Heroes of Tyriaby rex1493ChaptersCathedral of SilenceWhitetail WoodsWhitetail Woods - 2Cathedral of SilenceThe Ruins of Orr, they called it, a bleak decayed wasteland for the Risen to conquer and thrive. An unnatural mist permeated the landscape, obscuring your vision should you try to look further then necessary. Different shades of browns, greys, and greens colored the earth and structures that survived the unholy Cataclysm that occurred so long ago. Unnatural growths, normally found on the beds of the oceans, covered this sickly continent. Only one known entity could inhabit such a place, the Risen. Commanded by their leader Zhaitan, they set out to destroy all of Tyria. Many answered the call for heroes to stand against this threat, and an innumerable of those that responded didn’t leave Orr after treading on its soil. After the death of Zhaitan, there was one soul who stayed behind of their own volition. One human could be seen striding through Orr’s desolate wilds. She had purpose in her steps, an unrelenting will to complete the unknown task before her. Occultis was her name, not her real name mind you, but the name she would only answer to. The garments she wore would tell passerby she was an explorer. The staff strapped to her back would show her abilities as a mage. The one thing that would give others pause was the cloth tied around her head that covered her eyes. Occultis was blind, but she always seemed to know where she was going, who was speaking, and how to get past any obstacle. Some thought her magical talents simply allowed her to see without sight. They were right, for a white dove perched atop her right pauldron, green eyes scanning everything. Some thought the dove to be a pet, but pets usually had a pulse. This dove was special, connected to Occultis by a mental link she created upon its resurrection and able to see through his eyes. The second thing others would notice would cause unease. Bones, her rough clothes were covered in them. From the human skulls on each shoulder, the fingers interwoven along her sleeves, and the raven skull attached to her long leggings, at the hip. Her green hued attire would cause many to backpedal from their previous approach when they finally identified her as a necromancer. Yes, a necromancer, raiser of the dead and spreader of plagues. Those that knew of her, however, would see no reason to flee. This heroine had ended the corruption in Orr and slew the Elder Dragon Zhaitan a scant few weeks ago. So why was she still in Orr after all those that had aided in her task left? Orr was home to the Six Human Gods, each worshipped by the human race. Temples were built, statues were carved, but all was corrupted after Zhaitan rose. Occultis was a follower of Grenth, the human god of darkness, ice, and death. She owed Grenth a debt that could never be repaid, so she would spend the rest of her existence serving him. That is what brought her to the decayed temple that stood before her. A large statue of Grenth marked the entrance, the monolith sized one atop the temple marked its location in Orr. Thunder boomed, lightning crashed, and rain poured heavily as Occultis entered the small valley that signified the entrance and strode along the raising terrain, using uncovered steps where they were uncovered by sickly mud. Large putrid green and ghastly blue colored pillars rose on either side, many broken only a third along their height. The large archway and rotten wooden doors signified the passageway into the Cathedral of Silence. Empty spaces lined the walls, signifying room used by coffins of old and distant dead. The hallway quickly opened up into a once grand space, but nothing seen within could convince anyone but Occultis of its exalted status. Coffins littered the room, broken and missing their charges. Plants from the sea lay rotted along the cerulean colored floor, and light poured in from a hole in the ceiling. The stench of death and decay made all of these observations irrelevant as most observers would now be facing the floor and losing their previously consumed rations. Occultis didn’t bat an eye or twitch her nose as she advanced down the hall toward her prize. At the end of this hall, was a dimly lit room, same as the others except for two features. A damaged statue of Grenth lay at the back, chipped and broken along the rear wall. Its pieces that had fallen off were bathed in a light that any would be stunned by. This was not some light that simply came down and brightened the darkness, but a light that proved something, or someone, was watching this room. Slowing her stride, Occultis bathed in this light for but a moment, feeling Grenth’s icy touch. Approaching the broken statue, she knelt before it and offered a silent prayer to her god, wishing for guidance and an explanation for why she was still needed in Orr. She knew not why Grenth wished her to stay when all others had left. Even those that had once studied this place had come up with reasons to move on. The necromancer wanted to leave, move on to the next challenge. There were still dragons that corrupted her home. Her friends needed her help, they wouldn’t have made it ten paces into Orr without her ‘reinforcements.’ Circumstances, however, had led her to stay put. Being told by your savior to not leave was reason enough she had to bade her friends goodbye. A sickly green smoke began to rise in front of the stone god. Occultis’s eyes snapped open as she felt the chill enter the room. She had felt this before, when she had called for Grenth’s aid before the death of Zhaitan. An Avatar of Grenth, the God’s way of speaking with his followers, stood several feet above her. The Reaper’s head was a humanoid skull with three horns of varying length sprouting on each side. Its skin was a ghastly green with dark splotches abound. The eye sockets where filled with an endless void of white, and the same be described for its open mouth. Its green chest was bare except for the thin black cloth that draped from shoulder to shoulder. Dark gauntlets covered its hands and nothing could be seen below its waist but the billowing smoke permeating around it. Occultis sunk deeper onto her knees, her black hair flowing past her neck and touching the floor. “Rise, Occultis. Grenth has need of you,” spoke the Seventh Reaper of Grenth. Her reply was instant, her voice betraying the chill she felt in her very core, “I am Grenth’s most loyal servant, speak His will and it shall be done!” The Reaper replied, “Grenth knows your plight against the Elder Dragons. When they rampaged last, they could not be slain and all suffered under them. The death of one of them proves you are able to end the torment they cause The Six’s followers.” “If that is true, then why does Grenth stay my staff? Why must I remain