Growing Village (CYOA)

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It is dawn. You don’t know how long it’s been.

 

You’re walking in that forest, a seemingly endless number of trees and bushes along your path. You’ve got a bad feeling that many predators are lurking in the undergrowth, ready to attack. You have your sword ready and your press forward, even if there’s no road to follow.

 

Suddenly, the trees make way for a big clearing seemingly out of nowhere, with a couple of houses and a shabby watchtower. You feel much less in danger as you walk in here, but your mind still feels so hazy… Is this where you were supposed to go?

 

“You there!” You hear the stern voice of a mare come from the watchtower. “The earth pony stallion! Stay where you are, I’m coming!”

 

The mare with a bow and a quiver quickly climbs does from the tower to meet you.

 

“Hey, who are you how did you get here?”

Your mouth opens to reply, but it takes you a few second to realize there’s but one honest answer you can utter.

“… I have no idea.”

A fleeting wince of disappointment passes over the mare’s face, but still she keeps her seriousness.

“I guess you’re like the rest of us when we got here, then. Sorry to tell you that, but you’re in a bad place. I believe this whole forest is cursed somehow. None of us can barely remember anything about the world or ourselves, and we can’t seem to escape this clearing either… Anyway, my name’s Verdant. How should I call you? You look like a warrior from your garb and mark. If you’re like the rest of us, you should still be able to use most of the capacities you may have learned in the past.”

 

Indeed, while you’d be incapable to tell a single fact about your own past, your body keenly remember how to fight, the moves, the stances, and even the care needed to maintain your sword sharp.

 

 

“In that case…” As your mind remain blanks on the side of memories, you decide to come up with a name you know is fitting for a warrior. “…please call me Lustre Lance. So, how many ponies are in this place?”

“With you, there’s 4 of us here, Lustre Lance.” Verdant replies. “Let me introduce you to the rest of us. We’re about to have breakfast.”

 

You follow Verdant toward the houses, and soon another mare carefully comes out of one, but then she shows you an earnest smile as your gaze meets hers.

“Oh, hello. My name is Sand Carrot.” The earth mare says. “I… don’t know if I can say ‘welcome’ in this situation, but I hope we’ll get along.”

“So we got a new neighbour, huh?” Another mare approaches, one that sports a lively smirk. “Frog Chaser here!”

“I’m Lustre Lance.” You introduce yourself back.

 

“Mice to meet you.” The green mare nods. “So, what’s you deal? Why don’t you have a house?”

“Ehm… I don’t know. Why would I have one?” You reply in confusion. “Is that what happen when you get here? And by the way, how did the rest of you arrive?”

“One day, I woke up here on my own in this clearing.” Verdant starts to explain. “There was just this tower standing, and I was on my own. But a few days later Sand Carrot was just… there in the morning, and so was a new house, even if nopony apparently built it. The same thing happened for Frog Chaser a few days later. And now, there’s you.”

 

“Yeah! And actually, I saw him arrive.” Frog Chaser says. “He came From the forest. He didn’t appear right in the middle of the clearing like the rest of us! Maybe he can go back and explore it!”

Verdant smacks her lips in annoyance.

“I was gonna come to that part.” She sternly tells Frog Chaser, and then she turns to you. “Sorry, it must all sound very sudden and bizarre, but as I told you we’re trapped in here. And I mean, really. There’s a strange magic that prevents up from leaving the clearing. The second we go under the trees, we black out, and we wake up in this clearing the next morning with no memory of what happened. But you… there seem to be something different in your case. You have no house, you came from the forest, so… unlike the rest of us, perhaps you could actually look around the woods and find out what is happening to all of us.”

 

“Uhm… This is a lot to take in.” You reply. “I still have a lot of questions.”

“I understand.” Verdant nods slightly. “Again, I’m sorry to ask you this so suddenly, it’s no wonder you’d like to catch a break. I’ll answer all your questions as best as I can for now… but, yeah. Eventually, I wish you’d help us find a way to escape this hell. I mean, please. The situation is not good in here… At night, beasts from the forest attack this clearing, and there’s more of them every time. I don’t think even the two of us could keep them at bay forever, and I don’t really have any other idea of what we could do to get out of here.”

 

Verdant sighs after saying all that. In the meantime, Sand Carrot brought some rugs from her house and Frog Chaser is setting them in a rough circle before sitting on one of them. Next, Sand Carrot brings out some food. It’s mostly raw vegetables.

“It’s hard to process anything with the few tools we have.” She says. “But this is all fresh so help yourself Lustre Lance. Crops grow unnaturally fast around here, and it rains often too, so at least food and water shouldn’t be an issue.”

 

Already, Frog Chaser is digging in healthily.

“So a new victim appears here every three days in the morning?” You ask, while you sit down and help yourself on some carrots.

“That how it’s been going so far.” Verdant nods.

“And so, you say you all just back out if any of you tries to go in the forest?”

“Yes, we’ve all tried.” Verdant confirms.

“And you remember nothing at all?”

“Yeah, nothing at all. It’s super Spooky.” Frog Chaser says. “We can, like, even touch the first trees on the edge of the clearing an all, but when I tried to go a few dozen feet deeper it the woods, I just remember walking and then suddenly nothing. Verdant was watching me from the clearing too, and she say I just vanished in the blink of an eye. No scream, no sound, one second I was there and the next I wasn’t. And then I popped back in the clearing the next morning.”

Verdant nods to confirm the other mare’s words.

 

 

“Do you really remember nothing at all?” You ask. “I know you told me you don’t remember much like just like me, but every bit of information could help.”

“Well…” Sand Carrot starts. “I remember how to cook, and how to tend to crops. So I guess I was a farmer of some sort. It’s not really a memory, but planting seeds and harvesting plant feels familiar to me.”

“I believe I must have been a guard, for similar reasons.” Verdant says. “But I can’t tell much beyond that.”

“You girls are lucky!” Frog Chaser huffs dejectedly. “I don’t even have a clue on that. I’m starting to think I’m a bum or something…”

 

They do sounds about as lost as you are. If that’s the case, you can probably trust they’re just trying to escape this place, and you see no reason to refuse to help.

 

“Alright, I’ll explore the forest.” you say. Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser exchange a grin in reaction, and even Verdant lets out a little sigh of relief.

“Is there anything helpful that I could take with me?” You add. “Tools? Weapons?”

“I’m afraid we don’t have much at the moment.” Verdant shakes her head. “We can spare some food for you, but that’s about it.”

 

“Then I’ll take enough to last a few days if that’s possible.” You say. “I’ll have a better chance to find something if I can stay more than a day away.”

“Be careful.” Verdant urges you. “The beasts of the forest are dangerous, so don’t be afraid to come back if you feel like you’re in danger. If there’s something on your tail when you get here, I’ll make sure to shoot it with an arrow or two.”

 

“Hum.” You nod. “I’ll try not to overdo it. Now tell me, what kind of beasts can I expect to find in this forest?”

“Mostly wolves, but I’ve seen some large snakes too, and at time some sort of… goblins.” Verdant replies. “Anyway, they’re all wicked. It sems they’re afraid of nothing once they got their eyes on you, and they don’t stop fighting until they’re dead.”

“They don’t fear anything? Not even fire?”

“No.” Verdant shakes her head.

“That sounds dire indeed.” You reply. “At this rate, perhaps you should go into the forest at night instead of fighting? That way you’ll reappear in the morning and avoid the attacks, right?”

“I… don’t really like the idea.” Verdant shakes her head. “I suppose this has a chance to work, but I have a hunch whatever spell is trapping us here won’t allow us to protect ourselves with it. Let’s keep your idea in mind as a last resort, but as long as we can manage the creatures at night, I’d rather avoid that kind of jump into the unknown.”

 

“I guess that’s your choice. Also, can you get into that tower?” You ask, nodding toward the building. “Can the monsters get into it?”

“We can all use it, yes.” Verdant nods. “Nothing stops any of us from entering each other’s places. These are normal buildings… once they’ve appeared. At night, Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser get into the house under the tower while I keep watch on it. As for the monsters, they sure try to get in, but we could fend them off until now.”

“And from up here, can you see anything beyond the forest? Or any landmark at all?”

“Sorry, but there’s nothing.” Verdant shakes her head. “Just green as far as the eye can see. There’s no direction I could point you toward.”

 

It’s obvious these mares don’t have many ways to help you for now. You guess what’s left to do is walk into the unknown.

“Alright.” You stand back on your hooves. “Let me get prepared, and then I’ll go explore these woods.”

As asked, Sand Carrot provides you with some food. Again, it’s mostly raw vegetables, but that’ll keep hunger at bay.

 

“Good luck Lance!” Frog Chaser tells you with a grin when you’re at the edge of the forest.

“Please be careful…” Sand Carrot adds.

“Yeah, don’t die and stuff!” Frog Chaser adds!

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you realize it!” You reply, the mares’ enthusiasm making you feel a spark of confidence.

Under the eyes of the three mares, you walk into the forest in a random direction. For a minute everything seems quiet under the trees, but then the feeling that you’ve being watched by something hostile returns. By then, you’re far enough you don’t see the clearing any more behind, or hear any noise from the mares. The trees all seems similar around you, and already you only have a vague idea of the direction to where the clearing might be anymore.

 

As you were wondering if this aimless wandering you’re doing can be called exploring, something jumps out of the bushes in front of you.

 

It’s a wolf.

 

 

In a fight, you can only pick from these options for now.

One you begin a fight, you and your opponents each attack until one of you faints.

Your symbols and the one of your opponents all mean something. It’s up to you to figure what they do.

 

 

Verdant didn’t lie… that beast kept trying to hurt you no matter how many wounds you inflicted on them. Now they lie dead in front of you, but you took some hits too.

 

However, something particular happens in front of your eyes. The body of the creature starts to turn to dust, and as it vanishes, something strange remains. Without thinking, you get closer and reach out with your hoof.

 

It’s a ghostly ball of light that fits on your hoof. It feels weird. Weightless. Barely physical, like it could puff out of existence if you squeezed it. It looks like… a soul? An essence?

 

 

However, you have little time thinking about what to do with this. Suddenly, another creature jumps to attack you.

 

It’s a goblin!

 

 

 

 

As the creature lies down, the same thing happens as with the wolf. Its body disappears, and you get another of these balls of light. In fact, as you pick it up, this thing seems slowly attracted to the one you already have.

 

 

However, you don’t think you can keep fighting like that for much longer. You have to go back! But before you can make much progress, yet another creature appears in front of you.

 

It’s a snake!

 

 

 

Dashing among the trees, the snake goes after you while hissing aggressively. Fortunately it can’t keep up and after less than a minute you don’t hear it on your tail anymore.

 

However, you realise that the clearing is in view in front of you. You’re surprised to find it so soon, but since it’s for the best you returned there for now, you just walk to it.

You see Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser working on the field as you pass the lasts trees, and then…

“Lustre Lance!” You hear Verdant call from the tower. “You’re back!”

 

The two other mares perk up, and all three soon come to meet you.

“Goodness Lance, are you alright?” Sand Carrot says worriedly. “You look like you encountered a lot of trouble.”

“I suppose you ran into some beasts.” Verdant says bitterly. “I… Sorry. I wish I could lend you a hoof with this instead of having sent you on your own…”

“And… Did you find something, Lance?” Frog Chaser asks expectantly. “That was a pretty long expedition you did. Please tell me you didn’t just black out like us…”

 

And there a realization hits you… It’s the evening now.

You remember going into the forest, and very soon you were fighting creatures non-stop. That expedition can’t have lasted more than half an hour, but looking at the sky, the sun is about to set by now. From the look of the mares, you must have been away the whole day from their perspective.

 

You still carry the two essences

 

 

Looking around, there’s still no house for you. You remember Verdant telling you Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser spend the night in the house under the tower while she keeps watch, so you’ll probably be joining them. After fighting like you did, you do feel like you could go for a full night of sleep right now.

 

“It didn’t seem that long for me.” You shake your head. “All I could do was fight creatures the second I was a little deep in the woods, and then I turned back before I was overwhelmed. How long was I gone?”

“The whole day. About 10 hours from morning to evening.” Verdant replies, but then lets out a disappointed sigh. “Well, that’s different from what happens to us when we go in the woods, but it sounds like we just sent you take a beating for nothing if you didn’t have the peace to explore anything. Sorry about that, Lustre Lance…”

 

“At least we learnt some new stuff.” You try to reassure the guardsmare. “Time seems to pass a lot faster for me in the woods. Perhaps we could use that to preserve food or have it grow faster in some way.”

“I… I’m not sure that could work.” Verdant shakes her head. “We’re not that short on food for now, and you said you were harassed by beasts when you got into the woods, so it would be dangerous. I don’t think we need to resort to such tactics just now.”

“Alright…” You nod. “I still want to understand what’s happening. I’m sure we can use the magic at work at our advantage in some way. Anyway, I didn’t bring back nothing actually. When I defeated monsters, something strange happened. Their body disappeared, and they left this instead.”

There, you take out two balls of light and show these to the mares.

 

“Woah, what are those?” Frog Chaser looks at them curiously.

“That’s new.” Verdant comments. “After we defeat a creature in the night, we usually drag the corpse away to the edge of the woods in the morning, as far from our houses as possible. The bodies then disappear quite fast, but I figured this must have been other beasts taking it away. All that to say… I have no idea what this is.”

“Also, speaking of that, how should we prepare for the night?” You ask. “Tell me what I need to know.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Verdant states. “Look at yourself, Lustre Lance. You need to rest. We’ll wake you up if it gets so bad we need your help, but I’ll try to make sure it won’t happen.”

 

“Hey, can you give one to me?” Frog chaser asks, pointing at an essence. “I want to get a better look at it.”

 

 

“Hold on, I want to test something myself first…” You reply.

You take one of the essences, and bring it to your mouth. It’s too big to fit in whole, and when you try to take a bite, the ball just slips away from your teeth, refusing to be cut in any way.

“Well, those don’t look like they’re proper for eating.” The green mare chuckles.

“Alright. Let’s see what you can do with it, then.” You nod. And toss the other ball to the green mare.

 

As soon as it lands on her open hooves, the essence starts to glow brightly, and there’s a blinding flash of light after a few seconds.

When you can look again, Frog Chaser has some sturdy tools on her hooves instead of the essence, there’s a pickaxe, shovels, a lantern and a toolbox.

“What the…” Verdant exclaims.

“Woah, I didn’t expect that! But I gotta say…” Frog Chaser gives the pickaxe a tentative swing. “…These things do feel quite familiar to me!”

“So… What just happened?” Sand Carrot confusedly utters. “Did the essence Lance got from a dead beast just turn into tools for you? How does this make sense?”

 

“That…” Frog Chaser proudly hoists the tools over her back. “I have absolutely no idea! But I think I’m gonna start digging around starting tomorrow. Hey! Maybe we can escape the forest by digging a path under it?”

“This place makes no sense…” Verdant sighs, and then turn to you. “But something good came out of the expedition at least. Though, this thing turned into something useful for Frog Chaser the second she touched it, but I wonder why it didn’t work for you, Lustre Lance.”

“Give the other one to Sand Carrot, Lance!” Frog Chaser suggests. “Or give it to me again. Maybe we can get something nice again.”

“I think Lustre Lance should decide.” Verdant says. “After all, he’s the one that went through all the trouble for those.”

“Yeah, of course. But like Verdant said, Lance, you don’t seem to be able to use it yourself, so you might as well gift it to your favourite mare.” Frog Chaser gives you a wink while she sports a lively smirk.

 

“Anyway, I think that can wait.” Verdant states. “You should go get some rest, Lustre Lance. We’ve prepared some bedding for you. Tell us if you need anything.”

“Uhm. I can help you clean up your bruises if you want…” Sand Carrot offers.

 

 

“Please do, I’d appreciate that.” You nod back at Sand Carrot, and then turn to Frog Chaser. “Hey. Want another one?”

There, you toss the other essence you had to the green mare. She’s taken by surprised, but manages to catch the ball of light in her hoof.

 

And then… nothing happens.

“Huh…” Frog Chaser makes the ghostly ball bounce on her hoof a little, but it remains inert all the same. “Well, that’s a bit disappointing… This place really isn’t gonna let us have anything the way we want, will it? Well, maybe I need to wait, or maybe you just need to give it to somebody else, Lance. Your call.”

The mare throws the essence back at you. You think you can decide later what to do with that.

 

After that, you all make your way into Verdant’s house. There are 4 beddings ready here. It’s not much, just rugs on straw and some sheets on top of them, but you’re tired enough you won’t have any problem sleeping anyway. There’s a ladder and a trapdoor that Verdant uses to climb on top of the tower after closing the heavy door, and already Frog Chaser lies down on her bedding and turns to look at the wall.

 

After you stash away your equipment, Sand Carrot approaches with some clean pieces of cloth and a bucket of water. While you sit down, the mare takes care of cleaning your body, dutifully rubbing every sore spot and gently drying them. You feel you mind calm down as she does.

“I’m relieved.” Sand Carrot says. “It doesn’t look like you broke anything, or that you were cut too deeply. It’s a good that your body is very healthy, I mean, you really have the body of a fierce warrior, Lustre Lance.”

“Uh, thank you.” You reply a bit absently, and let the mare keep taking care of you. The feeling of fresh water dulls the soreness of your body, a pleasant shiver of relief running through your skin with every touch of the mare.

 

You’re feeling a lot better once she’s done. After that, you wish a good night to the two mares, and once you’ve lied down you think there’s less than a minute before sleep takes you.

 

 

You wake up to the sound of hooves and the creaking of old wood and find yourself in the house under the watchtower again. The memories of the day prior come flooding back. You arrived in that forest yesterday, and you and the three mares you met here do not know how to get out. It feels odd to awaken in this weird place you just discovered, but the eeriest part is that you still can’t remember any alternative.

“Sorry. I didn’t want to wake you up, Lustre Lance.” You hear Verdant that you see come down from the ladder. There’s daylight coming from under the door. The two other mares, Frog Chaser and Sand Carrot aren’t in this house anymore.

 

As you sit up, you realize you still feel a bit sore from yesterday. Even though you’re healing up fast, it looks like you didn’t recover entirely from the expedition.

“Are you alright?” You ask the mare with the bow. “It’s the morning, right? Did anything happen while I was sleeping?”

“Well… The night was oddly calm.” Verdant says. “There was no beast attack tonight. That’s the first time that happened.”

“Is that a good thing?” You tentatively ask while you get back on your hooves.

“I wouldn’t know…” She shakes her head. “Maybe the creatures are preparing something… or perhaps your attack of yesterday warded them off. I’ll remain on guard the next time. Anyway, let’s go eat something. After that I’m going to bed.”

 

You join Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser again. Like yesterday, they brough some raw vegetables for everypony to eat.

“Today I’m gonna start digging!” Frog Chaser announce enthusiastically. “I wonder what I’m gonna find with these new tools. Who knows? Perhaps we can escape the forest from under if we can’t go through it?”

“I hope you’re right.” Sand Carrot nods. “Though, I’m gonna miss your help with the field.”

“Eh, you don’t need me Sand.” The green mare shakes her head with a reassuring smile. “You got a green hoof if I’ve ever seen one.”

“Yeah, but it’s gonna be a bit lonely with nopony to chat with…” The other mare chuckles.

 

That reminds you.

Yesterday you fought monsters in the forest. You got two essences after defeating them. Giving one to Frog Chaser gave her some mining tools. You still have the other, and it didn’t do anything yesterday when you tried to give it to Frog Chaser again. You were wondering if you should try that again or to give it to another mare.

 

 

“Frog Chaser?” You pull out the essence you still had. “Wanna try this again?”

“Hmm?” She perks up, before nodding with a smile. “Sure, why not.”

 

You pass the ball of light to her, but again, it just remains inert in the hooves of your companion.

“Welp, I guess that really was a one-time thing.” Frog Chaser shrugs and extends her hood to give it back to you.

“Alright.” You nod as you take back the thing for now. There’s a part of you that wishes to try and break the essence in pieces. Somehow, you still want to try eating one in some way. Maybe you’ll check doing that once you have more, but for this one, you want to try something else first.

You turn to Sand Carrot. “What about you then. Do you want to give this a try?”

“If that’s okay with you Lustre Lance.” She bows slightly. “Then yes, please.”

 

Despite her politeness, you can see Sand Carrot’s tail wag slightly in excitement. The two other mares also take a break from munching to see if anything is going to happen.

As you give the essence to Sand Carrot, there’s a flash of white similar to the one from when Frog Chaser received her own yesterday. A second later, the mare finds herself with something new in her hooves.

 

Pots. Pans. Plain but sharp cutlery and other kitchen tools are where the essence was a second ago. Everything one would need to slice, mash, boil or roast any kind of ingredient.

“My!” Sand Carrot exclaims. “That’s gonna come in handy!”

“That’s amazing!” Frog Chaser says, spitting tiny bits of raw carrot that were still in her mouth in the process. “Now we can cook anything we want!”

“Well… not exactly anything yet, no.” Sand Carrot shakes her head a little. “We still have no salt, nor oil or butter, nor an oven… but this is already a good start. With that, I’ll try to make something a little more elaborate for lunch!”

“I can’t wait!” Frog Chaser comments with a big smile dotted with carrot bits.

 

You decide to rest and help the mares today. Now that you can cook, you gather some branches along the edge of the forest for a fire. You make sure to remain in view of the clearing at all times, and you don’t feel the presence of predators as long as you do so. You help the farmer mare prepare a rudimentary firepit after that.

Sand carrot manages to make a sauté of the ingredients she has with her new tools, and you’re all glad to have a meal that’s a bit more satisfying than just raw crops.

