Author's Notes
Warning, this chapter contains dangerous amounts of Naraiz style hamming it up.
This is the beginning of the Tourney at Harrenhal, pretty much the final set up, arrival, and opening of the festival
"How's it coming Virgil, do I got my finished One Piece yet?"
"Not yet."
"Damnit… this is going to be as long as the real thing." I sighed as I was continued to be denied a satisfying ending to one of the longest series I loved.
Sitting in my hidden forge/lab/chamber-of-bullshit, allowed my master's Memory Digitizer to continue to upload my memories from my first life. There they will be organized, edited, and if need be expanded upon by Virgil, an AI I created with the sole responsibility of keeping these memories secret and curating them. He was designed to actually have creativity and to learn the finer points of story telling and the various mediums it can take place it. In actuality it was a stupidly complicated replicator that would see tropes, themes, and use its AI processing power to predict the rest of unfinished stories I had in my memories. So far it proved its worth by giving me an actually good Terminator 3 of all things. Thankfully it also saw irony of that.
It wasn't the only thing in my little hidey hole in my keep, scattered about me were several different complete or failed projects, data-slates filled with my notes, and an abundance of material waiting to be made into something new. I was hiding out here because I didn't want to be bothered for a moment as outside things were finally getting set up for my version of the Tourney at Harrenhal. Oh yeah and also my wedding.
"Lord Nagash, Instructor Fay is trying to get in. Should I turn her away?" Ugh… this place was supposed to be a secret and yet people knew about it. I guess I've spent enough time away from it all. I waved a hand to let Virgil know to let her in as I disconnected from the Memory Digitizer. I was cracking my neck as Fay walked in, eyeing just about everything as she did so. What finally caused her to stop was the innocent wooden ring box but I'm sure it was what was in it that had her so on edge.
"That… whatever is in that box is truly vile." She glared hard at the box and then to me but I just gave a joyless chuckle.
"Don't, they are only going to be used on the truly vile in turn." My own version of the Rings of power from Lord of the Rings. They pretty much did what the original ones did, granted the wearer inhumane power at the cost of being turned into a Wraith. The process was a much more extreme version of the collars on Lyarra and Joanna. But as I told her they were meant for people worthy of that fate. "Why are you here anyway, did something happen?"
"No, I have a request to make." She said once she finally tore her eyes away from the ring box. "I want to take Miana and Aymee to Tython." That was unexpected, her choice in Neophytes not so much but her destination very. For one thing I know that she did not leave the Jedi Order gracefully and even though most of whom is burned on the way out were not likely on Tython it was still strange for her to want to go there.
"The reason being?" I asked as I stood up and began stretching, sitting in that chair for hours was not good for the body. The seconds passed and I remembered that I wasn't wearing a shirt. Then seconds kept going in silence and I smirked. "Eyebrow wiggle."
"Shut it. I was distracted by the amount of horrible things in this room, not you."
"Well I'm so glad you don't consider me horrible." I shot back and she just did the normal scoff despite letting a bit of her emotions slip from the tight control all Jedi had. "Why do you want take them?"
"Miana is gifted in healing and the Light, going there would be good for her training. Aymee meanwhile I feel needs some time away from this world. Out of all the Neophytes she is the one that has been asking for another trip to space the most." Aymee Hogg was one of the new Neophytes and by far one of the more disappointing. Meek and scared of her own shadow due to the years of bullying as Acolyte. The Assembly and the Council tried their best to curb such things but kids are cruel and that will never change. One could see this as her running from her problems but a different environment could be helpful. "I also believe that I might be able to sympathetic Jedi to your cause. It is becoming more and more obvious that you are in need of more Instructors. Me and Rathari cannot continue to be the only ones."
"You have people in mind?" I wasn't opposed to this idea, but we needed to be very careful.
"Yes, two. One I know wants to leave the Jedi Order but that's very difficult to do without being branded as a traitor and threat to the state. The other… well… he's very good at hiding his true feelings." Hmm… I'm not too sure about this but I guess I could let this slide. I trusted Fay's judge of character and knew that it wouldn't be anyone that was too vital to my plans as she knew all those names and wouldn't suggest them. But the fact she wasn't willing to say their names meant there was a reason why she might think this wouldn't work.
"See what you can do, but again… be careful." I said as I got dressed and ready to get back to the upcoming fair. But just before I let Fay feel like she won, I kept talking. "But I'm also sending Rathari to Korriban with two Neophytes."
"Come on, get those tents ready!" Pierce shouted as he helped organize the fairgrounds outside the keep. This tourney they were planning was going to be huge, the biggest in all of Westeros' history. They be unveiling everything from the city, new technological marvels like the printing press and the bicycle, new fashion and music, and all sorts of other things never seen before in Westeros. It was also another one of Darth Nagash's ploys to set events in motion.
"Guests will be arriving in the next few days, the hotels are already booked up and I have a stack of complaint letters from several houses on us not hosting them ourselves." Quinn stood by Pierce as he looked over a clipboard over various plans and a outline of the fairground. The sheer size of the operation was impressive even by their standards. There was also many smaller details of several events that Darth Nagash had predicted they had to account for. "Have you insured that the Black Cloaks know their orders concerning the VIPs?"
