Star Wars Episode I: The Familiar of Zero

by Snarky Miracles

On the verge of being expelled from school, Louise Valliere refuses to give up. Her final chance to prove herself worthy of her heritage is to summon a familiar. But she gets much more than she bargained for when the frightening Calista Zarkot crashes into her life. Instead of becoming the master, Louise has become the servant and learns what it means to be Sith...

25. The root of the problem

Chapter Twenty Three - The root of the problem

"Damn it Tabitha! We've been at this all night! I haven't slept! And I don't know how many different ways you want me to explain the same thing!" yelled Kirche.

Tabitha simply stared at Kirche with an unreadable expression.

"You already know what the problem is! So stop pestering me about it! I don't want to talk about it!"

Tabitha continued to stare. The petite blunette was leaning on her staff, unmoving except for the occasional blink and the rise and fall of her chest as she took breaths.

"No! I'm really not talking about this again I can't do it, you want to much!" yelled Kirche in her rapid fire fashion.

Tabitha's stare remained fixed on Kirche, eyes locked with her friend's.

"I'm tired of all the speeches you've been thinking at me all night if I could I would. I did my best and praise Brimir we didn't end up as big and small pile of ash it's not working I gave it my all!" she rambled on.

Tabitha opened her mouth and uttered her first words of the conversation to Kirche with her signature emotionless monotone, "You didn't."

"No! I'm not doing it again! Not going to happen! I'm going to go find the best bottle of wine and drink it all up and sleep!" yelled Kirche while walking away past Tabitha.

Tabitha moved her arm and caught Kirche's as she was passing her by.

"You don't trust me," Tabitha stated flatly.

"How could you even say that?! I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer!" she yelled at the top of her lungs before pulling herself free of Tabitha's weak grip and walking off at a furious pace.

---

Meanwhile, Calista was guiding Louise through their nightly meditation session.

"I can feel your frustration Louise. Push those thoughts aside," said Calista in a low voice.

"I'm trying. But they keep coming back."

"You must learn to discipline your mind."

Louise broke her meditation and started rubbing her head furiously. "Arrrrrrgh! How?! How are you so disciplined? How do you get your mind to do what you want it to do? How can you control your own thoughts? It doesn't make any sense to me!"

"Louise…" started Calista. "Look at me…"

Louise pushed her hair out of her face and slowly complied, meeting Calista's white eyes with her pinks.

"Not everything can be learned quickly. Some things require time, patience, and perseverance. To discipline your mind is a goal. Not an end. It is something I work towards on a daily basis. To strive for perfection in everything I do. From small things like making my bed in the morning, choosing tea, and even to something as simple as washing my hands. You must be mindful of yourself at all times. Do everything the best you can, and imagine ways to improve on them. That is our way of life."

"I don't understand. What does washing your hands have to do with meditation?"

"You fixate on the wrong things. You hear my words, but you do not listen to them. My point is that your mentality dictates your reality. If you believe you are incapable of something, then you will never achieve it. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Focus on the goal. Everything else is merely an obstacle to be overcome. Do you understand now?"

"You're talking about me wanting to fight now. Aren't you?"

"Like I said. Your mentality dictates your reality. If that's where my words have lead you then follow them to their source. What is really troubling your thoughts?"

Louise took a deep breath while gathering her thoughts before speaking in a flat, even tone. "My mother told me not to get involved in the war. Because me being involved would distract her, and she wouldn't' be able to do her job if she was worried about me. But Guiche said the reason I didn't rush off to join you on that mission was because I was making excuses for myself on why I shouldn't go. Later, I spoke to his father, and he told me I wasn't ready for battle. He said that I'd be a danger to myself and the people around me."

"And why did he say that?"

"He pressed me about my reasons for wanting to fight. He didn't like them."

"What are your reasons?"

"What are yours?" Louise quickly asked.

"Don't deflect. Answer the question."

"I gave him a few answers. But they weren't good enough for him. When he kept pushing, I…"

"You answered with passion?"

"Yes."

"And what did your passion tell you?"

"That I want to fight because… Because when I fought at Count Motts… When I fought at the Prison. It was horrible. I was so afraid. But… Looking back at it now. I also felt… More alive than I've ever felt in my life. I want to experience that. I want to matter. I want to live! You probably think that's stupid…"

"No. I do not. I can feel your desire. Giving in to your emotions, your anger, your hate, and especially your passion brings you to life. For the Echani, battle is the purest form of expression. Something you have been denied all your life."

"Self expression isn't something I get to indulge in very often…"

Derflinger suddenly popped out of his scabbard against Louise's bed side table and started speaking loudly. "Oi! Don't go filling Louise's head with that kind of garbage! You said yourself she ain't ready for this!"

"Be quiet! Nobody was speaking to you!" yelled Calista.

"No! I'm done bein' quiet! For once, you shut up and listen! Louise ain't like you! I don't know where she's getting her head full of this non-sense but I ain't gonna stand for it!" the sword yelled.

"What's with you Derf?" asked Louise with a concerned tone.

"Snow White is right about one thing. There ain't nothing wrong with ya wantin' to fight Louise. I been quiet all day, but I hear everythin' and she's right about one other thing. Ya listen, but ya don't hear. Everyone's been trying to tell ya that the reason ya fight is what's important. Think about why ya went off to fight every other time? To save your friend. To save your mom. But now you just wanna fight because, ya just wanna fight? I know somethin' about it! I'm a sword, fightin' is what I was made for. But you treat me like a person and not an inanimate object. Why can't ya do the same for yourself?"

"I have to admit. The sword has a point," said a sagely nodding Calista.

"Et tu Derflinger?"

"Oui! Et moi! Answer the bloody question!"

"Because I can! Because I have power and I should use it to make sure nobody else has to fight!"

"You can't use your power if your dead Louise… Basic telekinesis and Force assisted leaps and bounds aren't going to help you in a battle of the scale that's coming. Neither is the most elementary form of sword play. You must realize that you would be gambling with my life as well as your own if you were to rush into battle."

"Shut up Sithy! Stop making this about you! We all get it. If she goes, you go. If you go, she goes. Shut up about it and let Louise figure her stuff out without her mind getting more confused!"

Calista clenched her fist, but Louise spoke up before she could retort.

"If I had been stronger. If I had more power… The Queen… My Aunt wouldn't have had to die. Henrietta wouldn't have lost her mother. My mother wouldn't have lost her best friend! That happened because I was stupid! Because when I was being offered that power I wasted my time being selfish!"

"Louise… You probably don't want to hear this now. But you need to. If things hadn't have happened the way they did. There wouldn't have been anyone there to save your mother. Stop fixating on your failure. As I recall, you saved their lives during that fight a few times with Derflinger."

"Yeah Louise. That's right. Ya blocked a whole bunch of nasty spells that would have finished us all off for sure. Give yourself some credit," added Derflinger.

"It's not enough. All I remember was being afraid. Then falling off Sylphid. And you had to save me, and Derf. I was so useless. I remember the Queen pushing me down and telling me to stay down."

"I think I see the problem here Louise. Ya lost your confidence because ya might be taking her a little too literally."

"What do you mean Derf?" asked Louise whose eyes began to water.

"Listen to me Louise. She didn't push you down because she didn't want your help or thought you were useless. Ya got the wrong message. She shoved ya down so her and your mom could get to work killin' those bastards with a big huge fire. She just never got a chance to thank ya for savin' their skins."

"I want to help. I want to be useful. I want to use my power. But… I failed… And…"

Calista slowly nodded at Louise. "If you're afraid of failure Louise. Embrace that fear and learn from it. It will make you stronger. Continue to train diligently. In the meantime. I will fight for both of us. I'll also entrust your safety to that metallic gumby over there. I trust you'll keep her from doing something stupid. Or I'll melt you down with my bare hands..." she said while causing some electricity to arc between the fingers of her left hand.

"Oooh. I'm shaking in my scabbard. By the way, what's a gumby?"

"You are! Loafless nutter..." quipped an irritated Sith Lord. Calista sighed to herself, "Barber would be proud… I'm finally talking like him… Stupid git."

"Ya talkin' to me or to your boyfriend now?"

"Both of you!" she yelled in response while Louise burst into laughter.

---

The next morning, Calista was pleased to see Louise had actually seemed to take their conversation to heart. She was actually making her own bed. Not as neatly as Calista would have liked, but she had to start somewhere.

"So. Are you ready to train properly now?" asked the snowy haired Sith.

