Legends of Equestria - Forum

Sign-up:
http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=6423.0
OOC: 
http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=6426.0
Compendium:
http://forum.legendsofequestria.com/index.php?topic=6624.0

[Story, Half-verse]:
  All ye ponies listen here, I'll tell you the story of Queen Leimus of Pastoring.  The Queen of great valor skill and grace, who rose to bring much glory to her ponies. She sought the right to rule by love and banish fear forever-more. Her heart was large, her wisdom clear . . . but darkness befell her land of green.

  The seven stars, lite long ago, across the roaming planes of wheat; brought light and love and hope and growth for the world the Queen did live within. Pastoring the place was called, pastoring of green. The wheat and oats grew well within the ground so softly tilled. But soon enough the lights did fade and ponies fell to darkness, where only one was left alight, the star of the north. Though bright she was without her sisters the crops would die and fall. . .

  So here dear ponies young and tall, is the never ending call. Your queen needs fealty and your strong will to overcome this catastrophe. Take arms, bring love and courage more, for whence you set out from here . . .  it may be years till ye return, with the queen we love so dear.

[Story]:
  The 'stars' of Pastoring are dieing, go out with your group of ponies and scale the highest mountains, travel beneath the boundless waves, get to each star in turn and re-light the hearts of the world. Without their glorious rays Pastoring will not last long. Do your best to keep Queen Leimus safe, without her Pastoring will be a much differnt land.


* * *


[Story Partial-verse]
  And ponies came from every dale, every town and every state. The ponies of Hillsberugh, Yorkenshare and Pitelsbar. Ponies all around the great kingdom of Pastoring. They knew the consequences, the danger that might become . . . if every star did lose it's light . . . the darkness evermore; but with the soft shining hue of the Northern beacon the ponies did away, and come they upon the Palace bright, the queen's home and court.

  And guards called down to each and every: "Anon, anon, a pony there! He must be here to see the queen! Let him in, quick as fire, the queen will soon be making speech!"

  Pass they did under arches of gold and rose the porticlus of silver marble. Inside the silver water of the 35 fountains flowed just beyond the stone barricades and the plants had only just begun to wilt, their eternal summer finally winter and soon perhaps only darkness.

Though foreboding shadows lay about them strong they stood, a hundred or more, outside the queen's palace, her door stood wide and courtiers flocked, they beckoned the heroes within.

  The time of Pastoring's greatest danger was here.
 

[Story Partial-Verse]

  The queen did rise before the ponies, and bestowed her words upon the potential heroes. "Anon, my fellows, anon, anon! The time has come where time is scarse. We must be quick to save our world, the light burns itself away." Her royal hoof did quake in fear, anxiety and desperate hope. "So my friends, do gather round, help yonder coutnry and again we may have bright meadows of flowers and trees of widest girth. But I fear our time may be ending, without your assistance." And the royal queen's voice shook in fear.

The courtiers nodded, their swift accent of hooves to backs and praises echoed around the room.  "Together heroes, together go! The queen will show the way! With friend and scout, fight beast and foe but protect her queen from danger. For if she fell where would we stand? The royal line would shatter and our hope of time, of kindly rule would fall down to the sewage."

Then young colt Maiju took confident step forward, holding the braiser of star-glow fire, whitish blue with sparkling jems of colors here and further. "This is our key to save the world, from the Northern star herself!" And his hoof flew upwards in confirmation, the north star shining above the throne, the sight to confirm all leaders' rule.

  He smiled, his smile, soft and daisy at the queen so fair and bright. "Your heighness I shall bear this flame to return our light, but should I fail let others grab for the braiser here. For if not then our pony world will surely turn to night."

And the queen did nod her brilliant head and turn upon the heroes. "My friends and subjects we must pledge, to save this world we hold so dear, to use the light for naught but the stars and to hold our hearts as true as the day we wish to return. These oaths I must pull from you if you are to come with me, else leave right now and pray for us, your departed company."

The courtiers stood, mouths agape, would the ponies take the call? The chance to save their land, or would they neglect their duty?

Jenkens stood before the queen listening to what she had to say the stars and skys the mission was important but his mind had not delayed no sooner had he said the line
"Wellp I ant got no quarms with lending my assistance, heck how can one decline such a rare request"  

And with that he had agreed to help with only a bases to go on

Scarlet stood within the crowd, gently passing by others to near the front. Would she rather stay in her cozy home, lolling around the fancy manor while others sought to save the very land she was standing in, or join them. The scarlet coated unicorn waited at the front, making up her mind.

Liaisa had listened to the queen's words. The lands were in danger and no amount of praying would save them, only action would help. She whispered a poem to herself, inaudible to the ponies around her, which filled her with confidence. She raised her head and walked forward through the crowd of ponies who didn't seem to want to help.

After some squirming and pushing, Liaisa found herself at the front of the crowd. "I would gladly serve to save the kingdom, My Queen. No words of wisdom can help at times like these. It's actions that will restore the lands." She said and bowed down.

Quote from: Ryo_D_Disk on 2013 Jan 26, 15:30:29
Jenkens stood before the queen listening to what she had to say the stars and skys the mission was important but his mind had not delayed no sooner had he said the line
"Wellp I ant got no quarms with lending my assistance, heck how can one decline such a rare request"  

And with that he had agreed to help with only a bases to go on

The queen did lay her hoof, a delicate blossom upon the wrinkled brow of the pony who did speak his fealty. "Then swear on the words, noble sir. Swear the words I did share: To save this world we hold so dear, to use the light for naught but the stars and to hold our hearts as true as the day, we wish to return"

  She nodded her head, encouragement personaified and her bright eyes brought the elder pony into her kind heart. "To save this world we hold so dear . . ." Her whisper soft and sure.


* * *


Then the queen's eyes did fall upon another of outstanding virtue, and her smile shone bright as the star above her. "Come then, brave souls, together we shall take the oath, we'll take this quest as dear! I'll swear upon the Northern Star, the guide of leaders' from the beginning of time. And in this time we shall wave the rule that keeps this oath so binding: Only the leaders may swear upon this star . .  . we shall change to leaders and the heroes who serve the light!"

An uproar, nay a cacophony rose, the courtiers shouting with earnest distress. But even so . . . the advisors took note, the queen pronounced and soon it would be. Slowly an elder, Sir Delphine rose; his cane planted firmly upon the stone. He rose his eyes, both blind and soft from whence tears might still run in times of horror. And this they did now, soft globes of emotion to fall and splash, he rose his voice to make it heard. "Nay, my friend, nay be still! The queen's words are wise beyond compare. The light will hold the heroes to their pledge, for to break such a pledge will surely be death.

Silence fell and eager eyes fell upon the two ponies, would they pledge their lives and all others to the light?

Scarlet saw one other pony go up, to stand. She figured she may do it herself, but upon hearing that if she would ever break the pledge, her life would be taken, she stopped.

Jenkens nodded in agreement and forced his way from his accent to say the phrase
"To save this world we hold so dear, to use the light for naught but the stars and to hold our hearts as true as the day, we wish to return."

"What life would we live without the light? I'd rather give up on my life, trying to restore it, than cower away and hope. What would I hope for if nopony takes action? Nothing." She looked away and sighed, but looked back up with a raised head as she spoke: "To save this world we hold so dear, to use the light for naught but the stars and to hold our hearts as true as the day we wish to return. "

Scarlet stepped up, making her mind. "I.. Also want to take the oath."

  [Story, Partial-verse] 
  And after the two brave souls did come forth, those who were known for their heroics took the long two steps forward. The queens eyes alite as her champions stepped to their duty. "Ser Williger, Ser Edwards, Lord Carmain, Lord Clancy! My fine champions, my friends. Will you come?"

"We shall your heighness for the sake of ponydom, for the sake of the world." Lord Carmin nodded forth. "Let me swear upon the star . . ." And Lord Carmin did take the oath.

One by one the champions stepped forward to take the oath but none had the courage to be the first or second to swear the pledge. That honor would always be Jenkens and Liasia's.

And the queen's pearly tears fell upon the cold stone floor. "We have the strength here, my comrades, here." Her hooves feel upon the star, the stone walls and her own heart. "Most certainly, here." Her hoof landing upon Jenkens breast. "Light will once again shine upon our land."

Then the queen's four pages did sprint from the private quarters, her fine armor of pearly alicorn as polished and embroided with gold as the day it was made. In-front of the congregation the four pages donned her grace's holy armor, her brilliant eyes alight with the divine star-fire. The courtiers sighed and even the Champion's eyes went wide in suprize. Nary had the group seen the fine armor of the past leaders and only the champions had seen the queen in her fine steel, training armor.

"Do you have armor to keep you safe, my brave heroes?" And her grace's eyes fell upon Jenkens and Liasia once again.

"Alas, My Queen, I do not." She said and lowered her head. "I am but a simple mare and there never was a need for armour in my life."

Quote from: Coffee Rush on 2013 Jan 26, 17:39:31
Scarlet stepped up, making her mind. "I.. Also want to take the oath."

"Will you now, my noble friend." A cold voice did echo forth, it was Ser Williger and his scorn was all quite crystal clear. "I'd like to have you hear it and not just take your word, for the queen's protection and this lands' safety are my highest priority." But perhaps Ser Williger did not speak true, his words as sharp as glass. In truth he sounded cynical and possibly not true.

* * *

Quote from: Chirp on 2013 Jan 26, 17:52:27
"Alas, My Queen, I do not." She said and lowered her head. "I am but a simple mare and there never was a need for armour in my life."

Then the queen did rise the mare's head, before it had fully dropped. "Nay, my hero, do not let your head fall in shame, to not have wealth is no sin." And here her eyes were filled with sorrow as she almost seemed ashamed. "Perhaps to have is more of sin, and to ask of such as you was wrong. But you shall have the armor, fine armor for true, though it may not be of much avail if never you have trained . . ."

  And the queen's heart did drop that day, for most who volunteered must be those who took no code of chivilary. "I shall postpone our crusade, to train and teach and learn my knights names." And her sadness seemed a notch more as she ushered the next words. "Those who do take the oath shall recieve the status of a knight and all the benefits along."

  Her eyes went dark as many a pony stepped forth to take the offer, quickly swearing to the great star their fealty and truth.

The queen layed a caring hoof upon Liasia's shoulder and with one last affectionate glance she was upon her dias. "Then listen here, you ponies, those that might swear and those that have, tomorrow gather here once more. We'll take your names, your oaths and hooves and mark them well for our noble cause. Take lodging in the town just now and training begins upon the morrow."

And the queen did make her path away, back to her living quarters. The decree set, the ponies told thus, they were issued from the hall by the flock of nervous courtiers.

"wellp Im afraid us farmer types dont tend to carry such lucturys no more and a oooold leather set i used to own crumbed during my merchenting days *sigh* those were the days"

....

"hmm no where did that dar magisty go bah took to long nat as quick as a i used to be he he heee"

Scarlet stepped up, ready to take the oath. "To save this world we hold so dear, to use the light for naught but the stars and to hold our hearts as true as the day, we wish to return."

"Well der Missy it appears I wasn't de only one late with da responce dough those der officials look mighty keen to say der word"

Liaisa smiled as the Queen spoke to her. The queen's words were wise and her voice sincere. But Liaisa's face began to show a frown and signs of anger and despise when others stepped forward to take the oath, but only after The Queen had promised rewards.

"Despicable how the tides have turned. They'd rather watch the darkness befall upon their lands than take action. As if the land isn't worth anything, no. Not to them." She thought to herself and gazed upon the "volunteers". But soon her eyes fell upon the only stallion whose words and intentions were true and pure. An old farmer, judging by the cutiemark. "Of course he would. What else does he have?"
((Cool. Worried about that. Please be more specific about who you contact next time.  ^-^ ))

((just a minor inturaption you know i was refering to Coffee in my last statement right more of a joke scince we both spoke after the queen had left))

Scarlet let out a small sigh, remaining in silence.

Quote from: Coffee Rush on 2013 Jan 26, 19:09:21
Scarlet let out a small sigh, remaining in silence.

The powerful hoof of Ser Williger had gripped onto Scarlet's leg. "I see your game, miss." He whispered harshly as she was pressed towards the exit. "Wait till the queen does leave, then make your promise, eh? Or perhaps you were hoping for what she promised shortly aferwards . . . that gripe about land and title. Just know, you'll have to swear those words in-front of a court, my dear. Words binding by law and spirit. I hope you think very carefully about that miss." Then Sir Williger's stern pressure was let loose, Scarlet was free . . . outside of the castle.

  Ser Williger's cold eyes passed into the crowd of ponies, moving out of leering range.

Grassblade looked sadly after the leaving Sir Williger, wondering if such anger always gripped his heart.  He looked over at Scarlet, wanting to play a jest to bring her courage, but also knowing the time and place for such an act was not now.

Scarlet murmured something to herself. She had repeated it from memory. The entire mob of ponies had heard it, thus why she recited it.

Jenkens walks up to Scarlet and Sir willger standing up for her
"Now now no need to be harsh to the lady, The words were said with meaning so wat if she didn't answer in time, Heck I blanked for a moment to when she spoke dat dont affect whats happened right, Heck I think i could trust her , im sure the queen will to when she does return"

  But Ser Williger had made his say and he passed away, ignoring the comments from the old man, or possibly not hearing in the first place. A ruffle of black velvet fluttering along the ponies rump, the emblem of the queen stiched at hoof level, false fur curled about the emblem and hem.

"sorry missy I tried" Jenkens said to himself "Weeelp der aint any harm in talking to those fine foaks "

Jeknens approaches one of the lords Sir Edwards to be precise though he didn't really care to whome he was addressing
"Well greetings there fella care to ramble on with a old stallion here, heck im sure youve got some interesting tings to say"

Scarlet watched the old farmer. And listened to him talk from a distance.

Grassblade looked around, and for lack of a better thing to do, began juggling apples between his wings and nose.

[Story Half-verse]
Time did pass and still the Northern star shone bright and strong. A Fair morrow had come and the congregation was to meet. The chime of crystal from yonder town did declare the time as true. The great crystal clock, the crystal pendulum, the crystal's crying hue. For in the town of Queen's Grace stood the tower of pure light. It clicked, it ticked, it dang and rang the thing of pony's hours, it kept the ponies well in tune to moments of rest and working moments.

  For my dear ponies, as we know, Pastoring was a world of order, the order the leaders had enstilled within the blossoming fields. And so the ponies here do need and so they did receive, for one could lay in Pastoring and be unchanged by years. The flowers blossom, the stars stay bright, no change of movement no time to leave and so the ponies of old did fail to keep their crops in-check. Soon whole troves of barley and wheat were ruined by neglect!

  First Leader, Pastoring, did take upon himself, to gather Magi near and far to solve the problem of organisation. Together they struggled and shook with doubt, together they finally did create: a method to give moments meaning, to state a systematic time and shake the ponies from their lethargy and the Crystal Clock was raised. To this very day it stands, a monument to grace, but still ponies, do debate, the right one has to state: Be awake, Go to sleep. From here to here you may be free, if work is done and tired you are not. But leaders did bring the peace and ponies were happy as never before.

* * *

  Such happy times now lay in past, as stars begin to fade, so hurry ye strong heroes to the Queen's green ever-glade. Outside her palace do stand the grounds, the grounds of training, hunting and sport. Here the trials do begin so make haste, don't tarry and oaths be by your heart.

Slowly the gray pony wearing his red suit. straight forward decisively towards the castle. completely black eyes indicates that is blind as a bat.
arrives at the castle gates, guarded by armed ponies trying block her path with their spears. unfortunately for some strange reason. of crossed spears these are broken with a snap deaf. guards try to stop the pony. but slip in the remains of spears and fall to the ground. may be the strange pony is lucky or unlucky one., or both. Whatever the pony quietly enters the castle

Scarlet had arrived in front of the grand castle, dressed less like a noble-mare, and more like a commoner, with a young stallion's clothing rather than the mare, the only tell-tale being her mane. The unicorn walked onto castle grounds, but would probably be halted by the guards.

Liaisa made her way to the castle of her Queen, nervous about what the future holds and uneasy about a minor lack of sleep due to restlessness the evening before. She was ready for her training.

Grassblade approached the castle gate, and to the guards he said, "In service to her majesty I come, that I might be better able to serve."  He joined the others waiting for an escort to the training grounds.

  The guards did raise their hooves and splay them out in humour. "My dear friends you have come to a desitination, wrong. The queen and court are gathered out, by the forest green and training grounds pristine as hoof and testing grounds there-upon. Take hoof to soil and make more North, just beyond the Northern star, you'll find the queen and company, it is not so very far." Then soft smiles the band did give, no harm or folly done, they meerly wished to help these ponies who might be the saviours of them all.

  Then one jolly friendly chap did decend the tower. "Come with me my daring friends I'll lead you on and on. I know the way it is not hard but I shall guide you none-the-less." He nodded softly to miss scarlet and gave a kindly wink, and turned away as quick as shadow no response would he absorb.

  So heroes one and all were lead, quick and straight by steady hoof, they came upon a clearing made, slightly within the boundries of the forest. Here the queen and guard did stand, and lords and champions alike, those who swore their oaths before and those that still had not, a hundred matrial trained ponies their seemed and hundreds upon hundreds not. But it seemed not all would take up the steady quest, the crusade the queen did call. Only 50 martial trained ponies and 75 others stood tall. These were the companions along the road, along the mountain pass, these ponies would be going forth to save the land from night.

  And above them all stood the Queen of Pastoring, her stength a beacon of light itself. Her armor once again adorned, and smile put in its place, the queen's eyes did alight at the other ponies come to join. And nod she did to her champions there, the few who did take oath before the promise of lands and titles did fall.

((ok im late to the party and sorta traped myself in time so fixing post  ovO))

"Hey you there sonny I aint late am i"
Jenkens came trotting up to the castle gate and joined the others as they went to the training grounds

Then Grassblade in confusion asked the guard, "Where now am I needed?  I know not where to begin to train."

Liaisa returned the Queen's nod with a warm smile. She was ready and determined to do her best.

Quote from: Bravo 539 on 2013 Jan 27, 16:56:34
Then Grassblade in confusion asked the guard, "Where now am I needed?  I know not where to begin to train."

The guard's only answer a soft nod in the queen's direction. "Soon we shall see, my dear friend, for friends we are." He said with a meaningful nod, to Grassblade. "I too shall take the oath and travel along with ponies brave and true, perhaps in time the world will be as it was before. But for now let us hear, the queen will speak her words so true."

* * *

[Story Half-verse]

And soon enough the queen did raise her head, her stature strong and true. "My champions come gather about, we must make strong our cause, the time for oaths has now arrived, take hoof and heart and head your life to one of the steady ministers about."

For a large oak table had been set along the boundry of the eastern forest and there sat many ponies in the black caps of priests and lawyers, papers lay sprawlled before their hooves and pots of ink and pens of gold. Their faces stern but interested the queen's words did turn their heads, and all rose to bow to her highness.

Then the queen did continue: "Find you a minister and judge, make permanent your vow, then once your done gather round and we shal lbegin the training to keep you well." Her countinence darkned as she spoke these words so melancholy but honest: "For times will come where fight we must, so sure I am of this, the places ponies abandoned long ago . . . the mountain of Erdimai, with it's diamonds so brilliant and it's monsters sharp and  cruel, or the sea's of the shrieking women, who live in houses made of water. We shall succeed but prepare we must, I shall not send you to your death! Though we may not tarry long, I hope that the training will strenghten your courage and valour."

She nodded, seeming done and smiled gracefully once more. "God-speed my ponies, stay strong." And she lowered herself to speak with her champions of old.

