//------------------------------// // When Protectors Meet Protectors Over Water // Story: Ynanhluutr // by Imploding Colon //------------------------------// Menthe moored the tiny canoe against a floating dock. The planks of wood were attached by rope to one of the support struts of a woven platform above. Tossing a length of twine, he attached the boat firmly to the platform and whistled at Wildcard. Wildcard handed him the other oar, and Menthe fastened the two along the lengthy side of the canoe. “There we go,” the aged stallion said in a breathy tone. He smiled. “We can just fly up the rest of the way.” “There's no ladder?” Bard remarked. “Did you leave your wings back at the cabin, Mr. Bard?” Menthe winked. “Well... no... just... uhm—” “There's not even a rope or anything,” Rainbow Dash said. “How do the Luminards get to and from the water? Or are they all pegasi?” “Oh, no. Most of them are earth ponies. Occasionally unicorns.” “But...” Rainbow's face scrunched. “Err... I'm confused.” “Heheheh... it's actually rather simple, Miss Dash,” Menthe explained, stretching his wings. “Luminards who come here to live in the Quade have no intention of ever leaving.” Bard and Wildcard exchanged glances. “Best to let me go first.” Menthe flapped his wings and—with a little bit of struggle—lifted his old muscles off the dock. He ascended towards the lip of the woven platform above. “I suppose that explains why a guard would have wings,” Rarity remarked while Rainbow hovered up off the canoe. “If it's their job to guard this ghastly seascape, flight must make it a great deal easier.” “Absolutely,” Twilight said. “Uhhhh... girls?” Pinkie blinked. “Is it silly that I didn't notice Mr. Menthe was a pegasus until now?” “Oh, Pinkie...” Rarity sighed. “You really must pay more attention to things, dear.” “Hey!” Pinkie pouted. “I can't be the only one!” Rainbow shook her head with a smirk—then jolted from the sight of a glinting metal barb being aimed off the platform's edge. Schiiing! “Halt!” A young, breathy voice growled. A young stallion with a soft brown coat shoved the jagged point of a crossbow into Menthe's face. “Who goes there?! Not another wingflap—” “Boy!” Menthe's voice took on a suddenly sharp tone, chilling even the Desperadoes. “What have I told you about aiming weapons before questioning arrivals?” “Uhhhh... uhhhh...” The stallion sweated visibly. Wings coiled, he backtrotted from the edge of the platform and lowered his weapon. “Menthe! I... I-I'm so sorry!” “It's quite alright, Galloran,” Menthe exhaled, smiling reassuringly. “Your courage is admirable, but you need to work on your subtlety.” “Yes, Menthe. Of course, Menthe.” Gulping, Galloran looked towards the other three fliers, his blue eyes round and apologetic. “My apologies, my dear ponies, for any offense I may have caused.” “Hey...” Rainbow shrugged. “We're cool.” “Eeyup. No harm done, partner!” Bard smiled, then glanced out the side of his vision. “Dubya...” Sighing, Wildcard yet again sheathed his nightsticks. Galloran reached out his hoof and helped Menthe land evenly on the platform. “I heard rippling water and I came immediately. I knew you were going to spend the whole day fishing, so I thought th-that maybe we... uh... h-had privateers trying to sneak in by raft like last summer...” “They would have to be pretty crafty pirates to get past me, boy,” Menthe said with a wink. “Good to know you're vigilant. Just don't jump to conclusions.” “If... if I-I had known we were having visitors—” “And if I could have warned you, I would. But you must understand, Galloran, not all who visit the Quade are malevolent.” Menthe chuckled. “After all, the Luminards want ponies to visit. More often than not, let's try to expect the best that life can throw at us. Hmmm?” “Right. I'll d-do my best to remember that.” Galloran turned and bowed, fumbling a bit with his crossbow. “My name is—whoops—one second.” He slung the weapon further around his flank and exhaled. “There. Uhm. Hi. The name's Galloran. I... h-help protect the Luminards and stuff.” “Heeheehee!” Pinkie giggled, pointing. “I like him too.” “Galloran, I would like you to meet the Desperadoes and their lovely feathered friend.” Menthe trotted down the line. “This here fellow goes by 'Bard.' He's a laid-back stallion after my own heart.” “Howdy.” Bard tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet ya.” “This quiet one's Wildcard.” Wildcard waved, his goggles glinting. “And this here little Missy is Rainbow Dash,” Menthe said, resting a hoof gently on her shoulder. “She's a stately pegasus from Central Rohbredden.” Menthe turned to squint at her with his green eyes. “Just what neighborhood are ya from exactly?” “Uhhhhh...” Fidgeting, Rainbow turned to look at Bard. Bard gazed off at the northern mountain ridge with a blank expression. Rainbow rolled her eyes, cleared her throat, then turned to smile back at the guards. “Oh... well... I'm from the... uhm...” She blinked. “... ... ...Magnet Heights.” “Oh?” “Yeah. Uhm... ruled over by the... Duke