private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with Randimaxis

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked contemplative, "While the garden would typically have been my pick, it's a bit overgrown to be the perfect spot. Where it well tended I would choose it in a heartbeat. However, I think right here would be the most comfortable option, it's warm as well as very close to where we need to be in the morning, and the easy access to food is a good plus."

 

He looked back up at the stars in the ceiling, "Besides, I really like these stars you've painted. I can see the night sky any night but I'll only really have tonight to enjoy your hard work up there."

Edited September 14, 2016 by Illiad Easle

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax blushed and simply said, "Awww... it's just what I wanted to do", but internally his heart leapt at such praise from the Trojan.

 

The two of them set about preparing the room; Dax eventually insisted that they have a palette in the middle of the room, made of blankets and pillows, where they could just all lie together with enough space to stretch out and not accidentally bump each other in the night.

 

Of course, there was always the possibility that Silver wouldn't want to wander far from Illiad's side tonight... but that was for later.

 

When the single >DING< rang throughout the house, Dax smiled and looked up from the pillow-fort he was fashioning from spares.

 

"That would be dinner; shall we, my good stallion?"

 

He pulled himself to his full height, with a haughty expression on his muzzle to match, affecting a small, smug smile.  Eerily enough, Illiad could see both Luther and Vylia clearly reflected in the lad.  When he came into his own, he would be quite the stallion... and if he still had any of his current charm, he might not have as many issues finding a special somepony as he assumed he might have.

 

The form he had been wearing when he first met Selena was a ghost on his features that Illiad could see overlapping his young appearance.  He was physically older than he acted and thought, and that might be hard to cope with in the real world... but the potential was certainly there.

 

Dax let loose a doofy grin; with luck, he'd have that grin all the way into his twilight years... maybe beyond.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad was curious at the sound of the ding, he didn't think he had heard it before. At Dax's move towards a more regal pose, Illiad too straightened himself out, quickly smoothing his robe wherever possible and doing a little to straightened his tousled mane, a casualty of all the moving blankets and pillows against his coat.

 

Illiad adopted the accent he had worn when he first arrived, and the he realized he had dropped soon after his first encounters with those he thought to use it on. "Well, lead the way, my complimentary compatriot."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dinner went well enough.

 

Vylia greeted them both warmly, and Oglevy was well-mannered and actually did a fair job of adding to the light conversation.  The pegasus matriarch asked the Trojan much about his stay here, and Dax pitched in about a number of things Illaid had already mentioned.  

 

Though little Oglevy was a wee bit jealous, he was more fascinated with the stories of what they would be seeing - and he did have a secret little hope that his big brother would bring him back some sort of gift.  Illiad was fairly sure Dax would have presents for everyone; he was just that kind of pony.

 

Through all of this, Luther sat quietly at his end of the table, chewing and sipping at his own plateful of food reservedly.  At first, it almost seemed as if the elder Blackwater was being completely ignored... but then, without any word or motion across the table, Vylia stood up and, still gabbing away, gathered a small bowlful of soup and brought it to Luther, setting it next to him.

 

She returned to her seat without even looking in Luther's direction, and he simply pulled the soup to him and began eating... but the senses of an Empathic pick up far more than any normal pony ever would.  The love that radiated between them was like sitting between two warm pizza ovens in a cool kitchen; it was the hearth of their love that kept the homefires alive.

 

After a bit, Dax also pitched in and replaced his father's drink when it ran down to empty; he didn't even seem to mind - neither of them had.  It was simply... accepted.  He was very much a part of this family - Luther simply wasn't much for socializing.  His loved ones knew this about him, respected it, and still found ways to include him in their lives... even with his busy work schedule.

 

The Blackwaters had an exceedingly strange and complex relationship with each other... but after a week around these individuals, and seeing how they interacted with each other and their world, it was certain that it was just as strong as Illiad's with his own family - it was just a gemstone of a different color.

 

Seeing the Blackwaters together and happy, it felt like the brightest shade of lively emerald green he'd ever experienced.

 

Once things finished up, Vylia and Oglevy cleared the table and Dax began handling washing the dishes.  Before Illiad could join them, however, Luther moved up next to the Trojan.

