If it hadn’t been for the fact that light had managed to penetrate the walls of the brick-laden room, Covet Dawndrop would’ve never have known that it was, indeed, the daytime. Groaning, he proceeded to toss and turn to avoid the shimmering light that was touching his bed and glimmering straight onto his eyes when he opened them. He didn’t want to get up, but he knew he had no choice. There was something very special happening today, something that only happened once a year for him. Even if he’d grown tired of it over the years. Yawning, Covet tried to sit up, with his wings stretching out. His curved horn catching itself on his duvet, which had to be shaken off as he used his body to slowly sit up.
You see, Covet Dawndrop was a part of a Royal family. Specifically, the Royal family of the continent Manestralia, that lived in the capital city of Coltney that housed the three Alicorns. His father, King Crimson Sunrise, oversaw both him and his brother Stardew. Crimson was, as his name suggested, a crimson-coloured stallion. His Mane was always fixed and styled thanks to the crown that he wore, with it and the pieces of metallic armour on his hooves being completely grey. His chest housing a thick necklace of sorts; with a crimson gemstone in a lozenge cut standing out amongst the grey it was on. Meanwhile, his eyes the quite the opposite compared to the crimson red that covered his body. His eyes were vivid blue; shimmering like two pools of water amongst a sea of darkened fire. His horn was curved, much like Covet’s and Stardew’s. Although it was far bigger than his own. It almost reflected his own age as he had been the ruler of Manestralia for over a millennia after all. His wings also showed his age, being far bigger than the average Pegasi’s wings. Finally, his ear held one singular hooped earring. Gold in colour and something that stood out amongst the sea of crimson red.
However, his brother was different. His mane wasn’t styled, and his wings weren’t big. In fact, both Stardew and Covet had around the same sized horn and wings. Being younger Alicorns in their young adulthood, they knew that they would one day be in the same stage as their father. If one were to compare their ages to human years, Stardew would be twenty-two. Whereas Covet would most certainly be twenty-one. Stardew also had a coat of red hue; although it was almost as if a salmon had been plucked from the water with the colour of palish red covering him. His mane was much like Covets in the sense that it was covered in three colours. However, whilst Covet had red, gold and purple in his mane with a red tail, Stardew possessed three varieties of blue. Light blue, Deep blue and a colour sort of resembling a dulled turquoise. All of the mane waving to the ends like the waves in the sea. Then there were his eyes. Eyes that held a distinct pink colour to them. Almost like two pink roses in their colour. Lastly, Stardew held a smaller gold earring compared to his father. It was a simple rectangle one in gold which he felt looked good on him.
Then there was Covet himself, he held his purple, gold, and red mane as well as his tail. The gold and purple being the same red before he dyed his mane a few years prior for big events he and Stardew held. They were nice, and Covet kept those colours in his mane to remind him of those times. Then there was the case of his orange coat. It wasn’t saturated orange, It was more-so, a pale sort of orange. An orange that looked like a light sandstone covered in this barrage of almost eye-offending colours. It was almost a mystery to everyone, including himself, as to how he even managed to get this amount of mismatched colouring to himself. It wasn’t as if he minded though, it kept colts, fillies, and fans away from him. The contrasting blue eyes that he held however, reminded most ponies of tropical waters, with their azure tone. Lastly, the cutie mark that laid on his flank was that of a teardrop with a sun behind it. The yellow points on the sun being able to peer out from the teardrop; and related him to his father significantly; Despite how he may have felt about his family relationships.
Though, today, he wouldn’t get time to contemplate about that aspect of his life. He had to get out of bed, and fast. About ten minutes passed as he got himself out of bed, or rather flopped out of bed, and trotted slowly to the curtains to open them. Seeing the ocean far below once he opened his curtains slightly, with his eyes squinting from the sun shining on him. The castle he was in being built on-top of a humongous cliff. With his room being in a small tower that popped out of a bigger part of the castle. His room, being akin to a pigsty, made traversal by hoof hard, with various textbooks and various other items strewn across the room. However, he managed. He wasn’t the best with his room's tidiness; and he rarely allowed the castle staff to come in and clean the place. In fact, the last time he did that was before he was chosen as the rightful heir to his father’s throne quite a few years back. He always recalled grinning widely as his brother’s face grew angry at the announcement; and he also remembered the fight that ensued because of the announcement. It sent his relationship with his brother down to the abyss as far as he was concerned. Although, it wasn’t as if he and his brother liked each other before that for a large amount of time either.
