//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: Arrived 
// Story: Carpe Diem: Rise of the Sun 
// by BluePhoenyx 
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By the time they arrived back to the minotaur city, Diem was barely able to walk on his own. He panted and snorted as they reached the city. His mane and tail hung  ragged from the damp streaks of sweat  his labors caused. Freyr looked down at him in concern, but Diem simply smiled at him . Thalmone, of course, was incredibly grateful. He put together an entire feast for Freyr and Diem. It was hosted outside so Freyr could enjoy it. Diem tried to enjoy himself, but couldn’t seem to keep his eyes open for long. He ended up falling asleep at his spot at a table in front of his food. Freyr chuckled and covered him with a wing. Myra smiled as she walked over with a fresh plate of salad.
“I guess he’s tired,” Myra said, after finishing off a particularly juicy tomato slice from her veggie sandwich. She crossed her legs, letting a hoof bounce freely in the air in a carefree manner. It was still scratched and chipped from her attempted escapes, however it didn’t seem to bother her in the slightest. She was simply happy to be home again with her father and her people.
“His magic awoke completely,” Freyr said, his voice taking a more serious, upset tone. “I’m sure he’d be exhausted after that.” He returned his gaze to Diem’s sleeping form under his wing. He wrapped his long prehensile tail around the pony as well, offering a surer sense of security.
“I don’t know much about magic or ponies, what happens now?” Myra asked. She cleaned the food in front of Diem away by reaching across him. She wrapped it up in a large cloth napkin so she could take it to him later, in case he was still hungry. Once she finished cleaning up, she pushed Diem’s dark brown forelock out of his face a little, tucking it behind his ear. She took stock of his many scars and injuries as she did, frowning as she looked him over. She had, of course, noticed his lack of a cutie mark and what little she knew of ponies, told her that was odd for his age. She tried not to question it though, always firm on being polite as possible especially to guests.
Freyr’s mind felt far away, back across the miles at the Chimera’s arena. He had been caught by the Chimera whilst simply napping on a rock in the sun. He had foolishly let his guard down, something he still couldn’t forgive himself for. However, looking at Diem, he had a hard time hating himself for it as he rightfully could
“I don’t know much about ponies,” He said, turning back to Myra. “But I know magic well, and what I saw is almost terrifying. To be honest, I'm just glad he’s on our side.” He chuckled deeply, sounding more like rhythmic growl.
“Is he truly that powerful?” Myra asked, taking her hand away slightly. She wasn’t actually afraid of Diem, but she couldn’t help her subconscious forcing her away from potential danger.
“Turning a living creature to stone is a fairly advanced spell,” Freyr answered thoughtfully. “The magical energy around him was intense as well, He could be a very powerful unicorn someday, with proper training.”
“My father told me of a powerful pony in Equestria that may be able to help,” Myra said quickly, She smiled at the thought of the old stories her father would tell her of that magical land. “Since Equestria is your ultimate destination, you might as well know of her.”
“Oh?” Freyr asked. “I know there are powerful unicorns in Equestria, but I do not know any of them, or their names.”
“Her name is Celestia, She’s suppose to be a beautiful white mare with the most vibrant and colorful rainbow mane and tail. she and her sister rule the land,” Myra said in admiration. Despite her gruff minotaur exterior, Myra clearly had an eye for beauty as she spoke of the pony ruler. “She also has a student that I heard has become a powerful princess as well, but I don’t know their name.”
“Really?” Freyr asked and looked up at the stars in the sky. There was a glow from the large bon fire that had been made in the town center and it chased a few of the stars away, but Freyr could make out a few constellations, particularly the ones he used to navigate his world. “Then I think we need to get to Equestria as soon as possible.”
Myra smiled, then frowned. “Diem is still very hurt, you’re not far away but it could still take a long time in his condition”
“I can’t fly him the entire way, I’d end up stabbing him with my talons or dropping him, and the scales on my back are too slick. He’d slip off.” Freyr sighed in defeat. He lowered his head and closed his eyes in thought.
“I might have something.. You may not like it though,” Myra piped up, though she seemed apprehensive of mentioning anything.
Freyr opened his eyes and turned to her. “Oh?”
Myra nodded and motioned for him to follow. Freyr looked down at Diem, then stood to follow myra. She lead him to a large building that looked more like an old barn. It was clearly abandoned, as shutters and planks fell away from the walls. The wood was weathered badly and creaked in the night breeze and opened the door. He could only fit his head and neck in considering his bulk, but he didn’t really need anything else. His forked tongue darted out, tasting the stale air and the dust. He watched Myra walk in, heading straight for a large contraption covered by an old, age stained cloth. She pulled the sheet back to reveal an old saddle, bridle and reins. They were large, obviously meant to go on something bigger than even a gryphon. Freyr recognized it quickly; his pupils narrowed to slits and a low, deep growl bubbled from his throat.
