planet just beginning to recover after the Kilik Invasion, Vahliri had once again made a trip into the archives - content to absorb every bit of philosophy and archaic knowledge that she could get her hands on. Of course, there was one ritual in particular that had captured her attention for weeks at this point.

It was the final piece in a goal she’d been hunting for years at this point. All that was left was to make the journey into Korriban’s endless desert.

At present, the half-Annfyn was seated within the grand library of Korriban - tucked into a small alcove and close to one of the roaring, stone braziers. She was dressed in her signature red-and-black robes within the academy, while her black hair was tied back into a loose bun and pinned up with a ruby hairpiece. The flames casted dancing, orange light across the assortment of scrolls and scattered parchment, though not enough that Vahliri didn’t have to squint heavily.

The half-Annfyn was largely left to her own devices, and that suited her just find - especially when that meant being ignored by the resident librarian of Korriban. The decrepit old woman was infamous amongst the students, known for her ruthless enforcement of the rules and being able to strike fear into any Sith Lord.

For the moment, her target was a pair of Acolytes who were being a touch too loud for her liking.

@Scoobert

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

Yasmine had been granted the opportunity to visit the grand library on Korriban. She was on the honor roll in the Serenno Academy and looked to become a graduate before too long, and being gifted this opportunity was rare for the students. The Serennian had been dressed in casual clothes and her hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She had finished checking out some books from the librarian, who was focused on some loud Acolytes, the face she made was enough to give Yasmine the heeby jeebies.

"Thank you." Yasmine whispered to her and then made her way to a table, hugging her books against her chest. She noticed the Champion Vahliri and couldn't help but walk that way. This could be her opportunity to learn a couple things. Maybe get some advice for when she becomes a Champion someday. "Hey," Yasmine said softly, "May I seat here? The others are getting the librarian's attention and I would rather not."

Yasmine stood til she was told she could sit, it'd be rude to just plop down and start talking. Especially in a library. So instead she waited for the beautiful woman before her to give her the go ahead.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Whether it was due to being focused, or simply attempting to avoid the Librarian’s ire, Vahliri kept her gaze firmly affixed to her research notes. The brazier contributed by cast a glow of dancing, orange light onto the parchment - illuminating the pages enough to read. Most of it was ancient, original material - and it took quite a bit of effort to accurately translate the text from the High Sith it was written in. As a result, the half-Annfyn didn’t catch sight of Yasmine until the Acolyte started shuffling over towards her table.

She glanced up, amber eyes fixating onto the younger Sith, “Hm? Oh, of course,” He jutted her chin to the chair just opposite, a small smirk gracing her lips. “I don’t blame you. Pretty sure she terrifies everyone - from the Acolytes to Darth Raze,” Vahliri grinned wider. The half-Annfyn wouldn’t preferred wandering into one of the most dangerous tombs on Korriban before attempting to confront the decrepit old woman. She’d seen Sith Masters and Councilors alike attempt to pull rank, and promptly be told to sit right back down.

Only once Yasmine was seated did Vahliri take a moment to regard her, “New to the academy?” She frequented Korriban enough that she’d recognized most of the faces that roamed the ancient halls - and the Serennian’s hadn’t been amongst them.

As she spoke, the half-Annfyn continued to glance down at her own research notes - sliding one piece of parchment under the other as she focused her gaze back onto a new page.

@Scoobert

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

As Yasmine got the go ahead to sit with Vahliri, she would set her books down on the table as quiet as she could and then take her seat. Vahliri made the joke about the fear factor of the librarian and Yasmine gave a quiet giggle before opening up a book. It was a funny sight in her head to see a Councilor get old to shut up by her but she guessed it was an unspoken thing.

"Yes, kinda. I'm graduating soon, and kinda curious as to which master I get." She answered Vahliri's question with a bit of a bubbly expression but also quietly enough to not disturb the librarian. The Serennian took notice of Vahliri's studying and began to get a little curious, "So, what are you working on?"

She would smile with a slightly tilted head and look down at the stuffs and back up at Vahliri a few times. Hopefully in this moment it wouldn't be curiosity that killed the cat. Yasmine only looked to become as good as she could be and that started here learning from one of the most ruthless Champions in the Sith. "Oh silly of me, I'm Yasmine Veliki of Serenno." She held out a hand to Vahliri.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri offered Yasmine a small smile, her head tilting a bit when the Acolyte spoke. “Congratulations in advance,” She said kindly. Despite the years that had passed, it didn’t seem like so long ago that the half-Annfyn had been exactly there - little more than a clueless Acolyte. She had no doubt Yasmine would excel just as well, though the road ahead wouldn't be easy. That much was for certain.

“Anyone in particular you are hoping for?” Vahliri asked.

