OOC (http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=5617.0)
Sign Up (http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=5616.0)
The Story
You are an adventurer from Canterlot that has been sent by the princesses, along with other ponies, to explore early Equestria in search of fertile land to settle down and create another city. You are only allowed to take a small amount of water and other supplies because the princesses are only providing one covered wagon per family. You and the others will suffer through harsh winds, rough terrain, freezing cold, and severe weather. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wish you great luck on this epic adventure.
Rules
1. Follow the forum rules
2. No god modding
3. Clean violence only (No gushing blood or gore)
4. You may use Equestria Swears (Pony feathers!, the hay?, etc.)
5. Please try to stay to the basic story line
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Princess Celestia pulls out a scroll and begins to look over the names.
Luna, Luna. Art thou excited?
Luna nods and reads over her older sister's shoulder.
(Lets start over XD)
(Please start your post by either walking into the castle or into the room.)
A covered wagon clattered slowly over the cobbled streets of the old city. The stallion pulling it adjusted his hat as he wiped some sweat and grime from his eyes, looking about in awe and wonder. He had travelled many long days from his family's farm from the outskirts of the inhabited region of the Kingdom of Canterlot, and had never seen so much wealth in one place. A mare poked her head out from within the wagon, her face shrouded by a bonnet as was custom with her family.
"Is... is that the palace, Hackberry? It's so much... larger than I thought it would be!"
"It might be, Willow. Lemme ask one o' them guards, maybe they could show us the way around."
As the farmpony approached the enormous stone walls, an imposing armored stallion trotted up. He was evidently an important military pony of some sort, from the way the other soldiers immediately saluted him, as well as from the hundreds of medals and decorations hanging around his neck and at his chest.
"Lord Fancy Pants, sir! We were ordered to escort you to Their Majesties' throne room at once!"
"Very good then. Lead the way, lieutenant."
Hackberry trotted up as they were about to leave.
"Beggin' yer pardon, sirs!"
The general turned to this interruption, his stern gaze looking the farmpony up and down.
"Is there something I might help you with, sir?"
The farmer was somewhat taken aback by the challenging tone, but stood firm, taking out the elaborate gold-leaf scroll with the royal insignia stamped in the broken wax seal.
"Ah got me a summons ta sees Their Majesties about findin' new lands, sah. If yer honors would be so kind, might ye direct me wife and Ah to the chambers? Ah couldn't help but overhear ye speakin' o' goin' there yerself at the moment."
The armored stallion stood silent for a moment in thought, then nodded brusquely.
"Very well then. As we seem to be here on a common purpose, the stallions and I will escort you to Their Majesties' chambers. Please, follow me."
"Thank ye kindly, yer honor.
"Please, call me Fancy Pants."
Introductions made, the herd, wagon in tow, entered the walls of the fortress. At the first checkpoint, Hackberry and Willow left the wagon with the gatekeepers and proceeded on hoof. It was a long walk up many flights, but eventually the ponies found themselves in a great arched hallway outside the throne room. Now that the enormous gold doors were so close by, Hackberry began to feel somewhat intimidated at the prospect of meeting what he personally believed to be goddesses in pony form. The Royal Guards saluted the general and his escorts, but looked the farmponies over suspiciously until Hackberry retrieved the summons again. Looking the scroll over slowly, the powerful armored stallions nodded finally after a few minutes, and stood at attention, their horns glowing. The doors slowly opened...
Alright we musnt waste- Celestia sees the farm folk walking in though the door
HELLO ART THOU HERE TO EXPLORITH OUR NEW LANDS?
Luna sees FancyPants and whispers something to Celestia
Celestia smiles awkwardly and says something to Luna
HELLO LORD FANCY PANTS! HELLO LIEUTENANT
Luna, sister...Shhh no more speaking.
Celestia takes the summons and puts it into a box. Luna picks it up and reads it
WELCOME BLOSSOMS
Celestia looks at them curiously.
"This looks beautiful..." says Light as the TARDIS teleports to the throne room.
Light says "Oh, hello princesses." as he goes out of the TARDIS
Celestia jumps seeing this teleported into the room.
She points her hoof to Light
YOU, ART THOU HERE TO EXPLORE FOR YOUR LOVELY PRINCESSES??
IF YOU ARE THEN WHERE MIGHT BE YOUR SUMMONS?
"Here..*ahem* HERE ART THY SUMMONS FOR THY EXPEDITION. It's also cool to be unformal on such princesses."
Light says.
Celestia looked >:O
THOU MAY NOT ADRESS THY'S LOVELY PRINCESSES IN THE ROYAL CANTERLOT TOUNGE!
She stomped her hooves and called for the guards.
Ryo walks up towards the main gates looking around at the giant structure that is the royal palace of the sisters, he trots up to the main gate and as he passes the guard
"Halt who may you be"
Ryo simply takes out a letter with the royal symbol on it and says "Im Sir Disk"
The reaction of the guard he took a step back then allowed him through
"I shall take you to Their Majesties' chambers. Please, follow me"
"as you wish"
Ryo follows along this pony through the jewel encrusted hallway the door to the chamber already open, the guard just says "Through there" then makes a hasty leave the name of Disk still chilling to some ponys spines. Ryo glanced in the room seeing a few and trotted in.
((This alright))
Then the guard that had escorted Ryo came charging by him now by Celestia and bowing
((also when the context fits pointless charater comes back))
Guard. Thank you for escorting but I have changithed my mind, you may go.
SIR DISK! WELCOME! PLEASE PUT YOUR SUMMONS INTO THIS BOXITH!
Luna looks over the list of summoned ponies,
Dearest sister, we are awaiting two ponies....
One a farm folk named Little Ann and a bird named Melody....
Alright. When thyarrives we will begin.
ALL OF THOU HERE CURRENTLY MAY MAKEITH THEMSELVES AT HOME as they say where they come from...
Celestia waves her hooves for the ponies to sit. She sits back into her throne.
The general knelt in submission to the Princesses.
"Thine wishes art mine commands, Thine Majesties."
Keeping his face towards the throne as was custom, the stallion backed from before Their presence and sat by the Blossoms' sides. Both farmponies were kneeling in terror before the Goddesses, though Hackberry had the strength and resolve to keep still for his wife's sake.
"Hain't e'er dreamed in me poor life Ah'd get ta see 'Em Goddesses up close an' personal. Sends a shiver ta me bones, it does," the stallion could be heard muttering to himself as the general approached.
"Silence. Show respect for Their Majesties."
The farmpony fell silent after a quiet "Aye, yer honor" to the general.
"As you wish"
Ryo uses magic to lift his letter into said box and decides to look around the room, seeing a big named pony who he had never introduced himself before and two others whom he failed to recognise
Celestia sighed and looked over all of the summons.
((Sonicy Wonicy won't save you Doc.))
"Erm...."
(Now, this is awkward.. Like the space titanic. Or maybe when master didn't regenerate. Or maybe *continue awkwardness)
Light said and thought
Luna, I have made a decision. FOrget about the bird and Lil Ann. We must start!
