Author's Notes
So firstly I want to address the issue of pacing, some of you might feel that it is taking too long to get to the goodness of the Clone Wars. Well tough. Becuase I will do as I please in terms of how long it takes to get all the pieces in the correct place. This isn't just a Empire building fic but also a Self Insert Power Fantasy fic. Now, to satisfy many of your appetites know that after this arc there a two year time skip where we will get into Robert's Rebellion and than after that will be the Last Hutt War. So there will be a lot of conflict coming you better believe it. The current year in Star Wars is 54BBY and Episode One doesn't start until 32BBY so we still have quite a bit to go.
Second, I have been a bit down lately as despite my introverted personality, the rona has begun to take it's toll on my friend circle, no deaths thankfully, but the lack of in person meet ups has led to people drifting away and such. This has led to me feeling a bit down so I haven't felt the energy to write a whole bunch. So updates on my stories may start to get a little sparse. Thank to everyone here, you do give me the feeling that I am actually creating a story that people enjoy and that helps a lot.
"You are really leaving so soon after we just got back?" Cayle asked as he followed through the Harrenhal courtyard. Now were both dressed in more traditional Sith Robes, though modified to fit Westerosi fashion sense. To those that could remember the time of the Sith empire, they would not look too out of place among the Sith if only using more archaic materials and make. Both however also had another addition and that was the trimming of dark blue to mark them as members of the Sect of Manwë.
"Yes, I need to speak with my father." Thoren answered as a group of Acolytes past by them. They smiled at their seniors, even if both Cayle and Thoren knew that prior to the Crucibles they would have ducked their heads down as to not get their attention. The Smallwood knew that he had ruled as Acolyte Council President rather harshly… the power might have gone to his head a bit. But now the excitement of them being Neophytes, and no longer on the Acolyte Council, caused the two no end of looks of awe and reverence. Cayle winked at one of the girls who blushed as she and her friends ran off in a fit of giggles. Thoren just rolled his eyes at the entire thing as it was beneath him.
"I understand that you and Jarman are pretty much the only ones with any reason to see family. I just sent a letter and Krane… don't even think he did that. But you could wait a week or two to really get settled in." Cayle personally was looking forward to the freedom that being Neophytes gave. Their ability to go off and do their own thing, a stipend of funds given to them by Darth Nagash, and the limited authority granted to them by the King. They didn't have power to do as they pleased but they essential were like knights in the eyes of the King's Law. But even though he dreamed of riding forth to challenge some Dothraki Horse Lord, he still wanted a some time to come to terms with both his promotion to Neophyte and the galactic revelation they had learned.
"It has to do with my Failure Cayle." Thoren answered as they reached the cart that he had hired to take him to Acorn Hill. His friend turned a bit more sober at the mention of the final test they all had taken. A test that none of them spoke of to each other, as what happen during it was deeply personal.
"Got it. Are you bringing Jadith with you?" Cayle smirked as he changed the topic and his grin grew as his normally stoic and prideful friend lightly blushed at the question.
"Why would I do such a thing?" He deflected but Cayle wasn't going to stop picking at this.
"Thoren it is the worst kept secret that you and her are something. The fact Mysa was the last time find out is the strangest thing to have happened in the past month and considering circumstances… that's saying something." Cayle was angry whispering by the end and Thoren grumbled a bit at the nosiness of other people. But before he was able to open his mouth to respond, the girl they were talking of skipped right past them and hopped into the cart. On her face was the mixed of an annoyed pout and smug look of you can't stop me. "Worst. Kept. Secret."
"Shut it." Thoren growled before he looked back up to Jadith and then to the ground… then sighed in defeat. He wouldn't let this stand, but for right now he was too much in a hurry to really argue with Jadith over this. Besides, she had as much of a right to visit Acorn Hill as he did given they both came from there.
"Let's go!" Jadith cheered as Cayle chuckled and gave his friend and pat on the back for good luck before leaving him. Thoren climbed onto the cart and gave the driver the go to leave. The two Neophytes rode out of the keep and through the streets of the developing city.
Though saying that wasn't entirely correct, as there was an expanse of semi-open area between the curtain walls of the keep and the second ring of walls that separated the Sith District and the rest of the city. The Sith District was where the families of the Seekers, Acolytes and important people of the order lived in several large complexes that honestly made some manors look cheap. But officially it was also where any fair, festival or army camp would set up. The Neophytes now however understood that this expanse was created because eventually the keep would need to be heavily expanded when the Sith order would grow beyond just this planet. Right now, it could house a little under two thousand members of the Order, including the prospective ones. That would not be enough in the future. Sure, many Sith once they had reached their title in a Sect would likely move out and find their once place either on Terra or off of it.
But eventually they passed under the large gatehouse of the second ring wall of the city, entering it proper. It was nearly done, people said that only a few more years of development was needed before the large construction projects would be finished. Towering three and four story rowhouses lined wide avenues in an impressive display of civil planning and construction that hadn't been seen before in Westeros. Small streets delved further in creating plazas and back streets that were filled with happy neighbors and friendly community. The influx of jobs in the Industrial District and the expected job market for all the needs and wants of a city created a situation in which no one needed to turn to crime or begging. And the combination of the eagle eyes of the Black Cloaks and the former slave culture of much of the citizens insured that outside crime elements were stamped out quickly.
Thoren and Jadith's cart followed behind an Omnibus filled with workers that were leaving this morning for their jobs in the city's Industrial District. A name that bucked Westerosi naming convention much to the annoyance of the natives, but Quinn had insisted given the growing implementation of Imperial bureaucracy in the city. But the two watched as people went about their day, a thrum of excitement still hung in the air as this city entered its last stages of development. It would continue to grow but at a slower and less deliberate pace. The two Neophytes waved to those that recognized their robes and some even cheered at the sight of members of the Sith Order. Neither were aware of how that strange that was as not even at the peek of the Sith Empire's power did the common man cheer for the Sith.
