Equestria Quest

Chapters

Ch. 1 - The Realm-Traveller Arrives
Ch. 2 - Through The Dark Woods
Ch. 3 - Bloodmane Keep

Ch. 1 - The Realm-Traveller Arrives

A flash of blinding light. You find yourself in an unknown place. Your mind dazzled and empty. Something itches in your thoughts, like a healing wound. You shift, uncomfortable in the outfit you do not remember putting on. The light jangle of chain and the rubbing of well-worn leathers makes you look down.

Chainmail and an overcoat. You nod slowly for yourself and check the sparse detail of your gear. Sword and dagger. Rope and a good few pouches. It all helps to jog your memory. It doesn't come rushing back all at once but it places you in your situation.

You are Anon, weathered mercenary and experienced bodyguard. You nod to yourself again as you grip the hilt of your blade, feeling years of experience flow back into your fingers. Your form has been better but your hardened, wiry physique does not suffer from the same amnesia as your mind. You stop yourself from drawing your sword and doing a few test-swings. That will have to wait. First you have to scratch the itch in your mind.

The gates and architecture before you seem overwhelmingly familiar. Looking around, you notice a few of the brightly-coloured locals peeking out from windows and doorways in the square before the castle entrance. None of them seem strange to you, even though they are equine.

You take a deep breath and knock your leather-clad fist against the gate. A low, thumping sound. The gate is strong and thick. A moment passes and you ready yourself for another, harder knock. When suddenly, from the battlements, a voice is heard.

"Who goes there?"

The harsh bark of one of the castle guards no doubt. Even though you cannot see him, you answer up towards the high walls.

"Anon, knight errant, here to answer the call of the princess of the sun"

While this is not entirely true, you are indeed here for the princess. At least you think you are and you hope the guards are informed. A moment passes and there is no answer. Then just as you begin to lose hope, the gates crack, groan and slowly swing open.

You walk with purpose as you enter the gates. You are here because you respect the princess, you are here because she needs you. You will not take insult from those that would call you a wandering vagrant, rogue and scum.

The structure inside is even more splendid than the outward face of the castle. Not in a gaudy way but more inviting to those loyal. Plants mingle with the ancient stonework, fresh and well kept. You are soon greeted by a contingent of royal guards. One of them gruffly tells you to follow and the others say nothing. They are a broad mix of all pony races. Horns and wings and those without.

You are taken straight to the throne room. Here as well you are observed by servants and maids peeking out from half-closed doors. You puff yourself up the best you can and pull a hand through your dirty hair. You are greeted by the heavenly visage that is the princess of the sun. Quite the bit larger than her subjects and with both horn and wings. The princess sits on her throne with both dignity and a commanding presence.

At first she looks grim. Although as you kneel before her mighty throne, her expression changes to that of beautiful, contemplative sadness.

"Welcome, Anonymous, son of Anonymous, the wandering blade."

You hang your head as low as it goes. She knows who you are, no need to try to pretend otherwise. You look up as you hear her move. She has stood up and revealed even more radiance. From her intricate dress to her ethereally flowing mane, she does indeed look like a goddess.

"I am at your service and command, Celestia, eternal princess of the sun."

The princess seems pleased with your manners and motions for you to stand. You rise and breathe in deep. There is a certain scent to the throne room that you cannot quite place. You stand in silence and wait for her to indeed command you.

"I have sent word through the realms, to secret places and the most able of mind to understand the code in my words. You are the first to answer, sir Anon. Perhaps the only to do so as well."

You raise a brow and nod once, showing you are listening intently. You do not remember the message and you have no idea about an encryption. You understand it was a test, a test you passed. Celestia stands silent for a moment, as if lost in thought. When she speaks, you hear sadness in her voice.

"The importance and secrecy of what I now tell you is to be closely guarded, it must not be known by anyone that is not vital to the quest at hand."

She pauses, composes herself and looks deep into your eyes. Into your very soul.

"There are matters of dark powers moving unseen. I have been trying to gather information on what we face but time and time again they elude me. So it was that some days ago, I sent my most faithful student to an ancient place of knowledge. Her mission; to find and retrieve a very powerful source of magic. Magic I would rather have left forgotten but that I now cannot risk falling into the wrong hooves... Or hands, as it were."

Find an apprentice and gather an artefact? Standard. You wait in silence for the kicker, nothing like this is ever that easy. You are right. Celestia continues with what seems like a sinking heart.

"She left about a week ago, her destination; the ruins of Keep Bloodmane, resting-place of the wicked necromancer Faras Bloodmane."

You feel small grin creep over your face. A long-dead necromancer? Probably an extensive library. The magic-toting apprentice of the princess is probably just knee-deep in mythic lore and forbidden spells. You quickly compose yourself to speak.

"I fear no darkness, I need no rest. I will gladly brave the ancient keep and bring back your student."

This time it is Celestia that raises a brow. She looks you over once more and then nods.

"That is what I expected of you, Anon the blade. Although you shouldn't be so rash or reckless. I am sending another of my promising students along, should you need counsel in the ways of magic."

As she speaks, a robed shape appears alongside the throne. Someone from the shadows, someone who has been listening. Your eyes follow her every motion, for it is indeed a female, that much is certain. You are very curious who this apprentice of Celestia is, how she is thought worthy of such a task. Also, how she will hold up on the rough road with a rough companion.

"This is Sunset Shimmer."

Celestia announces her name and she pulls back her hood, revealing a wavy mane of brilliant crimson and fiery yellow. Her bright eyes have the colour of tropical waters and are evaluating you critically. You notice that she is carrying a bag and some other things for the road. Efficiency, you hope she also knows what she is heading into.

Shimmer slowly walks down the steps from the elevated throne and takes not one but two turns around you. She says nothing. You just give her a nonchalant grin. Your eyes meet, break and then meet again. Neither one giving the other an inch in the sudden battle of wills.

Celestia interrupts your little staring contest.

"You must leave when ready, go with all haste and let nothing stand in your path."

Sunset bows deeply before her princess and you step up beside her to do the same. Before long, you are both walking alongside each other out of the castle, through Canterlot town.

You glance over to Shimmer every chance you get; Trying to assess her in all ways possible. Her posture, physique, even how she holds her gaze over her surroundings. After a while, she gives you a sour look.

"Enjoying the view, Anonymous the Blade?"

She holds up a hoof and brushes some of her mane aside as if to prove a point. Although her voice is all but friendly. You give her a casual smile.

"Just trying to calculate if you're going to get me killed or not. Beside that, by all means, I have been in worse-looking company."

Shimmer snorts but then laughs rather heartily.

"Very charming, "sir" Anonymous."

You shrug and let out a short laugh yourself. Perhaps company won't be so bad after all.

"Please, lady Shimmer, call me Anon."

Sunset looks dead ahead but keeps a steady pace with you. She is already thawing out of her sour demeanour. With some elbow grease in this conversation, you'll be decent friends by the end of the day. At least by your calculations.

"Right then, Anon, call me Sunset... Or Shimmer. Or any combination of the two."

She does a rather elaborate shrug for a pony. You are satisfied with the answer, as well as the company. Eyes on the prize in all seriousness but it simply cannot be done without good humours along the way.

The stroll through clean and well-kept Canterlot simply flies by. You pick up a few travelling supplies on the way. Something to eat and some things that may come in handy; cloth for bandages and torches, a few bits and bobs for warding and a thin, yet warm blanket that caught your fancy. Hoof-craft is impressively robust for its meagre weight. You find yourself enjoying the peaceful atmosphere a bit too much. You even catch Sunset giving you looks as you more than once stop to look at certain flower-arrangements.

You clear your throat and put on your best "gruff warrior"-face. You lead the way as far as you know it. Your knowledge of the princess' lands astound even yourself as you and Sunset leave the castle-town. The fair countryside with its little farm-patches and winding roads. The tranquil forests so lovingly tended by ponies. There is no darkness or creeping shadows here. At least not at present.

Shimmer trots along nicely with your brisk pace, no matter her much smaller stature. She also seems very observant; both with lay of the land and with whomever or whatever you encounter. The first few hours are spent in silence, not out of spite but simply as there is nothing to talk about.

The lands are familiar, the company is not. You are practically bursting with pointless questions and idle chitchat. Your "gruff warrior" mask is cracking at the seams and breaking fast. Not that the kind of persona you are usually viewed as has had any impact at all on Sunset.

"So... Sunset... What's a mare like you doing on a lonely venture like this? With an uncouth vagrant none the less."

Shimmer gives you a tired look, then smiles ever so slight. The look on her face says its all a long story. What could be so difficult in the closest circle around the princess?

"Well, I'm going to be frank, only because we are on this secret errand together, I will trust you are not one to run your mouth."

You give her a serious look. She takes the hint and continues.

"In so many words... I am the expendable one. I used to be the star pupil, a few slip-ups later and here I am, running dangerous errands just to check on the other student who is supposed to be cream of the crop."

Sure sounds like someone's been seriously scorned. You decide not to pick at it too much, it is very probable that you get to hear the rest of the story later.

"So, there's a conflict between you and... This other student?"

Sunset sniffs the air and her gaze becomes distant for a moment. She seems to be mulling things around in her head. When she answers, you realize she wasn't giving it excessive thought. She simply tailored a story for you out of a greater conundrum.

"Her name is Twilight Sparkle and no, this is not a conflict between us... It was me overstepping my boundaries in the search for power. Let's just say complications arose and she was the one that put me back in my place. By then, let's just say this position is better than what could have been..."

Her voice trails off. She remains silent for a while, then puts on a painful smile.

"Now I get to travel with interesting company to ancient dusty ruins."

You give her an ugly grin and then laugh. The humour remains.

"Well, this interesting company is glad to have someone along for the incredibly boring slog to danger."

You two pass through another calm forest and eventually find your way out on the great highway that connects cities and villages alike. North, north-east, towards wilder parts. Hours go by in silence or calm chitchat. The road is, so far, uneventful. To be expected from the civilized and farmed parts.

The afternoon creeps by into a soft evening. The fragrances of night-flowers begin to perforate the air. The distant baying of animals join each other into a cacophony of different choruses. Sunset is ever vigilant but you stroll along like you don't have a worry in the world. Many marches like this, more often than not all alone, you know when to expect danger. You are right often enough to have lived this long.

Ahead beckons the greatest tangle of wild growth this side of the world, the Everfree forest. A place where no sane pony would venture and stay the night. The unnatural nature-maze stretches for miles in every direction. Getting lost is not a risk, it is a promise.