It was then, however, when he heard a knock. He rolled his eyes as he assumed that this was the castle staff, not thinking that it could’ve been anyone else. Who he was greeted by as he turned the wooden door surprised him. It was, as it turned out, his brother Stardew. On Stardew’s face held the expression of tedium. The expression one would give when they had to do something that they really didn’t want to do. It took a slightly tense moment of the two just standing there before Stardew spoke, with a distinct and thick Oceanic accent; something that Covet admittedly didn’t possess as strongly, so the accent wasn’t nearly as thick in his speech. It didn’t completely smother his words, and he was able to speak without nearly any large accentual flares.
“Stel see yeh wakin’ up, eh?” He asked, with some casual disinterest in his voice. To him, he only had one thing on his mind, so seeing his brother wasn’t of too much interest to him. Before Covet could respond, a flash of bright light came from Stardew’s horn. By the time Covet could look around, he heard things behind him. He turned to find that Stardew was recovering a suitcase that Covet thought he had already packed. “Now what do you think you’re doing?!” He shrieked with anger as he tried to stop Stardew from opening it. “O’ cahm dahn wud yeh!? Oim jus’ makin’ shuh that yeh ain’ forgo’uhn teh pack nuthin’ impoh’ant!” Stardew responded, managing to get Covet off the suitcase before it broke, as it looked as if it were about to.
Covet yawned for a moment before seeing Stardew use his magic to look at every item he summoned from the mess on the ground. Making some of the mess shuffle around as Stardew grabbed specific items. He also noticed a list that Stardew had. Looking closer, he noticed that it had the items that he was grabbing, checking the items off on the list as he went along, and it was all written in messy handwriting. A product of rushing. Managing to yank the list off of Stardew for a split second, Covet looked it. The list being written in dark blue ink and read as the following:
ESSENTIALS (for checking on Covet!)
Clothes
Towels x
Toothbrush
Manebrush x
Comb
Shampoo
Sunscreen x
By the time Covet had finished reading this list, he noticed that Stardew was adding the things that were missing and had a big cross next to them. Before he could protest about anything, he saw his towels, his small comb and his sunscreen that he kept floating past both him and Stardew and placing themselves neatly within the suitcase. Seeing that everything was neatly placed and organised like Stardew wanted, he closed it. Snatching his list back with force and closing the suitcase with a loud zipping sound.
“Yeh room is, eh… Loik’ ah jahngul” Stardew then said, looking around in slight annoyance. “Yeh should really le’ one of them castle hahscleanahs com’ in an’ clean the place, yeh know?”. “I don’t need the roasted seagull to tell me what to do” Covet then snapped back, with annoyance in his voice. Stardew must’ve picked up on this, as he responded with a tone reminiscent of offence, saying “I’m no’ troyin’ teh upse’ yeh! Bu’ this dump needs a clean! Think ah how much dust n’ rubbish is in ‘ere! It c’uld dew the place sum’ good!”. Covet simply frowned as he tried to use his magic to move Stardew back to the doorway. Muttering under his breath “If you’re that concerned why don’t you clean it yourself” as he seemed quite annoyed at this point. However, before he could shove Stardew out of his room, managed to break free of his brothers magic quite easily and proceeded to get upset at the resistance Covet was putting up.
“Yeh know I COULD’VE let yeh stay sleepin’ and yeh would’ve been late feh the trip we’h goin’ on! Tro’nest Covet! Ah favouri’ spot! Cahn’t yew-“but before Stardew could finish that sentence, Covet interrupted. “Again, with this stupid recital you prepare every year! It’s YOUR favourite spot! Not mine! Now buck off and stop being up my flank every five SECONDS!” he shouted back. His words making Stardew and Covet enter a stare down. That was, before Stardew sighed and trotted past Covet to the entrance of the room. He seemed to have another moment standing before he spoke. When he did, he simply said “Wha’evah…” before finally trotting off, stomping his hooves down the hallway. Once Stardew was out, Covet slammed his door in anger. Simply muttering to himself through his teeth “About bucking time…” and then getting dressed.
It had been twenty-five minutes before Covet got himself outside of his room. Opening his suitcase and putting a rather large book in his suitcase that he got from under his bed, before he zipped it shut. The book being titled Fae; The ancient folk of light and darkness. He’d always had a fascination with history. More-so with the history within his father’s private study. He often wanted to look through many of his father’s ancient texts and books, but he was always caught. The fact he got ahold of this book was a rare exception. So, he wanted to take full advantage of the time he’d have, even if he didn’t want to go on vacation. Regardless, he then trotted out of his bedroom and shut the door behind him as he carried the suitcase with him. Making his way down through the castle and out to the entrance. He’d decided to put on a flannel shirt. One with the buttons undone. Along with some deep blue sunglasses.
