(This one took a while, heh. Not to play out, dear Lord no, but to transcribe. Anyone looking at the actual thread will see lots of stuff is missing in this section, and this is mostly because a lot of stuff going on in the background makes no real sense by the end of the story. Hopefully my retcon doesn't mess anything up. Also: big thanks to Dsarker for helping edit and keep the nightmarish grammar and spelling to a minimum.)
Friesden's New Diary
I just found a scalpel in my cell. Somepony had attached a tag to it, too: Honour.
Never.
Charity marches towards the hospital to talk with Khenal and Peytral, hoping to figure out just what is happening. Peytral is conscious and seems to be doing well, despite what Starkey said about his condition. His family is there as well, though the young have fallen asleep at this point. Carrot has been strapped to a traction bench not far from Peytral, though he's still unconscious. Khenal waits outside feeling miserable for failing Friesden.
I was waiting outside Peytral's room. After all, I wasn't family and I doubted my presence would help him heal. I had only just started writing in my Book when Mrs. Charity came around the corner. I put it away and tried to compose myself.
"Hello Charity, anything I can help you with?" She walks up to me before speaking quietly.
"Khenal, is Venture inside?" She continues inside without waiting for an answer. "Please, follow me."
"She looks determined to get to the bottom of this. I hope she has better luck than I did." I silently follow her into Peytral's room and quietly take a place out of the way by the wall.
Peytral lay in bed with Daringsky, his younger brother, asleep and curled up to him. Little Venture was also asleep in a little pile of party decorations. It looked like she had tried to throw a party for her brother, only to pass out after tossing some confetti.
Charity approaches the parents and kindly explains: "We are sorry for the intrusion. However, I've been told your son knows something about the murder. You are welcome to stay, while I ask him a few questions." Charity approaches Peytral's bed and sits next to it. "Hey kid, I'm sorry that this had to happen, but I need to ask you a few questions. Friesden said you told her that Khenal was mind controlling her. Did you tell her that? And If so, what evidence do you have of this?"
"Ya, ya I said it. And keep it down too, I don't want to wake them up right now. Hey, hows Oslo?"
"Oslo is is bad shape. All four legs are broken, and numerous lacerations all over the body. I'm not a doctor, but his survival may be in question. If he does live, he owes it entirely to you. But that is not why I'm here. On what do you base your claim that Guard Captain Khenal has done anything wrong? I need to know what evidence you have. Friesden's life may depend on it."
"Wait, wait, hold up. Sorry, I think I'm still a little messed up still. What about Friesden? Wait, no, I know what you're talking about." Peytral glances down at Daringsky, then to his parents, a sad look on his face. "You should take them home. They shouldn't be here for this." They seem reluctant, but do as their son asks.
His mother gathers Venture from the little party-pile while his father gathers Daring. "I'm proud of you, son. Never doubt that." Peytral smiles at his father and the rest of his family as they go
"All right, lets get this over with." Peytral stares daggers at Khenal on the other end of the room. "Tell me, cap-i-tan, why do you think I said what I said."
My eyes stay focused on the floor as I answer him. "I don't know. I truly don't know."
"HEY!" yells Carrot from the traction bench he's been strapped to. "GET ME OUT OF TRACTION!" His eyes begin to glow a faint red again. Charity doesn't even glance his way as she yells at him.
"Shut up Sergeant Carrot! This is important. We will deal with you later! Now Peytral, explain your claim, please."
"Ya, about that. Why the hell is Carrot strapped down to a table?"
"I don't rightly know what exactly happened, but he was yelling down by Friesden's cell and Commander Starkey knocked him unconscious. I told him to take the sergeant to the Doctor's and to restrain him if thought he was dangerous. Since he is tied down, the Commander must feel he needs to be. And for now, that's good enough for me."
"YOU DID THIS TO ME KNENAL! GET AWAY!" Howls Psycho, his eyes now completely blood red. Charity, growing impatient with Carrot's outbursts, yells for the doctor.
"DOCTOR EROK! WOULD YOU KINDLY GAG OR SEDATE PSYCHO CARROT?" Carrot continues shouting like a madpony.
"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! LOOK AT ME! HE'S USING US!"
"No! I don't have that kind of magic! And even if I did, I would never do anything like this!"
"SHUT UP! YOU USED MAGIC ON ME WHILE WE WERE TALKING TO FRIESDEN IN HER CELL! FIRST YOU CONTROL HER, NOW ME! WHO'S NEXT? CHARITY?" As quickly as Carrot's episode began, it seems over. He ceases straining at his restraints and appears perfectly calm and collected.
