private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

''No need to thank me Harcourt. I was just doing what I thought was right. Plus I owed Rarity my service. It was the least I could do after all she has done for me.'' Winter said rubbing her neck nervously before she continued. ''I heard some chatter about some griffons coming to visit us tomorrow. I don't know if this is true but if it is, I'm assuming your travel plans will be delayed? I'm just asking because I..'' she gave a small look over Harcourt's shoulder, looking at the cute Psych in the back of the room. 

 

"'I'm sure you get why. Just...'' Winter sighed ''I wanna know what your plans are for tomorrow because I have no clue.''

Edited December 8, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "I can," Jinx replied. "However, as a taster beforehand, would you like to view the results of the previous torture spells on a screen? I believe that you would appreciate the treat; King Sombra certainly enjoyed it. Not just the recent one, but the one before that on the battlefield when she was captured."

[Stardust* 3,302]

Seeing as it was nearly dawn, Stardust was in a hurry to find a place where the Grand Ranger could speak with each member of the group uninterrupted and undisturbed. She was hoping that Harcourt and Lilith were doing the necessary things that they had planned. 

 

All we have to do is show the ponies, then talk with the Grand Ranger. Simple, right? Or too simple? I don't like it, not one bit. But Lilith gave her word that things would be okay. Should I have him meet inside the house? Or would that be... no, not the house. Outside, sheltered. The gazebo! Perfect!

 

Stardust flew to the gazebo that was just off the property, she had noticed it while she was gathering supplies. This is within the distance that the griffon asked us to be, and it is just far enough away for a private conversation. Also open enough to see if anypony is coming. "I think this will work out just fine." She began to clear away the mess of leaves, twigs, and dust that was covering every inch of the gazebo. "Pray Luna, that this will be quick and painless." 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

''Does it look like I have time for that? Do you really think I'm interested in any of this?'' The mystery mare dropped Trivy back onto the bed who then quickly crawled backwards out of fear.

 

The mare took a step forward as she was losing her patience. She lowered herself to Jinx's ear. ''I am willing... no wait... It would be my pleasure to torture that mare myself if that means I will get my info. But this also means I have to spend my time doing this. Precious time. So unless you are willing to be the next one in line I suggest you get working.'' She said whispering but in a threatening way. She took a few steps back, glaring at Jinx from her dark eyes. ''Are we clear?''

Edited December 9, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt sighed, but the look he wore said it was a sigh of good humour.

 

"Well, once we meet up with the Grand Ranger, we will find out where we go from there.  Stardust is the one who has the maps and the navigation skills, so she'll be able to tell you more of the 'where' in this equation - but as to the 'when', I'd say we might have some time yet."

 

He was certain he knew where her eyes - and her heart - were.

 

"If you'd like a chance to speak with Psych, you may have it.  After tomorrow, there's no telling."

 

Harcourt looked back towards the cottage, and sighed.

 

"You know, it is indeed quite a shame that your Auntie cannot remember her glorious past; there's a part of me that would love to speak with her about her older, happier days, about her exploits with the other Bearers, about the magnificent Sonic Rainboom... but it doesn't seem as though I ever shall.  A pity, that - but meant to be, I suppose.  Still, I ache inside to think of the fates of the rest of the Bearers... will they all end so sadly?"

 

He seemed lost in thought for a moment, then he jumped as if he'd been startled.

 

"I'm... terribly sorry, Winter; I was listening to the echoes of my mind.  But to answer your question, we will have a bit of time here still - make sure you spend some of it with Psych.  After the meeting tomorrow, the next move shall be up to the rest of them.  Let's hope it's the right move.  If you'll excuse me, my dear griffon..."

 

With that, he gave Winter a small bow and made his way back towards the cottage... yet he stopped when he reached the huge stack of wood.  He reached out and gingerly touched it, half expecting it to be nothing more than an illusion; with it confirmed, he rested his hoof there as he stared at it.

 

I wasn't even sure how to chop lumber; I was the son of a MINER, for Luna's sake!  I just thought it would be about the same - low and slow, strike sure... I never realized that what I was doing had been unheard of.  But it is obvious that something has happened to me.  It may indeed be for the better, and it may indeed be a part of the Element... it might even be a boost from Rarity, for all I know.  But the question remains: What am I becoming, and what will the others experience?

