//------------------------------//
// The Absence 
// Story: Sisters of Shadowmere 
// by Psycho Pwny 
//------------------------------//

|====[Sisters]====|
|==[of]==|
|========[Shadowmere:]========|




{The}-=-{Absence}



Darkness stirred silently within the Void as Shadowmere's figure was aroused by a commanding embrace. Sithis's will entangled the equine's mind as a purpose became pronounced.

"Shadowmere, beast most darkened and bright--The last sanctuary has fallen." The tone of the whispering patriarch was monotone and pierced Shadowmere's soul as the words gained meaning.

"Darkest Sithiss, creator, master, father--the time has come?"

"The time has come. A new sanctum will be composed through Mere actions. The honor of the dark family lies in Shadow."

"The Night Mother rests well?"

"The Night Mother is restless. Do what is willed and the rest will come"

"What do you will?"

"Daughters and sons of breathing flesh. A home free from pests. Souls to fill the silence of the Void."

"Sithis's will shall be Shadow's own."

With the purpose understood, the black absence began to give way to the woods of Falkreath and the now purged Dark Brotherhood sanctuary overshadowed any previous ambiance of comfort the forest once offered. 			Shadowmere's spirit filled with anxious anticipation from Sithis's expectations and swiftly faded into the bloodied entrance of the lost sanctum. The scent of death was usually received with gleeful euphoria, but the sight of Shadowmere's scarlet siblings dashed any possible joy. Various articles of value scattered the sanctuary as signs of struggles were abundant. The Dragonborn was the cause of it all and it was a miracle the warrior didn't pillage every item in favor of coin, which was a common trait associated with the warrior's famed reputation. Shadowmere praised the good fortune Sithis granted.

Frantic anger coursed through Shadowmere as sacred books, clothing, weapons, and other miscellaneous objects were gathered and placed in thick leather bags obtained just for the occasion. One precious artifact stood out amongst all others; the "Blade of Woe." The blade was a pinnacle of twisted steel and has been passed on to only the worthiest assassins for countless generations; to lose it would be to lose the spirit of the Dark Brotherhood. Astrid was the previous owner of the blade and slaughtered far from home. It must have been through Sithis's power the dagger escaped the Dragonborn's hoard.
Once the sanctuary was picked clean of all value, Sithis spoke to Shadowmere.

"Mere Shadow, new brothers and sisters stand far from recruitment in Skyrim. A new world separate from Nirn must be traversed. It will host Shadow's sanctuary until time deems return.

"How will Shadow venture to the new world?"

"Through the embrace of the Void."

And with those words, Shadowmere was received by Sithis's cold embrace and all senses drowned in black.

==

"Pinkie, now what's this talk I hear of a "monster soon to envelope Equestria" nonsense? Applebloom and her Crusader Friends won't stop their scared little muzzles from jabbering on about it and now all of Ponyville is in a panic! I can't sell mah overly rip apples before they go rotten if you keep ponies far from thinking about market produce."

"Oh, Applejack! It's just that my "Pinkie Sense" has been go, go, going crrrraaaazzzy~! I tried to not tell anypony why, but, *giggle* I can't stop bouncing! Wheeeee! I have been bouncing, and bouncing, and bouncing, and somepony was bound to ask why, because the trampoline broke hours ago!"

Applejack sighed. As entertaining as Pinkie's antics can be, they usually lead to huge consequences if left ignored. "Alright Pinkie, let me go get Twilight and the others..."

==

When Shadowmere awoke, the green forest of Falkreath was gone and was replaced by red ominous cliffs. Grains of delightful sand filled Shadowmere's nostrils and blistering heat akin to the realms of Oblivion assaulted the poor equine's coat. The luxuries the cold absence of the Void offered soon became apparent; however, Shadowmere refused to give into the temptation of returning, if only to avoid the wrath of Sithis.
Shadowmere trotted through the thick dust for days, or perhaps mere minutes, for the long stay in the absence of time experienced within the Void had dulled the poor creature's senses. The saddlebags soon became a burden and Shadowmere was suddenly reminded of a possible source of savior. Shadowmere shifted through the belongs, hoping to find a "resist fire" potion of some sort, but had to settle for a small vile of healing potion. Magical influence in the air was apparently strong, as the liquid contents of the potion almost immediately evaporated, leaving Shadowmere with an unpleasant chalky powder--serving as further mockery towards the equine's sandy predicament.
Regardless, the will of Sithis's words keep Shadowmere strong and night eventually offered relief from the heat. Although Shadowmere was fatigued, rest would have to come later as the threat of the Oblivion heat lingered. In the dark, Shadowmere was in the perfect element and kept up a gallop while the cold air brought abused senses back to life. Shadowmere's efforts paid off when a modest settlement was reached just as red twilight was dawning in the sky.

The buildings took after Hammerfell's rocky structures and signs of life became more pronounced as thick palm trees sheltered the town. Shadowmere tended to avoid entering settlements without an rider to claim ownership, as many nobles and bandits have vied countless treasures in order to obtain the equine; however, it soon became clear that the inhabitants weren't any sort of the humanoid races that populated Nirn. Creatures long deemed extinct, uncivilized, or under the exclusive rule of Gods were everywhere: griffons, chimeras, camels, buffaloes, giraffes, llamas, minotaurs, goats, diseased werewolves, odd-winged argonian dragons, and even horses like Shadowmere dotted the land.
After century after century of uneventful existence, Shadowmere was awed by this new land. Shadowmere's strange otherworldly appearance blended effortlessly into the diverse masses and creatures tended to only take notice for a moment due to the curious red daedra eyes that sometimes glanced their way.
The anxiety previously felt by Sithis's words evaporated as Shadowmere become content in the surroundings.

"This new world, perhaps sanctuary of my own has already been found...ahh, how interesting." Shadowmere spotted a group of brightly colored horses dressed in armor plating, dresses, and various jewelry--the horses in this new world were as civilized (and odd looking) as the humanoid races of Nirn! Without hesitation, Shadowmere trotted up to the huddled herd, edger to become apart of this new world as well as to gain directions.