Star Wars: Arda Unleashed

by Lord Exar Kun

After the Arda Campaign ended in victory for the Republic and their local allies, the galaxy's eyes returned to the wider Clone Wars. However, the Dark Lord Sauron has yet to be vanquished. Now he has come to the wider galaxy free from the binds of Arda, and is ready to be unleashed upon the stars. As the Chosen One's fate, the Republic's and the Jedi Order's remains to be seen.

17. The Three

Chapter 17

Note: Very Wordy Chapter! Just forewarning.

The Three

"My, how did they ever build such a place as this?!" Merry exclaimed as the four of them moved down one of many hallways of the temple. Anakin smirked as he titled his head right. Enjoying the view of Coruscant bustling beyond. Many years ago he had similar questions. How had they build the temple? Well, build and then rebuild it. How did they build some of the largest spires of buildings strewn across Coruscant? Well, tens of thousands of years of engineering, growth and sprawl would do that. Even to the greenest of worlds.

"The temple began construction a long time ago, Merry." Anakin answered over shoulder. "The Jedi Order used to be based elsewhere in the galaxy."

"Oh, another world?" Pippin asked. The hobbit seeming to grow more familiar with the concept of multiple planets.

"Yep." Anakin nodded to himself. "I think Obi-Wan mentioned it when you guys first got here?" Anakin thought at least. "Well, in any case - the world's name is Ossus. It's still there. Though it's practically abandoned. Some things and a few people have managed to carve out a life there. So I last heard anyways."

"And why isn't the Order there any longer?" Merry wondered.

"Aye," Gimli's brash voice cut through. "Obi-Wan mentioned devastation from those enemies of yours. The Sith."

"Yeah that's about it." Anakin acknowledged Gimli's observant recollection. "Some of the details are a little fuzzy these days. The events happened oh...Force just about four thousand years ago."

"Four thousand?!" Gimli again cut in. "My, that was during the later days of the Second Age!"

"Really?" Anakin hummed in muted interest before continuing his own recollection. "Well at those times it had been about a thousand years since the Jedi had last waged war with the Sith. So, five thousand years ago from today. Well, roughly."

"Bless my beard!" Gimli sputtered and made Anakin and the two hobbits smirk.

"So, the Jedi and Sith have been fighting for a long time then?"

"Haven't you been listening Pip?!" Merry scoffed his friend's way.

"I have been, Merry! I'm merely asking Anakin to tell me if I'm remembering right or not!"

"Okay then, what do you remember?" Merry tested Pippin. Who in kind rolled his eyes and threw his arms at his side.

"Well...there was a war...then another one."

"And?"

"And, Merry...that one caused the Jedi world to become...unusable?" Pippin questioned himself and all Anakin could do from the front of the group was shake his head.

"You got it Pippin!" Anakin laughed.

"Don't encourage him, Anakin! He learns nothing!"

"Now that's just not fair, Merry! I've learned a lot! I've learned about the kings and kingdoms of Men! I've learned a lot more about elves than anyone else in the Shire, save maybe Sam or Frodo!"

"You also learned how to drink ent drought and lie about your height!"

"Are ya' still on that Merry?!" The two bickered happily enough and Anakin could've sworn they were talking about Ossus before this? It made him laugh openly which caused nearby Jedi to give not only his friends, but himself sideways glances and questioning stares. Anakin did what he always did with such people. Promptly ignored them.

"Will you two rascals quit your bickering!" Gimli swung around and bellowed. The loud authority carried in his stout lungs made Anakin cringe. Just a little. Since every Jedi nearby turned and now seemed a bit...annoyed.

"We were just talking Gimli!" Pippin replied feebly.

"Yeah, no need to shout." Merry backed Pippin up. Leading to a renewed bout of sputtered intones from poor Gimli.

"Alright you three, shush now!" Anakin reprimanded. Turning and walking backwards. "Now do you wanna hear the rest of the story, or no?"

"I do!" Merry eagerly replied.

"Well, alright. Now keep up." Anakin turned back and swept right as they reached a bend. "So...where was I? Oh right! So, the Sith Empire attacked the Galactic Republic in a surprise attack five thousand years ago. That was repelled and the Sith Empire defeated. The Jedi and the Republic at the time thought the Empire had been crushed totally. That was a mistake."

"Often it is, laddie!" Gimli offered. Anakin was sure the many tales of Saurons' defeat were going through the minds of his friends. He could see the comparisons.

"That it is Gimli." Was Anakin's simple reply. "Well, over the centuries between that victory for the Jedi, dark side users came and went. I think I've mentioned that not everyone who uses the dark side is a Sith, right?"

"More or less." Pippin answered for all. When neither Gimli or Merry contradicted him, Anakin simply nodded.

"Well...good. So, two things happened. One; a Jedi named Freedon Nadd fell to the dark side. The story is again, a bit hazy after all these long centuries. What we know is that he traveled to a place called Yavin IV. I've been there...not a very welcoming place. At least it wasn't when I went."

"Why's that?" Merry wondered. Anakin meanwhile had another flashback to his duel, the first of a few, with Ventress. The Massassi temples rising into the sky as the blood red hue of Yavin Prime fell upon the forested green moon. The undercurrent of darkness that forever seemed to haunt that place came to mind.

"Anakin?" Pippin prodded him from his musings. Anakin sucked in a breath through his nostrils and forced a smile on his face.

"Sorry, Pip. Uh well...why's that?" Anakin echoed Merry's question. "Well Freedon Nadd was trained by someone. We think it was the spirit of the last Emperor or Dark Lord of the Sith during the last war at that time. A Sith Lord named Naga Sadow."

"A spirit?!" Gimli wondered loudly. "A spirit taught this Freedon Nadd? Taught him what? How to be wicked form the grave?" Anakin shrugged. Honestly not knowing. Though he did recall those green apparitions from Pelennor Fields for just an instant, and was sure Gimli did as well.

"We don't know anymore, Gimli." Anakin honestly answered as he reached a door and studied it. "Follow me in here you three."

"What's inside?"

"It's a surprise, Pip." Anakin smiled and opened the door by a press of the entry button. "Anyways, to try and make a long story short, Nadd went on to conquer a world called Onderon after learning what he could from Sadow. The royal line of Onderon is descended from him even till this day I think. Though obviously very distantly. Nadd died of natural causes, which is not usually how Sith go. From experience and what I know I mean. Anyways – it was after a thousand years had passed from Sadows' war and the collapse of the Sith Empire that it got bad. Two Jedi of their time, Ulic Qel-Droma and Exar Kun got heads a little too big for their robes." Anakin said it, and as he did he had a sudden uneasy feeling. He couldn't quite place it, but he felt a little...embarrassed? Why should he be? He was just recalling two of the best Jedi at the time who thought they could handle things and tasks more than their masters believed. In doing so falling to the dark side…whatever, he was overthinking things.

"Uh, anyways...Ulic and Exar fell to the dark side. Each in their own way, though we know Exar went to Yavin IV and was corrupted in some manner by the spirit of Freedon Nadd. Nadd had in fact spoken with both Ulic and Exar. Kun, however, seemed the more powerful one. He destroyed Nadd's spirit and took command of a now extinct species of beings called massassi. Kun and Qel-Droma fought one another at first, but then joined teams, and waged a new war on the Galactic Republic and Jedi Order. The Great Sith War, is what we call it. A lot of the knowledge for which has been lost. A bit of a common theme. It, however, scarred the galaxy and the feeling of invincibility of the Republic and Jedi for centuries to come. Leading to the Mandalorian Wars, the Jedi Civil War and the near total collapse of both the Order and Republic." Anakin took a breath. "Point is, during that Great Sith War, Exar Kun...ruined Ossus. So the Jedi moved here to Coruscant." He simplified for now.

"My...that is a long story."

"Aye, Merry, and we haven't even heard most of it! Have we, Anakin?"

"No, Pippin. There's a lot more to it." Anakin answered. "Like I said I just made what is a long story very short. Even the Jedi don't talk about it much anymore. Unless a master is trying to teach a knight or padawan a lesson. Then you'll hear about Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma until your ears bleed." Anakin snorted. Though his mind flashed to a memory now seeming ancient. Himself stood in a cave on Rhen Var, and a projection of an old defeated and weary Ulic standing before him. Warning him of the lure of the dark side. Anakin knew...he had come to know that all too well.

"Sounds like a good way to warn people. Of all this dark side business that is." Pippin intuited and Anakin supposed he had to agree.

"Aye, the young often go too eagerly into conflict and to master what has not been many an age before. Only to become one in a long line of lost." Gimli wisely noted and again Anakin couldn't disagree. Though without saying so, he did think all trials were made to be conquered. Eventually.

"Well let's leave that story for now." Anakin threw his arms out and spun in place as he led the other three down a set of stairs from the doorway they had entered through. "Welcome friends, to one of the temples star map rooms! Here's where the Jedi explore the stars, the systems and countless worlds in them. And, more recently, where we plan for battle and wage war." The three eyed the dome room. Lined in circular seats that went in a half crescent around three quarters of the room itself. The doorway in had led down to the main floor where a holoterminal was placed in a central fashion, but up against the wall. It projected a static visage of the galaxy in all its spiraling glory. The dull hum present throughout the temple was a little more pronounced in here. As no one else was present, and the room lay vacant. No Jedi needing to make use of it or having made use of it until Anakin came with his companions.

"My, quite the large room for such things as star gazing. How do you see the stars exactly?" Pippin wondered to which Anakin motioned them down to the bottom level with the terminal.

"Not directly Pippin. If you wanna do that...well first you should get off Coruscant. Light pollution makes seeing the natural starlight near impossible. Otherwise, you need a good telescope."

"Aye, many dwarves have such." Gimli proudly boasted and leaned into his axe set on the floor.

"Do dwarves do much star gazing, Gimli?"

"No, Merry! We make them for the elves and men! We dwarves have little need to stare at the night skies when the dark is better spent resting! Or, better yet, deep in a cave or mine working away at the finest of stones and digging at the brightest of gems!" He laughed and Anakin shook his head. He should've figured.

"Well this is how we can view the galaxy and all its many, many variations." Anakin pressed a button along the terminal console. The galaxy shifted with a whir of blue projected light and zoomed in. The galaxy went from facing the group of four from a top down position to a side position. Little blips signifying the; now funnily named in Anakins mind, 'dwarf' galaxies. Firefist and the Rishi Maze. Both could be seen from this new angled view.

"So, if you three have any questions, or wanna see some exotic galactic destinations, allow me to be your virtual Jedi tour guide!" Anakin mocked a tone common of galactic travel ads. The Arda natives clearly didn't know what he was doing, but all seemed slightly humored, nonetheless.

"Is Middle-Earth...I mean, Arda on this map thing?" Pippin bounded forward and stood right alongside Anakin.

"I think we have it in our archives, but it may be locked...yep." Anakin pressed the coordinates he'd never be able to forget; compliment the Separatists, into the terminal. The galaxy map shifted and zoomed in through a flurry of simulated galactic space dust. The quadrant of space was still empty, however, and a message appeared in aurebesh. Indicating an update needing to occur only under executive privilege. Jedi computer code for; 'the Council is still keeping this somewhat under wraps until a later point.'

"Is that where it'd be?"

"Yeah." Anakin nodded looking to Pippin. "The Council likely hasn't updated our maps. The Republic neither I'd bet. Probably has to do with why you guys are here politically. As well as keeping any unwanted eyes from seeing anything."

"And who would have such 'unwanted eyes' lad?" Gimli wondered.

"Pirates, mercenaries, and smugglers are the likely option. The Separatists know where Arda is, so we can't be sure that no one will stumble on Arda's coordinates, but that's why Arda has a small task force watching over it. Courtesy the Republic."

"There are pirates...in the stars?" Merry intoned and Anakin scoffed. Realizing how odd that must've sounded to them.

"Yep. Pirates and smugglers travel all over galactic space. Looking for new spots to offload illegal goods, hide weapons caches, or set up bases for their people to hide in or on. They mostly do this on asteroids, but a few of them find remote and pretty sparsely occupied worlds and try their luck."

"Oh...what's an asteroid?" Pippin again wondered as Gimli and Merry came up alongside them.

"Huh? Oh! I guess you've never seen one." Anakin chuckled and keyed in another set of coordinates. "Well asteroids are massive rocks in space. Well, not all of them have to be massive. They're not big enough to be planets or moons, but many of them are still massive. Such as...this!" Anakin snapped his finger and pointed to the hologram as it shifted to Kessel. "This ugly hunk of rock. This is Kessel. No one should ever want to go here. Nothing but spice mining for the cartels, and the slaves they force to do so." A bristle of some past anger flushed through Anakin. Though he was quick to try and follow Obi-Wan's example by releasing it into the Force.

"By Durin's beard! They mine a massive rock among the stars?!" Gimli all but chortled in some dwarvish delight.

"That they do, Gimli. Just...well Kessel mines spice. It's addictive. You give someone spice and they use it for fun. Makes them feel good for a little while, then suddenly they're spending every credit they got on spice. Kriff food, your home, your ship or speeder! What really matters is spice. Next thing you know you're debasing yourself for another few grains of it until you're spent and either get help or lose yourself."

"Doesn't sound pleasant in the least." Merry intoned.

"Not in the least at all." Anakin nodded. "Needn't you worry though, Gimli. Lots of asteroids are mined across the galaxy for less dubious resources."

"I'd like to see that one day meself!'" He laughed, eyes still alight in the reflection of Kessel. His mind likely flowing over such wondrous possibilities to mine and dig into. Literally!

"I'll add it to the list. Along with a cantina visit." Anakin chuckled and zoomed out from Kessel back to the grander galactic overview. "So, any questions, or perhaps a sight you wanna see, anyone?"

