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| | | Avan's Story...Again?!? |  |
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Novel Shine
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Posts : 455
Join date : 2013-01-20
Age : 26
| | Subject: Avan's Story...Again?!? Sat Mar 14, 2015 7:08 pm | |
| Well, this site has been dead, but I haven't! Yesterday, while looking at the site, an idea came into my head...And that is to breath new life into something which has been dead for the last almost two years. That's right, Avan's story is being reborn. I deleted the old topic, and there has been a few changes to the story. Chapter 1, 2, and 3 have had scenes added but really didn't change what happened. Also, the use of thy and thou has been completely removed. Instead, this will only be seen when Celestia, Luna, Sol, or Avan are using the 'Royal Canterlot Voice.' And, surprise, surprise, I finally got chapter 13 done. Its been almost two years since I started that chapter, and now I finally got around to finishing it. I am planning to try to finish it, but I make no promises. Lets see how far I get this time... - Prologue - Birth:
Age: 0
A soft cry echoed in the palace, but it was a happy sound. In a large room, covered with brilliant colors and silk, a young brown colt, just a simple baby, let out another cry as his hooves waved softly in the air. His green mane swept around his head as he curled up next to the large figure; his mother, next to him. His mother was a soft green hue; her mane being a light brown with green streaks through it; like vines. Next to her was a large dark grey alicorn, who eyes were almost lifeless as his wife looked up at him. "Look at him, Mortis," she whispered softly, bringing her new son close to her belly. "He is a little angel...What should we name him?"
Mortis paused as he stared at the son, thinking of a name that would fit. "If he is an angel, then he no doubt takes after you, my beloved Tao,” he state, although his voice seemed cold and distant, as if he was a thousand miles away, but yet he felt so warm to be blessed with another child… “How about...Avan. Prince Avan." He finally stated, finding the name a good one. It was a bit different than the other names their children had, it it suited him. He would be a very different alicorn than the rest, Mortis could already sense that.
"Avan,” she mused softly, before she turned her attention to her newborn with a large, warm smile. “What a beautiful name... My little prince, Avan..." Avan, seeming content with being named, lowered his hooves as he let out a big yawn, before curled up closer to his mother. Tao lowered her muzzle, rubbing his belly softly before her ears flickered, becoming aware of the sound of pounding hooves, which was quickly growing louder and louder. She easily realized the source of the sound, letting out a soft chuckle as she glanced at her husband. "Oh dear; it seems that they heard Avan’s cries and are coming, Mortis. Will you please open up the door before they reach it? I fear they may open it a bit too...Loudly and scare poor little Avan, mostly now that he is already falling asleep and won’t even expect it.."
Mortis nodded his head as he turned toward the door and started to trot toward it, his black-tipped wings flicker. His horn started glowing pure black as he pulled them open, and not a moment too soon. Almost as soon as the doors were open, the king noticed four young alicorns racing down the hall, before sliding to a stop not far from their father. The oldest one; a dark orange colt, was at the lead as he stared up at his father. A large grin was fixed on his face as he almost jumped from hoof to hoof. “Is he born? Can we see him? I want to see him!”
At the back of the group was the smallest of them all, a dainty brown mare, with an even lighter brown mane. She stared up at her father with a slight quiver of her bottom lip, her green eyes wide as she tried to be as cute as she could for him. “Please father? I’ve never had a younger sibling before!"
The last two alicorns of the group; a light blue colt with almost a clear-like mane and a darker blue filly with a dark grey mane, both chipped in their request of seeing their brother, causing Mortis to shaking his head with a soft sigh. He glanced behind him, looking at his wife and the now sleeping Avan. “Should I allow them to pass? Or are they banished from this room until Avan is awake once more?”
Tao looked up from her son, before she saw the crowd of alicorns trying to peer past her husband. She smiled softly to herself, her wings shifting slightly as she shook her head with a laugh. “Only if they can promise to be quiet. They can see him as long as they promise to not make too much noise.”
“We promise!” They all chipped in at the same time, all keeping their voices quiet as for proof that they could. Mortis put his dead-like gaze on to them, before he simply nodded and stepped out of the way, watching as his children raced past as soon as they could to crowd around their new sibling. A soft, but excited chatter came from them all as they fawned over the sleeping foal as Mortis watched on.
The king let out a soft snort as he closed the door quietly, wondering how long the four of them would be interested in their sleeping sibling. Mortis could sometimes make out the soft brown fur of his new son inside the crowd and although he normally didn’t do so, he found himself smiling softly to himself. Avan...You have a great destiny before you, I can sense it.
- Chapter 1 - Truth:
Age: 500
The sound of wings fluttered in the air, followed by the sound of hooves pounded on the ground, "Blaze; wait up! I can't fly yet and you knows it!" Avan galloped after his oldest brother; who was flying ahead. The young colt huffed as his wings fluttered at his side, hoping every few steps in vain attempts to fly. However, on landing from one of the jumps, his hoof landed on a smooth pebble. The pebble, shifting from the sudden weight, sent Avan’s hoof flying out from under him, sending the prince crashing to the ground.
Blaze came to a stop at the sound of his brother hitting the ground; floating in place as he glanced at him. Panic seemed to fill his eyes for a second, before he saw Avan forcing himself back to his hooves, unharmed. He let out a laugh as his brother glared up at him, while the orange alicorn grinned widely. "If you want to catch up, Avan, then I suggest that you learns how to fly!" He stuck out his tongue, before he flapped his wings and sped off, leaving Avan alone in the field.
Avan pouted as he sat down as he watched his grow smaller and smaller in the distance. He wasn’t worried about being alone for long as he knew that Blaze would come back; he always did, but what Avan hated was that it seemed Blaze always had to rub the fact that he could fly in Avan’s face. The brown colt turned his head to glanced at his wings; flaring them open as he glanced over his wings, wishing he could fly like all of his siblings. His parents said that it was rare for colts of his age to know how to fly by then; as it was very young; but he still ticked him off. He wanted to fly and thought it unfair that he couldn’t.
With a defeated sigh, he laid down as he rested his head on his legs, staring off into the distance of where Blaze had disappeared. After what seemed like minutes of his brother being gone, he raised his head and started to glance around the area, half wondering if Blaze wasn’t planning on returning this time. Of course, Blaze would be in trouble if he didn’t return for him, as Avan was far enough away from the castle that he required his siblings to be with him.
However, something caught his gaze as he took in the surrounding. Avan was lying on the top of a hill, and at the bottom of the hill was a small village, really only a couple of huts. Avan had seen the village a few times, but he knew that his father had strictly forbidden Avan and his siblings from going down there. However, as he sat there in the grass, curiosity got the best of him. He rose to his hooves, and started to make a slow trek down the hillside, being careful not to slip.
About halfway down the hill, he became aware of the sound of wings. Coming to a stop, Avan glanced over his shoulder to find Blaze floating above the top of the hill, staring at his brother with wide eyes. “Avan, what are you doing? You know we are not allow down there!”
Avan lowered his head, his ears folding back as he bit his lip. “I-I know but...I just wanted to see what was down there! I mean, I’ve never seen another pony before even though father and mother have spoken so much about them being our subjects...Have you ever seen the other races, Blaze?”
Blaze seemed to hesitate at this, before he shook his head as he let out a soft sigh. "No...I haven’t, Avan, but you knows that mother and father will not be pleased if you go down there!"
“Well...What if you come with me?” Avan asked, tilting his head as he stared up at his brother with a pleading look in his eyes.
“They told us not to, Avan!”
Avan seemed to pause for a few seconds, before he let out a soft snort and glared at his brother. "Since when did you listen to them? Don’t you always disobey them? So why can’t I for once?"
Blaze paused; seeming taken aback by his brother's sharp tone. He opened his mouth to object, but found nothing coming out before he sighed, shaking his head. "Ah...Horseapples; you are right about that. Fine; but I’m tagging along as well!” He fluttered down to his brother, landing next to him as he fixed his brother with a stare. “But I am so blaming you if we get into trouble.”
A smile appeared on Avan’s face before he turned and started to make his way back down the hill; his brother following after him. As they reached the bottom, Avan paused to take in the small village. Even for the small size, it was well-built and Avan could make ponies walking back and forth, going on with their daily lives. Avan paused at the entrance of the village as his brother stood next to him. “How weird…” Avan mused, a bit surprised at how...Unimpressive the village was compared to the castle they called home.
The ponies that made up the village seemed odd to Avan. Some had wings, some had horns, while others had neither. However, none of them had both horn and wings like Avan and his sibling had, which made him feel a bit strange standing there. They also seemed to be smaller than he expected, but soon enough, a few of the villagers took notice of the two. Easily recognizing what the two were, those who saw them froze with fear before hurrying into their huts. Avan’s ears perked at surprise of this, half opening his mouth to call out to them not to be afraid, but nothing came out as more and more ponies seemed to notice them. Soon, it seemed the whole village was bare. Avan bit his lip as he glanced at his brother, who seemed as surprised as him.
“Well...I was not expecting that. Perhaps that is why father and mother told us to stay away?” Blaze muttered, shaking his head. “Maybe we should try to talk to them…”
“Or maybe they could talk to us…” Avan suddenly started, taking notice of five small forms moving toward them. One of them had a horn, while two had wings and the other two had neither. Unicorn, pegasi, and earth pony...Avan easily named the races that they were, but didn’t move as they drew closer and closer.
Finally, they came to a stop and the unicorn took a step forward, a soft blue mare with dark blue eyes and a curly purple mane. She shook softly, but worked hard to hide her fear as she stared at the two larger alicorns. “W-Why are you two invading this village!” she squeaked.
“We...We are not invading,” Avan said softly, trying a sweet smile toward the small group. “We are simply visiting. I’m Avan, and this here is my brother, Blaze. And who are you five?”
An dark brown earth pony, a colt, stepped forward next to the unicorn with a frown as he stared at them. His messy mane was a dark grey as he huffed at them. “My name is Boulder Dash, and we are the villager’s defenders! You better get out of here before we beat ya up!”
