Sanctuary
Twilight and Rainbow Dash had crash landed into some trees, but were otherwise, no worse for wear. Just a few scrapes and bruises. Twilight let out a groan.
"Rainbow? Where you?" she asked. Rainbow Dash suddenly fell on top of Twilight. Twilight let out another groan.
"Sorry about that." said Rainbow Dash sheepishly. She then let out a cry of pain. "AH! My wing!" She tried to move it, but her wing seemed to be badly sprained. Twilight helped Rainbow Dash up and the two surveyed their surroundings, finding themselves in a dense, wooded area.
"Where are we?" asked Rainbow.
"How should I know?" said Twilight. "We could be anywhere." The heavy ran and wind pelted against them. "We need to find shelter, and fast." The girls strained to see where they were going as the began searching for cover from the storm. But as far as they knew, there might not even be any cover for miles around. There seemed to be nothing but bushes and trees as far as they could see. But Twilight spotted something in the distance that made her hopeful.
"I see a light!" she said. "There might be somepony nearby."
"Let's hope so." said Rainbow Dash. And so, they headed toward the source of the light, hoping that it would lead them to a shelter of sorts where the could wait out the storm.
Fluttershy looked out the window at the raging storm, never before had she seen one quite like this before. It was starting to worry her. Was her father alright in this storm? Her thoughts were broken when she heard a loud pounding coming from the door. The sudden sound made her jump until she realized what it was.
"Coming!" she called out, and hurried to greet whoever it was knocking on her door. 'Who could be here out in this weather?' she wondered. She opened the door to find a purple unicorn and a cyan pegasus with a sprained wing, both drenched as they stood on her doorstep. She gasped a put a hoof over her mouth.
"Oh my goodness! Are you two alright?" she asked worriedly. The unicorn nodded.
"Sorry to trouble you like this, but our carriage crashed a little ways from here, and we were wondering if we could stay here for the night."
"Of course, come inside." Fluttershy opened the door wider and beckoned the girls inside.
"You two can sit by the fire in the study, while I get you girls something to eat. You look famished." said Fluttershy as she led them to the study. A large fire was already burning in the hearth, cracking and sparking its warm embers. Fluttershy sat them down and draped blankets over their shoulders before heading into the kitchen to fix them up some food. Fluttershy was a little excited by the arrival of the two strangers. Two ponies were here. Somepony she could talk to. In the kitchen, Fluttershy got out two bowls and filled them up with lettuce for her guests to munch on. When she returned to the study, she was happy to see that the girls were getting nice and cozy around the fire.
"Is there anything else I can get you?" asked Fluttershy as she handed them the bowls of salad.
"No, we're good. No need to trouble yourself." said the unicorn, who turned to her friend and arched an eyebrow when she saw how she was cramming the whole salad into her mouth. The pegasus stopped mid-chew and looked at Fluttershy and the unicorn who were both staring at her.
"Wha?" she asked through her food. Fluttershy and the unicorn both smiled and started laughing a little. Rainbow Dash also joined in their good-natured laughing. Fluttershy felt a happiness inside her, one she rarely felt. Probably because she had nopony else to laugh or talk with up until now.
"My name is Fluttershy." said Fluttershy with a welcoming smile. "And you two can stay here as long as you need to."
"Thank you Fluttershy." said the unicorn. "I'm Twilight Sparkle by the way, and this is Rainbow Dash."
"How ya doing?" said Rainbow Dash with a friendly wave.
"It's good to have some company over, especially during a night like this." said Fluttershy, looking toward the window. "It gets really lonely out here, and I don't get many visitors."
"Do you live here all alone?" asked Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy shook her head.
"No, I live here with papa, but he's away on important business and won't be back for a while."
"Does he always leave you on your own?" asked Twilight.
"Yes, but it's not his fault. He has important things he needs to do." Fluttershy looked downward. A sadness passing over her face. She did her best to shake it off. She had company, and they needed her attention right now. "So what brought you two out here?"
"We heard that there were vampires in the area and-" Twilight stuck her hoof over Rainbows mouth and smiled anxiously at Fluttershy.
"What my friend means is that we were heading to a village where there are many vampire myths. We're were hoping to find more information on it for some research I'm doing. See, I'm a student at university, so it's kind of my thing." Fluttershy just stood there silently. These two were looking for vampires? Why? Was it really just for research?
