private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Right, well... now there is a long path ahead of us, and it would behoove us to keep our pace brisk.  Make sure to keep the group moving.  Keep their spirits high, Trivanius... there's a good girl."

 

Trivy a gave a small chuckle at the silly nickname he called her. They keep getting better every time...

 

She thought his apology for a moment and realized she had been the wrong one in the situation. "No need to apologize. I was the one who wronged you, not the other way around. Sure, I might have been extra grumpy at the time because of the lack of food but that is still no excuse for my actions. Although I'm glad you're not so mad at me anymore. There are better things to do around here than fighting."

 

Trivy was silent for a while, not really sure what to say next. Well, she knew what she wanted to say but she didn't know how to start. Do I trust him enough to tell him? Maybe he will think I'm crazy... The multiple emotions displayed on her face could tell that something was bothering her. Even someone like a Darkmane guard with the intelligent of minus 100 could see that.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt looked sidelong at Trivy for a moment.

 

"Agreed.  Far better things than keeping tabs on misunderstandings.  Such as, for example, the matter of what is crawling around in your head at the moment?  Now now," he held a hoof out to silence her, "if this is a subject that is better kept under wraps, then we can speak later, if you wish.  All the same, thunder beneath the cowl means there is lightning on the brain."

 

He looked back at the group, then turned concerned eyes to Trivy.  

 

"They're getting antsy, Trivy.  I'm fairly certain there are only a handful of reasons we still have a group... and those reasons have names: Trivy, Psych and Lilith Crow.  You've seen how Psych is dealing with Lovely Wing, yes?  THAT is a pony who deserves some praise - please be so kind as to let him hear some from you.  And the Ranger..."  Harcourt let out a sigh of utter relief.  

 

"That mare is a miracle worker, Trivy.  I am exquisitely gratified that she has found her way to our little band, and I do think you could do well to pay attention to her.  She is seasoned enough to possibly teach you quite a few things.  Not an order, by the way... just a suggestion.  A friendly one, at that."

 

He gave her a smile that gave her a glimpse of the kind heart beneath the rusty exterior of his visage.

 

"And don't forget to take a moment to thank yourself, as well; you have held up quite admirably in the face of all this tension and difficulty.  Kudos to you, my dear - you've earned them."

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

@@Pripyat Pony

"I do not require no viewing screen. I can feel other ponies fears" he smiled malevolently. "That is all... for now. You may leave". He turned his back to her and walked into the map room, looking over the burned map of Equestria, smiling. 

 

 

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

 

Rave was walking through a forest, somewhere near one of the guard towers. "I will find them, I will" he said angrily to himself. He was tracking the orb that he had given to Lilith by detecting the magic that had leaked out of it while it was active. It acted as some sort of a trail of bread crumbs. 

Edited August 29, 2015 by JonasDarkmane

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"That's what I'm worried about... that I won't be able to protect this group anymore..you see..." Trivy sighed, took a deep breath and spoke again. "I think I'm going mad." She whispered. "I've been seeing things that aren't there. and... and I've been having these weird dreams too. I can't even explain it. I mean...am I going insane? Do you think I'm going insane?" she said with a worried look.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Insane?  My dear Trivy, this is a mad world we live in - insanity is the norm.  Besides, if you feel your grip on your mind is slipping, then switch hands."  

 

This was something Gully Fluff had taught him years ago.  Before he'd been a Master Thief, Harcourt had been a runaway; Gully Fluff was a fagin that took the bedraggled pony under his wing and taught him everything he'd needed to not only survive, but thrive.  In fact, most of the little witticisms and bits of knowledge he'd been passing on for years now had all fallen from Gully's lips.  

 

Gully had never taken signs, dreams OR 'hallucinations' for granted; it all meant something.  It just sometimes took changing your view of things to see it properly... or, as had been told to him many times, 'go with the flow', as in let the Fates take you where they will.  'Low and slow' meant to keep oneself close to the ground, or grounded in fact and truth... and to take enough time as needed to think things out.  This was one of many applications of the rule that Harcourt was well versed in, along with it's original, stealthy meaning.