Alright my sister. COMRADES! WILL YOU ALL PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY WITH US?
Celestia walks to a door in the back of the room and opens it.
"As you wish Princesses"
Ryo walks through the door
("It would appear things are about to get interesting, I'm still curious as to why such an odd group got a royal summons")
The door leads to a large, flat field with a stone path leading back out of it.
NOW! YOU SHALL ALL PICK YOUR COVERED WAGON! WE WOULD LIKE AT LEASE 3 PONIES TO ONE WAGON.
Celestia motions her hooves to a set up of ten wagons, each a different color.
Quote from: StarSong on 2012 Nov 21, 10:12:38
The door leads to a large, flat field with a stone path leading back out of it.
NOW! YOU SHALL ALL PICK YOUR COVERED WAGON! WE WOULD LIKE AT LEASE 3 PONIES TO ONE WAGON.
Celestia motions her hooves to a set up of ten wagons, each a different color.
The general bowed low. "Thine wishes art mine commands, Thine Majesties."
Looking at the farmpony couple, he gestured to a wagon with a whisper of a smile on his face which quickly turned back to his usual authoritative gaze.
"It seems we are here for more than the same purpose then. You heard the Princesses, everypony. Get moving."
Hackberry nodded subimssively to Lord Fancy Pants, still awestruck by the sheer power of the Alicorns standing not a hundred hoofsteps from him. "Aye, sir, yer honor, sir. At once, yer honor, sir."
They quickly went to their wagon, glad that the gatekeepers had transported their belongings from the rickety one Hackberry had driven into the city earlier. They were surprised to see a separate, smaller set of equipment which was not their own. With one look they realized whose it was, and turned to stare at the general, who merely gave a brief, tiny nod and a small smile before standing at attention again.
There were survival materials, weapons, first aid supplies, food, surveying equipment, and all the materials a trained soldier would need for a long journey. The farmponies' small collection of goods now seemed quite inadequate in comparison. What dangers could they possibly be facing to necessitate such supplies?
Ryo glances around at the wagons, as well as those accompanying the group
"hmm this shall be an interesting ride, let me see who shall travel with me then"
NOW! WHICH FAMILY WOULD LIKE A MULE TO WALK THEIR WAGON?
Luna stomped her hooves and a group of mules walked in from a gate on the side of the courtyard.
Quote from: StarSong on 2012 Nov 21, 14:59:47
NOW! WHICH FAMILY WOULD LIKE A MULE TO WALK THEIR WAGON?
Luna stomped her hooves and a group of mules walked in from a gate on the side of the courtyard.
((lol @ slavery / servanthood))
Hackberry and Willow shrank back at the sight of the mules, but the general showed only authoritative determination, as well as recognition.
"Aspera Melena,
buenas dias. Assist this couple, if you will."
"
Sí señor," bowed the eponymous rough-maned mule, who bowed humbly to the farmponies before quietly hitching herself to the wagon. Though a second-class race, the mules took kindly to the general, who unlike other ponies, soldiers and nobles actually treated them with some level of respect as fellow sentient individuals. Aspera avoided eye contact with the Blossoms, however. She knew that ponies did not take kindly to any "uppity-ness" from mules, who were after all a "mixed-breed" race "not fit for society".
Lord Fancy Pants himself never quite took to the idea of there being "lesser" races, only that there were those under his charge and his enemies. Among his own, he treated each and every charge equally, regardless of race or fur color. The same could not be said of the Blossoms.
"What horrid creatures!" whispered Willow quietly to her husband. "You don't mean to say we'll be riding with these... THINGS?"
"Ah'm 'fraid that seems ta be th' case," replied her husband, looking warily at the mule. "But don'cha worry, dear. Ah'm sure th' general's got this all under control.
((racial tension))
Ryo nods at the mules
"I thank you for your assistance, it's greatly appreciated"
Ryo looks around the rest of the wagons and wonders over to Lord Fancy
"So your the famous Lord Fancy I must say Its quite the honour to make your acquaintance and the chance to travel within the same group should be interesting don't you agree"
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Nov 22, 22:22:17
Ryo nods at the mules
"I thank you for your assistance, it's greatly appreciated"
Ryo looks around the rest of the wagons and wonders over to Lord Fancy
"So your the famous Lord Fancy I must say Its quite the honour to make your acquaintance and the chance to travel within the same group should be interesting don't you agree"
"I would hardly call myself famous," replied the general gravely, looking at the other stallion with a grave expression. "And if I am not gravely mistaken, you would be the rather... infamous practitioner of black magic in Equestria, correct? The one possessed by a spirit just as powerful and evil, if not more so, as that... other one. Interesting indeed that chance should find the two of us on the same journey. What seems most curious to me, however, Sir Ryo, is the fact that you are here at all, and by Their Majesties' orders as well."
Quote from: The Wandering Magus on 2012 Nov 21, 15:49:45
Quote from: StarSong on 2012 Nov 21, 14:59:47
[spoiler]NOW! WHICH FAMILY WOULD LIKE A MULE TO WALK THEIR WAGON?
Luna stomped her hooves and a group of mules walked in from a gate on the side of the courtyard.
((lol @ slavery / servanthood))
Hackberry and Willow shrank back at the sight of the mules, but the general showed only authoritative determination, as well as recognition.
"Aspera Melena, buenas dias. Assist this couple, if you will."
"Sí señor," bowed the eponymous rough-maned mule, who bowed humbly to the farmponies before quietly hitching herself to the wagon. Though a second-class race, the mules took kindly to the general, who unlike other ponies, soldiers and nobles actually treated them with some level of respect as fellow sentient individuals. Aspera avoided eye contact with the Blossoms, however. She knew that ponies did not take kindly to any "uppity-ness" from mules, who were after all a "mixed-breed" race "not fit for society".
Lord Fancy Pants himself never quite took to the idea of there being "lesser" races, only that there were those under his charge and his enemies. Among his own, he treated each and every charge equally, regardless of race or fur color. The same could not be said of the Blossoms.
"What horrid creatures!" whispered Willow quietly to her husband. "You don't mean to say we'll be riding with these... THINGS?"
"Ah'm 'fraid that seems ta be th' case," replied her husband, looking warily at the mule. "But don'cha worry, dear. Ah'm sure th' general's got this all under control.
