Diary of a Lancer : Tune of Blades

"Life was normal growing up in Haven. The town was located out in the open, uncovered by the forest which surrounded it.

That bare spot covered in tall grasses was where the town settled. The citizens showed no concern for the happening of the world around them, but I always wanted to go beyond our lands borders. But within time, I would get the chance to experience what it was like outside of the safety of Haven. But that chance would become a journey, and I would fall victim to the most life-threatening event in my days and years to come..."

Within Eternity's Plains, basically the middle of nowhere, a fortified, independent city, known as Orvilia, stood robustly under the gray blanket of clouds that loomed overhead. Populated by only three thousand and five hundred Earth ponies, including the military which guarded the perimeters, the fort is, without a doubt, safe from any harm.

A large stone castle erected from the center of the city. Surrounding the castle were bunches of apartment structures, cafes, bars, apothecaries, and a thick, cobblestone wall surrounding the city.

Inside a central watch tower, two Earth pony guards stationed themselves here to watch for any danger or signs of trouble, since the everlasting gray clouds hadn't moved, nor dissipated in weeks. At the top of this watchtower, a large, round room is built to watch over the city with a bird's-eye view. Two, long tables aligned with each other, carrying maps, compasses, and bows and arrows. Finally, surrounding the room, four balconies erected from the tower, each pointing north, south, east, or west.

"Yet another day with no sunshine," an orange Earth pony guard said.

"Yeah, and we are supposed to be watching for trouble," the other annoyed pony guard said, "and not sitting on our tushes and doing nothing all day!"

The orange pony sat up to look to the other one with an eyebrow perked up. "And your point is?" he asked.

The guard simply rolled his eyes and replied, "Just get up, Citrus!"

Having been called by his first name, the lazy, orange pony jumped to his hooves. "Okay, okay, just don't report me, Indigo."

"I might as well, for this has been going on for too long!" Indigo exclaimed. "Have you even been getting enough sle-" Indigo was cut off from continuing his sentence when a crack of lightning and thunder shot from the sky. Both of them looked up to the sky in all awe as a light show of black, white, and otherworldly colors danced across the clouds.

"Black lightning?!" Citrus exclaimed.

"What the hell? We have to warn someone about this!" Indigo exclaimed.

Another minute passed as the blackened volts of electricity swirled and circled the sky. Then, with no warning at all, a shock wave burst from the sky towards the castle that centered the fort. BOOM!

Boom! A roaring boom was heard from afar; followed by a mild tremor that shook the small Earth pony town of Haven. Despite not having woken up by the sounds of working ponies outside, Navin Inkpot was awoken by the soft boom. He shot up from the alarm and fell out of his bed. He didn't move, he just laid there on his back looking directly at the ceiling.

Navin Inkpot was a curious Earth pony. His coat was the color of ash. His mane was as black as the night streaked with silver that hung low over his neck. His hard, black hooves clicked as he trod on the floor. His green eyes stood out above everything, but his iconic black spot on his face wasn't found anywhere else in Haven. An ink pot over an unrolled scroll adorned his flank.

He was a unique member of his family, the name Inkpot was a nickname for his color. His father and newborn brother were both named after elements of the earth, and his mother and beloved sister both have names that were flower related.

Navin was fun-loving, adventurous, curious, but all the same afraid of the outside world. He was born in Haven, raised in Haven, and still in Haven. Although living most of his life there, he never had time for friends. Instead, he used his fun-loving nature to write adventurous short stories and shared them to his family as a colt. But, as he grew older, he began secluding himself in his room, writing journal entries. Long ones. He only came out to do yard work and other chores, so he was active.

But still, he just laid there, playing dead. He suddenly gasped for air. "I'm not dead," he whispered.

He was drenched in sweat, for he had awoken from a nightmare. Breathing heavily, he decided that he must tell somepony of his fantasy. He'd even forgotten about the boom that disturbed him from slumber.

"I'm not dead," Navin said more energetically.

Navin sat up in sudden realization and once again, he shouted, "I'm not dead!" He quickly jumped to his hooves and slammed his bedroom door open and paced down the hallway.

"Am I not dead? I can't be sure," Navin panted as he scurried down the hallway.