 

In the afternoon, you decide to help Frog Chaser instead. You start digging with her, not far from her house. The mare displays a fortitude you didn’t expect from her, and works heartily for what soon becomes hours. As you remove dirt and sediment, already several feet below the ground, there’s something that catches you eye…

 

 

As you dig around, you seem to hit something hard with your shovel. As you swat away the dirt with a hoof, you realise this is not a stone, but the corner of some wooden box.

“Frog Chaser?” You call “I think I found something!”

“Huh?” She approaches, and as she sees what you point at. “Hold on, let me help you get this out.”

 

Soon, your efforts allow you to uncover the box that’s about as wide as your chest. As you open it, you realise there’s a weapon inside. It’s in surprisingly good condition.

 

 

“Cool! Do you think this will be useful?” Frog Chaser asks.

“Hum.” You nod. “That definitely could help me fight off a monster.”

“Yay!” She smiles. “I don’t know who hid this thing here, but I’m not gonna question it. Also, I’m getting quite tired. We did some good progress already, so let’s stop here.”

 

Indeed, the sun is starting to set. Verdant has woken up in the middle of the afternoon, and you see her descend from the tower as you’re all about to have dinner.

 

 

“We did a good job today!” You recount while you enjoy some mashed potatoes. “It’s good to have some cooked meals now, and thanks to the the tools we could dig and find something useful. Thanks Frog Chaser!”

And before she can reply, you extend your hoof to boop the snout of the green mare. Her dumbfounded expression has Sand Carrot chuckle lightly.

“Heh, I don’t mind you getting familiar, Lance.” Frog Chaser gently pushes your hoof aside, a smirk on her face. “Just don’t get surprised if you get a little mud on yourself the next time you come to help me digging again.”

 

“Verdant.” You then turn to the guardsmare. “I want to help you keep watch tonight. Is that okay?”

“Are you sure?” She asks back. “You’ve been quite busy helping around already.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll manage.” You brush it off. “Also, I’m curious to see if the beasts will come today. Can we work on shifts maybe? That way you can spend a little more time awake tomorrow.”

 

“Please do tell me if I’m not working enough for your taste during the day.” Verdant frowns at your comment. “I can handle a little less sleep too if needed. Anyway, I plan to look over this place until dawn like I usually do. A second pair of eyes is always welcome, even if you go to bed at some point.”

You refrain a cringe, and you feel a wave of uneasiness on the two other mares. Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser’s eyes worriedly dart between the two of you, but the guardsmare remains focused on her plate from this point on. The dinner ends in silence.

 

Still, after washing yourselves, you and Verdant climb on the tower while Sand Carrot and Frog Chaser prepare themselves to spend the night in the house under it. The night is very clear, and a small fire in front of the house makes sure you see something if comes close.

“Let’s hope tonight is calm too.” Verdant states. “The beasts usual come out one by one at different hours. I had to deal with five of them the night before you came.”

“Understood.” You nod, and prepare yourself for the wait.

 

An hour passes. Then another without even the shadow of a creature entering the clearing. The place is eerily calm too. There’s a light wind occasionally rustling the leaves of the trees around, but you hear nearly no sign of anything alive around you. Not howl from wolves. No skittering of rodents or hooting of night birds can be heard. This makes the buzzing of the occasional bug near your face almost reassuring.

“Thank you for staying with me, Lustre Lance.” You jump a little as Verdant suddenly whippers. “I’m more at ease knowing there’s somepony else than me to fight if monsters come.”

Verdant didn’t move as she spoke, still dutifully looking into the distance toward the edge of the forest.

 

 

“It’s okay, really.” You reply. “Also… sorry about earlier. I didn’t want to question your abilities. I realize you take your role very seriously, as one should. Still, if you don’t mind, I’ll keep watch with you whenever I can, if I’m not too tired of injured.”

“Uhm.” Verdant nods, and in the dark, you almost see a little smile on the corner of her mouth. “I appreciate that. Just remember that I can take care of it if you need to preserve your strength.”

“You’re right. I have to keep exploring this forest too.” You nod. “I’m probably gonna go on another expedition tomorrow.”

“Thank you for doing this Lustre Lance.” Verdant says. “Even with the dangers in the woods.”

“Uhm.” You nod in the shadow.

 

After another hour where there’s no sign of an attack, you decide to go to sleep.

 

You wake up in good form the next day. You completely recovered from your previous expedition, so you’re at your best to take on the beasts of this word.

For now, you share another breakfast with the three mares. Sand Carrot plans to prepare some soup for the evening, and Frog Chaser is going to keep digging.

 

 

“I’m gonna go on an expedition again today.” You announce. Verdant nods in silent approval while the two other mares seem a bit worried about it.

 

But then you turn to the farmer mare. “Sand Carrot. There’s something I’d like to ask of you. Would you accept to try to accompany me this time?”

“What?!” The mare’s eyes go wide. “But… I’m no warrior Lustre Lance, I wouldn’t be able to help you, a-and I’ll disappear to return here tomorrow anyway!”

“That’s what I want to witness actually.” You state. “Since I don’t disappear when I enter in the woods, maybe there’s a chance I could see what happens when you do.”

 

There, you turn to Verdant who remained silent until now.

“What do you think Verdant? Of course, I’ll run back here if things get dangerous for any of us. But don’t you think it’s worth a try?”

“Well…” The guardsmare ponders. “It’s true the rules in these woods seem to be different for you, Lustre Lance, so…” She turns to Sand Carrot.

“Sand Carrot, would you accept? I think you understand how dangerous this is.”

 

Your companion fidgets with her hooves a little, but she eventually looks up to you with a shaky but earnest resolve in her eyes.

“Alright, I’ll come.” She says. “We have to learn what we can.”

“Thank you, Sand Carrot.” You say. “I promise I’ll protect you.”

 

You both prepare yourselves, taking enough food to last a long time. You also make sure to take along the throwing dagger you found yesterday.

 

“Don’t dig too much while I’m gone.” You tell Frog Chaser who followed you to the edge of the trees while Verdant is up the tower. “You still wanna have some mud left to throw on me when I return.”

“Heh.” She smirks. “Keep dreaming. I’m gonna go deeper and find even better things to throw at you! Loams, coal, or even fossilized dungs if I’m lucky. So you better return for that!”

“I certainly will.” You smile. “Wouldn’t wanna miss that.”

 

On that, you go under the trees again, but this time Sand Carrot walks in front of you.

“I believe it’s best I remain where you can see me” She says. “Or else you might miss what happens.”

 

You walk a good distance away, and Sand Carrot is still, well, there.

“This is already further than what I can remember when I went here on my own. So…” She utters a worried chuckle. “Butt-zucchini! If I disappear, ask me I remember saying that when I reappear.”

 

But as you expected, as soon as the clearing is too far away to be seen behind you, you start to hear many movements around. Sand Carrot feels it too, and you see the mare tremble in fear.

The hostility around is palpable, and soon enough a creature jumps out of the green to attack you. Sand Carrot shrieks in panic and backs away. And just there it happens. The moment the mare leaves your field of vision, there’s no trace of her around anymore. She vanished into thin air like she said, both her and what she carried.

 

Anyway, you have a hostile creature to deal with.

 

It’s a wolf!

 

 

 

 

 

Again, it’s an onslaught of creatures that you’re gonna face. No more than a dozen seconds after you defeat the wolf, another monster appears

 

It’s a snake!

 

 

 

 

You repeatedly missed the agile creature, and the snake was able to bite you several times. Worse, you still feel its venom coursing in your veins, and yet another creature arrives.

 

It’s a goblin!

 

 

 

You run back toward the clearing, the goblin on your tail. Fortunately, you manage to get some distance between them and you. As you see the village, you can feel presence of the monsters around disappear.

Once you make it out of the forest, you’re out of breath, in pain, but somehow you don’t feel the effect of venom anymore in you.

 

After this series of fights, it is the evening again.

“Lustre Lance!” You hear Verdant call as she sees you, and soon you see her run down from the tower to meet you. She also alerted Frog Chaser, who rushes out of her hole to come.

 

“Lance! You’re back! You look beat…” She says, looking scared. “And… what about Sand Carrot?”

“She disappeared… before I could fight anything.” You say, still catching your breath. “She told me she could go further than when she was alone, but the second I put my eyes away from her to face a beast, she vanished into thin air.”

 

“I see.” Verdant nods. “Well… Normally she should be there again tomorrow.”

“Yes, let’s hope that will happen.” Frog Chaser sulks

“It will.” Verdant states, and then she looks at your wounds. “You look like you pushed yourself hard. Again, if you find yourself in a pinch, don’t be afraid to bring the fight here so I can help you. I… really wish I could help more.”

 

 

 

Let’s hope Sand Carrot will be here again tomorrow indeed. Still, it seems you can bring your friends in the forest somehow, but keeping them in your field of vision at all times will be extremely hard when dangers arise. Facing anything else than your foe is rarely something one can afford, and that also means you’ll expose your friends to the dangers of the forest.

That fight with the snake might have gone poorly, but at least you learned some new things today.

 

“Is it the same time I came back last time?” You ask.

“Yes.” Verdant nods. “The sun’s about to set, just like two days ago.”

 

Without any kind of clock, you wouldn’t know exactly if you went to the forest earlier or spent a little more time in it, but it seems likely at this point that you’ll return from an expedition in the evening, no matter when you go for it.

 

Holding on that thought, there’s something you feel like you must do right now. Frog Chaser looks distressed about Sand Carrot not being here. While you can’t do much about the missing mare, you approach the one in front of you and gently takes her into a hug.

“Sorry, about worrying you, Frog Chaser.” You softly say to her.

“Hey, come on, Lance, l-look at yourself!” Her voice shakes a little, but she slowly wraps her front leg around your neck too. “You’re the one that needs a hug.”

The mare’s contact is soothing to you, and you feel that her too seems a little more at ease after that.

 

“Anyway, I managed to bring back some of these again.” You show the two essences to your friends after you let go of Frog Chaser. Like two days ago, you notice the two essences seems lightly attracted to the other, even if nothing special happens when the two ghostly balls of light touch each other.

You don’t see any more of a way to use those on yourself than the day prior, so instead you try giving the two at once to Frog Chaser, but get no result that way either.

 

Finally, you give one to Verdant. As the essence makes contact with her, there’s a familiar flash of light, and a few seconds later, you see that Verdant has one single arrow on her hoof. This one looks enchanted in some way. A slight red glow emanates from it, and red veins on the metal point make it look like barely solid magma.

“Ooh. Fancy.” The bowmare comments with a smirk. She seems able to manipulate the arrow without trouble. “I have a hunch that whatever gets hit by this is gonna have a bad day.”

“I hope that will help.” You nod. “Though… what do you think I should do with that last essence?”

 

“I’m not sure.” Verdant says. “Perhaps you should keep it. As it is right now, the only thing left to try would be that I take it, but maybe I’d just get another arrow. That doesn’t seem necessary right now.”

 

 

“I’m not gonna use that essence now, but out of curiosity there’s something I’d like to try.”

You walk toward the field, and there you dig a little hole where you plant the little ball of light before covering it up again.

“There. I want to see if something sprouts out of it. At worst, nothing will happen I guess.”

“Why not.” Verdant shrugs. “At least it’s stored somewhere that way.”

 

“Also, now that I think about digging. Did you find something useful today, Frog Chaser?”

“Actually, yes.” She nods. “I’m deep enough I’m gonna do a horizontal gallery now, but I also found another of those boxes today.”

The green mare trots to her house and brings it to you.

 

 

After that, you all enjoy your dinner in relative silence before preparing yourselves for the night.

“Frog Chaser.” You speak up once you’re done eating. “Could you help me clean my wounds, please? It would help me make sure everything recovers well.”

“Me? Uhm… Sure.” The mare accepts after a little hesitation.

 

Frog Chaser turns out to be a little… clumsy with this. This time you could heat the water for your comfort, and the warmth over your sore spots is usually pleasant, but you can’t refrain a few recoils when Frog Chaser pushes a little hard on a wound.

“Whoops! Sorry, Lance…” She would say with a cringe.

“It’s alright, don’t worry.” You’d reply, trying to stifle your wince.

 

Still, overall this helped you evacuate the tension of today’s fighting, and you feel more than ready to go to sleep after that.

As you lie on your bed, your thoughts turn to the mares you’ve met. Between everypony worrying for Sand Carrot and the damage you took in battle today, there was no room for getting too sentimental, but right now you find your mind thinking about the bodies of the companions you’re alone in the woods with.

 

Frog Chaser is a rather lithe mare, and always with a spring in her step. Her bright eyes and mane really suit her. As you remember your hug with her, it only confirmed there’s very little fat on that mare. She’s certainly an able-bodied one, strong yet light on her hooves. For a mare she’s rather tall, which is thanks to her legs that looks to be pleasantly longer than the ones of other mares.

Sand Carrot is a more average one, I the sense that she’s more of a traditionally feminine mare. Working in the fields made sure she’s no weakling, but she still has a bit of plumpness all around her body that goes well with her calm and caring attitude. There’s definitely something… motherly about her, and there you heart sinks a little as you reckon there might be some foals of hers out there that she would not remember.

Verdant, meanwhile, is a little… runtish. The guardsmare is definitely the smaller of your group in many ways. Though, you can recognize in her the demeanour of seasoned warriors. At all times she has the kind of moves that transpire a feeling of feline grace, with calculated and precise steps that won’t waste a silver of energy. You wonder if she might be a bit too extra about it actually. You don’t think you’re always on guard like this yourself. You wonder if you could help her unwind in some way…

 

These thoughts lull you to sleep, the images of your three admirable companions following you in your dreams.

 

A quest about finding a way out of a cursed forest and defeated wicked beasts to help your companions.

 

 

 

“Everypony, wake up!” Your eyes open as Verdant’s voice pierces the veil of your sleep. “Sand Carrot is back, and there’s a new mare and her house too!”

 

You and Frog Chaser both jump on your hooves, and after exchanging a glance you both rush outside.

 

It’s true. There are two mares that seemingly appeared out of thin air in the middle of the clearing, not far from the field, but now there’s also a house of sorts next to it. The two of them look unconscious right now. While Frog Chaser and then Verdant go check the newcomer, you approach Sand Carrot and try to wake her up.

 

“Hey, can you hear me?” You mutter, and after gently booping the mare you get some reaction. Her blue eyes groggily open in front on you.

“Lustre Lance?” She blurts. “I’m… back at the clearing, right?”

“Yes.” You nod “Do you remember what happened yesterday?”

“Uh, yeah.” She nods back. “I came with you in the forest. The last thing I remember is that a wolf came out of a bush.”

“Then we’re on the same page.” You tell her. “You disappeared when I stopped looking at you. Sorry, it happened so fast I didn’t realise.”

“Ah, it’ alright. Maybe it’s better that I didn’t fight this beast. Anyway, can you help me up please? I’m still feeling a little dizzy.”

 

You place yourself at Sand Carrot’s side and allow her to lean on you while she shakily rises on her hooves.

“Also, do you remember what you said when we entered the forest?”

“Mmh?” She looks a bit puzzled for a second, but then she shows you a little smile. “Oh, yeah, butt-zucchini, right? I guess my memory’s alright. Now, let’s see who’s the new pony.”

 

Frog Chaser and Verdant already helped the new pony on her hooves, until you realize that’s not exactly it. The pale and dainty-looking mare only has her front legs to stand on actually, and the rest of her is held by some wheeled contraption her behind rests on.

“Thank you.” The new mare softly tells to your friends. “I’m sorry, I’ve got a bit of trouble understanding. So you say this place is cursed? And all of us lost our memories?”

“None of us remember much when we arrive here, yes.” Verdant says. “Unfortunately, if you’re like the rest of us you won’t know anything about your past. But still, the learning of our trade usually remains.”

 

“I… I believe you are right.” The new mare calmly replies. “What I remember is the Light’s embrace. You said this place might be cursed, but I can feel Its radiance even here. I remember the words, the prayers and the rites. Nothing else remains in me, but blessed be the Light my faith is intact.”

“Your faith, huh.” Verdant sounds unconvinced. “Do you think faith is gonna help us get out of these woods?”

“Of course.” The new mare nods with an unwavering confidence. “The Light will guide us through the perils we face. In time it shall pierce the veil of evil that surrounds these lands, and we shall all be freed.”

“Okay…” Frog Chaser raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying you can… conjure up a miracle and send us home?”

“I will pray to the Light, and the Light will help us. Through Its blessings, we shall triumph over the evils we face. Now, I realise there’s few of us here, and I shall do my best to help with the work that is certainly necessary here. The Light’s blessing shines by helping each other too.”

“Yeah, that sounded like a no…” But after that, Frog Chaser trades her doubtful frown for a smile again. “But anyway, welcome abroad! My name is Frog Chaser! Let’s work together to get out of here.”

“I’m Sand Carrot.” The mare nods.

“I’m Lustre Lance.” You say.

 

“Verdant.” The guardsmare says. “Most of us don’t remember our name when we arrive, so just tell what you want us to call you.”

“I see. Then… You can call me Graces if that is alright with you.” Graces bows slightly. “Thank you for welcoming me.”

 

You’re all about to share breakfast at this point. You reckon that will be the occasion to explain more in detail how things work around here to Graces.

After checking, the essence you planted in the field didn’t budge.

 

 

 

“Everypony, wake up!” Your eyes open as Verdant’s voice pierces the veil of your sleep. “Sand Carrot is back, and there’s a new mare and her house too!”

 

You and Frog Chaser both jump on your hooves, and after exchanging a glance you both rush outside.

 

It’s true. There are two mares that seemingly appeared out of thin air in the middle of the clearing, not far from the field, but now there’s also a house of sorts next to it. The two of them look unconscious right now. While Frog Chaser and then Verdant go check the newcomer, you approach Sand Carrot and try to wake her up.

 

“Hey, can you hear me?” You mutter, and after gently booping the mare you get some reaction. Her blue eyes groggily open in front on you.

“Lustre Lance?” She blurts. “I’m… back at the clearing, right?”

“Yes.” You nod “Do you remember what happened yesterday?”

“Uh, yeah.” She nods back. “I came with you in the forest. The last thing I remember is that a wolf came out of a bush.”

“Then we’re on the same page.” You tell her. “You disappeared when I stopped looking at you. Sorry, it happened so fast I didn’t realise.”

“Ah, it’ alright. Maybe it’s better that I didn’t fight this beast. Anyway, can you help me up please? I’m still feeling a little dizzy.”

 

You place yourself at Sand Carrot’s side and allow her to lean on you while she shakily rises on her hooves.

“Also, do you remember what you said when we entered the forest?”

“Mmh?” She looks a bit puzzled for a second, but then she shows you a little smile. “Oh, yeah, butt-zucchini, right? I guess my memory’s alright. Now, let’s see who’s the new pony.”

 

Frog Chaser and Verdant already helped the new pony on her hooves, until you realize that’s not exactly it. The pale and dainty-looking mare only has her front legs to stand on actually, and the rest of her is held by some wheeled contraption her behind rests on.

“Thank you.” The new mare softly tells to your friends. “I’m sorry, I’ve got a bit of trouble understanding. So you say this place is cursed? And all of us lost our memories?”

“None of us remember much when we arrive here, yes.” Verdant says. “Unfortunately, if you’re like the rest of us you won’t know anything about your past. But still, the learning of our trade usually remains.”

 

“I… I believe you are right.” The new mare calmly replies. “What I remember is the Light’s embrace. You said this place might be cursed, but I can feel Its radiance even here. I remember the words, the prayers and the rites. Nothing else remains in me, but blessed be the Light my faith is intact.”

“Your faith, huh.” Verdant sounds unconvinced. “Do you think faith is gonna help us get out of these woods?”

“Of course.” The new mare nods with an unwavering confidence. “The Light will guide us through the perils we face. In time it shall pierce the veil of evil that surrounds these lands, and we shall all be freed.”

“Okay…” Frog Chaser raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying you can… conjure up a miracle and send us home?”

“I will pray to the Light, and the Light will help us. Through Its blessings, we shall triumph over the evils we face. Now, I realise there’s few of us here, and I shall do my best to help with the work that is certainly necessary here. The Light’s blessing shines by helping each other too.”

“Yeah, that sounded like a no…” But after that, Frog Chaser trades her doubtful frown for a smile again. “But anyway, welcome abroad! My name is Frog Chaser! Let’s work together to get out of here.”

“I’m Sand Carrot.” The mare nods.

“I’m Lustre Lance.” You say.

 

“Verdant.” The guardsmare says. “Most of us don’t remember our name when we arrive, so just tell what you want us to call you.”

“I see. Then… You can call me Graces if that is alright with you.” Graces bows slightly. “Thank you for welcoming me.”

 

You’re all about to share breakfast at this point. You reckon that will be the occasion to explain more in detail how things work around here to Graces.

After checking, the essence you planted in the field didn’t budge.

 

 

 

You and Verdant finish to explain the situation to Graces. You talk about what will most likely happen if she tries to go in the woods, which she seems to understand. The topic of your expeditions is also brought up, then how you don’t seem to be affected by the same rules, and also these strange essences you get from monsters. Graces doesn’t recognise anything about it either, even when you say it seems to bring blessings to the mares present.

 

“Speaking of which, since I still have this one.” You say as you still show her the ball of light. “I’d like you to have it, Graces. That way we’ll know if it can help you.”

“Well, alright.” She nods a little confusedly.

 

You place the essence on her extended hoof, and immediately there’s a familiar flash of light. There, rather than to transform into something, the ball seems to melt on Graces’ hoof, coating it in a bright golden glow.

“Lustre Lance…” Graces looks up at you, and approaches to touch your chest with her hoof.

You feel a tingle and an electric heat as the golden light seem to imprint on you. You shudder, but it’s not painful, even as this feeling spreads to you whole body.