"Isn't amazing? Did you ever think that all of this would get built or that we'd be so famous?" Jadith asked excitedly as she waved to another group of people that had taken notice of them. Thoren sighed and threw up a barrier of empty air as Darth Nagash had taught all the Neophytes.
"You really can see this as impressive, given what we had seen up there?" Even as he was on his way to speak to his father over the choices he had made, he still was reeling from the experience of walking among the stars. It challenged his belief in that he was it was his right to be above everyone else due to his blood. How small was the House of Smallwood in the grand scheme of things? How could he claim to be righteous in his belief of superiority when there was an entire galaxy that knew nothing of his lineage.
"Well yeah, these people put so much work and effort into all of this. That's very impressive." Jadith said with a smile as she sat back down next to him, she the giggled as he pulled away uncomfortable at the public closeness. It was such a contrast to how he was in private. "But the whole space thing isn't why you're like this right? It's seeing your dad, wondering how he'll take you growing up?"
"Why are you even coming Jadith, I doubt it's to see you parents." Thoren deflected from the accurate statement.
"True, my mother likely spent all of the Stags she got for me on cheap booze. But I'm here for you." She said before quickly moving to his side, grabbing his arm so he couldn't get away again and then whispered in his ear. "That's what lovers do, support each other."
"Could you please not use that word." He grumbled as he tried to hide the blush on his face.
"Are still ashamed of me?" She didn't accuse, just asked to reaffirm what she already knew. From the very beginning Jadith knew she was going to have to be the smart one in this relationship. Thoren was the prodigy and diligent student all in one, he was golden child of the Acolytes, the one the less stellar Acolytes aspired to be like. But when it came to his private life both her and his friends agreed he was dumb as sack of rocks. When he wasn't being a superior jerk he was a clueless dunce. But he was also loyal to a fault and always made sure to bring the best out of those close to him, he worked hard and always was hardest on himself more than anyone else. He was in a word, a leader. And Jadith knew this and wanted to make sure that he would also be human as well.
"No. I haven't… I… no. No I'm not." Thoren tried but knew the fact of the matter was his Failure was still his lingering feelings of shame. Jadith just smiled and let him work through this at his own pace, knowing that this was all apart of growing up. She personally was content not having any great personal drama or issues, she was just happy to have bene part of the generation of Neophytes that not only was the first but also had such great talent. Jadith knew she was the odd one out, even Royn had been one of the top acolytes in terms of grades meanwhile she was just about as average as you got. But that was a advantage in all of itself, meant she could slip into the background and live out a easy life of support for those destined for greatness.
Nevertheless, the two young adults passed through the city without much more incident. Until they hit the outer wall that encircled the entire city. There as the cart stopped to wait for its turn to leave as there was a build up of traffic, someone new jumped into the cart.
"Smallwood." Victarion addressed the unexpecting Neophytes as pulled himself into the cart. "I would think that you would be the first to understand how to fix a problem like this." He said before either Thoren or Jadith could say anything. Then looked outward toward the clogged gate. "I am Victarion Grayjoy, Neophyte of the Sith Order! Grant me passage!" Almost immediately people were scrambling to make room for the cart containing the Neophytes through.
"That was unnecessary." Thoren pointed out as they started moving along once again but this time with Victarion sitting across from the other two Neophytes. "Why are you even coming along Grayjoy?"
"Because I too wish to return to my family's seat. I figured that I could ride with you part of the way there." Victarion answered in a annoyed huff as if the answer was perfectly obvious. Thoren frowned at the addition of the Iron Born, back during their Acolyte days it was his gang of bullies that gave him the most trouble. Victarion himself never acted out much, but those that followed him sure did. "I also do not care whom you bring along on your trip, nor of your reasons."
"Right, and meanwhile you're running away from your own commoner girl." Jadith gave Thoren a playful slap to his shoulder but he ignored it to continue with his staring battle with Victarion. Nira had not grown more accustomed to her powers or mental health in the years since. And while she was more careful in expressing her sadistic tendences, she was no less willing to indulge them. on more than one occasion she was the cause for the Acolytes being subjected to Darth Nagash's ridiculous Wheel of Punishment. "How do you think your Bloc in the Assembly is going to handle her being the new leader. I'm sure you wanted someone else but it's going to be her no matter what."
"That is no longer my concern." Victarion shrugged off callously. "The days of the petty squabbles of the Acolytes should be behind us. We have greater things to strive for now."
"You're seriously going to let that sick bitch run your gang now?" Jadith sputtered as she was more than a little shocked at how cold the Grayjoy was being. Sure he was a ruthless stoic whom might made everything right, but she had to assume that he at the very least cared a little about those under him. If for no other reason than they all were on the same team for years.
"In a moment of honesty I will say that I envied the Sand and Snow bastards and what they had. They at least surrounded themselves with a balance of people, neither my brutes or the bookish weaklings of the Mysteries Bloc. What happens to those that came to me is of no concern as I never considered them my peers." Both Thoren and Jadith continued to be surprised but now it was that he was admitting this in front of them. As they knew that this could be used against him later on. He seemed to pick up on this and frowned at their thoughts. "I am not a political being Smallwood. I do not need friends, or companionship. What I have and only ever need is purpose."
"Picnics are fun." Even as the harsh Dornish heat hits me, I sill would not let it ruin my alone time. Returning back to Terra was simple enough after shouting at Huldrak and his goofy following about not going overboard and reawakening the malicious Force Entity in the shipyard's systems for a few hours. I then enjoyed a good week of doing father things, Sith Grandmaster things, Lordship things, hungry sexual degenerate things, and topped it off with angrily glaring at the Weirwood trees on the Isle of Faces because fuck the bitch trapped under that island.