"How about the world where those one folk come from? Oh...hmm I don't know what they're called…" Merry realized and awkwardly sputtered.

"What'd they look like Merry?"

"I've seen a few since we've arrived." He reported to Anakin. "They come in all manner of colors. They have these two fleshy tentacles. Like an octopus coming down their heads?"

"Oh, they are called twi'leks. They're one of the most spread out species. Not nearly as plentiful as humanity, or Men, as you say." Anakin went on and keyed in the coordinates for Ryloth. The map once more flew in and soon the twi'lek homeworld came into full view. "The twi'leks have a...complicated history in the galaxy."

"Complicated how, lad?" Gimli questioned as Anakin brought up a holographic projection of a standard male and female of the race.

"Well...many twi'leks have become enslaved. Slavery runs rampant in many places of the galaxy. Both beyond and well within the Republic's reach." His eyes narrowed, but Anakin didn't speak to that hidden distaste in his mouth. "Many people in the Republic have become accustomed to their people being slaves. Status symbols for some rich and powerful. Even if it's disgusting."

"Do they do nothing to end their slavery? Can nothing be done?" Merry wondered as he titled his head overlooking the naturally blue colored twi'lek couple displayed.

"Some in the Republic want to help." Padmé came to mind. That made Anakin smile. "And others...others don't want to do anything. Like I said, it's a status symbol. Slavery is outlawed within the Republic, but some have slaves as 'contracted servants.' Rich and powerful men among my and other species to be fair, find twi'lek women...attractive."

"Ah." Pippin intoned. The two hobbits not naive enough to not get Anakin's meaning. Gimli for his part gave a gruff grumble. Eyes averting in some dower thought.

"What about the Jedi?" Merry wondered. "Can't your Order stop slavery like that?" Anakin wanted to say yes. He wholeheartedly believed it to be true...knew it to be true even! Yet, politics...ever that nascent word to hold everyone and everything back.

"We…" Anakin began. Blue eyes overlooking the twi'lek couple. Imagining the enslavement of them both. The price of one being higher than the other based on sex and desirability. Children never knowing their homeworld or parents. Chips planted in necks and heads to burst should one try to dare run. Collars were more dignified than exploding to bits in front of your laughing masters! Anakin had to swallow down the rising heat in him.

"I can't say, Merry." He rasped. "I'd like to think we could. The...the war complicates everything." Anakin intoned to which the three gave him curious glance, but said nothing. The length and indignity of slavery lasting tens of thousands of years. The Republic and Jedi doing hardly anything beyond pieces of formal 'paper.'

"Well, let's try another, lad!" Gimli demanded and taped his axe to the floor. Loosening a loud clank and thud that shook his legs and the hobbits forms. Anakin was shaken from his stupor.

"Oh...what else do you wanna see?" He forced a smile and chuckle. Suppressing all thoughts of darker nature. Begging the Force to release his anger, and it did so. Well, a bit.

"Show us something, lad! Go on and give us a surprise."

"I'd rather like that too!" Pippin noted after Gimli. Anakin, hummed and zoomed away from Ryloth and clicked his tongue thoughtfully. His eyes lightning as he recalled an interesting world.

"How about...this!" Punching in the coordinates the galaxy zoomed back in and showed another planetoid. "Behold the giant red monster that is Yavin Prime. And, here is Yavin IV!" Anakin first showed the gas giant and zoomed in on one of the many moons that were shown to orbit it. Yavin IV came forward and along the side was shown a cascade of native flora and fauna. The odder the creature the more puzzled and awed the hobbits in particular seemed.

"So this is where all that Sith business happened? Awfully green!"

"More jungle than rolling hills and fields like the Shire, Pip." Merry added. "Can we see closer?"

"Sure can." Anakin pressed another button and the map shifted to old probe recordings of the surface of the moon. Probably taken ages ago, but still likely to hold up all the same. The thick jungle showed wildlife moving about freely. The sounds of beasts and insects singing and even what seemed to be a vague temple off in the distance.

Anakin looked forward to showing them more of the galaxy.

---

Obi-Wan had gone on to show the elves a few more of the lightsaber forms. Shii-cho, makashi, soresu, and a bit of shien. Though he figured he'd leave the djem so variant for Anakin. The Lady Tauriel was quite the warrior indeed. Many of the other Jedi had come to watch as this stranger dueled Master Kenobi! So, Obi-Wan had been able to sense from their collected feelings a shared awe. Bant had remained stalwart in her observation and declarations of support for him as he dueled the elven warrior.

Tauriel was no Jedi, obviously. She did masterfully well against him all the same. Her ability to foresee movements, interpret body language and reassess her situation on the fly showed Obi-Wan much of her ability. He could also see much of Legolas in her movements. Which led him to believe the two must've been either similarly trained or trained with one another. It would explain her being here further. The entire duel the twins had watched from the sidelines, and Obi-Wan got the distinct impression they too had been able to mostly track his movements. Though, that was not to say Obi-Wan hadn't found weaknesses. She was not able to track every move, every careful tilt and turn or swing of the lightsaber hilt. He did not think they understood fully that the beam of light was weightless. All weight of course lay in the hilt of a Jedi's saber. When she struck it was with force to resist the barreling down of a weighted blade. She over did it many times, and Obi-Wan was able to exploit her stumbling momentum. She had seemingly learned of something wrong in her form. Beginning to have adjusted, but Obi-Wan could still walk away and claim he was able to defeat an opponent not proficient in the Force.

Through all of it, he still got these percolating sensations at the very tip of his ability to sense. Her presence and that of Elrond's sons were bright. That much needn't be explored as he had observed that among elves time and again. A natural beauty and calm in them that was similar to a Jedi in their nature. It was some...well, Obi-Wan could only say spiritual kind of inherent ability and power the elves had. He did not fully understand them. Even after all his time on Middle-Earth. Legolas, Gandalf and Aragorn had spoken of tales and their histories which seemed too fantastic to be real. Yet, could he not appreciate that they too would feel the same of his own history? Regardless, he was intrigued. Not by their inherent light, but rather by the Force. In Tauriel especially he had sensed it. A looming sort of push on it. The Force responded positively to the elves, and when she had dueled him, Obi-Wan could sense it whirling around both of them.

An interesting observation if nothing else.

"Tell me, Obi-Wan," The Jedi tilted his head left as Elrohir bade his attention. He was getting better at telling them apart. "This war your Republic fights – does it affect all worlds within this sea of stars? This galaxy?" Obi-Wan hummed. Choosing his next words carefully. As the four of them made their way down an access hall towards a turbolift.

"It depends on how you mean your question, my Lord Elrohir?"

"How else could I mean it?" The Prince wondered.

"War, and especially a galactic war such as this has not happened in about a thousand years. Since the founding of the Republic, or I should say reformation of it after the conclusion of war with the Sith. Itself a very long story I won't bore you with just yet." Obi-Wan chanced a smile and chuckle. Elrohir bowed his head in understanding. "So, in a sense this war does affect every world. How can war not affect everything? It affects trade, the economy because of it. The people who wage it invade world upon world. The Republic comes to liberate one, the Separatists invade and conquer another. The two sides of it ignore many worlds, however."

"So, some worlds are not affected by the war directly. Is what you mean to say." The Prince intuited and Obi-Wan nodded.

"Yes. Many of the most important worlds lay along the trade routes, or spines of the galaxy. They encompass hundreds of planets, and they are the vital arteries that keep entire galactic governments in operation. Economic and trade hubs, bastion worlds acting as fortress planets against invasion. Others are simply...unlucky."

"Unlucky indeed!" Elladan cut in from Obi-Wan's opposing side. "To be in the way of an invading force with no desire to fight is an ill fate. Though I would hope it would be an awakening to those in the rampaging path of battle to defend against it?"

"Sometimes, my Lord Elladan." Obi-Wan intoned sadly. "Some planets and some people, whole systems in fact, just...they don't wish to fight. Some see wars like this as an affair they're not involved with. They have no stake in it. No side they'd prefer win over another. Though, these days most worlds have made their choice. As this war drags on." The two princes seemed to mull that over as Tauriel remained oddly quiet. Obi-Wan for some reason thought she had something to say. Her face betrayed her. A creased brow. Like she was remembering something, but she did not speak.

"What worlds lay unaffected by such wars as these directly?" Elrohir probed.

"Usually agri-worlds. Planets which are made up of farmers or mass farming firms and corporations. Both sides not only in this war but in wars long since past generally leave such planets alone. They fall under control of whomever controls the adjoining worlds or systems. An easier means to collect and grow food for armies. Though our enemy uses armies of droids. So, it's perhaps a courtesy or for profit they don't burn such planets." Obi-Wan paused. "Well...that's not to say worlds have not been burned in this war. Grievous is not so kind a leader."

"Yes," Elladan cut through once more. Even as the party of four reached the cylinder that was the turbolift doors. "These enemies, 'droids' you call them? I've been told that they are machine men. Not given life by parents or brought into living by such normal means. Rather they are made. Like swords or shields and pieces of armor in a foundry. Can such a thing be true?" Obi-Wan nodded as he called the lift with a press of a button.

"Droids are a common sight across all the galaxy, my friends." He simply stated which through Elladan back most of all. "You saw a few back in the training room actually. The small orbs floating in the air around the trainees."

"That is not as I imagined them." Elladan intoned.

"No. However, droids come in many variations. When you arrived to Coruscant in the midst of battle I assume you saw ships fighting in the skies? Shooting one another?"

"We had." Tauriel answered. A sour look in her eyes.

"Well the droids very rarely ever use one of their mobile units to pilot a ship. Unless it's a massive capitol class like the ones in the upper atmosphere. The smaller ones fighting between the buildings, what you saw there were droids. No person piloting, as you saw on your; as I understand it, less than graceful entry to Coruscant." Obi-Wan offered. The concept seem to be taking root in their minds. Though all three now sported horrified looks. In their eyes if nowhere else.

"To think that one could simply build an army, and have the term be so literal...they bare no fire. No soul. They simply do as ordered to?"

"That is correct, my Lord Elladan." Obi-Wan was somewhat surprised to see the dark contemplation befall what was normally the more chipper one of the twins.

"Such a war then...these men who fight for the Republic, they are called clones are they not?"

"That they are." Obi-Wan could sense where this was going. The turbolift arrived and the doors slid open with a metal hiss. Motioning them in first Obi-Wan watched each show slight discomfort at the small room. Though they all entered it.

"Such cramped spaces of metal…"

"A dwarfs' dream I'd dare to think, brother." Elladan mutely quipped to Elrohir. Tauriel eyed the two but said nothing. Nonetheless, Obi-Wan joined them and picked one of the upper levels for another touring destination.

"So," Elrohir spoke form behind Obi-Wan. "As my brother was saying, Master Kenobi; these clones. We understand that they too are made rather than born?"

"Yes, my Lords, and my Lady. Now," Obi-Wan held up a hand. "Before any of you say anything, I've held a similar conversation about the clones with Aragorn.. I think I can imagine where your minds are going." The Jedi tried to upend any protest as tactfully as he could.

"For one, the clones are not machines. They are flesh and blood. Like you or I. More me than yourselves, of course." A slight and subtle chuckle came. Expertly placed. "The clones are a necessity. One the Republic needs in times such as these. The Jedi are no army we are ke-" He cut himself off. Obi-Wan didn't think such a term like 'keepers of the peace' would really suit the situation. Well not in this context...perhaps… "The Jedi would prefer to act as keepers of the peace. The war began with a terrible loss of many Jedi. Some of the best masters at that. Without the clone army the war may well have been lost on the first day."

"And why is that, Master Kenobi?" Elladan wondered for the three.

"Before the war the Republic had practically no military. There were security units and local armies and navies for individual systems, but no centralized military. No army, no navy. This was something changed in the Ruusan Reformations. As I mentioned before, the Republic reformed a thousand years ago. Before then it had maintained a military. Especially in times long ago when wars with the Sith were far more common. When war came upon the Republic it had to pass new laws, and adopt emergency measures to maintain itself."

"Desperate times, and desperate measures often make for terrible decisions, Master Kenobi." Elrohir offered thoughtfully. It wasn't as though Obi-Wan could wholly deny what he said. Especially as Palpatine came to mind. Though he was quick to push such things out of mind.

"It is not that I question the needs of the Republic, Master Kenobi." Elladan carried on after his brother. "The men with whom we've seen and dealt with seem honorable. We...somewhat understand that they are 'clones' because they are one man copied over and over again. Yet, they all seem...different. They talk different from one another. Move with differing pains or strains and carry themselves with varying demeanor. It is clear to me, though I do not know how or in what manner they came to be, but they must have within them the Flame Eternal." Obi-Wan had heard the term before. In conversations with Gandalf, Aragorn and Legolas. He simply nodded his understanding of the elf's meaning.

"If you do not question the Republic's needs, then what do you question, my Lord?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I question whether breeding an army for war is so different than what your enemy has done? Yet, in their respect they make soulless and mindless machines. In Sauron and Morgoth's machinations they bred orcs for the singular purpose of war. I simply warn you to not turn living being into nothing more than a number meant for war." Obi-Wan remained quiet. Noting that once again he was confounded by another from Arda. He could not argue the point made. When he had first seen the army of clones on Kamino they were a sight. However, at the time he had been no less horrified. Add to that the fact Tyranus was involved...Dooku. Master Diyas. Too many questions surrounded the clones. Even as the expert fighters they proved to be. Obi-Wan wasn't blind enough to not see the uncomfortable comparisons to the droid army. The immorality of making beings strictly for war. Without them, however, without them all would have been lost. He didn't really want to imagine what boundaries they had crossed that fateful day on Geonosis. Obi-Wan only recognized now as he had mutely before, that the lines had been crossed all the same.

