Valencetiger

Silvan Dragoran Exiled Prince Silvan watched the summoning of the blade with a mix of fascination and dread, his face becoming grim and cold. He didn't want to fight anyone...especially not a pony he had just met. But...if he must...then he will defend himself. He held out his hoof, calling for his own Aishanidari. He let out a sigh as the weapon's magical energy filled him, giving him sustenance and a sense of well-being. "...awaken, Solari Kal'Kiri..." The next instant, twin blades erupted into existence at his side, wrapping themselves around his hooves. They were curved and long, featuring emblazoned dragons on their blades and hilts. The black metal shined underneath the moonlight, giving shape as the edges became more sharp. The pair of magical scimitars then began to shift, and the sword's metal on his left warped, becoming a glittering white steel compared to the black of the other weapon. Both gave off powerful auras, each conflicting with the other. "I don't want to fight...can't we simply talk this through? I've seen enough bloodshed in one life-time, thank you..." His dark blue eyes focused onto the strange stallion, his muscles relaxing so that he'd be ready for any move he may make against him. He blinked again, confusion on his face once more. That last sentence...it wasn't his. It came from his lips, but...it wasn't his! What was going on?!

A small, black stallion sat on one of the tombstones at the front of the graveyard, smoking on a pipe and relaxing, bathed in the moon's glow. He loved the nighttime, it was a time of wonder for him. Tonight was quiet, as every other night, and he always came out here to talk about his troubles to the corpses beneath the dirt. He didn't know why, but he felt like they were listening...perhaps they were, he thought with a grin. The ponies around here called him Odd One, or simply Shadow. Being a former Bloodhoof, he knew all about the peace of death and the troubles of life...and to get away from the Empire was one of the greatest things that happened to him. Suddenly, he heard a sound and his instincts kicked in, leaping from the tombstone and crouching, watching a dark figure approaching from the fog. "Who goes there...? Is that you, Ivory? Maroon?"

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan stood up, appearing completely calm. On the contrary, he was actually the opposite. However, he had noticed the mysterious pony studying him in the inn, and was waiting for him to make the first move. He turned to the stranger and gave a sad smile, wiping his eyes. "...I'll assume you heard all of that...it must be weird, seeing a Prince cry, right? Well...I guess I can do so, now that I am no longer in line for the Crystal Throne..." He studied the stranger, wondering who he was, what he was doing here, and why this he had sought him out. Silvan knew that if this situation turned dangerous, Silvertongue would not be able to come to his aid...but he wasn't a push-over, and would be a dangerous opponent for him.

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan awoke in the middle of the night from a nightmare, the same one he had every night...the dream of his father's and brother's funeral. It happened over five years ago, but it still haunted him. He got up from his bed quietly, and exited the room, making sure not to disturb anyone. Going down the stairs, he crossed the empty inn and went out the front door. Taking his time to find a good spot, he sat down in the grass outside of the inn and watched the stars above. He did this every night, for it always seemed to calm his troubled mind. After a few moments, he looked down at his hooves, whispering to himself. "...Father...what would you have done if you were in the same situation as I am...? No one knows of it yet...not even my own guard...but what can I do? A banished Prince can't do anything...nothing important. Oh, you should have seen what happened to Mother when you and Ironar left us...but I guess there is no point dwelling on it any further, is there? You told me of an ancient story about a peaceful land beyond ours...but what did you mean? The only clue you left me...well, you should know it. Still...I just wish I had your guidance. There are nights I have thought of ending my life, or disappearing into the vast jungles to the southwest...but what would that accomplish?" Tears began to swell up in Silvan's eyes, as he sighed and lowered his head into his knees. "...I wish you were here..."

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan rushed over to the earth pony's side, propping him up with his own body and helped carry him up the stairs. He groaned at first from the weight, but quickly grew accustomed to it as they went up the steps. Silvan gave his drunk counterpart a nervous smile. "You ought to be more careful, Master Gale...it would be a shame to lose you before our journey even began, wouldn't you think? Plus, I am sure the innkeeper would not like to clean you up if you fell down the steps." Silvan felt kind of odd saying that, for he was trying to match Gallows' dark humor, and was hoping he did alright. They would finally reach their rooms, and Silvan helped drag the drunk pony to his bed, plopping him down onto the cotton. "Sleep well, Master Gale. We will be climbing the Howling Mountain by noon tomorrow." Closing the door behind him, he made his way to the room he and Silvertongue shared, which had two beds and was nicely open...well, for a room in an Inn that is. Silvertongue sat at one of the desks, writing down some notes on the scenery and the land around them, trying to figure out the best escape route, just in case. Silvan, tired and not really caring about that sort of thing, slumped into his bed covers and drifted to sleep.

