Post by Mal on Apr 16, 2016 2:54:01 GMT -5
Yunalesca. Over the course of the trip, the alicorn tried to keep herself occupied well enough, either with Gleam or wandering the deck of the ship. It was quite high up and gave a dizzying view of the passing land below, fading from a patchwork of green to sandy desert. Beyond the high rocky walls of the badlands, the muddy green of the jungle.. and blue of the ocean was spread out. A muted, earthy rainbow. The weather remained agreeable enough for the trip and Saddle Arabia came into view within the estimated time period; the airship had slowed to descend towards its dock to land, so those visiting passengers or returning natives could disembark onto solid ground at last. Yuna herself would wander back belowdecks to prod Gleam and gather up her bag, relieved the monotony was broken.
Gleaming Echo was still passed out on the cot, blissfully unaware that the journey had been continuing. His times of waking was filled with Yuna time though, so all was good yes? Alas the unicorn stirred on the cot when prodded by the alicorn and felt that the ship had grown... still? Had they arrived?! He felt Tarnished stir in the back of his mind and a spike of anger flow from the half of his mind the dark half of him occupied. "I assume we have arrived?" Gleam would ask with quiet voice as his ears fell. Who knew what sort of mess Tarnished might cause! Alas the unicorn gathered up his own small group of supplies.
Yunalesca smoothed her shawl out nervously before she strapped her bag around her middle, adjusting it until it was comfortable. She turned at the sound of Gleam's voice, now awake. "It looks like we have, yeah. We've finally landed." The mare fell quiet to watch Gleam gather up his own part of the supplies. Yuna tried to offer him a smile. "You'll probably be glad to finally be off this ship, huh?" She moved over to give him a little nudge with her nose before she made her way over to their cabin door, pausing to open it again and wait.
Gleaming Echo quickly nodded to that and turned to give the alicorn an affectionate nuzzle. "Yes! If I have to get onto another one of these things again it is too soon!" he'd grump with a scuff of his hoof. He quickly moved to join Yuna at the cabin door and step out with her. Soon enough they were out of the ship and he was standing just down the ramp. Oh my... "And.. I have no idea where we need to go from here." he'd say as he looked around. The architecture here was different than he was used to! How fascinating! But still; where the buck were they to go now?!
Yunalesca smiled when she'd been nuzzled and chuckled at his answer. She said nothing as they made their way outside to the ramp, of which she moved down to the dock. Most of the other ponies on board had already gone, from what she could see. His question made her stop. "Oh.. uh.. Maybe we can.. ask around? We know his name.. er," Yuna frowned as a realization hit her, "well, we'll have to find somepony who can even speak Equestrian. They probably speak a different language in Saddle Arabia." Her tail flicked as she looked around at the sandy buildings and the different shapes to their columns, their windows.. "W-We can try anyway?"
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh. "Well... perhaps we can check around the market. Sometimes merchants are able to speak multiple languages. If only to be able to rip off tourists...." he'd suggest with a bit of a shrug. That was as good a place to start as any, yes? The unicorn let out a bit of a sigh and off he went! He'd lead the way if only because they'd likely get out of his way. He likely looked rather odd wearing those robes of his but he didn't really care. That is what a cooling spell was for. Should Yuna start to look too hot (temperature wise that is, otherwise ~ no spell would help ehehehe) he'd also do the same for her. Now then, where was the market?!
Yunalesca perked her ears, looking intrigued with the idea. The merchants sounded shady, but they could at least be of help to them. "Sounds like a plan." She agreed and followed after the robed stallion, making a bit of a face. It was easy to tell the difference in temperature here, where Ponyville had been bordering in a pleasant middle for springtime, Saddle Arabia was unrelenting heat. It was, Yuna noted, a dry heat; had it been humid she didn't think she'd be able to handle it for long. Yuna made a face, keeping close to Gleam on their way, and noticed the earthier colors of the locals they passed; she felt she stuck out like a sore thumb with her lilac coat and stripes in comparison. Still, the differences were.. interesting in a way, along with everything else.
Gleaming Echo flicked an ear and gazed at several ponies who were were gazing at Lady Yuna. The few that were glaring were sent smoldering glares in return! Thus they would soon come across a mass of tents that seemed to be a market. "I guess... now we look around until somepony tries to swindle us!" That was said with an overly cheerful expression! Of course he and Yuna would be impervious to the wiles of the merchants! At least he hoped so..... A 'humph' was heard; voiced by Tarnished... Gleam was a gullible 'idiot' after all!
Yunalesca took up nibbling nervously at her lower lip as she continued to follow Gleam, sticking close behind, but not so closely that she ran the risk of tripping on his long tail. She saw the way some of the locals looked at them.. Thankfully, she was distracted by the open area with its gathering of tents. "Don't forget, we're here to ask around for where Lightning might live. Not to buy anything." Yuna didn't really trust anypony here, considering they were in a foreign country, and one that Lightning described as hateful of Equestrians. She trotted up to his side, peering around for any place that might look okay to ask around. One of her ears twitched back towards Gleam at the noise, familiar to a certain dormant somepony.
Gleaming Echo looked around the market and soon enough they were beset by a Rug sales-pony that started to assail them in broken Equestrian. By all rights the rugs looked nice, but... well... three-thousand bits? Nnnope! They could pay the rent on a house for that much! Then the salespony said he didn't know where this pony lived but told Gleam to ask the armor pony across the way. That was where things got a little silly! The armorer claimed to have an 'armor of invincibility!'. Uh-oh... Gleam was obviously interested in that!
Yunalesca was quick to recoil from the ah, overenthusiastic rug salespony, making a face at being surprised so. They were indeed too much, and they needed their money on more important things than rugs. The disguised alicorn followed Gleam over towards the armorer, her ears flattening back when that was brought up again. She could see the look on Gleam's face, too, and made to elbow him in the side, not too hard.. unless she needed to. "No. Don't forget what you said, about the," Yuna paused to mouth the word swindling at him, "thing." She coughed, as if clearing her throat, and made to ask the armorer before things.. got sillier. "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know anypony named Distant Lightning would you.. ?"
Gleaming Echo let out a wince and a whine as Yuna elbowed him and reminded him of that one key word. Tarnished was both relieved and disappointed that Yuna warned him! After all... would have been hilarious! Alas whenever the alicorn spoke up he turned an even more harsh look on her for distracting him! 'I don't know this Distant Lightning, you ~' that was cut off by a glaring gleam with Tarnished eyes! The pony screeched something intelligible and dove under a table. "Well.. so far this has been a bust..." he grumped and turned to wander onward while stewing. That pony was fixing to insult Yuna, he knew it! Tarnished SO wanted to burn him for his insolence! Now what were they to do?!
Yunalesca largely ignored Gleam's whine, though she felt bad for it, but she couldn't just let things get off track on that damnable armor business! When the merchant spoke, she also sensed the insult that was coming and squared her shoulders, but it seemed Tarnished sent him running to hide. Well, good. She shot the cowering pony a glare and strode off with Gleam, grunting her agreement. "I suppose we'll just have to keep asking around until somepony tells us something." Yuna sighed, shouldering her bag a little. The heat was starting to bother her but she tried to push past it; the sooner they could find Lightning, the better.
Silent Dusk awoke with a scream and writhed, foam dripping from crusted lips as her eyes spread wide open and wings faltered, now awake the pain and abuse of muscles and bruises hit her at full force.
Distant Lightning's family was well known, but Distant wasn't known by 'Distant Lightning'. His given name was Distant Lightning Storm where he was simply known as young master Storm. As it seemed the locals could know little about the informal name of a member of nobility, but ears that were on the street did and began to wonder why a bunch of foreigners were asking for a noble by name as such. The Sultan's guards were everywhere, so as the duo shopped they were approached by three Earth Pony, guarded in traditional Saddle Arabia warrior's regalia, which consisted of wrapped cloths and chainmail, which was light and breathable in the desert sun. 'Just who do you foreigners think you are running about like this in the market?' The captain asked, the trio visibly armed with curved swords. Well -- that was sort of cute that Distant granted the trio his informal title when he could have very well --
Distant Lightning was laying beside Dusk when she suddenly roused. He'd chirp, flap and roll off the mats, a few pillows tumbling after him. Luckily-- he was already on the ground so hadn't a fall to worry about. Pushing to stand he hurried to untangle himself and trot in front of Dusk. "Dusk?" He dropped to his knees, the servants now in a tizzy that the young master was up. They tried to comb out his tail, braid him up, but he would flap his wings and push away the fussy maid-servants. 'Please master let us wash her. She cannot feel good.' 'Warm water does wings well young master.' He whinnied and pushed up close to Dusk protectively before trying to lay his head down on her. In the market, the guard would 'insist' the duo come with them, from the poorer part of town and explain to them, what exactly were they doing searching for such an individual, clearly above them in every way. They looked far too dirty and traveled. One even looked like a gypsy. 'What do gypsies want with nobility?'
Gleaming Echo stared at the guards and rolled his eyes, deciding to throw the guards for a loop. "Dissy met us while on his travels, and we decided to come for a visit!" the sudden cheerful demeanor would probably throw off the guards just a little. "He more than likely knows we were coming. We sent him word what... two-three days ago?" If telling him in a dream counted! 'Always act forward with information where guards are concerned... until you stab them in the back!...' came the thought from tarnished!
Yunalesca's attention was immediately snagged by the three earth ponies that approached them, what weapons they had noted, but she didn't shrink from Gleam's side. She didn't like the way they were eyeing them both, either, but she returned their gaze with a hard calm she didn't really feel. "We're friends of his." Yuna chimed in, an ear twitching at that word, gypsies. Perhaps she really ought to find something better to wear than shawls and bangles, but it was somewhat intended- when she was in Equestria anyway. As a fortune teller. "You wouldn't mind taking us to him?"
Silent Dusk shivered terribly and turned her head as she heard her name being called. "L-Lightning.. pain.. c-cold..."
Distant Lightning's servants would eventually encourage the stallion to move Dusk to go put her in warm water and wash her up. Many of his servants were Unicorn, for obvious reasons. Earth pony were sparse in the house. Dusk would be moved, at least attempted to move her to lay her in a warm bath to help her aching body and warm her up. All the while the guards laughed at poor Gleamished and Yuna. Well -- they could see the degenerate making friends with -- more degenerates. They were lead to the Storm Estate. Lightning's estate was a bit extravagant. And empty. It was no wonder the pegasus spent much of his time in the library. Even with his extended family living there, upon entering it it was like a tomb. A single unicorn stood with their head bowed, a butler by the simple garbs worn.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he was led into the estate. No wonder Distant acted the way he did when they met! This place was... just... too much! His family actually had a lot of bits at one time but they never made an extravagant place such as this. However the somber mood was... worrying. When he caught sight of the single unicorn with his head bowed he frowned. "Did something happen here?" Alas how could he not think something did? The environment was painfully tomb-like! He glanced to Yuna and wondered if something happened to Distant. If it did.... there was a savage spike of anger that flowed through the unicorn.
Yunalesca scowled at the laughter, but she held her tongue when the three lead them to the manor. She felt like she was baking in the sun, uncomfortable all the way, but stepping into the cool shade that was the inside of the manor was an utter relief. Her body still felt too warm and she wanted a cool bath, but she probably wouldn't get one anytime soon. The unnamed unicorn standing nearby was given a curious look and her gaze moved on, studying the inside of the manor, spacious and finely decorated. Her brow furrowed. "I.. don't know.. Is Lightning even home?" Yuna queried, peering back over at the other unicorn curiously.
Silent Dusk let out another screech as she was picked up and moved, the sound echoing through the manor and likely reaching it's new visitors before the warm water of the bath started soothing her and some pain ebbed away.
Distant Lightning climbed into the water with Dusk, his vest be damned. The pegasus had settled into a soft, cotton vest comfortable in his chambers, but he had not hesitated to climb down into the water to help Dusk. The maid-servants tried to help, but Light was being stubborn, biting at them. They would eventually be allowed to rub Dusk down, their magic pushing, pulling, trying to massage and loost as they scrubbed with sponges. The Unicorn below made no motion at the screeching to reach the first floor. 'The young master is with company. You may wait in the living quarters if you wish.' He looked to the guards, sending them off, Sand words whispered of hte foreigners and their odd ways, their accent also hilarious. The unicorn closed the door. '...another of the young master's entourage from over the lands? Please do not spread about you are companions with him. He has enough trouble as it is.' They did -- care for the young master being he was him, but it was still disgraceful that he was a defect and unlikely to be able to raise another heir. The screeches,from Dusk, came from the upper most floor, third to be exact. He lived as far form the ground and the rest of the main house as possible.