 

Harcourt idly wondered whatever became of the old nag... but the present was more important than the past, so he focused in the here and now.

 

"Dreams can always be weird - especially without Luna - but they can also mean something.  And hallucinations, well... admittedly, there are possibilites... but there are also other possibilities.  Tell me, Trivy - what have you seen?"

 

He didn't look at all like he was mocking her, baiting her or pandering to her; he looked like he was taking this as seriously as he took most things.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Dreams can always be weird - especially without Luna - but they can also mean something.  And hallucinations, well... admittedly, there are possibilites... but there are also other possibilities.  Tell me, Trivy - what have you seen?"

 

"Well, yesterday I was sitting by a pond, throwing rocks out of boredom when suddenly my reflection in the water changed into Princess Twilight... which is weird because she is presumably already dead. And then I saw her in my dreams again. She didn't say anything, she just looked at me. She looked terrible by the way. Her face was very slim, like she hadn't eaten in centuries and her wings... they were gone, ripped of. She also had a chain around her neck. I just don't understand why I'm dreaming of such things." Trivy said, shaking her head in confusion.

 

"Do you think it means something or am I just plane crazy?"

Edited August 29, 2015 by Pucksterv

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Pucksterv, @@Randimaxis,

 

 

At the mention of Princess Twilight, Lilith dropped from the trees, staying inside the treeline as to remain somewhat hidden but giving herself the ability to listen without potentially falling out of the trees, as well as to halt the rustling. She quietly walked along, slowing down her rapid movement as to not overtake the pack, but remain subtly hidden from casual inspection.

 

As she did so, she noticed that the trees thinned out significantly- they were almost out of the Everfree. She winced slightly as she saw that she would no longer be able to remain separate from the group, but, before she approached Trivy and Harcourt, she stayed where she was in the pack, listening, but not interrupting...

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt considered her words carefully.

 

"Hmmmmmm... let's lay out the facts:  first, nopony knows for certain that Princess Twilight actually died, and there is no evidence of such.  My guess is that if she had died, that braggart Sombra would have seen to it that the entire world would know it.  Secondly, the description you give makes it sound as if she has aged... albeit poorly.  Last time I checked, ghosts and memories don't age."

 

He didn't want to believe it.  He didn't want to have it proven to him that Twilight Sparkle still suffered somewhere.  As far as it went, if he never heard about ANY of the Harmonious Ones again, he could just keep believing they were still fighting, still free... and he could go on fooling himself.  But sometimes, fooling yourself ends up making you nothing more than a fool - and Harcourt had been foolish enough for the past few days. 

 

And there was always the thought that there might be something to it yet, he mused.

 

"Most importantly, you have magic, and so does she.  I know only what I have seen; as an earth pony, I have never known what magic truly feels like... but I have seen and heard much.  With the facts broken down and laid out like this, you should now ask yourself how YOU feel about this.  Not your worries - your FEELINGS."

 

He gave her a serious look.

 

"Trivy, if I thought you were going mad, I would have said so by now.  I think either something in your mind is trying to communicate with you... or something outside your mind.  Were I you, I would try to remain receptive, yet skeptical.  Perhaps you would do well to ask our resident psychic if he might have a better idea.  It doesn't sound like you are going insane - it sounds more like you're having a vision of something you cannot yet comprehend."

 

If Princess Sparkle is still alive... then mayhaps the war isn't over yet.  The thought made him both giddy and weary.

 

"Listen to your feelings - the ones buried under the stress and worry - and you'll figure out enough to come to your own conclusions."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Listen to your feelings - the ones buried under the stress and worry - and you'll figure out enough to come to your own conclusions."

