21 and 28 for Lana Beniko [and family/ friend/ companion/ important someone]. Thank you!
28. Teaching the other something new
The overseer stared down at the child, a dubious expression twisting his face. He bent slightly at the waist to get a closer look, arms held stiff at his sides as though he were peering down at a particularly foul insect. His finely tailored tunic barely creaked as he moved, the fabric black as a starless sky, somehow untouched by the swirl of Korribanâs rust-colored sands.Â
âWell,â he said, straightening. âShe has a glimmer of Force potential, that much I can sense. Perhaps more than a glimmer,â he added, in an almost grudging afterthought.Â
The childâs parents were too well-bred and dignified to openly display their relief, but it still showed in the involuntary relaxation of their posture. âSheâll be trained, then?â the mother said in a crisp Dromund Kaas accent, voice light as though she were discussing the weather.Â
âSheâll be shown the ways of the Dark Side. What she can make of them, though, thatâs up to her.â The overseer frowned down at the childâs cloud of silver-blonde hair and wide, unblinking green eyes.Â
âShe seems ratherâŚdocile,â he said, mouth twisting around the word like it was a bite of rotten fruit. âRaw connection to the Force is all well and good, but itâs only the beginning. To succeed in the trials and truly become Sith requires passion, boldness, and above all, ruthless determination. Do you have what it takes, girl?â
The child stirred, but the mother answered first, a little too quickly. âOh, she has plenty of determination,â she said with a cultured laugh. âJust try taking her book away from her when itâs time to eat supper.â
âAh.â The overseerâs lip curled. âI can already see sheâll be one of those lords, the ones too holed up in their libraries hunched over holocrons to actually participate in politics. But, very well. Come along, child.â
He turned away, facing the Academy lurking in the distance, but the mother dropped to her knees beside the child in one sudden motion. She placed her hands on the girlâs shoulders, gripping hard.Â
âYou must make the most of this opportunity,â she said. âDo you understand me, Lana? To be trained as a Sith is a rare honor. With enough hard work, you could rule the galaxy one day. You must do your very best to make your father and I proud.âÂ
âI will, Mother.â The girl stretched out a hand, resting it lightly on her motherâs arm. âI wonât fail. I promise.âÂ
The mother opened her mouth to say more, but then her expression changed, hovering between anxious and mollified. After a moment her face smoothed, and her worried mouth turned up in a slight smile. Her hands relaxed on the girlâs shoulders, then slid down to pull her into a gentle hug.Â
âYouâre a good girl,â she murmured. âBe well, Lana. Your father and I will be in touch when we can.âÂ
She rose and turned to go. Lana watched for only a moment, then strode to join the waiting overseer. He stood with arms crossed, looking down on her with a hint of surprised approval.
âThat was well done,â he said. âCalming your motherâs mind. Youâre already learning to bend others to your will. Come with me, and youâll increase your powers tenfold.â
He started down the path that wound downward, running toward the Academy rising from the sandstone cliffs. Lana followed, unhesitating, her green eyes tinted golden in the fading sunlight.Â
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