//------------------------------//
// Chapter 13: Change is Good 
// Story: A Daedra's Heart 
// by Randablitz 
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(Griffon Kingdom, Gilda’s P.O.V)

It’s been over three weeks since Rainbow and Pinkie helped me start to make friends around Griffon Stone. I was just relaxing in my nest until I heard screaming coming from the middle of our decrepit town. I jumped out of my nest and flew straight for the source of the screaming, it was my new friend, Greta, just screaming in absolute terror at something. “Greta, what’s wrong?” I asked worriedly. “G-gilda, l-look behind you.” Greta stuttered as she continued to shake in terror. I did as she asked and I saw a figure standing there. The figure was standing on two legs, had pale skin underneath thick fur, had antlers sticking out of his headdress, and held a spear in his right claw. The figure turned to see the Greta and me both staring at him. “The scent of fear radiates from you like the smell of a rose on a clear Spring day.” The figure said with a deep, intimidating voice. “I see you’re too afraid to speak. I take no offense. Not many are brave enough to look upon me in all of my glory, I am Hircine, Daedric Prince of the Hunt.” The figure, now known as Hircine said as he knelt down to us and extended his left arm. “My name’s Grizelda, Gilda for short, and this is my friend Greta.” I said as I hesitantly shook his claw. “I’m pleased to meet you little mortals, do you know what this place is?” Hircine asked. “Well, you’re in the Griffon Kingdom, in the town of Griffon Stone.” I replied. Hircine looked at the state of the town and seemed disgusted. “This town is in desperate need of a real leader, and I, Hircine, declare that you Gilda, are now the leader of Griffon Stone.” Hircine said with pride. “M-me?” I said really surprised. “Yes, simply because you faced your fear and stood your ground, rather than running away, only to trap yourself for the hunter. Rise my champion, and take my hide, ring, spear, and the place as Alpha of my Hunting Pack.” Hircine said as he took out a knife and cut his wrist allowing his blood to flow into a small bowl. 

“W-what are you doing?” I asked quite scared of why he was cutting himself. “If you’re going to be the new Alpha of my Hunting Pack, you must partake in the blood of the Father of Lycanthropy.” Hircine replied. “Lycanthro-what?” I asked. “Lycanthropy is the condition in which the afflicted turn into a magnificent predator, a Werewolf.” Hircine stated as I saw his wound heal itself all on it’s own. “So, if I drink your blood, I‘ll turn into a monster?” I asked. “That’s what the ring is for, to allow you to control your transformations.” Hircine explained. I was completely unsure about this, I was afraid of what I might become, probably something hideous,or monstrous. I swallowed up some courage and decided to go for it, for Griffonstone. The taste of Hircine’s blood was sweet, yet it felt like my throat, and brain were burning as I swallowed the last drop. I placed the bowl down on the ground and I felt like my heart was going to fly out of my chest and my body was changing. I felt my wings start to shrink into my body, my beak was turning into a muzzle and I felt something growing into my muzzle, teeth were growing in and they were as sharp as spears, I started to grow and change even more, until I howled to the full moon. “Ah, very good, the transformation is complete, come and see the glory I’ve blessed you with.” Hircine said as he held a mirror in front of me. I looked in the mirror and saw a silver furred wolf that had my eyes. I touched my face with my new set of claws and the reflection did the same. “I look badass!” I said in a slightly deeper voice, but still enough to know that I was definitely female.

Greta however, looked at my new form in shock, seeing me this way made her pretty curious. “G-gilda, are you still ‘all there’?” She asked. I turned away from Hircine’s mirror to face her and I placed one of my hands upon her head. “Yeah, I’m still here, nothing really seems to have changed mentality wise, otherwise I’m completely different.” I said with a smile that showed off my new razor sharp teeth. “You look so cool and scary at the same time.” Greta said as she looked around my new form. “I know, I can’t wait to see what happens when I change back, I mean this is probably a once a day kinda deal, or once a full moon, something like that.” I said as I tapped my nose in thought.”Is it?” Greta asked Hircine. “It is a once a day transformation, but I would take caution when and where you transform, don’t want to become the prey of others now do you?” Hircine asked. I shook my head in response. “In that case rule over the Griffons with a firm, yet gentle hand and offer tributes to me in the form of prey you have killed so that I may grace you with my glorious blessings of enticing prey.” Hircine said as he faded from sight leaving me and Greta alone in the dark of the night. “Tomorrow I’m so showing this to R.D. and Pinkie, they’re gonna freak out!” I said as I admired my new features.

