Title:           Ch. 2: Stony Spirits and Meanie Mares
Author:          Kewcee
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/RtD2eAyD
First Edit:      Saturday 15th of October 2016 11:12:25 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Thursday 20th of October 2016 12:03:20 PM CDT

>As the gates close, all you can focus on is Lieutenant Alcums somber expression.
 
>You pick up your bags and Starswirl picks up his.
>Everything's there, even the evocation tome.
>Staring into the busy streets, you feel you're both thinking the same thing, and Starswirl confirms.
 
>"So, should we find an inn? Or just stand here with our hooves up our rumps?"
 
"Uh, yeah, an inn sounds fine."
 
>"Aye. Let's go then. Father told me about one that popped up some years ago."
>"The Bull Pen it's called, or somethin'."
 
.
>You can hear Starswirl's voice cracking.
>And you remember the look of intense guilt he wore as you berated yourself to the guards.
>Maybe you can right the emotional damage you've done here.
 
>You struggle to find the right words.
>You're so engrossed in thought, you hardly notice the mutters of gossiping mares, wondering what you could be doing in their city.
>The mumbles of stallions, calling you things like guttersnipe and dirt whisperer.
>The snickers of fillies and colts, who don't know they're supposed to revile you.
>They just think you're missing eyebrows are funny.
 
>Finally you decide to stop thinking and just say what you need to say.
 
"Starswirl, I'm sorry for the way that went."
"I didn't mean for that brother bit to slip out, but that Alcum fellow caught my mistake."
"I didn't have much else I could've done. You saw what they did to Jackpot and his crew!"
 
>"Actually, I didn't."
 
>Thinking about it, neither had you.
>Commander Barques stallions had completely blocked your view of them.
>This was a Schrodinger if ever there was one.
>You sure hoped they were okay.
 
"All I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for being a coward. I didn't want to be beaten and-"
 
>"Hoy, Scribe, boyo, there ain't nothin' wrong with a bit o' cowardice every now and then.
>"If you'd tried to tell some kinda lie like I had, you'd have ended up a pulp in the snow."
 
"So you aren't mad?"
 
>"Not mad, not miffed."
>"I ain't even ashamed. A greater brother I'd likely never find.
>"Doesn't bother me one bit that those guards know."
 
"Well, then what is bothering you? You're acting like someone drowned your goldfish."
 
>At this, Starswirl clams up again.
>He just keeps walking, looking for the inn as if he hadn't heard you.
>You're not sure if you should pursue this further.
 
>You consider that maybe Starswirl is feeling guilty.
>Based on what you'd read and the conversations you'd had,the decision to come to Aurus together had been mutual.
>But you had been unprepared for the level of unabashed contempt and disdain that the unicorns held for you (and Earth ponies in general).
>Maybe Starswirl was afraid for you.
 
"And maybe all these maybes and considerations won't get me any real answers."
 
"Hey, Starswirl. Come on now, speak up."
"Come on now, Mr. Grand Magus, you know how your silence worries me."
 
>He stops for a moment and looks around.
>After taking in the surroundings, he sighs deeply.
 
>"If you're really so interested, Scribe, I'll tell you."
>"It was what that Barques fellow said, when he was talkin' about Ambris."
>"He acted like father had never mentioned you."
>"And what's worse, he called our father a bastard!"
 
"Well, he might have been joking around. Maybe he was a friend of Dad's?"
 
>"Father never mentioned a Commander Barques. And he didn't sound like he was joking, though he was certainly havin' a laugh."
 
"Well, we can't really know for sure."
 
>"No. We can't. And anyway, we've got other things to worry about right now."
 
"Like finding the Bull Pen?"
 
>"Like finding anywhere."
>"I've gotten us completely lost."
 
"Well, that problem is easily solved. Give me a second."
 
>You scan the crowd in front of you.
>It's hard to find a friendly face of any kind.
>Especially since your desperately trying to avoid anything that might resemble eye contact.
>But your darting eyes soon settle themselves on a mare purchasing various foodstuffs at a vendors stall across the way.
>A plum colored thing, with a voluminous, curled black mane, she seems to carry a demeanor of tolerance about,
>You can't say for sure how you know this, but she's the one you and Starswirl should be talking to.
 
"I think I found somepony we could ask for directions."
 
>"Who?"
 
"Plum hair, black mane, at the vegetable stall."
 
>"The one with the tired purple eyes?"
 
"That's the one."
 
>"I guess we could give it a shot."
 
>The two of you carefully and quickly trot across to the mare in question.
>She's too busy examining the quality of the celery in her hooves to notice your approach.
 
>"Excuse me, milady?"
 
>"Hmm? Are you referring to me?"
 
>The mare's voice is smooth and sweet, calming and velveteen.
>Her very acknowledgement of you and Starswirl seems to lift your spirits."
 
>"A-Aye, I was. My friend and I were looking for the Bull Pen and were wondering if you could provide us directions."
 
>The mare gives the both of you a soft smile.
>Her eyes, half-lidded as if under some great weight, bathe you in the warmth of her gaze.
 
>"I might be able to do the two of you one better."
>"I own the Bull Pen, you see."
>"I was just doing my shopping for the week, but if you're willing to follow me, I could take you back to the inn.
>"When I'm done with the shopping, I mean."
 