"Ugh...can I have an axe now?"
Friesden's New Diary.
Sorry I can't write longer, Diary. It's too hard.
Charity turns to face Carrot so she can better give him a taste of her wrath.
"WOULD YOU JUST SHUT-" She sees that his eyes are unnaturally red. "Kogsak*1 have mercy on our souls." Charity searches her mind for every bit of magic knowledge she has and finds nothing to help her.
"Captain Khenal! What is going on! What sort of magic is this?"
"Red Eyes? No, please no. Anything but that!"
"HEHEHE...NOBODY LISTENS...HEHEHEEHEHEHHEEHHEEH!!!...WHEN I GET OUT OF TRACTION-" Carrot's eyes shift slightly closer their the original color.
"Grah, make it stop! Somepony help! Somepony is controlling me! I can't resist it...much longer!"
My horn glows brightly as anything in the room that could be used as a restraint is tied about Psycho Carrot. Bed sheets, bandages, anythign that could give any resistance is pulled from it's place and wrapped securely about the possessed pony, including a sturdy gag.
"I may have failed before, but I refuse to fail all of Glitter Glen!"
"There are only a few things that could do this to a pony, and they are all absolutely evil. I think it can be fixed, but it may take more time than we have right now." I turn to Charity
"How skilled are you in magic?"
"MMMMPH! MMMMMMMMPH!!" The gag proves to be no match for the strength of whatever is possessing Carrot. Shreds of it fly as he continues to scream.
"I'LL KILL YOU ALL!!" His eyes begin to turn a demonic red and his bodybody begins to twitch and convulse. Carrot is loosing his battle.
Friesden's New Journal.
I haven't written in you before because they took away my ink.
"I'll do my best, but magic was never my best subject. It appears to be some sort of mind controlling spell. I can try to help you dispel or counter it."
"Then follow my lead. This is very complicated and could be disastrous if anything goes wrong." I notice Carrot starting to shred the mundane bindings.
"On second thought, keep him restrained! This is a possession that we cannot afford to allow to run loose! Never again!" With that, my horn glows brighter than before, becoming uncomfortable to look at directly.
Friesden's new journal.
Hmmm. It appears to cause less pain when I pick at a more recent cut.
Carrot scream reverberates off the walls, causing me, Charity and Peytral to grab for your ears in pain. When we recover, it's plain to see that Carrot's eyes are normal again. He shakes his head and begins to weep.
"I feel horrible...horrible...I'm a monster...kill me!"
"That...was odd." I say, letting my magic bleed away uncast.
"He's...He's back to normal?" asks Charity. "I... I didn't do anything yet. Khenal, did you...?"
"I was about to, but the presence left on it's own? I don't know. We should keep Carrot restrained before he can hurt somepony or hims.." I cut off in mid-sentence. Friesden! Nopony was watching her, and she's almost certainly under the same posession!
"Friesden! I have to check on her!"
"KILL ME BEFORE I KILL YOU!!" wails Carrot from the traction bench, tears streaming down his face. Crisis apparently over, Charity turns back to Peytral.
"Do you still doubt the Captain? I don't know what magic is being worked here but one thing is clear: Khenal is trying to protect us." Doctor Erok slowly walks to the sobbing Carrot, offering soothing words and a sedative to let him sleep.
Friesden's new diary
Wings don't seem to bleed very much, but they don't cause much pain either. There are three types of wounds. Wounds, damned wounds, and suicides. The third sounds good.
"Please be ok please be ok please be ok" I chant to myself as I rush past ponies and down the stairwell. Several jump out of my path, not wanting to get trampled as I speed by. Soon, I burst into the prison block and dash for Friesden's cell.
"Friesden! Are you alright?"
"Hello mind warper! It's a good day for honor!" Friesden stabs herself again in the chest, and as the blood starts coming she raises a quill to dip it in the blood, and she writes. I gape in horror at what she's done to herself. She has a multitude of cuts over every inch of herself. Blood slowly oozes from more than a dozen slashes, and many more have fresh scabs over them. I magic the scalpel from Friesden with all my might, embedding it in the wall behind me.
"She's bleeding from so many wounds, what do I do?"
"I'm sorry Friesden." is all the warning she receives as I magic her unconscious.
"I guess mental magic really isn't past my skills after all. Time to get you to the hospital, before you bleed out."
