private The Northern Odyssey

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Steel heard North speak his native tongue and introduce them to his friend.

 

"Steel Accord, my good man!" He said over the gust of chilling wind. "I know I'm probably not the only one that wants to get out of the open.

 

Steel turned to Sterling. 

 

@@Sterling Crimson,

 

"Doctor, I believe we should follow North's suggestion and make way for his home." 

[Budding Night 1,043]

Evening turned her empty gaze towards the pony North had brought over and gave a weak smile
 
"L-Lovely to m-meet you, Lyk.. Lyktestolpe" she said dryly, trying to copy the foreign name from North's tounge "I-I am Eve-Evening Glory". The mare bowed to the pony in respect, then turned to Steel and Sterling
 
@@Sterling Crimson, @@Steel Accord
 
"I'll s-s-second that" she agreed, shivering a little "I-It'll be safer, for s-sure"
 
Evening inmindly sighed to herself, even after all their time spent together in their last adventure, she still found herself being shy.
 
 
(I'm so sorry for this short and terrible post. Ughh, I'm so tired but I really wanted to post, so you will have to excuse this )

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Steel Accord

@Budding Night

@Zhooves

 

Sterling looked back at his wife, who was suffering from the cold weather. He didn't want her to shiver any more than she was now, so he felt the urgency to get the group moving quickly. He then turned to Steel who suggested that the group head towards North's home for shelter. Sterling responded with a nod,

 

"I agree with Steel here! Let's get going towards North's home! We can recuperate there!" He then turned his head towards North and commanded as nicely as he could,

 

"North! Lead the way to your abode!"

Edited November 23, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[Zhooves 843]

@@Sterling Crimson,

"If you say so..." he begun, before turning to Lyktestolpe. "Lykt, du burde ha noen bra snarveier... Det er en lang vei om jeg ikke tar feil." North spoke with a sigh.

 

"Å ja, det har jeg..." Lyktestolpe replied, as he begun moving towards the darkness with the group following...

 

After about an hour of wandering through the rough terrain, on paths rarely walked and a lot of short-cuts, they stood on the edge of a cliff, going straight down into a fjord. In a distance out along the fjord, one could see lights far up in the cliff, and along the shore lighting up in the darkness.

 

"This be it... Trotheim." North spoke to the others, turning to Lyktestolpe. "Utrolig hvor fort det går med de snarveiene dine..."

Edited November 23, 2013 by Zhooves

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Zhooves

 

Sterling walked with North and motioned the group onward. During the walk, Sterling couldn't help but wonder what thing North was talking to when they were traversing across the lands. After they arrived what looked like North's abode, Sterling turned to him, pointed at Lyktestolpe and asked,

 

"Hey North... who's that thing you're talking to? And also, what language are you speaking to it?"

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Steel followed North and their guide.

 

He stuck to the ground, preferring to ignore his natural pegasus inclination to fly for fear it would attract attention. Whatever malevolent force commands these unnatural freezing winds, he had a feeling they may not even know the group of friends were here, or if they did, that this motley herd could pose a threat.

 

Steel briefly took stock of himself and his companions:

 

Sterling Crimson; a humble doctor and devoted husband, but far braver than he himself would ever believe. His considerable skill in medicine and healing magics an invaluable asset.

 

Evening Glory; a simple gardener. Demure and gentle from without, but possessed of courage and will to stand in the face of that which terrifies her for the sake of her friends. Her knowledge of exotic herbs and motherly emotional support had pulled them through many times before.

 

Neon; musical entertainer. What she lacked in practical skill, she more than made up for in pure spirit and a willingness to try new things. Perhaps due to this, she was very flexible and could pick up new skills rather easily.

 

Red Talon; NASCOLT racer and a real firebrand. He had a tendency to act before he thought, be he and Steel complimented each other rather well besides. He was as passionate and fearless as he was swift; with an almost ferocious protectiveness to boot.

