The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 72
A First Time for Everything
A pulse of energy raced through the Hierophant's royal room. His yellow eyes flicked open as he sensed the dark side of the force swirl in an intangible mass behind him. It quivered in fear. Trembled with terror and anxiety. He furrowed his brow, perplexed. Inside his mind, the manipulative voice hummed while the beast snarled in anger.
"He has been eliminated."
"Quite unfortunate. But a better question would be how? And why?"
The Hierophant's eyes widened as he recognized the signature that had been consumed by the dark side of the force.
Draco, his hunter. The greatest assassin he could possibly conjure. The mighty mandalorian had been defeated. Reduced to nothing more than a presence in the dark side of the force. Subservient to his will entirely. Clinging to existence only because he allowed him to.
He furrowed his brow as more confusion shot through him. Who defeated Draco? Why was he defeated? He did not send the Deadlord out on any specific mission. Right now, he kept Draco close by in case the rogue Deadlord, Equus, got any ambition ideas. Was there someone in the Plegian capitol that knew about his assassin? Someone who could defeat such a skilled shadow warrior. Perhaps a Grimleal mage.
The Hierophant shook his head as he felt Draco's presence shrink away from his own. No, that was not it. No one in this city defied his will. Not one Grimleal mage dared to cross him. His stranglehold on the cult was absolute. His grip on Validar and the crown, unshakable. There were no threats in Plegia.
Draco met his match outside of Plegia. His mind wandered to the Shepherds in Ylisse. Very few could possibly defeat his Deadlord. One of them was the young Princess from the future. She had never managed to successfully defeat on his Deadlords before. But there was a first time for everything. She certainly possessed the skills to do so. Power became an issue when it came to her.
The ruling royal, Chrom, could have been the one to deal a deathblow to his Deadlord. If that were the case, the Hierophant felt it might be a good time to worry. His plans hinged on him remaining hidden until certain pieces were in motion. One of which being the Conqueror making a move against Archanea. That had yet to happen. Excellus was having great difficulty turning the Conqueror's eyes from petty rebellions. Excellus would succeed though. If he did not succeed well...
The Hierophant licked his lips and the beast chuckled with anticipation. His shadow would feed on the the worm's flesh then.
"Perhaps we should just ask Draco how he met his end?" The rational voice suggested.
"He does not deserve to have his voice heard. He is a failure."
The Hierophant raised a hand. He felt Draco's presence recoil.
"Draco," The Hierophant breathed. Voice quiet as he stared outside at the rising sun, "Care to explain your demise?"
The dark presence swirled in the room. Careful and tense. Afraid of its master. The Hierophant frowned.
"Kenobi." Draco said as the darkness gathered into fine black ash.
The ash rose into a small column in the shape of the Mandalorian hunter. Eventually, the Deadlord returned to form. As soon as his form returned, the Hierophant spun around and unleashed a barrage of dark side energy at the Deadlord. The bounty hunter crumbled to his knees and gripped his head.
"YOU BROKE OUR CONTROL!" The beast roared from Hierophant's mouth.
Draco quivered before his master, "M-Master, forgive me. I heard about Kenobi. Felt memories. Felt the need for revenge."
"Revenge? What a stupid thought."
"Let me feast! Let me rip his soul asunder for his failure!"
"Have mercy, master." Draco trembled on his hands and knees, "I acted-"
"SILENCE!" The Hierophant roared. His voice morphing into a dragon's rumble.
The Hierophant stalked around the trembling Deadlord. A scowl spread over his lips as his servant shook with fear. He reached out and placed a hand on top of the Mandalorian's helmet.
"You are alive by my power." The Hierophant breathed, "You have consciousness because I will it to be so." A choked cry escaped the Mandalorian's helmet as the dark side of the force seeped into his mind, "I gave both you and Equus some independence. I thought that would make both of you stronger. That is a mistake I shall not make again."
He thought Equus was an isolated incident. A case of an unwilling soul not submitting to his will. The Hierophant had never had it happen to him before. But there was a first time for everything. Equus hosted a powerful soul. A former lord of the Sith. One that even the mighty Jedi feared.
It was good that he learned such independence was liable to cause problems. Those problems greatly concerned the Hierophant. The Shepherds would be made fully aware that another Deadlord prowled the world. The Naga-spawn learning about one Deadlord could be chalked up to coincidence by them. Two Deadlords would make those damn Naga-spawn worry. Perhaps they would even prepare for his eventual attack. He could not allow that to happen.
He needed to rein everything back into place. No more independent will for his Deadlords. Such foolish notions possessed too much risk at the moment. When he managed to put the Naga-spawn on the run, he might change his mind. But until that day came, everything had to be tightly controlled. There were enemies in this timeline capable of taking on his Deadlords. Capable of taking on himself in his current, weak form.
Morgana the Black was alive and causing trouble. Her power had begun to grow to the point where the Hierophant could sense it. A troubling sign. She could seriously damage his plans for regaining his true power. Then there was Tiki, Naga's own daughter. That manakete could wipe him off the face of the earth if she truly unleashed all of her power. It would cost her her own life in the process. But he was vulnerable in this avatar's body. Caution was paramount now. Secrecy important.
He would have to lay extremely low now. Draco would be corralled into the palace walls. As for Equus, the Hierophant would have to cut his losses for now. He could not risk going after the Deadlord directly for fear of alerting the Naga-spawn to his existence.
Draco's free will faded away as the dark side of the force ripped through his mind. His thoughts were the Hierophant's thoughts. His actions, the Hierophant's actions. His mind belonged to the Hierophant. His entire existence, dependent upon him. There would be no more rogue Deadlords. His control would be absolute.