“It’s a relic from when dragons were once enslaved by minotaurs, but it’s in near perfect condition, and it’ll allow Diem to simply sit while you fly, leaving your claws open.” Myra said, not hearing the deep growl Freyr had given.
Freyr frowned as he brought himself back to his senses. “It’s very... insulting to let anyone ride us.” He mumbled bitterly. He took in a deep breath to further compose himself and let it out in a soft sigh. “But.. Diem cannot make this journey on foot..”
There was a long pause as Myra and Freyr both stared at the saddle. Finally, Myra raised her voice.
“Are you sure about this? It was only a suggestion, you don’t have to.” Myra said. “I’m sure we can find another way.”
Freyr sighed. “No, I’ll do it.” he said firmly. “What else would friends do?”
Myra smiled and nodded, dragging the large saddle out easily with her minotaur strength. Freyr inspected the contraption, determined it was intact enough for what they required it for, and wouldn’t be too uncomfortable with a plush blanket separating his back and the saddle, then helped Myra place the saddle back in the building under the sheet. They made their way back to the festival, happy to see that not only was Diem still asleep, the others seemed to recognize his exhaustion and left him alone.
“I’ll take him back to his room. Why don’t you two leave the day after tomorrow?” Myra suggested. She lifted Diem up into her arms as she spoke and smiled up at Freyr.
Freyr returned her smile and nodded. “I think that is a wise course.” He said. He crouched down and laid his chest onto the ground, letting his neck crane back into a comfortable, swam like resting position.
The festivities continued well into the night. Freyr allowed the little ones to climb onto his back and use his long serpentine body as a slide. As the night continued on, Freyr watched the minotaurs dance and enjoy themselves. Freyr felt his heart sink as the sights and sounds of the party slowly became a more primal and animalistic noise to him. Their cries of joy became grunts and calls of typical cattle to his ears, and their scent became tantalizing and mouth watering. His forked tongue flicked out, tasting their air. He felt his breathing become harder and faster. He stood suddenly, shaking his head clear.
“Are you alright?” Myra asked gently as she approached again
“Yes.” Freyr answered, his voice wavering a little. “I’m just, tired. I think I’ll be roosting for the night.”
Myra nodded, taking the explanation at face value. “Goodnight then Freyr, sleep well.” She said. Freyr nodded before spreading his wings to fly away.

Diem woke late the next day, but felt well rested. He looked in a mirror at his frazzled mane and scuffed coat. He was filthy and ragged so he decided to take a bath. As he walked to the bathroom Myra had shown him, he wondered briefly when exactly he had come back to the mayor’s house. He figured he had passed out and must have been brought back by someone. It was somewhat embarrassing to think of, but he let it go. He looked at the bath tub and tried to figure out how to turn the faucet on with his hooves. It was a little clumsy but he managed to get it going a little. Once the tub was filled he started to step in, but slipped on the slick porcelain. He gasped and clenched his eyes shut against the fall. He slowly opened his eyes when he realized he wasn’t falling, and saw the tub far below him. He looked around and realized he was levitating above the tub and water. He panted, trying to calm himself down. Slowly he lowered himself back into the tub and let the water wash over him.
“Well.. that was..strange.” he mumbled to himself. He tried to relax and enjoy his bath.
Once he finished his bath he stepped out of the bath tub, carefully, and started to reach for a towel. It came off the hanger suddenly and floated over to him with his magic. He was surprised that he hadn’t even thought of using his magic to retrieve it. He thought for a moment, then willed the towel around his body, letting it dry him off as if another pair of hooves was doing it for him. He smiled, feeling like finally he was getting a hang of his new magic. Suddenly though, the towel seemed to take on a life of it’s own and began rubbing against his back quick enough to make it burn. He yelped and jumped away from the towel. It followed him, snapping at him and trying to cover his face. After being chased around by the towel he finally managed to settle it down. He smiled, then trotted back downstairs. The house was empty already so Diem decided to go out to see if he could find Freyr.
The market was bustling with minotaurs, all exhausted but happy from the festival the night before. He felt an almost unnerving freedom as he trotted down the street. He could, if he wanted to, run as fast as he could and no one would stop him. He began trotting faster and faster, until suddenly he was in an all out gallop through town. He smiled and even cried out in joy as he leaped over a small fence. He looked back and grinned at the fence as if he had conquered some huge beast. He turned back, then quickly stomped his hooves into the ground to skid to a stop. In front of him and elderly minotaur was struggling to pull her wagon out of hole in the ground. Diem skidded for a few feet, then his horn began to glow again and he was flung in a somersault over the wagon. He landed on his back in the mud, then skidded a few more inches. Once he stop he sighed in annoyance. He stood up, shook his fur out as best he could, then trotted over to the minotaur with the wagon.
