Voice

Chapters

Silence
Broken Cries
Ending the Search for the Beginning of the Loss
Resounding Chorus

Silence

Words are the voice of the heart.

It was just something Faith over heard the trader's she'd been traveling with say. The stallion in question meant nothing by it, he was simply commenting on a recent singer on Equestria's Got Talent. Never the less comments about voice and speaking always struck her heartchords. On the note of chords, Faith unconciously reached up and checked her pack, wanting to ensure that Echdraiclar was still there. The Echdraiclar was a marvel, a one of a kind item that Faith had obtained after aiding a powerful magician. It was very much like a soundboard, in that it played back sounds, but it had the ability to play multiple sounds and record them and could even record other ponies voices and replicate them to say any word. This allowed Faith to make whole songs without carrying every instruement, and then save them on crystaline disks. If words were the voice of the heart, then Faith figured that her music was her words, and the Echdraiclar her voice.

The group was passing a sign as the strolled towards a small town. It read "Welcome to Ponyville" in big bright cheery letters. Also it seemed to be a good place to stop for a while, maybe a week or two. The traders stopped to talk to an orange mare, applefarmer by the looks of it. Faith heard her voice and pulled the Echdraiclar off her back to catch a sample, naming it "Southern Home" for it's welcoming tones. Smiling to herself, she then slung the Echdraiclar back on her back and headed into town.

The air had a nice fresh taste to it, as if untainted by the maladies of the world. Faith listened closely to the other ponies talk as she walked through the twon, intent on finding out anything important she could. Trotting along she finally found a sun warmed empty bench. Mind already thinking of possibilities with the "Southern Home" voice she'd recorded, Faith pulled her Echdaiclar and set it up on the bench before seating herself.

'It needs a welcoming air about it. What was the farms name again? Oh yeah, Sweet Apple Acres. Right now lets get an acoustic in there, hmm maybe a smooth country rock. Country to sound homey, while a bit of rock-ish feel to make it sound tough. Hmm, now what to have the lyrics about? Well the mare seemed prideful about her farm, and there was those two ponies talking about a competition with "the Flim Falm brothers". Well it's going. Now let's start piecing this together.'

Faith went to work, completely shutting out anything other than her thoughts and her music. After a few tweaks here and there she got it started.

"Why don't you come on down

To Sweet Apple Acres

Got a whole family full

Of Tasty Treat Makers"

It was flowing beautifully, and while it continued Faith found she wanted to change the pace.

"Its a beautiful day, keep the doctor away x9

So I'm guessing by now,

You know our name,

And you know we ain't green

To this apple-bucking game"

Continuing with a countrified rap-esque form, Faith dipped back into the chorus. The song flowed quite nicely, and Faith was quite pleased with the work, saving the song to a disc before packing everything up.

Looking up and tuning back into the real world, Faith found a large group of ponies clapping for her. Worried that they may start asking questions, she smiled and bowed once before trotting off hastily.

'Geez, I know better than that. That could have gotten really awkward." Shaking her head, she caught sight of a rather large tree in the twon. It's sign read "Ponyville Library". Despite not needing any books Faith dcided to head in anyway just incase anypony followed her from her impromptu concert. Slipping in through the door she was met with a small purple dragon. "Hiya, I'm Spike. Just looking around the library." Thankful for the easily answered question, Faith nodded and continued further into the library. She moved from shelf to shelf, quickly realizing that she wasn't in your ordinary library. Gathering a hoofful of books, she sat down and began reading them, recognizing some as books that belonged in the Royal Library. 'Now how did something this old and rare wind up here?' "Ah, I see you're a fan of history."

Faith looked up to see a lavander unicorn smiling at her. Faith merely nodded, and started scanning the pages, hoping that the conversation wouldn't ensue. Thankfully it didn't. "Well you seem intent in your studies, I'll let you get back to it."

'Thank Celestia.'

As the day progressed Faith eventually headed back out to look for a hotel or motel. Of course it was summer, so when she did find a small motel all the rooms were full. Not really annoyed, Faith simply accepted the fact and started trotting towards an alleyway when she heard a voice behind her. "Hey, I'm curious, what is that on your back? Is that a dj table?" Turning around, Faith saw a mint green and cream coloured pair of mares. "I was wondering because I have a friend who is a dj." 'So it's the green one. Hmm, lyre cutie mark.' Smiling, Faith shook her head and pulled the Echdaiclar off her back. She quickly started playing a short song using the lyre, then morphed it to a cello, followed by a violin. "Wow Lyra, I didn't know they made things like that!" exclaimed the cream coated mare. Lyra then replied, "They don't, or atleast thats the first I've seen of one, Bon Bon. So where are you staying, I wouldn't mind hanging out with a fellow musician." With no way to nod or shake for an answer, but her Echdaiclar readied, Faith did pulled three different voices, Bon Bon's, who she'd just recorded, the librarian mare's, and "Southern Home".