The Hierophant let his hand slide from Draco's polished helmet. The Deadlord stood upright. Emotionless. Not a single tremor of fear.
"Draco. Go guard King Validar for now. Remain inside of the palace walls. You are not to show yourself to anyone except myself and the king."
The mindless Deadlord bowed, turned, and walked out of the room.
Warm rays of sunlight streamed in through the open balcony doors. The Hierophant took a deep breath and frowned.
No more rogue assets. No more mistakes. Any more mistakes would be dealt with most severely.
He furrowed his brow. Speaking of mistakes, he had yet to hear from Aversa. The sorceress had been gone for several weeks now. Pursuing the heretical Morgana. Aiming to kill off her and all of her followers. A suicide mission for sure. But the Hierophant at least expected there to be some flash of power. Some signal as to where Morgana was hiding. That was his true reason for sending Aversa on such a suicide mission. Her death would signal to him where the enemy hid. And then he would pay the heretics a personal visit.
But nothing. Not a single flash of power. Not one sensation of Aversa's life being snuffed from existence. Just silence.
The Hierophant ran a hand over his forehead. Frustration and paranoia mounted inside of him.
Too many variables.
Dooku frowned as he sat at his desk in the small study granted to him by Duchess Maribelle. In his right hand was a small report. A progress report regarding the construction of the new walls around the main city. Previous progress had been slow. Workers were in short supply. Most of the good manual labor had been contracted out to Ylisstol to assist in rebuilding the previously besieged capitol. They were only just now free to assist in rebuilding Themis.
During the time those crews were not available, less than capable hands were struggling to rebuild Themis. Dooku had visited the walls personally upon his arrival in the city. A meager section. Barely passable for a defensive position. If bandits decided to raid the city, they would succeed in causing plenty of mayhem. There was nothing to stop them except for the still inexperienced Themis cavalry under the command of Sir Stahl.
And the amount of coin being spent for such a paltry result appalled the Count. Dooku rubbed his eyes and groaned. Force, Duchess Maribelle may have some potential as a ruler but she was a poor evaluator of people. Her previous advisers did her no favors in the rebuilding process. Each one had their own vision for how the city should be rebuilt. All of them selfish of course. All of them aiming to line their pockets instead of truly rebuild the city to its previous splendor.
They had been cast off as soon as he arrived. Duchess Maribelle dismissed all of them. When they protested, Dooku made his voice heard. And in no uncertain terms, told all of them they were incompetent idiots with nothing more than greed and stupidity in their brains. If they did not heed the Duchess's word, they would have to deal with him personally.
One greedy nobleman tried to challenge him. Duchess Maribelle did not know about that. Dooku smirked. The city guards were still trying to find the body. As of right now, the poor noble had gone missing on a hunting trip. Since then, no one engaged in a war of personal slights and petty grievances with him. He did not have the time nor the energy. If this city were to be rebuilt to is previous splendor, then it would need a firm hand and an iron will guiding that hand.
He let out a sigh and glanced down at the report. Some of the more elite builders were finally on site. Good, that would mean more efficient construction methods would be used.
Dooku reached across his desk towards a cup of hot tea. He took a small sip and let out a satisfied sigh.
The rebuilding would still be too slow for his liking. But human beings could only be pushed so hard. Duchess Maribelle, despite her sometimes prickly exterior, was a good, gentle woman at heart. She did not desire to see pain and suffering in her city. As such, extremely good work conditions were in place for the construction crews. To her, it inspired loyalty and dedication to the city. Dooku could understand that rationale.
He still missed droid workers though. One droid could do twice the work of a normal man. A droid did not require any time to rest. Were droids as intelligent or creative? Obviously not. But they were fantastic for manual labor projects. The walls would already be a quarter of the way finished if he had just a single battalion of droids working.
Sadly, such technology was a luxury Dooku no longer possessed. This world was backwards when it came to technology. They did not even have combustion vehicles. All travel was relegated to foot, horse, or sailboat. Not even a single steam engine existed here. And those were considered extremely primitive by galactic standards. All of the machines working in construction zones were simple things. Scaffolding and pulley systems. Wheelbarrows and carts. All of which, while perfect for this world, were severely inefficient for his high standards.
There was nothing he could do about that however. As much as he disagreed with Kenobi keeping people like Robin and Marth in the dark about the greater galaxy, he could understand keeping the rest of this society ignorant. Introducing such a large leap in civilization would cause chaos on this world the likes of which were unimaginable. Such advances needed to either be introduced very slowly, or be developed naturally as to avoid tremendous chaos.
And he did not have any of his technology to introduce. No one on this world would understand any of it anyways. Dooku snorted and set the report down on his desk. He took another sip of tea and rose from his chair.
He turned around and looked out the expansive window of his office. Remarkably, a small portion of the city survived the Plegian onslaught. The General in charge of the destruction spared the palace. To the victor goes the spoils. And that General claimed the Palace as his home until the end of the war. Because of those actions, there was one less major project to deal with. Duchess Maribelle gave him a proper room and study to work from. Both had a view of the city. Allowing him to view the rebuild without even having to leave the palace. A kind gesture given he did have the appearance of an elderly man.
He flexed his gloved hand at his side. His other hand raised his cup to his lips. Out in the distance, he could see some construction crews breaking off for a meal break. The last one of the day before sundown. He nodded and exhaled.
Another day done. Another night to gather his thoughts and figure out tomorrow's events.
A knock rang out from his door. Dooku turned around.
"Come in." He called as he set his cup of tea down on his immaculately organized desk.
