Chapter 8: Middle Journey
When the sun arose, so did House Caranae. Each of the five where off doing something else, wether washing their armor, or helping out with the daily chores. House Havren enjoyed having them around, because with a little more extra hands, things got done quicker. First off, they had to feed the ravens, then clean their cages, prepare breakfast. Hiltwing was used to this routine, and was able to efficiently accomplish the different chores, but the rest of House Caranae had more or less of a problem.
Drapney and Remedy helped out in the kitchen. They where making some kind of stew with fish in it. Which fish, she wasn't sure. Clairetti, like the Pegasi, enjoy eating sea food, and they would commonly include it in many recipes. Because of so many similarities between the Pegasi and the Clairetti, it is commonly accepted that their two races are closely related somehow. The only real difference is that the Clairetti all inherit the same color traits, and are stronger than Pegasi. Infact, just to add on their similarities, both cultures traditionally celebrate the art of war, although most of the Pegasi race is trapped in the Day, and thus do not focus on war anymore. There is, however, a small concentration of Pegasi outside of the Day, and they live in the floating city called Skyhook. Cloudsdale used to be their capitol before the Day struck, but Celestia's reign changed that. There are far more Pegasi in Equestria than out, but it's nice to know at least some escaped and now live their free life in the Lunar Republic.
The Clairetti would pay minor attention to the Day, because they knew it hadn't moved for the past 1,000 years since it's birth, but at the same time, if it were ever to expand, they'd need to be careful. The Clairetti support Luna, and the Lunar Republic; they respect it as the leading government on this side of the world, but it usually did it's own thing, and left the other nations to do their will. The Lunar Republic never has to go to war with other nations within it's territory, because all other nations know that they guard them from foreign threats like the Day, and they leave them be. Its a beautiful trade off that says "We will protect you and this entire land from the dictates of our own will. If you leave be, to do our work, we will leave you with yours." All the other nations, including the war torn, brutal ones, have some form of respect for the Lunar Republic. Luna serves not only her people, but them as well. And besides, she and Celestia are gods, and who would want to get in the middle of that kind of madness? Not to be mistaken, the Lunar Republic does have it's own designated territory, but they claim to protect all that stretches to the Sea.
The stew was ready, and Drapney called for everyone to gather for breakfast. They did, and every Clairetti within ears range came running. The pots where set down on the tables, and they would scoop their own bull fills freely. After making friends with those from House Havran, the Clairetti in House Caranae began to feel better about themselves, and heal from the emotional wounds they acquired. Friendship was magically changing their hearts, but they weren't exactly cured just yet.
After breakfast, they said their goodbyes, and departed away from House Havren.
After a long morning's travel, they made it to their next stop of House Clauda, home to Jyrial. It, like many Clairetti outposts that are scattered across the planet, was mainly underground. There were four entrances to the underground fascility, all blocked off by large wooden doors. House Clauda was located in the middle of a short grass valley that stretched in ever direction for probably 200,000ft. Because of how level House Clauda was with the ground, many travelers would simply pass by it, if it weren't for the flags that flew at every entrance with their House Symbol on it.
[House Clauda Symbol, as agreed to by members of House Clauda. The central oval represents the valley. The two circles represent the two battles that took place on the valley. The rectangle between both circles represents that they were only devided by time.]
Outpost Clauda, as it was called, was the original name of that underground facility. No one really knows why it was called Outpost Clauda, they don't even know if it was called Outpost Clauda when it was created. All they knew was that the only readable word they could find in the entire building was somepony's name Clauda, and they stuck with the name. Outpost Clauda was an ancient, abandoned outpost the Clairetti had built long back in their starting days, when King Solwein wanted to make Clairetti influence worldwide. The valley was said to be the place where Miss Clairetti had her legendary battle against Tirek, and using magic unknown to all, banished him into a realm where he could not escape, where he remains till this day. Most ponies think that the legend of Tirek is just that, a legend, and many refuse to accept it as actual history. Did that battle actually occur? We may never know.
