The Old World: Shadows

The Matchwood Inn was all but abandoned, everypony either too busy to leave their jobs or attending the Coldheart tournament; the only other patron at the tavern was an elderly stallion in the back corner, quietly sipping his mead. Forest Thorn, Little Snow, and Onyx Shard sat on wooden barstools, filling Forest in on what had happened while he was away.

“Yeah, contracts have been pretty dry lately. I took the last one three days ago, and there’s been nothing else on the notice board since,” Onyx complained, swirling his ale around in his mug. “I mean, that’s a good problem to have, but pretty soon I’m going to need a steadier source of income than odd jobs here and there.” He finished his beer, and motioned for Gold Scale, the bartender, for another drink. She dutifully poured him some more, for which he slid her a bit.

Little Snow grimaced. “Well, I’ve had no shortage of work myself. I normally get one serious case a month, a patient needing healing for some wound inflicted by wild beasts, but as of late, I’ve hardly had time to rest. I’ve been seeing farmers, shepherds, loggers, and the odd soldier come in for three weeks almost nonstop, sometimes five in a day, because of that blasted owlbear,” she said. She cast a sideways glance at Forest Thorn. “Thanks to you, I’ll not have to deal with too much for some time.” She took a swig of ale, sighing with satisfaction. “Some of the wounds were too much for me to heal on my own, and father was overwhelmed too. We lost a lot of good ponies this past month.”

Forest Thorn frowned, and stared glumly down at his drink.

Little Snow glanced up at him, noticing his remorse. “Hey, look at me,” she commanded, lifting his face with a hoof. “You did the best you could, as fast as you could. Right, Onyx?” she asked, somewhat urgently.

Onyx drained his mug, and slid another bit to Gold Scale. “That’s for damn sure. I heard that the moment you returned from the border, you accepted the contract and headed out.” He sipped his ale. “Nopony dared go after it until you came back. You saw the damage it was dealing, and you were the only pony brave enough to go out and confront it, alone I might add.” You could’ve waited for me, though.

Forest sighed. “I know, friends, I know. It’s just that so many ponies I knew for years, men and mares who I’d actually spoken to before I left, are dead now. I feel like I could’ve saved them.”

Little Snow placed her hoof on his shoulder, comforting him. “Listen. You did all you could, and nopony could’ve asked for more.”

“I know. It doesn’t help for the guilt, though,” Forest said. He raised his mug to his lips, finishing it off. Sighing, he gave the bartender five bits. “Gold Scale, how ‘bout some of that wolven ale?”

She smiled, and placed the bits in her apron pocket. “Sure thing, sweetheart. It’s in the back, it won’t take but a second.” Gold Scale wiped his mug clean with a white rag, put it back down on the bar, and headed towards the tavern’s storeroom.

Little Snow had concern written all over her face. “Hey, if you really blame yourself for the owlbear’s victims, go ‘round Smallclover and talk with anypony. Nopony blames you, and they’re all deeply thankful. Not only have you avenged their loved ones’ loss, but you’ve insured no more will be slain by the beast.”

Onyx placed his hoof around Forest’s shoulders. “This wasn’t your fault. Like as not, it was those two ‘adventurers’ bragging about monster slaying right before your trip to Ceria, remember?” he snorted. “Those amateurs barely knew how to swing a blade, and I don’t know much about magic, but that unicorn didn’t seem particularly skilled to me. You weren’t the problem; they were. You fixed the problem.”

Forest looked up at him. “Thanks.” He took a deep, shaky breath. “Aaaah. Don’t worry about it. You’re both right.” He shook his head to clear it. “Anyway, how ‘bout some more drinks?”

Gold Scale returned, balancing a barrel on her back. “I don’t think this one’s ever turned down another drink,” she called, waving a hoof at Onyx Shard, grinning. She placed the keg on the back shelf, and rummaged around the drawers underneath. She grabbed a spigot, and jammed it in the keg’s vent. Then she filled each of their mugs with the wolven ale. “We imported this a while back from southwestern Valarthia, in the mountains. They’re a strange people, those wolven, but they know their booze,” she said, putting the mugs down on the bar. “This right here is some of the best stuff I’ve ever had. We ran out a few days back, but I kept a barrel for your return. I know it’s your favorite.”

