A Journey of Bonding

by PurpleFire18

Chapter 2: A Noble's Sword

The journey had just begun and it was already getting awkward for Souvenir. While she didn't like griffons, and especially Alastair, she hated to be quiet when she was with someone else. Looking at her always serious griffon companion, she thought that maybe he liked to be quiet, remembering he was one of the very few silent griffons at the bar.

Oh, awkward silence, how I hate you. I need to do something fast. Souvenir looked around, trying to find something interesting to ask Alastair about. Sadly all she could see were plants and rocks. Rocks, he will think I'm stupid...If he doesn't already. She then noticed Alastair's sword, which he had been carrying the entire time even when they met at the bar, sheathed and strapped to his side. Having acquired and sold many weapons as part of her job, it caught her interest almost instantly. Well, well, now that is something nice. A longsword I bet, the grip looks like it would too big to hold with one hand and the blade seems to be long. The guard looks simple, I wonder if that is gold. And the scabbard, it seems very practical, not overly decorated, but that emblem on the side looks important. Alright, I think I have something to talk about. Souvenir walked a bit faster to be next to Alastair who was walking in front of her. "That is a very interesting sword you are carrying."

Alastair sighed. Bloody fantastic, now she wants to talk. He looked at her, expecting to see her with a bored expression, only to see that she was actually interested in the sword. Oh, she really is...interested? Well, now I can't pretend I did not hear her. He looked at the sword and began talking with a somewhat friendlier tone. "Yes, it is...it is called the Bloodfeather."

"That is a pleasant name..."

"It is, and it means much more than that." Alastair began to flap his wings and jumped off the ground, flying beside Souvenir. He unsheathed the sword and held it so that she could see the blade. "A very strong steel, forged by the best blacksmiths of the Northern Griffon Kingdoms centuries ago. None other can wield it, only I can."

"Ooh, and why's that?" asked Souvenir, more interested than ever.

Alastair realized something, and quickly sheathed the sword, going back to walking beside her. "You don't need to know. It is a long story that I do not wish to share with a pony."

Souvenir felt offended. "Oh really? Why? You think I am a stupid pony who doesn't know anything?"

"Aye, but that's not the point."

Souvenir was now angry. He did NOT just call me stupid! He is stupid for thinking I am stupid! She decided to insist until he gave up and answered her. "Is it because it is so heavy that no one else can wield it?" she said, the anger fueling her sarcasm.

"No."

"Is it because it's magic?"

"Not exactly."

"Is it because it's haunted by an evil spirit demanding heads?!" Souvenir tried to sound dramatic.

Alastair simply looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

"...is it because of some honor thingy?"

She is not going to leave me alone without an answer, is she? Alastair sighed. "Yes, now stop asking me."

"...okay, back to the awkward silence..."

For the rest of the day they walked quietly, not talking to each other at all. When the sun set they stopped near a cave, both deciding to continue in the morning. Alastair went into the cave to see if it was safe while Souvenir waited outside.

Finally some peace and quiet. I used to be the heir of House Bloodfeather, what did I do to deserve dealing with this pony? Alastair sat at the end of the cave, not far from the entrance. More importantly, why am I even with her? I could just fly off now and leave her to the mercy of whatever finds her. No, no, I am better than that. We protect, we do not let anyone die. Griffon or Pony. Alastair was about to call Souvenir when she heard her screaming. He unsheathed his sword and ran outside to see Souvenir being attacked by a timberwolf.

"Help!" she screamed, unable to run due to her cart's weight.

Alastair quickly got between the timberwolf and his companion, holding his sword ready to attack. The timberwolf did not wait and attacked him. With a single fast swing of his sword, Alastair cut the timberwolf in half, each side falling to the ground and breaking into many pieces of wood.

Souvenir was speechless. She had never seen someone defeat a timberwolf so easily, and couldn't help but feel amazed.

"Are you alright?" asked Alastair.

"That...was...AMAZING!" Souvenir jumped excitedly. She then remembered who she was praising and the excitement disappeared. "I...I mean...thank you, I guess."

Alastair did not expect her initial reaction, but chose not to ask her about it. "The cave is empty, we can spend the night here." He picked up some of the timberwolf's pieces and walked into the cave and Souvenir followed him shortly afterwards.

An hour later they had set up an improvised campsite, the timberwolf's pieces being used for a campfire and Souvenir setting up a tent big enough for both of them to sleep inside. However, Alastair made it clear that he was going to stand watch outside the tent, and this seemed like a better idea to Souvenir. As they ate their food by the campfire, Souvenir had the idea of asking about the sword again.

"That sword of yours...why is it so important?"

"I told you, it is a long story."

"Can't you at least shorten it?"

"...it belonged to my family, let us leave it at that."

"Was that so difficult?"

"Be quiet." Alastair went back to eating.

Souvenir was a bit frustrated, she absent-mindedly took a fruit and decided to continue eating, but as she took a bite she remembered she had finished eating her fruits a while ago and had just tried to eat a rock. She quickly let go of the rock and put her hooves on her mouth, in pain. "Ow, dumb rock!"

Alastair saw what she did and he couldn't help but laugh at her. He slowly stopped laughing when Souvenir stood up and went into her tent. One thing is for sure, this journey will not be boring. Alastair finished eating, put out the fire and stood by the tent the rest of the night.

Author's Note:

I apologize for some repetitive words. Though I know a lot of it, english is not my first language.

Comments

[RadBunny]

For not being your first language, methinks this 'tis quite an interesting read! I think the events could be paced a bit better (a bit of a break before the timberwolf attack) and, as another user mentioned- detailsdetailsdetails!

[Bloodshot111]

Great story so far.