Records of Scientiaby Morgan83ChaptersLapia OneLapia 65Lapia 132Lapia OneAuthor's Note Surprise! Hey all. I've decided to do something a little different this time around. Give you LORE! Now this will be updated randomly and in tune with the story. So as more lore is added to Orion's journey, the more explanations through Starswirl shall be given. But rather then let you get the dry and dusty notes I have at my desk, I decided to make it fun. I hope you all enjoy this, as this writing style is a bit different to what I normally do. But its good to expand my talents and I think this first chapter was done rather well. Which means you'll likely hate it. Shit. Anyway, Thanks for Reading! Enjoy. Lapia One "Ahem, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Princess of Friendship. Today marks the three thousand seven hundred and sixty eighth day of the end of the Battle of the Sun. It has come to my attention that since the discovery of Starswirl's Vault of Scientia that eventually lead to that battle, no pony has made efforts in reclamation of the knowledge within. This is appalling in my opinion. "Orion Fall's search for knowledge and subsequent battle in the great holding has left much in disarray, including many of the tunnels in dire need of excavation. Many of the shelves have been thoroughly destroyed in the conflict that occurred here. "It is fortunate for us that the Dicentis Lapia, Speaker Stones, are built of sterner material. But that leaves us with an issue. The shelves were marked as to what knowledge was held within them, but the Stones themselves were, unfortunately, never matched to their place-holdings. Leaving us in the dark without an index on what subject any given Stone might be covering. "This must be corrected, and a proper catalog must be constructed to understand what Starswirl and his assistant may have left behind. It is important that his knowledge be researched and sent to the proper archivists to be made available to appropriate interested parties. "To that end I have taken it upon myself, and with the volunteered help of my two assistants, Starlight Glimmer and Spike Sparkle, to delve deep into this vast reservoir of information that those illustrious pioneers left behind for us to find." *a loud thud" "Don't grouse like that, Spike, and be careful with those books. No telling what condition they are in yet. This is good for you. It'll get you away from those comics, you're far to old to be reading them anyway. "Besides, Starlight is excited. "Where is she by the way? "Well, go find her! "No I can't look for her myself, I am unable to leave now, once the Stone starts recording it cannot be stopped till somepony is done with whatever they intended to say otherwise they waste it....What? "Oh...OH pony feathers! Spike you go find her. Now! I will start the recording of this first batch of Stones. Now which one should I start with first...ah this one looks good." *humming noises* *tapping noises* "I see that it is functioning. Finally. This is the sixth one you've botched Clover and I do not like it. I know your skill making these blasted things is subpar at best, but even you should be able to set the Lapis Factorem to simple production without breaking it. You are gonna pay for my Avichinie! "It was expensive! "No, don't get to close! They don't need to hear your voice, only mine! They did not pay to hear the whinings of a stallion barely out of the Iluvertum. Go, stand over there and don't make any loud noises. I don't know, read or something, just do not bother me while I am in session. And NO talking! "Good Afternoon. Or Morning, truly I am not sure when you will be listening to this. "My name is Starswirl. Better known to many of you as Starswirl the Bearded. Yes the Hero of the Contrail Pass. I abhor introducing myself by that title I would have you know. But you're not here to hear my grumbles of a misspent youth, you spent an absolutely exorbitant amount of bits to have my voice teach your students. My coffers appreciate you. "I will be speaking in Common, as I believe whatever rabble you will have listening in on this lecture we barely be able to understand Equish, let alone Summus Oratio. "Today's subject is on Religion, a brief introduction. Very brief in this case because the histories tied into this subject is rather vast for it being largely made up. Or I suppose. There are some things in this world that I have seen that give....merits to the claims of the fanatical. "Worship in Equestria, and pony dominated societies as a whole, fall under three distinct religious sects. Each pulls from the mythos of the past and are mired in in a great deal of uncertain supposition. Yes I know that was redundant, Clover, it was meant to convey the mystery wrapped up in our peoples' belief! Hush. "Where was I? Ah, yes. "There are of course smaller movements, but we will not be covering them in this recording. See Section C - Aisle Thirty-seven... I mean Thirty-eight. Thank you Clover. Now please, shhh... "To begin, we will start with the most wide spread and accepted of the three: • Faustian- "This religion is the oldest known to ponykind, but has it's fingers have dug deep into other current living cultures. It centers around an elder being, whose form is argued over constantly by the different branches throughout Equis. It is said that the Goddess having found the void empty and without light, created the world and life upon it. There are arguments on why this is, but the most popular state that it is because she was lonely. I personally don't believe it. Ponies are annoying and get in the way of my work, I can only imagine how much of an irritation for the Goddess we as a collection of species are to her! "I know this isn't about myself, Clover. But I can draw comparisons and sympathize with the deity who may or may not have created us. I have to deal with YOU after all. Now quiet! I am working. "While her visage maybe in question, her place as the All-mother, Birther as the title is given by the Changelings, is not in question. In some newer denominations she has been called the Mother of Celestia and Luna. It is believed that as she finished her work, that she realized she needed to create something to maintain balance and life in the world. So she plucked a piece of the essence of the Sun and of the Moon and breathed life into their breasts, giving birth to the Avatars of the Heavens. "Her Daughters of the Day and Night. "There is no confirmation on whether or not that is true, and I find that unlikely. As I know Celestia, and knew Luna. Neither could possibly be demi-goddess material. Celestia is prone to pranks and has put the castle staff under dire stress on more than one occasion with her random departures. And anypony who has seen Luna sleep knows the mare needs a Silentium spell cast upon her room least she shake the foundations apart. ".... I pray that mare one day returns to us. Hale and whole... *sniff* "Moving on! • Harmony- "This is nearly as old as Faustian, though for different reasons and far more mysterious in many ways. Its roots are in this case, literal, and come to think of it, may actually be older then the aforementioned belief. There is something primal about this one. I've experienced it myself in some small capacity. I will get to that. "A Great Tree, described to look like a glimmering Oak that pulses with the light of ages. It is said to bring peace to all who glimpse it, and its passing revitalizes the land. "There are no official churches constructed for it, nor shrines. It's belief alone that carries it through, though if anypony was to bare the responsibility of its continued proliferation, it would be the Earth Clan. It does make sense considering their ties to the soil. It is also said that this Tree "moves", thus supporting the line on passing and revitalization. It never remains in one place for too long, and some reports have stated, with no certainty mind you, that it was seen in two different continents on the same day. "Going to any of the purported locations myself has yielded nothing of note, save for plants that were not known to grow in those sites suddenly in abundance. Besides the stirred soil, those seem to be the only evidence at large. "Those that do manage to see it are few in number, and never twice. I myself feel as if my chance has been wasted. I believe I may have glimpsed it once, and thus missed my mark as the Sanguine would say. Incredible Boghadiars, or Archers in the layponies term. Can hit the gnat off...what? Of course I know what I am speaking on, you...what? Oh...dragon shité! "Well, I've spoken too long on the subject as it is, and I will not waste a Stone rambling. "Where was I? Ah yes, the Tree! And my brief glimpse of its Majesty. "In my youth, I was rather fond of drink. A little too fond I must admit. Yes Clover, this is Important. Ponies need to have context.....yes well...you're a terrible writer. No sense of grandeur. Now hush, I know a few transmogrification spells you have no defense against yet, and I think you would find difficult to undo yourself. *long silence* "As I was saying, drink, and far too much of it. I curse the wasted time spent in the swill. It was in one of these states of inebriation that I found myself in the woods, relieving myself on Muddle Mire's petunias, when I beheld its glowing brilliance amongst the branches of the wood. Magnificent pulsing colors in rainbow patterns most lovely. It seemed to flare and ebb in time with a music all its own. "I must have found it in the moving stage of it's cycle for as I attempted to move closer, the light stayed the same distance away. "I, of course, eventually lost it and had to wait till morning before I could find my way out of the Everfree, sober and sore for my troubles. Only to find my home in embers! "Apparently Muddle had taken issue with my continued use of her flowerbed, and had set my home aflame. Her flowers were horrid little things to begin with. If anything I improved them by watering them so often! Ungrateful, harrumph! "I hear you back there Clover, these old ears are not deaf. Hush now. "As I was saying. "It is reported that the Tree appears only at great need. For those truly in ill straights. "Thinking about it then and now, that may have been what it had done for me, saving me from being cooked like an Asmirdan on a spit in my own bed! "Horrible mare. "Where...ah yes. The Tree's worship is more in communing with the earth, in respecting nature itself. As said, no churches or shrines needed, though some of the latter does exist in the smaller mudpony communities. It is not a slur Clover! It is what they are! NOW HUSH!" *loud zapping noises* "You will remain a ficus until I am done. I'll have no more of your snickering. "There is not much left to say on the subject without delving into the tribes own belief structures, which is rather confusing as they have not adopted written word until only a hundred years ago or so, and that there is nearly thirty tribes of mu-earth pony just