Ask Roseate Grimsbane, the Witch

by Robipony

Chapter 13 - I Love You...

“The result of the union between a pony and outer being is never a pretty one. The offspring of such a union can never walk beneath the sun and are unable to breathe the air that we can. Yet despite this, it’s not uncommon for both parents to look on, wishing the best for their children.”

Quote from; Cage of Sorrow, by M.R. Amorcolt.

"Do you really think this is the end?"

Opening her eyes, Roseate found herself inside a chamber resembling the insides of a massive jellyfish with the corpses of numerous slugs hanging from the ceiling by thin translucent tendrils. Lights like stars pulsed behind the membrane walls. Reaching up from the floors were the bodies of more slugs, their bodies frozen in wax from the dripping candles in their open mouths.

In the center of the chamber, held by more of the tendrils, was a creature with the head of a unicorn and the body of a centipede. It didn't take Roseate long to realize that the creature was HIM.

A scowl graced Roseate's lips. "So you're not dead," she said, her voice full of scorn.

HE struggled among the tendrils, stinging HIS flesh repeatedly, an expression of irritation on HIS face. As HE struggled, sparks of electricity jumped from the tendrils that gripped HIM, shocking HIS body. Roseate couldn't help but wince as the energy flowed through one of the tendrils that gripped HIS horn, making HIM grit his teeth.

"No, I'm not," HE answered, "while my tie to this universe through you has been severed..."

A cruel smile stretched across HIS lips.

"There is another..."

It was then that the familiar sound of a newborn crying rang throughout the chamber, a cry that Roseate recognized from her nightmares.

"As long as he is alive, you will never be rid of me!" HE barked, even as HE did there was a zapping sound as the tendril attached to HIS horn sent volts of electricity though his body in conjunction with the all the others.

No longer afraid of this blight that had tormented her for her whole life, Roseate stepped forward glaring deep into his eyes.

"Then I guess I will have to sever that link, now won't I."

For a moment HE froze almost if caught by surprise. Then He leered and let out a snicker. "If you can find him, it would make for a... poetic reunion. The real question is… how far are you willing to go to severe it?"

As HE let out a maniacal laugh, it was quickly cut short as more of the tentacles zapped him and the dream faded away.

Roseate's eyes slowly shifted awake, and she found herself surrounded in an oily liquid. She was floating inside of one of Arsthotua's healing pods, the two tendrils in her mouth serving to provide her with oxygen and nutrients while she rested.

The injuries she had suffered from Piihs had healed while Roseate slumbered in this specialized organ. It was relaxing, almost like being back in the womb.

As she drew closer to consciousness she could feel the pod moving.

Roseate could feel the liquid around her draining as the bottom, lowering her down as the pod slowly opened, spilling its contents onto the cavern floor, the green liquid splashing against the ground. In the past, Roseate would have panicked as she was expelled from the organ; however after many years, Roseate had grown used to this routine and just let herself fall. As she slipped through the opening two of Arsthotua's tentacles reached out and wrapped around her barrel, catching her mid air.

Now that her body was leaving the pod, her stomach and lungs instinctively began to repel the two tubes that had been occupying her throat. A pained cough escaped Roseate's lips as they were pulled free.

Slowly the tendrils lowered her to the floor, her body dripping with slime. The room around her felt cold as her body adapted to the room's natural temperature. While she lay there coughing, a tentacle reached out to help her stand and guide her toward a nearby pool so Roseate could clean herself.

'Are you alright?'

In comparison to the room around her, the water was warm against Roseate's fur. One of Arsthotua's many eyes watched her from above the bathing hole.

"I'm fine now," Roseate answered as she was immersed. "Thank you."

The pool itself had been carved out of the stone, with various channels cut into the rock to allow for a continuous source of water. A few heat stones in the bottom of the pool allowed it to maintain a decently warm temperature.

'Good, I'm glad to hear that.'

Even after her body had been healed by Arsthotua's pod, Roseate felt like she wouldn't mind resting here all day.

"Oh, honey I could use a breather," Roseate said, "this whole endeavor has been such a chore."

'What would you like to do?'

A tentacle reached over and caressed Roseate's cheek, eliciting a moan from the mare. As she considered the question, an idea came to Roseate's mind.

"Let's take a vacation. Go someplace where we don't have to worry about saving the world from alien threats and mad witches."

Even as Arsthotua stroked her cheek, Roseate could tell that something was wrong.

"Are you okay dear?"

'It's nothing.'

Now Roseate knew that wasn't true, there was something on Arsthotua's mind and the alien intelligence was keeping it to himself.

Roseate was about to push the subject when ten tentacles slithered into the pool. The tendrils moved forward, wrapping around her body and massaging her frame. Her breathing grew heavy as a few of the tentacles wriggled between her hind legs.

"A-A-Arsthotua..." Roseate moaned as her husband filled her with pleasure.

Roseate stood at the kitchen counter preparing a drink. On the counter there was a small grape-like pod, an ivory mortar and pedestal, a clean wine glass alongside a bottle of white wine. There was also a special crafted collar made of black leather with a purple gem transfixed to it.

This collar had been part of a magical experiment, Roseate had worked a while back. However it hadn't been until now that Roseate had possessed the necessary ingredients to complete it. Thankfully the Piihs's ashes had proved to be of some use.

Now that the Piihs was defeated, her offspring were scattered. Some would go out and become one of the various horrors that haunted the woods while the few that regained what sanity they had might seek a life of survival and isolation. Only time would tell.

As Roseate stood there, she saw the various comments that watchers had made from beyond the mirror through the Scriasphere. Of the messages, one stuck out.

Quillian Inkheart asks: An ally is more valuable than a corpse. Besides, she is the aunt of one of your precious students. Not a very good aunt, mind you, but killing her will still hurt June Berry immensely.

