//------------------------------// // Chapter Two: The Champion of Passion // Story: Winter's Heft // by Langas //------------------------------// Noble Cause trotted proudly towards the Crystal Empire from Canterlot, down the arid hilly pass. Stopping for a moment, he thought about Lyra, and how pleasant his trip to Ponyville had been. Sometimes he regrets his rapidly developing life, and how hectic things oftentimes got. Shortly after, however, he shook himself back into the present. His task, on Celestia's behalf, was to report to the Northwatch Executive. From there, he would be tasked in a way suitable to his credentials. However, for now, he continued on the path that laid ahead, and ignored any further distractions. The road from Canterlot to the Crystal Empire was long, if simple, and he would need to maintain a swift pace if he wished to reach the Empire in a timely fashion. Further along down the path, Noble Cause stopped at the sight of a dark figure hiding in the woods just off the path he was trotting along. A couple of times larger than him, Noble noticed the creature's inherent strength and decided to ignore the sizeable beast. As he passed by, he heard a voice, soft and sweet, filter out from the arbor. "H... hello, sir?" Asked a bright green filly with a brown mane who had just stepped out from the spot that the aberration had been previously positioned. "Why, hello, little lass! What's your name? " asked Noble Cause, approaching the visibly shaken youth. "M... my name's Ambershine." She said, stroking her mane. "And what brings you out to this path alone, Ambershine? " asked Noble Cause, eying the nervous filly. "I'm lost..." she said, sniffling. Oh no. Don't you do it. I have places to be, things to... thought Noble Cause, as Ambershine let out a light sob. Noble Cause took one look at her distressed, adorable face and gave in immediately. "Alright," said Noble Cause, swooping up the filly onto his back. "Lets go find your home." He said as Ambershine nuzzled her head into Noble's warm mane. As Noble traveled onwards, he tried to glean details about Ambershine's home, and how he could possibly find his way there in a reasonable time. She lived in Sunmorrow, a small burg just off the path near the Valley Stones. Fortunately enough for Noble, the stones were no more than two hours away, and a relatively easy two hours at that. Noble kept up his pace as he headed towards Sunmorrow. When he reached the outskirts of Sunmorrow, Noble knew that something within the town was amiss. Smoke rose in places where no chimneys existed, and creaks and collapses were heard for miles around the town center. Wandering further into the frosty darkness, Noble noticed a glow coming from the buildings ahead. Quickly, he maneuvered himself behind one of the buildings. Ambershine cried softly. The whole township had been set ablaze. Adjusting his gaze, Noble scanned the area, through the billows of smoke to try to discern any instigators of the intense flames. It was no use; whoever had set fire to the small town was gone by now, and Ambershine was stuck with Noble for a while. He sighed. Well, she is pretty darn cute, even when terrified. "Mr. Guard, where are my friends?" asked Ambershine. Noble looked around, looking for any casualties or otherwise. Nopony. "They must have run away." Said Noble, looking up at the night sky. Ambershine wiped her face on Noble's mane. "What happens now?" She asked, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Now?" Responded Noble, turning away from the flaming debris. "I'm going to take you on an adventure, one which will most likely end with you reuniting with your parents. " Ambershine responded, with a horrified look, "B... but my parents are dead!". Realizing the implications of what he had just said, Noble quickly said "Errr... friends. I meant friends.", as he looked up at the slowly calming filly. It wasn't long before Noble was back on his path to the Crystal Empire, two tasks at hand, both achievable by making it to the Northwatch Executive. They would know the whereabouts of the wayward filly's townsfolk, and could hold onto the lass until he could reunite Ambershine with her friends. Noble trekked onwards. Meanwhile, in the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence orchestrated the reconstitution of the Empire's society. After many years of inactivity and grief, the townsponies had lost hope; their passions had been betrayed by King Sombra's tainted curse. With their wits recovered, and strength returning, the Crystal Ponies held promise like few other lands held as of late. Cadence was glad to be chosen as ruler of the empire, but knew that the task was particularly strenuous. This fact was never more apparent than when her advisor, Shimmerstride, would read off the Empire's resource pools. The collected mare entered Cadence's quarters, carrying with her a ragged notebook containing the Empire's resource records. "The Resources of the Crystal Empire, maintained by Princess Cadence, the Magnificent, are as follows:" said Shimmerstride, opening the tome to the 27th of April. "34 barrels of iron ore. 47 barrels of wheat. 