There Came a Tapping (Pre-Game Evening)

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Because it is informative. To look only at successes or failures of a person extracted from the truth distorts the lessons one can take from observing others. You are an exceptionally gifted individual... the methods that you used to acquire those attributes of strength provide wisdom and guidance for those that follow. Not to be followed blindly out of sentiment, but considered and implemented to ensure progress. We may only have now, but those that come after will have their 'now' and can benefit from the anguish and regrets of others in the past." He replied.

[Dapper Dog]

She was quiet and then said, "One day."

[Sylvain Torsin]

"I shall wait with bated anticipation." He replied with a smile and a nod of his head.

"Sorry to disturb you on your time off mother. I hope you don't find my questions too vexing. I'll admit to not being the easiest child to deal with." He began to stand and put his drink down on the table next to where he was sitting.

[Dapper Dog]

“As far as Sith children go, you were rather sedate, my son. I have seen far worse,” she said honestly.

“It will be harder for you in that regard.”

[Sylvain Torsin]

He looked up at the image and tilted an eyebrow, "Hm? The girls?"

[Dapper Dog]

“Sith parents must raise the very people that will one day plot to destroy them… surely you had considered this eventuality my son?” she said with a knowing look.

[Sylvain Torsin]

His head nodded as one does when they understand something after not grasping it at first, "Oh yes. Yes. Of course. Such is the way of things around here. Ideally they will get to sharpen their claws by dealing with other threats first... but one day we all must be surpassed by those who follow. Not everyone is as fortunate as father and dies a hero's death. I hope for their sake that I will instill them with the wisdom to refrain until they are prepared. But when the day comes... I will be proud. I could not imagine a better death."

[Dapper Dog]

Her look said she was not wholly convinced of that but she relented and said, “I suppose that is something.”

[Sylvain Torsin]

He tilted his eyebrow, "Do you disagree, mother?"

[Dapper Dog]

He tilted his eyebrow, "Do you disagree, mother?"

“This is an area that I have no personal experience with, I simply find it distressing. I also see some of myself in that and it shames me,” she said honestly.

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Shamed? How so?" He asked with matched sincerity.

[Dapper Dog]

She laughed it away, but it was dark and self-deprecating, “Just more regrets and poor choices.”

“When I am back we can talk more about it.”

[Sylvain Torsin]

"I'll start plotting to kill you if it will make you feel better." He said with a chuckle and charming half-smile he often displayed while joking.

"This is a pretty nice apartment and if it will make you feel better... It's the least a son can do." He added with another chuckle.

[Dapper Dog]

“You are definitely my son,” she said with a shake of her head.

“I don’t feel as at home in the estates… smaller is better for me.”

[Sylvain Torsin]

He nodded, "In my travels I came across a beach not unlike this one... Built a retreat there of sorts... Not much more than a hovel, really. But I too understand the draw of the... 'small' and private place to breathe. It's with a considerable measure of trepidation I returned home this morning..."

[Dapper Dog]

“And?” she said curious to hear what he saw or didn’t see.

[Sylvain Torsin]

"Filled with ghosts... mostly of the unhelpful kind. Memories and the like. The appearance of strength and security, but the knowledge of just how fleeting and empty that kind of feeling is. The knowledge that I must now put on my sociable face. Act the part of the host and groom that will get the results I want... but knowing it is a face that lacks substance." He replied in a softer tone.

"Empty interior despite an impressive exterior. And having to try and 'fill' it now for the sake of the girls."

[Dapper Dog]

“The things we do for those we believe will be better than we could be… true or not,” she said with a nod.

“The girls will have the semblance of safety at least.”

[Sylvain Torsin]

He registered the first comment silently before tilting his head at the end, "We shall see... It won't come without fighting for it."

[Dapper Dog]

"You are Sith, when is anything not a struggle," she said confidently.