Dawn of the First Day
Extended Holiday
Chp 16: Dawn of the First Day
Act 2
Matthew looked right at Shawn, then at the empty bed, to Me-Me, and then to Shawn again. “Again, Say again what you just said.” Matthew just stared at the ground gathered in the room. Mutatio just stayed on the ceiling.
Shawn sighed. “Taze and Rook are out on a camping trip, training and what not.”
Matthew just stared at Shawn. “Where? The snow is on the ground and I already have Silver Spear tracking the wheels and hoof and foot prints I will find out where they went, and with a snow storm also scheduled for two days from now. I find it very worrisome that he went camping now.”
“Matthew.” Shawn said putting his hand on his shoulder. “Just be calm, he knows what he was getting into, remember, training. He wanted to do this with just him and Rook.” He patted him. “Remember, he knew what he was getting into.”
“Wait… What?” Rook’s eyes widened as he looked at Taze.
“We need to get there and back to Ponyville within the next two days or we’ll be up to you ears in snow.” Taze said. “Keep in mind we’re in the Everfree, it actually could snow at any time.”
“Then why did we go out here sir?” The earth pony asked.
“Well I was planning on going myself because I can survive out in the snow, I know what to do, bring the cart over here.” He instructed as he finished digging out a pit in the snow.
“Sir you made it too small, with the cart here we'll be surrounded by snow, we’ll freeze” Rook looked around somewhat agitated.
“Calm down Rook, snows an insulator, when I get the fire started it well keep the heat where we need it” Taze said collecting up some of the lighter bark and twigs from the wood he brought.
“Sir I didn’t see flint or tinder among the supplies.” Taze stifled a laugh as he placed an old sheet of parchment under the twigs and lit it with his lighter. Quickly stowing it back in his belt he turns around.
“I can make fire with my bare hands.” Taze smiled as the parchment burned up before the flames started consuming the lighter wood and then onto the larger stuff. “Now lean back against the cart and rest, you’ve been pulling all night, I’ll take first watch.” Taze ordered.
Shawn was wandering Ponyville while Matthew was out with his men hunting for just where Taze had gone. He had not been told where the campout was happening, at the time Shawn had no real work, AJ said they were finished and he didn’t need to work anymore. He was currently walking in the market, thinking about buying something to alleviate his boredom, the smiths were busy, the troops training, and Taze gone. Looking at the stalls around him he noticed little of interest.
One stall seemed to be full of scrap metal and random scraped tools and things. Though the obvious purpose seemed to be buying, Shawn could notice they seemed to be selling a few exotic looking ingots.
With a turn he walked up to the stall to investigate. After a moment he noticed a couple dark orange ingots sitting off the side. Calling out to the one handling the stall, he questioned. “Oricalcium?” He said remembering a couple games that had a metal similar.
“Comes from the far south.” The patron, a small steel grey unicorn said. “It’s hard to shape but strong and it doesn’t rust.” he noted. “Also has great enchanting properties.”
“What happens to be the price?” Shawn questioned still looking at the ingots.
“Eight bits per an ingot.” The unicorn said. “And that’s the best I can offer.”
“I’ll go for it.” Shawn said nodding.
“How many would you like?”
“All sixteen if you would.” Shawn said facing the unicorn.
The unicorn let out a loud braying laugh, it went on for a few seconds before he calmed down. “Seriously son how many do you want?”
Shawn looked to the unicorn with an expression that seemed to remain. “All. Sixteen.” He seemed almost bored as he said it.
“That’s one hundred and twenty-eight bits.” The unicorn said. “You sure you got that much?”
Shawn, with his bored expression, pulled open his coat at his left to reveal a pouch that seemed to be stuffed with something. He pulled it open as he walked over to the counter and dumped a huge portion of the contents onto the table. “Sorry, would you repeat the price? One hundred and twenty eight, correct?”
The unicorns jaw dropped. In the corner of Shawns vision he saw several stands working to bring out the best of their inventories. Finally getting a grip, the unicorn went immediately to the counter and started storing bits. “Did you need those delivered?” The unicorn asked quickly.
After testing the weight on one ingot he looked to the unicorn. “Got any durable bags?”
The unicorn had one for Shawn in a flash. “Here you go sir.”
With a small hum he filled the bag and lifted it over his shoulders, not really straining himself.
The market place was quiet as all the ponies looked at Shawn lifting the bag of ingots. Shawn cleared his throat and all action returned at a hurried pace.
“I think I’ll be back…” Shawn said aloud. “Quite… Interesting on what I can find...” He said, whistling as he walked off towards where he knew the smiths were at, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the sack of ingots.
Matthew actually marched through the snow with a scowl as He paused to looked out over the small hill towards the dark trees of the Everfree Forest, the wind was still and the earth quiet. He just looked out into the forest. “Of all the places.” He muttered as he signaled to Moonshade who was above him wearing sunglasses who made a strange sound, a cross of a horse ney and a whistle and the troops poking around the forest edge began to march back towards town. Matthew turned around and began to trudge back to the market.
“You’re not going in there?” Moonshade asked with a look of bewilderment.
