The Story of Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon does not end after she is free of the Wild Hunt. No, her story just begun. As she finds herself in a new world of magic and wonder.
This is a Crossover Story between Witcher series and FiM Witcher 3 and the Witcher series trademarked by CD Projeckt Red and the Novels written by Andrzej Sapkowski Friendship is Magic is trademarked by Hasbro and made by Lauren Faust This is a fanfiction, please support the official releases~ Edit 1 - it seems wall of text is a turn off so i decide to just shorten the 'spoiler' portion. Hope its still enough contextWARNING SPOILERS FOR WITCHER 3 AHEAD. DON'T COMPLAIN!
This ending was achieved by me personally.
"The 3rd Northern War ended with Nilfgard's total victory. Radovid the Stern is dead, Temeria gain their Independence as a vassal state under the Empire of Nilfgard. In Which Emhyr the emperor dealt with his scheming traitors before focusing on new fronts. Skellige gain a new Queen who focused more on improving their land and uniting the clans together instead of raiding foreign shores. The Wild Hunt defeated, their leader slain. Geralt of Rivia settled down with Trish in Kovir, still taking on jobs as a habit. Last heard going into Toussaint but that's another story all together.
"Thus this end this story of my dear friend Geralt of Rivia.
This is not his story, this is the story of the young Swallow. Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon heir to Nilfgard's throne Chose the life of a witcher, on the path. Geralt taught her all he knew and they each set on their own paths. Soon word of the ashen-haired witcheress spread throughout the North, from Yaruga to the mountains of Kovir. But this isn't about those adventures, no my dear readers. This is the story of how Ciri found her way into a new world of magic and friendship. Rife with wonders and it's own danger."- Julian Alfred Pankratz "Dandelion", viscount de Lettenhove.
1 - She Witcher of the Wolf. Vengence of the Swallow
Crookback Bog, home to many necrophages. From ghouls, to drowners and water hags, but it is also was the home of the Orphans and where the Crones once resided. This is where the story begun as a young lady rush through the murky swamp, unyielding as she with a rush of her step became a flash of aura dashing past a snarling drowner. Cirilia hopped over a log, with a shout she cut down a hag that went to close. She didn't stop, no matter even if her boots caked in mud and blood as she panted. She trudged onwards finally making it to the spot where once resides Anna Strenger and the orphans of war, fog seeped throughout the swamp. As she step forward as she readies her sword, the witcher's blade given to her by her father.
As she steady herself for battle a Werewolf steps out from the swamp, snarling at her. A puppet, Weavess' guardian. It meant nothing to Ciri as she stared determinedly at the cursed one. "You think I'm scared witch?" she called out into the fog. "Come out face me you coward, Weavess! Come out, it is time for your end!" she teleported in the nick of time as the werewolf lunged at her, she reappeared behind him slashing her sword downward cutting him. She dashed backward sword at ready as she weaved out the way of his claws, counter attacking as she gets the chance. He was able to injure her, she staggered back grunting. She teleported back and away, charging her powers she lunged forth, turning into a aura magic that phased through the wolf, she appeared sword thrust forward, howling in pain he turns to retaliate but she disappeared again. Slashing him from the side as she dodge rolling out of the way with a shout she slashed upward catching the werewolf in the neck causing it to gurgle and grunt as it was sent sprawling to the ground. It twitched as it tried to moved away before expiring. She turned around and yelled out in pain as a flock of ravens swarmed passed her.
"Now now dearie, that ain't proper." an echoing stale voice called out as the ravens flocked towards a spot, stepping into view the crone Waevess cackles as she step forward, seemingly confident "It's rude to hurt my pets little Swallow." mocking her as flies flew out of her many holes. Standing back up as she wiped away the mud from her sleeve, Ciri hold her swords to the side.
"You have something of mine, and I've come to finish from last time. Took me awhile in tracking you down. But I learned from the best." she paced around the witch, cautiously not lowering her ground, the witch in return chuckled more.
"The white one? Well, he's not here to protect you now child. I would not let you escape this time!" Cirilia only smirked in response.
"He doesn't need too, he's too busy in Toussaint to even bother with you." She gave a short laugh "Enough chatter time to die." She teleports, appearing to strike at the crone for her to only dodge away "One of us perishes today, and it will not be me!" She claims as she readies to counter only for Ciri to block it causing her to stagger back.
"Got you!" the crone then swiped her claws at her only for Ciri to dodge to the side, thrusting her sword stabbing the crone's side. She pulled out and slashes damaging her further before she teleport out of range.
"Take this!" Ciri twirled, her creating an aura dome expanding the area around her, and she spun not giving Weavess room to gain her senses as she seemingly appear from 3 angles striking the mad crone from all sides. She swung her sword again with a shout but the witch escaped by diving into the murk below, She looked around too late,as mud splattered on her face she tries to wipe it off her face as she can hear the cackles of her enemy as Weavess took advantage of her state.
"Time to become my dinner little swallow." with a vicious snarl she lunge forward, teeth bared claws extended but her hand only inches away from the young woman's face as she twitched. She looked down aghast and in pain as she could only gurgle as Zireael pierced her throat. Ciri blinked away the mud from her eyes giving the crone a condensing glare.
"May you rot here forever, say hello to your sisters." with a twist of her blade and a yell she yanked her sword to the side, blood splattering her. She heaved as as the body crashed into the mud. Twitching as blood pooled around its gaping hole before the crone lay limp after spewing bile and blood onto ground.
"And one to make sure" she held her sword up and thrust it downward impaling the creature beneath her. She then searched the body pulling a lone wolf head medallion and curiously a gem. Smiling to herself as she sat down on the murky mud cradling it. "Vesemir, please forgive me wherever you are.." she pulled her sword out lashing the blood off and giving it a wipe with a cloth before she twirled it and sheath it on her back. She reached up returning the medallion to her neck. She smiled as she looked around "Now then, what to do with you?" she muttered as she contemplate her next move holding the gem in her open palm. She hold it up onto the afternoon sun. "Does not look like a sapphire or emerald but you may still fetch a few Crowns.. or I can keep you.." she squinted her eyes as a symbol seem to appear within the gem "What the? Let see.." out of curiosity she pull it closer to see it. She felt her powers resonate through it. "Hello there. Now wha-" it grew brighter the symbol becoming clearer, a horn and wings as she can feel the power of her Elder blood course through her veins she cannot pull back as she allow her power to run it's course her eyes started to glow green and in a gust of wind and heat. Cirilia disappeared from this world.
The sun was shining brightly in a bright morning. The birds sung their songs as they perch on the trees, only to quiet as they sensed something and they all flutter away as something appear in a green burst of aura, with "Oof." she grunted as she landed on her side, she pushed herself up, looking around the unfamiliar woods. "Where am I?" she asked herself as she walked around, brushing her hand on the trees. Sniffing the air and listening to nature. "I have a feeling I'm not in Velen anymore." she stopped by the tree, hand placed on the bark. "A new world? Well now" she holds the gem back up, she tossed it up catching it and she pocket it. "Shall we have a look around?" She asked herself with a smile, a spark of adventure in her eye as she continue down the path forward.
Main Quest 1 - The Witcher's duty and daze of first meetings.
