private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Winter nodded silently as a response. The fact she did not know how or what to say. Her auntie, she had never mentioned this part of her past. Even before the accident, before she started losing her memory. Not one word about loyalty or elements. She felt betrayed and confused. The one she trusted the most had held back such a big part of her past. She must have had a good reason. But it was still... something unthinkable.
 
Then when the old stallion mentioned Psych, her thoughts really started racing. Apparently my journey with them stops here. Might be good though. I can't leave home again. I need to look after her, poor auntie. And lets not forget all the young (and old) ones that stay behind. But that does mean goodbye to the cute psychic, something that would probably break her heart.
 
When she snapped out of her thoughts, Harcourt was already gone. She sighed and went back into the room to find her Auntie had fallen asleep on the couch. She pulled a blanket over the sleeping mare before sitting down by the window, looking at all the ponies gathering around the garden. Stardust seemed to be taking over pretty well. She watched as the confident mare made her way into the wilderness.

 

@@Count Paradox, 

Winter noticed Psych was still standing there, she didn't no why because it was hard to make out what Stardust had said. That didn't matter, now was her chance to apologize to the poor stallion, at least, she felt she had to apologize because he seemed to be feeling down. She ran down the stairs quickly before he made his way to where ever he might go. She gently nudged him on his shoulder to get his attention. "Psych, c--can we talk for a bit?"

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Stardust*

 

He nodded, still upset, but he understood that he was needed. "I can do that... At least if I can stay here, I might have a chance to talk to Winter before it's too late." He stood. "Point me in the direction." He started heading towards his job.

 

@Pucksterv

 

Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. "Yeah?" He asked, not realizing it was Winter until she spoke. "Oh, uh, s-sure! What did you need?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

*WHOCK*

 

The tree tilted at an awkward angle, then swung downward into the ground with a leafy crash.  An angry squirrel chittered out of it, cursing gravity in its own animal tongue as it bounded away deeper into the woods.

 

I can feel it.  I can feel the farthest recesses of my body wanting to simply let it all go.  Tired of fighting.  Tired of trying.  Just... tired.  I should be settled into my bed at the Manor, servants tending gently to me while my children continue running the mines.  That's what my body says I should be doing right now... but, of course, that is a version of myself that I will never know.

 

Harcourt made his way over to it, his face solemn and his eyes distant.  Stepping to a point close to what was once the top, he turned around, carefully lined up with it, then lifted up and slammed down his hooves against the wood.

 

*WHOCK*

 

I am weary.  Endlessly weary.  Sleep is a struggle for me, and I know it.  What's more, I need to sleep more than ever - I am so very tired of fighting.  Tired of struggling just to keep up.  These young ones, they don't know how it feels... and will never know during my lifetime.  Unless, of course, Fate deals me a cruel enough hand to live beyond the years I've already snatched from the hooves of Death itself.  

 

The nearly useless top end of the tree splintered off from the rest of the trunk.  He took hold of a branch with his teeth, and dragged it over to the sleigh, piling it onboard.  Turning back to the woods, he gave a quick scan and found another likely candidate.

 

My family is long dead.  Trivia is lost.  Baltimare, doubtless, has fallen - and I do not see Lady Rarity as being one who would abandon ship.  Lilith has gone quiet.  Psych is saddened, probably for having to leave his love behind.  Stardust is taking the mantle of leadership well... and does a far better job than I ever did.  Aria... well, she will follow Star.

 

They don't require the likes of an old has-been like myself; I hold an Element, yet doubtless it will have to be passed on soon - with all this pain, how can Life continue to torture me with insisting I survive when everything I have ever loved crumbles to shale?  And aside from the Element, what use am I anymore?

 

Making his way over, he examined the trunk, then carefully lined himself up with it.  So aligned, he unleashed the kick.

 

*WHOCK*

 

Yet, here I am.  I keep pushing the envelope, keep fighting the "good fight", so to speak.  Even when I realize I should be dead, I still continue to insist that I live... why?  Why do I keep going?

 

Because if I gave up - if I gave in to the temptation to use one of my own daggers to open myself to the world - then it would be a slap in the face of every single pony I have ever known who invested time in me.  It would be like spitting in the faces of my entire family.  It would be laughing in Gully Fluff's face.  It would be turning my nose up at Trivia.