 

With that worry on his mind, he left the pile and headed to where the other ponies were sleeping.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jinx just shrugged, not at all intimidated. "I'm bored with the spell I've been doing for the moment," she said. "I have, however, developed a new spell which works in a slightly different way. The subject will be instantly dropped asleep, into a nightmare where they imagine their friends being hurt in a variety of ways. Physical torture, you see, doesn't always work on rebels. They get angry and decide that they're not going to talk, no matter what. But torture involving the mind and psyche works a lot better; the real scars are the ones you don't see. And of course, with this spell, I can make a screen so that you can view all of the subject's friends and identify them, if you can."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

Stardust took a few steps back, "Finished." She marveled at the work that she had done to the gazebo, it might not be much but at least it is a bit more presentable. She was covered in dust and dirt, she decided to head to the stream close by to wash up before heading back to talk to Harcourt and Lilith. 

 

The sky was still dark, it seemed as if it was always darkest before the dawn, and Stardust loved it. The stars were so bright, shining with extraordinary light, she knew that most of those stars were dead, but the light that was still there, the hope of somepony out in the vast galaxy to cast their eyes upon its light just one last time before it disappears forever. Stardust loved that about the stars, the fact that even after thousands of years of giving off light, even when they die, they still shine on. Giving of themselves so that others might learn and find their way with what was left over. 

 

What am I doing that is so wrong? I feel lost, but I don't know what to do to fix it. I can't find my path that I need to take. Those stars are losing light and there is nothing I can do to fix that. Only she can choose to give them light. I guess I must wait, wait for them to die, or wait for them to explode with fire. I do hope that it is the latter. Her song, her speech, her pain, it couldn't have been only for Trivy. But what else could it be? Why can I not remember, she must have told me, but so much is blank. Why can I not remember?! 

 

She shook her body to dry her coat and mane. She took a deep breath and she made her way back to the cottage. She noticed Harcourt was out by the wood that he had gathered earlier. 

 

"Hey, I found where we should have the private meetings with the Grand Ranger. It is just past the property, there is a little gazebo, it is open enough to see all around, but out far enough for the privacy." She gave him a smile. 

 

"Awe, come here!" She embraced him with one of her famous bear hugs. "You looked like you needed this." She squeezed just a little bit tighter before she let go. She chuckled quietly as she stepped back. 

 

"Time is short, the rangers won't be here right at first light, but they won't be too long after. How far have we gotten in preparing the other ponies?" She asked. 

Edited December 10, 2015 by Stardust*

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Not far enough for me to be comfortable with - still having issues with Kitchen Sink - but for the most part, they are well aware of what's expected of them tomorrow.  I doubt we'll be seen as an effective force, but we shall still be seen as a FORCE, and not just a group.  Hopefully, that will lend weight to the words passing around about us.  Speaking of which..."

 

Harcourt looked about a bit, then turned to face Star directly and lowered his voice.

 

"Stardust, the populace needs something to give them their hope back.  They need something to believe in again, and with the Princesses gone and the Bearers scattered, that job comes down to US.  We will have to have a conversation about that - all of us - and soon.  But not tonight; not now."

 

He sighed and dropped his conspicuous demeanor; the weariness was evident in almost every part of him, except his eyes - they were almost radiant. 

 

"Thank you so very much for your kind words back there; it meant far more to me than any of you truly realize."

 

He cleared his throat, then began again as if he hadn't just sobbed his eyes out about ten minutes ago.

 

"Now, once we meet up with this 'Grand Ranger' fellow, it'll be up to you to let us know where we'll need to go next.  You have the maps and the know-how, so I shall defer to your decision.  Do you possibly already have a destination in mind for when we head out?"

[Stardust* 3,302]

"From my charts and this map of the kingdom we need to move from where we are at here in Venajitate, and go down to Quahlii. This is where we should find the next element. Somewhere in that area, from there we must go to Bulekma, that is where I will get the next part of my map, which will have the location of another element." Stardust showed Harcourt her map of the Griffon Kingdom. 

