The-Master

House Stormwing – Cloudsdale – The Citadel It’s well known that with war comes casualties, but nothing could have prepared them for the sheer scale of this calamity. Half of the houses military were simply wiped from existence in that space of one battle, their city collapsing from under them. As Scootaloo landed beyond the inner city with Windslash, the realisation of such a loss hit her like a hammer and anvil. This could be the end; this might be their last stand here. All the other cities had sent their soldiers but to no amend. Scootaloo began to panic, her breathing picking up and her eyes widening. What if this was it? “No,” She began to say to herself. “I’m a pegasi. We know no fear. With or without Rainbow Dash here I will stay strong.” She turned to Windslash with a new look of determination. “We need to move the last of our troops to the citadel. We have to buy Commander Rainbow Dash some time. Where’s Dogmatic? Last I knew he re-joined his kin, but I haven’t seen them since the last advance.” They continued to move further into the city, grand and magnificent structures surrounding them as they pressed on. More hordes began to besiege them from all sides and the scum bellow continued to hurl their foul ammunition at them. The last of the Hoplites assembled just beyond the citadel courtyard, Wing Commander Spitfire and Soarin’ at the ready. “Scootaloo! We thought you were dead! Quick, get back here. Things are about to get a bit more desperate.” House Stormwing – New Ponyville – The Gates Rainbow was losing her patience with these idiots. Every moment wasted only prolonged the cities demise. “I don’t give a flying feather about that! Ponyville was flooded, yes, but not by my order! Now are you going to help us or aren’t you even able to take on a bunch of trees and madponies?” Resisting the urge to draw her weapon to speed up negotiations, she trotted back to her guard and slung her shield back over her shoulder. “Because even if you don’t help… I’m going back anyway. My city needs me, and if that means dying to protect it then so be it. You may have no honour left, but there are some of us who hold it high. Any of your soldiers may be willing to die for you, but I am willing to die for any of mine.” Long Stride – Whitetail Wood – The Road to Manehattan If his memory served correct, and it always did, then they were only an hour’s trot from the city gates. About now is the time to be most worried about brigands and thieves. But it seemed no misfortune would plague them today and they pressed on without interruption, save his injured leg hassling him from time to time. They would be there in no time. “Well, that’s the worst of it over. Now we just have to get in somehow.”

@, House Stormwing - Cloudsdale - The Last Gambit Through all the light and the strength of Stormwing they had been drawn to a full halt. The ranks of Hoplites began to crumble under the sheer ferocity of the attacks, spears shattered and shields broken. Before they knew it the Pegasi were on the retreat once again, falling back to the inner city. Dogmatic’s plan although valiant was ineffective against the ents, for they were unnatural beasts of some kind of magic, shrugging off burn and tinder. Their last hope to clinch victory had failed. Stormwing was on the run. “Commander!” One of the captains called out to Spitfire as she continued to direct the retreat. She had not gone without her scars, earning a rather impressive one across her eye, impairing her vision. “Ground forces have all but been destroyed, scattered into the east. Ents continue to bombard the city with foul ammunition, scattering cloud and poisoning our city. The last of the Heavy Lancers have returned to the sanctum numbering around 80. Reinforcements from Windsoar have sustained heavy loses, only 130 of their troops able to fight. Our lines fared much worse, only 200 of our Hoplites remaining, not enough to make a stand.” “Captain, as long as one Pegasus remains standing on four hooves there is still hope of victory. Take your Thunderers and cover our position until all our forces have withdrawn. I don’t care how much of a fuss they put up; those griffins have to fall back. If this is the end then we shall make it an end worthy of remembrance.” @@Flareon, @, House Everfree – The Southern Ruin – The Dining Hall It was all a bit confusing being in a place, taken from her quaint little hut and placed into a world of war and cruelty. These ponies were strange, not like what her parents had told her. Many of them were deformed or scarred; some even looked to be completely and utterly insane. It terrified her. To know that there was at least one among them that cared made her feel safe. It was odd, but then again she was an odd pony. Maybe lining in these woods so long took its toll on her? Sand seemed nice enough though, I mean as far as the residents of Everfree go. She didn’t quite hear or understand everything he said, but It seemed like he was being kind. “Thank you.” She simply said, still shying away slightly behind her mane. Old habits die hard it seems, despite the circumstances. Lily puzzled over what they should do next. The war had passed off to the north, the woods were safe for now. But there was still the looming shadow across the Everfree, plants becoming sickly and trees rotting to the core. The once quite eves had become the hunting grounds for vicious creatures, nowhere was safe anymore. “We have to talk to Fluttershy.” Lily managed to get out. “She’s the only one who knows what’s happening fully. What else can we do?” @@MagicalStarRain, @@AnonBrony, Long Stride – Whitetail Wood – The Campsite “I was twenty two; those were the days I was becoming a stallion…” Almost out of nowhere the aged stallion began to speak, a gruff tone to his voice. There was neither joy nor sadness in his words. “The oaks were tall and green, as the sun set they glowed as if they were on fire. The hills of the country side turned into fields of gold, the rivers a glistening pool of silver. Our cottage was tucked away in the quietest corner of the wood, only the birds ever breaking the silence.” He looked over to the others, no expression yet creeping over his face. “Maybe someday harmony will return, a day when bonds are rekindled, but that day will never some. Those hopes have passed like grey clouds in the southern wind, like leaves on raging current. They are lost.”

