//------------------------------// // A Small Time Victory // Story: A Raven’s Greatest Flight // by Chemtest //------------------------------// I look around in slight wonder as we pass through the Elven capital, Ravendell. There’s that name again, Raven, why is his name everywhere on my path? He must be something important, but who is he exactly? Whatever, I’ll learn later. The letter thingy said I would learn from the royals. This city, if you could even call it that, is quite beautiful. Trees hollowed out and housing Elf families, wich look upon us with slight dread. Well, the adults do, the kids run around us having fun. I make sure to whisper into Wits ear, “Try not to ruin any of their innocence, please.” Wit, nods, but says, “Innocence is just the illusion that is broken by all of us. Then we choose to either be serious, or be like me. If I wanted to break their innocence, I would show them Reddit.” I tap him on the shoulder, “I don’t know what a Reddit is, but I’d rather that not happen.” He does a long, overdramatic sigh, “Fine, Hopeful, just for you.” I retake my position on top of the wagon, Ink and Open right next to me. Ink starts up conversation, “So, your plan?” I look forward, “Trust the note. If all else fails, at least we can open counsel with the Queen.” Ink looks right at me, “And what authority will we claim if things go wrong?” Open smiles, “Well, as a Noble, I can legally preform dimplomatic actions of the King in his absence. We have my authority. To be honest, I’m just glad I can finally do something to help.” I look back at her, “Nonsense, you’re our friend, and a fellow Knight, you’ve done plenty. If not for you, we would be back in town still selling weapons and newspapers. Liven up, Open, frowns don’t look good on you.” She smiles again, “Are you saying I look good?” I smile, “Sorry Open, I’m taken. I’m not going to say no to your question, but I’m not gonna say more for fear of what might occur to me.” Ink holds up a hoof between us two, “Hold it, hold it! Hopeful, you’re dating? When were you going to tell me?” Open smiles, “And who is the filly? Or, maybe colt, though I don’t think you swing that way.” I think, “Well, yes, I’m dating. I... completely forgot to tell you, Ink. And yes, she is a she. Her name is... it’s... huh, I cannot remember. All memories around her seem really blurry for some reason. All I know is that she is my Sweetie, and she is wonderful.” Ink shakes his head, “Are you saying you don’t remember the filly you’re dating? Hopeful, you’re hopeless.” I smile, “Oxymoron.” He slams his hoof into his face, “You remember the word oxymoron, and how to use it, but not who you’re dating?” I shrug, “Some of my memories are blurry for no reason. I can barely remember my parents, or my early life. Maybe this quest will solve it, or it could just be a memory I have to deal with.” Ink shakes his head, “Well, alright. Get ready to speak, we’re here.” I look up, and find we are ascending a path on a huge tree. Like, the absolute size of this lad has me in awe. Wit apparently thinks the same, “In awe at the size of this lad, absolute unit.” I nod blankly as we ascend, “This is one thick tree. Enough wood here to build this wagon hundreds of times over.” The lead Elf looks back at me, “This is the Tree of Life, and I would like if you wouldn’t insinuate that you want to cut it down. You touch this thing with an axe, you will be killed on the spot.” I nod, “Well, I’ll be sure not to take out any axes.” And with that, we crest over the path, onto the top. The Elf immediately bows to a female Elf on the throne, “My Queen, these ponies request audience.” The Queen calmly looks at him, “We are at war with the Ponies, are we not? This begs me to ask the question, Captain. Why have you lead a group of armed ponies into our capital?” The Captain shudders a bit, “They, uh- they... outsmarted me. They are here to discuss peace.” The Queen looks back at us, “And you led them here so that we could ambush them, correct?” The Captain shakes his head, “No, I led them here to discuss peace. Forgive me for useing my freedom of speech, Queen, but these wars are stupid. People are being killed for no good reason, and the winter only gets worse. We need to lay down our arms and focus on having enough food and warmth to survive. These ponies are brave, walking into our territory to disscuss peace, and they met our threats head on. I promised my rank to make sure these ponies got the chance to talk to you. If you turn them down, you can expect my squads resignation forms.” The Queen then smiles, “Good, very good, Lion Guard.” The Captain looks up, “Lion Guard?!” The Queen nods, “Only the best may become them. I presume you thought that meant the best physically. But your morals, reasoning, and want for peace makes you perfect to become one. Congrats, Lion Guard.” The newly made Lion Guard bows deeper, “Thank you, my Queen!” “Oh, get up already.” The Queen then looks back to us, more specifically me as I approach her, “How did a group of foals manage to beat a squad of Elves, especially when they had Rangers?” I approach closer, “I believe I have one sentence to explain it all.” She leans down to my level, “Than let’s hear it.” I reach up to her ear, and take the gamble, “I am from Tel’la De Rus.” I lean back, and see her eyes lock onto mine, “Show the scythe.” I summon my scythe into existence, “Here.” She looks at it, and her face turns to one of understanding, “Oh, yeah that explains a lot.” I step back as she straightens back up, “So, I was told you’d tell me the story of Raven?” She shakes her head, “I’m a Queen, not a King. Only the Dwarves and Humans Kings know the tale. I can tell you he was quite important, that’s why our city is named after him.” I sigh, “So we have to talk to the Dwarf or Human king to know?” She nods, “I’m sorry I can’t do more. But, I will call off all wars we are in.” She locks onto the new Lion Guard, “In fact, I will send the new Lion Guard to help you along.” He walks over to us, “I believe I have yet to introduce myself. Call me Frey, and I guess I will be helping you.” I look back to the Queen, “You sure you want to send him?” She nods, “I need you to succeed.” I look back at the wagon, “Off we go then.”