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[glow=#b8860b,2,300]The Temple and Monastery of Harmony. Since long, it has been the paradise for those who wish to devote their lives to learn all the ways and the secrets of Harmony. It exists almost as long as me and Luna, being founded short after the fall of Discord and his reign of chaos. They have discovered uncountable applications for the harmonic energy that surrounds the world, to the fields of medicine to the ones of martial arts, and in it's entirety these applications are called by the name of Harmonic Arts. Today, their monks are either teaching the next generation at the Monastery or scattered around the world as missionaries, helping any soul in need and asking nothing in return. Since it's beginning, it has been of great help to maintain the harmony of today's society. As it should be noticeable by now, We have always kept in contact with them, to discuss the most diverse issues about Our reign and society. The greater monk, known as Grandmaster Guang, is not only a wise ally, but also a precious friend of mine.
But since two weeks ago, We have not heard a single word from or about them. Our letters cannot make it's way through the magical flames, and to make it worse, even the scouting party We have sent to investigate has been lost. That is why We have gathered you all here. We ask for your help to investigate the whereabouts of the scouting party, and to gather information about what happened to the Temple and Monastery of Harmony. But be aware: We don't know what dangers lies ahead. Of course, you can refuse this mission if you don't want to go. We will understand perfectly. But if you choose to accept it, We will be thankful from the bottom of Our hearts.[/glow]
The two Royal Sisters stood regally in front of the recruted adventurers. Their expression were hard to read, seeming to have a mix of peace and sorrow. The colorfull audience hall of the Royal Castle was filled with their powerful but calming and hamornic aura.
A line of royal guards stood behind the adventurers. Some of them muttered among themselfs, amazed by how young some of them seemed to be. But of course, they wouldn't doubt their Princesses' choice on this matter.
[glow=blue,2,300]If We could, We would join you in this quest. But as you might know, We have our royal duties to fulfill. That is why We came to ask for you aid. If you have any concerns about this task, please, speak freely. And those of you who wish to help, step foward.[/glow]
Both Froth Spiral, and Phoenix, took a step forward, and bowed.
"I would be honored to be of service."
Phoenix said.
"As well as I, if, that is, I could."
Froth said, quietly and nervously.
Price looked down to his niece and nephew before him, both staring up at the sight before them. It had honestly been the first time they've met the princesses, being stricken in awe at the sight of superior authority. The changeling looked at the two young ones, a bit worried himself at how they agreed to assist in the mission in the first place. He couldn't say no, but now after the speech, he's curious if they even want to serve anymore. He kneeled down before them and asked, "Hey, you two... How are you holding up?"There was a delay in their response at first, still focused on the princess's in their beauty and flowing manes. "Polar, Star?" Price asked again, making sure they're ok.
Their attention averts from the Princesses, looking back at their uncle. "Huh? O-Oh, Yeah! I'm ready and waiting!" The young filly said with pride, her twin brother nodding with her.
Price smiles and huddles them together for a big hug. "Hah, As enthusiastic when I was your age..." He paused for a moment then broke the hug and looks them dead in the eyes. "But... Please, if there's anything you can't handle... Anything at all, you tell me, alright?" He asks of them. They nod yes and once again, Price hugs them, except a bit tighter this time.
Reluctantly breaking the hug once more, Price stood up to the Princesses and saluted, his niece and nephew mimicking the same action. "I would be honored to see the lines of battle once again, Your highnesses... Gets a bit boring dealing with paperwork and politicians, get what I mean?" Price says, winking at the Princesses into hoping they'd get what he meant.
Suddenly the foals climb up his back and seem to roughly announce their speech to the princesses as well. "Yeah! We're gonna get the job done nice and easy!" Said Polar.
"Nothin's gonna stand in our way!" Black Star joined in.
Princess Celestia smiled at the children's excitement. So innocent and full of energy, something you can't find in most of full grown ponies. She looked at each of the present ponies, and stopped her eyes when they met the one who still seemed indecisive. The light gray unicorn with a ying yang cutie mark and an odd black mane and tail with white spots that seemed to move along it froze. Looking directly at the eyes of a goddess, he felt so little, but so at ease at the same time. Just her gaze seemed to wash away any worries and cover him with an invisible force field, shielding him from any bad in the world. It was like a mother's embrace. But deep within those eyes, he could feel something else. A feeling that shouldn't be there. Was it insecurity? Worry? He couldn't figure it exactly, but he knew this event taking place at the Temple and Monastery is definitely affecting her. He didn't know why or how he was there, he didn't know if he could be of any help at all. In his eyes, he was just an average unicorn living isolated from the world. But how could he stay quiet while the all mighty Princesses humbly ask him for his help? And even worse, with those eyes?
Shaking his insecurty aside, he stepped foward and kneeled. - "Your.. Your Highnesses can count on me."
The royal princesses looked at each other, smiled and nodded. Looking back to them, Princess Luna started the instructions. - [glow=blue,2,300]"Very well. If no one has anything to say or to ask, you shouln't delay any longer. First, our guards will escort you to the Hollow Shades, home of the Night Ponies, closest town to the foot of the Foal Mountain, where the Temple and Monastery of Harmony was built. There, a young mare called Tian Long will be waiting. She is an apprentice of the Harmonic Arts who was away from the Monastery to know more about the outside world. She will guide you up the mountain to the Temple, and there you will report anything strange or unusual."[/glow] - The Moon Princess looked to her side while one of her royal guards came with six purses over a pad. Each purse contained two quills, a long scroll that can be divided in smaller pieces, a bottle of ink and a strange orb. Each orb contained a green fire inside it, and a small hole on top.
Each orb was hoofed to each adventurer, and it was the turn of Princess Celestia to continue the instructions.
[glow=#b8860b,2,300]"These orbs contain the Eternal Fire of Communication. It is a spell that allows the user to teleport anything burned by it to the original flame, that is within this castle. It is the only way of communication that doesn't rely in living beings transporting the letter personally. If you find anything you need to report, use them."[/glow] - She raised a hoof, pointing the exit. - [glow=#b8860b,2,300]"Now, go. May harmony be with you wherever this quest leads you. And again, thank you."[/glow]
The guards behind the adventurers reorganized themselfs, clearing their path toward the doors of the audience hall.