here when the one who haunted here is no more?” Occultis’s rebuttal was swift, forgetting momentarily just who she was speaking to. Had the Avatar noticed, it didn’t seem to mind the outburst. Speaking commandingly, “Grenth knows your plight and aims to prevent you from a fool’s errand. Your comrades seek the Elder Dragon Jormag, they will not find him. This plane of existence is no longer his home.” Occultis let this snippet of information seep in, churning her mind to make sense of it. She knew there were other planes the Six used; Grenth inhabited the Underworld while Balthazar commanded from the Fissure of Woe, their own realms of existence and homes for the most devout of followers. Surely they could keep an Elder Dragon from invading their own homes. She deduced that other planes not in their control must exist. Standing straight, Occultis addressed the Reaper, “Take me to this plane, the inhabitants must be warned and Jormag must be stopped. The north is lost to us because of his malice. I will not allow his corruption to spread any further!” “That was Grenth’s plan; you shall act as Tyria’s ambassador and save this innocent world,” The Reaper of Grenth’s statement was quick and had no room for argument. The Necromancers reply was instant, “I am ready.” No more words were spoken for they were no longer needed. The aspect inclined its head in response then swiftly raised its arms. A black billowing smoke seeped out of the cracks in the floor. It rose and swirled, looking for purpose. One arm of the Reaper’s feel, the hand of the other arm remained aloft. Its handed pointed at Occultis, the smoke obeyed its master and twirled around her, slowly engulfing the women. Her vision blurred, her cold heart jumped in her chest, and she blinked. Occultis found herself surrounded by tall trees. The scents of life and the sight of browning leaves permeating her vision. Occultis took all this in quickly, she couldn't dally, she needed to act. Continuing to scan the landscape, she took note of all the bright colors. “Reminds me of The Heartwoods in Queensdale,” Occultis muttered under her breath. With no clear path, she nudged her dove. “Archimedes,” the woman spoke, “Could you go and take a look up above?” Archimedes turned his gaze to Occultis, cooed softly, and nodded before taking flight. What Occultis saw impressed her. To the south-west a large city could be seen, large towers of glass and metal reached for the sky as if trying to mimic the very mountains that the city was built in front of. Large white letters were visible along mountain’s range. “A P P L E W O O D?” The necromancer questioned to herself, “What strange letters, I wonder what they mean?” As the dove’s view changed toward the North-East, a small village was slightly visible. She could make out several cottages, but not much else. Calling Archimedes back, Occultis decided the small village would be a better start to her journey. She needed to get a foothold in this world, find allies, and gather intelligence. Fortunately, being a Lightbringer in the Order of Whispers made her highly trained for these sorts of activities. Occultis took off like a spring, bobbing and weaving between trees, not a sound was heard of her approach. Hours passed and yet there was no sign of the forest waning. Leaves fell where the Necromancer had once been, the only trail she allowed. A sudden crack filled the air, causing Occultis to stop her movements. She hadn’t made that noise, Tybalt Leftpaw had snuffed that fault out of her very early in her training. The sound of wheels turning and the squeaks of a traveling cart slowly came into focus. Occultis wasn’t alone, and she intended to make first contact as subtly as possible. Using Archimedes to scout the cart, she discovered an azure colored pony. She thought it was too small to be a horse, seemingly only reaching up to her midsection. What she thought was odd was how it wore two articles of clothing, a purple hat and cape adorned with colored stars, while the cart’s wheels were covered in an azure colored substance, seemingly turning on their own. Sadness and shame radiated off the equine, her head bowed and eyes glazed over in deep self-ridicule. Occultis noticed she was heading in the direction she had just come from, apparently leaving the small village that was her goal. Deciding to reveal herself, Occultis stepped on a large twig nearby to gain the pony’s attention. As expected, the sharp noise brought the azure pony out of her daze. It whipped its head left, then right, scanning the area surrounding her. When it cautiously turned around, its gaze locked onto the figure stepping out of the shadows of a tree. “Hello there,” the woman stated simply. The pony jumped, pupils dilated slightly, took a larger breath then what would be considered normal, and something glowed slightly within the creature’s hat. Seeing the creatures growing distress, the human slowly raised her hands, showing herself unarmed and not willing to cause harm. “I don’t aim to harm you, only to communicate with you,” Occultis stated simply. She knew this was a gamble, equines didn’t speak in Tyria, but they also didn’t show such emotions and wear clothing. The pony visibly relaxed slightly. Its breathing eased but that glow still continued beneath its hat. “Wha- what are you? Wh- Who are you?” stammered the azure pony. Occultis was surprised it spoke in Common, but gestured to herself and responded, “I am Occultis, I hail from the land known as Tyria, and I am of the human race,” she then nodded toward the pony, “and who are you?” Its stance grew more serious, the creatures face became slightly radiant and a smile spread across its muzzle, “You stand before the Great and Powerful Triiiiixieeee!” Author's Note If anything is amiss, please let me know and I will fix it to the best of my ability. Whitetail WoodsIn that instance, pride was the dominate emotion spreading from ‘the great and powerful’ Trixie. It shown in her eyes and the way she posed, truly believing the words she spoke for that instant. However, that pride quickly transformed into shame and sadness. Her shoulders visibly drooped and her stance became less certain. “Or at least, Trixie was the great and powerful,” her reply was low and hoarse. Deciding that this situation required more tact and poise, Occultis set about creating a small camp. Using the small clearing they already occupied, a small fire lined with smooth rounded rocks was put together. Already taking off her pack and sitting on the soft soil, Occultis bade for Trixie to join her. Trixie cautiously joined her, sitting opposite to the human, the flame acting as a guardian for her. Occultis spent the next several moments empting her pack of supplies she prepared so long ago in the Straits of