((This. This will probably be the final fortress update for Glitterglen. The scenes that follow this one, will lead to the end. It has been a pleasure writing this tale with you all, and I wouldn't trade the time I spent on this for anything. Thank you all for putting up with this. When I started this all those months ago, I couldn't have imagined it would get this big, and I'm so happy with how it all turned out. Thank you those who helped make this story happen. And if there is anyone out there either now, or in the future who has read all this non-sense. Thank you as well, for giving us all a chance. I hope you enjoyed this story half as much as I did. But Glitterglen isn't done just yet. We still have one more chapter to write.))
Charity's Journal 19th Galena, 102
Today, my friends and family and myself, all became criminals. Adamant negotiated with the zebra caravan, explained about the export ban, and took great personal risk to offer to work with them to get around it. Officially, we traded them a few totems, some junk the Diomedians had and a number of silver and gold trinkets and goblets for a very nice profit, truthfully, when we factor in the value in cloth work we snuck past the Royal Guard, and they made a small fortune in profit. However, they are taking a huge risk in helping us. I personally paid the tailors for their work, and while they didn't make as much as they are accustomed to having, the looks on their faces when I handed them that sack of bits made it all worth it. They will be able to keep their business running and their families fed, at least until the next caravan.
Charity's Journal 15th Limestone, 102
We had a close call. It was only thanks to Traphe overhearing the Royal Guard planning the night before that we were able to warn the traders. They were going to search the traders for any contraband before allowing them to leave. I asked Khenal about putting a small illusion over the exports, but he informed me that Demora is a null and if she got to near an illusion it would probably fail. Thus we needed another plan.
Instead what we did was the night before was Starkey and Khenal helped one of the zebras sneak the crates of silk and cloth out into the jungle were the caravan would pick them up on their way out. Otik, with a bit of help from Kris, provided a distraction for guards taking watch on the surface, while I had a late meeting with Hugwax and Demora to make sure they weren't around, while the others worked. It all went perfectly.
Charity's Journal 3rd Sandstone, 102
A single migrant arrived today. An earthpony fisher, named, Kerlig Fedscale. He has no other skills. He was incredibly skinny, but I offered him a position in the guard here, anyway, and he accepted. Isos will have some work to do whipping him into something that can intimidate anypony, but he seems to be a good sort of pony.
Charity's Journal 13th Sandstone, 102
Today the roads for the jungle are officially finished, but actual construction finished up a week ago. Khenal threw a party for all the ponies involved in the work yesterday, it was very pleasant.
But with that work finally complete that means, we can finally begin work on the new defensive walls around the city. It's time to take back the surface!
Charity's Journal 14th Sandstone, 102
There was a training accident today in the arena, fortunately no pony was hurt. 1st Lieutenant Kris and her squad were set to do some live training with captured rodentman. However, somepony, forgot to lock the door before freeing the prisoners, and one of the rodent men made it out into the hall were he attacked, Istbar, one of the mechanics, he managed to kill it himself though, with naught but his bare hooves and is unharmed.
Word quickly reached the Princess's ears about the accident. She sent Tor and Pound down to lecture Kris, and strip her of her command. She hasn't been demoted but Moral was made the new Captain, and she now answers directly to him, instead of to the higher ups.
I'm not happy about this at all. Moral has a reputation and I don't like Kris being his subordinate. But I can't do anything about it, officially, since I don't have command of our armed forces any longer.
Charity's Journal 28th Sandstone, 102
One of the pegasan weavers has been possessed. Fortunately, it seems to be one of those spirits that just wants to make something. He has taken over one of the clothing shops and is gathering materials. I'll have...I mean I'll suggest to the Princess that a guard be posted near him.
The last time this happened a pony produced the beautiful robes I am wearing now. I look forward to seeing what he makes.
((The following scene took place on the 4th of Timber, 102))
Charity makes her way down the hall towards Khenal and Friesden’s home. She had on her back a small wooden case. Osal made his way behind her, always vigilant but trying to be as unobtrusive to the duchess as he could. When Charity reaches her destination she raises her hoof and knocks thrice upon the door.
