Semper Ardere

--->>>Ardeo<<<---

Okay now this awkward silence is getting to me. Hmm what to do, what to do? Normally I enjoy the silence, back in Lordran silence meant nothing was currently trying to kill me. Here it’s just awkward, I mean it’s not often anything talks to me that isn’t trying to kill me so yeah I guess I can understand that but still!

“So… questions?” I offered, anything to end this gods damned silence.

Some of them looked more eager than others. The purple unicorn Twilight looked a burst with questions, Celestia looked to have a few as well. The smaller white unicorn also seemed curious about something, but I noticed she was more interested in my clothes then anything. The other ponies were silent, probably cause you know the whole “resurrection” thing. I dunno.

Wait? Where’s Luna??

“We hath a question for thou.” I did not jump and yelp from her sneaking up on me.

“Hmm? And what is it?” I wonder what she’s going to ask, “And can you please not sneak up on me? I’ve had a very bad time when people sneak up on me.” Hollow thieves, black phantoms, and gods knows what else.

“We shalt take thy advice into consideration.” I think we’ve got ourselves a playful pony princess, “And we art wondering, art thou a warrior monk of sorts?” Gods be damned why are these ponies so damned cute??

Wait. Me? A monk?  Yeah right! I couldn’t help but snort in amusement, making the other ponies except for Luna and Celestia jump. Damn skittish little things eh? Well, I guess I should answer the little princess then. But still… me? A monk? The gods sense of humor isn’t that bad I don’t think!

"A monk? I suppose I could be called that…” I pause in thought for a moment, “... But one who serves the people, rather than the gods. And only the people who have proved themselves worthy of serving." Wow listen to me, sounding all noble and stuff!

I guess it’s true really, I mean I do help other undead. Granted they still eventually go Hollow and try to kill me… but yeah I guess I do help. Hmm. I guess I’m not so much a remorseless rogue then huh? But then again… nah that Chester bastard was just asking for it! He bloody provoked me! And… I might’ve wanted his clothes… yeah that just sounds bad… best not mention that.

“Well then… I would request you to stay here?” I think my confusion shown, “I feel that you’d best adjust to being in this world away from larger cities.”

Damn, I hate it when logic is used against me. Mainly because it’s rarely done, what with most of the denizens of Lordran either Hollow or insane. I genuinely don’t want to stay here, and it’s not because of the ponies. If anything I rather like them; though I’m unsure if it’s just because they're so gods damned adorable or not. It’s just that this place… it’s just… gods how do I put it?

I opened my mouth to attempt some sort of counter-argument, but nothing came to me. Gods damn it, looks like I’ll be bunking with these ponies for the foreseeable future. I sighed, well it probably won’t be too bad. I mean between constant attacks in Lordran, being summoned to either the past or far future to assist undead, and having totally lost track of time I feel like I’ve been undead for centuries instead of maybe little over a year!

So maybe some downtime will do me some good?

“... Sure, what’s the worst that could happen?” I would later look back on this and call them my famous last words.

--->>>Ardeo<<<---

Eventually one of the ponies, Twilight I think, offered that this discussion would be a lot more comfortable in the Golden Oaks library instead of an old drafty castle. I think Luna was momentarily insulted at calling the castle “old” and “drafty” but caught herself. Probably had to remind herself that it’s been a thousand years, which kinda shocked me initial cause damn these winged unicorns age well, since she last walked Equestria.

Oh! Did I forget to mention that when Celestia teleported us, I fell flat on my back and Luna followed as well? Or position was rather provocative but she’s a pony and I’m not feeling it. So instead of teasing her I just helped her off me, all the while ignoring the snickering from Celestia and the other ponies.

I looked at the snickering Celestia and the other ponies with a quirked brow, “Really?” I drawled.

“I’m sorry Ardeo, Lulu.” Lulu eh welp that’s cute, “But you both looked so cute like that!” Sorry but I’m not into ponies… hmm I dub thee Celly however!

