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Post by Paladin on Sept 9, 2015 6:21:50 GMT -6
"What will the next training session be about?" Sleek spoke up, a grin starting to split his face. It felt as though the ends of his lips were starting to cut into his skin, cuts forming from the corners that would stretch to his cheek bones.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 9, 2015 9:08:17 GMT -6
A pony stepped up. "Sir, why is such a high ranking and extremely powerful group of ponies stopping by to meet a bunch of recruits?" The recruit asks honestly, finding it just a tad weird. "Not sure if I should should ask now what he wanted to talk to me about now or ask if he want's to be in private..." Crimson thinks to himself, also wondering why Oracle squad is coming here of all places.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 9, 2015 16:36:01 GMT -6
"Resolving the elemental alignments of your magics." The commander said, a low horn bellow as dozens of ponies and a few other species that the recruits hadn't seen in the complex filed out into the courtyard. "As for the Oracle coming here, it's vanity to think it has anything to do with a bunch of recruits. No, they're stopping for the night as they head towards the Badlands." The front gate to the complex opened, several very large ponies walking through first. They were absolutely massive earthers, each one adorned in black metal armor from head to hoof and carrying massive swords and shields. Several pegasi landed on the ramparts above, black cloth hanging from their frames. A single robed pony walked in behind them, the deep blue silk more easily defining the large white moons embroidered across the cloth. All of the Equinox bowed their heads, more than a few grabbing the recruit's heads and pushing them down. "Always nice to play host to the Lunar Oracle and her entourage, although moving now is an odd coincidence of events." The Commander's voice was the only sound in the courtyard, other than the sound of hoofs against dirt as the Oracle walked up to him. "I'll have your request readied for you to leave in the morning, although I question the necessity of taking one." Silence answered the commander, although the unicorns could feel an immense magic filling the air. Despite its immensity, its touch was gentle as it passed over them. "I did not say I would not grant it, but taking one is indicative of the expectation of hostility from them. If you feel such an assurance is necessary." The commander said, as Crimson felt the magic wrap around him. ' The gift of the Moon Goddess resonates from you, but it is weak and untrained.' A gentle voice whispered into his mind, before the magic moved on. "Enjoy the night, the stars are very beautiful this high up the mountain." He said, the sound of hooves against dirt filling the courtyard again. The sound of many more hooves began, armor clanking as they filed past the members that had gathered. "Recruit Crimson, come with me. Everyone else, you're dismissed. Lights out in one hour, you'll have a very early morning." He said, as the Equinox filed back into the complex.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 9, 2015 16:54:08 GMT -6
"Yes sir..." Crimson nods quickly to the Commander, rushing over to where the commander was. "What was that noise? And...Moon Goddess? Maybe it is about what I'm 'good' at..." Crimson thinks to himself worriedly, having no clue what that gentle whisper was that was in his head nor why the commander wanted him. "Let's just focus on talking with the commander. Maybe I'll get some answers along the way..." He thinks to himself, taking a deep breath and calming himself down. "You wanted to...talk to me Commander?"
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Post by Paladin on Sept 9, 2015 18:27:52 GMT -6
Sleek saluted the Commander, before slipping back to his barrack. He felt his face, satisfied to know that the splitting he thought occurred was merely a thought after all. Sleek sniffed the air, before taking leaping on over to his barrack. That night, Sleek had hoped, would be one filled with blissful slumber and no night terrors.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 10, 2015 2:31:58 GMT -6
"The Oracle has revealed something about you." The Commander said. "Something you explicitly left off the application, under specialized magics for the unicorns. If it was an untapped capability I'd understand, but she said that you know full well but are simply untrained. Major Echo mentioned much the same, having felt the magic from you during the test. You get one chance to explain yourself. I do not tolerate my soldiers keeping secrets that can so adversely affect a mission from me." He said, as Crimson felt a heavy weight settle onto his shoulders.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 10, 2015 11:16:51 GMT -6
"This is what...I was afraid off..." He sighs out. "Sir...I can use blood magic." He says, hoping nothing bad will happen with his explanation. "I didn't write it down...because I was afraid someone would attack me, like multiple times in the past, because I could use blood magic...because either of a story about vampony's...or because they thought what I could do was some kind of abomination...I'm sorry sir if this isn't much of an explanation...." He says, holding the dragon scale cloak closer to him for comfort. "I only know how to do...small things like keeping myself from bleeding..." He says, not knowing how to explain it any better. "I'm sorry sir...I don't know how to explain it....I don't know how blood magic is a 'gift from the moon goddess' or the person that told me..." Crimson takes another deep breath through his explanation. "Don't freak out, don't freak out. It's just a talk...nothing worth being worried over..." He thinks to himself, trying not to have a panic attack over talking.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 10, 2015 11:51:15 GMT -6
The Commander rubbed his temples, sighing as the weight pressing down on Crimson disappeared. "That sort of attitude is not one I can tolerate in my guard. Prejudice against us because of history will net you nothing but history repeating itself." He said, turning to Crimson. "The ignorance I can excuse, the phrases are so interspersed with each other they have become synonymous. Blood Magic and Sanguimancy are not the same thing." ' The manipulation of blood, and the use of it to fuel spells, both come from the Moon Goddess. She created the magic, and used it to create the thestrals. But it was corrupted, taken and used by those with blackened hearts for their own goals. And that is all history remembers of it. The Darkness it was used to make, instead of the light it was capable of.' "Crimson, The Lunar Oracle." The commander said, as a unicorn mare appeared suddenly next to him. She had a deep blue coat, her mane a luminous silver flowing loose around her milk-white eyes. Her outfit was just a loose black robe draping over her body, much different from the blue robes she was wearing just a bit ago. "She knows more about the magics of the night than anypony else in the FSE."