Friesden comes to the door, a worried expression changing to relief as she sees who is knocking at her chamber door. “Oh, Charity. Osal. Come in, come in! Khenal’s not here at the moment, but he might be back soon. I think he might be off training... Can I get you something to eat? Something to drink?” She opens the door wide enough for them to get through, showing her three little foals playing by themselves in the corner.
Charity walks right in and begins to move toward the table, setting the elegantly carved wooden box upon the table. On the lid was seven ponies and a wagon traveling, it refers to the founding of Glitterglen by the Vermin of Twilight in 94. The latch is a gold colored metal and the sides of the box are adorned with jade and ivory. “A glass of pegasan ale would be lovely if you have any, Friesden.” says the duchess as she takes a seat.
“I’ll be out here if you need me Duchess.” Says Osal as he moves to stand guard by the door.
“I think we have some, I’ll go get you a glass,” says Friesden as she moves to the room’s cellar, before retrieving a glass of it and returning to the table. “So...Is this about the smuggling thing, Charity?” she asks, placing the glass on the table.
Charity samples the ale, it was wonderful as always, before answering. “In a way it is Friesden, but mostly, it’s because I have a gift for you.” she taps a hoof gently upon the wooden box. “I...hope that it isn’t something you will ever need, but I want you to have it...just in case.” she says with a hint of sadness in her voice.
“W-what do you mean, Charity?” Friesden asks with a hint of fear. “What gift?”
Charity pushes the ornate box toward her friend. “Open it and take a look.” she says.
Friesden builds up her courage for a second before opening the box and looking inside.
As Friesden lifts the lid she sees before her, resting on a bed of velvet a dagger still in its sheath. The sheath appears to be made of worked hoof or horn, the handle is ivory. It menaces with spikes of gold.
“A d-d-d-d-d-d-dagger?” Friesden squeaks. “I...O-o-o-o-o-okay...”
“As I said, I truly hope you never find cause to use it, but...if somepony threatens you or your family,” Charity looks to the foals playing in the corner, “I don’t want you to be unarmed. You are my friend Friesden, and I would not want to see anything happen to you...and with what your husband and I are doing...” Charity leaves the sentence unfinished, Friesden already knew what it would mean if they were caught, there was no reason to mention it again.
“O-o-o-o-o-okay, Charity,” she says with an aside glance to her three little foals playing behind them.
Charity looks back the weapon, “The blade is made of the last processed Adamantine in the fortress. It is incredibly sharp, and Ironya poured her heart into crafting that blade. It is one of her greatest masterpieces. Please be careful not to cut yourself with it. A dagger like that can cut through bone like a knife through butter...I know, I’ve done it.”
Friesden gulps silently, and nods. “O-o-o-okay, Charity.” With three little alicorn foals, where would she put it to keep them safe? She’d have to talk with Khenny about that.
Charity looks at Friesden, she was clearly afraid of the idea of having to use this weapon, maybe even afraid of the weapon itself, “Friesden, you...should ask Khenal to teach you how to use that. He and Cryptson have been teaching me, but I’m afraid I haven’t been a very good student. However, when you know how to use it properly, it might help you feel more comfortable with it.”
“I...I think I will, yes,” Friesden says. “I...Thank you, Charity.”
Charity takes another sip from her drink and looks back to the foals playing. Deciding to change the subject to something a bit more pleasant, she asks, “So Friesden, what’s it like raising three alicorn foals?”
“It’s...It’s a bit tiring...Kris and Adamant have helped us a lot, though. He’s such a sweet colt. You’re lucky to have him as a son.”
((End Scene))
Charity's Journal 7th Timber, 102
The weaver finished his item. A very fine long skirt. He doesn't remember making it though.
Friesden was quite taken with the dress though, so I bought it from the weaver and gifted it to her. I don't know if the silver thread is really her color, but she looks good in whatever she wears anyway.
Charity's Journal 14th Timber, 102
A cave pony caravan has been spotted. As always we are thankful for the trade, but knowing that we must again defy the Princess, does not fill me the hope these meetings once did.
Charity's Journal 19th Timber, 102
I had a new chanfron crafted for Kris. It is a work of art, and strong enough to stop just about anything. I can't wait to give it to her...
