> Solstice of Peace > by EuphorianPony3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Introduction: Monastery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many, many years ago. Monsters ruled our land in utter turmoil... If it was not for the warrior of foremost truths, this land would have sunk to the bottom of this very planet... Ethernia, Frozen Monastery. Tweaking along the frozen glacier, crystals embedded along the consistent sparkling path, a unicorn with the coat of a murky sea and the other half being as black as a imperishable night trekked along the glaciers with his squad whom he got separated from. Clutching his sword that was made from the sharpness of a dragon’s claw and steel from the Equestrian Dungeons. “Full Moon! Over Here, I found something!” The friendly face consisted to be a beautiful earth pony who’s name was Valarie appeared from the crystal bush and shoved a crystal in Full Moon’s face. “Valarie! Can’t you see that this place isn't safe? We could be flanked at any second!” “Oh, still worried about monsters? They’re long gone... Not like they’d just jump out of anywhere now would they?” “Just... get behind me okay? I’d like to get out of this frozen glacier if you don’t mind” Valarie instantly got behind Full Moon, being as loyal as ever. Full Moon then stumbled onto the exit. Then he began to hear heavy breathing coming around the side of the spacious area. “You hear that Valarie? We’re not alone... Something else is with us” “Don’t have to prove me wrong, twice” The creature began to howl like a wolf as it stalked it’s prey. “Be prepared for anything!” Full Moon retracted his sword from his back as he readied himself for combat. The creature then leapt onto the rocky ground as the creature gazed at the two with its eyes filled with a bright crimson, the hair of the creature flowing with the dormant wind and it’s fangs sharing the same trait as pincers and teeth as sharp as dragon fangs began to leap at Full Moon with its mouth awaiting for a meal. Full Moon defended himself as the creature slashed against the blade causing no damage to impact, Full Moon quickly spun around to attack the beast which seemed to be critical as the monster began to bleed in the chest, the creature then surprised the warrior as he quickly trapped him with its mouth, the stench ensnared Full Moon to be succumbed to any effects, However Valarie quickly arose and attacked the beast with her daggers, The beast jumped off Full Moon and moved around with a whimper in its every step, Full Moon used the opportunity to stab the creature, impaling it with the jagged sword as the creature felt numb with pain. “They've returned it seems like...” “400 damn years since they habited the world. What made them come back?” “I don’t know but something has made them rise again...” “Like what?” “A god...” “The excuse for everything isn't it? Always the god making turmoil in this land...” “Whatever, let’s just get out of here. Grandstand’s waiting...” The two then left the carcass of the beast as they opened the exit. Standing in front of the two was Grandstand, a Pegasus with the coat of chocolate and eyes as mysterious as ruins, Nothing could seem to provoke Grandstand into telling his past... The Pegasus looked at them with the peculiar look. “Find any treasure?” “No... But we've come across a threat.” “The Cursed Souls? Yeah we've seen them out here as well, Our boys aren't as jumpy to attack them, Hell if this was the military I would promote you two to the rank of “Warriors I actually give a damn about” You two like the sound of that?” Valarie ignored the Pegasus, as she climbed aboard the chariot. “You care about her don’t you?” Full Moon took a deep breath as he looked at the Pegasus with a stalling look. "Yeah... But she needs to learn that the world’s changed.” “You can do your best to save her, But every situation can change in a instant. Not every time will you be able to save her...” “Saved my flank back in the monastery... I would've been visiting the afterlife if it wasn't for her...” The Pegasus gave the concerned warrior a light tap. “I'm sure you two will do well together... Now buckle up, this trips going to be a light bit bumpy” Full Moon then gave a nod to the bandit leader as he made his way onto the same chariot with Valarie. “How you holding up Valarie? Boss giving you hell?” “No... I just needed some time alone. What god did you mention in the monastery?” “Damn are you persistent? I meant either Destruction or Chaos.” Valarie shook her head as she grabbed Full Moon’s hoof. “I'm only trying to do my best in this world Full Moon...” “Yeah but you’re a bit reckless around the edges...” “Am not! You almost got your entrails gashed out if it wasn't for me!” “Yeah, I guess that’s true...” Valarie started to look into Full Moon’s eyes. “Is there something you wish to ask me?” “Best left a secret... I've heard about such rumours...” “Why does everything resolve to interrogation with you?” “I don’t know... Maybe I like being interrogated...” “Just tell me for buck’s sake!” “Okay, Okay damn... If you really want to know... I care for you that’s all. Don’t want to lose you to anything.” “How sweet of you. My little guardian angel...” “Could say it in that way” The chariots then bumped as several rocks were hit, Despite the noise Full Moon and Valarie continued. “Where do you suppose we go after this?” “Depends where this damn thing stops... Might find a pony called Fairy Dust, Coming?” “Sure! I’d like to tag along...” “I thought you said you had to go?” “Don’t remember much, How come you’re so distant all the time?” “You carry far more power then any pony could ever hold... The fate of Equestria lays in your hands...” “Doesn't give you a reason to shy away though!” “You’re the Queen’s daughter. She made me stay with you...” “Wait! You know about my mother?! Tell me.” “As a child... Your mother knew what to do... Entrust you with that thing you have on your back...” “My Rune? Why does it mean so much?” “When you reached the age of six, your father passed away in the war. Reason was from creatures rising from the darkness itself. Your mother knew what to do... To entrust you with the Rune, The Rune carries power to the wielder special abilities...” “Come to think about it I did feel a power surge when that monster was killed...” “Exactly why it was so precious... Every where you went, there was other fillies and colts after that Rune... You couldn't play with any pony... They all hated you. Reason why I know so much is because I was sent from your mother herself to keep an eye on you. When you reached the age of sixteen I was to explore many places with you so the Rune could gather more power...” “Why does it need more power?” “After your mother’s conquest with the demons, The Rune lost all of it’s power... drained from the battle.” “You’re exactly the same age as me! How could you possibly know me so well?” “As I've said before, your mother asked me to watch over you. To make sure you never came to harm...” “What about those times when you-“ Valarie then grinded to a halt as the chariot stopped moving as a green plantation of crops and a pasture was ready. “C'mon you lazy drips! Times wasting.” “Questions have to wait Valarie, We’re here.” Valarie and Full Moon jumped out of the carriage and made their way to Grandstand. “What’s next Boss?” “Well... from what we can recover, there’s meant to be a path to Littlewood past this bridge. Problem is that there’s rumoured to be monsters lurking around.” “Little creeps going to scare our boys?” “Not little. Something worse... Rumoured to be trolls around here. I want you two to check it out as we set up camp.” “Trolls? Shouldn't be a disaster then, Right me and Valarie will scout ahead and take them out” “Good to know. I've sent some of the boys ahead to find things that might prove essential.” “That’s going to make our job look easy then, Time to go Valarie.” Valarie then stood close to Full Moon as they started to walk into the green plantation.