*pomf*

I looked over at Lulu, I like her nickname better, and see she’s all flustered and blushing. She’s also doing that weird extended wings thing again. What in the seven hells does that mean anyway? I think it over and just shrug it off, either someone will tell me eventually or I’ll figure it out on my own.

“So… where will I be staying? Also… how exactly will we explain my presence?” I asked deciding to get the discussion underway.

“*ahem* Yes, of course.” Celly cleared her throat, “You will actually be staying here if Twilight allows it.” She added after a moments thought.

“Okay. Question. Why?” I just need to know.

“Hmm… could you follow me Ardeo? Lulu, care to join us?” Celly said calmly.

I and Lulu nodded and followed Celly to the upper level of the library, that’s when I looked out a window and noticed a tree branch stretching away from the window. Now it took me a second to make sense of it, but we’re actually inside a damn tree! And it’s still alive!! I mean, I know magic is capable of some amazing stuff but… really?

“Please, in here.” Celly said motioning towards an empty room, unused guestroom perhaps?

Lulu and myself entered with Celly following closing the door. I turned to watch Celly then cast some spell, probably a privacy ward thing or something. I watched for a few more moments as Celly tested the ward somehow, before turning my attention back to her wanting me to stay in Ponyville.

Again it’s not because I dislike the place… I just don’t know how to explain it!

After making sure the privacy ward would do it’s job Celly turned back to me, huh. Before she looked so lively and stuff… now she looks worried? Gods… it brings up faint memories of a woman giving me that same worried look? Who is this woman? Bah doesn’t matter anyway!

“Now you were asking why earlier correct?” Yeah… I just asked like… five minutes ago, “Well to put it simply I’m worried about Twilight and her friends. Other than Fluttershy none of them have faced death before let alone kill anyone. I want you to help them through their guilt.” Huh… that makes sense actually… wait a minute!

“How in the seven hells is Fluttershy familiar with death? That pony looks like her own shadow could scare her half to death!” I really, really don’t understand that.

“Fluttershy is the only veterinarian here as well as an animal caretaker, she’s had to put animals to sleep when they’re in constant suffering.” Huh, the more you know eh, “She may recover the fastest, but I believe she will feel guilty over having a hoof in your death regardless.” And I’m lost again!

I think my confusion was showing cause Celly giggled due to my apparent cluelessness. Grumbling I look over at Lulu, however instead of listening in she was staring out the window towards Ponyville watching as ponies go about their daily routines. Gods, she looks so damn melancholy...

In all honesty my body moved on its own, cause the next thing I knew I’m standing beside a forlorn Lulu giving her a hug!

… I was then, I believe the proper word is bucked, across the room.

And it hurt. A lot.

I’ve never been kicked by a horse, but I can definitely say being kicked by a pony sucks! I’m just glad she didn’t shatter my ribs or something actually important… like my nuts!

I didn’t want to die so soon after reviving! I don’t think my ego could survive! It’s limp enough as it is...

“Oh Maker! Ardeo, we art so sorry!” You know… it’s nice when a princess is concerned about your wellbeing, “Thou art not hurt badly, art thou?” Gods I just can’t stay mad at the ponies apparently.

“Just *wheeze* my pride, princess.” Gods I feel like a Giant just drop kicked me, “Just… just give me second…” I wheezed as I reached into my bag, and pulled out my trusty Estus Flask, nothing like a big ol’ gulp of Gwyn’s Solar Discharge to perk me right up!

…I remember Solaire giving me odd looks when I told him that one before…

I, myself, thought it was both appropriate and funny!

As I laid there letting Estus my old friend fix me up I looked over at Celly; gods I think she’s either too easily amused, or secretly a sadist! After knocking back another slug of Solar Discharge, I slowly pushed myself into a sitting position. Putting my flask away, I stood back up and straightened out my clothes.

“...And yet despite that happening, I know I will hug ponies regardless… strange…” I drawled getting a laugh out Celly and a blush from Lulu.

“An interesting drink you have there Ardeo.” I looked at Celly, “That is concentrated sunlight, isn’t it?” I nod wondering what she’s getting at, “How do you plan on refilling it after you consume it all?”