You have been here before, gone through the darkened labyrinth a few times. You feel your mind tune into the wild as sure as your boot ruffles the high grass. No sense in entering the woods tonight, you know of a safe-haven not far away.

You motion for Shimmer to follow, she does so without question. Over a little rivulet, tussocks and through the gnarled bushes. A whiles wandering later, you two step out on a fairly well-kept field. There are clear signs of habitation. A few old, mostly broken-down fences, wards and symbols hung up or carved into trees. Soon you notice a chicken coop and finally, a house. A cottage that is built around a large, ancient tree.

You hurry your steps a little, up over a curved bridge that leads over the snaking, tiny river that gives life to these kept lands. Shimmer begins a little protest at the pace but falls silent as you offer her a smile.

Up the gravel path to the forest-home, you soon rap your knuckles against the solid door in a certain rhythm, a specific amount of knocks. A few moments pass, you hear careful hoof-steps from inside. There is a rustling of chain and clicking of locks.

A large, blue eye appears in the small slit the door opened. A faint, very soft voice is heard from inside.

"A-anon? It's been so long..."

Another clink and rustling, the door opens to reveal a pink-maned, yellow pegasus. She steps back and lets you enter. Sunset follows and the yellow pony eyes her cautiously.

"Fluttershy, meet Sunset Shimmer. Shimmer; Fluttershy."

You take off your gloves and motion back and forth between the ponies. Fluttershy stands like paralysed. Shimmer takes command of the situation and extends a foreleg. Fluttershy just looks at it for a good while, then finally shakes her hoof.

Sunset smiles and gives Fluttershy space as she backs away. The frayed robe of the yellow pegasus sweeps over the floor as she trots over to the fireplace. Stoking the fire, she manages a tiny smile for you both.

"I wasn't expecting company... You are a very welcome sight though. The last few nights, the forest has been... Restless."

You figured as much. This place is usually the first to pick up on dark energies and when odd things are afoot.

"So our path grows darker, I am glad we came here first."

Fluttershy stirs in the blackened iron pot over the fire with a large wooden ladle in silence for a while. She is contemplating her own course of action. She gives you both a shy smile before speaking.

"Have some stew and take a rest for tonight, I'll join you tomorrow if you don't mind, I have more reason than most to go into the woods."

You answer her smile with a wide one of your own. You then tap Sunset on the back to pull her out of thought and further into the well lived-in cosiness of the cottage.

"We'd love some hot food, perhaps we can swap news, stories and visions as well. Sunset here is a skilled magic-user."

Fluttershy may be a bit of a recluse and prefer the company of animals but she does make a great hostess. Before you can say or do much, both you and Sunset are seated by a low table, wooden bowls of steaming vegetable stew in front of you. Fluttershy comes sweeping across the downtrodden floor with a platter full of fresh bread.

The next moments are silence. Besides the sloshing of stew and chewing of bread. All day with nothing but a few berries and drinks of water. Fluttershy's cooking is heavenly. Eventually, you break the silence.

"So, Fluttershy, you say the woods are restless. What unrest is there beyond the usual strangeness?"

The yellow pegasus glares at you for a moment, then glances around the cottage as if to make sure no one else is there, listening.

"Well... Um... The animals are all upset and scared, even the more exotic and dangerous ones... There in an unnamed darkness creeping through wines and thorn-bushes."

You nod slowly and glance over to Shimmer. She seems fine with you doing the talking. You take a more comfortable seat and lay some more of your gear aside. Sword against the wall, you stretch out your tired legs. You look at Fluttershy intently and absent-mindedly dig around in your pouches. Something she might like... You pull out a small silken pouch and examine the contents. Seeds, good.

"By any chance, do you perhaps have some cider here in your humble abode?"

You place the seed-pouch on the table.

"I'll trade you seeds that I'm pretty sure are Wolfsbane."

Fluttershy looks to you in silence, her eyes darting back and forth from your face to the pouch on the table. Finally, she lifts the pouch and gives you a soft smile. You see a hint of excitement on the wildwatcher's face. You have spent a few wet nights in this cottage with the yellow pegasus in the past. She lets the seed-container disappear into some hidden compartment in her clothing.

"Anon, you know you don't have to pay me for such a thing..."

Sunset raises a brow as she observes you both but says nothing. You perform an overly exaggerated bow for Fluttershy as you stand up.

"I have to give you something some time. Now... Is there a keg that needs to be moved?"

Fluttershy nods slowly and points towards a small passage you know leads to the cellar. Shimmer follows what is going on with mild uninterest. You stalk off towards and down into the dark, damp cellar. Fluttershy is left with Shimmer in awkward silence.

It does not take you long to lug up the pony-sized barrel from below. By its weight, it is full. You prop it up on an old, worn chest and examine it for a working tap. Fluttershy is soon besides you and takes over. Before long, tankards filled with frothing cider stand on the table. One for each of you.

There is even a slight glint in Sunset's eye at the prospect of the golden drink. It does not take long before tongues are loosened with the rich-flavoured liquid. You quickly learn that Fluttershy actually knows Sunset or at least knows of her. Twilight called upon many of her friends to assist her with vanquishing the chaos Shimmer managed to create. It seems like a closed chapter though and both yellow ponies seem to get along rather well when given the opportunity for conversation.

You drink deep in both the atmosphere and your pint. This place is more relaxing than any royal quarters. Not that you have spent any extended period of time in many of those but you have a rather vivid imagination.

The scent of burning wood, the lingering fragrance of cooking, sweet and thick taste of the cider along with the soothing voices of two mares. You are in a hazy bliss. You have to fight to get out of the dream-like trance as you notice Sunset talking to you.

"Anon, doesn't it strike you as strange that the princess basically told you nothing? I mean, she knows your prowess in a fight and your sense of adventure... But with all this secrecy, why send you to lead... With me as the only guide?"

Is that concern you hear? If so, what manner of concern? Does the student perhaps still hold a rebellious mind against her teacher? You make a mental note to bring drink whenever you'd need to pry something out of Sunset.

"I have had far, far more obscure descriptions for secret quests. I was certain that as soon as you were introduced, the princess had given her more direct orders to a more trusted confidant than me. I am just a wandering blade after all."

You punctuate with a long drink and let your eyes shift back and forth between Sunset and Fluttershy. A short while and a deep breath later, you let more words flow.

"Now that the lady Celestia is no longer present, you are my main concern, Shimmer, you and the other, Twilight Sparkle. My sword is yours in defence and command."

You do another, slightly more serious little mock-bow but your words ring true. Sunset looks a little shocked at first but that expression is soon replaced by a well-contained blush.

"Surely I will sleep more soundly after hearing that, milord Anon.”

She answers with a mock-bow of her own but gives a warm smile before drinking further. Fluttershy isn't all too inquisitive, as you knew she would be. She does spin delightful tales of the woodland however. She also, after her third tankard, reluctantly but not pressured by the rest; tells a tall tale of how she discovered the old main road through the forest.

You are thankful for the extra information given freely, Fluttershy knows not your quest and it will stay that way. Shimmer also seems to pay extra attention. Fluttershy notices you two listening intently and blushes deeply, hiding part of her face behind her mane.

Sunset is the first one to speak.

"Oh please do go on, Fluttershy, you are quite the storyteller."

Fluttershy's face looks like she is about to explode. She is blushing furiously, stammering out whimpers and looking at you both with only one eye. It is a gamble with Fluttershy and drink. You chuckle heartily and swallow another mouthful. Then you reach across the table to lay your hand on Fluttershy's head. Unexpectedly, she does not shy away from your touch.

Shimmer watches, entirely awestruck as you pet Fluttershy gently. Stroking her long, beautiful mane and scratching her behind the ears. The blush remains on Fluttershy's face but she seems to calm down. Shimmer cannot help but to look a bit jealous. Something you almost instantly notice. Ponies can be very easy to read sometimes. You reach out a hand for Shimmer but she leans back, away from you.

"No, that's not necessary, I-"

She instantly falls silent as you get a hold of her with a gentle scratch behind the ear. Both ponies simply melt in your hands. A good and thorough scratching-session later and you get up to fill all three tankards.

"One more before dreamland."

Both pegasus and unicorn agree enthusiastically. Your plan is working flawlessly, you are bonding quickly with the equines. This will prove very important for later. When darkness and despair clutch your hearts and fear runs amuck in your brains. You know this to be true. A friend-in-arms is more reliable than any companion just along for a strong sword-arm or powerful spell.

Halfway through your pints, you are humming on some old tune, without even thinking about it. Fluttershy happily begins humming along and before either of you know it; the clear, enchanting voice that fills the room belongs to Sunset Shimmer. She takes high notes, she goes low. She knows the lyrics by heart. You try to keep up at first but eventually fall silent, stumped by the serene, unknown beauty of your companion's voice. Fluttershy has an easier time catching on and provides more mesmerizing depth to the song.

You cannot help yourself but to fill another tankard with cider. You share it with Shimmer. Fluttershy takes one for herself, all the while singing with her careful, soulful voice. When Fluttershy drinks, Shimmer fills in the singing. Tales from long ago. Drinking songs. A rather poetic praise to their princess in which Fluttershy really shows her colours.

The night rolls around, empty tankards stand in trinity upon the table. Wrapped in blankets on the hay-laden floor sits and lies the trinity of human-pegasus-unicorn. All in peaceful, drunken sleep.

You are greeted at dawn by the loud, strange screech of the local rooster. Some kind of monster-chicken hybrid Fluttershy has raised after finding it in the wicked wilds.

Sunset shifts next to you. She has slept on your arm and her mane is in horrible disarray. Fluttershy has kept up well, snoozing sweetly with her head in your lap. You shake your head carefully, evaluating the amount of drink you managed to down. You feel alright, not necessary something a decent breakfast cannot mend.

Beside you, Shimmer groans, then mumbles.

"Someone shut that infernal beast up..."

A good two or three minutes after the rooster stopped its latest screeching. She notices where she is and tries to comprehend what have happened. Hoisting herself up with one hoof against your chest, she attempts to fix her mane with the other.

"By Celestia, my mouth tastes like your tunic, Anon..."

You answer with a hoarse laugh, unintentionally waking Fluttershy. She panics instantly and staggers backwards, only to soon calm down when she sees your face.

"Oh, um... Excuse me... I slept so comfortably, Anon. Best night in at least a week."

You flash a smile and stretch a bit to get the blood flowing through your stiff limbs.

"Glad to hear that, we've got quite the adventure today..."