(The next day, Ponyville, 3rd P.O.V)

Another gleaming day in Equestria has everypony out and about to enjoy the glorious sunshine and warmth of the fascinating summer season. As normal and nothing out of the ordinary from what happened yesterday with the two chaos spirits wreaking havoc, Kai was just in his private study to focus on a few books to pass some time. “Ha, Daring Do is a good series. It reminds me of all of my crazy adventures throughout Skyrim and Tamriel.” Kai said as he finished the first book of the Daring Do series. As Kai was about to start reading the second book, a letter spontaneously appeared in front of him. “Oh, what’s this?” He asked as he looked at the small scroll. He opened it and found out that it was Hircine who sent him the message. “Ah, a new champion has been chosen, that’s great news.” Kai said as he read the rest of the letter and was stunned to see who Hircine’s champion was. 

“Dear Kai,

It’s been awhile since we’ve last met and I hope you’re doing well. I however have a new champion I met in this world near a town called Griffonstone, her name is Gilda and she has quite the attributes of leadership as you have. After doing something most would refuse, she had became my new champion and I convinced her that she would be a great leader to her fallen town. Although she does want to make a quick stop to find her two friends by the name of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie as she called them, so be on the lookout. I’d hope to meet you someday in the near future.

Signed, Hircine.”

“Typical Hircine, but very effective. I’ll have to tell Rainbow and Pinkie that Gilda’s coming.” Kai said as he stood up from his chair and wandered off to find either Rainbow Dash and/ or Pinkie Pie. After walking out of his study, Kai went into town to search for Rainbow Dash, and/or Pinkie to tell them the news about Gilda. It didn’t take too long for Kai to find Rainbow Dash lying on a cloud after a hard day’s work. “Oh Dash, I have something to tell you.” Kai said as he looked up to see his rainbow maned devotee relaxing on her cloud. Rainbow was startled by her friend and cult master. “Sorry, ‘bout that I was just having a relaxing nap. So what’s the news?” Rainbow said with a smile. “Well does the name Gilda sound familiar to you?” Kai asked. Rainbow’s eyes went wide in shock. “G-Gilda?! I’ve known her since Flight Camp as a filly and she had been a real jerk to me and my friends when she came for a visit last time.” Rainbow said with a slight hint of surprise and anger. “But when we met again in Griffonstone, she changed when she saved me and Pinkie from certain death.” She continued slowly smiling at the memory. “Why do you ask?” She asked cocking an eyebrow. “It seems my friend, Hircine the Daedric Prince of the Hunt has made her his new champion and the new queen of the Griffons, and she’s on her way here to show you something that only disciples of Hircine can do.” Kai explained with a smirk. “She has no idea about me, or you and your friends being my disciples, so bring her to the temple so I can meet her.” Kai said before vanishing to go tell Pinkie Pie the same news.

(Ponyville, Rainbow Dash’s P.O.V)

After hearing that, about Gilda being someone’s champion, I was mixed with emotions from surprise, anger, and somewhat glad. I mean she was pretty cool when we first met and she may have been a complete jerk to my friends, but Gilda had shown she had changed after saving me and Pinkie back in Griffonstone. The best I can do is be glad for my first friend and give her my full support. I felt a strong gust of wind rush through my fur. I knew what it meant, it meant that she was near and was trying to get the drop on me. “Don’t even think about it.” I said flatly. “Aw, c’mon Dash, I came all the way from Griffonstone to visit and that’s the welcome I get? I think that nerdy friend of your has sucked all the fun out of you.” A familiar voice said from behind me. I turned around and saw Gilda with a sly smile on her face. “Long time no see, eh Gilda.” I said as I returned a sly look. “Yeah, so what’s new with you and Pinks?” Gilda asked. “Well my friends and I have a new master like you, but unlike yours he is getting hitched to Princess Luna.” I said as I motioned her to follow me towards the temple. “So what’s your boss like, is he mean, laid back, yet strict, or just completely detached from emotion?” Gilda asked as we walked into the Everfree Forest.

