Apocalypse Rising

The Icy Region Mystic had left her home. She had traveled long and hard, sometimes going by land, sometimes by sea, and quite often, by air. Not many things could have convinced her to leave her home, but a call for assistance from a deity had been one of them. 

"What is your name?" Aberfa, the Mountains Region Deity asked.

"My name is Aelin," The Icy Region Mystic responded. 

"I need your help, Aelin. I had a dream, on this eve of the Equinox, of zombies overcoming us all. I believe it to be a prophetic dream," Aberfa said.

Aelin looked down at her hooves. "What could I do to help? I don't know if my magic would be any use." 

Aberfa gazed upon Aelin with warm eyes. "You are stronger than you know, little Mystic. Travel to my region, to a land in the north known as Espeor. There you will find Quirlicorns who need your help, and need you." 

Aelin took a deep breath and nodded. "I will do as you ask," she responded.

Aelin sighed, as she thought back on the conversation. While she had started off with great confidence, she now stumbled. But Aberfa had come to her, believed in her! If only she could believe in herself. 

 

It had been a long day of travel, using all of the magic available to her. She had pushed herself hard, but as she crossed the border to Espeor, a feeling of relief passed over here. Almost there!.... Or so she thought. Aelin sighed as she kept walking, certain at some point she would find the capitol city. How was one land so big?!

"You there! State your business!" 

Aelin looked up in surprise. Her head had been hanging with exhaustion, her hooves heavy. She found herself facing down an appaloosa mare with a wolf at her side, both with similar teeth bared expressions of warning. 

Taking a slight step back, Aelin felt her legs shake. Her weariness overwhelmed her, and she felt herself fall to the ground. 

 

"You were lucky I'm here," a rough voice broke through the darkness in Aelin's mind. 

"I'm always lucky you are here," another voice replied, full of warmth and kindness.

As Aelin felt her body become rejuvenated, she cracked open her eyes to see three mares standing above her. She first noticed the mare with the wolf from earlier, who seemed to be using healing magic on her. She had foreign blue markings on her face, and what looked like starts twinkling in the dark of her coat. 

The second mare looked like the heavens taken form, with gorgeous blues interspersed by oranges and reds, stars littering her coat as well. She was standing a bit further back and seemed somewhat uncomfortable, her tail moving slightly back and forth. To Aelin's surprise, she noticed this mare didn't have a horn either!

The third mare however... the third mare made Aelin's breath catch. She had white markings, but the rest of her coat was shades of violet and blue, with darker legs. But that wasn't what made Aelin's breath catch. It was the sense of power rolling off of her. 

Did she fall into some strange portal and come into a star horse world? Aelin felt a twinge of amusement. She would fit right in then.

"Oh, she's awake," the wolf one said, stepping back. Aelin fully opened her eyes then, taking in more of her surroundings. She was by a fire in a great hall. How she had gotten here was a really good question. 

"Uhm.... Hello," Aelin said, a bit awkwardly, looking up at them. Suddenly remembering her manners, Aelin scrambled to her hooves, surprised she could do so, and awkwardly bowed her head. She wasn't certain why, but it felt right. The third mares power... it felt like a deity.

"I am Khaalida, Queen of Espeor," the third mare introduced herself. "But there is no need to bow." 

Aelin's eyes went wide at the proclamation. This was the mare Aberfa had asked her to find?!

"This is Eisling, my Shield Sister and official messenger for Espeor as well," Khaalida introduced the wolf mare. Aelin's eyes darted around a bit nervously. Where had that cream colored wolf ran off to?

"And this is Synnove, my Sword Sister," Khaalida added, gesturing to the beautiful space mare. 

"I'm... I'm Aelin," Aelin said a bit awkwardly, having no titles to give. But then a light went off in her brain. She did have one thing to offer! "I'm a Mystic of the Icy Region."

Khaalida smiled warmly, and Aelin felt her welcome in her very bones. It was a strange yet happy feeling, this acceptance. 

"Welcome to Espeor, Aelin. What brings you here, and in such a hurried state? Your body gave out from exhaustion," Khaalida said, concern lacing her tone. 

"Aberfa came to me, to ask for my help. She had a vision of a zombie apocalypse, and directed me to come here," Aelin explained, realizing just how ridiculous that sounded.

But Khaalida didn't laugh. She exchanged a glance with the two mares beside her, and nodded. 

"Then let us begin."

 

Aelin was surprised at the speed in which things began to move. Another mare entered (Sadira was her name, a pretty mare with a purple hued coat and a dreamcatcher woven between her antlers), and was sent to find another mare named Melione. Aelin was quickly learning this was a land where mares held a lot of power. 

