//------------------------------// // Chapter 23:An Old Friend // Story: Hearthfire The Sands Of Time // by Predman1227 //------------------------------// Chapter 23:An Old friend (Violet) “Ok…” Theran said in an over exaggerated way as he looked at his old map. “Let’s see where we are.” It was still the morning but it was coming close to noon. Haze and Sapphire had been practising how to fight for hours after Violet and Theran had their little spar and now they were moaning. Complaining about sore backs and being tired, nothing Violet concerned herself with at the moment. Right now she was still trying to figure out Theran. She watched him fumble with the map like some clueless foal and she sighed deeply. “Let me look at it?” She asked, moving forward up to him and gesturing with her hoof. Theran brought his gaze away from the map and looked at Violet. “I know what I’m doing.” He said bluntly with an overly proud expression. Violet gave Theran a knowing look, not taking his bullshit. “You couldn’t read a map on the day we met. Six years later and you still can’t read um.” She held out her hoof again. “Now if you please.” Theran frowned and curled one side of his upper lip in irritation as he gave her the map. “Can’t believe this.” He grumbled under his breath. “Can’t read maps since the day we met my arse.” She ignored his complaining and began to ask him questions. “So Mr immortal one, how old are you?” Theran perked his pointy ears up and he looked at her in surprised confusion. “I’m uh…25.” He said in a way that made Violet not believe him. Violet wasn’t buying it. “How old are you exactly?” She insisted. Theran looked away and pouted. “I’m five hundred…” He mumbled. “Sorry didn’t catch that.” Violet said sarcastically. “How old was that?!” “He’s 581.” Haze suddenly pasted them as she was gathering the camp equipment. “He was 575 when I met him and today he’s 581. Oh time dose fly don’t it?” Before either Theran or Violet could speak, Haze walked off gathering more stuff. “581?!” Violet said aloud and looked at Theran again who was looking away from her. “You’re that old?” Theran didn’t make eye contact with her as he spoke. “Yeah…yeah I’m old.” He then shouted toward Haze. “Thanks for making me feel old Pip squeak!” “STOP CALLING ME THAT!!!” Haze yelled back at him and Violet snickered to herself. “Stop making me feel old then!” Theran countered. He finally looked at Violet and rubbed the back of his neck. He looked kinda embarrassed as he coughed slightly. “…..Yeah…” Was all he could say. Violet was very surprised. This guy this Stallion she had known for six years was in fact from a time long past. She couldn’t believe it. “Think you know somepony only for them to keep surprising you.” She thought. “Must of seen a lot of things in that time.” Violet mused, breaking the silence between them. “Been apart of…anything eventful or historic?” Theran’s expression was plain now devoid of emotion, except his eyes. In them Violet saw only pain. When he spoke he sounded distant like he was in a sort of trance. “I’ve seen and done many things in my time…some of them I’m not proud of.” He looked away and changed the subject just like that. “If you look on the map can you find a place called Splinter Bay?” Violet blinked when she noticed him waiting for her to say something. “Uh right um let’s see uh…” She looked at the map. “Uh see, see, see uh ah ha found it.” Violet frowned. “It’s about a day’s walk from here.” She lowered the map and looked at him questioningly. “Why we going there?” Theran pulled out a sheet of yellow paper from behind his chest plate and showed her it. “This is the contract the Mercs had on us and their leader told me he got it from some Mare, named Silver in Splinter Bay.” This was news to Violet and she frowned when he mentioned the Merc leader Zeek. “What do you mean he told you?” Theran shrugged. “I asked nicely.” “He’s not still alive is he?” Violet asked dully. Theran wiped his nose, turned his head to the side and coughed into his hoof. Violet’s eyes widened in shock as she instantly knew those signs. “You let him live?!” She yelled. “Theran what were you thinking?!” Theran shook his head and rubbed his temple. “It’s complicated alright.” He said in a frustrated tone. Violet wanted to yell at him but he yelled first and it wasn’t aimed at her. “Are we ready to head out?!” Haze and Sapphire looked at him. “Yep all set but my back really hurts.” Haze protested. “Yeah mines too.” Sapphire also protested. Theran moved past Violet who was glaring at him and he picked up his saddle-bag. “If it makes you feel any better I’ll carry half of the heavy stuff and you two carry the rest. How’s that sound?” Before the girls could speak he loaded half the camping gear on his back and left them the rest. He walked past Violet again and kept on going, not saying a word to her. Violet huffed and went and got her stuff. She held