in the valley alone. Each with their own cultures and rituals. The Tree is real, and I have seen it, if vaguely, for myself. "You could say this old unicorn is a believer. "The last religion I wish to speak on is the one with the least information on it. And the one which bothers me the most. • Sol- "The name is simple, but the practice, I suspect, is anything but. They derive their members from one of the newer Faustian sects, and pull their leadership from the upper crust, primarily nobles and the wealthy unicorns. So despite their small member count, they have rather large influence in politics. "It had begun only recently, about twenty years ago, growing in influence far too quickly to be normal by any standard. Churches, shrines, and totems galore have spread like a fire in hay across this fragile nation. Incredible considering the priests insist on a much smaller congregation than indicated by all the structures that have thus far been built. "Perhaps they have a roving construction crew that moves randomly to set up their places of worship. Something to look into, Clover? Take a note, we must investigate some of the newer building companies that have...oh. Right I made you into a plant. No matter I shall remember. "I find it odd that their appearance and surge in membership had come about just after Luna's fall and imprisonment. "As I have stated, these are not just simple worshipers. Their methods of veneration are hidden from public view. In fact, if one is not part of their upper echelon, no pony learns anything at all! The practice is a complete mystery. But even that does not bother me as much as who it is they revere, and more to the point, how much they worship Her. Oh and the rumors. "Celestia is treated as a goddess made flesh. It makes sense, considering the beliefs the newer Faustian Churches teachings have spoken of. But the way their members go about it, is rather disturbing, entering the Sun court and practically groveling. It's embarrassing to say the least. "The rumors are only rumors mind, if disturbing. Pony sacrifices in Her name at their more secluded temples. Of dark rituals performed to align their members closer to the sun, closer to Her. It causes me great distress to hear of them, and I have seen Her in court pale when another tale creeps in. I can only imagine the harm it causes Celestia to have to listen to them. "To this day, none of it has been confirmed. There has been raids, there have been investigations. Nothing of stone to speak of. "With this, I end my current thoughts on the present religious presence in Equestria and the pony populated countries at large. "Please bare in mind that this Stone is meant as an entry into the subject of religion, not a true source for reports. If you want my more detailed postulations, look to my notes under Religion - And Its Impacts on Pony Culture. That is under Section C - Aisle Twenty-Three...or was it Twenty-two? Clover! What aisle is that confounded...oh yes. I had turned you into a ficus didn't I? "Well I suppose I should fix that." End of Record. "......pfffftttttt hahahahahaha! He pissed on petunias!" "T-thats not funny Spike! Clearly there is some explanation for his actions! Perhaps it is a cultural exchange or something. Maybe he just didn't have permission to..." "Sounds to me like he was a rude stallion that would get soaked and have to find some place to drain the ol' hose if you ask me." "Starlight! That is not funny!" "You're repeating yourself Twilight. Heh, maybe you should take part in that "cultural exchange", after all Starswirl can't be wrong. Right?" *more shrieking laughter* "YOU CAN EVEN EXCUSE IT AS THE RITUAL OF "WATERING THE FLOWERS"!" "SPIKE!!!!" *crashing and thumping noises* "I think I'll just shut this off now...No telling when she will stop chasing him." End of Record. Lapia 65"I'm telling you Spike, she is too obsessive over this project of hers. "Yeah yeah, I'm well aware she gets like that about a lot of things. But to watch her get all sad and depressed going through all this stuff is rather heartbreaking don't ya think? I mean, it hasn't been that long since... "I suppose you're right. She needs something to do." "Starlight." "Oh hey, Twilight!" "The Lapia is recording." "Oh.....buck me....sorry..." "Its fine, its fine. After last weeks dissertations on airship flight principals, I feel like this is the norm for these types of recordings. Lets just find a Stone and begin our own. It is a new day, and we are barely scratching the surface of what Starswirl has left for us. Spike?" "Thank you. Let's...begin. "Good afternoon, This is Princess Twilight Sparkle. This is Lapia re-recording number sixty-five. As per previous recordings, this one will be done in one go as I and Trixie have yet to come up with a solution to edit these lapias with any meaningful success. The last had self destructed in a rather explosive manner." *giggling sounds* " It is not that funny Spike, Pinkie had not intended for her cake to land on top of the Stone. Perhaps Orion...was right. It may be that we will need to consider the medium in which we record..." "Uh Twilight?" "Hmm? Oh yes, sorry. Here we go." "Let's just hope it isn't another one of those." *silence* "Spike, please leave the room. I'll call you in once I know it's safe. No buts. I understand you're older now, but I don't believe you're ready for some of the things on these recordings." *grumbling thuds, door slam* "You know, he's eventually gonna hear one of these on his own. Right? I've caught him six times going through the ancient unicorn mating rituals lesson." "Please, Starlight, I just don't want to think about that right now. Let's just...begin." *laughter* *click* *loud clanking noises* "Is it...working? Ah ha! The crystal is a glow! Call a Reparare Incantator my left bollock! I did not become an Incantator myself to take the back coach to some mare belittling my efforts! "I don't want to hear it, Clover! It's all your fault as it is! I asked for you to simply handle the lessons on pegasi battle tactics. Not a difficult task, as I had already written the lessons for the course. And what do I come back from my vacation to find? You! Splayed out on the floor like a common whorse! Covered in shredded paper! Belly swollen in gluttony! "I am well aware that it was your Marcamsol last week, but I had planned that vacation for months. MONTHS! Those mares in Oco-pony were not going to buck themselves. "No, I do not believe you. There is no scientific OR magical way a rift opened in MY lab! Nor do I believe the idea that an all pink mare, tumbled out of the so called rift, wanting to celebrate your special day. "Well, no. I cannot explain where those presents came from. Yes, it would be hard to get a cake that size in here, especially with all the wards in place I acknowledge that. But you cannot keep insisting on this fool of a hoax. "Ah ah! I have no more time to argue with you, the Stone is recording. But we will have words about this later. Yes, the cake is delicious, you did very well on it. "Alright, fine, the "mysterious pink party pony" did very well on it. Happy? "Of course you're not. You're never happy. "Ahem. Apologies for that. Pay no mind for the aforementioned conversation. Let us begin. "I am Starswirl the Bearded. Today's lesson is a special one. The Elements of Harmony. "The Elements, as many of you are likely aware, are the most powerful defense at our people's disposal. Notice the wording I used to refer to them as? That is correct, they are not a weapon, but a means of defense. "During the Battle of the Broken Sky, at the end of the Chaos Lord's rule, they did not kill the chaotic spirit. From my examination of his...prison shall we say, it appears that his very essence, his soul, has been ripped from his body. The body itself was petrified beyond any kind of spell-work I have ever seen before or since. "The soul however, is not gone. As I had said before, they are not a weapon, they do not kill. Instead what seems to have happened is the very soul of the creature was shunted into the space betwixt realities. Locking his power from his form, thus denying his ability to effect our reality in any way. Its really quite fascinating, to- "What? How do I know? Oh...well done, Clover. I had not explained how I knew that. Well don't look all smug about it. "As I was going to say. The reason I know all this, is because there is still a readable tether from the spirit to his original body. A theory I have, is that with that tether in place, it keeps him from being reborn in our world in some other fashion. Really quite a genius move. Which leads into another topic. "I believe the Elements are alive in some fashion. I have stood in their presence on occasion when only their abilities would make a goal possible, during testing as well, and there is a sense of will that can be felt from them. It truly is extraordinary. I have only ever observed that feeling and pressure from the Sisters themselves when they are working the moon and sun. Though I've never been able to understand the skeins they use in their castings, it all seemed rather convoluted. "Its as if the eight are all from the same incredible source of power....almost as if they are one in the same... *clearing throat* "I will discuss that another time. Where was I? "Ah yes. The foul lord's fall wasn't the only time they had been put to use. The taming of the Everfree was thought to be an impossible task. That cursed jungle of mayhem, a lasting reminder of He that we do not name, seemed like it would be the death of all. Till the Sisters bore the incredible power of the Elements down on that terrifying woodland. It was the final triumph of ponykind over Him. "Now we have built our seat of power there. Where our protectors rule in perpetuity from. In fact, I speak to you from my private labs under the castle itself! "Yes, it truly is a victory. An incredible show of our own persistence despite the hardships this world throws at us. "Back on topic, shall we? "Now, there are six Elements in total. No more have been found, nor seem to be needed. Though why the six we are not sure. There has been no historical record, or even myths, that may allude to what they had been intended for originally. Only what the Princesses have done with them in recent memory is our only basis. "Yes, Clover, I was getting to that! Now hush. "Each Element has it's own...feelings? No that's not the right word... While I do believe them to be living entities in some way...yet... Yes, feelings will have to suffice for now. It may or may not be necessarily theirs, but what they invoke in the holder most certainly a topic. You must understand, these artifacts are near useless alone. Capable of very little benefit to the wielder, but there are certain, peculiarities. "I am getting off topic. "After much bargaining. No, Clover! I did not BEG! Stop interrupting! "As I was saying, after much bargaining as Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, are shrewd negotiators, I managed