When Melione arrived, Aelin was surprised to find that she was a Mystic as well! Aelin had only met one other Mystic, Epaphroditos who was also from the Icy Region. Meeting another Mystic that served a different Deity was for sure a treat.

But what Aelin was most surprised by was the unexpected arrival of Khaalida's daughter Sidra, and a cold mare named Morana, who's nature reminded her of home. Aelin watched all the proceedings from the corner, noting the tension between mother and daughter, and the aloofness of Morana. 

"Melione summoned us," Sidra was explaining. "She said you would need help. My herd is with me as well, helping in the city below." 

"Thank you," Khaalida said, and Aelin was warmed by the love in her tone. It seems their split was more on Sidra's end than Khaalida's, but Aelin couldn't judge. She just met these Quirlicorns after all!

"Melione took messages to the outlying lands as well. She is going to teleport everyone in the land to the city," Khaalida was explaining, when Aelin tuned back into the conversation.

"Everyone?" Sidra said in shock.

"Everyone. The City is big enough. Plus some time during the Summer Solstice part of one of the Mountain Rooms collapsed. It revealed the ruins of an underground city of sorts, plenty of space for everyone," Khaalida said.

"Anevay's dang Chaos Party," Sidra muttered, and Morana let out a dry chuckle.

Aelin noted that Morana was observing just as much as Aelin was, and didn't seem to have any attachment to anyone except Sidra. As the group moved outside of the great hall (which Aelin had found out was only the 'small' greeting hall of Khaalida's castle) she found herself looking out at a beautiful city, crafted half into the mountains and overlooking a valley below. It was made of beautiful glittering stone, and tall towers that shone in the sunlight. 

 

"Aelin, you are with me."

Khaalida's voice pulled Aelin from her awed observations, and she quickly nodded, but had no idea what she had agreed to.

She followed Khaalida through the city, trying not to obviously gape at the wonders before her, or the mass of citizens who were teleporting in. Several Quirlicorns Khaalida greeted by name, and paused to chat with for a few moments. Everyone was treating Khaalida with both respect and love, and Khaalida took a genuine interest in each and every person, something that made Aelin respect her even more. 

They arrived to a section of the city that cut into the mountains. "A recent addition," Khaalida explained, as they entered. "The city was growing and well. Unless we kept going up, going in was the only way to do it without damaging the farmland below. When the Summer Solstice happened, I suppose a bit of Anevay's magic reached us and caused part of the wall to break. It revealed ruins, much of which is still unexplored."

"Is it safe?" Aelin asked, and Khaalida nodded.

"My mentor and second mother is gifted in earth magic, and checked it over. The few unstable areas we worked to make stable, and have been slowly mapping and exploring. But it will do for these purposes," Khaalida replied. 

"Your people really love you," Aelin blurted, then dropped her head, embarrassed.

Khaalida didn't laugh, only gave a soft smile. "I treat them as my family. I suppose even more so now that I am a mother, and grandmother. They are all my children, my brothers, my sisters, my friends. I cannot be a good leader if I do not know the heart of my people."

Aelin didn't know how her respect for this mare could go any higher. "And you are a deity?" 

At that, Khaalida did chuckle a bit. "So they call me, so I have been named. I do not feel like I should be worshipped or held above them. I have only been lucky enough to be granted the power to protect them, in times like these."

With that, Khaalida used a strange magic that Aelin had never felt. The very fabric of the world seemed to shift, as the ruins began to change, shifting to that same glittering stone as the outside. Walls repaired themselves, rooms formed, and Aelin was left reeling at the casual display of power. 

"What is this magic?" Aelin gasped.

"This is magic gifted to me by my connection to the Astral Realm," Khaalida explained. "Chaotic Influence, I believe they call it. The world is mine to shape."

A world of your own to shape. Aelin could barely fathom it, nor the implications of such magic if Khaalida ever decided to wield it for her own gain or power. 

"This is an impressive thing," Aelin said, with her head bowed. 

"Not as impressive as what I'm about to ask you to do," Khaalida admitted. 

Aelin tilted her head in curiosity. "What would you have me do?" she asked. 

"See this dip I have made in the ground, the entire length? I would like if you could fill it with water." 

 

 

Synnove stood atop one of the towers, staring out over Espeor. Her body still felt strange and new, and this long tail of hers was definitely taking some getting used to. She hadn't quite planned on joining the world her sister and mother had come to, but she supposed her constant visits had taken their toll and she had become too close to the world to go back now. Aurelion had said something similar had happened to him once or twice, and well, he was much older and wiser than she. And Cyrenne had said it was born of longing, for something new. 

Perhaps they were both right. Synnove had been a Queen, a leader of her realm. She had been Queen for many years, hundreds in fact. There had been no war, no change... and it had been time for change.