14 barrels of cider..." continued Shimmerstride, reading off the list. Eventually, at the end, she listed any newcomers expected to staff the empire. "... And the only newcomer today is a Courier by the name of Noble Cause, sent to serve the Northwatch Executive." Cadence chuckled to herself a little bit; the only member of the Northwatch Executive was herself. "Very well, Shimmerstride. Thank you." Said Cadence, dismissing the mare. Casually, the mare left Cadence's quarters. Cadence sighed. It had been a week since she did anything on her own accord. Even then, all she had been able to do was spend the evening out on the town sightseeing. where had the fun in ruling gone? thought Cadence, as she trotted over to her luxurious dresser, and looked at the locket resting atop it. Shining Armor was too busy with training the new recruits to the Canterlot Royal Guard to visit recently, but his memory persists even in his absence. Next to the locket lies a picture of Twilight and her friends next to Cadence, all of them making silly faces. Cadence misses Twilight, too. Almost enough to burst out into song, but not quite enough to actually do so. Laying down in her bed, Cadence closed her eyes. The day had been long, and a long night of sleep was just what Cadence needed to regain her composure. Tomorrow would be a new day, full of opportunity. As the moon stirred gently in the sky, Cadence entered into Luna's realm. A few miles outside the Crystal Empire, Noble Cause trotted gently in the supple darkness. Ambershine, who was now asleep on Noble's back, snored softly as the stallion ventured onwards into the night. The cool nighttime air swept the rocky face, as Noble traversed the barren crags. Noble's thouhts wandered back to Lyra. She was probably dreaming right now. Pleasant dreams, kind dreams; the sort of dreams other dreamers envy. To Noble, there is no mare more deserving of these dreams. Noble wondered if Lyra had thought about him since they had met. However improbable, he had confidence in her interest, and convinced himself of her want. He chuckled to himself. Why was he thinking about this? He should be thinking about the road ahead. Speaking of the road ahead, Noble noticed the Crystal Empire's tallest buildings breaking the horizon. Inspired, he hastened his pace suddenly, much to Ambershine's dismay, who awoke, yawning. Noble slowed down again, as the sleepy filly nodded off again. Noble arrived at the Empire's outermost gates late into the night. A lone guard, wearing a helmet stopped him and inspected his courier's armor. "You must be Noble Cause, am I correct? " asked the guard, bearing his torch in front of him so he could clearly see Noble. "Yes." Responded Noble, looking the guard in the eyes. "What is your business with the filly? " Asked the guard, gently petting Ambershine's mane. "I found her while traveling from Canterlot, on my way to the Northwatch Executive, to be given my next assignment. Her hometown, Sunmorrow, is in ruin, and its denizens were nowhere to be found. " Noble reported to the attentive guard. The guard, surprised by this information, grabbed an incident report form from inside his guard post and scribbled down the details. Handing the form to Noble, he told him to bring the paper to the Northwatch Offices when he reports for duty tomorrow. "Say..." asked Noble, looking at Ambershine; "Do you know of any place I could find a room to stay with her for the night? ". The guard thouht for a moment, then said, "The Melodious Mare, over on Shimmer Street is pretty cheap, and safe, too. You could probably stay the night for less than 4 bits, her included.". "Thank you, guard. Stay valiant,." Replied Noble, trotting into the Empire. "Stay swift, Courier. " said the guard, resuming his post. Noble entered the inn with Ambershine on his back, and with an air of tiredness about him. "Hello, traveler, and welcome to the Melodious Mare." Said the innkeeper, sitting behind The counter, eating an apple. "What can I do for you? " he asked, motioning at Noble. "I need a room with two beds." Said Noble, looking at the hallway leading to a plethora of rooms. "Alright, that will be four bits. " said the innkeeper, extending his hoof. Noble exchanged the coins, as the innkeeper led him to his room. Noble laid Ambershine down in one of the beds, coursing his hoof through her soft mane. She didn't deserve any of this, really. Why was fate such a cruel taskmaster? Furthermore, he noticed her lack of a cutie mark. She was so young, but so troubled. Noble pitied the filly, as he laid down in his own bed, tired from the long day's trek. Surely tomorrow will bring better conditions, for he will seek the counsel of the Northwatch Executive, and work on finding the filly's friends, so she could feel joy once again. Soon, sleep was upon all of the Crystal Empire, save the occasional guard or vagabond. In the morning, Noble woke up to Ambershine snuggling into his back. He swears, if she does anything else adorable like that... Ambershine wrapped her hooves around Noble, bringing herself closer to him. Noble's heart died twice. He layed there for a while, looking at her. She opened her eyes, rubbing her eyes as she yawned. "Good morning, Noble!" She said, as she detached from Noble's back. "What are we going to do today? " She asked, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "Today," Noble said, "We are going to begin our real adventure. " Ambershine was aglow with excitement, as Noble clad himself in his courier's armor, and lifted her up on top of his back. Cadence had awoken as well, but not quite as pleasantly as the first two. A