((racial tension))
[/spoilers]
Alright, before you throw me in the dungeon or whatchamacallit, I am here by decree of Gallopfrey to help in exploring unknown adventures. ((wew))
Ryo sighs "You are not mistaken, I am the host of the Disk family, and my research does contain somewhat questionable ethics at times, now that that is out of the way I do have to agree with you, this summons took me by surprise and the details given were vague though I guess it perchance might be due to my researcher background, and my knowledge other than that, I cannot fathom a reason. I'm also curious why they would send such an important and high class pony like yourself on a expedition trip by the sounds"
Star comes walking in the room "My Princess how art thou" He said while bowing
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Nov 23, 09:37:05
Ryo sighs "You are not mistaken, I am the host of the Disk family, and my research does contain somewhat questionable ethics at times, now that that is out of the way I do have to agree with you, this summons took me by surprise and the details given were vague though I guess it perchance might be due to my researcher background, and my knowledge other than that, I cannot fathom a reason. I'm also curious why they would send such an important and high class pony like yourself on a expedition trip by the sounds"
The aristocrat nodded politely. "Only the Royal Sisters know Their own reasons in full, but it would seem that some defense and leadership may be needed on this journey, not only for efficiency but also for practical reasons, and to keep, perhaps, the less-than-trusted from prematurely ending the expedition. Perhaps, for the duration of this journey, Sir Ryo, we may find ourselves relying upon each other much more than anticipated, and as such I would like to personally start off by requesting a sort of alliance for this trip?"
((Star we are outside))
Celestia waits for the rest of the ponies to get the adventure on!
Lil Ann rushes out into the yard. Howdy, yer magesties.
Lil Ann bows.
Luna rushes over to see Lil Ann
Little Ann! What a pleasure to see you again! Hast thou brought cherry pie? And cherry "fritters"?
Darn sure! I also brought us some cherry cake for the road, two boxes for yer magesties.
MUEL! THE LARGEST CARRIDGE FOR LITTLE ANN!
No thanks, yer magesties. I got my own wagon. That is all I need.
Very well then.
Little Ann smiles and greets the others.
Howdy! Anypony hungry?
Sir Clomps-a-Lot follows Lil Ann into the yard. "Sorry I'm late, your highnesses, but I am not too late I see." He bows as he looks over at the wagons and the other ponies. "My, everypony looks unique in their own way," he thought to himself.
Quote from: The Wandering Magus on 2012 Nov 23, 22:32:41
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Nov 23, 09:37:05
Ryo sighs "You are not mistaken, I am the host of the Disk family, and my research does contain somewhat questionable ethics at times, now that that is out of the way I do have to agree with you, this summons took me by surprise and the details given were vague though I guess it perchance might be due to my researcher background, and my knowledge other than that, I cannot fathom a reason. I'm also curious why they would send such an important and high class pony like yourself on a expedition trip by the sounds"
The aristocrat nodded politely. "Only the Royal Sisters know Their own reasons in full, but it would seem that some defense and leadership may be needed on this journey, not only for efficiency but also for practical reasons, and to keep, perhaps, the less-than-trusted from prematurely ending the expedition. Perhaps, for the duration of this journey, Sir Ryo, we may find ourselves relying upon each other much more than anticipated, and as such I would like to personally start off by requesting a sort of alliance for this trip?"
"Hmm well I have no complaints with becoming allies, it might be good for once to be travelling with somepony who might not be as afraid of me for once, due to title"
Two rather unclean looking ponies rushed outside, a guard at their side pointing them to the rows of carriages.
"Ah, thank you, thank you sir. We would have been wandering about that castle for another hour or so . . ."
"Hardly, I expected we'd reach our position soon enough, thank you."
As the ponies made away from the castle shadows, they could be seen as a rather odd pair. A trim mysterious mare nodding her appreciation to the guard, while holding a rather neutral expression. And an excitable, handsome and deathly thin stallion who looked as if he couldn't handle the strain of these proceedings, let alone a trip through uncharted territory.
"The Princess, Clara! You know, I bet they have hoards of knowledge they haven't shared with other pony-kin, magic wise that is and of course Nation wise. I don't expect they share all they know on that . . . but wouldn't it be a wonder to converse with them for just an hour? Even on minor points of magic-theory, they must have enlightening opinions . . ."
"Perhaps . . ." Clara put rather nonchalantly. "But I suspect they would share this knowledge with other unicorns. No good locking it up in one head it's better to spread out such knowledge."
"Maybe other ponies just can't comprehend . . ." Emmit drifted off in thought, that is he was about to, until Clara gave him a rather violent shake.
"The Princess are looking at us, best to make a display of appreciation." Clara knelled in her worn dress. "A pleasure to meet my princess. I do hope all is well gracious rulers and this trip is funded from excess revenue and not as a vital importance to the nation."
Emmit quickly followed suit, mumbling something about their 'profound' knowledge.
"If you will excuse the impertunence; why were we summoned? Other than our request for work we cannot find anything that suggests a willingness to traverse on a long journey." Clara nodded at Emmit and herself. "We fail to see what two magic-theorists, one of them primarily an electrical specialist, will do for your magesties on this great expedition." Clara nodded to the princess withthout lowering her eyes.
Ryo seems a bit shocked by the sound of this new voice
"Please tell me that voice" Ryo turns his head to see the new arrivals
"Clara and Emmitt well, well it's been far too long hasn't it now and now it appears there are more researchers for this ride"
Emmit's ears perked up. Cautiously, he looked about himself as discreetly as possible, until he spotted Ryo.
"Ryo? RYO!? Dear heavens man, what are you doing here?" Emmit jumped up rushing over to his old friend.
"RYO! It is you! Truly man, what ARE you doing here? Not for the expedition. . . " He looked around, in shock. "No, no! You aren't off on this wild journey too, are you ?"
Clara froze in surprise, and managed to get a deathly eye on Emmit and Ryo without raising her head. "Get back down on your knees, the princess, the princessss." She hissed as quietly as she could.
"As eccentric as ever I see Emmitt how have you been, I never would have imagned you two would be summoned as well"Ryo hears the hissing
"umm but on other news Emmitt, me thinks your wanted"Ryo chooses not to make eye contact with Clara due to the fear of being killed by her later
Emmit nodded, not too concerned. "Allright, okay . . . I'll talk to you later. Make sure you make some time for your old firend, okay. This is great! More people to talk to on this trip. He looked thoughtfully at Ryo. "What is this trip about, anyways?"
Clara managed to prod him with her hind leg. "Get down!'
Emmit looked shocked. "Right . . . later Ryo! Prostrating upon his patched elbow-pads, his delicate smile was shining through the dirt.
The general was perturbed by the scholar's impertinence in front of his Goddesses, but nodded with curt approval when they prostrated themselves again and turned back to the sorcerer-knight.
"I am very glad we have reached an understanding, then, Sir Ryo. It is a pleasure to be finally working together with you. Now, who might these two friends of yours be, if I might be so bold as to inquire? Is this not... the researcher from Archmage Starswirl's Academy?"
*****
Aspera flinched slightly at the Night Goddess's command, and kept her head down, doing as she was commanded. Her kind, the mules of Equestria, were used to being ordered around by the "pure" ponies and creatures of the Kingdom. Though some fools resented the treatment and revolted now and then, the majority, including Aspera's family, continued serving quietly and submissively in a sort of daze. "The upright nail is hammered down" was a favorite saying among the mules, and one which they followed in fear and practicality. For her part, the mule was one of the lucky ones. Serving in the castle meant better treatment and less cruel punishments for failure, and though every now and then her friends and family members might be sold to another kingdom or shipped to the far reaches of the inhabited regions, Aspera was thankful for what little she had. As she knelt down to re-grease the axels of the covered wagon, a wooden pendant around her kneck swung a bit into her view, and she smiled a ghost of a smile. "Que será, será," she quietly reminded herself.