An expedition was organized to find this valley, and many searched, but could not find it. It wasn't until a band of six Clairetti came out to this location to fight the what is now known as the final battle against the Dwarfs, when they stumbled upon the historical outpost, and realized the importance of the valley they stood in. It was more than a mere discovery that bound them together, it was the battle. The battle was the last one fought against the Dwarfs, and then started a long reign of good will between their races that continues till this day. It was the symbolism on how the battle they fought caused peace, and how the battle Miss Clairetti fought caused peace, that they felt connected to her in a way that can hardly be explained. They then banded together as war bound, and created House Clauda.
Jyrial didn't knock when approaching the door, he just simply opened it and walked in. The other members of House Caranae once again waited outside. Jyrial didn't bother to close the door behind him as he ventured further and further into the underground facility. When he came back out, he gave a nod, and they where on their way. Jyrial explained that the Head's wife was deathly ill, and all Clairetti within the building gathered around her to help, so they apologize for not greeting them at the door like the other Houses had done. There was only about six Clairetti total in the building anyway, most of them had responded to the call to protect the Homeland, meaning most of them were dead.
They then headed to House Falkren, they being so close to Dwarven boarder. When they arrived, Drapney started to have a sickening feeling in her stomach. Last month, she remembered, she was supposed to come back and find a suitor, and continue the growth of her House. All the other mares attended the ceremony, all except Drapney. Wether most of the mare actually got married didn't matter, most of them usually don't anyway. They then walked into another forest, but this one had wilder trees, and larger spaces in-between the trees then did the forest they walked through when visiting House Kilgrad. House Falkren was built as an underground facility like House Clauda, except with more beauty, and sturdier architecture. There was only one entrance to the building, and it was a large circular wooden door that leg into an equally as large walkway that stretched down into the main building. The House Falkren symbol was etched into the wooden door, it being cut in half down the middle by the doors. Drapney walked up to the door, and pushed it aside, then walked in. Unlike Jyrial, she closed the door behind her. She turned around to look down the ever so familiar hallway. It was all made of stone, and different designs were carved into almost every tile. The Dwarfs came by often to renovate the place, and they would decorate it with symbols, characters, and designs unique to the. Glass windows let in light from high near the celine, and it made the hallway look fresh and new. Some of the green leaves outside would reflect little specks of green light through the windows, and it added to the already light greenish color that was visibly noticeable in the floor, as if it where a thin carpet.
[House Falkren Symbol, as agreed to by members of House Falkren. The two circles represent the Clairetti and the Dwarfs, and both circles are connected to symbolize unity.]
Drapney walked down the hallway and to the double wooden doors that lay at the end of it. When she opened the door, the main corridor was as beautiful as the hallway. Light from windows shining in, and a light green ting touched the air, and made it seem clean, natural. Clairetti from House Falkren were walking around to who knows where, probably just going about their day, but they were interrupted by the sight of an old friend.
"Drapney?" One of them called out,
"Is that Drapney?" Another said,
"It is Drapney!" The first Clairetti to speak up said as he approached her. "How has it been?"
"Nothing good Jace" Drapney said, happiness obviously not present in her face, "I need to talk with father".
"Umm, I'm not sure that's a good idea Draps, he's, moody" Jace replied to what Drapney said, other Clairetti gathering around to get a better look at their friend that they all knew and loved.
"Why is that?" Drapney asked, little changed in her expression.
"Well, you weren't here last month, and he's worried that you never would return. All I'm saying is, if you go to him, he won't be happy."
"Well, better now than later." Drapney started to walk off,
"Whoa, wait. Why are you going so fast? Stay and visit for a while, catch up.
"I can't, people are waiting for me outside"
"Invite them in silly." Jace said with a smile, "Hey Corraz! There's someone at the door!"