“He’s laid back, but he has a fatherly kinda vibe about him where he’s not forcing us, but more or less guides us in the right direction.” I said as we reached the first checkpoint. “So what’s this?” Gilda asked. “This is one of our four trail checkpoints for our fellow followers, or lost traveler needing a safe place to stay.” I explained as I lit the pyre to signify our current position. “I see, but I would know this area like if it were the back of my hoof.” I said with confidence. “I bet you could.” Gilda said as she rolled her eyes. “I can, it’s just for safety reasons because up next is where most ponies get lost because of the fog, Kai, our master put in place to ward off unwelcome guests, but you should be fine, seeing as he wants to meet you.” I said as we walked further into the forest and down the marked path. I had to admit, it was far creepier than the Everfree Forest and it felt a lot more dangerous to get lost in these woods, but I wasn’t scared the least I set hoof into the woods. “So why would he set this kind of creepy stuff up if he values every one of you?” Gild asked. “Simple, not all of the Daedra are friendly towards each other, so they have to find ways to keep each other way from their respective temples or a battle of world ending proportions will ensue.” I explained as we got to the second checkpoint and lit the pyre to help clear some more of the fog. “Hircine seemed to regard your master with respect, so I’m guessing that they’re friends and welcome each other right?” Gilda asked. “Oh yeah. On his first day here he challenged me to a drinking contest, and I lost, but I kept my dignity as a strong competitor.” I said as we walked across the stone bridge where Steven Magnet lived.

(Sanguine’s P.O.V)

My bar was as lively as ever as I received order after order from one customer to another. I told stories, gave advice, and even hosted an occasional drinking game every so often. “Hey Berry, wanna play would you rather, drinking edition?” I asked my most attractive hostess Berry Punch with my signature drunken smile on my face. “You know me too well to know what I would say.” Berry replied after serving a customer a drink. “Alright, how ‘bout a million bits, but…?” I asked. “Fine, just as long as they’re work appropriate.” Berry said as she got some water and ice for a drunken mare across the bar. “Okay. You get a million bits, but for the rest of your life, whenever you try to lie you fart. Would you still take the money?” I asked. “You are so on, but let’s wait til closing time alright?” Berry asked as the clock struck around 5PM. “Sure. hold on a second. Everypony the bar officially closed at 8 o’clock please make sure to have a good time before then, and we are not responsible for any lost, or stolen items.” I said as I gave the bar’s weekly public service announcement. Three hours later, The bar closed up and locked its doors after everypony left for the night, except for myself and Berry Punch for our drinking game. “So would you still take the money, if you tried to lie you farted?” I asked once more. “No, I mean you don’t want to make a friend  feel bad and stink up the room.” Berry responded with a smile.

“Ok, you get a million bits, but for the rest of your life, you have to pantomime a serious decision.” Berry said. “Do you mean like, if I wanted to have sex with a mare, would I have to pelvic thrust in front of her to ask her to have sex with me?” I asked. Berry nodded. “Sure why not, it’s good practice for raunchy charades.” I said with a smile. We played our little game for about an hour until Berry felt like she needed to get some sleep. I smiled and carried her upstairs where she and I shared a bed. “I know what you guys are thinking, Berry and I just cuddle, I will not take advantage of her, unless she wishes it, I’m not Molag y’know!” I said to nobody in particular. “Who are you talking to?” Berry asked unsure of what I was doing. “Just addressing the loving audience, that nobody knows about.” I said as I lied down next to Berry. “Whatever, let’s just get some rest ‘kay?” Berry asked as she yawned and closed her eyes.