 

"I do hope that the meeting will be quick, we need to get some rest before we have to leave tonight. And...if you will allow, I may have some words to speak to those who are willing to listen. A story of hope that could spread like wildfire through the lands. A story of hope that will rise up those who have all but lost everything. A story that will encourage those to rise and to give that light that they need in this world of darkness." She caught herself starting to flutter off the ground as she was speaking, this happened a lot when she got excited or happy... which was a lot. She made her way back to the ground and composed herself. 

 

"Everything is going to be okay Harcourt, if you can believe in just one thing, please, believe in that. Everything will be okay, and we will win." She gave him a warm smile as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. 

 

She rolled up her map and she turned to go into the cottage, "Come on, let us wait inside and have a nice hot cup of cider while we wait for their arrival. Maybe get the group together so we are ready."

 

She walked into the cottage looking for Aria, spotting her once again at the window. She quickly walked to her and embraced her. Just a quick hug, but one that had so much warmth and love that it could be felt in the entire room. She quickly nuzzled her and then made her way into the kitchen looking for cider and some glasses. 

Edited December 11, 2015 by Stardust*

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

The mare was confused. Normally ponies would be bowing down out of fear by now. Especially after words like these. However these words didn't seem to effect the archmage even a little. This was usually something that would make her mad. Instead she gave a smile, impressed by the unicorn's bravery. ''I like you Jinx.'' she said as she took a more relaxing stance instead of her usual ready-to-attack-at-any-time stance.

 

''That spell sounds excellent. I'm ready when you are.'' she said as she glared at Trivy from the corner of her eye. Trivy was still crawled up in a ball in the corner of the room, already expecting the worst.

 

@@Count Paradox,

After her conversation with Harcourt which only left her with more questions than answers, Winter walked back into the room full of chatting and grieving ponies. She walked over to Psych, who seemed to be lost in his own mind. She sat down next to him as she playfully petted his mane. ''Hey Casanova. How are you holding up?"

Edited December 12, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jinx first made the viewing screen, which appeared on a wall of the room. At the moment, it was blank and showed nothing. "I have to perform the other spell before anything appears on the screen," Jinx explained. "Part of the torture spell is a link to the viewing window. The King and others, for example Rave, as I know, like to watch the effects. Of course, with this kind of dark magic spell, the effects are all inside the victim's head and wouldn't be visible otherwise. I have tested this spell on slaves and it works perfectly."

 

Jinx then put the nightmare spell on Trivy. She knew that she didn't want to hurt Trivy, but surely this was the better option than leaving her to be brutalised by the pink mare? Before doing so, she sent Jay out of the room. This was one thing that she didn't wish the small mare to see.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Rave was finally done laughing, having laughed for a few hours uncontrollably and then falling unconscious. He got back on his feet, a bit wobbly and then made his way to a table in his room, above it were a few books placed on a shelf. He knew he had blacked out. It had happened a few times before and he knew it would continue until it got worse. Rave was now so far into dark magic, that he now had an addiction for it. His moment of insanity and laughing was also part of being too far invested with dark magic.

 

"Dark magic always has a price... a cost..." he said with a hushed voice, his face showing sadness. But then his face suddenly hardened. "But I am ready to pay that price" he said angrily. Then his mood seemed to become gloomy again. "Besides.... the dice has already been cast... there is no going back now". 

 

His horn flared with magic and a black book with burning red symbols, that seemed to be giving off a faint glow, came floating towards him. He started to open the book, when his eye caught a dusty old book on the shelf. 

 

"B--but how can this possibly be?" he thought for a moment. 

 

Rave let go of the black book and his levitation magic took hold of a blue book. It was very dusty, although, not so dusty as it should have been, due to having been moved into his room about a year ago. Rave had mostly lived within Manehattan, where the headquarters of the Darkmanes was situated, but ever since a year ago, when King Sombra summoned him to be by his side what ever remained of his living years, he had moved most of his things over. Rave knew that his King had some big plans and therefore needed him by his side until his plans were fulfilled. 

 

"M--my old..... diary". 

 

He opened the book and the dust seemed to attack him, stinging his eyes and causing him to cough. After he got control of himself again, he looked down at the small letters that were there. The entry that he was looking at was about one of the many adventures he had with pirate captain whom he had been very close with. Very close with. 

 

"Damn you Celestia, this is all of your fault" he muttered angrily, but silently. 

 

He then proceeded to delve into his entries. 