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Post by xinrick on Sept 10, 2015 12:25:20 GMT -6
"H-hello." Crimson says sheepishly. "Um...mind if I ask...why Blood Magic and Sanguimancy...are different?" Crimson asks, now feeling a lot more worried now that he's talking to two very important people. "Barb always did say I was special..." Crimson thinks to himself, holding the scales close to him and feeling a tad better in this situation.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 10, 2015 12:57:39 GMT -6
' Blood magic is the use of blood to fuel spells. To use the very life essence, the inherent magic of a being, to fuel your spells. Sanguimancy is the manipulation of blood using magic, to a vast number of possibilities.' She lifted her hands up from under the robe, a small dagger flashing across her palm before blood started welling up. It flowed up out of her palm, forming into the shape of a lily before flowing back into her hand. ' All magic has uses, the application of the magic defines how it is seen. Sanguimancy can save lives after gruesome injuries take limbs, yet it was defined by the evil ones that used it to gather blood for blood magic. Our Goddess of the Night created it, yet she was not evil.' "A fact that most will outright ignore." Commander Shine said. "All magic can be used for good or evil, it is up to the individual wielding it to decide how it is used. What do you choose Crimson?"
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Post by xinrick on Sept 10, 2015 13:16:54 GMT -6
"Huh..." Crimson takes a moment to process the difference and what she did with her blood. "But I came here so I can protect people. So...I will use my magic for good" He nods. "But...quick question...if that's alright...why did you say I was 'weak and untrained' with this gift?" Crimson asks the Lunar Oracle honestly, wondering why she said that to begin with.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 11, 2015 5:10:44 GMT -6
' Because that is what you are. You know nothing of the night and its gifts, nor of the ways to practice and train them. Locked away in Old Canterlot, beneath the thrones of the Moon and Sun.' "The Lexicanum Sanguinares, one of the tomes of magic that was left in Old Canterlot. Despite being abandoned, that is the safest place to leave such a book." Commander Shine said. "The Star Oracle stays there year-round, so the city is protected from any who would seek to find strength among the bones of the old rulers."
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Post by xinrick on Sept 11, 2015 9:42:06 GMT -6
"That makes sense." Crimson says with a little thought. "But...is the Lexicanum Sanguinares the only way to properly train?" He asks.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 11, 2015 10:19:13 GMT -6
"No, you can learn from someone that has read the Lexicanum as well." Commander Shine said. "But that's only two ponies, neither of which will train others in what they read." ' Mostly because we took vows of silence, as a part of our mastery of the skills therein.'
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Post by xinrick on Sept 11, 2015 10:39:19 GMT -6
"No, you can learn from someone that has read the Lexicanum as well." Commander Shine said. "But that's 2 ponies, neither of which will train others in what they read." ' Mostly because we took vows of silence, as a part of our mastery of the skills therein.' "So that's why you only talk telepathically." Crimson says with a nod, understanding that much more now but was too scared to even ask. "Uh...sorry ma'am." He says quickly, cringing a little for that. "But...I can only learn from that...but what about my training here sir? If I can only learn from the Lexicanum Sanguinares, and it's in Old Canterlot..." Crimson frowns. "I'm sorry, I'm probably over thinking this." He shakes his head, his mind getting a bit too many things crossed here because of new things coming to light in this situation.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 11, 2015 10:52:06 GMT -6
' It is a difficulty to do so, to touch your mind with my magic and not destroy who you are. To give shape in words that you understand.' "Should you become part of the Equinox, I can see about getting you council approval to head to Old Canterlot. From there, it'll be on you." Commander Shine said. "Should you fail out before the week is up, your mind will be erased of this knowledge as well as everything you learn of the Equinox while you are here. This should give you something else to work towards." ' Let go of the pain of the past. Do not forget why you are here, what has brought you to this point, but do not allow it to define who you will be. Or else you will find that you are only standing in place, as the world moves around you.'