(Canterlot Carousel, Garrin’s P.O.V)

I was not feeling happy, despite having a mare that loved every fiber of my being. I just felt like something was missing, but what it was I couldn’t place. “Dear, are you alright?” Sassy asked as she came into the living room. “Actually Sass, I’m not.” I replied with a exasperated sigh. “Wanna talk about it?” She asked. “It’s about my home dimension, Nirn, it’s destabilizing to the point Equestria must merge with it to ensure the survival of every race, but it won’t be easy. I also want to see my old friend Haskill again. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.” I said as Sassy affectionately nuzzled me. “What do you think we can do to make you feel better?” Sassy asked embracing me. “Well we can just embrace each other in bed, or we could play one of my favorite games, two truths and a lie.” I suggested as I turned to face my marefriend. “How can I decide on just one, when I like both ideas?” She asked me causing us both to giggle in response. “Alright how about we cuddle in bed while playing two truths and a lie?” I suggested with a debonair smile. “Now that’s more like it.” Sassy said in response as she kissed me on my left cheek. I got up and carried Sassy as if she were my bride, even if I do plan on proposing to her after everything had settled down of course, all the way to our shared bedroom where we cuddled like newly-weds. “Alright I’ll start this off. I’ve been my master’s servant for nearly 2,300 years, I’ve been asked to kill usurpers, and defectors, and I fell in love with the manager of Canterlot Carousel. Which one is the lie?” I asked. “The assassin one is the lie, you have to stay with Kai.” Sassy said. “You know me all too well. Your turn Miss Saddles.” I said with a smile. “Alright. I once overstepped my authority as a manager and nearly ruined Rarity’s spontaneous career. I once had a crush on Prince Blueblood. I am in love with the kindest, most loyal Dremora the world has ever seen. Which is the lie?” Sassy asked. “I think the lie is that you once had a crush on that royal pain in the ass?” I asked with a questionable look with an added smile. “Correct. That douchebag would just scoff and laugh at me for even thinking he had a heart.” Sassy said as she craned her neck up to kiss me on the lips.

(Canterlot Castle, Celestia’s P.O.V)

After Sheogorath told me what happened between him and Discord, I was relieved they worked things out, but I also couldn’t help but chuckle at what they had done during their little chaotic spree. “I bet Discord and Luna will have a bit of a tiff after turning the moon into a marshmallow just to cook on the sun.” I said laughing. “Yeah, Luna did slap him in the face, while she was in her proto-gown, then left.” Sheogorath said as we sat side by side in the throne room. “I see, but still I know Discord meant well and he’ll do what it takes to get the last laugh.” I said. “I’m kinda the same too, the only difference is that I do most of my antics out of a random spasm, Discord does his when it suits him.” Sheogorath said as he playfully nudged my side with his elbow. “Even so, you two are still share more similarities than differences.” I said with a light blush emerging on my face. “True. So, have ya ever had a boyfriend, or coltfriend in the past?” He asked. “Discord was once a fillyhood crush, but when he started to get out of control, my heart was broken, and I haven’t fallen for anypony ever since.” I said as I felt tears sting my eyes. “Hey, no cryin’. A lady like you doesn’t need him when ya got a refined, and coincidentally insane Daedric Prince as your company.” He said as he wiped away my tears and hugged me tightly. I gave in to the embrace. “Thanks. I really needed that, my heart’s been broken for so long I’ve nearly forgotten what it’s like to love.” I said as I wrapped both my hooves and wings around him. “No problem, just remember to find me when ya need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener.” He said as we broke from our hug. “I’ll keep that in mind. Weren’t you going to send your servant Haskill somewhere?” I said as I noticed the posh looking Daedra standing on the left side of my throne. “Oh yeah. Haskill go spend some time with your friend Garrin, I’m sure he wants to catch up with ya.” Sheogorath said as Haskill bowed and disappeared from the room in a flash of purple flames.

