Author's Notes
Holy fuck nuggets that was quick! Why was it so fast, because damnit I want to get to the juicy bits that are coming soon.
The two year time skip will be coming in this chapter marked by a breaker between sections. After that there will be some set up.
So yay, everyone enjoy the chapter
"It is a curious thing, history. Especially ours. So many chase after it and yet at the same time shun it. We have become the jewel of the Outer Rim, a bastion of civilization in an otherwise savage and lawless part of the galaxy while also trying to hide the very reasons why we are that very thing." I listened to Calthina Droa ramble as she held in her hand some bauble that I had picked up while still back on the surface of the planet. We were in her office overlooking the city, large glass windows were behind her and lights of the city were doing a great job at setting the mood. She was standing up examining the artifact in hand, looking like an all-powerful CEO ready to destroy her enemies with a stroke of a keyboard. Then there was me, looking like a bored but annoyed goob in a casual suit in a chair across from her. We could not look more on different wavelengths if we tried.
After I and my people had escaped the confines of Kaas City and regrouped with the rest of the expedition team, things went along roughly as the entire thing was intended. I directed them to the grounds of several Sith Lords' palaces that existed on the outskirts of the city and we came out of them with hordes of artifacts. Then we had to separate it all based on how legal any of it would be. Some of the most obvious Sith like artifacts had to be left behind, others could be smuggled but the haul was large enough to certainly make this all profitable to someone.
"To the point of even shunning our heritage and taking a new and unoriginal name." I lazily growled out. This meeting was supposed to be for us to discuss my pay and future business with each other. Or at least that's what she thought and would have been if not for certain developments. "When will I be meeting with the IBC investor, his input of the share of the profit will be the most annoying."
"He will not be attending; I have a separate deal with him." She's lying, which confirms what Cipher Nine had been able to dig up. But we needed to be sure, that's what I'm really here for.
"I don't like be kept in the dark, I nearly died getting all this for you and it's more than you ever expected." I goaded her while covering my tracts. The original plan would have resulted in a small fortune but the wealth that had been dragged up from the surface could become a serious game changer to the political dances of the nobility.
"By not going off the Republic approved sites, going near Kaas City is highly illegal and could get all of us in trouble." She reminded but I could both see and sense that she didn't care about that at all. The greed was too great, the sheer amount of Credits that was in her head was overwhelming. "But yes, you did outperform and no… you will not be stiffed based on my deal with the Magistrate. His investment in this venture was more about information gathering. He's a man that I would not want to learn to much about Ulysses." She warned as if I was a new play thing she didn't want to see get taken away.
"Very good then, that means he really did only just want to use this as an opportunity to learn more about me." Calthina's all-knowing smirk vanished as I finished my statement with the word me. As far as she knew I was just some upstart noble from a dead house that had skills in finding things I had no business in finding. And by her emotions right now, that's all she knew. "It's good to know he's not expecting any money to be coming his way from you. That's a loose end I don't want."
"What are you talking about?" Her entire demeanor changed as she was quickly no longer amused by my attitude.
"It's shame that, I hope the funeral will be respectful." I could feel her tense up, expecting me to try and kill her or find herself poisoned or shot. But then the seconds passed by and she relaxed a bit, then the smugness returned. "Were you expecting me to kill you just now? Why would I need to desecrate a corpse?"
"You have a strange way of going about betrayal Ulysses, or Naraiz Rhyhall or whatever you prefer to call yourself." She laughed as she set down the artifact that I had given her. Maybe she initially thought I had coated it in poison and it didn't work or something. But she walked around her desk, a confident sway to her step. "You will need many more years before you could bite the hand that feeds you. Proving yourself a reliable ally is yes, a trusted one not so much."
"You feel smart about that speech, feeling like some wise mentor or some other shit?" She was hiding her anger at my dismissal of her very well. I could guess that such emotional control either came from an iron will, past trauma, or just relentless practice. "But to end this little meeting I guess I should tell you the news. Two days ago Calthina Droa died, the morgue saw a body, papers and certificates were signed, the gears of bureaucracy creaked ever so slightly forward and won't be turning back."
"What are you even talking about you little brat. I am standing ri-" Something must have been caught in her throat as she was looking down on me and I flashed her my yellow Sith Eyes. I dropped the mask long enough for her not to see it as her fooling herself or anything like that. "You're… you're like him."
"Oh I am so much worse than him." I gave a shark's smile as I stood up. "And what I said was true, you for all intents and purposes are legally dead. And knowing that you operate purely within the legal sector of Dromund Kaas… that means you are completely without any legs to stand on." Calthina had worked hard to maintain a squeaky clean business. And so, the various things that Cipher Nine had done to get her proclaimed dead by those very legal initiations that she had worked hard to please, Calthina was now without any allies or assets to speak of.
"Why?! Why would you do this? Have I not been useful to your cause?!" She was panicking as the future of poverty and namelessness was coming over her. She had no friends in low places nor anything in the way of hidden caches of wealth to fall back on. The advantages of doing things by the books were now taken away as her bank accounts would be drained to the various places her own will stated. She could try and challenge all of this in the courts but given that Cipher Nine had arranged for a fake body to have gone through a reputable morgue and all the papers had been filed, her case would have to be thrown out as some woman trying to impersonate a dead rich woman. A bribe here and blackmail there and Calthina would never get a Credit back.
