He was alone, alone in his hidden sanctum. Everything of utmost significance were always prepared, surveyed, and approved within here, out of sight to all save few. Yet today, it appears that much, much more may learn of its existence. A tremor rumbled through the room, but he barely flinched, merely pulling his hood back to reveal a broad, rugged, red-bearded face with crimson eyes that burned more ferociously than the only candlelight in the room.
Frowning, the being whispered to the thin air, to the shadows that shrank from the light, "Show yourself."
As though she was pulling off a cloak, a lanky, inhumanly thin being that was clearly female strode out of the darkness. The two were garbed in black robes, but she stood far taller than her associate, not surprising, as he was a dwarf and she a human. Yet, the two were clearly not mere mortals to anyone standing in company of them. The glint in their eyes, the posture they held their bodies, the pressure they exude, these two had clearly dabbled in arts that were not meant for the common folk. The woman, though as bald as the dwarf, had a face of unnatural beauty, perfect pointed features accompanied with glowing green eyes that hinted at the price she paid for her power.
"Zaliek, running off already?" The woman asked, despite the question, there was no accusation in her tone.
Crouching, the dwarf grunted an affirmative as he dipped his hand into a pot of blue liquid. He carefully sketched another symbol into the circle he stood over, the dried blue lines glowing dimly as he did so. "I came from another plane, Lady Resa, and now that my work here is complete. I move on to another one, to spend what's left of my years there."
"Years?" Resa scoffed, indignation clear in her voice, "millenniums would be more like it, or eternity if I did not know better. Your power was and still is vast, even if you had changed your form and hide behind an illusion now."
"Well, I can't stay and you can't make me." The dwarf lifted his head, a knowing look in those burning red orbs, "That's our agreement all those years ago, eh?"
Lady Resa sighed as she let nostalgia permeate her mind. "Little over eight centuries, hasn't it been fast?"
"And fun too." The dwarf smiled mischievously, "this game was worth it. The murders, the wars, the deception. But it gets tiring after a few centuries. Too repetitive. Time to move on, onto the next game with far less of this I had been doing. Onto peace."
"But to another world?" Resa conjured up another image, an image of a world, her companion's destination to be exact. "You could stay in this paradise we forged and created over the course of our lives, Zaliek."
"You could stop with that name now." The dwarf replied as he sketched another symbol of power within the circle, "And that's the point. People will always hate Zaliek the Golemlord, and much less so Lok the Innkeeper."
"Innkeeper?" Resa laughed softly, her mirth for a moment displaying her as a normal being than the Dark Lady she had always been, "Mighty Zaliek, the Golemlord, Zaliek the Butcher, Sorcerer Supreme reduced to being Lok the innkeeper?" She murmured the last name dreamily, "it has been a while since I last heard that name," Resa admitted, "a play with the name when you were a human from another plane, wasn't it?"
"Indeed," Lok muttered softly, "I plan to start over again. Settle down, relax." He patted a nearby satchel on the floor, "with enough supplies to last me several lifetimes and enough knowledge of that world to know that I would not seem out of place there."
"Well, I won't hold you up," Raising her arm, Resa slid her hands free of the robe, "I still need to see the others off, and you have one more meeting before you leave." Flashing a small smile at her long-time compatriot, Resa gestured and a bright light consumed her. Before it faded, Lok heard one last statement from the woman, "Safe travels, friend. Lotesse lye omenta au'."
"Lotesse lye omenta au'," replied Lok, frowning as he did so. The phrase meant 'may we meet again' in Elvish, and as far as Lok was concerned, he had no intention of meeting anyone he knew ever again. He needed a fresh start, he had been playing this game with lives for far too long. Been grooming this world with his fellows so that peace could return to it. He had killed in cold blood, instigated downfalls without a care, toppled nations with ease and he had enjoyed it. It was like a pastime to him, a hobby and he regretted not a single moment of it. However, where he planned to go and the role he planned to play would not need these traits. As such, he prefer that no one he knew would meet him again.