Fluttershy nods with a solemn look on her face. Sunset has found a pitcher of water and is washing away the tunic-taste from her mouth. You look around the cottage. It looks even smaller in daylight. Not that it matters. You notice something you must have missed last night. There are a lot of critters around, sleeping soundly in baskets and alcoves. The abundance of critters is not uncommon around Fluttershy but the thing is that none of them seem active, most of them are injured.

It is likely because of the unknown darkness growing in the wild. Without further explanation, you understand exactly why Fluttershy is so anxious.

After quickly gathering your gear and the three of you scarfing down some breakfast, you soon stand as ready as ever. The sunlight outside the cottage is pleasantly warm. The gravel crunching beneath your feet is a deceptively soothing beginning on the journey to darkness.

Now with Sunset on one side and Fluttershy on the other, you have a fleeting fantasy of being a company captain. The stroll toward the entrance of Everfree is very pleasant, no matter the mild hangover.

The closer you get to the supposed gate of the forest, the more wards, talismans and totems you see. They are hung up or standing by the path and around the forests edge. Some are Fluttershy's, some are from other locals and there is also a great deal of unknown ones. Possibly from other lands.

Fluttershy is starting to get jittery, even before you've entered the darkened maze. Even Shimmer seems a bit on edge for the oppressive atmosphere. You stride on, taking the lead and feeling like the man you are.

The trees look much the same from what you can hazily recall from previous visits. The undergrowth is something else though. In the lack of sunlight, just a few paces into the woods, glowing flowers and fungus pelt the ground. Their dim glow give the room beneath the gnarled crowns of the trees a sickly hue of strange colours.

Here in the beginning of the wild woods, the path is still rather obvious. Not quite as well-travelled as it could be, but visible and without any pitfalls. You hold your hand lightly on the hilt of your blade as you survey the stuffy surrounding. The looming feeling that something will jump out of the shadows at any moment is ever present.

You look down as you feel something brush against your side. You tense up at first but soon just crack a smile. It's just Fluttershy. Shimmer saw it and lets out a quiet giggle. The red and yellow-maned unicorn weaves from left to right over the diminishing road, gazing off into the tangled mess on each side. It is almost like she is looking for something specific.

The eerie sounds and strange smells of the forest are getting more familiar with each step. You are still entirely certain where you are in this dark tangle. A rather reassuring notions as by now, the road has dwindled into spindly paths.

Shimmer halts her erratic wandering and turns around to face you and Fluttershy. She motions to be quiet, then to listen. You stand dead still and put your ear to the windless air within the thick woodland hall.

The snapping of branches are obvious, something is carelessly crashing through the undergrowth. You do your best to place where the sound is coming from while drawing your sword. You motion for Fluttershy to come closer and then carefully move up next to Sunset.

Just as you gather, a behemoth of fur, claws and great tusks smashes through a tree just ahead. An exceptionally large, silver-backed dire bear. The creature tumbles over and you sweep Fluttershy to the side as you step away from a rain of splintering wood.

An eardrum-shattering roar escapes the beast. It is bleeding, its hide rent and slashed. Something is clinging to its back. A ragged shape, a pony in armour?

The enormous beast spins, tumbles again and desperately claws for the pony on its back. Another swing around, another smashed tree. You catch another glimpse of the one that is fighting the bear. Unseeing eyes, cracked skin, terribly emaciated features. An undead pony.

You quickly step forth into the fray, you hear Sunset loudly protest but you do not heed her. Flanking around and calculating the bear's spastic movement, the next time it swings around, you are there, blade in hand. A skilful strike, with one measured blow, you lop off the head of the pony.

You act fast again and jump back as the dire bear gathers itself, now turning its attention to you. Its fierce eyes burning in bloody rage. You draw your dagger in your offhand and brace for impact.

An impact that never comes. The bear's attention is directed elsewhere. Snarling, it lumbers right past you. You raise your weapons for a swing when a sudden shout stops you.

"No! Don't hurt the poor bear!"

It is Fluttershy's voice. The bear has picked up speed and is careening straight for her. It does however lose pace rapidly and finally, it falls over straight in front of her.

You watch breathlessly as Fluttershy remains uncomfortably close to the gigantic beast. She seems to be examining its wounds. Before you know it, she has begun patching the creature up. Of course, that's what she does. You hope to all the gods in every pantheon she isn't wrong with this one.

In the middle of your stumped moment, Shimmer approaches you, magically levitating a strange souvenir. The head of the pony that was fighting the bear. You give her a quizzical look but she is having none of it. She even completely ignores the fact that Fluttershy is tending the bear.

"Anon, look at this. Crude necromancy but necromancy none the less. If it does indeed emanate from Bloodmane keep, it has spread unbelievably far..."

You examine the remains quickly, then glance over to Fluttershy and the bear.

"No chance that lone bugger did all the damage to that enormous beast... And why would the undead attack wildlife with blades in the first place?"

Shimmer listens to you, nods and sets the head down on one of the tree trunks the bear ripped down. She uses her magic to examine it further as you step over to Fluttershy.

"So the bear was simply agitated by our little undead friend over there?"

The yellow pegasus nods a few times, looking deeply concerned.

"I need more bandages... I have plenty of salve and there are herbs nearby but he's pretty badly cut up... I need him up and walking if I'm going to get him home."

You take a deep breath. You do not want to deplete your travelling resources for a wild beast but what you want even less is to see Fluttershy sad. You rummage through your things and hand Fluttershy your newly bought bandage-cloth. She smiles weakly for you and mumbles multiple thanks while she goes back to patching up the bear. You lay a hand on Fluttershy's head before pulling away to return to Sunset. She look up to you and almost instantly starts explaining.

"There are traces of a certain magic within these corpse-parts. This fellow isn't a fresh convert and definitely not recently deceased, with some luck, we won't be facing legions of the undead just yet."

You sheathe your weapons and nod to Sunset before motioning to Fluttershy.

"Think you can offer any assistance to... Her... I mean, for the bear. I think this is as far as she goes. If we can get that beast up, she will definitely have enough protection on her way back."

Shimmer nods and puts on a contemplative face for a moment, then she slowly walks towards Fluttershy and the dire bear, horn aglow with magic.

"Soothe him best you can, Fluttershy, I'm going to close some of his wounds and give him a jolt, I'd appreciate him not shredding me for it..."

Fluttershy looks up from her busy work and nods, then readies herself. Magic envelops the creature and ruffles through his fur. Sunset goes off into some kind of focused trance. The bear jerks lightly, grumbles, groans and finally more or less jumps up on his paws, roaring.

Fluttershy quickly catches the gigantic one's attention and within moments, astoundingly, calms him down. The creature looks confused but follows her every lead. Fluttershy calmly walks past Sunset, bear in tow and expresses her gratitude uncharacteristically loud.

"Thank you so much, Sunset Shimmer, I'll take this poor baby home... You two come back and visit soon, okay?"

Sunset gives Fluttershy a genuine smile and you wave lightly as the yellow pegasus looks to you.

"Safe journey, Fluttershy, we'll be back when we've ended the darkness."

Watching the wildwatcher do what she does best, her tiny shape walking next to a gigantic new friend, you think about the situation for a moment. This place cannot handle more darkness. Your mission seems more urgent and grave now.

Encouragement comes in the form of Sunset Shimmer as she steps up beside you. You look down to her and put on a brave face.

"By all things good, I am happy with the wisdom of the princess to send you along."

She huffs once, smirking for you.

"Trust me, Anon, I'm glad to have you as well, even if you are just a strong sword-arm."

You are about to reply but she has already begun walking, laughing softly.

Ch. 2 - Through The Dark Woods

The dense growth of the forest stifles the air and blocks out nearly all natural light. It is hard to keep track of time and direction. Following Fluttershy's elaborate tale and your previous knowledge of these unforgiving woods, you keep on what you think is a true path.

It is hard to measure but you assume it is around noon from the supposed distance you've walked. Also, you are fairly good at guess how long ago it's been since you've eaten. You and Shimmer stop by a particularly luminous cluster of fungi near a tall standing rock. You scout around the place for a bit and find that the luminous glow that comes from the spongy growth seems to be absorbed or reflected from a few lonely beams of light. Light that plays in the glittering dust around the rock, shining down from the rough thicket above like rays into a murky pond.

"An old way-stone..."

You start, stepping up to it and placing a gloved hand on the cool surface. The stone seems to vibrate lightly under your touch.

"Perhaps we are lost after all, I never saw a way-stone inside of Everfree..."

Sunset steps up beside you and looks up the full length of the stone as it desperately reaches for the elusive light.

"The druids of old placed these, not to guide travellers but to protect nature from those that would bring harm to the realm. As they were infused with powerful magic, over the generations, most of them were used for many other tasks... I doubt there is even one left still performing its protective duty."

She looks to you and slowly raises a hoof to touch the stone as well. Nothing happens, she speaks no more for a moment. Then, as you remove your touch from the rocky surface, her horn flares up. The magic aura spreads like wildfire. It shoots up over the stone in bright, red lightning.

Anchored in the ground and up over the tip of the stone, the magic crackles loudly. The magic spits everywhere. At first, you stumble back but when you see the state Shimmer is in, you lunge forward and quickly put your arms around her. As you try to pull her away, the lightning flashes out further over the ground. The sudden burst of energy leaves burning trails in the undergrowth and blackened, singed snakes on the ground.

Shimmer gasps loudly and then goes limp in your grip. You finally manage to get her away from the magic magnetism and the lightning settles. The stone now hums rather loudly and the sparkling glitter around it swirls like a storm in the stuffy air. Sunset stares at the dark thicket above with unmoving eyes.

You curse loudly and quickly check her pulse and breath. Her pulse is thunderous but her breath is weak. You do your best to hold her in a way that comforts her equine body. You give her a few moments in hope she will right herself. Meanwhile you examine her a bit more. You find that her horn is red-hot. This earns another cursing from you and you fish out some of your last spare cloth along with your water-container. Wetting the cloth properly with drinking water, you wrap her horn in the soaked cloth at the same time she shifts and coughs.

"What happened...?"

You look down to her in your arms with a painful grin on your face. She must have been shocked back into last week.

"We touched the stone, I let go, you erupted into crimson lightning."

She grins back, even more painful. She shifts in your grip and slowly gets back on her hooves.

"That would explain why I feel like I've been flash-fried. Subsequently, it would explain the supernatural humming and gleaming here..."

She turns to the stone and looks up in marvel. She looks like she is focusing real hard for a moment. Suddenly, she cries out in pain. You are swiftly by her side and looks at her, concerned. She pants and wheezes for a bit, then she looks up to you with sad eyes.

"I cannot perform magic, my horn hurts real bad..."

You kneel down and cup the side of her face with one hand, looking into her eyes.