to be able to study each Element on a one on one basis. I was not allowed to have all six at one time sadly. But my report on them is as follows: Joy- "This element is by far the strangest one of them, and I feel it prudent to talk of the most difficult one to understand. "Like all Elements, the blue core has no definable features other than a constant shifting mass trapped in it's golden runic scrawled cage. When directly touched, it feels like stone that is somehow shifting. This is one trait they all share. "Because it is so unusual, I believe it should be covered first. Joy, or Laughter as some researchers have described the feelings they get when holding it, has an unusual field of influence. All of them do, but in Joy do we find that field producing feelings of elation, even jubilation in those that find themselves under its sphere. "The peculiar effect is noticed most predominantly in foals and young ponies in their teen years. When one holds it, they find themselves remembering a joke they once heard but forgotten, or suddenly ideas for some very unusual pranks formulate in their minds. I myself have felt these effects and it reminds me of my more roguish days. "There is also a....chaotic nature within this artifact. As if its very being is randomized. Because of that, results are sometimes skewed in the wrong directions. Thought, one of my researchers, had once found her notes in an entirely different and unknown language. She had been handling the object and writing down her findings. When done and put under review, it was discovered to be unintelligible. The mare cannot even remember what she had discovered. "We have put a hazard warning on this particular Element. Just in case. Honesty- "There is no other word that best describes this Element. Like the aforementioned, this Element is orange in color and trapped in a similar style of cage, though the symbolism on its particular latticework is slightly altered different. Same hand that carved it, just a different choice of wording of what we have yet to understand. "It's effect is one I find very rewarding. When placed in a room, hidden of course, we have discovered that groups of two or more ponies find it very difficult for themselves to lie to one another. Even showing feelings of guilt when one of them tries. Upon discovery of this effect, Princess Celestia has used the Element on a delegation from Griffonia. Just inconspicuously placing it under a pile of apples that she knew he would not touch. I don't think that poor bird knew what had happened when he signed over the trade agreements that allowed our goods un-taxed passage through their ports for a period of two hundred years. I do believe he was hung after that though, so it was not as best an outcome as one would have liked. "Because of that, our Lady of the Sun had restricted their uses on foreign agents without good cause. "One last thing to note. Holding the artifact allows one to tell when another is lying. Unlike previous tests, it does not invoke honesty in all parties, rather it reveals to the wielder when somepony is attempting to deceive them. That being noted, one is filled with suspicion about others, and those effects can last hours after use. Loyalty- "I had originally described this Element as Faithful, but Loyalty is a far better verbiage as the feelings one gets when wielding it, is just that. "Red in color, which is unusual as red is often associated with evil intent, this artifact has the farthest reaching field effect of any of the others save for maybe the sixth. "It's ability to bind ponies together is incredible to say the least. Those at odds, find themselves supporting each other despite whatever differences may be currently dividing them. Researcher Carlton has discovered that during a war game, that the Element caused an entire team that had been bickering and infighting to quite suddenly unite. Winning their match with incredible swiftness and coordination. "When taken away, it seems the effects are semi-permanent. As that unit is now one of the most decorated to date, with no issues among them. Truly a remarkable thing. "During interviews with select members, it was found that they had suddenly realized all their petty squabbles were just foolishness, that no matter what they held each others backs and would fight tooth and hoof to protect one another. I find myself thinking again how remarkable that truly is. An important relic to be sure. Generosity- "While many consider this to be one of the weaker elements, I believe we may be missing some hidden depth we have yet to see from it. Selflessness might be a better title for this gem, for it invokes the need to act for the betterment of those around them, sometimes at the cost of one's own benefit. "Green in color, its association to the color of love among ponies, as gifts of any sort of green are seen as a sign of affection, is not the only feature though it is often felt that the acts performed are for the love of others. It is why I made claim that Selflessness is a better title after all. It's field of influence is the shortest reaching of the group. "After initial testing, we recruited the services of a less than...reputable party. Sour Grapes is by far one of the angriest mares I had ever seen. At one-hundred and thirty years old, the spinster of a mare has had no herd, no partner to usher through life with. Making the wine maker the perfect candidate as she has become the most selfish pony I have seen. "The effects took a week to manifest. The relic, on a gold chain around her neck, must have had it's work cut out for it for I have not seen any of the elements take longer than an hour. Such bitterness she must have had. I say "had", because not long after the start of the test, her demeanor had begun to change. "It was subtle at first, and we were not sure we recorded what we believe we recorded. She gave some fruit to a hungry foal with a smile. From there, small random acts of giving could be seen from her. A compliment, a piece of advice. Even going so far as to get muddy in order to help a mud p- a member of the earth tribe push their cart out of a ditch. "Last time we had any contact, she had married a widower whose mares died in the Barker raids to the south. They have adopted four foals from the local orphanage there as well. All seem to be very happy. It has been seven years since the test and the effects seem to be completely permanent. Some of my colleagues believe we may have done wrong in completely altering somepony's life like that. I like to think we gave her a second chance. Kindness- "This element may be considered on the same level of Generosity. However, while seemingly associated with the same things, and while that is true, there is something a bit different between the pair. "Pink in color, it invokes feelings of comfort. Ponies under it's influence find themselves seeking roles as care givers, and nurtures to others. It has a singular sphere of influence, meaning it only covers the one who wields it. "At first, aside from the feelings of comfort and the desire to help for the sake of it, we hadn't noted much beyond. That was till we happened to be able to pair it with Loyalty. It was a complete accident during transfer of custody. Both Elements spilled to the floor and one of my researchers picked the pair of them up. "What happened next we had not expected. "Now bare in mind, I left something out about Loyalty on purpose to bring up this similar point. Loyalty, tends to make the holder aggressive. Not bloodthirsty or angry. Just more alive in a way, more willing to volunteer for what is dangerous. It was the first Cornfield had picked up. The change was almost immediate of course, even an earth pony is susceptible to their effects after all. However, the moment she had picked up Kindness, her mood had changed back. "I could never get the Princesses to release the pair back into my custody for another testing, but I believe that Kindness balances out the rest. Without that Element, even if the others powers and effects were to be used with only five, I think none of it would work properly. What I mean to say is, I surmise that it acts as a regulator, smoothing the lines of magic between them all. "One thing to note I believe is most important if nothing else, is who wielded it when it was needed. Princess Luna, the more reserved and somber of our rulers. I have seen her acts of kindness towards others, though she is often never seen doing it..." "What? Yes, quite right Clover. I am almost done." Magic- "There is no other word for it. This element is tapped into the very life blood of the world itself. It possess the farthest reaching of fields amongst all of them. It is said to be the strongest, and that is true, however I can also state it is the simplest. "Purple, though the thaumic field of the world is colorless, it is Power incarnate, and that is the problem. It is damn near uncontrollable in its strength. Princess Celestia had to be made use of in the testing as no pony else, not even I, could wield it. Yet that is the simplicity I speak of. It is just that. There are no extra effects. Well, no. There are two, but unlike the others these are not feelings. More of, granted abilities instead. "The first being the ability to learn everything at an accelerated rate. No, Clover, I will not tell them anything beyond that. Yes, I cheat- Stop. I will not say another word on this effect. "The other, and more noticeable by others, is its borrowing ability. To put it bluntly, it takes magic, not just from the world but from Us. Everything around it when it is wielded it takes and uses it. Making it that much stronger. In large groups ponies can barely notice the effect. But in a lab of researchers number no more than ten? Oh yes, we can feel it. It leaves one feeling lethargic for a time afterwards. To date, we have no knowledge of why it does this, and neither Princess has ever explained. But its reach is Vast. "The age of the Elements is not known. Testing done in the mentioned list was done under the most controlled situations as possible the results might be only one of the possible variables. The latest showing an impossibility of draining magic from us. Researcher Marigold had made claims that they are both ancient as the earth beneath our hooves, and as young as a newborn foal. They defy reasoning, and the source of their power is unknown. "However, I may have an idea when ponykind may have first stumbled upon, and used these artifacts. "The gold lattice work that surrounds each essence, while as indestructible as that which they hold, do have a definitive age to them. At best calculations, they are perhaps over twenty thousand years old. There is no known civilization that existed back then! "But the intricate work into that not so soft metal indicates that there may have been a once powerful culture. One capable of advanced writings as, while we cannot as of yet understand them, runic symbols of incredible quality are engraved upon