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                Ponyfinder: Roots of Stone                 
                     -by David Silver-                     
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                      1 - On the Job                       
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Tree Hugger trotted towards a farm house across the desolate-seeming land surrounding it. Others couldn't see it, but she could see the land was loved, and its ponies knew love too. There was a pleasantly mellow vibe around the whole place.

"Hello."

Tree Hugger turned to see a grey pony standing before her, wearing a frock of similar grey color.

"Are you the tree pony?"

Tree Hugger smiled brightly. "Like, woah. You're totally monochromatic, but your soul sings in a rainbow of hues, begging to be seen."

Maud blinked softly at the guest. "Are you the tree pony?" She tried again, making sure she wasn't just unheard.

Tree Hugger gestured to her heart. "Like, I'm Tree Hugger. A total pleasure to meet you. I heard there was a tree in distress and I came as quickly as possible."

Maud tilted her head lightly. "That was three weeks ago."

"Oh, I know." Tree Hugger gave a sedate nod. "I put a special rush on it."

The ways of the stranger were lost on Maud, which she expressed with another slow blink. "It's this way." She turned and led the way around the barn to where the large oak stood. "It was there one morning. It's in the way of a mineral vein. Trees don't do that well on the farm."

Tree Hugger slowly scanned across the area with her eyes. "Oh wow, you aren't kidding! The karmic balance is all off for a tree. Poor thing, Tree Hugger is here to help you." She approached the tree and gave it a gentle hug. "Where did you come from?" She pressed her ear to the side of the trunk and listened as if it were talking, one hoof slowly caressing over the bark. "Oh, that's gnarly. Don't worry, I'll help you out."

She began to set out little candles in a seemingly random pattern. Maud followed her, barely an inch away the entire time. "Like, I totally groove you, but you're harshing my vibe right now. I need to be totally in the groove to do this right." She sat down cross-legged and clopped her forehooves together. "Understand?"

Maud shook her head. "No."

Tree Hugger suddenly smiled. "Radical. I totally dig the honesty. Ok, I'm going to commune with the spirit of the tree and then I'll get it out of your yard. If I properly harmonize my chakras with the tree, I'll be able to free it from the grip of the land, and it'll be gone before you know it. Isn't that totally cool?"

Maud nodded gently. "As long as you remove the tree. Dad asked me to make sure you did." She moved away a few feet and laid down on her belly, staring at Tree Hugger intensely with her neutral eyes.

"Hey!" a slender grey mare with a coarse voice shouted from the house. "Make sure she doesn't touch the boulder!"

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "What a harsh vibe. She really needs to harmonize her energies and calm down. Life's too short to spend it wound up." Maud didn't reply. Hugger took a slow breath before letting out her soft neighing noise of tranquility. She willed her own energies to relax and be still, to synchronize with the gentle flow of the tree's power. With every soft whickering neigh of a mantra, she felt herself falling deeper and deeper into the trance of the tree. She could feel its roots, and its branches up above.

She could feel its desperation. It never meant to sprout here. It was a mistake. A mistake she'd rectify. Poor tree...  She gently wove her energy with its energy, no, his energy. It was a male oak, or so it identified, despite the fact that oaks were hermaphrodites. Hugger saw no reason to argue a tree's sexual identity. Let it be a proud, male oak, just not here. Here it would wither and die. She worked her energy deep into its roots and worked them loose of the soil, undoing the bonds that tied it down one by one.

"Is it working?"

Hugger felt her consciousness snap back into her pony body with a start. "What? Oh, yeah... It just takes a while. I need silence to concentrate, alright?" Maud nodded, and she closed her eyes again, slowly sinking back into her trance, feeling the tree as she repeated her mantra over and over to clear her thoughts and make her pathways aligned. She found where she left off, but something was odd. The root had already partially pulled out, and a new energy was pushing in. One she didn't recognize.

She slowly fell forward to all fours and felt with her hooves into the ground, sending her earthpony magic out in waves, like a sort of magical radar. This was very unnatural energy. Would it hurt the tree? She hastened her work with worry, perhaps a bit too quickly, as the tree gave a silent cry of pain as she severed its connections without the care she normally applied. She recoiled in worry and shock, but the tree rose and she smiled. It would be free by nightfall, and she hadn't hurt it too b--

She suddenly snapped awake as Maud pulled her away from her meditative spot by the mane, pulling her by a mouthful of dreadlocks. "What's going on?"

Maud pointed to the tree, where a sparkling black goop rushed up around the roots and began spreading rapidly across the ground like oil set loose.

"Oh, bummer." Tree Hugger had no idea what it was, except that it was related to the energy she felt. "I don't think we want to  be near that. Totally not cool."

The goop rushed towards them as if it heard her. Maud withdrew rapidly, her powerful legs propelling her far faster than she had at any other time. Her slow mosey turned into a full gallop when she was inspired.

Tree Hugger had no such luck. She took life slow, and as the slime rushed for her, she held out a hoof. "Like, stop. There's no reason to--" The goop ran over her, engulfing her, and she was gone.

Maud came to a sliding stop and glanced around before she began approaching the slime with her placid expression. "Give her back." The slime refused silently. Maud struck the ground powerfully, splitting the earth in a line towards it, but the slime rapidly flowed before the crack could reach it, then it was on her. It began to engulf her hooves, then crawl up her legs. "Help." She said as she struggled. "Help." Nopony heard her quiet cries, and she too was engulfed.

They were both gone from Equestria, but not gone entirely.

Tree Hugger opened her eyes to find herself somewhere dark and dank. It was made of stone. They were underground and she could barely see at all. Maud was laying just a few feet from her. "Are you alright? I'm totally sorry about that. Way to harsh a day. That never happened before."

Maud stirred awake and slowly looked around. "It's dark." She tapped at the walls softly. "This stone isn't of local manufacture. Where are we?" She rose up to her hooves and felt along the stone, using it as a path.

Hugger moved to follow Maud. "Like, that's a totally awesome idea! I don't know where we are, but I am thankful to mother nature that we are well and whole. That could have been way worse."

Maud gave a little nod as she tapped along the wall, pausing when her hoof struck wood.

Hugger perked her ears, hearing the wood. "Let me see that." She slipped ahead of Maud and felt along it. It was a door, but she was more interested in the wood itself. She tried to feel its energy, but it was dead wood. It had long ago stopped being a lovely tree. Whoever made the door didn't even try to keep it alive. She made a sad little face. "Poor friend I never knew. I will sing a song for you."

Maud tilted her head. "Did you figure out anything?"

Hugger blinked, abandoning the song she was just coming up with. "Oh. It's a door."

Maud reached for the knob and pushed the door open just in time for a rusted blade to come lunging out at her. She grabbed it in her teeth and twisted it violently, shattering the rusted metal before she spat out the bits in her mouth.

There were several skeletal figures, horses dead long ago. The next one had a longsword in its clenched jaw and shoved past the first in an attempt to carve Maud in half, only to get a hoof to the center of its ribs. It flew across the room in many pieces, shattered on impact.

Hugger backed away, and couldn't see much of what was going on, but she could hear her new friend was defeating the monsters, whatever they were. "Like, my thoughts are with you."

The last skeleton had a flail and began to spin it dangerously as it lunged at Maud, forcing her back until she almost tripped over Tree Hugger. She tried to crush the skeleton but struck nothing but dark air in the blinding blackness. The skeleton brought the flail suddenly from left to right, thudding against her shoulder with the spiked ball and leaving a painful bruise that would have shattered bones on lesser ponies. "Ow."

She grabbed the flail where it touched her and pulled it forward, bringing the skeleton in close enough for her to crush to dust on the ground

The final skeleton advanced with open jaws and managed to get ahold of her frock, tearing it. She shook her head. "I sewed this myself." She brought her hoof upside its skeletal muzzle, knocking its head off cleanly. "That was rude."

Tree Hugger felt the negative vibes fade and pushed carefully around Maud, squinting in the dark. "Are you alright? That was totally radical of you. I didn't know you could fight like that."

"They attacked me," stated Maud plainly. "I fought back."

Hugger nodded as she turned back to Maud. "You're way awesome at it too. Are you alright?"

Maud looked herself over in the dark, but could barely see anything. "They tore my frock. I'm fine."

Hugger kicked something loose on the floor and leaned down to feel around for it. There it was! She pulled it up and Maud leaned in.
"It's a lantern." She had more experience with lanterns than her tree-loving ally, so she took the lantern when offered and soon had it lit.
Suddenly they could see they stood in what appeared to be a throne room. Besides the skeletons that had attacked them, a larger corpse of a pony was slung over the throne. When the light touched it, it stirred slowly and locked its gaze on the two silently.

"Like, do you need to be cleansed?"

Her offer did not sit well with the skeletal figure and it rose to its hooves and suddenly lit on fire, burning fiercely and banishing the dark around it. "Um, no pressure, dude." Tree Hugger backed away as he drew a scimitar of fire and descended the stairs to meet them.


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                   2 - Welcome to Danger                   
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The flaming skeleton descended the stairs towards them. The scimitar clutched in its teeth seemed comprised entirely of flames.

"I'm a little scared," stated Maud Pie as she took a more firm footing. "Stay behind me."

"It's cool. I'm going to try to harsh his way wicked vibes." Hugger settled down and began singing a high-pitched song.

Maud glanced back at her companion, then focused on the opponent. The flaming monster struck at her with a  lightning-fast scimitar.  She tried to dodge to little avail; her frock gained a new gash, crisped at the edges, with a matching cut in her own flesh. She winced faintly even as her enemy kicked out a leg, thumping a skeletal hoof solidly into her side. She brought down one of her hooves powerfully on its extended limb before it could retract it, catching it in the knee, and snapping the leg like a brittle match.

The rest of the creature was intact and it compensated for the lost limb quickly as it pressed the attack.

"I can feel, like, a way powerful vibe..."

Maud had no idea what that meant, and had little time to consider it as she dove past the creature, avoiding the second swing. She lashed out a back leg and caught it in the flank. She heard bones being crushed, but it turned to her, ready to continue the battle. The scimitar came down with frightful speed. Maud reared onto her hind legs and brought her forehooves together with a snap, trapping the flaming blade between them. The smell of burning flesh began to tickle at their noses. "Ow."

"It's coming from above, far out... It's so bright and warm..."

Maud threw the scimitar to the left. She couldn't get it free of the skeleton's jaws, but it gave her a moment to pivot quickly on one leg while lashing out with the other, connecting solidly with its chin. As it reeled back a step, she moved in and grabbed it around the neck, squeezing with all her might. With a sickly crunch, its head came free. The flame guttered and died. The entire skeleton fell to pieces.

Maud slowly sat on her haunches and began inspecting her wounds. She said nothing, and kept an eye on the still meditating form of Tree Hugger.

Tree Hugger raised her forehooves towards the ceiling. "Totally radical... But, like, I'm a speaker for the trees, righteous lady."

"Who are you talking to?" Maud ripped off some of her own frock to bandage the cut she got on her side. It wasn't bleeding, perhaps from being burned at the same time, but she covered it as best she could.

Tree Hugger tilted her head to the left. "Can you do that? Let me see. That would be way cool on your part."

A flush of vibrant green energy ran across and through Tree Hugger and she suddenly was lifted from the ground with a shrill cry that warbled as she held her hooves out wide. "I can see it! They're all around me!" Tree Hugger was dropped to the ground, where she flopped onto her side before she managed to get her hooves under herself. She finally opened her eyes, her purple eyes flashing green a moment. "Righteous..."

Maud blinked slowly. "Are you alright?"

Tree Hugger nodded quickly. "Oh, yeah, totally. Hey, where'd that wicked skeleton go?"

Maud shrugged softly. "I took care of it."

Tree Hugger raised a hoof in a sort of thumbs up. "Radical. I can feel the trees now. They sing a different song here, but I can hear it now."

Maud tilted her head. "Where is here?"

Tree Hugger blinked, looking confused. "Aw man. I should have asked her."

"Her?"

Tree Hugger nodded firmly. "Like, wow, you should have seen it. She was this totally bodacious mare. Kinda reminded me of Celestia... But she was on a whole other plane of existence."

Maud was quiet a moment. "What did she tell you?"

Tree Hugger threw her forehooves wide. "Everything! Sort of... She offered me a chance to sing her song, but I'm totally down with nature, man. So she smiled this crazy little smile. It was like she knew... Totally far out. She showed me the song of the plants here."

A glint caught Maud's eye and she poked away the bones surrounding it to reveal a bangle large enough to slip around a hoof. "What's this?"

Tree Hugger leaned towards it. "That's a totally radical bit of jewelry. Did it belong to the skeleton?" She picked it up curiously and turned it around and around in her hooves. "It doesn't have the bad vibes of that guy."

Maud nodded. "Keep it."

"What? Like, no way. You earned it." Tree Hugger moved to slip it right onto Maud's left forehoof with a sleepy smile. "It totally fits you."

Maud lifted her hoof from the ground and swiveled her leg about to examine it. "It's pretty." She set the hoof down and looked around slowly. "We should go. Do you know the way?"

Tree Hugger took a slow breath, then pointed up. "There are totally plants that way."

Maud nodded and began walking across the throne room as if the answer were enough. They ascended the stairs towards the throne the skeleton had originally come from and Tree Hugger circled it curiously. "There's something here..." She hopped up onto the throne and noticed it was made to be sat on like a horse, not upright, so she reclined in it comfortably and felt something under the matress, poking her in the hoof.

"Mm?" She lifted the cushion and pulled out a key and a note. The note was decayed beyond use with time and smelled of mold, but the key was tucked away into her hair. "Never know when that'll come in handy."

Maud nodded. "Good job." She pointed past the throne. "I see a hallway." She descended down the back steps, approaching the archway that led further into the decrepit old castle they seemed to be in.

Tree Hugger hurried to catch up with Maud and walk alongside her. "That looks like it totally hurts... I wish I could help. Are you sure you're alright?"

Maud looked at her bandaged side and burnt frogs. "I can walk."

Tree gave a little smile. "I can see that, dude, but that doesn't mean you're not in pain. It's totally okay to admit it. I'm not here to harsh on your vibes with cruel judgement. We all experience pain at times."

Maud slowly blinked at Tree Hugger. "I can walk." She walked past her strange pony companion and paused at the archway to look slowly left and right. The hallway proceeded forward about twenty feet until it broke off left and right. It was ten feet across, and she could see an old chandelier hanging above. There were some crystals embedded in the old chains. "Bornite-coated chalcopyrite crystal," she said to herself quietly, fascinated with the find, it seemed.

Tree Hugger craned her neck back to look up at what Maud was looking at. "The aura of that looks kind of old. I'd watch my step. Like, it'd be way gnarly to be under that when it came down."

Maud turned to look at Tree Hugger. "Aren't you scared?"

Tree Hugger seemed to consider that before smiling. "It'll all work out. Besides, we have each other. Your aura makes me feel totally safe."

"My aura?"

Hugger reached out and placed a hoof gently on Maud's chest. "Your aura is amazing. So solid and dependable. So many colors hiding from sight. You're like... Like a blanket thrown over a bed of the brightest flowers. It's totally radical."

Maud gave a little nod before she turned forward. She trotted ahead without another word. Heeding Tree Hugger's advice, she stuck to the wall, avoiding going directly underneath the hanging art piece. Tree Hugger did the same, slipping around where it hung and joining her.

"Stupid horses!" came a voice from the darkness. "Do you even know how long it took me to set that up?"

Maud tilted her head a little. "Who's there?"

"Oh, who am I?" A short figure emerged with bulging eyes. It had two feet, and two hands, and was kind of blue in color. "I'm your worst nightmare!"

Tree Hugger reached out a hoof. "Like, chill out, little man. We're not here to make harsh waves. Why don't we talk instead?"

The small bipedal creature seemed shocked at this. "W-what? Why would you want to talk to me? You want me secrets do ya?! You'll never get them!"

Hugger took a light step forward. "You may keep your secrets if you like, that's cool. We just want to commune with you."

"Commune?" The creature squinted its bulging eyes. "You two don't act like the other horses at all."

Maud pointed up. "Which way leads out."

Hugger shook her head. "Before we do that, we should, like, introduce ourselves."

He grunted softly. "You just want me name, to use on some wicked spell! Well you won't get it!" He suddenly dashed down the right hallway, running out of sight in the darkness.

Maud pointed to the left, then headed that way. Tree Hugger followed after with a curious tint to her spacey look. "Like, why did you choose this way?"

Maud shrugged softly. "Isn't it obvious? He has a lot of rocks ground into his clothes similar to the rocks in the walls. He probably lives here. Wherever he ran is deeper inside."

Tree Hugger gave a little nod. "Pity we couldn't find a harmonious wavelength with him."

Maud nosed open a door at the end of the hallway to reveal a narrow shaft heading straight up. It looked like an elevator. She entered and circled around the small hole in the center before settling before the lever she found. Once Tree Hugger had sat down, Maud pulled the lever without prompting, and the ground shuddered softly before lifting upwards into the unknown.

They could feel the ground ratcheting upwards as the sound of heavy chains rattled out of sight, presumably pulling the platform along. They went past several open archways, but the platform didn't stop at them. One had a scaled and oozy creature with five legs and three times as many eyes. It screamed and lunged for them, but the platform was beyond it before it could reach them.

"Woah, like that was way uncool..."

Maud nodded softly in agreement with Tree Hugger's assessment, but remained where she was.

With a solid thunk of stone on stone, the platform reached its highest point. The ceiling was only twenty feet above. The hallway out led directly to stairs, curving as they went upwards. Tree Hugger smiled a little. "Way cool, that might be the way out." She led the way with a soft trotting gait.

Maud put a hoof in front of her. "Wait." She looked around, then grabbed a stone and hurled it at the stairs precisely. It hit a step and it collapsed, leaving a portion of the stairs in rubbled ruin. "Now we can go." She scaled the rubble effortlessly to the stairs beyond and began to ascend.

"Hey, wait!" Maud turned and looked down at Tree Hugger, who was having a much harder time scaling the loose rubble and rocks. "Little help, please?"

Maud slid down to Tree Hugger and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck with her teeth, tossing her companion onto her own back. She scaled with her new rider without complaint or comment, and soon they emerged into the evening of a world they didn't know.


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                 3 - Not in Pony Territory                 
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The cool air and the stars that became more and more visible by the moment were a welcome reprieve from the underground ruins they had just left. Maud scanned the horizon slowly in a circle as Tree Hugger moved towards a forest that was nearby to the south.

She reached for a tree and gently rubbed over its surface. "Good evening, my friend."

"Hello," it replied. "Most don't take the time to greet me."

Tree Hugger blinked with surprise, but rolled right along with it. "Radical! Like, you're alive, I mean, even more alive than the lovely melody of a tree. Hello, honored forest spirit."

"Hello to you." An elfin face poked out from behind the tree. "It's been centuries since I saw a pony! Aw, you're adorable!"

Maud wandered closer. "Who are you talking to?" She spotted the fae creature and tilted her head. "Hello."

The tree nymph let out an alarmed gasp. "Your friend, she's hurt! Poor little pony, you just wait right there." She reached up and snatched a handful of acorns and held them out towards Maud. "Eat and be better, little pony."

Maud approached curiously and gave them a lone sniff before she shrugged and munched on one loudly, crunching it effortlessly. It exploded into new tastes and some of her hurts began to fade. "Not as crunchy as I prefer." She accepted another when offered, and another after that, eating from the palm of the smiling nymph.

Tree Hugger smiled placidly. "Sorry to bother you, righteous forest spirit, but could you tell us how to get to town?"

The nymph stuck out her tongue. "Ew, you don't want to be there, trust me. Humans don't treat ponies nicely, or my kind either. We have more in common than you do with them anyway."

Tree Hugger tilted her head a little. "What's a human? That sounds kinda... familiar, man."

She frowned delicately. "They stand on two legs, like I do, but they always wear lots of clothes, and usually stink, and half of them are big brutish males! Not like us nymphs, we're all female."

Maud nodded slowly. "My father's a male."

She stuck out her tongue. "Mine too."

Tree Hugger started counting in the air. "Wait... If you're all female, how is your father, like... I don't understand, wise forest spirit, lay some wisdom down on me."

She giggled softly as she danced away from the tree and circled Tree Hugger. "You talk so strangely, but with such respect. My mother got a human to stop scratching himself and play with her for a little while, then I happened. It's a tradition."

Maud tilted her head. "So they are your size?"

She nodded quickly at that. "Just uglier. Just imagine me, but ugly, there's your human."

Tree Hugger smiled. "Far out... Do they move out with you, to the trees, or bring you to their towns?"

She grimaced at the very idea of it. "No way! Either way would make one of us very unhappy. We have some fun, maybe make a kid, then we let them go home.  If they want to visit, they'd better be polite." She leaned forward on her tiptoes. "Presents don't hurt."

Maud tapped her chin. "Does that work with ponies?"

The nymph looked surprised at the question. "Why, I never tried. Like I said, you're the first ponies I've seen in forever!" She put her hands on her hips. "Besides, you're both girl ponies, aren't you?"

"Like, for sure." Tree Hugger nodded softly. "I don't think my companion meant to imply we would do that kind of thing."

She spread a grin. "You sure you don't want to try?"

Maud seemed to consider it a moment before shrugging.

Tree Hugger giggled. "I've never talked with a tree spirit so alive! Wait, are you this tree's spirit, or one with the forest?" She gestured at the tree she found the nymph in.

She reached back to gently caress over it much like Tree Hugger had done. "This is my favorite, but I call the whole forest home." She paused suddenly and glared into the forest. "I have to go." She stepped into the tree and vanished.

Maud turned to her friend. "She was interesting."

Tree Hugger nodded and glanced up at the sky. It was becoming night truly. It was dark, save for the heavy and full moon that rose slowly above. It wasn't their moon. It wasn't Luna's moon. "Man... I feel way lost right now. Not cool... We should find some shelter."

Maud moved up to the tree and looked ready to strike it when Tree Hugger moved swiftly in her way. "No way! This is her tree! We can't hurt it, totally uncool. Can't we find somewhere else? Like a cave or something?"

Maud turned from the tree, then began walking away. Tree Hugger followed after her as they moved away from the forest. Maud moved from rock to rock as if searching for something, but she never said what, until she found the right rock in the growing darkness. The full moon did a passable job of preventing the darkness from engulfing them.

Maud turned away from the rock and Tree Hugger frowned a little, but then Maud lashed out her hind legs and smashed the rock solidly. It quivered before a small hole opened in it. "There."

Hugger moved up curiously. "Righteous... You are truly a warden of stone, just as I totally watch over the trees." She sank to her belly and shimmied into the rock, finding it to be mostly hollow. After the entrance, there was plenty of room to move around, providing about a ten foot circle for them. "Radical. Can you close it up while we sleep?"

She slipped in easily, then reached out and pulled in the rubble that fell with her kick. She made a quick stack of it, blocking the exit and making the outside world far away. "We should sleep."

Hugger nodded at Maud. "We totally should." She settled against the rocky wall of her temporary home and closed her eyes, trying to sleep. She hadn't had a chance to eat, or do any of the fun things she usually did before bedtime, and it bothered her more and more. She turned to ask Maud how she felt, but Maud was already asleep silently. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was calm.

Hugger gave a little smile. Seeing her friend relaxing so easily made her feel a little calm, even though her belly protested at the lack of food. She began to pat herself down and found an acorn in her hair. Did it come from the original oak, back in Equestria, or the new one, here in... wherever they were?

She held the acorn gently, rolling it around in her hooves as she thought over her situation. "This is bad..." Nopony heard her, or at least replied. She held up the acorn and she felt an urge. There was a power waiting, it would help her. She smiled gently. "Gentle spirit of the forest, like, lay it on me. I surrender to your might."

The acorn flashed softly with natural energy. She could see it, smell it. It was a totally radical aura. The acorn smelled delicious. She brought it to her snout and gently chewed on it. Her hunger faded quickly, and her belly filled as if she had just eaten an entire meal. She was full and much happier than a moment before. "Nature provides..." She settled to the ground with a warm smile, and was soon as asleep as her companion.

They awoke to the sound of stones being tossed aside. Maud turned to the entrance and stared at it intently. Another stone was tossed. They could both see the hole that was made. Light spilled in. It was day! But they were trapped in their stone tent. Tree Hugger slid nervously behind her companion. "A totally uncool way to wake up. Are you alright?"

Maud nodded, but said nothing, her eyes never leaving the rock pile as it was dug away with hands faster. It was like a minotaur, but those hands didn't have a layer of fur on them.

When the pile was about halfway down, a strange face leaned in to look at them. The nymph had been right.  They really did look like ugly nymphs.

The human grinned. "Hello there. What have we here? Guys! Look at this!"

Footsteps came closer as Maud rose to her hooves. Her muscles were tense and ready.

Another face came into view. "Are those little horses?"

"Ponies, yeah," said the first one. "How do you figure someone lost them out here?"

The second one frowned. "I ain't never seen a horse that was green. Maybe they belongs to the devil of the trees?"

The first one laughed. "You're way too superstitious."

Tree Hugger cleared her throat. "Like, excuse me?" The human looked at her, surprised. "Hey there! It's totally cool to meet you and all, but can you give us a little personal space? Our chakras are feeling a little blocked right now."

The human withdrew and spoke in hurried whispers with his friend, going back and forth.

Maud took the opportunity to slip from the cave, popping out just beside the two. They jumped back and looked at her like she might suddenly grow a second head. She just stared at them quietly.

The second one shook his head. "Do you think it talks too?"

The first one shook his head at the exact same rate. "What're the odds? She looks like a normal horse."

Maud pointed away from the cave with a hoof. "Back up."

They went pale and backed up a little, giving room for Tree Hugger to emerge with a smile.

In the light of day, they could see these ponies were... not horses. There were a thousand little things wrong. They were built oddly. They were... something else. The first advanced, drawing a dagger. "Look, we don't want no trouble. Don't be laying no hexes on us!"

Tree Hugger held up a hoof. "Like, chill out, man. You're harshing the vibes. We're here for peace and tranquility."

The second smiled a little. "See, they're nice... whatever they ares. Maybe they give wishes?"

The first looked towards Tree Hugger, still holding his dagger, though he seemed more defensive than ready to lunge with it. "So, do you give wishes?"

Hugger tapped her chin. "That totally depends on what your wish is, man. If you want to sit down and meditate with me, wish granted." Her eyes opened with the word wish before falling to their usual placid state. "What's your deal, man?"

The second swatted the first on the arm. "Stop waving that at them. They ain't even doing nothin'."

The first hesitantly put his dagger away. "We get eaten, I'm gonna come back just to haunt you!"

Tree Hugger took the lull in the excitement to look over the humans. The first one had short black hair on his head and wore a green shirt and dirty brown across most of his body. She couldn't identify... Oh, leather. Ick... "Gnarly..." She had a gut instinct it hadn't been taken in any kind way. She turned her eyes to the second and saw he was dressed in more cloth and less leather, except his big boots. He had reddish hair and a big moustache. They were like the nymph, without the pointed ears, or grace, or gentleness, or... They weren't really like the nymph.

The second offered his hand suddenly. "Never mind him. Pleased ta make your acquaintances."

Maud tilted her head before silently offering a hoof. He wrapped his fingers around it and they shook gently. Perhaps new friends could be made?


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                   4 - So, What are You?                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They each had a human to their right. Both of the humans looked quite curious about them, though the first was obviously still nervous. They all walked together along a faint forest trail that wove through the trees.

Tree Hugger spoke in her gentle tones, "Like, chill out, man. We're here to harmonize with your groove and be totally righteous."

Maud shook her head. "I don't know what she's saying either."

The second one smiled. "So it isn't just me!"

Tree Hugger blinked softly. "I thought I was being as clear as a spring morning. We're friendly."

The first shrugged. "Why didn't ya say that in the first place. Uh, so, where ya two from anyways?"

Maud tilted her head at that first one. "First, why did you dig us out of our rock?"

The second one grinned. "Paul's convinced if he can find the right magical disturbance, he'll be rich by sun up."

Paul colored. "It ain't so wild and fancy! Fae leave little trinkets around, we just gotta keep our eyes open for 'em."

Tree Hugger stood up straight as she walked. "Like, totally cool. We're your hidden treasure. That's completely radical."

Maud pointed at the human they didn't have a name for, yet. "What's your name?"

He hiked a thumb at himself. "Me? I'm Four-finger Flint. But I don't see why you can't just call me Flint."

Paul hissed. "Now ya done it! Ya gave her your name. She'll have your soul soon!"

Flint shrugged. "I already gave them your name."

"Not the whole thing! I'll say some nice things at your funeral."

Flint reached out and set a hand right on Maud's head. She looked mildly perplexed by the gesture, but it clearly didn't bother her enough to react outright to it. "I think they're both nice. Stop acting like a scared little kid." Just as Paul opened his mouth, Flint thrust up a finger, "Need I remind you that insulting a fae's worse than attacking them?"

Paul looked petulant a moment before he kicked a rock off the path. "Shoot, I'm... sorry. Ya won't throw no hexes at me, will you?"

Tree Hugger tilted her head mildly. "You're cool, man. We're all cool."

Maud knew this one, and quickly added, "she means you are fine."

Hugger nodded swiftly. "We should all be, like, cool with each other. There's no reason to be a total bummer about it."

Flint frowned a little. "Let me try... Cool is good, so she's sayin' to be good to each other." Maud nodded, and he continued, "I didn't get the second part."

Paul threw up his hands. "Don't go learnin' their language! It'll make it easier for them to brainwash you. You'll be taken away and made into their slaves or somethin'."

Hugger frowned a little. "Am I really playing a whole other wavelength? I'm trying to groove with your vibe, but you're not getting me."

Flint patted Tree Hugger on the back. "You talk funny, but I think you're saying nice things, so you're alright in my book."

Tree Hugger gently pushed his hand back. "Like, thanks, but we should have respect for our, like, personal spaces and stuff? My chakras will get cloudy."

Maud translated, either because she could or because of some building pride in her ability. "She says she wants to have some room."

Flint put up his hands and backed away from Tree Hugger. "Didn't mean no harm by it."

"I did the same thing." Maud nodded lightly. "She doesn't like being too close."

Paul looked towards Maud. "So, where're you from? You from this forest?"

Maud shook her head. "None of the rocks look familiar. I don't know."

The town came into view and Flint circled in front of the group, putting his hands up to slow them down. "One thing. Now, the way I sees it, yer a bunch a great, uh, horse things."

Tree Hugger smiled. "Ponies."

"Right, ponies, but if we just go on in wit' ya, people're likely ta start gabbin'."

Paul went a bit pale as he made a warding motion with his finger against some unseen threat. "Ya think they'll call us forest witches?"

Maud pointed down the road, where a horse could be seen, tied to a post outside some building that showed signs of life. "They don't mind that."

Flint chuckled a little. "Ya ain't related to no regular horse. They're bigger, dumber, and stronger. I bet ah could knock ya right over if ah wanted." He suddenly moved to give Maud a shove.  To his surprise, she felt like a tree embedded in the ground for all she had moved from the effort.

Maud blinked, then raised a hoof and shoved Flint in return, sending him sprawling onto his back.

Tree Hugger shook her head quickly. "Like, please don't try that with me. That'd totally ruin my karmic balance. Way uncool."

Paul threw his arms wide. "Ah'm serious 'bout this! I don't want to be burned at no stake."

Flint rolled his eyes. "Shut your fool mouth. We aint even women folks, so how can we be witches?"

At this point, Tree Hugger noticed that Flint's name wasn't just an edgy title. His left hand only had four fingers instead the of the five all the other hands present had. "Woah, way gnarly. Are you alright?"

All eyes turned to follow hers, homing in on his left hand. "What, this?" He held up the hand with its missing pointer. "What ya git for bettin' with money ya don't have." He laughed suddenly. "I'm lucky I didn't catch worse."

Paul let out a slow sigh. "Look, why don't we try somethin' clever like?" Eyes turned to him curiously. "Now just hear mah out! Maud, that's yer name, right?" She nodded softly. "Good. Ya seem plenty strong what with you knockin' Flint over like he weren't even there. What if we said you were some kinda crazy exotic fighting beast."

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "Deception really puts my inner energy out of order."

Paul held up a hand. "Ya don't have ta say anythin'. Heck, you can be her companion, like you keep her calm. That's accurate enough, right?"

Tree Hugger smiled at Maud. "I don't think I could make her waves more tranquil if I tried."

Maud tilted her head. "I'm very nervous. Are you sure this is going to work?"

Flint raised a brow. "You don't sound very nervous fer being nervous."

Tree Hugger looked dismayed. "I didn't know. Poor sister, your inner colors are so obscured that I couldn't see your calls for help." She moved  up alongside Maud with a little smile. "I'll keep you safe and centered, stone warden."

Paul smiled broadly. "See! It's already workin'! We say they belong ta us, and everyone leaves 'em alone."

Maud raised a brow. "We don't belong to you."

Flint quickly raised his hands. "No no, I know where he's going with this. You're free to go any time, just let us escort you out of town."

A human exited the building with the horse and spoke gently with it before hopping up on top of it. It wore a saddle that kept the human secure. Both ponies stared at it curiously as it moved to ride past, only to slow down.

The man aboard looked down at them two. "What are you two troublemakers up to?" He pointed at the brightly colored Tree Hugger and the more subdued Maud. "Where'd you get such outlandish horses?"

Paul slid between the ponies and the man. "Oh, hello m'lord. Always nice ta see ya. We brought some mighty fine arena beasts for ya."

He raised a brow suspiciously. "You're not talented enough to catch one, rich enough to buy one, or influential enough to be owed one. How did you come across this?"

Maud stepped forward. "They seduced me."

The man blinked... Everyone went silent for a time. The deadpan nature of the announcement left them all lost. "I... see... Paul, you have interesting tastes."

Paul rubbed behind his head lightly. "'twas quick thinkin', m'lord, to calm them down."

He snorted with laugher. "I should think so. Calm down indeed! You're lucky they didn't break you in half. Well, it's your problem where to stable them. Until I see them win a few fights, you aren't getting a copper piece out of me."

Flint gestured to Maud's frock. "They're very well tamed and mannered. See, they both got clothes on."

He raised his brows high. "Are you thinking to let these beasts share your beds? Your depravity knows no limits." A soft chuckle escaped him. "Whatever amuses you, but I want to see them in tomorrow's match. We'll discover if they're worth the trouble, or spare you from further sin by being rid of them."

He rode off on his horse out into the countryside, quickly lost to sight.

Tree Hugger turned to her new friends. "I didn't understand all of that. What kind of 'match' is he talking about?"

Maud had put the pieces together with a soft nod. "They want to see us fight things."

Hugger's eyes widened. "I don't want to do that! That's way unharmonic. That's totally uncool." She stomped a hoof. "You can't, like, force me."

Paul shrugged and pointed to Maud. "She seems like the scrapper of the lot. As ah said before, we'll tell everybody you're just here to keep her calm."

Flint grinned as he looked at Maud. "So... how good are you at scrappin'?"

Maud raised a brow. "I'm alright."

Tree Hugger shook her head. "My sister is far too humble. Her skill makes me amazed to even, like, think about. I can feel my chakras growing warm with excitement. You were so brave, yesterday."

Maud tilted her head. "I just did what I had to do, to keep you safe."

Hugger threw her forelegs around Maud suddenly, hugging her. "You don't even think about it. You're so radical..."

Paul developed a slight smirk. "See, it'll work out just fine..."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     5 - Bunking Down                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Flint and Paul led the ponies further into town, confident with permission given.

Flint nudged Maud. "Do you know who that was?"

"No."

Flint shrugged softly. "Suppose ya wouldn't. That there's the lord of this land. He owns it, top ta bottom!"

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "Does he own the forest?"

Paul looked surprised at the idea. "'Course he does! Everythin'! Ya gotta keep walking fer about a day before ya see a damn thin' that ain't his."

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "Trees may live where we do at times, but we do not 'own' them. They are wonderful and living creatures. You don't 'own' living things."

Flint shook his head as he walked. "You may want ta keep that kind ah opinionating all to yerself. Ya won't make any friends that way."

Paul shrugged. "Besides, who says he don't own us? We pay most of what we earn tos the guy. He can have us thrown out, or just killed. Sounds like owning ta me. Seven hells, if you try to leave without his permission, and he catches you, you best be ready for a world of pain."

Tree Hugger's expression fell a little, showing a delicate frown. "My poor new friends... Perhaps I misjudged you."

Maud lifted an ear at them. "I have a question." Flint and Paul looked to her expectantly. "What do you get, if we fight, and win?"

Paul rubbed two of his fingers together, feeling imaginary coins. "Well, the biggest thin' are the cash prizes. They ain't even taxed! That's the best part! I mean... if you did win, we'd really have money, for once. We could do a lot with that, ya know?"

Maud nodded slowly. "And the other part?"

Flint took over, leaning closer to Maud. "You see, if we became the champions, we automaticals get a title. Do ya know what a title is, Maud?" Maud shook her head. "Right now, we ain't got none, but once we do, we ain't commoners no more. We ain't owned. We're real people. It's one of the few ways out."

Tree Hugger tapped at her chin. "Are you sure that isn't flaky?" They looked perplexed. "Is it on the down low? ... Are you sure? Are you certain this is true?"

That they understood. Paul gave a firm thumbs up. "There ain't always a champion. The lord's got impressive beasts, and takes pride in winnin', but whenever some lucky bastard wins through, gold, titles, every time..."

A new female voice called out, "Who're your adorable little friends?"

A female human had asked, perhaps in her twenties, though being a commoner did her no favors for keeping a youthful appearance. She wore a plain and rugged blouse and pants, more designed for work than any flattery. "I've never seen the likes."

Paul's expression brightened on seeing her. "Jessi! Hello there, my dear."

"Oh don't you go 'dearing' me." She stuck out her tongue a little as she approached. "Introduce me. You were just talking to them, weren't you?"

Tree Hugger stepped towards the new human with a little smile. "Like, hello and greetings. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Tree Hugger, and this is Maud Pie." She gestured to Maud as she spoke her name.

Jessi nodded. "This big oaf just gave my name, but nice to meet you too. If you don't mind the askin', what are you?"

Maud spoke evenly, "Ponies."

Jessi shook her head. "You don't look like any pony I ever saw before." She reached for Tree Hugger's leg and patted along it. "Your legs are too straight, like ya don't have hooves or nothin'. You are cute though, I'll give ya that."

Tree Hugger gently pulled her leg free, giving a little smile and trying to keep her complaints to herself for a moment. "Thank you, but we are, ponies that is."

Jessi shrugged. "If you prefer. I guess you are kinda horse like. I gotta get goin'. Don't let these two buffoons cause you any trouble." She moved right on past the crowd with a wave over her shoulder.

Flint shrugged lightly. "And there she goes. Jessi's one of our, uh, friends."

Paul sighed softly. "Wish she was more than that..."

Tree Hugger smiled at Paul. "Aw, that's way sweet. Have you tried just going for it? Maybe she's just gone and doesn't know you're hot for her."

Paul colored, even if he didn't completely understand. "Her father hates me, doesn't respect me. I can't get him to smile, so there ain't no way I can get her. That's how it works."

Maud looked to Paul. "So would this fight help that too?"

Paul suddenly went upright and stiff. "By the gods! You're right! If I get a title, he'll have to respect me! Then I can ask her out, then for her hand, and--"

Flint put a hand on Paul's shoulder. "Calm down there. Let's focus on winning, first."

They arrived at a ramshackle hut and flint pushed open the door, which apparently had no latch to speak of. "Welcome to our grand abode."

Hugger stepped in quietly and began to look around. It was... It was a dump. There was a bunk bed built for two that looked like it hadn't been cleaned out in too long, and it was bedded with straw, not a mattress. There was a little oven, but it didn't even vent outside! There were clothes strewn about and some plates equally scattered, some still dirty, with a collection of tiny local wildlife enjoying the meal. Tree Hugger's face turned slowly to horror before she shook her head, her tranquil expression returning. "First order of business. No wonder your energies are so muddled. Like, I understand a need for freedom and expression, but this is too far, even for me."

She advanced on the mess and began straightening. Clothes went into a pile, with especially foul smelling ones going in another pile. Clean plates, dirty plates... Soon one could at least see the dirt floor easily, and didn't run the risk of stepping on something.

Maud moved to help, taking the dirty plates before putting them back down. "Where's the sink?"

Paul wrung his hands a little nervously. "We don't have one of those..."

Hugger tilted her head. "How do you clean things, man?"

Paul pointed out of the house. "There's a well just up the road. You can get water out of it for drinkin', or cleanin' or whatever else."

Maud walked quietly out of the house, the dirty dishes balanced on her back.

Flint shook his head slowly. "You two are a real blessin', delivered by the kind hands of the gods themselves. Thank you."

Tree Hugger smiled at Flint. "It's all good. Let's make this a more laid back crib." She went to the bunk beds next and gave them a sniff before turning up her nose a moment. "Where can we get some fresh straw?"

And so the rest of the day was spent, bringing the hut up to livable conditions. By the time dinner rolled around, Paul offered to cover it. "It's the least I can do. You two, uh... Shoot, this is embarassin'."

They headed out as one for the local tavern. There were a few tables available, so they claimed one for their own. The ponies preferred to just stand beside the table, rather than try to use the stools provided.

The human behind the bar, a larger sort with a big beard, called out, "Hey, Flint, Paul. You two know better than bringin' livestock in here. I'll make you clean their messes with your tongues!"

Flint made a dismissive gesture. "Blind as always, Jack? These are ponies, magic ponies. They won't be makin' no messes." Much more quietly, he leaned in towards Maud and Tree hugger. "Right?"

Tree Hugger blinked softly. "Like, no way!"

Maud nodded quietly in agreement.

Jack shrugged. "It'll be your tongues and our laughter. So what'ya want?"

Paul stroked his chin before snapping his fingers. "Ah'm in the mood fer what's roasting there."

Tree Hugger looked where he seemed to be indicating and saw it was a huge slab of meat. Humans were... She paled softly at the thought of it and put a hoof over her mouth. "Do they have anything for a pony?"

Flint called out towards Jack, "Hey, got something nice and vegetable-like for our guests?"

Jack shrugged. "Sure thing. You want a slice too?"

It was settled, and the two plates of meat with sides of sweet potato and a corn a piece was served for the two humans, all drizzled with some kind of thick gravy that they enjoyed thoroughly.

For the ponies, a dish that was a riot of colors. It was full of vegetable greens of all kinds. "Enjoy. I normally don't get the serve these 'less we got an elf comin' through town."

Curiously, all four 'plates' were not plates at all, but square slices of bread, just slightly stale.

Maud pulled hers closer and began eating the entire plate, food and bread, in steady crunches of her powerful teeth.

Tree Hugger took hers a bit more delicately, grazing on the tasty greens with appreciative little sounds.

Paul leaned back with a satisfied expression. "I can't even wait 'till tomorrow... Ya sure... You know, you can handle it?"

Maud chomped up the last of the plate, leaving nothing behind. "I should be fine."

Flint held his corn up in both hands, devouring its sweet kernels. "No point worryin' 'bout it now. Let's get a full night's sleep after this, and we'll take care of it after that."

Tree Hugger looked over her friend a moment. "Does it still hurt, from before?"

Maud shook her head. "I'm fine."

Tree Hugger didn't believe her, and moved to look over Maud. "May I?" She put a hoof over the bandage. Maud gave a little nod, and Hugger pulled it away to see her friend was still gashed. She scowled at it, then thought of the wonderful green energy inside of her. She raised both forehooves to Maud's side. "Mighty spirits of the trees, forces most groovy, make my friend better please."

A soft pulse of green jumped from her hooves into Maud, and the burnt wound suddenly pulled closed. There was a furless line, but otherwise it was healed. Maud lifted one of her forehooves and looked at the bottom, where it no longer felt burned. She stated in her monotone, "Thank you."

Paul whistled softly. "So ya do have a talent. Reckon healin' won't go as far in a fight though, but you can help your friend bounce back after the fights."

Hugger looked uncertain a moment. "Do we have to fight? Fighting isn't cool at all."

Maud put a hoof on Hugger's shoulder. "It'll be okay."

Though it was said with all the force of any word Maud had ever said before, Hugger felt there was something there, and she relented for the time.

They returned, bellies filled, to the cleaned up hut to settle in to rest. With the fresh straw, they made two more mats. Nobody would be sharing beds that night.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
             6 - Those that Disturb the Peace              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Maud awoke to see Tree Hugger parked in the center of the room. Some aromatic smoke drifted up from her between her soft whickering noises. Maud couldn't see her face, as she was facing away. Flint and Paul were gone.

Maud felt uncertainty. She felt a lot of things. She wasn't an unfeeling person, despite some rumors. She just wasn't good at expressing them. She decided to simply act as if she had seen nothing. "Good morning."

Tree Hugger turned placidly towards Maud, looking relaxed to a whole new level. "Woah, hey... I found some choice herb not far from here... Do you want to try some? It'll put the mellow back in you." She squirmed a little and got her crossed hindlegs back under herself. "Sorry about that, you caught me in the middle of some deep thoughts."

Maud tilted her head faintly to the left. "Are you alright?"

Hugger blinked slowly. "What? I didn't do more than half a lid. I can maintain." She made a slow wave of her left forehoof. "Come on, righteous sister. There's nothing nicer than to luxuriate in nature's glow with a close friend."

Maud shook her head. "No, thanks." She rose and circled Hugger, looking her over. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Hugger tried to turn with Maud, only to end up sprawled across the floor. The embers of whatever she had been smoking scattered. Fortunately the recently cleaned dirt floor did little more than snuff out the flames instead of catching ablaze. "Bummer..."

Maud blinked slowly as she looked over her downed friend. "Are you sure the plants here are the same you're used to?"

Hugger waved a hoof impotently, not aimed at any one thing it seemed. "I can hear them talking! Talking to me... They said to enjoy them, to relax..."

Maud nodded at Tree Hugger. "You look relaxed." Too relaxed, by her own measure. She considered a moment. "Maybe it's stronger than what you normally use?"

Tree Hugger slowly pushed up to her haunches and nodded blearily at Maud. "Maybe... Oh fine, stop staring at me like that."

Maud recoiled lightly. Her expression hadn't changed, it hardly ever did. How?

Tree Hugger slumped against Maud. "I can hear your song, sister of stone. I'm sorry, please forgive me my harmless trip."

Maud picked up the half-incapacitated Tree Hugger easily and bore her to the bunk bed. She tucked Hugger in gently. "Rest here."

"Heart of stone, heart of stone..." Tree Hugger began to sing softly as she nestled into her new bedding, eyes closing. "She's cold outside, but inside so warm! Look at those dead eyes, all the surprise is what's inside. Heart of stone, eyes of jewels..." She suddenly went quiet, soft snores rumbling out of her instead.

Maud took a slow breath, then allowed the smallest quirk of a smile in the isolation. "You're a little like her..."

She strode outside and looked around. It was mid morning. She quietly chastised herself for not rising with the sun. Her father and sisters would have chastised her if she got up so late on the farm. She could see humans working the fields surrounding the town to one side. They were just as busy as she would have been on the rock farm, but they were farming vegetables, not rocks. Maybe some fruit too.

The low call of a cow brought her attention to part of the land that seemed dedicated to ranching, which confused her. Why were the cows and horses there so much... larger than cows and ponies back home? They seemed uninterested in much of the world around them, and said nothing... She wandered towards them. She reared up on the fence keeping them in and watched the two pens. The horses were milling around and playing in their area, and the cows mostly placidly standing, but even they had games to play. Neither tried to ever leave their space.

A horse came close to her and Maud tilted her head towards it. A stallion. "Hello."

The stallion whickered at her and leaned in, sniffing at her gently. He had no words for her. He lipped at her mane, making a mess of it in a simple grooming attempt. Maud reached up and gently pet it across the snout before backing away, sparing her mane further attention. They were not ponies, not even huge ponies.

"Just stay calm..." A human was approaching, it, her hands were spread out. "Don't know how you got out, but we'll get you nice and safe with your friends."

Maud glanced at the stallion as it trotted away. It didn't look that much like her. Her gaze returned to the human approaching her. "Good morning."

That got her. She stopped right in her tracks and stared at Maud with surprise. "W-what? Horse don't talk."

Maud pointed at herself. "I am a pony. Your horses are nice."

She nodded a little, then smiled. "They are. I take care of the-- Wait, what do you mean, pony? That there's a pony." She pointed to a smaller area where little horses lived. "I'm getting the idea you aren't one of those, either."

Maud considered how to answer that. "I am a different kind of pony. My name is Maud. Maud Pie."

She nodded uncertainly. "I see... Well, so long as you're not some wild spirit, here to try to set my horses loose, I guess I'm alright with that."

Maud shook her head. "They look happy."

She smiled brightly at that. "I work hard to keep them that way. They're practically my children."

A loud clanging sound made the horses and the cows upset, while the ranching human looked around like wolves were upon her. "You'd best run and hide, little pony. That's the raid alarm!" She took off at a sprint towards the house closest to the horses.

Raid? Maud did a slow turn, trying to find the source of the disturbance. She spotted a male human running down the road. "Raiders! Bandits! Wat--" Another human suddenly came around the corner, mounted and with sword drawn. He spotted the runner and nudged his horse to action. He was going to hurt that man.

Maud would not allow it. She felt her inner energy flare to fiery life. She felt lighter than air, and she propelled herself forward in a thunderous gallop, swallowing up ground as if she were flying. The last time she went this fast, her sister had been in dire trouble. This time, she went to save a stranger. Everyone deserved a rescue...

The rider didn't expect resistance, certainly not in the form of a grey pony in tattered clothing, charging directly for him. He raised his sword high. "What witchery does this town employ? Your pet dies with the rest of you."

The man being chased had his opportunity, and vanished down the road, not even sparing a thanks to Maud on the way. She didn't notice. She was too busy galloping into battle. The rider brought the sword down as she came into range and she turned her gallop into a roll suddenly, ducking under the blade and leaving it to embed in the ground as she came up just before the man and his horse. With a powerful jump, she spun in mid air and brought a hoof against his chest, thudding pleasingly against his leather-clad chest.

He grunted in pain and perhaps annoyance as he drew his blade back and brought it in a lethal arc down at the pony that bothered him so. She thrust out a hoof, trying to deflect it, and getting a thin cut along her foreleg for her trouble, though far less than the wound he had planned for her. She took a slow breath. She hadn't hit quite the right spot last time. She wouldn't make that mistake again. She let him swing one more time and leaped while he was extended towards her. She brought a forehoof in and slammed it dead center in his chest. He gasped in a choked way, before she spun on the way down, catching him in right in the chin with both hind hooves. He fell from his horse limply.

The horse was spooked by his sudden dismount, and bolted off. Maud let it run. "Give up."

The man couldn't reply, struggling to regain his breath. His sword lay beside him, dropped from his limp hands. Maud gave it a solid kick, sending it sliding away across the street. "Enough."

The sudden sound of galloping hooves caught Maud's attention. A fresh wave of men were approaching. More bandits? No, she recognized one of them. The 'Lord of the Land'. That same lord stopped in front of Maud as he waved the others past. "You caught one? You've surprised me this day." He looked pleased.

The man on the ground recovered his breath and tried to scramble away, to be stabbed through the back with the lord's lance with a wet noise of the lethal blow. "Scum." The lord shook his lance to work free the body of the bandit. "You speak, do you not?"

Maud nodded. "Yes. Why did you hurt him?"

The lord raised a brow high. "Their band killed at least four people in the last hour, and aimed to do more than that. A swift death was too good for him. Enough of that. You've served me well, and I reward such things." He pulled out several coins and tossed them just before Maud. "Give that to your handlers, with my thanks. I look forward to your performance tonight."

Without waiting for a reply, he nudged his horse, and they were gone at a gallop down the road. Already things were starting to calm down. People were emerging form their hiding places. Maud took the coins that had been given to her. They were like bits, but not. They were gold, but showed some human on them. She tucked them into her worn frock gently.

"Miss?" A human was talking to her. "Y-you want first dibs?"

First dibs? "On what?"

He looked quite nervous indeed. "You defeated him, miss. I saw it... You have the right to take what you want."

Maud blinked slowly. How strange and awful this world was, where people had such rules of politeness. Still, they did need what they could find. She nodded and approached the fallen man. She saw a bag hanging from his belt. Inside where a few trinkets, and some coins, but they were dull copper in color. She had no interest in anything he wore. This sentiment was not shared by the others, who stripped him down and carted his body to somewhere else.

Maud didn't care to ask.

She did move to the sword he had left behind. It was an impressive thing. Long, sharp, straight. It was made to kill. He had wanted to kill her with it. She took it by the hilt in her mouth and walked off with it back to the hut.

Flint was back. He smiled on seeing her, though it faded quickly. "Where'd you get that there?" He pointed at her sword.

She set it to the side. "First dibs."

He went rigid. "Y-you fought them?!"

Maud turned back to him. "I fought one. Oh." She drew out her bag and pulled out the strange gold coins she had been given. "I was told to give this to you, with his thanks."

His eyes somehow went wider as he reached with shaking hands for the coins. "You..." He curled his fingers around them and brought them closer. "We owe you. You really are a blessin' straight from the gods themselves. You weren't hurt, I hope."

Maud shrugged lightly. "I'm fine."

He chuckled a little. "You always say that. I bet you'd say it while you were holding your guts in." He moved to the bunk and gently nudged Tree Hugger. "Hey, wake up."

Tree Hugger woke with a groan, then began to stretch out. "What? Oh, hello Flint."

Flint nodded. "Hey. Your friend was in a fight. Look her over, would ya?"

Tree Hugger half-fell/half-slid from the bed and got to her hooves with shaking legs. "Dear sister of stone, are you well?"

"I'm fine."

"See? She always says that."

Tree Hugger stepped across the room to look Maud over carefully. "You've been cut!"

Maud drew the leg away from Hugger. "It's fine. They barely hit me."

Tree Hugger spread out her hooves. "Do you not want the healing power of nature?"

Maud shook her head. "Save it for something more serious."

Tree Hugger flopped onto her haunches. "You are so brave..."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                7 - Preparing for the Bout                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree Hugger stared after Maud as she practiced kicks, slow movements, and even bipedal katas. It was quiet, nearly silent. Maud needed no sound to practice.

A little frown spread over Tree Hugger's face. "I won't let you do it."

Maud paused after she thrust a hoof. "Let me do what?"

Tree Hugger shook her head. "Fight alone. I've been, like, letting you carry all the weight. This is bad karma. I have to help..."

Maud fell to all fours and turned to Tree Hugger, staring at her a moment before she pointed to the ground in front of herself. "Come here." When Tree Hugger approached, Maud bounced up to two legs. "Can you fight?"

Tree Hugger hopped up, imitating Maud's stance, though it lacked the grace. It lacked the wariness. It lacked... She raised her forehooves as Maud had done. "If I have to... You don't--"

She was cut off as Maud fell flat to the floor and spun with one leg extended. Tree Hugger slammed to the ground, her legs knocked out from beneath her. "Ooof! Hey... I wasn't ready..."

Maud smoothly took to all fours. "Let's try how we usually stand."

"Alright, sure." Tree Hugger rolled up to her hooves.  She took a soft breath. "Forces of green, help me out here." She let out the breath slowly, fogging in a faint green as if it were cold in the hut.

Maud tilted her head faintly. "You can go first this time."

Tree Hugger suddenly struck out with a hoof. As it came towards Maud, large wooden spikes jutted free of it with tiny sparks of green. Her magic was working.

It wasn't working well enough to make up for her lack of skill. Maud ducked aside the first flail, under the second, and shoved Tree Hugger back the third time. "Just attacking isn't good enough."

Tree Hugger stomped the ground in frustration. "What is good enough? I'm trying my best..."

Maud circled Tree Hugger, then reached out and poked her in the flank. "You're an earth pony, like me. Being grounded comes naturally."

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "Grounded?"

Maud paused a moment. "Like your meditation, but for a fight."

Tree Hugger blinked softly. "How do you meditate if you're fighting somepony?"

Maud circled back in front of Hugger and sat on her haunches. "When things are serious, I am meditating. Everything is calm. I am calm. I have to be. If I'm not calm, it could go wrong."

Tree Hugger listened to the flat words of her companion, nodding slowly. "That is one crazy mind game... Is there really an Om to fighting?"

Maud tilted her head. "My way may not be your way. You like trees, right?" Tree Hugger nodded swiftly. Maud nodded back. "Then... think of that, instead of rocks. You call me a warden of stone."

Tree Hugger sat on her haunches and tapped her hooves together. "And I'm a sister of trees... I'll try... Be the tree. Yeah, that makes so much sense. Thank you for the primo advice. I'll put it to work, beside you."

Maud shook her head. "Let me."

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "No way! Enough. Stone sister, you're not alone."

The door opened suddenly. Paul and Flint wandered in, looking more nervous than before. Flint nudged Paul roughly and got a scowl for it, but Paul did approach. "Right, thanks, for what you did before. That much money's enough to keep us comfy for a while. I'm tryin' ta be smart 'bout it, not spend it all at once..."

"The important part," said Flint with a frown.

Tree Hugger looked between the two humans, curious. "Lay it on us, man."

Paul nodded quickly. "Right! Right, so, uh... The lord's got himself a new beast..."

Maud raised a brow. "Is it that bad?"

Paul wrang his fingers. "Well, bad's not exactly the word..."

Flint lost patience. With a fling of a hand, he shouted. "It's a damn pony."

Maud and Hugger blinked in slow simultaneous fashion. Maud pointed at herself. "Like us?"

Hugger tilted her head. "You didn't know what a pony even was, man, how does he have another?"

Paul shrugged. "Don't know on both counts, but he was, uh, lordin' it up at lunch time. He's real eager to see a 'true battle'."

Maud went silent and still a moment. "We have to go."

Hugger nodded. "It was bad enough thinking of facing some random beast that didn't deserve this, but another pony? No way! Let's go."

Maud held up a hoof. "Not that way. We have to fight."

Hugger threw out her hooves wide. "But why?!"

Maud put the hoof down. "Think about it. If we left, he'll probably get rid of his pony. They're only useful for a fight, against us. We have to fight, or we kill them, by proxy."

Hugger trembled softly. "But if we fight, we might kill them, in person... I don't think anypony here is putting us on. This is real. Real serious!"

Maud looked at Hugger a moment. "I am fully serious."

Tree Hugger sighed softly. Maud didn't sound serious, or not serious. She just sounded like Maud. "Please tell me you have a plan."

Maud shook her head. "I won't lie."

There would be no plan.

Flint shrugged. "We should head to the arena. I'm sure he'll give a big speech if he's planning somethin' special."

Tree Hugger looked around quickly and moved to pick up a sickle that fit in her mouth easily. "May I borrow this, in case?"

Paul nodded. "Sure, we'll get it back after this is over. We'll need it for harvest season."

They exited the hut and walked towards one of the larger buildings in town. It was in some ways like walking towards their execution, with the humans beside them as dour as any executioner needed to be.

Tree Hugger's eyes wandered and settled on another building that competed for largest. "What's that crib?"

Paul looked where she was looking. "What? Tha church? Alright place, I guess. The lord's big on 'valor' and 'battle' 'n stuff so you can guess what god gets top billing."

Tree Hugger couldn't, but nodded despite it. A people that worshipped war, but didn't want it to visit them, ruled by a person that had more than the rest combined several times over. "This is all so far out..."

Maud looked aside at Hugger as she walked. "Last chance. You don't have to fight. You should let me."

Tree Hugger snorted gently. "We've been over this, stone sister. I'm right beside you."

"Are you a tree sister?"

Tree Hugger smiled brightly. "I would be totally honored to be your tree sister."

Maud nodded. "Tree sister it is. Whatever we face, let me be in front."

They arrived at a small entrance beside the much larger entrance to the ampitheatre. The guards there looked down at the ponies and nodded. "We've been expecting you."

They opened the door and stepped aside for Maud and Tree to go inside, but when Paul and Flint tried to join them, they were barred. "The lord's requested you watch from the usual place."

Paul shook a fist in agitation. "They're ours. Since when is a person not allowed to be with their beasts to battle."

The guard on the right got a powerful smirk. "They ain't no beasts. The lord ain't an idiot, and you'll wait in the same basic place if you don't want  us to get violent here before the match even starts."

Flint put a four-fingered hand on Paul's shoulder. "Come on... Good luck in there." He flipped a wave with his free hand, and led Paul away.

The two guards nodded, then looked to the ponies. "Go on. You'll come up soon. Glad those two idiots know how to get you here on time."

Tree and Maud turned away from the guards and their friends, losing sight of either as they traversed the strone tunnel. "This was quarried near a river," commented Maud as she examined the stones in passing.

Tree glanced at it, then up ahead to where they were coming into a small room. A loud thump drew their attention.

There was a sizable box with heavy chains and heavier looking locks on those chains. "Let me out!"

It sounded female? "Damn humans. Let me go!"

Tree approached the box curiously. "Are you the pony?"

The struggling died down a moment. "That another human, come to taunt me? I'll rip off one of those stupid legs of yours!"

Her accent sounded different than the humans. There was a bit of a lyrical sing-song to her words, tiny as it was behind her obvious fury. She spoke clearly. A soft thump came from within the box. "Let me out!"

Maud looked up as a booted man entered. He scowled at the box and the ponies. "That ain't supposed to be right here." He put his sizable hand on the heavy iron ring on one side of the box and leaned the whole thing to the side. They could hear the contents thump lightly before he began wheeling it away.

Tree thrust up a hoof. "Hey, wait a moment, man. Can't you hear her?"

"All I hear is the sound ah my hide being tanned." He quickly fled with the box, with the ponies following, but a door snapped shut behind him, and proved to be locked.

Maud tilted her head at the door. "Should I break it?"

Tree slowly shook her head. "This wood's very strong."

Maud turned her head slightly to look at the stone it was set in. "The stone is too. Next time." She turned away from the door and they went ahead until they entered a small room with a man seated in a chair.

The man's brow went up as they came in. "'Ey? Good. Lord'd throw a fit if you didn't show in time. You know how this works?" Both shook their heads lightly. "'Course not, figures. Look, all you got to do is stand in the mark there." He waved a finger to a clear square'sh mark on the ground. "They'll raise you up, you do the fight er whatever, then you come back, lower you down. Done."

Tree could see the man was idling the time whittling something, and had a plate, an actual plate, with the remains of a meal on it. Something greasy. She turned to witness Maud had already assumed her position on the platform. "One moment." She trotted over beside Maud and looked around again. "Are we doing the right thing?"

Maud looked up to the disinterested human, then aside at Tree Hugger. "We're doing what we can."




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 8 - For His Entertainment                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The ceiling above them suddenly slid open and they could hear a large crowd above. The ground beneath them jolted and began to raise up with the ratcheting of some roughly-hewn gears.

A loud human male shouted to the crowd as they began ascending towards the new floor, "In this corner, a new contestant! They would be known as beasts, and perhaps this is true, but our lord sees through them easily. Behold, Ponies, lost children of their mythical kingdom!"

Maud and Tree arrived on the sand-covered floor of the arena. There were people watching from every angle. The lord and a few other important-looking humans sat together in an isolated balcony while the rest sat on wood benches or stood and made noise freely. All eyes were on them, but that changed quickly.

"In the other corner, secured and brought in from the wilds by our lord himself!" The floor slid open just large enough to allow a new pony to be risen. "Born a warrior, she may die one too!" The pony that came into view was clearly shackled to the ground. She had long pink hair for her mane and tail, while being a more mundane brown across the rest of her body. "This match will be one for the chroniclers! Defender of the past, against those that have forgotten." She didn't look like them. She wasn't a pony. She was a horse. A little horse. "In his magnamity, facing against two, her weapon will be returned to her!"

The lord stood up and suddenly hurled a lance to embed in the sand beside the pony.

She snapped up the blade and shoved it against her side, where it clicked softly into a bracket there. "You're twice the fool for arming me, but I will not fight your boorish battles."

The announcer grinned. "How long will those morals last? You fight, or you all get put to death. Either way, a fine show for everyone!"

"N-No!" Tree looked towards the blurt and saw Flint dragging a shouting and struggling Paul back to his seat and silencing him. "They can't!"

The lord leaned forward on his balcony rail. "I am not a cruel man. Whoever the winner proves to be will earn their freedom, and a few coin to begin their journey. All you need do is fight, and do keep it entertaining." He settled into his seat and put an arm around a human female there, looking quite comfortable.

With a sudden snap, the shackles fell loose of the pony and she pawed at the ground. "I'm very sorry... My country needs me. I can't stay here."

"Be the tree...," said Tree Hugger to herself as she imagined the powerful bark of a tree, and lo, it was. Bark ran over her fur. She became much less fluffy, but more formidable. "Do we have to fight, unknown sister?"

Maud didn't speak, she moved. She darted across the arena, kicking up sand behind her. When she got within striking distance of that lance, it blurred into motion. She barely ducked under the first lunge, for the second to painfully jab into her side. Whoever that pony was, they struck with far more skill than the bandit had. She closed despite it and brought in her head with lightning speed, rocking back the challenger with the powerful sound. The crowd cheered for the both of them, feet stomping and fists pumping.

Tree Bit at her wooden lips, unsure what to do. Should she attack a fellow pony? It felt wrong.

The unknown pony backed carefully from Maud. "You're not like the rabble here. Do you really trust him to give you anything?" She swung her lance with a powerful pivot of her body, but Maud jumped over it and landed on top of her.

Maud performed a quick set of three blows to her victim's back, bringing stars to her eyes before sliding off to the ground. "No. Do you?"

Each blow stung, but she knew the truth of it. She wasn't being murdered by this odd-looking pony. She was being subdued. She grit her teeth against the ache. "My name is Fast Shadow. My... Our people, they need us." She saw an opening and went for it, pushing the sharp tip of the lance into her opponent's chest and forcing her back with a pained grunt.

It was enough to spur Tree Hugger to motion. With her friend stabbed cruelly, she suddenly broke into an uneven gallop, kicking up sand wildly in her poor attempt to charge.

Maud kicked the pole aside. "They can't need me. They don't even know me." She drew a fore hoof back and Fast expected a punch, but Maud shoved it in the sand and lifted herself on it, instead lashing out with a pair of kicks across Fast's face. Both were looking winded from their battle, bruised, pierced, and battered. Bleeding, in Maud's case.

Just as Tree Hugger was getting closer, Fast jabbed her lance lower and sent Maud to the ground with a fresh new wound in her left fore-knee.

Tree Hugger wailed and charged at Fast Shadow, only to catch a lance in her shoulder for her trouble. She tried to flail at Fast. To her credit, the thorny hoof came down solidly on Fast's side, but it lacked strength, and the thorns could only so so much.

Fast scowled, then kicked out, knocking Tree Hugger senseless and to the floor of the sandy arena. She turned slowly to the lord. "I am the winner."

"That you are." He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "But you're not done. They're both still alive."

Fast Shadow glanced back at the fallen bodies of the other ponies, then back at the lord. "I am not your executioner."

Several men with bows readied them and aimed arrows down into the pit, some pointed at the fallen ponies, others at Fast Shadow. "If you insist, but my executioners aren't very selective. Kill them, or die with them. The choice is entirely yours."

Fast glared at the lord for a few tense moments. The people were quiet and hushed, watching the two lock horns, metaphorically. She turned away from him with a toss of her long hair, then reached down and plucked up Maud with some effort, slinging the earth pony over her back. She grabbed Tree Hugger next. "Wake up, druid. Wake up now or we all die."

Tree Hugger woke up, barely. With squinted eyes she blinked at the one holding her by the scruff. "What's going on?"

"Go ahead..." The lord watched on with failing patience.

Fast grunted softly. "They are preparing to kill us. Can you heal? Heal your friend, now. No more delays."

Tree reached out for Maud and with a prayer and a soft touch, green flashed through her, banishing the worst of her wounds. She woke suddenly and moved to push off of Fast, but Fast hissed quickly. "We are in grave danger. We work together, or we die together. Four archers, armed, skill level, likely low. Situation is far from favorable."

The lord suddenly stood. "Our warrior horse clearly needs more incentive, or perhaps her battle lust isn't sated. Unleash the dogs!"

The crowd erupted into cheering as gates opened in the bottom of the arena walls, allowing about ten angry looking dogs to enter. They were quick to spot and begin charging as one for the ponies. Maud suddenly sprang from Fast's back and didn't move for the dogs, but for one of the gates they came through. Moving like lightning, she slid into position just in time to catch the lowering iron and hold the gate aloft.

Fast broke into a gallop to make use of the exit provided. The lord noticed the escape with a sudden mask of fury. "Open fire!"

Arrows rained down on Fast and her precious pony cargo. The dogs reached her in the midst of the hail and proved to be more bothersome. A dog chomped at her legs, tripping her and sending her and Tree Hugger to the sand roughly.

Tree rolled to her hooves quickly. "Animals of the wild, we are not your interest today!" She spread her hooves and green magic washed over herself and Fast Shadow. The dogs suddenly looked confused, looking around, lost. Even the one with its teeth on Fast let go and began sniffing around. It was as if they were completely unaware of what happened to the ponies.

Fast Shadow quickly scrambled to her hooves, an arrow landing where her leg was moments before. "Go!" She charged for the exit Maud provided, with Tree Hugger just behind. The moment they were past the gate, Maud released the iron and it came down with a clang. and the dull thud of displaced sand.

There was a human there, looking frightened and wary. "I-I just take care of the dogs!" He threw up his hands.

Fast glared at him witheringly. "Where did your lord hide my equipment?"

He cowered back. "I wouldn't rightly know! He keeps most ah his precious things in his manor."

"And that is...? Speak quickly, or our patience will run dry."

With a cry of fear, he pointed. "That way! Big manor! You can't miss it. Gods as my witness! I swear!"

Tree Hugger spied a bottle laying beside the other dog supplies and sniffed it gently. "I think this will help."

Fast smiled. "Sharp eyes! You--" she looked at Maud. "You got your friend's healing, I'm taking this." She moved quickly to snatch up the bottle and chug it down, some of her sores and bumps fading away, including the teeth marks the dog left behind. "Probably meant for the dogs. They don't need it." She moved for the door and kicked it open, revealing a surprised guard that hurried to draw his blade.

When Fast's lance began to glow a pale blue, his will to fight withered, and he backed away a few steps. "Wise man." She glanced over her shoulders. "Not all humans are bad, or stupid."

The guard snarled. "You aren't getting out of here in one piece."

Fast raised a brow. "We are. Do you plan to interfere?"

Perhaps he found his spine. He charged at Fast, but she was faster. She met him in the center, driving the lance deep into his gut, only to kick him free to collapse lifelessly to the ground. "Just most of them."

Tree frowned a little as she advanced. "Your karma must be so cloudy. You didn't even hesitate... Is he?" She didn't have to get much closer to confirm. The human was dead and gone.

Maud shook her head. "We should go." She looked at the body, then Fast. "First dibs."

Fast looked surprised. "You didn't strike me as the sort to know that sort of phrase. No time for that. If you see a money pouch or vials on his belt, take it, otherwise, we move." She moved to stride down the hallway purposefully. "I don't meant to be curt, but considering the situation..."

Tree did spot a dangling pouch and reached for it with a trembling hoof. "I'm sorry," she spoke to the fallen body and quickly procured the pouch before hurrying away from it.

There was little time to consider. They had to escape.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      9 - The Escape                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They sprinted as one through the claustrophobic service tunnels of the arena, galloping past a few humans that startled at the sight of them, but didn't respond fast enough to bar their way.

Tree Hugger softly huffed as she ran, clearly unused to such physical labor. "Do we... know where we're going?"

Fast suddenly turned to the side, but didn't halt her motion. She slid right into a door and battered it down with her side. "Humans build certain places with familiar patterns. So, yes, I hope."

Maud jumped for Fast, tackling her to the ground suddenly as a mace swung over them both where Fast had been standing a moment before.

"Found them," reported a man in a full suit of metal plates in a rough shout. "Moving in." He had a small metal shield in one hand, and that mace in the other hand, clearly ready for a real battle.

With Maud and Fast sprawled on the ground, Tree panicked a moment, then got a quick idea. She focused on the green energy as she intoned. She wasn't saying any particular prayer. She just made meditative noises and waggled her forehooves in the air as she slowly stepped back. She made all the fuss and furor of casting some kind of spell. Perhaps a more skilled person of arcane training would see through her ruse quickly.

That man was not one of them. "Stop right there!" He jumped over the prone figures of the recovering ponies and rushed for Maud. She squealed as he made a mighty swing of his mace for her face. She fell over backwards in an artless flail. The man adjusted his swing and battered her chest with the sound of a bone snapping. Her wail was sharp as she curled on herself in misery.

Sudden clopping steps prompted him to turn, but he didn't finish the motion before Fast crashed into him, lance first. She drove it deep into his side, forcing him to collide with the wall.

Maud slipped up between Fast's legs and began battering at the man in a dizzying tornado of crushing strikes. A final blow to the face should have knocked the man unconscious, but instead it just knocked his helmet off, revealing blonde hair, and that the man was a woman.

She took the moment of surprise to bring down the mace at Maud. She couldn't land the blow on the agile martial artist, but it forced her back enough to backpedal, stepping over the prone and miserable form of Tree Hugger.

Fast raised a brow. "Do they know? Women do not often serve in human armies."

"Shut up!" ordered the human female. "They don't need to know."

Fast cracked a soft smile. "They don't. We're leaving. You were overpowered." She gestured to the fallen helmet. "Good luck, sister."

The human reclaimed her helmet and didn't stand in their way. There was an understanding between them. One Maud didn't entirely understand, but accepted. She moved instead for Tree Hugger. "Are you alright?"

Tree slowly rolled to her good side, and pushed to her hooves. "I'll be... alright... I feel like... we just need a moment... to rest..."

Fast scowled. "I don't like the sound of that rasping. Can you carry her?"

Maud slipped beneath Tree and became her mount swiftly. Together with Fast, they moved beyond the door, to the stairs upwards beyond. They curved sharply, but otherwise didn't stop them from scrambling up them in a hurry. They reached doors on the way up, but Fast rushed past each one in turn, so Maud kept following her, until they arrived at the top. Fast threw open the door, revealing the walkways that ran along the top of the amphitheatre.

Fast rushed out, but crept down, keeping herself beneath the level of the parapets there. "They won't expect us to flee up here."

Maud nodded as she followed, glancing down at the street far below. "How do we get down?"

Tree sat up a little and pointed. "There. Go there..." She was pointing to a building nearby with vines growing across its stone walls, the church. Fast nodded with quick agreement and hurried for it. Tree began a spell in earnest. "Long and supple, soft and grasping, vines don't let us fall too fastly!" The green rippled over her body, and dimly across the wall. "Ready..."

Fast tilted her head back at Tree before nodding. "Time for faith." She suddenly jumped across to the vines, though she doubted their ability to support her. Despite the doubt, they suddenly grasped for her and held her to the wall like a worried parent. Maud landed moments later, and began to walk down the wall slowly. The vines clung and held tenaciously, but didn't stop her, just slowed her, and prevented her from falling to the ground until she stepped off smoothly.

"This way," came a hissed whisper.

They all looked to see a common human male. One that Maud recognized. It was the man she rescued from the bandits earlier. "Hurry! Before they see you." He waved at them to come inside a small building. Maud hurried to the man and vanished into the dark of the house. There wasn't time to ask her about it, so Fast followed, and the door was closed quickly behind them.

The interior was lit by a few candles. It looked similar to Paul and Flint's house. He nodded softly. "Rest a spell. Thank you. I didn't get a chance to say it before. You saved me from those fiends. You're made of good stuff, uh, sir?"

Maud tilted her head at him, but didn't correct him. "Thank you."

Her voice was a bit of a hint. "Oh gods! I didn't mean any offense, ma'am."

Fast held up a hoof. "Enough, thank you. We need a moment to recover... Why don't you go right in front, do something, play a game. If anyone asks if your house has been disturbed, you tell them that it hasn't, send them along."

The man bobbed his head. "Right, right, good idea, miss. Just knock if you need me. Uh, don't make a mess." He quietly left, leaving the ponies to their peace.

Maud carefully set Tree to the ground. "Are you alright?"

Tree took a raspy breath. "Nothing... some rest... won't make right..." Her form flashed the green of magic, and suddenly she went still, limp, and relaxed. A little smile spread across her snout.

Maud tilted her head, then looked to Fast. "Your name is Fast Shadow?"

Fast nodded. "A pleasure to meet you properly. What was your name? Maud was it?"

Maud nodded. "Maud Pie." She pointed to Tree. "Tree Hugger."

Fast cracked a soft smile. "A name most befitting her profession. Do you know what spell she used? She's sounding better."

It was true, the rasping was getting fainter and fainter by the moment, and Tree looked truly relaxed and becoming whole. Fast shook her head. "I wish she'd cast it on us."

Maud tapped her chin. "If she could, she would... I think. I don't understand magic."

Fast chuckled softly. "Make that two. I know how to fight a spellcaster, if I have to. I know how to fight beside one, and to protect one, but that doesn't make me understand what they're doing. Your friend was very brave, calling attention to herself. Weavers of magic very often have frail bodies."

Tree Hugger suddenly sat up, healed and fit. "I'm, like, totally fit, sister."

Maud moved over to Tree Hugger and leaned in, pressing an ear to her chest. She seemed entirely recovered from the hammer blow. "Should we go?"

Tree frowned softly. "I want to help you two... I feel like I'm down to just shakes in my bag. Before we split, we should find... an oak tree, or some berries. Yeah, that'd work."

Fast tilted her head. "You've not led us astray so far. I understand, druid Hugger. I've been healed by the freshly picked berries of druids before, and that sounds delicious and well-needed right now. You've used many spells, and even the gods only allow so much of their power to be wielded without a full night's rest." She moved for the door slowly. "Don't feel bad about it. You have both proven yourselves companions worthy of bearing the title."

Tree smiled brightly at the compliment. "Far out! Nice to meet you too, Fast Shadow, even if we totally met in a gnarly way. Let's promise to never go fighting each other, alright?"

Maud looked to Fast. "I don't understand her half the time either." That seemed a relief to Fast, and mild irritation to Tree Hugger. "But I agree with her."

Fast nodded. "Right, no more fighting against my fellow pony. Your appearance... It reminds me of something... Something so long ago..." She frowned softly. "I apologize, some parts of my life are too distant to recall."

Tree tilted her head in confusion. "What? Are you, like, immortal?"

Fast licked over her lips. "In a sense... The priests of The Author said I was not allowed to rest. I am a part of her story. I'm always there, somewhere. Remembering past a normal pony's lifetime, that's basically impossible." She glanced to the door, then back at her new companions. "Put that aside for now. It won't help us escape. We need my supplies. I have a mission, one I hope I can get your help with, after we're out of this Sun Queen forsaken town...

Maud blinked softly. "Sun Queen?"

Fast made a soft shushing motion and slowly pulled the door open to look around before she slipped out in a dart. Maud and Tree followed out, and soon they were headed out of the town, towards the large manor they could see. It was slightly higher up than most of the town. "The better to defend it," claimed Fast as they veered off to the side into a copse of trees. Her eyes swiftly spotted a bushel of honeysuckles and pointed to it. "Does this work?"

Tree Hugger moved up to it swiftly, considering. It was good enough. She softly neighed as she reached for just the perfect ones. "Fill their bellies, soothe their pains, make them all right as rain." With about six honeysuckle buds in her hooves, she held them out. "Here."

Maud took one and chewed it softly. "I prefer rocks." Despite that, she forced down two more blossoms, and looked a little better for it.

Fast took her portion without fanfare. "Thank you, Tree? Do you prefer Tree, or Miss Hugger? Druid Hugger?"

Tree tilted her head slightly. "All of those are righteous... What's a druid?"

Fast recoiled a little. "You. A cleric of nature. One who worships the order of the world itself, and is empowered by it. You are a textbook definition of a druid."

Tree Hugger gave a soft nod. "Far out... I guess I am. I prefer trees."

Fast shrugged a little. "A druid can have their favorites, no harm in that. Enough of that. I am a warrior, and without my tools, I am naked." She turned her eyes to Maud. "You are... a brawler? Perhaps a monk? A martial artist of one stripe or another, and very talented at it, may I add. If you had pinned me in a corner, I would have been at your mercy. Speaking of that..."

Maud suddenly spoke up, "Shouldn't we be going?"

Fast paused, then nodded. "Too right. We can discuss this more after we're putting this place behind us."

As one, they turned back to the manor.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   10 - Lord of the Land                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree crossed her forehooves as she leaned against a tree. "One thing." Fast looked over to her with a raised brow. Tree nodded lightly. "If we go to fetch your things, you have to totally promise not to kill anypony with them."

She flashed her teeth in a grimace. "That is not a promise a warrior can make."

Tree snorted softly. "You can try... It isn't the right answer. It muddles our chakras and leaves a wicked stain on our auras. It doesn't have to be the first answer."

Maud gave a slow nod, moving to stand beside Tree. "No more killing."