Onyx licked his lips. Little Snow grinned.

“Thanks, Scale,” Forest said. “Forget the bits, this is the real reward!”

Onyx lifted his mug. “To the excellent foresight of Gold Scale!” he said.

Forest Thorn and Little Snow lifted their mugs to meet his. “Amen to that!” Little Snow called.

The three ponies brought their drinks to their mouths, draining their mugs. The drink burned on the way down their throats, and they felt fire warm their bellies. They all sighed in satisfied unison. Onyx shook his head, and motioned for another round, sliding a few bits Gold Scale’s way. “Speaking of rewards,” he said, “this new contract with Lord Frozen Lake is just what I needed, assuming the pay is constant.”

Little Snow sipped at her ale. After swallowing, she said, “Of course it will be. Just like if we were guards, only a higher wage.”

Forest Thorn nudged Onyx. “By the way, how’s Minty?”

Onyx smiled, and opened his mouth. Before he said anything, he heard another pony enter the Matchwood Inn. He turned to take a look, and his smile widened. “Why don’t you ask her yourself?” he said.

The three of them turned to look at the newcomer. An earth pony mare, taller than Little Snow, trod towards them. She had light green fur and a black mane and tail. Mint Heart smiled and trotted towards Onyx, giving him a peck on the cheek. Immediately after, she turned and gave Forest a quick hug, then backed off. “Hey Forest! How did your hunt go?” she asked.

“Come sit with us,” Onyx said, motioning to the barstool next to him. Mint Heart sat next to him, and leaned on the bar, looking at Forest, gleaming blue eyes begging for a story.

Forest grinned. “Well, it was a good hunt indeed. I killed the owlbear, and took minimal punishment myself,” he said, prodding his chest with a hoof. He winced.

Little Snow rolled her eyes. “The painkiller draught only works if you let it. Don’t keep hitting it, you moron!” she said.

Forest chuckled a little, then looked back at Mint Heart. “It’s a very good story, I assure you. I was tracking the beast night and day, through dense forest and the bramble thickets . . .” he began.

Onyx raised a hoof to silence him. “Not yet, Forest. There’s something we need to tell you,” he said, glancing at Mint Heart.

“Oh really?” Forest asked. “What else happened?”

“You tell him,” Onyx said, grinning.

Mint Heart’s smile widened, and she looked up at Forest Thorn. “Well, we’re engaged!”

That caught Forest Thorn mid-sip. In surprise, he nearly choked on his ale. Coughing, he recovered enough to respond. “Uh, wow. Congratulations!” he sputtered. “When did this happen?”

Onyx Shard turned to face his fiancée. “Three days ago I popped the question. We’ve been working hard, preliminary planning and such, but now that you’re back we can begin in earnest,” he said. He looked Forest in the eye. “Will you be my best man?”

Forest, struggling to accept this life-changing information, took a moment to process the request. He smiled widely. “You might as well be my brother. Of course I will! But can we start the planning later?” he asked. "I have a feeling we'll all be pretty tired tomorrow."

“Sure thing,” Minty said. Onyx nodded.

Gold Scale stealthily slipped another pewter mug on the bar, and refilled the others.

Little Snow raised her ale. “I propose a toast, to the safe return of Forest Thorn,” she looked at Forest, “and Onyx’s and Minty’s wedding to be,” she looked at Onyx and Minty.

Everypony raised their drinks. The mugs clinked against each other cheerily.

“Another round on me!” Forest said, sliding bits to Gold Scale, who happily accepted them.

“Ahhh,” Little Snow sighed, placing her mug down. Glancing out the window, she realized the sun had begun to set, and she also remembered her responsibilities. She sighed. “Well, it’s been fun, but I’ve got a tall order to fill by tomorrow at noon. I have to check the first batch, the herbs are probably ready by now.” She got up. “It’s nice to see you home safe, Forest,” she said, hugging him.