 

Most of all, it would be bowing to the Darkmanes, and proving that my family was worth nothing more than the dirt that our mines hauled out every day.  THAT will not do.  Oh no... THAT WILL NOT DO.  

 

No, better for all the others if I simply forge ahead.  Fight the fight.  Take the stand.  Even if that stand I take feels oh-so-alone, now that Trivia is gone.  No one to comfort this old nag anymore.  But I have been alone before; this is a familiar skin to me, and I wear it with ease.  Sadness as well, yes... but with ease.

 

With the single powerful kick the tree tilted at an awkward angle, then swung downward into the ground with a leafy crash.

 

I wish I could get a single night's sleep without terror.  Just one.  Oh, Luna - just one.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Count Paradox,

 

Winter looked around to see anypony was around before she grabbed Psych into a tight hug. She was silent at first although a pony like Psych could hear the heartache coming from Winter with every exhale and every small heartbeat. She embraced him even tighter when she felt tears falling from her eyes. Tears of joy and sadness at the same time.

 

''I'm gonna miss you. May sound strange because we only met a few days ago. And even though we still have a few hours left before you go.... I-I just wanted you to know. This is not a goodbye '' She said still holding him. "Because I hope, no I promise that one day we will meet again. I promise.'' She said before she finally freed him from her embrace. She wiped away the tears from her eyes before she dared to look at him. ''Please be careful out there okay? I really really like you Psych and I would kill me if anything happened to you.''

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych just broke down, embracing her tightly when she held him close. The tears streamed from his eyes, and he nuzzled into her, not wanting to leave at all. He understood that eventually would see each other again, but he didn't want to have to wait. When she let go of him and asked him to be careful, he didn't say anything, and instead sprung forward, embracing her once again and kissing her to a allow her to have a good memory of him.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

Winter hadn't expected the kiss, not that she was complaining, definitely not. It was only a few days ago she met the cute but very shy stallion. Every playful flirt towards him had turned his cheeks fire red. Him making the first real move was never something she had thought about because it seemed impossible coming from such a shy stallion. But maybe in the time of war, anything was possible.

 

After the world had seemed to come to a stop, Winter finally pulled back and opened her eyes. She was totally flustered and for the first time in her entire life, she was unable to speak. Her cheek had turned flaming red, giving of a small heat. ''I-I--I.'' She stammered. ''Uhm..'' She scraped her throat. ''T-Thanks for... that.'' she said with a blushing smile.

 

---

 

 

 

"I place my trust in you, that you will be able to finish this task, Assassin Master Diane. Go now and complete this task". 

 

''As you wish my king.'' The pony in the shadows said with an evil tone before she disappeared from the room like a ghost.

 

Not a moment later and the mysterious dark figure had packed up her gear and left the city. She had an evil grin on her face. ''To the griffon kingdom we go."

 

---

 

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

Trivy woke up laying on the bed with a terrible headache. She opened her eyes slowly, the room was dark but even the smallest shimmer of light would already cause her head to go spinning. She gave a soft grunt as she took a look around to see where she was. ''Is this real or am I imagining things again?'' She held a hoof to her head as the room started spinning again. She made a hurling sound as the last bit of food made its way down besides the bed in a form of liquid. Not that there was much to throw out.

"Sorry." she said as she tried to clean her face with her hoof.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay awoke with a jump as a pony stirred on the bed besides her. She looked around in confusion and saw Trivy. "Not meaning to be rude," she said in a near whisper, "But who are you?" She smelt the vomit and flinched slightly, using her magic to clean it up. The vomit vanished, only to leave behind, bizarrely, a pile of autumn leaves. Jay sighed. She wished that she could get her magic to work properly, but at least the floor was clean again. She tentatively cleaned Trivy's face with the same spell, knowing tho that the spell would clean the stranger's face, but cover her in leaves.