“I am not suicidal, I would need a large team to tag along, and large numbers would scare the Timberwolves or other hunters and I,” He took a deep breath. “I need to trust my friends, even if they made what I consider insane and suicidal moves.” He looked behind him with a look of pain. “If only the forest was the Whitetail or something nice. Instead he is in a forest full of dragons, Cockatrices, Manticores, and Chimeras.” He turned around and began to look where he was going. “He’s the hunter, so I am sure he will be surviving.”
Moonshade smiled at Matthew as she landed. “Well I know something that might interest you, Shopping at the market.” Matthew turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow. “What, I see how you look at some of our stuff, I am sure you’ll find some trinket or another to mess around with or ponder about how we made it or something.”
Matthew chuckled a little. “Still remembering my slight overboard talking about the Ponyville train system?” he paused and shivered in joy as he heard the steam whistle of the train arriving from another location in Equestria to this small town. “I love that sound.” He whispered and looked to the Market. “Maybe I can get some Train stuff or something.” He muttered and picked up his pace to enter the market proper. “You are right, a little shopping might be fun, and I need to remember that all my bills are paid for, I actually have a surplus at the moment.” he paused and looked at Moonshade as he realized something. “What might I do to bring in an extra coin? Taze can chop firewood but… with my condition,” He trailed off realizing that an agricultural town, in a mix of high fantasy low tech, he would have trouble finding a job he could hold.
He continued to walk drawing the winter clothing tighter around himself. Looking, but now slightly slipping into personal thoughts and what to do next. He however felt suddenly a tug on his hood from Moonshade as she stopped his walking, in annoyance and a flashback to when a friend’s horse tried to eat his old winter coat, he turned and paused as he saw what she wanted to show him. “Oh… good eye Moonshade.”
“Your welcome sir.” Moonshade replied with a slight grin as she folded her bat wings. “So, I shall leave you to your own devices.” Matthew nodded and smiled as he stepped forward. As he did so Moonshade turned and walked into another section of the market and was lost to sight in the chilly winter air, and the crowds hanging around.
“Hello.” He called out to the at the moment empty stall, he looked around seeing nothing to denote that their was a break or they were out to lunch. “Anypony home?”
A bright yellow pegasus with a green mane ran in behind the stall. “Sorry, sorry. I’m here” she said.
“Not a problem,” Matthew replied as she fully realized who she was talking to. He could tell as she did a double take and then raised her head up to look, or try to look in Matthew’s face.
“I-I’m Feather Flight what can i do for you?” she asked.
“Well, I,” he paused and smiled good he saw crossbow bolts and a sketch of a crossbow, he did not want to offend her about using a weapon she didn’t like. “I am looking for bolts for a crossbow, as well as a kit to help me start making my own.” He replied with a smile. “Kind of new to the ranged weapons.” He smiled in hopes of trying to make her not so nervous.
She started rummaging around behind the stall before pulling out a container. “These are hunting bolts from gryphonia.” She said “I’m sorry but I don’t carry a lot of bolts made for combat.” She said “Mostly for sport, the fletching kit however we do have.”
Matthew smiled a little. “So, a decent kit, would include what exactly?” Matthew asked as he looked over the container of hunting bolts, hunting bolts he felt would work well if he encountered any beast. He was doing a mental count of the bolts. He knew he already had twenty five bolts left in his current supply.
She brought out a small devise, two wooden wheels held a shaft of wood between them like the device used to make spear shafts but miniature. Which Matthew didn’t know about either, she then brought out a small curved blade. Gently turning a small crank on the right side she guided the blade across the shaft gently. “This device allows you to smooth out and shape the body of a bolt to the desired thickness” she explained. “the kit also comes with a supply of flights fashioned from seagull feathers and arrow heads, though I’d suggest you get some sharper ones made.”
Matthew nodded his head. “I can assure you I can get sharper arrow or bolt heads.” he replied and looked at the kit. “How much? For the Kit, and how much for the hunting bolts.” He replied as he looked at the two different things he wanted to buy.
“The kit is worth six bits, while the lot of bolts is five.” She answered. “Though if you buy them together you can take them for an even ten.”
Matthew smiled a little. “I would pay eight for the set, but pay two for the container for the bolts as well.” He spoke doing his best not to flub his first bartering experience. He had a gut feel that the bolts might not come with the container so he was working in a deal. Or at least trying.
“You throw in an extra bit and I’ll give you a bolt quiver instead.” she offered.
Matthew blinked and nodded, “Eleven for the bolts, the kit, and a quiver, I say that is a deal Miss Feather Flight.” He held out a hand before blinking. “Uh, how do you seal a deal usually?” he asked, “In my culture is usually is concluded with a handshake.”
“A hoof shake is fine with me.” she nodded offering a hoof. Matthew smiled and made a fist and touched her hoof with his knuckles and they shook on the transaction. She packed up the bolts into the quiver and the kit went back into the box she pulled it out of and gave it over to Matthew who put the quiver on his back, and tucked the device under his left arm. He nodded again as she counted out the bits and placed them in a strong box. Matthew turned around and with four bits of money left, he decided to go find something fun to buy.
Matthew turned down one row and then another before he paused and slowed his pace before moving back towards a stall that had caught his eye. He smiled as he eyed one of the products. “So,” He asked as he looked at the selection in front of him. He also saw pictures of coin and a number beside them. He also saw another sign No Haggling Allowed. He shook his head and nodded to the merchant, his eyes taking in some details as he moved his head and eyes looking at the products he had a feeling that this merchant had traveled to Ponyville and was not a local. Still the products were interesting. “Cameras?” Matthew finally asked.