He smiled a little as Duchess Maribelle strode into his study. He gave the young woman a low bow. Something she always appreciated. Manners were rather important to the girl.
"Your grace." He said.
"Dooku, how was your day? I trust plenty was accomplished?" Maribelle asked as she crossed his study and looked out the large window behind his desk.
"Progress is still slow for my liking. But the walls are an enormous task." Dooku admitted, "They will not be done for several more months I would say."
Maribelle frowned, "And we still need to worry about rebuilding the main city. The market cannot remain a gathering of tents and carts forever. And then there needs to be proper homes built for the common folk so that there are laborers here. Stables need to be constructed. Farmers need a place to trade. Roads need to be repaved." She rubbed her forehead and uttered a long sigh, "So much to do."
Dooku nodded, "It will be accomplished in due time, your grace."
Maribelle gave him a weary nod, "I know. It is all so overwhelming."
She glanced down at the training yard in the palace courtyard. Down below, Sir Stahl and Virion were busy instructing the last few batches of soldiers for the rebuilt Themis military. Among the trainees was a young farm boy who, while appearing amateurish in Dooku's eyes, impressed the other warriors with his skills with a blade.
"At least the army is rebuilt." Maribelle breathed, "Stahl and Virion are miracle workers."
"It helps that the Feroxi ambassador was able to procure some military advisers to assist them." Dooku pointed out.
"Of course." Maribelle turned and started to slowly walk towards the door. Dooku followed her. He quietly shut the door behind him as she continued to talk, "Remind me to make sure I send a proper thank you to Khan Flavia and Khan Basilio. Such a gracious gesture must be repaid in kind."
"I heard Virion suggested that we send both a fruit basket." Dooku smirked.
Maribelle appeared appalled, "A fruit basket!? How abhorrent! They send us aid to rebuild our forces and we send them a fruit basket? No! We shall have a proper ceremony for them. A ball if you would."
"Of the same scale as Princess Lucina's?" Dooku asked with a mild sense of apprehension.
Maribelle waved a hand as they descended the stairs and walked into the palace's main hall.
"Do not be ridiculous, Dooku, nothing will ever overshadow that magnificent affair." Maribelle replied, "Chrom and Sumia need not come to this one. It will be a much more local affair. But I still want it to be elegant."
Dooku nodded, "Of course. When would you want this done? I will have to make arrangements regarding cooks and serving staff."
"Can it be accomplished by the end of the week?" Maribelle asked, "I have already asked Olivia to invite the Khans earlier this morning."
Dooku cringed. That was the one thing that upset him about Duchess Maribelle. She had a tendency to get ahead of herself. He took a deep breath and nodded.
"A difficult task. But I can get it done." Dooku said.
"Wonderful!" Maribelle said as both stepped out into the palace courtyard where the various soldiers were training.
Dooku frowned as he watched Donnel work. The boy had been improving. About time he did. Dooku felt like unleashing all of his fury when he first started instructing the boy. He ignored those dark impulses though and managed to tap into his old Jedi Master persona enough to avoid alarming anyone. And after a few weeks, Donnel finally started to grow as a swordsman. Not enough to please Dooku. But enough to finally hold his own against other, more capable warriors.
"He has come a long way." Maribelle noted as she watched Donnel spar with another trainee.
Stahl barked an order. The group stopped sparing and all turned to face him.
"He can go further." Dooku muttered.
Maribelle waved her hand, "You are much too harsh with him. You have to understand that you are the first true instruction he has really had with a blade. Before this he was a farm boy."
"In southeastern Ylisse, I am aware." Dooku nodded, "But that is no excuse."
"He is a gentle soul at heart." Maribelle noted.
Dooku snorted, "The nature of his soul does not matter. Only his willingness to learn and his ability to heed my instruction."
Maribelle shook her head, "You might be right. But you could also be wrong. Maybe he will rub off on that crotchety heart of yours."
Dooku arched an eyebrow. Crotchety? Him? He wanted to protest but held his tongue. Perhaps he had been a tad irritable as of late. Dealing with petty noblemen and incompetent construction crews did put him in a sour mood. That and the last minute ball he now had to set up for the Khans of Regna Ferox. That would be another miracle he would have to pull off.
Maribelle laughed quietly to the side, "I jest, Dooku. Do not take my words to heart. You have been a wonderful adviser and friend. I could not have asked for a better helper in rebuilding my city."
Dooku smiled a little bit, "It has been a pleasure so far, your grace."
Stahl dismissed the trainees. As the different soldiers dispersed, Donnel stayed for a moment and exchanged a few words with Stahl. Stahl gave the boy an encouraging pat on the shoulder before walking away with Virion. Donnel smiled and turned around. His smile ran away when he saw Dooku.
"It is time for his true instruction now." Dooku hummed as he folded his hands.
Donnel approached both Maribelle and Dooku.
"Helle, Dooku. Maribelle." Donnel grinned.
Dooku cleared his throat. Donnel paled.
"Oh crap!" He quickly bowed to Maribelle and Dooku, "A thousand apologies milady-"
Dooku cleared his throat again.
"Your grace, I mean!" Donnel quickly corrected, "I ain't used to having to greet people with fancy titles and such."
Maribelle smirked a little bit, "You are improving however, You have the perfect teacher for such things." She nodded towards Dooku, "A true gentleman indeed. I still wonder how you became friends with Ben."
Dooku smirked, "That is a long story, your grace."
"We have plenty of time. Surely Donnel's instruction can wait a few more moments."
"Honestly I'm kinda curious about it too, Dooku, sir." Donnel admitted with a sheepish smile.
