The Lord of Ragnarok

The Lord of Ragnarok

Chapter 7: Kindness and Chaos

Marketplace of Flumen Subjicite - Hephaestus P.O.V.

The mortal market place was far different than I believed it would be. I had expected to find the wares displayed, the masters of their craft working in the back, and perhaps some lowly servant waiting up front to be asked questions. I had expected efficiency, what I observed was a chaotic display of everything a mortal could desire. Oriaos seemed to be drawn toward the more utilitarian clothes. Her choice was more along the lines of function than fashion. I found that I shared the similar choice of clothing.

My own clothes were designed with metal working in mind. From my thick leather gloves, the leather apron, and my leather guarded ranger pants that I wore. Even my boots, gifted to me by Lord Mannulus were made to be protection from the molten metal that I often found myself working with. The clothing I saw set out, toward the front of the various shops, were made for fashion. Clothes that served no other function than to be paraded around as a peacock displaying for attention. Why mortals would want such useless things were beyond me.

Watching Oriaos I saw a kindred spirit. Her first choice was a suit of beige ranger clothes. The shirt was open and breezy. The top was designed to be tied down, fitted, able to be restrained, or allowed to flow openly for ease of movement. The pants were open for ease of running. What she wore now was a spare dress from one of the maids. It fit well, but I could see that she was uncomfortable in such finery. From my observations she was one used to work, used to doing what needed to be done, and I found myself respecting her more for it. We moved from the clothing toward the store offering various soaps.

In this she was more selective. I half expected her to choose a decent lye soap, simple, effective, but instead I discovered that her choice was more along the lines of which soap cleaned the best with the most pleasant smell. The one she chose smelled of peppermint candy mixed with a hint of jasmine. She spoke to the shop owner, and I watched as she worked with him, guiding him, until he lowered the price of the soap so that she was able to purchase three of the thick bars for a single bar’s price. She thanked him, and together we stepped out into the marketplace once more.

“Thank you for taking me shopping,” she said, “It’s nice to have my own things once again. Although, I do hope that you will allow me to repay you.”

I waved off her comment, “Worry not. We are merely obtaining the things of which you need. To not do so would sully my honor, and thus the honor of the temple. It would be unforgivable to do less.”

She smiled at me, and I felt her hug against me, “It’s very sweet of you to be so kind.”

I felt odd. Her prase sat proudly in my chest, filling it with warmth. Doing such for her had made her happy, and her happiness had spread to me. Perhaps, just perhaps, this was what Lord Mannulus and Umbra had wished. It would certainly fit into my Lord’s intelligence. He does see things several steps ahead, and perhaps he felt that I would connect well with Oriaos. I have found that she is very enjoyable to be with.

I heard her gasp, and turned to see her viewing the weapons a mortal man of arms had created. There his wares lay, and for a mortal they were acceptable. The swords I saw hanging and laying in display appeared to be of moderate quality. They were non-magical, single edged, for the most part, but the smith which created them had made them with an alloy. It appeared as if he had discovered true steel. A very useful metal, and I could see the blades were designed to bend before breaking.

However, it would have been a simple affair to make them double edged. The handles were wrapped with leather, yet they were of forge creation. Simple, strong, dependable, and unlikely to break. If given enough time I believe this mortal might eventually create swords worthy enough to enter the temple. I did see the sword she admired. It was modeled after a broadsword, yet unlike a true broadsword it was single edged like a rapier. Naturally it was unsuited for use as a rapier. It was obviously designed to be used as a broadsword, the strokes of it coming from powerful swings, meant to be used as a club able to cleave into the enemy.

She would do well with a broadsword, but her gracefulness called for a rapier. She would do well with a weapon which moved in a graceful manner. Perhaps one of each would be best suited for her. One to use for power, one to use for grace, and I could easily create swords that far out matched the ones this mortal was selling. She moved from the sword onto a crossbow. It interested me to see that the mortal had created the bolts to be auto fed into the crossbow. The cocking mechanism was of simple design, yet it proved that there was much thought considered in its creation.

Again, I could create one that far outmatched the one she seemed to favor. For one, it was a mere crossbow. Its bolts are good for normal enemies, but one I made could be enchanted. The bolts would be capable of casting fire and ice. A jewel in each side of the stock selecting which to be fired. She then looked at the armor, and on this I admired the decision the smith had made. The armor was functional, yet it had been made light. The steel had been tempered in such a way that it was light and strong.