 

"My office.  Please."

 

With those three simple words spoken, he turned and headed for his study.  Dax glanced over his shoulder, took in what he saw, and nodded an understanding nod at his friend, then he turned back to washing dishes, humming that silly little song again.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad made his way promptly, yet casually, to Luther's office just as soon as he had finished eating as well. He knew what Luther would have to say would be serious, given he actually said please at the end. That or he had actually gotten used to the idea of Illiad as a friend before even Illiad had.

 

Nonetheless, Illiad found himself at the doors to the blackwater office once again. and with a short, yet firm, knock, again taking care not to leave any mark on the doors in the process, he announced his presence.

 

He had a few ideas as to what Luther wanted to speak about, likely some last minute concerns about Dax in Troy, perhaps an offer to help cover expenses. He only hoped it would be something so positive, while preparing for the possibility of bad news.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle 

 

 

Instead of the usual greeting of 'enter', the door opened, and Luther himself was standing there.

 

"Come in," he said softly.

 

Once inside, he slowly and carefully closed the door, then turned to Illiad.

 

"Three things."

 

This said, he made his way to the balcony again... but stopped half way, looking back at the Trojan.  Carefully, he lifted his hoof and motioned for Illiad to accompany him.  He made his way out onto the marble-topped balcony floor.

 

The railing that surrounded it was simple; it had enough strength to withstand leaning on, yet it was minimalist to allow a fuller view of the quarry below... and oh, what a view.

 

Luna's shroud had set peacefully over the quarry yard, and left it both moonlight-pristine and mysterious.  The way the sheds were arranged in neat rows, the central location of the Gem Refinery made it a focal point, the Pony Express office still as unassuming as ever, yet more picturesque from up here.

 

Prettier still was the fact that, from here, Illiad could see over the tall iron wall that surrounded the entire grounds - and beyond.  They were far enough up that the air was sweet and crisp, and the eye saw more detail and color.  The mountain path that spilled out from the front gates ran ever onward toward the distance, rising up and vanishing around the bend.

 

Where the road vanished, the proud spires of Canterlot stood tall into the night air - visible even from this distance, yet clear as a bell from Luther's balcony.  No wonder he liked to be here... he could see EVERYTHING from this perch, and the view of it all was fantastic.  Even the star-strewn sky seemed somehow closer, impossibly just a bit more within reach.

 

"First, I expect you to take care of my son.  I will not make threats, as that demeans us both.  Instead, I have an account prepared for Daxter's use; it will be placed in your capable hooves - but he is free to spend what he wants to.  Handle it as you see fit."

 

He took a moment to look out across the yard; Illiad could almost paint a picture of the dark and dour stallion here, the stars behind him, the depth of emotion in his eyes that betrayed the stone-cold expression on his face.  His eyes, though not the same color as Dax's, seemed just as expressive.

 

"Second, as my quarry will be a protectorate soon, I wish to foster goodwill with those who might want our emeralds; to this end, I am sending with you a small chest of Blackwater emeralds - at no cost - for you to use as you see fit.  This was... difficult... to clear with customs, but I have gotten permission for such.  Do with them what you will, as long as they make their way into Trojan pockets; if we end up opening trade with Troy, this will help get the demand started early."

 

It was a savvy business plan, to be sure.  Luther was taking a loss for simply giving away fine Blackwater emeralds... but it was also quite a mark of generosity on his part, too.

 

"Third, I have seen both my workers and my family benefit from your presence.  Including me.  So, I wish to let you benefit from ours.  I want to make a campaign contribution, but I wish to receive no attention for it; this is not for fame."

 

His mouth remained in a frown, but his eyebrows lifted softly, and all the severity flowed out of his features.  It was the kindest face he'd ever seen on the elder Blackwater.

 

"It is for YOU; I have seen what you have done within my family - I think Troy needs that for their populace, if there is ever to be REAL peace.  YOU are my choice for the job - and I have faith that you CAN do it, and do it well."

 

He turned his navy blue eyes onto the Empathic, and it was easy to read him emotionally - there was no lying in Luther.