N̶̢̗̥͎͎̺̮̩͈̺̽̌̇͑̓̏̑͋͐̏̿̾̀͊̾̓̚ͅi̸̧̱̹̫̻̭͖͈̲̫̞̬̗̺̖̥̟̳̳͇͖̪̓̂̓̓͆̿͊̔̾͑̈́͋͑͂́́̔́̓̀͘͝g̶̢̢̨̨̺̺͈̮̲̫͇̱̤̣͔̒͆̎̌̒͒̈́̏͐̎͋̾̓̈͊̈́͌̚͜͝ͅh̶̙̤̘̱͙̮̱͇̗̙̆͒͑̄̄́͌̌̀̈́̔͗̓͌̍̔̓̂̅̽̉̈́͝͠͝t̴̨̢̢̛̘̼͈̳̞͖͓̲̳͔̼̜͍͉̼͕̥̗̻̠̟̅̓̈́̈́̎͒̿͒̌͆̈́̌͐̊̍̌̚͜͝͝ṁ̷̛̤̞̱̥̺͖̠̖͉̅̽̿͋̅̽̀͐̾̅͝͝ā̵͓͙̿̔̉̐̽r̸̡̨͉͍̭̙̹̮̮͓̲̲̱͉͎̗̭̬̝̗̖̬͚̬̿̈́ȩ̸̡̺̠͓̪̹̲͕̇̃́̋͘͜͝ ̶̢̨̢̛̣̫̳̦͙͍̦̰̮̯̲͓̟͇̭̞̟̹̞͈̎̃̉̾̈́̑̀̽͗̏͊̂͋̌̆́̀̚̚͠͠͝͝Ǐ̷̢̛̩͓̼͓̯̠̹̮̳͙͐̇́̀́̑̿̈́͗̓̎́͊́̏̆͘͘͜͝n̷̢͎̬̭̜̰̭̪̗̝͕̬̗̘͍̻̟̳̭̅̇̍͜k̴̮͚̪̽͆̓̉̑́̂h̵̤͛ë̸̢̨̢̢͓̻̬̱̣̲͙̫̗͎̹͈̳͕̟̊́̒͜a̶̛̺͎̘͚̼̙̜̒̓̏̈́̎̆̊̿̍͛͜͠ŗ̶̢̛̗͎̟̥̯̰͙͎̻͙̟̖̮̖̪́̓͌͑̈́͗̽̎̈́͐̕̕͝͠͠t̴̛̲͇̞̱͚̣̆̀̀̅̋̎̃̕ ̸̢̢̡͈̫̲̮̤͙͖̟̳̗̻̜̰̰͂͆̀͌̉͐̒̇́͊̚s̸͎̹̖̻͓͍̺͇̬͈̰̉͗̐͗͂́̈̎̏̿̽͘͘͝͝á̵̢͇͚͇̭̞̖̐y̴̡͍͓͚̟̠̮̼̼̬̮̰̫̫̯̩̟͐͜ş̴̜̰̙̞̼̟̰͔̮͐̊:̶̧̟̯̗̣̟̟̳͔̠̩̠͚̳̫̫͚̰̯̳͔͕͉̊̒̓͐̆̀̐́͒̊͑͒́͑̀͗͐͐̓̓͘̚͜͝͠ͅ ̵̰̟̬̙̝͌̈́͆̋͑̏̍͌̐̃͑̈̍͆̇͒͑̅͂̆̕Ķ̷̢͍̱̝͈͈͖̪̬̹̫̤͌̒̏̃̒͛͛̍͜ͅͅI̴̡̧̨̛̞̯͙̫̗̦̞͇̪͖͙̗̣̰͑̊̽̎͊͒͂̏̔͜͝͠Ĺ̸̘̀̏͐̀̋̽͛̈́̐̈́̑́͛͋̌̃̆̇͂̕Ḷ̸͙͇̣̼͚̈́͑̎́́͐͊̒̾̊̈́̈̍͘͝ ̷̰͔̫̘͕͇̊̔̾͂̀̄͐͒Ḩ̶̢̨̡̝̘̻̗̺̻̗͇̹͎͇̭̥̘̐̎̒̓ͅͅE̵̫͚̅̾̀͒̌̈́̈́̒̏̽͑̒̊͛͂͐̈́̈͌̓̚͝Ŗ̵̮͈̯̼͔̪̻̞̻̺͓̹̣̻͓̎̓̅͋͊̈́̾͘͜͝!̶̜̼̞͎͚̩͓̲̭̫͓͇̣͙͎͂͊͛̓́̆͒̈́̄̀̽́̆͐͗͘ ̷̗̝͔͔̩͖͛̾͛̄̇͘͠K̷̡̩̙̹͔̭̜̙͎̭͓̦̫̩̖̠̹̟̣͓͙̲̓ͅͅĮ̵̨͙͈̖͉̹͎͍̈́̑̆͌̎̀̂͊̚L̸̡̯̰̲̩͈̩͚̀͊́̀͒̅̾̾̏̽̽̚L̷̡̛̩̗̲͚̲̟̺͈͉̦̭͙͈̻̾̄͑̍͂̀̇̏̏̐̒͜͠ͅ ̸̨̼͔̥̯̥̬͙̣͑̿̏̅̃͑̅̌̊̔̈́̈́̐̀̋̈͝H̵̢̨̛̭̠͚̜̞̙̲̰͍̤̠͕͈͔̟͈̞̣͑̂̒̓̾̃Ë̴͎͔̬̜̮̻̼̹̣͈̳̠͚̰͍́̿͑͋͊̾̃͋̔̓̈͛̃͆̐̅̓͒̏̾̎̀̑͜R̵̛̛̤͔̙̻͕͎̃̽̃͛͊̋̀́̈́͝!̶͓̖͈̞͕͎̹͖̩̹̗́̓́̚ ̵̡̢̡̫̣̥̰͚͈̘͉̼̥̪̼͍̤̲̼̫̳̜̈́͆͒̈̿͘͝͝ͅͅK̷̨̞͖̙̭͔͔̟͈̦̘͉̝̱̣̃́́̏̑͋͌̅͆̑̀͆̃̈́̇́̅́͘͠͠ͅĮ̶̢̡̡̡̛̗̩͔̥͇̰̠̺̲̝͍̈́́̎̈̐͋͑͆̈́̏̇̄̀̕͘ͅL̴̻̱̜̹̖̏̈́̀͌̓̽̒̎̅̈́́̅͛̓̆̏̽͘̚̕͝͝͝͝L̶̗̬̙̤̼̣̋̈́̐͗̋̓̃̽̓̆̋͒̀͂̂̋̂͑̈̕͝͝!̵̢̨̨̙̜͎̗̪̺̣͇̳̳̆͜
.
.