Again, the armor I could make would be far better than what was on display, but I could easily incorporate the design of it into what I would make for her. In the end she did choose the crossbow. Respectfully I agreed with the choice, but I would upgrade it for her. It would be easy enough. Leaving we walked further, and she lead me to a small stall that was selling food. It’s smell was interesting, and stepping after her we stepped in front of the owner.

“Welcome to Noodle Palace. We have fifty seven varieties of noodle soup,” the woman behind the stall said.

Oriaos smiled, “We would like to try the fish ramen, extra carrots please,” she said.

“Very good, it will be a moment,” she replied.

She smiled at me, “You’ll like the noodles here.”

Temple of Celestia - Fifth floor

Fluttershy’s P.O.V.

I checked the table as Pinkie stepped into my little cottage. She looked happy, and I was glad. I knew that she didn’t like to trade places with our mutual friend, but it had been so long since we’ve had tea that she agreed. Of course she did say that I would need to visit her on her floor, and the two of us would need to bake together. I agreed, after all I enjoyed her floor as well. It was interesting, and I did love to see what sorts of insanity she would unleash at any one time.

I watched as Pinkie closed her eyes, her mouth opened, and then an eagle claw came out of it. She grabbed the claw, pulled, and I watched as her hooves began to be sucked up inside of her legs. She didn’t whimper, but instead the two of them began to pull him out and she began to be sucked into herself. When it was done he stood there before me, his hand slowly letting go of Pinkie’s as he closed his mouth.

He was so unlike us. His body was similar to an Equis, but his head was more like a rams, and he had a single ram horn. The other was a deer antler. His mouth was better suited for a herbivore, but he had one long fang, that looked much like a rattle snake’s fang, sticking out on the left side of his mouth. But sometimes when his head turned that fang would jump to the other side. His left arm was a Lion’s arm and paw, his right was an Eagle’s leg and claw. His legs were also different. One a dragons and the other a Equis like us. Finally his tail was a mix of dragon and serpent. Finally, after several moments he grinned at me.

“Ah, Fluttershy, it has been so long! You must simply tell me all that you have been up to,” he said.

I grinned at him, “Well, we’re not on Ragnarok anymore, but I think you know that,” I replied.

He nodded, snapped his fingers, and within seconds he was wearing a pair of cargo jeans, a leather bomber jacket, and a white scarf. He then took a seat near me, “So, what have you done since you’ve been here?”

I grinned, “Just watched over the critters on my floor, and helped Applejack supply the new forest with critters. Lord Mannulus has decided to name the forest the Everfree.”

Discord grinned, before he leaned back, “Gee, I wonder where he got that idea from?”

I grinned, “I don’t know, but the forest is beautiful, and it’s a perfect home for my Hydra, the cocatrise, and Manticore that wasn’t getting along with their own kind in here. They seem to be much happier out there.”

I poured him a cup of tea, and one for myself. The tea was a special blend, something that Lord Mannulus had gotten for me while he was in the Empire. He said it was called Wolfsbane tea, and that it was something of a delicacy there. The tea itself was a little bitter, but it had a sort of energy to it that I liked. Discord sipped his tea, and let out a small bark of laughter.

“Wolfsbane, I haven’t had this in such a long time,” he stated.

I looked at him, “You’ve had it before?”

He nodded, “Absolutely, when Master Clopmaniac was exploring a dungeon he gifted me a special tea from the raid. It was wolfsbane. Apparently it was supposed to suppress lycanthropes from transforming. Very handy for those who get all furry under the moon, but it didn’t do much for me,” he looked at me, “However, we can test it.”

I watched as he snapped his claws and a woman stood before us. She looked human, she was nude, soap covered her, and she brought her arm across her breasts.

“Gods and goddesses, where am I? What are you?! Oh gods preserve me!” she cried

I shushed her, and Discord handed her a cup of tea. She looked at him, Wary, and I could understand why. He shook his head, “Child, and you are a child to me, I am about as interested in what you have as you are interested in what a fly has to offer as a mate. You’re being offered a cup of tea, which is supposed to suppress your lycanthrope tendencies. So,take a drink, see if it works, and if so I will let you know what it is.”

She seemed to swallow back her response, and then she took a drink. I watched ched as she finished the cup, and then she looked at him. She looked confused, and then overjoyed. Forgetting that she was nude, or no longer caring, she rushed toward him and hugged him.

“It’s quiet! The growl and hunger are quiet! I can get married now! I can have a child! What is that tea?!” she asked excitedly.

I smiled at her, “It’s wolfsbane,” I answered.