“Boulder! B-Be nice!” The blue unicorn hissed in a shaky voice at the earth pony, gently hitting him with her hoof. “Th-They aren’t normal ponies! They have both wings and horns!” As her friend stepped backwards without a word, she turned back at them and stared at them with careful eyes as she swallowed her fear. “I-I’m sorry for him...M-My name is Azule Glow.”
Azule paused as she glanced at her friends, before she pointed at the other earth pony in the group, a silver mare with a black mane and dusky blue eyes. The earth pony squeaked, hiding behind Boulder when she saw her friend’s gaze land on her. “That there is Silver Stream…” Azule paused as she turned, looking at her two pegasi friends.
One of them was pure white, with his mane being a pale blue while his eyes were more icy, while the other one was an aqua-like color, with a dark green mane and striking, but seeming odd, purple eyes. “And th-that is Icy Storm and Flash Flood…”
Azule swallowed once more as she fixed her eyes on the two alicorns, watching them before a single question was finally uttered from her mouth. “W-What are you guys?”
“Us?” Blazed ask, seeming taken back by the question. He glanced at his brother, before shrugged and glanced back at the foals. “We are Alicorns...We live up in a castle pass that way,” he said, motioning in the direction where their home was settled.
The fillies seemed to look at each other with wide eyes, before Icy Storm took a step forward as he flared his wings. “Alicorns, huh?” he said, looking at them with questioning eyes as if he didn’t believe it. “Well, is it true then?”
Avan blinked, glancing at his brother for a split second before he gave Icy Storm an odd and confused look. “Is...What true?”
Flash Flood rolled his eyes, letting out a snort. “That you guys get to be like, super old! My parents told me that the same alicorns have been ruling for the last thousand or so years, but I don’t believe that, no pony lives that long!”
Avan frowned, titling his head as he opened his mouth softly, trying to make sense of what they were saying. “What? O-Of course we live that long, doesn’t everypony?...I mean, I am five hundred, and Blaze is fifteen hundred years old.”
“N-No…” Silver Stream spoke up from behind Boulder Dash, her tail flicking. “I-I mean, we are all ten or so years old...Nopony in this village could ever dream of living that…” she drifted off, her face growing pale as she spotted something, before she turned and dashed off. Everypony else seemed to see what Silver had a few seconds after her, and one after another they all turned and raced for the shelter as Azule let out a scream.
“Th-The Grim Reaper!”
Avan and Blaze froze as they watched the foals duck into the shelter, both suddenly aware of a shadow looming over them. Blaze was the first one to turn around, letting out a small smile as he saw his father standing there. “Oh...H-Hello there, father…” he said softly.
Avan followed, flinching when he saw his father’s cold, dead-like eyes staring hard at the two of them, filled with anger. “What are you two doing here? You know the command we set for you all, to stay away from the village.”
Blaze glanced from Avan, to his father, before he flared his wings and took into the air. “I blame Avan! It was his idea!” he shouted, before he flapped his wings and tried to fly away as fast as he could. However, before he could make it far, his father’s horn started to glow as he grabbed Blaze’s tail, bring the alicorn to a stop.
“That isn’t very noble of you, Blaze, blaming your brother like that then trying to make a run for it. Even if it was Avan’s idea, you still knowly broke our commandment,” Mortis droned without a hint of emotion as he pulled his son back to him, before he settled him on his back. Once Blaze was on there, he lifted Avan up as well and sat him down next to his brother, before the older alicorn flared his wings open and took into the sky.
“I told you to stay away for good reasons, you know. You all were comfort with your lives, I feared what you may think if you learned that so many ponies did not share our gift of a longer lifespan.” He glanced over his shoulder, at the two alicorns that clung onto his back as he flew toward the castle that was rising in the distance. “You both know what I govern, don’t you?”
Avan was the first to speak up, glancing up from his spot on his father’s back, his voice small. "Yes, father...Death. You...You govern death. When ponies die, you lead them to the afterlife...Whatever afterlife that may be... That is why that unicorn called you the Grim Reaper."
Mortis became quite; before sighing as he nodded his head. "Yes. You are correct; Avan. But don’t you see the flaw in what you believed? If ponies are like us alicorns, ageless and near immortal, then what death would I govern? They are not gifted as we are, they have short spans that barely ever reach one hundred of age."
Avan became silent; but he was filled with horror. How could his parents have left such a large truth as this from them? He had always known what his father had govern, but had never thought of it in such of a way. If they barely lived to one hundred...Why, he was five times that! He had lived five lifetimes for a single pony, and yet he was barely able to fly at this point. He had only little idea of what he was to govern as all alicorns had an aspect, and he was simply aware it was life...But what life could he govern if almost everypony he would met had one that could not compare to his own?
- Chapter 2 - Comforts:
Age: 500
“You can’t catch me, Gaia!”
“Unfair, Aero! You knows that flying is what you are best at!”
Avan sat in the far corner of the large room, watching his siblings play with very little interest. He turned his attention away from them as he laid his head down, closing his eyes in an attempt to drown them out. Life just hadn’t been the same for him after learning the truth...He was unsure how he felt about the fact that not all ponies were ageless nor immortal as he and his family was. He felt that this somehow messed with his destiny...How he was to do his duty as an alicorn, if he would live far more longer than anypony else?
To busy wallowing in his thoughts, he hadn’t heard the hoofsteps approach until a sweet voice spoke up above him. “Feeling down, my little prince?” Avan’s eyes flickered open as he lifted his head to see his mother looming over him, a soft smile on her lips as she stared down at him. “May I ask what exactly is getting you down?”
Avan half-opened his mouth, before he closed it as he thought about what word to say. Finally, he shrugged as he lowered his head back onto his hooves. “I’ve simply been thinking of what father told me about the other ponies...I do not know how I feel about how they having such short lifespans while we are blessed with timeless ones.”
Tao laughed softly as she laid down next to her son, using her hoof to raise up his chin so that he was looking into her eyes. “We may be blessed with ageless lifespans, but perhaps their shorter lives is better than you may expect.”
He frowned as he waved his mother’s hoof away, but did not lower his gaze as his green eyes stared into hers, a confused glimmer in them. “Better? What could be better of having such a short lifespan! They will not see the same wonders we will see in our lives, as we live for countless years while they simply live for less than one hundred years.”
“I see where your logic lay, my dear son, but I still see an error in it,” she stated, spreading out her wing and settling it over Avan, pulling him close to her. “You are right, it is short for us...But not to them. To them, we are the strange ones, living for the countless years. And sure, they will fail to see all the wonderful things we will; but they also don’t see as many horrible things. Evil in great scales may happen once a lifetime, but for us? We will see the fall of ponies into the darkness far more than they could ever dream of.” She seemed to pause for a second, before she nodded her head as if agreeing with her next point. “And finally, because of they have such a short lifespan, they care more for living in the moment. We alicorns however tend to linger in everything but the present...We either live in the past, or in what to come. We cannot let go of what happened, because we will never be able to escape it like ponies will when your father comes for them.”
Avan listened silently to his mother’s words, and when she was done, mused over them. Glancing at her, he raised an eyebrow. “You make sense...,But mother, if we cannot let go of what happened, does that mean that we shouldn’t be friends with them? If we grow close to them, then we will carry their deaths with us for thousand of years.”
Tao smiled at her son’s logic, before she let out a laugh as she shook her head. “How about I answer your question with my own? What is it that you are to govern, Avan?”
The prince wanted to scoff at that, wondering how his mother even could doubt it if he had forgotten it. It was a title he knew one day he would wear with pride. “I am to be the Caretaker of Life, to make sure everything has a good life and does not stray from that path.”
“Very good, Avan, but how are you to do that if you do not befriend what you are to lead? We may be rulers, but that does not mean we are to be above our subjects. We should care for them, and not use our powers for our own gain. You are to lead them as friends, not to think of yourself greater than them.” Nuzzling her son’s head, Tao pulled herself to her hooves and started to trot away, before she paused and glanced at Avan. “Oh...And Avan? Do not carry their deaths with you, carry their memories. Their memories is what will keep them alive in your heart.”
Avan opened his mouth to say something, but his mother was already trotting away. Frowning, he shook his head as he tried to sort out his thoughts. Lost in them once more, he hadn’t noticed his sibling Aero approaching until Aero dropped into him from the sky, causing Avan to let out a sudden gasp of surprise.
“Hehe...Sorry, Avan. I couldn’t resist,” Aero giggled as he pulled himself to his hooves and moved away from his younger brother, who glared at him. Behind Aero came trotting up Gaia, who moved slowly as if afraid to startle either of them as her green eyes flickered, but Aero paid no attention to her as he went on. “You know, if you want I could try to teach you how to fly. I’m pretty good at it seeing how I am a master of air.”
Avan shrugged as he forced himself up, before smiling softly at Aero. “Yeah...I suppose I would like that, Aero. I’ve been focusing on myself for a bit too long I suppose.”
- Chapter 3 - Choices:
Age: 800
Avan trotted down the hill, a large smile on his face. The village of Brumby laid at the bottom; of course he was now used to going down to the village. For the last three hundred years he had been visiting the small village; and even though most of the time he thought about stopping his visits, the smile that appeared on the ponies living in Brumby when he came made him come back every few weeks.
"Avan!" A voice spoke behind him, causing him to jump. Avan spun around to find a white pegasus mare flying toward him at a fast pace, a large smile on her face. Her sun-yellow mane swept around her ears in a fashion that could only be said as 'cute.' Her pink eyes sparkled in the sunlight as she flew full-force into the surprised stallion; knocking them both down the hill in a tumble.
When the dust had settled; the pegasus sat giggling on top of the prince before floating off of him and helping him to his hooves. "Sorry about that Avan; I was just not expecting to see you today and the excitement got the better of me."
Avan smiled softly at the mare; dusting himself off with his magic, chuckling. "It is quite alright; Blooming Ray; you just ended up surprising me; that is all."
Blooming smiled; her wings fluttering as she took off into the air once again; flying around the prince once before heading toward her village. "Come on, Prince Avan! The town-folks will be happy to see you!"