Price's ears shot up when he heard the name, 'Tian' With a small smirk, he turns around and turns to his two young companions and said, "Well, Let's get going. Wouldn't want to keep the lady of the hour waiting." He begins falling out of the grand hall and makes his way to the guards awaiting everypony. Along the way, the young filly decides to look up to her uncle and notices the smirk on his face.
"Do you know Ms.Long?" She asked.
"Know her? Hah," He chuckled , "She's an old friend I got to know about a year back. She's that mare that taught me that barrier I showed you guys."
"Oh, she must be really nice if she knows you, right?" Black Star asks.
"Aye, she is... Although I'm curious as to how she feels about taking on this mission. I know she doesn't believe in senseless violence, torturing of others, no matter what the life form... There's a chance we might have to get our hooves dirty out there, and I know she probably doesn't want to repeat her actions in Tartarus. Despite that, I was thankful she did all she could to keep us safe and keep her morals in check at the same time." Price said, thinking to himself aloud. "And that's also why I'm so worried about you two... I know you two asked to come here willingly, but as soon as we make it out into the open, whatever happens here on out is the real deal... I want you two to stay close to me, alright?" He says, causing the both of them to groan a bit. "Please, just hear me out on this. I just want to evaluate you first; Get to know where you're good at."
"And after that, we can do as we want?" Polar asks. Price nods and in return, The two young foals smiled.
"Just remember... Keep on the right track; don't let your actions redefine the kind of equine you are.
Phoenix and Froth turned to leave behind the other three. Phoenix patted Froth on the head, in which he flinched greatly after the first tap, but caught himself for the rest. Phoenix sighed.
"Well, you do seem to have warmed up to me. Hah.
She said. Froth shuddered at the word "warm".
"You know how I hame around fire. Though, yes I am getting used to you."
Froth replied, taking a uneasy look at his care-taker.
"Are you sure you want to go with me? I'm sure I would be fine..."
Phoenix cut him off.
"I can't bear the thought of you running off alone. I may just be your care-taker in your eyes, but I feel like i'm your bigger sister, which is funny, because we're basically opposites."
She said. Froth grew quiet after that, but she knew he was thinking the same thing. And he was, he felt the same way. But another thought dropped into his head. The memory of his father. He seemed like he was an expert with fire, for the soft glow he had. They both walked side by side, not saying another word.
Arty was the last one to follow, staying behind the others. Waiting for them right at the door were two guards: a white female pegasus with golden mane and tail and eyes as blue as the sky, and a black male night unicorn with silver mane, tail and eyes. They both opened the tall door and saluted the adventurers.
"Good afternoon, adveturers! I'm captain Skylight of the Sun Royal Guard, and this is captain Nightwalk of the Moon Royal Guard. We wil be responsible for escorting you to the Hollow Shades. It's a pleasure to meet you!" - Skylight said with a cheerful voice, giving a wide smile to the adventurers.
"If you, please, follow us we will show you your carriage." - Just like a perfect opposite, Nightwalk's face was gloomy and almost looked like angry, with a rispid and deep voice. His silver eyes seemed to stare right into the soul of those aimed by them.
"Don't mind his tone, he's actually a really cute colt inside." - The mare whispered back to the party, what Nightwalk only replied with an even angrier face. - "Reeeeally deep inside."
Price chuckles at the kind guardsmare. "Eh, I won't mind him. Just... Don't let him touch the kids." He says. The luggage he seemed to be carrying was quite seemingly heavy: Two leather suitcases, identical in length but larger than an average case, indicating Price packed something more than cloths in there. Whatever it was, it seemed to jumble around and makes some metal clings every time he moved; possibly a few weapons. Aside from that were his saddlebags that were filled with other essentials, same goes for Polar and Star's equipment on hoof. Before continuing on, Price thinks to himself, muttering out, "10 days till then..." Before looking into his saddlebag, making sure he has the equipment he needs. Sighing in relief, that does seem to be the case. For what he may have inside that saddlebag, be prays it will be enough for what could happen in 10 days.
Without looking back, Nightwalk led the group across the corridors of the castle. There, the adventures could see the stained glass containing the most important facts of Equestrian history, like the first and second fall of Discord, the banisment of Nightmare Moon, the reappearance of Sombra and his fall caused by a purple and green baby dragon, others with unknown characters of various species, and others still blank.
As he passed by, Arty started to subconsiously slow his pace, staring at each mosaic with curious eyes. He remembered some of this facts from school, but others are totally unknown to him. And the blank glasses made him wonder about the future, and if this quest could grant them an image there. Without noticing, his movement has dropped to near zero, and that's when he heard the deep and rispid voice of Nightwalk calling ahead.
"Keep moving. We don't have time to lose." - He turned his head slightly, and his stare made Arty almost sprint back to him and the others.
"You should be a little nicer to them, don't you think? How about trying to smile a little?" - Skylight had lifted herself from the ground, floating in front of Nightwalk and poking his face, trying to force a smile. He did nothing more than keep staring at the pegasus with cold eyes. Even if he looked like a naturally angry pony, his patience with Skylight was something amazing, to say the least.
Finally, they have reached their destination. The front gate was opened, and outside a carriage big enough to fit everyone of them was outside. - "This is it! Isn't it beautiful?" - She pointed to the carriage. It was mostly pink, with details in purple and gold. It really seemed to be worth of royalty. - "You can put your luggage just there, at the side of the carriage, that it'll be picked for you, and then you can make yourselfs confortable! It won't take long to reach the Hollow Shades, but it's no reason for having an unconfortable trip, don't you think?" - The white pegasus said in her cheerful tone, while she and Nightwalk went to the sides of the carriage, opening it's door for the adventurers.