This lasts only for a couple seconds however, and then… You feel fine. More than fine actually. You realize you bear no more trace of the hurdles of the day prior.

The glow disappeared from you and from Graces’ hoof.

 

 

“I swear… I just heard a whisper of the Light.” Graces nervously explains herself, taking a couple steps back after that. “After you gave me this, I felt this is what I had to do.”

“I-It’s alight.” You bow slightly. “I think that just healed some of my injuries. Thank you.”

“Well, I’m glad I could be of us, then.” The pale mare nods with a serene smile.

“Anyway, why don’t we go see what your place is like?” You offer. “I mean, the house that appeared when you arrived.”

 

You all go beyond the field to inspect the new construction. There’s only a curtain instead of a door, and what is behind it indeed looks like a place of worship as you suspected. There’s a pony sized altar of wood at the other end of the room that is roughly shaped like the pendant on Graces’ neck. There’s no roof, allowing the sunlight to bathe the place from above, and two rows of small benches face the altar on a stone floor. Finally, there’s two closed alcoves on the sides. One contains a bedding with just enough space for a pony to lie down, and the other is empty.

 

“Yes… Many things here feel familiar.” Graces approach the altar with a calm smile before turning to the rest of you. “I understand why you’d call it my place, but please, if any of you wishes to pray the Light, you are all free to come whenever you want.”

“Yay… sounds like fun...” Frog Chaser can’t refrain an ironic comment.

“Can you tell me a little more about the Light you speak of?” You ask “Is that a natural force good? A god of sorts?

 

“You could call it both of these things, yes.” Graces nods. “Light is the primordial impulse of life and harmony of our universe. It is present everywhere, in equal nature in a sprout that strives to grow into a tree, in a mother that feeds her newborn foal, or in a wise king who works to ensure the ponies on its land prosper. Sometimes its power manifests more concretely, aiding its believers, or granting them a shimmer of insight.”

 

 

“Then let us hope Light will find a way to shine through this cursed forest, and support and save all of us through this endeavour.” You say toward the altar, and you can’t help but to note that Graces smiles just a bit more after hearing this.

You turn to the pale mare. “If you don’t mind, Graces, I’d like to pray here a little.”

“But of course!” The mare nods enthusiastically. “Like I said, you don’t even need to ask if you want to come.”

“Well… alright.” Frog Chaser shrugs. “I guess you can do that while I go dig my hole. You sure you don’t want to come?”

“With how particular our situation is, praying for insight doesn’t sound like the worst idea to me.” You reply. “We could use some help from above. Especially since we just witnessed that the Light could provide some tangible healing.”

“Mmh… yeah, we could use a miracle…” She sighs. “There’s no harm asking for one I guess.”

 

With that, Verdant and Frog Chaser leave the shrine while Sand Carrot decides to remain and pray too. You both sit down on the bench while Graces stands near the altar to deliver some sort of sermon. She talks about the presence of the Light in every little thing, and that It manifests as the unalterable will of all that live to flourish. The pale mare invites you to focus on your desires and let the sunlight steel your resolve to accomplish them.

While the allegories of Graces sounded a bit pompous at times, this meditation soothed your mind overall. Though, you don’t think any power from above is to thank for that.

 

“Excuse me, Graces?” You approach the mare while were about to leave. “How often does the Light answers a prayer… you know, by actually it manifesting a response?”

“Oh, but its power manifests already.” Graces replies. “In your resolve, in the strength in your hooves, and in the courage in your heart. I’m sorry if you expected more. If you wish, I may pray for you. I wield a form of magic that the Light grants me. I understand you’re the one in this place that faces the most dangers at the moment, so don’t hesitate to tell me how I may help you.”

 

 

“I see. I’ll tell you if I need something.” You nod. “I’ll see you later.”

While Graces decide to rest a little before lunch, you catch up on Sand Carrot.

“Hey! I’ll go on another expedition this afternoon.” You tell her. “So is it alright if I work with you in the meantime?”

“But of course, Lance!” She smiles. “I sure could use some help since I couldn’t tend to the field yesterday.”

“Yes, and about that… I really want to thank you for coming with me in the forest, Sand Carrot.”

And as the mare turns to you, you close in and take her in a hug.

“It was very brave of you to come with all the dangers ahead.” You whisper to her. “And sorry I couldn’t exactly protect you the way I said I would.”

 

“Ah, uhm i-it’s okay Lance!” She seems more than a little embarrassed by your sudden gesture, and you swear you can immediately feel her heart beating faster. “I mean, thanks. I’m just glad I could help. So, don’t feel obliged to anything…”

As you move away from the mare, you see that she has a deep blush on her face. For a few seconds, she just stares in your eyes in silence.

“L-let’s go see the field!” She suddenly walks away “Verdant must have watered it. I hope. Let’s check!”

 

Sand Carrot eventually calms down as you get to work. The hours pass without trouble, and then you cook lunch for everybody along the farmer mare.

When it’s time to call in everypony, you decide to fulfil the promise you made to Frog Chaser yesterday. When she comes out of her hole, she’s met with a barrage of mud from you, plus Verdant and Sand Carrot that you persuaded to participate in this. A chase with a playfully furious Frog Chaser ensues, where you do get a couple mud stains on your coat in return. Though, the green mare didn’t manage to ‘make you eat it’.

Yet.

 

You share lunch in a relative calm after that. Graces didn’t want to participate in your antics this time, but at least she seems to find those fun to watch.

“Also, sorry if that sounds insensitive.” You speak up. “But until now, I assumed that your wounds were probably because of the night attacks. I mean, your eye, Verdant, Sand carrot, your head, Frog Chaser there’s your ear. And Graces, well, your legs obviously. Did you all arrive like this?”

“Yes.” Verdant nods. “Fortunately, none of us suffered any more injuries than when we arrived, but we all had a scar of some sort from the beginning.”

“Except me.” You say. “I wonder if that means anything.”

“Another instance where the rules are different for you.” Verdant nods.

 

 

"Or maybe I have a scar somewhere it hasn't been noticed yet?" You reply with a smirk.

“The way you say this, I’m not sure I want to learn more.” Verdant chooses to stoically focus on her lunch again.

 

“Graces, we still don’t understand much about these essences I find in my expeditions.” You turn to the cleric mare next. “Could you ask the Light some insight about these? I feel like they’re important.”

“Very well.” She nods. “I will hear out what answer the light gives me.”

 

Frog Chaser didn’t dig out anything new yet, so once you’re done eating you prepare yourself to go into the forest again. Under the eyes of your friends, you walk under the trees.

The familiar feeling of hostility returns once you’re far. You’re not surprised anymore, but you better not let your guard down.

 

A creature soon comes out of the green to attack you.

 

It’s a goblin!

 

 

 

 

You collect another essence. You notice like before that the two ghostly balls of light seem to be slowly attracted to one another. Though, there’s little time to dwell much on it as another creature steps forth.

 

It’s YET another goblin!

 

 

 

 

You collect another essence, but as you bag it in with the others, something strange happens. The essences melt into one another as they touch. Soon you’re left with one single ball of light that’s roughly the same size as the others, but now looking clearer, and emitting a stronger light.

 

However, you know well that you won’t have much time to investigate in this forest, as a new adversary steps forth.

You’re surprised as this time it is another pony that comes from behind the trees.

 

“You… Submit… give it to me!” You hear the voice of a mare under the mask. “We must… so we can leave… Think! I can’t… you…”

While her speech is laborious and sounds deranged, the mare facing you seem perfectly capable of fighting you, and obviously intends to do so.

 

You face the witch.

 

 

 

“What happens if I submit?” You ask, and show the witch your loot. “Is it that essence you want?”

“Yes, give it back… submit…” The witch shakes her head. “He’s too strong, I can’t think… I must satisfy his will!”

 

 

Once you disengage, the witch doesn’t seem to chase you much as you run away. She looks like she was starting a pursuit at first, but soon stumbles and stops while holding her head in her hooves.

Again, you soon find the sight of the clearing after escaping, and it’s the evening already.

Verdant calls the others as she sees you return. The four mares approach you. As always, they’re glad to see you back, but look worried about the wounds you suffered.

First, they invite you to sit down and rest while dinner is served. Sand Carrot stuffed some eggplants with several mashed vegetables, and the taste is a wonderful surprise after this hard day.

 

“So… how did it go today?” Frog Chaser asks, forcing a smile on her face. “Saw anything new in the forest today?”

 

 

After making sure that you are indeed the same day that you left, you recount the struggles you went through today and show the glowing essence to your friends before talking about your encounter with the witch.

The existence of unicorns in itself is not a surprise. The fact there isn’t any of them or any pegasus in your camp might be a coincidence, but without any memory to corroborate anything, you can only guess. The rest of your friends take note of it too, but cannot think of anything else to add on the matter.

“That witch was hostile the moment I saw her.” You say. “She was after this essence, but she didn’t seem like herself and spoke about having to satisfy some guy’s will. I bet it’s that mask that was controlling her!”

 

“I’m surprised there are ponies in the forest at all.” Verdant comments. “But it’s a shame she attacked you right away. I don’t know if she’s controlled or anything, but if she’s just as wicked as the breasts of this place, don’t be afraid to strike first, Lustre Lance. You can take off her mask once she’s down.”

“Maybe…” You reply, somewhat hoping you won’t have to come to that. “For now, I don’t even know if I’ll encounter her again. Anyway, I still have that new fused essence. I wonder if it’s different from the one we had before.”

 

You bring it to your mouth. Like with a regular essence, it doesn’t seem possible to bite or eat that thing in any way, but you hear Frog Chaser chuckle as your try.

“Yep, just as inedible as the other ones.” You conclude before turning to the cleric mare. “Now for something that might actually help, did the Light give you some insight about this, Graces?”

 

“Yes.” She nods. “The Light heard my prayers, and this is what I learned. These… essences, are shreds of the intrinsic power from this dominion. In this form, they are absolved of the will of this place. I suppose this happens when you destroy a creature, Lustre Lance. Anyway, the essences can then be repurposed. When we make contact with it, they take the print of our own beings and add to it.”

“So why did it only work once for each of me and Sand Carrot?” Frog Chaser asks. “Or why doesn’t it work for Lance? And what’s this ‘dominion’ you’re talking about?”

“I didn’t learn much about place.” Graces slowly shakes her head. “I was curious too, but I couldn’t ask everything I had in mind. Interpreting the signs of the Light is a long task, and while it can help discern the nature of things, the very practical, mortal tidings are rarely part of the answer, so I wouldn’t know why exactly it worked just once for you. I could, however, ask about you Lustre Lance. It seems the reason you can’t interact with the essence is that your being is… shrouded in some way. Again, I do not know the details, but you don’t seem to be subject to certain influences, even if I don’t know why yet or how it works exactly.”

 

“Thank you, Graces.” You nod at the cleric mare, even though you’re a little disappointed by how cryptic the information is. Now, you still have your glowing essence, and at least you’re almost sure giving it to one of your companions will end up doing something overall good for them.

 

 

“About that mare in the woods.” You speak up. “I want to try and bring her back here to interrogate her. I don’t know if that’ll work, but I think we have a better chance to get information out of her that way. Verdant, do you think you could help me apprehend her? And even if I can’t bring her here, do you have some idea that could help me capture her rather than just kill her? I’d hate to see a pony that may hold answers just vanish after we fight to the bitter end.”

“Of course, I’ll help you subdue her if you can bring her here.” Verdant nods. “And to capture her, well, the best I can do is to give you some rope we have and show you how to tie a good knot if you don’t know one. Though, I’m not sure that’ll be enough to stop her. If she’s a unicorn and that she wields attack magic, nothing short of knocking her out will keep us completely safe.”

“Hum.” You nod. “Thank you Verdant. Also, I want you to have this.”

Verdant seems surprised as you offer her the orb of light.

“Are you sure?” She asks. “So far I feel like I couldn’t help much. I couldn’t assist in any fight, and there hasn’t even been any attack of beasts in the night since you arrived. I mean, that’s a good thing of course, but are you sure it wouldn’t be better to give that to somepony else?”

 

“No, I want you to take it.” You repeat. “I feel better knowing that you have my back, and that there’s somepony like you to protect everypony while I’m away.”

“I… Alright then.” Verdant nods. You swear you see a little smile on her face before she bites her lip to suppress it.

 

You give the mare the essence, and there’s a flash of light like the other times. This once however, the light engulfs Verdant whole, and her very form seems to change.

And when the light peters out, you’re facing a mare that’s definitely Verdant, except you have to look slightly up to meet her eyes. Her limbs also look a little more toned with muscle, and the shine of her coat looks healthier, her limbs more agile… she just seems better overall.

 

“Verdant!” Sand Carrot asks in amazement. “How do you feel? Are you alright?”

“I… Yes.” The mare looks at herself dumbfoundedly. “I feel… better than ever in fact.”

As she looks toward you, she does a slow blink as she realizes she has a couple inches of height over you.

“So, are these essences okay to use then?” You attempt to break the awkward silence.

“W-well, I didn’t expect that when Graces said the essence would add to me but…” The guardsmare shows around a confident smile. “I feel more battle-ready than ever now. You can all trust that I won’t let anything happen to any of you.”

 

Another thing you quickly notice it that the watchtower and Verdant’s house also changed a little. It’s a little bigger, and now there’s some furniture inside, with a couple chairs, a round table and also a real bed. While this is an odd surprise, you all end up agreeing that houses that appear magically out of nowhere may then transform just as magically.

Verdant also states that you will use the bed tonight so you may recover better.

 

 

Next post will be the last for this week.

 

“This bed is big enough for two ponies.” You state. “It’s better if we just share the little comfort we have as much as possible. Frog Chaser, are you interested?”

“Wow, just asking me to sleep in the same bed as you?” The green mare replies with a smirk, while Graces lets out a chuckle. “In front of everypony? Just like that?”

“Come on, we already share the same room anyway.” You argue. “But if you want you can keep sleeping on the floor. I can ask somepony else.”

“Alright, alright… Then I’ll even try not to move around too much.”

 

Before you turn in for the night, you’re gonna wash yourself a little. The mares already did so earlier, so you can rest easy that Frog Chaser won’t bring too much mud in the bed. You ask Sand Carrot if she can help you again, which she immediately accepts.

 

“Say, Sand Carrot.” You say as she dutifully washes your back. “You’re not so shy about feeling my body right now. How come you weren’t fine with it earlier when I hugged you?”

“Oh, uhm, I was just surprised Lance!” Sand Carrot hurriedly replies. “Yes, you just took me by surprise… And don’t worry, I’m not saying it was improper. In fact, I’m glad I could help in your adventure, even if just a little, so it was touching to me that you thanked me so earnestly.”

The mare doesn’t stop cleansing your wounds as she speaks, and despite the bits of embarrassment that could be heard in her voice, her moves remained just as dextrous and gentle.

 

By the time you’re done, Frog Chaser is already lying on the bed, but you decide to climb on the ladder to have a quick word with Verdant on the watchtower.

“Hey, are you alright?” You call as you finish to hoist yourself up. “Say, I was curious about something. Did you eye get any better with your transformation?”

Verdant raises a hoof to probe under her band, and then shakes her head.

“No, it didn’t change anything to that.” She says. “I have to admit, it has to be the only thing about my body that didn’t get better.”

“Tell me about it!” you smile. “I really have to figure out how to use one of those essences on myself. It won’t be so difficult to collect them if I can bulk up like you.”

“Yes, you’re the one that would need that kind of aid the most at the moment.” Verdant nods “But, didn’t Graces say you were ‘shrouded’ or something?”

“Yeah…” And a bit lower. “But has the Light considered I could turn an essence in a juice…”

 

Verdant smiles to that, and soon after you wish her a good night.

 

It’s nice to have a real bed and mattress to sleep on. You rest while facing away from Frog Chaser, but you feel her move under the cover at times, and her mane sometimes comes to tickle your ears slightly.

Nothing that could stop you from sleeping, though. In fact, you feel at ease right now…

 

You wake up the next day in a bit of a jump as Frog Chaser walks over you to get off the bed.

“Whoopsie.” She speaks. “Sorry Lance, ‘didn’t want to wake you up. You can sleep in a little more if you want.”

“It’s alright.” You reply, now able to take the whole bedspace to yourself. “Though, I might miss you being around. Did you know you’re one clingy cuddler at night?”

“Huh?” The mare blushes as her ears perk up. “Come on, you’re joking!”

“Well, it’s too bad you don’t remember it.” You reply, even though you slept like a log yourself. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t mind spending another night like this. Anyway, you’re right, I still want to get a little more sleep.”

 

After Frog Chaser exits the guardhouse while still red in the face, you drowse for a dozen more minutes util you hear Verdant get down from the tower. You still have trouble believing the petite mare just got herself a nearly amazonian body after you gave her the glowing essence yesterday.

Still, now’s probably a good time to get on your hooves so you go enjoy some breakfast with your four companions.

 

You’re not sure what you can do today. You’re still recovering from yesterday’s expedition, so even if you’re curious to see if you may encounter that witch today again, it might be a little careless to seek her out at the moment.

 

 

 

 

“The night was quiet again.” Verdant sighs after you ask. “You know what? I’m gonna use the afternoon to start building a palisade around our houses. With that layer of defence and if night attacks don’t start happening again, I believe it would be safe enough to use our own houses to sleep. It will be a little more comfortable for everypony to have some privacy I think.”

 

Since you haven’t fully recovered yet, you then decide to stay in the village to help around today. After asking Graces to pray for insight about the witch, you spend the day helping Frog Chaser in her tunnel. She’s digging a gallery that’s a dozen feet deep in the ground and then her gallery goes toward the forest. You must be starting to be digging under the trees at this point as you see the bottom of roots peek out on the top of the tunnel.

While you do not find any cave or significant landmarks, there’s a box containing a bear trap that you uncover. You should probably lay it somewhere around the camp.

 

Once you join everypony for dinner, the cleric mare tells you what she learned.

“This is what the Light revealed to me.” Graces starts. “Lustre Lance, this mare you met in the wood is trapped in here just like us, but in her case, she came here of her own volition somehow. Right now, the will of this dominion is imposed on her, but her soul is still dark in itself, and already wilfully refused to follow the path of Light in the past. She doesn’t merely want to escape the influence of this place, she wants to control it for herself to satisfy some destructive ambitions of her.”

“Sounds like this witch is bad news then.” Verdant states. “I say it would be safe to take her down if we get the chance.”

 

“The Light warned me.” Graces adds in response. “This dominion considers that mare its herald, and it will not allow her to be defeated easily, even if she wishes to take control over it. However, as I said her soul is full of ill intentions even without the influence of this place, so I don’t know if a peaceful resolution is possible.”

Verdant utter a little grumble with a nod in response.

 

 

“So why do you like digging so much, Frog Chaser?” You ask at some point. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a miner mare before.”

“Yeah, you’ve met, like, two mares in your life before me, go figure why…” Frog Chaser snickers. “But seriously, what I like in mining? Well, I just like the job! You don’t make progress if you half-ass it, so you have stay focussed and there you’ll hack away all the dirt and stone you want and see some real progress as a reward for your sweat. Plus, there’s some neat surprises hidden underground. We might not find any ore around here, but these little boxes with loot are funny to look for!”

You also talk about making a storage room underground. Frog Chaser seem to like the idea since her tunnel is still very far from having any hope of going out of the forest.

 

Once dinner is over, with some hay and strings you have lying around you craft a pony-dummy with the help of Frog Chaser and Sand Carrot, and then you hide the bear trap close to it with twigs and leaves. It’s… not a very good dummy. You don’t have any spare clothes or sewing tools to make it more convincing so it’s just a vaguely pony-shaped agglomerate of hay balls. At least the spot where the trap is laid out is unmistakeable…

 

Tonight, it’s Sand Carrot that will occupy the bed with you, and you catch a tiny hint of a frown on Frog Chaser’s face as you announce that. She quickly turns that into a smirk, though.

“Asking a SECOND mare to sleep in your bed?” Frog Chaser utters with exaggerated outrage in her voice. “Really, Lance, you’re hopeless, and you’ve got no limits it’s terrible…” And then to the other mare. “Sand Carrot, please be careful. This colt is VERY touchy when he’s asleep. A real serial cuddler, let me warn you!”

“Hey, that’s not true!” You protest. “It’s you who, I mean…”

“If he’s asleep I guess this can’t be helped.” Sand Carrot says, and just go lie on it. “I think I can endure that for a better bed.”

 

While Graces seemed to find the whole antic amusing, Frog Chaser looked somewhat disappointed that Sand Carrot accepted this so easily.

Anyway, any cuddling, while asleep or not, will have to wait as you decide to go with Verdant to keep her company during the beginning of her watch.

You settle at one side of the watchtower while Verdant stands at the other. The night is just as quiet as last time.

 

“Say, Verdant.” You speak. “Is it me, or have you been feeling less stressed out lately? I could swear there’s been a been a little smile on your face whenever I’ve been looking at you today.”

“Really?” She replies, shifting on her hooves a little. “Ehm… Maybe, I didn’t really try to smile more though. And… there’s still lots of stuff that bother me.”

“Really?” You turn to her. “Anything I could help you with?”

 

At first the mare doesn’t reply, but after a dozen seconds she suddenly turns to you.

 

“Lustre Lance.” Verdant speaks up. “There’s something I want tell you.”

“Yes?”

“I… I’m feeling useless.” She admits. “There wasn’t any fight I have been able to help with since you arrived, even though you’re getting in so much trouble for us. Meanwhile I’m just… losing my time at the top of this tower every night!”

“That’s not true at all.” You shake your head. “You said it yourself. We cannot trust this place to just leave us alone, so even if the nights have been quiet lately it’s vital there’s somepony like you to watch over us while we sleep.”

