Forgath relaxed in his study. It was a surprisingly simple room, just off the common area of his apartments and lined with shelves of books. A fire blazed merrily in the hearth - the typical kind, rather than the balefire of the pillar - and the faint wisps of smoke that evaded the flue filled the room with a fond and earthy smell. Forgath himself sat in one of the tall-backed chairs. He was free of his armor (excepting his customary chain shirt) and paging slowly through an old arcane tome. He'd read this one a few times already, but he was hoping to find some inspiration in the imported work; the ponies of Equestria had a different approach to magic theory, and he found it invigorating.
Somewhere just shy of the halfway mark, a little knock on the door drew his attention away from the runic description of a shield spell. He placed the book's ribbon marker and closed it, calling out, "Come in."
The door was pushed open slightly and Shady poked her head in. While still a little foal, she had recently had her eighth birthday and was growing more and more each day. She'd begun her primary education - "first grade", as it was now called - and had made several friends among her new classmates. Forgath had expected as much; she'd been happy and outgoing well before she had learned to talk. The Shady that presently peeked into the study, however, seemed nervous, almost shy, and that was enough for Forgath to set aside his book entirely. He gave her a gentle smile and opened his hands. "Come here, Shady."
Not one to turn down a hug, the batty filly broke into a big smile of her own, dashing across the carpet and hopping up into his lap, where she was promptly drawn in against the fine mesh of chain over his chest. Forgath ran a hand lightly through her mane, smiling down at her as he held her close. Father and daughter just sat for a few moments, enjoying the comfort of the embrace, but Forgath knew there was something to discuss. "Is something wrong, sweetheart?"
"Well..." The young filly looked up at him, before glancing to one side, her ears leaning backward. "...there's something I wanted to ask you."
"I see. Does this have anything to do with foals?"
"Huh? Um...no?"
"So the gods know mercy after all."
"What?" A little batty snoot scrunched up in confusion.
"Nothing. Go ahead and ask, Shady; I won't be mad."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"Well I...I wanted to ask...who was my mother?"
Forgath paused his hand mid-stroke. He nodded slowly down at her, his head tilting slightly after. "I see. Well, I knew you'd want to know someday. Guess it's finally time."
"So you'll tell me?"
"Of course. Your mother was a mare named Tranquil Stand."
"What did she look like?"
"Oh, she looked a little like you, and a little like your sister. Would you like to see a picture?"
"Yeah!"
Forgath chuckled softly, rising from his seat and cradling his foal in his arms as he headed for his bedroom. "Alright, off we go!"
Shady giggled as she was carried along, hugging her hooves around his neck. In no time they were inside, and she'd been set down upon Forgath's bed. The dark lord moved to his cluttered desk, brushing a few stacks this way and that until he'd found a picture frame, which he brought over to show to the curious thestral.
"This is her."
Shady scooched closer, so intent on taking in the image that she nearly pressed her little snoot up against it. There in living color was a crystal mare in her prime, her rich, sapphire-blue coat offset by a light blond mane. She wore the armor of Ironforge's Tower Guard, a light ornamental plate that covered chest, barrel, and forelegs in black metal and gold runes. An accompanying helmet sat on the ground next to her as she posed in a seated position, smiling warmly towards the viewer. More than anything else, it was her eyes that drew Shady's attention; while faceted rather than slit, they were the same shade of violet she saw in the mirror each day.
Forgath waited patiently as his foal took in the sight of her mother. He could see the excitement gathering as questions began to bounce around her head. Soon enough, one managed to find its way to the exit.
"She was a guard?"
"She was. This was taken shortly after her last promotion; she had fulfilled her duties admirably, and became one of my Lieutenants."
"Is that good?"
"It is; she was recognized by her peers and earned the command of the Tower Guard."
"Was she strong?"
"Very. She was one of the most gifted warriors I have ever known, and learned the art of magic purely to counter it. She was no mage, but she was a powerful spellbreaker."
"... can I meet her?" Shady's eyes held a reserved sort of hope.
Forgath drew a slow breath. Some part of him was impressed; he had not met a new kind of pain in decades, yet here it was. "Maybe one day. But she is not with us any longer."
"She's not? Why did she leave us?"