Price chuckles at Skylight as he set his equipment down and turns to her. "Well hey, might be comfortable for us but what about the rest of the guards escorting us there?" He says, giving a friendly smile. For a changeling, Price did seem to differ much from his entire race in terms of attitude. He along with the foals sat down together after he made his small joke and awaits transportation.
Froth and Phoenix quickly load their equipment, and climb aboard their mode of transport. Knowing that they would probably be together for a while, Phoenix decided to make some small talk.
"Hello! My names Phoenix, and this here..."
She points a hoof at at her companion.
"is Froth Spiral. Don't mind him, he's kinda shy around new ponies."
She concluded. Froth looks away, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Price gave their full attention to Phoenix and nods before greeting. "Nice to meet you, Phoenix, Froth. Name's Price. These two little guys," He says, placing a hoof over both their heads and rubs them back and forth. "Are my niece and nephew."
The young colt started first, peeking over to the side of Price to see the two ponies better and waves before saying, "My name is Black Star."
"And my name is Polar Allurement!" His sister jumps in after him. They both gave Froth a friendly smile, trying to see if he could open up to them a little more first.
"It wouldn't be an escort if we just sat our flanks over those extremely confortable seats and chatted, would it? Even if it really does sound tempting..." - The captain of the Sun Royal Guards really seemed to ponder about it, until she heard Nightwalk cleaning his throat. - "But of course, we can't do it. Nu-uh, we have our duty." - She shook her head as a negative sign, then turned to her Sun guards. - "So, come on, colts! Get in position!"
"You all as well, soldiers!" - His voice got even more rispid while giving an order to his Moon guards, the opposite of the always cheerful tone of Skylight. All the night ponies and pegasi there, four of each race, marched toward the front of the carriage and each one got in their respective position, ready to pull, right after finishing loading the back of the carriage with the adventurers luggage. The captains closed the carriage doors as the last of the adventurers entered and both went to the driver's seat.
Arty got himself a seat at Phoenix's side. - "I... I'm Arty Brightshadow. Nice to... Nice to meet you all!" - The unicorn said with a timid smile, trying to get along well with his new companions even if he isn't used to be around others.
Froth saw what they were trying to do, and it worked, sort of. He nudged Phoenix for putting him on the spot like that.
"Hi."
That was all he could manage before ducking behind Phoenix, and began to think deeply. Phoenix just rolled her eyes.
"Well, at least he said something before hiding. Hi Arty, its a pleasure to meet you!"
She said, making a big smile.
Price nodded off to Arty and replied, "Good day, Mr. Brightshadow." The two young ones simply waved over to Arty, not having much to say at the moment.
the pegasi and night ponies started to pull the carriage. After reaching the necessary speed, they setted flight and directed it North first, what will change to East after they have gotten past the Foal Mountain. It would be too risky to go directly there. Even if they were at a fast speed for such a big carriage, it's movements were smooth, and it almost looked still from inside.
But Arty was still feeling unconfortable. Not because of the flight, but for not being alone after so long. But aside from this feeling and a good level of nervousness, he actually couldn't distinguish his feelings, as they were still adapting to the other's.
Noticing the annoying sound of silence coming from inside the carriage and knowing that nothing should threat their flight in this travel, she couldn't keep herself from talking again. - "Hey guys, you're all adventurers, right? Have you ever visited the Hollow Shades before? The place is so beautiful at this time of year..."
"Actually, I... Uhm... I'm not an adventurer at all. I've never gone actually gone anywhere besides Canterlot and Ponyville." - Arty said, his voice coming out low, but understandable and with less pauses than usual. It seems it was easier to reply to someone who isn't staring directly at him.
The flight will last about one hour, time enough for the adventurers to get to know each other a little more, if they want to. Otherwise, the flight will be quiet and peaceful, besides random commentaries from someone who doesn't stand the silence, and the adventurers will barely take notice they'll have arrived.
((In other words, timeskip if everyone desires))
(( Hm, I'm good either way. ))
"To be honest, not so much adventurer, but I'm Ambassador of Chrysalis's hive as of current day. You might have heard about the recent treaty - Everypony as of late has been trying to downplay that bit of news the past few months, but the basic rundown of the matter is that many of us felt there was a need for a new ruling over the hive, somepony who could represent them as a symbol of righteousness... Soooo, the best they could pick up was is the Ex-commander of our Reconnaissance branch..." Price says, pausing for a moment and then chuckling about it afterwards. "I've never gotten over how absurd the thought of it is : Me, a soldier that's been AWOL since the beginning of the Canterlot invasion suddenly becomes a political leader within his homeland... Well, I guess my relations with Equestria is what became my saving grace... That and your mother." Price said, picking up his niece and nephew and starts to hug them tightly, the both of them laughing as they try to escape his grip. "That's right, she and her brother have done more for me and my hive than I could even repay them. Without them, the entire hive would have just been left to rot in their own hysteria and aggression due to withdrawal."
((same here))
Phoenix and Froth, who was still behind her, listened to what they said.
"Well, i'm not to much of an adventurer, but Froth has been looking for his father, and when I ran into him, I said I would help. This is more of a side mission for him, but he does hope to get something out of this."
Said Phoenix, who felt Froth getting out from behind her.
"Phoenix! You know I was gonna say that! Ugh, but yes, she is right, I really really hope to find something during this that might help me in my search."
Froth said, a little mad at Phoenix for going off like that.
The young one's ears rings when Froth finished speaking "Fa...Ther..." Polar asked, her brother looking at her. She seemed to be thinking about something, lost in her thoughts about her own father. She looks to Price and proceeds to ask. "Who... What was our father like, uncle?" The question, it seemed inevitable, throwing Price into a bit of surprise at first. He seemed somewhat nervous and looked away.
"Him..." He said. "Well... We all don't like to talk about him all that much. He was a nice pony, assuredly, but something about him just... It rubs me the wrong way." They seemed to be at a loss for understanding Price, unsure of what he means. "Every time I passed him, I wasn't really sure if he was equine even... His unusual actions, his absence and odd appearances, his own magic... I've never stood next to somepony with a mana matrix so unstable that the laws of physics just seemed to... well, not apply to him."