Gleaming Echo let out a hiss as he heard the screech echoing through the manor. He knew that voice. His eyes started to glow evilly as Tarnished's anger spiked to dangerous levels. "I shan't wait. I want to know why Dusky is in pain." Tarnished's voice bled through into his causing his voice to gain that gravelly and sinister sounding tone in points. With that he'd step past the butler and head for the stairs. He assumed Yuna would follow of course; however if somepony laid a hoof on her they'd be in a world of pain! Something had happened; and he was late to the party. If Dusky was hurt and he could manage it, heads would roll! Tarnished was the one primarily in control at this point since he'd shunted the 'weak' half to spectator position.
Yunalesca's attention was jerked away from the unnamed unicorn for a brief moment when she heard that screech. It sounded like.. "Dusk!" The mare gasped, her ears perked as questions swept up: why was Dusk here? Hadn't she gone to join the guard.. ? She quelled the rest as she focused on the unicorn in waiting at the door, her face darkening a little. Wait? Her ears twitched at the unfamiliar language between him and the guard, who left to Yuna's relief. She frowned at the rest but said nothing; the damage she'd done hadn't been intended. Yuna trotted after the now in control Tarnished, just as interested in the same why as he was.
Silent Dusk rested in the water and relaxed against the pegasus, soaking pained muscles and bruises in the warmth while the remaining cuts cleaned out by it. "M-much better."
Distant Lightning's butler sighted and closed the front doors with his magic. He turned to trot after the unicorn. 'Please, I know in your country it is well and good to trounce about into somepony's home, but this is impolite sir, madam!' Distant brushed his face against Dusk's, glaring as the maid-servants continued to clean her. They moved to also brush up the young master who too had a few injuries from the few days of his punishment. Both were rubbed down to help their aching muscles. It was not hard to follow the sound, but the halls were huge, and difficult to navigate. Luckily, on the top floor, there was but one, long hall. Huge mosaic windows letting in the sun, clear spots on the glass allowing clouds to drift by. At the end was a single chamber door, Light's.
Gleaming Echo continued only to call back. "I believe protocol can go hang itself when I hear a vic-friend with pain in her voice." the glare he leveled back at the butler was rather frigid but the unicorn was just doing his job, right? He ignored his light half's protests and continued on. He'd come across Distant's room soon enough. He followed the sound and soon enough he cam across a single chamber door. One shoe clad hoof was raised to knock at Gleam's behest. It wasn't proper to just barge in to what might be Dissy's chambers! What if Dissy and Silent were doing something! Tarnished was unsure just how they would since that cry was obviously pain and not well... Dusky.
Yunalesca had nothing to say to the butler, when Tarnished said about all there was to say. They had been invited in, and they had to go and check on their friends. Both of them. A curious gaze was cast Tarnished's way at his switch of 'friend' and 'victim.' Remarkable change. She just hoped such a gaze was never leveled her way. As much as she wanted to settle down and cool off somewhere, she followed Tarnished up the stairs to the hall, and the door, feeling antsy. To her surprise, the unicorn knocked, which she was just fine with.. Yuna readjusted the bag hanging on her side and waited, ears turned back nervously.
Silent Dusk perked her ears and muttered. "Guess more servants.. nngh.. need their master.."
Distant Lightning's servants were a bit -- confused. Who was knocking? They pulled open the door with their magic, the maidens nearly knee deep in the water as they went about attempting to aid Lightning tend to Dusk. Lightning tilted his head at Dusk. "I can sent them away... I'll wash you mysl--" He looked up, ears folding back as he became serious. "M-Miss Yuna! M-mage." He wasn't sure which it was right now, but the question of the matter: "What are you doing here? Let alone in my home!?" What was going on?! He flapped his wings and glared at the maid servants who backed up, unsettled by his behaviors since -- well, Master Storm was gored.
Gleaming Echo raised an eyebrow whenever the door opened to reveal Distant and Dusk being... bathed? The unicorn's head inclined and some of the rage that had been boiling disappeared. They weren't being actively hurt at the very least. "We told you we would be coming Distant... " he'd say with a pointedly amused voice. "So ~ We miss some sort of excitement?" He wandered over to a good place to flop himself unceremoniously down. The dark one was using this time to calm himself down. Alas that was just a little difficult at times due to the fact his emotions went so rampant so often! "I would ask what Silent is doing here, but I'm more concerned than curious. Is she okay?" right to the point he went!
Yunalesca didn't know what to expect when the door was opened by magic, but Dusk and Lightning were in a large bath together. Lightning.. She couldn't determine the tone in his voice, but something had.. changed. She wasn't so nonchalant as Tarnished seem to be, scuffing a hoof and pinning her ears back against her dark mane. "Hey." The alicorn managed as she followed Tarnished inside, unhooking the strap to her bag; she really wanted to take her shawl off too, but she couldn't with all the other ponies around. Yuna set it aside and lay down by Tarnished, leaning her head against the side of his neck, gazing over at the other two. "How did you even get here Dusk?"
Silent Dusk sighed leaning back. "Flew here.. at night... fought and killed his grandfather..." she muttered as her eyes lidded and her body went slack against Lightning.
Distant Lightning folded his ears back and glared down at the mage. "Dismissed. Go make yourselves useful and clean the manor. We've guests and you've nothing to show for it?" He ordered. 'But young Storm...' "I really feel, sometimes, that i talk to myself. Perhaps I should request new help?" He spoke only for them to tarry away as quick as quick could. The pegasus let out a sigh and sunk down to the water letting Dusk just to fall against him, making sure she kept her head above the water. He, though, face banged the water and bubbled a bit before sitting up, his bangs slicked to the side. "I didn't think you serious." He lowered his head a bit, glancing up at the pair. "I.. Dusk got here.." He really could not explain it. "Things are a bit hectic as of current."
Gleaming Echo made a sound akin to a derisive laugh but with none of the malcontent truly behind it. "I meant it when I said the only ponies able to hurt my fffriends would be myself; IF I chose to. ~ Which I don't mind you; Hurting one's own minions is both stupid and needless." he turned his head away with a huff. He still had difficulty with this 'friend' thing at times.... It was only when his emotions were high that he didn't find himself inhibited by the 'villain' card that he was so affectionately keeping even if he was trying not to be so.... villain-y? Villains didn't have friends, no?
Yunalesca's mouth dropped open a little at the sleepy thestral's response. Flew here? A question she couldn't ask aloud with the way the other mare was drooping against Lightning. The alicorn figured she must be tired and... injured if fighting was involved. Her focus came back to Lightning while he was in the midst of shooing off all the maids. "We were very serious. You were being hurt." Yuna echoed with a frown and sighed through her nose. "We.. er, I don't want to cause any trouble for you, but we.. kind of had to come to help."
Distant Lightning ruffled a bit and moved to unsettle his wings from his sides, moving to rest them over Dusk. "...I can't lift her." He would not say, but his wings were -- veritably useless for now. "I am not being hurt." At least not anymore. "All was well and as it always has been." He did not consider it before to had been bad. "Can...can we get her to my bed first?" Dry, preferably. he did not seem as bold in front of them, the maids gone to clean up all the mess and prepare for the guests in question, though they were questionable.
Gleaming Echo twitched whenever Distant told what was almost almost certainly a lie ~ From one point of view of course. Dissy actually thought it was normal! Gleam grimaced in the back of their mind and Tarnished hissed as his eyes glowed savagely. "Don't even try to feed me that. We already know that something was off. That is the whole reason we decided to come down here to get you and help move your sister's remains, as loathe as I am to help her." he'd say as the levels of anger spiked to the point that if something barged into the room it would likely be mince meat! "Plus I know something happened; Somepony hurt Dusk." The expression darkened further as he obliged to help the pegasus lift the thestral via magic and would levitate her where directed. If he were a dragon he'd be just about spitting fire by now. It was a marvel to his attempt at self control that he wasn't doing so.
Yunalesca thought it a good idea to lean away from Tarnished the moment she felt his body stiffen with rage. In fact, she got up to help by fetching some towels, ears pinned back by the fury in Tarnished's voice. She would stand aside to help dry off Dusk while the unicorn was lifting her, if she could, and tried to put in her own two cents. "There's so little you tell us, Lightning. It's hard to know what's going on.. but from what I can gather, things have not been.. kind. We're here to help. Please tell us what happened." Yuna tried for the nicer approach, but, suffice to say, the nightmare would be front and center.
Distant Lightning furrowed his brow at Tarnish's response. Now he knew who was awake... How dare he! This was normal! All of it was -- perfectly fine ... until they said it wasn't. His ears folded back as he was scolded, pushed back from his comfortable state of thinking 'it was okay'. At least there was a reason. Now what was it all for? His wings ruffled as he tried to speak against Tar's accusation of somepony hurting Dusk. He sunk against his own feathers and fur. "Twas I." He admitted. "Twas fault of mine for not sending her back sooner." They just didn't understand the culture. He looked as they turned to take Dusk away, the stallion having been quite unwilling to let her in any other's care without a fight. But once they took her away he was helpless in just following alongside. No magic, he was useless. Not even all that strong and capable. His wings pathetically tucked at his sides as he looked towards Yuna when she spoke.
Distant Lightning sunk a bit. Perhaps they would better understand his culture if they knew more. "I...can explain." he murmured. "You will understand when I do, tis all quite normal." But why did they make him feel as if it was not? "An eye for an eye. I have done to deserve my discipline, but Dusk did not agree and challenged granpappy, though I told her t..t" He did not tell her there was no need. "I told her to go away." He whispered as he moved to follow and keep close to Dusk. He looked to Yuna, face twisted in disappointment. "You said you'd keep, try to at least, keep her from coming. How did she get here before you two even?" How was any of this...?
Gleaming Echo fell into a scowl and stiffened once again as he heard that be said. "That is just so... and I can't believe I'M saying it... bloody uncivilized! The eye-for-an-eye practice is counter-productive in a . If everypony took an eye for an eye then everypony is blind." he'd say with a somewhat dark tone of voice. But then his demeanor turned a full 360 and he smiled a sinister grin. "Perhaps... by that very way of thinking... I could burn this city to the ground for hurting my friends." he'd say with glee... Mass destruction would make him feel SO much better!
Yunalesca heard Lightning talk, but she focused on drying Dusk's coat, mane and tail before she could be set down. She could see some small cuts, but with the bath and unbeknownst to her, healing, she looked.. okay. Just battered. "It's not normal. Anywhere." She stated firmly, turning back towards the large stallion, briefly glancing towards Tarnished when he growled and talked. Her eyebrows went up. "Perhaps.. but you shouldn't. It would cause a lot of problems. Regardless, we couldn't have stopped Dusk even if we wanted to. Remember when we thought she was joining the guard and flew off before you left Ponyville? We didn't think she would do this, or else we would have been able to stop her." Yuna frowned, squinting a little. ".. Which was rather clever of her, if you think about it. Not that she knew we would try to keep her in Ponyville as far as we knew, but.. Sneaky."
Distant Lightning pushed to stand upon his bedding, pushing away covers and moving pillows so Dusk had a comfortable spot to be lain on. "I...do not think it is uncivilized..." He noted. "Just a bit old, but it is kept in check." Though that did not stop heads of households from being murdered, even if it was an outsider. "It is rather troubling that Dusk did this. Th-they will ask soon, ask if it was me. I am heir to the estate as eldest male. I had the responsibility of being everything a Storm needed to be." But he was not even sure what he was now. He say and looked to Tarnished. "Please do not destroy my home, tis the only one i know." He really wasn't keen on talking to them about it. If it was not normal... "I..." He began. Distant Lightning scoffing his hoof a bit he mumbled. "I had hoped to simply hand in my thesis and be done. I wrote it beautifully. About Thestrals and about the stories of nightmares and the Moon Nightmare you had told me about. I had enough written that I could be allowed to return to Equestria posthaste, but..." But?
Gleaming Echo quirked his head to the side. "If they ask questions, let them. If they threaten you, then they are mine. I don't give a damn about political situations or international relations. If they hurt one of mine, then I will burn them alive..." the dark undertone was quite obvious at that point. The dark one that was in control looked to Distant and let out a frustrated sigh. "I have no doubt that your thesis was perfect...." he'd start only to hear that 'but'.... "But... what? Did they deem Equestria 'uninteresting'?" he asked with narrowed eyes and a somewhat mocking tone. Just one wrong word....