Avan's smiled weaken as he started to follow her. He remembered when she was just a filly...when her grandmother was a filly! It seemed odd to watch them all grow without him; but he was getting used to it...Slowly. As Blooming went ahead and told everypony that he was there; Avan slowed down to a steady trot. It was nice to see the town-folks so happy to see him; after all he was the only royal that came and every said hello; he would even take time to play with the young colts and fillies.
"Mister Avan!" A soft squeak came from a nearby hut as a young colt came racing out. His black coat glimmered softly in the sunlight; his dark grey mane a mess. "We missed you! I was half afraid you weren’t gonna come back!"
Avan stepped back in surprise when the young colt wrapped himself around his leg; but soon a smile appeared on his face. "Well; isn't it Coal? That’s a foolish thought you know, Coal, I’m not going to just up and leave you all. I care so much for you all...But my, haven't you grown since I last saw you!"
"He has indeed grown; Prince Avan. He is almost the biggest colt in his class!" A dusky grey mare came trotting from the hut; a smile on her face when she saw her young son with the prince. "His father would be proud..."
The prince sighed sadly as he thought about the brave stallion that had been Coal's father until the mine that he worked in fell...It had been a grave lost for the whole village of Brumby and very hard on Avan as he had known the gentle stallion very well. Coal was almost the same image of his father; other than for his dark blue eyes instead of his father's light blue. "I still can't believe that Dust Miner is gone...He was a very good stallion; Black Diamond; he would've made a very good father for young Coal."
"Aaaavvvvvaaaaaannnn!"
Avan turned to find a large group of colts and fillies heading toward him, causing him to flutter his wings as Blooming Ray stood behind them all with a large grin. It seemed everypony was up for tackling him today...The wave of colored foals rammed into him with such speed that the prince fell over with a gasp; before being buried in a group of very happy kids. He started to giggle; trying to knock the little ponies off of him but they hung on with all they had; and he found himself in a blanket of hugs.
"Well; who seems to be very loved today?" There it was again; the sweet voice of Blooming Ray. She floated above the prince; a smile on her face as she watched him. "I would love to talk to you alone about some new rumors I’ve heard; but it looks like you is a bit too busy being crushed by love."
Avan rolled his eyes; and with a flap of his wings he was able to knock most of the young foals off and rolled to his hooves; shaking the rest of them off. He didn't mind many of their 'awwwww' as he did so; glancing at them. "Just for a while, my little ponies. I do wish to speak to Blooming Ray before we play. As soon as we are done however; I will happily play with you all until the sun sets!"
With a small cheer; Avan flapped his wings and took into the sky after Blooming. They head toward one of the hills that surrounded the village. Landing; Avan took a deep breath; enjoying the fresh air. "So; Blooming? What do you have to speak of today?"
The white pegasus' eyes glimmered, her wings fluttering as she landed next to the prince; smiling largely at him. "I would say the same old stuff but I have heard of a rumor that I thought you might be interested in."
Avan raised an eyebrow; glancing at the mare as he smiled softly. "Oh really? What do you think the rumor is that may peak my interest?"
Laying down, Blooming Ray grinned as she motioned for Avan to join her. Once she had the young prince next to her; she paused as she tried to recall everything about her rumor. "A small rumor has popped up by some visitors, but it speaks of a place far away from here. The name was never stated; but it is said to lay far beyond the sea! It is even said that it is ruled by Alicorns, Avan! You own people!"
The prince grew silent; thinking of this. "A place...ruled by Alicorns?" He glanced at his dear friend with a small frown. "Do you think other Alicorns may exist?"
The white mare paused; before shaking her head. "I...I have no idea; Avan, but when I heard of this rumor, I just knew you would want to hear it. You always talked of how you wanted to find more of Alicorns. If such a place to exist; I think you should find it."
Avan smiled softly before another thought raced through his mind. "But...That would mean leaving you; Blooming..." he whispered softly; giving the young mare a sad glance.
Blooming sighed; pressing herself against prince's side. "I won't live forever, Avan, you know that. I do however think that the sooner you finds these Alicorns, if such exist, will be a far better use of time then wasting your time with somepony you will outlive."
"But...But I don't want to leave you; Blooming..."
The white pegasus glared at Avan, before pulling herself to her hooves. "Please Avan, go and find your own race. I wants you to be happy; and staying with me as I grows old will not help...but if you finds ones that age with you and they make you happy...Then I can live without you, because if you stay with me longer, when I die it will only hurt you even more... Now go; play with the young colts and fillies. I just hope that you will make the right choice and take the trip to find this place if it exists...If not; it will still make me happy to know that you at least tried."
With that; Blooming Ray took off without another word; leaving a confused and heartbroken Avan to think of what he would do; stay with the mare that he cared for so much for; or do as she asked and try to find these Alicorns.
- Chapter 4 - Bittersweet Goodbyes:
Age: 800
Avan gazed to the ground below him; his horn glowing a dark green as he strapped his bags onto his sides. He was doing it...He was leaving home to go see if others of his race existed. He glanced back at the door to his room. Should he really be doing this? He was young for an Alicorn; maybe around...16 to an Alicorn at most. Yes...that seemed like the right age that he would be if he was mortal.
He had told his family of his trip he was planning to take; but even though some of them were unsure of the whole thing; he wasn't going to stay here. He wanted to complete Blooming's wish. He climb through the window; his wings fluttering as he took off into the air. The night sky was cool; the stars dancing above him in one final dance as the sun started to take into the air and the moon started to lower to it's resting spot for the day. He flew toward the hill next to Brumby; settling on the outskirts as he waited for Blooming Ray for one last time. He had asked her to see him off.
His wings fluttered at his sides as he waited for his dear friend to arrive; his eyes set on the sunrise. He always loved watching the sunrises; they brought forth life and a new day with each rise. However; he also was a dear fan of the night. The moon brought the cool air and life to some animals and plants; it was also much quieter than the day and gave Avan time to think.
"The sunrise seems to be even more lovely today, Avan." Avan glanced behind him to see that Blooming Ray had managed to sneak up on him; a small smile on her face as she watched the sun rise slowly into the sky. "I...Never thought I would be seeing you off on a long journey."
The prince sighed; flexing his wings. "Never did I think I would be going off on a long journey. I had always imaged spending my life here; always and forever." He gazed at the sunrise; before point his hoof toward it. "I’m planning to go that way; toward the rising sun. It will be easy to keep track of what way I am going...Besides, the sea lies beyond those mountain tops."
Blooming nodded; her gaze hard as she glanced at Avan. "That seems like a very good choice; Avan. I do hope you will find the Alicorns; and also your cutie mark while you are there." The last part made Avan blush. He was 800 and he still didn't have his cutie mark when most ponies from Brumby would be 10 or so when they got theirs. Well, it wasn’t odd for an Alicorn to be this old without it, as Blaze still didn’t have it as well, it didn’t save him from the teasing of Blooming. "I’m sure that it will be a wonderful cutie mark; one fit for a prince!" the pegasus added; noting the look that came across Avan's face.
"Avvvaaannn!" A soft cry made the two ponies turn around; only to see a black blur race toward Avan and wrap itself around his leg. He let out a suddenly gasp; backing up in surprise as he glanced at the young colt around his leg.
"C-Coal?" he stuttered; attempting to shake the black colt off his leg. "What are you doing awake so late...Er...Early?"
"I woke up cause I couldn't sleep when I saw Blooming leave! Please don't leave Prince Avan! We will miss you! Besides, you promised you wouldn’t leave us!” The young earth pony held on with all that he had; making sure he wasn't letting Avan leave.
The prince finally gave up on his attempts to shake Coal off. He glanced down at the young colt with a sad glance. "I am sorry; Coal, but I am leaving to find more of my own race, more Alicorns. I’m going across the sea in hopes of finding them."
"Then let me come with you; Avan! I will be good! You won't even know that I am there!" The colt said; his dark blue eyes wide as he begged with the prince. "Please?"
Avan sighed; shaking his head."I can't let you come along; it will be a long trip and your mother needs you; Coal. She has already lost her husband; now are you saying she should lose her son to just because you don’t want me to leave?"
Soft white hooves wrapped themselves around Coal; pulling him off Avan's leg as Blooming pulled the young pony to a hug. "Avan is right; Coal. Your mother would be heartbroken if you left her. You don't want to make Black Diamond sad; now do you?"
The black colt grew silent; before sighing and going limp in Blooming Ray's grasp; defeated. "Y-You are right. Mother needs me!" His head shot up, a grin on his face. "I will make sure that she is happy while you are gone; Avan! You have my words!"
The prince laughed; rubbing the young colt's head with his hoof. "That's my Coal! You better do that; I will have Blooming Ray keep you on your word!" Avan paused; glancing at the sun. It was almost completely risen. "I should head off soon...It was wonderfully to know you; Blooming and Coal...I will never forget you."
A look of shock appeared on Coal's face as he started to squirm in Blooming's grip. "W-What are you saying? Are you saying that you wouldn’t be coming back, Avan? I-I thought you were simply going to go find them...But don’t leave us forever!"
Avan opened his mouth to say something before shutting it and turning away. How could he tell the young colt that would be his last time seeing him, his idol, ever? His wings flared at his side as he took off; leaving Blooming and Coal sitting there on the hill as he flew toward the mountain, refusing to look back at them. A tear raced down his face as one word echo off the hill sides.
"AVAN!"
- Chapter 5 - Regrets:
Age: 800
Avan let out a small gasp as he attempted to land; only for his wings to give out close to the ground and for him to hit the ground with a thud and roll head over tail before coming to a stop by ramming into a large boulder. He just laid there on the ground; unwilling to move. He had been flying for almost two days straight now; trying to get away from Bramby and the ponies he had left behind. He had left everything he knew for what; a rumor? What if there was no other Alicorns and he was just flying to nowhere? Would he really lose his family for something that may or may not even exist? He could always return back if the rumor was false he supposed...But would they think of him the same?
He stared at the night sky; which had only risen an hour or two ago...hadn't it? Time was lost to Avan, he was sure that it had been two days he was flying but hours meant nothing to him as it was only the air with him. He paused; rolling onto his belly. Pain flooded through his left wing but he knew that they were just tired from flying for so long.