Khenal's Book, Chapter 36
Maybe I haven't failed them, after all. At least not permanently. I should get the details for what happened today down, it was very busy.
I had sent Venture in to try to help Friesden alone. I heard yelling and ran in to see Sergent Carrot also trying to talk to Friesden, trying to calm her down. Friesden would have nothing to do with me, I appeared to only be making the situation worse. Commander Starkey knocked on the door and asked for Venture. I told him she was here and I'd lead her to her parents. They were apparently in the hospital where Peytral had just regained consciousness. I left, feeling like an utter failure.
I wrote the last chapter in you, my Book, while waiting outside of Peytral's room. I felt I should apologize to her parents for taking off with Venture so suddenly. Mrs. Charity appeared and told me to follow her into Peytral's room. I didn't really hear what Charity and Peytral were talking about, I was feeling too morose. I only came to my senses when Carrot started yelling from the next bed, which he had apparently been strapped to. I hadn't even noticed him being brought in. And then I saw his Red Eyes.
Something absolutely malevolent was trying to take over Sergent Carrot! This is where the details get really fuzzy, my Book. I remember trying to do something with my magic, and saying something, but it's all a blur. I remember seeing Friesden in her cell, bleeding all over, and then I remember handing her to Dr. Erok.
Charity asked me for details, and I can't remember what I said to her. It apparently satisfied her, she didn't call me a liar or accuse me of using magic on her at least.
Last written message in Friesden's new diary
No...no mercy. Weak... They were all weak. Cattle... Cattle to the slaughter.
Charity's Jounal (edit) 20th Felsite 97(/edit)
Today, was, unusual to say the least. It started with a member of the guard knocking on my office door. He told me that Ms. Friesden's Diary had been found, and that it showed a disturbed mind tearing itself apart, and that in it she states that she committed the murder. I went to the prison block to confirm this with Khenal, and then to likely have to banish Friesden, into either the caverns or the jungle.
However, that's when everything went to hell. First, on the way down I heard screaming from the cell block. I galloped down and saw Starkey standing over the unconscious body of sergeant Carrot. I later found out that Carrot had gone berserk and Starkey had restrained him. The commander took him to the doctors and restrained him. I talked with my friend Friesden and it was clear to me that she was unhinged. She's been writing all over her walls like a deranged animal. She said that Khenal had been controlling her and that Peytral had told her so. I gathered Khenal and Peytral and tried to talk to them about these claims.
But then Carrot awoke with fire in his eyes like a pony possessed by the darkest powers. Khenal restrained him and then he and I were about to try and exorcise this influence from the sergeant. But before we could start his eyes and voice returned to normal. The sergeant then seemed to remember what he'd been trying to do, he was terrified and angry and begging to die. Dr. Erok and I subdued the sergeant and sedated him. He's still asleep last I knew.
Khenal ran off to Friesden's side. Peytral asked to talk more tomorrow, as he needed to rest.
Khenal was found carrying Friesden's unmoving and bleeding body to the hospital. She had tried to commit suicide, with a scalpel she had found. Her cell was searched, and the offending scalpel removed, a tag tied to it had the word "Honor" written on it, barely readable under the blood. A gift? From who?
And now that I've recorded everything, Cryptson and I can finally retire to our bed. The waterfall he made for us is so comforting.
Charity's Journal 28th Felsite 97
Summer is officially begun now. Hard to tell the difference, it's always hot and humid in the Failed Jungles. Fortunately nothing unusual has happened since the 20th. Friesden has recovered from her attempted suicide. Her wounds looked worse than they are.
Cryptson's acting depressed and is spending all his time with Grifen digging out more and more underground tree farm space, but it isn't unusual for him to throw himself into his work when somethings bothering him.
Report on injured ponies. Peytral isn't looking good. He's become infected, in all of his wounds, and was to feverish to talk to me when I last visited him. Venture and DaringSky are spending all their time with him. I hope the kid pulls through. He was always such a good boy. Even if I think he's wrong about Khenal.
Tecak's injuries are least severe. He's going to be released as soon as his cast is applied.
Osal isn't looking good though. His wounds are extensive, he'll be down for months even if he does recover, and with two broken wings, one of which is developing an infection. He might not ever fly again.
Doctor Erok and Doctor Alen are doing their best.
Psycho Carrot was released from the hospital today and reported to Captain Otik for training, as he seems to have calmed down enough. Although Starkey had him flying laps instead of the archery practice Otik had planned, something about a peasant remark.
