//------------------------------// // Chapter 20 // Story: The Nightmare // by Cirrus Sky //------------------------------// Late in the afternoon the wind whipped up as a big spell was cast. Mage-light crackled through the air. Pack animals, camping gear, luggage and finds all had to be transported to their proper place. A large number of people besides also needed to be taken from deep in the desert to a useful outpost near the city. On the dunes overlooking the ruined palace a group of black clad warriors waved off their new friend and their princesses. Many promises of letters and visits had been exchanged, after all, now that the Nightmare had been stripped from its host, the tribe were free from one of their ancient tasks. A final burst of light and the ruins were empty of life once more. The warriors turned heel and galloped off into the sands and to their people. -*- In an old abandoned fort, a squat square just off the Fort Mage city limits, a sudden gust and flash of light signalled the return of the adventuring party. Their animals were packed ready to go, the people were mounted quickly. “So, we’ll go back and return the horses and be on our way.” Rarity said. “You have the address for the farm and manor Twilight?” “Of course, here in my notebook.” The librarian patted her very dusty satchel, still faithfully at her hip. “Wonderful, though it is such a shame we will all part so soon after such an experience.” Rarity gave a little moue of sadness. “We’ll keep in touch.” Jack said, giving Rainbow a clap on the back, Shining a thump to the arm and the three princesses and Twilight a handshake and a tip of her hat. “Yes, wonderful.” Shining rubbed his arm and grimaced, though he quickly switched to a smile when the others looked at him. The princesses and the others waved Rarity and Jack off. “I’ll see you all around.” Pinkie said, she had brushed her uniform down and straightened out the creases and her fez was back in its proper place, her kitbag was at her hip and she was smiling widely. “I better report back in now Dashie is off the hook.” The Corporal flipped a sheet of paper from her pocket, “here you go, off the charges and completely free.” The pink haired woman pressed the sheet into the adventurer’s hand. “Byee!” She whipped around a series of hugs, one for everyone and then was away in her uncanny manner. “So we’re all done now then.” Twilight sounded a little sad and very tired. “The adventure is over.” “Maybe this adventure.” Rainbow gave the librarian’s chin a tap. “I’m sure you’ll dig us up another one from all those books and maps you have. Or the princesses will have something.” She waved over at the sisters, still engrossed in each other’s company after such a long separation. “Probably... I mean there is so much history that was lost once royalty gave way to governance by a council.” Twilight trailed off, a faraway look in her eyes. “Just think what they can shed light on.” “Yes Twily, but I really need a rest. Sleeping in an actual bed and having a week of proper square meals calls to me.” Shining grabbed his sister around the shoulders. “So let’s get back to our homes and get the laundry done and unpack this adventure before the next one eh?” He chuckled a little. “Though I suppose there are some other things you two need to get around to as well.” Twilight blushed a deep red and Rainbow looked thoughtful a moment. “Stop teasing them Shining.” Cadence scolded, “Besides, we have some catching up to do too.” The recently revealed princess left the trio to shepherd her mother and aunt to her home. “We’ve got some camels to return.” Twilight pointed to the animals, “Then, yes, some sleep.” She grabbed Rainbow’s hand. A merry group left the abandoned fort and started the short trip into the city. That night three pairs retired to bed, a lot less lonely than they had been a week before. A Princess still marvelled that her elder sister was returned. A long imprisoned mage looked across the room from her bed to see the peaceful face of her little sister and once again thanked harmony for this gift. A young woman was happy that even though her secret had been revealed, her long held love was undeterred and now peacefully sleeping beside her. More comfortable than he had been since a child, a cheerful man felt the weight of his partner leaning upon him and knew that he would never want to sleep alone again. In a well appointed townhouse that had always held one, two slept entwined. Protecting and protected, an emptiness they had never realised now filled. It really had been some adventure.