It was a strange message riddled with black, twisted ink.

Nevertheless it would seem that the choice had been decided, now it was time for Roseate to act on it. Humming a little tune, Roseate prepared the concoction, her horn glowing as she cast a spell.

"Gimeshrovil kav nyurb jelu mey atat g’hraag go knryop farmeter."

The fleshy pod turned gray as it dried up. Taking the shriveled pod up with her magic, Roseate placed the pod into the mortar and began to grind it with the pedestal until it was a fine gray powder. Uncorking the nearby bottle, Roseate filled her glass halfway with wine.

'Honey is our little guest ready?'

'I have removed the toxin, she will be waking up soon.'

'Good, I will be there shortly.'

Taking the mortar she scrapped the powder into her glass. As the gray specks made contact with the clear liquid, it began to bubble and foam. As the drink settled the glass's contents changed to a deep crimson.

After admiring her concoction, Roseate picked up the glass, took the collar and made her way into the basement. Littered around were various items: some boxes from the move, some from the previous owners and some that were just there to serve as distractions. A couple paintings created with alien appendages, rested in the corner covered in a blanket, serving as small reminders of Roseate's past.

Among these items was an old broken grandfather's clock with a wooden bird hanging out of a tiny door at the top by a twisted, rusty spring.

Walking up to the clock, Roseate whispered to the bird, "Psaapin ngi mor tos mel t'tesh bilek mmphol t'tesh twostong ngi churnong chesm yog yjil laviel."

The wooden bird's eyes glowed green as it retreated back into the clock. As the tiny doors clicked shut, the clock's frame began to change, warping and twisting to form a distorted archway into a dark chamber. Smiling Roseate stepped through into the chamber, the way sealing behind her.

Glowing pods began to appear, illuminating the chamber and the way to Roseate's guest. While to a normal pony it might seem that the walls, floor and ceiling were covered in tentacles, Roseate knew what this really was; an Aldracampus, a pocket world within Arsthotua's own body.

Following the slime covered path, Roseate walked to her destination, the wet sound of her steps in the slime resonating off the walls. Tendrils moved aside for her, revealing a chamber where a captured Snow Berry was suspended over a gaping hole. Despite this fact, the mare continued to struggle against her bonds in a futile effort to escape.

"Looks like sleeping beauty's awake," Roseate said as she stepped into Snow Berry's view. With a twitch of her magic, Roseate swirled the wine in her glass in a circular fashion.

"Where am I?" Snow Berry demanded in an angry tone.

"You are in my... master's Aldracampus," Roseate answered plainly. "Do you know what that means?"

Snow Berry's eyes grew wide, clearly getting a better grasp on her current situation. Roseate took a sip of her drink, the wine and eldritch dust flowing down her throat, mixing the contents of her stomach, taking aspects of her DNA in the process.

"Then that means I've lost," Snow Berry said softly, "and the society will have nothing to do with me now. And I was so close to having my wish."

"Oh, I doubt that," Roseate answered, with a chuckle, "even if your Piihs did manage to consume the world and fulfilled your wish, I doubt your brother would have been the stallion you remembered. Even if he was, I doubt he would be willing to give up the world and the family he once loved just to be your bride."

Roseate drank more of the concoction as her captive looked downward with despair. Her insides swirling with more of the mixture.

"If you're going to kill me, then please do it quickly." Snow Berry growled.

"Do you really think that you deserve a swift death," Roseate answered, "no, but I will show you mercy and in turn you will owe me your life for as long as you have breath."

"Why should I do that?" The captive mare asked, her voice tinged with scorn.

Roseate swallowed the last of her drink and as she did she could feel the powder reforming, mixing with her essence and forming into something otherworldly. The organism squirmed within her stomach.

As Roseate stepped forward, Arsthotua's tentacles moving to form steps so that she could stand face to face with Snow Berry. Reaching out, Roseate took the mare's face in her hooves. As she did Roseate could feel the slimy tendril working it's way up her throat.

"Because I am going to make you a part of something greater than you could possibly imagine."

Taking one quick breath, Roseate felt the tentacle emerge from her throat, the pale green tentacle wriggling in the air as bits of Roseate's saliva splattered everywhere.

Seeing this, Snow Berry's eyes grew wide with horror. "N-no!~"

By shouting those words, Snow Berry had left herself open to the slender intruder. The tendril lunged forward into the mare's mouth and wriggled down her throat in an instant. The merging process had begun. Roseate coughed as the fragment of Arsthotua wormed its way from her body into Snow Berry. As her body was being invaded, the mare struggled against her bonds but the eldritch being's tentacles held her fast.

With another cough the last of the fragment broke free of Roseate's body and slithered it's way into Snow Berry's oral cavity. After taking a deep breath, Roseate peered into Snow Berry's mouth and therein, three eyes peered back at her. As those three eyes closed, the mare's fate was sealed.

Shuddering, Snow Berry's eyes drifted to the back of her skull as tendrils from the fragment crawled up into her sinuses. She tried to scream but the tentacle-like organ inside of her throat prevented the mare from being able to let out more than a terrified gurgle. After shaking violently for nearly a minute, Snow Berry's body slumped and went slack, the only sign that she was still alive being the rise and fall of her chest.