Fast frowned at Maud. "You as well?"

Maud turned away from the manor. "Let's go."

"Wait." Fast grunted. "Fine. I will... temper my usual tactics, at least for as long as we remain together. At least if we run into any ponies."

Tree realized her error and bristled. "No, man. Anypony as in any one. If they can ask you not to hurt them, don't. Humans count! We met some really nice ones."

Maud swiveled an ear towards Tree. "Do you think Paul and Flint are in trouble?"

Tree paled at the idea. "We have to save them!"

Fast shook her head. "You struck me as more passive in your ethics. Have you changed your mind?"

"N-no! Yes? Maybe..." Tree sank to her belly. "I want to see things straightened out. They don't deserve this. The people we killed, they didn't deserve it. The way that 'Lord of the land' handles things? Not righteous at all... If we can fix it, we should."

Fast approached quietly and leaned in. She kissed Tree's right ear. "Welcome to the side of good. Sun Queen shine warmly over you."

Tree felt her hesitation fade a little. The Sun Queen... She was familiar. Tree rose up. "Y-yes. Do you believe in her too?"

Fast perked an ear. "I thought you didn't know her."

Tree put a hoof over her chest. "I thought so, but I was wrong, like I was wrong about a lot of things. Righteous sun mare, we're going to do right." She smiled gently. "Lead on."

With everything seemingly settled, Fast trotted briskly towards the manor, performing a slow circle to come at it from the side, rather than head on. Their first obstacle was a stone wall, and as they considered it, the ground began to shake.

The lord and a large contingent of men rushed from the manor, vanishing down the street, all mounted on horses.

Fast smiled. "Excellent fortune. They think we've taken flight. Maud, I'll give you a hoof up, can you get inside, disable the guards, and let us in?"

Maud saluted, then hopped up onto the fence with Fast's help. She hauled herself up, then jumped down off the other end, into the manor yard proper. Moving swiftly, she crept up on the gatehouse to see two bored looking men standing at either side of the gate.

Waiting in some bushes, Maud waited for the ideal time. That came when one of them took a step away to take care of personal business, leaving the other alone. On him in a silent stroke of speed, Maud slammed her hoof into the back of the guard, who slumped against her and came sliding to the ground. She caught him and hurriedly dragged him into some bushes before the other returned and looked for his friend.

"Stupid arsehole should tell me before he takes a break," complained the man. When he turned from Maud, it would be the last turn he'd get for the day. With two unconscious guards tied up in the bushes, Maud hurried to the gate and pulled it open for her friends.

Fast and Tree strode in together. Fast glanced at Tree. "You haven't had a chance to recover your magic. Don't feel bad for it. Let us handle things for now. You've done more than enough for today."

Maud nodded gently. "Your magic is amazing." Her words were flat, even if they were true to her.

Tree smiled, accepting Maud's monotone compliment. "Thanks, Sister of Stone. I'm with you both."

The door to the manor opened as a servant stepped out, dressed in clean clothing and bearing a basket of laundry. She wasn't even facing the ponies, nudging it open with her back before she turned for the side of the house. It was only then that she spotted them at the corner of her eyes and jumped back with surprise.

Fast broke into a gallop at the human.

Tree thrust out a hoof. "Don't hurt her!"

Maud was still riding the lightning of her last burst of speed and took off, rushing past Fast with speed that looked as effortless as she usually carried herself. She slammed into the human, and carried them to the ground, bruised, but mostly unharmed.

Fast slowed her approach with a soft snort. "You beat me to it."

Tree got a sheepish smile as she trotted towards the front door. "I'm sorry for assuming you were being a square. I'm a little on edge right now."

Maud rejoined them after tying up the servant with a few shirts in that basket. "We should move."

Fast nodded. "Every body we leave behind increases the chance of being noticed. Let's get this over with." As one, they vanished into the building and began searching the finely appointed interior of the manor.

With a firm kick, the lid of a chest flew open, revealing a treasure trove of things, including some armor and bangles. She smiled with triumph, throwing the armor over her back before slipping the bangles over her legs. "No time for armor, but I'm not as naked anymore. Let's go." She pulled a shield and a few other things from boxes nearby, seeming pleased with her find.

Maud put her head to the ground, listening. "We can't go."

Tree blinked at her. "Why not?"

"They're here." Maud trotted off without further word, leaving the others to follow behind. She began to descend into the belly of the manor, just for some human to shout out at them.

"Hey, who's that? His Lordship back already?"

Fast shared a glance with her companions before clearing her throat. "We caught some spies"

"Spies?" There was a moment of silence before a man came into view, longsword at the ready. "Found 'em."

Maud threw herself in front of the others and began parrying and deflecting the sword away from them with well-timed thrusts of her hooves.

Fast cursed softly. The sharply curving stairs were no place to make use of a lance. There was barely room for Maud to engage the man. Lacking other options, she cheered. "Go Maud!"

Maud nodded a little before she lunged forward and grabbed the man suddenly, her teeth grabbing him at the collar and tugging him down to her level. Her hooves wrapped around him, each getting a limb and quickly pinned him down as they slid down a few steps.

Fast gave a little whistle. "I never fail to be amazed to see a true master of that art work." She trotted past Maud and her captive before pulling out her rope, recovered with her other things. "Let's tie him up." As they did that, she pointed out, "if you'd gone for a pin in the first place, you probably would have won that match."

Maud raised a brow. "Why are you telling me how to defeat you?"

Fast raised a hoof. "True partners don't withhold information on how to become better. One day you may be fighting someone similar to my style, and I'd want you to win, even if it means you have an advantage in spars."

Maud raised her own hoof and they bumped together in camaraderie-building clopping. "Thanks."

Tree slipped past them. "Don't you hear that?"

It became more clear as they descended. The sound of two men arguing.

"Look, this was your idea. Look for fey treasure, ya said. Don't ya read the stories none?"

"Look who's all fancy now, doin' the readin'. They were perfectly nice."

"And left us perfectly up a creek, and I don't see no single paddle nowhere."

"They wouldn't just leave us..."

"Fine. I'm sure they'll turn up any second now. Where are they, Paul? Where are they, huh?"

In a small voice, Paul replied, "Maybe they got caught..."

"Well that's fine. Lord probably ripped them in half then, and he'll be back to do it to us, a lot slower mind you."

Tree Hugger turned the corner and saw the two laying on cots in a small jail cell, looking miserable. She smiled brightly at them. "I'm so stoked to see you two! Are you alright?"

They scrambled to their feet as the other ponies came into view. Paul elbowed his friend. "See! See see see! They came for us!"

Maud approached their cell and ran a hoof slowly along one of the bars. "You can't ever come back."

Flint scowled. "The horse has the right of it. Our home's done, Paul. We can't go back."

Paul threw up a hand. "Keep it! We can make a new home. Take us with you, please?"

Fast looked over the two appraisingly. "You realize we're headed for pony lands once our mission is complete? Would you be happy, living among us?"

Paul grabbed at the bars. "Don't leave us here! I'd rather be among friends, ya know? So they got more legs than me. They're still better than his so called 'Lordship.'"

Fast turned away from the door. "I will not hold it against you two, should you find some human settlement along the way. For now, you are our wards." She lashed out with her powerful hind legs, slamming her horseshoes against it in a shower of bright sparks. One more kick and the hinge gave way, causing it to flop awkwardly, half hanging on.

It was enough to slip out through and both hurried to freedom among the ponies.

Flint nodded to Fast. "Thanks kindly. You'll excuse me for havin' doubts back there. It looked like our gooses were done and cooked to a nice ash."

Tree put a hoof on his belly. "It's all groovy, man. I'd be way stressed out myself." She leaned to the left, looking into the cell before turning her eyes to the humans. "It's far out we found you. I was so ready to trip about it, and here you both are."

Paul dropped to a knee and suddenly hugged Tree Hugger around the neck. She tensed a moment, but accepted it, and put a hoof slowly around him in a gentle hug. If there was a time to accept a sudden violation of her bubble, that felt like it. "We should go before he comes back."

Fast nodded as she moved swiftly for the stairs and began to ascend, taking the front. As she went, the pulled a potion free of her belt and offered it to Maud. "Drink."

Maud tilted her head before she accepted the potion and popped off the cork between her teeth. She chugged it down and looked far better quickly.

It would be just in time. The front door of the manor slammed open muffedly through the walls, and shouting was heard.

They had company.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  11 - Let Our People Go                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast hurried up the stairs. Her metal shoes struck against the stone, giving away their position, but it was more important to be past the stairs, and she shoved out into the hallway just in time for the Lord to come down the very same hallway, sword drawn. It was too narrow to make effective use of her lance so she reared up onto her hind legs. With a flick of her forehooves, she revealed long, dagger-like blades that had been concealed in each shoe.

He sneered at her. "They said you didn't stop fighting until they had you in the box. They should have put you down like the rabid animal you are."

She stepped towards him carefully. Though she was born a quadruped, she stood confidently on two legs and appeared ready to battle. "You would call me an animal, you, who treat your own kind so poorly? You didn't have the balls to come find an 'animal' like me on your own. Let's see if you can do better now."

He held up his free hand and clenched it to a fist before suddenly stepping aside.

Two men behind him let loose a pair of crossbow bolts with the loud twang of their launchers, catching a surprised Fast Shadow in her chest and side. He chuckled softly as he took his place in the center of the hallway. "Animals don't know a thing of tactics. Feel that pain? It's inferiority, beast."

Fast staggered back from the blows a step before she righted herself. "Bastard. Whatever remains of your family will weep over your body today. The world will be improved for your absence." She closed the distance in a charge, knocking his sword off balance with one hoof as the other drove its blade painfully into his shoulder. Both had been bloodied, dripping to the floor in the shared ritual of warriors.

A surprised sound caught the lord's attention as Maud fell upon his soldiers from behind. She slammed into one, knocking him into the other and sending both to the ground before she moved in to finish the job as silently as she had come up on them. He refocused his attention on Fast Shadow. "So you have your allies as well, do you?"

Fast cracked a smile. "I couldn't ask for better." She reared to her full height, her hoof claws at the ready. "Not too late to step aside and let us leave in peace."

"As if I would concede to a petty mare. You need to be broken in like any horse." He suddenly drew a vial from his pouch and tossed it directly at her midsection, where it exploded in a great ball of goop that bound her to the ground and made her movements stiff and slow. "Worth every coin." As she struggled to cut herself free of the device, he put his back to the wall, which swiveled abruptly. He was gone.

"Damn it!" roared Fast Shadow as she ripped herself free, though the stuff still clung to her, making her movements slower than she'd like. "Falling for a tanglefoot bag, I must be losing my touch. Maud, got them covered?"

Maud kicked one of their prone forms over before trotting over to Fast Shadow, looking ready.

Fast Shadow pointed to the wall. "He went this way."

Maud took a slow breath before she began to beat at the wall with an intense focus. Her hooves rained down on it in an unending tidal wave of destruction and it began to buckle and cave before her. The wood had no chance against her, and about twenty seconds later, she thrust a hoof right through it. She grabbed the handle from the other end, and the secret door swung open for them. "I'll go first." Maud vanished into the tunnel, leading the way.

Though Fast would have been loathe to admit it, she was in no condition to lead. Slowed and stuck with bolts, the fight had taken a lot out of her. "And I had to go give away my healing potion, damn..." She walked after Maud with a deep scowl, ready to assist, if not rushing to take the lead again.

Flint picked up a fallen crossbow and snatched up the scattered bolts before loading one into the weapon. Paul followed after him nervously. "I thought you used bows?"

Flint shrugged. "I've used either, dependin' on the situation. Huntin's funny like that. Never thought I'd be huntin' a noble before." He raised the crossbow and looked down the sight a moment. "Let's go."

Maud ran up the stairs up onto the roof of the house to spot the lord kicking over a ladder that led back down to the side of the manor. On seeing her, he seemed to abort the idea of climbing down. "You damned horses. You don't give up."

She approached slowly and surely across the steep slope of the roof. She could hear and feel the wind rush past her. This was far from an ideal fighting place, but she wasn't going to back down. "Give up."

He frowned at her. "I called you worth having around, once. That hasn't changed. You know how to fight, and how to not run your lips. I can appreciate that, horse." He drew his sword from where he had sheathed it on his belt. "I pay well. A far bit better than being dead."

"No thank you." She approached at that steady pace, her eyes locked on him and limbs ready for motion. She was prepared, and he knew it.

He hurled a flask at her, for her to swat it aside. It crashed to the roof fifteen feet from her and burst violently into flames. "Give up."

Fast burst out onto the roof and skidded a little, finding her footing after a moment.

The lord smirked. "Your friend looks like they're ready to take a little spill. They should really be more careful." He drew another potion and threw his arm in an arc, spraying the roof between himself and Maud in slippery oil as he backed away from her.

Maud ignored it entirely and stepped forward. Drawn by the power of the earth itself, she remained upright and stable. No oil would disrupt her tie to it so easily. "Last chance."

The lord surveyed the situation, caught on a roof, nearly cornered. There was vanishingly little space to withdraw to. "Very well, I yield." He dropped his sword, which slid off the roof to the ground below.

Maud paused a moment, surprised, but recovered quickly and nodded. "I accept." She moved with a sudden burst of speed, pulled him to the ground and drew his arms behind his back, pinning him there. "You will not be hurt."

The shot of a crossbow going off came across the roof. Flint was already reloading as the bolt flew. The Lord got out a choked gurgle as it struck him dead in the throat, and he slumped in Maud's grasp.

"F-flint! You killed him!" Paul had his hands at his head.

Flint frowned at his friend. "Are you daft? Either he died, or we'd be hunted forever."

Fast trotted up as Maud released him to flop against the roof. "I'm sor--" She hit the oiled spot of the roof and fared less well than Maud had, suddenly slamming into the roof, barrel first, then starting to slide dangerously quickly towards the edge.

Forgetting about her killed captive, Maud hurled herself at Fast, catching her in her teeth by the scruff of her neck and digging her hooves into the roof. Tiles flew in every direction as they came uprooted in Maud's efforts to slow their slide. Fast recovered from her surprise and dug in her hooves as well, driving the pointed daggers of her hoof claws into the roof. Together, they slowed to a gentle stop, mere inches from the edge.

Maud released Fast, nodding once before she turned and trotted purposefully towards Flint, her eyes set on him as squarely as she had in her approach to the lord. "You made me a liar."

Paul threw up his hands. "It tweren't my idea!  I swear!"

Flint tossed the crossbow back inside the hatch they had emerged from. "He deserved it. I don't have no regrets."

Maud stood before him with the faintest of frowns. "He gave up. He was helpless. I won."

"So?"

"I promised him he would be safe."

Flint leaned forward. "That there was yer mistake. That wasn't yer promise to ma--"

Maud suddenly jumped up and spun around, connecting her hoof with Flint's face with the side of it, knocking him flat. "Think. He is the master of this area. Now he is dead. Someone else will seize this land, violently. Do you think your neighbors will thank you? Do you think this moment of revenge is worth it? He may not have been good to us, but he kept the town working. Think." She spoke with her same flat tones, but her ire was clear to everyone there. "You are a monster. You are the animal he thought Fast, Tree, and I were."

Paul fell to his knees. "Truly, it wasn't my idea. I don't know how to fight like that, Miss Pie."

Maud turned to look at Paul a moment, then simply nodded.

Fast walked over slowly, clearly in pain, but intact. "I didn't know you had such strong convictions, to say nothing of common sense."

Maud looked Fast over. "You're hurt."

Fast laughed. "I'm hurt, she says. Yes, yes I am, hmm, Sister of Stone, as Druid Hugger would say. I know you didn't plan on it, but his things are yours, Maud. Go take what you want. I'm going inside." She stepped past Maud and the two humans and vanished into the ownerless manor.

Flint pushed up to a seated position. "It ain't gonna be that bad, is it?"

Maud raised a brow at him, then turned and began trotting towards the fallen body. "You've been here longer than I have. You tell me." As she rooted across his body, then turned to go inside, she paused. Flint was looking quite frustrated, and Paul was trying to calm him down. It looked private. She walked past them inside.

The ponies all met each other in the same hallway the duel had occurred in. Tree Hugger frowned with concern at Fast Shadow and began tending to her wounds as best she could without magic. "Did you win?"

Maud stepped in. "It's over."

Fast nodded to Maud. "That it is. This entire area's going to descend into chaos. We should get going. If the lord's back, he's probably got his horses tied up. They're ours now."

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "What, why?"

Maud pointed up. "Flint killed the lord."

Tree Hugger put a hoof in front of her mouth. "I thought they were innocents..."

Maud licked over her lips before shaking her head. "Paul wasn't involved."

The footfalls of the two humans drew their attention as they emerged from the secret passage. Flint put up his hands. "I admit it. I shoulda... Look, I ain't usually in this kinda situation. I'm sorry, alright?"

Paul pointed between himself and Flint. "Not my idea! We're still friends, right?"

Tree Hugger held up a hoof. "Like, don't be that way, man. Flint's your friend. Even if he made a mistake, you owe it to him to help." Paul had the sense to look shamed, and Tree gently smiled. "Flint, what did you do wrong?"

Flint shrugged. "I... Damn it all... Sometimes I guess what's 'obvious' ain't, alright? I shoulda let Maud handle it. She had it under control. I saw a chance for revenge and I took it... I shouldn't have."

Maud nodded lightly. "Don't do it again." She trotted past them towards the front, paused, and looked over her shoulder. "We should go."

Paul pointed at himself. "Me too?"

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "You are our friends, even if you have made a mistake. Like, we all deserve a chance to learn and grow."

With the matter put to rest for the moment, the party left the manor. The horses were waiting outside, and soon were bearing them away, pony and human alike. Maud's calm demeanor and steady posture seemed to please her mount, and she easily coaxed the animal to riding well and surely for her, with Tree Hugger having the hardest time simply holding on and whispering little pleas for her horse to not drop a 'fellow equine'.

Adventure awaited.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    12 - Into Humanity                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They drew to a gentle halt and guided their horses off the main path, setting up camp outside of easy sight from that same road. Fast nodded softly as she looked over her new adventuring band. "Let's get some rest. Today's been about as full as days get." She turned to Tree Hugger. "If you're not aware, druids must rest and meditate, and draw the spells they plan to have at the ready for the day. We've taken our share of injuries, so prepare to handle that in the morning. Alright?"

Tree shook herself out. "I'm just glad to be back on my own hooves. No offense to my larger cousins, but I'm not used to the idea of riding one." She directed an ear at Fast Shadow. "I'll do my best. The trees were never so... direct before. It's... far out."

Maud tilted her head a little. "I changed too."

Tree turned to Maud. "Did you? You seemed so natural about everything, I wouldn't have guessed at all, sister in stone. How?"

Paul's eyes wandered between the Equestrian ponies and the Everglow one. "Why do you look so different? Aren't you all ponies?"

Fast frowned a little. "We need someone a lot more learned than I to answer that. Where are you two from?"

Tree Hugger put a hoof over her chest. "We're both from the radical land of Equestria, land of ponies, ruled by the most righteous of mares, Celestia, and her groovy moon sister, Luna."

Flint snorted a little as he poked the fire he had coaxed to life with a stick before getting to preparing something in a pot over the flames. "Sounds like a faery tale."

Fast flashed a smile at him. "Fitting, seeing as we are fae. I hail from Everglow, also a land of ponies, or was once. There are other creatures there, and humans too, these days... We've seen better days, but I haven't lost hope, or loyalty to my people." She looked to Flint's pot, sniffing the air of the rich smell coming from it. "What are you preparing? Smells edible, and that's a compliment considering usual human fare."

Flint gave the pot a little stir. "Well, you're in for a treat. I just wish I had some butter..."

Tree Hugger shuffled closer and leaned in to peer into the pot. "Is that oats?"

"It is," said Flint with a little smile. "Helped out a farmer with a warthog problem. Got some bacon the old fashioned way, and a sack of grain for my trouble. The bacon's long gone, but the grain'll keep us going for a few days at least."

Maud glanced around before pulling over a sizable stone, freeing it from the earth, wiping it off, then sinking her teeth into it with a loud crunch as it splintered and shattered in her powerful bite. "Mmm, a bit of volcanic, with a sandstone dusting."

Tree Hugger stared with wide eyes as Maud made short work of the rock. "Gnarly... Is that good for you?"

Maud seemed confused at the question. "It's crunchy." Apparently feeling the question was answered sufficiently, she settled to sleep.

Tree wasn't satisfied. "You didn't answer my other question. How did you change, sister of stone? My meditation has, like, far out effects. The song of the trees courses through me and does things, like, radical things. I could always hear it, but I could never sing it back so clearly."

Maud looked back up at Tree a moment quietly. "It's hard to explain."

Tree smiled a little. "Try? I won't judge you, sister."

"You are not my sister."

Tree recoiled a little at that. "Not literally... But aren't we? We have to be cool with one another."

Maud let out a little sigh. "Sorry. I got a little emotional." Not that her voice had shown any of it. "I miss my sisters." She looked down, then settled again as if to sleep. "I miss my parents."

Tree's expression fell from shocked to neutral and onwards to despair. "Oh, sister! I've been so totally spaced out. Of course you miss them. You..."

Maud lifted a hoof. "Good night."

Tree's mouth opened and closed quietly a moment before she nodded. "Good night."

Flint coughed softly. "Well, puttin' that aside a moment, the oats are ready. We don't have bowls for everyone, so we're goin' ta have to be friendly 'bout it."

Fast nodded at him. "That is quite alright. If we're to fight for life or death at one another's side, sharing a meal should not be too much to ask." She inched in closer and sniffed lightly. "A druid's berries may leave you without hunger, but real food is a pleasure I don't plan to do without."

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "Is that normal? I wondered about that." She slid in between Paul and Flint, and all but Maud gathered around the fire to get their share of oats.

Friendly turned out to be an understatement. Woefully under equipped, the stirring spoon itself was passed around to each hungry mouth or snout to get a bite of the warm mush. As they ate, Paul spoke up, "so, uh, Fast? You said you were on a mission?"

She nodded softly before she took her bite in turn. "The elves, cursed be their kind, have stolen the pegasus' cloud magic, but that's beyond my reach to fix. I've turned my eyes to the east, to the human lands." She tapped a hoof on the ground. "Where we are now. We need to find the next Queen. Our people will rally behind her, and we can get our empire back."

Flint raised a brow. "Ya gonna find a pony princess here?"

She shook her head. "Unlikely, but an artifact that can find her? That's possible, and what I'm hunting. I was chasing rumors of a crypt that should hold it. It really shouldn't be this hard to find.  A pony crypt in the middle of human lands? Hmmph, you'd think som--"

"What?!" Tree Hugger sat up sharply. "Wait! Really? I think... I think we've been there."

Fast rolled her eyes. "Author, you are too blunt at times. Druid, tell me more. How do you know of this place?"

Tree waved a hoof. "Tree Hugger, or just Tree if you like. Do you want to be called 'warrior' or something?"

Fast smiled a little. "I've been called worse, but as you wish. Tree, tell me how you know, and what you know."

Tree began to describe the crypt they first appeared in and scrambled their way out of. "It's not far from the village we just rode from."

Fast brought her hooves together as she settled in. "The forces of destiny are heavy in this. That has to be the place. Will you all accompany me in this? We must explore it fully, and find the artifact. It is like a tiara fit for a Queen, though it will reveal her, even if it turns out to be a King. I care little, so long as they can lead my people back to greatness."

Paul shuffled a little. "I don't know nothin' about that kinda thing."

Flint elbowed Paul. "Then learn fast, or at least die doin' something. I haven't been in a crypt before, but I'm a passing shot with a bow or a crossbow, and I know how to handle meself. I guess you could say I'm a ranger by trade."

Fast brightened at Flint's words. "Ah, a noble profession, and a fine addition to our party. Let Maud and I take the fight to whatever we face, and you will have ample opportunity to show off your skill with your bows." She paused, then frowned. "We should make our first destination a true city, to fetch you a proper weapon, and arrows to go with."

Tree's ears went up a moment. "They have, like, real cities?"

Paul shook his head. "'Course we do. I mean, I never got to visit one before none, but I guess now's a good time? Do we have any money?"

Tree pulled a pouch that hung around her neck free and unleashed a considerable pile of coins to the earth.

Fast tilted her head. "That answers that. Is that what you were doing while we raced to the roof?"

Tree smiled a little. "I looked for anything that might be useful. The guards Maud had thrashed had bags too, like you said. I put them all into the biggest bag I had to take with us. Did I do it right?"

Fast nodded quickly. "You did it perfectly. Maud may also have some to add to the pot. We'll have enough to outfit ourselves, and maybe enjoy a night in a real bed."

With the food devoured, the pot and spoon cleaned and put away, and plans made, they settled down for bed. The fire was put out, and they sprawled on the ground. Only Maud seemed comfortable there. For the rest, sleep was slow coming.

Fast squirmed lightly. "Mmmf, remind me to get camping supplies." Slow or not, sleep did come for them in time, and the night passed for them, bringing some needed refreshment after their harrowing day.

The sun rose over their camp, stirring them to wakefulness. Maud was the first to rouse and was found by Tree, gently batting around a small, smooth stone.

Tree tilted her head at Maud curiously. "Breakfast?"

Maud pulled the rock back, hiding it under herself. "No. He's my friend. His name is Boulder."

Tree nodded slowly. "Far out. Nice to meet you, Boulder."

Maud gently nudged Boulder back out. "He gets shy around new ponies sometimes."

Tree sank towards the ground. "Aw, don't be like that, Boulder. I'm sure we can be, like, total friends. If Maud says you're laid back, then you must be completely wicked." She offered a hoof to the stone. "Welcome to the party."

Fast ambled over, head tilted to the side a little. "Are you talking with that stone?"

Maud pulled Boulder under herself, out of Fast's sight. "His name is Boulder."

"I... see. Sorry to bother you two, but, Tree, can you please see to the rest of my wounds?" She turned half away. "Sleeping with arrow wounds is not something I'd wish on anyone. Please."

Tree licked over lips. "Sure thing. Just relax, chill, and let Tree Hugger take care of this." She reared up and placed her forehooves against Fast. "Righteous spirits of the trees, always growing in the spring. Let her feel the rush of renewal, turn away the chill of winter."

Fast tensed and shuddered as powerful healing magic coursed through her before she let out a loud sigh. "That is such a relief... You are truly blessed, Tree. Your 'song' of the forest is powerful and kind."

Flint and Paul were arguing quietly about something that Maud approached. She said nothing but simply looked at them. It was enough to gain their attention after a moment.

Flint nodded at her. "Mornin'. Big oaf here wants me to go out huntin' and catch something with meat on it, like we have time for that, or you ponies want to see us cutting up and cookin' something what used to be alive."

Maud tilted her head. "If that's what you eat."

Paul pointed. "See, she doesn't care at all."

Fast whistled sharply. "Let's mount up! We'll have some meat for you boys if we can reach Greegate before sundown."

Flint winced faintly. "Greegate, wonderful. City of witches, soul stealing wizards, and worse."

Fast shrugged. "You should have heard some of the words they had for 'country' folk. Let's focus on the task."

Paul looked excited. "Is she serious? The City of Runes? I never done been there... Is it half what they say?"

There would be a chance to see, if they made it there.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              13 - Towards the City of Runes               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
After Flint had sacrificed a goodly portion of his oats to fuel their mounts, the party was ready to get moving. As they moved on, Paul inched closer to Flint. "How'd you get those oats past the guards anyway? They took all my stuff when they were arrestin' me."

Flint smiled cockily. "Sometimes you need to know what truth to offer. It was amazing how quickly they lost interest when I said the bag was full of scat to attract game."

Paul made a face. "They bought that?"

Flint shrugged. "No one said his Lordship's men were very smart, just well paid."

Tree drew up beside them with some effort, still struggling to control her horse. "Sorry we had to use all your supplies. The horses seemed to find it radical as a breakfast."

Fast waved a hoof back at them. "Focus on the road ahead. If we make it to Greegate before dark, we'll get some more supplies, otherwise we're looking at a day without food for the mounts, and that's bad, to say the least."

Maud seemed to have little difficulty guiding her mount, only having Flint for competition, though her control seemed a smooth confidence. She simply seemed to want to go somewhere, and the horse obeyed her, without a word exchanged between the two of them. "They deserve as much food as we get."

"More," argued Fast Shadow. "They're larger than we are. It takes more to fill them and keep them happy." She reached forward and softly pat the neck of the horse she was riding. "And they're getting us there much faster than we'd be walking ourselves."

Tree looked up, forgetting her horse a moment as her jaw hung open. "Woah..." A shaking hoof raised to point into the sky, where a reptilian beast wheeled and looked around.

Fast scowled. "Wyrm. Get off the road and be still." She pulled her horse lightly to the right and hid beneath the canopy of a tree. "Let it go past. It may be harmless, but now's not the time to test that."

The party drew to a halt, with everyone waiting nervously. The branches lurched as a great object sailed past overhead, with the loud keening roar of the dragon-like creature. It curled mid-air and rushed into the distance, leaving them be.

Tree Hugger put a hoof behind her head. "That looked like a dragon to me."

Fast nodded as she coaxed her horse back onto the road. "It's a form of one. I don't know the specifics. Doesn't matter in the end, let's just not invite trouble."

Paul ribbed his elbow into Flint. "Did ya see that! It looked big enough to bite a man clear in half without thinkin' 'bout it!"

Flint chuckled softly. "Exactly why Miss Shadow is right to avoid them. Part of stayin' alive is not shoving your head where it ain't wanted."

Paul shrugged, "Stuffing me head where it ain't wanted got us some new friends."

Flint cuffed him across the back of the head suddenly. "Sure it did, and kicked outta our house, and the Lord dead, now didn't it?"

Paul frowned. "Well, you did that last part, didn't ya?"

Tree shook her head slowly. "Chill out, dudes. We're all friends here, and we'll figure this out, together. No need to get angry about the past, just to learn from it." She pulled free a small bundle of leaves. "Like, I still have some of this choice plant. Smoking it will take the harsh edges right off."

Paul raised a brow curiously. "This some kind of magic plant?"

Tree smiled gently. "Oh man. Being in its embrace is like magic. Try it." She offered a small bit of it towards Paul, who took it but looked confused.

"So, uh, do I chew it?"

Tree tilted her head. "No, man. You smoke it. First you say thank you, then you smoke it." She wobbled dangerously as her horse took an unexpected swerve and she grabbed for its neck for a moment before she recovered. "Get it?"

Paul attempted to roll the herbs as he had seen far more worldly people than himself do. "How do I light it?"

Flint drew out a striker of flint and steel. "Hold still a moment." He reached out and clacked the flint and steel together loudly before a spark touched just right, and the end of Paul's crudely formed cigar lit.

Tree offered another little bundle to Flint, and soon all three were tranquilly riding down the road, all strife and argument forgotten in favor of the peace offered by the smoke that lazily drifted from the three of them.

Fast glanced back towards them, shaking her head at their intoxicated states. "Maud, please don't join them. I'd like to know at least one of my companions is coherent if trouble should arise."

Maud gave a soft nod. "I won't. Do you know what they're smoking? I don't think Tree Hugger knows."

Fast raised a brow. "Couldn't say. Herbalism isn't my specialty. I gathered it was hers, or she'd end up smoking some poison ivy. I heard someone did that once, couldn't talk for a month, almost died. Not a good way to go."

Maud tilted her head lightly. "My father smokes once in a while. He says it smells good."

Fast hiked a head back at the others. "That stuff?"

Maud shook her head. "A kind of rock dust. He had to grind it up to smoke it properly. Fast? Do you like poetry?"

Fast was caught off guard by the question. "Well, sure. A little poetry never hurt anyone that I'm aware of. Why?"

Maud lifted her shoulders. "I have poetry. I write it."

Filled with a sudden curiosity to know what emotions lurked beneath the surface of her stoic companion, Fast was quick to agree. "Oh, certainly. Let me hear some."

She cleared her throat softly.

Look at this rock, It doesn't belong. Look at this rock, Where'd it come from? Not igneous, nor sediment. It doesn't belong here. Look at this rock, It doesn't belong.

Fast tilted her head softly. "I confess. I don't... entirely understand the meaning of it."

Maud nodded. "The next one's about rocks."

Fast tensed. "Do you have any about something else?"

Maud paused a moment. "Only one... Would you like to hear it?" Fast quickly nodded, and Maud drew a soft breath.

Grey and purple, these are normal. Bright pink, quite absurd. You smile when others are frowning. You are the sister I love to hold. Others can't see my smile. Others can't see my tears. You can always see through me, You make me feel like cut diamonds. You move with the power of a rockslide. You smile with the power of burnished steel. You hold me with the tenderest...

Maud trailed off, and went quiet.

Fast looked aside to see the the faintest hint of moisture at Maud's eye, but it was quickly whisked away with a blink, and there was nothing. Fast shook her head slowly. "You miss her, don't you?"

"A lot," said Maud in her deadpan voice. "I hope she's okay."

Fast nudged her horse closer and reached, placing a hoof on Maud's shoulder. "You make me envious. I wish I had a sister I loved so dearly, who loved me back half as much."

Maud tilted her head. "Why would you want a sister a world away?"

Fast shrugged gently. "Perhaps not that part, but you'll get back to her, eventually. You have her to look forward to.  For now, we have each other. I will gladly be your sister, if you let me."

"You're not my sister." She said it with a brutal bluntness that made Fast recoil slightly.

"Of course... not, not literally. I mean we can be friends, close friends. We will watch out for each other, and care for each other." Fast waved a hoof back at the three trailing behind. "Tree Hugger as well. It's obvious she respects you a great deal, even if you don't always see eye-to-eye."

"We're about the same height."

Fast took a slow breath, counting to herself. "Maud, is this how you keep people away from you? My offer remains. I would gladly count you as a dear friend, even if you will return home some day. You are a fine pony, made of good things. Your morals are good, your bravery is astounding, even what I've seen beneath your mask is worth knowing."

Maud was silent, and didn't reply to anything for some time. Fast eased in her attempts and directed her horse away to walk in parallel, but give her companion some space.

Tree Hugger drew closer to the front, smoke no longer clinging to her. "Hey, sister of stone. Are we on time or not?"

Maud glanced back at her, but was silent.

Fast waved a hoof. "Don't bother her right now. We're on time to reach the city."

Tree nodded. "Righteous, but what's wrong with Rock? Do you need any help? Like, you can talk to us about anything." But there was no reply given.

Fast brought her horse in and grabbed at Tree Hugger, pulling her and directing her horse away from Maud. "I'm serious. She needs space, and you'll give it to her."

Tree frowned faintly. "You're totally coming down on me, man. I've got a sweet buzz going on right now. Let's not end it on a sour note."

Fast let out a soft sigh before she turned to face forward, just to tense abruptly. There was a group of riders coming towards them along the same road. They were well armed. On the positive, they hadn't drawn their weapons yet. "Maud, we have guests. Be ready."

"Shouldn't I be ready?" Tree Hugger raised a brow before she almost fell off her horse, trying to face the others. "Hey, like, we have guests."

Paul waved at the oncoming riders as Flint had the sense to look concerned. "Damn the timing. What I wouldn't give for a well-built longbow right about now..." He drew a dagger but flipped it around to press against his sleeve, keeping it out of immediate sight.

Fast nudged her horse ahead to meet them. "Hail!" she shouted ahead. "What brings you in such a hurry?"

Most of them thundered past without so much as slowing, but one of their numbers, with a staff across his back, slowed. "Horse, you would do well to turn back where you came. Greegate has been put to siege. They're fools to think they can take the City of Runes, but a point for effort. We ride to muster allies in defense."

Fast's jaw tensed. "Blast the timing. We have little choice but to continue on, good man."

"All the more fool you be." He tipped his hat. "Take care, lest you be destroyed with the invaders, should the defenders mistake you." He snapped his reins and took off at a wild gallop to catch up with his friends, leaving Fast and her companions behind.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  14 - A City Surrounded                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree Hugger rode along with the others. She leaned in close with her riding horse with obvious discomfort, but the effects of the smoke seemed to have left her, and the humans, with the news becoming clear to them.

Flint drew close to Fast Shadow's side. "Do you have a plan for this?"

Fast raised an ear at Flint. "From the sound of it, you might. Let's hear it."

Flint waved a hand forward. "Depends partially on how bad it is. If they're settling for a full siege, and not trying to swarm the city, it's just a matter of getting past them. Prices'll be damn high though, I reckon."

Fast sucked air through her teeth in a loud click. "That's why we're moving quickly. We need to see. If I were a more religious mare, I'd say someone up there doesn't want me having an easy time of things."

Maud nudged closer to them. "We have to get in, so we will." No plan was proposed or method was suggested, simply confidence that it would be done was given.

Tree smiled a little. "That's right, sister of stone. We'll handle this, one way or the other." She suddenly sat up in her saddle. "The trees are singing."

Fast looked irritated a moment before hope dawned. "What are they singing, Druid Hugger?"

Tree tilted her head. "They say they accept me, like one of the creatures of the land, and will hide me as one of them, if I just ask nicely. Far out..."

Paul seemed to try to parse that, jumbling around in his mind. "What does that mean, Tree?"

Tree made a drowsy sway of a hoof. "It means I can be a radical little bird, flying free in the air."

Fast flashed a bright smile. "Great. You may become very important. If we need to get into the city, becoming something small and boring will be the easiest way to get someone in there to get a message to the defenders. How about something that tunnels?"

Tree blinked slowly. "Like a mole?"

Fast nodded with an urgent gesture. "Precisely like that."

Tree seemed to consider that. "I never swam with stones before. That sounds pretty wicked."

Maud looked over the horizon. "I've swum with rocks before."

Tree giggled softly. "I have no doubts you have, and you were probably faster than I'll be."

The city came into view as they topped a hill. It was built differently than the Equestrians were used to seeing. Sort of like one of their own major metropolitans, but where they had constructs of steel, brick, and glass in theirs, every major building in the town was clearly hewn of huge slabs of stone. Surrounding the city was no wall, as one might expect from a city in such a full siege action, but instead a hovering field of floating rock segments that could perhaps be assembled into a wall, if they weren't slowly rotating around the city. Even in the distance, they could see something on those walls, glowing brightly despite the daylight.

The attacking force was also clearly visible, surrounding the city from all sides in a carpet of aggression. A low chorus of grinding gears reached them as a salvo of trebuchets unleashed flaming salvos on the city, but their payload never reached their target. Splashing across a previously unseen field of force, it erupted into multi-colored sparkles of light as they washed impotently. The city had defenses, and they had not yet been breached by the attackers, despite their efforts.

Paul whistled softly. "I never saw so many people in one place before. How many do ya figure? Maybe a million? Ten million!?"

Fast shook her head. "You're far too high."

"What? I'm all better now."

Fast rolled her eyes. "Not that manner of high. I would hazard a guess at a hundred thousand at the most, and that's quite a number. Whoever wants the city, desires it quite direly."

Maud's eyes were higher than most, gazing at the rotating field of glowing stone. "Granite shouldn't do that."

Flint rolled a hand. "You think? It's magic. The whole city's got a reputation fer it. If you ain't a spell weaver yerself, yer workin' for someone what is one. That's what I hear, anyway. Never visited Greegate before."

The floating segments of stone suddenly slammed together, forming one large symbol that hovered balefully before the attacking army. Fast tilted her head. "By the gods, what--" Her question was answered before she could finish as the intensity of the light grew and washed out over a line of the attackers, setting men and their encampment ablaze in a straight beam from the city outwards. The very power of the elemental force used was audible as a crashing wave of heat and fire, despite the city still being a mile away.

Paul hiked a thumb at the carnage. "And that's why you don't attack a city of damn wizards! Do we have to go that way?"

Fast glanced sideways at Paul. "If you know another settlement we could resupply at, you should have said so yesterday, but I'm still listening." No answer came and she snorted softly. "Very well, then this is our destination. Let us assume the city is wielding magic in every way they can. They may notice you, Tree. You cannot simply fly in or tunnel with impunity."

Tree Hugger frowned slightly before she smiled. "I just have to get past those gnarly men, then I can make friends. We'll be fine."

Fast frowned. "I'd prefer a method that doesn't risk you being lit up by a few spellcasters with a name to earn and an easy target."

Tree hopped down from her horse and stretched out slowly. "Just give me a chance. I'll do it. If it works, I'll come back with totally rad news." She reared up on hind legs and spread her fore hooves wide as she suddenly shrank down, becoming a raven. Large for a bird, but small for a pony. She gave a soft caw, then began flapping towards the city.

Maud watched her go, then looked towards Fast. "Will she be alright?"

Fast heaved a sigh. "Let us pray she will be."

Flying swiftly, Tree Hugger soared over the encampment. She saw she was not the only raven present, or were they crows? She couldn't be entirely sure of the difference, but where the attackers were struck down, other birds made timid attempts at an easy meal. All the better for her, or so she gathered. She was hardly noteworthy as she sailed over them towards the city.

Being closer, she could see the great floating stone pieces were each covered in countless arcane-looking runes from top to bottom. Even approaching them felt like getting near to an oven, roaring with arcane fury instead of a cheery flame for cooking. Looking down, she could see the people that made up the attackers came in a few varieties of human. Some looked like Paul or Flint, while others were even larger, and a little shaggier, and others were considerably smaller. Humans came in a wide variety of forms, or so Tree Hugger determined. But they didn't have winged varieties, or horned ones. Ponies still won out.

Tree saw the line ending beneath her, where the siege didn't attempt to come closer. Was that a sign? She decided to accept it as one and came down to land where there were fewer people and hopping forward in several little jumps with her little avian talons.

A voice rang out in her head, loud and deafening despite having no physical volume, ~A brave one, aren't you? Eager to make an example of yourself for your fellows?~

Tree spread her wings with a surprised squawk. ~No, wait, man. I'm just trying to get some food for my horses. We had the totally gnarly timing of showing up while you were being attacked and everything.~

The angry presence shifted in her mind, becoming calculating. ~Speak you the truth? Of course you do. As if I couldn't see through such simple deceptions. You want to come in here? You can prove yourself useful, druid. Find their leader, and report his position to me, and you'll be supplied in gratitude. A simple deal, is it not?~

Tree tilted her black-feathered head at the voice, which seemed to come from everywhere at once. ~What does he look like? This is totally far out, man.~

~Focus on the matter at hand. If I knew his exact appearance, I would not require you. Find him, report, be rewarded, or don't, and do not return. You will find my patience is short, and my anger swift.~

~Are you certain he's a he? What if they're a she?~

~I care not! Go!~ The voice seemed like thunder in Tree Hugger's mind and she took off back towards the attacking camp.

She looked over all the humans, trying to figure out a reasonable way to identify who their leader could be. Perhaps the larger tents? She flew for the largest one she could find and landed on top of it, hopping to one of the holes in the top and peeking in. No, it was a place to eat. The smell of food both appetizing and foul wafted at her and sent her flying.

Another raven (or was it a crow?) sailed past her. "You're going to wrong way."

Tree Hugger tilted her head. "Wrong way for what?" She wheeled to keep the other bird in view, and ended up following him. "Where are we going?" They spoke in caws and calls, but they could understand each other clearly.

The other raven landed lightly in the fire scorched part of the field. "All the good food is here, sister."

Tree landed beside him and looked around a moment before turning her gaze back on him. "Wait, you could help me! Please, have you seen the, uh, big tall scary things paying a lot of attention to one specific big tall scary thing?"

The raven looked curious a moment, then nodded. "Maybe. What do I get in trade?"

Tree spread her wings. "I'll show you where radical berries grow that will fill you up! They are better than these." She waved at the bodies. "Please. I have to know quickly."

"What's your hurry?" He took off at a leisurely flap. "You're a strange one, miss. I'll show you, even if you probably have nothing. You're cute."

Was she? Tree followed after her fellow bird as she wondered what made a bird cute or not. They soared a quarter of the way around the city before approaching a modest looking tent. He gestured with a wing. "Here. Every biped that comes close leaves looking scared. Biggest, baddest biped must live here. In charge, yes? Bet they're tasty..." He winged in a turn. "Good luck!"

"Thanks, man!" she called out as the raven vanished, without even asking about the berries she promised. She landed near the tent and hopped closer, peeking in under the flap into the dim interior. Inside was a figure lit by a smoldering brazier. She was leaning over a map or something, and looking quite intent about it. It was definitely a she. It wasn't hard to pinpoint a she human, most of the time.

Tree suddenly knew pain as she was sent flying away from the flap. Another human had just come up and punted her while she was peeping. He didn't move to finish the attack, he just rushed inside past her. "Damn birds..."

She quickly shook the dizziness from herself and rose back on her wings. She was fairly certain the human inside was at least a leader, if not the leader. She hoped it would be good enough to win entry to the city.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   15 - Of Men and Women                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Landing beside the city and taking a few hops forward, the voice thundered in Tree Hugger's head, somehow louder than before, ~Have you found him, or...?~

Tree Hugger hid her head under a wing, though it didn't make the throbbing ache any lesser. ~I found a leader, though she's a she, man.~

~Think clearly what you have seen~

As the vision formed, it seemed cruelly pried into and drawn from her, leaving her reeling from the powerful magic used casually on her psyche. ~Clever... I didn't think she would be the one. The Scion of the Frozen Stretches. What would she even want with our city? Why am I even pondering near you, you likely have no idea.~

Tree Hugger didn't, but thought better of speaking on the matter.

~She wouldn't be here unless it was for some 'reason'. Some very moralistic reason, no doubt. It bores me, but she isn't likely to give up without me hearing it. I was going to just set the leader's tent on fire with the force of an angry sun, but perhaps that would be a bit hasty. You, druid. Go to her and tell her we will allow one soldier in as a messenger.~

~Like, alright, man, but can me and my friends come in after that?~

~If they can get past the angry army, fine.~

It would have to do. Tree took quick flight back to the tent of the leader, this 'Scion of the Frozen Stretches'. She channeled the green magic into herself, giving herself the power of pony speech, despite having the throat of a bird. "Hey, righteous lady," she called from atop the door. "I have a message."

The flap of the tent practically exploded outwards as the female emerged, sword drawn and looking ready for a scrap. "Who goes there?"

Tree hopped back from the edge as she waved a wing. "Up here. The far out magic dude said he'd have a chat with you, but you can only send one. I'd be careful about that. They seem ready to hurt more people if you try to send two or something."

She made a sharp whistle, and a tall brute of a male human came up and put a fist over his heart. "Yes, General?"

"I'm going. I don't trust anyone else to handle this." She thrust her sword into his available hand. "Command is yours until I return. If I don't, razing this place to the ground becomes your responsibility."

The man frowned. "No! Let me go instead. If this is a trap, the people will miss me less."

She put a finger to his chest, prodding him hard enough to force him back a step. "Did you become slow to follow orders during the siege? You have your command. These wizards respect shows of power. Sending anyone less than our best will weaken our position with them."

Tree Hugger considered her job completed, and flew back quickly to her friends to give them the news. Most of the way there, a new fatigue swept over her, and she realized she'd spent too much time as a raven. The power that held her form was becoming tired, and she was forced to land and trot up the rest of the way. "Good news, everyone."

They were mostly where she left them, though they had formed a camp to the side of the road. Paul waved at her excitedly. "You're not full of arrows!"

Tree smiled gently. "I suppose I'm not. I was far from the only black bird over the battlefield. The big honcho of the city is alright with us coming inside. Their powers are way out there. I thought I was tripping out when they got loud." She put a hoof to her head. "I still have a headache. Not cool..."

Fast nodded. "Excellent... Did you have to do anything for it?"

Tree described her journey to find the leader, and the message she delivered. "She was about to head into the city when I came back here."

Flint stroked his stubbled chin as he looked out at the city and its ring of occupation. "That'll either be good or bad news. If they reach some kind of agreement, the siege may be over, and things'll calm down, or they might not."

Fast scowled in agreement. "If they murder their leader, the attacking army may just throw itself at them in an unorganized mass. The loss and destruction, even to the likes of wizards, would be horrible. They won't likely win, if the city is nearly as well defended as it put up the airs of being, but it'd be a pyrrhic victory at best."

Paul nudged Flint lightly. "What's that?"

Flint chuckled a bit at the question. "It means when you win but it don't mean jack. Like when we... I... slayed that noble prick, only to make sure we couldn't ever go back home."

Paul sank morosely at the thought.

Maud gestured at Tree Hugger. "Why don't you fly inside and get the supplies?" She drew a bag from her frock. "Here are my bits."

Tree Hugger accepted them, but looked uncertain. "I don't feel that energy. I think I need to rest before I can take flight again." She frowned a little. "Which means I also have to rest before I can fly back."

"On the plus side." Flint hiked a thumb at their small fire, with something roasting just over it. Becoming aware of it, Tree could smell the animal they were cooking, with its foreign aroma tickling her herbivorous nose. The idea of it was a bit far out for her. "I've got Paul and I covered for the meantime. The army hasn't started ranging this far for supplies. With any luck we'll be out of the way before they do."

Fast frowned. "We can let the horses graze, for now. It'll get them by while we're not riding them. Maud, come with me. We'll get some local food. I know the difference between an edible root and a poisonous one. Tree, rest. You've done well."

As Tree settled to rest, Fast and Maud trotted away from the campsite. Fast rooted through the underbrush patiently, occasionally stopping to pluck out some berries, leaves, or tubers as she found them.

Maud helped hold the vegetables quietly at first before she spoke up, "Thank you."

Fast paused and directed an ear at Maud. "What are you thanking me for?"

Maud blinked at her softly. "For helping me. For listening to my poetry."

Fast plucked out a purple and leafy bunch of what would form a primitive salad. "You're quite welcome. I meant what I said." She passed the veggies to Maud as she sniffed along slowly. "We may not be related by blood, but we are bonded by adversity. You don't get to choose your family, but you can choose your friends." She looked up at Maud. "I hope you choose me."

Maud went silent for a time, picking up a few things along her way. Fast turned to offer more veggies, only to recoil. "Maud, why are there rocks? We can't eat those."

Maud leaned in and sank her powerful teeth into one of the little rocks, chewing it placidly to Fast Shadow's consternation. Maud shrugged softly. "You can make soup with them. It tastes nice."

Together, they returned to the camp with a full load of food for the evening. Maud took over the pot without a word and filled it with water before carefully selecting some of the rocks to set inside and let it warm over the fire.

Paul raised a brow as he peered at the potential rock soup. "Uh, is that some kinda horse treat?"

Tree looked over from where she laid. "What? Oh, like far out! I've heard of that, but never tried it before."

Flint made a bit of a face as he leaned back against a tree. "I think I'll settle with what I caught."

Paul nodded, doubt clear on his expression. "You'd think if anyone could catch a quail, they wouldn't be so expensive."

Flint smirked softly. "Alright. I look forward to yer mighty haul tomorrow, Paul. Lunch is on you."

Paul thrust up his hands quickly. "Oh no! I didn't mean nothin' by it. Yer the one with the huntin' skills." They shared a little laugh as they came to an understanding, and the camp settled to a more companionable silence, until Maud pulled the stirring spoon out and ladeled out a portion of the brown-tinted water and one of the stones into the one bowl they had and offered it to Fast.

Fast accepted it with a nod, even though she feared it. As soon as Maud turned away, she looked to the heavens. "Watch over me, Sun Queen. Protect me as I try to do right." She leaned in and sipped softly from the water and made a little face. Whatever had leeched from the rock had a powerful mineral taste, which she supposed made sense. It wans't... awful, but certainly different. Maud turned back to her and stared.

Fast smiled at her with the faint quiver of falsehood. "It's good, thank you." She sipped dramatically where Maud could see it, and forced down the mouthful of metallic water as she continued her prayers that the food she imbibed was only strange, not harmful.

Maud looked over to Tree next. "Do you want some?"

Tree Hugger rolled up to her haunches. "Actually, yeah. I hear a good rock soup can really help cleanse the chakras and smooth the rough edges of a harsh day." She held out a hoof. "Thanks."

Maud glanced to Fast, then back at Tree. "We only have one bowl, unless you want to share with me out of the pot."

Tree slid closer to the fire. "It's cool, sister. I'm not afraid of being with you." She dipped her snout into the pot and took a strong sip before she drew back suddenly with a wheeze. "Righteous! That's a truly radical taste."

"Is that bad?"

Tree waved a hoof dismissively. "No way, sister. Try some."

Maud went for a sip more placidly and drew from it in slow but powerful gulps that saw the water go down several inches before a rock strayed too close to her muzzle and she drew it in. She sat up, crunching softly on it with audible sounds of the minerals being ground to dust.

"Radical..." Tree tilted her head. "Watching you eat those is far out every time I see it. I'd break my teeth trying to do that." She took another little sip and shuddered, but went right back for another.

Fast raised a brow, watching as Tree was far more honest about it being new to her, but accepting it with that same honesty. Being honest with oneself, and one's allies... She felt a little shameful for handling it discretely, and took another pull from her soup. "It's an acquired taste."

Tree nodded quickly. "But it's full of good things." She slurped noisily and came up with one of the rocks, which she made an effort to try to chew, but got nowhere with it. "How do you do that, sister of stone?"

Maud shrugged lightly before she reached in and bobbed for one as someone might an apple before crunching it with placid ease. "Like this." She paused suddenly, and reached for Tree, lifting one of her hooves. "You changed."

Tree lifted the hoof higher to look it over as she turned it one way and the other. It was different. Her hooves had a more pronounced... hoof... Her legs were more shaped, less cylindrical. They were rather similar to Fast Shadow's legs, she decided, before it caught up with her that these were her legs, not Fast Shadow's. She stumbled over backwards in a flail of limbs to crash to the ground.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     16 - Going Native                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree Hugger shook her head violently. "This can't be happening! I'm totally tripping right now. I'll never smoke again, I promise!"

Fast set a hoof on her gently. "You're alright, Tree."

"Alright?" She sat up on her haunches, her legs quivering as she kept glancing at them and away. "I'm not alright! Being a bird for a little while was trippy, but it was just for a little while, and for a reason. This? This is beyond gnarly." She held up one of her hooves, thrusting it at Maud. "Look at me!"

Maud did look at her, and her eyes drifted to Fast Shadow and her own sculpted legs and hooves. "You look different. Was it the soup?" She raised one of her own hooves to look at it, but it seemed normal enough.

Paul and Flint, who had been enjoying their dinner when the fuss began, approached. Flint looked at the distraught Tree. "You look like you've gone and seen a ghost, Tree Hugger. What's wrong?"

She thrust her newly configured hoof at him and said nothing.

Paul peered at it. "Looks like a normal horse. So, uh, ya didn't plan that?"

Tree whipped her head around to look where the horses were grazing placidly. She compared their legs to her own. They were quite similar indeed, if one discounted the size differences between them. She was a horse... She wasn't a pony. She was just a little horse. She reached up and felt over her face, but it seemed normal enough for the moment. Suddenly she was struck across the face.

Fast Shadow was frowning at her. "Get it together. You're not hurt, just changed. I've lived my whole life like this, it isn't that bad. Your screams are going to draw the wrong kind of attention."

Maud put up a hoof between them, seemingly guarding Tree from being hit again. "We should sleep."

Flint nodded in agreement. "Yeah, sorry 'bout that, but we can't go screamin' our heads off and hopin' the army across the hill doesn't hear us or nothin'." He crouched down and took one of her shaking hooves in his hand. She started and looked up at him, quivering, but quiet. He gently rubbed along the bottom. "Easy there."

She trembled, but it was a new one. The underside of her hoof, her palm or frog, was sensitive, and it being rubbed gently made her mind wander. "M-maybe you're right. If the trees did this, there has to be a reason for it. They don't do things randomly..."

Fast gave a slow nod. "Feeling better? I'm sorry I hit you. Let's try to get some sleep. Maybe things will look better come the morning light."

Tree Hugger drew her hoof back, then flopped to the ground, still quivering lightly. The camp became quiet and dark. Only the light of the stars and moon shone down on them. Tree wasn't happy. Alone and chilly, she looked around. She tried Maud first, sliding up to her and trying to get in a little snuggle for warmth, but Maud wasn't available for that, and barely reacted. It was like cuddling a rock.

Tree moved for the other equine there, the one who's legs matched her own. She curled with Fast Shadow, who tensed at the touch, but didn't reject her. Tree hugged close and pressed into Fast's back, and the warrior pressed back. The worries of the moment began to melt in the shared space. Tree nipped an ear and held Fast tightly, and both surrendered to the need for slumber, with the coldness of the night banished for the time.

Maud woke first and took another bowl of soup before pouring the rest out and starting a new pot. She added the vegetables and roots that Fast had found the night before and cooked them up. The aroma quickly roused the others, pony and human alike.

Paul sat up. "I didn't know you cooked beside horse stuff."

Fast sat up out of Tree Hugger's legs. "Smells wonderful. Wonderful thing about soup,  just add things to water." She rolled up and Tree Hugger kicked up beside her. "Feeling better, Druid Hugger? You look better."

Tree quickly raised a leg into view, but it was a horse leg, not a pony leg. "Oh. I guess so. I'm a little harshed out, but I'm trying to be chill about it."

Maud nodded at Tree. "Be brave."

A nervous little giggle escaped her. "Be brave, yeah... I'll try, sister of stone. Let me have some of that righteous soup you're making and I'll head over to that city."

The serving spoon made the rounds, with little noises of appreciation rising towards the chef and Fast's keen eye for good food. Paul frowned towards the hill that separated them from the army. "Be fast, Tree Hugger. They're probably going to start snooping around here soon, from what Flint said."

"They'll be doing what we did, scavenging for food. An army only travels with so much. Sieges are rough on both sides, unless they have really good supply lines," explained Flint as he sat up. "Let's not be in their way."

Tree Hugger stood up. "Alright, I get the idea. I'll..." She trailed off with a frown. "What if it happens again?"

Maud brought her forehooves together silently. "Then you'll be more like Fast Shadow. If we get home, Then we can fix things. If you don't go, we never will. Is that what you want?"

Tree tried to feel out the emotions of the words, but they weren't there. Was she disgusted, encouraging, or angry? Tree didn't know. She lowered her head a little. "I'll be back." Turning away from them and stretching her forelegs wide, she invited that green power, even if it seemed to be changing her. More immediately, it changed her into a bird, the same she had become the day before. With a powerful flap of her new wings, she launched herself into the sky, and began her journey towards the city.

A familiar bird flew up to greet her as she sailed over the army. "Hi!" he cawed at her, but she could understand its meaning. "You're back and you didn't get killed by the ugly big things. That's good. Do you need to know where somewhere else is, today?"

She shook her head at the bird she assumed was lovestruck. "Nah, man. It's all good. I just need to get into the city." She directed towards the city with a beak.

He glanced where she directed. "That place used to be a good place to get food, but you can't get in anymore."

"That's where you're wrong, feathered dude. I'm totally getting in."

He flew around her in a circle. "You know a way in? Show me! I showed you something. You show me something. Then we're even, yes?"

She smiled internally at his excitement. "Far out, sure. I'll reveal the path for you, but you have to keep it a secret. Only me and my friends are allowed in." She flew in a little closer. "Good thing you're totally my friend."

He cackled. Birds of their sort were very capable of laughing. "Yes! I knew being a friend with you was the right choice. I can smell interesting things on you, pretty bird."

Was she pretty? She had been cute the day before. What made a bird either of those things still eluded her, but she accepted the compliment as given, and dived to the border of the city. She landed lightly on a cobbled street and hopped forward into the forbidden area. She felt a powerful presence brush through her being, and it let her past without challenge, but the voice returned when the other bird tried to follow her. ~Who is this?~

~Oh, he's totally my friend, dude. He's cool.~

~Very well.~

The voice seemed uninterested, or distracted. Either way, it had let them both in, so Tree spread her wings and flew up into the city itself. "See, we're in!"

The other bird flew after her with a triumphant caw. "We are! I wonder if the nice tall one has put out bread for us. This way."

Tree followed after him as her eyes swept over the city, trying to find places she could find the supplies she was charged with obtaining. "Hey, dude. There's something really heavy I have to lay on you. Do you trust me?"

He circled in place rather than go further. "What what? It can't be that bad. You're not already paired are you? All the good hens are!"

Tree wished for a moment her friend was there. She was so good with animals. "Nah, man. That isn't the problem. I'm not, like, a bird all the time."

"What?"

Tree descended to a street. "I'm going to become a pony, but I'm still your friend. I'll feed you, like I promised yesterday. Let's keep it cool, right?"

The bird landed on a fence nearby, tilting his head at her. "I don't think you can do that... But if so, fine! I don't talk pony though."

She nodded at him. "That's, like, totally cool man. Good friends don't need to talk." She released the magic, and became a pony before his startled eyes.

He took off in a hurry, leaving her behind. She sighed. "I thought that might happen..." She had a mission to get to, despite any scared birds, and she trotted along the street, looking for some shops to visit. She saw one that promised stables and feed and smiled a little as she wandered towards it. Just as she was about to pass inside, talons landed on her rump. She jumped a little and looked back to see her friend perched there. "Righteous..." They couldn't share words, but they didn't need to. Tree Hugger felt they were still friends, and trotted in with him.

A human stood behind the counter and looked over towards Tree Hugger with a raised brow. "Are you a pony?"

Tree perked her ears. "That I am."

"A druid?"

Tree tilted her head. "Is it that obvious?"

He chuckled a bit. "Well, ya got a damn bird parked on your butt like it belongs there. It was druid or wizard, at my guess, and I don't see any books, so that cuts it down to druid nicely. I don't rent out stables to ponies, even if they fit in them."

She waved a hoof. "Nah, that's cool, man. I'm here to pick up a week's worth of feed for five horses."

"What about your friend?" He gestured lightly at the bird. "We have some bird feed. A lot lighter than the huge load you plan on buying. Do you have a cart or something, miss?"

Tree looked a little baffled. "How heavy is the horse feed?"

He pushed up on the counter and reached back to grab a bag off the wall. "Here. One fit for a horse for one day's worth."

Tree Hugger advanced and reached up for it. It had a lot more weight than she had thought. Not beyond her means, but a week, for five horses... "Bummer..."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     17 - Wild Routes                      
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Tree Hugger reared up and put her hooves on the counter. "My friends are waiting for me with five horses just past all those angry guys circling the city. What do you suggest?" With her new positioning, her bird friend hopped up to perch on her head instead. "Oh, yeah, I'll take a week of bird feed."

He began to scoop from a large barrel into a smaller bag. "Well, that presents a mighty challenge, miss. Raiders that get up the nerve to try sieging the city rarely give up quickly, even with the Eye of the Ancients pounding into them. You must have some kinda trick or you wouldn't be here. Why not use that?"

She accepted the bag and mouthed out a handful to put on the ground, which her friend quickly began attacking with great enthusiasm. "I would, but I won't be much larger than him." She pointed to her bird friend. "We can't carry all of that." She surrendered some coins for the bird feed. "Maybe we'll just keep it small? Like, two days for five, ten days worth. How bad'll that be?"

He propped himself on the counter even as he got her some change. "Funny thing. Feed's heavy. Most people let their horses carry it for themselves and it works out. Nope, the way I see it, you're not going to get what you want today."

"Bummer," Tree Hugger softly repeated before she shook her head. "You've been totally righteous, man. Thanks for the straight dope." She turned away from the counter and smiled at her bird. "Come on, we can shop for other things."

Though his caw didn't make sense to her anymore, he seemed to understand her general statement, and hopped back onto her. She bore his weight gladly from the store. "Have a rad day!" She called out just before she rounded the corner.

"Good luck, miss," called out the proprietor before he rolled his eyes. "Ponies buying feed for horses. Wonder if she was going to eat it herself."

Tree trotted along to what looked like a shopping district, only to feel the familiar rush of a vision coming over her. She settled to the ground and tried to clear her mind with a slow whickering mantra, and it became clearer to her.

Fluttershy! Or what felt like her. "Wherever you are, Tree Hugger, I hope you're alright..." She sounded so sad and worried.

She reached out into the void between world that separated them. "Fluttershy... Righteous animal mare. I'm totally alright. Can you hear me? I'm alright."

"I-is that?" She suddenly vanished a moment, but appeared a moment later, coughing violently. "Tree Hugger! I'm trying to do what you do. It's hard!"

Tree Hugger tried to figure out what that meant, then it struck her. "No, girl. Trust in me, and stop that. You can totally throw off your energies smoking without knowing how."

"A-are you alright? Where are you? Is Maud Pie with you? Pinkie's so worried for her."

Tree couldn't see Fluttershy, simply feel her. The ragged edges of her aura placed there by her inexperienced journey into psychotropic drugs was easily felt. "Flutter, precious Flutter. Promise me you won't do this again. We're both here. We're totally cool, man. We'll figure out how to come back, I promise. No more. Promise."

"I-I... I won't... Please, be safe..." Fluttershy's presence faded from the space between worlds, and Tree Hugger settled back into her own body, fluttering her eyes open to find a hand on her head, softly petting her and cooing at her as if she were a stray animal in need of petting.

"--just the cutest thing," gushed the female. She looked human, but was thinner, and had pointed ears. "Are you lost, little pony?"

Tree Hugger tilted her head lightly. "Like, hey there." The human female jumped at her speech. "Could you show me a good place to get camping supplies?"

She stood up straight. "I thought you were... Nevermind that. Sorry if I offended."

Tree waved a hoof lightly. "It's all cool, man." She stood up and looked around, finding her bird on a nearby fence. He hopped over onto her back without asking and she smiled. "I need to do some shopping."

The human frowned a little. "I will assume you are ignorant, but I am no human, and certainly no man. I am an elf, and female beside. Is this your first time ever seeing one?"

Tree tilted her head at the elf. "Oh, way sorry. I'm not trying to crimp your style, you know?"

Her expression warmed, turning from the mild frown to her intrigued smile. "At least you have the decency to admit your failings, pony. I don't see many of your kind this far east, though I suppose I don't see many of my own kind, but this is the city of magic. It practically calls us, even if it is overrun by humans that think they understand anything. Now, camping supplies? A curious thing to need in a city, but there is such a place."

She directed Tree towards a place on the left side of the street, further down. "You'll want to go in there. He sells most of the 'outdoor' supplies. Mind your manners around his daughter. She's a little spitfire, and she tries to put one over on all the customers if she can get away with it, but you didn't hear that from me."

Tree Hugger nodded as she looked over the unassuming storefront. A sign with the outline of a tree dangled by its door, with writing on it in several languages, she guessed, but she could understand the one right at the top that proclaimed it to be The Forest Adventurer. She liked the sound of that, and thanked her new elf friend before trotting right for it. She felt a tugging at her neck and saw her bird friend was pulling at the bag that hung from it that held his seed.

"Are you hungry?" She considered him a moment. "You have such a bright aura, little friend. I think... I'll call you Bright Feather. Do you like that?" He cawed softly at her, then poked the bag with his long beak. "I'm with you, man." She nuzzled into the opening of the bag and pulled out some seed before laying it on the ground. Going to the store was put on pause as she watched her new friend enjoy his meal. "We can't talk, but we understand each other. We're grooving to the same beat." She nodded softly, and he nodded up at her. She inclined an ear at him curiously. "I feel like Flutter... Maybe I'm channeling a little bit of her righteous energy. Far out." She offered a hoof and Bright hopped up onto it, and from there to perch on her back.

Pushing into the store with a bit of a nuzzle, she was greeted with pleasant scents of incenses made to imitate the smell of pine and nature.

"Welcome to The Forest Adventurer. What can I get for you to send you on your way to excitement?" A lean man leaned on his counter, and his brows went up as he saw who was coming in. "A pony? I wasn't expecting that. Greetings, stallion!"

Tree put a hoof over her mouth. "Like, no way, man. I'm a mare." She didn't have it in her to be too angry at the man. Ponies didn't have the bumpy things to look for that humans did. "Nice to meet you." She looked around, seeing no sign of the daughter she was warned about. There were backpacks, rope, spikes, lanterns, and all manner of supply for a true outdoorspony to get along. "Your story is totally wicked. I'd like to get camping supplies for five people. We already have one pot and a set of utensils and things, so leave that out of one of them, alright?"

"My apologies miss. The moment you spoke, I realized my error." He pulled off his tricorne hat and tipped it in apology. "Now then, five adventuring kits, minus one pot and mess kit?" He scribbled on a paper easily with a quill he had closeby, "Comes with backpacks for yourself and your friends. Will you be wanting the rations as well? They're good to keep for a few weeks, assuming you keep them from getting wet."

She tilted her head slowly as she thought. "I think that's a good idea. Actually, we're all together, we don't all need pots. Make it one pot, but we'll keep the rations, man. Thanks. That'll bring us up to two pots."

He looked over her critically. "Are you a druid, ma'am?"

She looked over her shoulder to Bright. "Is he really that much of a giveaway? Do all druids have bird pets?"

"Not all," he confessed. "Many have big predatory animals for companions. All the better in battle. But when it comes to crows, they're smart birds. They only lurk around spellcasters, and you don't strike me as the book-learned variety."

Bright cawed softly at the man. He chuckled softly. "I was complimenting you, sir bird." He tossed a small strip of jerky to the ground, and Bright took flight, catching it before it could even land and circling around to land on Tree Hugger and begin tearing it apart with gusto. "Do you need torches then? Most spellcasters that come through get angry when I slip them in."

She raised a hoof. "You have a point, man. Let me try. Forces of green, you've been totally kind to me. Light the way, even if it's already day." She felt the urge to touch something, so she brushed her hoof on the bag of feed around her neck, which began to glow softly. "Righteous."

"No torches." He scribbled on his pad. "What of your companions?"

Before she could answer, she heard Bright take sudden flight from her. She felt a presence coming on her and wheeled around just in time for a small figure to hop right on top of her. The little monster dug in at her sides. "Giddyup little horsie!" demanded a shrill and excited little voice. "Kya!"

Tree Hugger proved to be no valiant steed, and looked over her shoulder at the young human... girl? She guessed girl from the voice. She didn't have the bumps she had grown used to looking for. She was bouncing up and down and trying to coax Tree Hugger into a mighty gallop, but that wasn't Tree's general groove. "Like, hey there, little filly. It's not polite to get all in someone's personal space."

The shopkeep hurried over and plucked the child off of Tree, apologizing the entire way. "I'm so sorry. This is my daughter, and she's in that, uh, phase. She didn't mean anything by it."

"Why won't she give me a ride! She's a horse! I wanna ride!"

He carried her away and got to ringing up Tree Hugger's order, with a mild discount for being jumped upon. Tree assured him it was forgiven. "It's cool. Little people are, like, the future." She smiled tranquilly. "Don't be too angry with her, just remind her it's not polite."

She emerged from the store, Bright Feather soaring out just behind her before landing on her head. She looked up at him. "I guess you have permission, little dude." She couldn't even speak to her bird friend. Asking Bright to obey personal space concerns felt laughable. She inspected her haul. She had a belt pouch with some plants in it. She wasn't sure what that was for, but it felt right. Her backpack bulged with all kinds of useful things, starting with a blanket and a bedroll. Sleeping outdoors would be much more comfortable in the future.

She nuzzled open another bag she had hanging from her to find it full of various things, and the green in her seemed to stir. They were things for spells. Somehow, she was sure of this, and drew it shut. She felt much more prepared than when she had arrived, and had supplies for everypony else beside! She just had to get back to them, feed in hoof or not.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 18 - While You Were Away                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Paul slid down from the tree he was in and almost fell over on the landing. His hands were shaking and his eyes wide. "There's riders comin'!" He pointed away from the city, in the direction they had come from.

Fast Shadow sucked air through her teeth in a hiss. "They could be reinforcements for the city, or someone looking for us. Everyone, off the road, now."

Moving was not as instant as could be desired, with their horses secured on tethers to not roam too far away. No more than half the horses were ready to move by the time the approaching thunder of the oncoming force was heard.

Flint guided his horse towards the cover of the trees hastily. "Riding this fast? They'll wear out their mounts at this rate."

"Halt there!" A rider, ahead of the force, had arrived, rearing his horse to a stop. "Identify yourselves!" The man drew a bow with fluid grace and had it directed at Flint, an arrow already knocked.

Deciding to not make a target of himself, Flint slowed to a stop. "Just travelers, m'lord. Waiting out the conflict up ahead."

"Most travelers aren't in the company of such exotic looking mounts." His eyes wandered over Maud and Fast Shadow. "Wait a tic, are those ponies?"

Maud nodded at him. "Yes."

Fast Shadow put a hoof to her face as the man scowled. "I thought the description was a wild fabrication. You're under arrest, for the assassination of his Lordship. Put your hands up or I'll just do the job m'self."

Maud tilted her head at him. "I don't have hands."

He let an arrow loose, landing beside her left forehoof with a thud. "I don't care what you call them. Get them up." As he reached for another arrow, Maud became a streak.

She bolted forward and jumped onto the rider, crashing her hooves down the man's shoulder with the force of a flung boulder. They both crashed down from the horse, but Maud remained standing, while the rider was sent sprawling to her feet. "We don't want to fight, but we will do it and win if we have to."

Flint took the chance to vanish into the forest. Fast looked quickly before moving to join him. "Move."

The archer scowled up at Maud. "You're not getting away."

She kicked his bow away, then ran. As she slipped into the cover of the trees, she heard the subtle whistle of an arrow and spun around with a hoof extended, connecting with the lethal projectile and breaking it to pieces. Paul suddenly rushed past her, his horse trailing behind him. It was an awkward reminder. She hadn't brought her horse.

Thoughts of returning for the animal were quickly squashed as arrows began to rain around her. Other riders had caught up. The entire area had become too dangerous to risk it. She fell to all fours facing away from them and began running through the trees, dodging around the thick trunks that would double as cover.

Her flight was interrupted by the sounds of an uncooperative horse, and Paul's quiet but urgent pleadings. He appeared to be trying to coax the horse forward and failing to get the mount through a patch of brambles. She veered towards him in a sharp turn and pointed up to the horse's back. "Get on." He nodded before quickly climbing up clumsily into the saddle. She landed just in front of him with a strong jump and nudged the horse with her hind legs. "Go."

Her confidence, or perhaps her simple stability gave her horse reason enough to move forward, navigating the underbrush and thorns to reach the clear path beyond.

Fast waved to them from around a tree. "Over here. We're far enough."

Maud guided her new horse towards Fast, to find her and Flint had both come to a stop together.

Flint nodded to her and Paul as they came into view. "Glad you made it, and not an arrow in anyone. Not so bad, even if we lost 2 horses for it."

Fast let out a slow sigh. "Quick thinking back there, Maud. That worked out better than I imagined it would."

Sliding off his horse to the ground, Paul looked increasingly worried. "How's Tree gonna find us, what with us run off an' all?"

Maud looked up towards the dense canopy above. "She'll figure it out." Her eyes returned to her companions. "What now?"

Flint threw up his hands. "A grand question. I was just gettin' used to that camp, but we knew it was temporary."

Fast looked over the trees surrounding them before selecting one to approach. She reared up to two legs, then began to scale. She wasn't as fast a human might be, but she seemed sure and steady as she hooked forehooves around the thicker branches and hauled herself upwards and pushed off the same with her powerful hind legs when the opportunity was given.

Paul watched her ascend a moment. "I didn't know horses could do that."

Flint shrugged. "Good thing she ain't a horse then, ain't it? Paul, you gotta start gettin' some learnin' in ya before you get one of us killed."

The other human's expression fell. "It ain't that I'm against learnin' or nothin'. What am I supposed to do? You gonna show me how ta be a ranger overnight?"

"Are ya willin' to learn?"

Paul went quiet, and slid against a tree to the ground. In a small voice, he said, "I don't wanna die, or get no one killed."

A hoof settled on his shoulder and he looked up into the impassive face of Maud. "Do what you can. Don't do what you can't. That's all anypony can do."

He chuckled a little, which turned into a hysterical touch of laughter. "Yer right, of course. It's still... kinda stupid." He sat up. "Thanks. Uh, Maud, so what do you think I should be doin' then?"

Maud lifted her shoulders. "What did you already do?"

He tapped his pointer fingers together, eyes turning to the ground. "Well, ah was pretty good at manual labor, farmin', you know? Ah liked to go lookin' around, with mah friend." He looked up to Flint, who seemed to be trying to make a shelter of some sort. "I never found a faerie treasure before, but then we found you." He put a hand to his head. "Shoulda known. It's how the stories go. Ya get rich fast, or your life's turned into a nightmare."

She stared at him for a quiet moment that stretched on a bit longer than he would have liked. "What?"

"Am I a Nightmare?"

He shook his head quickly. "N-no! Yer..." He smiled a little. "Yer amazin'. Ya try to do the right thing, even when yer neck's on the choppin' block. Yer moves are so..." He made a bit of a faux punch into the air back and forth. "I can't even follow them, but you don't wanna hurt no one. Even after ya work someone over, ya never really hurt someone. Ya know?" He pushed up to his feet and started dusting himself off. "No, I'm the one botchin' it all up. I wish I was as great as you were, Maud."

She tilted her head. "You want hooves?"

The absurdity of the question struck him in the gut. He burst into laughter. "If it meant learning how ta be that amazin', maybe. But even I know it don't work that way, so I'll keep mah hands, right?"

She turned to display her tail. "Do you want a tail?"

"No, no! It's none of that. It ain't your, you know, body."

She shrugged softly. "What is it?"

Flint turned from his lean-to. "He wants somethin' more precious than that. Yer knowledge, and spirit. He's jealous, lass." He gave the primitive structure a little shake. "Not in a bad way, mind. Though I bet he wouldn't mind being as solid as y'are."

Maud looked to Flint and back to Paul. "Learn and practice."

Paul smiled ruefully. "Isn't that the truth of it all, ain't it?"

"It is."

Flint sank down beside his new home, meager as it was. "It is. She ain't lyin'. Ya think I was born knowin' how to hunt? Me father traded services with another hunter, to take me under 'is wing and show me the ropes. Cost them both a lot ah time, but ah like ta think I'm puttin' it to some use."

Fast came sliding down the trunk, descending faster than her first climb as she slid down to each solid branch. "I think they've moved on to the city. The old camp site's still too dangerous. Other reinforcements could be coming."

Maud turned towards the city hidden by the forest. "Do you think Tree Hugger is alright?"

Fast snorted as she gave a firm nod. "She doesn't look it, but she has a keen head on her shoulders. She said she'd have to rest. She has enough money to get a room. By the gods, she'll rest better than we will, tonight."

Maud tilted her head. "She's never been in a human city before. Neither have I."

Flint shrugged. "She ever been in any city?"

"Canterlot."

"Never heard of the place." Flint rose up and began kicking out a clear space. "Evening's settin' in. I'm gonna get a small fire goin' so we don't freeze to death at least. Maud, Fast, see if ya can't rustle up something worth eatin'? Uh, no rocks today, kindly."

"Your loss." Maud trotted out into the forest.

Fast clapped Paul on the shoulder. "Come on. I'll show you what to look for. No time like the present to learn how to survive, and how to help."

Paul started away from the bipedal pony. "What? Really? Won't I slow you down fierce?"

She fell to all four before she shrugged. "We'll make do. Put your thoughts to listening and helping. We'll get something for our bellies, and your mind." She turned away from the new camp and headed deeper into the forest. After a moment of hesitation, Paul hurried to catch up with her.

She went slower than she normally would, and began pointing out the signs she'd look for to find easily plucked leaves, berries and roots that could satisfy a hunger without killing the person foolish enough to eat the wrong thing. "If you see spots on the leaves, avoid them. If they're slick to the touch, avoid it. Look at all rotten? Avoid that too. Half of this skill is learning what not to try to stuff in your mouth. For now, gather, but don't taste. I'll check them all before we get to eating anything." She knocked a hoof against a tree. "Learn this one well. Its roots are actually rather delicious, if you can find the good ones. Doesn't generally kill you either, as a plus." She dug in the ground and pulled out a fat knot of them, adding to her collection. "Just remember, you, my friend, are a human. That's an advantage. You get to pick things up and look them over before they ever get close to your mouth. Use that advantage."

Paul nodded along with her instructions as he plucked at berries and fruits at eye level that looked tasty enough. Half of it would be thrown away when they got back to camp, but that meant half wouldn't be. He had helped, and it made him a little prouder for the effort.


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                       19 - Lodgings                       
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As evening settled over the city, many of the tall lantern posts around Tree began to light themselves up. The flame appeared with a soft click, banishing the dimming light of day in a brilliant display of wealth. The entire city seemed to be well-lit and ready to weather the evening without so much as a bit of shadow bothering them. Even Canterlot had less complete coverage in artificial light, from what Tree Hugger could recall. "Far out..."

She looked around slowly as people seemed to become more active, rather than less, as the evening hours set in. The flow of the city felt alien to her, but the sounds and smells... Some of them drew at her, and she began to wander. Bright gave a soft caw and tapped at her back. "What is it, little dude?" He could only caw and stare at her. Surely he meant something by it, and she frowned that she didn't comprehend what it might be.

"We have to teach you how to talk, little dude. That'd be wicked."

