private Sombra's Shadow

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

@@Stardust*, @@Randimaxis, @@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-,

 

Lilith was in a tree, slowly drinking water from her canteen and meditating on the forest while keeping a watchful ear out for anyone who might be lying in wait. Sombra's forces might have staked out the area even now- but it was not long until her gaze fell on the three ponies who accompanied them. With a sigh, she dropped down from her tree almost silently, potentially startling other ponies who weren't being attentive.

 

She remained silent for several minutes, attempting to figure out what somebody should say to someone concerning an apology of this nature. Well, Harcourt would give a speech, but that's not really in my nature. Hmm... She awaited another few seconds before she turned to Chase. "Hey... Chase. Um... sorry about being so hard on you last night. There were a lot of things going on that put me in a bad mood, noticeably a lack of proficiency on my part. I didn't mean to lose my temper like I did." She took a breath and sighed. "So..."

 

Thud.

 

Barely perceptible to even her trained ear, a small thunk of something hard hitting something hard reached her. She paused and stood up, the faint sounds of digging fading to be replaced by an even fainter sound of a brush.

 

"I'll... be right back. I think there might be one of the local Rangers stalking us," Lilith said in a low voice. "He won't be expecting to be caught out by another Ranger. Act normal, don't let him notice anything is up." With that guidance, she took to the trees again, hiding in the shadows of the forest best she could.

 

After she was about fifty yards away from the site, she quickened her pace until, after several minutes, she emerged from the trees, just as Stardust was packing up her equipment. "You found it, then," she said quietly, almost reverently. "Another Element. That makes three..."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@,

 

"I believe so, but to be sure, can you pick this lock? I'm more than 95% positive this is it, but until we have it in hoof we can't be 100% sure." She started to walk toward the little turn out that the others were still at.

 

She placed the box on the ground and dug through her saddle bag, she pulled out a small pouch, then put all of her digging tools back away. She handed over the pouch, her own set of lock picks, she figured Lilith would have her own but the pride nearly made it impossible for Lilith to even attempt to reach for her own.

 

"Okay, I could do it, but my heart is still pounding, and my hooves are still shaking. I know you can do a much better job than I can, and this is important. You got this." Almost like she had to talk herself into the idea before allowing Lilith access to the box.  

[Randimaxis 8,652]

 

 

Though Chase had fully expected to get chewed out again for last night, he was quite surprised when Lilith offered her apology.

 

"Oh, that's okay - I really should've been quieter, you're abso-" Lilith suddenly reacted to something, and darted off into the trees again, leaving Chase's sentence petering out.  

 

"... lute... ly... right."

 

He watched Lilith go off into the trees, then gave a sigh.  He turned to Sword for comfort.  "Figures - I get an apology, and it gets interrupted.  Why can't I ever seem to win?"

 

Sword gave the briefest of glances back at the young stallion, then turned back to the path.  "Maybe you should STOP playing games then, don't you think?"

 

Chase scowled, and paid more attention to the ground again.

 

@Stardust*

 

Kitchen Sink watched Stardust and Lilith fussing over the container, while she simply looked on.  

 

After a moment, she quietly walked over, and poked her head over Star's shoulder to get a better look at the box.  She stayed out of the way, making certain not to add any problems with her presence.  Her eyes seemed to be drinking in the box itself; she seemed quite interested in it.

 

@Pucksterv

 

No... clean water is precious... no need to waste it... on myself...

 

The rain had continued, but was now down to a light drizzle as the foursome continued along their path.  It had been a long time since the last time he rested, but Harcourt knew it wasn't an option for him - with the rapid progression of his fever, if he sat down, he might not be able to stand back up again.

 

The fire in his lungs had slowly spread throughout his body until it felt as if he was being roasted alive in his own skin.  He was glad the rain had kept up, actually; the constant soaking he was getting kept him from simply burning away on his hooves.  However, he had to be wary about getting too close to Winter or the other two; his fever was burning so hot, the rainwater was coming off Harcourt's coat as lazy steam, his body temperature hot enough to evaporate the rain on him.

 

Still, Winter had been collecting her thoughts for quite a while, so she was a bit too preoccupied to notice his condition... which was a relief to the old stallion, as he didn't want her worrying about him on top of all her other troubles.