… Gods… that’s actually a… damn good question? How in the seven hells am I going to refill my Estus? I mean I have plenty of healing supplies, divine waters and the like. Gods I hope I don’t have to resort to using those blasted mushrooms! They taste like… bleh! Something unpleasant to say the least!

“In Lordran: I refilled the flask at the bonfires, which are linked to the sun somehow. I haven’t the faintest clue.” I said with a shrug. I’m sure I was told a few times... but I don’t think I payed any attention, “Not sure how that’ll work here though since my link to the fire is gone.”

“Well if you let me I can study the flask and find out how to refill it myself, I am the Herald of the Sun. So I’m sure I could figure out how to fill your flask with concentrated sunlight, or possibly an equivalent.” Celly offered.

For some strange reason I have the feeling that this won’t be the last time I see this sort of generosity, call me crazy but that’s the feeling I’m getting.

“That would be perfect. Thank you princess.” I said gratefully, “I’d bow but I’m pretty sure you’d tell me not to.”

“And you are right.” Celly said smiling.

“Good cause I really don’t like bowing to anyone.” I said with a chuckle.

We all chuckled at that, or giggled in Celly and Lulu’s case, and decided to rejoin the girls downstairs. Quickly tearing down the ward Celly left the room with a giggling Lulu following closely, I followed after a few seconds. As I made my way back to the lobby I wondering how things were going to work here.

--->>>Twilight Sparkle<<<---

After the princesses and Ardeo left to talk I turned to the girls to check if they were alright. I mean we all just saw a po- person die! By our own hooves no less! Granted he got better, but still! Honestly, I know the only reason I haven’t had some sort of breakdown or anything is because I think I’m in shock.

I figure I got another couple hours until I’m a right wreck.

“Girls are you okay!?” I admit, I sounded a little panicky right there.

“Why wouldn’t we be?” Maker, I honestly think Rainbow Dash’s element should’ve been the “Element of Overconfidence” ‘cause I think it’d suit her better.

Don’t get me wrong I like Rainbow Dash but her overconfidence can be a bit much.

“... Maybe because an hour ago we killed a living being! Then watched it resurrect into some sort of unholy mummy before our eyes!? Then bring itself back to the living by smashing some maker-damned wood onto his head!?!? HOW DOES THAT MAKES ANY BUCKING SENSE!?!?!?!?!?” Okay… I think I’m a little stressed out…

“Woah nelly there Twi! Just simmer down there, no need to get angry!” Maker bless you Applejack, I think I know who’s going to be one of the voices of reason in this friendship, “Just simmer down there. We can ask the feller when he comes back down.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath and slowly exhale, I repeat this over a dozen times before I feel the slightest bit in control of my emotions. Opening my eyes I decide to get the thoughts of the quietest amongst us; Fluttershy.

I look over and trot over to the shy pegasi; the poor mare is cowering under the table. I stop myself from sighing, Maker how can anypony be so shy or timid, just how!? With a light snort I decide to gently coax the timid pony from her hiding spot.

“Fluttershy? It’s okay nopony’s going to get you.” I said as gently as I can, “Celestia won’t let anything happen to us.”

Over the next five minutes I coax Fluttershy from her hidey-hole. After the pegasi was away from the table I gave her a look over. Other than her mane and coat being ruffled, she looked absolutely fine. But I’m still worried ‘cause she’s the single most soft spoken gentle mare I’ve ever met! I fear how she’ll handle the guilt of killing somepony would cause.

“Are you okay Fluttershy?” I said softly, “It’s not your fault what happened to Ardeo.”

Fluttershy fidgeted and looked at me, she was crying! Why is she crying? I was about to ask if she was hurt but Fluttershy pulled me into a hug and cried into my neck. I couldn’t do anything other than let her cry, sometimes it’s best to let somepony cry themselves out. Eventually Fluttershy stopped, her cries now hiccups.

“Are you okay Fluttershy?” I ask while I hugged her.