of Stephens?” She winced, squinting out one eye. Menthe and Galloran stared. After a moment... “It's a pretty name!” Galloran said, smiling. “Mmmm... it's a small city-state,” Rainbow said, waving a hoof. “Snows all year. Not lots of ponies talk about it. I mean... it's not super rich... n'stuff.” Pinkie giggled while Twilight and Rarity shared amused smirks. “So... uhm...” Galloran cleared his throat. “Have you come by invitation of the Luminards?” Rainbow opened her muzzle— “Miss Dash says that she heard several pilgrims preaching along the bluffs of upper Shoggoth.” “Oooh! You came from Shoggoth?” Galloran leaned back on his haunches, smiling. “Wow. I heard that place is pretty flashy! Especially underwater! Tell me... what is it like?” “Mmmmm...” Rainbow shrugged. “Smells like fish.” “Hahahaha...” Galloran smothed his bangs back and smirked. “Really, though, To come here after Shoggoth. That's pretty amazing.” “Why?” Rainbow asked, cocking her head aside. “What's so amazing about it?” “Well... it's just that... uhm...” Galloran kicked one hoof at the woven brown floor. “I like it here. I really do. But most ponies don't exactly... find it too exciting. Now...” He pointed with a smile. “If you seek enlightenment, then you've come to the right place! The Luminards are an amazing culture, and they know how to get truly in touch with their inner selves.” “Sounds like ya take quite a likin' to them,” Bard said. “Oh, I do admire them. Hard not to when you... well...” He pointed back at his crossbow with a nervous smile. Shrugging, he said, “I-I just think more ponies in this world deserve to hear what they have to say... to come here to this wonderfully quiet, still place... free from all of the stress and cares of Rohbredden... and learn a thing or two about the equine condition. Life's all the more sweeter when you just... simplify it, y'know?” “Erm... no, we don't know—” Bard began. Rainbow butted in front of him with a plastic smile. “But it doesn't hurt to get educated! So... uhm... how can I go about chatting with a few of these dudes... and dudettes?” “Well, let's go take a look together,” Galloran said. “Menthe, if I may?” “Lead the way, my boy,” Menthe said, waving a hoof. “Alright.” Galloran turned around and began the long trot towards a wooden ramp situated on the far end of the circular platform, connecting it with another. “Right this way!” “Sure thing—” Rainbow Dash took a step and instantly wobbled. “Whoah!” She flailed slightly—as did Bard and Wildcard behind them. The entire platform was shaking from her movement, and the part she was standing on bowed noticeably. “And watch your hoofing,” Galloran said. “We're... not exactly walking on the deck of a ship here. Also—not that there's a real risk of... breaking through or anything, but it might be best if you kept a full pony's distance between each other as we proceed.” Humming pleasantly, the young guard led the group to the next platform. Rainbow Dash grimaced slightly. “I'm... not too fond of a city that's built on top of a kindergarten's macaroni craft project.” “Hey... ya heard Mr. Handsome,” Bard said, shuffling ahead of the mare—taking slow, even steps. “These monks come here to embrace simplicity. Reckon they find the littlest ways to inject excitement and peril into their day-to-day lives.” Wildcard gestured. “Who asked you?” Rainbow Dash took up the rear, flapping her wings slightly—as if trying to keep herself light-hoofed. With a shuddering sigh, she glanced aside at her marefriends. “You girls have any lingering doubt that it's Fluttershy who's locked away here?” Rarity giggled lightly. “I must admit, the younger guard does bear an uncanny demeanor.” “Just remember, everypony,” Twilight muttered. “We're not actually here to sight-see.” “Yeah! We gotta bust Fluttershy out!” She spun in a wild circle, swinging her arms. “SMASH! Powwww! Yeah! Like a big wooden egg!” “Don't be ridiculous, darling,” Rarity said. “Let's just be slow, graceful, and methodical about this. If anypony knows how to get to the next Seed, it's the Luminards.” “The more answers we have, the easier it'll be,” Twilight said. She turned towards Rainbow. “You... you see Yaerfaerda, right?” “Yeah.” Rainbow nodded, pointing up high. “It's next to the centermost platform... somewhere behind it.” “Up high, huh?” Twilight remarked. “Why not fly up there and get a gander, dander?” Pinkie exclaimed. “Nah. We've...” Rainbow nevertheless sighed with a slight shudder. “We've got time.” “How much time?” Rarity asked. Rainbow didn't answer. Swallowing, she turned and looked at Twilight. “Twi? Do you... sense anything?” “You mean like magic?” Rainbow nodded. “Well...” Twilight's brow furrowed. “There... are definitely some unicorns here. I mean, I feel their horns all throughout. But... they're not doing much of anything. It's almost as if their leylines are completely dry!” “Maybe they're too busy monking it up to magic it up?” Pinkie said. “Well, from the way our delightful hosts describe them, they do seem to