"No! No. Just, stop, this isn't a visit, and I'm not staying for long."
"Wh- why not? We've missed you." Drapney's fellow House mates all nodded in agreement.
"You can't just walk in here and expect to leave just like that without giving a proper visit" Somepony else said. Drapney then gave them all a look that suggested that what she was trying to do was above greetings, and that it was important that they leave her alone and allow her to see the Head. They all stopped chattering, and allowed Drapney to pass. something was wrong, they could feel it, but they dare not ask. It seemed to personal to ask.
Drapney walked up to the Head's office, her father's office. He will be angry when he sees her, but her mission was above even him. She was a member of a new House now, and there was nothing her father could do about it. She then gently pushed the door open, and walked inside. Her father looked up to see who it was, and his eyes widened when he got a good look at his visitor. Drapney quietly closed the door behind her.
"Drapney" The Falkren Head said with a whisper,
"Hello dad." Drapney replied to her father's surprised look. His voice started to sound stern, like he usually does.
"Where have you been for the past month? Each day after the Ceremony I said to myself that 'Today she'll come' and when you don't, I wake up the next day and say the same thing."
"It's nice to see you too." She said, taking a seat in front of her father's desk.
"You should be ashamed, a few stallions where interested in your hoof in marriage and you wouldn't even show up, for a whole month!" His voice slowly escalated, "I welcome you back, but you are going to find a suitor today, I will not waist another day waiting for you to make a decision. I was lenient with you for the past two years, and now it's time for you to chose."
"I can't father." Drapney's eyes were cold, and un-yielding.
Drapney's father's face turned a light red with anger, "What did you say?"
"I said I can't, so I won't."
"You don't realize what it is I actually said to you, do you? What I said wasn't a suggestion you should consider, it was an order, a punishment for being a month late."
"Father, I have something to say…"
"No, you have nothing to say, you'll do as I say."
"No, I won't"
"Yes, you will, or so help me…"
"Father, I can't" Drapney's voice started to escalate as well,
"I am your Father! And Head of this House! And as long as you are a member of this House I ha…"
"I'm not a member of this House anymore!" She said, cutting off her father, but he stopped talking.
"What?" He said, the anger in his voice beginning to leave. Drapney calmed down to,
"I'm here for a parting meeting. I'm no longer a member of House Falkren."
Drapney's father looked very surprised, "Why? What happened?"
Drapney then went on to explain everything, the battle, House Caranae, the grave, everything. The more and more she spoke, the more and more her father's expression dropped from one of sadness, to one of sadness. "Father, I am a member of House Caranae, and thus cannot marry someone from this House, like I told you."
There was five minutes of silence, and then her father stood from his chair. He walked over to Drapney, motioned for her to stand, and gave her a large, loving hug. "We will miss you, my princess."
"I know you will father." She said, tears began to run down their faces.
When they let go, Drapney turned and headed for the door. When she opened it, a group of about three Clairetti toppled over into the room. They were listening in on their conversation.
"So, you're leaving us for good this time?" Jace asked, some tears swelling up in his eyes.
Drapney just continued walking, she didn't even look back to see Jace for the last time. She was finished here, and the sooner she could break away from House Falkren, the sooner she could thrive in House Caranae, where she now belonged. She thought of Derpy, and how no longer being under her fathers control, she would have an easier time going about on her quest Westward towards Equestria. The other House Falkren members looked at Drapney as she walked by, some tried to say hello, but she would ignore them and keep walking. It wasn't like she hated her old House or anything, it's the fact that she was still trying to recover from the death of her dearest friend, Draighholl. Drapney walked back up the entrance hallway, and out through the door, her comrades patiently waiting for her. She gave them a nod, and they went on their way.