She felt the presence of another approaching and turned to see a man in green tunic and pants approaching. He had a wild mane and beard, though seemed well-enough cared for every other way. He was moving directly for her, his brown eyes set on her. "Tree singer, hold there."

Tree tilted her head. "That's Tree Hugger, but that's pretty close for never having met before. What's up?"

He seemed surprised at that. "I meant that as more of a generic moniker, miss." He knelt down to more of her level. "Are you speaking to your companion?"

She looked over her shoulder at Bright, then back at the man. "Trying to. Why, are you a translator?"

A smile showed through his beard. "Of a sort. We are kin, you and I. Nature itself is our mother, and the challenge of survival, our father."

Tree Hugger gave a slow nod. "Radical. Can you hear the song of the trees then?"

He stroked that thick beard. "I can, and the chatter of the animals, the flow of the earth, and so many other parts of nature's grand symphony. It was perhaps fate that drew us here. I hadn't intended to stay longer than the day when the siege descended and made travel precarious. I would also see what destruction this brings and seek to minimize it. Such is our duty, after all."

Tree tilted her head slowly. "Is it?"

He seemed surprised at her response, and spoke a word in a dialect she didn't comprehend. When she just stared at him further, a frown spread over his features. "Who introduced you to these circles?"

She shook her head placidly. "Like, no one, man. I learned the song of the trees when I was young. They felt so... alive and righteous. Other ponies just saw trees, but I saw more. I saw friends. All the animals and plants have their place in the weave of life, even ponies." She smiled up at him. "Or humans."

He gave a single nod. "You speak truly, but your training is worryingly sparse. Your heart is in the right place, and your mind, clearly ready, but you know nothing of the druidic traditions. I confess, I wouldn't think someone so ill-learned could get as far as you clearly have." He gestured gently at Bright Feathers. "Your companion is a mark of your power. He has grown strong and powerful compared to others of his kind in thanks to his bond to you."

Bright gave a soft caw and spread his wings wide as if displaying them to the man. He laughed at it. "Yes, I can see. You were surely powerful before you met her, or she would not have selected you for the honor." Bright seemed mollified by his answer and ruffled his feathers.

Tree's ears danced between the two. "Woah, you can talk to him? Wicked!"

He nodded as he rose back to his full height. "I can. He understands you. A clever bird, he may even learn how to speak back in time. I've become so distracted, I haven't even introduced myself." He bowed to her deeply. "A pleasure to meet you, Tree Hugger. I am Harold of the Oak, initiate of the seventh circle. And I would take you aside, if you allow. There are so many little things you must learn if you are to be a druid."

She tapped her chin. "I was already a total 'tree singer' before I got here. Why would I need to do extra things just for a title?"

"With understanding, comprehension. You walk the path, but know not its purpose or measure. I will not turn you from it. Nature itself forbid it. We are kin, as I said." He put a hand to his chest. "Two or four legs matters little. I've spent a fair amount of time on four myself. If nothing else, you should know how to greet your comrades, and to converse in a way that preserves our secrets. Not every song of nature is meant to be passed on."

She seemed to consider this a moment. "Alright, Harold. I like the vibes I'm getting from you. Lead the way. Like, I need a place to stay the night too."

He snapped his fingers in a uniquely humanoid sound. "Then we'll take care of two things at one. Come, there are things to learn." He turned and began leading the way. "'Tis unfortunately rare that I come across ponies. They are a kind species, and usually gentler to nature than others that would build cities. Not without their rough edges, of course. No people that can claim to be 'civilized' can avoid it entirely."

Tree Hugger nodded politely, even if the meaning of some of it went over head head. "Like, sure. Are there other ponies around here?"

"Within the city? I know of one. He works as a guard." Harold glanced over his shoulder. "Hardly work fitting a pony, but it allows him to survive, and he does it well. That is nature's way."

A little frown came over Tree Hugger. "Just one? He must be lonely."

"He found a companion." He pushed open the door to some kind of tavern or inn. There were a few huddles of people around tables, and another behind a bar, but Harold moved past them with scarcely a look. As he stepped onto the stairs, a sharp whistle called out.

"Bagged yourself a damn horse? Druids got exotic tastes." One of the patrons jeered at Harold, wagging his brows in quite the suggestive fashion.

Harold ignored him, and ascended the stairs. Tree Hugger looked over at the man with some confusion before trotting up behind Harold a moment later. "Some people can be so gnarly at times," she grumbled softly.

He waved a hand towards her. "Pay them no mind. They cannot even hear the song of their own heart, let alone that of nature itself. Here we are." He produced a key and soon had a door open, leading into a simply-appointed room with a bed, washing bin, mirror, and little else. It was a place to sleep, and it had some privacy. "Welcome."

She stepped inside and softly kicked the door behind herself. Bright Feathers took flight and perched on top of the mirror easily, looking down at them. He cawed and flapped his wings loudly before folding them back up and cawing again.

Tree Hugger tilted her head at her companion. "What is it, little guy? Are you hungry?" She hadn't fed him since lunch, so she produced a mouthful of seed for him to peck at. "Now then, lay it on me, Harold."

Harold sank onto the edge of the bed. "A curious turn of phrase, but fitting. The language of nature itself, or so we prefer to think. Druids know the language, and to tell anyone else is to forsake being a druid. Can you keep this entirely to yourself?"

Tree felt a stirring in her. The green pulsed through her body, urging her gently towards this. "Like, I think the trees want me to. Lay it on me," she repeated with a little smile. "And thanks."

The evening passed with words far too secret to be written here. Their time was short, so he stuck to the most important phrases, while slipping in little tidbits of the path druids must walk. "It is not enough to hear nature. We must champion its message. We are her paladins, as sure as any crusader."

Tree tilted her head. "But nature is, like, everything, man. It loves you, and will eat you. It forgives, and punishes."

He held up a finger. "True, and this is why we must hold balance in ourselves. Wild zealotry does not befit us, save to keep the dance continuing. The song must be sung, be it a gentle lullaby or a raging fury. Even its worst storms have a purpose, so, even if you gain the power, don't turn them aside easily. You may do more harm than you understand. Learn, comprehend, and keep the song going."

She clopped her forehooves together as she curled her lower legs, assuming a meditative pose. "I can totally dig that, man. That's how this whole far out adventure began."

He looked at her quizzically, so she continued, "I was called to move a tree. This totally sweet oak was parked where it shouldn't have been. It was in pain, er, he. He preferred he." She smiled at the memory. "I was going to move him, and shook something loose beneath him, and it took me and my friend here, to this place."

"Where is your friend now?"

Tree sighed gently. "She's stuck outside the city. It's a total drag, but this war is really stressing us out. I got a lot of supplies for them and I need to get it back to them."

He raised a brow high. "Why don't you bring it to them now? You clearly have a way inside the city."

She nodded quickly. "Well, yeah man, but it's too heavy for me to carry as a bird like Bright Feathers."

He reached under his bed and pulled out a staff that he used to prop himself up quickly. "Nature has done you quite a turn this evening. Come, we'll get your supplies to your friend, and I can continue my journey."

Tree Hugger turned for the window, to the dark of the sky beyond, even if the city was illuminated. "I'm getting tired, man..."

He spoke words in that odd nature's tongue and tapped her on the snout. The sleepiness lifted from her abruptly. "Woah."

"Woah indeed." He smiled. "I remember the first time I felt that. Come. There's business to tend to. I'll take your excess weight." He reached for the backpacks arrayed beside her and hefted them up onto his own back.

Tree hugger gave a stiff nod. "Well, alright, but I can't go all bird again. I don't feel the energy."

"Worry not." Harold rolled his shoulders. "Let's get outside. I'll carry you all, if you can show me the way to go."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                20 - A Plan Comes Together                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Harold stepped from the inn, shoulders rolling under the backpacks he bore. "Alright, Tree Hugger, which way?"

She licked over her lips as she looked around in a slow circle. "The magic dude only talked to me when I tried to pass through, you know, to reach the city."

"And you have leave to bring others with you?"

She nodded lightly. "Me and my friends."

"Then it's good that we are friends." He offered a hand. "It's time to ascend."

"Aren't you going to go all big and birdy?" She tilted her head, unsure. "How do we get up?"

"Taking the form of a beast is only one trick of many for our kind." He put a hand on her shoulder, and she felt a tingle of familiar green power pulse through her, far stronger than what she could conjure. "Simply climb, as you would any stairs."

Tree gave him a skeptical look tinged with wonder before she raised a hoof and brought it down, only to find it settled several inches above the ground. She raised her other forehoof to join it, then stepped up onto the invisible platform. "Far out... But now I'm not that far up?"

"Then do it again, until you are." He stepped up, with every footfall bringing him higher and higher. "Let's go out of range and hopefully sight of hostile archers, and you'll be reunited with your friends shortly.

Bright Feathers rode on Tree as she began climbing up what seemed like an invisible slope, or stairs. She quickly caught up with him and they went together higher and higher into the sky in a slow spiral. When they went high enough to almost be even with the tallest tower, she felt the powerful presence shoving its way into her mind.

~Retrieved whatever you needed? Good, begone with you. Who is that beside you?~

Tree paused in her climbing, frowning against the booming voice. ~Like, a friend, a fellow druid. We're leaving.~

~Fine fine. Don't come back. One time is enough of a favor.~

~Peace out, man~ And it was gone, leaving Tree's head the room it needed to recover. "We're clear to go."

Harold nodded as he resumed his climb. "The voice you likely heard came from there." He indicated the huge tower that dominated the others. "The ruler of this city gains the right to occupy the highest point. Wizards and arcane sorts claim it gives them power. In my opinion? All bragging rights. An eagle can claim dominance from the sky, but that claim will prove hollow in the jaws of a bear."

Tree tilted her head lightly. "Fluttershy would be really bummed out at that analogy."

"Who is that?"

Tree smiled gently. "Another druid, I guess. She's totally into animals of all kinds. She can speak to them. It's her special gift, just like I hear the song of trees."

"Would that I could meet her. I trust she doesn't know the nature's tongue either?" He paused and looked down. "Darkness is our ally tonight. We're high enough that we should be impossible to see."

"Nah man. I didn't even know that was a thing until you told me about it." She looked down, following his gaze to see the camp around the city was difficult to pick out anywhere the torches were far from. "Woah, what if she does know about it, but thought she shouldn't tell me about it?"

Harold chuckled softly as he began to stride across the air, heading out of the city. "Then you should greet her. If she responds, she knows. If not, she does not. If she follows the druidic ways in ignorance, then you will pass on what I have taught you. As the cycles of nature, the student becomes the teacher. It's only natural."

Tree Hugger gave a sleepy little giggle. "Natural is our path, isn't it, man?"

He stepped a little lower, putting her head in easy reach and moving to pet her lightly over an ear. "It is not an easy path, but it is a pleasure to know I walk it in good company."

She considered brushing him off, but his aura felt warm and relaxing, and whatever complaints she had felt too distant. She gave a little nod and walked with renewed tranquility. Walking the path was indeed easier with good company.

"I'm afraid our ways part here." Howard pointed ahead. "Just keep walking until you don't see the camps, then come down. Don't stay in the air longer than you have to. The spell's power will fade, and that would be a poor way to leave a new friend. I have business to tend to." The backpacks he held were shrugged off and given back to Tree Hugger. Though she couldn't dream of flying with them as a raven, bearing them as a pony was something she could do. He started descending as if it were a spiral staircase.

Tree tilted her head at him. "Aren't you a bit close to the camp?" He didn't reply, or seem concerned. She let him go, and trotted onwards, until the camp was lost to sight, and she felt safe to come down. A little idea came to her and she smiled as she settled on her haunches. Bright Feathers flapped up to her head when her back lowered. "Ready for a wild ride?" He just tilted his head at her quizzically.

She shoved off the invisible surface and imagined sliding down a hill, and she began slipping and sledding on her haunches with a grin across her face and wind rushing through her dreads along the way. It wasn't the safest way, but it did carry her until she hit actual dirt and skidded to a halt. She slowly stood up with a stretch. "That was radical... You alright, Bright?" A soft caw told her he was still present and well.

The road that stretched ahead of her was familiar. She was fairly certain it was the one she had hiked along, but where had her friends gone? She hiked up and down it to be sure she found the right place, and though she could find signs of their old camp, her friends were not occupying it.

A shred of clothing caught her eye and she moved for it to find a grey tatter of cloth. Was it from Maud? With a scowl, Tree Hugger trotted off into the darkened forest, hoping her friend might be ahead, and not a hungry beast.

She would be so lucky. Several wolves stalked closer just out of sight. Despite her usually spaced out appearance, Tree Hugger's senses were sharp when it came to certain things, like the approach of those wolves. "Not cool, man. I'm not your dinner."

One of the canines stepped from the darkness with a low growl, but it faced her, studying her as she studied it.

"Not cool," she repeated as she stood up tall. She could feel the hungry presence of the wolf, challenging her for the right of survival. Who was she, to demand her right to survive was greater than theirs? She nuzzled into one of the packs that was destined for her human friends and pulled out some dried meat, tossing it before the wolf.

It was snapped up and devoured. It wouldn't feed their entire pack, but it was enough to sway the argument without words in her favor. The wolf stalked onwards, looking for other prey and abandoning her as a target.

Bright landed on her head and leaned over to look at her upside down. She smiled. "Do you think I'm tripping for arguing with a wolf?" He cawed at her, and her smile deepened. "Maybe. But I won. Let's keep our eyes open for my friends."

There it was! She saw flecks of blood and new shreds of clothing. Her friends had certainly come this way. "I hope they're alright..."

She pushed through the brambles that refused to bite at her, as if they weren't even there at all, neither hurt for her passing. New smells began to tease at her as she went from hint to hint, tracking her friends diligently.

Light was starting to tease through the canopy by the time she circled the large tree and smiled with relief. They were all beside the smoldering remains of a fire. They were all safe.

Maud woke instantly and rolled up to her belly, looking at Tree Hugger a moment before nodding. "Welcome back."

Tree rushed her and hugged her fiercely about the neck. "I thought something might have happened to you, sister of stone."

Their words stirred the others. Flint was the next to rouse. "Tree Hugger? 'sthat you? And you have supplies! Bless your furry little body." He scrambled to his feet. "What'd you get?"

Tree gladly passed out each pack to a person or pony. They wouldn't have to sleep on the floor anymore, and had actual rations for a change. "I couldn't get the horse food. It was way heavy."

Fast frowned at the news. "You did good, Tree. You did exceptionally well. I'm loathe to get rid of the horses. The speed is valuable. We've squandered so much time as it is."

Tree looked around and did a quick counting. "Where's my horse, and Maud's?"

Maud shook her head. "We had to go."

Paul chuckled at that. "That's puttin' it mildly. We were bein' chased by a storm of arrows. Lucky we got outta there while we could."

Flint waved at the horses. "We have three left. Enough to carry us, if we don't mind doubling up."

Fast circled the camp, kicking dirt over the fire pit. "Let's pair good riders with inexperienced ones. Maud, you have a powerful empathy with them, it seems, you should pair up with someone who doesn't."

Maud pointed at Tree. "Let's go."

Tree was quite delighted to be picked. "Sister, you honor me. Let me feed the horses first, especially since we aren't feeding ourselves for a change." She hurried off and returned with a hoof full of berries. She fed two to each horse, gaining little nickers of appreciation.

Fast put a hoof over her face. "Right. It's easy to forget we have magic as an option. We keep the horses then. Let's get riding to the crypt and put this place as far behind us as we can before we get swept up into it."

Flint hiked a thumb at Paul. "Come on, you can ride with me. I've been stuck with you long enough, made me used to it, ah reckon."

They hopped on their horses, with only Fast getting a horse to herself. At her lead, they wove their way from the forest, heading directly in the direction of the crypt she wanted to explore, and distancing themselves from the siege and its worrying politics. "Thank the gods we don't have to worry about that anymore. They also shouldn't be looking for us so close to the town after spotting us this far afield. It should be relatively smooth sailing." Fast looked over her shoulder. "Assuming we don't meet a terrible end in the crypt, of course."

Paul gave a nervous little laugh. "O-of course..."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              21 - To Adventure, Past Danger               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Being supplied had a noticeable effect on the morale of the party. Being down two horses did little to damper their uplifted spirits. They rode swift and fast, at least as fast as the forest they navigated allowed. For the first day, they avoided roads entirely, which slowed their travel, but they didn't have to spend time foraging that night, and enjoyed covering against the chill of the air, and soft cushioning against the chill and discomfort of the earth below.

The dawn of the next day saw them packing up their new belongings and chatting softly. The tension they didn't realize had been building had been broken in some small way. They weren't just throwing their lives away to misery.

Paul slung his backpack firmly into place. "Funny thing. The bedding's better than we had back at the village."

Flint laughed. "I shouldn't be laughin' at that, 'cause it's true. Y'see, blankets like this, y'gotta take care of. Straw you just replace, and it's cheap."

Fast hopped up onto her horse and pet its neck gently. "Adventuring can offer you a very comfortable life, provided you can keep living. We're a team, don't forget that. Working together, we'll keep our lives longer. Separate, we all get to die in equally lonely graves."

"That metaphor's' kind of gnarly, sister." She slid into place behind Maud. "We know we're together in this. We'll all make it alright, together."

Flint agreed as he urged his horse forward. "Together. You remember that, Paul? Even if you don't think you have a lot to contribute, you will, and you could be what separates us from that whole grave thin' she was goin' on about."

Paul shrugged without as much conviction. "I'll try, I promise, but I'm a damn farmer, not a warrior, or a wizard." He wriggled the fingers of one of his hands. "Now that'd be somethin', just slingin' magic around n' such. I ain't a holy warrior. You remember that paladin that came through that one time? He was so..."

"He was something." Flint glanced back at his companion. "Don't envy them. Paladins get eaten up inside. Living by impossible standards they can barely keep up with themselves, let alone the people around 'em. They never die old."

Fast took a slight turn, angling onto a forest path that took them at an angel past the village they had fled. "Unfortunate, but often true. I have a good friend, Steel Prism. A pony with a braver heart I don't know. He would throw his life away if it meant fulfilling his goal, and he's come damn close on more than one occasion."

Tree tilted her head. "Why didn't he come with you, Fast Shadow? It sounds like your groovy endeavor is totally up his alley."

Fast let out a long sigh. "Yes, it does... He was loyal to the queen, may the Sun Queen shine warmly on her soul. With her parting, he'd rather protect her rest than seek out a new queen. He's going down with the ship, as they say. He devoted himself to her and her cause long ago, and a little thing like dying won't turn him away from  her." She looked over at the two other ponies. "He loves her. True love, the kind they write about in sappy romances. They never touched, so far as I have ever known, and they never will, but he'll sooner die than let a grave robber disturb her, just as he shielded her body in life. He won't surrender until he has to. If the gods have any mercy at all, any shred, he'll find her there, in the sunny plains of the Sun Queen. He'll find her, and they'll marry there. There won't be anything keeping them apart. No duty, no--" She pulled up short as another horse stampeded across her in a bolt, bearing its rider into the forest as they had done. "What in Blaze's name?"

Maud looked towards where the man had fled. "He's gone now. We should go ahead."

Flint nodded. "Sure enough. No point wonderin' about other travelers if they ain't causin' us no trouble."

Fast held up a hoof with a frown. "No, where there's someone being chased, there's often someone doing the chasing."

Her words didn't wait long to be shown true. Thundering down the same dim trail were two riders, pale and cloaked, but little else. The skeletal figures laughed shrilly as they seemed to focus on the party, veering from their original destination and making motions as if drawing weapons. Though no sword came free of their empty scabbards, lengths of wicked red energy erupted from their clenched fists.

Paul pointed with a shaking finger. "R-r-revenants! Gods above and below!"

Flint reared his horse away. "When th'hell did ya learn one abomination from another?"

Fast pushed her lance down, clicking it to face forward while she was mounted on her horse, ready to battle. "Too late to complain, we battle, unless you know something useful." She goaded her horse into a full gallop, charging at the undead beast directly.

Maud pointed down. "Get off. You'll be safer." Tree hopped down to the side, allowing Maud to charge behind Fast. "I have the one on the right."

Fast barked out a laugh. "One on the right? We'll be lucky if we put one of them down, from the look of them." She crashed against the first, driving her lance satisfyingly into its ribs until its red sword cleaved, knocking it aside and cutting into her own shoulder as they passed one another.

Maud jumped high from her horse, leaping over the deadly attack of her chosen prey and coming down on its horse. She brought her forehooves down together on its back, rocking it forward as it laughed cruelly. "Is that all you have? A battering won't trouble me." He brought up his sword to parry the next hoof strike, only to catch another across his rotting face. It all seemed to spur on his laughter.

Tree circled in place in worry as Fast clashed against her combatant, faring poorly as well. "Oh man. I'm... I'll help, promise." She put up a hoof. "Trees! I need your help! I need your help so totally right now. Send me something, anything, just something righteous." Green swirled violently around her before a wolf sprang from the earth itself and grabbed at the legs of Fast's revenant, sending it and its mount tumbling to the ground suddenly.

Bright Feathers suddenly cawed and launched off of Tree as the undead fell. Before the creature could rise, he drove his beak into its cloudy eye-socket and plucked the eye free to toss aside. The revenant howled with fury and rose to the embrace of the two angry animals, clawed and tearing at it.

Fast wheeled around and came charging down on the rotting figure while it was distracted, driving her lance deep into its fetid belly. "Good show, Tree Hugger."

Maud suddenly hit the ground, tossed there cruelly by her combatant. Freed, the other undead rode on without its companion, pursuing the man that had crossed their paths. "Ow." She looked savaged. Where the sword hadn't left vicious cuts, it looked like it ran its dirty claws across her hide in ragged wounds.

Paul nudged Flint. "Shouldn't we help?"

"With what? I don't have something to hit them with."

With a roar of fury, the revenant grabbed up the wolf and crushed it in its hand. It exploded in a mist of red and green magic as it ceased to be.

Maud was already climbing to her hooves and moving to charge the beast despite her wounds. Tree looked horrified and charged Maud instead, entreating the kindness of nature and slapping her on the way past. The worst of her wounds looked a bit less urgent, not that Maud checked for them.

Despite the urging to stay back, Paul slid off his horse and grabbed the longest stick he could put his hands on and came ambling up across from the others, face pale with fright despite his approach.

Just as Fast lunged for it, it gave out a shriek of loathing and pure hatred. Bright Feathers flew higher and away, suddenly cowed from approaching. Fast's lance glanced off of it, driven off target as she grimaced against the supernatural force trying to subdue her.

Maud showed no reaction, as was her way, and came sliding in to knock its feet out from under it and send it crashing back to the earth. Paul brought down his pole of a stick, driving it roughly against the creature until it broke in a sudden splintering, little more than kindling in his arms and several uneven pieces that fell to the ground.

The creature grabbed Paul as he staggered in and drew him to the ground. "Pathetic whelp. Get out of the way of justice," rasped the unliving creature. Paul barely got time to yelp before he was slammed to the ground, slipping from consciousness on impact. Green swirled beside them as a hyena appeared with the green swirl of Tree's power and bit savagely at its leg, pulling and tearing.

Fast withdrew, putting some distance. "If it grabs you, you're done for."

Maud didn't seem to take the advice to heart as she pummeled against the zombie-like figure, getting thick blood to splatter against the ground and her own clothing as she struck in quick successive strikes, but even she could tell the creature's claims hadn't been bravado. She wasn't crushing its bones and organs as she might a living thing. She bruised the flesh, and it seemed to not care about that so much.

Flint was on it out of nowhere. His face was a mask of fury, and he tackled it, wrestling with it on the ground with a sudden intensity. Fast's eyes went wide. "Mad men, both of them! Maud, can you pin it?"

Maud dove into the fray as it swung out its claws, catching her across the face in several bloody lines. She grabbed the same arm at the wrist in her jaw even as she swayed, dizzy from pain and blood loss. The hyena bit and grabbed, seeming to be trying to help hold it down, but it wouldn't give up easily.

With the melee devolving into a frantic wrestling match, Fast jumped off her horse. "Stay." She didn't stay to check on the animal, moving to bring up her hooves and swing out the claws she wore on them.

Tree reached out from out of the thing's wild swings and gently banished some of Maud's hurts. "That's all I have, sister of stone, please, be careful."

Flint tried to hold one hand down, grunting. "I... think she's... trying her best..."

Maud nodded before she flexed her arms in a sudden takedown, pressing the beast to the ground and trying to hold it immobile, but it was too powerful, shrugging out of her grip in time to catch a hoof-driven claw. "Die already! Die!" Fast brought down her other hoof, piercing its decaying flesh.

Flint grabbed its discarded red blade and drove it into the beast under the chest. It suddenly howled and writhed in pain. The red quickly faded out, becoming little more than a hilt that itself fell to shreds of metal, then ash. The revenant went still. "T-tree, quickly, please, Paul!"

Tree circled with a worried expression as she put a hoof on her downed companion. "I know death is a part of life, but not like this. Not here. Don't let him go." A green spark jumped from her, but little seemed to happen.

Still, he breathed. He was alive. It would have to be enough.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              22 - Bravery is not Competency               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Sore, bleeding, and exhausted, the party drew off the little trail. Flint carried Paul carefully. "Damn idiot. You didn't need to do that. Ya didn't even help!"

Maud raised a brow lightly. "That's not true. He slowed it down, got you to move, and without him, I would have been its target."

Tree winced in the memory. "It could have killed you. Completely uncool." She sank to her belly in their chosen resting area a moment, too frazzled to even draw out her bedroll. "Is everyone alright?"

Flint sank down and gently laid out Paul. "Yeah, fine, I guess. Can't ya make some of them healing berries?"

Tree frowned slightly. "I would, but feeding them to him now is a totally bad idea. He can't chew."

Fast circled the camp, scouting for something. "She's right. He can't eat them. Still, go ahead and make them. May as well feed the horses while we're bedding down."

Flint gestured at Maud. "Shouldn't she be givin' them ta Maud, or you? You both look like you were dragged half way to hel and back."

Maud shrugged. "I'll be fine. We don't have horse food."

Tree sighed softly. "I'd rather be helping you all. You were righteous out there... I barely did anything."

Fast snorted and turned to Tree. "Barely anything? You saved Maud twice over, and Paul may be out, but he's here thanks to you. Your animals may not have dispatched the undead outright, but they were incredibly useful. I was less useful than you, Tree Hugger. I failed in the most obvious way imaginable." She grunted as she turned back away. "Always carry different weapons. A lance is powerful, sure, but a long sword would have carved through that dead flesh a lot easier."

A soft caw called from above and Tree Hugger looked up at Bright Feathers. "Are you feeling down? Come here, Bright. You tried your best."

Flint pulled out his blanket and unfurled it before throwing it over the fallen form of his friend. "He's still a damn fool. A brave fool. They die the youngest ya know."

Tree nuzzled her companion gently. "Don't say that. He did what he could do. We should be proud of him."

Maud nodded before reaching for a rock and looking it over. "He'll grow."

Fast glanced at her fellow ponies. "I don't think they're wrong. This was a big step for him. I think he's ready to leave his safety behind."

He scowled at her. "And if I think he shouldn't do that? Gods take it all, this isn't fair."

Maud raised an empty hoof. "Nobody said life was fair."

The sound of a horse approaching drew their attention towards the path they had left. The man that had crossed them and drew the undead on them came back along it, with the undead behind him, following with smoldering eyes, but docile.

Fast rose to her hooves quickly, though still shaking mildly in her pain, peering at the man suspiciously.

He held up a hand. "Peace. You saved me no small amount of trouble today. Two of them? Too much, but one, that I could handle."

Tree tilted her head with confusion. "Why is it so mellow now?"

The man waved the same hand. "Think little of it. He saw reason once I convinced him which of us should be in charge. Now, I don't bel--"

Flint shoved to his feet. "It doesn't take a damn genius to recognize a bloody necromancer when one sees one!"

"And?" He gave an imperious snort. "I have things to do. My personal honor demands I show some gratitude for your timely assistance, even if it was likely motivated by self-perseverance."

Fast relaxed a little. "Right, that's very fair of you, sir. A powerful wizard such as yourself is quite generous to spare us the time."

"Ah, someone with sense." He reached into his robe and drew out a pouch with a glass neck poking free of it. "Here, a little memento of our chance meeting." He gave it an underhanded lob that Fast easily caught. "Gods smile." He nudged his horse and he took off, his undead minion following closely behind him.

Flint grunted in annoyance. "We did a favor for a bleedin' necromancer after all that? What'd he even give us, poison?"

Tree Hugger canted her head lightly. "What's a necromancer, and why's it got you in a twist, man?"

Maud approached Fast, eyes on the pouch. "Is that one of the medicine potions?"

Fast set the pouch down and nuzzled it open before she pulled the bottle free of the bag. Sitting down, she worked the cork free of the bottle and extended her tongue in a tiny lick. "Mmm, not poison. I think Maud got it right in one. We could get Paul back on his feet with this."

Flint crossed his arms. "Ain't no way you're giving no friend of mine some shit a necromancer pissed out at us."

Tree looked over Flint and the downed form of Paul. "If it means that much to you, Flint, he can sleep until morning. I should be able to make him cool again then."

Fast rolled her shoulders. "Just as well. I'm fairly certain, but why risk someone already at death's door." She flipped the bottle over, landing neck first in her snout. She chugged it down with loud gulps despite Flint's look of apprehension. Her wounds sealed quickly before their eyes, restoring her to a perfect example of vim and vigor. "Not very pleasant tasting, but who buys them for that?"

Flint threw up a hand. "Even if it did work, you're going into debt to evil. Is that worth it?"

Maud rolled a hoof. "If he's a bad man, than we just used a potion he won't have later, and took other things from him." She picked up the bag on the ground and upturned it, letting some coins fall to the ground.

Fast chuckled softly. "Maud's right. It was given freely, and won't go towards any evil he may have in mind. Did you want to try tackling him to the ground right there? His friend would have ripped us in half."

Tree Hugger looked confused. "What's wrong with that dude? He was mostly polite, and he thanked us for being righteous."

Flint settled beside Paul. "Sot it all. I'll let that one go. You didn't die or nothin', guess he was just doin' right by whatever twisted rules he follows."

Tree looked to Fast. "Lay it on me. You've lived here a lot longer than me. What's a necromancer?"

Fast let out a slow sigh. "Well, some use their magic to animate the dead into a mockery of life, like puppets. The things we fought were those, undead. They were the worst kind, that still have minds, and use them to hunt the living. While some undead happen on their own, necromancers think they can gain power by creating and controlling the beasts."

Maud seemed to consider the matter a moment, but said nothing.

They all settled to rest, and found it easily. The next morning Paul was still out, but Tree could, and did, mend him. His sorely tested friend wasn't too difficult to rouse, and was soon on his feet, wobbling but whole. "What happened? Did I bitch the whole thin' up?"

Flint clapped him on the back, almost knocking him over. "You were brave and stupid. They often go together, so don't sweat it. Welcome to adventuring."

Fast burst into a genuine laugh. "I'll second that. You're a true adventurer now, Paul."

Tree clopped her hooves with the good cheer spreading around. "You were very brave. You might have saved us, Paul."

Maud nodded lightly. "You didn't die."

Paul put a hand behind his back, looking all the more awkward at their praises. "I couldn't do nothin'. You were all in huge trouble and there I was just standin' there... I don't want to be helpless, not when y'all need someone at yer side that's ready t'do somethin'."

Flint grabbed for one of Paul's hand in a sudden shake. "Then you'll get yer wish. Soon as we get our hands on 'em, I'll start showin' you around a blade. Just promise me you won't be chargin' nothin' with a stick, right?"

With their wounds stable and their objective clear, they mounted up and resumed their journey. No other strangers dashed across their path, nor patrols came into view, allowing them to reach the stairs Tree and Maud had emerged into Everglow from. Without knowing where it was, it was fairly well concealed into its surroundings, but the guidance of the two took them directly to it, and the dark secrets that promised beyond the crumbling steps.

Maud circled the stairs once before nodding. "This is it." She stepped down without delay, picking her way slowly. "Watch out for where there aren't stairs." She vanished from sight quickly, sliding out of sight.

Tree gestured forward. "The last half of stairs is nothing but rubble and stuff. Just take it easy, alright?" Stepping down, she began to pick her way down carefully, with the others coming down behind her. As they reached where the stairs ended and the slope began, she tried to set her hoof on the most sure part she could find, just to slide down the remainder of the stairs with a squeak.

She came to a stop as she slid several feet to Maud's hooves. She soon had company. Paul slid down just as gracelessly and landed beside her, allowing Flint and Fast to come down in a more controlled fashion.

Maud reached a hoof out and helped Paul and Tree get their footing. "You should practice that."

"You're back!" The short blue figure from earlier came into view, his bulging eyes squinting at them dangerously. "I fixed my traps! No more walking around them. No no no!" With a cackle, he ran off into the dark, withdrawing from the meager light around them easily.

Flint peered after the little man. "Someone you've met before?"

Tree nodded with a sigh. "Little dude thought he could stop us from getting out with totally gnarly traps before, but we got around them and it really tweaked his day. I guess he's ready to try again."

Fast scowled a bit as she brought out a torch and struck it to a brilliant light. "We're going into proper darkness, light them if you have them. Tree, use your magic. Maud, take point. Let's take this nice and slow. We're not in a hurry and being fast and dead isn't worth the trouble."

Maud took the lead without objection, with Tree following a few steps behind her, eyes scanning across the ground and walls for traps.

Flint's whistle brought them to a stop. He pointed to the ceiling, where a large black blade swayed precariously, waiting to come down on the uwary. The group split up, some going left and others right, but both avoiding the channel of the scythe.

A moment too late, Tree Hugger saw the faint outline of a channel alongside the walls. Before she could even call out, serrated blades popped free of them, sending them diving for safety, which put them in line for the original blade that swung down at them with a soft click.

The trap maker hadn't been lying.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
         23 - Into Darkness We Tread, Know no Fear         
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The sound of metal on metal clanged out loudly as Fast grunted in effort. Her lance had caught the descending blade and trembled even as she did, both struggling with effort.

Maud suddenly jumped up onto Fast's shoulders and rebounded off to catch the sharp blade. With her momentum, she and the blade swung back away from Fast, giving them all a moment to dash beneath them and past the trap. As it swung back down, Maud hopped free to the ground and ran past before it could swing back towards her.

Together and panting, they quickly checked one another. They had come through it alright despite the many blades involved. Tree shook her head. "Little dude's really improved. If he wasn't trying to hurt us, I'd say he was pretty radical."

Fast snorted softly. "I suppose it's good to see the merit in your opponents, but make no mistake, he is our foe at this time."

Flint swung his torch around in a sweep of the area. "Let's focus on what's ahead of us."

Maud quietly strode to the fore, with Tree trailing just behind. They came soon to the four way intersection they had come across once before.

Fast looked around, to the stairs heading down and the hallways branching outwards. Maud pointed down one. "I'm pretty sure we came down this one the first time. Do you think there's something that could get us back to Equestria?"

Tree shook her head. "I didn't see anything last time, unless you think something changed?"

Paul shrugged. "If somethin' did change, will you be goin' home now?"

A tense silence descended on the party a moment. Maud nodded. "If I can, I will."

Tree Hugger reached for Maud, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "We promised... We should see Fast through to the end before we bounce, at least here in this gnarly hole. Why don't we look on our way out?"

Maud gazed at Tree a moment. "My sisters are waiting for me. My farm is waiting for me. Do you have family?"

Fast shook her head quickly. "Be at peace. If you can return home, I won't hold it against you."

Tree raised a hoof to her own face, feeling where the transition from Equestrian to Everglow pony had continued. "Can I? I'm all totally freakish now."

Fast snorted gently. "I'm not that ugly."

"Sorry."

Maud turned away and offered no answers a moment before she looked back at Tree Hugger. "Is granite carved into a shape not granite?"

Flint was quick to agree with the answer. "She's right. Yer still a pony, be it one kind or anotha."

Tree put a hoof behind her back, rubbing lightly. "I know that, but I don't feel that, you dig?"

Fast sat before Tree Hugger. "I appreciate your help, and would like to have you two at my side for as long as I'm able, but not if it means you giving up on your home, your real home. You must have someone waiting for you? You're too nice to be entirely alone."

The answer came to Tree Hugger, thinking of the other lovers of nature she'd gathered with to witness the splendors of Equestrian life. One of them had tried to help her, to at least reach her... "Flutters. We should still see Fast and our human friends to safety before we bail."

Maud relented without a word, and turned to the stairs descending deeper into the earth.  As she lead the way, she asked over her shoulder, "What does it look like?"

Fast made a non-committal noise before a better answer could come. "Our best guess is a crown, one that'd rest solely on the right pony's brow."

Tree Hugger frowned a little. "Are you going to have everyone try it on until you find the right one?"

"If I have to."  Fast let out a small sigh. "Ponies need a real leader. We're drifting apart, lost on the tides of fate. Maybe if we'd listened better when the gods were whispering before, we wouldn't be in this situation, but we're here, and I'm trying to do what I can to put it back to right."

Flint squinted into the darkness they descended into. "Couldn't say much for th' will of any gods or nothing, but they say a man has to rely on himself first, family after that, and gods get a third if they're lucky."

Paul asked curiously, "Who said that?"

"I did."

"Oh."

Flint ribbed Paul roughly. "You know you count as family, right?" That brought a smile to him.

Maud held up a hoof for a stop, then took a slow step forward, her eyes darting around. "Skip this one." She took a large forward march forward, skipping one step entirely. Hugger saw what she was avoiding. The step was a pressure plate, and who knew what it might have unleashed on them, so she stepped over it as well.

As they pushed further into the dark, a voice began to drift up towards them, two voices.

One was much higher pitched, though distorted over distance. "Just stop them! I'll give a huge reward."

"Squish you and take reward."

"It's not even with me! You squish, you get nothing. Stop them, get big reward. That simple enough for you?"

"You insulting little man. Reward better be big, or squish you anyway."

"Yeah yeah, you know I deliver."

The voices went quiet, but they had said more than enough to give hints as to what awaited them. Tree moved in closer to Maud and tapped her. "Spirits of green, watch over my sister of stone." A carpet of bark swept over Maud's form then sank in, giving her another layer of safety.

Maud nodded before she made the final turn into view of whatever had spoken. The large bipedal figure had crooked tusks and a clenched fists. They saw each other at once and he sprang to his feet from where he had been reclining. "Ah ha! The prize is mine!" Without delay he lunged for Maud, fist coming straight for her neutral face. She reared up onto hindlegs and grabbed for the hand, just to swing under it and come in closer to the giant.

Fast came charging down the stairs as best she could and drove her lance into the beast from her superior height, jabbing it through the shoulder as it roared in fury. She twisted her neck to direct her shield, catching the first swing of the beast, though the second caught her across the ribs, knocking her against the wall with a grunt of pain, though she still stood.

Flint took a little peek around the corner, watching as Maud delivered a stunning blow to where no male should be subjected to violence. He winced in sympathy, but his eyes homed in on something more compelling. Hanging from the beast's belt were a variety of swords and axes, sized for a human, or pony. Stolen perhaps? "Paul, we're in luck."

A meaty fist smashed into Maud, forcing her to roll with it instead of being crushed by it. Fast thought it was a chance and drove her lance forward only to have to abort the attack to parry his other fist with her shield.

"Go on," urged Tree Hugger, looking up at Bright, who seemed to refuse to enter the melee. "They need our help. Don't be bogus about this. Unable to talk him into motion, she moved herself. Circling into sight, she cringed as Maud fell awkwardly to the floor. With a sharp call to the natural forces, a ball of fire burst into being just before the creature and rammed into its massive front, bringing the smell of charring flesh.

Maud spun up to her hooves as a huge fist came down dangerously close to her. His fists were not aimed at her, at least not directly, instead grabbing the ball of fire with a new hiss of broiling flesh before he hurled it down the hallway out of sight.

Flint ducked in quickly and grabbed a sword free of the giant's belt and spun it around to a ready position. He hadn't looked at which blade he went for, but found it to be a wickedly curved blade. "Servicable. Watch." He gave a sharp flick of his wrist and carved into the flesh of the ogre.

Roaring in fury, the ogre snatched up Fast and used her as a club against Flint even as he tried to dive aside. They both crashed to the ground in a heap of tangled limbs and groans of pain.

Maud took a slow breath before driving her hooves into the giant's ribs. He swung a fist, intercepting one of her swings and knocking her back a few steps, just in time for the flaming ball to return from the darkness. Tree threw her hooves in a wide gesture towards the ogre, bringing the fireball to crash against his back. With a roar of fury, he staggered to a knee.

Flint drove his sword into the giant's lowered head, still pinned under Fast. The blow was true, and his roars and grunts turned into a gurgled and wet noise of drowning. The giant fell to the ground, pinning the sword and Flint's hand.

They had won.

Fast stepped off of Flint, giving him some space. "That was quite brave and proficient on your part. I confess, I had thought you were more of a trapper than a true ranger, Flint. Your lucky shot on the lord not withstanding."

Flint got up with Maud's help peeling the giant off of him. "Ha! It gets better! Paul, get yer ass over here." He yanked his blade free and pointed to the dangling weapons. "Pick your blade, or a nice maul or a mace if you prefer crushing things."

Paul emerged from the stairwell, looking between his allies and the fallen giant. "That was a little crazy, Flint. Didn't ya just finish tellin' me not to do things just like that?"

Flint clapped him on the shoulder. "It's all about time and place. Look at this." He raised his new blade into view. "No rust, sharp edge? Whoever lost it probably had a messy end, but we can't do jack about that, now can we? We can make their blades sing against creatures that put them under in the first place."

Paul moved to the fallen form and reached out uncertainly before hefting up a heavy mace. He swung it around, feeling its heft and weight. "Is this good? Would a sword be better? Knights use swords don't they?"

"Pfft, as if either of us are knights. To hel with that idea. You use whatever feels good in your hand, and we survive."

Fast nodded softly at them. "Take the one that feels best in your hand, and get familiar with it. None of the weapons here are masterpieces, but they'll defend you far better than a rotten stick, I can promise that."

Maud returned quietly to Tree Hugger, who looked excited and conflicted. "Did you see that? I... I used the song of trees to attack it. Was that right? Was that righteous, or totally bogus?"

Maud tilted her head at Tree. "You saved me." She turned away and began looking down the halls away from the intersection the giant had guarded.

Tree frowned a little. That didn't really answer the moral question. Or maybe it did?


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  24 - Hints of the Past                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
With the party fully armed, they began down a new hallway with faded murals to either side. Fast snorted gently. "Would that the other Seekers were here. They were better at deciphering these things than I ever was." She pointed at one of the murals. "They are clearly ponies, but did they come before Iliana's time or after? During perhaps?"

Tree looked between left and right walls. "Whenever they came, they left behind truly radical artworks. Look at this one." She turned to the right. "The ponies are bowing before the sun. Haven't you said that before?"

Fast nodded quickly. "I have. The Sun Queen is the ruler of the gods, and quite kind to boot. She urges us, her children, to shine with our own light, even in the darkest of places, and to comport ourselves with dignity and grace in adversity."

Paul rubbed behind his head. "Not so different from ours, if you get down to it."

Fast raised a brow. "I would like to hear of that, when we're not in a dangerous situation."

Tree tilted her head slowly. "The aura on this painting really captures me. Can we wait a moment?"

Flint hiked a thumb onwards. "It's not really the time to gawk at art. 'Sides, it ain't going nowhere."

Tree nodded. "True... but." She lowered her head towards the mural. "It feels nice. Oh great and righteous Sun Queen, thank you for being a totally radical mare."

The ground shook faintly as the wall drew back, then slid to the side, revealing a hidden room to their surprised eyes, though Tree Hugger greeted it with her placid smile. "Righteous..."

Fast shook her head. "The luck of fools and geniuses run very similarly." She glanced left and right. "Let's see what's inside. It could very well be what we're here for." She moved to walk past Tree, but not without giving her a slap on the back. "Good job."

Maud followed after Fast as they entered a small room with an altar at the back, adorned with the Sun Queen's holy symbol of a pony with her wings unfurled, the curve of which went around a dull-yellow sun. On the altar were what appeared to be sticks of incense. Rotting books adorned the bookshelf on the left, likely contributing to the musty scent of the old and abandoned.

Tree moved in after them and her eyes fixed on the sticks. "Far out." She moved across the room without fear despite Fast's motion to slow down and reached for them. Half of them fell to ash on contact, but half did not. Those had her interest and she picked them up carefully, though using her hooves was proving more difficult in her new Everglow body. She eventually settled for tipping them over and grabbing them at the wooden end with her mouth before slipping them right into her backpack. "I'm going to use these next time I meditate. I wonder what scent they used to praise the sun?"

Fast inclined her ears forward. "Before you do that, you may want to examine them. Have you learned how to do that?"

Tree pulled one stick free and set it down to peer at a moment, then shrugged. "It looks like incense, dude."

Flint chuckled at that. "Good way to curse yourself. Guess we're not going to find out what we're goin' on about."

Fast grunted in annoyance. "No, we're not. Don't light them, for now. Let's search the room more thoroughly for something more significant than incense, no offense, Tree."

Paul edged by his equine companions and looked over the altar intensely. "Ya opened that there door by sayin' nice things about the horse sun god, why not do it again?"

Fast perked up. "That's actually very solid thinking. Tree, you seem to have some affinity, shall we try together?"

Tree looked across at Fast. "Like, you dig her too?"

"Before I even met you." Fast smiled gently. "She is our mother, urging us to shine. Do you know any traditional prayers?" Tree shook her head, and Fast moved to sit a little before the altar. "I remember a simple one my mother used to sing for me when I was upset."

"Bright circle in the sky, banish clouds and night. Darkness means you'll return, never dies the fight. You watch over our plans. You smile on our goals. So long as we push with our all, we'll never really fail." She let out a breath, then nodded to Tree. They sang the little prayer together, and the dull yellow sun on the altar brightened, becoming a brilliant gold, but little else seemed to happen.

Tree reached for it, resting a hoof on the restored metal. "It's warm. I think she's happy with us."

Fast gave a sincere smile. "I'll accept a blessing from her even more than hidden treasure. The crown's not here though. Let's press on. She turned to the door they came in through and nodded. "We could close it from this side. This shrine will be our shelter, if we need to rest and recover. I doubt most creatures in this place are likely to pray to the Sun Queen and bother us while we're in here."

Maud sniffed the air softly. "The stone's secure." She stepped free of the secret room and turned slowly before she continued in exploration of the crypt. "Sun worshiping ponies lived here? When did that start?"

Paul shrugged his shoulders. "I think the sun's one of those things everyone gets in their head to worship, 'sides dwarves and stuff, you know, underground?"

Fast nodded as she followed after Maud. "Ponies have called to the sun for as long as we've written it down, at least. She is an ancient goddess, full of wisdom."

Tree walked alongside Fast, looking at her sideways. "Do you think I could meet her? She sounds like a really radical mare. Her aura must be so out of this world..."

"Literally." Fast snorted. "It's very rare she steps down to the mortal plane, and only for the most important of missives. It's unlikely either of us will get to see her, just know her warmth."

Maud asked with her eyes still forward, "Are there any stone gods? You know, rocks."

Flint looked around cautiously, sword in hand. "That'd be a curious one to pay heed to."

Paul seemed to know of it, smiling at Maud. "Oh, yeah. The dwarves I mentioned love rocks and metals."

"What's a dwarf?" She looked over her shoulder a moment before returning her gaze to the hallway.

"Like a human." He lowered his hand to about chest height. "A little shorter, a lot wider. Tough, uh... I never really met one before. Flint?"

Fast raised a hoof. "I've had the pleasure. They prefer to keep their secrets, but they are tough, as Paul said, and having a god of stone makes sense for them. Their forges are world-renowned."

"Their forges run on lies." The trap-maker appeared from the darkness, peering at them. "They thrive on deceit and live on a throne of their enemies' broken bodies."

Tree gave a gentle smile at the short figure. "Could you explain that to me, man? I'd like to hear more."

This confused him with eyes that opened wide for just a moment before returning to their habitual squint. "Are you trying to get my guard down?"

Maud softly shrugged. "She doesn't usually lie. If she says she wants to hear, she does."

He raised a crooked dagger at the others. "They'll jump me as soon as I get closer."

Tree trotted forward with her placid little smile. "Then I'll come closer. Lay it on me, little dude."

"Really?" He moved his dagger in a sudden swipe, directing it at Tree. "No! You're going to attack me!"

Tree held up a hoof and stopped her approach. "Like, I promise. I just want to understand your song, little dude. We don't have to be all angry at each other.

Fast cleared her throat softly. "Tree Hugger is a kind soul. If she wishes to offer a hoof in friendship, she is genuine, and if amends are made, I am willing to let bygones be let go as well."

Flint leaned closer to Paul. "So long as that includes not being caught in a trap, S'fine by me."

Though the blue humanoid edged back with fear, Tree's placid expression, lack of weapons and the little smile she offered gave precious little to truly fear. The desire to speak won out. "You promise to listen first, talk later?" She nodded. And he lowered the dagger, though didn't put it away. "Fine, then listen. Once we had a big tribe, then under dwarves, dark dwarves, they came and took slaves. The strongest, they took to work their forges. The weaker, they killed." He tapped his bulbous head. "I was smarter, not stronger. I got away from them, and here I am. You see why I hate dwarves? Not first time, only last time."

Fast nodded lightly. "Your trap did not speak of a weak mind."

Tree raised a hoof. "You learn from your mistakes, and you build radical machines. Did you teach yourself how to do that? I couldn't make things like that."

"If it's so good, why are you still here?" challenged the blue figure. "Strange creatures, horses, complimenting on failed attack."

Paul slid forward a little. "Oh, uh, my friends are really good at surviving, but that doesn't stop them from seeing a good trap or nothin'."

Flint threw up his hands. "Better than my snares, I'll admit that."

The blue figure clapped his hands. "Snares? Little snares? Ha! Traps much better. Why just hold when you can kill and hold? Best you can do is snares? No wonder you're amazed." He looked quite proud, almost relaxed. "Why are you here, anyway? You must want something really bad. I told you something, you tell me."

Fast nodded before she nuzzled her lance upwards, no longer at the ready. "We are seeking a single pony artifact, one that may be of great use to our empire, but of very little worth to most others. Have you seen a crown?"

He somehow managed to squint more than he already was. "What kind of crown?"

Fast sighed. "I wish I knew exactly what it would look like, but I imagine it would have either sun icons on it, or pony, or both. Does thi--"

"Yes!" He clapped his hands. "Yes! Now you can get revenge on the dwarves."

Tree tilted her head. "I don't understand, little dude. Could you explain that?"

He grinned with crooked teeth. "Deep dwarves take many of our treasures. One is crown with sun. They wear it, one in charge of our slaves. They think it makes them look strong. You'll make them look dead! This is perfect."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    25 - A Common Ally                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree nodded at the short blue figure. "It sounds like we totally have something in common then."

He seemed to consider her and her allies a moment. "Yes... We both want to see him dead. You kill him, take crown, free my people. Everyone wins."

Maud tapped at her chin. "He doesn't win."

"Huh? Oh. He stupid, not deserve to win in first place. Slaver, bully, thief. He can lose all he want." He made an odd gesture, perhaps an insult, though not one Maud or Tree understood, and not one Fast or the others reacted to. "Offer shake on it, but you don't have no hands."

Tree extended a hoof towards him. "That's cool, man, we can still shake on it." He closed cautiously and reached out, grabbing her relatively large hoof. She gently shook with him. "See? A little good rap can bridge the gaps. What's your name, little dude? I'm Tree Hugger."

"Name not in common." He said a gutteral word and tapped himself on the chest.

Tree nodded lightly. "Do you mind if I call you Blue Dude?"

"Is that a horse name? Fine. Use your stupid horse names." He waved off the idea as a minor inconvenience. "Call you Hugger."

Tree smiled. "Righteous. This is Fast Shadow, Paul, Maud, and Flint. We're totally a team now."

Blue Dude looked confused a moment. "What?"

Fast nodded at him. "For as long as our paths are joined, we are as one. Let's protect one another and get through this alive."

Maud moved to walk past Blue Dude. "Is this the way we have to go?"

Blue shook his head. "No, wrong way! That way, you go in front, lots of deep dwarves, then dead. Better ways! There are reasons I not dead. Think they not try to get me? Ha! I kill some deep dwarves for trying."

Flint huffed. "Right, why haven't you caught the one you especially hate yet?"

Blue peered at Flint. "Think not try? He stay inside dwarf place, whip slaves, keep them working. He not patrol, so no walk into traps. No traps, no kill. Simple, stupid."

Paul frowned at Blue. "Hey, don't call my friend stupid. He's one of the smartest guys I know."

"That makes you twice as stupid." Blue laughed in a shrill voice as he moved past the group, heading another way. "Come on. Stand in one place too long, bring bad attention, then die. He die before we die, then we win."

Maud followed after him at a slow walk, easily keeping up with him. "It's better if we don't die at all."

"Too bad." He shrugged. "Unless you horse god, you die."

Fast raised a brow. "Well, yes, eventually we must all meet our final destinies, but let's speak of more imminent things. We won't die today."

Flint nudged Paul as they traversed the stone halls. "Speakin' of this, you stay back where you can. This is soundin' like serious business, and I want you alive to get some practice in, not dead and brave."

Paul looked conflicted as he looked between his weapon and ahead towards the darkness. "I thought I was a real adventurer now and everythin'?"

"You are." Flint pat him on the shoulder. "Now let's make sure you have a nice long career, and that means not jumping in over your head if ya can avoid it, get it?"

They came across a hole in the wall that was fairly well concealed until Blue heaved a rock to the side to reveal it. It was his size, making it quite small for everyone else. "This way." He pointed into it. "Goes deep. We find, kill, take stupid crown, free stupid people, and we win. Simple."

Fast shook her head. "If this is so simple, why haven't you already done it?"

"I thought you were smart horse." He crossed his arms. "Not taken because not strong. Not strong? Not fight deep dwarves head on. Strong ones try, get captured, or maybe killed. No, I'm not stupid. Now I have you. You all go, kill, get crown, win, yes? Right? Okay then." He moved to the hole and stooped slightly, vanishing into the gloom of the tunnel.

Maud sank to her belly and began shimmying her way into the cramped quarters. Fast slipped in behind her with a light frown.

Tree looked to her human friends. "I'll go last. Me and Bright have this covered, alright?"

Paul knelt down and fell to his belly before crawling forward into the tunnel. "I never thought I'd be doin' this. Is this safe?"

"No more talking!" came from the front of the line. "Quiet, too close to dwarves."

Flint and Tree went in last, with Bright Feathers hopping along behind his pony.

It was dark and slow. The soft drip of water in the distance was their company, and only Tree Hugger shed light, and was so far behind the group that only dim echos of that could be seen. The sharp eyes of the ponies could pick up on it, allowing them to see a bit further into the tunnel in a perpetual gloom. For the humans, it was darkness mere feet before Flint's crawling form. Blue didn't seem bothered by stone, close quarters, or darkness. He stopped every time he drew too far from the party and glared until Maud caught up with him and resumed his journey.

They came across an intersection that he darted down the right side of at a sharp angle, that only served to slow the party further as the long bodies of ponies and humans worked their way around the bend. The scent of their sweat became a new presence as they struggled to keep up with Blue through it all.

At last, a new sound broke the monotony. They could hear voices conversing in a foreign tongue. It sounded like at least three individuals, one female. The voices echoed dimly through the tunnels, making figuring out the source difficult at best. They didn't sound like dwarves.

Fast whispered softly, "What are those, Blue?"

Blue turned to her with a furious squint, which was hard to tell from his usual squint. "What? Dwarves! Quiet, or hear us, then kill us."

The tunnel turned to the left and sloped downwards, The rough ground became smoother, and the risk of pitching forward became stronger than the struggle to pull oneself forward. They progressed slowly further, hands and hooves stretched out to use the walls as braces as they went. Blue seemed livid at his companion's speed, but kept his complaints to himself aside from the increasing bulge of his eyes with growing impatience.

Tree's hoofs suddenly slipped, and she crashed into Paul's back end, knocking him loose. Together they careened into Flint, and onwards down the line. The stone ground against clothing and fur roughly as they slid wildly down the tunnel in a rapid circle. Even Blue was helpless to avoid the falling group and gave a quick curse in his native tongue before being swept away in a tidal wave of pony and human flesh.

The tunnel suddenly widened and the slope became mercifully milder. Their plummet slowed to a stop with little more to show for it than some new bruises. The new little cavern was just tall enough to raise themselves from the ground a bit.

The noise of feathers announced Bright Feather's arrival just before he landed beside Tree and tilted his head at her as if silently scolding her.

"Stupid," hissed Blue far less silently. "Lucky they didn't hear, or we be dead, then we lose."

A loud click sounded before the ground beneath them gave way, dumping them into a pen with other blue figures much like Blue. Standing before the pen with a decidedly unfriendly grin was another short figure, but it had gray skin. They shared their large eyes, but his were open, rather than squinted shut. He said something in words they didn't understand before laughing. The laughing they understood.

Fast rose to her hooves and glared at the figure a moment. "You're not a dwarf."

The figure paused his laughter, looking up at Fast. "What? Who said I was a dwarf? Oh! It was him, wasn't it?" He pointed to Blue. "Amazing! Little shit didn't even know what he was fighting." He hiked both thumbs at himself. "I'm far better than a lousy dwarf. I'm a Svirfneblin, or deep gnome, as you topworlders know it. You, my fine capture, are my newest prize." He clapped his hands together. "How's that sound?"

Tree pulled herself from the floor, shaking herself out. "Not cool, man."

Paul dusted himself off. "He don't look so tough."

"Who said that?" The figure leaned to the side to see Paul and Flint as they stood up. "Ah, humans? A rare sight down here. I guess horses are kinda rare too come to think." He tapped his chin. "Talking horses..." He looked over the equines appraisingly. "Hey, whichever one of you wants to become my mighty steed can come out."

Fast's face twisted in disgust. "I'd sooner rot in here than give you the pleasure."

Maud shrugged. "Okay."

"Alright!" He moved to the door of their cell, made of stout metal. "The rest of you, bugger off!" He repeated the words in the other language and it sent the blue creatures scurrying away. Maud stepped out when he opened the door for her and quickly shut it behind her. "They say only the most legendary of gnomes get a talking horse for a mount, and you're the right size too. We're gonna be famous!"

Maud nodded at him. "Hop on."

Eagerly, he hopped up onto her back and grabbed her mane. "Kya!"

He clearly had little experience riding anything, but Maud trotted around in slow circles for him. "You're doing a bad thing."

"Oh, what's that? The way I'm seeing it, I'm doing everything right."

Maud looked over her shoulder. "You're holding my friends hostage. Let them go."

"I think not." He turned up his nose, looking quite proud of himself. "They'll work the mines and like it. They weren't as smart as you were. Don't you worry, being my mount means you'll be treated right."

She trotted alongside one of the far walls, where a lone torch hung. "I've served as your mount. I hope you enjoyed your ride." She suddenly reared up and slammed against the wall, crushing his form against it. Even as he began to slide to the ground, she drove a hoof into his belly and struck him across the face, sending him sprawling.

Without a delay, she retrieved his keys. "I don't see any crown."

Flint barely stifled the laugh that wanted to erupt from him. "Damn woman, that was fine work. Let us out of here."

"One moment," said Blue Dude. "Let me explain what's going on to the others." He waved his hands in the air and began talking in the other language quickly, getting the squinty-eyed attention of his fellows. A rough cheer erupted among their number, and with it, the sound of shoes approaching down the hallways outside the jail.

Company was coming.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       26 - Uprising                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Maud twisted the key in the lock, unleashing her allies, new and old. "They're coming."

The blue ones emerged with the others, but seemed in no rush to get ahead of the armed and ready adventurers.

Paul swung his mace in a few testing arcs. "If you hadn't bust us outta there, I woulda smashed the door down."

His allies gave faint looks of disbelief, but there was no time to consider that as two gnomes hurried in. Unlike the slaver, they wore plated armor that ran in thick slats across their torso and helmets with great plumes. They drew swords at the sight of their fallen ally, which turned into a new fear when the escaping prisoners came into view. Their words were quick, but unintelligible as one gestured to the cell, perhaps hoping they'd return where they came from without a fight.

Fast raised a brow. "Thanks, but I must decline." She stepped forward, lance directed at the small figures. "Run."

One took the advice, dashing off into the darkness as the other advanced, drawing a pick in his other hand and swinging both in a wild pattern as his form began to blur and shake as if he was being observed through an intense heat.

Tree pointed at him. "He's not as scary as the big thing. Go ahead, Bright, show them your stuff."

Bright took off with a powerful flap of wings and circled around the gnome in a rapid flight, perhaps waiting for an ideal time to strike, but that time hadn't yet arrived.

With a sudden enthusiastic shout, Paul charged past the others with his mace up high. Flint thrust a hand towards him as he ran. "Damnit fool, keep yer weapon in front of ya!"

Paul brought down his mace, trying to use his superior reach against his foe, but his weapon found only air as the gnome ducked under it and rolled forward to drive one of the pick's sharpened tips into the man's shin and drawing a pained shout from Paul. Bright came down in a flash of black feathers, driving his talons into one of the gnome's shoulders and crushing through his armor with an implacable grip.

Fast entered the melee, lance first. With Bright Feathers holding the gnome still, she knew where to plunge the deadly point, and rode past Paul, taking the gnome with her to pin to the far wall like an ugly butterfly to be examined. He coughed up blood and thrashed weakly as he brought up a shaking fist. His weapons fell to the ground with a clatter from limp hands as he cursed in his odd tongue.

She recoiled from the gnome, yanking her lance free to let him fall to the ground. "Twice damn it all! I can't see!"

Tree hurried to Fast's side, but could see no physical injury, just that Fast's eyes looked clouded over. "Not cool. This has to be some kind of magic. I don't know what I can do about it..."

Fast clopped against the ground. "We have to press on. The only way out is through them, and there will be more of them. The one that ran away is probably getting help as we speak. Paul!"

Paul looked up, one hand still on his new battle wound. "Aye?"

"You're my new eyes, make sure I don't run  into any walls." Fast moved towards his voice, almost running him over before he put a hand on her shoulder and started guiding her.

Blue Dude pointed at the fallen gnome and said something that had two of the other blue figures rushing forward and grabbing at the weapons, arming themselves. One of them frisked the body and found a crossbow, which he tossed to another blue one. Smiling maliciously, Blue clapped his hands. "We're ready!"

Maud pointed forward. "Let's go." She began to trot down the hallway, with everyone else following behind her. Moving hastily, she looked quickly for sources of danger, but it found her first. Streaking from the darkness, several bolts of magic slammed into her. There was no time to consider it, she charged into the darkened corridor, where the shadowy presence of a small humanoid could be barely made out, already preparing another spell for her.

Tree reached up for her friend and touched Bright. "Shine on." He began to glow a soft green light, and she pointed forward, sending him flying in behind Maud and shedding light over the sorcerous gnome.

With a hiss of dismay, he fanned his fingers out, flames rushing out to catch Bright and Maud in their charge. Despite the licking heat, Maud galloped through it and lowered her head, meeting the gnome with her skull with the dull thump of hitting flesh.

"What's going on?" asked Fast as the melee unfolded before her blind eyes.

Flint broke into a sprint into the fracas. "Nothing we can't handle." The ground beneath him and Maud suddenly went slippery and his footing went with it, stumbling, but not quite falling.

Maud raised a brow. "Again?" She reared up on hind legs and brought her forehooves together on the gnome's rock brown head, then pitched forward, slamming her head against his in a test of which was more attuned to the forces of the rocks around them. She won. The sorcerer slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Just as Maud began to turn back towards the main hallway, the ground trembled beneath her. "Mica against a sedimentary mix--" Her words were cut off as a rough fist punched up through the ground, catching her in the belly and knocking her aside. From the same place emerged the rest of a vaguely humanoid figure of stone and crumbling earth.

Flint brought down his sword in a quick slash, but could only prize a few little scrapes from its literally rock-hard hide. "Well, things just got tougher fer us."

With a soft twang, one of the blue figures fired their looted crossbow, narrowly missing Maud and striking nothing but the wall. It said something likely unpleasant as it struggled to reload.

The elemental paid it little mind and swung its crudely shaped fists at Maud in slow but potentially crushing motions. She flowed around them, pushing aside its fist and hanging on with her forelimbs as she swung around and drove a hind leg into its face, shaking loose some bits of rock and pebbles.

Flint edged around it to come at it from both sides, studying it intensely even as he drove his blade into its side, finding where two plates met and with a deft twist, shearing off a sizable stone from the creature. "Ya best stop pickin' on mah friend there."

In silent reply, it erupted a new limb from its back and slammed it into Flint's surprised chest, rocking him back as spots swam in his vision from the sudden pain. Practically landing on the rock's head, Bright pecked and scratched, worrying away bits of rubble as he furiously assaulted it.

While they brawled, Paul looked aside at Fast. "I think they're winnin'. Ya sure I can't help?"

"I'm sure you can, but you won't. Please, unless you're needed. I'm flying blind here, pun intended." Fast snorted softly.

Standing close by, Tree shook her head. "I just have to figure out the song for that..." Her words died as the sound of crashing stones distracted her. The elemental fell to pieces before the combined fury of her friends and she smiled. "Radical." She saw a few spots of blood seeping into Maud's frock from beneath and her smile turned to a frown. She rushed Maud and banished some of those pains. "Be careful, righteous sister. I don't have much green left for you."

Maud nodded at Tree, then at Flint. "Thanks, both of you. We should keep moving."

"Right behind ya, Maud." Flint kept his sword at the ready as he moved with her.

Bright Feathers landed lightly on Tree's back and she took the time to give him a little nuzzle before she joined the others in advancing through the gnome territory. "Blue Dude, do you know which way lets us split this scene?"

He dashed up ahead and came to an abrupt halt as he pointed to a small grate. "There, get that open!"

Flint knelt beside it and yanked the metal grate out, rusted with time and neglect. "Not so hard as it looked."

Before he could even set the grate aside, Blue Dude and the others began pouring through it. "Goodbye!"

Tree tilted her head. "Hey, wait, what about the crown?"

"You're on your own from here, we're getting out while we can. Be smart, stay alive. You not so smart, maybe die. Good luck." He reached for the grate on the ground and pulled it shut, sealing himself and his people in before they all hurried off, presumably to freedom.

Fast sighed softly. "Well, there goes that ally. We should be grateful for what we got. For what he was, he was very brave." She waved a hoof in the air, slowly feeling her way forward. "We have to keep moving. I don't want to fight our way out through their entire military."

"Then you may want to surrender." A gnome emerged with two others at his side. He carried himself with importance, had slate grey flesh, a long moustache, and a sparkling crown on his head. "Or we can slaughter you, that sounds like as much fun in the end."

Paul sucked in a harsh breath. "He's got the crown!" he excitedly whispered.

The gnome raised a brow. "Yes, yes I do. You didn't come all this way just to admire it, did you?"

Fast turned towards the sound of the voice, looking in its vague direction. "We need that crown, for the sake of all ponykind. Can we convince you to sell it?"

He frowned sharply. "After you cut a path through my men!?"

Tree raised a hoof. "Actually, we didn't kill any of them."

Fast perked an ear, speaking quietly, "Even the one I impaled?"

Tree quickly nodded. "I asked the green to keep him safe. He's fine, but does need some love and attention."

The leader of the gnomes gave a sudden laugh. "You horses are beyond understanding, and I love it." He drew a heavy looking warhammer just to put it down head first and lean on it. "We're birds of a feather, you know that? We can both trace our lines to the forces of the world. We're fey creatures. You're of the seelie variety. Me and my boys, we're unseelie. Classic enemies, born and destined." He flashed teeth. "But not beyond an occasional deal, when the time's right."

Fast cleared her throat. "Ah, yes, is the time right then?"

His fingers danced over the grip of his weapon as he eyed their motley group. "You've already been abandoned by the pathetic promises of another unseelie, but you're willing to try again? Classic. Classic! Boys, what do you think?"

The one on the left shrugged his shoulders. "That crown's really part of your image, Ronfiz. I can't imagine you without it."

The one on the right laughed. "We should take everything they have if they want it so bad. Look at that one's lance. It looks real shiny."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
               27 - Are You not Entertained?               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
That gnomish under king smiled in a not entirely wholesome way. Ronfiz leaned forward on his warhammer. "Well, boys, I suppose we owe them a little something, for the inconvenience..." The other two gave quiet half-laughs at the idea, but he paid them little mind. "Now, the way I see it, Vorner's a damn idiot for thinking you'd be anything but trouble as slaves." He waved a hand at the group. "You're still armed, just to start. Don't you worry, I'll give him a talking to, but we're here about a crown, not the management of my crew." The party's eyes were on him, waiting for the bad news to drop. He tapped the sun crown lightly. "I took this by right of conquest, only fair you get the same chance."

The gnome on the left suddenly slapped a fist against his left palm. "Hey! Why don't we get them to round up all the slaves they just let out and a few more while they're at it?"

Maud shook her head. "I refuse."

Ronfiz peered at Maud. "That was the flattest refusal I heard in a while. You feeling chummy towards those vermin? Fine, there's plenty of work that needs doing. You seem like a group ready to throw down, maybe you could do us a bit of a favor." He made a come hither gesture with a finger towards Fast's lance. "We'll be taking that afterwards. It really is delightfully shiny."

Fast couldn't see what he was gesturing at. "What do you need done?"

Tree could, and leaned in towards Fast to share the fact in a soft whisper. "He wants your righteous lance."

Fast stomped a hoof, but calmed herself. "Right, yes... That's a steep price, taking a warrior's weapon."

"Taking it or leaving it?" Ronfiz raised a large eyebrow at her. "If you just need an escort out of our tunnels, we'll look forward to not seeing you again."

"No, no..." Fast tried to orient herself more specifically at the voice, but couldn't meet eyes with the short figure. "A fair price, one artifact for another. My treasured part of my identity for one of yours. It's even poetic, perhaps."

"Right!" He swung his hammer up and slung it over his back easily. "I'm glad we agree. In fact, just so that there are no misunderstandings, we'll even trade right now. The way you'll be going, you'll have to come back through us anyway, so this is me being polite." He inclined his head towards the gnome on the right, who plucked off the crown and advanced towards the adventurers.

Flint put a hand on Fast's lance. "Ya sure?" She nodded and he gave a twist before yanking it free of its holding harness. He presented the weapon to the gnome, and accepted the crown in its stead. It had a satisfying weight to it despite its delicate appearance. Unsure of where to put it, Flint placed it gently on Fast's head.

Vision returned. She could see, even piercing the darkness. An alien power seemed to tingle through her. It took every effort to stop from grinning. She was sure she had found the artifact she sought. The loss of her treasured lance would be worth it. "What task did you want for us?"

"Oh, just a small thing, a trifle for trained warriors like your group there." Ronfiz waved it off as if it were nothing.

His friend on the left agreed with a shrug. "Barely anything. I'm not even sure why he's having you do it."

The gnome on the right joined in without prompting. "You'll probably be done and out of here in an hour or two."

Paul looked hopefully optimistic. "Oh, um, alright, so what is it?"

Maud put a hoof to her chest. "If you keep your side of the bargain, we will keep ours."

Ronfiz leveled a finger with her. "I get the feeling you mean that. A pleasure dealing with honest folk at times. Alright, enough suspense. There's a wee little horror in the tunnels. Kill it, drag its body back here, and it'll serve as your passport through the tunnels. We'll walk you right to where you can get to the surface fast. That is where you came from, isn't it?"

Fast inclined her ears at Ron. "Fair enough, but a hint of what we'll be facing would be appreciated." Being able to look at him properly put her on better standing, and some of her nervousness abated. "If we're prepared, we can make it dead faster."

Tree tilted her head. "It's not... like us, is it? I don't want to attack innocent things, even if they're ugly on the outside, we're all beautiful on the inside."

Ronfiz waved the objection away. "It isn't thinking. No, this here's a rust monster."

Fast paled slightly. "I see why you did the trade first then, but a rust monster is more inconvenience than horror, especially properly armed. Why haven't you slain the beast yourself by now?"

The gnome on the left snickered softly. "It isn't your normal rust monster. This one's a great big dad of them all. It can rust your insides out, and metal doesn't even stand a chance."

Ronfiz nodded. "Fair summary. I'm not heartless, and I do want the damn thing removed, so you can borrow our wooden weapons. I'd offer armor, but you're not exactly sized right to be wearing gnome armor, now are ya?"

Maud looked over at the others. "One sword, one mace, one lance. The rest of us are ready."

Fast began to squirm out of her armor before picking her shield back up in her mouth. "At least I had the sense to use a wooden one. Fine, an overgrown rust monster. We'll free your mines of its presence."

Flint raised a finger. "Actually, about that sword. I don't suppose ya have a bow layin' about?"

The one on the right turned away and began heading away from the others. "Come on, let's get you suited up. We don't have too much in your size, but some." He led them through the tunnels, brushing aside other gnomes that came into view. "Piss off, they're going to die or be useful, you could do the same." Without opposition, he reached the armory swiftly. Picks and crossbows were the weapons of majority, while armor ranged from heavy clothes to chainmail, all sized for a small humanoid figure, to nobody's surprise. "We were readying for a scrap with them, and some of the, uh, acquisitions we've had are not metal, so take what you want that ain't metal."

Paul set his weapon down, leaning it against the wall before he hefted up a mace that seemed constructed of a long single bone. It was intimidating, ghastly, and somehow appealing. "Ah look like a right proper terror of the battle, eh?"

Flint snorted. "Don't get too used to it. Bone weapons can snap at the worst time." He trailed his fingers along the collection a moment before his eyes found what he sought. He snatched up the longbow and quiver and looked the both over. They seemed of elven make, as far as he could determine. "You've entertained quite a variety I see."

The gnome snorted at that. "Best entertainment of their lives."

There was no lance to be had, to Fast's annoyance, but there was a stout looking staff. She set her shield aside and picked up the staff, feeling the weight of it before she slid it home on her harness. "Not my preferred choice, but it'll do and it fits." She hefted her shield up. "Everyone ready?"

Shrugging his shoulders, the gnome gestured over his shoulder for the party to follow after him. "Right, if you're done saying your last words, let's get on with it." He began marching through the tunnels, fingers dancing over a heavy pick at his side. "Just remember it'll feed on your insides as much as anything metal. It can smell you with those feathery things it's got, and it won't delay to gobble you up like a starving man at a banquet."

They arrived at a heavy stone door and he knocked on it with the back of a fist. "We put this here so the damn thing wouldn't come storming into our tunnels. It isn't smart enough to work a handle. I trust you are, so get to it, after I'm out of the way." He gave an almost mocking salute as he walked past them all towards the safety of the tunnels.

Flint sighed as he looked towards the door. "Some part of me wants to just lure the thing right on top of them."

Fast raised a hoof. "And yet we're not going to do that. They made a trade, and haven't gone back on it so far. We have what we came for."

Paul peered at Fast and her crown. "Is that really it?"

"I think so." Her eyes turned upwards, but she couldn't see it very well on her own head. "It feels special. By the Unspoken's beard, it gave me my sight back. I swear I can see in the dark. Who knows what other properties it may have while worn by a pony, instead of a gnome king."

Flint hiked a thumb back at where they came from. "Bet he can already see in the dark. He wouldn't even notice that if it did do that."

Tree tapped at her chin. "Wait, if this thing totally digs the taste of metal, won't it eat the crown?"

Fast frowned. "The thought had occurred, but if it's a proper artifact, destroying it shouldn't be so easy. It may even give us a moment to attack it while it's trying to eat what can't be eaten. If it isn't, then it's probably not going to do what I want it to, and this entire mission's a failure." She tapped a hoof against the door. "Let's not consider that for too long."

Maud moved up beside Fast. "Let's do it. They felt like rocks. We can trust them."

Tree tilted her head at Maud. "That's a trippy way to decide who's groovy or not, but I trust you, sister of stone." She reached for the handle of the door with her mouth and gave it a turn, slowly pushing it forward with a low rumble of stone against stone.

Beyond the door looked like well-carved tunnels that seemed lived in at some recent time, though there were no signs of life at that moment. Fast nodded as she slowly walked forward. "I don't hear any beasts rushing to eat us just yet. Let's stay together, stay alert, and stay alive."

Paul drew his bone weapon free and swung it experimentally as he advanced behind Maud and Fast. "Ah'm as ready as ah'll ever be."

They didn't have to wait long to detect the presence of something. A scuttling sound emerged from the darkness ahead before a hulking insect-like creature came charging at them, its two long antennae twitching forward at the potential meal close at hand.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 28 - Magnetic Personality                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast turned herself in a quick strike, knocking one of the feathery limbs away as Maud drove a hoof against its toughened side. The creature barely took notice of her attack, but turned a hungry antenna on her. A swirl of rusty red dust came from where it brushed against a foreleg and she hopped back from it with a slight wince.

Flint leveled his bow and let loose an arrow into the thing's chitinous back, but it seemed to only have thoughts for its hunger. "Ya alright, Maud? The heck did it do to ya?"

There was little time for talking. As it tried to gets its terrible beak in at Fast Shadow, Tree slapped the ground. Vines erupted out around the rust monster, pulling it down and slowing its motions. "Bright, go!" He took off from her back in a streak of black feathers. As he closed in with it, it lashed out with a long tendril, drawing free that dirty red mist. With a caw of defiance, he raked along its back and circled around away from the deadly feelers.

Paul was inching closer, trying to avoid the attention of the beast as the battle raged. Fast danced back and left, trying to avoid its reaching beak and deadly tendrils, but she wasn't in her comfortable metal shell, or as fast as Maud in the battlefield. Every graze of those deceptively soft things seemed to drain her of vitality, leaving her more and more tired. "This isn't good. Kill the blasted thing faster!"

"I'm trying!" called out Tree. as she raised her hooves, calling on the help of the green to battle it. "Come on, radical creatures of the green, we need you..."

Flint was having no problems aiming his shots. The creature was large enough to fill the hallway. The trick proved in landing blows that mattered. Every other arrow cracked against its plates, and the others only seemed to draw angry screeches from it.

The next time the feather came at Maud, she ducked nimbly around it and hurled herself at the beast, grabbing its tail from above and coming down in a single fluid motion that yanked the beast away from the others. Its attention was fully focused on her, rattling in a wholly unpleasant way. It turned to be rid of her but one of Flint's arrows proved true, piercing through one of its eyes in a sudden spray of unnatural blood.

Fast moved quickly as it thrashed and swung her staff. "Like driving in a piton." The staff connected and drove the arrow further into the enraged beast before the shaft shattered from the force. With a deafening cry, it grabbed Fast with its beak in a sudden crushing force of terrible jaws.

Maud refused to allow it, even as a hyena appeared beside her and started nipping fruitlessly at its tough hide, she hefted it by the tail and whipped it back to the ground, tangling it further in the grasping vines. As she rushed ahead with its tail and wrapped it quickly around the beast's stunned neck, holding it in place as it thrashed. Those wildly flailing tendrils brushed against her with a painful drawing of her iron directly from her blood. Everything was getting dim and painful at once.

With a sudden battle cry, Paul brought down his bone mace across the thing's face with all the power in him. Held still by Maud's efforts, his blow struck the monster firm and well. Though he was no trained warrior, he had the strength of a true laborer of the land. The bone weapon shattered, but so too did the creature's skull. It was suddenly quiet.

Paul dropped the useless weapon from his shaking hands. "I... I did it!"

Fast let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Yes, yes you did. Is everyone alright?"

Maud released its tail and fell back to all fours. "I'm fi--" She collapsed to the ground beside the beast, unconscious.

Tree scrambled past the others with a shriek of dismay. "Sister of stone! Hang in there!" She quickly wrapped her forelegs around Maud, hugging her and calling on the green.

Fast sagged against a wall. "Your spell won't put what it took out of us back in, but it may help the bite wounds. That'll be good enough. Good job... everyone."

Flint clapped his hands together. "I'll say! That was right fine work there. The way you hit that arrow after I put it in tha beast? That was amazin'."

Bright landed atop Tree lightly, preening. He hadn't been that useful, but he did what he was asked, and seemed to have no regrets for his part in it.

Paul reached in carefully and tapped a deadly tendril. When pain didn't result, he yanked at it, popping it free of the beast. "What'ya think this goes fer?"

Flint snorted. "If we had a home, I'd suggest mounting the damn thin'. Not sure how much one ah those'd go for 'less you found someone what really likes that kinda thin'."

Maud fluttered her eyes open and looked up at Tree who was still holding her tightly. "Hello."

Tree smiled and ran a hoof through Maud's mane. "Hey there yerself, righteous warrior. Are you alright?"

Maud quietly sat herself up and looked around. "We can go now."

Flint nodded at her. "That's true. Ain't nothin' stoppin' us. Let's get back to the surface. Hey, Fast, it didn't even try to go for yer fancy hat."