"It was burnt, hence the wet cloth. I'm surprised you didn't notice. Just let it cool off. Beyond that, If you have the strength, we should move on."

Shimmer looks at you for a long moment in silence, taking your words in and seemingly revelling in your touch. Her eyes flicker back and forth to the shimmering way-stone from time till time. Then, slowly, she answers.

"No... I feel like we must stay here, there is something with the stone... I have awakened it."

You are unsure if that is a good thing or not. Then again, she is the expert in magic, not you. You nod slowly and look around for a place to sit. Best make good time and eat, drink and rest here then.

"By your lead, lady Shimmer. Just make sure to rest and recover."

She nods to you but says or does nothing else than sitting down beside you, her eyes locked on the deeply humming stone. It does not take long before she is in some kind of meditative state.

You eat some dried rations and other portioned foods you carry along. You do not feel like trying the local flora. More poisonous fungi here than edible ones. Your rest consists of staring at the unmoving unicorn beside you, wondering if she is indeed just meditating or if she is, in fact, in danger.

Just as you have begun picking at your gear worriedly, she snaps back into the land of the conscious. She breathes in deep, exhales slowly and then looks to you with a warm smile.

"I have communed with the stone, it was a rather giving conversation."

You just stare at her, dumbfounded. You know magic and magic-users are strange but talking to a stone just sounds... Insane. She notices your dumb expression and continues.

"It is indeed a magical focus, its laid dormant for many years. It seems my magic helped reset its original purpose, that is why... Um, well, it tried to absorb me. The whole me. It apologized and also said you saved my life by pulling me away."

Your blank, dumb expression remains. The stone apologized? You feel stupider after hearing a perfectly viable explanation. She giggles softly and leans in a bit closer.

"I can see the world of magic surpasses your grasp. Just know that your actions saved my life. I am very grateful."

Your blank face finally cracks into a smile and you bow your head for her. You have a feeling this won't be the last time you stick your hands into red lightning for her.

"Try to eat something... And how's your horn, you needed magic to... Talk to the stone, right?"

Shimmer starts digging around in her bag as you mention eating. She finds something, looks up and smiles weakly for you while unwrapping some rations of her own.

"My horn's very sore and probably burnt but my magic feels like it's back to normal, it was just the anomaly left by the stone that paralysed it momentarily."

After the fairly odd explanation, Shimmer eats in silence. You offer her water and keep watch. There is no chance the sparkling, crackling and humming of the stone has gone unnoticed. You just do not know what to expect. Wildlife, undead, unsavoury travellers? You get up and ruffle through your pouches once again. You pull out a small wooden case, check the contents and then turn to Shimmer.

"Think you can handle a few more hours of making way? We need to find a defensive position before nightfall. In either case, staying here will be dangerous."

You open the case and present it to her.

"Salve, for the burn... Shall I help apply it?"

Shimmer looks slightly overwhelmed, then gives you a soft smile.

"Yes, please... You sure are prepared for things, Anon."

You nod a few times. Ready or dead would be a fair motto. You take off your gloves and dip two fingers into the salve. Carefully removing the damp cloth from around her damaged horn, you replace the touch of water with the touch of fingers and salve. Sunset winces but remains still. You make quick work and then wraps the bandage back over it. She looks ridiculous but relieved.

You check your gear and get ready to move again but when you look to Shimmer, she is staring at the stone again. There seems to be an idea in her head.

"Give me a moment to consult the stone again, it might be able to guide us to a a safe place, an old druids grove or the likes."

You cannot do much but shrug, nod and watch as the unicorn again descends into a trance. This time the duration is much shorter and she actually looks satisfied when she turns her attention back to you.

"Apparently, I am now part of the Everfree druids circle, I have been indoctrinated as the newest and last of their order. The stone will guide me to places others cannot find, it is a stroke of luck!"

A strange relief washes over you. This place isn't all darkness and evil. You cannot wait to tell Fluttershy about it over another keg of cider.

"Very well then, my druidess, lead the way."

Shimmer grins wickedly and holds her head high. She does indeed take the lead but you follow very close. After a few minutes of walking, you realise that you are now hopelessly lost. Yet, you are walking on paths and you are certain there is a bit of overgrown stone-work here and there, no matter how ancient. Is Sunset lead by a magic force? You hope so and you hope with all your heart it is a benevolent force at that.

You speak with hushed tones to Sunset about your previous adventures in these parts. She offers some insight and experience of her own. What she has not done before is fight the undead. You reassure her that they are a fickle enemy. The fact that they know no fear, feel no pain and do not sleep is nothing against the fact that they aren't very clever.

You have fought legions of different beasts. Been close to snuffing it a good few times. Scars and broken bones are an everyday thing. You are a master of bandages and magic potions have lost their strange flavour. You spin a few tales for Sunset that she actually seem genuinely interested in until she comes to an abrupt stop. She motions for you to stay low and be quiet.

At first, you are surprised, then you see them. Up ahead in an otherworldly clearing stands some ancient cages. It is unsure what material they are made of but it does look like jagged old iron. What is the real sight to behold are what is contained inside of most of the cages.

Rattling, raging, skeletal undead. Most of them have distinctive pony features, others are a gruesome mix of wildlife, ponies and you are pretty sure you see a few human limbs as well.

"Abominations!"

Shimmer hisses the word. You shoot a glance her way, then continue surveying the terrible clearing. There is no sign of habitation, nor anyone around besides the undead. Whoever jailed them is not here. This is a mystery of certain magnitude. Hidden paths through the forest and you have stumbled upon the obvious meddling of someone.

Drawing your sword, you glance over to her again.

"We must dispatch these horrors before they are unleashed upon the world."

Before Shimmer has the chance to protest or stop you, you are already making a mad dash across the open ground. The air out in the clearing is delightful but as you get closer to the cages, the stink of rotting flesh becomes stronger and stronger.

The skeletal undead in the cages are going absolutely berserk as they spot you. Claws, hands, and hooves swing for you as you pass by. The rusty old cages groaning from the strain of the sudden assault. You slash and stab in through the bars, cutting bone and cracking skulls. This all seems like a walk in the park.

Until suddenly, you hear the twisted sound of rusted metal breaking. You have cut down perhaps half of the horrors, now it seems the rest are loose. They aren't fast, nor agile but you have no defensive position at all. Before you can do much, you are surrounded. Dodging the first clumsy blows from the abominations, you give back tenfold and crush more bone, wielding your longsword in both hands.

A rough push from behind sends you off balance and then the shredded pain of claws dig into your thigh. You swing around and bring your blade down hard. Another one falls, two more take his place. Did you horribly miscalculate their number? No. They are rising up from covered mounds in the ground.

You busy yourself with slashing low and kicking or stomping the ones that fall. In the middle of the frenzied mêlée, you throw a glance over to where Sunset should be. She is gone. You do not have much time to despair before the orange unicorn charges in from your flank. She was already coming to help you from the probably horrible defeat you rushed into.

A pained expression on her face and horn aglow, she tosses some of the undead to the ground with her magic. Then continues to stomp them in the same fashion as you, hooves grinding brittle bones to splinters. Soon you are fighting back-to-back, she brings them down or holds them still. You slash and crush. The two of you dance around, fending off the hellish beasts where ever they strike.

Claws and teeth gnash. You fling up an arm to stop a pair of wicked jaws to sink its crooked fangs into Sunset. You beat the beast off but feel a river of warm blood flow down your arm. You grunt and then roar as you split the last skull. Shimmer is looking at you with eyes wide.

"Anon... Your arm..."

You sheathe your blade and give Sunset a pained grin.

"That's my payment for being a fool, we should get away from this place and swiftly. I rushed headlong into what turned out to be an obvious trap."

Good intentions doesn't keep one alive, good decisions do. Then again, this fight is over. Sunset wastes no time leading on, away from the clearing with the horrible and strange display of creatures that now lay trampled and still. You examine your ragged wound as you walk. It is not gushing out blood and you have most of the functionality left. It mostly just hurts and makes the whole arm a bit stiff. A minor injury but something that has to be cleaned and kept none the less. Such a rookie mistake. You reflect on it all for a while, wondering why you did something so rash as charging an unknown enemy alone. Are you desperate to prove yourself to Shimmer?

Well back amongst the trees and an appreciable distance away from anything that might be stalking you, you slump down with your back against the trunk of a mighty tree. You instantly get to cleaning your arm and adding some herbal remedy before wrapping it tightly in your rapidly dwindling bandages.

Shimmer watches in silence, her face looking like she'd be guilty but you have no blame but for yourself. When you are done, you test your fingers and then smile for her.

"Carry on, druidess, there are better places to rest."

She gives you a grin, a mix between a smile and worry. You have lost none of your vitality, as you quickly prove by matching steps with the graceful quadruped. Soon things are back to what they were before with you telling little tales and boasting about far worse injuries than a bite in the arm. A bit exaggerated perhaps but fitting.

You cross winding paths and strange patches of moon-flowers. The forest is growing even more dense. It seems with each step, something snags your clothing or tangles in your hair. It is like the trees are trying to catch you both. Light spills in from above but it seems to be coming from darkened, grey skies. The sky was bright and clear when you went in. Probably another trick of the wilds.

Even if the light is unnatural, you are thankful for it. The glow of mushrooms and strange flowers makes anyone drowsy and had you lose track of time way too quick. Sunset seems tireless, she leads on as if she has a map of this twisted place burnt into her mind. After the encounter with the stone, that might just be the case.

The surrounding turns more rocky. Things that stick out of the tangled undergrowth as places of reference for distance and direction become more and more sparse. Still, Sunset pushes on. She seems driven by a goal now, you have no reason to question her. Before too long, a rock in front of you stands out from the rest. Another way-stone.

Sunset walks up to it but you hurriedly stop her from touching it. She looks at you with a confident look on her face and shakes her head slowly.

"Don't worry, Anon, my charge of the first stone should magically transfer to this one. It will cause me no harm."

You want to protest but do not. She flashes you a smile and turns back to the stone. She strains a bit with her damaged horn but manages the same glittering glow as usual. Magic still baffles you, even in its most understandable and ethereally visible form. The communication with this stone does not take long at all, even though the short moments feel longer as you are prepared to pull Shimmer away from crimson lightning again.

Once done, Shimmer looks to you with a stupidly satisfied smile.

"Look at this."

She turns to the mossy rock-face behind the standing stone. Even without her horn glowing, the rock splits and starts gliding apart with a low rumbling. A passage opens up in the weathered stone. The way is completely dark but Sunset enters without hesitation. You take her lead and follow. Strangely enough, just a few meters in, there are unlit torches in rough sconces on the walls. They look ancient but they are dry enough. A few moments with flint and tinder and you have a lively scorching torch.

