Stepping off the train to Ponyville was an interesting experience. Most Ponies were between 5 and 5 ½ feet tall. so I towered over them. Some of those present at the station backed away in fear. I suppose it didn’t help that my face reflected my annoyance at the discomfort of my new “Uniform”. Or maybe it was the sword and knife at my side. (My axe was being wielded by Gwrtheryn as he helped set up the Cervi District.) The blue woolen fabric Itched like a motherfucker, and the shoes fit far too snugly. I did like the hat though.

“Count Fielder!” Shouted an older mare in business Attire. “I am mayor mare. Welcome to Ponyville!” she said, sweeping her arm in a grand gesture. I admit, I was cranky and annoyed, so I was a bit terse.

“Where is the Cervi district being built?” I asked, Cutting the poor mare off on her Exposition about ponyville.

“Oh, That would be Pink tree plains, in the south.” answered the mayor, adjusting her ascot.

“Take me there” I ordered. As the mayor led me to the Cervi, I considered the last few days.
*****4 days ago*****

Daring, Aderyn, Gwrtheryn Gaius, Xenith and I stood before the gate of the royal palace. It was a massive structure, built into the side of a mountain and held aloft by an engineering feat unseen since the pyramids of my world. Daring was there to present her findings at my tomb (including me), Gwrtheryn and Aderyn were representing the refugees, and I was going to see if my curse could be broken. Gaius and Xenith were following Daring, as she was teaching them how to be adventurers...Well, Both of us were. Daring taught hand to hand and how to escape from captivity and such, while I taught weapons and tactics. Gaius was a genius with a sword, though I figure he should be taught by a fencer rather than myself. Xenith however, was much better at using terrain against his foes, and his fire magic was very versatile. His swordplay was mediocre, but anyone would lose morale when the enemy’s sword is on fire. (I had to remind him that using fire on me IS NOT OK).

“Daring do and guests! Please enter the Antechamber Immediately!” Announced a stone-faced guard. I studied his armor briefly. It was coloured like gold or bronze, and almost looked like something the roman legion would wear. However, I could tell that the colouring was just some sort of paint, as the metal was clearly much lighter and stronger than bronze. It was interesting, but not something I would wear. Sure, I wear a (Now, near useless) chainmail hauberk and skirt, but at least I wear pants! These guys have armoured skirts that end just under their knees and Armoured sandals. Not my thing.

We entered the antechamber and were greeted by The Diarchs. Princess Celestia was 6”5’ and pure white. She exuded an air of grace and posture, as well as a motherly Feeling. Her sister, Princess Luna however Brought to mind silent strength and mystery. Her eyes seemed to say that she knew the darkest secrets we have ever had, and the content of your dreams. She was a dark purple, and just shorter than me, coming in at 6 foot even. The manes of both princesses seemed Ethereal, Blowing in an unseen wind. Celestia’s Brought to mind either the sunrise or the sunset depending on the light, While Luna’s seemed to portray a clear, starry night.

“Ah, Daring. I see you have brought some friends. I also see that your search has brought us someone interesting” Said Celestia as she noticed me. “It has been long since I have seen any of your ilk. Welcome human, to Equestria.”

I bowed deeply, removing the chain coif that sat over my head. “It is a pleasure, your highnesses.” I said.

“Raise your head young one, But where are you from? The last Human died well over a millenia ago.” Luna said, staring at me. I could tell that she sensed something unnatural about me, so I just Spilled the truth.

“I am not young, nor am I entirely human anymore. I was cursed by a necromancer, and were it not for my brother’s magical prowess, I would be a monster. However, he had been unable to break my curse. Now, I walk the lands as an undead, cursed to show my true form under the light of the moon and stars.” I replied. Hey, I may not be shakespeare, but I have a way with words. One of my favorite classes was English literature.

“I have been sealed away for 2 thousand years, Buried with many victims of the magical plague…..and my brother, The last human king. I reached into Daring’s pack and withdrew my brother’s sceptre. “ I humbly ask for your assistance in removing my curse, That I may finally rest in peace” I Said as I knelt, presenting the sceptre. I looked up in surprise when I felt daring donkey-punch the back of my head. she was holding back tears as she shook her hand out.

“You really are a bonehead. Aren’t ya” she said. Gwrtheryn knelt down and tapped my shoulder.

“Brandon…You have the friendship and respect of my people, would you abandon them to the world now? When we need you most? Do not underestimate your importance to us. We would much prefer you live. I have no doubt that your brother, a famed magical genius could have ended your curse at any time. He chose to work instead to save you. Do not throw his work away lightly”

Aderyn just walked up and hugged me. “please don’t go….”

*****
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose, waving away he wayward memory. Mayor mare had prattled on as we walked, oblivious to how little attention I was paying her. When we finally arrived at pink tree plains however, I was stunned by the sight of the brand new buildings. Mayor mare smirked at my expression.

“Ponyville has a...Shall we say, history, of disasters. We learned how to build fast.” She said patting my shoulder. I was impressed, to say the least. Cervi, and schweine roamed around, carrying what few possessions they had into their new homes, their faces full of hope. Many waved excitedly when they saw me, and small children ran up and hugged my legs as the amused mayor mare looked on. Gwrtheryn was hefting a new sign onto a building. “Freedom Forge” it said in plain lettering. around the edges however, was a design of an armored being leading a caravan to the light. I smiled, and waved at him, and he returned the gesture. The last stop however, was a large Mansion. In the courtyard there were training dummies (Currently being used by Gaius and Xenith) and two banners hung above the door. They showed my Mark, the tarot of death. (It had, however been made much less, sinister looking, being a knight astride a horse holding a rose rather than a skeleton.)

Standing in the doorway was Aderyn. His family was gone, so he had nowhere else to go...that is Until I had adopted him. The way I figured it, we’d both lost everything so I’d at least give the kid a home and a family. He decided to call me Uncle Brandon. As I stared at the building, I could only wonder what lies ahead of me now.

Author's Note

I GOT A JOB! FUCKIN' FINALLY! however, the rest of you should be sad because I'll probably have to work a lot of Saturdays...which means significantly less time to write. As always, lie and comment.