Pushing the brush away as she explore the new place. She smiled as she looked all around herself, not a blemish from the war in sight, cementing the idea she is no longer in Velen or in any part of the world. =This is truly not the continent at all, the stench of death and war is not present anywhere.= she stepped over a log as she ducked under the branch only to stop as she heard something, she moved forward =what's that?= she thought as she pushes the flora out of her way only to hear the clear yells and distress call for help. With a burst of speed she ran forward. Coming to a scene recoiling back in surprise to sea a pack of wolves made out of timber. Eyes green from magic as they clawed at a large stone hovel that sounds of a young child whimpering in distress. "Well.. this is new" she drew her blade as she gave a flick of her wrist, she raised her hand and gave a mighty whistle catching the pack of 5's attention. "Come pick on someone bigger, I dare you lot." with a smirk, she anticipated their first move. They growled and one lunge at her, she sidestepped slashing it's side, her blade cutting the bark that it's 'skin' if you would call it that. Howling and grunted in pain as it skidded, its packmates now circled around her. She kept an eye on all of them "Now ain't that fair?" without another word she teleported, confusing the wolf they yelp back only for one of them to howl in pain as it was cut down. She withdrew her sword as she steps back from the fallen wooden wolf. "Who's next?" two came at her at once, she phased through them, cutting them both with a battle cry and swings of her blade.
She dodge to the side letting the 3rd passed her as she moved forward slashing upward catching the pack leader in the face. With her advantage she finished him off with a battle cry and a strong lunging slash that cleaved through the wood, the leader crumble into pieces, the magic seemingly leaking away. Seeing this the surviving ones growl angrily at her as they make their retreat. She breathes a sigh of relief, sheathing her sword as she walked over to the stone hovel, crouching down as she gives a warm greeting "Hello little one, its alright now. The wooden wolves are gone now" a voiced shakily replied, seemingly speaking in common tongue but with an distinct accent. "They're t-timberwolves.." and a small form crawled out
"T-thank you mi-" she looked up while Ciri looked down, both surprised at each other, for Ciri she's looking down at a small yellow horse foal with a ribbon tied on her mane.
Ciri knelt down , staring. "You're speaking?"
Arching her eyebrow the filly replied "Of course ah do, what bout cha? What in blazes are ya? Ya don't look like no Minotaur?" she titled her head as she step out further, Ciri can see the young filly can reach her knee with her head.
"Minotaur? Come now, do i have horns?" she pat her head chuckling.
Giggling herself "Ah yeah, pardon mah manners maam.. Thank ya kindly for saving me. Ah'm Applebloom!" She noted there is a strange brand on her thighs of a shield and an apple, mayhaps a coat of arms, looking back she replied back.
"Hello there Applebloom, I'm Ciri." she put a knee on the floor still crouched down. "What are you doing alone in the woods? Where are we exactly?" She inquired first.
Applebloom readily replied "Well, we're in whitetail woods, it's pretty safe here. Pretty frightening them Timberwolves attacked, they usually only venture in Everfree. So what are ya?" She point a hoof at her. "Well I'm a human, I am not around from here" she muttered.
=Definitely new world.=. The young Witcher thought.
Applebloom looked around awed "Wow, you beat those scoundrels all by yourself? You're pretty tough for a girl. You are a girl right?" she arches an eyebrow getting a giggle in reply.
"Last i checked. Now then. Shall we head back to where you live? I would like to know more about this place."
Beaming widely the young filly can only nod running off. "Follow me, Ah introduce ya to the family!" she trot on Ciri could only chuckle and follow suit with a stride in her steps.
Their journey did not take more than 10 minutes as Applebloom walked out of the woods hopping in joy as she sweep her hoof forward toward the town on the distant "Welcome to Ponvyille Ciri! Well, mah home is that away" she point a direction and trot on, following her Ciri asked her more questions.
"So what does your family do? And mind telling me what's this land called?" as she look to the side watching the town as they moved down another path leading to Applebloom's home.
"Well, we Apples are farmers. we make the best apples in the whole of Equestria.. oh yeah which is this land." she explained to her, a spring to her step as they then stopped after crossing an archway passing into an wide orchard,
Ciri can see a barnhouse over yonder. She leaned on the fence post. "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! Ah gotta get mah sis. Stay put!" she zipped away calling out a name "Applejack! We got visitors!" shouting that. Ciri could only gave a short laugh as she wait to meet new friends, looking around the orchard.
=They do seem nice apples, ripe and in great condition. Hmm, wonder if they accept Crowns here?= she thought herself as a new voice spoke up
"Well ah be, what in blazes?" she looked back surprised to see a young small mare big enough to come up to her waist, wearing an odd but fitting hat. Arching her eyebrow the new pony spoke "Howdy there, so ah take it you're the new visitor Applebloom been hollarin bout?" she nodded in reply
"Yes, I'm Cirilia you may call me Ciri, your daughter was attacked by what was it? Timberwolves." causing her to recoil in shock.
"Timberwolves? Ah thought you went to Whitetail!" She snorted and glared back at Applebloom
"Ah did! And AJ here is mah big sister!" that second one she looked at Ciri.
"Ah, apologies. She speaks the truth, she we did came from the woods she claims, she hid inside a rock hovel out of reach as I.. warded the wolves away."Smiling.
She looked back. "Well, thank ya kindly for saving mah sis. Pardon mah manners. Ah'm Applejack" she tips her hat and thrust her hoof forward, chuckling she crouch down and grab her hoof
"Nice to mee-" her arm moved up and down fast as she could somehow felt a grip she pulled back as she shook her hand slightly "meet you.. Applejack" she gave a smile nonetheless. She stood up blushing as they could hear her stomach grumble, chuckling
"Someone's hungry. C'mon its bout lunch anywho. Our treat for protecting our sister." She tipped her hat and begun walking back towards the house along with Applebloom.
She smile in gratitude "Thank you" and she followed them towards their home to meet the rest of their family.
Main Quest 1 - The Witcher's duty and daze of first meetings.
When Ciri steps into the home, ducking her head slightly to pass through the door. She could only look around in awe. "Your home seems better equipped than the ones I see around villages back where I'm from" she said as she unstrap her scabbard and out of courtesy leans it on a wall she can get later.
"Mighty thanks, what do you mean by 'better equipped'?" she looked up at her, and seeing her placing her sword to the side. "Oh, didn't notice that. Ya a guard? Nifty blade you got."
"Well, the place I've been too? a War just ended so the villages around the area are in poor condition. And that?" points to her sword. "I'm not a guard or a soldier, I'm a Witcher. We hunt monsters and help solve problems for a fee." she explained.
"So, ya want to get paid for helping?" AJ turn back giving her a more stern look.
Ciri holding her hands up "Easy there, i help for free too. Besides, i won't just stand there if someone's in danger. I don't know much of this world anyway and you're already rewarding me with a nice meal " she smiled, Applejack smiled back.
"Sorry, and mighty true. Ya're an honest gal. Ah like that." she turned to go into the kitchen "Granny, Big mac? I brought a guest over!"
"Bout time ya get 'ere!" called out an elderly voice as they enter, the old mare the 'granny' Ciri instantly recognize and big stallion is 'Big Mac' as AJ called him . The Apple matriach turn to look over "A guest you say?" she then noticed "Whoah Nelly, one of them minotaurs?" she arched her eyebrow. "Come in lil missy."
"Not even close m'aam. I'm not half bull last time i checked" Ciri snarked with a smile ""ello my name is Cirilia Riannon. You may call me Ciri."she gives a small curtsy making the old mare snort.