"How do you feel now, my dear?" Roseate asked, caressing the mare's cheek.

Slowly Snow Berry's eyes opened, a slight green glow to her sclera.

"I-I..." Snow Berry looked at Roseate with a horrified expression. "I'm sorry... I-I didn't realize that my..."

"Shhh..." Roseate placed a hoof to the other mare's lips. "It's okay, all is forgiven, however you will have to pay for the consequences of your actions."

"Of course," Snow Berry replied, "I will do whatever you wish."

It would seem that the bonding process was a success. As long as she remained linked to Arsthotua through fragment implanted inside her mind, Snow Berry would be a loyal servant to Roseate and her husband. As long as she remained devoted to them, the mare could do as she pleased.

"Yes, you will," Roseate answered, "from now on, you will be serving me and my husband. You will be aiding us however we see fit."

Snow Berry nodded, her lips turning upwards in a grin. "Of course, I will do anything for the Word Eater and his bride."

"Good."

Taking out the collar, Roseate placed it around Snow Berry's neck, and latched into place. After admiring the collar around Snow Berry's white neck, Roseate rested her brow against Snow Berry's, the two of them smiling happily. Roseate for her first disciple and Snow Berry for her mistress's approval. Her new life was about to begin.

Roseate placed a few pieces of clothing in her suitcase. The last few weeks had been stressful and Roseate was unquestioningly excited at the idea of a vacation. Along with a couple swimsuits, Roseate added a few articles of clothing for recreational purposes.

'I can't wait to just relax on the beach. It will almost be like our honeymoon... though minus the whole Huloga entrail eating.'

There were some eldritch marriage rituals that were better experienced just once... And forgotten as soon as possible.

As Roseate considered what else she might bring, she heard a knock at the front door.

"Hmmm..."

While she considered ignoring it, Roseate knew that it could be one of her clients needing her assistance.

Hearing another knock at the door, Roseate let out an annoyed sigh. "Fine."

Leaving her bedroom, Roseate descended the stairs and walked to the front door. Peeking through the peephole Roseate saw Moonlight Raven on the other side, no doubt wishing for Roseate's help as a part of their arrangement. Putting a smile on her face, Roseate opened the door.

"Come on in." Roseate greeted, motioning with a hoof for Raven into her home. Once the mare had entered, Roseate closed the door.

"Do you think you'll be able to find my sister?" Moonlight Raven asked immediately.

"I can't guarantee it," Roseate answered. "However I will do what I can. Do you have the picture?"

Moonlight Raven nodded.

Roseate motioned toward the kitchen. "Wait at the table, I will return shortly."

As Raven obeyed Roseate's instructions, Roseate ascended back up the steps toward her Scryial room. Once inside, Roseate opened a few boxes and began rifling through them, until she found what she was looking for: a crystal ball. Taking the item with her, Roseate returned to the kitchen, where Moonlight Raven was sitting.

"Wait, is that...?" Moonlight Raven looked puzzled at what Roseate was carrying. This wasn't the first time Roseate had seen somepony act this way.

"Yes, it's a crystal ball," Roseate answered, "if you have a problem with that, then you know where the door is."

"No, no." Raven shook her head. "I just didn't expect something like that was all."

"Very well, then let us begin. Set the photograph down on the table."

The picture showed the three sisters, Moonlight Raven, Sunny Smiles and their younger half sister, Sky Blazer. The young filly with the pale blue coat and dark mane, serving as the focus for the spell.

After Moonlight Raven placed the photo down, Roseate set the glass orb on top of the picture and sat down across from Moonlight Raven, placing her hooves on the table.

"Take my hooves and peer into the crystal ball with me," Roseate instructed. Following Roseate's guidance, Raven placed her hooves in Roseate's and gazed into the orb.

As Roseate examined the sphere, she saw what appeared to be a small vapor of smoke in the glass. Seeing this Roseate spoke, channeling her magic into the ball.

"Psaye siik go greh’n choldal. Yogo choldal groh’n l’ie t'tesh pestoc. Bapliesi mor yaursilf l’ie t'tesh prisint nyurb jelu mey fut unotit fu thasi thral lavi thiisph."

As Roseate said the chant, the smoke within the glass began to swirl and grow, spiraling until it filled the crystal ball. Yet no image appeared in the orb, only what appeared to be floating yellow teeth.

'Come on!'

Sweat dripped down Roseate's brow as she tried to focus further on Raven's lost sister, instead the smog and fangs remained until they faded away leaving the glass sphere empty and barren.

Roseate made a reluctant sigh. "I'm sorry."

"Is she... dead?"

"No." Roseate shook her head. "At least, I don't think so. Something is obscuring her, however I don't know what."

Something was protecting Raven's sister, blocking any scrying techniques from seeing her. Of course, there was nothing saying that the entity involved wasn't obscuring a corpse, however Roseate doubted that Moonlight Raven would want to hear that possibility. The real question was, what might such an entity be?

"What should I do?" Raven asked, firm in the face of this new information.

"That depends," Roseate replied, taking the crystal ball and setting it off to the side. "How far are you willing to go?"

"I-I..." Moonlight Raven sputtered, clearly unsure how to reply.

"Let me ask you this. Do you love her enough to search for her, even if it meant journeying into the depths of Tartarus to do so?"

"Y-yes, she's my sister!"

Roseate nodded and gave Raven a smile. "Then you have my answer."

A few days prior...

"What are you doing here?" June Berry asked, surprised by her aunt's presence inside of Roseate's home.

Snow Berry waved a hoof dismissively. "It's nothing that you need to worry about. Why don't you come here and give your auntie a big hug."

Despite seeing her affectionate posture, June knew that something was wrong. It wasn't just the overly silken tone of Snow Berry's speech but also that strange look in her eyes. Like a spider wishing for a fly on the wall to fall into its web.

"I'm sorry Auntie," June said, "but I have something important I must do."

