private Sombra's Shadow

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but he had wished it had been much later. He hugged her, nuzzling her cheek. "Just... Be careful, please?" He allowed himself to be led to the others, all of them accepting her choice easily. However, he did notice that, at the edge of his vision, a certain stallion seemed to be disappearing. "I... I'll be right back, Winter." He quickly broke away from the group and followed Harcourt, saying, "And where do you think you're going?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Leave it to the blind one to see more clearly than the rest.

 

Harcourt slowed... but didn't stop.  Without turning, he answered, "More firewoo-..."

 

NOW, he stopped.

 

"You know what?  No.  You deserve the truth, Psych; I need time to think, reassess myself and generally be out from underhoof here.  I've been seeing how things are going, and between everyone else available here, there isn't really room for an aged stallion to be of no use.  Now," he raised a hoof, "you may think otherwise, but I still see what I see; Aria has withdrawn into herself and is presumably dealing with her own demons - Lilith has Ranger business to tend to, and is far better at dealing with problems than most - Star?"

 

He sighed heavily.

 

"She's apparently got the leadership part down pat, and needs no assistance there."  He sounded a bit testy about that subject, but went on anyway.

 

"And you?  You have a beautiful love between yourself and Winter that has come surprisingly far in such a short time.  There is something there that gives you strength; something in each instance that grants each one of you power beyond scope, should you require it."

 

Harcourt turned and faced the blind psychic, making sure his voice AND intent were clear.

 

"I have NOTHING; my strength is to be NEEDED, you see - and Trivy needed me.  She may not have admitted it - never would have - but she still did... and I need to be needed.  THAT was why her loss got under my coat so much, because I felt that strength when I could be there for her.  Instruct her.  Show her how to accomplish things on her own."

 

"But that's my problem now... I have nothing, unlike the rest of you.  No motivation, other than survival.  None of you actually NEED me, Psych - you're all capable enough on your own.  My faults, my pride, my foolishness... they have apparently been quite a burden to you all, and I have become a burden because nopony needs me.  If I try to teach, do they listen?  If I try to offer help, do they require it?  You, and perhaps Lilith, may want me around... but where, I honestly ask for you to consider, am I truly NEEDED?"

 

He turned back around, and began a slow walk towards the docks again.

 

"So I shall accompany the love of your life to Baltimare... which means, before you try to convince me otherwise, it will mean that your love will have ME protecting her; consider whether or not you wish to try to talk me out of going in the first place, because if you do keep me here, and she doesn't make it back..."

 

"Yes, that IS a low blow... but I want - no, NEED time to find myself again.  Losing Trivy took you hard, and you only knew her for a short while; I had known her for years.  Besides, I'll return, I have to - you all need my Element, don't you?"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay spoke in a low voice out of habit, despite the fact that there was no chance of either of them being overheard. "I found the Princess," she said. "She's in the furthest cell in the dungeon down below. I wanted to find her to ask her about not having a cutie mark, but she's just in such bad shape! They beat and tortured her, and cut off her wings. But I want to help the Princess, even tho I can't think of a way. If you can, please tell me. Even if it meant leaving here, I would do it."

 

Jay's voice trembled with fear as she spoke those words cuz she really dreaded having to leave what was to her a safe haven. With her erratic magic, Jay didn't think that she could survive for very long outside the castle; she never really knew what her magic would do which was why she only used it sparingly. Maybe if she was able to discover what her special talent was, her magic would even out, but Jay had finally realised that while she remained where she was, that wasn't very likely.

 

"I'm afraid to leave," she added to Trivy. "It frightens me out of my wits to even think of that. But if I could help the Princess, I would do it. She told me that only I could find my true destiny, and I know I can't do that in here."

[-Octavia- 1,176]

"A bit for your thoughts?"

 

A slight shadow cast upon Stardust's muzzle called Aria, who sauntered towards the solitary comfort amidst the unknown. It was a rare sight for her to behold, indicating that the pegasus needed somepony at which she could vent. Accustomed to the plights of others, herself being still of mind, Aria played the role of ears well. And so she would wait, poised to listen, yet never to speak. Advice was never her forte.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, 

 

Stardust jumped, she wasn't expecting anypony to speak to her, especially Aria. She had been waiting to speak with her, but was surprised that it was now. She knew that there were times when Aria needed to think and Star would wait patiently. 

