private Sombra's Shadow

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,
''Well then I think you have me confused with another Princess of Friendship.'' She said with a grunt as she crawled closer towards Jay, the sound of chains dragging over the floor following her. ''I am not expert in cutie marks nor do I want or have the power to think about it.'' she said as she tried to sit up straight, her front hoofs shaking, almost giving in at the amount of energy she needed and the amount she actually had. ''Besides, why would you worry about a cutie mark if you have other things to worry about? Like say the war that's going on.'' she said grumpy before she let her body drop onto the ground again.
 

---

@@Count Paradox, @,
''Do you know where you will be headed after the r-.'' Winter's ears perked as she heard a knock coming from the front door as well as the ponies inside the living room slowly quieting down. ''Hold on a sec. I think those 'rangers' are here.'' she opened the door to living room quietly and poked out her head so she could listen to the conversation.

 

 "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."

 

''No need. We were just about finished here anyway.'' Winter said as she walked into the room and sat down next to Lilith. "My name is Little Winter. I am the co-owner of this house. You must the rangers everyone has been talking about?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt had been watching the exchange between Psych and Winter with interest... and had been paying special attention to their conversation, though mostly via lip/beak-reading.  

 

So, it seems like I'm not the only one here who has spent some time in the bottom of a stein; I would almost be willing to bet that it was something to do with cleaning herself up that ended up with her working for Rarity.  It would explain a lot, actually.  Still, I dare not even ask; even if I am eavesdropping, it would be rude to just up and ask her something of that nature.  I think I'll just file this away under-

 

That was when the knock came.  Harcourt watched Lilith cross the floor and first check, then head outside.  Finishing the last of his own cider, he wiped his mouth with a hoof and made his way to the door.  He did stop at a window first, and gave a slight peek outside.  Seeing Lilith and those she had come to greet, he nodded solemnly to himself.

 

After all this time...

 

He moved from the window and went to the doorway.  He took a deep breath and headed outside, stopping on the front stoop as he looked them all over.

 

To Stormwing, he nodded.  

 

To Fireflight, he nodded.

 

To the eye-patched griffon, he narrowed his eyes and said, "YOU."

 

Harcourt's entire body language screamed that he was mere seconds from attacking the old griffon, and his face wore a look of somepony who is ready to face off against odds unknown... and win or die trying.

 

"You've got a LOT of brass, showing up here... after what YOU pulled..."

 

Harcourt looked as if he was ready to KILL the griffon; he made his way towards them, slowly stalking with every step.

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

He frowned slightly as Winter spoke up. "I guess we are, if Stormwing was the one who introduced you all yesterday. But-"
 
He started slightly as he turned towards Harcourt. There was about half a second of confusion before his personality completely changed, with a scowl and a dangerous glare, glowering at Harcourt as he reaching into his cloak. "It's you.. I remember you, you little thief. I guess Gully was too soft to kill you himself, huh?"

 

As soon as he moved to his cloak, Stormwing took a few steps back as a clang of metal revealed that Fireflight carried a rapier, holding it in front of her in an expert defensive stance. "At your command, Unidecim," she stated flatly, sizing up Harcourt and looking at him for gaps in his potential stances, but her scowled developed further as the griffon held up a claw, and she put her sword away, looking like she just ate a bushel of lemons.

 

He looked at Harcourt with a look that could punch through steel before the tension building up snapped, and the two launched at each other. But, despite the sudden flinching of everyone nearby, the small dust storm cleared to reveal the two parties...

 

... hugging each other...?

 

Yes, the pair were laughing and hugging each other, as if they were old friends that haven't seen each other in years.

 

"Thank the Great Powers, you're alive! I didn't expect to see you again after I heard about what happened overseas... How have things been for you? I trust you've sustained at least a few extra scars since we've last met?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt gave a short bark of a laugh, embracing the old griffon again before standing back a pace to regard him more thoroughly.

