I make it my business to know the people of this town. I’m a real people’s person. I care about what they think and do. So does my master. It’s just that these idiots don’t see that. So what if we take a lot. This town doesn’t know what to do with gold or valuables. They are just mongrels. Just dogs that scrounge about for scraps. Makes me sick just looking at them. All they do is moan and complain when it’s there fault that we live in this dire time.
They should be praising me. I keep their houses warm and their kids fed. No, they don’t. Alfrid Lickspittle is just a weasel, they say. A weasel? I’ll show them a weasel when I squeeze them dry. They’ll think twice when calling me names. Bet it’s that Bard spreading all sorts of lies about us. He’s lucky he’s important to the Master or he’d be dead soon. This town doesn’t need the likes of him.
It’s cause of him that I have to go to the docks and make sure everything’s in order. Troublemakers make my life difficult. I have to make sure they weren’t doing anything they weren’t supposed to. Like stealing the town’s gold. Dreadful it is. Not as dreadful as dealing with this old dock worker. Waste of space, he is. Can’t believe we have to pay people like him to watch our docks.
“Where’s the money?” Quick and to the point I am. I don’t want to be here longer than I have to be. I have a lady to take care of. Bard may be a troublemaker, but he certainly knows how to grow them.
The old man gulped and hurriedly held out a little can. “That’s all of it.”
I snagged it out of his fingers as quick as I could. He could steal some of it. Glancing inside, I scowled. “This is it? That’s all you collected?” I gave the can to my two guards. They were necessary, since the people of this town could turn on me. Mongrels.
The old man nodded. “I swear. Business has been slow with the rumors of the dragon hunting….”
“I don’t care about no rumors,” I actually very much did. If they were true, why hasn’t Bard told us yet? He’s probably holding out. I’ll make him pay for that. “I care about results. I’m not seeing very good results here and you know what happens when the master doesn’t get his payments.”
The man gulped as he started at me in fear. Good. It pays to know that the people know their place. “You’ll get more soon. I promise.”
“You better,” I snorted. “The rest of the monthly fee will be coming out of your paycheck. Have a nice day.” I heard the man sigh, but I didn’t care. They always sighed as I left.
“Seems we have visitors,” one of my guards spoke up.
“Visitors?” Everyone was already here. I turned my head to look at the passageway. As my guard said, there was a boat coming in. Looked like a small fisherman’s boat. Nothing special and he wouldn’t have much gold on him. Still, he’d have to pay up anyways. I moved closer. The fog was a bit thick, so all I could see was the rower. “Oi. You. Yes you. A bit late to the party, aren’t you?”
“Not a fan of parties,” the rower replied.
I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to tell off this man. I never spoke a word, for the fog cleared up around the entrance. The boat sailed up to me and on it were two nobles. They had to be. The way they held themselves and how they were dressed and….all that gold and jewels. I bowed. “Beg your pardon. I didn’t know we were getting anyone of noble birth.”
“Of course you weren’t,” the nobleman snorted. His voice was fierce and his gaze sharp. I honestly wanted to run away and get away from it. There was just something wrong with this man. No matter. He was rich and if I played my cards right, I’d be swimming in gold.
The woman was far lovelier than I had ever seen. Her figure honestly reminded me of an hourglass. She was most likely his wife, but there was no harm in staring. Not to mention all the jewels she wore. “Ah, isn’t this such a cute little town. I told you we should have come here sooner, Benedict.”
Benedict grumbled. “I still hate that name.”
Why would he hate his name? Wait, not important. What mattered was their gold, I mean, they were treated fairly. “Guards, help the lady off the boat.” One of the guards was smart enough to break out of his stupor from gazing at the woman and tried to help her onto the dock.
Benedict didn’t seem to like this. He grabbed their arms and actually threw them into the river as if they were nothing but paperweights. “No one touches my precious jewel.”
The woman sighed. She didn’t seem to be phased by this. Did he throw people often? I’ll have to watch out for this man. He could be trouble. “Now Benedict, that wasn’t very nice. Apologize.”
“No, I think not.” Benedict seemed like the type of noble who only cared for himself. I’m glad I’m better than the likes of him. I cared for this town and the master. I just needed payment is all to keep going. “You, worm.” The man towered over me. “Where is this festival?”
I gulped. There was something about this man that just made me want to run. It’s like he was death or something. Those eyes of his weren’t normal. “In the middle of town, your lordship.” He turned to leave. “But you’re going to have to pay up.”
Benedict stiffened up and paused mid step. “Pay? PAY?!!” He turned around, casting a furious gaze at me. I didn’t do anything to earn it. He was even stomping, breaking wood with every footfall to get to me. Why does everyone get so upset when I shake them for money? I can handle their money better than they can. “Is that what you ask of me? To hand over a jewel or trinket?” I hesitantly nodded. The noble actually picked me up by the color and leaned into my face. How strong is this guy? “I will not part with a single gem. Not one piece.” He then turned around, chuckling to himself. The woman huffed and walked on after him.