them all. "I have heard rumors that deep in the Zebrican Deserts are ruins of unknown origins. No proof of that, but I do wonder if there might be a connection. "This lesson is shorter than I would like, as we just do not know enough about these fantastical artifacts to really expound on their origins. "One last note, and this is more for myself than you, my audience. When I was favored to observe our Princesses cast down that ancient beast, I could not be helped but question the strange familiarity that those two had used the Elements. As if they had known of them beforehand, and had worked them. "This may only speak to their intelligence itself. Again, as I had previously stated, I can feel their will. They just may have informed the pair on their exact use. Which lends to the idea of a once mighty and wise civilization creating them. But, if that is not the case, the claim they made that they had just found them might just be a lie. "And if that were true...what might it be, to force creatures as powerful as they, to lie." "Wow, he was certainly close wasn't he? "Twilight? Hello? Spike, something is wrong with her. "Ah so the old stallion did figure out what they did to me!" "GAH! DISCORD! Don't scare me like that." "Oh I am so sorry about that Glimmy Pants. Cup of fish for the trouble?" "What? Ew, NO! Just, stop with the pop ups. And can you not just use my name?" "But your pants, they glimmer." "They do not....Discord!" "He heeee. Okay I'm done....What's eating Book Pony by the way? She is just standing there. Bad rutabaga? "Been like that since the recording. No cl-" "PINKIE!?" *loud hoofclops* "Huh..." "Yeah....huh." Author's Note Yes.....FINALLY! I have posted something! Sorry for the delay, I kept getting side tracked by editing, and not being satisfied with anything my brain came up with. So it has taken me longer than I would have liked to get this chapter out. Thank you all for reading! Leave a comment if ya liked it! Peace! Lapia 132Author's Note What is this?! Two chapter postings in one night? The hell is that guy Morgan smokin'? I wanted to get this out last week but I was having trouble fitting it into the overall lore of the story I am crafting, and wanted to ensure I was doing it right. Hope I did. As always leave a comment, as your comments do cheer me up. Also, if you would like, please consider donating to my Kofi as I only work on donations. Hope you guys have a wonderful week. See you soon. Peace. Lapia 132 "Twilight, you know she didn't mean it like that..." "..." "Starlight is just trying to look out for you. You've been locked up in here for weeks at a time. She's right. You need to get out more, get a life. Maybe....maybe meet somepony." "Spike. I do not WANT to meet somepony." "Twilight...she did not mean what she said...how she said it. It....it was poor wording." "Sounded like she meant it exactly as she said it. Go. I...I have work to do." "Sis..." "Go...please..." *quiet thud of a door* "[sniff]....I don't need a reminder.... "Ahem, my name is Twilight Sparkle...this is...[sniff] Lapia re-recording number one-thirty-two. As...as per previous recordings this is a one chance process. We are close to figuring out how the Lapia are made, but have yet to create one ourselves. This has made our supply of Stones limited. Still, we shall do what we can. Without further delay, lets begin." *click* *clinking glass, liquid poured* "Ah, Barrel's Scotch. How I have missed you." *gulping* "Oh, it has been a long time. Heh." *chair scrapping* "Hmm? Is this thing on? Tree blind us all! Clover, can you not shut down anything properly? Hmm, well it is a fresh one...and tonight is a night of....reflections... "Good evening. I am Starswirl the Bearded, and this shall be a rather unusual lesson. Considering what day it is, I would like to discuss a more recent historical point. This will be more of a personal account with information I later gathered to help flesh out what had truly happened the day the Moon covered the sun. Yes, my attentive listeners, the day the Throne of Two, was riven in twain. Just give me a moment, I must fortify myself for this instruction." *glass clinking, liquid pouring* "Let us start with the history of the Throne of Two, The Celestial Throne. The Throne was constructed at the end of the Era of Division. When the Princesses Celestia and Luna had managed to forge an alliance that put all three tribes under one banner. It was during those first few months, that a group of ponies representing everypony in the new kingdom, presented the Throne to the Sisters. Carved of Marblewood, one of the few surviving Greater Trees from the Forest of Songs, the royal seat was designed as one piece. So you can imagine how difficult that was to haul some three thousand miles from where it had once sprouted. I am told they actually carved it along the way. "In many ways I think that the Throne has traveled more of the land than your average pony has done in recent years, which was what the creators wanted it would seem. A reminder of the land two Alicorns now ruled. "The cutting of a great tree to make that singular piece had at first angered the two. First and foremost, Marblewood is unique in its properities that share comminality with marble stone, of which it derives its name from. Secondly, the trees are special in that they grow no where else in the known world and do not produce nearly as quickly. "From what certain acdemics have stated, more guessed if you ask me, is that these trees germinate only once every few thousand years. So the Sisters' anger is wellfounded. "However, Princess Luna had made a profound realization that she had uttered aloud that day the rather large white seat was presented to them: "I can see no greater representation of the cost of rule, Dear Sister. The tree's loss is great, but so to is the loss of the lives spent forging this kingdom. Let this be a reminder, to not only Us, but to the nation as a whole, of what we as a people had to do to be united under one ideal." "I am, of course, paraphrasing as I doubt you halfwits would fully grasp what she was saying originally in the Higher Tongue. "Princess Celestia agreed, but made the commandmant that none cut another Marblewood down for the sake of the species. "I suppose I should describe this great chair to you. As it is now, sitting somewhere above in the Great Hall, it is nothing more than a broken ruin. Split at an angle down one side, yet remarkably, still standing. "The Throne, as I said before, is carved from Marblewood. A great tree that is white in both the outside and inside. Brilliant rings of blue mark its age within in circles. The crafters, carved the thickest part of the tree into one giant peice in the shape of another, more legendary Tree. The Tree of Harmony. A representation of the unity which we ponies are now ruled beneath. There is not two seats, but one singluar large bench, for both Sisters to sit in judgement and rule as equals. "From there the two ruled in fairness and justice to all ponies, great or small. It was truly a time of peace. Interupted only by the occasional evil that reared it's head. *clinking of glass, pouring liquid* "That was, until twenty-five years ago. *gulping* "I suppose I avoided the subject enough. "The events surronding the disaster that broke the Throne is muddled. I was not there when the conflict broke out between the Sisters originally. I may have been able to put a stop to it had I not been distracted with the excavation of an ancient fortress to the north. "The battle raged on for three days as the moon held its place over the sun. By the time I had arrived, much of the castle staff and local populous had evacuated. The dead...littered the halls. "It didn't take me long to find them. The sound of battle was accompanied by the shake of the forest fortress itself. When I had gotten to the Grand Hall, I had stopped to behold the devastation. Celestia and Luna were locked in conflict. Both mares looking like nothing I had seen before, their forms were....terrifying to witness." *sipping* "They had been battling over the Elements themselves, and in their conflict of wills and terrible power, had broken the entire Hall. The Throne, torn nearly in two. The...the forces that had once guarded their seat of power laid in piles...blood flowed heavily...give me a moment." *chair scrape, the sound of pacing hooves* "It truly was a day of horrors. Celestia eventually ripped the control of the Elements away from Luna completely. A complicated spell, the likes I have never seen, blossomed forth from her horn and the Night Princess....she was casted away. Her destination? I think we have all seen her visage upon the Moon she once stood sentinel over. "She told me later that it was selfish desire for the attentions of herself and us citizens that made the younger of the pair inflict conflict. That Princess Luna felt shunned by us all. I am stricken with grief even now that I had played a part in the downfall of Princess Luna, and the rise of the now named Nightmare Moon. "Though, something else occured in that moment after the battle that still puzzles me to this day. The Elements, upon the moment of the casting of that spell, turned inert. Turning into balls of stone that no chisel could chip, nor water worn away. The symbol for each Element standing as a relief upon their surface. The Element of Magic was gone completely. "To deepen the mystery, Celestia herself was in a fit of rage at their loss. Shaking each with what looked to be the intent to shatter. When I tried to interrupt, she...looked upon me...and I swear my dear listeners, that was not the mare I had pledged heart and soul to serve. Something dark exists there." *clinking glasss, sipping noises* "Of course, she eventually came to herself and apolgized to me, but I am not so sure if it was genuine. Those....golden eyes held...I'm getting off course. I apologize. "With the Castle in ruins, and the halls far too stained with death, it was decided that the seat of power of our nation would be transfered to the dig site I had been so recently overseeing. At this very moment a castle is under construction on the side of the mountain, now known as Canter Mountain. Princess Celestia has also asked for a remake, of regular marble this time, of the Throne of Two. But, I have been told that the seat no longer holds that name. The Riven Throne seems an apt name on everyponies' tongue. "There you have it. I know this is not as indepth as my other dissertations, but that day has been on my thoughts. Something is terribly wrong in the world now. And I cannot decern what it might be. Thank you for listening in on this old stallions ramblings. Please, do not neglect your family, nor your friends. You may come to disagreements, times may become difficult. But through faith and love for one another, you can overcome it. Let the lessons of the Sisters be your guide." *click* "...I see, even from the distant past you still have so much to teach me don't you Starswirl? I should apologize to Starlight." *click*