“Yep, produced by the finest craftsman in Canterlot. Some of these models use actual crystal structures to store the pictures till a trained Unicorn technician can develop them at your and his convenience.” Matthew noticed that the sales pony was a brown unicorn with a black mane. He smiled as he tipped the straw hat of his back a little. “For example this camera.” he held up a large fancy looking one. “Can store eight hundred pictures in one crystal.” He set it down and smiled a little as if he was going to go on.
Matthew cut him off, he had spent a year selling knives and worked as a cashier for a toy store. He knew a few things. “What about one that is durable but cheap, I don’t have a line of credit and I am looking for something that could capture memories of a moment as you said. Yet I do not need all the bells and whistles.”
The Unicorn Matthew saw did a small mouth twist but he waved to a smaller section. “I guess if you want a disposable set, you can look here.” Matthew looked and smiled as he saw one that was in the group. “So… I was thinking that one.” Matthew pointed to one of the cameras that looked slim and small. He blinked as he saw the price, was it suppose to be lower? But it showed a higher price. Matthew sighed a little and shook his head. It seemed that he would have to get a single use camera, he hated those, yet he shook his head, no he was not going to back down.
Matthew squared his shoulders. “I am sorry, but can I see the camera a little?” He asked as he held up a hand and the Unicorn blinked a little before moving the camera in his magic. “Now… if I can say, turn it on, take a picture of you, and make it turn out okay, will you accept four bits like it said at first? instead of the forty that it seems to be now?”
The Unicorn laughed a little. “First of all, that was always forty, it just covered the zero in the display. But seeing as most ponies don’t know how to operate these cameras, why not.”
Matthew smiled a little and looked it over and found a switch and pushed it. The camera made a chime and the Unicorn’s mouth twitched as Matthew looked through the viewfinder, pointed right at the Unicorn, used the lever that he remembered was like his father’s large film camera. He heard a click and pushed the shutter button. While the buttons and knobs and levers were a little big for his liking, he pulled it away and saw a little preview of the image on the back of the camera, he turned it around and showed it to the Unicorn.
“Ho, how? Most ponies ask where the glass plate goes. Or how I can fit a large roll of negatives into it.”
Matthew only grinned as he fished out the last of his bits. “Well, the camera mechanics never change, so why not assume that the camera already has the crystal in it, and.” He smiled as he now owned the camera. “It reminded me of the cameras back home.”
The Unicorn just blinked before doing something Matthew did not expect. He laughed as he smiled and held out a hoof. “Shutter Flash.” he replied as he turned to show off his Cutie Mark, a Camera with a cartoon flash. “I must say, if you had mentioned you already knew about these cameras from home, I would have knocked the price down without that contest.” he smiled a little, “Well why not give you a small crystal for space. He magiced a small crystal and a bag to hold it in. “Here you go, a three hundred picture crystal.” He handed both over with a smile. “And be sure to send anyone who likes the cameras to either Shutter Flash Photos in Canterlot or my traveling stall.”
Matthew nodded his head. “I shall do my best, and thank you my fine stallion. You have a good day.” Matthew shivered and pulled his winter coat closer to himself and walked back towards the Punch Bowl and the warm fire. He yawned a little before shaking his head to wake himself up. The Cold was putting himself to sleep.
Tazes eyes snapped open. After letting Rook rest Taze had taken his own turn to sleep, despite the cold he found sleep easily enough though from the feel of things he had only been asleep a few hours. with a groan he got to his feet and stretched.
“Your up already?” Black Rook asked, the earth pony was currently working by the fire heating some water as a few english muffins warmed on a flat stone.
“We got to make it to the palace by tonight.” Taze said. “I’d rather get that done as soon as possible.” He accepted a warm muffin and a mug of coffee when they were ready. The two ate quickly. Packed up their equipment and put out there fire. Rook once again got himself hooked up to the cart despite Taze’s protests he could handle hauling it for a while.
The next hour or so of walking seemed to go silently enough, though Taze got the eerie feeling something had their eyes on them.
The everfree having seemed to take the pegasus’s storm as a challenge was currently covered in a rather thick blanket of snow and Taze could hardly keep a straight face as he grinned from the musical crunching of snow beneath their feet.
That was until they heard a snap from somewhere outside the path, Taze cautiously drew a sword as the two picked up their pace.
Shawn had arrived at the camp where the smiths were, what seemed to be at the moment, relaxing. “Hey.” He called out, raising his left hand in greeting. “I bring gifts.”
“Oh, gifts ey?” Steel Weaver grinned. “And it not even mah birthday.”
Lifting the bag over his shoulder, Shawn placed the bag in front of Steel with a heavy thud and some clanks.
“Well now.” He said opening the bag. “Where’d ya pick this up?” He asked tapping an ingot.
Shawn shrugged. “Market, like eight bits a ingot or something.” He chuckled. “I kinda recognised it, or at least it seemed familiar. Oricalcium if I remember correctly.”
“Oricalcium.” The smith identified it. “Never could get this at the castle, not economical they always used to tell me, but if you can work the metal it’s great for heavy weapons and armor.”
