The Gentle Beast
It was morning at Lakeview Manor and everyone was happy. Breakfast was just about ready, everyone was present except Rarity.
“Does anyone know where she is?” Barix asks in the general sense.
“I-I do.” Fluttershy was barley audible but the dragonborn was the only one that heard.
“Where is she?” To Fluttershy.
“We don’t know-wait,” Twilight looks to Fluttershy, “Fluttershy did you say something? Barix is friendly you know this already so you can speak up.”
“I thought I was.” A tiny bit louder this time.
“It’s ok, but you did say you knew where Rarity was, right?”
“Oh right…um…she’s in the basement.”
“What is that pony still doing in there?” Barix heads to the cellar door and opens it. “Hey Rarity, lets go, it’s time to eat!”
“I’ll be up in just a second darling! I’m just putting the finishing touches of Fluttershy’s armor!”
“Oh really that sounds great.” The timid mare says at the table, the yells back and forth could be heard threw the house. “I got a quick look at it yesterday and it looks wonderful.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Barix says as he joins the rest at the table, “I’m taking you out with me this time.”
A small squeak was heard before Rainbow stepped into the conversation.
“Whoa whoa whoa. Just what in the hay are you thinking taking poor Flutter out in a world like this?”
“Ah must agree with Dash,” Applejack interjected. “From what ah’ve seen this ‘Skyrim’ is no place for a mare like her.”
“Would you ponies relax. The trip I have planned is to only the top of the mountain and that’s it.”
“Oh you mean the Throat of the World right, home of the greybeards?” Twilight was showing just how much she was reading.
“That’s correct. Now I’ve been up that mountain so many times that I now if we leave soon then we will get to a town at the bottom before dark. Then it takes almost a day to get up and one to get down. Less if you know the shortcut. The trail up has at most a bear or a troll and nether are good at taking apart armor.”
“Then why bring her at all if ya can go it yerself?” AJ asked.
“She’s coming with me as, well as a carrier for other stuff I can’t carry. Plus you will all need to see the world at some point to get an idea of how it is here.”
“Hmm…ok fine but if Flutters comes back with even a scratch on her armor then you’re gonna get it.” Rainbow was very stern on this.
“You have my word.” Barix put his hand over his heart.
“Not good enough.”
“…Excuse me…what was that?” Lydia takes a look of shock and seemed like she was going to walk away since she knew exactly what might happen.
“Look Fluttershy is my best friend and I don’t want her to get hurt. You have to promise, no pinki-” She stopped talking as Barix stands up and was about to yell at her, but then just stops. She was half shocked and half surprised at his actions not knowing what to do.
“I keep forgetting that you are nothing but ignorant ponies who know nothing of this world. Fine if I must spell it out for you…” Barix was calmer, but not by much, “As the dragonborn, hero of Skyrim and all of Tamriel, I am gifted with the power of the voice. I study speech because it is power for me. I know just who powerful one word can be weather it be to save or take a life! There is no being able to understanding just how valuable words can be more than me…so when I say I give you my word that she will come back without a scratch on her I mean this…I will bring her back as healthy and well as when she left while I come back bleeding and broken! It that understood?!”
It took a minute to register everything. Everyone but Lydia was looking at Barix with surprise and some fear that he was going to strike out at them. All except Fluttershy who stared in admiration. He stood looking dead at Rainbow Dash waiting for a response.
“…ok.” She sounds just like Fluttershy.
The rest of breakfast was quiet but afterwards everyone went off to do their own thing. Soon after Rarity came up with the finished armor, Fluttershy was reluctant to come over, but when she did she was happy.
“Oh my Rarity, it’s just so beautiful.”
“It is isn’t it? You needn’t worry darling this armor will protect you from anything.” Rarity said.
“So what happened it’s not like you to take this long.” Barix said.
“Well this time was different, it was nothing short of a major project. First I couldn’t cure the moonstone and malachite right which ended with it looking dreadful. Then it took careful precision to shape the armor and if I didn’t do it just so it would break. But I suppose that’s why it’s called glass armor.”
“Exactly, still it shows how skilled you are to make it so quickly and with so little training.” The white mare blushed slightly at this, against the white coat she had it was quite obvious too. “So Fluttershy, I’ll go get ready do you need help with the armor.”
“No I should be fine, it looks pretty easy to get on.” Fluttershy responded.