Devastation. “Does oatmeal sound appealing?” questioned Occultis. “Trixie will take what you offer, but she also has several questions. It is not every day you meet some new species,” was Trixie’s response. Occultis was taking things in stride; meeting a mare with such an amount of self-doubt was not a good start, but perhaps she could learn quite a bit from her. Getting to work preparing their lunch, Occultis formulated her reply, “Ask your question but I wish to ask one in return.” Trixie stiffened slightly, “Where is Tyria, and what can you tell me about it? I have never heard of such a land.” Occultis smiled softly, “That was two questions.” Trixie deflated slightly, thinking the probe for information would now go unanswered. Occultis ignored her and continued, “It is far from here, even with magical sight you still would be unable to see it. Tyria is a continent with dense jungles of the Maguuma, high mountains of the Shiverpeaks, forests of the Blood Legion and Ascalon, and the sandy Crystal Desert. Throughout the ages, the continent has changed. From seas turning into deserts, the sinking of grand kingdoms and the scorching of lands, with flooded cities, and deserts turned green.” The gears in Trixie’s mind could easily be seen churning away, processing all this information. She was a showmare herself and knew when performances were just tricks and lies to the audience. However, this news from Occultis had her somewhat giddy. A new world, new stories to learn and new audiences to watch her wonderful shows! Trixie became determined to learn more about this stranger. Trixie’s train of thought was cut off by a soft cough from Occultis, “I believe it is my turn to ask a question?” Trixie simply nodded in consent. The question, however, was not something she wished to answer. “Why are you sad?” Those dreaded four words brought back her experiences from the previous day. Claiming the town of Ponyville as her own and defeating her rival in a magical duel. She had lost herself, unable to accept that somepony was stronger than her in magic. So she had plotted and found an ancient artifact that would enhance her magical potential, unaware of the fact it was slowly breaking her mind. Trixie’s response was slow and drawn out, seemingly unwilling to let the words leave her mouth, “Trixie made a mistake and lost herself to her own desires. Once word spreads of the dark deeds Trixie committed, no city will ever allow her in. All she wanted was to be stronger! More powerful than any other unicorn! Then Trixie found that accursed amulet and thought she could control it. How silly of the Great and Powerful Trixie to not believe otherwise!” She needed to let that out, it had been building inside of her since last night; causing nothing but more self-pity and grief at her failure. The smell of burning oatmeal reached the two’s noses and Occultis quickly took the pot off the flame. Pulling two smaller wooden bowls out of her pack; she poured an equal measure into both, passing one to Trixie. Seeing such a large quantity of items coming from such a small bag, Trixie couldn't help but ask her next question, “How does such a small bag hold so many items?” Chuckling, Occultis took a small bite of her oakmeal, motioning for Trixie to follow suit. As she swallowed Occultis answered simply, “Asuran magicks. They can be very convoluted sometimes but often enough they come up with useful items. This bag simply has more room on the inside.” Trixie had never heard of such a spell, she would have trashed her beaten up cart ages ago if she had access to those bags. Deciding to finish their game of Q & A, Occultis pointed in the direction she was headed and asked her final question, “Where am I headed?” Trixie turned her head to follow Occultis’s finger. Seeing it was pointed to the trail her cart had left behind, her face twisted into a smirk, “Why further into the Whitetail Woods. It would be unwise to travel any further in that direction, for you will find nothing worth your time.” Trixie believed she was doing the right thing. Occultis was new to Equestria and Trixie didn’t want the human’s view of her home shattered by the unaccepting nature of those ponys. Occultis frowned but said nothing. She could tell Trixie believed those words, but felt anger and fear when they were spoken. Finishing their oatmeal, Occultis formulated her plan of action. “I will be heading toward Ponyville and I would greatly appreciate it if you were to join me,” Occultis stated. She began to pack her bowls and pot, snuffed out the fire, and started to walk slowly in the direction Trixie had come from. Trixie was at a lose, she wanted to learn of the land Occultis was from and hear tales of her travels. This opportunity could save her career! On the other hoof, she would have to get closer to that wretched town. The inner battle for safety or adventure ended abruptly when Occultis became just out of sight. Throwing caution to the wind, Trixie tore after Occultis, cursing under her breath, as she tried to catch up and drag her damaged cart back to Ponyville. Whitetail Woods - 2The Whitetail Woods were unyielding to the pair of travelers. Walking for the remainder of the day the two had chatted idly about their homes. Lions Arch and Canterlot, Divinity’s Reach and Manehatten, Rata Sum and Las Pegasus, the Black Citadel and Cloudsdale, Hoelbrak and Apploeloosa, and finally the Grove and Fillydelphia. Trixie was astonished by the complexity and size of the cities Occultis described. For her part, Occultis was just happy to learn this mare was well traveled and knew a large amount of the world she now inhabited. “Your world is very strange; Trixie cannot believe you have a city made of boats,” Trixie’s tone was incredulous. Occultis chuckled lightly, “I could say the same thing about Cloudsdale. Nothing controls the weather in Tyria, except maybe the occasional asuran.” A topic Trixie didn’t wish to head toward reentered her mind, she had been putting it off ever since meeting Ocultis, but she was curious. “Why do you wear that band over your eyes?” Trixie questioned. She cringed when Occultis slowed and looked toward her. However, she was met with, not a stern frown, but a warm smile. “I lost my sight defending my home, centaurs were attacking a settlement dear to me and saving it had a price. I gladly paid it so those families would survive,” Occultis had omitted the part about how the Harathi Overlord had sliced her face, destroying any further use of her sight. She had a feeling these ponys didn't respond well to violence. From what she was told, Equestria was a peaceful land, empty of strife and chaos. Trixie knew details were left out, she had told many stories herself and had an inkling of just what was absent. Nevertheless she was grateful but