"I take your point, my Lord." Obi-Wan finally replied. "I cannot say there's anything I nor any Jedi could do. This is in the Republic's hands...the Supreme Chancellor's hands now."

"Do not think me a judge, Master Kenobi." Elrohir offered with a raised hand. "I merely wish to speak my view of the matter. It is not my place to make judgments of you, nor your Republic so harshly. Though I must be honest with what my heart tells me. I feel...pained at the thought of an entire people, or a portion of people who only know war. Nothing else but it." Again, Obi-Wan could only nod. Mind flashing. Thoughts turning to matters not considered wholly before.

How many clones had been born and killed without even gaining a nickname? How many died on Geonosis not knowing just how much was left to be fought? How many died only knowing how to shoot a blaster, and shoot it well?

"It is a terrible thing," Elladan spoke. "War that is. It breaks things one cannot imagine could be broken. Sights are seen that one never fathomed. Among the elves it is a cruelty to die in war. Yet, we return to the Halls of Mandos, and in time return to physical form. Men go where we know not." The other twin carried on as Obi-Wan and the others silently listened in no small amount of contemplation between them.

"The world and its beauty are not things that should be strictly seen only after coated in ash, stained in blood and choked in smoke." Elladan offered. "That is but my view of such matters, Master Kenobi. Though I share my brother's sentiment and make no judgments. Simply observations."

"I see." Obi-Wan nodded. "I think you've given me something to think about." Really it was all Obi-Wan could say. He could not fix the Grand Army. He could not make the politicians change what had become a staple of the Republic and its war effort. But, perhaps he could at least...think of it a bit differently than he had grown to?

His mind flashing back to the battle over Coruscant. How he had told Anakin to abandon the squadron of clone pilots. How Anakin ignored him and saved one if not a few of them. Why had that been so easy for him to order? Obi-Wan wondered. To leave a clone to die so long as he was doing a job? It made him uneasy. A lot of things did these days. Almost made him miss Moria…

"Perhaps we can leave further discussion on this until later?" Tauriel finally broke her silence and offered. Much to Obi-Wan's unspoken gratitude.

"Agreed." Elrohir spoke as he and his brother nodded. Obi-Wan noting that the three elves were having mercy on him. He would've laughed had he not felt so old and young at the same time in this moment.

"Very well." The Jedi master replied. "Shall we head off to our next stop?" Just as he spoke, the turbolift came to a jolting stop that shook the elves. Though their gracefulness seemed unaffected.

"And to where should that be, Master Kenobi?" Elrohir asked.

"I figured that since you three got a view of how the elder Jedi practice, I may as well show you how the younger among our Order are taught!" Obi-Wan hummed happily as he stepped out into a larger antechamber. A secondary landing ran along the upper floor with Jedi walking about attending to duties or passing through. Many rooms were strewn about the lower floor where Obi-Wan and his companions stood. All of which sounded of smaller voices, commanding elder ones, and the buzz of the Force! Though perhaps only Obi-Wan could sense that. The youth among the Order were bright within the Force. Sparking strongly among all the Jedi as they began their trek of a lifetime into service.

"Welcome to one of our Jedi initiate centers." Obi-Wan informed as the three elves seemed to turn from left to right and over again. Their ears undoubtedly having since picked up on many small voices, and many lecturing adults. The rooms were filled with initiate clans and companion clans in training. Obi-Wan couldn't remember the last time he was here. Not since Anakin was a padawan perhaps? Force, he did feel old. Yet, looking at the elves he realized he wasn't...the galaxy was strange.

"So many voices."

"Quite young as well!" Both Elladan and Elrohir noted one after the other. Tauriel remained quiet. Eyes turning as three younglings were led from one room towards the physical training centers. The three and their instructor all bade small bows as they passed. Though Obi-Wan would assume the instructor did so to encourage the younglings to follow suit. Two of them were human. Both boys while the third looked to be a young noorian girl. Master Tahl flashed from Obi-Wan memories. How she and Master Qui-Gon clearly felt more than what Jedi should for one another. Which only then made him remember Siri, which then made him remember Anakin and his...marriage. He was surrounded by Jedi incapable of managing their emotions. Himself included, so it seemed.

"Obi-Wan!" He turned as his name was called by a familiar feminine voice.

"Master Ti," He greeted and bowed. "I had not thought to see you here."

"Nor I you." She smiled. Her voice nearly back to normal, as he had noted before. Though she still bore bandages where Grievous and his magnaguards had given electrical burns liberally. Her large dark eyes tilted to his companions and she cast equally kind a smile and bowed their way as well.

"A pleasure to see you three again. I hope Master Kenobi is proven an adequate tour guide?"

"He has done mightily thus far, my Lady." Elrohir offered for the three elves, once again passing greeting from hand to chest waved out. "Your Order and this grand Temple are sights hardly imagined by any among our people! Much can the elves still be marveled by." Elrohir expertly noted while the other two nodded approvingly.

"I'm happy to hear it." Shaak's smile broadened. "What brings you four to one of our initiate halls?"

"It was my idea, of course." Obi-Wan answered. "We've just come from one of the practice centers, and I wished to show our guests how the younglings are trained from their youth."

"Yes." Tauriel spoke up catching everyone's attention. "I wanted to ask – are Jedi trained from so young an age a common practice?"

"Why yes it is." Shaak answered for Obi-Wan. The togruta master stepped closer and motioned her arm out toward a nearby room. The group able to see inside as an instructor calmly directed the clan of children to feel the Force. Small remotes firing barely sting worthy bolts towards training sabers and eye-covered younglings.

"Jedi younglings are discovered from birth. The Jedi have long had dealings with the Republic. Among our ancient treaties is the Orders right to find Force sensitive young and bring them to the Temple for proper training. Allowing them to hone their skills among peers and those like them. To better serve the Republic and the galaxy in the object of peace." Obi-Wan listened to Shaak explain. Though he could not have hardly explained it any better he had the sense this would raise questions among his companions.

"You find these children shortly after birth? How is this possible?" Elladan wondered. "Do 'Force sensitives' show promise whilst so young?"

"Some can." Obi-Wan intervened. "As to the how, my lord Elladan, we have long since discovered a means to roughly estimate proficiency to the Force. Blood samples are taken. With which we are able to see cellular activity within the blood. It's a long story and I can try to have someone more versed in the biology explain it more accurately to you. However, the point is we are able to see by the count of a certain cell known as midi-chlorians whether a being will show promise." The three elves certainly did seem confused. None of them quite understanding what 'cells' meant or blood samples perhaps.

"Very well...your words are strange to us." Elrohir noted for them all. "Though...you take and train children from birth to become Jedi?" Shaak nodded. Obi-Wan could hear the disbelief in Elrohir's voice already.

"The parents, do they surrender them for service with the Jedi?" Tauriel; the one who had been sent with the clearest mission to understand the Jedi, wondered.

"They-"

"There are many reasons one may willingly offer up a child to become a Jedi, my Lady." Obi-Wan cut Shaak off. She eyed him with a sideways glance. Though through the Force he bade her to let him handle this. She seemed to understand his emotion and luckily for him, remained quiet.

"Many children who are strong with the Force may end up growing up unknowingly abusing their powers. Even the untrained can influence minds, and the wills of others not able to use the Force themselves. Others may end up becoming targets of the Sith, or other groups and cults. All seeking to twist them into tools, and weapons for war."

"A good reason, Master Kenobi." Elrohir began. "Though you have not answered the question." He did not seem angry. Rather perplexed, or at the least aware he was being treated to a bout of 'politic' speak.

"No, I have not." Obi-Wan smiled, folding his hands into his robes. "Most parents will give their children over to the Order. Many come from poorer backgrounds. Such is the simple nature of disparity across the galaxy. Others understand that their children can be of great benefit to the health and security of billions."

"And, those who don't see such benefits?" Tauriel asked. To which Obi-Wan craned his neck and let his mind imagine the best response he could.

"Then, the Republic has long since passed laws and measures granting the Jedi the right to train the children. Regardless, of the parents wishes. Now," The Negotiator waved his hand. Anticipating a sharp rebuke. "I can imagine that may sound cruel. I hope that what you have seen thus far has proven that the Order does not make slaves out of those who become Jedi. It should also be known that Jedi are free to aband...leave the Order whenever they want. Once they reach adulthood and can fend for themselves."

"Doesn't that mean you have released trained and skilled warriors into this galaxy who now know and wield this power? This Force?" Elladan countered. His fair hands grasping one another ahead of himself. "You say that untrained children can be taken by the Sith and turned into warriors for wicked deeds. Yet, you allow those already trained to leave at will? Would they not also be susceptible to the wills and whims of the Sith or other such allies of wickedness?" Obi-Wan hummed thoughtfully, as Shaak eyed him for his response. Both sensing the mood having shifted to one of criticality and debate.

"You have a point. Though, those who leave the Order are so rare that when it occurs you tend to notice. The Jedi do not forget a Jedi who 'retires' for lack of a better term. We don't spy, but we do like to think we can keep watch in case they are ever swept into darker trades or organizations."

"Is the man you call Dooku, not one of these Jedi?" Elrohir remembered, and Obi-Wan cursed the elvish proclivity towards...everything. Including their memories. He couldn't hide it, or lie of course. So, Obi-Wan nodded.

"One of the lost twenty. Only twenty masters have left the Order, and he was the first in a long time, and the last thus far. Knights and padawans are more common, perhaps, but themselves rare." Obi-Wan sighed and held his hands out. "Look, there's no real way to make it sound foolproof. I know it can seem...odd that we take children, if you wish to put it bluntly. However, it is for the greater good."

"Desperate time, and desperate measures are ill bed fellows, Master Kenobi. Things done in the name of good can often times create a road paved in evil." Elrohir expertly disputed echoing his own warning from the earlier debate. Obi-Wan had to hand it to this son of Elrond, he'd make a fine debater. He was a fine debater. He should get into politics.

"Taking children regardless of their parents will seems as much an act of enslavement as any." Elladan added. "You claim, and do not mistake my view for ill judgment – you claim that the Republic does not enslave these clones. Yet they are born for and must conduct the matters of war. They held no desire of their own to even make a decision on what to do regarding war. Then, the Jedi take children even if their parents wish dearly not to part with them? I find your view of slavery, or lack thereof odd, Master." Obi-Wan caught Shaak's concerned brow. Clearly she felt she had inadvertently caused this. For his part Obi-Wan smiled. Promoting confidence if nothing else.

"I don't argue your point, my Lord Elladan. The Republic and the Order are both...flawed. None I have met, even among the elves are perfect." Obi-Wan forced his mind to remember the tales woven to him by Legolas, Aragorn and Gandalf. "The Jedi have been seen, and are seen as 'baby snatchers' by many. Others view us as necessary evil, rather than an inherent good to the galaxy. I disagree of course. Jedi do not live for ourselves, we seek service to the betterment of others. The Republic is the greatest means to see such good broadly applied." He carried on, as he remembered one tale…

"Consider the oath – who was it? Ah yes, consider the oath Fëanor had his children make with him, for instance." To that name Obi-Wan saw an immediate cringe. An expression rarely ever seen on the faces of elves. Elrohir, Elladan and Tauriel all bore one. Obi-Wan did not seek to make them uncomfortable, but he would not back down on this matter.

"Fëanor made a declaration that was so powerful that he and his children were utterly bound to it, am I correct?"

"You are." Elrohir nodded. His eyes darkening. Though not towards Obi-Wan, the Jedi could sense.

"Not in any manner of the word enslavement, nor do I wish to compound the issue by comparing one to the other. However, what is your definition of slavery, my Lords and Lady? The Jedi take children and give them a home, and place to learn in peace, and yes; when the need is upon us to fight and lead armies or defend innocents and the Republic to the death. Though death is never the end goal or desired." Obi-Wan assured. "This Fëanor, he made a declaration so powerful he bound his children and an entire Age of your world to a bloody conflict. Did he enslave the will, and being of everyone caught up in that matter? No. I don't think so. I think he made a choice, and his children; with greater agency than infants, made their choice to fight alongside him, or in time turn away." Obi-Wan offered in counter argument. "While I am by no means an expert of your histories, I cannot say one would view the action of the elven lords of the past in much greater light than that of the Jedi on a bad day, so to speak. Can the Jedi make decisions deemed...questionable? Of course! I make no argument to the contrary. I do, however counter that the elves have shown themselves to be fallible as well. Binding entire nations in the course of history made by the actions of a few in the past. Not just of elves, but of men and dwarves as well." Obi-Wan motioned his hand out in a relenting fashion.

"I do think that change is possible, and inevitable!" Anakin came to mind. "I think based on what I have seen and with whom I consider to be my friends, that most elves are kind, good people. I would stand in defense of every Jedi I know, and they would in kind for me. Both of our 'people' have erred. Both have done better and continue to both error and learn from mistakes. That is all I am asking you to consider." Obi-Wan waved his hand out, and caught Shaak casting surprised a look now. Clearly she didn't have a clue what he was talking about, but she at least thought he had done a decent enough job.

"Your words are...well crafted, Master Kenobi." Elrohir answered after a moment. "I do think I still question this method of yours." Obi-Wan could see nothing wrong with that. "Though your point is well made. The elves, contrary to what many among the race of Men believe, are not without failure and woe. The Jedi cannot be judged for actions made many a long decade or century ago. As you say, change is inevitable." Progress had been made! Which made Obi-Wan happy and bare a thin smile through his beard.

"Your methods have seemed to born fruit, as well." Elladan intoned. "If your Republic and Order are as old as you claim then there is some merit in what you do."