But now I was sitting on a blanket on the edge of one of the many cliff faces of the Dornish Marches. I had decided to take the scenic route and traveled all by myself on a speeder, after all I needed to maintain my reputation of mysteriously popping up around Westeros. I'm sure that people had all sorts of crazy stories about me, and that just helped me in casting doubt on my real powers. If the nobles just laughed off any report of me suddenly swaying a less than happy merchant with a wave of my hand because they had already heard far more outlandish things about me and just assumed it was another crazy story then good.
"They are indeed master, do you need any more refreshment?" Saarai asked as she waited on me, a small spread of food and drinks were laid out before me and my Tsân. I was content and enjoying the small moment of peace.
"Ugh… it's soo hot." Midwan complained as she fanned herself, even as she wore next to nothing with only a micro-bikini to cover herself. The conjured outfit was straining to hold back the ample flesh of Midwan's form, and I was conflicted on whether I should be happy or annoyed that she did this on purpose. "Master, can we hurry up and get to the beach. At least there I have a way to cool myself off."
"You could just stay in your sword and not bother me while I enjoy my alone time." I have had to accept that I will never be truly alone with these two existing. That they didn't count as people or else I would go insane at the idea that I would never has a single second to be alone with my thoughts.
"But then I couldn't tease you." She purred as she gave a smirk while shifting her position to cause her barely contained beasts to move in the most fascinating of ways. Only then to get doused by her sister who was wearing a lighter version of her usual kimono. "Hey! Don't go pouring sticky lemonade on me."
"If you wouldn't be such a brat and allow our master his peace I wouldn't need to." Saarai chided but then was tackled by Midwan and the two began one of their catfights. And here we were going on two weeks without a problem. "Rancid self-centered harlot!"
"Heartless washboard shrew!"
"No… stop… desist." I muttered before taking a sip of my lemonade. I tried, and then began to stare off into the majestic landscape around us. My mind returning back to the recent days in which I spent with those I loved. While I did love my life of adventure, scheming, and conquest… I cannot say I don't also enjoy the time spent with my family doing little but the simple things. It actually made me look forward to the days when I would step back from it all and would need to take a more administrative and leadership role in all of this.
For right now, I still very much needed to be hopping from place to place. Running around doing everything I needed done in person. Out in the galaxy this was gather the war assets, meeting important people that needed to be meet not via proxy, and performing various duties that I only trusted myself to do. Back here on Terra, it mostly amounted to poking and prodding things to move in certain ways. Small things that would have ripple effects. Like me making sure that Jon Arryn's wife did not die, and now Robin Arryn was actually a full blooded Arryn. I do wonder how that might effect the events of the future but that just meant I would need to be more active in manipulating events to my needs.
But once we reach a certain point, me as the sole power in Westeros and my counter invasion of Essos, my direct meddling will no longer become needed. It will be a snowball effect ending with the complete conquest of all of Terra. Westeros, Essos, Yi Ti, and Sothoryos are the only lands with humans in them. To the west of Westeros is a landmass but containing only basic wildlife and the Shadow Lands are completely dead… likely some biological weapon had been deployed there. Once Essos was under control, Yi Ti would be next and that would be a challenge if not for the advancement I had already begun… plus if my initial reports are anything to go by a faction in those lands might be willing to submit to my rule.
It will all come to an end and I will have a grip on all of the nations of this world. Then all that will be left is the White Walkers and the Ones trapped here. And only the former will an active threat. Then up in the galaxy, once my Empire reveals itself I will need to remain on Dromund Kaas or Terra. I will not be able to lead from the front lines on a galactic scale war. Once the war begins and I take my seat as Emperor… ironically my life will settle down. It will be filled with meetings with war councils and lawmakers, governing the empire, a splash of courtly intrigue here and there, research into the Force, and guiding the empire culturally, economically, and politically. It will be a hard job but with the benefit of no longer needing to run around to do all sorts of tasks for the future. I will be able to sit down… and enjoy my life with those I love. I will leave the front lines to the next generation, those I have cultivated and helped grow.
I took another sip from my drink as my Tsân moved on to the hair pulling phase of their fight. I was in my happy place, I could not care less about the whining of the two women that were formed out of my connection with the Force. But then I frowned as in between the curses of my Tsân I heard the scream of a woman come from down below.
"Such a pretty lady, I'm sure that we upstanin' men can show you a good time." The thug dragging her out of the carriage chuckled in this disgusting tone that left little to his intent.
"Lady Martell!" One of the knights escorting Elia Martell and her handmaiden shouted as he attempted to fight off more of the bandits. Though she princess doubted that they were simply bandits. As the animosity between the Dornish of the Marches and the more southern Dornishmen was a fact of life for the people of sands. But right now the political concerns of this moment were far from her mind.
"Let me go!" Elia shouted as she tried to tug her arm free from the brute's grasp. But it was pointless, not only was this bandit burly and strong from the harsh living of the Marches, but Elia had always been weakened by poor health. But she still tried, she was still a Martell and would not suffer the shame of giving up just because things appeared futile. As she was dragged into the stony canyon that their escorts insisted on traveling through, she heard the scream of her handmaid from back inside the carriage. Then the sound of a torn dress and a tear fell from the princess's eye, how she desperately wished she could do something to save her friend.
A loud thud and a gust of wind stopped everyone in their tracks. Something had fallen into the middle of the attack, a dust cloud was kicked up and everyone shielded their eyes. Elia then heard sounds of solid hits and gasps of pain, then felt the bandit pull her in close and hold up a knife to her throat.
"Who's there! Comin' on out so I can see ya!" He shouted in a panic as the dust settled and all they could see was most of his comrades on the ground, balled in pain and groaning. Ser Uller was still fighting off two of the remaining bandits and the rest of the guards of the escort were all dead from the initial attack. Elia looked up and could see the fear and panic in her kidnapper's eyes as his gaze darted about trying to find the person that had done this. "I mean it! I'll cut the bitch's throat! Come on o-" The brute gasped in pain as Elia took her chance and with all the strength her body could muster back kicked the man between his legs.