 

"I'm confused Aria. The plan was to get here, get the element, and get started on finding the rest." She looked towards Aria, her face was sad, and struggling with so many thoughts in her mind. 

 

"Speaking with that Griffon out there it was just weird. He knew more than he should have. Then Harcourt just completely shut down. Walking back I tried to talk to him about our plans and he would not say a word. I just don't understand what happened, is he still upset about the service last night?"  Stardust was almost hurt by the cold shoulder that he gave her. "I thought we were starting to really connect and then all of a sudden he just shut down." She looked around the room trying to find where he was sitting. 

 

She didn't see him, and come to notice it, she didn't see Psych either. "I don't know where they went, Harcourt or Psych, they are both gone, maybe my help just ruins things. It seems like whenever I try to help something bad happens. They lost their dear friend after we came into the picture, and now Winter is leaving and Lilith seems to be head over heals to be around more rangers. And then..." She stopped, she looked into Aria's eyes, tears welling. She blinked hard trying to stop them from falling. 

 

"Nothing, I'm sorry my friend. I just wish that things were happening differently. I should just go out and find the element on my own, that way we would be one more step ahead of Sombra. No pony else is fully in this and I am not ready to give up. I am tried of hiding, I want to get this done and bring back the light, I need to find my father." 

 

She stood and looked for her saddle bags. She spotted them in the corner of the kitchen. She looked to Aria and embraced her. Holding her in such a loving way, she took a step back and gave her a sad smile. She then went to her belongings and started to get them ready for her trip that would either be alone, or with the others, that would be ultimately their decision. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych gave Harcourt a tired smile. "I wasn't planning on stopping you. I knew that you were planning something, and came to say goodbye' and also..." He stared into Harcourt's eyes, 'looking' deep into them. "You do have a purpose. You're kinda like a glue that holds this group together. You may not think it, but you help much more than you realize." He smiled again. "You need to realize, just because we may not show it at the time, even if some of us may..." He motioned to where Star was. "Snap... We appreciate all that you do." He gave the older, grizzled stallion a hug. "Now, promise me you'll both look out for each other over there, ok?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The old stallion gave the blind psychic a smile, albeit a sad one.

 

"My friend, you are a light in the darkness... I suspect others wouldn't understand my thoughts, but you're kind enough to see with your heart what you can't see with your eyes.  In that way, perhaps your vision is sharper than anyone knows... even yourself.  If your words are true, then take note of these situations I would hypothetically be needed in - I doubt you'll find any, but if you do, let me know... might let me know where to start when I return, eh? "

 

He hugged him back earnestly.  "If anypony actually asks, say whatever you like... but include that we WILL be back.  Please keep an eye out... well, watch out for..." he chuckled and shook his head, "please assist Lilith and the others for me, would you?  There's a good lad."

 

Harcourt winked at Psych, and turned to leave.  Before he was out of earshot though, he shot over his flank: "Goodbye, my dear friend Psych; thank you for your kindness."

 

He vanished into the shadows.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Count Paradox,

''Thank you for your kindness."

 

As Harcourt vanished into the shadows, the small gem hanging around Psych's neck started to glow, softly at first but it quickly turned into a bright pink light as the gem started to float. The light circled around Pysch's head for a few seconds before it returned into the gem and the necklace stopped floating, returning to its hanging spot.

 

Meanwhile, Winter had walked over to him after she wondered what was taking him so long and was now standing beside him with a goofy smile. ''Don't worry, I'll watch over him.'' she said, putting a paw around his shoulder.

Edited December 22, 2015 by Pucksterv

[-Octavia- 1,176]

So this is it, then.

 

I have felt more at ease in the face of Death.

 

The world as Aria saw it changed perceptibly. Strings breaking, light dimming, silence ringing. No longer had she music to call her own, for isolation was solidifying around them until three became two as the two became one, and one of the two was leaving the rest. But it was not the words that had done it. It was the finality of it all, her last embrace, which lanced her heart mercilessly. A pain for which she would never have the words, but that did not stop it from consuming.