the rolled up map in her mouth as she strapped on her gear and then went after him. “Hay!” Haze yelled. “Wait up!” Violet was too annoyed to listen and cot up with Theran. She spat the map in his face and it bounced of his cheek. He then took it in mid-air with his magic still rolled up and smacked her on the head with it. Surprised she shoved him with her shoulder and he staggered a bit. “Knock it off!” Theran snapped. Violet scowled at him. “I can’t believe you, you actually let that prick live. I mean…” Theran cut her off as he growled. “I made a call ok!” Violet was taken aback. “Bloody drop it, am not in the mood.” They were in the forest proper now and Haze and Sapphire finally cot up with them, panting as they slowed to a trot. “Fine whatever but I want to know one thing. Why did you stop me from killing him?” Theran kept on looking straight ahead and that angered Violet. “Hay answer me!” “What would’ve been the point?!” Theran snapped, making Violet’s eyes narrow. “Say you killed him, what then? Some other asshole would just replace him and then you’d have solved nothing!” Violet grinded her teeth in anger and felt like saying something witty but thought better of it. Arguing with him about it would get her nowhere and frankly she didn’t want to yell at him at all. She was just so frustrated. But she admitted in her head he kind of had a point, maybe a flawed one but a point none the less. She sighed a deep beaten sigh and nudged him on he shoulder. “Look sorry I yelled, I’m just…surprised is all. I really thought you of all ponies would have ripped his guts out, he did kill you after all.” Theran actually smirked at that and said in his wise yet weird way. “Well at least he’ll have something to think about the next time he thinks of taking up a job he knows nothing about.” Violet smiled. She always liked how he could make light out of such a dark topic. While Haze and Sapphire lagged behind, Violet decided to discuss why they were going to this Splinter Bay. “So uh, why are we going to this…Splinter Bay exactly?” Theran glanced at her as he spoke. “You know that name I mentioned, Silver?” Violet nodded, confused as to where he was going with this. “This isn’t the first time I’ve come across that name. Six years back when we were attack by that group of black armoured Mercs, I found a letter on one of their bodies. It was from a Mare named Silver, and she writ something about a Golden Egg. If I’m correct on this, there should be an inn or pub at Splinter Bay called The Golden Egg and there we might finally find out who’s been hunting us from this Silver lass.” “If she’s there.” Violet added. “Right, if she’s there.” Theran agreed. Violet frowned as she pondered this. Why after so long were there’s guys still after them? A thought occurred to her. “You know we could just avoid all this by just heading straight for the Heartland? Surely we’d be safe there right?...Theran?” Theran looked ahead again, not making eye contact. This troubled Violet, it felt like he was shutting her out. She was going to provoke an answer from him, when he went ahead and did it before she could ask. “I…I don’t know. I think going to the Heartland will make little difference. These asshole want me and Haze and I want to know why.” He looked at her and made eye contact this time. “That’s why we’re going to Splinter Bay, to solve this crap and put an end to it. Only then will you, Haze and I guess Sapphire will be safe.” He let her take the lead after that, falling to the back and letting the girls go up front with Violet. “What was that all about?” Haze asked Violet from her right, as Haze lugged camping equipment. Violet was silent for a moment before answering. “He’s…got a lot on his mind and so do I.” She ruffled Haze’s mane. “I’ll tell you later. Anyway how are you two feeling?” “Sore.” Sapphire answered from Violet’s left. “Every muscle aches and carrying all this stuff isn’t…helping.” “Well you did say you wanted to pull your own weight Sapph.” Haze pointed out. “Oh shut your muzzle Haze!” Sapphire teased. “Oy watch your language Missy.” Violet said in a stern voice. Sapphire just huffed. “What, um just having a bit of fun.” “That doesn’t mean you can be uncivil.” Violet countered. Sapphire gave Violet a funny look, and it was a look that said. “What are you on?” Violet gave Sapphire a look of her own. “Don’t give me that look.” She said firmly. “You know what I’m talking about.” Something tapped Violet’s right shoulder and she looked at Haze. “Just let it be Vi.” Haze said with a comforting smile. “Trust me you won’t get anywhere with her.” “At least somepony recognises I can’t be beaten with words.” Sapphire boasted as she puffed up her chest with pride. Violet frowned while Haze just rolled her eyes and shook her head happily. … They had been walking for about half an hour now quietly listening to the wind blowing by, till Sapphire broke the