She looked at me warmly, and then Discord snapped his talons again and she was gone. I looked at him, “Did you send her back to her bath?”

I shrugged, “Her bath, a busy market place, the home of a man that will find her quite pretty I’m sure. I mean, they’re basically the same aren’t they?”

I looked at him, “That’s not nice, please make sure that she gets back to her bath.”

He sighed, snapped his claws, and then did once more, “She has been returned exactly where I plucked her from, along with a new friend.”

Flumen Subjicite - Bathhouse - Women’s Bath - The Lycanthrope Discord had Summoned Earlier P.O.V.

I looked at Lord Fortem as he stood there confused. We had been in his bed chambers a moment before, granted I was still soapy and wet, but now we were both back in the bathhouse I had been in before I had been teleported to where that odd being had been talking to the winged Equis.

“You are not allowed in here!” the mistress of the women’s bathhouse shouted as she moved toward Lord Fortem.

“See here, I have no idea how I came to be here, but I still need to have words with this young lady!” he shouted.

Perhaps he would have been more authoritative had he been dressed in his clothes that he wore when speaking in court to the emperor. However, standing here, nude, in the bathhouse was not getting him the attention I’m sure that he wanted. Instead the mistress moved in, swooped him up like a piece of unruly luggage, and carried him toward the exit. It was the first time I had ever seen a noble treated like that, and it was the first time I had ever heard a noble swear like the rest of us as he was tossed nude into the street.

Temple of Celestia - Fifth Floor - Fluttershy’s Cottage

Discord’s P.O.V.

Sharing tea with a good friend is always welcomed. In truth I always feel welcomed when I’m visiting Fluttershy. Perhaps it’s because the others are terrified of me. Not that I really understand why. I am simply how I am. I am a spirit of Chaos, of change, and that is what I provide. The only one besides Fluttershy that understands me is Pinkie Pie. However, we can’t be in the same place at the same time. Being trapped inside of her doesn’t really allow for us to converse as we would like.

Oh, she does try, and I will admit that she does bring a smile or two when she causes some chaos. Her violator slime was an excellent example. It did no real damage, and it managed to cause Twilight to step outside of her normal, and boring, routine. It did the same for Applejack. Lord Mannulus, well I don’t believe that he fears me, but then again we have not spent any real time together.

Master Clopmaniac spent time with me several times, but it was mainly to make use of my abilities. So far the only ones that have spent any time with me, for me, have been Fluttershy and Pinkie. With Pinkie, it’s not that either of us have a choice, but again, she doesn’t begrudge me for it. She instead seems to view it as a permanent friend that is always with her. For Fluttershy, she seems to want to actually learn more about me.

I look at her as she daintily sips her tea. She’s powerful in her own right, yet she acts kind and considerate. I finished my cup, looked at her, and then looked out at her floor.

“So, have you moved just three of your animals, or was it three pairs?”

She stood, finishing her own tea before grinning at me, “Oh, I moved three pairs. Lord Mannulus said that it might be an idea to allow one or two of the Timber Wolves you created to run loose out in the forest as well. He believes that they would be a good deterrent against any that wouldn’t belong here.”

I nodded. He wasn’t wrong. The timber wolves were perfectly sculpted bits of chaos. Plant based, fueled by chaotic magic, able to reform, always hungry, always hunting, and never moving past the forest that they claim as their own.

“He has a point, but those are to help guard your floor, are you sure would want to let them loose outside?” I asked.

She looked toward the rabbit that didn’t enjoy my presence very much.

“Well, I still have Angel, and he’s quite good at helping guard the floor.”

I shook my head, “Yes, I understand, I’ve seen Monty Python and the search for the Holy Grail.”

She seemed confused, and I chose not to further that confusion. Instead I lead the conversation back toward something simple. Well perceived simple. When I asked her if she had chosen someone to tend to her more carnal needs. She blushed, shied away, and informed me that currently she didn’t feel the need to do so.

“And before you ask,” she said, “It’s not because of you. I understand the reason you let me down. It wouldn’t be fair to Pinkie for you to be out so much, and I know that she doesn’t swing that way.”

I nodded, “True, she doesn’t, but she also has abstained from choosing because she wants to find someone who can handle having a spirit of Chaos residing inside of the bride of his choice. She had considered courting one of the many lords that had resided here, but in the end when only Lord Mannulus remained she chose to remain alone.

Fluttershy nodded, “Lord Mannulus is a wonderful stallion, but he tends to be too serious. I feel that they wouldn’t mesh correctly. Although I do think that she would do well with someone creative.”

