A Journey Through Ice And Fire

Chapters

Notes about the story. Not a chapter!
Chapter 2: Dovawho?
Chapter 3: Orcish hospitality
Chapter 4: A Night Of Gold And Crimson
Chapter 5: You've Got Mail
Chapter 7: Life Choices
Chapter 1: Raiding the Bandits
Chapter 6: Unveiling the truth

Notes about the story. Not a chapter!

The following is not a part of the story, as said in the title, so you are not obliged to read it, but it has a few pointers and warnings regarding the story, which you might want to make note of. Again I repeat, reading this is completely in your choice to do, I simply recomend doint it.

Okay, I belive you guys have got by now, but if someone hasn't picked up what I've put down, basically the Dragonborn in the fic is the level 121 Nord I made after I first brought this fic down, because I needed to get a better feel for writing about a nord, by playing one. I'm doing this to clarify some things, which I might miss to say as the story goes, but are not esential to the plot(so don't worry, you will not have your fun spoiled), to avoid future confusion.

Gear:

Weaponry:

So, kicking off the list of things I wish to bring to light is the guy's gear, first of which - the weapons he has.

He is in possesion of the entire gear I have ingame(most of which custom made by me). That includes: Bow of Blazing Winter - Dragonbone bow, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with fire and frost damage; Dragonbone Arrows; Inferno Soul Eater - Dragonbone Greatsword, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with fire damage and soul capture(that's the two handed sword you read him use in the first chapter, mighty useful for filling up soul gems); Shocking Chill - Dragonbone Greatsword, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with frost and lightning damage; Sword of Blazing Winter - Dragonbone sword, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with fire and frost damage; Flaming Spark - Dragonbone sword, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with fire and lightning damage.

Armor:

Next we have the armor you saw him in.

Dragonscale Chestplate, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with +% health and stamina regen; Dragonscale Gauntlets, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with +% more damage with one and two handed weapons; Dragonscale Boots, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with +% frost and lightning resist; Ring of Revival(+much% health regen); Necklace of Firewalker(+much% fire resist); The Jagged Crown, upgraded to legendary on the grindstone, and double enchanted with +% more damage with bows and +% magica regen;

There are also other items in his possesion, but how he got them will be explained later on in the story. The same goes for The Jagged Crown.

Skills:

Maxed out: Light Armor, Lock Picking, Marksmanship, Smithing, Enchanting, One-Handed, Two-Handed, Destruction and Restoration skill trees. Master Level spells of the last two learned.

Quest chains:

Complete:

Thieves' Guild, Mages' College, Dark Brotherhood, Companions, Dawn Guard, A Daedra's Best Friend, Azura's Starr, A Night To Remember, the one where you save a girl for the priestesses in the temple of Dibela, the ones where you interact with the Daedric princes' Malakath, Dagon, the chick that gives you Dawnbringer, Hearcine and the crazy guy.

In progress:

Main Story, Imperial Legion.

Will be done during the story:

Dragonborn full DLC walkthrough.

As you can see, a lot of stuff will be happening, so you have a choice. Go through them, before they come out, so you avoid spoilers through your play of the game. Or, you can sit back and wait for them to be told as a story to you.

In any case I am obliged to say, prepare yourself for A LOT of game spoilers, but if you have already gone through the stuff, then you will get pleasant re-visits from familiar, loved or hated, characters from those chains.

NOTE:

The story begins around the end of the first third of the Main Story quest chain, in the time your invitation for the Thalmor Party is arranged.

That's all I had to say. Thank you for going through this. I hope you enjoy the rest of the fic that is to come. Have a good one~!

Chapter 2: Dovawho?

A Journey Through Ice and Fire

Chapter 2: Dovawho?

His introduction left them all staring at him with confused expressions. There was a brief awkward silence, which Applejack broke.

"Dovawho now?"

"Apologies, but dusk if falling." He spoke, putting on his helmet. "If you wish to partake in conversation it will be after I light us a fire for the night." He finished, walking over to a beheaded bandit and taking his single-handed axe.

He proceeded back to the wooden construction and began chopping it to pieces. The "ponies" and dragon still bore expressions of confusion as they watched him. Rainbow Dash leaned to her right, whispering to AJ.

"What's with the old fancy talk? He sounds like Princess Luna."

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity, who was standing on the ex-pegasus's left, quietly scolded her. "This person just saved us. At least try to show some gratitude, before you start pointing out things you consider flaws."

"Yes, he did save us but..." Twilight joined in, after which she turned around, examining all of the bodies that now littered the ground. "...I'm not sure that we can trust him." She finished turning back to her friends.

"Not to mention that pony ova' there kinda scares me guys. Ah don' know what, but there's somethin' not right with him and it's giving me the creeps." The country-"mare" added.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"What do you think Pinkie?" Spike asked, and after not receiving any reply was when he and the other five noticed that Pinkie was not with them.

They looked around for a moment, before their eyes stopped on the black pony. It was awkwardly staring down the now clothed in the furs Pinkie Pie, who gave it her usual routine of meeting someone new.

"HIYA!I'mPinkiePie!Nicetomeetyou!What'syourname?Whyareyousobig?Whydoyouhaveacutiemarkonjustoneofyoursides?Doyoulikeparties?..." She hastefuly ranted, going around, on and under the pony, making him feel kind of dizzy.

"Pinkie!" Twilight's exclamation made the pink haired "mare" stop right on top of the large creature's back.

She looked at her friends for a moment and then asked confusedly.

"Why aren't you guys getting dressed? These fuzzy clothes are very warm!" She exclaimed, nuzzling her cheek onto her covered shoulder.

The five's attention was caught by a quiet laugh, emanating from the man standing behind them.

"You should listen to your friend. You must conserve as much body heat as possible, before the sun completely sets." Rarkath commented as he carried a dozen planks over to a camp-fire pit, which had a kettle hanging over it.

As if to emphasize his words, a strong current of wind howled right into their backs, making them immediately put on the clothes. As they did so, Rarkath and his dark companion, who still carried Pinkie, moved to the fire pit. Then the man began to place the wood he was carrying under the kettle, making a small pyramid out of it. By the time he was done, the other "ponies" and the dragon had joined them, everyone sitting around the fire. RD was about to ask how he planned on lighting the fire, when suddenly a ball of flame appeared in his right hand. Everyone slightly backed away with a quiet gasp, except for Pinkie, who stared with wide eyes, while letting out an impressed. "Ooooh!"

Rarkath chuckled, before saying. "Don't worry." Then he pointed the ball at the wood, a steady stream of fire coming out and engulfing it.

Next he closed his hand into a fist, then opened it, the ball of fire gone as mysteriously as it appeared. The "ponies" and the dragon gathered around the fire as their savior went to the black pony and began to look through another saddle-bag it carried.

"What would you like for dinner?" he asked. "I don't mean to brag, but I have cooked for an emperor." He added, following with a chuckle. After wards he began listing. "I've got some rabbit legs, pheasant breasts, a goat leg, venison chops..." He stopped, after hearing multiple sickly moans and turned around to see the six ladies greening up. "Okay...what did I miss?" He asked, bearing a confused expression of his own.

Deducting that whatever they were turned in was apparently carnivorous, Twilight managed a minor smile and spoke. "I'm sorry, but me and my friends...we don't eat meat. Do you happen to have anything else?"

"Oooh. I see." He let out, before asking. "In that case, how does apple-cabbage stew sound?" This time he was met with several faint smiles.

Rarkath poured some water into the kettle, leaving it to boil. Next he took out a cabbage and several apples from the sack on the horse, cutting them into the sizzling liquid with a small dagger. His audience quietly watched as he added more ingredients, stirring them inside of the kettle. Lastly he took a bottle of alto wine from his sack, poured in some of it into the mixture and then closed the kettle, letting the dish to stew inside as he went around the constructions in the fort to get some bowls.

During that, the six moved closer to the fire in order to warm up. It didn't take long for the meal to get ready, and when it was, Rarkath poured a bowl for everyone, himself, the small dragon and the black horse included. His portion was last, and after he got it he sat down, filling the circle around the fire, asking. "So, how do you like it?"

The ladies gave simply stared into their bowls, their hands shaking both from the cold and the fact that they had only begun to use them mere hours ago. Then Twilight brought herself to speak up.

"I'm sorry sir, but it has been...a rough day to say the least and we are still barely warming up, so we can't properly enjoy the food."

He looked at her with an understanding expression. "Well...in that case, allow me to assist you at least with your problem with the cold." He said as he set down his bowl and rubbed his hands, a ball of yellow light, quite similar to the flame one from earlier, appeared between them.

They all slightly backed up in their positions when he aimed it at them, but in the next moment all of them felt...warm and at ease, drifting away at the sensation. However, the second of serenity passed when Fluttershy let out a gasp. The other five, along with Spike looked at her.

"Fluttershy dear what's...wrong..." Rarity began, but slowly just drifted as all of her friends stared at the pink haired girl who was...glowing.

"Sweet Celestia!" Rainbow was the next to exclaim as she pointed out. "We're all glowing!"

Next they all looked back at Rarkath. He brought his hands together, the ball of light vanishing, as well as the glow from their bodies.

"Feeling better?" He sincerely asked.

In return Twilight gave him a question of her own. "What did you just do?"

"This? Oh it's not much. An adept level restoration spell." He casually replied, making them all look with awe in their eyes at him, especially the Princess's prized student, who driven by her curiosity continued with her questions. "You...can use magic?"

He chuckled before replying. "Of course I do. A graduate from the Mages' College is expected to do that at the very least."

The ex-unicorn's eyes shimmered with interest, a smile she usually bore when she found a new book to read coloring her face. But before she could continue with her quest for knowledge, Rarity intervened. "That is very nice, but would be so kind as to tell us your name again? We didn't quite catch it the first time." She said in a lady-like manner, bearing a soft smile.

"Certainly." He replied. "I am Rarkath - Dovahkiin."

"Yeah, 'bout that, what does Dova...heen mean exactly?" Applejack asked.

"Dovahkiin." He corrected. "And I think the little guy can explain that."

The six's eyes turned towards Spike. He just looked at them confusedly, before shrugging and questioning. "How am I supposed to know?"

All eyes went back on Rarkath.

"I must say I am surprised. One would expect that a dragon your age would at least know its own language." He said, before explaining. "Dovahkiin means Dragonborn in the dragon tongue."

That caused them even more surprise, including the dragon himself, who in turn asked. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Dragonborn? Does that mean that your parents are dragons?!"

"What? No." The man replied, chuckling.

"Then would you mind explaining what it means exactly?!" Rainbow Dash sternly let out.
The rest of the "ponies", minus Pinkie Pie, who was too busy eating her portion and watching the situation with great interest as if she was at a play, thought that Dash's harshness might produce a negative reaction from their rescuer, but instead he paid no heed to it and casually spoke.

"Ages ago, when his children - the dragons - had enslaved mortal kind, Akatosh bestowed the gift of the Dragon blood to mortals as a way to...stand up for ourselves. With it came the Dragonborns. The soul and power of a dragon, born into a mortal body. They were the greatest dragon slayers, mainly because a Dragonborn is the only one who can permanently kill a dragon." He noticed that five of them, along with the dragon nervously looked at him. He smiled towards the reptile and said in a reassuring tone. "Don't worry little guy. I only off dragons to defend myself, or others." While thinking. 'Most of the time.'

"What do you mean by...permanently?" Twilight brought herself to ask.

"You see, a couple of thousand years ago the dragons were exterminated by a faction known as The Blades. However, now-days there is...a force...that's bringing them back to life. Only a Dragonborn can prevent that from happening."

Rainbow Dash shot him a suspicious look, as she took notice of his pause. He however had apparently not noticed that as he continued.

"Now that I have introduced myself, how about you do the same? I am willing to wager that maidens such as yourselves carry names of equal fareness."

Rarity's sides slightly reddened. She kept it to herself, but despite what was happening, and his presentation of himself, she was beginning to find the stranger's compliments, and the way he presented them, rather charming. Before any of them could say anything, the pink haired girl dashed in front of Rarkath, grabbing his hand and shaking it wildly as she did a similar introduction, to the one she gave to the black horse.

"Hi!I'mPinkiePie!It'ssonicetomeetyouRar.CanIcallyouRar?Becausewe'realreadyfriendsIthinkitwon'tbeaproblemifIdo,butifyoudon'twanttoIwon't.YoucancallmePinkie.AllofmyfriendscallmePinkieforshort.Andagainthankyousomuchforsavingusfromthosemeanies!Doyoulikeparties?!"

"Pinkie!" Her friends exclaimed in union, making the ex-mare silence herself for a moment. Understanding what had happened she giggled and backed up, releasing Rarkath's hand and said. "Sorry, I just get really excited when I make new friends."

The man shook his head, to remove the stunned expression which had colored his face. Managing a smile he spoke. "It's alright. A pleasure to meet you, Pinkie Pie?" He questioned. After receiving an affirmative nod, he turned towards the others. "And the rest of you?"

"Uh, yes." Twilight began, clearing her throat. "My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Rarity, and this little ball of cute is Fluttershy." Rarity introduced the two of them, taking her friend's shyness when meeting somepony for the first time.

"Name's Applejack." The country-"mare" said, followed by the dragon. "And I'm Spike."

Rarath looked between them, confusion and surprise mixed in his eyes. "Very...interesting names. So let me see if I got them all right." He said, after which he began listing the names while pointing at the appropriate owner. "Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Spike,..." His finger pointed in the direction of Rainbow Dash. "And you are?"

"Suspicious." The ex-pegasus shot back, her eyes narrowed at the stranger.

"Rainbow!" Rarity scolded, which had no effect on her friend, as she continued to stare down their rescuer.

"This is Rainbow Dash." Twilight went in, to prevent any possible confrontations. "You'll have to excuse her, she isn't very trusting of other..." The ex-unicorn paused, trying to think of the proper word, but since she had no idea what they were turned into, she used the least offensive one she should thing of. "...beings."

"It's alright." He spoke calmly. "If I too was captured by bandits I wouldn't immediately trust someone who just bolted into their camp and slaughtered them all while going after a bounty on their leader's head." Giving a couple of moments for his words to sink in, Rarkath decided to change the topic. "In any case, where are you lot from? You're obviously not of Skyrim."

Their heads turned towards Twilight, who in turn spoke. "Well, you are right. This "Skyrim" is completely unknown to us. We come from a land called Equestria."

"Equestria?" Rarkath raised an eyebrow. "I've never heard of such a place. Is that somewhere south-west of Cyrodil?"

"I'm not really sure... If you could show me a map I might be able to tell." The ex-unicorn returned.

"Just give me a moment." He said, before turning to the horse. "Shadowmere, come here."

The mount complied and made his way closer.

"Shadowmere huh? That's a fancy name." Applejack pointed out.

"A friend of mine introduced the two of us. I'm not the one who named him like that." Rarkath explained, as he got up and dug through the pouches on Shadowmere's back and sides. "Aha!" He exclaimed after a brief while. Pulling out a piece of paper, he returned to the fire, opening what was a large map. "This is the map of Tamriel. Do you see your native Equestria on it?" The Dragonborn asked.

Twilight leaned in, taking a good look of the map, her eyes suddenly widening in terrified surprise.

"What's wrong sugarcube?" Applejack asked with concern.

"Yeah, do you see Equestria?" Rainbow added.

"Guys..." The single stripe-haired girl slowly spoke. "I think that explosion sent us a lot further from the Crystal Empire than we originally thought..."

The nord quietly observed the situation unveiling before him.

"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" The rainbow haired girl enquired of her friend.

"I've been over all of our world's maps in the Canterlot archive, but I have never seen this continent." Twilight explained, pointing at Tamriel.

Pinkie gasped loudly and exclaimed. "Then that means!...What exactly?" Her shocked state calming for a moment.

"We're on another world." The ex-unicorn summed up with a worried tone, bringing distressed expressions on her friends' faces.

"Another world?" Rarkath questioned. "You're not making any sense miss Twilight, would you care to explain?" As he said that, one of his hands, unseen by his company, slid down over the handle of one of the swords on his hips, because what he heard made him think that he was dealing with Daedra.

"Well..." Twilight began. "It's going to be a little weird to explain. You see, we all come from a world called Equis. It is populated by various species, most of which intelligent. The one me and my friends..." She gestured to herself and the other five ladies. "...is pony kind..."

She was interrupted by her listener. "Hold on a moment, "pony kind"? You mean to tell me that you come from a world, populated by miniature talking horses, and you six happen to be exactly that?" He questioned in disbelief, even his large companion's eyes we somewhat wider than usual.