"Actually Ah jus' found out that the motel's full. I'm not overtly worried though, I can find my own place to sleep. Also don't mind the voice here, I can't speak myself."

Smiling warmly at her, both Lyra and Bon Bon said at the same time, "Well then stay with us." Laughing at this, drew herself back together first, "No seriously though, stay with us tonight, we don't mind." With no better option, and figuring it couldn't hurt, Faith followed after the two mare, even joining in bouts of laughter at their antics.

Smiling at the thought of actually having ponies she could get along with, Faith snuggled deeper into the covers, praying that everything here might work out just fine. 'And maybe, just maybe, I can make some friends.'

A.N.: So I made this chapter somewhat shorter then what I'd initially planned, because I don't know what everypony(haha I'm picking up and catching onto the lingo. It's almost automatic now, wait is that good or bad?) will think of it. Just a random Idea I thought up while working on my other story. Also the Echdaiclar is a mix of two Scot Gaelic words for records and record tables hahaha.

Broken Cries

Faith woke up feeling extemely comfortable. Stretching out, she slowly pulled the covers off of herself and crawled out of bed. Grabbing her Echdaiclar, she trotted out into the kitchen to find Bon Bon and Lyra already awake waiting for her. "About time you got up sleepy head. Bon Bon refused to let me eat until you came out." Lyra mock complained. Faith picked up on the joking undertone and let out a silent giggle. Bon Bon then came over with three plates of wheat waffles. "This is a new recipe, tell me what you think." Bon Bon slipped before realizing what she'd said. Faith politely let the comment fly right on by very impolitely scarfing down her plate of waffles. 'I haven't had anything this good in forever!' Faith stopped eating for half a second to look up and rub her stomach while nodding graciously before digging back in.

After finishing breakfast and cleaning her dish, Faith flipped a couple of switch's, pulling a voice that nopony in Ponyville would recognize. "I'm going to go out and walk around. Lunch though?" "Alrighty!" "Sounds good Faith!" With that Faith turned and walked out the door.

She didn't really have a set path, so she just meandered around until she found a butter coloured pegasus sitting with some birds. The mare would hmm a few bars, then the birds would chirp right back. Setting her Echdaiclar to record the tune, Faith trotted over slowly and sat down just behind the mare on her right. Waiting until she got a good rythm to the music, Faith slowly introduced a violin and piccolo. The butter mare faltered for half a second before continuing, and the birds, humming, violin and piccolo slowly grew into a joyous melody that radiated peace. As it drew to a close, the pegasus mare turned around. "That was amazing, at first I was startled a little, but then I realized you were just joining in so I continued." Faith smiled as she messed with her machine. "It was my pleasure. I heard your humming with the birds and couldn't help but find it beautiful. Also, my name is Faith." At first the mare shrunk back from Faith and the machine, but when she realized that it was how the pony talked she quickly replied. "Oh it was nothing, I sing with the birds all the time. Well I should probably get home to Angel, he's my pet bunny." Faith smiled and nodded as the pegasus took flight. Looking about, she quickly spied a clothing store, "Carosuelle Boutique", and decided to give it a look around.

Walking in, Faith was surprised to find the store in complete and utter chaos. Three fillies were running around trying to get everything under control, but there was fabric everywhere, that and a rather peeved cat chasing them. Setting her Echdaiclar down, Faith trotted over and began soothing the cat. As soon as she had the cat settled, Faith turned about and started to roll up the fabric, quickly joined by the three fillies. It took about 10 minutes but Faith and the fillies quickly had the shop looking normal again. "Gee thank ya miss, Ah'd hate tryin to explain the mess we'd made to Rarity." Faith smiled as she voiced her reply on the Echdaiclar. "Not a problem, now I assume Rarity is the shop owner?" The fillies nodded in unison. "Well then. Is she coming back soon?" "About 5 minutes I think." offered the burnt orange pegasus. "Alright, hmm, well if I can just wait here for her, would you mind if I played a song?" Three shakes. "So you wouldn't mind then. Ok." With that Faith started playing "The Gaurdians of Equestria" which told the tale of how six ponies aided Princess Cadence and Shining Armour in ridding Equestria of the changling queen. Just as the song ended, there was a ring from the front door bell, denoting the entrance of somepony. "Oh my, I didn't realize I had somepony waiting on me. I do hope my siter and her friends weren't too much trouble. I'm Rarity by the way." "Faith, and these three had everything running smoothly when I arrived." Rarity looked both sceptical and confused. Sceptical that the fillies that were now running out her door didn't cause trouble, and confused about the machine that voiced the mare in her store. "Oh yes, and this is my Echdaiclar, it speaks for me and plays music." "Oh ok darling, I was wondering about that. Anyway is there anything I can do for you?" "Just browsing, oh my, or not! I'm supposed to meet a couple of ponies for lunch and I didn't realize the time. I'm sorry!" Rarity merely nodded as the strange mare took off out the door.