(Canterlot Carousel, Sassy’s P.O.V)

After Garrin and I played our little game, he fell asleep with a smile on his face. I smiled at the sight and gave him a kiss on his forehead and got up to get some work done before the day was out. Surprisingly no clients came in so I decided to close early today. I turned the sign on the door from “open” to “closed” and then I heard a knock at the door. “Strange. Who would be coming here just after closing time?” I asked myself as I went to open the door. I was surprised to see another human standing in front of me. “Good evening ma’am. My name is Haskill. I am the servant of Sheogorath and I wish to know if Garrin resides here.” The man known as Haskill said politely. “Well hello Haskill. My name’s Sassy Saddles, and yes Garrin is here, but he’s currently napping, but you’re more than welcome to come in and wait for him to wake up.” I said as I stepped to the sid to invite Haskill inside. “Why thank you madam.” He said politely as he stepped inside the boutique. “So would you like anything to drink, or eat while we wait for Garrin to wake up?” I asked as we went into the “house” portion of the boutique. “Some wine and a bowl of fresh fruit would do very nicely, if it’s no hassle for you.” Haskill said with a smile. “No trouble at all, just make yourself comfortable.” I said as I went into the kitchen to get Haskill his wine and bowl of fruit. 

After gathering the finest and freshest fruit and wine in the kitchen, I brought it all back to the kind gentleman in the living room for him to dine on. “Haskill, I just wanted to say that it’s nice to have somepony that knows Garrin other than me, his master, or my boss Miss Rarity.” I said as I gently placed the wine bottle, glass, and bowl of fruit on the coffee table. “It’s no trouble at all madam, I’m just glad that he has friends other than me now.” Haskill said with a pleasant smile. After eating a few pieces of his fruit and drinking half his glass of wine Haskill looked at me curiously. “Is something wrong dear lady?” He asked. “It’s nothing. It’s just that I love Garrin so much that it pains me to think that he’s going to outlive me by thousands of years, and I don’t want to leave him.” I said with a frown on my face. “Ah, I see. You want to be immortal like us Daedra.” Haskill said. I nodded. “I just want to be there for him for the rest of eternity other than him just being with me for the rest of my life.” I said still looking down onto the wine glass. “Well there is a way, but you won’t like it, trust me on that.” Haskill said as he placed his glass on the table. “What do I have to do?” I asked curiously. “You’ll have to give your life to save mine, only then will you become immortal.” A familiar voice said from behind me. I turned around and saw Garrin standing behind me with a small smile on his face. “I see.” I merely responded, but deep inside I was terrified. I knew that if sacrificing myself for my lover will be an ultimate test for our relationship. “So Haskill, how’ve you been?” Garrin asked as he noticed our guest. “Just fine thank you, same as always.” Haskill said as he ended his sentence with a posh chuckle.

(Moral Center Path, Everfree Forest, Gilda’s P.O.V)

After entering the forest not too long ago, We’d arrived at some stone bridge where Kai mentioned somebody by the name of Steven Magnet. “So where’s that sea serpent dude?” I asked as I looked up and down the stream. “Is someone looking for me?” A voice said as a black object moved towards the bridge and rose up to meet us, what we saw was a purple sea serpent with orange facial hair. “Yeah just wondering where you were.” Rainbow said as she waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, I was just at Flash Freeze Lake for lunch where I caught up with a good friend by the name of Cranky Doodle, so what can I do for you all?” Steven replied then asked us a question in return. “Nothin’. We’re just heading back to the temple to introduce this sour eagle to Kai.” Rainbow said as she pointed at me. “Hardy har Dash, can we please get moving that fog creeps me out.” I said as I saw the fog returning to cover the path behind us. “I’ll let Kai know of your presence, he’d be excited to see you two.” Steven said as we made our way to Kai once more and thankfully away from the creepy fog behind us. “So how much further?” I asked. “Just one more checkpoint to go and we’re there, oh and one thing you need to know is that Kai has a kind of butler guy, but he’s been staying in Canterlot for the last few days.” Rainbow said as we pressed onward towards the next checkpoint. “Is his butler guy really posh, or laid back?” I asked. “Garrin’s pretty proper, but mostly laid back.” Rainbow said as we walked to the next checkpoint. “Ok, so this is the last checkpoint right?” I asked. “Yup, after this we’re on temple grounds.” Rainbow said as we started off once more. We came to a stop when we got to a bridge that was over a chasm. “Here we are just past this bridge is the temple.” Rainbow said as she started to walk on the bridge motioning me to follow.