The princess of Dorne immediately escaped from his grasp as he loosed his arms from the pain. She smirked as she back stepped away from him, but then he growled and looked up with the most furious look she had seen on a man. He gulped as she knew that he wouldn't waste time now and watched as he took a step forward. But then he paled and stumbled back in fear. Elia was confused but took the opportunity to start running away, only to find herself hitting some new man's firm chest.
"Hello there." She blinked and then looked up, and found the smiling face of a man whom matched the description of the most talked about person in all of Westeros besides the Mad King, Naraiz Rhyhall. "That was quite brave and smart of you, but if you will allow me my lady… if I could finish what you started."
"Uh… yes… sure." She stumbled over her words as she had heard that the grandmaster of the Sith was devilishly handsome but the stories did not do him justice. Unlike many of the men of court that were pretty and overly well groomed, this man had noble features but not in a pampered sort of way and had a aura of natural confidence that most younger men lacked. He stepped aside and with a raised hand, lifted the bandit off the using his mystical powers. Then with a sharp wave of his hand, sent the bandit flying into another that was trying to run away. Elia then watched as he turned back to the final bandit that was still locked in combat with Ser Uller. With a flick of the wrist and pulled the bandit to the ground, giving the knight a easy way to end his life.
"To think that on my trip to Sunspear I would run into Elia Martell." He chuckled in this casually amused tone that brimmed with assurance that he had everything under control. That there couldn't be anything that could happen that he could not handle. He then turned back to Elia and bowed. "We have not been properly introduced my lady, I am Darth Nagash but you always are free to call me Naraiz Rhyhall."
"T-thank you for saving me Lord Rhyhall." Elia struggled to regain her composure as she absentmindedly took a bit of her hair in hand.
"You saved yourself, I can see that the blood of Nymeria still runs strong in the women of your family." Elia couldn't help the blush that was spreading across her face. She knew that she had only been able to have a chance at getting away from that man because of Darth Nagash's intervention. But he wasn't acting like the shinning knight that saved the damsel in destress. It certainly felt better than she would like to admit to be saved like this.
"No it was… Ashara!" Elia stopped midway as she remembered that her friend still in the carriage. She took a step to run to the carriage but was blocked by Darth Nagash stepping in front of her. He then raised a hand to the carriage and as if he was tugging on a rope, yanked hard and a man with his pants undone was thrown out. He skidded to the Sith's feet and when he looked up his face turned from anger to sheer terror.
"Oh dear me… seems you were being very naughty." All the warmth that his voice previously had vanished. While it still sounded friendly and witty, it now was as cold as ice. He lifted the man up with his powers, not even allowing the bandit the chance to fix his trousers. "Normally I'd like to drag this out slowly. Sure, I have done a great many horrible things but that… is something I cannot allow. And I'm in a hurry, soooo…" And with that he clutched his fist and there was a horrible snap as the bandits neck broke. "Go to your friend, she will need you."
"Yes… thank you." Elia said quickly as she ran over to the carriage and found her handmaid and friend Ashara Dayne curled up and crying. Elia quickly entered and held her, doing her best to comfort the best she could. "I'm here Ashara, I'm so sorry for bringing you along… I should have come alone."
"He… I can't ever marry now." She heard Ashara whimper and it was then that Elia noticed the blood. Now she wished that Darth Nagash had indeed made it slow as he wanted. That monster deserved far worse than just a quick death.
"I promise that you will. You are the most beautiful woman in all the realm and any man would be lucky to have you." Elia assured her friend as she held her tight, a swelling pit of rage at whoever had sent these beasts after them was starting to form. She would write to her brothers and together they would find out the rats in their kingdom and purge them most horribly. "We won't speak of this, I'll swear Ser Uller to secrecy and… we will make this right Ashara I promise."
"It would seem our plan to kill the Martell failed." Tywin sighed as his brother Kevan read the letter that had just arrived to King's Land via rider. Personally he had nothing against the Martells and even slightly felt put off by this scheme but the King had pushed him. His daughter was a perfect match for the prince, and he as the wealthiest and let's face it most powerful man in the realm deserved nothing less than his daughter to be Queen. But no, Ayres still treated him like a servant and blamed him for the death of Joanna… one of the few things they agreed on though not publicly.
Even now he felt the guilt of that night wreak his heart. A fool, a complete and utter fool he had been. His wife loved him and he let rumors and hatred toward the king cloud his judgment. In hindsight he knew that thinking that anything could be happening between Joanna and the king was absurd. The few times he had seen Tyrion during his visits back to the Rock he could barely look at the child. Not due to his deformity as many thought, Tywin was above such simple thinking. No, it was guilt and shame that caused him to flinch at the sight of his second son. More than once had Tywin stared at his right hand, the one he had used to strike Joanna and thought about cutting it off. But that was the past and all he could do was do right by her memory. He would insure that their children would be everything that they had hoped they be.
"So it would seem, no matter we will have other opportunities to insert Cersei as Queen." Tywin said as he sat back in his seat, pushing aside the guilty feelings and focusing on his work. His true work. Making sure that his family's legacy was safe for generations to come.
"There's more." Kevan said with a uneasy look on his face. Whatever more that was coming, Tywin knew that he would not like it. "It would seem that the plan was foiled by Darth Nagash."
"How?" That made little sense, Rhyhall had rarely been seen away from Harrenhal for the past few years unless it was on official business. His great adventure beyond the Wall had seem to spooked him into staying close to home. It had also created a new generation of second and third sons heading to the Wall to fight off this new threat of the so called Princes of the Night, a threat that Tywin still wasn't sure existed. But now with the fury of the North due to Lyarra Stark's brutal murder and that supposed mystical foe in the Land of Always Winter, the Night's Watch was now more supplied and supported than it had been in centuries. To the point that that two of the abandoned castles had were being brought back.