 

"Yeah.. you're right...I don't know what to feel exactly...Suppose it is a vision, a message from my mind or even a message from the princess herself, why didn't she say anything? Because in that dream she just stared at me. Like I had something between my teeth. She looked so serious, determined, as if she wanted to say something very important but all she did was stare."

 

"Maybe, like you said, maybe I should open up my mind more... I don't know. It's just weird... I'll just leave it for now. It could just be all this stress from these past few days. If it happens again, I will let you know though." she said with a smile. "I'm glad I can trust you with this, thank you."

Edited August 29, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt nodded.  

 

"Trivitopoulous, you are always welcome... even if I am being an ornery nag."  He grinned, then motioned behind himself.  

 

"I do think you might say something to Psych, though - who knows?  Maybe he can look into your head to see what's going on.  Then again, he might not be able to - but why not ask anyway?  The worst you'll get is a 'no', correct?  Don't forget to thank him for his time spent with Wing, either - congratulations brings confidence, and we all could use more of that.  Go on, now - speak to the stallion and see where things might venture.  There's a good girl."

 

Seeing her off, he waited until Trivy had moved far enough away before he looked back at Lilith.

 

"May I request a moment of your time, Lady Crow?"  He asked politely.

Edited August 30, 2015 by Randimaxis

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Trivy nodded, she had a feeling he wanted to some privacy. However, instead of talking to Psych as he suggested, she simply walked a little quicker to give Harcourt and Lilith their space. ''Harcourt can say what he wants but I don't trust anyone besides him... Psych is a good pony but I've only know him for two days.''

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Randimaxis,

 

She started. She had not expected to be called 'Lady' by Harcourt. Intriguing... I wonder if he is developing some fledgling affection for me? I will have to watch and listen for more cues.

 

She quietly came out of the treeline and, after a pause, spoke her first words of the day. "By all means... I was, in fact, hoping to talk to you concerning something as well, but as you have spoken first, go ahead and continue on."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt chuckled a bit.  "Great minds think alike, eh?"  He scanned the road ahead, watching for rocks, then he turned to face Lilith.

 

"First of all, I wanted to thank you sincerely for your repairs to my elderly body - I do believe my hooves are actually more fit now than they have been in ages.  You are extremely skilled, and though that iodine substance does indeed hurt like hellfire, I do believe that this is the closest I have ever come to walking on clouds."

 

Harcourt took a moment to actually high-step for a bit, prancing regally like a royal showpony.  After a moment of this, he let out another chuckle and shook his head, grinning at his own foolishness.

 

"Secondly, I am certain that we will be arriving in Baltimare soon, and I was wanting to know if you would be parting company from us to possibly scout the town - or what's left of it - for possible recruits for the Rangers.  If so, I would be willing to work with you on meeting back up at a later time.  And, should you have need for such, mayhaps we could search the area for a temporary place for your 'cadets' to hole up.  Though I would be saddened for you to part ways with us permanently, I would understand the need to see to your people... if, of course, that is your plan."

 

He gave a sigh and, glancing at Trivy for a moment, he turned to face Lilith once more.

 

"Most importantly, I would actually prefer for you to remain with us... all the way to our destination, if possible.  You have brought hope with you to this ragtag band of refugees, and that is not something to look over.  I saw Radiant Shine speak to you yesterday; he seemed nervous, but he still took a moment to thank you for your help.  I will have you know, madam Crow, that you would be the first pony I have ever seen him speak to that wasn't part of our group when he first found us.  I'd say you won him over."

 

His smile broadened.  "In fact, you've won over quite a few of us.  Myself included, by way of your healing abilities.  But I say this because I think you may just be what this group truly needs - a survivor that isn't as ancient as I am."  A wry chuckle at that, then he went on.  "The fact is, I am well aware of my age, and I am certain I shan't be around forever; those delusions died off years ago.  And I fear for..." his eyes spared Trivy another glance, "the next generation.  I believe you would be a welcome change to the group dynamic.  And there are certainly knowledges that would be extremely useful for others to absorb, so to speak.  I have my own experiences, but there is hardly a need for my teachings to be all there is to learn.  I would be most sincerely grateful if you would consider taking on a teaching role within the group.  No need to answer now; you can mull it over for as long as you like."