 

"I want to back that faith with bits - as much as you need.  I will gladly be a sponsor for you... and you will bring Troy the balance it needs, I am sure of it."

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad's face grew serious as he listened to what the Blackwater stallion had to say, "Your family has certainly done a great deal for me already, at this rate I may never be able to fully repay your kindness and generosity. I only hope I will be able to leave as good an impression on Dax as he has left on me."

 

He sighed, "I do have a question, though. This account for Dax, is it a bank account? It would be difficult to access in any timely manner from Troy so we would either need to take the money before we leave or use it to repay on his return. I won't bother in trying to say it isn't necessary, I do appreciate your willingness to help me cover my end of the exchange."

 

He looked out towards Canterlot, "I'll see what I can do to distribute your and your wife's gifts, I hope they are well received, and I have every confidence in Midget's ability to sort through political actions. And as to your contribution," he gave a slight smile, "The council will know who it came from and so will any of the populous who ask. It wouldn't be right to hide who donations come from, especially since one runner a century or two ago decided to abuse the anonymous donor system to finance his campaign with his own money while making it look like a number of citizens actually supported him, but I digress. The maximum I am allowed to receive per individual is $2500 Trojan dollars, or about... 3000 bits? It fluctuates a bit week to week, you could get around that limit by, no wait... As a foreign non-allied donor the limit is a bit higher, and by country so as to prevent a foreign country from effectively buying the election. As you'll be listed as a new protectorate in Troy despite you not actually being one yet your limit would be no more than a total of $100000 Trojan dollars. How much of that limit you choose to donate by yourself I will leave to you. Again, I sincerely appreciate the gesture."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Luther blinked when presented with the fact of account accessibility, but it didn't stop him for long.

 

"Very well - a chest of bits should do; there will be enough for Daxter.  I will have it secured with your things on the train."

 

He listened to Illiad's words about the possible contribution, then nodded when all was said.

 

"Illiad, I do not wish the contribution information hidden - I simply do not wish it openly advertised.  My wife would want differently, but this is MY quarry, and I do not wish it seen as politically ambitious.  If I can stay neutral, I shall... but please keep me informed, should things change for the worse."

 

He looked out into the quarry yard again, his eyes bright and thoughtful.

 

"I will make the fullest contribution I am able to make toward your campaign.  As I said, Troy needs balance - and you will bring that to them, I have no doubt.  I want to help, and this is a way to do that.  And Silver's inventions.  And the emeralds.  And the Cloud Diamond.  And... and..."

 

He closed his eyes and sighed, then spoke softly, which was quite unlike the rumble-voiced stallion.

 

"... what you have brought to my child's heart, I can never repay YOU for.  And you have shown me that there ARE others worth my trust - a VERY difficult thing to earn, especially after what I have experienced.  And you have managed to make my Vylia smile.  And my colt... it shocked me that he is no longer giving you trouble.  That is also amazing to me."

 

He opened his navy blue eyes, and locked them on Illiad's own.

 

"If I had you as a friend when I was young, I would be a different stallion today - but Daxter will have the chance I did not.  He needs to grow up... but on his own timetable.  I tried too hard with my Harcourt, and he left us... my fault.  I know this.  Yet..."

 

He looked down and away, shame writ large on his muzzle.

 

"I love my children - all of them - and I have fought hard to give them all they could need.  But I cannot give them what they want - and they want their freedom.  Even Oglevy has shown signs of such.  And this is not a bad thing.  But Daxter... he is the only hope I have for passing my quarry onto.  Oglevy is very smart - too smart for his own good, and too rambunctious to settle for staying here.  Harcourt has left, and I have not seen him in a decade.  Daxter is the ONLY one who would be the best choice for leaving my quarry to... yet he has not reached the age where he understands this."

 

"Please, Illiad Easle... if my son shows even the slightest interest in this quarry, please help foster that.  I won't ask you to steer him to this - that is manipulation - but if you can, try to support anything he says about assuming responsibility for the Blackwater Quarry.  Keep in mind, it is all we have... and I would wish nothing better than for my son to have his own happy family here, one day."