Yunalesca grunted quietly and watched Lightning shuffling things around on his bed. "Is there a body? Maybe there's a chance you can lie and say he had a heart attack if he was old.. ?" The alicorn offered up, but it probably wouldn't work anyway if there was a fight. A fight meant wounds that couldn't be explained away. She kept her silence, listening to the pair talk back and forth. Tarnished.. Yuna wasn't sure if he'd calmed down at all- perhaps not. Yuna stood, making her way over to the nightmare to place herself in front of him, legs folding beneath her as she lay herself down and patted the ground invitingly. "Let it go, nopony else is going to get hurt so long as you're around. You're terrifying enough just glaring at them." She murmured quietly and turned back to Lightning; she was as interested in the 'but' too.
Distant Lightning snorted at Tarnished and moved to tug Dusk down to a comfortable spot among the pillows. He circled before stopping, flinching at Tarnished's words. He walked back off his bedding when he felt Dusk was comfortable, only to stand in front of them, tail flicking nervously, hoof scoffing a bit as he lowered his head to attempt and nudge them from the floor. Civility... hardly. "...but they felt my talk if Thestrals was... untrue and full of unfounded rumor and mixture of out native stories corrupted by your Equestrian tales." He parted his jaws to demand the two up, but his nerve withered away and he could not by try and nudge them along with his muzzle. He was sure Dusk would be furious if she woke to find he left their friends to sleep upon the ground. "They...took my research and stored it away. F-falling Night said she would return it... b-but I was rude to her and was rather demanding. ..." Maybe he should apologize? "She has dealt with me long enough..."
Gleaming Echo lowered his head and closed his eyes. "If there is a body perhaps... perhaps Gleam could fix it up. He might be able to heal the corpse and make it look like he died of heart failure or something of the likes." the dark half took the invitation and settled down with the alicorn, resting his head upon her neck and closing his eyes. He inhaled deeply and tried to let the anger wash off of him. It was... difficult. He was slowly getting a reign in on himself but that was more thanks to Yuna than his own willpower. One glowing eye of the cultist opened to see the nervously standing Distant when he nudged them both. "Unfounded tales my... No, no..." he'd shudder and let his irritation wash off via alicorn cuddles. His eye focused on Distant again and he inclined his head. "What are...?" Hearing about the pony made his expression darken again... Thinking about anypony outside of their little group irritated him right now.
Yunalesca glanced over at where Dusk lay asleep on the bed, if it could be called one, with its heap of pillows. ".. Well.. You have proof they exist now. Not that I'm suggesting anything." She suggested but dropped the subject, frowning faintly. It sounded like Lightning was having a difficult time of it. His nudging was given a questioning look before she turned her head about to Tarnished. "It.. might work." Yuna murmured, making to nibble or kiss on whatever part of the nightmare's face she could reach; he seemed.. tense, still. She didn't know what else to say, really, at least anything useful.
Silent Dusk shuddered in her sleep and fidgeted as she clasped her chest with a forehoof and moaned in her subconcious state, the memories of the stab giving her nightmares.
Distant Lightning moved to brush his head against Tarnished's before leaning over to rub his skull, as well, against Yuna's. He paused a moment, leaving his head against the mare's letting out a sigh. "I will tell you all you want, but it would be inhospitable of me to leave you to rest on my floors..." Twas what the bedding was for! Raising his forehoof he would peel off the cotton vest so he could lay without the wet fabric. He moved to climb up upon his bedding and lowered himself beside Dusk. He made sure that all parts of his form possible could touch against her before tucking his forelegs, hind limbs splayed out. His ears folded back. He avoided responding about Thunder. He wanted it all to be a dream really. Looking down the stallion lowered his head, laying on his side feeling more comfortable with Gleam and Yuna around. Dusk would be safe with them. He was -- useless.
Distant Lightning was quite for several moments before he looked to the side. "Dusk accosted granpap." He was unsure why she was sent into a rage. Possessiveness? Just her nature? He was at a loss. For much of his life it was all how it would be. The whole blinding concept Tarnished spoke of, of which he had mentioned before is a difficult concept to understand. "Granpap -- is dead." He seemed distressed by this, but frankly he was at a loss for all of it. "It means, now, the duties of the estate fall on me. They will come asking...asking was it I that-- to my grandpap..." Though it was different. He would not be accused of murder, but instead attempting to usurp his title more quickly. "How would I explain that granpap deserved to be slain...?" It would give him more than just headaches. The servants were looking at Dusk funny, though they'd not speak up against it. They knew their place, but not everypony had such loyalties to their families. They too wanted power.
Distant Lightning looked over to Dusk before laying his head on hers to try and sooth her. He felt useless. "In Saddle Arabia, you have a family. You are born to that family and raised by them -- you are given their power, their lack of power, their name. There is no escaping the class you were born into. Even if you lose all your bits, you still have your family's honor. They will more than naught give a horse with a good family, bits to rebuild, where a horse with a bad family shan't be trusted to hold a hammer." He noted. "But in such large families fight for power. Honor is important, more so than life here. You dishonor your family, or tribe: you may as well be dead." Which was his case. "But there are many ways to regain your honor. Duels to the death, going to court, or marry into a better family... of such is reserved to mares." His society was different, but it had been no less or greater than Equestria. They both had their weaknesses and strengths.
Gleaming Echo seemed to relax a little as his line was said and he gave the pegasus a return nudge, however before he got up he'd wind up giving the stallion a sheepish grin as he remembered something. "I'm not sure you'd want us on the bed, dear peacock.... We've the dirt of travel upon us." he'd say as he slid back to a laying position upon the floor. The dark half of the unicorn let out a long sigh only to perk his ears as he heard that Dusky had 'accosted granpap'... And killed him? He looked to the bat with a cheshire grin as the dark one felt well... quite proud of the little bat! And rather envious... She got to kill something! It took all he had not to start sulking...."If push comes to shove, I can blow a few buildings up and bring you back to Equestria with us." he was quite cheerful with that prospect!
Yunalesca briefly glanced over at Dusk, who had been mostly still and silent up until now. Dreaming. Her dark eyes settled back upon Lightning as he came over to them, caught off guard a moment as he rubbed his head against both of them. When she regathered herself, she leaned her head up against his almost hesitantly. Straightening back up when he moved away, she watched him until he started talking. "I'd say 'I'm sorry' but I'm not entirely sure why Dusk attacked your grandfather. Is.. Is she still injured at all?" Yuna thought to ask while she listened to the rest, considering the different culture. She grunted. "Speaking of dirt, I was hoping to get a nice, cool bath sometime soon." Yuna expressed, one ear twitching back towards Tarnished; he seemed quite eager to cause destruction. Part of her was mildly amused by it.
Silent Dusk was still injured yes as Falling Night had mainly stitched up her chest without tending to the minor injuries, but she stirred again as ears twitched and cracked an eye open.
Distant Lightning gave Tarnished a wholly unamused look. "While you are correct in that I would be rather remiss your filthy hid not rest on my bedding til a good beating -- asfdfs." Did he spew nonsense words or Sand speech? Ever difficult to tell. He turned his gaze away, feeling rather burdened by the mage's overwhelming desires to express his feelings in the way of destruction. Can you not just peacefully protest like everypony else? He glanced to Yuna, ears pressing to his skull as his lip quirked up in annoyance. At least it looked like that with how he was forced to hold his monocle. "I...am not a healer I do not know if she is better or not. I used what resources i had." They were probably not enough. Nothing he did seemed -- ever enough. He sighed and laid his head down by Dusk, ears pricking up when a bath was, again mentioned. "Than...why just not use my washing room?" He sounded tired. But he felt exhausted after everything. Distant Lightning looked to Dusk and canted his head when she moved. "Dusk?" Why wouldn't she wake up? They spoke of her as if she was not here yet here she lay battered and bruised. "I'm sorry..." He whispered, nosing her, trying anything he could think of to encourage her to rouse.
Gleaming Echo made a sound in the back of his throat. "Til a good... beating?" an eyebrow raised clear up to blatantly skeptical. A.. beating, huh... Alas the light half of the pony finally realized something! One word in their head and he was shunted into control. He quickly scrambled to get onto his hooves and nearly teetered at the sudden return to control. "Oooooh! ~ I can help! I know my healing spells!" How could they (Tar/Gleam) nearly forget Gleam was the healer between the two? His horn lit up with soft gold magic and thus the unicorn would attempt to see what he could do to help little Dusky!
Yunalesca peered at Lightning with some concern over the same; the arabian wasn't implying what she thought he was implying.. was he? "Well.." The alicorn began, but the unicorn was already on his hooves, exclaiming about the same thing. She inched back to give him room, her eyes going towards Dusk; she could see the sliver of gold beneath one slightly open eyelid. Yuna would have been as glad to help, but she couldn't be jumping to it when she was still.. inexperienced. She would sit back and let Gleam help her, while her gaze flicked over to Lightning. "As long as you don't mind me using it, or anything.. I don't want to be a bother."
Silent Dusk regarded the three with lidded eyes and sighed, some crimson welling up at her neck again as the area was stimulated by her trying to turn her head and her eyes closed again.
Distant Lightning seemed annoyed with Gleam, the bungling mage forgot his own abilities? Ugh... Lightning felt a headache creeping up from the back of his head. He pushed to sit up. "Miss Yuna, please -- do not worry. You should probably do so while the servants are prepping downstairs for what is likely to be a banquet -- given sending them to clean and the idea of company... tis bound to happen." He raised a wing, painful as it was, to move it over Dusk's barrel. "Dusk... please keep still." He was not sure how conscious she was, if at all. He moved his head down to lick at her cheek, just trying his best to entice her not to move. If Yuna didn't hurry and wash up -- the maids would get her~ Down below they were indeed preparing for the 'young master had company', something he never did. It was really unprecedented. Perhaps he really was taking over the estate. With Master Storm dead that left young Lili in charge!
Distant Lightning's parents still seemed to avoid the situation. They made way down to the living area when Lightning's ruffi-- unscrupulous companions headed to his chambers for Sands-knew-what. Whatever Equestrians did behind doors. Talk ill of their leaders. Maybe even plan uprisings! Oh the horror! Whenever the servants asked what to do they simply responded: 'Whatever Lili wants.' But -- no one knew what he wanted. He was not the sort to ever speak up or ask for anything that he was not given... How does one prepare for one who wants nothing? It was as if the young master had no personality of his own...
Gleaming Echo let out a hiss in Tarnished's own voice as his magic 'scanned' Dusky's body for un-tended to damage. How did... It was lucky the light half was the one in charge at the moment because the dark half was fuming again! Whomever patched Dusky up left ruptured veins in her neck! How did... Gah! The dark half vanished into the back of their consciousness to go destroy something. Gleam was left to cast his magic upon Dusky and aim to primarily fix those veins! As of this moment all his attention was upon his magic and the thestral. Any left over magic would be directed towards making sure the chest wound was healing along and to ease the bruises.
Yunalesca made a quiet noise, glancing back towards the still open washroom. Lightning had a point, she should deal with it now; though she was entirely unfamiliar with such a lavish house with servants, especially ones that came around to wait on a pony. She didn't want to leave while Dusk was being healed, where she might potentially wake, she wanted to be there for her! Still.. Yuna nodded, watching Dusk's face for a brief moment, cringing when she glimpsed blood. "Okay." Yuna murmured quietly to not disrupt Gleam's concentration, ears twitching from the hiss he made. Unhooking the shawl at her throat, she floated it with her sparse jewelry towards her bag before she finally withdrew. Using her magic, she drew fresh water into the large bath and sank gratefully into it.
Silent Dusk shuddered and snapped awake again, rolling to her side as she mumbled something to Lightning, a slight blush on her features as her raspy voice slipped past cracked lips. "Need.. to pee."
Distant Lightning watched as Yuna disrobed her important items and went into the washing room. He returned his focus to Gleam who continued to tend to her. He was unaware of how bad a job Falling Night did, only that she had done -- something. his brows raised, monocle finally falling from his eye as he looked upon the stirring figure of Dusk. His heart began to thump as he became stock still with anticipation. He shifted his weight when she rolled over, a soft expression pressing his resting bitch face. He leaned close, Dusk looking so hurt -- vulnerable. 'I need to pee.' Annnnd the moment was gone. just like that. Lightning leaned away and crossed his forehooves. His storm-grey eyes looked away. "Honestly I do not know what it was I expected." He felt a little stupid. "The wash room is over there Dusk." Ugh he was a little annoyed. His face sunk between his crossed hooves. "Do you need help?" He asked but he really hoped it was 'No, I'm a big bat.' He felt disappointed.