 

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

 

An hour later, he was reading his last entry, which was before he set out on his path to ensure the return of his King and betray Equestria. The day, that he had gotten forever separated from the captain. 

 

He then suddenly flung away the book in rage, remembering why he hadn't read this for a long time. 

 

"This is all of your fault, Celestia!!". 

 

He then composed himself and closed his eyes and calmed down. 

 

"Blackforest is right.... my past is my weakness... I must not delve on it.... the dead exist in the past, and I must tend to the future". 

 

His horn flared again as his magic held the book before his eyes. A tear ran down his face, then it contorted, as if filled with sorrowful anger. His horn changed color and the book caught flames. He watched as everything he had written burned. He was watching his past burn and witnessing the birth of his own future. The book turned to ashes. He stood there fore a while, in deep thought, almost as if frozen. Then his horn flared again and he lifted up the black book again and sat down in front of his table and continued to read where he had last been studying, ignoring the ashes on the floor. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych sighed, looking down. "I feel... Better. It felt good to get all that off my chest. Thank you for being there for me when I did that..." He nuzzled her. "I'm just worried... That when I leave, something bad will happen to one of us... I just don't want to leave, but I know I have to, to help save Equestria." He leaned against her, letting out a long sigh.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Count Paradox,

 

''I'll always be there for you. I just... I feel bad because I... I can't really say anything. I didn't know Trivy at all. Just the courage that she showed before she...'' Winter sighed with Psych before grabbing him in a short hug. ''I don't want you to leave either but it's for the greater good. Plus I promised you we will meet again when this is over and the house of blue-feather never breaks their promises.'' she said with a smile. ''That's what my auntie taught me at least. Always stay loyal to your friends.''

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust made her way back into the main room where most of the ponies were still sitting and chatting amongst themselves. She managed to bring nearly all of the glasses that were in the cottage into the room, hoping there were enough for everypony.

 

"Cider anypony?!" She asked. She placed the glasses down and began filling them with warm apple cider. She could see some of the ponies perk up their ears at the mention of cider. No matter where you are or who you are with, a cup of warm apple cider gives you a sense of peace. And Luna only knows that these ponies need a little peace right now. A little sense of home, without having to worry all the time.

 

Stardust delivered cider personally to Psych and Miss Winter. She gave them a warm smile.

 

She walked over to Harcourt and gave him a very full glass, the bubbles on top nearly overflowing. She gave him a brave smile.

 

She made her way to Lilith, placing it down in front of her. She gave her a strong nod and a bit of a smirk. Showing Lilith that the tent ion between them was starting to fade.

 

She took one to Aria, she could still see that she was miles away from the cottage. In her own mind, in her own world. Stardust gave her a soft nudge and brushed the hair that had fallen into her face away.

 

She took a deep breath, let out a sad sigh and made her way back towards the table of glasses to poor herself a drink before heading out to find a nice cloud to lay on for a while.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Watching Stardust flit to and fro about the place, Harcourt wondered what was in store for them all.

 

The meeting with the Grand Ranger didn't worry him in the slightest - it was where they'd go from that point... metaphorically, that is; the physical route had already been explained.  He'd accepted the cider with a smile, albeit a tired one.  His eyes followed Star, handing out goodwill and cheer wherever she went, and he pondered her for a moment.

 

She's of a dual mind; one moment, she's all smiles and sunshine... the other?  Determined and intuitive in leadership, making decisions and keeping her head.  Granted, she would benefit from further experience... but with what I've already seen, she has a knack for it.  I daresay she might even grow to be a formidable force to be reckoned with, given time.

 

Those traits... I remember another pony who evidenced them, long ago.  It was always 'smile, smile, smile' with her, too.  Of course, when it came down to the assault on the Crystal Palace, she had proved to have a mind like a steel trap - she'd been fierce; surprisingly so.  Even when it was obvious we wouldn't get past the magical defenses, she kept calling out orders and keeping things organized... even as the others fell all around us.

 

In his mind's eye, he could see the meager yet streamlined group of fifty ponies, all quiet as mice, making their way into the Crystal Palace's Grand Hall.  He also saw them stymied by the stalwart magical barriers... and then saw the counterattack by the Shadows; it had been the first time he'd ever seen the horrific things up close - and it had been when he'd learned they were attackable, but not killable.