Scrambling around the final corner Faith found that Lyra and Bon Bon were only just getting seated. Trotting over, she nodded a hello and joined them. "So Faith, had fun so far?" inquired Bon Bon. "Yes, I met Fluttershy and Rarity. Also I believe I met Twilight yesterday and saw Applebloom?" "That's be Applejack. Those are our resident celebrities actually." Lyra joked. Faith responded with a quizzical look. "What Lyra means is that Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie are all Twilight's closest friends. Twilight is Princess Celestia's protege, Shining Armour's sister, Princess Cadence's sister in law. Those six also beat Discord, helped beat the changling queen, and defeated Nightmare Moon." explained Bon Bon. Faith's eyes widened, but not at all the titles, just one. "Wait, they defeated Nightmare Moon!?" "Oh yeah, it was really cool. Infact Twilight's friends with Princess Luna now." Lyra chuckled. 'So that means that maybe!? But I just can't demand anything. Luna might not even remember what happened after all. It was Nightmare.' "Hullo? Earth to Faith, please return from the moon." Shaking her head, Faith quickly typed her response to Lyra, "What's up?" "Time to order." Bon Bon replied. "Oh yeah sorry."

The rest of lunch commenced with nods or shakes of Faith's head as she tried to sort out the information overload.

Faith just wanted to think, no music, just think. She stopped by Lyra and Bon Bon's house and dropped off her Echdaiclar. Relieved of any thoughts of tune or the weight of the machine in general, Faith started to trot into the fields just outside town. Faith just laid in the grass as her mind raced.

'If Twilgiht knows Celstia and Luna, perhaps they can fix this. But that'd be terribly forward of me to simply force the issue on them. That and like I thoguht earlier, what if Luna doesn't even remember and there is no fixing it. Maybe this is just my life now. Ahhh, s'not too bad, that I've got my Echdaiclar. What's the worst that could happen?'

"What's the worst that could happen" was the line she'd spoken just before confronting Nightmare Moon, and history, with it's tendancy to repeat itself, decided to show her that exact scenario. A cyan coated, rainbow maned pegasus suddenly plowed a furrow into the ground not ten feet from her. Faith immediatly reached for her Echdaiclar, only to remember that she didn't have it with her. Scrambling for ideas, Faith quickly ran over and lifted the pegasus onto her back.

Faith was slight and slender, and definitely not an athlete. Struggling under the weight of the pegasus, she made for town as fast as she could.

Her legs were throbbing, and she was gasping for air, but Faith refused to stop. It was getting dark, but she wasn't about to stop moving. Finally she saw a pony off in the distance. Waving her forelegs Faith tried to get the pony's attention, but it failed to work. Desperate to get their attention she scanned for anything to make noise. Finding to large rocks, Faith set to smacking them together. At first it achieved nothing, then the pony turned and looked towards her. Faith set back to marching herself towards the pony with the pegasus mare on her back when the ground suddenyl reached up for her, and her vision went black.

"Ah still don't get why she didn't holler fer help. Woulda made it that much easier." "I'm sure it would've Applejack, and we can ask her when she wakes up, oh speaking of which."

Faith opened her eyes to find Applejack and Twilight standing over her. She made to stand up before realizing she was hooked up to hospital gear and couldn't find the strength to move her limbs. "Oh yeah, Ah reckon she is. So then miss, who are you and how did Rainbow Dash get hurt?" 'Rainbow Dash? Oh Celestia, that was the pegasus I'm sure. But, no, I can't say anything, I don't have my Echdaiclar!' Shifting her eyes around the room, Faith was hoping to find a quill and paper, but there were none.