Gleaming Echo cut the magic from the spell now that the thestral was waking. She seemed to be okay now? At least he hoped so. An eye was turned to the wash room that Yuna had disappeared into and he, for a moment, pondered following her in there. Alas the unicorn found his train of thought coming to an abrupt end as the very first words out of Dusky's mouth were 'I need to pee'... That even brought Tarnished to a halt in the back of their mind! A snort escaped Gleam as one shoe-clad hoof was brought up to cover the twitching smile that was stealing out over his face. Tarnished was not as subtle though... He was snickering in foalish amusement in the back of the unicorn's mind.
Yunalesca ducked her head beneath the water just to wet her mane, and face; getting the latter clean of any dirt. When she resurfaced, she used her magic to smooth out her wet mane, disentangling any of it, one ear cocked towards the door. Yuna could hear the soft murmur of her companions voices, but she missed that Dusk was now awake, the bat's murmured first words too quiet for her to pick up on them. It was a shame, the alicorn would have found it as funny. Yuna busied herself with scrubbing her coat clean and smoothing out her tail the way she'd done her mane. She did pick up on the snort, her head cocking back towards the washroom's doorway, ears perked.
Silent Dusk staggered onto her hooves and swayed towards the washroom, besides her bladder something else was bothering her, looking around to find the facilities.
Distant Lightning pricked his ears froward as she stumbled around. He sighed out deeply and pushed up, sulking off his bedding. "You might as well go wash up..." He said to Gleam in passing. "I feel as if .... " He sighed, shaking the thought off. He moved up beside Dusk, his wings tucked, still too painful to really move them around as he usually does. Using his head he would move to lead the mare toward the washing room. It was not that far, goodness. A single door in his room! After all he had no closet, that's what wardrobes were for! But his was no armoire of invincibility, that was assured. He would try to lead Dusk to the washing room, where the chamberpot sat behind a silk curtain, more pillows about because everything Saddle Arabian nobles did was in comfort, apparently.
Gleaming Echo was finding it far more difficult to hide the chuckles as Dusk wandered towards the Wash Room.... Silly thestral. He looked to Distant and offered the pegasus a concerned look himself. "As if what?" he'd ask with a curious tone.... As the pegasus moved he suddenly had another thought. Another wave of healing magic was directed towards Dissy ~ Since he did remember that he had been 'punished' and such! The cultist slid from the cloak and gently folded it. With that done he followed everypony else's lead to the washroom with the intent on joining Yuna to wash the travel dirt off of himself!
Yunalesca lingered in the bath, idly smoothing out the feathers of her wings, and heard approaching hooves. Voices. They came in view of the doorway and she spied Dusk on her hooves. "Dusk!" The alicorn chirped, pleased to see the thestral awake and looking.. better. It soon occurred to her that they were coming into the washroom, though, and she sank down a little into the water, lifting a wing as though to shield her face. "So is everything okay now?" Yuna queried curiously, shyly peeking over her wing as she spotted Gleam following the pair in. She would move over to the edge to give him room, if he was joining her.
Silent Dusk blinked at the luxurious chamberpot and decided there was another thing she needed doing first, staggering over to Yuna she kissed the mare fondly, then made her way to Gleam giving him the same treatment, before facing Lightning and kissed him deeply, priorities taken care of she would then move behind the silken curtain.
Distant Lightning tilted his head at Yuna, the way she moved her wing -- no, no. She was unused to using them so did not know what she did. He arched his back a bit when he felt magic used on him. Wholly expecting it to be offensive spells he spread his wings in preparation -- but.... there was no pain. His ears pricked up as he flexed the joints. The bruising was gone and the spots where it scarred, to disallow the regrowth of his flight feathers healed, though it would take a bit longer for the feathers to grow back. Distracted by his regained flexibility and range of motion in his secondary appendages, he did not notice Dusk zeroing in on him. Surprise: he scuttled back only to fall on his rump. He pushed forward to hold into the kiss if he could but -- ah, she was gone too soon, He slipped forward and landed on his shoulder with his tailfeathers in the air. The peacock sat himself up and stared in the direction of the curtain, like a dog waiting for his master to come home. " ..?!"
Gleaming Echo looked towards Yuna whom was already in the water.... and... had her wing up and was peeking over it. 'Idiot... Hug the adorableness. ~ Now! Or I will never let you sleep again!' The 'cultist' would all but happily hop to the 'shy' alicorn and slip into the bath with her at the dark half's not-so 'gentle' spurring in his head! He needed to get all washed off too, though, so alas he had an excuse to get in! However he had no sooner pounced and hugged the alicorn that the thestral was delivering those kisses. First one to Yuna and then one to Gleam himself! The one to Gleam... Well, much like Tarnished had he froze up... And was blinking owlishly. He was too distracted to chuckle at Distant too. Drat, the pose was gold! Then again Tarnished was able to see it through Gleam's eyes and was snickering to himself at the reactions of the idiot and the peacock.
Yunalesca's eyes flicked between the trio all inside the washroom now, and her wing dropped when Gleam came gladly into the bath with her. The alicorn sank into the hug, pleased, though she straightened up a little when Dusk came her way, blinking with confusion up until the thestral knelt to kiss her. She wasn't as caught by surprise as the first time, but she still found it quite startling to be kissed by somepony that wasn't the duality-stricken unicorn himself! Yuna was flustered and watched as the bat went on her way with kisses for everypony else. It was.. going to take some getting used to, she supposed. Yuna's gaze briefly swept over Lightning's expression before she turned back to Gleam, giving him a gentle nudge. She would help him wash~.
Silent Dusk done with her business she too made her way into the bath again and rest her chin on the side of it as she waded in the water, golden eyes now a lot more coherent as she licked her muzzle a soft smirk on her lips.
Distant Lightning pricked his ears up watching them all just make use of his bath. He knows he said -- it was alright but he felt sort of left out. But he was the host! UUurg. There was a quite 'Um', from the washing room's entrance. 'Y-young master, dinner will be ready soon.' A petite Unicorn peeked in shyly, amber fur with a hazel mane. "So summon us when dinner is served...." 'Y-yes young master...' She scurried away. Where was he...? Oh! He hurriedly padded into the water and waded up to Dusk's side before sitting. The bathes were large enough for stallions like him, since horses were a bit bigger than ponies. "Ah.. w-would you three care to eat? I know your journeys must have been long...and Dusk..." He reached out a hoof to attempt and touch her to attempt and entice her to let him groom her. "I...I can give you all a proper grooming before dinner." They must look their best for evening meal!
Gleaming Echo was jolted back into awareness by Yuna's gentle nudge. The cultist turned to the alicorn and gave her a return nudge. "Gonna take getting used to." However that was said with an entirely cheerful voice. The 'good' half was overjoyed to have such 'friends' as these! And thus the cultist would also help the alicorn should she allow him to! His gaze flicked to Dusk as she emerged once again. "Feeling better? No other soreness?" the unicorn asked in concern since he wanted to make sure he got everything! He turned his attention to Distant and one of the 'servants'... Part of him wondered what would be for food; but he was mostly relieved that Tarnished wasn't in such a rage anymore...."Of course."
Yunalesca made what sounded like a soft crooning noise upon being nudged back. Upon hearing Gleam question Dusk, she looked up at the thestral who joined them in the bath; shortly followed by Lightning. Their little group, back together again and.. all together in the bath. She ran her eyes over the others with faint curiosity before they settled on the quiet servant who'd come upon them. Yuna made sure she was low enough in the bath to hide her wings, waiting until the pony had gone. "Food does sound pretty good about now. All I've had this morning was an apple or two." Yuna answered as she settled to idly wash Gleam's mane if he let her; she allowed him to do whatever, though she had done most of it already.
Silent Dusk was certainly not opposed to Lightning grooming her, thinking she had deserved some pampering after all the tough desert travel and vicious fighting she had done in the manor.
Distant Lightning sat proudly, ears pricked and head high. "We shall wash up with haste, just to clean." Since he was used to washing up and lounging for hours at a time if he so felt it. "And I shall provide you with the delicacies of my country. You will eat to your heart's content!" He nuzzled Dusk before moving to diligently groom along her back and wings and neck, all those lovely joints along the way as well. "I..." He sat himself up, turning his head away. "I am glad for your visit...and" He wasn't sure. "I was very worried for you Dusk." He was not unappreciative of her help but he did not know he needed help.... it was all very confusing. "So.. as reward proper for the hardships you may stay in my estate for the rest of your stay. You are free to do as you please." He promised.
Gleaming Echo took heart in the soft crooning noise that came from Yuna. Even if she'd washed he was happy to help her wash and well.. re-wash too! Even though he was trying to keep busy his ears slowly fell and laid back. Neither of the two had responded to the query; nor even made a motion acknowledging him even asking the question... that was somewhat ~ disheartening? No, they were distracted with each other perhaps since Dusky had been hurt. Maybe.. But then ~ Maybe it... really was Tarnished everypony preferred instead of he. Except for Lady Yuna at least, she liked him, right? He'd let the dark half have the run of things until he'd needed to perform the healing, but... Tarnished did always call him an idiot and... gullible was it? "I'm going to let Tarnished have control back." And with that he 'stepped' into the recesses of their mind and let the dark half back out. Said dark half looked torn between triumphant and... there was an unreadable expression on his muzzle.
Gleaming Echo shook his head and cleared his throat. "I cannot speak for Lady Yuna, but 'I' will probably stay long enough for dinner and then I will seek out accommodations. Gleam and I'll be out of your mane at that point." After all everything Distant had said had been rather easily interpreted as being towards Dusk alone; thus they needed to find somewhere to stay.
Yunalesca wanted to lean her head on something while she fondly dealt with Gleam's mane, gently disentangling it as she had her own, but she had nothing comfortable. The bath felt so much better after being outside.. She didn't want to pull her gaze off of him, but one ear was twitched Lightning's way as he spoke, drawing interest from her what they must eat in Saddle Arabia. How different was their cuisine compared to Equestria, and how good? Of this Yuna was curious. Gleam's change of mood pulled her full attention back to him as he retreated, leaving Tarnished. Huh. Her brow furrowed, concerned. "Nonsense, you're-.. well, Lightning, you do mean all of us can stay here, right?" Yuna thought to ask, changing gears halfway through her sentence to make sure they were included, not just Dusk.
Silent Dusk swiveled her ears and nodded. "I'm sure he meant all of us, we're a uh.. we belong together."
Distant Lightning tilted his head. "Did I say it incorrectly?" He wondered, ears folding back. Had he said it incorrectly? He thought back to his words and lowered his head some. Maybe that was it? "I...I am appreciative of your arrival as well... I... I just felt Dusk should get a bit more reward given she had been injured due to my own foolishness. I did not mean to make you feel unwelcome." His stomach twisted. He was driving them away on his own efforts. It was best they did not -- in his country. "I-it is well if you do not feel comfortable here." It was mostly empty anyway. He didn't feel well in it either. "It's okay. You needn't stay on my account. I can pay for your board, at the very least." He tucked his face behind Dusk, feeling rather small, considering now.
Gleaming Echo gave the stallion a bit of a look. "It is in poor form to assume housing whenever you didn't think we were coming in the first place, is it not?" The dark half inclined his head in the positive though. "Once the idiot stops moping I'm sure he'd be happy to stay." the dark one decided that he'd had enough of a bath and with one last nudge to Yuna he slid his way from the water. One quick spell later and he was quite dry.
Yunalesca finally shifted her gaze towards Dusk when she answered first, humming softly and nodding. She heard Lightning's voice. "The phrasing might have been a little weird, or he thought you were just talking to Dusk." The alicorn tried to clarify, faltering when Tarnished spoke up. She.. supposed she agreed with that, it was rude to assume, but Lightning was their friend. Yuna left his mane alone when he left the water, leaning into the nudge given to her. It was a pity he was getting out so soon, but she had nothing more to do there either, she was washed. So Yuna decided to pull herself out after him, using her magic to gently wring water from her dripping hair, flicking out her wings. "It'd be nice to stay here.. and I'd like you both to stay too." Yuna expressed towards the unicorn.
Silent Dusk climbed out of the water and shook her coat out, then flapped her wings to dry them some as well.
Distant Lightning pushed out of the water, flapping his wings. They would eventually dry. He'll preen them when he could. The stallion frowned and looked to them. "Surely I did not mean as such as you have made a combined effort to disregard my wishes to stay safe..." was that sass? "So I much rather house you than you be out there with -- strangers." He flicked his tail. He would lead them to the dining room which was rather large. A long table made to fit many, only for they. The servants stood at the far ends of the room ready in the case they were needed. A meal was set out for them. Dates, water greens, water chestnuts, and all manner of root vegetables. Lightning would turn to a servant and mutter something in sand speak before the unicorn maids pulled the seats out with their magic. "Please join me for dinner, I would be honored if my friends sit with me." There were a few looks between the servants. Most unused to that word leaving the young master's mouth.
