private Sombra's Shadow

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

Psych's heart sank at the sad story. He didn't realize that the element bearers, or at least a few of them, had died. When Rainbow was finished with her story, he walked over to the bench she was sitting on, sat next to her, and embraced her. "I am sorry for all that you've lost. Nopony needs to go through that. But just realize, Winter is here for you, as am I now. She'll take care of you, and upon my return, I will too." He gave her a small smile. After a few seconds, however, it turned to a frown. "But now I realize... Harcourt only got his element directly from Rarity... How will any of the rest of us get any of them if the element bearers have..." He really didn't want to say it, and what it was was obvious.

[Stardust* 3,302]

 

 

"Do you accept these terms, milady, or are we back to negotiations?"

 

 

@@Randimaxis

 

Even with all the adrenaline pulsing through her body she made sure to keep a stiff upper lip. She was not going to back down, she felt like she was cornered again and this was not acceptable, she remembered when the guards took her and she started to feel this way, it wasn't long before she blacked out and woke up in her home. She tried to calm herself by taking a few deep breaths she didn't want to be too worked up and pass out right after she made it almost crystal clear that she was trying to run the show. 

 

She was sure glad that Harcourt was playing along, with him holding the element she didn't want anything to happen to him. Who knows when the next pony will come along that would be worthy. 

 

"Sir, I have to respectfully decline that offer. I do not feel comfortable leaving these ponies alone, the group that is here to protect them is the same group that you speak of. They cannot all leave at the same time, and even if they left in groups the amount of time that would take seems to be more than I am willing to spend." 

 

She looked to Harcourt and her gaze went from him to inside the cottage at Aria as she was still by the window. Back to the griffon. 

 

"I propose that your Grand Ranger comes to us if he must speak with us. We do not need to speak with him, it seems that he is the one who wishes to speak to us, and that needs to be on our terms, not his. If he does this, we can align the ponies that are here in a line for you to count as you come back with this Grand Ranger. You will be able to see them from like you said 200 yards away, then we can place them back in safety. Once you and the Grand Ranger arrive the five ponies that he would like to speak with will meet him, and then we can go from there." 

 

She took a few steps towards him and prepared herself. 

 

"That is my offer."
 

Stardust felt invigorated, she has never spoken with such power before, she almost felt like she was glowing. She was courageous, and she almost felt giddy about the whole thing. She wanted to just bust up laughing to ease the tension, but she knew that might not be the greatest thing at the moment. Her body was almost vibrating with a mixture of the giggles, stress, adrenaline and pure shock that the words she spoke were actually coming out of HER mouth. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Let's ice this cupcake, shall we?

 

"And for the record my fine winged friend, I don't take too well to those who have no room to negotiate with the boss-lady here.  We've been through quite a lot recently, and it would be most appreciative for you to simply tell the Grand Ranger that, as this is his domain, our asking to meet anywhere within range of him should not in the least bit be an issue."

 

He stepped forward from Star's side, and came to a stop merely a few feet in front of the griffon Ranger.

 

"Further yet, your orders are to use... what was it you said... 'force' if we were to refuse to meet with him?"

 

Harcourt pointedly shot his glance at the enormous pile of wood, stacked higher than the cottage it was sitting behind, and then back to the Ranger's gaze.

 

"I think you are acutely aware of how much force I can use - and you should truly re-think your chances of success if you were to attempt such on ALL of us, eh?  Now, were I you, I would go back and inform the Grand Ranger of Star's terms..."

 

His muzzle broke out in a gradual, confident grin that seemed to imply that Harcourt wasn't worried in the least as to how a fracas between the two of them would end - because he was certain to win.

 

"... unless you truly think your luck will hold, Stormwing."

 

Come on... take the bluff... buy it... take the bluff...

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

Lilith looked up, her eyes boring through Stormwing as he awaited his answer. Stormwing was fully aware of the pressure being placed on him by both Stardust, Lilith and Harcourt. He let out a sigh and averted his gaze for a moment before chuckling. "Well, if nothing else, you bargain like a griffon lawkeeper." He paused. "That might be an issue- the Grand Ranger has some personal issues concerning ground movement. I must consult my fellows in this regard. I shall return shortly."

 

Stormwing stood up and, with a soft bow, walked across the street into the forest, where, after a short, piercing whistle, he disappeared among the trees.

"Well played, dear Stardust!" commented Lilith. "He's not too willing to argue with you- rather the lenient type, isn't he?" She shrugged. "Oh, well. At least he's friendly. And he's quite quiet for a griffon. We'll have to see..."

 

She remained silent until the griffon returned, perhaps thirty minutes later. "Ranger Darkhollow has three conditions. First, that he is able to bring me and one other council member with him- as witnesses and assistants. Second, you will provide a space where he can hold one-on-one conversations without any- and I mean ANY- risk of being overheard by anyone at all. And, finally..." His face darkened, almost to the point of becoming entirely sinister. "You will swear, on pain of death, that you and all associated parties will remain here until tomorrow."