Dooku eyed the boy. Donnel gulped beneath his gaze. With a small sigh, Dooku relented to the Duchess' request.
"Well, Kenobi and I were both members of the Jedi Order at one point."
"The Jedi? You mean those strange monks Ben says he was a member of?" Maribelle asked.
"You were one of them too?" Donnel's eyes practically bulged from his skull, "Do ya use fancy magic powers too?"
"Donnel!" Maribelle snapped.
"It is quite alright. Indeed, I do, Donnel. The Force is a necessity for a Jedi. Without the force, a Jedi is nothing. They have no power at that point."
The trio strolled over to a bench near the palace walls. Dooku sank down onto the bench. Maribelle daintily sat down beside him. Donnel asked for permission to sit beside her. Something the Duchess granted with a small smile.
"If I recall," Donnel began, "Ben still called himself a Jedi."
Dooku nodded, "I believe he does, yes."
"Do ya still consider yourself one too?" Donnel asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"A rather personal question, Donnel." Maribelle noted.
"Well he's my teacher, ain't he? I think I gotta know some of this stuff."
Maribelle shrugged. The farm boy might have a point there.
Dooku took a deep breath, "No. I do not consider myself a Jedi anymore. And it is not because the Order no longer exists. I left the Jedi long before the destruction of the Order."
"Why'd you leave?" Donnel asked.
Dooku pursed his lips, "I had both political and philosophical disagreements with the high council. And well, I would not change my opinion. And they would not budge on the matter. So I left." Dooku nodded, "As for how I met Kenobi. I did not meet him until he was well into Knighthood. He had taken on his own apprentice by the time I… befriended him."
"But you knew about him?" Maribelle asked.
Dooku nodded, "I did."
"How?" Both Donnel and Maribelle asked at the same time. Both captured by his story like a pair of eager school children.
"I was his master's master." Dooku smiled at both of them.
Donnel and Maribelle's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes. Qui Gon Jinn was my student." A sad smile crossed over Dooku's face, "He always spoke highly of his stubborn apprentice, Ben Kenobi. I came to view the boy almost as a grandson just by speaking about him with Qui Gon." Dooku let out a heavy sigh, "Part of the reason I left the order was because Qui Gon died. And the order would do nothing to address how and why he died."
Donnel gulped. He did not ask the question that sat at the tip of his tongue. To his surprise though, Maribelle asked the same question he had been thinking.
"How did he die?"
Dooku's eyes saddened. The old man seemingly aged another ten years as his mind wandered to a different time and place.
"The ancient enemies of the Jedi are a group of people known as the Sith." Dooku explained, "Of which there are two. No more and no less."
"Only two Sith against an entire group of super powered monks?" Donnel wondered, "They gotta be really powerful to take ya'll out."
Dooku nodded, "And one of them you are familiar with, Maribelle."
Maribelle paled, "Maul."
Donnel arched an eyebrow in confusion, "Who?"
"Yes, Maul. The same Sith that slew Qui Gon also killed Exalt Emmeryn." Dooku explained, causing Donnel's jaw to fall open, "But for years, the Jedi High Council believed the Sith to be extinct. They refused to think they had returned in any sort of capacity. Naturally, I disagreed. That disagreement led to my exit from the order."
The old man rubbed his thighs as he remained silent for a moment. He cleared his throat and nodded to both Donnel and Maribelle.
"Enough of that for today. Come Donnel we need to begin your lessons." He rose and gave Maribelle a small bow, "If there is anything else you need, your grace, do not hesitate to let me know."
Maribelle nodded, "Of course." She hopped to her feet and smiled at both Dooku and Donnel, "You two better not beat each other up too much. There is a ball at the end of the week after all."
She strode away. Donnel found himself staring after her. Her words suddenly registered in his mind.
"A ball?" He gulped, "Ya mean like that one for the Princess?"
Dooku nodded, "She insists it won't be as extravagant, but you and I both know she will make it quite the event."
Donnel glanced over at Dooku, "Do I gotta go?"
Dooku frowned at the farm boy, "Yes you do. You are technically a member of the Duchess's house since you are apprenticed to me directly. Hence the need for you to attend."
Donnel let out a heavy sigh, "I don't fit in at those fancy things."
Dooku chuckled, "Few people do. Most are very adept at making themselves fit in despite their natural inclinations."
"I mean," Donnel watched as Maribelle disappeared into the palace, "I don't mind going. The last one I was at I got to chat with Maribelle for a while. It was kinda fun actually. Once I got past her snootiness that is."
Dooku arched an eyebrow, "Your eyes aim rather far above your station."
Donnel's cheeks flushed, "Well I mean," He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Can't deny she's pretty. And very smart. And past the snootiness, really nice too."
Dooku rolled his eyes, "You sound like Virion."
"I don't sound like Ruffles!" Donnel cried, "He'd use all them flowery, big words to describe Maribelle. And I don't exactly know how to say half of 'em."
A low chuckle emanated from Dooku's lips. Surprising the farm boy.
"I admire your ambition." Dooku laughed a little bit, "But you must push that ambition towards your blade work first and foremost."
Donnel kicked at the dirt near his fist, "Yes sir."
Dooku rolled his shoulders, "Now then, as for the matter of the upcoming ball. Since you must attend, you need proper attire. That we can acquire in the morning. But for today, I think we need to give you a proper etiquette lesson."
Donnel arched an eyebrow, "What is an etiquette? Is it a fancy game ya'll fancy folk play during a ball? Does it involve a ball?"