To no avail, it didn't help them understand any better about what kind of pony he was. "What do you mean?" Black Star asked.
"I've seen him capable of levitation, silent teleportation, even teleportation of items without having visual sight of their location; I'm not even sure if many high-ranking unicorns had the capability or knowledge of such spells... Something about him..." He says, shaking his head. "I know I'm repeating myself, but what else can I say? Just... He was different... Something about that made me and your other uncle very... very suspicious of him."
"Hum... This guy seems to be interesting... The smartest and most powerful ones are almost always the craziest ones, too. I wonder why..." - Skylight turned to Nightwalk and poked him - "You must know it, right? Being one of them yourself." - She poked him a little more, while he just ingored her until she gave up. - "But you are no fun at all!"
Meanwhile, Arty was staring out the window, gazing at the landscape. The day was clear, with just a few clouds in the sky. They were over a barely habitated area, so just a few houses with small plantations, probably only for subsistence, could be seen from up there. They could see the moutain where Canterlot was built being left behind, and the silhouette of the Foal Moutain in front of them. From there, it didn't seem to be happening anything unusual. The actual topic of the conversation made him think back about the family he had left behind. He wondered if they were okay, and how they reacted about him gone missing. - "I wonder if I can come back one day..." - He thought out loud.
"Power can be abused. That's what everypony keeps telling me, but I see that it's the other way around; Power abuses us. The stronger one becomes, the easier it is to fall out of ones morals, easier to find a way to use their power that benefits themselves. Intelligence could also be said to have the same principles; Intelligence and insanity being two sides of the same coin. Knowledge, although a godsend, can override ones natural thinking, being drawn more and more to their own side of enlightenment... In the end, they've gained so much knowledge that they gave up other regular function in order to cope with their enlightenment... Part of me thinks that's what happened to the poor guy... Just part..." Price said, seeming to look away from everypony.
"W-What do you mean?" Polar asked, still not sure how to take all of this in.
"Well... Zinrax was perhaps an individual that became so smart that he just started to seem insane to the rest of us... And who knows; Maybe we appeared insane to him... And you know, maybe that insanity is why his own powers have caused no harm to others; his insanity kept his strength in check so as not to abuse it... He's managed to turn a deadly two sided coin into a lifesaving equilibrium within." Price said, thinking about it a little more. At this point, his face seemed to be in a bit of surprise, realization of what kind of stallion was their father.
"If he's our dad, does that make us crazy?" Black Star began to query.
Price chuckled as he rubbed his nephew's head. "Well to be fair, the entire family's a little bit crazy, but in a good and comforting way. Don't you worry, You and Polar are no different, Star."
More than half of the travel has passed by, and now the carriage was making it's turn east, staying at a safe distance from the Foal Moutain. They would have already arrived at their destination if they could go through the short way, but going over the Mountain would be too risky. But even they could still get a good look of the mountain from that height, nothing seemed to be wrong. - "I really wonder what's happening.... From here everything seems to be okay. To be honest, this whole situation is bugging me. Usually the Prncesses have at least some more information about the mission They assign us, but this time They didn't even tried to guess what the matter was. That's reeeeally unusual...." - Skylight seemed to ponder about it. Looking at Nightwalk, she knew he was also thinking, even if his expression was the same as always. - "But I think we can't figure it out no matter how much we think... We know too little... But at least, look! We will be arriving soon!" - From the distance, a forest could be seen. It looked like a normal forest, but if one pay enough attention, the tip of a few buildings could be seeing piercing the canopy made of the tree leaves.
Price sighed as he sat back. "Yeah, and hey, maybe once we get Hallow Shades somepony will know what's up?" He took a deep breath and then let it all out. "You know, never thought I'd hear these words out of my mouth, but it feels so great to be back on a battlefield. Just finally a good chance to back away from being an Ambassador dealing with other politicians and getting back to doing what I originally sigh-... No... Not signed up for... Forced into for 26 years. After so long, you start thinking the place your purpose mattered most was on the lines of battle. The excitement... Thrills of the high stakes, the reward, the challenge. And kids, just remember this." He says, catching their attention. "Your sword is a tool of justice: Not to be used in vengeance, but to protect the weak. Rule of Nature states the strong prey on the weak.We're here to prevent that."
"Then... Wouldn't we be the strong and they become the weak?" Polar asks.
She'd gotten him pretty good with that sentence; would the role become reversed if we preyed on the strong? "Y-...Yeah... But..." He says, actually in a bit of a spot here. "The point is when the strong prey on the weak for the wrong reason... That's when our time to strike is right." He finished up with what the best reply he could mutter.
"We aren't the strong preying on the weak, because we don't fight to prey, we fight to protect." - Nightwalk spoke for the first time in the whole travel, what caused Skylight to look at him with an amused face.
"So you CAN speak! I was starting to get worried!" - She stared at him for a couple of seconds, but not even a single word was spoken anymore. - "Oh well, it's a start. But it's like he said. The difference between fighting to prey and fighting to protect is that we don't fight to cause suffering, we fight to stop it. I hope you kids always remember this." - Her voice was soft and gentle. But suddenly, she felt something cold falling on her muzzle. - "What?" - She raised a hoof to feel another snowflake fall over it. - "But we are in the middle of spring!" - Looking ahead she could see snow falling all around, and now closer to the forest, they could notice white spots over the tip of trees and buildings. - "Something is not right. Ready yourselfs, ponies, we will land soon!"
(( @.@ Where the heck's Super Nova?))
Price held his hoof out and lets one of the flakes fall out on his hand. He can sense the cold, quickly evaporating on his warm body and looks up to the sky to see any abnormal weather cloud. "This is quite unusual..." Price says, muttering underneath his breath. He takes a hold of the suitcase next to him, ready to press the latch release in case anything went wrong. The foals looked around at the snow around them, watching as it fell down on their heads as it begins to snow more heavily.