Grassblade followed his new friend closer to the queen, then listened to her speech.  When she had finished, he turned back to the guard with worry.  "Think you, we'll be going to such foul places?  For queen and kingdom I'd go, but to foresee success in such dark dens..." he trailed off, not wanting to finish that thought.

Quote from: Bravo 539 on 2013 Jan 27, 20:34:11
Grassblade followed his new friend closer to the queen, then listened to her speech.  When she had finished, he turned back to the guard with worry.  "Think you, we'll be going to such foul places?  For queen and kingdom I'd go, but to foresee success in such dark dens..." he trailed off, not wanting to finish that thought.

The guard nodded. "How true, how true. The actions we take may lead us to death, and sorrow may be the path we now traverse. But lo, with friends like these and a queen so wise surely our path will be steady and true." With one finally nod the guard moved to take his oath. "Come with me friend, let us pledge together, the ministers do wait and time never yields."

A wistful glance to the  Northern star and determined courage flicked through his face. "We shall return, we shall return."

Grassblade looked up for a moment longer, too.  Aye... we'll return.
He moved to take his oath with the guard.

DD  walks bumping to everything pony and causing more damage than a tornado.oh sorry . sorry lady.  

present ponys are a tad angry

Liaisa walks up to the large oak table, standing before one of the many lawyers, she made her vow permanent.

(( Can't RP at the moment. ))
Scarlet watched the others before stepping up to make her vow official.

Jenkens walked up to the table and signed his name to make it offical

"I said it once I say it here, I dont go back on ma words ya hear"

Alanca began to think to herself, debating whether or not she should join up, and quite quietly calls out

"Um... any positions left? I... want to help the effort... I think..."

((btw Alanca is a unicorn for this rp, no alicorns x3))

yes but where is table for sign. DD is near table but is not aware.  

Alanca nervously shuffles from side to side, wondering if it was a good idea after all to say it.

Jenkens saw the unicorn who had enterd looking quite shy and wondered over
"Ye look nervurs geirly what be wrong der"  

Liaisa looks around at the ponies who came to save their land. Many seemed nervous about their decision, but they chose right. Liaisa had already made her vow permanent and began casual conversation with some of the other ponies.

Scarlet silently signs the sheet of paper, making her vow permanent. The nervous eyed unicorn stepped back, fixing up the clothing she had brought. A white tunic, and a brown vest made her look androgynous, and if her mane was cut short, she would look like a tomcolt.

Alanca jumps a little bit

"Oh, erm I was just... A bit..."

She trails off, nerves getting to her

Jenkens smiles and laughs
"Now dar aint any reason der to be shy I cant hurt ya, nor would i wanta hurt a girly like yourself"   

"I guess so then... I did hope that I could help in some way or another..."

"Ah here te help are ye well dat aint going to be a problem der looking for volunteers, and if a old stallion like me kan help, im sure dey let a pony like you to, all ya need to is take the oath"   
Jenkens thinks for a moment
"ah how silly of me rambling on widout the proper introductions im Jenkens craftswood and ye self"

  [Story - Partial Verse]

  And the Queen did rise, her armor shone of pearly light and silence fell as her hoof came eyelevel. "My ponies, now you have made your pledge, come before me so I may pay my homage. Let me learn your names, for we shall be fast friends from this moment forth." Her face a clean smile of love and compassion. Endless hope sparkled through her eyes of gray and the light of the Northern star trippled this effect, with great ease.

Not two paces behind the queen, the brimestone passion and heat of a threating glare flew forth from good Sir Williger. A dare, it seemed, a dare to ponies of the congregation large. "To those who do not comply, I'd be wary for your back." His eye's cocked, he let a humble smile on the queen, when her gaze did pass his way. Sir Williger bent his head in homage to the great queen, but she too bowed to him.

Slowly the queen made way about the clearing, coming upon each and every pony, giving them good thanks and wishing them well. Moments did finally come, whence the queen's graceful stature did fall upon the heroes and she thanked Liaisa and Jenkens most of all, their courage a pillar to the rest.

The homage of queen to pony-kin now complete, her hoof did rise once more and the quiet chattering, which had arose, fell to silence.

"My good kin, now we take great pains to ensure you prepared. I have opened the training grounds to you with all my instructors at your service. Come forth those with no protection or weaponry and you shall recieve. With weapon and armor in-hand take to an instructor, each teacher shall take seven students and no more. The light bless you ponies and train with god-skill."

The queen's eyes fell as many a general, instructor and champion stepped forward. The clearing did descend amongst a cacophony of pony shouts: To come this way and recieve a weapon, to come that way and find an instructor. The slightly organized assembly fell to a chaos quite complete and instructors everywhere shook their bearded heads.

Within the chaos, Grassblade was unsure what to do.  Only having one friend in the whole crowd so far, he stuck close to the guard.

Liaisa kept calm in all the commotion, carefully avoiding bumping into other ponies she went to receive her equipment. She felt slightly odd about having these things, but it was for the better. She barely left the capitol, Queen's Grace, where she was born and raised. This adventure was far beyond anything in her entire life, but it was necessary.

Keeping a clear eye on the instructors and studying their expressions as well as their actions towards the other, confused ponies, Liaisa chose the instructor who seemed most patient, forgiving and helpful.

D D remains on the site does not know where one would fit blind powers, but with luck harrier

Scarlet stepped up to get some armaments, looking around for a weapon of choice.

 [Story, Half-verse]

  The ponies did gather around the champions, whose armor glinted in the soft nothern glow. "Come gather around, anon, anon. We'll find you your armor and weapons and all. The pages do run to coax forth the key and soon we shall have an armory quite emptied.  Patience my comrades, patience my heroes, not long it will be till the pages do return."

  At this time, so exact, several carts did creak forth; armor and weapons glinted in the soft northern glow. The page did call forth: "The equipment is here, so gather around. Find armor that fits and weapons that hold true. All types lay within, so patience be the mistress and come forth with care, these weapons are sharp and fear is within me. If you take to the front like you take to these carts, we may lose a pony or three." Then the pages quickly retreated from the cartloads of weapons or armor and watched in anxious quivers the ponies who would save the kingdom.

The great congregation took advice to heart and the page may have saved a pony or three, ponies moved forth with even temperment and looked through the carts . . . carefully. A soft hoof on cold steel, many had seen not this craftsmanship and hearts did fly as they took up equipment of choice. Now orginization was more at home and ponies walked in lines half formed, better, far, then mobs half-crazed and falling over hoof and dale.

Those instructors that lined the field, their expressions stern with doubt or exasperation, not many looked happy to teach . . . these ragtag heroes from other dales. But still one or two looked on with interest and a face of reason and passive review, these instructors turned students away . . . whom they saw unfit to teach. "Go you to the instructor just there, I'm looking for specific ponies here."

And from the forest a unicorn did come, from eastern front and not far beyond. Her coat as green as life and hair smooth and straight, the color of the silver light that the Northern star let shine down on.  Her eyes, though large, slanted thus in thought and tearducts boasted a kind of red coloring, that extended an inch towards the ears. Her expression enigmatic and a small curving line set in her mouth, not a smile, nor a frown but a line beyond emotion.

Some ponies knew this maidens name, for superstition did fly abound. The enchantress of the east and stary nights but her name was known for luck. This wizardess from the mountains of Drege was once named 'Quelsia Chance'. But the ponies with religious tendencies would call her not but 'Lady Luck'. Her patronage as fickle as a dry leaf's root, tread too far off her undefinable favor and her luck would snap and patronage retracted. Still such a sight was a happy one, for her Ladyship did not pass far from her mountain palace upon the Drege. Eyes widened and suprize did take hold, for surely a sign this entrance had been.  Even Queen Leimus, her eyes averted, did kneel in homage to such an omen. "

The Lady's cold eyes fell upon the group and without preliminary she moved to speak. "This congregation shall succeed, and this I promise true but I shall not ensure every life that passes from this forest. Many will be lost amongst the planes, mountains and seas. So take your hearts with weary care . . . many shall not return heroes." Then for a moment the enchantress' eyes laid upon Liaisia's own. A great rush of meaning and confidence flew into her but not without a great sense of dread.

The enchantress was gone, her quick strides leading her far away into the woods. And the congregation breathed a sigh, for even with the omen it did bring to insult luck was disaster and all had feared just this. Even the queen let out a shaky sigh but silent and hidden as a queen must do.

The Training for Glory had begun.

Jenkens goes forward to collect some armour and weapons, though he knew well enough how to use his own dagger from experience, but he went along with it all, then he picked an instructor with no real sense of choice,  just the one who actually looked like he had sense to the old pony
"hey der laddy ye seem like a decent enough foalk"

Liaisa's heart skipped a beat when the enchantress looked at her. She had heard of her, but never had she heard her speak. "Oh, I wish I could speak with her. The tales she could tell. Of adventure and daredevils, heroes, monsters and romance. Oooh." Liaisa got lost in her thoughts as she began imagining a fairytale.

Seeing Jenkins, an old farmer who himself looked like an antique set of armor, Grassblade considered him to be somepony who knew what they were doing.  He stood a few feet to the side of Jenkins and listened to the instructor.

Scarlet stands in front of the cart, levitating a nice looking bow into the air, along with a dirk.

Feeling rather foolish, Grassblade noticed a few moments later that he hadn't yet retrieved any armor or weaponry.
He slowly--very slowly--backed away before turning and trotting over to the carts.  He saw a fair, bright red unicorn examining a bow and dirk at the cart he was approaching.  "Hello, Miss," he said, giving a polite nod to her before looking at the weaponry in the cart.
So many things to choose from.  I haven't the slightest clue where to go from here...  Shall I use a sword, or a spear?  A bow, or an axe?  Aye, me... this will all close in tears, true!

Scarlet nodded towards him, quickly searching for a more favorable weapon besides the dirk. The unicorn didn't find one, picking a set of light armor up.

Grassblade clad himself in heavy armor without taking a weapon.  Aye... the instructors'll have a foul mood at this, but I simply cannot choose my manner of taking up arms.  He picked up two shields then tested the armor's weight by sluggishly but powerfully flying back over to the instructor he left earlier.  He then stood by, waiting for orders.

After fitting on the light armor, and taking it off, the scarlet coated unicorn trotted over to the instructor, sheathing the dirk.

D D dont take nothing any weapon in the hands of this pony is a danger to him and more to those around him and he have a extendable blind stick .  he try reach some  enough suicidal instructor to try to teach

[Story - Half Verse]

  The queen's eyes still alight, the encantresses statment distressed her so. She took to speaking with her advisors and let the congregation be. Her heart was full of anguish and with whispers muted silent, she shook her head in anguish and tears trickled down her cheeks of satin gray. The words she heard, she knew were true but her heart could not take it placed so bluntly and for the ponies she had Read the forum rules.ed she weapt fond tears of love.

Stern eyes did greet this weakened countinence but lords and sers around the court could not for long forsake their queen, her tears were just and pure. For such a leader they would give: their life, their hearts and fealty and soon the guards who had not sworn took the oath with shaking hoof. They could not abandon their queen . . .

But in the grounds a few looked distraught, they learned a future was set for them, 'they would not return heroes', the enchantress had said. 'Many would be lost amongst mountains, planes and seas.' Twenty or so, who came for title and land did move to abandon the quest but just as they moved from the green grounds of training, another omen did flicker just slightly to the south.

The Northern Star whose light was life, flicked off for but a silent moment, then back she came but warning clear: "The light will hold the heroes to their pledge, for to break such a pledge will surely be death." These fellows weeped within their frames or anger broiled like the sea, but oath was made and word was bound, they must proceed to distant lands.

* * *

The Instructors took to students coldly, save one or two with optimisitc heart. And right away the training began. To strengthen the ponies, to harden the ponies and make them ready for sword to sword and other melee besides. They brought the ponies to spar one another and bruises and welts were had all around, those distinguished in combat and those that were not, all had learned a lesson that day.

* * *

[Grassblade and Jenkens - Instructor Brightblade]  And around instructor Brightblade, stood a small group of ponies. He placed not much faith in their direction and his eyes were stern and unyielding. "Not very good, not at all! You all must train harder tomorrow! We don't have time to hop around and you won't have time to rest on the field of combat!" He berated the ponies with face red with anger and gesticulations wild and vivid.

The ponies let loose a moan of dispear, their sides were battered and their hooves were sore, but such a sigh only brought more fury to the instructor's face.

"I expect you all to do your excersises at home, not time for luxury, no time for reading. And wear your armor at all times, save when you sleep! I expect you back, at this precise spot, upon the chiming of the sixth hour, now go!" He waved them brusquely away and marched out of the field, himself.

* * *

[Liaisa - Instructor Helios]

Liasa's instructor found her, he stalked among the candadates and spotted her from short way off. Coming quickly to her side he began leading her to his small group. All were ponies strong and honorable in apperance. But the instructor's face was sly and calculating, his eyes studying Liasa with something she couldn't discern. In time, the training did pass and the acheing soreness of standing and watching other ponies spar or being a part of the sparing pit herself quickly impressed themselves upon her. All the ponies HAD been strong, though honorable was yet to be determined. Their hooves and sticks left painful bruses, but training had been envigorating to all.

"Return again in the morning." The instructor whispered in his soft voice, that all had become accustomed to. "Come when the clock reaches the fifth hour, we all know it doesn't chime so soon, so find a way to awken yourselves. Perfrom the excersises I've shown you and never let your weapon out of sight." He nodded them away and watched each in that calculating method of his.

* * *

[D D and Scarlet - Instructor Girtwand]

Much the same had passed for these two, but their instructor was jolly, fat, pony. Who laughed frustratingly whenever someone made a 'mistake' as he called them. "Nay, nay! A mistake, a mistake!" In which case he would haul his great girth to the middle of the ring and take weapon in had and 'demonstrate' the correct footing. "You see you LUNGE." His movement was quick but his knees would creak underneath the massive girth they struggled to hold.

Eventually they too were as exhausted as every other pony; instructor Girtwand had kept them an extra two hours, making sure their 'form' was proper, finally he let them go. "We'll meet again at about seven chimes, now go home and get something to eat! There won't be any decent food on the roads!"

Scarlet exited the castle grounds, having tired from the training. Lunge.. Lunge to break an opponent's defense.. Thoughts were circling around her head as she staggered back to her home.

emm but i dont have home is more i dont have any where to go,  :o  

"heh not even letting da old ones get away, i think i like dis one got some actual spine, though dis armour seems a but thiker dan the kind i used to have and the sword is gona take some used to, glad i still have my old reliable"
Jenkens just rambled to himself walking out of the castle grounds still wearing the armour and weapon to his side
"say I wonder if they minded me modifying dis a tad"

"Oh dear heavens that was painful." Liaisa thinks to herself as she makes her way back home with her new equipment. "It's basically predicting the other pony's actions and responding to it properly. I think I can do this. Uff, if I ever get used to the weight of these things."

[Story]

  Those ponies from far and out, who had no homes to rest and lodge, were once again lead by their fellow students to the tavern and camp-grounds just outside of Queen's Grace. From here they saw a spectacular sight, a large caravan of ponies with goods and furniture piled high upon wagons. They were pushing into the city with tired contentment and gazing to the star with reverence. . .

Food was distributed amongst the trainees and tents of satin had been erected for their protection. Only the luckiest or the quickest would have rooms in the few upon few Inns on the outskirts of Queen's Grace. Ponies could find themselves accomadations within the city, but those lodgings would be costly and not under her Emminance's funding.

All around the make-shift campsite ponies were complaining about their instructors, or the beatings they had received, else they complained about the time it would take before they were to head out. No matter the subject, complaint was prominent in every conversation. Still a few sociable ponies sat here or there, playing a game of cards or telling impossible tales. The Honor Guard of the Light, some called themselves in rapt enthusiasm, others threw other names around, till a large hulking brute shouted. "Some protectorate you lot are, filthy with stink and bruised all over. Some holy,divine crusade! A bunch'a' farmers an' some merchants, an' the occasional lord." He shook his large head. "Best luck to yah, don't trip and fall off a mountain."

The other ponies went silent for a moment, before flinging some insults back, but slowly the ruckus died, every-pony was too exhausted and no-pony wanted more fighting.

Grassblade, surprisingly, was happily (and quite loudly) prancing along with many a loud thud accompanying each hooffall.  He seemed to find great pleasure in the weight of his armor, and some had to rebuke him to stop patrolling the camp grounds.  Finally falling silent, he merely tipped over--in the grass, out in the open, and in his armor--and slept under the stars somewhat akin to a rock.

  [Story - Half Verse]

The soft glow of Northern Star, blanketed the ponies in their exhausted stupor and as they layed themselves down for rest, the great Seer and Story-master, Earl Heiet, did approach from her Majesty's royal palace. He brought the mysteries of ages past and words of past masters. For Earl Heit was taught by the master before him and that Story-master from the one before he, and so goes the line back into antiquity.
 
With such knowledge, his status, enstowed responsibility of interpreting the signs and omens, which fall upon our world as events do ready to occur. His keen perceptions had not seen the fall of the six living stars and all assistance from the magician of court, had not enabled him to understand why. This failing had made him solum and discheveled but he brought him self around, for he would deem himself sorely foolish, if he did not but share his knowledge with the heroes.

And he called to heroes, and bade them sit around him, so he may recall the tale of the 'Great Rising of Light', the creation of the Seven stars.

DD sit but he has backwards  

Scarlet was barely awake, lying in the sleeping bag she had chosen.

Grassblade trotted over from the field, chose a small patch of clear ground near the Earl and sat down with a loud thud... still in his armor.

Grassblade has a bad luck and sit above hedgehog  (D D do bad luck to all near he)
oh hi i am D D. and you are?

Scarlet woke up completely, straggling out of her tent to see daylight. The silver maned pony gave a yawn, checking the time by a nearby clock tower.

"Hi, D D.  Everypony calls me Grassblade.
Uh, did I just sit on something?  I think I heard a little squeak..."

hi grassblade i cant see but i have powers and yes you sit in something life

"Whoops..."
Grassblade stood up, and a hedgehog comically popped off of his armor and stumbled away to a nearby hole.

uhh what was that?

"I don't know...  I don't recall seeing something like that before."
He sat back down again, this time making sure nothing was in the way.
I think the seer is about to start talking!

D D lies down and wait. yes i hope that he dont try sell book to us

"What could drive somepony to sell books at a time like this?  Don't be ridiculous," he chuckled.

[Story Half-verse]

And so the pony did speak, with voice of gold and honey. "Gather now my pony friends, for now we retell a tale of old. 'The Great Rising Light' or the creation of the Stars, seven." The pony nodded with soft motions and pulled him his pipe, from his pockets old, soon the drifting of purple-blue smoke curled and rose from his head. " Far past, where ponies did naught but wander the darkness with eyes accustomed to shadow and non-light. Then came the seven sages of old, with hearts of gold and eyes full to brinm with magical prowess, they sighed upon the land of darkness. 'Naught but shadow' one said to another and the wisest of the seven did say onto the others: 'Come listen my friends and listen right close, this land is a good land but it's a land without light and without life, little life can be. Will thee take up with me a position of giving? We've lived our lives full and well, seeing the distant planes and other worlds, how do you think? Shall we take up different posts? Take ye to a form incoporeal and become Givers of great warmth and Life?"

"The six other sages knew not the wise-ones's meaning, his words so strange and different they shrugged in confusion, save the meekest who spoke with great tenderness. 'I do not understand, North. . .' For this was his name, ' . . . What idea have you in mind?'

