The Dark Academy on Korriban

"More to appreciate the void for myself," Zeno replies coolly to the newly approaching individual. "It's not the same as being in the cockpit but it's a close second. Zeno Deathwright."

He smiled, "It is quite impressive is it not? I am Sylvain Torsin, an acolyte and trainee at the Academy. "

Then pausing, "Deathwright? If I am not mistaken that is a noble house associated with a great number of successful fighter pilots is it not?"

"Yes, for centuries. I believe I have heard the name Torsin as well, though you must excuse my ignorance of where I've heard it," he replies with a nod. "We produce the finest pilots in the empire apart from those that can utilize the dark side in such endeavors."

"I've heard my father talk of your family's prowess. He serves the Empire as Minister of War. Perhaps that is the context you heard it in. The INN often blathers on about the leaders of the Imperial Army. It's quite possible you saw some overly dramatic biography or some other excessive bit of hero worship that they constantly put out."

He smiles slightly, "Not really the man I'm familiar with. Though I'd like to think that people are much more impressive in real life than in stories. At least people of ability and true potential."

"That's right. I don't actually watch INN, but my mother has spent a fair amount of time traveling on official business and she has likely met with him a few times. I've heard her speak of him." Zeno says with a nod.

Nodding before turning to the Twi'lek, Sylvain smiled, "And may I ask your name fair miss?"

The Lethan turned to face the noble, smiling coyly. She shifted her weight so that her cloak parted ever so slightly on the shapely leg, wrapped in silken black tape for clothing.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Torsin. Moyr Ahaya. I have no social standing or elder pedigree to float. Just my blossoming ability and passion to delve deeper in the Dark Side of the Force. I hail from Ryloth in Gaulus Sector, but I would not call it home. The Galaxy is. As to why I have come here, yes, to take a look at Korriban. I have been told it is similar to Ryloth in some properties, if not the others."

Sylvain smiled, returning charm with charm. "A pleasure indeed. Though I am no 'Lord' in this context Miss Ahaya, I am an aspirant like yourself."

He then continued with grace and poise, "Don't be too concerned about any perceived lack of standing on Korriban. There are many who see some difference in kind as an indication of a difference in ability. There will be ample opportunity for you to show them the error of their ways."

He smiled, "I've only heard of Ryloth, but have been here on Korriban for almost two years now. If there is something I can answer for you I'd be more than happy to assist such a charming and 'blossoming' force sensitive like yourself."

Moyr took note of Sylvain connecting with almost all opening buzzwords she had left for him to prey on with wryness that was not let out onto her face. Nor had his dismissal of social hierarchies as a factor in what was to come gone unnoticed, nor an attempt to foment the mindset that would zealously pit her against competition. All in doused smooth talk, charm and politeness. Mr. Torsin was not a mere competitor. He was a player, maybe even a gambler. Moyr took his courtesy fiesta with a large grain of salt given how he was trying to impress Zash with his alleged no-prejudice approach to xenos.

"Then you're at the very least my senior within the academy. What would be your preferred way of address then? I would not like to offend such an elegant man, who soothes and reassures so succinctly, on top of his other ample qualities."

She smiled in a way that looked like trusting.

"I'd love to hear more about Korriban from you. Starting with environmental properties, perhaps? How humid is the atmosphere?"

The conversation had turned to the pretense and flattery that Zeno had grown bored with so quickly during parties and functions. Much like his father, he considered it a waste of time.

As if either will trust each other in this academy. I'm going to end up murdering someone in a fit of rage because over attempts to smooth talk me, the sith-blood thinks to himself.

Sylvain merely smiled in response to the charming young Twi'lek's mannerisms and questions. "Students commonly refer to each other as 'Aspirant' or 'Acolyte' and there are some who will use 'Sith' as a prefix. I tend to reserve that prefix to members of the Sith who have passed their exams and are full-fledged members. In formal settings perhaps Aspirant Torsin is best, but in less than formal situations I am commonly known as Syl to those who know me well."

He then pondered her question for a moment, "The humidity? Quite dry actually. It's a fairly arid landscape with water primarily only being present in caves and underground caverns. The fauna and flora are equally severe, there is little room for reprieve or rest in Korriban. It tests all of us by its very existence. Pushing us to be stronger and better than we are when we arrive."