"Yeah-yeah, my boys know the score." Pierce replied as they watched one of the many larger tents get set into place. A round of cheers came from the workers as it was finished. Men from all over Westeros and many former slaves from Essos all gathered as they congratulated themselves. The city was a true shinning example of a melting pot, where everyone saw themselves as a common front in service of the man that had saved their lives. The natives of Harrenhal prior to the Sith practically worshiped Darth Nagash as the man that finally broke the cruse despite his insistence that it wasn't him to do it. And the former slaves weren't far behind for obvious reasons. The other immigrants from across Westeros meanwhile owed their prosperous lives to their new lord who brought innovation and jobs where before they might have been homeless or poor farmers. "Did you know that King's Landing is facing a bit of trouble lately."
"Yes, something about a dip in population." The two imperials smiled as they knew that humans were fickle creatures but one of the few things they could be counted on was a desire to be near success. The downtrodden and those without hope had heard of Harrenhal and its expansion and went to try and make a better life for themselves. Now cities and other population centers in Westeros were facing a situation they hadn't for a long time… depopulation. The Lords of the realm had to now start competing with Harrenhal and each other to try and keep their people their people. Thus, industry was taking off as they looked to the source of their problem and tried to copy it to entice people to return or stay.
"Someone in the Reach discovered canning, another in the Vale is testing out terrace farming, and the North is leading the charge on better winter agriculture. Soon food won't be a limiter of Westeros as it has been for so long." And with greater amounts of food available, and the jobs that come with the greater creation of that food among other things, means people will likely have more children. That depopulation issue will soon solve itself but the fear of it happening again will keep the lords of the realm pushing to keep prosperity going for at least a few generations.
"The Storm Lands I hear are using the recipe for cement we gifted them to make better homes for their environment. The storms they are so famous for will become less of a issue and allow them to breath a bit. And Dorne is quickly industrializing glass making, soon the stuff will no longer be a luxury." It was happening, they singlehandedly were dragging Westeros into the next age of development. And this fair would become a keystone of that development. It would be where everyone would see the future, experience the possibility and all come home with dreams and schemes to take a piece of the glory and coin that could come from it.
"And start!" With that Nathar Sand and Victarion Grayjoy leapt into battle. The Iron Born's trident flew through the air and clashed the Dornish son's Scimitar, the grinding of Force Steel echoed in the training room in the Tower of Morgoth. The trident backed off but spun back on its own, Nathar deflected it several times as the floating weapon attempted to pierce his sides.
Victarion stood back as he concentrated on commanding his trident using the Force, in his hand a short sword that was primarily used to defend. When it came to one on one fights he typically dominated among the Neophytes. Especially against opponents who only relied on power and rage like Nathar. If anything this was boring to both him and those watching.
"Usually it's Nathar that ends up playing with his food, not the other way around." Karne chuckled as he leaned against of the support pillars of the training room. The chamber took up the central place of the floor with several smaller more personal side rooms. A slightly dropped ring filled with course sand was the focal point of the room while eight pillars with padded benches between them circled it.
"I think he's trying to prove a point." Mysa said from under her hood, she was perched like a vulture on the pillar's square foundation, the past two years she had truly embraced her study to become a shadowed spy master much to the unease of her friends and most worryingly her girlfriend. But to Mysa all that was a fine trade off to learning the skills to see threats before they had a chance to hurt any of the people that now looked at her strangely.
"Which one of them are you talking about? Both of them have a chip on their shoulder." Gurner, one of the newer Neophytes of the Sect of Morgoth chuckled as he and Lysia joined their older peers. Not having much in looks department, he was smart in both common sense and in studies. He like the rest of those that joined the Sect of Morgoth in the past two months were low born, but was the first native born to Harrenhal to reach the rank of Neophyte. Proud to hold that title and ready to continue to representing the home of the Rule of Three.
"Nathar's going to get worse if he loses." Lusia, a young woman from the Westerlands spoke with an uncaring manner. The others rolled their eyes at the low born beauty, much of the mood concerning her had been killed by her undeserved better than thou attitude. This was made even worse by her less than stellar reaction to the wider galaxy in which she still refuses to speak about. Both Mysa and Karne knew that neither of them or some of the other newer Neophytes were of the same caliber as they were given by the amount of attention they were getting. Favoritism was starting to show though it could be excused by the limited amount of Instructors and time their elders had.
The roar of frustration echoed through the chamber as Nathar let out a small Force Scream to send the floating Trident back to its master. Then without missing a second, the Dornish son charged forward with blade held high. Victarion, caught off guard and with ears still ringing barely was able to block the first of the incoming slashes. But that was all the Grayjoy needed to get his footing back and maintain the stance that Instructor Rathari taught him. While Nathar continued to hammer him with blows, Victarion held in Form Two with his short sword blocking parrying each attack until finally Nathar was showing signs of tiring. Then in a instant, both young men stopped as Victarion held his Trident at his opponent's neck.
"Yield." Nathar growled at the demand but dropped his sword nevertheless. There was a small round of applause as the two separated, though neither enjoyed it.
"It's too bad Darth Nagash forbade any of us from participating in the upcoming Melee. Pretty sure either Grayjoy here, Thoren, or Jarman would win for sure." Karne was man enough to admit that he wasn't among the top three fighters of the Neophytes. He was getting better and was certainly one of the better ones but no where near those three.
"And why would he do that? Why do we have to hide our stars from the rest of the realm." Lusia questioned as she walked over to the two sweaty young men. Victarion gave a short glare to the woman but Nathar on the other hand ate up the attention that wasn't directed at him.