 

If we had only been able to get past those rutting barriers... if we had been able to get Princess Twilight back... this war may have ended far sooner.  And she...

 

Harcourt shut his eyes, trying to rid his mind of the images it held of that ill-fated attempt to rescue the Princess of Friendship.

 

... I don't believe I'll ever be able to get that picture out of my head: running from the Palace full-tilt, side by side with The Laughing One as she cried her eyes out.  Never in my life had I ever felt so bad for anypony - she'd risked so many lives and so much of what waning hope we had left... all for nothing.  Before we were separated, I remember trying to reassure her... to tell her it was just a setback...

 

There were no tears left in Harcourt; if there had been, they would have fallen at this point.

 

And I still have no idea what happened to her.  Lost her in the smoke... and never saw her again.  Mayhaps she's still somewhere on the path ahead of us.  Which brings up a question: What do I say to her when we find her?  Will she even remember who I am?  

Harcourt took a long gulp from his cider mug - the gulp of a practiced drunkard - and his eyes sought out and locked onto Star again.  She was seeing to Aria, and the love between them was obvious to anypony who took the time to observe.

 

Regardless, the idea still holds firm: Stardust provides the morale and courage these ponies are going to need in the future... and I believe, if she had been here, Pinkie Pie herself would have approved of the mare, hooves down.  Her smiles are little pick-me-ups for the group here... and her demeanor is pure and good.

 

A look of understanding crossed his muzzle, and he lifted an eyebrow as he made the connections.

 

I think I've figured you out, little Star - you're our Laughter, aren't you?

 

Harcourt smiled as he let the thought settle in and take hold.

 

Good.  There have been far too many tears in this war - were all overdue for some smiles, anyway.

 

He sipped at his cider again, and watched the others enjoy the goodwill Star was serving them.

 

No time for tears anymore, is there Trivy?  

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

Trivy was just about to beg for mercy when the spell hit her. As before, her eyes went black as she fell knocked out onto the floor.

 

''Excellent.'' The pink mare said before she turned her head towards the screen. ''When will it st-''

 

Trivy gave a groan and started kicking with her hind-legs as a dark blue color appeared on the screen. She was in the water again only this time it was different. This time she could breath. She started to swim to the surface but got distracted when she saw a pony at the depths of the water. I need to get closer.... maybe somepony needs my help. She got closer, recognizing the blue and green striped coat laying there lifeless on the ground. ''HARCOURT?!'' Shouting his name put her into action as she started swimming faster. Trivy tried to light her horn so she could carry him but her magic didn't seem to work. She swam closer and grabbed him by his hoof. Darn Celestia he's heavy

 

She closed her eyes and tried to carry the heavy weight. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself on the sandy shore, pulling Harcourt from the water. ''Harcourt! Wake up!'' she said as she tried to shake his body awake. ''You're alive! Common! We survived. Wake up. Please...'' Trivia started to sob. ''Please Harcourt. I miss you.''

 

''I've seen enough!'' The mystery mare said angry. ''I've got the information I wanted. Time to visit an old friend.''

 

@@Count Paradox,

Winter starred at the cup of cider in her paws. ''I-I shouldn't.'' she said as she tried to fight the temptation. ''Psych... could you do something for me?'' she said, shame filling her voice. ''Could you keep me from drinking? I... I don't want to relapse... please don't tell anypony here.'' she said as she tried to hide her eyes behind her feathery head. ''Please?''

Edited December 14, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "Glad to have been of help," Jinx replied, dissolving the screen with a wave of her horn and lifting the spell from Trivy, who would remain asleep but the nightmare would leave her. She didn't think about Jay, deciding that it wouldn't do any harm if she wandered a little outside the apartments for a while. After all, the small mare had nowhere else to go, so she'd come back inside Jinx's apartments sooner or later. Jinx didn't expect that Jay would go very far; she never had on previous occasions and on those, had just walked up and down the corridor for exercise. She normally just came back inside once she had had enough of this.