(( X3 oh)) Star then looks for everypony outside
"Emmit Tel and Clara Tesla, there both researchers like myself, and there probably one of the few ponys who can keep up with my full train of thought, and the opposite applies to that as well, there a good team, a good choice for a research team"
Star looks around a bit and finds a group of ponies outside with the princesses my dearest princesses yours art sorry yours is is late star bows to the princesses
Quote from: super_chris85 on 2012 Nov 25, 17:55:03
Star looks around a bit and finds a group of ponies outside with the princesses my dearest princesses thy art sorry thy is is late star bows to the princesses
((um, "thy" means "your".))
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Nov 25, 17:46:33
"Emmit Tel and Clara Tesla, there both researchers like myself, and there probably one of the few ponys who can keep up with my full train of thought, and the opposite applies to that as well, there a good team, a good choice for a research team"
The general regarded the couple with greater appreciation. "Indeed? Then I am honored to have them on the journey with us. They should be quite helpful."
(( i only know how to talk like this a little bit so don't judge me :l ))
Quote from: super_chris85 on 2012 Nov 25, 18:21:18
(( i only know how to talk like this a little bit so don't judge me :l ))
((not judging, just pointing out in case the Princesses get insulted by your statement))
((Sorry for taking so long to post on this roleplay had a form of writers block that made it difficult for me to roleplay as Engineer.))
A orange fur and with a long goldenrod mane stallion scrambled to the castle. Thinking (I am so very late the princesses will not be happy. I might be severely punished.)
((so, Ryo and I have been requested by Starsong to GM this game while she's away, so I'll try to do my best!))
The royal guards looked down suspiciously at the late arrival. "Halt! Identify yourself, at once!"
The stallion freezes thinks (oh celestia banish my tardiness.) and then says "Um my name is Engineer machine."
Quote from: Haned tom. on 2012 Dec 01, 22:04:35
The stallion freezes thinks (oh celestia banish my tardiness.) and then says "Um my name is Engineer machine."
The guards look at him suspiciously. "Do you have a summons from Their Majesties?"
((Guess who's happy again. MEEEE~!))
Everypony!Announced CelestiaGet into your wagon with the supplies and begin moving. Thy magesties have royal duties to tend to, When all of thou are ready.
Begin onto this road that leads out into canyon apon canyon. And the mountains stretch as far as eye can see. When you have found the land. Have a bird or Pegasus fly the message back to us here. Then thy magesties will send flags to claim this land! After it is claimed Thou can choose who stays and who leaves. We would like a message on who shall rule over the land. It will still be connected to equestria, but we will need someone to watch over the land whilst thy magesties are busy.
The sisters said this in unison. Celestia smiled and looked over the ponies.
Lil' Ann hopped into a wagon and loaded her supplies on.
LEt's giddy up! Im ready, yeeehah! She jumped and maneuvered her wagon to the front.
Melody was flying around and saw the wagons. She flew silently and hid in Lil' Ann's wagon.
((DO NOT FIND HER until I'm back))
"Well then Fancy we shall converse again when we stop it apears I assume your joining the farming couple on there trip"
Ryo looks over at the other two "Emmit, Clara would you care to accompany me on this waggon we have much to catch up on"
Ryo gets on a waggon
The general bowed to the knight. "It has been an honor, Sir Ryo. Until later, then."
He walked up to the mule, looked back at the farmponies with a raised eyebrow, then nodded to Aspera, who nodded back with a ghost of a smile. "Si, señor."
The wagon began slowly moving, the general walking alongside the mule.
Lil Ann shouted off the wagon
See yah magesties! Yeeehah! Lets get this on the road!
Celestia and Luna waved farewell to the leaving wagons as the departed onto the back road over the canyons and mountains. They trotted back into the castle to preform their royal duties.
((That's the last of Celestia and Luna. (Mwahaha?)))
The roads from canterlot lead into the barren wasteland of canyons. Small shrubs are splattered here and there.
Ryo looks out the back of his wagon (he's at the back of the trail) and watches as the world moves past him
"Well this should be fun, I guess *sigh* let's hope I can make some good note on this trip then"
Then Ryo takes out a notebook and starts to flick through it
Emmit finally fixed his eyes on Ryo, giddy as a school boy with a months of vacation before him. "CAN WE TALK NOW!?" He laughed at his wife. "RYO! Dear MAGIC, man, when was the last time we saw each other? The convention! It must of been that free buffet, with all those ponies. What was it called . . . OH! The universal magic appreciation parade! WHAT ON EARTH WAS IT FOR? Morale, I suspect " Emmit was laughing again.
"NOW, what have you been up to? What are you doing on this trip? And for flying horshoes, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?" Leaning between the gap of carriage he slapped Ryo on the back.
Ryo turns round and looks at the other end of the carrage
"The parade... oh that thing, I don't even remember I think I walked off, since they wanted to put some of us on display, But regardless I've been good research is going well, at this rate I may be able to work more towards the elemental effects. But regardless how have you been, as you said it's been far too long how have you two been, surely the two of you have had a master breakthrough somewhere right"
((Where are we so I can run to that scene... I've had to much school....))
((We are in our wagon going out into the world of dry canyons and tall, snowy mountains.))
Lil Ann sat back in her wagon. I reckon this is gon be a long trip to find happiness.
"Wait! WAIT FOR ME!!!!!" (Darn you TF2.)
Lil Ann stops her wagon causing the others to abruptly stop.
Oh pony feathers! What now?
She looks back
You, mister! You can come join me up here, I aint got no one else to stay with me. You know, besides Melody. (Where the hay is that dang bird?!)
She waves for him to come up to the front.
"Aight, hows the expedition going?" Light asks.
Ehh *shrugs* OKay I'm guess'n. My name's Lil Ann. You can call me Ann. She reaches her hoof out to shake.
Light reciprocates the hoofshake. "Hey, are those ponies ahead over the top rich ponies? Light asks
No idea. Oh! They're on the road! Yyyyeeeehah! Hold on to yer britches! She stops her hoof and the wagon rapidly speeds towards the front again.It slows down and is in front of the others again.
I need to be in front. My momma is a mapper lady. I am following in her footsteps as a mapper lady thing. Lil Ann scribbles on the map filled in with CANTERLOT only.
"Pretty nice map, how'd you get to scribble everything from Canterlot?" Light asks while bringing out his hourglass muttering 'wibbly wobbly timey wimey'
What yall mean? Oh ye mean how I get to map where we are? My momma couldnt come and I was the next best thing.
"I see, ever heard of- (I musn't disturb time) I mean, have you ever been out here yet?"
