Chapter 8
The altercation with Marrok and Ulrica had left a sullen mood at the Moonshadow den. Every wolf gave Remedy a wide berth as she walked down the hill, still sniffing back angry tears. She couldn’t really go anywhere, so instead she found her way to the loneliest corner of the glade, slumped onto a grassy mound and curled up with her back to everyone.
“I’m not really in the mood for talking” she grumbled as Ulrica walked up, casting a shadow on the miserable mare.
“Then I’ll do the talking.” said Ulrica gently but firmly. The great wolf lowered her body to the ground forming a substantial barrier between Remedy and the rest of the glade. A modest offering of privacy. Ulrica just lay quietly for a moment listening to the sharp inhales and choked whimpers that syncopated the muffled growls boiling from the pony.
She cast her eye across the forest boundary. The day was warming up and already the birds and insects were busy with their daily lives.
“Do you know why Marrok is like he is?” said Ulrica quietly, her sight still focused on the forest. Remedy just exhaled disinterestedly.
“You mentioned you knew him, and you were right. Although I admit, I didn't realise until now.” Ulrica looked down at the small ball of pink, still coiled up and facing away.
“Ten years ago Marrok led a hunting party out of the forest, breaking the oath we all follow. He used you to draw away your doe friend. She was woodwise and knew your best chance for survival was to draw the pack away.”
A small tremble shook Remedy’s body but Ulrica continued, “she sacrificed herself to save you, and now you had the chance for revenge. Why didn’t you?”
“I DON’T KNOW!” Remedy screamed at the forest, startling a flock of finch and sparrow into hasty flight. “I wanted to, I really did. I HATE him! I want him to feel the pain he’s caused!”
Remedy’s body convulsed as a series of sobs found themselves choked behind clenched teeth. Ulrica frowned, her eyes shared a sympathetic sorrow for the mare's lament and for the pain that still needed to be felt.
“What you said back there, it was more true than you realised.” Ulrica continued, “He does suffer in life. You see, he did not get away with his crime. Abidah caught him at the final act of his transgression.”
Remedy jumped to her hooves and spun around. She glared at the wolf through a blurry haze of tears, her nose wrinkled and brow furrowed - twisted by a deep seeded agony.
“Well he’s still alive, so obviously he got off light.” she said bitterly.
Ulrica looked down and closed her eyes, a deepening pity washed across her expression. “Though, in a way he did die. The punishment for breaking the oath and taking a life, is to lose a life. To this day Marrok wishes it was his own.”
Remedy paced like a skulking panther. Her eyes seethed with fury; anger masking grief. She glared at Ulrica, daring her to justify Marrok’s existence.
Ulrica looked back up at her. “Instead, he lost a son, snatched away by one of Abidah’s eagles.”
Remedy stopped. The fury in her eyes wavered and her knitted brow quivered like a plucked string. Considerable effort focused onto blocking the mote of compassion that threatened to join her boiling emotions.
“He was only a pup, hadn’t even seen his first hunt. In truth, that day there were three souls given up. The first was your friend, the second was Marrok’s son, and the third, well… Marrok has been dying ever since. He believes that if you were not there to witness that day, his punishment would not have been so severe. He has let this bitterness dwell in his heart for the better part of a decade, and it is consuming him. I can see the same bitterness within you little pony, and if you let it dwell… it will destroy you as well.”
“So what, I forgive him?" exclaimed Remedy, waving a frustrated hoof at the treeline as if the forest had personally insulted her. "How could anyone? She was like a mother to me, and he took her away!”
Remedy slumped to the ground. Her rage felt hollow and thin, but grief still sat like an icy millstone in the pit of her stomach.
“Marrok used to be a great leader. Loved and respected, his loyalty to his clan unquestionable, but most of all he loved his sons. Under his guidance, the clan has survived these desperate times where a lesser leader would have failed. But desperation can make fools of the best of us. Marrok was desperate, his family was hungry, and he made a bad decision…”
“A decision that killed MY friend and family. Now you tell me it also killed his own son. What redemption can there be for someone like that?” Remedy implored.