Gleaming Echo was still passed out on the cot, blissfully unaware that the journey had been continuing. His times of waking was filled with Yuna time though, so all was good yes? Alas the unicorn stirred on the cot when prodded by the alicorn and felt that the ship had grown... still? Had they arrived?! He felt Tarnished stir in the back of his mind and a spike of anger flow from the half of his mind the dark half of him occupied. "I assume we have arrived?" Gleam would ask with quiet voice as his ears fell. Who knew what sort of mess Tarnished might cause! Alas the unicorn gathered up his own small group of supplies.
Yunalesca smoothed her shawl out nervously before she strapped her bag around her middle, adjusting it until it was comfortable. She turned at the sound of Gleam's voice, now awake. "It looks like we have, yeah. We've finally landed." The mare fell quiet to watch Gleam gather up his own part of the supplies. Yuna tried to offer him a smile. "You'll probably be glad to finally be off this ship, huh?" She moved over to give him a little nudge with her nose before she made her way over to their cabin door, pausing to open it again and wait.
Gleaming Echo quickly nodded to that and turned to give the alicorn an affectionate nuzzle. "Yes! If I have to get onto another one of these things again it is too soon!" he'd grump with a scuff of his hoof. He quickly moved to join Yuna at the cabin door and step out with her. Soon enough they were out of the ship and he was standing just down the ramp. Oh my... "And.. I have no idea where we need to go from here." he'd say as he looked around. The architecture here was different than he was used to! How fascinating! But still; where the buck were they to go now?!
Yunalesca smiled when she'd been nuzzled and chuckled at his answer. She said nothing as they made their way outside to the ramp, of which she moved down to the dock. Most of the other ponies on board had already gone, from what she could see. His question made her stop. "Oh.. uh.. Maybe we can.. ask around? We know his name.. er," Yuna frowned as a realization hit her, "well, we'll have to find somepony who can even speak Equestrian. They probably speak a different language in Saddle Arabia." Her tail flicked as she looked around at the sandy buildings and the different shapes to their columns, their windows.. "W-We can try anyway?"
Gleaming Echo let out a sigh. "Well... perhaps we can check around the market. Sometimes merchants are able to speak multiple languages. If only to be able to rip off tourists...." he'd suggest with a bit of a shrug. That was as good a place to start as any, yes? The unicorn let out a bit of a sigh and off he went! He'd lead the way if only because they'd likely get out of his way. He likely looked rather odd wearing those robes of his but he didn't really care. That is what a cooling spell was for. Should Yuna start to look too hot (temperature wise that is, otherwise ~ no spell would help ehehehe) he'd also do the same for her. Now then, where was the market?!
Yunalesca perked her ears, looking intrigued with the idea. The merchants sounded shady, but they could at least be of help to them. "Sounds like a plan." She agreed and followed after the robed stallion, making a bit of a face. It was easy to tell the difference in temperature here, where Ponyville had been bordering in a pleasant middle for springtime, Saddle Arabia was unrelenting heat. It was, Yuna noted, a dry heat; had it been humid she didn't think she'd be able to handle it for long. Yuna made a face, keeping close to Gleam on their way, and noticed the earthier colors of the locals they passed; she felt she stuck out like a sore thumb with her lilac coat and stripes in comparison. Still, the differences were.. interesting in a way, along with everything else.
Gleaming Echo flicked an ear and gazed at several ponies who were were gazing at Lady Yuna. The few that were glaring were sent smoldering glares in return! Thus they would soon come across a mass of tents that seemed to be a market. "I guess... now we look around until somepony tries to swindle us!" That was said with an overly cheerful expression! Of course he and Yuna would be impervious to the wiles of the merchants! At least he hoped so..... A 'humph' was heard; voiced by Tarnished... Gleam was a gullible 'idiot' after all!
Yunalesca took up nibbling nervously at her lower lip as she continued to follow Gleam, sticking close behind, but not so closely that she ran the risk of tripping on his long tail. She saw the way some of the locals looked at them.. Thankfully, she was distracted by the open area with its gathering of tents. "Don't forget, we're here to ask around for where Lightning might live. Not to buy anything." Yuna didn't really trust anypony here, considering they were in a foreign country, and one that Lightning described as hateful of Equestrians. She trotted up to his side, peering around for any place that might look okay to ask around. One of her ears twitched back towards Gleam at the noise, familiar to a certain dormant somepony.
Gleaming Echo looked around the market and soon enough they were beset by a Rug sales-pony that started to assail them in broken Equestrian. By all rights the rugs looked nice, but... well... three-thousand bits? Nnnope! They could pay the rent on a house for that much! Then the salespony said he didn't know where this pony lived but told Gleam to ask the armor pony across the way. That was where things got a little silly! The armorer claimed to have an 'armor of invincibility!'. Uh-oh... Gleam was obviously interested in that!
Yunalesca was quick to recoil from the ah, overenthusiastic rug salespony, making a face at being surprised so. They were indeed too much, and they needed their money on more important things than rugs. The disguised alicorn followed Gleam over towards the armorer, her ears flattening back when that was brought up again. She could see the look on Gleam's face, too, and made to elbow him in the side, not too hard.. unless she needed to. "No. Don't forget what you said, about the," Yuna paused to mouth the word swindling at him, "thing." She coughed, as if clearing her throat, and made to ask the armorer before things.. got sillier. "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know anypony named Distant Lightning would you.. ?"
Gleaming Echo let out a wince and a whine as Yuna elbowed him and reminded him of that one key word. Tarnished was both relieved and disappointed that Yuna warned him! After all... would have been hilarious! Alas whenever the alicorn spoke up he turned an even more harsh look on her for distracting him! 'I don't know this Distant Lightning, you ~' that was cut off by a glaring gleam with Tarnished eyes! The pony screeched something intelligible and dove under a table. "Well.. so far this has been a bust..." he grumped and turned to wander onward while stewing. That pony was fixing to insult Yuna, he knew it! Tarnished SO wanted to burn him for his insolence! Now what were they to do?!
Yunalesca largely ignored Gleam's whine, though she felt bad for it, but she couldn't just let things get off track on that damnable armor business! When the merchant spoke, she also sensed the insult that was coming and squared her shoulders, but it seemed Tarnished sent him running to hide. Well, good. She shot the cowering pony a glare and strode off with Gleam, grunting her agreement. "I suppose we'll just have to keep asking around until somepony tells us something." Yuna sighed, shouldering her bag a little. The heat was starting to bother her but she tried to push past it; the sooner they could find Lightning, the better.
Silent Dusk awoke with a scream and writhed, foam dripping from crusted lips as her eyes spread wide open and wings faltered, now awake the pain and abuse of muscles and bruises hit her at full force.
Distant Lightning's family was well known, but Distant wasn't known by 'Distant Lightning'. His given name was Distant Lightning Storm where he was simply known as young master Storm. As it seemed the locals could know little about the informal name of a member of nobility, but ears that were on the street did and began to wonder why a bunch of foreigners were asking for a noble by name as such. The Sultan's guards were everywhere, so as the duo shopped they were approached by three Earth Pony, guarded in traditional Saddle Arabia warrior's regalia, which consisted of wrapped cloths and chainmail, which was light and breathable in the desert sun. 'Just who do you foreigners think you are running about like this in the market?' The captain asked, the trio visibly armed with curved swords. Well -- that was sort of cute that Distant granted the trio his informal title when he could have very well --
Distant Lightning was laying beside Dusk when she suddenly roused. He'd chirp, flap and roll off the mats, a few pillows tumbling after him. Luckily-- he was already on the ground so hadn't a fall to worry about. Pushing to stand he hurried to untangle himself and trot in front of Dusk. "Dusk?" He dropped to his knees, the servants now in a tizzy that the young master was up. They tried to comb out his tail, braid him up, but he would flap his wings and push away the fussy maid-servants. 'Please master let us wash her. She cannot feel good.' 'Warm water does wings well young master.' He whinnied and pushed up close to Dusk protectively before trying to lay his head down on her. In the market, the guard would 'insist' the duo come with them, from the poorer part of town and explain to them, what exactly were they doing searching for such an individual, clearly above them in every way. They looked far too dirty and traveled. One even looked like a gypsy. 'What do gypsies want with nobility?'
Gleaming Echo stared at the guards and rolled his eyes, deciding to throw the guards for a loop. "Dissy met us while on his travels, and we decided to come for a visit!" the sudden cheerful demeanor would probably throw off the guards just a little. "He more than likely knows we were coming. We sent him word what... two-three days ago?" If telling him in a dream counted! 'Always act forward with information where guards are concerned... until you stab them in the back!...' came the thought from tarnished!
Yunalesca's attention was immediately snagged by the three earth ponies that approached them, what weapons they had noted, but she didn't shrink from Gleam's side. She didn't like the way they were eyeing them both, either, but she returned their gaze with a hard calm she didn't really feel. "We're friends of his." Yuna chimed in, an ear twitching at that word, gypsies. Perhaps she really ought to find something better to wear than shawls and bangles, but it was somewhat intended- when she was in Equestria anyway. As a fortune teller. "You wouldn't mind taking us to him?"
Silent Dusk shivered terribly and turned her head as she heard her name being called. "L-Lightning.. pain.. c-cold..."
Distant Lightning's servants would eventually encourage the stallion to move Dusk to go put her in warm water and wash her up. Many of his servants were Unicorn, for obvious reasons. Earth pony were sparse in the house. Dusk would be moved, at least attempted to move her to lay her in a warm bath to help her aching body and warm her up. All the while the guards laughed at poor Gleamished and Yuna. Well -- they could see the degenerate making friends with -- more degenerates. They were lead to the Storm Estate. Lightning's estate was a bit extravagant. And empty. It was no wonder the pegasus spent much of his time in the library. Even with his extended family living there, upon entering it it was like a tomb. A single unicorn stood with their head bowed, a butler by the simple garbs worn.
Gleaming Echo made a bit of a face as he was led into the estate. No wonder Distant acted the way he did when they met! This place was... just... too much! His family actually had a lot of bits at one time but they never made an extravagant place such as this. However the somber mood was... worrying. When he caught sight of the single unicorn with his head bowed he frowned. "Did something happen here?" Alas how could he not think something did? The environment was painfully tomb-like! He glanced to Yuna and wondered if something happened to Distant. If it did.... there was a savage spike of anger that flowed through the unicorn.
Yunalesca scowled at the laughter, but she held her tongue when the three lead them to the manor. She felt like she was baking in the sun, uncomfortable all the way, but stepping into the cool shade that was the inside of the manor was an utter relief. Her body still felt too warm and she wanted a cool bath, but she probably wouldn't get one anytime soon. The unnamed unicorn standing nearby was given a curious look and her gaze moved on, studying the inside of the manor, spacious and finely decorated. Her brow furrowed. "I.. don't know.. Is Lightning even home?" Yuna queried, peering back over at the other unicorn curiously.
Silent Dusk let out another screech as she was picked up and moved, the sound echoing through the manor and likely reaching it's new visitors before the warm water of the bath started soothing her and some pain ebbed away.
Distant Lightning climbed into the water with Dusk, his vest be damned. The pegasus had settled into a soft, cotton vest comfortable in his chambers, but he had not hesitated to climb down into the water to help Dusk. The maid-servants tried to help, but Light was being stubborn, biting at them. They would eventually be allowed to rub Dusk down, their magic pushing, pulling, trying to massage and loost as they scrubbed with sponges. The Unicorn below made no motion at the screeching to reach the first floor. 'The young master is with company. You may wait in the living quarters if you wish.' He looked to the guards, sending them off, Sand words whispered of hte foreigners and their odd ways, their accent also hilarious. The unicorn closed the door. '...another of the young master's entourage from over the lands? Please do not spread about you are companions with him. He has enough trouble as it is.' They did -- care for the young master being he was him, but it was still disgraceful that he was a defect and unlikely to be able to raise another heir. The screeches,from Dusk, came from the upper most floor, third to be exact. He lived as far form the ground and the rest of the main house as possible.