"Firstly, my cause is not his cause. Second, I do not like being on anyone's leash so this would have happened regardless. But, the reason why it is happening now is that I now have House Alizua in my pocket now so I no longer need a smaller fish like you." I could feel the blood draining from her face as I listed off my reasons. How she now felt like she had been unknowingly a piece on a much larger game board. That's what I always liked about people like her, thinking they were the center of their own world of politics and intrigue only to find out that their whole world was in itself a piece for others much larger games. "But finally, the reason why I did this to you instead of just putting you in your place, still alive and useful but cowed was your own betrayal."
"M-my what? I have nothing to hide, I never-" Once again her words were cut off but this time it was due to my Force Choke.
"You were planning on handing over the list of buyers I have for the illegal Sith artifacts we found. The Republic would have loved that as an excuse to crack even further down on the truly loyal Houses of Dromund Kaas. And would have been finally able to put yourself as a leader among the Republic Patriots." The people she had been speaking with and the moving of money and contacts told us everything. I really didn't understand it but Cipher did and I trusted him to read the tea leaves of the spy game. I held her up, holding her above ground a bit as walked over to her desk and pulled out a small data jack that had been snuck in. Crushing it my hand, there would be no evidence that her personal computer had been data mined and the digital illusion of her day to day operations continuing as normal was gone. If she were to use this now, she would find all of her accounts drained and shut down. "As it stands now, you are the final loose end of this entire disappointing venture." I dropped her, and ignored her as I left her office and got into a waiting sky-car.
"-Did it go as planned?-" A holographic projection of Cipher Nine asked as I closed the door behind me and the car flew off.
"Perfectly, with any luck she will run to Darth Plagueis with the artifact in hand and we'll have an idea of where he keeps the trinkets that he hordes." It was a long shot that Plagueis would be arrogant enough to keep the artifact and an even longer one that he would accept Calthina's attempts to contact him. But, it was the least we could do to make use of the situation. I would be leaving the galaxy for a long period, only making short trips to check up on our Infinite Shipyard and the Kaminoans. The political situation here on Dromund Kaas needed to settle and stew for a bit and Cipher could handle it all on his own.
"-Very good, with any luck there will be no new developments until your predicted operation with the Mandalorians. The only possible surprises that I can see would be involvement of the Rule of Two Sith or some sort issue with the Legion Worlds.-" That sounded good to me. I was hoping for some time off back on Terra, with the women I loved, my children, the up and coming Neophytes, and all the hapless nobles to troll. But there was one more matter I needed to address.
"About Elysali Alizua, what is her current status?" I asked knowing that our potential control over House Alizua was contingent on maintaining the hostage arrangement.
"-I have received a request from her mother asking for proof of her safety. Also, no less than eight different attempts to locate and recover her. It seems that Lady Alizua is indeed very intent on getting her daughter back.-" Cipher gave a ghost of a smile as he spoke. If there was one way to get his ego going it was to have people fail repeatedly against him. Few things got a reaction out of him but self-humiliation was one of them. I can only imagine his and Raina's idea of fun times are knowing this. "-However, while I have the upmost confidence in my ability to keep her secure…-"
"Having her stay on Dromund Kaas is too risky." He nodded and I agreed with the idea. Our entire plan for Dromund Kaas at this point revolved keeping Elysali in our captivity. If she escaped or her mother rescued her not only would we lose our leverage but I'm sure that the two would stop at nothing to destroy us even knowing I'm a real Sith Lord. But where to keep her? I actually had several secure places, Rakata Prime, any of the Kaminoan colonies, or possibly even Anoat. However… she was someone I'd like to keep a close eye on. Sith corruption mood activate. "What about Terra?"
"-You want to take her back with you? Is that wise?-" He wasn't objecting, if anything he sounded intrigued.
"Communication wise it is completely cut off from the galaxy except for Lockwarden station. She'd be completely reliant on me and my people in Westeros. And it would give me the chance to work on her. See if we can't get her to see the light as it were." With that meeting concluded with Cipher Nine vanishing from my ride I leaned back and took a breather. I would be having some quality time with Vette and the twins over the next few days and doing some last minute business before heading back to Terra. Two years, until things get really interesting.
"The very fact we need to be here should make all of you ashamed." Victarion scolded the chamber full of Acolytes as the bottom of his boot pressed against Nira's head. An example needed to be made, a censor of what had been going made implicit. And the girl thought she would be above that due to the favor that he had given her back when he was among the Acolytes.
"Are you really going to let him do that?" Edmund Waxley looked to Thoren, Nikola, Miana, and Mysa who all shrugged. The former leaders of the Acolyte and the former Acolyte Council president all had little love for the bloodthirst girl and all agreed on what Victarion was going for.
"Listen up!" Victarion shouted as he had been chosen as the spokesman for this little meeting due to his uncompromising nature and the fact the others had to admit that a scare tactic was needed here. The chaotic nature of the mess they all left behind wasn't going to be fixed by playing nice. Not only that, but it was Victarion's former gang that was the main instigators. "First thing, all of you are fucking things up. The Governor and Darth Nagash are thinking about skipping the stupid Wheel of Punishment and just going right for the banning of this entire thing."
"Are they really?" Nikola whispered to Thoren who shook his head. While it was true that Governor Quinn had warned Victarion about this, there hadn't been anything said about shutting the Acolyte Assembly down Technically the Acolyte Council was supposed to replace this informal self governance with an official body but it hadn't really worked out that way. In practice it created a rival political body within the Acolytes where the Council would handle things publicly and the Assembly would do so in the shadows.
"Darth Nagash loves the Wheel too much to ever skip it. And I don't think it's gotten bad enough for them to come down that hard… but they don't know that." One Acolyte had indeed died, just yesterday in fact. This calling of the Assembly was partly a response to that but the Neophytes so fit to take things over.