Dooku sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Yes, you need an etiquette lesson. Come along, Donnel." He strode towards the palace. His office would serve as a good place for such lessons. He was sure he could find a book on the subject somewhere in there, "If you want to impress the Duchess then you need to put on quite the show at the ball."
Donnel blinked as he followed the Count. Was the old man actually going to help him? Donnel shook his head in disbelief. He did not expect that. Donnel expected to spend the next few hours before sundown toiling in the dirt and heat. Working his muscles to exhaustion with a practice blade. Instead, he was getting an etiquette lesson. A break! This had to be a gift from Naga herself.
He followed Dooku into his study. Dooku ordered him to take a seat. Donnel anxiously waited in his seat as Dooku looked through some of the books on his bookshelf. The old man nodded and plucked a book from the shelf. A rather thick looking tome with a purple cover and gold lettering on the cover.
"You will have this book read by the end of the week." Dooku instructed.
Donnel furrowed his brow as he looked down at the book.
Dooku uttered a long sigh, "Please tell me you know how to read."
"I know how to read." Donnel replied, "This book just got a weird title. The heck does it mean when it says: High Society and Propriety: A Guide to Basic Noble Eti-Eti-," Donnel jabbed his finger at the last word, "That word!"
Dooku sighed, "Etiquette. Which means proper manners and behavior in a formal setting."
Donnel blanched, "I'm gonna be learning that?"
Dooku nodded, "Yes. I've instilled blade discipline into you. Now it is time I instilled some social discipline."
Donnel gulped as Dooku began his lesson.
He wanted to go back out to the yard now.
Donnel grimaced as he struggled to carry several boxes in his arms. Each box was absolutely full with fancy clothes. Shirts and pants that Donnel never thought he would ever wear in his lifetime. A suit jacket so luxurious Donnel thought it might as well be made from clouds. He did not think it was possible for a piece of clothing to be that soft. Or so expensive. The money he had earned as a member of the Shepherds was gone as soon as he and Dooku exited the tailor.
The farm boy let out a weak sigh.
"So much money." Donnel whined.
"The finer things in life require it." Dooku pointed out as they pair strolled through the throngs of tents that currently made up the Themis Markets, "And you cannot show up to the ball in what you normally wear."
Donnel frowned at the regal old man, "What's wrong with what I normally wear?"
Dooku gave him a knowing smirk, "If you're aiming to impress the Duchess, a roughspun tunic is not the way to go about it."
Donnel's cheeks flushed a bright pink color. He cracked the lid of the top box open. Revealing a sharp, black suit jacket with a black bow tie. He gulped as he closed the box. He was not sure about all of this. Maribelle seemed to enjoy his company just fine without all the fancy clothes and stuff. Then again, Dooku knew all about this high society stuff. He even spoke like a fancy lord would. He would know what was appropriate and not appropriate for the swanky ball Maribelle wanted to throw.
The two men silently strolled back to the Palace. Once there, they entered the empty main hall. Maribelle had finished holding court for the day and was likely somewhere in the city gathering supplies for the ball. She would be followed by a pair of servants and some guards too. That would leave the palace mostly empty. There was not a lot of servants or guards inside of it. Most of them had been captured or killed during the sacking of the city. Maribelle required only the bare minimum for herself. She wanted all resources poured into rebuilding the city. Not focused on herself.
"Am I going to your room to try these things on again?" Donnel asked Dooku.
"Perhaps." Dooku replied as they strolled down a long corridor, "We do need to make sure the fit is right and-"
They both paused as they heard light feet tapping on the floor in a room to their right. Donnel gave Dooku a puzzled look. That room was a storage room. It held mostly unused furniture and knick-knacks that did not have a place in the palace at the moment. No one really went in there. So who would be moving around inside of the room?
Both Dooku and Donnel peered inside. They saw two people inside of the room. Both slowly dancing to an imaginary rhythm. One was the Feroxi ambassador Oliva. The other was-
Dooku rolled his eyes while Donnel let out a long sigh.
"Now then, Lady Oliva," Virion said with charming grin as he spun the red faced ambassador, "The next step is very simple. Are you ready?"
"Um… I think so?" Olivia's meek voice replied.
Virion smiled, "Do not appear so anxious, my lady. You are following the steps just fine." Viron turned with her until he faced the door. Which is when he noticed both Donnel and Dooku, "Oh my! We have an audience."
"We do!?" Olivia cried as she quickly backed away from Virion. Her face red with embarrassment.
Virion chuckled softly as Olivia's gaze nervously flicked back and forth between the archer and the two swordsmen.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything." Dooku said with a small smirk.
"I think we were." Donnel gulped.
"Not at all, my friends." Virion replied, "I was simply assisting Lady Olivia with a dance she has been trying to perfect. It requires a partner and well… I volunteered my services."
"You found her and decided to butt in." Dooku translated for Donnel.
"I did not just butt in." Virion scoffed, "I asked if she would like assistance."
"And-and I agreed." Olivia said quietly, "It is a much easier dance to learn with a partner."
"We will be performing the dance at the ball this week." Virion smiled dashingly while Olivia uttered some anxious, inaudible mutters, "So we must practice. And this room has both enough space and privacy to conduct such a thing."
"I used this as a place to practice my dancing without an audience because I don't really think I'm that good." Olivia gulped.
"Nonsense, you dance most beautifully and gracefully." Virion replied. He glanced over at Donnel, "Speaking of dancing, are you attending the ball Donnel?"
"He is." Dooku nodded, "We just finished finding him a proper outfit."
"Wonderful! I trust you know how to dance as well?"
Donnel gave Dooku a nervous glance, "Does uh… does square dancing count?"