"None of than fancy mancy stuff. Sit, it's time for chow. We always made alot anywho." she dismissively said and points to the seats. Ciri waited till everypony else sat down and take the available spot,
Scooting slightly to give her legs space as she leans to see the food, her eyes seem to shine as she gape. Getting chuckles from the other apples, she blushed "Sorry. It looked delicious." she complimented.
Applejack smiles "Thank ya kindly, but why just look. Dig in" she herself started eating as Applebloom seem to already seen pigging out.
"Thank you" Ciri said and she start eating herself. Taking a bite, she savors the taste and swallows. Humming in thought. "Nothing better than a freshly made home meal. No offense to market food or Inn food." she takes another bite.
"Where ya from anyway?" Applebloom inquired, looking up, mouth still dripping with leftovers and crumbs. Getting a stern reprimand from applejack, she grins sleepily and wiped the food off her face. "Sorry."
Humming in thought, she thought of just telling them most of it. "Well I did say I'm not from around here. You probably haven't heard of it. But you could say I came from a Continental island, most specifically from the Northern Kingdoms. I was born in the Kingdom of Cintra. Where I came from, the Northern Realms or Kingdoms, whichever you prefer was supposed to be an alliance of kingdoms. But after the war, only Temeria remained, even though they are now acting under the Empire of Nilfgard." she explained.
"Oh yeah, you said there was a war before." Applebloom she muttered as she takes another bite. She asked later "Why though?"
Ciri "Territory, wealth, resources. No matter the reason, both sides suffered. I find it a waste really. Nilfgard, the empire from the south won when the only royalty left among the Northern Kingdoms was assassinated. War is always horrible. It's a sad fact of life. War, war never change, no matter who started it or for what cause."
"Well" Applejack spoke suddenly. "Ya're here in Equestria. We never had war for over 700 years now. Enough talk about bad stuff. Ya said you don't know much about this place right? Do you have any bits?"
Ciri shook his head, reaching into her pocket, rummaging and with a twinkle she deposit a bag onto the table for her to see, opening it to show gold coins with strange markings "No, but gold still worth anything?" she took one one and hold it over to AJ to see.
The pony arches her eyebrow as she usually would do, she squinted as she inspect the coin. "Huh, foreign indeed. Yeah, gold's fine. But it best ya get some bits. Maybe we'll find some work for ya."
"Yeah!" the filly pipped up.
She smile taking her coin pouch bag. "That's mighty kind of you. Thank you, I don't mind some manual labor for coin. I got a feeling i won't find lack of work in this town. "
"Ya're right there" she snorts. "Ya are a monster hunter, and we always tend to attract one nasty critter after another it seems"
The silent stallion, who haven't spoken throughout the conversation look up, swallowing his mouthful and only said one thing. "Eeyup."
After the meal, Ciri was helping piling the dishes up and cleaning off the crumbs "Thanks again for the meal Applejack, it was delicious." She complimented as she helps her carry it to the sink.
Applejack following her. "Nah, thank YOU for helping out. Even though we could totally handle it." she muttered the last part to herself.
She dusted her hand, letting them clean the dishes. She leans on the counter, watching Applejack. "So, this job you mentioned. I would like to hear more about it."
"Things been busy around here to often be glad to have an extra hoof, I'd pay ya 10 bits if you bring these to the Town Hall?" she points to a bunch of letters and other documents. "Oh, almost forget. Applebloom, might grabbing a map?" she begins cleaning as Bloom gives a salute and zips off.
"Alright, sound simple enough. 20" she simply said.
Applejack stopped, giving her a deadpan. "15 and i'll throw in 5 free apples from our new batch."
Ciri smriks "Darn, you drive a hard bargain. Deal." she reach to grab AJ's hoof to shake it, and reach to organize the papers and keeping them away, Applebloom zipped back holding a map of Equestria and another small map of Ponyville and the surrounding area. "Thank you Applebloom. I'll be heading into town doing something for your sister."
"Can ah come?" she looks up pleading.
"Did ya do your homework now Sugarcube?" AJ asked, cleaning the dishes. Getting a rapid nod.
"Yeah, i can show her around, even with a map she might still get lost." she eagerly hops.
"That's mighty kind of ya sugarcube. Go ahead." her sister smiled, with a squee the little filly ran off.
Chuckling. "Wait up Applebloom!" she follows out, grabbing her sword. She exits the farm house as she strap it onto her back, walking in a quick pace to keep up with the eager filly as they walk on back to town.
Main Quest 2 - Welcome to Ponyville Side Quest Active - Papers Please.
Ciri reached the outskirts of town with applebloom. She looked at awe at how well maintained and clean the village looked. She recoiled back in surprise at the sight of the massive crystal palace in the distance. "How did i missed that?" she muttered. "So this is Ponyville? Lovely town, show me around? I need to know where city hall is so i can drop those documents for your sister" she explains as she walk on ahead towards the town. She notice the town name board, she tilts her head in confusion. "This isn't common language. But i can read it.."she ponders as Applebloom pokes her leg.
"It's this way miss Ciri, I'll show ya around the neato places after!" she got her attention before trotting ahead. Ciri shook her head.
"I'm coming!" She follows the excited filly, she noticed the other ponies who look at her with wary surprise and curiosity. She gave them a reassuring wave and a smile hoping they accept her gesture. It seems they're just watching her before they went on their day. "This town don't get much non pony outsiders don't they?"
"Ya telling me!" she scoffed and snorted "They're friendly folk sure, but they're skittish on the account we live so close to the Everfree."
She nodded as she looks around the town as she follow Applebloom around "You mentioned that's where the Timberwolves originally hail from. I am guessing its where most the more dangerous creatures live?" she ventured getting an affirmative nod from the young filly. "Duly noted, those Timberwolves are like Elementa or Relicts.. I can't be sure.."
"Whassat?" The filly asked with a head tilt.
"An Elementa is a type of creature or monster that's was created by magic, ambient or otherwise. Like a Golem. A Relict are ancient creatures, they're apart of nature in a sense. So I can't tell if those timberwolves can fall on either the categories." she explains.
"Ah, still don't get it. Maybe ya can ask Twilight. She lives in over Borealis Castle yonder there. You can go there later, we're already here." She stopped smiling up to her as they both stopped Ciri looked up to notice a large building. "This is Town Hall." She said with a sweep of her hoof.
"Thank you Applebloom" Ciri smiles down at her before heading in "Wait for me?" she asked she got a vigorous nod from her, Ciri gives her a wave and enters the building. She walks over to a desk where a pony is seen working. "Hello" she calls out the secretary looks up and gawked at surprise. "Hey there, I was sent here by Applejack, she told me to deliver some papers. Who can i give them too?" she asked she leans down slightly so the pony can see her clearly. The pony shook her head to get to her senses.
"Oh pardon me, you said you have something from applejack? Well you can give them to me, i'll look them over." in which Ciri reach into her satchel and retrieve the documents. She placed it on the secretary's desk in which she takes it looking it over. "Ah yes, thank you for bringing it for them, thank you. You're new here aren't you? I'm sorry for staring, welcome to ponyville. " She hold her hoof out "I'm Mayor Ivory's assistant. She's busy at the moment, but you might see her for the inevitable party." Ciri reach out to shake her hoof, was confused at what she said. The assistant noticed. "You'll know soon enough." She cryptically said with a smirk.