"Ah told you somethin' was up Twi, lookit her eyes all shifty an' such." Applejack whispered. Just then the door opened to reaveal Lyra with none other than her Echdaiclar. Faith's features lit up as Lyra handed her the machine. Quickly typing up her message, Faith replied "Is Rainbow Dash okay?! I did my best to help her, but it didn't quite work out." Lyra didn't know the answer, and Applejack was trying to figure out the machine, so Twilight answered. "Rainbow Dash is fine, but why are you speaking with a machine?" "Uhm, I can't talk. It's complicated." With that Faith slid the Echdaiclar off the side of the bed to the floor and rolled over. "But fixing vocal chords is easy, why do you think that the singers never have vocal problems, and why you never see a mute pony. Even I know the spell to fix vocal chords, watch." Twilight smiled. Immediatly becoming frantic, Faith scooped her Echdaiclar back up and tried to warn the lavander mare, but it was too late. Twilight cast the spell and there was a load bang as Twilight got thrown against the wall. Lyra and Applejack both rushed over to check on the unicorn while Faith, tears in her eyes, forced her body into motion and after grabbing her Echdaiclar, took off out the door.

'Again. Instead it's two ponies hurt because of me rather than the usual one.' Faith mentally beat herself as she tore out of the town to the forrested area nearcy. Trees and nature had this affect to calm her, and that's exactly what she needed. Vision blurred with tears Faith didn't even notice the darkening forrest or thetrees slowly looking more and more malign as she delved further. Finally too tired to run anymore, Faith fell to the ground and continued crying there, huge silent sobs shaking her entire body. After another 15 minutes or so, she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,

Today I encountered a magic that I have not felt in two years time since the defeat of Nightmare Moon. It was ancient in feel, and I did not recognize all of its components, but I know for sure it was Nightmare's. Now as to where I encountered this magic, it was as I tried to heal a mare's vocal chords because she was mute. As soon as my magic touched the mare, a powerful defensive counter measure sturck me and threw me against a wall. We don't know where this mare is now, but I worries me to think that Nightmare's magic still taints the land and I felt it would be best to alert the both of you.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

The sound of bush's shaking was what woke Faith. Slowly opening her eyes, they immediatly locked onto twin orbs staring at her from the dark. A deep rooted instinct in her told her to run, and she was already standing to do just that. As she turned and galloped off, she heard the beast's growls from behind her. Fear bringing tears right back to the mare, she didn't even see the trip wire until she'd set it off. A cord wrapped around her left hind hoof, and she found herself caught fast. As she tugged at the cord to pull herself free it set off a jangling of metal peices tied to it. Curling into a ball, Faith did her best to accept that her life was at an end when she heard a soft voice shine out in the darkness of her thoughts.

"Well then, seems something wandered into mah perimeter. Now what have we got today, manticore? Maybe a young hydra, haven't felt one in ages."

Suddenly Faith felt a soft pressure on her back.

"Oh ho! Ah've got a pony in mah trap. Ah didnae expect tha' at all. Come now, time tae get up. Ah'll no hurt you."

Slowly uncurling from herself, Faith found that there was a pegsus working on the knot that secured her. Pulling her Echdaiclar from her back, Faith immeditaly set up a thank you and a greeting. "I'm terribly sorry for disturbing you sir, and thank you for helping me." "Tis not a problem lass. "Sides, it's been a while yet since Ah've found myself with a visitor. Now follow me if you don' mind to much. Ah'll jus' lead ye righ' back tae mah home." Following behind the stallion, Faith quickly placed his accent as Scoltish. He also walked in an odd way. His wings were extened out to his sides, but forward in front of him, and he seemed to go out of his way to feel every tree the walked past. After a short five minute trot, he led her to a small cottage. "An' this is mah humble abode, emphasis on it bein' humble. Still a damn sight nicer than anything else you'll find in this forret, am Ah right?" the stallion chuckled as he opened the door. "Well, come on in now, Ah'll no bite ye. Here, let me get ye a cup o' tea." Still with his wings flared, the stallion then brought her to a small kitchen area. "Have a seat now lass while Ah fix this up." Faith seated herself and watched as the stallion started running his hooves carefully over everything on the shelves until stopping on what he wanted. Realizing she was being rude, Faith quickly pulled her Echdaiclar about and started typing. "So, I take it you don't get visitors often?" "Nah, but it's not too bad. Ah actually enjoy it quite nicely. Also, may I ask what yer clickin' on everytime you talk?" Faith's eye's widened for a second before returning to normal, "I cal it an Echdaiclar. It's a one of a kind device that allows me to make music, or record voices and allow me to speak. It's really quite interesting jus' like the way ye walk" Haha, tha's a fancy gizmo there, copyin' mah voice an' such. An' as to why I walk with my wings out, it jus' helps me get a feel for mah surroundings." the stallion shrugged. "Oh okay. So you're probably wondering what I'm doing out here aren't you. I'm sure you don't see many ponies out here." "Ah actually wouldnae mind hearin' yer story, and no Ah havnae really seen much of anythin' in the past 3 years." With that the stallion turned about to present Faith with a cup of tea, and Faith couldn't help but stare.