Usually they might have taken some offense from the term 'miniature horses', but given the situation they kept that to themselves, the Element of Magic calmly continuing. "Yes, actually." Before Rarkath could even ask the most obvious of questions, she gave him a quick sum up of their race. "Ponies differ in three kinds. The Earth Ponies who are basically normal ponies, like your friend Shadowmere. They have a very deep connection with the land itself. Applejack and Pinkie Pie here are in fact earth ponies. There are also the Pegasi, who have the ability to fly and manipulate the weather. Examples are Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. And lastly are the Unicorns, who are able to use magic, like Rarity and Myself."

"Wow...so there may have actually been truth to her words." The Dragonborn said quietly.

Before Twilight could continue, Pinkie Pie stepped in. "Truth to whose words about what?" The pink haired girl asked excitedly.

The man let out a forced chuckle as he recalled the information needed for the reply. "You see, I had a close friend. But not that kind of close, she was more like...a sister. Once she told me that while on a moonlit walk on the beech she met a unicorn."

"Oooh! Oooh! What did they do?" The overly energetic lady continued.

"Well...she said that they partook some...knitting activities. I didn't really have the desire to enquire more." He awkwardly returned.

At the mention of work related with clothing Rarity's eyes glimmered with interest as she gave a question of her own, though in a much more reserved manner than her friend. "Could we perhaps meet this friend of yours sometime?"

The man's expression shifted into one of sorrow as he replied. "I'm afraid that will not be possible, for you see she is no longer amongst the living."

All of their faces now bore an apologetic look as the purple haired lady spoke. "I'm...sorry. I didn't mean to bring you discomfort."

"It's alright. The ones responsible for that are long since taken care of." He paused, before getting a hold of himself and trying to change the topic. "In any case, was there anything else you wished to share about your kind miss Twilight?"

"Well, yeah." She spoke, though with a little bit of unease after hearing what he had just said. "Excluding the three races there are the Alicorns - ponies which have traits of all of the races. There are only three alicorns. My mentor - Princess Celestia, her younger sister - Princess Luna, and my old foalsitter - Princess Candence." She said simply, not really wanting to give up more than the situation required.

"I see. And what about this little guy?" He referred to Spike.

"Oh, before I became Princess Celestia's student, I took an exam to enter her school for gifted unicorns. That exam was hatching a dragon egg, using magic. From the egg I got hatched Spike. Ever since he has been my number one assistant." The ex-unicorn returned, bearing a warm smile as she pulled her assistant into a light hug.

Rarkath returned an understanding nod, along with a smile of his own. After a couple of sizzling sounds from the fire he spoke once again. "So...is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

"For the time, just one." Twilight said, before giving her question. "What exactly have we been turned into?"

"Huh, I see you don't have humans on your world." Was the reply she received.

'Humans? Really? Oh I'm going to have an earful if Lyra hears about this.' Twilight said to herself mentally. But before she could say anything else, Rarkath stretched his arms upwards, letting out a loud groan of tiredness. After which he said. "Well, it's getting late." Then he got up and along with Shadowmere headed for one of the tents which littered the camp. "I'd suggest you get some sleep. We'll be going on quite the journey tomorrow." The man advised.

"Going where exactly?" Rainbow enquired, mistrust still obvious in her tone.

The Dragonborn turned around and replied. "Going to Mor Khazgur to claim my bounty. After which I can drop you off in one of the holds, while your visit to this world ends." His voice was calm, contrasting the serious expression that colored his face.

"You got this wrong!" Twilight stepped in. "We aren't here by choice. Back on our world an artifact of great magical power was used to stop an evil tyrant. The use of the artifact resulted in an explosion, which for reasons unknown to us sent us here, and transformed us from ponies into humans." The ex-unicorn explained.

Rarkath thought over her words, before saying. "Then that makes our trip even longer. After I get my money I'll take you to the Mages' College in Winterhold. Hopefully my colleagues there can find the reason for your transportation and transformation, and maybe even a way to send you back."

Everyone, minus the rainbow haired girl, perked up from hearing the news, Twilight beating Pinkie in enthusiasm at the mention of visiting a college for the practice of magic on another world.

"Now, I bid you good night." The man returned as he and his mount withdrew to the tent they had selected for themselves.

The ex-ponies and dragon followed his example, all of them huddling in one tent.

Before they went to sleep however, Rainbow Dash began a rather heated discussion. "I can't believe you guys! How can you trust a guy who killed off so many people?!"

"And the two trolls." Spike hesitantly added.

"Yeah, them too." The ex-pegasus summed up.

Rarity was the first to respond. "Rainbow, I hope you are not forgetting that we were captives of those bandits, who were more than content on selling and...raping us. There I said it! If it weren't for Sir Rarkath's interference, Celestia know what might have happened to us!"

Everyone stared baffled at her, Rainbow cautiously speaking. "Rarity? You of all ponies are defending that guy? No, no, no, let me rephrase that. You defend a murderer?"

"Well it would appear that I do. I highly doubt that those brutes could have been handled diplomatically, and they were just as, if not more contempt on murdering him." The fashionista's temper subsided as she looked down towards the ground, before muttering on the brink of tears. "Not to mention that we have no idea how anything in this world works." She sniffed and looked her friend in the eyes. "I am scared Rainbow. I am scared beyond anypony's belief. That's why I think we should give the only being in this world who has shown us kindness so far a chance. Because I am certain that if we don't, we won't stand one ourselves."

Dash stood there stunned for a few moments. She regained her composure as best as she could, before speaking once again. "I get what you mean Rarity. But I'm telling you, there is something off about that guy. I don't know what, but he doesn't strike me as the trustworthy type."

"From what we know, your perception of people Dash is not the best one a pony can have." Applejack filled in.

"Both Applejack and Rarity have a point here Rainbow. It's nothing personal, but right now, or best bet is to take this chance and go along with Rarkath." Twilight backed up her country-friend as the two of them moved closer to the purple haired maiden in order to comfort her.

"Are you serious right now?" The ex-pegasus exclaimed in disbelief.

"Sorry Rainbow, but to me those two seem like okay guys." Pinkie said, what was more surprising was the serious way she said it, and went to the gathered group.

"Well I know that Spike is with me on this one. Right Spike?" Dash enquired, hoping to have at least someone side with her.

"Actually, no." The dragon's response made the ex-mare snap at him.

"What do you mean no?! You heard the guy, he kills dragons too!"

Stepping back in fear of the woman's aggressiveness, Spike spoke his mind. "He does, but he said that he does so only to dragons who endanger lives. And I'm pretty sure that not every world has someone like Fluttershy, who can drive away dragons like her. From what we know so far, his means are justified to me." The small creature finished as he and Fluttershy both moved closer to the group.

"Fluttershy, you too?!" Rainbow Dash yelled out.

"I'm sorry Dashie, but...um...I agree with the others. We don't know enough about this place to make any assumptions." The timid being replied.

The rainbow haired woman entered another stunned state for a while, before quietly speaking."So that's it huh? My friends leave me out in the middle of a crisis situation?"

"That's enough Dash!" Twilight interjected. "We need to think of how we will survive, and not let ourselves be consumed by paranoia."

"You know what, just forget it." The ex-pegasus brushed away the conversation as she snuggled in some fabrics she found.

"Dash..." Twilight said again, but met no reaction by her friend.

With that the evening ended as everypony went to sleep, carrying mixed feelings. Rainbow Dash however had trouble sleeping. The pleasantry of sleep reached her late at night, but because she did not have much time to commit to it, she was the first one to wake. Not wanting to disturb her friends, she was about to make her way out of the tent. But just as the faint morning rays met her eyes, she also saw Rarkath, attaching a wooden wagon on the sides of Shadowmere. The massive horse had been eyeing his companion. Apparently the man had been talking to the horse, as the ex-pegasus caught the finishing words of the human.

"I know brother, I know. But it's going to be only for a time."

'Brother? What the hay is this guy talking about?' Dash thought, when suddenly the noise of her friends waking up caught the Dragonborn's attention.

In an attempt to play it off, the rainbow haired maiden stepped out of the tent, faking a yawn and stretching her arms.

"Good morning miss Rainbow." Rarkath greeted, but only received a contemplate look.

When the others also made their way out, their rescuer invited them onto the wagon.

"Aren't we going to have breakfast first?" Spike asked, rubbing an eye.

"Sorry little guy, but we have a lot of distance to cover. We can eat when we reach the stronghold." The man replied.

The ladies needed a few minutes to gather themselves after the not so luxurious sleep. Once they were functioning acceptably, all of them got onto the wagon. Rarkath mounted Shadowmere and they were off.

Author's Note

Here it is guys. Though I have a question. A couple of days ago I was at a friend's place, and he was dowloading some mods for Skyrim, a few of which intrigued me. I want to ask, would you like to see some mods, who aren't super story changing, or keep it to just the DLCs?

And for Rotorix specially - Worry not. I am kinda blocked on this story now, so I will probably get on with Defending the Universe.

To all, have a nice time reading!

Chapter 3: Orcish hospitality

A Journey through Ice and Fire

Chapter 3: Orcish hospitality

The group had been traveling for close to a day, making it out of the snowy mountain range and into the slightly brighter grass land down in the mountain's skirts. The journey may have been long, but it was definitely not silent. The maidens, minus the unusually quiet Rainbow Dash, and the dragon told Rarkath more about Equestria, the Princesses and the everlasting peace which they had kept up over the land, excluding a few unexpected occasions. That made the warrior daydream of a time when his own home would be as tranquil. However, the knowledge of the improbability of that happening quickly decimated the dream.

He in turn had told his company how their transformation had apparently turned them into nordic women, as well as more about Skyrim, and what was happening at the moment. About Alduin's return, the prophecy which came along with it and his integration into said prophecy.

After that story, the ex-ponies shared about the prophecy they took part in, and how they became the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. The man had a bit of trouble completely comprehending the aspect of such things, and the power which the magic of friendship held, due to his constant exposure to the opposite, but it didn't take him long to grasp the majority of it.

As they were crossing the last couple of miles to the orcish stronghold he told them of how the Empire's hands were tied by the Aldmery Dominion in order to preserve peace on Tamriel. The problems that had caused specifically in Skyrim, regarding their religious beliefs and the ongoing war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. The girls and dragon could barely believe the amount of conflict this land, and as it seemed the whole continent, was torn apart by.

"Well, where do ya' stand in this whole imperial-stormcloaky thing?" Applejack asked.

The question drew out a sigh from the Dragonborn, after which he answered. "Don't get me wrong, I love Skyrim as any nord would, and I am not very fond with the fact that the Empire was going to have me executed, but what Ulfric does...it's just not right! It's true that this is our homeland for which we have sacrificed blood and soul, but that isn't a reason to behave so skeeverish towards the other races. Even amongst the high elves there are individuals worthy of befriending. I believe in the reasoning that what you do, will be done to you eventually...unless you have powerful friends..."

He made a momentary pause after that statement, which once again unnerved Rainbow Dash. She was baffled how her friends didn't pick up on these quite dark details. It was apparent that the man hadn't lied about anything he'd said so far, otherwise AJ would have caught in on it and would have brought him out, but the ex-pegasus knew that he wasn't letting out the whole story. However she kept those doubts to herself, not wanting to provoke another confrontation with her friends, like the one from last night, and followed Rarkath's continuation after the almost unnoticeable pause.

"...and right now, as mighty as she and her children may be, Skyrim isn't the condition to oppose the Thalmor alone! No matter what Ulfric says, we need the Empire on our side as a friend! That's why not long after my failed execution, thank you Alduin,..." He jokingly said with a chuckle, which was awkwardly shared by most of the group. "...I made my way to Solitude to meet General Tulius and joined in the ranks of the Legion...after receiving a proper apology for the misunderstanding at Helgen, and swore allegiance to the Emperor. Sadly he was assassinated before I did so..."

"Wait a second!" Pinkie exclaimed in suspicious seriousness. "Didn't you say that you cooked for an Emperor?" She leaned in on his shoulder from the back, staring him down, a worried expression forming on his face.

Along with the pink haired girl, everyone narrowed their eyes at the man, RD allowing herself a faint smug smile. Rarkath's eyes darted around for a bit, before closing, a mist of regret covering his face.

"Yes. Yes I did." He grimly said, before continuing. "It was long before I joined the Legion, and even longer before I discovered that I was Dragonborn. I found a wounded Imperial soldier in the woodlands on the other side of the village Dragon Bridge. I tried to treat his wounds as best as I could with the healing magic I knew, but I couldn't save him. With his dying breath he told me that the guild of assassins called The Dark Brotherhood had been hired to assassinate the Emperor when he came from Cyrodil to mourn his cousin's death."

"W..What happened to him?" Twilight unintentionally asked with worry in her tone.

"Her." He corrected. "On her wedding day she gave a speech in front of the guests from a balcony. Out of nowhere, one of the stone statues above the balcony was pushed and fell on her, killing her on the spot. Undoubtedly, a doing of the Brotherhood to get the Emperor to come to Skyrim."

"How dreadful! And on the poor thing's wedding day!" Rarity exclaimed as all of the group's eyes widened in horror at the return of the memory of the last wedding they attended." Rainbow Dash was the first to regain her composure. When she did so she sternly said. "That still doesn't explain your statement for cooking for the Emperor."

Receiving disapproving looks from her friends, she did not avert her gaze from the man who replied. "Right. When the soldier told me that he asked me to help in any way possible. Because the Emperor's entourage wanted the guard to be handled only by military men I had to find my way into the kitchens of the Blue Palace. I helped around, waiting for the assassin to appear, thus my statement." He finished.

"What happened?" Rarity cautiously asked.

"When a very famous chef that was invited to cook for his Excellency arrived, he and the chief chef of the kitchen cooked the first meal that would be presented to the guests. The guy put really weird things inside of the dish. A sweet roll, vampire dust, a giant's toe and a gold coin." His company made disgusted expressions. "In the end he put in some root, which he claimed was a secret ingredient. When the Emperor tasted the dish he died in his seat a couple of seconds after. On top of it all the imposter managed to escape the guards...and myself included." He finished, looking down.

The others shared a moment of silence with him.

"Thankfully it turned out that that was a look alike that was hired to pose as the Emperor." He tried to bring himself into a better mood.

"But he still died..." Fluttershy quietly uttered.

Apparently she was the first one who couldn't conceal the toll the thought of all the death happening around them brought. The question of how much longer could they hold out crossed the minds of the rest of her friends.

After another drawn sigh Rarkath continued. "Yes...he did...but that was merely a delay. Apparently the Dark Brotherhood had found out that they were offered a fake target. A few days after the incident in the Blue Palace, the real Emperor was found dead aboard his private ship, stabbed in the back with some sort of dagger, along with the entire crew..." Everyone let out a horrified gasp. Straightening his back, the man put on a serious expression and spoke in a stern manner. "His death very well shook the whole of the Empire even more than it already was. And with the ongoing Stormcloak rebellion the imperial forces and coordination were stretched too thin, making this an ideal time for the Thalmor to strike. So I joined the Legion to at least help end the conflict here in Skyrim sooner, so that the Empire could somewhat regain its composure in order to stand against the Aldmery Dominion."

"Despite the...redness brought by your cause it is still a noble one. Wouldn't you guys agree?" Rarity said, fixing her eyes on Rainbow Dash, who in turn huffed and crossed her arms across her chest, before asking Rarkath. "So you guys just let these elves boss you around and torture you, often to death, if you don't comply to them?"

"In the regions still loyal to the Empire this is an often occurrence. The people are forced to obey, and they mostly do. Almost everyone has their own little shrine of Talos hidden somewhere in their homes. There are also those...who are still loyal and proud imperial citizens, but are not afraid to show no mercy to any Thalmor they meet out on the road and away from any city guard. I myself am one such." His response brought worried expressions on their faces.

Twilight gulped and gave a question of her own. "S-So..if we happen upon any of them...you'll...?" She couldn't bring herself to finish the last words.

However, she didn't need to as the Dragonborn pieced her question together, letting out a simple stern reply. "Yes."

A really awkward silence for close to a minute, before Pinkie broke it. "Look! Look! What's that?!" She shouted as she jumped on Rarkath's shoulders, almost pushing him off of the wagon, and vigorously pointed at the front of their route.

Her friends narrowed their eyes at the distance, seeing a large building, build close to a mountain and surrounded by a wooden fence, similar to the one of the camp they recently escaped from. The sudden reminder made them want to protest against going there, but before they could vocalise their opinions the man calmed them down. "Easy. It's okay. This is the orcish stronghold, it's not a bandit camp, though it's very hard to tell the one from the other."

