The Mage's Jump

by Marvelous Cheshire

Chapter 6

I opened my eyes to find myself once again in my dreamscape. The familiar weightlessness I felt whenever I came here bringing me minor comfort. Thankfully, there was no guest this time. This is a good sign, last time I couldn’t get this far, let’s hope the rest of my plan goes as well. I looked behind me, seeing a thick dark cloud hiding the image of my soul. Breathing a sigh of relief, I tuned back to the endless void before me and tried to open a gate.

I clapped my hands together and began reciting the old incantation, drawing forth my power to open the gate. After what felt like an eternity, I felt a slight tug, signifying my success. A swirling blue portal appeared before me, and even though I wasn’t in a physical form, I felt chilled by the energy of it.

“Perfect,” I said with a smirk. I instinctively took an unneeded breath before walking through.

‘Same place as the last time.’ I muttered internally as I looked over my surroundings, I was in a thick forest of evergreen trees. Looking down, I found that I had been dressed in a thick fur lined cloak, along with boots and gloves made of the same material. ‘Odd, normally I appear in my normal robe.’ I didn’t think too hard about it. My guess would be she was expecting me.

With that in mind, I quickly turned down the nearest path and began walking. I learned last time I was here that it’s a not a good idea to stay in these woods too long. I kept my sight forward, trying my best to ignore the sounds around me.

After about twenty minutes, I found the end of the forest. speeding up to a jog, I made my way from the dense woods to an endless plain of snow. ‘Never thought I’d be happy to see that. Now, where is it? I scanned the area around me before spotting my target, a large armored bear sitting patiently and looking right at me.

“I take it you’re my ride?” I asked the beast. It gave a small nod in reply before lowering itself for me to get on. Once more I took a quick breath out of habit and hopped on.

I had about five seconds to get settled before the mount took off. Starting at a slow but steady lumber, it quickly picked up paced until it was charging ahead. As the wind began to sting my face, I pulled up the face cover built into my clothes.. After a while, I caught sight of an outline of a large structure, our destination no doubt.

The bear slowed as we neared the structure ahead of us. The building before me could only be described as a fortress. Huge pillars and towers extended around the building, covered partially by the enormous wall surrounding it. I dismounted the bear and gave it a nod in thanks before making my way down the bridge to the entrance.

I walked through the open large gate of ice, giving a quick glance to the to two large ice golems positioned on either side. I keep a steady pace, occasionally glancing at the open area of the courtyard. I continued my walk until an oddly familiar being landed before me.

“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Reinhart.” The ice blue pegasus from the restaurant said with a bow. I could only stare in confusion as the ‘pony’ turned and trotted over to the door. I shook my head as she placed a hoof on the door’s glyph, causing it to glow faintly before opening. “Follow me please.” She said as she began trotting down the main hall.

“Who are you?” I asked as I caught up to her. She just shrugged, not a common response for a being of the aether. “Are you the same pegasus from the restaurant?” This time I got a nod. “Name?” She stopped and looked back at me.

“Why do you ask me such questions?” She asked me. I just shrugged mentioned to her form. “...My name is Aurora Frost , or simply Frost if you prefer. As for why I was there, I was tasked by my Queen to ensure that the letter got to you safely.” She turned and continued down the path. I remained silent and walked behind, glancing at the tapestries on the walls as we passed. The fact that she actually given a name signified she was no average golem, only those of the highest ranking in Shiva’s kingdom are given them.

I felt a shift around me, and looked down to find myself dressed set of Elven robes. Reaching behind me, I found that my hair had also been tied back. I tried my best to ignore the chill running down my spine at this. Few beings are capable of altering the appearance of a visiting being in the aether, but this was one of the three children. The first offspring of Bahamut, she could kill me without a second thought if I provoked her. As unlikely as it seemed, I couldn’t take that chance.

“Announcing the arrival of Lord Trace Reinhart of Cornelia!” An unseen voice called out. The doors to the throne room swung open, revealing large golems lined up on either side of the path, stopping three quarters of the way down. A large throne of ice with a single figure lay at the end of the path. Frost stood in the doorway, waiting there until her queen called for her.

As I walked, the golems closest to the throne began fading, and the walls began turning pure white. At two thirds of the way, I could clearly make out the figure on the throne.

Shiva was as beautiful as ever, her light blue skin against her dark blue hair. I couldn’t help but feel humbled by being in her presence. Her outfit only added to her appeal. Several pieces of cloth wrapped around her bust and thighs to cover herself, while still showing off her figure.

Despite this, I could feel her aura as I got closer. A deep chill that gave me a sense of fear and intimidation, something that would make anyone think twice before going up against her.

She smiled as I approached the throne. “Greetings Lord Reinhart. It is a pleasure to see you again.” She said. I gave a bow in greeting.

“Likewise, Lady Shiva.” I said as I rose, giving a smile of my own. We remained silent for several seconds before Shiva began laughing. “Glad to see you haven’t changed.” I commented.

She stopped laughing after a moment,. “The same could be said of you, Trace Reinhart.” She frowned before speaking again. “I suppose you are here to discuss the letter?” I gave a silent nod. “I am sorry to say that I don’t know much, other than that it will occur by the end of winter. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you, but I would advise to take caution.” I frowned but nodded, I knew she’s telling the truth. “Though, perhaps there is something I can do.” Shiva gave a smirk. “Should you wish to invoke part of the debt.” Clever girl, she might not be able to help directly, but that will allow her to provide assistance in her own way.