 

Luther looked drained after all this talking - it was quite a lot for the usually short-spoken earth pony, and Illiad could feel the relief at Luther's simply speaking his mind to somepony.  He turned to face out into the yard again.

 

"I will never be able to repay you for what you have brought to my home... but I shall do my utmost to express my gratitude."

 

He grew quiet, yet he didn't shoo Illiad off, either... he simply stood there, staring majestically out over his quarry, his property, his home.  It would be a fitting way to remember the dour yet deep stallion who ran this amazing place.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad kept his regular slight smile, "I'm glad I was able to make such an impact. Since neither of us think we can repay the debt to the other I suppose we can consider each other even then, no need to any worry of indebtedness. I'll be sure you're donation is properly noted and only revealed to those that ask, as you wish, your quarry stands in a position to do quite a bit of good for Troy, hopefully when the time comes Troy will be able to do good for the quarry."

 

He sighed, "And, I'll be sure to see what I can do for Dax. I agree he is one of the best ponies to take over the quarry after you, and I have no doubt he'll accept the responsibility when the time comes, the question now is whether he'll be ready for the responsibility when it comes. Nonetheless, I'll say what I can."

 

He turned away from the balcony, excitement building for what was coming next, "If that is all?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Though there was a tiny spark of lonely melancholy that struck within him, the sense of gratitude he felt toward the Trojan was far larger... and more pressing, as well.  Luther gave a slight nod, then looked back out over the quarry again.

 

"That is all.  Thank you, Illiad."

 

Though he looked alone in his vigil, he was used to such from life - all Illiad could truly do was try to ensure that Dax didn't end up as alone and hardened as Luther Blackwater had become due to life.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

With that, Illiad quickly made his way out of the office and back to Dax's room. Hopefully, Dax would be waiting there for him, but if not he could always go looking for him. Then they could go collect Silver together and the last night shared dream could begin.

 

Illiad's smile grew as he walked through the house, though it faltered for a moment as he remembered he'd have to talk about IT as well. He shook his head, hopefully, what he had to say wouldn't detract from their enjoyment of the evening. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Indeed, Dax was in his room, alright... and he wasn't alone, either.

 

"Illiad!"

 

Silver made her way over to the Trojan and gave him a fierce, tight hug.

 

"Ohhhh, I can't WAIT to see what's in store for tonight!  Well, I mean I COULD wait, sure; but I reeeeeeeeally don't want to!"

 

She let loose a whinnygiggle, then pulled Illiad over to the center of the room, where the blankets and pillows had already been arranged for the night's activity.  She sat down, pulling him down alongside her and rewarding his being led with a quick peck on the cheek.  She blushed just a bit from such, but the smile she wore grew to match her enthusiasm.

 

Match that to the sense of adoration that was rolling off of her like fog for Illiad, and add in Dax's own excitement, and it was quite a happy mess that the Empathic was ensconced in... not that it was overwhelming or anything; more like it was two good friends who were happy, and unafraid to BE happy.

 

Dax sat down and pushed a small bowl full of cherries in front of the opposite couple.

 

"Here - I grabbed a few things before I left the kitchen, so we can go ahead and start talking and stuff... I figure we might need a bit before we actually get tired enough to sleep, right?"

 

Silver smiled sweetly.  "As long as I have you two handsome stallions with me, I don't care if we're in the belly of a whale eating seaweed - I'm happy with the company, so I'm happy all around!  Sleep'll come when it comes, right?"

 

Silver took a cherry and tossed it lightly in the air, catching it in her mouth and chewing with her eyes closed.  Dax tried to follow suit... but his cherry bounced of the end of his muzzle and landed right back in the bowl.  Silver and Dax both burst out laughing at this.

 

This felt good.  

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad was surprised, and a bit disappointed to be honest, to find that Silver was already there. His plans for how he would romantically collect her from her shed were tossed out as he entered the room.

 

His smile grew as he took a seat on the blankets and with the sudden yet not unwanted kiss. He had never really been a fan of cherries so he left those to his friends, hopefully, another of the snacks in the night would be a bit more to his liking.