"Because it is as Darth Nagash order that's why." Victarion grunted as he left the ring. Lusia pouted as she was unsuccessful at getting the obvious rising star's attention while the other Neophytes just sighed in shame at the actions of their comrade. But before they could really chastise her, a dull beep rung through the chamber.
"-Attention Neophytes, please assemble in the main gather hall in the Tower of Revan.-" The speaker system installed in the upper levels of the towers was still something that the Neophytes were getting used to, as were they with other technology in general. With little more discussion, the group of Neophytes gathered themselves and traveled across the bridge to the central tower left in Harrenhal and to the large hall where all of the Neophytes were brought.
They stood around, waiting for Darth Nagash or whoever had called them here to show themselves. In preparation for the coming tourney and to a lesser extent wedding, all the Neophytes had returned to Harrenhal and so it was one of the few times they were in the same room. Small talk and catching up had already been done over the past few days and now they were just middling about. This kept going until finally both Darth Nagash and Instructor Rathari walked into the gathering hall.
"As you all know, the coming tourney is going to be big for the Sith Order and a key event for our future plans." Darth Nagash began as he walked up to the small raised platform at the very back of the room. They all knew that this whole thing was more than just a showcase for the advancements that the Imperials had brought and the wedding ceremony for their leader. All of them also knew that the latter of which was just a sham and one that Darth Nagash wouldn't be taking seriously at all. "I have also gone to great lengths to explain to you all that under no circumstances will any of you be allowed to fight or use excessive Force powers."
"We all know he's talking about certain people here." A voice whispered through the Neophytes causing some to giggle and others to scowl.
"You can join the boxing tournament, and only Cayle is allow to join the joisting but that's because I know its futile to try and stop him. The only stipulation is that he is going to lose to Rhaegar on purpose." There was some grumbling coming from the rider of the Neophytes but they all knew that going against Darth Nagash's express orders was a very unwise thing to do. Besides, they all were too excited for the reactions of all the visiting nobility to what they had planned to really be bothered by the constraints being placed on them. "Rechar, continue to train in Battle Meditation both with the Black Cloaks and the servants. I want our opening ceremony to go off without a hitch. Mysa, watch for the Spider and any other attempts to place spies in our domain but don't interfere, just watch and note anything you notice. Nikola and Sabas, both of you I want ready for our big surprise. Make a show of it. And lastly I have some exciting news concerning another trip for some of you back up to the galaxy."
"Is he serious?" Was the general sentiment by most of the Neophytes. They each had been given their own trip with each graduating class but nothing more. Some were eagerly ready to see the stars again but others dreaded the possibility.
"Once the Tourney is finished, four of you will be leaving Terra. Miana and Aymee will be going with Instructor Fay to Tython, birth place of the Jedi Order. Meanwhile Mysa and Nathar will be traveling to Korriban, birth place of the Sith." The news of who and where were a tidal wave of chatter among the assembled Neophytes but they quickly silenced by a raised hand of Darth Nagash. "These four were chosen due to the simple fact that both myself and the Instructors believe that they are beginning to become lost to the path of their respective Sects. This trip is an opportunity to either solidify that or to reconsider. While it is true that the purpose of the Rule of Three is to encourage Force Users to find Balance in the Force… at this early stage we cannot afford to actively deny those that may become the first Masters of the lesser Sects."
"They're talking about you and Miana, there's no way that Aymee or even Nathar could become Masters." Karne whispered to Mysa but she was too concerned with the possibility that had been put before her. That her and Miana were really starting to drift that much apart since their induction into the Order proper. They spent less time together, and had begun to fight about the choices they were making. Mysa thought that Miana was being too naïve and likewise Miana thought she was becoming too cynical.
"This won't be the last time that some of you are selected for another trip back up to the stars. But for now continue on your training and development. If all goes according to plan, your going to need it for the coming years." With that both Darth Nagash and Insructor Rathari left the chambers. They all had an idea of what he was warning of. That some sort of civil war was coming and they had yet to know of the Sith's part in all of it.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Rathari asked me as we walked up the stairs to my family's section of the Tower of Revan. I understood his concerns about letting Fay return to Tython but I trusted that she believed in our cause and was smart enough to handle a mission like this.
"If it gets us more Jedi support than sure. It's not like Tython is actively hostile at this point. Fay can pass off the girls as Force Sensitives that she has found in her independent travels." I waved off the concerns of my Sith right hand, a title that would carry more weight latter on. We continued to discuss the details of the coming trip to both Tython and Korriban as we walked into my family's quarters, and almost immediately I was hit by a speedy little force right into my leg. "Ow… what have we here?"
I smiled as I picked up my first born, now six years old and running about like crazy. Pandora's growth was a little stunted causing her to be a bit shorter than a child her age should but we had been assured that everything was fine with her. She still remained a very quiet girl but active, often running about the tower whenever she got the chance.
"Mm, let me go." Pandora struggled as I held her in my arm, like carrying a bag. But I knew that the second that I let her back on the floor she would run off and there would be no catching her.
"I don't think so. I was told by your teachers that you're the fastest in your whole class so I don't think I'd give you the chance to run away again." All of my kids were in the school for the younger Acolytes. And thankfully all of them kept their promise to not talk about who their father was, I had to bribe them every week with sweets but such was the price of keeping the secret going. But even if they did blab, few would believe them and those that did wouldn't tell the wrong people. Jaesa and I had gone over everyone that would and could interact with the kids very carefully to make sure that no one was a danger, physical or otherwise.
