53: The Rest of the Family.

Before entering the living room, Eliza took a moment to listen at the door while Quinn and Me'ghan conversed with her grandparents. A soft smile curled around her lips—they sounded kind and warm and a part of her wished she remembered them better but perhaps that was still to come. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before pushing the doors open to meet the last of her family she hadn't yet.

An elderly and refined woman rose up from the sofa first and smiled her way. Her pitch black and silver streaked hair was done up in a well coiffed bun and Eliza noticed she had the same blue eyes as Malavai did. Her grandmother also wore a shimmering slate blue blouse with a black pencil skirt underneath and a set of pearls graced her neck line.

The woman's bottom lip quivered but she held her own as a well trained former officer would and clasped her hands before her "Eliza. I am so relieved to see you at last." she smiled.

Next to her stood a man, almost twice as tall and dressed in Imperial attire befitting of a retired General. He too had pitch black hair though with an added layer of grey and like his wife and son had the same shade of blue eyes. He extended his arm and beckoned Eliza over.

"Welcome home child."

"Thank you…" Eliza looked at them both and beamed, a sudden rush of sheer happiness washing over her "Mr. and Mrs. Quinn. General Quinn. Sorry…" she began to fumble with her words "I'm not sure what the proper way of addressing you is and I don't wish to overstep."

"Whichever you're comfortable with" her grandmother took her hand and sat Eliza down between herself and her husband "grandmother or grandma are acceptable but if you're not ready, Mrs. Quinn will do just fine as well."

Malavai poured out a brandy for himself, Lord Scourge and his father while Me'ghan brought over a pot of tea and a set of cups.

"And I am your grandfather" Richard insisted but in a kind manner "although I never do tire of being referred to as General Quinn."

Eliza gave a small chuckle and nodded "Thank you, again."

Then unexpectedly, her grandmother turned slightly in her seat and wrapped her into an embrace "I can't believe it's really you after all this time, we have missed you so much."

The tears Kirin had tried to fight welled up in her eyes as she sniffled "Forgive me for losing my manners I've just, I have dreamed of this moment."

Eliza held her and let out a small sigh "I know, Malavai told me everything… I don't remember much of those years but I do know you loved me and searched for me."

"We did." Richard took a sip of his brandy "For a long time we were certain our daughter hid you from us and the Empire and now it turns out we were right."

Me'ghan sat down next to Malavai and took his hand in her own while Lord Scourge quietly observed everyone as he leaned back against the unlit fireplace.

"So Eliza tell us, what has your life been like so far? We've missed out on so much." Richard asked.

"I uh… I'm not sure you'd want to hear. I suppose Malavai told you I was raised by the Jedi and during that time did certain things you'd find atrocious."

"That doesn't matter" Kirin looked at her granddaughter and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear "were they at least good to you? Were you happy and well?"

"Yeah. Yes, for most part. Their Grandmaster she uh, she treated me as her own, they were good." Eliza painted a slightly sunnier picture as she focused on the positive.

"And we hear you're now Darth Marr's apprentice?" Richard tried to confirm and Eliza nodded "He's a good man. I suppose we ought to call you Lord now."

"Oh please don't. I know it's expected but you're family and we're home. I'd feel too strange having my grandparents call me Lord Seraphine, customs be damned." she blurted out "Sorry."

Me'ghan suppressed a chuckle "I told them something similar once."

Eliza gave her half a grin "I'm actually meeting with Marr later on. He's introducing me to the Dark Council today…"

"If you're anything like your father and uncle, you'll win them over easily. Your mother though, she was rather stubborn and rebellious." her grandmother pointed out.

Lord Scourge smirked "So that's where she gets it from."

A crimson fluster crept onto Eliza's cheeks "I try to keep it to a minimum… and Darth Marr's given me very strict instructions where the Council's concerned. No speaking without his permission and he had me memorize all the Spheres and their current heads. Luckily Meg will be there too, I'll have one friend at least."

A short brunette in an apron gave a small cough as she hurried into the living room "Lunch is served my Lord, Major Quinn."