[Stardust* 3,302]

 

 

"Ranger Darkhollow has three conditions. First, that he is able to bring me and one other council member with him- as witnesses and assistants. Second, you will provide a space where he can hold one-on-one conversations without any- and I mean ANY- risk of being overheard by anyone at all. And, finally..." His face darkened, almost to the point of becoming entirely sinister. "You will swear, on pain of death, that you and all associated parties will remain here until tomorrow."

 

@@Randimaxis

 

As much as Stardust wanted to just run and hide, she stood strong. Somehow her hooves were planted in the dirt and her stance was powerful for a small pony. 

 

She leaned in to meet the griffon, she lifted her hoof and she could feel the tension as all eyes were on her and the ranger. "I accept these conditions." She held her hoof in the air offering it for a hoof shake. 

 

After all was said and done she turned around and nearly collapsed on the ground. Her nerves were shot, and she had to do it all again tomorrow?! "How does anypony do this kind of stuff?!" 

 

She looked to Lilith, "Can you promise that this is not an ambush?"

 

She looked to Harcourt, "Thank you, for what you said. If you could, please address the others as to what will be happening, and please make sure Winter knows what is going on so she and her aunt are not surprised or in danger when they arrive. I think I'm going to lay here for a bit and then find an area in which this Grand Ranger can meet with the group individually." 

 

With that she nestled on the ground and thought back to the heated conversation and she could just imagine how she looked trying to act 'tough'. She started to giggle at the sight she must have caused. 

 

My little Star, you act so tough, but I know you are my little apple tart, crisp on the outside, but warm and soft on the inside. You can never be tough for long. You always make me laugh and smile, my little Star. 

 

The words of her father seemed to be creeping up more and more. It brought mixed emotions when they came, those happy memories, yet pain for the unknown. 

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

With Stardust's acceptance, Stormwing relaxed immensely, a smile creasing his beak. "Excellent! Expect us tomorrow around mid-morning." She shook her hoof and, after a bow and a wink, began striding back towards the forest, disappearing with his sharp whistle and followed by humming a merry tune that faded away on the wind.

 

Lilith relaxed with a smile and closed her eyes for a moment, her cloak shifting back to a dull brown. She opened her eyes and relaxed. "Oh, thank Celestia," she muttered as Stardust all but collapsed on the porch. She shook her head to clear it as Stardust asked her if she should expect an ambush. She glanced at Harcourt and smiled. "With the Grand Ranger coming, no. If it wasn't for the fact that he would be coming..." She smirked. "Well, we wouldn't have killed you or captured you at all, but you might find yourself with an arrow in your face and about five or six rangers laughing at you. Poor Harcourt had that happen to him just a few hours ago, huh?" She grinned, then sat up. "But no, with Darkhollow coming, you need not worry about an ambush or raid, or even any jokes or anything concerning an ambush or a raid. Although... I've never met Darkhollow before, so I have no idea what he's like personality-wise."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Yes, yes - Darkhollow and whatnot.  All well and good."

 

Harcourt didn't seem very intimidated by the idea of the Grand Ranger coming here; it was almost as if it were simply another griffon, and not the head of the enigmatic Rangers.  Then again, Harcourt could be a cool customer, as evidenced earlier.

 

"Star, that was a stellar performance," Harcourt grinned, "and you make a fine leader, in case you were wondering.  If I had any doubts before, I would dare say you've extinguished them soundly.  To be honest, I've never really thought any of us were directly in charge; Trivy..."

 

Oh, Trivia.

 

"... and I mostly worked details out together.  Not at first, true enough, but she got the idea eventually; she had never been very good at working with others - you, however, seem to do so with very little trouble.  GOOD.  Chances are, we may have to do this again - though I would suggest a different 'leader' with each group we meet with - keep enemy intel from targeting any single one of us." 

 

He grinned, then came over to where Star was sitting and tousled her mane playfully.

 

"I have to admit... part of me was looking forward to Stormwing trying to fight us; I am still glad everything worked out in the end, though.  He seemed a good fellow."

 

He stood back and gave Star a low, honorable bow.

 

"Thank you for trusting me; most of the time, I believe I know what I'm doing - the rest is merely Lady Luck smiling on my foolish head.  Still, I would have been more than willing to fight, had the need come down to brass tacks, to protect everypony here.  I get that same feeling from you as well, Stardust.  We haven't had the chance to speak directly yet... but I believe this particular predicament has shown me you are capable and clever.  Hopefully, we'll be the best of friends eventually - but for now, we are most assuredly allies, with a side order of respect."

 

He gave Star a look that told her he was working towards the friend angle, and he added a warm smile to it.