"Well, I certainly hope it's something important." Snow Berry's eyes became crazed as she gazed at her niece murderously. "Because neither you or your friends will be leaving this house, alive."

Suddenly a hoof emerged from the shadows, placing a cloth over Snow Berry's muzzle. She let out a surprised cry, which was muffled by the fabric before her eyes drifted slowly shut. Before Snow could fall to the floor, three cloaked figures emerged from the darkness, two grabbing hold of Snow Berry's body. All three of them wore gray masks possessing large toothy grins filled with yellow teeth.

Fear gripped June Berry as the third figure approached her. Sitting down in front of June, the lone figure took off their mask, revealing their face. She was a mare with a pale blue coat, jet black mane and a pair of glasses. Slowly the mare raised a hoof to her lips, signaling for June Berry to be quiet.

"Are you afraid, little one?"

June stayed silent, unsure how to respond, even then her quivering legs gave away her fear. A smile stretched across the mare's face as she observed June's response.

"Don't be afraid," the mare said softly, "you don't share in this traitor's sin."

Peeking behind the mare, June watched the other two figures put her aunt inside of a large sack. The mare stood up, signaling for June to continue to remain silent.

"Remember child, the Smiling Stallion is always watching."

With those last words spoken the mare put her mask back on and with her comrades drifting into the shadows. Once June was certain that the strangers were gone, the young filly fled back upstairs, hoping to complete the ritual and to be free of this place.

Roseate walked into her special cavern, Arsthotua had created it just for her and... them. Large pits were carved into the floor; filled with water, glowing lake weed, and something that would make even the bravest royal guard gasp.

Inside these pools were the results of Roseate and Arsthotua's union. Piles of large, gelatinous eggs. Inside were creatures that appeared to be part pony but carried eldritch traits as well. Some had a thousand eyes covering their body, some possessed more than the normal amount of limbs and there were some with tendrils stretching from their body.

"Hello children!" Roseate called out to her offspring.

If a member of the Solar Guard saw these abominations they would call it blasphemy, yet to Roseate each was beautiful in their own way. It was such a shame that none of them would awaken, that their milky white eyes would never see the sun or breathe the air of this world.

The newest child possessed an unusually transparent body, which would flicker in and out of existence at random intervals.

"Your father and I are going to be gone for a while, so don't burn the house down okay." Roseate joked to her little ones. It was a painful joke, but there was at least some humor in it.

Occasionally one of her children would stir like a foal having a dream. A slumber that Roseate knew they would never awaken from. While that made her sad, Roseate loved every single one of them. They were her children, born from her womb.

However, if Arsthotua and Roseate could find what they were looking for, then perhaps someday these children could experience the wonders that life had to offer. Hopefully now that she possessed Snow Berry's tome, the Drihpihs, she would be one step closer to achieving that goal.

"Well, goodbye my children. I love you all." With a hoof, Roseate wiped away the tears that were gathering in her eyes.

Having wished her children fair well, Roseate made her way up the stairs. The entrance to her brood, sealing behind her.

Roseate wiped her brow as she put the last of her things in the cart, the land vehicle resting at the front of the house.

As Roseate and her husband prepared to leave, Roseate noticed four little ponies out of the corner of her eye. Turning Roseate smiled as she recognized her students.

"Hello, children." Roseate greeted.

"You're not leaving, are you Miss Roseate?" Maple Sugar asked, looking concerned.

"Oh, not for long." Roseate reassured her. "My husband and I are just taking a much needed vacation."

"But you'll be back, right?" Sour Sapphire asked.

"Well, I certainly hope so." Roseate giggled, it was then that she noticed that her students seemed a little uneasy. "Is something the matter, children?"

The four students looked at each other before June Berry let out an annoyed sigh and stepped forward. "We have a question we need to ask you."

"Oh? What is it?"

June Berry scrunched her nose as if she were trying to figure out how to word her inquiry. "Are you... a witch?"

As shocking as the question was, Roseate was able to maintain her composure. "Well, that's an unusual question."

Quillian Inkheart stepped forth. "It's just that when we were inside your house the other night, we noticed some, well... odd things. And you… know things a normal pony wouldn’t know."

That was a bit of an understatement. While Roseate wasn't present for the children's actions in her home, Arsthotua had and he had informed her of what they had done to save her and Mittenz's sacrifice. They had seen many things that would undoubtedly make her students question if she truly studied witchcraft. The fact that Roseate had helped Quillian with his bizarre abilities didn’t make their case any weaker, certainly.

Roseate quickly looked around for anypony that might be eavesdropping. Not seeing anypony, Roseate waved a hoof, motioning for her students to draw near. Slowly the students approached cautiously.

"Do you really want to know?" Roseate whispered, "Sometimes the answer can be worse than ignorance."

The students gave each other one more glance before looking back and giving Roseate a nod.

"Yes." Sour Sapphire answered.

Biting her lip, Roseate considered what she could say. She didn't want to lie to them, but at the same time, she feared that telling them the answer might jeopardize their lives. Curiosity could kill more than just cats.

"In my years I have learned various things; knowledge endorsed by my peers and at other times foreboding secrets that others dread. I have been called by many different names, many of which were... unflattering. Nevertheless, while I might be that which you asked, I am also a teacher. That has been my calling and if I must use my knowledge to help my students in any way I can, then so be it. Does that satisfy you?"

After glancing between each other, the students nodded in agreement, all except for Maple Sugar who looked rather confused.

"What does... unfluttering mean?"

After some laughter and a quick explanation, the children departed.

"Thank you, Miss Roseate." Quillian said as he left.

Roseate watched as her students went on their way. Indeed, she would have to return just to watch over them. No doubt, they would need her help if they continued down this path they had set out for themselves. Especially Quillian; Roseate could feel that there were threads connected to that child, inky string trying to pull him down a dark path where he didn't belong.

As worrying as this had been, Roseate was glad that they had come. They had reminded her of something very important she had to tend to.