"The wise one did not speak again, but showed the others in action, extraordinary. Before their eyes he turned to a living flame, a fire like crystal and silver and mercury. A fire of mightest might. Although this light did shine pure bright, it's great flame far too hot, and the colorless ground did burn into a thousand hues, spreading quick about the planes. The remaining six did rise a great cathedral with magic bright and strong, for they thought the pony worthy of rememberence, if foolish and fool-hearty.' And this great construction still works as our queen's palace this very day." He nodded in reverence at her Majesty's great structure.

"Though soon the others did figure on the wise one's great magic, he was not transmuted to nothing but flame, but living flame that saw and felt, heard and knew. and soon the others did comprehend his plan, so true. The wise one transcended into a being that gave life in every action he performed and slowly the other sages joined suit. Though the final sage did not transmute till five hundred years after the second to last, who did form  that celestial body 10,000 years after the first. Now all friends were united once more in life giving glory."

Then the Earl Heiet did smile to the ponies, all about. "And so the sages did give us much chance to live and rejoice. But even the last sage's transmutation occured 5,000 years before our first king, 200 years before any of you were born!"  He nodded solemly to each and every one. "So, remember you the stakes at risk! Not only would we lose our own lives but those with lives infinitely longer than yours and wisdom beyond our comprehension."

And the pony's pipe did run out, exactly at the time of his story's conclusion, the thick smoke died away and his eyes were keen and watchful.

Grassblade murmured to himself, "We fight even for our history... truly this cause is deserving of all the effort that can be given."

good say grassblade ^^ we can do  

D D caresses grassblade head

Grassblade looked at DD nervously.  Erm, what are you doing?

He nothing. ^^

 Story Half-Verse

  And so the Seer did bid all a plesant night and away he left once more, back to the cathedral of the great wise sage and the Queen's palace. And all ponies about did hustle to cots and their tents, for the morrow would prove just as grueling, so they were sure.

And so the days did come and go, and a month of hard training did pass, everyday the queen more anxious, and they saw this expression grow strong, for she came to the grounds of training and found herself a partner in combat. The ponies whipped into the rudimentary requirements of an army strong, were sore and bruised. Many placed down tentitive hooves as the final day of training came to a close.

Before the ponies could make to leave, the queen stood tall once more, her training armor resplendent, her face stern. "My pony friends, do listen close! Grasp hold from what I give to you. Take three days of pure rest and make back to her upon the fourth. We set for the Star just east and south or Hildeo, as you well know it called. Take heart you heroes, your hearts are true and with good steps our land will be renewed."

And there was much applause.

"Yaaaaaaaaah!" Grassblade hollered with the crowd, thrusting a shield in the air for enthusiasm.

oh good. we can do a party ^^  

 And the guard friend, of the one known as grassblade,  came forward to embrace his friend. "Sir, we soon will be on our way, to the wilderness and stars we travel and soon will all be in awe! The stars will alight on their great towers once more, but pray tell sir, have you any conception why the stars have thus fallen? I cannot fathom a reason in which thus could be a reality."

His head did nod from side to side and fur did rise upon his back. "I feel a chill whenever I think upon it. The world must be a very worrisome place if such a thing could occur, a place I knew not as worrisome in the slightest. But neglect my ponderings and get us back to camp, to rest and relaxation we must spend our time in, for surely the traveling will be tough and arduous."

Grassblade looked to the sky with a deceivingly confident smile.  "The stars take heart with us, just as the Queen has spoken.  They'll give us light... as long as we don't falter," he said, sounding discreetly less confident with each syllable.  He added in almost a whisper to the guard, "I do pray that this is not some evil incantation's doing... I cannot understand how the stars would be affected by our oath, but the Queen would not lie, would she?"

 "Yes, the oath upon the star, which all leaders are hold so close . . . I wonder if many did not break said oath, but the words are magic and if the stories are true . . . then surely the sage would see our foolishness and leave us in our sodden misery." The guards eyes were filled with meaning and he ended almost pleading. "But the queen made us no promise that light would shine if we kept our oath . . . only it should falter if promise we do break."

"But fear you not, we'll take our selves and make the world right, with the queen's might there is no question, and the good lady luck did visit us with promise of success, a better sign there was not."

"I' faith... we'll succeed... she guaranteed it, did she not?"  He turned back to the guard.  "Thank you for keeping my courage, even if I may drop it.  What is your name, sir knight?  After weeks of toil and sweat, still we have yet to exchange names."

 The Knight's face did burn with crimson, his eyes squinted and teeth barred he hissed out a response, most unseemly. "My name brings MUCH shame and dishonor upon me, I do not speak it unto others for fear of their impression placed on me. But sir, we are friends true or so I do believe." His countinence softened and shame was but written in every crease. "Samuel No-name." He sighed in silent discomfort. "Aye my friend, I was son un-true to a knight of the ladies court and I open myself to your just judgement."

His form had shrunk and naught but disapointment lay in his trembling limbs. "Now you know sir, now you know."

"A very unfortunate beginning to life... yet even so, contrary to what they say, a father's sins do not pass to his son.  You are an honorable comrade to me, friend.  My name is Grassblade, a pony with a rather... odd past.  I can't seem to recall anything past stumbling across my hometown once upon a time."

 The pony's face did fall apart, his eyes large and dilated and mouth dropped a foot or more. "But surely . . . I presume I misunderstand. You don't mean to say this label means nothing to you, I hardly trod a foot or two without worry the one's about me know." His head did shake with disbelief. "I am chastised and ridiculed for my sire's good choices but . . . I'm still true and just in your mind?"

His hoof did grasp the other pony's in strong confidence and care. "You are good and honest; too good, too honest. I prize you as a friend of the greatest calibur."

He confidently returned the grip.  "Such understanding and friendly nature is not often found in the higher classes, sadly.  They see only title, but I see the kind yet competent heart within.  Aye, sir Samuel, I'm proud to be your friend."

 Samuel did fall to knees and buried his muzzle into the pony's hoof. "You sir are worthy of the title that will be bequethed to you. A knight and with all due hope a lordship in but time. I would follow you lord and server you well, but in the time between now and then, I shall keep you safe on this journey, perilous. Stay close to me my noble pony and blade or arrow I will save you from. And may we both see the day when others think as you . . . and let our friendship weave strong."

"Shall we back to the camp? Mayhaps festivities will be thrown our way and relaxation paramount!"

"True, 'tis as good a time for festivities as any.  Let's pray we do not drink our wits away, lest we stumble into battle in such a poor state!"

 Before the two had made foot or two a much bedraggled congregation stumbled forth from Queen's woods. A congregation of four and one another not of said group. These ponies with faces unshaved had expression half-distorted in fear and anger. And this other not of the congregation? A form of fire and shadow, neigh . . . simlpy a mane and tale of fire and beneath such horror, a form to shake a pony's soul for it was the same countinence of a pony. But the eyes had no pupils to speak of, a couple bright white disks.

"Stand aside worthy ponies, we bring this daemon before the seer, so he might tell us the omens it doth bring. Then we shall put blade to the creature and de-foul our land of such horrid evils." The pony in front did push on Samuel's chest. "Move ye aside, sir!"

Grassblade, tall in stature and powerfully clad in thick iron, abruptly stepped in his path.  "Aye, this queer possession demands attention--but I see no justice in pushing a comrade out of one's way in such a manner.  A humble apology will part your lips before ye'll take another step."

 The warrior's hoof did fly to his side and whip produced did fly in stinging fury, just besides Greenblade's hooves. "Move aside, insolent cur! On whose errand do you suspect we travel? The Queen's authority, absolute, and upon the sight of such attrocities her wisdom must be consulted! For her and seer and mage of court we make utmost haste and none shall keep our congregation from our task."

"This here daemon will be taken forth and ye shall not detain us, move aside, lest I shall ask. For next I ask shall be with the whip!"

Grassblade bobbed his head forward, popping his helmet's visor over his face, then raised his voice.  He sounded intimidatingly similar to a youthful drake.  "Is an apology too much for your prideful soul?!  Do you deliver this 'daemon' to the Queen for the safety of these lands, or for your own title?!!  I say again, ye'll not pass until a heart-felt apology is given to my companion! he shouted, stomping an 85-pound hoof into the dirt.

The pony that the warrior called daemon struggles and tries to escape from the warriors. Even though it seems to be useless the pony continues struggling and tried to light the warriors mane next to her with her fire breathing without success.

 The gravely cough of a girthy pony, holding the daemon with chains tightly wrought, did come in fear. "Sir Gertrude, make appologies, every moment the daemon does struggle I fear these chains might lose their holy nature and it will possess me or troops besdies. Take pride ye hold and remove for our sake, sir . . ." But the pony fell silent as Sir Gertrude's whip of devilish black cracked before him.

"Silence yourself! *I* am the one in which appology does deserve to be bequeathed. And this pony shall give appology, else he shall lay here beaten and sore!"

As Sir Gertrude's hoof did rise, and whip besides, the chains of the 'holy-wrought metal' melted in short distance from the daemon. The pony of great girth did let spittle fly in a hueing cry. "THE DAEMON IS FREE, WOE BE TO OUR PARTY!" And all but Sir Gertrude did stand with hoof shaking and whip a-quiver.

"Nay . . . NAY you shan't escape from me, beast, monster, abomination!" But whip was ablaze and his speed not sufficient to draw a blade in defense against the creature.

Startled, true, Grassblade hastened to Samuel's side, ready to fight for his friend should the creature have at them.

The pony-like creature exhaled fire to Sir Gertrude's face blinding him temporarily and started to run away from them.

oh what happens here. D D trips and lands on top of the horse demon flees.
ops sorry sir i dont see you allow that i  help you to up is my fault

Grassblade stared for but a moment in disbelief.  "I-it spared him... this is no daemon.  What poor soul has that fool apprehended?  Come, Samuel, the others tend to their dictator in fear.  Let us after this creature with a more observant posture!" They took flight in a wide loop around the guards to avoid diverting their attention, and tried following the creature into the woods at a distance.

" 'Tis a world of magic we live in. I've seen many elemental magics, why must this be labeled the devil's work? Because it's fire? Where would we be without the blazing warmth of our stars? 'Tis what we're fighting for, training for. Nay, I believe a good omen, rather than a daemon this is. If only I could've intervened before it ran." Liaisa said to herself as she watched the events unfold. It came unexpected, but the guards' harsh treatment filled her with compassion for the strange creature.

 And Samuel did follow, tears a-plenty spilling forth from eye's compassionately spread. "Sir, my friend . . . This creature does run as we put chase, perhaps to call in words of soothing and back the pace down a goodly amount will do more than running down the frightened beast?" Samuel slowed his pace to a steady trot, his face tight in anxious tension.

"The case, I put is this: We shall be ridiculed and honorly stripped if Gertrude does bring his story to Sir Williger. The man, harsh and strict he hardly gains enough fact for a thimble of truth. Should powers of punishment be denied him, his eye will be on us, forevermore, as we travel the dales and planes. A mistake we might fall to will be exaggerated one thousand times in those cold eyes and he'll make us greatly sorry . . ."

Samuel began picking up speed before falling back to the light trotting. "GOOD CREATURE OF YONDER FOREST, BE NOT A-FEARED OF OUR HUMBLE CONGREGATION, WE WISH YOU NOT BUT SOFT BEDS AND GRACIOUS MEALS, IF WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE. WILL YE NOT RETURN AND SHARE THE MIND AND THOUGHTS OF ONE HUNTED, SO? NARY WE DESERVE SUCH FORGIVENESS BUT WE HAVE DONE NO WRONG AND THUSLY NO FORGIVENESS SHOULD NEED BE GIVEN!"

And Samuel's eyes did close, he could think of nothing more to tempt a hunted creature.

Grassblade removed his helmet and gave the calling a try, speaking loudly but not shouting, for the forest was otherwise quiet.  "Right before my eyes, I saw your opportunity to take the life of he who so abused you like a wild beast; yet you spared him and merely fled!  Surely there is a terrified heart that needs comforting.  Will you not hold conversation with us?"

D D is lost and does not know where he walks
hello somepony here? i have lost a lot can someone help me?

The pony-like creature shouts from the forest: Leave me alone! And a sound of running were able to be heard. Soon the sound of running faded and the creature started to move without making noise to make others unable to know where she was. You just try to lure me into a trap! Comes shout from the forest.

 Sameul did let out a wail of greatest disheartening nature, as he fell to his knees. Slowly he gained composure and spoke to his friend, steadfast. "My friend . . . it worries me not what might befall myself, but your own honor and justness, to be questioned, it is not rightly done! I a-fear the steps you might have taken are now covered in shadow and dobut. Where you shall be knighted, should we succeed . . . Sir Williger will most surely block your path to lordship nor, I suspect, shall you ever seen the bright fields of Earl-dom."

"But all we have done is done and if yonder creature shall not grace us, we have little option left. Still hardly can we blame, the creature's freedom stripped away and unjustly chained. . . Black days follow our congregation, if we may'nt even procure friendship from those that might assist us. Good madame Liasia spook true as star-light . . . a creature of fire is naught but a good sign."

"I'm certain it is." Liaisa said as she walked up behind the two friends. "It seems an unknown creature to our knights. We must know what it is and what it wants. Perhaps 'tis sent to aid us in our quest."

Grassblade turned head to Samuel.  "You misunderstand my desires.  They are not of Earl-dom; I'll not be a leader of any pony, and surely you understand that status to me means nothing.  If anything, it is your own blame I fear for; that I may have pulled you into this trouble with me.  If you follow me to the end as you say, though, then know that this is my path."

He looked forward again and stood a moment in thought.  He spoke once more to the unknown voice.  "Very well, I'll task you to bother me instead."  He took off his battle armor and dropped his shields, all clanging together on the forest floor, then he took a few steps forward and sat down.  "Here I sit, until you speak to me on your terms.  I'll not leave here until I've seen justice done, and a friendly being-no matter how uncommon-should receive friendship in turn."

Forest stays quiet a while until a response comes: You are just playing clever trying to get me out with friendly talk.

"Right you are.  I'd love to talk like a friend, and I'd like to think myself a clever soul... to be a fool is no great shame, but not particularly looked highly upon."

hello  DD: someone here i lost help meee

DD walks no direction

Liaisa watched Grassblade from a distance. He seemed calm and his intentions were presumably pure, but the creature's choices were still its own to make and she didn't want to see anypony continue the pursuit on the creature of fire.

Even though you are the first pony I've spoken in 7 years I won't let you fool me that easy. Came a shout from the forest. Besides I saw your armor. How can you say being friendly while wearing equipment ready to fight?

oh have someone here D D walks Guided by the screams

"Why, I do believe this conversation to be sufficient; we do talk, in a more or less friendly nature.  As for the armor mine, it is worn by all our company in preparation for a great quest to save Pastoring; I know not why you were ever hunted.  How came you to be bound in his chains?"

Why won't you just go and ask him? A crack like someone stepped on a branch is heard from the forest.

POM CRACK BOOM. D D stumbles and rolls on the forest floor

xX ouch this hurt

Grassblade looked at Liaisa, confused.  "Is there yet another pony with you, or is this this forest really so pleasant for strolling through?"

He turned back to the forest to answer the unknown pony.  "Well, I do believe he'll fight me to the death if he sees me again.  I'd say that you saw the whole thing, but I cannot be sure; I do not recall seeing your pupils."

"I really don't know." She says, just as confused as Grassblade.

"Hold fast, my fire-maned friend.  The unsavory thugs may be returning."  He returned to his equipment and picked up his shields, then looked about for the source of all the snapping twigs.  As he rounded a bush, D D nearly fell on top of him.

"Did you find the source of the commotion?" Liaisa asked as she followed behind Grassblade.

Tell me, what would I do with these things called "pupils"? Comes a respond from the forest. After hearing stumbling and sounds of shields getting picked up she quickly added: So, I was right. You called more ponies to capture me! A flame can be seen in the forest.

can somepony see that dragon?

D D is KO his eyes are completely black  

((time to sleep tomorrow more ))

Grassblade turned back to Liaisa after a mighty loud clatter of breaking twigs and rebounding shields.  "One of the companions from our camp has wandered among our party, it appears!  What a surprise...  Wait, I do believe there was a flame over there..."  He looked out into the woods a moment, looking for the flame again.  "Have you gone?" he called to the fire pony.

"Whatever our companions reasons for pursuing us may be, he will not touch the creature." She said to Grassblade, then turned towards the flame and stared at it for a moment.
"Pony of flames, your appearance scared some of us. We would like to know your intentions, then we'll leave." She said to the forest, a little louder than usual.

I know how to protect myself!  Stay away from me! She shouts back from the forest.

Liaisa looked over at Grassblade expectantly, then motioned for the two of them to head back to the camp, with a questioning look on her face.

Grassblade nodded to Liaisa and turned to D D.  "Come on, fellow... ye needn't be getting lost in the woods like this.  We'll be your guide back to camp.  Come, Sir Samuel, let's away."

-Exeunt Grassblade, Sir Samuel, and D D-

 Time did pass and the ponies had returned to their camp-sight, lights a plenty, blazed and flew across the world the ponies came to know. The beating of drums and airy trill of the flute fluttered across the browning land. A festival had come to Queen's Grace! Roasted herbs of every sort, pomegranites and pears aplenty lined carts pulled by attentive citizenry. Every hearty adventurer recived a free meal and happy nectar of the tangerine. The Queen's city a-bustle with mirthful delight and the revelries did just begin.

Soon the great bon-fire of friendship a-blazed with true heated passion and the dancing and prancing of numberless ponies danced through the town, so merry come.

A fair maden did adorn the ponies with wreaths of roses where violets could be found interwound with the delicate red, and all about the heroes' countinence did appear that of kings. Merry were the revelers and through reverence or sarcasm, the adventureres a-fore mentioned were treated as their countinence did appear and much joy was had all about.

* * *

And come a maiden passing fair with maiden much comely besides. The two equine did beg a dance with the heroes. The maiden, passing fair, did grab hold of stallion adjacent, and take him to partner her. But the other of great beauty had much trepedation and would not go beyond the city gates. Her hoof to ankle she did have; bright heat rose to face gently crafted, and back again she moved to travel into the gates of the Queen's great city.

At such time did many young colts of hearty party-loving nature, come forth from Queen's Grace's gates and join the congregations. A state of holiday had been proclaimed and festival flared into great vigour.

The creature is watching at the city from the edge of the forest. She turns around and starts to walk deeper into the forest. Alone... Always... All these ponies only want to hurt me... *sigh* After getting deep enough that nopony could hear her she shouts: Why does everypony hate me because I'm different?!

The creature's shouts of self-pity were interrupted by the rustling of leaves, grass and snapping twigs coming closer, but then it stopped and a soothing mare's voice called out to it. "Hello. Are you alright?"

Liaisa cared little for the festival. All that she would encounter there would be flirty stallions. She dealt with them all the time, since she's a wedding planner, but not in that way and she really didn't feel like it.

The creature took defensive stance and shouted: Who's there! Show yourself!

"If you'd come closer, I could show myself. It's rather dark here. Don't worry, I'm unarmed." Liaisa said and sat down. "My name's Liaisa, what's your name?"

You are trying to get me trapped! The creature shouted and took few steps backwards. You might be unarmed but can I know if there's other ponies there with you that are armed?

"I sneaked out of the camp, but I suppose you'll just have to trust me. I trust you by coming here defenseless." She paused, giggled and continued. "There is one pony coming, though. Your friend from earlier today. I told him to come here, too. Without the loud other ponies."

I warned you already. I'm not going down without fight, even if there's two of you! Creature said and took some more steps back.