((Sorry again for the delay. Finally having time to think and post.))
As they shortened the distance between them and foliage of the trees, Nightwalk's horn started to glow silver. Even with the bad visibility caused by the falling snow, he easily found some sort of antenna sticking through the leaves, and a beam of mana was shot towards it. The antenna started to glow with the same silver color, what suddenly spreaded through the nearby trees. It's leaves started to separate one from another, forming a gap over the foliage, big enough to fit the entire carrige, just like a natural gate leading the adventurers to their first stop.
As soon as they entered, the gap they came through closed, leaving behind almost all of the natural sunlight. Inside the town, everything seemed to be almost completely dark. Really thin rays of sunlight pierced through the foliage, and a few, spreaded out candles and lanterns could be seen here and there. There, under the foliage of the trees, the snow could barely come through, and just a few white spots could be seen around the places where the sunlight hit the soil.
The carriage landed and stopped in an open area right under the passage they went, as it was too big to fly inside the forest. As their eyes got used to the darkness, the adventurers could see themselfs over a platform, what seemed to be a landing place, behind a building mostly made of wood and stone bricks. It was tall and seemed to blend with the nearby trees, as if they were part of the structure. Between them and the building, two ponies were waiting the newcomers. The first was a blood-red male Night Pegasus wearing a black blazer overtop a red social shirt and a black tie. It also covered his cutie mark. His black mane was straight and slicked back, and his golden eyes really stand out from his color scheme, almost as if shining. The other was a cream colored female Earth Pony, with dark-gray mane and tail, both tied with a red ribbon in the base and another near the end, braided between both ribbons, what makes them look shorter than they really are. Her eyes were red with a dark makeup around them, and she was wearing a plain and black silk shirt, one black armband in each front leg, and a golden hooflet with a small ruby on each hoof. Her cutie mark was the head of a black dragon.
Skylight turned back to the party with a smile - "We are here! Let's get off this incredible nice carriage and see the town!" - With a hop, she got down from the carriage.
"Don't forget why we are here. We don't have time to lose." - Nightwalk also came down, but a lot less excited than his fellow captain.
The two ponies came closer, both smiling, even if some uneasy feelings could be noticed in the eyes of the mare. - "Welcome, adveturers and guards of the Sun, to the Hollow Shades!" - His voice sounded almost like a whisper. He turned at Nightwalk and the other Moon Guards - "And welcome back home, guards of the Moon! I'm happy to see you all back, even if you aren't staying long." - Turning back to the adventurers and Skylight, he started introducing himself - "I'm the mayor of this town, Vladmir Blackwood. It is a pleasure to have you all visiting our town!" - He smiled again. Then, he pointed to the mare accompainying him - "And this wonderful mare here is the one sent by our Princesses. Her name is Tian Long, and she will be your guide."
Blushing after the mayor's praise, she bowed deep to the adventruers and royal guards - "It is a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we can get along well!" - Raising herself, she gave them a wide and friendly smile.
"More than just some wonderful mare." Price says as he exits the carriage and steps up to Tian, not even bothering to get his cases first. "A strong-willed and strong bodied friend... Been about a year or two, hasn't it, Tian?" Price says, smiling, glad to see a familiar and friendly face. The young foals climbed out and looked up at Tian, climbing ontop of Price's back to get a better view. To them, compared to many other ponies they've seen and met, she seemed a bit different, yet not so much at the same time. They shrugged the thought, thinking they're just seeing things. They figured it'd be nice to at least wave at her instead of just giving her a blank stare. "Heh, and Range has had a couple of new additions to the family, and I'm supposed to be evaluating them on this mission... I tried to say they couldn't come, but they just...wouldn't... stop...asking!" Price emphasized his last few words, laughing along with his niece and nephew.
((Sorry bout the overly long absence, wasn't getting any notifications from this for some reason. >:O ))
Phoenix shook herself out of her daze. She wasn't sure why she was like that, but they had arrived, and thats what mattered more. Froth was bounding about, excited about seeing the sun.
"Something about him and snow......."
"Heya! Its nice to meet you Tian! I'm Phoenix, and this is....."
Froth cut her off, bouncing to her side.
"I'm Froth. Its a pleasure."
He stood there, beaming like he got an award.
"My, what got you so hyped up?"
He just shook his head, and continued to stand there. Phoenix rolled her eyes.
At seeing the changeling getting down from the carriage, Tian's smile grew as wide as it could. She would never forget the face of a good friend. - "Price?! It's been so long!" - Letting go of any formalities she had shown until then, she just pulled Price into a tight friendly hug. - "It's so good to see you again, my friend! How have you been?" - Letting go of him, she looked at the two foals with him. - "And these are Range Conjure's foals, you say? They are so adorable!" - Looking back to Price, she gave him a reassuring smile - "And you don't need to worry that much. It's actually good to have them with us. You would be surprised at how many problems can be solved by just the innocent mind of foal." - She ran a hoof over the mane of the filly. Then, she turned to the other two, one of them also being a young foal. - "And we have another adorable thing here!" - She also ran a hoof over Froth's mane, messing with it. - "This one will definetely be a fun trip! The company sure seems to be one of the best you can get! Oh, and there is still another one!" - She saw the last adventurer coming down from the carriage.
Arty joined the others feeling more excited than he thought he would be. It seems the cream colored mare just irradiated it all around. Without wavering his voice, like he usually does when talking to new people, he introduced himself. - "Hi, I'm Arty Brightshadow! It's nice to meet you!" - He gave a smile he had already forgotten he could. That was strange...
"Hello, Miss Long! It's good to see you again!" - Skylight raised a hoof toward Tian, who grabbed and shook it
"Indeed, it's nice too see you too, Captain Skylight! And you as well, Captain Nightwalk." - She turned to Nightwalk and gave him a smile.
"Yes, it is." - He nodded in agreement.
"He's still not a stallion of much words, but I'm sure he is happy." - Skylight's comment made Tian giggle.
"So, did you guys had a nice trip? Canterlot's Royal Transport is one of the best things in this world, I can asure it!"