 

Jinx was in her study, reading over the book that she had gotten from the library at the abandoned castle in the Everfree. It seemed that it would indeed be possible for her to perform the spell to give her a pair of wings, like the alicorn that she always dreamed of being.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Winter hadn't expected the kiss, not that she was complaining, definitely not. It was only a few days ago she met the cute but very shy stallion. Every playful flirt towards him had turned his cheeks fire red. Him making the first real move was never something she had thought about because it seemed impossible coming from such a shy stallion. But maybe in the time of war, anything was possible.

 

After the world had seemed to come to a stop, Winter finally pulled back and opened her eyes. She was totally flustered and for the first time in her entire life, she was unable to speak. Her cheek had turned flaming red, giving of a small heat. ''I-I--I.'' She stammered. ''Uhm..'' She scraped her throat. ''T-Thanks for... that.'' she said with a blushing smile.

 

---

 

 

 

''As you wish my king.'' The pony in the shadows said with an evil tone before she disappeared from the room like a ghost.

 

Not a moment later and the mysterious dark figure had packed up her gear and left the city. She had an evil grin on her face. ''To the griffon kingdom we go."

 

---

 

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

Trivy woke up laying on the bed with a terrible headache. She opened her eyes slowly, the room was dark but even the smallest shimmer of light would already cause her head to go spinning. She gave a soft grunt as she took a look around to see where she was. ''Is this real or am I imagining things again?'' She held a hoof to her head as the room started spinning again. She made a hurling sound as the last bit of food made its way down besides the bed in a form of liquid. Not that there was much to throw out.

"Sorry." she said as she tried to clean her face with her hoof.

"Y-You're welcome... I just..." His face was redder than it had ever been, but he had a smile across it. "I wanted to give you... Give us both... Some type of good memory before we parted ways, until we met again... I hope I wasn't too forward... It's just, you've been so sweet to me, and it feels like we've really bonded. It's going to pain me when we do separate, but I know, some day in the future, that we will see each other again. But, before we part..." He nuzzled her. "I don't think Star would mind you being there with me while I worked in the house."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

 

 

"I don't think Star would mind you being there with me while I worked in the house."

 

''I'm sorry Psych but I have some business of my own around town. I haven't been home in a year. There are things I need to do now that I'm back. Maybe we can spend a little time together in the evening okay?'' she said as she embraced the stallion again.

"I gotta go now, I'll see ya in a few hours. Work hard and maybe check on Dashie sometimes if you want, I would really appreciate it.'' She released him from the tight hug, fuzzling with his mane playfully before she walked out of the garden and into the village.

 

---

 

 

 

She tentatively cleaned Trivy's face with the same spell, knowing tho that the spell would clean the stranger's face, but cover her in leaves.

 

''What the hay?'' Trivy spit out a few leafs, dragging them from her tongue. ''What's wrong with you?''

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "I'm so very sorry," Jay whispered, looking down at her forehooves. "My magic is all over the place, cuz of Jinx having possessed me for nine years. Or was it ten? I think, actually, it was ten. Anyway, I never got to discover what my special talent was, so my magic doesn't really work in the way I'd like it to, but I do want to help other ponies."

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

It upset him a little, but he understood. "Ok then. Be careful, ok?" He gave her a sad bit of a smile before going off to do his assigned job. He found all that he needed to fork with in the front room and got to work sorting all of it out. Minutes passed, then an hour, and he was beginning to get halfway done, when he decided to do what Winter asked of him and check on Dashie. He quietly went upstairs, passing a few other ponies with a small nod of acknowledgment before getting to the room with Rainbow in it. He gently knocked and called out, "Miss Dash? Winter wanted me to check up on you."

[Stardust* 3,302]

With having gathered as much as she could Stardust flew above the tree line and looked to the horizon, she could see just a sliver of sunlight peaking just above the hills. She knew that the others would see it soon as well and they would be heading back to the cottage. She started to fly back to the cottage, thinking about what would be happening in just a few more hours. She hoped that she would be ready. 

