//------------------------------// // Chapter 5? - The Pony Scrolls V Skyrim: "The Way of the Voice" // Story: Luna Plays... // by Chaotic Note //------------------------------// This chapter is due for a replacement. Come back later or read chapters this one. Author's Notes Every name that has not been changed from the game of Skyrim does not belong to me. But you guys already know that. Also don't fret when you see a couple of new things I've added in the game, I learned first hand that people do not enjoy reading about stuff they don't know. Also I was bored. Enjoy guys! (Forgive me for taking so long.) "Luna, you feeling okay?" Harp-Shield. "Hmm? Yea, I'm fine," Luna tiredly smiled. It has been a few hours since she confined herself in her personal realm to play Skyrim. Few hours since Luna was called upon in-game by some old hermits on some high mountain. Few hours since she and her companion walked into the Auroa Forest. It was night time there, and with her PonyBeach headphones, the Princess of the Night could hear the owls hooting and crikets chirping all around her. The two celestial bodies that revolve around the 'Nirn' looked very big compared to the sun on that day and was the color of yellow gold with a hint of red. Luna's mare companion stares at her night mistress with concern. Ever since she was made Thane, the jarl of Manerun has assigned Harp-Shield to be Luna's guard, her companion, her marecarl as it was appropriate for all thanes to have one in the game. 'Bit of an old reference the creators added in this game, but nice to use,' Luna thought to herself. The gold colored mare actually volunteered now that Luna thought about it. She couldn't understand why a mare would want to serve her with such excitement, especially when Luna picked the Celestial race for her character to play as. Celestial ponies are beings that are physical and magical entities. They were intuned with nature and the stars above and are considered god-like beings except they can be brought away easily with a banishing spell. Despite that weakness, many steer away from her kind and would rather have them killed then walk through their cities out of fear. Surprisingy though, she and the city welcomed her with open hooves. "Hello? Earth to Luna?" Luna felt a poke. "You seem a little tense there my thane," Harp-Shield said. "Well I guess I am," Luna said. "Pray tell why my thane is not well," Harp-Shield said. "Well, Its just that I've been wondering how the jarl came to his position," Luna said. "Ever since I arrived her, I received nothing but negative remarks about my kind. Why does Manerun treat him and I so well?" The mare stared at Luna like she was crazy. "You seriously don't know?" Luna nods. Harp-Shield sighed as she lowered herself to get comfortable on a log. "Well my mistress from what I can tell from your story, you were captured by Imperials is that correct?" Luna nods even more. "You see, not too long ago the Imperials and us Nords didn't view the Celestials as bad beings. Celestials and ponies together created such wonders together: enchanting tables, the College of Winterhold, the formation of the Mage Guild, and almost every old city holds you see everythere including Manerun. The two got along just like a couple of best friends. Then the Aldmare Dominion showed up," Harp-Shield said with an edge in her voice. "Those snobby elves thought they were the best at everything they do. Especially with their connection to nature and the stars above us. They didn't take kindly to your kind as your kind's presence defies their religion or something," she explained. "Defies their religion?" Luna asked. Harp-Shield nods with a disgusted look. "Yea, they believe that they were created by their Elven divines, starting with their first borns, the Aldmer. They have a connection to the world's magic core, which led the Altmer to believe they have that same trait as well. They claim their elders alone can manipulate the earth and skies around them, unlike us regular ponies can even imagine. But you guys can do even more then what their old codgers can do, and they see your race as a threat to their supposed 'position in this world'," she said. "But what did I do to the Imperials? I don't see how Celestials have anything to do with having Imperials hate me," Luna said. "Well my master, in truth, Imperials don't really hate you," Harp-Shield said. "They still love you deep down, but the Dominion has a hold on their capital in the form of the White Gold Concordant. A so called 'peace treaty' that was formed between the Imperials and the Altmer after the last devestating war between the Summerset isles and the Imperial Empire. One of those lines in that piece of paper states that Celestials are not to be acquainted or even contacted with." "Thats right girly!" Luna leapt to her back hooves and readied her front ones with burning strands of pure plasma. "Who dares interupt our talk? Thou wished to be caught on fire?!" The voice chuckled. The vile laughter resonated with the mist of the trees. "Oh no, that would ruin this piece of robe that I've bought for this night stroll." A bipedal figure stepped out from the white veil, accompanied by two armored stallions