"Yes. Master," answered Louise with deference she seemed unaccustomed to.

"Then let us begin in earnest. Sword practice. Bring Derf."

"I never go anywhere without him if I can help it," answered Louise with a smile to the sword as she picked him up.

"Nice to be loved!" said the sword from inside his scabbard.

---

Calista and Louise had a space chosen just outside the town, a forest clearing not unlike the one they used back at the Academy. However, Louise sensed a sharp change in her Master's mood as they approached their destination. Calista's pace picked up to march the intensity of her growing anger. Louise almost struggled to keep in step with the furious Sith Lord.

Calista walked into the clearing and narrowed her eyes into an intense glare. Louise couldn't understand what she was seeing for a long time. Two white figures who were moving faster than her eyes could track. But she did understand all the tell tale signs of wind magic coming from one of them. All Louise needed to know was that the pair were engaged in a ferocious battle and she went for Derflinger. Calista however held out a hand to Louise to signal her not to take any action while her eyes were locked on the spectacle before them.

Unlike Louise, Calista's trained perception allowed her eyes to keep up with the action.

Julio was being kept at a distance somehow. There were three wind blades coming towards him, two in close sequence. He dove in between the first two and rolled forward under the third. When he sprung up to his feet the mage he was fighting was running back away from him with her wand held forward, her lips moved and suddenly the wind picked up around Julio pushing him back. He reached out with his left hand to form a Force shield but it wasn't blocking the spell. The wind behind his shield was being affected instead. She was suitably impressed as Julio began flying backwards.

The Jedi then altered his tactics. He dropped the ineffectual shield and instead commanded the Force to pull on his opponent's wand. Like she'd seen Colbert do after he learned to expect it of her, she managed to retain her grip on the magical implement, but her spell channeling was broken. The Jedi landed on his feet and surged towards her in a blur of motion that even Calista had a difficult time tracking. The next instant the two were immobile, short shorts locked with each other.

"Isn't that the Jedi? Who's that he's fighting? She's dressed just like him," wondered Louise.

Calista narrowed her eyes. "Indeed it is… And our day was off to such a good start too."

Meanwhile, Julio quickly pulled back with sword. A lesser combatant would have lost her footing but this Mage did not. Instead she launched at him with an elaborate attack sequence which Calista recognized as an adapted form of Ataru designed for use with that particular weapon. The footwork and acrobatics were unmistakable. Magic enhanced rather than Force imbued, it was still effective enough for this young woman to engage a Jedi Knight on even footing.

The Echani understood her body language clearly. Arrogance worked its way into her every movement. She was clearly pleased with herself for being able to fight this man on even ground.

The Jedi clearly sensed it as well because he was having none of it. He nimbly disengaged from their melee battle and with his left hand made a lifting gesture. Louise widened her eyes as several of the large rocks scattered about were lifted into the air and went hurtling towards the young woman.

Instinctively, Eponine lifted her wand into the air to channel her wind magic at all the rocks to hold them at bay with all her magical strength. Which was barely enough as the rocks continued to move forward despite her best efforts. Meanwhile Julio rushed in towards the young woman and snatched her wand and sword from her hands. Effectively ending the fight.

"Very good Padawan, your Master did not hold back on you."

"Thank you Master, I was sure I had you," said the young woman through heavy breaths.

"You were sure. That's why you lost. You got lost in the battle. You wanted to beat me instead of winning the fight. Pride of winning became more important than a win itself. That was your downfall."

"A battle is never over until there is a decisive victory. She wasn't just proud, she was arrogant. I saw it in her movements. I see it in her posture even now," said Calista while stepping forward.

"Ahh. Thank you for that assessment. Though did that come from the Sith or the Echani?" asked Julio before giving his attention back to his student, "Lady Eponine, allow me to introduce the Dark Lord of the Sith, Calista Zarkot. As well as her apprentice Louise Valliere, daughter of this army's commander, the Duchess of House Valliere."

"Both. And I'm not a 'Dark Lord' I am merely a Lord."

"You are the only Sith on this world my Lady. I would have assumed you'd have become 'Darth' Calista by now," remarked Julio.

"A 'Darth' is one who commands fleets of ships, legions of soldiers, and Sith. I am but one. And it is neither here nor there. However, by the look of you, I'd say you're aspiring to 'Grand Master' by training mages in the Jedi arts."

"He's already 'Grand Master' of our order!" retorted an irritated Epione.

"But of course he is. Why wouldn't he be? Here I thought lust for power was a Sith trait to be looked down upon," said an amused Calista.

"My lady, you know that power comes not from titles. All I brought was a tested organisational structure and a proven philosophy to an already established order. Ready to meet any threat which might come to this world."

"I suppose that includes me?" Calista wondered aloud.

"Why wouldn't it? Here I thought lust for power was a Sith trait!" quipped Eponine with smirk.

"That was highly immature, and quite shallow. You have no idea what a Sith is or what we desire."

Julio couldn't help but cough and cover his face, completely flabbergasted by her words. "Immature? I beg your pardon my lady. But I believe you should redub yourself as, hmmm, 'Darth Immaturia'. Yes indeed. That suits you. I deeply believe that you could command legions of like minded followers for you outrank us all in that field."

"Hey don't talk to her like that!" yelled Louise.

"No need to be upset Lady Valliere. From what I gather these two exchange worse banter between them. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Eponine. I met your sister yesterday. She seems quite… Driven. Oh, and I'm also a big fan of your Mother's, being a Wind Mage and all. Are you as well?"

"No. I'm not," said Louise while biting back her reaction to the comment about her sister.

"That's a shame. So what are you then? Earth? Fire? Water?" asked the young Romalian Knight in training while she approached the pink haired Sith Apprentice.

Louise narrowed her eyes at the young woman approaching her. "Unlike you. I'm actually like them."

"Like them? Pffft. That's impossible. Nobody could be like Master Chesare. You summoned this woman here. So I already know you're a Void Mage. Why the pretense?"

Louise grumbled to herself and looked at her master who lightly shrugged her shoulders while observing. Louise couldn't help but feel she was being tested. When the other young woman wasn't being restrained by her Master, Louise was sure they were both being tested.

"Summoning my Master was the first, and only time my magic was successful. Now I'm training to become Sith. Like her."

"From what I hear, the Sith are evil. Violent. Power hungry. Why would you want to be like them?"

"What makes you think I'm none of those things?" asked Louise with a small smirk.

"Because you're really bad at faking it. You could come and join us. You'd be more than welcome I'm sure. Right Master?" she asked while turning to look back at Julio, but got no response from him. She quickly turned her attention back to the pinkette. "I'd welcome you anyway. I'm going to take my trials soon. When I'm a full Knight I could take on my own Padawan. I'd be happy to take you on."

"No thank you," said Louise while taking a step back as her personal space was invaded. "Don't get so close!" she quickly added.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid of me?" asked Eponine with a smile.

"If I was that would be very bad for you. The more afraid I am the more powerful I become."

"I wouldn't mind putting that to test. Would you care to spar with me?"

Calista meanwhile looked to Julio who in turn looked back to Calista. Nothing was said between them and shook her head in disbelief. "If you try to lay a hand on my Apprentice, Padawan… You'll be sparring with me instead."

"And you, Lord Zarkot. Would end up sparring against me," Julio finally spoke.

"And now we gots ourselves a good old fashioned stand off! This should be good!" said Derflinger after popping out of his scabbard to the surprise of the Jedi and Padawan.

"Your sword just… Talked!" said Eponine incredulously.

"He does that. This is my partner Derflinger."

"Hey there. Nice to meet ya. Wow! You're really pretty!" said the sword which got a blush from the Romalian girl.

"HEY! Do you say that to every girl you meet?!" yelled Louise over her shoulder to Derflinger.

"Awww don't get jealous! I didn't say it to Calista! Or Kirche! I only say it when it's true!"

"Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Derflinger," said Eponine with a smile.

"So… Either we can all fight. Or you white knights can leave so my Apprentice and I can begin our training. It's your choice… Grand Master," Calista emphasised his title with a snarky tone.

"I'd be more than happy to 'train' with you Lord Zarkot. However, I very much doubt that you have had enough time to adapt to using physical swords. Lightsabers around our students might be considered irresponsible. The prosthetics available on this world are significantly less advanced than in your time."

Calista narrowed her eyes while Julio started walking away, his Padawan falling into step with him, but not before turning around to wave at Louise.

"I don't like them at all…" said Louise in a low tone of voice.