"Now, we're not supposed to get involved but you bunch can't seem to handle things yourselves. So new rules that you have to follow or else." Victarion growled and then kicked Nira back over to where his former gang had been cowering terror. "Number one new rule! If any group is caught fighting people outside training, they forfeit their right to group vote. Can't join any new group or make a new one. Second, if an individual is caught fighting outside training, they lose their vote all together!"
"What?!/That's not fair!/You can't do that!" That and other shouts came mostly from the thugs of Victarion's former gang but to Miana and Mysa surprise some of their own former bloc's members joined in. However they were all silenced when the Grayjoy stepped forward, challenging any one of them, or just plain all of them to turn their words to action. It was now when Thoren decided to speak up. Even if he had left the Assembly to become the first Council President, he was still highly respected among all the Acolytes.
"These rules are intended to keep all of this still functioning. The original point of the Assembly was to work out problems without resorting to bullying and fighting. If you have a problem with that, then you are just scum that wants to feel powerful by picking on the weak." A pointed glare to the various thugs in the room got the message across. But they were at least smart enough to know not voice their aggression now. Thoren looked back to Victarion and nodded, turning the chamber back over to him.
"Next, from now on there will be two Assemblies, one for those under the age of thirteen and the other above. The speakers of each will have power over each other should an issue come up involving both Assemblies." This change was made to lessen the load on the Assembly. The Neophytes had gotten complaints from the younger Acolytes that the older ones weren't taking their problems seriously and likewise the older ones were getting annoyed at what they considered their juniors' childish issues. This was hopefully kill any brewing resentment. "And lastly, if we need to come back down here again then it will be the last Assembly and the Council will have full control over all of you. So don't come whining to us or any other Neophyte, don't fuck this up."
"When I say that he's Dornish, that means he views sex in a very-very liberal light. Considering the way you acted before with Vette, why should I let you anywhere near him." I scowled as I leaned back on some creates that filled with relief supplies for the Dragoons on Lockwarden Station. My time on Dromund Kaas had come to an end, I had said my goodbyes to Vette and her crew but I found the former member of said crew waiting in my ride's hanger.
"I know that, Oberyn told me all about all about his people and where he's from. That doesn't change anything." Dabai wasn't making me feel any better about this. I sense that she was at least earnest to stay with Oberyn. There was definitely some apprehension in her emotions but nearly as much as I expected. Nevertheless I lean forward with a sneer on my face.
"You still have not told me how this will be different. I'm sure that Oberyn enjoys your company, however you are still far from an ideal match for the type of man that he is. After a honeymoon period, I can only see disaster waiting for you two." Oberyn is cunning and smart in many ways but his weakness is his heart. That cuts deep in this situation as no doubt he would agree to Dabai's wish to stay with him despite the obvious red flags. But eventually another woman or man would come along that catches his fancy and unless Dabai is willing to share, that will only create problems.
"I'm willing to do anything, I know the risks and am willing to take them." Resolute and stubborn.
"Say that there's another woman, one that proclaims to love him just as much as you do. Neither of you are going to step aside for the other. You know what happens, everyone loses. Him, you, her." I knew of only one specific woman in mind but things could always happen that I don't predict as the ripples of the changes I have made become bigger. Dabai looked at me, her mind still just as certain as before. There was no hesitation and it was clear that she understood what I was saying.
"You do it, and in my opinion Oberyn is a better man than you. So I have no fears should that happen." Her face turned from a defiant smirk to confusion as I laughed at that answer. But then that turned to terror as I grabbed her tongue and flashed my Sith eyes, letting the Dark Side wash over her as I let my malevolence loose.
"You're not wrong about him being the better man. And I'm still convinced you're more attracted to the story of the two of you than Oberyn himself. But, you've impressed me enough to give you a chance. If you show even a percentage of the loyalty to him that you gave Vette then I have nothing and everything to worry about." With that, my other hand grabbed her face and I began crafting a Human Mask onto Dabai. She was still paralyzed in fear of me to really resist. But soon enough, the cramped feeling of her non-human parts being stuffed into a human form shook her out of it.
"W-what… what did you do?" She panicked as she grabbed ahold of her head, not feeling the mass that should be there. Not only that but her previously blue skin was a Dornish tan, thought that might help a bit.
"We are going to a Feudal World, one inhabited purely by humans. I just made sure you wouldn't be burned at the stake." The newly human molded Dabai glared at me, then stumbled away, not fully used to her new balance. Why is so mad at me? After all I granted her wish of not dying and staying with her new object of obsession. I do hope that Oberyn makes her useful at some point but for right now it was either kill her or put her somewhere where she couldn't be a problem. Speaking of which… my hostage heiress should be arriving soon.
Within the hour my men had completely gotten the ship ready for takeoff. All that was left was for Elysali to arrive. I was actually starting to get a little antsy when the cargo doors opened with Raina leading a squad of Cipher's agents. In the middle of them was a crate, the branding on the sides was for a teamster company. But I knew what was in it and it made me smile.
"We have arrived with the package Lord Nagash, Cipher Nine is current carrying out a decoy mission and has confirmed that House Alizua has taken the bait." Raina bowed as she spoke. She never did take after Cipher and developed a mind of her own when it came to Imperial Authority. Still was the biggest dreamer among us for the day when the Empire would cover all the galaxy. Above all else she was what I knew would keep Cipher on my side, even if I didn't have any plans on threatening her life. No, it was just her sheer belief in the cause that would do it.