"The rider didn't say it was him specifically, only that a man in black and purple robes had taken out the bandits without ever drawing a sword and used magic." Kevin explained and while the number of people that could be had grown marginally, it would of course be Darth Nagash. Tywin however didn't believe that this was intentional. He had used too many intermediaries for anyone to trace this back to him so quickly, even the spy masters of Westeros would have had a difficult time doing so with more time. "Should we attempt another?"
"No. That would draw suspension. This will be easily explained away as a chance bandit raid or possibly attack on the Martells from their internal enemies in the Marches." The Lion Lord sighed in irritation as this was his best chance to remove Elia from the problem. But he guessed it be might been a pointless killing as the King would have just as likely forced a lesser House to marry the Prince sooner than Cersei. "For now we should-" Tywin started but a knock at his door stopped him. After righting himself he called for whoever it was to enter.
Then walked in a unfamiliar sight, but at the same time a not unwelcomed one. Wearing lessened version of the Sith Robes the official Sith wore and more in line with clothes a knight might was a young man of clear noble birth. Tywin noted the crest of House Merryweather on his chest and the Valyrian Steel sword at his hip. A quick recall and the Lion of the Rock remembered that Merryweather's lord had a third son that was taken in by the Sith.
"Greetings Lord Lannister." The young man said before giving a bow, a little rusty in the grace that nobles practiced in though. Tywin assumed that Rhyhall wasn't teaching the children proper etiquette and all this boy has left is what he could remember from before he joined the Sith. There could all manner of implications from that fact alone, but Tywin set those aside for now. "I am Oris Merryweather and I have come to offer myself as your family's court Sith."
"Not Lord Tyrell?" That was Tywin's first question as the Merryweathers were subject to the Tyrells directly. Not that the Lion didn't know why this boy came to him rather than the Fat Flower. He was the Hand of the King and the richest man in Westeros. And this was the intended result of the Sith Order, to create mystical warriors that would pledge themselves to whoever would have them. But Tywin still wanted to hear the boy's reasons from his lips.
"If I might speak freely Lord Lannister, you are the real power in the realm. Lord Tyrell is wealthy yes and is my family's liege Lord but is far from respected. And there are many in the Reach that desire… more respectable leaders." Tywin tapped his fingers on his desk, this was worse than he had ever expected. This boy was saying things he should never say in front of people that could use this information far too easily and devastate too many. Either Darth Nagash has performed so poorly in the training of these Sith to the point of active damage to the realm… or Tywin's fears of his intentions were gravely correct. But first, he had to deal with this sudden and unexpected boon.
"Please… speak more."
"I find all of this wholly unnecessary." Nikola muttered as he hid in the corner of the third story home of Royn's family. In it was about as homey and welcoming as one could possibly imagine. It was truly the dwelling of a warm and loving family and it was about as alien to the Neophyte as the actual aliens who had not left his mind since he saw them.
"My family wanted to throw me a smaller party to celebrate, what's wrong with that." Royn as he came over to his sulking friend after he untangled himself from his three younger siblings. This was a happy time, not only had the graduated to full Sith but now they had a entire galaxy worth of new things to learn and experience. So seeing Nikola so dejected and alone would not do for his fellow Neophyte.
"I mean my presence here. I could be back at the towers learning more from Maester Qyburn or from the many books we have access to." Not so much books but Holo-Tapes that Darth Nagash had given them access to that would teach them all about sciences and cultures not of this era and world respectively. Nikola had been devouring as much information as he could retain, and now started seeing the push in technological innovation Darth Nagash was giving Westeros. While it might take a few life times before all of Terra was as advanced as other worlds in the galaxy, it was still a worthwhile task to bring their countrymen into the future. "People are expecting great things from us. I know exactly what I'm going to do, conquer the night and illuminate the darkness."
"I understand Puff-"
"Mhmm."
"Sorry… I know you've really taken to your new name. But we've been friends since we came here, forgive me if I slip up." Nikola grumbled a bit but this was nothing new. Royn sighed as even with a new name the guy hadn't changed much. He was still the slippery a dead set focused kid he had been when they first arrived at Harrenhal. If it didn't involved whatever plot or plan that he was working on at the moment he would only give it begrudging attention. "I know that you want to do great things. We will, we all will. But right now, let's enjoy the moment."
"That's easy for you to say, you're the only Neophyte that actually has a blood family to celebrate with." Nikola pointed out and it threw Royn through a loop. He knew that Nikola like many had essentially been bought off by the Seekers when they found him, so it wasn't hard to imagine he didn't have much love for his family. "Jadith is the only other low born Neophyte and I don't know what her family is like but they aren't here. Both Miana and Mysa have repeatedly lambasted their lordly parents, and given the spectacle Nathar gave us when he returned we know his views on his family."
"Yeah… that was… hard to watch." When they returned from their Crucibles, Nathar's highborn little brother had attempted to steal the recognition from Nathar by claiming not only he would do better in his Crucibles, disptite not know the details of them, but also Nathar wouldn't have passed them if not for being born with some noble blood in him. The Sand had responded by slamming his little brother into a nearby wall with the Force and screaming at him to shut up and never speak to him again. The rest of the Neophytes had agreed that clearly Nathar had been the most affected by his Crucibles and to leave it at that.
