When Sahrot Strun had woken up, he found himself lying down on grass. as he got back up, he realized he still had the artifact in his hand. as he inspected the staff, he eyed a golden dragon carved into the shaft, at the head of the staff was a golden dragon's head, and inside it's mouth was an orb, which had golden streams of light coursing inside of it. he looked around, and realized he was now in a forest. Sahrot then recalled back to the portal in the crypt. wherever this portal had taken him, it surely was unfamiliar to what he has seen. as Sahrot got himself up, and started exploring, he had come across creatures he had never seen before. creatures with a sabre cat's head, the wings of a bat, and scorpion tails. gigantic multi-headed reptiles in bogs, plants that move and act like animals. Sahrot Strun was astonished by all this, a whole new world that he can explore. a world that has many possibilities, many new things to discover. but, he thought to himself, he cannot stay here, for he must return to his world, to his friends, and to his lover. he must return as soon as possible. he looked at the amulet that Akatosh had given him. it was an amulet with a golden dragon carved into the center, still hanging around his neck.
"Bormah (father) Akatosh, I will not fail you. Breyla, I'll be home once again, just wait until then." he whispered to himself
he looked back at the staff in his hand. this is what had brought him here, and this going to take him back. he didn't remember the specifics of the ritual, but he did remember that they had used his Elder scroll, and a large assortment of magical artifacts. though he may not have what he would need, he will not give up hope, and so he went on. as he entered a clearing in the forest, he heard twigs snapping. he stopped, listening to the sounds, trying to pinpoint the sounds. he soon realized that the sounds came from everywhere, and he heard growling in the bushes.
"So, I'm being ambushed. alright then, I guess I can have some fun." Sahrot whispered menacingly, smiling behind his helm.
the first of the attackers crawled out of the bushes, and eyed Sahrot. he recognized it as one of the Sabre cat-like creatures. then, another beast tried to pounce Sahrot from behind. it did not even touch him as Sahrot brought his fist down on it's head, forcing it to the ground. Before it can get up, Sahrot plunged his greatsword into it's neck, slicing through it's throat and setting it ablaze due to the enchantment on his blade. As he pulled the sword out of the beast, it's soul was absorbed into one of his soul gems. He swung his sword, and cleaved the arms off of the other beast. The creature roared in agony before dropping on the ground, convulsing from the pain. The three remaining beasts were circling Sahrot, preparing to strike. Sahrot was about to ready himself, until he felt the ground quaking under his feet. Sahrot steadied himself, as the beasts, sensing danger, had sprinted away from the scene. Sahrot turned around to see a gigantic form looming over the trees. it was a wolf-like creature, and it seemed as though it was entirely made of wood. the colossal beast roared at Sahrot, who had brought out Spellbreaker and his Daedric sword. He braced himself, as the monster swiped at him with it's gigantic paw. Sahrot tried to block the attack, but was swept off his feet, and sent hurling into the bushes. Sahrot stood back up, and struck the beast's foreleg with his sword. the monster keeled back in pain, as the wound had started to burn furiously. it tore off it's paw with its jaws, letting it fall to the ground in a burning pile. the creature glared at Sahrot with murder in it's eyes. Sahrot realized that the beast had a weakness for fire. so he put away his sword, and charged up a fire spell. his right hand was glowing with fiery power, as he launched a large stream of fire. it struck the beast in the side, burning it's way into the beast. it howled in sheer agony, as it had dropped down on it's side, trying to put out the flames. after seconds of wriggling, it stood back on it's feet, the burned area now a smoking, earth choked hole in it's side. the beast roared in fury, and pounced on Sahrot. he tried to dodge the attack, but was caught in the creature's maw. it bit down on Sahrot, trying to crush him, but to no avail, for Sahrot's Daedric armor had protected him, and showing no sign of damage. the creature shook Sahrot violently with it's jaws, trying to tear him to shreds. Sahrot pulled out his sword and plunged it into the monster's right eye. it roared in pain, and threw Sahrot away, sending him crashing into a tree. Sahrot winced in pain, as he landed on the ground. the beast then used it's other paw to pin Sahrot in place, making sure he could not fight back. The beast cackled to itself, thinking it has already won, as it lunged for Sahrot's head. But Sahrot only looked into the beast's eye, showing no hint of fear, and prepared his attack. He inhaled, and shouted,
"Yol, TOOR SHUL!"