Ulrica continued unabated, “The pups name was Lowe, youngest of the litter. He was cheeky, brash, fearless and innocent as all his age are. That day was like so many before. Lowe was outside playing with his brother; the eagle could have taken either one of them. Fate decided Lowe would pay the price of balance and Faolan was spared the reapers toll. Faolan was right beside him when his brother was killed.”
Remedy's eyes went wide. “Faolan’s brother was… Marrok is...”
“Faolan might have blamed you or Marrok or Abidah for the loss of his little brother. Instead he still loves his father, he still serves Abidah and the council faithfully, and has protected you with his own life.”
Remedy stifled a cry with her hooves. Fresh tears began to soak her cheeks. “I said such horrible things to him. I almost killed his father right in front of him.”
Remedy’s chest heaved with laboured breaths and sobs wracked her body. Ulrica gently placed her paw around Remedy and drew her into an embrace. Remedy didn't resist. She pressed her head into the thick fur of Ulrica's chest and a primal cry wailed behind her clenched teeth. Her tears streamed endlessly, and breath came in short broken gasps.
Ulrica held her tight and continued, addressing the forest as much as Remedy, “death affects all, even us who court it. A wolf's bond with his siblings is unparalleled and Faolan hurt as much as any. For a time he cried and howled and grieved just like you are now. But he persevered and with help, matured. Now his character gives hope to those he leads and honours the memory of his brother.
"You too have the same choice. Don’t let your grief consume you. Your friend was your family, and she was taken from you. But in her final moments, you were shown her selfless character, and with it a strength the match of any dragon.
"Cry now, for your pain is real. Remember her, remember the things she taught you. Don’t let her memory die with her, but let it live in you. Only then can your life be the beacon of hope for others in their darkest hours, and in doing so may you honour the memory of your friend."
Remedy bawled openly. Her chest heaved for breath as she howled and grieved properly for the first time in ten years. Ulrica held her close, unconcerned with the wetting of her fur. She placed her giant chin gently on the grief-stricken pony and quietly held her until she had exhausted all her tears. Nothing was more important right now, everything else could wait.
“Remedy?, I’m sorry to wake you but it’s already late in the afternoon”
Remedy squinted her eyes open at the bright afternoon sun. Her crusty eyes found Faolan looking apologetically down at her. “Faolan?”
“Here, I’ve brought you some water to freshen up. Are you... are you feeling better?”
Remedy looked down into the simple bark bowl filled with water. Her eyes were puffy and her cheeks matted with dried tears. “What happened?”
“You fell asleep with Ulrica. You were still very exhausted.”
Remedy's eyes widened as her memory flooded back. She looked away to hide the shame on her face. “Faolan. I… I’m sorry, about before. With your father I mean.”
Faolan waved his paws, quickly interjecting, “hey hey, it's ok. I didn’t realise you two had met before either. But, thank you. For not… you know.”
Remedy gave a quiet sigh of relief, then smirked sadly. “Seems we do have something in common, a shared tragic history”
Faolan smiled broadly and placed a paw on Remedy’s shoulder. “Many have experienced loss in their lives. Us, younger than most. It hurts, but a part of them will always live with us. Besides, my brother would have mocked me senseless if I had moped around for the rest of my life on his account. Would your friend want you to be miserable for the rest of yours?”
Melancholy drew her lower lip for a moment, but a timid smile grew from fond memory. “No, I guess not.”
Faolan nudged Remedy to her feet. “Come on, clean up.” he said as he placed the seal over her head, “We’re about to head to the meeting stone. One more night with our mangy pack and you’re home free.”
Remedy smirked and chuckled. “Yeah yeah”
It was only a few minutes later that a procession of wolves led by Ulrica and her personal entourage headed down yet another path through the forest. Ulrica used her magic to move her oversized frame between the closely packed trees. The mood of the pack was excited, and expectant. Enthusiastic chatter and the occasional yip or howl made for a noisy procession.