"Dear heavens, no. We just want to talk. I heard you before. Not everypony hates you, but if you're not giving me a chance, how will that ever change?" She said and began humming a gentle tune to calm the creature, but mostly herself. She hadn't been to the forest before; not unarmed, unaccompanied and with a fire-breathing creature in it at least.

That's what they all said trying to lure me out from forest. Creature said and stopped walking. This isn't the first time when I don't run away right away without responding. They all just want to "talk" and if you come out they put you into a cage. Creature said and started to change to offensive stance.

"You don't have to come if you don't want to." She responded and looked around. "It's a pretty forest you live in. I live close-by."

*sigh* At least you have home where to go... Creature said calming down a bit.

oh my head where i am?

D D wakes up

((Sorry for the late response, had to do something. Also, Bleyd, Grassblade took you back to the camp where a celebration is currently going on in case you didn't know.))
"Don't you have a home?" She asked, her voice sounded a little sad.

After getting banished from my herd I have just wandered around world without anywhere to go. Creature said and added quickly: ...You are trying to distract me!

"What?! How could they do such a thing? You poor thing. Are you ok?" Her voice sounded sadder and filled with more compassion.

I'm not falling into that again! Creature shouted and took offensive stance.

About twenty meters off, somewhere behind Liaisa, a familiar voice called out in a loud whisper.  "What ho, friend?  Be you here?  I've come alone, as requested."  The voice was noticably not accompanied by its usual clatter of armor.

"It sounds like your friend is here." She said, smiled, then turned around and responded to Grassblade. "I'm right here, but she's still scared."

uhhh partyyy bleyd   enter in party  minutes after the party is a disaster of the band instruments are broken punch has been spilled food on the floor wheel. DD and just do not realize the chaos that has occurred

"What did he do to her... such a cruel stallion should never be given a whip, let alone a position in the Queen's armies..."  He carefully worked his way forward and found Liaisa in the darkness.  "How may I help?"

((Literally))
"Simply outrageous behaviour. I'd never help him with his wedding if it ever comes to that!" She said a little annoyed, thinking back at the event. "Well, we're just having a talk. I don't like the party much anyway."

Grassblade turned his head to face the darkness.  "Well, my fiery friend?  Art thou there?" he asked in a casually friendly voice.

(he is jinx)

D D do a party alone. forever alone jajajjaa

They can't see the creature where she used to be. Two warriors against an youngster? Is it fair? The creature said somewhere around them.

"Against?  I believe you misunderstand our intentions, then.  My name is Grassblade.  What's yours?"

Only warriors wear armor and weapons. The creature says somewhere. Why you want to know my name? To use it against me?

"To be your friend!  How could I use a name against somepony?"  He shrugged to Liaisa.  "The hour grows late, and still she considers us hostile.  Should we depart, if only to let her sleep through the night?"

"What can we do to make you trust us, then?" Liaisa said to the forest, then turned to Grassblade. "Just a while longer."

 Hmm... I think that you are really good in acting. Comes sound from behind them. Or then you really are just trying to talk. Even though if you are nice to me what about other ponies that you would show me to? Are they going to imprison me and hit me with their whip when I try to escape?

Grassblade didn't bother to turn around.  "Actually, I agree with you in that aspect... it may well be unwise to return you to our camp.  We mainly wish to befriend you and discover, well... what exactly you even are, to be honest.  I've never seen somepony quite so... entrancing, really."

"We shouldn't return her to our camp, let her stay where she is." She said to her companion, then turned her attention back to the forest. "But could you at least tell us your name, please?"

The name is Laebenal and after observing you I can see that you are no match for a nightmare. Laebenal says somewhere left from them.

"Is that what you are then, Laebenal?  A nightmare?  Such a title is hardly fitting for anything under the stars; surely you jest..."

Even when I'm not as strong and big than other nightmares doesn't mean that I'm not one. Laebenal says now somewhere right from them. So, you've never seen a nightmare before?

He cast a nervous glance to Liaisa.  "Nay, I have not..."

Liaisa places a hoof on Grassblade's shoulder and smiles. "Nay, we haven't. New ponies can be scary sometimes. But you can't make new friends without talking to strangers."

After wandering 8 years I've got to place where nopony haven't even heard of my race. Laebenal said to herself. She stopped walking around and started to think about things.

"She stopped talking," Grassblade said to Liaisa.  "Has she gone?"

"I'm not sure."

Friends... I've never had any. Laebenal said in a quiet voice.

"Laebenal... pray tell, have you gone?"

Is it a good thing to have friends? Laebenal said little louder still thinking and she didn't notice Grassblade and Liasia saying something.

He looked to Liaisa again.  "I believe I hear her... does she speak to somepony else?"

"I think she's talking to herself. Considering whether or not to come out." She says to Grassblade.

Can I trust these ponies? Laebenal keeps thinking going through discussion with these ponies. They seem to be nice...

He shrugged and then turned back to the forest, waiting.

Liaisa waited for Laebenal's reaction, too and began humming a gentle tune again.

Laebenal woke from her thoughts hearing the humming and said: Are you here to get me to that pony named sir Gertrude?

"I trust I speak for both of us when I say I've no idea how he'd respond to seeing you.  We're here to befriend you and offer company, nothing more."

"I wouldn't allow him near you." Liaisa said. "Yes, we'd like to apologize for his behaviour."

I can see from your voice that you don't lie. Maybe I can trust you. Laebenal said and started walking towards them. Suddenly she stops and says: But, if you betray me I will fight to the end! Nopony alone can withstand the rage of a nightmare!

"We have no intentions on betraying you."

"I never intentionally anger my friends!  If ever I did so, they'd have trouble venting their rage upon me before I finish myself off."

Laebenal walks out of her hiding spot. Well, here I am. What are you going to do now?

Grassblade just gazed into her eyes for a long moment, seemingly transfixed.  Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke.  "Erm... pleased to meet you face to face, Laebenal!" he said, extending his right hoof a little shakily.

Liaisa got up and approached Laebenal, pushing Grassblade's hoof aside. She smiled when the two were close and then she reached out for a hug. "Hello Laebenal."

Grassblade took the opportunity to turn his face away and slap himself a few times.

Laebenal jumped away from Liaisa and made low growl for warning.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Just a hug." She sighed. "So, anyway. Are you hungry or something? There's a celebration in town, we could get you whatever if you want."

Grassblade turned his face forward to look at the two again, this time wearing absolutely no expression.  With the way his eyes looked, he was obviously hiding his expression.  He silently listened.

Humph... So, you think after 8 years in the wilderness I can't take care of myself? I can hunt small critters and finding bugs and all kind of fruits and berries isn't that hard. Laebenal said staring at Liaisa.

Grassblade opened his mouth to say something, but after a hushed "Uuuh..." sound came out, he just closed it again and sat down.

"I didn't mean to question your skills." Liaisa said weak. She looked over at Grassblade, then giggled. "Nothing to say, friend?"

He elected to shake his head rather than open his mouth again.  The darkness made the red in his cheeks well-hid.

Laebenal stopped staring at Liaisa and now stares Grassblade. What is so scary about me that you can't say it? She asked.

At the mention of the word 'scary', he lightly grinned and shook his head, but still didn't say anything.  Finding himself staring into her eyes again, he began taking an obviously false fascination with some nearby foliage.

Liaisa smiled and sat down again, little away from the two. She kept silent for now.

Seeing Liaisa backing out of the conversation, Grassblade started to sweat.  He nervously returned his eyes to Laebenal.

I can see that something about me scares you. Don't hide it or we won't be able to be "friends". Laebenal said thinking the full meaning of word "friend".

He opened his mouth to speak.  "You look like an angel out of a dream--" he said, before nearly punching his own jaw with his hoof to close his mouth.  At this point, his whole face had taken a redder tone.

Liaisa giggled from her spot, silent enough not to be heard. "Ah, Stallions." She thought to herself.

Grassblade was nearly in tears of his nervousness.  "Erm... sorry," was all that escaped his mouth as he nervously waited for a fiery response.

*sigh* You are trying to gain my trust and still keep telling lies. Laebenal said while she sat down shaking her head.

Grassblade blinked for the first time in two minutes.

"Should I intervene? Hmm, I'll give him another try." She thought as she watched the two ponies.

"...Yes, actually, I'm terrified...," Grassblade finally spoke up.  "Your luminescent eyes pierce the night, and the flames of your mane and tail are the comforting fireplace of a good friend, fiercely burning into my soul..."  He paused, then his eyes narrowed and his ears dropped to his neck as he realized what he had really said.

So, only thing you need me for is to be your moving campfire? Laebenal asked and stood up looking at Grassblade.

"What?  Erm, no..." he leaned back a little and looked around, casting a desperate glance Liaisa's way.  "Uh..."

"He's trying to give you a compliment, Laebenal. Oh, don't mind his blabbering. He's a stallion." She giggled and got close to her again, to whisper in her ear. "He likes you a lot." She whispered.

Scarlet was blended in with a crowd at the town's celebration, nowhere near Laebenal, Grassblade, and Liasia. She's enjoying herself only a little.

"Yes, n-never mind me...," he stuttered.  "I'm naught but a fool... naught but a fool..."  At this point, his shaky, mumbling voice was muffled by the fact that his face was in the dirt and his hooves were on his head.

Laebenal jumped away from Liaisa and again she made a low growl.

Grassblade popped up to his hooves.  "Listen to yourself, your stomach growls like a wolf; surely you'd appreciate some food!" he said, wearing a crooked smile that suggested his nerves had just snapped like a twig.

Liaisa backed away, not so much from the growl, but to show that she's aware of Laebenal not wanting her near. Instead, she walked up to Grassblade and began stroking his head. "Tis alright, you did your best. She's just not acquainted with your intentions."

Liaisa could feel his head shivering a little under her touch.  He looked somewhat like a stallion who'd drank twenty ales and stayed up for two nights.

Humph. I can feed myself without help when I need to. Laebenal said and sat down looking away from others.

"We can get you whatever you want. Wine, juice, cake. No need to look for them, either." She said and looked back towards where the camp was. She was starting to feel a little hungry.

Grassblade stood in place, staring straight ahead for a few moments and rocking gently side to side.
A few moments later, he fell over unconscious.

I think your friend needs rest. Laebenal said and stood up.

Quote from: Coffee Rush on 2013 Feb 05, 16:59:48
Scarlet was blended in with a crowd at the town's celebration, nowhere near Laebenal, Grassblade, and Liasia. She's enjoying herself only a little.

Sameul did come forth from tent of his own and his apperance that of a merry-going stallion. His eyes fell upon Scarlet's perturbed figure and the smirk of boyhood did enter his features. He did make plan to creep along and suprize the mare but soon such plan he revoked. She most certainly had no recollection of his-self and such a maneuver would do naught save earn him animosity. So he nodded, and moved to greet her in open.

"Great hailing young maiden, your golden face seems besmuged with some dark emotion. Pray-tell, what discomfort falls you? Speak, else I must pester you, till so nonplused and frustrated you become, all secrets pour into mine ears." His saucy wink did evoke memories from some time ago, as a month past a guard did wink her thusly.

"Now, fair maiden speak your ills and we shall dance merrily betwixt the others and into the silver star-light! Take leave of your woes, for surely woes will be plentiful in but a fort-night." And he did try and slide his own hoof into hers, wherby he should pull her into step, in-tune, with him and dance her away through crowd and festival.

"Oh, dear goodness!" Liaisa cried out and quickly embraced Grassblade. "No, I don't think that's it. Oh, he needs to get back to the camp."
Liaisa sighed. "Thousand apologies, Laebenal. But could you help me carry him back to the camp? It'd be a great help. He'll catch a bad fever if he stays out here."

I'm sorry but I don't come out from this forest for a while because of that warrior group. But I can help carrying him to the edge of the forest. Laebenal said and walked near Grassblade trying to find a sign that he would be faking.

"Yes, that would be great! Thank you so much, Laebenal." She said and began heaving him up, but clearly she was struggling to even lift him partially.
((Cursed bulky Stallions!  lol ))

Scarlet did smile when he began to talk, trying to hide her glum mood. At first, she was reluctant to respond to his finely spoken words, but when he tried to slide his hoof into her own, the unicorn didn't respond negatively. "Well, it is just that.."

Even though Laebenal is weak nightmare she managed to lift Grassblades body on her back. Let's make this fast. He isn't the lightest thing I've carried. She said while trying to keep her balance.

Liaisa's horn began to glow and Grassblade was engulfed in a magical aura, slightly lifting him up which lowered the weight on Laebenal's back.
"Is that better?" She asked and walked beside her towards the camp.

Laebenal didn't say anything and continued to carry Grassblade to the edge of the forest. Liaisa's spell helped her to keep her balance and walk straight.

 His smile came as sweet as new rain, as he lead her on slowly to stalls all abouts. Listening intently with eyes affixed he only turned away once, for purchase of candied apples. One he did share with her and his nod came emphatically. "Do speak, we may sit if you like! The bench here seems a cozy place."

And he sat himself down and beckoned her to join him. "Tell me your mind fair maiden."

D D go to sleep  

As the three kept moving towards the camp, the sound of ponies became more clear and soon they reached the outskirts of the woods.
"Alright, thanks again, Laebenal." Liaisa said and bowed a little. "I'm going to get some other ponies' help from the camp, now. It'd be wise to leave here. I don't know how the other ponies will react to your appearance."

I'm not going to do that again unless it's absolutely neccessary. Laebenal said exhausted from carrying Grassblades body. She turned around and started to walk back deep in the forest. Remember not to tell other ponies about me. I don't like to be hunted again.

"I wished it never happened." Liaisa said, then headed off towards the camp.

In camp, Liaisa approached a group of stallions and asked them to help her carry Grassblade back. Shortly after the group left, they returned with one more pony.

Quote from: GalvinRoe on 2013 Feb 05, 17:43:32
His smile came as sweet as new rain, as he lead her on slowly to stalls all abouts. Listening intently with eyes affixed he only turned away once, for purchase of candied apples. One he did share with her and his nod came emphatically. "Do speak, we may sit if you like! The bench here seems a cozy place."

And he sat himself down and beckoned her to join him. "Tell me your mind fair maiden."

Scarlet found herself a spot on the bench, right next to Samuel. "I'm just concerned about the trip, you know?" The unicorn stayed still in her spot next to Samuel.

 "Aye, the journeying mayhaps be rough, but our stern vigour will keep us through. The training in yonder camps was naught for those weak of heart, your ladyship did come through strong and true, have no fear, your ladyship be well prepared for the trip to come. Take leave of these thoughts, for the night lessly. And your mind may wander the dark hills of doubt when morrow come, or we set hoof to path far distant."

He winked happily. "Come dear maiden, you be young and virtuous no power in this land would dare snuff your tender heart. I suspect your flame will burn on for many years-hence and gentle form of old age she hardly shape you. I do suspect you shall keep your beauty full-force in years quite late." He put his hoof through her's. "Come dear lady, dance, be merry and lose such thoughts. In time you may complain to heart's desire but till the troubles do come, let be happy, I pray."

A blush came to her face, but wasn't very visible due to her coat. His words made her smile, and she agreed to dance with him. The journey would start in two weeks, two weeks of either lazing around, training, or both.

Liaisa and the stallions carried Grassblade to a tent and left him to rest. She comforted the stallions with a small tale as to remove their worries over him. She went out to watch some of the ponies dance. No matter what the occasion, she enjoys a dance.

Jenkens walks up and joins Liaisa
"Yer Liaisa arnt I right, pleasure to meet ye, though I do have some words past the pleasantries im afraid"

"Huh? Oh yes, I remember you. Jenkins, am I right? Uh, what is it?"

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz roooooooooo. DD hoarse as a bear

"Indeed Jenkens Craftsword pleasure to meet ye, though thats not de important thing her, There be Rumours slipping about this hear camp about you and the other two sneaking out, and der apparently be plans to follow ye out the next time, or at least thats what I heard, Thought it best to warn ye before somthing goes amiss , if ye cach me drift"  

"Yes, of course. Thank you." She sighed. "Should've known it wouldn't be that easy." She thought and looked around for a brief moment, then back at Jenkins. "Say, you wouldn't mind a dance, would you?" She asked and held out a hoof.

"Hehe eh well I cant say im much of a dancer there but  " Jenkens bowed "I cant her refuse the request of a lady can I " Jenkens took Liaisa's hoof and he spoke calmly almost gentalcoltly for a moment "May I Take this dance me lady"

"I'd be honoured." She said and lead the old pony to where some other ponies were dancing. "We befriended that creature from before. Her name's Laebenal and she's a nightmare." She whispered in his earsas the two were dancing.

"So thats where ye lot have been going, and a nightmare ye say, cant say ive ever encouted one before" Jenkens replied back just as quiet while continuing to dance, though not bad Jenkens was a tad clumsy with his steps

Liaisa giggled at Jenkins steps, but didn't mind it that much. "Majestic, she was. And I believe Grassblade fancies her." She sighed, then continued silently. "Stallions."

"It sounds like he's not the only one who might be having a little crush der, otherwise yead be keeping that warhorse company over dancing with a workhorse like de likes of me"  Jenkens just smiled he intended no harm in what he said he just shares his mind plain and simple in his kind yet reassuring voice

Some twenty meters away, Grassblade stumbled out of the tent drowsily.  When he stopped wobbling on his legs, he rubbed his eyes with a hoof and looked around, seeing a party.  "Festivities...  I must have partaken in too much wine, then.  Nothing more."  He slumped down at the side of the tent sadly.

 And the night did pass with tumoltuous speed, soon-by the great crystaline chime declared the hour. 'Six in the morning', it did declare, 'Six in the moning, get ye from your beds.' But all congregation from here to the palace distant, knew today was a day of rest. Ponies did haul their bodies to beds warm and plush and neigh on all Pastoring slept, and for the first time since it's creation, the crsytal tower was made to stay silent during the 'waking hours'. So it was, and quiet descended over Queen's Grace. When her Majesty came with few guards a-side, she gazed at her sleeping congregation and made nary a sound, so as not to wake the soldiers. Her eyes did glow with immaculate pride as she nodded her silent path through camp, and those she found awake she did splay a hoof in greeting and hail, and whispered her: "Good day, fair champion, take much pleasure in it."

As the queen passed through the ashes of fires and revelry, she brought herself to kneel and drink from the common fountain. Here woe seemith to befell the party, for within the fountain lay young Maiju, the colt tasked to bare the flame of Northern light, hence. And here the braiser lay at the bottom of yonder fountain. Nary did the light extinguish, but the water had turned fair opal-liquid and the queen did drink from this water thusly blessed.

Her knees crippled forward and she fell with pain-stricken face, soon calls and shouts ran up the camp. Her Heighness had been poisoned, or so it seemed.

what is that.? fire, monster, aliens, the tax authorities one Tyranid invasion.  
D D is wake up and run to fountain by luckily fortuitous

"Something's happened." Liaisa said and quickly interrupted her dance. Without hesitation, she rushed towards the center of the commotion.

Grassblade lazily opened his eyes, and as his senses came to, he heard absolute chaos through the fabric of his tent.  "Does the party carry on into the morning...?  --Nay, 'tis the sound of mourning that assaults mine ears!" to himself he spoke before hastening outside.  "What has happened?"

Scarlet had just awoken from her nice sleeping spot, hearing her cry. She figured somepony had stepped on a rock, but decided to check it out anyways.

"Right no time to waste" Jenkens followed it semi quick pursuit

tomorrow more))

  And the queen fell the extra few feet with great speed, all the grace in all the lands was not enough to prevent her graceful countinence severe brusing. And her face was all over marked by the impact. Many a pony gathered round and in great fear, for the queen did seem to be poisoned direly. She quaked in spasms and her eyes were shaking with great force, the pupils but blurs int the soft head wracked in pain, unimaginable.