“Very well. I invoke our deal, and seek help when the time comes that the danger makes itself known.” She nodded and held out her hands. I copied the action. After a moment an orb created from a fragment of her magic formed in the air between us, before slowly floating over to my outstretched hand.

"With this shard, you shall be granted the power to call upon my boon when you feel the time has come."

As the orb descended onto my palm, I felt an unknown piece of magic begin fusing with my being. With a flash, the orb bonded to my palm, a faint blue glow radiating off the glyph it created.

“When the time comes, call forth my name, and I will provide you a gift that shall aid you in the trials ahead.” I gave a nod of thanks before heading for the exit. “That will not be necessary.” Shiva said. Conjuring a portal back to my dreamscape. I gave another nod of thanks and walked through.

I felt the chill vanish as I closed the portal and reconnected myself to my mind. “Well, might as well find something to do until either that guy from last time comes around, or I wake up.” I rubbed my chin in thought. Meh, better than nothing. I summoned a large table with a teapot, cup,and deck of playing cards sat down and poured myself a cup of jasmine tea, not my favorite but good nonetheless, before starting up a game of Solitaire.

“And that makes twenty three wins and seven losses.” I muttered as I reshuffled the deck. Something better happen soon or-

*thud*

...Nevermind. I glanced up from my current game to find a familiar blue Alicorn. “To what do I owe the pleasure of having the Princess of the night in my dreamscape?” I asked as I took a slip of tea.

“I was curious as to how somepony would be able to enter a dreamscape without me noticing.” Luna said, furrowing her brow as she looked around the void. “Though I suppose I should amend my question, how are you able to enter this realm without my knowledge?”

I shrugged. “Those of my family have always been capable of such a feat. My dear Princess, we are within my own mind, and here, I am lord.” Luna scowled a bit at that. apparently thinking over my answer.

“So you have done this often?” She asked.

“In the past, yes, but I stopped for awhile. I’ve only started to once again after entering Equestria.” Luna raised a brow in curiosity. “Reason I’d prefer not going into Princess. There are... times I do not enjoy sharing my memories, even with those I trust.” She frowned but nodded.

“Very well, I will leave your memories alone so long as you wish. But we would like to see the events of your Time on your world with Twilight Sparkle.” I looked up at her as I ended my game, eight losses.

“Very well, nothing wrong with that.” I snapped my fingers and summoned a screen to show the events of my meeting with Twilight. “Tea?” I asked as I offered her a cup.

“Thank you.” She said as she took it in her magic. I left her to watching the screen as I continued playing game after game of Solitaire.

After about two hundred and eighteen games, halfway through which I switched to pyramid, Luna tapped her hoof on the table to get my attention. Just as well, I lost count of my wins about fifty games back.

“Thank you for showing us this, it is a relief that Twilight remained unharmed for the majority of her time there.” I nodded in reply as I reached for my cup once more. Luna waited until I had started drinking to ask, “Do you love her?” I nearly choked on my tea before attempting a glare at the Alicorn. “I will ask again. Do you love Twilight Sparkle? You stated that you had feelings for her before, what of now?”

I paused to think over my answer.“I’m not sure.” I said hesitantly. “I feel affection, but I’m still not quite sure if it’s truly love or not, and I’m not sure how Twilight feels.” Luna mulled over my words before nodding.

“Very well, then we would like to make a request. Think it over, search your emotions and decide whether or not you love her. It is never good to keep emotional problems to yourself, you could end up hurting the... other.” Luna said with a partially melancholy expression.

“I know. And I will.” I said calmly. Luna began to make her way out before I remembered something. “Wait!” She turned back to me with a curious expression. “I learned of a possible threat in the near future, and spoke to Shiva on this matter shortly before you showed up.” She trotted back to me with serious expression. “Here.” I quickly conjured a quill and parchment and jotted down what little information I had before passing it to Luna. “Not much, but it’s all I know.” Luna gave nod in thanks before disappearing with a flash.

“Greetings, Twilight Sparkle.” A regal voice said behind me. I spun around to find Princess Luna standing in the doorway.

“P-Princess!” I stuttered before kneeling. Luna chuckled before lifting my head with her hoof, giving me a friendly smile. I smiled back before looking around the room.

“An interesting domicile.” Luna said.

“It’s Trace’s house on Gaia.” I responded while looking around the den. Luna nodded and followed me as I searched around the house. Finding nothing interesting, I returned to the den and sat down on the couch, similar to how I was when I first woke up here.

“He cares about you.” Luna said suddenly. I looked at her in confusion. “I spoke to the mage a few moments ago. He informed me of a possible threat in the near future.” I nodded. “He cares about you, but how do you feel about him?”

“I-I’m not sure. I’m happy he chose to come with me, and I felt...something when he kissed me, but I don’t know if it’s love.” Luna simply smiled before placing a hoof on my shoulder.

“Think about your feelings, and when you are certain of them, tell him.” She said in a caring voice. I nodded slowly as Luna smiled once more before trotting to the doorway. “Pleasant dreams, Twilight Sparkle.” And with that, she was gone. The world faded into darkness around me.

I slowly cracked my eyes open to find myself back in my bed, the first bits of sunlight beginning to shine through the window. Trace laid next to with a hand resting on my back. I blinked slowly as Luna’s question resonated in my head

‘Do I really love Trace?’

I let the question repeat as I laid my head down on Trace’s chest, his calm heartbeat lulling me back to sleep