still wondered how Occultis could see. “How are you able to see then? Trixie has given no direction save for your destination,” Trixie questioned. She knew now that Occultis was more then she had comprehended beforehoof. The bones adorning her clothes could only mean she was more than just a traveler, and the tale of saving a settlement pushed that notion even further from the truth. Just who was she? Occultis didn’t like being prodded for answers she had given many times before but she mused; new world, old questions. She should have expected this, she had to gain Trixies trust, and in order to do that answers had to be given. She had a line of course; she wasn't an Initiate any longer. Knowing what questions to tip-toe around was a delicate art she had mastered many months ago. She was the silver tongue, and her partner was the iron fist. “Magick,” was Occultis’s answer. Trixie stared imploringly asking without words to expand on the subject. Smiling at the innocent look, Occultis continued, “I have a pet dove who is enchanted to share its sight with me. Whatever it sees, so do I.” Said dove swooped in and landed gracefully atop Occulti’s right pauldron, “Trixie, this is Archimedes.” Trixie stared at the dove, its piecing green eyes gazed right back. She supposed this made sense, but familiars only followed mages of great talent. To get one to do as she bid so easily, Occultis was either very fortunate or – “Are you a mage? Can you cast magick?” Trixie quickly asked. She knew of only two ponys in Equestria that had familiars, the Princess and her student. They were both powerful in their own rights, and if Occultis had one, she was as well. Occultis’s answer was to simply unsheathe her staff, twirl it around, and allow the black shadows of necromancy to surround her hands. Trixie gasped and backpedaled, she had never seen a non-unicorn use magick before. Occultis wore a slight smirk as she spoke, “I know a bit. Dabbled here and there, surely you know of the curiosities and complexities magick possesses. Can you command the arcane arts?” Trixie nodded, the soft azure glow reappeared beneath her hat. Occultis found her staff swallowed in the same azure sheen as the wheels on Trixie’s cart. The wooden staff was lifted from Occultis’s grasp and floated gracefully over to Trixie. She examined the odd stick, finding the tribal notches, twine, and hopefully not covered in blood red ribbons tied around the pole intriguing. What gave her pause, however, was the dark skull pushed through the tip of the staff, surrounded by a large vertical circle with sticks and sharp flint attached all around. Trixie didn’t judge many ponys for she had seen every type, but she knew something was wrong here. This stick felt, well evil, there was no other way to describe it. This gave her reason to quickly return it after coming to such a conclusion. The duo continued in there silent trek, the sun nearly setting. For her part, Occultis was saddened to see Trixie shy away from her slightly. Every step they took, Trixie would be a bit further away than the previous stomp. She supposed that in this word, dark magicks of any kind would be frowned upon, or worse, forbidden. The orange and purple view that greeted Trixie on the horizon gaze the showmare pause. Her stomach grumbled noisily, causing Occultis to snicker. “We will make camp here for the night,” Occultis’s statement brought Trixie out of her stupor and she found a soft bit of grass and laid down, the distance between the two was greater than their first meeting. Occultis’s frown deepened, “Have I offended you in some way?” Trixie felt cornered, a slight fear in her eye was visible. What had she gotten herself into? Why was she still following this dark stranger? As she thought on all the banter they had engaged in earlier, looking for a reason she had not galloped straight to Los Pegasus after making her earlier observations, she found her answer. Occultis had shown her nothing but kindness, answering her questions truthfully and willingly. Listening to her own grand tales and knowing just when to ooo and ahh. “It’s just… I have never met somepony like you before; you haven’t judged me, thrown me out of your life, or told me to never come back. I was having so much fun hearing of your land, but when I looked at that piece of wood,” Trixie trailed off, staring at the dirt floor below her. “You think I’m evil, a dark being who can only know pain and suffering?” Occultis was deeply troubled by this revelation. She was being judged, again, for choosing the path she did. Did they not know how much suffering this route caused her? How selfless she had been when the decision had been made. Yet here she was, in a land free of war. Of course Trixie wouldn’t understand, she didn't know sacrifice, or the costs of victory. She was so close to gaining an ally, her first friend in Equestira; Trixie hadn’t run off yet. She wasn’t terrified of her, only confused. She wanted to understand, and Occultis swore she would help her gain peace of mind. Trixie still gazed at the ground, not wanting to look at the person she felt betrayed by. She was so certain, so incredibly self-assured that she had made her first friend. Now this doubt that was ever growing in her head wouldn’t leave her alone. Occultis had a dark past, she was certain about that much. The strange stick gave her a feeling of dread when she stared at it, its use could be for nothing short of unkind. No, that word wasn’t right, unkind was too soft. Trixie couldn’t come to a conclusion on her own, so she braved the fear and looked up. The sun had fallen by the time Trixie had steeled herself. A small fire once again acted as her silent protector against Occultis. A small pot sat in the flames, Occultis stirring some soup within. “What did you do in your world, before you came here?” Trixies question was soft. She was tired but needed to know who her would be friend was. Occultis looked up, a small smile lined her face when she answered, “I was a protector, and I went from place to place aiding those that needed it. Near the end, I stopped a great evil from corrupting Tyria. But that is not the question you really want answered, is it?” She stopped and waited for Trixie to nod her head, then continued, “I use dark magick because no one else will. I found a way to use it for good, to aid others rather than to hurt them. I swear by The Six that I would never harm you.” Trixie’s competing emotions quieted down, Occultis had sworn by something that sounded important to her. If Occultis really did use her magick to aid, rather than to harm, then Trixie was perfectly safe. Content to wait until morning for more questions, Trixie gladly accepted the bowl of vegetable soup and sigh contently. Maybe going back to Ponyville with a new friend wasn’t such a bad idea afterall.