"She did not have a choice. During a dangerous mission, she contracted a magical illness, a curse of sorts. She endured it for years, with the help of myself and the magi, but in the end she could not be cured. However, she was strong enough to bring us you."
"Me?"
"Mmmhm. You are her last gift and her final wish."
Shady was quiet for a few moments, her gaze falling back to the picture, to the smiling mare in the proud armor. She scooted in, leaning her side against her father, who held her gently.
"Do...you miss her?"
Forgath nodded. "Every day."
Shady wiggled, turning so she could put her little hooves as far around Forgath's middle as she could. He smiled, leaving his hand upon her back. He didn't expect to be the one being comforted, nor how successful the attempt would be. "Don't worry. I miss her always, but I'm not sad. I still have you and your sister, after all." Bringing his other hand over, he gently poked her nose, making her scrunch and giggle in objection.
"No! No boops!" She looked up at him indignantly, trying to hide the smile that betrayed her fondness.
"Just three more?" Forgath bargained.
"No! No more!"
"Just one more?"
"No! No more!"
"Too bad." He brought his finger down, slowly. Shady squeaked and hid her nose behind her hooves. Forgath took the opportunity to tip her backward and tickle her belly; he was rapidly rewarded by more giggles and the flailing of hooves.
After he stopped tickling and she stopped giggling, he drew her close once more, lifting the picture into view. "Your mother was very special to me, and so are you."
She nodded, smiling as she leaned against him. "I can still miss her, right? Even though I don't remember her?"
"Of course. But you should know that she loved you very much, and would be very proud of you, just like I am."
"You're proud of me?" Shady perked up, smiling big. This wasn't the first time her father had told her as much, but she really liked hearing it - and it showed.
Forgath smiled warmly in turn, if with a little mischief in his eyes. "Of course. You are my best little tomato."
"I'm not a tomato!" The little thestral wasted no time before giving him a good pout.
Forgath chuckled. "But you're turning red."
"Am not!" She was.
"But yes, I'm very proud of you. You're a bright filly, and I know you'll do well in whatever you set your mind to."
She beamed at that, little wings fluttering. After a moment or two though, a thoughtful expression crossed her muzzle. "Wait..."
"Yes?"
"So, me and Tourmaline -"
"Tourmaline and I."
"Yeah, Tourmaline and I - we look how we do because it's how our mom looked?"
"Yes?"
"Why don't we look like you?"
...Clever girl indeed. "You mean you don't see the resemblance?"
Forgath received a look so flat it included her ears. "No."
"What about when I had that cold?"
"...huh?"
"I was a little horse."
Shady groaned. "Daaaaaaad, c'mon; I'm s-" her mouth snapped shut, eyes wide. She caught herself before it was too late - but Forgath was grinning anyway. He knew she heard the joke in her head.
"Seriously. Why don't we look like you?"
"I...think that's a story for when you're older."
Shady had never liked that excuse. In fact, Forgath doubted any child ever did. He tried to avoid it where possible, regardless of how adorably Shady fluttered her wings when frustrated. Still, this was a talk that he didn't want to have with her quite yet. Let her stay innocent a little longer.
He might be getting old, he reflected; protecting innocence was awfully sentimental. He shook off the thought.
"The important thing isn't that we look the same, it's the love. Your mother loved you very much, even if she didn't know you for long. And I would cover the lands of your enemies in dark flame - if you had any worth the effort, that is."
Shady giggled. "You would?"
"Oh yes. Their holdings would turn to ash and their rivers would run red with blood."
"Gross!" More childish giggles followed.
He smiled warmly down at her. "Is there anything else you wanted to know?"
"Hmmmm...oh! Does she have a stone?"
"She does."
"...can we visit some time? We could bring her cookies?"
"I don't think cookies are quite appropriate, but...yes, we can visit, when you're sure you're ready."
Shady nodded. "What was her talent?"
"Ah. You can't see it in the picture, but her mark -"
"Cutie Mark!" Shady grinned. She knew he tried to avoid the term.
"Yes, that. It was a spell glyph representing 'pain' that was split down the middle; it represented both her talent for spellbreaking and her ability to overcome great pain itself."
"...Did she have to do that a lot?"
"Spellbreaking?"
"No."
