The creature's chest slowly expanded and contracted as he breathed. It's small body lied curled up in front of the roaring fire of the fireplace. Orange flames danced alone the burning logs in a display of primitive energy and gentle warmth. The timber logs crackled and snapped under the heat, rousing the small creature from winter's paralyzingly grasp.

Gradually, it's eyes opened, revealing a pair of yellow irises. The inferno in front of his face was still a blur of orange and red but eventually came into focus. Lifelessly he stared into it with a blank mind but with his vision restored his mind soon followed.

"I have awoken."

After the rather short sentence it's mind conjured there was nothing, it remained void of any thoughts as if hollow. It simply stared into the hot coals of the fire, watching motionlessly as they glowed. It was waiting for something.

After a few minutes of waiting and absorbing the heat of the fire several things came to it's mind.

The first, it remembered that he was in a cave while he slept, not in some wood construct. Second, he had not heard a peep from his more rowdy brothers, which was quite odd. The third and last thought was one that brought the reptile into full alert. He was most defiantly far from where he was supposed to be.

With one ballistic motion, he was back on his feet. His fin flared, presenting a translucent sunset orange surface. He brought his teeth to bare as he hissed and scoured his new surroundings for any form of threat. He rotated his body 180 degrees at a time, unwavering in his resolve to seek out threats. Everything about where he was was alien and thus, in his mind, a potential threat.

Although in full alert, it's more creative tenancies surface in his mind as he analyzed the room. As he found the floor he stood on was made of wood planks arranged in uneven patterns running in one direction, It cocked it's head in confusion. Why would anyone choose to built with something so inferior as wood when they could use strong stone? Wood was by far weaker and had the disadvantages of being flammable, to built a construction with it as a base would be foolish.

Shaking his head at the poor choice for the floor he set his eyes to the walls and support beams. As he did so what could be translated as a frown crossed his face. They were made of wood. He found himself further disappointed by the strange structure and nearly hissed out of anger when he looked up.

"By the knowledge of the Old Ones! who builds only using wood?!"

It was then another log crackled behind him reminding him that there was a fire behind him. His blue body leaped forward from it, thinking that the building was already set a flame. To his relief the fire was contained within a stone frame and was unlikely to spread.

"It seems one thing was done correctly."

Realizing he was not in immediate danger of burning to death, at least not yet (he still had little confidence in the structure.), he observed the rest of the chamber. There some curious 'pieces' laid around the room that he had no names for, or any idea of purpose. He did however find something to catch his reptilian eyes. He slowly moved over to a wall decorated by dozens of small squares and rectangles. They all contained icons of some rather uninteresting warm blooded animals. What he found so interesting about them was how accurate they were. The creatures transcribed inside the frames looked as they would in the flesh.

"I wonder what strange magic could accomplish such a feat?" He thought, impressed. "Something like thi would have a place among us, perhaps even in Great Plan."

Unease tugging at the awed lizard brought him back to reality. He forcefully dismissed the impressively realistic picture and cautiously carried on. Slowly but surely he sneaked over to one of the other sources of light in the room. One of the circles embedded in the wooden walls. However he was soon reminded of his species disadvantage. He was a Skink and unlike his more powerful Saurus brethren, he lacked their height and physical prowess on the battlefield. He starred up at the circle,wishing he was just an inch taller, then he would at least be the minimal height required to set his eyes above the ledge.

However vexing it was to have his height mock him again, he kept his mind at the task at hand. Skinks were always revered as the back bone of Lizardmen society, often the brains behind every construction project, crafted item and military operation.

To add to his confidence, he was no ordinary Skink. Although all the symbols of his authority were gone he was still powerful. With a crackle of magical energy, and a flash of light in his eyes, several assorted items lifted off the ground. It was seconds later that they formed into a small set of steps at his feet.

Confidently, he took the first step up and the source of his interest came into view, and much to his surprise, he saw his way out. The forest was a welcoming sight for the priest but he could not help but feel it was different, but that would be a thought for later, for now he needed to reach it's concealing canopy if he wanted any chance of survival. From there he would find his brothers and figure out what exactly was going on.

Still weakened by his recent awakening he crawled into the cut in ledge. His body's weakness would have brought him back to the floor if the wood was not soft enough for his claws to dig in. This was the first time he was thankful for the wooden structure.

Moments later he was crouched within the restricting frame. His freedom was just a short drop and a quick sprint away at that point, had he not immediately connected his face with an insensible barrier.