Within a minute the two were ready to set off. Barix this time had on a different armor. It looked like steel armor but more grey than silver and had fur in more places. Barix had called it wolf armor, it was meant more for colder climates. He had a skyforgedsteel sword left side, a steel shield on his left arm and a skyforgedsteel axe on his right. He was going to bring his normal weaponry but with Rarity complaining that it wouldn’t match the dragonborn gave up and settled on his old faithful steel weapons. Fluttershy was giving a glass dagger and bow with a supply of arrows. Both had the sticky spell on them. The two head out a few hours from mid-day.
Fluttershy grew happy every time they pass an animal but then sad when all they did was run. Along the way she explains that she could communicate with animals back in Equestria. Barix thought this could be useful and was thinking of how for the rest of the trip. It was sundown when they reach the village. The sign had said Ivarstead. They walk into the inn for a place to sleep.
“AH Barix! It’s good to see you.” The owner calls from behind the counter.
“It’s been to long.” Barix replies to the owner.
“Are you lookin for a room? We’ve got one left if you want it.”
“I’ll take it.” Barix gives the money but then the owner noticed the pink maned pony.
“Sorry Barix but animals aren’t allowed in here.”
Fluttershy let out a small eep.
“If it’s not too much trouble can she stay in?” The dragonborn hands the owner another, slightly larger, bag of gold. He takes it almost without hesitation.
“I suppose since you made this place a lot more welcoming it’s not a problem, as long as it doesn’t go all over the floor.” He stares at the small pony who sinks back some.
“That won’t be a problem. Lets go Fluttershy.” She follows him to a room. Barix proceeds to take off his armor, Fluttershy didn’t.
“What do you want to eat?”
“O-oh…anything really…it’s fine.” As quiet as ever.
“Fluttershy,” the canary mare looks up to see him staring at her, “what do you want?” He said more assertively.
“Well…I-I did like those juniper and snow berries my friends and I had before…with honey.” She finally said.
“Ok I’ll be back.” He heads for the door but stops when he felt something next to him. It was Fluttershy. “Ok you can come with me, which might be for the best anyway.”
“What about you’re armor and weapons?” She looks at his arsenal sitting on the floor in a corner.
“We’re just picking berries I don’t need it. Besides, if it came down to it, I don’t need armor in a fight.”
Fluttershy was confused but went along with it anyway. They spent the last bit of the day just outside of town looking for and picking any berries that could be found. Nothing happened besides them seeing a bear in the far distance. Fluttershy was about to go talk to it but Barix said not to, she knew better now to do as he said. On the way back he stuffs them in his satchel to hide from the owner. His way on saving some bits…Why did I just think of bits instead of coin?
The issue of sleeping came up soon after. There was one bed, while it was plenty big for one, two people slash ponies would need to squeeze together. Fluttershy wanted to share the bed to feel more protected. Barix found this rather sweet and innocent. Before doing so Barix bard the door so no one would stumble in and see them together, when they did get to bed the two friends fell asleep rather quickly. Fluttershy felt more protected in her new friends embrace than she did in her armor, of which see was still in. the next morning went by pretty fast, Barix got his armor, both ate a quick breakfast, and set out, up the mountain.
Near the beginning Fluttershy looks up, not able to see the peak through the clouds but noticing the slope of the path she could tell it was going to be a while. The two armor clad friends pass the time by talking about each other’s respective home and playing some games along the way. It seems like only hours pass by but soon enough they found themselves face to face with the temple doors. Barix steps forward, he was about to knock on the door but it opens before he could revealing an elderly human with a grey hooded robe.
“Barix…it is good to see you again.” The elderly says.
“As is you, master Arngeir.” Barix replies. “May we enter?”
“We?” The robed one notices the canary pony behind Barix, “Oh I see you’ve made a friend,” snapping back to reality “yes, yes come in.”
The group walks through the temple taking the two friends to a meeting room. Taking seats they began talking again.
“So let me guess, you are here for more training.”
“Yes but more than that. My friend here comes from another world and they need a way back, I figured you could at least point me in the right direction.”
“Maybe…but first,” Arngeir looks to Fluttershy, “Where do you come from little one?”
“Um…I c-come from Equestria, sir.” Fluttershy softly speaks.
“There’s no need to be so formal little one but I must say I haven’t heard of that realm. The only thing I could suggest is to ask our master.” Arngeir suggests.
“Paarthurnax.” Barix says.
“You have a master?” Fluttershy asks Arngeir.
“Yes of course, it is how we were able to learn the way of the voice in the first place and in turn teach the dragonborn.”
“The sun will be setting soon so we should go meet with him before we can’t see anymore ourselves.” Barix suggests.