 

"I'll go find the rest and let them know the score before we begin orchestrating the tune.  We'll take a moment to gather ourselves; chances are, dealing with Stormwing was simply the opening act, my dear mare - you'll have to maintain that character throughout the meeting.  But don't worry - I've seen enough to know you're worth having faith in.  We'll be right next to you; be just, and fear not, little Star."

 

He began heading into the cottage, looking for Winter.  As he did, he passed Lilith and spoke under his breath to her.

 

"Lilith, I would like your assistance, if I may?"

 

He continued into the cottage, leaving the door open behind him for the Ranger.

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

Lilith nodded and stood up, straightening her bow that was sitting on her back and following Harcourt inside with the breeze to her back, closing the door behind her.

 

Aww... I wanted to fight him. I was hoping I'd get to fight him...

It seems that pleasure was denied to you, so stop moping! There will be other things that'll happen eventually.

Yeah, well, these 'other things' better happen sooner rather than later. I'm getting really tired of hanging around.

Mmmh... prepare yourselves for tomorrow. I want neither of you to be detectable by any sort of magic.

 

This started up a conclave of complaining that was quickly cut short.

 

Stormwing knows who we are, and if he knows that, he probably knows what we're doing as well. If the Grand Ranger wishes to speak with us, he speaks with me and me alone. I do not want you two blurting out something he does not need to know. Because of this, I want you two to remain unnoticed for as long as possible. Got it?

...

...

...

Good.

 

Lilith shook her head as she continued to trail behind Harcourt. "So what did you want me to... um... 'assist' with?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

As she stepped into the house, Harcourt's face had changed; he looked worried.  Glancing around to be certain he couldn't be heard, he moved in close to Lilith.

 

"If things are going to go as I believe they will, we'll have nothing to fear from your compatriots... however, I want to be extra certain we not only stay on top of the game here, but that we have an ace in the hole, so to speak.  I would wish to ask you directly for three favors, to be paid back at your request, whenever you like."

 

He seemed to study her face for a moment before turning to pace as he spoke.

 

"The first and foremost of which is Star's safety - I may be wily, but I'm well aware that I am no spring chicken; should anything happen to me - on the off chance - then I task you with making certain the others stay safe; Stardust, Psych and Aria - I beg you to keep them in your protective gaze, and not to pay attention to me; if the need arises, their safety is paramount in my eyes - yours as well, my dear."

 

He paused, looking at a picture of Little Winter on the mantle and giving a small smile before he continued.

 

"The second; I need to ask if we can use our abilities and knowledge to make our group appear stronger than they truly are.  Disguise their skills and grant them the appearance of a formidable fighting force; undoubtedly, word shall get around, and I would like to try to discourage future issues if we can."

 

He then came back over to the Ranger, and seemed hesitant to speak his final request.

 

"The third... the third will be... later.  I would think that you would be willing to help me... well, to help..."

 

He gave a large sigh, then gently placed a hoof on Lilith's shoulder.  His face looked weak and weary for a moment.

 

"... I wish to make a small memorial for Trivy, here where the land is beautiful and green - where she was trying so hard to get to; I would wish to leave something behind for her spirit to call home.  I daresay that by now, she would have nearly completely forgotten my existence, as it should be... but I cannot abide by such a similar thought.  Please, Lilith - I don't think I have the courage to do it on my own."

 

This was apparently a moment where Harcourt Blackwater, Master Thief, survivor and perennial all-around rogue, was baring a piece of his soul to the mare; whatever she had to say would make a great impact here...

[Pucksterv 4,508]

 

 

"But now I realize... Harcourt only got his element directly from Rarity... How will any of the rest of us get any of them if the element bearers have..." He really didn't want to say it, and what it was was obvious.

 

''To find your element, it doesn't necessarily need to be given to you by the previous bearer. The fact that Rarity was able to give her element to Harcourt is something very unique. Those 6 ponies... I thought they all lost their elements. I don't know how Rarity was able to save hers. Fluttershy is gone but her element isn't. So you'll have to find it by....'' Rainbow stopped in the middle of her sentence, looking at Psych with a sudden fear in her eyes. ''Why am I talking to you? I don't even know you.'' She got of from the wooden bench, looking confused at her surroundings.''How did I get here? Doesn't matter. If you'll excuse me, young stallion. I think it's time for my afternoon nap.''

 

The blue mare grabbed her walking stick and walked slowly back towards the cottage.

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

As Harcourt stated his first request, Lilith nodded. "Yes... of course. Stardust, Aria, Psych... I'll watch over them for you if something happens. But nothing's going to happen to you... right? You didn't just suddenly discover that you have some sort of terminal disease, did you?" she added, almost as a jest. Her small smile faded when she realized that what she said probably wasn't funny, and remained quiet.

 

He stated his second request, and Lilith stopped to think for a moment. "Well... it'll take some thought. It's very hard to pretend and bluff your way in front of professional organizations. As soon as I have the resources, we're going to have to start training, whether it be magical, mystical, or martial... but it can be done, that's true."