"Excellent, I think we can let her out now." With that an agent nodded and began unlocking the crate. The second it opened we were treated the belligerent screaming of the bratty heiress that only thankfully stopped due to her falling forward. My guess is that she had been throwing a tantrum and was hitting the side of the crate. We all watched as she pulled herself up and was about to continue her tirade until she went pale at the sight of me. "Tsk-tsk-tsk… you just can't seem to get that little bit of respect from me can't you."
"I… well… I was…" She muttered, completely flushing with shame and fear. Good, the fact she felt both was a sign she was at least salvageable. If I cared to do such a thing which I had no real interest in. This girl was a spoiled rotten manipulator who thought far too much of herself. I'm sure she already came to the idea of seducing me or possibly suggesting marrying her as to secure my powerbase on Dromund Kaas. The latter idea had some merit but it would be a purely business arrangement.
"Get her on the ship." With my orders clear, two of the agents escorted Elysali away. "Anything to report on her?"
"She has been both cooperative and difficult at the same time. She seems to be under the idea that even as a hostage she should be treated with luxury. But she has made no attempts to escape or hamper our operations to keep her hidden." Raina reported cleanly and I mulled over the information. Elysali was certainly in for a rude awakening when she arrived on a primitive world like Terra. But she would be minimally dangerous to my plans while I was close by. Keeping her out of Westerosi politics was easy, as everyone in Harrenhal was firmly on my side and her existence could be keep a secret given how airtight my hold was when it came to secrets and spies. I could work on her, maybe fix all those issues her mother created. Get a decent asset of her. Time would tell.
Darth Plagueis stared at the report that IG-99 had brought back with it. The things in it were impossible, blasphemous, and above all else dangerous if true. That Darth Nagash was not some upstart but an ancient Sith of legend capable of being his own superior several times over. The Muun was going to pour over every scrap of information that he had on the Sith known as the Empire's Wrath once this meeting concluded.
"What of the reality warping creature?" That was the other piece of truly terrifying information that his droid returned with. The very concept of the monster that it had encountered on the Surface of Dromund Kaas was concerning. Though, the knowledge that such a being could exist was in of itself a defense against allowing others to come about.
"-No sign of it in the ruins of the palace. And all warping of space it had caused has vanished as well.-" The strange device that IG-99 held in its hands replied. Within it contained a partial engram of the ancient Sith Darth Malora. The concept of digitizing one's mind was an idea that he had floated in his youth but decided against it on the grounds of possible loss of his connection to the Force. It was far more likely that he was speaking to an echo of the Sith Lord rather than the woman herself. "-I have already combed through the ruins, nothing valuable remains.-"
"The information is worth far more than anything that could have been salvaged." That might not be necessarily true considering who's ruin they were speaking of. But Plagueis could not afford to look worried in front of this digital ghost. That same ghost was also now his greatest source of a additional information on Darth Nagash. "As a woman that has personally met Naraiz Rhyhall, what can you tell me about him?"
"-Arrogant, womanizer, cunning, untrivial in both the battlefield and the School of Metal Sith Alchemy. He was both admittedly very good at keeping the majority of Sith focused on the Empire's enemies and out maneuvering them in the political and social circles. Usually by sleeping around and blackmailing, threatening, or outright killing those that got in his way. This latter operating style was normal but he excelled at it.-" This all felt like rehashing already known information but it was good to confirm. Darth Plagueis now at least understood the fixation on Dromund Kaas and its political games.
It also showed what Darth Nagash intended, the revival of the old Sith Empire. Sentimental and short sighted in the Muun's opinion. The area of space that Darth Nagash was courting for his Empire while wealthy in trade and a focal point for the Outer Rim was industrially limited. It had no major shipyards nor did it have an easily acquired army that could make any stand against the Republic. In short, while Darth Nagash was skilled at killing and getting his way in the circles of power, he lacked vision of what to do with that power once he had it. But that was only one piece of the puzzle.
"Darth Nagash has started a new Sith Order, the Rule of Three. What do you make of that?" He asked as he leaned back in his office chair, the dark night sky of Muunilinst backdropped behind him. The holographic projection of the ancient Sith Lord flickered for a moment before answering, likely processing what she just heard.
"-Lord Wrath…-" Darth Plagueis noted that this thing seemed to refuse to acknowledge the man's Darth title. An inner smirk came over him, as this suggested that this title was self-given. A cultural no-no for Sith. "-… was a devout follower of Darth Revan. He had achieved Balance in the Force during the war with the Eternal Empire. No doubt he wishes to spread these teachings to others. It might be possible that he has found the rumored secret army of Darth Revan.-"
"-Secret Army?-" It was here that his apprentice saw fit to speak up. He was joining them via holo-call as he was at the moment working to insure that despite the recent hysteria over the rise of Blue Sky terrorist groups, the coming war with Hutt Space would go as scheduled.
"-Yes, it was a long standing rumor among the Sith that Darth Revan had an entire army of his followers sealed away somewhere. Waiting for the day when the Sith and Jedi fall and a student of his could awaken them to lead a new era of Force Users… or at least that was one of the many versions of the rumor but the one that seems the most topical.-" This was it, this was why Darth Nagash seemed so sure of himself. But also, the question of why was it that it had only been Darth Nagash himself that had been seen? If there was a whole army of Sith in the shadows, why hadn't he gotten a whiff of them. Darth Plagueis knew of Rhyhall's Kaasen sympathizers and was aware that there was at least one more player in the galactic spy game that worked with them. But that was it. He couldn't possibly think that he or the Republic would have missed more Sith running around. Which could only mean… it was premature.