Virion stared at Donnel with disbelief. Olivia uttered a quiet chuckle at Donnel's innocent question. Dooku pinched the bridge of his nose and uttered a long sigh.
"I have a few days to teach you how to dance now?" Dooku groaned, "First etiquette, now ballroom dancing. We will never manage to return to swordplay."
"Hey! This was your idea." Donnel retorted as he set the boxes down on a dusty table, "I was content with just practicing my swordplay. But you had to get me involved in this fancy ball stuff. And also, I've read that entire book already."
"Oh have you?" Dooku replied with a small grumble.
"Yup."
Dooku eyed the farm boy. It had only been a day and half since he gave the book on proper etiquette to the boy. How could he possibly have read it so fast. The only way he could have is if he was hardly paying attention to what he was reading.
A small test might be needed then.
"Page four." Dooku said, "Paragraph five."
"Talks about proper table setting and stuff. What each fork means at the dining table. What each plate is for. And what each cup is for." Donnel replied with a smirk.
Dooku blinked in surprise, "Page fifty two?"
"That be about addressing members of the higher society." Donnel replied as he reveled in Dooku's surprise, "Like how you gotta call the ruling Exalt or Queen, your majesty and stuff. Or how I gotta call Maribelle, your grace. And how addressing someone higher in station than you involves using stuff like milord and milady."
Dooku inclined his chin at the boy, "Most impressive. You have a rather quick and sharp mind, Donnel."
"Then he should be able to pick up some simple ballroom dances in no time!" Virion grinned, "Olivia shall we assist our fellow friend?"
Olivia nervously wrung her hands together. Dooku glanced over at the ambassador. For someone in such an important position, she seemed rather low on confidence. Perhaps the ruling Khans trusted her that much? If he were in their position, she would have never been named an adviser to an ally nation.
The pink haired woman gulped and tiptoed her way up to Donnel.
"Okay. I guess I can show you the basics. I'm not sure how good of a teacher I can be."
"Don't listen to her, Donnel. Lady Olivia is a wonderful teacher." Virion smiled as he leaned against an old, chipped table, "Just follow her lead. And try not to step on her toes."
Donnel gulped as Oliva took on of his hands and placed her other hand on his shoulder.
"Um… Miss Oliva, ma'am."
"Hm?" Olivia replied.
"I wasn't that good at square dancing either."
The night of the ball was a lovely one in Dooku's mind. If there was one thing he could grant this planet, it had a wonderfully diverse climate. All of which he had enjoyed so far. The humid, mist covered lands of Valm were pleasant in their own way. But there was something about Ylisse that reminded him of his homeworld, Serenno. Temperate and sprawling with forests. It felt comforting in a way.
And tonight was extremely comfortable. A perfect temperature. No clouds in the night sky to speak of. Dooku smiled a little as he folded his hands in front of him and waited for the many noblemen and women to arrive for the ball. Maribelle, Virion, and Olivia waited alongside him.
Carriages pulled up to the front of the palace one by one. Nobles stepped out of those carriages. Each one with their own guest. Most were spouses. Some concubines. A few even brought a close friend. Dooku knew them all. He made it a point to know where power lay in the city. That allowed him to know what palms to grease, who to threaten, and who to reward if needed. Rebuilding a city was messy business. Especially when so many different influences wished to exert their own form of control over the process.
Maribelle gave each noble a courteous greeting as they entered the palace. Dooku did the same. Virion was more elaborate with his greetings, of course. But he still remained very professional. Which surprised Dooku. Virion was more learned regarding noble ways than he thought.
There is more to this frilly archer than meets the eye. Dooku surmised.
Two horses whinnied loudly. Dooku arched an eyebrow. His eyes widened in surprise as two dark skinned people rode up towards the palace. A few soldiers wearing rust colored tunics and iron armor followed them.
The first rider was an enormous man. Dooku placed him as one of the largest humans he had ever laid eyes upon. A mountain of bronzed muscle. The top of his head was bald. A large eyepatch covered his left eye. His other eye held a warrior's focus to it. He wore no shirt. But instead had a fur lined metal collar around his neck. Leather pants covered his legs. And fur lined boots rested over his feet.
The second rider was a woman. She did not appear as serious as her companion. A large, fun loving smirk rested over her lips. Her blond hair was pulled up tight into a high ponytail. She was much younger than her male companion. But like her companion, she wore strange attire for the occasion. Preferring to wear plate armor rather than a dress.
"I beat you here!" The woman grinned ear to ear.
The man rolled his eye, "We arrived at the same time."
"Well I'm ruling Khan and I say I beat you here."
Dooku arched an eyebrow. So these two were the Khans of Regna Ferox? They were certainly not what he expected. Especially the woman.
Maribelle gave them both a broad smile, "Khan Flavia! Khan Basilio! Welcome to Themis. I trust your travels went well."
Flavia smirked, "Well enough. We ran into some bandits along the North Road. So it was not boring."
Basilio snorted, "Those bandits went running as soon as they figured out who we were." The large man gave Maribelle a low bow, "We appreciate the invitation Duchess Maribelle. But this is not necessary."
"Nonsense!" Maribelle cried, "This ball is for both of you. To show my appreciation for all you have done in rebuilding my city."
Flavia glanced over at Basilio, "I'd have settled for a fruit basket."
Virion started to chuckle silently. Maribelle's left eye twitched for a moment before she regathered her wits.
"Well, we have plenty of fruit to eat tonight." Maribelle said with a small sigh before smiling again, "I hope you both are hungry."
"Starving." Flavia grinned, "Food already ready to go. I like this place already."