"Then make that another reason for why you should train harder. That way you won't have to back down from a daft schutta like that when she gets in your face," answered Calista.

"What's a daft sch- Nevermind. Don't tell me. I don't think I want to know."

"Probably not. No."

Meanwhile, Eponine smiled blissfully. "You know… I think I actually like that Louise girl. But why did you just let me talk with her like that?"

"Why wouldn't I? You are perfectly capable of thinking and speaking. Sometimes even in the correct order," said a smiling Julio.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"You tell me. You were the one trying to take a Sith Apprentice as your Padawan."

"I… Didn't think Master, I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. You had good intentions. But remember that good intentions don't always translate into good decisions. Unfortunately, the only way to learn how to make good decisions is to learn to recognize the bad ones you've made."

"I don't think I made a bad decision there. Well… Actually..."

"Yes?"

"I suppose I might have been a little overbearing and came off as intimidating?"

"Correct."

---

Royal Tent

Karin was busy going through the reports coming in from the groups she sent out to liberate and secure the various towns in their path to the Capital. She nodded slowly as they kept coming in and seemed generally pleased with the progress made. Though some reports did visibly sour her mood she was quick to blank her expression each time.

"Very well. Our path was cleared better than I expected with only minor inconveniences."

One of the officers quickly interjected himself, "My lady. I hardly call the murder of entire Noble families an 'inconvenience'."

"I'm sorry. We're we here to discuss war plans, or shall we just forget about that and commiserate together? I won't repeat myself again! Unless I ask for an opinion, don't give me one!"

Karin took a moment to recompose herself after her outburst.

"Now then. Back to what we actually have the power to affect. Our path to the capital is clear. Prepare your troops. We march at sunrise. But first. Someone bring me that Romalian Knight. I believe we were promised reinforcements and I hope he intends to deliver."

After a quick salute the officers filed out to carry out their duties with no questions asked.

"Your Majesty, Lady Valliere, and General Gramont. I'm am honored that you found time for this meeting. I can assure you that Romalia is gravely concerned about the instability not only in Tristain, but in the entire northern region."

"Your concern is noted Sir Julio. However, this isn't the time for diplomatic grandstanding. We're ready to advance and retake our capital. Her Majesty told me you could offer your nations assistance in this endeavor. If that's still true, the time is now. I need to know what resources I have to work with as I plan the best way to fight this battle."

"Very well my lady. Let us be blunt. Romalia can intervene with military force. However you should consider the probability that it could force Germania and Gallia into an alliance as they could see a potential major shift in the balance of power. Pardon me for saying, but as you know, those countries are waiting for an opportunity to strike at you."

"In the diplomat's tongue, I believe 'can' means 'probably won't' is that correct?" said Karin in a cold tone.

"I am not saying we will or will not. I am asking you if you deem the risks to be worth it in the long run? Another member of my Order arrived here with news from our homeland. Germania has threatened to expand its borders if Romalia extends its influence into the north once again. Romalia will of course apply all diplomatic pressure it can to contain any potential fall out. However, our involvement should be limited to relief work."

"What kind of relief work?" asked the General.

"We would be willing to supplement your forces with some of ours. As long as our forces never outnumber your own in any given location. While we're being blunt, Romalia and Tristain have a mixed history, and we would not want to be seen as invaders."

"Naturally. Am I to presume these forces won't be made available until after our battle for Lutece?" asked Karin with slight indignation.

"My lady. The Romalian army does not ride on Wind Dragons," answered Julio.

"So you have nothing to offer us now then?" asked Henerietta.

"You have me. I will support your cause. I will also personally see to it that the relief I promised for your people will be delivered. You will also have the recognition of the Pope himself. But for now, all I have to bring to the table is myself, and I will do everything in my power to see peace restored to this land."

"So, all we have for the battle is you? With all due respect Sir Julio. I know you're an accomplished Knight, but you're one man," stated Karin in an inscrutable tone.

"With all due respect my lady. Sometimes one man is all it takes," answered Julio in his most polite tone.

"Very well then, we'll see how much of a difference you can really make," said a smirking Karin. "In the meantime. Draft the treaty for the Queen to review and sign."

"Yes my lady. I would be honored. Once we have a signed treaty, I'll send it back to Romalia with my student and she'll get it signed by His Holiness," answered Julio with a deep bow.

"Sir Julio isn't the only one we have. There's also Lord Zarkot. I understand the two of you secured that airship. Do you believe the two of you could accomplish more together?" asked Henrietta.

"In a perfect world your highness. Yes. However, such a world does not exist. Lord Zarkot and I are very different in our philosophies, and our methods. Were I you, your majesty, I would not deploy her into this battle. The consequences might be more than you could bear."

"I don't believe that for a moment Lord Zarkot is not-"

Henrietta was cut off by Karin. "Explain yourself Sir Julio. What do you mean? Be specific."

General Gramont sighed and muttered to himself, "Here we go again…"

"It is difficult to explain without giving you some context. You see. I am a Jedi Knight. A member of a monastic order dedicated to serving and protecting the Galactic Republic. A unified body of innumerable planets. It's a scale I can't help you comprehend in the short amount of time we have. So do bear with me,

For over a thousand generations, we Jedi have served as the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. But in the beginning, before the Republic. There was a rift in our order. It was so long ago that we know so little about it now. But from that rift came the Sith. People like Lord Zarkot. I doubt I could ever fully tell you about the differences between our orders, we are more opposite from each other than night and day. One is completely anathema to the other. A Jedi seeks to serve. But a Sith seeks to rule. Co-existence between us was impossible. The Sith imperative is the destruction of the Jedi, and the Republic we serve. To replace them with a tyrannical Empire in which all are subservient to the Sith."

"So why is this one little girl such a threat to us?" asked Karin while holding up a hand to the General to keep him from rambling on.

"The power we wield, 'The Force' has no bounds, no limits. Even if it's not as quick to affect reality as magic, it affects the world in more profound ways. From my experience with Lord Zarkot, she is a being with a great capacity both for 'good' and 'evil'. The teachings of the Sith were imprinted on her during her entire upbringing. Therein lies the greatest danger to herself and to anything and anyone she touches,

I could sit here and tell you more. I could tell you everything I know. But some truths, we must discover for ourselves. I'd only ask that you spend some time with Lord Zarkot, and try to understand her. Simply keep in mind that the Sith are masters of manipulation and be on your guard. Find out about the Sith, and what she is teaching your daughter to become. See if you're comfortable with it."

"Tell me this then. Why should I take your word over her's?" asked Karin.

"I can't answer that question. You must ask your own questions, and draw your own conclusions."

"Sir Julio. The last time we had this conversation you nearly split our army. What are you trying to achieve?" asked General Gramont while ignoring Karin's stern glare at him.

"Peace and stability for this world. And to save you from an evil that you are not yet ready to face," answered Julio.

"I assure you that this world never created an evil I wasn't ready to face. I'm also not sure I care for you trying to turn me against my own daughter's familiar Sir Julio. However. That being said, I can't ignore any possible threats. But that also includes you if I find that you're the one manipulating us..." replied Karin in a stern tone.

"I'm sure that it is correct, but 'this world' has a crucial meaning. Both Lord Zarkot and I are not of this world. I'm not trying to turn anyone against anyone. Lord Zarkot is for now the only victim of Sith teachings. What I'm trying to do is prevent the spread of that infection."

"She's not a disease Sir Julio. Please choose your words more carefully," said Henrietta with a polite amount of force behind her words.

"I apologize your majesty, but she is. From a certain point of view. It's the ideas which she espouses that are the real danger. I know you consider her a friend and I do admire your effort," replied Julio with a bow of his head to the young Queen.

"She isn't the one who keeps bringing up your conflict with each other. She gave me her word she would not strike at you, and she kept it. You're the one constantly planting the seeds of doubt Sir Julio," replied Henrietta.

"There is nothing wrong with doubt your majesty. Once we believe that we know something with certainty… That is when we find ourselves upon the path of misconceptions."

Henrietta smiled at the Jedi Knight, "You know Sir Julio… You and Lord Zarkot might not be as 'anathema' as you choose to believe."

---

Louise wandered about the camp looking for Calista. After asking around the rumor was that her Master was sitting by the dragons. Which was where Louise now found herself but there was no sign of Calista. Instead, she found that Romalian Padawan girl petting a big purple wind dragon.

"Hey there Spoon. How are you doing? Are these other two playing nice with you?" asked Eponine to her purple Wind Dragon while tenderly stroking the side of it's snout.