This morning wasn’t a very packed morning, no overwhelming amounts of castle staff barraging him every step of the way, no guards escorting him. It was him and his suitcase together alone. As he made his way through the castle, he began to see the regular. Paintings with golden frames, curtains adorning the castle windows as he made his way past the castle garden entrance, castle staff moving back and forwards as if he weren’t there. He supposed they were busy with other things and that they couldn’t stop to bother him. Which he liked immensely. He preferred his walks and travels to be undisturbed. Almost like his favourite kind of coffee, almost bitter black and without the interference of milk muddying the strength of the beverage.
Although, before he made it outside, he did take a gander at a particular portrait of himself, in a much younger state. With Stardew in a much younger state, and his parents. The King and the late Queen of Manestralia. Her name was Esmerelda. A green coloured mare. With a horn that rivalled his father’s size and wings that were only slightly smaller than Crimson’s. With a gold earring that Crimson wore nowadays in remembrance of her. Upon her deep green mane, sat a tiara made of gold. With green gems on each summit where the tiara shot up. Like her husband, she wore a thick chest necklace of sorts. With a vivid green lozenge cut gem which was presumably the gemstone she was named after. An emerald. Upon both of their horns sat one ring each. Both made out of gold and symbolising their marriage. He remembered that her and his father always tended to wear them as a sort of secondary necklace, however. Only wearing them on their horns for special occasions.
Before she passed away, Covet knew her as a kind soul. Both him and Esmerelda being incredibly close. It reminded him of the times he and Stardew actually got along. Anytime he and Stardew would have a little argument that nearly ended in a fight, she was always there to mediate it whilst their father was busy with royal meetings and such. If Covet was lost or needed guidance, she was always there to help guide him accordingly to make the right decisions in his early life. Whenever his father was close to losing his temper, or generally exhausted, she’d be there to shoulder his duty with him and to take over whenever he needed to rest. Everything was great back then from what he recalled. But when she passed, when Covet was age six and Stardew was age seven, he remembered how distant both he and Stardew had gotten. How broken his father was for a good few years and how lost the three of them were without her.
He’d always stay with his father during those times, which was probably why he and Stardew got more distant. Stardew wanted to know what happened after all to end his mother’s life. But every time he asked his father, he could never give a definitive cause to her death. Both Stardew and Crimson would often end up fighting until Stardew and Covet’s teenage years, so naturally Covet was Crimson’s favourite. Mainly due to the fact that he never asked questions like his brother. It was frustrating to his brother, Covet knew that much. But with the years passing by, the two strayed further from each other.
Truthfully, he’d always been somewhat curious himself, but it never weighed on his mind like it did with his brother, or his father. He never really had any incentive when it came to investigating things. Nor did he find looking back to the past to be very beneficial. But there was a time period a few years before the current day that Covet often found himself reminiscing on. When they performed across the country and ran their own competition-based events. It was a fun time overall. They ran eight of these events; each of which lasting two days each. They were called Alifests. The main competition being that of Wave Racing. A sport all across Manestralia. Two teams of three would use water traversal crafts that they custom made to participate and it was always a good time. He lost five of the events though. The one that soured him to them was the last one. Which also held Sky Soaring. An event where two teams would craft their own gliding vehicles. Or in the case of Pegasi they’d use their wings. He wasn’t a fan of it when it happened, but just as he remembered that specific Alifest, he snapped back to reality just as quickly. Shaking his head, blinking and then taking one more look at the portrait Covet stared at his mother in the portrait briefly. With a “See you later, mum” that he said quietly to himself. Then trotting off with a slight smile.
It took about another five more minutes before he finally made it outside. The air of the nearby sea wafting into his face. The distinct smell of salt penetrating his sense of smell; more-so than it did in the castle anyway. He looked around and saw a carriage not too far away from him; connected to another. With guards entering the front carriage. He made his way hesitantly to the back carriage before feeling relief after seeing his father poking his head out of the carriage at his son. From the outside, he could see that his father was wearing a sort of grey sweater that was tied around his chest and presumably draped over his body. With his wedding ring necklace over the sweater. His ear sporting the gold hooped earring that he usually wore. Underneath it, a cream-coloured shirt sat that was mostly covered by the aforementioned sweater the further down the body it got. The look he sported however was one of annoyance, rather than pleasure at seeing his son.