peaceful silence. “Rrrrraaaa where are we going, we’ve bin walking aimlessly forever!” “Sapph it’s only been half an hour.” Haze corrected in a teasing way. “Well it feels like hours.” Sapphire complained with a pout. “Anyway, Vi where are we going?” Violet smiled as best she could and told them, her and Theran’s plan but not the whole plan. “We’re still going to the Heartland don’t you worry, but we’re gunna make some stops along the way.” She looked up at the afternoon sky and made a rough guess. “Our first stop will be at a place called Splinter Bay, a river settlement.” “How far is that?” Haze asked. “About a day’s walk. We should get there by tomorrow.” “A DAY!!??” Sapphire exclaimed. “You mean another day of carrying this crap around?” she motioned to the stuff on her back. “It’s only a day…or two if you keep complaining.” Violet stated, getting a little annoyed just a little. Sapphire groaned loudly as she hung her head back and sighed dramatically to the sky. “Urgh it wouldn’t be so bad if we were on an actual road. Where is the road anyway?” “Uhhhh….” Violet stopped and looked around. All around them was snowy tree after snowy tree, with no sign of a road in sight. “Ummm…” Violet looked back toward Theran who was approaching them. She called out to him. “Theran could I see the map please?!” Theran walked right up to them and with his magic he gave her the map. “Sure, here you go my lady of the woods.” He teased, making Violet blush ever so slightly. She hated it when he did that in front of the girls. She took the map in her hooves and unfolded it, trying to ignore Theran. “Ok where are we?” She scanned the map. “Ok there should be a road somewhere, uhhhh…” Just as she was about to find it, a gust of strong wind blew by and took the map from her grasp. “Whoa hay, wait…SHIT!!!” She swore. “Well that’s just perfect.” Theran sighed in annoyance. “I might be able to use a spell to…” “I got it!” Sapphire yelled out. Before anyone could say anything, Sapphire dumped her stuff and took the sky after the map. “Whoa hay Sapphire wait…stay with the group!” Theran yelled but it was too late. “Hay get back here right n…” “Wait up Sapph!” Haze yelled after her friend and dumped her own stuff. She took off her cloak the started to buzz her bug wings. “Dinny you even think about…” Before Theran could finish Haze buzzed off and went after Sapphire. “Fuck sake dose nopony listening to me!!!???” Violet dumped her own stuff all except her weapons and in worry ran after the two youths. “Come on we’ll come back for the stuff later just get a move on!” “But…” Theran was left on his own now and in anger, dropped all but his weapons and ran after them all. “Ah bloody hell!” (Sapphire) “Come here!” Sapphire yelled as she chased after the renegade map. “I will catch you!” The wind blew the map all over the place and Sapphire had to do loop after loop in the air to keep up with it. Every time she was close to grabbing it, it just slipped away from her grasp. “You will be mine you sodding scrap of paper!” She yelled as the wind took her low above the tree-line. The weather was terrible and she could barely see, all but the map. Gritting her teeth as the wind picked up she made the effort to beat her wings harder and soon she cot up to it. “Just a little closer.” Sapphire thought as she reached out for it. “And…got ya!” Just as she felt the paper of the map touch her hoof, a random tall tree came out of the mist of the weather and she barely had time to move out the way. She wasn’t fast enough when her right wing knocked off the tree and she lost all control. “OH SHIT!!!” She screamed as she fell. Many trees swallowed her up as she came crashing down, breaking through many branches and smacking off of thicker ones, making her spin as she fell. Suddenly she was free from the trees and finally hit the snowy ground. She landed flank first and rolled a bit till she came to a dead stop and lay there motionless. Her vision was blurry and her head was spinning as pain spread through out her body. She felt sick but could barely move as the pain continued to pulse. Her eyes were slightly closed and her ears were ringing. Where was she? Was she hurt? Slowly she opened her strawberry eyes and took in a lung full of air. “OOOOOOUUUUUU…….” She groaned in pain. She found she was on her back and above her was nothing but trees. She tried to move but it only caused her more pain, confirming she was indeed hurt. “This…sucks.” Sapphire panted to herself as she tried to breath and even that hurt. “Sapphire!!!?” That was Haze’s voice and she was close. “Sapphire where are you!!!?” She tried to call out but it hurt so much. “H-here…(coughs several times)…I’m down here!” A few seconds of silence passed before Haze yelled. “I can’t see you!” “Down here!” She tried to roll to her hooves when she went over her wing and cried out in agony. “Sapphire! Are you alright!!!?” Haze