“Very well…we will be here setting up a place for you both to sleep the night.”
Fluttershy follows Barix as he walks outside but stops at a wall of blistering wind. She was told to cover her ears, remembering the volume of the first shout, she complies instantly.
“LOK!”
It was still not enough as she cringed up but they proceed to walk through the now clear path up. Barix kept this up a few more times but soon they came to the top. All she saw was a stone monument. A roar was heard in the distance, Fluttershy was getting scared again even though Barix tries to reassure her. A dragon flies up from the other side before landing on the monument facing them. Fluttershy shrieks as she hid behind Barix, he didn’t even try to comfort her this time.
“Hik goo nib ooll, it is good to see you again you Barix.” The dragon spoke.
“As is you, Paarthurnax.” A quick look to make sure the cowering mare confirmed she was fine and appeared to be a little calmer. “I apologize for skipping the formalities but I have come on an urgent matters that may require your assistance, this pony is-” The elder dragon cut the young dragonborn off.
“From another dimension yes. I can see it.”
“You already know? Does that mean you can help?”
“Th-this dragon is the grand master of the others in the temple?” Fluttershy was just a whisper.
“Indeed I am young one, and you are right not to trust me, one should never trust a dov, a dragon.”
“But you do Barix?” Fluttershy asks Barix.
“Call me stupid but I do.” He responds. “Why wouldn’t I trust a brother of mine?”
“I-I don’t understand, h-how is that dragon the gr-grand master and how are you related to him?”
“Yam fyr grit wod uon, so young and full of questions. How else would the humans learn how to use the power of the voice?” The dragon tells the little mare.
“I…I guess that makes sense, it is a dragonic power after all.”
“I’ll tell you about relations later if you want, but for now,” He turns to Paarthurnax, “Can you help me?”
“I myself cannot help you in your jeik fri, your quest, but I can help by giving you some advice that will point you in the right direction.” Barix holds on to ever word making sure not to miss anything and waits for the answer he came for. “You are on the right path in your fyk dee buh, search for knowledge, but you still have a way’s to go in order to complete the requirements.”
“Thank you friend.”
With that he bows to the elder then turns to leave.
“Dovahkiin,” he turns to Paarthurnax, “One last thing, you are closer to home than you realize.” Barix thought it over for a second but then starts back down the mountain.
The armored couple got back to the temple at night and soon go to sleep. Fluttershy insists on sleeping in the same bed again. Barix run what the elder dragon said over in his head trying to think of what it means, since he could sleep right away. In the morning she got up alone. In her search for her companion she found him with one of the greybeards, Arngeir again, and they were looking on a map. Barix saw her and soon pack up. They left the temple after he performs his normal farewells. Starting back down the path Fluttershy remembers the question she was going to ask.
“So…um…how are you related to that dragon-if you don’t mind my asking of course?” She quickly follows up with. Barix let out a small laugh.
“Its fine, you see, to be the dragonborn you have to have the soul and blood of a dragon, as such I am related to him.”
“…But that doesn’t make much sense. How could you know you are related to him? Doesn’t dragons have families with their own relatives?”
“Oh sorry I keep forgetting you and you’re friends aren’t from around here. Well, all dragons are from the same being, as such they are all related in one way or another. Having the blood of a dragon is no exception.”
“Oh I see. I think I understand now.”
“Ok anything else you have on your mind, we have a long walk down.”
“Not that I-AAAHHH!!!” Fluttershy screams.
Barix looks forward to see two frost trolls ahead of them about twenty feet away and closing fast. He readies his sword and shield. Already knowing the right strategy all he had to do is keep a fast pace, wear them down with small wounds, not get hit by those powerful arms, and he would do fine. His sword was flying and their arms were swinging but he was too fast for the beasts to get a hit in. Fluttershy could only back up in fear but was getting close to the edge of the cliff. Barix had a shot, he took it by stabbing one of them in the chest with the sword and delivering a finishing fire breath. It fell to the floor screaming in pain as he gets slammed by the other one. That blow was enough to send him into the side of the mountain then collapse on the ground. The whimper from the canary mare was enough to shift the troll’s attention from the downed warrior to her. Barix looks on as the troll saw her.
No it sees her. My chest…I can’t get up.
It gets closer.
I can’t let her get hurt but how can I help her?
It was right on top of her.
I can’t let her down…one more second.
It lifts its arm to strike.
I made a promise.
“WULD!”
Barix rushes forward slamming into the troll, sending both him and it over the side of the cliff.