“Sounds like my purchase was worth it then.” He turned and with a wave started to leave. “Enjoy, all yours to do what you want with, I’m going back to see what else they got.”
Steel Weaver barely recognised Shawn leaving as he got a quill and parchment, designs running through his head almost immediately.
Shawn, upon arriving back at the market scanned it once again, he still had a ton of bits, and quite frankly, he really didn’t need it, he didn’t feel like using it all on expensive meals and useless things.
With a sigh he had apparently walked through the market without anything catching his interest. Wandering around Ponyville one more time he did think of something, it being winter and all. Looking around at where he was he redirected his path and started to head towards the Carousel Boutique, where Rarity worked, he had an idea in mind.
Upon finally arriving he had his idea in mind. With a quick breath he entered her establishment with a jingle.
“One moment darling,” Rarity called from a side room. Rarity then walked out into the room and smiled with a wide grin. “What can I do for you Lord Shawn?” She seemed giddy at the prospect of a noble in her shop at the moment.
Shawn chuckled. “Please, no need for titles, we’re friends aren’t we?” He asked with a small smile.
“I guess,” Rarity replied with her own sigh, “It is not often that one gets a noble in one’s store, and let alone one that refuses to use one’s title, at least allow me to offer you to stay for some high tea for lunch.” She smiled before taking off her glasses she uses to make her outfits. “So, what brings you to Carousel Boutique?” Rarity began to move to one of the many pony mannequins she had around the shop to try and show that she was treating him like a friend.
Shawn chuckled. “Perhaps some tea would be nice, but I am looking for something that might be a bit useful for me, and perhaps my two friends. I was thinking about some winter cloaks to help out. While I enjoy the cold, I would still enjoy some warmth.” He laughed a little.
Rarity only nodded her head. “Of course,” She replied as Shawn saw some gears working. “Something fine and regal for you, yet, with all your walking, practical and a little mud resistant.” She muttered, “As for your warrior friend, more durable and able to withstand, I think some Gold orb silk would be in order.” She muttered as she began to move to a drawing board. “Something to blend in your other friend, I was about to send a letter letting him know that his white winter jacket is ready for final fitting.” She smiled as she turned around. “Fluttershy let me collect some of the down for her ducks that they shed, she has enough living there that I have a nice stash for winter designs.” She paused. “However you three almost wiped me out, might need to start gathering and buying from some other suppliers if need.” She smiled and turned fully to the desk. “Two for each, I got the material, and I really do want to get rid of the extra bolts I have from when those dragons migrated, I think your military friend will enjoy it more than I ever will.” She smiled and smirked as she rose to her hind hooves. “Iddea!” She sang, “Oh Rarity you are a genius.” She went back down on all fours and quickly began to sketch. “Now… I already got your friend Matthew’s measurements the day before you all did that snow war, and I must say, thank you for including Sweetie Belle that was all she could talk about before school today.” She tutted as she heard coins jingling. “No need for that, these are rough ideas, Prototypes, I never charge a pony for a prototype idea.” She did giggle a little. “Which hasn’t been for over a years now.”
“Well a quick question. Would the materials cost you to make these items?”
Rarity shook her head with a chuckle. “I don’t think so, I have most of the materials already on hoof… unless Sweetie used up the gold fabric for more of her Cutie Mark Crusader capes.” She laughed a little. “I must say, you and your friend did look good in yours during the battle.”
Shawn chuckled lightly. "It certainly was interesting."
Matthew slowly walked into the tavern as he hummed a song under his breath. He shivered and shook some snow off the coat that he had been wearing before moving towards a warm spot in the tavern. “Earlie in the Morning.” His voice broke out as he sat down and settled in. He was feeling a little tired and felt like a nice nap. He did not notice the eyes nor the shadows moving on the ceiling above him. Before he sat up with an omphf as Mutatio landed in his lap with a buzzing sound.
“No, bad Mutatio, don’t practice your sneaking tactics on me… that is not nice.” he was holding a hand to his heart and seemed to be breathing heavy and twitchy now. “That, that hurt.” He muttered as he looked around before smiling. “At least the ribs have finally stopped hurting.” He sighed and leaned back as Mutatio smiled and tried a new disguise. A large canine like Winona and curled up to sleep in Matthew’s lap.
Moonshade walked in and shook snow from off her armor and her wings before looking around and smirking at the scene she was seeing. She crept up and gently tuck a letter with a purple stylized R on the front, in between Matthew and Mutatio before moving to a dark corner to sit and wait.
The timberwolves had been a surprise, Taze wasn’t gonna say that he saw them coming, or that Rook saw them coming, one minute they were traveling the next they were surrounded.
“Just to double check, do they eat meat or wood?” Taze asked
“All depends really, they eat wood when they're injured, but generally they prefer meat” Rook said somehow over the hilt of his short sword, which was inexplicably impressive.
“Ok, I had a hunch but felt I should double check.” Taze’s hand clenched the hilt of his sword harder.
The two stood there, Taze was turned to the side but Rook had not had the time to unhook himself from the cart leaving his one side open. They both waited staring the wolves in the eye’s doing there best never to look away. The wolves for their part stared back like wooden specters of death ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness.