"Well, now, judgin' by the fact tha' Ah've still got yer tea in mah hoof, you jus' realized tha' Ah'm blind. Anyway, take this tea now, and sup it awhile, then we can get to work on yer story. After tha' Ah'll tell you mine. Byt the way Ah'm Angmar, so wha's yer charming name?" "Faith." Angmare smiled at this, then flared his wings back out and trotted torwards a fire place. Well then, if ye don't mind joing me in the den here, we'll get started." Faith merely nodded, smiling at the cheery stallion.

A.N.- well then I've got my second chapter out, again any thoughts/constructive critiscism will make it that much easier. Chapter three is the big reveal on Faith's past too. Also if anybody finds a non gory as heck Cupcakes-esue picture showing a voiceless pony, please toss me the link so I can get some cover art.

Ending the Search for the Beginning of the Loss

It was beautiful, a falling star of the likes I'd never seen before. It had fallen into my favourite copse, and I thought it was a miracle. Quickly getting ready, I grabbed some sheets of paper, thinking that it may be something inspirational. I rushed out of my house and ran towards the copse. As I drew near I heard the sounds of somepony talking to themselves, actually arguing would put it better. There were even two different voices. It was Luna trying to convince Nightmare that they could just forget about everything. Nightmare easily took advantage, and I, always trying to be helpful, stepped out and voiced my opinion. I told Nightmare that I wrote alot of my music under the night sky because I found it calming. Looking back now, I believe I came quite close to getting Nightmare subdued, because Luna's voice got stronger. I don't remember the specifics, but Luna commented on how Nightmare could rest now, and Nightmare snapped. There was a blinding flash and I passed out. I woke up in the copse later, and quickly found that I couldn't talk. I was absolutely horrified at first, and I'd locked myself in my house for the next two weeks before a couple of my friends came to find me. They were my lead guitarist and back up singer. We had our little band gig set up, and I was the lead singer. I couldn't face them though, not like this. I gathered my bits and some other things and snuck out the back. After that I set about wandering for a long time. Trottingham, Canterlot, Dodge Junction. I never stayed anywhere thoguh, not for too long. If it wasn't ponies suspicious of me not talking, it was them trying to help me for not being able to talk. As if I hadn't already tried to fix it. No, nopony was able to get my voice back, so I just kept wandering. I eventually stumbled upon the camp of a unicorn I believe is crazy, but he got me the Echdaiclar so I won't argue with it. I helped him catch a rabbit he insisted was a manticore, that was stuck in the skin of a hydra that was enchanted to appear as a griffon hidden inside of a rabbit suit. It was just a rabbit though. After I caught the thing he spent the next three days in a workshop and when he came out he had the Echdaiclar for me. That was actually my only truly good interaction with another pony that didn't end badly. Regardless I continued on, recording voice and making music. Didn't have anything else better to do. With the Echdaiclar I could atleast respond to ponies, but I still didn't ever stay long. Something bad always happened anytime I tried to get to well acqainted with an area. There was the incident where a stallion drowned because I couldn't get to him or call for help. The there was the incident with the filly in Hoofington. Some contruction equipment fell, and I was verbally attacked for not warning her. Most recently is Ponyville. A pegasus crashed and I tried to save her. I don't know if I did or not, but then a unicorn tried to heal my vocal chords. She was thrown against a wall. I was too scared to stay, so I did what I do best, I ran. Finally I found my way out here, and you found me.

"That's my story, in a short condensced not going into every little detail form." Faith ended. "Ah, so ye had a clap with Nightmare Moon? Well lass, yer a mare an' Ah'm a stallion, but Ah got tae admit even Ah havnae the parts to stand up to the likes o' Nightmare!" Angmar laughed. Faith blushed and made to hide her face when she remembered she didn't have to. "So Angmar, what's your story, if you don't mind me asking." "Tis but a simply tale. Ah was vying for spot as best young flier. Ah' heard tell of some lass wi' a rainbow mane tha' nopony could beat. 'Parently she'd done some such or another called a Sonic Rainboom. Well Ah didnae feel like being out done, much less by some lassie, no offense, and Ah decided tae give it a shot. Course Ah failed six or se'en times afore Ah got it righ' an' even then Ah go' it wrong. I'd broken the barrier too close tae the groun' and the sudden acceleration threw me righ' intae a tree. By some grace o' Celestia 'erself Ah came out o' it with one injury. Ah'd lost mah vision. O'course wi'out mah vision Ah surely couldnae fly back home. Ah wandered for a good number o' weeks before Ah said buck it an' settled down righ' here."