"Ah good." Malavai got up "we'll be right there."

Kirin stood as well and linked her arm with Eliza's "I brought several old photos with me, if you'd like we can look at them after lunch. I really am so overjoyed to have you back home dear."

She nodded appreciatively "I'd love that, grandmother."

While visiting Dromund Kaas years ago, Eliza had barely taken the time to look around the city or even notice the Citadel in all its dominant and tall glory but now as she paced the hallway outside the Dark Council's chambers, she appreciated it so much more. Everything felt right. The cold presence of sheer darkness brought a smile to her face although none would see it—she'd pulled her hood up far as it would go and kept her eyes on the floor to avoid being recognized, which had worked until now.

"Ahh sweet, beautiful Eliza. It brings me such joy to see you here."

She turned around as Vowrawn glided towards her and he clasped her hand to bring it up slowly before he gently pressed his lips against the back of her hand.

"Darth Vowrawn?" Eliza smiled, surprised to see him there as she recalled their last meeting "I thought you were, busy." she chose her words carefully as they were not alone and Vowrawn led her away from the guards flanking the massive double doors.

"Not any longer." his long fingers slid underneath the hood of her robes and he lowered it down to her shoulders as he gave her a wink "Don't hide yourself, you're Sith now."

"And it would appear I have you to thank for my timely return. Once the Emperor rose again, his Servants rushed to his side leaving me free to return home."

Eliza shrugged and though she didn't feel too impressed with her role in everything, she wouldn't let it show either "Well I suppose some good came of that debacle then."

Vowrawn looked her over and nodded appreciatively before flashing her a million-credit smile "It did. Now if you'll excuse me I have a grand entrance to make but I can't wait for you to join us in a few moments."

He clapped his hands together with excitement and then gestured for the guards to open the doors and let him in while Eliza remained outside, waiting still and nervously pulling on her fingers.

"I know, I know." Vowrawn beamed as he took his seat among his peers "You've all missed me. I've missed me too."

"You're late." Marr commented dryly.

"Yes well, I ran into an old friend and just had to stop for a chat."

The meaning behind his words wasn't lost on Me'ghan who sat to his left and she suppressed a small chuckle.

"Can we get to business now?" Ravage said with an air of annoyance "Marr was just telling us how he decided he wants to fill all the empty seats on our Council."

"It's a good initiative. Our numbers have been lacking and we could do with some new blood around here." Acina chimed in.

"Agreed." Rictus nodded "And I actually do have someone in my department who's shown an interest in Ancient Knowledge. Very gifted student, Lord Dionys. Unless Nox left behind a prodigy of her own?"

"There was that Togruta girl but she returned to the Jedi the moment we found out Nox was dead." Me'ghan said. "Ravage, did she ever mention anyone to you?"

He gave her a scowl for even daring to bring up his affair with the deranged woman "Pillowtalk was never part of the deal."

"I'm not surprised, Nox always was more of a screamer than a talker." Vowrawn noted casually and Me'ghan just shook her head at him.

"Don't rile him up too much before Eliza gets here." she leaned in and whispered to him.

Darth Marr ignored them all "Bring your Lord Dionys to the next meeting Rictus and we'll discuss it then."

"Intelligence is under the control of Minister Beniko now and she'll brief us of anything worthwhile once she gets the department re-organized. Me'ghan has agreed to lead Military Strategy and I hope to prepare my own new apprentice for Military Offense."

"You have a new apprentice?" Mortis sat forward in his seat "When did this happen?"

"Recently. I trust you've all received my briefing concerning the ordeal we went through with the Revanites on Rishi and Yavin, and their connection to Arkous and the assault on our Academy?" he sought to verify everyone was up to date.

"We saw the reports," Mortis confirmed "you worked with the Hero of Tython, though we've heard rumor she defected recently and has been on her own ever since. Surely you don't mean she's—"

"She is, and for good reason." Darth Marr nodded calmly and waited for the sudden rise in verbal protests from his peers to settle down again while Me'ghan and Vowrawn exchanged meaningful looks and amused whispers.