He pulled himself to his hooves; tucking his wings close to his sides. Where was he? He glanced around; trying to figure out where he was going. He was ontop of a mountain; but he had already flown over a few so it didn't really help him figure out where he was. He had yet to find the sea; but he had a feeling that he was growing close. His started to move forward; figuring that if he couldn't fly he could try to walk but he soon stopped and stared at the sky. The sun...without the sun how was he going to know if he was going the right way? He took a deep breath; the cool air feeling nice on his aching wings.
Sleep. That is what Avan needed. He glanced around the mountain top for a cave or anywhere he would have shelter if it rained. A cave caught his attention; it was small but it would work for him as long as he would be able to sleep. As he started to trot toward it; a wind started to pick up. His ears went back on his head as he thought about his siblings; mostly Aero. "Oh Aero...if this wind would be kind to my lone soul; let you hear this. Thy is sorry for leaving everypony without a single word. It was a stupid mistake; but I must carry on with his quest. What point is there turning back now? Everypony knows that I’m gone by now most likely; and if these Alicorns exist...I wishes to find them." He grew silent; as if waiting for the wind to answer him but the night stayed silent. He shook his head and headed toward the cave. "I am so sorry; Aero."
Avan poked his head into the cave; before pulling himself into it. It was small...but it would work. He used his magic to prod what was in his bags; before pulling out a blanket. It was a simple blanket; a dusky grey. It reminded him of his father but the prince said nothing as he removed his bags from his side and wrapped the blanket around him. As he settled down; he couldn't help but wonder what his parents thought when they found Avan gone. Did they figure that he had set out on his journey; or did they just believe that he had left them?
Questions bubbled in Avan's mind as he closed his eyes; hoping for the darkness of sleep to overtake him; which it soon did. But if he had only stayed awake a bit longer he would of heard a soft growl; along with the flickering of sharp yellow eyes deep in the shadows of the cave.
- Chapter 6 - Attacked:
Age: 800
Avan opened his eyes with a small yawn. His blanket was wrapped tightly around him and the sun glinted painfully in his eyes. Part of him wanted to back up into the darkness of the cave but he knew that he would have to set off soon. He pulled himself to his hooves; removing his blanket with his magic and throwing it into his bags. He trotted outside of the cave; only to come to a quick stop as the sunlight flared into his eyes. The burning light caused him to growl softly to himself as he raised a wing to block out the blazing sun until his eyes could adjust.
His raised wing ached but it was nothing that he wouldn't be able to fly with. When he was used to the sunlight, he paused to flap his wings once or twice, simply making sure that they were ready to go. He spun to grab his bag when he caught the sight of two small shining yellow eyes from the darkness of the cave. He paused; before a large smile appeared on his face. He had a feeling he knew what it was from the size and the shining of it's eyes. "Well hello there; little rabbit! What are you doing so high on this mountain top? This is not the place for a rabbit to live. Come here; I will not hurt you!"
He slowly started to make his way forward; but froze as the rabbit let out a deep growl; a bit deeper then one would expect from a small rabbit. He frowned, fluttering his wings in nervousness. "Now, now, I am sorry if you are angry with me for sleeping in your cave...Which I must admit which rather big for a rabbit but I had nowhere else to go."The rabbit responded with another deep growl, and as soon as Avan took another step forward; it attacked.
A brown blur came shooting from the cave; it's wings wide as it hissed...Wait...Wings? Avan didn't get much time to think about the whole wings as he drove to the side; claws ranking his cheek and cutting his skin. Pain exploded where the winged rabbit had got him as he stumbled away; his ears perked for any noise. What in Tao's name was that thing? He had never seen such a thing...it had looked like a rabbit; but it had wings and he swore he saw something coming from it's head...Horns maybe?
His mind raced as he tried to figure out what the hay had just attacked him when another growl started. He spun around to find the rabbit behind him. It sure looked like one at least...But it had wings folded at it's side, antlers grew from it's head and it had sharp fangs...sharper than he would think a rabbit would ever have. What the hay was this thing?
Avan didn't get much farther into that thought as the thing dove for him once again. He tried to duck to the side; but he was a bit slower this time; or it was just faster. Teeth met his left wings; and he let out a sharp cry as he shook the rabbit-type thing from his wing. He quickly snapped his left wing to his side; spraying fresh blood everywhere, his breath quick as his mind raced through every story his parents had read him to see if he had learned what this thing was... Suddenly it came to him.
"Wolpentinger!"
It seemed the wolpentinger didn't like being named. With another hiss; it leaped at Avan. The Alicorn reared onto his back legs; striking out with his front right one, nailing the rabbit-like thing in the face and sending it rolling to the ground. It didn't waste a moment before getting back on it leg; it's wings fluttering. It hissed as it started to circle the wounded stallion as Avan pounded his hooves on the ground in a nervous movement.
Avan turned to face it whenever it moved; but he knew he had to end this fight soon. He already got one of his wings hurt and even though Alicorns could heal much faster than normal ponies; the wound on his cheek already healed; there were some that would be slower, such as damage to their wings. If he wanted to be able to continue his journey; he would have to bring this battle to an end.
The wolpentinger took note of his halt, and with a grin leaped forward. Avan snapped back to the present when he saw the wolpentinger go straight for his face. His horn suddenly came to life; being covered in a green glow. He jerked his head upward; not even trying to figure out what spell he was already doing until the ground started to rumble. A few seconds before the wolpentinger would of reached his face; vines suddenly shot up from the ground, nailing the rabbit-beast in the belly and sending it flying forward.
A smile appeared on Avan's face when he saw the vines heed to his command, and with another flick of his horn he made the vines catch the wolpentinger as it landed; and quickly started to weave a ball around it, trapping it. His horn stopped glowing as he let out a gasp; not realizing how much that spell took out of him. He stood there, gathering his breath until it was even and slowly trotted toward the ball of vines; tapping it gently with his hoof. It seemed solid...he leaped back when it suddenly shook, but let out a happy sigh when he saw that it was holding the wolpentinger in it.
"Thy is very sorry about that. I will let you out when I am far enough away that you won’t bother coming after me." Avan paused as his horn started to glow once again; before it quickly stopped. There, now the vines were to let the wolpentinger as soon as he was far enough away. His wings fluttered; before he winched. He had somehow forgotten about his hurt left wing. He turned and grabbed his bag with his magic; happy to see that the wolpentinger hadn't done anything with it. He pulled out some bandages and started to patch up his wings to stop the bleeding.
Finally when he was happy with his work he fluttered his hurt wing once to see if he could fly with it. Avan smiled; he would be able to fly but not for long, but it was good enough for him! With a small wince; he took into the air. With one last glance at the trapped wolpentinger; he quickly started to head toward the sun and the sea; hoping that he would complete the rest of his trip without being attacked again.
- Chapter 7 - Simple thoughts:
Age: Still 800
Avan landed with a small gasp; making it a few steps before he crumpled to the ground like a rag doll. A storm brewed above him as rain started to pelt down on him. Avan barely noticed as he gasped for breath, having overworked himself. His wings had still been sore when he had gotten into that fight; and with the bite on his wing; he just wasn't made for flying for as long as he had been. His left wing felt like it was on fire; and truthfully he wasn't surprise. He shouldn't have been working it, his body couldn't heal it if it was being used to fly as far as he went, mostly that he had barely stopped to rest in what seemed like days. As an Alicorn, he could go on for longer without sleep, but it still wore on his body heavily.
He glanced around as he tried to regain his breath. It was in the middle of a large plain; the mountains far behind him. However; still no sign of the ocean. He closed his eyes as he laid panting; his horn starting to glow as he reached out his magic across the plain as far as he could go. The rain attempted to break his magic, but he laced his magic in the plants to help him go farther and farther; until his magic was forced to stop by a large body of water. He opened his eyes; a grin on his face. The ocean was on the other side of this plain.
Avan slowly pulled himself to his hooves; and started to trot slowly toward where the ocean was hidden. The wet grass felt nice under his hooves; having missed the sweet feel of the land during his long flight. His wings were folded neatly at his sides; his left one still hurting like nothing before. Left alone with his thoughts; he wondered what was happening back home. It had been about a month or something since he left; hadn't it? Almost a month of barely touching the ground...Almost a month without seeing anypony else. Only himself and the plants...and yet he felt at peace with that.
He glanced at a small daisy as he past it; smiling softly. They might not be alive in the normal sense; but they were still under his domain weren't they? They didn't say a word; yet Avan felt like they could talk...They would last forever; just like him, always returning every summer. They didn't treat Avan different because of the fact he was an Alicorn; they acted the same to everything. Perhaps...Perhaps being the Caretaker of Life didn't just mean he had to take care of ponies; but everything that was alive, including the plants and animals of the world.
He was quite as rain pelted down on him. Just himself and this thoughts, and he didn't mind. His mind started to drift to other subjects as he walked toward the ocean; such as what would the other Alicorns think of him? What were they like? Were any of them around his age? His mind attempted to answer these questions; but failed. He didn't even know if there were other Alicorns; or they were just rumors. He frowned as he fluttered his wings, wincing when pain flashed through his hurt one. It looked like he would be stuck walking for a while.
- Chapter 8 - Warnings:
Age: 801
Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to meeeeee...Avan frowned, his wings fluttering at his side. Yup; he was bored, but it was also his birthday...if he was correct. He had been having a hard time keeping track of the days. He had been resting on the shore of the sea for a few days after reaching it, that he was sure of, as he waiting for his wing to heal up enough for him to fly over and to whatever land laid beyond it. He glanced at his left wing; flinching when he saw the scar that it held.
Normally an alicorn could heal almost anything without bearing a scar, but this one was simply of his own fault. He should have rested to let it heal properly, but he had refused to do so and while his body had done the best it could, it had lead to it forming a scar. He forced himself to his legs, and flared his wings to make sure he was finally ready to fly. While his wing still ached softly, he felt it was good enough for his trip.
He started to pack up his bag and take down his mini-campsite. Once sure that he had everything, he threw his bag onto his back and took into the air, his wings beating gently. His green eyes flickered toward the large sea in front of him; swallowing. It would take a lot of power to fly; and while he was sure he could do it he had no idea how long he would be in the air without seeing land.