"Where are you, you little brat? I should string you up by… oh… Lord Nagash." Ah, they gave Pan duty to Elysali today. The Kaasen heiress had become something of mix between unruly step-child, lazy and incompetent nanny, and unsuccessful home-wreaker in my family. I had to make her useful to me in some way while she was here. And what better way than free childcare… but you get what you pay for. But she was also the most harmless and reliable in terms of security given that she had literally no connection to anyone on this world other than myself and the people of the keep.
"Having trouble Elysali?" I smirked as she straightened up, trying to appear as appealing as possible even in her slightly disheveled state.
"Not at all my lord. Me and your daughter were just playing a fun game of tag."
"Were not."
"Oh yes we were."
"Were not."
"Before this riveting debate of philosophy continues, exactly where are the rest of my children." I said interrupting this funny little show after nodding to Rathari that he my leave as I knew he did not have the enjoyment I did of children. Elysali answered me as she tried her hardest to further her little scheme of seducing me, small ways of moving and certain glances that simply hit the brick wall of my deadpan stoic face.
Pandora's sister Lilith was also running around the tower, chasing one of her many adopted cats. Their brother Lucifer was as expected in the keep's library, too engrossed in his own studies to be bothered by anyone. As for their half siblings, Ragnar and Kassandra were both with their Acolyte friends watching the developing fairgrounds. Gatsby was with his mother, in punishment for sneaking out of bed last night. Ulric was with his nanny, apparently being quite unhappy and making his caretaker miserable.
"And lastly Logan is with his mother, I believe that is all of them." Elysali finished off, sighing with an obvious exhaustion. Should I feel bad that I'm working my hostage to the bone? No, not when I know her so well thanks to Jaesa giving me a detailed report and the sort of woman she was. If given the chance, the heiress would happily turn my life upside if it meant returning back to her life of luxury. There was her current ambition to seduce me but that was just a part of her narcissism.
"Very good, now take Pan back her room. I will see you later little rabbit." I handed the small child off to the uncomfortable heiress. I'm sure she expected literal torture or a long stint in a white cell to psychologically break her. But nothing breaks people like childcare when they don't have aptitude for it. Then there was the hanging threat of what might happen if anything should happen to my kids.
I could tell by the look on my daughter's face that she would in fact be not ending up in her room. Quiet, but a handful. I sighed happily as I left to find Joanna, Lyarra was with Logan who was still only a few months old so I felt I should give them their bonding time. Joanna on the other hand was pregnant with our second child… god I was I spiting on Naraiz's desire to end his family line with him. But, I thought it a nice trade off that if I get to have a harem then one of the things I could do for them was let them decide how many kids they get. Within reason. It wasn't like I couldn't afford the kids, and I feel like bigger families were better than smaller ones if expenses weren't an issue.
Opening the door to Joanna's nursery, I caught Gatsby trying to run out and escape the clutches of his mother. Instead he was now thrashing around in my grasp, desperately trying to get away and skip out on his punishment. Meanwhile his mother just watched from her seat and smiled, it was nice seeing her so happy like this.
"Gatsby, you know better than to resist your father." She laughed as I carried him back to the small stool he was supposed to stay seated in. Dropping him off in his seat, and moved over to his mother and gave a quick kiss to her cheek as I held a hand on her pregnant belly. "It's going to be a girl, I'm sure you'll enjoy that. I can already see the mountain of dead suiters trying to woo her."
"Their my kids, I fear for any man that attempts such an endeavor." I'm sure that all my daughters will be strong enough to beat off any jackass that thinks to take advantage of them. Glancing to Gatsby, I formed a sound barrier around him so me and his mother could speak a bit more freely. "I wanted to talk to you about Lyarra and the upcoming… wedding."
"First, we've talked about the wedding. I know how you feel about the girl and the circumstances surrounding the whole affair." I was not some pedo that liked little girls. The very fact that this was happening pissed me off to no end. And I had tried very hard to possibly find a way to squirm out of this short of just killing Lysa. Which I was adverse to as that wasn't fair to the girl. "The best you can do is make this easy on her, me, Lyarra, and Rhaella all understand."
"Fifteen… that's not even close to being mature enough to give consent in my opinion." My plan was to go through the ceremony, take Lysa to my chambers and leave her there while I sneak off to join the women I was actually attracted to. "I know that this is more common for this world… and I don't normally like to say things like this, but this practice is indeed primitive."
"And you are changing that. With the advancement that your bringing people's lives will be long enough for the people to see when a person is an adult to go up. But for now grin and bear it, and take comfort in the fact that you know you aren't crossing a line." Well… I wasn't crossing that line. I've crossed moral lines several times over by this point but its nice to know I still have ones that I refuse to cross. "As for Lyarra… what do we need to talk about?"
"It concerns her kids, Brandon and Lyanna." This was going to be a thing. Brandon had to die, it was his and his father's death that caused the North to get involved and without the North Robert didn't have a chance. Not only that but I would lose an excuse to hesitate in my support of the Targaryens. As for Lyanna, I did in fact plan for her to survive rather than die. If everything went to plan I would be able to give her a happy ending… after a horrible nightmare. Lyarra loved me I know this but she also loved all her kids.