with that, a swirling column of fire bursts forth in front of Sahrot, engulfing the monster in front of him. The beast howled in pain, as its body was being eaten away by the flames. With a low growl, it collapsed into a pile of burning wood. Sahrot, seeing this, had stood back on his feet, and used a frost spell to put out the fire, making sure it does not spread. Sahrot eyed the remains of the beast, now a smoldering pile of ash and wood. seeing his enemy defeated, he put away his weapons, healed himself with his magic, and continued onward to exploring.
***
Sahrot had been traveling through the forest for several minutes, until he had come across a dirt road near the end of the forest. after walking down the road for almost an hour, he had found himself at an unknown town. Sahrot was somewhat grateful to see civilization for once, and entered. upon going inside the town, he had expected to find people, only to find small equines living in the homes. he was about twenty feet into the town, when suddenly he heard a shrill scream to his left. He turned to see some strange equine running from him, screaming and shrieking along the way. The other creatures turned their heads toward all the commotion, and fled into their homes upon seeing the cause. Sahrot was alone for a bit, until a purple equine with wings and a horn flew near him. As she landed, Sahrot could see a tiara adorning her head, and an embroidered dress that covered her body. She eyed him intensely, seeing his Daedric armor and weaponry. Soon after, five other equines joined her side. When they were all lined up, the purple one spoke.
“I don’t know who or what you are creature, but if you had come to cause trouble, then we’ll stop you.” she said.
Sahrot was bewildered, for he would never dream of the day that he would come into a town full of pastel colored talking horses. He looked at the other the other five. He saw an orange equine with some type of hat, and a sky blue equine with wings and rainbow mane who was glaring at him, itching for a fight. A white horned equine with a purple mane was eyeing his gear with an appalled expression on her face. A pink equine with a puffy mane and tail was jumping up and down excitedly, with a huge grin on her face. And finally, a yellow equine with a light pink and flowing mane, who was hiding frightfully behind the other five. Sahrot looked back at the purple one, not at all intimidated.
“I have not come to cause trouble, I am merely passing by.” he stated.
The purple one had a look of surprise after he spoke, and was now very curious.
“Well, um…greetings, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I am the ruler of this land, or at least, part of it." the purple equine stammered.
"Greetings." was all Sahrot said.
"Umm...would you mind coming along with me? There’s a lot I want to know about who and what you are. I know it would seem strange to ask that, but you...you are something completely unseen before.” She said.
“My name is Sahrot Strun, and I am an argonian. that is all you need to know.’’ Sahrot replied, turning to leave.
"W-wait! we have food, water, and shelter at the castle! we can help you, anything you need!" Twilight called out.
"The only thing I need is to find a way back home, princess. I appreciate your offer, strange as it is, but I must decline." Sahrot said nonchalantly.
As he turned to leave, a cyan blue blur raced towards him and stopped in front of him.
“Hey! If the princess wants you to go with her, then you better go, or you’ll be sorry!” the equine yelled.
Sahrot only looked at her with annoyance, though the equine could not see it due to his helm. He responded by getting a centimeter in front of her face, and replied,
“If you honestly believe your petty harassment is going to sway me, then you’re sorely mistaken.”
Sahrot could feel the electricity in his hands as his magical power courses through his body. He could see the equine in front of him becoming nervous not from the electricity, but because of the sheer power that was felt from his aura. The other five grew fearful as well, the yellow one having fainted. Before anything can get out of hand, however, Twilight stepped between them.
“Stop! Please, I don’t wish to instigate violence. Sahrot, please forgive my friend, she is usually brash, but she does mean well.”
Twilight pleaded. Sahrot looked down at the purple equine for a moment, then the electricity stopped coursing through his hands.
“I will forgive her for now, but mark my words. I am NOT someone to be talked down to.”