enjoy... fasting,” Rarity remarked. “They come all the way here to the Quade, only to give up money... social status...” She shuddered. “...meat. Ahem.” She looked at the others. “It's only natural to assume that they don't utilize magic either.” “And I thought I was serious about what I do for a living,” Rainbow muttered. She glanced at Twilight. “And how about the Fourth Seed?” “I... I'm sorry, Rainbow,” Twilight said, sighing. “I... I don't sense it this time.” “For real?” “Not like I did in Shoggoth or in Nealend.” Twilight glanced over. “Are you sure it's actually here in the Quade?” Rainbow turned and looked up, eyes squinting at the bright yellow glow. “Pretty sure.” “Fluttershy's a patient pony!” Pinkie said, smiling. “She'd wait for us to get nice-nice with locals if it meant us getting nice-nice with her again!” She then giggle-snorted. “Who wants to bet that these Luminaminaminaminas haven't experienced a real party in ages?!” “Honestly, Pinkie, I do not believe that would be conducive to a polite engagement,” Rarity said. “Why nottttt?” Pinkie's face grew long. “Just have Rainbow Dash fetch some of those super pretty lotus blossoms and a bunch of food coloring! We could have confetti and sprinkles overnight! And for baked treats—y'know—my sister Maud has preserved an ancient family secret about making cake batter from fish oil!” “How...” Rarity leaned back, grimacing wildly. “D-does one even catch fish on a rock farm?” Pinkie stared back, eyebrows like windowpanes. “Very... very carefully.” “In a world this incalculably large...” Twilight thought aloud, tapping her chin. “...is a pony actually able to find a fish that can be milked?” “Eugh...” Rainbow quickened her pace, causing the platform to wobble slightly beneath her. “Let's go mooch on some monks already...” “That's a really nice guitar case you have there,” Galloran said, smiling. He led the Desperadoes, Rainbow Dash, and Menthe even deeper into the array of circular ascending platforms. “Nice antique wood, and from the looks of things, it's obviously been places.” “Well, reckon that's because I've been to many places,” Bard said, tipping his hat with a smirk. “And my grandpappy gave it to me. It's a family heirloom like no other.” “I bet he taught you lots about the guitar.” “Oh, he taught me plenty. And I've listened to all of the bits that made the most sense.” Bard exhaled out his nostrils, staring straight ahead. “Paid heed to the ones that helped me live longer.” “I bet he's quite proud.” “Aye, wherever his body drifted off to.” “Oh.” Galloran's ears folded. “I'm terribly sorry.” “Hey.” Bard shrugged. “Them's the currents of life. When I feel like moanin' about it, I choose to sing about it instead.” He smirked. “That way, I'm liable to get a smile or two... and even more in the way of bits.” “Hah! I bet.” Galloran smirked. “You and your quiet buddy are mercenaries, aren't you?” “Hmmm...” Bard stared at Galloran pointedly. “Did yer mentor give ya a silent signal just now?” “No.” Galloran shook his head. “But he does teach me to be very observant.” “Well, looks like he done taught you well.” “Actually... I myself tried being an enforcer for hire once,” Galloran said. “Eheh... I-I was never too good at it, and I floundered for a long time until I stumbled upon the Quade. Then I met Menthe and he saw that I had what it took to be a good, loyal guard. My eyes were open and I found my calling.” “Was that really it?” Bard asked, squinting inquisitively. “Or didja just not like havin' to butt heads over the ocean on occasion?” Galloran winced with a nervous smile. “So you caught me. I... never quite had the intestinal fortitude for it.” “Hey.” Bard shrugged. “There are two types of bounty hunters. The ones that do it for the money, and the ones that do it for honor. I like to think that Wildcard and I fall mostly in the middle.” Wildcard gestured. “But yeah. Bits are great. Heheheh...” “Heheheh...” Galloran nodded. “I once cared about getting rich. But I eventually learned that the bounty hunters who truly lasted long enough to make a living out of their profession weren't the kinds to sacrifice everything for money. But rather, the ones who had found their own center... who had a moral integrity to follow above all else... they were the ones to stay floating the longest... cuz they made fewer enemies, ya think?” “Heheheh...” Bard smirked, slapping the smaller stallion's shoulder. “I like ya, Galloran! Yer a stallion who knows his stuff?” “Well... I-I'm learning,” Galloran said. “I guess you could say that I came here to learn my moral center.” “And Menthe's helping you find it.” “Time is helping me find it,” Galloran said. “See... I-I could never be a monk like the Luminards because I believe there's something outside of myself that I must find to be whole. Take your guitar, for instance. That's an attachment to family... to tradition. I think that's what makes someone like you more durable than most mercenaries. It's your anchor.” “Well... in a way, sure.” Bard shrugged. “Guess I never thought of it