on either side of him. The figure is undoubtedly male by his voice, but looked a slight bit feminine in appearence with his frilly blue outfit. His skin was pale gold as were his eyes, and his ear tips were pointed. His face was garbed in pony like features. An elf, Luna thought. "So, what are a couple of mares doing in the middle of this forest? It could get dangerous," he said with a sneer on his face. Yea. But it's definitely not you. "So if this is a dangerous place, why art thou here?" Luna asked. "Oh you know, just minding my own his business. I have a job in this part of the woods, and thats making sure there aren't any ingrates messing about my home," he said. "Your home?! Skyrim belongs to the Nords! Your kind isn't welcome here!" Harp-Shield spat in the elf's direction. "Oh such a shame," he drew his sword. "and I thought we were going to become such good friends. I think my thralls will get along with you just fine though." Luna shot up in the air and did a gracfully twirled in the air. She let loose a bunch of spark in the process, making her a deadly thunder cloud. Four deadly arcs struck the two thralls, cutting down their health below half. The elf's body guards didn't seem shocked at her attack, and charged towards Harp-Shield with their maces. She leapted aside and viciously bashed one of them into the other. She readied her weapon and expertly tossed her lance towards the pile, making one giant shish kabob. The elf wasn't fazed at the loss, and mercilessly swung his sword at the nearest mare in his sights. Harp-Shield quickly brought her shield while elf casted a spell that seemed to make his swings faster. The mare was more then capable of parrying all his attacks, but was looking pretty exhausted. "I could use a little help over here my thane!" she shouted. Luna gathered all the magicka in her and conjured a shield of electricity around her. She then dive-bombed towards the elf while he was distracted by her housecarl. The sissy elf didn't even know what hit him until a giant, swirling ball of plasma tackled him to the ground. She got up from the crater she had made and looked down to examine her kill. Giant, fried, and charred to a crisp. More than a fitting end for such a wannabe warrior, she thought with amusement. Harp-Shield went over to the two grunts to retrieve her weapon. "Sometimes I wonder why I chose to hang around with you." Luna raised one of her eyebrows. "Why did you anyway? You seemed so excited to come with me." "Well to be honest with you, I was tired of that old castle of Manerun. They made me patrol the gardens day and night, twenty-four seven. I'm surprised they didn't make me take care of the plants," she said. "Is that the only reason?" Luna asked. "Well, no," Harp-Shield said. "I'm just curious about Celestials because as much as I know about their history, I haven't exactly gotten around to knowing one. It's quite frustrating to be employed under one and not to know anything about your boss. You came around and I knew I could eat two pies in one gulp." "You're a strange mare." Harp-Shield laughed. "Well you're certainly not the first to tell me that." Luna punched her lightly in the shoulder. "Come on Harp, we're moonlight here. We've got to get to Ivarsteed before sunrise. I haven't brought a camping set." "Hey, this isn't Call of Cutie ya know," Harp-Shield said. "What?" Luna asked. "Nothing. Nothing my lady." Harp-Shield's attention was suddenly the night clouds. Luna face-hoofed her forehead. "Lets get going before I you get really annoying." "Ok milady," she said with a smile. The sun rose over the mountains as if it has woken up from its slumber. It shined all its glory over the quaint town of Iversteed. A community that has formed underneath High Hoofgar as ponies gathered at its base to climb up the 7,000 steps of Revelation. Legend has it that when you walk up to the top, you could hear the hums of the Greybeards as they meditated and their songs could add a few years into your life. Such pony nonsense anypony would believe in, Luna thought. A simple sound of some hermits couldn't just magically give you a few more years to live. Although she shouldn't say that outloud, as it is probably blasphemy in these neck of the woods. "Hey, you're heading to High Hoofgar aren't ya?" Luna looked around and spotted a colt standing on a bridge. "Well? Are ya?" the colt repeated. "Yes we are, why question us villager?" Luna said. The pony brought forward a knapsack. "You see, I'm looking for somepony to help me out with an errand for today. Mah wife is sick today and I need to tend to her needs. But I can't ignore my duties to bring supplies up to them Greybeards." He offered the bag to her. "If you would please do me this one favor? I'll pay you for the job." Luna felt uncomfortable at the prospect of taking Bits from the stranger. He obviously had the looks of a farmer by amount of dirt smeared on his hooves, and he didn't look like much like he was profiting either. Throughout her travels, farmers in 'out of the way' places don't profit as much as those near the cities. But she and her companion do need a room and and food as they traveled without rest. "Alright, but on one condition," Luna