 

Lilith looked down, the old feelings of guilt returning and welling up inside of her again, remaining silent for a good, long while. Me...? Why me? Why not Psych...? She paused. I was... responsible for her death- indirectly, at least. I...

 

Shh... dear Lilith. Perhaps he feels that you need a way to vent your guilt. Perhaps he's scared of viewing you as a 'new Trivy' and he wants you to accompany him so to better separate his feeling. He might even merely wish to not feel alone in his mourning. No matter what the reason, you owe it to him because of his forgiveness.

I'm still confused...

Even if you are confused of the motive, is it not right to mourn for thy fellow warrior? Even I can tell you that. Respect for the dead is always essential to your purity, warrior or otherwise.

And here I thought you no common sense or respect at all.

Worry not about motives. He's obviously exposing himself to you. He doesn't need another pony to shoot an arrow into his soul- rather, he needs one to clean out and heal the old wounds.

 

Lilith, somewhat reeling, took a step closer to him before wrapping Harcourt in a loose hug, half-afraid to tighten it. "I... yes. I'll help you... but why me? Why not Psych, who had a much closer bond to Trivy? I was... indirectly responsible for her death... should I really be there?"

 

Always with the accursed questions! It's a bad habit, and you'll ruin your bonds.

Worry not, Reishem. We'll see how this goes. This might be what Harcourt needs.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

"But... How will I find it?" He asked himself quietly as she trotted away. "I... I suppose it's my job to find out myself, then..." He stood, making his way back into the house to field Lilith and Harcourt speaking. He approached Harcourt and attempted to get his attention, saying, "Miss Dash had a moment of clarity, so she spoke to me... She seemed intent that I was to be the new Kindness bearer, but... Finding it won't be easy, because..." He teared up a bit, remembering her story. "Well, I won't tell her story, as she seemed reluctant to tell me, but I will say... Once this is all said and done, I would like to find Kindnesses previous bearer's... I would like to find her resting place, to pay her my respects, as, for some reason, it only feels right..."

Edited November 29, 2015 by Count Paradox

[Randimaxis 8,652]

About to answer Lilith's question... then presented with another by Psych.

 

"... I can't... I..."

 

Awwww... Mama's tyke gonna cry now, eh?  Quitcher bellyachin'; do what's gotta be done, laddie.

 

"... Psych.  Lilith.  I want to give Trivy a funeral."

 

He gave them both a stare so fierce, he looked ready to explode.

 

"I have come to the stark realization that, no matter how I try, I cannot CANNOT make myself move on until I have put this to rights.  I have tried to be solid, but I... I feel like something is happening to me... something that scares me, like nothing else I have ever known."

 

He pointed at the ridiculous amount of wood piled behind the quaint little cottage - enough to build roughly two more wings on the griffon house.

 

"I have absolutely NO idea HOW I DID THAT!!!  And what's more, I keep dreaming of the deaths of my family!  I've been having them since shortly before we found you, Psych; normally, they aren't this specific, but this?  I feel as if I'm going MAD!  I... I..."

 

Having gone from talking, then shouting, then screaming suddenly went silent.  Then...

 

"I'm sorry.  I couldn't hold it together.  It's too much."

 

He slowly brought himself to looking at the two of them, psychic and Ranger, and he nodded.

 

"And it's time I lived up to my Element... and shared.  Psych, Lilith... will you both help me unburden myself of all the pain?  Help me set up a small memorial for dear Trivy; with everything else we've been through, we can honor her memory so that she may rest in peace... and put our collective demons to bed."

 

He hugged them both with a squeeze that nearly made their eyeballs pop out, then set them down.

 

"After sundown, meet me at the edge of the property; we'll find a place.  If we do this together, we'll be better for it... and we need to get our collective heads straight about this, because I'm certain the enemy will use it to their advantage, if they can.  I... don't know if we should invite Star and Aria, because they just didn't know her as well... but I may be wrong.  Should I..."

 

He closed his eyes and sighed.

 

"Please... someone else take over for me, please..."

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

Ahh... that's what's troubling him. I see.

Nightmares? If they're anything like Lilith's, poor dear...

Tis only truly sad if he fails to get his bloody vengeance in the same dream.

 

Lilith paused, glanced at Psych, before embracing him. "I know what it's like to have nightmares... it's a nasty experience, dreaming what happened over and over, slaved to the whims of your mind..." She paused, tears beginning to well in her eyes. "I'll... be there tonight. For sure. I know a couple funeral rites that we do when a ranger dies... I can do that, if you wish." She returned the hug with equal force and nuzzled him.

 

(Those who weren't caught up in the emotional tidal wave would have noticed a click of bones being reset- in the future, Harcourt would always be wondering why his neck never really got too sore, despite his age.)