Faolan kept Remedy company the whole way. He told stories of his younger brother and the mischief they would get up to — and out of; the secret is in how to tilt your head in just the right way and look up with big pitiful eyes.
The sun dipped over the distant horizon and pre-night plunged the forest into darkness. Then, just as the moon peeked over it's horizon, Ulrica pushed through a final copse of trees to reveal an unexpected glade in the middle of the forest.
A ring of small stone bowls formed a perimeter around the centre of the glade. In the middle, a small stone pool rippled from an underground spring welling up. The spring fed a tiny brook that trickled downhill and framed a large flat rock that served as a simple stage before disappearing into the thick foliage behind. The rest of the glade slowly sloped up away from the stone to form a natural amphitheatre.
Ulrica stepped into the clearing and the trees straightened behind her. A bright blue flame ignited between her horns and with a flash, the tiny tongues shot forward into the stone bowls, lighting each in turn and bathing the area in a warm yellow glow.
Faolan led Remedy up the slope away from the centre as the pack settled down and made the last minute preparations. As Remedy climbed the slope with Faolan, she noticed a crude corral at the top. Remedy gave Faolan a suspicious look.
“And what pray tell is this?” She challenged.
Faolan waved his paws defensively. “Now Remedy, it’s not what it looks like.”
Remedy pushed against the timber structure. It wobbled pitifully. “You know this wouldn’t hold me right?”
“It’s not supposed to keep you in, it’s supposed to keep curious carnivores out. Your presence at the meeting hasn’t been made known to everyone.” Faolan explained, hoping to ward off protest before it began. “See these?” he said, pointing to crude carvings on the outside of the corral that if viewed in the right light, and perhaps through the bottom of a glass bottle, could be construed as fangs.
“Right…” replied Remedy, sounding not at all convinced.
“I’ll be here also,” offered Faolan, “but you have a knack for getting yourself into trouble. So I’ve taken the liberty of setting this up. Just think of it as VIP seating.:
“It’s a cage. A badly made cage. Rather insulting really.” Remedy countered with disdain.
Faolan rolled his eyes. “Please don’t be difficult.”
Remedy poked out her tongue at the expression of exasperation on Faolan’s face. “But teasing you is so fun. Besides, if I am really the honoured guest, then I should be allowed to be a bit fussy.”
A single howl drew all attention to the centre stage. A light coloured wolf with reddish-brown highlights on his back, stood on the stone platform. Remedy recognised him as one of the hunting party.
“The wolf clans bid welcome to Don Zemar, King of the Cat Prides” he announced in a loud clear voice.
Faolan turned back to urge Remedy to take her position, only to find she was already inside the corral leaning up against the railing. He couldn’t help but smirk.
Remedy saw it. “Oh shut up. I’ve already fought one tiger” she bit back irritably.
“If memory serves me right, I believe I fought the tiger. You were just giving it lip.” he retorted, his smirk now a fully developed smug grin.
Remedy snorted at him.
The trees to the opposite side of the clearing warped and bowed, just as Ulrica had done before. From the shadows a group of large and medium cats of all kinds emerged including leopards, cheetahs, tigers and lions. Behind them another enormous body emerged, even larger than Ulrica. An enormous Lion with thick shiny black horns that curved up from his head stepped out from the forest. He moved with regal grace, his motions fluid and confident. His voluminous golden mane gently bobbed with the motions of his body, and was adorned with small flowers woven into it. It was immaculate.
Remedy tilted her head and squinted at the Lion, “is he… wearing lip gloss?”
Faolan snickered and quietly whispered back, “The cats ARE known to be somewhat vain. And Don Zemar certainly embodies that trait.”
Don Zemar paused and casually surveyed the scene. He gave a nod of acknowledgement to Ulrica then shifted his gaze over to Remedy. She gulped and crouched down behind the wooden beams of her corral. The great lion’s gaze lingered for only a moment, his expression was disinterested and betrayed no emotion. He turned away as if he’d seen nothing at all. He settled himself down and the rest of the tribe settled themselves around him, all managing to look similarly bored and disinterested. A far contrast from the wolves who could barely stop fidgeting with anticipation.