Cathedral of SilenceThe Ruins of Orr, they called it, a bleak decayed wasteland for the Risen to conquer and thrive. An unnatural mist permeated the landscape, obscuring your vision should you try to look further then necessary. Different shades of browns, greys, and greens colored the earth and structures that survived the unholy Cataclysm that occurred so long ago. Unnatural growths, normally found on the beds of the oceans, covered this sickly continent. Only one known entity could inhabit such a place, the Risen. Commanded by their leader Zhaitan, they set out to destroy all of Tyria. Many answered the call for heroes to stand against this threat, and an innumerable of those that responded didn’t leave Orr after treading on its soil. After the death of Zhaitan, there was one soul who stayed behind of their own volition. One human could be seen striding through Orr’s desolate wilds. She had purpose in her steps, an unrelenting will to complete the unknown task before her. Occultis was her name, not her real name mind you, but the name she would only answer to. The garments she wore would tell passerby she was an explorer. The staff strapped to her back would show her abilities as a mage. The one thing that would give others pause was the cloth tied around her head that covered her eyes. Occultis was blind, but she always seemed to know where she was going, who was speaking, and how to get past any obstacle. Some thought her magical talents simply allowed her to see without sight. They were right, for a white dove perched atop her right pauldron, green eyes scanning everything. Some thought the dove to be a pet, but pets usually had a pulse. This dove was special, connected to Occultis by a mental link she created upon its resurrection and able to see through his eyes. The second thing others would notice would cause unease. Bones, her rough clothes were covered in them. From the human skulls on each shoulder, the fingers interwoven along her sleeves, and the raven skull attached to her long leggings, at the hip. Her green hued attire would cause many to backpedal from their previous approach when they finally identified her as a necromancer. Yes, a necromancer, raiser of the dead and spreader of plagues. Those that knew of her, however, would see no reason to flee. This heroine had ended the corruption in Orr and slew the Elder Dragon Zhaitan a scant few weeks ago. So why was she still in Orr after all those that had aided in her task left? Orr was home to the Six Human Gods, each worshipped by the human race. Temples were built, statues were carved, but all was corrupted after Zhaitan rose. Occultis was a follower of Grenth, the human god of darkness, ice, and death. She owed Grenth a debt that could never be repaid, so she would spend the rest of her existence serving him. That is what brought her to the decayed temple that stood before her. A large statue of Grenth marked the entrance, the monolith sized one atop the temple marked its location in Orr. Thunder boomed, lightning crashed, and rain poured heavily as Occultis entered the small valley that signified the entrance and strode along the raising terrain, using uncovered steps where they were uncovered by sickly mud. Large putrid green and ghastly blue colored pillars rose on either side, many broken only a third along their height. The large archway and rotten wooden doors signified the passageway into the Cathedral of Silence. Empty spaces lined the walls, signifying room used by coffins of old and distant dead. The hallway quickly opened up into a once grand space, but nothing seen within could convince anyone but Occultis of its exalted status. Coffins littered the room, broken and missing their charges. Plants from the sea lay rotted along the cerulean colored floor, and light poured in from a hole in the ceiling. The stench of death and decay made all of these observations irrelevant as most observers would now be facing the floor and losing their previously consumed rations. Occultis didn’t bat an eye or twitch her nose as she advanced down the hall toward her prize. At the end of this hall, was a dimly lit room, same as the others except for two features. A damaged statue of Grenth lay at the back, chipped and broken along the rear wall. Its pieces that had fallen off were bathed in a light that any would be stunned by. This was not some light that simply came down and brightened the darkness, but a light that proved something, or someone, was watching this room. Slowing her stride, Occultis bathed in this light for but a moment, feeling Grenth’s icy touch. Approaching the broken statue, she knelt before it and offered a silent prayer to her god, wishing for guidance and an explanation for why she was still needed in Orr. She knew not why Grenth wished her to stay when all others had left. Even those that had once studied this place had come up with reasons to move on. The necromancer wanted to leave, move on to the next challenge. There were still dragons that corrupted her home. Her friends needed her help, they wouldn’t have made it ten paces into Orr without her ‘reinforcements.’ Circumstances, however, had led her to stay put. Being told by your savior to not leave was reason enough she had to bade her friends goodbye. A sickly green smoke began to rise in front of the stone god. Occultis’s eyes snapped open as she felt the chill enter the room. She had felt this before, when she had called for Grenth’s aid before the death of Zhaitan. An Avatar of Grenth, the God’s way of speaking with his followers, stood several feet above her. The Reaper’s head was a humanoid skull with three horns of varying length sprouting on each side. Its skin was a ghastly green with dark splotches abound. The eye sockets where filled with an endless void of white, and the same be described for its open mouth. Its green chest was bare except for the thin black cloth that draped from shoulder to shoulder. Dark gauntlets covered its hands and nothing could be seen below its waist but the billowing smoke permeating around it. Occultis sunk deeper onto her knees, her black hair flowing past her neck and touching the floor. “Rise, Occultis. Grenth has need of you,” spoke the Seventh Reaper of Grenth. Her reply was instant, her voice betraying the chill she felt in her very core, “I am Grenth’s most loyal servant, speak His will and it shall be done!” The Reaper replied, “Grenth knows your plight against the Elder Dragons. When they rampaged last, they could not be slain and all suffered under them. The death of one of them proves you are able to end the torment they cause The Six’s followers.” “If that is true, then why does Grenth stay my staff? Why must I remain here when the one who haunted here is no