Surprised and miffed that his escape was being hampered further, he back away as far that the ledge would allow, which was not much. He starred into the space inches from his nose, the space was empty but he did notice a strange glare. With a cautious and calculative motion he pressed one claw against the barrier.

With a high pitched clink his claw sounded as contact was established.

"I have underestimated this structures creators," He thought, retracting his claw. "but I grow tired of these obstructions."

His eyes flashed again and the barrier shattered under the immense force imposed upon it. Having grown impatient, or just in the heat of the moment, the small blue reptile dived outside so that he may make haste to his brothers. With any luck they would be close by.

The Skink Priest hit the ground after a shower of transparent material and took his first step forward.

Well that is what he wanted to do but instead he fell to his knees. The crisp cold air easily pierced his scaly hide, stealing his motor control from him. Winter, although gone to the eye, was still present in the air. He had been too rash and was now paying the price.

His body crumbled and curled into a ball against all this commands and protests. Seconds latter he lost all feeling of his limbs as his body began to shut down. He fought to keep his eyes open, but even that was futile. His eyes fluttered and his vision blurred, signaling that his time among the waking world was almost up. The last thing he saw was a large brown blur slowly trudging towards him.

He had his doubts he would awaken ever again.

After waving at their proud Mailmare, Twilight followed her friend to the door. She had a brilliant smile upon her face after seeing Ditzy so happy and she only grew more excited about this creature Fluttershy spoke of.

A reptile was by far the most alien thing to be roaming under these weather conditions and the way her friend described it's appearance was certainly strange. To have a fin atop it's head would imply a more aquatic life style. To be out of the water, during winter no less, just made no sense. Nevertheless Twilight was determined to find the answers. It was in her nature as a scholar.

"Please come in Twilight." The Butter pegasus beckoned.

Twilight followed her friend into the welcoming home with a scattered mind. Thoughts racing with the possibility of wonder of the creature she would soon meet. However as Fluttershy closed the door behind her Twilight's mind picked up on something strange, something magical.

Twilight's ears perked up at the strange sensation. "What is magic residue doing here?"

Twilight only briefly pondered the out of place magic. Her thoughts where effectively and Fluttershy gasped sharply.

"My window's broken!" She shrieked, rushing over to it.

Twilight followed, clearly displaying her shock. The window was indeed broken. Glass scattered on the floor and window still like small mirrors glittering in what light was present. Fluttershy opted to use her wings while Twilight cautiously avoided stepping on the sharp objects.

Fluttershy reached the window first and gasp once again at a small stain. It was small but what was concerning was the color. Dried and red with a faint smell of iron. Twilight grimaced as she recognized the stain as blood.

"Oh no!" Fluttershy screamed again. "He's gone!"

A ways out of Ponyville a brown bear trudged through the sludge of the Everfree. Partially melted snow compressed under the great creatures weight as he went along. The bear's name was dull claw but he was known to be called 'Beary The Bear' thanks to a certain pink maned pegasus.

He had left the warmth of Fluttershy's cottage about an two hours ago setting out for a destination unknown to him. All he had to go on was the directions of a small drowsy lizard, currently blanketed, on his back. Whenever Beary was in need of directions, or if the reptile decided he was going the wrong way, a feeble squawk would sound and a sickly clawed appendage would protrude from the blanket, pointing in the appropriate direction.

Under normal circumstances. Beary would not take orders from anyone except Fluttershy. He would simply lounge about her cottage, eat fish, sleep and do absolutely nothing. When Beary watched the creature awaken from outside a window he quickly grew uninterested in it. It was small, weak and drowsy from it's hibernation. Something he should have been doing at that very moment. With the reminder he had planned to get some more shut I but the reptile had other plans.

Hours earlier

Beary was about to tuck himself in for a nice nap between his favorite tree and bush when he heard glass shatter. Being the natural protector of the estate he marched towards the disturbance. The sound came from the far side of the house and he was forced to grumpily walk around. He was not too surprised when he rounded the corner to find a small blue lizard curled up on the cold ground. With a sigh he reluctantly set out for the shed.

He quickly rummaged through the shed's dusty interior in search of a rug or cloth to shield the creature from the cold. He never realized how many pointy tools Fluttershy owned until he opened the door. She owned several shovels of different shapes and sizes, axes, pickaxes, rakes, weeding hoes and the list just went on and on. To top it off many where loose or unsecured and the smallest disturbance would bury a pony in a grave of gardening tools. It was no wonder she kept others away from the death trap.