 

There was a creak and thump as the cart rolled over a root, but Harcourt barely paid it any mind.

 

"I suppose at the bottom of all these words lies an offer for you to join us, if you like.  I know how it feels to be alone, and I would wish to personally extend an invitation for you to end your solitude... with us.  Regardless, as long as I draw breath, you shall always be welcome within our ranks, Lilith."

 

His usually furrowed brow lifted, and his genuine smile was actually kind of... sunny.  He caught himself doing this, however, and cleared his throat, resuming his serious face and watching the road again.

 

"Well... now that the sappy part has passed, we can now turn this conversation to your own concerns.  What is on your brilliant mind, Lady Crow?"

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Randimaxis,

 

She remained silent for a minute or two after Harcourt came in. "Well... one of the things that I was going to tell you about concerns coming up to at least Baltimare, so I guess I will be headed up there, if nothing else. I will... have to think upon the other parts." With a puase, she continued. "I have made more than my fair share of enemies, and, despite it being more than fifteen years later, they may still curse my name..." she lowered her voice even more than it already was, dropping it to a bit softer than a whisper. "If you could share amongst the entire group I am to be known as Blackbird as soon as I leave the forest? I would prefer that my real name be kept under wraps... just in case something happens."

 

((Quick, boring lazy post in response to a well-done, thirty minute post. I'M SORRY PLEASE DON'T HATE ME ))

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt looked at Lilith for a moment... then actually laughed out loud.

 

"My dear, dear Lady Crow... did you just attempt to explain the idea of an alternate identity to a Master Thief?"

 

He continued to laugh for a moment, then sputtered down into chuckles which eventually became a broad smile.

 

"Do pardon me... but I will state that I most certainly understand your concerns.  I would be happy to oblige you, as I'm certain you would do for me.  We all have our share of past tribulations to keep at arm's length."

 

His smile faded down to a simple grin, and he shook his head at his own past follies.

 

"You take all the time you need, little Blackbird, to think my offer over; you have the word of a Blackwater."

 

He tipped her a wink, then trotted over to the side, and began addressing some of the ponies there.  When he nodded to Lilith, they looked back, nodded in return, and smiled at the Ranger knowingly.

 

They were so trusting of her, and seemed to be willing to do what they could for her behalf...

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Rave kept on tracking down the orb, however, he felt the connection with the orb start to fade. 

 

"Huh? Lilith must have deactivated it. Why would she do that? That means I have to hurry up before the magical trail disappears". 

 

He started running now, his horn glowing with magic that showed him a red line running through the forest, it was beginning to fade a bit. 

 

"You better activate that orb again Lilith" he said coldly. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

After several hours of walking and chatting with the occasion rainstorm, Trivy finally saw the tall buildings standing in the distance. Or at least the top of the buildings since the gigantic wall surrounding the city blocked the rest of the view. Two guard tower were build inside the wall, next to main gate. If you looked carefully, you could see a pink magic force field surrounding the city and it's sky. Outside the wall guards were standing on watch, dressed in military armor. 

 

Trivy stood still for a moment, starring at the city wall in the distance with admiration. "We made it!"

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych had been happily talking away with Wing, he hadn't even noticed the rather smooth ride they had the rest of the journey. When Trivy shouted that they had arrived, he quickly looked around, saying "Really!?" He was beaming now that they would have much more protection for everyone in the group. He hugged Wing tightly, grinning. "We finally made it!"

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

@@Pucksterv,

 

Blinking slightly, Lilith turned after several hours of walking and grinned underneath the hood that draped her face in heavy shadow. "Well, then. That's Baltimare... it's bigger than what I thought it was. It's definitely nothing like Ponyville."