Silvertongue Loyal Protector of Silvan Silvertongue glanced at the drunk earth pony with a disdainful expression. He honestly didn't understand why the Prince wanted this strange pony with them. But, he trusted Silvan, and thus obeyed without questioning him. Still...that did not mean he had to like the gravedigger. "If you must know, I wasn't dragged into this. I chose of my own free will, despite being his guardian. I of course couldn't refuse, because he is my charge. In case you haven't noticed, he is quite different from the rest of the 'you know who'...and is far more lenient and kind than he should be." The words were pointed at Gallows like a dagger, basically showing his distrust of the outcast. Silvertongue hadn't even finished his first mug, just in case an enemy were to attack. The Imperial Family had many enemies...and he never know when one may appear. Still...he doubted that such a thing would happen in this back-water village. He placed another gold coin on the table, and got up, heading over to the innkeeper to discuss rooming arrangements, and left the gravedigger with Silvan, giving him a glare that basically said "Take care of him, or I'll skin your hide".

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan turned to Gallows as if woken up from a daze. After blinking a few times, he would shake his head, drinking his cider quietly while the innkeeper moved on. Once the chubby stallion was gone, he put the cider down and looked into the mug. "I am here to locate a certain monk at the top of the Howling Mountain...it is said that he is one of the few remaining Sages in the world, so he might come in handy. Plus, he may have some additional artifacts I could use later. If that is not the case, it would still be fine...I just need to convince him or her to join us." He looked back out the window, his dark blue eyes searching the icy mountain top as if expecting a dragon to appear from it at any moment.

Welcome to Canterlot, friend I hope you enjoy your stay here, and make many friends!

New Segment: Infamous Prophecies "...and so He is reborn, destined to break the land, sea, skies, and stars. While saving the world from the Specter's touch, He will destroy us. Marked, will His coming be, by the flash of a light to the Far East...two worlds, connected by past and fate, shall join once more. This is what He will bring, what He will reveal, what He will end. Upon the sacred ground of Golden Mane will His spirit ascend, and take it's rightful place. He will raise the call with the Requiem of Paradise, and will be heard across the worlds. Fight, children of Light! Fight, for your destruction draws near!" -Prophecies of the Lightbinder, Author Unknown. "...a relic of the past, the Lightbinder will wield, perhaps to save us when our need is greatest, or destroy us out of pity. Even now the Specter stirs in his prison, and his influence extending beyond our once-glorious Empire. All will weep, out of joy or despair, when they hear of the rebirth of Silvan Lightbinder...some will rally to his call, others will die by his hoof. He will be declared a heretic, scorned by our Empire. This, will be a terrible folly that we will not recover from, and will surely destroy us in the end..." -Interpretations of the Past, Author: Grand Librarian of Harin'Dor, Luxen Sunblossom. "...so the Raven King will ascend to the throne, ruling over the lands of Light with an iron grip. On his coronation, the sun will turn black and the stars will die. He will open the Gates to the Underworld, releasing the dead and the damned into our midst. As the Child of Evil, his influence will even plague the daughters of the Fallen Queen, and the darkness itself will praise his name. O' followers of shadow! Pray, pray for your demise!" -Prophecies of the Gray, Anonymous Night Child. (More will be added later)