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Post by xinrick on Sept 11, 2015 11:22:36 GMT -6
"Yes sir." He nods. "And thank you....I'll make sure to keep that in mind ma'am." He nods, knowing he'll keep his promise to his loved one but will make sure he won't get obsessed with it. "So....is that everything you wanted from me? And I also wanted to ask, what makes someone know there good at Blood Magic or Sanguimancy?" He asks honestly. "I mean...without training of course."
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 13, 2015 8:20:49 GMT -6
' The closer your blood is to the creations of the Goddess of the Night lineage. Diluted, it is weak and barely present as it is in you. You are lucky to be a unicorn, else you would never know you had the gift at all.' "Somewhere back along your family tree, you are descended from a thestral. Were it closer to you than five or six generations, you would probably be a natural sanguimancer. As is, it will do nothing for you but create hassle." Commander Shine said. "You are dismissed."
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Post by xinrick on Sept 13, 2015 8:25:37 GMT -6
"Yes sir." Crimson salutes. "Good night sir and ma'am. Thank you for everything you told me and...should I keep this all a secret?" He asks honestly. "Cause...this is a lot of stuff you told me about." He says, wanting at least the one last thing before leaving.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 13, 2015 8:54:47 GMT -6
"Were you to reveal any of these secrets, you would be dead within a week along with anyone you tell and no one anywhere would have any memory of you." Shine said flatly. "There would be nowhere you could run to, nowhere to hide, and nothing capable of protecting you. Security leaks are dealt with without mercy." ' The Hands of the Oracles reach very far Crimson. T'would be best they never reach out towards you.' The Lunar Oracle said, silver magic visibly surrounding her.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 13, 2015 9:26:20 GMT -6
"I hope you both have a nice night and....bye." Crimson says before bolting away in fear, heading straight to bed. "Keep everything a secret." Crimson thinks to himself, going to keep all of this to himself and no one else.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 13, 2015 9:40:26 GMT -6
The night passed quickly, bells going off to wake everyone up in the morning. Out in the courtyard, there was already a number of the Equinox guard getting equipment for the morning warm-up. The Lunar Oracle was talking with Commander Shine by the gate, several of the guards walking out with a large device wrapped in a cloth. "Alright recruits, same deal. Doing some warm-ups and then we're going to get you tested for elemental affinities. After that, you're spending the day with your instructors." Torrent shouted. "We've already cut most of the possibles, and everything gets harder from here."
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Post by Paladin on Sept 13, 2015 9:57:20 GMT -6
Sleek was already awake, dressed for the warm up. "Will the warm up be identical to yesterday's warm up, sir?" Sleek asked, planning for the same jog. He kept his body as covered as he could get while remaining in the PT gear.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 13, 2015 15:31:12 GMT -6
Crimson got up and dressed quickly, ready to start training. "I wonder how we're going to be tested on our elemental affinities..." Crimson thinks to himself, wondering what might happen today.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 13, 2015 16:29:12 GMT -6
"Same path, new gear. You'll find that the weights are heavier and the resistance gear stronger. For the pegasi, they get another chute added." Torrent replied. "You'll have about the same amount of time as yesterday to finish, but you'll be going with the regulars as well. Anyone that takes too long, or has to do too many punishment laps, gets the boot. Now strap up and head out." She said, the ponies in black rushing over to get the gear before heading out onto the path.
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Post by xinrick on Sept 13, 2015 16:54:36 GMT -6
Crimson headed off quickly, getting his gear and noticing that it was harder with the new gear, but he could still lift up the resistant gear that he needed to take. "Let's...get going." He mutters before starting to head out.
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Post by Paladin on Sept 13, 2015 19:26:49 GMT -6
Sleek followed, taking his new gear and giving out a small huff of air. The new gear felt heavy, but Sleek only focused on carrying it, never worrying about the weight.
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Post by Lepking13 on Sept 14, 2015 10:31:49 GMT -6
The warm-up went by quickly, the soldiers running in silence just ahead of the recruits. When they got back around to the complex, after finish the laps, they quickly dropped their gear and returned back to their regular work. A handful stayed behind though, two unicorns, an earther, and a pegasi. Torrent waved the recruits over, leading them into the complex for a few minutes before taking them into a room. There were dozens of mirrors spread perfectly around the circular room, the reflective surfaces flowing and writhing underneath the glass. "This is how we determine elemental affinities. These mirrors are made from a valuable crystal, imported from the Crystal Empire, that reacts differently based on the magic that touches them." Torrent explained. "There are also enchantments inlaid. What they do, I'll let you find out. But no matter what you see in the mirrors, remember that it is not real. Now find one and stand in front of them."
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Post by xinrick on Sept 14, 2015 10:37:44 GMT -6
Crimson walked over to a mirror, catching his breath after the warm ups. "Let's see what happens." Crimson thinks to himself, standing in front of the mirror and waiting for the magic to happen.
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Post by Paladin on Sept 14, 2015 19:27:37 GMT -6
Sleek got in front of a mirror, looking intently at the looking glass that stood before him. What secrets, he thought, could be held within the mirrors?
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