“I know. Rationally that makes sense, but since you came around there hasn’t been a single attack on our houses at night. And I’m glad about it of course! Feeling like I might not be able to protect everypony the next day was way worse, but now instead I feel like I’m not protecting anypony at all. So… Lustre Lance. I have something to ask you. I want to go in the forest with you the next time.”

 

There, Verdant walks up to you and stands very close, inches away from you. At this distance the bigger mare looks really imposing, with your eyes at the level of her snout.

“I’m different than Sand Carrot.” Verdant speaks, and you slightly feel her warm breath on your face. “I can stand in the front in a fight. Especially the way I am now. So please, let me accompany you. Since you’re the only one who can make it so I can go in the forest, I have to ask you, but please say yes. I’ve been thinking about it. Even if I disappear, you could probably make it back safely here before you get as beat up as usual, and then take care of the night watch. I… I hate to ask you to do my job for me, I’m sorry… but I’m sure I can help more that way! So please…”

 

 

“You know this lack of attack could also be a trick.” You say. “What if the beasts are gathering up somewhere, preparing a big one for tomorrow? What if you’re not there when that happens? Have you considered that, Verdant? How do you think you’d feel if that happened?”

The guardsmare sustains your gaze, but she cannot answer at first.

 

“I’d be devastated, and feel utterly foolish that my feelings of inadequacy ended up preventing me from protecting my friends.” She solemnly replies.

But then she continues.

“However, I’m ready to take the risk. I think the right thing to do is to push forward right now. I’ve been listening to Graces. I don’t believe the Light is ever going to come down from the sky and save us, but her words about a dominion, and this place having a will of sort, that makes sense to me. This is the only way this whole forest makes sense. And the power keeping us here is way, way beyond us. Since it’s making ponies and buildings appear and disappear arbitrarily, this place certainly has the power to kill us all instantly the second it decides so. So the only thing we can do is to tear up all the bits of its power we can and use those to get stronger. That’s the only way we can win in the end. That’s the only path I see right now.”

“Alright.” You nod, and gently put a hoof on the mare’s side. “I see you’ve made up your mind. Then tomorrow we’ll go on an expedition together.”

“Thanks, Lustre Lance.” She shows you a resolute smirk. “I’ll make sure to protect you.”

“I’m the one thanking you for that, Verdant.”

 

Not long after that, you go to sleep next to Sand Carrot, and after a restful night you feel completely ready to take on the forest again.

 

“I’m gonna go on an expedition today.” You announce while you all share breakfast. “And this time I’ll try to have Verdant come with me. If we can stick together, we shall easily take down all the beasts in our path.”

“Really?” Sand Carrot sounds worried. “Are you sure you’ll be okay, Lance? You’ll have to keep looking at Verdant even though you’re fighting beasts, and if you can’t she’ll go away until tomorrow.”

“I’m ready to trust Lustre Lance.” Verdant states. “For too long he’s been fighting alone and I want to help him. I’ll rest a little until noon, and then the two of us will enter the woods.”

“Then may the Light protect you.” Graces smiles at the two of you.

 

 

 

In the morning, you suggest to Frog Chaser you should build some pit traps around the camp, something the mare agree with. The two of you manage to make one 10’ deep, pony sized hole this morning and cover it with branches.

 

When it’s time for lunch and that Verdant is up, you make sure you have everything planned out. The worst scenario would be for you to both lose sight of Verdant and get hurt a lot. In that case, Frog Chaser will probably have to do the watch. She accepts that, and the rest of the mares feel ready to take that risk. Once you have that sorted out, you can talk about lighter topics.

 

“Still, I believe everything will be alright, and hopefully tonight I may just sleep under the covers with Sand Carrot.” You say. “After all, she’s a much better hugger once she’s asleep.”

“Oh? Am I?” The farmer mare giggles.

“What now?” Frog Chaser raises an eyebrow. “You know, maybe I do cuddle ponies when I sleep after all, and also I’m sure they’re the best hugs of all actually! You’ll figure it out for sure if I can sleep on the bed again.”

“Well, if you wanna prove yourself so bad, I may consent to give you another chance…”

“But what about me then?” Graces interjects with her usual soft smile. “I was hoping I could be the one to share the bed tonight. I’m sure you’ll find my presence to be satisfactory, Lustre Lance.”

“Aw, come on!” Frog exclaims “Not you too Graces! Aren’t church ponies supposed to be prudish or something?”

“There’s nothing wrong with a hug in the eyes of the Light.” Graces shakes her head. “On the contrary. Displays of harmony between ponies make the Light shine stronger in them, as long as it doesn’t trigger any feuds of course...”

 

The question of who is going to share the bed with you hasn’t been cleared yet, but thinking about it did evacuate a bit of stress before you set out. Once the lunch is over, you and Verdant prepare yourselves for the expedition. Graces will be praying for your health.

“Hey, Frog Chaser.” You turn to the green mare as they were all watching you depart, and close in for a hug. “Surprise cuddle test!”

“Oh, you sneaky little… take this!” The mare responds by squeezing you against her with her front legs as hard as she can, and nuzzling her cheek against you ear.

“What now?” She mutters in you ear. “Did I pass the test?”

“Mmh… There’s definitely some will to improve here.” You whisper back.

 

With that, it’s time you went into the forest. The bowmare marches in front of you, weapon at the ready. You took the usual supplies with you and some rope in case you have to tie somepony up.

Soon, you arrive far enough in the woods you don’t see the village behind anymore, and you feel a hostile presence in the bushes around you.

“So that’s where you’ve been hiding…” Verdant growls. “Now come out and get some!”

 

A creature drags itself out of the woods.

 

It’s a slime!

 

“Lance!” Verdant calls. “You didn’t talk about that kind of enemy!”

“Yeah, this one is new. Be careful!”

 

 

 

 

The slime adamantly chooses to target you, no matter how much Verdant attempt to direct its attacks to her.

 

…Then the 3 lines above 5 more times.

 

Defeated, the slime turns to dust… and a glowing essence remains!

 

“So that’s how you get those…” Verdant comments. “Hold on, that essence is like the one that made me grow right? Didn’t you need three of the same?”

“I did… but since this monster was tougher that what I’m used to…”

“Mmh. A stronger beast, a stronger shard of power perhaps.”

“Look out Verdant!” You get back in position. “Here come another one!”

 

It’s a goblin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hey, catch this!” You throw Verdant the glowing essence. There’s a flash of light, and then there’s a single arrow in her hooves. This one is glowing yellow, and you swear you can see little arcs of electricity run through it at times.

“Thanks. I’ll put it to good use.” Verdant says. “And let me now if you get tired. The best outcome is still that we both come back without me disappearing or you getting hurt.”

“Are you kidding?” You reply. “I could do this all day.”

“Same here.” Verdant smiles, before another bests comes out.

 

It’s a snake!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Nice shot!” Verdant comments as you strike down the snake. “So that’s what happens in the forest? This is more intense that I thought. They just keep coming one after the other…”

“Yeah, that’s how it goes every time.” You reply. “I guess this must be hard to believe since it seems I’m away for hours to the rest of you.”

 

You’re interrupted as another monster comes out.

 

It’s a giant spider!

 

 

 

 

 

“Curses! These fiends keep targeting you!” Verdant exclaims. “Lustre Lance, I know there’s still a lot of strength in you, but don’t wait to be at your limit this time. There’s still a chance I won’t be there all of a sudden.”

Before you can reply, another monster arrives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the last time you had 3, the essences are lightly attracted to each other, but they do not combine while they’re not touching. You should be able to combine those pretty much instantly if you want, so for not you keep those separate.

“We’re good I think.” You say. “This is a good haul we have already.”

“Then let’s go back.”

“Wait…” You keep your eyes peeled. “This place rarely lets us move without a monster on our tracks.”

 

As to answer you, you hear the leaves rustle close to you, and something… well, somepony comes out.

 

You face the witch.

 

“So this is the evil mare you met…” Verdant comments. “She definitely doesn’t look like she’ll help us in any way.”

“You… Submit, and give it back!” The mare snarls, her words disjointed. “Fools… Just… give it to me!”

 

 

 

 

 

“Urg… ah…” The mare moans in pain, falling to her knees in a pool of her blood. There’s… a lot of blood, it just keeps pouring out of her even though the puddle is five feet across already. By all logic she should be dead by now, exsanguinate several times over. But even if painfully so, she still breathes.

“So that’s how you want to play it…” The witch speaks with difficulty, but still more articulately than ever. “I don’t care, but stay away and get ready to run. For now, we can talk.”

“Talk? What do mean?” Verdant replies, another arrow ready. “What is there to discuss with an evildoer like you?”

“I can get us all out of here.” The witch states, unphased. “I just need more power. I need you to bring me more essences, all those you can get, and soon I’ll be strong enough to break us all out of this place. Now speak, you must have questions, but be quick about it. Know that unlike you, I still remember who I am and the real world out there.”

 

 

A part of you wants to just go remove that mask of hers, but her warning and the blood pouring everywhere makes you think twice about that.

 

“What’s your name?” You ask instead.

With difficulty she shows you a smirk. “Black Fang, if that’s what you wish to know of all things.”

“Alright Black Fang. Who’s behind this? What are they trying to accomplish?”

“Ah… Those are not exactly the right questions either, but I understand what you want to know. Very well. We are in the dream of the god of monsters.” Black Fang announces. “A god that was slain. And in death, he still dreams. He dreams of ferocious hunts, and he dreams of cornered preys. What is he trying to accomplish, you ask? Merely relive a past he fondly remembers, using your friends as toys.”

 

“What nonsense is this?” You blurt out. “Listen, there might be a way I could help you. Let us take you to our village. Maybe we can break the control he has over you.”

“If you do that, you might all die.” Black Fang retorts. “The shroud that is keeping you safe will be pierced, and you friends will be within reach of the beasts again.”

 

“But then… I don’t get it? Why would it help to bring you essences if you’re still controlled? And why can’t you find them yourself?”

“Because I must follow his will for now, and so do the other beasts, but his will is weak, unfocussed in regard of the immense power he holds. When I grow stronger, I will quickly regain agency over myself, and eventually over this whole place. Look, do you understand what’s happening right now? I cannot die in this place. I am being supplied his strength as we speak. The god of monsters is begging me to take his place. So either feed me more power directly, or force me to grow stronger by defeating me again. Eventually, I will get what I want regardless.”

 

“What you want… What happens after you control this place? What are you going to do once you escape?”

“What happens? Ah…AH!” The mare is suddenly taken by a set of retches. “Looks like we’re out of time...”

The blood under Black Fang seem to animate, seemingly flowing back into her wounds as she shakily gets up. Her body swells from it. Bigger. Taller, shifting and bulging with new muscles.

“The god of monsters… will stop dreaming.” Black Fang growls, now looming over you. “For it will be alive again. As a goddess.”

 

He eyes regain the ominous glow they had when you first met. All her wounds have closed up.

“NOW. YOU DIE.” Her voice booms.

 

You face the witch.

 

 

“Time to run!” You call, and Verdant has no objection to that.

Making sure you keep her in sight, your turn away and start running. Your bigger friend has no trouble staying in front of you of course. You do not look back, but this time again, and despite her threats and her ominous transformation, it doesn’t seem like the witch is chasing you much.

 

After a minute, the clearing is in view.

“Huh. And indeed it’s the evening now.” Verdant comments as she looks up. “I understand better what you’ve been through, Lustre Lance. Though… I suppose that last encounter is something pretty new. Now come on. Let’s meet the others. With everything we’re bringing back, I’d like to treat today as a big victory still.”

“Mmh.” You nod at Verdant. “You’re probably right.”

It seems like Frog Chaser took it on herself to watch out for your return. From the watchtower, she alerts everypony that you’re back. Soon, the three mares come to meet you.

 

“No way, you did it!” Frog Chaser exclaims with a grin. “You both made it back! And it even looks like you took a lot less damage than usual, Lance!”

“Yeah, we did it! And look at that loot!” You show all the essences you got. “We got all these in just one day thanks to Verdant!”

“My…” Graces’ eyes go wide.

“The two of you really outdid yourselves.” Sand Carrot too seems glad. “I’ve got to figure out a special menu to celebrate.”

“I’m glad I could help.” The guardsmare stands proud, and then turns to you. “And thank you so much Lustre Lance. I still can’t believe you managed to never advert your eyes through all the fights we’ve been through. You’re an even greater fighter than I thought.”

 

 

 

First, you just have to hug your sister in arms after this day.

“Thank you Verdant.” You feel the strong mare tense up slightly under your touch. “I couldn’t have gone this far without you.”

“Ah, i-it’s only natural!” She stutters. “I have to take my share of these fights. So if you want me to accompany you again, you just have to ask Lustre Lance.”

 

Later, you tell your friends more in detail about your adventure of the day while you share dinner, and end up mentioning the encounter with the witch. What she told you brought even more questions to your mind, but the fact you saw her grow in strength in front of your eyes and then how she implied you would help her get even more powerful really disturbed you.

“Of course she is trying to trick you.” Graces states after you speak. “She is not to be trusted, and through the Light we will find other ways to get out of this place. Don’t stop believing because of her.”

“I know.” You nod. “But still, there seem to be lots of things she knows that we don’t about this place.”

“Yes, and she will try to use that to trick you.” Graces adds. “Which is why you must believe in yourself and keep faith, Lustre Lance.”

 

After dinner, you combine the 3 essences into a glowing one. As you expected, the two glowing essences do seem attracted to each other, but they don’t combine yet.

Then, you guess you’re gonna distribute these two right away.

 

“Graces.” You turn to the cleric mare, and offer her a glowing essence. “Your prayer really helped us today. I believe you should have this.”

“Thank the Light for it.” Graces smiles to you. “But if you think my prayers can help you, I will accept your gift and be a better conduct, Lustre Lance.”

 

As the cleric mare takes the essence, there’s a familiar flash of light.

And then it fades away, and there’s still Graces in front of you, looking quite the same as before. Is she… a little bit taller? You’re not even sure. If she did grow, it’s barely noticeable.

“Graces? Are you okay?” Sand Carrot tentatively asks. “Do you feel any different?”

“Yes.” She vigorously nods with a smile. “My body may not have changed as much as the one of Verdant, but I feel that my connection with the Light has grown.”

“Well, good for you I guess?” Frog Chaser shrugs. “If your prayers can help Lance better than way…”

“They definitely will.” The cleric mare nods again.

 

You could swear something changed about Graces, but you can’t exactly pinpoint what.

 

Anyway, you have more of this in your bag. You give the second glowing essence to Frog Chaser.

Again a flash of light, but this time you see your friend grow even before the light completely fades away. Frog Chaser gets taller than you, taller than Verdant, and then keeps going!

When the light finally stops, you’re looking at one supernaturally big mare. You don’t think you’re a runt for a stallion, and yet she has more than a full head over you. Her body didn’t change in constitution though, at it just looks like the mare was sized up, instead of growing into a taller build.

 

“Woah!” The green mare’s eyes go wide as she looks around, before she shows everypony an ecstatic smile. “What happened to y’all? Why did you shrink that much all of a sudden?”

“We…we didn’t.” Verdant replies, in a shock than makes her obvious to Frog’s irony. “You grew!”

“Oh really? Yeah, I think you’re right kiddo!” Frog Chaser replies with a playful smirk. “Anyway, now that’s what I call an upgrade! And it looks like my tools grew along. I’ll be digging much faster like this!”

“That’s incredible!” You say. “From the looks of it, you really needed that essence to step up your cuddle game.”

“Yeah.” Her smirk accentuates. “Wanna see the level I’m at little colt?”

 

There, the bigger mare catches you between her hooves to smother you against her chest. She’s a bit forceful, but with her warmth all around you can’t muster any will to escape, and just end up meekly hugging her big body back.

“Hehe, looks like I’m crushing this challenge!” From Chaser ruffles your mane with a hoof before letting you go.

“Uhm… yeah…” Despite everything, you find yourself a bit flustered to have been embraced with such strength. You’re not very used to that yet.

 

After that, you prepare yourselves to go to bed. This time, it’s Graces that should share the bed with you. Frog Chaser might be a little too big to share a bed with anypony anyway...

 

Verdant will watch over you, and after a busy day everypony seem quick to fall asleep. After getting off her wheels, Graces dragged herself on the bed already when you lie down on it. And as soon as you’re resting on your side, the mare smoothly turns around to drape her hooves around your neck, and anchors her body against your back.

“Is it alright if I hold you like this, Lustre Lance?” Graces softly whispers.

“Uhm… yes.” You nod back, a bit taken aback to get the initiative on cuddling being taken by Graces. “That’s okay.”

“Thanks.” You feel her head settle down to rest against the back of your own. “I feel… at peace like this. It’s strange. It’s a bit nostalgic, like if I had been holding on somepony like that before. Many times…”

 

Graces’ embrace feels nice. Her body is warm, and you feel… two pleasant soft masses against your lower back. You must not have noticed those before, but you’re too tired to not simply enjoy these for how comfortable they are.

You can tell the mare is quickly falling asleep in that position, and in turn her slow, gentle breath is soothing you. With her body against yours, you too soon find respite after the trials of this day.

 

 

 

When you wake up after a full night of sleep, Graces’ front legs are still gently wrapped around your neck. You hear her calm breathing near your ear as her head rests next to yours, and lower than that you still feel those on your lower back.

 

You can’t resist looking back, and indeed, Graces has a pair of teats which must be big enough to go down to her thighs, and that are squished against you right now. You think you’d have noticed those before, so she must have grown those the day before when you gave her the glowing essence.

“Sorry if I was too forward.” You suddenly hear Graces whisper in you hear. She hadn’t moved until ow. “I needed to hold on somepony really bad yesterday. And… I hope my body didn’t make this too awkward. I don’t why I changed that way, but I’m feeling okay with it right now…”

 

The mare hugs you just a bit tighter, her warmth getting more noticeable on your back.

 

“Everyone!” You hear Verdant’s voice before you can say or do anything. “There’s a new house and another mare here!”

Graces quickly let go of you as everypony wakes up. After you her get on her wheels, you join the rest of you that went to check on the newcomer.

As you come out, you see you won’t have to guess the trade of the new mare, since the house that appeared next to Verdant’s is visibly a smithy.

 

As for the mare itself, you’re looking at a rather stout lady with a pink mane and purple body. She wears a blacksmith’s apron on her front, and a frown on her face right now.

 

“So you say we’re trapped in a dream of something?” The newcomer speaks when you arrive, sounding very sceptical. “That’s… really dumb.”

“Oh yeah?” Frog Chaser replies. “But do you got a better explanation being in this forest you don’t know? Or the fact you don’t remember anything? Or the fact you’re talking to a GIANT freaking lass?”

 

“Uhm…No…” The new mare reluctantly admits, looking away from your towering friend.

“It’s alright. Take your time.” Verdant speaks. “We’ve all been through this, so we can understand you may be confused or wary. For now, you can jut stay in your house if you need some time alone. Just don’t go in the forest like I told you. We can bring you food if you want. In the meantime, could you just tell us how we should we call you?”

“Eh. Call me… Scoria I guess.” Scoria replies

 

 

 

 

“Hello.” You hail Scoria as she starts walking away. “My name’s Lustre Lance. You’re a blacksmith, right?”

“Hum… yeah.” The mare nods meekly.

“Would you mind taking a look at my sword? I was wondering if you had some materials in here that could improve it.” And as Scoria looks at you suspiciously. “I mean, it’s alright if you don’t want to. I can just drop it in front of your place. I just thought that could help you get your mind off things…”

The mare seems to consider you for a moment, before giving you a little nod.

 

“Thanks!” You smile at her. “I’ll be sure to drop it later.”

There, you decide to give your new friend a little tap on the nose, but Scoria slaps your hoof away as soon as you connect.

“Hey, quit it!” She scrunches. “Don’t just poke on people’s scars, dude. That’s just rude!”

After that, the mare walks away to the smithy, where she goes in and shuts the door.

 

You guess you’re all gonna have to let her come to terms with the situation and visit her smithy later…

 

After breakfast, you ask Graces to pray for might as you intend to go in the woods later today. In the meantime, you decide to pick up Verdant’s work of building a palisade. Your big friend Frog Chaser soon joins you on that. She seems eager to flaunt what her body can do, and her size sure makes it easier for her to chop down trees and put the trunks up. You do feel a little more vigorous than usual, splitting and sawing the logs with more ease than you expected, but you don’t think Graces’ prayer made you bigger, and Frog Chaser does end up taking care of more work than you this time.

 

When it’s time for lunch, Scoria comes out of her house. As promised, Sand Carrot hands her a bowl of the broth she had prepared, and the blacksmith mare accepts it with a half-smile. She doesn’t look at ease yet, but at least she seems ready to cooperate with the rest of you.

“There are plenty of tools and facilities in that smithy, but no materials.” Scoria says as she gives you back your weapon. “And your sword is fine as it is. You’re taking good care of it. You’d better get a new one altogether if you want something more. I could make one, but again I have no materials for now.”

“Yeah, I didn’t find any ore in this area either.” Frog Chaser says. “Sorry0”

 

By now Verdant has woken up too.

Also, you’re fit to go on an expedition right now. Though, you’re still a bit curious about how time works in here. When you’d go out right after lunch like right now, you’d still return on the evening, same as when you’d depart in the morning. You wonder if you could make the most of your day if you went in the woods even later…

 

 

For now, you remain with your friends a little longer. At this point you’re curious to see what would happen if you went into the forest after sunset even. As Verdant is ready to continue working on the palisade, Frog Chaser keeps helping her for the rest of the day, and even Scoria decides to lend a hoof. Hopefully this’ll get your new companion to open up a little.