"You made a promise to me that you would see to my children's safety. I assume that you did the same with Lyarra." I shook my head but that felt like lying. I never vocally gave the same promise I did with Joanna, but the assumption was easily made. Joanna sighed and held my hand tight. "Not everything is under your control love, some things are destined to happen while others are chances of chaos."
"You're not telling me that everything will be fine and I don't have to worry."
"No I'm not, you should."
"Fuck. Ow!"
"Language, not in front of the kids."
They had finally arrived in the newest city of Westeros, they had seen the great walls that rivaled those of King's Landing first as they approached. Elia was amazed at the impressive and oddly foreign structure of them, metal spires and up sloping ramparts lined the stone walls that reached too high for any ladder to mount. Then they came to it, a massive iron gate that rose up into the gate house, a technological marvel that was sure to be the first of many.
"I don't like this, why make such defensive unless they planned to use them." Elia held back a sigh as her beloved husband looked out the window and instead of seeing majesty only saw threats. While she would never say such a thing, it amazed her how alike he was to his father in terms of a paranoia. Though it seemed to only concern the Sith and Darth Nagash.
"Why do all lords make impressive keeps and defenses? We might be at a time of peace but history has taught us it will never last forever." Rhaella countered her son and Elia had noticed that she had begun doing that more and more lately. A rift was growing between mother and son and neither of them seemed willing to stop it. "Darth Nagash is without any levies or Men-At-Arms, all he has is defense so quit your worrying."
"The moment I do that is the moment father stops gazing at fire like a longing lover." Elia wished her husband would look at her like that. Or at least she did at one point. But that fire at been completely doused by now and she had given up on Rhaegar rekindling it. Instead she focused her attention on the coming excitement of the Tourney.
Their carriage traveled into he city, wide double laned streets of brick and mortar greeted them. Between each lane was a small raised block of stone carved to perfectly align with the street, and lamppost jutted out from them. Towering rowhouses lined the avenue and banners and other such festive decoration was strung all about them. The entire place looked to be King's Landing but bigger, cleaner, and far more advanced. Planned out using methods and knowledge unknown to Westeros. Many of the realms' cities grew organically with their population, only White Harbor had been planned to be a city but not nearly to the degree Harrenhal clearly was.
Elia also smiled at the people, of all different cultures, origins, and complexions. Natives to Harrenhal walked side by side with former slaves of Essos and no doubt immigrants from all over Westeros. So many were here and many cheering for their arrival. Though Elia could tell they didn't have the numbers or enthusiasm that the royal family might expect or possible demand. The Essosi could be excused as they were still new to the realm and didn't have the same connection to the Iron Throne the Westerosi did.
"We are turning, why are we turning?" The sound of her husband speaking up brought her out of her wounder. They were indeed turning and away from the direct path toward the keep. This was most unusual and a cold sweat began to form as possible thoughts of assassination crept into her mind. Looking next to her and seeing the Queen calm and at peace however soothed her. And after some further travel the carriage stopped and the door opened. There waiting for them was the Governor Quinn.
"My apologies my queen, prince, and Lady Martell, But it seems that the raven we sent to King's Landing did not make it in time to inform you of your housing situation while in Harrenhal." The gracious Imperial spoke eloquently as he helped her and the queen out of the carriage after being brushed aside by the prince. The carriage had dropped them off in front of a beautiful building that rose several stories high. "Unfortunately the Keep does not have adequate lodging for our incoming guests, however Darth Nagash has requested the cities many hotels and inns to take the burden."
"Does he really expect the royal family to stay in a prettied up inn and say his own home is not fit for us?" The prince sneered and Elia was genuinely surprised that her husband was acting so openly with his true feelings. Usually he maintained a charming mask when around those not of the family. "Where is my father, I doubt that he will agree to this."
"Darth Nagash has taken the king on private tour of the city, I has entrusted me to see to any issue you may have." Governor Quinn bowed and Elia couldn't help but feel sorry for the man. He clearly was very smart and trying his best to accommodate them, but Rhaegar was just making things difficult because of his hatred for the Sith and their allies.
"Now-now, Rhaegar. This place seems far more than any roadside inn, give it a chance." The Queen grinned and followed the Governor into the hotel with her Kingsguard following her. Elia heard her husband grumble something and then strode forward, and after a sigh she did as well. Inside was unlike anything she had ever seen. Walls of fine wood paneling and fine curtains framing them. The room lit by both wide glass windows and soft lamps hanging on the walls. Cushioned seats dotted the room giving ample seating, and all tastefully decorated. This was like the stories of what it was like to live in the houses of nobility of the Free-Cities but with a distinct Westeros flare.
"Your luggage and belongings will be brought up soon. And your two suites are connected by a third set aside for your guards." The governor said bringing them all out of their awe, even the Kingsguard were distracted by the unfamiliar setting they all found themselves in. Was really just a hotel, or perhaps this was an entirely new tier to that concept. They all followed the Imperial up a series of stairs to the very top floor where a set of three doors were the only ones in the hallway. One at the very end and another two across from each other. The Governor first showed the one at the end of the hall as the suite for any guards the royal family may need, in it was several bunk rooms showing that this floor was designed for a family like them.
The other two suites were equally impressive. A central living room completely decorated in the colors of House Targaryen. Included was a small dinning area and lounge, while connected to it was a bedroom and to Elia and the rest of them a massive privy. They were even more shocked at the sight of Governor Quinn showing them a miraculous stream of water that came out of a beautiful pipe that came out of the wall. He explained that it wasn't magic but piped water, and that the bathtub in the room could be filled using this piped water and that no serving maids were needed to bath or refresh oneself. It was spectacular, and Elia was sure that this was only the beginning of it all.