 

Summer and Dream had continued walking ahead, and neither one had spoken to him since the curt invitation this morning... had it only been THIS MORNING?... so he was sure they had no clue exactly how bad off he truly was.  Though, to be fair, at this point HE didn't even know how bad it truly was... but he knew it was rougher than the last time he'd fallen this ill.

 

The last time... Trivy... she made me rest... helped me heal...

 

Harcourt's heart sank yet again at the thought of his sorely-missed companion.

 

... this time... she'll be on the other side... to meet me...

 

He kept putting one hoof in front of the other, forcing his body to carry on... even after his soul has just about given up.  The steam rose off him, leaving a misty trail of tiny foggy swirls in his slow wake.

 

And he was so BUCKING thirsty...

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

@@Stardust*,

 

Lilith gently lifted the box and stared into the keyhole, studying the style of the lock. It appeared to be a six-tumbler lock that glowed slightly blue, as if empowered by the energy within it. Slightly concerned, she slowly took out a torsion wrench and carefully inserted it into the top of the lock, applying a constant turning pressure. The third pin was binding first; that would be the first target.

 

Taking a breath, she revealed the hook pick and carefully inserted it in, feeling out the number of pins before gently pushing up. A tiny click was all she needed to hear, and she started feeling for the next source of tension. She repeated this twice more before her examinations of the lock determined that two of the picks bound at the same time. Carefully taking the pick out while applying constant pressure, she replaced it with a double-round pick, carefully tapping the two pins up together. A faint click was the answer.

 

However, as she replaced the first pick to tackle the last pin, something happened. A blue energy flowed along the pick, causing the metal to heat up significantly. She quickly removed the pick, but it was too late- the pick had been all but destroyed, the tip of it bent and red-hot. Cursing to herself, she carefully put it to the side. A failsafe powered by the element itself. Carefully whipping out a replacement from her own lockpicking set, she tried again- and only avoided the same fate because she took great pains to have them forged with magic resistance, though by the look of the pick, the metal would have to be retempered before she tried to pick anything magical again with it. She sighed and stood up,shaking the box slightly. Much to her surprise, the pins did not reset.

 

"The first five pins are opened, and, by the look of it, will not relock.The last pin is it's own separate lock, and enchanted by magic. I can't help you open it further- and I doubt any mere lockpick will." She backed off slightly. "I suggest you spend some time in self-reflection with it. It appears to be a mental and emotional lock. I will say, though- it's confirmation that the element is within and not some random treasure. Random treasure doesn't have a mental seal this strong on it."

 

She stood back up, repackaging Stardust's lockpicks- including the ruined one- and replacing the one of her own into her own set. "Meet back with us when you are ready to continue." She bowed slightly, before quietly moving back towards the camp and sitting down carefully near Chase and Sword, remaining silent.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@Randimaxis,

 

Stardust was infatuated by the box, she was trying to figure out a way to stop her heart from trying to burst out of her chest. And she didn't even realize that Sink was right behind her shoulder.

 

As she watched Lilith silently tinker away at the lock she was almost in a trance. As Lilith unlocked each pin she would inhale sharply and hold her breath. Fearing that if she exhaled that things would go sideways. Just as she couldn't hold her breath any longer Lilith turned to her with the bad news.

 

 

 

"The first five pins are opened, and, by the look of it, will not relock.The last pin is it's own separate lock, and enchanted by magic. I can't help you open it further- and I doubt any mere lockpick will." She backed off slightly. "I suggest you spend some time in self-reflection with it. It appears to be a mental and emotional lock. I will say, though- it's confirmation that the element is within and not some random treasure. Random treasure doesn't have a mental seal this strong on it."   She stood back up, repackaging Stardust's lockpicks- including the ruined one- and replacing the one of her own into her own set. "Meet back with us when you are ready to continue." She bowed slightly, before quietly moving back towards the camp and sitting down carefully near Chase and Sword, remaining silent.

 

All of the air that filled her lungs and made them sting with pressure she let out in a long and heavy sigh. "Horse feathers..." She was cross with the box. She stared at it, but she knew that would not do any good. Instead she took it to her saddle bags and began making room for the small box. 

 

"Well... might as well head back to our original camp. That way we can make dinner and rest before our last leg of the trip. We also need to figure out what to do from here. If Harcourt and Winter are not back, we need to seriously consider going back to Baltamare on our own and try to find them." She started to strap on her saddle bags preparing for the trek back to their evening camp site. 