 
>Things are going quite well.
>You got pretty lucky, picking her of all ponies, out of a crowd.
 
>"We'd be glad to, milady."
 
>"Oh, none of this milady business."
>"So stuffy and inauthentic, that word."
>"It's a word for lords, and one of those I'm not."
 
>"What would you have us call you then?"
 
>"Well, I do have a name, surprising as that may seem."
>"And I might even tell it to you, if you tell me yours."
 
>From what you'd read in "your" journal, Starswirl usually relished in introducing himself to new ponies.
 
>"I'm Starswirl, son of Stargazer the Whimsical."
 
>"And what about your companion there, the silent Earthie?"
 
>She says Earthie playfully.
>It is not an insult but a genuine joke.
 
"My, uh, name is Ghost Scribe."
 
>"And my name is Rain. A pleasure to meet you Starswirl, Ghost Scribe."
 
>Rain performs a mock curtsy and giggles.
>It's a soft and pure laugh.
 
>"Now that we're all acquainted, let's finish up my shopping."
>"And hey, now that I think about it, this'll be a good way for you to get a better feel for this city.
>"Heaven knows you'll never truly get a feel for its residents."
 
"What was that?"
 
>"Oh, nothing, Mr. Scribe.
>"Nothing at all."
 
>You and Starswirl followed Rain in a roundabout route through the city.
>She show's you which merchants are the friendliest, which have the best prices, and which ones are better off avoided.
>She even goes so far as to purchase a map for you, marking every location of worth and how to get there.
>This mare is truly above and beyond anything you'd have expected from this city.
 
>It was another hour or so of shopping before you actually managed to make your way back to the Bull Pen.
>At this point you and Starswirl were exhausted.
>The saddlebags Rain had provided you with were now several pounds heavier.
>Filled with all manner of flora and dairy and spices, they weren't really all that heavy.
>But they made chasing after the surprisingly energetic inn-keep all the more awkward.
 
>"Don't worry boys, I'll have those bags off in a jiffy. Not a literal jiffy, mind you. I'm no speed demon."
 
>The mare chuckled at her not-quite-joke and reached into a small pouch around her neck.
>She pulled out a key.
 
>"Let me just unlock the door and we'll be-"
>T H U D
 
>An armored stallion steps in front of Rain.
>She seems unfazed.
>Though her kind smile is now being countered by a look of absolute malcontent in her eyes.
 
>"Weel, if'n it ischn't, li'l misssss R-RRR..., Rain."
 
>The stallion, whoever he is, is clearly inebriated.
 
>"Hello, Brutus."
 
>"You hello yourshelf, lil' mishy. Don't tryin' ta gimme nunya 'scuses thish time, I'm gettin' what I want!"
 
>"And what exactly do you want, Brutus?"
 
>The stallion thought to himself for a moment.
>Perhaps he wasn't quite sure what he wanted.
 
"So who's this drunkard?"
 
>"A sellsword who was never good enough to be a real guard."
>"He comes by every so often, having had more than his fill at the tavern, looking for a shoulder to cry on and-"
 
>"Iwanna feel yer cervix give way as I pump you fulla mah' warriorsh sheed!"
 
>"... and sometimes a bit more."
 
>You can feel a collective cringe as mothers cover their foals ears, and stallions gather around you.
>Some are placing bets as to whether Brutus will be getting what he's looking for.
>You hear guttural laughter somewhere in the distance.
 
>This guy's attracting too much attention.
>You've got to find some way to get rid of him.
 
>You figure at this level of drunkenness, the poor bastard will probably take care of himself.
>But you'd rather not have him pass out on the ground.
>He's liable to drown in his bile if that happens.
 
"Miss Rain?"
 
>"Yes, Mr. Scribe?"
 
>Rain is trying her best to keep a calm countenance.
>You can see just how unenthused she is by this situation though.
>Brutus is making attempts at a feel or two, but can't seem to figure out how to remove Rain's hoof from his forehead.
 
"I think we should get this poor stallion some water and a bed. He's going to feel the full fury of his debauchery come tomorrow, and I think that we should make sure it's somewhere comfortable."
 
>"Well, that's awfully thoughtful of you, Mr. Scribe."
>"Brutus!"
 
>"Y-Yyyesh'm?"
 
>"Lie down."
 
>She flicks her hoof to the side.
>Brutus falls over and hits the ground.
>He doesn't seem hurt.
>The sound of snoring informs you that he's passed out.
 
>"You boys give me those bags. You've got this lug to worry about now."
 
>Taking the saddlebags from you and Starswirl, Rain unlocks the Bull Pen.
>You and Starswirl give each other the ocular equivalent of a shrug.
>Grabbing a foreleg each, you drag Brutus into the inn.
>The disappointed crowd begins to disperse.
 
>Entering the main hall, you and Starswirl heave Brutus onto a couch by the door.
>Rain heads for what you assume must be the kitchen.
>Haphazardly dropping her saddlebags onto the floor, she turns to you.
 
>"I must apologize for that display boys."
>"Brutus means well, but..."
>"Well, he means well. I don't hold it against him if he gets a little rowdy every now and then."
 
>"Anyway, allow me to play the role of hostess for a moment."
>"I don't expect you to pay for Brutus' lodging, but I figure the two of you might enjoy a bit of privacy."
>"Should I put you down for two separate rooms?"
 