Lapia OneAuthor's Note Surprise! Hey all. I've decided to do something a little different this time around. Give you LORE! Now this will be updated randomly and in tune with the story. So as more lore is added to Orion's journey, the more explanations through Starswirl shall be given. But rather then let you get the dry and dusty notes I have at my desk, I decided to make it fun. I hope you all enjoy this, as this writing style is a bit different to what I normally do. But its good to expand my talents and I think this first chapter was done rather well. Which means you'll likely hate it. Shit. Anyway, Thanks for Reading! Enjoy. Lapia One "Ahem, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Princess of Friendship. Today marks the three thousand seven hundred and sixty eighth day of the end of the Battle of the Sun. It has come to my attention that since the discovery of Starswirl's Vault of Scientia that eventually lead to that battle, no pony has made efforts in reclamation of the knowledge within. This is appalling in my opinion. "Orion Fall's search for knowledge and subsequent battle in the great holding has left much in disarray, including many of the tunnels in dire need of excavation. Many of the shelves have been thoroughly destroyed in the conflict that occurred here. "It is fortunate for us that the Dicentis Lapia, Speaker Stones, are built of sterner material. But that leaves us with an issue. The shelves were marked as to what knowledge was held within them, but the Stones themselves were, unfortunately, never matched to their place-holdings. Leaving us in the dark without an index on what subject any given Stone might be covering. "This must be corrected, and a proper catalog must be constructed to understand what Starswirl and his assistant may have left behind. It is important that his knowledge be researched and sent to the proper archivists to be made available to appropriate interested parties. "To that end I have taken it upon myself, and with the volunteered help of my two assistants, Starlight Glimmer and Spike Sparkle, to delve deep into this vast reservoir of information that those illustrious pioneers left behind for us to find." *a loud thud" "Don't grouse like that, Spike, and be careful with those books. No telling what condition they are in yet. This is good for you. It'll get you away from those comics, you're far to old to be reading them anyway. "Besides, Starlight is excited. "Where is she by the way? "Well, go find her! "No I can't look for her myself, I am unable to leave now, once the Stone starts recording it cannot be stopped till somepony is done with whatever they intended to say otherwise they waste it....What? "Oh...OH pony feathers! Spike you go find her. Now! I will start the recording of this first batch of Stones. Now which one should I start with first...ah this one looks good." *humming noises* *tapping noises* "I see that it is functioning. Finally. This is the sixth one you've botched Clover and I do not like it. I know your skill making these blasted things is subpar at best, but even you should be able to set the Lapis Factorem to simple production without breaking it. You are gonna pay for my Avichinie! "It was expensive! "No, don't get to close! They don't need to hear your voice, only mine! They did not pay to hear the whinings of a stallion barely out of the Iluvertum. Go, stand over there and don't make any loud noises. I don't know, read or something, just do not bother me while I am in session. And NO talking! "Good Afternoon. Or Morning, truly I am not sure when you will be listening to this. "My name is Starswirl. Better known to many of you as Starswirl the Bearded. Yes the Hero of the Contrail Pass. I abhor introducing myself by that title I would have you know. But you're not here to hear my grumbles of a misspent youth, you spent an absolutely exorbitant amount of bits to have my voice teach your students. My coffers appreciate you. "I will be speaking in Common, as I believe whatever rabble you will have listening in on this lecture we barely be able to understand Equish, let alone Summus Oratio. "Today's subject is on Religion, a brief introduction. Very brief in this case because the histories tied into this subject is rather vast for it being largely made up. Or I suppose. There are some things in this world that I have seen that give....merits to the claims of the fanatical. "Worship in Equestria, and pony dominated societies as a whole, fall under three distinct religious sects. Each pulls from the mythos of the past and are mired in in a great deal of uncertain supposition. Yes I know that was redundant, Clover, it was meant to convey the mystery wrapped up in our peoples' belief! Hush. "Where was I? Ah, yes. "There are of course smaller movements, but we will not be covering them in this recording. See Section C - Aisle Thirty-seven... I mean Thirty-eight. Thank you Clover. Now please, shhh... "To begin, we will start with the most wide spread and accepted of the three: • Faustian- "This religion is the oldest known to ponykind, but has it's fingers have dug deep into other current living cultures. It centers around an elder being, whose form is argued over constantly by the different branches throughout Equis. It is said that the Goddess having found the void empty and without light, created the world and life upon it. There are arguments on why this is, but the most popular state that it is because she was lonely. I personally don't believe it. Ponies are annoying and get in the way of my work, I can only imagine how much of an irritation for the Goddess we as a collection of species are to her! "I know this isn't about myself, Clover. But I can draw comparisons and sympathize with the deity who may or may not have created us. I have to deal with YOU after all. Now quiet! I am working. "While her visage maybe in question, her place as the All-mother, Birther as the title is given by the Changelings, is not in question. In some newer denominations she has been called the Mother of Celestia and Luna. It is believed that as she finished her work, that she realized she needed to create something to maintain balance and life in the world. So she plucked a piece of the essence of the Sun and of the Moon and breathed life into their breasts, giving birth to the Avatars of the Heavens. "Her Daughters of the Day and Night. "There is no confirmation on whether or not that is true, and I find that unlikely. As I know Celestia, and knew Luna. Neither could possibly be demi-goddess material. Celestia is prone to pranks and has put the castle staff under dire stress on more than one occasion with her random departures. And anypony who has seen Luna sleep knows the mare needs a Silentium spell cast upon her room least she shake the foundations apart. ".... I pray that mare one day returns to us. Hale and whole... *sniff* "Moving on! • Harmony- "This is nearly as old as Faustian, though for different reasons and far more mysterious in many ways. Its roots are in this case, literal, and come to think of it, may actually be older then the aforementioned belief. There is something primal about this one. I've experienced it myself in some small capacity. I will get to that. "A Great Tree, described to look like a glimmering Oak that pulses with the light of ages. It is said to bring peace to all who glimpse it, and its passing revitalizes the land. "There are no official churches constructed for it, nor shrines. It's belief alone that carries it through, though if anypony was to bare the responsibility of its continued proliferation, it would be the Earth Clan. It does make sense considering their ties to the soil. It is also said that this Tree "moves", thus supporting the line on passing and revitalization. It never remains in one place for too long, and some reports have stated, with no certainty mind you, that it was seen in two different continents on the same day. "Going to any of the purported locations myself has yielded nothing of note, save for plants that were not known to grow in those sites suddenly in abundance. Besides the stirred soil, those seem to be the only evidence at large. "Those that do manage to see it are few in number, and never twice. I myself feel as if my chance has been wasted. I believe I may have glimpsed it once, and thus missed my mark as the Sanguine would say. Incredible Boghadiars, or Archers in the layponies term. Can hit the gnat off...what? Of course I know what I am speaking on, you...what? Oh...dragon shité! "Well, I've spoken too long on the subject as it is, and I will not waste a Stone rambling. "Where was I? Ah yes, the Tree! And my brief glimpse of its Majesty. "In my youth, I was rather fond of drink. A little too fond I must admit. Yes Clover, this is Important. Ponies need to have context.....yes well...you're a terrible writer. No sense of grandeur. Now hush, I know a few transmogrification spells you have no defense against yet, and I think you would find difficult to undo yourself. *long silence* "As I was saying, drink, and far too much of it. I curse the wasted time spent in the swill. It was in one of these states of inebriation that I found myself in the woods, relieving myself on Muddle Mire's petunias, when I beheld its glowing brilliance amongst the branches of the wood. Magnificent pulsing colors in rainbow patterns most lovely. It seemed to flare and ebb in time with a music all its own. "I must have found it in the moving stage of it's cycle for as I attempted to move closer, the light stayed the same distance away. "I, of course, eventually lost it and had to wait till morning before I could find my way out of the Everfree, sober and sore for my troubles. Only to find my home in embers! "Apparently Muddle had taken issue with my continued use of her flowerbed, and had set my home aflame. Her flowers were horrid little things to begin with. If anything I improved them by watering them so often! Ungrateful, harrumph! "I hear you back there Clover, these old ears are not deaf. Hush now. "As I was saying. "It is reported that the Tree appears only at great need. For those truly in ill straights. "Thinking about it then and now, that may have been what it had done for me, saving me from being cooked like an Asmirdan on a spit in my own bed! "Horrible mare. "Where...ah yes. The Tree's worship is more in communing with the earth, in respecting nature itself. As said, no churches or shrines needed, though some of the latter does exist in the smaller mudpony communities. It is not a slur Clover! It is what they are! NOW HUSH!" *loud zapping noises* "You will remain a ficus until I am done. I'll have no more of your snickering. "There is not much left to say on the subject without delving into the tribes own belief structures, which is rather confusing as they have not adopted written word until only a hundred years ago or so, and that there is nearly thirty tribes of mu-earth pony just in the valley alone. Each with