“Here, let me help you.” Diem said. He put his hooves on the back of the wagon and started to push while the minotaur pulled.
Diem’s horn glowed again and the wagon suddenly lifted up out of the hole, making Diem drop face first into the hole. He lifted his head to look at the wagon, wondering how to get it down. As soon as the thought completed in his mind, the wagon dropped, forcing Diem to roll away as quickly as possible to avoid being crushed. A few boards on the wagon broke but other than some minor damage, the wagon was okay.
“Uh.. Sorry about that.” Diem said nervously, taking a few steps back. The elderly minotaur waved him off and continued on now that her cart was free.
Diem sighed and turned to keep trotting. Instead of looking for Freyr he made his way into the forest to find a secluded spot. He looked around the small clearing. He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of the wind around him. He shaped it in his mind, into a small ball His horn felt heavy, as if he were holding something up with it. When he opened his eyes, he could see a small ball of debris being buffered by wind forming in front of him. He moved the ball around with his mind then threw it at a tree. It exploded, and the force of the wind cut into the bark of the tree, making sap drip down the trunk. He stared wide eyed at it for a moment then laughed. He formed a few more balls of wind, allowing less and less debris into the balls until he had a perfect ball of wind that he threw at a tree, slicing through it again. He grinned at his work happily, swishing his tail in joy.
“You’re getting better.” a deep voice said above him. Diem looked up quickly, then saw Freyr perched in the trees. He was preening his wings by using his fangs to get rid of dirt and bugs.
“Freyr, you scared me.” Diem said. “What are you doing all the way out here?”
“Hunting.” Freyr answered. Diem shuddered slightly but tried not to let it show that it got to him.
Freyr climbed down the trees and towered over  the little pony in front of him. Diem kept his smile, then saw the blood on his mouth and had to look away.
“Are you afraid of me Diem?” Freyr asked, his pupils turning into slits again for a moment. He shook his head and forced himself to relax.
“No, how could I be afraid of you my friend? The sight of blood is just..unnerving.” Diem replied, his voice cracking slightly. He laid down with his forehooves tucked under him so he could be comfortable in the warm soft grass.
Freyr didn’t seem pleased by this answered and brought his neck back a little.
“You killed many creatures in the arena, you saw a lot of blood then.”
“Yes,” Diem replied. He looked down, and his ears laid back. He was clearly hurt by the remark, something Freyr hadn’t wished to happen. He placed a consoling wing around the pony to try and alleviate the tension. “But that doesn’t mean I ever liked seeing it.”
Freyr nodded. “Fair enough” he mumbled. “You really are getting very good at your magic” He continued, trying to change the topic as he pulled his wing back.
“You think so?” Diem asked. His mood lifted a little as he looked back up at the wyvern. “I didn’t think this busted horn of mine could still work properly.”
Freyr smiled at him. “You could be quite the talented unicorn if you trained” He said.
“I don’t even know how to start training.” Diem sighed. He stood, and began pacing around their small clearing as he spoke “And I’m already exhausted just from what I did today.”
Freyr nodded again. “Tomorrow, we’ll leave for Equestria. There are ponies there that will help you.”
“Will they?” Diem asked, casting his eyes to the ground again as he stopped mid pace. Freyr frowned, but didn’t respond right away. “What if they see me as an outsider? Or a criminal?” He asked.
“Equestria preaches tolerance and friendship, they will not turn you away.” Freyr said confidently. He brought his head back again and nodded his head as if to punctuate the point “I’m sure you’ll be accepted.”
“You really think so?” Diem asked, turning back to his friend. Freyr nodded again and Diem smiled. “Thank you Freyr, you’re a true friend.”
Freyr smiled at him as warmly as a wyvern could smile, then waited for Diem to turn away before he let his smile fade. He wondered, to himself, just how long they could remain friends.