Gleaming Echo let out a hiss as he heard the screech echoing through the manor. He knew that voice. His eyes started to glow evilly as Tarnished's anger spiked to dangerous levels. "I shan't wait. I want to know why Dusky is in pain." Tarnished's voice bled through into his causing his voice to gain that gravelly and sinister sounding tone in points. With that he'd step past the butler and head for the stairs. He assumed Yuna would follow of course; however if somepony laid a hoof on her they'd be in a world of pain! Something had happened; and he was late to the party. If Dusky was hurt and he could manage it, heads would roll! Tarnished was the one primarily in control at this point since he'd shunted the 'weak' half to spectator position.
Yunalesca's attention was jerked away from the unnamed unicorn for a brief moment when she heard that screech. It sounded like.. "Dusk!" The mare gasped, her ears perked as questions swept up: why was Dusk here? Hadn't she gone to join the guard.. ? She quelled the rest as she focused on the unicorn in waiting at the door, her face darkening a little. Wait? Her ears twitched at the unfamiliar language between him and the guard, who left to Yuna's relief. She frowned at the rest but said nothing; the damage she'd done hadn't been intended. Yuna trotted after the now in control Tarnished, just as interested in the same why as he was.
Silent Dusk rested in the water and relaxed against the pegasus, soaking pained muscles and bruises in the warmth while the remaining cuts cleaned out by it. "M-much better."
Distant Lightning's butler sighted and closed the front doors with his magic. He turned to trot after the unicorn. 'Please, I know in your country it is well and good to trounce about into somepony's home, but this is impolite sir, madam!' Distant brushed his face against Dusk's, glaring as the maid-servants continued to clean her. They moved to also brush up the young master who too had a few injuries from the few days of his punishment. Both were rubbed down to help their aching muscles. It was not hard to follow the sound, but the halls were huge, and difficult to navigate. Luckily, on the top floor, there was but one, long hall. Huge mosaic windows letting in the sun, clear spots on the glass allowing clouds to drift by. At the end was a single chamber door, Light's.
Gleaming Echo continued only to call back. "I believe protocol can go hang itself when I hear a vic-friend with pain in her voice." the glare he leveled back at the butler was rather frigid but the unicorn was just doing his job, right? He ignored his light half's protests and continued on. He'd come across Distant's room soon enough. He followed the sound and soon enough he cam across a single chamber door. One shoe clad hoof was raised to knock at Gleam's behest. It wasn't proper to just barge in to what might be Dissy's chambers! What if Dissy and Silent were doing something! Tarnished was unsure just how they would since that cry was obviously pain and not well... Dusky.
Yunalesca had nothing to say to the butler, when Tarnished said about all there was to say. They had been invited in, and they had to go and check on their friends. Both of them. A curious gaze was cast Tarnished's way at his switch of 'friend' and 'victim.' Remarkable change. She just hoped such a gaze was never leveled her way. As much as she wanted to settle down and cool off somewhere, she followed Tarnished up the stairs to the hall, and the door, feeling antsy. To her surprise, the unicorn knocked, which she was just fine with.. Yuna readjusted the bag hanging on her side and waited, ears turned back nervously.
Silent Dusk perked her ears and muttered. "Guess more servants.. nngh.. need their master.."
Distant Lightning's servants were a bit -- confused. Who was knocking? They pulled open the door with their magic, the maidens nearly knee deep in the water as they went about attempting to aid Lightning tend to Dusk. Lightning tilted his head at Dusk. "I can sent them away... I'll wash you mysl--" He looked up, ears folding back as he became serious. "M-Miss Yuna! M-mage." He wasn't sure which it was right now, but the question of the matter: "What are you doing here? Let alone in my home!?" What was going on?! He flapped his wings and glared at the maid servants who backed up, unsettled by his behaviors since -- well, Master Storm was gored.
Gleaming Echo raised an eyebrow whenever the door opened to reveal Distant and Dusk being... bathed? The unicorn's head inclined and some of the rage that had been boiling disappeared. They weren't being actively hurt at the very least. "We told you we would be coming Distant... " he'd say with a pointedly amused voice. "So ~ We miss some sort of excitement?" He wandered over to a good place to flop himself unceremoniously down. The dark one was using this time to calm himself down. Alas that was just a little difficult at times due to the fact his emotions went so rampant so often! "I would ask what Silent is doing here, but I'm more concerned than curious. Is she okay?" right to the point he went!
Yunalesca didn't know what to expect when the door was opened by magic, but Dusk and Lightning were in a large bath together. Lightning.. She couldn't determine the tone in his voice, but something had.. changed. She wasn't so nonchalant as Tarnished seem to be, scuffing a hoof and pinning her ears back against her dark mane. "Hey." The alicorn managed as she followed Tarnished inside, unhooking the strap to her bag; she really wanted to take her shawl off too, but she couldn't with all the other ponies around. Yuna set it aside and lay down by Tarnished, leaning her head against the side of his neck, gazing over at the other two. "How did you even get here Dusk?"
Silent Dusk sighed leaning back. "Flew here.. at night... fought and killed his grandfather..." she muttered as her eyes lidded and her body went slack against Lightning.
Distant Lightning folded his ears back and glared down at the mage. "Dismissed. Go make yourselves useful and clean the manor. We've guests and you've nothing to show for it?" He ordered. 'But young Storm...' "I really feel, sometimes, that i talk to myself. Perhaps I should request new help?" He spoke only for them to tarry away as quick as quick could. The pegasus let out a sigh and sunk down to the water letting Dusk just to fall against him, making sure she kept her head above the water. He, though, face banged the water and bubbled a bit before sitting up, his bangs slicked to the side. "I didn't think you serious." He lowered his head a bit, glancing up at the pair. "I.. Dusk got here.." He really could not explain it. "Things are a bit hectic as of current."
Gleaming Echo made a sound akin to a derisive laugh but with none of the malcontent truly behind it. "I meant it when I said the only ponies able to hurt my fffriends would be myself; IF I chose to. ~ Which I don't mind you; Hurting one's own minions is both stupid and needless." he turned his head away with a huff. He still had difficulty with this 'friend' thing at times.... It was only when his emotions were high that he didn't find himself inhibited by the 'villain' card that he was so affectionately keeping even if he was trying not to be so.... villain-y? Villains didn't have friends, no?
Yunalesca's mouth dropped open a little at the sleepy thestral's response. Flew here? A question she couldn't ask aloud with the way the other mare was drooping against Lightning. The alicorn figured she must be tired and... injured if fighting was involved. Her focus came back to Lightning while he was in the midst of shooing off all the maids. "We were very serious. You were being hurt." Yuna echoed with a frown and sighed through her nose. "We.. er, I don't want to cause any trouble for you, but we.. kind of had to come to help."
Distant Lightning ruffled a bit and moved to unsettle his wings from his sides, moving to rest them over Dusk. "...I can't lift her." He would not say, but his wings were -- veritably useless for now. "I am not being hurt." At least not anymore. "All was well and as it always has been." He did not consider it before to had been bad. "Can...can we get her to my bed first?" Dry, preferably. he did not seem as bold in front of them, the maids gone to clean up all the mess and prepare for the guests in question, though they were questionable.
Gleaming Echo twitched whenever Distant told what was almost almost certainly a lie ~ From one point of view of course. Dissy actually thought it was normal! Gleam grimaced in the back of their mind and Tarnished hissed as his eyes glowed savagely. "Don't even try to feed me that. We already know that something was off. That is the whole reason we decided to come down here to get you and help move your sister's remains, as loathe as I am to help her." he'd say as the levels of anger spiked to the point that if something barged into the room it would likely be mince meat! "Plus I know something happened; Somepony hurt Dusk." The expression darkened further as he obliged to help the pegasus lift the thestral via magic and would levitate her where directed. If he were a dragon he'd be just about spitting fire by now. It was a marvel to his attempt at self control that he wasn't doing so.
Yunalesca thought it a good idea to lean away from Tarnished the moment she felt his body stiffen with rage. In fact, she got up to help by fetching some towels, ears pinned back by the fury in Tarnished's voice. She would stand aside to help dry off Dusk while the unicorn was lifting her, if she could, and tried to put in her own two cents. "There's so little you tell us, Lightning. It's hard to know what's going on.. but from what I can gather, things have not been.. kind. We're here to help. Please tell us what happened." Yuna tried for the nicer approach, but, suffice to say, the nightmare would be front and center.
Distant Lightning furrowed his brow at Tarnish's response. Now he knew who was awake... How dare he! This was normal! All of it was -- perfectly fine ... until they said it wasn't. His ears folded back as he was scolded, pushed back from his comfortable state of thinking 'it was okay'. At least there was a reason. Now what was it all for? His wings ruffled as he tried to speak against Tar's accusation of somepony hurting Dusk. He sunk against his own feathers and fur. "Twas I." He admitted. "Twas fault of mine for not sending her back sooner." They just didn't understand the culture. He looked as they turned to take Dusk away, the stallion having been quite unwilling to let her in any other's care without a fight. But once they took her away he was helpless in just following alongside. No magic, he was useless. Not even all that strong and capable. His wings pathetically tucked at his sides as he looked towards Yuna when she spoke.
Distant Lightning sunk a bit. Perhaps they would better understand his culture if they knew more. "I...can explain." he murmured. "You will understand when I do, tis all quite normal." But why did they make him feel as if it was not? "An eye for an eye. I have done to deserve my discipline, but Dusk did not agree and challenged granpappy, though I told her t..t" He did not tell her there was no need. "I told her to go away." He whispered as he moved to follow and keep close to Dusk. He looked to Yuna, face twisted in disappointment. "You said you'd keep, try to at least, keep her from coming. How did she get here before you two even?" How was any of this...?
Gleaming Echo fell into a scowl and stiffened once again as he heard that be said. "That is just so... and I can't believe I'M saying it... bloody uncivilized! The eye-for-an-eye practice is counter-productive in a . If everypony took an eye for an eye then everypony is blind." he'd say with a somewhat dark tone of voice. But then his demeanor turned a full 360 and he smiled a sinister grin. "Perhaps... by that very way of thinking... I could burn this city to the ground for hurting my friends." he'd say with glee... Mass destruction would make him feel SO much better!
Yunalesca heard Lightning talk, but she focused on drying Dusk's coat, mane and tail before she could be set down. She could see some small cuts, but with the bath and unbeknownst to her, healing, she looked.. okay. Just battered. "It's not normal. Anywhere." She stated firmly, turning back towards the large stallion, briefly glancing towards Tarnished when he growled and talked. Her eyebrows went up. "Perhaps.. but you shouldn't. It would cause a lot of problems. Regardless, we couldn't have stopped Dusk even if we wanted to. Remember when we thought she was joining the guard and flew off before you left Ponyville? We didn't think she would do this, or else we would have been able to stop her." Yuna frowned, squinting a little. ".. Which was rather clever of her, if you think about it. Not that she knew we would try to keep her in Ponyville as far as we knew, but.. Sneaky."
Distant Lightning pushed to stand upon his bedding, pushing away covers and moving pillows so Dusk had a comfortable spot to be lain on. "I...do not think it is uncivilized..." He noted. "Just a bit old, but it is kept in check." Though that did not stop heads of households from being murdered, even if it was an outsider. "It is rather troubling that Dusk did this. Th-they will ask soon, ask if it was me. I am heir to the estate as eldest male. I had the responsibility of being everything a Storm needed to be." But he was not even sure what he was now. He say and looked to Tarnished. "Please do not destroy my home, tis the only one i know." He really wasn't keen on talking to them about it. If it was not normal... "I..." He began. Distant Lightning scoffing his hoof a bit he mumbled. "I had hoped to simply hand in my thesis and be done. I wrote it beautifully. About Thestrals and about the stories of nightmares and the Moon Nightmare you had told me about. I had enough written that I could be allowed to return to Equestria posthaste, but..." But?
Gleaming Echo quirked his head to the side. "If they ask questions, let them. If they threaten you, then they are mine. I don't give a damn about political situations or international relations. If they hurt one of mine, then I will burn them alive..." the dark undertone was quite obvious at that point. The dark one that was in control looked to Distant and let out a frustrated sigh. "I have no doubt that your thesis was perfect...." he'd start only to hear that 'but'.... "But... what? Did they deem Equestria 'uninteresting'?" he asked with narrowed eyes and a somewhat mocking tone. Just one wrong word....
Yunalesca grunted quietly and watched Lightning shuffling things around on his bed. "Is there a body? Maybe there's a chance you can lie and say he had a heart attack if he was old.. ?" The alicorn offered up, but it probably wouldn't work anyway if there was a fight. A fight meant wounds that couldn't be explained away. She kept her silence, listening to the pair talk back and forth. Tarnished.. Yuna wasn't sure if he'd calmed down at all- perhaps not. Yuna stood, making her way over to the nightmare to place herself in front of him, legs folding beneath her as she lay herself down and patted the ground invitingly. "Let it go, nopony else is going to get hurt so long as you're around. You're terrifying enough just glaring at them." She murmured quietly and turned back to Lightning; she was as interested in the 'but' too.
