//------------------------------// // Settling in // Story: Crystal Castle // by Skrive Flip //------------------------------// Sombra walked in front, holding a reasonable pace for the tired ‘guests’ to follow him through the tunnels and past his open gate. As Sombra had stormed out of the castle, he had opened the gate completely, making the carvings harder to see in the dim crystal lights on the walls. In fact, only one of the guests took notice the imagery, the one in the back, Caliber. Now, there were few things that Caliber would say directly unnerved him. Things such as ponies hanging in the shadows, the anti-social, a rather large spider deciding to make its home just that little too close to your bed, none of them really got to him too much. He took all these kinds of things in his stride. However, passing the gates into what their new host had deemed his ‘castle’ was most certainly the new exception to that rule. The thing looked like the entrance to Tartarus itself, and had enough skulls engraved into it to make even the most jaded goth say ‘dude, that’s impressive’. This had actually frozen him to the spot, nothing moving except a nervous flick of his tail, only snapping out of it as he heard Ember´s voice call him from further down the tunnel. “Caliber! Come on!” Returning to reality, he hurried down the tunnel, catching up with Ember and Sombra. “You can stare at the wall later.” Ember said playfully before returning her eyes forwards. “Very funny Ember…” Caliber said, dismissing the quip at him while looking at Sombra. The dark unicorn´s eyes were forward, and seemed to be focussed on the path, so Caliber dared to lean in to whisper to Ember. “This is a bad idea” “What?” Ember whispered back in slight frustration. “You're going to be pessimistic already?!” “I think this guy is bad news…” “Oh right, just because he is a bit of an aggressive hermit doesn't mean he is bad.” “I know! But You didn't see what was carved into his door.” Caliber emphasised, occasionally shifting a glance to Sombra, hoping he didn’t hear them. Ember however, stared at him cynically. “Really? You're going to judge him by his door?” “...” hesitant at first to answer that, Caliber dragged out the answer a bit too long. “Aaaas much as I don't want tooo…… Woah…” Caliber didn't get to whisper any further, as they finally reached the second open door, and the crystal castle throne room was revealed to them. Sombra walked inside with a confident smirk, while Caliber and Ember had stopped for a moment. While they had both certainly seen more impressive castles before, none of them had assumed that there was going to be an actual castle inside the mountain. Even if it was very bare bones at the moment, everything was lit by either crystal torches or actually glowing crystal. Everything had this slightly greenish blue luminescence, giving this slightly sinister sense nibble at the back of their minds. Just seeing that long crystal table with the high chairs down through the middle and the large, yet simple throne at the end,really showed itself as both the first and most imposing room. Sombra was rather pleased with himself, seeing this reaction on the faces of the two ‘guests’, but, knew he had to break them out of their stupor and cleared his throat. “Yes, my castle is quite magnificent, you will get plenty of time to see it. The snowstorm is supposed to last for a week.” He calmly announced, letting the two snap back to attention and catch up to him. “Now, this is the main room, down by that hall you will find the kitchen. Facilities down that hall, hot spring past that door and down the-” “You have a hot spring!?” Caliber suddenly squealed in excitement. “Indeed I do.” “Yeeess!” Caliber squeaked happily. For about a second, before realizing that Ember was giving him that ‘Well-Well-Well’ smirk he knew quite well. The pegasus cleared his throat slightly. “I just… got a lot of stuff in my wings i´d like to clean out.” “You´ll get time for that. Right now i believe it best to for you to settle into your quarters.” Making their way inside the newest added tunnels, Sombra opened the door to reveal the bare bones of what essentially was a guest room. It was devoid of furniture and illuminated only by a single crystalline torch, but it had just the space needed for two ponies to make themselves, marginally comfortable. ”I apologize for the lack of furnishing, but you understand with the distance between my castle and the rest of civilization, transporting furniture can be quite tedious.” Sombra explained in his most gracious hostly voice. “So for now, you will have to settle with what you have brought along.” Ember was the first to hop inside, with Caliber quick in tow, she gave the newly cut out room a quick perusal before smiling softly back at their host. “Thank you, we really are just glad we got some place to stay!” She announced brightly. “Aren't we, Caliber?” She turned to the pegasus. He in the meanwhile was less enthused. “I had hoped for at least some stra- Ow!” he yelped as Ember quickly thumped him. “I mean yes! We are very excited...” he said, though said excitement was quick to die out even by the last syllable. Sombra just kept his smile. “Why don't