“The’e yeh ah! Wha’ took yew so long boy?!” Crimson semi shouted as his son got inside the carriage. Covet seemed to be in a temporary state of disbelief as he immediately asked “I thought I was on time? Surely, I wasn’t late?” with slight worry making itself known. Angering his father wasn’t on his to-do list today, so he naturally had a sense of worry about himself after hearing his father’s words. That, however, was when Crimson laughed. This confused Covet until Crimson responded. “Yeh’re always sa’ch a serious one Cohve’! Loigh’en up boyo yeh’re foiv’ minaht’s early!”. This little joke his father seemed to have played did not go well with Covet all. Evident by the way Covet stomped into the carriage with a small momentary grumble and an enormous eyeroll. As annoyed as he was, however, he knew better than to try and retaliate. Levitating his suitcase inside the carriage and plopping it next to himself. Almost like a makeshift wall to stop him from having to look at Stardew given what happened earlier. However, Stardew wouldn’t have been able to sit next to him, given Crimson’s own suitcase sat at the opposite end of Covet’s seat. As a double check, he did open his suitcase ever so slightly. Peeking in as he saw that a book, he’d snuck into the suitcase sat perfectly undamaged. He didn’t want his father to see this book though as he quickly zipped it back up. Simply saying “Just checking I definitely had everything” as Crimson raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Clearly not convinced entirely. But Crimson decided to not press Covet on the truth. Not yet, anyway.
About a moment of awkward silence passed before Stardew came galloping in. He slammed his suitcase against Covets, almost slamming it into Covet which annoyed him a little, in rushed panting and then sat next to their father. Using his magic to close the door. Stardew wearing a sun-visor and a shirt that almost resembled a tennis shirt. With deep grey as the colour. “And here you were saying I was going to be the one late” Covet snickered to himself. “Aye I neveh said nuffin’ loik tha’!” Stardew protested. In a mocking tone, Covet then repeated what Stardew had said in their prior encounter. “You know I could’ve let you stay sleeping and you would’ve been late for the trip we’re going on” he mimicked. Adding a sort of whine to his words and using his wing to mimic a mouth speaking. Knowing full well it would get under his brother's skin. With Stardew going to protest in anger before Crimson stopped him. Flapping a wing in place to act like a wall. “Befoh’ yeh both sta’t foightin’ an’ tehrin’ up this carriage, I need teh make things’ abundantly clea’h. Use this toim’ teh get along feh once. All I see yew tew do la’ely is argew ‘n foight. In otheh weh’ds, behave. BOTH ah yehs” he then said, aiming his last few words at Covet specifically as the carriage began speeding off.
“Oh, as if i’m the one who’s going to throw a temper tantrum” Covet remarked, glaring at him as Stardew gave a sly smirk from behind his father’s wing, which had lowered somewhat during the conversation. “Fatheh said behave” Stardew then mockingly retorted back at Covet. However, Crimson wasn’t having any of what the two were intending to do to one another. With a stern voice this time that was slightly raised, he said “Enough” as the two younger Alicorns turned away from one another. The rest of the carriage ride being one filled with tension between the pair. Neither could look at each other for too long without Crimson making sure that no arguments would break out between the pair. Staring daggers at both of them as he opened the window of the carriage about halfway through their ride. Crimson honestly thought it was a bit disappointing that neither of them could seem to get along. But he knew that, no matter what, they’d never quite see eye to eye. Even with his advice and suggestion to get along. He didn’t even pay attention when the pair started trying to annoy eachother with various foul gestures toward one another. Most being performed with their wings.
It took a while before the carriage pulled up to the city port. The three of them getting out as Crimson levitated their suitcases out. Guards lining the path as various ponies started noticing the three. Ponies trying to rush up to the three as the guards managed keep the path clear for the three. “Aftah this lil boa’ roid’, yeh’ll both be doivin’ inteh the watah furs’ thing! Oi know eht!” Crimson then chirped out with optimism as the other two alicorns looked at each other with severe agitation toward one another thanks to their antics in the carriage. All three of them ignoring the crowd and heading off along with their luggage to Coltney Port. A name Covet spotted from the sign slapped on the building that separated four smaller port areas. One for what was called the Brismane travels. One for what was called the Buckenshire travels. One for what was called Coltney travels. With the final one being the area they trotted toward, called Trottnest Island trips. Then trotting to a smaller, separated area within said area called Starshine Travels. A very particular part of the port that housed what was named the Trottnest StarShine or Trottnest S for short.