"He hasn't found them yet." The Muun mused as he stroked his chin thinking on it further. Finding this secret army before Darth Nagash just became top priority.
"-Regardless if he has or not, they are not your biggest threat.-" He would have laughed at that had he not been proven so wrong about the situation already. "-Among those I had seen with Lord Wrath, was his Twi'lek slave girl. If she is with him, it stands that he might also have the rest of his retinue. With him, including his apprentice.-"
"-They are a greater threat than an entire army of Sith?-" Sidious snorted incredulously, something that he would be punished for later.
"-Yes. She posses a rare ability to see someone's true nature. Jaesa Willsaam is capable of ruining entire espionage operations, there is no lying to her, no disguising yourself as something you're not. I would say a great majority of Lord Wrath's success came from her alone.-" Plagueis reconsidered his priorities. Finding the secret army now took second place as did every other current objective in comparison to finding this woman. Clearly this ghost of a Sith was worth allowing to exist for the time being given the information she held. He would work to get her on his side and help in the capture or if need be elimination of this Jaesa Willsaam. The entire future of the Rule of Two depended on it.
I stood in front of the Weirwood of Harrenhal, glaring at it even if I knew that the Three Eyed Raven had secured it. It still was a window into the realm of that self-righteous bitch. Trying to take one of my own? I wasn't going to let that stand.
"Your opinions on the matter mean a great deal to me. But it has to stay." The cons outweigh the pros. The relationship with the entire North would be ruined if they heard I chopped down this tree. And I couldn't exactly tell them it was because it was a conduit for a Force God that was a member of the south's pantheon.
"I understand, we'll just have to watch it more carefully." Fay, one of the few people I could say was close to achieving full Harmony with the Light admitted. She was so close, only her doubts and regrets were keeping her from synergizing with the Light. Similar to achieving Balance or Dominating the Dark Side, it was a transcendent state of being that greatly improved one's connection to the Force. I had only seen it once, that of the Barsen'thor or the Jedi Consular Class from the MMO.
"The difficulty of what I am about to ask is great, but I feel it must be said. Is there a way to remove the Maidan entirely?" Talzin asked and felt like that was a naïve question for her but maybe she was just trying to help me come to that conclusion. She like Fay, was very close to completely achieving the pinnacle of her side of the Force. Dominating the Dark Side wasn't easy, falling to it was. But completely embracing the Dark without allowing it to ensure you was a careful tightrope to walk as opposed to the long slog of the Light Side.
"The only object capable of it is out of reach. The Son and Daughter haven't graced us with their presence again. My guess they won't until Abeloth is taken care of or something else equally as horrible happens." I sigh as I really wish that they had just killed these extra Ones all that time ago instead of just implanting them here on Terra. But then again… I asked for this. God had to make this conjoined reality make sense somehow. "That doesn't mean we can't fix the damage already done."
"You sound like you have something in mind?" Fay asked as I began to walk away from the tree. Moments passed until I was sure that we were far enough away just to be safe.
"The Circlet of Saresh." She stopped in her tracks as me an Talzin both continued our way. It took her a moment before her brain rebooted and she caught back up with us.
"You can be serious, the Circlet has been lost for… you already found it didn't you." She deadpanned while I just chuckled. Then I glared at Talzin as I'm sure she had some words about me and Fay and I wasn't having any of it out of respect for Fay.
"It was stolen from me shortly after I recovered it. But I know who has it but not where they are keeping it." The Circlet could allow me to deep dive into the Light Side of the Force, possibly giving me the chance to enter the Maiden's prison in the Force again. This time however there wouldn't be interference by the Crone and I would be fully prepared for what I was getting into. And armed with the Circlet, I could maybe put back the chains that bound the One that I had broken last time I visited her. But first I needed to get the damn thing back. "I have already made up my mind as to how I can get it back, but finding where it is and waiting for the right opportunity will take time. Two years in fact."
"The Year of the Winter Bloom. It would seem a great many things will happen then." Talzin mused and I wonder just how much of the future she has seen. I'm no oracle despite what many must think of me due to my meta knowledge. But Talzin was and just by the fact she referred to the Year of the False Spring as a year of importance meant I was on the right track. "If I may make a suggestion my lord, see to the Daughter of the Sun and Spear when attending your dragon." Talzin said cryptically as we reached the entrance of the Godswood. Without saying more she left me and Fay, likely to return to her people as her job here was done.
"What was she talking about." Fay had this adorable pout that reeked of jealousy and stuffed down feelings. Sigh, my charm is unending… I can't keep all this manliness under control… but it's my curse to OW! "Whatever you are thinking, stop it."
"Did you really need to pinch my cheek like I was a five year old."
"You tell me."
"You are cute when you get… damnit woman!" I fell to my knees, clutching my right one after Fay had kicked it and stormed off. I groaned with a smirk on my face as I stood back up. While I couldn't help myself at times, I really should ease up on her. I wasn't actively trying to get her into bed but she was just so easy to tease. Leaving Fay to do whatever she wished, I headed back to the keep. I had kids to spoil, loves to love, and a Tourney/wedding to plan.
-R-A- Two Years Later -A-S-
"There is no reason for all of us to attend." Elia kept to the sides as her now husband, not that it ever felt like that, and his father argued about one of the regular topics of hostility. It had been two years since first she arrived at King's Landing, and a year since she had her wedding. Not once did she feel at home.