(OOC: Very well put ) Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens After two weeks of non-stop travel, the trio had finally arrived at a village on the outskirts of the Howling Mountain, which was the largest mountain in the Empire, and was home to a sect of ponies who worship Astral Magus, Grandfather of ponykind, and the stars. Also, it was said that their detachment from the rest of the world was spiritually enlightened, and that one among them possessed a special assortment of amulets. What these amulets could do, Silvan had only heard about it rumors. He wondered the legitimacy of the rumors, but those were only a small benefit to his actual reason for coming here. The monk who held the necklaces was his real goal, and had come here for him...or her. He didn't know the name or appearance of the monk, simply that they are one of the few Sages left in the world, and a unique one at that. With the desolate, looming mountain casting its shadow over them, they made their way to the small town beneath it. Shallow Rivers, so the place is called, was once a large mining village, and brought in a huge supply of the Empire's metallic ores for well-over a thousand years. However, when their mines went dry, their business died, and the town became the sorry excuse it was today. It had certainly seen better days...that was for sure. As they went through the town, several of the ponies there cast them suspicious and threatening glares. Oh yes...it had seen better days. They finally stopped outside of an inn, and decided to go in for some shelter and something to eat. Upon entering, the whole inn went silent, the occupants staring at them as they made their way across to the innkeeper. Silvan paid no mind, he had been trained to ignore such things...and to punish them. But he never punished anyone who looked at him wrongly...why should he? They were entitled to their opinion. When they came up to the counter, the innkeeper turned to Silvertongue and spit into a kettle. "What can I do ye for...? Lookin' for a couple of rooms for ye, yer son, and...yer friend 'ere?" Silvan and Silvertongue exchanged glances, nodding to one another. They might as well keep themselves on a low profile, so this will do in their favor. Silvertongue placed a couple of gold marks on the bar, making the innkeeper's eyes bulge. "...ye...ye aren't one of the Blood, are ye? If so, I apologize for me rudeness, yer lordship..." "No, no. Don't apologize, good innkeeper. I hope that covers for two rooms and dinner, yes?" "...M-more than enough. Please, make yerselves at home 'ere at the Gray Flagon." Silvertongue gave the innkeeper his thanks, and they proceeded to a table in the back of the inn, Silvan looking out the window and up at the towering mountain. His guard smiled gently, remembering who much similar Silvan was to him in his youth...it was hard to believe one of his stature, especially of the Imperial Family no less, to have such a pure heart. Silvertongue had seen two imperial generations, and he had not cared for how the Imperial Family squabbled over the throne...he had killed one of them himself. It still pained him to this day, and he thought that, as Silvan's teacher and friend, he could help the young Prince become an Emperor unlike any other the Empire had ever known, as a way to redeem the horrible things he had done in his life. For him...the world was fine, and he was content, leaning back and ordering a round of ale and some cider for Silvan.

Nice applications, you two accepted. I don't see anything wrong with them. (P.S. I love the .Hack reference with your Destiny Mark, Soul Slasher.)

Hey! A fellow Princess Luna fan! Welcome to Canterlot

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan gave a warm smile to the awkward pony, as Silvertongue made the food disappear, placing the Qai'Maga away in a bag at his side. Silvertongue came over and lifted Gallows off the ground, holding him up and carrying him gently. "...my Prince, shall we be going now?" "Yes, yes. Of course. Let's get going, shall we, gentlecolts?" He would lead the way, setting off to the east, where a spiral of mountains rose up from the sky, Silvertongue hauling Gallows with him as they continued on.

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan looked down at his new compatriot, actually surprised he had shown up. Looking at him, he laughed heartily, Silvertongue eyeing the gravedigger like he was a pitiful worm. "You look exhausted, Master Gale. Perhaps we should eat before we get going...are you hungry? It will be quite awhile before we arrive at the next town." As if on queue, Silvertongue pulled out a strange rod, and waved it around a bit, as a small assortment of food appeared on the ground. It contained foods of all kinds, perfect for an early breakfast.

Silvan Dragoran Prince of Ravens Silvan stood at the top of Sunrock Hill, the wind blowing through his clothing and his Nightingale guard, Silvertongue. Looking off to the graveyard far away, he felt slight pangs about the events of the previous night. What if Gallows doesn't come...? What would he do then? Pushing the thoughts aside, he looked at the rising sun, knowing that dwelling on such things would not be worth it. Silvertongue looked over at his young master, and sighed. "My Prince...I do not believe that gravedigger will come. We might as well go on back to the Capital and end this ridiculous adventure..." "Do you trust me, Silvertongue?" "Of course, My Prince. But this earth pony..." "Then I suggest you calm yourself. We still have time, as does he...if he does not come by the time the sun is fully above the mountains, we will leave." Sighing, his guard sat himself down and looked at the rising sun as well. Silvan closed his eyes, feeling the wind course through his braids and his clothing, soothed by it. He hoped, with all his heart, that the odd pony would come. It would be nice to have the company of someone other than his stuffy guard, and also it looked like he wasn't the only one in need of help. Silvan had seen it before in outcasts, that vacancy of emotion and purpose, and it pained him to believe that there were such ponies in the world. Perhaps...perhaps he could help Gallows as well.

-DELETED-

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens Silvan grimaced at the stallion's stinging words. It was always like this...everyone feared him, but he wanted none of that. He looked away, angered slightly. "Don't compare me to the rest of my horrendous "family"...I think what they do with Unicorns and the Tower of Midnight are atrocities. There is so much that is wrong in the Empire...and when I rule, I am going to change some things. As for you are your graveyard, I'll have it taken care of while we are away." He stood up and turned away from the gravedigger, his voice becming cold. "You have until sunrise. If you have decided to come along, then meet us at Sunrock Hill outside of Coltan's Rest. If not...then have a good life here in the graveyard." With that, he left the gravedigger to his loneliness once more.

