Rising Storm

It was a late summer morning as the sun's golden rays bathed the village of Greenwood.

It was a peaceful place, far away from the troubles of the bigger world. Ponies here tended their little gardens, their shops, and their fields. Content with the quiet and humble life they had built for themselves. The town itself wasn't large, only about sixteen homes surrounded by a wooden palisade.

There was a tavern, and a small market near the center of town. Outside the palisade, surrounding the town itself were several small farms, which provided them with most of their food. Then beyond them, there was the logger camp, and charcoal burners, but they were out of sight, in the woods that surrounded the fields.

Lastly, but not least, there was the local master blacksmith. Terial was not a young stallion anymore, but he liked to think he was no less capable than any stallion in his prime. He was a master blacksmith after all, having been born and trained in Canterlot, he had created many pieces of master works.

But life in the grand capital never spoke to him, and so he had found himself here. Far from nobles, politics, and the worries of the world. Here he was happy, working to help the town, and live a peaceful life.

It wasn't the most grand work, he wasn't making weapons or armor, but farming tools, nails, hinges, and so on. On occasion he got more complicated work, something he enjoyed from time to time, but this morning, there was only the usual work.

The older stallion sat outside his workshop, sharpening the blade for scythe, as well as enjoying his pipe. He enjoyed moments like this, sitting in front of his workshop, watching as ponies went about their day, foals running around, and the young mares giggling and gossiping as they went about their chores.

A pair bid him good morning, and he smiled and inclined his head. It was then that he noticed the local tavern keeper, a mare around his own age, stomp towards him. She was a bit on the shorter side, but still beautiful, even when she was angry, like now. Terial could already see it in her eyes before she opened her mouth to speak, so he put down the blade and his sharpening stone.

"Good morning, Belladonna." He greeted her warmly, giving his pipe a few puffs.

"Don't you good morning me, Terial!" She said as she marched over and came to a halt in front of him. "Your boy broke three of my chairs yesterday, and cost me an entire barrel of my good ale!"

Terial had to close his eyes, and mentally count to five before looking at her again. "I figured he had fun, and came home pretty late. Guess it was too much to hope he would stay out of trouble." He said, more to himself than her. "I'll make sure he'll fix your chairs, and-"

"To tartarus with the chairs." She interrupted. "It's the ale I want replaced, Terial. It was imported from Riverhold, it wasn't cheap."

Terial nodded. "You're right. I'll make sure he makes up for it. I'm sure you can find some tasks the lad can do around your tavern to make life a bit easier. At least his strength will be good for something. If nothing else, he can help kick out troublemakers."

Belladonna barked a laugh. "How do you think last night's trouble started?"

Terial mumbled a curse under his breath. "He was fighting?" He didn't need to hear the answer, he already knew.

The troubled look on Terial's face softened Belladonna. She let out a sigh, crossing her arms. "Fine, your boy can work off what he owes me, but until then he is banned from drinking at my tavern."

The blacksmith looked up into her deep green eyes, smiling warmly. "No one loves us the way that you do."

Belladonna rolled her eyes. "The only reason he is not banned for the rest of his life is because his intentions were good." Then she sighed, and joined him on the small bench he was sitting on. "Some of the younger lads were getting pretty drunk, and they harassed one of my girls."

Terial nodded, making a few puffs on his pipe. "And so my son stepped in, and things escalated."

Belladonna sighed again, and nodded. "Magnus doesn't know his own strength sometimes. I think those lads should count themselves lucky that your boy held back."

"That is something at least." Terial murmured.

The two didn't say anything for a few minutes, instead taking the moment to enjoy the late morning sun, and the gentle breeze blowing from the south east. "He is getting restless," Terial then said.

Belladonna smiled, slightly amused. "He's always been an energetic colt. Strong too, I don't know where he got that kind of strength from, but I've always been impressed at what he can do." She smiled a little, looking at Terial. "Even if he has a habit of getting into trouble, he has a good heart."

"He is his mother's son, that's for sure." Terial nodded absently, his mind clearly on other matters.

Belladonna was surprised that Terial mentioned the mare he had been with so long ago. She remembered her clearly, and every pony in the village thought she was a bit strange, but kind and helpful. Knowing this was a sensitive subject, she decided to leave it for now.

"Alright, I should be getting back to my tavern." She did her best trying to muster up a stern face, but it didn't really work as a small smile still made its way to her lips. "Now you remember to send him over when he is done here. I have a few chores in mind for him already."

Terial blinked, as if his mind was just coming back to the present. "Oh, y-yeah, of course." He smiled and stood. "Don't worry, Bella. I'll make sure he works hard to make it up to you."