“The wolf clans welcome Nyoka, Regent of reptiles!” the master of ceremonies turned and faced the other side of the clearing. The undergrowth shook violently, vomiting out a smattering of large monitors, snakes, and even an old crocodile.
The trees bowed slightly, but not with magic, then the enormous head of a giant snake emerged. It’s scales shimmered, refracting the moonlight in a prism of colour. Two ribbed horns spiralled back from the side of it’s head before jutting forward like lances, tracing the serpents upper jaw. Its body continued to arrive for a while after its head, and buoyed the reptiles snout on a sea of writhing coils which seemed to spill into all the space around it. Even the other snakes and lizards had to crawl and climb to remain on top of the squirming mass.
“The wolf clans bid welcome to Lady Aleena, the Silk of Heaven”
Remedy let out a squeak, and ducked further behind her flimsy corral. Faolan chuckled at the mares new found timidity and she scowled back at his new found amusement.
“You try being attacked by her, then maybe you’d be here hiding too.”
“She can be a bit odd and unpredictable, but she is the oldest of the council members, and is generally quite sweet once you get to know her. She’s kind of like a grandmother to us all.”
“A creepy grandmother who would just as soon eat you than bake cookies!”
Foalan laughed at Remedy’s remark, “I won’t argue with that.”
The familiar slender spokes of Aleena’s legs slipped from the forest and gently alighted on the ground, drawing her large body after them. Aleena smiled as she scanned the clearing. All the other members gave a small bow before the brood-mother. Aleena glanced over to the corral spotting Remedy and Faolan. She gave them both a cheeky wave with a pedipalp. Remedy shivered involuntarily.
The master of ceremonies raised his face to the sky as he continued his introductions. “The wolf clan welcomes Abidah the wise, and his raptors.”
From the sky Abidah descended surrounded by a number of other birds of prey. Eagles, Falcons, Owls and even one eagle who was larger than Abidah. They landed in the clearing and settled themselves next to the Cats.
“On behalf of Ulrica - Queen of Dens and the wolf clans, we thank you for your attendance to this council summit. Please now rise for Abidah, Chair of the council who will open this session.” The master of ceremonies bowed as Abidah strolled forward to take his place on the small stone stage. Every creature in the clearing rose to their feet as he did so.
“Thank you Tarell, and thank you to the wolf clans for hosting this summit.” Abidah dismissed the wolf, and the rest of the creatures resettled into their seats.
“It is with sombre tone that I open this Council of the Carnivores. I have spoken with all the leaders of the 5 tribes, and I have heard a common complaint. We have continued to reduce our numbers to levels that the forest can sustain, in accordance with the balance of the forest. However our numbers have dwindled to such an extent that we now risk becoming ineffective in our ability to uphold that very balance. The children of chaos grow ever more bold and numerous, and we are beginning to yield ground to them. I fear we are beginning a downward spiral that if left to continue, may prove impossible to recover from. The main focus of tonight's meeting is to deliberate a strategy to endure this difficulty.”
Abidah paused, stretching his wings to the present council. “Any of you who would speak, let us hear.”
The great lion stood to signal his intent. The soft waves of his mane bounced and he tossed an errant curl from his face. “I would speak. Why is the forest no longer capable of supporting its inhabitants? Is it not as green as ever? Where have all the deer gone, and what of the other stock species?”
Nyoka lifted his head, his coils shifted to better provide support and a shimmer of colour raced along them like water down a fall. He spoke in a clear tenor with no slur or hiss. This seemed odd to Remedy though she had to admit she'd never spoken to a snake before. “The heart of the forest barricades himself and his kin in his thicket. They have been learning from the magical elements of the forest and are using the plants offensively as a formidable defence. Even my serpents cannot penetrate their walls. Only the warriors and defenders ever leave, and they are far too dangerous to confront carelessly.