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens He gave a nervous smile, shaking his head at the offer and placing his notes to the side. "No thank you...I would rather not converse with the Arch Warden of Solaris City...I doubt she would be happy speaking to a descendant of Ashmane Drake, after what he had done to her and her fellow Wardens...what I wouldn't give to see them all once more..." There was a hint of remorse in his eyes, and then he looked suddenly confused. Why did he say that last part...? He had never met a Warden, no one had for two thousand and seven hundred years! He must have been more tired than he realized. "...I thank you, Master Gale. Now, I have one more request. I would like you to come with me...for you are the only one who knows how to use this, and also I have no doubts you would like to keep an eye on it. I don't need the relic here, but actually elsewhere."

I like that, I really do Okay, I'll answer each question in order The Baraki, (Moon Wolves), are a canine race created by the moon spirit Luna, and yes, the Diamond Dogs are related to them, but they have taken on the aspect of greed, where as the Baraki are still pure and you can kind of consider them a monk-like or priest-like race. They worship the moon and the night, and are nocturnal. The Night Children are an organized, powerful organization that has been around since the last Darkspawn Wars, which were around three and a half thousand years ago. The way one can contact them is by a sort of dark ritual, using one's own blood in a half-circle with several spikes pointing to the center in a full circle. Once done, a Darkspawn known as a Messenger Imp will appear. He will give you the information you need to join the Night Children, and their next gathering. At the gathering, you will be bound to a special Qai'Maga which makes any oath given by the one holding it permanent, and one cannot break these oaths once sworn. They are known to have their hooves in every social class in Coltara and Equestria, and often do whatever it takes to keep a hold on that power. They do this by employing assassination, bribery, kidnappings, and other such terrorist-like actions. On another note, they also have influenced many of Equestria's former villains in order to get a grip on Equestria, including Chrysalis, Discord, and Princess Luna, making her into Nightmare Moon. Spacial Magic is like teleportation, weight, gravity, other such things you might think someone controlling matter would do. Basically, it is the controlling of gravity and dimensions.

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens He laughed at his new, odd companion's words. While he did know quite a bit about magical artifacts, this one was much more strange than any he had seen before. He studied the surface and felt the markings on it, nodding to himself quietly. "Yes...it does seem to be a form of Ro'Maga. A very strange one at that...but my only question is, where did you find it? Did you find anything else with it?" Silvan pulled out a parchment from his cloak, beginning to write down a few notes.

I am glad you like it ^^ It is based on a fan-fic I have been working of for a long time now. As for The Specter, Darkwing/Stalliar goes by many names, among both his servants and his enemies. Some example names are: He Who Sleeps Great Lord of the Night Shadowbringer The Timeless One Also, if you have any more questions, feel free to add me as a friend or talk to me in Canterlot's chat room

Welcome to Canterlot, friend I hope you enjoy yourself during your stay, and make many friends!

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens Silvan looked at the bracelet dumbfounded. What...was this thing? There's no way that it could be a Shadar Anku...right? If that was the case, this was a powerful artifact...and one with a very dark origin. Well, what was he supposed to expect from a device that communicated with the dead? He glanced at Gallows warily, wondering where the gravedigger had found this. "...this...this is a Shadar Anku...isn't it?" His eyes were drawn back to the black necklace, shivers going down his spine.

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens Silvan nodded, following the odd earth pony further into the cemetery. The cold and damp air wrapped around him like a constrictor, but he didn't pay much attention to it, for his mind was focused on his goal. Curiosity welled up inside him at this new turn of events. Where was he being taken? What was Gallows going to show him? How did he talk with the dead, and who or what helped him do it? It was all so very exciting to him, he nearly leaped up from the ground. He had heard that this pony was weird, but upon seeing it for himself, it only made him smile wider. Perhaps insanity isn't only caused by magic. (For future reference, their "god" of sorts is Astral Magus, who was said to have created all three pony races in the distant past.)

Silvan Dragoran The Prince of Ravens He nodded, understanding Gallows' suspicion completely. "I admire that. It is very noble of you. Very well, if you are to be helping me...I might as well explain why I need such a thing. I need your ability for the sake of knowledge, nothing more. I am certain you have noticed that more dead are coming in, correct?" Silvan gestured to the newly made graves nearby, as if to make a point.