And the queen did look pale as the snow, where many a pony did exclaim: "Her coat, it changes!" This was a true thing, for her coat had begun taking on the visual aspects of the water she had drank from thusly. Her coat sparkled many hues, and a general milky undertone was present. Her mane did undergone tumoltuous change as it transmuted to dazzling silver-mercury, or so it appeared.

All over the pony's did gawk and have much pity for their queen and many a shout went up for doctor and mage, no pony did step heavily up towards the palace, nor did anypony leave the side of the queen. Their fear and honor did bind them hence, though many knew to call the doctor better action. And there was much pity in the crowd, those of a presumptious nature called forth in wailing most terrified: "The Queen has fallen, we are doomed!"

But those of more stead-fast nature hurriedly quieted such exclamations and did put much dis-credit onto such rumours. But their stead-fast souls would nary allow such folk to fetch a mage or doctor. And many would have given their own lives to save their queen, but there she shook and quailed, not one-inch assisted by such thoughts.

When Grassblade found the crowd around the fountain, so crowded was it that he had to take flight to see what their purpose was.  When he looked down from his new viewpoint, he saw the form of the Queen, though oddly mis-colored.
It was lying upon the stones untended.
"Has everypony gone mad?!!  She needs aid, not mourning!  If none else dare to leave her side, I shall.  Fetch her a bed, at very least!"
With that, he flew off in great haste for the castle.  Oh, what chaos such news would bring...

As Scarlet arrived, she caught the last of Grassblade's word. She scurried off in search of somepony that would help.

 Anon, scarlet falls upon Sir Williger in a generous humour. Though even in generous humour, the good sir is naught but a stickler for rules. He stared her down coldly. "And what do you want, land gruber?" His cold tone an arrow cutting it's path with frozen malice. "Is it not a day of rest? Should you not be conserving your actions, preparing for stealing the Queen's land underneath her gracious muzzle?"

And his eyes did glare with such hatred that never before had scarlet seen such malice. "WHY do you bother me?"

For a second, she was silent. "Why I'm here? Because your queen is dying!" Scarlet said, a larger issue at hoof.

 Ser Williger's face did alight with skepticism. "What trickery is this? What game are you playing." But the shouts of the others were true, and the ponies seemed cured of their moonstruck wonder. They did shout out lustily: "The Queen, she dies! Poison, the poison of the star!"

And surely Ser Williger knew not what these words meant but he took the meaning down to heart. "THE QUEEN!" And his eyes bulged like that of the puffer-fish. "No, she can't die. Of all the ponies in the lands, she musn't die." And his hoofsteps beat heavily away, for he had gone to be by her side.

* * *

Came Grass upon the castle butress and the other guards called forth, in good nature jest: "Oh, great hero! Where does you fly with such esteemable speed!? Surely the day is one of rest, not racing!"

Grassblade came to an awkward hover next to them, struggling to hold position with his massive wings.
"Indeed, a day of rest should be less full of stress...  I might explain on the way, but above all else is the need for the finest doctor at hoof!  We mustn't delay!"

"A doctor!" They laughed, then did the serious nature strike them. "A doctor . . .? Be quick about you, land well on city walls. Have out an explanation, right fast. Why come to the castle walls for a doctor." Hooves of assistance were held in every which direction as they beckoned him down.

"What foul-deed has brought you to us?"

Grassblade's landing on the wall was less than soft, but he remained on his hooves.  "An accident it may be, or even a terrible plot of evil... but the Queen's condition is dire!  I saw her crumpled, bruised form.  It was surrounded by a mob crying out that she'd been poisoned!"

[Story - Partial Verse]

   And nare did a blade fall truer than that day, for guards here and far dropped their weapons in great haste, that they might fly through the castle and surroundings with more speed. And all but a fair few did speed away, many on hoof, some on wing and soon a doctor had been fetched so too was Ser Delphine there, for he was court mage and those poisoned might be spared with a skillfull horn. But on return the doctor and mage did find the queen much at-ease. Much fear had flown through the crowd and the blazing fire did catch hold of the two professionals but it was all for naught. Her Grace slept soundly if slightly colder than her temperature might usually have been.

With such as this, the two professionals did set to work and many a pony watched with fear and hope. The doctor found not a thing he could define and mage too was equally befuddled. The magic at work, far beyond any they might have encountered besides the Stars themselves and nary a mage had the lightest inkling on the Stars compisition. But the queen was healthy, or so they claimed and a royal strecher, with bearers a plenty, did come to wisk the queen home, quick.

And forth, the two ponies, did send a sturdy young colt to dispel the rumours there a-bouts, for the queen would live and no need for despair was present. Yet these two locked eyes and, for any present, the promise of secret meetings did whisper between such looks. The ponies were not unduly worried, it seemed . . .

Grassblade slowly returned to his tent, and once within, fell stiffly upon his bed... yet his eyes didn't close.  His thoughts haunted him for a terrible long hour of how near a kingdom-shattering tragedy had been.

[Story - Partial Verse]

Right quick did the news re-bound, for much was the dismay of the ponies, and those with knowlege understood such trouble the Queen's ailment might bring. In the later hours of the evening a young coult did run about, tears streaming down lively face: "The queen is well! She sits in bed, much the same as before. Only her apperance did change! The queen is well!" And there was much relief about the camp many did take this as an omen, though few knew an interpretation honest. A strong voice did call forth: "It shows our assured success! The queen cannot die, she has taken the water of the Sages' and her new apperance shows her infalable nature!" And many cheers did rise up.

But the one's not so easily taken in, did raise a weary tone. "Be careful with your words, lest they offend the Sage." And a hoof among the crowd rose to the star above. "Mayhaps a trial; Mayhaps an omen; Mayhaps a coincidence. At least the queen does live, but put not too much faith in her infalable character. Should time arise, my sword shall parry all others that stab at our beloved queen." And many solem murmerings did echo around the camp at such cynicism.

After lying still a while, Grassblade's thoughts were a treacherous storm of possible future events.  He had frightful dreams of terror reigning in Pastoring after the death of the Queen, and he felt his mind would tear itself apart if he did not take action to prevent such terrible dreams from coming true.

He rose, polished his armor with a beautiful shine, and straightened out his coat.  Marching out of his tent, he sought Sir Williger through the camp ground.

DD  walks  and collides with Grassblade

oh so sorry i dont see you. are you ok?

"'Twas naught but one warrior bumping into another; I'm fine, as I trust you are.  I seek Sir Williger... have you seen him about?"

ehhhh ¬¬ you are kidding me?

see i am blind.  

"...Oh.  Erm, do you need any help getting somewhere, then?  I'll be just as likely to find him while leading you as wandering aimlessly elsewhere, so I might as well accomplish two endeavors in one.

dont worry  if you do not mind I'll walk with you i do not know anyone around here

"So you wander, too?"

yes Uu i dont know because ponys are very worried  

"I've been worried as well.  I seek Sir Williger, for he may be in a position to authorize my goal.

you goal? that's what you want?

"My 'goal'...
I've been having some rather frightful thoughts.  Thoughts of this land becoming something terrible before our quest can even finish.  I fear it would be brought about by the death of the Queen, as I always have--but this recent event makes me unable to think her safe."  He stared off toward the Queen's encampment.  My goal is to take the highest measure I can take to ensure her safety.  Though it will involve close proximity to the Queen, I feel I must be authorized by Sir Williger before I will be allowed to approach her."

is a good goal i only want come to my house  :c

I may be able to help you reach your destination, if you can give me some kind of description.

you can open interdimensionals portals to another paralel univers?

:l

"Wait, you mean to claim that you are not of this world?"

this world and this dimension yes

"Indeed.  Well, if I cannot help you get, erm... home, then I'm afraid there's nothing I can do for you.  Good day."  Grassblade continued searching.

Bleyd going with him

  Ser Williger stood a-dazed, a slumping figure besides yonder palace walls. Disposition most a-fronted or mayhaps bewildered. The pony's eyes a sorrowfull mass of dropping exhaustion and hair discheveled, unkempt tangles. Besmeared clothes spelled ill-kept habits; crusting mouth gave heart a-twinge, Sir Williger's neglectance ran even to his eating habits. Nary several yards hence, did Grassblade stand. And much sorrow did emanate from Ser. Williger, enough even to bring those about him into pits of melancholly.

Williger stirred not from this sorrowful stupor whenst ponies passed by. Neigh, his head barely did rise from the hails of folks he took friendship with.  Save once, a messanger did canter forth with merry speed and Ser Weillger's attention was ensared fully. The young messanger be our jolly flame bearer, Maiju, anon his jolity did not hold strong for he was much ashamed and feared for his Queen's condition. Maiju had been found fully to blame, he had been found intoxicated through no fault but his own. His poorly behaviour lost him the honor of flame-bearer and many were quick to dismiss him from company al-together. But such was not so, he was to stay on and have the chance for redemption, or partial at the very least.

Ser Williger's eyes darkened in anger, and spoke not a word . . . but Maiju seemed emploring of forgiveness and Williger's silence must of been  cruel punishment. As Maiju did trounce away, much dejected, Sir Williger's spittle ran forth in the pony's direction. And so Maiju's head did find itself a notch lower that day as away he did speed.

* * *

Then flying hail did spread through Queen's Grace, a royal decree of much weight. "The queen would make speech that very evening, and nary a hero must be abset. For woe on the hero who miss the Queen's instruction. Get ye to the palace throne room, make haste, not much time remains!" And the messanger would pass on, spreading such declarations here and far. Soon the elder chiming of nearby crystals did declare the time much passed and so the Queen's speech was upon those who might listen.

Many a hero did make haste for the Imperial chambers, with disheartened heads some held, others were all trepedation and excitement but most were a mixture of many emotions with fear being prevelant and intoxicating.

Grassblade clattered in, still clad in full body armor as usual, breaking nearby ponies' fearful thoughts with confusion and humor.  He joined the crowd to listen for the Queen's words.

 A strong backed wheeling device did lay before the ponies and her highness sat upon it with all the regality and stature of a fully confident queen. Eyes blazing with the passion of a successful cause and nary did hoof fly to handle for support, whence they drew her up to the dais. But clutched the royal scepter of sterling silver with an unrelenting grip. The thing would have squealed in displeasure should the misfortune of life be given upon it.

And the queen did raise her hooves above her head and all was silence. "We go, on the morrow." And the guards about her wheeled her away as a gasp, then cheer rung about the crowd. Now many a pony did turn to their neighbor and whisper and ponder. Ser Delphine rose then and let loose answers, answers many a pony freted mayn't come.

"My pony-kin and brave heroes, listen well! Ye gather at the training ground, on the morrow and be sure to find yourself there by the second ringing of the day!" Wherefor he meant the second time the crystal hourglass did chime. "Bring your armor and goodly weapons and take hearts clean, for your journey does begin." With kind smile and soft nod, Ser Delphine had finished his information, but eyes were filled with teary sparkles and his countenance could not be spoke of as jolly or optimistic.

* * *

Then good guard Sameul found his friend amongst the throng, a flying hoof a recognition found it's way about Grassblade's neck. Warm and caring the hoof quavered slightly. "My friend, can you believe these events? The Queen POISONED?! But, she does look well now . . . she LOOKS well, if oddly colored," He spoke.

And the quivering intensified, as Sameul's eyes sunk and the hoof loosened and fell a-clatter upon Queen's stone tiles.

Grassblade returned the embrace.
"Though I'm excited for these new happenings, I worry for the queen's well-being while we're away.  I feel this may mean she has enemies within her very walls," he said, casting a nervous glance around the crowd.

"Praise the stars she made it, but we're not done yet. The adventure has yet to begin. I hope she'll be fine throughout this endeavour." Liaisa thought to herself as she stood amongst the crowd.

D D try to see the Queen with binoculars backwards.  
i dont see UU

("Well it apears the time for acting is now, though somthing doenst want this to happen bettr keep my eyes out")
Jenkens ponders to himself within the crowd

After standing in thought a moment, Grassblade pulled away from Sir Samuel and looked him in the eyes.  "Did we join this quest to question our queen's guard and safety?  She'll certainly take more care now.  Did we volunteer to be fearful and uncertain?  Nay, we're here to fulfill her orders."  He turned forward and shouted to the queen with a courageous smile, "Your wish is mine, O Queen!  I await your command on the morrow!"

Lord Carmain was figure, prominent, at yonder hearing and her stature could not of been more sure. Straight back, hard eyes. The queen's misfortune did not sway that oak. Yet, her hoof continually flew to the amulet 'pastor', star embodied, that did sway most magestically upon her slender neck. Lord Carmain turned her way away from the chambers, with more haste than any-pony. Yonder back would not be found in this crowd.

And around the room mutterings did flutter, butterflys on painted wings. Where their loyalties lay seemed ever shifting with the breeze of political power. The queen was weak and many schemes mayhaps fly through the thin air. But not too far forwards, stood Ser Williger. Stauch hearted and steadfast, at least his loyalties lay strong . . . or so we presume. What heap have our heroes landed themselves within? Pastoring's best face was not upturned and more and more the secret rotten underbelly does be revealed.

With kindly heart and gracious prayers, we will our champions to bring us how we wish pastoring to be. Only their journey shall tell their success.

* * *

Came the morning with terrible haste, but not all sadness did it evoke. Soon the ponies did upon the great parade to lead them off and hearts were much alightened. For banners of great silken work and colors splayed across the rainbow, lay masterfully adorned and good warriors here and about did fly the flag with much honor. "Anon! Anon! The Queen's congregation does leave, anon!" so many guards did call. "Awaken yourselves, awaken and cheer for festivities have come to Queen's grace and much hope spreads!"

Before the congregation the queen stoon on un certain hooves; adorned in her pearly alicorn armor, as polished and embroided with gold as the day it was made. And the fair light of the great sage, glinted and made her seem a goddess amongst mortals. For even her skin did glimmer and shine, that strange mercurial hair a-washed as if in tide, but no-breeze did caress the congress this cold morning. Her sparkling coat glistening with other-worldly light but her dazling smile, that forever brought warmth of hope to the ponies hearts, was just the same.

"My breathern! We head to our futures! Take up your weapons and march-to, for we set about to The Meek and Curious sage, Hideo!" The queen nodded, taking precarious steps up the aisle of heroes, each step led a shaky rebuttle across her muscle bound coat, but forward she marched. As she passed our heroes, the soft smell of lavender did make itself discernable in their noses and another smell they could not determine, but some would venture at the smell of pearls.

With the queen looking pale as the light they hoped to save at the front of the congreagation, and thus it was proved as Ser Williger took up just a step behind with the brasier of flaming life, the group set hoof-forward. Through the town the parade did progress and ponies were showered with lilacs and merry-gold's and other such flowers.

The congregation was on it's way.

Laebenal is at the edge if the forest watching curiously what's happening in the town.

  "Hold, HALT!" Good Ser Leybal did shout, not too far removed from the congregation. Trailing along the side pulling in only at Queen's head, he whispered hurriedly to her royal majesty. "It is so, your highness."

And her grace did nod slowly, an invisible thread of understanding flared betwixt several ponies and few made for the trees not too distant. Before time was spent the congregation had surrounded, true, the pony of flames and distrust. Good Ser Edwards held a blade to the creature's throat herself, such a blade would be swifter than lightning and hundreds of times more precise.

"Speak." The queen whispered, with eyes of compassion if confusion. "Why does your presence flitter about our congregation, who are you?"

Ser Edwards' blade edged threatingly, but her face was calm, placid. Nary an attempt to remove the blade would go unpunished.

Laebenal made a low growl while looking down at the blade on her throat.

 Ser Edwards hoof did not waver, and her placid face was unchanging as the rocks beneath their hooves. She did not speak, it was Ser Williger who drew the words across the air, "Calm yourself down, else you'll be butchered. No-pony can withstand Ser Edwards blade, she's never even been injured in combat! You hold no authoity here, MONSTER, even if Ser Edwards was not enough, you are surrounded by an ARMY. Stand down and submit!"

The queen put her lilly white hoof down against Ser Willigers gray and with soft compassion . . .she did turn him away. "Please calm yourself, I must know why you are spying on our group. If our journey is unsafe . . . I must know. Would you have hundreds of ponies canter to their deaths? Are you truely a monster? Or something else?" The queen's hoof quivered to her lips and her other hoofs were surely unsteady but stand she did and her magnificent eyes gazed forth with much authority.

Laebenal continues growling now looking at the queen.

Grassblade hastily pushed through the crowd to get within speaking distance of the Queen.  "Hold, this is no monster before you!  She speaks, though not when threatened.  I know not why she is here, but I'll say again, she is no monster!"

Laebenal stopped growling and now stares Grassblade.

Grassblade made eye contact with her, then looked to the Princess.  "I believe she lives in the forest, your Majesty.  She watches only because she desires to understand the meaning of all this commotion we've raised, but I've not seen her do evil... only receive it."

"Yes." Liaisa said from a distance and neared Grassblade, then stopped next to Grassblade and greeted Laebenal with a smile. "He is correct. She means no harm."

Laebenal starts to calm down but rememberes the blade on her throat and now growls and stares at Edward.

"For justice' sake, hold that blade at my throat, Ser Edwards; she's done less harm than I!"

Liaisa sighed at Grassblade's remark. "Don't hold any blades at any throats. Nopony here has done anypony any harm, so why are you lot doing this?"

 Edwards eye's do shift dangerously. Crystal clear and more focused on every twitch Laebenal made then one would wager possible. Ser Edwards sword was trained, dangerously, upon the fire-pony's heart. "Calm ye hackles down. Once you've lowered your defense mine will swiftly follow."

Ser Williger was many times displeased and he whispered secret conference with her Ladyship. Whence his eyes did train upon the creature he spoke aloud, once more. "You are . . . the Daemon Ser Gertude captured not two months hence. Why have you remained in yonder forest? Sensibility dictates removal, I should not have remained, a creature hunted, if choice allowed." Ser Williger's back straighted and his voice found new authority, "You are a dangerous creature, here for monsterous purposes! My suggestion: Confinement and interrogation"

But her Grace's eyes found their homes in other sources. Her Majesty was turned towards her champions: Liaisa and Grass. "What mean you, this? No harm? Pray-tell how come you by such information privy?" Her words were brisk, but eyes' spoke tales of trust and encouragement. Her temper was not upon them.

Laebenal looks at Williger and exhales small smoke cloud to show she is ready for evrything.

"As I said, I've done more harm than she.  I'm the reason she was not delivered in chains and by the crack of Ser Gertude's whip, and I concealed my knowledge of her in the forest thereafter.  We've spoken to this mare, and all I see is an abandoned heart that seems... alone, without any family..."  At this pause, he looked at Laebenal once more--gazing into her eyes with an actual tear falling from one of his own.  He looked back to the Queen.  "I remember being just as she is, though my mane and tale were not ablaze... and my welcoming reception was a bit less hostile when I stumbled from the woods.  She is my new friend, and I'll not see any further foul treatment upon her that is not thrust upon myself twice over!!!"

"Just look at her. Isn't she a pony like the rest of us? A pegasus, to be precise." She sighed and looked over at Laebenal's blazing mane. "Our stars are dying, the kingdom is in grief, yet mares and stallions from way over yonder have gathered to save the land they lived on for generations. It is now that a pony of flames appears and everypony shouts murder and monster. Our world is a magical one, our daily life is made up by it."
She smiled, blinked a few times and then looked over at Edward. "Because isn't that what our dying stars are? Pony sages of olden times?"