 

But...I need-...I l-...what is this? I can't-...there's nothing...words can't...what would it take? But I'm not needed...it would be selfish. I...have to let go. And I'm not sure which is more devastating...the loss, or that it's a choice. But couldn't I just-...I mean I could just...go. Along. Maybe? She's in pain...and...I can't do anything else...maybe...maybe it could be like it was before they arrived. If I just...

 

Aria took a few steps toward the light. It was a tantalizing notion, one that had helped dry her eyes somewhat. That they might have the adventure they wanted, to explore land and sky together, alone, undeterred by whatever chaos was consuming the western world. Just blissful existence. And yet...

 

...no. I can't. I'm sorry, Stellina. I should have seen...

 

"And then..."

 

Me.

 

How...selfish I have been to not have thought of others before myself. To withdraw without a thought of you even after what we've shared. Inaction has gotten the best of me, it seems. But no more. You have held the candle between us for far too long, and it seems the heat is finally getting to you. Now allow me to return the favour.

 

She strode silently, purposefully, the rest of the way, meeting Stellina's shoulder with a hoof.

 

"I do believe I owe you an apology. Unfortunately for you, I never was able to apologise with words all that well."

 

Aria allowed a small but reassuring smile to pull at her lips. She needed to make each word count, now when it mattered most, before either of them lost the world. And Stellina's eyes allowed her to do just that. Meeting them, and keeping their gaze, the cerulean hue a sea in which to lose oneself exploring, instilling in Aria the desire to express, to seek, to know, to laugh, to play. To live.

 

To...

 

"I don't think I'll ever be able to express how amazing you have been today, which saddens me...because you are a beautiful individual who deserves to be appreciated. And I don't think you hear that often enough. From...me. What you've done...I mean, the confidence, yes, I knew you had some, but to wield it with such grace...I'll admit, it felt like you were slipping away. Because even if I had never thought that you were too good for me before, you certainly were then.

 

Is this an excuse to distance myself? No. That's me being a shite friend, forgive my language. I should've seen or known that you needed support. You needed to be able to depend on somepony...and that wasn't me. Well, no more. You're going to take some needed time off while I take the reigns. Celestia knows I have the face for it" Aria jested, flashing a brief smirk before assuming a serious air once again.

 

"But listen, you aren't taking off just yet. I agree that just sitting around isn't doing anyone any favours, but if these birds have any information that might help us, I for one am going to listen. But I assure you, once we've gotten everything we need to know, we're done here. There is absolutely no point in delaying any more than we have to. I can only hope that you'll still be around, because we need you...I need you. So, will you stay for just a bit longer? For me?"

Edited December 22, 2015 by Octavia MeIody

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust tried so desperately to stay strong. Almost cold, so that she could separate herself from her own feelings. She listened as Aria spoke, and that catch in her throat continued to grow larger with each breath. She continued to work with her saddle bags trying to get them organized. She looked at Aria, for as long as she could without tears beginning to fall. 

 

She listened intently, peering up to Aria as often as she could but without her catching on to her tears. 

 

She wanted to argue, she wanted to fight the words that Aria was speaking. She wanted to get as far away from her own feelings as possible. She longed to be with her, but she was so afraid that her feelings were not going to be reciprocated that she felt that maybe being distant would help. Especially as of late, with Aria being so very quiet, Stardust thought that it was her fault, for everything. It was tearing her up on the inside and she just wanted to keep that hidden, even if it caused her the most pain of all. She wanted to just scream at Aria, she wanted to grab her by the shoulders and scream so the entire world could hear her when she said I LOVE YOU!!!! I want you to be mine! I have always wanted this! Why can't you see that?!? 

 

She continued to listen. 

 

"...I need you. So, will you stay for just a bit longer? For me?"

 

She broke down, there were very few things in this world that would make Star break down and this was one, the love that she felt for Aria was so strong that no matter how angry she felt because of her feelings or how sad she felt because she figured there could never be anything between them, she would always be there for Aria. 

 

She turned to her and flung her hooves around her, sobbing, letting all of the frustration, anger, fear, and confusion out all at once. Finally letting go of everything that was building up within her. 