Belladonna smiled. "I'm sure you will. Good morning to you then."

And with that, she turned her back to him and walked off. Her steps are more calm than before. Terial chuckled as he watched her leave. She really was something else, almost as if she was the entire town's mother. Every pony knew not to stand in her way once she had that fire in her eyes.

Terial took one last puff of his pipe, and stood to go find the menace in question. He didn't need to look for him, as he knew exactly where he was sleeping off last night's brawl. Walking into his house, which was laid behind his forge, connected via a tiny courtyard.

He found him, as he expected, in the main room of their house, laying on the bench, snoring loudly. Terial had half a mind to push his son off the bench, but stopped as he came to the door. His son had the same light gray colored coat as he did, although he had gotten his red mane and tail from his mother.

As he looked at the tall muscular young stallion, Terial was reminded of how much time had passed since he was born. It had been almost twenty years, and at times Terial could hardly believe how much his son had grown.

Reflexively he looked up at the wall above the fireplace. There on a thick nail in the wall hung a large hammer with a short hilt. It was a thing of beauty, the hammer itself had several old symbols carved into it, and three tiny gold coins on each side, it was like that on the hilt too.

Terial then looked at his son again, considering for a moment. Then with a sigh, he came to a decision, and went outside just for a moment. The young snoring stallion on the bench didn't know what was happening before he felt several ounces of cold water splash over his head and shoulders.

Magnus's eyes opened wide as he let out a yelp and stood up. "Phah! What was that for?!" Magnus asked, feeling his now soaked tunic cling to his body.

Terial dropped the now empty bucket, and crossed his arms. Despite being an older stallion, he still had some impressive muscles. "What do you mean? You should have been up already, son." His father shook his head a little. "Get yourself cleaned up and get outside, we have work to do."

Terial left Magnus to still recover a little from the rude awakening. Already Magnus could feel his father knew what had happened at the tavern, and without the ale to strengthen his resolve, he didn't relish in the scolding he was about to receive. Then again, now that he could think clearly again, he quickly decided that it might not be that unwarranted.

Deciding it was better to face the music and take it like a stallion, Magnus took off his wet clothes, and put on a new pair of pants. Then as he went outside to wash, he grabbed a brown tunic and a belt, placing it on a small bench in the courtyard as he went to a large barrel filled with water.

After a few minutes of washing, Magnus walked to the workshop, having already put on his tunic and leather belt. Two mares his own age passed by on the dirt road, both carrying linen. He looked at them, then sent them a smile. Both of them giggled, walking off, but glanced at him and sent him cute smiles.

Magnus looked after the two of them, until he heard his father cough. Magnus quickly turned, seeing Terial standing in the doorway to his smithy, arms crossed over his large chest, letting out a sigh.

"To be young again..." He said under his breath. "Now come on, boy. We got work to do."

"Y-yes, sir." Magnus quickly replied, following the old stallion inside the smithy.

It didn't take them long to set everything up and prepare for the day's work. Magnus kept glancing in his father's direction, expecting him to start the lecture at any time now, but it never came.

After a while, Magnus turned to his father, who was calmly preparing the forge. "Father," Magnus said. "Aren't you going to say anything about last night?"

His father glanced at him over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised. "Do I need to?" He asked calmly. "You already know what I think of your drunken brawls." He looked back at the forge again, poking the fire with an iron poker. "You're strong, Magnus. But just because you're strong doesn't mean you can solve everything with your fists."

The older stallion turned to his son, and pointed to his own head. "You also need to remember to think. Your actions have consequences, one of them being Belladonna refuses to have you at her tavern anymore."

Magnus's eyes widened in sudden panic. "She wouldn't!"

Terial chuckled and shook his head. "By Faust, that is what you choose to pay attention to?"

Magnus's face flushed a bit in slight embarrassment. "I mean, it wasn't like I was acting without reason, father. I just wanted to help a friend who was being-"

"I know," his father interrupted, holding up his hand. "Bella told me the story. It is also why you're not in bigger trouble. She's asked you to come over later to help with some chores. She'll let you come back after that." Seeing his son start to smile, he raised an eyebrow. "This isn't a reward, Magnus."

Terial stepped closer to his son, taking a hold of his wrist and held up his son's hand. "It isn't enough to be strong here. You must also be strong here." He placed a hand over Magnus's heart, then pointed to his head. "And here. Do you understand?"

Magnus looked at his father, taking in the older stallion who had been his only family for as long as he could remember. The last thing he wanted to do was to disappoint him.

"I... I understand, father."

Terial smiled. "Good, then hopefully we won't have this conversation ever again." He said that with a small smirk, as if he very much expected to have this conversation again. Then he sighed, his smile becoming more gentle. "Go on, head over to Belladonna."