Louise raised an eyebrow for a moment at what she heard and then was overcome by the compulsion to demand an explanation. "Spoon? Your dragon's name is Spoon?!" asked Louise with an incredulous tone.

Eponine started smothering her dragon with affection. Hugging and kissing it relentlessly. "Yes it is, my precious Spoon. Who's a good dwagon? Huh? Who's a good dwagon?"

"And I thought I had issues…" Louise muttered.

"Oh come on. If you had summoned an adorable familiar like mine you'd be exactly the same!"

"Familiars are suppose to be divine, beautiful, wise, and powerful servants... I would never name one... 'Spoon'."

"You hear that Spoon? You are divine, beautiful, wise, and powerful! Yes you are! Yeeeessss you are!"

"What is wrong with you?" asked Louise while looking Eponine over curiously.

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine here now. Thank you... How are you?" asked Eponine while turning to give Louise her full attention.

"You are a Wind Mage. You have a beautiful and stunningly graceful wind dragon for a familiar! You're a member of a world famous and highly esteemed Knightly Order. You… Literally... Have everything I've ever dreamed of having in my life! And you're standing here smothering your familiar named 'Spoon' and sounding like a little kid talking to a puppy! And doing it infront of everyone!"

"Yes. So?"

"So? So aren't you just the slightest bit embarrassed?"

"I don't know? Should I be?"

"YES!" yelled Louise.

"Why?" asked Eponine.

"Why?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Because you're embarrassing yourself! Earlier I watched you fight Sir Julio and you were really impressive! Especially to my Master, who is not at all easily impressed. And now you're doing this?!"

Eponine showed Louise her tongue in response.

"Could you be any less grown up?"

"Could you be any less fun?"

"I have fun all the time! But not when I have responsibilities!"

"You've got destiny and responsibility written all over over your face. You need to loosen up or you're gonna go gray before you hit twenty."

"What are you on about?"

"Look… Louise right? May I call you Louise?"

Louise shrugged.

"Right, Louise. I know exactly nothing about your master, but she seems a lot like mine, and no I don't mean that hunk Sir Julio…"

Louise rolled her eyes.

"He's always on about me having to be serious, take things seriously, train hard, and study hard. But life has to be about more than that. I mean, if you hear some of the things our Council argue about… Uuugh, so boring! Young men who threw out their zest for life to follow this dream they have. My point is. A life without fun. A life without being true to who you are? Who'd wanna live that life? Yes, my Familiar's name is Spoon, and yes I love to spoil her! Yes I like to read trashy novels. Yes I like to dress up in cute clothes and sneak out to have a good time on the town. That's who I am."

"Your master obviously isn't very good at the whole 'keeper of the peace' thing if he's letting you out of his sight to run amok… I'm not sure I want to imagine what you get up to in your free time..."

"Oh trust me, If you're ever in Romalia, I'll show you the best time!"

"Alright. Why are you being so nice to me? Earlier we were a pin drop away from a duel to the death!"

Eponine interlaced her fingers together and stretched her arms up in the air and off to the side while she seemed to be contemplating the question. When she stopped she wore what Louise could only describe as a scary smile. "Weeeell... I decided I like you. So you're going to be my friend."

Louise deadpanned her response, "I have one hot headed friend already I don't need another..."

"Of course you do! Everyone's entitled to a friend like me!"

"You are insane! Do you know that?"

"Of course I am! There's no such thing as sanity, only varying levels of madness. Trust me on that," said Eponine while illustrating with her hand and fingers.

Derflinger popped out of his scabbard in hurry, "Louise! I like this girl! Keep her! KEEP HER!"

Louise sighed to herself, "Well… Why not? As long as she doesn't get all Jedi in my Sith face, I guess we could be friends."

"Trust me. There's a lot I'd want to do to your face, Jedi being the least of them…" said Eponine with a wide grin which made Louise start counting the seconds before regret started to sink in…

"What? I do face paintings at carnivals. I'm really good!"

---

TRS Dignity

As the sun set on the horizon, Calista found herself in the crow's nest of the airship where she was watching the sun vanish below the tree line. She briefly entertained the idea of calling X2 over to take a holo of the scene but decided against it. The little droid was needed where he was.

Her gaze drifted to the military camp. Everything which was not needed for the night's rest was being packed away. Wagons were loaded, tents were rolled. Meanwhile in the distance the last of the army was returning from their missions. Calista briefly wondered if Matilda had decided to go AWOL on her, but that thought passed as quickly as it came. There was no way Matilda would miss out on what was to come. The thought brought a smile to Calista's face. The first real fight she had on this world, was against Matilda. Now she'd have the chance to fight by her side in a major battle. The Sith Lord shivered with anticipation as she imagined what that might be like.

Calista stood up and stretched. The sun was gone and she decided an early night's rest would be wise. The march would begin at sunrise after all. When Calista climbed back down she was greeted by someone she least expected.

"Greetings," said Calista with a polite inclination of her head.

"Good evening," answered Karin with a flat, but not impolite tone.

"Is there something I can help you with? If you need a report on the status of the ship, you'll have to find the acting captain. I was just here to enjoy the view from up there," she said while nodding her head up to the crow's nest.

"Tristain is beautiful isn't it?" asked Karin while walking over to the port side of the ship where she looked at the still slightly orange sky.

"Compared to most places I've been, I would agree with that statement. Yes."

"What's your stake in all this?" asked Karin with forceful curiosity.

"This again. Everyone I meet here seems to want to ask me that question," answered Calista in a tone to match Karin's.

"Is it just your desire to serve my daughter as her familiar? Or is there more to it?"

"The only being I serve is the Sith Emperor. Anything else I do at my leisure. I hope that's clear enough?"

"I see my daughter hasn't taken the time to explain your situation to you. So allow me. You are a familiar. Branded and bound to her. Your purpose is to serve her. To protect her. Nothing more."

"I don't know what you think you know, and I don't honestly give a damn. I am a Sith Lord, and an Echani. I can not, and will not be bound, restrained, or restricted against my will."

"Has my daughter ever given you a command that you haven't been able to resist?" asked Karin while giving the petite girl a stern glare.

"No," answered Calista a little too quickly for Karin.

"I see," she answered with a small smirk.

Calista blanked her expression and looked up to lock eyes with the taller woman, "I doubt that very much."

"Sir Julio seems convinced that you're the single greatest threat this world has ever faced. Looking at you in that context though. I find the idea laughable," said Karin while smiling down at the petite Echani.

"That makes two of us. His only understanding of the Sith comes from ancient stories and legends. I'm the only Sith he's ever met."

"Then why don't you enlighten me? What is a Sith? What are you teaching my daughter to become?"

"Freedom. In the simplest terms. A Sith is a being who strives for absolute freedom."

"What kind of freedom?" asked a skeptical Karin.

"Freedom from all restrictions. Those placed upon us by others, but more importantly, those we place upon ourselves."

"So now that you are a Familiar, that goal is even more untenable for you. You will never be free of the bond until death. So how can you teach what you could never achieve? The runes you were branded with after your summoning is the power of Brimir himself. The familiar bond is as old as time. Know your place, and accept your new role!"

"Did you come here to learn from me, or to provoke me?"

"Are you really that easy to provoke? So you're undisciplined. That's good to know. I can fix that."

"Believe what you must. You came here with a preconception you have no interest in changing."

"I came here to size you up. And that's not a quip at your stature."

"Were it not for the training I gave your daughter, you'd still be in that prison. So what do you want from me?"

Karin mustered her most serious look as she stared into the Sith's eyes. "That's exactly what I want. I want to know what kind of a person is mentoring my daughter."

"If you were Echani, we could fight hand to hand and you would come to know everything you need to know about me. Since you are not, you will have to ask the right questions to get the answers you seek."

"Why do these Jedi hate your kind so much?"

"Why do any two groups of people hate each other? Because our differences are irreconcilable. For the Jedi they believe one should be subservient to the will of the Force. Suppressing their emotions, and denying themselves their personal freedoms. The Sith are the opposite. We strive to bend the Force to our will, and to embrace our passions in order to live free."

"What is the Force? I keep hearing about this. From my daughter, and from Sir Julio. Nobody's yet offered me a clear explanation of what it is."

"One may as well try describing a symphony to the deaf."

"Tread lightly if you are implying that I'm too stupid to understand." said Karin with a scowl.