"As for the noble born, Jarman is the typical straight-laced honor and knight type… I don't see a particularly warm family producing a child like him, and Thoren is in a similar boat. The Grayjoy is… a Grayjoy. Cayle is distant at best, he's far too invested in himself to give notice to his family. Karne's family obviously did something to upset him to stick with the Sith rather than leave. As far as my knowledge goes, you are the only one who has a family that would do something like this for just the fact they love you and not to keep appearances." Nikola explained in a cold and detached way, not caring for how Royn might take it. The memory of the Crucible of Doubt plagued him more than his Failure. As any Failure was just a lesson to be learned, the whispers of those tunnels telling him that his greatest unsaid fears hurt him far more. Becoming everything he ever dreamed and remembered forever as a paragon of progress… only for no one to morn him personally when he left the realm of the living. An empty funeral, devoid of anyone to bury him. Seeing Royn have so much of what he feared he would have so little fed the Dark Side a little too well right now.
"Thoren and Jadith, we welcome back to Acorn Hill with open arms. Come let us celebrate your graduation to Sith." His uncle cheered as did the rest of the people of the holding. Acorn Hill was bigger than he remembered. No longer was it a simple wooden keep surrounded by stone walls atop a hill, now it seemed to bustle with a life he did not see as a child. Gray concrete covered the wooden walls of the keep and outside were a great many tents and merchants. It seemed Thoren's family was benefiting greatly from the nearby prosperity of Harrenhal.
The two Neophytes sat at the high table with Thoren's uncle and family as the rest of the keep feasted at their return. Victarion had not stayed and immediately continued his way toward the nearest port that would take him to the Iron Islands. That was fine with Thoren and Jadith as he had done nothing but grunt and dismiss their (her) attempt at lessening the chill in the air between them.
Thoren smiled and did all that was expected of nobleman's son at a feast. He left showing off the Force party tricks to Jadith who was all too happy to do so. One thing however that was glaringly obvious was his father was not in attendance. This fact was clawing at Thoren's mind as he tried to keep up faces. While he was a Sith now and so separated from the affairs of the nobility in theory, he was still a Smallwood and here in their ancestral home he would keep the dignity of that name high. He ate little and spoke only when prompted, he was here for a reason and this was not it. But he lasted through the feast and eventually the commoners and merchants faded out of the hall, Jadith going with her family. Though Thoren knew it was reluctantly despite her outwardly friendliness, but she was a trained Sith and so he worried little about it.
"I thank you for putting up with that lengthy display Thoren." His uncle said as the lady of the family pulled his cousins so that they would be alone. The hall was completely empty now and the only sound was coming from the crackle of the fireplace and the continued few cheers from outside. "A great many things have changed since you left. Our closeness to Harrenhal I would like to believe is in part thanks your excellence within the Sith. You have done the House of Smallwood proud nephew."
"Thank you uncle, I have only ever tried to live up to the ideals you and father taught me." At the mention of his father he sensed… it was still very hard to use the Force to sense emotions. It made Thoren feel like he had eaten a sour grape. He needed more training in this but that sense alone worried him. "Please uncle, tell me why father was not here."
"That… is a difficult thing to say." At that Lord Smallwood stood up and started walking to one of the few tapestries that the Smallwoods possessed. It depicted the founding of their house, how their ancestor led a band of warriors to this very hill and held it for a fortnight against the Westermen thanks to the hardy Oak trees that grew at the top. For his leadership and bravery, their ancestor was granted lordship over the surrounding lands by the old Andal King of the Stormlands. Inscribed at the top of the scene were their House words, From these Beginnings. "You know what those words mean Thoren?" He asked as the Neophyte came to his side.
"Yes. It's a statement of proof that we were given the right to lead by the exceptional talent of our blood. That battle to hold this hill was the first sign of it and the Storm King Arlan II Durrandon recognized that." Thoren said just as his father had taught him. That their house words were to remind him that they came from a destined blood and to never forget that. But then he heard his uncle sigh in disappointment.
"It could also be taken as greatness can come from any beginning. Just as any acorn has the potential to grow into a mighty oak, so do people have the potential to be great if nurtured properly." Thoren frowned at this purely out of ingrained reaction at such a stark contrast at what he had been taught. But that passed and his rational and intelligent side concluded with what his uncle said. That indeed their words could mean that just as much as, if not more so, than what his father taught him. "Growing up with Lawren we were certainly taught that we had to rule over the masses justly and with pride. I fear that I learned the former while he learned only the latter."
"Uncle?" Something was very wrong, and Thoren was getting impatient for the answer.
"Ironically, we only discovered what was happening due to the wealth that was brought in by Harrenhal's development. I needed to bring in extra learned men to organize all the new riches we had through trade and taxes." He gave this mirthless laugh like he almost wished that they were still among some of the poorest houses in the Riverlands. He looked back up to the tapestry, focused on their House words. "They discovered that our Maester was hiding a great deal of our wealth, both outgoing and incoming. He was a part of a smuggling ring."
"What! A Maester betraying the realm and colluding with criminals!" Thoren was outraged. Not only at the fact that a member of the Maester Order broke his vows but also it was the only that sworn an oath to their keep. It was a act of betrayal that had be punished as harshly as the King's Law allowed. But then the next line of thought came to him, why speak of this when they were supposed to be talking about father.
"Yes, but the rot went deeper. Maester Reben admitted that he falsified our records but on the orders of one of our House." In an instant Thoren knew where this was going and his face turned to a snarl of rage. His uncle couldn't possibly be implying such things. It had to be something else.
"You're lying! My father would never do such a thing!" Thoren shouted as eh took a step back, a hand going to his Force Blade unconsciously. However, his uncle made no sign at this action and continued to stare up with a somber look on his face. This blunted Thoren's rage as he expected a much more… active reaction.
"I wish it wasn't true Thoren. A year ago, everything happen. I gathered my house-guard and planned on confronting Lawren only to find him gone from the keep. Along with a great deal of the gold that we kept for safekeeping." His uncle explained and Thoren could only feel… whatever it was he knew it to be truth. The Force was also speaking to him, guiding him to the truth and reinforcing what Lord Smallwood was saying. "He hasn't been found, and we only know that this smuggling ring has bene operating in the Riverlands for some time. Possibly with connection to the Iron Born."