After five minutes we finally reached the temple and saw a couple of guards standing watch. “Welcome home Sister.” A guard spoke in a calm tone. “Greetings Brother, this is our honored guest, make her feel welcome here.” She replied. The guards nodded and parted their spears for us to pass. “So the Brother/Sister is a mutual respect thing?” I asked. Rainbow looked at me with a slight blush on her face. “Yeah, that and here we’re all family.” She said as we walked into the throne room. The throne room was as grand as the Canterlot throne room with banners donning the symbols of the Daedric language, and stained windows telling stories of iconic points in history. At the far end of the room sat a throne that was surrounded by crystals that had an ethereal glow to them. “So this is the new Alpha of the Hunting Pack? Heh, I have to say that Hircine chose well.” The occupant of the throne said as he stood up from his throne. “Show me your form Huntress, and I will show you mine.” The Daedra said as he walked towards us. I let my mind go blank as I only thought of my new form and I changed from Griffon to my Wolf form. “Impressive, now it’s my turn.” The Daedra said as he changed into his Wolf form too, and his fur was silver while mine was a light brown. “That is soo cool.” Dash said in ‘awe’ as she gazed upon the Daedra’s form. “Oh, that’s not even the most awesome form I have, quick someone make me angry.” The Daedra requested as his form shifted back to his less hairy, but bipedal form. “Um, okay so, who’s your lover?” I asked unsure of what’s to come. “My lover is the one and only Princess Luna, and I am Kai, in case you’re wondering.” Kai said as he started to grow bigger, wings began to form on his back and his skin turned into scales. “Behold, the mighty Dovah! Yol Toor Shul!” He exclaimed and fire erupted from his mouth. “Soo Awesome!” Rainbow squeaked. I was awestruck, I knew that Hircine could appear as what he called ‘human’, but I never knew that the Daedra could turn into anything they desired. “Also if you still want to get angry to show us something awesome, Luna and I really hit it hard that one night, I mean she couldn’t stop orgasming for every ten minutes.” Rainbow said testing out how badly he would react. “Faas Ru Maar!” Kai roared in his dragon form and Rainbow was now running in absolute terror of him. “What was that?” I asked as I saw my friend running in terror. “That was the language of the Dragons; a Shout,or Thu’um. That particular Shout is called Dismay, and it’s useful for scaring off foes, but I know that Luna is very much still chaste.” Kai said was Rainbow started to calm down. “Man, you had me going there.” Dash said trying to regain her posture. “Yes, but enough showing off, it’s time to party!” Kai cheered as the rest of the temple was a cacophony of cheers and joy. The temple ignited into a party like a war had been won and the warriors were on their way home. “No pranks this time?” I asked. “No pranks for the new queen of the Griffons, don’t want you to be angry when you announce your claim, it’ll hurt your credibility.” Kai said as he gave me glass of wine. “If that’s the case, let us celebrate for the new ruler of Griffonstone.” Dash said as she grabbed a wine glass and toasted with Kai.

After about two hours of celebration, the party had hit its peak to everyone having a great time. “Thanks guys really, it means a lot.” I said as I drank my wine and savored the taste. “Mmm, this is some good stuff, what’s in it?” I asked as I licked my beak. “It’s my own wine made from watermelon. If you’re wondering how I managed that, let me remind you that the laws of physics mean nothing to us Daedra, so if I want wine made from watermelon, then that’s what I get.” Kai said as he drank more of his glass. After a couple of glasses of Kai’s delicious wine, the door opened to reveal a demonic looking guy with a drunken smile on his face. “Oh Sanguine, how nice to see you. I’m actually surprised you managed to get here without falling into a hole.” Kai joked. “Hardy har, but seriously dude, tone it down there are some people trying to sleep, myself being one of them.” Sanguine requested politely. “Fine, but take this bottle of wine before you go and add it to you tavern’s selection, if it gets popular, I’ll send you kegs of it later.” Kai said as he gave the drunken Daedra his watermelon wine and led him to the door and closed the door. “Sorry everyone, party’s over, but we can do this tomorrow, or something.” Kai said as everypony gave out half-hearted cheers. “And you need to get some sleep so you can get home to claim your new throne.” Kai said as everyone started to clean up the temple. “Alright then, Catch you guys later.” I said as I flew off into the night to Griffonstone where tomorrow, I’ll be a queen.” I said to myself as I flew through the beautiful night sky.