"Can you believe it? Did you ever think the Riverlands would ever have a jewel like this?" Lysa listened as her sister looked out the window of their shared hotel bedroom. Indeed she was just as impressed and awed by the city that had been built in the years since Darth Nagash had arrived. But it also felt suffocating, like she was a small tiny pebble under an ocean.
"I'm sure that King's Landing is just as grand, it certainly is far more important to the realm than Harrenhal could ever be." Petyr had being holding a thinly held scowl since the moment they arrived in the city. The boy that Lysa still felt her heart flutter for did nothing but give critique and thinly veiled insults to her future home. She hoped that perhaps he was jealous of her future husband, maybe he would challenge either Darth Nagash or even the king to win her hand in marriage. No… that was silly. Darth Nagash was considered to be one of if not the most talented swordsmen in the realm and the Mad King? That was ridiculous. "I even bet that this city pales when compared to Braavos or Volantis."
"I can assure you that this place smells far better than King's Landing." The teens all turned to see the Blackfish walking into the room. Immediately the mood lifted a bit as all three took the presence of the man warmly. "Cat, Petyr, take a few of the guards and go out and explore the city. I want to talk to Lysa for a moment."
Lysa watched as the two did as told, and to her disappointment Petyr's mood had completely turned around at being told to spend time with her sister. Her uncle must have noticed this as he down next to her on the bed were she had been sitting. She felt him holding her close to his side, reassuring her without any words.
"Even in my wedding… I'm just an afterthought." She whispered the pain that had been building since they had set off for Harrenhal. All anyone talked was the tourney and what sorts of new and wondrous things that the Sith were bringing to the realm. Nobody talked about the wedding, nothing about her.
"I'm not going to lie to you Lysa, it does seem that way. I'm not happy about it and your father isn't happy about it. But I think I expected this, I was there when the King announced the engagement… I don't think I've felt that much fear of one man in my life." That didn't help Lysa at all, she knew that Darth Nagash did not want this marriage but hearing how much was disparaging to say the least. "But. You are getting more out of marriage than many do. You'll be living here, and be one of the wealthiest ladies in all the realm. Be at the heart of history and possible hold a lot power."
"And what good is all of that when my husband won't love me." Lysa never was one of those girls that dreamed of money and power, she wanted love. Spent days fantasizing about her one true love coming in and stealing her away from it all.
"Then make him. You are a wonderful girl and are becoming a even better young woman. I'm sure you can show Naraiz Rhyhall that you are worthy of being loved." She didn't feel convinced. She remembered the secret meeting between her future husband and her father. How he had already known love and was so sure he could never have it for what he considered a child. "And if that fails, there's always the love of a mother and her child."
"Oh… yeah." Her uncle's words brought another piece from that secret meeting. That Darth Nagash said that she could decide things like that. If she wasn't going having a loving husband then she could have a precious child to spoil.
The afternoon had come and they all now had been gathered, Lyanna looked around at the gathering of nobility that stood outside the Hall of a Hundred Hearths. The great doors were closed and everyone waited with baited breath to see them open. They could hear outside the festival was being changed up, a great commotion it sounded like. It was just another piece of excitement that she felt for it all.
Arriving in the city was nothing like the times she had done so before when visiting Benjen. Now it was finished and even more grand than anything she had seen before. And she had to make sure to thank Darth Nagash personally for making sure that the Stark and Baratheons were lodged at the same hotel. Her and Robert and defiantly enjoyed sneaking out together to explore the city last night. Even though the stars were out, the lamp posts kept the city lit. And people still milled about in the streets despite the time. But now it was time for the opening event, for the tourney and festival to begin properly.
"I have half a mind to just smash that door open with how long they have us waitin'." Robert grumbled besides her and she smiled at his speaking aloud what she was feeling. Dear gods she was really falling for him wasn't she. Lyanna could remember the days when she screamed and howled at the very thought of being sold off to some lord as a wife but now, she honestly was looking forward to her marriage day with her Stag.
"Half a mind, you finally accepted it Robert." Both her and Robert looked to Ned aghast at the witty comment he had made. "What?"
"You made a joke… that was funny." Lyanna said and earned herself a look of mocking betrayal from her betrothed. "Oh stop, it was."
"Aye it was… doesn't mean we should wait any longer." Robert shifted uncomfortably but that didn't last long as she quietly grasped his hand, it was large and held her smallish hand entirely in its palm. Its warmth and how it immediately recognized her and gripped just right softened her nerves just as much as her action calmed his. Thankfully they didn't have to wait too much longer as the doors slowly began to swing open.
The assembled guests watched with wide eyes as the massive doors opened all on their own and allowed for the crowd to enter into the enormous great hall. Lyanna's company were of course near the very front of the crowd being all members of the Great Houses of Westeros, only behind the Royal Family, which seemed to be missing the Crowned Prince. But everyone was too focused on the incoming magical amazement that they missed that fact. They made their way into the hall, it had been completely redone since her last time in Harrenhal. Now the entire place was spotless and smooth.