Distant Lightning snorted at Tarnished and moved to tug Dusk down to a comfortable spot among the pillows. He circled before stopping, flinching at Tarnished's words. He walked back off his bedding when he felt Dusk was comfortable, only to stand in front of them, tail flicking nervously, hoof scoffing a bit as he lowered his head to attempt and nudge them from the floor. Civility... hardly. "...but they felt my talk if Thestrals was... untrue and full of unfounded rumor and mixture of out native stories corrupted by your Equestrian tales." He parted his jaws to demand the two up, but his nerve withered away and he could not by try and nudge them along with his muzzle. He was sure Dusk would be furious if she woke to find he left their friends to sleep upon the ground. "They...took my research and stored it away. F-falling Night said she would return it... b-but I was rude to her and was rather demanding. ..." Maybe he should apologize? "She has dealt with me long enough..."
Gleaming Echo lowered his head and closed his eyes. "If there is a body perhaps... perhaps Gleam could fix it up. He might be able to heal the corpse and make it look like he died of heart failure or something of the likes." the dark half took the invitation and settled down with the alicorn, resting his head upon her neck and closing his eyes. He inhaled deeply and tried to let the anger wash off of him. It was... difficult. He was slowly getting a reign in on himself but that was more thanks to Yuna than his own willpower. One glowing eye of the cultist opened to see the nervously standing Distant when he nudged them both. "Unfounded tales my... No, no..." he'd shudder and let his irritation wash off via alicorn cuddles. His eye focused on Distant again and he inclined his head. "What are...?" Hearing about the pony made his expression darken again... Thinking about anypony outside of their little group irritated him right now.
Yunalesca glanced over at where Dusk lay asleep on the bed, if it could be called one, with its heap of pillows. ".. Well.. You have proof they exist now. Not that I'm suggesting anything." She suggested but dropped the subject, frowning faintly. It sounded like Lightning was having a difficult time of it. His nudging was given a questioning look before she turned her head about to Tarnished. "It.. might work." Yuna murmured, making to nibble or kiss on whatever part of the nightmare's face she could reach; he seemed.. tense, still. She didn't know what else to say, really, at least anything useful.
Silent Dusk shuddered in her sleep and fidgeted as she clasped her chest with a forehoof and moaned in her subconcious state, the memories of the stab giving her nightmares.
Distant Lightning moved to brush his head against Tarnished's before leaning over to rub his skull, as well, against Yuna's. He paused a moment, leaving his head against the mare's letting out a sigh. "I will tell you all you want, but it would be inhospitable of me to leave you to rest on my floors..." Twas what the bedding was for! Raising his forehoof he would peel off the cotton vest so he could lay without the wet fabric. He moved to climb up upon his bedding and lowered himself beside Dusk. He made sure that all parts of his form possible could touch against her before tucking his forelegs, hind limbs splayed out. His ears folded back. He avoided responding about Thunder. He wanted it all to be a dream really. Looking down the stallion lowered his head, laying on his side feeling more comfortable with Gleam and Yuna around. Dusk would be safe with them. He was -- useless.
Distant Lightning was quite for several moments before he looked to the side. "Dusk accosted granpap." He was unsure why she was sent into a rage. Possessiveness? Just her nature? He was at a loss. For much of his life it was all how it would be. The whole blinding concept Tarnished spoke of, of which he had mentioned before is a difficult concept to understand. "Granpap -- is dead." He seemed distressed by this, but frankly he was at a loss for all of it. "It means, now, the duties of the estate fall on me. They will come asking...asking was it I that-- to my grandpap..." Though it was different. He would not be accused of murder, but instead attempting to usurp his title more quickly. "How would I explain that granpap deserved to be slain...?" It would give him more than just headaches. The servants were looking at Dusk funny, though they'd not speak up against it. They knew their place, but not everypony had such loyalties to their families. They too wanted power.
Distant Lightning looked over to Dusk before laying his head on hers to try and sooth her. He felt useless. "In Saddle Arabia, you have a family. You are born to that family and raised by them -- you are given their power, their lack of power, their name. There is no escaping the class you were born into. Even if you lose all your bits, you still have your family's honor. They will more than naught give a horse with a good family, bits to rebuild, where a horse with a bad family shan't be trusted to hold a hammer." He noted. "But in such large families fight for power. Honor is important, more so than life here. You dishonor your family, or tribe: you may as well be dead." Which was his case. "But there are many ways to regain your honor. Duels to the death, going to court, or marry into a better family... of such is reserved to mares." His society was different, but it had been no less or greater than Equestria. They both had their weaknesses and strengths.
Gleaming Echo seemed to relax a little as his line was said and he gave the pegasus a return nudge, however before he got up he'd wind up giving the stallion a sheepish grin as he remembered something. "I'm not sure you'd want us on the bed, dear peacock.... We've the dirt of travel upon us." he'd say as he slid back to a laying position upon the floor. The dark half of the unicorn let out a long sigh only to perk his ears as he heard that Dusky had 'accosted granpap'... And killed him? He looked to the bat with a cheshire grin as the dark one felt well... quite proud of the little bat! And rather envious... She got to kill something! It took all he had not to start sulking...."If push comes to shove, I can blow a few buildings up and bring you back to Equestria with us." he was quite cheerful with that prospect!
Yunalesca briefly glanced over at Dusk, who had been mostly still and silent up until now. Dreaming. Her dark eyes settled back upon Lightning as he came over to them, caught off guard a moment as he rubbed his head against both of them. When she regathered herself, she leaned her head up against his almost hesitantly. Straightening back up when he moved away, she watched him until he started talking. "I'd say 'I'm sorry' but I'm not entirely sure why Dusk attacked your grandfather. Is.. Is she still injured at all?" Yuna thought to ask while she listened to the rest, considering the different culture. She grunted. "Speaking of dirt, I was hoping to get a nice, cool bath sometime soon." Yuna expressed, one ear twitching back towards Tarnished; he seemed quite eager to cause destruction. Part of her was mildly amused by it.
Silent Dusk was still injured yes as Falling Night had mainly stitched up her chest without tending to the minor injuries, but she stirred again as ears twitched and cracked an eye open.
Distant Lightning gave Tarnished a wholly unamused look. "While you are correct in that I would be rather remiss your filthy hid not rest on my bedding til a good beating -- asfdfs." Did he spew nonsense words or Sand speech? Ever difficult to tell. He turned his gaze away, feeling rather burdened by the mage's overwhelming desires to express his feelings in the way of destruction. Can you not just peacefully protest like everypony else? He glanced to Yuna, ears pressing to his skull as his lip quirked up in annoyance. At least it looked like that with how he was forced to hold his monocle. "I...am not a healer I do not know if she is better or not. I used what resources i had." They were probably not enough. Nothing he did seemed -- ever enough. He sighed and laid his head down by Dusk, ears pricking up when a bath was, again mentioned. "Than...why just not use my washing room?" He sounded tired. But he felt exhausted after everything. Distant Lightning looked to Dusk and canted his head when she moved. "Dusk?" Why wouldn't she wake up? They spoke of her as if she was not here yet here she lay battered and bruised. "I'm sorry..." He whispered, nosing her, trying anything he could think of to encourage her to rouse.
Gleaming Echo made a sound in the back of his throat. "Til a good... beating?" an eyebrow raised clear up to blatantly skeptical. A.. beating, huh... Alas the light half of the pony finally realized something! One word in their head and he was shunted into control. He quickly scrambled to get onto his hooves and nearly teetered at the sudden return to control. "Oooooh! ~ I can help! I know my healing spells!" How could they (Tar/Gleam) nearly forget Gleam was the healer between the two? His horn lit up with soft gold magic and thus the unicorn would attempt to see what he could do to help little Dusky!
Yunalesca peered at Lightning with some concern over the same; the arabian wasn't implying what she thought he was implying.. was he? "Well.." The alicorn began, but the unicorn was already on his hooves, exclaiming about the same thing. She inched back to give him room, her eyes going towards Dusk; she could see the sliver of gold beneath one slightly open eyelid. Yuna would have been as glad to help, but she couldn't be jumping to it when she was still.. inexperienced. She would sit back and let Gleam help her, while her gaze flicked over to Lightning. "As long as you don't mind me using it, or anything.. I don't want to be a bother."
Silent Dusk regarded the three with lidded eyes and sighed, some crimson welling up at her neck again as the area was stimulated by her trying to turn her head and her eyes closed again.
Distant Lightning seemed annoyed with Gleam, the bungling mage forgot his own abilities? Ugh... Lightning felt a headache creeping up from the back of his head. He pushed to sit up. "Miss Yuna, please -- do not worry. You should probably do so while the servants are prepping downstairs for what is likely to be a banquet -- given sending them to clean and the idea of company... tis bound to happen." He raised a wing, painful as it was, to move it over Dusk's barrel. "Dusk... please keep still." He was not sure how conscious she was, if at all. He moved his head down to lick at her cheek, just trying his best to entice her not to move. If Yuna didn't hurry and wash up -- the maids would get her~ Down below they were indeed preparing for the 'young master had company', something he never did. It was really unprecedented. Perhaps he really was taking over the estate. With Master Storm dead that left young Lili in charge!
Distant Lightning's parents still seemed to avoid the situation. They made way down to the living area when Lightning's ruffi-- unscrupulous companions headed to his chambers for Sands-knew-what. Whatever Equestrians did behind doors. Talk ill of their leaders. Maybe even plan uprisings! Oh the horror! Whenever the servants asked what to do they simply responded: 'Whatever Lili wants.' But -- no one knew what he wanted. He was not the sort to ever speak up or ask for anything that he was not given... How does one prepare for one who wants nothing? It was as if the young master had no personality of his own...
Gleaming Echo let out a hiss in Tarnished's own voice as his magic 'scanned' Dusky's body for un-tended to damage. How did... It was lucky the light half was the one in charge at the moment because the dark half was fuming again! Whomever patched Dusky up left ruptured veins in her neck! How did... Gah! The dark half vanished into the back of their consciousness to go destroy something. Gleam was left to cast his magic upon Dusky and aim to primarily fix those veins! As of this moment all his attention was upon his magic and the thestral. Any left over magic would be directed towards making sure the chest wound was healing along and to ease the bruises.
Yunalesca made a quiet noise, glancing back towards the still open washroom. Lightning had a point, she should deal with it now; though she was entirely unfamiliar with such a lavish house with servants, especially ones that came around to wait on a pony. She didn't want to leave while Dusk was being healed, where she might potentially wake, she wanted to be there for her! Still.. Yuna nodded, watching Dusk's face for a brief moment, cringing when she glimpsed blood. "Okay." Yuna murmured quietly to not disrupt Gleam's concentration, ears twitching from the hiss he made. Unhooking the shawl at her throat, she floated it with her sparse jewelry towards her bag before she finally withdrew. Using her magic, she drew fresh water into the large bath and sank gratefully into it.
Silent Dusk shuddered and snapped awake again, rolling to her side as she mumbled something to Lightning, a slight blush on her features as her raspy voice slipped past cracked lips. "Need.. to pee."
Distant Lightning watched as Yuna disrobed her important items and went into the washing room. He returned his focus to Gleam who continued to tend to her. He was unaware of how bad a job Falling Night did, only that she had done -- something. his brows raised, monocle finally falling from his eye as he looked upon the stirring figure of Dusk. His heart began to thump as he became stock still with anticipation. He shifted his weight when she rolled over, a soft expression pressing his resting bitch face. He leaned close, Dusk looking so hurt -- vulnerable. 'I need to pee.' Annnnd the moment was gone. just like that. Lightning leaned away and crossed his forehooves. His storm-grey eyes looked away. "Honestly I do not know what it was I expected." He felt a little stupid. "The wash room is over there Dusk." Ugh he was a little annoyed. His face sunk between his crossed hooves. "Do you need help?" He asked but he really hoped it was 'No, I'm a big bat.' He felt disappointed.
Gleaming Echo cut the magic from the spell now that the thestral was waking. She seemed to be okay now? At least he hoped so. An eye was turned to the wash room that Yuna had disappeared into and he, for a moment, pondered following her in there. Alas the unicorn found his train of thought coming to an abrupt end as the very first words out of Dusky's mouth were 'I need to pee'... That even brought Tarnished to a halt in the back of their mind! A snort escaped Gleam as one shoe-clad hoof was brought up to cover the twitching smile that was stealing out over his face. Tarnished was not as subtle though... He was snickering in foalish amusement in the back of the unicorn's mind.