With that, Sahrot turned towards the opposite direction, and was about to head off, until Twilight stopped him.
“I sincerely request you to join me in my castle. We have plenty of food, drink, and room for you to stay in.”
she insisted. Sahrot turned back to her. He wondered why she would still want to give such a thing to a complete stranger. However, Sahrot was somewhat tired after all his travels, so he decides to sojourn in Twilight’s castle, at least until he is fully rested.
"fine then. but I will not stay long, for I have important business to attend to." he replied.
Twilight beamed at this, and beckoned Sahrot to follow him. he sighed, and followed the equine to her castle.
"Twilight, are ya sure that it's okay to bring something like him into the castle? n-no offence, sir" the orange mare said.
"none are taken. I do apologize if I came off a bit rude or intimidating, earlier. I just had a nasty day, today." Sahrot replied.
"oh, well, that's okay. we all have our ups and downs." the orange mare stated.
"by the way, can you tell me where I am, exactly? I have no idea as to what this place is", Sahrot asked.
"why sure. you're in the homely town of Ponyville. as for the country, you are currently in Equestria, the magical land of ponies", the mare replied.
"Right...so, what about that forest at the end of town?" Sahrot asked, pointing towards the forest.
"That is the Everfree Forest, a very dangerous place. ponies usually stay away from that area." the mare said.
"Hmph. from what I've seen of it, it pails in comparison to the perils that I have faced." Sahrot stated.
"what do you mean? have you actually been IN there?" Twilight chimed, joining in the conversation.
"indeed. while I was there, I saw some peculiar creatures. then there were these cat-like creatures with wings and stinging tails that tried to attack me." Sahrot told her.
"cat-like creatures? wings? you must be talking about Manticores, which are extremely vicious and territorial creatures, and their venom is filled with deadly toxins capable of killing a pony." Twilight stated.
"Hmm, so they were more dangerous than I originally thought. anyways, I fought back, killing three of them, but as they were about to attack, I heard a roar to my right, which had scared off the rest of them. coming out of the forest was a gigantic wolf-like creature, which seemed to be made entirely of wood." Sahrot explained.
"Wait, you had come face to face with a LUMBERWOLF, all on your own?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"if what that creature is known as, then yes, I have fought a lumberwolf. it proved itself worthy of at least a five minute fight. after that, I just burned it to death." Sahrot said blankly.
Applejack wore a face of complete shock. 'how can he just shrug off the fact that he fought, and killed, a lumberwolf?' she thought to herself. 'I gotta know what this guy's about. I'll start off easy, by asking his name.'
"So you said that yer name was Sahroot, Sayhrot?" Applejack asked.
"Sahrot Strun." he replied.
"Sahrot, huh? that's a pretty nice name." Applejack said.
"if you must know, that is not my actual name, but words of the dragons tongue." he stated.
"Dragons tongue? as in their language? Ah didn't know you were a type of dragon." Applejack said.
"I'm not. I am what is called an Argonian. we are a reptilian race who normally live in seclusion in a land known as Black Marsh. we are not in any way related to dragons." he replied.
"...uh huh. so if Sahrot isn't your real name, then what is your real name?" Applejack asked
"that is not something...I would like to remember. I don't believe I received your name, or your friends for the matter. can you tell me what they are?" Sahrot said.
"well, sure. mah name is Applejack. you already met Twilight." she said.
she pointed to the rainbow haired mare. "that there is Rainbow Dash. as you have seen earlier, she can be a little hot-headed, but she is great once you get to know her, and one of the most loyal ponies one can get."
"That would be something yet to be seen." Sahrot muttered, eyeing Rainbow Dash.
"Anyway, this is Rarity. she's a very talented designer, and makes some of the best attire in Equestria. she's also one of the most generous mares ever." Applejack explained.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, darling. I must ask, though, why would you wear such...frightening attire? Rarity said, looking disgusted.
"Daedric armor was never meant to look like a beautiful art-piece, Rarity. this armor was summoned from the realm of Oblivion itself. what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in strength. Daedric armor is the strongest armor there is, and that is what ultimately matters to me." Sahrot said coolly.