 

"ME?  What in the wide world of Equestria is with this 'Grand Ranger' business?  I mean, of course you're good enough for it, but GRAND Ranger?  And your eye... but you're truly alive!  I thought I would never see you again, Featherbrain!  And in the Griffon Kingdom, of all places; weren't YOU the one who said you'd never set claw in-"

 

Harcourt stopped abruptly and looked around at the stares coming from the others, his own group and Rangers alike.  Harcourt, his eyes still watching the rest, leaned in towards Darkhollow and spoke to him from the corner of his mouth.

 

"Maybe you should tell them?  I've been talking... a lot... lately."

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "I worry cuz I fear that I will never be able to fufil my destiny," Jay whispered. "All I have now is hope that things can get better. I would do anything in my power to ensure that hope is not misplaced. Yes, even if it were at all possible, even slightly, I would rescue you. Cuz despite everything, even the fact that you yourself have given up, you still remain a princess. I can't believe that this is where it ends."

 

Jay thought to herself that maybe her destiny was linked with the alicorn mare, and this was strange, as even the thought of straying into the dungeons would have filled her with terror, but somehow, something had drawn her down into the dungeons and to this particular cell. It tore at her tho, that there was nopony she could tell... maybe the rebel, Trivy would be interested? As a rebel, surely she too would revere Princess Twilight?

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust heard the door, she quietly watched as the others began to move close to the strangers.

She watched as Harcourt went from one extreme to another, from pure bloodlust to kindhearted laughter. It was something not unfamiliar to Stardust.

She waited, wanting to see what would happen next. She always learned so much more from watching other ponies than actually talking to them. She sipped on her cider as Lilith, Harcourt, and Winter interacted. Trying to figure out just who this almighty Grand Ranger really was.

Biding her time she knew something was coming. Figuring out what it was, that was the hard part, the part that needed extra time.

She was unsure if she should come forward or wait. Seeing as she was the "acting" leader for the time being she figured she should go and introduce herself.

Placing her empty mug down onto a nearby table she gently flittered her way to the door. She landed and stood tall, pushed back her shoulders and raised her head as if she were trying out to be a royal guard. She ruffled her feathers to get that "solid" look and steps outside, past Lilith and stepping just a step ahead of Harcourt who was now to her right.

"Grand Ranger." Stardust gave a small now in sign of respect.

"My name is Stardust, I am sure that Stormwing mentioned me at some point. I would like to get things started if you would be so kind as to follow me to an area that I made ready for your visit. It is private yet open, quiet for conversation, open so there is no false moves on either side." She pointed behind the griffons towards the gazebo.

She made her way around the three griffons and took to the air, "If you could be so kind, we are on quite a tight schedule."

Edited December 17, 2015 by Stardust*

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

''I am not a princess.'' Twilight said angry as she raised herself from the ground surprisingly without any effort. ''They took that title away from me when they took these.'' she said as she pointed at her back. There were two large scars running parallel to each other, right were her wings would have been. ''They took away my freedom a-and my friends!'' she said as she grabbed the steel bars out of anger as she looked at Jay. ''Do you honestly think I would even care about your problems?'' she yelled, her voice echoing through the dungeons.

 

Twilight instantly put her hoof in front of her mouth when she realized what she had said. Not to mention the way Jay's hopeful expression changed to sadness. ''I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.'' she let go of the bars and let her head drop down, leaving out a heavy sigh. ''I can not help you.'' She reached out to Jay with her hoof. ''It doesn't matter how old you are. Your destiny is something you have to discover yourself.'' 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Tears ran down Jay's face as she tentatively reached out her hoof to touch Twilight's. "I don't care what they did," she whispered. "As far as I'm concerned, you will always be a princess inside, no matter what. And I promise you with all my heart; if I ever get a chance to help you, even if it's just a tiny chance, I will take it."

 

Jay knew that she would have to go back; she had been down in the dungeons for long enough. "I have to go now," she said. "But I will come back, when I can."