“So long, Little Snow,” Forest said.

“Bye,” Minty said.

Onyx waved, mouth full of ale. “See you,” he sputtered as she walked through the doorway.

On her way out, Little Snow called, “Forest, I’m serious, after today you need some quality bedrest! Those bones need time to heal properly.”

Forest let his head drop to the bar with a thud, exasperated. “Fine,” he groaned.

Snickering, Onyx ordered more ale for the group.

“Anyway, you’d lost the tracks at the river?” Minty prodded.

Forest raised his head, and his face brightened. “Of course! I lost the trail at the Border River, the clever bastard. It took forever to find the trail again, and when I did it was at least at least sixty feet north on the far bank. . .”

The sun had set. Forest wasn’t holding his liquor nearly as well as Onyx was, and he was also drinking more of it than his black furred friend. The day’s tournament event had ended, Lord Broken Stone having won the one-on-one melee contest, and the tavern was flooded with a crowd of thirsty ponies. Many hailed Forest as a hero, and applauded at his story, especially at Forest’s recount of the battle. He was wrapping his tale up, embellishing a little here and there, as all great storytellers do. Mint Heart listened the whole way, nodding at some portions but respectfully keeping quiet. Forest Thorn left out the part where he slaughtered the chicks, and the large stone in the central cavern.

Having heard most of it before, Onyx didn’t pay as close attention as his fiancée. However, some things were ‘new’ to say the least, and Onyx perked his ears at these moments, most of which sounded like his usual exaggerations. He smirked and flicked his ears at these, shaking his head in mock disdain.

After finishing his story, Forest Thorn garnered applause so great it shook the inn. Soon after, a bearded earth pony bard wearing a feathered cap leapt on a table, and over the loud chatter of the room he strummed his lute and sang in a deep, hearty voice:

Deep into the Everfree Forest he braved,
It’s dark and it’s deadly; he’s after fierce prey,
Forest Thorn hunted the great owlbear depraved,
A swordsman of green eye and mane with fur grey!

Through green woods and valleys and rivers to ford,
Bold hunter, he tracked it, for those he held dearest,
Though grey wolves and brown bears he put to the sword,
The owlbear, in fury, caused great fear in earnest!

But he overcame, and he plunged quickly in,
Courageously fast, he charged into the brute’s cave,
The heart of the lion, risked all in that den,
The beast screamed for murder, it fought Forest Thorn brave!

His sword, it was useless, its coat was too thick,
It crashed all around and sent Forest a-flying,
But in its foul rage, it broke off a great stick,
Jagged and sharp, it kept Forest from dying!

Though bloodied and wounded, Forest took a stand,
He brandished the branch, like a spear, to the monster,
It ran itself through, the beast made red the land,
Because of his deed, the earth drank its blood-water!

Triumphant, he chopped the beast’s head off, all glad,
He took it to town, where he turned in the bounty,
But bits aren’t the reason he risked all he had,
For he loved his people, the Everfree ponies!

One of the townsponies leaned his chair back, raised his mug, and drunkenly shouted, “Aye, and we *hic* love ‘im too!” and without another word, he passed out, falling backwards in his chair and spilling his remaining mead all over himself. The crowd roared in laughter, and the merrymaking continued as many threw their bits in the minstrel’s eagerly outstretched hat.

A little while after the song, the Matchwood Inn’s patrons either left for home or for the rooms upstairs. There were a few ponies left here and there, drowsily discussing the tournament’s outcome.

Minty cast a sidelong glance at Onyx, raising an eyebrow suggestively. Onyx leaned in for a deep kiss, and he held the back of her head with his foreleg. Forest, thoroughly inebriated, continued on drinking, and he turned to say something to Onyx. When he saw his two lip locked friends, he stared dumbfounded at first, then he smirked. Quickly, he drained his last mug, left a few bits on the table, and stumbled to his feet. “Well, it’sh been . . . good to shee you again, friend. And congrat-u-lationsh on yer engagement,” he slurred. He placed a hoof on Onyx’s back to steady himself, and quickly after he stumbled out the door. “Thanksh, Gold Shcale!” He called over his shoulder.