called in worry. After a few seconds she stopped thrashing in pain a fought back her tears. “I crashed…ahhhh I-I think my wing’s broken!” Sapphire called back, not trying to move anymore. “Oh gods!” Haze blurted. “Ok uh…don’t move, I’ll find you!” “Hurry!” She coughed some more. She lifted her head and inspected her body. Cuts and burses littered her limbs and her jacket was torn up. “Aw damnit this is my favourite jacket.” She then noticed she still had the map in her hoof. “Well at least it’s not all bad.” She thought with a proud smirk. Something snapped in the forest making Sapphire prick her ears up. “Who’s there?” Sapphire said, startled. “Haze is that you?” Some creaking and snapping sounds came from the forest around her and she felt her heart rate pick up a beat. There were growls and she saw something move in the trees. Her eyes went wind and her pupils shrank to the size of marbles as something emerged from of a tree. Like actually melting out the tree itself, like some spirit. It was made completely out of wood and stiffly moved toward her with glowing yellow eyes. Suddenly more emerged from the trees and stalked toward her. They were Timber Wolves and they snarled as they approached her. Forgetting her pain Sapphire sprang to her hooves as fear and terror took over her mind. One of them howled a hollow howl and that kicked in Sapphire’s fight or flight response. Her response was flight as she tried to take off but forgot her wing was damaged. She stumbled and one came at her. She quickly scrambled to her hooves, dropped the map in her panic, turn tail and ran in any direction, as the Timber Wolf’s jaws just missed her flank. She screamed in terror as the wooden horrors cashed after her. Sapphire’s heart was hammering so hard she felt faint but she had to run, run and stay alive. “HELP SOMEPONY HELP!!!” She screamed as loud as she could. She could almost feel the breath of the beasts on her back as she worked her legs hard, dodging and weaving passed tree after tree. She finally broke free from the trees only to suddenly discover a sheer cliff blocking her escape. She came to an abrupt halt, kicking up snow as she slid to a stop to the bottom of the cliff. Breathing heavily and full of terror she tried to climb it only for her hooves to slid off the damp rock. Heavy thuds came from behind her and she had a split second to turn and face her attacker as it leaped through the air toward her. She ducked and it smashed into the cliff side with a hollow, wooden thud. Sapphire fell over in her panic but quickly scrambled to her hooves again as another came out of the forest. She was so out of breath she had no time to move as it leaped on top of her in seconds. They hit the ground with Sapphire underneath. She shrieked as she put her hooves under its chin and stopped it from biting down on her throat. It was a mad scramble as she fought to keep the wooden beast at bay. Remembering she had daggers the ones Theran had given her, she pulled one out fast and rammed it hard into its neck. The blade went deep but it had no effect since it had no skin or veins. It clamped its jaws down hard on her left foreleg and Sapphire cried in pain, as it’s wooden teeth sank into her flesh. A second did the same to her back leg and soon the two were pulling her in two directions as if to split her in half. Blind panic had completely taken over her mind now and she screamed as they slowly started to pull her apart. “NO, NO…” She cried with tears escaping her eyes as the pressure on her limbs increased. “NOOO STOP, STOP!!!” Just as she thought her body couldn’t take much more, the sound of buzzing came to her ears and with it a shower of lightning. Haze came shooting in like a bullet and delivered a cannon ball buck to the stunned Timber Wolf that had Sapphire by the hind leg. Splinters flew from its face as the blow from Haze sent the Wolf flying. The one that had her foreleg let go of her and went for Haze. On her back legs Haze leaned back, dodging its jaws and punched it in the face. “OU!!!” Haze yelled as her hoof connected with its hard wooden surface and did little damage. “Ou ou splinters, splinters!!!” She jogged on the spot waggling her hoof in pain but that didn’t last as the Timber Wolf came at her again. She gasped as it snapped for her head and moved out the way. Sapphire had crawled to the cliff wall now, leaving a trail of blood and was leaning against it as Haze put herself between her and the Timber Wolves. More of the wooden monsters emerged from the forest and surrounded them. Haze backed up and looked over her shoulder. “Sapph! Sapph you’re bleeding.” Sapphire glanced at her wounds. Their wooden teeth had gone deep and her blood was oozing out of neat holes in her skin. She panted as she lay her head on the cold rock of the cliff. “What…took you…so long?” Sapphire coughed as the wooden monstrosities closed in. “Don’t move.” Haze