This was getting out of hand. First Bard was lying about the dragon, then the dock keeper swindling money from the master of the town, and now these guys? There was trouble brewing. I glared at the two guards who were fishing themselves out of the water. “Oi, get your arses in gear and stop messing around. I want one of you to go tell the master about our rich guests. The other go get Sigrid,” I grinned. “I need someone to help take my stress away.”
_____________________________________________________________________
I slapped the back of his head. It didn’t do much other than garnering his attention, but it was a clear way to get my point across. “Smaug, we’re here to make friends and have a good time.”
“No, you’re here to make friends and have a good time.” Smaug countered. “I’m here to make sure nothing happens to you.”
I sighed. He couldn’t just make this easy, could he? Of course not. He’s Smaug. “Look, I know this isn’t your cup of tea. You would prefer to stay in your mountain and count your gold. I understand, but life has so much to offer you. Anyone really. All you need is the courage to try.”
“I have courage,” Smaug scoffed. “I have more courage in one talon than the entirety of the race of men. I don’t need to prove my courage to anyone.”
“Yet why do you hide in your mountain?” I asked.
I knew it would anger Smaug. I said it anyways. He needed to hear it. However, when he turned to me, I admit I was a little frightened by his gaze. “I hide from no one.” His voice carried a dangerous undertone.
“Then what can it hurt to mingle?” I crossed my arms in defiance. Smaug was going to make some friends, have a good time, and quite possibly save the day. That’s usually what happened anyways. Something was going to wrong big time at the festival. I couldn’t wait! It’s going to be so exciting. Oh, I hope I get to fight. It’s just been so long since I’ve crushed something.
In hindsight, I can now see why both Cadance and Chrysalis love fighting so much. I may have been a bit of a bad influence in that regard. Oh well, they seem to enjoy themselves. I can’t blame them, nor Smaug really for being fighters. Maybe Smaug can fight me sometime. I know quite a few tricks to catch him off guard….Or he might just pin this poor, innocent mare down and have his way with her. Either could work for me.
“I will show you mingling,” Smaug declared in such an adorable fashion. He thinks he’s so tough, but he’s just a little hatchling wanting attention. Don’t worry, Smaug. Momma Tia’s going to take good care of you~ Whether you want it or not. “I will be the greatest mingler that has ever mingled. I will not be outdone by my own hoard or these disgusting humans.” He marched on with purpose.
I giggled at his antics. I wondered if our child was going to inherit them. I would hope not. One grown hatchling is enough….I feel woozy, oomph. I’m glad this place is made up of wood, because when my legs gave out on me, my knees would have been bloodied.
“Celestia?” Smaug quickly turned around and hurried to my side. He was gentle as he helped me up. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel,” I held a hand to my head. “As though I’ve been relieved of a great burden.” Yes, my body didn’t feel so weak and dirty anymore. Like I just gained a bit of freedom from something. What? Nightmare Moon couldn’t have escaped my mind, or could she? She is a daemonic spirit. They are always tricky to deal with. “It’s nothing.” I kissed his cheek, causing him to blush. “Thank you.”
“Good,” Smaug quickly pulled himself out of his blush. “Now then, my precious jewel. I will make this the best night of your life. Only the best for my hoard.”
I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. I’ll worry about the feeling later. Hopefully, my fears are wrong…
I’m rarely wrong.
___________________________________________________________________
Oh it is so easy to bypass a god’s mind. At least for me, Nightmare Moon. AHAHAHA! Foolish mare. Her wards were powerful, but she can’t stop me. No one can. I am Queen of the Night. Goddess of Darkness. Mother to the daemons of the dark realm. All will cower before me.
I had half a mind to thank Celestia. Disgusting thought really. She had brought me to my new kingdom. Oh there was so much hate and misery here. I was feasting off of it, growing stronger. I needed more. I needed a host. I will find one soon enough, but I can’t have Celestia finding out. Now now. I couldn’t best her and the drake all at once. No, I needed to wait till this festival grew loud and boisterous. Then I’ll snatch some maiden and the age of nightmares begins. HAHAHAHA!
WAIT! What is this? I feel...I feel the other darkness is closer, but it isn’t. How? Why now? This was my time to shine as the moon above. I will not have some imposter take this from me. I am the rightful ruler of this realm. Of all realms. All will kneel before Nightmare Moon. I don’t care if his legions of monsters lays just across this lake. I….