@@Flareon, House Everfree – The Southern Ruin – The Dining Hall Lily was almost broke down in tears when she heard Evergreen, unable to it back any longer. “I- I’m sorry. I didn’t… I just…” She couldn’t get the words out coherently, fading back into a small blur of sobbing. “Thank you… for helping. I really didn’t want to hurt any pony’s feelings. I was just scared.” She wished she could simply stop being so terrified, just stop being afraid of the unknown, but she couldn’t. It was just… her. “I don’t think you’re insane. I think you were very brave.” More than I could ever be. “The way you used your magic, I could never even think of matching with these useless wings.” She tried to make them move but she was still struggling to get anything more than a few involuntary twitches. She sniffed sharply, blinking away the last of her tears. “I think I can stand now.” Despite how weak she felt, and the very clear state of shock recovery her body was in, she started to move her legs to try and prop herself up. Her wound was now properly bandaged, the fur around it stained with blood. With allot of effort Lily managed to get herself upright, but already she was exhausted. The blanket slipped off her side onto the stone floor as she used her forelegs to try and elevate herself. After much whimpering and moaning she found herself standing upright on all fours. This lasted approximately three seconds before she felt her legs give way from under her. She hit the ground on her stomach; recoiling from the pain it caused her injury. After some trial and error, and a bit of help from the other two (okay allot of help) she managed to regain her some of her balance and strength. She rested a wing on Jade to try and hold still while she took her first few steps, one hoof following the next. It was still painful, but it was progress. “Thank you… both of you. I don’t think I would have made it without your help.” She turned her head slightly and gave Jade the lightest peck on the check, a gentle way of saying ‘thanks’.

@@MagicalStarRain, Long Stride - Whitetail Woods - The Campsite Resting himself down on a downed trunk, Long Stride took the weight off his injured led. The luck Zebra bastard who caused this didn't manage to leave the fight with his life. How long has it been? Only a few days maybe, four? It doesn't really matter, although it was apparent that the Earth Ponies were useless at preforming medical aid. Indeed, many unicorns had long since fled Earthborn for the safety of the north after their Commander passed the right for them to be de-horned. It pains him little to know that he himself conducted his fair share of horn removal, before ending their life with a clean strike. And yet his conscious remained clean, for he had no moral guide lines to follow. That was left up to his own judgment. He unstrapped the blade from his belt and placed it next to him, sitting it upright against trunk. He tossed aside his helm in a casual manner and looked across at the other travelers. What caught is eye most of all was the artist amongst them, sketching down the scenery around her. What a pointless thing to do. "You'll find that there is little call for artists or... philosophers these days. The currency of the House is in its warriors, not its craftsmen." He pulled out a few more blades concealed in his scale armor, setting them aside as well. "Maybe some day the world will be in need of your skill, carry it on while others forget. I doubt it. This lands fate was written years ago when the war began. No one will make it out if this."

Star Keeper smiled merrily as they trotted towards the falls, well, at least in what he hoped was the right direction. He walked hoof in hoof with his marefriend until they seemed to approach what looked to be the boat shed. Star wasn’t exactly sure, but Moonbeam would probably know. “So, is this the place? I haven’t exactly taken the time to study the town layout or the local attractions.”