report dropped off late last night had been brought to her attention Indicating that Sunmorrow had been destroyed by an unknown source. The matter would not be as personal, if the report had not been instigated by the Courier who had just come into the Empire late last night. Rubbing her temples, Cadence groaned. So much for a peaceful day of little work and plenty of rest. Cadence sent for her guards, who were still in the armory, preparing for the day. When two showed up, ready to relay a message to the other guards, she sent them forth to tell the others to find the Courier, and bring him to her. The guard entered the inn, clad in armor. "Is the courier and his filly friend still here?" He asked to the innkeeper. "Yeah, they're down the hall, on the left, third door. " Replied the Innkeeper, pointing at the hallway. The guard entered the hall, then went to the room. "Noble Cause, you are summoned by the regal Princess Cadence to provide details of the recent events regarding the status of Sunmorrow. " relayed the guard, as he looked around the room. Ambershine perked up when she heard this, thinking that this could be about her friends. Noble and Ambershine both followed the guard to the Northwatch Offices, and went to see Princess Cadence. "Hello, Noble Cause, and..?" asked Cadence, motioning to the young filly. "Ambershine!" Responded the ecstatic filly, who was excited to meet the Princess. "I believe we have important matters to discuss. " Cadence said, inviting Noble and Ambershine into her chambers. Noble informed Cadence of the full story of his trip from Canterlot. Cadence then consulted the report, to check the account's accuracy. Pretty spot on. However, Noble Cause seems like he needs somepony to watch the filly when he gets assigned to his next job. "So..." asked Cadence, pulling Noble aside. "What are you going to do with the filly? ". "Do you know of any place that could keep her for a while?" asked Noble, as he looked up at the Magnificent ceiling. "Maybe, " Replied Cadence, as she trotted over to her bedroom window. "We could keep her in the guard house, if you'd like. " Cadence suggested. Noble thought for a moment, then said, "Sure, why not? Seems safe enough. " as he stood up and prepared to leave. Before he could exit, Ambershine stopped him and asked him, "Noble? ". "Yes, Ambershine? " Responded Noble, looking at Ambershine. "Thank you." She said. Noble smiled, as he trotted out into the office atrium with Cadence, as he was told of his next assignment. "With the deployment of most of the Empire's military resources in the North, keeping watch over our local assets has become more difficult than expected. As hinted by Sunmorrow's fate, something is ravaging the hinterlands. Currently, we are not able to send aid to the small border towns, and must rather focus on the Empire's heart, to prevent any other assaults on our freedoms. By this measure, we hope you understand that your next duty lies in protecting the royal quarters and any visitors housed within it." Seriously? thought Noble, as he considered what this means for his immediate future. Realistically, this duty translated into the opportunity for smooth sailing and some recreational time that Noble had been hoping for. He gave the royal salute, then asked, "When do I start?". "Hmm..." said Cadence, as she examined the tired courier. "You need your rest. Report to me tomorrow morning, as soon as you feel ready. ". "Thank you." Said Noble, as he turned away and exited the room. "Oh, and Noble..." said Cadence, leaning out the doorway. "You can stay in the royal guest room, along with your filly friend until tomorrow morning. After that, she should stay with the guards in the guard house while you do your duties. Of course, there will also be room for you there when your duties don't call for you to be elsewhere. " chimed Cadence, lifting Noble's spirits higher. The glad stallion pranced happily out of the Office, and into the day, which stood free to Noble Cause's desires. And Noble's desires were addressed, as his mind ventured to Lyra, and how much he wanted her. The journey from the Crystal Empire to Canterlot was long, but easily navigable within two hours. As an added bonus, the night haze would no longer slow down Noble's pace, and he wouldn't have to carry Ambershine half of the way there. Without a moment to spare, Noble galloped off towards the city on the mountain, Equestria's capital, and the current location of Lyra Heartstrings, Noble's one true driving force. The courier was lucky, Cadence thought, as she uncorked a bottle of wine, then sipped from the intricate glass thoughtfully. The forces of Night have been prowling those lands for months. It was a wonder that he wasn't killed by some obscure beast made of pure evil. Taking another sip from the glass, Cadence sighed. She wondered what the stallion was doing to relax? Relaxation was the last thing on Noble's mind as he retraced his path back to Canterlot. Looking up at the sky, he noticed it was nearly midday, and that he was well over halfway between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. A slight sweat had been worked up on Noble's brow, but nothing could hold him from that which he wanted most. Lyra, have faith in me. Lyra hadn't had faith in much of anything recently. As she laid in her bed, looking out the beautifully carved palace window, she