Stop looking at me. Stop it. Argh, I will tear out that eye and smash it. Stop it, please. So much hate. I’m supposed to feed off of it, but...No. I will not be bested. I will be the victor. I will be loved for who I am for once. Blood will spill from the lands of my enemies, eye. Neither you nor Celestia can stop me. No one can! I will drink your souls.
Finally, the teasing is over! Now we can have 'fun'. Or at least Celestia can. And Smaug when the orcs show up.
I'm kinda hoping Nightmare Moon joins the padre of reformed villains back in Equestria, or at least she beats the shit out of Sauron. I mean, there's conquering the world and bringing all to heel, and then there's destroying all life on the planet.
Sometimes, love hurts. A lot.
Man, I liked how Smaug dealt with Alfred and how Celestia has such naughty thoughts about him.
Got to admit, I'm half expecting you to end up shipping Nightmare Moon and Sauron. They can be maniacal villains together. A duet of evil laughter as it were.
Love DOES hurt. Luna's more of a fighter than Celestia, though. Did Celestia befriend Chrysalis after the wedding?
I LOVE the back and forth rivalry you have going between NM and Sauron, and that you don't have Sauron getting outclassed by her. Hey, Nightmare may be powerful, but that's freakin' Sauron. He is probably the closest thing to Satan in all of Middle Earth.
6336055 Celestia was Chrysalis's babysitter when Chrysalis was growing up. {my crazy AU.} So they had a Twilight/Cadance kind of relationship, but perhaps a bit deeper since Celestia was more of a mother figure to Chrysalis.
6336065 Well, neither Sauron nor Nightmare Moon are at their strongest and Nightmare isn't as ancient as he is so he has quite a few more tricks up his sleeve. Of course, he's freaking Sauron. I am not going to underpower one of the strongest being on Middle Earth.
I don't think NMM is much of a match for the glory that is Sauron! All hail the Great Eye!
*vibrates so much I fall out of my chair*
I can't WAIT for the next bit. Lovin' this stuff bro.
6336029 wouldn't work, since sauron is pretty much a broken form of insane, whereas Nightmare is at least functional, with a bit of kindness. I imagine once the sun raises again Celestia and the Nightmare will be less than enemy's and able to atleast speak to each other of their differences.
Alfrid's ability to mentally rewrite reality to suit himself is very strong. I can't wait to see Smaug hit him! Or an orc arrow hit him in the buttocks.
Suddenly inviting the Mane 6 to the GGG makes more sense....
I've suddenly got this image of Nightmare Moon hovering in the air and yelling at the Eye of Sauron muzzle to eye.
don't get in a staring contest with the great eye,
6336065
nah, Morgoth is middle earth's Satan... Saurons just his best bud/right hand man.
We're here!
Finally!
DAMMIT!!!
YOU"RE STILL TEASING!!! At least in my book.
6336505 What are you talking about?
6336535 No adorable little girl messing with Smaug! And then Smaug flattening Mr Weasel because he tried to get money even after the first try went badly!
No offence, that was one of my favorite chapters by far.
Wouldn't Luna be more of a skirmish lover? Cadence should be more "make love not war".
Also, I love interaction between Tia and Smaug, and her inner voice. It's so hilarious!
I love how Nightmare Moon cowers at Sauron. His stare shuts her preaching in a pinch.
...Suddenly the fact that Celestia is acting a lot like Cadence makes much more sense.
Also, it's good to see Nightmare Moon back in her comic relief roll. As if that runt could ever hope to challenge Sauron.
DANGIT!!!! How are you writing so much yet revealing so little of your story?!?!?!
Dang Nightmare just can't get a break… just when she has the power to be released she into a new world she is shown up by A bigger bad in the form of SAURON!!!
please update soon!!!
The opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of love is indifference. Hate often burns just as strongly as love, and with the proper conditions, can shift betwixt the two easily.
6337516 that was beautiful man! where'd you get that from?
One nitpick noticed:
their
6337516 I've heard that before, but I don't buy it. It's like saying that the opposite of 1 is not -1, but 0.
6337593 I've heard it before, but the most recent version was actually a song called Stubborn Love, a good one too.
6337602 With how quickly one can swap between love and hate depending on volatile conditions, I find it more believable. I've never seen someone going from absolutely apathetic to someone's situation to burning with love or hate.
I love how every chapter, Celestia's inner thoughts get ever so slightly dirtier.
6336065 wrong. Satan is the closest thing to sauron in all of the burning hell.
6336316 Or in the balls. That whold be more fun. (And more impresive considering they are a smaller target)
6338404 Especially if it was after Sigrid kicks them up into his body for trying to touch her.
Once more I find the like-button broken... more!
6338565
6338508 The first few chapters of any of my stories can always be tricky, especially with characters I have never written for before. {I did write a bit of Celestia in A Different Sunset, but they were just a few scenes worth.} So it takes time for them to come to a better light.
