Dark Ascension

I woke up to the odd sound of some kind of bug, like a cricket or a grass hopper. I unveiled my curtains to let the bright shine of the sun seep into my chamber, it entering almost like it was trapped and waiting to be freed. Today is the day we set off for the source of dark energy that Starswirl has been frantic about lately. This won't be any ordinary trip through the mountains however. Being a source of evil magic, it is quite clear that it will be under high guard from the forces that would defend such magic. I also suspect we might not be the only ones daring enough to make the trip.

Before I began to prepare, I went to check on Clover and Starswirl. Clover was reading books as usual, but not the type she normally reads. One was entitled "The Ancient Mysteries of the Crystal Empire" presumably a book about the old civilization of Crystal Ponies which even we have yet to see. It would be a sight wouldn't it! Imagine what a pony shining like Crystals would look like. Well... it wouldn't help to sleep when you would be lit up like a salt bar on Friday night, but it still must be beautiful. When I checked on Starswirl, he was looking out from his balcony like he always does, but he too seemed... different. Usually he would look upon the distant lands with a smile, but his face was far from optimistic. It looked like a dreary feeling had frisked away his happiness, and left nothing but a husk of anger, his expression just screamed anger for some reason... I didn't dare to ask him.

It's about time I prepared for this trip. I have a lot of essentials I can take, but it doesn't seem like I can take everything with the small saddle bag I have. In front of me lay 7 healing potions, 5 energy herbs, a vial of eminent magicka (giving your offensive spells a temporary boost) and a medallion passed down through my family, granting the wearer of such amulet a large boost to their magic pool, meaning they can cast more spells than usual. All this makes 14 items, while my saddle bag can only contain 10...

Now I had to contemplate the best course of action. Alongside a short sword I always carry on me, I have a good array of spells that can help me and my allies, ranging from your basic offensive fireballs and lightning attacks to defensive shields that protect you from harm. So I could either take the offensive healer route by taking more healing potions, the swift attacker by taking more herbs, or the all purpose mage by taking the 2 magic boosting items and a few herbs/potions added in.

After a long thought, I decided I would stay true to my lineage, with the offensive healer path. You see, my heritage has always had a special affinity for healing magic, making us less effective at combat, myself included. This does mean however that I can support my allies to make them fight more effectively.

I packed my saddle bag with the 7 potions, the medallion and 2 energy herbs. With the herbs I can at least be quick on my hooves in a pinch, my potions allowing me to heal myself more often to stay fighting and also the medallion to boost my healing magic for Starswirl and Clover. I feel really nervous now... I mean we go on explorations all the time but this... this feels different from before. It feels like this is a win or die mission, that we are going through all this trouble just to archive information on a bit of dark magic.

Starswirl, Clover and I rushed through the entrance and re-assured each other we would make it through this. "We won't fail. I promise," Starswirl uttered, albeit hesitantly from the crack in his voice. "I'd rather come out alive than dead, that is for sure!" I quickly replied, hoping to boost morale a bit. "Alright then," Clover exclaimed. "Let's go!"