Ciri still confused went out, she shrugs and looks around to find Applebloom, finding her chatting up with other fillies, she could hear their conversation. "Ah'm telling ya, ah was saved by this gal with a sword, shes kinda like a minatour but no horns or fur." The unicorn looks over her friend "You mean like her?" Applebloom looks at her and looks back, "Ciri! Hey, these two are my friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."
They both waved and said hello. "Woah, is that a real sword on your back" the little tomboy pegasus buzz her wings in excitement earning giggles from Ciri and the others. "You used that to beat those Timbewolves, thats so cool!"
"It's still odd how they didn't reform though. Twilight said they usually reform even after being broken apart. But the ones you beat didn't"
"Hmm, that is odd" Ciri agreed. "Well i done what your sister asked, But i'm in no rush to go back, why don't you three girls show me around?" she chuckled when they agreed with enthusiasm. "Where too first?"
The white unicorn wave her hoof around "Oh, Oh. How about my sister's place the Carousel Boutique? She would probably like your outfit. It's nice." she complimented Ciri's armor.
"This?" she hold her arms up so they can get a better look at her black and red gambeson with a dark chainmail vest one sleeve rolled up. Her sword's red scabbard seems to coincide with her attire. Her leather leggings covered with a loin cloth with iron shin guards and her fingerless gloves. "It's actually my chainmail armor. See how is it red? And see this?" she holds out her medallion she had tied around her collarbone. "This and my outfit shows my school. I am a Witcher from the School of the Wolf." "COOOL!" They exclaimed making her laugh "But alright, show me around town. Maybe we can drop by your family"
Smiling"Shall we g-?" her question cut off as she turn to see a Pink mare staring at her with the most widest grins she could fathom on any living creature. Even Monsters don't grin as widely as the strange mare. She stares back surprised, she gives a slow wave only to jolt back when the mare literally disappear leaving a pony shape dust cloud in it's former position. She turned to give a questioning glance at the three fillies who seemed nonchalant at the sight.
"That's Pinkie Pie. Don't question it, you'll get used to her. Guess we have to save sugarcube corner for last." Sweetie Belle explained, getting nods from her friends. "Come on, my sister would love to meet cha" they scamper off. She looks back to the spot where Pinkie Pie was, shrugs and went to follow the girls. Walking in a pace to try to catch up to them. "This is going to be very interesting day." She said to herself as she trudge onward to meet new friends, and to truly see more of this new world. Unaware of what fate has in store for her next surprise meetings.
Sweetie rushes forward towards a odd shape building. Opening it without a care, the door bell chimed as she enters "Rarity! I'm home, I brought guests!~" she called out into the the shop. She looks around seeing her sister isn't in the front. "She's in the back, so i guess i see if she isn't too busy" she told the others as she walks in, going into the other room as Ciri and the rest entered. Cirilia noted the door was big enough for someone 5 feet tall so she had no issue coming in. She looked around . Seeing the pony mannequins, she gawked as she goes over inspecting them. Her eyes sparkling in wonder. "These must have worth a fortune. Are these real gems?" she look closer without touch as she sees the gleaming gemstones attached to the outfit.
"Yeah, Rarity uses gems for her dresses. And yeah her dresses are abit pricey but they're not too expensive, ah mean Rarity uses the common gems anyway." Applebloom explained. Seeing her shocked look "Are gems rare where you come from?"
"Not exactly 'rare' but they're not easy to come by and are considered valuable and expensive. This looks like amethyst" she lean closer to look at it. "Where i'm from an Amethyst would fetch atleast 120 crowns or so, depending on how cheap the merchant is." she grumbles at that. "A flawless gem is worth twice that amount." she explained to them.
"Woah, that is alot. Crowns? is that what money from your place is called? Weird" Scootaloo said as they then hear the door open, as a pristine white unicorn mare steps out followed by Sweetie Belle, her mane and tail seemingly styled purposely and elegantly. Her mark is of three gemstones on both flanks.
"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and mani- oh my, Sweetie was right. You're a new one. Hello da-" she took a good look at her and shriek. "Darling, you're clothes look dirty!"
Looking at herself. "Oh my apologies, i had been traveling through a swamp recently. " she checks her shoes. "Oh dear.. im sorry i track mud into your establishment ma'am" she wiped her feet on the rug.
"Stop, let me. Come inside, i'll lend you my bathroom so you can get clean." She ushered and insisted Ciri inside. "It be a shame to keep that marvelous gambeson dirty. "
"You know it's a gambeson?" Ciri tries to resist but gave up and follows Rarity inside, she unstrap her sword and putting it on the desk. "Don't touch" she told the Crusader. who looked up and pointed at themselves innocently. "I mean it girls"
"She's right, Sweetie Belle.. don't make me catch you three playing with that dangerous weapon. And don't dilly dally now young lady. Strip off that dirty thing, i can wash it for you as you bathe." Rarity's horn glow opening the door for her, which Ciri ducked in as she first take her gloves off and begin removing her chain mail first. "My word, a chainmail vest? That's brilliant. So are you in a guard darling?"
Ciri went behind the privacy screen to continue to undress "Well, no. I'm a Witcher, I help people with problems for gold, mainly monster problems" she said as she steps into went into the bathtub, looking around "where's the basin?"
Rarity gathered her clothes "oh, let me." with her magic she turn the knob in the shower, letting the hot water to shoot out causing Ciri to yelp in surprised. Blinking as she cup her hand, feeling the water.
"It's warm." she splashes herself "This feels amazing!" she begun to rub her body, getting the warm water everywhere causing Rarity to giggle. "I'll see what i have that can fit you in the meanwhile. The towel is on the rack, and don't worry bout using the shampoo darling." She told her as she exits with the dirty armor to clean it off leaving Ciri to clean in peace.
After the shower, she was able to turn it off by twisting the knob. She dried herself off seeing that Rarity left her undergarments, she put them on as she kept the towel wrapped her still drying body. She left the room as she stretches calling out "Thank you again miss!". Meeting the unicorn as she was searching for something for Ciri to wear.
"Think nothing of it darling and call me Rarity, Miss makes me feel old" she giggles herself. She floats her work glasses over measuring tape. "I don't have anything on hoof, but i guess i have to tailor you something simple and quick for now. Stand still."
Ciri obeyed as she let Rarity measured her. before she watches her leave to work. She start grabbing fabrics and spool of yarn. Ciri watches as she brings a machine that seems to help sewing by the look of the needle. She watches in awe. Hugging the towel close to her as she sat where the sun can shine hoping the sunlight can help dry her off. "Never in my life i see fine manipulation of magic like this."
"Hmm? its simple levitation darling, now hush. I'll finish this in a jiff" she hums as she continued to work on Ciri's temporary clothes.
Sometime later, Cirilia left the Boutique wearing a form fitting sundress shirt covering her body completely, the white fabric hugged her body snugly as she tugs on the elbow length sleeve. Before she adjust the strap of her sword scabbard. "Thanks again Rarity" She smiled, she was also wearing short pants, only going down her knees. It have to do for now. She went off ahead as the Crusaders went on to do their own thing, she doesn't mind. She wants to explore herself. First order of business is some food. She recall the girls saying Sugarcube Corner and told her where to find it so she headed there.
