“And that’s all the pressing issues for today. Does anyone else have anything to add?” Common Grounds asked. None responded. The stallion was about to close things out when he saw their resident shamaness looking rather distracted. “Aboyami, do you have something to say?”
The zebra snapped out of her stupor and looked to him. “Uh, I, um…” she stuttered before sighing. “I’m afraid I do. I… will be leaving Newvale.”
--
Aboyami sighed. The response had been more drastic than she thought. Everyone was shocked to hear her announce her departure. After explaining herself she retreated back to her hut and examined the scroll with the official royal seal.
CERTIFICATE OF LICENCED NECROMANCY
By royal decree this certificate does hereby grant Aboyami the right to practice skills that fall under the umbrella of “Necromancy.”
This subject is allowed to use her skills, including temporarily summoning spirits and raising the dead for the purpose of allowing communication with friends and family.
This subject may be called upon for other uses of their skills by governmental authorities.
Signed,
Princess Celestia
She sighed. This was what she wanted. It was what she strived for ever since she had joined Newvale. Now she was going on a very personal mission. To allow Talos to speak with his family, even his father, and for Flare’s family to know of what become of her and her lover Frostfall. It was a great privilege to carry their sentiments to their surviving families.
So why is it that I feel so hesitant?
“Mistress Aboyami, are you alright?”
The zebra turned to see the changeling known as Flicker enter her hut. She was an interesting member of her race, having pupils in her eyes rather than fully colored. She was also her protégé and assistant as she had developed the Spirit Sense psyenergy.
“Flicker, how many times must I tell you not to call me Mistress?” she sighed.
“Until you stop making such a big deal out of it,” she answered with a smirk.
Aboyami could only shake her head and laugh.
“But seriously, what’s wrong?”
“I just… I feel conflicted. I am compelled to continue my family’s mission as well as continue to help others, and yet…”
“Hey, it’s no big deal!” Flicker said, wrapping a hoof around the shamaness’ neck. “It’s not like you can’t come back! By Sol, that’s the reason I’m going with you! I mean, I like you Mistress, and I want to help others too, but I wouldn’t go with you if I wasn’t coming back.”
The zebra chuckled. The changeling was almost her opposite in every way: loud, boisterous, never caring much for details. And yet, she was undeniably kind. Perhaps she was just the kind of creature she needed to balance her out.
“Thank you Flicker. Could you perhaps do some packing for the moment? I need to speak with Auric.”
“Oh, so you’re heading down to his fortress, huh? Well, good luck! Make sure not to walk in on him and Measured!”
“Flicker!”
---
Aboyami knocked on the doors to the imposing structure.
“Just a minute!” came a sing-song voice, what that was not what she was expecting yet sounded vaguely familiar. A moment later a certain lavender alicorn opened the door.
“Oh, hello. May I help you?”
“Um, hello Princess Twilight. Well I-”
“Oh, hey there Aboyami. What are you doing here?” asked a familiar golden coated stallion. It was still rather difficult to imagine that this pony was the bipedal master of alchemy not long ago.
“I came to inform you of something. Did I come at a bad time?”
“Oh, not at all! In fact we just finished and I was about to leave. Hee hee! I can’t wait to get ready for more experiments!” Twilight exclaimed with glee.
Experiments?
Aboyami noticed that despite her giddiness the alicorn looked exhausted, her coat, mane and tail somewhat miffed and unfurled.
“Ok, well I’ll see you later Auric!” she called as she began to trot home.
The two watched her leave before the zebra mare turned to the stallion.
“I thought Measured was your special someone.”
“Huh? Wait, you thi- NO! NO! SO MUCH NO! IT WAS JUST-! Ugh, you know what, just forget it. Come inside.”
---
“You’re sure about this?”
“Yes,” she answered firmly. “It is what I desired all this time. And aside from my special services the town will do fine without me. I taught Scarves most of my herbal recipes, and many others are able to create Growth crystals.”
“I see. But why did you come to me? You didn’t need my permission.”
“I just thought you should know. And also, telling you makes it feel more… official. And, well… it-”
“Helps your resolve if you can tell the one you see as your leader?”
She sighed. “Yes I, suppose so.”
“Aboyami, it still feels like you’re hiding something from me. Is there more you want to say?”
“Well, it’s just that… The Newvale Adventuring Troupe. They were the ones that reminded me to continue my mission. However, although I was considered one of if not the most adept in my tribe at our craft I have never used it to summon… summon one I personally knew. When I called their spirits at the memorial you made and I spoke with them, it finally drove home that they were truly gone, that I will never see them walking our streets again. All my life I had been conditioned to accept death as something as normal as breathing, but now....” The zebra shook before continuing. “For the first time I fear death, because now I have those who I greatly fear to lose.”
“I see. Aboyami, I can’t promise that everything will be ok, but I can promise you this,” he began before reaching across the table grasping her hoof. “Not matter what happens Newvale will love you, and it will always be willing to take you back. Those feelings will go with you when you leave. The ones you care about will always be with you. That I am certain.”
It was an undeniably clichéd line, and yet it had the desired affect on her heart. She sighed in relief.
“Thank you Auric. On a personal note, I am glad to see you become who I hoped you would be, even from when you were still Dullahan. Though we may be managing ourselves now you will always be our beloved leader.”
He smiled. “I appreciate it.”
---
The next morning Aboyami and Flicker, both cloaked in the traditional garb of her tribe and pulling a cart full of supplies, found a rather interesting roadblock at the entrance to town. Quite literally everyone was waiting for them, even Dullahan, Auric, and Measured.
“Thought it only right to see you two off,” the golden pony stated with a smirk.
With that the floodgates opened. ShiverSpine hugged the zebra and Scarves gave her a respectful bow. Amber gave Flicker a friendly noogie before the changeling responded in kind, while Pyre Flare smiled and gave her a hoofbump. Fluffy squeezed and licked the two, and many more heartfelt goodbyes came.
Alright, that’s quite enough, Dullahan interrupted. At this rate they will never leave. The town quieted while the armor stepped forward. Aboyami, Flicker, it need not be said but I shall anyway. You will always be welcomed here, no matter how far you travel and how long you are away. We will await your return with open arms. He turned to the crowd. Is there anyone who would like to say one final farewell?
The was a pause before a certain preacher stallion came forward. Rather than simply come to front of the crowd, he stopped right in front of the zebra.
“Aboyami,” Silver Cross began, using his addressing voice. “You’ve been here a long time. Even though we had out differences early on, I can’t imagine this place without you. Which is why it pains me to see you go. A shepherd always wants to take care of his flock, so he always feels scared when one leaves. So, um… what I’m trying to say is… Aw, buck it!”
The unicorn locked lips with the striped mare, causing everyone to go silent. Aboyami’s eyes widened for a moment in shock and surprise before closing them and leaning in, deepening the kiss. Cheers came from the crowd, including a few whistles from Flicker and Amber.
Silver Cross hesitantly broke the kiss before glaring at her. “Ya better make it back lass, or ah swear ah’ll learn yer arts myself just so ah can bring ya back and give ya good smack!”
The zebra couldn’t help but chuckle. “Of course, Silver Cross.”
“And you!” he shouted, turning to Flicker. “Ya better make sure she gets taken care of or ah’ll be making ya into a pincushion with mah bayonets!”
The changeling puffed her barrel out and gave a mock salute. “Sir, yes, sir!”
After a good round of chuckles from the crowd the zebra and the changeling were finally off, the hoods pulled down on their heads unable to conceal their smiles.
Within ten minutes the crowd had dissipated, and none heard Measured whisper to Auric. “Now why can’t you be that open?”
“Oh come on, don’t start.”