"Ah. Sometimes, yes. She was a very brave pony, and she had the sense and skill to make that worth something. But her talent wasn't just about her own pain. She also soothed those around her."
"By magic?"
"Only a little; she dabbled in potion-making. Mostly she was just..."
A little blue head tilted to the side. "...juuuust?"
Forgath shrugged helplessly. "Nice, perhaps? She could talk to you and make you feel better."
"Ooooh! That's neat!"
"Indeed, and all too rare. Good morale is very important."
"Mmmhm! You can beat an enemy by beating their will!"
"You remembered; good girl." Forgath ran a hand through her mane again, and she leaned into it.
"Oh! How did you two first meet?"
"Ah, I think that story will have to wait."
"Awww, but why?"
"Because your sister is going to be home soon, and she'd hate to miss it."
9723171
Well, be happy instead!
9712249
I admit, your timing is pretty good.
IT LIVES
Yay
And then you take that disturbing implication and turn it into something heartwarming. Good job.
Still love this story.
Ancient Part: THIS IS HOW WE SURVIVE AND THRIVE AND BEHOLD MY DARK AMBITIONS!!!
Modern Part: THESE ARE MY DAUGHTERS AND YOU WILL BURN FOR ETERNITY IF YOU MAKE ME LATE FOR THEIR RECITAL!!!
Awww.
And now I want to hear how they meet.
Next chapter (or two) we will find out if this is just an incredibly elaborate lead up to Equestria’s version of How I Met Your Mother.
Yes update! And two chapters! You spoil me Good Sir!
I like it, I like it a lot, I hope you continue with the story, although I am not so interested in the parts of the past, I do like the parts of the future, although there has not yet been a meeting between the moon, celestia and "F.orgath" I am already waiting anxiously
For now
Thank The Traveler you're not dead
I want to read this but i really dont enjoy stories out of chronological order
Shady is short for Nightshade maybe? Fits with her eye color.
9737496
Oh he was but his ghost finally found him
9737306
And why I love it so much.
EHRMAHGERD! NEW CHAPTER(S)!
AND SO ADORABLY EVIL!
In all honesty, I feel like this guy is Chaotic Good, more than anything. He will do (almost?) anything to anyone to achieve his goals, but GODS HELP YOU IF YOU MESS WITH HIS MINIONS!
He was turned into a pony by poison joke wasn’t he?
9737599
Honestly seems more lawful. Everyone has clearly defined roles and responsibilities, along with an unquestionable hierarchy under his rule. There's not really a sense of valuing independence over order in his regime. He hasn't really done anything outright evil anyway, unless you count consorting with demons as inherently evil. Really he's just a paladin in his goth phase.
Pfff, you haven't even begun to sink my ship. All he said in this chapter is that she was important to him (as all valued minions are), and that him taking care of Shady and her sister was their mother's final wish. We all know that Puffy is his one true love and you can't convince me otherwise. He named his capital city after her. That's true love right there.
9737728
Paladin in his Goth phase.....
I am adopting that!
9737784
I honestly don't think he ships with Puffy.
But my money is on the two kids being Legacies.
The theory I'm working off is that Puffy had a kid (to a normal Stallion), but for whatever reason, the kid ended up an Orphan. Big Bad and Loveable adopted said Kid as a last request for Puffy, and so begins a line of adoption by "The State", so to speak, and these two are his Great Great Great (etc and so forth) Grandkids.
9737804
He totally gets with Puffy. Until the story concretely proves me wrong I refuse to give up on them!
But in all seriousness, she has a thing for him and isn't really subtle at all about it, and between the two of them she's definitely the dominant one. In the past chapters they're basically already dating, Forgath just hasn't realised it yet.
My vote also goes to Shady Shady Shadow McShadeface.
D'awww
9737546
I agree, Nightshade Ironforge.
I still want to see Celestia's first reaction to the dark city of the Iron Lord... With it's happy population and thriving culture
I'm gonna guess at 'Penumbra', just because. That, or Shady Glade, which sounds a little off for a land of ice.
That was fun, may I have another? Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
Hail Forgath, Dark Lord of Dad jokes.
heh.
9737810
The thing is, he might get with Puffy, then someone else. A thousand years is a long time.