 

"You should know me better than that my friend. I would never leave without talking with you." *Sobbing* "I will wait, I will wait with you, for you. I will be by your side for as long as you will be by mine. We will finish this quest together and nothing will ever try to break us apart again. These other ponies don't understand how important you are to me, and I will do all that I can to finish what they have started so we can finally be happy, safe, and with each other. The sooner we can do that, the sooner I can help to make you happy again." 

 

She loosened her grip around Aria's body, but still embracing her, "I... I have been wanting to tell you something. ... Something that has been on my mind for so long, that has been in my heart for.... ever. I just... I have to tell you." She pulled back and looked into her eyes, she knew now was not the time. She knew that she should wait, wait until things were different. Not to mention some of the other ponies heard her blubbering and with an audience, she was not quite comfortable with speaking such intimate words where others would not appreciate them as much as they need to be. 

 

"Now is not the time, I promise though, when the time is right, I will tell you." She whispered, "those around us would not understand and it is none of their business anyway." 

 

I LOVE YOU!!! DAMNIT! I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! ... Why is it so hard for me. Why can I say it so clearly in my head, but when I try to tell you, things get in the way or I just lose my nerve. Why can't this just be simple for me?! 

 

"We should go back and join the others, with any hope those griffons will be back sooner rather than later." She smiled at her, watching her beautiful friend. She dried her eyes and stood, nudging Aria in the shoulder in her usual playful manner. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

@Randimaxis

 

He smiled back, nodding a bit. "I promise that I'll help out here in any way I possibly can." He gave a silly salute. "And I'll have plenty of areas where your help was required when you get back." He said with a chuckle. "I suppose... I'll see you when I see you..." With that, he watched as the older stallion faded into the shadows.

 

@Pucksterv

 

As the gem floated softly around his head, he watched it with interest, not having expected it. The sudden realization then hit him that he may have an element in his possession, and felt that the others deserved to know as well. But that could wait, as Winter came up beside him, and he leaned on her, a smile on his face. "Thank you. I know you'll both take care of each other."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

Trivy hadn't heard Twilight's voice ever since her visit to Sombra and at this point she was starting to worry. Worrying that all those horrific nightmares were causing the absent of her voice, maybe the spell had altered the connection she had with the princess. Or was she just crazy after all? Was the voice just her imagination? However, when Jay came with her story, all those doubts suddenly disappeared like snow in the summer.

''You've actually come in contact with her? So Twilight was speaking the truth after all hmm.'' Trivy said. She had stopped pacing angry around the room as the small mare had finally grabbed her attention.

"I'm afraid to leave," she added to Trivy. "It frightens me out of my wits to even think of that. But if I could help the Princess, I would do it. She told me that only I could find my true destiny, and I know I can't do that in here."

''I understand. It can be really frighting out there. But I promise, the freedom you get in return is worth it all. Freedom to find your own destiny. I can help you get out of here but the only way I can do that is if you help me first. I need to talk to Twilight, that's our only way out of here. Do you know a how we can get passed the shield together? Maybe you can use your magic.''

 

---

 

@@Count Paradox,

 

''I better go follow him. The boat will be leaving any minute now. Please say goodbye the others for me. I don't have enough time to do it myself sadly.'' Winter grabbed her bag and put it over her shoulder.

 

''Casanova, it was a pleasure knowing you. Good luck on your journey and lets hope we meet again.'' She grabbed in him a tight hug and gave him a quick kiss. ''I'm going to miss you.'' She said before she finally let go and ran after Harcourt, disappearing in the shadows.

Edited December 24, 2015 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay nodded her head in response to Trivy's suggestion, but she looked nervous. "I do know of a spell," she replied. "It's just... well, you know. My magic is very erratic; I don't often use it, cuz it does things that I don't expect whenever I do. For example, when I cleaned you up earlier, I also put leaves in your mouth. The spell I know will turn us invisible and make it so that other magic, including the shield, won't affect us. It won't affect me in any adverse way but anypony else who I put the spell on..."