"We are the patrons of the Sith Order, it is our birthright to see the glory that they will bring to our realm! The entirety of our House will go to show our support!" The king spat madly as he and his son continued to fight at the dinner table. Next to Elia was her good mother who honestly looked as if nothing was out of place. An oasis of calm and security in a storm of anger and hostility. It was no wonder that she had clung to the Queen in these years, she had been a good friend to her mother and had been one of the few people that kept her well since coming here.
How she missed her brothers and her homeland, she had only visited it once to attend her mother's funeral. Something her husband had not attended and only gave her a short consoling. The capital smelled, the courtiers were cruel and callous behind soft fake smiles, the King was just as mad as the rumors said he was, her new good brother was an arrogant little stain, and above all else she felt like the only reason why she was here was to be an insult to the Hand. Cersei was a perfectly good choice for the prince and yet the King chose her simply to spite Tywin Lannister.
Only Ashura, the Queen, and the occasional visit from either Oberyn or Darth Nagash brought any light to her life. If it were not for her handmaid and best friend she was certain she would have cried herself to sleep on her wedding night. A night that she was sure many girls would dream of, the beautiful prince all to themselves… oh wrong they were. The consummation of their vows was quick and impersonal and set the tone for the entire marriage. It always felt like she was a placeholder or that he was simply looking past her. Elia could vividly remember the moment where she worked up the courage to ask Rhaegar what she had done to make him so distant. His answer? That she didn't fit into what he knew his destined wife was. Since then she had given up all hope of a happy marriage or gods forbid children even as slim as chances were for them with her body.
Perhaps she would have ended up a drunk or slept around the guards as so many other unsatisfied or neglected noble ladies do. Thankfully the Queen stepped in and helped her through it all. She helped Elia understand that while it was true Rhaegar was distant and uninterested, that could be a blessing in disguise. They had grown close, with Elia feeling like the Queen was the aunt she never got the chance to have. Someone to confide in, at first it felt odd telling Queen Rhaella all the complaints she had about the woman's own son but eventually even she began to lose the will to defend Rhaegar. This closeness had also given her an unexpected insight, that of the relationship between the Queen and Darth Nagash.
The idea that the Queen and the Grandmaster of the Sith were lovers was both shocking and disturbingly not so. Elia had only found out a few months ago, before she just assumed the two were simply on better terms than he with her husband. And it would be impossible to say that she didn't feel a bit of jealousy towards their relationship. Not only did it seem like a very satisfying one for the Queen by the way she acted whenever Darth Nagash was visiting the capitol, but the woman just seemed happier in a simpler way than base lust. Elia coming from where she did, understood and accepted this better than most and when she discovered this secret promised to both of them that she would keep it. Afterall, the queen felt more like family than anyone else in this entire keep and Darth Nagash was the man that saved her life and had somehow become the very ideal of man for her. Although she admitted he thought much too highly of his sense of humor.
"It's coming to an end, be ready." A gentle nudge from the Queen took Elia out of her thoughts and she refocused on the argument dying down in front of her.
"At the very least leave mother and Viserys in the capital." Rhaegar offered, sounding like a magnanimous lord giving their subject a pittance yet sounding like he was giving them the world.
"We all stand together or not at all. You will attend, and I will not leave behind that woman alone where she can disgrace our family name further." Elia was impressed by how Rhaella was able to maintain an air of civility when her own husband spoke about her in such a way. She looked as if nothing was wrong and could care less about the accusations being thrown to her. "If you do not do as I say, your brother will soon find himself the Lord of Dragon Stone."
That was different, never before had the king made threats as material as that. Elia watched as her husband actually recoiled at this, then scowled at the fact his father looked dead serious. It felt like another fight was about to break out when the soft voice of Varys drew everyone's attention. The pudgy bald eunuch stood in the door way in his always fine robes, Elia still could not know what to make of the spymaster. The king however sneered and pointed a warning finger at his son before leaving them all to follow his Master of Whispers out of the dinning hall.
Rhaegar muttered something to himself before also leaving, having not once touched the food made for all of them. Elia meanwhile didn't even assume he wished for her to follow, likely he was going to go to his private study to brood and look at old dusty scrolls as he so often did. The Queen meanwhile had one of the Kingsguard escort Prince Viserys back to his own room. Leaving only her, the Queen, and Ser Dayne in the room. There the two continued to eat the food that none of their family had touched.
"Are you looking forward to it? Darth Nagash's Tourney? It will be his official unveiling of the city and a showcasing of everything he has accomplished. I've heard he has several big surprises for the realm." Elia had to stifle a chuckle at the Queen's words. She was speaking as if she didn't know every detail of what was supposed to Darth Nagash and Lysa Tully's wedding.
Though the wedding part was being totally eclipsed by the massive fair that was being planned around it. Nearly every noble house had been invited and almost all of them were attending. They were coming to see the modern marvel of a city that had been created, one to rival that of the Free Cities or even Volantis. Along with all the technological and cultural innovations that had been made in the Sith's City. Who wouldn't be excited? Elia guessed the Tullys wouldn't be too happy given that it was overshadowing Lysa's wedding but considering the circumstances of their engagement it could be expected that they wouldn't have been happy any way.
"Oh yes, I'm very looking forward to it." Elia answered not wanting to give away the bit of sadness in her voice. It was a childish crush of a man that had saved her life and never spoke down to her like a weak little princess that needed to treated like a glass vase. Not only was he about to be married but already in a secret relationship with the Queen.
It had been another normal night for the freshly made Kingsguard, the sounds of a screaming match between king and prince were nothing new to Jamie. However this night he was in fact a little distracted and not in the way he had hoped that he would be tonight.