"It has not always been like this." Obi-Wan offered. "There was a time when adults were brought into the Order more regularly." He held a preemptive hand up. "I can explain that as well in due time, my Lords, and Lady." Obi-Wan chuckled. "My point is, change is occurring even as we speak! I can't say we will change how we take stewardship of Jedi to be, but it is possible. And, as you say it has proven effective so far."

"Let us hope it remains that way, Master Kenobi." Tauriel finally spoke up. Her eyes distant as she eyed one of the youngling clans listing the three aspects of the Force in unison for their instructor.

"Rare is it that elf young grace Middle-Earth. Though I have seen how the young among Men are treated. Youth should not be so easily wasted on the wills of the old. So, it has been mentioned to me." The last sentence she intoned, and Obi-Wan could hardly know what she meant. However, he did bow his head.

"You have a point, I admit. I shall meditate on this."

"As shall I." Shaak added, gracing the group with a smile. "Come. Let me show you some of their training. Just so you may see that they are well cared for." She motioned to another of the rooms. The elves silently welcomed the tour as Obi-Wan followed in tow. Wondering if he had been proven the victor in that debate, or not? One thing was for sure though – change was certainly coming to the Order.

For good or ill.

---

A turbulent storm. A thing of twisting lightning bolts accentuated by the cracking thud of thunder. Rain seemed to pour from around the twisting heart of it. Blue, and dark gray clouds enveloped across the skies and trembled the soil, rock and stone. Those that fell within the path of the maelstrom looked upon it in fear. Some seeming unfazed though concerned by the harsh rain and winds that swept the valleys and hills. Others trembled at the sight as though such an event had never been seen before.

None could know; certainly no mortal at least, what they looked upon. This storm had a mind of its own. It was no storm. It was no simple action of weather, and no calamity born of merging winds, and twisting water. This storm held thought and will, and it had come thundering into Middle-Earth from across the Great Sea. The western shores unseen by all who yet lived within Middle-Earth save perhaps one shipwright, and two other among the Eldar.

The thunder cracked and sent a crashing ripple of percussive power over the valley underneath. Horses neighed and thrashed in stable or drew upon their masters hands and binds. Man and woman of the race of Men gazed up from their dwellings. The wooden constructs shaking. The mind of the storm kept moving. Even as the distant hum of sound, almost like a song beckoned to it. Far, far from the western shore. Beyond and into the distance the voices of those that dwelled in the Blessed Land called it back. They wished to know why, why they had come? It...they, had seen much from where they had remained among those ainur who dwelt around their Creator, their Father. The eyes of those around the throne were not blind to the doings of the waking world, and they had been given sight to see even more in recent days in mortal count. That which they had not been given ability to see when all the World had been sung into being. For, it was that Eru had given sight to the days leading into the Ages of the waking world. Yet, beyond this point all had been beyond their sight to foresee. The mind of the storm wished to see now what was to become of this world. Now that it had seen what had become of two among their kind.

One had fallen under the sway of the other. Saruman was the name most knew him as. The storm moved towards the great tower that he had made his home and his base to wage war. Much was not yet known to the mind of the storm. Words spoken, reasons why, the thoughts of others and intent. It wondered why Saruman...once known as Curunír once known before as Curumo, had betrayed the world of Men and of Elves and of Dwarves?

The second was far worse. The second was a terrible thing. Darkness had taken hold of his heart. The power that lived within him turned to the will and whim of one fouler that had come before. Sauron, once known as Gorthaur and before then as Mairon. A thing blackened in manner and spirit that took after the fell wickedness that had been the greatest among them, Melkor. They wished to know, had to know! What had brought such change, and such evil whim to these beings? They would know.

They had begged of Eru to be allowed leave into the World, and the Father gave such leave for any who wished enter into the World. Bearing words of caution and delight in allowing more to enter the World and become aid to its being even so far after its beginning.

"Will and whim be born of sight. Beware the coming fire's light." The ainur knew not what such a rhyming riddle meant. Rare was it for the Creator to give such words, and surely it must be a riddle? They did not know. There was no fire yet seen, and should a fire come to their sight they would beware. For now, the tower Saruman had made home would be seen and would be the first step and stop to be had in the hopeful discovery of understanding. As to the why such evil had corrupted once great and good hearts. Was power so twisting? Was the wicked delusion of worldly domination so great? It could not be. It must have been something else! This was the riddle of the World. Of the mortal plain, and of that which was beyond all but of Ilúvatar. The riddle must be solved!

Such thoughts, however, were suppressed. As numbed realization entered their mind. Understanding themselves to have no 'gender' as mortals called it. Those that had come before among the ainur had chosen their tempers. Given form and raiment to said forms. They bore the look of the mortal races as the ainur, or the valar as they called themselves, so desired. The mind of the storm looked upon the world underneath it. The swirling blue clouds they bore as a visage swirled as a tempest of twisting winds and harrowing rumbling thunder. Below another set of Men scurried about. Three of them were men, men of this land this...Rohan. Two were women of this race and of these people. The storm looked upon them and found that they liked the manner and appearance of the women more. Perhaps they would be a woman? Perhaps they would bare no form at all? Truly they did not know. What was known was that the tower loomed near. They approached their destination.

In the nearing distance stood stabbing toward the sky a blackened obelisk. A symmetrical and pointed pinnacle of power. A broken ring wall lay encircling the exposed entry to the tower while the edge of the mountain range stood at its back. A trickle of water flowing down the mountainside and filling a flooded pool that surrounded the tower. This Orthanc. To the east lay a decimated hill of burned land. Uprooted trees and husks where once stood mighty bark were strewn and the mind of the storm recalled the great scouring undertaken by Saruman. The march to war of the creatures given task and meaning by one of its kin, Yavanna, the ents. Some of these memories were more images, seen from the high realm beyond the mortal plain and mortal coil. More ideas of memories, as a book laid before the reader given knowledge by another reading the same page. Names and points and events, but no meaning, little understanding, and context in short supply.

Yet, the mind could see many of these beings, the ents. They stood swaying, and slowly trudging through the streaming flood waters surrounding Orthanc. Their sounds seeming as swaying bark. They seemed to speak as long echoing rumblings born of the mortal throat. Their chants and words were long, but beautiful as a song. The mind of the storm found it calming, found it welcoming, as a memory of songs sung before the throne of Ilúvatar. The mind, however, needed to ask questions, and seek answers. The storm came before Orthanc and the ents remained seemingly unfazed, save for a few. Turning to the churning weather come out from what had once been a clear sky.

The clouds of roaring thunder twisted as a funnel. The cloud neared the ground and the grand majority of the being's visage was seemingly swung down and contracted. The great storm deafened from the all consuming twisted dark gray and impenetrable blues to a shadowy mist of gray overcast. While the majority of the clouds formed the hollow visage of a mortal Man or Elf. It bore neither feature or sex. Rather it stood tall and firm. A writhing form where flesh and bone would be was but a misty dark blue churning of clouds with small tendrils of lightning percolating among the mass. Eyes shown through as pillars of piercing white light from the similarly featureless head and face of this unknown being from so far.

Their 'feet' came to a rest within the muddied dark waters before the entrance to this tower. The water rippled and pulsated from around the form. Whilst some among the taller ents turned and beheld the strange creature. Eyes upon bark and hidden in the leafs quizzically appraised. While the trudging of waters sounded to the being's right. As one among the ents neared with a deep baritone rumble from within its tree like chest.

"Mmmmmm-welcome master from afar!" The long drawn out sound of the voice greeted them. The voice was deep as were the initial sounds the being had hummed and moaned before the being had come before the tower. Great hands of mobile bark and fluttering foliage turned up and out in a greet.

"Long long, has it been since seen one among yours I have." The ent carried on. "Longer and older than the oldest thought of even the ent wives. My mind does long long remember." The being began to speak. As it did so the sound of a distant horn seemed to thrum the winds. Many ents turned to the skies, and the being realized it need adapt its speech to that of the ents, or as this one spoke, the speech of Men.

"Far…" The being began. Form twisting as their mind fluttered to words remembered, and attempted in the silence of their own mind.

"Yes...from far I have come. Distant shores, beyond the west."

"Hmmmm, I figured as much, young Master." The ent carried on with a wisdom and elder nature to their voice. Though slow in cadence.

"Figured?" The vala repeated to which the ent nodded with a creaking of bark.

"Indeed! Some perhaps, the young and the Men, Elves or Dwarves would not know, but know I do. What brings one such as yourself to Isengard? Ruined and supplanted in its foulness as it may be." The ainur turned head back to the ascending stairs leading into the tower as the misty remnants of the storm that made up part of its being began to pelt the area in light rain.

"Come...to see why." They began.

"Why?"

"Why." The being nodded to the ent's curious repetition. "How one, as old and alike can fall so far? To...see...yes to see. To see what is left. To know what is kept hidden. View into the mind. Why?" The ent reclined his head some and took note of the words before humming thoughtfully.

"Mmmm-many ask such questions, young Master. Too few know the answers! Some are just foul, and it lay hidden inside. Others are foul on the outside too!" The ent grumbled and the ainur could only presume the ent meant the orcs whom served the elder Dark Lord, his successor and Saruman in kind.

"Dig too deep and soon you reach the root!" The ent carried on after a long murmuring moan. "Find the root, and all you find is once there was a seed. Find the seed you find it came from another tree. Find the tree, and dig for the root. A fools errand, I would think, young Master." The ent proposed, but the being did not feel content within themselves at the expressed wisdom. Such a view did not give the answers they so desperately desired. What power of the worldly sort could drive one like themselves to the brink and beyond of depravity and ruin? They needed know. They had to understand. They had to perceive for themselves what was kept secret from beyond the confines of the World.

"Wise...words. Perhaps?" They questioned their own speech. The ent showed no confusion, so they carried on. "Yet, not all ends are known. Once the digging begins, elder of the tree herders."

"Hmmm, Elder?!" The ent gave a single hearty laugh. "Few call me such these long years, young Master."

"Others," The ainur began again. "Call you Treebeard?"

"That, that they do!" The old ent grumbled happily. Treebeard turned to the tower before addressing the strange and new acquaintance made today. "I hold no power to stop you from entering the fell tower of the White Wizard." The shattering anger the memory brought forth was evident to them, who said nothing yet. "Nor do I have much wish to stop you, young Master. Though it is not my place to say what you will find. Only that I wish you take great care. Who knows what dark deeds and fell whispers may yet creep in the tower of Orthanc?"

"My thanks, your leave. Eld...Treebeard." They corrected and the ent bowed his mighty head.

"Mmmm-and what might your name be?" The ent asked just as they turned in their visage of unnatural contorting cloud and restrained lightning. Pausing as the name it held among their kin was not a tongue easily spoken by those who were not among the ainur. Again their mind flew to the languages it beheld from beside Eru's throne and the observations of the World. Remembering Ilúvatar's warning of the fire, as of yet unseen a curious thought entered their mind.

"Tercáunya, some can call me. You are one of them." Treebeard hummed happily and nodded.

"Then Tercáunya I shall call you, young Master." The ent finished and stepped back from where he stood. The ainur, now bearing the name Tercáunya looked upon the tower, and as a mist of smoking clouds and hidden lightning fluttered upwards towards a higher landing. A balcony. Without need for a door undoubtedly sealed shut. They entered and beheld a dark stone interior. Cold and silent. The memory of its past resident filling their being with an even deeper penetrating chill. The mind of this being prickling in wonder at such a place and how it could make them feel so unwanted, and unwelcome without a sign of life to be found within!

Their mind curious as they looked upon a throne and once more took a shape like that of a mortal.. Wondering if the ent realized the root of their chosen name? Thinking it humorous, but welcome as the ainur took the name Tercáunya.

Herald of the Red Flame.

Whatever that may come to be.

---

"Boz Pity, Saelucami, Mygeeto." Each world was named and flew before all eyes looking upon the conference table. Outside, a sort of darkness had befallen Utapau while lanterns and lights of the locals lit the deep sinkhole all gathered called home for now.

"The Republic is on the attack." San Hill lamented running lanky hand under low hung chin as the others nodded.

"They hold on by a thread!" Poggle firmly declared in his chirping tongue. "The Republic hasn't the manpower nor the ships to bolster their attacks." The geonosian declared with a lean into his cane.

"Oh?" Gunray began. His usual gaggle of fellow neimoidians surrounding him. "What about Cato Neimoidia? The Jedi have sent one of their Council members to lead the assault! Already several cities have been under intense siege."

"It is likely a feint, Gunray." Wat Tambor, with his usual mechanical layered voice offered with a wave of his gloved hand.

"What makes you so sure? I do not see Skako currently burning!"

"Skako was taken long ago, Gunray." Tambor threw back harshly. The two on the precipice of another shouting match. To which the other councilors either rolled their eyes...if they had those, or ignored them and continued overlooking the worlds in question.

"Cato Neimoidia is deep in Neimoidian space, correct?"

"Yes, but that-"

"Then have your people put up more of a fight! Clearly the neimoidian race prefers the indentured life to the Republic rather than freedom!"

"How dare you!" Nute howled, but did not dare to take a step toward Tambor. Neither of the two were what one may have called physically inclined to altercations. "Skako sits comfortably under control by the Republic, and you dare accuse my people of cowardice?! Of servility?! Skakoans only know how to enslave others, perhaps that is what made their capitulation so easy?! They learned from the best!"

"You haven't an iota of what you're talking about, 'Viceroy.'" Wat seethed the title with the help of his suit, making his voice high pitched and ear piercing just to hit home to the feeble power Gunray's title within the Trade Federation held anymore.