 

He idly wondered as he watched the other two get started what they could possibly talk about or otherwise do to pass the time before they got tired enough to entered a shared dream together. "So, now that we're all here, what do we want to do on this our last night together for some time?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Silver looked over at Illiad with a sweet little smile on her muzzle.

 

"I really enjoyed playing tag with you last time... will we do something like that again?"

 

Dax gave a puzzled look, but with a grin to it.  "Hunh... here I thought we'd do more dancing, but... I dunno?  Maybe..."

 

"We could ask to see what the moon looks like... or perhaps we could ask about the past?  Would she remember enough?  Maybe we could see if she'll take us flying over-"

 

"What would Selena want?"

 

Silver had been going along merrily with her ideas, but Dax had simply stopped her cold.

 

"I mean, she's done all of this for you and I, Silver... not to mention what she's done for the entire quarry... and for you, Illiad.  It kinda seems like everypony else is always asking her to do things for them; what does SHE want?  Wouldn't that be fair - to ask her, for once?"

 

Silver blushed, embarrassed.  "Oh, Dax... you're right.  Now I feel all selfish.  Illiad, would it be fair to ask her what she wants?"

 

Dax grinned.  "Yeah, anything she ever wanted to try; I'm game!" 

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked a bit unsure as he pulled his diamond out from his robes, "Well if we are to do anything really with Selena it would have to be in the dream as I can't really manifest her as well as be a participant in anything that isn't solely or at least mostly verbal. I mean we could all just go to sleep now and do everything tonight with Selena, that is certainly an option. OtherwiseIt's again what we can do until we're ready to go to sleep, though an idea comes to mind."

 

As his horn started to glow the diamond shifted into an object that looked just like the crystal radio he had gotten just a few weeks before the changeling attack on Canterlot, he still had it even though it was a little big and out of date as it made a really good side table and alarm clock. As he adjusted the dials on the radio a voice came into focus, " He.... Is this wor.... Hello Hello? Ah that sounds better."

 

Illiad smiled, "As this form is inanimate, mostly, I can maintain it much longer than if it were a full manifestation and this way Selena can at least talk with us before we join her in the dream."

 

He turned back towards the radio which he placed to complete a sort of square from the participants, "So, they wanted to know what you would be interested in doing tonight, any thoughts?"

 

The voice was silent for a bit, "Well... Hmm, I'm not used to really being asked. Usually, Illiad and I just sit and talk, we could do that I guess, given there isn't much else I can do outside of the dream. Inside though... OOOOh! We could have a building contest! A competition of imagination to design the coolest and funnest things! I always wanted to do that but with only Illiad as a participant, I could never really judge before! That can wait though until you guys are ready to join me, perhaps from what you guys design I can think of other things that would be fun for everyone to participate in. Until then though, I'd really like to just talk to you guys, answer questions you have since I know you have some." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

They were both pleasantly surprised at the radio, yet quite happy to have Selena there with them.  Silver seemed thoughtful for a bit, but Dax was READY.

 

"Okay, so I wanted to ask about the whole 'Balance' thing, at least as far as Illiad's concerned... I know you kinda gave me the quick rundown, but you also said you could go into more detail.  Tell me about it - I mean, was Illiad hoof-picked and destined, or did it just sorta... happen?"

 

Silver smiled a kind smile at Illiad; she was also curious as to this question's answer, it seemed.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

 

The radio, being inanimate, didn't move. " Well, The balance in regard to Illiad is different than it was in regard to Luna, given he has me and she did not. They way it is now is more that I am the balance and he is my designated wielder, a chosen champion if you will, upon which several but not all of the abilities and responsibilities of balance fall. For instance, Luna could cast the Retribution and Total Balance spells, while Illiad cannot except through me. As to how Illiad became my champion is a bit of both chance and destiny. He was born with the predisposition to become my wielder, though had Luna not showed him how to find me he would not have progressed. If it had become necessary I could have groomed one of those around me to align them to what I needed a wielder to be, but that can get messy so I'm glad I don't have to do that like the storm sapphire is." There was a low hum as Selena stopped speaking, "I think that answers your question, do you have another?" 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Silver leaned forward this time.