 

I really have no idea what I am doing, so far just giving everypony tasks is easy, but when we are out there... are they going to look to me? Harcourt isn't all there, he is fighting internal demons, Psych isn't going to be there mentally, his mind and heart will be back with Winter and that is dangerous. Even more so because he is blind. How are we supposed to move forward if we can't rely on each pony to do their part. Don't even get me started with Aria, she has been pushing me away and I don't understand why. I really wish she could be more open with me. And heaven knows what is going on with Lilith. After that fight with her and Harcourt she hasn't been the same. Am I going to be the only pony that is actually going to focus on the task at hand?! 

 

I don't want anypony to get hurt, and if the rest of them can't focus then that is putting everypony else in danger as well as themselves. I need to have a serious talk with them once we all get back to the cottage, if they can't focus I can't ask them to go with me, I might as well go on my own, it would be safer. We will see....

 

Stardust made it back to the cottage, she was the first one there, she noticed that most of the piles were still outside, but Psych was not. She gave a small smile and shook her head. "Oh that silly stallion." 

 

Stardust waited for the rest of the group so they could take in the food and stack the wood. 

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

Lilith had, in fact, remained silent throughout the trip. As of right now, she was lurking in the forests around the hamlet, quietly stalking the trees of the forest as she was quietly gathering her plants. She needed time; time to think, to plan, to wonder. She had seen no proof of any rangers, Griffon or otherwise, which concerned her greatly- had something happened here, too? With a worried glance around her, she bundled up the plants and the other greens and put them in her pack- quite the substantial amount of food.

 

And thus, I die of boredom. Rest in peace, Reishim. You will be missed by all of the valiant warriors of the land.

Good- maybe you'll leave all of us in peace and not pull off more shenanigans.

 

Lilith awaited the inevitable response, but... she didn't hear it. At all. Erm... El-shardin?

 

... don't worry. I'm here. There's just a chill... don't worry about it.

 

Lilith frowned and was about to respond, when she heard it- a familiar rufflescuffle. To the untrained ear, it sounded like a squirrel, but she knew better than that. Drawing her bow, she quietly dropped down and quietly paid attention to the sound. There was the distant thump of a tree- Harcourt was taking on his inner demons through bucking the pines- and... the sound again, only higher up and not agreeing with the positions of the previous sound. She stood up straight, put her bow away, and grinned wildly. They made it.

 

No sooner did the thoughts enter her mind, then two ponies came and glomped her from the tree directly above her.

 

"Lilith! Lilith, you made it! You're safe!" The green stallion who was directly on top of her exclaimed, his silver ranger leaf shining in the single bolt of sunlight that peeked over the horizon.

 

The smaller, quieter pony that landed on top of her twin brother looked at Lilith softly. "Greetings, Lilith-sensei. I hope we didn't surprise you too much."

 

The absurdity of the situation- two of her very few friends among the rangers- dropping down on top of her with little warning brought laughter back into Lilith's life for the first time in years. After they recovered themselves from their peals of laughter, she bowed her greetings to them. "Hello, Leaf. Hello, Kirillith-chan. You got out! You survived! I didn't think..." She faded off, and Kirillith's smile quietly slipped off her face.

 

"Are... are you alone, Lilith-sensei? Did you spend all that time by yourself?"

 

Lilith opened her mouth before closing it again. "Most of it..." she said, quietly. "But... I found a group of ponies who let me travel with them here. I'm not sure if we're friends quite yet, but we are at least... acquaintances."

 

"Well, acquaintances are good," Leaf Storm said, beaming. "Hey, can we meet them?"

 

"We will be meeting them soon enough," said a dark shadow in the trees, gliding down to meet them. It was obviously a griffon- one with a rather large scar across his cheek. He had midnight blue feathers, and blended into the cloak of a Duodecim almost perfectly, making him look like a slightly blue shadow. The griffon held out his front claw. "Welcome to the Empire, Lilith Crow. I am Stormwing, Duodecim of the Eastlands and personal adviser to Grand Ranger Darkhallow. I'm sure that we have many things to discuss."

 

Lilith's face grew serious as she accepted the hoof- claw?- shake. "Thank you, Elsi-Stormwing," remembering the rather large system of honorifics that the Griffon Rangers adopted from their homeland.