 

~~~

 

Jay, on finding herself outside the apartments, had no idea as to where to go or what to do so wandered aimlessly away. She did, however, have a fervent wish to avoid the King's court and the guards, so found herself walking down a winding staircase. Jay half thought that she might go back up and see if she was allowed back, but curiosity about where the stair led meant that she kept walking. The stair wound very tightly and Jay had to concentrate hard in order to keep her hooves firmly on the surface of the staircase; the twisting of the stair made her feel a little dizzy and she began to wonder if the end would ever come or if this stair would go on forever.

 

Eventually tho, Jay got to the bottom of the stair and guessed instinctively where she was; the dungeons. Where, she supposed, Sombra's enemies would be kept, those who were still alive. Timidly peeking into the cells as she walked, Jay recognised nopony, at least, til she reached the furthest cell. She gasped; it was Princess Twilight, the alicorn who had been the Princess of Friendship and who knew everything there was to know about cutie marks. Jay glanced self consciously at her own blank flank; it might be pointless to ask, after Twilight had been imprisoned for a long time, but she felt it would do no harm to do so. Nervously, Jay tried to enter the cell, using her magic to attempt to unlock the door, but it didn't work. Jay realised that she had been naive to imagine that there wouldn't be measures put in place to prevent anypony unlocking the door save the King and Lord Darkmane, especially since an alicorn was the prisoner. Feathers mixed with rose petals drifted away from the lock as Jay put her muzzle to the door grill and spoke.

 

"Princess Twilight?"

Edited December 14, 2015 by Pripyat Pony

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych had been sitting next to Winter, leaning gently against her. He nuzzled her and smiled. "I promise, nopony here will find out. Now, let me take that..." He took the cider in his psychic abilities, letting it on the side table, away from her. "We can get through this, ok? We don't need cider to fix problems. We just need each other." He kissed her cheek. "You know you'll always have me. We may be apart for a while... Which saddens me... But no matter the distance, I will be there for you."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

''Great doing business with you Arc- Jinx. I owe you a favor now. '' The dark mare said as she made her way to the door. She turned around once more ''Don't ever forget that. You might need it someday.'' With that the mystery mare made her way out as she closed the door behind her. ''Time for a 'Tea part' with an old friend it seems.''

 

---

 

The lost and former alicorn gave a grunt at the mention of her name. She was lying on her side, her back facing the door while she stared empty at the wall. She looked like she had been beaten to near death several times because well, that's what they actually did. Bruises were all over her body. The form of her rip-cage was showing through her skin as she hadn't had any decent food in month, years even. Her chest was moving up and down very slowly, breathing was already taking too much energy and causing too much pain.

 

Twilight slowly turned her head, grunting with every movement before she laid her eyes on the mare sticking her face through the bars. ''What is it you want? Another beating?'' Twilight said almost whispering as she closed her eyes out of exhaustion.

 

---

 

@@Count Paradox,

"Thanks.'' she said with a kind nod as her face turned slightly red as he kisses her cheek.

 

''But no matter the distance, I will be there for you." 

 

''I know.'' she said as she fought hard not to show any tears. She turned her face away for a moment, pretending to stare out of the window. ''Psych... I... I know I promised that we will see each other again but I..'' She took a deep breath. "I'm going back to Baltimare to see if I can find any survivors. And there is a good chance that I won't make it back. It may sound like a crazy idea but I've been thinking about ever since I got home and I can't just ignore my duties. I'm sorry but I have to.'' she said as she tried to seek Psych's eyes to determine his reaction. 

Edited December 15, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Pucksterv

 

"N-NO!" He shouted. With a surprising effort, even to him, he shoved her, obviously upset, though it wasn't very strong. "You can't go!" His golden eyes began to well up with tears, and his shoulders began to shake. "Y-you just can't! If a-anything happened to you, I-I'd... I'd just..." He broke down, embracing her and sobbing into her coat. "Please... D-don't go..." He cried, trying to speak through the sobs wracking through his body. "I don't want to s-see you k-killed..." He sat there for a long time, crying and holding onto her, not wanting to let go in fear that this would be the last time he would see her. Slowly, his cries died down, and he sat there, tired, his eyes bloodshot from crying so much. After a few minutes, he spoke up again. "I... I understand what you must do... Even if I don't think that it would be good, you have to do it... But, just promise me..." He turned his face to hers, his eyes shimmering. "Please... Do everything you can to come home safe to me..."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Count Paradox,

 