""Crisis on Infinite Earths, worlds will die worlds will live""(DC comic)

"Galactus the devourer of worlds is hungry and devours the stars to feed their eternal hunger"
(100% freak http://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/galactus.jpg)

when D D say this a shooting star shining in the sky. (if isnt posible only ignore this thanks)

  Ser Willliger took very little of the conversation with him. For his eyes were upon the 'daemon' once more. "It is very simple," he spoke simply, as if to a simpleton or animal. "Stop growling, lower your hooves and the blade goes away.  We cannot risk the harm of the queen, in any state," Ser Williger's speech did find itself facing the crowd, no longer a private conversation, this became a debate.. "Besides, as we suspect . . . this creature is most likely a spy of some wicked race."

  The Queen was seen, a fit of nerves, such information and her current state . . . the combination could not be goodly. And now it was shewn, cold sweat tricked across her pearelscent coat and her muzzle . . . a crumpled paper upon white background. "Perhaps we should . . ." But Ser Edwards voice broke through, a pitch of the highest frequency and an almost innocent quality, woe upon the stallion or mare who fell for that trap.

"Hey-ho, my beloved leader, but I warn those about! I shalln't lower weapon prized, else I mayn't claim myself the finest blade in her Majesty's service. The prowess I hold comes not from the blade, your eminence, but from my caution and perception. I'll back me away but, you may expect, not unless I do have ample time to regain my position,. Thus a lowering of hackles is necessary, I've seen this character throw fire and I shalln't allow her majesty, or myself, to take any brunt of that dangerous element. At the moment I stand able to silence the fire before it begins . . . but woe majesty, I lower my weapon without this creature lowering it's defences and it be leaving one of our beings with potential for serious injury."

"If you worry for the safety of your queen, by the stars, be prepared to take the attack for her!  If you'll not do so, I'll stand between my friend and my Queen, but I tell you now that none here are my enemy.  So why are you of each other?"

 "There is no need for such irrational frivolity of life and limb! If blade may prevent the pain to come, then blade be the choice and tool. Stand you between friend and friend, then. But take the flame, if flame there does come." Ser Edwards took many a step back and crossbow she redied by tree of glorious orange hues. "The queen cannot come to harm, Ser Knight, at no point shall it be allowed."

Ser Williger's eyes meerly narrowed as the queen beckoned silence. "Please, please. If faith you do hold, of such strong binding, share with us the reason behind this faith. Seen such a creature we have never before! And appear upon the eve of our destruction . . .  surely such tidings bring omens of the darkest variety . . ."

But Ser Delphine had come to see the queen off and stumbled he upon this mass of distrust. "Hold, ye-all, I hear tell of omens. Hold ye all! I trust you've mistaken the sign!" And the good mage did step up, lively and sure. "Nay,  my queen and procession, this be no omen of ill-tidings. A creature of flame upon the end of all light! This creature be naught but goodness and sure giftings! For flame upon the darkness brings light and light we seek to return, take your blades away, remove your trained eyes. Let us greet this being in peace and courtesy, as our court should have done."

And the Queen stared tight faced, betwixt Ser Delphine and the creature, her mind would be taxed an no quick answer could the congregation hope to aquire.

Laebenal stopped growling and now just stands there looking at Edwards, Grassblade and queen.

"I'll stand inbetween my friend and you. Not to protect you from her, tis to protect my friend from you." Liaisa said as she stared at the knights, then went to stand inbetween both parties.
Liaisa began to smile once somepony finally began to reason, a mage. "Tis what crossed my mind as well. A good omen on behalf of our stars." She said, then looked over at Her Queen. "We haven't seen her kin before and now, when the stars are ill-fated she comes forth and watches us, like a guardian angel. The magic she possesses, I won't deny. But fire is not of the devil's work, unless your majesty claims our stars are daemons as well."

"I could not have stated it better.  In truth, have we here ever seen a daemon?  We jump to conclusions!  Leave such judgement to the wizard; he's been beyond the border."

  Ser Delphine's face of many aged years, did speed through a series of unhappy emotions, of anxiety, sulleness and melancholly they spread. For Grassblade's words had made them spin just suchly. "Yes, beyond the borders of reality and back, once more . . . I've seen those years far past, whenst the sages walked the lands and the enlightenment they've slowly drawn. But sadenning it is . . . I've never once heard their words, perhaps not so suprizing. Only Harold of Yorkenshare was ever thusly blessed. But mine spirit has traveled the swirling ether and with certainty full, I give my belief this creature be omen fortuidous!"

The Queen's eyes were far recessed and pensive debate flew threw yonder head, till spoke she did, "I, believe . . . I believe this creature, means us no harm. Our eyes did catch a momentary glance, and her actions have been purely defensive, or so I claim to see. We must let her free, despite the repercussions that may ensue, we have no honest evidence."

  Ser Williger's eyes narrowed, once more, but it was high-voice Edgards that spoke her mind, "My queen you make mistake dire! Not on the Seven Stards would I train away my attention from this creature! It mayn't be a threat but we've hardly established that . . ." One of the guards began speech, anon, but Ser Williger's voice raised but another notch and with a FAR colder tone, continued. "IT mayhaps be in the midst of our woes! Without a sliver of hesitation, my suggestion must be to confine and interrogate it!"

  Ser Williger slowly confirmed, "I agree." And his eyes did not meet the queen's, the tree a-fore him held much interest for his gaze. "An omen or no, good or no, we cannot allow such an opportunity for explanation . . . SLIP away! The action must be confinement and questioning."

   That day Ser Edwards looked upon Williger with a light he never previously possessed. And a slow nod did come from her end to his, though he returned no such affectionate movement. "Honor spells valour in books and tales my-lady, but the times here cannot permit our morales a reprieve so happy! Waste this moment and all the galaventing about countires wide and dark may never again reveal a clue!"

   And the queen's eyes turned downward bound. Liquid droplets forming heavy upon the tear-ducts. "Move aside good champions, we must bring the creature with us . . ." The strong face of resloution flew up to meet Ser Edwards un-yielding confidence. "I shall not have it bound, I SHALL NOT and I will take my own risk of speaking with the creature, so that we may have it free sooner, than later."

  Ser Williger jumped before the queen, eyes all protestation and hoove's flailing gesticulations, the leaves from the dieing trees, all abouts, were swiped away in pristine deninal. "My QUEEN! You CANNOT risk . . ."

But her grace was before the creature, a hoof extended, a mane bowed. Completely vulnerable and no arrow would fly fast enough to save her. She had placed the first hoof forward an offering of trust.

Grassblade nervously smiled at Laebenal and pointedly shook Liaisa's hoof as an example.

Laebenal took a look at queens hoof and continued watching Edwards nervously.

"Go on." Liaisa whispered nearly inaudible and smiled at Laebenal.

Laebenal slowly took her eyes off from Edwards and quickly touched the queens hoof. She then started to look at Edwards again.

 Edward's eyes changed not a hair, but hoof did lower the opposing weapon for one fraction of a second. Then her deathly trill was audible, "Greetings from her queen's company, I pray you mean us well. Deception shalln't be tolerate. Take hoove to heart and gratitude for not harming the queen. Hope streams from my being, that you may be equally sociable with your knowledge. For we-thinks information, important, sits within fair-flaming skull."

The queen did not look on the creature again but pulled away with teary eyes. Her eyes were dull, the light had fled from them and muzzle quavered, a pitiful sight. "We must . . . re-form the procession, we are . . . already made late by these proceedings."

Ser Williger flew forward, authoriy ebbing from every inch of his actions. "RANK UP! GIVE THE SIGNAL! TAKE HEED ANNNND MARCH!"

A band of six had surrounded the enflamed creature, no chains did they brandish, only weapons most threatening. And Ser Edwards took up position, powerful, right behind the pony her crossbow still in hand, if not readied. The congregation was under-way, Hideo-bound.

Laebenal looked at all the ponies around her nervously but decided to do nothing and started to walk with them with her head drooping.

"Excuse me, can we stay with her? She's terribly nervous and distrusting of... strangers." She said, following behind the escort. The last word was more than sarcastic.

D D walks near all

 "You may stay as close as the outer bounds, of this here circle" The 'circle', good Ser Edwards referred to was the amalgamous mass of guards about the flame-haired creature. "We cannot risk escape. On yonder plateau, beyond the city, we shall endevour to set things to rights. Soon we may release the creature, we may . . . depending upon answers, honest."

Ser Edwards shook Liaisa back. "Feel free to walk with us . . ."

The congregation was marching to it's greatest ability, ponies side by side and stepping in synch. Even the guards held the pace, even if they were seperated, compared to the other troops. Brilliant armor glinted in the light and the cheerful banners flickered and flew. And many a pony were gathering at the Eastern most edge of town. . . A congregation had gathered to bade 'ado'.

Grassblade, heavy in battle gear, happily clanked along next to the circle in the hopes of softening the moods of both Laebenal and the guards around her.  He reminded the party of a fool prancing happily in a thunderstorm, and moved as though he were not inhibited by any additional weight.  His armor tossed about like a traveler's frying-pan tied to his pack.

Liaisa walked alongside the escort as well. She looked over at Laebenal more than where the ponies were headed.

Laebenal took a look at Liaisa and Grassblade and continued walking with her head drooping.

D D walk near liaisa

 Young fillys and colts were gathered about, dressed passing-fair in robes of velvet green. A kind fare-well to the heroes and many hopes for better futures. At sight of the congregation the tired and shifting foals rallied themselves, forming ranks, wiping the sweat from their eyes and the fine chorus master did raise hoof in preperation . . .

Then the melancholly tone was strung forth, the top violinist had concented to perform at this parade. But the voices, they were thricely heart-wrenching.

"Our champions stride forth.
  Though fear we they gone
  Return one day, will thee?
  We gather here;
  So cold, so weary.
  To pray they'll come once again.

We know their task;
It's filled with great sorrow.
But save the world, must they.

For time comes a running
and few hours have we.
Before the darkness, does reign."

  The melancholic funeral dirge played through the ponies, the high pitch of the fillies and colts enhanced the song several times. Tis one thing, mourning by a deep baratone but the high anti-tenor pitches did pipe out the song with such resigned sorrow, one almost felt the world assured to fall, cold tendrils of fear flipped around inside of a few guards as they blanched at this. And all were quiet several moments after.

* * *

The queen had little need for such melancholly, her heart was many times burdened by sorrow, previous. And the tune sent her pale form spiriling into white-upon-white, a hoof darted forth and Ser Williger found hoof clenched so tightly . . . one mayn't know the difference between where one-pony did begin and end. The grip held back soft-whimpers, which did emanate from her in painful murmers, previous.

* * *

  Ser Edwards attention lay on the creature of smoke and flame, in low mumblings she careful relaied, "This song be our future, as of now. Can you say, honest, such sorrow brings delight to your-person? Come share what knowledge you possess and save those who mean you no harm. You know, well, I wish you free but such things are impossible in times of such tragic and dark, times."

Laebenal is lying on the ground and staring nothingness, listening but not responding.

  Ser Edwards frowned, mightily, down upon the creature of flame and shadow. It has no care for us or home, yonder creature of flame and blackness must look on future years in favor. Not a pony to torment or restrain her . . . "How wicked," Edwards broke into speech. "I can'nt believe mine eyes. You care not a whisper of concern, does ye creature of shadow?"

Laebenal doesn't respond, only lies there and stares nothingness.

Grassblade trotted over to a position a few meters in front of Laebenal, laid down on the ground facing her, and just stared into her eyes.  "Hellooooooo....  Art thine thoughts of another world now?  Your case would be greatly helped if you were to speak."

Laebenal looks at Grassblade and looks like she's going to speak but all she says is "humph" and then she lowers her head in between her forelegs.

Jenkens walks up towards Sir Edwards, Larabel and Grassblade
"Well der a good morn te ye all" Jenkens says with a smile before having a more sern look
"Sir Edwards perhaps you would allow me a word in private"

 Good Ser Edwards was but two seconds from exposing yonder crossbow, when vibes, flirtatious, she did percieve. This 'Grassblade' was a romantic. For a moment the great knight was quite distracted. Her heart pounded, before she threw her hoof up. "YOU, GUARDS! What are you doing so far back, come back closer. All ponies must stay outside of the circle . . ." She was looking fixedly at an autumn tree, but even her composure seemed to crak, for she was playing across both hooves. One upon the ground, the other rubbing and back again.

The good guards came many a hoof closer, with suspcious glances upon their knight-captain and Grass. Soon enough grass could push forward several foot-falls more, if still a full pony away from the creature of flame and smoke.

"Watch it, we've got eyes upon ye."

* * *

Ser Edwards ignored the quiet beckonings of the elder pony, her attention was not to be divided at this oportune moment.

Grassblades ears perked up at the surrounding activity, but he returned to staring at Laebenal after it died down.  He flopped over on his back and started juggling seven stones between all four hooves, begging for attention.

Laebenal watched Grassblade for a while and then continued lying with her head down.

"heh alright then, well talk later, I might have somthing of use to yer" Jenkens begins to walk away
"now comeon yer two, it might be an idea to leave the good miss alone" Jenkens smiles and laughs walking away back into the crowd

His boredom reaching a climax due to his failure to entertain, Grassblade's legs went stiff--straight up in the air, dropping the rocks around him--and he fell over like a little tree, defeated.

Liaisa walked up to Grassblade and gently stroked his cheek. "Never give up." She whispered, then smiled at him.

Aside from Grassblade, somepony else attracted Liaisa's attention. The great knight Ser Edwards, though fearsome at all times showed a subtle change of character for naught but two seconds. Perceiving of details, as she is, Liaisa chuckled slightly, then approached the great knight for a little chat, close enough
"Good evening, Miss Edwards. Say, why must you be so strict and skeptical about them? He wants to gain her attention, nothing else."

 Edwards only allowed a moment upon Liaisa before turning back. "I hold no skepticism, so I've deduced. But mayhaps my actions were wrongfully condoned. Mayhaps allowing any contact holds counter-productivity. Should the flaming creature not share her mind . . . I fear her care will be within mine hands for many a rotation. . . But failure is no option, fair champion. You know this as ready as I. For ye were of the two who stepped forward and took oath with no reward. I do recall the event and your face swims out of the memories."

Edwards sharp eyes showed no emotion, her heart was hidden deep within but even so . . . words were always a way to find the heart beneath.

Grassblade had stood up and was now trotting in circles around a rock, growling menacingly at it.

Liaisa turned towards Laebenal, but continued talking to Edwards. "I'm honoured to be remember by you, fair knight. But answer me this. Would you rather talk to ponies who captured and hurt you, or a pony who juggles stones and... that. Just for your attention?" She said and giggled at Grassblade.

 "And thusly I allowed him before her . . . but she holds to impertinent silence! What good can come of it? If she continues to ignore measures, best, must be isolation. For hold she to this path . . . she mayn't leave and consequences must be defined. If told us that she knew not, and in tones truthful and meaning, that would be something. In time belief might even come, but for the moment she holds to strong silence and woe I place on the days to come."

Edwards had not looked up again, her attention was unyielding.

With a loud clatter of metal on stone, Grassblade tackled the rock, rolling a few meters before coming to a halt next to a bigger one.  His reaction was somewhat like a foal seeing a tether-ball sized lollipop as he dropped the smaller rock and started pushing on the half-ton boulder.

"Time will tell, fair knight. I know, for certain, that he won't grow bored just yet." She said and continued watching Grassblade.

At this point, Grassblade no longer even cared who in particular he was entertaining.
He was in the zone.
Digging his back hooves into the dirt, he continued to shove the boulder, hoping to roll the whole thing.

Laebenal took a look on Grassblade trying to roll a boulder and quietly whispered to herself: So weak...

Suddenly, the boulder tipped over.  Grassblade kept up with it, using the gained momentum to keep it rolling.

His face wore a delighted expression; between the clashing of metal against stone, and the boulder slamming its sides into the ground, he'd never made quite so much racket before!

A distance off, the Queen herself was speaking with somepony.  She was distracted from that conversation when she saw a fully armored pony in the background rolling a boulder past like a dung beetle.

Laebenal rose her head a bit when Grassblade managed to get the boulder rolling, but soon she lowered her head back down and started to look at distance.

 The choir did rise up again in song most joyous and heartening, for now the officials stepped forth to share gifts a-plenty with creatures all about. The royal-tailor brought many a fine tunic, a cart-load and with great humility did grant such gifts to the party with best wishes. Then came forth good sir scribe, his head nodded with hat of ostantachious plumage. He had brought the gift of many quills and ink, for those lonely days when they found themselves a-rest. Finally the steward stepped forth. His promise to reign in her lady-ship's stead and hold the values she fought desperetly to maintain was naught but sincerity incarnate.

Then the great caravan of supplies trailed up along the soft gravely ground of The Alabaster Planes , a hundred great wagons at the very least. Those squires and pages pulling the heavy loads nodded to their champions and so too did all in congregation.

The beginning had finally come.

As the congregation moved, Grassblade--while pulling a supply cart to assist the cause itself--was STILL somehow pushing the boulder along in front of him.  On the bright side, it quite thoroughly flattened the ground in front of his cart, and most of the wagons found themselves following his trail for a smooth road.  The rhythmic thumping as the boulder flipped onto one side after another played a tune that took the nearby ponies' minds off the journey itself as they marched and pulled their carts.

Laebenal walked surrounded by guards and occasionally glancing at Grassblade thinking why did he keep rolling that boulder.

 Ser Edwards did stare upon the strange romantic, the one who attempted to put cheer into the one wreathed in flame and shadow. He was still pushing the boulder. A small smile escaped her lips before she turned her eye back upon the prisoner.

* * *

It was honest Ser Williams who came up besides . . . his face just as sour as always. "Sir, you tire yourself needlessly . . . pulling carts and rolling rocks! At least pulling the wagon has value, do tell the logic, the nature behind such unecessary exhaustion. Ye shall be much fatigued when next we stop!"

"Fatigue?!!" he replied, as though to a neighsayer.  "Good knight, you've not the slightest idea how much fun this is!"  He laughed heartily as he reared back and slammed into the boulder with a loud clash, applying the force which kept it rolling.  "The true question I must ask you, sir...  Why have you not found a boulder of your own?" he asked in uncontrollable humor.  He found something about the situation unbearably amusing, it seemed.
Furthermore, he showed no sign whatsoever of fatigue, though it made some others tired just watching him...

Jenkens walking behind overhears the comment and lets out his cracked laugh
"Sir might I ask what lovers show logic, heck if anyting it gives a stalion the power of an ursa than one lost in what dey cant have"

Hearing love, Grassblade looked confused a moment.  "Love?  What lov--ah, it seems I had forgotten.  She doesn't seem interested, as full of beauty as I may see her," he said, only showing a small bit of sadness.  "I'll be leaving the creature of wondrous flame to herself.  For now, I've a rock to roll!" he cried joyfully, returning to his jolly state.

"Heh heh heh whatever you say youngin, but yer cant fool ma eyes "
Jenkins continues to laugh
"The young miss may change her ways dem firebrands always seem shy"

"That'll be her decision to make, and I must learn defeat, no matter how she may come out later."  He looked back to the rolling boulder.  "Aye, but here I'll see no defeat--I feel that I may bring this new friend into the heat of battle some day.  Imagine the terror of our enemies, to have a boulder of these proportions collide with their castle walls; I long to see the results of such a thing!"

 Ser Williger did chuckle despite himself, both these ponies were undeniably hilarious. The senile seemed to believe he had seen the ponies of flame and smoke before, which was far past absurd. Should a pony like that be allowed upon such a dangerous procession? This could prove problematic in the future . . .