"Heh..ya don't say.." Applejack awkwardly let out.

When they were in view, one of the guards on the wall turned around and called to the rest of the stronghold. "Open the gate! The mercenary has returned!"

Following the order two of the guards went down from the wooden constructions they stood on and pulled the gates open, making way for the wagon to pass. As they entered, the girls saw how close to a dozen orcs from both genders began to gather around them, a significant eye catcher being a rather large male, covered in greenish armor.

Rarkath jumped down from the wagon and addressed the orc in question. "Greetings chieftain Larak."

"Save the pleasantries outsider. I ask for my brother's head and our clan's axe, yet you come back with females. Was Grish ‘Nuck too much for you to handle, so you decided to receive your reward, by trading some wenches for it?" Larak asked with a malicious tone.

The girls were quite offended by the words directed towards them, but the dragon was way more displeased than they were. "Hey! Don't you dare offend my friends like that!" Spike shouted as he leaped out of the wagon and into view.

All of the green skins backed a couple of steps, each reaching for his, or her weapon, but halted when the nord raised his voice. "Stop!"

Not sparing a moment Larak asked. "What in the name of Malakath is this dragon doing with you?!"

The tense situation managed to get the six women really worried of the outcome.

"One at a time chieftain." Rarkath spoke as he walked to one of the bags on Shadowmere's side. "Your brother and his entire flock have been dealt with." He said, taking out the head and the axe he was sent to retrieve, after which he continued. "Both these fare maidens and the purple reptile were their captives. Since I am the one who freed them, they are now under my protection and are of no concern, or threat to you and your people." Next he brought and handed the two items to the chieftain.

Eyeing the man for a brief moment, the orc gruffed and took them, addressing one of the others. "Shuftharz, give the outsider his gold."

She complied, walking up and handing a sack of ringing coin to the Dragonborn. He accepted it with a respectful nod, after which he once again turned towards Larak, who had already had someone else take the head and the axe firmly held in his grasp. "I may require a small favor of you chieftain Larak."

"What is it you require?" The orc asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You see, my company, courtesy of your brother, has not had the chance to eat for over a day. Could you by some chance provide us with some meat free sustenance?" Rarkath enquired with the most polite tone he could muster.

"We're not servants of man, nord. You were paid for your job and now you wish us to feed you, your females and a dragon?" The chieftain snorted.

"Yes. As a matter of fact I'm willing to return half of the septims you gave me, in exchange for a meal."

The chieftain grimaced before shouting out. "Do we look like staff you can just pay around?! Here outsider you have to earn the things you request!"

"Are you suggesting that I need to best you in hand to hand combat, in order to earn the hospitality for my company, Larak?" Rarkath questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not slow, I'll give you that." The orc snorted.

"Please, sir Rarkath, you do not need to engage in more trouble than you already have because of us." Rarity tried to use het lady manner to prevent the fight, but the addressed silenced her by raising his hand. "Don't worry milady. I have bested most of the chieftains of the other strongholds, having a good reason to add one more to the list is a great opportunity for me."

"Does that guy have to turn everything into a fight?" Applejack quietly asked amongst her friends, almost all of whom responded with a single shrug, the exceptions being Rainbow Dash, who had crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at the man, and Pinkie Pie, who had gone to the edge of the wagon and loudly cheered. "Go Rari! Go Rari!" Her chants made the rest of the stronghold's inhabitants confusedly look at the maidens and dragon.

Fluttershy squatted down and hid behind her hair, while the rest of her company returned awkward smiles. Even Shadowmere rolled his eyes from the display. In the mean time, Rarkath and Larak stared each other down. In the middle of Pinkie's cheers the nord asked the orc. "So, do we have a deal?"

"Definitely." The chieftain replied sternly.

"Rarkath, are you certain that this is necessary?" Twilight asked, concern obvious in her tone.

The man turned his head to look at her as he said. "I repeat myself lady Twilight, your needn't worry, this will be over-.." As he turned to face his opponent, the nord's last word was halted by the orc's right fist jamming itself into his jaw. The blow sent the Dragonborn back and down on his back, the crown-like helmet atop his head falling off. As he raised his stern gaze to eye Larak the chieftain exclaimed. "Enough talk milk drinker! Time to show your worth!" "...quickly." Rarkath muttered as he rubbed the impact spot a couple of times and got up, taking a battle ready stance.

The orc did the same as the gathered inhabitants of the stronghold, along with Pinkie Pie, began to cheer, and the maids and dragon worriedly observed from the safety of the wagon. The two warriors slowly circled each other, each binding their time and waiting for the other to make their move. Larak's steamy nature made him very agitated from the waiting, so he lunged at his opponent with another right hook. The single second the distance between the two provided gave Rarkath enough time to react, by sidestepping to the left and landing an elbow on the orc's back.

The hit made him stagger a couple of steps forward, but he quickly regained his footing and raised his guard, blocking a straight left from the nord. Rarkath swung his right arm for another attack, but Larak used the moment of openness to slam both of his fists into his opponent's chest. Despite the dragon scales' superiority to orichalcum and absorbing most of the damage, the hit took out most of the man's air out, making him let out a gasping sound, which was shared by the occupants of the wagon.

Someone from the crowd exclaimed something out, Pinkie following suit.

Using the momentum he had build up the orc (SPARTA!)kicked the Dragonborn in the gut, sending him into a back-roll on the ground, after which he charged at him with a straight right. The roll ended with Rarkath halting himself back on his feet. He had but a moment to acknowledge the incoming knuckle sandwich. Lacking the time to dodge he switched to counter offense. As Larak's arm shot forth, the nord grabbed it with both hands, pulling the orc forward and kneeing him in the gut, using the advantage he had, regarding the material the two wore as protection.

The chieftain had his breath knocked out of him as well, after which he was slammed to the ground. A couple of the stronghold's inhabitants shouted out disapproving comments addressed to him, but he was unable to hear them. Rarkath backed away a couple of steps, allowing his opponent to slowly get up. Aside from her friends who either hid their eyes, looked at the raising orc, or Pinkie who ran in between the small crowd yelling, Rainbow Dash watched the two as close as possible, allowing herself almost no distractions. Her look of worry was replaced by one of curiosity as she saw the nord spread his arms. Some sort of shine emanated from his hands. Narrowing her eyes she saw that they were covered in a thin layer of ice, which apparently everyone else ignored.

When Larak got up to his feet and turned around to face his opponent, he was met with four swift hits, two right hooks and two left hooks, jamming right into his face, some steam coming out, which to the public seemed like his breath showing in the flagging weather. The last hit knocked the orc out of consciousness and he crumbled down on his back. The audience's cheers ceased as they looked at the standing nord, who shook his hands up and down, bearing an expression of discomfort.

"Tss, okay.. That took a bit longer than I expected." Rarkath said as he brought his hands together, a sizable ball of light appearing, which suddenly glowed, along with its caster, healing the bluish spots left on his face.

When he was done he pointed the ball at the orc, making his body glow as well, during which the bruises on his face faded away. Shortly after the chieftain came to and saw the nord offering him a hand. "Bested by a human." He muttered as he took it and Rarkath pulled him up. "We all have our good and bad days." The man spoke. "Once I had to remain in bed after getting bit by a skeever." He finished with a chuckle, which the green warrior shared. "Once again you prove yourself a worthy ally to the Strongholds outsider." Larak said, to which the nord returned a light bow. "You definitely earned your females and yourself our hospitality." The orc continued, letting out a quiet laugh as he harshly patted the nord on the back. "And I'm very grateful for it." The Dragonborn spoke. "Would you mind, I need to assure my company that everything is fine and taken care of?" "Certainly." Larak returned and went to gather his wives, instructing them to prepare an evening meal, while Rarkath picked up his helmet, put it back on and walked back to his entourage, bearing a smug smile.

"Well, prepare yourselves. Orcs may be the finest smiths on the continent, but their cooking takes some getting used to." The maidens shot him with disapproving scowls, to which Rarkath raised a brow and asked. "What?"

"You scared the daylights out of us!" Rarity exclaimed.

"So..I am to take it that in Equestria you don't use duels of honorable combat as a means to settle matters?" He questioned.

"Pff.." Rainbow Dash let out a quiet gruff of disapproval, rolling her eyes. "Usually amongst the nobility, when a challenge to a duel is issued they choose one of their personal guard, or other individuals, to represent them against the challenger's pick." Twilight quickly explained, momentarily missing the point.

"Really?" He spoke, disappointment and disgust obvious in his tone. "How can cowards that don't defend their honor by themselves even dare to call themselves men?"

"Stallions,..." The single striped haired girl corrected, before hastefully continuing. "...but that's not the point! Why did you engage in such a needless endeavor? What if the orc had beaten you?" He words were accompanied by five glares, minus Fluttershy, who hid behind her friends, and Pinkie Pie, who wasn't around them.

The whole over worriedness directed towards him, began to unnerve the Dragonborn. Adding to that were the multiple times they questioned his judgement. In a small outburst of irritation he said. "Well forgive me ponies, but unlike the apparent heaven your realm is, here things are not so peaceful. In this world you must fight in order to survive. There's no Princess to help you up and wipe off the dirt every time when you trip and fall. Those who are unable to adopt the harshness stay behind thick walls, but currently we don't have that luxury."

The shaken up expressions they put on afterwards made him sigh and continue in a calmer demeanor. "I am doing my best to help you, but I can't do much if you fight me every step of the way. I know the concepts of this land are as far from your own as you can imagine and may seem barbaric and wrong to you, but that sort of opinion is the only mistake you will find about them. I will help you and I know what I'm doing. The only thing I ask from you in return is to trust me, like I trusted you when you told me of your true origin. Do we have a deal?"

Though hesitantly, all of the maidens, except for the rainbow haired one, and the dragon nodded in acceptance.

"Good. Now where's Pin-.." He was cut off by the very woman, who's location he was about to enquire. "WOOW! It was SO AAWESOME~!" She squealed. "Larak was all like: Hyu! HWA! kick,punch!" She ranted, demonstrating several punches and kicks in the air. "And you were like: Hya! Na! slam,punch,knee! Oh and that HuHwaHiiYa! at the end!" She continued, making similar motions, ending with four quick jabs in the air.

"I..take it you enjoyed yourself?.." Rarkath hesitantly questioned, to which he received a reply, booming with excitement. "Are you kidding?! That was one of the best duels I have ever seen!"

That made all of her friends raise a brow, and/or gawk in confusion, Twilight being the one who got a hold of herself enough to ask. "Pinkie, you have seen such fights before?"

"Nnnope! This was my first time~!" The pink haired girl returned, her excitement not faltering at all.

"Well...she's adapting quickly.." The Dragonborn said, before continuing in a warmer inviting demeanor. "But enough of that for one day. Let's go into the log house and have our fill, shall we?" His suggestion was met with nods of agreement, following which Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Last one is an apple eaten by a vampire fruit bat!" Afterwards she darted towards the building. Everyone sighed lightly, bearing a smile, and followed the energetic maid.

After a little while, the chieftain's wives served many fine looking dishes. Even if they stuck to only the vegan ones, the ex-ponies figured out what Rarkath meant when he said that orcish cooking took some use to. The exceptional amount of spices made the food taste extraordinary, but it had to be eaten with at least a mug of ale to soothe the hot sensation it left. After finishing some small talk with Larak the nord joined the maidens and dragon on the table they sat on. "How do you like the meals? My cooking barely matches it, doesn't it?" He jokingly asked.

"With a risk to sound a bit like Rarity here Rar..." Applejack began, receiving a disapproving. "Hey!" From the fashionista. "...but this definitely beats that stew ya made for us."

Rarkat chuckled. "That's okay. I'm glad I made up for the day long wait." After saying that, his glance went to the side, noticing Rainbow Dash sitting on a chair next to a window away from the group. "What's with her?" He asked, taking a bite from the roasted rabbit leg he held.

The spirit of the company sort of died down as Rarity took up the task of replying. "Well...you see, our coming here has taken its toll on us all, and Rainbow Dash isn't one of the most trusting ponies-err.. people..."

"Your point?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Sighing the ex-unicorn decided to be straight. "She doesn't trust you as much as we do sir Rarkath. On multiple occasions she tried to convince us to not put so much faith in you, because you seemed...shady to her." She said, trying to be as unoffensive as possible. "But we didn't agree with her, and now she feels left out...that we no longer value her opinion...and our friendship.." The purple haired woman finished, letting out a single tear, her friends gently embracing her in an attempt to comfort her.

Bearing a serious expression the Dragonborn got up and headed for the rainbow haired girl.

"Rarkath what are you doing?" Twilight asked, but her question received no reply.

Rainbow was looking out of the window, staring into the rising moon and thought of home. Her quiet exile was interrupted when Rarkath addressed her. "May I join you?"

She shot him a malicious glance, before once again turning her attention to the celestial body. Ignoring her silent decline the man pulled over a chair and sat in front of her, saying. "Lady Dash, we need to talk."

"About what?" She coldly asked, not turning to face him.

Letting out a displeased breath Rarkath spoke. "I see you are not an admirer of small talk, so I'll be straight with my point. What in Oblivion is your problem with me?" He sternly shot at her.

"What's my problem?" She returned with a note of offense, now facing him. "Well my problem is that the oh so noble protector we got is not what he presents himself to be! You ended a life for the sake of currency and killed many more in cold blood, simply because they stood in your way. And speaking of cold, I saw you cheat in your "duel of honorable combat"..." She shot back, making quote gestures with her whole palms, due to the fact that she was still not very used to her fingers. "...against the orc."

"You saw that huh? And the fact that you and your friends now enjoy a warm sizable meal because of that doesn't mean anything?" He sternly spoke. "Or the fact that you were not raped, and afterwards saved from spending the rest of your lives as some rich noble, or rich marauder's bed slaves?" His words made her stare down at the floor. "I'm going to get things out of the clear, everything I have done so far was to help you and your friends. If you dislike me so, then at least keep it to yourself and stop causing them so much emotional trauma. We'll be leaving in an hour. The sooner we get to the College, the sooner we'll find a way to return you to your world, so you won't have to deal with me." He finished, getting up and walking away, leaving Rainbow Dash to still stare at the floor as a feeling of guilt for giving her friends, and the nord, such a hard time overwhelming her.

An hour later Rarkath had the wagon set up and his company got on, ready for the long trip ahead of them. "Are you sure you won't stay the night?" Larak asked, as he and the other inhabitants of the stronghold gathered to see them away.

"Sadly we cannot. We have to get to Winterhold at least by Fredas. It's a very urgent matter." The Dragonborn explained.

"I see. Well, know that you are always welcome in Mor Khazgur outsider. Safe travels."

"Thank you friend." The nord replied with a respective bow of his head.

Afterwards the gate to the stronghold was opened and the man and his company rode out into the night.

Author's Note

Tadaa~!

Chapter 4: A Night Of Gold And Crimson

A Journey Through Ice and Fire

Chapter 4: A Night Of Gold And Crimson

Soon after they left the stronghold, the equestians enquired, from both Rarkath and Rainbow Dash, what the two had talked about that made for their hasty leave, but neither said anything, thus the group traveled in silence, not counting Pinkie's ramble of astonishment, regarding the surrounding area.

That continued for the next several days. Eventually they had reached a bridge. Something which brought the girls unease was the large skull that hung above it. Adding to the discomfort was their companion's revelation that it was a dragon skull. Beyond it was a small settlement, populated by what the "mares" understood were both nords and imperials. The village was aptly named Dragonbridge, but before they could get a chance to have a look around it, Rarkath lashed the ropes on Shadowmere, causing the humongous stallion to speed up, quickly getting them through the settlement's premises.

"Hey, what gives?" Pinkie exclaimed. "I wanted to look around and make some new friends."

"Sorry, but I have better things to do than be glared with mistrust and accused of treason, which I have not, nor intend to commit." The Dragonborn coldly let out, not even turning around to face the maidens.

After his words the enthusiastic woman slummed down, her puffy hair bizarrely deflating. As he light pink haired friend tried to comfort her out of her gloomy state along with the little dragon, three of the ex-ponies looked disapprovingly at their rainbow haired companion, who returned the eye contact and snorted out. "What?" But received no response.

[h]

Night had already claimed reign over Skyrim as the wagon moved at a brisk pace through the dark veil.