thought back to the night before, and how forced things seemed to have been. The palace life was nice, but a strict schedule is the best way to bore anypony, and Lyra is no exception. From the moment she had arrived, attendants had answered to her every whim. Finally fed up with her current treatment, she sought out Celestia. The mountain city was in plain sight. Through the valley, the peak rose majestically above the forested landscape, a beacon of purity. Noble carried on, driven further by his great passion. As he approached the mountain's rocky base, a shade amongst the sun kissed fields rose to greet him. Rising up in height to that of a tree, the fiend hissed scathing remarks, as he bobbed left and right. Noble cursed his luck; of all the days to decide against bringing a sword, why did Noble have to choose today? He looked up to Canterlot. He was so close... Noble tried to walk around the monster, but the beast rejected his attempt by swatting at Noble. Much to the beast's dismay, he couldn't harm Noble. Not for now, at least. "Wait until nighttime, pony fool..." hissed the shadow, as it receded into the golden field. Noble galloped up to the royal palace, bearing news of the enemy he encountered on his way to Canterlot. When told of his purpose, Celestia was eager to meet the courier. "Noble Cause, weren't you supposed to be reporting to Princess Cadence, in the Crystal Empire? " asked Celestia, looking intently into Noble's eyes. "Yes, ma'am, but I was given a day of rest. In my spare time, I chose to come here." Said Noble. "But surely there is something that happened on your way?" Celestia asked, her face now stern with focus. "Ah, yes, I was attacked unsuccessfully by a dark spirit that lingered at the base of the mountain Canterlot rests on." Said Noble, looking out the window to the place he had been confronted. Celestia immediately jumped back in her seat. Surprised by this information, she summoned her attending guard to fetch somepony. Celestia motioned for Noble to come into her study and wait for somepony to arrive with her. Lyra was sitting in her room when Celestia fetched her. She was told that more business regarding the four realms was about to take place in her study. This excited Lyra. Who was this she was about to meet? Who also knew about the tablets, and was willing to discuss them with the Princess? As Lyra entered into the room, she was met with more surprise than if any stranger had been waiting for her in Celestia's study. Noble Cause was standing in the middle of the room, Casually examining a bookshelf, unaware of Lyra's presence. Lyra cleared her throat, and Noble Cause looked upon her as he became filled with glee. Lyra trotted up to Noble, then looked him in the eyes, batting her eyelashes. "The valiant knight returns..." she said, trotting to the other side of the room, as Noble continued to smile. Celestia began to retell the information regarding the tablets, to inform Noble Cause of the situation. Astonished by the relevancy of his own place in this chain of events, Noble's curiosity spiked. "I play some greater role here, don't I?" Asked Noble, getting ahead of himself. Celestia nodded. "Precisely. You are the Champion of Passion, the courier between the realms of Equestria and Passion. In your full strength, you shall inspire all the righteous to unite under one cause and stop the evil at hand, or so goes the ancient prophecy. As for now, I understand that you are tired. You shall finally be given rest, now that your passion has been quenched. But I ask of you, Noble; delve into the true nature of Passion. Do not stop until you feel comfortable with linking the plane of passion to Equestria. Until then, you shall stay here, with Lyra, working to discern the intent of the different realms. I shall send word to Cadence of your new task, relinquishing you of your duties there." Said Celestia. "One thing, princess..." asked Noble Cause, getting the Princess's attention. "There's a little filly in The Crystal Empire by the name of Ambershine. She was orphaned by the recent destruction of Sunmorrow, and I would like to be given permission to retrieve her and take her under custody, as her guardian. " "I'll allow it." Said Celestia, before continuing with, "Lyra, you should go along with Noble, and accompany him in his travels.". Lyra looked over to Noble, before responding "Sure". The two ate dinner after a restful day, then went on their way. Lyra wore her cloak for the occasion, and Noble wore his courier's armor. Along the way, they made mostly small talk while staring ahead, only sometimes looking at one another with affection. As they reached the gates of the Crystal Empire, a message had been left by a pegasus messenger, sent by Celestia. It detailed the whereabouts of another of the four champions, the champion of night. Among the Frozen North she wanders, waiting until the day of the Winter Solstice to emerge from her icy realm, and find the rest of her fellow champions. Lyra and Noble Cause head into the Crystal Empire, aware of the road directly ahead of them. A Zealot, his soul long since stolen by perils unspeakable, wrenches his mangled body from the bounds of nonexistence. Flesh tainted black with the ichor of fear, and eyes yellowed with undoubtable insanity, the putrid husk wriggles along the snow dusted ice, back into his home, Equestria. The zealot has returned.