>Starswirl answers before you can think of a response.
 
>"Two rooms is fine."
 
>"All righty then. Two rooms, at fifteen bits a night."
>"And of course a special discount for the boys that so graciously helped me with my shopping."
>"So that makes it twenty bits altogether."
 
>"Fine by me, Lady Rain."
 
>"Oh, I'm no Lady, Mr. Starswirl."
>"Just a tired old mare with an inn to keep up."
 
>You get the distinct feeling that Starswirl has taken a shine to Rain.
>But that's not really your concern right now.
 
"If you all don't mind I'll be taking the left most room."
 
>"Aye, go ahead, Scribe."
 
>"I'll bring supper 'round when it's ready, dearie."
 
>Entering the room, you close the door.
>It's certainly a cozy space.
>There's a bed pressed up against the wall your facing.
>There's also a bedside dresser, a small study desk and a full sized cabinet.
>These rooms must have been designed for extended stays.
>Though you were pretty sure you and Starswirl would just be spending the night.
 
>You toss your bag onto the bed.
>For the first time in a few days, you're alone.
>Perhaps you could figure out why that phrase in the journal gave you such a headache.
>Maybe even get a little reading in with that evocation guide.
>Or you could always rest until suppertime.
 
>You figure that in a city like this, you'll need to be able to defend yourself.
>So you pull the guide from your bag and place it on the desk.
>You figure there's no better place to start then from the beginning.
 
>Turning to the beginning of the book, you take note of all the warnings again.
>You rub the space on your face where your eyebrows used to be.
>You remember the fear and helplessness you'd felt on that caravan.
>Perhaps you and Starswirl should have left well enough alone.
>But then again, if you had, you wouldn't know you could see these spirits in the first place.
>You'd just have to take care not to evoke something outrageously and obviously dangerous.
 
>Speaking of danger, you figure you should go all out when it comes to being safe this time around.
>You recall Starswirl mentioning something about containment circles...
>You quickly flip through the tome, and have no trouble finding the section detailing the aforementioned circles.
>You read aloud to yourself.
 
"When summoning spirits of any kind, but especially higher leveled ones, it is highly recommended that a containment circle is used."
"Though the circle may limit an evoked spirits strength and prevent them from achieving their full size, it will also ensure that they do not turn on you."
"The usefulness of it is especially apparent on the battlefield. where the power of a fully evoked spirit could, in addition to altering weather patterns and causing general hysteria, lead to excessive friendly casualties."
 
"Due to the often dangerous situations in which circles must often be drawn, they can be made out of anything, so long as they meet three basic requirements."
"One, they must be circular. Obviously."
"Two, they must contain the appropriate sealing runes."
"And three, and this is perhaps the most important, the circle must not contain any bodily fluids."
"In addition, the circle must not be attached or tattooed in anyway to your body. This will result in a binding ritual, not an evocation ritual."
 
"Well that seems simple enough."
 
>Reaching into your bag, you grab a quill and parchment.
>Dipping your quill into the ink well, you copy the books representation of the circle as best you can.
>It's rather shabby looking, but you remember the book saying something about how it didn't need to be exact to work properly.
>And it's small enough that whatever you decide to evoke won't calm out large enough to cause any issues.
>But what to evoke?
 
>You're wary about this whole thing to begin with, so you'd rather summon something safe and simple.
>Turning to the bestiary section, five names immediately jump at you.
>Ifryte, a flame imp
>Shivis, a nymphite of the ice
>Ramuhran, an imp of lightning
>Golet, a miniature sentinel of the earth
>And Diabyan, whose page is rather faded and hard to read.
 
>What to choose?
>What to evoke?
 
>You decide on Golet.
>You like the word the book uses to describe it.
>A sentinel.
>One who guards and protects.
>It's probably the least likely of the five to destroy the inn if anything goes wrong.
 
>You remember the phrase Starswirl spoke clearly.
>You need only make minor alterations for what you're about to do.
>You speak softly.
>You don't want anypony to hear you.
 
"Consurges ex somno tuo et ministra mihi. Golet, cura de terra, vocat te.
 
>The words do their usual echoing into the vast abyss of everlasting.
>Only this time, unlike during your encounter with Ifrit, the effects of your spoken words are immediate.
>The circle you drew begins to glow a great golden brown.
>Dust and dirt particles, in the air and from around the room, begin to swirl about.
>They congregate in the circle, forming stones that stack upon themselves.
>They link, creating a body and makeshift extremities and, finally, a head.
 
>From two empty holes in its head, there comes an eerie yellow glow.
>The Golet now stands on the desk.
>It stares at you, and then observes its surroundings.
>Noticing the quill in your hoof, it reaches out.
 
"Do you want my quill?"
 
>It nods its head.
 
"Do you like to write?"
 
>It nods its head more intensely.
>Could this thing be excited?
 
>Giving it your and your inkwell, you return to Golets section of the book.
 
>Again, you read aloud.
 
"The Golet, much like it's much more powerful counterpart, the Golem, is first and foremost a guardian spirit."
"While it lacks the raw destructive power of it's fellow lesser spirits, it more than makes up for it with an earthen frame that can absorb most any blow, magical or otherwise."
"Golets are also remarkably intelligent, capable of writing and simple, robotic speech. This makes them a perfect choice for one's first evocation, as the evoker can communicate directly with the spirit as opposed to through the Old Language."
 