As She walked through town, giving reassuring smiles at any ponies she passed by. Some are still wary but reciprocate her greeting with their own. She didn't notice a look of surprised in one of the normal looking ponies and her mint green unicorn companion's grinning face and awed gleam in her eyes nor hear her mutter to herself. Nor see the the earth pony groan and facehoof. She stopped when the notice board caught her eye, she made a short detour reading them over. Still surprised she was able to read the text but at the same time knew its a different language.
One caught her eye, a help wanted AD for 'muscle' to protect a delivery cart later that afternoon. That's perfect for her, she snatches the paper from the board, rolling it up and pocketing it away. Her stomach then growled causing her to blush in embarrassment remembering her hunger she quicken her pace towards the sugercube corner.
She looked up seeing the gingerbread like house as she neared. "Huh, they are right on the design. This reminds me of the fairy tale." she giggles. She reach towards the door, opening it. She noticed it looked empty and slightly dark. "Hello?" she called out as she stepped in. Knowing it's open as the door wasn't locked "Anyone he-" before she utter that question as she reached further inside. The lights came on suddenly and an echoing shout.
Main Quest - Welcome to Ponyville Side Quest active/s - Merchant Escort - Whitetail
Looking around the restaurant. Surprise evident in her face, spotting the pink mare at the lead bouncing on her feet, still grinning. "DO you like it, its your surprise party!" she zipped over looking up at Ciri "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. Where ya from? What's your favorite type of cake, what's your favorite food, what's your favorite party ga-!" she was cut off by Applejack who came over, stuffing a literal bread into her mouth.
"Howdy Ciri, sorry about Pinkie, she means well." She tips her hat to her, smiling. "Enjoy yourself as she said this party is for ya."
"Why? what's the occasion? I know for certain it's not my birthday" Ciri asked as she looked around before looking to AJ. The pony chuckled in response.
"Don't fret about it none, that's just how Pinkie is, she throws this shindig for everypony that first arrive in town." she points to a banner reading "Welcome to Ponyvile."
"Not common.. language.. why can i read that?" she muttered to herself. Looking down "Well thank you Pinkie, this is nice of you. I'll check the refreshments" she smiles and heads for the table filled with food and drinks, she noticed a punch bowl and an assortment of pastries. Her eyes wander, captivated at the sight. "Wow, she does make quite alot. But, what are these?" she motions to a tray of strange looking pastries.
Pinkie zipped over, grabbing one gobbling it up. "They're hay cakes, want some?"
Blinking "Hay? are most of these made out of hay? I can't digest hay or flowers. Well i could consume some certain herbs.." she explains.
"Oh.. " pinkie looks around and grabs one of the apple fritters "This isn't made out of hay, promise. AJ made it." She did and hummed in delight. "This is delicious" she complimented. "Shame you don't have any kogel mogel, krowki or a cieple lody." as she munches.
While sitting down, watching the ponies dance and play games. She ate and drank in silence. Applejack going up to her with a sack. "Before ah forget, here's your payment. Bloom told me you dd a good job." she set the sack down, Ciri opens it to see apples as she promised, Applejack set down 15 coins into the table "Thank ya kindly" she tips her hat
"No, thank you" she smiles as she scoops the coins and putting them into her special pouch and take the sack of apples and was able to slip them inside her inventory pouch. Patting it.
Seeing this AJ cocked her eyebrow "You got some kind of magic spell or something on that?" causing Ciri to giggle and nods. "Huh, Twilight'll flip if she hear this.." she giggles.
"She's the mage here then?" Ciri asked
"Somethin like dat" Applejack replied
"Hmm Applejack, mind if i ask you?" she took out the ad poster. "Do you a pony by the name of Golden Harvest? She posted this."
Reading it she whistles "Bout time she made a big sell. Yeah, she's right at this party. We can go chat with her" She walks off, Ciri downs her drink, putting away the ad as she stood up and follow Applejack into the party, looking around. They both reached a pony who was chatting with a grey pegasus with a blond mane, the grey pegasus' eye wandered as she ate a muffin. "Carrots!" AJ called out to her, causing the pony to frowned
"Jackie! How many times i tell you not to call me that!" she turned to face her friend scowling as AJ just smirked back
"Ya know ah'm just joshin girl. Anywho, ah got someone here looking to help your delivery later this afternoon." motioning to Ciri.
"Oh" she looks up, noticing the sword. "Oh my, yes. You'll do fine, how does 20 bits sound?"
Without missing a beat "25. I might need to fight off Timberwolves or any other beasts that your delivery caravan came across. I'll make sure you and your cargo remain unscratched and reach your destination. I read you're going through the Whitetail woods?"
Golden hums "Yes, why?"
"Applebloom was attacked by Timberwolves there, from her accounts they strayed far from their territory. And I am certain some escaped when i fought them off. And there might be more there." Golden Harvest eyes widen, Applejack nodded confirming Ciri's story.
"Yeah, alright. 25 sounds like a good deal" she nods eagerly. "Thanks, if you do good fighting them off me I even recommend ya around the town we're going." Ciri gives her a thumbs up and her approval. "Ok, I'll be at the market later, packing my wares. Come by at around 5 o clock! So an hour after this party!" she tells her.
Ciri nodded and smiles, only for Pinkie to interrupt "Pinata time!" she claimed as she was holding a small bat, Ciri find the 'club' looks weird. And a blindfold.
Before she knows it, Ciri find herself clutching the weird club as Pinkie Pie ties the blindfold over her. Steadying her body "So, all i got to do is attack the hanging pinata ?" as Pinkie finishing tying she gives an affirmative sound.
"Yupperoni, its somewhere your head level, be careful where you swing mkay~ And Go!" and before Ciri could reply she found herself spun around, she manage to get her footing, shaking her dizzyness off "Huh.. challenge eh?" she holds the bat infront of her, and kept her ears trained as she tries to droned out the cheering and encouraging ponies as she let the bat search around, as soon as she felt it nudge something. She poke the spot, getting a couple of thunking sounds she grinned "Hiya!" she swung the bat in a strong arching slash, smashing the pinata open. Hearing the louder cheer she slip the blindfold off, grinning "How's that?""
Gawking up, Pinkie grins and whoops "Whoo! You're awesome!~"
"I gotta admit that is pretty rad swing" a rainbow maned pegasus commented as she flew over. "Heya, you're the new gal? I'm Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolt!" She grins "Oh hey, is that a real sword?" getting a nod "Wait, really?! That's cool! Well.. not as cool as me but still.." she pretend she didn't gushed earlier.
"That's some fine mighty swing ya got Ciri" AJ wooped as she joined her friends. "Feel free to grab some candy"
Looking down, she noticed the pile and decide to take some for later on. Pinkie zipped over shoving a box into her inventory pouch. "For later" she winks at her.
Thanking her, she chuckles as she continues to play game, eat and socialize with the ponies. Sometime later as the party seem to be winding down. She sat at a table finishing a pie slice. Humming as she covers her mouth to muffle a burp. "That was delicious, thank you again Ms Pie for this party." she wipes her mouth with a napkin. "This was enjoyable." Pinkie grins in reponse.
"Awh thanks Ciri Wiri~" causing some to chuckle and Ciri to arch an eyebrow "Quite.." she giggled finally. She noticed a purple winged unicorn coming over. She was smiling at her.
"I heard about you, and I have questions for you. My Name is Twilight Sparkle. Nice To meet you" she introduced herself with a nod.
"Nice to meet you too. My name is Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon. But you may call me Ciri, I hail from lands faraway. And i'll answer your questions but i cannot stay for too long. I have obligations later on this afternoon."