that way.” “Most ponies who carry their anchor with them do so because they don't have a home to come back to,” Galloran said. “... ... ...” Bard stared straight ahead, his smile suddenly gone. Wildcard gulped. “I know this trip is all about your friend meeting the monks and all... but who knows?” Galloran shrugged. “Maybe you too, Bard, can find some enlightenment of your own from the solitude of the Quade—” “And just where might these monks be, ya reckon?” Bard said firmly. Menthe gazed over in mid-trot. “Oh... uhm...” Galloran cleared his throat and pointed ahead. “Most of them are located along the northern platforms.” “Has Sonikah marked today a 'weaving day?'” Menthe asked. “Sorry, Menthe. I haven't checked with her.” Galloran shrugged with his wings. “Weather's clear enough for it.” Rainbow Dash caught up. “Couldn't you and Menthe clear the weather for them when they need it?” “Oh...” Galloran chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh no. The Luminards do not like us manipulating the weather in anyway. They believe that nature must be kept immaculate and pristine.” “What about this stuff we're walking on?” Rainbow gave her next trotting step a slight bounce, which caused the platform they were on to wobble slightly. “Doesn't exactly seem natural to me.” “Anything the Luminards build, it's with great patience, care, and respect,” Menthe said with a smile. “And—in case you haven't noticed—they use completely natural materials.” “What's this stuff made of, exactly?” Bard asked. Rarity whispered in Rainbow's ear: “It appears to be... a fine wooden filament of some kind. Like twine.” “Dead shoots of the Reed,” Galloran explained. “The way the holy material grows out here... it allows for much detritus. The Luminards repurpose this into weaving the platforms we're stepping on.” “Or that,” Rarity murmured, blushing. Twilight smirked at her. Wildcard gestured. Bard nodded. “Doesn't exactly sound like an easy feat.” “That's because it's not,” Galloran said. At last, they edged the platform they were on, and he peered over. A smile crossed his muzzle. “Well, there you have it, Menthe. Sonikah set the younger monks to work.” “There you go, Miss Dash,” the mentor said, pointing towards the north edge of the array with a blue hoof. “The Luminards in the flesh—at least until their spirits are given away. Heh...” Rainbow trotted forward, squinting. “My my...” Rarity cooed, eyes sparkling. “What craftponyship! Like... like a sweatshop of gifted artists!” “I haven't seen work this intricate since Princess Celestia let me watch royal contractors build the Canterlot ramparts!” Twilight added. “Heehee!” Pinkie Pie pointed. “They look like yellow ants!” Before Rainbow Dash, a large round frame was being gradually filled by row after row of richly woven material. This was accomplished by several ponies—sprawled out on stretched limbs—carefully and meticulously threading several stringy bits of wooden filament over and under one another, then repeating tenfold until a firm and sturdy surface was made. Each Luminard was dressed in what could best be described as— “Potato sacks!” Rarity retched. “Huh?” Twilight looked over. “Well, look!” Rarity pointed. “I expected fine silks or embroidered velvet!” Twilight droned, “You expected rich silk garments on ascetic monks.” “Oh please please please please tell me they at least wash those... gaudy gray things!” Rarity quivered in mid-air. “And what in Celestia's name have they done to their hair?!” Rainbow observed closer, and she discovered why the Luminards all had a consistent color of yellow. The same coarse twine that they were using to weave the platforms had likewise been employed in braiding their manes. It swam and swirled through their hair like rigid catgut, forcing the hair patterns out in wildly flaring patterns. The manes more resembled wingfoils than actual hairstyles, and they gave an enormous sense of weight and bulk to the monks' cranium. The exact same thing had been done with their tails—stretching and flaring the frizzled strands out with yellow binding. “Jee, that looks...” Rainbow Dash blinked. “...painful.” “Our pain is simply realized through penitence.” Rainbow looked over. A cluster of monks had trotted up, their braided hair stretching stiffly over their smiling faces like patio overhangs. They bowed while an old stallion in the center trotted up, his frail body trembling slightly in a loose tunic of coarse sackcloth. As he came closer, Rainbow gazed upwards, noticing dozens—if not hundreds of identical looking ponies populating the platforms above them, murmuring in mutual chants. It was a distinctly bland sight to be had in the center of an epically gorgeous canyon. “By Verlaxion's grace, I apologize for the intrusion. I do believe our righteous protectors have brought us new visitors. Verlaxion's blessings to you.” The stallion bowed again and smiled. “My anointed name is Kyron, and I welcome you to the Shadow of the Plight. May your sins and fears be buried her forevermore in the Quade.”