@, House Everfree – The Southern Ruin – The Dining Hall Lily looked down to the wound at her side. It was obscured by the blankets but it was obvious that it was still bleeding, the fabric stained red. Where it once burned it just felt numb, almost dulled by the shock. It was such a strange feeling, and yet it took it's toll on her body. “I don’t know… I can’t tell. It’s almost like I know it’s there and I can tell it’s hurting me… but there’s nothing. I can’t even find the strength in my hooves to walk.” Never had she felt more helpless and useless till now. Lily couldn't help but sob, the glistening tears pooling on the ground where her head rested. And then there was the Everfree Liege, the great mass of wood and bark. He promised he could save her, but only if she swore servitude. She was terrified, she didn't know what she wanted more, her freedom or her life. She couldn't even think it straight in her head. “What about the Liege? He promised he could help, he could. But I don’t know what’s going to happen afterwards. I could become one of them, I could be changed. What do I do?”

House Everfree – The Southern Ruin – The Dining Hall All she could so was close her eyes and listen. It gave her some small comfort just to have somepony next to her, somepony to look after her. When Jade asked the question she did not hesitate to respond, although her voice was frail and weak. “Lilith, but my parents called me Lily. You… you can call me that as well… if you want.” She shuddered slightly as her body continued to tense up. She could feel a pool of sickness building in her stomach and the smell of metallic blood still wafting from her wound. For the moment she was calm at least, warm memories of her family still floating around her mind. It was comfort. She seemed to drift off of this world and into another entirely, a better one, before the darkness had spread. She didn't want to leave, but the pain in her side reminded her it want over yet. “I’ve been such a nuisance, getting in everypony’s way and now this. I shouldn't have left home.” Her sobbing returned with a vengeance, droplets patting on the cobblestone. I… I’m so sorry.”

Star Keeper looked back to Moonbeam. "We might as well head off now. I'm sure everypony else will catch up sooner or later." He called over the waiter and paid off the bill. Afterwards he stood up and helped Moonbeam to her hooves. "To be quite honest though I am completely and utterly lost. Looks like you'll be leading the way."

"Sure." Star Keeper leaned forward and cleaned her fork. It was really pleasant such a lovely balance of flavors Maybe a bit much garlic, but other than that it was really nice. "Brilliant. We'll have to come back here someday. Once you've finished up we'll head off. It seems everypony else is getting rather impatient."

@@Flareon, @, House Everfree - The Southern Ruin - The Dining Hall It hurt so much, she gripped her teeth and clamped her eyes shut. Shock was beginning to set in on her, her senses fading to a cloud of grey. As the spear was removed her eyes flung open and she yelped in sharp pain. The blood began to flow anew, the would now exposed to the open air. She felt herself becoming numb, the slow tingling sensation running through her body, creeping up her limbs and pooling at her hooves. She couldn't feel a thing. But then she heard the singing, such sweet singing. Her mind was slowly put to rest and her heart beat began to return to normal. She tried to reach out a hoof to the source but it did not respond. All she could manage was a faint word. "Help." As her vision began to clear she could see the pony sitting in front of her. Tears began to pool in the corners of her eyes, unable to hold back her fear anymore. "Could you stay with me... ?" Long Stride (Helm Hammer) - Whitetail Wood - The Campsite The traveler raised a hoof in gesture' "It's fine, any information given to me is safe, although I pity your situation. By the sounds of it you've all been through hell, and now you have them to look out for. Commendable, but stupid." He didn't seem to hesitate in speaking his mind, his tone unaltered as he spoke. "I guess since you've been honest enough to share your story, and hopefully aren't planning to kill me, it's my turn to come clean." "My name is Long Stride, I used my grandfathers name simply as a guise. Do not get mad, I was simply being weary of strangers in the wood. I served in the Earthborn Military for close to fifteen years, a Pony at Arms. After my parents death at the hooves of Everfree I swore vengeance, but I was so scared. I would spend the rest of my life pointlessly throwing myself on the front line, killing any who stood in my way. Unfortunately it has taken its toll as you can see." He indicated to his many scars and even his more recently acquired limp. "I was a fool, so I left. Wandered for a few days and here I am. Now you know my story."

Long Stride (Helm Hammer) - Whitetail Woods - The Campsite It seems they have a couple of overly sensitive fillies on board. He cast a weary gaze at Lightning, not really to sure what to make of her. "You two are a strange couple, but I will speak no more of it. If it is food and drink you're offering then I would gladly accept some water. Any longer without it and I may just pass out from exhaustion." Long Stride sat on his haunches within the group, taking a quick drink from the canteen handed to him. Surprisingly though he could not hep but look at the two young fillies curiously. Surely they could not have caused so much trouble. Then again, that unicorn was more than ready to off him. He would have to keep a weary eye on her. Actually he didn't have a plan anymore. He was. Originally just going to rob a few things but now it seems he's fallen into this small company of bandits. Does that mean he has to foalsit? "If you don't mind me pointing out, you are both very young to be so far from home. It's not safe for fillies to be out in the wild these days. Ponies go missing daily without a trace these days, and you seem willing to take that chance."