Spike and five of the maidens had fallen to the sweet embrace of sleep, except for Twilight Sparkle, who just couldn't bring herself to enjoy such luxury. Every time she tried closing her eyes she saw Ponyville. How she and her friends were either a calm and relaxing day together, or were on another extraordinary adventure, which was bound to teach them a new lesson in friendship, which in turn the ex-unicorn would be more than happy to report to her mentor. The thing that united everything was the warmth Celestia's sun rained down upon them.

But as nice as those dreams were, they were quickly blown away by the cold howling wind biting the purple stripe haired girl's bared arms. Then she would open her eyes and see the impossible world she and her friends had ended up in. In a couple of days they had experienced more than all of the dire situations they had overcome back on their home world. They were turned into carnivorous beasts, and witnessed hostility and death in such amounts that were simply unimaginable to happen in Equestria, because the Princesses would never allow for it to occur.

The thought of her mentor and what she, Cadence and Shining Armor must be going through right now made Twilight let out a tear, only for it to quickly crystallize from the cold and break off from her face.

"Can't sleep?" A deep voice caused her to defensively shrink in her position, before she registered it to be Rarkath.

"N-No.." She wearily let out as her eyes moved to look at the man. Despite the thick moonless night she managed to see his gaze was still locked on the road ahead. Moving up she sat on the bench in front, next to the nord, snuggling in the fur she wore, before uttering. "Thank you."

"I'm afraid not all of your companions share this opinion." He returned.

"I know Rainbow can be a bit hard on ponies-..." Twilight began, before being cut off by Rarkath.

"People. You should all start practicing new terminology if you want to go around villages or holds. Referring to a majority of different individuals by only the appropriate terms for one single kind is found to be quite offensive." He explained.

"...people,..." She corrected herself after the brief lecture, before continuing. "...but she has good in her. She just doesn't like to show it very often. But if..." Twilight paused, picking her words properly. "...anybody opens up to her, and allows her to get to know them, they will see that she has a good heart and can be a great friend."

"Open up to her?" He questioned, slight disbelief finding its way in his tone as he turned to face the woman. "She apparently hasn't been open to you in regards to her opinion of me, let alone-..." This time, she cut him off.

"I just want to ask you to not go so hard on her. Even if she won't admit it she is scared by everything that is happening just as much as we are, and her acting the way she does is her way of dealing with it. You seem to be well aware of equality between species and individuals, so will accepting this be too much for you to handle?"

Her words made the man sigh. After a moment he said. "There is truth to your words miss Twilight. I must apologise for my behavior this evening. It's just that..." He paused to sigh again. "...I experienced the loss of family not very long ago, and I am not quite over it yet."

That revelation caused Twilight to feel a sense of dread pass through her body. Losing someone as close as a friend or family was obviously very hard to take, no matter the world you live in. She couldn't possibly imagine how she would feel if her parents, Shining Armor or Cadance died, and considering how easily such a thing could happen in here in Skyrim, she did not even want to try imagining how Rarkath was feeling right now.

She was about to ask him about his family, when Shadowmere suddenly stopped, letting out a displeased grunting sound, causing everybody else to start waking up.

*yawn* "What's going on? Are we there yet?" Spike asked, rubbing his eyes.

Before anyone could present a question of their own, the Dragonborn shushed at them, before saying. "Be quiet. We have company."

In return to his statement everyone looked forward and managed to see a torch light moving in their direction down the road ahead.

"Who are those po-er..people?" Twilight asked as she narrowed her eyes, trying to identify the figures which were accompanied by the light.

Then he lightly tapped the black stallion with the ropes, making him continue forward in a slow pace. A scowl had formed on the nord's face, and even though unseen by the maidens a similar expression colored Shadowmere's as well, as he easily managed to distinguish the figures' clothing. He replied to the question in a spiteful hiss. "Thalmor." And proceeded to spit to the side.

Both the rude gesture and the man's tone brought the women on edge. The effect was enhanced when they remembered who the Thalmor were from his tales, Pinkie's face becoming twisted by anger. If there was one thing she truly despised it was meanies who made others unhappy.

Mere minutes later the two groups were in proper view of one another. The walkers were a quartet. Two male high elves in their typical golden armor, their hair hidden underneath their helmets. One of them holding a lit torch, another male high elf who wore the black golden bordered robe of a Thalmor mage, some of his white hair showing from underneath his hood.

The three elves had triangularly surrounded the fourth member of their party - a nord man dressed in rags and wearing bindings on his wrists and ankles and his head hung down, staring at the ground, his face covered by his reddish long hair. His slender figure suggested that he had not seen good days in a while, as he simply marched after the leading robed elf.

When they were several feet away from each other, the mage said in a commanding tone. "Halt!"

Rarkath and Shadowmere complied, though the tension in the air around them could let the grils and dragon feel their reluctance.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" The elf continued.

"Travelers...travelling." The man calmly replied, whilst his mount's blood red glare focused on the greenish skinned being in front of them.

"You're not amusing citizen. Now-" The mage was cut off by Rarkath. "What's his crime?" The wagon driver asked, nodding his head at the prisoner.

"That is none of your business citizen. Now move a-" Before the elf could finish, he was interrupted again,...by a rather angry Pinkie Pie. "What do you mean it's none of his business?! You can't just arrest somepony and shackle him up like that without a good reason which everypony should know!"

"Pinkie!" Her friends exclaimed.

"Miss Pinkie, please keep quiet, I will handle this." Rarkath calmly addressed the ex-earth pony.

"You should teach your savage whores how to behave in the presence of superior beings, nord." The black robed individual snorted.

"What?!" All of the girls, except for FLuttershy, who hid behind her friends, exclaimed.

"You watch your mouth pal, before I come and break your teeth out!" Rainbow Dash threatened, waving her fist in the elf's direction.

"How dare you brutes, with needless to say poor fashion sense, speak so?! What gives you the right to boss people around in a land that is not yours?!" Rarity added.

"You better apologise to my friends, or you'll be sorry!" Spike raised his voice at the same time.

"You meanie butts should get lost and leave everyone alone!" Pinkie let out.

The whole thing had the elves' faces fluster with rage.

"You harbor a scaly demon and you even dare to offend and threaten representatives of the Thalmor?!" The mage angerly exclaimed. "Filthy pink swine! Lieutenant arrest these women!"

Nodding, the armored elf who wasn't holding a torch moved towards the wagon, causing the girls and dragon to slightly back up in their place. Just as he was about to reach for them, lightning fast the tip of a bony blade was pressed against his throat. All three greenish beings looked at Rarkath, who coldly stared at them and spoke in an equally chilling manner. "These maidens are under my protection. If you wish to harm them, then you must first go through me." Along with that Shadowmere threateningly shook his head.

"So be it! Arrest the man too!" The mage barked out to the second guard.

But before he had any time to react the black stallion charged forward. During the distraction the ex-ponies caused, the Dragonborn had cut off the ropes holding the large horse to the wagon, setting him free.

The black robed elf and the nord prisoner barely managed to jump to the side, but the torch carrier got trampled under the animal's hooves. As that happened, the other armored elf had grabbed hold of Rarkath's lower arm and had thrown him off of the wagon. The nord's weight managed to topple the elf as well, and the two were now rolling and struggling on the ground.

The whole thing had made the women huddle together, when the mage stood up.

"Foolish men! I sentence you here and now!" He shouted, bringing his hands together. In them a purple ball formed. He aimed it in front of himself and suddenly a colossal bulky figure of ice emerged from a purple mist. The thing's arms had no hands, and instead were sharpened like spears. It made for the wagon and with a single bash shattered it to pieces, sending everyone on it flying out. It was about to pierce Rarity's chest when Shadowmere's bloodied hind legs bucked it from the back, sending if several feet away. The mount quickly followed the creature in order to break it down under its weight.

"Gah!" The mage let out before he picked Fluttershy by the throat and raised her in the air, a white ball forming in his other hand.

"You let go of her this instant!" Rainbow shouted as she charged at him, but the very next moment a shard of ice got fired from the elf's hand, piercing the rainbow haired girl's left lower leg, causing her to scream in pain as she stumbled forward.

During that Rarkath and the other elf had gotten up and were now trading blows, the golden armored individual pushing the other towards a nearby tree.

The whimpering light pink haired girl struggled to breathe in the robed elf's grasp, as he prepared to send another ice shard through her head.

The armored elf had managed to take out his mace and had pinned the nord to the tree. One of his arms was pressing its length over the Dragonborn's throat and the other was about to slam his head with the mace, but Rarkath managed to catch it by the wrist with his own hand, whilst his other free hand tried to push the arm away from his throat.

Just when the black robed individual was about to strike his target Rainbow looked up from her bleeding leg at his direction, him being a couple of feet away and yelled. "FLUTTERSHY!"

That caused the elf to flinch for a moment, which was enough for Twilight and Applejack to reach him and push him away. Their ex-pegasus friend fell on the ground and began gasping for air. They were just about to help her, when the fallen elf got up and shouted. "ENOUGH!"

He sent a torrent of cold in their direction, pushing the two women down on the ground next to the third one.

"You all die now!" He called out as ice formed in his hands.

"NO!" Pinkie, who was helping Rarity, the fashionista herself, Spike and Rarkath yelled. The Dragonborn instantly doubled his efforts to break the bind, but whatever he did the mace was still going to flatten his head. So he moved his hand from the arm on his throat, a ball of electricity forming in it. He proceeded to grab the elf by the head, sending a surge of lightning through his body, frying him on the spot.

As the golden armored body fell to the ground, he tried to quickly fix his breathing, so that he could rush to help the girls, but he didn't have enough time.

The mage was just about to bring down the shards on his victims, when an arm caught him around the neck from behind and a bloodied icy tip came out from his chest. Time suddenly stopped as everyone looked upon Rainbow Dash, who was holding to the mage, the ice shard that har pierced her still bleeding leg at hand and half-way through the elf's body.

She let go and staggered for a couple of steps back, before falling on her back and passing out from blood loss. The last elf held his hands to his chest and coughed out blood several times, before he fell on his face, a small puddle of blood slowly forming underneath him. Along with his death, the Frost Atronach, which tried to stab its arms into Shadowmere, vanished in a purple mist.

"Rainbow!" Rarity called out as Rarkath made to the fallen maid. Several steps away from her he summoned the all too familiar orb of light, aimed it at Rainbow Dash, her wounds closing and healing as her body shined in the darkness.

Shortly after she was fully healed and the Dragonborn fell to his knees and balanced himself with his hands on the ground, panting heavily. The rest of the girls and the dragon gathered around them. Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy sat their rainbow haired friend up, while Twilight, Applejack and Spike helped the man up to his legs, the two women staying under his shoulders for support.

"Did they hurt you?" Twilight worriedly asked.

"No..." Rarkath panted out. After a couple more breaths and he continued. "I used up my magica reserve for that spell...the body takes a great toll of exhaustion when that happens..."

"Come on Rainbow, wake up!" The pink haired maiden pleaded to her still unconscious friend. "We can't have a "We got away from the meanies, and Rainbow Dash saved her friends" party without Rainbow Dash!"

Just as those words escaped her lips, the ex-pegasus's eyes slowly pried open. "I..Is everypony...okay?..." She mumbled out, to which the three friendly faces above her smiled and nodded.

Suddenly someone cleared his throat, causing the group to turn back. They saw the other man moving to the black robed elf. He took out a key from the robe and began to take off his bindings.

"Thank you all very much for helping me." He said as he smiled, his eyes closed.

"You're...welcome, sir." Twilight returned with a hint of hesitation in her tone.

"You don't know what those elves put me through. The beat me, dragged me around, starved me..." The man went on.

"Ahm sure Rar here can wip us something up, once he's back on his feet." The blond maiden told him.

Still smiling, the nord chuckled and said. "Oh, I plan on having a little feast right...now." Upon uttering that he opened his eyes, showing their fiery orange color.

Rarkath's own gaze widened at the sight. "Vam-" He was about to shout, but was cut off by the other man, who dashed at the group at lightning speed and back-handed the Dragonborn, throwing him several feet to the side.

The girls and dragon yelled in horror and backed away, Fluttershy turning around and crawling, but it was to no use. A reddish light formed in both of the man's palms. He let out waves of it at them with one of his hands, while the other did the same at the fallen nord. When the light reached them they began to feel more tired, as if their life was leaving them. The monster's smile grew into a wicked grin and he was about to say something, when a pair of back legs bucked him right in the ribs, sending him flying for about fifteen feet. He yowled in pain from both the hit and the impact with the ground, rolling on his back, only to see Shadowmere's bloody gaze, before the stallion stomped down, splattering the vampire's head.

"What the hay was that?!" Rarity exclaimed in a very unladylike manner.

"A vampire.." Rarkath coughed out. "A vicious monster that was once alive, but then turned undead. They feed on the blood of mortals." He explained as he crawled towards one of the dead elves.

Opening up the pouch on the corpse's side he took out two small red bottles, signaling for the ex-ponies to come.

"Drink these, quickly. That spell he used could have infected you with a desiese. These potions can cure it." He said as he handed the two potions to Twilight and Applejack.

The two women complied and downed the potions as the man slowly got up and went to the other corpse. During that Fluttershy had knelt down to the fallen Rainbow Dash, resting her friend's head in her lap. Rarkath had looted four more potions, giving one to Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, what about me?" Spike questioned.

"You're a dragon. You're immune to any form of illness, so you don't need one." The Dragonborn explained as he went to the two ex-pegasi.

When he reached them he bent a knee and forwarded them the potions. The light pink haired woman shook her head as she took one and said, concern obvious in her voice. "The spell didn't reach me. You take the other potion." After which she opened the bottle and brought it to her friend's lips. Nodding, Rarkath got up and downed the liquid.

After the last drop was gone, he went back to the corpses, took out small bags from their pouches...and began to take off their clothing.

"W-What are you doing?" Rarity stuttered out, her sides slightly reddening.

"We'll have to postpone our visit to the College. First we have to get you some clothes that won't make you stand out so much." He explained as he stripped the second golden armor set.

"Yer not expectin' us ta wear their getup now, are ya?" Applejack cautiously asked.

"No. Thalmor outfits will simply make you targets. I'm taking these to sell them. The fabric and the gold on them will be enough to buy you something more fitting." The Dragonborn explained as he took the black robe, put the two sets of armor on it and tied them inside.

"Well how are we going to carry both Rainbow and those clothes without the wagon?" Twilight questioned.

"My magica isn't returning fast enough. I guess I'll need to use one." The man sighed as he took out a small blue bottle from his own pouch and drank its contents.

Afterwards a purple ball of energy formed in his hand, similar to the one the mage elf used, and he aimed it at the empty road. A moment later the darkness around them was lifted as the purple skeleton of a horse, which was entirely covered in purplish flames appeared. The girls slightly backed up, before Rarkath assured them. "Don't worry, he's a friend." Then he picked up and put the armor sets on the skeletal mount's back side.

Then he walked over to the ex-pegasi and picked Rainbow in his arms. "Shadowmere can carry four of you and Spike. Someone from you, me and Rainbow will mount on Arvak." He addressed the others.

The thought of riding this...ghostly stallion did not appeal to them at all, but Twilight got a hold of herself for her friends' sake and stated. "I'll ride with you to keep an eye on Rainbow."

In return she received an understanding nod. First Twilight climbed on. To her surprise she did not feel the flames at all. The only issue was the stallion's bare ribs. Next Rainbow was put on Arvak, her friend wrapping her arms around her to keep the ex-pegasus from falling off. Lastly Rarkath climbed up. He grabbed hold of the flames as if they were ropes, and after the rest of the gang were up on Shadowmere, they set off, leaving four corpses to stain the road.

Author's Note

Well...got my muse up for this. Sorry for the long dellay...hope you like. :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 5: You've Got Mail

A Journey Through Ice and Fire

Chapter 5: You've got mail

The group had been traveling for several days, while making several stops to rest up. It had taken Rainbow Dash roughly a day to regain conciousness, but in the end, with some help from Rarkath's healing spells, she was okay, at least physically. After what had happened, and what she had done, the maiden barely talked, speaking only to assure her friends she was fine when they asked how she was.

At the very least there was something good between everything else. They were getting closer to their wish to return home. One evening the setting sun introduced them to the colossal and aweinspiring visage of the Blue Palace. It wasn't as grand as Canterlot Castle, but it did not fail to radiate magnificense to which everyone, with the exception of Rarkath and Rainbow, stared with mouths agape.

After riding for a couple more minutes the fortifications of a city and a harbor of sorts also revealed themselves to the ladies, along with the place where the Blue Palace was stationed.

The dragonborn merely smiled as he said. "We should get within the city walls in about an hour." After which he slid down from the ghostly horse's back and went to Shadowmere, picking up one of the sacks he was carrying, then went behind a tree.