 

"Mmh. Meli- is fine. Besides, I am not the one bearing the Artifacts... but there is enough time for that later. Let us meet this 'group' that you so speak of. And then, after that, Seni-Darkhallow wishes to meet with them- he detected a powerful force enter the land but a day or two ago, and he wishes to meet with all possible bearers." He glanced around quickly before adding, "Excellent work getting in, by the way. Not even a whisper of a rumour by the other towns. Maybe I can use this as proof that our dear, sweet, oh-so-senile King should really tighten the border inspections." With a wink and a smile, he stepped back, and the four rangers quietly set out towards the closest obvious sound that Lilith identified- Harcourt and his tree assault.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

*WHOCK*

 

Tree.  Ground.  Leafy crash.

 

*WHOCK*

 

Top gone.  Drag.  Drop.  Return.

 

*WHOCK*

 

Tree.  Ground.  Leafy crash.

 

*WHOCK*

 

Top gone.  Drag... 

 

... wait.

 

Harcourt stopped where he was.  For some reason, a chill went up his spine... and he wasn't one to get chills unduly.

 

Wandering as it had been, his mind had eventually come around to thinking about the Elements of Harmony - or, more precisely, the ones he remembered from his younger years.  Though he had been a thief (a MASTER thief, no less), it had become obvious to those fine mares that he hadn't been evil in any true sense of the word; it had been Fluttershy who had found him, and it was only a matter of time before he'd actually seen them all.

 

Lady Rarity, the Element of Generosity, had been quite beautiful; he recalled thinking that whatever stallion would end up with her would have been a lucky stallion indeed.  The only mare he'd ever thought was more beautiful had been Princess Luna.

 

Lady Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, had been strong and healthy then; not the ghost she was today.  She'd strutted around like she owned the place - and he had always admired her inner fire.

 

Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, had been very, very busy - he only got a glance at her - but from what he could tell, she would grow into her role and make Equestria proud... or, at least, that was what he thought she would have done...

 

Lady Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness, had been the one who had caught his eye - and his heart - with her gentle ways and soft voice.  He might have asked her on a date... but just the thought of doing so made him blush, even now.

 

Lady Applejack, the Element of Honesty, had always appeared to have her hooves on the ground, and her strength was legendary; not just her physical ability, but her strength of character as well.

 

Lady Pink-

 

What was that?

 

Harcourt slowly set the tree he'd been carrying down.  The feeling, like ants crawling across his horseflesh, gave him the distinct impression that, among the critters that were undoubtedly angry with him, there was... something else here...

 

He stood stock still, listening to the forest around him.  Warily, he took a defensive stance and positioned his hooves where they would have quick access to his pouch, should the need arise...

 

... I am NOT alone...

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

Lilith gave a soft sigh as Harcourt struck up a defensive stance. She was unsure if it was Leaf Storm or Krilith that kept giving their position away- perhaps she would need to talk to them about it. As she was thinking about this, she drew her bow very slowly and nocked an arrow- let's see if his skills of observation were so high, or his knowledge of ranger customs.

 

As she did so, she began to hear a low growl. As she did so, come out of the woods, she saw- a timber wolf. Almost breathless, she looked at it closely- they appeared to be fuller and brighter than their Everfree kin, but it definitely was, in fact, a timber wolf. She aimed at it before Stormwing whistled from his perch on the other side of the grove- the wolf immediately perked his head up and fell back towards him. Stormwing glided down from his perch, his cloak fluttering as he landed and folded his wings, his hood up and his hand gently rubbing the tinder wolf's head. "So, this is why you ran off on your own, my friend. Your skill at scenting knows no bounds. Hail, stranger," he addedd casually, "I've not seen you around these parts before. Recently moved from the capital? That's where most of your kind are nowadays." As he spoke, he approached the pile of wood, counting it up. With a soft smile, he examined the pile. "Trying to build your own house, or just an excess of firewood?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt looked over at the trunk-laden cart.

 

Perhaps... I may have been a tad overzealous.  Or lost in thought.

 

He squared his thoughts, and slowly looked over his guest.  The timberwolf notwithstanding, there was a dignity and poise with this griffon that spoke volumes of experience... or pomposity, he wasn't sure which yet.

 

"I'd say it would be more likely that I would seem to be trying to transplant a forest, admittedly."