Winter's ears dropped down in guilt and embarrassment at the sound of Psych's sobbing. Everypony was now looking their way, probably wondering what in Tartarus was going. ''Let's talk somewhere else okay. This isn't something the others need to hear.'' She said as she grabbed the sad stallion by his hoof to lead him out of the room, even if he didn't want to. She sat him down on the couch in the hallway, away from everyone. She disappeared but then quickly reappeared with a glass of water in her paws.

 

"Here. just... try to calm down okay?'' she said as she tried not to cry with the poor stallion. ''I know it's hard but I can't promise you anything. There's no telling what will happen.'' she said as she whipped away the tears from his adorable face. She then sat down next to him to grab him into a hug before she suddenly remember something. ''Wait here. I've something for you.''

 

Winter ran upstairs with a hurry. A sound of multiple objects hitting the floor and plundering could be heard from upstairs. Not long after she returned with a necklace in her paws. She sat down next to Psych again as she handed over the small pink gem attached to a golden chain. ''Here. It belonged to my auntie Gilda before she passed it onto me. Keep it so you won't forget me.''

Edited December 16, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay started in horror as Twilight spoke. "No," she murmured. "I would never do that to anypony, and certainly not to a Princess. I know that you probably won't want to help me, but I wanted to ask you something. Nopony knows more about cutie marks than the Princess of Friendship. Would you know why a pony who is an adult doesn't have a cutie mark? Why an adult mare is a blank flank?"

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych sniffles, wiping his eyes. "As... As if I'd ever forget you." He gave her a weak smile and chuckle, then took the necklace in his hoof, examining it as best he could. "It looks pretty... Just like you." He slipped it over his head, letting the crystal dangle from his neck. "I promise... I'll take care of this, I'll never lose it."

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

Lilith sat, with a small smile on her face, as she quietly sipped the cider while viewing the emotional scene between Psych and Winter, ending with Psych departing the room with Winter. It was amazing, really, the pair had only really known each other for maybe a month- but even that month was enough for them to build what appeared to be a relationship. Let us hope that, ifthey decide to take their emotions serious, they do not end up regretting it.

 

She was about to take another sip of the cider, when she heard a trio of thumps from outside- a voice beginning to be raised, perhaps to announce someone's arrival, then a series of shushes and more conversation for a little bit. And then a small set of thumps before a knock on the door.

 

Oh, look! They're here.

Hmph. Took them long enough. Maybe we can actually advance the plot now.

...plot?

 

Shaking her head, she stood up and quietly approached the door. After she glanced at the others in the room, she opened the door.

 

There were three griffons standing outside. Stormwing was standing there with a soft grin of embarrassment on his face, and, standing nearby, was another griffon- female, by her build- with blaze red feathers standing next to him, with a slightly irritated look on her face. She had a thin, streamlined look and, standing next to Stormwing, she seemed quite small, but, unlike the others, she had a visible weapon hilt poking out from under her cloak.

 

And, standing between them, there was a middle aged griffon with grey feathers that hid the fact that they were greying even further. There was a series of slashes over his left eye, with the socket hidden by an eye patch. He had a simple leather vest on, as well as a mere brown cloak- not unlike Lilith's cloak. In fact, the only thing indicating that this ranger was anything special was a simple gold trinket that was used to secure his cloak, a leafy pattern etched into it. His face lit up as soon as the door opened. "Ah, I knew they weren't merely thieves! Hello, my dear... Lilith, was it? Stormwing was quite vauge in his descriptions." He chuckled for a moment, causing the red griffon's scowl to deepen, despite the slight bow and utter respect on the face of Lilith.

 

"Sir," she stated, "you really should have announced your presense and rank, as is-"

 

"Nonsense, Fireflight," he responded. "This is not a royal court. I probably caused quite a bit of trouble for these ponies by having Stormwing meet them, and I'll be damned if I demand griffons or ponies to respond to my presense after there's a strong likelihood they aren't partial to me. This is their house and they have every right to turn me away. Speaking of turning away, however..."

 

He turned back to Lilith, who was all but starstruck at this griffon in the doorway. "Err... Miss Lilith, is this a good time for you? I know it's a bit earlier than when I was intending... If you want, I can wait a while."

 

Lilith glanced inside and looked towards the others, awaiting their response and ready to shift out of the way, should they decide to come out themselves.

 

((Gosh, this took me long enough.))