"The very future of our House is at stake and all you can think about is winning some pointless tourney. For once use what's between your ears and think." Jamie listened to his father moan and groan about his recent joining of the Kingsguard, an achievement that would be seen as something to laud if he wasn't the first son.
"And what was I supposed to say? No? What person in their sane mind would refuse such an honor." This entire conversation had begun because Jamie had made the off hand comment about how he was looking forward to the upcoming tourney at Harrenhal as a chance to showcase his skills. He was mildly interested in seeing the city that now rivaled Lannisport and various cultural oddities it held within, but the honor and glory of becoming the champion of the debut tourney of the event was what had him excited.
"You make me question your sanity if you think you chose the sane option. You are my heir; I have groomed you to become my successor and cement a legacy to outshine any in Westeros." Completely ignoring Tyrion like always, but Jamie had to admit that his father's approach to his little brother was better than his sister's uncompromising malice. A thought came to mind to point out he still had an heir or better yet if he really wanted another one he could just remarry and disinherit Tyrion. "Asking the king to remove you from the Kingsguard is pointless, best to wait until Rhaegar takes the throne. Hopefully he will be more understanding."
"The oath of the Kingsguard is for life. I will not dishonor myself like that." His father just gave him a look that Jamie had seen many times before, one that said I have spoken, and it will become law.
"I will not be attending the upcoming wedding between Rhyhall and the Tully girl. Cersei will be there, while officially she will be protected by Merryweather, I want you to see to it that she is kept safe." Of that Jamie was sure to do. Oris Merryweather ever since becoming House Lannister's court Sith had been acting far too arrogant in his status and Jamie had seen the way the man looked at his sister. He actually thought that he could ever be worth something great enough to be an appealing prospect for Cersei's hand. Thankfully, Jamie knew that his father was of the same mind on that. "While you are at Harrenhal, I want you to judge for yourself the strength of the Sith. Those that have come out from that Order while impressive are a pale shadow of what Rhyhall has shown."
"Indeed, I can still remember him and his apprentice… and I have yet to see anything to come close to them." That memory had been fuel for his own training many times. The way that Darth Nagash leapt and danced around his apprentice and then effortless changed stances to hold back her aggressive barrage like he was playing her the entire time. It was the kind of sight that drove others to jealousy or ambition to achieve similar skill. Jamie liked to think it was the latter for him.
"There had been a clear understanding that those that left the Order would not be privy to the higher level of teachings but I have begun to think that Rhyhall has somehow gone beyond that. He has somehow picked out those that would leave and deliberately ignored them in favor of those that would stay." It was possible, the mystical powers of the Sith were still very unknown by the wider people of Westeros. Even the Sith that had left the Order still had trouble grasping the Force as confirmed by Oris Merryweather but that could be a clue in favor of his father's theory. "At the moment, there are thirty one Sith that have left the order to seek their own fortune and glory. I had been initially worried that with each graduating class of Sith the majority would stay but it seems that not to be the case as only twenty two stayed."
"And ten have died in their gradation test." Jamie felt that this fact needed to be stated, if for no other reason to respect the dead.
"Yes. But it is unlikely that all of those would have been more that stayed. Nevertheless, find a way to test the mantle of a member of the Order, challenge one to a duel if need be." Even though his father waved off the idea dismissively, it appealed to Jamie. He had beaten Oris Merryweather in the two times they had spared, the second time he even let the Sith use his Force powers. But Jamie had been training from a young age with the idea of fighting a Sith in mind and didn't fall for the attempt at pulling his sword out of his hand and braced himself right for the push of unseen power. So the golden lion of House Lannister was actually looking forward at testing his skill against a real Sith.
"You look beautiful Lysa, not a soul will be able to look away when you are wed." Her sister made an obvious lie as she helped adjust Lysa's wedding dress. It was a traditional type of gown made for weddings, fitted for her and tailored with the Tully colors along with some trimmings and metal accents that the tailors of Riverrun had been told were Imperial in origin.
"You really think so?" Lysa asked with a fake smile on her face, she stared at herself in the mirror and could only see an ugly girl in a ugly dress. She wasn't like her sister that was growing into a beautiful woman, no dress could ever change that. An awkward, oddly faced girl that didn't hold a candle to her own sister.
"Yes. I'm sure that Darth Nagash will fall for you the moment he lays eyes on you." That would not be happening, it was impossible. Already Lysa knew that their wedding was an afterthought compared to the lavish tourney her husband to be was throwing in celebration of the completion of his city. "It will be so great Lysa, you married to the Grandmaster of the Sith and me as Lady Stark."
"But what about Petyr, I still think he'll challenge Brandon to a duel for your hand." It was her turn to make her sister uncomfortable. Catelyn scrunched up her nose at the very idea and that brought a real smile to Lysa's face.
"I truly hope not, the poor thing would get hurt or worse if he tried. Petyr is smarter than anyone we know but he is no warrior. North men are, and Brandon is the next Lord of Winterfell so I have no doubt of his prowess." With that Catelyn finished adjusting the gown and took a step back to allow Lysa to look in the mirror, something the plainer girl did for a second and then looked away. Her own insecurity forcing her to recoil at her image. Catelyn was about to say something to try to encourage her sister when the door opened and their father stepped in.
"It's true, no father is ever ready for this sight." He joked and it helped the tension that was in the air, both girls relaxed as their father walked into the room. "Cat, I need to talk to Lysa alone. Can you find the septum and tell her to come and help your sister properly walk in her wedding dress."