He looked at the gentle land below him and after bidding farewell to this kingdom, he spun and took off like a rocket across the water. Water sprayed up with every beat of his wings as he watched the ocean pass below him, catching glimpse of fish as they swam in peace. He lowered himself slightly toward the water, so his hooves were skimming over the top of it.
The cold water felt nice on his hooves as his mane whipped wildly in the wind. His wings worked hard to send flying as fast as he could, but he payed no mind to them but instead of what laid around him. The shore of his kingdom was quickly disappearing from sight, and he soon found himself in the middle of a sea of blue. No clouds were floating gently above him; something he wished he would find if he ever had to take a break.
Every once in a while a fish would poke its head out of the water to catch sight of the brown alicorn as he whizzed past, as if they just happened to know his title as the Caretaker of Life. He even swore he saw a sea-pony or two poke their head out; causing him to frown as he thought they were just myths.
Avan frowned as he felt the water on his hooves rise, before his eyes widen and he shot upwards; just barely missing a large tail that came flying from the water and struck the air that he had been moments before. He glanced down to see the tail disappear back into the waves, but noted the sharp barbs that covered it. "A Isonade, eh?" he whispered, smiling softly. He couldn't help but wonder what other things he would see that he thought was just legends. As he flew across the ocean, he was sure to make sure he stayed a good distance away just in case another Isonade showed up.
The winds seem to carry him, pressing against his back as he speed across the air and toward whatever laid in front of him. His brown tipped wings fluttered as he grinned, thanking Aero for the good winds. He glanced at the sky, taking notes of the few dark clouds that were appearing slowly. He swallowed as he realized what was going to happen soon. There was going to be a storm while he was stuck over the middle of the ocean. His wings flapped harder as he attempted to speed along. He had to find land soon unless he wanted to be stuck in the storm.
- Chapter 9 - The Storm:
Age: 801
Avan let out a cough; his wings flapping hard as he attempted to stay airborne against the freezing rain. He had failed to find land, and now he was paying the price for it. He spared a glance upwards; toward the dark clouds that blanketed the sky in all directions. What was he going to do? His wings weren't waterproof; they couldn't stand much more of this rain. His horn started to glow, trying to craft a shield of some-sort to ward of the water but his horn flickered out. He gritted his teeth, the water was grounding his magic...there was no way he could use magic like this or even fly.
He let out a gasp as almost the same moment he had thought that, his wings gave out. Finding himself falling toward the freeze ocean below him, his wings flapping hard as he attempted to gain lift. He managed to catch himself just barely in time to remain airborne, flying just over the waves as he struggled to overpower the storm. His wings felt heavy, weak, but still he carried on, his gaze wide for anywhere he could fly. He could always attempt to try to fly over the clouds; but it was too late for that options; his wings were to heavy to carry him all the way above the storm, he had to wait for them to dry.
Finally his wings gave out for once and for all, and with a cry he fell face-first into the freezing water. His head shot out of the ocean with a gasp; his hooves flailing as he attempted to stay above the water. The water attempted to pull him down as he struggled to keep his head from going under, but soon he found himself too tried to carry on and with one last gasp of air; he went under. The water seemed quite; peaceful compared to the storm above it. After a few moments of enjoying the peace; he was forced above the water, pulling himself back into the chaos that reigned above. This gave him just enough time to take in a deep breath before he went under again. He started to pulled himself forward as well as he could, but with his water-logged wings weighing him down, he knew he wasn't going to go very far.
Attemping to pull himself back to the surface; he panicked when he found that he was just too tired, sinking farther and farther from the surface and air. I will not die! I can't die, I have to finish this for Blooming! He kicked upwards, his hooves flailing as he sunk, his lungs screaming for air. Everything started to go dark as he let himself sink, realizing he wasn't going to make it back to the surface. As he fell into darkness, he swore he heard his name being called.
"P-Prince Avan?"
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| | Subject: Re: Avan's Story...Again?!? Sat Mar 14, 2015 7:09 pm | |
| - Chapter 10 - Awaken:
Age: 801
Avan awoke with a gasp, before quickly rolling onto his belly and started up coughing up water. His wings shuttered at his sides as he shook his head, taking in deep breaths. His ears flickered when he heard a voice behind him. "Oh, thank goodness you are awake, Prince Avan."
Avan spun around and lowered his horn at the speaker; only to find the top half a pony sticking out of the water, her hooves raised as she grinned. She was a sea-green color, her mane being a light green-ish blue color. Around her neck on a necklace was a pink shell. "I am unarmed, Prince Avan so no need to panic...You are Prince Avan correct? I’ve never met an Alicorn before; but I have spoken to ponies who have met you. I however expected you to be...taller, for being so old."
He paused, watching the pony with a wary gaze, but he nodded. "Y-Yes, I am Prince Avan...who are you? I would say sea-pony, but they do not have hooves and thy doubts that they would know my common tongue."
The mystery pony clapped her hooves together, a smile appearing on her face. "Congrats, you must be one of the firsts not to call me a lowly sea-pony. You are correct; I am a Hippocampus; my name is Scylla."
Avan smiled softly, recalling the legends of Hippocampi. "Ah, yes, the Hippocampi; proud creatures that rarely come from their homes at the bottom of the sea. Seeing themselves far greater than sea-ponies; most are known to be very upset if called one by unknowing ponies." He paused to glance around him; he was in a cave. It was a fairly big cave, and it didn't look to have an entrance other than for the pond that Scylla was in.
Scylla grinned as she rested her chin on her hoof. "Oh; so you knows about my kind. Nothing more than legends I suppose; but those legends seem to be right on. We are not too prideful thought...well some art, I'm sure I know a few of my fellow Hippocampi that would have left you to drown."
Avan paused; watching Scylla as he sat down next to the pond. "Why did you save me then? Also, where are we?"
"I've heard of you; Prince Avan. It wouldn't be very kind of me to leave you after all the grand things I have heard of you." Scylla frowned, glancing around the cave. "Oh, this is a safe place; do not worry. What once lived here has moved on. It's underwater; if you couldn't guess and it was the easier and fastest place to take you."
Avan paused; trotting around the cave for a moment. It was well-built; no sign of any leak in the wall. If Avan hadn't known better he wouldn't have known it was underground. He paused, resting his hooves on the wall before glancing over at Scylla. "Say; do you know if the storm is over? I would like to continued my journey as soon as I can."
The hippocampus frowned, before quickly diving under the water. After a few moments, she reappeared, shaking the water from her head. "It looks like it has died down but it is still going on. Hopefully it will end soon."
Avan nodded before resting on the moss covered ground of the cave, using his magic to pull out a towel. Luckily his bag was water-proof. Using the towel to dry off; he glanced at Scylla as she watched with interest. After getting himself pretty dry; he pulled out a blanket and laid it over his hooves. His horn started to glow as he lowered it until it was touching the blanket; recalling a spell that his sister Monsoon as shown him. His magic covered the blanket before gently disappearing. He raised the blanket and tilted his head as he check it over; but it didn't appeared changed.
Scylla raised a hoof, before clearing her throat. "May I ask...what did you do the blanket? It does not look changed."
He lowered the blanket before throwing it toward Scylla with his magic. The Hippocampus' eyes widen and she duck, the blanket landing in the water behind her. She paused as she swam over to the floating blanket and gently picked it up in her hooves, frowning. "It...it is dry. It is touching water, yet it doesn't get wet...You’ve made it...waterproof?"
Avan smiled as he got to his hooves and trotted over to her. "Yes; this way I can have it covering my wings when I swim back to the surface so my wings won't get wet. My sister taught me this spell; however it only works on cloth so I am unable to waterproof my own wings."
Scylla nodded but her gaze still showed that she was a bit confused. She hoofed the blanket back to Avan before diving back under the water. She was gone a bit longer this time, but once again she resurfaced, smiling. "It seems that the rain has died down a lot more now, so I think you should be able to fly in it. There is a pile of rocks not far from this cave that thou should be able to take off from."
Avan returned the smile as he wrapped the blanket around his wings, making sure to tie it as tight as he could so no water could sneak past and get his wings wet. Once he was happy with the blanket covering his wings; he drove into the water next to Scylla, bobbing gently next to her. "Lead the way, Scylla."
The hippocampus nodded before diving under, this time Avan going with her. She led them out of the cave, and swam toward the surface; making sure to stay close to the alicorn. Her tail was the same color as her mane, looking a bit like a serpent's tail. Her green eyes glimmered as she swam toward the rocks.
They finally reached the surface, Avan letting out a gasp as he shot his head out. His hooves scrambled as he pulled himself onto the rocks, glancing at Scylla who floated gently in the water. The alicorn paused as he removed the waterproof blanket, sticking it into the bag. "I thank you for all the help you have given me, Scylla." Avan said, nodding his head to her.
Scylla nodded, waving a hoof. "اهلا وسهلا بكم. أنا نودعكم." She said, before grinning and disappearing under the wave. Avan had a feeling she had said farewell in her own tongue. He tilted his head, smiling softly before flapping his wings.
The blanket hadn't done a complete job on keeping the water out; but it good enough for him. He took off into the air, glancing around. The sun was rising in the east. Turning to face it; he flew toward it. He wasn't going to let Blooming down.
- Chapter 11 - Finally, Land:
Age: 801
Wings fluttered as Avan touched ground, his gaze flickering as he took in the land around him. The grass was soft as he glanced at the sky and at the rising sun. Flying at night wasn't his most favorite thing but he had gone too long without seeing another pony, not counting Scylla of course, that he just wanted to be able to talk with somepony. It had been months since he left the hippocampus, landing wherever he could and flying when he had the strength. He was tired...He hoped that the rumored Alicorns live here; seeing how this was bigger than most islands he had seen.
He started to walk forward, his gaze fixed on the large mountains before him. Great; he would have to travel over them wouldn't he? His wings fluttered as he slowly lifted himself from the ground and hovered slowly toward the mountains, his eyes peeled for anything. Silence greeted him, only broken by the soft chirping of birds and the whispers of the leaves as a soft wind moved them.
The soft sound of crunching leaves caused the alicorn to stop. Looking down, Avan found leaves of many colors littered the ground...It was already the Fall? He sighed, shaking his head. He wasn't even sure what day it was much less the month; it would take forever for him to get caught up on everything. He started to walk when somepony shouted behind him.
