private String of Fate

[Vae Victis 742]

@ @

 

Naga bowed to both. Prehaps he had spoken too softly? No matter, he would simply say it again.

 

" My name is Naga. I also go by Rakshasa, but then again, the former is easier to say. I also go by ' monk ' if you want things really simple." He said with a smile. " and it is very nice to meet you as well, Aria."

 

Then. A flashback. Caliber. That was indeed a name he had heard in the past. He thought back to three months ago...

 

--------------

( 3 months ago )

 

"..... Wait. Krevias. So what yer telling me is that there is a pony out there who can go from an E rank to an S rank in an instant? What could trigger such a thing? An Alicorn?"

 

" No, According to lord Tion's resources, it's a simple Earthpony. A swordspony. The E ranking is put in place because of his generally passive nature. However, he has been observed to reach anywhere from C rank to A rank without a transformation."

 

" transformation?"

 

" Yes, he is very spiritually affluent, Naga. Just like you. The metamorphosis, as we have observed him for a while, puts him on par with your... Less reputable form. We suspect that he also might be a Vetala, but have concluded upon leaving him be, since he has no intention on harming others. Hence, the base E rank. Aside from that, be wary if encountered. He might get a glimpse of what you really are, as beings with strong awareness of soul can see auras. You know how these disgusting little creatures are. They judge what they refuse to understand, even if we have the best of intentions.

 

" you were mortal once too, Krevias."

 

" What I was doesn't matter. What I am now does. Now it's come to my attention that you're going on a pilgrimage soon. Keep your interactions with them short and only as necescary."

 

" You know that's never how it works out, right Krev?"

 

" And you're a fool for doing otherwise. You only bring yourself pain, Naga."

 

" Wait, you actually care?"

 

" ..... And what if I do? It doesn't matter to you anyways."

 

" you know that good 'ol Naga always comes back."

 

" You're a fool. "

 

" on the contrary, a wise pony walks with other wise ponies. A fool walks with other fools. Am I wise, or a fool? Or maybe am I a foolish wisepony or a wise fool? Or maybe I'm a wise wisepony or a foolish fool? Maybe all six?"

 

" Get out, if you're going to start spouting your backwards logic again."

 

" haha! That's more like ya, Krev! See ya around!"

 

( end of flashback )

----------------------

 

Yes, he knew of this caliber, who was now eating a gargantuan pile of food. He must've gotten it while Nags was daydreaming back to the day he left home. Matter of fact, that caliber reminded him of an old friend. So did Aria. Many ponies here reminded of old friends.

 

He spoke to Caliber.

 

" you know, I see you have quite a beautiful sword. You know... There's a legend you might want to know when it comes to warriors like yourself. Would you like to hear it, friend?"

[P-Jay 1,987]

(caliber's a unicorn, BTW)

 

"hm?" caliber swallowed, "a legend? sure!" this guy was looking at him funny, but he didnt care, he was always for hearing legends. he was pretty sure this guy recognized him, but that was kinda expected.

 

(god-dang character limit, messin with ma post!)

Edited April 5, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Plume 922]

@@Orion Caelum,

 

Jazz shrugged, smiling shyly at his compliment as she puzzled over what he was going to say. "I guess." she said, running a hoof gently across the lacquered surface of the table. She smiled as he trailed off thinking it was adorable, before taking his card gently. "Hm." she hummed, before flipping it over and noticing a desperate blob of scribble. "Uh... What happened here?" she asked, pointing it out gently with a hoof. "Tomorrow? Why not now? I don't have anything to do. It's a beautiful night as well." she said, smiling sincerely for maybe the first time that night. She was happy she had made a friend.

[Twi The Totodile 200]

Swords? Legends? Not really my thing, but that's okay, I'll let them talk for awhile. Aria thought. She decided to just smile but stay out of the conversation until there was something for her to talk about. Her mind started drifting towards a subject that she didn't want to think about. What is it that makes me feel differently about Caliber? He's just another friend right? She wondered.