A loud clang rang out behind the only door in the room, interrupting his thoughts. Lok smiled initially, but it deepened to a frown when he heard the multitude of footsteps. This was not what we agreed upon, But he always had backup plans in case things go awry. A smile touched his features as the door swung open. Ah, I thought so.
Standing in the doorway was a being as thin as Resa, but one that was definitely male. Though clad head to toe in silver armor, it would be impossible to miss the two abnormally long ears that protruded from its headpiece.
"Elf." Lok muttered. The armored figure started and the dwarf could practically see the eyes behind the visor widen in recognition. The elf's hand rose as a blue glow started surrounding it, a spell of terrifying magnitude forming around it.
The spell would have killed the both of them, maybe even destroy everything in a twenty kilometer radius around them if not properly channeled. Lok did not even give the elf half a chance. With a thought, a rune upon the wall flashed and the glow around the hand sputtered out of existence. Another thought, another symbol brightened and the elf smashed to the ground, immobilized.
Then a red blur rushed out of the hallway, and Lok could just see the flash of twin daggers descending upon his head. Smiling gently, Lok watched as the daggers stopped mere inches away from him, unable to pierce the invisible shield he had placed around him. A thought, the second rune flashed brightly again and the assassin, a human female dressed in red, collapse to the ground as well.
Slow, confident steps heralded the coming of the third one that passed through the doorway. This one was a human youth just past his teens. He was clad in silver armor not unlike that of the Elf before him, however, his head was let bare, allowing his shoulder length blond hair to flow freely. More noteworthy would be the golden circlet upon his forehead, signifying that this was the one Lok had been waiting for.
"King Garet. I believe I told you to come alone."
The youth barely flinched as he was acknowledged, Lok noted with satisfaction. It was a good omen, this child would easily become a monarch the land deserved, or had deserved for at least eight hundred years.
"Your majesty," the Elf snarled, Lok found it amusing that he could actually feel enraged in his predicament. "What is the meaning of this? Why are you meeting with the butcher?"
"Aerin, cease your struggling." Lok did not miss the authority that rang in the King's voice now, "he is the friend."
"He is the informant? The insider?"
"Yes," Lok replied, "one of many who allowed your troops to storm this final capital. And cease your hostilities, I do not want my final acts in this world to be ones drenched in blood."
"That did not stop you from committing those same heinous acts before, Zaliek the Butcher." The red robed female spat from behind her scarf, her spite clear in her eyes.
"Forgive them, Lord Zaliek-"
"Lok."
"Pardon?"
"My name is Lok. And so I will be known as again."
"Ah," The youth looked confused momentarily, before gathering his composure and continuing, "...They did not know of your contributions to our war effort." His eyes momentarily revealed a moment of sadness, "I had hoped that they could clear up any grievances with you... Lord... Lok."
"No matter, the circle is complete." Lok turned his eyes to the diagram he had drawn beneath him. "And I would disappear off the face of this world, never to be seen again."
"Running from your sins? You useless son of a–"
"Trelawn." Garet spoke, his clear blue eyes flashing with anger at the red robed female, "I would not have any more disrespect towards him!"
The woman was visibly cowed by the youth, Lok was pleasantly surprised. Garet, the boy never cease to amaze me. Thought Lok,as he turned eyes full of pride towards him. He and another had been aiding the young child from the shadows, grooming him to become the person that stood before him now. Chuckling inwardly, Lok noted surprisingly that he was indeed slightly disappointed that he would not see the young king grow up fully. Furthermore, it appears that he had indeed gathered the trust of his companions already. Centuries of experience had allowed him to tell if people trusted one another or not, and Lok could tell that they trust the youngling, even if they were unsure. Not like he actually was worried, he just needed them to not make matters worse for him.
"You could stay, Lord... Lok," The youth fumbled, apparently unused to the change of names, "you created the chance for the land to be at peace." It was obvious to Lok that Garet wanted him to stay, but he would not relent. Just as he had refused Garet his aid so that the child could improve. This was but the final lesson he would impart to the youth.
He needs to learn how to learn without the guidance of others. That and this world bores me.