She sighed slightly, carefully examining the distance. She squinted as she looked down the road, carefully examining the distance. "We may be close," she said carefully, "But we must still be careful. There might be brigands, and we are not safe until after we enter the city."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The cart jerked to a stop as a pothole took hold of the rear right wheel and yanked it backwards.  Harcourt gave a frustrated grunt, and muscled it out of the hole with a single tug.  The road after the bridge had indeed been there, but the relief had been minimal; there had been cracks, chunks missing, and especially potholes that had grabbed at the wheels every chance they'd gotten.  They had spent a good ten minutes getting the cart out of a particularly nasty hole about an hour ago - and Harcourt's chipper mood had eked away with each bump.

 

Now however, hope was in the air.  With the borders of Baltimare in view, he gave a soft sigh and muttered, "Thank Luna!" at the sight.

 

He was pleased that they were so close, and was thrilled that he might actually get to spend a whole day without being tied to the "Wooden Maiden" he'd been dragging for so long, but something in the back of his mind told him this wasn't over yet - and not all their troubles would end at the gates.

 

Still, the sight of the skyline made him happy... at least as happy as he could get while pulling the damned cart.  He rolled his aching shoulders, and set forth on what he hoped would be the last leg of this long and arduous journey.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

 

 

"We may be close," she said carefully, "But we must still be careful. There might be brigands, and we are not safe until after we enter the city."

 

"I know. I never let my guard down. Even when we're inside the city's walls. There must a thousand, maybe more ponies in the city. All living in poverty, probably a lot of thieves and pickpockets. We can never be too careful."

 

After that, Trivy started walking again. The group following, headed towards the big city walls.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, Jinx bowed to Sombra, before leaving the throne room. This was an interesting development indeed. Jinx planned to arrange more tests on different ponies, in order to research whether the effects were different according to such things as age, experience, breed etc. She also needed to renew the spells protecting the castle walls, and read thru her various spell books to see if there was anything else that she could adapt for torture.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Another piece of history:

After the fall of the Equestrian Empire and the failed attacks on the crystal castle, the elements of harmony fled across the lands and most of them were never seen again. City after city fell but one stood strong. Rumors had spread across Equestrian lands that gigantic ships towards the griffon kingdom were waiting inside Baltimare's harbor. Thousand of ponies who had escaped Sombra's dark hooves fled toward the big city. The city needed protection so it created a spell against Sombra's forces. The element of Generosity had crowned herself as the new leader of the city. She build the high walls to protect the lucky ponies behind it. But years pasted, life inside the walls is not as good as the rumors are told.

 

Now back to the present:

Trivy and the rest of the group had continued walking towards the wall for about 30 minutes before they could finally see all the guards surrounding the main gate. The guards stood in attacking formation while one guard, who appeared to be the captain, approached the group. "Drop your gear! Drop your weapons! Take of your cloak! Keep still. All personal belongings will be left behind. Nothing gets through this gate except you. You will be scanned at the gate. Your magic will be taken away until the mayor decides you do not pose a threat. You will enter the city one by one. Am I clear?"

Edited September 11, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych frowned. While he understood their reasoning behind being stringient on ponies coming and going, their manner was... reminicient of those who had run the mines he had been forced to work in. The mere thought of any connection between the two made him shiver.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt frowned.  

 

My pouch should be fine, he contemplated, but leave my stealth suit?  It'll be an icy weekend in hell before I do anything THAT foolish.  He looked around at the others around him, closed his eyes and sighed.

 

If bad comes to worse, I can always steal it back.  They're just things - not worth the life of even one of these poor folk.

 

He simply stood there, still tied to the cart.  He didn't need to act like he was innocent of anything; the look on his face was enough to speak the rather uncivil words his tongue knew better than to say.

 

Whatever it takes.