"Why wasn't I told? Why did people still cheer for my return?" Thoren asked as his whole body shook with rage, his mind was trying to make sense with what he had been told. Memories of his father teaching him how to hold a sword collided with the stark reality of what his uncle was telling him and emotions he was feeling in the Force.
"It happened quietly, many in our household guard refuse to speak about it for the same emotions you are feeling now. Knowing how you felt about your father… I decide to not write to you of what happened. We simply told everyone else that Lawren had decided to travel Essos to gain his own fame." It was an easy lie, as wandering the Free Cities as a sell sword was the fate of many second sons of Westeros. It wouldn't be hard to believe that his father decided to leave the shadow of his brother to someone who did not know him personally. "I am sorry Thoren. And I have as many answers as you do for why he did what he did. I can only guess… wealth? Some sort of scheme? Anything is possible with his character thrown into doubt."
"Very well." Thoren turned around and started his way out of the hall. Nothing more was said between the two. It was clear to Lord Smallwood what his nephew intended. The Neophyte left the keep he had been born in, where his father had raised him after the death of his mother. He looked back as he came to the final step in the stone stairway that led to the front gate. Was this what the Force was guiding him to do, why he was given the Failure he had in the Crucibles? It didn't matter as he had to find his father and bring him to justice.
But first he needed to find Jadith, he no longer wished to be in Acorn Hill and so they would find other lodging for the night. He passed by many on his way to the small home that leaned on the curtain walls of his family's keep. Like many of the keeps of Westeros, the servants and staff of the nobility lived in a village either near or surrounding the castle of their lord. Jadith's father and brothers worked in the stables of the Smallwood family. Though from speaking with her over the past two years of their… time together, he knew that much of their labor went wasted in the end.
With his hood up, he stuck to the shadows and avoided people that were still in a jolly mood from the feast but were otherwise starting to turn in for the night. It always amazed Thoren on how the small folk could find such joy in their squalor and limited achievement. But now was not the time to think on such things. He wished to leave and be away from this place whose sense had been tainted but recent truths.
"What do you mean you ain't comin' back!" Thoren stopped at the door as he heard a woman shout and then it was followed by the sound of a bottle hitting a wall and shattering.
"Ma stop!" The sickly slithering whispers of the Dark Side smiled as Thoren broke down the door with the Force. His hand had been at the ready to push it open but hearing Jadith scream just… caused him to send the obstacle crashing down with a Force Push. His eyes had a small twinge of yellow as he stood in the door frame and looked upon the scene in front of him.
Jadith was in the corner, shocked at his appearance but looking like she had been cowering. Shards of glass were all around her, meaning that bottle hadn't been the first. Two men, whom Thoren assumed were her brothers given their ages and features, were off to the side. One of them was holding Jadith's Force Blade and the other was holding a silver necklace that Jadith had bought with her first allowance given to her as a Neophyte. It was the first thing she truly owned that she had bought with her own money so it meant a lot to her. Lastly there was a red faced older woman, obviously Jadith's mother, who was snarling and wobbling drunk.
"Ey! Whose do you 'ink-" There wasn't even a moment of hesitation as Thoren lifted the despicable woman off the ground by the throat through the Force. All the terrible stories that Jadith had told him about her growing up, what he had just learned about his father, everything he saw in this moment, and the Dark Side dancing on his shoulder… all of this piled on each other as he stared up at this sad pathetic excuse for a mother. Moments passed by, nothing happened… the two brothers were too scared by the magic in front of them to do anything. And Thoren waited for Jadith to say something, anything to make him stop but those words never came. With that, he clutched his hand snapped the woman's neck and then let the body limply fall to the ground.
"Those don't belong to you." Without looking, he yanked the Force Blade and necklace out of the two imbeciles hands. Then seemed to shock them out of the paralyzing fear and they quickly ran out of the hut, screaming in a panic. With another wave of his hand, he moved away the shards of glass and walked over to Jadith who was staring at the lifeless body of her mother. "Let's go." He said softly as while holding her, led her out of the hut and away from the castle entirely.
"I am very intrigued Darth Nagash, eminently so. What you propose could change everything, innovate life as well damn well know it!" Oberyn Martell professed after I had just described to him the concept of a bikini. We lounged on one of the overlooking sundecks of Sunspear, waited on by the lovely women and handsome men that were servants in the seat of the Martells… most of whom I assume Oberyn has slept with.
"Certainly here in Dorne, though I'm not sure you all need any more reason to fuck." I chuckle as I gave a flirty wink to one of the servant girls that brought me some more refreshments. It hollow however, while I'll admit I am as much of a perverted sex hungry fiend as Oberyn, I stuck to quality over quantity. But I had to play to the company I was keeping.
"That is true, though our population is in need for a growth spurt if am to be believed." He sighed as he picked up a skewer of grapes. Dorne was one of the many places that was experiencing an economic boom, a glass industry and some better dessert agriculture methods had found its way here. For the first time in a long while there were more jobs than people as lords now with more gold than they could spend on lavish lifestyles now had were putting that into development of their lands. Prosperity begets prosperity if handled correctly. "You know, as I was studying in the Citadel… I heard a great many Maesters grumbling about things moving too fast. That they couldn't keep up with all the developments and new ways of thinking and innovation."
"Sounds like a new academic elite is needed." I scoffed before taking a sip from my drink. Let those old fools grumble that they can't write history fast enough to keep up with the changing times.
"Another great gust of the winds of change Darth Nagash?" I and Oberyn look back to see his mother and current Princess of Dorne Nysah Martell walking toward us with Doran behind her. She was a perfectly aged woman with a refined beauty to her. I also had no intention of seducing her despite Joanna asking me to, as my kitty wanted her other best friend to also join my harem as she expected in the next few years for Rhaella to also join properly. Sorry to disappoint but I simply had no real connection to this woman other than Joanna and her being close, and I could already sense her life Force getting weaker. Despite the brave face she put on she was dying, and would take her last breath in the next few months.