Rumanations ceased right-fast, for a graceful presance did join them, the good Queen herself. She had indeed spotted Grassblade, his actions were hard to ignore. Such joy he spilled out around him and all for rock to roll, a merry pony if ever there was. So she did speak, "Good pony, does that effort not strain you? How exhausting it does appear . . ."

Grassblade adjusted his pace to ensure it was at the Queen's leisure as he turned head to reply with a kind, respectful smile.  "If ordered, my Queen, I'd stop swiftly, but know that I feel no strain from this sport."  He couldn't keep the simple smile too long, however, and the childish grin returned to his face more and more with every rhythmic thud of stone against dirt.  Nonetheless, he forced the grin off his face one last time to look to the Queen again, saying, "Speak your order, and I'll obey."

 "Neigh my good pony, neigh, neigh!" The queen did beam upon him with great mirth. "A naive worry on mine own part, I should nary have assumed your stead-fast endurance would not hold true. But feel free to throw that boulder off, if ever exhaustion does creep-up. Until then . . . much thanks good knight. You fill our spirits to the bursting and there be no better way to start a journey."

The queen walked besides for a time, discussing matters of ranging-importance with the honest Ser Williger. Then off she trotted and the honor guard, just inivisble to Blade's sight, did come into view as they rode off with their adored queen.

Once Grassblade returned his attention to the boulder, he realized it looked oddly unfamiliar.  Then again, so did his own hooves.  "What's this?" he asked, mainly to himself.  He stopped rolling the boulder and looked around, seeing a whole new world.  Everything was thrice as colorful; all the stars seemed to have multiplied!  "O beautiful sky, where hast thou been?  A very odd time to be seeing such a wondrous day as this..."  Tears welled in his eyes as he looked over at Ser Williger, and from Grassblade's face, he could swear he resembled a drunk foal.  "Thou dost sparkle like a crystal pon..."

Thud

Grassblade had succumbed prematurely to unconsciousness once more.

Laebenal took a look on Grassblade and thought: Not again... She sighed but couldn't do anything as the quards kept an eye on her.

 Ser Williger did catch his body before it did strike the boulder. "Hey-ho fellow, you've exhausted that boundless energy. . ."

  Away the pony was pulled from the wagon and the original driver did wake up from his nap upon the goods, behind.  Now ponies switched occupation and Ser Williger chuckled, energetically, as he left Grass to his nap.

As Ser Williger chuckled, a pleased smile did creep onto Grassblade's face.  He slept soundly upon the wagon, for his efforts had succeeded in turning stones to hearts that day.

The caravan left the boulder behind, sitting at the end of its long, flattened trail; a new monument to the strength of this party's friendship.

D d walk near laebenal

Laebenal looks at D D and thinks: Why does this military group have blind ponies? She shook her head and continued walking with her head drooping.

"How are you doing, Laebenal?" Liaisa calls out to her, looking over with a smile. She tried to raise spirits, too, without having to push a boulder.

Laebenal was startled from Liaisa's question and she answered it by giving her a face showing that she doesn't like the situation she is in.

"It's quite alright, dear. We won't let them lay a hoof on you, I promise. It's merely precautions. We have to protect our Queen and our land, but I admit they are a bit too strict. Some think you are a bad omen, some think the opposite." Liaisa pauses for a moment, sighs, then continues. "Anyway, you are a wanderer, aren't you? You must be a long way from home. I bet you've had a lot of adventures and seen so many beautiful things." Liaisa breathes a sigh of relief and seems to get lost in thought as she dreams of heroes and fairytales.

yes please say your travels for us

Laebenal looked at D D and said nothing shivering a little.

""oh come on for less you can say something.""   :c D D is blind and cant see laebenal shivering

"Oh, blind pony. It is rude to pry at something somepony doesn't want to speak about. I asked her, she refused. Let that be it." She sighed and looked at Laebenal, a little worried. "I suppose it wasn't all that bright I hoped it would be. Well, it's not going very well here, either. Our land faces a grave danger."

Laebenal looks at Liaisa looking like she's going to speak, but she looks a bit bothered and glances at the guards surrounding her.

Liaisa nods, she understands what Laebenal means. "It's ok. You don't have to tell us."

In the cart off to the side, Grassblade awoke with a start. ...Well, more accurately, a stop.  The cart he was sleeping in had bumped into a rock to hard, and the driver was replacing the now-broken wheel.  Grassblade himself was laying on his back beside the cart, apparently having been knocked off of it when the wheel broke.  "Wha-what has happened?" he asked, looking around with his legs sticking up in the air.  "Wait, something's wron-" he was cut off as he fell over.  "Oh, that is a might fairer."  He shakily stood up, blinking.  "I'faith, my legs have never been so sore..."  He helped the driver replace the cart's broken wheel then drowsily marched beside it as they continued.

[Scene - Story - Half Verse]

   Thus the party did pass unto areas far distant from their home and comfort. The brilliant white gravel did shine and reflect the soft white hue of North. The Alabaster Planes were as always, raising mounds of brilliant white gravel, soft and difficult to navigate . . . no matter how beautiful upon the eyes. Sparkling clear rivulets ran through the powder; deep streams tore the scenery apart cutting those white hills on surface and beneath.  And as always eyes were kept keen;, underwater caverns did give false footing upon the surface and many a pony had fallen to certain oblivion. Strength flew into the soft earth, compacting it, the strong Yulimout tree wove it's million roots through the soft ground, reaching deep into these underground cavern. Only ten feet of tree reached through the open air, a pony who had seen the fine tree would clam it incomparable to any other. There was not a single base to the true, but many winding branches that might break off into golden, flowering branches at any moment. These sturdy trees were little use to the congregation . . . but should stringy Jerry vines entwine the tree . . .  then Jerry berries would be found in abundance. Few other types of vegetation sprinkled the planes, few other types could exist. Rumors fly of giant mushroom that lay beneath the fine planes, but all is speculation.   

   The party had made good time and a week had passed it's elusive wings, work slow and sure.  Now but thirty eight leagues west; North was but a sparkle. Not so far . . . 38 leagues hence, but the light had already begun to dim, soon enough the way would be too dark and Hideo surely lay hidden beyond said shadows.

* * *

[Story Half-verse]

  And the Queen did lay soft sighs upon the party, in the nearing darkness spy they did  the crystal-white turmoil of the River White. Glorious were the wide banks, and deep were the 'shallows'. 500 feet wide and perhaps doubly deep.  The soft waves brushed the gravely shores and it seemed a thing of hope. The soft banks persevered despite the growing darkness , so too would they.

And nod she did over the shores, as the congregation formed around them. Camp was being made.

Grassblade, like a strange automaton, mirthlessly stepped over to the edge of camp opposite the stream and held position there.  His wings spread defensively, he stood facing the wilderness behind the group for hours.
He'd been oddly silent lately, and had not lifted his helmet's visor in two days.

Quote from: Bravo 539 on 2013 Feb 28, 21:41:15
Grassblade, like a strange automaton, mirthlessly stepped over to the edge of camp opposite the stream and held position there.  His wings spread defensively, he stood facing the wilderness behind the group for hours.
He'd been oddly silent lately, and had not lifted his helmet's visor in two days.

A quiet blade of grass, a green vest fluttered; Ser Edwards was before Blade, her emerald eyes brilliant and sharp. "Ye take great danger, brave one. To wander before camp and queen with no trained eyes, ye risk death. The Alabaster Dunes aren't known for their . . . mercy." Then she stopped, looking up to find the high-magnificent queen standing, stock still, naught but several meters away.

"The scenery seems popular, no?" Her face was . . . uncertain, weary.

Grassblade cast a curious glance to Ser Edwards, but turned body to face the Queen when she entered, bowed, then returned to his previous mannequin posture.  Not a sound came from the depths of his armor aside from the quiet clank of his hoofsteps as he turned.

Laebenal lies in the camp watching around and thinking how she could escape without getting seriously injured.

[Grassblade]

Ser Edwards did turn a melancholy head upon the grass colored pony. "What strikes your heart, brave one? Such disinterest and self so secluded, it is unlike you. . ."

But upon the moment, good guard Sameul was upon the hill. He too had spotted the lone green figure, a bright flag upon the white dunes. And finding his good friend in a dejected state he was upon him and before Ser Edwards, with only the slightest of nods.

"My friend, what has you so distraught?! Dear Stars! You look half dead, what ails you!?"


* * *

[Scene - Laebenal]

The many guards around Laebenal were not as attentive as they once were, but many were they and enough to stop any sudden movement or lunge. Before the the soft waving hills of alabaster lay before them and the great trench of the White River.

One of the guards made speech, his tone almost warning but he did not speak to Laebenal. "The Alabaster Planes hold danger in every crevice! The dunes themselves are traps, without trained eyes one might not see the cavernous pitfalls that hide beneath the shifting gravel! Then we've the Scopa scorpions and Millie tudges. Dangerous vermin! Should one of those gigantic Scopa lay stinger to you . . . you'll be paralyzed for days! Without mage or healer chances are you'll lose some portion of your body in a paralyzed state or so they say . . . Be wary of the Scopa for their size as well, twice the size of a pony, they claim!"

A new recruit from beyond the guard circle took interest. "But what about these Millies!? These tudges?"

The guard nodded, long and slow. Turning his full attention to the recruit. "The Millie tudges be dangerous sand-rats, their bodies all clad in thick white fur, as white as the alabaster abouts! They creep from their burrows and dens at night and let loose their enticing pheromones. A whiff of pungent odors and you'll find all desires lead to discovering that scent . . . I've smelled the scent before and I swear. . ." His eyes squinted at the recruit. " . . . I'd cut off my own hoof to smell it again. It stays with you forever lad, but you can't follow it, you mustn't! They are scavengers . . . they draw you where no water or food grows and when you can no longer fight back . . ."

A fellow guard placed a hoof upon the veteran's side, and soft gestures flew from him. So the veteran stopped and spoke again softly. "Watch yourself lad don't follow the smell and urge, stay with the group. 

Grassblade's head slowly turned to face Sir Samuel, and he lifted the visor to show his face.  Grassblade's color was no longer that of grass; pale, almost a green shade of the very sand they stood upon.  "The grass... how long have we gone on without the lively, green grass underhoof?" he asked in a gravelly mumble.  His eyes looked as though he had been crying for some time, but had run dry on tears.  His nose dropped again, and he closed the helmet once more, turning to gaze into the night at the miles-distant land from whence they all came.

 Sameul's face showed . . . confusion, for a moment, before it was forced into a sympathetic and demure expression. "Oh my friend . . . the grass, yes, I can see it's important to you . . . But come, come look around you! I know it's a little barren but come look at the beauty with me. The glory of different realms it's it's . . . something!" Sameul's hooves flailed in inexpressible emotions.

Ser Edwards stood uncomfortably; shifting from hoof to hoof and opening her mouth every now and again. 

"The grass is me, my friend, and I am the grass.  My story is difficult to understand, but that is the best way I can summarize it for you," he replied sadly.  Grassblade looked over at Ser Edwards and chuckled a little.  "Whatever is the matter with you?  At least my jaw decides to open or shut; does yours need help?" he asked, his mood beginning to lighten a bit.

Laebenal listened to the guards speech. "I know what is out there, my only problem right now is these guards." She thought.

Liaisa walked over towards Laebenal, smiling at her, even if she was looking away. "Hello, Laebenal. How are you doing?"

Laebenal turned to see Liaisa and smiled to her showing that she isn't as frustrated as she was in the beginning.

"Glad to see you're doing fine, despite the circumstances. Don't worry, though. The guards seemed to have lightened up, already and our friend over there." She paused to point at Grassblade. "Seems to have made close friends with two of our queen's champions. Which is good, since he trusts you and soon, they will do, too."

Laebenal nodded and turned around to see out of the camp.

"Have you been here before?" Liaisa asked, while looking the same direction Laebenal did.

Laebenal nods again and sighs.

"Oh, I see. What is this place like, then?" Liaisa asked, lying down next to Laebenal.

Laebenal whispers to Liaisa: "At first it looks really peaceful but when it is already too late you realise how dangerous it can be..."

"Dangerous, you say? Well, that's why we're not alone and not unprepared, either. If this is where we have to go, nothing will stop us, because everything will be over if we don't." Liaisa said.

Laebenal shakes her head and whispers to Liaisa: "We survive this place only because these ponies know something from its dangers... Preparing well and the size of the group is important part of surviving but it isn't always enough."

Liaisa face turned into a frown and she sighed again. "Let us talk about something else, please."

Laebenal nods while having a sad look on her face.

"I, uh." She stammered, unsure what to even speak of. She looked over at Grassblade and called out to him. "Hey, uhm, Grassblade! Why don't you come join us?"

Laebenal sighs and starts to stare at nothing outside the camp.

but if there is nothing to fear. dont worry ponys i have powers

Grassblade made his way over to Liaisa.  "Yes, milady?"

"Oh, we were just having a chat when the subject became a bit touchy, so I wondered if you couldn't raise our spirits again, as we're used of you. And just say Liaisa, please." She said, then shifted her legs to lay more comfortable.

"I fear my spirits may be as low as yours... I am weak, after such a journey with no grass."  Grassblade's face formed a grin.  "I could bring up a more cheerful subject, though.  What do you know of the old sand-sculpting arts?"

"Hmm, that certainly brings back memories of long lost times when I was but a filly. Simple castles is all I could achieve, but I remember an old friend of mine who made impressive things of nothing but sand and water. Sometimes he would use twigs for a stronger base. We haven't spoken in a long time, expect for a few months ago. I remember he called me to plan his wedding, lovely wife he had. Sadly, I don't know what became of him, perhaps I'll meet up with him again after all of this." Liaisa looked at Grassblade and blinked rapidly a few times. "Oh, how I can jump from subject. What are you in your daily life, Grassblade?"

"Why, nothing more than a jester and a fool.  I try to keep others cheerful and help townsfolk in need.  When somepony needs help building or moving things, I assist.  When somepony is mocked, I prove myself thrice the mockery that they are, and draw such unwanted attention to myself.  After a while, I'll come up with some fun riddles for my newfound mockers, and they'll forget what they were doing in the first place.  That's just about the story of my life right there... well, in the town, at least."  Grassblade sat down where he had stood, taking a more comfortable posture for conversation.

"In the town? Are you a traveller, then?"

"No, no, I live there.  I just... found it after a while," he added casually.

"I'm not quite sure I follow, but if you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask you to. I, myself, am a wedding planner, as you may have noticed. I always see happy ponies, but today." She sighed and pushed some of the sand together to form a small heap. Talking about sandcastles made her want to build one again.

"Well, let's have at it!"  Grassblade gathered some more sand toward the central pile and began flattening the ground in a circle around Liaisa.

"Hey, Laebenal. Come help us, it's good fun." Liaisa said as she began push the sand together, beggining to form a crude shape of a castle.

Laebenal sighed and turned to Grassblade and Liaisa. She exhaled fire to turn their unfinished sandcastles into glass. "I'm not in a mood to do anything funny." She said in a quiet voice and continued staring the wilderness outside the camp.

Grassblade stared for a moment, both in awe of the fiery sand-to-glass demonstration and in sympathy for Laebenal's foul mood, then slowly walked over to Laebenal.  Stopping a meter to her right, he plopped down on the sand, staring off into the wilderness with her.  "You know, refusal to have fun is guaranteed to keep your mood down."

"Woah!" Liaisa shrieked and jumped up, surprised by the fire. She stared at the glass sculpture for a while and sighed. "It wasn't finished." She said weakly.

"I lost my only friends here..." Laebenal said in a quiet voice almost crying.

Grassblade's endeavors halted, and his posture once more froze.  "I... I won't even try to compare anything I've experienced to what you must be feeling now... is there anything I can do for you?" he asked in a shaky tone.  He'd never even had the friends to lose before this journey, but now that he did, the nightmare of losing them had come to mind.

Laebenal closed her eyes and sat down. "No... They are gone and nothing can bring them back..." She said in a voice more quiet than before.

Grassblade closed his eyes and laid his head down in the sand, trying to force the horrible thoughts out of his head.  At this point, he could understand Laebenal's lack of cheer, at very least.  Finding himself crying silently, he closed his visor and laid still.

Liaisa walked over towards Grassblade and sat down next to him, then began stroking his back. "Shh, it's ok."

Laebenal started to lie on the ground and stare the wilderness again.

Grassblade looked up at Liaisa with tears glistening through the slits in his visor.  "It's ok?  I fear for the loss of my friends...," he said, then turned and pointed to Laebenal.  "She mourns the loss of hers!  I am not the one in need of comforting..."  He stared sadly at Laebenal, wishing death had never existed in the universe.

"It's the way of things. We couldn't cherish our lives if there were no end to it. I know you fear death and you are acting gravely different than usual. You may be able to push a boulder around, but at this exact moment, she is much stronger than you are." Liaisa nuzzled Grassblade, then continued. "Believe me, you are in much dire need of comforting. Do not think of death too much. If we live our lives fearing death, we'll never have lived at all."

"It's impossible to take from my mind," Grassblade sobbed, burying his face into Liaisa's hooves.

"I know it is. Just don't let this one thought dominate the others. I don't think anypony would like to see you like this." Liaisa got up and slowly walked away. She turned her head back to him to say one last thing. "I'll give you some time to mourn over your hypothetical loss of friends, if you really have to. Just remember, we're still here. You can cry about the possibility of losing us, or you can enjoy time with us until it actually happens."

dont worry i am lose all my friends too i undestand you

Though the thought itself lingered, Liaisa's words held unbreakable wisdom.  Grassblade elected to rise up and follow her rather than cry in the sand.

Liaisa didn't look back to see whether or not Grassblade decided to continue his mourning. She approached one of Grassblade's good friends, Samuel. "Greetings, Samuel. It seems our friend needs some distraction from what's currently on his mind. His cheerful attitude cannot cope with death, apparently."

Grassblade smiled at Liaisa's concern for him, and felt obliged to do something in return.  As she spoke with Samuel, he began putting together a new sand castle not but a meter behind her.

can i help you?  

With haste, Grassblade held a hoof up to his lips--then felt foolish for doing so to the blind pony.  He whispered, "It is a surprise for her... keep your voice low.  If you like to craft sand, I'll gladly accept your help.  Simply take care not to knock parts over when you're feeling them."

D D start to build ,but he do a marvelous delorian time machine.  

Quote from: Chirp on 2013 Mar 13, 02:29:35
Liaisa didn't look back to see whether or not Grassblade decided to continue his mourning. She approached one of Grassblade's good friends, Samuel. "Greetings, Samuel. It seems our friend needs some distraction from what's currently on his mind. His cheerful attitude cannot cope with death, apparently."

  Good guard Sameul; faithful guard Sameul, hardly did the request reach soft gracious ears as his expression turned grave and forlorn. "My dear lady! What speak you? Our kindly Sir Grass has been stricken with melancholy? Take me quick with no bound haste, for our friend of laughs and smiles we shall restore, restore to that state he rightfully holds, strong, above all others."

And Sameul's eye's did transition into melancholy, themselves, for but half a moment before stalwart determination gripped his body in stony dedication. And forward with confident stride, did he take, and urge Liaisa forwards he did. To speak with Grassblade his mission true and such a mission he would not fail.

* * *

[Story - Half Verse]

  The queen's eyes a-glitter with new unnatural brilliance and perception seemingly redoubled, her kind eyes lay down across yonder silken plain and saw her a sight thrice disheartening. A band, not small in size, of strange creatures did find themselves in the twilight of this far off land. Their skin as black obsidian and something different about their eyes, but these creatures . . . their continence, it held similar to another she knew quite well. . . These creatures were of pony make.