That made the ladies and the dragon look confusedly in the direction he had went. All of them recieved the same thought, but no one dared to speak it. ... Except for Pinkie Pie.

"He Rar, what'cha doin' there?" She called after him.

"My current outfit isn't very fitting for a city environment. I have to slip into something more appropriate to keep my image." He replied.

The man's response was found rather surprising by his company, with the exception of Rarity, who nodded in approval. "Not only a gentleman, but one who appretiates style." She told to her friends, trying to not be heard by Rarkath, but they were not amused.

"Conciderin' the stuff he's been wearing this whole time, Ah'm wondering what counts as "appropriate" to wear in a city?" Applejack asked.

"Ooh! Ooh! I bet it's some sort of fancy suit!" Pinkie beamed.

"That seems highly doubtful Pinkie." Twilight cut in. "Remember, he said he was the...uh...some important position in the nine holds..." She paused as she struggled to recall the word. "Thane?" Fluttershy quietly let out. "Yeah, thane! Thanks Fluttershy." Twilight said, before continuing. "Since that is an important position in society, he probably has some sort of outfit which destinguishes him from the common folk. I'd assume it'd be some kind of sparkly ceremonial armor."

Before any other ideas could be shared they heard movement from behind the tree. The group stared with anticipation, even Rainbow showing some interest. However they were kind of disappointed when the man came out dressed in a simple sleevless metal, with two lower arm guards bearing a dragon like symbol.

Once he neared the horses, Rarkath noticed their very faint pouts. Guessing what they were probably for he smirked and asked. "What were you expecting?"

"To be quite honest dear, something a little more...extravagant." Rarity returned in a sheepish ladylike manner.

He chuckled before speaking. "Dragon scales aren't a common form of dress-ware. I would rather not attract attention while I'm in cities. Speaking of, Arvak can't acompany us any further. He, or anything like him is not percieved well by other people. Some of us will have to walk on foot."

"Alrighty then. Twilight, Pinkie, come along." Applejack instructed her friends that the three got off from the two horses, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy on Shadowmere.

Rainbow Dash also started getting off, which made Rarity say. "Rainbow darling, you don't have to walk, there is room here." She patted the small space from the massive stallion's back in front of her. The fashionista's eyes widened slightly from a quick realisation, after which she turned to the black horse and said in an apologetic manner, an awkward smile on her face. "No offense."

Shadowmere performed a light gruff and shook his head in response as if returning that he was not offended.

"It's alright Rare, I'm fine." The rainbow haired girl told her friend as she began walking down the road. After taking several steps she turned around, seeing that everyone was looking at her. "What?" She asked in a confused manner. After recieving no response from anyone the woman scoffed and resumed walking.

The group shared a quiet moment, before Rarkath addressed Arvak. "Thank you for your service friend. Go now to your master. If I require your aid I'll call." The horse let out a neigh, breathing out some velvet flames from his nostrils. The nord smiled as a purple ball formed in his hand. He made a single waving motion and the skeletal horse vanished into thin air.

With that they marched after Rainbow Dash.

About an hour later the group had left Shadowmere to rest at the stables that were near the main road and continued up the incline it led to. The guards and people that passed them by greeted Rarkath, some even bowed to him addressing him as Thane, to which he simply smiled and requested for them to not overglorify him because of his position.

He must be related to Princess Celestia. Spike thought. At the sight of the little dragon people grew uneasy, but the dragonborn assured them that it was fine. Shortly the grand gates to the city towered in their path. When the guards that stood in front of them saw Rarkath they pushed the gates, making an opening for their Thane and his company to pass.

"It must be nice being held in such high regard, no?" Rarity asked.

"Believe me, it's more trouble than it's worth." The nord replied, chuckling.

By then the former mares and dragon took notice of the city. It was not as big as the capital of their homeland, but its intriguing architecture and busy streets were more than enough to "wow" the equestrians.

"Sweet Celestia, this place looks marvelous." Rarity noted, but was almost completely overshadowed by Pinkie's exclaimation. "THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!"

Her booming statement made everyone that was around stare at them. Before anyone could react the pink haired girl said. "I have so many new friends to make!" And dashed away.

"Pinkie!" Her friends called after her, but it was too late, the former earth pony had left them outside of her earshot. "Ah'ma go get her before she causes any trouble." Applejack said.

"Don't be so worried. How much trouble can someone as nice as her cause?" Rarkath asked, chuckling afterwards.

Twilight put a hand over his shoulder and replied in a slightly worried tone. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

That removed the smile from the man's face, after which he turned to Applejack. "Alright, then you'd best make haste. When you find her meet us back here." He pointed at a building that had a sign with a winking rat on it. "If you get lost just ask someone to show you the way to The Winking Skeever."

"Winkin' Skeever, got it." The blond maiden replied, before she ran in the direction Pinkie Pie had headed.

"In the meantime..." Rarkath turned to the rest of the group. "...we'll go sell the armors and get you some new outfits from the Bits and Pieces."

"What's that?" Spike asked.

"It's a shop where clothing designers sell their creations, along with other materials." Rarkath said.

Upon hearing that, Rarity's eyes widened and glimmered as glee took over her expression. "There is a boutique here?! Oh I simply must review the local fashion. Perhaps I can integrate some elements from it into my own for when we get back home."

"Um..I'm not feeling very well." Fluttershy quietly said. "And I'm not very comfortable being surrounded by po-err..people I don't know." She added as she put her hands over her head to cover her face as she quickly looked around and up at the sky then back at her friends.

"Don't worry dear." Rarity said, placing her hands on Fluttershy's shoulders and gently pulled her in for a hug in an attempt to comfort her. Next the fashionista looked back at her friends and asked. "Rarkath, is there a chance for us to get in the tavern and wait for you to sell the armors?"

"I suppose." Rarkath said. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small pouch, which he handed to Twilight. "There should be about a hundred gold pieces in there. You three go inside and buy yourself something to eat."

Twilight nodded. "That sounds reasonable. Come on guys, let's get inside."

"I'm not really hungry and sitting indoors sounds kind of boring right now. I think I'll hang a bit with Rar here and look around." Rainbow Dash casually said, causing everyone to stare at her with bewilderment.

"Are you sure about this miss Dash?" The nord hesitantly asked.

"Yeah I am. What, am I not cool enough to go around with the Thane of the place?" The maiden shot back.

"No." He returned. "If you so wish then by all means I will not stop you."

"Alright. See you later guys, I'll see you later." The rainbow haired girl parted with the other three and the dragon as she and Rarkath continued down one of the streets.

It took the ladies and Spike a few moments to process what had just happened, during which they stayed silent. "That was rather odd..." Twilight spoke up, receiving a synchronized "mhmm" from the other three. After which they walked into the tavern.

As the two walked, Rarkath couldn't help but ask. "What's with the sudden change of heart about being around me?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to look around the place instead of being stuck in some boring tavern." Rainbow Dash replied in a slightly harsh manner.

The man narrowed his eyes at her. "You are aware that I am not buying that, right?"

She sighed and crossed her arms as she let out. "Fine. I just wanted to tell you something, but didn't want the others to hear it."

That made him raise a brow in curiosity. "I'm listening." He calmly said, awaiting to hear her words.

Rainbow bit her lip, before she said with a timid tone. "Thank you. ... For saving us from those elf guys." Rarkath opened his mouth to say something, but before he could Rainbow Dash cut him off. "I know, I know. I should have thanked you when you helped us escape from the bandits, but at the time me and my friends were on the sideline and away from the action that made it seem, to me at least, that we could have gotten out by ourselves even without your help. But...after encountering the elves I got proven wrong. Normally I have no problem helping my friends, but back then I was useless and couldn't protect them."

Rarkath's expression grew stern, after which he spoke in a slightly harsh way. "That right there is a lowly lie Rainbow. You did save your friends back there. If it wasn't for you, you would have most definitely returned home in fewer numbers."

"And I did something horrible in order to prevent that...Now they must think of me as a monster..." She let out with a gloomy tone.

"Your first I take it?" The dragonborn asked.

"My first what?" She confusedly questioned.

"Life that you've taken." He cleared up.

The maiden put on a flustered expression and tried to reply, but couldn't keep it for much long. Her face darkned and her head hung forward, her response coming out in the form of a single nod.

He put a hand on her shoulder and calmly spoke. "That one is always the hardest. Believe me, the negative feelings fade with time. And if you did it for a worth cause, that also helps."

Rainbow took a deep breath and sighed. "I don't think that I'm tough enough to handle stuff like that. Especially when I know what my friends think of me."

The dragonborn moved his gaze from the woman and looked forward. "I'm afraid I can't provide better council on that topic other than trying to learn how to live it it." He said after sighing.

"C..Could you perhaps teach me?" She asked out of the blue, with a hint of shyness in her tone.

"Excuse me?!" He asked in disbelief of what he had heard.

"Y-You heard me." She spoke, looking away from him. "Could you teach me how to...live with it?"

Rarkath was about to speak against her idea, but he remembered that there was probably no one that could help someone with a mentality like hers in such a situation. He leaned his head backwards so that his face looked up at the sky as he muttered. "By the nine..." With a deep sigh he brought his head down and looked at her, saying. "If you are certain you want it, it would be my pleasure to help you. But I suggest that we leave this for tomorrow and first deal with the issue of our stay in the city."

"Yeah. That sounds fine." Rainbow returned just as the two began climbing an incline platform that led to the upper level of the city. Looking around the former pegasus noted. "This place doesn't look very cheerful for a prospering city."

"You and your friends are lucky." The mad spoke. "The first time I ever visited Solitude happened to be just when a public execution was taking place."

The woman made a disturbed expression and shivered slightly. "I guess you are right."

With that their conversation ended, because they had made it to the local blacksmith, to whom Rarkath planned to sell the armor sets.

Nearly an hour later as the sun had completely set the group met up at the Winking Skeever. There were good news. First and foremost - Applejack had managed to locate and "aprehend" Pinkie, before she could cause any trouble, and Rarkath succeeded in striking a fine bargain with the blacksmith. However, Rarity and Twilight informed them that Fluttershy was not feeling well. She had begun coughing and looked as pale as a sheet. So they all agreed to save the sightseeing for the following day and retreated into the warm halls of the tavern.

Food and drink addorned their table as they shared more stories about their homelands, while Spike happily slept in Twilight's lap. She couldn't quite put her ho-...finger on it, but for some reason the atmosphere around them felt friendlier and much more relaxed.

"Does the singing lady know any other songs?" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly.

Putting his mug down, with a smile on his face, Rarkath called out in a cheerful manner. "Lisette, play my usual!"

The bard nodded in his direction, a sincere smile on her face, then spoke up from her spot at the center of the tavern. "This one is a favorite of mine. A legend we all know and love, and are greatful to have among us." With her final quote she gestured at Rarkath, making the people around the tables cheer his name, to which he humbly bowed. Then the woman began to sing.

Once she finished the tavern echoed with applause.

"That was incredible." Rarity commented.

"It's not what I preffer listening to on a daily basis, but it was still cool." Rainbow added.

"It was nice." Fluttershy sweetly said.

"I've got to say, Lisette is a great performer. With her talent and such beautiful songs, she would most definitely make it into the royal orchestra in Canterlot." Twilight noted.

Chuckling, Rarkath said. "You should be careful how much you speak her about her, because if you do it too much you'll make her ears turn red." After all of them shared a short laugh the dragonborn got up and stated. "You ladies finish up here, while I go to arrange rooms for us." Then he walked towards the bar where the innkeeper was, leaving the equestrians to chat amongst themselves.

A moment later the door to the tavern opened and a man with simple fabric clothing entered. He looked around and when he spotted the group made his way towards them. "Good evening lades." He greeted.

All of them looked at him confusedly and greeted back with a simple "good evening", but Pinkie shot up from her seat, grabbed his hand and shook it violently while blurting out. "HiI'mPinkiePie! Nicetomeetyou! What'syourname? Wannabefriends? Doyoulikeparties?" Before her friends could get her seated down.

Overcoming the slight shock from the woman's surprisingly joyful outburst he spoke. "Uh, yes. I am a courier and I bring a letter, which I am supposed to deliver to you."

That made the girls even more confused. "Oh! Is it cake?" The pink haired woman asked. Her company either rolled their eyes or faceho-...palmed, Twilight speaking up. "There must be some kind of mistake sir. We are newcomers to this land and we don't know anyone who would know us, let alone send us letters."

"No, the hooded person who gave me the letter described your band as those who are to recieve it." The courier explained as he pulled out the letter in question from his pouch. "Here you go. Have a nice evening." He said as he handed it to Twilight and then exited the tavern.

The maidens looked at it for several moments, then looked at eachother. With a mutural nod Twilight opened the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper, which bizzarely had an ink hand print on it with some strange letters bellow it.

"What'n tarnation is this 'sposed to mean Twi?" Applejack asked.

"I have no idea Applejack." The former unicorn replied.

"Is there any chance for you to read what's written on the bottom?" Rarity questioned.

"Not right now." Her frined explained. "But Rarkath showed me how spells are cast with these bodies. Perhaps I can use one for translating texts, but I'm not sure how effective it will be due to this being my first time trying to use a spell with hands."

"Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure you will get it right." Fluttershy encouraged her friend.

"Yeah, you got this Twi!" Rainbow Dash added.

Sighing, Twilight left the paper on the table and let out. "Here goes." Then she pointed her hands at it, two whitish blue orbs of light appearing in her hands. Suddenly the paper began to glow and after a short while both its glow and the orbs in Twilight's hands vanished, leaving the woman panting.

"Well? Did it work?" Pinkie asked.

Taking another breath Twilight looked up at the paper. A disappointed expression formed on her face as she leaned back. "I think I might have done something wrong. I highly doubt that all it would say is We know."

"Alright ladies, your rooms are taken care of." Rarkath said as he returned to the table. Noticing their confused faces he asked. "What's wrong."

"Some fella came to us and left us this note." Applejack replied as she held up the note for the dragonborn to see.

When he saw it the man froze.

"Do you know what it is?" Twilight inquired.

Shaking his head he returned. "N-No. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before."

"This seems like...a mystery!" Pinkie stated.

"I'm sure it's nothing. Perhaps someone saw that you are newcomers and decided to play a prank on you. I suggest we get some sleep and think it over tomorrow." Rarkath said. The maidens did not seem very convinced, but they were very tired and agreed to his suggestion. Getting up, all of them followed the dragonborn to their rooms. After wishing eachother good night they split up and went to bed.

Late in the evening Rainbow Dash got woken up by a noise. She slowly got up from her bed and opened the door of her room, just in time to see Rarkath slipping around the corner of the hallway. Quickly putting her clothes on she got out and followed him without alerting anyone else.

Her "mission" took her out of the city walls and down to the stables. From about a yard she saw the nord taking Shadowmere from the stable keeper, mount the black stallion and rode off. When he was gone she got to the house and knocked, getting the owner to come out.

"Excuse me, do you know where the person who was just here headed to?" She asked.

"Sorry milady, but I do not." The man replied.

Rainbow patted her clothing and pulled out a small pouch which let out sounds of metal hitting metal. "Can you drive me after him, I will pay."

The man shrugged and returned. "Just let me call the peddler." After which he turned around and entered the house, leaving Rainbow to wait outside. In about five minutes another man came out, and after the woman told him to ride after Rarkath he tied one of the horses from the stables to a wooden wagon. The two got on and went after Rarkath.

Author's Note

Well...this took way longer than it should. I apologize for the long delay, life gets in the way, and also working on The Koprulu Sector. First I thought this chapter would turn up shorter, but it made a nice word lenght. I hope you enjoy.

Have a potato.

Chapter 7: Life Choices

A Journey Through Ice and Fire

Chapter 7: Life Choices

"So, where should we go first girls?" Twilight asked her friends as they exited the Winking Skeever.

"Well, we could get ourselves new clothes for starters. As cozy as these furs are...they aren't really something I'd like to keep wearing. Along with that they are pretty itchy." Rarity said.

"Huh. Guess I should add that." Applejack noted out of the blue.

The rest of the group looked curiously at her. "Add it where?" Rarity questioned, bearing a puzzled expression.

"To the list of things on which the two of us actually agree on." The former cowpony casually returned.

The response caused rarity to blink in confusion, after which she raised a brow and asked. "You actually keep a list of such thing?"

As confirmation she received a single. "Eeeyup."

"Aanyhow..." Twilight intervened, before the matter could escalate. "Where did Rarkath say we could get clothes?"