"I don't think you'll have much luck, there aren't any vampires or myths about them around here." she said, not looking them in the eye. She couldn't let them find out. About her, or her father.
"Maybe I can find something in one of my-" Twilight stopped herself and let out a loud, air sucking gasp. "My books! They were still on the carriage that crashed! And now, they're gone!" Twilight lowered her head, upset over the loss of her beloved books.
"Uh, I think our lives are a little more important than a few old books." said Rainbow Dash.
"You don't understand. I got those books from my professors. They were special to me!" Fluttershy knelt down next to Twilight, patting her back, trying to be sympathetic toward her.
"Don't worry Twilight." she said. "I'm sure your books will be fine."
"But-"
"You're tired from your journey, let me make up the beds and try to get some rest." Twilight sighed in defeat.
"Alright." Fluttershy showed them the guest room, and carefully closed the door. She looked down at the blankets that had been on the girls and toward the window. She didn't know Twilight very well, but she didn't like seeing her so sad either. She took a long, deep sniff of the blankets, locking onto the girls' scent. It would be difficult to track it in this kind of weather, but she had to at least try. Fluttershy slipped out of the villa and flew into the storm.
"Eldra?" called Drake as he knocked on the door. "Can I come in know? Or do you still insist on leaving me stranded out here?"
"Did you bring something for me?" asked Eldra through the door. Drake sighed.
"Yes. Open up and I'll show you what I brought." There was a click, and the door opened up. Eldra smiled at Drake from inside the room.
"So, what did you bring, dear Drake?" she asked. Drake reached to the side and tossed two stallions inside, both were bound, gagged, and terrified. Eldra clapped her hooves, pleased by the two stallions before her.
"Oh Drake, wherever did you find such delectable morsels?"
"I was passing over the cliff side when I saw them pulling a carriage. The rode was staring to become dangerous during the storm and they unhitched themselves to keep from getting hurt by the run away carriage." Eldra rubbed her hooves together with glee, the stallions looked into her eyes, and became paralyzed. Eldra opened her mouth, two razor sharp fangs now protruding outward.
"Dinnertime!" she said. And bit down into the neck of the first stallion. His warm blood dripping down his neck, oh how salty and tasty it was! She lapped it up with her tongue, continuing to drain it all from the stallion's body. As the stallion's body became lifeless and empty, Eldra felt herself becoming full and satisfied. She lifted her head and let out a sigh. Blood was stained upon her lips, the now dead stallion had a look of frozen fear. Eldra moved onto the next stallion. Before, digging her fangs into him, she looked up at Drake.
"Where are my manners? Care for a drink Drake?" she asked. Drake shook his head.
"I'll pass." he said.
"Suit yourself." Eldra said with a shrug. Drake sat himself upon the bed, and watched as she sucked the stallion into another empty husk as if it were nothing.
"Quite the eater, isn't she?" asked a voice. Drake jumped off the bed and took a defensive stance.
"Who said that? Show yourself!" The creature, who had once been a statue, materialized in front of him.
"How do you do?" said the creature. Drake still held his stance. His eyes narrowed on him like burning flames.
"Who are you?" asked Drake. Eldra wiped the blood off her mouth with the back of her hoof and turned to Drake.
"That's right, I nearly forgot to introduce you to our new, acquaintance. This is Discord, the Spirit of Chaos."
"You mean you actually managed to revive him?"
"What? Is really that surprising? Have a little more faith in me Drakey." Drake glowered at the two. Not sure which he disliked more.
"I'm gonna get some air." he said.
"But you just got here." said Eldra.
"It suddenly became a bit crowded for me." said Drake, already out the door. "Call for me when you actually need my assistance." He slammed the door hard, his hoofsteps fading as he moved down the corridor.
"A real ray of sunshine that one." remarked Discord sarcastically.
"Ah, but it's that kind of sternness that really gets me in the mood. It almost sends chills down my spine when he looks at me with his cruel gaze."
"So, are you two...?"
"No, unfortunately not. But that doesn't mean we can't be." She smiled and sat down on the bed with her legs crossed, her bat wings folded up. "Onto more, serious business, I have heard tales of your own powers of manipulation, how you're able to bring out the worst in everypony pony so they're at each others throat." Discord rubbed his talons against his chest and studied them.
"It's a gift. But where exactly are you going with this?" he asked.
"I want to cause a little strife in my brother's life, and who better to do it than you? I've already set up some of my own forces among many of the vampire covens here in the New World. With a little work, I'll force my brother's hoof to make a drastic mistake."