Edited May 20, 2016 by Stardust*

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@Randimaxis, @@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-, 

 

After Stardust strapped on her saddle bags she looked to the sky. The sun was hanging a bit lower than she liked, getting the chest had taken too much time. The group would have to seriously pick it up in order to make it back to camp.

 

"Pack up every pony. We need to leave, now." She urged.

 

She sent Lilith ahead again to scout the path, the pairs of ponies back on the trail and putting some serious hoof into it. Even Sword was doing very well. I think having Sink next to him has really helped him. Stardust smiled as the pair in the front moved quietly. 

 

Aria and Psych seemed a bit low. All she wanted to do was tackle Aria like old times when she was feeling a bit down. As much as it irritated her, Aria would always laugh and the two would just lay on the ground talking for hours. A sad smile spread across Stardust's muzzle as the memory entered her mind. She knew that once Psych saw Winter and Harcourt his spirits would rise. Hopefully the pair will be back to the island, otherwise... we will get to the main land. One way or another. Stardust knew there was another smaller boat at the docks, the only issue would be the guards. If they had to commandeer it, it would have to be in the dead of night, and the less ponies the better.

 

Chase..Oh Chase, to be so young. He will learn, he will get smart, he will be a good strong stallion one day. She turned to him with a warm smile, and a small shoulder nudge. 

 

She took to the air, hoping to spot Lilith as she darted from place to place. She looked behind her, the sun seemed to be going down even faster than before. They were only half way to camp. They would be pushing it, possibly even going a few miles in the darkness. Knowing this, she scanned the wood to see if she could find any sturdy sticks. She found three, as she stopped briefly she motioned to the group to continue. 

 

She dug in her saddle bag and pulled out a large piece of fabric, she tore it into three strips and wrapped them around each stick. She found the last bit of oil in her bag and made sure that each torch had enough to be lit and stay lit. Putting everything away she few to catch up with the group. Just in case. She thought. 

[Count Paradox 3,548]

Psych had just simply been... Following. That was all he could do was follow. So much was going on in his mind. The fact that Lilith had been under Sombra's employ, her story about her youth, how she left Sombra to join this tiny group... He still didn't know if to fully believe her or not, but he felt that she was a good pony... He wouldn't risk getting her in trouble with the rest of the group, or even worse, killed because she was marked as a traitor, especially if she was on their side. So, he decided to keep it to himself, to not reveal it until she herself was ready to make that step. And if it seemed to the others that he was witholding information and endangering them, well... He would deal with that when the time came. For now, he would still mull over the information, still stuck on autopilot, following close behind the group.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Stardust*

 

 

Chase smiled as Star nudged him, and watched her take off.  However, it only took a moment before he realized he was staring impolitely, and he turned his head and blushed brightly.  He was a teenager, so it didn't take much stretch of the imagination for Chase to believe he secretly had her heart already... just like he did with Lilith... and Aria... and Winter... and Sink... and that one lovely mare he'd passed in Baltimare, when she'd looked him in the eyes, and with a bright, breathy, "Pardon me," she passed him sweetly smiling...

 

Adolescent hormones tended to have their way with Chase's mind at times; this was one of those times.

 

 

@Count Paradox

 

 

Psych couldn't help but hear the background static of overlapping mental voices; ponies like Star and Lilith and even Aria were easier to tune out, as he'd been specifically around their mental signatures a number of times - he was used to them.  The problem was the three newcomers; Psych hadn't exercised his new-found powers too far yet, so their minds were like background music in his head.

 

... as we get back to the village, she's gonna tell us to stay put.  She's gonna either command it, or try to sneak out - but I ain't havin' it.  Little lady has her sights right, bless her heart... but after thirty-three years of training and battle in Cloudsdale, a body can't simply sit back and watch these kids tear themselves apart trying to do this by themselves.  Heck, I was their age once - I remember what it was like to believe there was no way you could eve die.  Y'felt invincible, like the world couldn't do a thing to you that you couldn't bounce back from... but, oh, the things they don't know could fill a book...

 

Sword Brandish continued to gallop along, flexing his wings on occasion, and even using them to help him traverse the rockier area - he was keeping to the ground so that he could stay close enough to the group to defend it, if need-be.  He had a sense of purpose that seemed to radiate from his deep, steely gaze as he strode forward.