 

He eyed the timberwolf soberly, then slowly eased himself from his defensive stance.  Remaining where he was, he lifted an eyebrow to the scar-faced griffon.

 

"And I would suppose that you might be here to make certain I don't take more than is needed?  I assure you, now that my attention has been called to the abundance of trunks in the sleigh, I have no further need - nor want - to gather more.  I do thank you for bringing it to my attention; lost in the maze of the mind, one forgets how many breadcrumbs he's left behind."

 

He wasn't certain if this newcomer wanted to simply chat... or feed his wolf.

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

"Well, fortunately- or, perhaps, unfortunately, depending on your stand point- I do have a higher purpose here," Stormwing continued, still rubbing the wolf between it's ears. "I am required to prove to your satisfaction that I am a Ranger of sufficiently high ranking to bear this message, as stated according to the Pact. At any time, feel free to demand any proof that you require."

 

Stormwing then took out a scroll, glanced over it, and put it back. "A few days ago, the Grand Ranger of the Griffon Empire, Seni-Darkhollow of the Claw Mountain clans, detected a powerful force of, in his exact words, 'a peculiar Equestrian magic.' I happen to know that on the same day, a group of ponies entered the empire by sea. One could say that they... infiltrated the borders." A slight gleam entered his eyes as he focused in on Harcourt. "The Grand Ranger wishes these ponies found and brought to him at their earliest convenience- his true intentions, however, I know not, nor of the type of 'peculiar magic' that he spoke of. Any information you have would regarding this would be more than kind."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"A griffon Ranger, eh?  I suppose I could ask for your credentials, yes... of course, I am aware that such things can be forged, of course - not to say that is the case here, but you'll pardon me if I seem a bit... skeptical, shall we say?"

 

A Ranger... were Lilith around, I would be far more at ease in this situation.  However, as it stands, I have neither helped nor lied, so it will be my decision on whether or not to speak up.

 

He took a more aloof stance, seemingly amused at the Ranger's words to him.

 

"Infiltrated, you say?  Well, I would dare say that it would take quite the intelligent equine to succeed in such a ploy, seeing as how the borders here have been supposedly closed to outsiders for quite some time.  I can see where such an individual might be sought after, I suppose."

 

Harcourt knew this game well; the griffon KNEW the old stallion was among the ones he sought - now it was simply a game of who would admit it first.  This could be a welcome release from his own dreary thoughts...

 

"I do take note, though, that these orders say that these particular... infiltrators... would be brought to this Grand Ranger at their earliest convenience, yes?  So one would assume that this would be more of an invitation than a requirement, yes?  I mean, if these individuals were found, of course..."

 

He gave an innocent smile.

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

"Credentials... very well." Stormwing first shifted his Ranger's badge to the front- gold in this case and emitting a faint glow. He then opened his cloak and presented him with the scroll, with an odd scrawl that seemed as if it was written by an ink-dipped claw that was narrower than his own. After allowing him to examine the contents to his satisfaction...

 

 

To Duodecim Elsi-Stormwing of the Eastern Territory:

 

In the past day, there have been two powerful sources of magic that I have detected enter the lands. One of these sources emits a peculiar Equestrian magic that I have not detected in many a year. As they have entered in your area of influence, I would request that you find these travelers and, assuming they are accepting of the idea, lead them to the Sanctuary at their first possible convenience so that I may speak of them. Maintain a friendly stance, and do not engage unless they outright refuse or attack you- and lethal force will only be authorized if they do the latter.
 

Ranger Darkhallow

 

 

... before presenting to him a rather large coin, emblazoned with the ranger leaf on one side and a sword crossed with a bow on the other. "The... badge of my office, if you will," he commented. "A Duodecim is responsible for all outposts in a certain area of the land. If you might recall the letter, I am the Duodecim of the eastern realms. And, if you require further proof, please, merely speak your demands and I shall meet them if able- and, if not, I shall return with said proof."