 

Jay bit her lip, before continuing. "You could end up with your mane turned a weird colour, or in a silly costume. I don't do that on purpose, it's just that my magic is connected to my lack of a cutie mark, and until I find my destiny, I won't ever be able to do it properly."

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

''Jay listen to me.'' Trivy laid a hoof on her shoulder. ''It doesn't matter if you have a cutie mark or not. Your magic is not connected to it. Magic is something that it's inside of you, something that has always been inside of you. If you believe in yourself you can do anything. Just concentrate on that and nothing can go wrong.'' She said with a hopeful smile.

 

''Now lets get out of here before Jinx comes back.''

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay looked doubtful at Trivy's words, but pointed her horn and concentrated on the spell that she'd learned from Jinx. All the time that the Archmage had inhabited her mind and used her body, Jay had learned several useful spells but cuz of the erratic nature of her magic, this was the first time she'd really tried to do one. The spell would render both herself and Trivy invisible, and also immune to magic so that they would be able to pass thru the shield and also thru any spell cast barriers. Her horn glowed with a pale blue light as the spell worked. Jay didn't know if Trivy would reappear without any problems, tho she hoped she wouldn't.

[-Octavia- 1,176]

The spontaneous torrent of emotions had sent Aria's mind reeling, but the words on which she hung, along with Stellina's proximity, left her enraptured. Thoughts fled with reason as the warmth beckoned her to take some form of visceral action, leaving her uneasy as a slight blush began to burn its way into her cheeks. Vulnerability had created the most alluring sights and sounds, and through her eyes the light cast upon this scene was particularly rosy. But as the whispers subsided, she repressed a shiver, and once more the atmosphere between them took on a familial feeling.

 

Aria allowed herself a moment of peace as she responded to Stellina's nudge with one of her own, and for good measure ruffled the pegasus's already disheveled mane.

 

"Agreed, but er...," Aria's eyes briefly scanned the kitchen and adjoining room before coming up short two members, "I think joining the others will be a bit difficult when there's only one of them in the room."

 

Motioning for Stardust to follow, Aria sauntered towards the Ranger. To her, Lilith seemed to be the most familiar with the griffons, though it was perhaps their status as Rangers with which she identified rather than understanding them as a species. Nevertheless she could only be a boon, given Aria's lack of experience with either party, and Aria needed to end this interaction swiftly yet carefully. Rather than coming to a stop in front of Lilith, she spared her a glance as she walked past.

 

"Walk with me."

 

Through the rest of the house and into the garden, Aria moved purposefully, each step bringing her closer to whatever lay waiting at the gazebo. Psych and Harcourt remained out of sight, but she had to press on without them. Lilith and Stellina would be enough, both guiding, one the heart and the other the mind. To be sure of the latter, she addressed Lilith.

 

"I'm not a leader, Ms. Crow. I don't care much for it. I'm not one to impose my views on others, so I hold my tongue and keep my thoughts to myself. But as it is, things need to be done that we aren't doing with long talks and politics. So if you want to tag along, great; I'd value another set of opinions. But first I'm going to need to know what it is these Rangers are planning. You're a Ranger; One I hope is on our side. What's your take on them?"

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust watched as Aria looked a bit uneasy, she could tell that her mind was running at full tilt. She was a bit surprised as Aria returned her nudge. But it was never a surprise when she ruffled her mane, Stardust always had to 'fix' it after Aria did that. She gave a playful sigh as she attempted to 'tidy' up her mane. 

 

"Agreed, but er...," Aria's eyes briefly scanned the kitchen and adjoining room before coming up short two members, "I think joining the others will be a bit difficult when there's only one of them in the room."

 

Stardust saw the slight motion from Aria, she knew that she needed to follow her. With a quick brush of her wings she brought herself up on all four hooves. She quietly followed Aria as she made her way through the kitchen and through the house. As they walked towards the door she noticed that Aria had quickly spoke to Lilith. 

 

The three ponies made their way out to the gazebo, Stardust was curious as to Aria's motives. Stardust sat down on one of the benches and listened to the conversation. She was intrigued by what Aria was saying, she didn't think that she would ever speak to Lilith after what had happened on the boat. But she understood why she was doing it, Aria always got the answers that she needed and the only pony who could answer her questions right now was Lilith. 