A sleek tile floor sat at the very center, made up of a mosaic of Red, Blue, and Purple tiles all in a geomantic array that looked magnificent. However this floor was quartered off by pole stands connected by red rope. The available floorspace for the guests lacked any seating, very unusual for a feast but Lyanna assumed this would be no usual opening to a festival. Instead there were four high raised tables in between each lit fireplace. There was still enough room for all the guests to have enough personal space as they all gathered around the tables. Their eyes moved to the end of the hall, instead of the raised dais and throne of old, it was now instead a stage shrouded by a black and purple lined curtain.
Those curtains were slowly pulled back once everyone was in the hall. There was waiting a large gather of people all holding devices of bronze or wood, to Lyanna they looked like instruments. Each person on the stage was very well dressed in matching clothes. Then they all nodded to each other and began playing music. It was smooth and unlike anything she had heard before, a beat that shivered her spine and made her feel the need to sway with each note.
Then out from servants doors came well dressed servers all moving with perfectly timed and coordinated movement carried with them trays filled with either small strange glasses or tiny plates of food. They all weaved and moved around the guests as they dropped the trays of food at each table and offered a drink to each of the guests. Everyone was amazed at what was happening before them that they just did as they were told and took a drink in hand. Lyanna looked down and saw the glass was not a normal goblet but a small disk at the bottom, then a stick going perfectly straight up, then a small bowl filled with a clear sparkling liquid. Before anyone could think about all this to say something, the tempo picked up a little and attention was brought back to the stage. There Darth Nagash was walking onstage followed by a trio of beautiful women all in tight and gorgeous dresses.
"Welcome-all-welcome-all. I extend a gracious hand of hospitality to you all. Tonight you all will be introduced to my style of festival fun… it's a bit more lively than your used I'm sure." He chuckled before he turned back and someone from behind the band tossed over a cane and odd hat. Darth Nagash caught them both and donned the black high hat and swung the cane around in his hand a bit. "For your entertainment tonight, I humbly offer up myself and these lovely ladies for the first song and dance. But please…" He snapped his fingers and the red ropes that barred the center floor clipped off their hinges and opened the ways. "… do feel welcome to join in the latter. Kick it boys!" With that the song changed but not style, it was faster and had a thump to it.
"Can't say I'm not liking this festival already." Robert chuckled quietly as he leaned over to her and she nodded dumbly as she and many other stared at the stage. Naraiz Rhyhall was about to sing and dance for them, the man considered a contender for most powerful man in all of Westeros and undoubtably the most skilled warrior and gifted sorcerer… about to perform like some tavern minstrel. But then he started.
"~We've been waiting for this moment for many years ~ But, now the summer is finally here ~ And while my vision is clear, my mission is clearer ~ To bring now a Jazz and Swing era ~" The way his voice skipped and swung through each word was a ride all in of itself. It made Lyanna excited just as she would riding a horse through wide open fields. It was so clean and yet she couldn't imagine anyone speaking these words so fast yet so musically, so in sync with the band as well.
"~Fellas, I want to see you dressing better than ever ~ And girls, put on your pearls and your tassels and feathers ~ Let's get together and throw a bash, that's such a smash ~ It would make Aegon jealous ~" They way he moved with each word, it looked to be a mix of him clowning around having fun, then at the same time a well and carefully crafted dance that took months to prepare. With each turn of the song he made a motion that spoke to each line, and created a captivated story of music, song, and dance. The band played and the beats infected everyone around, Lyanna took a moment to look around to see some people already swaying slightly to the music. But then she noticed something else.
"~ We're gonna take it toward a real new school ~ Where dressing up and having fun is the only rule ~ And I don't want to sound like the only one, so girls come on over to help this old fool ~ " With that their host motioned with a flared bow to the trio of women who all smiled and begun their verse of the song. During this however Lyanna had taken a moment to look intently at one of the servant's doors. She could have sworn she had seen someone not of the servants duck back into it.
"~ Welcome everyone to this special event ~ It's the party of the century so let it commence ~ We've got music, we've got booze, and we've got plenty of friends ~ So let's party like it's summer again ~" As the women sung their verse everyone watched as Darth Nagash continued his fun sole dance but then watched as a stairway began to descend out of the middle of the stage onto the main floor. By this point Lyanna had returned her focus to the performance and was enraptured by Darth Nagash dancing his way down the stairs and then as the chorus finished he had made his way over to the royal family. The tempo continued and as if it was the most natural thing in the world he took the Queen's hand and led her down on to the dance floor. From the giddy look on the King's face it seemed he didn't mind too much.
They all watched as the music continued and the women began a repeat of the chorus, they watched with a mix of awe and worried fear as the Grand Master of the Sith danced with the Queen of Westeros. But Lyanna could only see how happy the Queen looked in the heat of the moment, dancing with a man that looked to only have eyes for her in that one moment of public passion. She followed his lead and somehow moved with fluid movement to his dance despite this style never before being seen in Westeros. Then with a twirl, Darth Nagash sent the Queen spinning back off the dance floor back to her table.
" ~ Step inside and the excitement sends you in quite the frenzy ~ As I think of all the delights that wait to tempt you ~ You can find me at the bar, drinking 'til it's empty ~ Dancing 'til my feet are sore ~ Partying like it's summer again ~" He said and finally Lyanna couldn't take it anymore and decided to down her drink and pull Robert onto the floor. She didn't know what came over her, in her right mind she would never think that Robert could be a good dancer but it had looked so fun when Darth Nagash did it with the Queen. And apparently she wasn't the only one that thought this as several more, of the younger, couples all took to the dance floor and started to try to mimic the dancing moves they had just seen. And to their surprise they did very well.