"Oh? Well if that's the case we can discuss things once you return? I have so many things to asks. Come by anytime at my palace."
"You're the ruler? Well then I'll accept your invitation your highness" she gives a short bow.
"Oh, enough with the formalities" she flutter her wings in embarrassment. "Please, call me Twilight. I hope you enjoyed this party. " Ciri nodded with a smile.
"I did, though i better start preparing and go help ms Harvest out now." She stood up. "I'll come by later Twilight, it was nice to meet you all." She smiles at them, getting her thigh hugged by Pinkie, who was squeeing. "I'll be back soon, I won't be gone long." Pinkie let her go as she leaves Sugarcube Corner as she heads for the Market place.
"I think I'll love this place." She smiled as she heads on towards her first real job. Eager to meet more ponies, and to see what other sights there is to behold in this wonderful land.
Side Quest - Merchant Escort - Whitetail Main Quests Active - Twilight Time
- Everfree's Witcher
Ciri was drinking from her canteen. Capping it as she arrived in time to see Golden Harvest packing her wares, going over she picked up a crate sliding it into the cart with ease. "Here you go, ready to go?" the mare jumped abit in surprise. But sigh in relief upon seeing her.
"Oh, Ciri. You're in time. Thank you, and yes we're ready to go." she motions for some colts who hitch themselves to the cart's harness. "We're going to Mulberry, they're only about 30 minutes by hoof to the west of Whitetail woods. Move out boys! Our bodyguard's here!" the stallions and wave at Ciri and start trotting pulling the cart with them.
Ciri follow them towards the forest. Taking the rear, walking alongside Golden. "Mulberry eh? Sounds oddly familiar to this one village in Velen. Must be just a coincidence."
"Where are you from anyway?" the carrot mare asked. "I haven't seen anyone quite like you. And i met with griffons, changelings and saw dragons. But you're different."
"Would you believe I'm from another world?" Golden only arched an eye at that.
"Knowing our track record? Yes, i do. Not that surprising." seeing Ciri's surprised and confused face, she elaborated. "I seen dragons. A spirit of Chaos, mad unicorns and weekly monster attacks. In short, Welcome to Ponyville. the capital of chaos" she gives a nervous chuckle.
With a chuckle her own. "Then I won't have any problems running out of work to do when i get back" she grins back getting the mare to laugh out loud in response.
Something later, Ciri noticed something off, it gotten quite, and she could feel something watching them. She pull her sword out and tap the carriage, causing the stallions to stop, they saw the sword out and got worried, looking around. Carrot Top saw it too and huddle close to the carriage. "Ci-Ciri. what's wrong?" she whispers.
"No sudden movements, no sudden noises. I think the timberwolves are stalking us. Keep moving.. I'-" before she could say anything else, snarling can be heard from the trees to their side. a pack filled with 6 timeberwolves lumbered out. "Run!" she slapped the carriage as she hopped over, blocking the wolves path. Clutching her sword as they lunge at them, the stallions and Carrot bolted out of there. Ciri intercepted one wolf, slicing it leg before it reaches the ponies. "Not so fast, you got to get by me first!"
They circled around her, snarling. She took the initiative this time and teleported behind a wolf, cutting it down before it could react letting out a whimper. As another barked , trying to bite her, she moved her leg away and with a shout stab it in the head, causing it to writhe before it's glowing eyes dim and the body crumbles. Ciri teleported backwards in time to avoid another attack.
"Come you mutts, is that the best you got!" they remaining wolves snarled. And let out a synchronized howl. She gulped, feeling something bad is going to happen. She's right the wolves suddenly burst into twigs, and they magically pull back into the trees. Not a minute later, a tree lost its branch as massive timberwolf shoot out, Slashing its claw, Ciri only had time to block with her sword, but was pushed back as the tree besides her get a massive gash. She rolls away, standing up. Luckily kept a firm grip on her sword. "Well.. fuck." she bluntly uttered as the big wolf let out a let out a loud bark. "Come at me then you literal son of a birch!"
Ciri teleported as it tried to smash its paw down at her, striking it in retaliation, slashing three times at its leg and hide. Cutting bark off it, but not much else. She grunts as she disappear only to make 3 clones of herself, striking the beast from angles. it gave a whined as it kicked its leg back. Catching Ciri off guard causing her to slam against the tree. Grunting in pain. "Gah, tough bastard" she stood up, rolling away in time as the wolf bites at the tree , snapping it in two.
Seeing this as an opportunity. She teleported onto its back, steadying herself she stab down onto the nape of it neck. Causing it to howl in agony. Trashing around with enough force to knock Ciri off. She was able to recover back onto ehr feet, ready to fight once more.
"Didn't like that did you?! Good I'm not finished with you yet!" she points her sword towards it, the wolf growled and lunged forward, only for Ciri to magically dash forward, phasing through the wall, causing some damage to it and causing it to fall down. Whimpering. Ciri took the chance to once again teleport onto its back and before it could recover. She stabbed her sword down with a battle cry through it's head. Trashing its legs, knocking down the trees surrounding it. But it finally collapse. With a beastly wail and a burst of magic pouring out of it mouth and eyes, the magic in the body dimmed.
`Ciri fell off to the side, grunting as she landed on her side as she watches the body crumbled down. Only its head remained whole, its eyes dimmed and now it sports a large hole on the top of its head.
Ciri sighs in relief as she got up, dusting herself off. Grunting in pain at the bruise forming in her arm as she goes over, and grab ahold of the head. Lifting it up, causing the lower jaw to come lose. "Geralt will not believe this even if i shown him" she giggles. Sheating her sword, she roll her shoulder as she walk towards the direction she remembered the ponies run off too. After some walking she came out of the forest, seeing a worried Carrot Top. "Ciri!" she calls out "You're alright, i'm so sorry for running off .. are you ok? Where's the timber-"
"Right here" lifting up her new trophy, getting the stallions and Carrot to gape in awe. "He won't bother anyone ever again. I made sure of it." chuckling but winches abit as she rubs her bruise. "You don't happen to have Celadine don't you?"
"The flower? Ciri you're hurt! I'm glad you're alright, come. The town is just over there, I'll buy you medicine. I insist, you saved us after all" Ciri smiles and nods and follow them into Mulberry. The ponies had the same reaction upon seeing her, guiding ponies. They stare, but did not much else besides whispering, probably spreading rumors already. Golden harvest start unpacking, she then toss a bag, Ciri caught it, hearing coins clicking. "Thank you."
"No, thank YOU! Ciri. Now. Don't move young lady. I'll be going to find a doctor. So sit down!"the girl does so. Nodding her head. "Boys, set up. Make sure she sits put" with a smiles, she runs off into the village. Ciri could only laugh as she leans back on the bench, taking out a cupcake to eat. Smiling to herself. "I'll really going to like it here." she said, smiling all the while as she finishes up the food downing her water.
Main Quest - Twilight Time Active MQ - Everfree's Witcher
Finishing the box of cupcakes, she licks her lips and finger. She finishes the water in her flask as she tug down her shirt as the village's nurse finished tending to her wound. "Thank you kindly dear medic. "she put the empty box aside. She flexes as she gets feels the bandages "What's the verdict?"
"You're welcome, you'll be fine in a few days, you're very lucky. Nothing seems fractured, and its minor bruising and muscle sprain. So don't push your body for the next couple of hours and don't scratch the bandage."