"Ubi tu putas?" Avan turned to see a light brown earth pony stomping toward him, his green eyes narrowed. He was covered in rags, which surprised Avan; almost none of the ponies from his kingdom wore anything at all; much less rags. "Neque tuto fumanti ad montes," he snorted before pausing, his eyes widening when he saw the wings and the horn on Avan and quickly dropped into a bow. "Doleo, qui te non cognovit ego! Quaeso, in via portare." The stallion quickly turned to leave, but was stopped as Avan's horn started to glow and the alicorn cleared his throat.
"Er, no, please wait. I must speak to you for a brief second." Avan winched, hoping that the Earth Pony would understand him; having not used this spell before, which would let him understand them and let them speak to him.
The commoner turned, his face pale as he nodded slowly. "Y-Yes, my Prince. What is it you want to know? I will tell you everything, you have my word!"
Avan smiled softly, tilting his head. The spell worked; that was good but it seemed like this commoner was scared of him; he must have never had seen an alicorn before, but he acted as if Avan was royalty...So Avan was sure that he must of made it. "Don't be afraid, dear commoner. I've come from across the sea, and I am new to this land...What is your name and the name of this wonderful place?"
The dusty brown stallion swallowed, blinking. "Er, it is Dusty Coin, my Prince, and you are on Equestria." He shifted from hoof to hoof, beads of sweat appearing on his face. "Eq-Equestria is ruled by our three grand leaders, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Prince Sol."
Avan frowned, titling his head. "'Princess?' 'Prince?' Is there no ponies that rule above them? No King or Queen?"
"No, they have never took up those titles, saying that using Princess and Princess to bec-become closer to us and that they still respect their parents. No-Now I should go..." With that, Dusty Coin spun and raced away in panic, leaving Avan signing. Great, he didn't even get to ask where he should go. He paused as he flickered his head to the mountains, his horn glowing gently. He could sense a strong field of magic to the southeast, and slowly started to walk toward it.
As he reached the base of the mountain range, he stopped. He could climb over it on hoof, fly over it, or try to find a way around it...He swung his glowing horn around, trying to figure out where to go. Which would be quicker? Flying seemed like the main choice, but sometimes walking was a bit faster also he wouldn't have to worry about how high the mountain was if he went around...He smiled softly as he quickly started to trot off, his horn leading the way as he slowly made his way around the mountain.
Finally he paused at a group of bushes that cut between two of the mountains. His horn became a shade darker as he used part of his magic to open up the bushes, giving him a walking path between the mountain rage. With a grin, he trotted forward, closing the path behind him as he walked. It seemed like forever; but finally he found himself on the other side of the mountain, a clear plain ahead of him. However, he frowned, knowing something was off. He fluttered into the sky to get a larger sight of what was before him, finding that the other side of the plain was an gorge; a large one at that. He swallowed but sped toward it; knowing he wouldn't have to go into the gorge as he could just fly over it, but the sight still put him on edge. It seemed this place could be a bit dangerous; who knew what else walked these lands. However, he didn't dare turn away as he followed the powerful magic, he was going to met the rulers of this 'Equestria.'
- Chapter 12 - The Rulers:
Age: 801
A soft breeze ruffled Avan's mane as his hooves landed gently on the ground. His eyes flashed as he lifted his head to gaze at the forest before him. His magic told him that what he was looking for laid this way; and with a sigh he started to trot forward. Golden leaves fell gently to the ground as he walked; crunching under each hoof-step. His ears flickered as he paused at every noise; not wanting to met any other ponies until he had reached the other Alicorns.
As he walked the path; his mind started to drift. What would these Alicorns be like? Would they let him live with them or would they turn him away because of the fact that he wasn't related to them? He had lost so much taking this journey; and he wasn't completely sure if he would even be able to make it back. Was he even completely sure what direction home was now?
Suddenly, the forest broke; opening up to find himself on a ridge right above a busy city. Ponies walked the streets below him, foals of all races racing through the streets and not far from him was a bridge; being guarded by two unicorn guards. The bridge connected to a cliff that loomed above the city and resting on the cliff was a grand castle. It was a soft white color that seemed to glimmer in the sunlight. Three main towers branched off from the castle; one being a soft white color but it seemed to glow in the sunlight. The second; was a soft purple color much like the night sky; the roof of it being a soft grey much like the moon. The last; was right next to the night tower; it being a soft orange with red highlights. It didn't seem to glow like the first one; but seem to move as if it was on fire in the sunlight. The roof was a bright yellow; much like a sun.
Avan's horn started to glow as he grabbed his blanket from his bag and threw it on over him; wearing it like a robe to cover his wings. He paused for a second as he made sure the robe was perfect before he stepped from his cover; the two unicorn guards quickly taking notice of him. Their horns glowed as they grabbed their spears; pointing it at the stranger. "Prohibere, extraneus!" one of them barked; a small grown in his voice. "Sub quo praecipiente vobis est?"
Avan paused; letting out a small curse as his horn started to glow softly. He had forgotten he had removed his spell that let him understand them. "I’m sorry; but do you care to repeat that?"
"He said under what order are you here, stranger?" the other unicorn said, letting out a snort. "What; do you not speak Equestrian?"
The alicorn smiled softly; shaking his head. "It isn't my native tongue; I’m afraid. I need a spell to understand it." He paused before clearing his throat. "I wish to speak with Princess Celestia."
The first guard frowned; titling his head. "Under what reason, may I ask? We can't just let anypony go see the princesses."
"I happen to have a story I believes they would be interesting to hear."
The guards lets out a chuckle; as the first one grinned. "Is that all; you have a story and so you think you can just go and tell the them it?"
Avan frowned; before sighing. He had hoped to keep what his race was quiet, but it seemed that he didn’t have a choice if he wanted to speak to the rulers. His horn glowed as he grabbed his makeshift robe and lifted it up; flapping one of his wings to show the guards. "Is the fact that I am an Alicorn enough to let me see them?"
The guards faces became pale as the second one dropped his spear in utter shocked. He turned and waved down a flying guard. The pegasus guard came flying over and after being told something in a hush tone; went speeding toward the castle. Avan dropped his makeshift robe and waited quietly for the pegasus guard to come back. After a few minutes; the white guard flew to the group; nodding quickly to the unicorn guards. He dropped to the ground and folded his wings at his sides; bowing to Avan. "Please follow me; your highness," he said before turning and trotted down the bridge.
Avan followed the white pegasus without saying anything. As they drew closer to the castle; Avan couldn't help but be in awe. The castle was huge; almost as large as his old home. Soft golden markings covered the castle as pegasi flew from here to there; making sure the castle was in perfect shape. The doors of the castle looked to be gold; with silver markings covered it. Two earth pony guards were guarding the door; and quickly saluted and pushed the huge doors open. As Avan and his escort stepped into the main hall of the castle; Avan was even more shocked. A large marble fountain stood in the middle as ponies rushed around it. Never had Avan seen so many ponies in such a large place, mostly as his family had lived a quiet life away from the subjects, with no guards or servants in the castle. The pegasus guard said nothing as he walked forward; past the fountain and toward one of the doors. He pushed it open with his hoof; before glancing back to make sure that Avan was following. "This way; if you please. Princess Celestia is already waiting for you."
Avan swallowed; nodding as he trotted after the guard. He found himself in a simple hallway; windows lining each side of the hallway as the two ponies started to trot down it; giving the young alicorn a grand view of the town below him. "This place is amazing..." he whispered; before glancing at his guard. "If you doesn't mind...what is your name?"
"Hm. Weird for an Alicorn like yourself to care for a guard like me...But its Snow Shield," the white pegasus said quickly; glancing at Avan with his bright blue eyes. "And your name?"
"A-Avan, Prince Avan if you must know my title. Now...What is the name of this town? I’ve never seen such a place like it." Avan said as he made his way down the hallway; staying a step behind Snow.
Snow Shield let out a small laugh; a grin on his face. "You really aren’t from around here; are you? This is Everfree; of course it took the name of the forest around it."
The prince mused at the name; his ear flickering. "Everfree...What a nice name." He paused as they reached a large set of golden doors. Silver markings ran through it; and on the middle was a golden sun; with a silver half-moon resting in it. Avan figured that was the symbol of the princesses and the prince. "Are we here already?"
Snow Shield nodded; pushing the door open with his hooves before gently trotting in; followed by Avan. The throne room was a soft silver; pillars holding the ceiling up. A red carpet led to the three thrones. The middle one; the largest one was a soft golden hue. To its left was a purple one with golden sparkles; like stars. The last one; resting on the right side of the golden one was a bright orange one. And resting on each of these; was an alicorn.
A soft white alicorn rested on the golden throne; her pink mane waving gently in the breeze; something that made Avan come to a stop in surprise. Her eyes were also pink; a bit darker than her mane but not by much. She wore a golden necklace and crown; both holding in the middle of it a purple gem. Her gaze was hard; but yet still soft, much like a mother would give to her child when they did something wrong or wanted to know something.
Resting on the purple throne was a dark blue alicorn; her light blue mane not waving like her sister's but instead looked like a normal mane; like Avan's. She had a black crown and necklace, the latter holding a bright white crescent moon on it. Her aqua eyes showed a bit of interest as she gazed at Avan.
Finally, resting on the final throne was a yellow alicorn; the tips of his ears and his hooves being a bit darker. His mane looked like it was made out of fire; and after a few moments Avan realized with a shock that it was made out of fire. The orange-red eyes of the only male Alicorn on the throne made Avan think he was bored; which Avan figured may be a bit true; but his gaze perked up when he saw Avan. His crown and necklace was a bright orange with a large ruby in the middle of both of them; being cut into perfect circles.
Snow Shield motioned for Avan to stay where he was as he trotted forward before bowing before the three alicorns. "Princess Celestia;" he said, no doubt talking to the oldest one. "This is Prince Avan," the pegasus said as he waved a hoof at Avan before frowning. Avan paused as he glanced at his made-shift robe; and quickly removed it with his magic; stuffing it back into his bags as he showed off his wings.