The passage leads lazily downward and fairly straight. At first, the walls are dry and rough but after some time, they seem to get more smooth. Polished by running water and prickled with moss and other cavern-dwelling growth. The passage opens up to a large grotto that looks to be partly natural, partly dug by hands or hooves. Could this be one of the druids' old sanctuaries? It seems likely as it let Sunset and you in after she talked to another stone.

However much you want to relax and just stride on into the dark chambers, you are in no mood to stumble into another trap. You keep your hand on the hilt of your blade and an eye out for trouble. The other eye on Sunset as she marvels at the old cave. Every alcove, every passage is a threat. At least in your mind. There are plenty of things possibly inhabiting dark, forgotten places.

A while of exploring later, you seem to have found the main chamber. There are a few passages that lead off into the mountain or further underground. Most others are alcoves to living quarters and storage rooms. No salvageable supplies other than a fine abundance of torches. You were hoping for some cloth but none of it would make good bandages. Your scavenging ends when Sunset calls you over to an altar in the middle of the great hall.

"Look at this, Anon. The water in the pool here, doesn't it strike you as strange?"

You give her a quizzical glance, then examine the small body of water closer. It is a round shape hewn into the rock. At first it doesn't look like anything but drippings from the cave but when exposed to enough fire-light, you see that the water is crystal clear and seemingly swirling lightly.

"It's... Fresh... And, uh, alive?"

You feel like a right nonce taking a guess like that. Shimmer seems humoured.

"Close enough, its an enchanted scrying-bowl, kind of like a two-way mirror. I'd bet we can get eyes all over the forest with this. If the stones are willing."

You have already accepted the strangeness of talking to stones, so you do not object or question her will to commune with a puddle. You stand aside in silence and think about how much odd magic-business you've had to endure of late. Sunset carefully dips the tip of her hoof into the bowl, sloshes it around for a little bit but then quickly pulls it out. You are instantly next to her, concern riding your face.

She is clearly shaken but not hurt. She has to collect herself before talking. There is an ominous hint of fear, both on her face and in her voice.

"I saw... Visions, at least I hope they were... Bloodmane keep was bustling with evil activity. It was very hard to tell if it was from the past, future... Or present."

You kneel by Sunset and look into her eyes, trying to be as comforting as possible.

"Never worry, if the evil was as present as we'd fear, the princess would have seen it. We wouldn't be sent to face an army, surely the magic is just... Being magic."

You hear your own words of comfort turn to sand in your mouth. You do not fear The lingering darkness of Faras Bloodmane but you are beginning to suspect there is more to all this. It cannot just be about a lost apprentice and some artefact small enough for one pony to recover. Sunset seems strangely consoled by your simpleton's explanation. She puts on a brave face but glances around nervously at the encroaching darkness.

"I don't think I'd rest well here tonight, shall we find the exit from this would-be sanctuary?"

You nod twice, your earlier cautiousness now re-kindled from Shimmer's behaviour. Shimmer takes the cue and begins leading you two off into one of the passages that do not lead to rooms or storage. You silently hope she is still guided by a benevolent force.

You light another torch on your first, as it fades. The open sky is not guaranteed at the end of this crawl through the darkness but the thought is invigorating. Time to get out of this bleak place and back into the wicked wilds. A fair exchange, one bad place for another.

The rocky passage is narrow but well-worn, it has been used vigorously. You insist on walking ahead as the corridor only leads one way anyway. Torch in one hand, dagger in the other. Sword is no good for enclosed spaces like this. Your re-found cautiousness is lessened slightly as you step out into surprisingly soft greenery. This vista is more becoming of druids. The sky above shows the first stars of evening in the cloudless sky. The air is fresh although the murky scent of Everfree is still present. A hidden grove to rival any you have ever seen. There is a small river cutting through the once well-kept greenery. A short stroll through the overgrown yet soft nature within rocky walls, you find bushes and trees you know bear fruit and berries that are not toxic.

You pick a few handfuls of berries and offer them to Sunset. She trusts your judgement and eats them happily. You join her. They taste a bit stale and the ever-present influence of the Everfree seems to have fouled them up somewhat. They are juicy and give new strength none the less.

"And now we have become one with the darkened wilderness, never thought I'd find something to eat in the Everfree forest."

Sunset looks critically at a low-hanging apple, then back to you. She speaks slowly, as if her mind is heavy with worry.

"We have to be measured about the continued journey. This place still doesn't feel right but I am rather certain it would be the safest of places to spend the night. Those undead in the cages... Someone put them there with intent, someone with more knowledge of the hidden parts of the woods than we. This druid glen is a blessing, surely the stones' acceptance is worthy of that."

You brush your gloved hands together and lick your lips thoughtfully as you look around.

"Perhaps if we can fortify a corner of this place, rest as much as possible and then strike out as early as possible. We could reach our destined nightmare-keep before dark falls."

Shimmer looks like she is about to say something but nods in silence instead. You both know this is a bad plan but it is also the only plan. At least the only plan with some current validity. Without further ado, you begin taking another look around the grove. This time looking for a defensible position and seeing if you can find something to build out of.

Before too long, you have secured the place to a degree that feels at least decent with your survival instincts. Shimmer sits on a nearby rock and reads the stars as you shimmy together an improvised shelter from trunks and branches. The wildly grown but still rather soft and natural local flora gives all materials you need. When you are done, you have managed a fairly hidden, wind-resistant little nest. You make your way over to Sunset and pull her out of her meditation with soft words.

"Let's get some rest. No fire tonight so we'll have to share warmth."

Sunset looks to you with a calm smile.

"As long as I don't have to wake up with your tunic in my mouth again, that thing is filthy."

You fake an offended look.

"I'll tell it to behave."

You show Shimmer into the small but under-the-circumstances comfortable shelter. Before long, the two of you lie next to each other in a bunch ad tight as possible. Hoofcraft blanket spread over both of you. You resist the urge to chitchat about things not related to the journey. It just doesn't seem right. Shimmer's small body is surprisingly warm and her slow breaths are all the lullaby you need. Sleep takes you both.

Your dreams are a muddled mess of impressions. Otherworldly colours swirl before your eyes and you feel weightless, floating up over the dark grove. You are surrounded by dim stars and the vast endlessness of the forest stretches out like a roiling sea beneath you. Little lights among the trees draw your dream-gaze. They differ in colour and size. Some are still and some are moving. Whenever you try to pinpoint one of them, it seems to distort all others. This is when you notice the whispering. Was it there before? You try to listen but just as you do, you are struck with a cacophony of voices. Pitiful cries for help, great roaring shouts of agony, mumbled jitters of madness. Your head feels like it is going to explode, your astral form drifts on the non-existent breeze. Faster and faster over the jagged, tangled mess below.

You fly towards a goal that feels more and more ominous. The voices whisper as if they were in your ear. Fear, hate, helplessness. Finally, the entire choir of pain falls silent just as you reach your destination. A single voice calls out, you do not know it but it feels so familiar. Warmth bursts inside of you, even as you look down into the abyss of darkness that is the ruins of Bloodmane keep.

"Anyone, by Celestia, hear my words... Anyone, please help me out of this pit..."

The voice fades as quickly as it appeared and is replaced by the screaming and moaning of the previous nightmare-choir as you go crashing back into your body as if your astral form is tugged roughly by a rope. You sit up sharply and look around, your hands are shaking. You throw a glance to Sunset to see her sitting up as well. Your eyes meet and both of you exhale.

"I heard voices..."

She starts but stops and looks at you as if to confirm she is actually awake.

"I saw Bloodmane keep."

You hear your own words leave your mouth in a befuddled haze. Sunset nods slowly. Did you have the same vision? It is still dark and you have no idea how long you slept. You feel surprisingly rested.

"A feminine voice... Calling for help, saying Celestia's name."

Shimmer lays a hoof on your shoulder and nods a few more times.

"I heard it too, there was no doubt in my mind it was Twilight, calling for help."

You lay your hand over her hoof.

"Then she is alive, at least. We should leave as soon as we can, I doubt we'll be getting more rest here."

Sunset does not answer with words, she goes the way of actions. Rising and patting herself off, she very quickly gathers herself. You do the same, your gear has gone from an unfamiliar outfit to a second skin in a very short span of time. You roll up the blanket and check your things. you are both on the way through the grove before the morning sun even licks the sky.

Just as inside the rocky passages, Sunset leads on with a sure heading. The dark images from your dream linger and you have the feeling you are walking straight towards that very same shadow. At least you aren't lost in the endless woods. You ponder a moment of the horrors that hold Twilight Sparkle captive and wonder of what agonies she is suffering. If she was indeed captured by necromantic minions, for what foul purpose do they keep her alive?

Sunset helps dispel the thought just by pointing out the way out of the grove. Another descent into the rocky wall that seems to envelop the haven and keep the twisted wood out. No torches this time around, you curse yourself in silence as Shimmer has to strain her horn to produce magical light. The journey through the rocky tunnels is spent in silence and the dim blue glow she manages to keep.

A not entirely long walk later and you find yourselves by a small, mossy waterfall, trickling down from some unknown source. It looks to have been a mighty flow once upon a time and you are happy that it is smaller now. Filling your flasks and taking a drink of the cool water is a welcome break. The way down is tricky, wet rocks and a very uneven trail. Luck shines on you along with what morning light reaches through the thicket. You both make it down without incident.

Down on the forest floor, the only evidence of a hidden passage up by the waterfall is a small river that snakes through the undergrowth. No paths or structures here, just untamed wilderness. You do your best to get your bearings in this unknown place. You look to Sunset with a lost expression. She answers with something similar and begins walking through the grips and claws of gnarled bushes. Putting your backs to the hidden grove, you will have to hope for luck and the scent of danger to find your way for now. You walk alongside the tiny river for some time, finding the undergrowth near the clear water to be softer and more manageable to navigate through.

Walking with all the caution you can manage and keeping a watchful eye takes more time and effort than you would like. You lament this shortly as you are both taking a well-deserved rest by a fork in the river. Shimmer gives you a coy smile and sits down close to you, resting her head against your shoulder.

"We are close now... I can feel it, in my heart, hooves and horn... So would you please unwrap me?"

You look at her blankly for a short while, then realize what she means. You quickly raise your hands and pick at her bandaged horn with care. Under remnants of salve, the horn looks much better. Almost back to normal. You know enough about pony anatomy but things like unicorns' horns are still a mystery to you. Sunset breathes in deep and closes her eyes, she tries a spell. A few grunts and winces later, she seems to have cast magic on her own source of magic. Her horn looks as smooth as it did before the stone overtaxed her with lightning.