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

"Perhaps a bit later," he murmured back to Harcourt, "I see that Fireflight isn't the only one who's overreacting to my presence here right now." He stood up straight and adjusted his cloak before opening his wings. "Very well, then, Miss Stardust. My entourage and I shall follow you to the gazebo."

 

They took to the air, following her to the gazebo. Stormwing stood just outside of it, adopting a casual pose, while Fireflight followed Darkhollow inside of it, looking even more miffed then she did before (if that was even possible). However, before sitting, she tapped the ground. "Hmph. Solid construction work. We need not worry about anyone underneath of us. Although I wonder how far our voices will carry... the lower, the better, sir." Darkhollow nodded once, acknowledging her words, before looking at Stardust.

 

"Alright, madame, if I may be so bold as to ask for the presence of... you, Harcourt, Lilith... Psych... and Aria, I believe the last two were named? Although I wonder where the sixth is..." He muttered to himself for a few seconds, scratching his beak, before shaking his head and looking at Stardust again. "Since we're on a... 'tight schedule', as you say, we'll skip the stereotypical emotion-grabbing personal 'you have great potential,' 'you're special because you're you,' and 'with great power comes great responsibility' solo talks that you all probably know about already, if that's alright with you."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

''Be careful little mare. Don't let the guards see you on your way up. They should be doing their routine checkup.'' Twilight said before she returned to her usual spot on the ground with a tired sigh. ''Be careful out there. There is danger in every corner in places like this.'' she mumbled.

[Stardust* 3,302]

"Alright, madame, if I may be so bold as to ask for the presence of... you, Harcourt, Lilith... Psych... and Aria, I believe the last two were named? Although I wonder where the sixth is..." He muttered to himself for a few seconds, scratching his beak, before shaking his head and looking at Stardust again. "Since we're on a... 'tight schedule', as you say, we'll skip the stereotypical emotion-grabbing personal 'you have great potential,' 'you're special because you're you,' and 'with great power comes great responsibility' solo talks that you all probably know about already, if that's alright with you."

 

"That is fine with me sir. I would like to get this done as quickly as possible. So other than the whole 'you are now bestowed with this honor' what else needs to be said? Obviously you knew that we already knew that some of the group would be attached to the old elements of harmony. So what possibly could you say that we don't already know?" 

 

Stardust didn't necessarily want to go into the whole Trivy ordeal but if he mentioned it again then there might have to be a conversation about it. She was hoping that by not even mentioning it, he would move on and forget. He was rather old, she figured his mind must not be as sharp as it once was. Seeings as he had already stated the obvious. 

 

"I am intrigued though, how could you have possibly sensed the magic of only the one element? And, do you know where the one that is hidden in the griffon kingdom is? Because.... I have a feeling that if you already knew where it was, you would not be so interested in our group. You know that we happened upon the element of generosity by chance right? That there is no definite way to know where the others are, and that our hurry to move along is not to do anything other than stay ahead of the forces of Sombra."

 

Stardust had no idea what the griffon had going on in his mind or what he was trying to get out of having these meetings. But she knew that there would be no way that she would tell him that she had the maps. Even if they did get their claws on them, there would be no way they could read them without her vast knowledge of the stars. And there would be no way she would tell them anything. 

Edited December 18, 2015 by Stardust*

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay nodded. "I'll be careful," she whispered. "I always am; everypony here is so scary."

 

Leaving the dungeons, after giving Twilight a wave goodbye, Jay looked around nervously. Finding the way clear, she crept back to Jinx's apartments, shivering with terror the whole time as she imagined monsters lurking around every corner. She almost wept with relief when she found herself outside Jinx's apartments and lifted a hoof to timidly tap on the door.

 

Jinx opened it. "Had enough exercise? Good," she said to the smaller mare. "You can stay with Trivy. I need to go and test some spells out on slaves right now."