((Another gift giving scene))
Charity makes her way down the stairs from her office toward the home of her son and daughter in law. She has a head sized package upon her back and a smile on her face. Upon reaching the door, she knocks three times.
Kris looks up from the sleeping filly in her forelegs with an air of curiosity. “Just a moment,” she says, heading over to the door. As she opens it, she sees Charity standing there with a pleasant expression on her face. “Oh, hello Charity!”
Charity levitates the package so it would not fall as she gives her daughter in law a hug. “Hello Kris, how are you?”
Kris happily returns the hug. “A bit tired,” she answers truthfully, looking down to Lorica. “But great otherwise. How are you?” she asks, making a berth for Charity to join her inside.
Charity makes her way inside, once the door is closed behind her, and she places the package upon the table she says, “Tired, stressed, worried, jumping at my own shadow, same as usual for the past 8 years really, I can’t complain.”
Kris nods in response, unsure if she should make light of it with a chuckle or not. Charity certainly did have enough to worry about, even before Hugwax showed up. She notices the package and asks, “What do you have there?”
Charity taps the package with a forehoof and with a smile say, “A present, for you.”
“A present?” she asks, smiling but with an air of curiosity. “Oh, you didn’t have to do that.”
Charity shakes her head, “No, Kris, I did. And besides...it’s really more of a practical gift anyway. I think you’ll get a lot of use out of it, though I hope you never,
need it.”
That piqued her interest for sure. She cautiously opens the package, wondering what Charity thought she might need, but feared she wouldn’t.
As Kris opens the box she sees resting inside it a beautiful Adamantine chanfron of the highest quality, it was gilded with gold and had Copper wire running around its edges. On the top sticking up next to the hole where her horn would go, was two large ivory; tusks, or teeth or horns, Kris couldn’t be sure. The item was clearly a work of art, but with the base of Adamant, it would be able to protect her from nearly any blow.
Kris takes a moment to absorb the masterful quality of the piece of armor. “Charity... this... this is beautiful. It must be worth a fortune.” She turns her eyes to her mother in law and gives her a large, sincere smile. “Thank you so much.” She understood now what Charity meant. “Is... there a special occasion?”
Charity smiles, “No, no special occasion. But if you want...” Charity looks to her sleeping grandfilly across the room, “Think of it as a late birthday present for Lorica. She certainly wants to see you come back as much as the rest of us.”
That struck home, and she nods gravely. “And I never want to leave her alone.”
Charity seeing that conversation had taken a turn for the grim, tries to refocus it. “Kris, you might be interested to know where the teeth on your new chanfron came from. They came from that cyclops that Captain Khenal slew. I didn’t know Bokbon had saved them, but when I mentioned wanting her to work on this project she pulled them out of a small case and insisted they be used on it.”
She examines the bony protrusions. “Ah, yes, that makes sense. Fitting, considering what happened.” She tries the chanfron on, and grins as it fits perfectly. “Do send my thanks, it really adds something to an already beautiful piece.”
Charity nods, “I’m glad you like it, I shall tell all the ponies who worked on what you think of it.”
“Thank you,” she repeats, placing it back on the table and admiring it again. “I’ll put it to good use, you can be sure of that,” she says stepping back over to Charity and hugging her again.
Charity hugs Kris back, “You are welcome Kris.”
((End scene))
Charity's Journal 10th Moonstone, 102
Hugwax, continues her insane policies, but we traded with the Cavies all the same. Decided to preemptively move the contraband to a hiding place in the jungle. Acquired a lot of goods from them this year. A lot of metal bars and goods. No trouble with the Royal Guard yet.
Charity's Journal 14th Moonstone, 102
There were spottings of a tribe of cave swallow men down in the caves and they had attacked, several of our workers, The hammer and whip squads were dispatched and they sent the animals running after a short fight. Noponies where hurt.
Charity's Journal 15th Moonstone, 102
Otik and Starkey's foal was at last born today. Her name is Zarya and she is a unicorn. Starkey and Otik haven't looked so happy
since in all the years I've known them.