Price slightly blushed, although grunting as he playfully tries to escape. "Hah, aside from my new position as Ambassador, same old, same old." As he becomes released from her grip, he coughs a little bit and laughs. She really did give him one tight squeeze. "Heh, And don't be fooled by what little spells the kids know. What they make up for in lack of variety is made up with complete flexibility." He says, looking at Polar and then Black Star.
As Tian runs her hoof through Polar's mane, she chuckled and stood proudly as she replied, "You can count on us Ms. Tian Mam!" She says, saluting. Her brother simply looked towards her, lightly giggling but only returning a nod to Tian.
"The trip was quite visual to say the most!" Price says, going by to take out all of his luggage. "And hey, this pretty much helped me get to understand where I should go to meet up with you. We've got lots of catching up to do; So much has changed in two years that it shocks me even." He carries around everything upon his back as he returns back to Tian, strangely enough his overhaul seeming to not encumber him that much, or at least showing discomfort. "I'd like to mention a few other things but..." He says, looking around at everypony else. "Iiii might be wasting time trying to make small talk. Heh, I'll try to save it for another time." He smiles, quite friendly.
Froth became quiet from the sudden contact. Phoenix just laughed.
"Ah don't mind him, he shy around strangers."
Froth nudged her, his way of saying "stop embarrassing me." She went around and got their luggage. Froth sat down and began condensing what snow was around him into a sphere. She watched him as he made short work of the snow.
"Seems like he does that quicker and quicker every time."
"Ambassador? Wow, congratulations! I always knew you're destined to great things." - She turned to the moutain's direction, even if it couldn't be seen from there. - "The way up the mountain isn't really short, so we will have time to catch up, don't worry." - Tian turned back to him with a smile.
"Yes, so let's go to what matters." - With his usual rispid and could voice, Nightwalk interrupted the ponies conversation. - "Mayor Blackwood and miss Tian, please report what you have discovered so far."
Vladmir Blackwood shook his head in a negative sign - "I'm sorry, but I am of no help in this matter. Besides the obvious out-of-date snow, I don't know anything. I actually wouldn't even bother about it if it wasn't linked to what might be happening at the Monastery. Most of us actually like the could air." - He said in a carefree way, as if it really wasn't much his problem.
"But thanks to the researchers you lend me, we could confirm out that this snow really isn't natural, and is probably a side effect of what is happening up there. It is really fortunate that we have someone with knowledge in ice magic." - She looked at Froth as he seemed to play with the snow around. - "But from down here we couldn't figure out what is really causing it. We need to go up." - She motioned to the direction she had looked before, the way they had to go.
"But before that, are you all ready? Have you packed your sweaters? Because if you need anything, I'm sure you can find it in this town." - The mayor said with proud in his whispering voice.
Arty felt unconfortable for being the only one without a luggage, and without any bits at all. But before he could gather the courage to say anything, he heard the capitain of the Moon Royal Guard.
"And you don't need to worry about necessary expenses. Everything will be covered by the Princesses." - His voice and expression were the same, but Skylight smiled at the pony's statement. She walked near him and whispered so that only he could listen.
"That wasn't really in the script, you know."
"I'm sure the Princesses won't mind. Either way, I'll take responsability. It is important for our adventurers to have everything they need, for the sake of the mission." - He replied, speaking lower but not trying to avoid being heard.
"For the sake of the mission, heh? Yea, I'm sure it's it" - Still smiling, she turned to the party. - "So, it's up to you. What will you do?"
"Well, I think me and the foals have everything we'll be needing. Range suuuuure did load us up quite a bit." He says, setting the two large cases down as they make a metallic clinking noises. "I'm just about ready to go up there any time if you all are, just going to go over a few things first..."He looks through his overstuffed right side of his saddlebag and pulls out one large, hard, thin leather coat to wrap around himself. He then pulls out a few scarves and cloth goodies for Polar and Star, seeming to be tailored specifically for their size. "Cold enough down here, Kids. Higher we go up, it gets even colder, also you might start to feel a little light headed. Don't worry about it too much, but if it becomes serious, tell me and I'll get you down as soon as I can, alright?" He asks the foals. They respond back with a nod as they hastily put on their winter attire.
"If anypony needs medical supplies, I have about 5 Life regenerative potions, along with 2 separable small bottles filled with a concentration of smelling salts. Quick warning before you actually do ask me for some: It's not the ammonia based formula, rather made with lavender instead, but that doesn't mean it's not as strong... Believe me when I say: You don't wanna smell too much of it." Price says, laughing. "But anyways, I assume everypony else came prepared for whatever's causing the problem?"
Both Phoenix and Froth nodded.
"Yup! Even though i'm as warm as fire, I still packed myself some covering."
Froth was still concentrating on the ball of snow, now slowly becoming ice.
"And even though I don't look it, I can live in the snow. I don't really like warm or hot so....."
Phoenix nodded.
"Very true. He's gone and played in a raging blizzard, and seems to be in a better state of health than before! When it gets to warm for him though, he gets sick rather quickly. Not sure why."
Arty looked even more embarassed for being the only one who haven't packed any warm clothes. Of course, he would if he had any. And the cold was starting to affect him, as he felt a chill going down his body. But he didn't want to delay everyone. But the mountain would be too could for him to climb naked.
While he were still figthing himself mentally, Skylight decided for himself, as she remembered he was the only one who didn't have any luggage at all. - "So, I guess mister Brightshadow is the only one who will need a sweater and a scarf. No problem! Slash, could you do me a favor and get some clothes for our adventurer?" - As she motioned toward a dark gray pegasus with red mane and tail, the stallion presented himself and saluted his capitain.
"Yes sir!" - The guard went flying toward the town.
"But don't come back here! Meet us at the mountain's foot!" - She said out loud, while the guard was still in sight. Something that didn't last long - "He is one of our fastest, and he has been here before. He must be ready in a blink of an eye." - As she said, she winked at Arty, who blushed, still embaressed of his situation.