"And I would not." Lok replied, a mist rising and slowly pushing the youth further away from him. "My order is finished, the three tailed comet had finally ran its course. You shall now lead this land by yourself."
"The three tailed comet?" The Elf, Aerin, spoke, shocked. "You are..."
"Yes, I am." The dwarf did not expect this turn of events. Apparently his associate had mingled far too deeply with the elves.
"I would sing of your name and deeds when Lord Garet tells them to me." Aerin pledged reverently.
"Then it be best that he tells you nought at all." Lok sighed, Elves and their traditions! That would be the last thing he need, to be remembered in a positive light by the long lived race. World be damned, they may even end up paying him personal pilgrimage if the true light of his deeds ended up in their coffers! "Just as it be best that the world believed Zaliek the Golemlord be slain in the taking of Castle Shadowmane."
"Right, ignore the woman. What IS the three tailed comet?" Trelawn had lost all her hostilities already, her voice now filled with curiosity.
"You can tell her later," Lok smiled, "I best be going."
Lok seemingly waved a hand, and his dwarven facade melted away, leaving in his place a four legged creature just slightly shorter than when he was a dwarf. "And I could not keep that illusion up anymore if I would wish to travel safely."
"A creature of old, that is your new form?" The Elf whispered, the respect in his voice causing a raised eyebrow in Lok. For long living beings prone to a slow change, elves change their tune quite fast in some instances. Aerin apparently mistook the raised eyebrow as a challenge to his supposed insult, "I mean, it is a worthy and noble visage, Lord Za—Lok."
These elves knew far too well to praise when the situation calls for it. If they only know when to partake in the events in the outside world, it would be a far better place. Lok snorted internally as he turned his head towards the future monarch of the land. He had grown fast and Lok remembered the time spent well, except that he would not need those memories anymore. The young king appeared to wish to say something, but Lok, not wishing to stay in this world for a second longer, beat him to it.
"You'll be a good king." Lok smiled, "and you'll not see me again."
The circle glowed powerfully, bathing Lok in a bright blue light. He would not worry for Garet, those two beside him were but two of hundreds loyal to the King. The youth would be safe, and he would herald this land into a future that the former dwarf would want no part of and could not be part of.
"Tell the world the Overlord, Zaliek the Butcher is finally dead in the taking of Shadowmane Fort," Lok intoned as his view of the three were obscured. "That his legacy of darkness had finally gave way to Justice."
And he's going onto the next world, the next game and that blasted inn.
Gilda trekked wearily upon the stone tiled road, she had been traveling for close to a month if she counted the day she left Ponyville in a huff. She recalled that event with a grimace, apparently she had been a bit too hasty in her decision. In a split second decision of abject foolishness, she had decided that she would rather take her chances with finding a job in Griffonia than live in a country where Dash and her 'perfect' friends live in.
And she couldn't exactly return home too...
Shaking her head, she cleared her mind of those mere distractions. She had not gone so far as to argue with her parents about her independence for nothing!
"Excuse me?"
She would not dwell upon those thoughts anymore! She will become independent of her family! She will prove to all those who believed that she was a helpless chick that she had long outgrown need for help and aid from any other person!
"Miss?"
The next town on her way would be Zudost, if she recalls properly. There had always been some simplicity to Griffonia in comparison to Equestria, if there be anyone there willing to employ her, she could easily become a resident there. Quite unlike the massive amount of paperwork she had to sign when she was merely trying to get a residence near Ponyville. Things were really much simpler here. A whole lot more simpler.
"You might want to watch out for—"
"Whoa!"
Gilda lurched forward, but managed to halt any more motion by flapping her wings, launching herself into the air before she would plant her face in the tiled road. She glared upon the path she had been trekking for a moment, before noticing an uncovered area among the stone pavement, apparently it was the culprit for her near accident.
"You alright, lass?"