more?” Occultis’s rebuttal was swift, forgetting momentarily just who she was speaking to. Had the Avatar noticed, it didn’t seem to mind the outburst. Speaking commandingly, “Grenth knows your plight and aims to prevent you from a fool’s errand. Your comrades seek the Elder Dragon Jormag, they will not find him. This plane of existence is no longer his home.” Occultis let this snippet of information seep in, churning her mind to make sense of it. She knew there were other planes the Six used; Grenth inhabited the Underworld while Balthazar commanded from the Fissure of Woe, their own realms of existence and homes for the most devout of followers. Surely they could keep an Elder Dragon from invading their own homes. She deduced that other planes not in their control must exist. Standing straight, Occultis addressed the Reaper, “Take me to this plane, the inhabitants must be warned and Jormag must be stopped. The north is lost to us because of his malice. I will not allow his corruption to spread any further!” “That was Grenth’s plan; you shall act as Tyria’s ambassador and save this innocent world,” The Reaper of Grenth’s statement was quick and had no room for argument. The Necromancers reply was instant, “I am ready.” No more words were spoken for they were no longer needed. The aspect inclined its head in response then swiftly raised its arms. A black billowing smoke seeped out of the cracks in the floor. It rose and swirled, looking for purpose. One arm of the Reaper’s feel, the hand of the other arm remained aloft. Its handed pointed at Occultis, the smoke obeyed its master and twirled around her, slowly engulfing the women. Her vision blurred, her cold heart jumped in her chest, and she blinked. Occultis found herself surrounded by tall trees. The scents of life and the sight of browning leaves permeating her vision. Occultis took all this in quickly, she couldn't dally, she needed to act. Continuing to scan the landscape, she took note of all the bright colors. “Reminds me of The Heartwoods in Queensdale,” Occultis muttered under her breath. With no clear path, she nudged her dove. “Archimedes,” the woman spoke, “Could you go and take a look up above?” Archimedes turned his gaze to Occultis, cooed softly, and nodded before taking flight. What Occultis saw impressed her. To the south-west a large city could be seen, large towers of glass and metal reached for the sky as if trying to mimic the very mountains that the city was built in front of. Large white letters were visible along mountain’s range. “A P P L E W O O D?” The necromancer questioned to herself, “What strange letters, I wonder what they mean?” As the dove’s view changed toward the North-East, a small village was slightly visible. She could make out several cottages, but not much else. Calling Archimedes back, Occultis decided the small village would be a better start to her journey. She needed to get a foothold in this world, find allies, and gather intelligence. Fortunately, being a Lightbringer in the Order of Whispers made her highly trained for these sorts of activities. Occultis took off like a spring, bobbing and weaving between trees, not a sound was heard of her approach. Hours passed and yet there was no sign of the forest waning. Leaves fell where the Necromancer had once been, the only trail she allowed. A sudden crack filled the air, causing Occultis to stop her movements. She hadn’t made that noise, Tybalt Leftpaw had snuffed that fault out of her very early in her training. The sound of wheels turning and the squeaks of a traveling cart slowly came into focus. Occultis wasn’t alone, and she intended to make first contact as subtly as possible. Using Archimedes to scout the cart, she discovered an azure colored pony. She thought it was too small to be a horse, seemingly only reaching up to her midsection. What she thought was odd was how it wore two articles of clothing, a purple hat and cape adorned with colored stars, while the cart’s wheels were covered in an azure colored substance, seemingly turning on their own. Sadness and shame radiated off the equine, her head bowed and eyes glazed over in deep self-ridicule. Occultis noticed she was heading in the direction she had just come from, apparently leaving the small village that was her goal. Deciding to reveal herself, Occultis stepped on a large twig nearby to gain the pony’s attention. As expected, the sharp noise brought the azure pony out of her daze. It whipped its head left, then right, scanning the area surrounding her. When it cautiously turned around, its gaze locked onto the figure stepping out of the shadows of a tree. “Hello there,” the woman stated simply. The pony jumped, pupils dilated slightly, took a larger breath then what would be considered normal, and something glowed slightly within the creature’s hat. Seeing the creatures growing distress, the human slowly raised her hands, showing herself unarmed and not willing to cause harm. “I don’t aim to harm you, only to communicate with you,” Occultis stated simply. She knew this was a gamble, equines didn’t speak in Tyria, but they also didn’t show such emotions and wear clothing. The pony visibly relaxed slightly. Its breathing eased but that glow still continued beneath its hat. “Wha- what are you? Wh- Who are you?” stammered the azure pony. Occultis was surprised it spoke in Common, but gestured to herself and responded, “I am Occultis, I hail from the land known as Tyria, and I am of the human race,” she then nodded toward the pony, “and who are you?” Its stance grew more serious, the creatures face became slightly radiant and a smile spread across its muzzle, “You stand before the Great and Powerful Triiiiixieeee!” Author's Note If anything is amiss, please let me know and I will fix it to the best of my ability.
