//------------------------------// // I am her Pupil // Story: The Queen of Blood's Pupil // by Vrede //------------------------------// I steeled myself for the mentors gaze. The grand doors to the Queen of Blood opened. She sat on her throne, swirling an empty chalice with her hoof. Upon the opening of the doors she met my gaze. Her blood filled stare sent chills down my spine. “Ah,” she said through the echoing halls, “my pupil, please do enter.” I bowed my head and stepped forward. The grand doors groaned as they closed behind me. As I approached I stopped to kneel. “Rosa Maledicta the Queen of Blood,” I gave praise through my voice, “it is good to see you in perfect health.” The Queen of Blood slammed her hoof on the leg-rest of her throne. She showed her fangs and spat. “I told you to call me Rosa! I am Queen of Blood to others, but to you I am Rosa, your trusted mentor.” I quaked in fear, “Yes Que- Rosa, my mentor.” “Better,” She said in reply, “now come along.” She remove herself from her throne, “our lessons begin.” I trailed behind her, catching glimpses of her flank. My mentor had been my savior, a mother. Back in Equestria at Canterlot, I was an orphan. Unwanted from the aristocratic society and nobility. There, the Headmare ensured strict rules on us fillies and colts. The nights we had no dinner, the mornings we had to clean the orphanage and the sadistic nature of her painful words towards our feelings. I fled the orphanage when I got the chance. It was Rosa, who found me on the streets of Canterlot. She took me in and gave me purpose. The lessons Rosa gave were merciless, however, they provided knowledge in each one. Simple tasks, magic tricks, illusions, conjuration, alteration and destruction. I learned that the gifts she has granted, made me a powerful Unicorn. Our lessons took place in the Halls of Study at Magehold. Here Necromancers, Vamponies and Liches come to practice magic. The Halls of Study is a large circular room comprised of two stories. Forbidden tomes, spells, runic stones and books are crammed in shelves. As we entered, the Vamponies knelt before their Queen, while Necromancers and Liches forbade their eyes from catching a glimpse. "My foul subjects, exit this room at once!" Rosa shouted. In a heartbeat, the room was cleared. No creature wished to disappoint their Queen. The last time one Necromancer refused to leave... Rosa made a public display of her brutality. The screams are still heard outside Magehold, as he is forced to stay alive, re-living his torture through dark arts. Our lessons began without interruption. The Queen of Blood had me read through a series of spells and cast them with precision. I focused on the task at hoof, providing Rosa with my obedience. I performed spell after spell. At times I fail, but others I succeed. Failure is graced with punishment and Rosa knows when to provide. A hoof to the cheek, a spell to gift enhanced pain or sensitivity, the whip and sometimes the dungeon. I have the scars to prove my failures, however, I remain true to Rosa. "Enough for today," Rosa spat, "you have much more to learn my pupil. I want to see success by next moon." Blood and sweat mixed on my forehead. My legs wanted to crumble before me. A pounding headache erupted halfway through the lesson, feeling if some creature was punching me repeatedly in the back of the head. I watched Rosa leave the room, leaving me in a broken state and I smiled. She granted me more knowledge, making me ever more powerful. I coughed blood and made a short prayer to Rosa, the Queen of Blood. I revel in her torment and teachings. I adore her brutality she grants me. Other creatures began to enter the Hall of Study. They took notice of my state, but ignored me. To them, this is a common sight. They have seen me like this before. Some snicker and make snark remarks, ensuring I hear. “I see the Queen has played with her beloved pet once more.” said a Vampony, “tell me mortal, did you relish in her pleasure? Did she bestow a red kiss?” “Argh,” said another, “Thrall, please remove this... thing, this is a place for learning.” The servant bowed and levitated me off the ground. “As you wish Madame Redblood,” replied her thrall and soon I was thrown out. Time passed and my magic returned hours later. I performed a simple spell to dull the pain of my wounds. Healing will take time and the hallway is not the place. My quarters are on the opposite side and the pain of simply walking took its toll, but it was all in the name of Rosa. Her lessons are the most giving. I entered my quarters and was greeted by my familiar, Erika. She crowed upon my entry. My familiar was a black Raven with golden glowing eyes. She has been with me since Canterlot. I forged her through magic under one of Rosa’s lessons. We grew up together and became inseparable. Erika perched herself on my back and crowed. “The Queen of Blood of course, Erika.” I replied. She crowed twice close to my ear. I gave her a quick nuzzle, “if it was not for her I would not have you. Besides, I enjoy the lessons, Erika. A bird whose known me all these years knows by now.” She crowed once more. I frowned at her response, “I know you worry about my safety, but know that I am well. The Queen will not bring death upon me. I am her pupil, not a slave.” Erika flew to her open cage and pointed at my to do list with her beak. I scanned quickly through the list as much of my duties had been completed. There was one that caught my eye and I groaned, “The Bloodnight Ball, tonight.” The Bloodnight Ball a night where the vampony noble classes come and discuss matters of the state, household, alliances and rivalry’s. I cared little for nobles back in Canterlot and I don’t care for the nobles here. If i had a choice I would not attend, but I do not in this matter. I am Rosa’s pupil and as her pupil I must be present. I sighed in defeat, “Thank you, Erika. I suppose I’ll need to borrow a suit from some pony.” Erika crowed, thankful for being praised.