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

Rave entered a large room far far underneath the castle. The room was more of a giant hall, the roof high above with faint blue light giving little illumination to the ground below. He walked towards King Sombra, who was sitting with his eyes closed, his back turned against him.

 

"What do you see, Rave? What is it that you notice, that you feel about this place?".

 

Rave swallowed and closed his eyes, to better connect with his surroundings. He could feel immense power, but dark, very dark. The darkest of all powers he had ever felt before. His eyes quickly shot open as something flashed inside his mind.

 

"You felt it, did you not?" Sombra said, standing right in front of him, his eyes open, looking straight into his own.

 

"Y--yes. I did my liege".

 

Their eye contact seemed to be locked, as if Sombra was trying to peer into Rave's very soul. Then he withdrew his gaze from him and returned to watch the massive door in the room.

 

"Go, I must continue with my spell. You know my orders. You are the first one to get to see this. But it is not because I trust you, but because I will have use for you. This is... important. We must succeed here. I want you to start making preparations..... and start securing the borders. This is where we will start pressing our war to the outlying kingdoms, to the outlying lands of other races. Griffons, Zebras, Yaks, all shall fall before the might of my dark empire. Go!".

 

Rave bowed before his king and started to race for the surface, up the castle stairs, going through many other halls that lay beneath the castle. Something kept on bothering him inside his head. The dark voice that had previously existed within him was now gone, replaced with something new. However, he shook his head as he ran.

 

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

@@Pripyat Pony

 

Rave was standing outside Jinx's room, knocking on her door.

 

"Archmage, I wish to see you" Rave declared loudly, with his commanding tone.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

 

She never said a word.

 

Sitting in the shade of a sturdy tree near the little village's crossroads, Kitchen Sink had been watching everything that had been going on today.  She wasn't the least bit tired; that was one of her problems.  When she slept, the nightmares came... and the voices... and the eerie laughter... and the darkness...

 

She gave a little shiver, readjusting her worn shawl as if it had suddenly turned chilly.  No need to think those thoughts while she was awake - she had enough problems keeping herself from falling over the edge into oblivion without adding THAT constant worry to it.  She would simply deal with each horrible dream as it came, and keep it out of what was left of her mind when she was awake, simple as that.  Standing up, she went to the edge of the roadside leading to where the group was contained en masse; she wanted to see something besides the road, anyway.

 

Leaning against the other side of the fence were two of them, engaged in conversation.  Snake Charmer was trying to speak his mind about how the Rangers were here to help them in the upcoming battle.  Rolling Thunder, however, wasn't quite buying it.

 

"... look, it's obvious they have an interest in us!  That was the Grand Ranger - as in 'THE' Grand Ranger!  There is no possible way that he simply came out here to have tea and cakes with us, now is there?"

 

Thunder snorted.  "Yuh-huh, and we have a Ranger with us, don't we?  I'm pretty sure that there ain't many of 'em left in Equestria - most likely, she's got some kinda information that he'd have ta hear firsthoof.  Betcha that's what it was; you're blowin' this all outta proportion."

 

"Oh, is that so?  Alright, since you seem to understand the situation SO well, maybe you'd care to explain why this very important griffon was hugging Harcourt?"  Charmer's muzzle put on a smug grin.

 

"Uhm... well, maybe they... just knew each other?"

 

Kitchen Sink walked on, headed back for the cottage; maybe there was more cider?  Sink loved cider... though she couldn't quite recall why.  Perhaps it was for the better - or at least that's how she rationalized it to herself.  Making her way into the front yard, she saw Ever Ready, the one-winged pegasus filly, running for her life from the laughing form of the teenaged Chase Fortune, who was steadily chanting, "gonna getcha!  gonna getcha!" as he grinned from ear to ear and kept himself just far enough back from his quarry to let her believe she could keep out of his reach.  If he caught her, the direst of tickles would ensue.