"Enough you two!" The gossam, Shu Mai seethed from across the table. Slamming her hand to it and causing the holograms to shimmer. "The incessant barking and bickering will do nothing to tend the matter. So, why don't you two help lead, or leave the function of leadership to those more capable?"

"Such as you?!" Gunray fired back immediately. Evidently he was in quite the mood this evening. "Remind me how well the Commerce Guilds are doing these days?! Perhaps I've missed the revenue reports! Where are your droid armies?! When not sitting on useless worlds guarding useless things the useless Jedi would find too useless to reconquer!"

"Oh, the Viceroy is in a state." Shu Mai chuckled wholly unfazed by Gunray's show of ire.

"Why shouldn't I be?! Why aren't more of you?! The Republic just defeated us at Coruscant, abducted Dooku and now we lay under the 'delicate' care of General Grievous!"

"There were plans in place, for such and outcome, Gunray." Hill noted standing tall and unblinking.

"Nothing we were told by Lord Sidious led me to believe we would see Count Dooku captured by the Republic, by the Jedi! If they manage to make him talk it will be disastrous!"

"Who said he would talk, Viceroy?" Wat countered which only caught a glare from the neimoidian. "Dooku can only say so much, and Lord Sidious has assured us that the matter is being taken care of."

"Yes, through Grievous. That wretched creature of yours, Hill, couldn't lead an army to victory let alone an entire Galactic Government!" To that, the muun huffed and waved his hand out dismissively.

"That is blatant and false hyperbole, Gunray and you know it. The General has won more than his fair share of battles. Personal and otherwise, and we would all do well to respect his record for it."

"Whatever you say." Now Gunray waved Hill off. Who simply chuckled in response. "I cannot be alone in thinking we are in a far worse position now than before? Grievous at the helm will surely lead us to disaster!"

"We are still alive, and the military situation has hardly changed." Poggle intoned. "The losses at Coruscant while massive on a singular level, make up but a fraction of our overall strength, Viceroy. What was able to retreat is already being redistributed to the critical systems in need. Our reserves are vast, and armies endless."

"Precisely." Mai followed Poggle.

"Even if we believe the armies and the navies are in no worse a position then what of Dooku?" Nute traded his main point in for another. "Dooku kept the systems in line. Under fim control. If the outlying systems feel inclined to trade allegiances we could have a wide front across the entire galaxy in a matter of weeks, or even days! Grievous for all his 'effectiveness' cannot control so wide a swath of territory alone. We will need more commanders, more generals. More leaders!"

"So, you wish to replace Dooku?" Hill wondered.

"No!" Gunray scoffed in reply. "What I mean is that we need Dooku back...or someone who can inspire leadership like Dooku. Grievous will not cut it. I am warning all of you now! Mark my words."

"Sounds to me," Tambor began again. "Like you're jockeying for a better position, Viceroy. None of us here will have or hear of it."

"I want to keep my head!" Nute scoffed. "Perhaps you think yours would look better on the floor cut by some wayward Jedi's blade! I, however, think that if we are to outlast this war we will need someone who can command leadership, and the submission of Grievous. The cyborg wretch works better when being commanded."

"He is being commanded." Poggle intoned with a flutter of his wings. "Lord Sidious is still in control of the situation, Viceroy. Your worry is misplaced. Premature even."

"Poggle is right." Hill followed. Among all the Council he always carried the air of inherent knowledge of the General. Just because he had been the one to put his mangled near dead corpse back together. Whatever 'together' even meant anymore these days. "Lord Sidious is in control of Grievous. If Lord Sidious says we wait for his own moves to be made concerning Dooku, we wait. As it has been and shall remain to be. Until the time of our deserved rewards for these many long years."

"Handsome rewards." Shu Mai all but cackled as her tiny eyes seemed to almost darken hidden as tiny blackened beads as they were.

"Yes," Hill chuckled. "And, if Lord Sidious deems it necessary and right to remove Grievous from his position, so be it. If not then we will work as we have before. If, another is chosen to replace Dooku we will trust Lord Sidious to have chosen someone who has the skill and power of Dooku before them. To that I think we can all agree?" All seemed comfortable and nodded save for Nute who threw his left hand up in exasperation.

"I listen to Lord Sidious as much as any of you. I do as told just the same as you lot. All I am saying is Grievous is not cut out for this task. Mark my words he will get us killed. The minute he thinks Sidious isn't looking he will seize power for himself. Without the Council and without Dooku the entire Confederacy will be left to the whims of a mad ack dog."

"If and when," Tambor sighed. "Such a time like that comes then we will deal with it."

"More importantly," Poggle intoned once again. "Lord Sidious will deal with it. Grievous has his uses, and should he find himself lacking those then all is well that ends well."

"Rightly put." Mai nodded. All Nute could do was sigh, but threw his hands up. Clearly in the minority on this issue.

"Come now, Viceroy. Since you are upset so, let's divert some of our freed naval reserves to Cato Neimoidia. If the Republic is launching a feint they will have no choice but to retreat. If it is an actual attack, then we will make them crawl for each inch of the space above, and upon Cato Neimoidia for it." Hill waved his hand out across the holographic table. Perhaps remembering how easily Muunilinst fell all those years ago? Nute could see no reason to argue with the rest of the Council. Seeing as they were offering to send reserves to a part of Neimoidian space. So, he huffed and approached the table to take a better look at the situation.

As the Council bickered a single magnaguard loomed overhead upon a catwalk. Its glowing red photoreceptor staring downwards. Seeing all, hearing all.

Recording all.

---

The long trek through so grand of halls had taken some time. Though Gandalf had lost count of the passing minutes. For, his mind wandered as much as they seemed to wander these endless halls. Ahead of him the Lady Galadriel spoke in idle conversation with their diminutive host and chaperon. This Master Yoda. Such a small odd fellow. That thought made him remember his impressions upon meeting Bilbo Baggins again, and for a moment he gave a thin smile and lone chuckle. Though it did not reach the ears of any around, but for perhaps the distracted Lady of Lórien.

He walked forward. White staff clanging idly to the metallic floor underneath. The air held a rather stale smell. Not bad. Certainly not like that of an orc or troll hideout. Rather, it reminded Gandalf of a palace. Yet, even in that comparison there were differences. The smells within the palaces of Men and Elves were usually pleasant. One would say 'earthy.' Here, there was a seeming desire to keep all such smells out of mind, and certainly out of nostril. The cleanest of airs to be inhaled through ones own nose or mouth. Hardly what seemed the air from outside. Gandalf turned and idly noted the outside as he walked at that. The wide and looping windows that led outwards showed much of the skyline of a world Gandalf could hardly fathom was real.

Many among the delegation had shared their awe and wonder at the sights, smells and sounds. Gandalf had chosen to restrain himself. Playing the part of representative as he had been ordained and commanded. Not by the will of Man or Elf. As some had come to perhaps think. Perhaps even young Anakin or Master Kenobi? However, no, he was not here to represent Aragorn, the King Elessar, and the King knew as much. The White Wizard, rather, represented the Powers beyond the far western shore of Middle-Earth. They had long since given rise in his mind to their will and desire. To meet with these beings from beyond the confines of Arda and discover what he could. The nature of this terrible war he had seen firsthand both upon and beyond Arda. As well as to whom could be counted friend, and whom was foe. Though, for his part Gandalf had an idea as to whom was which.

Though, for all his learning and his given insights by Anakin, Obi-Wan, that young 'clone' lad and even Master Yoda there lay many uncertainties. His aged eyes glanced thoughtfully across the hallway. Three hooded figures walked slowly and methodically in the opposing direction. Their attire matched one another. Dark brown cloaks atop tanned tunics. Eyes and heads down turned. Their beings and outward auras like that of young elves. Walking with a trained grace. Though theirs was trained and unnatural where the elves carried such grace and peaceful manner to them in inherent manner, regardless, of their tempers and personalities.

Gandalf watched them pass, and they tilted heads his way. They bowed their heads to Master Yoda, and the Jedi Grand Master followed their example with a kind low chortle. Gandalf did firmly believe this tiny green fellow meant well. He could not come to any ill conclusions of him, nor any among the Jedi. Though this small interaction gave renewed rise to a concern that ate away at his mind. In early conversation with Yoda he had been forward with his own disagreement on how the Jedi conducted themselves, and he had said he meant no offense nor meant to impose himself upon them. Never had he done so nor was his mission upon Arda to do so, for that was the way of the Enemy. Both old and new. The imposition of will and order.

However, the Jedi held a foul air around them. This, the White Wizard could not deny. There was a lack of dark intent. Of some foul undercurrent among them. Rather it was a thing of sickness. Rot and decay as an old home in the middle of a forest left unattended and given away to the ways to the surrounding wood about it. In many ways he was reminded of the feeling one had when standing upon the top of Minas Tirith in the latter days of the passing Age. Decline.

For all that he had been told by his younger Jedi friends and the elder Jedi ahead of him, Gandalf had begun to gain the impression not just by the words they spoke, but by the air of this temple and the war they lay involved in that something was amiss. A rotting nature, a failing system. Gandalf had neither the right nor the place to say as much to them. Unless they so asked for his thoughts on the matter. However, he had much yet to learn. Perhaps his mind could be changed in such time? He didn't know. Whatever the case, he still had much time to learn of this Republic, the Jedi Order and the war being waged among the stars, for the Powers. All in the hope of course that such a war would not return to the fields of Arda, and of Middle-Earth. The world had seen far too much pain, death and loss of late. It made the wizard uncomfortable to imagine what strength there yet remained in the world of Men. More narrowly still, within the Men of the West.

"Ah come! The Jedi archives, the library, arrived we have." Master Yoda announced with a continued levity in his voice. Gandalf returned his kind and quizzical smile onto his face while Galadriel cast a glance back his way. The two shared a knowing look. Both seeking to learn what they could. Both acutely aware that not all was as well in order as the Jedi made it out to be. Though they more than likely meant no lie or untruth.

"What an...interesting looking library." Galadriel intoned with the airiness common of her powerful voice.

"Hmm, yes. Perhaps unusual to your libraries, the archives are? Holobooks and holoterminals we use. Contain the vast sum of thousands of books, they do."

"Vast sum? How much knowledge can one contain?" Gandalf asked as they entered a large chamber. Racks of what seemed to be bookshelves carried varying glowing lights of blue. A hum permeating the space alongside an assortment of beeps and whirs he had heard before whilst on Coruscant.

Alongside the books and their shelves stood and moved about dozens of Jedi. Many of them young, so they seemed. Gandalf had to remind himself that not all who were small need be young. He shouldn't have needed such a reminder from his time among hobbits, but now that reality was especially at the front of his mind upon seeing the myriad of beings that walked across this world.

"A single holobook can contain a single book. Recounting knowledge of past wars, they can. Steeped in the tales written by authors from across the galaxy, perhaps. Or, even entire century long chronicles of the same topic! Written by different authors, in different times, they can be. More appropriate for learning knowledge in many circumstances, the holoterminal is."

"'Holoterminal?'" Galadriel repeated as Gandalf observed three children. They appeared to be of the race of Men, All stared at the three with a mix of awe, and no small amount of concern. Gandalf assumed it had something to do with Master Yoda more than he or the Lady.

"Hmm, difficult to explain, the concept may be? Technology it is. A network of information, a collection of vast knowledge, of entertainment, and other such things the HoloNet is. Some holoterminals, allow access to the HoloNet they do. One can use such terminals to watch shows, or films, entertainment, as I said. Our holoterminals, used for access to knowledge, they primarily are. Can read entire books with but a few button presses and keystrokes. Can look upon art and painting from across the galaxy in much the same way. See other cultures, races and peoples, one can. Explore the HoloNet for knowledge, the Jedi do. Contain our vast records within our holoterminals, we do." Yoda came to a stop and turned. Tapping his gimmer stick to the floor. Seeing the faces of his charges he chuckled. "Explain poorly, I have perhaps, hmm?" Gandalf returned the laugh and looked about the room. Noting one child of indiscernible race with fleshy tendrils across their back was looking down onto what seemed to be glass. Where a field of images and text came and moved. They flicked their fingers and the images morphed and text lines changed. It was...extraordinary! To gather knowledge and share it so freely as this.

"I think the concept is well taken, Master Yoda. A demonstration, perhaps?"

"Ah yes! A demonstration, good it would be! Come come!" Yoda hummed happily and turned to a nearby unused table. Though standing with their back turned to them appeared an older woman seeming to be of the race of Men. Her robes were more intricate than that of the others. A black cloak covered her legs and whatever shoes she may have wore. Though across her back and likely her front was a golden yellow sort of covering. A pattern of black lines like some dwarvish text lost to the ages fell in patterns down the golden sash from her shoulders. Across her waist where the outfit was held to her body by a strap of some manner. Where her hair was of elder stark silver with two hair sticks in opposing directions holding a bun in place.

"Master Nu! A pleasure to see you, it is." Yoda greeted the woman from behind her. She stood straight and swept in place around. She carried a thin, but Gandalf sensed earnest smile across her face. She certainly seemed older, but held a sort of sage feature to her standing and manner that the wizard assumed many would say he also held about himself. Gandalf also mutely noted the patterns that ran down her sash along the back were matched upon the front. Though at her side she had clipped onto her belt one of those lightsaber hilts he had become more familiar with this past year.

"Ah, Master Yoda. I had not expected you within the archives today."

"Hmm, no student learning from me this day, Master Nu. Bring guests, I do. From far away they've come. Aided young Knight Skywalker and Master Kenobi during their absence, they did." He informed to which this Master Nu passed them both glances with little discernible thought behind them.

"I see. Well the Order surely gives you our gratitude for helping two of our best to return safely to us."