House Stormwing – The Southern Boarders Commander Dash moved with relentless speed, almost getting too far ahead for her guards to even see her. After many hours her wings were in pain and her soldiers were exhausted. She did not know what she would do, what was there to do? Nine Pegasi was all it took to change the course of a battle, but the stakes had never been higher. There was only one option left for them; there was no other way, unless she risk the destruction of her house. She flew south, full speed towards New Ponyville. It was risky but what choice did she have? Earthborn may be their last hope. Rainbow landed just beyond the gates of the town, instantly a hundred guns turned their aim towards the commander. Her guards raised their shields and formed into a small phalanx. Rainbow trotted forward without fear, her mind dead set on her goal. “Applejack, get out here! This isn’t a game anymore, I need your help!” She eyed the ranks of Ponies at Arms, some even looking rather terrified at just the sight of nine Pegasi. Looks like she had brought more soldiers after all. “Hey, one of you bastards go and fetch your commander! We need to talk!” House Stormwing – Cloudsdale – The Last Gambit Commander Spitfire looked to Gilda with a grin, turning to her ranks of guard ready to die. “I think I may be able to get you close enough. My Hoplites can get you close enough to the Zebra, using iron and weather to keep them occupied. Get you job done and get out of there, we’ll deal with the rest.” She quickly turned back to her troops, 400 soldiers prepared and ready. Each was as willing as the next to lay down their life for their house, each was ready to die for their city. “Alright lads, you want glory, here it is! You want honour, take it! You want a death worthy of remembrance; the jaws of the beast lay before you. Mares, Colts; now is the time they die… now is the time we live forever!” The idea was risky, a solid spearhead aimed straight towards the heart of the enemy. All previous raids were met with failure, Soarin’s own chariots destroyed and many other Pegasi dead. Every soldier that feel, their soul was defiled and desecrated by their foul arts. This was a time of vengeance, they would go down fighting. Ranks of dull iron shields and helmets, rows of razor sharp spears. No Pegasi would go down without dragging ten with them. “They want us to surrender, they want us to throw down our arms! Lads… let’s go give it to them!” They launched from the city centre, charging headfirst into fray. The ents bark was thick and their modifications were deadly, but no enemy could withstand the heavy clash of iron. Each warrior protected his brother and sister, everypony had each other’s back. They were a war machine. They brought down the weather on their heads, pelting them with lightning and twisters. Great bolts of electricity set wood alight, ents burning out of control. Twisters threw around their troops in droves, disorienting their lines beyond recovery. Oh sure, Everfree killed many with their primitive weapons, they made their own kills. But no Pegasi fell without dragging down his foe with him. That was what they lived by; no retreat, no surrender. They would die for their house, no exceptions. “Gilda, get your ass down here! There won’t be much left for you if you don’t hurry!” Long Stride – Whitetail Wood – The Campsite He shrugged at their questions. “I have no story to tell. Nothing to say other than it had nothing left to offer me. You could call it many things, but there is nothing too complicated about why I left. Manehattan offers a chance at a new start, a start where I can best out my… talents to use.” He sat down a bit closer to the group. “It is kind of you to let me travel with you. Although I must say I’m not surprised that Moon and Star have driven you out. That house is doomed to collapse in on itself, from all I’ve seen in my years. You’d be lucky to leave before it eventually does.”

Long Stride – Whitetail Woods – The Campsite Well, the name change seems to have worked. Helm will do for now. They knew he was of Earthborn but that could be worked around and they seem to think he’s harmless. I guess he could play that to his advantage. These unicorns upon closer inspection were no ordinary rabble drawn out of Whitegold’s Undercity, they seemed slightly more formal and elegant almost. It was probably best not to anger them right now, especially seeing as there was no way of telling just how powerful these ponies could get when in danger. “I was not heading towards House Moon and Star, although it is now clear that it was where you are from. No, I’m simply travelling south to Manehattan. I thought to find safety in numbers, for there are many cutthroats and brigands in these parts. It’s not safe alone at night.” It seemed to be working, but Long Stride wasn't getting his hopes up just yet. He had to act the part. “But why are you here? You must be from Moon and Star, so why are you muddling in the affairs of the South. You’re not part of the damned Inquisition are you?”