you two settle in for a bit? I will have to see that Brick does not trip over something.” The dark unicorn said with a slightly melancholic tone, pulling the door almost to a close. “Do give me a call, if you need anything~” “Thank you! We will!” Ember replied brightly. With the pleasantries out of the way, Sombra brought the door to a close. Now alone in the hallway, his pleasant smile turned into a slightly malicious grin. He took a few heavy steps backwards away from the door, announcing his intent to leave the hallway completely, but stayed. His horn lit up in a gentle but silent purple and suddenly it sounded like he was walking away down the hall, even as he was still looking at the door. His charade was loud but fittingly so, and he was careful to wait for just a moment, before he silently snuck up to the door again. Now, Sombra might not have been on his peak, since his untimely personal dance with death, but he certainly still had lots of magic left in him, and he had loads of spells he had either learned himself, or from back in the day. And one of those spells, could enhance his senses. The dark unicorn´s horn lift up again in its gentle purple, while his eyes flashed green for a moment as the magic poured into his surroundings, and silently and invisibly, carried the sounds along to his ears. And he could hear everything beyond the door. “-e gone?” Caliber asked carefully. “Sounds like it.” Ember replied lowly, pressing her ear against the door. “Oh goodness.” the pegasus sighed in relief. “He gives me the creeps.” Caliber dropped his bags nonchalantly, his tail flicking back and forth nervously. “Now don't go around saying that to his face. He did seem a bit cranky at the door.” Ember said, stepping away from the door. “He essentially told us to go die in the snow.” Caliber retorted cynically. “I...” Ember hesitated. “... Well it worked didn't it!?” “Yes, but WHAT worked? We are now in the bowels of a castle under the mountains, as far away from civilization as possible!” Caliber complained. “Exactly!” Ember declared happily. “They will never think to look for us here!” “No one... Will think to look for us here! We'll end up being some story, parents tell their foals to give them nightmares!”   “Don't be such a negative nancy! Everything has turned out great so far!” “Yes... So far...” Ember sighed in frustration. “You're too worried.” “And you're too relaxed!” Caliber threw back. “I am not relaxed. At all.” Ember replied in a tone which was suddenly more serious. “I simply try to stay optimistic, maybe you should try it!” The two stared at each other defiantly, each waiting for the other to break. Which turned out to be Ember, who sighed weakly. “Sorry, Caliber…” “You don't have to apologize.” The pegasus responded weakly, pulling Ember into a gentle hug, which she returned. “I just can't help but be worried…” He admitted. “It´s going to be alright. We're safe from the Guvnor here...” Ember assured. “I promise.” Sombra smirked confidently as he retracted the tendrils of his magic. He turned down the hall and silently snuck away from the door, containing both sound and his internal excitement. Oh that had been quite, interesting. And perfect for him to use. Reaching into the throne room and settling back into a normal walk, Sombra could feel his mind teeming with ideas, desires and impulses, old as well as new ones. These two could actually turn out to be more useful than their expenses in food, and entertaining as well. Pulling him from his mental revelling, was the sight of a tired Brick however. He was carrying a rather large and heavy box, judging from the sweat dripping from his forehead and the heavy puffing breath. Sombra felt an almost warm and rather sinister smile sneak back upon his lips as he walked over to the gray workhorse. Brick turned his head to address his lord as he heard him approach. “I´m sorry, my lord. I will get the stuff inside…” He assured with a heavy breathing. “I just… Need, a moment to breathe.” “Oh Brick.” Sombra said, his voice sweet enough to make Brick´s ears perk up in surprise. “A break, is what you need.” The dark unicorn said, casually lifting the heavy box off of the work horse´s back with his magic, placing it back on the ground. “Go take a rest, I´ll take care of the supplies, and will call when dinner is ready.” Brick tilted his head slightly. “Uhm… Okay?” The gray pony said, not completely sure about it, but thought it best to just do as his master said. So he turned to walk down the hall to his room. But was then stopped by Sombra again. “Where are you going?” Brick turned back to see Sombra´s disappointed gaze. “Uhm…” He started. “Back to my sleeping bag?” He asked cautiously. “Oh no-no-no-no!” Sombra asserted. “I cannot have you rest in your bag after doing so well lately!” The dark lord praised, reaching a hoof up to gently pat the workhorse on the head. “You go back into my sanctuary and take the couch.” The gray workhorse stared at Sombra for a moment as if he had grown an extra head. “R-Really?” “Are you questioning my decision?” Sombra asked, his voice very pleasant, despite the essential threat of his words. “N-No! Of course not! I… Uhm… Just…” “Just what?” Completely catching