Fluttershy catches up to him to see the troll being pushed away with an axe in its chest. She goes in and grabs Barix but he is too heavy for her to carry. Barix holds the crying mare tightly, knowing that it will all be over soon…for him anyway she could fly away. With the mare in his grasp he looks down to see the ground getting closer. About half a minute. He prepares for the worst.
He strikes an idea. Quickly getting to work he casts the Secret of Protection power.
“MUL! QAH! DIIV!”
Barix is shrouded in mystical dragon armor as he holds Fluttershy tightly on top. They land with a loud thud. Fluttershy can do nothing but cry in his arms as the realization of landing finally sinks in. she looks to see a crater around Barix. A double take on her hero finds he is conscious and bleeding in several areas.
“…B-B…Barix…come on…get up. We have to go.” She was quieter than usual. She starts to shake him some. “Barix…Barix…”
She has taken care of so many animals, nursed them to health, and even given real medical aid to some of her friends when they needed it. But now all that knowledge disappeared. All she could do is lay there and cry. Time was lost. The sound of hoof, or footsteps was heard and it was getting closer. She didn’t know what to do other than lay there and whimper. Soon some people walk into view wearing mostly fur outfits.
“Well boy’s look at what we found.” The leader, by the looks of it, says.
“That horse has some good lookin fur. That will be great come winter time.”
None of this was registering with Fluttershy as she was staring in fear and curiosity.
“Hey is that guy dead?”
“Why don’t you go check it out meat head.” The leader speaks up.
The grunt walks to the body. He had to push Fluttershy out of the way to check him. She stares in suspense subconsciously holding her breath.
“He’s alive,” Fluttershy collapses in happy tears, “but-” her sobbing was interrupted by one of them talking.
“Hey look at his armor.” The leader finally takes notice.
“That’s wolf armor.” The leader starts to laugh. “Look at that, we bagged us another beast fella’s. Take him and his pet with us, we’ll take their skins later.”
Fluttershy began to panic when they went to grab her but she cooperates when they tell her they would hurt Barix if she didn’t.
Barix starts to become conscious but just barely. Soon enough pain shot throughout his body, it was a pain he wanted to yell from but was to shocked to do so. Everything felt broken, bones, muscle, skin and all. After some time he was finally able to gather himself. Eyes still closed he starts to go through his standard unconscious procedure.
Ok just like before…I’m sitting this time…and my hands are cuffed. Ah! I can’t move…it hurts too much. I need to heal.
Barix casts his healing power ‘Mora’s Boon’. Relief, comfort, and relaxation washed over him with the familiar warmth. Now able to open his eyes he gets tackled by a small and soft figure.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re ok! I was so worried that you wouldn’t wake!” She cried in his arms yelling. Yelling for her that is.
“It’s ok now I’m here to help.”
Holding the weeping mare he took in his surroundings. They were in a cell, not a jail cell were guards held criminals, but a worn out cell that might be inside a rundown fort or large building. A person walks into view with a slightly surprised face.
“You’re awake. Well it took you long enough. We were starting to wonder if we needed to wait another day to cut another one of you up.”
“Judging by your outfit…you’re with the silver hand.”
“You must be one of those beasts with a brain, what little you have anyway. Either way you can’t do anything now without your own gear.” Confirming what the silver hand said he looks to see both him and Fluttershy had no armor, at least she still wasn’t hurt. “Oh yeah that thing wouldn’t shut up until we put you both in the same cell.”
“You wouldn’t even give me a fair chance of defending myself. That’s just like you silver hand…no honor.”
“Like you are one to talk you filthy beast. You can do nothing now until sundown which isn’t for another half a day. Your kind has killed countless of us, and you’re telling me I have no honor? Do us both a favor and shut your snout.”
“Your hearts might be in the right place but the thing is you go after the warriors and heroes that help everyday people.”
“I said shut your snout you disgusting daedra!”
“What are you going to do about it?…milk drinker.”
“SAY THAT ONE MORE TIME BEAST! JUST ONE MORE TIME AND I’LL RIP OUT THAT HORSES TOUNG!”
Fluttershy was back to being scared but Barix knew he had him.
“…Milk drinker.”
Without hesitation the silver hand opened the cell door, pulled an aimed arrow at the cowering mare, and took a shot. He didn’t even realize it until the arrow was caught. Barix was standing in front of him with the arrow in hand and chains broken. The silver hand stumbled back and fell to the ground.
“No-how is this possible, you can’t turn. It’s still day outside.” Panic was dripping in his voice as fear took his face.