"Um...I think it was a shop called The Bits and Pieces?" Fluttershy chirped in.

"Hmm, okay, but where is th-" Before Twilight could finish her sentence she was interrupted by Pinkie Pie, who called out to them. "FOUND IT!"

Then she turned around and pointed at the building she was standing right in front of. Off of its side hung a sign with a libra painted on it. The rest of the group was phased by how quickly their friend had not only supposedly discovered the shop, but the fact that she had gotten about a dozen feet away from them, without them noticing.

When they made their way to her, Applejack asked the question that was on everybody's mind. "How are you certain that this 'ere's the place we're lookin' for?"

"The mister over there told me." The pink haired girl said, pointing at a bald man, who wore rather filthy, supposedly white, clothes and was missing an eye. "I asked him where it was and he said he'd tell me if I gave him a gold piece."

"But where did you even get..." Twilight spoke, but paused, immediately beginning to search herself for the coin purse, but was unable to find it.

As she did so, Pinkie casually explained. "I took the coins Rarkath left us silly, duh." After which she extended the coin purse back to Twilight, all of her friends looking at her in disbelief.

Their surprised stares made Pinkie scratch her head in confusion. "What?" She asked innocently.

Spike was the first one who managed to shrug off his shocked state and said. "I think Twilight needs to give you a talk on taking things without permission."

Pinkie's head leaned to the side as she tried to comprehend his words, but in a single heartbeat it straightened itself, her face beaming with joyus smile as she cheerfully let out. "Okie-dokie-lokie~."

Deciding to not torment their minds with the matter any longer the gang went into the shop. Past the gates a narrow hallway, decorated with horns made into torches, led them to an opening where the register was. Behind the counter stood a dark skinned woman in a blue dress.

"Good day ladies, what can I-AAH!" She greeted, but jumped back, gasping, at the sight of Spike.

"Nonono, don't worry! He is friendly." Twilight blurted out in a hurry to calm the woman. To emphasize her point she picked up the small dragon and brought him up to her chest's height, with him facing the slightly calmer shopkeeper. "See?"

"R-Right..." The lady said, taking a cautious step forward. "I wasn't aware that dragons could be tames as pets."

"Well that's the case, I'm not a pet." Spike deadpanned.

Hearing him talk made the shopkeeper flinch from worry, but the situation as a whole caused the group to share a short giggle.

"Sorry for scaring you like that. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said, flashing the woman a sincere smile.

Feeling slightly more relaxed the lady replied in a warm manner. "That is a rather unusual name, but who am I to judge. I'm Sayma, it's a pleasure to meet you miss Twilight. And who might your company be?"

Once the rest of the group introduced themselves, Sayma said with a light chuckle. "Welcome. Look around. We've got everything you could want in life. At least... that's what my husband always tells me."

"We're actually looking for some new clothes." Rarity spoke up. "These...aren't really fit for a city environment."

"Yeah, I can see the issue." Sayma noted, grabbing her chin in thought. "I'll bring out the dress models we have in store and you can get yourself whatever you like." After which she went to the back room and returned with several different dresses, placing them on the counter.

Giving them a look over, Rarity noted. "Don't you have anything more...extravagant?"

"These are the daily models. Anything else is worn only on special occasions." Samya explained.

"I really like this green one." Fluttershy added, picking up a green dress with a cowl.

"It does look nice, but I don't feel that any of these would suit me. Could you perhaps sell me some fabrics and sewing materials?" The fashionista asked.

"Sure, I'll go get some." The woman returned, but before she could walk out, Applejack asked.

"Um, pardon me missis Sayma, but I'm not really the dress type. Do you happen ta have anything more solid or something?"

"Hmm, no, not really. But if you want you can go and speak with my husband Beirand at the forge across The Fletcher. He might be able to fit you with an armor piece." The shopkeeper suggested.

"That doesn't sound half bad. Thanks." The blond maiden said.

"Ooh! Ooh! I want one too!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Well, you can come along with me then sugarcube."

"I think I'll join too." Twilight stepped in. "Judging from the body build a dress would restrain movements quite a lot, and I would rather be freer to move."

"Alright then. Um, how much do will the dress and the materials cost?" Rarity asked.

"The dress is worth fifty septims, and the materials to make another shouldn't cost much more than forty." Sayma replied. "I'll go see what we have." Then went to the back room.

"Twilight could you get me-" Before the purple haired lady could finish, Pinkie Pie placed a small pile of coins on the table.

"You'll probably want to make it more sparkly, so you might need more~." Pinkie happily said.

"Why thank you dear." Rarity returned, giving her friend a hug.

Applejack, Twilight and Spike stared confusedly at the situation, but quickly shrugged it off. "I don't need anything, so I guess I'll stay with Rarity." The small dragon said. ... Shortly after he noticed Pinkie Pie wiggling her eyebrows in his direction.

"A-a-and Fluttershy. Yeah. To...you know...Keep them safe if anything happens." Spike added, blushing slightly, while his friends shared a short laugh.

"Don't mind us Spike,..." Twilight spoke, now with regained composure. "I'm glad you're turning out as such a noble gentleman."

The blush quickly faded away as he proudly stuck his neck up. "Well yeah. I had great upbringing."

"'Atta boy." Applejack said, after which she turned to the others. "We'll get going. Meet back at the tavern?"

"Yeah, that sounds fine." Rarity returned.

After exchanging goodbyes, the party split, with half of them exiting the shop.

"Alright, this is what we have in stock." Sayma said when she returned, setting down a variety of fabrics and various other sewing materials on the countertop.

The fashionista made sure to thoroughly look through all of them, picking out the things she needed. "Do you happen to have this in violet?" She asked, raising a roll of blue fabric.

"Not at the moment, but I'm expecting a shipment of new supplies within the week. You are welcome to come back then and browse through them." The shopkeeper returned.

Smiling back, Rarity said. "Thank you very much dear, that would be splendid. How much for the dress and the materials?"

"That'd be a hundred and sixty septims."

After Twilight and Applejack managed to convince Pinkie Pie to be calmer and not "blow up" like she usually did the three maidens approached the forge to which they were pointed. There they could see two men working.

"You're making progress, Heimvar. But my boy could still work the bellows better than you do!" The larger bald man, who wore a pale red tunic covered by a black vest called out in a joking manner to the other.

Heimvar, as the three assumed the said man was named, retained the cover of his head, along with a thin moustache. His attire was the same as the other, only his tunic was a filthy white.

"Yeah, but can he hammer the anvil for eight hours straight?" Hermvar returned with a light chuckle as he put a reddened piece of metal on the anvil and hit it with a hammer several times.

The other man laughed and stated. "Give him time. In a couple years, he'll be the age you were when you started!" As he patted Heimvar's back.

"Ahem."

The men's attention was caught by Twilight and her friends as they approached.

"Good day to you ladies, my name's Beirand, what can I help you with?" The man in the red tunic asked.

"Hello, I'm Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends Applejack and Pinkie Pie." Twilight introduced, gesturing at each. After the two other ladies greeted, Twilight got onto the matter they came for. "We were told we could get some armor here."

"Well, you have been mostly well informed." Beirand returned.

"What do ya mean 'mostly'?" Applejack asked.

"Seems there is no end to the need of the Imperials. We rarely have time for other customers and even rarely do we actually get other customers... but let's first see what you'd like? We have several models that are done, but might need a little more fitting to your posture. Hermvar, bring them out."

"Aye Beirand." The other man said as he went into the building embedded in the stone wall.

"So, mind telling me in more detail what you're all looking for?" The blacksmith asked.

"Well, I'm a farm pon- er..woman and I s'pose I'd like to feel some weight on mah shoulder." Applejack said.

"A woman not afraid to dirty up her hands isn't a common sight in this hold, and deserves respect. Some hard steel should fit you just nicely." Beirand said, turning to the pink haired lady.

"Hmm...I don't know. I want something simple so I can decorate it~!" Pinkie beamed.

Not understanding what she meant, the man smiled faintly as he said. "Best among the simple is iron. Solid and true. You can be sure that it won't let you down. But even iron can have its fair share of decorating before it needs repair or change. And for you?" He addressed Twilight.

"I'm not that physically strong, so I guess I could use something lighter, but also able to keep my body heat." The explained.

"Light armor it is then. As far as I can recall we have models ranging from hide to scaled. I'm sure we'll find you all a match, or make one fit you just fine." Beirand said, a sincere smile coloring his face, which the trio returned.

*Present day.*

Rainbow Dash laid on the ground, darkness encompassing her mind when suddenly a bucket of cold water was splashed over her face, causing her to immediately sit up as she gasped for air and spat out water.

"Oh good, you're up." A voice said casually.

She raised her hands to wipe the water from her eyes and noticed that her hands were tied up at the wrists. Doing her best to shake it off she wiped away the water and looked up, seeing Rarkath standing above her, dressed in tight red and black armor. Her face shifted into an angry grimace when she noticed the smug smile on his face.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you enjoy the feeling of healing magic." He said as he pointed at her left shoulder.

Reluctantly she looked to her left and saw a small scar on her shoulder.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't have much time to work on it. Babette works fast when she wants to, or is told to." He continued to casually speak as he made a couple of slow steps to the side.

"Where are we?! How long have I been out?!" The woman lashed out at him.

"Uh, in a shed, duh. And you've kept your eyes closed for a couple of days." He calmly explained.

"You lied to us!" She continued to bark against him. "That place, those people, you are one of that band of murderers who killed the emperor!"

"We prefer the term 'guild of assassins'. I advise you to remember that, because I am not fond of people who speak disrespectfully about my family." Rarkath spoke, not showing any hint of distraught from her words. "Oh and since there's no point in hiding it anymore, remember that story I told you seven about the emperor's death? The truth is I was the one who slew him."

Rainbow could not believe what she was hearing. "I can't believe this! You would kill your own ruler?! The one whom you swore to serve?! WHY?!"

"Simple. The will of Sithis demanded it and for vengeance for my family." He said.

"Sithis? What the bucking hay is that?" She questioned.

"Hmm... That's like telling you about the cold of space, or terror of midnight. Sithis is all those things. He is... the Void. He is the Dread-Father, and we - the Dark Brotherhood - are his devoted children. Metaphorically speaking of course." He explained. "And his bidding is passed onto us by his wife, the Lady of Death - the Night Mother, our mother. Before you ask, that was the woman in the metal coffin you saw. She in turn speaks only to one - the Listener, and he to the rest."

"Let me guess, you're that Listener." The maiden spitefully said.

"That I am. And you should thank our mother for it, because if I were not, you'd be dead."

"What do you mean?" She confusedly asked.

*flashback*

"That's right,..." Nazir began speaking. "...but that doesn't mean we should freak out about the tiniest things which we're certain have not led to unwanted consequences. 'Listener...' N-" He was cut off by Rarkath.

"Shhh!" The Dragonborn let out as he raised one of his hands, upon hearing the voice of the Night Mother.

'An intruder has infiltrated the sanctuary. At this very moment she gazes right at your back.'

Rarkath grabbed the bow from the table and in one swift motion pulled an arrow on it, turned around and fired it. The following scream of pain confirmed that he had hit his target.

"What in Oblivion was that?!" Nazir exclaimed.

"We had an intruder. Let's see who it was." Rarkath calmly said

After getting up the stairs the family was met by a peculiar sight, which caused the Dragonborn's eyes to widen.

"Such vibrant colors. Cicero has never seen so many, especially in one's hair." The jester noted.

"How in Sithis' name is she here?" Rarkath let out.

"You know this one Listener?" The female initiate questioned.

"She was one of the party I spoke of." He replied.

"Well this shatters Nazir's assumption that unwanted consequences didn't happen." Babette haughtily noted, looking at the desert warrior.

"Even the divines make mistakes Babette, and I am not their better." Nazir returned in his defense.

"In any case, should we dispose of her Listener?" The male initiate asked.

After giving it several moments of thought, something came to Rarkath's mind and he said. "No. I think we might have some use from her. Babette go make something that will keep her subdued for a few days."

"As you commend Listener." The vampire returned in a slightly mocking manner, performing a curtsie, before walking off.

"Nazir, do we have any low profile contracts?" Rarkath asked as his hands lit up and the light from them began healing Rainbow Dash's wound.

*fading out of flashback*

"Were it anyone else things would have gone a whole 'nother way. So I don't see what you're fussing about so much. You're warm, dry...and still very much alive." Rarkath said with a hint of dark humor in his tone.

Noticing that she grimaced and angrily asked. "And why exactly am I alive?"

"Right onto business." The Dragonborn began speaking. "I don't go back on my promises, and I did promise to teach you how to live with having killed someone. Also, you are supposed to be loyalty incarnate, right? I want to see what is the extent of that loyalty."

"Gee, that's nice of ya. Do tell how you intend to figure that out?!" She sarcastically said.

"It's rather simple really." Rarkath returned as he pulled out a dagger, causing Rainbow to slightly jump back in frightful surprise. Smiling he added. "You become part of the family."

"You...want me to join you murderers?!" She barked out in disbelief.

"Not just that. I want you to join us, to work like us, and to be like us." Rarkath said in a smug manner.

"And if I refuse?" She glared at him.

"Okay, let me clear out your options here." He began explaining. "You can either become part of our family and learn how to calm your thoughts from the one life you have taken, or..." In a swift move he pressed the dagger to her throat, putting on a grimace of his own as Rainbow's face was colored by fear. "...you can make me make up a believable story for your friends about how you died. Just imagine their grief, and that of the ones who care about you in Equestria, caused by your death. Do you think you can handle such pain in your final moment, or in your afterlife?"

The very thought of what he said made Rainbow Dash shut her eyes, thin steaks of tears squeezing through.

"So, what's it going to be?" He menacingly asked, his gaze peering into her.

Moments later, after sniffing once she said. "Alright, fine. I'll join your m-...family."

"And as your Listener, you will obey my every command without question." He added.

The maiden opened her mouth to protest, but quickly shut it up and reluctantly nodded in acceptance.

Smiling, Rarkath reassuringly said. "Good girl." And then cut Rainbow's bindings off. Then he stood up and offered her a hand.

The maiden did her best to shift her visage into anything that did not resemble sadness. She pushed away his hand and got on her feet.

"Now, there is one last thing." The Dragonborn casually said.

"What thing?" She mistrustfully asked.

"Before you are allowed into the family you need to accomplish a trial, which just so happens to be the first lesson in dealing with a conscience troubled by murder." He explained.

Gulping, but keeping a stoic face, Rainbow inquired. "And that would be?"

"Miss Rainbow Dash, I'd like you to meet our guests." Rarkath stated and gestured behind her.

Turning around, the rainbow haired girl gasped upon seeing three people kneeling on the floor, their hands tied behind their backs and their heads covered by brownish sacks.

"As a guild of assassins we conduct contracts, in which we are given a target and receive payment for dispatching it. One of our guests has a contract on their head, and your task is to kill them." Rarkath casually explained.

"H-How is this supposed to help me deal with killing?!" Rainbow screeched out.

The man's response was chilling. "Simple. The more you kill, the less you care. Do you have any objections?" He asked as he looked grimly at her.

Rainbow wanted to speak her mind against it, but stopped herself and shook her head. "No...Listener..."

"Good. Now proceed." He said, handing her the dagger.

"Okay..." She gulped. "...Which one is the target?"

"That's not for me to tell you. You have to choose. Follow your instinct on who it is." Rarkath chuckled out, taking a step back, nudging her to go to the captives.

Rainbow's breathing became heavy, as she slowly turned and began walking towards the three, dagger firmly gasped in her shaking hand.

"Hello?! Who is this?!" "Oh gods please help me! Please help me!" "Come out you filthy scum! Let me loose and fight like a true nord!" All three spoke in unison.

Quick breaths came out of the maiden's mouth as she was a mere step away from them, pointing the dagger at the woman on the left.

"I am Anna Hammerfist, captain of the Stormcloack army and I demand to know where I am and what is going on!" The woman raised her voice, causing Rainbow to take a frightful step back.

Immediately afterwards the man in the middle cried out. "Please! I am a wealthy merchant! I will pay any price, and give you anything you want! Just please don't kill meehe!" As he uttered his last words he leaned forward, his head stopping on the floor as he began sobbing.

"Ugh, stupid milk drinker!" The man on the right shouted, getting Rainbow's attention. Feeling her position he turned his face right towards her, as if his eyes pierced through the sack and stabbed her like daggers as he barked out. "You better release me, and I might consider granting you a quick death! When my men find out that I've been taken and find you, and trust me they will, they will rip you limb from limb! And scatter what's left of you all around Skyrim for the beasts and worms to devour! No one messes with one of the strongest bandit bands in the Reach!..." He continued on making threats.