Gilda's eye narrowed as she took in the Griffon who had supposedly stood aside without helping her. He was of a lean build, and was decked in yellow, sandy feathers and brown fur. Perhaps a traveller from a state in Eastern Griffonia? She believed that that should be the the place where all Desert Griffons could trace their bloodline to, if she had remembered correctly from her history lessons. However, what caught her attention were those eyes, those calculating crimson eyes. Red eyes among Griffons were a rarity, and there were many claims and superstition among the Griffons beliefs regarding them. Not saying that she actually trusted those sources, but there was something remarkably unsettling about the Griffon before her.
"You alright, lass?" The Griffon repeated, his eyes narrowed in concern. Any doubts Gilda had then dissipated in a moment of fury of fury and indignation, she does not need any help! She did not leave her home, did not travel far and wide to be helped!
"Yes." Gilda snapped, her ire rose further at the bemused look that now decorated the Griffon's features. By the Eight Great Thanes, this Griffon was driving her off the edge. She was not a source of amusement, and she hates it so much more after having being pranked on by Dash and her annoying pink pony bestie!
"My apologies," the Griffon smiled, the act almost mocking to Gilda's eyes, yet she somehow managed to rein in her indignation. For some reason she could not quite place, this Griffon felt as though he were a person she should not provoke, or at least her gut thinks so and Gilda always trusts her gut.
"*Ahem*, may I know if there is a town by the name of Zudost around here, Miss...?"
Zudost? Gilda perked up at the name, that was her destination. What business does he have there?
"Gilda. What are you headed there for?"
"My name's Lok." The Griffon introduced himself, oblivious to the fact that Gilda never asked for it. "I'm seeking residence in the town of Zudost, I heard that it would be a nice and peaceful place to settle." He threw his eyes up at the sky, the act gathering Gilda's curiosity. "The day is still clear, but I believe that a storm should arrive by the passing of an hour or two. I would hope to reach that village by then."
Gilda was skeptical. The sky was clear, a very pleasant day in fact, and unlike Equestria, Griffonia holds no sway over the elements, and there was no way anyone could so easily foretell the weather with a mere look at the skies. This Lok was either a fibber or a freak or both. Well, whatever he was, he seemed to need her help and there was nothing to prevent her from giving it. She would have to be the lowest of jerks to not help another in need when no effort was literally needed on her part.
"Fine. Follow me."
Lok was very, very pleased. In where he came from, and where he just left, he rarely had the chance to watch his schemes and plans carry out successfully. As such, he always made a point to savor it as much as possible unless the act holds the possibility of ruining it. The satisfaction granted by personally putting your plans into motion and to reap the results yourself was a rare delicacy, one easily ruined by a small misstep.
Now, where was he? Enter the new realm, armed with its language, its custom, his powers and artefacts? Check. Cause an untraceable accident? Check. Use the accident to interact with the locals? Check. Ask for the locals' help? Check. Find a way to repay the aid? Seems that he would have to find a suitable reward for this young lass, apparently. However, a sudden surge of power drew his attention.
The sandy Griffon turned and gazed out in the direction that he had saw Gilda came from. If he was correct in his bearings, that direction would lead to a great ocean, and across that patch of water would be another land by the name of Equestria. Or was it country? State? No matter. He would have had settled there if not for the immense powers he could sense even now. One of which was connected to sun that even now hangs above him. Lok broke out in cold sweat as he contemplated a showdown between him and those beings.
He had lost much of his magical reserves as he enacted the final phase of the Order's plan before coming here. He no longer had the confidence to face down entire armies alone and now, there were a series of godlike powers only a few miles away.
For such a peaceful world, they do have their own defenses. Perhaps it was a mistake to... naaaaaah, I'm already here. No point crying over spilled milk. All he needed to do was to stay out of sight, besides, he's only here to open an Inn. not manipulate the workings of the world again... Was that magic moving the sun?
"By the Comet..." swore Lok under his breath. Once again, he was glad that he chose not to reside in Equestria, at least, not as he was right now. That was enough magical energy to flatten cities and scatter armies. Lok hoped that those powers would not see fit to disturb him in this town. He was getting tired of pitting his wits and might against beings that a mortal should not even be fighting.
"Are you following me or not!" A screech sounded behind him.
Well, first things first. A place to live.