A timberwolf charged out of the bushes at rooks open side. Taze turned around throwing a blade and managing to catch it in the paw. Pain lanced across the side of his chest as a wolf took the opportunity to charge him and it’s claws raked him. Fire begins to grow in his stomach Taze clenched his jaw and ignored the pain sinking his short blade into the area where the neck and head connected and twisting to take it off. He spared a short glance to see the scratches which were surprisingly a lot less severe than he thought they were. His attention was drawn back to the fight as another wolf pounced at him. time seemed to almost slow as the wolf traveled through the air. Taze feinted to the side sinking his sword into its stomach as he did and twisting. The wolf landed a few feet away motionless.
There was a grunt from Rook and Taze turned to see the earth pony using his sword to deadlock against the claws of a wolf. Taze prepared another throwing blade but Rook beat him too the kill rearing his hooves up to throw the wolf off, using the same momentum to land crushing the wolves chest inwards. With a whimper the wolves began backing away seeing as there was no easy meal here just yet. Taze never kept his eye’s off the wolves as they backed away. Reaching into the cart he pulled out a torch and lit it, using it to ignite the bodies, saving only a small piece of the wood because he figured Shawn might want to examine it later.
He hobbled next to Rook as the two of them made their way upward. Until they could find a clearing large enough to make a fire his wounds would have to wait.
Matthew blinked as two hours had past before this moment where he was waking up and feeling a little wetness on his chest. “Oh…” he blinked as he saw Mutatio as a canine still sleeping. “Great, Mutatio, you’re drooling.” Mutatio however was not waking up and still sleeping. Matthew sighed and looked over to Berry Punch who smiled and trotted over and gently picked up Mutatio before starting for the stairs.
“I’ll put him upstairs to sleep.” She smiled and left with her hooves echoing on the steps as Matthew finally got to get up and found the letter. He unfolded it and began to read it before lowering it and yelping and stepping back in shock and fear. “What is today? Scare Matthew to death?”
Moonshade only laughed as she stood there having used the time Matthew was reading to sneak up to stand in front of him. “So, what does it say?” She asked him as Matthew gathered up some of his things.
“Just that Shawn wants me at Rarity’s for some fitting.” he paused. “I wonder if I could get one of those hats that wrap around the ears.” he shook his head. “If Taze or Shawn even dare ask if I am putting any red related on the front I am whacking them with a rolled up newspaper.”
Moonshade only looked at Matthew in confusion over that comment but decided to follow after him. As soon as he left Me-Me dropped from the ceiling and started to go through the sacks that Matthew had left behind to see just what it was that he had bought. She grinned at seeing the bolts, more protection was good.
Still the outside was now, He looked to his pocket watch. “Fifteen hundred on the fourth of December.” He muttered before putting the pocket watch away and continued towards Rarity’s shop, where he opened slowly and found that even with the delay, he was still going to have to wait as she was just finishing up Shawn’s outfit.
“Be with you in a moment darling, you can sit down in the window if you life.” She did not turned around and yet she knew who was there and even that their was more then Matthew. “Also, I do say if you stay long enough I might make something that would go nicely with those dragon eyes dear, and your leathery wings, I am sure I can make something.”
“Thank you, but no thanks, I am on duty and I am only authorized to wear the armor, with no accessories.” She paused, “Though I can come back on an off shift if you want.”
“Of course.” Rarity replied.
Shawn almost right away raised a hand. “I’ll pay.”
“Stupid wolves.” Taze growled as he cleaned the scratches on his side. Upon a second examination Taze had found that while they were not as bad as he thought they were still worse than what he thought during the fight. Yet strangely enough the blood had clotted and the bleeding had stopped a lot sooner than it should have. Cleaning it still hurt like hell though.
“Seal.” Taze swore in french to avoid letting rook hear him use that kind of language. Finally setting the cloth down he looked around his supplies for something to wrap it in. He had simply asked for some medical supplies and wasn’t sure just what Nurse Redheart had packed inside the first aid kit she gave him. Fortunately he found some medical compresses and some gauss, he gingerly wrapped himself up as firmly as possible before putting his armor back on. standing up he looked to Rook. “Come on we lost enough time.”
“Are you sure you're ok? Maybe we should head back?” Rook looked at him curiously.
“Birth didn’t kill me, mother nature didn’t kill me, fire didn’t kill me, this wound won’t kill me either.” Taze said. “Let’s get moving.” He said heading off.
Rook stared at Taze wondering just what he was talking about, deciding discretion was the better side of valor he stowed it away for later and got the cart re-hooked up and followed after Taze.
Shawn headed out of Carousel Boutique, he felt like exploring the market one more time, perhaps finding something interesting this time. This time he came across a bit more due to more ponies having set up more places.
He came across something interesting, a stand selling books. He shrugged and wandered in, giving a quick nod to Twilight before scanning the titles across the shelf until something very peculiar.
A book, written in Latin.
“Ah I see you’ve taken an eye for the unreadable book.” A bronze coated earth pony behind the stand saw.
“Unreadable?” Shawn replied with a raised brow. The bookseller saw Twilight’s ears also perk at this comment.
“This book has been bouncing around Equestria for the better part of a millennia.” the bookseller explained. “They say it arrived an a blast of light, no ones been able to read its script, not even Celestia herself.’