Fast looked up, even if it was out of sight. "True. Perhaps another property of it? If it is a true and proper artifact, only a truly amazing wizard, or perhaps a bard, could tell us its true nature. Come, Maud is right, let's get going before our 'hosts' change their mind." She pushed off the wall and shook herself out. "Do you have any further healing left to you, Tree Hugger?"

Tree shook her head. "I'm totally sorry, but I'm wiped out." She hung her head. "I wasn't that helpful..."

Maud's hoof landed on her shoulder. "You keep saying that after saving me." She raised a brow at Tree. "Am I not helpful?"

Tree paled slightly. "Oh no! You're amazing, sister of stone. Watching you fight..."

Maud walked past her. "Let's go."

The conversation sputtered to a halt, and they pulled open the stone door that had swung shut during their battle. The moment it was drawn open, they saw what closed it. Ronfiz sat there on a throne they had apparently dragged into position quickly. Around him were three trained looking warriors with weapons drawn. "Hello there. That was quite a ruckus we heard." He leaned forward with a wicked smile. "Is it dead?"

Fast nodded at him. "It is, as promised. We'll be going now."

"What proof do you have?" He raised a large brow at them. "I wasn't born yesterday, pony."

Paul quickly produced the feathery limb he had taken as a souvenir. "Here. I took this from its dead body. Ain't nothin' else like it."

Ronfiz clapped his hands together in a loud single sound. "Very good! Very good indeed. Now, you can be quietly killed, and I can take my crown back and our old tunnels. Everyone wins!"

Flint threw up his hands. "Damn it all to hel and back! Lousy sons of--"

Maud took a step forward. "You promised."

He shrugged. "Maybe I did. Tell me why I should give a damn. The only ones that'd be offended will be dead, so, as I said, everyone wins. Ain't that right boys?" They erupted into a supportive laugh as he smiled. "Besides, you look like you had a hard time. Too hard to give my boys too much trouble, the way I see it."

Maud clopped a hoof on the ground. "You promised. You smell like rocks. Rocks don't lie."

Ronfiz blinked at the statement. "Don't they?"

"Never." Maud shook her head. "We're both rocks, inside." She put a hoof at her chest. "Don't lie..."

A tense moment passed as Ronfiz peered at Maud. One of his captains nudged him. "Well, we killing them or not, your highness?"

Ronfiz put up a hand. "Not... The pony has a point, and plays dirty pool. Fine then, fellow creature of earth, get out of here! If we ever see you again, we'll tear you apart limb from limb and put your head on display!"

They were allowed to walk past them in an uneasy quiet, as they got close to the next intersection, one of the captains hurried to catch up with them. "Follow me. We're tired of smelling your dirty hides." He became their guide, and led them quickly through the gnome tunnels to a hallway that looked familiar.

Maud looked around. "I know where we are."

"Great!" The gnome saluted flippantly. "Good luck then, and don't let us see any of you lot ever again."

Fast watched him retreat into the darkness before nodding to her fellow companions. "Maud, never let anyone tell you you can't be diplomatic when the time's right." She gave a tired smile. "You just saved the lot of us."

Maud tilted her head a little. "I just said the truth. Rocks don't lie."

Tree moved up beside Maud and hugged her with a swung leg. "You followed your heart, girl, and said what needed to be said. It was radical..."

Paul looked back towards the gnome tunnels. "One thing... They still have our stuff."

Fast's curses were not fit to be recorded here. "My damn armor! They've taken my lance and my armor." She kicked at a loose stone, sending it down the hall. "What kind of fighter am I?"

Paul reached for her but she glared at him and he withdrew his hand. "Uh, well, we're in the same boat. I don't have fancy armor or even a staff like you have there. We'll manage, together right?"

Flint nodded in easy agreement. "Together. Glad yer really gettin' into the spirit of this new life, Paul. Lucky me, I actually prefer this weapon over the old one anyway." He slung the bow over his back, looking pleased with himself. "We'll find you better, Fast."

Fast stood up and reached for her crown, knocking it off her head to her other hoof where she could examine it. "I'll get over it. We have what we ultimately came for. The Pony Empire may yet rise again, and protect its people." A wistful smile overtook her. "As soon as we find the right brow for this to rest on."

Tree looked at Fast and her crown. "You found it, why can't you wear it?"

Fast recoiled at the idea. "I'm a warrior, not a leader. It takes a different kind of person to command a nation."

Maud shrugged lightly. "You led us."

"It's not the same..." Fast put the crown into her saddlebag carefully. "I'll find the rightful ruler."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     29 - Window Home                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They withdrew to the secret room with the Sun Queen's altar and took a breather. Sore, worn, and drained of rather vital substances, they quietly chewed on their rations and tried to rest it off.

Flint leaned back on a wall. "I wonder how old this place is, ya know? Maybe it's from before that there empire of yers. Did your old empress wear this crown?"

Fast shook her head at Flint. "No, she was in the right place at the right time, and her special nature shone through. She was a hybrid, right when we needed to bring our quarreling tribes together. I couldn't tell you much more than that, but I don't remember a crown being involved." A brow raised lightly. "She was a Queen, by the way, not an empress."

"She ruled an empire, makes her a bloody empress." He shrugged. "Didn't like the title? Guess that's one of the perks ah being in charge and all."

Paul nudged his friend. "She can call herself whatever she wants. If I was in charge, I could be the empress if I wanted to."

He snorted at the proposition. "Oh, always dreamed of bein' a lady now have ya?"

Tree put up a hoof at them. "Please. Our friends need their rest." She suddenly perked up and pulled one of the incenses she had taken before out. "Now's a good time for one of these. Let's mellow out with some soothing aromas." She set the stick down and nodded as she quickly got it to burning with a soft pearly smoke.

Tree Hugger took a slow breath and felt herself go limp in all the right ways. "Righteous... This is some prime herbs." She pulled her hindlegs under herself as she got into a cross-legged stance and was soon lost to meditation. The scent seemed inoffensive to the others.

Maud tilted her head at the peaceful Tree before looking towards Fast. "What does she like about it?"

Fast shrugged. "Your guess is as good as any. Your friend has a fondness for smells that please her, just as you are drawn to rocks. Neither is wrong, it is simply who you are, and how you are different. Plants draw to her." She gestured at the burning incense. "Would you not like a scent formed of minerals, I wonder?"

Maud looked thoughtful a moment. "Charcoal or sulfur can be used as incense."

Paul sat forward. "Ah, the smell of charcoal, especially under properly preparin' meat? Now that's something worth thinkin' about!"

There was no charcoal, or meat to prepare, and the thought faded from the group as they sank closed to sleep. Only Tree Hugger remained semi-awake in her thoughts, and time passed peacefully until her eyes fluttered open, green swirling around her hooves. Bright Feathers landed before her and gave a soft caw. She reached for him and the green flowed powerfully through him on contact, vanishing from sight. "Good morning, little dude. I understand now..."

With a yawn, Flint was the first other to stir. "What's that yer understandin'?"

Tree rose to her hooves, and Bright quickly flapped up onto her back. "So many things. The song of the trees has opened to me, like I can see another bar in the sheet of music they play. How many bars are there? That's so trippy to even think about..." She smiled placidly. "Does it still hurt?"

He snorted. "A proper archer shouldn't be hurtin', or things done gone wrong. You put that attention ta Fast and Maud. They were the ones tanglin' with the beast."

"Good call." Tree approached her equine friends who were stirring, likely from their conversation. "Good morning. Where does it sting? I'm here to make it all better."

Fast smiled as she sat up on her haunches. "Having someone capable of the healing arts is a blessing in any party. Where the damn thing bit me is still sore and open. Whatever it did to our insides has left us feeling tired, but it's already better than when we went to sleep, right Maud?"

Maud nodded as she hopped up to her feet. "I feel better."

Tree set a hoof against Fast's wound. "Song of the trees, a little healing if you please." The normal soft pulse of green was replaced with a bright burst.

Fast's eyes widened and her leg twitched softly as the bite mark on it faded quickly. "Your magic's gotten stronger. Did something happen overnight?"

Tree tilted her head. "That didn't feel like it was all me, you know?" She tapped her chin. "The only difference..." She drew out her incense and set it down, staring at it a moment. "Maybe they did it. I did hear the treesong so well last night."

"Whatever it is, thank you for it." Fast tested each leg in turn. "I feel much better, now see to Maud. She won't admit it, but she was torn nearly in half trying to keep that beast in check."

Maud shook her head. "I'm fine."

Despite her words, Tree looked over her friend, spotting no small amount of vicious looking and barely scabbed over wounds. "Maud... Sister of stone, you have to tell me when it hurts, even if you think it isn't so bad." She put a hoof on Maud's shoulder. "For me, please? Like, I really care about you, and I'd be really sad if you got sick or hurt even more trying to be brave for us." With a quickly intoned spell, she banished the worst of Maud's injuries. "It's like I'm singing the tree song in perfect pitch today..."

Fast suddenly perked up. "I know what those are! Under Score, an associate of mine, once paid a small fortune for two of those. They make your magic run at maximum power for a day. Each one's worth a king's ransom." She walked over to the pile and peered at them. "You have six more! Six! Sun Queen be praised! Even one of these could pay for my lost equipment." Despite her efforts, a grin wouldn't leave her face. "Half of our problems just went away. The Sun Queen truly provides!" She suddenly hesitated. "Uh, Tree, are you alright parting with these? These are yours... I won't steal from a companion."

Tree Hugger gave a slow grin. "Radical... If it can help you, then yes, please. Singing the song better for a day is nothing compared to giving a needed hoof to a friend trying to get such righteous work done."

Fast tossed herself at Tree, hugging her tightly. "Bless you!" She turned back to Paul and Flint. "Don't think I've forgotten about you! With the money we can secure with this, you two will be outfitted properly." She focused on Paul. "You will be not only an official adventurer, but you'll look the part, and be prepared."

Tree accepted the hug and even reached to return it, squeezing Fast gently and silencing her. "We won't need it when we go back. Now that we have the crown, we have to look for a way back."

Fast blinked, her bout of cheer leaking from her. "Oh... of course, my friends... Come, let's see if we can find the passage back to your own realm." She nudged the door to their safe haven open and walked through, eyes downcast.

Tree quickly gathered the incense back up before chasing after Fast, with the others following after her. "You knew we had to go, Fast Shadow. We got your totally radical crown back. Please don't be mad and things."

Fast twitched an ear back at Tree. "I'm not angry. You've been nothing but kind, loyal, and good friends. Who wouldn't be a little sad to see such a boon companion go, let alone two, perhaps never to return?" She shook herself out. "But forget that. You deserve to get home."

Maud moved up beside Fast as they trotted. "I'll find a rock that looks like you."

Fast quirked a smile at that. "That sounds perfectly like you. I will seek a rock that reminds me of your indomitable spirit."

Flint shrugged softly. "Let's not rush to say our farewells until we even know yer goin'. Now where'd ya both come in from?"

They found the original room they came into Everglow from and began poking around, but it wasn't a very large room, nor did it have much in it. Paul kept trying to recover the few books there, but they fell to bits of ash and soot on contact. He picked them up anyway, and shook them out, eventually finding one that still had a lone page remaining in it. "Here we go!"

"Well, what's it say?" asked Flint.

Paul closed the book. "Well, uh, ah never learned how to read... Not much use fer a farmer."

Tree approached with a little smile. "It's cool, man. Lay that down here." She pointed at the floor before herself. "Let me see." When Paul set the book open for her, she began sweeping her purple eyes over it. "Woah man. It isn't just you. I can't grok this at all."

Fast hurried over. "Hmm? Sylvan. I thought all ponies knew sylvan." She caught herself and put a hoof to her face. "All ponies from Everglow, of course, sorry." She pulled the book over and read quickly. "It's an old fable about dragons from a far away land coming to help a pony princess to save her town from a spreading fire before they went home."

Tree clopped her hooves. "I get it."

Flint raised a brow. "That makes one of us. Care ta share?"

Tree pointed at Maud. "We are the dragons. Not literally, but symbolically. We're here to help the princess." She pointed at Fast. "Then we get to go home."

Fast blinked softly. "I don't like being called a princess, but if helping me gets you home, I'd be delighted and honored to have you a little longer." She chuckled softly. "I'm reminded of Under Score again. Fellow always said his god would speak to him through books, and here we are.

Paul smiled. "Whatever the reason, ah'm glad you're staying with us, Maud and Tree. You're a part of our group. I don't really know what Ah'd do without ya two."

Fast moved to lead the way out, but found Maud had beaten her to the hallway. She looked back at Fast and nodded. "Let's go." No argument or support was offered, just a quiet show to the crumbled stairs heading to the surface. They climbed slowly and carefully and emerged to find their horses absent. The ropes that had secured them were gone. There was no sign of their steeds.

With a sigh, Fast began to hike back towards the city of wizards. "We're hoofing it."

Paul hiked beside Flint. "Can we do that? We don't got no hooves."

"Paul, sometimes you crack me up. Tell me that was a joke."

Paul had the sense to go with it. "'Course it was." They shared a laugh, though one of them might have been forcing the motion a little.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   30 - Return of Runes                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They set off into the forest, with Flint taking the lead and guiding the party. "'Least we're back in mah element. I'll get us there faster than you can even think about it." Following his steps, they could advance as easily as a road, despite being off of anything that even looked like a path.

Tree moved up beside him. "Far out, you're moving with the song of the forest, and sharing it with the others. The thorns and branches already got out of my way, but now they're doing it for everypony else. Totally amazing." She canted her head slightly. "Not as fast as the horses, but at least we don't have to feed them anymore. I wonder where they went..."

Fast snorted from behind. "Someone probably noticed them and decided to avail themselves of free horses. They're quite valuable, you know. No point worrying about that for too long, however. We have bigger worries than an opportunistic thief."

Maud looked aside at Fast. "Didn't you say the crown did things beside find princesses?"

Fast tilted her head towards Maud. "I did. It cured my blindness, and gave me sight in the dark, both fantastic properties. It undoubtedly does other things."

"Then why don't you wear it?" Maud walked along patiently, her tone as even as always.

Fast frowned. "There are several good reasons, starting with not wanting to advertise the fact that we're walking around with a bloody artifact whose price is beyond measure. You think horse thieves are bad? We haven't even begun to experience it if word gets around that we're transporting a relic of incalculable power through the human lands. Now secondly, the primary purpose is to find the new queen, and we won't do that with it on my head." She sighed softly. "Mostly the first thing. Let's get back to pony-held lands, then we can figure out what to do."

Paul shrugged as he ambled along, eyes wandering over the trees they passed. "Is it really worth so much? Why not get so rich ya never have to adventure again?"

Fast turned her head to him with her frown deepening. "Because there are things more important than my comfort. Blaze above, I could have sold my equipment and retired to a villa somewhere a long time ago if I wanted, but that's not the life I've chosen for myself." She pointed at Paul. "Do you intend to retire the moment you're able?"

He didn't look certain of a reply, and didn't offer one.

Flint called back without looking, "Get yer head out of yer ass. Yer not a farmer no more. Stop thinkin' 'bout how fast ya can find a comfy bed. Don't you want some songs sung 'bout you?"

Paul rung his hands. "Not really? Ah'm here cause ah gotta, and fer ya, Flint."

"Can't say I'm upset to have ya, Paul, and you're far from first adventurer started cause they gotta." Flint pushed aside some vines as he went. "But ya gotta get a reason after that. What 'bout our pony friends? They need help something bad, how 'bout that?"

They emerged from the dense cover into a small copse. Fast glanced around. "This looks like a fine place for a break. Let's get a quick nibble in, relax, and it's back to walking." She flashed a smile. "Assuming the city's done being sieged, we'll get more comfortable arrangements there, promise."

"Ah'll hold ya to that." Flint settled by a tree and pulled out some jerky to chew on. "You two alright?" His eyes were on Maud and Tree, sitting beside one another. "Ah reckon it's rough learnin' ya can't go home for a while. Ah know from experience."

Tree's ears fell a little. "Oh that's right. Sorry dude. I guess you know exactly how we feel, and we get to go home eventually... Do you want to meditate together?"

Flint laughed softly. "Naw, that's plenty kind of ya, but I want my eyes on the forest in case of beast or man. You enjoy yer peace." He pushed up to his feet and wandered the clearing slowly, still chewing on lunch.

Paul suddenly crashed down beside Tree and pulled his legs into a rough meditative stance. "Offer good fer me?"

Tree nodded at him placidly. "Sure thing, man. Now close your eyes and repeat after me." The soft soft neigh of her mantra threw him off, though at least the first part he could do, and they sang together quietly. A third voice raised to meet theirs as Maud spoke the mantra with them. "Ooooohm, Neeeigh" She was better at getting the actual neigh out, and the chorus filled the clearing.

Fast softly cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt, but we really should be going." The three looked up to her. "What? It's been half an hour."

Tree smiled gently. "A good meditation really makes the time fly." She rose to her hooves, looking to Paul. "Do you feel rejuvenated?"

Paul pushed up to his own feet, looking uncertain at first. "Well... Ah guess so, yeah, I do. Thanks." He slapped her across the shoulders and moved off towards Flint, missing the momentary sour look she shot at him.

Maud tilted her head at Tree. "You're very brave."

"Hmm?" Tree turned to Maud. "Why do you say that?"

"You don't like being touched, but you're facing your fears." She leaned closer. "I wish I could face my fears."

Tree's eyes widened with surprise. "You have fears?"

Maud walked past Tree, saying nothing. Despite Tree's attempts to get her friend to open up, it seemed the moment had passed. "I'm sorry, sister. Please, I didn't mean it like that. You can tell me... Please?" Maud replied with the same stony silence she idolized.

Their journey continued, pressing through the forest. With Flint's guidance, they avoided trouble, and made good time. The city came into view just as they left the protection of the trees the next day. The ring of an army wasn't there. The city was free and gleamed like an alien bit of jewelry, with its great floating slabs of stone, covered in the runes that gave the city its name. Flint hiked a thumb at it. "Looks like we'll get a better reception this time."

Fast frowned a little. "Depending on how that was resolved. The city may be back to normal, or adjusting to a new regime. We don't know nearly enough to say with certainty. Let's keep our heads down and our eyes open." She trotted to the fore and began leading the way before pausing. "Actually..." She turned to Flint. "I have an idea. Flint, walk alongside me and keep a hand on my neck to guide me. We'll pass me off as a standard horse. Maud, let Paul guide you. Tree, you remain as you are. Some have already seen you, and your bird friend is a bit of a give away, not to mention your green fur, lovely as it might be."

Maud looked to Paul as he approached, and said nothing when he put a hand on the back of her neck. If she agreed with the plan, she didn't say, just walking forward alongside him.

Tree trotted alongside the line formed of her friends. "I wonder if my righteous nature friend's alright. He said he had important things to get to and went down close to that gnarly army..."

Flint chuckled. "You made a friend? Were they another horse?"

"Nah man." Tree Hugger shook her head. "He was a human, like you, dig? But the beat of the trees and the animals sung through him. It didn't matter what he was on the outside, we were the same, inside."

Flint raised a brow. "Was he a friend, or a friend friend?"

Tree looked confused a moment before it dawned on her. "No way, man. Give a sister some credit. We, like, barely met. I appreciated his gentle harmony, but we're not that kind of friends."

Flint rolled his free hand. "Sure sure, but if he offered, you'd take it?"

Tree began to go red in the cheeks and across the bridge of her snout savagely. "Flint! That's so not cool, man!" She looked away from him.

"You'll notice she didn't say no."

Fast casually stepped on his closer foot as she walked.

"Hey ow! Sorry." Flint was chuckling to himself despite the painful reprimand he received.

They approached the city, the stones that hovered and turned overhead dominating the view of the sky as they came closer. There were a few other travelers coming and going from the city. A good sign, or so Fast muttered in a faint whisper. As they came close enough to see the main road of the city, a yellow light shone down on them a moment, then faded away.

Paul looked around. "What was that? Did it jus' curse us or somethin'?"

Tree tilted her head. "I doubt that, man. They were probably looking for bad things that'd ruin the karma of the city. We're cool. See?" She stepped forward, unchallenged, and walked towards the city proper.

There were no guards in sight, and none walked the streets after they entered and began roaming the city. They could hear the noise of city life, with people calling, many footsteps, and the general hustle of a crowded life.

A figure approached with a smile showing beneath his thick beard. "Hello, new friends. I am told you have something you may need my services for."

Paul raised a brow at the figure. "Yeah? What services are that?"

He spread his gloved hands. "To know the true measure of an artifact, only truly skilled wizards have a chance to unearth its mysteries."

Fast swore, which drew the stranger's eyes to her. "You have a very talented... horse." He chuckled knowingly. "I'm not here to swindle or steal. See, I have a seal of the city." He showed a badge which looked like one of the stone blocks, covered in runes. "Greegate prides itself on its sorceries, and, for a proper price, they can be brought to your aid..."

Flint rolled a hand. "Let's skip the verbal dance. How much are ya talkin'? And just how assured are they?"

He clapped his hands together. "Now we are speaking sense. One hundred platinum coins. The spell will reveal a story relating to the artifact that should reveal its purpose and powers, and perhaps a tale of who used it most famously. A common identification is not enough, if the runes speak true, and they rarely make mistakes."

Flint flinched at the number. One hundred platinum? It was difficult to even comprehend such amounts, let alone to pay it. "Um, we should settle in first. Where can we find you, if we go an' change our minds?"

"I am always here." He bowed lightly. "I am a servant of the city, as I said." He pointed to the tallest tower. "Go there, and ask for Crucifex the Knowledged, and they will direct you to me. May your travels bring you insight." He moved off with that same knowing expression, leaving them to their own ways.

Passing through Greegate entirely unnoticed seemed out of the plans.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  31 - A Civilized Party                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
With Crucifex gone, Fast shook her head. "Nevermind the ruse. It's a damn city of wizards and the like, I should have known better than to try."

Emerging from the crowd ahead of them was a familiar human female. Fast perked her ears up at the figure, flanked by several armed guards that looked quite ready. Recognition flashed in both their eyes. This was the soldier they unmasked in their escape, but she wore no helmet that day, or even attempted to hide herself.

"Out of respect for a favor given," she spoke, drawing her longsword free. "You are under arrest for the murder of my father. Please yield, and you will be treated fairly." Her men fanned out towards them, aiming to surround.

Tree blinked softly. "Woah, that's not cool. We're trying to get something righteous done here."

"Be that as it may, justice must be served." She waved the sword at their party. "Arrest them, gently. They'll see justice."

Maud hopped up and struck at a soldier's mace. He tried to bring it around her hoof, to bean her across the head, but she was too fast for the blow and brought her hoof down where it met his hand, knocking the weapon to the ground. "No." With a firm kick, she sent it sliding off into the crowd.

That same crowd began to form a circle around the commotion, watching curiously. They seemed far less flighty as a whole than the peasants were.

The noble woman fixed eyes with Fast. "Control your friends, or we abandon civility. I know you're in charge."

Fast grit her teeth as she considered her odds. "Stand down... I doubt they'd be here without agreement of the wizards, which means we'll anger them if this becomes a real mess."

"I knew you were a clever horse." She stepped up. "In accordance to the law, you are my prisoners. You will be taken in and the facts reviewed. If you have words in your defense, I will hear them. Lies will not serve you well. This is the city of magic, and don't think I can't afford their services for this. The truth will be known."

Flint suddenly spoke up, "Then ya want me."

She raised a brow. "Flint? Why you? You're just a ranger, likely caught up in this."

"I think not." Flint put up his hands. "I'm the murderer, the assassin. Don't blame tha rest. By the gods, tha grey horse tried to end the fight with His Lordship peacefully, and I was the one that killed him despite her promise of peace and mercy. His blood is on my hands and my hands alone."

The noble woman trembled, in anger perhaps. "Is this true?" She looked to Maud. "He speaks of you, tell your part and be quick of it."

She glanced towards him. "I won our fight without much fighting. I was going to take him prisoner and put him away while we left, but Flint shot him, with a crossbow."

The noble woman scowled. "You would be guilty of assault on a man of noble birth, but I knew my father well, and imagine he invited the duel, and a duel in good faith isn't against the law." She directed a finger at Flint. "You, on the other hand, have no excuses. Flint, I thought I knew you."

"Ah'm sorry."

"You will be." She made a grand sweep of a fist. "Take him away. Leave the rest. They're innocent, a miraculous thing, that. How you managed to break free of father's arena and through his manor without killing a single man." As her men grabbed Flint and pulled him off into the crowd, she stayed. "A talented group I would care to know more of. I am Elizabeth Stormbringer, the new Lady."

Fast raised a brow. "I gather you're finished hiding yourself."

"If there's any good to be had in my father's passing, it's the chance to remedy that." She looked Fast over. "How delightful it must be. I'm told ponies lean far more towards equality, with an eye towards the women for leaders. I apologize for the loss of your friend, but there really is no alternative. The murderer of my father must be punished, in clear view. I won't stand for less."

Paul was suddenly there, standing beside Fast. "No! Please! Anythin' but that. He ain't a bad man. He just made a mistake..."

She rose back to her full height, hand on the hilt of her blade. "A mistake that cost the life of a noble man, my father, I remind. He is guilty, by his own admission, or do you cast doubt on his words?"

"I-I did it!"

She burst into laughter before punching Paul with a swift strike to the gut, sending him to the ground. "You're a farmer, not a marksman. Your loyalty is touching, but misplaced. I'll be sure to inform him he had good friends here."

Staggering back to his knees and struggling to get higher, he held out a hand towards her. "I'm not... no farmer..."

"Oh? I've seen you working the fields." Elizabeth raised a brow. "What are you, if not a farmer?"

"An adventurer." He shoved up to his feet and grabbed for her sword right on her belt. To her shock, he pulled it free before she could stop him from wrenching it from her. The blade danced in the air in his shaking hands, trembling intensely. The crowd erupted into wild cheers at the sudden turnaround and little bets began to circulate.

"Fast." Elizabeth glanced towards the pony. "Tell your friend to put that down, slowly, and we can perhaps forget this unfortunate event."

"N-no! Give Flint back!" He stepped in, point shaking all the more fitfully in his terrified hands. "He don't deserve to die!"

Fast swung her body suddenly, quarterstaff connecting with the blade and knocking it from his untrained hands. "Paul, no. That was very brave, and very stupid." She smiled. "Flint would be proud."

Paul sank to the ground, weeping. "I don't want him t'be proud! I want him back! He was my best friend!"

Tree set a hoof gently on his shoulder, then pulled him closer. He suddenly fell on her, weeping into her neck and clutching to her tightly.

Elizabeth reclaimed her sword and sheathed it smoothly. "I'm sorry for his loss, but the matter is very clear."

"Unfortunately," agreed Fast, some bitterness in her voice.

Elizabeth strode into the crowd and was quickly swallowed in it as the crowd began to disperse back to what it was doing before the excitement had begun.

Fast turned away from it all. "We're going this way." She led the way through the crowd with a resolved frown until she heard the sound of men fighting, and followed it to an arena. Unlike the one they had found themselves in, it seemed to be entirely voluntary, with warriors training eagerly in the yard provided, and clashing for the delight of fans within the building.

With a firm nod, she turned to Paul. "You claimed to be an adventurer, but you aren't quite there. You've got the courage, and the dedication." She grabbed a sparring sword from the provided rack and tossed it to him with a flick of her head. "It's time you got some skill. It's what Flint would want."

Paul caught the sword with some fumbling, but looked devastated. "Why're you talking 'bout him like he's already dead?"

Fast stomped a hoof. "Have some respect for your friend. We aren't going to do anything for him, least of all in our current condition. He knew what he was doing when he did it. He had his head held high. He did it for us, for you, Paul. He did it because he could protect us. Respect that, damn it all."

Paul nodded, shaking like a leaf. He raised the wooden sword. "What'm I gonna do wit' this?"

Fast smiled. "Long ago, friends of mine said to cross blades with me was the true initiation of any warrior. It's time to initiate you, Paul. Your friend saw an adventurer in you, one fit to write songs about. Today, I'll bring him out of you, with tears and blood, like any good birth."

Tree leaned towards Maud. "That's some heavy imagery she's laying down on him."

Maud tilted her head. "I don't see anything being born."

Tree peered at Maud a moment, wondering if that was a joke, or if she truly missed it.

"Defend yourself!" Fast came at Paul and swatted at his leg with her staff, leaving a painful bruise. "Your sword is also your shield when you don't have one. See where I'm coming from, get your sword in the way and turn me aside. You have the strength, Paul, use it."

Paul suddenly swung at her with his wooden blade, forcing her to duck beneath it. She jumped forward as she rose, bringing her staff to crash into his side. "Nice try, but you have to swing at me, not in my direction."

A  training warrior paused, watching the spar as it went back and forth."You going to let that horse show you up like that? A mare at that?" His attention brought others, who began to cheer them on, and shout advice to either of them, though Paul was their clear favorite. Every blow became a riot of cheers and shouts. The more ragged the both of them became, the louder the crowd rose to keep them going.

The sun was growing heavy in the sky when Fast rose a hoof to call them done. "You've given me a few stings to remember the day by." She smiled at Paul, heaving and panting as he was. "Flint was right. There is a warrior in there, waiting to break free. Tomorrow, we resume. Tonight, we rest, in some actual beds."

The four of them left to the quieting noises of the crowd. There was an inn not far from the arena. Fast found the prices reasonable, and rented the largest room they had, to fit all four of them easily. "Before we resume training, we sell the incense, hopefully at a good price. Any of you especially good at haggling?" When blank looks were the reply, Fast nodded. "Alright, I'll handle that. Let's avail ourselves of some hot food."

They gathered around a round table, and dinner was brought. Fast ordered five pints of ale. Tree tilted her head. "There's only four of us."

Fast didn't answer until the mugs were brought to them. Fast tapped the fifth mug. "This is for Flint. Thank you." She pushed it into the center of the table, then ignored it.

Paul stared at the abandoned mug, tears threatening to return. "Isn't there somethin' we could do? Somethin'? That's what adventures do, right? We do th' impossible!"

Maud shook her head. "Don't lie. Your friend lied, and this happened."

Tree gasped, her eyes widening a moment. "Sister, please. That was just cruel."

Paul slammed his fist on the table. "One mistake. He only made one mistake." His head sank to his arms, and he never finished his own drink.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     32 - Court of Law                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They awoke the next morning to knocking on their door. Tree let out a mumbling noise, still not ready to greet the world. More easily roused, Maud hopped from her bed and trotted to the door. Behind it, a well-dressed human in severe attire held out a letter towards her. "Your presence is requested."

Maud tilted her head before she accepted the letter and closed the door without a word to the messenger.

"Who was it?" Fast slipped to her hooves. "It feels early in the morning." A brushing aside of the leather covering of their window revealed the sun to still be low in the sky. "Ah well, already awake now."

Maud flipped the letter open and set it on the ground where she could more easily browse it. "They want all witnesses to the killing to be at this address by ten."

Fast frowned. "What? They're having a trial? Now? Here?"

Paul stopped feigning sleep rather abruptly. "There's still a chance then! We can save 'im!" He half-fell from the bed, scrambling to get his clothes on. "We haveta go and break 'im out."

"We'll do nothing of the sort." Fast frowned at Paul. "Maybe if Under Score or some other arcane master were here, I could consider such a reckless thing, but need I remind we have no escape route from a city of wizards? Don't be in such a rush to make his action be for nothing and get us all killed."

Maud tapped the letter. "We can tell the truth."

Rolling up to her feet, Tree yawned as Bright landed on her head. "Good morning. What's the good word?"

Paul gestured at the letter on the ground. "Flint's bein' put on trial and we're invited."

Her eyes widened, losing the sleep in them for a moment. "Woah, seriously? We'd better get ready then." She slid to the ground. "Breakfast, a bath..."

Paul threw up his hands. "Why are you all bein' so calm about this? This is Flint's only chance."

Fast prodded him in the gut. "Keeping our heads on straight, noses clean, and attitudes right is the only way we can help him. We may be the only character witnesses he has." She turned away. "By the law of the land, Flint's guilty. He's guilty in every way. The owning of ponies, as slaves, isn't even illegal in most of the human lands. The lord did nothing wrong, by law." She looked to Paul. "It's an uphill battle, at best. Let's at least approach it looking like civilized people."

Paul trembled before he let out a forced breath. "Right... fine... Why don't you sell that stuff so we can hurry over there dressed proper?"

"Now that's an idea." Fast nodded at him. "I'll be back. Bathe, eat. We have to move quickly." She trotted from the room with her saddlebags and slip on. Unlike some other ponies, a touch of modesty suited her just fine.

"Dibs on the tub." Tree slipped into the bin with a smile and began the water, only to hear a thump behind her. Maud quietly settled behind her, just sitting there, undressed. "Sister?"

"We have to go quickly."

Tree nodded slowly. She undid her bandanna and set it outside the tub as it slowly filled with warm water. Paul seemed impressed. "That hot water out of there? I didn't know this place was so fancy."

Tree and Maud looked at him together. Tree shook her head. "You're not used to warm water?"

"Not water I ain't heated meself for th' occasion. Ah heard of it sure, but we live in a damn hut. No hot water there, or the well."

Tree let out a slow sigh as the water filled the tub and her tension began to go with the warmth. "Mmm, well, you'll get it next, Paul. Enjoy it. It's nice." When the water filled to around their necks, she turned off the stream, and reached around until Paul handed her the soap. "Ah, thanks dude. Do they have any shampoo?" Paul looked confused. "Nevermind, man." She went stiff as she felt a hoof rubbing over her back.

"My sisters and I would help each other clean all the time," said Maud in her even way. "You keep calling me sister."

Tree forced a smile, seeing it for what it was. One part affection, one part revenge. She let her head sink a little and tried to enjoy the company. Reaching her back would be hard without a brush... "Thanks..."

Eventually they were all cleaned, and emerged from their room smelling and feeling fresher. They sat around a table just as Fast entered. "Ah, just getting here?" She settled in with them. "Good timing. Selling wasn't difficult, but I was a little off on my estimate. Still quite valuable, just not as valuable. We have enough to get supplied and moving."

Paul raised a finger. "After we get dressed all fancy like and show up ta protect Flint."

"Right, after that." She clopped the table. "Hey, a round of breakfast over here, three vegetarian, one meat lover."

The bartender grunted as he got to work as a waitress swung by with some drinks for them.

Tree sipped from her mug with an appraising look before she nodded. "Alright, what can we do besides be honest?"

Fast tapped at the table again. "We can emphasize what good he's done. Paul, how was he regarded around the community?"

"Oh, he was a good sort. He'd run off wild animals what's causin' someone trouble, or hunt down escaped varmints 'fore they got killed in the forest. Ain't nobody mind his meat when he made a good catch. 'is boar was always a highlight of the week." Paul smiled as he went on about his friend's achievements. "A good soul, you know that."

Tree nodded at him. "Flint's aura is bright, but tainted. Sister promised him safety."

Paul frowned. "He didn't know none of that."

Fast clopped the table. "That's important. Can you swear on that? Are you certain of that?"

Paul shrank from her intensity. "I-I, yeah! 'course I can. We just got outside when Maud was throwin' 'im up against the roof. He lined up the shot and, uh, ya know."

Maud took a slow breath. "Then he didn't know I promised he'd be safe until afterwards. That's a little better."

Fast sighed. "I'll take what I can get. Convincing them he isn't a coldblooded murderer is a step in the right direction."

"He did it for us," hissed Paul. "Like he said, the lord woulda chased us if he coulda."

"Be that as it may..." Fast chewed idly at her food one it was set before her. "Chasing criminals does not give leave to kill an agent of the law. Eat, we'll get dressed on the way. I saw a tailor. We're running behind, and being late is not an option." She frowned. "Guilty or innocent, he's a member of this party, and we'll help him how we can."

"Too right..." Paul went quiet along with the rest of the table. The food's taste wasn't as enjoyed as it could be, shoveled into empty bellies before they hurried to the tailor, and left it in respectable clothing in time to sprint to the courthouse that had been specified in the letter.

Fast strode up the marble steps of the stately building. "If they're holding it here, they want to appear as impartial as possible. There's no other reason to hold the trial of the killer of your father in another sovereignty's court. If she was simply out for blood, she could walk him out of the city and have his head off by now, and she wouldn't be challenged. That's our only ray of hope. The wizards of this city play by their own moralities."

Maud looked around slowly at those loitering around. "They look like humans."

Fast nodded more subtly. "That doesn't mean much."

"Some of their auras are out of this world." Tree tilted her head slowly before shaking herself out. "We should be careful."

Paul rung his hands nervously. "We gotta argue with witches?"

"Wizards," corrected a tall man at the top of the stairs. "Witches rarely manage such esteemed positions. We have had a few sorcerers, and that one alchemist... Regardless! Welcome, witnesses. You're expected." He gestured inside as he turned towards the building. "Follow me. The session is to begin shortly. You're prompt. The judge likes that."

Fast hurried to be just behind the new human. "A pleasure to be here. This is a fine building. I don't think I've seen the like for a court before?"

"It was fashioned at great expense." The man nodded slowly. "You'll notice the columns have words of law from every major race of the world." A quick glance didn't show any pony writing, to Fast's annoyance, but she nodded politely. "Justice will be done here. Ah, an important note, but witnesses are protected. Even if you must speak out against the defendant or prosecution, do so freely and honestly. Even your identities will be shrouded."

Paul frowned at the words. "How can they know what we're sayin' if they can't see us?"

"How charming..." The man opened a door leading down a short hallway. "They'll see you, but not your faces, or be able to easily determine your build or height, making identifying you again quite problematic."

Fast snorted. "They'll know ponies are speaking."

"Not much to be done about that, I'm afraid. Do you wish to give up the right to testify?"

Maud shook her head. "We'll tell the truth."

"That's the attitude to have." He opened a door that led into a low balcony. "I can't follow you past here. Speak the truth and nothing but, and there's nothing to fear."

They filtered into the balcony. When the door closed, there was barely a hint that there was a door there to begin with. They could see out over many comfortable looking chairs with people perched in them, looking out to the main event, which had two areas, one with a sword statue, and another with a great shield. Beyond them a chair elevated above both with a huge scales set behind that.

Flint was seated, looking nervous, in the shielded area, the defendant. Elizabeth was seated with head held high in the sword portion, as the attacker or prosecutor. Whoever would serve as judge had not yet arrived.

"All rise for the honorable Toril, master of divination and discerner of the truth!" There was no obvious source of the announcement, but all the people stood up. Fast and the others found a seat and stood beside it. With a wash of arcane power, a figure appeared, already seated in the chair allotted for him.

He was portly, and smiling, and wore a billowing robe and many jewels from his neck and at his fingers. "Good morning everyone. Do be seated." The court settled back into their chairs, the sound of them muffled by magic the city of wizards didn't skimp on. "Today we have an interesting case, for a crime not committed within our borders. As a measure of good will, the County of Stormbringer brings its charges of assassination against their former Lord against one Flint." He gestured at Flint as light shone down on him. "We have a spoken confession, but there can be irregularities with those. We will hear the whole of the truth before judgement is rendered. Acting as prosecutor, Elizabeth Stormbringer, acting Lady of Stormbringer County." He gestured towards her, a new light shining down on her.

"Let justice be done."




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 33 - Let Justice be Done                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Toril fixed his gaze on Flint. "Would the defendant give us his version of the events of the day this transpired? Be aware, your words are being watched for the truth. Lying in this place is itself a grave crime." He steepled his fingers. "In case you thought death was the worse it could get, we pride ourselves on being far more clever than that. Let guilt or innocence be proven."

The rest of the room dimmed, bringing focus more tightly on Flint as he stood up. "Well, alright. We were thrown in jail because our entrants into the arena match weren't cooperating."

Toril stroked his wide chin. "Oh, interesting. Were they harming people? Bringing dangerous monsters would be an actionable crime."

"Uh, no, yer, uh, honor?"

"Very good."

"Yeah, so, they didn't want to fight each other. Both sides were ponies, so once one side won, they wanted to call it even and  not kill each other."

Toril leaned forward in his seat. "Is that so? Hardly cause for imprisonment, but do go on."

"Objection!" Light focused down around Elizabeth as she rose. "We're not here to discuss the legalities of father's last actions."

"On the contrary." Tori smiled darkly. "We're here to discern the truth, the whole of it. Without knowing the situations surrounding this tragic event, we cannot make an educated decision. Did you resist arrest?"

"Uh, no sir. We were dragged off to his Lordship's manor and put away."

"Did you... break free?"

"No, sir."

"Then how did you come to the right circumstance where you could kill?"

Flint rolled a hand. "Our ponies came for us. They broke us free."

"Loyal beasts, are they not." He smiled. "For sake of the record, I presume we are not speaking of actual small horses, but rather the fey creatures known as ponies, are we not?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did they or did they not belong to you at the time of your arrest?"

Bristling with irritation, Elizabeth pounded the rail before her. "Immaterial! They are intelligent creatures and acted of their own will."

Toril lifted his hands. "Did you or did you not enter these beasts, intelligent or not, into this contest?"

"We did, sir."

Toril brought his hands together slowly. "Did the Lord not accept them as yours?"

"He did, sir."

"Who was to receive the prize money, should they prove victorious?"

"We were, sir."

"Not the ponies?" He raised a brow. "That certainly sounds like a master/slave relationship, however cordial. Let the record show, at the time of the match, the ponies were the property of Flint and, pardon me, who was the name of this other individual you keep referring to?"

"Paul, sir." Flint looked a little lost, unsure where the questioning was going.

"Yes, Paul." Toril leaned back. "It is the law of the County of Stormbringer that beasts may be owned, regardless of intelligence. A law your own father penned into being." His eyes focused on Elizabeth with the last sentence. "Or am I mistaken?" His tone implied he had no real doubts.

She slowly sank to her seat. "You are not."

Toril nodded. "Very well, let us proceed. Your pony companions set you free, and you methodically hunted down the lord and slew him, is that not right?"

"No!" Flint stood up straight. "Not like that... We were trying to get away, and he got into a fight with the ponies, threatenin' them and fightin' a retreating battle ah sorts. I got a crossbow off of one of his knocked out men. I'm a fair shot by trade, yer honor, so I followed after. Maud had him held down when I arrived at the roof, and I took the shot, ending him."

Toril raised a brow lightly. "I see. Was she holding him for you? That's a very well trained beast."

"No, gods above, no... She was horrified, yer honor. She wanted ta take him alive, show mercy."

"I think we need to speak to this 'Maud'. Maud, stand up and stand witness to the crime." He made a wave in their general direction, and a light shone down on Maud, though her friends could see her clearly, to others it was an indeterminate quadrupedal shape.

Maud rose to her hooves with a nod. "I'm here."

"My, what an exotic beast. You look like quite the interesting breed of pony. Let's put that aside. Tell the court how it happened."

Maud glanced to the others. "We were trying to escape, as Flint said. The owner of the manor was very upset at our presence and tried to kill us, or at least buy us. He made an attempt to buy me to his side. I didn't want to kill him. I won in the fight he started, and promised him safety. Flint made a lie of that promise with his crossbow. It hit him in the neck. He died instantly."

Toril tapped his fingers together. "Well, that certainly exonerates your pony friends of violent wrong-doing. A duel with a peaceful ending is not illegal in any country I'm aware of. There is the little manner of trespassing, but we're not here for that. Do you or do you not disagree that you were Paul and Flint's property at the time?"

Maud tilted her head slightly. "We owed them for what they did, and thought it would help. I would be lying if I said it was entirely out of kindness."

"Pragmatism makes for interesting bedfellows. Let that be entered on the record. Now, I'd like to paint a countering picture." He clapped his hands together. "His Lordship, while legally entitled, made no formal request for his commoner's horses. Even a quick 'I'm taking these' would have sufficed, but I presume no such words were uttered?"

Flint shook his head. "No, sir."

"He imprisoned a man guilty of no particular crime, a man he stole from, and represented a very clear and immediate threat to this man, with superior training, arms, and reinforcements."

Elizabeth gripped the rail in front of her tightly, knuckles bulging through her gloves. "Who is still guilty of murder."

"Oh, most definitely. He has admitted it, and is clearly not being forced to do so." Toril nodded at Flint. "But there are certain... extenuating circumstances. This was not the act of a mugger, assassin, or random malcontent. This was a desperate man, fighting for survival."

"Damn wizards!" Elizabeth bounded to her feet. "You would have an admitted killer set loose on the countryside?"

"We do all the time." Toril raised a brow lightly. "We call them soldiers. Now, the way I see it, Flint can't claim that particular protection, but I think a summary hanging is far too harsh a punishment. I would hear his character, among the community. Let's begin with his friend, also a witness." The light over Maud flickered away, shrouding her entirely from the sight of others before one snapped over Paul. "Rise, and tell us the measure of this man. Speak true, or be known as a liar and be punished for it."

Paul scrambled up to his feet. "H-here, sir! Flint's the best darn hunter we done got in the entire village! He always works so hard for everyone, chasing off wild animals and such, and keeping our livestock safe. He's good at what he does, and he never did complain about it, even when I asked him to come wit' me to go chasin' after mah dreams, and we found the ponies, sir."

"Hardly the description of a man born of foul intentions." Toril looked to Elizabeth. "What say you?"

Elizabeth let out a slow breath. "It is true that my father may have made some... dubious decisions, but he was the Lord of the land, and killing him isn't something to be forgiven because the man involved is otherwise nice."

"There is worth to this man not yet delved into. A new witness!" The light over Paul flicked off.

Paul sank back to his seat. "Did I do it right?" His words didn't seem to carry when not being 'called', and only his friends heard him.

Tree smiled gently. "You said your true feelings. It's all we can ask. Hopefully it'll work out."

The light descended on a new figure, shrouded in anonymity. "Yes, I encountered the accused and several companions of his. They lent aid without being so much as asked, doing battle with a... rogue creation of mine. I won't deny, if it wasn't for them, I might have been in quite the predicament. One of their number was gravely wounded in the battle, but they proved victorious at my benefit."

Toril nodded even as the light faded. "A man can only be truly responsible for his own actions, but, seeing as he has accepted the duty of being in charge of these ponies, let us speak of their behavior." The light came down on Tree Hugger. "Rise and speak of your activities in our fair city during the siege." Noticing her confused expression, he rolled a hand slowly. "Did you or did you not run into a druid of some skill?"

"Oh, yeah, totally. He was far out." Tree nodded with a little smile.

"Speak his name, for the record."

She tapped her chin. "Harold, for sure."

"Harold, one of the greater druids of the area, instrumental to the tenuous peace we now enjoy."

She blinked. "I..." The light flicked out, she was no longer addressed.

Toril looked to Elizabeth. "For a  common murderer, he seems to keep interesting company."

"None of this changes the facts of the matter. What would you have me do?" She slapped a hand down on the rail, leaning towards Toril. "You think these outside facts excuse him?"

Toril turned to regard Flint. "Answer this, do you love your country?"

"W-what, sir? I mean, of course, sir. I like mah town, and the people in it."

"Are you willing to die for it?"

Elizabeth raised a brow high. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting you shouldn't throw away valuable assets. If you had the choice between dangling from a tree, and bending knee to Elizabeth, which would you pick, Flint. Know that your words are binding here."

"I..." He glanced between Elizabeth and over the crowd of faceless witnesses. "Are you a better man than your father?"

"That's a slight on his name!" She threw a hand aside. "Despite that... Yes. I will try to undo some of his... less progressive decisions, and help our people."

"Then I will." Flint put a fist over his chest and bowed. "If I can make up fer what I did done in serving the people I love, then that ain't so bad."

Toril spread his fingers in a fan. "Do you accept his oath, and his sentence, Elizabeth Stormbringer?"

Elizabeth stepped from the prosecution stand, lost to sight a moment before she appeared, marching towards Flint. She lashed out with lightning speed, backhanding him. To his credit, he staggered but didn't fall, though the sound of the impact echoed in the room. "That's for my father. I'll make you work for that. You'll sweat, and work, and bleed. You'll never forget what you did, but you'll do good for those people you claim to love."

Toril brought his fingers together and made a little gentle clapping sound. "Case adjourned. The defendant is guilty, sentence to be carried out by Elizabeth Stormbringer in a period of life's servitude to the crown and her personally."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   34 - So it is Written                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Emerging from the private booth, they were surrounded by many others also on their way out to the street. Gossip ran thick and hot about how Toril handled the case, and the reactions of Flint and Elizabeth. The natives of the city seemed united in thinking Toril had masterfully handled the delicate case, while those from outside the city found the entire thing a bit odd.

Doors slammed open. Elizabeth arrived, guiding Flint along. Paul caught sight of them and approached quickly. "Flint!" Many eyes turned towards them and the crowd parted as if on command, letting Paul get close.

Elizabeth frowned at him. "Your friend's life belongs to the crown now."

Paul slowed to a stop, ringing his hands. "Can ah talk to him a little? Please, your ladyship."

She made a dismissive motion. "Make it fast. There are miles to put behind us." She gave Flint a shove towards Paul. "You have a minute."

Paul grabbed the less eager Flint up in a sudden intense hug. "I thought they were gonna kill ya for sure!"

Flint gave a little laugh. "Didn't they, in a sort of way. I'll be good though. Maybe you can be right proud of me as a soldier instead of an adventurer."

"S-soldier?" Paul frowned a bit. "I guess so... D..." He glanced off. "Do you want me to come wit' you?"

"Are ya daft?" Flint slapped Paul on the back of the head. "Think, man. You finally got out of the fields. You can have a life, a real life, made with your own hands. I can't stop you, but you have to decide what you really want. You won't hurt my feelings none if ya go and make a name for yerself. I'll raise a cup to ya if a bard comes through singing your song."

Fast trotted up beside the two of them. "On the other hoof, you don't have to go galavanting to the pony lands, pursuing my quest. You won't be looked down on by me if you decide to stay at your friend's side."

Paul had a choice to make, a big one, and he clearly didn't like it one bit. Maud approached the group. "Do what you want to do."

Tree nodded as she joined in. "Follow your heart." She tapped at her chest. "You have friends waiting either way, man."

Paul raised a shaking hand. "I'm leaving friends either way." The crowd gave a soft aww, watching their drama unfold with undisguised interest, as if the entertainment of the court had simply been extended.

Flint slapped Paul on the shoulder. "Think. I'll be here. Go finish yer adventure, then ya can get yer arse back here if ya want it so bad. Good luck." He turned back to Elizabeth. "Ready to serve."

Elizabeth pushed Flint forward and they began to walk. As she passed, she looked towards the human and ponies that had been Flint's allies. "I don't know exactly what you're pursuing, but may the gods smile on you if it's for the greater good."

Fast dipped her head towards Elizabeth. "May they grace your rule with a just hand and a long reign of peace."

They were gone shortly thereafter, and the crowd dispersed. Paul made his way to a chair and settled down on it heavily. A soft sniff came from him, but no tears. His right hand clenched and let go in slow motions.

Tree Hugger moved over to him and gave a little smile. "Your friend's rooting for you, man. He's with us, in spirit, and waiting for you."

Maud tapped at his other side lightly. "You're like us now."

"Huh?" He looked off towards Maud, but it was Fast that answered.

"We all have people we miss very much, waiting for us to be done." She gestured to Maud. "An entire family--" She moved the hoof to Tree Hugger. "--dear friends, like yourself--" She put that hoof at her own chest. "We all have people we want to see. Let's face this bravely, and get back to those people. You learned how to be brave, and what it means to risk it all, but there's something to be said for living in the end. We all have people waiting for us."

Paul sat up with a shaking nod. "Yeah... Yeah! Yer right. Y'all got people waiting fer ya. Ah guess I'm just not used ta it. It's... alright ta be a little sad, ain't it?"

Tree leaned in and nuzzled one of his hands. "Of course it is, man. We're not made of stone." It only struck her after saying it what she had just uttered and she went pale in her nose. "I didn't mean it like that, sister."

Maud was looking away. She said nothing. Tree put a hoof over her face, but had the wisdom to not try to push the subject more in the heat of the moment.

Fast cleared her throat. "Yes, well, let's put our mind towards more delightful things. For once, we're well off. We can properly outfit ourselves." She swatted at Paul with a hoof. "And don't think this gets you out of training today. We'll squeeze you into some armor and start working you around with it. If you think just wearing some metal's enough, that's just the start."

Paul sat up and stood. "Right." A little forced chuckle came from him. "Yeah. When we come back, I'll have quite th' tale for 'im, and he'll have some yarns to spin for me back." He spread his hands out. "We'll make it through, right?"

Together, they left the courthouse. Fast went up to a random passerby. "Excuse me, miss. Could you direct us to a store that sells enchanted armor and the like?"

She pointed deeper into the city. "There aren't too many of those. They're very expensive, you know, but I hear there's a nice one on the corner of Onyx and Delta. They've worked for every head wizard for the last hundred years, or so the rumor goes."

Tree tapped her chin. "How many head wizards would that be?"

The woman frowned a bit in apparent thought. "Well, the one before last lasted a good twenty years... Let's go with ten."

Paul snorted in surprise. "They go through kings that quick?"

She rolled a hand with a flat expression. "Wizards, not kings, and they come male and female. When a better wizard shows up the last, then they get to be in charge. Some of them wander off to study whatever has their fancy, so a new wizard steps up. 'Least we always know the best is in charge, not somebody who's only claim is being born to the right person. As if that mattered."

Fast nodded quickly. "Right. Well, your system seems to work very well for you. Your city is well managed and safe."

She waved a hand dismissively. "No one wants to cause trouble when making a racket gets people hurling spells at you. Now if you'll pardon me, I have to get going. Enjoy your time in Greegate." She tipped her head and was off, hustling down the cobbled street.

Fast turned back to the others. "Well we have our destination. Let's put our minds to a little shopping, hmm? It's one of the better parts of adventuring." She led them along through the streets of the city.

Tree's eyes wandered from one tower to the next. "It still blows my mind how tall they build everything. It gives Manehattan a run for its bits with how big everything is."

Paul looked with less certainty. "What stops 'em from just fallin' over any moment? Kill us faster than any monster could."

Maud glanced aside at a tower she had been ignoring until then. "It's safe."

"How do you know that fer sure?"

"It's safe." Maud stepped over to it and lightly rapped a hoof against it. "Solid, a mixture of lime, gravel, clay... There's something holding it together. It's safe."

Fast nodded towards Maud. "If she trusts a tower of stone, then I see no reason to worry about it. Sounds like they used magic in it, like everything else in this city. I wouldn't want to be here when something disrupts that, but I don't plan to be here that long." She led the way onwards, to a rather brightly decorated store. Suits of armor holding large swords were on prominent display, with mannequins showing off fashions in leathers and even silks. Tags on them gushed about their magical properties, and included a price on each. "Big cities..." Fast rolled her eyes. "Some of them just don't understand the pleasure of haggling."

As if summoned by her word, a lean human stepped out. His ears were a bit pointed for a human, but not nearly pointed enough to suggest a proper elf. "Welcome! Just one look at you and I can see you're just my kind of customers. Adventurers, am I right? You're looking for something to keep the beasts' fangs off your hide?"

Tree tapped at her chin. "I'm more worried about people, and far out monsters. Wolves I can reason with."

"Druid? You have to be."

Tree huffed. "Is it really that obvious?"

Maud nodded. "It is."

The shopkeep looked Maud over critically. "I can't tell at a glance what your profession might be, but I can see you're overdue for a new outfit. You must be tired walking around looking like you've survived several wars in rapid succession."

Fast tapped at the ground. "I'll be the one making the shoping decisions today." Her eyes wandered and she vanished into the store. An excited sound drifted out from where she went. "And we'll start with this." She came out, holding a lance in her mouth. "I gather the price is still valid?"

"A fine selection. It was once used to win a--"

Fast waved it away. "I'll take it." She pulled out the staff in her rack and replaced it with the lance. "It's like having some clothes on again..." With a firm twist, she locked it into place. "Your training's just about to get harder," she promised with a grin at Paul. "But let's get you something worth fighting back with, hmm?"

She began poking around the selection of weapons when Paul's excited sound drew her attention. He was hefting up a truly massive blade, a sword almost as long as he was. "Look at the size of this one!" He swung it wildly, fortunately not in the direction of anyone else. "I really like this one."

Tree tilted her head at Paul, watching him wave it around. "Can you handle that, man?"

"No." He planted it into the ground, leaning on it. "But that's what Fast's for."

Fast's doubts evaporated into a smile. "That was the right answer. Fine, we'll take that one, and he'll learn how to use it. Shopkeep." The man looked towards her. "Can you do custom jobs?"

"What do you have in mind m'lady?"

"I want a full set of plate, sized properly and enchanted to boot. I should be a walking juggernaut."

One could almost see the gold coins dancing in his eyes. "Yes ma'am. It'll take about a week."

"Time well spent practicing with Paul." She grinned up at him. "I do hope you're ready."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 35 - Christened in Blood                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The days went by, painfully for some. Paul and Fast clashed nearly constantly. The more he used it, the more he insisted the blade worked for him, and Fast made him pay for the choice, but no price seemed high enough. Their energetic bouts, with equine against hominid, would draw the occasional crowd, sometimes of those not training. Passerbies off the road would come to watch them fight viciously. The shouted words of encouragement or advice from the actual warriors only seemed to add to the spectacle.

By the third day, others stepped forward to go a round with Paul or Fast. "There's no point," said one, "In learning how to avoid one warrior. You'll be fighting the whole damn world, so ya might as well get used to it." He used a pair of axes and swung them with worrying skill. "Don't worry, I got sleeves on em. Won't do more than bruise ya, but remember, every bruise is a time you coulda died, so let's not get too many of those, hmm?"

Fast let Paul crosstrain with others, busying herself with more practiced warriors. Though loath to admit it, there were some there at the arena even more skilled than herself, magic lance or not. She wasn't the only fighter there wealthy enough to have powerful tools, and having it turned against her was a harsh reminder that she had growing of her own she could be doing. One insufferable soul could slide forward as quickly as she slid back, preventing her from ever getting the room to bring her lance to place and forcing her to rely on her spiked shoes, a weapon she didn't practice with nearly as much.

It was a productive week, for the both of them.

Tree watched them with mild concern, serving as a doting medic to them both, and any other warrior that took a nasty blow. Even in training, accidents could happen that'd send a combatant to the ground with a serious wound. Her presence was quite welcomed as an addition to the lone healer that the arena provided, who didn't even employ magic. Healing was not a strong point of the magical understanding of the city.

Maud sat the first few days out, watching them, but on the evening of the second day, she was approached by a man wearing as little armor as she. "You carry yourself well, and watch your allies intently and sharply. Perhaps you wish to not make a display? But it would be an honor to cross ways with you. We may improve in our personal follies."

She tilted her head at the man as he took a fighting stance. "I only fight when I have to."

"That's a very good attitude to have," agreed the man. "Fighting is only a means to an end, not an end to itself. I practice to hone myself, to understand myself, and through it, the world. When your friends rely on you, can you say you will always be skilled enough, no matter what they may face?"

Maud rose to two legs and imitated him, standing in a ready footing. "Are you sure you want this?"

"I am. If I lose, then that is my failing, and my pleasure. I will learn from it." He made a beckoning gesture. "I hope you will accept it the same way."

They came together like a dance. She struck with lightning fast motions, and he moved around them, flowing against her. His strikes met toughened hide, deflecting hooves and sudden motions that started before he could finish his motions. They were well matched, and a new crowd began to gather, watching them perform a work of art as much as any battle. With a low thump, she scored the first true blow and he jumped back a foot. "Well placed." He bowed to her, and she returned the gesture with a little less certainty. The fight resumed.

The encouraging shouts were entirely lost on them. They were in their own world, their own waltz, and there were only two members in it. He landed a blow on Maud, only to have it returned. She ducked under a spinning kick, only to have the same leg suddenly brought down on her. She grabbed the leg and swung to toss him aside, and he flipped through the air, coming down and bouncing off the ground back at her. This man. Maud realized something as she sparred against this man that made her sweat with exertion. He wasn't going all out. He was holding back. She couldn't explain why, but this infuriated her. "Faster." Her words held none of her emotion.

The dance did speed, and his skill became more and more apparent. The more she urged him, the more blows he managed to land on her. The more it became clear that she was not this man's equal. She was as a student to a master. She thought she was one of the best fighters around. Even the unliving feared her. Even the dread rust monster had been brought to its knees. In a sudden rage, she grabbed for him, grabbing his arms. With a sudden twist he swung her up and slammed her into the ground, planting his elbow into her chest painfully. "You lost because you lost yourself."

She rolled to her hooves, panting for breath. "What do you mean?"

He settled on the ground, cross legged and calm. "Even in the most trying of conflicts, we must master ourselves. When we lose ourselves, the battle is already forfeited."

Maud gave a little nod. It didn't entirely make sense, but there was wisdom there, and she wouldn't give up yet. They would meet many more times over the week. Unlike the other warriors, their fights never resulted in blood, only lessons, given and received in quiet determination.

One morning, Fast awoke with a stretch, shaking herself out. "Time to collect on our things. Let's see how badly this shell I've commissioned slows me down."

Paul smiled brightly. "I'll be trying on some fancy duds m'self. Let's get t'going."

They ate breakfast in good cheer. Tree smiled at them all. "You've all been practicing so hard. I'm totally behind you all."

Fast rose a brow. "Do you mean in support, or lacking in skill? You have not been entirely idle, Tree. Still, there's no replacement for true survival in real conflict."

Tree waved a hoof. "You say that, but I can see you've all become better. Paul, like, man, you've become a real fighter. When we started, you were a little awkward, but now you swing that sword like you were meant to have it."

Paul went red in his cheeks at the compliment. "That's right kind of ya t'say, Tree. I wouldn't be this far without yer carin' hooves when I get the snot beat out of me. Just wish Flint was here ta see it."

Maud reached across and put a hoof on Paul's shoulder. "He'll hear the story from you."

"Yeah... He will. So, uh, who's the guy you keep meetin' up with?"

Maud drew her hoof back. "He's alright. His name's San Wei." Feeling the need for nothing else, she chewed at her breakfast.

Tree tilted her head at Maud. "San's moves with you are beyond my understanding. The way you two move is just trippy to the max. I can't even try to get it, sister. He's really challenging you?"

"Is that bad?"

"No!" Tree clopped the table. "Not at all. You're faster than you were before, which I didn't think was even possible."

Bright cawed out a sudden word, "Possible!"

All eyes turned to him. "Possible, Possible!"

Tree smiled slowly. "Righteous. You're such a clever bird, Bright. Are you listening to us?"

"Possible."

Fast pushed from the table and rose. "It seems to be we're preparing nicely. Good. We have many miles to cover before we reach the edge of the pony empire, possibly more, depending on how badly it's deteriorated." As the others rose with her, she guided them to the door. "We have a lot of walking ahead of us, but let's take at least one more day to try out our new armor, and to arrange fresh horses. Speed will be our ally. We've certainly spent enough time."

Maud turned away from the group. "I'll say bye to San."

Tree hesitated, then moved to follow Maud without saying anything. They went off together, leaving Fast and Paul. The shopkeeper awaited them with a smile on seeing them. "Ah, you're really going to like what I have for you!" He gestured back to three sets of armor, two equine in shape, one human. "With the funds you gave me, I had a little left over. A gift for your friend. Where is she? You know the one I speak of, with the faraway gaze. The druid."

Fast gestured to the east. "She went with our other companion to settle affairs. What did you make for her?"

He pulled a mannequin in the shape of a pony over with the armor. A ponnequin? "Well, bring this to her. It'll keep her pretty hide safe when things get ugly." It appeared to be made of plates of bone as if from a giant beetle's back. "It covers all the vitals, and no metal is used. I know how particular druids can be about that. I never understood it, mind you, but the customer is always right."

Paul reached for it, pulling it free of the stand and turning it around. "It looks right nicely made."

"I should think so." The shopkeep smiled with pride. "There wasn't enough money to enchant it, but it's well crafted and should serve her."

Fast raised a brow. "I get the idea you wanted to keep all the money given."

"Do you not want it?"

Fast snorted softly. "We'll take it. What'd you do with ours?"

He drew forward what looked like a statue of a pony made of steel and waved over it. "Behold. It'll keep you safe from a dragon's angry teeth, and still smell fresh after a week wearing it." Fast raised a brow. "I'm not spinning tales, madame. It will keep itself cool or warm as needed as well. It's made to not just be protective, but comfortable. I see you're still doubting. Here." He reached back and brought out a small cup of bright blue paint. "Watch." He splashed it across the armor and the ground behind it. While the paint stuck to the ground, the paint on the armor began to run off it like grease, soon leaving it as clean as it began. "I trust you are satisfied?"

Paul laughed with a childlike amazement. "That was amazin'! Does mine do that?" When the shopkeep nodded, he grabbed the shirt and breastplate hanging over it and soon had it on, covering his torso but little else. "Why isn't mine the whole thing?"

Fast raised a brow. "Because it becomes more obvious by the day that you need to be able to move. Your fighting style will only be hampered being in this much armor. You are a rushing wave, ready to crash into and destroy things with that sword of yours." She gestured at the armor. "Now would you be a gentleman and help me get into this?"

Donning a full set of plate armor proved more intense than it first appeared. Every piece of it had to be removed and fit into place, and most of her clothing shed to make room. With Paul's helpful hands and fingers, she was soon enough snugly fit into her new armor. "Now this is armor... You've outdone yourself."

The shopkeep smiled. "Excellent. If you need anything else, you know where to turn, though I get the idea you may not be returning to us for some time."

"Truth." Fast turned left and right, getting a feel for her heavily burdened self. "This is going to take some practice before I get to full speed again, but the armor's worth every coin. A good day to you." She turned away from the shopkeep and regarded Paul critically before rearing up and fussing with his plate, getting it centered just so. "There we are. Now, help me get my things back on." They got her saddlebags slung over and her rack secured, lance inserted. Everything was in order for the both of them, with Tree Hugger's armor slung over Fast's back.

They were ready for one more day of sparring.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  36 - Back to the Wilds                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Properly outfitted, Paul and Fast discovered landing telling blows on one another more of a challenge, especially once Fast began drilling Paul in how to properly deflect and turn away or into blows when appropriate to maximize what he wore to his advantage.

Maud had her final day with San, crossing hoof to hand. San bowed to her during one of their breaks. "I will miss your company."

She tilted her head at him. "Really?"

"You have an elegance often missing."

Maud settled on her haunches. "I'm not elegant."

"I disagree." He took the fighting stance. "Your every swing speaks volumes."

"Swings don't talk." Maud frowned a little at him with confusion.

"They do, in your case. You can express yourself through battle. You train to protect. You train to learn more of yourself, even if you aren't aware of that yet." He took a swing at her that she ducked around and brought up a hoof towards his extended arm. He dodged as nimbly as she, and their dance resumed. "You may not understand people, and they may not understand you at times, but there is no mistaking the intent behind your actions."

Maud caught his next swing and pulled him off balance, but he kicked up in a sudden flip and landed on her shoulders, tapping her on the head before bouncing off. He was still far better than she. "You're getting angry." She looked up to him as he spoke and realized he was right. She let the anger go with a little breath. "That's right. Even if you don't show it, you still have emotions, friend. There's nothing wrong with that, even if we must set it aside in the heat of the moment."

He landed before her. "I have a gift for you."

Maud blinked and tilted her head curiously. The gesture seemed to amuse him as he smiled. "Something to protect you in your travels, and to replace that tattered frock of yours." With a flip of his hand, a new garment appeared in it as if by magic, or at least deft movement. "Try it on."

Maud settled on her haunches and reached for it, unfolding the cloth and looking it over. It was cut to be similar to her usual frock, but blended in the style of the monk. It reminded her of him, and she felt herself smile a moment. "Thank you. We're leaving, San Wei."

"I know. May you find peace and understanding." He bowed low before her, and quietly walked away.

Quietly, she shucked off her frock, torn and ragged from her time in Everglow, and pulled the new one over her form before threading her tail through the slot provided. She looked herself over a moment before trotting towards Tree Hugger. "How does it look?"

Tree smiled brightly a moment. "Where did you get that, sister? It's totally out of this world! It really suits you."

Her excited comment drew over the others, who all agreed that Maud's new outfit was nice. Fast tilted her head, then looked to Tree. "Is it magic?"

Tree blinked. "It was a gift. There's like no way he'd..." Her eyes went unfocused a moment. "No way! That was totally radical!"

"What is it?" Fast tilted her head. "What magic is it?"

"I have no idea, but it is magic. Its aura is vibrant and bright."

Maud looked around slowly, but saw no hint of her friend. "Thank you." Though her words might never reach him, she felt better for repeating them. "We should go."

Paul swung his blade around and hung it on his back. "Ready when you all are. We're picking up horses, right?"

Fast tapped at her chin. "Spending the rest of the day making sure everyone's actually comfortable on their horse sounds like a great idea. Let's get moving."

Finding horses, and paying for them, was simple enough. Learning to ride, not something that could be done in a day, for most of them. Even Fast, who had ridden them previously, proved awkward in her new metal shell.

Paul, on the other hand, seemed to pick it up well. "Tree, why don't you ride with me?"

Tree gave a relieved smile. "Can I? Thanks, dude." She hopped up behind him, thankful to not have to guide the great beast on her own.

Fast tapped her chin. "Perhaps it'd be best if I doubled up as well. Are you alright with this, Maud?"

Maud shrugged lightly. "If it's easier. Can the horse hold us both?"

Fast brought up a hoof to clang on the shoulder of her suit. "We'd best trade in for heavy war horses. We'll need stronger horses over the fastest, much as I'd prefer the speed." They guided the horses back to their previous owner and swapped out for two of the strongest horses he had.

"You take care of them, they'll take care of you. They're both bred to keep calm in the thick of a fight, so they'll listen if you keep a firm hand, or hoof I guess." He waved them off as they set off in two pairs on their new mounts.

They gathered supplies for themselves and their mounts. Carrying the feed seemed far more feasible when the horses would be carrying them instead of Tree Hugger in the form of a raven. "Let's try to feed them with the gift of the trees when we can, to make it stretch."

Fast nodded to the idea. "Excellent thinking. Feed's heavy and not free, the longer we can make it last, the better off we'll be. Paul, anything else you want before we head out tomorrow morning?"

Paul considered it a moment. "Can ya take down a litter fer me? Ah know Flint can read just fine."

So Paul wrote him a letter, with Fast's help.

Hey Flint, I hope that noble lady's treating you right. We're setting out tomorrow. Can you believe it? I'm headed to the pony country. A whole country, filled with little horses! I'll try not to make a right arse of myself while I'm there, and help Fast Shadow do what she came all the way here to do. I haven't forgotten what you said. Is she writing what I say? Hey, s--The page became a splatter of ink about here-- Looking forward ta seein' ya, Paul

Fast set the quill down with a roll of her eyes. "I was trying to fix your grammar as I wrote."

"I didn't want my grammar fixed none, just written down." He crossed his arms. "They're words between men. He knows what I sound like. No reason t'try and hide that or nothing."

Fast directed a clad hoof at him. "Learn to write then, then you can write in whatever words you like. Until then, my senses are offended trying to write it that way, so deal with it." She rose up with the soft clanks of her armor. "Now, if you want advice on how to write, I'll be happy to share, but otherwise, don't complain."

Tree looked between the two. "It's all cool, dudes. We all want to express ourselves in our special way."

"No... she's right." Paul threw up his hands. "I can't go and ask her fer help writin' and complain how she does it when I ain't even payin' her fer it."

They sent the letter out on their way out of town the next morning. Fed, stocked, mounted, and as prepared as they felt they were going to be with the funds they had left, they set out of the city of Greegate, leaving its heavy floating walls and alien runes behind. The way seemed clear, riding out into clear plains that allowed them to see for what felt like forever. Unlike the forest, few things would be able to surprise them there.

Paul chuckled softly at some private thought that he shared quickly enough, "Flint would hate this. Reckon he'd prefer to stay in the forest, given the choice. Ah kinda like it though." He guided his horse along a faint trail that showed through the tall grass. "Where are we headed first?"

Tree tilted her head from behind Paul. "I think Fast said something about carnies?"

"Caerney." Fast glanced over at them from where she rode behind Maud, her forelegs draped over Maud's shoulders. "That will be our next big stop. Where Greegate stands a gleaming jewel of wizardry, Caerney, by all reports, is much more standardly metropolitan. The people spread out more, don't have fancy runes. Ruled by a king, as most human cities are."

Maud peeked over her shoulder. "How long until we get there?"

"Oh, maybe two weeks, assuming nothing goes wrong." Fast shrugged a little.

Tree paled lightly. "That's a long time to be riding, dude."

"If you know a better way..." Fast leaned to the side slightly, almost tipping off the horse before she caught herself. "Travelling has a lot of waiting involved. If the gods are smiling, boredom will be the most vicious beast we run into on the way. My luck hasn't run that thick since starting, so I don't expect it."

The first few days were just that. Eight hours of riding, the rest recovering or eating.

Fast noticed Tree and Paul sitting together frequently and became curious. Stealth seemed impossible, clanking as she was with each step, so she simply approached them.

Tree noticed her first, perking an ear. "Hey there." She flipped the page of something. "Now let's see you do the letters. Just lay them out all natural like."

Paul frowned with concentration and began writing for her, getting about ten shaking letters in before he let the quill fall to the paper. "I can't go rememberin' them all!"

"Don't let it stress you out, man. You're doing great. Just let it come to you and you'll get it." She put a hoof on his shoulder. "Don't hurry it."

"I don't even remember what they are..." he grumbled as he picked up the quill and began writing almost angrily, apparently rote memorizing the letters for Tree Hugger.

Fast nodded at them. "For what it's worth, I'm proud of you. Good on you, taking this into your own hands."

Paul looked over his shoulders as Fast trotted up. "Yer not jus' sayin' that? You learned how to write ages ago ah bet, when you were a little thing."

Fast tilted her head. "Younger than now, surely, but not as young as you are led to think. I am no noble birthed lady." She offered a hoof to him. "I was just like you, decided I wanted to, and the Seekers helped me do it, just like Tree hugger's doing."

Tree waved off Fast's words. "It was his choice. Say, why are you still wearing that? We're relaxing now. Shouldn't you take it off and stretch out?"

Fast chuckled softly. "Tempting, but no. I need to get used to it, and it's surprisingly comfortable despite wearing it basically without pause for days on end. They'll have to peel me out of it after I'm dead, or to get some wizard to double down on the magic in it."

Tree frowned. "Gnarly. I can't even imagine wearing a shell of metal all the time."

"You get used to it." She pointed to a parcel over the top of one of the horses. "That one's yours, try it on."

Tree rose on uncertain legs. "There's no way you're going to get me to live in one."

"You can take it off when you're relaxing. I just want to be sure it fits."

Approaching, she nosed off the covering to reveal the plated armor and blinked in amazement. "Woah. It's like I'm wearing a giant beetle."

With Paul's help, she got suited up and tromped around in it a little. "It definitely slows me down."

Fast knocked on the side with a hoof, clopping loudly. "But you might not die with it on. Living beats out comfort when you're adventuring."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              37 - Nice Things You Have There              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Just at the crack of dawn, with Paul standing watch, his attention snapped to the loud crisp tones of arcane power coming from the dim light. He pushed off his seat and ran towards it in time for a small mote of fire to fly past him in the other direction. The camp was caught in a sudden explosive rush of flames. Before he could check on the status of his allies, two figures in dark leathers stepped out, swords at the ready. "Put down that toy of yours before you hurt yourself."

With a scream of fury, Paul charged the two, bringing his blade down across one man's chest in an arc of blood. He tried to carry the momentum into the second, but he hopped back out of the way and lunged back at him, driving his sword into his exposed shin. The first fighter, staggering back, drew a potion from his pocket and greedily gulped it down, ceasing to add blood to his stained clothing.

Paul could hear shouting, and several bolts of power slammed into him from nowhere, rocking him back. In the increasing light of the morning, he could see one figure with fingers crooked at him. A wizard?

A loud caw came from the other side of camp. "Possibly!" Bright Feathers flapped before a man wielding a bow, clawing and pecking what might have turned into a backshot on Paul.

Rolling to her hooves, Fast charged the archer with a grim silence. The man scrambled away from her and the bird, and she abandoned him to turn to another archer preparing to fire. The arrow bounced off her thick armor, but her lance did not find the same resistance in the assailant's lighter clothing. She drove deep and well, kicking the man's gored body free of her lance to almost instantly collapse to the ground.

"Merciful god of the sun, protect us," spoke a man holding a metal charm of a globe with little waves coming off of it, a clear sun icon. The fallen man coughed, stirred to life as healing waves passed over the attackers.

Tree looked around in a bit of a panic, on her hooves but confused and terrified by the chaos around her, not to mention burned and scorched by the sudden ball of flames that had served as their alarm. Maud had no such delay, launching herself towards Paul and striking the man on his right with a sudden sharp blow to the chest, making the man drop his blade, the breath knocked free of him. "You burned my new frock."

Paul knocked the still-capable man's blade aside, but couldn't land his own on him. His foe was fast and nimble, falling back as he gave a false lunge, scraping against Paul's breastplate. "G'on, do it!"

The apparent signal was received, and the wizard began to intone powerfully in a short spell, thrusting his hands forward. Bright colors washed out over Maud and Paul, sending Paul to the ground with a wordless cry. Maud locked eyes with the wizard and trotted for him unnervingly without running. The men beside her tried to stop her with dancing blades, but she danced around them easily. An arrow was loosed at her, and she swatted it away. Her time had been well spent, and she strode unstoppably.

The wizard fell back. "Stop it! Keep it away from me!" He clapped his hands together and sent a sheet of fire at her, for her to duck beneath most of it, coming ever closer, the singed tips of her ears doing little to stop her.

Unseen by them, Fast was delayed putting the archer back down in a more permanent fashion. She yanked her lance free from his punctured head. "Tree, Paul needs you!"

Tree started and ran towards him, her form melting and changing to that of a wolf on the way with a keen howl. The cleric raised a loaded crossbow into position and fired into the charging wolf's shoulder, drawing a distressed yelp from her, and drawing the ire of Bright Feathers on himself in a fury of feathers.

Circling around her, the two warriors closed ranks with Maud and came at her from both sides, one of their blades turned aside with a thrust of a hoof, but the other found its mark along a hind leg in a thin line that became red quickly. Abandoning her original quarry, she focused on one of the swordsmen, raining down a rapid staccato of hoof-blows to the chest and head before kicking his feet out from under him, sending him to the ground. An arcane spell rang out as she worked, and she felt it taking hold of her, slowing her motions as if she were swimming in tar suddenly.

As if led by the bird, Fast galloped onto the cleric. "Throw down your holy symbol if you're as good as any sun god should be." She didn't strike out at him, but looked ready to do so. "I don't want to visit pain on a fellow praiser of the sun if I don't have to."

Tree stood over Paul's prone form, growling at the others, but not engaging in the melee either. With a burst of green, she could speak. "Fast, he's tripping way out. What can I do?"

Maud struggled against her dance partners. Slowed, more strikes could pierce her defenses, and she wasn't lashing out in the storm she would have preferred, to say nothing of the arcane pummeling the wizard offered from afar to harass her. "You will lose." She tried to keep her head clear. Even if they were getting some strikes in, she focused on moving and striking when the chance made itself clear. One had his legs open just a little too far. A planted leg sent the man to the ground with a new appreciation for the kicking power of horses.

"Why are you attacking us?" Fast kicked aside the cleric's dropped gear as Bright Feathers flew off towards Maud. "Who sent you?"

"Nobody 'sent' us," grunted the holy man.

"Then why?"

Bright came down on the troublesome wizard in a screech, producing quick bloody wounds and distracting the man from his spells quite well. "Forget this!" He fled, and his parting took the wind out of the other two, who scrambled to follow, aches or not.

The cleric might also have fled, if Fast didn't have him held down. "Why? Speak clearly."

"We thought you were easy marks, lucky and inexperienced, come into money in a lucky journey and drunk on it. We could have put that gear to better use."

Fast raised a brow high. "Common bandits? Is that what the sun would smile on?" The man looked down. "I should think not! You shame your order."

Tree shook the shaggy fur from herself, becoming a pony once more. "Everything alright over there?"

Fast pointed a hoof at the cleric. "Nothing but a holy man that has lost his way. I've been told any being can stray, once, and find their way back. Will you turn your eyes back to the sun, instead of burying it in the ground in shame?"

"You're not killing me, or just giving me the chance for peace before I go?"

She snorted loudly. "If I wanted you dead, we wouldn't be conversing. What will you do when you return to the city?"

He clenched his hands a moment in a tremble. "Fine. I'll go to the church, and admit what I did."

"An excellent start." She smiled. "I hope the sun does shine on you, and you give it good reason to." She turned away from the man, bringing her deadly lance tip away. "How is everyone?"

Tree brought a hoof off Paul. "He's fine, where are you, ah." She set eyes on Maud, then shook her head. "You're hurt, come here and get some righteous healing."