For a brief moment, Roseate quit packing and made her way to the backyard. At the edge of the fence on the far side, there was a small patch of dirt where a small tombstone was laid. On it, the name Mittenz had been written by a shaking child’s hoof. Taking a deep breath, Roseate sat down at the small grave, her eyes swelled slightly even as she tried to smile.

"Goodbye, Gu'olghathmmphriesan, thank you for everything you've done," Roseate said, "maybe someday we will meet again, but until then I hope your next master is good to you."

Standing back up, Roseate dusted herself off and resumed her packing.

As Roseate prepared to join her husband she was stopped by the sight of a familiar Solar Guard standing in their front yard. It would seem that Detective Frost Brook had business with her. Despite her apprehension, Roseate put on a warm façade of a smile.

"Good morning detective."

"Good morning Miss Grimsbane," Frost Brook said, "leaving so soon?"

"My husband and I are going on a vacation," Roseate replied, "is there something wrong with that."

The detective shook his head. "Nope, I just thought I would let you know that I will be leaving this peaceful town and heading back to Canterlot."

"Oh, really. Well, that's a shame. We’ll all miss you very dearly."

"Now, I don't have to be a detective to know that that's a lie." Frost Brook chuckled. "Thank you, by the way."

"For what?"

The solar guard gave her a small smile, it was the look of a pony who had been given a glimpse of something precious that had been lost.

"I knew that it wasn't really her in my dream that night," Frost Brook answered, "yet in spite of that you chose to play along. So thank you for doing that for me."

For a moment, Roseate's heart froze as she realized that Frost Brook had been aware that she had been the one who had infiltrated the detective's dream while he was unconscious back in the hospital. However, she knew that she couldn't just admit to it, that would just be potential ammunition for him to use against her in a witch trial.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

"No, I suppose not." Frost chuckled. "Well, have a good day."

After waving farewell, the detective left the premise. Roseate wasn't sure what to make of Frost Brook's actions, this just wasn't the normal behavior for most Solar Guards she had met before.

"Strange."

"Are you ready to go?" Arsthotua asked.

Roseate gave a slow nod. "Yes, let's go."

Roseate lay on the beach, her body supported by a lawn chair. Next to her chair was another belonging to her husband along with a red and white umbrella and an ice cooler. Surrounding their spot was white sand, crystal blue waves and numerous palm trees, isolating her and her husband from the rest of the world.

While the island would appear deserted to most, the massive cave system below had been especially designed to accommodate Roseate and her needs.

Sitting on her chair, Roseate's form was caressed by a black one piece bathing suit, the fabric designed to cover her belly and hind quarters, while keeping her back exposed. Her mane was pulled back into a ponytail, that Snow Berry had been gracious enough to braid herself. Snow Berry stood nearby at attention, wearing a similar white bathing suit and the collar that Roseate had given her. It was a teleportation collar that Roseate could use to summon her new disciple to her location if she wished to, and Roseate had to admit, it was handier than she expected it to be.

"I hope this pleases you, my mistress." Snow Berry said as she passed over a can of cherry soda with her magic.

Roseate smiled, showing her approval as she took the can with her magic and opened it. "Thank you."

After taking a sip of the soda, Roseate let out a pleased sigh. Adjusting her spectacles, Roseate examined the Scriasphere that she held in her right hoof.

"Hello, my watchers. I'm enjoying my vacation with my husband, however I don't mind answering a few more questions from you all. Let's begin shall we?"

Sentinel053 asks: "Roseate is in trouble should a I deploy the legions of my fellow robotic brethren to aid her?"

Roseate giggled, placing a hoof to her lips. "I'm actually fine now, but thank you for your concern."

Snow Berry giggled nervously, undoubtedly because of her involvement in the matter in question.

Viper Pit asks: "Would you care for a box of mints?"

"Considering what my husband and I have planned later, I certainly wouldn't mind." Roseate said with a giggle. Snow Berry remained quiet, though her cheeks turning a slight pink to the statement.

Herald of Opera asks: "Do you like penguins?"

"Penguins are interesting creatures," Roseate answered, "some believe them to be the creations of ancient gods or perhaps the messengers of a dead race. Personally, I think they're just birds. Cute, flightless birds."

With a smile, Roseate took another sip of her soda.

Azrael asks: "Have you ever met some non-sentient monsters and if you have what were they like?"

"I've met a few during my travels and exploration." Roseate said as she recalled such occasions. "One such being is the Huloga, it's kind of like a dolphin only with numerous hooves and ten times the libido. If you want my advice, I'd suggest staying clear of them during mating season. Though it is said that consuming their entrails can increase your fertility."

Now that was something Roseate could testify to.

Airy Words asks: "Now that the Alicorn of the Night has returned, how do you imagine the world of the supernatural will change? A new power-player has returned to defend her little ponies and the ripples will doubtless carry to many a dark corner."

"It will depend largely on what threats are involved," Roseate replied. "There are beings out there that have no need for the world of dreams and whose schemes will be unaffected by her presence."

Airy Words asks: "Do you want to offer your services and knowledge to her as she reacquaints herself with the realms of dream and shadow?"

Roseate stretched and adjusted her position on the lawn chair.

"I'm not sure that would be such a wise idea. While we didn't part on ill terms that doesn't mean that she is so willing to trust me. After all, why should she trust the witch that invaded her domain?"

Azrael asks: "Would it be okay if I send you some books? They can help you relax?"

"Of course, I always enjoy reading new books."

Roseate turned over to lie on her back, to which Snow Berry immediately proceeded to pull out some sun lotion and apply it to her mistress's back. Carefully Roseate levitated her drink off to the side.

Alsvid asks: "Ya like zebras?"

"Well, to be fair, I've only met a few," Roseate replied, "and while a few of my encounters have been far from peaceful, that wouldn't change the fact that I find zebras and their culture to be quite intriguing."

With a flick of a hoof, Roseate's Isidria appeared in a puff of green flame, floating above.