“It’s just… did we hurt him? Everypony could hear bone snap when he hit the pedestal!” Fluttershy said softly.

“I’m sure he knows we didn’t do it on purpose.” I said to reassure the timid pegasi.

Figuring Fluttershy would be fine for now I looked over at the silent Pinkie Pie. That straight mane and tail just doesn’t… seem right for such a bubbly pony. I trotted over to Pinkie and notice she looked utterly devastated, like somepony told her the Toothpony doesn’t exist or something!

“Pinkie? Everything’s going to be fine now.” I said to the questionably sane party pony.

“I know Twi. Do you think he’d appreciate a ‘Sorry For Killing You Accidently And Welcome to Ponyville and Elysium’ party?” Pinkie asked in a more subdued manner than her usual barely-coherent rambling.

Seeing as Pinkie was, well, Pinkie; if more subdued - which I’ll be honest scared the horseapples outta me - I turned to the only other pony in the room; Rarity. She didn’t look distressed at all, rather she looked like she was working out a puzzle. Curious? I trot over but Rarity beat me to the metaphoric punch.

“Darling do you think Ardeo will allow me to look at his clothes? It’s a rather dashing design.” She asked offhoofedly, “Also, do you think he’d let me design some clothes for him?”

Honestly a pony wouldn’t have to even know anything about psychology to know that Rarity is trying to distract herself from what happened. Unfortunately, it’s only a short-term solution; Rarity will have to face it sooner or later. However I honestly can’t bring myself to bring it up.

“I’m sure he would Rarity.” I said somewhat clumsily.

I could talk to Applejack but I really don’t think it’d help, same with Rainbow Dash really. I’ve only known the two ponies for a couple hours now and I already know they’re both one of those Maker-damned hardheaded ponies that’ll deny that anything is bothering them. Reminds me of my brother actually, I wonder how Shiny’s doing?

Deciding that instead of waiting for the princesses and Ardeo to return, I will lose myself in a good book. Hmm, now what do I want to read…? Hmm, this looks interesting!

How to Deal with Guilt: A Self-Help Guide

Really…? I sighed, might as well read it anyway. Maybe it’ll help me with the girls. And with that I settled down to read until the princesses and Ardeo came back down.

--->>>Rarity<<<---

Though Rarity was loathe to admit it, least of all to herself, she was worried about how Ardeo would react to living so close to his killers. Ardeo seemed to be such an interesting creature, it’s a shame if he hated them all for killing him. Of course Rarity could understand that.

Which is why Rarity is trying so hard to distract herself by planning out a possible wardrobe for Ardeo, if he’ll allow Rarity to make him one that is.

“Oh I do hope he doesn’t hold what happened against us- stop it Rarity! Just don’t think about it!” Easier said than done, Rarity would later muse.

Rarity’s ear flicked pulling her out of her thoughts, turning around she watched as the princesses and Ardeo rejoin them.

“My… I think it’s going to be rather jarring having two princesses instead of one.”Rarity realized.

“Well I guess I’m staying here for the foreseeable future, question is where exactly am I going to be staying?” Ardeo asked.

Rarity too wondered where he would stay. As much a gentlecolt he seems Rarity simply couldn’t put him up alongside her sister! And while Ardeo seems like a perfectly responsible being… Rarity couldn’t seem to shake the feeling that he’ll be a hooffull when he’s bored.

“Well if you haven’t any problems you can stay here me and Spike!” Twilight offered sounding excited, which was rather strange as just minutes earlier she was extremely agitated.

“Strange, I never took Twilight as the sort of pony that has mood swings.” Rarity thought somewhat concerned.

“Okay, but who’s Spike?” Ardeo asked curiously, “Oh, and do any of you have questions?”

--->>>All encompassing third person<<<---

“Here we go.” Everypony sans Twilight thought in unison.

--->>>Ardeo<<<---

“Oh hold on. Spike! SPIKE!! GET DOWN HERE!!” Gods for such a little thing she’s got some strong lungs!