The great lion considered the words of the serpent carefully. “And what has caused this change in tact? The deer used to roam the forest over, now they hide? Is Aspen now a coward?”
Ulrica raised her head to enter the conversation. All the wolves surrounding looked up to her with anticipation and great devotion. “I’m afraid it is likely our actions that have caused this change of behaviour. The deer are the only remaining stock species in the forest and being the sole target of our attention they have strengthened themselves against our attacks. With their new magic, I’m afraid we will now have to find other sources of food.”
“And what of the boars?” Aleena’s silky voice immediately drew all eyes to her, “they have never cared for such sophistication.”
“They too have been hunted heavily.” Nyoka replied, “the weak and sickly are already gone. All that’s left are the strong. The forest has balanced our efforts against us. The boar that remain are fast and powerful. Their tusks are long and sharp, and they have extended their burrows in defence. Sophisticated they may not be, but neither are they weak.”
Don Zemar growled at the serpent. “Are you saying then that WE are the weak!?”
“As much as it might pain you to hear; at the moment, we are.” Ulrica interjected, her tone quiet but authoritative. “In the last three years, only two pups have been born in all the wolf clans. Soon the packs won’t have the strength to bring down large game even if they can find it and increasing our numbers puts even more strain on our limited resources.”
Don Zemar flicked his mane in annoyance. “Well then, what of the others. The forest used to teem with more than deer or boar. What of the wild bulls and their herds?”
Abidah ruffled his feathers from the plinth. “They no longer graze the forest areas. They now share territory with the ponies. Unfortunately the same can be said with most of the stock species. They no longer dwell within the forest, instead they seek the relative safety of pony lands.”
“Tch.” The great lion clicked his tongue. “So that’s it then. We are bound in a prison of our own making. Well it seems to me we only have one choice. We must throw off our shackles and no longer be bound by the forest borders. Once we roam free, we can once more bring balance to all the lands formerly Everfree.”
Abidah took a slow step forward, shuffling his wings. “For millennia the carnivore tribes have always held their honour in the highest regard. Their word was their bond, and their bond was unbreakable. This was the cost of our power. It's what separates us from monsters and all know its worth. To leave the forest is to break our vow and forever our reputation will be slighted.”
Don Zemar looked down, he spoke cautiously but with determination. “I know full well the weight of my words. But I’d rather be remembered in tarnished living memory, than in forgotten legend. Besides, the oath is no right, it was a gift. What small dishonour wrought in its dismissal is surely not worth our lives.”
Ulrica stood, a stern and solemn expression darkened her face. “The Oath may have been a gift, but it was only given in debt. To discard it means to disparage the grace first afforded to us. That is more than dishonour. That is treachery.”
“Ulrica is right.” agreed Abidah. “The Oath is not just a gift. It was a payment, and a promise. Because we failed to protect Everfree from chaos, we gave up our right to rule to other, stronger guardians. And in exchange we are permitted a more modest life within the forest. If we renege on that payment, then we can full well expect its reward to be withdrawn as well.”
Don Zemar paced back, his tail whipping back and forth in agitation. “But we have not bought life, instead only a slow death awaits us.”
He pivoted his glare at Ulrica and extended a pony sized paw, “tell me Queen of Dens, when insatiable hunger befalls your clans, and none have the strength to hunt anymore. Will you toss your children over the ravine to spare them their suffering. Will you then follow after them?”
Without waiting for reply he turned on the spot and levelled his passionate cry at the Council Chair. “Abidah, will your birds of prey spend their final hungry hours embracing the sky one last time before our cruel vanity rends their hollowed bones and bellies against the rocks.”
The great Lion turned to face the entire council, his voice rising with conviction, “I tell you this. I will NOT let my prides fade away as the night succumbs to day.”
The earth trembled slightly under the deep bellows of the lion. All except the other great spirits cowered under the display of the barely tempered feline. Remedy fidgeted nervously, her gaze shifting between the powerful discourse and Faolan for reassurance that things were still going to plan.