As all three continued to loudly bicker, Rainbow Dash put her hands over her ears and closed her eyes in an attempt to block them out. Oh how she wished that this was nothing more than a bad dream. That she could open her eyes and that she would wake up in Cloudsdale, where it would be just another normal day. Nothing spectacular or awesome needed to happen, all she wanted was a normal day. ... But deep down she knew that this was very real.

Her eyes shot open when she felt a presence close behind herself. Rarkath leaned next to her ear and whispered under the thundering of the other three. "Choose."

She couldn't take it anymore. For a mere moment the maiden's mind snapped and went blank. She let out a deafening scream, which made the captives silent, as she drove the whole blade of the dagger into the bandit's skull, right between his eyes. She let go of the handle and stepped back panting. With no will to keep it balanced the body slowly leaned to the side, after which plopped on the ground like a rock, the surface around the dagger shifting its color to a dark red.

Silence choked the room, Rainbow's pants being the only sound present. Her eyes were as wide as dinner plates, staring down at the now lifeless body. She jumped in her place when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning her head to the side she saw a proudly smiling Rarkath.

"Well done, sister." He said.

"Did...did I get him? Did I get the right one? The one with the contract on his head?" She worriedly asked between breaths.

"Well he was the leader of a group of bandits. A monster of a man. He was both hunted by the Jarls and had enemies among other bandit bands. Surely he must have been the one." The man said in a somewhat...teasing tone, after which he chuckled. "But that's not the point."

"Not the point?" Rainbow asked, struck with shock, after which she burst out. "BESIDES THE POINT?! You just made me kill someone in cold blood, and you are telling me that whether there was payment for his death or not is not the bucking point?!! Well, tell me then O Listener, why in the hay is that bucking so?!"

Taking a step forward, Rarkath coldly said. "Because no one will care about his death. And no one should care about his death." He ended, slightly pushing her back with one finger over her chest.

The two were in a standoff between a glare and a smug look, when a whimpering voice caught their attention. "W-w-what about us?" The merchant asked.

Ignoring the man, Rarkath turned to Rainbow Dash. "We're done here. Come on." Then headed for the door of the shed and exited.

"Wait! You can't just leave us here!" "Please I'll pay any price just let me go!" The merchant and Anna yelled, causing Rainbow Dash to look down at them for a moment. Her eyes were swollen with water, but she forced them shut, turned around and walked after Rarkath, doing her best to ignore the pleas of the two remaining captives. At the entrance she looked back at them one last time, before promptly closing the door shut.

Turning her gaze away from the door, she saw Rarkath, now in his steel armor set, climbing on top of Shadowmere. The large stallion moved close to the maiden and the Dragonborn asked. "Shall we?" Gesturing for her to get on with his head.

"What will happen to the other two?" She asked, now in a cold manner.

"Don't worry about them. They will be handled." Rarkath said.

Looking at her feet for a few moments, Rainbow sighed and climbed onto Shadowmere's back, and the three rode off towards the all too familiar city across the frozen lake.

Author's Note

Wooot! Nailed the one month update promise. However I do not know when the next chapter might be out. Hope you guys enjoyed this one! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 1: Raiding the Bandits

*This chapter contains nudity. Reader discretion is advised!*
A Journey through Ice and Fire

By KRissCHu573

Chapter 1: Raiding the bandits

Cadance unleashed the spell to charge the crystal heart. It exploded into a blinding flash, dissolving Sombra to nothingness. Shining Armor galloped to his beloved wife, as the dark crystals disappeared from his horn. The two snuggled together, and tears of joy dropped from their eyes. It was all over…or was it?

“Finally! Twily!” The white unicorn called for his sister.

He put on a puzzled look, when no one answered him.

“Twilight?” He said with a confused tone.

Yet again he received silence as a reply. The captain of the Royal Guard and the crystal princess exchanged worried expressions, and began to search for the purple mare and her friends.

Everything was black. All of a sudden Twilight experienced a freezing sensation, and opened her eyes, and sat up. The sight before her was a blistering wind, which carried many snowflakes, and bit her body. The ground, the rocks of what seemed like a mountain and several colossal pine trees were covered in heavy snow. She was surprised that she was no longer in the Crystal Castle.

‘Did the explosion blow me away into the snowy outlands?’ She thought.

Thinking, however, gave her a splitting headache. The mare put a hoof on her forehead, and shut her peepers.

With shocking surprise she opened her eyes, because she couldn’t feel her horn. As she kept searching for it, she looked at her leg. It no longer had purple fur, but light butter colored skin. Her gaze shifted up the limb. Her hoof was replaced by a hand with five fingers. She jumped back in her sitting position At the sight. Her chest felt heavier, and because she did not account for that overweight, the jump had the ex-unicorn flat on her back. She looked down to see two large round growths on her chest. Twilight sat up again, put her new hand underneath her, and searched for her tail, which was also gone. The only things remaining from her former self were her mane style, which went down to her shoulders, and her purple eyes.

“What kind of messed up creature have I turned to?!” She asked herself out loud.

The ex-unicorn was startled by a groan behind her. She squealed, unintentionally jumped forward, and fell on her front body in the snow. At least her new chest growths softened the landing. She got up on her arms, and turned her head around, to see what was emitting the groans. The “mare” saw what seemed like her friends. They had been transformed in pretty much the same way as her. Hands, no tails, the unicorn’s horn and the pegasi’s wings were gone, even their cutiemarks were missing like hers. Only their mane styles, eye color and some facial features remained. Somehow the country mare still had her Stetson. Aside from skin tone, the only thing that differed was the size of their chest growths. Applejack’s were slightly larger, and Dash’s a bit smaller. The other four seemed somewhere in between. The cold was waking everypony up.

Among the groans, Twilight heard Spike’s voice. She wondered how he was transformed. But when her gaze found him, he was still dragon…though a little different. He still had his green spikes and purple scales, which seemed a bit more leathery and bony than usual. The claws on his hands and feet seemed larger. His mouth was filled with lots of sharp, inch and a half long teeth.

“Ow…my head…” Rainbow Dash uttered, as she sat up, and dug her hand in her colorful mane. When she opened her eyes, and saw her limb, she was startled, jumped back, and fell because of the unaccounted weigh on her chest, even if it was not much.

“What in the hay--AAAH!” She yelped. “My wings! Where are my wings?!” The mare panicked.

“Ease up Dash.” Twilights tried to calm her down, as she tried to stand up.

The attempt failed, and the ex-unicorn buried her face in the snow again. She got up on her arms, sighted in annoyance, and crawled several inches closer to her friends.

“Twilight what’s going on?” The dragon asked.

His voice sounded deeper.

“I don’t know. Maybe the explosion blew us out in the outskirts, and the magic outburst transformed us?” She replied with uncertainty.

“Ah don’ think that’s right.” Applejack stepped in. “The outskirts were a bare wasteland. Ah don’ remember any mountains or trees.” She continued.

“Whatever it is, we need to find shelter. My makeup will be ruined by this weather.” Rarity complained.

Everypony gave her disapproving looks.

“What?!” The fashionista exclaimed.

“Yeah, we should go. It’s way too cold for a party!” Pinkie spoke up. “Oh, oh I know! Let’s find someplace to stay, and celebrate that we’re not in the cold anymore!” The pink maned “pony” grinned widely.

“Um…can we go? It’s getting very cold.” Fluttershy quietly said.

Just as they were about to get a move on, four arrows, with a net tied in between them landed around Spike, trapping him. The girls were about to go and help him, but one after another, they felt stings on their necks. Applejack put a hand on the stung spot, and pulled a small dart.

“What in the ha-a-aa-y-…” She stuttered, and dropped asleep on the ground.

Her friends were soon to follow. Before she passed out, Twilight Sparkle saw how four bipedal beings stepped out from a nearby bush. All of them wore some sort of leathery clothing, with what seemed like a belt across their chests. Two of them had milky white skin, one was with an orange and the other was with a black mane. The third had a browning skin tone, with somewhat wider eyes, and a brown mane. The fourth’s skin was a dark green. He had a brownishly-red mane, and a set of small tusks.

“Yeah, six fare maidens and a dragon. This will be quite the sell!” The one with the long orange mane said.

The toxins from the dart only allowed Twilight to watch and listen, before making her pass out.

“What are you doing? Let us go!” Spike yelled as he tried to break free from the net.

“Merciful Clavicus Vile! The beast talks! This raises the price.” The brownish one exclaimed.

“Shut up!” The green one barked. “Knock the damn thing out, tie up the ladies, and let’s return to the fort. I don’t want to end up fighting a saber or a bear for them.” He ordered.

The three nodded. The one with the orange mane and his brown companion began to tie up her friends. As for the black maned one, he kicked Spike, and the dragon stopped moving. The ex-unicorn barely managed to reach her hand in his direction, before her eyes got lost in darkness.

In a few hours, Twilight woke up. With a blurry vision she looked to her left, and saw that she and her friends were chained, with their arms up, to a big lodge. Spike was in a small cage next to them. A roar and another loud sound startled her. She turned to her right, and saw two large, hideous creatures with white fur, in a big cage. If not anything, they smelled awful.

“Twilight! Are you okay sugarcube?” A friendly voice asked from her left.

She turned her gaze, and replied.

“I’m fine Applejack. A bit snoozy, but fine. So what’s going on here?”

“These bandits are planning to sell us. Can you believe it?” Rarity exclaimed.

“What?” Was the only thing Twilight could say.

“Yeah. Us, Spike and those two trolls over there.” Pinkie said with an angry frown on her face.

‘Trolls? Well that explains a lot.’ The ex-unicorn thought.

“That ain’t the worst of it. Some of them said that before sellin’, they’d like to “test the merchandise”.” Applejack said.

“Wait, you don’t mean what I think you mean?” The “mare” with the single striped mane exclaimed worriedly.

“Sadly, Ah do.”

“Ugh, if I could get loose I could take them on!” Rainbow Dash grunted.

“I doubt it dear. There’s a dozen of them, not to mention that they are armed.” Rarity said.

Spike made another unsuccessful attempt to break the cage open, then he sighted in defeat, and spoke with a down tone.

“Sorry everypony.”

“Don’t worry Spike, we’ll get out of this somehow.” Twilight gave him a reassuring smile.

Afterwards she turned again to Applejack.

“What are we up against here? Can’t we try to reason with these creatures?”

“Judging by their voices and body type, Ah recon all of them are guys. That one…”

The farm girl pointed at a bandit with metal armor, a horned helmet and a big two-handed axe, with her eyes.

“…is their leader. And Ah don’ think reason will work. All of ‘em have made their minds about selling us…and…you know…”

Twilight took another look of her friend, and asked.

“Where is your hat?”

“Over there.” Applejack looked at a table in a small shack in front of them.

On it was a medium sized chest.

“They put it in there, and locked the thing.”

“Twilight, you gotta think of something!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Alright, give me a moment.” The dark maned girl fell in thought.

The wind hissed violently.

“Boss, when are we going to have some fun?” One of the nord bandits, dressed in animal pelts, turned to their leader.

“You all so eager about it? Okay boys, let’s make sure we’re selling fine quality stock.” The steel wearing orc chuckled.

The wood elf on the watch tower at the entrance of the fort thought he saw something in the blurring snow. He put a hand over his eyes, and focused them. All of a sudden his eyes widened. He leaped to the other side of the tower, and shouted.

“INTRUDER! There is a rider comi--”

His speech ended when an arrow with a triple brownish tip pierced his head. The body instantly froze in an ice shell, and caught on fire as it fell down. The sight made the girls scream and yelp. When the lifeless elf hit the ground, the bandit leader shouted.

“BATTLE STATIONS!”

The ex-mares were surprised when they saw a very large black pony, with red eyes, jump over the wooden gate. It had an ink black hand mark on its flank. On it was another two legged creature. It's skin was cream white, a thin ring of black facial hair around its lips. It wore a scaly beige armor with spikes, and on its head was what seemed like a crown made from teeth, a short black mane slightly showing underneath it. It held a brownish bow with several short spikes on it.

The creature fired an arrow, hitting an archer from a second tower. The horse ran over a bandit. Its rider stepped on the saddle and jumped off, releasing another arrow, which broke the lock on Spike’s cage.

After a quick and unheard thanks, the little dragon got out of the metal prison, and started to free his friends.

The unnamed person put the bow on his back, and pulled out a large bone-white sword. When he fell down he cut an orc, starting from between his head and left shoulder. Once the blade reached the gut, its wielder pulled it out, leaving the body to burn. Another bandit was impaled. During that, the horse was crushing several others under its hooves.

One of the nords climbed on a wooden bridge between two watch towers, and aimed with his bow. The stranger caught sight of that. He turned around and shouted at him.

“Fus Ro Dah!”

Some sort of wave of force threw the bandit off the bridge. He fell on the spiked fence of the fort, dying on the spot.

Just when he was about to unchain Rainbow Dash, Spike looked with surprise at the being.

“What are you waiting for?!” The rainbow maned “mare” yelled.

“What’s the matter Spike?” Twilight asked, as the now free Rarity was helping Fluttershy get up.

“Did you see what that guy just do?!” The purple dragon replied, still locked on their rescuer.

“Right now getting out is more important Spike!” The girl with the purple stripe insisted.

“Yeah, unchain us already!” Rainbow Dash added.

The dragon nodded, and undertook the task once again.

Several more bandits were set on fire as the two-handed blade spilled their blood. After another kill, the man felt that the wind suddenly stopped hitting his back. He rolled to the side, dodging a chop from the orc leader’s axe. He lifted it, leaving a small ice formation on the ground, and yelled at the person, who stormed their fort.

“Come on! Show me what you’ve got milk drinker!”

He received no reply, as his opponent put the large blade on his back, and pulled out two identical swords, which just like the two-handed one, looked as if they were made out of bone, from their cases on his haunches. The orc bared his tusks, roared and charged with another chop. The mysterious man caught the weapon between his crossed blades in a parry.

Both of them pushed against each other, trying to get a foothold on their opponent. During this feat of strength, the pale man put a smirk on his face.

“What are you so happy about?!” The orc raised his voice.

Neither took his gaze of the other. Both of them knew, that whoever made even the slightest flinch back, was going to die. Only the nord had an advantage. His lips lightly opened and a loud word escaped them.

"Fus!"

That made the orc stumble backwards for but a moment. It was all the warrior needed. He squatted, and whirled, cutting his opponent’s knees. The bandit leader fell on both of them in a kneeled position, with the two crossed bone swords on his neck.

The orc’s terror filled eyes, met the cold stare of the nord.

“Please…don’t kill me!” He pleaded for his life.

“Grish ‘Nuck Sa L’uum.” The mysterious man began to speak. “You’re from the Mor Khazgur stronghold. Your father died from a disease, so you had to battle your brother Larak for the title of chieftain. He won, but before he could finish you off, you stole the clan’s axe, and ran, becoming a bandit leader. I almost feel like I’m robbing your brother from those 200 septims, but as Brynjolf says: ‘A lad’s gotta do, whatever he has…to make some coin.’”

With all that said, after a few last breaths, Grish ‘Nuck’s head came clean off, followed by the lifeless body, which was both frozen and on fire, with some electric sparks blurring on it. The horrid sight made the “ponies” jaws drop. The victor picked up the head and the axe, as his mount trotted back to him, leaving bloodied prints in the snow. The man put the two things in his hands in a large sack, attached to the horse's side.

“Come on everypony, we need to get out of here!” Twilight said to her friends.

They made for the gate, when Fluttershy stopped, and turned around.

“We can’t leave them here!” She referred to the caged trolls.

She got Spike, and used his claws to open the lock. The pale man yelled when he saw her.

“NO! Don’t open that!”

The warning came in too late. Once the lock was loose, the first troll swiped, and pushed the pink haired girl on the ground, along with the dragon. It roared, bent over, and reached to grab her leg. Her friends yelped at the sight. Just when the monster was about to get its prey, an arrow hit it in the shoulder, filling his body with the sensations of heat and cold. It looked up at the man with the bow, and roared yet again, this time at him. Another arrow hit it in the chest, pushing the troll back, next to the other one.

“Pull her out of there!” He barked the order to Spike, who hesitated for a moment, but a look at the two creatures made him obey.

After the dragon pulled the girl away, the nord lowered the bow, and took a deep breath, not exhaling. The trolls jumped, hitting the ground with their hands, giving out several angry grunts, and then rushed to attack. The ladies' rescuer shouted at them.