He smiled, "Perfect for 'blossoming' students like ourselves, but also well-fitted for those who wish to push the limits of their more advanced abilities."

Zeno gives a single nod. "I look forward to being tested once more. And in a much more hostile environment than I have been previously. I wonder how the most grueling of our tests will feel compared to forty-eight solitary hours in the void."

Slyvain smiled, "There will be ample opportunity to test your personal fortitude and strength, undoubtedly your training as a Deathwright pilot will do you service. Korriban is another beast entirely though, but it is through conflict that we become strong."

He smiled, "Have both of you been studying the ways of the Dark Side long?"

"I have been training with a tutor for about four years. My father taught me some basics early on but identified that I was better suited to more specific training so arranged that for me," Zeno replies. "But I still have a good deal to learn about tapping into the power of the dark side."

Moyr seemingly took a passive approach to the conversation on hardship, testing and conflict, but it may have been a ruse because once asked she reentered it with no timidity.

"I have discovered mine only recently but it has been subtly operational for quite a time in fact."

Shy smiled with mysterious wryness.

"So Aspirant Torsin it is for the occasion is rather formal, with a prospective tutor paying attention... Ah, and Korriban sounds a lot like Ryloth then. Too much humidity may be hard to weather unless one hails from a place like Keshyyk."

"I see. Practical application is a great way of developing ability. With that kind of a base, your studies will end up being quite helpful I would assume. I would advise that you pay close attention to you what you will learn from the instructors in preparation of your tests. The instructors are most diligent in removing the habits of students that have no benefit to their growth."

At the mention of a 'tutor' Sylvain smiled, "So you know of Lord Zash then?"

"So it happens with many," Zeno says with a nod. "The gift of the dark side is not realized even while one benefits from it. Not until it presents itself in more obvious and spectacular fashion. But for me, my father was always aware of it's presence."

"I take it your father was of the Sith then?" He asked.

"He is. Sith Lord Mennius. As the patron of the Deathwrights, and the current patriarch, he has a great deal of influence over who receives our family's elite pilots after training is completed. He also builds and trains smaller tailor made ground units for targeted strikes at specific Republic targets. His combat prowess and understanding of battle have ensured many successful retrievals and tactical strikes," Zeno replies.

"I'm sure his contributions to the Empire are great. I will have to learn more of his exploits at my earliest convenience. Undoubtedly, with your noble and capable background your future is bright." He said with a smile. "Do you aspire to something like what your father has attained?"

"I aspire to the leadership of house Deathwright and the destruction of the Republic," Zeno says with a certain hint of intensity in his eyes and voice. "And to leave behind a legacy, that would one day become a sith-bloodline born from the house of Deathwright."

The intensity of Zeno rolled smoothly into the cool wave-like aura of the young noble. He smiled again and nodded, "A noble ambition. One with many challenges and trials ahead no doubt. Not only physical but mental and social. Most certainly a good master will be imperative to your rise. Have you any preference on who you would wish for a master?"

"One that would see me used effectively against the Republic. Darth Marr and Lord Hoshi are among the most aggressive in the war among those that sit on the council. I'd likely find service to them and their tutelage most aligned with my passions. But being chosen by any Sith Lord would be an honor so long as my skills are put to use." That intensity is still present but fades ever so slightly as he asks a return question. "And you are looking to apprentice with Lord Zash? Or were you simply making conversation on our way to Korriban?"

"It was my first time meeting with her actually. She's a powerful Lord and any aspirant would be fortunate to have her as a master. If it is my destiny to be with her, then I would be more than pleased with that result." He replied.

"I am one for keeping my options open however, while my goals are similar to yours... in that I strive for the strengthening of the Empire, in what capacity I do that is still very much undecided. My lineage is not one of powerful Sith, and therefore I must tread a new path. Not unlike Aspirant Ahaya in many respects." He said with a smile and a nod to the Twi'lek.

"All of us have our shortcomings and our strengths. Finding the right conditions to magnify my strengths and eradicate my weakness is an endeavor that I still must ponder on."

Lord Zash made her appearance at that moment, “Such kind words, aspirant; a proper apprentice understands and anticipates the needs of their master and yet does not overstep. It’s a delicate dance, one I hope each of you will learn to master in the days to come.”

“And remember a great truth and falsehood, a true Sith has no weakness.”