"A people of riddles and rhymes it is said that all the magical otherworldly tomes that were ever written in this world have had a zebra's touch in some way, shape, or form. Even my Isidria has a few incantations added to it from a zebra witch."

"My tome, the Drihpihs also possessed a few spells written by some zebras." Upon realizing that she had inserted herself into the conversation, Snow Berry clapped both of her sun lotion covered hooves over her mouth. "I-I'm so sorry mistress."

"No, it's okay."

Shifting her hoof once more the Isidria disappeared and Roseate took a deep breath.

"As for the misunderstandings I mentioned, they all involved dealings with the fifth veil and out of the three that I can remember off the top of my head, two of them resulted in some prized friendships."

Quillian Inkheart asks: “Do you have any regrets about the way things have ended? Any doubts about the events that have transpired, or the ponies you have shaped -- for better or for worse?”

"Yes, I do have two regrets," Roseate answered, "because of my actions a stallion is dead and as much of scumbag Lucky Lemon was, the fact that his death paid for a broken sigil isn’t very amiable. Furthermore because of that now Mittenz is gone as well. I didn't even have the wisdom to prevent his sacrifice."

'There is no way you could have prepared for that. The spell didn't even exist in your time until I put it there.'

Roseate still looked gloomy.

"Nevertheless, I have the feeling that in spite of Mittenz sacrifice, that the blood for Lemon's death hasn't fully been paid."

Bad Dragon asks: "What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done?"

Liking the distraction, Roseate pondered the inquiry.

"What's the kinkiest thing I've done?" Roseate scratched her chin. "Aside from being a dominatrix and binding my husband to the bed..."

Admittedly, it was a difficult question to answer, especially since her husband was an eldritch being composed mostly of tentacles. After a brief moment, Roseate thought of something.

"Mistress are you sure it's okay to talk to them about these things?" Snow Berry asked.

"It's fine." Roseate waved a hoof. "I've dealt with watchers like these before."

After considering the question a little longer, Roseate finally came up with an answer.

"How about this, Bad Dragon, a slimy ball pit..." Roseate bobbed her head slightly, the corner of her lip rising. "I'll let your imagination run with that one."

Snow Berry blushed once again and shook her head out of frustration.

Bad Dragon asks: "How long can you last underwater?"

"That is a very good question..."

Roseate said as her husband walked up. Arsthotua's puppet was moving much more fluidly than before, making it clear that the eldritch being had been practicing in order to improve his mobility. Already Roseate was thinking of a few activities she could do with her husband while underwater.

"I guess we'll find out."

Roseate turned to her new disciple and gave her a smile, before pointing a hoof at a nearby teleportation circle. As she turned away from the scrying device, black tendrils crept over it, marring it’s clear surface.

"Well, dear it is time for you to leave."

"I haven't displeased you have I mistress?" Snow Berry asked worriedly.

"No, not at all," Roseate replied, "it is just that the Word Eater and I have some business to tend to. Don't worry, if I have need of your services I will summon you."

A look of relief stretched across Snow Berry's face before she began to make her way to the teleportation circle. "As you wish my mistress."

As Snow Berry stood in the circle, the magical runes began to glow green, then in a blink of an eye, she vanished.

Setting down the Scriasphere, Roseate noticed one final message, spoken by an ink-black figure, standing in a clear-white void, surrounded by numerous black tendrils and dark, unblinking eyes.

Nightmare Inkheart curses: “You vile, interloping swine of a mare. You have spared the colt, but I am still here. You protected him in this world, but I claim him in countless others. And I will have him in this one as well, in time. Smile over him while you can. I will have the vessel and you will pay for your impudence in blood and tears.”

Furrowing her brow, Roseate considered the message, as threatening as it was, Roseate couldn't help but feel amused at this apparition's displeasure.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you well, my dear," Roseate giggled, "but don't worry, I'm sure there are others ready to take all those Quillians off your greedy hooves. Maybe a sibling, a parent, perhaps a lover or even maybe just an interloping swine of a mare like me."

Pulling the Scriasphere close, Roseate whispered softly into the device, "Sleep well my dear."

Before there could be any further response, Roseate smiled and deactivated the Scriasphere.

Roseate stood up and walked over to her husband, who stood with his hooves in the water. The waves splashing up onto the shore.

"Well, you're looking handsome." Roseate cooed, snuggling up to her husband's vessel.

"Thank you."

"So it's just you and me here on this island, with nopony around for miles. We can do whatever we want my dear. So what pleasure would you like to share." Roseate purred seductively, licking her lips.

The eyes of Strange Sight looked back at Roseate, a look of nervousness and unease in his eyes. This puzzled, Roseate.

"Is something wrong?"

"There is something I have been wanting to mention to you. Something that came to light when you almost perished the other night."

Seeing how this affected Arsthotua's vessel, Roseate was kind of surprised. When they had first met Arsthotua didn't seem to understand emotions and even once he had learned them it had taken him years to learn how to express them, even then Roseate felt that he had merely been trying to mimic emotions in an attempt to communicate and empathize with her. Yet now for the first time, this sadness, this worry that he was expressing felt truly real.

"I'm listening."

Strange Sight looked out toward the sea. "You probably aren't aware, but you're not my first bride."

This was something Roseate had never considered, not that it wasn't a possibility that Arsthotua might have chosen another prior to her. He just hadn't mentioned it, nor had Roseate asked him. While this revelation was a little shocking, Roseate knew that this must be important to Arsthotua, so she just listened.

"In another time, in another world, another creature had summoned me with the Isidria. At the time I had no idea what she was, in fact I didn't even know what zebras were until after you had brought me to this world. That was my first bride and until you, only bride, a zebra mare in a decaying world."

"What happened to her?"

"She perished," Arsthotua answered, "some ponies came to her encampment and killed her. That was the first time in the centuries that I had lived, that I experienced... loss."

A tear rolled down Roseate's cheek. "W-why are you telling me this?"