The general continued walking ahead of the small herd alongside Aspera the mule, his keen military eye taking in every detail of the land as he made a mental map of the place. As he walked, he withdrew a piece of paper from the supplies within the wagon with his magic along with a quill, protractor, compass, hanging mass and other surveying materials and began drawing a detailed map of the area with Equestrian Army notation- strict, accurate, terse, with exact symbols denoting every landmark and contours outlining the gradient of the area. He had not passed through Military Academy and become a General without learning a thing or two about scouting and quick, precise map-making.
Every now and then he would quietly ask Aspera the mule for opinions or advice, despite their extreme difference in social status. Unlike other nobles, the general viewed each and every inhabitant of the Empire as equally valid and equally intelligent, give or take some training and education, and all those who had served under his command back at Canterlot City knew that he expected the same level of respect and understanding among his troops.
NEW DAY:
Location - Desert plateaus
Weather - Not a cloud
Temperature - Blistering hot
Resources? - Only small cacti
---------------------------------------
Lil Ann wipes the sweat beads off of her face. She drinks a small amount of water from her canteen.
My stars it is hot out here. I am sweating like a pig, no offence to any pigs.
"Indeed, Anna, and er, Sir Fancy Pants, how're you doing? I've got water for all of us." Light says
The general took a sip from his canteen and turned to the pony. "I am well, thank you very much. I find it helpful to continue moving in hot conditions. Stay hydrated, everypony. We do not need anypony getting heatstroke in the middle of the desert."
Willow and Hackberry said nothing. The farmponies were still sitting in the wagon, and didn't trust Aspera the mule enough to speak frankly, and there was also a sort of farmpony pride which made them think twice about showing what could be considered a weakness.
Aspera, for her part, did not mind the heat, or if she did, did not show it. She had experienced worse, and in all honesty the small level of freedom in the desert wilderness was a relief compared to her life in the temperate confines of Canterlot.
Ryo says nothing just sat in a dark corner of his wagon, eyes closed almost like he was sleeping but while sat up, as if trying to ignore what was going on around
'Scuse me, sir, my name aint Anna, it's Ann. Lil Ann sighs and sits down on the floor in her wagon.
"Excuse me, I haven't got to know you much. *cough* It is very hot here...'
((Because I don't want to just hide like if she didn't need food or water (cuz she needs these 2 things) ill just say it like this))
Melody was still hiding in Lil Ann's wagon. She didn't drink or eat since they left. The heat immobilized her. She started glowing. (You see the glow) instead of going back to a new-born form, she went back to the egg stage to protect herself.
((I don't know how the wagon is but she's somewhere. You can take the egg. Just take care of it))
"Eh? A glowing... Egg?! Blimey, It must've been a thing-- I like it, it's my egg now."
Lil Ann jumps
Melody! My poor little bird! She grabs the egg Oh no, my beautiful phoenix is down into her little egg form... Sorry but this is my phoenix. Lil Ann rocks the egg in her arms shocked and depressed
"Oh. You COULD have put it in a cage on the top... Anyways, will we encounter a deadly endavor on our adventure?"
I aint got no clue. But I sure am tired as heck. We better eat sumthin' and get to bed.
Do you like pie? Or muffins? Cuz its all I got.
Lill Ann pops out a blueberry muffin and eats it.
"Muffins? I love them!" says Light as he takes out a jar of cookies
"Take them all. I've lot's of them."
The general looked back, and at the panting, tired mules. "Perhaps it would be wise to make camp now? The sun goes down quickly in the desert, and the weather gets very cold at night, regardless of how hot it seems at the moment."
"Of course, we must set camp. I've mediguns. It'll help them. This expidition shall be grand" Says Light to the general
The general nodded. "Very good then. Circle the wagons, ponies. We don't want predators in the camp tonight. Aspera, ayudame por favor."
"Si, Señor."
So speaking, the military stallion gathered the wagons into a somewhat tight circle and laid down a campfire for cooking and keeping warm for the night. Already, the sun was setting, and the extreme arid heat of the day was giving way to an ice-cold chill of night as Luna's Moon began to rise. The howls of coyotes could be heard in the distance.
"urgh its finally let up has it"Ryo begins to poke his head out the wagon
The farmponies got off as quickly as possible to avoid being even closer to the mules than they already were. Hackberry turned to Ryo.
"Aye, ye be right, sir. But don't let the nice breeze fool ye, General doesn't jest at the cold of night. We'd best get close to the fire before it starts getting too cold. And keep an eye on those mules! Ah don't trust the likes of them, never have, never will."
Willow huddled closer to her husband at the mention of the mules, who were now standing only a few hooves' length away shivering in the cold of night. The general was standing near them, saying something in their strange tongue.
"I don't understand what that stallion sees in them. They're half-breeds! They're not even ponies!"
"I prefer the cold and the coolness of night, much nicer, also I must say there are better things to distrust than simple helpers you know, for example the things that call in the night"Ryo starts walking off a bit laughing slightly evilly as he walks
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Dec 10, 18:28:31
"I prefer the cold and the coolness of night, much nicer, also I must say there are better things to distrust than simple helpers you know, for example the things that call in the night"Ryo starts walking off a bit laughing slightly evilly as he walks
The mare shrank even closer to her husband as the farmpony rolled his eyes.
*****
"<You are all well?>"
"<The night's chill will come as always, but we have shouldered worse. Thank you for your concern, good friend.>"
"<If you ever feel your lives or health is in danger, do not hesitate to tell me. It is my responsibility to keep all safe and well.>"
"<We shall. The camp is set up, and the wagons have been circled. We will defend the camp from the coyotes tonight.>"
"<Thank you, Abigarrado. I will stand by your side as well tonight. Let us hope there will be no need for fighting today.>"
"<The Moon alone knows what will fare. Let us hope She continues to protect our race as she protects yours, friend.>"
"<If She does not, I will give my portion of protection to your race, friend.>"
Ryo just looks around slightly humming to himself a simple tune, quite light almost like a lullaby yet with a minor dark tone
Emmit had been scratching away at paper all day and when the first touch of chill hit him, he had ignored it. Or perhaps it was better to say he hadn't notice it, whatever the case, he felt it now. "BLASTED COLD! This change of temperature is upsetting my rheumatism, Clara!" And he was indeed rubbing his hooves together in a pained manner. "Now, why do I do this? It only makes them feel worse!"
"Come here, Emmit, I've gotten the bath all heated up for you." A chain of yellow strings traced around her horn, disipating as soon as they could be seen. She smiled at her incompetent husband. "Sit down and have a soak, it'll do you good. You can continue working on THIS, later." She pushed the papers into a small drawer.
Emmit mumbled a little, giving her a small peck on the forehead. "Thanks there, old-filly, anticipating my needs before I know them myself." He then affixed his full attention to Ryo. "OY! You blackguard, you want a bath? My wife is a mircale worker with the water, it'll make you feel years younger!" He was already half submerged and ladling hot water where-ever he could reach.
* * *
Clara had found herself occupied, the general was busy conversing with the mules and they were staying seperate from the main body of the camp. With a cocked eyebrow and a flick of her dark hair she was besides them, speaking in their own tongue, fluently.