"Wait." The cleric reached for his dropped symbol. "I will atone with this to start." The cleric proved an able wielder of the divine arts, banishing the lacerations from Maud's grey hide and scorches from the rest in waves of golden light. He took a fallen cap and with an invocation, filled it with water, clear and pure. "Use this to wash yourself."

Fast smiled gently. "Don't let yourself fall in with such rough characters again. Offering them your services darkens your spirit as well, and I doubt that's what you want." She nuzzled her lance into a less ready position. "Travel well."

Paul recovered shortly thereafter, dazed, but unharmed. With their morning off to an exciting start, they gathered together, and resumed their journey. "Told ya it was a good idea there."

Fast nodded in assent. "I concede. Had the horses been directly beside us, they would have been caught in the blast. I'm too used to fighting beasts, not other intelligent creatures. A fireball is not how I plan to start most days."

Maud glanced aside at Paul as they guided their horses across the plains. "You did well."

"Did I?" Paul looked less certain. "Damn wizard knocked me out cold."

"You didn't panic, and you fought well."

Fast nodded from behind Paul. "I didn't get to see much of it, but you were carrying your blade well. There's room for improvement, of course. There always is, but you didn't embarrass yourself today. Flint would be proud."

Tree looked less certain, holding to Maud. "I kinda wigged out. I was having a nice dream and then suddenly everything was going haywire at once, man. It was freaking me out. How did you all just get up and get moving like that?"

Maud peeked over her shoulder. "We had to."

Fast smiled. "That's about the size of it. We get moving, or someone we care about gets hurt for it, maybe ourselves. Don't beat yourself up for it, you'll improve, like the rest of us. I imagine that was the first time you were roused that violently."

They had much longer to go to reach the first major town, to say nothing of the pony empire far beyond.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    38 - The Great City                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Despite Fast's fears, boredom proved to be their greatest enemy beyond that point. They rode, ate, slept, and rode again. No fireballs stirred them from sleep or wild animals came to sample their flesh. It was smooth going. The closest they came to running into anyone was a caravan passing the other way about half a mile away. They exchanged long distance waves, but never drew closer than they already were, and then they were gone.

One night, about two days from the next city on their trip, Fast was visited by a dream. She sat in a court, crown held between her hooves. There was a line of ponies that stretched out beyond the castle she was in, coiling out through the city and beyond. A pony would stride forward, she'd put a crown on their head. They'd look so hopeful for a moment, but nothing happened. She took the crown from them quietly, and the next pony stepped forward. It happened over and over and over again. One supplicant stepped forward, a strapping stallion in polished plate much like her own. He accepted the crown, but nothing happened. She could see herself in his shining armor. Her face was lined with wrinkles, and her pink mane had gone grey with age.

She awoke with a start.

Tree Hugger was perched on a rock, legs crossed under her in a very un-ponylike fashion that seemed to please her. "Harsh dream?"

Fast sat up with a shake of her head. "You could say that. I wish I was more learned in these things."

Tree raised an ear. "Oh? Do you think the dream was trying to lay down some heavy notes on you?"

Fast's expression soured. "If it was, I fear for its implications, but it may have simply been my own fears and hesitations haunting me, which I cannot allow."

Tree gave a slow nod. "We're doing scary things. It's normal to be a little worried." She smiled a little. "You have friends. We'll take a load off."

Fast rose to her hooves and stretched in the dim light. "You're kind to say that, but I fear how to best use this crown." She pulled it free with a nuzzle, drawing it from her saddlebag before placing it between herself and Tree. "It does not speak. How will we know when it rests on the right head?"

Tree looked at the crown, with its sun resting atop it. "Well, how did it feel when you wore it?" She reached for it, falling to all fours before she could get close enough to pick it up.

Fast shook her head slowly. "It was difficult to say. The first thing I noticed was my sight returning, and what a blessing that was. I could see even in places I couldn't normally. I felt like I could see everything that needed seeing."

Tree set it on her own head. "I don't think it fits my aura, but here we are..." She squinted into the dark a moment, then shook her head slowly. "I don't get it. Do I have to do something?"

Fast looked at Tree and the crown. "I don't remember doing anything, just wearing it."

Tree held it up on her hooves and set it on Fast's head. Suddenly the night retreated for her. It was clear as day all around her. Tree tilted her head. "You look like you're seeing something."

"I am." Fast rose to her hooves and slowly turned. "The darkvision... no, it's not darkvision. If I... remember correctly, that's in black and white, but this... I can see as if the sun were high in the sky. I don't understand."

"What's to understand?" Tree smiled gently. "The crown digs your vibes, Fast Shadow."

Fast opened her mouth to object, to find Tree's hoof on it. "This doesn't mean you have to be Queen or anything, but I do think you should totally wear it. Maybe it'll let you see what you need to see."

"What I need to see..." Fast sat on her haunches with the soft clanking of metal on metal. "Of course... It's so obvious. Tree, you are a wise soul." She grabbed Tree in a sudden hug. "Thank you."

Tree gave a nervous little laugh. "You're... welcome. A little personal space, please?"

Fast released Tree with a quick nod. "Yes, right, apologies. Why don't you get some sleep? I'm feeling ready for my shift."

The next morning, Paul noticed Fast wearing the crown around. "Changed yer mind?"

Fast nodded at him. "Until we find a better head for it, it seems to want to help guide us, and I welcome its aid."

Tree nodded lightly as she clambered up behind Maud. "It totally suits you, Fast. We'll find what you're looking for."

Paul seemed to consider it as he mounted his horse. "Right. Well it fits you well enough, I s'ppose. How far out are we?"

"Just a few days out." Fast carefully set her heavy self on the poor beast. She gave him a little pat. "Don't you worry, you'll get a little break then. I think it'd be wise to get a cart so our weight is more distributed with wheels to help it along."

Their journey continued, with Caerney drawing into view a few days afterwards. It was vast and sprawling. There was no circle of runes about it, but there was a wall that looked new. From their higher vantage point on the distant city, they could see other walls had been built, perhaps done each time the city wanted to expand. Fast pointed ahead to it. "The largest human city in the western human lands, the great city of Caerney. It isn't where I came in from, but it's the most direct way back West."

Paul frowned at it with consideration. "Most people 'round where I come from don't much like this city, talk about how strange their laws are. Ain't so bad, really, don't think. They don't like people owning monsters, people owning people either. Ah heard it draws all kinds here."

Tree smiled with relief. "That sounds like a delightful place. Let's go." She nudged against Maud, who nudged the horse forward.

They found the major trade road weaving its way into the city and began riding along it, where they ran into other people headed into the city.

One wagon lumbered alongside them, its driver looking over at them with undisguised curiosity. "Horses riding horses? That's something new, I'll tell you that."

Paul shrugged. "You haven't seen half the odd things I've done run into so far."

The driver laughed in good cheer. "Spoken like an adventurer. So what brings you into The City?"

Fast turned to the man. "Supplies, mostly. We've a journey ahead of us."

"And behind you, I reckon." The driver nodded. "Well, I'll let you get to it."

They arrived at the gate to find a small group of soldiers was busily looking over each entrant before letting them through. When they got to the two warhorses carrying three ponies and a human, the guard looked confused. "Alright... so what is this?"

Fast slid from the horse to the ground. "We've come to resupply. I trust there's no issue with that?"

Another guard ambled over. "Did I just hear that horse talk?"

Tree Hugger sighed softly. "Come on, man. We're all tired. Can we go chill out a little in your nice city?"

The first guard scratched at his helmet. "Well, no rule saying you can't. We've seen stranger than talking horses when you get right down to it. Just obey the laws. No theft, killing, fights, you know the basics. Be decent people, or horses, whichever." He waved them on through. "That goes double for adventurers."

They strode past the guards and the gate. Fast stayed on her own hooves, enjoying the chance to walk instead of ride. The city was as large as one might expect of such a metropolitan. It also suffered from common issues of the time. The occasional wafts of foul humors would come from sewers failing to suffice for the demand of the growing population, competing with more pleasing aromas from the direction of taverns set up to draw those just entering the city.

Fast homed in on a local looking native. "Excuse me, ma'am? Where would you suggest to put up some horses and get a place to rest for a day or two?"

The woman looked Fast over. "What do they call your kind? There's a choice of taverns with rooms available if what's what you're looking for. Just avoid that one there." She hiked a thumb at the one closest to the gate. "He jumped through some dirty hoops to get the spot, and doesn't deserve a bit of it."

Tree came trotting up beside Fast. "Hello there, sister."

"I'm not your sister." The woman looked amused at the ponies. "Are we being invaded? Most adorable invasion I ever heard of."

Fast shook her head. "I should think not. We are ponies, and thank you for the advice." She turned back to Tree. "We'll take that one there. Guide the horses into the stables and let's get something to eat that isn't dried."

Tree returned to the horses and repeated the instructions to those better able to guide them before trotting over to the tavern and looking up at its sign. "The Lazy Jester, that's a trippy name." She proceeded inside with a little smile. There were humans, elves, a tiny human, child perhaps, and a stout human with a big beard. A man stood behind the counter, and she could see a menu posted there. She clopped her forehooves with joy. Oat cakes and a drink? That sounded lovely. "The universe works in groovy ways."

The others came in to find her with a table claimed and four places waiting for them. She waved them over with a content expression. "I have a room waiting for us afterwards."

Paul gave a soft grunt. "Huh. Got that right set up." Settling into a seat, he reached for a drink and took a mild pull. "Beer's not bad either. Oat cakes? Haven't had this in a while."

Tree tilted her head. "I was a little worried you might not like it."

"What? Nah, it's good. Not like we could afford to have meat every day, or even every week."

Maud settled in her own chair and nudged her cakes before starting to nibble at them. Tree, watching her, leaned forward. "We'll get some rocks to make some soup with on our way out of town."

"Thanks."

Fast sat down beside the table, not subjecting the chairs to her weight. "I'll see about that cart, then we're officially off-duty for the rest of the day. Relax, enjoy yourselves. The city has a good feel for it, but don't let your guard down. They love preying on gullible looking travelers. It's true in any city."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      39 - By the Sun                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast strode through the city. It was a fine city, though not of the style she preferred of Viljatown. They didn't like stately marble or pillars, instead buildings of firm stone for the rich and wood for the less so. They seemed a people ruled by pragmatism, using whatever was close to them at the time.

Tree walked beside her, accompanying her in in her wandering of the city. "It's like a totally new culture, dude."

"Hmm..." Her mind was elsewhere, but it was brought back as a human dressed in cleric's vestments approached them from the crowd. "Good day, sir." She could see he wore a large symbol of the sun. "May the sun smile on you."

"And you as well." The human dipped his head. "Word spreads quickly that you too walk in the divine path of the sun." He gestured towards her head. "You make no real attempt to disguise it."

Fast colored faintly in her nose. "I didn't mean it to symbolize that, but I am loyal to the sun's teachings, as much a lay worshiper can be."

Tree looked over the man. "Hey, dude. So you're a sun singer? That's groovy. I sing to the trees."

The priest looked to Tree and nodded. "Ah, a druid? We are both guided by faith, though it is of a different sort." He formed a round O with his hands brought together. "The sun has no displeasure for other men and women of the cloth, if they shine brilliantly."

Fast gestured at Tree. "Well then the sun has no quarrel with Tree. She shines quite brightly for us."

Tree colored softly through her fur. "Oh stop that! I'm just trying to do what I can."

"Is that not all we can do?" The man smiled gently. "I must confess, my reason to approach is not entirely one of idle friend making. Fellow hailer of the sun, are you aware of what rests on your brow?"

Fast glanced upwards a moment before she thought better of the futility of the action. "That is a complex answer, but I hope it will prove helpful to my people."

"Mayhaps it is..." He rolled a hand. "But do you know what it is?"

Tree tilted her head slowly. "The sun shines nice and clear."

The man seemed taken aback by that. "Oh... you're right. I should be more concise. I could be mistaken, but I am fairly certain that is the lost crown of the Sun Emperor. A legendary item, to be certain, lost long ago, over a thousand  years ago, possibly several."

Fast jerked her head back. "I've never heard of any 'Sun Emperor'. Were they human?"

"Yes indeed."

"Then it can't be." Fast waved a hoof. "This was found in a pony crypt, without a doubt."

The priest held up a hand. "Hold, I'm being impolite. We should at least exchange names before we argue over this. I am Father Redtail." Both ponies leaned in opposite directions as if to see if the human had a tail where they wouldn't have expected one. "It's a family name."

Fast nodded lightly. "Right. I am Fast Shadow, and this--" She gestured at Tree as she nodded in turn. "--is Tree Hugger. Pleased to meet you."

"Yoink!" A hand yanked the crown off of Fast's head suddenly. She spun towards the theft, lowering her lance as she turned and driving it into the leg of the thief as he bolted down the road.

Tree reared up and clapped her forehooves. "Green beneath us, grasping and binding!" The small potted plants and rough weeds of the road suddenly grasped for the man, pulling him down roughly even as his injured leg gave out. He hurled the crown rather than clutch to it. Another man, garbed entirely in black, caught it and ran off down an alley with it, vanishing from sight.

"Bright, follow him!" Bright launched from Tree Hugger's back and flew off like a bolt from a crossbow, lost over the roofs of the houses beside them.

Redtail frowned severely. "To trespass against another, so brashly. This is not the sort of shining we had in mind. We must move quickly, as fast as light itself." Power thrummed through them all. Filled with a new sort of divine energy, this one golden yellow, they ran with speed beyond themselves.

"Possibly!"

Tree pointed. "This way." She hurried through the maze of tiny alleys with her friend at her side.

They turned the corner to see Bright Feathers pinned to the ground with an arrow through one of his wings, the other flapping uselessly. Tree's eyes widened as she approached her injured friend quickly. "Dude... That was so uncool." She put her mouth around the shaft and yanked it free with a loud squawk from Bright for the effort. Tossing it aside, she nodded. "Sorry, had to do that. Are you alright?" He waved the injured wing at her as if to question the validity of her request. "I'll help." She channeled green force into him, sealing the wound.

Fast stomped the ground. "Can your companion say which way they went? There's tracks everywhere, there's no way I'm going to be able to follow this..."

"Well? Feathers so bright, did your sharp eyes spot which way they ran?"

He thrust a healed wing out. Redtail frowned. "That may be accurate, but with the twists and turns, they could be almost anywhere..."

Fast clenched her teeth. "It was my fault. Blaze take it all. Why was I wearing that out and about?"

Redtail clasped his hands together. "I will not have an artifact of the sun itself so casually abused. You have my service until it is again in your care, Miss Shadow."

Fast let out a slow breath. "Right, thanks..." She turned to him. "Do you know where to start looking in this city for something of incalculable value?"

"No." He crossed his arms. "But I know who would. One does not provide guidance for a place like this without making a few contacts. Come, the sooner we move, the better." He turned away, back towards the main roads.

Tree turned with him, and Bright landed on her back silently. "We should get the others."

Fast glanced over. "I hate to ask so much of your friend, but he could reach them far before we could in this maze. Can he do it?"

Tree looked up at her friend as he hopped up onto her head. "Well? Extra snacks later, promise."

This seemed to draw his attention. He made a little whistle before nodding. "Possible." He launched off of Tree's head and quickly turned back to the tavern they had rested in the morning before.

Fast shook her head as she followed after Redtail. "For having the one word, he certainly gets his coin's worth out of it."

Redtail slipped past the edge of a stand to enter one of the larger thoroughfares. "You are blessed by the divine in your own fashion, and those that bond to you share in this connection. Now then, will your friend be able to find us again if we move too far?"

Tree frowned a little. "That's a good question, man..." She looked to Fast. "Maybe we should wait a moment?"

Fast dig a metal-clad hoof into the ground. "No point rushing off without the rest of the party. Braver ponies than me have found their end that way. It's already stolen, let's... be calm and be smart."

Redtail nodded. "Well put. He scanned along the road and wandered towards one of the stands. "While we wait, have you sampled some of the local fares? No time like the present."

Tree smiled and trotted after him as he moved for a food stand, but Fast moved with less certainty. "Is now truly the time for that?"

"As good as any other, my child."

Fast raised a brow in her helmet. "There would be many strange words about town were I your child."

Tree put a hoof over her mouth. "Naw man, it's like when I call Maud sister. Sister, child, mother, father. Sometimes they're just, like, names."

She pulled her helmet free and shook out her mane. "Right, of course. It still sounds a little silly."

Redtail offered a skewer to Fast and Tree both. "Put that aside for the moment. Your friends will be here soon, then it's off to see mine. We'll get that back for you, as sure as the sun is bright."

Tree sniffed at it lightly before she sat on her haunches and took it carefully between her hooves. "Thanks, Redtail was it?" She sampled it and found the collection of grilled veggies and fruits to her liking.

A caw brought their eyes up, but it wasn't Bright Feathers. He wouldn't arrive for several minutes more, with Maud hurrying along behind with the speed they could only match with the cleric's help. "Did you need me?"

Fast nodded at her. "Good. Where's Paul?"

Maud pointed where she came. "He's right behind me."

Right behind proved to be another minute's wait, and he emerged from the crowd, heaving for breath. "Damn... Maud... How do you even do that?"

Maud shrugged. "I ran."

"You don't bleedin' say!?" He straightened himself out and noticed the new person. "'Ello?"

Redtail offered a hand. "Good day, and may the sun shine on you."

Paul looked taken aback. "Another sun priest?"

"Another?"

Fast put a hoof over her face. "We ran into one between cities, fallen from grace with some ruffians. We tried to set him back on the path."

Redtail gave a soft noise. "I see. Well, let's return that kindness with what we can manage. Come, time's a commodity we only have so much of."

Together, they set off with him. They didn't go to any gleaming sun temples, instead off into the alleyways to what seemed to be the less opulent portion of town. One of the many doors that was embedded in stone drew his attention and he rapped on it twice, paused, then three more times. The door swung open into darkness.

Unable to see much of anything, the group ventured forth into the unknown, to claim their lost artifact.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    40 - Cutting a Deal                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
"Afternoon, father," came a new voice from the dark as a match of sorts was struck and a lantern lit. "We don't often get the pleasure." The figure was tall, and green, with jagged tusks in his mouth. His voice was low and rough. "What brings you to here, where the sun does not often shine?"

Redtail spread his hands, and the two met in a firm, but brief, embrace. "Wanug, you scoundrel. It's good to see you're still alive and well."

Wanug gestured past Redtail to his new companions. "And you're moving in strange new company. What're you doing with ponies?"

Redtail raised a brow. "I hadn't expected you to know much about them."

Wanug rolled his shoulders. "Ugly is not the same as stupid, father. They come from beyond the impenetrable Pontyd forest, or more commonly through Kadiston. Most don't venture past either." He looked down at Fast with a smirk. "And look at you, armored up for a war. A druid." His eyes strayed to Tree. "And what is this, a monk of some kind?" He finished at Maud. Suddenly his eyes jerked to Paul. "Another friend of yours, or theirs? Father, you're never a boring visit."

Fast stepped to Redtail's side. "Pleased to meet you, Wanug. Paul's our companion and ally. We'd go into more detail, but there are pressing matters at hoof."

"Good thing I don't have one of those." He fixed his gaze on Redtail. "What's the deal?"

Redtail gestured over the lot with a sweep of a hand. "They've lost something to the underside of the city, something I'd like returned to them."

"Yeah?" Wanug frowned. "You wouldn't be here if it was just some memento. How big are we talking here?"

Paul stretched his hands out wide. "About this big, in terms of importance an' all."

Wanug laughed, a deep belly jiggle of a guffaw. "That is quite large indeed, but the scale matters."

Redtail drew out a metal charm of a sun. "The sun itself would see it returned to them."

"Now that's specific." He smashed a fist against a dangling bell, making it ring our roughly. "Boys, we got a job ahead of us." His eyes darted back to Redtail. "Usual commission, I gather?" Redtail nodded, and he grinned, showing off his other teeth, not as massive as his tusks, but formidable enough. "We'll get it back, or least find it then. Tell me what it looks like."

Fast quickly launched into a description of the lost crown, holding her hooves out just far enough. "I could wear it without difficulty."

Redtail nodded. "It's difficult to miss. Its link to the sun is clear and unmistakable. These ponies, and their human companion, are on a mission of the gods themselves."

Wanug shrugged that part off. "Yeah yeah, we're all doing divine work. You want it back, Redtail, we'll get it back. That's what friends do. You don't need to drag your sun into this." He slapped Redtail on the shoulder roughly, sending the man staggering a few steps. "Boys, extra bonus to the one that sets eyes on it first, and I'll spread the wealth to everyone if you get it done before that sun of his sets." With a rough cheer, there was movement in the edges of the light, then the sound of doors opening and closing. They were gone.

Fast raised a brow. "I mean no offense, but we're standing in a thieves' guild, aren't we?"

Wanug snorted at her. "We prefer to think of ourselves as protectors of the common man."

Redtail held up his hands. "He means it. Compared to many others, his presence is a net positive for his community. He keeps out far worse elements. Yes, he does demand some recompense for his efforts, but even that is... reasonable."

Wanug looked to his guests. "That's the way it is. If it weren't me, it'd be something else. There isn't such a thing as a city without the underbelly, just a matter of if you can live with it or not."

Tree pointed at Wanug. "If you're totally in charge of the thieves, who made off with our crown?"

Wanug leaned towards her. "That's a fine question. Weren't one of my boys, or I'd already know. That means some right ass is trying to muscle into my territory, or just thought your crown was worth pissing me off to get. Either way, I'd like to know who the smart ass is, and remind him who owns this city." He slammed his hands together with a loud slap and cracked his knuckles. "I run a tight ship, which means no outside interference is needed, or wanted."

Paul rubbed behind his head as he looked around in the gloom. "Ain't never been to no thieves' guild before."

"You don't look the type." Wanug sized up Paul. "Probably best you stick with your ponies, they tend to deal straightforward."

Tree wandered off and spotted a curious device that looked like it was designed to be held in a mouth, rather than human fingers. It had many bits of metal and tools that she couldn't quite figure out. "Wanug, man, what's this for? I don't grok it at all."

Wanug glanced over. "By the hells, you would find that." He stepped towards her. "Used to belong to our last pony member, but that was years ago. No more ponies, no more use for it."

Tree picked it up with a hoof, looking it over curiously. He leaned over her. "Do you know how to pick a lock?" She shook her head as she slipped it into her mouth and tried wiggling the little tools about with her tongue. She could see how it was made for a pony, but didn't know how to put any of it to work.

Wanug gave a low whistle, and several men hurried in. He pointed at one of them. "Lockjam, show, uh, hey, what's your name, pony?"

"Tree Hugger." She nodded to both of them. "Nice to meet you."

"Right, Tree Hugger. Show her how to use that without hurting herself."

Lockjam whipped out his own tools. "Come wit' me, show you how to bust a lock."

As they went off together, Paul leaned towards Fast. "Is it okay for her t'be learnin' that kinda thing?"

Fast waved if off. "We're adventurers. Varied skillsets are in the job description. No harm in her learning something new if she wants to. Better than just standing here waiting, like the rest of us. Good initiative on her part."

Wanug snorted as he returned. "Sure, but she doesn't look the type that'd be a natural fit for the job. I wouldn't trust her around a trap more complicated than a snare, but once she knows the basics of the tool, she'll at least have doors open for you." He raised a brow. "Ain't much difference from adventurers and thieves, they say. One just doesn't get people angry at them on the simple matter of the owners already being long dead, and no one gives a fart about what some skeleton thinks."

Maud sat on her haunches, but said nothing. Her thoughts were tightly held.

Paul rubbed behind his head. "Suppose there's a little truth to that if ya think about it long enough. But the fact there's no one bein' hurt by it is a big difference, don't ya think?"

Wanug waved it off. "Sure sure. People don't get hurt by me much. Play by the rules, everyone's happy. My boys get paid, they don't have to worry about random muggings in the street." His features wrinkled in a new frown. "Or stolen from by random perps in the damn street. I got a special 'welcome' planned for them once we put our hands on 'em." He raised his hands, both slowly clenching as if closing around something tough.

Redtail raised a hand. "Peace. Perhaps they are simply new in town. A few words, before you execute them, would be kind."

"Father, you're too good for this world." Wanug slapped Redtail relatively lightly. "I've dealt with more of these than you. I'll give them a chance, but they probably won't take it, then me and the boys get our entertainment."

A man came hurrying in, breathless and panting. "Boss... They're trying to skip town!"

Wanug scowled. "That's a shame, for them. Tell them which way, and they'll take care of this."

The man pointed to the north. "Heading for the mountains, straight shot. They're kicking up all kinds of dirt, shouldn't  be hard to trail."

Fast turned for the door. "Right. Tree! Time to go, we have thieves to run down. Redtail, do you need to get back to your church?"

He nodded. "I'm afraid this is true, but at least you know where to find them. Please, if you come back, do stop by." He clasped his hands together in that circular shape. "Sun shine on you and your quest."

"May it shine on you as well." Fast dipped her head. "Tree!"

Tree Hugger came trotting out from the back room, tucking her new tools away. "I'm here, I'm here. You should have seen it. I looked into the aura of the lock and it was so obvious what I had to do, once I knew what I was doing. It was so trippy..."

Paul waved to the door. "Time to go. Our crown's bein' run out of town. We gotta get our horses and get movin'."

They said quick parting words with Wanug and left as one, hurrying back to the stables, retrieving their horses and mounting up. Maud waved at them. "Let me go ahead. I'll slow them down." She was gone before they could argue, leaving Tree to speak gently to her horse and coax it into motion alongside Paul's mount, and they were hurrying to catch up with their speedy monk.

Maud was as the wind. Everglow had been kind to her, showing her how to move, and to use the power that lived deep within her stony heart. The words of her wise friend came to her, encouraging her to place her hooves where they needed to be, to breathe as must be breathed, and to keep her eyes on where she must be. Faster than any horse she'd seen, she ran. The wind almost tore at her. Her frock flapped wildly in the breeze with every galloping step. Her mane and tail whipped. There was nothing but her. She was everything.

Then there was something else. It had been several long minutes of strain, but she could see them. Her chest ached for breath, but she could see them. Three men were running their own horses ragged, trying to flee the city as quickly as they could. She didn't see the crown. Any of them could have it. She might only have one chance for it.

Forcing herself forward despite the protests of her weary body, she caught up with them, trailing behind them. One of them saw her and shouted something in surprise. The others glanced back, and they started to split, just as she feared. She had to make a choice, so she did. She jumped forward and crashed into one of their horses, knocking it and its mount to the ground in a rough landing that might very well cripple the beast for life. She winced at the sound of its heavy body crashing beneath her, its rider crying out in alarm before he was crushed under its bulk. They came to a stop with a skid, and things became quiet.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       41 - Grounded                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The rider groaned as he struggled to get the combined weight of his fallen mount and Maud free of himself.

Maud looked down at him impassively. "Where is the crown?"

"Get offa me!" He squirmed a precious inch towards freedom with a howl of pain. "Damn it all."

"Give me the crown and I'll get off." Maud tilted her head. "It's a simple request."

"Don't have your bloody crown. Get off already!" He thumped a hand against the unconscious form of the horse. "Damn horses, both of you."

Maud hopped free of the injured animal and circled to the man's side. "It would be better if I didn't find it." She pulled him free of the horse with a fresh howl. He'd broken something, but she wasn't sure what, and didn't devote the time to find out. Her hooves patted him down, pulled his bags free and searched in those. No crown. She'd chosen wrong.

Still winded from the effort of reaching the three, she let the man sink to the ground and focused on breathing evenly as she waited for her friends to arrive. "Why did you take it?"

"Why the hell do you think we took it?" He had his hands on his injured legs, trembling as he tried to do something about it, but he looked fairly clueless and in shock perhaps. "Damn thing's worth more than all of us."

Maud tilted her head at him. "We're taking it back. You could give it to us, then we'll leave."

"Not my decision. Look, are you really going to just watch me?" He raised his hands away from his leg. "Help me. If you've got any decency at all."

Maud glanced down the road. The others hadn't caught up yet. She stepped over to the man, taking some of his bags from beside him and fashioning a crude splint out of the few supplies he had to keep the leg straight. He screeched when she set the bone as best she was able. "You should try not to move."

That wouldn't be much of an issue, with him fading from consciousness under her tender care.

When the two horses of her friends came into view, galloping down the road, Maud moved just beside the road and steeled herself. She sprang up onto Tree Hugger's horse. "They went there, and there. One of them has the crown, but I don't know which."

Paul veered off the road, following one of them. "We'll meet back at the city by sundown. Good luck!" And off they went, racing in different directions. Paul and Fast one way, Maud and Tree the other. They didn't even look at the downed man, though he hadn't moved since they raced past.

Fast's eyes swept over the ground as they ran. "They could have ditched it along the way, hoping we wouldn't see it in our hurry."

"Hope Tree does her sight thin'" Paul pointed up ahead as he urged the horse on faster. "Bloke's comin' up now. Looks like his horse's runnin' out."

"Thank goodness for that. Ours isn't looking much better. I'll close the distance." Fast slid to the ground in a rough tumble, almost falling over along the way before she could get her hooves under herself properly and get galloping alongside the less burdened beast.

Paul drew his blade, the reins held in a loop around his arm to guide the war beast as he prepared to crash into the thief. He saw them coming, and wildly urged his mount on, getting a dredge of energy out of it in a sudden gallop. He left Fast behind, clanking along in her metal armor, but the winded animal  couldn't keep it up for long, and slowed again before stopping, heaving and foaming with exertion. "Show the damn animal some compassion." Paul raised his huge sword menacingly. "Just hand it over. We ain't really here for you."

"Ain't got it," said the man, his hands going up. "Boss does."

Fast caught up, panting softly as she took up position on the other side of the rider. "What boss, where? Be specific."

"Probably done rode off by now." The man frowned. "He has the best horse, and he knows how to ride it."

Fast sucked air through her teeth. "They'll find him, if we don't first. Get off that horse." She raised her lance at him.

Caught between a sharp point and a long deadly blade, he slid off the horse with his hands still up.

"Thank you." Fast threw herself up onto the horse and pat it on the back of the head. "She deserves better treatment than she's getting, and your associates don't need warnings from you any faster." She nudged the horse into a slow walk, mindful of its winded state. Paul pulled up beside her on the other horse. "We'll go at his pace, focus on following their tracks, and let our mounts catch their breath."

Left behind, the would-be thief threw his hands down. He looked between the wilderness and the distant town. He had a long walk ahead of him, and began the journey with the first step, grumbling softly the entire way. At least it wasn't technically his horse that she had commandeered.

Maud slipped around Tree even as they galloped, much to Tree's fearful protestations. Taking the reins, she assumed control of the mount and guided it forward, but after several minutes of moving in the same direction the other had, there was no sight of him, and the horse was becoming as tired as Maud had been before. With a gentle pull, she slowed the horse to a walk as her eyes scanned the ground. "Do you see his tracks?"

Tree Hugger nodded and began to point them out. "We're going the right way. He was still, or at least his horse was still running fast. That must be a very healthy horse." She tilted her head. "Can we catch him?"

Maud nodded. "We'll follow him until they slow down. He has to slow down eventually." Or so she hoped.

Tree nodded as she kept a hoof directed at the tracks. "I'll make sure we stay on target, right sister?" She smiled a little. "Do you think this one has the crown?"

"Maybe not." Maud glanced around. "Maybe Fast already has it and is on the way back to town. We can't assume."

"Possibly." Bright launched from Tree's head suddenly, circling up into the air and soaring ahead of them along the line of their travel. Flying far above, he could see quite far into the distance in what was mostly open plains. Spying something, he returned to them. "Possibly!"

Tree smiled upwards at her friend perched on her brow. "I hope you add some radical lingo to your vocab, little dude. What'd you see?"

"Possibly." He extended a wing a little to the right of the trail they were following, and Maud silently adjusted to follow the bird's guidance. This seemed to please Bright feathers, who nodded and settled down on Tree comfortably like a hen tending some eggs.

They went off into some thick grass, and what he had seen became clear several minutes later. Emerging from the vegetation, they beheld a man standing beside his horse. There was glass scattered around him, and he had a rapier drawn. He looked ready for a conflict. Maud slipped off the horse easily. "I'll ask him to give it back. If he doesn't agree, you know what to do." Tree nodded, and watched as Maud stepped with sure, but fast, motions.

Tree wondered how Maud could do that. It was as if the bursts of speed she had occasionally been known for had become second nature to her. She had been so slow, like stone itself, but had become faster and faster the longer they spent in Everglow. Perhaps she was changing too, though not as obviously. She still looked like her old self, unlike Tree, who more closely resembled the horse she was mounted on, if one discounted her bright green pelt and the outrageous locks in her mane and tail.

Maud walked towards the man, not even trotting. "You have the crown."

"I do." He raised the rapier towards her. "You plan to fight for it?"

"I'd rather not." She raised a brow. "Just because I can, doesn't mean I should." She held out a hoof. "Can we have it back?"

He looked between her and the obvious druid mounted on a horse behind her. The odds weren't looking very good. If she could entangle him... If the speed demon in front of him lunged for him... "I wasn't born a fool, or raised as one." He waved the rapier lightly, taking a slow step back. "I don't have a chip in this. Why wouldn't you murder me once you have it?"

Maud frowned subtly. "We don't care about you. Give us the crown."

It was a bruising blow to his ego, to simply be beneath her concern. The druid called out to him, "Hey, man. Be cool. If you have the crown, give it up. It wasn't yours to start."

Perhaps they were restrained by some sort of moral code? "Well it is now... The way I see it, you're robbing me. Maybe you'd rather buy it instead?"

Maud paused. She afforded a quick glance back at Tree then looked at the human, considering impassively. "No."

Tree shook her head a little. "Nah man, that ain't cool. You stole it. It's important, give it back. We'll fight you if we have to." She turned her attention to the man's horse, making soft nickering sounds followed by a sharp whinny. The horse responded by rearing up, legs kicking. He was forced to let go, and it gallopped off. He was truly alone.

Pushed to it, he lunged forward and drove his rapier into Maud before she could turn it aside, lancing her in the shoulder and causing her to give a soft grunt of pain. She put her hooves on his shoulders and pulled him tight. To someone watching, it may have looked like she was embracing him, and she was, but there was no affection there. Her grip tightened even as he drove the iron blade into her side before a sudden swipe of a hoof sent it to the ground. She pinned him to the earth as Tree came up with a rope.

Nodding, Maud accepted it and soon had him hogtied and helpless. "Should have given it." She started frisking him, producing the crown from a hip bag. She tossed it to Tree Hugger. "Thank you."

Tree caught it in her mouth before tucking it in a saddlebag. "Sister, are you alright? You look like you were stuck." She approached with dully glowing green hooves. Maud stood still long enough to let her banish the hurts. "Good job. You didn't even hurt him."

Maud looked at Tree's smiling face, then turned back to their horse. "We should head back to the city."

Tree inclined her head at the pinned man, who was cursing and threatening futily. "Shouldn't we do something about him?"

Maud returned to the horse and pat its neck gently. "He should have given it." She moved to simply walk away, leaving the man to his fate.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 42 - Go West, Fair Ponies                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree kept sneaking glances at Maud as they walked back towards town. "Sister, you know we can talk, like, whenever, right? You won't bother me laying it on me."

Maud raised a brow. "What do you want to talk about?" She kept one hoof on the horse's reins, guiding it slowly along with them and giving it time to regain its breath.

Tree rolled a hoof lightly. "Oh, you know, anything at all, sister. How are you holding up?"

Maud's raised brow fell. "I'm fine."

Tree shook her head slowly. "I mean it... Maud, it's alright to talk with me, about anything."

Maud snorted softly, and looked like she wanted to say something, then went quiet again.

Tree inched a little closer. "I know it can feel totally lame sometimes, like you're stupid for even thinking some things, but let that go, Maud. Please, share with me. I can't promise to be you, but I can be me, man, and I want to be here, for you."

Maud stopped, bringing her horse to a halt. She turned on Tree. Her face was neutral, but her attention and her focus were becoming overwhelming for Tree, who tried to stand there with a little smile despite it. Maud let out a slow breath. "I appreciate what you're trying to do." She turned forwards and began walking again. "Look, I just want my sisters, and my parents. That isn't stupid."

Tree hurried to catch up with the resumed movement. "Of course it isn't! Anypony'd agree that's worth doing." She tapped her chin twice before nodding. "Don't take this the wrong way, sister, but I don't call you that idly." She smiled in her tranquil way. "I'd totally dig having you as a sister. You're so strong and dependable. You care so much for your family. You put the earth in earth pony."

Maud walked stoically along for several quiet minutes before the silence was broken. "You're a good earth pony."

Tree perked her ears at her walking companion. "Hmm?"

"You. You're a good earth pony." She kept her eyes straight ahead, and her walking was even.

Tree put a hoof to her chest. "What? Me? I don't grow anything, like you. I don't have a big loving family, like you." She suddenly giggled. "Maybe I'm a little jealous."

Maud looked across at Tree. "If there's anything you want to tell me."

Tree flushed vibrantly as her words were turned against her. "W-well, man... Sheesh. I can't say no to that after I just put you on the line, sister." She smiled gently. "I'm the only part of our little group that can't fight. I'm the only one that freezes up when things get scary too quickly and I start flipping out. I... I don't like being the weakest."

There was silence for a time, the two walking side-by-side. Tree couldn't stand it and stomped the ground once as she walked. "Well?"

"What?"

"Aren't you going to reply, to what I said?"

Maud looked confused a moment before she nodded. "I'm not used to these. You're not the weakest. You do what you do very well. You can do miracles." She reached over and tapped at one of Tree's hooves as she walked. "Every touch. You call it 'the song of the trees'. I might be dead a few times without it."

Tree shook her head. "You would have found another way, sister. Another way home, to your real sisters." She glanced aside at Maud. "Am I silly for thinking you're a great sister?"

Maud cracked a little smile. "Pinkie always said I was a great sister..." Her smile faded. "I miss her."

Tree nodded. "I met her before. She was at the gala." She tilted her head. "You were there too, come to think." She gave a sudden little giggle. "She rode you like a boat."

Maud nodded a little in return, but said nothing. If there was humor in the situation, she didn't express it. "We should ride." She smoothly hopped up onto the horse. She offered a hoof down to Tree Hugger.

Tree knew it for what it was. It was acceptance. She took the hoof and was soon riding behind Maud. She hugged the solid earth pony gently with her altered legs. "We'll get you back to your family." Being so close to Maud didn't feel so bad.

Elsewhere, Fast and Paul came across the prone form of a man, hogtied and left to rot in the sun. Paul shared a glance with Fast before he hopped down from his steed and gave the man a nudge with a foot.

With a start, the man awoke, but there wasn't much movement he could take. "What? Oh. Back to gloat?"

Paul shook his head. "Ain't nothin' like that. 'Sides, how can we come 'back' where we ain't been before? What's yer deal?"

"I don't have to tell you anything..." The man frowned at Paul, but second thoughts came quickly. "But I might, if you let me free of these ropes."

Fast approached, still mounted on her new horse. "That depends on the tale. Speak clearly and truthfully if you want a chance at freedom."

He looked away from Fast, to Paul. "Damn horses are all alike, so eager to see me get torn to shreds by whatever wild beast happens by with an appetite. You wouldn't consign a fellow man to that, would you?"

Paul looked uncertain. "Well, no, I don't want to do that, so why don't you tell us how this happened?" He saw a rapier laying on the ground and picked it up curiously, turning it this way and that. "This looks nice."

"That's mine, you put it down." He squirmed impotently. "Look, fine, your friends got here first, alright! They took it. Let me go already, or just murder me and get it over with instead of pretending something else is going to happen to a man tied up in the wilds."

Fast perked an ear. "They have the crown?"

"Yes, gods damn it all. They have it." He thrashed as best he could, managing to flop over in a heroic struggle. "Just let me go already!"

Fast reached down with her lance, hooking it under the man's ropes and flipping him him onto the back of her horse. "You won't die here, but you've made some new enemies in the city. They'll want to speak to you. One of your friends is seriously injured, we'll gather him up on the way."

"W-what? I'll take my chance with the wolves!"

Fast turned back towards the road. "Let's go pick up the straggler if his other friend didn't snatch him up and get back before dark."

Paul slid the rapier onto his belt before hopping onto his own horse. "Alright. I'll take the other one. No need fer you to have both of 'em. If he's hurt so bad, we should get him looked at before 'turning him in'. Only the right thing t'do."

Fast nodded. "Too right. We'll pass him to Redtail and leave it to his discretion."

As one they turned away from the fight scene and began their return to the city at a light trot of their horses.

Later, back at the city, the group found one another at the tavern they started at.

Fast smiled at the two Equestrians. "I'm glad to see you're both well and safe." Her head tilted a bit. "What had you in such a hurry that you'd leave a man to die slowly or terribly in the middle of nowhere? If you've made a judgement, a swift death would at least be a mercy."

Maud glanced away, saying nothing. Tree stepped forward. "Oh, sorry, that was totally my bad. Won't happen again." She smiled her placid little smile.

Her words brought Maud around. "No. Enough lying." She put a hoof in front of Tree. "I just want to get this over with as quickly as possible."

Fast tilted her head. "I see... Let's not become monsters on our way to the goal, my companions. The end does not easily dispel the means, and I would not wish us remembered as vicious brutes and unfeeling brigands. We are the only representatives of our people in many miles." She smiled a little. "No hard feelings, just bare that in mind, alright?"

Paul suddenly snapped his fingers. "Right. I meant ta ask somethin'." He drew out his rapier and laid it out on the table. "The jerk ya walloped good had this. Is it just nice lookin' or what?"

Tree peered at it. "What?"

Fast smiled and rolled a hoof. "I think Paul wants you to check it for magic."

"Oh!" Tree waved her hooves over it and turned her sight towards its aura. "Radical... It does have a nice aura, like Fast Shadow's lance, I think."

Fast glanced to the lance at her side. "Ah, basic enchantment. Good thinking, Paul. That's money if nothing else. Do you plan to keep it?"

Paul took up the rapier and slid it back under his belt. "I should get a sheath fer the thin', but yeah. Can't hurt ta have a backup."

Fast clapped him on the shoulder with a metal-shod hoof. "Now you're starting to really sound like a seasoned adventurer. When you're being squeezed to death by someone as talented as Maud here, you won't be able to get your big sword there into position, but a rapier might let you fight back."

Maud tilted her head. "He stabbed me a few times with it until we had him tied up."

Tree shook her head quickly at the words. "How can you say that so casually?"

"You're there."

Tree went silent instead.

Fast moved up to Tree. "She's right, you know. A healer at a warrior's side makes all the difference. Maybe I haven't been saying it strongly enough, but I'm glad you're at my side." She waved a hoof. "All three of you. You've all been great, and it's been my pleasure and honor to walk at your side, and fight at your back."

Paul lifted his shoulders, rolling them slowly. "We should get the last of our supplies and get out while the gettin's good. I don't want no more surprises."

Maud trotted for the door. "Alright."

Fast turned to follow with a little snort. "Wouldn't hurt you to return the sentiment."

Tree followed quickly after Fast. "You're the best leader I ever had, man."

Fast swiveled an ear back at Tree. "I have a feeling I'm the only leader you've had."

"Guilty." She smiled gently. "Still the best."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 43 - Riding into the Sun                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Food stocked, supplies secured, and their eyes set on the west, they gathered at the gate and set off at a comfortable trot. Fast had never given up her horse, giving her one to bear the burden of her heavy bulk and armor alone. Paul also had his own, leaving Maud and Tree to share, but neither seemed to be complaining.

They set off at a brisk trot in the early morning, leaving the human city, and hopefully the entire human lands behind.

Paul asked as they went, looking ahead to the fuzzy horizon that showed no signs of the forest they approached yet, "So why are we headed right on inta a forest called 'impenetrable'?"

Fast shook her head. "Pontyd is its name. It's not impenetrable, just... troubling. The alternative is to go around the mountains to the north and come around through Kadiston, adding possibly months to our trek that we could avoid right here." She shook herself a little, her plate rattling. "We didn't get this equipment for show. If it comes to it, we'll fight our way through."

Paul rubbed behind his head. "Oh, right, so... People do go this way?"

"Heavens no." Fast shook her head. "Rational people avoid the damned forest. There's basically no polite traffic to speak of."

Paul's fingers trembled on his reins. "Good thing... we're not very rational then, right?"

Tree tilted her head a little. "It's a forest. How gnarly can a forest be? It has a load of trees in it." She panned her sight over the flat stretches they were going past. "More than here, for sure."

Fast clucked her tongue in her helmet. "I hope that's the case. Let it all be rumors run wild and out of control. We'll let you speak with wild animals or angered plants we run into before we act, but not everything can be reasoned with, so keep your weapons close at hoof."

Maud's eyes glanced left and right, but said nothing. Tree seemed to notice her faint signal and gently nudged her. Maud nodded a little. "My weapons are my hooves."

Fast smiled even if the expression was largely hidden. "You are your weapon, Maud. Only a fool would ever think you were unarmed."

"I don't have arms."

Tree smiled patiently. "She means you always have your weapon."

Fast nodded. "Just so. That goes for you as well, Tree. The both of you... It's like ponies from your world just don't need weapons." Her hazy recollection of any other Equestrians didn't allow her to confirm or deny the suspicion. "I feel it must be a much more peaceful place than here. We'll get you back to it as soon as we can. It may be beyond my means, but I imagine Under Score could figure it out, or at least point us in the right direction." She pointed ahead, to the west. "And he's there, in the Pony Empire, so let's find him."

They went quiet as they rode on, but Paul fidgeted in his saddle, looking increasingly uneasy until Tree addressed him with that placid smile. "Hey, man, what has you tied in knots? Like, chill out, and share with us."

Paul shrugged a little. "Just thinkin' is all. We're headed to pony country. I'll be 'bout the only human there."

Fast nudged her horse closer to Paul's. "You will be welcomed, and you travel in fine company. Besides, since things began to decline, there have been more humans deeper into the empire. You won't be as alone as you may have thought. Blaze take it, Kadiston went from being a blend of pony and humans to ponies being the minority." She huffed softly. "Let's not dwell on that. I may say an unkind thing I don't really mean. Paul, you are welcomed at our side."

Tree waved as she called out to Paul, "You'll get to try things the pony way. It'll be exciting and fun! That's what adventure's about, right man?"

Paul quirked a smile. "Suppose it is... Yeah. Some great stories to share with Flint when I get back to 'im."

"Exactly." Tree nodded her head softly. "We just have to walk through some trees first, like, as if that were that big a deal. You used to walk through trees all the time with Flint."

Paul licked over his lips. "With Flint..."

The conversation slid into another lull. The city was becoming a speck behind them as they set camp, just to rouse and do it again. Travel was simple work, and they went at it with determination. Their mounts were well-fed and they didn't push them past their limits, keeping them hale and happy. The city shrank beyond a point, lost to the horizon as they went.

The second night out, they were camped and resting. Tree's magic made their camp look like a bush, a perfectly standard bush. None could see them, or the fire they kept or smell the food they prepared. They were safe and relaxed when a voice called out.

"Help! Someone, anyone..." Its source became visible when she strayed close to the bush, moving past it. They could see a young woman, clothes tattered and bloody in some places. She looked terrible.

Tree glanced at the others. Fast looked hesitant, but Paul less so. He rose quickly and moved to the side of the camp she was just about to go past.

"Hel--" She was grabbed by Paul and hauled into the camp, his hand over her mouth.

"We're here to help," he explained hurriedly. "I'll let go of you, but no screaming, please. You're safe here." She gave a little nod, and he released her.

She spun around to face him, then looked to his equine companions. "I've been rescued by the fey? Do I owe my life now?"

Fast smiled faintly. "Fey we are, but we're not the sort from the seelie or unseelie courts." She tapped the ground with a metal-clad shoe. "Sit, tell us what sent you running, and let Tree see to your wounds. As Paul said, you're safe here."

She moved to sit on a rock that was about the right size and settled, looking between them. "O-okay... It's orcs you see. We have a little farmstead... had... We thought we were close enough to the city to keep orcs and the like away, but not so close we had to pay taxes..."

Fast raised a brow. "I see. They proved you wrong. Were they chasing you just now?"

"I don't... I don't think so." She jumped as Tree Hugger touched her side. "Hello?"

"Hey, dude." She gently inspected the human for wounds and called on the force of her magic to banish them before she raised her hooves over her. "This is going to get wet." Before she could ask further, Tree conjured water over the girl's head, washing away the dirt that had built on her in her wild flee. She squealed with surprise and flailed, knocking one of Tree's hooves away, but the damage had been done.

Paul blushed, perhaps a little at how the woman's clothes reacted to being wet. He turned away, rather than gawk at a woman in distress. "The city's that way." He pointed east. "Can ya make it?"

Fast frowned. "More importantly, which way was your homestead, and are the orcs still there?"

She moved closer to the fire and its heat to combat the chill of the water. "Thanks, I think. Before we play question the oracle, we should exchange names? I am Tabitha, and you all are?"

"Tree Hugger."

"Maud Pie"

She burst into giggles. "You really have such fey names."

Fast coughed into a hoof. "Fast... Fast Shadow."

Tabitha was easily amused by their names, and looked to Paul, who was still turned away. "And you, sir? Are you as fey as your companions?"

"Paul, miss."

Tabitha frowned a little. "Well, that's not as fanciful as the others, but it's a fine name all the same. Nice to meet you all."

Tree smiled gently. "You sound better. Have you come down from your fright?"

Fast leaned forward. "I--" She paused, ears twitching. "Do you hear something?"

"Possibly."

Tabitha gasped. "Your bird can talk?" She slapped a hand against her forehead. "Of course your bird can talk. I'm really with a bunch of fey creatures."

Fast held up a hoof. "Shhh."

Tabitha quieted, and they all listened. Maud pointed out into the darkness. "Something's coming, wearing metal shoes."

"Several somethings," added Tree with a nod, confirming Maud's find. "We should be safe in here. They can't see or hear us, whatever it is."

Tabitha shrank a bit. "I thought this was just another bush when I went past, then suddenly I was being grabbed and here I am."

Emerging into the light of the camp that only they could see from the inside, a small band of green-skinned humanoids followed after the trail left behind by Tabitha. They looked rather similar to the thieves' guild master, though far less friendly than he had turned out to be.

They arrived at where she had been grabbed by Paul, and began arguing in a new language. Fast whispered quietly, "Orcish, likely. I don't know the tongue personally."

The orcs passed by their camp, only to stop when they ran into the scattered remains of their horse's tracks. Fresh arguing broke out, with some pushing and shoving before one roared in fury, thrusting his blade into the ground and thumping his fist. The others shrank away, then they regathered, heading back where they came from and leaving the adventurers undiscovered.

Fast tapped her chin lightly. "Perhaps they think you've been picked up by passing travelers on horse back. It would explain your suddenly vanishing footprints."

Paul nodded at that, daring to turn around. The fire had done a decent job, and he settled down, rejoining the circle now that there were less women on display. "I grabbed her when she wasn't facin' the camp, so she shouldn't a looked like she done went into it."

Fast smiled. "Glad you did that. Unfortunately, that means there are orcs in our way."

Tabitha squirmed a little. "Don't suppose that means you could escort me to the city? Maybe they'll be gone by the time you get back."

Tree and Paul looked to Fast, deferring to her silently.

She sighed softly. "That's not in the plans. But... We could get your homestead back, and get ourselves moving at the same time."

Tabitha sat up. "You're going to use fey magic on them all?"

Fast tapped at the lance slung at her side. "If you want to call this 'fey magic', certainly. We're all fighters, adventurers I suppose would be more accurate. Your orcs will regret picking a fight here, of all places. But--"

Her words were cut off as Tabitha threw herself at the metal pony and hugged her around the barrel, kissing her bared cheek. "You're the nicest fey I ever met."

Fast smiled a little, looking bemused by the girl's sudden affection. "What's with people calling me the best of a thing they've not seen before? Calm yourself, Tabitha. We can't rush into this blindly, weapons swinging. We'll handle this intelligently."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              44 - Moving Through Opposition               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They rose the next morning. Fast inspected everyone's gear to make sure it was ready for the impending conflict, tugging at straps and  and adjusting plates as needed. Even Tree was forced to armor up despite her protests.

"It stifles my chakras, man."

Fast patted her on the shoulder. "You'll at least still have chakras at the end of the day for it."

Maud had no special gear, and stood quietly at the ready. Tree pointed at her. "You're not making her do this at all. It's discrimination."

Fast nodded. "That's true, and it is, but not without reason. Any armor I gave her would slow her down. She'll roll with a strike better than your armor could ever hope to work. That's a damned impressive skill, and not one I can have her teach you in the time we have. Besides, it's not much your style."

She turned towards their guest. "Tabitha, your entire job of the day is to survive. We want to get you home. This means staying back. I'd send you off to hide, but this damnable plain has precious few places to do that in."

Tree nodded. "I'm ready for this trippy fight, so my energies are not even balanced for the camp hiding spell, sorry, new girl."

Tabitha waved it off. "With a bunch of heroes at my side? I'm ready to see the looks of fear on their faces as you send them running for whatever hole they crawled out of!" Placing her fists at her hips, she looked them all over. "You are adventurers, right?"

Paul chuckled softly. "I think yer confusin' adventuring fer heroin'. Ain't the same thin' at all, miss."

She waggled a finger at him. "There is, but you done crossed that line when you decided to do what's right instead of just what gets treasure."

Fast let out a little sigh. "Right. I suppose you've caught me there. As it turns, doing you a favor is right along our path, so let's be efficient about this, hmm?" She turned to Tree. "Go as a bird and survey the situation. If one of them starts pointing an arrow at you, get out and don't look back. Take Bright with you." She regarded the bird. "You two can speak when you're like that, I think?"

Tree nodded quickly. "We can. It'll be nice to catch up with him." She extended a hoof that he hopped out onto, then gently set him on the ground before she began to shrink rapidly, becoming a second black bird before the first.

Tabitha giggled with a growing smile. "I've never seen so much magic since... ever, I suppose."

Tree cawed at her, the words of birds lost on the human, but clear enough to her ally. She ascended into the air with Bright following behind, flying off into the distant west quickly.

Fast nodded. "Right, this'll be our chance to show we've put our practice to real use and internalized it."

"Time for another spar?" Paul put a hand on his large blade.

"Neigh." Fast shook her head slowly before she flipped up the visor of her helmet. "We need to be fresh and ready. Sparring's for when the fighting's over, not just before it when we're dealing with deadly weapons."

Bright flew a small distance beyond Tree. "Why don't you be a bird more?"

Tree was quiet a moment. "Well, for first, I can't. For second, who would carry you around and feed you?"

Bright nodded a little. "Two excellent points. You're smaller than me now."

Tree veered a little to the right, seeing the farmhouse ahead with some crops still growing around it. "Where did you learn that word, by the way?"

"What word?"

"Possibly."

"I learned it from listening. I am very good at two-leg words, yes?"

"Very. If you could learn more words, we could talk more often." Sweeping her eyes over the field, she counted about six of the orcs wandering around. Patrolling perhaps? The inside of the house was impossible to see from that angle, so she flew in to land on the roof of the house with Bright beside her.

The orcs were talking to one another, but it was the strange language they had, not the common tongue that everyone else shared, at least all the bipeds Tree had found so far. She suddenly felt grateful that Equestrian seemed to match up with it and shuddered to imagine being lost in this world without being able to talk at all.

Another orc emerged, dressed in long flowing skins from at least a dozen different species, with teeth and tusks all protruding at odd angles. He bellowed something at them and clapped his hands together, growling more than talking as he seemed to boss the other orcs around, then stomped angrily back into the house.

"They like their new nest." Bright tilted his head down at them.

Tree nodded slowly. "But it doesn't belong to them."

"They took it. It is theirs now." Bright sounded confused at the idea that it would be otherwise.

Tree tilted her head at Bright. "We'll take it back."

"Then it will be ours." He gave his wings a little flutter. "Keep it?"

"No, not keep it." Tree looked back down. "Give it to Tabitha."

"New one? Why give her such a big gift?"

Tree smiled, which was more a posture than an actual facial expression as a bird. "You gave me a nice gift when we first met."

"I was hoping to find new lady friend, maybe make chicks?" He leaned forward. "Nothing is free."

Tree reached a wing towards Bright. "And you found a lady friend, who gives food and company. That wasn't bad, was it?"

"No." He nodded. "We help her, she give us food and shelter?"

Tree gave a raven-like fit of laughter, but that drew unwanted attention. One of them drew a bow with alarming speed and let the arrow loose. Bright jumped in the way and the arrow barely grazed him, unable to pierce his enhanced hide. "We go!"

No arguments were had and they took off as one, ascending as they flew away as quickly as they could, lest another arrow find a more sure mark. "Thanks, dude. That was a most excellent save. Let's tell the others what we saw."

Bright cawed in a loud noise of no particular meaning. "You tell. They don't understand bird words. Their loss."

As the camp came back into view, Tree edged a bit closer to Bright. "I don't understand bird words too, most of the time. I hope you learn our silly words. You're worth talking to."

They landed as one, though one quickly became a pony again, and the other landed on her head without asking.

Fast smiled. "You look like you made it without catching arrows."

"Just one." Tree nodded softly. "Bright took care of it. There are about a dozen of them, I think. Their leader's dressed in totally gnarly animal hides all over, teeth and horns and stuff." She tapped her chin lightly. "He didn't look as big and powerful as the others."

Tabitha leaned forward. "What about my house? They didn't burn it or anything, right?"

"Nah dude." She waved a hoof. "They're totally copping out and bumming around your house. We'll get it back for you."

Fast turned to the west. "Good. How were they armed?"

"Some bows, lots of sharp swords."

"Can you be more specific?"

Tree frowned faintly. "Swords are swords, man..."

"Right..." Fast sighed softly. "Alright, their leader has a strength that isn't physical. If he didn't have a strength, the orcs would probably tear him apart. Likely a spellcaster, at a guess." She looked back at Tree with a raised brow. "Did he make any preaching motions, wave a holy symbol around, or, you know, priest things?"

Tree shook her head. "Nothing like that."

"Damn. We're flying blinder than I'd like." She frowned a little then lowered her visor. "Alright. If you see him, he's the priority. Maybe seeing their leader cut down will drive the rest away, that'd suit me just fine." She suddenly clopped her metal shoes together. "Ah! Tree, tell me you can make some powerful light."

She nodded. "Sure can. Why?"

"Simple." She turned to the others. "If we're thrown into darkness, don't panic." She turned back to Tree. "How long will it go?"

"Maybe an hour?" She tilted her head. "You haven't laid it on me. I don't grok."

Fast plucked a small rock from the ground. "Cast it on this, tuck it under your armor, and pull it out if things get dark. You may save our hides. I'm no orc expert, but they like dark, and we can't see in it. I'm not wearing my crown into battle."

"You have a crown?!" Tabitha gawked at Fast with new fascination. "Are you a princess? Oh my gosh! Your highness." She bowed properly to Fast, making her blush terribly.

"Stop that! I'm no princess, and our goal is a queen, no princess." Fast half turned away, shuffling as anxiety built.

"You are too." Tabitha crossed her arms. "It's your crown. Why would you have a crown if you weren't royalty?"

"It's not my crown."

"You just said it was." She raised a brow and leaned all the further in, looking smug in her victory.

Fast grunted. "Look, we'll settle that later. Right now, your home is in danger, and these orcs are still in our way. How about we focus on that first, then get back to crowns and queens and things?"

Tabitha turned to Paul. "You heard what I did, didn't you? She's obviously a princess of the fey, on the run in these dangerous lands." She gasped dramatically. "But she took time out of her busy and dramatic life, for me?" She span on Fast. "I'm so grateful! You are the kindest, gentlest fey I've ever heard of."

Paul reached for her hesitantly, hand approaching her shoulder. "Maybe you should ease up on her, eh? You're goin' to get her all riled up if ya keep callin' her what she isn't like that."

Fast cleared her throat. "Besides, it was Tree Hugger that mended your wounds and cleaned you when you were scared and harried from your desperate fleeing journey."

Tabitha frowned a little. "I'm being such a dunderhead." She dropped to a knee in front of Tree Hugger, reaching for one of her forehooves. "Thank you, priest of the horse people."

Tree edged backwards, but her hoof was grabbed and held fondly. "It's... cool, man. Blessings on you, but please, personal space."

Maud stepped closely, moving between Tree and Tabitha, locking her with her intense, yet indifferent, gaze. "It's time for a new game."

"Huh? What kind?"

"The first to speak, loses. The winner will receive..." She pulled out a bar of soap and dropped it into a hoof. "This."

Despite it being fairly normal looking soap, it seemed to catch her attention. "Alright, you're on. Starting... now." She made a motion of locking her lips and stood still.

Their attack could begin.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   45 - Clash of Colors                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast shook herself with a metallic rattle as she looked over her readied band of adventurers, plus Tabitha. "Tabitha, stay within sight, but not much closer or farther than that. Do not approach, even if it looks like we're in trouble. You'll get yourself killed. Worst case scenario, we botch the whole thing, and you get out. You go to the city like you were originally planning and don't even--"

"No." She crossed her arms under her chest, glaring at Fast defiantly.

Paul pointed to the east. "You can and you should. We're the adventurers, so we get to do stupid things sometimes, that doesn't give you a ticket to throw your life away."

She shook her head, tangled red hair fluttering. "No. I've waited my entire life for something amazing to come along, and here it is. I'm not letting any of you out of my sight. I'm sorry, your highness, but my loyalty won't be broken that easily."

A soft snort emerged from Fast's helmet. Her helmet was directed at Tabitha, but she was quiet for a moment. Tree advanced with a little smile. "Tabitha, dude, we're doing this for you."

"Then don't." She put her hands on her hips instead. "Forget it, as long as I can come with you."

Fast sat down on her haunches. "What about your farm, your life?"

"Hard work, dull work, and no future. Besides, the orcs came once, they can come again. I'd just be waiting for them to come take my things, maybe do terrible things to me while they're there." She rolled a hand at Fast. "I ain't as stupid as I look. The farm's worthless. Forget it. Where are you headed? Somewhere important, I bet."

Tree cocked her head at Tabitha. "Dude... The orcs are still in the way. If we go around them, they might catch on and come after us anyway, right Fast?"

Fast nodded firmly. "Exactly so. This fight will proceed, for the farm, or simply to move on safely past it. So, regardless of how you feel, you must stay back." She rose to her hooves. "Let's go. When the house is in clear view, you stop approaching, Tabitha. The rest of us, you all know what you're doing. Let's play this smart, hit fast, and cut the head clean off." She led the way, hooves kicking up dust with her clomping trot.

Maud approached Tabitha and circled around her before thrusting her head between the woman's legs and lifting. Tab shrieked in surprise, but was soon deposited on Maud's back as she trotted along smoothly with the burden. She wasn't large enough to serve as a proper mount, but Tabitha quickly caught on and kept her legs elevated as Maud whisked her along. "Thanks. You didn't have to."

"No, but I did." She raised a brow back at her passenger. "Do you want to walk?"

"No!"

"Then let's play the quiet game again. Loser gives the other a ride for an hour."

Tabitha paled and went silent.

With peace secured, they approached the farm in quiet. The plains provided no cover, for Fast's team or their green enemies. The orcs came into view and both could see one another easily. Maud double-backed and quickly set Tabitha down. "Stay."

"You talked," noted Tabitha.

Maud nodded. "You win." She turned away and rejoined the line of the others.

The orcs were coming with a rough cry among them. They were brandishing long blades, except for two that drew bows and took long-range pot shots that mostly fell far from the mark from the distance they had to cover. "Do you think they saw us?" asked Paul with a bit of a smirk. "Shall we meet them half way?"

"No need." Fast fiddled with her lance, making sure it's ready. "They're coming to us, and that's fine. Let them arrive winded."

Tree sat on her haunches and rubbed her hooves, glowing with soft green colors. "Want to see something righteous?" She struck down with one hoof. "Grasses of the green, slow down any that would bend your blades." Then her other hoof came down. "Plants of the plain, grow radical and powerful, show us puny animals how mighty you can be." Faint waves of green radiated from her before the grass shot up, tall and obscuring, as if they were in a center of a giant wheat field. The arrows became even more erratic as the archers couldn't even see the party anymore.

The cries of the orcs became audible, loud with frustration and fury, but the plants had slowed their approach terribly; they struggled to get to them with the distant sounds of their blades being put to work on the grass.

Paul laughed, throwing his head back a moment. "By the gods, that's some trick, but they're going to get through eventually, faster if their friend's a wizard or something."

Fast raised a brow. "Even if he is, every spell he uses against your trick, Tree, is one not scorching our hides. Very well done."

A familiar rush of flames engulfed the field as a fireball became faintly visible over the tall grass. "There's one." Fast smiled. "Let's hope they use a few more on this instead of us."

Tree rubbed a hoof along the ground. "Sorry, plant friends. It's for a good cause."

Then things went sour. Flames came rushing right down the middle of the party and jumped up into a great wall of fire and heat. The fire seemed cool on one side, but Maud, Paul, and Tabitha were caught in sudden intense heat. Acting quickly, Maud, spun and rushed for Tabitha, practically bowling her over to knock her onto Maud's back and run off.

Paul had to run out on his own, but he showed fewer scorches and burns than Tabitha.

Tree called out to them, "You alright?"

Paul waved it off. "We're fine. Get rid of this fire."

Tree pawed at the ground beside the wall, but didn't know what to do about it. "Um... Man..." Suddenly, it blinked away. They could see through the field of vegetation. It had burned a line straight through it, and set much of the grass along the hot side on fire. Their defenses had been breached.

Fast braced herself. "Nothing's changed. They're coming, and we're going to fight them. Their leader's more dangerous than I wanted to believe, be mindful and strike him the moment the opportunity allows."

Paul and Maud returned to the line, leaving Tabitha where she laid, possibly more stunned by being slammed into than by the mercifully brief encounter with the flames.

The sounds of the orcs were getting louder. One made it to the channel that was burned and began rushing at them. As they came, Maud glanced aside at Paul. "I used to only move fast when it was an emergency. Here, it's always an emergency."

Paul nodded lightly. "Yeah... I hear that. Thanks fer it. Ah know Tree Hugger has dibs, but yer kinda the big sister of the party."

Before Maud could inquire about that, the fight was upon them. The orc charged screaming into the clearing of plants, and he brought several friends right behind him.

Paul met the first to approach him with a powerful cleave, neatly disemboweling the charging assailant, but he didn't stop. Oozing his own entrails, the orc kept right on screaming, and brought his sword in a neat arc that saw a rough line of red across his left arm.

Fast's long weapon proved quite capable of receiving the charge. She drove her lance through the chest of one to find him pressing through it. He brought down his weapon to glance against her thick metal armor, then slumped against her, impaled and hanging.

Without warning, an arrow caught Tree between the shoulders. She squealed in pain, looking ready to bolt, but fighting it even as tears welled in her eyes. "Not cool..."

Maud made no attempt to lash at the orc as he came towards her. He sneered at her. "Afraid?"

"Oh, you do talk."

The orc replied with an overhand slash as if to remove her head and be done with it, but she flowed around the blade, brought up her hooves in two rapid strikes into his chest before driving her head forward, butting into him with bone shattering force. He fell back, his breathing a raspy wheeze, but he was still standing, and still furious. He swung at her drunkenly, fighting on pure rage alone. She stepped away from the attack. "You're already dead."

As if realizing the truth of it, the orc fell before her and stopped moving.

The forward charge had little chance against them, but they were only the fastest. An orc pair advanced, shields held high, blades in their other hands. They said something in their odd language before the more slender of the two shouted back towards the farmhouse. They stepped away from one another with malignant smiles.

"Forward!" called Fast, charging for one of them with lance at the ready. Her rush was interrupted with a sensation she would rather not be so intimate with. A small mote of flame drifted past the two and exploded into the field, consuming her and her friends in hungry fire. Her armor warmed dangerously, but began to cool itself quickly, not that this did much to the sears and burns already inflicted on her in an instant of exposure to the intense heat. "Damn it all, someone get that wizard!"

Cowering in the back, Tabitha got to see the fireball rush towards her, only missing by a few feet from cooking her to a crisp. It was a wonder to her that her new friends weren't so much as finely prepared bacon after such a thing, but they were still in it, mostly. Paul looked like he could barely stand, and fell to a knee, heaving and panting with awful marks.

As the others fought, she pushed to her feet and quickly moved up to Paul's side, taking one of his arms and throwing it over her shoulder before starting to drag him away. Every step was unfortunately slow and burdened, but she got him to the edge of the circle just before another ball of flame engulfed the battle. She cringed at it, but the fighting hadn't stopped. They hadn't lost, yet.

Paul grabbed her shoulder suddenly. "Miss... Ya saved me."

"Shhh." She smiled at him. "You're hurt real bad. Just lay down."

"Yeah yeah, least I'm here to complain 'bout it." He sank to the ground with a soft thump. "Thanks..."

With a roar of elemental fury, three small figures of dancing flame appeared around the orcs and began beating on them in concert with Maud and Fast's aggressive push, shoving them back and driving them into the ground. Tree Hugger thrust a hoof up. "Righteous!" The motion must have made her pull a burn as she winced. "Damn it..." She banished some of her growing wounds with a burst of green. "This isn't good."

Maud nodded even as she jumped over the fallen orcs and began rushing for the house and the spellcaster within or near it. She moved as only she could. It was time to end the battle, for one side or the other.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  46 - Source of the Fire                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Maud burst free of the tall grass, the smell of burning thick around her, some of it including her own hide. She felt the approach before she saw it, two rapid beams of fire arcing towards her with uncanny accuracy. She dived forward as the grass where she had been standing moment earlier exploded into fire. Coming up onto all fours, she sprinted towards where the bolts had come from, which meant inside the house.

There were no other orcs challenging her. Had they defeated them all? Besides the last two, any they had beaten unconscious were cooked by their leader's flames, the same flames that still ached through her entire form. It hurt, she hurt, and she was feeling... eager... to be done with the battle.

Back in their clearing, Tree was seeing to wounds as quickly as she could, running through her stamina rapidly. She quickly had Paul back to his feet. "Song of the trees, get this dude off his knees." She gently pressed her hooves to his breastplate, and the green energy washed through him.

He sat up stiffly almost immediately. "It's not perfect, but I'm not burnin' to death no more. Thanks."

Tree gave a little smile. "Doing what I can, dude." She turned from him and reached for Fast, but Fast was already galloping away, following Maud. "I hope they'll be alright..."

Tabitha grabbed one of Tree's forehooves without asking. "We have to have faith, in ourselves and them. They'll pull through it."

Tree flinched at the sudden contact, but the words rang true, and she gave a slow nod instead. "I dig it." She gently extracted her hoof from Tabitha's grip. "Personal space though, please."

Maud went from room to room without sign of the unidentified spellcaster, until she heard someone intoning. She braced for the attack she thought was coming, but it never did. With her eyes drifting upwards towards the source of the chanting, she spotted a ladder heading up to an access to the roof and quickly scrambled up along it, throwing aside the hatch.

"Damned horse!" The leather clad orc Tree had spoke of was up there. With a quick arcane word, several bolts of magic emerged from his hand, one to a finger. She tried to dash around them, but they turned with her, coming at her unerringly and slamming into her chest, her barrel and one came down on her back, rocking her around.

It hurt.

She was tired of hurting, both inflicting and receiving. Why did this world require so much of it? She charged for the orc, hooves almost stomping on the roof to propel her forward, but he had more of those streaking arcane bolts. She ducked and rolled, but the missiles refused to be shaken for even a moment. They came for her, and they slammed into her with more force than their almost sedate pace implied.

It hurt.

She staggered towards him, only to collapse a few feet away. It hurt too much. She couldn't move.

He drew a dagger as he approached her prone form. "Hardly an even trade, one horse for all of my men, but it'll have to do, won't it?" He held the dagger in both hands. holding it as if to sacrifice Maud to some dark god. "Rest in His searing fires, pathetic kindling."

She closed her eyes, but no more pain came to visit her. Instead, a loud caw, and a string of curses from the orc.

Fast hoisted herself up onto the roof with a heavy clank. "Thank you, friend Bright Wings." She readied her lands and pawed at the ground. "We have an account to settle. This is the part where you surrender if you have any sense left to you, orc."

He began to invoke his spell at her, neglecting Bright entirely, to his detriment. Before he could even finish the quick words, the bird dug in its talons into his shoulders and tore into his neck with a sharp beak. The phrasing was ruined with a loud cry of pain, and Fast was charging in with her lance aimed for him.

Her aim was true, her lance sharp, and the wizard's sternum was not nearly hard enough. She drove into him with all the force of her spirited charge. It was only luck or perhaps training on the orc's side that allowed him to turn a lethal heart piercing into an equally frightening, but not immediately lethal, chest wound that perforated a lung.

Forcing the words out, he grabbed the lance that pierced through him, sending a powerful jolt of electricity through it. Fast howled in pain as it coursed through her, but took a step forward despite it, driving the lance deeper. "Damn orc, die or yield. Choose one and be quick about it."

"Possibly." Bright spun around to be in front of the orc's eyes, hindering his view for a moment before razor-sharp claws found thrashing eyes. While he didn't manage to pluck them free, blood ran free from dirty brows, blinding the orc almost as surely. Even for the painless orcs, the birds savage atttack could not be entirely ignored, but he had very little space to go, or cards...

He began intoning in orcish, but Fast would not abide it. She reared up, lifting the orc from the roof and giving him a heave. He flew off the end of her lance and tumbled off the side, crashing to the ground below. "Bright, finish it off." She turned back to the ladder, then paused, seeing the still form of Maud and turning to her instead. "I'll see to Maud. Go!"

Bright launched himself over the edge and came upon the orc just as he staggered to his feet, wobbling and broken, wheezing for breath through his severe injury. He began to move away from the house, to flee, but Bright came upon him, clawing and driving his beak into his skull as if he had a nut inside he wanted to gain access to.

It was too much. He fell to a knee, and tipped over limply, all his reserves spent and dead on the spot.

Tree was quite surprised when Bright came flying back, bloody beaked and proud looking. "Dude... What have you been doing? Did you need to hunt?" She tilted her head.

"Possibly."

Paul shook his head at the sight. "Did you see Maud and Fast?"

"Possibly."

Tabitha laughed at the whole thing. "Do you know any words besides possibly?"

"Possibly."

Tree tapped the ground. "That's enough. Relax and recover." The tall grass shrunk down to its normal height, except where it was scorched and burnt. "You did good, thank you, enjoy the crash."

They could see the house, still standing, and Tabitha clapped at the sight of it. "Good to see the home's still standing, even if I do plan to give it up. Say, while we're here, why don't we give it one more night? I'll cook for you, least I can offer, seeing as I'll be joining you."

"Hold a second there." Paul frowned. "First, let's find our friends, second, no you ain't comin' with us."

"Yes I am."

"No, ya ain't."

She frowned at him, then turned and began walking to the house. "We'll see what her highness thinks about it. You shouldn't be so loud and rude to the lady that saved your life today."

Paul and Tree fell in behind her. Tree smiled a little. "That was very brave of you, but we're in for a real trip, like, totally cosmic levels of scary. Why would you want in on that ride?"

She waved a hand over her shoulder, showing off the back of her hand. "I already said that. Living out here's no vacation, and it's ruined anyway. Either I stay, and die miserably, or I come with you on a grand fey adventure, where I might live on, and maybe become a pony princess of my own."

Tree raised a brow. "Do you mean princess of ponies, or a pony who is a princess? You're not a pony, little sister. Sorry."

"I could be."

Paul put a hand over his face a moment. "Let me get this straight. You wanta follow us on the off chance bein' 'round them is enough to get hooves? Do I even have to go into why that's daft? Do you think being around the orcs may get you green skin if you try hard enough?"

Tabitha shrugged. "That's my problem now ain't it? I'll be helpful, promise, starting with making a nice dinner for the lot of you tonight and providing a nice warm place to sleep fer a change if you're getting used to sleeping on rocks."

Tree accelerated to her side. "Hey, little sister, I appreciate that you like ponies and all, we're a cool people and everything, but you really aren't one. There's nothing wrong with being a hip human. What you need are some friends, not a tail."

She paused a moment, bringing them to a halt as she looked at Tree. "Will you be my friend then?"

Tree considered a moment before she nodded. "I don't know you that well, but that will change." She saw Tabitha coming in close and held out a hoof. "Personal space, little sister. We're not at hugging level."

Paul grunted. "So you plan on taking her?"

"We either keep her close, or she'll hurt herself following us." Tree shook her head a little. "Not much of a choice."

They arrived at the house, to find the bloodied body of the leader sprawled on the ground. Tabitha made a face at it before scooting closer and beginning to rifle through his pockets, procuring coins and pulling the rings off his fingers. "Waste not, want not."

"Why are you letting her do all the looting?" called down Fast from the roof. "Get to it, meet inside. We earned what we got by personal pain, so don't go leaving it laying on the ground for scavengers."

Looting began in earnest, picking the orcs clean of anything they had worth taking.

Tabitha walked inside when it was all done, looking to Paul as she went. "Even I know that's part of being an adventurer. Surprised you didn't beat me to it."

Paul darkened slightly as he balled his fists. "Look, I jus' got into the whole thin', alright?"

Fast was waiting for them in the living room, sprawled out on the couch, helmet removed, but the rest of her armor still worn. The armor resisted the scorches of battle, and looked as clean as the day she bought it. The rest of her didn't fare as well. She was singed and sore and looked quite tired. Maud was laid out carefully on a cushion, just as burned, and unconscious under Fast's watchful gaze. "Tree, tell me you have some healing left in you. Maud needs it most."

Tree's eyes widened a moment as she hurried to Maud's side and gently ran a hoof over her. "Sleep, dear sister. Let the healing power of rest take you."

Maud's breathing became gentle and relaxed, along with her entire posture. She was resting and recovering.

Paul hiked a thumb at Tabitha, who was heading into the kitchen. "She plans on comin' with us. I tried to git her to stay but she wasn't havin' any of it. By the hells, she even wants to be a pony."

Tree waved at Paul. "Don't pick on the girl. She can have all the dreams she wants. One of my best friends dreams about being a tree." She gestured at Maud. "And another has visions of being stone. Who are we to say what they dream? They're all righteous people. Maybe she has something in her, something she can feel."

Fast shook herself out. "Maybe." Her expression was that of pain. She winced before she settled back down and flopped out. "For now, rest. If she can cook for us, she has my thanks for tonight."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      47 - Home Rest                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Maud awoke to a mild surprise. Surrounding her were a variety of small round stones. She moved to rise to find that she was still quite sore and beaten from the battle. Burned, pummeled, but... victorious?

"Is that you, Maud?" Tabitha came in, wearing an apron over her usual clothes. "I sent the others to sleep. Did it work?"

"Did what work?" She slowly sat up on her haunches, breathing slowly and a bit roughly. "What happened?"

Tabitha gestured to the rocks. "I thought some rocks might help you."

Maud looked around at the circle of stones again. Her nose danced lightly. "Not my favorite. Not bad though." She reached for one and chewed into it as one would a loaf a bread, chewing softly. "Thanks."

Tabitha smiled brightly at the acceptance and sat in front of Maud, hands in her lap. "Are you feeling alright? You took a bit of a beating for us today. Thank you for that, by the way. You were amazing!"

Maud regarded Tabitha a moment. "You must be amazing too."

Tabitha blinked at that. "Not that I doubt you, but what makes you think that? I'm not a pony, or a princess."

Maud reached out and put a hoof dead center to Tabitha's chest. "You remind me of somepony. You can be whatever you want to be." She crunched softly on the remainder of her rock, swallowing it with a mildly content expression. "Even a pony. Nothing could stop her from being whatever she wanted." She glanced away, then back at Tabitha. "May I tell you a secret?"

Tabitha was almost vibrating with excitement. "Oh, please. I won't tell a soul."

"Just don't tell our friends." She tilted her head. "Can you talk to souls?"

"Oh, no, just a saying." Tabitha coughed softly. "Sorry. You were saying?"

Maud looked Tabitha over for a silent moment. "I'm jealous."

"You?" Tabitha leaned forward. "What could you be jealous of? You're amazing, and I'm not even exaggerating. I could never even hope to be half the warrior you are."

Maud touched her forehooves together. "I'm strong." She went quiet again.

Tabitha rolled a hand. "Go on." Maud was still silent. "I can wait." Silence was the reply. Tabitha picked up one of the rocks surrounding Maud and brushed it gently before sniffing at it. "Talking isn't easy for you, is it?"

Maud looked to Tabitha and tilted her head, but said nothing still.

"That's alright. We can talk about whatever you like to talk about, or nothing at all." She smiled brightly. "That's what friends are for."

Maud felt her lips quiver and a small smile formed. "That is what friends are for. Do you want to hear about my sister?" She glanced towards the stairs leading upwards. "My real sister."

"Please." Tabitha set the rock down back in its place and leaned forward, ready to listen.