But where she had once been a worldshaper, she now felt small and powerless, not quite at ease in this new body. 

"All well up here?"

Synnove turned to see Eisling and Sadira standing there. When Synnove had awoken in this world, Sadira had been beside her, somehow having made the transition at the same time. Sadira said it had something to do with her dreams, a calling to be here. Synnove thought it was just her own longing, for her made-family.

Synnove remembered her early days, when her sister had shipped her off to a new island. Of old friends, and meeting Eisling, half wild and running with wolves. She remembered Cyrenne, the Witch of the Woods, who terrified her, but also taught her to be stronger. She remembered traveling with Eisling and Cyrenne, taking back her kingdom, and raising a family. She remembered she and Aurelion ruling together, and the day Aurelion left. 

But all of it felt so far away, so foreign now. Like a dream of a past life. Which in truth, it was.

"Yes," Synnove answered softly. Concern came over Eisling and Sadira's expressions.

"Still not quite used to it?" Eisling asked. Synnove shrugged slightly. 

"I still am not quite used to this body," Synnove admitted. "And now this? Zombies?"

Eisling chuckled. "You should have seen the Summer Solstice. It was wild," she said dryly. "This is pretty tame so far in comparison."

Sadira smiled at the comment, but her concerned gaze remained on Synnove. "Is it weird? To see Aurelion with Khaalida?" 

Synnove was surprised by the comment but shook her head. "No, both of us have moved on, and I am happy they are happy together. No, its more... Just the adjustment I guess. Strange, to not be ruling, to not have any responsibility beyond what I decide for myself." 

"Well the responsibility for today is decided," Eisling said with a shrug. "We came up here to get you, we are to start moving supplies to the underground ruins." 

Synnove nodded. Finally, some way she could feel useful. With that thought in mind, she followed Sadira and Eisling to deal with the supply move. 

 

Morana wasn't quite sure why she had agreed to this. The last time she helped Melione and Sidra, she had ended up investigating witches and some dark magic. Now Zombies?

With a sigh, Morana went back to focusing on her task. A very boring one, but it was a task nonetheless. Sorting supplies was easy with her Telekinesis, and she was moving much faster than any of Sidra's herd. 

Melione was still teleporting Quirlicorns in, so every once in a while a large group would pop in, pulling Mor's attention. It was hard to stay focused when it was just the same thing over and over again. Soft chatter surrounded her as Sidra's herd talked, but Mor was to the side by herself, just doing this same old task again and again.

"You look bored," Sidra said, as she wandered over. Morana shrugged.

"Its very monotonous," she admitted. "Not as exciting as tracking down leads on a nearly murderous mare." 

"Indeed," Sidra said with a laugh, adding her efforts to Morana's pile. The two worked silently for a while. 

"Do you regret helping?" Sidra asked.

Morana shrugged. "Do you regret coming and seeing your mother?" Morana asked in return.

Mor hadn't been sure what to expect, but she certainly knew now where Sidra got her presence from. Sidra was powerful, no doubt, but Khaalida was too. It was a powerful bloodline she was part of. Morana had seen Sidra's half siblings earlier, and noted that Sidra was made of slightly different stuff.

A croak of indignation had Morana turning, to see that Shade and Sidra's cat familiar were playing with each other, Sidra's cat batting at Shade's feathers and Shade going after the white cats tail.

"Goodness," Sidra murmured, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Well, at least we will be done with this pile soon. So then we can go and check out some other things." 

"Like what?" Morana asked, and Sidra shrugged. 

"Exploring the caves maybe? That at least must be more exciting than this."

"Old ruins with potential cave ins? Count me in," Morana laughed. 

 

Aelin stared in wonder at the water she had created. With her magic, she had found an underground spring, and between her water magic and Khaalida's... well.... massive amount of magic, they had crafted a way for the water to flow freely through the pathways Khaalida had made.

"There," Khaalida said in satisfaction as they finished. "Now we have fresh water. Hopefully the food is coming along well as well."

Aelin smiled in satisfaction. It was the first time she had used her magic for a purpose, other than her own simple purposes, and it felt good. 

"I've read about some places where they grow mushrooms and other edible cave plants on purpose. That could be an idea," Aelin suggested, and Khaalida beamed.

"A fantastic idea!" Khaalida agreed. "We should get right on that." 

"You guys in here?"

Aelin and Khaalida turned at Synnove's voice, and found the mare walking in with Sadira, Eisling and several others, carrying food preserves that would stay for a good while in the caves. 

"Oh, good! Bring those back this way," Khaalida said, gesturing behind her. 

Aelin watched as Khaalida directed the flow to some back rooms she had converted into large pantries, and helped them get set up to organize things. Then Sidra and Morana appeared with some of the other supplies, and they were directed to another room.