 

... and her beautiful eyes - OH!  What deliciousness she is!  I mean, where could you ever find a more radiant, more elegant and yet more deadly beauty than Lilith Crow?  Nowhere, that's where... well, maybe a somewhere... okay, maybe a lotta somewheres... heck, now that I think about it, maybe there's a kind of elegant... type... thing... going on with Aria.  I mean, the mystery ALONE makes her so very exotic, and that mane and those eyes...

 

Chase Fortune kept a steady gallop, trying to ensure he didn't fall too far back.  He kept glancing towards Stardust, and grinning pleasantly; once or twice, he tripped on a root or stone, but he never lost pace or his traction - he just looked as if he were doing a new dance as he ran for a moment.

 

... and when the world... falls to the ground... we sing the song... of hollow-bound... the end of days... the cease of breath... and all our families... facing death... but we prevail... though peace is gone... we find the strength... to carry on... 

 

Kitchen Sink seemed to easily keep up, and made neat and quick little strides as she remained at Sword's side.  She also kept her eyes flickering over to where she had seen the box stashed for the journey - she almost seemed as if she couldn't help herself.

[Stardust* 3,302]

It was dark, the torches were lit, camp was still five miles away. 

 

 

.....shadows .....

 

a gust of wind.......

 

......silence

 

 

 

"Snuff out your torches." Stardust whispered. 

 

Darkness.....

 

 

Stardust looked to the moon, it was behind some lower hanging clouds. She could easily fly up there and discretely clear them. She did just that, she dove into them and slowly started to kick them apart. As she got to the last cloud, she started to fly it lower as she kicked at it. Once she made it to the tree line she finished it off. She didn't want anypony... or anything to be the wiser as to what was clearing the clouds. She tried to make it look as natural as possible. 

 

The moon gave off a shimmery silver light. It was just enough to see the road. Also without the torches they were less visible to anything in the wood. 

 

 

3.5 miles to go.... 

 

 

Quiet...

 

 

......the breeze has stopped, the air was heavy.

 

Stardust noticed the heavy steps of Sword. She knew he was exhausted, she had made him work so hard for such a long day. Although, she saw once or twice Sink offering a hoof when his body started to droop. 

 

 

....quiet...

 

 

Everypony was tired. Clearly. The trek was almost over though. 

 

 

2 miles to go....

 

...Silence...

 

Not even the sound of hooves in the dirt could be heard. .... 

 

1 mile to go...

 

Thumping....

 

Thumping...

 

Thumping...

 

....

 

..........

 

Stardust froze....

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

King Sombra sat on his throne with his eyes closed. He was meditating, building up his magical strength after having been working underground, below the Crystal Empire on the large magically sealed door. Soon he would figure out how to open it..... or how to crack it open... it mattered not to him how it would be opened, just that it would be. 

 

Then he quickly opened his eyes. He felt a tremble inside his body. He gritted his teeth and purple smoke started to seep out of his eyes. This was not good. He felt a presence.....  an awakening.... it had happened before now, but the feeling had been delayed... and now the feeling was repeating itself.... albeit differently. He had felt this one before though.... it was an old one.... an.... honest one.....

 

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

 

Rave was walking back towards the room that the two mares were situated in when he started to shake and his vision went black for a while. He felt coldness seep through his very bones. He knew this feeling all too well, even though he had not felt it very often. It was his master calling him urgently. This had to be very important. 

 

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

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Oh dear, that is dreadful, dreadful my dear. You have my deepest condolences for your father" she gave a sympathetic look. 

 

With that, Rave entered the room. He looked first at Elya, then at Jinx. 

 

"We have work here to do. I would rather that we finish doing that and then head back to the Crystal Empire. I have been contacted by our king and he has detected a........ disturbance...... we must be on our way back. We have dilly dandled here for too long". 

 

"Leaving so soon? You make me sad my dear sweet child. But alas, if it is our king's wish, then you best hurry" Elya said with a fake frown. 

 

Rave stood by the door, holding it open for Jinx, however, his gaze was fixed upon Elya. Even though they said nothing, they seemed to both understand each other. Rave knew what she had been up to and did not like it, because she sometimes tried to do that with him as well. 

[Pucksterv 4,508]

@@Pucksterv, Jay gasped as she heard a voice coming from the darkness. When the mare stepped into the light, she wondered, but inwardly told herself to not be so silly. It couldn't be... could it? The mare asked her her name, Jay replied, with a slight quiver to her voice, "My name's Jay. I'm not anypony special, not really, not like you... I know this is probably crazy, but you remind me of somepony in the picture on the wall, somepony who I heard about long ago. Could you please tell me your name?"