I watched curiously as a small lizard creature stumbled down the stairs, what in the world? I think my confusion showed again as Twilight took on a somewhat stern lecturer tone. And don’t ask how I know how to identify the tone cause I don’t remember how I know.

“This is my number one assistant Spike! He’s a baby dragon!” Dragon? Seriously?

I looked over Spike; I just don’t see it. But then again the only other dragon I’ve ever seen is the Everlasting Dragon in the Great Hollow, and the Hellkite drake that incinerated my ass in the Undead Burg. And Spike most definitely has nothing in common with that gods be damned Gaping dragon, and if Spike even knew what that was he’d be thankful!

But then again, new world so I shouldn’t expect dragons to be similar to what I know.

“What Twilight? I was trying to sleep.” Baby dragon right? Well honestly he sounds like a teenager.

“I want you to take notes!” Twilight said smiling at Spike.

Spike grumbled and pulled a quill and some parchment from… somewhere? Huh… how the hell did he do that? Hmm… I’ll ask Twilight about that later.

“Where are you from?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Well originally I’m from the Great Swamp.” I answer simply, “But I was summoned, for the lack of a better word, from Lordran. The Land of the Gods.”

“Did the Gods like parties there!?” Oh gods she back to ‘normal’ again. Well, to be honest I found her quite disturbing with that straight mane and tail. I have no idea why though?

Did the Gods like parties? Huh, well they probably did at one time before the Fire started dying. Man now that I actually think of it, I wonder how many unaware undead were tricked into playing martyr only to fail? Kinda depressing to think of actually.

“They did at one time I suppose.” I answer honestly.

Pinkie grinned and started to bounce around; literally that is. Gods what is wrong with this creature? Is it even a pony to begin with? Nothing should have that much energy damn it!

“What kind of fashion did you have in Lordran darling?” Fashion? Did she actually ask that?

Aside from armor? Whatever you could find really. But then there were some that felt that clothing as well as armor were optional and preferred to run around in their undergarments! Gods I’ll never forget that one time I was invaded by that nudist black phantom. Single most humiliating death I ever experienced!

“Nothing really. What I’m wearing I was lucky to find.” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Rarity seemed rather put out by that, gods now I feel bad. But it’s the god’s honest truth! Hmm, maybe if I let her inspect what I’m wearing? After she makes me something to wear in the meantime, ‘cause these are all I got.

“What’s the most awesome thing you’ve ever done?” Oh gods the stories I could tell you Rainbow Dash.

“Well… hmm… let me think for a minute.” Sif? No, that’d make Fluttershy sad and I feel bad about it myself, hmm how about this one! “Well… I sought the help of Hawk-eye Gough, a Giant archer, to wing a black dragon called Kalameet. After the dragon was grounded I traveled to where it landed to slay it.” Gods I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so interested, “After I got there we clashed! Sword against talon, his flames against mine, his strength against my nimbleness! I died about… thirty-seven times before I managed to slay the dragon.” I finished.

“Sooo coool!” Did I just imagine things or are their actual stars in her eyes?

“YOU’RE A DRAGON SLAYER!?” Spike screeched before hiding behind Twilight. Wow, I kinda feel like a jackass now.

I looked around and noticed Twilight and her friends, except Rainbow Dash, seemed rather… unsettled over my slaying a giant dragon that was heart-set on turning me into a light snack. I glanced over at Lulu and Celly, they seemed rather understand. Apparently the dragons here aren’t as good natured as Spike is. Hmm… I think I shouldn’t mention the Hellkite drake then.

Or the fact I made weapons out of the tails of all the dragons I’ve met.

“Yes, however I will have you know that Kalameet was heart-set on eating me, and has killed thousands before me. And while I am undead and can’t stay dead I can tell you that dying is extremely painful.” I said somewhat defensively.

Twilight looked at the cowering dragon and gave him a stern look; again I remember being on the receiving end of one of those looks but I dismiss it.

“What kinda food do you eat?” Oh gods… how does one say ‘souls, with a side of god’ and not sound like a monster?

