Dax Blackwater

By Randimaxis

• August 27, 2018

Age: Teenager

Gender: Male

Species: Earth Pony

Appearance: <p> Dax is an Earth Pony with a black coat, with emerald green zebra stripes and a matching muzzle & hooves.  His mane is kind of wild & swept back, and his tail follows suit.  There is a notch in his left ear, a reminder of his brief stint in public school.  He has eyes of an almost blazing green color that tends to be brighter than his stripes. </p> <p> He stands at about average height, weight and stature for a typical young stallion of his age. </p>

Cutie Mark: <p> Dax's cutie mark is a chunk of granite with the top of an emerald sticking out of it. </p> <p> Though many say it refers to his special talent, Dax tends to believe it speaks of his 'diamond (emerald) in the rough' nature among the hardened workers of his family's quarry. </p>

Personality: <p> Dax Blackwater is a kind-hearted soul, wishing to help others and wanting nothing more than friends.  He doesn't get many visitors, as his family lives high in the Crystal Mountains, so he can be a bit excitable when he meets someone new... but once he calms down, he can be a rather inquisitive and creative conversationalist, as well as a source of genuine support and concern. </p> <p> Dax tends to shy away from conflict, but he isn't afraid as much as it tends to grate on his gentle heart.  He would rather talk problems out than deal with things physically, but he will rush headlong into danger for a friend.  He says that he doesn't have many friends, but the issue is more that he doesn't get out much - therefore, he rarely MEETS new folks. </p> <p> Dax has a brilliant mind, as evidenced by his talent for art, his cooking skills and his love of astronomy... the latter of which fostered in him at a young age, resulting in a HUGE crush on Princess Luna - one he'll probably never want to admit to.  His intellect alone would be enough to get him into any university he wished... but Dax is currently more about finding friends and learning about the world around him. </p> <p> At his worst, Dax can come off as indecisive and gullible.  He has a difficult time dealing with the anger of others, and he tends to be naive when it comes to some of the harsher truths in the world.  He is also acutely aware of his shortcomings, and evidences this is a somewhat self-depreciating manner.  His darker side reflects inward, and he can be extremely critical about himself and his actions. </p> <p> All in all, Dax is a stallion with lots of heart.  His good nature, coupled with his astute mind, will carry him far in the future. </p>

Backstory: <p> Daxter Blackwater (Dax for short) was the middle foal of three.   </p> <p> Born as the smallest foal, Dax was given an extremely sheltered life within the compound and manor of the Blackwater Quarry; he grew up entirely within this area, not even being allowed to leave the quarry grounds until he was well out of his foalhood years. </p> <p> His Mother (Vylia) and Father (Luther) did their best to ensure his safety and well-being, hiring private tutors for him when he became of learning age.  In between lessons, Dax tended to roam the quarry grounds, being curious and greeting the other workers with cheer.  Soon, he was almost seen as a kind of mascot for the quarry workers, and they touseled his mane on many occasions. </p> <p> At first, his older brother (Harcourt) absolutely disdained Dax's presence; dubbing him 'Stinky Stripes', the older brother made a game of finding new and innovative ways of humiliating and teasing his little sibling... but Dax seemed only more determined to follow his big brother, idolizing him even with each prank pulled.  Eventually, Harcourt admitted he enjoyed his little brother's company, and they became fast friends, spending time together whenever possible. </p> <p> That is... until Oglevy came along.  The youngest Blackwater did nothing but rile up the same old feelings within Harcourt, and he began to treat the foal as he had Dax.  Dax, meanwhile, was now old enough to understand some things, and did his utmost best to keep Oglevy out of Harcourt's proverbial line of fire. </p> <p> Unfortunately, after a rather harsh fight between Luther and Harcourt, the oldest sibling was exiled from the quarry, never to be allowed to set hoof in his own home again.  Dax cried for days, mourning the loss of somepony he considered to be his best friend... though eventually, he had to return to his lessons.  Soon enough, Dax seemed to be himself again... but he never forgot his big brother, and wonders where he is to this day. </p> <p> More or less on his own again, Dax began spending a lot more time with the miners, even occasionally helping out with fetching tools, or even practicing his own rock-kicking skills.  Many of the workers enjoyed his company, and he enjoyed theirs in turn.  However, it was not to last... </p> <p> Threatened by former miners who had shirked their work yet demanded pay, Luther Blackwater told Dax NOT to be around the miners any more, out of fear that perhaps retribution would come from within the other miners, from a planted spy or vengeful friend.  Not understanding the reasons for this decree, Dax began to sneak his way back each night, secretly helping out his Father's workers on the sly.  Their affection for the tyke kept them from turning him in - especially as he was just so happy to help. </p> <p> One late night, Dax was rock-kicking when he suddenly felt a draw, as iron filings to a magnet... and he began to gather help, steadily getting others to join him, as he was CERTAIN there was something worthwhile there... and there most certainly was!  An enormous chunk of pure emerald was there, and was found to stand stories high, once it was free from the rest of the surrounding rock.  It was the BIGGEST single find in the quarry's history, and it had been thanks to the diligent efforts of Dax Blackwater. </p> <p> However... when his Father discovered who the finder was, he was both enraged and horrified.  He felt that something like this could have easily ended in Dax's death, and the lack of respect he saw in Dax's innocent actions spurred him on to force Dax into a punishment that would hopefully teach him not to EVER go against Luther's orders: </p> <p> He brought Dax to the mines, and had him personally fire each and every miner that had worked with him.  With each firing, Dax agonized over sending his friends away, on his Father's orders.  Though he attempted to apologize to the remaining crew for what had happened, the once-friendly workers now shunned him, not wanting to risk the wrath of the elder Blackwater.  Some of the more mean-spirited workers saddled Dax with a nickname that strikes pain into Dax's heart every time he hears it... 'Pink Slip'. </p> <p> From there, Dax retreated into his own personal studies.  Astrology was already well known to him, and he had read nearly every book on the grounds about his family history... so Dax endeavored to learn all that he could.  He grew older, and continued to learn what he could - even making a few friends among the staff who hadn't been there for the firing.  </p> <p> Currently, Dax is still wandering the grounds at the Blackwater Quarry... however, he prefers to sleep in a small tent near a mountain stream, just down the mountainside, within walking distance of the quarry.  He has forgiven his Father for what was done, and has even come to terms with himself in the past few years.  But Dax is still young, and has his entire life ahead of him. </p> <p> What that will bring, nopony knows - but Dax will undoubtedly rise to the challenge.  And, if he has his way, make friends with it, if he can. </p>