"We are going to help with the map making process," Sidra called out behind her as she and Morana wandered further into the ruins. 

"Thank you," Khaalida called after them, but Aelin saw the way she hesitated and seemed to want to say more. 

Noticing Aelin's look, Khaalida smiled sheepishly. 

"I know they will be fine, they are powerful alone but even more so together. But the mother in me wants to tell them to be careful," Khaalida admitted. 

"Why doesn't Sidra rule here?" Aelin asked, then wondered if she went too far.

Khaalida sighed softly. "When I was born, there was a prophecy about me. When Sidra and her siblings were born, her full siblings, there was a prophecy about them. About them inheriting the power of the Deities. When Sidra displayed magic from birth... I got a bit overprotective. It wasn't something seen before, and I worried about others wanting to take her, to use her. I got so worried about keeping her safe, training and protecting her, that I forgot she needs to live her own life too. She ran away. I knew it was going to happen, and I let it happen. I had realized I couldn't hold her back even if I wanted to. But perhaps... I am now realizing that perhaps I should have given her more, given her my blessing and helped her on her way instead of trying to protect her." 

"Have you told her this?" Aelin wondered out loud, then bit her lip. She felt like she was majorly overstepping, especially with the look Khaalida gave her. 

"Now that I think about it... I haven't," Khaalida admitted. "We both went wrong. I suppose after we get this part over with it, we must have that discussion." 

Aelin smiled softly, hopeful and happy that she might have helped. Perhaps Aberfa was right, perhaps it was a good idea to come here. 

 

When Aberfa soared over Espeor, she grew concerned by the lack of Quirlicorns below. But as she came upon Queensbreak, she found out why. All the Quirlicorns of the land were gathered there, and she saw supply and food lines, medicinal herbs and bandages, and preparations being made. She was about to land when she spotted Khaalida standing with... Aberfa felt a bit of relief. Aelin had made it!

A jolt of magic surprised Aberfa, and she noticed that a wall of that glittering black stone rising around the city on the open side to the farms below. What was a city was quickly becoming a fortress, a place of safety. 

Aberfa landed, and Khaalida turned to greet her with a deep bow. Seeing all of Khaalida's companions, Aberfa smiled. Espeor would be fine in these hooves.

"You have done well," Aberfa commented. 

Khaalida smiled and gave a nod of thanks. 

"We found some abandoned underground ruins a few months back. Aelin brought a source of water to them. Synnove, Sadira and Eisling helped bring in food supplies. Sidra, Morana, and their herd helped with medical and other supplies. And Melione used her magic to teleport everyone here," Khaalida explained. "We also raised a wall, and Ilkay discovered a recipe for an antidote in one of his old books. We have him and some of the other scholars and healers crafting the antidote to stockpile as we speak." 

"I'm glad you took me seriously," Aberfa said, this time directed to Aelin.

"How could I not? I trust in you and your visions," Aelin said respectfully. 

Aberfa smiled softly. "You have a bright mind, and much potential," Aberfa said. "You will do well with friends like these."

Aelin dipped her head in respect. "I thank you much for your wise words."

"And I thank you for bringing us a new friend and ally," Khaalida said, and Aelin felt the weight of the words settle over her soul. A friend, and an ally to this great land. She would like that very much. 

"Continue your preparations," Aberfa said. "I'm glad to see such progress."

"It is as you will, Aberfa," Khaalida said, and the group of mares bowed. 

 

Aelin stared out over Queensbreak as the Equinox and the bright magic of it began to fade. They were more prepared than she had ever thought one could be for a Zombie Apocalypse.

The Mystic mare paused at her thought train. They. As if she was one of them.

"Aelin."

Aelin turned to see Khaalida approaching with Eisling and Synnove at her side. The wolf walked beside Eisling, a Black Cat rode on Khaalida's back, and a strange colored falcon rode on Synnove's back. Sisters of soul, their bonds as strong if not stronger than those of blood.

"We would like to ask you to stay for a while," Khaalida said. "I feel there is much we could all learn from each other."

"I don't want to be an inconvenience," Aelin said. "I know you are busy running land and all that."

Khaalida smiled. "My children are grown, and between them and Aurelion most of the big stuff is handled. I am in a position where everything is coming together, and I have too much free time," Khaalida said with a chuckle. 

"I was wondering if beyond that, you would like to travel with us. We plan to visit the lands of our allies, and would be honored if you join us."

Aelin gaped at the offer. "Really?" she asked in surprise. "You... would want me with you?"

"Yes," Synnove said with a smile. "We would like to get to know you better."

Warmth blossomed in Aelin's chest. Zombie Apocalypse preparation aside, she was glad she came. 

"I accept!"