He gets up and runs away. Fluttershy looks at Barix doubting if she wanted to know what was going on. He turns his head so she could see half of his face. To her it was like looking into death itself. Barix had blood shot eyes and all his teeth were sharp.
“Fluttershy,” he was talking in a low voice, “Wait here for a few minutes. I will come back to get you.”
She responded with a low whimper, universally meaning yes…or so he thought. He walks off. The scared mare huddles in a corner waiting. She starts whimpering again as the sounds of distant screams reach her ears. For a long time she sits there while the inescapable sounds of metal against metal, ripping limbs, and screams of pain assault her. She starts crying again. All of it stops after what seemed like forever. She hears something approach but it stops right outside the cell and out of sight, she looks over waiting for her turn to leave the nightmare.
“Fluttershy,” the voice was deep and raspy, almost like two were trying and failing to speak in perfect unison. “It is me…Barix.”
“Barix? What happened? Are you alright?” she walks over to the door but is stopped.
“Don’t come closer. First I need to tell you that this is me, no matter what you see or what you may feel, I am in control.”
“Why are you tell me this?” Some fear in her voice.
“Because I need you to know I won’t hurt you and that you can still trust me.” Tears begin to collect in the corners of her eyes as she whimpers yet again. “Say it Fluttershy.”
“B-Barix…I…”
“Say ‘I know you will never hurt you’.”
“…I…I know…you will n-never…hurt me.”
“Step out of the cell, Fluttershy.”
It takes a minute but soon enough she does so to see a sight that she never could have imagined. Less than a foot away a large wolf-beast stands. It had red eyes, sharp claws and teeth with blood coating them, thick black fur, elongated muscular limbs, and was three times the size of any person she had seen. It took her breath away along with her tears.
“Barix…is that…you?”
“Yes. Like I said I wo-”
“You look so handsome.” She felt her cheeks heat up a little.
“What?” Barix felt like a purple troll with three heads came up to him and slapped him across the face.
“Oh but,” she turns to see a lone cloth on a table. She takes it and wipes the blood from his mouth. “There all better.” She goes in for a hug only to find her hero is damp with blood…his own blood. “Oh no Barix, you’re bleeding badly.”
“I will be fine. What matter now is that we get you out of here and back to the manor.” He picks up the mare gently and places her on his back.
Fluttershy was able to snug into the softness once his back was leveled. Barix began to walk to the exit he saw during his raid, on the way he picks up a chest with his teeth. Stepping outside the sun hit him. Seeing the silver hand he knew he was somewhere in Whiterun Hold. Getting his bearings he begins walking. It takes time while balancing the now sleeping mare on his back, avoiding all people and making sure all creatures he saw ran away, he eventually came to the familiar sight of the witch’s makeshift tribute area. As he began climbing he could feel the transformation fading.
Twilight was at the table as always reading her last book. She put it down with a sign.
“Still nothing. This whole time and all I can remember is a circle. What did that spell do to my head?” She was hitting herself in hopes of jogging her memory.
Lydia walks into the room.
“Twilight I got some of the books you requested.”
“Thanks Lydia, I might of gone insane hitting myself.” Two of the books stuck out at her. “What are these two? ‘Secrets of Enchantment’ and ‘The Alchemists Guide to Potion Making’?”
“Some of the books you need I couldn’t find and some are rare so I thought these might help.”
As she finished talking a bang was heard at the front door. The doorknob fell revealing the evening sunlight. Lydia draws her sword. Twilight silently calls for her friends who were meeting in the bedroom. The door opens to a severally wounded Barix with no armor and a sleeping mare on his back being held up by his arms. Lydia rushes to his side as the others did a few seconds after seeing him. Twilight lifts her friend off his back with her magic, which he then drops to all four’s. Twilight takes Fluttershy off to the bedroom. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but notice blood on her but there was no sign of any cuts or bruising.
“Rainbow Dash,” her attention was turned to Barix who was getting to his feet with Lydia’s help, “like I said…bleeding and broken.”
“I didn’t think you would actually come back like that you bucking idiot.”
With that Lydia then helps Barix to his room. Pinkie Pie calls the others left in the hallway outside.
“Hey girls, come check this out.”
Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash trot outside to see Pinkie bouncing in front of an open chest. She moves aside for her friends. They see a set of perfect glass armor with a matching dagger and bow with arrows completely untouched.
“Well would ya look at that RD, not uh single scratch on her armor.”
“Big deal.”
She flaps off. Landing on the roof and stares at the sunset. For the rest of the evening she couldn’t help but feel respect for Barix.