 

North Star; the wayward youth. Perhaps a strange addition, but no less a valued one. North's youth belied and old and wise spirit that Steel had come to admire. By far his most valuable skill is his perception, apart from being able to see clearly in near complete darkness, North had an uncanny ability to find or sense things others would often miss.

 

Steel himself was nothing to sneeze at. Though he often doubted his usefulness in situations that didn't involve stabbing something, he had gotten his friends out of a tight jam more than once with his martial skill.

 

As they all came upon Trotheim, Steel admired North's home. It was quaint and cozy, almost like an arctic version of Ponyville. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

 

Applejack was staring into deep space as Red tried to send her back to reality. When Red's voice finally got to her, she shook her head and turned back to Red. She responded with a giggle,

 

"Oh sorry Red! Ahm fine! Ah was just daydreamin about Canterlot is all! All those rich ponies... Wow. They must have it really easy there!" Applejack then trotted to the fields where Red then asked about her family.

 

"Oh there they are Red! They're workin' on the fields! The big red one's Big Mac, and the elderly one is mah Granny Smith!" Applejack then ran towards them, motioning for young Red to come along...

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

@Sterling Crimson

 

@Zhooves

 

@Steel Accord

 

@PinkieShyFlutterPie

 

@Pripyat Pony

 

"Trotheim," Red Talon responded, looking out on the small, winter town. "Hope there's a heater in one of those houses..."

Red continued to shiver as he trotted down, wrapping his wings around his body in a feeble attempt to keep himself warm.

 

***

 

Red happily skipped along with Applejack, waving excitedly to the old, green mare.

"I'm Red Talon!" he shouted, "I'm Applejack's new friend!"

[Zhooves 843]

@@Sterling Crimson,

"Hm? Lyktestolpe? He is somepony I came to know as I pass him quite often at my nightly trips... As for what we speak, it is one of the North Equestrian languages that is spoken up here ((*cough*Norwegian*cough*))... I guess Lyktestolpe's name would sound something like 'Lamp Post' in your language... Like mine is North Light to you, and not 'Nordlys'." he explained to the doctor.

Edited November 24, 2013 by Zhooves

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Zhooves

 

When North Light finished his explanation about his companion, Sterling was eager to move into one of the shelters and get warm. He could tell that his friends too were feeling shivery. With that in mind, Sterling asked North with his teeth clattering from the shivers,

 

"N-N-North... w-w-w-w-we need sh-sh-shelter! L-L-ead us.... to... y-y-y-our place!"

 

"Ah... AH second... that motion!" Applejack shivered too as she inwardly pleaded for North to quickly find some shelter.

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

The green mare Red waved to was none other than Granny Smith. Even though she was growing old from a long, satisfactory life, she was still hard at work as always with the carrying of the apples. She heard an unfamiliar voice greeting him, and when she put her head up, she noticed that young Applejack had gotten a new friend! She waved back at him and spoke with her usual raspy, Southern accent,

 

"Well lookee 'ere! Are you a new friend of Applejack's?! Ahm busy bringin' the apples back for dinner, so if you wanna help son, then Ah suggest you do!"

[Budding Night 1,043]

@@Sterling Crimson

 

 

 Evening was too was in hurry to get to shelter. Bone splitting chills kept running up her back, and she absolutely hated it. Very time she would grit her teeth and jolt a little on her feet, frighting her. The fear was growing at pace inside of her, she felt that, if they didn't get shelter, she might just burst pathetically again.

 

Seeing Sterling with his teeth chattering together made her frown. She got closer to him and nuzzled against the side of his neck, trying to warm him up as much as she could.

 

"You okay?" the mare whispered tenderly as she continued her nuzzles.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Budding Night

 

Evening edges towards Sterling, excited at the prospect of shelter. She got closer and closer until she began to nuzzle him against his neck to warm him. Sterling felt the warmth from Evening's face as she continued to rub against him. Sterling replied with a happy sigh,

 

"Oh Evie... thank you for that... your body is very warm and comforting... I love you." Sterling then whispered those three words to her to show his appreciation for her warmth and care...