"What are you thinking Marr?" Ravage accused as he rose from his seat "First a truce with the Jedi, uniting our troops with theirs and now you've taken her under your wing? The one who's caused us more harm and trouble over the past years than any other of her kind? She should be executed. Is she here?"

"She waits for my signal but you'd be wise to control your temper Ravage. She is Sith now and has been elevated to the status of a Lord. To strike at her would be a direct attack on me."

"By all means Marr, bring her in. Introduce her." Acina smiled and turned her gaze towards the entrance with both curiosity and intrigue.

Darth Marr reached for the call-button on the side of his seat and signaled for the guards who swung the heavy double doors open.

Eliza took a deep breath and kept her head down as she stepped inside the Dark Council chambers. She tried to focus on the design carved into the dark marble floors beneath her feet in order to keep calm but as she stepped further towards the center, she could feel the tension and turmoil all around her rising. Shock, confusion, curiosity, anger, pride and amusement, the latter two coming off of Me'ghan and Vowrawn.

"May I introduce to you, Lord Seraphine. My apprentice and the last living descendant of the Ignis bloodline, granddaughter to Darth Pyralis."

Everyone's eyes were on her and upon Darth Marr's words, Aruk leaned in closely as he glanced down at the two hilts that hung off her hips. Their design was unmistakeable and for a moment he actually thought to sense his former Master's presence within the chambers, leaving him to shudder and he was the first to offer his protests.

"Pyralis left behind only a son, a human soldier who died long ago. Their family line died with him."

"Lieutenant James Ignis' wife gave birth to their daughter days after her husband's death."

"Well forgive me for asking the obvious but if she was born here then how is it we all know her to be Jedi? Is she simply switching sides as she sees fit or has she betrayed us once already?" Acina wondered as she turned her attention back to Darth Marr.

"Her mother betrayed us and fled the Empire with her daughter when she began showing signs of her affinity with the Force. She brought Lord Seraphine to the Jedi who raised her and kept her in the dark about her true heritage until recently when she herself uncovered the truth."

Ravage scoffed and narrowed his eyes on Eliza "This is ridiculous. She's obviously a cleverly planted puppet sent here by the Jedi Grandmaster or that Twi'lek leading the Republic. I'd expect more caution from you Marr."

A small chuckle threatened to escape Eliza's lips as he spoke of Saresh but she bit it back quickly.

"You're wrong Ravage. Everything Marr's saying is true and I'd know. Major Quinn and myself met Lord Seraphine on Manaan as we were trying to expose Arkous' schemes and Major Quinn instantly recognized her as his niece. Her mother was his sister and he spent several years helping raise Lord Seraphine before her mother abducted her." Me'ghan spoke up in support of Eliza and Darth Marr's claims.

Tongues wagged all over again as more discussion erupted between the Dark Council members and Eliza stood by idly, listening to one argument after the other until Darth Rictus begged everyone for silence and turned his attention to her.

"Can you prove you are who you claim to be, Lord Seraphine?"

Eliza looked to Darth Marr for permission to speak up and he nodded.

"I'm uncertain whether the proof I can provide would suffice in your opinion my Lord but I can wield my grandfather's blades which, if I understand right," she glanced at Vowrawn "only activate in the hands of his descendants and I have a birthmark on my shoulder which is unique to only my family."

Rictus stepped down from his seat and approached her calmly before holding out a hand "May I see, the weapons?"

Eliza unclipped one of the hilts from her belt and placed it in his hand as his fingers closed around the object and he studied it closely. Darth Rictus tried to ignite the weapon but as Eliza expected, it did nothing and he frowned "Interesting…"

"Show us." he handed the blade back to her.

She took a step back to avoid appearing threatening or unintentionally harming him and allowed the blade to roar to life in the palm of her hand.

"Hmm. She's not lying, and those are Pyralis' blades. I can feel his essence surge through them, even while they rest."