Sombra off guard, Brick just suddenly pushed in and embraced the dark lord in a bone crushing hug. “Thank you!!” Brick almost squealed happily. While Sombra was at first just trying to overcome the surprise and keep his composure, he eventually gave a small satisfied smile. “You are welcome, Brick. Now off with you. I will call you when I need you.” - Nodding frantically for a moment, Brick then skipped off to complete the commanded nap, leaving his lord behind in the throne room. Sombra could not help but chuckle slightly, seeing the happy look upon the idiot´s face. “What a wonderful little idiot. I wish I had him a thousand years ago…” ------- Half an hour later ------ Sombra was proud of what skills he possessed. No matter what the skill, if he had it, he would take pride in it. This had gotten him some odd looks back in the day, but those who would truly dismiss a certain activity as 'unworthy' yet at the same time, possessed a talent of it, were just idiots in the dark unicorns mind. So one could not call the meal Sombra prepared for his 'guests' and his servant in any way meager. He had gone for fried dish as the main course, but decided to add a good bit of spice. Thankful that Brick had been creative with his shopping, Sombra was able to add things like sliced carrots, potatoes, rye and loads of other ingredients to his dish, which filled the throne room with a warm and welcoming scent. Looking over the table he had prepared, with crystal tableware and the food he had made, Sombra took a moment to savour his accomplishment, however small it was. He took a deep breath, and gave a gentle, content sigh. “Brick!” He shouted back into the castle, his voice echoing through the halls. “Bring the guests! Dinner is served!” “Okay!” Brick called back, before a loud thump announced he had rolled off of the couch straight onto the floor. “I am okay!” He called back, causing only a mild roll of the eyes from Sombra. The dark host sat himself down in the largest chair at the high end of the table, signifying his status as host and lord over the table as well as the castle. He took a moment to relax, adjust himself and leaned his head nonchalantly against his hoof. It didn't take more than a minute before Brick arrived back into the throne room, with Ember and Caliber in tow. Sombra would have to lie, if he said he didn't enjoy the surprised look on their faces as they were met with the feast before them. “Wow...” Ember and Caliber said in unison, as their jaws dropped. “Awesome!” Brick announced happily. Waving a hoof vaguely at the table, Sombra regarded the guests. “Feel free to take a seat anywhere you like. See this as a... Gesture of goodwill.” He said in a smooth and warm voice. “Uhm... Thanks!” Ember announced being the first to walk forwards and claim a seat, Caliber, while hesitant, not too far behind. The two picked the two seats to the left of Sombra, while Brick chose the one to his right. “Feel free to start.” Sombra said casually. With the permission of the lord of the castle, Brick dug in like a hound. He grasped for a plate and began taking samples from all of the different bowls and began to chow down. Ember, while a little more reserved after seeing Brick assault the table, smiled warmly and said “Thank you.” and got some food for herself as well. The one who was most resistant, was Caliber. He eyed the different food slightly suspiciously, though seeing nothing out of the ordinary, and considering both Brick and Ember seemed fine, nothing popped out at him. He still however had this niggling doubt or concern in the back of his head, and his tail wouldn't stop flicking back and forth, even as he was seated. As the meal progressed, Caliber had taken only a token amount on his plate. His focus shifted onto Sombra. “So... Mister, Sombra, was it?” The pegasus asked cautiously. “Lord Sombra Thorasen.” Sombra clarified with a soft, yet oddly self satisfied smile. “Though feel free to call me, Lord Sombra.” A few moments passed, as Caliber was trying to process the name. He knew he had heard part of it before, but he couldn't tell exactly where. “Lord Sombra...” Caliber began slowly. “It is... quite a remote location for a... Castle, I must say...” he awkwardly began. Sombra nodded in return. “Yes, very remote. Exactly what I desired when I began the construction.” “You have built this yourself?” Caliber asked skeptically. The dark host shrugged. “Mostly myself, though Brick here has certainly been quite a helping hoof.” He told quite honestly, making the gray workhorse beam with pride before continuing with his food. Sombra continued. “Without him, I would most likely only be half as far as I am now.” “Half?” Ember asked, halfway chewing on a carrot. Though as focus shifted to her, she cleared her throat slightly and covered her face in slight embarrassment as she finished chewing on her food. “Sorry.” Sombra didn't really care about the momentary lack of manners and just continued. “Indeed. Though with Brick´s help, I have been able to expand my castle to a, quasi adequate degree. There is much to work on however.” “And that is what you want us to do?” Caliber questioned. “Among other things.” Sombra admitted casually. Finally feeling