"Thank you..." - He still managed to smile.
"Well, so I think we can get moving! I'm really excited at getting back up there, even in a situation like this. I was planning to stay outside for at least five years before coming back, but it seems plans have changed. I'm really curious about how they are holding up right there..." - Tian started to get side tracked in her own thoughts.
"If you all can follow me, the mountain is this way." - Said Vladmir, taking the lead. - "As the mayor of this town, it's my duty to lead the Princesses' adventurers and Royal Guard to your destiny." - He started walking toward the building they were behind.
"Let's go!" - Overly excited, Skylight lifted herself and did a loop in the air, before following Vladmir. Nightwalk sighed and Tian giggled at the white pegasus before also following, with Arty going right behind, with just a smile.
Price nods and follows the Mayor along with his niece and nephew. "Don't worry so much, Tian. I'm sure they'll hold their ground till we can get there. Besides, I just know these two youngsters are just waiting to get a closer look at adventuring." Price says, looking back. Polar nods excitedly and Star just nods a little bit as they both climb up on top of his back and sits there for the duration of the walk up the mountain. "Well, might wanna get comfortable, you two. No doubt we're gonna get into a whole lot before this is all over."
Fei was rather busy observing his right-front hoof, He'd stepped on something and splintered the outer cuffs, lost his horse-shoe too. That was going to cost him in-town but he wasn't willing to spend the bits he'd saved up and was procrastinating outside the town, not as if he hadn't been in town earlier but he'd only done some preliminary begging and reciting. The overall charity of the town seemed to be rather low, at least for a traveling poet in mud splattered clothes.
Rubbing his splintered hoof in the mud before him, he sighed. He would be too hungry to go on at this point, which meant he'd NEED to pay if no-pony was willing to spare some food and although Fei wasn't poor, he didn't like spending his saved money, there was always the chance the next town wouldn't be anymore hospitable than this one and if he didn't have enough to buy paper and ink . . . well if that ever happened he might as well be dead. Poetry was his life and full purpose, without it, well that wasn't even worth considering.
Rubbing off the excess mud onto the patch of damp moss besides him, he leaned further back against his rock looking up at the sky, barely visible between the tree branches he'd taken refuge under. At least he was warm! The think swan feather blanket he wrapped around himself had taken years to make, taking every feather he ever found and weaving it into the down blanket he wrapped around himself. "Hnn, what's to happen now?" He spoke to the sky, and she did not answer. So he nodded and allowed himself a small nap to calm the nerves.
Going inside the building that seemed to be almost like a tower of a castle, they could see a couple ponies wandering by carrying piles of papers and files. The hall was wide and round, with a couple of doors at each side and two staircases, one at each side, leading to the next floor. Like outside, it was darker than most would expect. Paintings of unkown Night Ponies were hanging in the wall, and the ceiling was decorated with a moisaic of a solar eclipse. At the side, next to the main entrance, there was also a counter, where a gray female Night Earth Pony with yellow mane and wearing glasses was standing behind.
"This is the town hall. Beautiful, isn't it?" - He motioned his hoof toward the paintings and mosaic. - "Those were the past mayors and other ponies important to this town and the Night Pony's race in general. After the corruption of our loved Moon Princess, Luna, and her subsequent banishment, the fear of the ponies agains the beings of the night grew exponentially. We were also banished from society, and were forced to find a far away place to build our society." - A hint of sorrow and sadness could be noticed in the mayor's voice. - "It was thanks to them, and to the monks at the monastery, who have never thought bad of us even after the war, that we found and built this town, so we could live happily and peacefully. Even today, some of the prejudice from the past still lingers." - He looked back at Price - "I think a Changeling probably understand how we feel. We surely share some historically similarities in this matter."
Skylight, Tian and Arty listened silently to the story, and Nightwalk only nodded.
********
In the forest, the tall and dark trees blocked most of the sunlight, making the inside really dark. Taking advantage of this darkness, different types of fungus could be found over the trunk and near the base of the trees. There were lots of different types of mushrooms, some edible, but some poisonous. The animals that lived there also had darker coat, as stealth helped to protect against predators or not to be noticed by prey.
The forest outside the town was a little brighter, as the trees were slightly more apart from each other than where the town was built. Even if the Night Ponies are usually quiet in their daily lifes, outside of the town was even quieter, and it was easy to listen to the birds, insects and other small animals. It was the natural definition of peace. Until the sound of something big and fast flying thorugh the foliage breaked the silence.
The dark gray pegasus. holding a medium size bag, came from the forest and landed some distance away from where Fei was lying. He looked to the sides, and then sighed. - "I think I was too fast... Hopefully they won't take long to get here." - He said to himself, still not noticing the pony.
Price sighs and nods as he steps up towards the paintings. "... There's a lot of things our race isn't really proud of... Yeah... Although, it still pains me a bit to know we still have to fight the ones who chose to stay by Chrysalis's side." He says. "I... I promised her everything: A clean slate, a chance to redo all the things we wronged and live in peace. Yet... She and her followers refused... Among them my own father stayed by her side." Price's voice fell into a melancholy tone.
I could never understand why. I'm not sure I'll ever find out why, but the cycle of animosity will still continue on more and more." Price says, touching the walls that framed the paintings. "Although... You all have it rougher, by the seems. Still prejudice even though the misunderstanding of the Princess Luna has been over and done. It makes me wonder if we'll ever get out of the hole we're in if equines will still Preconceive against their own kind for so long even after all misunderstanding has long passed..." Price looks up to the paintings again and sighs. "It's a happy, yet sad world we live in. Gilded with friendship in the hopes it would wash over into a gold... Though... I suppose the idea isn't really too far fetched when ya think about it." Price smiles, his voice lifting as he backed away from the paintings. "I've gotten to know a handful of ponies who've proven to me, not to mention the 6 elements."