 

The Archmage stood aside to let Jay inside the apartments, then walked down the corridor after shutting the door. Jay crept over to where Trivy lay and curled up on the bed. She felt as tho there was too much inside her head for her to be able to sleep yet, so she decided to wait til the rebel awoke.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Sombra stood in front of a large wooden door that was covered in all kind of glowing white runes. There was no other light than the one that the runes provided, where he was. He closed his eyes and started to focus, then he opened them again, his eyes burning with purple smoke and he unleashed his magic. The door rumbled, the ground shook and the runes color slightly shifted to red, but it was unharmed, only a scratch done upon it. The color of the runes became white again. Sombra was testing his magic on it. Soon, he would be ready. 

 

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

 

A rumble was sent throughout all of Equestria, even far beyond it. All animals that had even dared to continue living near the lands of the Crystal Empire sensed the evil and fled. Even the life in the nearby living trees seemed to be trying to escape, causing them to wither and die. They sensed the evil emitting from the Empire and they were not going to be close. 

 

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

 

Rave felt the rumble and was nearly thrown off of his feet. He knew where it was coming from, but even he himself didn't know what was going on. Sombra had kept his plans a complete secret, as secret that only he himself knew about. The only thing that Rave knew for certain that soon, his king would be ready. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

''You know you're never getting out of here right?'' A weak voice said.

 

''Unlike you Silver, I still have hope. Even in cases like this.'' Twilight hissed towards the stallion imprisoned next to her.

The ground suddenly started to rumble, causing dust and tiny pieces of stone fall from the ceiling and weak rock walls.

 

The stallion continued as if nothing had happened. ''Do you really think that mare is gonna be your salivation?''

 

''I know so. Now shut you muzzle unless you want the guards to pick you again.''

 

''You're right. Shutting up mam.''

 

---

  

@@Pripyat Pony,

Trivy was restless in her sleep. Even though Jinx had already freed her of the spell, bad memories were still roaming around her head.

 

''Are you one of Sombra's spies? Were you spying on me?''

 

''No no, I wasn't. I was jus-.''

 

''You were just what? What is it you want? You just happened to stumble upon my camp right? Yeah I've heard that before.'' 

 

She remembered how rude and angry she had been towards Harcourt the first time they had met. She still felt guilty about it to this day even though she was not the type to admit such a thing. Maybe if she would ever seen him again she could finally apologize.

 

''So you've decided to come with us after all?''

 

''Only until Ponyville. After that I am gone. I work better when I'm alone.''

 

God she had been so wrong.

 

''Maybe we can find shelter inside Canterlot. I heard Sombra's forces left the ruins about a month ago.''

 

''Does this mean you're finally staying with us?''

 

''Maybe. We will see.''

 

Such a stubborn mare.

 

"Harcourt, wake up. We gotta go, now."

 

"Gather the others.  It's now or never, my dear."

 

Suddenly the ground started shaking underneath Trivy's hoofs. The ponies around her, including Harcourt suddenly disappeared one by one before a sea of shadow creatures came flooding into the ruins, turning everything into darkness. She woke up, breathing heavily from the fearful experience. She looked around the room, trying to shake herself out of the shock. She noticed Jay laying next to her. ''G-good evening.''

Edited December 20, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay had lain wakeful on the bed for ages, waiting for Trivy to wake. When the rumble came, she shivered and cowered down. She didn't know what was happening, but sensed that whatever it was, it was purest evil. It was a relief when Trivy finally awoke.

 

"Can I tell you a secret?" Jay whispered to her. "It's the deepest secret ever and you have to promise not to tell. It concerns Princess Twilight."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The tremors rolled across all of Equestria, then all across the world.  No corner was spared, no stone unshaken, no creature incapable of feeling the vibrations that weren't simply felt with the body, but with the soul as well.

 

In the ruins of Canterlot, after years of standing unused, Celestia's throne tilted sideways and fell to the Throne Room floor, shattering into pieces.  In what was left of Ponyville, the last standing rafters of the once beautiful Sugarcube Corner finally gave up the fight, and the entire structure (rather what was left of it) toppled to the ground, the dust of memories spreading to the gray and foreboding sky.  