I had arrived in Sunspear a few days ago, and was welcomed warmly enough. They were a bit skeptical when I told them I had saved their beloved sister/daughter's life but my insistence that all it would take is a single raven to King's Landing and she would confirm seemed to convince them. Afterall, why would I make such a big deal out of something so easily disproven? Oberyn believed me well enough and took a liking to me. Though I suspect that would have happened needless of my unexpected intervention on Elia. We had a small feast to welcome me and then I spent the rest of my time lounging around and enjoying the sun and shine. My real reason for coming was simply to make a impression on the Martells and to solidify them as ally just as I did with the Starks though not to the same degree.
"Does the concept of public education for every child in Westeros count?" Oberyn choked on his drink as I said this and I could sense complete shock and disbelief behind me from his brother and mother. Yeah… the idea of free and quality education for the masses was not something easy to digest for people like those in Westeros.
"T-that's madness… but madness that is solely needed." Oberyn coughed out with a impressed look in his eyes. I don't know if he really believed in the idea or just the chaos that it would cause, maybe both.
"Such an ambitious goal. Not one that will be easy to implement." Princess Nysah finally was able to come up with some words that spoke her feelings on the matter. I continued to relax as this wasn't something that I planned on putting into action until Robert took the throne. Ayres was mad and so any radical change that he implemented during this period would be seen in a negative light no matter how progressive it was. Setting up public schools during Robert's reign however, that would be taken as a step forward made by visionary new blood on the throne.
"Mmm." I don't really give an answer and I assume that some of the Martells take it as I'm not really going to try, only claim. Which is fine for now. "Is there a reason why you have graced me with your company this day Princess?"
"I just came to thank you, a raven arrived confirming what you have told us. Elia arrived Ashford safely and spoke of your heroic rescue. You have my sincere thanks as firstly a mother for saving my daughter." I seemed to have developed a habit of saving the children of heads of Great Houses. First Brandon now Elia. The first catapulted my fame and establishment into Westeros, this was just a good deed. I hadn't known that it was Elia when I dropped in on the bandits attacking the carriage, and while it does serve my plans that wasn't why I did.
"I as well wished to thank you Darth Nagash, all of Dorne would have wept at my sister's loss." Doran said and I sensed that his feelings on the matter were more detached. My guess is that he was more thankful that Dorne had not just lost its tie to the Iron Throne more than him losing a sister. Heh… not what I expected but still not too surprising.
The two then left and I was left alone with Oberyn who was giving me this strange smirk. Like knew something that I didn't. From what I could feel in the Force, he felt happy, somewhat horny, and mischievous.
"I have said it before, I don't swing that way Viper." I don't care what people like so long as everyone is mature consenting adults, but the only thing that gets me going is curves and a lack of Y chromosome.
"Oh but you must allow me to thank you for saving my sister, and what better way to show it." He chuckled in his suave and seductive manner that I'm sure got a lot of men thinking twice about what they liked. My eyes just kinda glazed over as my mind wandered off, thinking about the way that Lyarra likes to bite when she gets really into our intimate time together. Mmm… wold woman indeed. "Darth Nagash?"
"What? Oh sorry… I was thinking about puppies."
"That was not the face of a man thinking about puppies. More like the face of a man thinking fondly of a dear lover."
"Both of us are correct in our own ways." I waved him off and he seemed to have taken the hint well enough. "As for your appreciation for me saving your sister, you can repay me by not fighting me on the matter of your daughter." I said and immediately Oberyn's demeanor changed from relaxed and amusement to serious and guarded. In my time here in Sunspear I have found that Oberyn's eldest daughter Obara was Force Sensitive. I had kept it to myself the first night I arrived but the next I tried to discuss it with him, only for him to immediately turn his heel and leave me. I have not seen Obara since that first day and I knew he was hiding her from me. This very odd given the Martells had been very supportive of the Seekers and their task.
"What you do, take children from their parents. It is something that I do not approve of." He said as he turned back and sat back in his lounger.
"From what I gather from my Seekers, most have taken the payment." It was a fact that I didn't really like to admit was true. But then again my cynicism came back on this matter and told me that of course most people would want the hard coin over traveling to a new city and away from the home they always knew. One less mouth to fed, usually at that troubling age where kids were very annoying. But right now I was not in the mood debate this fact with Oberyn. I wanted his support, I wanted his friendship… I also wanted to have one of the Sand Snakes in my Order. Then a idea popped in my mind. "Oberyn… you are planning to leave for Essos soon, correct?"
"Yes." He looked at me with a raised eyebrow at this sudden change in topic.
"How would you like to take an even more… exotic trip?"
Author's Notes
A nice little set up and slice of how things are going for the Neophytes. Next chapter we will see Naraiz return to Dromund Kaas with Vette's crew as they head down to the Surface of the planet, and Naraiz will be bringing along a friend.
The popularity poll for the Neophytes is still up with the Grayjoy in the lead... I was not expecting that.
Reviews
Waterlow27 - Athiss is a good idea, thank you. No on the Living Planet, the Republic of this AU would more than likely quarantine it, causing the world to panic and get the fuck out.
Rapidnoob - not currently in my plans no, eventually yes but not soon
Hades Darkstar - there will be more timeskips and wars but the Clone Wars are a far ways off
Zurver - I'm not forgetting this, I'm actively choosing to give my Sith cool Force Blades instead. If in the future when they are more out in the Galaxy they want to use Lightsabers than they will. Some will, most won't. I do what I want with my story.
Monkeylikeepie - Honestly I thought of the Doom swords but now I might do something liek that.