Diem and Freyr spent the rest of their time at the minotaur city with Thalmone and Myra, talking of their plans and determining their best route. Myra and Freyr showed Diem the saddle and at first, Diem protested the idea, but after some convincing, he accepted the idea. The next morning, the entire town came out to send the pair off. They provided them with gifts of food and gear which were all packed in some bags that fit on the back of the saddle. Diem climbed into the saddle with Freyr’s help then wrapped the reins around his hoof in order to catch him if he fell. After a few moments, Freyr was running to catch the wind currents, They dropped a few times as Freyr worked to get use to the weight, then they were in the air and soaring away from the city. Diem was terrified of being so high up at first; He cowered and stuck as close to the saddle as possible by laying down on it. Slowly though, as Freyr mentioned tall mountains and rivers, he began glancing over the edge of Freyr’s neck to see the world below. Trees went by in green blurs and massive rivers looked like little more than ambling streams twisting and curving along their preset path. The clouds swished past them in fleeting puffs of chilly cotton, like little spirits merely dancing around them. Diem watched mountains jut suddenly and violently from the earth below, changing the course of tree growth and rivers. They passed one mountain in particular that towered over them still despite their height. Freyr was so close to it, Diem could just make out the light scent of damp stone. A waterfall suddenly broke the monotonous vision of gray rock, making Diem’s heart skip a beat. He laughed as felt the spray of the water buffer against him. He glanced down, hoping to find the fall’s end but it was obscured by a bright rainbow sitting above some clouds. Diem had seen a rainbow only a few times in his life, and never one so vibrant and glistening. As they continued to soar, they passed a flock of brightly colored parrots. The sun caught in their feathers and flashed bright rainbows of color as they squabbled and chattered amongst themselves. Freyr was faster than them and was quickly past them, sending them scattering in fear of the giant wyvern. Diem couldn’t have imagined a more breathtaking flight. He had spent so long in the dark dungeons, only seeing the light of day in glimpses between battle, beauty was an almost entirely new concept to him. Lush forests and jungles fought for terrain constantly, then both gave way to a mighty desert at one point in the trip. Soon after, the largest body of water Diem had ever seen swallowed the land. Freyr had called it the ocean, and told him it expanded for miles and that terrifying and amazing creatures lived beneath the waves. Diem couldn’t even attempt to image what they would look like. Freyr dove down to skim along the water’s surface, allowing Diem the chance to dip a hoof in. He went a little deep and the water’s resistance nearly knocked him out of freyr’s saddle, but he quickly pulled the hoof back. He head splashing and looked around to see strange, streamline creatures leaping playfully out of the water and chasing after them. Diem had seen fish before, but these were much larger and much faster than any fish he’d ever seen. Freyr called them dolphins, and explained they were incredibly intelligent creatures but sometimes far too playful and curious for their own good. As the dolphins leaped from the water they chattered in an almost bird like manner at Diem, who attempted to copy their speech. The sight of a school of fish caught their attention soon after and suddenly, their minds were about food. They forgot all about the wyvern riding pony and dashed off towards their next meal. When land came into view again. Freyr soared back up towards the clouds. Diem looked down at this new land again, seeing cities, towns, and vilages cropping up between forest and plains.
“This is Equestria” Freyr announced telepathically as they rushed by. “Canterlot isn’t far away, you can see it on the mountain in the distance”
Diem’s heart hammered violently in his chest as he surveyed the lands. He wasn’t expecting to be in Equestria so soon, let alone just a short distance away from meeting the leader of the lad. He looked down at the lands as they passed over them. He had made it, he was finally in Equestria. He felt tears form in his eyes as he thought of his family, and how much they would have loved to see these lands. Freyr eventually landed just outside of the city of Canterlot and let Diem down. They were on a rocky mountain path that made Diem feel a little uneasy. The road was clearly well traveled though, as dirty hoof prints and wagon tracks indicted.
“Why are we stopping here?” Diem asked quickly as he looked up the road. He could see the gates of canterlot in the distance.
“Might be best to go through their gate rather than land in the middle of their city. They may become nervous if a wyvern was suddenly in their midst.” Freyr answered.
Diem nodded and began walking down the stone road. “Do you think they’ll let me in? What if they send me away? What if the princesses don’t like me?” Diem rambled quickly. Freyr chuckled.
“Such a worrisome little pony.” He teased.Diem blushed a little.
“Well, if the worst should happen, I know you and I will get through it together.” Diem said confidently, and began an easy trotting pace instead of a nervous walk.
The comment made Freyr pause for a moment, letting Diem get some distance ahead of him. He smiled in appreciation then continued after him. They approached the gate to Canterlot, the guards were already standing alert and crossing their spears. No doubt they had seen Freyr in the distance. When they saw Diem, however, their spears wavered slightly in confusion.
“Halt,” The guard on the left said. “State your business in Canterlot.”
Diem nervously stepped forward and bowed his head. “We wish an audience with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” He said. “We are travelers that have come a long way to ask their assistance.”
“What kind of assistance?” The second guard asked incredulously.
Diem lifted his head up, trying to seem brave and worthy of entering. “I.. I wish to become a citizen of Equestria, and study magic under her.” He replied, wavering slightly.
The guards looked at each other, then up at Freyr in concern. Freyr bowed his head to be more level with them but was still above them.
“I can stay here and wait if that would put you better at ease.” Freyr said. The guards clearly weren’t expecting Freyr to speak but tried not to let it show.
“You both may enter. The castle is straight on.” The first guard said and stepped aside for them to pass.
“Thank you.” Diem said and bowed as he walked in. Freyr followed after him and nodded to the guards.
Diem sighed in relief then bounced a little once they were a little ways away. “I’m finally in Canterlot.” He said excitedly. “This is it Freyr, the start of my new life.”
“And a glorious life it shall be.” Freyr said supportively and looked up at the castle...