 

Children of all species were frightened as one.  Seers of every creed saw naught but ill omens on the wind.  Dreamers had their fantasies shattered, replaced by visions that Nightmare Moon herself would never have dared to conjure, and began to sweat and writhe in their respective sleeping places.  The chains of the enslaved grew heavier and harder to bear, and some fell dead at that exact moment, unable to continue on into any world that had experienced an earthquake with such connotations as this one.

 

It was the final piece, the tremors merely representing its click into place.  With Baltimare fallen, all of Equestria now bent their collective knees to the Dark King, and Sombra's shadow encompassed the lands and hearts of all within its reach.  From this point on, only Harmony's Light could ever hope to dispel the darkness... and that hope had never seemed more grim.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych had been listening intently to the conversation, attempting to glean any information that he could. All he could get was apparently, Harcourt and the grand ranger were old friends, and that did seem to alleviate the tension a bit. He got up, walking over to the chatting group, when it happened. He felt something dark, and suddenly, the earth shook, throwing him off balance and making him fall into the wall. When it was all over, he stood up again, obviously confused. "What... What was that?"

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

Darkhollow's eyebrows raised, and was about to respond, when the tremors hit.

 

Stormwing shot up into the air, surprised by the vibrations underneath of him, while Fireflight very rapidly drew out her rapier again and held it in a defensive position, worried that this was the prelude to some sort of attack. However, Darkhollow's eyes darkened as he continued to sit and await.

 

The tremors lasted a full minute before stopping- and as soon as they did, almost a full spectrum of light erupted from underneath the three Ranger's cloaks. Fireflight and Stormwing stepped off to one side while the Grand Ranger stood with thunder in his eyes. Grabbing three crystals from under his robes, he quickly whispered words into them, shook them, before pocketing them again. Afterwards, he closed his eyes, looking like he was deep in thought.

 

While he did so, Lilith sprinted out. "What happened? Is there a Bane on the loose here? Is there an attack of some sort?"

 

"So, the game is on, then..." Stormwing murmured with his eyes closed before opening them again. "And here I was, thinking I was going to humor you and play along for a while, dear Stardust. Unfortunately, it seems your 'tight schedule' just got even tighter."

 

"What happened a few minutes ago was some sort of release of magical energy from Equestria. We don't have enough information as of right now to determine what exactly happened; from the waves of dark energy being projected from the estimated epicenter, what little presence we have suggests action on Sombra's behalf. This is a horribly bad omen for what lies in wait for us across the sea. But... perhaps there's another way. Either way..."

 

"Sir," stated Fireflight with a bow. "one of my outposts is demanding to launch an infiltration of Equestria for reconnaissance purposes both for the Equestrian Sanctuary as well as for research of the tremor's origin point."

 

"Tell them to prepare for full stealth- I want no engagements if at all possible- but not to launch until I give the okay. Stardust, forgive me for being blunt, but please get the others as soon as possible. To answer your immediate question, it was over a decade ago since other elements were moved here; I confronted them the same way I intended to confront you before offering them official sanction here in the Griffon Empire. I also sensed one of our artifacts crossing the border- the last piece we need before our threads can become a weave. I had to try. I'll talk more here in a bit when I've finished calming people down. Harcourt might be able to fill you all into our relationship while you wait."

 

He approached Harcourt and, with a final hug, muttered, "It's good to see you alive, friend," and then opened his wings and took off. Stormwing followed him, while Fireflight remained behind, muttering into about four of her own crystals, her rapier leaning up against the gazebo, glancing around as if paranoid an attack would hit any second.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt hugged the old griffon fiercely.  "And you as well, old friend.  Go with the flow."  He grinned as he once more quoted Gully Fluff's words, and waved after him as Darkhollow took off.

 

That done, he turned to Stardust.  There was worry in his mannerisms, but no panic - the aging stallion had left all that at Trivy's graveside.  Instead, he felt almost a fire under him to get motivated.