[Vae Victis 742]

(caliber's a unicorn, BTW)

 

"hm?" caliber swallowed, "a legend? sure!" this guy was looking at him funny, but he didnt care, he was always for hearing legends. he was pretty sure this guy recognized him, but that was kinda expected.

 

(god-dang character limit, messin with ma post!)

 

OOC: ( sorry! I'll edit that soon!)

 

Naga, with his usual smile, proceeded to tell his story.

 

" across the sea to the east, south of the Griffon empire, there is a colony. An unusual colony that consists of Saddle Arabians and Minotaurs. Once having fought each other, they had made peace when the ravages of war, along with the already harsh living circumstances of that area begun to take their toll. Now fast forward a few hundred years. They build up quite a tidy country for themselves together. Saddle Arabians shared superior steel making, and the Minotaurs shared better farming and survival methods, along with building many towns together, and call the nation ' Aratuaris ' in honor of both species. Then, one day, a force appears. It is a dark one. A necromancer, wielding an object with a soul of what is said to be a fallen primordial being, said to have power of nature itself! This necromancer used a vast amount of unholy power to raise the dead of the land and make them his slaves of war. This unicorn, whose name is lost to time, sought to subvert the world by using undead to terrorize and bear conflict. His first target was this nation. However, they would not stand for it. The minotaurs took up arms with their saddle arabian allies, and began to fight. Two among them stood above any other. In fact, it is reputed that they created the unusual method of Aratauris's primary fighting force; Minotaurs riding upon Saddle Arabians to quickly overtake enemies. These two led the charges, battling for many years to end the undead curse. Many lives were lost. Bodies had to be burned so that they wouldn't be raised. When all seemed lost, the Minotaur and the Saddle Arabian rallied the last of their forces, and taught them their method of combat. During the last battle, it was this very Minotaur and Saddle Arabian who broke through the lines and eventually took the head of the nameless necromancer. However, before he died, the necromancer, in a last fit of vengeance, unleashed a horrifying curse that affected any in the vicinity, and would continue to do so to their family lines. The curse is said to affect those who were unsatisfied before their death, and would raise them so that they could claim what they wanted before they died. However, these undead, named Draugrs, only brought destruction with them wherever they went, summoning hurricane winds and rain that was colder than the frozen north. The Minotaur hero, along with his saddle Arabian friend, suffered this curse. The hero longed to die in battle, but was taken by sickness years later, along with his friend when a plague rolled through. Now, here's the fun part. They didn't stay dead. The Minotaur hero didn't die the death he wanted, and the Saddle Arabian was unsatisfied with having not been able to adventure with his friend some more. Therefore, the curse kicked in. They rose together, donning their armor, and set out for adventure and war. So legendary are they, that the Minotaur was given the name of Stormbringer, for wherever he goes to fight, a typhoon shall assist him, and to his steed, the name harbinger, for he carries the storm with him. The legends say that these two roam the Earth, looking for a worthy opponent. And everytime that they have challenged a worthy adversary... The Minotaur won, as Harbinger would be content to watch as it would be an honorable one on one. If a warrior was to someday take down the Stormbringer after being challenged by him.... They would undoubtably be legendary themselves. However... No one who had accepted Galros's challenge has ever lived to tell about it..."

 

He looked at the warrior. Smiling lightly still.

 

" If ever you were in his crosshairs, would you accept the challenge that no being has ever succeeded at for nearly 300 years? I only speak of it because I can tell that you take yer training seriously. You eat with the vigor of a dragon and show the confidence of a king, not afraid to speak your mind. If I were him, you seem like one who'd he would challenge someday."

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber set his cup down. "garlos was his name?" he asked quietly, his mind racing. "your right to think i would accept that challenge." he looked up, "undoubtedly sounds like a worthy opponent, one i could finally go full-out on!" caliber was getting pumped, "i would probably be the one who challenges him, it like a battle of the century!" he ate some more, "i need to find this warrior!!"