Magnus paused for a moment, looking quizzically at his father. "What about the forge?"

Terial blew a raspberry, and waved his son away. "I'm not that old. I can take care of the orders we have, you just go on ahead and help out Bella. The more you get done, the faster she will let you off the hook."

Magnus grinned, and stepped towards the door. "Thanks, pa."

"Yeah, yeah." Terial mumbled, trying his best to hide his smile as he waved him off.

Stepping onto the dirt road, the morning sun warming his back, Magnus walked towards the center of their village. He smiled, smelling freshly baked bread, along with a pie somewhere. Each pony he passed, they smiled and bit him good morning, to which Magnus returned their greetings.

He passed a group of girls his age, and he sent them a wink, with them giggling in response. He walked across the market, and headed straight for one of the larger buildings. There was a small courtyard outside, shaded by a large Oaktree. Outside was a group of tables and benches, while the large door led to the inside of Bella's tavern.

A young mare walked out the tavern, carrying a bucket filled with water. Mayflower was well known for her beauty in the village, and many young stallions like Magnus himself enjoyed coming to the tavern just to see her.

Mayflower's dress hugged her curves, and complimented her bosom nicely. Her mane was the same color as a field of barley at the end of summer. Her sweet smile always made Magnus feel all warm, and her blue eyes always captivated him. Her white coat looked so soft to the touch, something he knew only too well.

When her blue eyes met his, she put down the bucket and smirked. "Well, if it isn't my drunken hero from last night?" Magnus snorted a laugh and walked closer. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," he chuckled. "Though I'm a little disappointed when I woke up. I had hoped it would be beside you."

Mayflower took the cloth hanging from the bucket, and hit Magnus's chest with it. "You vile beast." She whispered with a barely hidden smile and blush. Her eyes looked back towards the tavern for a moment, then back at him. "What if my mother heard you?"

His boyish grin only got wider, but before he could respond, an excited voice called his name. "Magnus!" Both Mayflower and Magnus looked to the entryway of the tavern.

In the doorway stood a smaller version of Mayflower. Only nine years younger, a brown coat, and a light green mane and tail. Her smile was wide, as she dashed from the doorway, and jumped up to catch Magnus's bicep. Magnus just laughed as he lifted her up as she hung from his arm.

The filly giggled, which made Magnus chuckle. "You saw me yesterday." He laughed. "You're acting like you haven't seen me for months."

"Well, Cornflower is your biggest fan." Mayflower teased, and started to clean the tables.

The filly giggled, and finally let go of Magnus. "Ma said you were going to help us out today!"

"That's right," answered Magnus. "I'm going to be your muscles today."

The sisters both giggled, and with that, a third and more mature voice joined in. "You're here early." Belladonna said, hands on her hips while trying to look stern. The attempt was enough to make her daughters bite their lips, as they snickered.

Magnus shot her a winning smile. Belladonna had always been like a mother to him. Sweet and kind, but with a fiery temper when needed. Despite her efforts of being stern with him, he could see there was more than a hint of a small smile playing at her lips.

"I've come to place myself in your service, good lady of Greenwood Tavern." Magnus declared, and made an over dramatic deep bow.

Both of Bella's daughters laughed, and even Bella snickered a little. "That's enough of you." she said with a roll of her eyes. "You can start by clearing out the mess you made yesterday. Anything you think you can fix, you will. When you're done, I have a list for you to go through."

"Yes, my lady!"

For the rest of the day, Magnus worked for Bella, doing all the chores she had been wanting to get done for a while. Anything she could think of, which was within Magnus's power to do, she asked. He worked in the cellar, clearing out old barrels, cleaning, doing small and slightly bigger repairs here and there.

During the day, he saw plenty of Mayflower and her younger sister. Both were great company whenever they were around, and plenty of laughs were shared between them. Even Belladonna's sternness seemed to soften up as the hours went by, even giving him a cool mug of ale, although made sure it was a small one.

As he enjoyed the mug of ale outside, under the shade of the oak tree, Mayflower came out to him. She sent him one of those beautiful smiles of hers, and Magnus couldn't help but smile back.

"Enjoying your break?" She asked, and joined him under the tree. Sitting beside him, their shoulders almost touching.

Magnus let out a long relaxed sigh, his head leaning against the tree as he looked up at the fluffy clouds. "Perfect place to take a nap."

"Mother would love that." She said.

For a few moments, the two just relaxed, looking up at the clouds passing above them. The gentle summer breeze passed through the crown of the three, making the many leaves wave.

"Do you ever think about leaving Greenwood?" Mayflower suddenly asked.