[Budding Night 1,043]

@@Sterling Crimson

 

Evening gave a small smile as she heard those three words coming out from her husbands lips, it was always the perfect thing to hear when you're scared and your mind is in doubt of itself. It reminded her she wasn't alone, that she always had support and great love in her life.

 

"I love you too" she whispered back, giggling ever so slightly "I'll always be here for warmth and comfort, okay? Don't you forget that".

Edited November 25, 2013 by Budding Night

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Budding Night

 

Sterling could truly trust his Evie with anything. The three words rang back to him as soon as he said it, reminding him that Evening was always there for him, no matter the situation. Sterling then kissed Evening's cheeks in response to show his deep affection for her. He then expressed something he was concerned about since the start of this adventure...

 

"Evie... I don't even know whether I can truly be leader. All this time, I just feel like a puppet to Steel. I think he's the real leader. Does anyone listen to someone as puny as me? I mean, how can I be a leader?" Sterling expressed his words with doubt, wondering why he was appointed as leader in the first place...

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Clover walked closely next to Steel as North and his friend led them away from the ship. Hopefully, they were going someplace safe, but she resolved not to worry about anything at the moment. If North trusted this stranger, then she would trust him too. She thought back to the encounter with the sea serpent, and with the diamond dogs. What  would her final test be, the one which would be her final step before ascending? Would it be more dangerous and difficult than the other encounters? Clover didn't know. All she could do would be to be ready for anything, and wait.

 

She noticed that several ponies were shivering. Would they make it to the place where North's friend was leading them too? Clover herself was none too warm, tho her heavy coat and thick scarf kept out the worst of the cold. Clover's horn glowed as she cast a warming spell over the small group, the same one that she'd cast back at Sterling and Evening's wedding when the bitter cold had first descended. She could see the difference at once, and determined to keep the spell going til they found shelter.

[Zhooves 843]

Noticing how the other ponies seemed to be freezing, he and Lykt begun to look for a safe way down the cliff.

 

Leading the ponies down a short and steep path, following the fjord for a little while - the snow here seemed to thin out a little bit - they finally reached the town. Looking around, the town looked rocky and frozen, and very few ponies seemed to be outside, and those who were only cast a glance upon the group before seeming to loose interest - if any - and turning back to whatever they were doing. Most of them looked like pegasi, with a griffon or two amongst them. Overall it also felt a bit warmer, the cold, freezing winds from above replaced with a cool ocean breeze.

 

"Takk, vi tar ting herfra." North spoke to Lykt, as the lantern-carrying pony gave them a nod and left.

 

"So... My heim..." he spoke, looking around a little. Soon he begun walking towards the cliff, leading the others to a small path leading up.

"I think this be it... We might bump into somepony I know..." he continued as they walked up the path, looking around him every now and then.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@Everypony

@@Zhooves,

 

Soon a group of adult pegasi and one griffon with an axe slung to his back approached the crew.

 

"Young en! Hvem er disse fremmede du har brakt inn i landsbyen vår?" He demanded of North with the stomp of a hoof.

 

North knew this man. He was Trotheim's sheriff and really the only actual authority figure in the small village. All other times, they usually deferred to Princess Celestia and more recently, Princess Cadence.

Edited November 26, 2013 by Steel Accord

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

@Budding Night

@Steel Accord

@Sterling Crimson

@Zhooves

@PinkieShyFlutterPie

@Pripyat Pony

 

Red Talon stood in silence, listening in while the axe-wielding ponies sternly talked to North.

"Please tell me that's native tongue for 'enter in one of the heated buildings as to not freeze your ass off,'" Red silently said to himself. The journey, despite it just beginning, was taking a toll on the racing pony, who was emotionally in shambles.

 

***

 

"I'd LOVE to!" Red Talon squeaked as Granny Smith asked him if he was willing to lend a helping hoof. Excitedly, he ran up to the barn.

"What do I hafta do, Applejack?" he asked.

[Zhooves 843]

@, 

"I could tell you, but it would be a lie..."