 

After swearing to Frog Chaser you’ll show her later who’s the better builder, you go check on Graces inside her church. You find her sitting motionless in front of the altar, snout pointing up to the sky. You notice the inside of this place is a little nicer since you gave the essence to Graces. There’s carpets on the stone ground, windows with stained glass, and the altar now has some golden lining on its edges.

You approach Graces, and when you’re a few feet away from her she seems to notice you.

 

“Oh. Hi.” Graces turns and smiles to you after the initial surprise. “Is there anything you need?”

“Actually, I wanted to see if you need any help.” You reply. “Are you alright, alone in here?”

“You are kind, Lustre Lance. So, do you want to pray with me?”

“Uhm… will it strengthen your prayer?” You ask.

“No. I don’t think it will.” She shakes her head. “But I don’t believe there’s anything else you can help me with, and it still feels better to have somepony nearby.”

 

 

“Say, why does is seem the Light favours your prayers above all else when it comes to assist me?” You ask.

“Oh, but you are blessed by the Light already, Lustre Lance.” Graces replies. “Your strength, your fortitude, but also the dedication you showed to acquire those are all manifestations of the Light’s impulse of life. And your actions to help everypony in this villages speak louder to the Light than a thousand prayers.”

“So you’re saying I got it all already, so that’s why you’re certain my prayers won’t have any result?”

“That’s not true.” Graces speaks with a serene smile. “If you find yourself doubting yourself. If you find yourself lost, then pray to the Light. Not so it may solve your problems for you, but so you may awaken the strength to do so within you. Remember. All that wills to live is born from the Light, so you too are Its manifestation in this world.”

 

But then the mare lets out a little sigh.

“Now, my prayers also involve what you could call a form of magic I suppose.” Graces explain. “Of course, a sincere prayer and faith is necessary, but there’s a great deal of study and know-how involved to then channel the power of the Light itself.”

“Ah, I see. So the Light doesn’t just speak words to you as an answer, right?”

“No, I have to interpret its signals, and channel its response. But anyway, I absolutely don’t want to make it sound like praying is useless. A prayer can give hope, resolve, and peace to everypony.”

 

There, Graces turns away.

“Oh Light.” Graces solemnly begs out loud to the sky. “Please grant us the might to strike down the darkness we face. May love be powerful so life may then thrive. Let our triumph be a ray of hope, and inspire all those who come next.”

 

“That’s the prayer I use for might, put into words.” Graces says, facing you again. “Even if you don’t know how to channel the energy of the Light, I think you should try reciting it when you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed.”

“Ah, well, maybe I’ll try when I’m in trouble.” You smile back. “Also, sorry if I sound pushy. It’s just that I want all the help I can find to fight the beasts of these woods. By the way, do you think there could be a way to transfer the power of an essence directly into me? With the help of your magic maybe?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think so.” Graces shakes her head. “I have no practical knowledge about it, and since merely touching the essence makes it affect me instantly I have no idea of how to even study the possibility.”

 

“Alright then.” You nod. “Anyway, I think I’ll stay praying with you a little. But hold on. Before that, I’ll go ask Sand Carrot if she has some tea.”

Unfortunately, Sand Carrot doesn’t anything suited for an infusion of any kind at the moment. Still, she offers you to warm up some left-over soup she has. It’s a bit atypical for just a drink, but the farmer mare’s cooking does warm the heart.

 

“Oh, Lustre Lance…” Graces whispers as she accepts the hot broth. “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” You reply. “Now, I still wanna try to help you pray. So what should I do? Blow the prayer upward? Sing a song maybe? Would hugging help?”

 

“Well, actually…” On your offer, the mare slowly comes and embraces you again, resting her head under your chin. “Yes, a hug would help.”

“Really?” You close your own arms around the smaller mare. As she lets herself rest on you completely, you sit down and Graces slides off her wheels so you may hold her whole body. “I’m not breaking your concentration at least?”

“It helps very much, Lustre Lance.” Graces holds tight on you, closing her eyes. “There’s nothing like feeling another heartbeat to be fully conscious of the reality of life all around you.”

 

“Then, if you ever need somepony to hold or to hug you, you can come to me.” You whisper.

“Don’t be silly, Lustre Lance.” Graces whispers back. “If I took you up on that offer, I’d never-ever let go of you.”

 

Graces remain in your hooves for a while. You can tell she’s not sleeping, as you can feel her heart beat strongly the whole time. Not wanting to interrupt her focus, you start to pray too. Starting with the words Graces told you, and then inventing wishes you send to the sky. You feel your spirit being lifted, confident that you’ll overcome the trials to come, may it be Black Fang, monsters, or anything else.

But most of all you fall asleep.

 

You’re woken up only when Sand Carrot comes to announce that dinner is ready, at sunset. By that point you were lying on the carpet while Graces was sitting in front of the altar again.

 

 

“I’ll go on an expedition tonight.” You announce while you’re having dinner. “Since I usually come back around that time, I want to know what will happen if I go out now. My guess would be that I’ll come back tomorrow morning.”

“You sound sure of yourself, even if you know it’s probably dangerous.” Verdant comments. “If you have trouble, please come back here.”

 

You’re glad Verdant trusts you enough to support your choices now. You reckon she doesn’t offer you to come with you since she knows she’ll have to keep watch tonight.

The rest of the ponies help you prepare. As always, you take some food, but this time you also prepare a torch to light your way when it gets dark. After that, you go out in the woods.

 

It’s the usual feeling at first. Calm while you still see the camp behind you, but then you feel the beasts lurking when you’re far enough.

Though, something very stage happens here. The light around you shifts, and in a few seconds it is again full daylight that lights your way. The night didn’t even have time to fall, and it’s as though it’s the morning already.

 

You don’t have much time to think about it, though, as something comes out to face you.

Something big…

 

“There you are...” The witch speaks. “Now, prepare to DIE!”

 

You face the witch

 

 

 

“Hahaha, just kidding.” Suddenly, the large mare drops her fighting stance and removes her mask. “Relax. I’m just here to talk.”

You find yourself stuck in place. This could be an opening to attack, but you don’t think that’ll stop her to crush you in an instant if she retaliates.

 

“Why are you so surprised?” Black Fang speaks, looking amused by your reaction. “I told you I’d regain some agency as I grew stronger. Now you can see I’m no longer a mere pawn like the rest of the predators of these woods. And since you haven’t gathered any essence from the beasts yet, I’m not forced to fight you right now. Though…”

She shows you a big, toothy grin.

“There’s a limit to how much I’ll be able to stand in front of a cute prey like yourself without pouncing on you.”

 

“Then what do you want with me?”

“I told you. I just want to talk.” Black Fang answers. “And to put it bluntly, I’d like to convince you that you should just stop struggling and help me. I can imagine our last encounter must have left a… mild impression on you. So let us fix that! I’ve already told you what I want, so let’s talk about you wish for in exchange.”

There, the mare lies down on her side in front of you. You can’t refrain from noticing her… assets as she does. Rivalling Graces’ in relative size, right now hers are being sightly pressed between the witch’s augmented thighs, accentuating their sheer mass. There’s no way this isn’t on purpose…

 

“Now tell me, warrior. Is there anything you wish for? I have many answers for you, and I can probably offer even more if you know what to ask.”

 

 

You set your sword aside for now.

“Yeah, seeing you bleed out an amount a pony shouldn’t even have… that was a bit disconcerting.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Black Fang smirks. “Would you have been more comfortable if I had just died normally?”

“No! I have no particular wish to see you dead!” You call to the mare. Lying on her side like she is, her head is at the same hight as yours. “But why are you doing this? Why do you want to become the… successor… or reincarnation of what trapped us here? Why not escape and let it die with its dreams?”

 

“A god doesn’t get any deader than this, warrior.” Black Fang replies. “Beasts still exist in the real world, and they still hunt for flesh. There WILL be a god of monsters eventually anyway, so why not me? Why not a goddess who also acknowledges the sensuality of a hunt, one that embraces the desire that comes with it.”

Black Fangs gives her teats another squeeze in front of you, and one of her front hooves caresses her flank.

“A goddess… that you, little warrior, can touch and feel. Trust me, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

 

“So… Is that wish of yours the reason a god of death and destruction empowered your teats so much? Or is there something about fertility I’m not aware of at play? Or… does it turn out that old rumour about magic power being stored in the teats is true after all?”

“Stored in the...” Black Fang chuckles. “Come on, what kind of rumour is that? But no, your first interpretation is right. This is my spin on monsters. What makes a monster, but a raw, unhinged desire? Freed from all pesky limits and rules, even ponies have the potential to become monsters. And I’ll make sure they will enjoy it.”

 

“Well, to speak frankly, when it comes to desire, I’ve spent the last few days surrounded by powerful and beautiful mares. You said wanted to hear what I wish, then I’ll ask you this. May I touch your… tail?”

Black Fang’s smile widened at your words, and her hind legs shifted slightly to call attention to her bosom again, but then you see the large mare do a slight double take upon hearing your last word.

“Oh, and, would you mind taking off your armour too?” You add.

“Ah, uhm, of course.” She chuckles. “Come closer now, little one.”

 

Black Fang removes her leg guards and bone plate, and then allows you to come around her rear. There, you realise her tail is covered in scales like the ones of a snake, safe from its top where tufts of red fur still grow. It looks entirely prehensile too. Under the eyes of Black Fang, the tail gently animates to nestle itself on your chest. The tip then treads over your jaw to come tickle your snout. The feeling is a bit alien, but not uncomfortable. The scales are a kind of smooth you’re not used to, but warm, and firm from the flesh under being all muscle.

 

“Are you sure you’ll remain in control, Black Fang?” You ask out loud. “Parts of you are becoming more bestial already, and more will certainly follow. What if you end up controlled by the will of the former god again at the end of this?”

“Well, ultimately, I don’t think one can become a goddess without some changes. But we’ve talked about it. My ideals manifested in my body too when I grew stronger, and I’m not giving up on this regardless. You don’t need to concern yourself over me, little colt.”

 

As you’ve watched her body, you didn’t see a scar of any kind on Black Fang

“Now, we can keep talking, or we could see if there’s another part of me you’d like to feel.” Black Fang grins at you. “Though, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself from going all the way on you depending on the part you pick… But aside from that, perhaps we could go hunt together? That’s why you come into the woods in the first place, right? I’m sure the hunt will be more fun with a pony like me at your side.”

 

 

“Hunt with you?” you ponder. “Hold on, won't you just turn into a mindless killer the moment I finish hunting a single thing and its essence pops out?”

“You offend me, warrior!” Black Fang feigns outrage. “After all these times I’ve let you run away from me, you still doubt that I could hold myself enough to keep you safe. The nerve! Besides, now that I’m stronger, it’s not guaranteed to happen anymore. Probably…”

 

“Mmh… I’m not eager to find out.” You say. “More importantly, I wish I knew more about these essences. Why can’t I use them to power me up? Do you have an idea of how I could do that?”

“An essence is what you call the power you steal, right?” Black Fang replies. “Unfortunately, I don’t know much about these. You’re not supposed to be able the extract raw power from beasts so easily, you know? I have no idea why you’re able to do so in the first place.”

“Ah… So even that is anormal?” You think out loud. “That answers why you aren’t hunting by yourself to grow stronger. But anyway, I’m still in the dark about why things work so differently for me.”

 

“If I had to take a guess...” Black Fang starts, the tip of her tail forming a question mark in front of your face. “I’d say you’ve come here on your own, like me. You’re not the kind of pony that would get trapped here, after all. You see, usually the ponies that get pulled in this dream have been hurt by monsters in the past. It works a bit, like, a scent of blood on their very soul that attracts a predator. That isn’t your case, and there’s also this… shroud around you. I don’t know how to explain it, but it hides you from the sight of the former beast god itself somehow. That might also be the reason you can subtract a shard of its power when you defeat a beast. It must be a protective magic that has been cast on you. It’s too bad that whatever that shroud is, it didn’t allow you to keep your memories.”

 

“Mmh…” You ponder. “That sounds better that my theory about me actually being the old monster god.”

“It sure does.” Black Fang chuckles.

“But still, you seem to understand how the essences work, right?” You ask again. “I mean, last time you told me that either defeating you or giving you essences would yield the same result, and now you’ve told me that your body changes according to the goddess you wish to be. So these essences make us closer to our ideal self, right? Is that why the other ponies experience different changes?”

“Ah… So you have companions that could use those…” Black Fang notes. “Anyway, you’re right on one thing. Absorbing an essence probably works the same way as the influx of power I received. But, I… didn’t really plan for anypony else to receive such a power, so I wouldn’t know why or how it works for others. I don’t know why it doesn’t work on you either.”

You don’t really like that Black Fang is starting to consider the other mares right now. You better change the subject, so you let go of her tail and hop over her legs. There, you’re facing the larger pair of teats you’ve ever seen. Not only is Black Fang mightily endowed, but the whole size of herself makes her pair outclass everything you ever saw in the past.

You can’t resist just groping it, you hoof sinking deep in the warm and pliable mound of flesh.

 

“Oh…” Black Fang moans. “Took you long enough, you little tease!”

“I take it you don’t mind if I touch these.”

“Knock yourself out, warrior.” The big mare licks her lips. “This new body deserves some appreciation.”

 

After such an invitation, you can’t resist indulging your curiosity and use both your hooves to feel up Black Fang. Unlike her tail, this part of her is really soft to the touch, but still retains the shape of generous orbs even after you fondle them. You find yourself playing with them, lifting the top tit slightly to then drop it to hear the little meaty slap as it lands the bottom tit, and contemplate the two soft masses wobble sligtly onto the other. Black Fang makes sure to utter an enticing little moan when you push a little harder on her, or arch her back slightly to incite you to increase the pressure. Also, she can’t refrain a few giggles at the sight of you getting increasingly fascinated by her body.

 

At some point, you can’t resist and just push you whole head on Black Fang’s teat. The warmth on your face makes you whole body shiver in delight, and you barely register that the larger mare turns on her back, your head just absently following the movement of her teat. With her tail, Black Fang helps you over her thigh so you’re now between her legs, and now your head is sandwiched between her tits. The mare gently presses them together with her thighs, trapping everything up to you ears a hot pressure. Her scent is pleasantly musky there, and you fight yourself panting with need.

“Aww, look at yourself.” You see Black Fang grin from inside the valley of her cleavage “A perfect little worshipper. To think I will grow even stronger, bigger, and more beautiful thanks to you…” There, you can’t refrain a sharp groan as Black Fang’s tail suddenly coils around your erect shaft, and directs it to her awaiting entrance.

“…you seem as eager for it as I am.”

 

You don’t know how long it lasts after that, but you rut Black Fang with all the might you can muster. You feel yourself going feral, rational thoughts banished by the raw need to experience all of the mare’s magnified body. Black Fang knows how to move her big and strong body too, and you alternate between enjoying a ludicrous about of mare to then a part of you being held or squeezed tight by her powerful muscles.

Black Fang soon drops all pretence of civility too, and slams herself on you mercilessly, riding you fast and hard. Despite your eagerness, you find yourself outmatched. There’s just too much of Black Fang, and she’s ravenous, and tireless. Between the power of her body and how good her touch makes you feel, you’re soon little more than a living toy for her pleasure.

 

The last thing you remember is yourself, out of breath, lying on the ground. Every fibre of you screams in pain, but the pleasure of Black Fang’s body on yours silences all that.

“What a treat you are, warrior.” The sight of satisfied grin alone makes you feel like you’ve reached heaven. “See? I’m not as bad as you thought. And remember. You can make me more. More of me for you to enjoy.”

You welcome her mouth coming for yours with unbridled elation. Her kiss, and the weight of her on your body makes you experience the last of many climaxes of this session.

After that, it’s all dark.

 

“Hey, do you hear me?” There’s a familiar voice. “Hey, I think he’s waking up!”

Groggily opening your eyes, you realise you’re on the bed inside Verdant’s guardhouse. It’s Frog Chaser you were hearing, and after calling the others from the door she comes back to your side.

 

“Lance! Are you okay?” She asks. “Do you want food? Water?”

“Yes.” You reply, and immediately the larger mare gives you something to drink from a bowl while you hear other hoofsteps and the little clatter of wooden wheels coming closer. Soon all your companions are here.

 

“You look like you’re okay.” Verdant states while smiling in relief. “Do you feel pain somewhere?”

“Well, no actually.” And that’s true. Well, it’s not like you were attacked during your last encounter, but now your legs seem to be working properly…

“That’s good.” Verdant nods. “Alright. Let me tell you what happened from our perspective. Lustre Lance, you decided to go into the forest in the evening. You remember that part, yes?”

“Hum.” You nod.

“Good. That was two days ago.”

You do a double take and almost choke on the water you were drinking.

“You left in the evening.” Verdant continues “And as you didn’t come back, at night this place was attacked by beasts.”

“But we took care of those, don’t worry!” Frog Chaser immediately adds with a smirk. “A good swing from my pickaxe took are of that one wolf Verdant’s didn’t shoot already.”

“Yes, we held you without trouble thanks to everypony.” Verdant nods. “But there was still no sign of you until the next evening. Then, I saw… I think I saw her, right? I was keeping watch since it was again around the time you usually came back from your expeditions. I couldn’t see clearly, but something… somepony dropped you at the very edge of the woods. It was that witch we faced, right?”

 

“Let’s take it slowly.” Graces speaks up with a serene voice. “Lustre Lance, you were unconscious when you were brought back here. There were some bruises on you, but no serious injuries. So we took care of you and put you here. You were asleep all night, and now it’s the morning.”

“Oh, and, there wasn’t any creature to attack us last night.” Sand Carrot mentions. “I’m starting to think your presence might be protecting this place somehow, Lance.”

 

“And, so… Are you sure you’re okay?” Frog Chaser asks, badly hiding the worry in her voice. “What happened to you while you were away, Lance?”

 

“Yeah, I’m alright.” You nod. “Sorry for worrying you all. I was careless, and bit more than I could chew this time. I’ll be sure to ask for some help next time so I don’t scare you all like that.”

“Hmm.” Verdant nods resolutely. “If it’s the two of us out there, you should be alright.”

“And to tell you the truth… I faced the witch again.” You tell your friends. “She came out right away, but we could talk a little this time. She told me again that she was about to become a goddess, and wanted me to bring her essences. We fought after that, and I got knocked out…”

“That fiend…” Verdant seethes.

“But I guess she’s the one that returned me here, then.” You add. “I was already out by that point unfortunately, but she probably still thinks I could help her somehow.”

“So she hasn’t given up on trying to use you…” Verdant reacts.

“I think so too.” You nod. “By the way, when I entered the woods two days ago, I saw the sky go from the evening to daylight in seconds over me. It was really strange, but I think that is why I skipped a whole day.”

“Then it’s better you go out while it’s still the day.” Graces notes. “When you’re ready of course.”

 

“Yes. Also, thanks for the blessing of Might.” You turn to Graces. “I think it would have been way worst otherwise.”

“I’m glad I could be of help.” The cleric mare responds with a smile. “I prayed both days, awaiting your return.”

 

Your friends being reassured, you wake up and get examined by Verdant to make sure you’re healthy while the others prepare breakfast. The conclusion is clear. You’re in mint condition right now, so you join the other mares for the morning meal.

 

“Hey, check out this stuff I found!” Frog Chaser shows you a black stone as big as your hoof with a bright red symbol on it. “Scoria told me this is a fire rune. You can use it to make you sword burn stuff for a while. How cool is that?”

“Yeah.” The blacksmith mare nods. You note that Scoria seems more at ease around the others since the last time. “It’s nuts that this kinda stuff is buried out there, but I can show you how to use it. It’s easy you’ll see. Usually, the effect of runes lasts for about an hour.”

“And also, I found this spooky stuff!” The mare brings out a beast’s skull she cleaned. It’s got sharp fangs, and looks like the one of a big wolf or something.

But as she hands it to you, the skull suddenly starts crumbling on itself, and seconds later it’s an essence you have in your hooves instead.

 

“Whaaaat?” Frog Chaser’s surprise makes way for feigned offense. “Come on now, you just HAD to break it, Lance! That glowing ball is no good to decorate my room. Just keep it now I guess!”

She gives your side a little bump with her hoof while you all have a chuckle.

 

 

 

 

 

“Yeah, turns out my skill is extracting the essences of the monsters here.” You show around a toothy grin. “Don't give me and skeletons you want to keep!”

You give back Frog Chaser a bump with your rump that moves her about as much as her hoof did on you.

 

But then it hits you.

“Hold on, if a skull gave me an essence…” You think out loud, before turning to your friends. “You kept the bodies of the beasts that attacked somewhere, right?”

There’s a silence as the mares exchange some embarrassed glances.

“Uh… we didn’t.” Verdant admits. “Sorry, we threw them to the woods and they disappeared during the following day. We’ll make sure to keep them around if an occasion like that appears again.”

 

You guess that can’t be helped… though, you’re not sure it would be a good trade-off to have your friends get attacked at night just for a chance at more essences.

Anyway, you ask Graces to pray for Health, but you can still ask something else if you change your mind before leaving if you go on an expedition.

 

Next, you take on Scoria’s offer about the rune, and it does look simple. The mare shows you the stone shines brighter when you get it close to metal, and all you’ll have to do is cleanly slice through to get the magic on your whole blade. You believe that’s even quick enough you could do it at the start of a fight. The rune will turn inert after one use, Scoria tells you.

 

“Say, have the other mares been treating you alright?” You ask once Scoria’s done explaining. “Even the big ones?”

“What now?” The mare scoffs. “’Think I can’t fend for myself, Lustre Lance? Frog Chaser might be tall, but not so much one good ol’ hammer swing to the kneecap won’t make her go down. Same goes for you if you start acting funny, haha! I got no reason to do such a thing, tough. The miner filly is a jolly one, and I like you too so far.”

“Ah… It’s good to hear you’re fitting in.”