 

Also in front, seated in chairs planted in an open patch by the front door, were the elderly Wistful Yearning and her three closest friends: Bright Wind, the former Cloudsdale guard mare;  Rocky Road, the ice cream vendor... and Yearning's current scrapbook.  The three of them were all going through it page by page, seeing old faces that had come and gone in what seemed to be the blink of an eye - but there were no tears here.  Just fond memories, distant glances with smiles and more than a fair share of cackling laughter at gossip and embarrassing stories.

 

When they turned a page and all said 'awwwwww' in unison, Sink knew they'd reached a foal picture, and moved along before the gushy, mushy talk began.  Making her way around the side, she happened across Heavy Heart and Oboe Reed, the other two teens.  They were currently taking turns balancing on the top of the pile of tree trunks stacked back here.  They were apparently discussing something vitally important to the very cores of their lives...

 

"I'm TELLING you, they are SOOOOOOO playing snugglebunnies!"  Oboe was teetering on the topmost tree, wobbly but not enough to conjure much chance of falling.  "They have GOT TO BE!"

 

"NO, they don't HAVE to!"  From a log near the bottom of the pile, Heart rolled her eyes, sighed, and tried to explain the subtle and intricate reasoning behind her statement.  "I think Psych and Winter are just friends... really, really close friends.  Besides, you're not supposed to play snugglebunnies until you're married!  I don't think Psych is that kind of stallion."

 

Oboe smiled wickedly.  "That's 'cause you LIKE him, Heart!  You liiiiiike hiiiiiiiiiim..."  Heavy Heart's muzzle reddened hotly.  "Shut up, Reed!"  "You wanna kiiiiiiiiiss hiiiiiiiiim..."  Oboe began making smoochy-faces at Heart, until she'd had enough and started up the pile after her tormentor.  The two trotted down the length of the highest trunk on the pile and, after a heart-stopping moment or two, they vanished around the other side; doubtless they'd join up with Ready and Fortune's chase already in progress in front.

 

Kitchen Sink finally got back towards the area where the rest were.  They were all outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and relative safety of the quaint village.  Bubble Pops, the inventor and Sword Brandish, Bright Wind's loving hubby were deep into a conversation about - what else? - other ponies' business.

 

"... and I still think that mare's showing some hard signs, Sword - look past that pretty muzzle, y'old fool; Aria's troubled over somethin', and I am willing to bet a bowl o' butter that it's got to do with Stardust!  That mare's a good 'un, but I keep gettin' this feeling that Aria's... I dunno... holding herself back?"

 

Sword Brandish leveled a stare at Pops.  "Holding back?  The mare's mad - Stardust did something to her... or vice versa, but Star isn't as upset as Aria is over... whatever it is.  Then again, we've only known them for a little while, Pops... maybe you're jumping to conclu-"

 

"I know what I'm talking about!  I know from lookin' at her that she's depressed!  Any foal can see it, plain as day, on her muzzle!"

 

"So... what're you going to do about it, then?"  Sword gave Pops a skeptical look.  Pops, nonplussed, looked hesitant and nervous.  "Well, I... I don't really know 'er... how do ya talk to somepony who... y'know, doesn't talk much?"

 

Sink moved along, passing those two as she headed for the far end of the backyard, away from the apparent bustle of being around the cottage.  As she reached the back, she saw the gravesite for Trivy that had been put together there, along with Radiant Shine, whose cracked spectacles hung on his muzzle as had his head bowed in prayer, and Sorrow's End, who was simply sweeping the last of the rough brush from around the area near the grave.

 

Radiant lifted his head and stood up, sighing as he turned to face the burn-scarred mare.  "Now that she's gone, all we have is Harcourt... praise Celestia we still have him."

 

Sorrows stopped sweeping, and answered in a low monotone voice.  "Harcourt left.  Baltimare.  With Winter."

 

Radiant stared at her for a moment, then back at the gravesite.  "Oh."  He let out another sigh, this one even heavier than the last one, and seemed to almost drag himself back towards the cottage, his face a picture of misery.

 

Kitchen Sink walked even out past this, and into the edge of the surrounding forest.  From where she was, she could see almost the entire village.  Finding the best vantage point, she sat down and began once more to watch life as it happened in the sleepy little hamlet.