stated sharply as she extended her hoof blade. “Theran and Violet will be here soon.” “But what if…they don’t get here…in time?” Sapphire gasped, as she began to shake from the pain. “I…don’t think we…” “They’ll be here, we just need to hold out.” Haze stated as the Wolves moved in. Standing ready Haze stood her ground as the Timber Wolves stalked around her. Sapphire felt her vision getting blurry and her mind foggy. Were these really going to be her final moments? Bleeding to death while her friend fought off monsters. But she was more than just a friend she was…something more to her and now right in the mist of danger with Haze as her savour, she felt it even more. “Haze…Haze I…I want to tell you something…” “Save it Sapph!” Haze snapped as she back stepped away from a swiping paw. “You’re not gunna die, not on my watch understand!” Sapphire could only watch now in sheer helplessness as Haze fought back the pack of wooden killers. Those that tried to sneak past her she spat lightning at them out of her horn and slashed her blade at those that got too close. (Summer Haze) Her heart was hammering in her chest as the Timber Wolves tested her, lashing at her with claws and snarling in her face as she stood in their way from getting at Sapphire. She spat more lightning at them but her spell was weak, only serving to startle and piss them off. She showed them her pointy fangs and she actually hissed at them. She didn’t question way she did that since now was not the time to question things but it did feel odd. One of them tried to pounce on her and Haze’s mind went blank. Her horn flashed and she instinctively moved to the side. Did she cast a spell? She wasn’t thinking of one but when she glanced at her side she found she was glancing at a perfect copy of herself. “What?!” They both said at the same time. Her…clone…did what she did and said what she said. “What the hay is this?” She didn’t have time to ponder this as the same Timber Wolf attacked her clone and it phased right through it and the clone vanished. Haze was astounded when she realised what she had done was in fact created a magic decoy of herself. Her surprise was short lived as however. “Haze look out!” That was Sapphire warning her of a Timber Wolf a big one coming right for her, but her new trick had thrown her off so much she didn’t react in time. The massive beast slammed into her hard and everything went black. (Sapphire) Sapphire couldn’t believe what she had just witnessed. Two Hazes but how was that possible? Had she lost that much blood now that she was seeing things? Just as she watched Haze’s double vanish, Sapphire noticed an alarmingly bigger Timber Wolf come out of the forest and charge straight for Haze. “Haze look out!” Too late. The massive beast slammed into her and sent her flying into the rock face of the cliff. “Haze!” Sapphire called out as Haze lay lifeless on the ground. “No, NOOO!!!” Was she dead? Sapphire prayed to the gods to make it not so. She gasped as a Timber Wolf loomed over her and she closed her eyes, waiting for the end…when a lone, deep howl sounded from all around. Sapphire squinted one eye open and noticed the Timber Wolves had stopped. They were staring up, up at what? She got her answer and something large, heavy and covered in light brown fur landed in among them. Sapphire stared in disbelief and horror as she watched the massive figure bigger then the biggest Timber Wolf, stand on two legs. Its long wiry fur bellowed in the wind, dagger like claws flexed and its red eyes burned into her soul. What stood before her, covered in scars, bandages, leather straps and dark grey armour plating was a slim yet muscular looking Wolven. It let out a roar so feral so primeval it put even a dragon’s roar to shame. The Timber Wolves all charged at the Wolven and they were met with its massive claws that shredded several of them into splinters with one swipe of its mighty paws. Those that didn’t get shredded clambered on its back and bit down but its hide was too tough. The Wolven grappled with those on it and flung them off with its brutal strength. It carried two weapons on its back, one jagged sword and a massive silver warhammer, which it used to great effect as it wielded both in its paws. With powerful, savage swings it smashed and ripped apart the Timber Wolves two, three and even four at a time. Then there was only the large Timber Wolf left and it roared in defiance. The Wolven showed its many, razor sharp teeth that look a lot like Theran’s, at its wooden opponent and sheathed its weapons. The Timber Wolf leaped upon the Wolven and the Wolven grabbed its underbelly and for a moment the Timber Wolf was held in the air, before it was brutally pulled in half. As it slit in two, amber like goo fountained from its body and stained the snowy ground gold. Dropping both halves of the dead Timber Wolf, the Wolven stood there panting heavily and