 

"Hi, Selena!  I do, actually... I wanted to ask about what you and Princess Luna mean to each other now?  I mean, what sort of relationship do you maintain with her... I just always felt like Luna never had many ponies that she could possibly keep a friendship with for long, but you?  The two of you are good friends, I hope... and I also hope it's not... y'know... awkward?"

 

Dax seemed impressed by the question Silver offered... but Illiad could tell he already had another one lined up.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"Luna and I? I suppose I'd say our relationship is quite similar to a mother/daughter relationship. She dote's on me when she's able and I think it is a key factor in the amount of effort she's putting forth to get me some form of real body to be in, so she can actually dote on me like a real daughter. Though on another level it's almost like the sibling-esque relationship that Illiad and I share, given I have most of her past memories and can really relate to her. We are, at the very least, close friends, and there is never an awkward moment between us even if we are slightly different from each other."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Have you ever fallen in love, Selena?"

 

Silver gave a start, and turned to look at Dax.  "Don't you think that's kind of rude, Dax?"

 

But the Blackwater stallion was unhindered.

 

"No... I mean, I don't think so.  I'm genuinely curious - with so much about you having to stay a secret, I was just wondering if you'd ever had the chance to experience love before?  I mean, like, ROMANCE love?  I'd kinda figure that, as special as you are, you've probably had a number of Special Someponies over the years - and I'm just curious to know what it was like for you..."

 

He blushed a bit as he realized the personal nature of his question; innocent and oblivious Dax.  "Uhm, if you have, that is?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

While the radio did not look the part, she certainly sounded surprised, "Me personally? You do remember I've only been on Equis for like four years right? And since then I've only been fully developed for the past year or so since Illiad found me? So no, I can't say I've ever really fallen in love, though it's likely due to a lack of contact. Luna on the other hoof..."

 

The dials on the radio dashed to the left, then the right, in an almost conspiratorial gesture before returning to their proper positions. "Well, before I was split off from Luna she met this very handsome and altogether charming stallion, Midnight Star. Oh, they were perfect for each other, he motivated her to try new things, to be more outgoing and adventurous, to step out from hiding in her sister's shadow and really be her own pony. He made her feel truly happy, more alive than she had felt in a long time. To thank him for what he did she gave him a gift of immortality so that he would never die of old age nor age physically beyond his prime, that combined with his earth pony constitution protecting against all but the most lethal of blows meant a near perfect immortality for him. Now Celestia didn't know that Luna and Midnight were interacting in this way, in fact, Luna was supposed to be doing battle with Midnight to stop him from ransacking the countryside in his quest to free the zebra slaves with the Black Knight."

 

She sighed wistfully, though it turned sad at the end. "Then it all came crashing down just days before I was split off. Celestia herself came down with Luna one fateful night to do battle with the Black Knight herself since she found that Luna was clearly not up to the task. In the end, the Black Knight surrendered to Celestia so that Midnight would be spared, thus he was sealed in stone and Midnight was made a slave and given to Luna. Luna, of course, had no real choice in the matter, but it put a real strain on their relationship anyway, to the point where Midnight told Luna that she was worse than all the slavers he had fought before fleeing into the night."

 

She paused as if shrugging, "And I don't know if they've even seen each other again since then. Luna tells me she wishes she could have been stronger, given Midnight his freedom instead of forcing him to take it, forcing him to leave her behind. Luna had never felt love as pure as Midnight's before, and as far as I know she still aches for his forgiveness."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Oh... that's... th-that's so sad..."

 

Silver teared up, eyes brimming with sympathy for Luna and Midnight... her kind heart was aching for them, as one would expect from such a sweetheart as Silver Studs.

 

"Why..?  I just don't understand why Celestia would even DO such a thing?  I mean, it's-"

 

"Not surprised."

 

Silver turned to look at Dax with shock.  "How can you say that?"

 

Dax sighed.