"Oh, they both fought alongside us in our own battles, my Lady." Gandalf bowed his head and gave warm a smile. "There was little else to be done but aid them through their own trials and woes upon Middle-Earth. We have come now as curious explorers, and representatives of friendly powers!" To that Master Nu bore a renewed thin smile. Seemingly lowering some unseen guard by but a little.

"Well, welcome all the same." Master Nu nodded. "I presume you've come to show our guests some of our archives then, Master Yoda?"

"That I have, Master Nu! The history of the Jedi Order, of the Republic, long they are! Detail some of the long history, may make impression greater than mere words?"

"I see." Master Nu nodded. She turned and pressed her aged hand upon the circular table of shining metal that reflected the party of four. Gandalf watched her push her finger into a small circle that lit up upon her doing so. Where the table hummed to life with a whir and beep. A light morphed from the table in dancing rays of blue that shone up and not before long an image came into being. Gandalf knew not what he looked upon exactly. Only that it appeared a sphere. Gandalf could guess it was what these beings called a 'planet,' or world. Though, with another moment his eyes centered onto the massive circles that lay across the spherical surface. A memory dancing at the back of his mind before he recognized what he looked upon.

"Is this what you call Coruscant?" Gandalf rounded behind Galadriel's right to stand beside her. Pointing his white staff up toward the shimmering blue image. "The world we currently stand upon?"

"Hmm, correct you are, Gandalf." Yoda hummed. "Long the seat of the Galactic Republic, Coruscant is. A home for the Jedi Order for many thousands of years, as well."

"Indeed," Master Nu added and flicked her fingers across the table which shot outwards and revealed a vast sea of stars. They wrapped inwards around a center that, even while dimmed by the shared blue light of the image, shone brighter than the outer surrounding bands.

"This is our galaxy. One of many uncountable. Though some would hazard to say you could guess several tens of billions."

"That many?!" Gandalf chuckled with honest wonder. His mind suddenly filled with many questions. Questions concerning times when songs were sung and the World was shown to him so young. Shown to all the ainur in infancy. The sheer volume, the breadth of it all! He could not see them lying, why would they? How did he not know? How had such a reality taken shape? He dared not to answer such things now.

"Hmm, that many there are, indeed!" Yoda hummed happily. His own large eyes looking upon the spinning 'galaxy' with a sense of wonder within his own eyes. It was enough to make Gandalf truly feel...small. For even those who lived and understood their home to be so vast to also hold it wonder! For one such as himself, who seemed to be wholly unaware of some matters, Gandalf felt he would need many more life ages in the count of Men to even begin to fathom such incredible space.

"Arda," Galadriel began. Sweeping a hand out and up and bringing all eyes to her. "Where does it lay on a map such as this?"

"Arda?" Master Nu's brow furrowed. Gandalf noted the Jedi appeared to search her mind for the name spoken.

"Ah, not yet fully added to the records, your homeworld is." Master Yoda chimed in. "Kept secret until a later time, we have chosen."

"And why is that?" Gandalf wondered as Yoda's ears tilted some. Seeming momentarily saddened.

"Unfortunate, but true it is. Many within the galaxy may choose to exploit a world such as yours." The Jedi explained much to the unspoken dismay of both natives present.

"Who would such peoples be?" Galadriel asked as Yoda turned and with a wave of his hand the machine whirred again. The picture turned from that of the galaxy and showed figures. One after the other. Strange faces of beings one could hardly call of the race of Men, Elf or Dwarf. One of those shown Gandalf recognized, and another bore an odd resemblance.

"The leaders of the Separatist cause." The Jedi Master began with a point of his gimmer stick. "Powerful figures, they are. More powerful still, their greed! Money, credits, all such things, the power of wealth. Joined together, they have. Began the Clone War. Leaders of industry, all of them are. Shu Mai of the Commerce Guilds," One figure came forward. A rather spindly creature with not but thin sockets where ones eyes would have been, upon lanky and pale a figure. "Wat Tambor of the Techno Union." This one bore metal upon his body with a square like head. Eyes hidden under goggles, so they seemed, with robes adorning what was yet unseen.

"Long an enemy of the Jedi, Viceroy Nute Gunray. From the Trade Federation, he is." A rather unseemly fellow he seemed. Eyes larger than what either of the beings from Arda were used to stared back at the. Though it was not by sheer appearance either felt foreboding from the figure. He seemed upon look alone of ill manner.

"What of that one?" Gandalf pointed to the shimmering light where a small representation of a bone-like figure remained. "I have seen this one before. Even if from afar."

"Yes," Yoda hummed with a low tremble of dread to his aged voice. The shimmering light changed and the skeletal, ghostly figure with the eyes like slits of a desert lizard's came forward. "General Grievous, he is. Supreme Commander of the Droid Armies. With Count Dooku captured, he now leads the Separatist cause. With little resistance from the others likely."

"Then he is a tyrant." Galadriel intoned. Her own features souring upon the haunted and wrathful unmoved gaze of the visage of Grievous.

"Tyrant? Hmm, an apt description that is, my Lady. Lost his Master is."

"Count Dooku." Gandalf added with a greater sense of knowing. Yoda nodded and the image turned once more to the man both Arda representatives knew to be 'asleep' within the temple. Both shared a look. Galadriel bore one of shock more than Gandalf did. As Dooku bore the striking resemblance to the fallen wizard who once held the title Gandalf bore among the Istari.

"By Varda, he bears a look like that of a reflection. As though Saruman was staring down upon me." Galadriel intoned much to the confusion of the two Jedi.

"Saruman?" Master Nu repeated.

"A...once ally to the Free Peoples, my Lady." Gandalf spoke for the two of them. "It would seem your Count Dooku looks a lot like him. Odd, and I am sure a coincidence. Though, uncanny all the same."

"Hmm, interesting that is." Yoda added as the image of Dooku shimmered to the front of them all.

All of this made Gandalf's head spin. So many questions now lay as a hidden set of whispers within his heart. Still, he dared not ask those who he had no doubt would not understand his meaning. Yet, his eyes creased looking upon the list of enemies to his friends from so far away. Especially the metallic skeleton and the Count. The White Wizard approached silently. The small Jedi Master had begun speaking to Galadriel of something regarding the nature of Grievous.

Gandalf had to wonder why he had been kept in the dark on such matters? There was a reason no doubt. He was not faithless and accursed as Morgoth and Sauron or even Saruman had come to be. Not all things made by the music sung in times long past was for the ainur to know. Long had he traveled the far places of Middle-Earth. Much had he seen, discovered and rediscovered walking among Men, Elves and Dwarves. It was not so daunting or harrowing a thing to discover so much was yet to be revealed. It was the sheer volume of it all. The vastness of it! Worlds, whole worlds teeming with people that were and were not alike to Men or Elves. Wars waged between stars in the dark spots of the skies beyond even the measure of the greatest song sung to Varda's placement of the stars into the sky! Yet, now it seemed a falsity. What had been done? When were the stars brought to be? Had Varda done so? That made little sense when this truth was brought before him.

Whispers reached his mind. They were so distant they seemed as a thrush's song sung from the mountaintop, and Gandalf stood within a meadow leagues from the mountain itself. The Powers were speaking. Gandalf let his heart be known. It had only been recently that he had come to know the power the White Wizard bore. He wished so desperately to once more walk among the great halls of Valinor. To speak with Lady Varda, Lord Manwë and the others.

He was given a recollection to how he felt within the Shire not so long ago. When Bilbo Baggins dropped so insignificant a ring onto the floor. Questions, questions in need of answering! Though he knew not whether he should receive the answers he so sought. There were far too many questions to count to even know which he wanted answered firstly...or at all. As a dark thought entered his mind, but for a moment. Wondering as to whether some of these questions he should like the answer given him?

"Mithrandir?" Gandalf hummed as he turned to Galadriel. She bore a questioning look, and he cast her a smile. Bidding she not worry about his thoughts.

"Tell me, Master Yoda," Gandalf began. The Lady saying nothing more on her clear questioning gaze. "The long histories of the Jedi Order, and this Republic. I do not expect you to weave so long a tale, if so very long your Order and the Republic are." Gandalf noted. "Perhaps we could be given access to such knowledge? Some of your holobooks? For reading, and research? If you would grant a curious old man's wish." He laughed and Yoda shared in his mirth.

"See a reason to deny you, I do not! Master Nu," He turned to his Jedi companion. "Make copies of the Order's history for our guests, would you please?"

"Of course, Master Yoda. It will take but a moment." She bowed towards the two and gracefully took her leave of the three.

"Mind Master Nu, you should not. More comfortable with her books and collecting knowledge she is. A fine Jedi, all the same."

"We have no doubt, Master Yoda." Galadriel smiled.

"Hmm, come! Answer some questions of the long history of the galaxy, I can! Take the copies Master Nu gives you, but please indulge me with questions! Enjoy answering them, I do." Yoda hummed a happy laugh that brought smiles to both Gandalf and Galadriel's faces.

"Very well!" Gandalf indulged. "Tell us, if you can, where the Order started."

"Hmm, where, Mister Gandalf?" Yoda chuckled. "Or how?"

"Both, and more." The wizard smiled as the Jedi again waved his hand with a chuckling hum. The images projected with shimmering blue light shifted and another world was shown.

"To begin such a tale, to Tython, we must go."

"Tython is another planet." Galadriel stated. Yoda nodded and pointed his gimmer stick to the world.

"Long is the tale, my Lady. Began as one, the followers of the Force did. Those who practiced both the Light and Dark side of the Force. Then called Ashla and Bogan. Believed in the balance of the Force within oneself, they did. Wrong they were." Yoda affirmed.

"How were they wrong?" Yoda almost loosed what sounded like a scoff to Gandalf's question.

"Believe they did, they were able to control the dark side! There is no control of the dark side, my friends. Untempered, uncontrollable, the deepest and cruelest intentions and thoughts, unleashed they are. The dark side is not a tool. The Sith, believe they do, that they can control the dark side, and thus the Force. The Jedi; as we spoke of earlier, we let the Force guide us. The Sith do much the same. Yet, enslaved they are by the dark side. An unnatural aspect to the Force. Cruel and uncaring. Power for power's sake. Lost in fear, anger, hate and all leads to suffering." Gandalf nodded while the Lady watched the world. Though Gandalf knew her to be in thought. Undoubtedly soaking in everything their Jedi friend said.

"If that is true, can your enemies truly be charged with any crime?" Gandalf wondered. The Jedi titled his small head quizzically.

"In what way, do you mean?"

"If the dark side controls someone, leads them to commit cruelties, then are they truly to blame for the actions and crimes they commit?"

"Hmm, an interesting thought." Yoda admitted. "Though, tempted we all are. Believe they do, the Sith and all who follow the dark side into depravity, that in control they are. Give in to desires, to fears, and angers they do. Allow themselves to stray where tempted. Giving in and surrendering to the dark side they do."

"Do those who 'fall' as you say, Master Yoda, is there no hope for their return?" Galadriel questioned with unmoved gaze.

"As I have said before, my Lady, once the dark path is taken, forever will it control your destiny! A foolish thing to do. Some, far too few, who have strayed into the dark side have returned to the light. Or, rather left the thrall of its all controlling wrath."

"Then it is possible?" Gandalf questioned to which Yoda shook his head. Eyes narrowing distantly in thought.

"Some...perhaps believe it to be so. Jedi who have fallen, most commit terrible crimes. Cause terrible pains. I would like to believe redemption, true redemption is possible, but no evidence has been given." Gandalf nodded. Though he did not believe it to be so.

"Simply because one does not watch a blade of grass grow in a meadow does not mean it never happened, Master Yoda." He offered with a sense of age and wisdom that he could tell humbled and engaged the old Jedi.

"Hmm, believe one can, that grown the blade is. For see it, one can. Touch it, and know it once was not there."

"Do you?"

"Hmm?" Yoda hummed.

"Do you know the blade of grass once wasn't there?"

"Assume as much, one can."

"Then that is not knowing. That is assuming." Gandalf offered with a smile. "To assume the soil was free of the blade of grass is to assume it cannot grow. Yet, grown it has. It is the belief it once wasn't there that is the impossible. What our eyes show us, may not always be the truth. Or, at least not the whole truth, my friend." In Gandalf's example, Yoda held his free hand to his chin. Eyes narrowing once more in thought.

"Hmm, taken your point is. Though, long has the ground been without grass." Yoda continued the analogy.

"Perhaps. Though, how can grass grow on so barren a field if a farmer, or gardener be not willing to seed that soil? If the winds of fate do not carry the seeds needed to make the field vibrant with life, then perhaps the careful hands of a gardener can?" Again, Gandalf's offered analogy seemed to strike at the Jedi. Yoda nodded along piecing what Gandalf truly meant. A smile creeping onto his aged face.

"In such terms, careful consideration I should take to your meaning. A welcome insight. Even if wholly agree, I do not."

"One need not agree, to listen to wisdom when freely given. Or," Gandalf leaned into his staff. "What an old man thinks to be wisdom." Both shared an elderly laugh that brought a hidden, but lively smirk to Galadriel's face.

"What became of these followers, Master Yoda?" Galadriel cut in. She still did not turn her gaze from the slowly spinning vision of the world, this Tython.

"Ah yes. A war soon came. Much history, lost it is. Division, fracturing of the Order. Unknown the precise details are, any longer. Followers of Bogan came into being. Those, like the Sith after them, united in hatred of Ashla. Believing they did, that stronger Bogan was, stronger Bogan made them. Followers of Ashla were therefore, weak. Did not deserve to use the Force. Perhaps, the followers of Ashla, pushed the Boganites further from them, they did. Yet, blame cannot be cast on them from so distantly away. Know not what truly occurred that led to the division and war, we do."