Thankfully Beary spotted what he was looking for near the entrance. With little difficulty he retrieved a small square blanked of mismatched patches of fabric. It looked old and was far from anything one would buy nowadays but it would suffice. Besides he doubted the lizard had something as useless as a fashion sense.

When Beary returned the blue lizard was still where he had left it, which was to be expected, but still was a relief just the same. As gently as he could he lifted the frail reptile, encased in the blanket, onto his back. Once the small reptile was secured he set out for his favorite spot. He would get Fluttershy to let him in when she returned.

At last Beary let out a long yawn as he laid in this favorite spot. He lowered himself to the ground and prepared to drift off into the realm of dreams. His consciousness was quickly slipping away and his muscles relaxing he would soon be asleep.

Small wisps of wind pushed against his body creating s tiny wave effect with his fur. The sensation was soothing and very much welcome. The way the air rustled the leafless tree produced a pleasing groan and tick when bark met bark. The even tempo rolled through the air, calming his nerves. To his right the bush made it's own unique sound with the wind. With tightly clustered branches it sounded much like the pitter patter of a rain. Rapid and quite, setting his mind to ease. Beary could feel himself melting away in the wonderfully serene moment. The sun's rays warmed his fur to the touch with it's delightful light.

Unable to take it any long he drifted into sleep.

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"HISSSS!"

Beary's eyes shot wide open as he howled in surprise to the feeling of several small strikes on his back. The Lizard repeatedly dug his sharp claws into his thick coat, showing no real results of damage. In response to the ineffective strikes Beary reared up onto his hind legs in an attempt to dislodge his attacker.

After a few more slashes the assailant launched himself into the air, taking the blanked with him. Beary did not even bare his fangs before the humorously cloaked lizard took off at a break neck speed. The blur of color disappeared into the partially leafless brush of the unnatural Everfree forest.

Slightly confused and startled, Beary continued to stare at the place the lizard ran into.

"I have to go get him, don't I?"

Lizardmen Lore

Species: Skinks

Shorter and leaner than Saurus, Skinks are less physically strong their cousins, but make up for it with their higher amount ability to understand abstract concepts, and perform complex tasks. Though completely loyal to the Slann, the Skinks often act independently of them, directing the other Lizardmen to ensure to smooth everyday running of life in the temple-city, deferring to the Saurus only in times of war.

Like other Lizardmen, a Skink's skin is of a blueish tone, though not as scaly and thick as that of a Kroxigor or Saurus. Skink's buggish eyes, rows of razor sharp teeth, and large, fleshy extendable crest on the top of it's head make it an unnerving foe to face. However the primary purpose of the crest is to enhance communication, and subtle movements and hue changes allow the Skinks to easily communicate silently before attacking an unaware enemy, or issue complex instructions to another.

Naturally aquatic creatures, Skinks make up for their lack of resilience by being equally at home in the water or on land. Able to stay underwater for large periods of time, and being excellent swimmers has led to an affinity with the Kroxigors, who despite their large size are similarly at home in the swamps and rivers of the Lizardmen. The two often fight in mixed units - the smaller Skinks acting as a screen for their larger and less intelligent allies.

Despite their status as artisans - not warriors; in times of war Skinks form up in regiments and skirmishing units beside Kroxigors and stalwart Saurus infantry to defend the temple cities. Though substantially more skittish (despite being cold blooded) than Saurus, Skinks are much more versatile and have learnt to tame the beasts of the jungle and to direct them in battle against the foes of the Lizardmen. Thus it is the Skinks who ride giant Stegadons, and form flying Terradon Raider units to harass the enemy from the air. Skinks also prod packs of the vicious Salamanders and Razordons into their foe.

Author's Note

Well that's the second chapter hope you all enjoyed. After some time left to think and input from the comments thus far I agree that It would be a shame if the story went down the dark path, that Warhammer fics normally tread. So I decided to change some of my ideas to stay out of that rut. However to escape the inevitable I am afraid I need to dive head first into the dark if I am to ever see the light. You all can expect the story to get much darker in the near future, but fear not! It will get better.

Now with that out of the way I would like to say I NEED an editor/Prof-reader. I simply just need help with my writing, spelling and grammar. If anyone would be interested please sent me a message. Lastly I am still open to suggestions to a name change because anything I thought of until now was... Less then ideal.

Hope you all will stay tuned for more!