Edited April 5, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Vae Victis 742]

caliber set his cup down. "what was the minotaur's name?" he asked quietly, his mind racing. "your right to think i would accept that challenge." he looked up, "undoubtedly sounds like a worthy opponent, one i could finally go full-out on!" caliber was getting pumped, "i would probably be the one who challenges him, it like a battle of the century!" he ate some more, "i need to know of this warriors name!"

 

Naga simply laughed.

 

" hahahaha! I admire your fortitude and eagerness. But that's the thing. the Stormbringer only appears of his own accord. He comes to you when he feels like you're ready. Either that, or you gather an army, go to war with Aratauris, and stomp their teeth in so badly that they call upon his power with a ritual. It's said that he does still have loyalties to his homeland, after all..."

 

He stopped his chuckle after awhile. The way he had been talking, it almost seems like he knows the Stormbringer. Or at least, knows the legend quite well, being fascinated as much as he is with foreign stories and tales.

 

" some even call him a warrior god. Nülvak. Some say his given name was Galros. And his Saddle Arabian friend is named Ciratha."

[P-Jay 1,987]

calibers eyes widened. "well, im pretty sure i could wreak havoc to get them to summon him, but thats the cheaters way out." he sighed, "i dont suppose your a fighter, what with your hook swords." caliber liked this guy, he seemed like a good friend, but there was something about him...something un-natural... "oh, im sorry, i completely forgot about aria!" he looked over at her, "what do you think about him?"

[Kankuro 233]

@,

"Lightning."

He made a small smile, he hadn't smiled in a long time. It felt good, he felt free. Free from the depression caging him for weeks.

He really thought he should leave his brother. He'll grow up a good life without him.

"Are you from around here?" He questioned.

[Misty Rose 3,216]

@

 

"Well nice to meet you Lightning." The mare couldn't help but smile a little wider as she saw him smile too. She had the feeling this was a pony who didn't smile too often and she was glad he could do it with her. "I wonder if I'm right..."

 

"No I'm not actually. I just came here to look around and see the town, thought I'd stop by for a quick bite first before exploring."

[Kankuro 233]

@,

Lightning tilted his head.

"So you've never been in this town before? Wow. Well I would gladly show you around if you needed it. I've lived here my whole life, and I know the streets quite well."

He was worried she'd read his face and tell that he wasn't what he seemed.

(OOC: Sorry, ran out of ideas )

[Dust and Memories 557]

@@Orion Caelum,

 

Jazz shrugged, smiling shyly at his compliment as she puzzled over what he was going to say. "I guess." she said, running a hoof gently across the lacquered surface of the table. She smiled as he trailed off thinking it was adorable, before taking his card gently. "Hm." she hummed, before flipping it over and noticing a desperate blob of scribble. "Uh... What happened here?" she asked, pointing it out gently with a hoof. "Tomorrow? Why not now? I don't have anything to do. It's a beautiful night as well." she said, smiling sincerely for maybe the first time that night. She was happy she had made a friend.

Wilhelm shrugged. "I'm fine with that. I was just planning to walk back to the Tower and do some work, but I'd like some company. I get lonely up there sometimes, and having a friend over would be lovely. I'll just go settle my tab, and we can get going." He finished his tea and walked to the proprietor, who gave him the cryptic response he gave to everyone else. Wilhelm asked him to repeat it, and watched his eyes carefully. When he mentioned the stranger, his gaze flicked ever so slightly to the monk hippie pony in the middle of the room, and Wilhelm braved the storm of others to go over to Naga. He tapped him on the shoulder. "Listen, you. Yes, you. I'll tell you right now that I don't need your charity. I'm perfectly capable of paying my own bills." Then, the tough expression on his face softened somewhat. "But thanks anyway."