"A fair point." Galadriel intoned. Though Gandalf found such a division sad, but not unheard of. Many times the kingdoms of Men, Elves and even the Dwarves sundered from one another. The peoples turned to hate in spite of their similarities, and their focus on their differences. It would seem that the Jedi, or whatever they had once been called, were no different. Even whilst being so inherently diverse.

"Many wars to come, there are. Many times the Jedi would break in two. Great darkness each schism would unleash."

"Schisms?" Gandalf wondered.

"Hmm, four there are in the count of the archives. Though, in truth, many times between such schisms the Jedi have broken into opposing factions. Many times, the dark side has lured away Jedi. Down the dark path they stray. Bring terrible pain upon the galaxy and the Order, they did."

"What happened during these schisms?" Galadriel asked. Gandalf sensing the Lady perhaps relating to the history of the elves and their own terrible kinslayings. He surely did.

"The First Schism, as it is known began tens of thousands of years ago." Yoda began. Shuffling his small frame to a nearby cushioned seat that he, with effort, pushed himself up onto. He began again with a deep sigh. "A young Jedi, Xendor, turned from the ways of the Jedi he did. It is said, for lost much knowledge is again, that discovered unknown knowledge he had. Learned the ways of the Bogan, as it was still known. Turned to the dark side, he and others had. Formed a faction, the Legions of Lettow. Sought to break away from the Jedi they had. A war ensued. To what degree the Republic was involved, we know not. Young it was." The old Jedi carried on.

"A terrible clash, it became. Between the Legions of Lettow, the followers of the dark side. And the faithful Jedi. Know we do, successful in destroying the Legions, the Order was. History, perhaps intentionally buried, the matter nearly was. Through extensive archives of saved relics, it has been learned again." Yoda finished.

"A tragedy to be sure." Gandalf offered coming to sit opposite the diminutive Jedi. Himself placing his staff to lean beside him on the wall as Galadriel remained standing. Though she had begun to pace back and forth with her usual airy, almost floating quality.

"If the records were buried, or lost, then who would have done so, Master Yoda?" Galadriel wondered.

"Hmm, a terrible thought it is." Yoda answered, rubbing small hand to forehead. "By Jedi, it likely was. Unsure I am, and all chroniclers of the Order to the true reasons, battles and ways the Schism carried on. The Order survived, and went on. Presume we do as to the right and wrong."

"Ah, but presumptions can neither be proven true or untrue."

"Correct, you are." Yoda clasped his hands together in his lap. Eyes distant for a moment. Thoughtful, but Gandalf did not pry. Neither did the Lady.

"What of the Second Schism, Master Yoda?" As before, Galadriel prodded.

"Hmm...the most long lasting its effects are. To this day, wrestle with the aftermath we do."

"How so?" Gandalf in turn prodded.

"Another war, the Second Great Schism. Great it is, for terrible it was. A cadre of Dark Jedi broke away from their masters. Seeking knowledge for themselves. Knowledge and power. Perhaps maybe, inspired by the first schism under Xendor? Know this, I do not." Yoda offered. "More knowledge of this schism, we have. Murdered, many masters were by their apprentices. Long, brutal, this schism was. To a degree the Republic aided the Order. Until finally, defeated the Dark Jedi were."

"Then, how are the effects still felt to this day?" Galadriel asked.

"Not dead, not destroyed the fallen Jedi were. Wish they had been, I do not! Yet, a sad fate awaited the Order. Exiled, the Dark Jedi were. Unknown how long their wayward flight through the galaxy was. In time, come upon Korriban, they did."

"Korriban?" Gandalf echoed. The name sounding familiar. Likely something told to him, as some of this already had been, by either Anakin or Obi-Wan.

"Homeworld of the Sith, it is." Ah, Gandalf knew that title. Not only because it had been used in recent conversation. It was the long enemy of the Jedi Order. This Sith Order, in whatever function and form it may have been, or continued to be. An enemy as tenacious and old, though more varied, as those of the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth and beyond.

"The long historical enemy's roots are shown at last." Galadriel intoned.

"Hmm, indeed, my Lady." Yoda nodded. "Set themselves up as Lords, Masters and Gods, we believe the Dark Jedi did. Those that made it to Korriban built an Empire, they did. The first Sith Empire. Ruled and twisted the Sith people were. Took on their names, and titles, the fallen Jedi had. Long, the name and title has remained part of the dark side. Synonymous, they have become." Both off worlders nodded.

"For a thousand years the Sith built this Empire. Many lords, many masters, many practitioners of the dark arts, were brought into being. Interbred with the Sith, they did. Until finally, a new war was begun. Jedi against Sith. Republic against Empire. Long and repeated, this story would become." Yoda intoned darkly, sadly even. For sad, Gandalf thought it to be. Though again, not uncommon.

"This next war, was it the Third Schism?"

"Hmm, no. A war involving the Jedi and Sith, but beyond our orders it was. The Great Hyperspace War, it is known as. A terrible, if short war, it was. Much death, much pain...much loss." Yoda carried on. The same darkened undertone in his voice remaining. Both Gandalf and Galadriel intently listening to him weave a part of so long and intricate a history as this.

"How did this war go? I can assume well for the Jedi?" Galadriel noted, and as much would be clear to anyone presently sitting within the Jedi Temple. Yoda again murmured wordless hums from his throat.

"The Sith Empire came through a series of misfortunes and accidents of the weary travelers. Long a story it is." Yoda offered, both guests nodding. "When the Sith came, devastated much of the galaxy they did. The Republic, resist them, they did. Alongside them the Jedi were. Believed the Order and Republic did, that much larger the enemy force was. When broken the deception was, realize they did that stronger they were against the Sith." Yoda tilted his head up and waved his hand. The holoterminal beeped and Tython was replaced by another world. One that even whilst layered in blue anyone could tell was a desert and barren globe.

"Driven back, the Sith were. Deep into their Empire. To their homeworld, the Republic followed them. Korriban...attacked it was. Unrelenting, the assault was. Know all the details, we do not. Clear it is, that few were left alive." Yoda darkly intoned, at least as darkly as one may expect a Jedi capable of. Gandalf reclined some. Noting that while saddening, the histories of Men, Elf and Dwarf were hardly clean of grievous ills unleashed upon one another. It was not his place to judge those yet living with the actions and evils of those long dead. Though it did give greater concern to his innate perception from before. The sickness he felt within, though he had only been among them a short time. More was needed yet.

"The Republic murdered them." Galadriel broke the momentary silence.

"Difficult it is. Nuanced it was. But, true it is. When one sees through the excuses and the reasoning, same the end is. The total destruction of the Sith, the Republic sought. Allied in this the Jedi were. As with the Great Schism, long have the Jedi lived with the aftermath of those days. Still seeking vengeance, the Sith are."

"Long does hate fester." Gandalf noted with a tone of understanding and sadness to his voice. Though he showed a smile. "That is why hope must remain. Even in the long dark of night the dawn will come. While we wait for its light, we will make do with the stars. Or light our own torches." Yoda smiled a thin smile.

"Admire your spirit, I do." Both shared another chuckle. Though truly Gandalf realized, and not for the first time since arriving on this odd world; among odd folk, with odd ways, odd names, odd powers, and odd histories, that he had much to learn.

"The copies, Master Yoda" All turned as Master Nu returned with strange bulky but glowing items. "These copies should contain all the information you should need, and have access to. If you have any questions or wish to dig deeper into a particular topic I am sure I can arrange time for exploration of the complete archives. If that suits you, Master Yoda?" She asked to which Yoda bowed his head.

"My thanks, Master Nu. Suits the Order, it does." Seemingly correcting her deference to him as a lone leader, Master Nu bowed her head.

Meanwhile Gandalf picked up one of these so called holobooks. Noting how it appeared as a book, but held a glow like that of a shimmering jewel found deep within the treasury of Erebor.

"Much to learn indeed." He whispered to himself.

---

"So, what's the oddest world you've been to, Anakin?" Pippin asked as the company of four moved down yet another long hall within the temple.

"Oddest? Hmm…" Anakin hummed. His hands tucked within his robes as he tilted his head back. "There's a lot to pick from, Pippin. I've been to so many. Actually you kind of just made me realize how many I've been to."

"Have any examples then?" Merry was the one who asked. The four gaining the continued odd looks from passing Jedi. Whilst some showed more respect and bowed or nodded their heads. Some probably purely from Anakin's presence alone.

"Well...my homeworld may not be odd, but it certainly isn't good."

"Aye," Gimli agreed. "A world of nothing but sand?! Little to be gained there! Although, the glass making would be beyond ease and plenty! Hmm…" Anakin shook his head as he just watched Gimli go from hating the thought of Tatooine to loving it.

"Coruscant is strange! Though it's not alone as a city covered world. But, I guess it's sorta the norm for you guys. Being here and all…" Anakin carried on. "Hmm, me and Obi-Wan once were on Cato Neimoidia. Homeworld of the neimoidians. Not a very happy or welcome bunch. Mostly I'd say." Anakin did his best to hide a sneer. "But, the world has these arched cities. Built by the neimoidians...and their droids into these massive rock arches along mountains. The cities hang from the underside of the arches, or are in the rock itself. I suppose their tectonics make them less likely to be hit by a quake, but still a bit anxiety inducing if you ask me." Anakin knew some of what he said would likely fly right over their heads, but for the most part he felt he described it well enough.

"So," Pippin began thoughtfully...which may or may not have bade well. "You're saying there are big arches, arches made of rock?"

"Yes."

"They're natural? As in, like the mountains?"

"Yes...I think...yes." Anakin nodded.

"So, instead of building on top of the rock, they built their cities underneath?"

"Well...I think some lay on top of then rock? The more impressive ones are the hanging cities."

"Oh!" Pippin smiled. "That sounds quite the sight! Minas Tirith is one, and Moria! But, I would like to maybe see cities hanging from big rocks!"

"I'm sure Anakin will add it to the list, Pip." Merry sarcastically shot back. Though Anakin did hope he could perhaps one day show them! Though, the current war made that a little...difficult.

"Ah, let the lad dream!" Gimli chortled. "Come now, give us another example!"

"Hah, alright, lemme think." Anakin smirked and again tilted his head back. "There's Ithor. Not really odd in how maybe you would think it."

"Then odd how?" Pippin, ever the inquisitive, asked.

"Ithorians are a very...ecological species. They revere the natural vegetation and growth along the surface of the planet. Their religion holds that the forests, they...it speaks to them. Can call them to the surface of the world. Most ithorians actually live in floating cities above the planet's surface. Outsiders are generally forbidden access to the surface below unless they plan to remain there forever. There are exceptions, and the ithorians are not a warrior species. Though I have met a few ithorians you wouldn't want to get on the bad side of." A stray thought flew to the recently deceased Master Corobb. A hateful thought entered his mind after as the visage of Grievous came. But, Anakin released it into the Force. As well, felt his right hand wince and ball into a fist, to be released. Inwardly damning this new tick gained since holding...it.

"...many trees?" Anakin turned as Pippin had asked something.

"Hmm?" Anakin was about to ask, but Merry scoffed.

"Of course there would be a lot of trees Pip! Didn't you hear him? The whole world is covered in a forest! Right?"

"Ah, well mostly." Anakin nodded. "There are patches with fields and rolling hills. I've seen bits of Ithor. Mostly from the holonet or my studies. Definitely a far cry better than Tatooine." Anakin smiled and the hobbits seemed happy with that.

"Bah!" Gimli threw a stiff arm out. "All this talk of desert sands, and world spanning forests! Mind you, I find such a thing to be beyond imagination! Yet, I have not heard a single world of wonder given to great worlds of rock and stone!" Anakin could've sworn he had just said something interesting where Cato Neimoidia was concerned. But, decided to let Gimli have his complaint.

"You saying you wouldn't want to see Ithor or Tatooine? Good." Anakin snorted at his homeworld.

"No, not that!" The dwarf was quick to correct. "I would be honored to see such sights of course, but I have had my interest piqued since you spoke of the mining rock...what was it called?"

"You mean the asteroid, Kessel."

"Aye, that!" Gimli pointed a finger Anakins way. Making the Jedi smirk.

"I'd imagine there's rocks on...uh, Tatooine and Ithor. Right, Anakin?" Merry offered the dwarf and Anakin nodded.

"That there are. There's rock here on Coruscant too, you know Gimli? Plus we have the Manarai Mountains. Well, sometimes you can see them, other times not so much...point being is there's rock everywhere!"

"Aye aye, all of that sounds lovely." Gimlis tone betrayed such a thought. "What I look for are worlds like that Ithor! One layered in rock! Caves aplenty to search and dig! Such places would be better suited for the dwarves."

"Do any dwarves plan on leaving Arda anytime soon?" Anakin wondered.

"Well...no. Not that I have heard of. That is not the point lad!" Gimli huffed as the four reached a circular room that led to a set of turbolifts coming and going, up and down.

"The point is, I'd like to know there are worlds of rock and stone! Great bounties of rock and gem, gold and metal! There are few things we dwarves take pleasure in more than exploring the depth of rocks, mining the hidden ore and fashioning stone or gem into fine trinkets for all to see!"

"Alright alright, I get your point, Gimli." Anakin chuckled waving his friend down. "You know, I think you'd enjoy Ord Mantell."

"Ord Mantell?" Gimli repeated. The words sounding odd in his mouth. At least that was the impression Anakin got.

"Yeah. Geological activity is rampant on the world from what I know. Constant volcanic overflows creating new islands, and rocky layers. Lots of the islands are dotted with mountains because of the local geology. Caves aplenty just like you asked for too. It's kind of a tourist destination."

"Oh! Now that sure does sound like the kind of world a dwarf could explore and enjoy!" Gimli laughed.