"Because I am afraid of losing you," Asthotua replied, "I don't want to experience that loss again. Not if I can help it. I love you, Roseate Grimsbane."

Roseate sniffed, a question wriggling on the tip of her mind. "Were there others?"

"No, just you and her."

While a part of this revelation hurt Roseate, she could understand what was going on. This part of Arsthotua's past was something that he had burned in the back of his mind and it had only come forth when Roseate's life was in danger. In a way this was actually uplifting, both the fact that he felt so strongly for her and that their relationship was secure enough that he could trust her with this information. It was heartwarming.

Taking a deep breath, Roseate wiped away her tears with a hoof. "Thank you for telling me."

Strange Sight looked back to her. "I am sorry if I have hurt you."

"N-no, it's fine." Roseate sniffled. "Thank you for telling me."

"I love you, Roseate Grimsbane."

"I love you too."

After cleaning her face, Roseate pulled close, hugging Arsthotua's vessel before locking lips with him. Her tongue dancing with his. Pulling away, Roseate gave Arsthotua a smile, then there was a splash as she pushed him down into the shallow water, her frame resting firmly on top of him. A giggle rippled from Roseate's throat.

"However I feel that you'll have to make it up to me." Roseate purred seductively, her insides growing warm with want.

"I am opened to suggestions," Arsthotua spoke through his vessel.

"Oh, I'm sure you are." Roseate whispered, before locking lips with him once more. As the witch kissed her husband, numerous green tentacles slowly emerged from the waves, advancing toward the Word Eater and his bride.

"What do you mean you couldn't find it?" Frost Brook asked, looking at this colleague in disbelief.

Officers Pale Peak and Dull Peak just sat there, looking at their friend with concern. The two albino unicorn twins sat with Frost Brook in an interrogation room inside of the Canterlot Solar Guard facility. Both of the mare's looked at each other before turning their attention back to Frost.

"It's exactly what I just said," Pale Peak answered, "we sent a squad of Solar Guard to this town you speak of and they found nothing. Just numerous trees."

"That can't be true," Frost Brook replied, "I was there! Muleport is real!"

Dull Peak let out a sigh.

"While we can confirm that we did receive a phone call from somepony claiming to be Mayor May Berry saying that she was from the town of Muleport, that is all the evidence we have that it exists. We lost your signal shortly after you entered the Whitetail Woods and it didn't appear again until you showed back up today. We thought you might have turned it off."

Frost Brook took his head in his hooves. "I don't understand."

Officer Pale Peak gave her comrade a worried look. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, why?" Frost Brook asked.

"We know you're passionate about your work," Dull Peak said, "but it's only been three months since your partner was killed. You need to take some time off."

"No." Frost Brook shook his head. "Not while that monster is still on the loose."

"Damn it Frost!" Pale Peak barked, slamming her hoof on the metal table. "You won't do anypony any good if you wear yourself out!"

The three of them looked at each other, their tempers boiling. Reluctantly Frost Brook conceded. As much as he hated to admit it, they were right. If he wore himself out and died because of it, who would avenge Azure Velvet's death and end the creature responsible.

"What would you have me do?"

Sitting back in their chairs, the Peak twin's took a deep breath simultaneously, something that Frost found amusing. "Your assignment is to go home and rest for a few days. After that we have an important mission that will need your full potential."

Frost Brook nodded. "I guess I can do that. What can you tell me about this mission?"

Both of the twin's looked back at each other, a nervous look in their eyes as sweat rolled down their brows, before they returned their focus back to Frost Brook.

"It pertains to a book that has gone missing from one of our containment facilities..."

"Time and space work in strange ways, moving at their own rhyme and pace. At the right angle even a dream can be as real and as powerful as a rushing stream. For many ponies, no matter how great or small, the town of Muleport doesn't exist at all."

From a strange letter underneath Frost Brook's door. In the corner of the letter are the initials, ~SB.

The End... For now.

Author's Note:

Thank you all for taking this journey with me, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I know it has been a weird journey (especially this chapter) and I am thankful that in spite of that, you followed me up to this point.

As you know this is the last chapter of Ask Roseate Grimsbane, the Witch, however that doesn't mean that Roseate Grimsbane will be disappearing for good. While I will be working on finishing some short stories, I do hope to bring back Roseate. Maybe not as choice driven as this story was, but they will still give you all the option to ask her questions, because it wouldn't be Ask Roseate Grimsbane otherwise.

Of course, motivation goes a long way when writing a story like this and I want to thank you all for giving me that motivation. Sure, there were struggles along the way with work, depression and such, but we did it.

Still some fan art of Ask Roseate Grimsbane wouldn't hurt either.

lol.

All jokes aside. Thank you all so much for your support, I don't think I could have finished this story without it.

Comments

[Navarone]

Damn, this was a good story, hoping to see more in the future

[NicLove]

Hey, I'm making an H.P. Lovecraft game
would you be ok if Arsthotua gets a cameo ?

[Robipony]

10371155 Are we talking about a ponyfied Lovecraftian themed game or just a regular Lovecraftian game? Also tabletop (maybe rpg) or video game?

[NicLove]

10371178
Board/Card game
jest a cameo

what would Arsthotua do in the game
you find Arsthotua, heal 2 Mind or 2 Health

[NicLove]

10371178
So... ?

I take your silence as a NO

[Robipony]

10371264 I just don't know enough about the game/cameo to say yes.

Why don't you send me a PM to discuss it further?

[NicLove]

10371586
Umm.. ok

you go first

[Majk]

I just finished reading this story and i really liked it.
The changes to the pony lore and the elements, and the weird, but fun relationship had me hooked.

There was one problem however. You need to use more synonyms. Reading 'Roseate' this or that so often was a bit annoying.
Replacing it with the Witch, or mare or such would help a lot.

Any chance we will see a sequel?

[NicLove]

maybe you want to get on to this Promo

[NicLove]

thought you may want to see this