 

"Well, to be honest," Stormwing grimaced, "between you and me, our dear king is not putting nearly as much protection to the borders as he should. It is but a few secret compartments away from easily escaping the guard, assuming that said hatch is not glaringly obvious to whichever captain is in charge of the checkpoint." He shrugged. "But, unfortunately, the only one who has any chance of contacting the king to complain to him is Grand Ranger Seni-Darkhallow, and he's busy with his own preparations." Scratching the Timber Wolf's back (which elicited an odd, sigh-sounding noise from the beast), he continued after a pause. "And, yes, it would be an invitation of sorts. Seni-Darkhallow is nothing but courteous, and if they are, say, eating their dinner at the time, it would be quite rude to burst in and demand they immediately follow me back to him- however, as you see here, I am authorized to bring them in by force if they refuse without any suitable grounds to do so on."

 

"Also," he added, "finding them is not the issue. I am fairly confident I know the faces and general identities of these ponies. Getting them to admit it without putting them to arrowpoint will be the issue, especially if they split up."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"Miss Dash? Winter wanted me to check up on you."

 

The door opened with a creek, the weak blue Pegasus stood staring at the stallion with confusion. ''Miss Dash? What makes you say I'm not taken. Are you trying to make move on me.'' Dash said angry. flicking her wings to hit him. She then laughed loudly. "I'm just kidding. Don't take me too serious boy.'' she said as she grabbed her walking stick and closed the door behind her.

 

''I'm gonna go for a walk outside in the forest, will you join me mister Psych? I would like to have a word with you."

 

---

@@Pripyat Pony, 

 

''Yeah whatever. I don't care about your tragic past. You only just met me and you're already telling me your life story? What kinda strange pony are you?'' Trivy jumped from the bed and started looking around the room.

 

''However, I am very interested in a story on how to get out of this cursed city.'' She moved around the room, moving stacks of paper, snooping around the stuff. She picked up a glass filled with a weird purple fluid inside, smelled it and immediately but it back down. ''Dear Luna, what's in there? Smells like... rotten oats mixed with.... apple cider?'' She made a face of disgust before she continued snooping around. ''So you're gonna help me or what?'' she said as she picked up some stuff from the floor.

Edited November 20, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych's face went momentarily red when she accused him of hitting on her. "Erm, n-no, of course not! I just was asked to..." When he realized that she was joking, though, he calmed down a bit. "A walk? Sure, I suppose." He opened the door for her, moving out of the way and holding it open. "Ladies first, then." He smiled at her.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Ah, yes yes... admission would be the trick, would it not?  After all, they have supposedly made their way through the borders - that would possibly make them refugees from the law, would it not?  And if such individuals had... say, experience in being so crafty, they could recognize a potential trap if they crossed such a stout fellow as yourself, I'm certain."

 

Harcourt got a bit of steel in his own eyes, though the innocent smile never wavered.

 

"But, of course, there's always the possibility that such a clever equine could be as formidable as yourself, hmm?  Mayhaps this 'group' could be far more cunning and able than most would give them credit... especially if there was a possibility that there might be tightly veiled threats involved, correct?"

 

His smile widened, taking on a slightly feral look... yet, instead of springing forward to attack, Harcourt simply gave a slight sigh, a stretch, and began to wander back towards the sleigh.

 

"By the by, good Ranger... might I inquire as to why you find me so very fascinating?  Perhaps you're still here to make certain I don't haul off any more trees?  Clearly, I have far too many to haul by myself, it would seem..."

 

He took a moment to hook himself to the harness.  He looked up at the massive stack of hefty tree trunks, bowing the center of the sleigh as they sat there waiting for him to strain himself.  The cart was not as heavy as this load would be; he hoped he would at least make a good show of trying.

 

"Then again, appearances can be deceiving, can they not?"

 

He began to walk forward and surprisingly, the sleigh moved effortlessly behind him.  He didn't even seem to be straining.

 

"Care to follow, so we might continue our theoretical chat?"

 

THAT was unexpected; I was thinking the griffon might offer assistance when he saw me struggle, yet I barely feel the weight!

 

He motioned to the griffon and his timberwolf, intending them to follow.

 

Dear Luna - what did Rarity DO to us?

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

Wait, what?! That's almost a ton of wood, if not more! What is this fool playing at- able to carry this much, and then merely pretends to get knocked out by a single punch?