Calista sighed to herself, "Like mother like daughter. No. That was not my implication. I meant it quite literally. You are asking about something you have no basis to comprehend. The deaf can not comprehend music anymore than the blind could appreciate the beauty of this land in the way you do. Similarly, you can not feel the Force, and thus could never understand it."

"Try... Before you try my patience."

Calista scoffed lightly, "Is your patience truly so thin?"

"Don't mock me girl. I will not warn you again. The only reason I'm not mopping the deck with your face is because I need you intact enough to protect my daughter. That's your function as her familiar."

"I see the Jedi hasn't completely corrupted you against me."

"I make my own judgements, and I have my eye on you. Do not disappoint me."

"Of all the people whose opinions matter to me, you rank just above that Jedi at the bottom of the list."

Karin smirked before bursting into laughter. "There aren't many people who would dare speak to me this way..."

"If you're looking for another sycophant, you've come to the wrong place."

Karin's face turned red and she immediately brought her fist towards Calista's face with a backhanded strike which Calista bent over in a backwards cartwheel to evade and position herself for a fight.

Karin rushed forward sent a straight punch to Calista's face. The petite Echani moved her head out of the fist's path and went in to punch Karin twice, once in the stomach, and once in the center of her rib cage. The taller woman was instantly winded and overcome by crippling pain shooting through every nerve in her torso.

Karin stumbled backwards and caught her breath. Calista was unmoving in her posture, like a statue. Her eyes were closed, her feet spaced evenly, and her fighting stance open. Karin had never in her life seen moves like what this little girl had just done to her. She was fast, and her strikes so precise and effective. She examined her surroundings. Her magic used here would be devastating to the Airship, and she still needed it. Hand to hand against this little girl wasn't an option. She went to option three instead and drew her sword wand.

Instinctively, Calista opened her hands and directed her fingers towards Karin but then paused and quickly changed her mind. Instead she went for her lightsaber and ignited the staff with an elaborate offensive flourish which forced Karin to back up a few steps to reassess her opponent. Those blades were a new surprise she needed to figure out. Calista then impaled her staff into the deck of the ship and cut a between her and Karin to illustrate to the woman what would happen to her if she came into contact with the glowing red beams.

Meanwhile below deck a sailor in his hammock had the red beam in question come dangerously close to his face and left him in abject terror as it moved to the hook holding his hammock to the ceiling. He watched as it was severed and down he fell screaming into his shipmate below him.

Karin just smiled looking at that demonstration and nodded her understanding to Calista before saluting her with her sword wand while empowering it with her magic. Then she charged at the Sith Lord.

Calista observed that Karin's movesets were tight and efficient. Her art was different from Matilda's even if their weapons were vaguely similar. The major difference was the Karin's sword wand didn't bend or flex with every parry meaning she could fully lock with her staff and push back. At which point Calista would quickly counter with the other side of her staff, and thus Karin was placed firmly on the defensive by this relentless and unstoppable force.

Karin noted that Calista was fighting using her momentum and had to reposition her body and weapon for each strike to avoid bisecting herself with the red beams. She tried to use that to her advantage but the small girl was too fast for that. Karin had to track not only the blade she was being attacked with, but anticipate the strike of the next blade which should have been simple but at these speeds and the randomized staccato attack pattern the small white haired girl employed against her… It took every ounce of luck Karin had saved up in her lifetime to avoid the killing blows.

"She's a like a… Tiny… Raging… Psychopath… With a lot of self discipline. Have I underestimated her? Or am I finally just getting too old for this shit?" Karin wondered to herself as she brought the fight closer to the edge of the deck.

"She's afraid. She knows she underestimated me. She hasn't fought anyone like this who was better than her before. How will she try to equalize now?" Calista simultaneously thought to herself.

She continued to strike at Karin in randomized bursts of energy. Conservation of power, economy of motion. These were her tools. Against the untrained, they were effective. But Calista did not allow the confidence to stay in her mind and instead embraced fear and allowed her Force fueled rage to simmer below the surface of her mind, verging on the edge of explosion but keeping the pressures contained. The power in her runes helped guide her actions but this time didn't try to override her will. Instead her knowledge and instincts were supplemented.

Karin knew she had her where she wanted her. "This girl certainly knows how to set the pace of a fight. Yes, I underestimated her skill, but I also overestimated her tactics!" she thought to herself once again before putting her plan into action.

Karin needed the space to employ her full arsenal without destroying the ship in the process. When she had the Sith where she wanted her she worked her way around her so Calista was facing with her back to the edge. That was when she disengaged and channelled a heavy gust of wind at her. Calista foresaw the incoming attack. She remember Julio blocking his student with a Force Shield, but she worked around it. She was confident that Karin's lack of experience would be her downfall here and raised her shield to block the spell.

What Calista did not, and could not have accounted for was the sheer magnitude of power behind the spell. The Force shield did nothing but provide more surface area for the wind to push her further and with more energy. The young Echani's body crashed through the railings, sending splinters of shattered wood flying with her. As she fell the Sith redirected her Force power to push up against the ground below her and slow her fall but it was too little to prevent her from tumbling, and rolling, and eventually landing flat on her face with a mouth full of grass she had to spit out.

"Damn it gravity! Four to Two. And yes. I do count saving Louise as my point!"

Karin landed not far from the Sith, using her magic to levitate herself down for a gentle landing on her feet.

Calista sprung into action with her staff weaving a constant stream of energy around her as she rushed forward towards Karin. "She really has no idea what she's dealing with now…" Karin said to herself while pointing her sword wand out at Calista and then uttered a short phrase... "Air blades"

Calista stopped in her tracks in anticipation of what was coming. She'd seen this earlier as well but the sheer number of blades Karin produced widened the Echani's bright white eyes as she quickly began to duck, sidestep and roll away from the deadly jets of air hurtling towards her.

At the end of the stream of magic Calista sprung back to her feet with her left hand outstretched and called upon the Force to constrict and crush Karin's windpipe. Her free hand quickly coming to her neck to check her collar or for anything else that could be causing her inability to breath. Panic came across her eyes while they locked in on Cali's left hand. She was doing this to her.

Calista felt confident that Karin couldn't cast a spell if she couldn't speak. "Drop the sword." commanded the Sith in her most icy tone of voice.

Karin's lips curled into a smile while she aimed her sword wand at the Sith and unleashed her magic upon her catching the Sith in a Calista sized twister sending her spinning around completely out of control. But Calista was a pilot. She was trained for this, no matter how strong the G-forces or how dizzy she became she remained in control of her faculties and disengaged her weapon before she bisected herself with it and focused on the Force to pull herself out of the tornado. But no matter which direction she pulled on, the tornado remained on her and refused to relinquish its grip. She felt the symptoms begin to come on rapidly and she was starting to black out. So she used both hands to hold onto her Lightsaber staff and focused on the Force to sustain herself.

Karin maintained her spell on Calista, refusing to release her until she was confident the arrogant girl had learned her place. The Heavy Wind then noticed her daughter Louise and some other girl dressed like Sir Julio running up to the tornado.

"Louise stay out of this! Get out of here now!" she yelled but was ignored.

"No mother! I can't let you kill her! Let her go!"

"I won't let her go until I'm content that she's learned her lesson for how she acted against us! Now obey me or I'll start teaching you as well!"

Louise looked at her mother, and then back to Calista. She knew it in the Force bond that Calista didn't have time for her to dawdle. But she couldn't just disobey her mother.

"What are you doing? Trust your feelings Louise!" yelled Eponine while drawing her wand and aimed it at Karin's Sword Wand. "Deflect!" she cried out.

Karin held her Sword Wand in place, and the spell seemed to have no effect. "I see someone else getting in line for an education…" said Karin which caused Eponine to audibly gulp and hold her wand defensively in anticipation of the Heavy Wind's wrath.

"Louise… Do or do not! But if you're going to do something, now would be a good time!"

"Trust my feelings… Trust my feelings…" she said to herself like a mantra. She drew out Derflinger and impaled the tornado with it. The sword began to glow with a golden light while it rapidly absorbed all the magical energy gathered there effectively destroying the spell.

"If you want to punish me now. Do it. But I won't apologize for this!"

Eponine spoke softly to her pink haired companion, "Hey Louise… She's your mother… Watch it."

Calista fell onto her knees and one hand, holding her staff out to her left away from Louise and lost her lunch all over the grass.

Karin ignored Louise for the moment and raised an eyebrow at Calista. "That's impressive. You should have passed out in there long ago," said Karin with a stern glare.