Well, I pretty much base it off of western legends that I read all the time as a kid. Dragons often took maidens or creatures that tickled their fancy, even if just for their looks or anything that tickled their fancy. As well, I've always come under the conclusion that dragons are somewhat warm blooded. Perhaps not like birds or mammals, but at least a sort of body type that mammal-like reptiles surely had.
Well I'm glad that you gave my story a read. I aim to please my readers.
Oh, this is just more teasing! They haven't even gotten to the festival yet!
6337602 The analogy falls through somewhat. When you combine two opposites the result is null, or deadlock. Hate is more of an inverse of Love.
6336085
Now you've got me thinking.
With Celestia beginning to change the path of Arda, how will this influence Arda in the long future.
In other words. How will Saruman's and Sauron's original master react? Seeing he is one of the few Valar who continues to exist in Middle-Earth whose song still sings.
Besides, I would love to see how you would write him, he's always a fun character to see being written by different authors in different way.
6337617 If someone has a lot of positive and negative feelings for someone, which one is on top at any given time can indeed be pretty volatile, but I wouldn't say that supports the point you are trying to make.
6339448 Continuing the above, if the one person's positive and negative feelings for the other happened to be exactly equal, wouldn't that be the deadlock? Also, what's the difference between opposite and inverse?
I just had a thought. Once Smaug and Celestia do the do (Notice that I didn't say "if". ) will she lay an egg? If she does then I have possible scene for when bilbo infiltrates Smaug's hoard and a reason for him to attack Bilbo and Thorin's company.
Picture this: When searching through the gold mounds, Bilbo stumbles across the egg of Celestia and Smaug. Because Celestia is a goddess alicorn the egg could give off an ethereal glow similar to the Arken Stone. So Bilbo, who isn't given a specific description of the Stone, could mistaken the egg as it. With the egg stolen, Smaug would be rightly pissed and do everything to get his and Celestia's kid back. It would be great character conflict and give Smaug a reason to attack, maybe even more viciously when compared to the movie, since the Arken Stone isn't on his "top list of things he find precious" anymore.
just a thought though…
Quick fix:
go wrong
Great story and I am really looking forward to what is going to happen next. I can just picture the scene with the goblins confronting smaug at the festival.
Human Smaug walks angrily before a horde of goblins giving off an aura of death that freezes the goblins in their place. "You dare challenge ME!? Invade MY territory and try to take MY jewel! You think of yourselves as a challenge to MY FIRE! You have NO idea just whose wrath you have brought upon yourselves have you?" An aura of Red Magic envelops the human creature standing before the goblins, "I will show you fire." The aura erupts into a pillar of fire, spreading out into the terrifying form of a dragon made of fire, "I will show you-" the fire disperses revealing the towering form of Smaug "-Death."
Celestia swoons,
Every goblin craps themselves.
6341300 Both love and hate are passionate sentiments. The opposite would be no passion whatsoever. Opposites nullify, but inverses can mix. So while hate might lead you to torture and murder, and love might lead you to affection and marriage, having both might lead you to passive-aggression and lots of arguing as you attempt to both dominate and assimilate the other person. And murder-suicides by crazy exes.
6343460 Opposites don't always nullify. Unless that is your definition of the term, I suppose. What about matter vs. antimatter? They certainly neither mix nor nullify.
"Passion vs. dispassion" is certainly a useful perspective, but I don't think it informs us about the relationship between any given passions.
6344824
They nullify rather explosively last time I checked! :P I'm not saying opposition and inversion are mutually exclusive, just that they are mutually exclusive in a single property.
That it doesn't. Each should really be compared directly.
6360014 I heard them often being called 'Thestrals'.
Batponies sounds like someone was too lazy to come up with a good name
6360038
Thestral doesn't sound like something ponies would say.
6360355 Duh, the names of the Gryphons don't sound like something they would say either, and yet they do. Everytime they talk to a griffon.
My point with weak, easily counterable arguments is: Just because something doesn't sound right, it is not automatically wrong.
I know, I know. I commented on this already, but I was a strange child who, instead of getting into trouble as a young boy ought when he is bored, instead toyed with small hourglasses. Such tiny necks.
for just a moment, I got a very distinct ... well... here. Have a look: img15.deviantart.net/ad91/i/2015/266/c/2/undyne_by_starosis-d9aog8q.png
"We're going to be BESTIES!"
I'm starting to feel bad for Nightmare Moon. That's some rather concerning denial and insanity.
Ah, i understand this now. The first three stories are all connected with your universe then, quite the interesting sight to say the least.
I don't like what you're foreshadowing
You, stop that
memegenerator.net/img/instances/50508506/ships-ships-everywhere.jpg