she had gotten her table manners back, Ember decided to get into the conversation. “So you need someone to clean up around the place?” “Not just clean up.” Sombra clarified, his eyes shifting around the large throne room. “More rooms will be added soon, so I will need some extra strong hooves for several tasks.” “Aha” Ember acknowledged with a warm smile. “So i'm guessing you will have Caliber help Brick with the digging?” She added before taking a sip from the crystal cup of water. Caliber gave a sideways glance in annoyance at her. Sombra smirked. “Why no, considering your previous offer of having him be eye-candy, I thought perhaps I would have you dig, while he would prance around in the skimpiest outfit I could obtain.” Caliber´s tail snapped stiff in attention. “What!?” Suddenly Caliber´s attention was snapped back to Sombra, his own face suddenly heating from embarrassment and the mental image he just got. Ember was no better off, as she mis-swallowed her water, ending up coughing loudly to desperately clear her throat. “S-S-Sombra.” she squeaked, coughing a couple more times to clear her throat. “I was mainly joking when-” “I jest.” Both Ember and Caliber´s demeanors relaxed just slightly as Sombra spoke up again. “Twas quite amusing to see your reactions however.” The dark unicorn chuckled. “Ah-ha-ha, yes... I am sure it was.” Caliber added, awkwardly stroking his wings and fur down again, to try and calm himself after the, surprising idea. Ember for a moment said nothing, before a snicker forced itself forth. “You'd look good in a maids outfit.” She joked at Caliber. “Shut up.” Caliber quipped. “Maybe with a little bow to top it off.” Sombra added, essentially pinning Caliber between two ponies now, imagining him in something skimpy. “S-Sh...” He contained himself from telling Sombra to shut up. “Do not take it too dearly, Mister Caliber.” Sombra said with a soft smile. “I find eye-candy to be quite wasteful. Tis like a toy you would not be allowed to touch.” That comment made Caliber and Ember freeze for a moment. Their focus shifted back to Sombra to look for any sign of him joking, yet found none. And Sombra just moved on as if he had said nothing. “So, I would like you both to help Brick with the maintenance of the castle here the first week. Considering the snowstorm, expanding would turn too troublesome. Then perhaps once the snow storm is over, I would like you help expanding the east wing. There are quite a few rooms for now, but I still don't feel like it is enough.” Sombra calmly mused. Ember and Caliber looked at each other for a moment, one really hoping the other would speak up, and in the end it seemed like it had to be Ember. “Ahem.” She cleared her throat. “Not that we want to ruin your plans, at all... Lord Sombra...” She hesitated slightly. “But we will just be here till the snow storm settles.” Sombra knew this. He already knew this was going to be their response. He smirked. “Really? You mean to come, eat my food and sleep in my castle, and just leave the second you can?” Caliber didn't like this. Sombra´s accusations, while true, was suspicious. The tone begged the question that he had in mind. Ember frowned slightly, thinking it sounded rude, but she held firm. “We have places to be. We can´t be here for too long.” She tried to explain. “Ahh Yes.” Sombra´s words now drilling directly into the two guests. “You need to get away from the Guvnor.” Sombra could not describe the satisfaction he felt from saying that. The effect of his words could be felt like ripples through the air. He could smell it. Fear. “What makes you say that?” Caliber asked accusatory, going on the defensive, but clearly doing his best to seem unphased. “I have my sources~” Sombra lied casually. “What is important is that, you are here. In my castle. Under my observation. And you are on the run from the law.” The dark host summed up slowly, revelling in the control he was getting from this. “Now, what would a good, law abiding citizen do, when faced with two criminals?” “We aren't criminals!” Ember cracked, glaring harshly at Sombra. “The state would seem to say otherwise.” Sombra replied, holding on to the offensive and letting his instincts carry him. For his instincts drove him to pursue that sensation again. That feeling of their fear. “And the way I see it, the two of you are here on my good graces.” Ember and Caliber could both feel the strain on their social constraints, both wanting to stay as calm as possible, but Sombra was pushing them. “So I would suggest that you don't anger me, and begin to consider, what you can do, for me.” “We don't need to do anything for you.” Ember glared defiantly at Sombra, who returned the look with a bemused smirk. “And tell me, Ember, why not?” “You don't want to be discovered either. So if you rat us out! We rat you out!” Sombra was pleasantly surprised. Quite the bluff that the maroon mare had to offer. The spite these two were showing was positively delicious. He was afraid it would be over too quickly, but it seemed that he would get the joy of snapping their wills, audibly. “So, we thank you. Sombra.” Ember spat at the dark unicorn, and rose up to her hooves again, Caliber right in tow. “But