Charity's Journal 9th Hematite 97
Cryptson and mine's tomb was finished this afternoon. It is beautiful. Carved into a layer of solid marble. In the center two gem studded clear glass coffins for him and myself. Surrounded by statues, of the founding of Glitterglen, of the gods, and of many heroes, both of legend, and of Glitterglen herself.
10th Hematite 97
Snatcher! Protect the Children! That was the cry that interrupted an otherwise peaceful morning. An earth pony mechanic had bumped into a keshi, while strolling on the surface. Both ran in opposite directions, the airborne squad flew out, but promptly lost him in the jungle.
19th Hematite 97
The position of mayor came up for reelection. Since I've had so much free time since I was made Baroness, I ran for the office this year, and I won! I think the damage control I had to do during the events of the 20th of Felsite helped in that.
25th Hematite 97
Peytral has been released. His wounds have been sutured, his bones set, and splints applied. The doctors have done all they can for him, now his body just has to fight off that infection on it's own. First thing he did when he was released was get right back to work. He's one tough pony.
The following message is displayed in both dinning halls on 3rd Malachite 97.
Memo to all citizens
From the Desk of Charity Conventtulip, Baroness of the Failed Jungles, Mayor of Glitterglen, Chief record keeper of Glitterglen, and Royally Appointed Overseer of The Vermin of Twilight.
Under recommendation from Commander Starkey, effective immediately, the new armories are to be in use. All weapons, (save ammunition which will continue to be stored near the archery ranges) shall be kept behind locked doors. The keys to which are held by Ironya, our weapon-smith, and each militia captain, along with the captain of the guard and Stelmith Kebulam (our gem setter has access to the masterwork weapons' storeroom for the purpose of her artwork). Anyone needing access to either armory must get permission from either Commander Starkey, Captain Otik, or Guard Captain Khenal and sign out what was taken or stored with our Bookkeeper, currently Charity Conventtulip. Note that this does not change the militia and guard's policies of remaining armed at all times in case of emergency.
Failure to comply will be considered a criminal offense punishable by no less than 3 months imprisonment.
Chairty's Journal 21st Malachite 97
That's her third child, she and Firelordsky have been really busy. Guess it's understandable, with our shortage of metal she winds up with nothing to do most days, short of the occasional spear sharpening (Pun mostly unintended). This one's a little earthpony, just like his dad. Name is Vathem.
24th Malachite 97
Osal was released from the hospital today. It's very fortunate that he has recovered enough to walk around. I will admit though, with the wound dressings on all four legs and both wings, along with wooden splints on each. It's kind of funny to watch him hobble around. It's not nice, I shouldn't laugh, but well, it just looks so damn ridiculous. If I were him, I'd take a few more weeks of bed rest and not have to look like a fool.
25th Malachite 97
A pair of ponies has arrived at our gates. A unicorn mare hammerer (she is excited about joining the guard) and her daughter another unicorn along with her, the foal is just about a year old. No father is with them however.
4th Galena 97
My third child was born this morning. A little unicorn filly. She's got her mother's looks. I'm going to name her Belle.
Charity's Journal 13th Galena 97
A caravan from the Zebra civilization of the Triangular Shell has been spotted in the jungle. I hope they brought Iron. Adamant's hoping they brought a storyteller, as he isn't really old enough to remember the last time, he was less than a year old then, but Venture's been telling him about them and their illusion magics, and he can't wait to see them. I loved those old pony tales when I was little, I might sneak down and hear a few stories with the kids if I have time.
20th Galena 97
I had a brief conversation with the Zebra Diplomat. It would have been a pleasant chat had she not started it with what I'm pretty sure was an insult.
2
I am not a Dwarf!
28th Galena 97
Fortunately, our little misunderstanding did not affect Bokbon's ability to negotiate a good deal for a lot of metal, raw gems, exotic foods, leather, and cloth.
Additionally, according to my calendar, an import from the capital, today is the first day of Autumn. Hopefully as "Winter" approaches the heat will die down a little.
Friesden's New Diary
Failed.
Friesden's new journal.
Justice.
Let this be the implement of release.
Venture's Book
Hey book.
I couldn't help Dr. Friesden. Those strings were too strong. Way too strong. Like, the spell Khenal showed me wouldn't work. I couldn't do a thing and everypony started yelling and they sent me away.
I got to see my brother though! He was still hurt, but he was OK! And he's a real hero! I ran back to my room to get some party stuff like confetti and some cloth streamers and stuff from Toltot's birthday. I guess I was super tired, because I fell asleep and mommy took me home. I woke up in the hospital again though. I don't know why.