 

"Madam," he said, mindful of Fireflight's presence, "we should check on the others and then gather together - this bodes ill, and I for one think we should decide what we're doing NOW; I'm afraid we have no more time to wait."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

Stardust was only half listening to the griffon, she was distracted by the rumbling under her hooves. But from what she did hear, she was somewhat shocked. All of the other elements are HERE?!

 

She turned to Harcourt, who was talking with the smaller griffon. Once he was done she tried to speak. She was so baffled and could hardly form the words. 

 

At this point Stardust was getting a bit frustrated by the secrets and the deceit. She had been the only one with their head on straight and just now finding out that somepony else knew more than they let on.... 

 

"Harcourt....what?...the elements....seriously?!...What is going on?! and WHY did he say that YOU would know what was going on?!" 

 

Stardust was getting angry, this rarely happens, and when it does, just like when she felt backed into a corner she began to lose herself. Her cheeks were hot, her eyes went from their optimistic bright blue to a deep sapphire. It was almost like some other pony was taking over her body.

 

"What have YOU not been telling US!? I have known you for MONTHS now and you never felt the need to just let me in on a few things. Like who the heck Lilith really was?! Why we so desperately needed to get to the Griffon Kingdom. And you KNEW who Stormwing or whatever the hay his name is was actually talking about didn't you?!"

 

She was shaking with the power that she felt. 

 

"Why should I even stay here with you?! Ever since Aria and I decided to help you she has done nothing but go down hill! And your other pony! Trivy! Maybe if you hadn't been so damn wrapped up in the accident, which, by the way tore up Psych much more than anypony else! This is WAR! You will lose ponies during WAR! You don't have time to mourn them, you do your job, you do your duty and fight on because of them! I have had to learn that the hard way! I have lost more ponies that you could count!" 

 

She got within inches of Harcourt's muzzle. "If you think for one moment that I am going to do anything for you without you being 100% honest with me from this point on you are sadly mistaken. I am not going to lose Aria because you feel the need to keep secrets."

 

She took a step back, her rage that had taken over quickly dissipated. She blinked a few times and was a bit wobbly. She could see Harcourt staring at her with a stupid look on his face. 

 

"What are you staring at? Come on, we have to get the others, and what was the Griffon on about? Are the rest of the elements all actually here?! That would be incredibly convenient." She tilted her head to the left, then to the right trying to figure out why Harcourt looked so silly. 

 

"Seriously... is there something on my nose?! What? Stop just standing there, you felt it, that was no ordinary earth tremor, let's make sure the others are alright." She began to head back to the cottage. 

Edited December 19, 2015 by Stardust*

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Harcourt simply stood there.  

 

He had no idea what had just happened, nor what it meant.  But he did know what it felt like - and he was damned certain that he was in no mood to deal with another heartache.  Here he had been, after everything else he'd had to deal with up until now - and now, on top of all the stress and effort, he was to be the verbal whipping boy as well?  What in Tartarus was she talking about?  Maybe it was simply nerves, maybe it was confusion, or maybe it was something he truly deserved after all.  Regardless, he felt like he hadn't done anything to deserve such an outburst...

 

... but he knew there was no time for being upset on his part.  Let her yell and scream it out at him; better the old stallion that could take it than somepony else who couldn't.  Besides, Life had already beaten him into the ground for years - it wasn't as if he'd fooled himself into thinking it would get any easier from here on out.  It hurt, yes - but what good would it do to say such if Star truly felt that way about him?

 

If that's how you wish it, then so shall it be, Stardust...

 

He simply followed along, determined he was simply going to do - he was DONE speaking, if that was the reception he was going to receive.  He wouldn't indulge in talking secrets anymore - he'd just do what had to be done, come hell or high water.

 

Harcourt snapped his jaw shut and followed Stardust to go check on the others.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

Trivy jumped out the bed and adjusted her mane. ''Do you really trust me with a secret after how awful I've been towards you?'' she asked as she turned around to face Jay. ''I mean I literally made you cry.'' Maybe it wasn't that obvious but she was trying to apologize. Not sure if reminding somepony instead of actually saying sorry was the way to go but it was still the only way she knew. ''Would you really trust a pony like me?''