their own cultures and rituals. The Tree is real, and I have seen it, if vaguely, for myself. "You could say this old unicorn is a believer. "The last religion I wish to speak on is the one with the least information on it. And the one which bothers me the most. • Sol- "The name is simple, but the practice, I suspect, is anything but. They derive their members from one of the newer Faustian sects, and pull their leadership from the upper crust, primarily nobles and the wealthy unicorns. So despite their small member count, they have rather large influence in politics. "It had begun only recently, about twenty years ago, growing in influence far too quickly to be normal by any standard. Churches, shrines, and totems galore have spread like a fire in hay across this fragile nation. Incredible considering the priests insist on a much smaller congregation than indicated by all the structures that have thus far been built. "Perhaps they have a roving construction crew that moves randomly to set up their places of worship. Something to look into, Clover? Take a note, we must investigate some of the newer building companies that have...oh. Right I made you into a plant. No matter I shall remember. "I find it odd that their appearance and surge in membership had come about just after Luna's fall and imprisonment. "As I have stated, these are not just simple worshipers. Their methods of veneration are hidden from public view. In fact, if one is not part of their upper echelon, no pony learns anything at all! The practice is a complete mystery. But even that does not bother me as much as who it is they revere, and more to the point, how much they worship Her. Oh and the rumors. "Celestia is treated as a goddess made flesh. It makes sense, considering the beliefs the newer Faustian Churches teachings have spoken of. But the way their members go about it, is rather disturbing, entering the Sun court and practically groveling. It's embarrassing to say the least. "The rumors are only rumors mind, if disturbing. Pony sacrifices in Her name at their more secluded temples. Of dark rituals performed to align their members closer to the sun, closer to Her. It causes me great distress to hear of them, and I have seen Her in court pale when another tale creeps in. I can only imagine the harm it causes Celestia to have to listen to them. "To this day, none of it has been confirmed. There has been raids, there have been investigations. Nothing of stone to speak of. "With this, I end my current thoughts on the present religious presence in Equestria and the pony populated countries at large. "Please bare in mind that this Stone is meant as an entry into the subject of religion, not a true source for reports. If you want my more detailed postulations, look to my notes under Religion - And Its Impacts on Pony Culture. That is under Section C - Aisle Twenty-Three...or was it Twenty-two? Clover! What aisle is that confounded...oh yes. I had turned you into a ficus didn't I? "Well I suppose I should fix that." End of Record. "......pfffftttttt hahahahahaha! He pissed on petunias!" "T-thats not funny Spike! Clearly there is some explanation for his actions! Perhaps it is a cultural exchange or something. Maybe he just didn't have permission to..." "Sounds to me like he was a rude stallion that would get soaked and have to find some place to drain the ol' hose if you ask me." "Starlight! That is not funny!" "You're repeating yourself Twilight. Heh, maybe you should take part in that "cultural exchange", after all Starswirl can't be wrong. Right?" *more shrieking laughter* "YOU CAN EVEN EXCUSE IT AS THE RITUAL OF "WATERING THE FLOWERS"!" "SPIKE!!!!" *crashing and thumping noises* "I think I'll just shut this off now...No telling when she will stop chasing him." End of Record.
Lapia 65"I'm telling you Spike, she is too obsessive over this project of hers. "Yeah yeah, I'm well aware she gets like that about a lot of things. But to watch her get all sad and depressed going through all this stuff is rather heartbreaking don't ya think? I mean, it hasn't been that long since... "I suppose you're right. She needs something to do." "Starlight." "Oh hey, Twilight!" "The Lapia is recording." "Oh.....buck me....sorry..." "Its fine, its fine. After last weeks dissertations on airship flight principals, I feel like this is the norm for these types of recordings. Lets just find a Stone and begin our own. It is a new day, and we are barely scratching the surface of what Starswirl has left for us. Spike?" "Thank you. Let's...begin. "Good afternoon, This is Princess Twilight Sparkle. This is Lapia re-recording number sixty-five. As per previous recordings, this one will be done in one go as I and Trixie have yet to come up with a solution to edit these lapias with any meaningful success. The last had self destructed in a rather explosive manner." *giggling sounds* " It is not that funny Spike, Pinkie had not intended for her cake to land on top of the Stone. Perhaps Orion...was right. It may be that we will need to consider the medium in which we record..." "Uh Twilight?" "Hmm? Oh yes, sorry. Here we go." "Let's just hope it isn't another one of those." *silence* "Spike, please leave the room. I'll call you in once I know it's safe. No buts. I understand you're older now, but I don't believe you're ready for some of the things on these recordings." *grumbling thuds, door slam* "You know, he's eventually gonna hear one of these on his own. Right? I've caught him six times going through the ancient unicorn mating rituals lesson." "Please, Starlight, I just don't want to think about that right now. Let's just...begin." *laughter* *click* *loud clanking noises* "Is it...working? Ah ha! The crystal is a glow! Call a Reparare Incantator my left bollock! I did not become an Incantator myself to take the back coach to some mare belittling my efforts! "I don't want to hear it, Clover! It's all your fault as it is! I asked for you to simply handle the lessons on pegasi battle tactics. Not a difficult task, as I had already written the lessons for the course. And what do I come back from my vacation to find? You! Splayed out on the floor like a common whorse! Covered in shredded paper! Belly swollen in gluttony! "I am well aware that it was your Marcamsol last week, but I had planned that vacation for months. MONTHS! Those mares in Oco-pony were not going to buck themselves. "No, I do not believe you. There is no scientific OR magical way a rift opened in MY lab! Nor do I believe the idea that an all pink mare, tumbled out of the so called rift, wanting to celebrate your special day. "Well, no. I cannot explain where those presents came from. Yes, it would be hard to get a cake that size in here, especially with all the wards in place I acknowledge that. But you cannot keep insisting on this fool of a hoax. "Ah ah! I have no more time to argue with you, the Stone is recording. But we will have words about this later. Yes, the cake is delicious, you did very well on it. "Alright, fine, the "mysterious pink party pony" did very well on it. Happy? "Of course you're not. You're never happy. "Ahem. Apologies for that. Pay no mind for the aforementioned conversation. Let us begin. "I am Starswirl the Bearded. Today's lesson is a special one. The Elements of Harmony. "The Elements, as many of you are likely aware, are the most powerful defense at our people's disposal. Notice the wording I used to refer to them as? That is correct, they are not a weapon, but a means of defense. "During the Battle of the Broken Sky, at the end of the Chaos Lord's rule, they did not kill the chaotic spirit. From my examination of his...prison shall we say, it appears that his very essence, his soul, has been ripped from his body. The body itself was petrified beyond any kind of spell-work I have ever seen before or since. "The soul however, is not gone. As I had said before, they are not a weapon, they do not kill. Instead what seems to have happened is the very soul of the creature was shunted into the space betwixt realities. Locking his power from his form, thus denying his ability to effect our reality in any way. Its really quite fascinating, to- "What? How do I know? Oh...well done, Clover. I had not explained how I knew that. Well don't look all smug about it. "As I was going to say. The reason I know all this, is because there is still a readable tether from the spirit to his original body. A theory I have, is that with that tether in place, it keeps him from being reborn in our world in some other fashion. Really quite a genius move. Which leads into another topic. "I believe the Elements are alive in some fashion. I have stood in their presence on occasion when only their abilities would make a goal possible, during testing as well, and there is a sense of will that can be felt from them. It truly is extraordinary. I have only ever observed that feeling and pressure from the Sisters themselves when they are working the moon and sun. Though I've never been able to understand the skeins they use in their castings, it all seemed rather convoluted. "Its as if the eight are all from the same incredible source of power....almost as if they are one in the same... *clearing throat* "I will discuss that another time. Where was I? "Ah yes. The foul lord's fall wasn't the only time they had been put to use. The taming of the Everfree was thought to be an impossible task. That cursed jungle of mayhem, a lasting reminder of He that we do not name, seemed like it would be the death of all. Till the Sisters bore the incredible power of the Elements down on that terrifying woodland. It was the final triumph of ponykind over Him. "Now we have built our seat of power there. Where our protectors rule in perpetuity from. In fact, I speak to you from my private labs under the castle itself! "Yes, it truly is a victory. An incredible show of our own persistence despite the hardships this world throws at us. "Back on topic, shall we? "Now, there are six Elements in total. No more have been found, nor seem to be needed. Though why the six we are not sure. There has been no historical record, or even myths, that may allude to what they had been intended for originally. Only what the Princesses have done with them in recent memory is our only basis. "Yes, Clover, I was getting to that! Now hush. "Each Element has it's own...feelings? No that's not the right word... While I do believe them to be living entities in some way...yet... Yes, feelings will have to suffice for now. It may or may not be necessarily theirs, but what they invoke in the holder most certainly a topic. You must understand, these artifacts are near useless alone. Capable of very little benefit to the wielder, but there are certain, peculiarities. "I am getting off topic. "After much bargaining. No, Clover! I did not BEG! Stop interrupting! "As I was saying, after much bargaining as Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, are shrewd negotiators, I managed to be able to study each