looking up at the dimming sky. Sapphire couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. She stared at the Wolven in aw and in terror as it looked around, inspecting its work. Sapphire suddenly coughed loudly and she covered her mouth in shock. Its red eyes turned to Sapphire and she felt her heart begin to race as it began to walk slowly toward her. “Oh shit!” Sapphire thought in alarm. “I’m next.” She then looked at Haze who was still out cold. “We’re next!” Just as it started to approach it stopped as its pointy ears perked up. Its left one twitched and it unsheathed its sword just in time to deflect an incoming knife and it bounced off with a metal spark. Violet came charging out of the forest with her sword drawn, fallowed shortly by Theran. “GET AWAY FROM THEM!!!” Violet bellowed as she swung her sword for the Wolven’s throat. It took one step back and her blade missed. They then clashed blades as Theran came up to Sapphire. “Sapphire! Oh shit that looks bad.” He crouched beside her, looking at her still bleeding wounds. “Don’t do anything ok I have to close these up.” “Wait!” Sapphire yelled, stopping him from touching her. “That Wolven helped us. Stop Violet you have to stop her before she gets hurt!” (Violet) Never had she been this close to an actual Wolven before and the bloody bastard was big, really freaking big like a full two meters taller than her on two legs. She could smell its terrible breath as it snarled in her face. Their blades were locked together and it was pain stakingly obvious that the Wolven was much, much stronger than she was. Even though she couldn’t make it move she still yelled in its face. “You can’t have them, you’ll have to stomach me first!” It suddenly tried to grab her throat and she stumbled back to get away from it. She rolled backward, springing back to her hooves and took up a defensive stance. She held the end of her sword with her left hoof and aimed its tip for the gaps in the Wolven’s armour as it came at her. “Bring it!” Violet shouted, as she got ready, when Theran jumped in between them and blocked the mighty beast’s blow. “Theran what the hell, I got this.” Violet yelled as her chance for a good fight was squandered. “Shut it Vi!” Theran shouted at her and she was stunned into silence. The Wolven glared at Theran angrily for a moment before its face flashed with surprise and it hopped back away from him. It went low to the ground but not in a threatening manner and tilted its head as if confused. “It…can not be.” The Wolven suddenly spoke Equine and from the sound of its voice it was in fact a she. “Is that…you?” Theran was in his Razor’s Edge stance but he relaxed a bit at the Wolven’s odd behaviour. “Do I…know you?” Theran asked, arching one side of his brow in confusion. The Wolven’s face light up with what Violet could only guess was recognition as she sheathed her sword in the strap on her back and straightened up. “It is you!” She pointed one claw at him. “You are the one who spared my life on that mountain six cycles ago.” Theran seemed to completely relax, as it seemed the penny dropped in his head and his ears perked up. “No way.” He sheathed his own sword and seemed rather chuffed. “No, no wait let me think. Your name is Teven right!?” “Yes!” Teven alleged who also seemed chuffed. “And yours it’s…it’s…” She put a claw to her chin and tapped it as she tried to remember. “Thera! No…Therta! No…Teara?” She gripped her head till she ponded a fist into an open paw and yelled. “Theran! That is it you are called Theran!” Theran smiled as he hoof pumped the air in what Violet assumed was excitement “Aw yes I wondered why you smelt familiar.” Theran approached her without fear on two legs and looked up at her. “I kinda always wondered where you went or if you were even still alive.” “And I you.” She crouched down on her haunches and was now eye level with him. “If you had not shown me the way to a food source I would have starved.” Theran nodded proudly. “Ah so you did find the Bandit camp then and…what was left of the Bandits.” Teven nodded in acknowledgement. “HAY!!!???” The sudden sound of Sapphire broke Violet from this…odd scene in front of her and looked over to where Sapphire lay still bleeding. “Bleeding out over here!” … (Summer Haze) Slowly sound was beginning to return to Haze, along with a pounding headache. Then feeling came back to her limbs and she felt her hooves twitch. “Look she’s moving.” A distant Mare’s voice echoed. “I think she’ll be ok now.” Haze dully opened her eyes and was thankful the sky was dark. “Wa-wat happin?” Haze mumbled as her eyes began to focus. “Was I hit by a train?” It sure felt like it since every bone in her body ached. “More like a massive Timber Wolf charging into you full force.” Haze’s eyes tracked that deep voice and they landed on Theran’s face. “Welcome back to the land of the living Pip.” “How you feeling sweetie?” Haze