said. "Hmmm? What would that be then," he asked. "You see, my housecarl and I are not in the best of shape for more traveling. We've come a long way from Whiterun to come here. We have not stopped to rest for one moment, and now at our journey's end, we've need of restoration of sleep and energy, only to start a new one to the top of the grand mountain," Luna said. "...What?" The colt obviously looked confused. Harp-Shield nudged Luna as she stepped forward. "What my thane here is trying to say is that we've walked a long way here, and we need to rest a little at the nearest inn. She's asking you to pay for our room and meal." "Oh, but of course! I'll be happy to pay for your needs as long as you are ready for the trip." "Thank you," Harp-Shield said. "Now uh, where's the nearest bar?" "ANOTHER BOTTLE OF MEAD!" Oh dear, Harp-Shield is drinking again, Luna thought. The mare did have trouble keeping her drinks down. She may be good in a fight, but she could not handle at least one bottle of pure pleasure before she starts ranting her muzzle off. The mare was now standing on the center table with a couple of other drunken mares, singing along with the bard. At least she's having fun, Luna smiled. Luna ordered an ice cold Blackbriar and was about to take a sip until a mare sat down next to her. Luna didn't know why she assumed the stranger to be a mare, could be the slim posture. The hooded mare orders a drink of her own, then turns her attention towards Luna. "Hey," the mysterious mare asked. "Hows it going?" "I'm very well, what is it that you want from me?" Luna asked. Luna could see a sliver of a smile forming on the mare. "You are very popular Luna, thane of Manerun. We know what you did last night." Luna just then felt a wind of a chill along her spine, she looked around her and only saw her companion singing something about a colt from Roriksteed. She looked back to the mare to find that her seat was replaced with a scroll. Luna levitates the scrolls to proceded to open it. Inside was a dark hoofstamp with the following words that emphasized the stranger's last words. We Know. She couldn't help but feel that she'll hear from the mare again. Well time to hit the hay. "Come on Harp, time to get some sleep," Luna shouted over the song. "Oh comon Luna, you and I are fwends! Let meh uh...get anotha bottle 'ere," Harp-Shield said. Sigh, oh why did I agree to letting that farmer buy her a drink. "Come on you! I'm not letting you get any worse before bed." "You know what I have to say to that?" Harp-Shield leaned towards Luna, closing the distance between eachother faces. If Luna was really there, she was sure Harp's breath would smell like honey and ginger. Luna found herself lost in her friend's eyes, and suddenly felt a bit of longing for something she couldn't grasp. What could it be- "Nuuuuuuuuuoooooo." Sigh, well that was a memorable night. Luna woke up in the next morning to find herself being wrapped in Harp's hooves. Why am I the pillow here? Harp-Shield actually put up quite a fight when Luna tried to drag her into bed to get some sleep. It lowered Luna's health quite a bit. She doesn't understand why Besthesda would make it that followers would have to sleep in the same room as you if all you're getting is an auto-save and a couple of bruises. Harp-Shield muttered something about cakes. Heh, cute. Luna went over to the chest to retrieve her stuff. As she rummaged through her books, she found the scroll from last night's meeting with the stranger. Who was that pony? And what did she found out what we did the night before? Is it that fight with the elf? Luna didn't want any more trouble then she went through already. The Aldmare Dominion is probably after her for killing one of their own right now. Was that mare a part of them? Then again, she didn't have any ill intent in her voice. Perhaps she was thinking too much on the subject. As of now, they need to focus on the quest of getting to the Greybeards. She finished up gathering her stuff, and threw the Harp-Shield's bag at the owner. The bag landed with a satisfying thud, along with the music of a mare screaming as she crash landed onto the floor. "Come on Harp, we've got a mountain to climb." Harp-Shield's response was only an moan. Okay, bag in hand? Check. Housecarl intact? Check. Monsters? Check. As of now, Luna is surrounded bu a bunch of baddies. Furry ice wolves, ugly frost trolls, and chilling ice wraiths. Along with a winter Spriggan commanding them all. This day could not get any worse. "Milady! They're everywhere!" Harp-Shield shouted over the chilling wind. "YES, I can SEE THAT!" Luna shouted back. She is getting irritated at these mobs. All wanted was to pick a bunch of frost Nirnroots. But NOOOOOOO. Harp-Shield had to bump into the tree and somehow set it on Fire! FIRE! Luna doesn't care if Harp's lance was enchanted with fire damage, a simple touch couldn't possible set a tree on fire! Then again this is a bucking video game. Luna tried to move towards the left but the wolves snapped back at her. "Milady!" Harp-Shield said. "Yes?" Luna said. "If we don't make it out of this. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy serving you!" Luna could only peer at Harp-Shield from the corner of her eyes in disbelief. "Really!? After all we've been through, you say that now?!" Harp-Shield grinned sheepishly. "Well, we haven't exactly been through much have we?" The spriggan looked irritated at the talk and said something that sounded like wood planks creaking. All the monsters then proceded to crouch. Oh great, they're going to jump on us. Luna readied for the inevitable death when a chorus of shouts bursted into Luna's expensive headset. There was only one time where she heard the voices that sounded of the gods. Or somepony using the royal canterlot voice. The Greybeards. The monsters looked petrified and retreated away into the blizzard. The spriggan stayed behind, giving Luna a piercing glare. The message was clear. Another time. The frosty humanoid stepped backwards, seemingly being melted into the background. "What was that?" Harp-Shield said. "It sounds like our quest is coming to a close," Luna said. "But where did it come from milady? It seemed to have come from everywhere." Harp-Shield looked around for a source of the voices. The winds meanwhile seemed to swirl around the two mares a little more. Luna's hoof came into view as she tries to block her eyes from the stabbing gale. When the blizzard seemed to pass, Luna heard an audible gasp. Luna turned towards Harp-Shield. "What are you going on abou- whoa." In front of Luna was a looming stairway that leads up to two sets of massive doors. The keep looked to be the length of two football fields, and three times of her sister's height. Whose height happens to be a few inches below the standard height of a building's ceiling from the floor. So it would three stories high. It was adorned with numerous towers the size of hills, and as Luna tried the look beyond the stone walls, she could see a pathway that leads towards the summit. What could it lead to I wonder. The grey stoned keep looked worn out from the constant freeze, but Luna was sure that the castle was infused with magic so it doesn't wear out from the storm. If Luna could compare the keep to another, she would say it was more impressive than Dragonsreach "Wow, I've heard stories of how big High Hoofgar looks, but this is really amazing. Not even the Blue Palace looked this cool!" Harp-Shield said. "I think it's more impressive that the wind stopped around us," Luna said. She could see that they were in the eye of the storm, as if they were in the middle of a hurricane. This magic could only be conjured by master wizards. Yet these Greybeards don't even bother getting food for themselves. I guess they spent all their time doing whatever. I should just lay the food down in the chest though. Luna was about to open the chest in front of the stairway when a notification popped up. OH COME ON! I WAS ALMOST DONE! Luna reads the message and sees it as a party invite from Chaotic. Oh what does he want now? Luna paused the game and went on to accept the invite. As she enters the part, she sees a couple of gamer tags on the list. TwilightzEra, Chaotic Nuclear, Gamer Tia, PartyC4nn0n, FabulousGems, SweetBuckingCider, Shyponies6, DarkRainBolt#1, L0veisWitchcraft, and ShiningRoyalG. "Hey Luna! Glad you could make it!" Chaotic said. "Sigh, what is it you colt? I'm in the middle of a quest here!" Luna shouted. "Oww, sorry Luna. Didn't know Skyrim meant that much to you." Chaotic sounded hurt. Luna realized she used the 'Royal Canterlot'. "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything of an ill moment!" She heard a suppressed sigh from Gamer Tia. "It's ok Luna, it happens to all of us," Chaotic said. "Yea, emphasis on All of us." DarkRainBolt#1 said. "Ow, my bucking ears." "Rainbow Dash! Be polite! Thats the princess you're talking to!" TwilightzEra said. "Whatever. Can we just play already?" DarkRainbolt#1 said. Sounded like she said that a lot today, Luna chuckled. "Yes, we've waited quite enough to gather this group together, and I say we play!" FabulousGems said. "Oh, I - I wouldn't mind waiting Rarity. Maybe the other team could wait just a little more. Can they?" Shyponies6 said. "Aaaw no Fluttershy, I've waited too long for this match! We're going to show 'em griffins a thing or two about ponies!" SweetBuckingCider said as she's getting all Luna riled up. "Well we should wait for Luna at least, right Shiny?" L0veisWitchcraft responded. "Hmm? Yeah we can wait a little right Twily?" ShiningRoyalG said. TwlightZEra gave an loud groan. "Alright, come on Luna. Everypony is waiting for you. You do know we have a clan match today right?" Luna almost forgot that there was a Haylo Reach match today against the Griffins clan. "Come on my dear sister, everypony is waiting," Gamer Tia said. Heh, no escaping now eh? "Alright everypony, I'm coming over to the lobby now," Luna said. As Luna saved the game and brought out the disc for Haylo Reach, she recieved a game invite. She clicked yes as she replaced Skyrim for Haylo as she closes the tray. The screen lightens up as the dashboard appears onscreen, then darkens again as the console reads the disc's programmings. "Alright, lets win today alright? Now let me HEAR IT!" TwilightZEra said. The entire group responded with a shout. "Go TEAM AWESOME!"