"I have three of them. Marble, Lime, and Pinkie. Each is special in their own way."

Maud described her sisters for what felt like a long time, until Tabitha reached forward and brushed her cheek, startling her out of her telling. "Sorry, you're just... Please, go on."

Maud saw her fingers were dampened. Was she crying again? She didn't like being weak. She didn't like being away from her sisters either. She snapped at a rock instead of talking, chewing loudly and vigorously a moment. "I'm probably boring you."

"No!" Tabitha rolled both her hands together. "Please. Tell me more." She smiled at Maud. "But only if you want to. We can talk about something else. Would you like to hear my dream?"

Maud tilted her head. "You have one?" She paused a moment before nodding. "Go ahead."

"Well..." She tapped her chin. "At first it was the usual kinda thing. Rich husband, whisked away from hard labor, be treated like a princess, you know the deal."

Maud didn't, but simply stayed quiet.

"That didn't happen." Tabitha sighed a little. "First husband died not a year after we tied the knot. Second thought wrestling a bear was a viable thing t'do..." Maud sat up at that, surprise showing on her features. "The last, well, he slowed down the orcs long enough for me to run away. I'll... miss him..."

It was her turn to loose some tears, and Maud reached for her instead, brushing them away as Tabitha had done in return. "We don't have to talk about it."

Tabitha laughed at that. "Let's not be a pair of sad sacks. Look, they're dead. They aren't coming back. You, on the other hand, have your sisters still. Sure they're far away, but you'll get to them."

Maud considered silently a moment. "Is that your dream?"

"Oh! No, I was giving background." She sat up straight. "So, yeah, the husband dream? I'm done with that. I don't want to wait for another man to kill himself being my husband." She put a hand on her chest. "I'm ready to be a princess, the powerful kind. The kind that can defend her friends and family. Being suddenly surrounded by fey? This can't just be happenstance. Just looking at the three of you... I feel something."

"What would that be?" Maud peered at Tabitha intently.

"I don't know, but something." She tapped her heart. "Right here. My place is with you all. I feel like I can become the princess I want to be, with you. Does that sound too weird?"

Maud stood up despite the sharp pains of doing so and began to trot for the door. Tabitha followed, as Maud was sure she would. Outside, the moon shone down on them, giving dim light to see by. Maud turned back to her friend, breath puffing out small bits of steam in the cooler night air. "This world is magic. If you want to be a princess, you must be magic too, or you aren't one."

Tabitha looked baffled. "W-what?"

"Show me your magic."

"But I never learned magic!"

Maud put a hoof to her chest. "I never learned to fight." She thrust that hoof towards the second floor. "Tree Hugger never learned to cast spells. You want to be one of us? Show me your magic." She walked a few steps away, put something down, then backed away from it, revealing it to be the soap that was wagered on the first game of silence. "Here."

Tabitha glared at the bar, then at Maud. "Are you trying to tell me to go away?"

"Show me your magic." Her voice was even and calm. She watched Tabitha, seemingly patient, and as stoic as was her norm.

With a soft grunt, she turned in place then thrust her hands at the bar. "Ha!" Nothing happened. "Ho!" She wiggled her fingers at it, but nothing happened.

"Stop trying to figure it out."

"What?" Tabitha tilted her head. "How am I going to show you magic if I don't figure it out?"

"You either have it, or you don't. Show me your magic."

She placed a hand over her eyes a moment, then smiled. "Right, show you my magic. I said I'm a princess. I should do it like one." She took the most formal stance she could think of, enough to make any true aristocrat weep. "It's time to go away, bar. Shoo!" She dismissed it and looked away. She felt something in her fingers, and heard something strike the ground, but she was looking in the wrong direction to know what happened.

Maud had seen it, and nodded lightly. "Now do it better."

"B-better?" Tabitha looked back and saw a small little furrow in the ground. "I did it!"

"You showed me your magic. Now do it better."

"Shoo!" Tabitha called out as she pointed at the bar, knocking it over with a sudden bolt of arcane force.

Maud winced faintly. It was the same kind of bolt that saw to her defeat earlier that day, but that wasn't Tabitha's fault. "Keep practicing. I got better that way, so did Tree Hugger, so does Paul and Fast. Being part of our party means working."

"Right, working." She put her hands on her hips. "I will work. A princess, a good princess anyway, is not idle! I will earn the respect of my people, and when I take a new husband, I'll be the one protecting him." She suddenly rushed at Maud, grabbing her in a hug. "Thank you!"

Pain seared through her, but she returned the hug with a single leg. In a moment of silence, they didn't need to speak to know one another.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      48 - To Awaken                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The next morning, Fast was the first to rouse, and what she discovered brought a light frown to her face. "Tabitha? I'm sorry to bother you." She knocked lightly on her host's door. "I've found something you likely need to see." She led the sleepy looking Tabitha back downstairs. "This isn't a clean sight, but I think you said there was more than one person here? Is this him?" She pointed into a door, closed at the moment. "You don't have to look if you don't want to, but he didn't make it."

Tabitha went rigid, but didn't flee. "I... see..." She licked over her lips. "Did it look fast?"

Fast frowned. "With orcs? If you're lucky. Capturing a lone human, no reason to..." She noticed Tabitha's increasing trembling and caught herself. "Yes. He's at peace now."

Tabitha waved a hand. "I'm not that blind... Can... Can I ask you all a favor? He deserves a burial, a real burial, not like these thugs." She sank against a wall. "He was a good man. He provided for me, treated me fairly. I..."

Tree descended the stairs with a light clip-clop. "The energy here is all tainted, man. What's going on? What's the word? Did somepony die?"

"Possibly."

Tabitha forced a smile. "Sorry about that. Good morning." She wiped her eyes and let out a little breath. "Everything's alright, sorry again."

Tree tilted her head at Tabitha. Fast frowned. "Even adventurers know what sorrow is, Tabitha. We'll help bury your friend."

"He wasn't a friend..." She looked down, her facade shattered. "He was the latest man with the misfortune of trying to protect me." She punched a wall, achieving little but making her knuckles sore. "I'm sorry!" She went for the door and threw it open. "I'm sorry!" It was only then that she saw the shape her late husband's body was in and she recoiled, falling over herself and bursting into true tears. "None of you deserved this..."

Tree set a hoof on Tabitha's shoulder in quiet support before her eyes wandered over the grisly sight and she almost fell over. "Oh man... I didn't need that downer." She turned her head away from it. "I'm way sorry, little sister."

Fast snorted loudly as she advanced. "It won't get better gawking at it. I'll take him outside where we'll put him to rest properly."

"No!" Tabitha scrambled up. "No... It stops right here. I'll help." She approached Fast with trembling legs, but determination in her eyes. "It's the least I can offer him, to not be put down by a stranger he never got to meet."

Her help was quite useful, undoing the bindings that held his body. With Fast's help, they carried him outside to a grassy area where the ground felt soft. "I'll get our shovel." Tabitha went back inside and returned with the tool before getting to work, slowly working out some dirt.

Maud arrived, watching Tabitha work so hard to expand the hole at the slow rate. "May I help?"

Tabitha looked aside at Maud with uncertainty. Tree rolled a hoof. "She is my sister of stone. She knows how to do it."

"Alright..." She backed away and offered the shovel. Maud shook her head.

"It runs in the family." She put her hooves to the hole and began to dig as eagerly as any dog burying a bone, throwing dirt aside and expanding the hole rapidly. Soon it was large enough to hold the body securely in the grasp of the earth, low enough to be undisturbed by others.

Tabitha worked off a ring and kissed it gently. "Take my love with you. I hope your next life is better than this one turned out." She gently worked the ring onto one of his fingers. "Goodbye, George, Son of Timult and Patricia." She turned away. "I'm sorry..."

The body was lowered into the hole and the others gazed on it a moment. Fast shook her head. "There aren't many words I can offer. George, I didn't know you in life, and I barely knew you in death. I do wish you a peaceful journey, to your soul's destination, be that a new life or some paradise. Maud, if you would?"

Maud nodded, and began shoving the dirt back in place, patting it down firmly.

Tree Hugger put a hoof to her chest. "From death to life. From life, death. It all continues in the greatest cycle of all." She set a hoof down on the bare patch, which became vibrantly green as new grass swept in to claim it, and flowers blossomed across the grave.

Fast glanced at the still rotting corpses of the orcs. "Should we do anything with them?"

"They don't deserve anything!" Tabitha stormed back to the house, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Maud looked to the others. "She's coming with us."

Fast raised a brow. "Oh? You sound powerfully certain of that. Speaking of which, where's Paul?"

Tree pointed to the house. "Still sleeping I think. Let the man chill."

Maud nodded. "She showed me her magic."

Tree looked to Maud. "Magic? What magic?"

Maud pointed to the house. "Ask her to show you."

Tree tilted her head. "Maybe I'll do that."

"Possibly."

Fast shook her head. "Now is not the time to be coy, Maud. Does she have magic?"

Maud nodded. "I saw it. It's small." She looked to Tree a moment.

Tree got it, and smiled gently. "She's a little sprout. If we water her, and care for her, she may become a tree for us."

Fast smiled a little. "Our sprout needs some space right now."

Maud shook her head. "Not too much." She raised to her hooves and trotted back for the house. She found Tabitha working in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. In silence, she watched Tabitha work a moment. "You were brave."

Tabitha looked over, her face a mask of sullen misery. "How do you figure that? I ran away and left him to die..."

Maud tilted her head. "Instead of staying? I don't understand people sometimes... But I don't think he wanted you to die." She went quiet a moment before she reared up. "If you can be happy, I think he would want that, even if he can't say it."

She quirked a smile. "Even running off away from the farm, to go live with the ponies?"

"Even then."

She set the food aside and went to Maud, hugging her gently around the middle as she knelt before her. "You are a very gentle rock. Thank you." She sniffed softly. "You smell like smoke, blood, and pain. That isn't right for a fey, at least, not your kind of fey." She rose up to her hands and took a slow breath. "By the power of princesshood, I command this dirt to begone!" The universe apparently listened to her, and Maud became clean and smelling softly of pine. Her frock was straight and pressed, as if it hadn't been dragged through the exhaustive battle the day before. Her body still ached, but her fur was groomed and straightened.

Maud stood in silence a moment, looking herself over. "You're getting better."

Tabitha smiled, a true smile. "I am. I really am! I have you to thank for this as well. I went my entire life with nothing but what I could put my hands on, and here I am, a spell flinger. I mean, sure, they're pretty little spells, but just to have any at all!" She turned back to breakfast. "Tell the others breakfast will be ready soon, alright?"

Maud trotted out of the kitchen to find Paul descending the stairs. "Hey, good mornin' Maud. I miss anythin'?"

Maud waved a hoof. "Nothing you had to be there for. Breakfast will be served soon." She tilted her head. "Tabitha is coming with us."

"No she ain't! By the gods." He threw an arm aside. "I won't have her blood all over my hands. She ain't no adventurer."

"Neither were you." Maud tapped at her frock lightly. "She has magic and she's learning. She's coming with us."

Fast returned with Tree at her side. "Ah, Paul, good to see you up and about. How are you feeling?"

Paul got caught off guard. "Huh? Oh! A night's rest and Tree's help yesterday put me in mostly one piece. Nothing I can complain too loudly about." He rolled a shoulder, a hand on it as if feeling for things out of place. "I'm ready to go when you all are."

Fast pointed eastwards. "Good, fetch the horses then, and feed them. Poor things are probably starving by now."

Paul's expression soured, but he went off to it. "We gotta talk about Tabitha when I get back though."

Tree looked Maud over curiously. "Something changed..."

Maud nodded. "Her magic made it all clean. I even smell different."

Tree came quickly to inspect that. "Far out! You smell like pine trees."

Fast shook her head. "She really does have magic then..." She sighed softly. "We're going to have to keep a very close watch on her. Our 'sprout' may be trampled before she can grow if we don't."

Tree spun on Fast. "So she is coming?"

Fast nodded. "Of course she is." She put a fetlock over her face. "I had a feeling we were stuck with her the first time she mentioned interest. At least she may learn to be useful. Tree, can you see to our wounds? I'm still hurting in places I didn't even know could hurt."

Tree reared up and clopped her forehooves, glowing dull green with her intent. "Everypony settle down around the table here, and I'll do what I can to totally chill you out."

Though her magic was miraculous, It was only through force of will that they had kept going this long, and even with all she could put out, there were some pains that refused to abate easily. "Know the power of rest." She gently brushed along Fast's mane, and Fast felt the powerful urge to just lay there beside the table, her insides slowly putting themselves back together, though quite rapid compared to nature's usual path.

"You're an angel in the form of a pony, Tree Hugger." Fast smiled as she let her eyes close and relaxed under the soothing sensation of the restorative energies.

Maud nodded, her own savage wounds less pressing after her turn with Tree Hugger. "Thanks."

"I hope you brought your appetites." Tabitha appeared, wearing her smile that rang a little closer to true than before. She set down a collection of oat cakes and vegetables that had been grilled. "The orcs weren't interested in the plants, so that's what's on the menu today. Eat up. We can't really take it with us, now can we?"







//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    49 - To the Future                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree and Tabitha spent time together through much of the day. Though their magic came from different sources, they could speak of what it felt like to hold and channel, and practice together.

Tree nodded softly at Tabitha. "Isn't it totally cosmic? I listen to the song of the trees, then sing what I want them to do, and they do it." She tilted her head. "I'm getting better at phrasing it. If it's way too big, the words get tangled, and they don't listen to me. If I sing too much in a day, my throat gets sore, and they stop listening." She pointed a thoof at Tabitha. "What's it like for you?"

Tabitha seemed to consider this a moment before she struck an imperious pose. "By the power of princesshood, let there be light!" She lifted her hands and several motes appeared around them as she went, circling and orbiting around her in various colors. She giggled with delight and waved at Tree, silently willing them to orbit her, and they did. "I just imagine what a princess should do and act, and if I do it right, it works."

Tree's eyes followed one of the motes a moment. "Righteous... But you can't do anything, can you? Do princesses normally have a lot of magic?"

Tabitha suddenly looked a little lost. "Well, I'm not really sure. I confess, I never met a princess before I ran into you ponies."

Tree blinked slowly. "We don't have any princesses."

Tabitha waved the denial off. "Come off of that. Fast is totally your princess. She even has a crown! You listen to what she says, and she takes charge. She's like a perfect princess!"

Tree clopped her forehooves together lightly. "If that makes your wave, Tabitha. Are you a princess now?"

Tabitha tapped a foot on the ground. "I'm learning to be one. I'm like a little princess, just a bit older than I should be. A real princess would be this far as a toddler and be a matron of magic by the time she was my age." She smiled. "Or so I think. I have to play catchup." A slightly hysterical giggle escaped from her. "But I get to try! I can't believe this." She threw her arms up in the air. "Show me how to do magic better."

"My magic isn't your magic," confessed Tree. "I want to help. Do you even know the language of the earth?" She suddenly began speaking the language of sliding stones, of tectonic shifts, of the worm burrowing through soil. It was a slow language, deep and methodic.

Tabitha frowned at it. "A princess should know any language that comes before her." She clasped her hands together. "Powers of royalty be true, let me understand it." Unbidden and unasked, a few strange words of the language of pure magic bubbled free from her lips, and the slow language started to become clear to her. She grinned with unrestrained joy, and tried to reply, but the understanding was only one way. Speaking it was nothing more than random grumblings. She didn't know how to form the words or the sentences.

Tree stopped and perked her ears at Tabitha. "You could understand it?"

"I could! Try another, please."

Tree tapped her chin. "The language of water, like rain falling to feed a thirsty tree, and a river full of fish." She switched languages to a flowing one that almost felt wet. Every word flowing from one to the next in a slippery fashion as she spoke. It was, in some ways, a primitive language, but graceful as water could be.

And Tabitha could understand it. She couldn't hope to repeat it without all the boring work of anyone learning a language, but she could hear it and understand Tree's little rain song. "It's pretty. You have a nice singing voice."

With a smile, Tree bowed lightly. "Thanks, but I'm no real singer, not like that. You should hear Fluttershy. Now that's a voice that could tame a wild bear." She leaned forward a little. "I could listen to her all day."

Tabitha suddenly leaned forward. "Do you like her?"

"Of course, she's a friend."

"No, like like her." Grinning widely, Tab set her hands on her hips. "You do!"

Tree went dark in her cheeks as she looked away. "Stop that! We're friends and peers. I respect her, dude. She's totally awesome at what she does. We're both, hmm, druids, by this world's logic. She watches the animals, and I the plants." She placed a hoof on her chest. "See?"

"I see you're smitten with her." Tabitha crouched down to Tree's level. "And that's alright. Fey creatures can be like that if they want to be."

Tree's look went from indignation to confusion quickly. "Be like what?"

Tabitha rolled a hand. "You know, that. A woman liking a woman, or a man liking a man."

Tree tilted her head slowly. "What's a man, man?"

Tabitha blinked at that. "You just used the word. Paul is a man. I am a woman. Male, female."

"Ohh." Tree's eyes widened before they relaxed to their usual half-mast. "Dude, why would that matter?"

Tabitha rolled her shoulders. "To the fey? Not at all, I guess."

Tree pointed a hoof at Tabitha. "But for you?"

Tabitha took her turn to darken a little, pink hints in her cheek. "I was raised to look for a strong and good man." She flopped back from her crouch, seated in the grass. "And look where it's gotten me so far, and them." She hugged her knees. "It wasn't right for either of us."

The door to the house opened and Fast emerged with Paul at her side. She spotted the two of them and smiled. "Ah, Tabitha, Tree, working on something?"

Tree waved at Fast lightly. "Comparing our magic, and talking, you know, mare stuff."

Tabitha burst into giggles. "I'm not a mare."

Paul shrugged at the antics. "I thought you wanted to be."

Tabitha flashed a bright smile at him. "Then I accept. We were discussing important mare things."

Fast snorted with a touch of a smile on her snout. "I'm glad you're getting along. We're going to be together for a while, and if we want to survive to see the pony lands, we need to be united." She turned to Paul. "That includes you."

Paul put up his hands. "What? I'm doing my part."

"You are." Fast raised a brow. "But set aside your objections of Tabitha. She's one of us, help her rise to the challenge, and she'll help us survive. We are a single unit, and we'll thrive as a harmonious whole or die alone."

"Right, right." He gestured towards Tabitha while giving her a hard look. "So what can you do?"

She frowned with thought before she did a slow turn. "I shouldn't zap new friends, even if they are being loud."

He frowned at that. "Hey, I can take whatever you can dish out, pony princess."

"Just remember he said that," half sung Tabitha before she twirled around with the motion of hurling a ball at Paul.

It slammed into his chest, making him grunt softly. "Huh, like a magic rock." He rubbed over the armor that did nothing to prevent the arcane bolt. "I don't think yer gonna be stoppin' any chargin' orcs with that, still, better than nothin', I reckon."

Fast clanged her metal-clad hooves together. "Quite good for a spellcaster only a day emerged. Still, no more targeting our friends unless we are specifically sparring." She flashed a smile. "And you'll get your turn with that eventually."

Paul burst into laughter. "You'll subject her to that? You must hate her."

Fast raised a brow. "I should think not. Everyone gets a turn. Speaking of which, today's a fine day for Tree Hugger. On your hooves and get dressed in your armor. Let's get you moving properly."

Tree paled lightly as she rose up. "M-me? I don't want to fight, man. You'll kill me on the first strike."

"Possibly."

"Not helping, Bright."

He didn't look at all sorry for his word.

Fast nudged Tree along back into the house to get her armor on, leaving Paul and Tabitha alone.

Paul approached, stuffing his hands in his pants pockets. "So, a wizard huh?"

"Something like that." She smiled. "I prefer 'princess'."

"Princess of ponies?"

Her smile turned into an outright grin. "Yes, especially that!" She wriggled her fingers and the dancing motes of lights came to dance around those digits. "I'm still learning right now, but you can't do this."

He tapped the hilt of the great sword on his back. "And you couldn't swing this without falling over."

Tabitha circled him to look at the blade. "I bet I could pick it up, but I don't know the first thing about using a sword, let alone one that big. You were cutting quite a figure, slicing that about yesterday."

Her compliment earned her a blush from his cheeks. "Oh, really?"

She suddenly reached for his right arm, resting a hand on it. "Look, I know I'm kinda barging in here, but I'll be trying my best, honest. You can keep the shiny things we find if you want, I just want a chance."

His blush deepened at her contact and he drew away from her. "Yeah, sure. If Fast says you could have what it takes, fine." He turned on her. "Just don't expect us to take it easy on you. Adventurin's tough work. You were there, you saw us almost die. You want to be part of that?"

She clasped her hands together in front of herself, arms lowered. "If it means facing towards the danger, and doing something about it, instead of running." She tapped her cheek lightly. "Being able to be with the ponies doesn't hurt at all either."

Paul rolled his eyes. "Did ya used to raise horses or somethin'? This don't look like no ranch."

Before she could answer, Fast emerged with a nervous-looking Tree Hugger alongside her, wearing her plated armor. "Do we have to do this? You know I don't like getting close."

Fast looked aside at Tree as she led her towards a clear plot of land. "Good, then keep me away from you. Monsters won't obey your requests, no matter how polite, to leave you be. Make them."

Paul leaned towards Tabitha. "You wanna see somethin' worth seeing? Let's watch this."

Tabitha raised a brow as her eyes settled on the two. Fast was speaking something, advice from the sound of it, then suddenly poked Tree with her lance, getting a yelp of pain.

"Uncool! That really hurt!"

Fast rolled a hoof. "Good, then you should avoid that. You can strike me back for it, or just keep avoiding it. Your choice. Neither is entirely wrong, but avoiding is hoping one of us is nearby and will save you."

Tree gained many fresh cuts and prods that day, but perhaps something was learned.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   50 - Refuge Departed                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The next day, while allowing Tree to tend to her own wounds and to further assist the others, it was decided quietly that it was time to resume their journey. Fast moved for her horse. "Hello again there." The horse whickered and looked happy to see her, which brought a smile to Fast's face. "I guess I really did save you, didn't I? What a brute, running a majestic beast like you into the ground." She nuzzled gently with the horse. "I have a guest with me. She's very light, so I hope this won't be a problem."

Tree tilted her head a little. "Can she understand you?"

Fast snorted softly. "Not per se, I imagine, but she knows I'm talking to her at least, anyone can see that." She climbed up on top of her horse with the heavy shifting of equally burdensome metal. "Tabitha, come on, up here."

Compared to Fast, Tabitha was indeed light, making the beast no more burdened than it was to begin with, which wasn't to say it wasn't burdened. Tabitha wrapped her arms around Fast, holding steady. "Truth told, I never really rode horses often."

Maud and Tree mounted another together, and Paul got one to himself. Mounted, supplied, and ready, they set off. While most had their eyes set to the west, Tabitha kept sneaking peeks back towards her receding home.

Fast flicked an ear back at her. "It's alright to feel a little odd, leaving home for the first time. I had butterflies in my own belly and there's no shame in it." She looked across to Paul. "Paul! Tell us how you felt the first time you set off."

Paul rubbed behind his head, guiding the horse with the other hand. "Well, shoot. It's still a funny feelin', thinkin' about where I used to be, and where I'm goin' now, come t' think about it."

Tree nodded with a little smile, riding behind Maud. "We still hope to get home. I suppose it's different for you, you are home."

Tabitha blinked at that. "I am?"

Fast nodded as she looked around slowly. "Your new home is with us, so you can't not be home here. You want to be an adventurer? Welcome home."

"I suppose that's true..." She leaned in against Fast a moment. "Why aren't you wearing your crown?"

"It's not mine!" Fast grunted and glared back at Tabitha a moment.

"You said it was." She sheepishly shrank a little, but didn't look very sorry.

Tree called from her horse, "Hey, you never tried laying it on her brow, or Paul's, or Maud's. You really should."

Fast canted her head. "Huh... I should, at lunch, and again at night." She nodded, seemingly certain of things, and they rode on.

When lunch time came around, Fast pulled out the crown as promised, glittering in the high sun, its great sun-like orb seemed almost afire with its power. "Hmm, I don't think we ever looked at it around noon before."

"Far out." Tree gazed at it curiously. "We should all try it, just to see."

Paul nodded. "Sure, just remember it belongs to Fast."

Fast tensed at that, and Tabitha just smiled with triumph.

Perhaps in revenge, Fast placed it on Tabitha's head first, tapping it with a hoof. "There, how's that?"

Tabitha grunted softly, raising her fingers and clenching them into fists. "It feels weird... Like my insides are warming up." She put a hand over her heart. "I feel like my... Like my princess magic is going nuts." She took it off suddenly and let out a loud sigh of relief. "That's too intense, sorry."

Fast snorted softly. "Just as well. You want to be a princess, not a queen or an empress." She reached for the crown and held it gently between her forehooves. "It does make me curious, I admit."

Paul raised a brow at the whole thing. "You don't got pony in your family, do ya?"

Tabitha flushed hotly. "W-what? Can people and ponies even do that? Wouldn't they be half pony? What would that even look like?"

Fast raised a brow. "Yes. I've seen the result of such unions, as trysts or enduring marriages. They prefer to call themselves pony satyrs, though they are typically much kinder and gentler than the average randy satyr."

Tabitha waved over herself. "Well I don't think I'm one of those, nor was mum or dad."

Fast shrugged. "Who could say? If a pony did somehow reach the human lands long ago enough, perhaps most of the pony bred out."

Tabitha looked at her still warmed hands as she turned them forward and back. "I have pony in me?"

"I can't say for certain, but possibly?"

Tree Hugger grinned. "Righteous." She reached out a hoof towards Tabitha. "You really are our little sister."

Paul snorted softly. "That means someone was putting it to a full grown pony, then a half pony?"

Fast raised a brow at Paul. "Love finds a way. We're not here to criticize someone's choice in life partner."

Maud reached for the crown silently and put it on her own head. "Anything?" But nothing seemed to happen. She reported nothing, and she didn't explode into fire or fly apart. She shrugged softly and took it off before turning to Paul and setting it on him.

Tabitha burst into a fit of giggles. "Hello, my liege."

Waving it off, Paul reached up to fiddle with the crown. "Not really feelin' much besides that I'm wearin' a crown n' all." He pulled it off and turned it around in his hands. "It's really nice lookin', don't you think? Reckon it took some bloke ferever ta get it just so."

"To speak nothing of its enchantments." Fast moved towards Paul and slipped her head between his hands, popping the crown on her head. "Mmm, nothing, but it's light, so I wouldn't know if its usual properties are still..." Her gaze swept suddenly over the clearing and she scowled. "On the other hoof." She nudged her lance down, which was enough cue for Paul to pull his sword free and Maud to begin looking around for danger.

But there was no visible danger. Despite that, Fast charged out into the grass. "You won't sneak up on us!" Her lance caught something just before she was bashed aside several feet.

Bright took flight from Tree's back and circled overhead as Paul moved for where Fast had been struck. "Where is it?"

"Right here." She stepped in, her armor giving a loud ring as something struck it indirectly. She struck out with her lance, snarling. "It's invisible, about the size of a man, like an angry cloud."

Tree Hugger frowned. "I don't know the song of the wind, but maybe it can understand us anyway? Hey, dude, we don't want to fight you."

"No?" Came a soft voice from the air, not visible to most. "Then stop fighting."

Fast drew back a step, ceasing her assault. "Oh? You weren't sent to kill us?"

"I was sent to find you, and I have."

"H-hey, come back here!" Fast took several steps forward, head craned to look up into the sky. "Who sent you?!" She kicked the ground with a grunt. "Gone. Damn it all."

Paul slid his blade back on his back. "Just as well, swinging at literal air's not my style."

Tabitha wriggled her fingers. "I didn't know where to aim..."

Fast waved it off. "It's fine, and we're still moving. Hopefully whatever it is won't keep following us." She tapped the crown on her head. "I'll keep this on to see it, just in case."

Tree Hugger raised a hoof. "Hey, man, I didn't get my turn. Don't cop out on me."

Fast glanced around as if looking for something, then nodded and lowered her head. Tree lifted the crown before placing it on her own head. "Righteous... I can see your auras, I mean really strong and vibrant. I can see everything." She smiled dreamily. "It makes so much sense..." She turned to regard Tabitha and stared at her curiously. "Oh, hello pony princess."

Tabitha looked as confused as most of the others. "Um, hello? Can you actually see me? You look like you're staring through me, Tree Hugger."

"Oh yeah..." She sank a bit. When Bright came in to land on her back, she collapsed entirely, looking around with that sleepy smile. "Woah, Fast, woah... You are way freaking me out right now, girl." She suddenly burst into laughter, interrupted with a little hiccup.

Paul raised a brow at the pony. "It's like she's smoking, without the smoke."

Fast licked over her lips as she circled Tree Hugger. "That may be accurate, but I think she really is seeing things."

"Where'd you go?" Tree looked around, but stopped at Maud. "Sister of stone... Oh wow. Your aura is like slate, so strong, but those cracks..." She rose up and took staggering steps towards Maud. "Those ugly cracks. How long have you been harboring those wicked stress marks? I'm so sorry, sister. Can I--" She suddenly pitched forward. Bright took flight as Tree crashed into Maud's hooves. The crown fell to the ground.

Maud glanced left and right before she reached for Tree by the scruff with her mouth and pulled her up to her own hooves.

Tree smiled, lucidity slowly returning to her eyes. "Thanks, sister." She sat back on her haunches and shook her head slowly. "That was way trippy." She raised a forehoof to her head. "I'm crashing hard over here."

Fast snatched up the crown and tucked it away. "It certainly has an effect on you. I think you were deep in the throes of a near oracular vision. You should relax and try to process it. Everyone else, let's go. Maud, keep her upright."

Maud nodded, and soon they were all mounted back up.

Taking flight across the plains, they weren't troubled again by invisible stalkers or bandits, at least for the first several days of journey. During the night, the crown seemed to impart the ability to pierce darkness to Fast and Tabitha, but didn't quicken Tabitha's blood or flood Tree with visions. The mysteries of it only deepened. "If you can see with it, you should remember it will probably let you see invisible things, like it did for me with that stalker around," instructed Fast, looking at Tabitha. "Just in case."

Tree didn't lose interest in the crown with her flood of visions. Quite the contrary, she asked to have it back. "Lay it on me. I want to see more. There were things. I can barely remember them." She pointed at Fast. "I want to grok you, sister. I want to bathe in your aura and know you."

Tabitha glanced aside at Paul. "Is that how she propositions people she likes?"

Paul shrugged. "I wouldn't be that surprised if it was."

Fast frowned thoughtfully. "It could be harming you."

Tree snorted. "I'm an adult, sister. I can decide what's bad for me or not. Don't be a narc about it. Hook a sister up." She smiled pleadingly at Fast, though getting her to change her mind proved difficult.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                51 - Approaching the Forest                
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Days flowed into one another. While it wasn't a completely clear journey, it was nothing they couldn't handle as an increasingly well-managed team. Tabitha largely stayed out of the way, except the one time several gnolls sprang up during her watch. Her spellcasting almost-yelp roused the others, who found her holding them captivated with swirling colors that she weaved with frantically waving fingers. She could do little but keep them subdued, but it was more than enough to let the others clear the trouble away.

Several days later, Fast unfurled a rough map and tapped at it with a plated hoof. "We should arrive tomorrow. You can just barely see it over the horizon, though it's getting dark now. We'll be pushing the horses a bit, but we won't be riding them at all on our way through. There shouldn't be any trails or paths for us to hope to ride them through, but we'll want them on the other side when we break through."

Paul nodded at the map. "So, what should we be expecting?"

Tree shook her head with a little smile. "It wouldn't be called 'impenetrable', man, if people knew."

"Exactly so." Fast rolled up the map and tucked it away in her saddlebag. "I hate to be so vague, but we must literally be prepared for anything. Whatever we encounter was at least frightening enough for all the humans to decide to give up from this side, and ponies from the other end. There's very little report of anyone from either side making the journey."

Tabitha rolled a hand. "Alright, so you decided to go this way why?"

Maud fielded the question, looking at Tabitha directly. "Fast Shadow wants to get there faster. This is the fastest way."

"If we don't die." Paul rolled his shoulders.

"Possibly."

Fast waved if off. "Get some sleep. Tree, shroud us, and let's be fresh for the morning."

And so they settled down for the night, getting some sleep.

Paul found himself in a forest infinitely large, filled with thorns that dripped with the blood of others foolish enough to attempt to violate such a violent place. He could hear growls from unseen beasts and the sound of metal against metal as if countless bandits had somehow sorrounded him and were drawing blades.

"It is not your time yet." A silvery light penetrated from above, spreading to create enough space for a vast figure of the night itself to descend. Curiously, a pony, no, a horse. She was too large to qualify as a pony, though her eyes shone with divine power and intelligence. "You have become quite entangled with my people. Do you begrudge my intrusion? Your fate is not inherently tied to my will."

Was the pony goddess asking permission to be there? The idea confused Paul a moment before he nodded. "Um, sure." He felt stupid a moment. "I mean, welcome. What's up?"

She glanced up at the full moon that hung above her before returning her piercing gaze to Paul. "Son of man, companion of my children, do you understand what you have become involved in? This is your last chance. If you choose to leave, none can fault you in this."

"No!" Paul threw his hands aside. "I gave my word, and they're my friends beside. I'll see them to the end of this, together."

She smiled gently. "A fine soul. Then go forward, but do it with open eyes. You must face the past, from a time before pony or human, angry and wise. Then you must face a hurt people who will begrudge your every attempt to help. Your road from here will be long, dangerous, and largely ungrateful, but if you succeed..."

"I will."

She stepped forward and raised a hoof. "Do you have one you would call lord?"

Lord? "He died."

"Nay." She frowned faintly. "Higher than that station. Who do you whisper to, in your darkest hour?"

"My friend, Flint."

Her hoof fell, seemingly stunned. "Do you not believe in divinity? Nay, I would not be here if that were the case."

"Oh!" He smiled sheepishly. "You meant if I had a favorite god or somethin'? I never really learned much about them."

"I can see..." She looked him over a moment. "Would you accept a pony?"

"I wouldn't know what to do with it," he said truthfully.

"I see this." She raised that hoof back up. "If you accept me and none other, I will try to help. Companion of ponies, you will need every advantage you can gain. Speak of me to your companions, at least one of them will know of me. Curse me afterwards if you would cast me away, and I will respect that. Do you accept until then?"

Powerful and alien, her words rang with truth and sincerity. He felt he could trust her at least this far. As gods went, she seemed kind and straightforward, just the way he liked gods, insofar as he knew gods at all."Alright. Will I remember this? Is this a dream?"

"You'll remember enough." She stamped his head, there was a cool warmth where she touched, and he fell to darkness.

Across the camp site, the others slept peacefully, minus any nervousness they had for the danger they would be facing. They awoke as the sun broke the horizon. Tree rolled up and started clearing away the traces of the fire without being asked, preparing for their journey.

"Paul?" Tabitha shook him lightly. "Paul, what's that?"

Her question brought the others over to see where a curious mark was etched on his forehead. "What? What is it?" He couldn't see it, but they all could, the crescent moon shape that now graced his face.

Fast pawed at the ground. "I'm no religious person, in the end, but even I would be blind to ignore this. Were you visited by the moon princess?"

Tree tilted her head "Luna?"

"Nay? Perhaps that is another name for her? She is the Moon Princess, she who guards our sleep, keeps beasts where they belong away from us, and watches over ponykind from the dark." She leveled her gaze on the confused-looking Paul. "Why would she visit you, a human?"

Paul struggled to remember the night before. "Look, ah was just sleepin', kinda rough before she showed up." He put a hand behind his head. "Big pony, size of a horse? likes silver?"

"Yes yes, that describes her well enough." Fast tilted her head. "What did she say?"

"I can barely remember!" He got to his feet. "Being mobbed on wakin' up isn't helpin' anythin' a bit. Damn." He turned away from their curious faces.

Tabitha circled around him. "Well try. By the gods, literally, you were visited! You don't think that's important?" She leaned in. "Was she pretty?"

Paul snorted at her. "She was a damn horse. She was pretty like a really impressive horse."

Tabitha subtly inclined her head towards the others. "I'd watch my words if I were you," she whispered cautiously. "So she was pretty, right?"

Anger flashed over his features before he got what she was saying. "Oh, uh yeah, she was right pretty. Anyway, she said I could run if I wanted, but I don't plan t'do that."

Tree smiled gently. "Far out. Touched by the cosmic. I saw one before." She raised a hoof. "Hoofbump for a fellow gazer of the divine?"

Paul hesitated a moment before he formed a fist and met her hoof lightly. "Alright, but which one'd you see? I don't see any funny marks on your face."

She tilted her head. "No? She taught me the song of the trees here. They're different from the trees at home." She tapped at the earth gently. "She has walked with us every step, working through me. It's truly radical." A firm nod and she sat down. "She's always been here."

Fast went pale towards the end of her snout. "I thought you were a druid."

"Aren't I? I never heard the word until we arrived here."

Fast shook her head. "Do you worship the Sun Queen, or nature?"

It was Tree's turn to look slightly puzzled. "Both? My song is that of the trees, of the growing, the death and rebirth, nature itself, but nature has no real feelings, man. The Sun Queen is nice, and showed me the first step, so I'm thankful to her as a righteous lady of the day. My power doesn't come from her, not, you know, directly? But she wanted me to find this. I'm doing her work, get it?"

Paul put a hand on his chest. "Alright, so how's that work fer me? Am I supposed ta be doin' what this here 'Moon Princess' wants? I don't even know what that would be."

Fast let out a slow breath. "I'm no priest, but I'll give you the lay view. She is a kind goddess, and watches over us in the dark and in the wild, when we are at our most vulnerable."

Paul tossed his head towards the forest in the far distance. "Like we're about to be in both."

"Precisely." Fast nodded as she looked him over. "She believes in keeping monsters away from ponies, not by hunting them, just keeping each to their proper place. If one attacks ponies, then they should be attacked in kind, of course, but they don't really send groups out hunting for them." She tapped her chin, looking thoughtful. "She is a dream goddess, as you may have noticed. That's how she works."

Paul moved for his horse. "Alright, well, she likes us, and that's good, but we gotta get movin'. We're not goin' to get there any faster just talkin' about gods." He pulled himself up and patted the neck of his loyal steed. "It doesn't look too stupid does it?"

Maud looked up at him before moving for her own horse. "It's already fading."

Tabitha hopped up behind Fast as they mounted up. "Guess it was just there to make sure you knew it was real."

Tree nodded as she took her place. "Well, now we all know it. We have two gods behind us, keeping an eye on us."

Fast smiled as she lowered her visor. "Good, maybe we'll have a chance at this then. Onwards."

As they rode, the forest grew larger and larger, overtaking the entire horizon in an uneven line that stretched from the north to the south. It started with trees, somehow gnarled and twisted despite growing alone, as if they already felt the pressure of the oppressively thick looking forest ahead. The further they went, the tighter it became, and their twisted ways became less jarring as trees wrestled with one another, vying for a chance for the sun above. The forest itself was dark, entirely dark. It would be as dark as night, darker even, with no chance of stars poking through the canopy so dense that it defied all expectations.

"Far out..."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
             52 - In Embrace of Dark Branches              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
As the trees pressed in oppressively from both sides, they dismounted from their steeds and began guiding them forward into the increasingly total gloom. Tree tapped Fast's helmet, which began to give off a vibrant green glow to push back against that shadow. Tabitha conjured her balls of light to hover around herself.

Fast snorted as she went. "We have no idea how long it'll take; torches are just a waste of resources. Can you two keep the way visible?"

Tree nodded with a placid expression. "Oh sure, man. What I make glow stays glowing forever, or it feels like it."

"More like an hour." Maud nodded softly as she stepped over a fallen log.

"That long?" Tabitha gave a nervous chuckle. "Mine flickers out a lot faster, but I just take the right little dance and they come back fast."

Paul shrugged. "Doesn't much matter, just do what yer doin' and keep us in the light. Which way are we goin'?"

Fast Shadow pointed ahead as she led the way "West." She seemed quite confident despite the lack of sky overhead. The conversation died down as more effort went into scrambling over impediments and getting the horses across than anything else. The forest, as fell as it seemed, still had some measure of deference for the druid of their party. Tree Hugger was never hampered by jutting roots or other stray vegetation, as if they parted just for her before sweeping back in behind her, undisturbed.

How long they pushed forward, they couldn't say. 'Natural' though it was, they might as well have been back underground for how detached they felt. Even Tree couldn't deviate far from the path. Where the trees did not want them to go, they were not welcome, nature priest or not.

Paul cocked his head. "Did any of you hear that?" They shook their head, but he heard it again, a familiar voice. It returned, louder, with the shrill note of pain. It was Flint. "Gods above, how can you not be hearing that?" He shoved angrily off the flimsy excuse for a path Fast had made for them and began pushing for the voice. "Flint! I'm comin'!"

Fast wheeled on him, but he was lost to darkness and overgrowth almost instantly. "Damn it all! Paul! Get back here! There's no way Flint would be out here, use your brain!" But he was gone, even the sound of his forceful shoving through the forest lost to hearing almost immediately. "Alright, stay calm. We move together, or not at all. Let's get Paul back. Follow his trail."

But try as they might, he had left little trail after the first foot. The forest had swallowed him up as surely as a hungry wolf, leaving not even bones behind to trace him.

Tabitha slid closer to Fast. "Maybe the forest doesn't like humans?"

Fast raised a brow. "I doubt it has a preference, though we don't have much to go off of." She kicked at the dense blockage. "Figures the one with the most suitable clearing weapon would be the one charging off."

Maud looked up and down at the tangle of trees. "Do we follow him?"

Fast turned to Tree. "Can you get them out of our way? You're the only one that could open a path through this."

Tree approached and placed her hooves on the tree. "Let us past. We have to save our friend. Oh, no, he didn't mean to step on your root. I'm very sorry. I'll get him to say that when I reach him. Please? No?" She pulled her hooves back with a thoughtful frown. "They said they aren't allowed to, and that he stepped on their roots. They'd forgive that, but they're sure they're not allowed to open for us."

Fast lashed out a hoof, pulling back at the very last moment before she struck a tree in fury. "F-fine... We have to reach him. I'm not ready to write the fool off for dead just yet."

Tabitha pointed to Fast's saddlebags. "Maybe the crown'll show us a way through?"

Fast smiled. "Clever thinking that, maybe it will." She pulled the crown free with her teeth and flipped it up so it landed on her head. The gloom was instantly banished from her eyes and she could see clearly, except where the trees were in the way, which wasn't much of an improvement. She caught a flash of movement from the left and spun just in time to see a familiar tail darting out of view. An equally familiar scent teased at her nose, though she couldn't place it. "Bloody hell...?"

Tapping her in the side, Maud tried to get her attention. "What are you looking at? Can you see a way forward?"

Fast felt the urge to investigate. It would save the empire, and bring her quest to completion. That pony, she had to reach her. "I need to check this out." She took a step, then stopped, delaying. "No, Not so fast..." She pulled away from the urge with a low growl. "You won't turn an earth pony's mind that easily."

Tree tilted her head. "What?" She heard a whisper in her ear, clear as crystal.

"Your friends must face their own challenges. Your mind is too strong, and your nature is close to our own. Let them face their own trials. Step this way and await them." A way seemed clear to Tree and she smiled.

"This way." She waved at it, but none of the others saw her. They were all looking in different directions. Despite Fast's own words to resist, she had started wandering away. They were lost it seemed, even if they were mere feet away from Tree Hugger. "Aw come on, you can hear me, right?"

"Possibly." Bright remained perched on her, unphased, or skipped over by whatever force was drawing the others away. "Possibly not."

Tree perked her ears. "Your second word. Now's not the right time, dude." She rushed for Maud, only to have the forest close between them, barring the way. Every time she turned to another friend, the way to them sealed tight. Her choices were removed from her silently, with only the way the voice suggested remaining available. "Not cool, trees. I thought we were friends..." There was a higher authority in this particular forest, and Tree decided she needed to meet them. She turned away from her friends, silently hoping they would be alright, and went to meet the master of the forest.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     53 - First to Run                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Paul pushed, cut and struggled against the branches. If he were of a clearer mind, he might have noticed them leaving just enough space for him to find his way, slowly pushing closer and closer to the sound of his dearest friend's cries for help.

He emerged suddenly to a crowded clearing. There were dozens of people, staring balefully up at a stage, where Flint was strung out and tied by rough looking ropes to heavy logs. An exceptionally huge man with a bag over his face stood over Flint, and that lady that was put in charge of him stood nearby with a smirk on her face.

The big man looked to her. "Is it time?"

"Go on." She waved at him as if bored with the whole thing. "Not like he's good for anything."

"Flint! You let go of 'im or I'll cut you clear in half." Flint tried to shove through the crowd, but the crowd shoved back.

"Piss off. If you wanted a better spot, you shoulda been here earlier."

"You'll get my spot over my dead body."

Frustration and rage in equal parts warred in Paul's head, and he allowed the latter to rise to the fore. Pure anger pumped through him. It was strangely cleansing. He couldn't see through it all, but some of it... Why were there a bunch of people in the middle of a cursed forest?

He felt that cool burning sensation he had only felt once before. That horse goddess? What was her name? "Moon Princess." The burning sensation grew more intense by the moment, and the people stopped being people. They were hunched figures with brutish arms and no face at all on any of them, even the lady on the stage, and Flint as well.

Despite being formed by a god with very little artistic skill, Flint still called out with a voice all-too-familiar. "Paul? Is that you? Get me out of here! They're goin' ta kill me!"

The heavy man had changed least of all. If he had a face, it was covered by the bag over his head, and he already looked big and muscular without much else. He hefted a great axe over his head, ready to bring it down.

Paul decided quickly. Friend or a copy of one, nobody deserved to be chopped up while tied down like that. He raised his own blade. "Get out of my damn way or you'll go before he does with twice the options he's got."

They wheeled on him, glaring without a face somehow. He could feel their ire. "Think you can force your way?" They lifted their arms, suddenly wielding greatswords of their own where there were none before and coming at him. He made the blade of one as the second bit into his breastplate, leaving a savage nick. He brought down his blade and cut one clean in half, thick tarry sap spewed from either side as the simulacrum of a person fell apart. Keeping the momentum going, he drew the blade into the other, cutting its head clean off its body and stepping over it even as it fell to the earth.

He cut and cleaved, hacked and hewed. They didn't fall idly. His arms and legs were scored with an increasing amount of bloodied marks as he crushed his way to the front of the procession, one body at a time, to find that noble woman, face or no, looking down at him. "Are you certain you didn't kill him?"

Paul came up short, confused. She directed behind him and he turned. They all had faces. In death, the faces of Flint stared up, unseeing, slain by his weapon and his fury. "You're the worst thing that ever happened to him."

His sword fell from numb hands. "W-what? Ain't no way. Stop jerkin' with me and give up Flint!"

With the sharp whistle of an arrow, pain exploded from his shoulder. Following the arrow that sprouted from it, he saw Flint up in a tree, pointing a bow at him. But did he have a face? None of this was making sense. Paul grabbed his sword from where it fell on the ground just in time for the huge executioner to jump down in front of him, axe gleaming in the flickering light of the torches set up for the stage. The noble doppelganger nodded. "He's a dangerous criminal, remove him."

Striking at a speed barely imaginable, the heavy man cut off Paul's head before he knew what was happening, but he wasn't dead. No, he was on a field, tilling. He had to till, to get the crops ready in time. Good harvest meant they would survive another year. Bad harvest, well...

He looked up from his work to see Flint returning from the forest, some animal draped over a shoulder. "Hey Paul, how's the farmin' life comin'?"

"Oh, you know..." He worked to upturn some rough earth, heaving with exertion. "Tough, but it's gotta get done."

Flint clapped him on the shoulder. "Good thing we have you doin' it then. It's what you're good at." Paul smiled, but that didn't last long as Flint's expression hardened. "All yer good at, really."

"W-what?"

"It ain't obvious?" Flint shrugged and walked past him. "Born a commoner, die a commoner. Nothing'll change."

A burning sensation prickled at Paul. He couldn't ignore it. What did it mean? Oh! The horse lady? "Moon Princess?" The field he was in turned into the littered bodies of the strange creatures he defeated earlier, scattered around him. Flint became a large shaggy beast, still walking away from him on its hind legs, like a werewolf or something.

Looking down at himself, he could see his body was riddled with cuts and bruises. Seeing them was enough of a reminder that he began to ache all at once. Where was he, and how could he escape? "Flint, or whatever you call yerself, turn around and face me." The tiller he was using was no tiller, but his blade, and he raised it, ready to battle again.

'Flint' turned to him, muzzle pulled back in a sneer. "Be happy with what you have," it spoke with Flint's voice. "Or you  may die even less than a commoner."

Paul forced his rebelling legs forward. "Ain't no way I'm givin' up. People are countin' on me!"

The creature laughed, which sounded as much like a bear growling as any human's laughter. "The same ones you abandoned to get here?"

"Paul!" came Fast's scream, echoing through the area. "Get back here!"

"You served them well." He spat to the ground, then brandished his claws, each gleaming in the dim light. "I'll deliver you to them, if you like."

Paul's first urge was to surge forward and fight the creature, but fighting wasn't working as well as he'd like. "Moon Princess, if you can hear me, I could really use a hand right now." He realized after saying it that no horse god would have a hand, but hoped she'd understand the meaning.

The burning returned, engulfing him a moment before light came down on him. Penetrating the branches above somehow, moonlight surrounded him. The pain ebbed away from him, and the creature didn't seem nearly as frightful. Where once there had been a huge bear of a creature, now there was a mere dog. Its claws looked more suited to digging than tearing, each dull and short. He felt certain, he could win this one. With blade raised, he charged the creature. "Out of my way, pup, my friends need me!" The creature broke and ran off rather than face his renewed spirit, and everything darkened. The clearing faded away, and left him in the paths he took to find it. The attack seemed over, for the time.

With labored breath, he began pushing through the branches, trying to find his way to the party he had abandoned. "I'm comin'..." He'd prove himself worth being more than a commoner by keeping them safe.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  54 - Prettiest Princess                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tabitha strode forward with confidence. She knew without doubt that her true destiny lay just ahead. She would become a proper princess and prove all of life itself wrong. There was no forest around her, just a straight road that led her on. Her clothes glittered in the light, fit for royalty. Her hair was cleanly combed and her smile bright.

It was the best day ever, until she felt cold iron slide around her neck without anyone around to put it there. Confusion was the first to come to her. "What affront is this? A princess shouldn't wear something this clunky." Her fingers traced over it. It was no bejeweled collar, but a thick device with a ring for leading. It was more suited for a beast of burden, or a slave, than a princess, and that iron... "Fey princesses should not be wearing cold iron!"

She tried to work her fingers between it and her throat, but there seemed to be no space, and the more she tried, the harder it became to breathe. As she struggled, she began to hear her heart pounding in her ears, the collar pressing too tightly. Her vision swam and she fell to a knee. Her fingers slipped, but the pressure was still there, choking her. She fell to all fours as her fingers started pulling together, forming tough shells. Dirty brown fur swept up from them as her heart thumped in her ears.

A man emerged from the darkness, casually affixing a leash to her collar. "There you are. Stubborn ass, how did you get over here?"

Ass? She was a pony princess! She tried to argue the fact, but all that emerged was a long and hideous bray. The tone of it wore against her mind. It was terrible and ugly, not the charming noises a horse might make.

"Oh? Think you're not?" The man tugged her forward and she stumbled, moving on awkward new hooves as her body became more and more donkey and less woman. She could feel the tufted end of a new tail brushing against the backs of her legs. Where had her clothes gone? "I have it on good authority you're a real ass in all meanings of the word."

Her vision was partially obstructed by a big snout and her new ears twitched towards the man every time he spoke. She was really a donkey, a big ugly one with a big ugly iron collar! "Ah, getting the measure of it? Good. You'll serve me nicely." He tugged at her. "Come on."

She pulled back against him with an angry snort. She was not a donkey, certainly not his!

"Oh, you look like one. You smell like one. You act like one."

Glaring at him as best she could, she stomped at the ground as she saw her pony friends do. She did not act like a donkey!

"You forced them to save your house and get hurt for it. You forced them to take you along when you can't help them. You're stubborn and headstrong. How are you not a stubborn mule?" He pulled her, and they were on a farm instead of the middle of the road. She was in a pen, and the man stood outside the pen, watching her. She wasn't leashed anymore, simply trapped by the space.

"You barely let your husband's body cool before you ran off, and it wasn't much different for the other two, was it?" He crossed his arms. "You didn't even give any of them a child. What use are you? Ah well, donkeys can be useful even if they don't make little donkeys. You'll help pull things along for me, hmm. We'll get work out of you."

Angry and confused, she wanted to blast the man with her newfound power, but she couldn't take any properly princess poses as a donkey. Hell, she was supposed to be a pony princess! She brayed at him, almost honking with every inhale as donkeys are wont to do, but he just laughed at her fury. With every noise she made, his laughter became louder, until he suddenly pulled her forward. When had she become leashed again?

There was a large cart behind her, affixed to her sides, then the pain came. The man swatted her flank with a whip. "Go on, mule. Move!"

She let out a rough cry and tried to move away, but that's just what he wanted. He kept her moving down the path before them. "That's all you're good for, following orders and dumb labor."

A small part of her was ready to give in, if it meant being treated better, but most was not ready for that, and seethed with indignation. She had more to offer than tugging at a cart. She looked back at the man and tried to pull the cart into him. The whole thing tipped, and she ended up on her side as a deafening clatter announced all the goods she had been holding spilling out onto the street. The man raved and shouted with increasing fury. "Damn ass! Do you have any idea how much you've cost me! Maybe you aren't even good for that."

She was back in the pen, and it felt like weeks had gone by quietly. She was abandoned, useless for anything. She reared up and put her forehooves on the fence, trying to peer past it as she called for anyone to come help her be free.

A horse trotted towards her, with glistening mane and lustrous fur. It was larger than her, and pretty in the way horses could be. Where her donkey body was squat and hideous, it was tall and graceful. It snorted at her softly, looking her over. "You couldn't survive on your own," it said with a whicker. "You're too slow. You're too naive. You're too stupid."

The hurtful words drove her back. She was supposed to be a princess of ponies. Why was this one so quick to hurl such loathsome words? "Let me go! I have important things to get done."

"Like? You're just going to make more of a mess for him. He works so hard to keep us all fed and happy, and you messed things up for him. Ungrateful ass, you're fortunate he keeps you in there instead of making a ratty coat out of you."

At least the horse could understand her noises, that was something. She took a step towards it. "Please, I won't make a mess for him. I'll just leave and not bother anyone ever again."

"No one?" The horse raised a brow at her, snorting softly.

Was there no one? There was someone... She looked at the horse again and realized it looked familiar. It was Fast Shadow, but larger, her lustrous pink mane wafting in the wind. "Fast? Please! I want to help the ponies, and be a proper princess, let me free of here."

Fast suddenly kicked at the fence. "Free yourself. Useless ass, always waiting for someone else to come rescue you." She turned away. "We'll be better off without you."

Tabitha was alone again, maybe forever? She stomped the ground. She couldn't accept it, and wouldn't. She looked around for the gate of the enclosure and trotted briskly to it. She could see the latch that held it shut, but it was on the other side of the fence, where a human could reach it easily, but a donkey, less so? Well, she was more or less of a donkey.

She reared up, then wobbled as she pushed off the fence, trying to stand as she had so long ago. How long had she been stuck there? It felt like months. She wobbled dangerously, but she remained upright until everything changed. She fell to all fours on a stage. The audience was clapping and gawking at her. The man was back, dressed as a showman. "Straight from the magical land beyond the Pontyd Forest, see how this equine beast can stand and even speak." He looked to her. "Go ahead, talk for the crowd."

What was going on? "Where am I? What am I doing here?"

The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping wildly. A man thrust a hand out of the crowd. "How much for it?"

"Oh, I wasn't planning to sell," said the showman, waving at Tabitha from head to tail. "Such a magnificent beast? I wouldn't imagine it."

"One hundred platinum coins."

"Sold!"

Tabitha was in a rich man's house, dressed rather well for a donkey. The man that purchased her was seated in a chair, and was petting her slowly. "Of course she wouldn't understand... You're a better wife anyway." Wait, wife?

Tabitha pulled away from the man, and landed on her hands and knees on the first road she had been on. Was she human? She rose to her feet, but almost fell over. She didn't have feet, she had hooves. She felt her ears twisting towards the whispers of others nearby, and a brush of her tail against her back. What was she?!

She broke into an awkward run. Every step made a clop against the stone, until there was no stone, just roots and branches. She was shoving through an unending maze of shrubbery, pulling at her, tearing her clothes, and pricking at her skin, until the pain stopped when she fell into a clearing. The man that had owned her sat there, watching her. "What have you learned?"

She fought back the angry tears that wanted to be free, and shoved her way to her alien-feeling hooves. "You're a real jerk. Stop toying with me!"

He put his hands together and rested his head on them. "I've done nothing but make you see. But just because your eyes are on it, does not mean you have truly witnessed. What have you learned?"

Tabitha put out a hand. "At least tell me you have a mirror."

Silently, he produced a hand mirror and held it to her. She took it with a little nod. "Thanks... How do I know you're not just... playing with me?" The idea that what she'd seen was some kind of trick returned to her as a possibility, as if the grip on her mind was lessening.

Looking at herself, she could see light-blue furred ears dancing on her head. She could twitch them if she tried. Looking behind herself, she had a blond tail. It was a horse's tail, not a donkey. Her legs had receded from their pony-ness, terminating in hooves, but otherwise human. Her clothes were torn and ragged and hideous, but that seemed the lest of her worries. "Turn me back."

"Don't prove me correct." He leaned forward towards her. "Tell me why, don't make me tell you."

It was a challenge, and she scowled at him. "Some... Some forefather of mine, that was the human in the crowd. He bought my foremother, who was... a pony?"

He clapped thrice, each time slow and echoing as he leaned back. "I knew you had it in you. I have not changed you, your blood is just stirred. It will not be put to rest so easily. Live with it." And he was gone, simply removed from the world.

On shaking knees, she re-entered the forest, looking for her friends. They would hopefully understand what was going on, and wouldn't find her too hideous.

At least it was a pony.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    55 - Always Seeking                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast pushed forward through the branches, the soft clinking of her armor her only companion. She had to get somewhere, but she didn't remember where it was. Wasn't she just yelling at something?

It came to her suddenly as her surroundings became a well-appointed hallway. The clinking faded away. She was wearing chain armor, not the sort that should be making too much noise anyway. More than enough for yelling at cadets at least. She looked down at her hoof spikes and turned them one way and the other, smiling. They were a gift from the empress herself, or the Queen, as she preferred to be called. "Everyone knows she's a bloody empress." She kicked open a door. "Alright, everyone better be ready!"

A dozen young souls and two older looking ponies all got into rough lines for her as she looked them over. They were dressed properly at least. "And everyone's on time, very good. Now, are you ready?" Fast began giving drills, no wait, that wasn't her name. What was it? She stood there in a daze, trying to unearth it from the depths of her psyche.

She started awake when an explosion tore the ground beside her. This was no time for self-reflection! She was a soldier in the would-be Queen's army. She had to win, or she might never get the chance. With a loud cry she charged forward, her lance bobbing in its well-worn and overtaxed saddle rack. She crashed into the enemy line, stabbing, dodging, and rolling with the blows as she took scores of wounds, slowing with every new one. She was certain she'd fall that day, but she'd be damned if she didn't tip those scales, even a little. The battle wouldn't be lost for her shirking her duties.

She was walking down another hallway. She was in one of the Seekers of the One Herd's headquarters. She knew it well. It was the very one she trained in so long ago. She nudged open a door. The guild leader, a handsome stallion, smiled at her. "Fast Shadow, it truly is a pleasure. I hear it's your fault Dawn even came back from that last one."

Fast nodded at him. "Just doing my job, you know that. The Seekers don't abandon one of their own."

He nodded back. "That is the rule, but you know as well as I it isn't always followed as well as we'd like. I'm glad we have you around." He settled back on a soft looking cushion. "Where would we be without your example? He won't admit it, but your actions really affected him. Know he's thankful, even if he never admits it."

Fast smiled, but the scene shifted suddenly, the same guild master was sad and old. "Two children... How could you just leave them like that?"

Fast recoiled. "What?"

"The off-worlders. They trusted you, and paid the price. They were to be protected, and you left them. How?" He sank to the desk, his head on it. "The world is collapsing around us, and you, of all ponies in the world, in the guild, how could you be the one to let our motto fall so far? Is this just another sign of the end of us? Should we just surrender?"

Fast felt a terrible tension in her chest. Every word was like a little stab at her. "No! No! We can't! The Seekers were there before the queen, and we'll be here after her."

"Empty words." He drew out a slender wand and set it on the desk. "Do you know how many Seekers have abandoned their posts, taking what they can, in the last week?"

Fast trembled softly. "H-how many?"

He met her eyes as silence grew between them, only the soft labored motions of his breath, as if living was an effort he didn't much care for. "The Queen is dead. We had the One Herd. We found it, and we failed to protect it... Some say the answer lies with the humans, but I won't join their herd." He lifted the wand. "I'm sorry... My herd is gone."

Fast suddenly understood what was going to happen and surged at the pony as he turned the wand on himself. Her hoof reached out, almost touching it as it blasted him with fell and dark energies. He crumbled to the desk lifelessly even as she cried to him. Her words would not bring him back.

Her herd was gone. She collapsed, cradling his lifeless form, and she wept. She sobbed and cried, and she knew, at least in part, it was her fault. Why had she failed?

She was walking. She'd been walking for weeks, or was it months? She couldn't remember. She just kept walking. Anything that crossed her path and tried to stop her was met with her full fury. She drove hoof spike and lance into soft bodies until they stopped being in her way. She didn't know where she was going, only that it hurt, and that nothing would dull the ache she caused.

Then she collapsed.

As the sun set, she laughed miserably. The sun was setting... The day, and her life. The sun... was setting...

Somehow it felt as if all that had gone wrong was her fault. Even the falling of the Queen was somehow her fault, despite not being one of her agents. Certainly she had failed in her duty. "At least you have your revenge, in part." She flopped onto her side. "I'm sorry..."

She heard the thump of a book closing, but could see nothing.

"Are you done?"

What sort of question was that? She tried to focus on the female voice, but still saw nothing.

"Of course you aren't. I have more stories to tell with you."

Fast heard a new book being set down and turned to the first page.

"Once there was a brave and noble warrior. Her name was Fast Shadow. Her friends could count on her to always be at their side, protecting them even when things got bad."

A scowl came over her and Fast tried to roll up, but had no strength. "Stop taunting me. I failed. I failed two foals that needed me. It wasn't even hopeless. I was a coward! I was so loathsome I drove my mentor to kill himself."

"She was an earth pony, with the rugged lines of the prairie tribe. She was proud of what she was, but could always see the power of others, never underestimating them. Her favorite weapon was the lance, which she wore at her side whenever she could."

"Stop that!" Fast managed to clop a hoof against the darkness. "Stop it... I'm dead."

The book was suddenly visible, overwhelming her vision. She could see a younger version of herself drawn lovingly on the paper, smiling up at the reader, lance at her side. "Fast Shadow loved to adventure. To go into dangerous places with friends, hoping to find lost secrets and great treasure." The image changed, showing her beside Wandering Note, a cloven friend of hers, surrounded by small piles of coins. "Like a good friend, she always shared fairly, and her allies were always delighted to have her on their side."

Fast slowly forced her way up to her haunches, heaving for breath. "Why are you showing me this?"

"When things didn't go as well..." The page turned, showing an image of Fast with no money, just bruises and cuts, with Wandering Note looking much the same. "She would smile." And the image did smile. "She would encourage her friends to try again another day." Wandering Note returned the smile.

Fast fought, staggering and falling several times before she got to her hooves. "I didn't do that for them! I ran. I feared for my life and decided they weren't worth it. I gave my word, and lost it, and my herd. I lost it all..."

"There is always another story." The book slowly closed. "Maybe you can do better this time. You have friends."

Fast's ears flipped back even as images of Paul, Tabitha, Tree and Maud appeared there, drawn in the same way as the sketches of herself. "They believe in you."

"What if I don't believe in me... How could I do that..." She clopped against the ground. "I was happier not knowing! Sheila? Is that you? Take it away! I was happier not knowing."

"The story must go on."

"I..."

"We must all play our parts."

Fast hung her head. Her strength was returning, but her will was worn and frayed. "Sheila, you ask too much."

She could feel her plate returned to her. She wasn't old, she was young still. She had a life to live. She could make a difference, hopefully a positive one. She was in the middle of the forest, with a narrow trail before her. With a frown, she pushed through it, for a slender figure to step in front of her.

"Your visions were fouled, but in a most fascinating way." It passingly resembled a pony, but it had long and slender horns. Its entire body was slender. It was more like a deer than a horse. "What being watches over you with such intensity?" That voice was soft, but masculine, and old. Very old.

Fast felt no immediate threat from the thing and nodded lightly. "Good day, I suppose. I had doubts... before, but I have become the plaything of the gods. I call to the Sun Queen, but it was not her hoof I felt there."

"You regularly call to these outside presences?" The deer seemed repelled by the idea, as if it disgusted him.

Fast frowned at it. "Why do you act like that? They are kind beings, not demons or their like. They are literally our gods, of the ponies. How could I not favor them?"

"Lost creature... It is no wonder you ache so. Your friend awaits you, but she will not be served by walking alongside a cultist."

"Cultist!?" Fast snorted loudly. "You take that back. I'm no such thing."

It raised a cloven hoof at her. "You can explain it to the others. Will you come peacefully?"

"Will you take me to the others?"

He nodded slowly. "Presuming they emerge from their visions, they will be taken to the same place. Come." He turned away from Fast and began to walk, the forest flowing around him. "I am trained in the ways of outsiders. Do not attempt to wield their magic against me."

Fast fell into step behind him, trying to look around, but the trees didn't allow sight to go very far at all. "I'm a warrior, not a damned cleric or the like. You have little to fear from me when it comes to magic."

"And yet, there it is, inside of you." He looked over his shoulder. "You should not even be alive. Your every step is a minor insult to nature's order, and you don't even know it."

His words brought her frown back all the more, but was he wrong? If her vision was true, perhaps not. How long had she lived? She had been so certain the priests of Sheila were just being melodramatic, and obscure, as priests were all too often. To have it thrust at her as a literal truth was difficult to bear.




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                56 - Made of Firmest Stone                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Maud walked slowly. There had been something she was looking for, but she couldn't put her mind on it, and it ultimately wasn't that important. She walked through the close forest, just to hear a soft voice coming from her pocket. She drew out Boulder, her pet rock, and tilted her head at him.

"Maud," spoke Boulder. "Your sisters miss you."

Maud nodded at Boulder. "I miss them."

"Why are you out doing things for your new friends instead of looking for a way home?"

"I have to."

"No, you don't," insisted Boulder with a firm voice that had a hint of stone on stone.

"Yes I do. I promised." Maud shook her head. "You should understand, Boulder."

"I understand you made promises before these. You're breaking them. When strangers come for Marble, you won't be there to keep her safe."

The branches grew thick a moment and Maud struggled forward step by slow step until she pushed free into what looked somewhat like the side of her farmhouse. Marble was there, shrinking back as several ponies with malicious sneers approached her.

"Hey there, pretty thing," called one. "Don't be scared of us. We just wanna be friends."

"Yeah, we just like playing games." He glanced at his friends and waggled his brow. "Games that get way better when a pretty mare is involved."

Maud surged forward, bringing a hoof into the closest without delay, but she fell through him, collapsing to the ground gracelessly in surprise. They continued on, not even noticing her presence.

Marble quivered in abject terror, her voice barely a whispered stammer. "P-please, go away. I d-don't want to play a-anything."

The stallions spread out, hedging her in against the barnside as they closed in on their prey. "Oh, you'll like it, promise..."

Marble's cry brought everything to darkness.

"You should have been there to save her."

Maud rose to her hooves, trembling. "That already happened?" She pulled Boulder free again and stared at him. "Did that already happen?"

"But here you are, trying to save strangers instead of your family."

Maud shook Boulder roughly. "Did that happen or not?"

"Liar."

Maud threw Boulder to the ground with an alarmed gasp. It was a claim she certainly didn't expect to come from one of her most dependable friends. "You don't mean that."

"Liar."

Maud shrank back, her facade twitching. Her defenses starting to crumble against the insidious assault. "I'm not a liar."

Marble's cry echoed through the darkness, along with the cheering laughter of the stallions.

"I'm not a liar!" She stomped a hoof on the ground. "If you know so much, take me to her."

"How will you help her now?" asked Boulder. "You weren't there when she needed you must. You promised."

Something wasn't right. Maud frowned, showing emotions she wasn't accustomed to in the process. "Where's the rest of my family? They wouldn't let her be hurt." For a moment, relief welled in here. Surely the vision was false. Limestone would surely mount a defense, if not her parents.

"You promised them you would be there too, but you weren't." The trees cleared, showing the family working quietly with pick axes on large rocks, doing their daily work, until a large boulder rolled unexpectedly, crushing Limestone's hind leg with an audible crunch. Her parents tried to help her, but weren't strong enough to heave it off of her, at least not quickly. They rolled it to and fro, each time with a new shout of pain from Limestone.

By the time they got the rock free, Limestone was unconscious with pain, and they hauled her away into the farm house.

Maud felt she could move suddenly and rushed to the rock. She picked it up easily.

"If you were there..."

Maud dropped the large stone to the ground, where it made no noise.

"Do you believe me now? Without you, your family suffered. You said you'd be there for them, but you're not."

"I'm not a liar," Maud harshly whispered, mostly to herself.

"You lied."

Maud took several slow steps back. "What about Pinkie?"

"What about her?" asked Boulder. "You weren't there for her either."

"She's strong, and cheerful. She shouldn't need me... She doesn't need me." It hurt to say it, to confess it, but Maud advanced on Boulder. "She's powerful, a hero, and independant from me."

Boulder didn't move. Boulder couldn't move. Rocks don't move. But he was very talkative that day. "She needed you, and you were gone. Look and see."

Maud's vision swept up and saw Pinkie speaking with one of her friends, Applesomething, the one she thinks might be related to the Pies. Their words got heated, and they turned away from one another. Pinkie skulked away angrily at first, but that turned quickly to doubt, then overwhelming sadness. Her hair went straight and limp, and she moped around a bit her house, looking for something. She found it, a picture of her home, and she nodded to herself. The vision-Pinkie rushed to board a train, and she went home.

She was still sad, but knowing she'd be home soon seemed enough to get a little smile on her face, and some bounce in her mane. But she was shocked to find the yard empty of ponies. "Maud? Marble? Limey?" She began peeking under rocks as if they were hiding under them. "Where is everypony? Dad? Ma?"

Ma emerged with a severe face, but that was common enough for her that Pinkie saw nothing wrong with it and was quick to greet her. "Ma! Super glad to see you!" She rushed to hug, but was gently rebuffed. "Afraid your sisters are mighty hurt, both of them. Father's run himself ragged trying to care for them."

Pinkie's eyes widened. "Wait, I have three sisters."

Ma looked away. "No, you have two. Of this we can be most certain."

The vision ended with Pinkie approaching the house that became swallowed by darkness. "Maud?"

Boulder somehow glared at her from where he lay on the ground. "Your absence was felt by your entire family."

Maud sank to the ground. "I wasn't that important..."

"You saw it. You protected them. You were their strength."

Maud shook her head violently, little tears staring to leak from her despite her desire to keep them at bay. "I'm not that strong..."

"You were strong enough, then you lied."

"I didn't mean to!" Maud reached out towards Boulder, lacking the will to rise and walk closer. "I didn't want to hurt any of them. I want to... Help me..."

"Why should I help a liar?" From her lower viewpoint of being flopped on her side, Boulder seemed larger, looming over her. "You destroyed your family, and you ask me for help? When did my opinion matter?"

Maud closed her eyes, and went still. If not for her breathing, some might think she were dead.

"Is that it, are you giving up?"

Maud said nothing, and did nothing.

"Are you ready to break another promise?" When silence was the answer, Boulder continued, "Are your new friends going to see you for the liar you are? Will that strength abandon them as well? How many families will you dash?"

Maud rolled to her belly slowly, eyes still closed. "I am... not a liar."

"Prove it."

Maud rose to her hooves. "I will help them, then I will go home, and help my family, no matter how much I hurt them... I didn't mean to, and it doesn't matter. I will help them however I can." She stomped the ground. "I will do what I can."

"A Pie never breaks an oath."

Maud approached Boulder and picked him up in a hoof. "A Pie always fixes their mistakes."

"A Pie is as good as their word."

"Their word is as good as their faith." She tucked boulder into a pocket of her frock, then advanced forward to see Fast Shadow sharpening her lance's tip carefully.

With a faint smile, Maud rushed to her side. "Fast, is everything alright? Is everyone else okay?"

Fast looked up from her work to meet Maud's face. "It took you a while in there. Where were you?"

Maud tilted her head. "I saw things."

"Things, right, me too... Hours ago... We were attacked soon after getting out." She forced herself to her hooves. "It looks like it's just you and me."

Maud took a half-step back. "What? Where's Tree Hugger?" She looked around, her facade shattering. "She was annoying, but she looked up... I was her sister. Where is she?"

Fast put the whetstone in her saddlebag. "I just said, it's the two of us. Don't worry, I at least buried them properly." She fixed her eyes with Maud. "It was the least a friend could do."

Maud trembled. Had she failed another family? "W-where?"

"We've spent enough time. I thought I'd be going it alone, but at least you're with me now."

"Where!?" Maud felt the tears returning despite her attempts to hold them back. "Let me see them..."

Fast pointed off. "If you must... It won't help..."

Maud turned where Fast pointed and rushed off into the woods to find three simple markers of stone piles to mark where each friend had fallen. She somehow knew which one belonged to Tree Hugger and collapsed before it. "I thought I could protect you..." Could she protect anyone? What good was she?

"Their word is as good as their faith," called Boulder from her pocket.

Did she have any faith left? She felt like she was running dry.

Fast's sudden yelp of surprise brought Maud out of her stupor. She bounded to her hooves and rushed through the branches, ignoring the stinging barbs and pulls. Fast was in the jaws of some great and terrible beast when Maud got close enough to see it, then it closed. With barely a sound, Fast was gone, devoured.

Maud charged with a deafening sound. It took a moment for her to even realize the noise was her own shouting of fury and disbelief.

The beast didn't stay to fight. It turned tail and bounded off through the trees unhindered, gone from sight almost instantly and leaving Maud to slow down and stop, heaving and alone. "Fast..."

She saw something on the ground. It was Fast's crown. Maud carefully picked it up. "I can still do this one promise."

"Why?"

"A Pie is as good as their word." Maud set the crown on her head and began trotting forward. "I will do what Fast wanted. I am not a liar."

"Their word is as good as their faith," noted Boulder.

"I won't give up." Despite it all, Maud held to some small shred of that faith.

She would not surrender.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      57 - One of Us?                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tree pressed through the branches, but they did not cling or scrape. They gently flowed around her, allowing her passage without opposition, so long as she remained on the path. Behind her, the forest showed no sign of her passing. "Who do you think is calling us?" Bright was quiet. "Druids?"

"Possibly."

There was a faint tone in her ears and Tree cocked her head. She could hear the song of the trees, but it wasn't being sung at her, nor was it natural. She didn't remember hearing such a thing indirectly before. It was like a chorus of singers bending the will of nature. She could hear little hints of other aspects being invoked, but she didn't know to what end. It was all very intricate and complicated, beyond her understanding. It was enough to know that nature itself was being coerced with a frightening level of skill and complexity.

A wolf stepped out before her and nodded slowly. "Welcome."

Tree tilted her head. "Trippy. Can all wolves talk? The last one I met wasn't very chatty."

The wolf looked at her impassively a moment. "No."

"Oh, sorry then. I didn't mean to harsh your buzz, man. Can--"

"Follow me." He turned and began walking away without listening to her words.

Tree did follow, but didn't cease her questions. "As I was saying, do you know where my friends are?"

"They are being tested." The wolf slunk under a log without delay. "They are interesting. We would see you tested, if such were practical."

"Why's that, man?" She hopped up and slipped down the other side of the log, following faithfully.

"You were told."

When the silence drew too long, she smiled a little. "Why not ask?"

The wolf turned to her suddenly, stopping. "You would submit yourself to be tested?"

Tree shrugged, but Bright answered for her, "possibly."

"You are an interesting pony." The wolf turned. "We are almost there, keep up." His steps became faster, and Tree had to accelerate from a walk to a true trot to keep up, but the wolf turned out to be true to his word, and they emerged into a clearing. The residents were more animals, staring at her intently. A badger, a beaver, and a huge bear.

The bear rumbled with a female voice, "You come before us willingly, a small mark in your favor. Others would have fled or fought us."

Tree looked over the collection of animals curiously. "Far out, man. Nice to make your acquaintances and such, but I really need to get back to my friends."

The badger rolled back its lips in a snarl before a female voice issued from it, "Do you even understand your situation?"

"Lay it on me."

The badger and bear swapped looks as the wolf joined them and the beaver stepped forward, "You are to be judged, with words, since the traditional test cannot be administered properly. Your mind is like a stone. Your druid's training wards you against the lures of nature, your pony nature rebuffs magic, and your unique mind is strong, even though you gaze at us so placidly." The beaver leaned forward as he stroked his chin. "If you were not going where you belonged, we would simply destroy you. In fact, there is one of you who does not belong, but is protected by a fell pony god from our testings. Tell us of him."

Tree seemed to take it all in, nodding. "Radical! You've been protecting the ponies?"

The wolf shook her head. "We should think not. A pony going the other way would be pressing where it does not belong, and would be destroyed just as swiftly. Rather than test, they would not emerge. We would have slain the human, but their god protected them. Tell us who he is."

The badger snorted. "One other we thought was human, but she has faint blood of pony in her. It awoke during our execution, and the truth of it became clear. A curious case, she belongs in either place."

Tree glanced left and right. "So a pony trying to leave, or a human trying to come..."

"Would be destroyed," completed the wolf. "Now stop delaying. Who is this man that prays to pony gods?"

Tree set a hoof at her chest. "We should totally meet each other first. I'm Tree Hugger. This is Bright Feathers." She pointed up at Bright. "We're happy to meet you."

"Possibly."

The bear exposed her sharp teeth. "You are in no place to argue with us. Though your mind is barred, we feel confident we could crush you if it came to physical tests."

"Who's arguing?" She tilted her head. "Like, chill out." She looked around a moment and saw the weed she wanted. She walked over to it and pointed. "Maybe some of this would set your minds at ease. There's no reason to be so tweaked out, man."

The beaver looked tempted, but his looking earned him quick glares of scorn by the others. The bear snorted. "You should, perhaps, be more 'tweaked out'. We hold your friends."

"Yeah..." She nodded slowly. "But you said you won't hurt them. Let's talk, druid to druid."

The wolf let out a slow sigh. "Yes, let us talk. Speak of this man, now. Stop leading us in circles."

Tree looked them over a moment. "I was hoping to get your names, but fine, man, you can keep that on the down low if you prefer. He's Paul, a good guy and a righteous dude. He came a long way to help us, and has to go longer still until we're done. He'll go back to his friends eventually with a truly radical story for them that'll blow their minds."

"He was quick to violence."

"He called to heathen gods."

"His mind was weak."

Tree waved off each thing. "He fights when he has to, man. He wouldn't start a fight on his own. When his friends are in danger, that's when he gets worked up. That's not bad, is it?"

The badger glared at Tree Hugger. "Most importantly, he does not belong on the other side of the forest."

Tree nodded. "He doesn't belong anywhere but with us until our quest is done, then he'll decide where to go next. He's a good guy, really." She put a hoof to her heart. "I swear."

"Your word means little." The wolf sat up. "Why does he worship a pony god?"

"Oh, well that was totally trippy. She came to him, but he coulda totally turned her down, but he didn't. She's the Moon Princess." She tapped her chin. "Maybe she knew this test was coming."

"Possibly."

"Gods know more than they should." The beaver clacked his teeth lightly. "They are dangerous, and not of this world. Others thought they could rise to their power by fleeing the world, but nature has the last laugh to give. What of you? Your song, as you would say, is just a bit off pitch, but you have embraced nature's hold."

Tree nodded. "I live up to my name, for sure." She reached for the closest bent tree and gently stroked it. "I totally grok trees, and I think they understand me. We dance to the same tune, ya feel?"

The bear nodded. "And would you bow your head to an offworld god that was not born to blood, does not age towards the end, or fears death in its own way? Would you accept one that defies and stands separate of nature itself?"

Tree tilted her head left and right. "I don't know about all that, but I met one. She was pretty laid back and chill. She showed me how to sing to the trees around here, and didn't ask anything in return."

The beaver grinned. "She will."