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, "Of course," Jay replied. "I somehow know that I can trust you with this. You're an honourable pony; I might not have experienced the same life as you have, but I do know how to read ponies. I know that as a rebel, you would revere the princess as much as I do, which is why I want to tell you."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

''I don't understand why ponies keep calling me rebel. The king, no Sombra because I refuse to call him our leader, may call me that but all I ever did was trying to survive this war without turning into one of those brainwashed slaves that eventually turn into demon shadows when they have no use to him anymore.'' Trivy hissed as she walked around the room angry.

 

''Sorry, please continue. The princess?''

 

---

 

@@Count Paradox,

 

Winter was chatting with one of the neighboor griffons who had come over for a visit when Harcourt and Stardust walked back into the cottage.

 

''I will see you there in ten minutes. Try to stall them at the bay as long as you can. You still owe me a favor.'' The griffon nodded to Winter before he walked out of the door with Winter following her. Winter stopped as she noticed Psych standing alone again. How many times did she had to break his heart. With a big sigh she walked over to him and gently nudged his shoulder. ''Psych, bad news. The only boat I could get leaves in less than 10 minutes. So this is our goodbye. I'm sorry.'' she grabbed Psych into a tight hug, giving a kiss on his cheek before she grabbed him by his hoof and hurried her way back into the cottage.

 

"Everypony and griffon, small announcement. I'm going back to Baltimare and I have to leave now because the last boat I can catch is leaving any minute. So this is where we part ways. Don't worry, the ponies you're leaving here are in good paws, I promise.''

 

''It was a pleasure traveling with you all. I hope to see you all one day again.''

Edited December 21, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Randimaxis 8,652]

He saw that all the other ponies in the group were, indeed, in good paws.  All resting, fed... even a few of them happy.  They had a safe place to sleep for once, and good company in the griffons.  There wasn't anything more that they needed - except for their homeland back, of course.  Harcourt saw this, and he truly felt as if there would be no further need for him to worry about them as much; heck, they were safe enough for him not to need to worry at all, to be honest.  Yes, he wasn't needed with them anymore...

 

Star's leadership... Lilith's silence... Psych's romance... Aria's solitude... all of them handling their issues, tending to their business, and dealing with whatever life throws at them in their own particular ways.  All quite capable.  All quite able... and not a one needing the word or deed of an old stallion who has quite apparently worn out his welcome.

 

As Winter made her announcement, Harcourt stayed quiet toward the back of the gathering.  He watched as the griffon spoke her intent, and said her farewells.

 

None of the rest seem to need me here... and I am seriously doubting that they even WANT me here; Star's outburst may as well have been a voice for all of them.  'Bring us together', my flank.  Bring THEM together, mayhaps...

 

Harcourt continued to dwell on the sour feelings he was having - until he heard that Winter's ride was headed out in ten minutes.

 

Back to Baltimare to search for survivors?  That's a job that would definitely require an extra pair of hooves or two... and on top of that, there's always a chance that Rarity survived; she might be happy to see me, at least.  Besides, maybe I can get some time to think through everything that's happened... and apparently give the others here some time to not have to suffer my presence.

 

Everyone was paying attention to Winter as Harcourt simply vanished.

 

Between all their personal concerns, they won't miss me... and besides, it'll give them a reason to yell at me again once I return - they'll LOVE that.  Might have to give the rest of them a head start to catch up to Stardust...

 

Using the full extent of his stealthy abilities, he made his way towards where he knew the boats to be docked.

 

Chances are, they'll miss the Element more than they will me, anyway...

 

He gave a glance back at the others, gathered together and making merry in the safety of the griffons.

 

Trivy would miss me; I'm just another refugee to the rest of them.

 

Turning back to face the path ahead of him, he vanished into the shadows.