Twilight looked to the bookseller, “So, how did you come to posses this book if it is so rare and mystic?”
“My grandfather was a linguist who attempted to crack it’s code, he spent eighty years and he never got past the first sentence.” The bookseller explained.
“Praecantatio a e Orbis.” Shawn read aloud.
“You know this script?” the bookseller asked astonished but not speechless.
“Magic of the World. It’s actually written in…” He paused translating it in his head to Equestrian. “Latin.”
“This language is from your world?” The bookseller asked.
“Yes actually. I think out of the three of us, I am not sure how much they know, but I know how to translate it.”
The earth pony stared at Shawn for a few minutes his face passive and unreadable. Finally he picked up the book and handed it to Shawn. “Take it.” he said.
“How much?” He questioned.
“If what you say is true, in your hands my grandfather's dream of bringing this texts knowledge to Equestria will be fulfilled, thats payment enough for me.” The stallion pressed the book to Shawn.
He hummed in thought for a moment. “Then I hope you don’t mind extra.” He said pulling out some coins and putting them on the counter next to the stallion. “And I will be paying.” He said looking the stallion in the eyes before mumbling to himself. “Rarity already got out of it…”
“Generosity is a rare trait these days, still rarer from a nobleman.” The stallion smiled. “May your generosity return to you a hundredfold my friend.”
Shawn chuckled. “I’m still wondering about the nobility here myself…”
Shawn turned on the spot and before he could take a step there was a certain lavender unicorn in his path, right next to him.
Twilight just sat there staring at him and the book, her tail swishing back and forth. “You have to teach me how to read that. I, a book of unknown knowledge. That, just think of all that can come about from that.”
Shawn raised a brow. “Perhaps I can translate it into a blank book, but first I will read it myself to make sure its good to go.” He said, eyeing the author of the book.
“Good? Like are there things you don’t want us to know about your world of Pokke?” She asked with a tilt of her head.
“Some things even I don’t know about myself, sometimes, information is best withheld. I’ve learned it in a very interesting way…” He said, putting the book in his left arm.
Twilight sighed and lowered her head, before lifting it up with a grin. “Wait, you said copy to another book, can I be the first one to read it when you are complete with the chapter one?”
Shawn chuckled. “Yes, in fact, you can have the first copy when it’s done as well, all to yourself.” He paused. “But for now, anything catch your eyes in here?”
She smiled and led Shawn over to where she had been gathering a pile of books, numbering no less than sixteen at the moment.
“Ooh, a collection.” He checked them out real quick. “You got enough for all of those?” He said raising a quick brow.
“Well, These are the ones for my own personal collection, I already bookmarked with my friend here the amount and numbers for what the town will pay for. These are for my own personal reading.” She smiled as she did some quick mathematics before frowning. “I’m off ten bits.” She began to run through the figures again and nodded. “Right, I didn’t count one book, I was putting it down when you revealed you could read the Clean Hoof Manuscript.”
Shawn smiled lightly. “Well if you ever need some extra funding for anything, heck, even a personal project of some sort don’t be afraid to ask.” He patted the side of his coat. “Trust me, I don’t mind in the slightest.”
She smiled a little. “Can I have fifteen bits? There is a second book I want to add to my collection, but I am short that amount, I’ll pay you back. Also stop by the treehouse and I’ll open your own library card account.”
Shawn laughed a little, reaching into his coat to pull out some bits, the possibility of miscounting was high but he didn’t seem to mind, she was a friend after all. “No need to pay me back, but I do think I will stop by the library sometime for that account, I wouldn’t mind checking out a couple books…” Shawn said, holding out the bits for her to take.
Twilight picked them up before frowning, “Shawn you gave me double what I asked, I must insist on giving it back to you.” She blinked as she look up and saw him already walking away and waving her off. She looked down and actually let out a foalish squeal. “More books.” She began to do a small jig on all four hooves at that moment.
Rarity hummed a bit as she trotted around Matthew, who was standing still and quiet. She smiled a little, “I do say darling, you have been most well behaved I thought for sure you would be like Rainbow and fidget all about.”
“No Ma’am,” Matthew replied, “I know when to stand still, besides this is nice that you are making me a cloak.”
Rarity only snickered. “Well, not just that dear,” She looked to Moonshade who only beamed back at Rarity. “I am making out of request from Moonshade, a full winter uniform out of this fabric. She bought the entire rest of the bolt for me to use to create items for you.”
Matthew actually turned and Rarity smiled at finally having movement to see how the fabric would move with bipedal movement. Matthew just stared at Moonshade. “You, but, what about your pay? Or?” he did not finish.
“Room and board is provided by you three, I like the open sky, and,” She grinned. “I thought it might be nice to get you to wear something other than your dress uniform all the time.” She raised a bat wing to keep Matthew silent. “Also, I thought it was a bargain as it brought money into Rarity’s shop, and it cleared out fabric she really didn’t need anymore. Congrats, you are getting three more copies of your first uniform. With proper Equestrian lettering.”
Matthew just turned his back on Moonshade and stared at the mirror in front of him and around him as Rarity kept pushing pens or moving fabric around. “I better have pockets.”