Charity's Journal 20th Moonstone, 102
The dinning hall and my home are fulled with water up to my next. It seems the drainage system is clogged. No pony was hurt thankfully, though most of my things are ruined, it is fortunate that I keep my diary on the top shelf or I might have lost this record too.
Charity's Journal 21st Moonstone, 102
Well, I'm still effectively homeless. The family slept at the homes of some of our friends. Hugwax is naturally blaming me for the water being turned off, my desk is flooded with complaints about the showers not working, The well nearest the hospital has run dry, and I had to listen to chief Medical Pony Doctor Bubbles ranting about how his hospital needs running water. This is a huge mess, and all the complaints aren't making it go any faster.
Charity's Journal 1st Opal, 102
Water is still not working. Cryptson and Granite have been working overtime since the flood to get dig a new passage to drain the flooded area to let us work on the problem. The area is draining now, and it seems that a woody fungus like those that grown in the caverns has grown in the drainage pipe cutting off the flow of water. We will remove it, expand the drains so this happen again soon, hopefully, and then turn the water back on soon, I hope
Charity's Journal 15th Opal, 102
As soon as I finish writing this entry, I will be pulling the lever that will lower the floodgate allowing water to once again flow through the halls of Glitterglen. If our engineering work is sound we should have no problems.
If we made a mistake somewhere.Charity's Journal 19th Opal, 102
Just as soon as we were finally resettled in our home after cleaning away the mud and replacing everything lost to the water damage, I went into labor. It was a very easy birth compared to my other children. The foal was a unicorn colt. His coat is golden rod and his eyes are gold, and his mane the color of burnt umber. We aren't entirely sure were his coloration comes from. All of Cryptson's family are dark blue or indigo, and my coat is off-white, and none of our other foals have this coloration. Still, the Sisters work in mysterious ways sometimes. We named our new son Golden Rule.
Charity's Journal 13th Obsidian 102
A lone Darkbolt Mare was spotted making her way toward Glitterglen. She was only not shot on site because she came in elegant dress. She is apparently the Rainbow Coalition Diplomat. I can't imagine why they would send her,
a darkbolt, here, alone. Seems reckless, half of our troops would have assumed she was an enemy and shot her on sight traveling alone like that. She got lucky.
Charity's Journal 14th Obsidian 102
A caravan from the Rainbow ponies has been spotted in the jungle. As has one from the old capital city.
Charity's Journal 22nd Obsidian, 102
Captain Jaxler of the Skyguard was taken by a fey mood. He rushed up to the surface, abandoning his post by the cavern gate and took control over the mason's shop that produces the marble blocks for the wall. He has started gathering materials.
Charity's Journal 28th Obsidian, 102 (New Year's Eve. Early.)
Willow knocks on charity’s office. She heard murmurs. rumors. whispers that Charity was starting a rebellion. If she was, Willow wanted in
‘How was this going to play out?’
Willow wonderedMere moments after knocking the door opens just a crack and Madush’s voice echos outward, “Willow? What need have you of the Duchess?” Willow notes that security seems to have been raised of late, as she’d never heard of a pony needing a reason for an audience with Charity before.
“Madush? Is that you? How’ve ya’ been?” She grinned
“I have som’thin the Duchess would really, really, like ta’ see. It mi’ght jus’ change everything.”
“could ya’ let me in? I don’t got no weapons. Just a friendly chat.”
Madush opens the door to allow Willow inside. “Come in.” Willow notices he had a loaded crossbow at the ready just behind the door. He moves aside and lets Willow into the still small and cramped office, that Charity had been working out of for the past 8 years.
Charity sat at her desk, looking over stockpile records. It was tiring, and dull work, she was grateful for the distraction. “Hello, Willow. What is it you wanted to show me?” she says knowing whatever the guard wanted it would be more interesting than this.
“ ‘ello, Charity. Direct. I like that.”
Willow eases herself into a chair
“So, A little pegusai told me you don’t like Hugwax. I don’t either. In fact, I have a li’l something that could prove what she
Really is.”
she holds Couth’s Diary up
“but first, I need to know two things....”
Charity’s mind began to race.
