• Published 12th Feb 2013
  • 1,005 Views, 17 Comments

Their Changes - Fazed Audio



The Changeling race has been around longer than most ponies realize. They've always found ways to feed themselves without resorting to violence. But after their leader attacks Canterlot, one pony decides to throw away his life to see things ch

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Bold Choice


“…and the stars began to die above me. The cliffs collapsed into the sea just inches from my face. The world lost all color and the warmth of the fires around me disappeared. I’ve lived for many, many years beyond what I should have been granted upon my birth; seen many sights that none shall see again, experienced nearly all that existed in my lifetime, but this was the only thing I had never felt before. Finally, after all these years, I’ve known what it feels like to finally embrace the end.”

“Not sure I get what he was saying there, sir.” The driver of the cart spoke as I closed my book. “Not that it doesn’t sound interestin’, it just seems a bit over my head.”

He gave the same look he’d given me several times over the last few days, silently asking for my view. I cleared my throat before speaking. “It’s a simple story when you understand the character. It takes place from the view of a pony who was cursed with immortality, and that last paragraph takes place after he finally cures himself.”

He shot a confused glance my way as he spoke up. “I don’t see how immortality would be a curse. We don’t have nearly as much time here as I’d like.”

“Then you feel as most do, but I sympathize with the character. All that time alive, all the friends he’d have to have seen die, all the pain others had inflicted upon him; death would be an act of mercy at that point.”

“So what about the princesses; they’re immortal and they ain’t in pain.” I couldn’t help but groan a bit at this.

“I’m sure the princesses’ lives are full of hardship. Some as extreme as their battle with Discord and their conflict 1,000 years ago. Others as small as the simple boredom that comes with ruling our country for this long. Trust me, when I’m not wandering the wilderness doing field research, I see them on a regular basis. The lives of royalty and their associates might not be filled with as much labor as most, but it’s hard all the same.”

The driver could only sigh as he began to understand my view. We’d done this dance a number of times over the past three days. He happened across me on his way from a town to the west. I requested a lift and he provided. I thought it would’ve been that simple, but boredom gets the best of me easily, and I have a bad habit of reading aloud while outdoors. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind. We would discuss whatever book I’d chosen for a bit before moving onto the next one in my bag.

Unfortunately, it seemed that this would be the last of our debates as my destination was finally in sight. Canterlot; the capitol of Equestria and home to the gods who controlled the sun and moon above, as well as a recent victim to the attack of an old and savage foe.

“Should be there within the hour.” My driver almost sounded melancholy as he gave me an update.

“Thank you.” I decided to lie down for a bit as we neared the city, but a revelation stirred me from my thoughts. “I just realized something; we’ve been traveling for three full days and I never once asked your name. I do apologize; these discussions have been so interesting that it must have slipped my mind.”

The stallion let out a big laugh and I noticed the cart swerve a bit before he relaxed himself. “Oh, think nothin’ of it. Most people don’t even bother strikin’ up a conversation with me, much less askin’ my name. ‘Sides, I ain’t asked yours either. But, if you gotta know; it’s Carrier.”

I jumped down to walk alongside him. We were nearly there and I felt my legs cramping again. I can fly of course; I simply prefer the feeling of the ground beneath my feet. “And mine’s Wind Bender. It’s been a pleasure talking to you Carrier.” I threw a casual bow his way as we reached the gate.

There were two unicorn guards standing alert in front of the entrance, and they moved to meet us as we approached. They moved to question Carrier first.

“What is your business in Canterlot?” The smaller of the two asked.

He jerked his head towards me before explaining. “I’m just givin’ this fella a lift and I s’pose I’ll rent a room in town for the night.”

“That reminds me, I almost skimped on your payment!” I reached my wing into my saddlebag and pulled out a coinpurse. “This should cover it, correct?”

I could see his jaw drop as he sized up his payment. “That looks like it’d cover two or three rides o’ that length.”

“Perfect. Then consider the extra your tip and a bonus for dealing with me.”

The guards accepted Carriers explanation and let him continue past the gate before turning their focus on me. “And what business do you have in Canterlot today?” The smaller guard began again.

The larger of the pair chose this moment to finally speak up. “Sir, I recognize those robes he’s wearing. They’re the robes of a scholar up on the castle grounds.”

“That doesn’t mean they’re his or that they’re real! Or do I have to remind you of what happened less than a week ago?! Anypony entering the city could be a spy!” After he finished tearing into the soldier, he turned his attention back to me. “Now then, state your name and reason for entering Canterlot.”

I felt my chest tighten as he asked me his question. I had been living in Canterlot for forty years, served in the employment of the princess for thirty-eight of those, and this was the day that it all changed. I stood my ground and straightened up as I spoke with practiced authority.

“My name is Wind Bender. I am the advisor to the princesses and state itself in the areas of non-unicorn magic as well as head researcher of the non-equestrian history archives. I demand an audience with Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard. I will stay here until he can be found.”

Once the pair realized the authority I held over them, they tensed up and gave a quick salute. “Is there any message you would like delivered to him?”

I couldn't help but ground my teeth a bit as I contemplated my next course of action. This was a massive gamble, but the changeling attack a week ago made it a necessary one. “Yes. Tell him that a changeling is waiting at the front gates and wishes to negotiate a deal. That should make him hurry.”

Author's Note:

AN: If you've made it this far then I thank you for giving this a chance. I plan on updating this as often as my mind will let me be creative enough to write this much. Please give your opinion and explain why you feel that way down below; i'd appreciate it.