Rarity smiled as she magiced a tape measure to her. “Of course dear, it wouldn’t be a fighting outfit if it didn’t.” She paused and pulled a long length of fabric, “I was thinking of this left over would do well to hold anything you would need in a fight.” Matthew looked down and he smiled as she thought back to his little flintlock pistol. “I think,” he looked at Moonshade with a smile, “That this may take all day to plan out.” He paused. “How much do you have of this fabric?”
“Oh a huge amount, I wondered why I got so much, but it was a good deal, I can see why now.” She smiled at Matthew. “But one does not learn unless they are willing to take a risk and jump on an idea.”
Shawn, as he continued to walk away from both Twilight and the bookseller only said quietly to himself. “Oops.” He chuckled to himself. “Miscounted.” He smirked. “Lets see what else they have in this market.” He continued, looking around the market once again.
The next stand was more of a large tent like structure filled with random cages and aquariums and the like, inside these containers where various types of mythical and rare animals. on a particularly large bird stand a incredibly huge Roc perched eyeing everyone as they past. Next to it in a gilded cage was a fiery bird that Shawn easily recognised.
The phoenix eyed the area around it, as if trying to gain submission from everyone who past and usually it seemed to get it, even the roc, as large as it was, seemed wary of the ridiculously smaller bird.
“Oh, you’re an interesting one…” He commented stepping near the cage and leaning in to get a closer look.
The phoenix stared at him with a cold indifference.
Shawn only stared back, a seemingly bored expression. “Cute.” He said, still keeping eye contact with the phoenix.
When the phoenix realised he wasn’t going to back away it’s curiosity peaked. Leaning forward to get a closer look at Shawn.
Shawn put a hand out, letting the phoenix get to him on his own will.
The phoenix pecked it’s cage door gently which it seemed had never been locked to begin with. It flapped it’s wings experimentally when it was sure he wasn’t moving the phoenix glided over and landed gracefully on his arm.
Upon seeing the phoenix leave it’s cage, the roc let out a loud screech. From inside the tent Shawn heard something moving. He faced the noise and waited for something to happen.
From inside the tent a female gryphon strolled out of the tent. She had a falcons head and light blue feathers with colorful red fur. Curled under her wing was a whip and she was wearing heavy leather gloves.
“Can I help you?” Shawn noticed a very vague accent in her speech sounding mysteriously like french.
“Are you by chance the clerk of this place, or is it just for viewing.” Shawn said with a slight nod towards the phoenix on his right arm.
“Yes he is for sale.” she nodded.
Shawn gave a quick glance at the phoenix one last time. “How much for this one ‘ere?”
“Oh, I have never seen him take to anyone before.” The griffons eye’s widened. “Still is a rare beast non? The phoenix is the most proud of all the winged creatures! I would be starving myself to let him go for fifty bits.”
Shawn raised a brow, knowing a basic concept of what was going on. “Kay.” He said, reaching over to his pouch with his left hand and grabbing the amount needed, realising his funds were a bit low at the moment, albeit, low from what he actually grabbed, which was a small fraction. “Here you are.”
“Mercey.” She said surprised for a customer who did not haggle. “Will you be needing anything else?” she asked
Shawn moved his arm towards his shoulder to let the phoenix stand on that instead. “Feed and perhaps a perch for him, or something.”
In rapid succession Shawn found himself with a large bag of feed, a perch and several other highly superbulous accessories that apparently the pheonix ‘needed’. The entire thing had set him back another seventy bits.
In all, he was walking out with a bit of a full inventory, though he could lift it, he knew he needed to get it back to the Tavern. Didn’t want to carry it around all day by himself, so he decided it be best to drop it off, keeping the phoenix with him, thinking of a name.
“Renati?” He said with a glance at the phoenix.
The phoenix started at him tilting it’s head as if to ask what it meant.
“The Reborn.” He commented.
The phoenix took a few minutes to think about it. Tilting it’s head back and forth before looking back and nodding.
“Renati it is.” Shawn chuckled to himself, Renati still riding on his shoulder as they headed back to the market, his bag filled only a little bit, he had spent a fortune in one day, and decided to limit it a little. He only had around one hundred and seventy in the pouch, and that was it, no more after that. Needed to keep a lot left over if it came to fees. “Taze…” He mumbled to himself.
The phoenix tilted his head again inquisitively.
“Nothing, nothing.” He said, reaching up and rubbing the phoenix's head carefully with his hand.
Taze and Rook started, they had finally made it too the bridge separating them from the castle…. only to realise their cart was too wide to fit on it.
“Well, gotta remember to get some platforms made so we can build a larger bridge when we come here with the troops.” Taze said “Damn good thing we made this trip.”
“Yeah but how are we going to get everything across?” Rook asked.
“Carry it?” Taze asked raising an eyebrow. “Not like we have much choice.”
“Great.” Rook rolled his eye’s.
An hour and several trips later the cart was empty on the other side of the gorge and Taze and Black Rook stood in the courtyard of the castle of the two pony sisters. Somehow despite the crumbling pieces and the moth eaten tapestries, the castle still felt, secure, homey even. The portcullis was still operational and after no small amount of work they’d managed to lower it for the night.
The sun was beginning to set when camp was set up and the two of them ate a thrown together vegetable soup made from their supplies. After eating Taze lite a new torch and headed for the castle.
“Where are you going?” Rook asked, raising an eyebrow.