Abidah extended a single wing to the Lion in a gentle gesture. “Peace Don Zemar. You will find no argument to your pleas here. Of course we don’t seek to fade into history with our pride and honour withered beside us. But if there is any hope we can retain the honour of our tribes AND survive this fast. Then I mean to exhaust its every possibility.”
Don Zemar closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. Abidah addressed the entire council with both wings outstretched. “Members of the council, I propose we graciously seek assistance from the Day Guardian, and ask that she and her kin cease providing protection for the other stock species so that they might once more rejoin the balance of the forest and unprotected lands.”
Don Zemar took a deep breath. He spoke with a calm and sombre tone, “I have no qualms attempting a diplomatic solution, and I know I am younger than most here, but if memory serves me right Celestia has no fond spot for any of us.”
“Don Zemar is right” said Aleena and pointed with a long slender leg, “Nyoka and myself have lived the longest in this council, and we can tell you. Celestia has never appreciated our role in this world, and her ideal of Harmony exists well without us.”
Nyoka lifted his giant head, “Her magic is powerful, greater than any of ours. All our strength and fangs will have little to bare against her. Her premonitions would sense any of us leaving the forest. She is quick to convict, and her judgements are legendary. She would likely turn us to stone before any dialogue could be entered.”
“All true,” agreed Abidah, “even with half their power banished, it would not do well for any of the Council to attempt congress with harmonies guardians without an invitation. It could well bring action against the forest directly. To this end, let me introduce our special guest.”
Abidah nodded to Faolan and Remedy.
Faolan quickly opened the flimsy gate, “Just like I told you, take a deep breath. They’re just going to ask some questions. Answer honestly, you’ll be fine. Don’t be afraid, I’ll be right behind you.”
Remedy looked nervously at Faolan, then out at the quietly waiting throng of carnivores all waiting for her. She swore she could see some licking their lips. She gulped nervously and began to walk down the slope.
“Members of the Council, may I present Remedy of the Ponies.” Abidah introduced as she walked into the clearing. She cautiously walked up to the short stony platform the great owl stood on. Unsure of what was considered polite in the situation, she gave an awkward bow. She tried to focus on Abidah, but she couldn’t help but glance around at all the animals surrounding her. The ring of flame that lit the stage cast mottled shadows on the crowd and made her unease only worse. A paw on her shoulder made her jump slightly. She looked back at Faolan who stood reassuringly behind.
Abidah smiled kindly at the nervous mare. He extended one wing across his chest, and stretched out the other. He dipped his head forward with his eyes closed in a large bow. “Remedy, I want to thank you on behalf of all the council tribes for enduring our hospitality. We understand it has not been easy, and that you may not even sympathise with our plight.”
Remedy nodded mutely, the butterflies in her stomach persisted their acrobatic routine.
Abidah rose back to his full height, settling his wings by his side once more. He paused for a moment before asking, “What would you do to protect your friends and family? Those you love?”
Remedy straightened up and gathered her courage, pushing the intimidating audience to the back of her mind. “Anything” she said resolutely. Her eyes steeled and locked onto the owl’s.
Abidah smiled a little at the ponies bravado. “Would you think ill of us for doing the same?”
Remedy blinked in surprise, she was expecting something more threatening. “Uh, I guess not?” she answered cautiously, wary of the line of questioning.
Abidah extended his wings once more, pointing to all the members around him. “To you, we must seem like monsters, but with your help here tonight we hope to avoid an even more monstrous eventuality. We trust that you would be willing to help us?”
“Um, that depends... what do you want me to do?”
“As you have heard, we would seek counsel with your princess. We would seek first a civil and diplomatic solution to our problem.”
Remedy gave Abidah a sceptical look. “Uh-huh... If I understood correctly, you want to ask Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria, Guardian of Harmony and light of her people… to cast entire species to their doom?”