-
My brother is feeling super sick now book.
The doctor said he has an infection and a fever. I don't know what an infection is, but I had a fever once, and it was terrible, and his is even worse. Me and Sky are right here though, so nothing bad happens! We’re helping Doctor Alen get water and help wash his wounds and stuff. It's really bad doing that cause it hurts him. He’s always mumbling crazy stuff, and sometimes scary stuff too. I tried to tell him that I know Khenal didn't do anything bad, but I don't know if he can even hear me. Mr. Osal is even worse too.
Maybe I can pray to the Sisters to help them, but you have to sacrifice something to ask a god to do something. I don't have anything that a god would like. Please be OK brother.
-
Big bro’s OK!! Hes up and walking and everything! YAY! I knew praying to the Sisters without something to give would still work. Those royal ponies back home were stupid. I bet Celestia and Luna never even get that stuff.
Big bro listened to me about Khenal. I'm not sure he bevels me for some weird reason, but he said he would talk to Ms. Charity.
Oh, Ms. Charity is the mayor now too! I'm not surprised, she can be bossy and a grump sometimes, but she runs our fort better than anypony else could.
-
There are a lot of other fillies in the fort nowadays. Even more than before too. Ms. Ironya Had another filly, and there was that big tough looking mare with the unicorn filly. She's fun to play tag with! Also, Ms. Charity has another on the way my mom says.
I want to go see Dr. Friesden and try again, but nopony will let me! I know I could fix her if I try again! I bet that would get rid if the chains on Khenal too!
-
A caravan of zebras came today. DaringSky was off like an arrow when he heard, chanting 'story teller! story teller!' the whole time! He loves listening to stories about other places, especially the ones about heroes and adventurers. I tell him stories about Greywings and the stuff he did, like how he saved me, and helped the other ghosts and battled the huge cave worm. Yeah, I made some stuff up. Mom's worried that he might run off and be an adventurer some day, but he's too smart to do something like that!
Also, I've been helping Toltot fit in! He had really bad manners and stuff, but I teach him how to be a good pony. He calls be his 'itsy droogy'. He has all sorts of funny words, me and my friends like to use them a lot! It's fun and the adults can't tell what we say! Viddy you marrow book!
Khenal's Book, Chapter 37
Things have started to settle down, but are hardly back to normal yet. I've been trying to talk to Friesden, but she's mostly unresponsive to me. I don't know if she's still under that possession or just really depressed. I just keep telling her I'm here if she needs me. She has the occasional visitor, but for the most part it's just her and her cell walls. I think now, more than ever, she needs a friend.
Chapter 38
Zebra caravan, a favorite of the foals here. The rhyming speech of the zebras make them excellent storytellers, and our merchants love their exotic goods. They also know a lot about magic. I've exhausted my supply of magic tomes and bought more from the zebras, though the book seller gave me a weird look and a cryptic remark. "Nopony can escape their past, a lesson that you should learn fast." At least I got a good deal on the books.
The Diary of Dr. Bubbles 3
Dear Diary
I suppose i should keep one of these things, everypony in this fort also has one.
We released Osal and Peytral today, although both still don't look too good. I was hoping that Doctor Friesden could help, but she's still locked up. Nopony seems to think she's sane. I certainly do, though.
Maybe i should tell Ms. Charity.
I'm really worried about Carrot, he seems to have gone back to normal but that mind control thing someone did on him was REALLY creepy.
Signing off for now,
Bubbles
Journal of Psycho Carrot: entry two
My mind is clear,
The strings have snapped,
I know not what will come for us,
I have seen death,
I have shed blood,
The earth cries out in it's mournful cry,
I feel so weak,
I know who to blame,
The evil tempter will surly die.
Friesden's New Diary.
It has become a bit harder to end this than I had thought it would be.
I keep passing out before it is done.
Honour.
The Diary of Dr. Bubbles
Dear Diary, Entry no.2
Carrot seems to be writing in his journal. I hope he's alright. I think I should read it to be sure what his problem is.
Bubbles
***************************
Author's Notes
1 Kogsak is the deity of mercy, fittingly enough.
2 the game is Dwarf Fortress, after all. This particular thing from traders seems to be hard coded, at least in the version played for Glitterglen. Later versions seem to have figured out how to change this bit of text.
3 This marks the appearance of Dr. Bubbles, formerly Dr. Erok (I think). My fondest memories of this character is his blatant disregard for the well-being of doors.