“If we’re going to fix it up we need to know what it’s like in there.” Taze said “Besides it wasn’t unheard of for some castles to be build over underground hot springs, who knows we may find one in the lower parts.” Taze said
“And this can’t wait till morning?” Rook asked.
“I’ll be fine.” Taze said. “What's the worst that could happen?” he asked as he headed into the ruins. Rook rolled his eye’s but leaned back and relaxed.
Matthew looked at the wonderful and he actually paused as he watched the setting of the sun. He leaned against one of the lampposts and just watched memorized at the setting sun before blinking and shaking his head and moved again in the lengthening shadows towards the tavern. He would get the outfits Rarity was planning in two days. She had a window of time where she could focus on these before needing to work on another order for one Sapphire Shores. He sighed as he walked into the Tavern and looked up and paused and stared at Shawn who was sitting at the bar, well he was not staring at Shawn but what was perched on his shoulder and looking around like it or he owned the tavern. Matthew stepped forward and the beautiful plumage bird that Matthew was not wanting to believe was a living Phoenix just turned his head, how did he know a he anyway? He wondered and the bird just stared at him. A stare that felt like it was going to his very soul. Matthew to this day did not know why, but he only smiled a little and moved to take up a seat next to Shawn, on the side that did not have the Pheonix. “Hey.”
Behind him, Moonshade entered only to have Renati just screech at her, which made Matthew jump and turn and saw Moonshade staring down the fire bird with her own aggressive stance before the two finally nodded to one another.
Moonshade walked up and sat down before looking at the bird. “Great, another one from Luna’s rebellion.” She muttered and turned around. “One Moon ale, Large Mug.” She ordered and looked sideways with a glare before looking forward.
Matthew looked between the two and sighed. “Of course… why not? Why not have day and night remember the time a sister got jealous and here I am, in the twilight zone.”
Shawn, noticing the glare still being held by Renati, caused him to make a click sound with his mouth, making Renati face away, and calm down.
Matthew sighed. “I am not surprised, a Phoenix would remember those bad days.” He looked over at the bird. “Hey, just because the past was sad or worse than what you like doesn’t mean it is always like it, the Night guards changed.” He turned his head back and looked at Berry. “I must be crazy, I almost wanted to start a debate with a Phoenix, and I don’t know how to speak Phoenix.” His tone of voice showed that if he did know how, he would have continue where he was going. Berry smiled and placed a mug of hot chocolate in front of him.
“You look cold, here, have something to warm you up, and you might want to stay indoors you look a little less colorful than before.” Matthew only nodded his head before taking a sip of the drink and smiled. The right temp where it was hot enough to warm you, but cold enough not to burn your mouth or tongue.
Taze stalked through the hallways carefully. Things had been… Lively since he left Rook, somehow during his travels he had managed to set off what had to be one of the most marvelous booby traps he had ever seen, seriously the walls had launched pillows at him. The one thing that creeped him out was the kneeling statues of pegasi that appeared to be weeping. They had him checking behind him every few seconds as he walked past them, he was almost positive one moved, but hopefully his mind was playing tricks on him. Several of the statues and tapestries he had come across that weren’t severely crumbled or decayed had strange depictions, a gryphon an earth pony and a pegasus standing heroically, a depiction of what appeared to be three armed minotaurs, complete with blue fur and horns which settled a little of his shock, fighting a hoard of some kind.
Strangely enough one room he entered had something carved into the wall. One word caught him, it simply said duck, something was in the stone next to it but it had been covered by some kind of cloth. Pulling it down he stood back in shock. ‘Duck now, yes this means you, this is Starswirl and I say duck.” Feeling compelled Taze ducked just as a group of bats flew over his head.
“Ok…. that was too weird, I think I’m gonna go back to camp now.” he told himself, at least if he could remember the path back.
Shawn looked forward into the darkening sky, his eyes flicked down towards the forest with with a hum he said something aloud, only to himself. “Twenty four to thirty six hours remaining. Dusk of the First Day.”
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Weeping Pegasi...
Is your chapter title a legend of Zelda reference XD
And this is so good! Loving Shawn's pet.
5261568
Well, yes, yes it is a reference to a Legend of Zelda.
And happy to hear that you are enjoying the pet.
Zelda! <3 Loved the reference and I liked how the progression of the story is moving along. The scene between Moonshade and the Phoenix was a little confusing to me personally but I got the jist.
5801624 Nope, Nope, don't look away, and nope!
4689065 Great...now I'm going to have nightmare(s) from the thought alone...
7739665
At least we didn't bring in the Daleks or the Cracks in time.
Still, That is a show of good show writing if even a pony version of the real thing can influence the actual event. I am sorry if you have any nightmares but I hope you can continue reading as, well, not goin to spoil the future.
Well, we knew that we had a Doctor Who crossover when we heard dinky being afraid of the dark, but damn. The angels, starswirl, and more. I'm scared and excited. What's the battalion going to do against the Angels?
Weeping angels, eh? I mean, this is a semi-reread, so I knew it was coming, but still. I didn't realize it was coming this soon.
Uh... 3 drunk chimera flying in through the hole in the roof? Nightmare Moon remains coming back to life? Slaanesh warping in by mistake? Well, at least not Nurgle. Why would you ask the dumb question when you know you won't like the answer?