Princess Celestia frowned as she gazed at Avan, before nodding. "Snow Shield; leave our presents. We thanks thou for escorting this Prince Avan to us." The way she spoke caused Avan to pause, confused on why she was using such words, but her voice was calm, but sweet as she talked to her guard.
Snows Shield nodded and hurried from the room; leaving Avan alone with the rulers of Equestria. Avan swallowed; as he stepped forward; his wings fluttering. "I-It is an honor to meet you all. I have traveled far to stand here today."
The dark blue Alicorn; Princess Luna if Avan had to guess; smiled softly. "It is an honor to meet thou, Prince Avan. We were very surprised when we heard that we had an unknown Alicorn at our doorstep."
Celestia glared at her sister; before turning to Avan with a soft smile as well. "We were interested to hear of your story; Avan. One that thou thinks is so important to tell us."
The brown Alicorn shifted from hoof to hoof; glancing from Alicorn to Alicorn. "It is a long story; I’m afraid."
A sweet laugh came from the eldest Alicorn as she grinned. "If a story is long, then that makes me want to hear it even more! Tell us; Avan, what brings thou to Equestria."
"Well, it all started when I was born I guess..."
- Chapter 13 - The Royal Voice:
Age: 840
The winds howled in surprise and the branches cowered and shook in fear as Avan sped past them, his wings beating heavily as he attempted to escape from his chaser. A faint look of panic appeared on the Alicorn’s face as he glanced backwards as he skillfully weaved between the trees, hoping that his chaser hadn’t caught up with him. There was no way Avan was going down so easily! His horn pulsed with a faint light, before it suddenly lit up causing the young prince to gasp as he swung his head forward and dove to the side; barely missing the tree he would have hit squared on.
His horn went back to a steady pulse as he let out a small sigh, his wings still flaring with speed as he quickly overtook what was normally a calm forest. Using his life-bound magic, he had found it was able to tell him where every plant was in the forest and so served as sort of a way to keep from hitting into things when he wasn’t paying attention. Of course, it served him in another way during this high-speed chase. With a flick of his horn, the branches ahead of him parted to let him though, before quickly snapping into place followed by a squeal from his chaser.
Avan glanced back again, just barely missing catching sight of the orange fur disappearing behind the branches, causing the Alicorn to flap his wings a bit harder, attempting to gain more speed. “Just try to catch m-“ Suddenly Avan was thrown off course when something hard rammed into him, sending them both flying to the side.
Branches snapped as the two fell through them before crashing into the ground. Avan rolled to an oak tree, letting out a small cough as he gently placed a hoof on his chest. He laid there quietly as he attempted to catch his breath, only opening his eyes when he felt metal poke at his body. His eyes narrowed at the yellow pony that loomed over him, letting out a small moan. “Did you really…have to wear…your royal gear?”
The soft sound of a crackling flame almost covered the soft chuckle from Sol as he glanced at the bronze necklace and hoof-coverings that he was wearing. He gently dug into the ground with one of his hooves before glancing at Avan. “Sorry about that, Avan. I just didn’t feel like taking them off today. Are you alright? Do you need some healing magic?”
Avan let out a small, slightly-painful chuckle as he rolled to his hooves, shaking his battered body. Already he could feel his body repairing the cuts he had gotten from the fall and waved his friend off with a hoof. He took a few steps, stretching his legs and wings before glancing at Sol. “Isn’t it surprising how much a simple game of Tag can hurt? Of course, doing it while flying at high speeds through a crowded forest doesn’t help much does it?” Pausing as he flapped his wings for a final time before tucking them away, he looked at Sol with a flicker of interest. “Now may I ask how you managed to get over there so fast? I swears I saw you just behind me before you rammed into me, and I didn’t sense any teleport of any kind. That was against the rules anyways.”
Sol grinned widely as he trotted up to his friend, chuckling. “Now isn’t that the fun part? It is true, teleporting is against the rules and I stick to those. However, you never said I couldn’t have help in tracking you down. So, I got Luna to help me with one of her good old illusions!”
Avan opened his mouth to respond, ready to call it a bit unfair before realizing that it was indeed not against the rules. He closed his mouth, frowning a bit. It seemed he would have to word the rules a bit better next times. As he was lost in his thoughts for a quick moment, he almost didn’t notice the sleek dark blue Alicorn that slipped from the shadows, a grin on her face. Her mane floated as if caught in a breeze of its own while looking as if it was a star-filled night; her tail doing much the same. Even though she had grown a lot since he had arrived, Avan knew her as the same old Luna from then.
“Ah, there she is! My twin star! Thank you so much for helping me with that illusion!” Sol said with a large grin as soon as he saw his twin, quickly leaving Avan’s side to give her a hug. After a few moments, he frowned as he took a step back. “Oh, wait! Didn’t you say you had something to tell us?”
Luna glared a bit at Sol, but it was easy to tell the warmth in her eyes as she let out a small sigh. “Why yes, I do have something very important to say. Something I believe Celestia would of liked you two to hear a bit sooner…But no matter! That game was fun I must say. I had forgotten how fun it is to use my illusion magic to cheat a bit. Never was the same after Sol finally figured it out…” She cleared her throat, flapping her wings once to get a bit of air. “Celestia gave me a warning that we have a guest coming to the castle tonight, a prince from the distance Crystal Empire. Both of you are to look your best and not to be late this time.”
Sol’s gaze grew a bit harder as he nodded. “Of course, Luna! Tell Celestia that we will be there on time and we will be so clean that you won’t be able to tell us apart from a Crystal Pony!” The sun prince grinned as he dipped his head to his sister.
“Celestia will be happy to hear that, Sol…And I reminds you to speak in the Royal Canterlot Voice this time. This is a regal visitor, and we do not wish to look bad in front of him.” The dark blue Alicorn added, before twirling in the air and took off toward the castle, leaving Sol and a very confused Avan in her wake.
Sol lowered his head with a frown, his mane growing a bit darker as he let out a small mutter. “Why can’t I speak like this? Being like everypony is boring…I don’t even like talking in the Royal Canterlot Voice unlike her…Ugh, come on, Avan. We should head back. I’m sure Sombra will be here soon enough so we better get ready!” With a flicker of his tail, he turned and trotted down the path of the forest as Avan hurried to follow.
The brown Alicorn was quite as they walked, his horn glowing as he checked on the flowers that littered the side of the path. Finally, he finally spoke up. “I’m sorry…But what is the Crystal Empire? This is the first time I have heard of such a place. Who is this ‘prince?’ Is he an Alicorn?”
“Hm?” The yellow Alicorn glanced at his friend with a bit of a confused look, before his face lit up with surprise. “Oh, right! We never did tell you about the Crystal Empire did we? The Crystal Empire is a large city that is in the northern part of Equestria. It is surrounded by snow but where the Empire starts, the snow is completely gone. Crystals are found in bulk there; so much that all the buildings are made of it! It is protected with what is known as the Crystal Heart, a heart-shaped Crystal that takes all the love that the ponies have there and sends it across the kingdom. The current prince is Prince Sombra, a unicorn. His father died not too long ago so he just got the title and rank. Normally we don’t have the Prince of the Crystal Empire come to the Everfree Castle, but Prince Sombra is pretty young for being a ruler now so we are supposed to teach how to rule.”
Silence came from Avan as he listened to Sol, his ears perking at the mention of Sombra’s father passing. The young prince couldn’t help but wonder if his father would visit this world for the deaths that happened here. Did his parents still watch over him even though he was so far away from them? And speaking of parents, Avan started to wonder about Sol’s parents. In the whole time that the brown Alicorn had been with the royal siblings, never had they once mentioned their parents. Had something happened to them…Had they died?
The idea of an Alicorn dying was a bit new to Avan; never had he thought of such a thing as he had pretty much thought of it being impossible… But he knew it could happen. Alicorns, unlike many thought, were not immortal. They simply found it hard to die. They could never die from old age, but almost any other source of death would work...Even though Avan wanted to ask to Sol about his parents, he forced himself to hold his tongue...He didn’t want to intrude on business that was not his to know of.
The rest of the trip was in silence as they trotted through the Everfree, before arriving at the bridge that led to the castle. The two guards that stood watch, quickly stepped aside and bowed for the two as the two Alicorns moved past, before taking back their positions. Avan glanced behind him to look at the guards, remembering when he had first arrived and when they had refused to let him move past. Now, Avan was a part of the royal family as Princess Celestia had let him remain with them, such as Blooming had wanted him to do.
Avan didn’t regret his choice to find them any longer, but he always did find himself wondering how everypony he had left behind was doing...Did his family know he was safe? Did Blooming ever get married and even had a foal by now? Was Coal fully grown, being married as well? It had been forty years since, and while it was a short time for an Alicorn, it seemed like forever for Avan.
Avan was forced out of his thoughts when he noticed Sol had come to a stop at the entrance of the castle, and was looking at him with a strange look. ‘You okay, Avan?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as he looked at his friend. “You’ve been a bit out of it on the way here. What’s on your mind?”
The brown Alicorn shook his head as his horn glowed as he pushed the doors to the castle open and stepped inside, with Sol trotted after him. “I’ve just thinking about my past, nothing important however. Let’s just worry about tonight, alright?”
Sol frowned as he followed his friend, his shoes clicking on the ground with every step. “You know, Avan, you did not have to stay with us if you wanted. Tia was simply being kind, but if you are so worried about the ponies you left behind, you can return to them.”
As they reached Sol’s tower and started to climb up the stairs, Avan shook his head as he glanced back at the prince. “No, no. I promised one of them that I would stay here, and I do not regret my choice of doing so. I simply am wondering how they are as it has been forty years hence I’ve spoken to them. You all are my new family, and I cannot picture my life without you all any longer.”
A laugh escaped from Sol as he shook his head. “Cheesy, but alright. I mean, you have become one of us here in Everfree anyways. Dunno what I would do if I lost you either, you are my best friend after all.”
“Dunno how I survive being your best friend,” Avan teased as he opened up the door to the room that Sol and him shared, before trotting into it. He came to a stop as Sol followed into the room as well, closing the door behind him.