"You'll find I'm… Full of surprises…" uttered Calista who then tried to stand up by quickly fell back down again from the dizziness.

"Yes. I'm sure I will," she said with amusement. "Louise. Train your familiar to show proper respect to her betters. Or next time I won't be so forgiving," she stated while walking away. "Oh… And Louise, if you ever disobey me again... I'll give you the same lesson I just gave her. And you, Romalian!"

"Yes my lady!" cried Eponine.

"Next time. Stay calm and gather more power for a Deflection spell against someone much stronger than you. That was a stupid novice's mistake. Repeat it and you're Manticore litter!"

"Yes my lady!"

"Now if you'll all excuse me. I have more important things to do."

Eponine stepped aside before Karin walked right through her and bowed down with deference as Karin passed her by. "Louise... I won't be spending any holidays at your house now will I?"

"I wouldn't even have invited you!" yelled Louise while she went to help Calista stand up by putting her Master's arm around her shoulders. "Are you alright Master?"

Calista couldn't respond. She could only fight to remain conscious.

---

Calista sat on the side of her bed with her arms wrapped around a bucket, hurling into it every few minutes.

Louise and Matilda sat on the bed across from her and watched with pained expressions on their faces, though for Louise is was even worse as Calista was having a difficult time keeping the Force bond under control.

"I feel your pain master…"

"My ancestors feel my pain! My children will be born dizzy thanks to her!" yelled Calista and then suddenly hurled into the bucket again.

"Serves you right Cali. I get back and the first thing I see is Louise dragging you here, hurling chunks all over yourself. And now I hear you tried to take on Karin the Heavy Wind… Arguably the single most powerful Wind Mage who has ever lived. The woman even had a particularly devastating hurricane named after her... You're lucky all you lost was your lunch."

"Don't forget her pride and dignity," added Louise.

"Those too. Yes."

"Are you both enjoying yourselves?" asked Calista while wiping her mouth with a rag.

"Immeasurably," said a smirking Matilda. "You know… That tornado thing seems to be a popular move with the Manticore Knights," she added.

"So… Ummm… What do we do now? The army is going to the capital tomorrow." Louise wondered aloud.

"We do what we need to do. The Force will guide us…" said Calista before spitting into the bucket.

Their musings were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Yes?" asked Matilda.

"May I come in?" they heard a kindly voice from the other side of the bedroom door.

"Who's that?" asked Matilda.

"The lady who let us lodge with her," started Calista. "Yes, please do come in."

The lady who entered was gray and old, but not infirm as one might expect from her advanced years. "Oh no. I thought you might still be feeling sick my dear. So I brought you something to help," she said while entering the room. She sat down beside Calista with a tray of sliced apples and water. "Apples are good for nausea. Just don't eat them too quickly. Same goes for the water. Sip it slowly."

Calista nodded while setting down her bucket and took the tray in her lap. She started with a few sips of water before picking up an apple slice to nibble on.

"So you're all off again in the morning?" asked the old woman.

"Yes ma'am," answered Louise while Matilda nodded.

"I do hope all of you will be safe and that all these troubles will be over soon. If you're ever nearby again, please do feel free to come visit. It's been a long time since any young people have been in this home."

"You live here all alone?" asked Matilda.

"Yes. My husband died two winters ago. My son married a Ruthenian girl and lives there in her country now with my grandchildren. He keeps asking me to move there, but, I don't want to leave this place."

"Thank you kindly for your offer. I can assure you we shall visit any time we happen to be passing through here. I would certainly return for your orange juice, if nothing else," said Calista with a smile.

"Oh. You like the orange juice? I'll squeeze you some fresh to take with you in the morning. It's very good for you. I drink a glass a day and look at me now."

"Indeed. You do look very healthy," answered Calista.

"Well. I'll let you all have your talk. As for you miss. Will you be staying with us tonight? There's one more room you're welcome to if you need it," asked the lady to Matilda.

"I can hardly refuse such a kind offer. Thank you very much," answered Matilda with a bow of her head.

"Excellent. I'll have some breakfast ready for you all in the morning. So rest well for your journey," she said while leaving.

"Nice lady," said Matilda after she'd gone.

"She is, yes," said Louise. "People like her are worth fighting for I think."

"Indeed they are Louise… Keep that thought close," said Calista before taking another bite off an apple slice.

"Well. I'm going to go make a round. See that everything's in order. Not that I don't trust the other officers, but I'm a Captain now, so I should be seen doing my bit," said Matilda while standing.

"Very well, we will-" Calista started before going for her bucket.

Matilda couldn't help but laugh on her way out.

---

Lutece Interim Government Building
(Former Royal Palace)

Marius Brinvilliers sat at his desk surrounded by his top military advisors. With his chair swiveled to the window he could observe as tens of thousands of troops were busy making battle preparations on the city's walls and ramparts.

"I must admit. Our soldiers are working hard out there. It makes you want to leave this building and join them. I hate feeling like the only man who's keeping his hands clean," he said mostly to himself.

"If it's any comfort. I can assure you that contrary to how often they lick your arse, nobody in this room believes your hands are clean," said a man in a foreign military uniform.

"Is such bluntness a common trait in Albion? Or is it just you?" asked Marius.

"It's quite common. We say things like they are. Like how I'm going to tell you now that I've lost a good man on this fool's errand you sent us on. His dragon was murdered, and we found no sign of his body."

"So he was incompetent. I hardly feel that is my responsibility. If you want to have a Wake for the man, that's your business. All I need to know is that you're another man down before you've even engaged in a proper fight with the Manticore Knights. Are you sure you're the right man for this job?"

"Karin trained me herself. Same as the rest of my Knights. There's no one else for this job."

"So you keep saying. But for now all I've seen is one failure after another. If Karin trained you herself, she must have given up on you. When I give orders, they are given with the expectation that they will be carried out. I would search for more reliable allies, but time is a luxury I do not have right now. I expect results, and by results I mean corpses! And you have provided me none."

"We are not your sodding lackies Brinvilliers! We were sent here to help you take Tristain. That job is done now. Don't push it or we'll pack up and let you deal with the Manticore Knights."

"You are not going anywhere until I say so. You are needed here and now. As for the Manticore Knights, you will slaughter them all, or you will have to deal with me!"

"Who do you think you are? You bloody commoner!"

"I think I'm the man in charge. I think you're the one who works for me. Or do you want to return to Albion only to report that Tristain's assistance will not be forthcoming to your sponsors? Last I heard, they weren't as forgiving as I am."

"You would not dare!"

With a quick sleight of hand, Brinvillers produced his wand and used his magic to gather the ink from his desk's bottle, coalescing it into a sharp needle which he sent forth to pierce through the Knight's shoulder. When the Knight went for his own wand the needle came back around and stopped in front of his eye to suggest her reconsider his next move.

The other men in the room sat up nervously in their chairs, but one look from Marius Brinvilliers effectively warned them to sit down and stay quiet or they'd be next before a move could be made.

"Get a healing water mage to fix that, and then go do your job. Or stay and see what else I would dare to do."

"I'll…."

"I don't care. Our business is concluded. Everyone out. See to your duties. Remember well the price of failure and do not disappoint me."

After the room was cleared, Marius walked over to his cabinet and opened it. Inside were a number of vials of various liquids. He eyed the selections carefully and began collecting various choices which he placed into a specially designed belt. "That fool did remind me to be better prepared at least. One can never be over prepared after all."

---

Luberon

Eleonore stood outside her father's tent and spoke softly into it. "Father? May I enter?"

"You may," came his response.

"Thank you," she said while walking in. She looked around and saw him working at a desk with some candle light. It amused her how little her father has changed over her whole life. His beard got longer, but this image of him working at his desk was the image of him that would forever be etched into her mind. It was always where she could find him. Even in this situation, the desk was the last thing to be packed up. He would get in every minute of work he could. "Am I disturbing you?"

"No. What do you need?" he asked without lifting his head from whatever he was writing.

"I just came to report that all preparations for our march are now complete," she said softly.

"Good work. I've seen your assessments. I was not sure that my own predictions can be met by this lot to seventy percent"

"Thank you father"

"Still, these things should be reported to Commander in Chief by the Head of Logistics."

"I know father I'll do it right away."

He pulled his gaze away from the cluttered paperwork and looked to his daughter.

"Eleonore, sit," he commanded, but not with a harsh tone like she was used to.

She sighed to herself briefly while moving to have a seat in the empty chair beside her father.