 

"A long time ago, zebras were slaves, too.  According to the records locked away in the vault, my ancestor Weapon Black was one of the ponies in Equestria who offered sanctuary when they ran from their owners.  He took in a zebra mare, and they fell in love with each other - but she was supposedly property, due to her name.  Weapon argued with the slavers over this technicality, then he proved that names meant nothing in the wake of freedom."

 

"That was when he changed his name from Weapon Black to Wyland Blackwater, completely denouncing the importance of names; he was the first of our line to carry the Blackwater name.  He apparently proved his point to the slavers, because they left the two alone, and Wyland married his zebra mare... whose name, by the way, was once Starke Whyte... but she changed it to Star Blackwater after they were officially a couple."

 

Silver had gone from sad to lovestruck again.  "Oh, Dax... that's such a sweet story.  And Weapon, or rather Wyland, sounds like he was quite the stand-up earth po-"

 

"He was a unicorn."

 

Silver blinked.  "Wait... are you telling me that you have earth ponies, pegasi, zebras AND unicorns in your family tree?"

 

Dax grinned.  "And a Crystal Pony."

 

Silver shook her head, then turned back to the radio.

 

"You say the lack of contact is why you haven't really had a chance to fall in love?  Well, I'd been kind of working on a solution to that, but... well..."

 

Dax's eyes narrowed a bit, then opened again as he looked to Illiad.

 

"Yeah, speaking of which... you said you'd explain about this 'Panic' thing; now's the time, Illiad - spill it."

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked distinctly uncomfortable to be pressed in such a way to talk about such a thing. "Were I even fully inclined to speak on the subject, there is no way I could convey it without showing you what I've seen, thus we'd have to do it in the dream. Furthermore, this is the sort of thing that I want very little information getting out on. I want to influence that outcome as little as possible lest I make it worse or ultimately caused it to happen."

 

The radio spoke up, "What you seek is also hardly a pleasant subject, though I suppose it couldn't put a bigger damper on this evening than my last story already did. So we can go forward, but like Illiad said only in the true privacy of the dream."

 

Illiad sighed, "I am though, once again, impressed both by your ancestors and your knowledge of them. I'm surprised he was able to actually keep the slavers at bay with just words while Midnight and the Black Knight had to literally fight them off with weapons. Though perhaps the story was altered in the last few centuries to be a bit more positive, but who knows?"

 

Illiad lifted the radio into a more central position to the group, "If you guys really want to know, then I guess we can start the dream now. No point really in putting off another sad tale when we can get it out of the way and move on with our evening."

Edited September 21, 2016 by Illiad Easle

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax's mood dropped.

 

"Great.  Now I've made everything all sad.  I don't want to be the one to be responsible for us all being lumped in with bad news... ESPECIALLY right before a dream."  He huffed a hard sigh.  "Maybe I should stay out of this one..."

 

Silver gave him a look.  "Dax - don't be that way.  We want you there!  I know I do, and I'm pretty sure Illiad does, too.  Plus, as little company as Selena gets, you should be happy for a chance to see her again; I'll bet she's always happy to see you."

 

Dax looked (and felt) like he was pent up with remorse for asking what he'd asked.

 

"... I'm s-sorry, Illiad - I won't ask any more questions.  I shouldn't ask so many personal things, anyway; not my business, right?  I mean, it's not like I'll have anything to do with all that, anyway... you don't need me asking stuff that I don't need answers to."

 

Silver rolled her eyes and sighed.  

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad's face drooped, it seemed even before he even existed PANIC was causing strife in his life. "There's no need to apologize Dax. If you both really deserve to know why I reacted the way I did earlier, and perhaps in sharing it I'll be better able to deal with whatever is coming. Let's just wait until we have the extra privacy before we do, okay?"

 

"I really do enjoy your company Dax, and you ask good questions that I really do enjoy answering. I haven't had such a great opportunity to talk about my memories before and I know it will be some time before I really get to again. Besides, you have no idea what you will end up being a part of in your future. You could very easily change the course of the future by asking the right questions and knowing the right things, so please to ask away."

 

Illiad gave a slight smile as he looked towards Silver, "That goes for you too, really it feels great to talk without having to worry as much about what should remain secret. Liberating honestly."