The ruling Khan marched past Maribelle, Dooku, Virion, and Oliva. Khan Basilio let out a long sigh and turned to the four.
"Please forgive my younger companion, she is still learning how to be a ruling Khan." Basilio chuckled a little bit, "I've been slowly beating the warrior out of her with proper lessons." He held out a large hand to Virion. The archer shook it with a grin, "Good to see you again, Virion."
"You as well, Khan Basilio." Virion nodded.
Basilio turned to Olivia and spread his arms out wide to embrace the ambassador, "You look radiant as ever, Olivia."
Olivia offered him a shy smile as she embracced the Khan, "Thank you, Basilio. It has been too long."
"You have to come back and visit more often, you know. The old Arena is a dull place without you and Lon'qu around." Basilio chortled happily as he pulled away from her. His eye landed on Dooku, "I don't believe we have met."
Dooku gripped Basilio's outstretched hand, "Dooku. I am Maribelle's advisor."
"Ah, so you are the Dooku I have heard much about. Maribelle and Olivia both have mentioned you in letters. I must say, I'm impressed by what I hear. I appreciate men of action."
"I try to be that." Dooku nodded.
The brutish man surprised the Count. He had impeccable manners and social awareness. Perhaps he was once the ruling Khan? Dooku read up on Regna Ferox's strange political system. And for a collection of brutish warriors and tribes, it was surprisingly effective. People like the Feroxi understood strength above anything else. In a way, their way of selecting a ruler for combat was remarkably intelligent.
"Shall we?" Basilio gestured towards the door.
"We shall." Maribelle smiled as she took Basilio's hand and entered the palace with Dooku, Virion, and Olivia in tow.
The small band was already playing in their corner of the main hall. Violins, violas, cellos, and a harp plucked quiet, soothing notes for the guests. Flavia had already found her way over to her seat, which was beside Maribelle's. The ruling Khan had started digging into a plate of cheeses and meats right away.
Basilio and Maribelle both moved towards their seats. As Dooku and the others followed, Virion leaned close to old man.
"Where's Donnel?" The archer asked as he escorted Olivia towards their table.
"Still getting ready. He had a bit of trouble figuring out the bow tie." Dooku explained.
Virion uttered a lighthearted chuckle, "It is probably his first time wearing anything like that. Did you show him how to tie it?"
"Once. And that is all he should have needed."
"Oh you are much too hard on Donnel, Dooku." Maribelle said as they all sat down at their table, "You must remember where he comes from. He is a farm boy. I doubt he even knew what a tie was until you showed him one."
Dooku arched an eyebrow but said nothing in return. He had found the Duchess expressed strong opinions. Especially when it came to people. Though goodnatured at heart, her opinions were often either scathing or extremely favorable. There was no in between.
"Oh there he is!" Virion pointed towards the door.
Maribelle looked over to the door. Her mouth fell open a little bit as a dapper looking young man quietly entered the Palace's main hall. He walked straight and tall. His gait similar to Dooku's own regal walk. His normally unruly, lavender hair had been neatly combed and cut. The tie on his sharp suit was perfectly placed. Maribelle had to blink. There was no way this young man approaching her table was Donnel. This could not be the same boy that went into battle with a dented copper pot on his head.
The drawl in his voice was what convinced Maribelle that this man was indeed the farm boy.
"Your grace." He executed a perfect bow to Maribelle. Dooku nodded in approval. Donnel turned to Khans Flavia and Basilio, "Your majesties."
Flavia snorted hard and started snickering under her breath. Basilio uttered a goodnatured chuckle and leaned back in his seat.
"There is no need to be so formal, kid. You're one of the Shepherds, so you are equal to us in my eyes." Basilio patted the seat beside him, "Come and join us already."
Donnel flashed the large Khan a bright smile. One that Maribelle fixated on. Did he always have such an alluring, happy grin? Or had he developed that with his newfound elegance?
She leaned over towards Dooku, "What did you do?"
Dooku smirked over at the Duchess, "I educated him of course." He shifted in his seat as Donnel took a seat next to Khan Basilio, "Although I will admit this is going much smoother than I thought."
"So, how are ya'll tonight?" Donnel asked the group.
"Pretty good kid." Flavia smiled as she wiped her mouth with a napkin, "Damn I was hungry. The food is delicious, Maribelle. Well done!"
Maribelle beamed, "You are most kind, Khan Flavia. I'll be sure to pass on your praise to the kitchen later tonight."
"Please do. And give me the recipe for the sausage." Flavia grinned, "I gotta get some of that back home."
"I will." Maribelle nodded.
A chime sounded. One of the palace servants announced that the first ballroom dance shall begin. Virion rose from his seat and stretched out a hand to Olivia.
"Shall we dazzle the nobles, my lady?" He asked with a charming smile.
Olivia's eyes flicked back and forth as she nervously folded her hands in her lap, "I-" She gulped and tentatively took Virion's hand, "I guess so."
"Wonderful!" Virion smiled as he guided her over to the dance floor.
Basilio and Flavia remained in their seats along with Dooku, Maribelle, and Donnel. Donnel glanced over at the two Khans.
"Ya'll don't dance?"
"I fight, not dance kid." Basilio chuckled, "Olivia tried teaching me at one point. In the end, she conceded that I have two left feet."
"What about you, Khan Flavia?" Maribelle asked the ruling Khan.
"I've dabbled." Khan Flavia replied, "But I'm going to wait for the food to settle for a minute or two."
Dooku nodded in understanding. Maribelle turned to ask him why he did not join the dances. The old man raised his hand before she could speak.