"What happened to your eye? Were you arguing with your mother again?"

"Yes, Father."

"I told you not to do so."

"I know Father, I'm sorry I've disappointed you again."

"Don't be. Just don't do it again."

"I won't"

"I doubt that. I know you too well. What was this about?"

"She just doesn't understand that my plans have taken everything into consideration! We're completely unprepared for what we'll be up against."

"So she was unimpressed with your work?"

"She was… I wanted to try and make her understand."

"And you got hit."

"I did."

"Elenore, talking to your mother is a fine art that requires years of training and practice. Sometimes the best thing to do is not to talk her at all. "

"But what she's doing will cripple our forces! If we have to fight to protect ourselves from another nation we'll have nothing left! I outlined that in reports…"

"Two thirty one thought two thirty seven. I know and I agree. But there's nothing to be done now. Our course is set."

"I just hope I was wrong…"

"I'm sure she knows what she's doing. She didn't survive this long by being a fool."

"With all due respect father. She had Aunt Marie to hold her back when she was getting reckless. Now there's nobody else who can."

"General Gramont can. He won't let her throw away the lives of all these soldiers. As much as I dislike the man, I have to admit he's good at his work. And we do respect people who are good at their work. Correct?"

"Yes Father. We do indeed." answered Eleonore while clutching an unopened letter in her hands.

"Is there something in that you need to discuss with me?" asked the Duke while eyeing the letter.

"I don't know. It's a letter from Charles. I haven't had time to read it yet."

"Then you should. I only wish your sister would take an interest in her Fiancee instead of me having to make excuses for her."

"Louise will eventually understand father."

"What about you? Are you happy with your arrangement?"

"I think I am. Yes. Charles is good to me. But don't tell him I said so. I'd rather he keep thinking he has to work hard for it. I don't want him getting complacent."

The Duke let out a hearty chuckle at his daughter. "That's my daughter. Always inspire hard work from everyone around you. But, if there is, or should ever be a problem. I expect to hear about it. I don't just expect him to be good. I expect him to be perfect."

"Of course father. We wouldn't tolerate less than the best from our employees. Why should we tolerate it from my Fiancee?"

"Exactly."

---

Guiche was going through the Mage Knight's chest of spare wands looking for something suitable to his talents when he was approached by his three friends, Reynald, Gimli, and Malicorne.

"Hey. It's Guiche! How you doing man?" said a boisterous Gimli.

"Oh! You're all back. Are you alright? I was starting to worry about you three," said Guiche with a growing smile.

"Yeah. We're alright no thanks to Reynald," said a slightly bitter Malicorne.

"What happened?" asked Guiche with growing concern.

Gimli burst into laughter, "You're not gonna believe this but Reynald was hitting on Louise's big sister! Then she almost drowned Malicorne in his own wine glass!"

"What did you say to her Reynald?!" asked an incredulous Guiche.

"Please don't make me repeat it…" answered the blonde bespectacled boy.

"He told her she was too tense and needed to unwind with him and some wine," answered Gimli.

"I told you not to repeat it!"

"I'm sorry man. But it was too funny! Then she got pissed off and started attacking us with the wine in our glasses. But Malicorne just stared at it completely stupefied and almost drowned like I said."

"What is wrong with you Reynald? Have you lost all sense?" asked Guiche.

"Apparently so. I couldn't help it! She's just so beautiful! Confident. Intelligent. Nothing at all like her sister."

"So you go up to the daughter of this army's Commander in Chief, who is giving her everything to keep this army fed and supplied and moving and decided that she's a great piece of ass to try to bed?"

"Can ya blame him Guiche? I mean, I said it before, and I'll say it again. She's like a blonde Louise with tits man. How can you not find that insanely attractive?"

"Can… Can you hear yourself talking right now Gimli?" asked Guiche with eyes widened in shock.

"Whoa. Sorry Guiche. I didn't realize you had the hots for her too. If you want dibs on Zero's sister man, just ask. We won't say anything to Montmorency. It'll be more fun to just watch you burn," said Gimli with a wink.

"You have... Three seconds... To get out of my sight before I gut you like fish!"

"Ok... Hold on. Really. What just happened here? Did I hit a nerve buddy? Because you know I'm just messing around right? If I really upset you. I'm sorry man. Really."

"Two"

"Hey come on now Guiche. Take it down a notch will ya? He didn't mean to insult anyone..." added Malicorne.

Before anything further could be said they were interrupted by the loud noise of someone clearing their throat at them. "Attention!"

All four of them instantly turned to the voice and froze in horror at whom they saw before them. "Miss Longueville!" cried out the three boys in unison.

"My name is Matilda de Saxe-Gotha! And all of you are making a scene! If you don't have any duties to perform then get to bed. Now!"

"Yes ma'am!" said the three of them in unison before running off as quickly as their legs would carry them.

When she saw Guiche remain she addressed him directly. "And what are you still doing here?"

"I am in need of a wand suitable for a transmutation specialized Earth Mage. However… Nothing in the set of spares here seems workable."

"You were a little hard your friends don't you think?" she asked with an inscrutable tone.

"I think I was easy on them. They were rude," answered Guiche before he resumed looking through the collection of wands.

"They were being normal boys and bantering with their best friend. Of course they were rude. You think I'm ever polite with my best friends?"

"I wouldn't know my lady. I'm not in your social circle."

"I think you're either missing or evading my point."

"I've seen your sword my lady. I would hope so."

"What's with you? Last time we spoke, you were irritating me. Now you're so distant you may as well be up on the moons."

"You are right my lady. Just as you were in our last talk. I recall you wishing for me to never experience some of what you have. I think I understand why now. This whole experience since the academy hasn't exactly been pleasant. I suppose you could say it's taken it's toll, tax, and ran off to leave me with the bills."

"Oh yes... I heard what happened to you. You took on an Albion Dragon Knight and carried a comrade back, wounded, to camp. You have my respect. As for your problem, you won't find what you need in there. Transmutation specialists are rare."

"I would gladly trade some respect for a decent wand!" said Guiche with a raised voice and quickly realized whom he was addressing and covered his mouth while offering a quick apology, "I'm sorry my lady. That outburst was out of line."

"Yes it was. But I understand. When I was your age, before I got this..." she started and held up her Adamantium wand to illustrate. "Nothing I used could properly channel my power. It was so frustrating. I was just like Louise back then. Except instead of destroying classrooms, I was destroying wands. Went through at least six of them on the bad days."

"Truely?"

"Truely. A good wand is a mage's most important possession. Especially if you're a uniquely talented mage like we are. Without the proper focus to channel our powers, the end results are painful to say the least…" she said and then put away her wand to show him her hands. "Take a look at all the scars I got from those days."

Guiche was awestruck by the sheer volume on her hands. "I suppose that's what awaits me inside that box if I try to use any of them."

"Pretty much. Yes. Would you like a solution?"

"Do you have one to offer?"

"You already made the offer. A wand in exchange for respect." Matilda reached around to her lower back and pulled out her second wand.

"My lady. I assure you… The amount of respect I have for you is immeasurable."

"Good. Disrespect me after this, and there will be hell to pay. Now then. My wand is my life, and I would never lose it. But incase I ever do, I keep a spare. It isn't Adamantium though, it's Teak, with brass enchantment rings."

"Brass? That could suit my runic name nicely. Guiche the Brass."

"Then I'll be happy to assist you with the attunement ritual. I'll even show you how to transmute it into a weapon worthy of such a wand. No offense, but your brass claymore was a peice of shit."

"You wound me my lady. But whatever you have to teach me, I will be honored to learn."

---

Matilda and Guiche wandered off to a secluded spot in the forest where they could perform their ritual without any distractions. Guiche seated himself respectfully while Matilda prepared the ritual. She began by drawing a magic circle in the earth between them and set the Teak and Brass wand down in the center. It was dark with only limited moonlight shining through the canopy, but it was sufficient for Matilda to see what she was doing.

She took up her own wand and began the ritual.

"Elementals of the Earth. Heed our calling," she said in a respectful tone and then touched the magic circle with her wand causing the circle to begin to glow brightly. "Through this young mage your power shall be manifested upon this plane and I call upon you to bless this channeling focus, as it will be his portal to your power."

Guiche watched as the raw power of the Earth Elementals gathered in the circle under Matildas control. He was amazed by the display. How could one control so much power? Then a small stone was flung up from the ground which hit him in the face to bring him back into focus.