"What is this? Did I hear you correctly, coyotes? Alone? Listen here you self-rightous louts, if you think you'll be taking defense of us you'd best get your heads in line." She looked around quietly. "If we die, we die together." She thumped one of the mules on the back and gave the general a nasty glare, switching back into plain pony.
"I'd suggest you don't give them reason to get themselves killed, they have as much right to be here as you or I. I've seen how you ponies treat these mules, it's beyond despicable." She nodded coldly. "Perhaps you'll learn soon, general, class destintions fall away quite quickly when you are on the line together. I don't like you, the others are ignorant and maybe they can come around but you . . . encouraging them to go and die for us, you sir are despicable." She flicked herself around, re-joining the bustle of the camp.
The general just smiled and shook his head. "<And that is the danger of making assumptions, ¿no?>"
The mules smiled as well. "<Si, señor... but in this case, the assumptions would otherwise be well-founded with any other, I am sorry to say. She seems to be una mujer honesta. If we have another opportunity, and she is willing to speak with us as she did just now, we mules will tell her the actual truth about vuestra merced, señor. It is only natural, after the many things you have done for us and endured for us, good friend.>"
The general smiled. "<Gracias, Abigarrado.>"
"<Es un placer, señor. And it is a relief to us to meet another who could become as much of a friend to our kind as you have been.>"
"<Let us hope her convictions and those of her husband stay strong, and what she says comes true. I wish every day that the Sisters would see the folly of such things as racial supremacy. A good leader judges solely by ability and merit, not species. Perhaps one day, Equestria will accept all creatures as equally valuable.>"
The mule smiled. "<Y posiblemente, vuestra merced will be the spark which lights the fire of equality in your land, señor.>"
Ryo pauses his humming
"thanks for the offer but I'm fine, I think I'll enjoy the cold air a bit longer, far better than this heat, hot temperatures always make me feel more useless somehow"
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Dec 12, 17:35:36
Ryo pauses his humming
"thanks for the offer but I'm fine, I think I'll enjoy the cold air a bit longer, far better than this heat, hot temperatures always make me feel more useless somehow"
Emmit laughed, a jovial reverberation. "You, sod! Fine, fine but get your rump over here, I haven't recieved a satisfactory ammount of conversation from you! I'd like to hear more about your recent journeys and . . . He looked around, pretending to be sly. "Your latest magio-theories! I'd love to hear all about them. You haven't stumbled upon anything of interest, have you?"
"haha why not ahh its been a while since somepony has listened to my research, most go off screaming or shouting witch, though I must say sometimes its fun playing into the role"
Ryo sits down next to emmit
Ryo takes out a small bag and tips it out a few cards pieces of paper no bigger than one of a small notebook fall out wrapped up like scrolls
"This is the result of some of my most recent work "
He unravelled one of the scrolls and a the page is covered in runic letters written in oddly blue letters, uncommon from most inks
"you might be able to guess what these do, something so simple yet ingenious in my opinion"
"Looks like a scroll of protrection, to me. Looks like you are pretty well supplied there . . . He gazed down at the many scrolls. "WELP, I'd suggest you step back friend, I'm getting out of the water and I don't want to drench you." He laughed happily.
* * *
Tesla had just gathered up some of her newest 'electric-heaters' and trotted back over to the mules.
"Here, my bull-headed friends. I've brought you heat, they'll die every hour though I haven't perfected the regulation and re-use of electricity yet. So you'll have to come get me when the heat starts to fade."
She spaced them out for the mules and with her keen expertise on Electric magic . . . charged the heaters.
"I'll be there . . ." She pointed to her husband. "Forgive me for not staying with you but I have other ponies I must care and watch over."
And again, Clara was away.
"Probaly a good idea" Ryo lifts the scrolls back into his bag and moves back "and you are correct Ive finaly found a way to condence levels of my magic into paper form, its far smaller than a scroll and it removes the cast time for it, well sort of"
Light thinks; "This technology is primitive, not much like in Gallopfrey, then again this is olden. I'd have to suggest keeping technology out here..."
Light speaks softly, "Well, it's very hot. We're nearing the bloody cold mountains.... Might as well give jackets to everypony."
As Light hands them out jackets they near the mountains
"I'll pass if you don't mind, I much prefer the cold to the heat, far nicer weather"Ryo looks toward Emmit "Now then I can tell from that smug expression of yours so, spill what have you found"
The mules looked after the mare as she left again, then huddled around the heater. Abigarrado opened up a space for his friend the General to join them, and the stallion nodded his thanks as he came among them.
((Let's see if we can drag some life back shall we))
As Ryo awaits the response from Emmit, he hears the sound of a snapping dry branches, and his normal calm look, turns glancing around the area as if something was there watching, yet nothing to be seen except the darkness of night and the only light the soft flickering of the fire
"My imagination.. no was it one of the group, Clara and that Doctor are the only two moving around but there's nothing there to create that sound"
Ryo continues to glance around his expression taken a serious glare as if looking for an answer but looking a fearsome while doing so
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Dec 22, 20:20:16
((Let's see if we can drag some life back shall we))
As Ryo awaits the response from Emmit, he hears the sound of a snapping dry branches, and his normal calm look, turns glancing around the area as if something was there watching, yet nothing to be seen except the darkness of night and the only light the soft flickering of the fire
"My imagination.. no was it one of the group, Clara and that Doctor are the only two moving around but there's nothing there to create that sound"
Ryo continues to glance around his expression taken a serious glare as if looking for an answer but looking a fearsome while doing so
Clara's bright eyes caught hold of movement, off in the dry brambles of the devil-root and the skeletal saguoro. Something was most certainly moving. Clara quickly sent some electrical impulses through her brain, dilating her pupils to their full extent. The slight refraction of the crescent moon was more than enough for a full view of the scenery. But even with her enhanced vision Clara was barely able to spot them . . .
Creatures were stalking out there, wolves the color of coal; their dark coats blending them into the night, shadows prowling the midnight hours. Then a spark of red flame flew out of their hard coats, a bright flame that blinded Clara's, now, extremelly sensitive eyes.
"GAH!" She sputtered before shouting to the rest of the group. "Creatures, creatures surrounding the camp. EVERY-ONE AWAKEN! TO HOOFS, TO HOOFS!
"I hate it when I'm right" Ryo glances around the surrounding area "there close but there still time. Everypony to the centre NOW. I don't have time to set up a strong barrier before they get to close"
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Dec 23, 16:22:01
"I hate it when I'm right" Ryo glances around the surrounding area "there close but there still time. Everypony to the centre NOW. I don't have time to set up a strong barrier before they get to close"
Clara released her small spell, blinking rapidly but making her way towards the voice successfully. "RYO, that's you right? There's something strange about these creatures, they look at black as coal . . . but something came off one of them. Something very, very bright."
Clara brushed out her eyes. "There coming in a semi circle Ryo, they've got us half surrounded."