The fair leader made quick her call, to warn and prepare her congregation, true. For never before had ponies of such glossy darkness made themselves aware to her; not in all the archives in Queen's Grace, not in any story of merchant or traveler. Such things that appear from nowhere, they brought great fear to the queen, such change was but another painting of the world, current. The unnatural darkness; the pony of fire; these things that could not as yet be explained and the queen felt herself on the brink of a precipice. Everything was changing and soon would it not catch her people?

And through her shouting and warnings she caught sight of that hoof, so pearlescent and fair; for but a moment her voice lost vigor as foreboding struck: the very essence of change had struck her already. 

"Thank you kindly, good knight." Liaisa said happily and turned around. "Our friend should be. Oof." She didn't expect anything to have appeared behind her as she spoke, but a sand castle happened to suddenly be there. It caught her off guard and tripped over it. With her nuzzle on the ground, she looked up at Grassblade, coughing from the sand stuck in her mouth. "It would appear our friend's doing fine again already."

She got up and with a quick sweep of her horn, the dirt came flying off her and back on the ground. "Terribly sorry about that. But perhaps we should stop making sandcastles and rather focus on our journey ahead."

Grassblade rolled over in a laughing fit.  "Y-yes, perhaps attention would be better-spent on more steadfast things than structures of sand!" he said, spirit now fully lifted.

"These ponies are a bit odd, but wait. Did something move out there?" Laebenal thinks and tries to see if there's something at where she is looking.

[Story Half-verse]

And soon the cry rang around the camp, and echoed forth from many mouths: "Be warned, take care, bring hooves to ready! Strange moving in the distance, just river beyond! The queen has seen and the spotters confirmed, shadows ride  the twilight . . ."

Wide eyed panic amongst the village recruits and softly inhaled dread from veterans around. Panic and fear swam through the camp, a physical force brushing across spines and playing on hair. Stemming from the creatures in the distance. Silhouettes, shadows on the white, white powdered desert trudging forth with tiring accuracy. Hoof falls meticulous and almost synchronized. The forced shifting of sandy gravel audible even at this range.

Then the shadows gained focus, the desert haze losing it's hallucinogenic effect as the distance closed. Ten, twenty, two hundred creatures marching in almost military formation; marching, straight for the river.

"There is something. And it seems like it is nothing nice." Laebenal thinks and stands up growling at the shadows.

Grassblade donned his helmet and took up his wing-shields.  "Come, friends, prepare a phalanx about the camp!  We must not be caught unprotected!"

" 'Twould appear these newcomers do mean us harm. I hope our training was sufficient for this." Liaisa mumbled to herself as she crept closer to Grassblade.

Jenkens took a look at the sand and the gravel and thought to himself
("hmm uneaven footing large war army somthing seems out of place here")

Jenkens aproched the front lines with Liaisa and Grassblade
"Becareful it may be to early to draw a sword, expecaly if we can drag them into communication, and if not well I think you know what we need to do"

Grassblade nodded grimly.  "Thoroughly understood.  Keep the phalanx defensive unless attacked!  Do not yet strike!"

  [Story - Verse]

  Her harried grace did hurry forth with ungraceful abandon and came she to-rest before council and guards. Already the pungent odor of fear clung to the air and the merciless desert's heat gave means for expediting fear. The salty tang mingled with parching plumes of alabaster dust and fear had never tasted so dry, be it few meters from the river white. With soft refraction of pearly white sand and shadows in her peripheral sight the queen declared her intention.

  "I will seek negotiations, with these figures half spotted, and take I but few members as show of peaceable disposition." With but the slightest tremble of the voice, her grace spoke these words and not even the protestations from staunch Ser Williger brought doubt to her proclamation. "This must be, for chances possible lye before us. Mayhaps these creatures know of recent occurrences, mayhaps they know how the stars have begun to fail and no matter the odds pay heed, for any chance we must take for our world."

  Stood the queen up, to her new divinely glistening height and the smell of fear was, for but a moment, over-powered by the smell of rain and a forest long petrified. Many a heart shifted in beating breast as stood the queen in her determined defiance. Her defiance of the way things were changing and the way they seemed to fall away from rationality, her's was a posture of unwavering denial and many a pony felt the power she projected within them.

And nod did the once flame bearer, Maju, and stood did good Sir Sameul; many others besides did feel the strength within in themselves and many more were rejuvenated and heartened for whatever was to come. With this sense laying across the camp, so did Sir Williger concede his objections and instead held the company with a question of honor, his blazing blue eyes softened with fear and beseeching in every soul there: "Who will go with her lady-ship? Who will brave the numbers for our first stab at understanding?"

"I will stand by the Queen!" said Grassblade boldly, stepping forth.  "And should an arrow of iron, or a sword of steel, come down upon her I shall take it upon myself!"

"your Grace please allow me to come with you, this old merchant knows his way through silver than steel, please let me assit with the discustions"

Jenkens said with the utmost confidance, not a stuter in his voice, nor a fear in his heart

"If your majesty would allow it, I do believe I could be of assistance in this case." She said and stepped forth as well, with only the slightest of doubt in herself.

Laebenal sighs and lies down watching them carefully.

[Story - Verse]

Stood the queen and nod came forth, her eyes alight upon the three. Three champions of champions who stood before, their hearts as bright as yonder star. For these three were strong of will, to head through blazing flame of fear with naught but blink of eye. And once more her heart a-lite with hope and chance; for where such righteousness lives, "surely all would be righted in the end," so thought the queen.

Step forward did several more, among them the good guard Sameul and shamed bearer Maju, with them too the passionate spirit stemmed forth from glistening eyes. The silver-white in many others' blood shown through that day and the queen was not left wanting for loyal procession. 

  With diplomacy on mind and terror at heart, a band of 10 left to meet the tide. Debates had come and finalized the plan, the way forward was clear: A small band was to head forth, no more than 10 and the most even-headed as accessible. With criteria in mind her royal leadership chose those deemed most suited. And came the names: Carmain, of undeniable intellect; Williger, of unyielding morality; Edwards, of endless potential; Grassblade, of limitless morale; Liaisa, of boundless compassion; Jenkens, of grand wisdom; Sameul, of stalwart loyalty; Ster-nab, of frustrating patience; Frier Bronsworthy, of unwavering faith.

Stood this small band of friends and companions, stood at the river white to see the tide of black roiling across the alabaster to the white bank beyond.

"Now might be a good chance to escape but should I take the risk?" Laebenal thinks and watches the group of ten ponies.

Grassblade walked next to the queen, a single pace in front and to the left.  He was prepared to intercept anything that should approach the queen with foul speed and ill intent.

 [Story Half-verse]

  Came the tide, the shifting of granules a slithering snake in the mind, bearing fear and uncertainty as passenger. Heat wavered about The River White and it's clean, cold water beckoned forward, but this heat did not dance about the shadow-like forms, the area was not distorted with heat and their faces were clear seen.

Black on black clothes did they wear, great heavy cloaks that pressed against their midnight skin, heavy but loose pants and tunic and all was black about them . . . save their eyes. The eyes were the brightest, white, as lite with light as the stars themselves, though not as strong or illuminating. These blinding eyes hard stared upon the congregation and with a great slow movement, a single creature sauntered onto the edge of opposite river. A coy smile barely visible behind the layers of clothes, and a slow deliberate upturning of a hoof.   

Jenkens did not bat an eye or look twice to there appearance, true he had never seen such a pony before , but nor would that be his blockade, his knowledge should serve him he thought, his bartering skills and wordful ways should turn the tide of this meting, those were his thoughts, whether the ideals were shared with his companions was yet to be seen

But without a doubt of hesitation and his mind set to his idea of pitching the sale of peace he stepped forward and spoke

"Greetings there my fine fellows"
as he spoke he realised his hoof was shaking, only slightly but still something was bothering him perhaps the movements or the fact they looked so dark, maybe the pressure that his plan could go wrong all the thoughts went through his head twisting and swiring as he awaited some response

Liaisa watched Jenkens step forward. She was happy that he did, but she felt disturbed by the fact that he was shaking. She switched her gaze between Jenkens and the black ponies. Somepony had to do something, somepony...

"Exactly. Greetings to you, fair ponies. How is everything this fine day?" She said. No doubt or fear could be heard in her voice, but that was simply due to the fact she was trained for giving speeches. Inside, she was shaking, fearing for what stood before them and for what she said. Would it annoy them? That wasn't what she wanted.

[Story-Verse]

Through heavy cloaks their eyes shown forth and whispers of soft greetings from across the river white, still yet their whispers may be silent conversation if body language be much different. For eyes did train upon the group and many an upturned hoof did fly but never a-fore had ponies encountered, such beings as these, and language be it a clear for Queen and congregation may be elusive in meaning.
 
Then turn the flood upon each other, and whispered words flowed soft and melodious. A language of many tone, a language filled with rhyme and heavy emotion. Wonder, bewilderment and curiosity seemed apparent through the hum-sing of the many creatures. Then turn the front-most creature upon the congregation and join him were nine others, standing ball on sand, at the utmost edge of The River White. Anticipation prevailing the air about them.

* * *

Queen Leimus Pastoring stood strong and true, and turn she upon her fellow kinsman. "My friends and heroes . . . these creatures here, they seem intent to come cross the River White . . ."

Took up the speech, did young Ster-nab. "My gracious queen, may not observing bring us much knowledge? Should they stay stationary we shall understand our move is on-board, but should they make move we will learn of new abilities and preferences."

So brought a curious look from Sir Williger and from such a short nod. "Perhaps patience is in order, but not overly-much."

* * *

Overly-much they did not wait, as the ten creatures made move. Hooves quick landed upon water, and River white shuddered to River black whence they stood. For but a moment a small section shuddered to opaque darkness, until river they had passed. Then all was as it was, save the creatures before the congregation.

Grassblade didn't consider it his place to think of such things, but he decided to 'throw his idea out there', so to speak.  "Perhaps they mean to help us cross if they don't believe us to be a threat?"

[Story Half-verse]

Quick did hooves of black fly upwards in gesture as before, and moreover words did float along the air, melodic and kindly. Although kindly, although soft and saturated with meaning, the congregation had impression, best and impressions held as greetings. Now eyes were upon them, white and bright without pupil or distinction, globes of brilliance in a face of black.

With great unexpected movement, the queen's hoof flew skyward and smile she forced on anxious features; all that escaped her throat: a soft, distressed whinny.

And in discomfort the champions felt the shifting of temperature, the air had cooled as though a great mountain's shadow had taken up residence but surely there was no shadow and still the temperature decreased. Soon a chilly sting encompassed the congregation, a temperature never before experienced in Pastoring's constant environment. Soon the cleansing taste of peppermint was on tongue and scent of mint stinging the nostrils.

Still stood the congregation, hooves upturned, silent and still

Liaisa raised her hoof in response to the black ponies' gesture, but her hoof was not still, it trembled together with the rest of her body. Maybe it was the decreased temperature that made her shake, but she was scared, no doubt.

"T-They're just p-ponies, just like u-us." She thought to herself as her hoof lowered and the shaking lessened slightly. Her hoof raised again, but not as gesture. Instead, she walked, she approached the black ponies with a bright smile on her face, then nuzzled the nearest hoof.

 [Story Half-verse]

  The leading creature took Liasia's face in hoof, with touch as gentle as the summer breeze and with the closeness of contact, Liasia did see the glorious white teeth a'sparkling in unbridled happiness. Then took he his silken head and caress he did return on Liasa's hoof. The skin was unmistakably cold to the touch

And so they were met.

With quick strides the queen came forth and a bow of such elegance she did perform, a simple act brought to dance with the grace of movement. And with such a movement the leading creature did smile once more, soft whispers ushering forth from the group.

Then, too, did the lead whisper forth, a language of emotion and quiet, deliberate, words. But these words must not have been for champions, yonder. Although the man kept eyes full on forward, two of those behind stepped forward and made conversation with him.  With sudden action, another covered in a great robe of darkness, strode forward and produced a box. The box was all over knots and loops, tied of some silken rope, where the box itself be made of stone and where the knots were quite intricate, the box was but a stone atop a hollowed stone.

From this box did the creature produce a rotten stick, a stick more like a twig, and looked the group upon the stick and with surprise Ster-nab did whisper. "The more one looks upon it, the less it appears a thing of wood."

And so it was, the stick had patches of 'rot' that began to look more about rot, until the group decided they were glistening patches of obsidian. Then the choice was changed again, it was once again sap and so forth went the deduction.

Took this, that brave creature, and held he so between two trembling hooves. Moved through the air went the object, as though through it's own will and the creature's eyes did close as the object guided him about. Then sit did he and chant did he and soon the other creatures were making camp. For tents they produced; bed-rolls they unpacked; fire they did make.

Laid they down, around the fire, and the one with rotten stick did have it dangling precariously over the fire yet no danger would ever be assumed. The wand was delicately but indiscernibly attached to that creature's hand, or so the group did think in unison.

So the two groups met, at the White River in the Alabaster Dessert

Grassblade realized that he'd been holding his breath for quite a while and scarcely managed to avoid gasping for air when the tension fell.  He looked to the queen for instructions.

Liaisa smiled at the pony who returned his gesture, trying to look presentable and not shake too much. After the greetings were done and her majesty stepped forth, Liaisa went back, away from the black ponies. Her smile slowly faded and her legs began to shake as she kept walking.

When she reached Grassblade, Liaisa swung herself around his neck and hugged him as tight as she could. Tears formed in her eyes as she buried her face in his neck. She held back her fear and she had to let it go now.

To say Grassblade was a little surprised by Liaisa's gesture would be an understatement.  He couldn't really think of anything better to do in response, so he extended an overlapping iron-plated wing over her, hoping the knowledge that she was safe from harm would calm her frightened soul.  His posture remained passive, of course, so as to not provoke any of the tide that might be watching.

"I'm terribly sorry. I was just so afraid." Liaisa spoke as she backed away from Grassblade and wiped her tears. A smile appeared on her face again and with her tears gone she looked good as new.

 [Story - Verse]

Congregation took much surprise, to see yonder creatures lying there. Suspicion came and suspicion fled but soon the good frier let out helpful speech: "But see!?" He exclaimed, after a moment or three. "But see, they show us signs of trust! To prepare oneself for sleep and lay, it shows how willing they are to talk."

Good Ser Edwards took much a shock, before her head did nod in concession. "Aye, it be true. Come, understand, the state of unconsciousness is a vulnerable position. They place upon us an act of trust, as the wise frier states."

Then lazy smile crept forth from behind, and step forward did Jems, "Mayhaps it is, but then again who is to say this is not but a feint. I may not be high in the courts but caution I advise."

And here the queen seemed much taken with worry, soon even the tendrils of doubt might take hold and this she expressed with not all complexion but the following verse, as well, "I worry though, if trust they extend would not suspicion offend them?"

* * *

The gentle sparkle of distant star flickered across the land and the once warm desert no longer sweltered with heat; the mint and fresh air now came from these strange creatures and the river White continued its never ending journey.

Grassblade's own smile returned as Liaisa's did.  He was content enough to trust the creatures, but he'd follow commands to do otherwise.  "What is your command?" he asked the Queen.

[Story Half-verse]

The queen's words could not be found, though search she did with praying might, much assistance still she did require and here she turned to congregation. "Come my kin, my champions. Give me guidance; give me thoughts true; give me your council for this step I shalt not take till all paths have been explored. I fear a blunder, fatal, and then might our people not be in some war? War against a kind unknown is perilous when times shine bright and clear, but war when darkness crouches and eats our land; such war would be the end of Pastoring."

Gaze she did at yonder ponies and pleas of assistance did leave yonder eyes, her strength was waning and those about were the only staunch that might mend the wound.

"I have faith in their intentions, my queen; but I will follow where you lead," Grassblade spoke encouragingly.

"In good times, the best thing would be to learn their tongue and teach them ours, but I fear we don't have time for that right now. I do not know about magic's way, a translation spell, perhaps? We'll have to communicate somehow, but time is precious. Will body language suffice? Or drawings maybe?"

 [Story Half-Verse]

  And took the queen her hoof in hoof, to upturn and stare, deep, the crevices upon. Her mind was far-cry seen and eyes but teary aqueducts. Then, most violent, did she through herself to the ground, where her statement was plain and clear, "We shall put faith in creatures here, for even be they enemies our hope lays in diplomacy. As said before and repeated now, a war would be the end for Pastoring, the light, North, will not hold forever."

Then lay she back, but with a twinge or spasm, and it was clear her passionate display had sprained or bruised a muscle, but congregation watched on as the queen forcibly made meager camp in the coarse alabaster. A hundred meters or less to camp, she made herself a bed there besides the River White; besides the strange creatures; besides danger.

Grassblade removed his helm and gathered some wood.  Stood he by the Queen and ushered her to follow him; his eyes sparkled with encouragement and trust, his head tilted toward the creatures' nearest fire.  "Let us unite with them, my Queen.  There will be no need for despair if we are made friends through combined efforts.  Come, let us fuel their fire and rest at their side," he urged.  "Do not afflict yourself so... look upon this as opportunity, not fate."

[Story Half-Verse]

And so the queen's eyes did alight and arise. Soon too they met upon the face of that one who brought such joy, for still she remembered of the action, small but thrice brightening he did bequeath upon yonder party. This pony whom good guard Sameul did put all faith upon, and all faith seemed not a sliver too much anon. So stood she, that one of great bright and love for pony-kin and hope did glitter forth upon her and with her. Her nod, regal; her step, hampered slightly; Her presence, vast and mystical.

"New friends, for friends we must become." The queen began, addressing those dark figures. Their eyes gazing upwards to the sky, and to the queen. Shifting, some, others remained still but many had eyes upon the figure of liquid colors who's light shown  alone and independent of any other source. "Our hearts tell us we might be friends and our suspicious minds wish it so, but fear the knife that enters the back. Can we not converse a time and find those roads we travel are not one's that cross at an impasse?"

The great Sirs who traveled hence with queen and company; with tolerance and obedience, tensed in their bed-rolls. So quickly had she made this move they hadn't time to dissuade or join and now, now all that was possible was silence and hope.

* * *

Those of the Shadow Pony leaders, one whose hand had brought the wand upon the flame. Did stand most gracefully and take he his hand to brow from brow to upper left chest and within the air hoof-upwards. The soft sounds of wind and fire and light met our great queen and congregation besides. But eyes were sorrow full for the congregation of strange shadows could do nothing more to translate and sure they must have been their speech was not comprehensive to these pony-kin.

Remained Grassblade protectively and heartily by the Queen's side as gestures kind proceeded.  With genuine smile and bow, gave he the nearest charcoal being a kind and calm greeting.  "Though we cannot know these beings by tongue, my queen, actions are a language true.  Our friendship need not words," spoke Grassblade to the queen as laid he his wooden burden upon their fire.

Whispering Winds

The light green pegasus finally made herself noticeable, moving to the front of the group instead of always 'hiding' behind the others. She was very interested in the mysterious figures that were now present. Although she tried to not show it in her expression. "My queen, in case of a possible alliance with these new ponies, may I ask to act as an ambassador for us? her head was kept down when she was adressing the queen, her eyes closed but filled with expectation.


Khronos Earthbound

The newcomers were interesting. The young stallion was observing them from a relatively safe distance, behind his mentor and away from attention. They spoke a strange language he could not understand. Nevertheless, he awaited both leaders' decision anxiously. What if these strange ponies had knowledge of herbs beyond what he knew? He could not wait to ask... somehow.