Long Stride - Whitetail Woods - The Campsite It did not take long for the unicorns to notice his presence, some even shot up magical armour and defences in their cowardice fashion. He was losing his touch, when he was young he could creep up on a grazing deer and cut its throat before it knew what hit him. Hunting deer had become quite a sport after they joined Everfree. Now he could either flee, fight or surrender and hoe they take pity for a crippled earth pony. He chose the later, seeing as the odds were no longer in his favour. He stepped out into the light, casting aside his hood to reveal his war torn features. He kept the sword concealed for now, he didn't know what to expect. He didn't speak or make eye contact, but he raised his forelegs in surrender and submission. When he noticed he wasn't dead just yet he began to speak in a gruff tone. "Sorry to disturb you, I am no bandit nor ruffian. My name is Helm Hammer, a simple traveler from the south. I ask you show me mercy for I do not desire to be killed." He kept his name and origins hushed for now, he did not yet know these pony's intentions. You could never be too careful.

House Stormwing – The Everfree Forest – The Southern Ruin No retreat, no surrender. These were the laws taught to the young Pegasi of Stormwing, an ideal passed down from the times of old. It was this that made the Pegasi Empire the great and mighty force it was, a pinnacle of strength and might among the clans. And now Commander Rainbow Dash was left with a choice; to stand and fight, or to flee. Even now she could only watch as mare and colt were crushed or incinerated by goliath that was the Everfree Liege. It was one thing fighting daemon spawn, but the devil itself was another game entirely. Rainbow grasped the spear shaft firmly in her hoof, her eye keen set on the target ahead. She raised her foreleg, lining up her target carefully. With a quick run and a thrust she released it, sending the spear soaring towards her target. It hit the Lady Sparrow with deadly accuracy, the tip running through her side as she attempted to hide beneath the oak dining table. The traitorous pegasi would be put to death. No pegasi should betray her own kin. “Fall back! Fall back!” Rainbow called out to her remaining troops. Instantly they disengaged, taking to their wings and fleeing by whatever means possible and reaching towards the sky. Behind them they left the shattered remains of the hall, littered with the bodies of the fallen. Only nine guards escaped with their commander, nine left for the journey back home. “Fluttershy has been lost to the foal clutches of this daemon. That forest is evil and it would be wise not to enter it again. But now we must go north, Cloudsdale won’t hold much longer against those beasts.” House Everfree – The Southern Ruin – The Dining Hall Lily dared not move nor stir, but she knew whatever had happened it had caused allot of damage. She couldn’t feel the spear in her side, only the burning sensation as blood escaped from the open wound. Her brown cloak was stained red; the cobble stone underhoof was slick and smooth. Moving any part of her body caused more pain and more agony. But they were gone, they had been saved. How could any pony be so cruel? She tried to get back on her hooves but all attempts and getting her legs to react were met with failure. She flexed her wing slowly, trying to find some kind of movement that didn’t cause her more discomfort. She settled for simply resting them at her side limply, her energy long drained from her. House Earthborn – The Whitetail Woods Long Stride had been travelling for a day now, his limp making progress slow but he had a good idea about where he was heading. He wasn’t too sure what he would do once he reached his destination but it was a start. He kept off the road, tracking through the brush and undergrowth of the Whitetail Woods. About this time of evening it was peaceful, but he knew that soon he would need to find shelter and a place to rest. These parts would soon be thick with bandits, scavengers of the wild. It did not take him long to spot the camp, just a small clearing where a few unicorns were gathered. Watching from the brush he could see they were certainly not from Whitegold, they were too well dressed. Could these be from Canterlot, or maybe Hoofington? Who knows’ Long Stride hadn’t seen a unicorn in one piece in 12 years. As he drew closer he moved carefully and silently, skulking through the dark like a shadow. Maybe when they weren’t looking he could relieve them of a few supplies.