 

She backed off with tears barely being held back. "Well... I suggest you go get some rest, Harcourt. We'll meet you here after the evening meal, and then we can set off..."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

"After sundown, meet me at the edge of the property; we'll find a place.  If we do this together, we'll be better for it... and we need to get our collective heads straight about this, because I'm certain the enemy will use it to their advantage, if they can.  I... don't know if we should invite Star and Aria, because they just didn't know her as well... but I may be wrong.  Should I..."   He closed his eyes and sighed.   "Please... someone else take over for me, please..."

 

''I can see this mare meant a lot to you Mister Harcourt.'' Dash had suddenly appeared next to the old stallion with a hoof on his shoulder. ''Don't worry. I think I have a beautiful place for her inside the garden. Winter and I will work on the preparations so you can honor her memory tonight. For now, you and your companions should get some rests.''

 

(TIMESKIP!!)

 

It was just before the sun down which made the sky look beautiful. Colors of flaming red and yellow mixed with the clear blue sky, just behind the low mountains. Everypony had gathered around the grave with the empty coffin. Winter had just finished digging. It was near one of the bigger trees at the edge of the property. Now she stood next to Psych as she put her paw around his shoulder. ''If you need me, I'm right next to you okay?'' she said softly

 

Rainbow had arrived a little later, she was still a weak mare,  unable to walk fast. She stood next to Harcourt. ''If you wish to speak a few words mister Harcourt, the time is now.'' she said, almost whispering, after a moment of silence. ''In fact, if any of you wishes to speak, don't be afraid to do so.'' she said a little louder.

Edited November 30, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Randimaxis

 

He put a hoof on Harcourt's shoulder, giving him a small, sad smile. "Of course I will help. Nothing would stop me from helping. Besides, I... Feel as though I have to make amends for what happened..."

 

@Pucksterv

 

(After Timeskip)

 

Psych leaned up against Winter, nuzzling her, tears welling up in his eyes. When Dash asked if anypony wanted to speak, he quietly stepped forward. "I... I may not have known Trivy for very lonk, only for the few days that we traveled together, but I do know a few things about her... She was very kind, even when we had first met and I had pelted Harcourt with a rock... And she was always strong and brave, even up til the end, when she saved Wing... I thought I could help, but I... I just made things worse... I dropped her... I dropped her in the water, and... And I'm so, so sorry..." He was openly crying now, his cheeks drenched in tears. He moved back to Winger and hugged her, gently crying into her coat.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt stood there; he'd been silent the entire time, the occasional tear rolling down his cheek... but silent.

 

After Psych spoke, he began to come forward.  Passing, he embraced the psychic pony for a moment before walking over to the grave itself.  He began to speak, soft tones yet his voice carried.

 

"Our group had come across another group - travelling together to keep an eye out for the Shades.  They swore, up and down, that they had been tracked for weeks... they thought there was a spy watching them.  Five of us volunteered to search the area and find this 'spy', so we did such."

 

"It was close to dusk when I first heard leaves rustling; I went to check it out, carefully sneaking along.  That's when I first saw her - a cloaked mare, doing her best to hide her campsite.  Seeing that she wasn't a Shade, I attempted to approach her..."

 

"She very nearly tried to kill me.  I tried to explain that we were nothing more than refugees, and would be happy to take her in; she was convinced I was an agent of Sombra - she even got in my face and directly accused me of being a traitor to my own kind.  It took me all of that night and a part of the next day, trying to convince her otherwise before we had to move on.  She seemed adamant to stay away from us, so we left; the other group joined ours, of course."

 

"During the next week, we had our hardships and victories... and through it all, she watched from afar, still being the ghost following our little group.  It wasn't until she saw how we dealt with death that she showed up.  We lost three that day; there was much weeping and sorrow - but it wasn't until I went to check on everypony that I saw her: she was comforting a young colt who had just lost both of his parents."

 

Harcourt closed his eyes for a moment, sighed, then opened them and continued.

 

"She looked up at me once... only once.  She said, "only until we reach Ponyville,"... and she meant it, at the time.  But it took a number of weeks to get there, and by that point, she had... adopted us.  All of us, myself included - though it took her a long time to truly accept me.  That came after I started teaching her what I could about stealth."

 

He looked up at the others, his emerald eyes pouring and his voice shaking with emotion... yet, he went on.

 

"Before I met her, I never thought I would ever consider anypony to be a part of my family, ever again.  Trivy taught me differently; my heart was an empty manor house - Trivy cleaned it up and open the doors to allow others to enter... including all of you here today."

 

"Trivy opened my heart to the world... and I shall never forget that kindness."

 

He looked down at the empty coffin.

 

"Trivy... you may finally rest, now... there's a good girl..."