 

She never said a word.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pucksterv, Jay looked doubtful at Trivy's words, but pointed her horn and concentrated on the spell that she'd learned from Jinx. All the time that the Archmage had inhabited her mind and used her body, Jay had learned several useful spells but cuz of the erratic nature of her magic, this was the first time she'd really tried to do one. The spell would render both herself and Trivy invisible, and also immune to magic so that they would be able to pass thru the shield and also thru any spell cast barriers. Her horn glowed with a pale blue light as the spell worked. Jay didn't know if Trivy would reappear without any problems, tho she hoped she wouldn't.

 

''Alright, let's get moving then.''

 

There was a knock on the door. "Archmage, I wish to see you"

 

''Horse feathers.'' Trivy whispered when she recognized the sound of Rave's demanding voice. It made her body shake entirely out of fear. ''What do we do? Is there another way to get out of here?.'' She whispered to Jay as she took a few steps away from the door.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, Jay jumped violently at the sound of the knocks. "Around the back," she whispered. "We'd have to stay hidden once we're out, tho; the passage leads past the slave quarters and that is where Jinx is at the moment. If she finds us, then everything is finished."

 

There was a passage at the very back of the room, underneath a trapdoor. It was rarely used; Jay had only found it under the bed cuz she'd dropped something.

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pripyat Pony,

 

''Don't worry, as long as we stay absolutely silent nothing can go wrong.'' Trivy whispered while she followed Jay towards the trapdoor. ''Lets do this then.'' With a heavy sigh, she opened the trapdoor, waited for Jay to lead the way and then jumped down after her.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pucksterv, The passage was very cold, dark and quiet, save for the sounds of restless bats on the ceiling above. It was narrow, with only enough room for two ponies to walk single file, tho the ceiling was tall enough for a horse to walk without knocking his or her head. Jay lit her horn just enough so that she and Trivy could see where they were going. She wished she didn't have to lead, but it was still better than bringing up the rear, where anything could sneak up on you. When the tunnel led past the slave quarters, Jay crept slowly, her heart in her mouth, trying to make no noise at all and put her hooves down gently on the stone floor. Once they were safely past, she felt as tho she would burst with relief, even tho they still had to get to the end of the passage and from there, down into the dungeons. The passage way smelt musty, but the air was good; there were small vents here and there to keep it reasonably fresh. It led out thru a trapdoor in a cupboard just outside the passage leading to the dungeons was.

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych slowly walked outside to clear his head. He was a bit saddened that the two that he trusted the most had left, but he understood that it was something they had to do. Seeing Star, Aria, and Lilith walking towards the gazebo, he decided that he should talk to them. Walking up, he gave a small, nervous smile. "Uh, hey girls... I guess that I need to tell you all, Harcourt has gone with Winter. So, it seems for the time being, we're down a few members of out group..." He sat down, sighing and fiddling with his necklace. "I just hope they come back to us safely."

Edited January 5, 2016 by Count Paradox

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust saw the sadness in his eyes. He saw that he was in pain and she saw him playing with a necklace. It looked, oddly familiar. Something about it gave Star a jolt of excitement, but at the same time fear of the unknown.

 

She watched him, without a word, and she could see something change inside of him. She cracked a little smile, she moved towards the silly little stallion. She placed a hoof on his shoulder. She gave him a little squeeze, she looked a bit closer at the jewel that was hanging from his neck. She leaned in and saw it gleam in the sunlight. There was something different about this little trinket that he had. She furled his mane and whispered in his ear, "They will be back before you know it, you just keep holding onto that hope." She walked back over to where she had been sitting on the little bench. 

 

Stardust was going back in her memory to try and recall the things that she read about in her books about the elements. She already knew about Rarity's element, that elegant purple diamond. She had kept it in such pristine condition over the years, immaculate, really.

 

She recalled a portion of text that explained that when the elements were found by the six friends they were shattered, they formed into what they were once they chose their host. They chose the ponies and they formed into something new, something that they each held dear. They took the shape of their cutie marks.

 

Stardust looked again towards Psych, as he played with the jewel in his hooves. The pink gem casting a shadow on the ground,  it almost looked as if it were fluttering...

 

Stunned, she sat back, and she whispered just loud enough to hear herself, "holy horse feathers...."