"Golets are also very social spirits, a byproduct of their nature as guardians. They enjoy conversation and are better able to protect you the closer they feel they are to you."
"Try conversing with your newly summoned spirit."
 
>You begin to look away from the book.
 
"So Golet, do you wanna have a-"
 
>You're startled into stopping.
>The spirit has at least tripled in size from the mouse like stature you had summoned it in.
>It holds the quill out to you.
>You're not sure what to do.
>It juts its appendage further out, seeming to insist you take it.
>You take the quill carefully, and notice somethings wrong with the containment circle.
>Its become...,larger?
 
"You sneaky little devil. Why'd you do that?"
 
>To your surprise, it answers.
 
>"Golet not devil. No can talking when very smol."
>"Golet make circle plus big, so can talking to Master. Golet very excited! Never had master before."
 
>It's voice is rather rough and raspy, but it's distinctly female.
>A female rock spirit.
 
"So, uh, that's why you wanted my quill? So you could make yourself bigger?"
 
>"Yes! Golet not big as can be, but this big is good. Make Master look strong. Like big Golem!"
 
>You blush.
>This thing is complimenting you like some kind of child.
 
>You figure you should get on this bonding thing.
>But what should you talk about?
>What should you ask it?
 
>Simple is always a good way to start.
 
"So, uh, Golet. What do you like to do?"
 
>She cocks her head slightly.
 
>"Golet no understanding question, Master."
>"Golet only like protect Master."
>"Golet only can protect Master."
>"It all Golet know. Protect."
 
>Well this is off to a poor start.
>What else is there...
>You could ask another question.
>Or maybe she could ask some to you?
 
>You get the feeling that asking the Golet questions will result in similar results each time.
>So you decide to flip the script.
 
"Hey, Golet. Do you wanna know some stuff about me?"
 
>The Golet's stone face seems to convey excitement.
>At least, as well as a face made of stone can.
 
>"Golet have many questions. Ask Master many things!"
>"First, Golet want know where master bring Golet."
 
>Her toddler babble is a tad hard to understand, but you catch the gist of it.
 
"We're in the city of Aurus, the capitol of the unicorn kingdom. It's a very wonderful, but also very scary place."
 
>"Golet protect Master. Keep scary away!"
 
>Damn this thing's cute.
 
"Keep asking, Golet. I have many answers to give."
 
>"What am Master doing in unicorn capitol, if no am unicorn?"
 
"I'm here with a very dear friend. His name is Starswirl and he's looking to become the court wizard."
 
>"What are court wizard?"
 
"Well, it's kind of like a pony who uses magic to learn things and protect other ponies."
 
>"Starswirl am protector? Starswirl am like Golet?"
 
>You laugh softly.
 
"Yeah, I guess he is."
 
>"Golet want meet friend-protector Starswirl!"
 
"I'd love to introduce you, but now's not a good time."
 
>You look at the enlarged containment circle.
>You finally think you have a question for Golet.
 
"Say, Golet? Just how much bigger can you get?"
 
>"Golet can get many bigger. Not as bigger as Golem, but still many bigger."
>"As big as Master!"
 
>Just then you hear a knock at your door.
>Someone's coming in!
 
>You bring your head close to Golet and whisper to her.
 
"Make yourself as quite and unnoticeable as possible. I don't know who this is, or if they'll be able to see you. Whatever the case, just sit back and observe until I say otherwise.
 
>"Yes, Master."
 
>Golet collapses into a small pile of rocks
>You close the evocation guide and position yourself so that your body blocks the majority of the desk.
 
"Who is it?"
 
>It's me, Rain."
 
>"And Starswirl!"
 
>What could both of them want?
 
"Come in."
 
>The door swings open.
>The two of them stay planted in the door way, thankfully.
>If they came in you wouldn't, you'd have a remarkably hard time hiding what you'd been doing.
 
>"I was just about to start cooking the meals for tonight when I realized how rude I'd been."
>"I completely forgot to ask what you wanted for supper!"
 
>"And I'm helping."
 
>Starswirls addition was somewhat confusing and unhelpful.
>His attire was equally confusing.
>He had traded his cloak for an unironically feminine apron and mismatched chef's cap.
>He seemed happy though, so you weren't going to question it.
 
"Well, I'm rather partial to roasted corn. Oh, and steamed carrots are always good. I'd have to say my absolute favorite meal is Daisy-break salad. Do you think you could make some of that?"
 
>Rain beams at you.
 
>"Of course, dearie."
>"Come now Starswirl, there's work to do."
 
>"Aye, Lady Rain".
 
>They leave, closing the door behind them.
 
"Alright, Golet, you can come out."
 
>The pile of stones takes its previous form.
 
>"Which friend were Starswirl? Was it pretty mare?"
 
"No, that was somepony else."
 
>"It was funny talk stallion? He dress strange."
 
"Yeah, but not usually. I don't know what he's doing, but he's happy, so I'm fine with it."
 
>"Master am very kind."
 
"Thank you."
 
>You and Golet sit in silence for a moment.
>You're staring at the ceiling and she's staring at you.
>You decide to look something up in the tome.
>You open it back up to the page on lesser spirits.
 
>You read silently this time.
 