Tree blinked. "I guess I'll find out. Either way, please don't hold Paul's being a human against him. He couldn't help that. Even if we could make him a pony, that would be more against your order than letting one little human past. I told you, he's good, and I mean it."

"Very well." The wolf gestured into the trees. "We will let him speak for himself."

A path opened, practically depositing a bedraggled Paul to the ground with a loud grunt of exertion and pain.

Tree rushed to his side. "Stay right there, rest and let nature tend your wounds." A soft green glow of her magic swept into him, and he felt warm restorative power come with the urge to just lay there and let it happen, so he did.

"Tree, it's great t'see you. Uh, am I comin' in the middle of somethin'?"

The beaver nodded. "Something indeed."

The badger clucked her tongue. "Speak to us, human. Why do you pay heed to a pony god?"

Tree pet over Paul's back slowly. "He has to lay here until nature's song is done with him."

The badger shrugged lightly. "He can speak where he lays. Answer us."

Paul rolled to have them in view. "Well, hey there?" He looked confused. "Kinda came to me, in a dream, asked if I wanted her help, and she gave it. I reckon I owe her a bit of thanks."

The beaver laughed. "You owe her more than that."

The wolf looked to the beaver. "Are we killing him?"

The bear shook her head. "We shouldn't. I do not trust the hand of gods, but they have their inscrutable reasons. He's being guided to something, probably to die for their petty games. Let him die there."

The beaver nodded. "The lot of them... Did you see the test the plated one saw? She is a literal plaything of them. She is a walking example of just how foul the gods' touch can be."

Plated one? Tree tilted her head at them. "What's wrong with Fast Shadow? Is she alright?"

The wolf frowned faintly. "She is far from alright. Her very existence and every breath is a sin against nature. She spins wildly in the wheel of reincarnation, and that is fine and well, but that wheel is guided by another, and her soul is not permitted to grow and become new."

"Rather like us, really," noted the beaver with a smirk, gaining a glare from the others, but he didn't seem to care. "Her life, however long it may be will be that of suffering and pain. That is the fate of anyone who becomes the plaything of gods." On that, the others eagerly agreed, nodding and grunting.

Tree nodded slowly. "I'll talk to her, and check her, but she's a good pony, the best."

"Even the best make mistakes," noted the wolf, shaking her head slowly. "Even the best can fall."

Tree blinked at the cryptic message. "We all do. What about Maud? Where's my sister of stone?"


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                58 - Sisters, Big and Small                
//-------------------------------------------------------//
With the sound of a snapping branch, Maud pushed her way into the clearing, to stop and stare at Tree Hugger and Paul. If she noticed the animals, she gave no hint of it. "Was he wrong?" She started walking towards them slowly, only to stop as something bit into her scalp. She reached up and brushed off the crown of thorns on her head. The sun crown she thought she had was gone. "I don't understand."

That was when Tree reached her, and smiled gently. "Sister of stone! Radical... I missed you. Are you alright?"

Maud nodded slowly. "I'm..." She was going to say fine, but instead licked over her lips. That would be a lie. She was in no mood to lie, even about stupid things like feelings. "...not fine. I missed you." She glanced away. "Is Paul alright? Why is he lying down?"

The beaver cleared his throat. "That's two. The others should be here soon."

Maud turned to the animals. "I thought only Fluttershy could talk to animals."

The wolf snorted with a little growl. "Maybe they had nothing important to say to you."

"Woah, that makes sense..." Tree nodded as if it were a simple fact. "Oh, meet, um... They didn't say their names, but they're the righteous owners of the forest."

The badger pawed lightly at the ground. "We don't own it. We belong to it, as we do to all nature."

Maud sat, then extended a hoof in a silent offer. Tree spotted it and hesitated a moment before she accepted it.  Maud pulled Tree against herself tightly, trapping her in a powerful embrace. "I missed you."

Tree didn't understand the full meaning of those words, but could feel there was a weight there, and nodded rather than complaining about the rough treatment. "We're together now, sister of stone. Everyone should be fine."

"Everyone?" Maud tilted her head. "I saw Fast get eaten..."

Tree turned to the others with a scowl. "She didn't get eaten, did she? That would be way beyond gnarly."

The bear returned the scowl with practiced ease. "Your friend will be returned to you, then you will leave."

Maud sank to the ground, releasing Tree. "Everyone's alright?"

Tree lowered herself beside Maud. "Everything's alright. I'm sorry, for whatever you went through, sister." She put a hoof over her snout. "I should really stop that. I don't mean to disrespect. You know I think you're amazingly radical, right?"

Maud reached and set a hoof on one of Tree's forelegs. "You can call me that."

Tree smiled. "Do you mean that? Blessings..." She let out a content sigh. "That means so much to me, you have no idea."

Maud shook her head. "A trade."

"Hmm?"

Maud raised her free forehoof. "I can hug you when I want to."

Tree looked uncertain a moment, but slowly nodded. "Sisters shouldn't have to, like, ask to violate your personal space. I accept you, Maud, sister of stone, as my sister."

Maud showed her approval by hugging Tree firmly until joints began to pop. "Did anything bad happen to you?"

Paul rolled up to an upright position, the magic fading from him. He was considerably better for the rest, but the green energy had faded from him. "Do I get any hugs?"

Tree shook herself out from the powerful hug. "I was talking with these animals." She lifted a hoof to where they had been, but they were nowhere to be seen; the space where they had been was empty. "Righteous..."

While Tree went to investigate curiously, Maud approached the mildly sullen Paul and grabbed him in a hug of his own. "I'm glad you're alright. Did you see something terrible too?"

Paul was one of the few of the party that could hope to match Maud's raw strength, and though he was surprised at first, the hug reminded him that he really could use a moment of closeness, and he hugged her back. "It was awful! Flint was there, and that new mistress of his. Everyone wanted to see me die, only after makin' me suffer through it, then there were all kinds a beasts ready to rip me apart."

Tree turned from where she had wandered off. "They said they wanted to totally hurt you, Paul. They said the Moon Princess stopped them."

"Well thank her for that!" Paul burst into a loud, almost hysterical laugh. Their hug came to a stop, with him rising up to his feet and looking around. "Anyone see Fast or our favorite pony princess?"

A small but familiar female voice called from the forest, "Don't say that that way..." Tabitha came closer to the clearing, the sounds of her movement clear, but she didn't come to join them. "Or do you already know? Are you making fun of me?"

Tree tilted her head. "Making fun of you for what, Tabitha? Are you hurt? Let me take care of you." She sat and extended a hoof. "We're a team, remember?"

"Yeah... team..."

Maud frowned into the forest. "Tabitha, come here."

"I don't wanna."

Paul lifted his shoulders. "Whatever happened, scars just make you more an adventurer. Come on out. I promise, I wasn't laughing at you. Are you alright?"

"It's not like that..."

Maud stepped into the path even as Tabitha backed away. "No, wait right there!" Maud didn't listen to her pleas and came into view of her, looking over Tabitha quietly.

Tabitha shrank under the studying gaze. "It's... hideous isn't it?"

Maud tilted her head. "You should come out. Does it hurt?"

Tabitha shook her head quickly. "It feels weird walking on hooves like this, and my heel feels the strangest." She reached down to rub the sore spot on her lower leg. "I don't think a leg's supposed to be shaped like this. It's not human or pony."

Maud moved up quietly and circled around Tabitha before moving up behind her and walking through her altered legs, letting the changed girl fall on her back and be carried out into the clearing into the view of the others.

Paul coughed at the sight of her. "Gods above! I swear, I was not makin' fun of ya, Tabby. I didn't know you went and got turned into a real pony princess."

Tree approached at a light trot. "Does anything hurt?"

"Just my pride..." Tabitha climbed off of Maud awkwardly and stood there. "There, see me in all my freakish glory." She did a slow turn for them. "Get it all out now." Her light blue ears were down and pinned back and her blond tail hung limply behind her.

Tree gave a little smile. "You're still you, Tabitha, and you are perfect at being you." She tilted her head a little. "You are closer to what you wanted to be, right?"

Tabitha fidgeted. "I figured... I didn't really figure anything. I was just daydreaming, not really thinking about what it'd really mean until it came down on my head like this."

Maud poked Tabitha from behind. "Use your magic and fix your dress."

"Oh, good idea." Tabitha settled to the ground and began to pet and preen over her dress, which slowly began to sew itself back together, reforming bit by bit the more she fiddled with it. "I guess it's true... I am a pony princess." She smiled a little. "Am I a pretty one?"

Paul clapped her on the shoulder. "Sure you are. Anyone tells you otherwise, I'll sock them in the nose for you."

She burst into a light bit of laughter. "Don't do that! But... thanks... Hey, where's Fast?"

Tree shook her head. "She's the last one, but she should be alright, or so we've been told. Once she gets here, we can head on towards the pony lands."

Tabitha gasped with delight. "We're really there?"

Paul shrugged. "Closer than we were this morning, but I don't know if we're quite there yet."

Tabitha, looking better, did another spin, her clothing no longer tattered. "Tell me honestly, how do I look? Am I ridiculous?"

Paul colored lightly. "What? No... you're still a pretty woman."

"And the ears?" She leaned towards him, her blue ears perked at him.

"They're fine."

"Are they really?" She scootched closer to him. "They don't scare you?"

"What?! Of course not." He crossed his arms defiantly. "Or your tail, before you ask."

"Touch them." She lowered an ear toward him, though the rebellious new appendage flipped back up on its own. "Go on. I dare you."

"I shouldn't! We barely know each other." Paul colored deeply and looked away. "I don't go up to women and just touch their ears."

As they argued, Tree's attention slid off to the forest. She heard something coming towards them and brightened. "Fast? Is that you?"

"I'm not sure." Fast emerged with the soft rattling of her armor. "Maybe I always have been, or never. I'm really not sure." She looked over each person in turn, pausing at Tabitha. "Girl, what? Why?"

Tabitha threw up her hands. "I didn't ask for it! It just happened!"

Tree raised a hoof. "Don't be angry at her. Her pony blood made them spare her, so we should be thankful for it. It was a blessing, not a curse."

Fast nodded. "I see... Did you see a deer come through here?"

Tree shook her head. "All the animals left a while ago. They said we can go through. We all passed their tests, or at least we're all here, so they won't try to stop us." She tapped her chin. "Ponies shouldn't try going the other way through this forest. They may be way nastier if we try."

Fast let out a slow breath and popped up the visor of her helmet. "Alright, let's get out of this forest while we're allowed to. We can set up a camp outside... Where are the horses?"

Everyone looked around, but no equines save those part of the party were present. Fast grumbled softly. "We don't have much fortune with horses, it seems. Nothing for it but to press on. I'll see this mission completed."

Backpacks were shouldered and saddlebags checked. There was nothing missing, save for the parts they left behind in that forest, and the new parts they gained for the journey.

By the time it became too dark to travel easily, they had reached the edge of the forest. There, they set up camp, and Tree warded it from outside eyes. They rested, together. If nothing else, the shared trials made being together easier, and none slept apart from the others.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
              59 - Leaving the Forest Behind               
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast woke with a start to discover she'd been used as a pillow. The newest pony of the group was curled against her, where it looked like she had been for some time. This confused Fast a little. Why would anyone find an armored pony a fine resting place? Despite this, there was Tabitha, happy to be snuggled up beside her. The sight faded from startling to endearing after a moment and Fast gently wrapped her hooves around the girl, holding her close as she looked over the slumbering sorcerer.

What terrible visions did Tabitha face, to come out so physically scarred? Not to say she was hideous... Well, maybe a little? Fast frowned at her own thoughts, trying to banish them. They weren't fair. Tabitha was still a good person, and not... disfigured? Surely this is what disfigured meant, the definition of the word. Still, her ears were nice and so much more expressive than human ones. Their light blue color was pleasant.

Looking behind her, Fast snorted softly at the blond tail, trying to imagine the entire pony instead of the quasi one. Blue all over, blond mane and tail. What would her brand of destiny be? A new thought came to Fast suddenly. "Do you have one?" she asked out loud.

"Does who have what?" Maud rolled upright, gazing up at the brightening sky a moment before turning back to Fast Shadow. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Maud." Fast smiled a little. "I'd rise to greet you, but Tabitha looks too comfortable."

Tree sat up beside Maud, looking around a moment before she spotted Fast and Tabitha together and burst into a little giggle. "That's too adorable. Blessings, my friends and good morning. Want me to get some breakfast?" She rose to her hooves and stretched out. "Be right back."

Paul was the next to stir, but with the uneven pile of friends dispersing, he sat up and began to stretch out. "Mornin' everyone. No more visions, I hope?" The ponies all shook their heads quickly. He got to morning warming routines, and found Maud joining him without prompting. "Have a good sleep?"

"Yeah." She reached her left forehoof over to her right hind hoof in a stretch to match Paul's efforts. "You?"

"Yeah." It wasn't much, but it was more unprompted interaction than he usually had from her, and he smiled a little.

Fast gently wriggled, and it was enough to rouse Tabitha, who murmured softly as she sat up. "Oh! Sorry, Fast."

Fast pat her on the shoulder. "You're quite fine. How do you feel?"

"Unnatural." She crossed her legs and let out a huff. "What am I even?"

Fast sat herself up without the girl to hold her down. "You are clearly a pony satyr, though most I've seen had stronger pony aspects."

"Stronger?" Tabitha looked confused. "I'm not that weak, am I?"

"Not that kind of stronger." Fast waved it off. "As in more pony. Most were all pony from the hips down to their hooves, where as you're all human from the hips until suddenly, hooves. Then again, some had human ears, and you have pony ears, so it's a bit of a balancing act."

Paul whistled at them. "Hey, come join us for warmups. Whatever you are, you're gonna want to learn how to move."

"She's Tabitha," noted Maud with a little nod. "Join us."

Tree emerged from the tree line with a collection of berries balanced on her left forehoof. "Breakfast is served." Thoughts of morning routines were abandoned for a moment as each took their berry and chewed quietly a moment. Not the largest of meals by far, but it left each feeling satisfied and the tangy sweetness wasn't bad on the tongue. "I guess we'll be hoofing it today."

Fast snorted. "All but one of us literally, but I have another idea." She pointed to the southwest. "Do you see that?"

All heads turned to look where she pointed. Paul rubbed his chin. "That a glistenin' on the horizon?"

"Water," corrected Fast. "I think I know which water it may be, and it'll get us to the desert faster than hiking, and I don't feel like challenging another forest while we're on this journey."

Tree shook her head. "I don't want to worry about you all again. Let's not do that."

Maud looked down a moment. "I thought you were all dead."

Paul made a face at that. "My experience suddenly seems not as bad. Well, we're not dead, and we don't plan to be soon, so let's take Fast's idea and go with it." He looked to Fast. "How do we get to floating? You have a boat hiding?"

Fast shook her head. "I'm afraid not, but we have wood, and a full party of talented people." She slowly swept her gaze over them. "One of you might have the answer we seek?"

Tabitha raised a hand. "Who do you think built that house we left behind?"

"Your husband?" spoke Maud with a raised brow.

"No! Well, sure, they both helped in parts, but I'm the one that knows how to work wood and leather. I never made a boat before, but I know what one should look like, and I know how to coax the wood together if you get the parts." She snapped her fingers. "Wish I'd thought to bring the tools, but we'll have to work with what we got, eh?"

Fast clopped her forehooves together with the clang of metal on metal. "I knew one of you would be the hero of the day. Alright, let's get Tabitha what she needs, which is?"

Tabitha frowned with thought. "Well, wood, something to cut the wood, and something to bind the wood. A nice rough thing to sand it with would be nice. So let's get some trees, I'll be borrowing that big honkin' sword of yours, Paul, and start gathering vines and if you come across some nice goopy sap, collect that too." She clapped her hands. "Chop chop."

Tree smiled gently. "You're already becoming a princess."

Tabitha pouted at her a moment before a smile overtook her. "It's for a good cause, though maybe we should wait on this until we're closer to the water."

Fast nodded quickly. "Too right. Let's get hiking. I'm certain there will be more trees, less guarded by angry druids." She turned for the watery horizon and began hiking, and soon the others fell in line, though Tabitha kept stumbling, trying to get used to her new feet, or hooves as the case had become.

Tree looped back around to approach Tabitha. "What's harshing your vibe, little sister?"

Tabitha gathered herself back up from her latest stumble. "These hooves don't work like feet. They're not long enough I think to balance on and I kept falling over forward trying to walk. How do you manage with them?"

Tree looked down and raised each hoof in kind. "Well, I have four of them?"

"Right! So if you lean forward on your back, you have your fronts. You're already fallen over, so it's different." She took a slow step forward, then tried to form a stride, wobbling with every step. "I don't mean any offense, you ponies are lovely creatures, really, but I'm not a pony. I'm not a human anymore either." She sighed, but found Tree slipping under one of her balled hands. Tabitha took hold of her curls and supported herself with Tree Hugger, and they slowly caught up with the others.

Tree looked aside at Tabitha as they walked. "So, did the forest turn you into this? A magical transmutation against your will?"

"Well..." Tabitha rubbed behind her neck with her free hand. "The human that was there said it was in me the whole time."

Tree tilted her head. "We are the change we can become. That's a radical way of looking at it, but why?"

Tabitha started to look uncomfortable, but Tree gave a verbal prod. "If you know, share. We're here to help, little sister."

Maud slowed to be beside them. "Is she your little sister?"

Tree blinked at Maud's sudden appearance. "Oh, yeah, totally. She's like your little sister. All chipper and energetic. Even when things were totally bogus for her, she kept a smile on her face, and tried to get us to smile too. She's al--"

"I see." Maud looked up at Tabitha. "Will you be my little sister, for now? You're not Pinkie. Nopony can be Pinkie but Pinkie. You're Tabitha, but you can be my little sister while we're together."

Tabitha took ahold of Maud's mane, gently grasping it, and using both ponies as supports that made walking much easier. "I've seen you in action, Maud. It's no shame to be your little sister. If you'll accept me, then I'm happy to be both of your little sister."

Paul gestured back to them with a flick of his chin. "Listen to them, makin' family just like that."

"Mmhmm," replied Fast.

"Not like us."

"Mmhmm."

Paul fiddled with his fingers a moment. "I wouldn't be a bad brother..."

Fast looked up at him a moment, and a shadow of a smile spread over her snout. "Silly person." Her voice raised in volume. "The lot of you needs to know, we are all brothers and sisters, peers and friends. As adventurers we must stand together, ready to rally for one another against forces both physical and emotional. I said this before, but it bears repeating. I am honored to be your adventuring partner, all of you. I will accept with pride and respect any that would call me an adventuring sister, as I would call you." She held out a hoof towards Paul as the other three kept her walking. "So put 'er there, brother."

Paul met her hoof with a hand and they shook on the matter. "I never had a siblin' before."

"And now you have four, five if you count Bright Feathers." Fast looked back to the bird. "What say you, are you a part of our family?"

"Possibly."

Paul laughed, releasing Fast to use all four hooves. "That's as good an answer as we're likely to get. Welcome to the family, Bright."

They ventured forward with little opposition, but the water turned out to be farther than a day's travel, even two. They were drawing closer to it on the third day, and could see it was a vast body, with a forest tucked on the right side, north, as Fast pointed out. It went right to the edge, preventing anyone from slipping along the water and avoiding the trees.

Paul frowned at it as they hiked towards the water. "You'd think someone jus' went and did that on purpose like, to be right in the way."

"May have," agreed Fast with a nod. "Exactly why we'll go through the water and leave the trees to the birds. No offense, Bright."




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  60 - The Shore Beckons                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tabitha claimed a space to build near the shore, but off the beach itself and its small pebbles. She claimed Paul's sword, as she had threatened, but he had a rapier to fall back on at least. "I knew keepin' this was a good idea."

"It swings differently," cautioned Fast. "We didn't get much a chance to spar with it."

"Right right, don't go cleavin' with it like a damn axe or nothin'. I know that." Paul waved it off as he headed for the trees. "Let's get ourselves some lumber."

Tree raised a hoof. "Let me come with you. I'll find the trees that are ready to go."

Maud inclined her head back at Tabitha. "I'll stay here and guard her. We shouldn't leave our little sister alone."

Tree burst into giggles. "That's too sweet, but yeah, for sure. You keep an eye on little sis. I feel safe with these brave warriors looking over me."

The party split, with Maud watching over Tabitha and the others going off to fetch lumber. Maud watched Tabitha sit for a moment before shaking her head. "You should walk more. You won't get used to it sitting down."

Tabitha frowned at the idea. "What if I'm tired of falling over?"

Maud approached. "You can lean on me if you want, but you should walk."

Tabitha wanted to argue the fact, but let out a little sigh. "I don't have to like it."

"You don't."

"But I'll do it." She took ahold of Maud's mane gently and let the grey pony guide her around, getting used to her new hooves. "It's funny, you know. Before I sort of asked for this, and now here it is, and I'm complaining."

Maud glanced aside at Tabitha. "Was it what you expected?"

"Sort of... some of it?" She looked back over her shoulder and, with some effort, got her tail to flick about. "I think it's the hooves that bother me the most." She tapped a hoof on a rock before bouncing off of it, almost collapsing for her attempt, but recovering quickly. "I'll get used to it." She smiled at Maud. "Thank you."

"We're not doing anything until they come back, let's keep working." Maud nudged her along, and their walking continued in wide circles. As they went, and Tabitha's steps slowly become more sure, Maud picked up the pace with her, encouraging her to dare to go faster and faster. "Do you have dreams of being a pony?"

"I used to," she huffed as she labored to keep up with Maud. Balanced or not, Maud was faster than she was, and was forced into a clopping sprint to keep up with her. "That vision though, it didn't make me a pony."

"What did it make you?"

"I was a donkey... A big, smelly, ugly donkey."

Maud tilted her head a little. "I've met a donkey before. He was nice."

Tabitha came to a sudden halt, tipped over, and fell on her front with a soft squeak of surprise and pain. "What? Really?"

Maud slowed and turned around to return to Tabitha. "He was married, to another donkey. Crankey and Matilda. They both seemed happy."

Tabitha sat up, bringing her hooves together, knees spread far apart. "Even a donkey had better luck with romance than I seem to. No more of that." She clenched a fist. "I won't let it!"

Her energetic defiance of fate brought a little smile to Maud's stoic face. "Will you look for a human husband, or a pony one?"

The question caught Tabitha off guard. "Oh... I didn't think of that. If I go after a human guy, he's going to think my extra parts are wierd, but if I go for a pony, well, I'll think it's kind of weird, and he'll have to deal with a human wife looming over him all the time the way a pony wife wouldn't."

She patted Maud across her neck. "Why can't I just stay with you guys forever? We get along great."

Maud raised a leg and gently hugged Tabitha. "We're family, but family isn't that kind of love."

"We're not really family. I mean, if we wanted to..."

Maud raised a brow. "No."

A flat denial. Tabitha let out a little sigh. "Sorry. I didn't mean to creep you out or anything."

"You didn't." Maud settled and put her head in Tabitha's lap. "You need family, the real kind. Worry about a husband later."

Tabitha gently played over Maud's ears. "What kind of pony will you go after?"

Maud shrugged a little, but stayed where she was, accepting the petting. "I'll let the choosing rock decide, probably. It worked for my parents. They've been together for a very long time."

"Choosing rock?" Tabitha cocked a brow. "Can I use that?"

Maud tilted her head. "Only if you want to come to Equestria and leave this world behind. You'd get a pony for sure."

"No humans in Equestria? Where is that anyway?"

Maud shrugged slowly. "I don't know. Another world. No humans. Paul and Flint were the first humans I saw."

"Would they even want me?"

"Why not?" Maud spoke with her flat tone. "You're a princess."

Tabitha snorted a little, her ears going upright. "Damn right. I am!" She squirmed to her hooves and began walking away, still wobbling, but upright. "Help me look for some small sharp rocks for things I don't feel like using that huge sword for." Tabitha looked over her shoulder. "One thing though, do you ponies already have one, a princess that is?

Maud nodded. "We do. Her name is Celestia." She paused a moment. "And Luna, Cadance, and Twilight."

Tabitha's eyes widened. "Are those all her name, or do you have that many princesses?"

Maud followed after Tabitha on quiet hooves. "That many. You'd make five."

Tabitha shook her head. "I guess I wouldn't be that odd then, but are they all ponies?"

"They're larger, but yes." Maud nodded slowly. "You don't have to. This is your world. You could be the first pony princess here."

Tabitha knelt down, selecting a rock that seemed to find favor with her. "Maybe that'd be best. Your world already has four to keep it going. It wouldn't be fair to hog them all, would it?"

They would be prepared for the return of the party, and passed the time with tales of their worlds, for better or worse. Tabitha even listened to some rock poetry as if she liked it, which made Maud happy. She could tell good people from the fakers by how they reacted to her songs. Even Fast Shadow couldn't hide how much she forced herself to endure it. Only a few ponies would smile like they meant it, and most of them were family. Maybe Tabitha really was her little sister...


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 61 - The Vengeful Forest                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The forest grew thicker as they went from tree to tree. Tree Hugger placed her hoof on each one, listening to something, perhaps the song she mentioned at times, then moved to the next.

Fast rolled her eyes. "What are you looking for? They look perfectly serviceable."

"Nah dude. They're not ready. I'll let you know when we find the perfect one." She moved to the next and placed her hoofs on it, only to fall back to all fours and move to the next tree. "What's the hurry? It's not good for you."

Paul rolled his shoulders. "Before you make Fast explode, I'll answer that one there. We're supposed to be savin' her nation and all, so that kinda puts us in a little hurry."

"Haste makes waste." Tree gently rested on the next tree, then fell back down and trotted across the way to a specific tree, skipping a few along the way. "How are you feeling?" She set her hooves on it. "That bad? Want to be something pretty? Uh huh..."

"Can we take it?" asked Fast with a hopeful smile.

Tree drew back from the tree, making Fast's expression fall, but came back against it, nudging it right off balance and sending it to the ground. "Rest in peace."

Fast approached it quickly, circling around curiously. "Is it any good? Rotten wood won't serve us well."

Tree nodded quickly. "It's problem was in its roots. Its trunk is fine. I kind of wish I could lend a hoof instead of finishing it." She tilted her head. "It was a pretty tree."

Paul moved up to give it a onceover before he kneeled down and grabbed it near those roots, hefting it up off the ground. "Grab the other side, Fast, and we'll get moving."

Fast took her position, just for the ground to softly shake under her. She flipped her lance into ready position and looked around. "Tell me I wasn't the only one to feel that."

Tree spread her hooves, feeling the ground. "Something big and hungry is coming."

Paul released the tree, letting it fall with a thump only a falling tree could make as he drew his rapier. "Damn it all. I'd rather have my big sword 'bout now."

As if drawn by the noise, a truly great beast, larger than any horse they'd ever seen, emerged from the forest, brushing trees aside and sending a few to the ground in its path. It was covered in thick bony plates, and had a huge tail with a club-like lump at the end of it. It did not seem like any idle threat, but Tree approached it with her placid appearance. "Hello there, big momma. How righteous are you? I've never seen the like before. Totally radical to the utmost."

Fast's ears pinned on her head. "Tree! Why are you conversing with what probably wants to eat us?"

"Nah. Big momma here likes this." She grabbed a big bushel of leaves from the fallen tree and held it out to the lumbering beast, who approached with uncertainty, then snapped it up, almost taking off Tree's face with it, not that she seemed worried. "Tasty, isn't it? What are you called anyway? Fluttershy's going to be so jealous when I tell her." She sat down and clopped her hooves. "So magnificent!"

The rage that had been in the beast seemed to bleed away before the gushing praise of Tree Hugger. It allowed her to circle it and examine it curiously. It kept her away from its few sensitive places with an angry snort, but with her obeying its boundaries, it seemed content to tolerate her and her happy ramblings of its majesty.

Paul whispered quietly to Fast, "Maybe we should start takin' trees while she's busy."

"And leave her here?" Fast raised a brow. "Let's wait."

The towering dinosaur eventually grew tired of Tree's inspections and brushed her aside as it began to lumber off into the trees, knocking over two more on its way towards wherever it was going.

"I guess it's time to feed the babies," sighed out Tree Hugger, turning to her friends. "Did you see that? So large and powerful! It was like the opposite of the breezies. Totally far out! The society won't even believe me when I describe it... I wish I had a camera right now, man..."

Paul lifted his shoulders. "Camera?"

"Thing that takes pictures?"

Fast tilted her head. "You mean an artist?"

"An automatic one." She held out her hooves as she sat down, showing the size of a camera. "This big."

Fast frowned a little. "You must lack for artists if you have magic to replace them. That seems sad somehow."

"Nah, man." Tree waved a hoof. "For one there are ponies that specialize in taking perfect pictures, and some people just love drawing or painting instead. Different art for different, like, souls." She put a hoof to her chest. "It's all good."

"That's all well and good." Fast moved to work under her half of the tree and heft it up. "It's time to get moving. Good job. If you weren't here, I'm certain we would have ended that confrontation with blood, its or ours. This is a better way."

Paul grabbed his end and they began hiking back towards their camp. "What got it all riled up in the first place?"

Tree followed along after them. "We knocked over one of its favorite trees. It knew it was going to die soon, but that didn't make it less angry. It was going to smash everything to make it feel better about it." She tilted her head. "That's not how you should deal with grief, but I can't outright talk to animals like Fluttershy can, so it'll have to learn that on its own, you grok?"

Fast turned an ear to Tree as they hiked. "Have you considered using a tree song for it? I can't imagine there isn't one that lets druids speak with beasts if they wanted to. It wouldn't be as easy as you make it sound for your friend, but I suppose that's her talent, and she should be proud of it."

Tree brightened. "Oh man, that's so obvious when you say it... I'll do that, and next time we run into something new and amazing, I can ask it a few questions." She smiled as she was wont to do. "This'll be totally rad..." Her expression dimmed a little as they walked. "I wish Fluttershy was here to see this..."

Paul looked towards her, burdened by the tree, but not beyond the point of speaking. "Hey, cheer up. We'll get you back. We promised, didn't we? You'll have so many stories for her, just like you all told me to have for Flint."

She rebounded quickly. "Yeah, you're right, man, brother. You have the right idea of it."

They arrived to find Maud and Tabitha with an area cleared out, ready for work, and left the tree with them. Fast nodded at them both. "Get to it, we have a selection of trees already knocked down and we'll grab them as quickly as we can. Luck's turned in our favor for a change, but I don't want to tempt it. The sooner we move, the better."

Tabitha began inspecting the tree carefully. "Alright, but remember to grab some vines, thicker the better, and some sap if you can. Heck, maybe this tree has some, I'll check, but be on the lookout. We don't want water leaking into our boat."

"Damn sure don't." Paul turned back to the forest. "Let's get moving. I don't think it'll be wise to go in there when the sun goes down, so we have limited time for today."

Retrieving logs was a much simpler affair thanks to the presence of the club-tailed dinosaur. With the trees already knocked to the ground, it was a simple matter of claiming the ones that looked the strongest and least affected by any rotting influences. Tree Hugger found an oozing tree and poured out her water, replacing it with a plentiful supply of the stickiest sap to bring back to their boat-making camp.

"Very impressive," spoke a female voice. "I thought for certain you would bring harm to my forest, and yet here you are, assembling something without a scratch. Even the tree you felled was a hoof played gently."

Tree spun to take in a deer approaching her, tall and slender. Her horns were large and many pointed. Did female deer have antlers? She supposed that breed did. "Salutations and blessings. Are you a druid too?"

The doe nodded at Tree. "I am. You have come from the north?"

"East." Tree pointed across the plains that separated one forest from the next. "I hope we didn't disturb your energies."

"You did not." She smiled a little. "The East you say? I'm surprised... They are normally very violent."

Tree waved a hoof. "We're on an important quest, man. Even they let us go."

"Are you now?" She raised a brow. "As if our mission were less important? You're fortunate you've done nothing but please me so far, so I'll let that one slide. Consider it etiquette between druids."

Tree dipped her head. "Thanks, man. I didn't mean to tangle your chakras."

"My chakras are quite well." She looked Tree over a moment. "You've taken the right course. Do not attempt to defy my forest. Even your gentle presence will not be tolerated, and it would be a shame to see that gentle look of benign wisdom erased from this world, but my duties are clear."

Tree tilted her head with the littlest of frowns. "Why are you all like that? We're not here to hurt you, or the forest. Why get upset about us?"

"We must. Do you not understand what duty is?" The doe shook her head. "The forest must remain impenetrable, or be lost. It is that simple. I shouldn't even be speaking to you, but..."

Tree's smile returned gently. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She turned away. "Do not press further. One more step, just one, and it will turn badly. I wish you well in your journey."

"Wait! I've never seen a deer like you before. You're, like, very pretty if you don't mind my saying. Why are you hiding here? Ponies would accept you."

"Would they?" She looked over her shoulder. "At least one." With a sudden springing gait, she was lost to the forest.

Tree extended a hoof, but slowly set it back down. Chasing the deer seemed the wrong path and she turned away. "At least one." She returned to the others and helped with the tree moving, casually keeping them from pressing further into the forest.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     62 - Setting Off                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
It wasn't the prettiest boat that any of them had ever seen, but it was a step up over a few logs slapped against one another, by at least a half-step. Tabitha waved her hands at it. "Ta da!"

Fast approached first, reaching up and clopping down on it in different places, testing its firmness. "Better than I would have managed."

Paul shrugged softly. "Ain't never seen a boat, I'll confess, but let's see how it actually does in water, right?"

"Right." Fast moved to one side of it. "Grab the other end. Maud, hold the rope and make sure it doesn't float away after all that."

Tabitha threw up her hands. "I would be so miffed at that."

With Fast and Paul working in tandem, they easily hefted the raft far enough to set it in the largely placid waters of the lake. The bound logs seemed water proof, mostly. Tabitha hopped up and saw to the missing spots swiftly, reinforcing and rechecking things. "You think not seeing a boat's hard? Shipwrighting's considered its own thing separate from carpenting, not that carpenting doesn't count or anything." She plopped down in the center. "Think you could kill up a few animals?"

Fast raised a brow high. "What for?"

"Wouldn't mind having a sail, if we could."

She snorted softly. "We are still on a schedule. Catching, skinning, and preparing a hide isn't a one day task last I checked."

Tree Hugger tapped her chin. "I think I know a song for this, but the idea of killing an animal just to go faster... Let's avoid that and keep our karmas clean."

Paul moved out of sight a moment, returning with several long and rough oars. "Great, you can have first shift rowing the raft, keepin' that karma as clean as possible."

Tree frowned, but stood by her values. She accepted two of the oars and hopped on the boat. "When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning." Fast nodded. "Let's get this back on land, let the sealant set, and get some sleep. First light, we head off."

They hauled the craft back onto land a safe distance, then got some rest. Under the watch of the gibbous moon, nothing came to hunt them, and they awoke to the sun of a new day. They ate quickly of their rations and boarded the ship. Fast pointed ahead. "I hope you're all ready for some work, but, luck allowing, we'll be in the empire soon."

Paul took an oar, moving to the opposite side of Tree despite his words the day before. "This going to take us right into pony land?"

Fast snorted at the title. "Not exactly. We'll still have a hike ahead, but no more forbidden forests, and I count that as a plus."

Maud moved to the side of the raft closest to the shore and gave a strong shove, making the vessel begin to drift out into the lake before she settled down as if watching over the others silently.

Under Fast's guidance, they didn't move very far from the shore, but didn't come too close either, which suited them just fine. This became especially true when they saw denizens of that forest occasionally poking monstrous heads free of the darkness to stare at them for a few long moments before drawing back in the forest.

Tree was the least worried, clopping her forehooves while Fast and Paul tended the oars. "The Society would really dig a visit. If I could get them here."

Maud raised a brow lightly. "How would you stop them from getting eaten?"

Tree shrugged softly. "If Fluttershy and I were there, we could protect the others, no problem."

Paul glanced towards Tree. "Good friend of yours? Hardly the first time you mentioned her. Figure she's a bosom buddy or a business partner at this point."

Tree nodded quickly. "She's a good friend. We don't meet up that often, but we both understand the miracles of nature and love seeing it. We met through the Society, you dig?"

Fast started to ask what society Tree was speaking of when her oar struck something and became stuck. The speed they had managed to gain saw to the oar being swiftly yanked from the grip of her snout and hooves, floating in the water upright on whatever had seized it.

Maud grabbed the spare oar and quickly took Fast's position, working with Paul to undo the spin that had begun with the violent loss of an oar.

Paul grimaced. "Guess it's good we had three instead of just two, but that's it for spares. Let's at least get past this forest before we're back on foot."

Fast pointed across the way, but all that could be seen was water and more water. "I believe it turns into a river if we go far enough. Crossing will be possible there. Hold fast to those oars. It's not impossible to move with one, but a hell of a lot slower by far." She turned to her two spellcasters. "Either of you have a trick to get us moving faster?"

Tree tapped her chin. "I could sing the song of an animal and help push the raft?"

Tabitha shrugged. "I have nothing that could help, sorry. I'm still new to this."

Fast nodded at both of them. "It's alright, go ahead and try that, Tree. Any boost is a good one."

Tree moved to the edge and let out a trembling note as her form fell to the raft, becoming a slippery and wet creature with grasping tentacles. She waved at everyone before dropping into the water, but several of her new tentacles remained on the raft, holding it firmly as she began to swim along under the raft, pulling it forward as best she could.

Tabitha blinked in surprise. "I expected something more furry and less slimy."

Fast waved it off. "This is working. Things are moving more smoothly. I should have asked her how long she can keep this up. Too late now." She nodded at the rowers. "If you need a break, I'm available for relief."

Bright peered over the edge of the raft, eyes following the line of Tree's tentacles. "Not good."

Tabitha sat up suddenly. "Bright, did you say something besides possibly?"

"Possibly."

Below the surface, Tree swam with all the grace due to her form, or at least as much of it as she could control. She was no squid by nature, but her understanding of nature's song helped her keep her limbs in motion, and she moved well enough for their task. That wasn't what worried her. The dark shape that was approaching her did. Emerging from the gloom, a small bull shark the size of a man or pony, made its presence known in a rapid swimming charge at Tree.

She released the raft and ducked to the side, avoiding being snapped up directly but still receiving a thin line of pain where its jagged teeth found purchase in her rubbery flesh. She brought in her swirling pseudopods as bark spread over them, striking the fish like small clubs. She asked the shark to leave, but it was hungry, she was one of its many possible prey, and the offer was not accepted.

Maud tilted her head before passing the oar to Fast silently. She looked ready to jump in the water, but Fast thrust a hoof in front of her. "Do you even know how to swim? What's gotten into you?"

"She's missing." Maud pointed to the lack of tentacles. "I'll manage."

"Absolutely not!" Fast clopped the top of the raft. "Then there's two of you in danger."

Paul waved forward. "You two take the oars. I do know how to swim. I'll help her out."

Tabitha smiled brightly at him even as he moved for the edge. "That's brave of you, jumping into dark waters, sight unseen, for a friend."

"I hope she'd do the same." He dove in, lost to sight rapidly in the murky waters.

Tree was holding her own, swirling around its next lunge, but it managed to outswim her flailing clubbing attempt, leaving her thrashing at empty water. "Come on, we don't have to be like this..." Of course, her words emerged as little more than the odd noises of squid, lost to anyone but any other squid nearby, which she didn't see. She heard swimming and looked up to see Paul approaching quickly. She would have smiled if her form allowed that.

The shark got confused, then enraged. It charged at the new predator trying to take its meal, but Paul impaled it, jabbing his rapier right through its center. It thrashed and flailed, but was held fast by Paul's weapon as he swam back to the raft with what could become lunch later.

Tree shook her head a little at the sight. Humans were a little scary. Despite that, she easily caught up with the raft and got back to tugging it along with the help of the rowers, reminding herself to give a big 'thank you' to Paul as soon as she got out of the water and into her hooves.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     63 - Wet Camping                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The next day, the song drawn to the fore, Tree sang it to the slaughtered shark, and its body lept up and became something new again. Its skin was treated and drawn free, creating several sheets of sandpaper and a pair of roughly-formed shoes made specifically to fit on Tabitha's reformed hooves/feet.

Tabitha looked surprised as Tree slipped them onto her. With a smile, Tree nodded at her. "It should give you some grip and protection. Though he had to go, at least we can remember him fondly.

Tabitha reached down and ran a hand over the shoes carefully. "They have a rough texture on the outside, but smooth on the inside. I'm sure I would have paid good money for these, were we in a proper city. Thank you, going barefoot was a new thing."

Paul shrugged softly. "Why would you want to remember something that wanted to eat you?"

"Why not?" Tree tilted her head. "It's all part of the cosmic circle, man. Shark eats smaller fish, which eat plants, which eventually eat the sharks. Everything eats everything. Isn't it radical?"

"What? How's grass eat a shark?" Paul frowned at Tree. "I don't get that even a little."

Tree rose up on her hind legs and spread her hooves out. "Alright, the sun comes down and feeds the plants. That's how they grow and get strong. With me, man?"

"Sure, alright." Paul nodded. "Get to the part where they eat sharks."

Tree held up a hoof. "The sun isn't all they need. They need food, just like us, but different. When we die and fall over, all that yummy food we'd been building up over our life leeches into the ground, and the grass gobbles it right up." She fell back to all fours. "You'll eventually be a tree, and something that eats a tree, and everything. We're all part of everything, just not at the same time, you dig?"

Tabitha leaned forward suddenly. "That's a wild way of looking at it."

"It's the truth," replied Tree with a gentle smile. "Nature is amazing."

Fast chuckled softly. "Of course a druid would say that, but you're not wrong. Let's not look forward to feeding the grass, however. We've all got years left in us to get our jobs done." She looked away a moment. "Some more than others."

Maud tilted her head at Fast. "What was that?"

Fast waved it off. "Nothing. I thought camping on a floating raft would be more troublesome, but you did well, Tree, securing us before you turned back."

Tree gave a light nod. "A pleasure. Swimming like a squid was very enlightening. So trippy... They see everything so differently, and move differently." She began waving a leg in a poor imitation of the undulations of a squid. "Way trippy... Maybe I'll try something else today."

Tabitha stuck out her tongue a little. "You were all slimy! Why not something cuter?"

Tree tilted her head. "I'm sure another squid would have thought I was very fetching."

"Possibly."

Tree nodded at Bright. "See, he knows."

Paul slapped his knee. "Put in your place by a damn bird."

Tabitha turned up her nose. "Not just any bird. Bright Feathers is a part of our family."

"Possibly." Bright hopped up onto Tabitha's shoulder and perched there.

Fast gave the rope a light pull. "Alright, we're all up and ready to resume." She brought it up sharply and with a great whipping, the rope came loose from where it was attached on the shore and she began reeling it in swiftly. "Let's try to get as much distance as we can. Shame you can't stay aquatic for longer, Tree. It definitely helps."

Tree sat on her haunches and spread her forehooves. "Or larger, but I'm still learning." She smiled gently. "We're all learning."

Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Could you get some of that learning over here? I'm a mighty wizard that can patch holes in dresses. How pathetic is that?"

Fast took one of the oars. "You can also read the unreadable, and banish offensive smells and tastes. Most 'wizards' spend years reaching that point." She began working the oar, silencing herself. Maud took the other oar, and together they propelled the raft further along, working their way slowly along.

Paul shrugged. "I don't got a single spell to my name, and you don't hear my bellyachin' about it."

"Sure." Tabitha squinted at him. "You just got hands strong enough to choke an ox."

Tree swayed softly, a little more than the raft's natural motions. "We all have our talents. We should celebrate them all." She turned her eyes on Tabitha. "You'll get better, keep practicing and learning yourself."

"Myself?" Tabitha looked confused. "I want to learn magic, not myself."

"You are magic." She clopped her forehooves together once. "Learn yourself. Nobody can do that for you."

"I am?" Tabitha looked at her reflection in the water, seeing a pony-eared woman looking back at her. After a moment, she smiled. "You're right, I do look kind of magic." She made her ears twitch with some effort and giggled. "I'm a pony princess."

Paul wobbled a hand. "Sure sure, so learn how to be a better princess." He looked to Tree. "Hey, are you alright with her claimin' to be your princess?"

Tree tilted her head at Paul. "She's a friend, and she doesn't mean any bad karma by it, and she doesn't try to boss me around, man. Why would I be upset?" She rose and approached Tabitha. "If she wants to be my princess specifically, she'll have to earn it."

Paul suddenly burst into laughter. "The way you were looking at her, I almost thought you were making a romantic overture."

Tree blinked and backed up, coming down on her rump. "What? Dude, not cool..."

Tabitha quirked a smile, then sighed. "No romantic overtures for me..." She sat down with crossed legs. "Say, Tree Hugger, you know the circle of life pretty well, right?"

"For sure."

Tabitha wobbled a hand at her in a vaguely circular way. "What should a good partner do, when their, you know, dies?"

Tree recoiled a bit at the suddenly serious question. "Woah, way to lay it on me, extra heavy..." She tapped her chin. "You should remember the good times, and celebrate them, and be happy. They'd want you to be happy, right?"

Tabitha smiled a little. "He would... He was a good man."

Tree rolled a hoof. "Perhaps you'd like to lay out something about him? Tell us about him."

Tabitha took a slow breath. "Well, alright, if you all want to hear?" Tree and Paul were watching her, while Fast and Maud were working the oars busily. "Alright... He was born to commoners, like his parents before them and before that, for as long as we're both aware, and he wasn't upset about that."

She leaned back on the raft. "He always said so long as he had a place to call home, food to fill a larder, and a wife at his side, well, he had nothing to complain about, and he didn't complain, much... He was a hard worker and a kind man." She smiled at Paul a little. "A little like you. Strong, simple, and honest. You have to respect the sort."

"You respect me?"

"Course not." She stuck out her tongue. "It's a jest, of course I do, Paul. You're a good person. Anyway, we made a nice little living for ourselves, and we had privacy. We liked not being crowded in, and thought we were safe enough, but then the orcs showed up and you know how that turned out..." She let out a slow sigh. "Bastard didn't even ask. He just threw himself between me and the orcs and ordered me to run, and I ran... I kept right on running until I ran right into another brave and simple man." She closed her eyes a moment. "I'm not sure I deserve the good luck I do run into."

Tree waved it off. "You either believe in destiny, or you do not. I think you totally do, girl, little sister. If you do, then you have met what you needed to. The magic's woken up now." She stepped in, violating Tabitha's personal space as she went right in and nipped one of those long pony ears. "You're a pony princess."

Paul smiled a little. "By the hells, one year ago I was ready to live and die a farmer, barely making any money I could keep to myself. I had a friend, and a lady or two I fancied but never had the bravery to speak a word to." He drew his great sword free and gave it a few swings. "Now here we are, escorting some ponies back to their home, to save an entire nation. I'm beholden to no man but myself, and any money I make is mine to keep as I see fit. I wouldn't have guessed this! The best I hoped for was for the fey to whisk me away to a better life."

Maud paused rowing a moment to speak, "We did that."

Paul laughed softly. "You did. By the gods above and below, you did that." He put his sword back on his back. "Thank you, all of you."

Tree put a hoof on her chest. "Though a friend of mine is worried for me, I'm not unhappy to be here. I'm seeing new creatures I've never seen before that totally blow my mind. I've made new friends, who will be my friends even if we end up a world apart. You're all part of me now, my new family." She dipped her head. "It's a little far out, but I am happy to be here, with you all now."

With their statements given in turn, eyes began to be drawn to the one that hadn't spoken. Fast went stiff as she realized they were waiting on her. "Hmm? Well, yes. Thank you for coming with me... I'll be glad when this task is over..."

Paul swatted her across the withers. "Where's your adventurin' spirit? Just glad when it's over?"

Fast pulled the oar free of the water. "I'm getting tired. Can you take over for me, Paul?"

"Oh, sure." He accepted it, and took her place as she circled up on the raft and closed her eyes, lapsing into a nap instantly, or at least refusing to acknowledge them for the moment.

Tree leaned in towards Maud, whispering gently. "I don't think all is well with Fast Shadow. We should cheer her up."

"How?" Maud hiked a brow lightly.

"I'm not sure... We need her to lay it out for us. Something's bothering her." She gently clopped the wood. "We should start by making sure she knows we love having her as our leader."


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           64 - Paddling Through Troubled Waters           
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Fast awoke to Tree's smiling face. "Surprise!" She scrambled upwards to see all members of her party looking at her with smiles, except Maud, who was present and with the others, watching her.

"Ah? Good morning?" Fast tilted her head. "What's the surprise, besides shouting at me the moment I wake up?"

Paul stepped forward. "We've decided to celebrate today how great of a leader we have."

"Oh?"

Tabitha cleared her throat. "As princess of ponies, I declare Fast Shadow to be the best leader!"

Fast quirked a smile. "Some princess you are, declaring someone else a better leader." There was no malice in her voice, but it made Tabitha pout anyway.

Tree set a hoof on her chest. "We're serious. You haven't let us down, even when things got really gnarly. We haven't made it clear, you grok? Whatever's bothering you, it's alr--"

"It is not alright!" Fast glared at Tree, then let out a slow breath. "I'm sorry... You didn't deserve that."

"No." Tree shook her head. "Let it out. What's not alright?"

Maud nodded as she gestured over the others. "We're all here for you, as your family."

Fast let out a tired little laugh as she put a fetlock over her face a moment. "I'm not escaping this without speaking, am I?"

"Nope." Tabitha leaned forward. "Spill it."

Fast lowered her hoof back to the wood of the raft. "Fine... Fine. You'll hate me afterwards, and I will deserve it."

Paul grunted. "Nothing you did could be that bad. Let us be the judge of that."

Fast sank to her belly. "Fine. Settle and listen then... To start, I'm cursed." she pointed at herself with a forehoof. "I've been singled out by The Author herself for breaking her story. I was supposed to be a good pony, a good friend, and a good leader. I failed all three counts and died miserable and alone."

Tree raised a brow. "Heavy... But you haven't explained how, besides the part where you're standing here, very well and fit for somepony that died before."

Paul agreed readily, wobbling a hand. "Yer obviously not dead, Fast."

"Right, right." Fast sat up. "It's hard to explain. Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Tree quickly nodded. "Oh sure. You can't destroy energy, especially vital ones. Our souls are, like, immortal, passing from thing to thing. It's like I said, you'll eventually be a tree, and a bird, and everything else." She clopped her hooves together. "We are all things."

Tabitha shook her head. "I can't say I understand that part, but go on?"

Fast snorted softly. "It's as Tree said. When I die, I am reborn, but not as whatever ate me. Instead I seem to return to myself, mostly. With every generation, a Fast Shadow." She clopped a hoof on the raft. "It bothers me a little that no-one long lived had noticed it, but I'm certain that's the case now... I saw them, my past lives, all trying to be good and brave, mostly..."

Paul spread his hands slowly. "Until one wasn't."

"Right." Fast looked up at him, ears swiveling back on her head. "Right... I accepted a charge to watch a few children, foals. They insisted on going on an adventure, an important one at that, and thought to hire me for the position to help guard them. I underestimated it, then ran when things turned sour. I left them behind to face whatever foul fate awaited them and never looked back..."

Tabitha scowled a little, but Maud's reaction was faster. "You lied."

"I did... The gods cursed me for it. They hefted up my broken soul and told me I had messed up. They rubbed my nose in it like a dog." She sank to the raft, going limp. "And I understand... I think."

Tree tilted her head. "What do you understand, sister?"

Fast peered at Tree a moment. "It wasn't for being evil. Evil ponies have a purpose. My purpose... was to be good. My place is to stand on the right side of things. Even if I fail, I try." She slammed her hoof on the raft. "I'm not supposed to abandon people. I should have died there, trying my hardest to give them a chance to flee instead, not used them as a shield. I don't even deserve this brand." She wheeled her head around, but her brand of destiny was hidden under armor. "The lance protecting a pony. That's me. I'm supposed to stand between the innocent and that which would harm them, be they my adventuring companions or a charge that can't defend themselves."

Tree watched her a moment. "You're not laying it all out."

"What?"

"Tell us the whole story." Tree shook her head. "What did you do, after you ran?"

When Fast hesitated, Tabitha gave a little smile. "We're here to help."

"I don't need help!" Fast clopped the raft and turned away. "Don't deserve it anyway."

Tree stepped forward. "Deserve it or not, sister, you're getting it. We think you deserve it. Prove us wrong, sister."

She glared over her shoulder. "Prove it? Fine... I went back to the Seekers, told them what happened in my usual report." She slowly turned back to face them. "The leader went pale as a ghost, to even think I could fail so completely, not for lack of effort, but simply losing courage and abandoning the mission. He sent me away, but I was only one piece of things. I was one broken wheel, and I had company. The empire was collapsing around us. Seekers were quitting, running off in their own panic attacks." She made to slam the raft, but it was a limp motion. "We lost everything... Then he called me back. He looked me in the eyes, and asked how I could have failed, not the mission... but myself, and him. He killed himself right then and there, right in front of me. He ended it." Fast sank bonelessly and began to weep. "The stallion that had raised me practically as a father couldn't stand to live a moment longer. I killed him, as surely as if I held the tool myself."

It became quiet, with only the sound of Fast's grieving breaking the silence as the others looked amongst themselves.

Maud was first to step forward, setting a hoof on Fast's shoulder. "You lied, but that doesn't make you a liar. We can't change what already happened, but you won't make that mistake again."

Fast looked up at Maud, sprawled out, the grey earth-bound mare loomed tall. "I can't. I musn't... I'm sorry you have to rely on me."

Paul grunted as he tried to push Maud aside, which was harder than it looked. He settled for sinking down beside her and glaring down at Fast Shadow. "Cut that crap. Yer our leader, and we're happy to have you. Now stop feelin' sorry for the past, and get to fixin' the present so the future ain't so bad, right?"

Tabitha waved him off. "It's alright to cry. Gods above, I've done my share this trip." She joined the others, kneeling beside Fast. "You let that all out."

Tree smiled a little at Paul. "You're surrounded by mares. You're outvoted on crying." She shook her head then. "However bad your mistake, and it sounds radically awful, you're not that pony. It was a mistake of a good pony, not a bad pony being bad." She inclined an ear at Fast. "You have a chance to prove it was just a fluke."

The energy was, as Tree would have said, subdued, but healing. They let Fast recover and got to paddling along the huge lake, making their way towards their goal. The raft was just as heavy, but, perhaps, their hearts weren't as much as the day before.

Fast eventually sat up and moved to take her turn at the oars. "I'm fine, really. Thank you, all of you, for helping." She took the oar in her snout and got to helping push the raft along. "I'll repay the effort in time, and that's no passive promise."

Maud flashed a little smile. "I'm sure you won't." The smile was gone almost as quickly as it came and she moved to the edge of the raft, looking for trouble.

Compared to the emotional roller coaster they had endured, the few water elementals that tried to board and attack them seemed almost childishly simple in comparison. True, they had knocked Tree and Tabitha into the water and tried to drown them, but Tree became a shark, grabbed Tabitha by the collar of her clothes, and drew her up to safety. Frightening, but ultimately handled, they left the battle just a little wiser.

About an hour after their encounter, Tabitha practiced her magic dutifully. "I have to get better at this so I'm not just pulling everyone else down."

Tree was still in the water. Since she had become a shark, she went with it, nudging the raft along as best she could.

Fast considered a moment, on break from rowing. "You're a blood mage. It's all bout intuition and understanding. How about what you felt when you were plunged into the water? Maybe you can draw inspiration from that."

Tabitha made quite the face. "I'd rather not, but fine. It was cold, and dark. Everything was swirling around..." She moved her hands in a slow spiral. "But cold, I remember the cold best of all."

"Show me the cold," urged Fast. "Go on."

So she did. Tabitha moved her hands in a slow spiral like the whirling waters of the elemental, then raised them up, forming a glittering snowflake of energy. With a yelp of surprise, she threw the glowing mote away to smother itself in the waters, gone in an instant. "Oh look! I did it!"

Fast smiled a little. "You most certainly did. Now, practice that. I'm sure it'll come in handy, especially if we encounter beasts that dislike the touch of cold."

Tabitha practiced her new trick, learning how to hurl the little snowflake as one would a ball to a friend, though this wasn't a ball to be caught in joviality, as she found when she tossed it to Paul. It turned the flesh it touched a bright blue a moment and he spent the next few minutes being irate at her, but he wasn't hurt too badly by the little cold spark.

"Sorry, I didn't realize." Tabitha shrugged a little. "But good to know. That won't stop an angry bear."

"Are you callin' me a bear now?"

She shrugged softly. "And why not? You're big, strong, and kinda hairy. You look like a fine bear to me."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     65 - River Ahead                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
After many days of sailing and keeping the local fauna at bay, they and their raft came within view of the river that separated the pony lands from others. Its spotting brought great excitement to the group. Fast sat up and pointed at it. "There it is. The end of our water travel's in sight. We cross that, and we're back on our hooves."

Paul chuckled softly at that. "Not sure if that's better or worse. Wish we still had our horses with us."

Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Can you imagine trying to keep them calm and settled on the raft this long, or how to handle them when they relieve themselves? No, we're probably better off on this trip without them however useful they'd be."

Tree looked confused. "Why wouldn't they... you know, like we do?"

Fast let out a little chuckle. "Horses are not as clever as ponies, and know little of propriety. Unless specifically trained, they will go when they feel they must, and not give another thought to it. Tabitha's right, it would have made this trip much more unbearable. I suppose the Author had it work out the way it must." She moved to claim an oar and get to paddling. "The sooner we're on to the next leg of this journey, the happier I'll be. I'm useless on this little thing."

Paul slapped her across her armored withers. "You're a lot of things, Fast, but useless isn't one of them. I don't want to cross arms with that lance of yours. Did you see the look on that sahuagin's face when you punched a hole through it?"

Maud nodded softly. "Even on this raft, you're a very experienced fighter." She took the other paddle, keeping the raft on course and pushing for the river. "I'm excited too." She sounded as she always did. "I prefer standing on rocks, dirt if we have to."

Tree reached down to the water, letting her hoof trail through it a moment. "It's not so bad. The lake has an aura all of its own. I don't know its song that well, but it's singing it anyway, a real radical tune." She turned to face the center of the lake, endless water to the horizon. "I feel it's stronger, and terrifying there. It's a good thing we're not going that way."

Fast raised a brow. "If we weren't tasked with a mission, that may be exactly where I'd want to go, as an adventurer. Where you feel danger, that's often the call of excitement and opportunity, if you don't get killed."

Paul turned his head towards the water. "Eh, I may be a real adventurer and all that, but I think I'll skip that fer now if it's all the same."

Tabitha grinned a little. "Afraid of a little water?"

"Afraid of a lot of water, and, I don't know, maybe something big enough to eat this raft and not notice it." He rolled a large hand. "No point pokin' trouble unless we're ready, which we ain't. What do you plan to do, throw snowflakes at it?"

Fast tilted her head. "Afraid I have to side with Paul on this. We're woefully unprepared to go crossing blades with anything living in the depths of a lake this huge. But being prepared..." Her tail began to swish. "It'd be something worth telling stories about, for sure, if we could pull it off."

Tree smiled gently. "You're in far better spirits, Fast. It's great to see you shining like you should."

Fast colored a little. "I'm an adventurer... Apparently that's part of my spirit, even if I avoided it a few times."

"Lay it on us." Tree rolled a hoof. "Tell us about it. I want to hear about how you weren't an adventurer."

Fast took a slow breath. "It's the damndest thing. When I was 'living' the vision, I only saw bits, snatches... It became much more clear over time. Are you sure you want to hear? Some of it gets rather violent. In fact, why don't I start with a nice one?"

Tabitha nodded quickly. "Start with the nice one then. I want to hear this too!"

Fast nodded. "Alright then. There was this one time I was born without the adventuring spirit. I didn't even have my usual brand of destiny. My mane was a much deeper red, and I was involved with the government." She waved into the distance. "This was early, as in years after the Battle of Bones."

"What was that?" Tree tilted her head. There wasn't a single soul on the raft besides Fast that had any idea what that might be.

She sighed softly. "Let's just stick to 'A really long time ago'. We're talking hundreds of years at this point. So, anyway, the Queen had just recently become the true empress, and I was on her side, as I always was. She wanted to make a university for adventurers, where they'd learn how to be good people, besides learning how to stay alive. She really wanted to emphasize that first part, and I accepted. I was the drill sergeant." She smiled. "I may have picked up some of her habits, from that life. It stuck with me. I press hard, but only because I want to see the people around me grow, and survive."

Paul put a hand over where he'd taken a nasty lance wound during sparring. "Damn right you do... But thanks. I'd rather take a few licks from you than one in a real fight."

Fast sat up and extended one of her hooves, doing the little twist to get the spike at the end to spring free. "She really favored these. She loved getting in and personal with the hoof claws. Anyway, I taught and instructed many classes there. I never went out looking for treasure, even though my brand said I should. It was a damn treasure chest! But instead of looking for those chests myself, I spent most of my life protecting the Queen, and instructing others how to find their own chests." She gave a wistful smile. "She died satisfied and content. Unlike many of my other lives, it was in her bed, with a few friends closeby, wishing her well on her next journey." She ran a fetlock over her eyes, a few tears escaping. "It was very nice, really."

Maud tilted her head a little. "Do you remember everything?"

Paul nodded. "Right, can't imagine that not be confusin' as all get out."

Tree rolled a hoof. "I'm more amazed that you remember that much. It blows my mind to think you have so many past lives so close. That's far out, sister. You are truly blessed."

Fast raised a brow. "Blessed?"

"Totally!" Tree sat up. "Even the bad ones. Each is full of lessons. Each is full of you. All the mistakes, and all the good parts, you can remember them. You can totally learn from them."

Fast frowned softly. "Why would I be given a blessing for defying the gods?"

Maud let go of the paddle, which Paul grabbed hastily. Maud trotted over and poked the crown in Fast's saddlebag. "You're doing what they asked. You're not very good at defying them."

Fast burst into a light laughter. "You're right about that. I'm terrible at this, except that one time..."

Tree raised a hoof. "Which they forgave. You told us, she reminded you of who you were. She wasn't harshing on you, she just wanted her happy and brave pony back. You're so much nicer to be around this way." She gave a slow nod. "No Fast Shadow, present, past, or future, should be dying alone like that. That was wrong. Let's not do it again."

Fast rubbed behind her head. "Will I keep on remembering? I can't imagine every life being like this. It's... It's good, I suppose... I needed it to fix things right now, but I don't think I can be... me just right if I have to keep reliving all of this every time. It's not natural."

Tree rose to her hooves and stepped up to Fast, reaching out to put a hoof on her head. "Things will work out just the way they should. Have faith, my sister. We're doing exactly what we should."

Fast felt the need to laugh return and let it free in a musical noise. "Are you sure you don't bow to The Author? That felt right out of her prayer book." She waved a hoof. "Fine fine. I won't worry about future lives. Let's focus on the here and now, alright? You sorry lot say you're happy having me at your helm? Fine. I'll do that, but remember, you asked for it." She rose up and touched her nose to Tree's. "Let's see this ride through."

Tree smiled, then inclined her head towards Maud, and Fast moved to give her a gentle nose bump before Tabitha got in on the action, kissing Fast on her broad snout. "I'm glad to be here, even if was under terrible circumstances."

Paul waved from where he was tending the oar. "Just pretend I'm giving a manly hug right about now. Hey, we're getting off center."

Maud hurried over to the other abandoned oar and the raft evened out.

Fast felt a presence on her head and looked up to see Bright looking down at her. She smiled gently at him. "You too, friend. We'll see this through."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                66 - Guardian of the River                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The river grew larger by the hour as the current began to turn against them the closer they came to it, trying to shove them not only back away from the river but out into the lake. Their rowing became all the more intense, manically combatting the  forces of the water beneath them, trying to drag them away from their goal.

Paul heaved at his oar and winced at the creaking it made. "We're going to end up losing them at this rate."

Fast nodded. "I don't think you're off on that. Make for the shore, damn the forest. We've got to get on land while we have the option.

Tree lifted a hoof. "Should I get to dragging?"

"Yes, yes!" Fast waved at her. "Get on it. We need to beach and get off this raft before the oars give out, then the raft itself."

Maud pushed powerfully, too powerfully, and the oar cracked with a loud splintering noise, leaving her with a stick with no hope of reaching the bottom of it. "We may be in trouble."

Tree dove into the water as she changed mid-air. Slimy suckers attached to the raft as she began tugging it towards the shore as best she could, barely managing a precious inch with every pull and strained motion.

Fast grabbed her lance in her mouth and twisted it free of the rack it was secured in. A curious makeshift oar, she shoved it deep into the water and pushed with Paul, gaining against the crushing current bit by precious bit.

Tabitha clapped her hands. "We're getting there! Keep at it!" As if cheering with her, Bright gave a loud screech of a caw, flapping his wings from atop Tabitha's shoulder. "You heard him, put your back into it!"

Maud raised a brow at Tabitha. "I think they're doing what they can. Do you have another oar?"

She raised her shoulders. "'Fraid not. I don't know any spells that'd help." She crouched down by the edge of the raft. "What else could I do, paddle?"

"Every bit counts." She moved to do as she preached, using her hoof as a paddle for what little it was worth. Seeing her efforts, Tabitha shoved a hand into the chilly waters and got to trying to help with Maud. Every member of the party save Bright was doing their best to get the raft to the side.

In time, they succeeded, being pushed away from the mouth of the river, but touching the edge of the forest. Fast threw her head towards it. "Everyone off. We'll have to hike the rest."

Tabitha put her hands on her hips. "There's nothing wrong with the raft."

Maud stepped free of it and turned back to face her. "If you want to carry it."

Paul was next off. "Thanks fer makin' it, but I ain't gonna be the one t'haul it to where we'll need it next."

Fast slammed her lance back into place and moved for the edge. "Come on. We'll get you something nice for it when we're back in civilization."

Tabitha stepped off with a sigh. "It's the first boat I ever made..."

Tree popped out of the water and flopped onto land limply before becoming a panting pony. Without her anchoring it, the raft drifted away, leaving Fast to hop free last and join them.

"I said not one step."

All eyes turned to see the graceful motions of a deer approaching them. "Not one."

Tree rolled up to her belly quickly. "Please, we meant no harm. We couldn't go further by water. We mean no harm."

She made a motion of her hoof. "I have no choice, I must expel you." She began to weave runes in the air. The faintest smile touched her snout. "Get back to the pony realm, where you belong."

Tree stood up quickly, tail swaying. "You'd do that? You truly are a righteous m--doe."

She tilted her head lightly. "At least one." The magic left her hooves and the forest rushed at them. They all felt like they were falling from a very large tree, until they were dropped roughly at another beach. The river roared just before them, but they were not at or in a forest. There was a single tree beside them, but it was mostly clear.

Fast was first on her hooves, circling quickly. "We seem to be alone. Who was that, Tree Hugger?"

Paul pushed up to his feet. "That's what I'd like t'know. What even was that? A talking deer?"

Tabitha shrugged, still sitting. "We're traveling with a bunch of magic ponies, why would a talking deer be stranger?"

Tree smiled gently. "Nothing odd about talking deer. I saw her on the other side of the forest. She asked us not to go into the forest, and I tried my best... She's a lot nicer than the other protectors we ran into, harshing our buzz."

"Possibly."

Fast shook her head. "She didn't hurt us. I'm not sure where we are exactly, but if I have north figured out." She turned slowly and pointed. "That puts the river to our east, which means we're past it, and that's a huge relief."

Maud nodded. "You're good at making friends, Tree Hugger. That's the second time you've met a druid and they helped us."

Tree waved it off. "We're all parts of the same orchestra." She gave a wistful smile. "I wanted to hear her song. She seemed sad and alone. I really think she'd be happier out of that forest." She put a hoof to her chest. "Blessings, protector of the forest. I hope we get to sing together one day."

Bright landed on Tree's head. "Possibly."

Fast turned away from the river. "Alright, since we're all here and in one piece? This is our goal. We head west. We'll hit the desert first. Tree, you're going to be very important, again. You can make water and keep us from melting in the sun, right?"

Tree sat and raised her forehooves, giving a little melodic cry that caused a small cloud to appear over them all, sprinkling gently.

"Perfect." Fast smiled. "With you at our side, the desert has little to use against us, besides what lives in it. We'll get to Murrage and join a caravan there to get to the core of pony lands."

Paul looked curious even as he checked over his backpack. "Murrage? That hardly sounds like a pony town."

Fast shook her head. "It isn't. It's a city, home of the purrsians. Good people, so long as you remember they value money above all else. Come on, let's put some distance between ourselves and this river before the sun comes down."

Maud moved to trot along Fast as they began to get hiking. "Will I be useful?"

Fast tilted her head. "There was a doubt? You're easily my equal in battle, you keep a calm head, and you take decisive action. Tree will keep us safe from the elements, but when the denizens of the desert show up, it'll be our job to keep the party safe."

Paul flexed an arm, hiking a thumb at himself. "Me too, right? Don't forget I know how to use this thing on my back."

Fast waved a hoof. "I didn't forget, but I also didn't forget you're still learning. You've made great strides, considering how long you've been in the game." She canted her head lightly. "A literal trial by fire at times..."

Paul shrugged. "I heard once that a smart man knows that he'll never know anything."

Tree strolled up on the other side of him. "Woah, man, that's seriously deep. I grok completely."

Tabitha rubbed one arm with the opposing hand. "So we're close to the pony lands, right?"

"That we are." Fast peeked over her shoulder. "It's up to you if you want to present yourself as a human or a satyr. A pair of boots and a cloak could hide your extra parts, if you care to, or just be open about it if it doesn't bother you that much."

Tabitha frowned a little as she scuffed the ground with a shark-hide clad hoof. "I'm not going to hide from ponies. Do they not like satyrs?"

Fast shrugged as she walked. "Some like them more than others. Most just never saw one, so they'll be surprised, but it's not as if you aren't traveling in good company, hmm?"

Paul swatted at Tabitha's side. "Be proud of what you are, pony princess, though you may want to chill out on the princess part until you earn it."

Tree nodded slowly. "He's right. You may step on hooves if you make a lot of noise about being in charge of them." She smiled up at Tabitha. "We're used to it."

"You just put up with me?" Tabitha pouted a little.

Maud shook her head with a slow blink. "We like you."

"Oh."

The conversation faded to a comfortable silence as they put the river behind them. Tabitha gave a little smile. "You were right though."

"Who was?" Paul glanced towards her.

Tabitha pointed at Fast. "Fast was. The raft did its part. I shouldn't be sad about that. It's not like it was alive..."

Fast clucked her tongue. "Too right. It was your effort that should be remembered, and will be." She turned and walked backwards a little awkwardly. "I shudder to think how our journey would have gone without even one of you. We've all held keys to pushing forward, and that's not me just making things up."

Tree inclined an ear. "It was, like, karma, pushing us all together to where we needed to be. Destiny, right?"

Be it karma or something else, they found a little copse between two large rocks where Tree created the illusion of a hardy shrub that concealed them. The lake and its horrors were behind, and the desert beckoned to them ahead.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     67 - When in Rome                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
A day later, hiking through the warm and increasingly warmer sun as the ground become more and more dry, they spotted a force approaching.

Though Fast readied for battle, that readiness faded abruptly as she saw the colors being flown and the cut of the ponies that made up the band. "Imperialists! Praise the sun! I wouldn't have guessed that."

They marched in strict lines, each the same distance from one another as they made their way towards the group. At their front was a black-furred pegasus in gold or brass armor, much like the rest. He led them silently until they came close enough to speak, held up a hoof, and his entire group of ready-looking ponies came to a halt. "Fast Shadow, we had given you up for dead, and here you are, where few ponies would care to be." He held up a hoof towards himself. "I am Rome Silvanus, loyal to the Queen and not her pretenders. I trust your loyalties remain steadfast?"

Paul looked over the armored ponies. "Who in hell are these folk, Fast?"

Fast waved it off gently. "One moment, Paul. Yes, it's me, Fast Shadow. I'm not dead yet, and I have something of great interest for the empire."

"Oh? You had my curiosity, then stole my interest. What do you have?" Rome stepped forward, ears upright and directed at her before he paused. "I'm getting ahead of myself. This is no place to exchange information. Fall into formation and we'll return to camp. The area has been secured as best as we can and we can speak freely." He turned away. "I trust you have no objection to this?"

They fell in with the soldiers and began marching. Tabitha moved beside Fast. "You didn't mention you were famous or anything like that. Wait, does him being here mean we're in pony lands officially now?"

Fast shook her head. "I'm surprised to see him this far afield. They must be up to something if they'd come this way. I doubt we'll find out what until we're where he feels ready to speak. As for being famous, I was a mercenary of some renown, and not shy about being in favor of the Queen's time on the throne. Of course, at the time, I thought I was remembering long past times, now I can remember it quite clearly. Throws a new light on things."

Maud tilted her head slowly. "But you were there when she died, and before she became a Queen. How does no one remember you?"

Fast raised a brow. "That's a fine question, but I'm getting the idea the answer involves gods, at least one in particular. As she writes it, so it is, even if she decides to re-use a character." She clucked her tongue. "I'm not sure if that's a blessing or a curse. To be honest, I won't be too upset if my next go around is blissfully ignorant of this."

One of the soldiers strayed close to Tabitha. "Excus--"

"Back in file," barked Rome, glancing back at them with a scowl that sent the soldier quickly hustling back to his position. "Sorry for the interruption."

Tree looked around slowly as they marched. "So, he knows you, but do you grok him? Are you two friends?"

"Never met him," confessed Fast. "But he has the look of someone on the right side of this, so I want to hear what he has to say."

They came into a large camp. Ponies were sharpening weapons, repairing and polishing armor, and generally performing the tasks that kept such a large camp operating in the first place. Rome held up a hoof, stopping his men. "Alright, disperse. Follow standard schedule for duties. I'll be in my tent. We may be making a move, so be ready. Dismissed!"

With the sound of dozens on dozens of ponies saluting in armor, they scattered through the camp, leaving Rome to his guests. "If you'll follow me, kindly."

They followed him to a tent that looked much like the others. Tabitha eyed it skeptically as they approached. "Doesn't look like the leader's tent to me. It's not any bigger at all."

"Good." Rome glanced back at her. "They won't know where to focus their assassinations. I don't need a tent larger than this." He brushed open the flap of the tent with a hoof. "Head in. I wasn't raised in a barn, guests first."

Tree tipped her head at her guest. "Blessings."

"And blessings to you." Rome quirked an ear. "What god do you call to?"

Tree slipped inside with the others, carried in the traffic. "I listen to the song of the trees, of nature itself. I guess you could say I worship that."

"Possibly."

"But I like the Sun Queen, and she's been truly radical for me."

"Then we are well met." Rome stepped inside, letting the flap close behind. "May the Sun Queen smile on a new empire, stronger than the one before. Not to besmirch the name of the Queen, may she rest in peace."

Paul glanced around the spartan tent. "Right, well, name's Paul, nice to meet you...?"

"Rome Silvanus." Rome sat down beside a desk. He looked to Tabitha. "And you?"

Tabitha sank in a curtsey without toppling. "Tabitha, m'lord."

Rome raised a brow. "Not a lord yet, and may never be, but thank you." He turned his gaze towards Tree Hugger.

She raised a hoof. "Tree Hugger."

"There's a name that speaks true. And last, but I wager not least?"

"Maud Pie."

Rome nodded. "All in the company of Fast Shadow, one of the few Seekers willing to charge directly into the human lands in search of what could cure the empire's woes. Well, did you find it?"

Fast pulled open the flap of her saddlebag with her snout and soon had the crown drawn free. Rome's eyes widened. "By the gods. I'm no incanter, and even I can feel its import." He held out a hoof. "Let me examine it."

She drew the crown close. "I've been given this task by the gods themselves. They've made it clear I'm to see it to the rightful Queen, or King. I'll do just that."

Rome frowned at her. "Don't get ahead of yourself. We fight on the same side, and you are not an agent of her army. Allow me to inspect it."

Before an answer could be given, the wall to the left ripped open as a blade cut through it, revealing a trio of ponies in black that pushed in quickly and quietly aside from the noise of tearing cloth.

Rome made a motion to shout for help, but no noise escaped him at all. All sound vanished from around them. The fight was on. He drew a blade along with Paul, moving to engage the interlopers even as Fast stuffed away the crown.

The ponies seemed to have an interest in Fast and pressed for her, but neither Paul nor Rome were ready to allow that, intercepting two of them with wild swings. The other charged for Fast as Tabitha tried her magic. Like Tree, she was powerless to cast in the quieted area. Unlike them, Bright Feather needed no words to dive at the assailing pony and drive his stone-hard beak into an exposed skull with a strike that surely would have been loud if hadn't been silenced.

The blow was delay enough to turn Fast around, lance brought to bear at her side. With a silent cry, she met her attacker in a spirited charge. The pony rolled off to the side in an agile motion and came up with a dagger in its mouth that skidded across her thick armor  in a shower of sparks. Not one to be ignored, Bright kept up his attack on the pony, driving talons and beak into the pony in the midst of what may have been a rousing duel, wearing down the attacker.

Rome drove his blade into the cloth of one of the silent attackers, revealing metal underneath. Paul came down with his heavy blade, knocking the pony back, and catching a dagger across the arm in return. It burned as whatever it was coated in seared through his veins in a hot rush.

Throwing herself at them suddenly, Tree entered the fray as a bear, driving at one of the silent attackers with great, if quiet, paws and gnashing teeth suited just as well for gutting a fish as it was prying apart their metal armor.

The pony facing Fast ducked around her lance and came up, slicing her saddlebag with his blade and sending its contents, along with the crown, scattering across the floor. The pony dove for them, just to catch Fast's hoof as she caught his head between herself and the sandy floor. She drove downward, crushing the would-be thief with a silent snarl.

The other two attackers backed away suddenly before vanishing from whence they came, simply disappearing.

"Damn." Rome frowned. "They must have teleported, or we'd still be silent." He turned on Fast. "Is that one still alive?"

"Afraid not." Fast stepped off the pony even as she scooped her crown back up from the floor. "He underestimated how much I planned to keep this."

Rome waved a hoof. "You did nothing wrong, but questioning them would have been useful. Tree Hugger, I'm guessing based on your name, but you are a druid, are you not?"

"Totally." She moved for Paul. "Hold still." She banished his wounds with a soft whisper to nature.

Tabitha shook her head quickly. "That was just terrible. I couldn't do anything!"

Fast tucked the crown on the other side of her saddlebag. "Oldest trick in the book. Silence spell. It was probably cast on one of the two that ran away."

Rome grunted softly. "It seems even my camp isn't assured safety, but where is, in these troubled times? I'll have a fresh set of bags brought for you.  It's more important now than ever that you succeed in your task. Where do you plan to go? The closer you get to the heart of the empire, the more resistance you may face."

Fast's expression soured. "Why? I'm getting them another queen, damn it all. They should be celebrating, not sending assassins."

Rome chuckled softly. "Some would rather keep their petty powers, to say nothing of the pretenders..."

Fast shook her head slowly. "Bring us up to speed on what's been going on while I struggled to fetch this."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    68 - Call to Action                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
A pony worked diligently to patch the hole in the side of the tent as Rome examined a map spread over his desk. "I'm sorry you've been greeted like this. If you can believe it, it used to be more common. There's a reason I don't wear that many identifying marks or decorate my tent." He waved a hoof. "Bloodsuckers." The hoof came down in a thump on the desk. "Ponies that would rather clutch to their tiny shreds of power than allow the whole of the nation to heal and thrive." His eyes swept back and forth. "Where's the quiet one?"

Maud was nowhere to be seen, for she was not there.

Elsewhere, two agents appeared in darkness. "That went poorly."

The other nodded back, but paused. "Do you hear something?"

The ground beneath them exploded upwards as Maud burst free between them. As they gawked at her in surprise, she brought down a hoof on the one to the left, slamming him to the sandy earth. The other shrank away, then vanished even as she moved over the would-be assailant and pinned him to the ground. "You're coming with me."

Maud heard a crunch as the pony gritted his teeth, loosening something in his mouth.  She smashed his face with a hoof hard enough to knock the object free, disrupting his attempt to poison himself. "Alive." There was enough to make him queasy and weak, but not enough to end his life quickly. Maud hefted him up and draped the weakened and dizzy pony onto her back, trotting back towards the tent she started from.

Other soldiers gaped at her. "Do you need help with that?" asked one, but she shook her head quietly and marched on.

Back in Rome's tent, the others looked around for Maud, but there was little sign of where she might have gone but a small hole in the ground. Paul shook his head. "No way she bloody made that. Somethin' else must have grabbed her and pulled her under!"

Tabitha put her hands on her hips. "Then we have to go rescue her, like now!"

Fast circled around the hole. "How did she even fit through it? It looks barely large enough to contain her."

The sound of the flap being disturbed turned their gazes swiftly to see Maud step in with one of the figures in black over her back. "I caught one."