"Yes father." Catelyn gave a smile to her sister which was meant to be taken as supportive but wasn't received as such. Lysa easily took it as one of superiority, saying that she wouldn't ever need lessons in how to walk. The elder Tully girl shut the door behind her leaving the father and daughter pair alone. Lord Tully's warm smile faded slightly, though to Lysa that was all she needed to fall deeper into herself.
"I have always wanted you two have the best lives you could have. Find the right men that would take care of you while securing our family's future." Her father approached her and gently laid his hands on her shoulders. Moments passed as he looked over her dress and then looked back into her eyes. "My choice may have been forced when it came to this marriage but I promise you that I will always work to make sure you are happy. If you ever feel like your betrothed isn't the man to make you happy, you tell me."
"Yes father." Lysa parroted the words Catelyn said moments ago due to a sheer lack of mind to say anything else. He smiled and kissed the top of her head before holding her close. And for the first time in a very long time Lysa felt at peace. In this moment she didn't feel like she was in competition for her father's attention. But the moment was ripped away too soon as he pulled away.
"Right, work hard with the Septum. Everyone will see that House Tully is a House to be respected." With that he gave one last smile before turning around and leaving Lysa to herself. A warmth in her chest continued to stay once he was gone, a feeling of assurance and support. That feeling died the moment she glanced to the side and saw herself in the mirror, once again the fears of her appearance flooding back and killing whatever confidence had been given to her in that tender moment.
"So father will not be attending?" The question was of the upcoming wedding and tourney at Harrenhal. As Lyanna walked with her brothers to dine for the night, she had to wonder how long could their father hold out before officially joining the Night's Watch. He spent more and more time up at the Wall and less in Winterfell.
"No, I don't believe he made any mention that he would returning back from his latest visit to Stonedoor." Brandon sighed having just received a letter earlier in the day. Four of the abandoned castles had been repaired and were being manned. After what happened with their mother, and the persistent rumors of the Princes of Night, the ranks of the Night's Watch had swelled and were beginning to look a little like the stories of old. How long this recruitment drive would last was anyone's guess. "Though I'm still not even sure of myself."
"You wouldn't dare, don't forget that Darth Nagash saved your life." Lyanna chastised her brother who looked mighty embarrassed at that little fact being brought back up. While it wasn't something that he thought much of, the fact he had been such a foolish child and got caught by a savage mountain tribe irked him when it came up. "Not only that but don't you want to see Benjen? Or maybe the reason you don't want to go is because you know you'll see your betrothed?"
"That's not it at all, I have a lot of duties here and that's it." Brandon stormed ahead of his siblings leaving behind a smirking Lyanna and an exasperated Eddard.
"Not everyone can be as lucky as you when it comes to their betrothals. Brandon still hasn't let go of the bachelor life." Eddard reminded his sister who waved off the concern. The middle son of the Stark family never thought that he'd see his wild sister more accustomed to her arranged marriage than Brandon. Sure, Brandon was still immature at times he still carried his family duty well. Lyanna on the hand had to be forced to play the part of a lady and he was sure if it had been any other man than Robert she would be still kicking and screaming about the betrothal.
"Well what about you? You don't even have a betrothal yet, I know that Lord Arryn wants you to marry his daughter but father hasn't agreed to it yet. You're still free to find any woman you want. Or maybe you have?" Lyanna teased an embarrassed redness into Eddard who followed his older brother's example and moved on ahead of his sister. This was better, both of them were still so broken up over their mother's death but it was good to see that she could still break through to them. By the old gods and the new, if anything happened to her they might do something unthinkable.
Rhaegar stared into the fireplace of his personal study. The time was coming close, the evils of the world were showing themselves faster than he had expected. The prophecy foretold of a prince born of smoke and salt under a bleeding red sky. He fit that description as he was born in the tragedy of Summerhall. The sky surely was red, smoke choked many throats, and the salt of the living's tears made it all fit. But there was one part that always eluded him. The song of Ice and Fire.
Was he the Fire? That made the most sense but then who was the Ice? His enemy? Darth Nagash wasn't the coldest person nor did he identify with Ice in any way. Could this part of the prophecy instead refer to an event instead of people? Then how could he know what to expect if that was the case? No, it had to refer to him and someone else. Someone to be a part of his song. This was what he had long assumed and for some time he had assumed it referred to the person that he was destined to be with.
"The North… that's what has to be. The Daughter of Ice and Winter, united with the Son of Fire and Summer." Rhaegar mumbled to himself as he stared into the fire. He had at times listened to the drunken fool Thoros of Myr, his claims that answers could be found in the flames. They had always eluded Rhaegar but the fire helped him think, perhaps that was in fact what the Red Priest meant.
"My prince?" The sound of the door opening and his most trusted confidant entering did little to snap the prince out of his musings. "What are the plans? Should I send the riders to our allies?"
"Yes, tell them we will use the tourney at Harrenhal as cover. My father will be too busy enjoying his foolishness with the Sith Order and the Sith themselves still don't suspect us." Jon Connington, the Lord of Griffon Roost, nodded and stepped back out to go and send forth the messages to those that were loyal to the prince and understood the danger of both the Mad King and the Sith. But while Jon was concerned with the mortal dangers of their conspiracy, Rhaegar was still pondering the mystical. "At this tourney I shall make her mine. It is destiny."
Reviews
GhostUzumaki07 - he will make one more appearance and that will be it. Maybe a Omake but that's a hard maybe. I don't want this story to get too bogged down in interdimensional nonsense.
RonaldM40196867 - The movies? Worse. The Franchise? better now that its being put in the hands of the dave and john
VoteableDuke - Eh... I sorta did but didn't
GhostFang GF - Naraiz as plans for Dragons