"Yes, i know. I been tended too before." she chuckles as she gives her arm an experimental roll as she stood up. "Thank you again, but i must return to Ponyville now, my work here is done." she gives a smile at the nurse and grabs her sword before leaving the building. She first went to see Carrot Top who's now setting up her stall, nodding to the mare who smile and waves her off as she starts off towards the whitetail woods again.
Nothing of interest happen in the whitetail as she past it with no hindrance. She must have slain all the timberwolves, the animals are back and birds are chirping again. She smiles as she exits the woods and enter Ponyville proper once more. She looks around and spots her destination, she heads towards it. The Borealis Castle, to meet with Twilight. She bang on the door knocker waiting. It was answered by Spike, a young dragon.
"Hi, how can i help you? oh you're Ciri. Hello again, come in, Twi's at the library." he opens the door wider and motions her to follow. She enters, the door was shut. "This way" he waddles towards the library's direction with Ciri in tow. They arrived at the library, where not only Twilight was there but there is also another unicorn whos seem bored out of her mind reading a book. She looks over, her eyes widen at surprise. "Hey Twilight, Ciri is here! And hi Starlight, you doing alright?"
"Y-yeah. I'm fine. Ciri? You're the new er.. person?" getting a nod "person in town."
"Glad you can make it, Ciri." Twilight levitated away a long, a very long scroll to the side as she places the quill back into the ink bottle. "Welcome to my library, can i interest you in a book before we start?" she grins excited as with a horn glow, she poofed a notepad as she opens it, grinning eagerly. "First thing first. Full name?"
" Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon. Witcher of the School of the Wolf."
"What exactly is a Witcher?"
"Highly trained, normally mutated by chemicals from a young age. I didn't undergo such mutations though. But they have the best tracking skills and some form of magic to help in combat. I lack those skills but I am still an adept tracker myself, we witchers are professional monster slayers. Got a prowling monster need gone? Got the coin? Consider it gone." she smiles proudly.
"So kind of a mercenary? isn't that dangerous?"
"It's always dangerous" she points to her scar. "Monsters are never easy. I can do other kind of work. and I'll help anyone who needs it and if the situation calls for it, I won't ask for a reward. As long as someone is safe, that's good enough for me." she smiles.
Smiling, accepting that answer, Starlight asks the next question. "Have you killed any monsters when you got here?" getting a nod in reply. "Really? what?"
"Timberwolves, as Applebloom called them. They were prowling the Whitetail woods " getting widen eyes from Starlight. "They really aren't from there are they?"
"Yes, they're normally prowl the Everfree, they do wander away but can be driven back into the forest.. odd they moved their territory .. but they don't die easily They reformed their bodies using magic"
"Well, if you want proof." she upon her inventory satchel rummaging through it. "I slain the big one." she pulls out her trophy, the head of the Alpha timberwolf. Making the ponies gawked surprised.
"Wow. Awesome." Spike uttered as he saw it.
"i-impossible.. how can it die" She takes the head into her levitation,s he scans it "it's magic is completely gone! h-how?! What did you use?"
"My sword" pointing to her back.
"What is it made of?!" Twilight asks abit frantically but at the same time very curious.
"Twilight, calm down" Starlight tries to reason. "Mind showing us your sword?"
"Be careful with it, its a gift from my father." She pulls it out, holding it to them. It was envelop in a magic glow soon enough, but it only wobble as the magic aura have a hard time keeping a firm hold on it.
"wh-what is it made off? why is it so hard to just levitate?" Twilight is now more curious than ever. "Is it cause of the magic evaporating inside the Timberwolves?"
"Must be it" Ciri admits "My Sword is made from Dimeritium, Meteorite Silver. Forged with the blood of monsters and laced with gemstone dust. Expertly crafted by a master blacksmith."Dimeritium is a special metal from where i am from. it was mostly made into shackles and iron bars. They can resist magic from mages, as you can tell its use against magic users"
"That sounds like Nilen" Twilight mutters, her horn glowing brighter and shakily the sword was able to lift off, still wavering. She grunts. "Resistance is right.. it feels heavy..it's similar to Nilen, but it doesn't nullify magic entirely.."
Starlight watching, saw the glyps on the sword. "What does those rune means? I don't think i seen such a language before.."
Gasping Twilight almost drop the sword, as she grab it with her forelegs, holding it closer "You're right, this is a different language! What does this say?"
"It's Elder Speech, it says Zireael which translate to Swallow. I'm actually wondering, how am i able to read your words? From where I am from our language alphabet is completely different but i could still read your texts."
"It was? Strange And Swallow? Like the bird?" getting nod. "Well your sword seems intriguing ." she holds it up, Ciri taking it back and re-sheathing it. "We have a similar metal, we call it Nilen and unlike your Dimeritium, Nilen completely nullify any magic. Yours seem to can resist a quiet an amount but I bet, with enough force a very strong magic blast could crack your sword." she warns her.
"Thank you for telling me" she sat down. "Anything else?"
"Well.." Starlight tapped her chin "Got any skills we should know about?"
Deciding to keep her world traveling thing a secret for now, she stood up and dash forward, teleporting behind them. Getting them to almost jump in surprise. "I can teleport."
"H-how, i s-saw it but how i didn't feel the magic ?" Twilight look back and forth Ciri and her former location, noting the fading aura and her body shape . "But that's impressive, Teleportation is a intermediate spell, not all unicorns could pull it off instantly." she claps. "I have soo many more questions!" she start writing down. "Hold on, let me write everything down, we'll run tests! And .. oh.. and.. Spike, make us some tea and snack!" she goes around grabbing more paper to write on.
Rolling their eyes, Spike went to fetch them drinks and snack. Starlight only smiles "You're in it now.." she chuckles.
Chuckling herself "S-should i worry?" Ciri asks.
She only got a flat "Yes" as a response from the unicorn, who smiles amused as she watches her friend and teacher frantic preparations. "Yes, yes you should."
Through out the evening, Twilight and Ciri talked aswell as ran a few tests. Twilight had insisted Ciri stayed for dinner and for the night. Ciri accepted and slept soundly later that night. The next morning as she yawned out in the borrowed room, she looked out the window overlooking the raising sun. Smiling at the sight as she stretches and put on her boots as she listen to the bird song. Strapping her sword onto her back she steps out and walked towards the dinning hall recalling the tour Starlight gave her yesterday. "Good morning" she greets her hosts as she enters the room.
Twilight look up from her tea. "Good morning Ciri, how did you sleep?" .
"Pretty well, thank you in lending me a room. But I should look for more work." Ciri sat down as Spike pushes the tray filled with pancakes. She got a plate and mug of coffee, which she find bitter but a good pick me up.
"Actually, I have a proposition for you. I know you want to travel and see Equestria. But first, I got one job for you. Help my friend Zecora secure herbs in the Everfree forest, and I'll give you 30 bits and this train pass so you can travel between cities for free for a month." she puts a pass on the table.
"What's a train? And does it really allow travel between cities quickly?" Ciri tilts her head in curiosity getting a grin from Twilight in response.
"I'll show you after breakfast. Take your time though." she takes a bite and a sip. "I'll show you the way to Zecora's she's a herbalist . She can handle herself, but I'll feel more at ease if you help her. Just drive away the beasts, you don't need to kill them if they retreated." she told the Witcher.