Faolan winced slightly at the terse response, but a deep rumbling chuckle reverberated from the Don Zemar’s throat. “A brutal honesty little pony, I like that. She also makes a valid point Abidah, just how do you plan to convince Celestia?”
Abidah looked down as the air of confidence he carried wilted, “I can only hope that wisdom prevails. Nonetheless, I must try. Remedy, the task this council has for you is to provide escort for an envoy of the council to the Palace of Celestia. There our envoy will address her, and with her permission I intend to visit and discuss this issue.”
Abidah nodded to Faolan still standing beside Remedy. “Faolan, I want you to be the envoy. You have spent the most time with Remedy, so I trust she will feel most comfortable with you.”
Abidah bent down until he was almost head height with Remedy, quietly he whispered to the skittish mare. “We need your help Remedy. A lone wolf is not going to get very far in pony territory, much less into the palace grounds. You will need to vouch for him. Can you do this?”
Remedy thought for a moment, “If it means no more carnivores outside the forest... I can try. I’ll... I’ll do my best!”
Abidah stepped back onto his plinth, and addressed the entire council in a loud voice, “any who has disagreement with this motion let them be heard now.”
After a small silence Abidah looked back down at Faolan. “Faolan, Alpha of the Moonshadow clan, proven in honour and integrity. Do you accept the responsibility of being our representative?”
Faolan stepped up beside Remedy and bowed. “It would be my honour.”
Addressing Remedy, Abidah continued, “Remedy, though born outside of our tribes you have survived our hospitality and now stand before us despite your natural fear. Do you agree to vouch for Faolan and give him support and guidance?”
A small smile crept onto Remedy’s face, she looked at Faolan and then back at Abidah. “I do.”
A small lynx crept out of the shadows, a small wooden bowl held in its teeth. Abidah extended a wing and dipped a single primary feather into the bowl. When he withdrew it, it was covered in a thick red liquid. Faolan closed his eyes and bowed his head as Abidah approached. Remedy did her best to imitate.
“Then by the power vested in me as Chair of the Council of Carnivores. I assign the title of Council Envoy to Faolan and Remedy”
With a smooth stroke, he wiped the soaked feather across Foalan and Remedy’s brow, painting a livid red mark.
“This mark is a symbol of our faith in you. Go with the blessings of the council and see your mission completed.” Abidah focused on Remedy, his voice lowering. “And thanks especially to you Remedy. The council does not have much it can offer you in return that would benefit a pony. But please keep the seal you are wearing as a token of our appreciation.”
Abidah rose back to his full height and loudly addressed all in the clearing. “Let it be known, Remedy of the Earth Ponies is now a friend of the council and granted immunity from any persecution by the tribes herein represented.”
Abidah rested his wings on Remedy’s shoulders. “If ever you are in danger, display the seal and let any who would attack you lament. For they shall know that any grievance given will incur the full wrath of the council and be paid back one hundred fold.”
Remedy smiled nervously at Abidah, a little concerned by the implications of this gift. She lent in and whispered conspiratorially. “Thanks, and… I’m sorry about before. No hard feelings ok?”
Abidah leaned back and smiled. “None whatsoever. I find grudges far too heavy a burden to carry for too long.”
Abidah nodded at the two, dismissing them with an extended wing. Foalan and Remedy turned and headed back towards the corral. Remedy bumped Faolan on the shoulder. “Looks like you’re coming to visit. What will my dad think!”
Faolan, raised an eyebrow and smirked. “I don’t know what you’re implying, I’m a perfect guest.”
They both snickered. Remedy sat at the foot of the corral and Faolan took a seat beside her. Abidah was just finishing some final business with the council meeting when she felt the breeze blow cold against her still moist brow. Cautiously she whispered to Foalan again. “The red stuff in the bowl… it was ochre right?”
Foalan winced, “Do you really want to know?”
Remedy looked straight ahead her eyes locked in a thousand yard stare onto the owl. “Never mind.”
Foalan smiled sympathetically. "You’ll like this next bit I promise. Try not to think about it."