then looked to her other side and saw Violet looking down on her in concern. She gently stroked her head and that’s when she realised there was something wrapped around her head. She tried to sit up but Theran put a hoof on her shoulder. “Whoa there little soldier, you took a blow to the head, take it slow.” Haze did feel very disoriented. She couldn’t really remember what happened. While her spinning mind tried to put together scrambled images, her eyes finally found the pony she was instinctively looking for. Sapphire sat up slightly slouched with bandages covering many spots on her body. Her dark blue mane was a mess, her clothes had tears in them and her right wing was in a splint. When she noticed Haze looking at her, she looked away in what Haze could tell was shame. Suddenly Haze’s memory came back to her and she remembered what had happened. Slowly and dizzily she sat up with Violet’s and Theran support. She wobbled as she stood up and nearly lost her footing but she managed. She then limped over to Sapphire who was still looking away and Haze let a tear fall from her eye. “Sapphire?” Before Sapphire had a chance to turn and look at her, Haze wrapped her forelegs around her, giving her a deathly squeeze. “Oh thank Celestia they didn’t eat you!” “AHHHHH!!!....” Sapphire squeaked in pain. “Hurt pony here AAAAHHHHH too tight ggguuuuuu….” “Sorry…” Haze let her go and held her shoulders. “I’m just so happy you’re alive.” She looked at Theran and Violet. “Thank you guys, thank you. See I told you they would save us.” Sapphire coughed oddly and Haze frowned. “Haze uh…” Theran began to say. “We didny get here in time.” “Huh?” Haze was confused. “But that can’t be right? If you didn’t save us then who…” That’s when Haze noticed the red eyes just past Theran and Violet. “…Did?” At that moment the red-eyed figure moved into the light of a campfire Haze only just realised was there, and showed its features. The figure was massive and when the light shone on it she realised she was staring at a Wolven. A wave of fear washed over Haze as old memories of a similar snarling, blood crazed creature on a mountain flashed in her mind. On reflex she inhaled sharply and scrambled to her hooves, putting herself in front of Sapphire. “Whoa there Haze stay calm.” Theran stated in a calm but swift voice. “She won’t hurt you, she’s a friend.” Haze continued to stare at the beast before her, trying to put images in her head together. “That…that…” Haze was shakily saying. “That’s a Wolven…big, big bundle of fur, WOLVEN!!” The Wolven frowned and looked at Theran. “Is this normal behaviour for you Thunderfoots?” She asked. Theran shrugged and crossed his forelegs over his chest plate. “Only around us I’m afraid.” Theran looked at Haze now and gestured to the Wolven with a hoof. “Haze you remember Teven? The Wolven I fought on that mountain many years ago?” It all made sense now, all but one thing. “What! Then I take it you remember her trying to kill us!” Haze yelled and pointed her hoof accusingly at Teven. “It wasn’t personal.” Teven said with a shrug. “I was hungry.” “SEE!!!???” Haze yelled again, now with both hooves pointing at Teven. Theran sighed deeply as he closed his eyes and shook his head. “What!?” Haze was so confused. Why wasn’t this thing dead yet? “Yeah you’re right Haze she did try to kill us, BUT!” He stuck a hoof up in the air. “What would you have done if you were Teven and the only food source for miles just happened to be a group of helpless ponies? Would you let yourself starve?” “I’m not a Wolven!” Haze spat in anger. “I don’t kill ponies or anything!” “You’re not answering my question.” Theran stated, ignoring her outburst. “What would you have done?” Haze couldn’t believe. She looked at Violet for support. “Violet don’t tell me you’re ok with this?” Violet had her own hooves crossed and she gave Haze a plain look. “I know how you feel Haze, I don’t particularly like this either.” She gave Theran an un-amused look. Haze then looked to Sapphire. Sapphire looked from side to side and coughed. “Hay don’t look at me I don’t know any of this. I’m just glad Teven showed up when she did.” Haze felt her anger rise. “Has everypony gone mad?” Haze thought, then add to her thoughts. “She’s a killer, a murderer, a monster, a…” “Would you be happier if I left?” Teven suddenly spoke surprising Haze. She looked up at Teven in stunned silence. “Would you…like that?” “Yes.” Violet said but was over voiced be Theran. “No!” Theran stated bluntly. “If it were not for her Haze and Sapphire would be dead. I am indebted to her for that.” “No.” Teven said getting up. “I am indebted to you.” She pulled out her sword and this made Violet flinch and go for her sword but Theran stopped her with a hoof on her shoulder. Teven un-phased by this bent back down on one knee and offered her weapon to Theran in both paws. “My honour, my life and my blood belong to you