 

Jay hoped that her guess was right, after all, this mare had mentioned Twilight.

 

''Ah'm on a wall? Well Ah've never heard such a silly thing. You mean this here wall, right behind ya?''

 

The orange coated mare walked over to the wall and traced over the six drawn mares with her hoof. She sighed sadly, grabbing her hat from her head and holding it close to her chest.

 

She whispered to herself with her eyes closed. ''May I pray that Light and Darkness has carried you, as Celestia holds your hearts and Luna carries your souls. May the sun and moon guide you to your peace.'' 

 

Without turning around or opening her eyes, the mare spoke again, still soft but hearable. "Ah aint that pony no more little cube. Would like to be but Ah lost that so many moons ago.''

 

She turned around again and put on a smile. ''Besides. That aint what Ah am here for either. Ah'm here for you galls.'' she said smiling excited. ''AJ is the name my dear. Former Element of Honesty at yer service.''

Edited June 3, 2016 by Pucksterv

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@JonasDarkmane, "I bid you farewell, Elya," Jinx replied, before trotting thru the door held open for her. This was a nuisance, however, duty called; the king always came first. She turned to Rave.

 

"If it is urgent, then perhaps we should teleport," she said. "It would save a lot of time."

 

~~~

 

@@Pucksterv, "I'm pleased to meet you!" Jay exclaimed, her excitement still obvious. "I never thought that I'd ever meet somepony like you... or, I suppose, anypony. Any help you can give will be gratefully received."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Pucksterv

 

 

Was it part of the song?

 

I don't remember...

 

Well, THINK, stupid!

 

... was it something about... cider?

 

Oh, yes... LOTS of cider!

 

But... but...

 

Yeeeeeeeeessssssss???

 

But that's not the way the song goes...

 

Well, whose fault is that?  When the birds at the top of the kettle looked down and saw the cummerbund you had on, they told me it was for the best that you not recall the lyrics correctly; trust me, I know the words well enough.

 

But... but I can't sing...

 

Why would you WANT to?  Your life is misery -

 

... can't think straight...

 

- and your hoofsteps will be washed over with dirt before too long.

 

Please... can't I have some wat-

 

NO!  YOU DON'T DESERVE WATER!

 

... please...

 

Oh, all right; here - drink your sweat.  Nummy, tasty sweat...

 

... but I'm not sweating... haven't for hours, now...

 

... details details!  Are you gonna drink or what!?

 

O-o-okay...

 

Harcourt reached out of his mouth with a tongue that was beginning to swell from lack of moisture, wrapped it slowly around one of the lank strands of mane fallen over his face, and began to tentatively suck on it.  Not that it had any water left, true... but delusions didn't differentiate between fantasy and reality.

 

Theeeeeere... better?

 

... yespleasethankyou...

 

Goooooooood... now, shall we start at the next chorus?

 

That'll be fine...

 

Okay, then!  

 

Okay... sing with me, Violet...

 

Four-hundred-and-seventeen-thousand-and-fifty-six bottles of cider on the waaaaaall... four-hundred-and-seventeen-thousand-and-fifty-six bottles of ciderrrrrrr...

 

Harcout muttered the lyrics to the song softly under his breath; he had to keep quiet to hear the steps the others were taking because his eyes had gone dim a few hours and miles ago... and he had been following the sounds of their hooves.  He had been hiding his face, not making much conversation and was keeping to himself, but unless they reached their destination soon, it would become ALL too noticeable how bad he had gotten.  

 

He would have felt elated that they hadn't discovered his illness yet... except he wasn't exactly in his right mind.

 

May I have more sweat, please?

 

Why CERTAINLY; have all you want, buddy!

 

He chewed more vigorously, still keeping pace with the others.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Pucksterv - @Stardust* - @Count Paradox -   - @-Octavia-

 

 

 

Thumping....   Thumping...   Thumping...   ....   ..........   Stardust froze....

 

"WAH-CHOO!"

 

Chase suddenly and violently sneezed, scaring the bejeezus out of Sword, who jumped at the sound.

 

"Gesundheit." 

 

"Thanks.  I appreciate it, Sword."

 

Sword stopped, then turned to face Chase.  "I didn't say it."

 

Chase gave him a skeptical look, but when Sword didn't say anything else, he began to look a bit worried.  He began to look around at the others, a look of slowly rising panic in his eyes.

 

"Uh... a-a-any of you said it?"

 

He began to glance around nervously, and Sword seemed to follow suit.

 

"Nope.  That was ME..."

 

With that, there was a shifting beneath them and a rustling sound.  Suddenly, from under the carpet of dead leaves and browned pine needles, a clawed hand came up and sunk it's fairly sharp talons into the dirt.  Little by little, the very ground in that area began to twist and move, and what rose from the earth was about the size of three ponies stacked atop each other.

 