When the topic turned to the half-Annfyn’s research, though, her gaze flicked back to the scrolls and parchment spread across the table. She stared at it for a moment, before gesturing to a few of the pages. “Locating a Holocron,” She began, “The works of Darth Caldoth. It is rumored to be hidden somewhere here on Korriban - on the northern pole of the planet - but that is where the trail ends.” She leaned back on her seat a bit. “I imagine I’ll be making the journey out, before long.” To say that the half-Annfyn was taking a risk was a gross understatement. Operating on vague information alone, Korriban was a deadly place for even the most skilled of their order.

“Vahliri Kahtal,” She extended a hand to shake Yasmine’s own, offering the Acolyte a friendly smile. “Veliki,” The half-Annfyn repeated a second time, the name slowly but surely resurfacing in her mind. “Your father is Count Veliki, right?”

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

Yasmine sat up straight and ad a slight bit of a thinking look cross her face as she thought of prime Masters, but she knew she wouldn't always get the best of the best even if she was graduating top of her class. "Well, there's a few in mind but I don't have that decision really. I'll just do my best no matter who I get." Then she listened on to what Vahliri was working on in front of her.

A holocron with the works of Darth Caldoth. Interesting. It was actually quite intriguing how much could be on a planet they have had in the galaxy for a millenia and yet it hasn't been found. A mission like that would be quite the trip. "Oh, that sounds like a fun scavenger hunt. I think I'd like to help if I can." The idea of going out to the northern portion and looking for something that important would make her first mission quite the job, and if successful, she'd have one hell of a start in the Empire.

Then Vahliri had recognized House Veliki, or well, her dad being the Count. "Yes, my dad is the Count. He's got a fruitful life going so long as he wants the position. Unfortunately I am heir to that title so I hope I don't have to assume those responsibilities any time soon. I just want to focus on the Empire for now you know?" The Serennian smiled at Vahliri and giggled before letting her continue.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri listened for a moment or two, nodding along when Yasmine stated she would do her best regardless of Master. The half-Annfyn couldn’t help but think to her own time as an Acolyte, and the path she’d walked. While Altair and Ashla had been hand picked by Raze and Veles respectively, Vahliri had gone without anyone to exclusively oversee her instruction. It had been a cause for envy once, but only drove the half-Annfyn to keep pace and work harder for what she wanted. Perhaps it was part of the reason she had become as successful as she was.

She arched a brow when Yasmine volunteered herself for the expedition. Either the Acolyte was exceptionally brave or didn’t quite know what she was getting herself into - but Vahliri certainly wasn’t going to shun the help. Or the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Acolyte. “It probably isn’t going to be a pleasant trip,” She said after a moment, “But you are free to come. I appreciate the help,” She said with a small smile and shrug.

“You may find the title suits you, in time.” Vahliri said in response to Yasmine’s remark about her heritage. “And serves your interests.” Serenno was a prestigious and powerful world. Darth Caelestis had once elevated himself to Count, and that position of power had only aided his ascent to Council.

Not that it worked out in the end, of course.

“But it is important to build a legacy of your own within the Empire,” She said plainly, “Distinct from what you were born to,”

With that, Vahliri glanced up - spotting thd librarian in the midst of scolding another cluster of students being too loud. “If you are interested, meet me outside the academy grounds in two hours.” The half-Annfyn stood, neatly gathering her material onto the table. “Bring your equipment and saber, if you have one.” She turned on a heel. “I have a feeling we’ll need it.”

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

Vahliri had spoken up about the offer to join her on the trip, and had said Yasmine was free to join, and a little smile came to Yasmine's face as she was ready to see what could be so important in that holocron. The Acolyte would nod and then answer, "Great!" And then look to librarian to make sure she didn't hear her. Then attention was refocused on Vahliri.

Then the topic was back to her inevitable ascension to Count of House Veliki. She had a point that of course what Yasmine wants now, may change later in life and that she should still focus on building a legacy in the Sith separate from Serenno. This was good advice to take into consideration, because she was right. Yasmine didn't want to be known as Count Veliki's duaghter, but as Yasmine Veliki, the Sith (insert rank here). If the time serves right she could take on the duties of her father but for now she wanted her own path.

Vahliri would then invite Yasmine by letting her know a time and place to be for this journey. She felt giddy inside and was excited to have her first adventure as a Sith. With Vahliri of all Sith was an honor in itself. The Serennian would smile and reply, "I'll be there!" Then she would pack up her stuff and get ready to explore. Grabbing her saber she had made in class she would head to meet with Vahliri. It wasn't grandiose but it was sufficient enough to cut through things which was all it was used for usually. Hopefully she wouldn't need to use it right away.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

---​

Just as promised, Vahliri was waiting for Yasmine within the hanger bay - casually leaning her weight against a stone pillar. There was a part of the half-Annfyn that was skeptical about bringing an Acolyte along during her expedition.. But she promptly suppressed that concern. If nothing else, it provided the girl an opportunity to prove herself in the field - which revealed her skillset far better than any training yard demonstration.