The final stop was at House Lighthill. It will take a long time to make it there on foot, because House Lighthill was located in the arctic regions of the North, near what used to be the lone standing Crystal Empire. Like stated before, House Lighthill is focused on goodwill, and serving others. Many become Bruta units for no small reason. House Lighthill, before it was a House, was simply a secret organization called Lighthill. Located onto of a hill, operation Lighthill worked to free as many King Sombra slaves from his tyranny as possible. They worked hard to accomplish this, and they succeeded in freeing over 200 slaves. Their operation ended when Luna and Celestia overthrew the king, and returned the Empire's rule back to it's rightful owner, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. The Crystal Empire was saved, but the Clairetti at Lighthill refused to leave, they wanting to make sure that the Crystal Ponies were in the right hands. They then banned together to create House Lighthill. Unfortunately, the Crystal Empire is once again controlled with tyranny, thanks to Celestia, and Lighthill fulfills their duty as the Crystal Empire's silent guardians and saves the Crystal Ponies by bringing them to the Night. Their only threat is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but they have done well at hiding beneath her noticement. Most Crystal Ponies that were saved by House Lighthill still live at the Lighthill premises, making House Lighthill a very unique House, because it shares it's space with another race.
I took the rest of the day and all night, but House Caranae finally made it to House Lighthill, where they received the warmest greeting from both Clairetti and Crystal Ponies alike. Remedy smiled at the familiarity of goodwill House Lighthill provided, and smiled even more when she saw some of her friends. They allowed all the other Caranae members in as Remedy talked with the Head of her House, in order to get out of the cold. Remedy in about thirty minutes came back, and she begged that they stayed there and rest, because they had been walking the whole day. Jyrial agreed, and allowed the rest of the House to stay for the day until they had enough energy to move on. The House Lighthill symbol could be seen above the doorway.
[House Lighthill Symbol, as agreed to by member of House Lighthill. The big circle represents the hill, and the line and diamond fixed on top of it represents light. The smaller circle represents the Crystal Empire. The overall symbol means that there is hope out in the distance for the Crystal Empire, thus the size difference.]
Within their visit, many conversations about what had happened to the Homeland had began and ended. Everypony wanted to know how bad it was, and what they could do to help. Unless they turned back time, they couldn't do anything. What House Caranae currently was suffering through required time, not aid. After a the day had ended, Remedy showed them to a guest room, and they all rested nicely, warm, and relaxed. Tomorrow they will travel south east, all the way to the shore where it wasn't so cold.
***
Nighmare Moon awoke from her floor mat, her wounds didn't hurt as much. She poked her head out of the tent to discover that the Zebras were making gumbo. She had never had gumbo before, then again, she had never had a real reason to eat food ever, she was always inside Luna when they'd eat. Nightmare noticed that she was feeling awfully hungry, and the smell of the different seasonings in the gumbo made her stomach growl in anticipation.
"Good morning Princess" Pentano, the Zebra who helped her the night before, said. "Care for some gumbo?"
"Mmm, I will" Nightmare said, crawling out of the tent. The Zebras handed her a bowl and filled it with the liquidy flavorful goodness that came from the pot. Nightmare gently sat down and ate it while the other Zebras filled their bowls. It was delicious.
Nightmare was finished with her bowl when she realized that she'd better get back on her way, she's doing no good for the war effort just sitting there. She had to leave, but she wanted to give something to the Zebras in return, but she didn't know what that thing could possibly be, she had nothing to give. But then she thought of something, a horn, that when blowed on, she will come to their aid. Only to be used once.
Nightmare, using her magic, formed a small, smooth musical horn, and decorated it to look special. The Zebras watched as she created this piece of art she held in her magical grasp. Nightmare then enchanted it so when it is blown into, she would hear it, no matter how far away she was. "Here" She says, and passes it to Pentano, "It is a gift from me, a thank you for all that you have done. Blow into only in a time of need, and I will come to your aid. This spell shall only work once, until I reactivate it myself."
The Zebras bowed before her, never before had they been given a gift from a god. Pentano accepted the gift, it was still glowing with Nightmare's magic even after she had let go. "A gift we shall not abuse, your Majesty."