You take a mental note not to unnecessarily piss off Scoria.

 

Next, you offer the blacksmith mare the essence.

“Heh, the others told me about this.” The mare smirks. “Is this one gonna give me stuff or change my body?”

“Well, why don’t we find out?” You reply.

“Alright then.” The blacksmith mare readily takes it with her hoof.

 

And after a familiar flash of light, Scoria finds herself with a few metal ingots in her hooves.

 

“Neat!” Scoria smiles. “Finally something to light up the forge for!”

“Would this allow you to improve my sword?” You ask.

“Of course!” She nods. “I’ll need a day of work, and like I told you I’ll make a new piece altogether. The more swords in this place the better, I say! But still, perhaps you’d like some protection instead? I can also make you some armour pieces with that if you want, even if you don’t strike me as the type to fight in full plate. There isn’t that much metal, though, so I only got enough for one choice.”

 

 

 

“But what if you do a chainmail?” You suggest. “That should use less metal so the rest could be used to reinforce my sword and-“

“Hey, did I stutter?” Scoria cuts you, looking more than a little pissed. “Sword or protection. No ‘reinforcing’. I’m trying to keep it simple because smithing is my job and not yours. Unless you think you got stuff to teach me, maybe? Do you, now?”

As a matter of fact, you don’t have any knowledge about smithing.

“Ehm… Are throwing knives possible?” You reply while forcing a grin on your face.

 

Scoria squints at you in silence for a moment.

“Yeah, I can do throwing knives with that metal if that’s what you want.” She growls. “I think I could make 3 with the metal I have.”

 

 

 

 

 

You feel an urge to boop Scoria right here and now, but you need your knees to be intact for today.

“I mean… sorry Scoria…” You bow you head. “I won’t try to tell you how do your job again, promised. It’s just that… I’m always so impressed by craftsponies like you who can turn mere metal into anything. I definitely can’t do that.”

“Yeah, right.” Scoria is visibly unimpressed. “Don’t you try to mellow me out with empty compliments, Lustre Lance. At least keep those for when I’ve actually made you something.”

“Then can I ask you for a new blade then?” You ask. “Whatever kind you want. I know that you’ll chose the best weapon to make.”

“Sure.” She nods in response.

“Also… I’m still asking for a sword, but can you do other weapons?”

“Of course.” She glances at your rump and cutie mark. “I assumed you were a swordspony, but I can forge something different if you want.”

“Another time.” You shake you head. “Make the best blade you can for now.”

You know how to wield other melee weapons, but in stats they’ll be identical to a sword.

 

For the rest of the morning, first you help Frog Chaser a little. The big mare is digging more pitfalls around the camp since it’s now certain nightly beast attacks are still a possibility.

You then go help Sand Carrot prepare lunch when noon draws near. And when you gather for the meal, you announce that you’ll go on an expedition with Verdant today.

 

Once the preparations are good, you ready yourself and walk into the forest with the bowmare.

 

You wonder for a moment if Black Fang will appear again today, but when the feeling of danger returns, it’s a regular beast that shows up.

 

It’s a wolf!

 

 

 

 

 

“This isn’t the most ferocious we’ve seen.” Verdant comments. “Let’s keep going!”

 

It’s ANOTHER wolf!

 

 

 

 

 

“This isn’t the most ferocious we’ve seen.” Verdant comments. “Let’s keep going!”

 

It’s ANOTHER wolf!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I don’t mind small fry.” Verdant smiles to herself. “We can get stronger with little risks that way.”

And indeed, the same kind of creature you just defeated twice comes to you again

 

It’s YET ANOTHER wolf!

 

 

 

 

 

“Yeah, let’s take those while they’re still available.” You say as you pocket the ball of light.

“Mmh?” Verdant raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean, ‘available’?”

“Stronger monsters only started appearing after a while.” You explain. “I think it’s because we’ve beat up a number of them, or your presence with me, or it might be something else that happened over time. I’m not sure. Anyway, I believe beasts that will be stronger still will appear eventually, and small one like these will disappear.”

“I see. Then let’s make the most of them.” But as the next enemy comes forth… “Look out, Lance! Playtime’s over!”

 

It’s a spider!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Worry not, as long as I’m with you, we’ll overcome all dangers!” Verdant boasts as the creature falls.

“Thanks Verdant!” You reply with a smile as you fetch your prize. “It’s really easy with you. I wonder if we could throw essences at these monsters to make them more of a challenge.”

“Please…” Verdant really don’t seem to like the idea. “Don’t be a danger to yourself, Lustre Lance… We have enough troubles already.”

And already the next danger drags itself to you.

 

It’s a slime!

 

 

 

 

 

 

That fight was longer, but thankfully the poison of this creature had no effect on you.

Though, now you’re alone. And next is a familiar opponent that comes forth, and she doesn’t look like she’s here for a chat or for any kind of fun time this once.

 

“Return them to me.” Black Fang demands. But in the midst of her induced fury, she can almost crank up a smile for an instant. “You won’t… regret it. But run!”

 

You face the witch.

 

 

 

There’s little you can do against Black Fang without Verdant, so you obey the last words of the witch and make your way out of here.

Again, you make it back to the village, and sunset arrives as you do. The other mares notice you’re back and come to meet you.

 

“Lustre Lance!” Frog Chaser calls as she approaches. “You’re back! But… what about Verdant?”

“Sorry, I lost sight of her in the end.” You shake your head. “But she wasn’t hurt so we should find her again tomorrow. We could fight plenty of creatures before she left, though.”

“Then I see no reason why Verdant shouldn’t be okay.” Sand Carrot nods. “Tomorrow morning, we should see that both of you made it out alright.”

 

Aside from that, Scoria is done working on a new sword and passes it to you.

“Try this, Lance!” The blacksmith mare tells you with a proud little smile. “I’m sure you’ll see the difference.”

“A new weapon for you, Lance. Cool!” Frog Chaser reacts. “The fire sword is cooler, though.”

“You can apply runes to the new one too if you find some.” Scoria precises, giving Frog Chaser a little glare that the taller mare doesn’t notice.

[spoiler]You will do more damage in combat.[/spoiler]

 

“I also found something.” Frog Chaser starts. “I could use that for digging, but it’s probably better if you keep it as a trump card against some of the beasts. But… I’ll hold on it while your sword is burning. Just in case…”

 

 

 

 

“Thanks for the sword, Scoria.” You nod toward the blacksmith mare. “I’ll be sure to put it to good use. Anyway, I brought back some of these… and there’s something I want to confirm.” You say.

 

First, you combine the three essences, and turn those in a glowing essence.

But now with three of those, you bring the 3 glowing essences together. They seem to combine! The balls of light merge into one other, and swell into a much bigger one.

 

 

“Woah!” Frog Chaser’s eyes go wide. “That thing… you can make somepony grow even more with one of these?”

“I think so, yes.” Graces comments, eyes glued on the ball of light like everypony else.

 

Indeed, it’s likely that big essence is gonna grow and empower a mare further than a glowing one. You were telling yourself earlier that maybe your friends could also become goddesses instead, if they were given enough essences.

 

Should you share these thoughts?

And should you give the essence to somepony already?

 

 

You try to press and squeeze the big essence, but as you suspected you have no way to split it back.

“Well…Let’s deal with that tomorrow, once Verdant is back.” You say. You’ll probably expose your theories about them possibly becoming goddesses too at that time.

 

On that, the 5 of you have dinner together in a relative calm. Even if she’s supposed to reappear tomorrow, the absence of Verdant makes everypony a little gloomy.

Frog Chaser will take care of the first half of the watch tonight, while Scoria will take care of the second.

 

Sand Carrot offers to help you wash yourself again.

 

 

You ponder a little more on the big essence you made. Some mares didn’t even receive a glowing essence yet, so you wonder if you could skip that part by giving them this one right away. As always, you have no guarantee this is the way things will work out, though.

And sadly… this big essence is just as impenetrable to your teeth as the others, and just swallowing it is now even more out of reach.

 

Anyway, you accept Sand Carrot’s offer. As always, the mare diligently cleans your back, and helps you unwinding after the fights.

“I’m glad you’re not coming back as wounded as before, recently.” Sand Carrot comments. “I mean, even if you were unconscious yesterday, there were only some minor bruises on you.”

“Ah, yes.” You reply. “Really, it’s thanks to Verdant that I’m okay today. The two of us were strong enough to keep fighting for a long time. Graces’ blessing helped me a lot too!”

“I see.” Sand Carrot smiles. “It’s good that you and Verdant are making a good team. In fact, I’m glad everypony’s working together as one.”

 

You’re relieved that Sand Carrot doesn’t try to question you more about the day before. The only ‘wounds’ you must have had at the time were from intense sex with a larger mare. Your companions didn’t question you much about this so far, but you don’t know if really they suspect nothing.

 

Regardless, you thank Sand Carrot for the attention, and ask if she’s like to sleep on the guardhouse bed with you, which she accepts. Sand Carrot isn’t a mare that will hug you in the night on her own, and you sleep with your backs facing away from each other. Still, it’s comforting to have another being’s warmth near you.

 

“Everyone!” Scoria’s voice from the tower wakes you up. “Verdant is back, and there’s a new mare outside too!”

Both you and Sand Carrot quickly jump on your hooves to check outside.

 

Indeed, there’s two mares lying near the field, but also there’s a travelling cart next to Graces’ church.

While Sand Carrot and Graces go help the new mare, you and Frog Chaser wake Verdant up.

 

“Uhg.” She grunts, groggily opening her eyes. “Lustre Lance?”

“Yes, that’s me. How are you feeling?”

Quickly enough, the mare recomposes herself and stands on her hooves.

“I… I’m good.” She states, quickly examining herself before turning to you again. “And… what about you? What happened after I vanished?”

“I could get away safely, don’t worry.” You say. “That witch came to face me after I lost sight of you, but I was able to run away without trouble. I brought back all the essences the two of us could gather before that.”

“Good.” Verdant smiles. “Then our expedition was a success again. Anyway, let’s meet our new companion.”

 

“Hello.” The mare addresses you with a calm smile as you turn to her. “I’ve been told we’re all trapped in a bad dream of sorts, but still It’s a pleasure to meet new faces.”

“The pleasure is ours.” You bow slightly. “I’m Lustre Lance.”

“My name is Verdant.”

“I’m Scoria.”

“Frog Chaser here.” The big green mare says with a smile. “Pleased to meet you too! But say, did you really get ‘the trapped in a dream’ part? You’re looking quite… fine with it?”

“Would it change a thing if I cried?” She slowly chuckles. “If not, then I’d rather keep smiling, and maybe even sing a nice song at some point. Of course, please do tell me where I need to help before that. I understand we’re all surviving together in here, right?”

“We appreciate your cooperation.” Verdant nods. “Also, how should we call you? None of us remember our names when we arrive, so just make on up please.”

 

“Then… please call me Chord Care.” She replies after pondering for a few seconds.

 

 

 

 

You all decide to share some breakfast together while you explain the rest of the situation to your new companion. Chord Care seems immediately at ease with everypony, even as you tell her more about dangers of this forest. You don’t exactly bother her with the threat of a new monster god being born just yet, but you do tell her about your expeditions in the woods, your encounters with the witch, and the essences you use to empower your friends. You spell it as a way to increase you chances to find a way out, which isn’t a lie.

 

“I see.” Chord Care nods. “That’s quite the fantastic tale, but that explains why I’m facing a pony as large as you are, Frog Chaser.”

“Yeah!” The big green mare grins. “And the fun thing is that I’ve been able to dig up better stuff since I grew!”

“By any chance, would you be one of those bards whose music emboldens the spirit?” You ask Chord Care. “Or perhaps are you one that can heal?”

“Apologies, Lustre Lance.” Chord Care shakes her head. “But I play music for the beauty of it. Nothing more. I can provide first aid if needed, though. And a good massage can help one focus better.”

“Ah… O-of course.” You nod. “Also, you told us about singing, but do remember if you know how to play any instrument?”

“Well…I’m familiar with those with strings I believe.” She ponders, and closing her eyes, she mimics holding something long at the level of her midsection. “Yes… holding a luth would feel right.”

“Do you mind if we check your cart?” Sand Carrot asks. “I mean, it appeared with you this morning, and when a house appears with somepony usually there’s stuff they can use inside. Maybe there’s a luth in here.”

“Why, that would be some good news!” Chord Care nods. “Let’s go then.”

 

As the two mares start walking away, you turn to Verdant and bring out the big essence.

“Hey. I think you should have this.” You say. “Your help is invaluable against the beasts. Please help me gather even more essences, Verdant. I want to go on an expedition today again.”

Verdant nods, and she smiles as she approaches. “Thanks for trusting me, Lustre Lance. I won’t disappoint you.”

 

There, Verdant grabs the orb without hesitation.

Again, a bright flash of light prevents you from completely taking in what happens, but without a doubt Verdant grows.

This time, her size definitely exceeds what a regular pony would achieve. When you can open your eyes, Verdant ‘s body towers about you and your eyes are staring at the base of her neck.

 

“Woah…” Verdant seem amazed by the changes, she makes a little spin on herself as she observes the new her. You notice she seem to be packing even more muscles than before, especially in the back.

“Heh.” Frog Chaser comments with a smirk. “Still haven’t caught up with me!”

By a few inches at most, but it’s true.

Verdant’s bed should still have become large enough for you to share with Frog Chaser. Though, the guardmare said that everypony may sleep in their own house once the wall is complete. You haven’t checked everywhere, but everypony but you would have its own place to sleep if it wasn’t for the threat of attacks in the night. That’s the reason you all stay under the watchtower at night.

 

But hold on, what are you thinking about such trifling matters when a friend of your just got about twice as massive as before and probably packs the strength of a dozen ponies?

“Well, looks like you’re ready for another expedition!” You enthusiastically tell Verdant. “The way I see you, these beasts have run out of luck!”

“I sure feel like I could take them all on right now.” The huge warrior mare smiles back. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Then we’re going after lunch.”

 

 

“Goodness, Verdant!” You grin at the big and strong mare. “It feels like I could ride you into battle at this size! I’d be sure to never lose sight of you that way.”

“You could, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She replies. “I’m big, but not so much you could defend properly while on top of me if a monster were to target you.”

 

“My!” Chord Care exclaims as she returns. They did find a luth in her cart it seems. “So what you said about these essence is really true!”

“You bet it is!” Frog Chaser replies. “Thanks to those, we’re gonna get stronger and I’m confident we’ll eventually find a way out of here even!”

 

As much as you hate dousing the hopes of your friend, you have a few doubts about this. You’ve got to speak up at some point, and now is as good of a time as any other you guess.

“Everyone… I need to talk to you all about something.” You start. “There’s something bothering me about the essences. Just like Black Fang wants essences to become the goddess of monsters, isn’t there a chance that any of you could become that goddess if keep giving you essences?”

 

“Hey, are you sure now?” Frog Chaser replies, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not feeling any more… monsterly than before since I grew.”

“Me neither.” Graces adds. “And I doubt Verdant would say anything like that either. Also, remember the insight we got from the Light. When you turn a monster into an essence, you strip it of the will of this domain, so this power isn’t tied to the monster god anymore.”

“I don’t know anything for sure.” You shake your head. “But that still seems like a possibility to me. One of you could grow to the point you’d be chosen by the monster god to become his heir instead of the witch, or taking his power may end up being necessary if we want to escape this place at all. Or you could become another kind of goddess too. I mean, it wouldn’t be… ‘as bad’, but that’s not something I’d take lightly either. I… again, I’m not sure of anything. That’s probably something you could ask the Light about, Graces.”

 

“Hum.” The cleric mare nods. “I’ll try to learn more if I have the occasion. But I don’t think we have to worry about being suddenly possessed by ill intent for now. I have faith the Light will protect us while we tread its path.”

“I don’t know about the Light...” Verdant starts. “But I feel readier than ever to protect everyone. I think it would be good if we brought back more of these essences.”

“Well… The essence you gave me turned into some good ol’ ingots, so it doesn’t get any more neutral than that.” Scoria says. “And it seems the rest of you are fine with them. So I guess I’d be fine using some on myself.”

 

It’s true that if there’s any straight downside to using the essences, you haven’t seen those yet.

Hopefully some insight could help you see things more clearly.

Anyway, for now you ask Chord are about her massages. The mare insists on doing so in her cart. There are some drapes and sheets in there that you can lie down on. The mare then starts working her hooves on your back for an experience that turns out to be quite enjoyable. Her touch on you seem to strain you for only a split second at first before there’s a release of tension that sends a warm shiver through your whole limb or body area, often making you inadvertently utter a sigh of relief. Chord Care seem ready to apply that treatment on each and very join and muscle of your body, and relaxed like you are, you feel no drive to object on that.

 

“So Lustre Lance, you lucky stud.” Chord Care suddenly speaks. “How does it feels having that many mares interested in you? Surely that’s a colt’s dream come true for you, right?”

“Huh?” You blurt in surprise. Your body reflexively wants to turn back, but the mare’s gentle hoof holds you in position. “Wait, what do you mean?”

“Oh, come on. Are you really that oblivious? A young, strong and dependable warrior, surrounded by beautiful mares to be saved. Surely you realize there’s a couple of them that have feelings for you already.”

“Well… I… But, wait, how would you know that? You just arrived this morning.”

“Please, it’s all in the little glances, the smiles that last a second as a hoof touches yours, or the eagerness in handing you a mere bowl of grub.” Chord Care recounts. “Really, nopony should need more than a single meal together pick up all that.”

“I… don’t know what to say. Why are you telling me all this?”

“Why? Because I’m a hopelessly romantic mare, Lustre Lance!” Chord Care chuckles. “Seeing the love between two ponies blossom inspires me to write and sing new songs like nothing else! So don’t worry, I’m your ally here. And you’ll find out I’m quite good at figuring out ponies. If you’re feeling lost about how a mare feels about you, you can ask me for help. Trust me. Just give me a name, I’ll tell you what they feel about you without even raising any suspicion. I’ll need about a day to spend around them, but then I’ll answer about any question you might have about your current relationship with that pony. And of course, if you need somepony to play a serenade in the background while you confess your love, I’m the mare of the situation.”

 

As you take in what the mare says, she keeps massaging you. While her hooves on your back are enjoyable and relaxing, you don’t think you’ll be significantly more performant in fights.

 

 

“Tell you a name you say? Then what about you Chord Care?” You ask. “Wouldn’t it be fair that you started by telling me about how you feel about me before digging on the other mares?”

“Me?” She chuckles. “I think you’re interesting Lustre Lance, but not in a way that makes me want you for myself. That mix of… down to earth and cutesy attitudes of yours don’t really excite me so far. I’d rather see how you deal with the other mares. Though, I just arrived this morning, and even if I’m good at reading the mood, I have still a lot to discover. Maybe you have some surprises in you…”

 

“Fair enough.” You reply, resting your head on your hooves to better appreciate the massage. “Thanks for being honest. So, you sound confident you figured it all out, right? Who do you think has feelings for me?”

“In order of intensity, Frog Chaser, Verdant, Graces, and Sand Carrot.” Chord Care immediately replies. “These feelings are all of a different nature, though. Frog Chaser and Sand Carrot are the closest from having a regular… crush on you, I’d say, with the latter being a lot father to act upon it right now.”

“Huh.” You wouldn’t have included Sand Carrot, you think to yourself, but you suppose it’s believable there’s some attraction from her too. “Well, I guess Frog Chaser is rather obvious, and Verdant certainly seems like she has a good opinion of me. Though, I’m curious about Graces, and if you’d accept, I’d like to learn more about her. She seems to seek physical contact like her life depends on it, and I’m not sure what to make of that.”

“Mmh? That’s interesting.” Chord Care replies. “I’ll see what I can learn about her.”

“Also…” You chuckle to yourself. “To be honest, the mare whose intention I’d really need to know about is that witch in the woods, but I think that could be a bit too dangerous to have you interact with her.”

“I think so too.” Chord Care replies. “And that’s a real shame, honestly. A mare who’s both trying to kill and seduce a stallion is a romance one rarely gets to witness with their own eyes…”

 

“I guess so.” You say. “Also… would you have advice about how do balance several ponies having feelings for me?”

“Oh, Lustre Lance, there’s no balance that’ll last long for that.” You see Chord Care shake her head in the corner of your eye. “It’s been one tragedy about love that has been sung about since the beginning of ponykind.”

“I see…” You sulk a little. “I wish I could avoid hurting anypony’s feeling, but it’s becoming inevitable the way I see it.”

“Probably, yes.” Chord Care states. “For now, love is a potentiality. All hopes are permitted while no choice is made, and cementing a choice is bound to sweep away some desires by making them definably unrealisable. But not making one will eventually eat away at these hopes too, while acting up on love will make it a radiant reality.”

Chord Care sighs to herself.

“Oh, this bitter-sweet drama… I’ll never get tired of it.”

“Do you think I could… sort of, just befriend everypony?” You ask. “I don’t want jealousy to settle in this village. Somehow, I feel like our safety depends on all of us getting along.”

“Hmm? Do you mean, literally?” Chord Care sounds dubious. “Well, I don’t know about that, and I can’t say just yet if just being friends with everypony will work out either. I’d wager there are some mares out there whose feelings won’t accept remaining unanswered eternally, but this could work out for some others.”

 

Chord Care is probably right. Nothing is forcing you to make a definitive choice yourself, but it’s likely your mare friends will take the initiative if this drags on for too long, and you’ll have to reject them or all of the others.

As if fighting you way out of a dead god’s dream wasn’t complicated enough…

 

Once Chord Care is done taking care of you, you go visit Graces in the church, and ask her to pray for some insight about you, and why rules are so different for in in these woods. Chord Care follows you there, and will remain around Graces for now.