I'm considering starting reading this. How would you say that with proper grammar? But the chapters look like they keep going back and forth in the timeline, which seems like it would be unpleasant to try to keep up with... Is Fargoth going back and forth, making the chronology linear from his perspective?
I am so glad there's a new chapter, I wish people would update more but I'm still happy when they at least update
9739091
No, it's like, Tolkien's perspective switches. There's basically two stories going on here, a building-the-nation story set around the same time as Sombra's first empire, and a slice-of-life story that takes place a few years before Luna's return. It's a marvelous story really, well worth a read.
"I'm thinking about reading this."?
9739091
Nope, no time travel so far and no plans for it. This is essentially a story in two parts; each update includes a "past" chapter and a "present" chapter. The past chapters follow a linear timeline and show Forgath's arrival, the establishment of his power base, and his interactions with the locals. The present chapters are all set close to a thousand years after; they explore how he and his holdings have changed as well as involving parenthood shenanigans. The present chapters don't all follow a linear order, but they're a little more episodic and easier to take as-is without worrying too much about when exactly they occur, and they come with reminders within when needed.
While I'm obviously biased, I will suggest you read just the first two chapters; see if the contrast is something you will enjoy, or at least find palatable.
9738062
It's really going to scourge her that an entire tribe of her ponies decided that heading off into the frozen north to take up with some dread outlander king was safer than trusting her rule. An extra crack across the face right after having to fight and banish her own sister.
Being condemned by that same lord of iron and black fire for neglecting bonds of familial harmony? That'll sting even worse.
9737496
I'm glad I'm not the only one glad I'm alive.
9738062
Well then, you'll be pleased to hear that that chapter is half-written already - and much less pleased to hear that that it's still a few chapters out.
9739309
That's actually good news, his city needs to grow more and the ponies soften him more too. The complete disparity between the visuals of a Dark Lord's domain and the happy, thriving populace of a budding kingdom are going to be wonderful.
I imagine an Evil Minion™ in their dark and foreboding robes, sheathed in an aura of forbidden spells... happily welcoming the princess and giving her a welcome basket while offering a tour.
Pfffttt... bahaha.
9737545
I appreciate the interest none the less. For clarity, it's essentially a story told in two parts - a chronologically-ordered series of past chapters interspersed with episodic and less-ordered "present" chapters. One side tells a story of how Forgath carved out a domain for himself and his minions, the other is more slice-of-life parenthood set a thousand years later. The contrast is really the value of the format - that and not having to wait to write the cute parenthood shenanigans.
If that's not to your taste then that's all there is to it, but I'm glad you gave it a look.
9742117
oh that actually seems a lot more reasonable, thanks for clarifying.
I thought it was a vignette based story and I am not about that life. It's gonna go in my read later, Ive got too much going on man but i'll be sure to give it a chance when I've got not 500 chapters unread in favourites lol
9742344
Rest assured, I understand that all too well. My "Tracking" list is a bit out of control at this point.
This is a really fun story. The characters are fleshed out, the dialog is solid, the setting is fun, and the descriptions are vivid. I adore the contrast between the evil outward aesthetic and the fact that our protagonist has begun using boops as punishment. Stellar work, and I can't wait to see more.
Another great chapter. I wasn't too sure about how I would feel about this story, at first. Now, I can safely say that I am greatly enjoying this narrative. It gives a different feel and perspective from the other stories I have been reading, which is pleasant and refreshing. I will continue to look forward to your work.
-Archer
Few stories cause me physical pain, and even fewer still can do it more than once. Naturally I cried out in anguish upon reaching the end of what you've written so far. Truly, I'm greatly impressed by the references, humor, and premise. The other time this story hurt me was from falling out of my chair laughing at the one part with plump helmet. Seeing straight men handle being confused for gay men is a real treat for me, as a lesbian. And I'm glad you did it in a surprisingly respectful way!
#team puffy
I hope we see more of her for many chapters to come!
(I also find myself unusually invested in finding out if she ever gets her hooves on his divine scepter. Good lead into a romance if so!)
Me sitting here two months after the last chapter was released.
If one child is a thestral and the other a crystal pony, and the wife is a Crystal pony, I would assume either she had a crystal pony parent; or he somehow got turned into or possessed a crystal pony for a time
If the main OCs in this story were voiced, what would they sound like?