>To name a spirit is to provide it with the greatest honor. For lesser spirits, it is the equivalent of being made a king.
>As all lesser spirits are named after their greater counterparts, being given a name to set them apart from others is a great honor and should not be done lightly. Once given a name, they will regard you as a god.
>For you are the being that set them apart from the rest.
 
>You contemplate the decision you're about to make.
>You're probably being hasty...
>But should you?
 
>You shake your head.
>You're moving a little too fast with this.
>She's cute, and she's clearly devoted.
>But naming is a step too far.
 
>"Master? Are well? Need Golet protect?"
 
"Hmm? Oh, no, I'm fine Golet. Just thinking about some stuff."
 
>You close the tome again and push it to the side.
>It now sits opposite Golet.
>Reaching into your bag again, you pull out the journal.
>Now would probably be a good time to check out that page that gave you a massive headache..
 
>You scoot closer to Golet, showing her what your looking at.
 
>"Golet read with Master? Golet like read."
 
"Yeah, you're gonna read with me. Just read along with me, these five words, see?"
"And let me know if you feel anything."
 
>She nods.
>You brace yourself for pain as you bring your eyes to the page.
 
>As you read the words on the page, a ringing sets in your head.
 
>NEVER FORGET TO REMEMBER YOURSELF
 
>These five words set something off deep in your psyche.
>Your head feels as if it's about to split open.
>But this time, you don't scream.
>The mouth feels as if it's been glued shut.
>And with each passing moment, the pain only intensifies.
 
>NEVER
>FORGET
>REMEMBER
>YOURSELF
 
>These are the only words in your mind as you black out.
 
XXX
 
>Your eyes snap open.
>Your back in that black void from your dream.
>Except it's not such a void.
>There's one thing sitting within the emptiness
>A sofa.
>And on the sofa is..., you?
>Or at least who you were.
 
>...Who are you?
 
>As you wander through your existential crisis, you suddenly find yourself sitting on the sofa.
>The dusty brown stallion doesn't look at you, almost as if he's refusing to acknowledge you.
>But then he speaks.
 
>"I don't know what you're doing back so soon. I'll assume you made a mistake in reading the killswitch."
>"I'll give you three questions before I send you back. Make them count."
>"And please, one at a time."
 
"W-Who are you?"
 
>The dusty brown stallion scoffs.
 
>"I'm you, boy. At least, until this whole ordeal is over."
>"And if you mean who I really am, well I already gave you that answer."
>"And the answer, in case you don't remember, is that I can't tell you."
 
>Well that was a bunch of non-information.
 
>"Come on, next question."
 
"Well, if you're me, then who am I?"
 
>He laughs at you again, heartier this time.
 
>"Why, you're Ghost Scribe, of course! What, did you think everypony was calling you that for fun?"
 
>You just look at him confused.
>Disappointment washes over his face.
 
>"Already? You've seriously forgotten already? Oh, to think you were so confident in yourself."
 
"Well, I've got a general idea that I don't belong, but the past few days have been rather intense. Forgive me if my memory is imperfect."
 
>"I'm afraid I can't do that. In this kind of situation, a memory any weaker than a steel trap could get you stranded."
>I'll give you this and this only. Your name was Deb. Deb Seascrolls."
>"The rest you'll have to get on your own."
 
 
>You open your mouth to ask your final question.
>But the stallion that's you but not you raises a hoof to silence you.
 
>"I can take a wild guess at your last question."
>"You want to know how you got mixed up in all this, right?"
 
>You nod.
>The stallion placed his hoof on his face and dragged across.
 
>"Sweet Celestia, I hate having to spoonfeed you like this."
 
>"To put it simply, you're here to learn. Observe. Live. Absorb all the information you can."
>"Do your best to survive. Create history. That is why you're here."
>"And that's all I'll say about that, because I already explained this, in great detail I might add, before I sent you back."
 
>"Now, to be honest, I don't feel like any of those were real questions. So I'll give you one more."
>"So shoot. I won't give you another."
 
>You don't totally understand everything that's being told to you.
>But most of the information sounds incredibly familiar.
>And you vaguely remember once being the stallion that sits next to you.
>Honestly, it's all a little much to take in, but you think you can manage.
 
>One thing the stallion who is you but not you bothers you though.
 
"You said create history, yet my goal is to observe. Do I have to worry about adhering to the past?"
 
>The not-you smiles.
 
>"Who's to say either action is exclusive from the other?"
>"Observe as you create, create from what you observe. Absorb what you learn and lock it away in your memory."
>"And don't worry about adhering to anything. The past can take care of itself. Time has a funny way of bringing itself right when it's wronged."
 
>"And with that, I have no more to offer you. We both have lives to get back to."
>"Bit of advice before you go: Leave the journal alone. You've nothing more to learn from it. Store it somewhere safe. Because when your time rolls around, it'll be your only way back.
 
>"Now please, go. And don't come back for a long while."
 
XXX
 
>You awaken.
>You're getting pretty tired of awakening.
>Nothing good seems to come of you awakening.
 
>Your head still hurts, and your mouth is dry as a bone.
>You must have fallen on the floor while you "slept."
 
>"Awaken, my master!"
 
>Golet's still around.
>Which likely means that nopony saw her.
 