Abidah spread his wings majestically once more. “For aeons we have been steadfast in our loyalty to the carnivore code, and our traditions have served us well. In honour of that tradition we will end tonight's council session not with our troubles and worries, but with music. Allow me the great pleasure of introducing Kerena of the Moonflower Order, accompanied by Aleena and her silk ensemble.
Abidah stepped off the plinth. Aleena and a few of her spiders quickly drew threads of silk taught between their legs and a few borrowed branches. Aleena drew a bow of silk and wood across another thread. A sweet chord filled the clearing and a light breeze rustled through the trees as if aroused by the haunting note. A dark cloud overhead shifted and the bright full moon broke through, bathing the scene in a pale white light.
Kerena stood on the plinth, her head adorned with large white blossoms, her coat glowed in the moonlight and her face was painted with red markings imitating Ulrica. She closed her eyes and lifted her head to the moonlight. She opened her mouth and a single clear note filled the night air and rang through the clearing.
I... hear your voice on the wind
And I... hear you call out my name
Her eyes opened as she sung the last words of her lyric and looked directly at Faolan. He swallowed against a sudden dryness inflicting his throat.
She Jumped off the plinth and began to bob and sway with the music, her voice carried the melody faultlessly.
Listen my child you say to me
I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call and I’ll set you free
As if beckoned by the piercing howl of her song, a strong wind rushed through the clearing tussling tree branches and carrying leaves that danced around the white wolf. The bowls of fire flared and danced with her as she gracefully drifted with the melody.
I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain
I am the voice in the fields when the summer’s gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne’er do I sleep throughout all the cold winter long
I am the force that in springtime will grow
Remedy was awestruck, and she took a moment to look around the clearing. All around heads bobbed and swayed to the music; in a blissful trance from Kerena's lithe grace and beautiful voice. They were all smiling, and didn’t look nearly so fearsome or intimidating anymore, a refreshing perspective on the monsters she thought they were.
She looked at Faolan. He was fixated more than any. His eyes were locked on the dancing figure, drinking in the scene with a shameful thirst. Remedy glanced back at Kerena, then back at Faolan. A sly smirk crawled onto her face.
“Down boy! Your eyes are going to fall out of your head if you keep staring like that.”
Faolan coughed and stammered, tearing his eyes away. Remedy giggled at his poorly masked embarrassment.
Kerena danced tirelessly, her song effortlessly carried with her. As it progressed some of the younger members of the tribe joined her dancing in the middle. Others joined in the music, clapping or beating on hollow logs while the strings swelled.
Kerena climbed back onto the stone platform as the tribe danced beneath her. All were enveloped by the song as it built to its final crescendo.
With a clear piercing howl she closed the council session in her final refrain.
I am the voice
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I think you're missing quotation marks here.
Love the story.
9584681
Thanks, fixed.
It was 1am or so when I finished. :P
I am currently petitioning for a proofreader so hopefully the quality will improve soon.
Ok you got me, the Faolan x Remmy ship has set sail, ain't no iceberg gonna sink this one.
Sorry, I just cannot ignore the facts of the backstory. This problem has been looming for decades, and clearly every single creature has waited until the very last moment to do anything about it, and the action they decide to take is patently insane.
Monsters or not, they deserve to die by virtue of being too stupid to live.
Simple question to all these predators: all your prey are equally sapient. How exactly do you expect them to choose which of their people they cast aside to be torn limb from limb and devoured?
They say they'll do anything to protect their kind... and so will the prey. Their own argument, right back in their faces. This is a zero-sum game.
I will say this in support of this story: this is the conflict "Zootopia" pathetically ignored in favor of a very bland and rote 'prejudice is bad, m-kay?' moral. The obligate carnivores COULD NEVER have formed a stable society with the prey in the first place. It's an intractable issue with no possibility of resolution outside of something utterly bizarre.... like, some kind of vore cult where prey find it hot to get eaten... which I'm not saying I'd object to, mind you...