"So you want to cause a war between the vampires and the ponies." Eldra nodded, a sadistic expression upon her face.
"What better way to celebrate my return and my claim to power, than with a festive blood bath?"
"And what makes you so sure that the ponies and the vampires will want to fight?"
"I've already devised a plan for that, one that I've refined over the years. My forces have already stirred up wariness among the ponies, all that's left is for the ponies to strike at the vampires, and let Old World hatred take root. So, are you interested?"
"Very. But that brother of yours, what about him?" Eldra laughed cruelly.
"That soft-hearted fool is too busy to notice my presence. Though..." Her eyes lit up as she looked at Discord. "There is another thing I need you to do for me, other than manipulating the ponies." Discord tilted his head out of curiosity.
"And that would be what exactly?"
"My brother has a ugly, and wretched little brat, we could use her as leverage. To give my brother reason not to go against me should he find out what I'm up to." Discord let out a maniacal laugh.
"You are devious aren't you? Very well, consider it done."
"You're sure you can handle it?"
"Pfft! Please. How hard could it be to get close to a little pony. Even if she is a vampire, she's still a mare. Just wait and see." Eldra giggled evilly, it was coming together oh so perfectly.
Twilight could barely sleep the rest of the night, and felt bone tired in the morning. It may seem silly, but she couldn't help but worry about her books. How they were getting ruined in this dreadful weather! How would she explain this to er professors?! These were irreplaceable books, now ruined because of her carelessness, and for not choosing a safer route to travel on. There was a light knock on the door, so soft the girls barely even heard it. The door opened, revealing Fluttershy, wearing a smile and an apron as she bid them good morning.
"I've fixed up breakfast for you in the dinning room. Once you both finish, I have a special surprise for you, Twilight." Twilight found herself baffled. A surprise for her? What could it be? The girls ate a large helping of wild berries and oatmeal, once their bowls were empty, Fluttershy flew up to Twilight, a grin on her face as she held something behind her back.
"Are you ready for your surprise?" she asked. Twilight nodded slowly. From her back, Fluttershy pulled out a stack of books. Twilight's eyes widened with recognition.
"My books!" she cried happily. She took the stack and flipped through the pages. There didn't seem to be much water damage to them, and they looked alright for the most part.
"B-but how? I thought..."
"Oh, I uh, found them near the cliff side when I was picking berries for this morning's breakfast." Fluttershy's eyes darted anxiously to the girls, hoping they believed her fib. In truth, she had flown to the cliff side, after much difficult searching, and had carefully dried each book to ensure that they weren't damaged. It left her a bit worn, but it was worth it to see Twilight happy.
"You've been so kind to us." said Twilight. "We can't thank you enough."
"No thanks is necessary." said Fluttershy. "You two probably want to return on your journey. I'll help prepare for your leave if you wish." Twilight shook her head.
"Actually, we were thinking about staying here for a little bit longer." she said. Fluttershy was surprise by this.
"R-really?" asked Fluttershy.
"Well, we don't really have anywhere to go and we're kinda broke so..." Rainbow Dash was nudged in the ribs by Twilight. "Ow! Watch that!"
"If you don't mind of course." said Twilight. Fluttershy broke out into a beaming smile.
"No, I'd be more than happy to let you stay. My home is your home." Then Fluttershy remembered her father and added, "Of course, when my father gets back, you'll need his permission if you want to further your stay."
"Don't worry Fluttershy, I don't think we'll be staying that long." said Twilight.
"Yeah, but in the meantime, got anything to drink around here?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Any, cider perhaps?" Fluttershy froze. Did Rainbow suspect her?
"Rainbow, don't push your luck." said Twilight. "You chug down more cider than any pony I've seen. You'd clear out of house and home."
"Hey! I'm not that bad."
"Um, if you want some cider, they have some over at The Golden Apple. I could by you a mug if you're interested." said Fluttershy.
"I'll take you up on that offer." said Rainbow Dash. Twilight laughed and shook her head. Fluttershy felt like she belonged with these ponies. That she was one of them. Just like in her dreams. But a teeny bit of worry gnawed on her mind. What if like a dream, this happiness she felt ended just as it was getting good? Fluttershy pushed that worry aside, wanting instead, to enjoy the nice moment she was sharing with these nice girls. She felt like nothing could go wrong.