"Oh. My apologies… I, Guiche de Gramont, pledge myself to the elements of the Earth. I choose this item as my conduit to the power you see fit to bestow upon me. I swear upon my own life that I shall use this power granted to me with wisdom and restraint in highest traditions of the nobility. To protect and aid those in need."

"You need to be polite not theatrical... Pick up the wand."

Guiche reached for the wand and when he held it in his hand he was instantly astonished by the clarity at which he could feel his connection to the Earth Elementals.

"My lady... I may never be able to repay you for this. It's nothing short of perfect, I feel such clarity and such-"

"Maybe instead of talking you should finish the ritual? It's not you first wand after all. And remember what I told you!"

Guiche focused and chanted the spell as she had instructed him before they prepared the ritual. He didn't have any particular shape in mind for the weapon and instead trusted in the Elementals themselves to give shape to the weapon that would best fulfill his needs as they saw them.

He felt the wand's shape begin to change in his hand and closed his fist around the grip which reshaped itself to fit in his hand. He felt its weight increase and decrease as if adapting to the strength of his arm. When he opened his eyes it was in time to see the weapon take its final form. A long curved sword which was thicker at the top as if it knew exactly where to adjust its weight distribution and still give the weapon the cutting power it would need.

He carefully examined the hilt of the sword. The handguard was brass, but the blade was the finest steel he'd ever beheld. Etched into the sides of the blade just above the thin hand guard was a rose which reminded him of his previous wand, and indeed, what felt now like a previous life.

"Interesting weapon to say the least," said Matilda.

"It's perfect!"

"I assume you have no idea how to use a blade like this, right?" asked Matilda.

"None whatsoever. But I will learn," answered Guiche with a tone as awestruck as his face.

"It's called a saber. It's a weapon made for fast paced duals and in longer versions for cavalry where it's most commonly used. But I haven't seen one in a while. A weapon like this requires speed and precision, you'll need to practice with it, a lot."

"I understand… And I will work hard with it. I think I'll call it 'Thorn' since every rose has one, and this shall be mine."

Matilda smacked her face with her palm. "One step forward, ten back. But I suppose it's better than that pit of misdirected anger I found you in earlier. Now go get some rest. We have a long march ahead of us, and a busy day once we get there. And no playing with your new toy!"

"Yes my lady. But you're wrong about one thing. My anger is very much directed. And Thorn will help me address it. I thank you for this gift, and I will not make you regret it."

---

Kirche walked into Tabitha's tent without announcing herself causing the petite bluenette to do nothing but keep reading from her book.

"Ok fine! I'll do this stupid spell with you!"

Tabitha looked up from her book at Kirche.

"The wine wasn't even that good, they packed up all good stuff already."

Tabitha just stared at Kirche.

"And yeah... I'm sorry... I know you would never let me get hurt…"

"Thank you," said Tabitha while putting away her book.

Kirche reached into her bag and pulled out her elixir to take a sip before speaking again. "Let's just go figure this thing out instead of getting all emotional here."

Tabitha simply nodded in response and then took up her staff to lead the way for them.

---

The pair reached the same wide open space they had been to the previous day. The damage done by their spell gone awry still evident even in the moonlight.

"Are you ready?" asked Tabitha while holding out her staff.

"I'm ready!" answered Kirche after taking out her wand and placing it against Tabitha's staff.

"Kirche?"

"Yes Tabitha?"

"Do you trust me?"

Kirche's first response was to reach out with her free hand and take a hold of Tabitha's and clenched it tightly. "Do I trust you with my life? Yes. Do I trust you to choose my lingerie? Hell no!"

Tabitha stared blankly at Kirche.

"What? You shop in the kid store for Brimir's sake. But with this. Well. I know that together we can do anything. Even this."

Tabitha and Kirche each nodded to each other and then looked ahead to begin their spell chanting.

---

Calista was leaning against a wall with her arms folded. Head covered by her hood as she looked on through her snowy white bangs at Henrietta a few meters away from her. The young Queen seemed happy, as did everyone around her. The petite Sith Lord's face soured though when she spotted Julio standing beside her signing a document of some sort.

Directly in front of Calista was a row of paraded Musketeers, and across from them she spotted a line of people dressed in the same manner as Julio himself. "His knights…" she muttered angrily to herself.

"With this treaty your highness, you agree that Romalia and Tristain shall become allies, and that the Romalian Knights shall be available to keep the peace in all our lands. Your marriage will be arranged during next farming season officiated by the Pope himself. Sign this treaty and from this day forward, we shall be allies. The Sith, their teachings, and philosophies shall be outlawed. The younger Valliere shall come with me to Romalia where I shall personally train her as a Jedi Knight."

"Yes Sir Julio. We have an accord," answered Henrietta before signing the document.

Calista lowered her arms to her sides and widened her eyes in shock at Henrietta's actions. "She's betrayed me!"

Louise took a hold of Henrietta's hand and smiled at her brightly. "I'm so happy for you, your highness. You'll be a beautiful bride!"

Another brown haired girl dressed in the white cloak of the Romalian Knights, that Padawan that came to see Julio, stepped up beside Louise and put her hands on her shoulders while smiling at Henrietta. "Yeah! Can we be your bridesmaids?"

Derflinger popped out of his scabbard behind Louise's back and spoke loudly and proudly in his annoying voice, "Hell yeah! I can't wait to see how gorgeous my wife will look as a bridesmaid!"

"Oh shut up Derf..." said Louise with a smile she fought back along with the giggles.

"Of course you both can!" said the Queen with a sincere smile.

"Then your Highness, there's only one other detail you need to see to. Order Sixty Six?" said Epione with a still bright smile that made Calista more and more furious while taking up her Lightsaber hilt.

"Yes, of course. Agnes? Will you please take care of it?"

"With pleasure your majesty. Musketeers! Make ready!"

Suddenly the Musketeers lifted their rifles and cocked them before turning about and pointing them all at Calista.

She tried to activate her Lightsaber hilt while Agnes took up a position beside her Musketeers with her sword held high. "Aim!"

Calista looked down at her Lightsaber, it refused to activate! "Even my own weapon betrays me?!"

When she looked up again, she was taken aback to see the row of musketeers had been replaced by a line of Imperial Troopers in their black and red armor with blaster rifles pointed at her. Instead of the previous room she was in, suddenly she was back on Korriban, and her cloths were replaced with her old Acolyte's garb.

She looked to the right and saw that instead of Agnes, suddenly her former master was standing there, face hidden behind a featureless helmeted mask. He held up the twin power cores of her Lightsaber staff to her. She could almost feel the smirk behind that damnable mask and it brought unfettered fury to her own face as she started to roar at him. And then he spoke…

"Fire."

Time stopped an instant before the blaster bolts struck her. Everyone and everything was frozen in time. Suddenly everything faded away and she found herself in her Master's chambers aboard his ship. She heard that irritable voice of her Master speak to address her. "Was that not fun? You do so enjoy make believe, don't you?"

"This time I won't just blow you out an airlock! I'm going to rip your throat out with my teeth!"

"Such an adorable little Nexu cub you are."

"Don't you dare patronize me!"

"Look at yourself Calista. You put on such an act for everyone around you but what have you actually accomplished with the opportunities presented to you? Hmm?"

Calista's eyes narrowed while she glared at him with contempt.

"Your anger and petulance won't blind you to the truth much longer."

"Get out of my mind! I will not be judged by a dead man!"

"Pathetic… All you do is lash out in anger. You've forgotten what it is to harness your rage and channel your fury..."

"I am a Sith Lord!"

"You are a pathetic little girl playing with toys compared to what it is to be a Sith Lord. All you do is create the illusion of power. Every chance you have ever had to prove yourself worthy of that title you have either let slip... Or failed miserably..."

"No!"

"Yes… You know it to be true."

"I'm not like you! I will never be like you! I will not be judged! I will not be commanded! I will not be bou-"

"You are Sith. Stop denying yourself. You are like me. Or rather... You will be… All you need is just a little… Push."

---

Calista fell out of her bed and knocked her head on the hardwood floor with a loud thud.

"Whoa… Cali fell off the bed? Still little miss cute 'n' dizzy?" asked Derflinger from where he was propped up against Louise's bed.

Calista rubbed her head. "Be silent… Or I'll give you a little push!"

"Keep it down will ya? Louise is trying to sleep." retorted Derflinger in a forceful yet low voice.

"Right…" mumbled Calista while climbing back into bed without pulling the covers back over herself.