 

 

After Chord Care gave you a massage and that you accompanied her to keep company to Graces during her prayers, you spend the rest of the morning helping Sand Carrot in the field.

 

Chord Care told you that the famer mare had some feelings for you. While not entirely unconceivable, you realised you hadn’t bonded much with the mare that’s been doing most of the cooking for all of you villagers. The mare also spontaneously offered to take care of your injuries from the very first time you returned from an expedition. She’s hardworking and caring, but also has some courage into her. Even while she doesn’t know how to fight, she decided to accompany you in the forest once to experiment what would happen. It’s a bit strange. Even with all that, and even if she’s among those that have been here the longest, you feel like you don’t know much about Sand Carrot yet. All the more reason to catch up on that.

 

There’s more of you to feed since the last time you’ve helped around the field, but the mare’s been planting enough to keep up. And with how fast everything is growing, you’re not gonna have to fear hunger anytime soon.

“Say, Sand Carrot.” You start at some point. “Ehm… How have you been doing lately?” You start.

“Me? Oh, I’m fine of course!” She answers with a smile. “You don’t have to worry about me, Lustre Lance. I’m not the one who gets to fight monsters every other day.”

“That’s good to hear.” You nod. “But what I meant, is… do you have some passions? Hobbies you like practicing? It feels like you’re working all the time.”

“Ah, I see.” She chuckles. “You’re worried you’ve been letting me do all the chores, right? But it’s alright with me. I like taking care of other ponies, and I enjoy cooking for everypony. To be honest, I like that there’s more and more ponies around in the village, and I know the work I do is appreciated. I could even say I’d be fine to live in a place like this one, if only this place wasn’t so strange and dangerous.” She sighs. “Yeah, as much as I’d love to have some more ponies or even foals around this little village, this is certainly not a place for them.”

 

You help Sand Carrot prepare lunch after that, and then at noon everyone gathers to eat together.

Verdant used the morning to get some sleep since she reappeared this morning after disappearing during your last expedition, and now she looks ready for action. More that ever even, now that you gave her the big essence you brought from your last encounters and that she grew some more height and muscles.

 

 

“Verdant, are you ready to go out in the woods again?” you ask the amazon-sized mare.

“Of course.” She nods with a smirk. “I’m eager to see what I can do now that my body is this strong.”

“Great!” You smile back. “I have a new tool I must put try myself.”

You wink toward Scoria, and the blacksmith mare gives you an approving nod this time.

 

Not long after you’ve finished your meal, you set out to the trees with Verdant while the rest of your companions watch. With your big friend at your side, the woods don’t seem so threatening anymore. In fact, the first beast that soon comes out looks downright puny now.

 

 

“I’d almost feel bad for picking on an animal this small.” Verdant comments. “It looks like a small dog to me. Too bad these are so bloodthirsty.”

 

 

 

 

“I’d almost feel bad for picking on an animal this small.” Verdant comments. “It looks like a small dog to me. Too bad these are so bloodthirsty.”

 

Verdant’s arrow flies in an instant, and pins the wolf down in a single shot. You didn’t even need to move and your opponent is already dead.

However, this impressive display made you lose your focus right away, and you lost sight of your friends.

 

 

 

The beast turns into another essence after you defeat it, and already another comes from the bushes.

 

This one is… new.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is now or never that the smoke bomb can save your ass. In the puff of smoke that quickly forms, you’re able to leave the monster behind you.

 

 

You felt a bit sluggish after that strange plant touched you, but as the clearing comes into view, that feeling disappears.

 

It’s the evening like every time you come back, and Frog Chaser calls everypony as she sees you return from the watchtower.

 

“Lustre Lance! You’re…” Chord Care seems to notice your state as the mares come close. “You’re hurt! Should we carry you too a house? Do you need treatment?”

“Come on, now.” Frog Chaser attempts to calm the singer mare. “Lance is a tough colt. He’s seen worst… right?”

“Yeah, I’ll manage. But the odds were not in my favour today.” You admit, forcing a meek smile on your face to calm Chord’s worry. “I even lost sight of Verdant right away. She wasn’t hurt fortunately, so she should be back in one piece tomorrow morning. I didn’t even bring back much this time…”

 

“It’s alright.” Sand Carrot smiles regardless. “What matters is that you’re alive. Everything is well now that you’re back, Lustre Lance. Now you can take your time to recover. Do you want to have dinner?”

“Uhm…” You nod. “Yes. Thanks, that would be great.”

 

A warm meal in the safety for the village indeed soothes you mind ad body already. You friends are mostly relieved that your back, and they’re not as stressed by Verdant’s absence this time since they saw her return once already. Chord Care seizes the occasion that you all sit together to start playing a calm ballad with her luth while you eat.

Also, this morning you asked Graces to pray for insight about you and your shroud, and the mare is ready to deliver the answer she interpreted from the Light.

 

“This is what I learned.” Graces speaks. “Lustre Lance. You wilfully entered this dominion with the purpose to put an end to it, and to save the ponies trapped in here. As for why the rules are different for you, it is thanks to help you received before arriving. The shroud that protects you, and now this village, is a spell that has been actively put up to help you resist the dominion’s influence.”

“Woah!” Frog Chaser shows you a smirk, and she seems genuinely excited. “Hey, Lance! Sounds like you’re actually some kind of hero on a rescue mission!”

“Hold on, so… All this stuff that’s different with me… it’s part of some kind of plan to get everypony out of this place?” You ask Graces. “But… If this shroud is protecting me, why is it I don’t have any memory? That sounds like something a protection should have been used for.”

“Well, the Light told me, you and your friends are ponies full of conviction and courage, and chose to take a leap of faith for this purpose. None of you knew exactly what you were getting into but chose to go through anyway. While the shroud aimed to protect you from this place’s influence, you didn’t know what you were gonna find in this dream exactly, so far from every possibility was covered by the spell when it was cast. Also, the Light told me that right now, your friends are watching over your body and are trying to find ways to help you.”

 

You’re taken aback by what Graces said. Without any memory or know-how, learning that you’ve supposedly taken it on yourself to put an end to the dream of a dead god is making you feel very unprepared. But there’s also the fact you have friends on the other side… which means there IS an other side! There’s definitely a reality you can escape to out there! Well, if the Light says the truth of course…

 

 

 

You attempt to give an essence to Sand Carrot and Chord Care. While nothing happens with Sand Carrot, for the musician mare the essence glows and transforms into a deck of cards.

“Huh. Would you look at that!” The mare smiles as she browses the cards. “I remember now! I have a way to see the future with these!”

“See the future?” Frog Chaser sounds unconvinced. “You mean, as part of some performance act, right?”

“And like any performance, it’s real if you believe in it Frog Chaser honey!” Chord Care replies with a giggle. “Do you want a reading?”

 

“Sure.” The big mare sits down in front of Chord Care, a slightly smug smirk on her face. “So tell me… am I gonna eat soup tomorrow?”

“Let us find out!” Chord Care starts dutifully shuffling her cards to answer the asinine question. She lays down the deck so Frog Chaser may touch it to ‘imbue it with her energy’, and after shuffling the deck again the musician mare reveals the one at the top for all to see.

“The Magician!” Chord Care announces. “The master manifestator! This card shows that you have all you need to make your dreams come true in your hooves already! It means that if you want to eat soup tomorrow, all you have to do is politely ask Sand Carrot to make some.”

“Ahahahaha!” Sand Carrot bursts out laughing. “It’s true! You ‘can’ see the future, Chord Care!”

 

“Alright, you got me there.” Frog chuckles at Chord Care’s display, and then turns to Sand Carrot. “So, yeah, the soup you made the other day tasted really great! Can you make it again please?”

“But of course, Frog Chaser!” Sand Carrot heartily replies. “It will be my pleasure.”

 

After that, you give the other essence to Scoria. It transforms into metal ingots again, and the blacksmith mare will make you some armour tomorrow.

 

Before you turn in for the night, Chord Care offers to help you wash and take care of your bruises. That way, you can also hear what she found out without being too suspicious.

“So, you wanted to know why Graces longs for physical contact so bad, Lustre Lance?” Chord Care starts whispering in your ear. “Well, it’s all tragically simple. While she puts up a stoic face, Graces actually feels dramatically inadequate about the state of her body. The wheels aren’t comfortable or practical, and the extra effort to move around wears on her. However, there are two things that alleviate her pain. The first, is to immerse herself in the world of the mind. She forgets her body and troubles while she prays, and finds the most genuine solace a believer can find in her faith. The second, well you can probably guess… feeling the body of a strong stallion like yourself against her! That’s the other way her body stops being a problem to her and that she can feel better.”

 

“But now… I have to tell you it gets a bit more complicated.” The musician mare continues.” You see, Graces has faith in the Light, and the way she sees it, the intense affection she has for you… is one she believes should be between every single being out here! I was shocked to tell you the truth. She is so obviously infatuated with you, but somehow convinced herself this is some holistic kind of love. I think she’s a bit delusional if you ask me, but you don’t have to take my word for it.”

 

 

“Hold on, what do you mean exactly by… some holistic kind of love?” You ask.

“Right now, Graces feels like the relationship she has with you should be the kind of love all ponies share with each other. Like I said, I believe she’s misinterpreting her own feelings, but for now she thinks there isn’t an ounce of romance in what she did with you.”

“That’s a lot to take in.” You tell Chord Care. “But… thanks for telling me all this. Really. You’re helping me a lot here, Chord Care.”

“You’re welcome, Lustre Lance.” You see the mare smile in the corner of your eyes. “Now I just wonder what you’re gonna do next.”

 

Next… is probably the time for you to go to bed. Your expedition was rather short-lived, but the wounds and the peak of adrenaline you suffered today wear on you as though you ran a marathon.

By now, Verdant’s bed does look like it could accommodate more than just two ponies of your size, but this once you only offer to share it with Graces. The mare is happy to accept.

 

You all prepare yourselves for the night while Frog Chaser keeps watch in the tower above. Like last time, Graces seems elated to be able to nuzzle herself against your back, a little purr of contentment escaping her lips as she does.

Once the lights are out, though, you decide to take this to another level. Still embraced by Graces, you turn around on the mattress, and pull her close enough your chests touch each other.

“Lustre Lance…” The mare softly exclaims in surprise.

“It’s okay.” You mutter. “I see how much it means to you when I hold you. We can stay like this tonight.”

“I… Thank you.” After a slight hesitation, the bright-eyed mare accepts the situation. Her face gets close to yours, and she places it to rest on your neck and cheek. The mare holds you tight, and you shiver slightly as the warmths of your coats seep into the other.

 

You don’t think you’re gonna be able to prevent yourself from getting an erection for long with Graces’ ample teats squished so close to your crotch, but in that position there’s also the stumps of her legs which feel a little eerie and somehow keep your arousal at bay.

But while you mind is aggravated by these contradictory feelings, Graces seem content to just hold on you. Her breath slows downs as she falls asleep, and somehow you feel a bit foolish yourself upon seeing how calm she is about this.

 

In the end, you make sure to hold the mare close, and in her gentle and steady heartbeat, you eventually find enough peace to drift away to sleep with her.

 

“Verdant’s back!” You’re woken up as you hear Scoria call from atop the guardhouse.

You barely have any time to process the message and your position that Graces rolls away from your arms. You’ve been holding her all night, and still feel her warmth on your coat. In this position, you could only wake up with a stiffy, but the pale mare acts as though she didn’t even notice, and only show her calm smile to you.

“Shall we go greet Verdant back?” She asks.

“Uhm, yes.” You nod, unsure what to make of this situation. “Of course.”

 

After helping Graces on her wheels, you all go out to help the big guardsmare back on her hooves. She is unharmed, which is a meagre comfort after you lost sight of her right away during your last adventure.

“I’m really sorry Verdant.” You bow apologetically at her. “I couldn’t look out for you yesterday, and the expedition didn’t turn out not so well in the end because of me.”

“Don’t worry about it, Lustre Lance.” Verdant shakes her head. “If anything, it’s strange that something like this didn’t happen sooner. To be honest, that’s more along the lines of what I expected about being one glance away from disappearing. So don’t feel too bad about it…”

There she shows you a little smirk.

“…But try not to make it an habit either! If that’s possible, I’d like to follow you for a whole expedition like the first one we went on. Anyway, did you come back alright?”

“Yes I did.” You nod. In fact, you recovered completely for yesterday’s expedition too.

“Then that’s the most important.” Verdant nods. “Just allow me to rest this morning, and then I’ll be ready to follow you when you decide to take on the forest again.”

 

 

 

“Say, Chord Care, can you read my future with your cards please?” You ask over the breakfast.

“But of course, Lance.” She smiles. “If you seek guidance, I’m sure you can find it the cards. Now, there’s two ways we can do this. You can may ask a question that can be answered by yes or no to the cards, or I can draw a card that will be your fortune for the day. Though, I’ll only do one reading for a pony each day, and only once on a particular question. Fate is a fickle mistress you see, and peering too much into it will only bring confusion.”

 

 

After breakfast, you decide to talk to Chord Care in private about this.

“I have one question.” You nod. “Are there any good endings for the witch if we won't take her side?”

“Her name is Black Fang, right?” Chord Care replies as she starts shuffling her cards. “We can ask the cards, yes.”

 

Chord Care has you lay your hoof on the deck of cards, enjoining you to focus your thoughts on it and ask your question in your mind. Despite having no idea if this is mere prestidigitation or not, the musician mare seems satisfied after a few seconds. She shuffles the cards again, and then reveals the one at the top.

 

It’s a red card.

 

“The cards point to yes, Lustre Lance.” Chord Care announces. “As for what to make of that answer, the choice is in your hooves.”

“Alright.” You nod. “But… we’re talking about a good ending from her point of view, right?”

“Ah, this one, only the cards know.” Chord Care chuckles. “Also, you asked about a possibility, Lustre Lance, so your actions might matter a lot in the outcome anyway.”

 

 

“Thanks for the answer.” You nod. “And speaking of answers, would you mind trying to see how I could bond better with Sand Carrot?”

“Of course.” Chord Care nods. “I’ll make sure to find out in what ways you and her and compatible.”

 

For the rest of the morning, you decide to go help Frog Chaser dig her hole. The gallery is now about fifty feet long, and for obvious reasons its height has been significantly raised since the last time you’ve been in there. A lot of dirt has been piled behind Frog’s house, against the wall.

Frog Chaser is happy to welcome some help. Since her tools grew with her, you find yourself wielding an oversized pickaxe whose head is as long as you’re tall. Despite the bigger mare showing off how much faster she can dig, the toil helps you empty you mind and warm you up for a potential expedition this afternoon.

 

Lunch time comes, and Verdant wakes up after resting this morning, ready for action.

 

 

“Scoria, are you done making the armour?”

“Nope.” The blacksmith mare shakes her head. “I think I told you I needed the whole day, Lance. Not half the day. Or maybe you want some half-baked armour to make sure you come back half-alive, Hmm?”

“Alright, I get it Scoria.” You bow slightly. “Sorry about being impatient. It’s just that this sword you made already helped me a lot, so I can’t wait to see another piece of your work.”

“You’ll get to see it in time.” This time, you see a little smirk on the abrasive mare’s face as she nods to herself. It seems your compliments are getting to her after all.

 

Anyway, once you’re done with lunch, and after asking Graces to pray for might, you and Verdant go on an expedition.

 

“Let’s hunt these beasts down, Lustre Lance!” The big guardsmare gives you a friendly jab on the side while you both walk under the trees. “By the time we’ll be back to the clearing, the last hunt will be nothing more than a bad memory!”

“Yeah, you’re right!” You nod with enthusiasm. “We’ll make sure to bring a better haul than last time, and I’ll do my best to keep you with me all the way through!”

 

As you advance, you start to feel the presence of beasts nearby. In fact, the first on that comes turns out to be quite the big game.

“Holy… Looks like we’ve got a challenge this time!” Verdant bellows as she prepares an arrow.

 

 

 

 

“Verdant!” You call. “This one looks like enough game for today! Let’s drive him back to the clearing and fight there!”

“I’ll follow your lead!” Verdant replies

 

The rocky saurian on your tail, you and Verdant make it back to the clearing. You hear a panicked cry of alarm from Frog Chaser, who was keeping watch, as she call everypony.

The beast is too big for the traps and pitfalls your prepared, so now you’re fighting it on your own.

 

 

The beast recoils one last time as you deal the final blow before going limp. You took some serious hits, and you’re left panting heavily as the creature disappears, leaving behind a big essence.

 

 

“Verdant! Lance!” Frog Chaser calls, as the rest of your friends arrive. “Are you alright? S-sorry, we didn’t know how to help without getting in the way.”

“Are the two of you alright?” Sand Carrot immediately start to inspect your wounds. “Goodness… do you always fight that kind of enemies in the forest?”

“It’s the first time we encountered something so big actually.” Verdant replies, and then to you. “We owe this victory to you Lustre Lance. I’m glad I could assist you, but you’re the real hero of this fight after taking all the heat on yourself.”

 

 

 

“It’s you I’ve got to thank for this win.” You reply to Verdant. “I definitely couldn’t have done this without you. I’m glad we could fight this foe together.”

“Don’t mention it.” She shakes her head, but still shows a half-smile to you. “You’re the one who keeps getting hurt over this, and I’m glad we fought here and not in the forest. I could at least help a little with the takedown that way.”

“Also, we’re gonna need better traps for next time.” You add.

“Y-yeah!” Frog Chase nods stiffly. “I’ll make sure to make a pitfall big enough for that kind of monster tomorrow.”

 

For now, you’re gonna have your wounds cleaned by Chord Care while Sand Carrot prepares dinner. That way, the musician mare can tell you what she learned toady.

“So, I’ve spending the day around Sand Carrot.” Chord Care starts whispering in your ear while she works. “And to put is simply, she’s got a crush on you. She thinks you’re brave, considerate, dependable and good-looking. You’re close to being her dream-colt, Lustre Lance!”

 

“However, there are two things in the way of such feelings, and they’re both matters of fidelity. The first is that Sand Carrot believes Frog Chaser is going for you already, and she doesn’t see herself competing with another mare for a stallion. This one could be easy to crack by you just taking the initiative, but there’s something else that’s going to be a lot more complicated. You see, Sand Carrot hopes that our real lives are waiting for us out there, and she has faith you and Vedant will bring us all out of here alive. I think so too by the way! But for Sand Carrot, she also strongly considers the possibility she has a family waiting for her in the real world, and maybe a husband she won’t risk cheating on with anypony else. Even if this place is a world apart, she just doesn’t think it would be right, and intends to keep herself in check while we’re here.”

 

“So from here, how can you better get along with her?” Chord Care continues. “Well, just keep doing what you’ve been at already. Working with Sand Carrot will keep showing her your gentle side, while the fights you triumph over will make her melt over at how much a strong stallion you are. Eventually, you might just overcome her fear of infidelity that way. Will you corrupt this gentle soul and make her renounce her chastity? I’d like to see that honestly…”

“I see.” You nod. “Thank you for the information, Chord Care.”

 

Aside from romantic pursuit, you’ve also been thinking about giving the big essence you just got to Sand Carrot. You’ve got a little doubt about this one, though. What if skipping the glowing essence has you miss out on something? Maybe you could get some insight first to be sure…

 

 

 

You’re gonna wait a little to use this essence, just to be sure. Besides, growing the mares might be what’s bringing bigger monsters into the forest, so there’s no harm in playing it slow, you guess.

 

“You’re a really kind mare, Chord Care.” You tell her once she’s done treating you. “I mean it. I’ve been a huge help since you’ve arrived.”

“Aw, that’s sweet of you to say, Lustre Lance.” Chord Care smiles back “It always feel good to have your work recognised.”

 

The two of you find out that dinner is served when you come out of the guardhouse. As always, Sand Carrot has been making wonders with what she has, and you can all enjoy a recomforting warm meal.

Verdant is gonna keep watch tonight.

 

 

After dinner, and while everypony prepares themselves to go to sleep, you decide to join Verdant for her watch tonight.

 

“Hey.” You greet the amazonian mare as she sees you climb the tower. Now there’s stairs instead of a ladder. “Do you mind if I keep you company for tonight?

“Are you sure?” Verdant asks back “You got hit rather heavily today. Shouldn’t you go to bed early?”

“I’ll be fine.” You reply. “Besides, I really feel like I should keep you company tonight.”

“Oh, uhm…” Verdant seems a little surprised. “Alright then.”

 

 

 

“That reminds me.” You speak up. “I don’t think we’ve told you what Graces found out after I asked why things work differently for me. It turns out I didn’t get trapped here. I came on my own to get everypony out of this bad dream, or so the Light told her. The reason I can go into these woods is a spell that’s protecting me from the influence of this place, sort of, but its magic couldn’t prevent me from losing my memories. So, unfortunately, I don’t know what I need to do exactly.”

“I see.” Verdant nods, and you see her smile to you. “Well, looks to me like you’ve started fighting back against the powers of this place alright, memories or not. You’re definitely an amazing stallion, Lustre Lance. Anyway, could that magic be the reason why there hasn’t been any beast attack since you arrived?”

 

“Well… probably, yeah.” You nod. “I think the one time there was an attack, it was the night I wasn’t able to return her after an expedition.”

“Mmh.” Verdant seems to relax a little, sitting down and leaning on the crenelations of the tower. “That makes sense to me. These nights have been quiet indeed. If we can finish that wall, I was thinking we could try sleeping in our own houses as long as you’re here. That’ll give everypony a bit of privacy. I’m sure they’ll appreciate.”

 

It’s true you’ve yet to witness a night attack of your own. If Verdant thinks it’s safe, then you have to wonder why she’s still so dutifully keeping watch. Looking at her, she’s looking quite serene right now, her eyes looking toward the endless sea of trees around. But then she glances at you.