* * *
Then, out of the clear silence of the dark night, several blaring sounds could be heard, the sound of great blazing fire. And bright lights flew up all around the camp. Wolves sauntered into the camp, but no wolves the like these ponies had ever seen . . . their fur was licked red with flame, NO, their fur WAS flame. Blazing and sparking and tearing through the silent night. Fire wolves . . .
"Fire.. elemental magic... no this seems to natural GRAHHHHHHH no time to think about this now, we need to keep them away from the wagons and at a better bet the fire itself"
Ryo takes one of the paper pages he showed Emmit earlier and chants a small phrase
"Shadow word Bind"Out of the shadows cast by the surrounding wolves black shadowy chains burst out of nothingness binding two of the wolves
"Ill keep working on something just keep them back for now, unless you have a plan"
Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2012 Dec 23, 16:54:38
"Fire.. elemental magic... no this seems to natural GRAHHHHHHH no time to think about this now, we need to keep them away from the wagons and at a better bet the fire itself"
Ryo takes one of the paper pages he showed Emmit earlier and chants a small phrase
"Shadow word Bind"Out of the shadows cast by the surrounding wolves black shadowy chains burst out of nothingness binding two of the wolves
"Ill keep working on something just keep them back for now, unless you have a plan"
"Keep them back . . . I'm not sure electructing these creatures will do anything, but I'll try."
Electrical currents swam around her horn and after a moment or two a great electric arc hit one of the wolves, then it bounced to one other but with significantly less volume. Clara shook her head.
"It's not going to work Ryo, their coats . . . their bodies, beneath the fire, aren't conductive. They don't have synaptic patters like us. Basically they don't use electric impulses to control their body, my electric magic won't work." Clara's face contorted as she pushed through ideas as quickly as she could. "I can . . . put up a minor force barrier, enough to keep one side of the caravan protected but . . ."
One of the unrestrained wolves interupted her, yowling out a large plume of fire, catching one of the outer wagons, ablaze.
"NO!" Clara jumped forward with a elegant flick of her horn. The fire detached itself from the wagon and flew off into the desert, leaving behind slightly chared wood and tarp.
"We need to act NOW, Ryo, we don't have time to think!"
Clara played out a small magical circle with her hooves, standing on her hind legs, a slight shimmering began to appear on the eastern side of the camp, a slightly distorted space. And sure enough when a wolf moved forward to jump into the camp it was stopped by the barrier, colliding full force in the air.
Clara flinched. "DO something, I can't just spit out random magics like this, I'm skilled in ELECTRIC magic Ryo, you know this!" And sure enouh the strain was evident in her posture and sweat trickling down the back of her neck
"Alright Ill deal with protection then, were not exactly the best elements to be dealing with flame, we would need water or air magic to deal with it at this scale Gah no choice"
Ryo closes his eyes for a moment as his horn glows crimson red
"Niger verba oblitus secreta audire verba mea in tenebris tuis litteris formatum in nomine meo verba conflantur Umbra verbum DISSAEPTUM"
((In case you're curious about what I said))
"Black words of forgotten secrets hear my words in the darkness your letters formed in my name the words are forged Shadow word Barrier"
Runes and letters form around the caravans and tents creating small circles with glowing words unreadable to normal ponys as Ryo's eyes open again as he pants slightly
"That shall hold them off momentarily and since we cant win with numbers think you could handle an intimidation attack"
"INTIMIDATION? Are we going to bluff our way out of this?" Clara paused, looking to the wolves already moving around the wall of force. "I suppose we don't have any other options, but if this doesn't work . . . we are going to be in a mess of trouble." Clara forced her horn backwards, much like a fisher reeling in a fish, and after a long second, she unfroze herself and ran towards the camp fire. Behind her the light refracted in a thousand directions, as her strange barrier shattered and collapsed in on itself.
Her heart beat in her brain, the ammount of magical exhaustion she was already feeling . . . Could she pull off a thunder-clap? Would it matter if she did? But there was no other alternative at the moment, Ryo and herself could keep the wolves from harming the ponies, but it wasn't possible to protect all the carriages and belongings and without those they would die anyways.
So, the decision was made, as she skid into the coals of the fire. "Here we go, not my specilization, but we don't have any other options . . ."
With a circular twist, the flames jumped into the air, floating above the camp ominously. Then, with a quick jabbingly lunge from clara, the flames burst blue, then white, then expanded so quickly it couldn't be seen . . . A small thunderstorm appeared, a storm without clouds, rain or hail; a thunderstorm composed of only lightning and deafening thunder.
Several spearing blasts of elecrticity scoarched the earth about the camp, tremendous mind-shattering blasts of noise punche into the ponies' ears. After only a few seconds it was over with and Clara was done, struggling to even lift her head, unable to see if the strategy had worked and the wolves had been driven away.
"Tisk only half fine my turn" Ryo glares at Emmit "Emmit get back and see to Clara, and trust me you may want to close your eyes to what is about to happen"
Ryo closes his eyes once more the bindings on the two wolves faded as most are shaken most have run off back into the night but some still standing strong looking at the ponies what appear to be there prey , as Ryo focuses his magic the ground around him now warping covering itself in darkness from the centre of Ryo to a circle only the flickering lights of the wolves soon remain
"Shadow form, Beast"
The shadows form and twist spiralling up changing it shape and forming a shadowy form of a large chimera with glowing crimson eyes as an echoing roar sounds
Emmit had fallen prone to the ground, such a sudden series of shocking sounds, they had knocked him straight prone. "Right, don't you worry about Clara, Ryo. I'll make sure she's fine. Just keep those wolves at bay from us, please.
Emmit sprinted his way towards his beloved wife, halfway there he felt the diming of lights, around him and then the horrible roar. Even with his back turned a chill crept up his spine, into his brain. He knew what Ryo was famous for, but he'd never delt with the darker shades of his magic; this, was obviously one of them.
Crouching down with limbs numb with fear and a tongue gangly with horror, he managed to coax reasuring nothings into Clara's ears. "We'll be fine sweet, you've done wonderfuly, most the wolves have scampered off and I'm sure the rest are gone now. Ryo will take care of the rest . . . Ryo will take care of the rest. He gently stroked her shaking head, rolling her over into a more comfortable position.
Clara's eyes were filled with terror, not only was she completly unable to move . . . she had never felt THIS ammount of incapacitation before, it was demoralizing. . . Her mouth shook a couple times, but didn't manage to open it or make any sound.
Emmit continued comforting the imobile mare, until he had nerve enough to look around . . . the wolves were gone, the night was silent, once more and only the soft charing of the wagon and the dissaperance of the fire suggested something happened there that night.
As the wolves flee Ryo collapses his hind legs giving in to his own weight, the light now returned and Ryo panting
"I wasn't expecting to ... use... so ...much energy in.... one go. I Is everypony o.. o...ok"
Ryo falls over hitting his side on the ground losing his senses his vision burred still awake but unable to move
"I should have used a seal.. than my ... own ...energy"
- And time passed -
The next morning, a hot sun rose over the open desert, baking the ponies awake. Emmit had sat with Ryo and Clara all night, helping lull them both into a restful slumber.