The scales were a scintillating purple color, and there was a ridge of hardened green scales in a row down the creature's back - though a few of them were cracked, and one or two were outright gone.  There was a leather satchel strapped to its' back, and a criss-cross of belts holding pouches and what appeared to be scrolls, covered with wax paper to keep them clean.  As he stood up, he unfurled his wings, which weren't quite to scale with the body - maybe another growth spurt would set them to right.

 

Chase stared, his pupils growing tiny as he looked at the dragon.  The dragon, in turn, looked back at him.

 

"Y'know, when someone says that when you sneeze, you're supposed to say 'thank you'; it's a common courtesy.  At least, that's what I was taught."

 

He crossed his arms, staring at Chase.  

[Stardust* 3,302]

 

 

"Y'know, when someone says that when you sneeze, you're supposed to say 'thank you'; it's a common courtesy.  At least, that's what I was taught."   He crossed his arms, staring at Chase.  

 

The sight was incredible. Simply amazing, the body of this creature was something that Stardust had only heard stories about. The amount of them dwindled so low that she thought they were all gone from this world. Her favorite constellation was always Draco the Dragon constellation. She would make up stories about how Draco was captured in the stars, and how the Pegasus constellation went to save him and freed him from his prison. 

 

Her eyes were all a glitter as she began to speak. "A... r-r...eal dragon?!" She started to walk forward. "Incredible." 

 

She bowed down in front of him as a sign of respect. "Please, forgive us for our rudeness, we were startled by your presents is all. We meant no disrespect by it sir." She spoke with confidence and respect. She stayed low to the ground, hoping the others would follow suit. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Stardust*

 

 

The purple dragon watched stoically as Stardust spoke to him, but when she bowed in front of him, he took a step back and rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin on his face.

 

"Hey, whoa... there's no need for all that!  I mean, yeah - dragon - but it's really NOT that big of a deal, guys!"

 

He gave a slight chuckle, then cleared his throat and took on the serious look he'd been wearing before.

 

"But, uh... yeah.  ANYway... I've actually been looking for someone - and I think I just found them.  You guys are the ones based not-too-far from here, in the griffon village, right?  That's where I was sent to, but I didn't see any of the ponies I was sent to look for there... so I started searching.  When I heard you coming, I hid in the leaves; there were no Sombra soldiers among you, so I figured you'd be who I was looking for - especially since you're ponies in griffon territory, which isn't as uncommon as it used to be, but still..."

 

He grinned, revealing a full set of sharp (yet well-brushed) teeth.

 

"So... which one of you is Trivy?"

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Stardust was embarrassed, she stood back up and her muzzle was flush. "Sorry...I was just a bit excited." She said to the dragon. 

 

She dug at the ground for a few seconds as the others were still silent. She didn't really want to be the one to explain about Trivy, she didn't think it was her place to, but it might be too much for Psych to relive again. She wasn't sure about Lilith, but Stardust figured that she would be on high alert not having figured out that this large dragon was following them. 

 

"We are those ponies, however... Trivy isn't with us. She hasn't been with us since we made our way to the Griffon Kingdom. She was lost back in Baltamare." Her head fell knowing that her words were going to sting the rest of the group. "But...wait...who told you to come and find her?" Stardust was a bit dumbfounded by his comment of having been sent to find Trivy. 

Edited July 6, 2016 by Stardust*

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Stardust*

 

 

The dragon winced at hearing about Trivy's fate.

 

"Oh, I'm... I'm sorry to hear that.  I've been out here for a bit, and news doesn't exactly travel fast out in the wilderness."

 

He sighed deeply, then took on a more professional face.

 

"Well, I got the notice from The White Lady that there was a group in town that she'd wanted to speak to, but she didn't know if she'd have time before you all left, so she sent me a letter explaining that the lot of you had an old friend of hers with you... Harlan, Harkness, something like that... and her network had come up with the name Trivy; I recalled that because it sounded so important, but..."

 

Now it was HIS turn to look embarrassed and awkward for a moment.

 

"... but since Trivy isn't... isn't with you anymore, I suppose the invitation she was going to extend to HER will now be YOURS."

 