"I do not have a partner. And I am much too old to be engaging in such an activity right now. I shall let you youngsters enjoy this night."
Maribelle waved her hand, "Nonsense! I am sure you are a most elegant dancer, Dooku."
"I was once. But the joints ache nowadays." Dooku lied. He glanced over at Donnel, "Perhaps Donnel would like to have a dance with you?"
The Count noticed a red tint wash over Donnel's cheeks. Then, to his surprise, Maribelle's own face became a touch pink. The Duchess glanced over at Donnel and gave him a small smile.
"Shall we, Master Donnel?"
Master Donnel? Dooku cocked an eyebrow, The feelings appear to be mutual then.
Donnel gulped and rose from his seat. He smoothed out some wrinkles in his suit jacket and walked over to Maribelle. With a nervous look in his eyes, he held out his arm for her.
"Shall we?" Donnel asked her, the twang in his voice making Maribelle smile a little bit.
"I think we shall."
Maribelle took his arm and allowed the farm boy to guide her out to the dancefloor. Once they arrived, Donnel separated from Maribelle and gave her a low bow. The Duchess smiled and curtsied.
The farm boy gently took one of Maribelle's hand. He then gingerly placed his other hand against Maribelle's waist. The Duchess's cheeks heated up a little bit.
He had such a soft, yet firm grip. It amazed her. She expected Donnel to be somewhat clumsy. His hands to be hard and calloused. But the opposite was the case. He held her hand like a baby bird. Gentle and comforting.
"Ma made a special lotion for my hands." Donnel explained, noticing Maribelle's surprise, "Kept the dead skin from piling up due to the farm work."
Maribelle uttered a small laugh as the boy tried to make awkward conversation. The first note from one of the cello's droned over the main hall. Maribelle placed her one hand on Donnel's shoulder.
She could not hide her surprise as much this time. Donnel was a wonderful dancer. Elegant and composed. His movements were not flashy like Virion or Olivia's. But the simple moves seemed to make Maribelle feel much more at ease as they slowly circled the dance floor. She smiled wide as Donnel slowly spun her around then retook her hand.
"You are quite good at this Donnel." Maribelle smiled.
Donnel blushed, "Well uh- Dooku and Olivia are good teachers."
Maribelle chuckled, "Clearly." They continued swaying to the soft music, "So, Donnel, you have not told me much about your home."
"Home?" Donnel blinked, "Oh right! Home."
Maribelle laughed as the boy fumbled with his thoughts. There was a certain charm to his uncertain awkwardness in this setting.
"Well um… ain't much to home really." Donnel said with a small shrug, "It's just a tiny village in the middle o'nowhere."
"Oh really?" Maribelle replied, "Regale me with life in this middle of nowhere village. What is it like?"
Donnel blinked in surprise, "It's uh- well it's mostly quiet. Get those odd days where a merchant came into town. Those were fun days too. Ma usually got something strange or another to add to the house. One time she bought a squirrel statue."
Maribelle chuckled, "A squirrel statue?"
"Y-yeah," Donnel smiled back, "Ya know, them critters that like nuts and climb up trees and stuff."
Maribelle threw her head back as she laughed, "I know what a squirrel is, Donnel. I'm just amazed that someone would buy a statue of one."
Donnel laughed, "Well, that's ma for ya. She liked her lawn ornaments and stuff. Even had a couple wooden gnomes out in front of the house." Donnel hummed for a moment, "Then there was lots of work. Usually got up before sunrise to start working the fields."
"That explains how you are so chipper in the morning." Maribelle said.
"Ya gotta be a morning person when ya work on a farm." Donnel smiled, "Ain't no work can get done at night in the dark."
Maribelle nodded in agreement, "Well, Donnel. I am most glad you decided to venture out from your cozy little home."
Donnel beamed at her. Maribelle felt her heart flutter in her chest a little bit, "I'm glad I could see the world too."
The first song ended. The nobles stopped dancing all around them. Donnel and Maribelle stayed together for a moment longer than the others. Even as the other nobles started clapping for the band around them, the pair remained focus on the other's smile.
Back at the table, Dooku watched with mild interest. He leaned back in his seat and took a sip from his wine glass. Savoring the sweet flavor as it washed over his palate.
Olivia did a marvelous job instructing Donnel in dance. And the boy took his lessons on etiquette seriously. Dooku felt a twinge of pride. The boy was proving to be a very capable and dedicated student, despite his slow grasp on certain concepts.
He noticed Maribelle's blush as the second song began. Instead of branching off to one of the other nobles, she continued dancing with Donnel. Occasionally, she threw her head back and would laugh loudly at some witty comment Donnel made. Dooku snorted to himself and finished off his first glass of wine.
A farmer successfully courting a noblewoman. A Duchess of an entire city no less.
There is a first time for everything. Dooku thought as he watched Donnel masterfully entertain Maribelle.
The old man nodded in approval as the second song finished and Donnel guided a beaming Maribelle back over to their table.
His work on boy's social training was complete.
And chapter! A bit of a filler chapter. We've got to set up some other pairings after all. As well as take a peak at what some of our other characters are up to. This was just plain old fun to write. Donnel and Maribelle's supports are some of my favorite in the game. And I enjoyed putting my own little spin on their relationship in this chapter.
And then there is the Hierophant and his growing paranoia. He nearly lost control of another Deadlord. Perhaps he is not all powerful like he thought he was. And he is probably starting to realize that. Which will make him much more careful. Somehow, that is an even scarier thought.
We will have maybe two or three more chapters before we kick off the Valm war. I enjoy writing these little interactions way too much. But we do have to get back to the main story here eventually.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!