The smell of breakfast still lingered in the hallway. Navin could tell that it was flat bread 'n oats again, only there was a much fruitier smell that followed it: apples.

Indeed! It was Sunday- the only day Navin could sleep in. When he passed by the kitchen, an apple strudel for him for all the work he had accomplished in the field throughout the week. But, with no time to waste, he took only one bite out of it and continued out the door.

The outside sunshine greeted him with warmth and sight. Navin's eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun and finally caught glimpse of his hometown, Haven.

Haven was a peaceful and secluded town that is home to about one hundred ponies. The dirt roads were easy to trot on for sensitive soles. The many houses were two-storied duplexes, and had tiled roofs above them. A small, but tall, bell tower rang for important events, especially signals for danger. Mares, stallions, and foals gathered at the church in the northeastern section of town everyday at noon for daily prayers to the spirits that watched from above. The atmosphere that morning was clear and good enough to breathe in, which gave Navin more proof that he was still living. The nightmare he had was too real.

Navin smiled and turned around to face his house. It was the smallest one in the town, with only one level and only four rooms. The window shutters were opened, letting in the morning light to illuminate the house from within. A row of flowers grew adjacent to the house, which Navin's mom grew for sandwiches. Resting at the edge of town, if there was an attack on Haven, Navin's house would likely be the first one to be destroyed.

Navin heard some sort of commotion behind him that he didn't notice before. He looked over his shoulder to see a crowd of Earth ponies scattered all over the street, leaking from the structures. They all looked towards the source of the mysterious boom.

Navin was gonna call on his mom, dad, and little brother and sister to come outside, but noticed them joined in the crowd.

His mom, Lilium, was a beautiful mare, despite going through labor three times. She was a tanned to perfection with a hot pink mane and long, sleek tail. Resting on her flank, which was difficult to not notice, was a blood-red lily flower, connected to a green stem.

His masculine father, Quake, was as brown as the rust on a shovel. His mane was as black as Navin's, and was well tended. Three rocks marked his flank. He was built to handle tough yard work and any future battle. Navin looked up to him as a role model all his colthood.

His sister, Rose Bud,  lives up to her name. She was an alluring maroon and she kept her copper mane and tail short. Although she was still a blank flank, Rose Bud was determined to find her talent. She was very lively and full of happiness, and that's why Navin wouldn't part with her.

Navin rushed towards his family and came up to Quake first.

"Hey, dad! Did you hear the boom, too?" Navin asked rapidly.

"Navin! You're awake," Lilium said in her sweet voice, but it had some sort of concern in it.

"Yes, I am, and I had a dream last night!" Navin exclaimed. "I was in this citadel of some sort, and there were shadowy figures fighting with silhouettes of ponies. Then, I was attacked, there was a boom, and-"

"And what?" Lilium asked. Navin looked at the crowd of puzzled ponies.

The entire family looked around in worry, except Quake. He stood strongly and without a look of apprehension on his face.

What was that noise? The question was burnt within the minds of of everypony who'd heard the strange boom. They all turned to the sound of fanfare coming from down the street to the right. The mayor, standing at the hoof of the bronze statue of his great great grandfather at the town center, had everypony's attention. All the citizens gathered in the center, but Lilium halted Rose Bud, who was already ahead of her.

"Hold on, Rose," Lilium stopped Rose Bud in her tracks.

"But Mom, I'm old enough to attend meetings," Rose Bud said with confidence.

Quake chuckled, "Rose, you don't even have your mark, yet." He turned to face Navin, and with a broad smile on his face, "Navin, take your siblings inside and watch them, we'll be back."

"No no no, I'm coming, too," Navin backed up and positioned himself rebelliously.

"Son, you must ensure that your brother and sister are safe. Now, go!" Navin's father sounded more and more aggressive.

Something bad was gonna happen, and his father was concerned for the first time in forever. Navin lost his pose and expression and was entrusted with this responsibility. He looked towards his mom, whose face begged him clearly please. Navin couldn't resist the entrancing facial expression.

Navin thought of how his parents had told him that one day, he would have to take responsibilities seriously and not to ignore them. With a nod of understanding, and his mind rid of doubt, Lilium handed Granite to Navin. Quake sternly shot a look at Rose Bud. She looked at him back and her ears dropped. With a look of disappointment, she followed Navin to their home.