He cleared his throat, and puffed out his chest as he spoke.

 

"You are cordially invited to lend your strength to the resistance; The White Lady has spoken for you, and I'm here to escort you to where you need to be.  If, that is, you'll accept the invite... no one gets forced to do anything they don't want to."

 

He stepped forward, making sure to make eye contact with each pony in turn as he spoke.

 

"But it's GOT to stop.  Sombra HAS to be dealt with, and our resistance - Harmony's Light - has been gearing up for that purpose for quite some time now.  We have a hideout and everything, too... it's actually pretty sweet, if I do say so myself.  I DID find it, after all..."

 

Though his ego had been showing, the dragon caught himself standing all puffed-up like a proud peacock, and abashedly reined himself in.  Humility having caught up to him, he continued.

 

"... but we've been looking for refugees all over Equestria to help with the cause.  We've just about gotten all we need to make the attempt, but we could always use a few more good hooves in our corner."

 

He looked among the lot of them, then grinned.

 

"Besides... IF you say yes, you'll have a direct route to the hideout - and transportation, thanks to ME!"

 

He smiled at them all.  "So, what's it gonna be?  Will you say no and just go back to the village?  Or... do you wanna ride on the back of a dragon?"

 

This prospect seemed just as exciting to him as it did to Chase, whose eyes went WIDE at the mention of riding an honest-to-goodness dragon.  He turned to Stardust.

 

"Ohhhhh... pleasepleasepleasepleasepleeeeeeease!?!?"

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Stardust giggled at Chase's silly begging to ride on the back of a dragon. Then she thought about what he had said.

 

"Harlan, Harkness... do you mean Harcourt? That would make sense after all of their small reunion back in Baltamare." She looked at each pony in the group. She could tell that this trip was wearing on them. They needed some good news, and this had to be it. This had to be the break that the group was waiting for so desperately. Since they already recovered the element then there really wasn't any real reason for them to stay. The other ponies would be safer since there would be fewer of them around the cottage. Those left behind would be able to take care of the fillies with ease. And if Sink, and Sword were to head back then they would be able to keep an eye out for anything. Chase might be a bit young still to head out with them all, but she really wasn't the one to say who should go or who should stay. 

 

"Sir, I think that joining you and the Harmony's Light group would be just what this little pack of rebels were looking for. And, if there is a chance that Harcourt, and Winter were somehow joined with them also that would be even better. It would save us a bit of time searching for them. I know that I can only speak for myself, but I believe that we would have a better chance with a larger group, they might have more information and knowledge about these desperate situations." She paused for a moment. 

 

"I do think that it would be a good idea to drop off Chase, Sink, and Sword back at the cottage, they should be there with the others to make sure that everypony is taken care of and safe. That is up to you though, please, if I am out of line don't hesitate to tell me."

 

Stardust turned to the ponies now, wanting to hear their responses. 

[Stardust* 3,302]

@Pucksterv - @Stardust* - @Count Paradox -  - @-Octavia- - @Randimaxis

 

Stardust saw as the rest of the ponies were still a bit in shock, other than Chase who was still jumping up and down like a school foal. She turned back to the dragon, "I can fly good sir, and if Sword feels up to it he could be able to fly back to the cottage as well. Do you have enough room for Sink, Chase, Aria, Psych and Lilith?"

 

She looked over her shoulder, "We need to get moving, we need to get out of the forest before dark and it would be best if we took flight after we got the cottage ponies settled. I can also help to shroud the moon with clouds so we can make it out of the Griffon Kingdom and across the ocean back to Baltamare. From there we should only travel at night, who knows what else stayed over there after the attacks."

 

She spread her wings, took flight, and started to motion the group to the dragon. 

Edited July 14, 2016 by Stardust*

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

@@Stardust*, @@Randimaxis,

 

Lilith was paralyzed by indecision, but not because of the reasons that were given. This dragon represented a gate before her; once she entered, there was no return. She could leave now and no one would question her too deeply. She would be able to pursue her independence in this new world. The griffon rangers would take her and keep her occupied, where she would be on call to defend the woods of this land.

 

But would it be worth the scorn, reclaiming her life of old...?

 