“Well, that was a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Sol stated, but there was a smile on his face. It faded slightly as he glanced around the room, pausing. “I suppose we should get ready for tonight. And work on your Royal Canterlot Voice.”
Avan folded his ears back, frowning as he let out a sigh as his tail flickered. “But I dislike the Royal Canterlot Voice! It is simply so hard to get use to saying! I understand this is a former thing but I wished I didn’t have to use it. We had no such thing like the Royal Canterlot Voice back where I grew up...Of course we barely even spoke to our subjects...Other than for myself of course.”
The yellow Alicorn chuckled softly as he shook his head, using his magic to remove his crown as he set it down on his bed. “But this isn’t your home, Avan. We use the Royal Canterlot Voice when speaking with our subjects, and other royalty. It is seemly seen as being ‘proper.’ Besides, you know I hate it as much as you do.”
Sol cleared his throat, turning to Avan as he grinned widely. “Alright, lets start with the most simplest thing; the Royal ‘We’. Instead of saying I, you say we. I am ready becomes we are ready. Simple, right? Of course, you don’t always have to use the Royal We.”
“Sure...Simple…” Avan muttered as he made his way over to his bed, and laid down as he watched his friend with a careful, but bored gaze. “I becomes we. Then I suppose next is ‘Thou, thy, and art.”
Sol sat down with a grin, before clapping his front hooves together. “Oh, very good! You are learning! Alright, so you, becomes thou, and then I can become thy. Then ‘are’ becomes art. Thy thinks thou art a...Um…”
“Bumbling fool?” Avan said, tilting his head with a grin. “Thy does thinks thou art a bumbling fool, Sol.”
“See? You are getting good at this!” Sol said, brushing off what Avan had just said, as he was fully aware that he was kidding. “I think you may be ready just in time for tonight. But now we should get your gear on…”
Avan nodded as he pulled himself to his hooves, letting his horn glow as he started to pick up the metal pieces that laid hidden around the room, pulling them toward him. All of them were a rich green color, with a darker green gem sitting in the middle of them. Putting them on, he saved the crown for last. His fur pricked under the cold metal, but he knew he would grow use to them being on soon enough. He raised his hooves as he stared at the metal shoes that sat on them, before he became aware of the sound of knocking at the door.
Sol raised an eyebrow as he turned toward the door, using his magic to open it. Standing behind it was Luna, who was dressed in her own armor as well. Her eyes showed little emotion as she at the two with a soft frown. “It seems our guest decided to come a little early this time...Prince Sombra has arrived.”
- Chapter 14 - Prince Sombra:
Age 840
Sombra was a young stallion, only in his late twenties. He was a dark grey unicorn, with a pure black mane. His eyes however, were a light green colors that easily showed off his kind personality. His voice was calm, always welcoming, and for some reason, Avan hated him.
Avan sighed softly as he took a sip of his drink as he sat at the large table that the servants had prepared for the great feast. At the head of the table was Celestia with a soft smile like always as she watched as Sombra went on about how he had so far ruled the Crystal Empire. Sombra was only two seats away from her, with Luna resting between the two. On the other side of Celestia was Sol, and then finally Avan next to the Sun Prince. Down the rest of the table was random nobles that Avan knew little of; they never spoke much to him, more worried about the real princess and prince of Equestria, and Avan was almost only the garden keeper.
Avan wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on, only really paying attention to how much Luna seemed interested in Sombra’s story...His ears flickered when he heard his name being said, causing him to lock eyes with the Crystal Prince, who gave him a warm smile. Setting his drink down, Avan cleared his throat as he tried to return the smile to Sombra, with a little nervous smile put in it as well. “Thy is sorry...Can thou repeat that?” Avan stated, trying to remember to use the Royal Canterlot Voice.
While a few whispers seemed to come from the noble side of the table, Sombra paid no heed to them as he nodded his head. “I simply wanted to know how you came to stay here? I recall my father telling me about the day when he had heard that a new Alicorn had arrived, and such information interests me.”
Avan swallowed slightly as he shifted on his seat. Serious? Did he have to say his whole back story in the Royal Canterlot Voice? He had hoped to go most of the night in silence, but it seemed that plan was ruined. It would of been rude for him to deny such an offer, and Celestia had asked for him to be on his best behavior… So, he simply nodded as he tried to put the words together. “I grew up in a far off place...A name I would rather not disclose, but it did take months for me to get here...I heardth of a strange place where other Alicorns ruled, and thy’s interest was peaked. So thy decided to take a long journey to find this place, and soon enough thy did. Upon arriving, I told my story to our fair rules, and Princess Celestia, in her kindness, extended a hoof of welcome to me and let me remain with them for as long as thy has pleased, and so I have happily remained here for the last forty years, and I expect for many years to come.”
As he finished, Prince Sombra nodded his head as he used his magic to lift up his drink and take a sip, before he lowered it back to the table. “So,” he said, seeming interested in learning more about Avan. “What exactly do you rule? Princess Celestia has the glorious sun, Princess Luna has the beautiful moon, and Prince Sol has...While, I question if he cares enough to have a duty, but what about you Prince Avan?”
Avan almost snickered at the jab as Sol, but contented himself as he glanced over to his friend who seemed unfazed by that, nodding as if he agreed that he ignored his duties as a prince...Which Avan had to agree as well. “Me? Thy art a simple caretaker of the gardens. I spent most of my times taking care of the life that grows in that beautiful place, whether it be the plants or even the animals that call it home. Thy dost also tends to visit the townsfolk of Everfree if thou can spare the time, as I find every life in this forest is special and deserves to be acknowledged by somepony as myself. Thy mother did say that that we art to lead them as friends, and not to think of ourselves being above them.”
“Beautiful words, I must admit, Prince Avan,” Sombra said as Avan had finished, giving the Prince of Life a large, beaming smile. “I will think of those words as I rule with a caring hoof. I do think you are correct...Take away our rank, and we are no different than themselves. Fate can have a horrible hoof at times, and we must not put our comfort over their mystery.”
Nopony seemed to have wanted to top that, as most of the dinner was eaten in silence - even when Luna and Celestia had left the room for a bit to set the sun and rise the moon - until everypony was done, and dinner was caused to a close. As Avan trotted away from the table and stretched his wings, he took notice of the sound of hoof steps behind him and turned to see Sol trotting up, his mane dimmer than normal. “Sleep…” Sol muttered, moving past Avan without another word and left the dining room as fast as he could. Avan half-sighed, forgetting how distance and cold Sol became when the sun had set. He wondered if Sol had gotten the responsibility to raise and set the sun when needed, if he would have the energy to rise it when it was time…
As Sol left the room, Luna and Sombra came trotting up, causing Avan to pause as he took in the two. Luna came to a stop next to the Alicorn, before dipping her head to him. “Hello, Avan. Sombra decided he wanted to talk to you on your own, without all those nobles breathing down your neck and apparently, without the Royal Canterlot Voice. I will leave you two alone, now. Play nice,” she hummed as she turned, trotting away to go talk to Celestia.
Avan glanced at Sombra as the dark grey unicorn stared up at him, with a curious gaze. “So, you really did come from a far away land? How interesting...May I ask, what is your land like? Are the ponies different? Do they speak another language? You seem to know Equestrian quite fine.”
The row of questions took Avan by surprise, mostly that last one,, and he shifted as his wings rustled. “Ah, yes, I did come from a far away land...It isn’t all that much different. The ponies don’t wear all that much clothes as you all seem to do…” He paused before he could answer the last one, trying to come up with a good way to describe it as even Avan had forgot an important fact. “And yes, we do indeed speak another language. That question simply took me by surprise because I had forgotten about a spell I had put on myself forty years ago; a spell to let me understand any tongue. I hear you all in my native tongue while you hear me in your ‘Equestrian.”
The unicorn paused, seeming surprised at this before he let out a soft whistle. “I must say that is impressive; keeping a spell up for forty long years with such little effort that you forget about it. That is far beyond a unicorn like myself could ever hope for, and yet such a simple task for an Alicorn...Alicorns are indeed an stunning race...” Sombra’s gaze flickered from Avan for a few seconds, and the brown Alicorn followed it to find Sombra staring at Princess Luna as she talked to her older sister.
Avan felt his muscles grow stiff, but when Sombra turned back to him, he was forced to relax as he gazed at the unicorn with a noiseless huff. However, he decided that the questions had been on himself for long enough, and so decided to turn the tables. “So, Prince Sombra, will you tell me about yourself? I have only heard little about this Crystal Empire of yours.”
Sombra’s eyes widen for a second, before he smiled softly. “Can I guess that you weren’t listening at the table then?” Avan shrugged, and Sombra shook his head as he chuckled, but still went on. “My family line isn’t from the Crystal Empire normally...Instead, we had married into the line. This is why, unlike most of our subjects, we are not of the Crystal Pony race. My father, King Spectre, was a noble unicorn and a grand leader...I can only hope I can follow in his hoof step.”
Avan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Sombra, a bit surprised by what the unicorn had just said. “‘King Spectre?’ And yet even though he is dead, you won’t take the title as king? While I understand why Celestia, Luna and Sol does not take the titles, why don’t you?”
Sombra seemed to frown for a few seconds, before he shrugged as he raised his gaze to met Avan’s. “I always adored my father, and while I strive to be like him, I know I cannot be as good as a leader as he was. I have decided to retain the title as prince because I know I cannot fully take his place.” He smiled softly as he chuckled softly to himself. “The day I take the title as king is the day that I am truly lost.”
The dark colored unicorn glanced away from Avan to see Princess Luna staring at the two of them, before he smiled at her and looked back at Avan. “I am sorry...I must go. Princess Luna informed me that she will be showing me to my chambers. I hope that we can speak again sometimes, Prince Avan.” He dipped his head, before turning and trotting away to meet the Princess of the Night. The two exchanged words, before they left the room together, still chatting away.
Avan felt his whole body grow stiff as he watched over them, anger boiling up inside him until he took notice of his mood. He shook his head, wondering why he was acting in such a way before he spun around and stormed from the room...All the while unaware, that Princess Celestia watched him with careful, yet wondering eyes.
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| | | | Tuli
NOpe
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Age : 22
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