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber fired up immediately. "hey, he wasn't giving charity, okay? he was being nice. you talk to my friend like that again, we're gonna have a problem." his gaze narrowed. who was this guy, and why did an act of kindness tick him off? his aura...it was purplish, with some red and green. rather complex fellow. trauma, and strong discipline. and...loneliness. meh, it doesn't excuse the fact to be mean. his hand drifted towards his sword, ever so slowly.

[Plume 922]

@@Orion Caelum,

 

 

"Sure, I don't mind." Jazz said, smiling and also standing. She trotted over to the counter as well, also listening in to the response. However, she was unable to puzzle through who exactly the pony was talking about, but when Wilhelm approached the other,  she understood. Ah. Immediately, she sensed tensions rising, and, gently, she placed a hoof on Wilhelm's, nudging him backwards ever so slightly. "Uh... He.... He means well." she mumbled quickly, trying to explain without letting anyone get hurt. She swallowed thickly, the feeling of many pairs of eyes on  her making her beyond uncomfortable. "Thanks... By the way." she murmured, smiling at Naga.

[Misty Rose 3,216]

@

 

"Wow! I'd definitely appreciate that. It always helps to have someone show me around. It's a great way to make a new friend too."

 

Deep down Pink was jumping up and down excitedly. She had found someone to help guide her around sooner than usual, and that was usually a good sign. She couldn't wait to look around and find all the unique little aspects of the town, because to her every place had something special.

 

"So, did you already get something to eat in there? Or do you wan to join me? I could use some company."

[Vae Victis 742]

@@Orion Caelum @@MiniKirby123

 

Naga's smile had turned into a stoic, melancholy expression. He simply bowed his head, and spoke.

 

" I must beg your forgiveness. It was not my intention to offend you in any way. I apologize, and will be sure not to let another action displease you."

 

He then looked at Jazz, trying to return the smile, but unable to do so. Instead, he deflected some of the tension with a half-hearted joke. " ya know, I asked to remain anonymous. Your friend is quite good at sniffing out the rat as they say. But... Guess there Is no use for half-truths and omissions of facts. You are welcome. I bid you both a blessed night." He had a small amount of pain to his voice. Humor didn't work. Trying to pay the tab in anonymity didn't seem to bring much cheer either. On top of that, he had ran a pony out of the café unintentionally by inviting others over so that it might lighten the mood. Had things really changed in Equestria? Had Naga become a culturally inept fool?

 

@

 

Naga then turned to Caliber. He spoke in a somewhat distressed tone of voice. " Please, Caliber! No violence. I beg of you. I incited his anger and I got what I deserved. Such Is the way of karma. Sometimes the consequences are instant, and some are further down the path. I'd rather be scolded simply, then wait for the effects of the universe to take their toll slowly. But even still, I thank you for coming to my defense. But even still... Please, let us not make conflict."

[Dust and Memories 557]

@@Orion Caelum @@MiniKirby123

Naga's smile had turned into a stoic, melancholy expression. He simply bowed his head, and spoke.

" I must beg your forgiveness. It was not my intention to offend you in any way. I apologize, and will be sure not to let another action displease you."

He then looked at Jazz, trying to return the smile, but unable to do so. Instead, he deflected some of the tension with a half-hearted joke. " ya know, I asked to remain anonymous. Your friend is quite good at sniffing out the rat as they say. But... Guess there Is no use for half-truths and omissions of facts. You are welcome. I bid you both a blessed night." He had a small amount of pain to his voice. Humor didn't work. Trying to pay the tab in anonymity didn't seem to bring much cheer either. On top of that, he had ran a pony out of the café unintentionally by inviting others over so that it might lighten the mood. Had things really changed in Equestria? Had Naga become a culturally inept fool?

@

Naga then turned to Caliber. He spoke in a somewhat distressed tone of voice. " Please, Caliber! No violence. I beg of you. I incited his anger and I got what I deserved. Such Is the way of karma. Sometimes the consequences are instant, and some are further down the path. I'd rather be scolded simply, then wait for the effects of the universe to take their toll slowly. But even still, I thank you for coming to my defense. But even still... Please, let us not make conflict."