"If the beasts didn't bother me, I won't bother them." she replied back as she eats, eager to see this 'train' and to see this infamous Everfree Twilight warned her about. It can't be as bad as the woods back in the continent. They continue to talk as they eat.
Sometime later, Twilight trotted towards Zecora's home at the boundary. Ciri not far behind with her hand near her sword at ready. She can already sense danger lurking around the woods. "We're almost there. Just be careful, there are Manticores, Cockatrices, and Timberwolves here. And the occasional Leshens." the princess warned.
"You have Leshens here too?" Ciri asked surprised, getting a nod in reply. "Great, i hope this forest contain mistletoes." seeing Twilight's inquiring look she elaborated "I need some mistletoe and dog tallow to brew an oil that can affect relicts like the Leshen." she elaborated. "Could even deal more damage to Timberwolves, though still not sure if they're relicts or elementia" she shrugged. "Is that it?" she noticed another tree house, decorated with shaman like objects.
"Oh, yes. This is Zecora's she's an shaman. She can brew potions and cures too." she walked over to the door, knocking on it to see if she's home. "Oh Zecora's a Zebra" Twilight told Ciri as the door opens.
Indeed a zebra wearing rings on her neck pop her head out. She smiles "Ah young Sparkle I see. What brings you to me?"
"Hello Zecora, I'm here with a friend. This is Cirilia, or Ciri. I know you're going into the forest later today to gather herbs. And I'm wondering if she can accompany and help you?" she explains.
Once the Zebra look over to spot the young woman, her eyes widen slightly. "Ah yes, I'll be grateful. Come in young huntress, Sit as i prepare for the path we'll thread " The two enters and watch the zebra as she takes a few vials into her sack. She reaches to clasp her cloak around her. "Here young warrior, for your silver blade" she holds a vial of oil towards her.
She takes it, sniffing the contents and her eyes widen. "This is Elementia Oil! H-how?!"
"I know a thing or two young lass. Come, where's your sass?" the Zebra chuckled as she takes her bo staff as she steps to leave. "Good day my friend, I know i won't meet my end." she smiled. Twilight smiled back and gave a curt nod."Come young huntress, what i seek is near the old castle, so let us not dawdle" she slipped on her cloak, staff and her saddle bag.
"I'll wait for you both to come back here" Twilight said as she sat on a cushion "Stay safe Zecora, Ciri" she waved them off as they leave the hut and start down the path deeper into the forest. Ciri takes the time to survey her surroundings, making sure to be on her guard.
Following the path deeper into the forest. "So tell me, what should i expect?" Ciri asks "Besides timberwolves. Applebloom told me they normally reside in this forest."
"Yes, there are other hunters out and about. Manticore is what we should watch out" Zecora replies. "Beasts with a bite of a lion, and the deadly sting of a scorpion. So thread lightly or we'll both meet our end." She warned as she continue ownard, pushing some foliage away with her stick. "For the flora is as dangerous as the fauna."
Ciri uses a knife to slice the vines and other shrubbery on the way "Noted." she said as she steps carefully as she follow her entourage. She stops as she hears something. Rustling of the leaves, she reach for her sword ready to pull it out. Looking around more carefully now. Zecora had sense the disturbance as well as she back slowly towards Ciri with her staff ready. Ear perking as she kept her eyes around as Ciri cover their blind spots. The bushes parted as a rabbit hopped out, before they could relax it scampered off as a roar close by is heard. "I'm guessing that's the manticore."
"Yes, we must flee and hide" the zebra quickly moved deeper into the woods, Ciri following behind and looking back at the source of the cry to see if she can spot it. She can hear it in the brush , cracks of wood and stone. Ciri pick up a small rock, using her special ability she dashed forward. Grabbing Zecora she throws the stone hard at a tree in another direction to make an audible crunch as she uses her powers to teleport them to the other direction. Hidden behind a large tree she peeked out to witness the Manticore lunging towards the source of the crunching sound. Roaring and searching for its pray.
Ciri and Zecora stayed still and quiet . They carefully move onwards after they hear it's retreating deeper the other direction. The zebra placed her staff aside "Many thanks young huntress. But i fear we will yet meet further danger. For we will enter Leshen land " she trotted onwards.
"Great." she followed, her sword still in her hand. She uses it to slice shrubbery around her to clear the way. Following the Zebra until she stops and harvesting some mushrooms growing by the tree roots. She stops and kept her eyes and ears peeled for any danger. "How many ingredients do you need to harvest?"
"Not too many, I only need a flower that grows near the river ahead. Do not be afraid of the sea serpent that lives in the river. He's a friend." She explains as she jarred the last mushroom and trotting forward, only to stop and getting staff "Ready your blade. Timberwolves"
Ciri faced Zecora and indeed glowing eyes of the wolves are seen. They growl as they moved into the clearing, she prepare her sword "6 this time, do you wish to take 3?" she smirked as she tense as one of them gets closer. She reacted and teleported to intercept a wolf mid lunge, slicing with her blade. Zecora spun her staff and swung it hard onto the side of another Wolf. Ciri slashed upwards slicing the jaw of a timberwolf to howl in pain, she slashed down ending the beast. She twirls around slashing cutting another one down. The zebra dodges swipes from her own opponents, she threw a potion at the predator's face. The vial shattered and coating the wolf, blinding it with. Growling in pain and confusion the wolf couldn't defend against being slammed to a tree by her staff. The zebra ducked without even looking as Ciri vaulted over her and thrust her sword down impaling the wolf in the head causing it to crumble. "Stay down you blighters!" she yanked her blade out. Without taking any risk of another Alpha, she grab ahold of Zecora and teleported ahead and start running with her.
In a burst of energy, she displaces to another spot. Stopping for breath as she lean against a tree and look around her. Sword still ready. "Please tell me we're almost there." the young woman asked "Or at the very least I hadn't gotten us lost." the young huntress looked about. Noticing something off to the distance hidden by trees but she could just spot a river.
"Yes, we're near" Zecora said "Sheath your sword, the river contains a friend and not foe." the Zebra explained "He's not a beast to be fought."
"What are you talking about?" Ciri asked, curious she got close to the river only to step back when a large serpent rose from the waters. "Oh" she sheath her blade, taking Zecora's word as she looked up seeing the creature smile his well groomed mustache twitched as he grinned happily at the sight of Zecora.
"Zecora! Hello, are you and your friend wished to cross? Do be careful, there is something nasty going on over there. The poor critters are scared stiff i tell you" the creature said as he leans to let them cross his scales
"Many thanks my friend, and thank you for your warning." the Zebra nodded "Come young one , coat your blade and let us head onto the glade" She cross without a word.
Taking this as a warning she cross, pulling her sword out and coating it with the Elementia oil she received from the Zebra Shamaness earlier. Making sure she getting nice and coated, stopping in her tracks as she felt something in her pocket, reaching in she pulled out Vesimer's medallion. It's humming. "Zecora, prepare for a fight" she got onto her guard as the Zebra jumped back with her staff ready. it didn't take long to see the source of the warning. As a tree crashed and toppled over, a large creature came stomping into , a large bipedal thing covered in hard rock. It slams its mighty limbs onto the down tree shattering it apart, letting out an inhumane roar as magic pulses through the cracks of its exterior.
"A Golem." Ciri glared hard at their opponent. It lifts it's limb up preparing to strike, and Ciri took the opening to charge towards it.