“...Well the truth is… I haven’t ate since I gained the Darksign and became undead.” Just… bending the truth a little, “In fact aside from extreme pain I’ve always been kinda numb.” Sort of an exaggeration of the truth.

Applejack gave me a rather odd look, gods I hope she can’t tell I’m bending the truth! Whereas the other girls looked at me with nothing but concern and sympathy. However Celly and Lulu give me a look that says “You will tell us the entire truth later” to me. Fluttershy looked to be moments away from crying, then to the shock of everyone including me I found myself being hugged by the timid pegasi.

I rather awkwardly returned the hug, petting her mane. Mmm… these hugs are rather pleasant!

“How canst thou live such a horrid and wretched life?” Lulu asked both horrified and curious.

I pulled away from Fluttershy to answer her but stopped, gods… what is this weird feeling? And why do I have the urge to… sing?

Youtube Video

Music began to play out from every direction, as I felt the urge begin to take hold, “Well if I were to give you an example…” I said before the urge to sing overcame me.

Your journey it began because

YOU **DIED.**

Out of your cell you ran and then

YOU **DIED.**

You pause to catch your breath

And die another gruesome death

So now you creep around each corner **terrified**

Humanity restored and then

YOU **DIED.**

A graveyard to explore...

HAHA **DENIED.**

For every step you take

Is just one more fatal mistake

So you must learn to take the torture in your stride

Bells chime torment

Darkest descent

Every soul spent

To doom sent...

Down in the depths of the dead

Feel the agony

Scars from a thousand wounds

In your memory

Over and over

Grind through the butchery

Once more you'll run this

Gauntlet of misery

“Surely there was some good at least…?” Celly asked in trepidation. I turned to face her and continued to sing.

Look to the sun's rays

Behold and offer praise

Look to the sun's rays

Comfort in the glow

Celly seemed to take some small pleasure from that, which quickly turned sour as I continued.

Brave you may be

You think that your mind is tough?

Come have a go

If you think you're hard enough

Dive into death

Embrace all the treachery

Learn to enjoy

The bloodshed and butchery

Bells chime torment

Darkest descent

Every soul spent

To doom sent...

Once more you *DIED.***

--->>>Luna<<<---

My jaw dropped as Ardeo sang; the music was both intimidating and haunting. But the lyrics painted a most unpleasant picture of Ardeo’s homeland. Though when Ardeo called out my sister in his song, I found it to be most amusing! If he wasn’t singing at the time I would’ve cackled like a madmare!

After Ardeo finished he coughed, “What… was that?” He asked clearly perplexed. Do they not know of the Music of Harmony in Lordran?

“That was the Music of Harmony, Ardeo.” Oh, I think Sister’s a mite bit upset!

“Is that what made me sing? And I guess the music was a part of it as well?” Ardeo said dryily.

I think I best calm my Sister before she pouts any harder. With a light giggle I opened a two-way telepathic link with my Sister.

“Sister, calm thyself. ‘Tis his first experience with the Music of Harmony. Do not begrudge him over calling you out.” I believe this memory will amuse me for centuries to come!

“I am calm Lulu, but… did he really have to do that?” Oh Maker, she’s pouting so hard!

“Thou knows he didst not mean it Sister. The magic was in control.” Please Sister, please stop pouting!

She did stop pouting, thank the Maker, and I looked over to a very amusing site. My Sister shared my amusement as well. Ardeo, flat on his back, in the middle of a pony pile! The Elements were hugging and cuddling him as hard as they could! No doubt trying their best to make him feel welcomed!

Either that or they’re trying to suffocate him.

“Girls, I appreciate your… uh… affections but…” Ardeo grunted, “...Can I please get up? Oh and Twilight, why is Spike glaring at me?” Oh… oh Maker… this is just… priceless!!

I and my Sister looked at each other before leaning against each-other laughing like madmares!

“Hey! Celly and Lulu! You two cackling loons!” I and my Sister looked over, “Gods damn it help me out here! While pleasant, I do not want to be cuddled to death!” And that sent me and my sister into even more hysterics.