The stallion sounded rather pleased with himself at that final notion. "So you settled down amongst a bunch of bloodthirsty animals in the middle of a haunted forrest?" "Aye, but Ah didnae know 'bout the animals 'til later." the stallion chuckled. "But, that's awful. You must've been scared!" "Ah come off it lass. Listen, here's a bit 'o frien'ly advice. Cheer up. If Ah'd hated mah life Ah coulda walked up tae some hydra and made it an easy meal. Ah know theres still sum'in out there fer me somewhere. Ah've just yet tae trip on it." He finished with a chuckle. Faith couldn't help but laugh at Angmar's joke, finding his constant high spirits infectious. "Righ' then. I's late, an' Ah'm tired so Ah'm sure you're exhausted. Ah call the couch, an' you can take mah bed. Refusal's no' an understood sentimen' in mah house either." Angmar grinned. "Night Faith."

The next morning Faith woke up to find that Angmar wasn't in his cottage. She headed outside, but didn't stray too far. With nothing better to do, she simply listened to the natural melody of the forest around her while the Echdaiclar recorded it. "Tis beautiful no? No' a place in the world tha' can compare to jus' sittin' an' listening tae the life aroun' ye." Starting slightly, Faith turned to see Angmar standing not 5 feet from her. "How did you know where I was?" "Ah listened. Ah've sat and heard the forest aroun' my live for 3 years now. Ah think Ah can tell the difference betwixt a brook an' a mare breathin'." Angmar laughed. Smiling at the ever cheery stallion's logic, Faith decided that she wouldn't mind staying for a bit, if Angmar didn't mind. "So, are there any chores that need done? You were quite hospitable yesterday, and I'd hate to leave it unrepayed." Smiling towards the mare, Angmare beckoned for Faith to follow him. He led her to a wire, the same one she'd gotten tangled in. "Well, Ah usually check mah wire for anythin' tha' may 'ave gotten caught up while Ah slept." With that, Angmar stretched out his left wing until the tip rested lightly on the wire. Once situated, Angmar trotted off, keeping this wing set in a precise manner that allowed him no deviations from his set distance. Faith followed in awe at the spectacle. She couldn't help but wonder how much time it had taken him to perfect this one chore.

After walking the whole distance of the perimeter Angmar trotted over to a crudely made bench and sat down. "Well, tha's mah mornin' chore done. Mah nex' chore will be at night. Tha's when I walk the perimeter a agin to ensure it hasnae broken anywhere." "Oh, that's not much then." "Nah, no' at all. So what's troublin' ye lass?" "How do you know I'm troubled?" "'Cause Ah figured you'd have sum'in on yer mind. Tha' an' ye jus' admitted to it." Angmar chortled, nodding his head as if he were winking at her. "Well, I just don't get how you can be so happy. My disabilitie's done nothing but harm. I wish I had never had it happen." At this Angmar's face grew a bit more serious. "So lass. Ye wish ye wouldnae o' talked to Nightmare. If ye hadnae o' talked to her you'd have yer voice righ'?" Faith nodded before rememberin Angmar needed a vocal response, in which she clicked her Echdaiclar. "Because if you had yer voice, ye would'a been able to warn tha' filly at the construction site, no?" Again Faith typed back her response. "But tell me lass, would you have been in tha' town iffen yer voice hadnae been lost?" This time Faith typed out a 'no'. "So yer tellin' me tha' you wouldnae o' been there. So there wouldnae 'ave been anypony tae warn her anyway. The lassie still would 'ave died, lass. Tis a simple fact o' life. It wasnae yer fault." Faith could feel her eyes water up. She'd spent the last two years wanting to hear that none of it was her fault, and to actually hear it sent her head spinning. "Thank you Angmar, but I need to think about some stuff." "Ah'm sure ye do lass. Ah'll be in mah cottage when yer done." And with that the stallion stood up and ambled back off towards his home.

'How is he so happy. I can't imagine being blind, what would I even do? Sit somewhere and sing maybe? Why is it so hard to accept that none of those horrible events were my fault either. If I'd had my voice... ahhhh this is hopeless! Maybe Angmar is right. I could play what if all day but that doesn't mean that I'm ever going to figure it all out. Well I don't feel completely better, but this is a start.' With that Faith stood up and trotted back to the cottage.

