Despite the fact that the so called Temple of Law possessed the same peaceful serenity that had pervaded the Jedi Temple before the onset of the Clone Wars, Vader could nevertheless sense a strong undercurrent of fear beneath the otherwise tranquil surroundings.
But unlike the Jedi, whose teachings had ensured that they would never hold on to or use their fear in a meaningful manner, the chief official for this religious organization, who also happened to be the source of the sensations he was currently experiencing, appeared to have no problem in rejecting this lesson.
And while the scantily clad woman was perhaps nearly entirely consumed by her fear, the former Jedi could nevertheless respect her efforts in keeping it under control.
"Who have we here"?
Detecting no trace of fear or nervousness in her tone, only a calm and composed tone that could rival that of the man that had rescued him from his first stint of slavery, Vader decided to remain silent as the admirably focused youth decided to answer the woman's question.
"We're here to deal with a potential Goblin infestation".
Though he admired Goblin Slayer's single minded devotion to eradicating a species that could make even a Hutt seem likeable, the former Jedi nevertheless watched with amusement as the youngest member of their group chided the armored adventeror for his lack of decorum.
"GOBLIN SLAYER THAT IS TOO ABRUPT! PLEASE SHOW THE PROPER RESPECT".
While his own social skills were more than a little rusty given that he had only ever been forced to act respectfully when in the presence of the Emperor, Vader nevertheless knew that bluntly asking questions of one's superior was something that was never acceptable.
His unwillingness to tolerate such behavior was legendary amongst the Imperial ranks. And apart from some of his more eccentric agents, whose competence had at least allowed them SOME measure of immunity from his wrath, the only time he had been forced to deal with undeferential subordinates had been during the first year of the Empire.
But since it was easy to see that this woman, who in his mind was dressed rather inappropriately given her station, lacked the same temperament that had characterized his tenure as Palpatine's chief enforcer, the armored Force user was largely unsurprised by her reaction to his companion's conversation.
"Fufufufufu. There's no need to be so worried young priestess. The truth of the matter is that I find his bluntness rather refreshing given that most people are always so...proper when meeting me for the first time. Though considering your station, I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by your preferred manner of greeting".
Feeling a small smirk of amusement cross his hidden features at the young girl's embarrassed expression, Vader found his attention turning back towards the blind fold wearing woman as she addressed the rest of their group.
"Now, while the man known as Goblin Slayer is already known to me, by reputation at least, and the fact that it is clear that his...minder is a devoted servant of the Earth Mother. However the rest of you are unknown to me. So please, make your introductions. I promise that you will find no judgement here".
Fight the urge to snort at such a declaration, for only his mother had ever truly possessed the qualities to both make and adhere to such a claim, Vader was only slightly surprised when the blindfold wearing woman pointed at him.
"Why don't we start with you. Though I lack the ability to 'see' as I once did, I can nevertheless tell that you are a touch more...unique then your companions".
Deciding it was one of the more polite ways to bring attention to his mechanical breathing, and finding some amusement in the stunned expressions of his non human companions, the former Jedi decided to indulge the woman's curiosity.
"As you wish".
...
"WHAT KIND OF INTRODUCTION WAS THAT? I MEAN, YEAH I GET THAT HIS SOCIAL SKILLS ARE ON PAR WITH ORCBOLG'S, MAYBE EVEN WORSE. BUT TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF AS A FORMER MILITARY COMMANDER OF AN EMPIRE THEN REFUSE TO TALK ABOUT IT? WHO THE HELL DOES THAT"?
Amused at his companion's outburst, if only because it was further proof that the Elf had a long way to go before she could learn how to enjoy the pleasure of drinking more than a single mug of ale, Dwarf Shaman decided to make his own observation.
"Actually Long Ears you'd be surprised by how many former soldiers refuse to talk about their past battles. The fact that he was able to talk about his former rank, even briefly, was rather more than I expected to learn. Besides, I don't really think that's why your so ticked off with him".
Smiling as the green haired archer proceeded to level him with a glare, the bearded spellcaster released a good natured chuckle as their reptilian companion correctly identified the source of Elf Archer's problem.
"Indeed. Your control over your emotions only seemed to slip after the Lady Sword Maiden selected you to be the last one to be introduced. Though I must say you were managing quite well before milord Goblin Slayer decided to interrupt in his...usual manner".
Full heartedly agreeing with Lizard Priest's observations, for the green haired immortal had indeed begun to lose control of her composure after her introduction had been cut short by the focused nature of their Goblin obessed companion, Dwarf Shaman thoughtfully stroked his beard as their female companion grumpily conceded the point.
"Ok fine. I was a bit angry with being cut off by Mr. 'I see. Is that right? Where are the Goblins'. But I think I'm still right to be annoyed with how Vader acted. I mean, if you don't want to talk about your past fine. But if your going to talk about, YOU DONT INSTANTLY CLAM UP AFTER CLAIMNG YOU HAD A HIGH RANKING POSITION".
Mentally debating whether or not it was worth telling the pointy eared girl that she should LAY OFF THE BOOZE, the bearded spellcaster decided to take a different approach.
"What if perhaps he is ashamed of his past"?
His question causing the Elf to momentarily stop her drinking, Dwarf Shaman was pleased to see that his reptillian companion was willing to briefly stop his enthusiastic consumption of cheese in order to join the conversation.
"A plausible excuse. Though it is rare, there do exist beings who feel guilt over the things they've done to achieve power. Especially if they lost someone close to them during the course of their journey".
Nodding his head in agreement with Lizard Priest, the Dwarf rolled his eyes in exasperation as a certain anvil once again proved that advanced age did not equal advanced wisdom.
"And you think anyone would be close to HIM if he acts like a moody asshole? I know human' have their quirks when it comes to relationships, but I don't see any sane woman being with Vader even IF he showed interest in them".
Sighing in disappointment at the close minded nature of his light weight drinking companion, Dwarf Shaman decided that there was little point in continuing the conversation at this point in time.
For he suspected that in her inebriated state, Elf Archer would be unable to contemplate the idea that perhaps the reason for Vader's personality was because he lost someone that was close to him.
And judging by his reluctance to offer more than the bare minimum about his past, it was clear that he blamed himself for the loss of those that had once been close to him.
...
And that is it for now.
I apologize for the shortness of the chapter, and the amount of time it took to public it lol. But needed to get this out of the way before the next Goblin Slaying mission.
Will try to get the next chapter uploaded as soon as I can, but, if not, PLZ be patient with me :D
Anyways, plz review. No flames.
Merry Christmas