The sudden question honestly took Magnus by surprise. "Uhm, sometimes. I mean, doesn't everypony?"

"Not me," came the almost instant reply from the mare. "I'm happy right here. I can't ever imagine leaving our village. But I already know what I want, I know where my place is. What about you?"

"What about me?"

While he could not see it, Magnus had a feeling Mayflower was smiling at him. "Are you serious Magnus? You've always been restless, besides, I don't know any pony who can do what you can do."

Magnus made a face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean that you have a gift, and maybe you can put it to use out there in Equestria. Maybe become an adventurer, or join the royal army?" She listed some other options but Magnus wasn't really sure about any of them. "All I'm saying is that I know my place is here, but it just never looked like you knew where your place was."

"There are other strong stallions in the village." Magnus said, almost in a mumble.

Mayflower snorted. "There are farming strong, Magnus, and then there is you strong. I've never seen any stallion in the village pull an entire cart by themselves, filled with several barrels of wine, ale, and whatever else was in there." She laughed a little. "Just imagine what you could do out there!"

Magnus smiled a little. "You almost make it sound like you want me to leave."

That comment earned him a small punch to the shoulder. "Of course not! Don't say that..."

Magnus chuckled, rubbing the place where she punched more out of reflex than actual pain. "I'm sorry, I know you didn't mean it like that." He said, then sighed and looked back up at the clouds. "I know what you mean, and in truth, I've been thinking about leaving more and more."

Almost ascendingly, he picked up a small stick, and broke it into smaller pieces as he spoke. "I wouldn't mind seeing Equestria, but really, I would see if I could find out something about my mother."

Mayflower frowned and glanced over at him. "Your mother? What about her?"

Magnus shrugged. "Pa almost never talks about her. When he does, he talks with a lot of love, but also this sadness. She just vanished, my dad never gave me the impression he knew it was coming. I'm just wondering if she is out there somewhere, or if someone would know something about her."

"You really think so?"

"I don't know," Magnus admitted. "It's been twenty years since anyone in the village saw her. So much could have happened, but she couldn't just have come out of thin air. Some pony somewhere must know something about her." There was a moment of silence again before Magnus let out a sigh.

"Not that matters." He then said, tossing the tiny stick aside before drinking the rest of his ale. "It would be great to know more about my mother, but my place is here with my father. I don't want to leave him here alone. He might not say anything, but the old master blacksmith isn't getting any younger."

Mayflower smiled, then leaned over and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "You have a good heart, Magnus."

As the day went on, and the tavern got more and more busy, Magnus finally completed all the chores that Belladonna could think of. When it was over, Bella could not keep up that stern expression, and he was finally allowed to relax, go home, or stay for now.

"Thanks for the offer." Magnus said as he stopped by the door. "But I think I will go home, help my father close up."

Bella smiled, nodding understandingly. "Wait a moment." She said, and vanished into another room for a few minutes, before returning with a bottle in hand. "For you and your father." She said.

Magnus smiled gratefully as he took the bottle. "Mmm, your best mead." Running a hand over the bottle. "Thank you, Belladonna."

"Good work today, Magnus." She just said. "Please try to keep your muscles under control from now on." She said as a final warning. "My chairs and tables can't handle it."

Magnus laughed. "I'll try, I promise. Goodnight." With that, he left the tavern.

Magnus left with the sounds of laughter and good spirits. The blue sky above was fading into the darkness of the night, already the first few stars were starting to sparkle far above them. The last bit of sunlight vanishes on the horizon, laying the world to rest for now.

The young stallion walked back the way he came. Passing farmers who either returned from their fields, or came to get something cold to drink after work. He passed merchants closing their stalls, or shops. Even a few kids are still running around playing, even if their mothers would want them home now.

With a small spring in his step, Magnus followed the same dirt road back towards his father's forge. When he approached, he quickly spotted the older stallion closing the door to the workshop. Magnus raised a hand as he got closer, and greeted his father.

"Evening, pa."

Terial turned to face his son, smiling as he did so. "Ah, I was starting to think I would eat alone tonight." He chuckled. "How did it go with Belladonna? You're not drunk, so that is a good sign."

Magnus shook his head. "Everything went great. I did everything she asked me. She even gave me this for us to enjoy tonight." He held up the bottle of mead, making Terial's smile grow a bit.

"That's a good lad. Come inside so we can eat, and enjoy the mead."

And so they did. None of them were master cooks, but so their dinner was pretty simple. Not that it mattered. Both were used to their simple meals. If they wanted better, they could always seek help from Belladonna. For now though, father and son enjoyed the time with one another.