“If you still want to stay with me, you should make yourself comfortable, Lustre Lance.” The large mare smiles toward you. “The night’s probably going to be quiet.”

 

 

“Alright.” You nod. “Let me get something first, then.”

You make a quick trip down the stairs to fetch the blanket and pillow on Verdant’s bed before coming back up.

 

“Oh. Those are mine.” Verdant notes.

“I guess I’m getting a little too used to borrowing your bed.” You chuckle. “But you did say I should get comfortable, so we’re gonna need these.”

“We’re…?” Verdant jumps slightly as you come to lean against her and throw the blanket over the two of you.

 

“There!” You put down the pillow to rest your legs on, leaving space on Verdant’s side for her to do the same. “I think it doesn’t get any more comfortable than this.”

“Uhm…” You see the big guardsmare blush, and advert her gaze to look at the horizon when you smile up to her. “I guess. Yeah…”

 

You’re sitting down right now, your side against the belly of the larger mare. You feel her warmth on contact, but she hasn’t budged a single of her powerful muscle since you’ve approached her.

“Is it me…” You start, preventing an awkward silent to settle in. “…or have you been smiling and relaxing a lot more nowadays. Out of curiosity, did something change?”

“Well… I dare say things have been looking up lately.” Verdant replies. “Like I told you, before you arrived the situation looked quite hopeless to me with the attacks at night. But then you arrived. You’ve been able to fight back, the attacks stopped, and, well…” You feel the mare shuffle slightly next to you. She lies on her belly to make the most of the blanket and pillow, and soon you do the same. “I’d be lying if I said turning into a physically stronger version of myself didn’t make me feel safer, and now I’m even able to fight back too. And there’s everypony else also. From a hoofful of survivors, we’re starting to look like a proper hamlet of sorts. This clearing is livelier now, and with everypony around, the danger of this place feels a little further away.”

 

“That’s good to hear.” You nod, your ear brushing against the mare’s mane. “That you’re able to feel some serenity I mean. Hopefully I’m gonna be able to see you like that again when we’re out of here.”

“Lustre Lance… I…” Verdant seems taken aback at first, but then the blushing mare shows you an earnest smile. “Y-yes, of course. I still don’t know what kind of life I have out of this place, but if you’re an adventurer of some sort, you could certainly visit. Who knows. Maybe I’m a traveller too, and maybe we’ve even journeyed together before. We have a… good fighting synergy, I’d say.”

 

You feel the mare’s body get a tiny bit less tense, and just a little she leans back on your side.

 

 

“Merely talking about fighting synergy is underselling yourself.” You chuckle. “Come on Verdant, you’re growing into a one mare army by yourself. By now you’d beat me everytime if we were to spar against each other, and when we fight in the forest, often I feel like I should just keep my eyes on you and let you do your thing.”

“But you don’t.” Verdant replies, and she lightly nuzzles her chin on the top of your head. “You keep giving it your all whenever we face danger, and you keep pressing on even as the beasts seem to focus their attacks on you.”

 

“Heh. It feels a bit strange.” You comment. “Seeing everypony else grow stronger around me, I mean. I don’t think I could wrestle down Frog Chaser any more than I could you, and if things keep up, that might become the case for every other mare in the village. And yet, there are so much stakes that remain tied specifically to me…”

“Yeah, and I wish I could take more of that burden.” Verdant says. “Things are that way because of the anomaly you brought here, but it’s thanks to it that we have a fighting chance at all. I’ll make sure to do everything I can to help you, Lustre Lance, and I’m sure everypony else will do the same.”

“Thanks. I know you mean it Verdant.” You smile at the larger mare. “And I’m glad for every other friend we have on our side. Honestly, I think we’re lucky with how well we’re all going along. It’s very peaceful, here, in our growing village, isn’t it?”

“It sure is.” She nods. “We’re a brave little community.”

 

“Also, maybe you’re right about us having met before.” You say next. “Who knows? Maybe it’s to help you that I entered this dream in the first place.”

“Ahahaha…” Even in the dim light, you see a heavy blush on Verdant’s face. “C-come on now, do I look like a damsel in distress to you Lustre Lance? I mean, not that I wouldn’t like it if a stallion came to help me out of this place, but, uhm… I mean…”

“You’re right, scratch that.” You cut short the bigger mare’s embarrassed chattering. “Actually, I’m the one who feels safer around you Verdant.”

On that, you shift a bit closer to the big mare. You can feel the strong pumps of her heart even just touching her side like you are.

“As long as you’re here with me I have a feeling things will work out in the end.” You add, looking up at her face.

“Lustre Lance… I…” The mare allows herself another genuinely moved smile. “I guess I feel the same about you.”

 

There, you wrap your legs around the mare’s strong neck. You’re barely able to fully go around it, but you squeeze Verdant into a much-needed hug anyway. In response, she drapes her hooves around you to hold you close, and between that and you head under her chin, you feel completely surrounded by her warmth.

You can’t resist nuzzling yourself against her, and then crane you neck up to place a little peck on the mare’s cheek. She recoils slightly in reaction, locking eyes with you while you’re still in her embrace. Slowly, unsurely, her head gets closer to yours, until finally she finds the courage to go in and share a kiss with you.

 

You wake up next to Verdant. You’re alone with her on the big bed in her guardhouse. After you spent the night keeping watch together, you settled to sleep until noon.

 

Last night was… interesting. Your watch was quiet and again there was no trace of any monster attack, but after you and Verdant opened up to each other, you ended up sharing a sweet moment hurdled together in the night. To keep the sleepiness at bay, you and the runt-turned-amazon mare would give the other a nuzzle, mutter a little something sweet in their ear, or even go for a quick smooch. You’re pretty sure Verdant took advantage of that last part after you started it, pretending to have fallen heavily asleep until you would give her a long, drawn-out kiss.

 

Now, with both of you lying on your sides, you’re facing the bigger mare as you share her bed. She’s sleeping soundly, her breathing calm and steady, and you see the hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth.

“Hey, sleepyheads!” Frog Chaser’s voice wakes up Verdant before you can do anything more. “You can come over. Lunch’s ready!”

The two of you soon stand up and join the rest of your friends. Verdant doesn’t say anything about yesterday to the others, nor does she act in any different way in front of them. She merely looks in a particularly good mood right now.

 

“Lance.” Graces speaks. “I could obtain some insight this morning already since the matter was rather simple. About that big essence you collected yesterday, well, the Light encourages that we use it without worry.”

“Thank you, Grace.” You nod. “I guess that means we won’t lose any effect even if the pony using it never received another essence before this one… right?”

“I think so, yes.” The cleric mare nods. “As I told you before, the answers of the Light are rarely precise mechanically speaking, but I received an undoubtedly good omen about using the essence you collected yesterday.”

 

 

 

 

“Chord Care?” You ask the mare once you’re done with breakfast. “I’d like you to read my fortune please. Is that okay?”

“But of course, Lance!” The mare replies.

 

After you follow her to her cart so you may have a little privacy, the mare brings out her deck of cards, and this time she takes the tarot arcanas to draw from.

 

“Your day is going to be under the sign of The Empress, Lustre Lance.” Chord Care announces as she reveals the tarot card. “It symbolizes the protecting powers of femineity, and it means those will have a particularly strong influence on your day.”

“Alright…” You react, a bit sceptical about her explanation. “But honestly… wouldn’t that match with, like, every day since I’ve started giving essences to everypony around?”

“I get what you mean.” Chord Care giggles. “But who knows? Perhaps that’s just an incentive to keep doing it. Or it could be that even then it’s going to be particularly strong today. Or perhaps all your days here have been under the influence of The Empress so far.”

 

“Right… I’m not really sure what to think of this yet, but thank you anyway Chord Care.”

“You’re welcome!”

“Also…” You look around to make sure nopony’s eavesdropping. “Could you check what Frog Chaser is thinking about our relation? I’m wondering if she might want to make a move on me soon…”

“Why, sure!” The mare’s smile turns a little bit mischievous. “Could you be worried things might get complicated after what happened last night with Verdant?”

“Sort of…” You feel a bit jumpy suddenly. “And speaking of that, I guess you’d like to hear what happened exactly.”

“And you better not forget any detail…” The musician mare grins.

 

You tell Chord Care about your night with the guardsmare, and how you ended up getting her to reveal some of her feelings for you. Chord Care greatly enjoys your tale, asking for the smallest details about it, and grinning for all the time you’re speaking.

“Ah, the love between warriors is always so precious.” The mare seems all giddy as she speaks. “In a hard world, it’s only timidly and carefully that the fierce ponies allow themselves to show the weakness they have for each other. Oh, this love is such a delicate flower Lustre Lance. I can’t wait to discover if you’re going to nurture this bloom, or turn this into a tragedy...”

 

Next, you go retrieve the armour Scoria prepared for you. You got new greaves, pauldrons, and some protection for your back and flanks.

“You’re gonna like these.” The blacksmith mare proudly states as you try them on. “These pieces are light and effective. You won’t feel any more encumbered than you were before, but you’re certainly gonna take less damage.”

You see what she means. The fit is just tight enough to not wobble around when you move, and none of your movements are impaired by Scoria’s work at all. You don’t believe you’re experienced in fighting with gear heavier than this anyway, so right now it is a net plus to have this additional protection.

 

After thanking Scoria for her work, you go meet Sand Carrot who went back to work in the field by now.

“Hello!” She perks up as you hail her. “You got a minute?”

“Sure! What is it, Lance?” The mare stands up from clearing the weeds from the field.

“I think you should have this.” You announce as you bring out the essence.

 

“Huh?” She seems surprised. “Really? Are you sure? I mean, don’t you think it would be more useful if somepony else had it?”

“Not at all.” You shake you head. “You’re the backbone of our village, Sand Carrot. It’s thanks to you we’re all fed and healthy. Just take it, really, you deserve to have your work made easier if possible. And you’re gonna need it if everypony else keeps growing and that more ponies arrive.”

“Well…” The mare blushes slightly. “It’s true that preparing meals for ponies as big as Verdant and Frog Chaser is a lot of work. Alright. If you think I should have it Lustre Lance, I’ll take it.”

 

Sand Carrot approaches, her eyes on the glowing ball of energy. She raises her hoof, and after a moment of hesitation she grabs it.

There’s a familiar flash of blinding light, but you can still discern the mare growing bigger. Much Bigger. Her torso climbs over you head, and when the light fades, you’re facing legs that are each as thick as your waist.

“Goodness…” Up here, Sand Carrot’s face looks utterly bewildered. “Lustre, you… You didn’t shrink, right? Did I just… How big am I even?”

“Wow, what the heck?” Frog Chaser exclaims, coming out of her hole. The flash of light seems to have alerted everpony in the village, and now they come around to inspect the new biggest mare in town. Even Frog Chaser is a head shorted that Sand Carrot now.

 

The house of Sand Carrot also transformed. Not only did it grow big enough to accommodate a mare of her size, but now there’s a small windmill at the side of it.

 

 

“Sand Carrot, you’re… big! Ehm, Hecking big even!” You stutter. “I didn’t expect to be talking to your chest fluff already. Are you feeling alright?”

“Well…” Sand Carrot inspects herself. “I-I guess so? It doesn’t hurt or anything at least. But…” Her eyes meet yours again, and she shows you an amused smile this time. “You’re looking a bit like a foal all of a sudden, Lance, it’s really weird.”

“Yeah, I mean…” Frog Chaser approaches. Measuring herself next to the farmer mare, she could rest her chin on the bigger mare’s back while barely bending her neck. “Everypony else is gonna look a bit like kids to you for a while I think.”

“If that’s fine with you, perhaps we can check inside your new house.” You offer. “I see we’ve got a mill, so perhaps you have grain inside here too.”

 

Instantly after pushing her new door, Sand Carrot marvels at the new cooking station that occupes a corner of her place. Aside from that, there are whole new bags of seeds, including grain, and powdered spices like pepper, sage or rosemary in addition to salt and vegetable oil. There’s even a basement that’s Sand Carrot-sized, where you find bins to grow mushrooms.

“This is all incredible!” Sand Carrot exclaims while you climb back to her house. “I’m gonna expand the field a little to plant more stuff, and soon we’re going to have a lot more choice for what to eat!”

“I can’t wait.” You smile back to the enthusiastic mare. “Do you think you could prepare a cake for when we come back from our next adventure?”

“A cake? Well… I saw beet seeds so I could make sugar eventually, and I’ve got yeast too… but we still have no milk or eggs, mmh… Give me a coupe day to figure something, alright?” The mare looks down toward you with an excited smile. It seems she already got used to her new size actually. “You can bet it’s going to be a huge step up from what I’ve been baking until now.”

 

 

You hold off going on an expedition this day.

Instead, you decide to make sure this palisade is done by tonight. Working until the sun sets, you and your friends manage to finish this line of protection for the village in time.

 

You can already perceive the reward you’ll get during the last few minutes of your efforts, as a delicious smell starts tickling your nostrils and that you hear the sizzling of hot oil from Sand Carrot’s home. Then you can congratulate each other for the work done with a hearty serving of fries for dinner.

“Luster Lance.” Graces speaks up. “About what you asked, how to counter the witch from having the powers of the god of monsters help her…” She seems a bit troubled. “The answer I got, I’m not sure I’m interpreting it right. First, the Light mostly invites us to flourish in response, as there’s little hope to cut the witch off the favour of the god of monsters.”

“So, little hope?” You repeat. “Or no hope?”

“Well… it’s not impossible, but the Light hinted at a path that is uncertain, both in that it will be hard to achieve, and that even in a success the result may not be good. Mostly, the Light told me the god of monster would have to favour another being over the witch. But… then I was a bit confused. This being, it isn’t supposed to be a pony, but a part of the God itself. And one that isn’t the witch either. I don’t understand what it could mean exactly, but with the help of peace, such a being could take over as a recipient of the god’s power.”

“What I get from this is that there will be a recipient of the god’s power no matter what.” Verdant comments. “I can imagine why it might not help us, even if the witch isn’t it.”

“Thank you anyway, Graces.” You nod toward the cleric mare. “I’ll try to keep what you said in mind.”

 

“Anyway, congrats on finishing that wall, y’all!” Frog Chaser exclaims. “Verdant, you said we wouldn’t all need to sleep in the guardhouse anymore, right?”

“Well, yes.” She nods. “As long as there’s no sign of imminent attack, I think we have enough protection to allow ourselves a little more comfort at night and to use our own houses and beds.”

“Gald to hear that!” And then Frog Chaser turns to you with a big grin. “But you don’t have a bed of your own, right Lance? You can share mind. It’s as large as the one in the guard house, don’t worry!”

“Well…” Sand Carrot sheepishly adds. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I also have some nice furniture in my new house. There’s even more room on my bed, and the pillows must be as big as you are, Lance. At my size, I don’t think you’ll bother me at all while I sleep.”

“What are you two talking about?” It’s Verdant’s turn, and she sounds a bit annoyed. “Since I won’t use my bed while I keep watch, Lustre Lance can just keep using it like before.”

 

 

“I think we’re gonna keep things the way they are, at least for today.” You reply to the mares that want you in their beds. Frog Chaser seems to be the most disappointed about your decision to not sleep with her. “But also, now that we have a wall, perhaps we could share the burden of the night watch. I mean, it was best to have Verdant and her bow ready at any second until now, but with this new line of defence, she can relax a little.”

“Good idea.” Scoria nods, and Sand Carrot, Chord Care and Frog Chaser seem to agree. “I don’t mind taking care of that, especially when there’s nothing to smith for me on that day.”

“You don’t have to!” Verdant vigorously shakes her head. “You all already have a day-job to take care of. The night watch is mine. There’s no reason for me to stay idle like that.”

“Are you kidding?” Scoria retorts to the big mare. “Between building the palisade and going on expeditions with Lustre Lance, you’re working to help everypony non-stop! Don’t start giving us some false modesty, and don’t be shy about taking a break whenever you can, Verdant.”

“I…” Verdant, seem to hesitate for a second, but after a defeated sigh she shows a little smirk. “Yes, you’re right Scoria. I guess I should allow myself an actual night of sleep once in a while. And I’ll be close anyway, so wake me up the second any of you sees something suspicious.”

 

“That’s great.” You nod toward the guardsmare. “Any you know, now that we’re better protected, perhaps I could even start going on expeditions at night to gather essences, while you shoot down attacking monsters to get even more.”

“No, that’s not a good idea.” Verdant sternly retorts. “What if there were suddenly several monsters as big as the cragodile we fought? Wall or not, I’d rather avoid that.”

“Hum…” You nod. “I have no doubt you would put them down easily with you bow, Verdant, but I understand that you don’t want to take any chance, yeah.”

 

After dinner, you find some time to chat with Chord Care, and first she tells you about Frog Chaser since she spent the afternoon near her.

“Well if you hadn’t realised already, Frog Chaser is out to get you!” Chord Care tells you. “If you had followed her to her house, I’m about certain you’d have got a straight up confession from her, and then she’d have been down for more than just smooches if you ended up sharing a bad with her. She hoped you would make the first step actually, but if you didn’t, she gave herself until the wall was finished and then she’d take the matter in her own hooves.”

“Ah… But what about the others?” You ask. “Did something happen with Sand Carrot and Verdant right now?”

“Well, as I told you, Frog Chaser was waiting for this.” Chord Care explains. “I’m a bit more surprised about Sand Carrot too, but I’d say that maybe tripling in size might have given her a sudden boost of confidence. As for Verdant, after what you did together last night, she probably feels like you’re… well, together! Or going to be. She’d probably be incapable to spell it out herself, but she’s going to be protective of you from now on.”

“Alright.” You nod. “Now, what can I do to take care of this situation?”

“I believe I told you already…” Chord Care shakes her head. “The only safe option is to choose one partner. Other than that, well, things are gonna be messy, and both you and other mares will suffer for a longer time. If you want several partners so much, are you ready to force these mares to deal with it? Are you gonna convince them that we’re in a dream so commitment shouldn’t matter, against their own views if you need to? Are you gonna lie and act as though the other mares don’t exist when you’re with one of them?” The musician mare shows you an excited, but slightly devilish grin. “I can’t wait for this tragedy to unfold.”

 

You find yourself a little restless after this conversation with Chord Care.

Lying on Verdant’s bed, you wonder how you could deal wit this situation. You’ve enjoyed your time with about every mare of this settlement, and four of them have feelings for you in some way. And the thing is, you have to admit you wished you could explore each of these relationship to their fullest.

 

But as Chord are said, that probably won’t fly with them, unless you either hide it, or try to convince them somehow…

 

From one conundrum to another, you also ruminate on the insight Graces delivered about the witch and the god of monsters.

This answer of the Light did feel a bit more convoluted than usual. So the god of monsters could be reviving itself from a bit of itself… as itself? And didn’t Graces say that it could happen with the help of ‘peace’? There’s something amiss here, and you have no idea what it is.

 

You’re also thinking about trying to capture Black Fang and bring her back to the village to make sure she can’t be powered up again. However, you remember inviting her once, but she said something about the shroud being pierced, and that the settlement would find itself in danger if she came.

Still, perhaps it’ll be necessary at some point to cut her off from the god’s influence. Anyway, you’d better figure out some practical way to do that before counting on it. You don’t believe this big witch will calmly let herself be tied up, and right now you and Verdant don’t have what it takes to capture her without triggering another fit of growth from the damage.

 

You keep staring at the ceiling with these thoughts simmering in your brain. It’s a lot calmer inside of Vedant’s big guardhouse now that you don’t hear the breaths of your sleeping companions around, but this isn’t helping you find any rest. It’s a bit too calm for your tastes in fact. Technically, this is the first time you’re sleeping alone that you remember of…

But you’re a big colt. You’ll fall asleep eventually.

 

 

In the end, you couldn’t find sleep, mostly because there are questions in your mind that you can’t leave unanswered.

 

It’s been a couple weeks you’ve arrived in this place. Times have been hard, you’ve faced many foes, and you’re yet to fully understand how to even get out of this cursed place. But you’ve held fast. You, and of course, all the mares that are in this village with you. You’re even starting to have some comfort in this little place, and coming back from a day of slaying monsters feels a bit like coming home by now.

But… it’s mostly the presence of your friends that make this place home. Frog Chaser’s cheerfulness, Sand carrot’s gentle smile… and her wonderful cooking! There’s also Graces’s serene voice that soothes you whenever you hear it, and Chord Care’s tunes and gossips that are livening up the town. Hell, you’re even warming up to Scoria’s abrasive attitude.

 

You’d definelty call all those mares your friends, but at this point you’re wondering if there could be more than just friendship between you and them.

If that wasn’t clear enough, Chord Care spelled it out for you. In several ways, some of these mares have feelings for you, but what the musician mare left out for you to figure out is how to deal with the feelings you have and those directed at you.

 

Right now, it’s Verdant that’s on your mind in particular. The guardsmare has been fighting alongside you lately, while you went out in the woods to hunt beasts, and you feel a very strong bond with your sister-in-arms. As you’ve been entrusting one’s lives to each other, it’s an understatement to say you’ve become close. Movover, last night you spent the night along Verdant during her watch, and the kiss you shared wasn’t one between mere friends anymore. According to Chord Care, the guardsmare will not let her feelings show out of her sense of duty, but she’d be likely to let your relationship blossom should you take the first step.

 

If you want to reveal her your feelings, Verdant is keeping watch in the tower just above you, two little ladders away. However, Verdant is not the only mare’s you’ve had ideas about. There’s Frog Chaser that you’ve shared a lot of good times with, and Chord Care told you the miner was ready to try to get you, and Graces intrigues you a little too. You’re not so sure about the others, but it’s absolutely certain that Verdant will be deeply hurt if you confess to her but then show interest in other mares.