The situation goes up like the morning sun for you. You are quite possibly facing down a powerful magic-user, or several of them, in fact. You begin to pick around in your pouches for several little trinkets and ingredients. To some, it would be plain silly to even believe in wards, strange little totems and fetishes. The power of something like cross-tied lizard bones or a bag of breezie-glitter. In a place like this, heavily warded at its border, it seems this manner of witchcraft holds a bit more probability. You carefully fasten two charms at the hilt of your blade, another around your neck.

You hold up the small leather bag to show Shimmer.

"Pebbles of volcanic glass, tip of a dragon's toe-claw, dried Screeching bell and a bunch of patches from seven lords' banners... Always carried it, never seen it work. In the same sentiment, never been cursed either..."

Sunset tilts her head to the side as she observes your little ward-bag.

"Let's hope that all we need to fight this darkness comes in a little hokum-bag. Honestly, with all we've seen so far, I feel it'll be more by hoof and blood.”

She gets up and surveys your surroundings. She looks more confident now as her horn is back to its usual luster, even if it's a spell that keeps her going. You rise as well and stuff the bag inside of your tunic.

"Well then, a few more strokes through the sea of thorns and branches."

Sunset laughs out loud. She quickly stops herself and then snickers softly as if the laughter needs to come out none the less. When she is done, she shakes her head and looks at you, a tired smile but a smile none the less.

"You are a terrible wordsmith, Anon and I am beginning to think you half-mad."

You smile back and kick a fallen branch aside to somewhat clear the non-existent path.

"Someone of sound mind would have turned back already. Delighted we're on the same page."

Shimmer huffs, then snickers some more. Your stride and trot goes on through the varied undergrowth. Shimmer eventually finds a path, overgrown and unused but once rather broad. The discovery re-kindles a faster stride and sense of direction. Roads within Everfree are not to be trusted blindly but with Sunset tuned into the mystic energies that linger amongst the trees, along with the strange dream, you feel strangely confident on your way.

To both your great surprise, the overgrown path suddenly ends in a great cluster of thorn-bushes. On the other side of the prickly wall, the old great road is clearly seen. It is like invisible hands guided you. Wasting no time attempting to go around, you unsheathe your blade and continue straight through, slashing dry twigs and thick living branches alike.

Well out on the more or less open road again, you take a moment to brush yourself off. You pick a few twigs out of Sunset's mane and you both agree on the direction that seems right. It feels like the ruined keep is already looming up ahead, even though if it was, it would be obscured by the trees. There seems to be an evil aura blanketing the mid-day activity of the forest. It is almost entirely silent, save for the wind. In the unnatural silence, you become very aware of your footfalls and even your own breath.

As you walk down the road, or up the road for that matter, the uneven ground is hard to tell, the evil in the air hangs so thick you could cut it with your dagger. So far, no shambling minions or horrid abominations. Are they all kept in the ruins? Shimmer looks around apprehensively, then turns to you.

"In this silence, we can be heard approaching from a mile off. Do we play the role of gatecrashers and risk the wrath of uncounted, unknown horrors?"

You stop in your tracks for a moment. That was pretty much the plan, of one could call it a plan.

Ch. 3 - Bloodmane Keep

The mighty ruin of Bloodmane keep lies silent. Disturbingly so, as the road towards it has been completely mute. The unnatural silence this close to the keep is different though. It is like the sounds of the forest behind you have resumed but is now filtered through some invisible wall. You and Sunset have spent what feels like far too long scouting about the place, looking for guards and traps alike. It seems that whoever or whatever resides in the ruin is not one for making its presence known besides the haunting atmosphere. There hasn't been a single visible movement on the overgrown grounds around the structure.

You motion for Shimmer to follow and rush the last few paces towards a section of the wall as quietly as you can. You press your back against the ancient stonework and watch Sunset do the same, only with a stance more befitting a unicorn. While scouting, you have both agreed on some different points of entry and ways to escape. Best have more than one route out if things go bad. On the same notion, if things go your way, you probably need a quick getaway anyhow.

The towers of the keep have long since crumbled. They stand now like jagged, hollow trees, clawing against the sky like their wooden brethren of the forest. You press through a large but still uncomfortable crack in the outer wall. Inside, you stop and look around the ruined yard. No sentries or activity here either. You proceed with caution, not knowing if this place is trapped or not.

Shimmer follows you closely, making even less noise than you. Her hooves do not click or clop against the overgrown cobble in the courtyard. You advance, blade in hand, swiftly across the open space. You skilfully duck behind cover until you are close to the entrance itself. Broken gates of oak stand wide open, worn down by weather and wind. Moss grows on the ancient wood and it is obvious that the gate was broken down with purpose, so many years ago.

You stalk up to the splintering wood and peek inside. Holes in the great structure and the lack of trees overhead gives daylight a chance to cast long shadows inside. The once great hall beyond the gates is ravaged by both time and waves of invaders, from battles and plunderings past. There is surprisingly little growth inside. The floors are mostly covered in fallen debris and rubble of the keep itself. There are clear signs of some habitation here, however how recent it is, you cannot tell.

Looking back for Shimmer, you find her right next to you. You didn't even hear her approach. You motion for her to follow and she gives you a look of "no, really?". Apparently your slow approach to the empty courtyard has her on edge. You dismiss the look and proceed with the same caution as before. There are many large rooms still intact but most of them are open to weather and wind. There seems to have been a few bandit strongholds here back in the day but so far no signs of any sinister necromancy or dark magic.

The more half-collapsed hallways and empty great halls you explore, the more you begin to feel that the evil aura hanging over the place is imaginary. If you hadn't encountered all those strange things on the way here, you could believe this place was abandoned. As you tear through some side-chamber, possibly once a kitchen, it suddenly strikes you. Of course it would seem abandoned, of course it does not show obvious signs of evil. This whole ruin is a secret, a trap, something to lure you in by looking innocent. Somewhere, the horrors are lurking. More than likely somewhere dark.

You stop and look to Sunset.

"This whole place is empty, it is the protective outwards face. We need to find a cellar, perhaps a dungeon. Therein, evil will dwell."

Sunset raises an eyebrow as she listens but then nods. She knew this surprising luck couldn't last. You two continue your sweep of the rubble and check closely for grates, gates and trapdoors. Eventually, in a fairly intact hallway next to the main hall, you find a rusted, steel-clad door slightly ajar by a dark staircase. It is obvious there has been more traffic down here than in other parts of the ruin. You curse the lack of light but tell Shimmer to keep her magic flare to a minimum. There is light from above to see enough of the room at the bottom of the stairs.

You take some time for your eyes to get adjusted to the gloom and draw your dagger in your offhand. As Sunset comes down the stairs, you have already secured the room. You step over to her and whisper.

"There's a faint scent of burning, there must be lit torches here somewhere. Proceed with caution."

On the other hand, undead beasts don't light torches, so that's a good sign. You feel Shimmer brush up against your side in the nearly pitch-black. You proceed ahead with her close, using the faint outlines of things to navigate. Slowly turning a corner, you nearly trip as you are met with more stairs. You steady yourself and feel with a booted foot to make sure what is beneath you is not a long drop.

Stiffly working your way down the stairs takes both time and focus. After a few painfully slow steps, your way is dimly illuminated from behind. Sunset's horn is glowing very faintly, it is obvious she means for the both of you to get down the unknown number of stairs some time today. You memorize the length and depth of the stairs just in case and then take point. The air down here is musty and smells like a catacomb. It is also obviously inhabited, judging by the smell of a greasy cooking-fire along with the more dry scent of torches. You stop at the bottom of the stairs to survey and just as you thought, up ahead is the dancing orange glow of contained fire.

Sunset notices this as well and lets her magic light fade away. You both advance slowly towards the bend at the end of the hallway, passing a few empty, barred cells. This place was once a dungeon, or some place to hold prisoners for other sinister purposes. Judging by the size of the keep itself, these underground tunnels could stretch out far in a maze-like fashion. You hope that is not the case.

Passing a few more cells and what appears to be a guard-post, you find the source of the light. Smouldering coals in an old scorched brazier gives the stone hallway a dim glow of orange fire-light. The brazier is helped by a row of torches further down the hallway where the way forks off into two alcoves with closed doors. Inching along the hallway, you make sure there are no traps before examining each door. They are facing each other on either side of the hallway and both look newer and sturdier than the rest of the ancient decay you have found so far. You listen carefully for a moment and then turn to Sunset with a whisper.

"I can't hear a thing and the air in here's too close to smell where ever that cooking fire comes from."

Shimmer looks at you in disbelief for a moment, the fact that you managed to pick up on the scent of burnt grease to begin with is beyond her.

"So you want a second opinion on which door we stumble through?"

You nod slowly and sheathe your sword, keeping your dagger handy.

"Situations like this could always use a bit of female intuition."

You grin for her, not knowing if she indeed possesses some special power that might guide the way this time. If listening and smelling has failed, what will take its place? Magic? Luck? You watch closely as Shimmer examines both doors, not unlike you did. She decides on one of them and you nod for her, laying your hand on the rough iron handle. She takes a stance right behind you and you pull the black ring. The door opens easy enough to reveal an extensive hall with a low ceiling, sparsely lit with fading torches. The foundation and bowels of the keep, built for sturdiness and space alike. You take a careful step into the vast room and yet again draw your blade.

No real obstacles so far, no guards or creatures. No indication of where to go either. The eerie feeling of walking further and further into a trap tingles down your spine. Reassurance comes in the form of the ever-vigilant unicorn behind you. You easily convince yourself that whatever horrors lurk in the shadows are nothing against your combined strength. You advance further into the gloom and do your best to stick to cover as much as possible. There are plenty of pillars but the walls have disappeared in the darkness behind. You have to focus on certain spots to stay oriented. There are some crates and barrels, containers who have long since been ransacked of their supplies. Now they stand like empty, moaning mouths in the unending shadow.

A moment of tense wandering and you finally see a wall up ahead. It appears to be a corner of the wide space. You spot the unmistakable shine of better-lit torches. With them comes the sinister shadows of someone or something standing guard. You look to Sunset but she has already noticed what you are heading towards. The two of you make way as silent as possible, just as before, staying low until you can find a good position to observe. Hidden behind a stack of crates just at the edge of the torchlight, you spy for a moment upon the two by the door. Ragged cloth over what looks to be bone and perhaps some sagging, decayed flesh. Two undead ponies. Not even a challenge for the two of you. You hesitate at the thought, last time you rushed headlong into a fight with these undead, you nearly got overwhelmed. Shimmer notices your hesitation and whispers.