>Picking yourself up, you notice a few things are different.
>On the desk is a large ceramic bowl, containing food of some kind (thank goodness, because you're starving).
>Next to it is a folded note.
>And on your bed is the evocation tome and your journal.
>Rain probably moved all that stuff around so she could bring you something to eat.
 
>First thing you'd like to do is dig in.
>But maybe you should see what's up with the note.
>You should probably check on your belongings as well.
>Maybe see how Golet handled things while you were asleep?
 
 
 
>You decide checking the note and questioning Golet should be your first orders of business.
>Picking up the note, you unfold it and begin to read.
 
>You were sleeping when I came to check on you. Starswirl told me what a long, stressful trip you have both had, and I understand if the both of you are dealing with it in different ways. You conked out before dinner was ready, so I prepared an extra large portion for you to eat when you wake up.
>Sweet dreams!
>XOXO, Rain
 
"Well that was awful nice of her."
 
>"No! Mare who leave note am meanie!"
 
"What do you mean? Rain's such a kind, caring pony."
 
>"When Master sleeping, Golet keep good watch on Master. Make sure no hurt!"
>"But then meanie mare come in. Golet think she nice, but then she look at Masters book.
>"She look in book and then she look at Golet and then she have angry face!"
 
>Your blood runs cold.
 
"Y-You mean, she saw you?"
 
>"Golet no know. Golet think maybe she just look at circle. Meanie mare no say anything to Golet. Just angry face."
 
>"But then meanie mare take Masters books, all both of them, and put on bed. She leave and then come back with bowl. Bowl have lots of food, but Golet no trust!"
>"Meanie mare write note for Master. Note have nice words, but mare have angry look, give Master angry face!"
 
>Oh dear.
>Oh my.
>Rain read the tome.
>She saw the containment circle.
>She might have even seen Golet, but you're not sure about that one.
>One of the first paragraphs in that book details what you should do should you ever find the book outside of Negra Beliza.
>If Rain had read that, no doubt, you were on borrowed time.
 
>You have to figure out your next course of action.
 
>First things first, you turn the bowl on your table upside down.
>There's a strong possibility that stuff is poisoned, and you're hungry enough that you might absentmindedly take a bite.
 
>You need to let Starswirl know what's going on.
>You didn't plan on telling him about Golet so soon, but you figure you have to at this point.
>Otherwise it'll just seem like a lot of mindless blabbering on your end.
 
>You have Golet stay on your desk.
>She protests but it's for the best right now.
>So you calmly and quietly open your door and...
>It's night time.
>Everyponies asleep.
>Brutus is still snoring heavily on the couch.
>You can hear a faint rustling in what you assume must be Starswirl's room.
>It has to be, since it's the only other room with a shut door.
 
>What should you do?
 
>You don't know what's going on in Starswirls room
>But you know that you need to speak to him now.
>Just in case, you beckon Golet over.
>She's eager to help you, hopping down from the desk and running over to you, like some kind of small dog.
 
>"Protect Master! Help Masters friend!"
 
>Her overzealous shouts may have betrayed your presence.
>But if Starswirl is being attacked, it doesn't matter whether or not they hear you coming.
>You need to help your friend!
 
>You first try turning the doorknob.
>It's locked.
>You're not sure what you expected.
>From behind the door you hear things being tossed around.
>You can hear grunting and labored breaths as Starswirl and his assailant fight about the room.
>There's only one thing for you to do.
 
"Golet. Break down the door."
 
>"Yes. Master. Golet break door, save friend!"
 
>Golet must weigh quite a lot, as the door collapses inward without much effort on her end.
>You rush into the room, lit dimly by a single dying candle.
>You see two figures on the bed.
>They seem too wrapped up in their own struggle to even notice that you've knocked the door down.
>Just as you ready yourself to to strike, you hear one of the figures scream.
>It's distinctly female
>And distinctly... aroused.
>Oh.
>You've completely misread this situation.
 
>As you attempt to back out, Golet speaks out.
 
>"Master, now! Save friend from meanie mare!"
 
>You can't see any faces, but one of the figures has very clearly turned its head towards you.
 
>"SCRIBEWHATINTHEWORLDAREYOUDOING!"
 
>Shit.
>How do you explain your way out of this?
 
"I could ask the same of you, Starswirl.
What whore is this, that you're laying with, so soon into our stay here?"
 
>"I'll forgive that just once, Mr. Scribe, as you clearly can't see me very well. But I'd appreciate if you refrain from calling me a whore."
>"I was just taking a shine to you too."
 
"Miss Rain?"
 
>"HOY, SCRIBE, EXPLANATION, NOW."
 
"Right, right. There's been a bit of an emergency. I assumed you were under attack. If you'll step out into the hall with me, I'll explain further."
"And no, it can't wait."
 
>Starswirl makes a disgruntled noise.
 
>"Fine. Though I don't know what could have possibly made you think I was under attack."
 
>"I'll be waiting, my sweet."
 
>You watch as Starswirl pulls himself away from Rain.
>A resounding pop acts as further confirmation of their dirty deed.
>He dons a cloak for modesty and follows you out into the hall.
>You make an attempt to close the door, but the hinges have been annihalated.
>So you settle for just moving closer to your room.
 
>"So, what was this so called emergency?"
 
>He glances at Golet, who has also followed you from the room, an expression of pride on her stony face.
 
>"And what in the world is that?!"
 
"That's Golet."
 
>"And what in the world is a Golet?"
 