"Don't know how I'd feel about volcanoes myself." Pippin offered. "Seen enough of that while in Minas Tirith."

"Seen enough of a lot of things, we did." Merry offered a bit more solemnly than Pippin. Anakin silently nodded. Understanding both their points. Though he hadn't the luxury to feel freed of any war based obligation. Probably lots of volcanoes in his future...metaphorically speaking.

"Skywalker." Anakin had his attention pulled away just as he and the others reached the nearest turbolift,

"It's been quite a long time." He turned to see a familiar face meeting his gaze. A human's lined in tattoos of a people he would rather not think too much about.

"A'Sharad Hett." Anakin bowed respectfully. The fellow Tatooine native gave a smile and bowed in kind. Eyeing his off world friends as he did so.

"I had seen your arrival with your guests. Forgive me, but I do not know your names." A'Sharad tilted his head.

"Gimli, son of Glóin!" Gimli proudly announced.

"Aye, I'm Merry, sir. Meriadoc Brandybuck more formally, but Merry suits me just fine."

"Pippin! Guard of the Citadel of Minas Tirith." Pippin jovially declared after Merry. The latter shaking his head.

"Forgive him, he's too excitable most of the time. Peregrin Took, but Pippin will do."

"I think I can well answer for myself Merry!"

"No, Pip, I don't think so. Not all the time." Merry crossed his arms while Pippin waved him off. Anakin watched as Hett maintained a reserved smile. The Force betraying his own amusement. He couldn't blame him. The three he had chosen to chaperon were some of the most fun from the old Fellowship.

"It's an honor to meet you three. Hopefully the temple has proven a welcoming place?"

"Welcoming enough! The food has been quite delicious!" Pippin, of course it was Pippin.

"Ah, I see one of the cafeterias has been successfully raided." Hett beamed much to the shared chuckling of the hobbits and Gimli.

"Well, anything for the friends of Master Kenobi, and Knight Skywalker. Especially those who kept them company on their long absence." Anakin narrowed his eyes to that.

"I wasn't aware it was common knowledge where our visitors came from?"

"Ah," A'Sharad sighed waving a hand out in a circular motion. "We Jedi are not supposed to be the gossiping sort. Though, in my experience, in spite of that, gossip abounds. Especially within these high walls. My friend." A'Sharad chuckled a little. Anakin nodded. The entire time scrutinizing his fellow Jedi. For what? He wasn't sure. Old memories of confessing what he had done to the tuskens? Hett certainly didn't seem to hold a grudge. His overly amiable and welcoming manner? Most Jedi had that even if many faked it. So, he didn't think that was what irritated him...was he irritated?

Anakin's nostrils flared ever so slightly.

"Well...I guess news does travel fast. Even in the Jedi Temple." Anakin intoned.

"That it does. Forgive me for intruding on your tour, Skywalker." A'Sharad offered motioning to the turbolift nearby. "I saw you lot walking this way and thought I'd pass on my greetings and well wishes."

"My thanks, Hett." Anakin offered attempting to make a turn towards the lift.

"Oh!" Anakin inwardly sighed and stopped his turn. "I don't know if you've heard, Anakin, but I have been given the rank of Master." Well...there it was. Anakin fought tooth and nail to deny what was really irritating him, but there Hett had to say it out loud. Didn't he?

"Not that it matters of course." Hett added a bit sheepishly. At least outwardly seeming so. "I just wasn't sure if you knew, or had heard."

"I had. Obi-Wan told me." Anakin gave a thin, and hopefully not too blatantly insincere smile. Somewhere deep inside he knew A'Sharad did not deserve it. However, he couldn't fight the gnawing heart inside that felt...well...felt jealous.

"Ah, my apologies." A'Sharad bowed. Anakin receiving the faint impression his fellow Jedi felt a bit awkward now. "I must sound like I'm gloating. It is an honor. One I know you shall receive in no time at all! Especially with your deeds concerning the capture of Dooku...again, news travels."

"It certainly does." Anakin gave another fake smile before nudging his head towards the lift. "Forgive me, Master," Force that hurt to say towards one practically his own age. "But, we're headed to the Room of a Thousand Fountains to meetup with Master Kenobi."

"Oh, my apologies." Hett bowed his head. "It was good to speak with you, Anakin. I think I speak for everyone in the Order when I say you and Master Kenobi were missed."

"Thanks, Master." Anakin nodded before quickly turning and calling for the lift which came in a blessed short time. The other three had watched the exchange in a mix of outward showing of thoughts. Though none of them said anything as A'Sharad bade them farewell cordially as well. Anakin wasn't sure if his fellow Jedi knew that he had upset him by sheer presence alone or not.

Frankly he didn't care either. He needed to get to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. For more than one reason.

His damn right hand was clenching and unclenching again too.

---

The room was silent. Unassuming, he sat with the body he shared on the floor. Legs tucked underneath the body. Eyes closed for the moment as the Dark Lord further explored the depths of this Force. The strings were limitless, the binds countless, and the depth ever expansive. Air flowed in through the nose and was loosed out the same manner. The Force was snapping like tiny bolts of lightning through the air. Snapping and burning, but only in his mind as a concept of images. Not really, not outward for any to see. It was the presence of power, and it sung as much as it slithered around him. He was not merely meditating, as the Jedi and these Sith did so.

Sauron, opened the eyes of the witch, bearing about them the fire of his presence, and slit of his black all seeing eyes. Ahead of him, hung and spinning rhythmically and slow within the air lay the prime ring. It now glared with the shine of unblemished metal. The daylight glittered off it as a dazzling jewel. Its call was subtle. Surely less so than the One's had been. Though it was there, present, goading and seductive. Quiet for now. Beneath Sauron, for now.

The ring was still yet to be laid with its central jewel. Showing a blackened pit where it would be. It now held the look of iron, silver steel. Dark metal within the inner binds and light shimmering metal along the outside. The metal interwoven atop the band like snakes, but more akin to vines. More for show than the One had been, perhaps. Though few saw the One when its words were ever glowing.

Sauron loosed another breath and held one hand out. The ring fell into it softly. Released from the confines of the Force holding it aloft. The powers of these Force wielders were truly unique. He had been able to 'sense' the impurities and imperfections of the metal. Subtly using the Force to pull upon the metal where it may yet be malleable, and set it more firmly in place. He felt part of his work leaving a mark upon the ring. Much as he had poured his spirit into the One, the Force also left imprints on what it touched. Seemingly based upon they who left the imprint. Though, Sauron was assuming as much. More on that would need exploration, he was sure.

The Dark Lord held the ring between his right thumb and index finger. Eyes narrowing as the metal glinted with the unnatural fire of his gaze. His mind fluttering away. Head turning to look towards the workstation given him by Lord Sidious. There were sat three unfinished bands. Seemingly left abandoned, but certainly not forgotten. The siblings of this ring were not out of mind, but their uses were not yet known. Even from their creator. Though Sauron was sure uses, they would find. He dared not to create any more. In time, their presence collected together may draw unwanted eyes.

A sour look passing his mortal features as he recalled the coming of Mithrandir to this place. It was not the Jedi he worried would sense the rings. It was the wandering and careful eyes of those who had seemed to follow him from Middle-Earth. The Dark Lord had much yet to worry about. Much to divert the attention of his mind. Many plans, desires, wishes and goals that would need to come to pass. For a vision was taking shape.

Not a vision born of the stars. Of portending the future that may come to be, or the past that was, though trinkets of elvish power or mannish mysticism. Rather, his vision was, ever as it was, made from the desires that abound within his heart. The breadth of what he could accomplish was so expansive now. To do any less would be an insult. To do what had once been his goal upon Arda would be an insult. If he was to dream, and to see his future laid out by the designs of his own mind, then he would not hold back. This was his new conviction. This is what made him clench the new ring he held within his hand tightly. Eyes set and darkened. Caught within the mood and schemes born of his mind.

"HRAACK!" Sauron's gaze was torn from his fist enclosing the new ring. Dead ahead of him lay the opened doorway leading onto the veranda. The cool high winds of the world nipped at the flesh he wore, but the Dark Lord's heat more than made up for it.

Regardless, he looked up and beheld a familiar vision. One of the native beasts, the hawk-bat, sat perched upon the railing. One of its eyes baring the scar. Sauron knowing it to be the same as he had spoken to before. A crooked smile thinly graced the witches lips. Though Sauron did not move. Rather, he closed his eyes, and delved into the Force with a murmuring release of breath from up his throat.

Through the Force, as a scattering of feelings rather than images, the Dark Lord was able to project his power, his spirit, and carried it along the Force as a stray leaf upon a thunderous wave. Yet, he was its master. The eye of his beast, his pet and servant turned to him and as a gust of wind the Dark Lord seemed to enter through it. Before the mind of the animal was on display for him in all its memory and instinct. It understood little, though more since coming into his service. Words held little meaning, but for the intent the master behind it gave.

Sauron was bombarded in an instant with sights and sounds, mingled with memory of smell and touch. A mass of wings and the beating heart of a thousand-thousand hawk-bats squawking, and quivering under his distinct domination. The flight of the many uncounted, and those they looked upon. Many words spoken were of no use. One odd humanoid speaking to another. One killing another, some shooting one another. Spouses beating, hurting, and engaging one another in carnal bliss. The talk of the low and easily swayed and betrayed of conspiracy and the false notion of intellect they held for themselves. The espionage of gangster, murderer and every other kind of politician. These were interesting, but they were not yet of true use. Then he heard them…

Words of a young woman, so she seemed. Blue skin and fair as the average Man may think her. She spoke in the ways of money, but she made mention of Arda. Her intent became clearer as he listened. Sauron knew now whose eyes were turned to Arda, and upon Middle-Earth. He had sensed it before, but now as he knew, he felt a thin smirk ever so subtly shake his worn lips.

He quickly sneered a subtle dip in expression. For, he saw a company of his enemies enter the Jedi Temple, he knew what it was. Saw the writhing masses dance in fomented anger beyond its walls, and the entrance of elf, dwarf, wizard and halfling within. It made him sick. Even as the Lady Galadriel turned keen eye upon what beast had seen her. Perhaps she held idea she was being watched? Though the Dark Lord smiled. She knew not these beasts. She knew not this world. Neither did he. For that reason he held advantage.

There was a curious vision. Sauron recognized the two Jedi that had come to his world and had aided his enemies in his downfall. However, they were not alone stalked and observed by the hawk-bats. Others had seen and heard subtle and low conversations. Two were stood near a vast window, and their words were muffled. The Dark Lord could perceive through memory little, but something...perhaps it was the Force rather than his own intuition told him to keep watch. He saw no need to deny his instincts and those of the Force. He cataloged their faces to memory, and would be sure to watch over them again.

Then the Dark Lord heard the treason of three beings seemingly of the race of Men. Perhaps not treason in their minds. For, they sought to resist Palpatine, their unbeknownst Lord Sidious. Two faces held some familiarity within the memory of the witch. The third, Sauron knew better. She was fair and beautiful as the race of Men would concern themselves of course. She held herself as a regal Lady. She spoke softly, and held a fire in her presence and conviction to her temper. Most importantly, she was the chosen mate of that Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. Padmé Amidala. That name filled his memory with an assortment of images and thoughts from the witch. A myriad of anger, disdain, and wicked intent to hurt.

Sauron opened his eyes, and all fog laden thoughts and sensations left him. The room was once more alight in the day star and the hum of the beyond machines and rumbling of the spire he occupied. The Dark Lord, silently, willed his beast away. Back to his released charge. He knew Keto was free. Though she had no real freedom. The Dark Lord imposed his commandments within the beast through the Force. He had more orders for Serra Keto, and the uncounted flock of servants he now puppeteered.

The hawk-bat gave a coarse, but low warbling call. The wings extended and formed a shadow upon his face, before the creature fell freely from the perch of the veranda rail down. Before rising out of sight into view and flying into the unknown distances.

Sauron rose to a stand. Images within his mind. Hands suddenly itching to begin works anew. Hungry to see all ambition and terrible will imposed and plotted. He approached the table where the three previously unattended rings lay. He laid the fourth down next to them, and stared intently upon the three. A wicked memory flooding to his mind, and a huffing chuckle loosening from his nostrils.

"Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,

Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,

Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,

One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne

In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,

One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them,

In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."

The verse sung within his mind. Sauron, the Dark Lord smirked with broader strength in it.

"Three rings for the Elven-kings...three rings." Sauron intoned low, so low he did not think the words to reach his own ears were he not aware he spoke. Wordless he once more activated the furnace of his new age workshop. The fires began to smolder and he clasped the three rings.

"We have work to do." He snarled, and felt a ripple of excitement shoot through him. Body, mind and spirit.

---

L's Note: Yes, I KNOW! Very slow update. I am sorry, I really am. Life is hecking crazy all the time these days. Lord Kun has sent me several chapters, but I am a slow man to proofread and so forth. No, we're not looking for help, but if you wanna blame anyone blame me. I can take it. ;D

I've gone ahead and double read this chapter so, it is as done as can be unless I decide to read it over again at a later point. See any real bad grammar errors or issues? HMU, and I'll fix them. As always please leave a review!

To those who have also continued to insinuate that the story NEEDS to be written one way or another or the author does not 'understand' the source material or characters; go write your own story, K mate? Lol, I nor Lord Kun need to justify our knowledge of Star Wars or Tolkien lore. If you don't like how the story is progressing, how Lord Kun chooses to focus on the parts he WANTS to focus on, tough. Go pick up a computer, open Microsoft word, type up your own story and prove Lord Kun to be the worse off author.

That being said, try me. Again, I (L) am way tougher than Lord Kun and don't give a flying f*** what you think.

To everyone else, please enjoy and ignore that rant! :D

-L

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 6/8/2021