Willow’s in the fortress guard. How much does she know? Is this a set up? Trying to see how much I’ll confess to? Unless she’s telling the truth? Can I trust her? She’s given good info before, but I don’t know where her loyalty lies....“I don’t know what you are talking about,” begins Charity, “I have nothing but respect for her Majesty Princess Dizesh Hugwax.”
Willow grinned at Charity’s sudden pensiveness at the question. In truth, no one told her anything concrete. It was a hunch, a correct one.“Oh, really? your sweaty hooves and your increased guard detail says otherwise. Relax. That tyrant’s going to die and I don’t care if you lock me up for say’in it. I’d rather be locked up for walki’n the wrong side of tha’ line, than live silent. An’ I know you would too.”
She sits back“ya know, for ‘a politician, you’re a terrible liar. I like that too.”
Charity sits back a bit, "So...supposing for a moment that I wasn't planning to lock you up for treason. What is she
really that that little book can prove?"
“A liar, a plotter, a schemer. Against you, namely. But-”
Her cool cracks for a moment, she has no idea what’s going to happen next. She gave a deep pause, then says “First things first. My last name ain’t E-Emeraldstud. It’s ... Darkmane. Is this gonna be a problem?”
Willow asks, tasting nervousness for the first timeCharity's eyes go wide, mouth gapping, Madush springs into action and points a crossbow directly at Willow Darkmane, waiting for any sudden moves.
A moment passes, Charity recollects herself. "A...a Darkmane, you say. That isn't a very welcome name around here, I take it you know by now. I assume you are associated with Couth Darkmane then? If you worked with that
monster why should I trust you? Especially since you’ve been hiding the fact."
Willow slid the black book towards Charity and slowly raises her hooves slowly up in the air. She looked down sullenly, She knew she deserved this treatment
“You shouldn't. No sane pony would. But just know, If I
did want you dead, I certainly wouldn't spend months loyally serving you, and certainly wouldn't get romantic with one of your mitiltaponies. It’d be a much cleaner operation than that. It’s funny you treat me with suspicion, considering someone so much closer to you wants you dead.”
she nods at the book
“That’s Couth’s diary. Read the last entries at least. Then I’ll be on my way off this fort if you wish. Hell, if you read that and still want to suck on Hugwax’s heel I don’t want to be under your command anyway.”
Charity eyes Willow, and slowly takes up the book, she turns to the last 3 entries and reads them. As Charity reads the book Madush finally lowers his crossbow, but keeps it at the ready and keeps his eyes on the Darkmane mare. Charity’s expression turns sour as she reads, when she finishes, she drops the book quite violently upon the desk. “If...if this is real...If this is all true, then...then Hugwax has been behind so much of what has gone wrong here, and she would be responsible for 3 attempts on my life, not to mention the cultists activities led by Darkmane, and all the blood they spilled. But I still don’t understand one thing. Why? If she had never banished me here, I would never have been anything worth killing. What is her game? Why does she want me dead?”
Willow shrugs“Jealousy over your success in these jungles, maybe? Maybe you’re a mistake she fears now. I do not know. All I do know Is if you’re done taking her kicks? Want to strike back? This master saboteur will be ready for the word, commander.”
Charity nods, “I will take this information to heart Willow. I’m not sure why you are telling me all this, but...whatever I do next will take some planning. I will tell the others however, that you are a friend, and you will be informed when it is time to act.”
Because a war doesn't start with empty words, it start with a gut of anger. Willow knows she can’t can’t kill the princess alone, but with the rage of the duchess at her back? maybe, just maybe Willow bows her head “Consider it the very least I could do to atone for the pain my brother caused you all. I can’t re-colour your notions of him, but I can still affirm we ain’t all bad. I’ll take my leave.”
Madush sees the Darkmane out of Charity’s office once she is gone and the door bared, he turns and sees Charity looking up at the statue of Khenal and the darkbolt, looking pensive. “Duchess?...Charity? What happens next?” he asks her.
“Now? Now you bring them here; Starkey, Otik, Cryptson, Kris, and Khenal. Tell them they can bring anyone they really truely trust, and that nopony else must know.”
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Topic: My Little Fortress. Glitterglen. (Read 262644 times)