 

With those last words, Harcourt began to cry in earnest - bawling worse than he did when his hooves were dipped in Iodine.  He'd done his best to be strong, and it had done nothing but add more weight to the burden he carried.  It was finally clear, and it was what had struck him earlier.  It was what Lilith had taught him with her Iodine:

 

In order to heal a wound, you had to endure the pain of cleaning it first.

 

Harcourt simply walked a number of yards from the gravesite, and sat down.  Leaning up against a nearby tree trunk, he just let it all out... and not just Trivy, either.  His Father.  His Mother.  His brother Dax.  Even Oglevy, the little brat.  All those that had been lost to the Shadows, the ravages of the road, disease, starvation, infection... or even just loss of hope.  For Rarity.  For Baltimare.  For Equestria.  Even for Shy Violet, Lovely Wing's singing partner.  For all of them.

 

Harcourt vaugely hoped he had enough tears; when he was done here, there would be plans to make, deals to broker, decisions to solidify and plenty of other things to do - this was emotional Iodine he was slathering onto the wound in his heart.

 

Hellfire couldn't hold a candle to this pain.

[-Octavia- 1,176]

A shard of ice through the heart.

 

The idea of Death held a morbid beauty for Aria. The idea, but never the thing itself, for it was accompanied by those things which affected her most strongly.

 

Loss. Grief.

 

She stood watching the procession with utmost sorrow, but never making a sound. As much as her heart was collapsing under the pain, as much as she wanted to sob so uncontrollably that everything ceased to exist, her tears remained silent. They always were. There was little she could do as each moment of agony she laid eyes on tore away another bit of her soul.

 

Slowly, deliberately, she drew from her back her soul. Looking down at the masterfully crafted instrument, she positioned herself in preparation to play, to show, to heal. The familiar touch between hoof and neck felt like old friends picking up where they left off, as though the years of separation were just interesting flashes of sights and sounds. Indeed the last time she had played was on an occassion much like this one, sharing the burden of grief with a friend who had no one else in the world.

 

With hooves in place, swallowing as much sorrow as she could to make it through the piece, she began to strum. It was simple rhythm, perhaps less then what Trivy deserved, but the words would be what Harcourt needed to hear, to feel, for better or worse. She could only surmise so much from his eulogy, but it would be enough...she had seen enough of the hooded figure's work in her life to put together the rest.

 

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AREHzaMaHag

Step one, you say we need to talk

He walks, you say sit down, it's just a talk

He smiles politely back at you

You stare politely right on through

Some sort of window to your right

As he goes left, and you stay right

Between the lines of fear and blame

You begin to wonder why you came

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

Let him know that you know best

Cause after all, you do know best

Try to slip past his defense

Without granting innocence

Lay down a list of what is wrong

The things you've told him all along

And pray to God he hears you

And I pray to God he hears you

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

As he begins to raise his voice

You lower yours and grant him one last choice

Drive until you lose the road

Or break with the ones you've followed

He will do one of two things

He will admit to everything

Or he'll say he's just not the same

And you'll begin to wonder why you came

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

How to save a life

How to save a life

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

Where did I go wrong?

I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

 

How to save a life

How to save a life

 

 

As she strummed the last chords, she let out a shaky breath, ready to lose herself once more in that abyss that so often sought her company in her dreams.

Edited December 1, 2015 by Wubtavia

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

Lilith stood off a fair distance from the others, in the shadow of the tree. With the large group surrounding the tree, she felt nervous about approaching for now, but she made it abundantly clear- to Harcourt, anyways- that Lilith was there to support him, the gems on her gauntlets sparkling in the moonlight.

 

Alas, poor Trivia! If only we knew her well...

My wishes go with thee, dearest. I wish you luck in whatever follows...

 

Err... I hate to be the wet blanket in a situation like this, but why are we burying an empty coffin? And where's the body? We don't know she's dead until we find the body.

The coffin's symbolic, and the body's at the bottom of the ocean! Would you like to go diving to get it, hmm?

There are spells that can bring the body back, though... I've seen it before!

 

Lilith let the pair's bickering fade into the background of her mind, and surveyed the arena, having effectively locked up her emotions under a stone mask that she did so well. The digging of the grave, Harcourt's soliloquy... they all tugged on her heartstrings more than the fall of the sanctuary...

 

In the end, she admitted to herself afterwards, it was the song that broke her stony composure.

 

Slowly a tear fell. A single drop, leaking from her eye and dripping down until it touched the ground. It was quickly followed by many, many more.

 

At the end of the song, Lilith reached into her bag, and out came a candle- and then a second, then a third. She quietly moved forwards and, remaining silent, stepped forwards and placed them at the head of the grave- right between the pit and the small memorial gravestone that was found to mark the spot. As she did so, she began chanting, quietly, but distinctly, in a tongue that none present could understand. The tone was quiet and soothing- seeming to bless peace on both the dead and the bereaved. As one listened closely, it sounded even so much as a lullaby. As she did so, she lit the candles, providing a soft, warm illumination that seemed to warm everyone there, despite the small flame.