"Well, the tome described them as guardian spirits. I just figured I should have something to help me survive here in Aurus. After all, you won't always be there to bail me out."
 
>"So you summoned a spirit? After the whole Ifrit incident?"
 
"An incident I brought an end to, yes. But that's besides the point. The point is, I passed out while I was doing some reading. During that time, Golet saw some things."
"It would probably be best if she explained it to you."
 
>"And why should I trust this thing?"
 
"Because I trust i-, her. I trust her."
 
>Starswirl rolls his eyes, but reluctantly stoops his head down.
>Golet explains everything to him as she did to you.
>It takes a few minutes, during which Starswirl goes through a variety of facial expressions.
>Eventually he settles on one of understanding.
 
>"I'd question this spirits credibility more, but given that you used a containment circle, I'll suspend my disbelief."
>"And thinking about it, she did seem upset earlier.
>"But she told me you had upset your inkwell and stained the desk, so I considered her brief anger justified."
 
>You both stand their, contemplating what to do next.
 
>"So..., how should we confront her on this?"
 
"You've got more "experience" dealing with her, so I think you'd know better than I. But no, I don't think we should confront her just yet."
 
>"Why not?"
 
"Did father teach you any kind of poison detection spell."
 
>"It just so happens he did. Being the court wizard came with many duties, after all."
 
"Check my food."
 
>"Really? You want me to check the salad she made? I ate that salad myself and I feel just fine."
 
"I just need to be sure."
 
>Starswirl huffs and puffs, but gives in.
 
>"If you insist."
 
>He spends what seems like forever going through your overturned salad..
>But he comes back with nothing.
 
>"From what I see, it's a perfectly normal Daisy break salad. No poisons to speak of. And of course no inkwell spill either."
>"Though if what your spirit said was true, I'm still troubled by the fact that she even recognized the evocation tome."
 
"As am I."
 
>"So what do we do now?"
 
>Thing is, your not entirely sure what to do
>Your food isn't poisoned.
>And while Rain clearly has knows what the tome and circle were, she's made no attempt to confront you on them.
>All in all, you'd rather be done with this.
 
"I suppose there's nothing to do. No evidence, no way to confront her. It's best if we just drop this for now."
 
>"Agreed."
 
>The two of you sigh in unison.
>Golet just lies on the floor of your room, anticipating when she'll be next needed.
 
"So, "my sweet", will you return to your lover's embrace. Or is it the good sleep for you?"
 
>"I don't see how that's any of your business."
 
>Starswirl playfully boxes your side and laughs.
>His gray muzzle is turning a deep shade of purple from blush.
 
"No, I suppose it isn't. Goodnight, Starswirl."
 
>"Goodnight, Scribe."
 
>Starswirl leaves, closing the door behind him.
>You try to push how he'll be spending his night out of your head.
>Instead you, try to focus on the salvageable bits of your salad.
>You're absolutely starving, and while a good portion of the salad fell out of the bowl, there's enough to satisfy you.
>Finally, extinguishing the candle which seems to have been burning an eternity, you fall into bed.
>Golet sidles up next to you.
 
>"Golet protect good, Master?"
 
"Very good, Golet. But I need you to keep protecting. I still don't quite trust the meanie mare."
"Can you keep an eye on things while I sleep again?"
 
>"Yes, Master. Golet protect while Master sleep. No problem!"
 
"Very good. Goodnight, Golet."
 
>As you close your eyes, you contemplate just how eventful the past three days alone have been. This whole ordeal has just barely begun. You have no idea how much longer it will last. As is, you barely have any concept of who you are or what you're doing here. But you'll do it all the same.
 
XXX
 
>The soft light of the morning sun begins to flow into your room.
>Your sleep was dreamless.
>But at least it was peaceful.
>As you open your eyes, you notice something that isn't quite right.
>Your door is open, though you're quite sure you shut it the night before.
 
>"Good morning, deary."
 
>Rain?
>Is she in your room?
>Where could she be?
 
>You try to get up to look around the room, but there is a great weight on your chest.
>Looking up to see what it is, you find exactly what you're looking for.
>Or rather, who.
 
"Rain? What are you doing in here? Why are you on top of me?!"
 
>"No need to panic, Mr. Scribe. I don't intend to hurt you. At least I don't want to."
>"I just need to be absolutely sure of something. I know you have a spirit here. I can't see it, but I know it's here. And I need it to do something for me."
 
>What could she want?
 
>You don't figure you have much choice in the matter.
>But whatever it is, if it calms her suspicions of you, you'll do it.
 
"I'm listening."
 
>"Good. Now first, I'll need you to tell me what kind of spirit it is."
 
"It's a Golet."
 
>"Ah, good, that'll make this simple then."
>"I need it to write something down. Spirits are inherently incapable of lying you see."
>"And I need to be absolutely sure you're not here for what I think you're here for."
 
"What do you need it to write?"
 
>"I need it to write about you. Something that convinces me not to kill you right here, right now."
 
>You glance over and see Golet.
>She's already grabbed a quill and parchment.
 
"Okay, Golet. Write something nice about Master."
"Show the pretty mare how good we are."
 
>Golet gets to writing.
>Rain watches the spot Golet's in.
>To her it must seem like the quill is writing all on it's own.
 
>"I'd be less liberal with your compliments, Mr. Scribe. Flattery will get you everywhere."
 