"I could agree that you were 'too fast' but that implies that one can be too anything. Do you really think the universe turns without a balance to keep every action in check and every scenario properly categorized, not to say in any 'sensible' and, to our minds 'reasonable' order but then perhaps one day we could comprehend it. " Fei didn't even both to sit-up, it WAS cold and he was quite comfortable in his soft down blanket.
"Where empty skies greet the moon
I find myself lost
But not of path or road with boon
Instead I cannot find my sense of life
And so I sit here warm and fulfilled
For life grants me the kindest gifts
She takes all things I might have spilled
Like opportunity or chance
In this void that might have been
Is replaced a constant way
And this fair path I have but seen
Once in the waking world."
Fei let out a great sigh, and plumes of hot breath became visible in the dim light. "I'd offer you a blanket friend, but you look quite warm from that exertion there. So I shall offer you a chance to rest and take reprieve and then I shall offer you a blanket. But nay, you've stated you were 'too quick' or rather 'too fast' and that implies that you have something you are doing and probably of some import, so I shall let you be. The woods are hardly a welcoming place for a lone pony, though I find it's touch maternal and loving, I believe those ill prepared would find it otherwise." And Fei rolled into his blanket further, letting his sparkling eyes trace this other pony's movements as he looked around for the speaker.
At first, Slash was startled, then confused, and finally amused by the poet's words. He noticed it wasn't a Night Pony, and to be isolated from the town, he can only be a wanderer. Also, he noticed he wasn't carrying much for someone who would be traveling, and still was kind enough to offer a blanket. The only one he apparently has. Smiling at the unexpected pony, and knowing he probably still had some time, he walked in his direction. - "I really appreciate your offer, Mr. poet. But as you've figured, I really am in a mission, even if for now it's only to wait for my companions. Meanwhile, I would be pleased if I could listen to your words some more. Few know, but I actually really enjoy poetry." - He sat at the poet's side, after coming to the conclusion that, if he has to wait, it wouldn't hurt to hear one or two poems. At that point of the forest, together with the light from outside, the snowflakes found it's way easier through the leaves of the tree, forming wide white spots on the ground. Even if caused by unkonw agents, the unexpected snow covering the colorful spring blossoms created an amazingly beautiful view.
*****
Vladmir also smiled due to the changeling's words. - "You are right, Ambassador Price. There is still hope. There are some concepts some ponies are so used to, it's so deep in their hearts, that it's almost impossible to make them change their minds. But things are changing, and with each new generation less and less accept these concepts the same way, and thanks to them, society is, then, being cleansed from these wrong ideas." - He turned to the main entrance again and proceed his way.
The serious faces of Arty, Tian and Skylight also turned to a hopeful smile. Even Nightwalk managed to let a smile cross his face. What didn't last really long, thanks to a blue-eyed white pegasus. - "WHAT? AM I SEEING THINGS? Where is a photographer when you need one? A Nightwalk's smile is something you see once in a LIFE TIME!" - Skylight's face showed genuine surprise, while Tian couldn't help but laught. Arty, on the contrary, feared Nightwalk too much to laugh in his face.
"You're so mean, Captain Skylight! Haha."
"Ah, he deserves it! It's his punishment for making me live seeing his frown!" - She said with a wink. Nightwalk only shook his head and sighed.
They finally reached the main entrance, leaving the building. They saw themselfs in the Hollow Shade's main plaza. Right in front of the building, a fountain made of stone with the sculpture of Luna in the middle was standing. A pathway circled the fountain and branches coming from it made it's way toward the city. Benches were placed around the plaza, next to beautiful types of glowing blue and red flowers, species only found in this dark forest. Some distance away, houses and comercial buildings made of stone and dark wood could be seen. They were built between the forest's trees so perfectly it seemed to blend with the nature, and it was hard to know what was hoofmade and what was natural.
Nightponies could be seen walking and flying around, living their lifes, most of them wearing winter clothes. Common earth ponies, unicorns and pegasus, even if few, could also be seen around the town.
Vladmir motioned a hoof toward the town with a wide smile in his face. - "Now I can really say: welcome to the Hollow Shades, my little ponies!"
Price took the first hoof forward, examining the town and whistled, rather impressed. "My... I've been to Canterlot and I've been to the Crystal Empire, but this is quite so beautifully done! It's really great to see another town so incredibly unique as this one... I hope some day the new hive inside the Equestrian Grasslands will feel the same way!"
And speaking of the hive, wonder how Ember's doing, taking care of the place? He's still a rookie, hasn't seen combat at all, but he's a 'bright' guy... Hah! Bright... Price chuckles to himself as he thinks about the joke he made in his head. Great, now I'm starting to sound a lot like him. A smile swept across Price's face.
"It's very nice to get to know you, Mr. Mayor sir!" The foals quickly jumped up Price's body while he was distracted and scrambled to greet the mayor properly.
"Ha-Gah! Hey, careful!" Price says, caught off guard by the sudden rush of the two foals onto his body. He seemed to have momentarily lost his footing because of this, but he stood up despite it.
After just speaking about the hope in the next generations, seeing those two energetic and innocent foals brought a warm smile to the Mayor's face. - "And it's also my pleasure to know you too, kids!"
Tian also smiled at the two foals, but Arty was still lost at the sight of the town. He hadn't gone to many places, and getting to know something so uniquely beautiful made Arty forget about the cold and only think about seeing more and knowing more. Sadly, that was something impossible at the moment, as they had a mission to accomplish. It was the time for Captain Nightwalk lead the way. - "Let's keep moving. You'll have plenty of time for sightseeing after we get our mission done." - And so he followed the pathway to the southern part of the town.
****
Slash didn't say anything, and waited for the poet's answer. But for some reason, it didn't come. Looking to the side, he was startled to see the poet in a deep sleep right at his side. He made a frown for the rudeness of what seemed to be a gentle pony, but as a soldier, he was trained to think before making any harsh action. As he presumed, the poet could be a wanderer, and maybe deprived of sleep and food. He couldn't find any other possessions of the poet besides his blanket. The expression of anger suddenly became one of worry, and he poked the poet gently. - "Mr. Poet? Are you okay?"