Whitetail WoodsIn that instance, pride was the dominate emotion spreading from ‘the great and powerful’ Trixie. It shown in her eyes and the way she posed, truly believing the words she spoke for that instant. However, that pride quickly transformed into shame and sadness. Her shoulders visibly drooped and her stance became less certain. “Or at least, Trixie was the great and powerful,” her reply was low and hoarse. Deciding that this situation required more tact and poise, Occultis set about creating a small camp. Using the small clearing they already occupied, a small fire lined with smooth rounded rocks was put together. Already taking off her pack and sitting on the soft soil, Occultis bade for Trixie to join her. Trixie cautiously joined her, sitting opposite to the human, the flame acting as a guardian for her. Occultis spent the next several moments empting her pack of supplies she prepared so long ago in the Straits of Devastation. “Does oatmeal sound appealing?” questioned Occultis. “Trixie will take what you offer, but she also has several questions. It is not every day you meet some new species,” was Trixie’s response. Occultis was taking things in stride; meeting a mare with such an amount of self-doubt was not a good start, but perhaps she could learn quite a bit from her. Getting to work preparing their lunch, Occultis formulated her reply, “Ask your question but I wish to ask one in return.” Trixie stiffened slightly, “Where is Tyria, and what can you tell me about it? I have never heard of such a land.” Occultis smiled softly, “That was two questions.” Trixie deflated slightly, thinking the probe for information would now go unanswered. Occultis ignored her and continued, “It is far from here, even with magical sight you still would be unable to see it. Tyria is a continent with dense jungles of the Maguuma, high mountains of the Shiverpeaks, forests of the Blood Legion and Ascalon, and the sandy Crystal Desert. Throughout the ages, the continent has changed. From seas turning into deserts, the sinking of grand kingdoms and the scorching of lands, with flooded cities, and deserts turned green.” The gears in Trixie’s mind could easily be seen churning away, processing all this information. She was a showmare herself and knew when performances were just tricks and lies to the audience. However, this news from Occultis had her somewhat giddy. A new world, new stories to learn and new audiences to watch her wonderful shows! Trixie became determined to learn more about this stranger. Trixie’s train of thought was cut off by a soft cough from Occultis, “I believe it is my turn to ask a question?” Trixie simply nodded in consent. The question, however, was not something she wished to answer. “Why are you sad?” Those dreaded four words brought back her experiences from the previous day. Claiming the town of Ponyville as her own and defeating her rival in a magical duel. She had lost herself, unable to accept that somepony was stronger than her in magic. So she had plotted and found an ancient artifact that would enhance her magical potential, unaware of the fact it was slowly breaking her mind. Trixie’s response was slow and drawn out, seemingly unwilling to let the words leave her mouth, “Trixie made a mistake and lost herself to her own desires. Once word spreads of the dark deeds Trixie committed, no city will ever allow her in. All she wanted was to be stronger! More powerful than any other unicorn! Then Trixie found that accursed amulet and thought she could control it. How silly of the Great and Powerful Trixie to not believe otherwise!” She needed to let that out, it had been building inside of her since last night; causing nothing but more self-pity and grief at her failure. The smell of burning oatmeal reached the two’s noses and Occultis quickly took the pot off the flame. Pulling two smaller wooden bowls out of her pack; she poured an equal measure into both, passing one to Trixie. Seeing such a large quantity of items coming from such a small bag, Trixie couldn't help but ask her next question, “How does such a small bag hold so many items?” Chuckling, Occultis took a small bite of her oakmeal, motioning for Trixie to follow suit. As she swallowed Occultis answered simply, “Asuran magicks. They can be very convoluted sometimes but often enough they come up with useful items. This bag simply has more room on the inside.” Trixie had never heard of such a spell, she would have trashed her beaten up cart ages ago if she had access to those bags. Deciding to finish their game of Q & A, Occultis pointed in the direction she was headed and asked her final question, “Where am I headed?” Trixie turned her head to follow Occultis’s finger. Seeing it was pointed to the trail her cart had left behind, her face twisted into a smirk, “Why further into the Whitetail Woods. It would be unwise to travel any further in that direction, for you will find nothing worth your time.” Trixie believed she was doing the right thing. Occultis was new to Equestria and Trixie didn’t want the human’s view of her home shattered by the unaccepting nature of those ponys. Occultis frowned but said nothing. She could tell Trixie believed those words, but felt anger and fear when they were spoken. Finishing their oatmeal, Occultis formulated her plan of action. “I will be heading toward Ponyville and I would greatly appreciate it if you were to join me,” Occultis stated. She began to pack her bowls and pot, snuffed out the fire, and started to walk slowly in the direction Trixie had come from. Trixie was at a lose, she wanted to learn of the land Occultis was from and hear tales of her travels. This opportunity could save her career! On the other hoof, she would have to get closer to that wretched town. The inner battle for safety or adventure ended abruptly when Occultis became just out of sight. Throwing caution to the wind, Trixie tore after Occultis, cursing under her breath, as she tried to catch up and drag her damaged cart back to Ponyville.
Whitetail Woods - 2The Whitetail Woods were unyielding to the pair of travelers. Walking for the remainder of the day the two had chatted idly about their homes. Lions Arch and Canterlot, Divinity’s Reach and Manehatten, Rata Sum and Las Pegasus, the Black Citadel and Cloudsdale, Hoelbrak and Apploeloosa, and finally the Grove and Fillydelphia. Trixie was astonished by the complexity and size of the cities Occultis described. For her part, Occultis was just happy to learn this mare was well traveled and knew a large amount of the world she now inhabited. “Your world is very strange; Trixie cannot believe you have a city made of boats,” Trixie’s tone was incredulous. Occultis chuckled lightly, “I could say the same thing about Cloudsdale. Nothing controls the weather in Tyria, except maybe the occasional asuran.” A topic Trixie didn’t wish to head toward reentered her mind, she had been putting it off ever since meeting Ocultis, but she was curious. “Why do you wear that band over your eyes?” Trixie questioned. She cringed when Occultis slowed and looked toward her. However, she was met with, not a stern frown, but a warm smile. “I lost my sight defending my home, centaurs were attacking a settlement dear to me and saving it had a price. I gladly paid it so those families would survive,” Occultis had omitted the part about how the Harathi Overlord had sliced her face, destroying any further use of her sight. She had a feeling these ponys didn't respond well to violence. From what she was told, Equestria was a peaceful land, empty of strife and chaos. Trixie knew details were left out, she had told many stories herself and had an inkling of just what was absent. Nevertheless she was grateful but still wondered how Occultis could see. “How