They sat by the large table, eating their dinner, and enjoying the sweet mead gifted to them. As conversation died down, Magnus's eyes fell on the hammer above the fireplace, as it often did when he had a moment. His father had never talked much about it, only that it was the last piece he and his mother worked on before she vanished.

They rarely spoke about her. Magnus had always gotten the sense that it was a topic best not touched. Tonight however, Magnus somehow felt compelled to ask him about her. Perhaps it was because of his conversation with Mayflower.

"Father..."

"Mhm?" Terial grunted as he chewed on a mouthful of stew.

Magnus hesitated. He didn't want to ruin the good mood, or reopen old wounds. Still, he pushed on, although be it as gently as he could muster.

"I was just wondering, the hammer above the fireplace. You said it was the last piece you and mother made together, right?"

Terial swallowed his food, clearly surprised by the sudden change of subject. "Yes," he then answered. "Your mother wanted to make something special to mark your birth." Terial looked down into the mead in his mug. "While she wasn't a blacksmith, she told me what to make, while she put her magic into it."

Magnus sat up a little more. having never heard this part of the story before. "You mean she enchanted it?"

Terial nodded a little. "At least I think that is what she did. I made the hammer, carved the symbols, and put in the coins. That was all me. When your mother did whatever she did to it, it was like the hammer became something more."

"How?"

"Heavy." Terial said with an almost dry laugh. "I don't know what your mother did, but when she did it, the hammer became really heavy. It took three full grown stallions to hang up over the fireplace." He chuckled at the memory, while Magnus suddenly understood why the hammer needed such a thick nail to be able to hang there.

Terial let out a small sigh, managing a faint smile as he thought back on it. "I think she wanted to make that hammer for you, son." Terial said and looked Magnus in the eyes. "She said that the hammer would remain asleep, until it was ready to be awakened by its rightful wielder."

Magnus stared at his father, then looked over at the hammer. "You think she meant me?"

"I don't know who else she could have meant." Terial admitted, his smile fading. "It was the only thing she told me about it."

Before she vanished, was the obvious conclusion to that sentence. Magnus decided not to push any more. As he looked at his father, he was strengthened in his resolve to remain in the village. He loved it here, his friends were here, his father. He could see him building a life for himself here. Take over his father's shop, marry Mayflower.

Their foals run around the tavern, while Mayflower runs it. Magnus would have taken over the forge from his father, who in turn would enjoy retirement under the old Oak Tree, enjoying a cold mug of ale, and watch over his grandfoals.

Yes, this was home, and this was where he was needed.

Smiling a little, Magnus looked at his father. "Pa, thank you for taking care of me, and loving me."

Terial looked a little taken aback, but only for a second. Then he smiled, his eyes filling with the same warmth that had always been a part of his gentle being. "Thank you, son. I couldn't have asked for a better son."

The two raised their mugs, and downed the mead left in them. Terial chuckled, and stood. "Enough of that. I'm tired, and I could use some rest."

Magnus too stood. "I'll clean up here, you go and get some sleep." It wasn't that late, but his father had been working by himself all day. Magnus promised he would be there for him all day tomorrow.

"Thank you, son." Terial yawned. "I'll see you tomorrow then." The old blacksmith said, and trotted up the stairs to his room.

Smiling, Magnus started to clean up after dinner. Thinking he might go for a walk, and maybe one drink back at the tavern before bed. As he cleaned the table though, his eyes once again landed on the hammer. This time though, he felt more drawn to it. He left the table alone, and took a few steps towards the hammer.

With each step he took, it was like he could hear something, like, a faint hum coming from the hammer. His heart started to beat faster, but he didn't know why. Instinctively, he raised his hand towards the hammer, his fingers nearing the head when suddenly the faint sound of rumbling thunder rolled over the village.

It was enough to break Magnus's concentration, and turn away from the hammer. His heart was quickly calming down, and the hum faded away just as quickly as it had appeared.

He walked to the window, and looked out onto a dark blanket of clouds that moved over the village. "Looks like it's going to rain tomorrow." He mumbled to no one but himself. He glanced back at the hammer in wonder at first, then in defiance. "My place is here..." He said, and as if the hammer answered, Magnus heard the faint rumble of thunder once again.

Magnus stared down the hammer for a few moments, then shook his head and let out a laugh. What was he doing? The hammer wasn't alive, and of course he was staying here. Whatever his mother had thought about the hammer, she had left him and his dad.

He could get by without her, or her gifts. Despite thinking this, Magnus couldn't really convince himself of it. Not that it mattered. Despite it nothing being that late, Magnus decided for the first time in a long time to turn in early.

Tomorrow was going to be a new day.