“Get home safe, sweetheart!” she called back.

Now alone with her fiancée at the bar, Minty pulled back from Onyx. “What’s this I hear about a contract with Lord Frozen Lake?” she asked, somewhat threatening.

Onyx Shard nervously laughed. “Uh, well, we were sort of . . . hired by Lord Frozen Lake to be his personal ‘agents’,” he stammered. “I don’t think we had much of a choice in the matter, now that I think about it. . .”

Mint Heart interrupted, placing a hoof on his mouth to quiet him. “Onyx, don’t elaborate. Just tell me how it is. What kind of ‘agent’ are you?”

Onyx removed her hoof, held it in his own, and took a deep breath. “I, along with Little Snow and Forest Thorn, signed on to be, as I understand it, Lord Frozen Lake’s special operatives, to deal with domestic issues. Essentially, all that means is that when there are problems within the Everfree Kingdom, such as bandits or something, he’ll send us to deal with it.” He paused. “Also, I feel I should mention that when we leave on missions, we may be gone for extended periods of time,” he added, apologetic.

Minty grimaced. “Look, I know I was playing a dangerous game when I got involved with you, you being a sellsword and all, but at least promise me this: promise me you won’t try to be a hero, or do anything beyond your capabilities.” Mint Heart’s manner softened. “Promise me you’ll come home safely. Promise me you won’t leave me alone,” she pleaded.

Onyx leaned in for a kiss. “Minty, don’t worry about a thing.” He gently caressed her soft, black mane. “I promise I’ll return.”

She allowed herself a small smile. “I’ll hold you to that, soldier-boy.”

Onyx snorted. “Not a soldier. We’re outside the regular chain of command, answering directly to Lord Frozen Lake. Our pay is better, too.”

“Well, at least there’s that.” Mint Heart said, laughing a bit. She waved Gold Scale over. “More ale, please!”

Getting into the small hours of the morning, the Matchwood Inn quieted down, the only active patrons left being the old stallion in the corner, and Mint Heart and Onyx Shard. The Inn’s rooms had sold out some time ago, and many travelers lay fast asleep by the dying fire. The minstrel lay slumped on a wooden chair, with his lute in his lap and his feathered cap covering his face. Mint Heart and Onyx Shard were kissing passionately, oblivious to the goings on around them.

Gold Scale reemerged from the back room, drying a mug with a rag. “Alright, you two, bar’s closed. Time to go home.”

Onyx Shard pulled away from Mint Heart, and gave Gold Scale a drunk smile. “Thanksh for the ale, Goldy,” he slurred, grinning lopsidedly. Mint Heart and Onyx Shard left, and staggered out of the inn, Minty’s head resting on Onyx’s shoulders. The old stallion nodded to them as they left.

The night was clear, and thousands of stars dotted the black sky. A half-moon gave off its soft blue light, illuminating the streets. At this time so early in the morning, no townsponies wandered the roads. The dirt streets were empty, save for a squad of four guards on night patrol. Onyx and Minty slowly made their way down the streets, under the slightly overhanging wooden buildings and the cool night sky.

“You know,” Onyx said, “I like thish town. It’sh . . . quiet.”

Minty giggled. “Yes, love, it is.” The two ponies ambled aimlessly through the streets. “I still can’t believe you asked me. I’ve been waiting for it for so long, and you finally did it!” She laughed. She looked up into his yellow eyes. “I love you so much.”

Onyx grinned ear to ear. “Oh, that’sh nothing compared to how much I love you,” He said, tenderly.

Mint Heart realized that Onyx was leading her to his house. “Whoa, there. I think you’ve had too much to drink. We agreed we’d wait for marriage, remember?”

It took Onyx a few seconds to process what was happening. Then, suddenly, it dawned on him what he was doing. “Oh! Shorry, honey. I dunno what I was thinking.” He shook his head, disturbing Minty’s fiancée-headrest, and veered back towards the main street. “Let’sh get you home.”