Almost automatically, she quietly took a step forwards, away from the rest of the group. A simple step forwards. She looked behind her, attempting to judge the reactions of the others, before, with a shuddering breath, she stepped up to the dragon before bowing slightly, making her intent clear. She'd come this far, hadn't she?

 

She stood off to the side, where none but Stardust- the closest to her, would hear her shuddering, nervous breaths, murmuring what appeared to be a... prayer?

 

There was no return to normalcy for the Ranger now. No matter what the outcome, she would be forever changed by the decision to stand by the dragon and take her fate head-on.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Stardust*

 

 

The purple dragon looked at them all and grinned.  "I don't - but WE do!"

 

He reached into a pouch at his side and brought out what looked to be several small dragon carvings, all made from some bright, slightly luminescent crystal of some kind.  They were almost dripping with magic, and as the purple dragon tossed them into the air, he spoke aloud.

 

"And I shall never walk alone!"

 

>POOF!<

 

Where there had been five miniature dragon statues, there now stood five large, fully grown dragons made of the same crystal substance.  They looked about a bit, gathering their bearings and stepping away from the trees to prevent their getting knocked over, then they all focused on their purple leader.

 

He smiled.  "Heh... I carry my own backup - literally!  Climb on, everypony - we'll be there before you can say 'Dragonscale Express'!  Now get aboard, and we'll get you where you gotta go."

 

 

He then turned to look at the Ranger.  "You look like someone just handed you the Crystal Heart and told you to run; been there, myself."  He gave a rueful chuckle, then offered a claw to Lilith.  "Name's Spike; pleased to meetcha!  And you'd be..?"

 

 

@Pripyat Pony

 

 

Rave began hustling as soon as the door had closed behind Jinx.

 

"I feel I must warn you that the mare you've been speaking to is a master manipulator; I'd be wary of ANYTHING said around her, as she'll no doubt find a way to use it against you, eventually.  She's..."  His muzzle darkened.  "... GOOD at that."

 

They made their way through the regal halls, apparently headed outside.

 

"My King calls to me... and to YOU, Jinx.  If you're able to teleport us both back, then do so - I refuse to keep him waiting any longer than necessary.  That should be YOUR primary focus as well, Sorceress.  Now, take us to His Highness immediately."

 

Rave didn't look as if his order was up for debate.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Randimaxis, Jinx shrugged. "Everything I told her is public knowledge," she replied. "As well as being in the public domain, it also happened centuries ago, well beyond the statutory time limit. I'm not stupid; I'd hardly tell anypony anything that could be potentially used against me. Plus, shield spells are not just for castles, you know."

 

Concentrating her magic, as to transport two rather than just oneself required all thoughts focused on the task, Jinx's horn glowed red before she and Rave teleported to Sombra's castle.

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

@@Randimaxis, @Pucksterv, @Stardust*, @Count Paradox, @-Octavia-,

 

"... Lilith. Lilith Crow." she said quietly, slinging her bow as she recognized the name. Purple dragons were a rarity, after all, so when one says that he's both named Spike and works for the resistance, and, on top of it all, mentions the Crystal Heart- which was an event that dragonkind cared little about, at least from the reports that she herself had read- made it safe to assume that this dragon was Spike. She smiled softly to herself, remembering the greaves that were given to her by the Unidecim. It seemed like an eternity ago, now.

 

"Yes... that's accurate. In more ways than one." She quietly climbed on top of one of the crystal dragons before looking towards the rest of the group. "Come on, everypony. Let's get this show on the road."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@Randimaxis, @@Count Paradox, @@-Octavia-,

 

Stardust watched as Lilith climbed onto one of the crystal dragons. She watched the others unsure of what they were all thinking. Aside from Chase... oh that silly stallion. She thought. "Lilith's right, we need to get moving." She looked to Lilith and gave a nod. 

 

She still held the chest in her hooves. The element inside. Wondering who would be the one to open it. Something about it, there was something that sang familiarity to her. Almost as if a calming sensation rushed over her body. She knew that something was going to happen, and she would be a part of it. Unsure how she would actually play the part, but she knew that things would be okay. She moved a few things around inside her saddle bag and made room for the small chest. Probably best if it is out of sight. She thought.