Yunalesca ducked her head beneath the water just to wet her mane, and face; getting the latter clean of any dirt. When she resurfaced, she used her magic to smooth out her wet mane, disentangling any of it, one ear cocked towards the door. Yuna could hear the soft murmur of her companions voices, but she missed that Dusk was now awake, the bat's murmured first words too quiet for her to pick up on them. It was a shame, the alicorn would have found it as funny. Yuna busied herself with scrubbing her coat clean and smoothing out her tail the way she'd done her mane. She did pick up on the snort, her head cocking back towards the washroom's doorway, ears perked.
Silent Dusk staggered onto her hooves and swayed towards the washroom, besides her bladder something else was bothering her, looking around to find the facilities.
Distant Lightning pricked his ears froward as she stumbled around. He sighed out deeply and pushed up, sulking off his bedding. "You might as well go wash up..." He said to Gleam in passing. "I feel as if .... " He sighed, shaking the thought off. He moved up beside Dusk, his wings tucked, still too painful to really move them around as he usually does. Using his head he would move to lead the mare toward the washing room. It was not that far, goodness. A single door in his room! After all he had no closet, that's what wardrobes were for! But his was no armoire of invincibility, that was assured. He would try to lead Dusk to the washing room, where the chamberpot sat behind a silk curtain, more pillows about because everything Saddle Arabian nobles did was in comfort, apparently.
Gleaming Echo was finding it far more difficult to hide the chuckles as Dusk wandered towards the Wash Room.... Silly thestral. He looked to Distant and offered the pegasus a concerned look himself. "As if what?" he'd ask with a curious tone.... As the pegasus moved he suddenly had another thought. Another wave of healing magic was directed towards Dissy ~ Since he did remember that he had been 'punished' and such! The cultist slid from the cloak and gently folded it. With that done he followed everypony else's lead to the washroom with the intent on joining Yuna to wash the travel dirt off of himself!
Yunalesca lingered in the bath, idly smoothing out the feathers of her wings, and heard approaching hooves. Voices. They came in view of the doorway and she spied Dusk on her hooves. "Dusk!" The alicorn chirped, pleased to see the thestral awake and looking.. better. It soon occurred to her that they were coming into the washroom, though, and she sank down a little into the water, lifting a wing as though to shield her face. "So is everything okay now?" Yuna queried curiously, shyly peeking over her wing as she spotted Gleam following the pair in. She would move over to the edge to give him room, if he was joining her.
Silent Dusk blinked at the luxurious chamberpot and decided there was another thing she needed doing first, staggering over to Yuna she kissed the mare fondly, then made her way to Gleam giving him the same treatment, before facing Lightning and kissed him deeply, priorities taken care of she would then move behind the silken curtain.
Distant Lightning tilted his head at Yuna, the way she moved her wing -- no, no. She was unused to using them so did not know what she did. He arched his back a bit when he felt magic used on him. Wholly expecting it to be offensive spells he spread his wings in preparation -- but.... there was no pain. His ears pricked up as he flexed the joints. The bruising was gone and the spots where it scarred, to disallow the regrowth of his flight feathers healed, though it would take a bit longer for the feathers to grow back. Distracted by his regained flexibility and range of motion in his secondary appendages, he did not notice Dusk zeroing in on him. Surprise: he scuttled back only to fall on his rump. He pushed forward to hold into the kiss if he could but -- ah, she was gone too soon, He slipped forward and landed on his shoulder with his tailfeathers in the air. The peacock sat himself up and stared in the direction of the curtain, like a dog waiting for his master to come home. " ..?!"
Gleaming Echo looked towards Yuna whom was already in the water.... and... had her wing up and was peeking over it. 'Idiot... Hug the adorableness. ~ Now! Or I will never let you sleep again!' The 'cultist' would all but happily hop to the 'shy' alicorn and slip into the bath with her at the dark half's not-so 'gentle' spurring in his head! He needed to get all washed off too, though, so alas he had an excuse to get in! However he had no sooner pounced and hugged the alicorn that the thestral was delivering those kisses. First one to Yuna and then one to Gleam himself! The one to Gleam... Well, much like Tarnished had he froze up... And was blinking owlishly. He was too distracted to chuckle at Distant too. Drat, the pose was gold! Then again Tarnished was able to see it through Gleam's eyes and was snickering to himself at the reactions of the idiot and the peacock.
Yunalesca's eyes flicked between the trio all inside the washroom now, and her wing dropped when Gleam came gladly into the bath with her. The alicorn sank into the hug, pleased, though she straightened up a little when Dusk came her way, blinking with confusion up until the thestral knelt to kiss her. She wasn't as caught by surprise as the first time, but she still found it quite startling to be kissed by somepony that wasn't the duality-stricken unicorn himself! Yuna was flustered and watched as the bat went on her way with kisses for everypony else. It was.. going to take some getting used to, she supposed. Yuna's gaze briefly swept over Lightning's expression before she turned back to Gleam, giving him a gentle nudge. She would help him wash~.
Silent Dusk done with her business she too made her way into the bath again and rest her chin on the side of it as she waded in the water, golden eyes now a lot more coherent as she licked her muzzle a soft smirk on her lips.
Distant Lightning pricked his ears up watching them all just make use of his bath. He knows he said -- it was alright but he felt sort of left out. But he was the host! UUurg. There was a quite 'Um', from the washing room's entrance. 'Y-young master, dinner will be ready soon.' A petite Unicorn peeked in shyly, amber fur with a hazel mane. "So summon us when dinner is served...." 'Y-yes young master...' She scurried away. Where was he...? Oh! He hurriedly padded into the water and waded up to Dusk's side before sitting. The bathes were large enough for stallions like him, since horses were a bit bigger than ponies. "Ah.. w-would you three care to eat? I know your journeys must have been long...and Dusk..." He reached out a hoof to attempt and touch her to attempt and entice her to let him groom her. "I...I can give you all a proper grooming before dinner." They must look their best for evening meal!
Gleaming Echo was jolted back into awareness by Yuna's gentle nudge. The cultist turned to the alicorn and gave her a return nudge. "Gonna take getting used to." However that was said with an entirely cheerful voice. The 'good' half was overjoyed to have such 'friends' as these! And thus the cultist would also help the alicorn should she allow him to! His gaze flicked to Dusk as she emerged once again. "Feeling better? No other soreness?" the unicorn asked in concern since he wanted to make sure he got everything! He turned his attention to Distant and one of the 'servants'... Part of him wondered what would be for food; but he was mostly relieved that Tarnished wasn't in such a rage anymore...."Of course."
Yunalesca made what sounded like a soft crooning noise upon being nudged back. Upon hearing Gleam question Dusk, she looked up at the thestral who joined them in the bath; shortly followed by Lightning. Their little group, back together again and.. all together in the bath. She ran her eyes over the others with faint curiosity before they settled on the quiet servant who'd come upon them. Yuna made sure she was low enough in the bath to hide her wings, waiting until the pony had gone. "Food does sound pretty good about now. All I've had this morning was an apple or two." Yuna answered as she settled to idly wash Gleam's mane if he let her; she allowed him to do whatever, though she had done most of it already.
Silent Dusk was certainly not opposed to Lightning grooming her, thinking she had deserved some pampering after all the tough desert travel and vicious fighting she had done in the manor.
Distant Lightning sat proudly, ears pricked and head high. "We shall wash up with haste, just to clean." Since he was used to washing up and lounging for hours at a time if he so felt it. "And I shall provide you with the delicacies of my country. You will eat to your heart's content!" He nuzzled Dusk before moving to diligently groom along her back and wings and neck, all those lovely joints along the way as well. "I..." He sat himself up, turning his head away. "I am glad for your visit...and" He wasn't sure. "I was very worried for you Dusk." He was not unappreciative of her help but he did not know he needed help.... it was all very confusing. "So.. as reward proper for the hardships you may stay in my estate for the rest of your stay. You are free to do as you please." He promised.
Gleaming Echo took heart in the soft crooning noise that came from Yuna. Even if she'd washed he was happy to help her wash and well.. re-wash too! Even though he was trying to keep busy his ears slowly fell and laid back. Neither of the two had responded to the query; nor even made a motion acknowledging him even asking the question... that was somewhat ~ disheartening? No, they were distracted with each other perhaps since Dusky had been hurt. Maybe.. But then ~ Maybe it... really was Tarnished everypony preferred instead of he. Except for Lady Yuna at least, she liked him, right? He'd let the dark half have the run of things until he'd needed to perform the healing, but... Tarnished did always call him an idiot and... gullible was it? "I'm going to let Tarnished have control back." And with that he 'stepped' into the recesses of their mind and let the dark half back out. Said dark half looked torn between triumphant and... there was an unreadable expression on his muzzle.
Gleaming Echo shook his head and cleared his throat. "I cannot speak for Lady Yuna, but 'I' will probably stay long enough for dinner and then I will seek out accommodations. Gleam and I'll be out of your mane at that point." After all everything Distant had said had been rather easily interpreted as being towards Dusk alone; thus they needed to find somewhere to stay.
Yunalesca wanted to lean her head on something while she fondly dealt with Gleam's mane, gently disentangling it as she had her own, but she had nothing comfortable. The bath felt so much better after being outside.. She didn't want to pull her gaze off of him, but one ear was twitched Lightning's way as he spoke, drawing interest from her what they must eat in Saddle Arabia. How different was their cuisine compared to Equestria, and how good? Of this Yuna was curious. Gleam's change of mood pulled her full attention back to him as he retreated, leaving Tarnished. Huh. Her brow furrowed, concerned. "Nonsense, you're-.. well, Lightning, you do mean all of us can stay here, right?" Yuna thought to ask, changing gears halfway through her sentence to make sure they were included, not just Dusk.
Silent Dusk swiveled her ears and nodded. "I'm sure he meant all of us, we're a uh.. we belong together."
Distant Lightning tilted his head. "Did I say it incorrectly?" He wondered, ears folding back. Had he said it incorrectly? He thought back to his words and lowered his head some. Maybe that was it? "I...I am appreciative of your arrival as well... I... I just felt Dusk should get a bit more reward given she had been injured due to my own foolishness. I did not mean to make you feel unwelcome." His stomach twisted. He was driving them away on his own efforts. It was best they did not -- in his country. "I-it is well if you do not feel comfortable here." It was mostly empty anyway. He didn't feel well in it either. "It's okay. You needn't stay on my account. I can pay for your board, at the very least." He tucked his face behind Dusk, feeling rather small, considering now.
Gleaming Echo gave the stallion a bit of a look. "It is in poor form to assume housing whenever you didn't think we were coming in the first place, is it not?" The dark half inclined his head in the positive though. "Once the idiot stops moping I'm sure he'd be happy to stay." the dark one decided that he'd had enough of a bath and with one last nudge to Yuna he slid his way from the water. One quick spell later and he was quite dry.
Yunalesca finally shifted her gaze towards Dusk when she answered first, humming softly and nodding. She heard Lightning's voice. "The phrasing might have been a little weird, or he thought you were just talking to Dusk." The alicorn tried to clarify, faltering when Tarnished spoke up. She.. supposed she agreed with that, it was rude to assume, but Lightning was their friend. Yuna left his mane alone when he left the water, leaning into the nudge given to her. It was a pity he was getting out so soon, but she had nothing more to do there either, she was washed. So Yuna decided to pull herself out after him, using her magic to gently wring water from her dripping hair, flicking out her wings. "It'd be nice to stay here.. and I'd like you both to stay too." Yuna expressed towards the unicorn.
Silent Dusk climbed out of the water and shook her coat out, then flapped her wings to dry them some as well.
Distant Lightning pushed out of the water, flapping his wings. They would eventually dry. He'll preen them when he could. The stallion frowned and looked to them. "Surely I did not mean as such as you have made a combined effort to disregard my wishes to stay safe..." was that sass? "So I much rather house you than you be out there with -- strangers." He flicked his tail. He would lead them to the dining room which was rather large. A long table made to fit many, only for they. The servants stood at the far ends of the room ready in the case they were needed. A meal was set out for them. Dates, water greens, water chestnuts, and all manner of root vegetables. Lightning would turn to a servant and mutter something in sand speak before the unicorn maids pulled the seats out with their magic. "Please join me for dinner, I would be honored if my friends sit with me." There were a few looks between the servants. Most unused to that word leaving the young master's mouth.
To be continued.