Element on a one on one basis. I was not allowed to have all six at one time sadly. But my report on them is as follows: Joy- "This element is by far the strangest one of them, and I feel it prudent to talk of the most difficult one to understand. "Like all Elements, the blue core has no definable features other than a constant shifting mass trapped in it's golden runic scrawled cage. When directly touched, it feels like stone that is somehow shifting. This is one trait they all share. "Because it is so unusual, I believe it should be covered first. Joy, or Laughter as some researchers have described the feelings they get when holding it, has an unusual field of influence. All of them do, but in Joy do we find that field producing feelings of elation, even jubilation in those that find themselves under its sphere. "The peculiar effect is noticed most predominantly in foals and young ponies in their teen years. When one holds it, they find themselves remembering a joke they once heard but forgotten, or suddenly ideas for some very unusual pranks formulate in their minds. I myself have felt these effects and it reminds me of my more roguish days. "There is also a....chaotic nature within this artifact. As if its very being is randomized. Because of that, results are sometimes skewed in the wrong directions. Thought, one of my researchers, had once found her notes in an entirely different and unknown language. She had been handling the object and writing down her findings. When done and put under review, it was discovered to be unintelligible. The mare cannot even remember what she had discovered. "We have put a hazard warning on this particular Element. Just in case. Honesty- "There is no other word that best describes this Element. Like the aforementioned, this Element is orange in color and trapped in a similar style of cage, though the symbolism on its particular latticework is slightly altered different. Same hand that carved it, just a different choice of wording of what we have yet to understand. "It's effect is one I find very rewarding. When placed in a room, hidden of course, we have discovered that groups of two or more ponies find it very difficult for themselves to lie to one another. Even showing feelings of guilt when one of them tries. Upon discovery of this effect, Princess Celestia has used the Element on a delegation from Griffonia. Just inconspicuously placing it under a pile of apples that she knew he would not touch. I don't think that poor bird knew what had happened when he signed over the trade agreements that allowed our goods un-taxed passage through their ports for a period of two hundred years. I do believe he was hung after that though, so it was not as best an outcome as one would have liked. "Because of that, our Lady of the Sun had restricted their uses on foreign agents without good cause. "One last thing to note. Holding the artifact allows one to tell when another is lying. Unlike previous tests, it does not invoke honesty in all parties, rather it reveals to the wielder when somepony is attempting to deceive them. That being noted, one is filled with suspicion about others, and those effects can last hours after use. Loyalty- "I had originally described this Element as Faithful, but Loyalty is a far better verbiage as the feelings one gets when wielding it, is just that. "Red in color, which is unusual as red is often associated with evil intent, this artifact has the farthest reaching field effect of any of the others save for maybe the sixth. "It's ability to bind ponies together is incredible to say the least. Those at odds, find themselves supporting each other despite whatever differences may be currently dividing them. Researcher Carlton has discovered that during a war game, that the Element caused an entire team that had been bickering and infighting to quite suddenly unite. Winning their match with incredible swiftness and coordination. "When taken away, it seems the effects are semi-permanent. As that unit is now one of the most decorated to date, with no issues among them. Truly a remarkable thing. "During interviews with select members, it was found that they had suddenly realized all their petty squabbles were just foolishness, that no matter what they held each others backs and would fight tooth and hoof to protect one another. I find myself thinking again how remarkable that truly is. An important relic to be sure. Generosity- "While many consider this to be one of the weaker elements, I believe we may be missing some hidden depth we have yet to see from it. Selflessness might be a better title for this gem, for it invokes the need to act for the betterment of those around them, sometimes at the cost of one's own benefit. "Green in color, its association to the color of love among ponies, as gifts of any sort of green are seen as a sign of affection, is not the only feature though it is often felt that the acts performed are for the love of others. It is why I made claim that Selflessness is a better title after all. It's field of influence is the shortest reaching of the group. "After initial testing, we recruited the services of a less than...reputable party. Sour Grapes is by far one of the angriest mares I had ever seen. At one-hundred and thirty years old, the spinster of a mare has had no herd, no partner to usher through life with. Making the wine maker the perfect candidate as she has become the most selfish pony I have seen. "The effects took a week to manifest. The relic, on a gold chain around her neck, must have had it's work cut out for it for I have not seen any of the elements take longer than an hour. Such bitterness she must have had. I say "had", because not long after the start of the test, her demeanor had begun to change. "It was subtle at first, and we were not sure we recorded what we believe we recorded. She gave some fruit to a hungry foal with a smile. From there, small random acts of giving could be seen from her. A compliment, a piece of advice. Even going so far as to get muddy in order to help a mud p- a member of the earth tribe push their cart out of a ditch. "Last time we had any contact, she had married a widower whose mares died in the Barker raids to the south. They have adopted four foals from the local orphanage there as well. All seem to be very happy. It has been seven years since the test and the effects seem to be completely permanent. Some of my colleagues believe we may have done wrong in completely altering somepony's life like that. I like to think we gave her a second chance. Kindness- "This element may be considered on the same level of Generosity. However, while seemingly associated with the same things, and while that is true, there is something a bit different between the pair. "Pink in color, it invokes feelings of comfort. Ponies under it's influence find themselves seeking roles as care givers, and nurtures to others. It has a singular sphere of influence, meaning it only covers the one who wields it. "At first, aside from the feelings of comfort and the desire to help for the sake of it, we hadn't noted much beyond. That was till we happened to be able to pair it with Loyalty. It was a complete accident during transfer of custody. Both Elements spilled to the floor and one of my researchers picked the pair of them up. "What happened next we had not expected. "Now bare in mind, I left something out about Loyalty on purpose to bring up this similar point. Loyalty, tends to make the holder aggressive. Not bloodthirsty or angry. Just more alive in a way, more willing to volunteer for what is dangerous. It was the first Cornfield had picked up. The change was almost immediate of course, even an earth pony is susceptible to their effects after all. However, the moment she had picked up Kindness, her mood had changed back. "I could never get the Princesses to release the pair back into my custody for another testing, but I believe that Kindness balances out the rest. Without that Element, even if the others powers and effects were to be used with only five, I think none of it would work properly. What I mean to say is, I surmise that it acts as a regulator, smoothing the lines of magic between them all. "One thing to note I believe is most important if nothing else, is who wielded it when it was needed. Princess Luna, the more reserved and somber of our rulers. I have seen her acts of kindness towards others, though she is often never seen doing it..." "What? Yes, quite right Clover. I am almost done." Magic- "There is no other word for it. This element is tapped into the very life blood of the world itself. It possess the farthest reaching of fields amongst all of them. It is said to be the strongest, and that is true, however I can also state it is the simplest. "Purple, though the thaumic field of the world is colorless, it is Power incarnate, and that is the problem. It is damn near uncontrollable in its strength. Princess Celestia had to be made use of in the testing as no pony else, not even I, could wield it. Yet that is the simplicity I speak of. It is just that. There are no extra effects. Well, no. There are two, but unlike the others these are not feelings. More of, granted abilities instead. "The first being the ability to learn everything at an accelerated rate. No, Clover, I will not tell them anything beyond that. Yes, I cheat- Stop. I will not say another word on this effect. "The other, and more noticeable by others, is its borrowing ability. To put it bluntly, it takes magic, not just from the world but from Us. Everything around it when it is wielded it takes and uses it. Making it that much stronger. In large groups ponies can barely notice the effect. But in a lab of researchers number no more than ten? Oh yes, we can feel it. It leaves one feeling lethargic for a time afterwards. To date, we have no knowledge of why it does this, and neither Princess has ever explained. But its reach is Vast. "The age of the Elements is not known. Testing done in the mentioned list was done under the most controlled situations as possible the results might be only one of the possible variables. The latest showing an impossibility of draining magic from us. Researcher Marigold had made claims that they are both ancient as the earth beneath our hooves, and as young as a newborn foal. They defy reasoning, and the source of their power is unknown. "However, I may have an idea when ponykind may have first stumbled upon, and used these artifacts. "The gold lattice work that surrounds each essence, while as indestructible as that which they hold, do have a definitive age to them. At best calculations, they are perhaps over twenty thousand years old. There is no known civilization that existed back then! "But the intricate work into that not so soft metal indicates that there may have been a once powerful culture. One capable of advanced writings as, while we cannot as of yet understand them, runic symbols of incredible quality are engraved upon them all. "I have heard rumors