if you so choose it.” She bowed her head. “I will be yours to command and do with as you see fit. If I displease you, you may kill me without a second thought or any punishment you desire.” Haze looked at Theran and he looked utterly shocked. Teven continued to speak. “I am your servant, till the day I die or if you have no more use of me.” Theran looked speechless as his jaw moved but no words came out. After a few moments he finally spoke. “I…Wow ha I-I dinny know what to say.” “How bout NO!” Violet commented. “This is a bad idea Theran.” Theran looked at Violet in shocked surprise. “Violet do you have any idea what this all means?” He stood. “This doesn’t just happen Vi, this is once in a life time.” “Please…” Teven spoke again. “I have been alone for too long. Give me this chance to be a part of a pack again.” “Theran don’t do this.” Violet stood and tried to block Theran as he inched toward Teven. “This feels wrong.” “Don’t you get it Vi?” Theran said as he moved past her. “This is the deepest thing a Wolven can do. This is considered a great honour in their cloture, to refuse this like committing a crime.” “I don’t give a flying Griffin’s ass feather about her cloture!” She shoved him back. “This ante happening.” “She’ll kill herself if I don’t.” Silence fell upon the camp as every eye except Teven’s stared at Theran. “Isn’t that true Teven?” Teven lifted her head to look at him. “In my cloture, to refuse this is to declare I am no longer desirable as a warrior, as such…it would be my final act, to take my own life.” “You see?” Theran stated. “If I refuse it would be like murder, and I don’t kill without reason.” “She deserves it!” Violet yelled in Theran’s face. Theran pushed past her and walked right up to Teven. “That’s not your call to make.” Theran took the blade from her and she opened one paws, palm up. Theran was a little confused but Teven explained. “To seal this deed is with my own blood.” She made a slight motion with her paw. “You must cut my flesh.” “Theran!” Violet tried one last time to get through to him but it was too late. He cut her palm and her blood flowed free, dripping onto the snow-covered ground. “It’s done.” Theran stated with little emotion as he gave Teven her sword back. Teven had a look of gratitude on her Wolven face and she bowed her head once more. “Thank you, thank you pack leader.” “It’s just Theran and your welcome.” Theran sat back down with Violet glaring his way as if she could stab him with just her gaze. Teven on the other hand wrapped one of the many bandages that hugged her limbs, around her paw and tided it tight. She then moved away from them and sat on the far side of the campfire, wrapping her long arms around her legs making herself look like a ball and stayed that way, looking at the fire. “What the hay just happened?” Haze asked aloud to no one imperticular. “I have no idea.” Sapphire stated dully. Remembering Sapphire was right beside her, Haze wrapped her in a hug again with a huge smile on her face, while Sapphire’s grimaced in pain. “So Sapphire before me and Vi go get our stuff I have to ask?” That was Theran and he was giving her a strange look. “What happened to the map?” Sapphire’s eyes went wider now and she let out a nervous laugh. “Ha. Ha. Yeah uh…about that…” (Stat system) Theran Razorblade: Strength: 68 Endurance: 105 Intelligence: 73 Agility: 84 Perks: (Blood Rage)(Combat Expert)(Quick healer) (Keen senses)(Sneaker)(Strong back)(Magic expert)(Cheese lover) (Heavy fit)(Quick reflexes)(Immortal) Completing Teven’s request has earned Theran the (Pack Leader) perk. This perk makes it so only Theran can control Teven. Violet: Strength: 73 Endurance: 104 Intelligence: 69 Agility: 70 Perks: (Survivor)(Swordsmen)(Strong back)(Strong Stomach) (Head strong)(Stallion killer)(Swift knife)(Quick reflexes) (Battle Rage) Summer Haze: Strength: 20 Endurance: 35 + 5 Intelligence: 79 - 5 Agility: 23 + 3 Perks: (Shape shifter)(Love sense)(Natural healer)(Book Junky) (Cookie monster)(Survival instincts)(Heavy sleeper)(Magic deflect) (Quick Reflexes) Trough bravery and swift action to save Sapphire’s life has earned Haze the (Cannon ball kick) Perk. Now when Haze picks up speed on land or sky she will cause 50% damage on her first attack that involves a kick. Sapphire: Strength: 21 -1 Endurance: 32 +2 Intelligence: 66 -3 Agility: 26 Perks: (Hot head)(Heavy hoofed)(Light weight)(Sneaker)(Rebel at heart) (Two heads) Though being badly injured Sapphire earned the (Fast Flier) perk for catching the map. Now she can go 25% faster while in the air. Teven: Strength: 150 Endurance: 200 Intelligence: 48 Agility: 58 Perks: (Battle Born)(Blood Rage)(Keen Senses)(Berserker) (Duel Wielder)(Savage Blow)(Pain Lover)(Charger)(Deviant) (Exile)(Paws of Death)(Primal Roar) After sealing the life debt Teven has earned the (Loyal Servant) perk. Now she must do what ever her Leader says without question.