>She looks at you from the corner of her eye and smiles slyly.
>You'd been trying to ignore it, but she reeks of sex.
>You're too stressed out to be aroused though.
 
>Golet finishes her note, and brings it over.
>Rain snatches the note from what must seem like thin air
>She reads it aloud.
 
>"My Master is a very good Master. I have only known him for a day, but he is very kind. He lets me protect him, even while he's sleeping and cares about his friend Starswirl very much."
 
>"Well..., it's not much, but it's enough to convince me."
 
>Rain pushes herself off of you and gets off the bed
 
>"I apologize for the misunderstanding."
>"Oh and I'd be careful if I were you."
>"Even the most benign spirits can grow to be quite dangerous."
 
>She begins to leave your room.
>Should you stop her and ask her what this was all about?
>Or should you just count yourself lucky to be done with it and prepare for your day?
 
"Don't you think I'm owed some kind of explanation? You did just threaten my life after all."
 
>Rain stops and turns to you.
>Her expression is soft and tired.
>Once again, she just seems like a kind, middle-aged mare.
 
>"I wish I could give you that explanation. But that would require I tell you a story that I just don't have the patience to tell."
>"I will say that I've had very poor experiences with the ponies of Negra Beliza. I just needed to be sure you weren't... that you weren't one of them."
 
>You see tears welling up in Rain's eyes, but she quickly wipes them away.
 
>"If you don't mind my asking, how did you happen upon such a book? They're essentially non-existent outside Negra Beliza."
 
"Well, to be perfectly honest, it's stolen."
 
>Rain's eyes widen with surprise.
 
>"And how'd you manage that?"
 
"Not me, my father. My adoptive father, I mean. Stargazer the whimsical."
"Apparently, While he and the King were on a diplomatic visit to Negra Beliza, he just saw the book and snatched it up."
 
>"He's lucky to have gotten away with his life, let alone the book!"
 
>Rain raises a hoof to her chin, a look of contemplation on her face.
 
>"You know, I don't know why I didn't realize it until now, but I knew you're father quite well."
 
"Did you now?"
 
>"I did. If not for him, I wouldn't have this inn. But that's a part of that story I'd rather not tell."
>He was such a kind stallion, though he always seemed distraught about something. He would never say what. When he would come to visit me, he would always have a joke to tell and a story to weave."
>"And he would take every opportunity to tell me about his sons, his two precious boys. He lamented over how he never got to see them, but would always mention how they were born for greatness."
>"A very self-deprecating stallion he was, but he held every belief in his sons. He expected they would surpass him in every way."
 
>She looks to the note on your bed.
 
>"And if you and Starswirl's current abilities are any indicator, I'd say you're well on your way to doing just that."
>"Good luck, Mr. Scribe."
 
>With that, she left the room.
>Your alone again, save for Golet.
>It's about time you got ready.
 
>You're ready quickly.
>Starswirl won't be up for some time though.
>So you just wait.
 
XXX
 
>You've been waiting in the main hall for a few hours now.
>You've been passing the time with staring contests with Golet, among other things.
>Starswirl awakens, a groggy mess.
>He takes a bath and dons his cloak and just like that you're both ready to go.
 
>As you're about to leave, Rain stops you both.
 
>"Good luck to the both of you. I expect to hear great things. And please, do come visit. I've taken a liking to the two of you."
 
>"Aye, we will, Lady Rain."
"Will do."
 
>"Farewell, my lovely. And farewell, Mr. Scribe."
 
>Before leaving, you place Golet in the hood of your cloak.
>You don't know who else might be able to see her, or how they'll react if they can.
>Best to be safe.
 
>You exit the inn, waving to Rain as you enter the streets of Aurus.
>The door shuts, and you turn to Starswirl who's reading the map Rain had bought for you both.
 
>"Looks like the castle is about ten minutes from here."
>"Let's get going."
 
>He puts the map away, walking off in the direction of the castle.
>You follow.
 
XXX
 
>You arrive at the gates of Castle Aurus.
>They're not as large as the hold walls doors.
>But somehow they're even more imposing.
>As you approach, the two of you are stopped by the two guards, gatekeepers as they were.
 
>"Halt! State your name and what business you have in Aurus."
 
>You do the smart thing and let Starswirl answer first.
 
>"My name is Starswirl. My sire is the esteemed Stargazer the Whimsical. I'm here to fulfill my duties to the royal family and take my father's place by King Aurums side.."
 
>"Ah, yes, Starswirl. The kings been expecting you. He's eager to meet you."
 
>You can't quite tell, but the guard that's remained silent seems to be... stifling laughter?
 
>"Now who's this filth, standing next to you?"
 
>He was clearly referring to you.
 
"My name is Ghost Scribe, sir. I'm Starswirls personal scribe and companion."
 
>"Personal scribe, 'eh? Well, I don't see what use you'd have for that sort of thing, but I'm not here to judge."
>"Stay close to your friend, filth, and try not to step out of line. Many a guard here would be eager to beat you senseless."
 
>The guard whispers something to his fellow.
>They nod to each other, and the guard that remained silent beckons for you to follow.
 
 
>The guards horn glows, and the doors open.
>They glide open silently, and reveal an entrance hall.
>He walks in.
>You and Starswirl follow.
>You finally made it.