that deep in the Zebrican Deserts are ruins of unknown origins. No proof of that, but I do wonder if there might be a connection. "This lesson is shorter than I would like, as we just do not know enough about these fantastical artifacts to really expound on their origins. "One last note, and this is more for myself than you, my audience. When I was favored to observe our Princesses cast down that ancient beast, I could not be helped but question the strange familiarity that those two had used the Elements. As if they had known of them beforehand, and had worked them. "This may only speak to their intelligence itself. Again, as I had previously stated, I can feel their will. They just may have informed the pair on their exact use. Which lends to the idea of a once mighty and wise civilization creating them. But, if that is not the case, the claim they made that they had just found them might just be a lie. "And if that were true...what might it be, to force creatures as powerful as they, to lie." "Wow, he was certainly close wasn't he? "Twilight? Hello? Spike, something is wrong with her. "Ah so the old stallion did figure out what they did to me!" "GAH! DISCORD! Don't scare me like that." "Oh I am so sorry about that Glimmy Pants. Cup of fish for the trouble?" "What? Ew, NO! Just, stop with the pop ups. And can you not just use my name?" "But your pants, they glimmer." "They do not....Discord!" "He heeee. Okay I'm done....What's eating Book Pony by the way? She is just standing there. Bad rutabaga? "Been like that since the recording. No cl-" "PINKIE!?" *loud hoofclops* "Huh..." "Yeah....huh." Author's Note Yes.....FINALLY! I have posted something! Sorry for the delay, I kept getting side tracked by editing, and not being satisfied with anything my brain came up with. So it has taken me longer than I would have liked to get this chapter out. Thank you all for reading! Leave a comment if ya liked it! Peace!
Lapia 132Author's Note What is this?! Two chapter postings in one night? The hell is that guy Morgan smokin'? I wanted to get this out last week but I was having trouble fitting it into the overall lore of the story I am crafting, and wanted to ensure I was doing it right. Hope I did. As always leave a comment, as your comments do cheer me up. Also, if you would like, please consider donating to my Kofi as I only work on donations. Hope you guys have a wonderful week. See you soon. Peace. Lapia 132 "Twilight, you know she didn't mean it like that..." "..." "Starlight is just trying to look out for you. You've been locked up in here for weeks at a time. She's right. You need to get out more, get a life. Maybe....maybe meet somepony." "Spike. I do not WANT to meet somepony." "Twilight...she did not mean what she said...how she said it. It....it was poor wording." "Sounded like she meant it exactly as she said it. Go. I...I have work to do." "Sis..." "Go...please..." *quiet thud of a door* "[sniff]....I don't need a reminder.... "Ahem, my name is Twilight Sparkle...this is...[sniff] Lapia re-recording number one-thirty-two. As...as per previous recordings this is a one chance process. We are close to figuring out how the Lapia are made, but have yet to create one ourselves. This has made our supply of Stones limited. Still, we shall do what we can. Without further delay, lets begin." *click* *clinking glass, liquid poured* "Ah, Barrel's Scotch. How I have missed you." *gulping* "Oh, it has been a long time. Heh." *chair scrapping* "Hmm? Is this thing on? Tree blind us all! Clover, can you not shut down anything properly? Hmm, well it is a fresh one...and tonight is a night of....reflections... "Good evening. I am Starswirl the Bearded, and this shall be a rather unusual lesson. Considering what day it is, I would like to discuss a more recent historical point. This will be more of a personal account with information I later gathered to help flesh out what had truly happened the day the Moon covered the sun. Yes, my attentive listeners, the day the Throne of Two, was riven in twain. Just give me a moment, I must fortify myself for this instruction." *glass clinking, liquid pouring* "Let us start with the history of the Throne of Two, The Celestial Throne. The Throne was constructed at the end of the Era of Division. When the Princesses Celestia and Luna had managed to forge an alliance that put all three tribes under one banner. It was during those first few months, that a group of ponies representing everypony in the new kingdom, presented the Throne to the Sisters. Carved of Marblewood, one of the few surviving Greater Trees from the Forest of Songs, the royal seat was designed as one piece. So you can imagine how difficult that was to haul some three thousand miles from where it had once sprouted. I am told they actually carved it along the way. "In many ways I think that the Throne has traveled more of the land than your average pony has done in recent years, which was what the creators wanted it would seem. A reminder of the land two Alicorns now ruled. "The cutting of a great tree to make that singular piece had at first angered the two. First and foremost, Marblewood is unique in its properities that share comminality with marble stone, of which it derives its name from. Secondly, the trees are special in that they grow no where else in the known world and do not produce nearly as quickly. "From what certain acdemics have stated, more guessed if you ask me, is that these trees germinate only once every few thousand years. So the Sisters' anger is wellfounded. "However, Princess Luna had made a profound realization that she had uttered aloud that day the rather large white seat was presented to them: "I can see no greater representation of the cost of rule, Dear Sister. The tree's loss is great, but so to is the loss of the lives spent forging this kingdom. Let this be a reminder, to not only Us, but to the nation as a whole, of what we as a people had to do to be united under one ideal." "I am, of course, paraphrasing as I doubt you halfwits would fully grasp what she was saying originally in the Higher Tongue. "Princess Celestia agreed, but made the commandmant that none cut another Marblewood down for the sake of the species. "I suppose I should describe this great chair to you. As it is now, sitting somewhere above in the Great Hall, it is nothing more than a broken ruin. Split at an angle down one side, yet remarkably, still standing. "The Throne, as I said before, is carved from Marblewood. A great tree that is white in both the outside and inside. Brilliant rings of blue mark its age within in circles. The crafters, carved the thickest part of the tree into one giant peice in the shape of another, more legendary Tree. The Tree of Harmony. A representation of the unity which we ponies are now ruled beneath. There is not two seats, but one singluar large bench, for both Sisters to sit in judgement and rule as equals. "From there the two ruled in fairness and justice to all ponies, great or small. It was truly a time of peace. Interupted only by the occasional evil that reared it's head. *clinking of glass, pouring liquid* "That was, until twenty-five years ago. *gulping* "I suppose I avoided the subject enough. "The events surronding the disaster that broke the Throne is muddled. I was not there when the conflict broke out between the Sisters originally. I may have been able to put a stop to it had I not been distracted with the excavation of an ancient fortress to the north. "The battle raged on for three days as the moon held its place over the sun. By the time I had arrived, much of the castle staff and local populous had evacuated. The dead...littered the halls. "It didn't take me long to find them. The sound of battle was accompanied by the shake of the forest fortress itself. When I had gotten to the Grand Hall, I had stopped to behold the devastation. Celestia and Luna were locked in conflict. Both mares looking like nothing I had seen before, their forms were....terrifying to witness." *sipping* "They had been battling over the Elements themselves, and in their conflict of wills and terrible power, had broken the entire Hall. The Throne, torn nearly in two. The...the forces that had once guarded their seat of power laid in piles...blood flowed heavily...give me a moment." *chair scrape, the sound of pacing hooves* "It truly was a day of horrors. Celestia eventually ripped the control of the Elements away from Luna completely. A complicated spell, the likes I have never seen, blossomed forth from her horn and the Night Princess....she was casted away. Her destination? I think we have all seen her visage upon the Moon she once stood sentinel over. "She told me later that it was selfish desire for the attentions of herself and us citizens that made the younger of the pair inflict conflict. That Princess Luna felt shunned by us all. I am stricken with grief even now that I had played a part in the downfall of Princess Luna, and the rise of the now named Nightmare Moon. "Though, something else occured in that moment after the battle that still puzzles me to this day. The Elements, upon the moment of the casting of that spell, turned inert. Turning into balls of stone that no chisel could chip, nor water worn away. The symbol for each Element standing as a relief upon their surface. The Element of Magic was gone completely. "To deepen the mystery, Celestia herself was in a fit of rage at their loss. Shaking each with what looked to be the intent to shatter. When I tried to interrupt, she...looked upon me...and I swear my dear listeners, that was not the mare I had pledged heart and soul to serve. Something dark exists there." *clinking glasss, sipping noises* "Of course, she eventually came to herself and apolgized to me, but I am not so sure if it was genuine. Those....golden eyes held...I'm getting off course. I apologize. "With the Castle in ruins, and the halls far too stained with death, it was decided that the seat of power of our nation would be transfered to the dig site I had been so recently overseeing. At this very moment a castle is under construction on the side of the mountain, now known as Canter Mountain. Princess Celestia has also asked for a remake, of regular marble this time, of the Throne of Two. But, I have been told that the seat no longer holds that name. The Riven Throne seems an apt name on everyponies' tongue. "There you have it. I know this is not as indepth as my other dissertations, but that day has been on my thoughts. Something is terribly wrong in the world now. And I cannot decern what it might be. Thank you for listening in on this old stallions ramblings. Please, do not neglect your family, nor your friends. You may come to disagreements, times may become difficult. But through faith and love for one another, you can overcome it. Let the lessons of the Sisters be your guide." *click* "...I see, even from the distant past you still have so much to teach me don't you Starswirl? I should apologize to Starlight." *click*