 

After about a minute, she stopped singing, the last notes drifting away on the wind. She then backed off, quietly speaking but one line- "In death, may we all find new purpose in life..."

 

With that, she retreated back to her original spot by the tree, sitting down, and, unless directly spoken to, remained that way for the rest of the memorial service- and well afterwards.

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust didn't know how to react. Everyone was so very sad. They mourned the loss of their friend and she understood that feeling all too well. She understood that losing the one that you truly care about is something that you wish you could take back, you wish you could take their place, you wish that you could take all that pain away. 

 

Stardust wasn't crying, she wasn't deeply hurt, she wasn't sorrowful because of Trivy. She hardly knew the pony, but from what she did know of her, and what she saw of her for that short time she saw a pony of action. She saw a pony of honor, of passion, of kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity, and laughter. She looked to each of the ponies and the griffon that was around the shallow grave. She took a second to look at the generous Harcourt, who took the time to care for Trivy, and pushed and pulled her until she finally gave in and let her walls down. She looked to Psych, who's kindness was overflowing. He opened up his heart so much that even though he knew her for only a short time he felt so strongly for her. 

 

She looked to the beautiful Aria, who has always been by her side. Through so much and through every silly idea that Stardust threw her way. Stardust knew that Aria didn't want to help this group of ponies, she just wanted to stay in their little home and keep out of sight. But Trivy knew that wherever Star went, Aria would be right by her side. She saw what Stardust always saw and continues to see in Aria, her continued loyalty shining onto the others of the group just as much as it was shining on Stardust. 

 

She looked to Lilith, she knew that this mare is one of a kind. She could see the struggle that she was going through internally. She also saw how Harcourt looked at her. There was something different about her from the time that Stardust met her outside her observatory from when they got on the boat and when they got to the Griffon kingdom. She was of little words, but she felt that those words were honest. Stardust's wall of mistrust was slowly beginning to lower because of the honesty that she was showing. Only a pony who wished to truly change and be a part of this group would be willing to be so honest. It might not be something that everypony wants to hear, but it is the truth. 

 

Then it clicked. Stardust finally realized why they were all here. She stood and walked to the front of the grave. 

 

"Trivy knew who we all were before we did. She knew we would be here, together, working for her, doing what she always wanted to do. She saw the Generosity in you Harcourt, she saw the Kindness of you Psych, she saw the Honesty in you Lilith, and Aria, she saw your Loyalty. She knew before anypony else that we were meant to be on this quest. She knew from the very beginning, and she could see it in us."

 

She looked to each pony, she desperately wanted them to listen closely to this next part. 

 

"We must not mourn her, but instead, come together for her. We need to be the ponies that she saw. We need to see that within ourselves. We need to keep her close so that we can take our tragic stories and make them matter, change our course in life, and look to Trivy's sacrifice as the thing that bonds us together."

 

She looked down into the empty coffin, "Thank you Trivy, for being the one who saw us as who we truly are. You will live on through us, and we will make it to the end so you can finally rest, in peace."

 

She gave a small smile because Stardust held that hope that was burning inside her heart, she held that hope for possibly one day being reunited with her father, and held onto the hope that when it finally happened that it would be in the days after Sombra was no more. 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jinx looked at the dark pink mare with appreciation. "How nice to see you here, dear," she said. "To what do we owe this pleasure? Of course, you can enter the room; the spell is only tuned to Trivy here, not to anypony else."

 

Jay shivered. She instinctively feared the stranger with all her heart; there was an aura of great evil that hung around the pink mare like a miasma, or a cloud, much the same as the aura that Jay sensed from Jinx. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

It was finally all out.  

 

The wound burned, but it burned with a cleansing fire.  There was a relief in letting go - and that was where Harcourt was.  He had let years of pain out into the open.  He had shared some of that pain, and they had responded - proving what Star had said was true.  

 

"I..."

 

He stood up, turned and made his way back to the group.

 

"... I believe Star may be right.  She thinks somehow Trivy could feel the connection between us all - and it makes its own kind of sense.  We need to make that connection as solid as possible, if we wish to give Equestria the chance it needs.  Tonight, you have all shown me that I am not alone... and that we already have a connection."

 

"Psych, Lilith, Star, Aria... as I have shared my burden with you all, and each of you has taken a part of it unto yourselves; for this, I will be eternally grateful.  You have all added to this memorial, whether with tears, prayers, soul or hope... and for this, I will call each of you my family." 

 

"All of you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart; Trivy was like a daughter to me.  The light she brought into my life was brighter than the brightest star... but now, it's our turn to bear that light.  We shall shine that light across the land, driving out Sombra's cruel shadow and giving hope back to the ponies that he took it from."