Wilhelm returned the respectful nod. "Nor did I intend to cause you distress. However, I must insist you accept this payment." He held out a hoof; on it was the exact amount of their tab, plus three bits. "I apologize for reacting in that particular way, but I don't take easily to unexpected acts of kindness. It's been a while since I've experienced that sort of thing." Wilhelm gave a small, embarrassed smile.

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber looked at naga. "ya do something nice, and ya get punished? well, alls im convinced is that i have no idea how karma works" he sat back down with a snort. "but if he pops off like that again, i wont let him off so easily" he returned to his plate, and continued eating.

[Twi The Totodile 200]

Aria had been quiet through the whole thing, although she was afraid of what might happen. Luckily things had gone over without violence, but she was still worried about what might happen next time. I hope Caliber doesn't get violent, he seemed like such a nice pony before. She thought.

(OOC: I apologize for not posting before, I've been busy all day)

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber was getting tired. "hey, aria, could ya show me to that inn?" he asked, getting up, "im pretty sure i'd get lost alone." he was trying for comedy, and he wasnt sure if it would work. oh, well. he payed for his meal, (213 bits) and walked over to the door. "ya coming?" he asked aria

[Twi The Totodile 200]

"Coming!" Aria said happily, getting up and heading for the door. "Bye everypony." She added, even if the other ponies might not have been listening to her. She wanted to leave on a positive note, seeing as there had been a bit of negativity going on before.

Edited April 6, 2015 by Twi the Totodile

[Vae Victis 742]

 

 

Wilhelm returned the respectful nod. "Nor did I intend to cause you distress. However, I must insist you accept this payment." He held out a hoof; on it was the exact amount of their tab, plus three bits. "I apologize for reacting in that particular way, but I don't take easily to unexpected acts of kindness. It's been a while since I've experienced that sort of thing." Wilhelm gave a small, embarrassed smile.

Naga understood, and smiled. " quite understandable. You take pride in being self sufficient. A respectable virtue. I can promise you that I will put it towards a good cause." Normally, he would've told the Pony to keep it. However, Naga was afraid of starting another misunderstanding. So, in lieu of not accepting, he would certainly find a worthy cause to use it for. " I hope you all have a good evening. I must find a place to lay my head."

 

He looked behind him. No caliber or Aria. There one minute, gone the next. Oh well. This ponies sure liked to live fast. But could Naga really blame them? Life was too short.... Well... Most life. He turned back to Wilhelm. " My name is Naga, by the way. May I at least know yours before I depart?" He then offered his right hoof for a hoof shake.

[Plume 922]

Jazz watched the two of them interact with a sort of intent interest. Both of them had similar values, it seemed, and they got along well. She had taken to standing a little behind Wilhelm, just for the sake of hiding away from the others who had just left. With the amount of ponies remaining lessening, she stepped forward a little and waited, still too uncomfortable to talk as she slung her guitar over her shoulder.

[Kankuro 233]

@, 

Lightning cringed,

'Back in there?' He thought, 'But that monk pony is still in there, or at lest I think so.'

He didn't want to take the risk, so he hesitated,

"S-Sure, I haven't eaten yet, no.."

Lightnings stomach grumbled ferociously. It'd been 3 days since he'd last eaten properly, and even then it was only an apple.

He blushed because of his loudness,

"Uh, sorry.." He murmured...
 

[Misty Rose 3,216]

@

 

Pink's eyes opened wide at the sudden almost growling noise that erupted in front of her. When she realized it was Lightning's stomach she tried to fight back a light chuckle.

 

"Hehe, it's okay. It happens to all of us. And great! Let's go get us something to eat."

 

As she walked towards the café she couldn't help but look behind her slightly at the stallion. She let a small smile form on her face. "Who would have thought I would find a dining companion so soon in my journey? This is great!"