"~ Welcome everyone to this special event ~ It's the party of the century so let it commence ~ We've got music, we've got booze, and we've got plenty of friends ~ So let's party like it's summer again ~" The women began their verse again as the dance floor held several joyous partiers dancing their hearts out. All of them looked enraptured with the music and the passion of the room. Darth Nagash had quietly made his way back to the stage as everyone else was staring at the young couples, some of which weren't publicly together, dance. The party was now in full swing and with a dip of his hat and bow, the host of it vanished away.
"What in the seven hells is happening!" Rhaegar fumed as he retreated from the obscene spectacle that he had caught after shutting the door to the Hall of a Hundred Hearths behind him. His plan to swoon and serenade the crowd with his harp and somber song had failed. He was so sure of his plan, to bring them all to tears with his talent, and most importantly impressive Lyanna Stark. She was the Ice to his Fire, she had to be.
"Hey, you're not supposed to be back here." Rhaegar ran from the guard or servant that had caught him, abandoning his instrument as it would have weighed him down. He could get another.
Nothing was going as planned, he had hoped to stay in the Keep and get a better idea of its layout. And to see the Sith Order's acolytes up close to see just what sort of nonsense they were teaching those innocent kids. While he agreed with the Faith that Sith were some sort of evil, the magic that they used had to be the same that his ancestors used to create their empire. So the children in this keep weren't corrupted yet, but they were in the process of it. Once he became king and got rid of the Sith, he would insure that all those children would be taught right and not whatever perverted witchcraft the Sith were teaching them.
But all that would come later. For now he would need to have Lyanna Stark fall in love with him. That would make things move step further toward the prophecy. And he knew that it needed to happen sooner rather than later. His father was falling deeper and deeper into the Sith's palm and worse the Sith were changing Westeros in ways they never should. This advancement as they called it was nothing short of cultural erosion and replacement. Rhaegar knew their plot, to replace Westeros with their homeland. But he would stop them, for the realm and the good of all.
"Oh that was fun!" I was giddy as I hopped back behind stage where people were working hard at keeping up the opening celebration going. Functioning like a well oiled machine and coordinating on a inhuman level. All thanks to a… unorthodox application of Battle Meditation. In another room, the Neophyte Rechar was using the technique to coordinate all the servants and the band to pull all of this off.
"And is that the only purpose of all of this?" Rathari asked as I stepped down from the backstage where he and Fay were both waiting. I could sense that neither were happy that I was putting so much effort into this silly little opening.
"Partly, but also to make an impression and to set the tone. This whole thing is going to be the start of a new era of Westeros. Let's have it have bit of pizzazz." So what if I wanted to turn Westeros into a mix of Victorian class and Roaring Twenties style. People out there seem to be enjoying themselves. And plus I was able to ruin Rhaegar emo harp playing. Sure, Lyanna Stark was pretty damn in love with Robert but why take chances.
"It doesn't matter why you're doing all this, I'm just concerned with the next few days. There are several Acolytes that we have to watch out for." Fay was right, the Neophytes had been hardened by their Crucibles and could be generally trusted to behave themselves. The younger Acolytes however were another matter. This wasn't the Jedi were emotions were shunned nor was it the old Sith were extreme violence was encouraged and expected, meaning I had a bunch of Force Sensitive kids that let their emotions run free without immediate consequences.
"The leaders among the Acolytes have promised us that they will keep their own under control. Even so I still think we should limit where they can go and for how long." With both of them voicing their opinions on the matter I simply shrugged. I had given the Black Cloaks express orders to be on the watch for the Acolytes as well as various persons of interest. One of which I had Jaesa tailing personally. She had been getting antsy here on Terra for the past few months so it was good to give her a challenge.
Fucking Darth Plagueis found out about her powers and had started targeting her hard. But it was also thanks to that that we learned that IG-99 survived. Putting together the pieces we supposed that the Rule of Two had formed a agreement with Sith Skynet and she blabbed all about me and my team. At first me and Cipher Nine were confident in our ability to counter the Dark Lord's efforts to take Jaesa out of the picture… until he very nearly succeeded. Since the event in which Plagueis saw fit to pit apprentice vs apprentice I had taken Jaesa off the galactic board. Losing her was too much both personally and for the future of the Empire.
"This Tourney is the linchpin of coming events, how we go about it doesn't matter so long as it proceeds the way we need it to." The entire point of this whole affair was to set up Robert's Rebellion. The prince will never be the King that I need him to be nor will he be friendly to my Order. All the gains that we have made since coming here could be lost. There is always the possibility of just killing Rhaegar and his little shit of a brother in some freak accident, end the Targaryen line and let the various lords of Westeros try and fight over the mess. That was a option, but not one that I would like to take.
The day has only begun and I had lots planned to wow and amaze these primitives into the next age of advancement.
Author's Notes
And thus begins the start of it all. The Tourney at Harrenhal and Robert's Rebellion. After and during this will be Naraiz going to find his Mando allies and some of the Neophytes visiting the birthplaces of the Jedi and the Sith. Exciting things.
Reviews
RonaldM40196867 - I don't care
Harbringer27 - He doesn't know how to use that ritual.
GhostFang GF - 1. [redacted] 2. the circumstances regarding the fleet's construction aren't present in this AU, as the Republic already has military fleets. 3. He has plans for her but nothing really solid. 4. No
Shadowhorror - no