Eliza removed her cloak next and draped it over one arm while her free hand pulled her hair to one side and she exposed her birthmark for all to see "I'm not lying my Lords. I am who I claim to be and though it took me some time to accept the truth about my heritage, I've made my choice and I stand before you today because I wished to come home and reunite with my true family. To learn the ways of the Sith and serve the Empire as my ancestors did."

Ravage lunged out of his seat and shook his head while he strode towards her, causing Me'ghan to sit forward too and rest her hand over her weapons ready to draw should he try anything.

"Her ancestry and lineage do not excuse all the crimes she's committed against our Empire." Ravage pointed an accusing finger at Eliza "Don't forget she sought to assassinate our Emperor, she killed Angral and Malgus. She destroyed our Academy, murdered Darth Soverus, Lord Goh and Arkous. She's a criminal and she should be executed."

"Perhaps let the girl explain her motives behind those crimes, Ravage." Acina suggested "You know, before you stick her with the sharp end of your blade."

"Well, Jedi, what do you have to say?" Ravage demanded as he towered over her.

"I would say you're wrong my Lord, for most part."

Though her heartbeat raced in her chest, Eliza stood her ground and even took a step forward closing the distance between herself and Ravage in an act that appeared braver than she actually felt.

"I'm sure you're aware Arkous was a traitor who deserved to die and Darth Soverus actually met his demise at the hands of one of Arkous' Revanite co-conspirators, not mine. I do regret my role in the destruction of the Academy on Korriban but like Me'ghan when she assaulted the Jedi Temple, I was mislead by the Revanites."

"Malgus… well, he turned on everyone here, didn't he? Do you really resent his death, or just the fact I got to him before you did? And I'll give you Angral even though I didn't actually kill him, at least not intentionally."

Me'ghan held her breath. She knew Darth Marr had encouraged Eliza to defend her crimes but she hadn't expected her to be so bold.

Eliza threw up both her hands in defense "I know I've stood against the Empire many times in the past but only because I knew no better. The Jedi raised me and taught me their ways and never once revealed my past to me. My upbringing was a lie but I don't think I can be held responsible for that."

Acina sucked her teeth and waited a moment for Ravage to respond but when he remained silent, she spoke up instead "I like her, and she's right. Malgus and Arkous were both traitors, Soverus and our Academy were collateral damage in a greater conspiracy and I didn't even remember Angral until he was just mentioned."

Ravage narrowed his eyes on Eliza, unsatisfied with her response but accepting it for now, and he growled as he leaned in "I'll be keeping my eye on you."

"I'd expect no less from you my Lord."

"Enough of this." Mortis sighed after a long period of silence from his end "I agree with Marr that our Empire is in a precarious position, we need strength in numbers and I trust his judgment. If this girl is his new apprentice and she is who she claims to be then so be it. Let him train her and when the time is right, we will take a vote on the subject. Welcome, Lord Seraphine."

"Thank you my Lord." Eliza bowed her head to him.

"Mhm." Mortis turned to Ravage "The Ignis family were all powerful Sith and surely even you can appreciate one of the Jedi's greatest champions in the past decade fighting on our side now Ravage."

"I trust you'll make sure she's fully prepared to lead Military Offense?" Rictus turned to Marr.

A frown spread across Eliza's face as she spun around to look at Darth Marr. He hadn't mentioned anything of the sort yet to her but rather than question his decision now, she simply forced a smile and tried to act as though she knew what they were talking about.

"I will. She already has plenty experience but I'll ensure she's taught everything she needs to know about our ways and being a part of this Council."

"Well you've got my support. Welcome home Lord Seraphine." Acina smiled in a way that left Eliza a little nervous but she kindly thanked the woman regardless.

"Any other objections?" Marr addressed the others.

Like Ravage, though for different reasons, Aruk felt tempted to object to her presence as well. He couldn't be sure just how much like her grandfather the girl was which left him in an uneasy position though he took comfort from the fact Marr intended to groom her for Offense which would keep her from pursuing his seat and position instead.

No one else spoke up and Darth Marr turned his attention back to Eliza "Lord Seraphine, head for my chambers and wait there. I'll be with you after we finish here."

"Yes my Lord."