"We can be clever about this, I'll distract them, draw them away from their post. You engage and I hang back unseen, on the ready."

You answer with a nod while looking over to map out a path for your attack. Sunset quickly springs into action after you've agreed to the plan. With a flick of magic, she causes just the right amount of racket in the shadows to the right of the bony sentries. You take your cue as they begin scrambling over there. You dash into the firelight and quickly flank them. A low slash of your blade takes the legs right out from under the one closest to you. Before the second one can react, you plant your dagger into the first one's skull. The grotesque shape hisses but stays still.

You step to the side and sink into a guarded position as the undead equine charges straight at you. You have learned not to underestimate the strength of their small frame, undead or no. Just before impact, you side-step and bring both of your blades down over the back of the thing. It tumbles across the dusty stone floor and collapses into a pile. You look around with a wild eye, any more movement, any noise? The dark surrounding is eerily quiet. You calm down and sheathe your dagger. Poking the remains of your adversaries with the tip of your blade, you identify the remains. Some poor earth ponies that are so far gone they cannot be surely identified, not even by their marks. You spend a short moment in quiet contemplation of how these unfortunate souls came to guard this damned place.

After the short moment of silence and with Shimmer joining you, you turn your attention to the door. She offers no thought to the slain and instead fixes her examining gaze on the sturdy-looking door. You hang back and observe as she gets in close, horn aglow.

"There is some kind of magic seal on this door, it does not appear to be a trap... Perhaps some kind of alarm. I'll try dispelling it."

You nod your agreeance for her, she knows what she is doing. You have no real business meddling with magic. Her glittering spark finds its way into the handle and its rough lock as well as around the edges of the door. Her magic roots around in a similar manner to a thief with a lock-pick. Precise work that keeps her completely focused. Your ears perk up as take note of a soft fizzing sound, almost like a fuse. With a sweeping motion, you sheathe your weapons and start off forward. Sunset has reacted as well and begun to step back. In another sweep, you grasp the unicorn and begin pulling her back. She starts speaking but is cut off by a loud snapping noise, like a huge lash cracking. The door explodes , half of it flinging open, half of it evaporizing in a cloud of sparkling dust. Both of you are flung back, dazed and momentarily blinded. You scramble and stagger to your feet, blindly trying to find Sunset. She is close, you grab her and try to hoist her to her hooves but she is limp, knocked out. More noise alerts you, the clattering of hooves against stone and the unmistakable sounds of the undead.

You blink slowly and try to regain a fighting stance along with your dazed senses. Your head is swimming and there is a warm trickle of what is more than likely blood running down your face. The dim light of the dungeon assaults your senses hard as you slowly regain sight. You are nearly caught open-handed as the first undead monstrosity is upon you. You swing like an angry drunk and clock the walking carcass on the side of the head. This hardly even bothers it in its relentless hunger. You stand to one knee and tear your dagger from its sheath, slicing upward. The attack from the undead comes simultaneously, a ragged hoof pummels into your chest. Dagger bites decayed flesh as you are knocked back, tearing up a horrendous reave in the neck of your enemy. A mortal would be stunned by the wound but the monster before you hardly even bleeds. Dark ichor oozing slowly from the edges of the gash.

Sinister pinpricks of faintly glowing eyes behind your assailant tells of more trouble to come. You do what you can to steady yourself before lunging forward, slamming your short blade upwards under the creature's chin. It spasms violently once, then goes limp. You are out of breath and still disoriented but the attack does not stop with one enemy down. You clumsily draw your sword and nearly trip over Shimmer as you take one step back. The undead abominations are not clever enough to circle any greater distance around you and definitely not tactical enough to jump you at a moment when your guard is down. Thanks to this, you manage to steady yourself just enough for the next snarling corpse's attack. It is impossible to tell whether it is an advantage or not to be bigger than these creatures. Their unholy strength makes up for whatever the pony stature would lack.

You dodge frantically to avoid blows while doing what you can to stand between them and the fallen unicorn behind you. It is just a matter of time before the next blow hits its mark. You are battered by gnarled hooves. Fending them off with sword and dagger, you take the opportunity to lop off enemy limbs when you can. These undead are more ferocious than the usual faded corpses. Perhaps it is because they are so close to their necromantic source. You grit your teeth and swing like you are chopping down reeds, mentally thanking the gods that these creatures have no fangs or claws.

You must have cut through twenty of the beasts before the flow of undead through the ragged hole finally begin to thin out. The ground around you is littered by gnarled limbs and uncomfortably twitching bodies. A faint aura of sickly green emanates like a creeping din from the pile of slain undead. You turn to push parts of a slain enemy away from the still unconscious Sunset, only to have to swing around and cleave another attacker. Your body has nearly reached its limit. You are battered, bruised and bleeding nearly all over. The wound in your arm now a forgotten bother. You grab Shimmer with one arm, your sore muscles screaming in protest, even at her slight weight. You then haul her over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Grace and care will have to wait, it is time to get out of this exposed position.

You debate with yourself in thought for a brief moment while your sword becomes more and more unwieldy in your tired hand. The argument is between going back to the shadows and hoping to remain undetected for a short rest or to push on and rely on even more luck that the undead won't come in greater numbers. You fend off stray attackers while stumbling over the broken bodies of those that came before. A quick decision and you step through the ragged hole left by the exploded door. You look around, trying to get your bearings. You left none of the undead at your back but there are no guarantees they will not come from other parts of the dungeon. With no options of making a barricade, you carry on forward. The hallway within is lit with a fairly fresh torch every ten paces or so, a clear upgrade from earlier. The sounds of the undead seem to echo everywhere but with a certain muffle, as if announcing they are not quite close or perhaps even pursuing you at all.

It seems that taking the path straight ahead to danger left you without undead hounding you for the moment. You silently praise the gods and ask for more luck as you reach the end of the hallway. The fairly well-lit hall beyond looks like just another storage room but there are no supplies, crates or barrels. An old wooden cart stands haphazardly placed in one corner and one of the long walls is lined with multiple tables. A far cry from what was once a torture chamber or perhaps some kind of smithy. Given the necromantic nature of things, you guess this is some kind of body-handling room. Thankfully, whatever the undead minions have been dragging around is currently absent. You walk over to the tables and pick out the cleanest one to carefully lay Sunset on. You examine her, she has a few cuts and bruises and her breathing is a bit shallow. However it is obvious you shielded her from the worst of the blast. You quickly clean her off with some drinking water and patch her up with the last of the bandages. Trying to rouse her will have to wait, she can rest as well as rest goes while being unconscious. First-aid for yourself is a stretch, all out of bandages and quite the difficulty to clean the wounds on your head. You do what you can and sit down as comfortably as possible. Bleeding is something of a daily occurrence in your line of work and this day's quest is nowhere near done. You meditate on it all as well as you can manage with one eye open. A weary hand on the hilt of your sword.

An unknown amount of time passes. You sit in a silent daze, listening to every little snap and scrape, getting an idea of your surrounding by sound and scent. Death all around, the murky, musty smell of the dungeon mingles with the sharp odour of corpses. It is probable that the smell is wandering to and fro on shuffling legs in these dark halls. Your semi-trance is broken by a soft voice behind you.

"What happened? You're a mess..."

You turn slowly and painfully and give Sunset a coy grin.

"The magical lock on the door-"

Her face quickly becomes a grimace of terror and shame. Obviously, she remembers. She interrupts you.

"Oh, Anon, you're bleeding because of my mistake!"

You keep your slack grin and shrug lightly.

"We're not dead. Besides, bleeding is my sworn duty."

She smiles through the shame and shuffles off the table, righting herself to her usual graceful posture.

"How long was I out? I'm sore all over..."

You slowly begin to rise, your body protesting every inch of the way.

"I don't know, this place plays tricks on my sense of time. We should press on."

Shimmer nods slowly and takes a step closer. Your eyes meet and there is a moment of silence before you notice her horn glowing. Your head swims as if the explosion was just seconds ago, then it clears up somewhat. The strange feeling of wounds closing ripples across your skin. Magical healing is not permanent and drains the caster. Between jump-starting that dire bear, mending her own horn and your cuts, Sunset is going to have a serious strain on her. When the silent moment of healing is over, you both check your gear and search for another door.

There is only one way that is not the way back, a door standing ajar at the other end of the room. You proceed with caution yet again, you have seen enough of traps for one day. As you continue through dark hallways, Sunset keeps very close to you in a way that feels different from before. You have surely earned a good deal of compassion and trust. Having the watchful unicorn around gives you extra strength to carry on.

You both come to a stop after passing a few trash-littered rooms and hallways, all in murky half-light from slowly sizzling braziers. Ahead is a cage of thick, crooked bars. Beyond the cage is a double gate, without a doubt leading to the deeper dungeon. The gates stand halfway open, spilling out light from the brilliantly lit room inside. The twisted bars give off long shadows that creep against you like ghostly fingers on the floor. You and Shimmer exchange a glance and then proceed toward what is obviously more danger.

You stay in the shadows at the edge of the light that is spilling into the hallway. A decent position to spy into the well-lit room. The space inside is not very large but bears ten times the detail of all rooms you passed so far. In the middle gapes a great passage, descending into some unknown depth with large steps. Iron fencing runs around the passage and divides the room with long, sharp metal pikes. You have a hard time judging if the metal bars and fencing is built to keep someone out or something in. The stonework of the walls hold strange runes and the large blazing torches that light the room are set in intricate metal sconces.

Among crates, coffins and sacks a few hooded shapes lumber about. Larger than the average pony and wrapped in ragged cloth from head to hoof. The stained cloth is likely for to keep their decaying bodies intact rather than clothed. They seem wholly unaware of your presence and completely uninterested in the tasks of each other. Some kind of mindless workforce without a doubt. Shimmer pokes your side and whispers.

"I've got the nagging, uncomfortable feeling that what we seek is down that hellish passage..."

You nod for her while keeping your eyes on the movements of the ragged shapes among the supplies. Could you sneak around them? Does stealth still matter with all the racket you caused earlier? If there is some kind of organized defense, these beings do not seem to be part of it. Perhaps the alarm only alerted the undead you slayed right away. Perhaps it is all just wishful thinking.

"Do we put them out of their misery?"

You look to Sunset as you finally decide to whisper back. She shakes her head slowly.

"Leaving them in peace will make this place look untouched."