Nightmare bowed her head before Pentano, and then flew off into the sky. The Zebras beneath her gasped in awe as she flew away.
The wind blew through her mane as she flew, and it felt good. The wind crashing into her body, the adrenaline of speed, the feeling of flying, it overwhelmed her. It's not like she hadn't flown before, it's just that she wasn't held back from a conscious mind anymore. She could feel powerful feelings, and everything felt stronger, more alive to her. Nightmare smiled with the same bliss she had felt when she was filled with power from the moon, and she cherished that feeling. She kept gaining more and more speed, as if she was going steadily faster with each flap of her wings. In a much shorter time it took for Luna to fly the distance from the castle to Equestria, Nightmare made it to the castle. She landed hard on the balcony, and almost made it crack. The amount of wind she blew into the building when she landed was strong enough to adjust nearly everything in the room. Nightmare then walked into the building, and headed out into the hallway after crossing through her room. She walked down hallways, scaled stairs, climbed down stars, until she found the door she was looking for. It was a locked vault, much similar to the one Celestia had. Nightmare inserted her horn into the hole, lit her horn with magic, and watched as the vault door opened up for her. When it was open, all she found was dark grey, almost black, and red amulet with an Alicorn fixed on the top of it. It was one of six Elements of Chaos. Like the Elements of Harmony, the Elements of Chaos were created about the same time, and were meant to by a more powerful version of the Elements of Harmony. All it took in order to use them, was a person with a strong enough will power to could control the Elements of Chaos. That designated person was Discord, and the Elements of Chaos turned him into a psychopath, and he took the title as Spirit of Chaos. Luna then hid away all of the Elements of Chaos, and waited for the right person to arise that could control them. The power of the Elements, like their names, are opposites. The Elements of Harmony speaks to and influences one's sub-conscious mind, and brings out peace with you. The Elements of Chaos, unlike the Elements of Harmony, speak to and influence the Conscious mind, making conscious desires swell within you. It makes the conscious mind more powerful than the sub-conscious mind. Nightmare, though, doesn't have a conscious mind. She is incorruptible from the Elements of Chaos, and plans to use them as her final resort against Celestia. Chaos verses Harmony.
Nightmare latched the amulet to her neck, and she felt it curse through her body, looking for her conscious mind. All she did was laugh as she felt the amulet's frustration with not finding what it was looking for. Nightmare then turned to the wall to test it. Her horn glowed a delicious red, and she sent a beam of red energy from her horn to the wall. The beam of red energy was more powerful than she had anticipated, because she blasted a hole right through it. Nightmare then used her thunder magic again, creating a fog of dark clouds swirling around her and shot lighting from them. The thunder was more powerful than before, because it made the castle shake, as if in pain. Nightmare smiled widely, she may have found something that would make up for the power she lost from separating with Luna. As a final test, Nightmare Moon flew outside a window, and above the castle. She charged her horn and eyes with as much power as she could reasonably hold, then let it all out as a wave of red energy. The result was a blast so big and powerful, that it blaster a hole the size of her room through the whole building. But it didn't stop there; Nightmare tilted her head in different directions, and the beam followed, and destroyed everything it touched. The Alicorn Amulet does wonders for Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi alike, making them as strong as an Alicorn, but when it is equipped to an already powerful Alicorn, it's almost as powerful as the Elements of Harmony… almost. Nightmare starred out into the distance, she had a feeling where the other Elements of Chaos were located. Maybe the Alicorn Amulet was telling her. A overly pleased feeling entered Nightmares face, and she flew off into the distance to follow the feeling.
The castle behind her was destroyed. Nightmare currently, with the Alicorn Amulet, was strong enough to comfortably face Celestia, but she still had to think about Luna, and the Elements of Harmony. So, Nightmare went on a quest to find the other Elements of Chaos. Maybe Discord knew where they were.