"likewise, I'm sure. but why wear armor? do you usually go out and fight?" Rarity asked.
"indeed. I am a warrior, and I have fought many foes in my time. but while that may be the case, I have taken several forms of art. the arcane arts is one such art. I have also taken poetry, and have become a bard, as well. I am also a fine smith, taught by the finest smith in my land, Eorlund Grey-Mane. through smithing, I have learned to make several types of jewelry, if that means anything to you. " Sahrot stated.
"Jewelry? that sounds incredible! can you show me your finest work?" she asked.
"Well, alright, if that is what you would want to see." Sahrot replied, pulling out a golden necklace. he hands it to Rarity, who inspects it meticulously.
"By Celestia, this is a true work of art! the design on the necklace, so intricate! the way the lines and curves were carved, so smooth and flowing, and the diamond, absolutely flawless! you are a truly talented individual, Sahrot!" Rarity exclaimed.
"I thank you for the compliment. if you wish to have the necklace, keep it. I can simply make another." Sahrot replied.
"Oh, thank you, darling! I will put this in one my finest jewelry collection! and in return, I will make you the finest attire I have ever made!" Rarity said, beaming.
"I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. you shouldn't need to waste your time on someone like me." Sahrot stated.
"Oh nonsense, darling. I am the Element of Generosity, and as such, I cannot allow such a selfless act go unrewarded. so for your act of generosity, I will make you the finest clothes I have ever made." Rarity said.
Sahrot said nothing in response, for he was processing how someone would be so generous to a complete stranger. he made it clear that she had nothing to owe him, yet she still wants to give him something in return. these...ponies were so kind to him, even when he made it clear to them that he was intimidating. he looked around the town, and saw the residents peering out of their homes, still looking frightful, yet also curious. when they him walking amongst the princess and her friends, they came out of their homes, and walking into the street. one of them approached the princess. she was a young filly, with a yellow coat, and red mane and tail. she had a mark on her flank, showing a shield with hues of purple and pink, with what appears to be a purple apple in the center. she was accompanied by two other fillies of the same age, bearing similar marks on their flanks. the first one went alongside Applejack, another one with a white coat and mane with two hues of pink went beside Rarity, and the third one, with an orange coat and purple mane, went beside Rainbow Dash.
Sahrot heard the yellow one talking to Applejack, looking at him from time to time as well.
"Who is this young one? a relative of yours?" Sahrot asked, pointing at the filly. the filly hid behind Applejack, looking somewhat frightful.
"Oh, this here is mah sister, Applebloom. Applebloom, this here is...a new friend of ours. his name is Sahrot, and he is currently lost right now. be a good filly and greet him proper." Applejack told her sister. the filly slowly left her sister's side, and cautiously walked towards Sahrot.
"H-hello, sir. my n-name is Applebloom. it's a p-pleasure to meet you." she stammered.
"it is nice to meet you too, Applebloom. you need not to be afraid of me, though I understand why you would be." Sahrot stated.
he lifted his arms to remove his helm, revealing his face. both Applebloom and the crowd around her gasped in surprise at what they saw. the helm revealed underneath a coal-black scaly, reptilian head, with curved, white horns adorning the back of his head. his eyes were a starry blue, like a lapis lazuli. but the thing that made them gasp was the large, jagged three-lined scar, with the middle scar going over his left eye. Applebloom backed away slowly, returning to her sister's side. Sahrot only sighed, looking toward the crowd, who still had shock on their faces after seeing the scar. Twilight approached Sahrot as he was putting back on his helm with concern.
"it's the scar, isn't it?" Sahrot asked.
"how did you get such a wound? what creature has given you such a scar?" Twilight asked, worry in her voice.
"trust me, you do not want to know how I received this scar, for it may leave you more confused and uneasy." Sahrot replied.
"W-well, um, I think we head to the castle now. I don't want to draw some unwanted attention on you." Twilight stated.
she led Sahrot out of the crowd, and the Main Six, with their new visitor, proceeded to Twilight's kingdom.