I grinned, “Well, it wouldn’t be hard to find such a person for her. A mere snap of the talons, but then, I doubt that she would appreciate my meddling. Speaking of which, we will need to finish our tea. I believe that my time in this form is nearing its end. I do look forward to our next tea date, perhaps the same time next week?”

She nodded, “That would be wondeful.”

With that I felt the sensation that something was crawling up my throat and I opened my mouth. I reached into it, finding the hand there, and I began to pull. I felt my body beginning to close in on itself, and I could see Pinkie immerging. I wondered if she realized how wonderful of a gift she had. To forever be free to be part of this world, not tied to a temporary body, and to only have to reside inside of another for a brief time while the other helped, aided, or enjoyed tea with a friend.

Perhaps, one day, I would be able to ask lord Mannulus to create a true body for me. If such a thing ever happened then I would be able to enjoy the simple moments with my friend, and, if they were willing, even make new ones.

Temple of Celestia - Fifth Floor - Fluttershy’s Cottage - Pinkie’s P.O.V.

Wowie! Every single time I pop back out it feels like I've just been born again! I looked at Fluttershy and I could see a small frown. That made me feel a little sad, but I knew that she would cheer up again soon. She just hated to see her friend go back. I understood, but we couldn’t stay like that. After all, I was the guardian for my floor, not Discord. Maybe there could be a way made for him to have his own body, but if that happened it might get lonely. Because with him inside of me I never felt alone.

“Didja have a nice tea?” I asked.

She nodded, “We did, Pinkie, would you like to bake with me?”

I smiled, “Sure, want to make a double chocolate never dry out cake? I figured out how to do it so that it won’t make a violator smile,” I said.

She grinned, “Okay.”

Charred remains of Wainwright the Weary’s Player home

Wainwright’s P.O.V.

The time spent traveling had been well spent. Miia had proved herself to be every bit the companion I knew she was. She would hunt for us, normally getting small game with ease. Unfortunately her domestic skills did leave some to be desired. I believe because her tongue has less taste buds on it that she she feels the need to add far more seasoning than is needed. Such has been the peppered rabbit. I have found that eating it feels as if I am eating a bit of rabbit with a large helping of wild peppers.

Yet, here we are, standing at the remains of my player home. Mostly it’s ashes covering charred boards that made up the floor. I stepped into the mess, feeling along the floor for the small bump that activated the trap door that lead into the basement. I felt it, and then stepped on top of it. The switch activated, and I saw a small plume of ash bellow up as the trap door dropped down. I walked toward it, finding the first step, and I stepped on it to hear the crackle of charred wood. I hoped it would support me, and it did long enough for me to step off of it onto the next step.

Each step down lead into a better preserved room, and there, before me, was my lab and vault. I had spent the most time designing the basement of the player home. Each piece had been created to hold magical weapons, what small treasure I had accumulated, and of course the various potions I had made were stored in here. It would be best to gather it all. The more I consider it, the more I realized that leaving the basement in tact would be inviting trouble. I instead knew that what needed pass was Miia and myself attempting to gather everything together in a single go. I would need to cast a reduction spell, and if I did so, it would be possible to store everything into the bag of holding I had packed away down here.

Flumen Subjicite - Adventurer’s Guild - A week Later - Mannulus’ P.O.V.

Cynthia informed me that as Silver level adventurers we had far more jobs available. The one that caught my attention was one I wanted to research anyway. The Empire had posted a job wanting a Dwarven stronghold searched. From what they had said the stronghold, which apparently also doubled as a mine, had been abandoned after a small collection of trolls had invaded. The trolls hadn’t been heard of, no farmers, nor anyone else, had been taken from the surrounding area.

The Empire wanted to know what was left in the stronghold, if it was still capable of being used as a mine, stronghold, or even a bargaining chip with some of the wealthier dwarven families. From what I read it appeared that something more powerful than Trolls had set up there, and that's what I wanted to learn about. I wanted to learn about the more powerful monsters, how much of a threat they would be to the Temple, and if any of them could be domesticated.

I agreed to the quest, and Rainbow looked excited at the prospect of seeing what awaited us. Together we sat out, knowing it would be a few days journey, and this time I would contact my other brides. Twilight’s magical abilities would be of great benefit when it came to studying the dwarven stronghold, and I was certain that both Solar and Luna would be able to contribute to any of the dangers we may face there. The other reason I wanted to bring them along was it felt unfair to not bring them along.