“Yol Toor!” He kept his mouth open, unleashing a breath of fire.

This time, everyone along with Spike took notice of that.

“Wow...” Twilight let out, the fire reflecting in her wide open eyes.

"He breathes fire like a dragon? I’m confused!” The baby dragon grabbed his head with both paws.

The pale man kept on the blazing roar. The troll’s fur burned off, their flesh and the metal cage behind them melted, and lastly their bones turned to ash. The wooden fence in the back now supported a large fire. With that background, the stranger turned sideways, and looked at them. Everypony, and dragon’s eyes widened even more in awe at the view.

His gaze shifted from them to a wooden shack. A chest on a table in it in particular. He put the bow on his back, and walked over to it. His seven spectators moved so they could see what he was doing. He got out a pick looking thing and a small shiv from the pouch on his hip. Using them he started working on the lock. While doing so, he spoke.

“Huh, this model lock? If not anything, bandits don’t keep their precious treasures well protected.”

The seven just watched quietly.

*SNAP*

In a moment the chest was open. The man lifted its hood, took the gold coins in it, and picked up a strange hat, which he studied closely.

“Um…pardon me sir, but that’s mine.” Applejack broke the awkward silence.

He glanced at them, taking a good look at the group. They noticed that the skin on his cheeks brightened up in a strange shade of red. Then he threw the hat to its owner. In the chest there were also several sets of fur armor. He tossed one to each of the ladies.

“Put these on. They should keep you warm.” He said.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked with a puzzled look on her face.

The stranger chuckled. He took off his crown thingie, revealing his short black mane. He turned to them, bowed lightly, and replied. “I am Rarkath – Dovahkiin."

Author's Note

HEYO LOVELY PEOPLE~! So yeah, I didn't delete the word file with the first chapter of this, gave it a rework following the critics I got on it and now reboot!

I solemly appologise for my lengthy absense, but I have been having a Gi-fucking-normous writer's block. That's why Defending the Universe will be on hold for a little while more. I barely got the first paragraph of the next chapter done.

In any case, enjoy this little piece for now, and hopefully I will see you soon with a new chapter!

P.S. To any critics out there, if you find even the smallest flaw(aside from grammar I mean), do not hesitate to point it out.

Chapter 6: Unveiling the truth

A Journey Through Ice and Fire

Chapter 6: Unveiling the truth

Several roosters proclaimed the arrival of the dawn throughout Solitude. Twilight frowned as she stirred awake in her bed. Sitting up she let out a sigh as she opened her bloodshot eyes.

"Note to self, try to learn how to read in the local language and not empy up my magic reserves for a translation spell on an all night read." She muttered out, immediately after which Pinkie Pie jumped next to her and loudly greeted. "Good morning Twilight!"

The former unicorn gritted her teeth, jumping back, her head now ringing like the bells throughout Canterlot. "Pinkie! Not so loud!"

"Oops, sorry Twi." The pink haired girl sheepishly returned, chuckling. "But you shouldn't overuse your magic and stay up so late. Not to mention reading for too long on a dim light is bad for your eyes."

"I already noted that Pinkie." Twilight groggily returned. "You go ahead and meet with the others, I'll need a few more minutes to clear my head."

"Okie-dokie-lokie~." Pinkie happily returned as she pranced out of the room.

With a blisful sigh, Twilight fell backwards onto the bed and closed her eyes. Giving her eyes a quick rub as she heard voices outside in the corridor, indicating that Pinkie had gathered everyone. Yawning in defeat, the former unicorn pulled away the covers under which she slept...a great amount of unease washing over her as she only now noticed that it was some kind of animal's fur. The prospect of reading the books in the room, along with her full stomach had completely tuned her out of the details of her surroundings the previous night.

Gulping she pushed the disturbing thought aside and got up, and walked up to the door of the room. However, once she opened the door and stepped out, she was surprised to see all of her friends, the exceptions being Rainbow Dash and Rarkath, were huddled together, staring at a something.

"Good morning guys. What's up?" Twilight asked.

"Rainbow and Rar are gone. No one has seen them leave the tavern." Applejack explained, worry obvious in her tone. "We just found this note in Rar's room, but we have no idea what it says." She finished, handing over a piece of paper to Twilight.

"Oh, I hope they're okay." Fluttershy whimpered out.

"Don't worry dear, I am certain that both of them are fine." Rarity tenderly said, putting a hand on her timid friend's shoulder and smiled at her in an attempt to comfort her.

"Twilight, you spent half the night reading books, I'm pretty sure you managed to get the hang of your translation spell. Can you read what it says on the note?" Spike addressed the former unicorn.

The information had left Twilight rather dumbstruck, but the dragon's words got her out of her "frozen" state.

"Uh, yeah. I think." She returned as she shook her head and then took the paper in her hand. Twilight held it in front of herself, raising her other hand with which she performed the translation spell. A couple of moments later the letters began to shift and alter themselves before the former unicorn's gaze, until they resembled equestrian words.

"Well Twi, what's it say?" Applejack asked.

"Ladies,..." Twilight began reading. "...last night before entering my room I was approached by a messenger, who informed me that something of immense importance required my immediate intervention. I apologize that this letter is the only notice I left, but I had to depart as quickly as possible. I will be gone for several weeks at least, but I have left you enough finances to last in the drawer under this letter."

"Oh, so that's what these are for." Pinkie interupted, holding up a large purse filled to the brim with gold coints.

"Pinkie, why did you take money that isn't yours?!" Rarity exclaimed, failing to believe that one of her friends would do such a thing.

"I thought he had forgotten them, and that if we went to find him I could return them to him." The pink haired maiden explained calmly.

"Oh. Well...that actually does make sense." The fashionista noted.

"Guys, there's a bit more." Twilight cut in, after which she continued reading. "Until I return, feel free to explore the city. If you get into any sort of trouble call to the city guard. Fare well." She finished.

Several silent moments followed, which Spike broke. "Wait, that's it?"

"Doesn't it say anything about Rainbow?" Fluttershy worriedly added.

"No. He doesn't mention her at all." Twilight replied.

Pinkie Pie grabbed her head with both hands and gasped, after which she exclaimed. "OH NO! SHE'S GONE AND NO ONE KNOWS WHERE SHE IS!"

That made all of her friends, except fluttershy, look at her with an incredibly small hint of bemusement. "I think we already had that cleared dear." Rarity spoke. "We should calm down and try looking for her." To that everyone nodded.

"So, where should we start first Twilight?" Applejack turned towards her friend.

Twilight brought a finger to her chin as she thought about it for a moment, after which said. "We aren't familiar with this place, so I suppose our best course of action would be to follow Rarkath's advice and ask the ciry guard to help up."

"Alright! Let's go!" Pinkie proclaimed, after which the group made their way out of the tavern.

Strangely enough, just as they made it into the main hall of the building, a guard entered through the door, muttering. "Ugh, night shifts become more and more boring."

Barely making two steps inside, the ladies and dragon blocked his way. "Excuse us, but our friend is missing and we're not from around here." Twilight spoke.

Blinking a couple of times under his helmet, the guard sighed and then asked. "What does your friend look like?"

"She's about as tall as me, an' her m-..hair is colored like a rainbow." Applejack gave him a quick description.

After searching through his memory for a moment, the guard said. "Yes, I've seen her. Last night she exited the city, following the thane. You shouldn't worry. I'm sure that she's with him, and that she's alright."

"The thane?" They all asked, before recalling that that was Rarkath. Once the realization graced them they made it noticeable. "Thank you very much good sir." Rarity said, after which they let the man pass and he made his way towards the bar, leaving the ladies behind.

Now, slighly calmer about the situation, they moved aside from the door and sat around one of the tables. "Rainbow is with Rarkath? I find that hard to believe." Rarity said.

"Why so?" Applejack asked, a smirk coloring her face, after which she added teasingly. "Are you being jealous that she gets to spend time with him, and ya don't?"

"I..I have no idea what you're talking about!" Rarity protested, after which she turned her head around in an attempt to hide her now reddened cheeks.

That made her friends chuckle, with the exception of Spike, who bore a bemused expression as he muttered. "Ha, ha. Very funny guys."

Stifling the next wave of chuckling, Fluttershy spoke up. "At least we shouldn't be worried about Rainbow. I'm sure that she'll be safe with Rarkath."

"Yeah, but it's kind of bizare that she didn't tell us anything and just went along with him." Twilight noted.

"Well...we did kind of give her a hard time." Applejack added, her face turning into a faint sad frown. "Perhaps she felt that she needed a little time to get over it."

Her reaction quickly spread among the rest of the company, who then hesitantly nodded in agreement. "We could have tried talking things over with her, but that really isn't Rainbow Dash's way of doing things. Now that she can't even fly I suppose that a little exploring along with someone who can bring her back to us will do her good." Rarity spoke.

Silence hung over them, before Pinkie jumped onto the table and stated. "Come on guys. We did act a bit mean, but when she comes back we'll make it up to Rainbow with a party! Until then we should do some exploring of our own! We can't let Rainbow be the only one with interesting things to tell on the party!"

Falling victim to the pink haired girl's upbeat attitude, her friends shared a short laugh. "You have a point Pinkie." Twilight said, after which she looked out one of the windowns. "But I'm still curious about where they have gone to."

"I would like to welcome Rainbow Dash to the stage." Princess Celestia announced, followed by a loud roar of cheers and applause.

Along with them the mare in question walked over to the Princess and in front of a gigantic crowd of ponies. On her right were the Princesses and her friends, and on her left stood the Wonderbolts. A wide smile colored the pegasus's face as she basked in the glory of the spotlight.

"Rainbow Dash." Celestia began, causing the surrounding noise to cease. The Princess continued after Rainbow turned to face her. "For being both the fastest flier and the awesomest pony in all of Equestria, it is my great pleasure to announce..." The alicorn's horn lit up in a golden hue. The very next moment a Wonderbolt uniform appeared on Rainbow Dash. "...that you are officially the newest member and co-captain of the Wonderbolts!"

The groud's cheers boomed even louder than before as a comically wide grinning Rainbow turned to face them. The cyan pegasus grinned widely as she basked in the warmth of both Celestia's sun and the love of the croud.

However, all of a sudden the sky got darkened by immense black clouds, causing everypony to gasp in surprize. A mere heartbeat later large ice spikes began raining down and impaling everyone that had gathered. The air was now filled with screams of panic, everypony running around looking for cover, but there was none.

Rainbow Dash turned around, hoping that the princesses and Twilight could do something, but she screamed in terror, to see all of them had been torn appart by three giant ice monsters, which looked a lot like... The realisation hit her just as the monsters stepped away, making way for the elf she had killed, who had a gaping hole in his chest. She tried to fly away, but for some reason her entire body refused to move.

He pointed his finger and barked out. "You will pay!" The next moment an ice spike flew right at her, causing her to scream again.

Rainbow Dash awoke with a gasp, which turned into hyperventilating as she sat up. *three weeks after leaving Solitude* She was drowning in sweat, but it was quickly sucked up by the fur she was wearing. In a moment she looked down to see her milky skin covered hands, realising that what she had experienced was a dream.

"You alright back there?" The voice of the carrige driver made her turn around.

Shaking her head to regain her composure she replied. "Uh, yeah. Everything's fine. Just had a bad dream."

"Well, I hope you slep well, because I'm dropping you off. Your friend is about to enter Dawnstar and it's not a good place for me to be in." The driver explained.

Nodding, Rainbow Dash took the coin purse she carried and handed it to the man. "Thanks for the ride." After saying that she got off the carrige.

The man turned it around and drove off, leaving Rainbow Dash to follow Rarkath and Shadowmere on foot. To her immense surprise the two had narrowed their brisk pace to a trot. That along with the thick snow veil that blazed around them made her sneaking very easy. About half an hour later she managed to make out the shaped of buildings in the distance.

Rarkath had almost entered the Dawnstar premices when two guards stopped him.

"Halt. What business do you have here?" One asked.

Looking down at the man, the Dragonborn replied in a cold manner. "I'm here to visit the museum."

The mention of that foul place made the guards rather uneasy. The two stepped to the side, one saying. "Move along." While making a motion with one hand.

Not waiting for them to change their minds Rarkath continued his trot through. He didn't enjoy going through Stormcloak teritory, especially one with which he had hystory. For some reason he felt slight unease. As if someone was watching him. However, he had more pressing matters on his mind so he shrugged the unpleasant sensation off.

He stopped in front of the Danwstar Museum, got off and headed for the door. Shadowmere simply laid down on his belly and began waiting for Rarkath, who harshly knocked on the wooden door. A couple of heartbeats afterwards a man in a red robe with a sun knitted onto it opened.

"Ah, Dragonborn, it is such an honor to see y-" The man spoke, but was cut off by Rarkath who pushed him aside and barged into the house, saying. "I'm not in the mood for your shit Silus."

"Yes...of course Dragonborn." Silus replied as he closed the door. "What may I help you with this day?"

"I just needed a passage away from prying eyes." Rarkath said harshly, while heading for one of the windows in the back of the house. Before he exited he turned to the robed man and stated. "You have not seen me exit, I have simply come to bring you some manure excuse of an artifact for the museum, are we clear?"

Gulping, Silus smiled nervously as he returned. "Crystal. May the blessings of the nine be with you."

The Dragonborn did not say anything and went out of the window, which Silus closed after him. Next Rarkath made his way over the hill he was now upon, until he reached a large stone door with a giant skull carved out onto it.

When he neared the door, it spoke in a ghostly tone. "What, is life's, greatest, illusion?"

"Innocence, my brother." Rarkath replied, to which the door said. "Welcome, home." And then opened for the man. With two brisc steps he entered and the stone door shut itself after him.

Hiding behind a rock, Rainbow Dash stared wide eyed in the door's direction, failing to comprehend what she had just seen. Her doubts quickly left her as she shook her head. She had made it this far, and she had no intention of backing down now. She got up and walked up to the door.

The empty hollows that resembled the skull's eyes made her incredibly uneasy. Taking a deep breath she said. "Uh...hello."

Reacting to her voice the door asked. "What, is life's, greatest, illusion?"

"Um...innocence,...my brother?" Rainbow hesitantly replied.

Apparently pleased by her response the door greeted her. "Welcome, home." And opened, granting her passage. Gulping, the former pegasus walked in. The sudden slam of the door startled her, but the shock quickly passed and she began decending down a set of stairs.

Shortly after, she began hearing voices.

"But Listener, Cicero was not aware it was you who had completed the contract." Someone whined in the distance.

"And you couldn't send one of the initiates to ask me if it wasn't me, but you could get them to send a threat to members of my party that could have revealed my connection with our family?" Someone angrily returned.

Rainbow's eyes widened upon realising that the second voice was that of Rarkath.

"Come on Rar, don't be so harsh on the fool. It's not like we killed any of them. And apparently they don't know much about us since they haven't even realised the note was from us." A child's voice returned.

It was then when Rainbow made it out of the narrow hallway and appeared on the second floor of a spacious room. A rather foul smell made her turn to her right, only to see a rotten body inside of a large metal coffin. She almost threw up at the sight of it, but put a hand over her mouth and halted herself. Then she squated and quietly moved forward towards a set of barrs which separated the higher from the lower ground of the room.

Looking down she saw Rarkath, with his back towards her, had leaned on a table, which had a bow and some arrows on it. Around the table there was a total of five other people gathered. Three men, one with dark skin, another in a jester outfit and the last one was wearing a cowl, which hid his face. Also present were what appeared to be a woman, who also hid her face like one of the men,...and a little girl.

"Babette you know pretty much better than anyone that we need to keep a low profile when we're out in the open." Rarkath addressed the child.

"That's right,..." The dark skinned person began speaking. "...but that doesn't mean we should freak out about the tiniest things which we're certain have not led to unwanted consequences. N-" He was cut off by Rarkath.

"Shhh!" The Dragonborn let out as he raised one of his hands. Grave silence befel the room for several moments. Unlike back at the door, Rainbow now had a pretty good idea of what she was seeing and, due to her last interactions with Rarkath, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Her time for thought however ended when Rarkath grabbed the bow and in one swift motion pulled an arrow on it, turned around and fired it directly at Rainbow Dash. A moment of seering pain washed over her body, a force sending her back for a couple of feet, after which the world vanished into darkness.

Author's Note

-whew- This one took remaracbly less time compared to the last one. If my laziness doesn't decide to show up, I should have the next chapter within a month tops.

But until then, I hope you liked this one and thank you for sticking around with me. :twilightsmile:

p.s. How many of you read Cicero's line with Cicero's voice in your heads?