Rome clopped his forehooves together. "Fast, you choose your companions well! Maud was it? Set the wretch down here." He pointed close to himself. "I'll have some of my men apply a little 'creative' diplomacy to get some words out of him."

Though weak and sick, the pony found the strength to snort. "Bloody imperialists. You sink to torture quick enough for being so 'high-minded'."

Maud dumped him where requested. "You could just talk to us."

"As if you'd believe me even if I wanted to."

Maud raised a brow. "I know liars. Tell me the truth."

Tree nodded at him. "Tell us and we'll let you go."

Rome snorted. "By what command? You're not in charge here, druid. Mind your limits."

Fast raised a hoof. "Don't be hasty. No, we should let him go." She leaned in. "If he talks. Of course, his friends probably won't like him after that, so, were I him, I'd go retire somewhere far away and leave these messy politics to less sane ponies." She reached forward and tapped the pony on his masked face. "We'll even leave this on you, if you start singing."

Rome looked irate, but kept his counsel to himself. His eyes turned to the map of the empire, but an ear kept trained on the exchange.

Maud crossed her forelegs. "My word is my bond. I don't lie."

"That a fact?" The pony sank a little. "Can you get a dying pony a drink?"

Tree approached with worry in her eyes. "Are you hurt?" Her gentle hooves pat down the stallion, easily finding where their scuffle had left him bloodied, some even from her own temporary claws and teeth. "Be still and relax. Let the goodness in." She sang a soft song of nature, green magic rushing into him and leaving him sprawled over the ground, but quickly healing for it. "You'll be alright."

The pony laughed a little bitterly. "That won't fix poison, but thank you."

Maud tilted her head. "You didn't swallow much. Will you talk to us?"

"I'll be dead either way." He looked to the ground. "At least this way I'm doing my part."

Fast set a hoof on his shoulder. "I know that feeling. I understand where you're coming from entirely, but your story isn't done yet. You may feel hedged in a corner, but there's always another way." She sat on her haunches. "We mean to make things better, for all of ponykind. We'll find its rightful ruler. Isn't that worth fighting for?"

Paul shrugged. "Hey. Just calling you 'you' is gettin' old. You have a name?"

He closed his eyes a moment. "Quiet Step."

Fast smiled a little. "Well, Quiet Step, nice to meet you. Now how about we work together and make the world just a little better?"

"You won't succeed."

"But I'll try." Fast nodded slowly. "We're all ready to try. That's all anyone can ask from us."

He gave a single rough laugh. "There's a truth to that... Fine, you want to know? We've been hiding with Silvanus' men for months, waiting for anything that'd threaten our employer, then you came along, and we did what we were paid to do." He snorted softly. "We tried... I doubt she will be as kind to us as you are."

Rome leaned forward over his desk. "Are there others?"

"Just... one. You killed the other, besides me, and you have me." He licked over his lips. "Time to die?"

Fast shrugged softly. "You did what we asked. Does your employer have a name?"

"Not one she shared with us. You know how that works."

Tree shook her head. "Can't say I do, man."

Rome waved a hoof. "It's exactly for this situation. He can't say what he doesn't know. What would you have me do with him, turn him out and wish him the best?"

Tree smiled placidly. "That'd be nice." She put a hoof on him. "See, we're keeping our promise."

Rome stiffened. "I meant that sarcastically, but fine, if you are certain he's said what he can... Wait..." He glared down at the limp pony. "Where would you have met your would-be employer?"

"The next time we stopped at a town near the railway, we were to send a missive."

Rome held out a hoof. "Good, give me the seal you would have used."

"Can't."

"Why not?" Rome frowned.

"I wasn't the one that'd write the missives." He pointed to the blood stain on the floor. "That was his job."

Rome nodded. "We'll recover it from his body. Shame, he would be the one to know how to address it, but we'll take what we can get." He tapped his hooves gently. "Of course, setting you out here is almost as good as any death sentence. The desert is hardly hospitable, and you're ill-equipped for the journey."

The would-be thief shrank on the floor, curling a little. "You were just mocking me with the idea of living."

Rome tapped the desk. "There is another way. You served as my soldier once. These people have reminded me, perhaps we can still learn and grow. Take off your mask, let me see who has betrayed me, and then you can start working off your crimes."

"W-what? You'll keep me?"

"Prove you're worth keeping." He pointed at the pony. "Start with admitting the truth. Who are you?"

The room became silent for a moment. Maud leaned in. "The truth is better."

The pony smiled up at her, slowly sitting up. "Is it now? I suppose... I've trusted you before, Silvanus, sir..." He brought his hooves up to the bottom of his mask and pulled it free with a rough wrench, throwing it aside and revealing his dark-grey fur and ashen mane. "I'm sorry, sir."

"Timothy?!" Rome scowled. "I wouldn't have expected, but maybe I should have, with such an unusual name. So, is Quiet Step your true name?"

Timothy sighed softly. "The one given by my parents, sir."

Rome shook his head. "Well we won't be having that. Pick a name to stand by." He leveled a hoof at Timothy. "I'll not have soldiers with code names unless they're a spy, and you aren't going to be one of those anymore, are you?"

"No sir." He smiled a little. "Timothy's the name I picked to be your soldier, sir. Can I keep it?"

Tabitha slid up beside Fast. "You sure this'll work out?"

Fast nodded quickly. "It's about time we started acting like ponies. Rome?"

Rome looked up from his conversation with Timothy. "Hmm?"

"We should probably get moving."

Rome scowled. "I should think not. At least let us see you past the desert. The destabilization of the empire has had effects everywhere. You'd swear even the monsters can smell the chaos and have redoubled in number and ferocity." He sank with a sigh. "I pray the Sun Queen smiles on both of our paths, and that you may set that crown on the right head one day, but until then, at least past the desert."

All eyes in the room turned on Fast to make the decision and she shook her head slowly. "Very well, but traveling with a whole military detachment will win us no favors as we reach more civilized lands. I don't need that kind of reputation. I'm an adventurer, gods blast it, not a soldier."

Rome laughed at that, "We could change that, if you were of the mind for it."

Fast turned away. "Pass, but thank you. Come on, everyone, we'll set up camp inside theirs. For now, we're guests of Sir Silvanus here."

As they filtered out, Rome gestured for Tabitha to stay behind. "You're a curious case. Paul's obviously human, but you're not so easy to identify." He gestured at her tail and up at her ears. "What are you, if I can be so blunt?"

"I'm a pony satyr," replied Tabitha with a smile. "I hope that isn't a problem?"

"No, no it isn't." He shrugged. "I won't blame a woman for her parents having interesting tastes."

Tabitha huffed. "More like grandparents or further, sir."

"Oh?" Rome tilted his head faintly. "All the more reason then. So, which do you fancy yourself, human, or pony?"

Tabitha looked uncertain a moment. "I'd like... I'm not sure, sir."

He waved dismissively. "You'll need to decide, but not today. Go on, your friends are waiting for you."




//-------------------------------------------------------//
                69 - Out of the Frying Pan                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The entire camp packed up over the next day and began hiking deeper into the desert. Their guests were kept towards the interior as the rest of the band surrounded and attempted to protect them. What they were being protected from became clear before the first day had passed.

As promised, the forces of the desert had awoken, and when great beetles weren't rising to greet them, creatures made of fire would emerge from the air itself, battering against their lines. Though told to stay back from the fighting, watching the soldiers fight for them didn't sit well with most of them.

Fast fought alongside them, joined swiftly by Paul in bringing heavy metal to help end the battles and save the lives of those same soldiers.

Joining their medical staff, Tree Hugger became a well-known agent of mercy and care, soothing the pains of those brought to her, while Bright became the agent of her fury, swooping down into battle with a seeming lack of fear. Even when battered out of the sky, he could rise again, glowing the same green as his master's magic, and be ready to rejoin the soldiers in their struggle.

Maud seemed to feel no urge to rush ahead, instead she stayed close to Tree Hugger, which seemed a waste of her talents, but she would not be dissuaded from her task.

Tabitha reported to Rome and made a salute as she'd seen other soldiers do. "Reporting for duty! How can I help?"

Rome looked her over. "Don't salute. A civilian doing that to a soldier is just rude. Now, you tell me, what can you do?"

"I can... understand things, and hypnotize things, and throw ice balls at people?" She sounded unsure of her talents even as she said them, swaying a little in place and starting to look around and not at Rome.

Rome raised a brow. "Are we talking large ice balls that can kill a pony?"

Tabitha colored. "Not... exactly, but I want to help! Oh! I can make lights! Maybe I can send messages?"

Rome clopped his hooves. "Now you're talking, at least during the evening hours. Go speak to Evening Watch. He'll show you the signals and you'll work with him to keep things running smoothly."

She bowed and ran off to do just that, even as she swore to learn more practical and flashy magic. "I have to get better than this if they're ever going to trust me to do anything."

Her talents as a light messenger weren't called on very often, and she spent the time instead practicing the spells she had, or trying to get in touch with 'the pony inside'. She drew the most odd looks when she was caught on all fours in an awkward stance that humans have when trying to stand that way that proved they were bipeds, not quadrupeds, like their pony neighbors.

One stallion, bored or adventurous or some combination, wandered towards her as she ambled about. His eyes rested on her and her upraised backside. "Are you offering, ma'am?"

It took a moment for her to grasp exactly what he had suggested and it sent her scrambling to her booted hooves, upright and glaring at the stallion. "I should think not!"

After that, her exercises on all fours diminished considerably, but her attempts to improve herself did not.

She was not one of Rome's soldiers, so when the desert flung terrible beasts at them, she inched forward close to the battle and let loose bright bolts of energy. They would not turn the tide of any conflict, but it was practice, and surely better than nothing at all, or so she decided.

"Goliath!" The soldier's cry echoed out only moments before the sand before the band parted to reveal the huge form of some massive desert beetle. Its eyes settled on them swiftly with a mindless hunger and it advanced on them with quick skittering and gnashing mandibles. Every step made the sand shudder with its weight as it bore down on them with all the intensity and size of an enraged elephant.

It crashed into the soldiers and plowed through them like a wave crashing over the sands and seemingly just as unable to be stopped by the first few grains that would dare to oppose it, leaving trampled ponies behind it in its wake.

Rome emerged from the crowd, sword clutched in his mouth. "To arms! We'll not be beaten by this damnable place!"

His wings spread, Rome launched into the air, which became thick with other pegasus soldiers, ready and willing to battle the huge creature. Their bravery was not enough to dissuade it. With great swings of its massive horn, it knocked soldiers from the air, and it never stopped moving, making getting behind it difficult.

Fast rushed in from the left, and Paul from the right, trying to catch it between and keep it still for a moment. Though their weapons scored well, it returned the violence eagerly. Its great mandibles caught Paul and bit down on a leg as he tried to dance away, cruelly yanked him from his footing even as it tried to liberate him of the limb he clearly didn't require.

"Let him go!" Tabitha thrust her hands forward, energy blasting out between them in a small beam that struck the creature across the face.

It roared at the insult and abandoned Paul, wheeling on Tabitha and charging across the sand. She squealed in horror, turning to run, but it was bearing down on her too quickly.

Coming in like a grey bullet, Maud met the creature head on, smashing her face into its own with a sound that could be heard easily. "Leave her alone."

She would not have the glory that day, though she distracted the beast long enough for Tabitha to retreat. Even Maud could not prevent it from running wildly after the surprise ran out. Despite its tremendous bulk and strength, the constant jabs of flying soldiers, to say nothing of Fast's assaults and Maud's pummeling slowly drained the fight from it, until it collapsed in the sand, unmoving.

Tree settled beside Paul quietly and set a hoof on his chest. "It'll be alright."

Paul smiled at her. "With you here? I don't doubt it. Damn thing got me, can you put me back on me feet?"

Tree gently explored his front with a hoof as she sang her song of nature, calling to the trees, no matter how distant they were in the desert. The green force collected in Paul, but she had many more patients. "You'll be okay with time, but I have to keep going. Be strong, man."

Fast tracked down Tabitha with a light frown. "That was very brave, and stupid. What did you think would happen?"

Tabitha shrunk from the stern words. "I'm trying to help, to be a part of this team. I don't want to be a helpless princess."

Fast reached out, placing a hoof on Tabitha's shoulder. "It's not about charging into fights. Strike where you can make a difference, and don't leave yourself open like that. If it'd gotten you, you probably wouldn't be here to listen to me yell at you." She perked her ears up. "You know I care about you, right? I wouldn't care if you were just some human I knew nothing of."

"Yeah..."

"So, chin up. You are a part of this team." She patted Tabitha once and lowered that hoof down. "Tomorrow, we begin sparring. If you're so eager to be in the thick of things, you need to learn what that means, and how to handle it. Bring some pain tolerance and a readiness to learn. It'll be a long day." She turned away and trotted off, leaving Tabitha to wonder just what she had gained for herself.

Maud walked up shortly thereafter. "You look different."

Tabitha blinked at that. "Foolish?"

"No, different." Maud waved a hoof at her slowly. "You smell..." She leaned in, sniffing softly. "Like rocks. I like it."

Tabitha peered at Maud. "Like rocks? Are you sure it isn't like sand?" She waved around. "We have plenty of that to roll around in."

"No, definitely rock." Maud nodded once. "A solid granite."

Tabitha thanked Maud for her curious compliment and went off to consider it. She fetched a mirror to look over herself and thought she looked much the same, until she began to turn her gaze away from her face and reconsidering her entire form. She was a little different. A little.. rugged. She felt fit and strong. Not strong like Paul, more like...

"Granite."

She smiled a little and went off to track Maud down, finding her beside the medical tent. "Maud, do I really smell like stone?"

Maud nodded at her. "I wouldn't lie."

"Of course not." Tabitha waved it off quickly. "I'm just making sure. I think I feel it, the stone. Do you think it could be tied to the magic?"

Maud tilted her head slowly. "Could be. I don't know."

That was good enough for Tabitha. She hurried off and began considering rocks and stones, trying to reconcile them with princesses. A jewel was a stone, cut to a razor edge and made to shine. She could be like a jewel, could she not? Sharp and deadly to those that deserve it, but wonderful to behold to those of kinder nature. She reached into the sand, letting it fall through her fingers, feeling the individual grains and trying to find her new balance. She was sure it was there, waiting to be found.

Fast nodded to Maud, moving past her into the tent. "Tree? How are things in here?"

Tree turned to Fast with a little smile. "Hello Fast. Everyone's alright in here. If they made it to me, I made sure they were comfortable. Give them all a day or two and they'll be running around like they want to." She turned towards one particular light-furred stallion. "But not until then, dig it man?"

The stallion grunted softly with obvious annoyance, but didn't argue it further.

Fast nodded. "You have a good handle on things in here. What about Paul?"

Tree pointed off to where Paul lay napping. "Considering he was a farmer so shortly ago, he did super well." She nodded softly. "It's beyond radical if you think about it."

Fast allowed a little smile. "I have the dubious fortune of being surrounded by very brave souls willing to leap from the pan into the fire on command." She looked to Tree with renewed focus. "Keep doing what you're doing. I feel safer with you back a little."

Tree frowned faintly. "I'm here because I'm needed, sister. If there weren't so many hurt ponies, I'd be helping just like Paul did."

Fast sighed, though her smile widened. "And getting bit just like him as well?"

"If that's what it takes, man." Tree nodded slightly. "I don't want to just watch ponies get hurt. Has Bright been good?"

Fast raised a rear leg, nudging the flap open. "Why not ask him yourself?"

Bright flew in as if invited and landed on Tree's head lightly. She looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Hey there, what's the good word, friend?"

"Good. Possibly."

Bright nodded slowly. "You're getting better. Such a clever bird. You'll learn how to lay down the words better than the rest of us before long."

Fast left Bright and Tree to catch up, running into Rome a few tents down. "Ah, Fast. Thanks for the assist on the bug." He rubbed behind his head with a hoof. "It seems we're just as good for each other. I doubt you'd want to have faced that alone."

"Surely not." Fast nodded. "Though it seems no one is protecting anyone out here. We're either fighting together, or dying together."

Rome nodded in kind. "My ponies are ready to do that, if need be. What of your friends? They all look... inexperienced, perhaps Maud aside, but I can't get a good read on her."

Fast snorted a bit of laughter. "If you could, you'd be better than most. They're willing to fight for the rest of us. I have confidence in their will, just fear for their ability. Is it alright to borrow some gear for sparring tomorrow? The human woman, Tabitha, needs to be run through the paces."

A brow raised. "I'll want to see that."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    70 - Into the Fire                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Tabitha was knocked over backwards as she tried to duck in close to Fast Shadow.

"Not bad." Fast shook her head. "You're learning the reach of my weapon. I'm far less dangerous up close, but I'm already too close for your comfort, as you can see. Get back up, we're making progress."

Tabitha did as she was told, wearing a scowl of determination.

Rome glanced aside at Maud, who was also watching the training. "Was she this rough with you?"

Maud tilted her head back at him. "We didn't spar much. She said I knew how to fight."

"That doesn't mean I don't want to." Fast danced aside as Tabitha tried to swat at her. "Stop that, it's unbecoming. You're a wizard, act like one and don't slap me unless your hands are ready to make me explode or something equally as impressive."

Rome chuckled softly. "I imagine her sparring time was taken up with the less experienced members of your party. How long have you ventured with her?"

Maud considered it. "Has it been a month? I lost track."

"Only a month?" replied Fast, sounding surprised and getting a light slap across the snout for it. "Tabitha, really?"

"A hit is a hit." Tabitha put her hands on her hips. "Maybe you should be the one practicing your dodges."

Rome burst into laughter. "Are you going to accept that from your student, Fast? She's showing you up quite well."

Fast advanced with a frown. Tabitha danced back only to trip over her still new hooves and land on her rump in the sand. With a sudden cry of frustration she flung some of the sand up at Fast, but it wasn't sand that struck home. The sand reformed into a barrage of razor-sharp rocks that sprayed Fast, stopping her advance instantly. "What in the name of the gods was that?!" She cried out as she staggered back, bleeding from several thin lines across her unprotected head, though her armor stood up to the abuse well.

Maud raised a hoof. "Those were rocks."

Tabitha scrambled upright in the sand. "You're not hurt, are you?"

"I dare say I am, a little." Fast smiled. "Very good. It seems you do have some magic besides little taps. That felt like real magic. Next time you're trying to put the hurt on something try that instead of that little light show you've been using."

Tabitha gestured at Fast. "Sure, that one doesn't hit so hard, but look."

Fast looked back at herself, then returned to Tabitha. "What am I seeing? Are you ready to teach me a lesson today?"

"I am." Tabitha smiled. "The spell only hit you where the armor didn't cover you. Against a real enemy, I'd have to aim a lot better than praying to the gods." She rolled a hand. "On the other hand, the 'light show' doesn't care where it lands. Where it hits, it hurts."

Fast sat herself on her haunches and brought up her hooves to clop them metallically on each other. "A very good observation. There's hope for you yet, Tabitha. Understanding your weapons and when to use them is a mark of a warrior that can be trusted in a fight."

Their sparring resumed, but not for long. Fast guided Tabitha to an open section of ground and set up a target for her to practice aiming at, and things transitioned to target practice.

The camp packed up and their trek resumed, pushing further into the desert. Rome strode towards the front of the line. "If we keep up the pace we're moving at, we should reach proper pony lands within the week, or at least escape this damned desert."

Tree looked around slowly as she walked. "There sure are a lot of protections for the pony kingdom."

"Protection..." Rome tilted his head. "I hadn't thought of it that way. It's true, from the south and east, we are well isolated, geographically."

Fast snorted softly. "For what good it does. They come in from the Northeast, through Kadiston and north from there."

Rome scowled a bit under his helmet. "To say nothing of the damned elves, working their fell magic from the west."

Maud inquired in her placid tone, "What did the elves do?"

"They took something that didn't belong to them." Rome snorted loudly. "To put it mildly. They snatched the magic of clouds from us, just when we were least able to do a damn thing about it, and most needed it. A people already scattered from the loss of their Queen, subjected to wild weather that their bravest weather ponies could do nothing about."

Fast inclined a brow. "Speaking of that. I notice you, and many of your soldiers, are pegasi. I thought they took off to get their cloud magic back."

"Most, not all." Rome marched with a frown for a moment. "Some of us remember our duty to the empire before our need for revenge. Our people aren't served by us taking flight across a damn ocean to strike at a foe of unknown strength when we're needed right here, protecting our fellow ponies."

They pushed forward, ascending to the top of a dune. A small band of ponies spotted them as they saw them in kind, but they fled before the presence of the military band. "Bandits, by the look of it," reported one of Rome's scouts. "Doubt they want to tangle with such a large force. Should we pursue?"

Rome waved it off. "Tempting, but we're on a mission. They'll have to wait for proper justice."

As they descended from the dune, the sky darkened to an ominous red color, like blood spreading across the sky. "By the gods." Rome thrust a hoof up. "Bloodfall, everyone, be ready."

Tree perked an ear at Rome. "What's a Bloodfall? Is it going to, like, literally rain blood on us? That's kind of radical."

"Would that it were so simple. It's an elemental bleed." Rome saw Tree's look of incomprehension and sighed. "It means we're going to be greeting demonic creatures. Be ready for battle."

Fast slid her helmet into place. "Have they been getting worse? You hardly sound surprised to run into one."

Before a reply could be supplied, the ground to the right rent asunder, sand pouring down into the gaping hole as creatures began to emerge, misshapen and menacing. With scrabbling claws and unearthly screeches, they charged as one for the pony procession, eager to do battle.

With a ready shout, the charge was met. Fast, Maud, and Paul were near the front of the counter-attack, crashing into the demonic gathering. Sword, lance, and hoof met toughened flesh. With their moans of tormented souls, they reached with bleeding arms and hungry teeth for the ponies. They didn't strike with individual strength, but there were plenty there to bring down soldiers in a mass of screeching hostility.

Rome dove in, sword swinging to free one of his ponies from one of the piles of demons. "Stay together, watch each other's backs. Use your brains and survive the day!" One of the gibbering creatures launched itself at Rome, only to catch several large rocks along the way, collapsing to the ground at his hooves. Rome nodded to Tabitha, even if he only knew what vague direction she was, and pressed into the battle.

Tree's ball of fire rested, forgotten at the side of the battle after she found the creatures seemed to care little about being burned. She had to fight claw to claw, with Bright hovering over her and lending what help he could.

For those that fell, the demons seemed to be quick to start dragging them back towards the rip in reality. While they struggled to heft up and move their pony victories, Paul was lighter than the ponies, and easier to cart off. When he was finally beaten down, the blood of many demons running along his massive blade, one hefted him up and ran, only to catch a blast of sharpened stones in the back and tumble forward. Paul struck the ground and awoke from the impact. "What?"

He was already sliding down with the sand towards the rip and started scrambling for the lip of the forming pit. With a roar of fury, he started gaining against the sand, practically flying across the edge of where the sand ran freely and running back towards the battle. Tree met him as he dove into battle and saw to the worst of his terrible wounds before they turned their attention back to their demonic host.

As if the horde were anchoring the rift with their sheer numbers, it began to shake and tremble with their defeat. Too many fell, and it began to seal with a great sucking sound, drawing the remaining demons back through to their home. Suddenly, it was calm. The sand was undisturbed as if nothing had happened, save for the shared pony, human, and demonic blood that was scattered across it.

"Attack!" The small band they had spotted before rode down on them suddenly, blades at the ready.

Rome turned to them, bloodied, but grinning. "After a demon horde? Come on, let's get a little cool down exercise." His soldiers cheered roughly, though the more injured stayed where they were.

"Take out the wizard!" Shouted one of them, galloping for Tabitha with two friends charging at either side.

Tabitha felt drained and tired. She was fairly certain she couldn't manage another massive stone attack, and they looked better armored than the horde of demons had, so she flung light at the leader and started running towards her allies.

Fast met him just as he rocked back from the sudden blast. The small pain of the pony princess' blast was quickly forgotten as enchanted steel slid effortlessly into his barrel. "You picked the wrong fight today." She kicked the skewed bandit leader free. "Any of you want to surrender?"

They didn't. Perhaps in part to not receiving a second chance. Rome's ponies descended on them in a wave of furious steel and hooves. The bandits were left for the sand to deal with. Rome gestured over the scattered bodies. "Take what's worth taking. Let's put some distance between us before we settle for some rest." He turned to address his soldiers. "You all served well today. This won't be the day Everglow falls to outsiders, demonic or otherwise." His words of encouragement were met with a returned cheer, and the journey officially resumed.

Tree moved up besides Maud. "Funny thing, for a little while I was really thinking about staying, but, man, I'm not sure I could handle this. I'm really looking forward to chilling out when this is all over. I need to decompress really bad." To her surprise, a leg went over her and she was pulled up close to Maud. No words were exchanged, but Tree smiled and closed her eyes, walking side-by-side with Maud. It wasn't as nice as going home, but it came close enough for the moment.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     71 - Cooling Off                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They pressed on through the desert. As if they had won the respect of the sun-blasted land, the attacks ebbed away. It was with relief that the first hooves began to set down on the dirty seeming ground that transitioned from sand to the grassy lands beyond. Soon they were surrounded by fields of grass in all directions.

Rome turned to Fast with a firm nod. "As promised, the desert is behind us. I plan to take my men west to the rail line and patrol south from there. Where are you bound, Fast Shadow?"

Fast glanced around. "It may be better if I didn't say. The fewer know, the fewer can get in the way." She snorted softly, raising her visor. "Know that we march for the return of the empire, and the protection of its people."

Rome turned away. "I can understand the logic. Know that some of her soldiers are still on the side of the Queen, may she rest peacefully. If you can find one worthy of sitting on the throne in her stead, that will truly be a task worthy of stories. Just don't foist a would-be on us and expect us to accept it."

Tree ambled over with a soft noise of meditation, only to pause as she drew closer. "Oh, hey. Sorry I can't stay and oversee all their chakras, but my path totally splits from yours about here." She raised a hoof. "Peace and blessings."

Rome burst into a short fit of laughter. "You've been one of the more curious healers we've had the pleasure of hosting. If you ever wanted to be a military healer, you'd have a home with us. But I imagine that won't be the case. Hmph, a druid military healer, basically doesn't exist."

He turned back to Fast. "Tell your other companions they all served well. God speed, and Queen smile on your choice when you make it."

The band of soldiers headed west, as he promised, with a few waves and calls of parting as they went, leaving Fast and her party to forge ahead on their own, though they didn't move until the military band was well out of sight. Paul shrugged softly. "Why are we just standing here?"

Fast tipped a hoof in the direction of the parted Rome. "We don't need to tell them what direction we went in. Just because we found some of his traitors, doesn't mean we found them all. We can't know. Unfortunately, the further we press, the more we get to worry about this sort of thing." She turned to the north and began walking, with the others soon falling in behind her. "We'll be carving a path through the plains. Fewer towns, for better or worse. We should be left alone, unless we run into centaurs."

Tabitha gasped at the word. "Centaurs?! You have centaurs? Are ponies related to them? Are they nice?"

Fast shrugged softly as she marched. "Nice enough, if you give them space and respect. No, we're not related to the best of my knowledge, no more than a human and a dwarf or an elf, at best." She glanced aside at Tabitha. "Less even, considering I could swear I've heard elves and humans can have foals, but I've never heard of a centaur and a pony doing that."

Tree nodded slowly, then looked off into the distance a moment. "Wait, are we talking the same thing, sister? Four hooves." She lifted each hoof in kind. "Two hands, flat face?"

"Those are the ones, yes." Fast twitched an ear at Tree. "Do you know another kind of centaur?"

Tree shook her head. "We don't have many of those in Equestria at all, but I saw a real bad one once, real nasty vibes. Fluttershy helped fix things though." She smiled gently. "I hope she's alright. We really need to touch bases."

Maud moved up beside Tree. "Maybe she's with Pinkie. Maybe they're talking about us."

Tree blinked before she gave a quick nod. "Righteous, that's probably exactly what they're doing. I bet she's sad, but Pinkie wouldn't let her mope."

Maud's lips quivered, almost smiling. "She wouldn't. She would throw a party for her and invite all her friends, even if they're animals, and make a big production out of it. Even if she's sad inside." She put a hoof to her chest as she walked on the other three. "Pinkie's a good sister."

As they conversed about how their friends would behave while waiting for them, Paul moved closer to Fast. "Right, so, not sure I caught all that? What do they look like?"

Fast twitched an ear at him. "Alright, take a horse, remove the neck and head and replace it with the torso, arms, and head of a man. They're horse-humans, though don't call them that for the love of all the gods. About as insulting as calling ponies talking horses." She raised a brow lightly.

Paul gave a nervous chuckle. "What kind of rude person would ever consider that?"

"Right." Fast pointed ahead. "Let's set up next to an actual bush today and get some rest. It'll be the first time we're not surrounded by a bunch of army ponies for a change. Tree, you'll cover the camp, right?"

"Of course." Tree trotted forward ahead of the party to inspect the bush. Soon the party arrived, getting comfortable within the bounds of Tree's illusionary expanded bush. They struck a fire and set out bedrolls and generally made themselves at home.

Their rest was disturbed by a roaming herd of great oxen-like creatures, stampeding across the plains. Fortunately, they weren't in the path, so they watched them go on.

Tree's eyes sparkled with wonder, watching them go. "They're like the buffalo, but they didn't look very smart? Are they?" She looked to her companions for some help before snapping back to the charging herd. "This is wicked radical..."

Fast shook her head. "Just animals, and they'd run us over if we got in the way of them."

"Just animals?" Tree raised a brow. "Fluttershy would give you a very polite talking to."

Tabitha burst into giggles. "You said that like a threat. What kind of person is this Fluttershy friend of yours?"

Tree tapped her chin a moment. "Well, she's yellow, a light yellow. Oh, she's a pegasus, even if she's not the most radical flyer around. She really digs animals of all kinds. I like them too." She turned her gaze back on the remnants of the herd, only a few stragglers moving to try to catch up.

Suddenly a pride of lions leapt out, jumping on one of the stragglers. The rest of them scattered, but the one they pounced went down under the mass of feline flesh, and became their dinner in short order. Tree shook her head. "Nature is a far out thing. The weak feed the strong." She held up a hoof and moved it in an intricate pattern. "Peace, may you have better luck in your next turn."

Paul shrugged. "We should take it more as a cautionary tale. If we don't keep our wits about us, we could be the next damn thin' the lions are chowin' on."

The cat's meal would have been unremarkable, save that one of them moved off from the others a short way and worked on something they couldn't see through the grass, then smoke began to rise. The other cats gathered around the source of the smoke.

Tree blinked softly. "Are they cooking their meat?"

Fast regarded them. "Maybe they aren't lions after all. Sun cats, I think they're called. Intelligent. I never really had much reason to cross paths with them, seeing as they don't come into cities often."

Maud inclined her head towards them. "Should we say  hello?"

Paul didn't look terribly eager. "Intelligent or not, they're still lions, fresh from the kill. I ain't no expert, but you don't bother a cat with food in its mouth."

Tree frowned a little, tail swaying behind her. "But they probably know the area, and I doubt they're all mixed up with pony politics. They could be righteous friends."

Tabitha rose to her hooves. "I'll talk to them."

Fast's brow raised uniformly with Tabitha's standing. "And if they don't like your presence and decide to be rid of it?"

Tabitha shrugged. "They aren't as awful as orcs, are they?"

Fast slowly shook her head. "No, they usually leave well enough alone."

"Then I'll be fine."

Paul shoved up to his feet. "I'll come with you, keep you out of trouble."

"My hero." She fluttered her lashes before stepping free of the illusionary bush. "Let's go make some friends. Don't say anything stupid, and don't make sudden movements."

Together, they approached directly across the plains, and their movement was noticed quickly. The open grasses offered little in the way of concealment, and they made no attempt to hide themselves. One of the cats broke off from the group and approached them. Closer, they could see some trinkets were woven into its, or his, mane. "Hail."

Tabitha bowed towards the sun cat. "Hail. We noticed your successful hunt and wanted to say hello."

"You have said that." He cocked his head slightly. "What brings two humans this far into Everglow? Even in these times that is rare."

She inclined her head and twitched an ear. "I'm visiting pony kin of mine, and my friend is protecting me."

The cat sat down and looked Tabitha over again, then Paul, as if comparing the two. "A human with pony blood? Never have I heard of such a thing. We ask that you not approach our kill, for it is ours by right of the hunt."

Tabitha displayed a palm. "Have no fear. We're no thieves. We wanted to greet the hunters, not their kill. Very nice job, by the way."

He smiled slightly. "The traditional hunting ways of the sun cats have not failed us, even as the pony world crumbles. You have chosen a curious time to go visiting. Do you not know the state of things?"

Paul lifted his shoulders. "Queen's dead, and everyone's makin' a right ass of themselves."

"I do not think the donkeys are involved." The cat seemed confused a moment. "But yes, their world is crumbling, and they are in chaos. You may be better served returning home until it is safe to approach them. All smart sun cats have returned to the wild. Here, things are sane. The hunt does not change."

A new, smaller, voice piped from the grass, "Who are they, papa?" A small sun cat cub emerged at his father's side, looking up at them. "What are they, papa? Are they prey?"

The adult set a paw on the cub's head. "No, my son. They are friends. They have come in peace, and so we will treat them with respect. They have not approached our hunt, so we have no reason to feel anger. They are two legged, so their meat is probably bitter. For these reasons, they are not prey."

"You're so smart, papa!" He grabbed at the larger cat's paw and held it in all four of his own, prickling the flesh through the thick fur and growling as if he caught his own dinner. "I'm going to be just as smart as you, some day."

"I look forward to it." He gently petted his son before looking up at the strangers. "Do you have things you wish to trade?"

They did not, but Tabitha had another thought. "We're headed north, do you know a safe way to do it without running into trouble?"

"The wild is trouble, to the unwary..."

Tabitha smiled. "Which is why we came to you. Surely you know the better ways."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  72 - Amongst the Grass                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Returning to her friends, Tabitha brushed aside the leaves that weren't actually there, pressing through the illusion. "Hey, so this is Short Run."

Short Run emerged into the clearing, looking around. "A curious but useful magic." His eyes settled on those present. "Ponies, as you said. A pleasure to meet you. Your friend has enlisted my aid."

Fast regarded the feline with curiosity, her face visible with her helmet removed. "Hello, Short Run. I am Fast Shadow."

"Maud Pie."

"Tree Hugger."

Short nodded to each just as his son hurried through to his side and looked around with excited eyes. "Wow, papa, look at all the horses!"

"They are ponies." Short rested a paw on his son's head. "They prefer to be called as such. See how they wear clothing and carry things? Even lacking that, see the mark on that one--"

Tree blinked softly. "Are you teaching your son about us?" She leaned forward a little. "That's totally precious."

The cub snorted at Tree. "Papa was talking! Don't be rude!"

Short smiled. "You are a good son, but their words are harmless." A soft pat was given as he looked to Tree Hugger. "You have the look of one who understands the wild. Not as well as we, but perhaps close, for a pony."

Maud pointed to the small cub. "What's your name?"

The cub looked up at his father, who nodded. "Do you remember your given name?"

The cub nodded fiercely. "Yes! I am Little Kettle. When I grow up big and strong, I'll earn a new, better, name."

Short patted Little Kettle. "Your name is fine, for now, or do you doubt our decision?"

Fast nodded. "Thank you for joining us, but we were settling to sleep. You can rest with us, or return in the morning, at your pleasure."

"Do they sleep the same way?"

Short chuckled softly. "Most animals sleep the same way, and they are just as much animal as we." He settled to his belly and drew his son close. "Come, we will see how similar they can be."

Tree slid a bit closer to the two felines, ears perked. "You two are sun cats, right? Far out... Why are you called that?"

Little reared up a moment, just to fall back to all fours. "I can answer that. We are the purest example of the Sun King's majesty."

Tree tilted her head. "Sun King?"

Little blinked at her. "What are you, stupid?"

Short cuffed him across the head. "One should not speak impolitely. She is a pony, they are female aligned strongly. Their Sun King wears a skirt."

Little rubbed at his head, giving his father a petulant look before it seemed to click for him. "Oh. Horses are weird."

"Radical..." Tree tilted her head slightly. "We all live in the same world. We just, like, see it from totally different angles."

Paul chuckled as he bedded down. "Too true that. I ain't seein' thin's like a pony would."

Little thrust a paw at Paul. "And that one? You said he's a hoomahn?"

"Human, yes." Short nodded. "Now go to sleep. We will have ample time to observe them tomorrow, and need to rejoin the pride as soon as our duty here is complete."

"But whyyyy?" Little stuck out his small tongue. "They didn't give us anything! They're not part of the pride. Why should we give them something?"

"You'll understand when you're older." Short put a paw over him, pressing him to the ground. "For now, rest."

Questions were set aside by all parties, and the next day came to greet them, serenaded with a loud roar from Short Run to the rising sun. His son attempted to imitate him, though it emerged more as a little squeaking purr.

Fast awoke with a start at the sounds, looking around for danger that wasn't there. "Sun Queen above, I'm not used to waking beside cats. I trust your sleep was fine?"

"Well enough." Short stood up and stretched with the languid flexibility only a feline could muster. "Are you ready to travel?"

Maud stood up and began collecting her things. "I'll be ready in a minute."

Fast nudged Tabitha with a hoof. "Come on, no time to lay about. We have a day's hike ahead of us."

"Mmmf, do I haveta?" She sat up despite her protest and soon they were all roused and packed. "Are we having breakfast?"

Tree presented a batch of berries. "One each. I already scarfed mine."

Filling, if not ultimately satisfying, they were ready, and strode out onto the plains. Short and Little led the way. The smaller looked up at the larger. "Why don't you tell 'em how you got such a cool name?"

Short raised an ear. "Is it not obvious?"

Tree shook her head. "I admit, it's not. Help me grok it, man."

The cat shook his head back at her. "What strange dialect. Regardless, very well. Keep your eyes trained for trouble as I speak. It is an homage to my hunting style." He shook himself out, making his mane fluff up. "Despite my lustrous mane, I am quite able to hide and lay in wait. I will allow a prey to walk right past me, unaware of me until it is already too late. I make a Short Run, or none at all." He glanced back. "Do you understand?"

Fast nodded forward at him. "That's a very respectable skill, and not one of my talents, I'll admit."

He laughed softly. "Wearing a skin of metal? I should think not. Even a drunk goat would notice you in their stupor. The quietest amongst you is also the one with the fewest words."

"Possibly." Bright landed on the head of the cat and looked down at him over his own brow.

Short raised a brow at the bird. "Most birds fear my presence, and here you are. I also did not hear your approach. Did you come to make a fool of me?"

"Possibly." Bright took off with a flap, and landed on Tree's back.

Short roared, quite literally, with laughter, to his son's confusion. He led them not in any straight line, but in a weaving path through the grasslands.

"What are we avoidin' anyway?" Paul glanced around. "Why not just go the way we need to go? There's nothin' in the way."

"There's everything in the way." Short snorted softly.

Little puffed up his chest and raised his head. "You're not as smart as papa and can't see what's not in front of your nose."

Tree glanced back into the area they avoided. "He's right. We're going the right way."

"As I said. I knew you would have some hint of wisdom."

Tabitha smiled at her feline guide. "Thank you again, for showing us the way. We would have tripped right into every trouble spot in these plains."

"Oh, just a few." Short chuckled softly. "I'm certain they would have prevented you from reaching the others. The wild changes little. It was dangerous to our ancestors, and remains so for those untrained. I hope you are paying attention, Son?"

"Of course, papa." He danced around his father in a scamper. "Watching you do your thing is always fun."

Maud stepped upwards in the group. "It's good to pay attention to your parents. My parents know all about mining. I learned a lot from them."

Little turned to face Maud, walking backwards. "You're a miner? What's a miner?"

Short held up a paw and ceased. He slowly looked left and right, sniffing the air. "We need to turn around. No delay, follow." He turned away from the direction he had been going, ready to doubleback.

Paul gestured where he'd been. "What in the hells? Why?"

"Less asking, more walking. If you wish to lead this band, I will leave you to it." Short didn't so much as look at Paul as he went back the way he came.

Little stuck his tongue out at Paul before darting ahead to keep up with his father, as everyone else did, leaving Paul grumbling softly in the back.

They didn't get as far that day as one might have expected them to, walking directly, but they were not ambushed by beast, pony, or anything else. "How far do you need to go?"

Fast coaxed a fire into burning with soft crackles. "At this rate? It may take weeks."

"That far? It may be faster to reach the lightning rail. There's a station much closer than a month's travel."

Fast scowled in reply. "We can't trust it, or much anyone else."

Short nodded. "The ponies have taken leave of their senses, but for one of their own to have so little faith in their brothers and sisters? Has it truly become that dire?"

Fast let out a soft sigh. "A few weeks ago I might have not argued against it, but recent events are showing me how foolish I would have been."

Short shook his head slowly. "May he smile on your path, and you keep your family close at paw."

Fast perked her ears at that, then looked to her companions. "Some of them are right where I need them... You bring up an excellent point. It's far beyond time I put out the call to those Seekers that remain. Before we can consider that, we have to get to town, preferably without the madness overtaking us on the way."

Tabitha smiled. "Were you wearing all that armor when you left?"

"Hmm? No..."

Tabitha shrugged. "The only pony that could know you without speaking are those lonely assassins. I doubt they told the entire empire about it."

Fast frowned. "You... have a point there, Tabitha. Perhaps we should lean on that anonymity and save ourselves some time."

Short curled on himself. "Consider it. In the morning, we go in whatever direction you have decided."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                      73 - To Engage                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They awoke one morning of travel to find Fast already sitting up, a thoughtful look on her face.

Tree tilted her head a little. "Something heavy weighing you down, sister?"

Fast inclined an ear at Tree. "Yes, but I think it's... It's past time to throw it off. Short, how close are we to a rail station?"

Short yawned before he replied, "A day and a half if we bear directly for it. There is a small shower coming, and it will clear the way." He rose to his paws. "I will leave you to it. I have watched your travel for long enough, and the pride is weakened for my absence."

Tabitha got to her hooves quickly. "Thanks for coming this far." She bowed lightly. "I hope your trip back to your family goes well."

He smiled at Tabitha. "You are very polite. It's good to know there are still etiquettes in the world, observed outside our pride. Should you happen on our path again, you will be welcomed to share in our hunt." He plucked up the small form of his still-sleeping son in his mouth and tossed him onto his own back. "Travel swift and safely."

Paul was packing his things away. "So, we've followed a cat around, did we get anywhere for it?"

Fast nodded. "I think we have." She shook herself out, reached for her helmet, and slipped it into place. "Following instead of leading for a moment is just what I think I needed."

Tree smiled her tranquil smile. "Far out. I can dig that. Are you feeling it now?"

Fast paused a moment. "I think I am, if I understand your meaning. We... There's no time for wallowing." She sat on her haunches and tapped her hooves together. "Each day we delay, more innocent ponies suffer. Destiny, The Author, wants me to fix this. I'm not the kind of pony to throw off that responsibility."

Maud approached as she nodded. "We're here to help. Let's save some ponies." Her words were as monotone as ever, but her meaning wasn't lost.

Fast smiled behind her visor and turned to the west, starting to lead the way. "Side benefit, the rail should be much more comfortable than constant walking." She stretched a hind leg back without slowing. "As good as this may be for fitness sake."

Paul gestured ahead. "So we're not worried about assassins or the like anymore?"

"No, we are." Fast shook her head. "But we can't let that fear slow us down anymore. Viljatown is still the capital. If we're going to name a new Queen, that'd be the place to do it. Besides, the point wasn't lost. Shrouded in metal, there's little of me to identify from any other pony, and I was the most recognizable out of the group."

Tabitha's ears twitched atop her head, still obeying their own whims. "Well we're hardly subtle. How many mostly human satyrs and full-on humans are there around here?"

"More than most like to admit," huffed out Fast. "Neither of you are known very far or wide in the pony lands. Those specific assassins aside, you're an unknown element." She looked over her shoulder. "Have you changed your mind, Princess of Ponies?"

Tabitha put her hands at her hips. "I haven't called myself that for a while. I'll be happy just being friend of ponies, and maybe protector of them."

Paul rolled his shoulders. "About that... Thanks for the save, back in the desert."

Tabitha's brow raised. "You're welcome, but that was a while ago. Why bring it up now?"

Paul made a limp gesture forward as he walked. "Shoulda said somethin' at the time, but, hey... You're really comin' around. I can appreciate that."

She extended her hands up, stretching even as she went. "It's alright. You're lucky is what you are. That was about the last one I had, and I only spotted you out of the corner of my eye."

Paul snorted. "It's the luck of fools, perhaps? Flint'd be proud."

Maud nudged against Paul. "We're proud right now." She moved aside of Fast. "And you. Let's do what we came to do."

The rail came into view after hiking. The shower that Short promised came and went, and nothing tried to stop their march. The station was where it was promised to be, a little north of where they ran into the line. Approaching it, the small shack that was set up beside it looked abandoned and empty.

Fast settled beside the track, at the station. "I shouldn't be surprised. We're still in view, the train driver should slow for us."

"You won't have to worry about that." Stepping out of the shack came several leather-clad ponies with weapons clenched in teeth or strapped to their sides, led by a sneering mare. "Put down you--"

Fast regarded them cooly. "Look at us, damn fools. You can walk away now."

A tense moment passed between them. One of the less brave ponies leaned in towards his boss mare. "They look kinda tough."

Paul hiked a thumb at Maud. "If you think she's the weak spot, you picked way wrong bucko."

Maud stepped forward. "We don't have to fight, but you will lose."

One pony wielding as little as Maud stepped forward. "I'll take her."

Maud raised a brow at the pony. "Are you a monk as well?"

He clopped his forehooves together. "Never had the patience for that monastic bullshit. I'm just here for a good brawl, and you're practically offering it up. You ready to swap fists?"

"I don't have fists."

"Shut up and fight." He threw himself at her, only to duck just as she lashed out a hoof and come around in a wild spin as if to knock her hooves out from under her, but she was rooted to the ground. "Oh ho ho, a real earth-bound? Now I know the fight's worth having."

As they traded blows, the others were backing away. Angry looks from their boss did little to dissuade them from withdrawing from the competent-looking travelers. "There's not so many of them. Just like all the others! Imagine how much we could get!"

Paul pulled free his massive blade. "How about you go first, since you're so eager for the rest?"

Even as the others broke and fled, Maud and her opponent exchanged blows rapidly. It reminded her of her time sparring with the monk, but the grace wasn't there. It was skill, not harmony. It was the desire to fight, not the need to understand. Though they both used hooves, head, and every other bodypart as weapons, their basic styles were utterly alien.

He suddenly landed a blow across her snout. Everything spun wildly, and she crashed to the ground, unconscious.

"Lucky hit," said the stallion as if bemoaning the blow. "Come on, get back up. We're barely warmed up and I'm having far too much fun." He slapped her lightly with a hoof, rousing her to waking and offering a hoof up. "That's one, how 'bout best out of three?"

Tabitha raised a brow. "What about theoretically mugging us?"

He shrugged. "I was in it for the fightin' really. Come on!" Once Maud was standing he hopped back and reared up onto his hind legs. "I know you won't be caught by that cheap shot twice."

Fast shook her head. "We do have places to be."

The stallion snorted. "If you're waitin' for the damn train, you'll be here most of the day, so why not spend it with a few good scraps?"

Maud raised a brow at the curious male. "Why did you want to fight, if not to win?"

He shrugged. "Maybe I think you're kind of pretty, and tough. You're exactly my kind of mare." He winked and smiled a bit too wide. "Don't you worry none, I'm just askin' for a good fight, nothing more than that."

Maud tilted her head lightly. "I'm pretty?"

"Didn't I just go and say that?" He tapped her on the shoulder. "Come on, best of three."

Maud shook her head a little. "I don't understand you."

"That's alright. I barely understand me." He fell back to all fours. Taking the time to look him over, he was a sky-blue earth-bound stallion with purple mane in a distinctive mohawk and matching tail. "Well, if we aren't gonna throw down, maybe we could talk?"

Tree looked between him and Maud. "This is way radical. I think he's deep into you, Maud."

Maud looked confused at the very topic. "My name is Maud Pie. I farm rocks."

"Is that where you got your muscle from?" He moved up towards her, looking her over. "You're built... I'm not s'good at words, but you're damn built!" With a wagging tail he smiled. "Can I get to know the rest of you?"

Maud pointed at her companions. "They're right there."

"No, the rest of you. What do you like? Where ya from?" He slapped his chest with a hoof. "I'm Sky Strike. Stupid name for an earth-bound if you ask me, but they saw my flank and there it was." He turned to display the icon of a cloud being punched through by a hoof. "What's yours? I can't see it under that pretty dress you're wearing."

"It's a frock."

He raised a brow. "What's a frock look like?"

"I'm wearing one."

He frowned a moment. "Oh! Oh! So that's not your mark or nothing. What's your mark? What'd the gods brand you with?"

Maud tilted her head. "It's a rock."

He burst into rough laughter. "That fits just fine. Nice to meet you, Maud." He thrust a hoof out.

She met it in a light bump. "Nice to meet you."

Tabitha shrugged a little. "I wish all fights ended this way."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
      74 - Underscoring the Severity of the Situation      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
They waited at the station with various levels of patience. Sky Strike was glued to Maud's side, eagerly attempting to strike up a conversation. "So, how about one more match? You know, when I was a little thing, my dad'd let me scrap with 'em whenever I didn't want to do a chore."

Maud raised a brow at him, a gesture she had worn often while they waited. "Did you win?"

He laughed and rolled his shoulders. "I inherited these guns from him, hell no I didn't, not usually. He'd throw me across the room and tell me to get to work, so I did, but I kept practicin' too. The time I could whoop his rump instead of getting it beat was the day I left." He slapped Maud on her withers. "Don't think I'm angry at him or nothin'. He's a great guy! I try to visit for the holidays. Winter's Festival just ain't the same without family."

Fast smiled from where she sat. "No earth-bound can be truly lost if they remember the value of their family."

"Damn straight!" Sky clopped the ground and smiled. "Speaking of which, tell me about yours." He nudged Maud. "I'd love to get an earful of any family interesting enough to make a mare like you."

Maud went quiet a moment before she was prodded from the other end. Tree stood there. "Go on. Talking about them might help you."

She nodded and sat up straight. "I was raised on a rock farm. I have three sisters. Two of them are as grey as I am, the other is pink." She quirked a little smile. "She wasn't meant for the rock farm life, but she's a good pony."

"Are they all built like you are?"

Maud shook her head. "They're all strong. Marble's the youngest and smallest. She's shy. Limestone's the oldest and very protective of the family and the farm." She went quiet a moment before continuing without prompt, "I'm younger than Limestone, and older than Pinkie. She's the pink one."

"Oh, I figured that out." Sky smiled. "What about your parents? Sound healthy, having four mares to their name."

Paul pointed up along the rails. "I see somethin'!"

Fast leaned a little. "That's the train. Everyone up, let's get ready to board and get to Viljatown."

"Oh, Viljatown? Never been before. Still big and fancy?" Sky skewed an ear at them curiously. "I hear they have fighting rings worth visiting for."

Fast gave a little smirk. "Sky Strike, do you need a ride?"

Sky perked his ears. "If you don't mind?" He leaned in close to Fast. "I'd like the chance to talk to Miss Pie a bit more along the way if that isn't too much t'ask."

The train did not seem to be slowing for the station. On the contrary, it sped up as it approached, roaring along on its bed of lightning. It soared past, leaving them all standing there. Fast blinked softly. "What in the hells..."

With a crack of lightning, all eyes were drawn upwards. Hovering over them was an elderly pony in bright purple robes. "Bandits, you've harassed good ponies for... Fast Shadow?" The crackles of elemental fury faded almost instantly as the pony lowered. "Is that really you?"

Fast blinked before it hit her. "Under Score!" She hurried for him and they met in a firm embrace. "Oh you old..." She paused, frowning. "Old..."

Under Score raised a brow as he stepped back. "I'm no foal, to be certain, but it's hardly polite to greet a pony that way. Fast, are you going to introduce me to this... curious lot you've fallen in with?"

"Sorry! Sorry, please." She threw a leg over Under Score and guided him towards the others. "This is Maud Pie and Tree Hugger, visitors from another world. These are Paul and Tabitha, visitors from the human lands. And this is Sky Strike, former bandit, I hope?"

Sky shrugged softly. "I just want some nice clean fights."

Under Score looked from one to each, but came back to the Equestrian ponies, particularly on Maud, who still appeared as an Equestrian pony. "Fascinating. One of them has acclimated to the local environment. Luminace be praised! This is certainly worth study."

Tree Hugger advanced with a little smile. "Blessings, Under Score was it? It's groovy to meet you."

Paul hiked a thumb at the train receding into the distance. "So, what was all that about?"

Under nodded to Tree and looked to Paul. "They thought you were the bandits that have been plaguing the area. They asked me to take care of you in a decidedly permanent fashion."

Fast snorted with annoyance. "We just need to get to Viljatown. Under Score, friend, perhaps you know a way?"

"Perhaps." He removed a cane from his side, stuck to his hoof as surely as any Equestrian pony and using it to direct at the strange crew. "I want to know more of your friends, first. What have you gotten yourself into? Seeking new treasures?"

Tabitha shook her head. "She already found that. We're trying to get it to the right place."

Under looked between Tabitha and Paul, then back to Tabitha. "You're a curious example of pony-human hybrid. Apologies if that sounds out of place, but I meant it with good intention."

She blinked softly. "I can't argue it. It's been hiding in my family for a few generations and decided to come out through me after I started using its magic."

With upturned ears he took a step towards her. "Using its magic? Are you a sorcerer then?"

"Is that a fancy word for magic user? If so, yes."

Paul nodded in agreement. "We've all seen her slingin' magic around."

Under rolled a hoof. "More specific, but very well. I will assume a yes. Interesting." He turned to the would-be bandit. "If I take you to Viljatown, you will have to answer for the crimes you have committed. I will speak on your willingness."

Sky snorted loudly. "To hell with that. I'll stay here if going means jail-time. There's no such thing as a clean fight in a jail." He turned away from the group and began to trot away. "I hope we meet again, Maud. Yer the finest mare I ever had the pleasure to share words with."

Under looked ready to prevent him from leaving, but Fast put a hoof before him. She spoke gently, "Let him go. He's not a bad soul. Under, it's so good to see you."

He nodded to her. "As are you. You took the dissolution so hard... For a moment, I thought you might have joined them."

She took a half step back. "What?"

He gave a thoughtful noise. "The dissolution? When most of the Seekers broke apart. You were there for it, in part. You wandered off and I didn't hear about you again."

Fast sputtered a little, struggling for the words. "Under, you are a religious wizard, are you not?"

Under nodded easily. "Princess Luminance guides these old bones, why?"

Fast put a hoof to her chest. "I died, Under Score. I died alone and miserable, but The Author wasn't done with me. She called me back, gave me a fresh life, and set me on the path to be a hero instead of a rejected failure."

Under turned his head to the others. "And along the way you ended up with this crowd? That does have the marks of Her work. I'll accept your words at face value." A little smile played over his wrinkled snout. "As if I was ever any good at arguing with you, Fast Shadow, and far better this than the wreck you were before. Praise be to Luminace I'm old enough to see it." He turned back to Fast. "So, what treasure is this that you're so eager to get to Viljatown?"

Fast hesitated a moment, which was enough time for Tree to speak up. "Were you two an item way back before?"

Under was caught thoroughly off-guard by her question. "I'm afraid my true love is knowledge, and her true love is adventure. When our passions met, it was always a delight, but..."

Fast threw a hoof over Under's snout, silencing him. "Tree, that is hardly a question to be asking."

Tabitha burst into giggles at the exchange. "It's alright, Fast. Older gentleponies are so distinguished." She made a little kissy face that brought a fierce red hue to Fast's cheeks.

Maud glanced at the others and back to Under. "My parents always said to respect elders, even if they aren't like you."

Under laughed softly. "That's a good philosophy, but must we focus on my age of all things? I've spent my life well, I think, but that doesn't mean I prefer that be the matter of discussion."

Fast drew back, licking over her lips. "Right, back to more serious topics... Maybe you can help us." She produced the crown from her saddlebag, holding it in her teeth towards Under. "Behold."

Under looked at it skeptically before he spoke loud words of discernment. His eyes snapped shut, blinded by the fierce magic of the crown. "By Luminace's Library! Where did you find such a powerful artifact?" He reached out for it with his free hoof, sticking to the crown easily as he sat down. His eyes fluttered open, though still squinting, more prepared to deal with the harsh glow of that magic. "No simple detection spell will reveal its secrets."

Fast nodded quickly. "I'm certain it will lead to the new Empress, or Emperor." She gestured at Under's head, where a circlet sat. "Maybe it's meant to sit on your wise brow."

"Me? Emperor?" He snorted softly. "I'd sooner die. An emperor has no time for study. What manner of scholar would I be on the throne? Besides, as your friends were so quick to point out, I'm not young. The empire needs someone young and healthy, to lead it well and long. No matter how well or poorly I led, my time is limited." He let the spell go, and his vision ceased being clouded by the bright glow. "What have you learned of it so far?"

Paul rolled a hand. "Well, it only does things on ponies, which happens to include half pony princesses."

Tabitha wheeled on him. "I dropped it already, sheesh!"

"Interesting... What does it do?"

Fast pointed into the darkness of the abandoned station. "It allows sight as if darkness were not a thing. On a clear night, I could see to the horizon as if the sun were bright in the sky. It enhances pony blood magic, I think."

Tabitha nodded at that. "My magic felt almost scaldingly hot in my veins when I wore it in the sun."

Without prompting, Under Score offered the crown back to Fast. "You've captured my attention. We need to away to Viljatown and discover the truth of things, and I know where to go first."

Fast tucked the crown away. "Where would that be?"

"Where else?" Under smiled a little. "The home of knowledge, and where ponies continue to seek it despite the times. Luminace's temple is where we need to go."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
             75 - All Roads Lead to Viljatown              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Paul looked to Under with some fascination. "So, yer a real wizard? The classic variety? Tons of books and can make mountains collapse and all that?"

Under raised a brow at Paul's query. "I am a wizard, but to what end would I test my might against a mountain? It has done me no wrong." He looked to Fast. "Have I mentioned what interesting company you keep?"

Fast chuckled softly. "You have, the mark of the Author, I think you said."

"Ah, yes." He nodded. "Well, let's put that aside. Before I whisk you all away, introductions are in order." He dipped his head in a light bow. "I am Under Score, wizard, as confirmed by your friend here, priest of Princess Luminace."

Renewed curiosity shone on Paul's face. "Wait, I thought ya just said wizard, not priest. Which is it?"

Tabitha tilted her head faintly. "He's got a point, you can't be both, right?"

Under just chuckled softly, but Tree was the one that rose to answer it. "Of course you can." She put a hoof to her chest. "I like the sun chick and would tell that to others, like, no hesitation man. But I am a druid, and hear the song of nature."

Fast smiled a little. "Sun Queen. That is the short of it. Under Score has always been faithful to Luminace and her pursuit of knowledge, and reveres her with every spell he can find and every secret he can unearth to share with her."

Maud approached Under, looking him over. "I'm Maud Pie. You're an earth pony." She hiked a brow high. "I thought only unicorns can be wizards."

Under nodded slowly. "That I am, and here I am. What does that demonstrate?"

Maud went quiet again a moment before she pointed at Under Score. "You are either not a wizard, or I was wrong."

Tabitha curtsied. "You already heard our names, but to make it more personal since Maud started, I'm Tabitha."

He tucked his cane at his side. "I'm glad I didn't have reason to use this today."

Paul peered at it. "Is that a real... Could it blow us up?"

"Oh, that's exactly what it does." Under raised a brow at Paul. "Have you seen a fire staff before? Very astute."

Fast shook her head. "Let's be thankful there's no reason for that. Introductions aside, how do you plan on getting us there?"

"You have to ask?" He turned in the direction the train had gone. "I didn't leave the train with no way of getting to a soft bed tonight. Gather around me and place a hoof or hand on my back. I'll have us there before you know it."

They gathered around him, with Bright perching directly on his head, to Under Score's surprise. "Mind where those claws go, new friend."

"Possibly."

Tree smiled gently. "That's Bright Feathers. He's really smart and totally righteous."

The bird seemed to swell with pride at the words.

Under gave a careful shake of his head before he intoned sharp and alien words. His hooves slid over the ground, making the needed pattern as those powerful words echoed through the universe itself, and they ceased to be. At least for the forever and an instant before they did exist again, but elsewhere.

They appeared on a cobbled road that looked like it could use upkeep, with water pooled in puddles sporadically and the stones worn down in places where carts or hooves had tread on them for long enough. Before them was a building that had withstood the degeneracy visible in many of its neighbors. It was a temple and a library and wore both titles with grace. It was Luminace's sacred place, and it was what drew Under Score towards it.

"Here we are. The Empire may be crumbling around us, but the ponies here, the ones who remain, are steadfast in their thirst for knowledge." He led the way into the temple. "Allow me a moment to speak with the mistress of the library. She will know what move to next take." He hurried into the stacks, lost behind rows on rows of books.

One of the priests came from the same direction, speaking quietly as she walked, "Good to see you, Under Score." Her eyes focused on the new guests and blinked. "Oh! It's so rare to see new faces around here these days. Welcome to Luminace's Library, Viljatown Branch. Have you come in pursuit of knowledge?" She smiled with hope, almost desperate, on display.

Fast nodded to her. "That we have. We're with Under Score."

"Ah." Her hope dimmed slightly. "I'm sure he's taking care of you then. Regardless, I am Foot Note, and if you need any help, I'll be around. Please don't shout, this is a library after all."

Tabitha took a step forward towards Foot. "Excuse me."

Foot looked Tabitha up and down. "What a fascinating half breed, or are you a new species altogether? Was your mother or father the same species?"

The questions left Tabitha with more questions of her own. She shook her head. "I don't know. I mean, no, my mother and father were both human so far as I remember, but I was hoping you could tell me more about what I am, and why I have pony magic." She reached up and brushed an ear. "To say nothing of the ears, tail, and hooves."

Foot circled around Tabitha, making soft noises as she went as if considering the matter. "Sorcerer, I would imagine. Do you require material components for your spells?"

Tabitha shook her head slowly. "I don't think so? What would those look like?"

"I thought not." Foot sat in front of Tabitha. "Have you experienced any physiological alterations?"

"What?"

"Any changes in your body." Foot waved a hoof at her.

"Besides growing pony parts?" Tabitha hiked a brow high. "Those were pretty dramatic."

Maud raised a hoof. "She smells like stone, and became tougher, like rock."

Foot tilted her head faintly before she righted herself. "I thought you were just a robust breed of human, my mistake. You--" She pointed a hoof at Tabitha. "--are clearly a unificationist, a bloodline particular to ponies, which you obviously must share, however dimly." She brought her forehooves together, but stopped just before a clop could be made. "How exciting! I never saw a human unificationist before."

Tabitha twined her fingers together. "That sounds nice and all, but what am I supposed to be unificionating? What am I bringing together?"

She tapped the ground lightly. "Further research would be required to answer that with authority, but you're already bridging humans and ponies together admirably, the earth-bound particularly. I'm not one of those, myself." She lowered her habit, revealing a spire on her brow. "You'll find a lot of unicorns in here. We love learning things by nature."

"When a box is discovered, a unicorn will be the first to open it, for they must know what is inside." Around a stack, a striped snout of an otherwise robed pony approached. "A zebra may hesitate, for not every secret is meant to be disturbed. There is a difference between intelligence and wisdom, dear Foot Note." The female zebra approached the group, jeweled tail jingling faintly behind her. "What has captured your interest so?"

"Bar Code! It's lovely to see you outside of your office." Foot Note bowed to her. "This is Bar Code, one of the elder scholars. She is our master of linguistics and forgotten tongues."

Bar nodded to the group. "A pleasure. I heard Under Score speaking with such intensity, I could not keep away. Do you know what has filled his old bones with such youthful vigor?"

Fast considered a moment, but if they were to get answers... She drew free the crown. "This."

As one, both spoke the words of discernment, only to be blinded as Under Score was not long before. Bar laughed softly at herself. "I threw open the box without precaution, and now I am made a fool." She rubbed over her face with a leg until vision began to return to her. "It is rare that a true artifact appears before us."

Paul took a stand a little before Fast, as if to protect the crown, but he said nothing.

"Look." Maud called out in her soft voice, quiet enough to not call down the wrath of the library. "They have a book on rocks." She picked a book from the shelf with the skill of an Equestrian pony, stuck to her hoof as well as Under Score had managed.

Foot perked up. "Let me show you the reading room. This way." She led Maud away to explore the new book.

Fast tucked the crown away into her saddlebag. "I'm certain its purpose is to lead us to the new emperor or empress of the Empire. The trick is how."

Tabitha frowned a little. "She didn't finish explaining what in the hells a unificationist is."

Bar raised a brow. "The Author works in mysterious ways. The first empress, the Queen, she was a unificationist, and she unified us. Once, we were many tribes, bickering and feuding, then we were together, whole and strong. Now? We are sliding back, fracturing without her leadership." She looked Tabitha over curiously. "You are a curious harbinger, or do you mean to wear that crown?"

Tabitha held up her hands together. "I'm happy meeting the ponies. I'm not certain I have the right stuff to be the leader of them all. Besides, I'm not even a pony."

Bar leaned off to the left. "You have a tail of a pony, and the ears of one as well. Have you checked for what brand the Author has blazed on you? Perhaps it would reveal your fate."

Her hands went to her sides, as if to guard any from inspecting any brands. "I wasn't born with any marks."

Bar shook her head. "This is not my box to open, but from the way you speak, it certainly remains closed for now. When you feel the time is right, it will be at your hands that this changes."

Paul shrugged softly. "Why not take a look?"

Tabitha colored instantly. "You just asked a woman to lift her skirt."

Paul took his turn going red as the truth was made clear. Tree shook her head softly. "Don't tease him. You know he means well, little sister. Whatever's on your flank doesn't change who you are, it just helps clarify it. Only you can decide what it means, to you."

Under Score appeared from the maze of books. "Ah, right where... Where is Maud?"

Bar nodded. "She is with Foot Note, reading."

"Ah, very good. The Mistress of the Library has agreed to see you, Fast." Under turned back where he came from. "This way."

Fast took a step forward, only to hesitate. "Just me? We're a team... a family."

Under gave a toss of his head. "Bring them, just mind your manners. She does not appreciate outbursts or loud sounds in general."


//-------------------------------------------------------//
             76 - The Truth will Set You Free              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Under led them into a well-appointed office, whose walls were lined with countless books on equally myriad shelves. The caretaker of the space was an elderly unicorn that was reading when they came in. The tome she browsed hovered just before her, seized with the innate magic of her elegant horn. She looked up as the door opened, brushing the tome gently aside. "Miss Shadow, is it?" Her eyes slid to those that accompanied the warrior and a brow raised in silent question.

Fast nodded low as she took up a place before the desk of the mistress of the library. "Yes. I'm Fast Shadow." She gestured to her friends, naming each in kind as they waved or bowed as the urge struck them. "You've been informed of our mission?"

"Hardly a mission," came the aged tone of the unicorn as she leaned back in her chair. "Forgive me for not rising to greet you, these old bones prefer to sit. The quest you've undertaken is both more, and less. You hardly know where to go, but are driven by the gods. You have no formal support, but look at you." A smile spread on her wrinkled lips. "A human, in my office. I did not predict this."

Tabitha took an uncertain step forward. "Nice to meet you, uh, ma'am."

She nodded in kind. "Well met. Is it true you were born as human as the gentleman here? I could study the lot of you, but the winds of fate are hardly so obliging. Fast Shadow, may I see the artifact?"

Fast glanced to the others, then drew out the crown. It felt heavy... important. She was finally in Viljatown with it, capital of Ponykind. "Here. Can you learn more about it?"

She smiled at Fast. "You've asked the right question." The tome beside her slowly lowered to the desk until it rested there, then a new force plucked at the crown, picking it from Fast's teeth to move in front of the elderly mare. "This will take some time, perhaps an hour? It isn't very interesting to watch, I'm afraid. If you were hoping for fireworks, you will be disappointed."

With a hoof at either side of the crown, she began to drone and chant strange and unknowable words. She slowly turned it one way and the other, but her eyes never rested directly on the crown, as if she could see ghosts of images beyond and through it.

Fast settled on her haunches, and the others parked themselves similarly. Under gently tapped Tabitha and gestured out of the room before leading her away.

Outside he nodded to her. "So, a sorcerer, and fresh, I gather? You've been learning the hard way, though an efficient way. I imagine you've made good progress, or you or your friends would already be dead."

Tabitha shuddered softly. "That's an unpleasant way to consider it, but yes. I haven't had time to... let it happen. I have to keep looking for it, and trying to bring it out." She wiggled her fingers. "It's in there, inside of me. But it's pony magic... Should I even have this magic?"

Under Score raised his own brow before reaching out and swatting at Tabitha's tail. "You are a pony. You clearly had a pony in your family. A human and a pony found love, and that line was not broken." He nodded softly. "You could continue it, taking a pony stallion and strengthening the pony blood in your line, or a human one and weakening it. It is your choice alone." His shoulders lifted. "You're an adult, no one else should have a say in that."

She stifled a laugh, glancing nervously about the library. "This is good and all, but you didn't call me out here to tell me I'm free to chase after ponies, did you?"

Under turned on himself and nuzzled a book out of his bags, holding it out carefully in his teeth. "Take this."

Tabitha accepted the book in uncertain fingers. She spun it around to face herself even as she folded it against her front. "What is this?"

"I want you to read it." He raised a hoof at her. "The art of sorcery is very intimate and personal, but that doesn't mean there's no wisdom to be learned from the trials of others."

Tabitha peeked down at the book. "This is some famous book?"

"In a manner." Under nodded. "The most famous sorcerer in the pony lands."

"Who?" Her fingers tightened on the book, her eyes locked on the wizard before her.

Under gave a soft chuckle. "Who else? That is Queen Iliana's text. She thought to pen it for other sorcerers. You share her blood, her purpose. It seemed appropriate."

Tabitha sank against a shelf of books. "A queen wrote this?!" A few soft shhs rang out and Tabitha went red as her voice lowered. "A queen?!"

"Queen Iliana. Come, we'll visit the reading room. You can browse alongside Maud." He turned and began trotting towards the reading room with a mildly dazed Tabitha trailing behind.

She reached out, tapping him on the withers. "Look... I'm not an illiterate... but I bet she writes all kinds of fancy words... Could you read to me?"

"Wrote." Under shook his head. "Come along." A little smile spread on his lips. "Luminace would be quite ashamed of me if I wouldn't read to someone eager to learn." He entered a new room, nodding at Maud, who didn't even look up from the book she seemed to be thoroughly engrossed in.

Tabitha wiggled a few fingers, but stayed close to Under Score and, together, they vanished into a private room attached to the reading room. There were no books there, or much of any decoration. It was barely more than a closet with a desk. "What is this?"

Under took the book from her unresisting hand and set it out on the desk. "This is a private reading room. You can speak normally here. It's well buffered. We'd have to shout to make much noise outside, and it wouldn't be much. It's quite ideal for tasks such as this."

Tabitha pulled over a stool and sank down onto it as Under flipped open the page. She smiled a little as he began to read to her. His voice was somehow reassuring, and the words of the dead queen didn't feel as terribly oppressive and weighty as they might otherwise have.

"Hello young sorcerer. I never liked that title. It has dark roots, and fearful roots. Hold your head high, pony. Your blood is the blood of unity. We are not bringers of death or destruction, nay, we are tools of fate, and binders of community. I may have banished the common acceptance of outright hostility between the tribes, but to say they view one another as entire equals... I'm not that proud, or blind, to say I've been that successful. Whether I still breathe or you've somehow found this centuries after my passing..."

Under glanced up at Tabitha. "It has not yet been a full century since she has left us. Her passing is a fresh wound in the hearts of many ponies."

Tabitha nodded slowly. "Can you... tell me about her? She sounds like a nice pony."

Under rested a hoof on the page as he regarded Tabitha. "That is a complex question. She was no personal friend of mine, but I did meet her. A rare pleasure, she preferred to hide away more and more as time went on. Not for lack of love for her people... No... She loved every pony around her, but they confused and vexed her as well."

"She was confused?" spoke Tabitha with a voice thick with the same confusion. "How? She was their queen!"

"A title." Under let out a slow breath. "And not even the correct one. They would have hoisted the title of empress upon her brow, but she refused. She would have preferred a country ruled by equals, but there was no room for that. We needed unity, or so they claimed at the start. 'We need stability', they cried as the empire became established. It never was a good time. The last request of her, I should imagine, was for an heir. She denied them that."

"Can you do that?"

"Do what?"

Tabitha rolled a hand. "Can you have a country ruled by everyone? How would that even work?"

He shrugged lightly. "It's been done, in smaller communities. Such 'democracies' can be quite efficient in some ways, and quite slow in others. No model of governance is perfect. We are not here to discuss matters of state, however. Let's return to her words on your bloodline, and how you might better grasp it."

"You're an earth pony, right?"

"Earth-bound." He perked an ear. "Of the prairie tribe, though that term is less popular. We galloped across the wide open plains. We were the most numerous, the widest spread, and the most tightly knit. It is by good fortune that our queen should come from our line first. She knew the value of family before she learned the value of state."

Tabitha leaned forward, chin resting on the palms of her hands. "You know just about everything, don't you?"

He erupted into a fit of laughter. "Luminace would strike me down if I agreed with that. The most essential wisdom is understanding you know nothing, and seeking constantly to fix that very flaw."

"Would she really?"

"Of course not." He gave a little smile. "She is a kind goddess, and would, at worst, drop a book on me. I hold myself to my own standards, however. No, I don't know 'everything' or even most things. I enjoy fixing that every day that I can still draw breath."

She wriggled her fingers back at the book. "Please, do continue. Thank you for reading it to me."

With a soft nod, he did continue. They both learned something from the experience.


//-------------------------------------------------------//
                77 - And the Verdict is...                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Head Librarian's head sunk as the last dregs of the spell escaped her. Paul looked ready to approach her, but Fast held up a hoof. In a harsh whisper, she warned him, "Leave her be. She's done when she says she is."

Paul crossed his arms and grunted softly with mounting impatience. Watching a wizard weave a spell for what felt like forever was not his idea of a good time.

Tree softly bobbed her head in tune to some song that only existed in her head, eyes focused far beyond the wizard and her labors. She seemed to be content waiting.

Fast, on the other hoof, had her eyes directly on the crown and the pony that held it, almost trembling with anticipation.

The priest/librarian looked up at them. "The crown knows what brows it must rest upon. The Champions must unify and between their hooves and talons, peace may yet be found. The time for an empress has passed." She set the crown down softly. "Do you know who the 'Champions' are?"

"I..." Before Fast could get further, Under Score stepped in, cutting her off.

"Fast, you know."

"I do?" Fast raised a brow.

Under smiled his wrinkled lips. "It irks me as much as you, but now is not the time to be coy. We've never shied from an adventure before, side-by-side."

Fast rose to her wobbling legs. "Are you serious?"

Under reached out a hoof towards her. "Surely taming this country can't be worse than some of the scraps we've been in."

Fast barked out a laugh at that, reaching out and touching hooves. "This isn't an adventure, you old fool. This is madness."

Under shrugged softly. "Madness is our trade. Perhaps we can learn something from it."

Tree tilted her head at the both of them. "Are you two the Champions then? Radical..."

Under shook his head. "There are others."

"What?" Fast recoiled. "Wait..." She clopped a hoof on the ground. "Don't tell me I'm the only one to not notice she was ensnared by The Author's hands!"

Paul lifted his shoulders. "Well, alright, so what's next? Round up all these ponies?"

"Not all are ponies." Under shook his head. "The Author created all the species of Everglow. It should hardly be a surprise that she would recruit from a wide variety of us." He returned his look to Fast Shadow. "Take heart. I'm fairly certain most are as clueless as once you were, and perhaps that is kinder, but our hoof has been forced."

She advanced on him. "Why do you already know?"

He lifted his shoulders. "This has been a trying time. Things are not as they should be. I saw you walk off, death in your eyes, only to return with hope rekindled and youth intact. Whatever prevented me from seeing before is not there, and may not return until we have done our task."

Tabitha stepped up beside Under. "So, what are we waiting for?" She stepped past him and snatched the crown, only to place it on Under Score's head without waiting. "Let's gather up these friends of yours."

Under shuddered softly, eyes going unfocused a moment before he grunted. "So eager to strip even the hope of shirking this weighty task?" He turned towards her. "You are going to be a most troublesome student."

Tabitha blinked, then clapped her hands together. "You'll teach me?!"

Under smiled a little. "Of course I will, as best I can. I'm no sorcerer, but I know where to look, and I understand magic well enough to pass some wisdom. Will you have this old stallion as a mentor?"

She dropped to her knees and hugged him tightly around the neck. "Of course I will! Thank you." She kissed either of his cheeks, then rose up to her own hooves. "When do we get going?"

Paul waved at Tabitha. "For once, we're in complete agreement. Enough waiting around. Let's gather up all these 'Champions' and be done with it already."

The librarian slid from her chair and began slowly hobbling her way on aged legs towards Under Score. "There is one thing left undone, before you begin your next step. Two who have more than played their parts, who have seen you reach this far. They have their own story to return to."

Tree perked curiously even as Maud just walked in.

"And there they are. The crown, if you would?" She held out a shaking hoof, for Under to tip his head forward, allowing the crown to fall onto it. She approached Tree with the crown. "The answers you need will come to you, but you must focus on them exclusively."

Tree took a mild step away. "I'm not totally sure..."

Maud cut her off. "I thought you wanted another chance to wear the crown?"

"I do, but focusing on, you know, one thing. That's beyond comprehension with it on." She glanced around the room nervously. "Will I still look like this too?"

The librarian looked Tree over. "What's wrong with you?"

Fast gestured over Tree, then Maud. "Ponies of her world look more like this, in terms of proportion."

The librarian looked between them fastidiously. "You should recover, returned to your natural environment. It may require some time, but if ponies are not meant to be the way you are, you will adjust." She lifted the crown. "Will you accept?"

Maud nudged Tree gently. "I want to see my family."

Tree let out a soft sigh before she nodded, reaching for the crown and placing it on her own head. The rush of insight came to her, terrible and overwhelming. She knew all too much. It was a rush, and almost giddy as it filled her, but trying to find one specific piece of information through it all was hard. She tried to focus her usually soft and relaxed mind, prying through the roar of information to find what she wanted.

Fluttershy appeared in her mind's eye, worried and sad. She was wondering where her animal-loving friend had vanished to. She wanted to help. She couldn't. Tree reached for her, and the noise fell away from all sides. There was nothing but Fluttershy, the sad yellow pegasus.

The crown fell from her head as if a gust carried it away, but her eyes were only for Fluttershy, and she barely registered that it happened. She reached and reached, only for Maud to suddenly shove under her and lift her up. Maud was running beneath her as the noise began to close in on them rapidly.

Their manes and tails whipped about furiously as Maud ran with all the speed her training had allowed her, trying to beat the collapse of whatever place they were in.

It did collapse, crashing down upon them and plunging them into darkness.

Tree fluttered her eyes open. A voice was calling her, and a hoof was on her cheek. Fluttershy was smiling down at her, tears running freely down her snout. "Tree Hugger! Please be alright! Oh, I'm so glad to see you!"

Tree slowly rolled up to her belly from being sprawled on her side. "Flutters?"

"Tree!" She hugged Tree fiercely around the neck. "Where have you been?!"

Maud walked quietly for the door. "Thanks for the help with the tree. Stop by the farm to get paid." She nudged the door open, only for her tail to be caught in teeth. She looked over her shoulder to see Tree had caught her tail before she could go. "Yes?"

Tree shook her head quickly. "You're not just going to go, just like that? Like nothing happened, sister?"

Maud pointed at Tree a silent moment, then her hoof fell. "Want to come with me? I can introduce you to the family."

Tree smiled with relief. "I would like that very much." She turned to Fluttershy, then back at Maud. "Can I introduce you to a friend first?"

Maud tilted her head. "Hello Fluttershy."

"Oh, um, hello Maud." Fluttershy waved softly.

Tree blinked. "Oh right, you two met before. I totally forgot." She clopped herself in the head, then paused, looking at her hoof. "Oh, all normal... It's like we were never there..."

"Possibly." Talons landed on her head as Bright Feathers claimed his rightful spot. "Possibly not."

"Bright!" Tree smiled with relief. "You clever bird. Oh! You're going to love Fluttershy. She knows how to treat birds right, clever or not."

They had made it. Their trip to Everglow left changes in them, but they were growths. They had left their marks on Everglow, and helped it reach the path that could find healing, in time. The Champions of Everglow would have to martial themselves for an adventure that couldn't be simply defeated by a sword or a spell.

Would they succeed? That would be another story. One thing could be certain, they wouldn't do it, success or not, alone.

Author be praised.