are you able to see then? Trixie has given no direction save for your destination,” Trixie questioned. She knew now that Occultis was more then she had comprehended beforehoof. The bones adorning her clothes could only mean she was more than just a traveler, and the tale of saving a settlement pushed that notion even further from the truth. Just who was she? Occultis didn’t like being prodded for answers she had given many times before but she mused; new world, old questions. She should have expected this, she had to gain Trixies trust, and in order to do that answers had to be given. She had a line of course; she wasn't an Initiate any longer. Knowing what questions to tip-toe around was a delicate art she had mastered many months ago. She was the silver tongue, and her partner was the iron fist. “Magick,” was Occultis’s answer. Trixie stared imploringly asking without words to expand on the subject. Smiling at the innocent look, Occultis continued, “I have a pet dove who is enchanted to share its sight with me. Whatever it sees, so do I.” Said dove swooped in and landed gracefully atop Occulti’s right pauldron, “Trixie, this is Archimedes.” Trixie stared at the dove, its piecing green eyes gazed right back. She supposed this made sense, but familiars only followed mages of great talent. To get one to do as she bid so easily, Occultis was either very fortunate or – “Are you a mage? Can you cast magick?” Trixie quickly asked. She knew of only two ponys in Equestria that had familiars, the Princess and her student. They were both powerful in their own rights, and if Occultis had one, she was as well. Occultis’s answer was to simply unsheathe her staff, twirl it around, and allow the black shadows of necromancy to surround her hands. Trixie gasped and backpedaled, she had never seen a non-unicorn use magick before. Occultis wore a slight smirk as she spoke, “I know a bit. Dabbled here and there, surely you know of the curiosities and complexities magick possesses. Can you command the arcane arts?” Trixie nodded, the soft azure glow reappeared beneath her hat. Occultis found her staff swallowed in the same azure sheen as the wheels on Trixie’s cart. The wooden staff was lifted from Occultis’s grasp and floated gracefully over to Trixie. She examined the odd stick, finding the tribal notches, twine, and hopefully not covered in blood red ribbons tied around the pole intriguing. What gave her pause, however, was the dark skull pushed through the tip of the staff, surrounded by a large vertical circle with sticks and sharp flint attached all around. Trixie didn’t judge many ponys for she had seen every type, but she knew something was wrong here. This stick felt, well evil, there was no other way to describe it. This gave her reason to quickly return it after coming to such a conclusion. The duo continued in there silent trek, the sun nearly setting. For her part, Occultis was saddened to see Trixie shy away from her slightly. Every step they took, Trixie would be a bit further away than the previous stomp. She supposed that in this word, dark magicks of any kind would be frowned upon, or worse, forbidden. The orange and purple view that greeted Trixie on the horizon gaze the showmare pause. Her stomach grumbled noisily, causing Occultis to snicker. “We will make camp here for the night,” Occultis’s statement brought Trixie out of her stupor and she found a soft bit of grass and laid down, the distance between the two was greater than their first meeting. Occultis’s frown deepened, “Have I offended you in some way?” Trixie felt cornered, a slight fear in her eye was visible. What had she gotten herself into? Why was she still following this dark stranger? As she thought on all the banter they had engaged in earlier, looking for a reason she had not galloped straight to Los Pegasus after making her earlier observations, she found her answer. Occultis had shown her nothing but kindness, answering her questions truthfully and willingly. Listening to her own grand tales and knowing just when to ooo and ahh. “It’s just… I have never met somepony like you before; you haven’t judged me, thrown me out of your life, or told me to never come back. I was having so much fun hearing of your land, but when I looked at that piece of wood,” Trixie trailed off, staring at the dirt floor below her. “You think I’m evil, a dark being who can only know pain and suffering?” Occultis was deeply troubled by this revelation. She was being judged, again, for choosing the path she did. Did they not know how much suffering this route caused her? How selfless she had been when the decision had been made. Yet here she was, in a land free of war. Of course Trixie wouldn’t understand, she didn't know sacrifice, or the costs of victory. She was so close to gaining an ally, her first friend in Equestira; Trixie hadn’t run off yet. She wasn’t terrified of her, only confused. She wanted to understand, and Occultis swore she would help her gain peace of mind. Trixie still gazed at the ground, not wanting to look at the person she felt betrayed by. She was so certain, so incredibly self-assured that she had made her first friend. Now this doubt that was ever growing in her head wouldn’t leave her alone. Occultis had a dark past, she was certain about that much. The strange stick gave her a feeling of dread when she stared at it, its use could be for nothing short of unkind. No, that word wasn’t right, unkind was too soft. Trixie couldn’t come to a conclusion on her own, so she braved the fear and looked up. The sun had fallen by the time Trixie had steeled herself. A small fire once again acted as her silent protector against Occultis. A small pot sat in the flames, Occultis stirring some soup within. “What did you do in your world, before you came here?” Trixies question was soft. She was tired but needed to know who her would be friend was. Occultis looked up, a small smile lined her face when she answered, “I was a protector, and I went from place to place aiding those that needed it. Near the end, I stopped a great evil from corrupting Tyria. But that is not the question you really want answered, is it?” She stopped and waited for Trixie to nod her head, then continued, “I use dark magick because no one else will. I found a way to use it for good, to aid others rather than to hurt them. I swear by The Six that I would never harm you.” Trixie’s competing emotions quieted down, Occultis had sworn by something that sounded important to her. If Occultis really did use her magick to aid, rather than to harm, then Trixie was perfectly safe. Content to wait until morning for more questions, Trixie gladly accepted the bowl of vegetable soup and sigh contently. Maybe going back to Ponyville with a new friend wasn’t such a bad idea afterall.