@@Flareon, House Stormwing - The Everfree Forest - The Southern Ruins Vines began to side though cracks and crevasses in the hall, binding together into one mass. Whatever foul art this was it was truly horrifying, a beast out of foal’s bedtime stories. After one unfortunate guard was swatted aside only to have his neck broken as he hit the stone wall, Commander Rainbow Dash called her troops to rally. They fell into phalanx formation, their shields linking and their spears readied. The wall of iron held out against lashing whip and coil till Rainbow gave the command. At once the spears of the guard were hurled into the beast, easily passing through the vine and sinking deep. Their weapons gone they drew their Xiphos’, deadly short swords wielded specially for their hooves. With their iron shield held aloft and their swords at their side they readied to make a stand. Rainbow cast aide her helm, revealing her multi coloured mane and letting it fall to her sides. Her scared face made her appear menacing and demented, her armour a blackened nightmare. “Alright Pegasi, let’s show them a real fight. For the glory of Stormwing!” They charged into the fray, their shields protecting them while they followed up with quick and precise slashes. It cut easily, their blades practically passing through thin air. “Is that all you can do?”

Boats? Well I guess nothing could possibly go wrong with that. "Sure, whatever you say Moon. A boat ride actually sounds quite fun, as long as we don't go overboard, or over the falls. Wait, scratch that. We can deal with a little bit of cold. I'm sure it'll be beautiful." He nuzzled back into Moombeams neck. "We can get going whenever you like. Will you be bringing our friends with us?"

House Stormwing – Cloudsdale – The Battle under the Stars Shock and awe, there was no doubt that Everfree had mastered it. They used brutal guerrilla tactics, thinning out the defences and scattering the troops. Wing Commander Spitfire held the western defences as long as she could, but soon they were overwhelmed by a tide of ravenous parasprites and fearsome wraiths. Yet not once did they succumb to fear, not once did they flee. But even as they fought with valour and honour the battle was slowly falling from their grasp. Soarin’ lead once last strike at the heart of the Everfree commanders, his Sky Chariots brining down a rain of spears and bolts. Their cry like thunder they descended upon them, hacking at the armoured tree ents and setting many alight. Chariots were brought crashing down from the sky by the crushing blows dealt by the forest demons, but even now Soarin’ took his last gambit at victory. He commanded his retinue to take out Zecora, the Witch Queen of Everfree. Acting as a spearhead, they drove deep into the enemy lines, their eyes keen set on their prey. But it was a doomed attempt and many were slaughtered. The heavily armoured elite could only withstand so much punishment. Wing Commander Soarin’ was wounded and battered from the fight, calling back what was left of his force. Only four chariots returned to the city in one peace, no more than seven pegasi to accompany them. Spitfire had already begun to withdraw her forces to the fortified city centre. Here 700 Hoplites, backed by nearly 100 griffins readied themselves for one last stand at the gates of the Agethis. Commander Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen, nor the 200 sent with her. They prepared to make their last stand upon the steps of their home. No, not yet had their time come. From the west came reinforcements from Windsoar, 300 brutal fighters born and raised. Lead by their commander they dove right into the thick of it, their superior mobility playing to their advantage as they brought ents and beast crashing to the earth. Wilding fell in droves and even the agile wraiths had their work cut out. From the east came the warriors of Las Pegasus, lords of the weather and masters of using it in combat. Their tornados sucked up and scattered the parasprite swarms, Stormwing suddenly on the offensive. Commander Spitfire led her Heavy Lances and drove straight for the heart, a last attempt at killing Zecora. And then came the scouts, long awaited from their journey south. Scootaloo had taken to silence for the journey, but cursed now at the treachery of Everfree. “They had to have planned this! It takes weeks to mobilise an army of this size! They were waiting for Rainbow to leave, they wanted us gone! Damn them!” Star Keeper was slightly shocked at her outburst, but it was of little importance right now. “Okay guys, here’s the plan. Dogmatic, head towards the Palace of Agethis, rejoin your griffin brothers and get ready to battle. Star Keeper, go with him and get to safety. We don’t need you distracting us. Windslash, come with me. We’ll regroup with Commander Spitfire and get ready to fight this battle. Let’s go!” She took one last look back south, to the far off lands where her Commander remained. Rainbow would not be here to save her this time, this was up to her. “I’m not afraid… I will do this for you.” With those last words they took off towards the city in the distance, towards the chaos and the bloodshed. House Everfree – The Southern Ruins – The Dining Hall Lily peeked over the edge of the table to see more than a dozen armed soldiers looking dead eye at her, some kind of dread aura surrounding them. It was terrifying. She let out a small whimper when she looked to the commander, her rainbow mane slightly fading in the pale light. “I- I think they want to hurt us. Oh, that’s it!” She spread her wings and quickly took to the air, spreading towards Fluttershy’s chambers as fast as he could. When she found the door to be locked she began to pound at the wood with her hooves. “Lady Fluttershy, the soldiers are attack down here! Please help us!”