we have decided to refuse your patronage. We wouldn't be under the same roof as a pony of your...” “Sit. Down.” Sombra growled, and his horn lit up in its dark purple and green magic, which suddenly caused several crystal spikes to emerge out of the floors, rising up like the bars of a cell and cutting off the direction that Caliber and Ember had tried to walk. The two ponies snapped back in surprise, and looked back between Sombra and the crystals in shock. Brick in the meanwhile had stopped eating and was also staring at the scene jaw slacked, but otherwise unmoving. The dark lord´s eyes were glowing and black smoke was plooming from the edges of the black unicorn´s eyes. “Now, unless you are considering of changing your jobs to crystal pin cushions, I would suggest, you Sit, Down.”. Snapping back to the very terrifying reality of their situation, Caliber and Ember slowly went back to their seats, and focussed all their frightful attention to their 'host'. “Thank you~” Sombra´s voice strangely sweet. “Now that I have your attention again, let this be very clear. If you tell anypony of my home here, I will be inconvenienced... But tis an inconvenience I can manage. However, if you do... What I will do to you...” his horn was for a moment consumed in blackness, as it seemed the shadows created by any sort of nook or cranny in the entire room slithered its way towards the dark unicorn´s throne. All of them obeyed the will of their master, and mashed together, becoming large, slick, tendril like masses, which rose up and towered above the table menacingly. “I will let you draw your own conclusions.” Sombra finished. Ember and Caliber both stared in horror upon the dark lord of the castle. The pegasus even involuntarily let a small squeak escape. He could feel the fear seeping off of them, it tasted like the sweetest honeyed mead you could imagine, and he wanted it all. He wanted it, he desired it. The level of satisfaction Sombra was getting out of the reaction was exhilarating, yet he contained his composure. “Am I making myself clear?” Sombra asked darkly. Both ponies nodded frantically, in almost perfect unison. Sombra´s menacing look settled into a soft smile. “Good. Now, if you have finished your meal, then I suggest you head for your quarters. We will begin your, repayment from tomorrow onwards. So it would serve you best, to be well rested. Am I making myself clear?” “Y-Y-Yes, Lord Sombra.” Despite the words suggested, the newest arrivals took it as an order. Considering the display of dark magic they had seen before, they dared not to test fate. And soon, Sombra and Brick were the only two left at the table. The dark unicorn took a deep breath, and let out a long and satisfied sigh. “Delicious.” He murmured for himself, and finally partook in his own feast, letting his magic levitate a couple of the bowls over to him so he could fill his plate. He started with a good bit of carrots while he casually tore a bite out of a piece of rye bread. Feasting after a success was the best time to feast. There was one thing which was disturbing his mood however. Brick. The gray earth pony besides him had quite the frown stuck on his face and his eyes was almost fixed onto his not yet finished dinner. Sombra tilted his head slightly and reached over to gently prod at his little idiot with a hoof. “Brick, what's wrong? Is my feast not good enough for you?” He asked, though the question kind of loaded, his tone was weighted with a curious concern. The gray pony´s attention snapped back up to Sombra and shook his hooves slightly defensively. “No! I mean yes! I mean… Your food is good my lord!” He quickly assured. The dark lord simply stared at his personal idiot, waiting for him to answer the unspoken question. And despite being designated an idiot, Brick knew what that question was. “It´s just…” He started, but could not bring himself to finish any kind of excuse. His head slumped and he sighed in defeat. “Are you mad at me, Lord Sombra?” Sombra blinked a couple of times in confusion. “Why do you ask that, Brick?” “Because I was the one who convinced you to bring them here… And… Now they're being unruly, and-” Further did Brick not get before he was interrupted. By a gentle chuckle. The gray idiot raised his head in slight confusion, looking upon the dark lord of the castle, who was actually smiling and sounding rather delighted. “Oh Brick.” Sombra said with a small sigh, rising up from his seat and walking right next to Brick. He reached up a hoof to gently stroke the idiot by his mane for a second. “Oh my sweet little idiot. You have done nothing wrong. You have done so much good lately.” “R-Really?” Brick asked, his eyes growing as wide as dinner plates in surprise. “When I say you have, you have, my little idiot. So don't be so hard on yourself.” The dark lord said, before casually sitting back into his seat, throwing his hind legs over the side rests. “Enjoy the feast.” He almost ordered, while his magic poured a pair of crystal glasses up with water. He then levitated one glass up to himself, and another over to Brick. “Brick…” Sombra said in a very relaxed tone with a sinister smile on his face. “This is going to be, quite an interesting week.”