You're practically shouting, and we're trying to remain silent for Lilith's sake. Mind keeping it down?

Forget that!

Lilith looked down and, after making sure the cord was tied tightly, she smiled and waited...

 

"Of course," said the griffon, his smile turning into a grin. "But it's glad to see that you aren't as all-knowing as your legends made you out to be, Sir Harcourt of the Harmony Clans."

 

With that, Lilith jumped, bow notched and pulled. The arrow tip came within about six inches from his nose. "Twang," Lilith said simply, before the cord snapped back, pulling her back up into the tree.

 

"Ahahahaha!" Stormwing cackled. "Well played, getting into position that quietly, Lilith! The Equestrians are many things, not all of them good, but they certainly are excellent at the shadow arts."

 

Leaf Storm came out of the nearby bush and stood next to Stormwing with a smile on his face, while Krilith came down from a nearby tree and walked over, her soft voice almost blending in with the wind. "I'm sorry if we scared you, Harcourt-san... You are a very strong stallion." She went to stand next to her twin brother as Lilith dropped down from the tree, rope now neatly stored on her pack.

 

"Normally I would make a comment here about you being too unattentive, but, honestly, I'm still surprised you're pulling that on your own... you want help with that, right?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Though he jumped at Lilith's little trick, his surprise became a rueful chuckle.  He glanced back up into the tree, focusing on the sneaky Ranger, before turning back to face the others.

 

"I'm sorry if we scared you, Harcourt-san... You are a very strong stallion."

 

"I... have had quite a few years of practice; practice may not bring perfection, but it certainly doesn't hurt one's chances, eh?  But I thank you for the compliment, all the same."

 

His eyes drifted over the new arrivals for only a moment - but that was all the Harcourt Once-Over needed.  He was fairly certain that he was in the presence of some very well-trained individuals... if not for Lilith's presence, he might have felt intimidated.  Then again, if he had had the drop on them...

 

He shook his head, giving a smile as he realized this was no time for bravado; if these Rangers were here to 'escort' them to the Ranger in charge, it would not do to come to a proverbial feast of fellowship already full of oneself.

 

"Normally I would make a comment here about you being too unattentive, but, honestly, I'm still surprised you're pulling that on your own... you want help with that, right?"

 

"Actually, I have this in order - you remember my dear friend, the cart?  This is FAR more preferable, truth be told."

 

Something about the look in Harcourt's eyes seemed to imply that he was grateful for Lilith's presence; perhaps he'd been worried about her silence?  Either way, it seemed to please him to see her in such a jovial mood.

 

Looking towards the griffon, he gave a low, sweeping bow.  "Indeed, you have me to rights - but this is the first I have heard of such a title... and 'legends' say that I am 'all-knowing'?"  A small giggle bubbled through his lips.  "Though I admit I am amused by this news, I will dispel that fallacy now; I am merely an old stallion who will admit that I only know what I know, and I have never claimed to be any more than that.  Though," he grinned, "it IS good to hear something of that nature, once in a while.  Indeed, I am Harcourt of - what was it you said? - The Harmony Clans?"

 

He gave a thoughtful look.

 

"Yes... yes, I think I like that.  I may borrow that title, if you do not mind; it has it's... charm, does it not?"

 

He began pulling the overloaded sleigh again, once more without a sign of strain.

 

"Well, Lilith's presence here speaks far more towards my acceptance of you than badges or scrolls - I shall be more than pleased to take you to where we are currently residing, where you may meet the rest.  Hopefully, if all goes well of course, we shall take your commander up on his generous offer - without the need for a scuffle."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

 

 

"Ladies first, then." He smiled at her.

 

''Oh such a gentlestallion.'' she said with an amused smile. Rainbow went through the backdoor of the house, entering the large hidden garden/forest that belonged to her estate. It was quiet and peaceful place. Tall oak trees, small ponds with frogs and lilies. Butterflies flying, small squirrels jumping from tree to tree. And a small pathway made out of white sand and gravel that went right thought it.

 

With the help of her walking stick, Rainbow walked onto the pathway, while she admired the beautiful sight of the garden. ''So mister Psych. What is it you seek here?'' she said with her usual weak voice.