Emmit pulled the tarp over the opening of the wagon, keeping as much of the burning light from hitting those distraught ponies. Finally, Emmit spoke, his words drentched in exhaustion and worry " Are . . . you two, alright?
Clara didn't speak, even through the burning rise of the sun, she was still fast asleep.
Ryo sits up a bit
"yea I'm alright "
As Ryo goes to push himself back up he slips and falls into a slump
"Well I will be I guess, I just over did it a tad, how's Clara and the others, I blanked out a bit after that last spell"
"She's fine, I think. It seems like she's just resting and I'm not suprized. . . He stopped and looked up at Ryo. "You two really exhausted yourselves, but you did what you set out for . . . the wolves ran away. No-pony was harmed and the only damage done was from that original fire wolf, the one that charred the wagon? Emmit shook his delicate head.
"The group wants to move, we don't want to be caught unaware by those wolves, again. I think it IS advisable that you move, one of the mules has agreet to assist in pulling the wagon as Clara is unconscious . . . ."
With that Clara took a great in-take of air and sat up suddenly. "No, NO! I-I won't condone it . . ." But she slumped back down as soon as she sat up.
Emmit quickly took up the chance . " One day, Clara, you can't power the carriage today and you KNOW I can't pull the thing. Alonzo Mane consented to assit us for the day, it was unbelievably generous. You can repay him but he's stated that you have already helped him immensly . . .
Clara shook her head stubbornly, but didn't move or make further complaint. . .
Hackberry slowly woke up, then clutched his pitchfork as memories of the previous night rushed back.
They came like a pack of timberwolves, with which they were in all likelihood related. He could see it in their eyes, they were here for blood. All his prayers went to Luna that they might at least survive the night as the creatures charged forward, snarling like the animals they were.
His pitchfork skewered the first one that came at Willow, and the butt of the staff took care of the next, but they kept coming, one after another, like rabbits smoked out of a burrow. As far as he could tell, there was no end to them, and the only thing he could do was fight and pray.
Another down, a pair of hateful eyes quenched, for the moment. The problem with these sorts was that they just kept coming back, the wood, or fire in this case, reforming around the spirit that indwelt them. He hadn't bothered getting his pitchfork blessed, but now he wish he did.
A massive, flaming claw drove him down and onto his back, the wild jaws snapping as he desperately stabbed the thing in the neck to keep it at bay, not that stabbing did any good. In the madness of the moment, he couldn't see quite what happened, but suddenly the thing was hit by some sort of medicine pouch, and went off howling into the darkness.
Turning, he saw Willow stooped and gasping, a glint in her eyes that would have made the roughest thug in Appleloosa back down. She had several pouches filled with some sort of concoction, an ancient and mysterious recipe passed down by her family for generations. Alchemy wasn't just for healing wounds.
As the wolves began circling the new threat, a giant one, almost Hackberry's size, leaped forward, but was knocked back by a golden glow. Whipping his head around to see who it was, the farmpony was almost knocked back as Lord Fancy Pants rushed past, plowing into the fray followed by a pack of mules. Suddenly, the farmpony had a much, MUCH greater respect for the dirty freaks than before, and as he looked at his wife he could tell that she, too had a change of heart.
They fought like creatures who had nothing to lose, so long as they followed their leader. The General was like that, able to garner a loyalty unmatched by any other save the Princesses thanks to his undying loyalty in return to his own troops. Blow by blow, step by step, the wolves were driven back until the three other fighting unicorns, the sorcerer and the two scientists, drove back the creatures.
The aftermath was surprisingly light for the camp, but the same could not be said of the mules. No-PONY had been harmed, but many a mule suffered burns and scars they would bear the rest of their days, regardless of the brave protests they gave when offered help. Willow quietly went from one to the next, humbled by the gallant show of courage and loyalty by the same creatures she had been hating and despising just several hours ago. She tended them as she would have tended her own foals, and not a few mules were saved permanent scarring that day.
Hackberry, for his part, went forward and apologized personally to each of the brave warriors for his attitude.
The vigil went long into the night, and the morning would dawn on a great change...*****
The General came to consciousness as he felt rough, unshorn fetlocks brush his muzzle. Opening his eyes with some difficulty considering the crusted blood on his forehead, he realized it was Aspera, who was gently binding his wounds. "<
A->"
He coughed roughly, clutching his chest instinctively. The mule placed a hoof on his lips and shushed.
"<The wounds are not extreme, but it would be best not to speak until these bindings are finished,
Señor. The wolves have been driven back. We mules owe you much after what you did for us last night.>"
The General leaned back again, allowing the mule to continue tending to him. Slowly, some memory of the night came back to him.
The fire wolves had attacked the outer perimeter first, of course. The mules did their best to fend off the creatures with what primitive magic the Goddesses had gifted their race with, but of course it was not enough. He remembered the blazing eyes of the pack leader, a hideous thing the size of a full-grown stallion, with some strange magic of his own.
He had learned some of the lore concerning desert warfare in his training, but any soldier worth his salt knew that a twenty-five to one was an impossible fight on open ground. The General used every trick in the book, from magic missiles and shields to earthquakes and whirlwinds, but there were too many, all attacking at once. When they breached the defenses and began attacking the wagons, the mules rushed to help, but were set ablaze by the wolves. In desperation, the General had drawn all the fire onto himself, and thrown his own body into the pack leader. So that was why his breathing was so difficult.He opened his eyes slowly, taking in the damage. The area around his chest had received third degree burns, and there were lacerations all over his body, thankfully away from the vital organs. The burning claws had instantly cauterized the wounds, fortunately, but there was no doubt that the damage would take a long time to heal, if they ever completely healed.
"<Aspera... the camp, did...?>"
"<The camp is safe,
Señor. None were lost today. Thanks to you, Ryo, Clara and Emmit.>"
Tears of relief finally came to the General's eyes as he allowed himself some rest once more. Regardless the damage to his own body, he had done his part. He had protected his followers.
*****
Willow had tended the mules all night, her mind reeling with the knock her beliefs had taken. Every prejudice she held in her heart was disproved in a few short hours of battle, and as she apologized repeatedly to the mules, each in turn gave her the most beautiful smile. She couldn't believe that she had believed such lies about these brave souls.
By the time she got to the General, she had tended about twenty mules altogether, and had seen enough burns and scars to last a lifetime. Aspera, as she learned the mule nurse was called, had done a good job binding the fallen warrior's wounds, but did not have quite as much experience with serious burns. Willow gently poured a few precious drops of her great-grandmother's special blend of herbs and potions onto the wounds, and the mule openly wept tears of joy as the scars slowly healed before her eyes, the fur growing back at a magical pace as the potion worked its way into the General.
All ponies and mules accounted for, the tired mare allowed herself to look up, and caught her breath a bit. The sun was rising.
A new day had come.