You nod again. It is risky but could prove very effective for avoiding pursuers. The mess you made isn't going to remain undiscovered forever. You move a little bit closer, picking up a small pebble from the floor. You throw the small stone into the well-lit room, it clatters against the iron fencing and stone floor. The large undead do not react at all. You throw another, making even more noise. Still no reaction, one of them starts pushing a crate and shuffles right past where the stone landed. You creep even closer, entering the light. The ragged ones do not seem to have any visible eyes nor do they actively smell their way around. It could be magic, it could be a trick. Blade in hand, you stalk up to the closest one. With a careful, breathless move, you touch its back with the tip of your sword. Prodding and poking it lightly causes no reaction.

Shimmer watches in horror as you step up next to the large, shuffling pony-shape. A moment later, her expression changes as she joins you. Her voice is the faintest whisper.

"I thought recklessness was off the agenda for today."

You nod to her with a thoughtful look on your face, then proceed slowly towards the large staircase. The dark, yawning abyss in the middle of all this light.

"Feels like time has run away from us, recklessness is back on the menu."

You sniff the air, as if to try to revive your earlier prowess with figuring out your surroundings. The overwhelming scent is pure death. Shimmer steps up next to you once more after examining one of the shuffling workers a bit closer.

"I am no medical expert but I'm pretty sure these beings... They are multiple ponies... Sweet, merciful Celestia... I'm going to have nightmares for a month."

The way she says it makes you smile. She remains so calm, collected and matter-of-factly in the face of this utter madness.

You stand before the descent to another dark hell. Far underground flickers a small light. The voice from your dream echoes in your head. No time to waste now, there is a pony down there somewhere who has been suffering through days of captivity, perhaps even torture. Another glance to Shimmer and you take a purposeful stride down the stone steps. Darkness soon envelops you both.

The descent feels endless. Thick stairs press ever downward through the increasingly cold murk of the underground. It is hard to tell how recently built the structure around you is. While the keep is ancient and showing all signs of it, this stair and its yawning top-room seem a later addition. Although if it has been there a few years or multiple decades, you cannot tell. The both of you climb downward at a surprisingly steady pace. Best to get back into hallways and chambers, places where you can more easily defend yourselves. Getting attacked on an open staircase would more than likely spell disaster. The brilliant glow of the room above has long since been defeated by the darkness. The torches that flicker in the abyss below gives you more and more dim illumination. The desperate firelight reaches up the stairs as if in an attempt to escape.

At the final step of the stairs, you reach out and take one of the torches off the wall. Source of light in one hand, blade in the other, you begin exploring the space at the bottom of the stairs. Shimmer stops dead in her tracks and hisses out a warning for you to stop. You freeze, the next few moments are spent in paranoia, looking around for a would-be assailant. The attack never comes, you look to Sunset with an expression of confusion. Caught off guard by her next action, you are tackled to the floor by the yellow unicorn. You start to whisper something but she props a hoof against your mouth, silencing you. You see nothing, you hear nothing. The only thing you notice is Sunset's eyes darting back and forth down the passageway. Is something playing a trick on her mind? More magic traps? It seems unlikely that a supply-route such as this would be trapped.

A long, strange moment passes. Shimmer looks down to you and gives a sigh of relief. Her relieved expression soon changes to a blush and brief panic. She realizes that not only did she tackle you to the floor; she has been laying on top of you for quite some time. You hold back a chuckle as she scrambles to her hooves. You get up slowly and look around.

"What was that?"

You speak with a hushed tone and give Shimmer time to answer. She remains quiet at first, composing herself. When she speaks, she manages rather well to put on a calm face.

"There is some ethereal force patrolling these halls, unseen eyes... If I didn't know better, I'd say they are ghosts..."

She looks as if she is expecting you to laugh at her. You do not. Invisible enemies is something to be taken seriously. Besides, if there is such a thing around, you must be close to your goal.

"We must be close, keep a sharp eye and..."

You let your words trail off as you look around again. One dark passage or another, where to go comes down to luck yet again. Sunset sees you hesitate and takes point herself.

"It's this way."

She sounds entirely certain as she starts off down the hallway. You have no idea if it is magic or female intuition this time around either.

You follow the unicorn in silence, wondering about her sudden change in character. The apprehension for whatever unholy dangers await seems replaced by a strange nervousness. You look down to her as you match her steps. She glances up to you every now and then and quickly averts her eyes as she notices you looking. After a moment of walking in what begins to feel like awkward silence, you finally question her.

"Are you alright, Sunset? There seems to be something on your mind."

She stops, does not look at you and does not speak. This is a strange time and place for this kind of problem. You are about to reach out and touch her head when she turns to you with a pained expression.

"I'm sorry, Anon... I can't..."

Before she can finish her sentence, something springs out of the darkness ahead. A bony figure, dressed in torn black garments, silent as the grave but surprisingly quick. You only barely manage to push Sunset out of the way before the clawed horror slashes at you both. Shimmer yelps, you exclaim in pain and rage, your blade clatters against the floor. It is the second time in a short while someone knocks you down and lands on top. This time is much less pleasant than last.

You fend off claws and sharp fangs with increasingly bleeding arms and hands. Gloves and leather bracers do little against direct hits. You try beating the creature back to get a chance to grasp your sword or dagger but the creature is relentless. Your waning strength is hanging by its last thread when the creature is hit by a devastating blow from the side. You see its twisted jaw first separate, then shatter. The side of its head is entirely pulverized in an instant by yellow hooves. Your attacker slumps to the side, necromantic flare fading in its eyes. Sunset's lovely visage hovers above you as you rasp for breath. Your entire body aches, even the parts that did not get slashed or bitten. Your vision blurs and at first you fear that you may have been poisoned. This slowly but surely clears up as Shimmer helps you up into a slumped sitting.

"Anon..."

You look at her in a daze as she speaks and then trails off. You breathe deep and slow while looking down to your bleeding arms and hands. Painstakingly, you begin to coax your gloves off.

"Need to staunch the bleeding..."

You murmur the words, barely audible. Sunset looks on, handfallen. Or hooffallen as it were. A few moments of grunting and swearing, you manage to undo enough of your gear to free a sleeve of your tunic. A quick but shaky stroke of your dagger later and you rip loose some dirty cloth. Not the optimal material for bandages but with nothing else at hand, it will have to do. Shimmer restlessly watches you fumble for a moment, then starts to assist you with her magic. You try to protest her straining herself any more but she does not listen. The cuts on your hands disappear in a warm glow of magic. The wounds close before your eyes and when you look to Sunset, she looks like she has taken a beating herself.

You both sit panting for a short moment. She blinks very slowly and tries to control her breathing while you fidget with strips of tunic. You wrap your mangled arms as best as you can and tighten the cloth by pulling with your teeth. An excruciatingly short moment of rest later, you stagger to your feet. You give Sunset a grim smile before speaking, this time with all the voice you can muster.

"Next time we won't fall for that trick... Now, you seem to know where we're going, lead on, fair lady."

Shimmer gives you a pained smile back and is about to say something but quite obviously stops herself. You watch in silence as the unicorn takes a deep breath and steels herself. Something weighs on her. You do not know what but you are not interested in prying. You sweep up your blade with a less-than-graceful movement. For the weight in your hand, you are thankful that Sunset did not hold back on healing your fingers.

You command your ragged form forward and fall in next to a very concerned-looking Shimmer. You want to tell her its all scratches and bruises, you want to tell her you are invincible. Although, you do not want to lie too blatantly. You say nothing and put on a brave face. The darkness presses in around you once again, the hallway seems to go on forever. It is wide and sparsely lit, there are a few doors and passages leading off to the sides but Shimmer leads on, ever forward.

You come to a stop as Sunset suddenly jerks to the side. Expecting the worst, you nearly lash out at the darkness, even with no clear target. You are halted by a few hushed words from Sunset.

"She is here."

It takes you a moment to understand what she means. You look around the large, dark hallway, there are no doors, no archways or trapdoors. Sunset is already poking around the walls, as if looking for something. Does she magically sense your target, this Twilight Sparkle that you heard in your cosmic dream? You stand dumbfounded for a while as Shimmer rushes back and forth. She stops, taps the wall and looks to you with a wild glint in her eye.

"Behind here... In the wall, I don't know..."

You shuffle over and examine the wall. No hidden buttons or devices as far as you can tell. Looking along the length of the corridor, you see something in the not-so-far distance. By a lonely torch is what looks like shadowed metal grating or perhaps thin bars. This supposed passage is almost impossible to spot from a distance, even in the light of the torch.

"Sunset... By the torch, there."

You point as your words draw her out of her frantic search. She squints and starts off towards the goal not previously in her field of vision or thought. You try to match her steps as she hurries along the wall. She is like a pony possessed. She halts by the black iron bars that partially block and partially hide a surprisingly wide doorway. You fall in behind her with your sword at the ready and a critical eye to every shadow. Quite the task when every shadow is long, dark and flickering in the fire-light. Shimmer examines the bars and finds that the metal gate is not locked. She glances to you and then proceeds to enter the darkness beyond. Slow and careful for her currently excited state but not slow and careful enough in your mind. You do not tell or halt her. You simply follow along and suppress the feelings of paranoia for another ambush.

Behind the bars is a short passage that would be completely dark if it wasn't for that the next door within is ajar. The next room has the same half-light that has been the same for most rooms in this damned place. You both stop by the door, hidden in the murky shadows to peer into the space beyond. The room bends off into the direction Sunset sensed you need to go. Along the entire length of the room are barred cells, the opposite wall adorned in a vast array of chains and other rough devices for shackling someone. This place is obviously a prison. This one looks operational, all the other jailing equipment you have seen so far has been disused for some time.

Proceeding through the bleak room, you find the cells empty. If not in this horrible, dark place, where is Twilight Sparkle kept? You would not even wish your enemies incarceration in this hole. Sunset does not even slow down to look closer into the empty cells. She still has some mysterious, magical sense of where to go. She hurries through the room and then stops dead in her tracks over by the far wall. Where the cells end, a set of stairs is located. You are already so deep underground that the discovery of another way further down makes you a bit jittery. This place seems to stretch on forever under earth and stone. You breathe in sharply and put on a grim face as you gaze into another dark, yawning maw. The stairs like ugly, flat teeth in a mocking smile. Sunset stands silent and stares into the void for a moment. She then looks up to you with the same intense fire in her eyes as before.

"There is a surge of strange powers unknown to me down in that pit. That is where she must be."

You grit your teeth while nodding. Strange powers does not sound all too pleasant, especially in your weakened state. You fill your lungs with a deep breath of the stale dungeon air and then step forth, downwards yet again.