She was adorned in her signature red-and-black robes, complete with a hood that was left down for the moment. It was the same attire she wore for every invasion amongst the Sith, and had become her trademark on the Galactic stage. A pair of lightsabers were clipped to her belt, while her black hair was tied back into a single braid.

“Not a minute late,” Vahliri called out, allowing a grin to tug at the corners of her lips. Once Yasmine got a bit closer, the half-Annfyn pushed off from where she was standing, starting to approach a speeder parker nearby.

“Only taking one speeder - but there’s two seats.” She remarked, bending down to pick up her pack of supplies before continuing towards the vehicle. “Hope that won’t be an issue.” The half-Annfyn glanced back at Yasmine. Not that the Acolyte had much choice, if she wanted to tag along.

@Scoobert

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

As Yasmine stood in front of Vahliri, dressed in her self-made Sith outfit and ready to explore, she smiled to Vahliri as she pulled her hood down and mask off and made her way to the speeder. It only seating two wasn't a problem for a plethora of reasons, one of which being that she was finally going to experience a true mission. Something she was ready to conquer and have under her belt. Plus she would be on a mission with one of the most beautiful women in the Sith.

"No of course! That's okay with me." Yasmine took her seat and waited for Vahliri to start the speeder and begin the drive. The Acolyte would lean into the seat and play with a loose piece of fabric on her under robe and prop a foot into the seat leaving her other on the floorboard. The Serennian looked over to Vahliri and would give a slight nod with a happy expression. "Let's get this party started shall we?"

The ride was longer than expected but in the meantime Yasmine would watch ClikClok on her phone and look in awe of the geography the planet offered. This is what she lived for, travel. Everything was fun and joyful for now. She just hoped it would stay that way. On her trip though, she was curious, "So any special boys or girls in your life?"

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

“Good,” Vahliri answered with a smirk, settling herself into the driver’s seat. The half-Annfyn had effectively ignored the panicked pleas for her friends for years, and insisted upon driving herself and others whenever the opportunity arose. Unfortunately for Yasmine, the Acolyte would be completely unaware of the fact as she climbed into the passenger seat, engines revving and humming to life.

“All information points us due north,” She said after a moment, checking her commlink before glancing back to Yasmine. “What we’ll find there, I haven’t the slightest clue.” Ancient Sith were notorious about harshly guarding their secrets - and she could guess their current expedition would be much the same. On some level, Vahliri wondered if bringing an Acolyte along for her search was a bad idea.

She quickly dismissed the thought. Yasmine would be tested and pushed to her limits throughout her career as a Sith, and would be expected to meet those expectations, and come out stronger in the end. If she got herself killed delving through Caldoth’s tomb, then she likely lacked the potential of a true Sith to begin with.

Without much warning, Vahliri pressed her foot into the throttle - causing the landspeeder to dart out of the Academy grounds. It quickly crested over the sandy terrain, kicking up a cloud of sand behind them. The half-Annfyn merely leaned forward, gleefully blitzing across the desert terrain at terrifying speed. It wasn’t until Yasmine spoke that she glanced back, pondering the question.

“No shortage of drama here,” She said after a moment, shaking her head a bit. Between Altair and Varyn, and even Asher before his disappearance. “What made you decide to tag along for this?” Vahliri asked after a moment. It was a genuine question into the Acolyte’s motivations.

Vahliri gripped the controls a bit tighter, her gaze fixating onto a narrow, rocky outcropping that jutted out across a ravine. Rather than divert course, the half-Annfyn gunned it - driving their speeder towards the outcropping and across the edge of the cliff, leaving them airborne for a few seconds. Yasmine would feel the weightlessness as their vehicle crossed the ravine, its own velocity enough to bring the pair to the other side.

“Still alive back there?”

@Scoobert

 

[Yasmine Veliki]

As the pair had been riding, Yasmine enjoyed the sights of the lands around her. The wind blowing through her hair made her feel alive. She knew she was going to enjoy some part of this mission, she only hoped it wouldn't be the only thing she enjoyed as she went on. Vahliri's answer to her question was vague but specified enough to know she was pretty busy in the romance department. Yas might take some lessons on that later on.

"I honestly don't know. Got bored of being at the dorms, and I can sit in a room, vaping with a bunch of people on their phones for so long. I needed excitement." Yasmine replied to the follow up question from Vahl. She had to admit, taking a ride alone was more exciting than what she just mentioned, she could only imagine what the actual exploration on foot would be like.

A sudden shift in speed would catch Yasmine off guard a little bit, and had her react as quick as she could by wrapping her arms around Vahliri's abdomen and squeezing. Her head pressed against the Champion's back, and to top it off a short scream "AAAH!" When Vahliri asked her silly question, Yasmine would respond with a playful tone "Barely.. maybe a heads up next time."

@Altaris