The day's went by, and melded into a few weeks. That in turn melded into a month and a half and while Faith hadn't completely gotten over everything she'd been through, her time spent with Angmar and his jokes and wisdom had definitely helped. During this time she'd taken to leaving her Echdaiclar with the stallion to fiddle with while she worked around the area. She knew he was working on something for her, but she didn't quite know what. She'd also started wearing a charm anklet so she wouldn't accidently sneak up on her friend. Friend. It held so much meaning, and while Faith had had friends before, this was different. She and Angmar had a mutual understanding of eachother. Niether wanted pity or anything of the sort. They both simply wanted to live life like a normal pony. They were two sides to the same coin, and of late, Faith had been wondering if they could be something more.

Waking like any other morning, Faith placed her Echdaiclar next to Angmar's sleeping form as she passed the couch. 'I don't know why he refuses to let me sleep on the couch, ah whatever.' She slipped out the front door and went straight out to patrol the border and check on the lines. She realized a while ago that Angmar had done this before merely as a habit. The worst thing to happen since her arrival was when Angmar had fallen asleep on his back one night and when Faith had walked through she found his 'flag' at 'full mast'. Needless to say it had been an extremely awkward day. Laughing at the memory Faith suddenly realized that all was not normal. There was a snapped line! She made to rush back to the cottage when something impacted her side. She flew through the air about seven feet before hitting the ground and sliding through the grass another four feet. Shaking her head, the mare looked up to see a very rare sight. She was lloking at a chimera! 'Those are supposed to be extinct!' The beast roared at her, but stopped abrubtly when a small stone struck it in the side of the head. "OI! Aren' ye a braw an' bold wee beastie pickin' a figh' with a lass! Why don' ye try a stallion on tae see if their more tae yer likin'!" Still reeling from the hit, Faith could barely make out Angmar's form running from the beast. Trying to rise, she put weight down on her left foreleg, causing her vision to blur as she gasped in pain and fell back down on her side. It was the worst thing ever. After years of attuning her hearing to encompass everything, she found it near impossible to block out the roaring and sound of timbers being smashed. After what seemed like hours all the noises stopped. Thinking realistically Faith realized it had likely been about 15 minutes. Straining from the effort, the injured mare forced herself up shakily onto her three good legs and immediatly set out to find Angmar, praying that he was okay. As she drew near to wear the cottage had been, Faith was horrified to see that it was half demolished. Moving as fast as she could, Faith desperately scanned for any sign of Angmar. Stumbling throguh the wreckage of the wooden structure, she finally found him. He was bleeding from slashes gouged in his right side, and he was already quite pale. Moving quickly, Faith immediatly began to bandage Angmar's wounds. Once finished she made a splint for her own leg, then turned the remains of the front door into a sled. Lifting Angmar onto it, she took the rope she'd attached to it in her jaws and took her first step forward when she tripped on something. It was her Echdaiclar, miraculous still intact! Picking it up and grabbing the lead rope again, Faith set off for the direction of Ponyville, praying to every thing she could think of that she'd be able to get there in time.

Scootaloo was with Rainbow Dash for flying lessons. During the past few weeks her wings had matured a bit more and could now properly support her weight. She was flying by Dash's side when something caught her eye coming out of Everfree Forrest. She signaled Dash and turned to get a better look. "Hey Dash, hold up a sec! What's that?" The chromatic mare in question turned to look where Scootaloo was pointing. Having sharper eyesight than the filly, Rainbow Dash gasped when she realized it was two ponies. "Scoots! Get back to town and get help!" As the filly flew off, Rainbow Dash flew down to aid the two ponies.

Faith's entire body ached and resented any movement she put it through. Physically she wanted nothing more than to stop and lay down, but she knew she couldn't do that. 'I have to make it, just a few more hills, just a few more and I can get all the rest in the world.' As she cleared the trees of the forrest she could have sworn she'd seen somepony flying. 'Great now I'm seeing things, come on Faith get a hold of yourself.' Tartarus bent on pressing on, the exhausted and delirious mare didn't even realize that she had fallen on her side and was now futily kicking her hooves through the air. Slowly darkness closed in around her, the last thing her eyes noted was a rainbow.