 

@@Steel Accord,

Turning to the sheriff, he lowered his head a bit as he spoke.

"De er venner fra sør for fjellene... De hjalp med å redde landet for noen måneder siden, og er her for å sjekke hvorfor en merkelig vinter sprer seg sørover... Og de fryser gansk hardt.".

[PinkieShyFlutterPie 408]

As soon as the Diamond Dogs left and everything seemed fine Neon sat down and shivered a bit from the cold. She was tired and wished she could just snuggle up in a warm bed and sleep.

 

When North introduced his friend she waved hi then got up with a sigh when the group decided to follow Norths friend "I hope this place isn't to far away..." Neon said to herself, but she had a feeling it wouldn't be too close..

 

Neon followed the group but stayed a little bit behind, she was still pretty tired but the cold air that made her shiver kept her awake. As she walked she hummed random tunes so she had something to do. When a pegasi came down a spoke something she hoped it was something good..

[Inactive01 5,299]

As Sterling was warmed by the soft nuzzles that came from Evening, he noticed what looked like dangerous ponies walking up to the group. He heard them talking to North in anger, leaving Sterling worried about their fates. It was already bad enough that they faced up to Northern Diamond Dogs, but to face even more fighting within North's hometown of Trotheim? What was going on? Sterling could only wonder in fear...

 

"North... what... what are they saying?" Sterling spoke up with fear in his voice.

-----

Granny Smith nodded happily when Red offered his help around the farm. It looked like Applejack received a good friend today, and she was happy to see that revelation come true. Meanwhile, Applejack turned to Red after Granny Smith accepted his offer to help.

 

"Well why don't you help us buck some more apples then? Come with me!" Applejack then motioned Red to come along with her to the many apple trees that covered Sweet Apple Acres...

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@ Everypony

 

The lead pegasus nodded and gestured for everypony to follow him.

 

He lead the crew to a communal cottage. Many of the families were huddled together around the various fireplaces, while some of the stallions sat at the bar for a drink.

 

Contrary to Manehatten and even the crew's own escort, the atmosphere within was somewhat jovial and indeed felt like how Sugarcube Corner on a busy afternoon would.

 

The lead pegasus lead his men and the party to a vacant fireplace and ordered some of them to bring the crew blankets and warm food and drink.

 

~ ~ ~ ~

 

The lead stallion waited for the friends to be more comfortable and settled before he spoke at last.

 

"My apologies for a rude welcoming at first." He said in the southern dialect most of the crew were used to, though heavily accented like North. "My name is Safe Guard. I'm Trotheim's sheriff. Ever since winter came early, we've been getting more and more unsettling reports from our borders. Packs of Diamond Dogs, whispers on the wind, and such. Rest assured, any friends of North, are friends of Trotheim." 

[Zhooves 843]

Following the others, he lied down at a safe distance from the fireplace.

 

"Well, it is not as cold any more... Should solve some of our problems." he said, looking around a little, his ears pointing up quite a bit as it seemed like he listened to the voices in the room.

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Clover thankfully took the warming spell off the group once everypony was settled in front of the fire. She listened with interest to the leader talking about the problems they were facing. Clover spoke up. "If you need any help fending off attacks by Diamond Dogs while we're here," she said, "I could help. I don't like to brag, but I'm a skilled mage and I would be happy to use my magic to help you out, should you need it."

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

@Budding Night

@Steel Accord

@Sterling Crimson

@Zhooves

@PinkieShyFlutterPie

@Pripyat Pony

 

Trotting into the small building, Red took a small, empty table nearby the fireplace. Ordering a drink, he sat alone, drowning out his sadness with the alcohol. He slammed the empty bottle down after consuming its contents, placing his head in his hooves.

"Neon..." he mumbled under his breath, "Why... why... why did you have to do this to me?"

(That's AJ's cue )

 

***

 

"Help out with the apples?!" Red exclaimed, "I'd LOVE to!!!"

He happily trots down to the orchards, bucket in his hoof, trailing behind Applejack.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Ragin' Red Talon