 

"In order to shine so brightly, we must not only restore the legends of the Elements - we must become those legends.  We have to give heart and hope to all those who need it.  We will come forward, bearing the light of Harmony to dispel the shades of despair.  We will see our homeland free from the tyranny that has beset it, for none of us can stand it any longer."

 

"Together, we will bring that light to shatter the darkness - and we shall shine for all of Equestria... and the world."

 

He took a deep breath, then he was all business - Harcourt had his focus back, in spades.

 

"Now, tomorrow will be imperative to appear as able-bodied as we possibly can; doubtless, the information the griffons gather will filter it's way back to the populace; the more efficient we seem to be, the more hope it will spread among the masses.  Lilith and I plan to make the others in our group appear to be more stalwart for the upcoming inspection."

 

"The name of the game from here is to fight back, but not exactly physically... not yet.  We can fight against Sombra's forces all we wish, but without the masses behind us, victory will be impossible.  This is why we must build up the legends - to rally those who feel that war is useless.  We must instill in them the same sort of strength that the original Element Bearers did long ago."

 

He looked across all of them, eyes connecting with each as he continued.

 

"Please... help me, my friends.  Help me to make this work.  Not just for Equestria, but for all those who have come before us."

 

He looked to Psych.  "For those who have never known the light."

 

He looked to Lilith.  "For those who have lost everything."

 

He looked to Stardust.  "For those who won't give up."

 

He looked to Aria.  "For those who follow their hearts."

 

"... Harmony's Light shines for them all."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,
 
''Trivy you say hmm? What an adorable name for such a troublemaker.'' The mare said as she patted Trivy on her mane. She gave a growl in return. Nothing more, she was too afraid to speak up. The behavior of the mysterious mare was making her uncomfortable, everything about her created chills down her spine.
 
''Although I prefer the name rebel or Traitor!'' The pink mare turned around suddenly, grabbing Trivia by her mane to drag her off the bed. ''Jinx was it right? I need you to do something for me.''
 
''P-please...''
 
''Shut up traitor! Who said you could speak?'' the mare hissed at her. She turned her head back to Jinx. ''I need you to perform your new spell again. Kings orders are that I find her traitor friends so I can finish them. She knows how they look and where they went. I want to know it quickly so what better way is there than to torture her. Can you do this for me? For our king? For our kingdom?'' She said with an suspicious smile and threatening eyes.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

After heartbreaking and hopeful speeches, which seemed a very rare combination, Rainbow finally stepped forward. All she did was placing a single hoof on the empty coffin before she gave a nod towards one of her staff who then proceeded to lower the coffin in deep grave. She grabbed her walking stick and walked back to the house in silence. Not a single word had fallen out her mouth the rest of the night. She just sat there in the corner of the living room, lost in her own thoughts while the rest of the group was either bringing up old memories or planning the road ahead. She sighed and starred out the window, watching the sky turn dark blue while the wind made small drops of rain drip down from the trees.

 

''Auntie.'' Winter gave her a small poke to her shoulder. When she did not respond, the griffon took a seat in front of her to grab her hoofs in her paws.

 

''Yes my dear?'' Dash said as she snapped out of her thoughts

 

''You look tired. I think it's best if I help you upstairs so you can get a good night sleep.''

 

''Alright.'' she said nodding but her mind still absent.

 

''Is there something wrong?'' Winter asked when she noticed her auntie's lost gaze.

 

''It's fine dear. Just some memories I thought I lost.''

 

''Anything I should know?'' the griffon asked worried.

 

Rainbow did not answer. Instead she proceeded to grab her stick so she could get herself out of the chair. She gave a wink to Mister Harcourt before she climbed the stairs silently and disappeared for the rest of the night, leaving Winter wondering what exactly was going around in that head of hers. She gave a tired sigh before she stood up from her seat to make her towards Harcourt.

 

@@Randimaxis, 

She nudged him gently on his shoulder to grab his attention. ''I need to speak to you about whatever happens tomorrow.'' she said as her tone implied she wanted to speak in private. ''Do you have a moment?''

Edited December 8, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt felt... drained.  But alive.  And with a touch more hope for the future, to boot.  He glanced up at the griffon, taking note of her slightly worried stance and the question that was on her face as well as in her voice.  That couldn't be good... but frankly, he just wanted tonight to be over.

 

However, as duty always calls, he nodded.  Little Winter had been one of the biggest players in getting the group through to the Griffon Kingdom alive; he owed her much - a few moments of his time would be the least he could do.

 

"If such is what you wish, madam... I shall abide."

 

He followed her off to where she felt safe talking at - but before she began, he stopped her short with something of his own.

 

"Before anything else, my dear Winter, I wish to thank you for all you've done for us; without your assistance, we would never have made it here.  As it is apparent that you have a great abundance of firewood, mayhaps you could manage to sell some to offset the cost of our stay?  Merely a suggestion.  But still, I am eternally grateful, and am your humble servant.  Tell me, oh Littlest of Winters, what I might do for you?"