*BEEP* 'Hmm, is that my Echdaiclar?' *BEEP* 'No, I don't have that noise. What is that?' *BEEP* 'Uh, shut up, I just want to sleep...' *BEEP* Annoyed with the persistent noise, Faith attempted to roll over and cover her head with her pillow when everything suddenly came rushing back to her. 'Angmar!' *BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP* Turning, Faith found she was attached to a heart monitor. 'Shut up! I have bigger things to worry about!' She was about to start pulling equipment off of herself when a nurse walked in. "Hello there. Glad to see you're awake! I'm Nurse Redheart, and you're speaking machine is on the desk next to you." the nice nurse mare smiled. Grunting with effort, Faith stretched out and grabbed her Echdaiclar, frantically typing out her message. "Is my friend Angmar ok?! I need to know!" "Blind, Scoltish?" Faith nodded jerkily at this. "He's doing better than anypony expected. We expect a full recovery." Relief flooded through Faith's body as she realized that she'd succeded. Nurse Redheart smiled again, then trotted back out the room. A few hours later, the nurse came back in and asked if Faith would like to visit Angmar. Nodding enthusiastically, Faith allowed the mare to help her out of bed, then push her I.V. stand for her. AS she stepped out of the room, she found two Royal Guards standing outside her door. "Don't mind them honey, they're not of your concern for you right now." Nurse Redheart assured. Faith continued to follow the mare to the I.C.U. Finally the nurse stopped at a door and led Faith in. LAying in the bed was Angmar. His side was covered in bandages but his breathing was regular and unlaboured. Softly Faith brushed her hoof across Angmar's face. "Ah've heard o' nurse's wi' a sof' touch, but Ah've got a feelin' tha's no nurse. How ye doin' Faith." Angmar chuckled softly. Quickly setting to work on her Echdaiclar, Faith responded. "You have no idea how happy I am you're safe." "Ah reackon it's akin tae how Ah felt 'bout...." Suddenly a guard poked his head in, "Excuse me ma'am but you're needed." "Och, by off with ye lad! Can ye no' see she's jus' tryin' tae rest!" "Sir, I am a standing member of the Royal Guard following..." "An' you'll be a sittin' member o' the Royal Guards after Ah've got ye talkin' out the other side o' your face!" The guard quickly retracted his head as a cup came flying towards the door. "Ah didnae hit him, did I?" Silently rolling with laughter, Faith just managed to type her reply, "No." "Damn... ah well, atleast yer happy! Ah've got a question though. Why didnae ye run when Ah distracted that beast?" Faith pondered the question for a few moments before answering, "I honestly couldn't tell you. I just couldn't leave you. I can't really explain it." Angmar sighed contentedly, "Ah guess tha's similiar to how Ah can really tell ye why Ah thought tha' chuckin' a rock at the beastie was a good idea at the time. Ah can tell ye one thing Ah'm sure of thoguh lass. Ah'm damn sure Ah love ye!" The silence that followed was peaceful at first but quickly became disconcerting. "Ah didnae scare ye off did A-" His question was cut off quickly as Faith drew him into a deep kiss. It was perfect bliss, until the door opened again and Faith quickly drew away. 'Oh my it's-' "Ah come off it! Git the heck out ye daft beast! All Ah wan' is tae enjoy mahself an' know tha' Faith isnae bothered. Now move yer arse ou' tha' door an' dinnae let me catch ye back here 'til Faith comes out an' gets ye! Go on, bugger off!" '-Princess Luna and Princess Celestia!'

Resounding Chorus

"Well Luna, I must say, I owe our guard an apology. I didn't believe anypony outside of Rainbow Dash could be that bull-headed." Celestia chuckled.

Angmar merely shook his head as he realized who he'd just yelled at. "Well, damn, Ah'm sure Ah just mucked up mah good firs' impression, no?"

Despite the situation, he was, of course, laughing. Faith rolled her eyes at the irrespressable stallion, then typed out her message. "What do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

At that Princess Luna stepped forward. "I believe that we have already met, yes? I would like to extend my thanks for your efforts, despite their failure, to save me on the night of my return. I would also like to apologize for forgetting your plight. I feel terrible realizing that you have spent the last few years in silence."

Faith merely shook her head, smiling. "Princess, at first I found Nightmare's spell a curse, but after this past month I've come to realize that without it I never would have met Angmar. I'm content now."

"Damnit Faith, ye've gone an' made mah cheeks get all soggy." Angmar mock complained in response.

"Well, as relieved as I am that you bear me no ill will and that you have learned to live with your affliction. Regardless I hope that this makes up for all that. Simply find what your heart wants most, and this stone will give it to you." With that, Luna floated over a small stone and then walked out.

'What my heart wants most....what my heart wants most.... well that's simple!' Faith realized as her life morphed into prefection.

A.N.~Bugger all shit chapter? Well thats because I recently tied this story to three other. I could continue, but it would compromise the other three. But I haven't forgotten about these two ponies, they'll reappear! And Everything gets expalined too. It's gonna be good.