“Ah, it’s bu’en foreveh since Oiv’ se’n this ah’ld ga’hl!” Crimson remarked to himself with intense fondness and nostalgia, as the three trotted along to the ship that was docked in the port. With guards following behind them as they were finally out of the main public area. Guards being stationed at the entrance to the smaller area, whilst more guards followed them to the ship. Crimson’s tone was one of nostalgia, with a small smile showing up on his face. “We go on this ship every year” Covet then added in response as the three got on. Crimson being slightly disgruntled about Covet’s remark and losing his small smile. Stardew simply rolling his eyes to the comment.
The ship wasn’t very big, given its travels were few and far between with a usual maximum of four main passengers. But it was a nice-looking ship. All white with two red lines wrapping around the ship’s hull, although one of the red lines was partially submerged in the water. So, it looked like only one was there; the second only being spotted by keen eyes. Alongside that, a golden star seemed to pop out at the ship’s bow, giving the ship a nice decoration to make it stand out. Finally, the ship seemingly held two levels. The top level being smaller than the second. Only housing the ship controls where the captain would reside. It didn’t have a complex inside, only having one room below that with a sitting area. But it was still something. Covet always thought that the ship should’ve been classed as a ferry. But his father always pretended as if it was bigger than it actually was; so, he gave it the classification of ship.
Trotting up to and hopping on the ship on port side with their suitcases, the three quickly stepped aside and headed to the bow. With the guards behind them also stepping on the ship and heading for the hull. Crimson and Stardew sitting down together whilst Covet chose to sit a little further away to gaze at the water. Before he could, however, an Earth Pony stallion approached the three. Seeming eager to greet the King and the two Prince’s. He was bigger than the average stallion, but not by much. With a greyish blue coat colour and a messy tail. His mane poking out of his captain hat. Which was red primarily. Although it had a secondary colour of silver for the metal-esque band around the captain hat. With a final S and B stuck together at the front.
“Ahoy yeh majestay’s! Welc’m aboh’d! The’s be thah Tro’nest Stahshoin!” he began. With his accent being just as heavy as Stardew’s and Crimson’s were. “Oi be yeh cap’n feh this trip an’ the trip yeh takin’ back from Tro’nest oisl’nd. Cap’n Sail Breeze! Altho’, yew already knew tha’ Oi’m shuh!” he then finished off, adding a chuckle to the last part of his speech. With Crimson responding with “Ple’shuh teh see yew aghe’n, Sail! How’ev things be’hn?” as Stardew seemed to disengage from the conversation. With Covet staring into the distance, waiting for the ship to set sail. Meanwhile, Sail and Crimson continued. With Sail answering Crimson’s question. “Aye, it’s be’hn gu’d! Plen’y ah passengh’s on th’ Tro’nest Cohme’ n’ the job pays gu’d! ‘Ad sum’ fussy ones la’ly tho’” Sail explained, seeming slightly annoyed at the end of his sentence. Presumably from recalling the so-called fussy passengers.
Covet had heard of the other ship in question. The Trottnest Comet. Also known as the Trottnest C. He also saw it from his window from time to time. The castle being stationed on a cliff looking out to the ocean. Seeing it from very far away, it looked like nothing more than a little blip in the vast sea. So he never really got a good look at the thing itself. He did see it one time a few years back though. The most appealing thing to him was the deep azure blue that it had. Though, he couldn’t remember more than that. He’d never been on that one after all. His rides to Trottnest Island were always on the Trottnest Starshine. It was probably due to the fact that he’d be mobbed, but he still wished he could travel on it. Just once. He thought about using a spell to make him a normal citizen, but the effort it would’ve taken for him to learn the spell seemed like way too much for him. That’s why he stuck with more simple spells. Levitation of small to medium sized objects, turning pages in books, that sort of thing. He wasn’t well versed in spell work. Unlike his brother, who’d mastered most of the regular and uncommon spells. His speciality though seemed to be weather. Compared to Covet, Stardew was far more capable. Not that it bothered him, but it was still a fact.
Cutting back to the conversation Sail and Crimson were having, they started to get onto another topic. With Sail saying “Aye, yeh majestay? Have yew ‘eard of the irreguh’lah weathah? It’s ‘ad us rerou’ tah go the long ways instehd a’ the direc’ ways. Take feh instance the Col’ney tah Ahndahbuhckah rou’. Used to jus’ go straigh’ across the oshun teh Buckenshir’ Islan’, but now we ‘av tah go from this ‘ere Col’ney Islan’, across teh the back of Brismayn’ Islan’. THEN we ‘av teh weav’ through Brismayn’ Islan’ down the nohthehn coast ah Buckenshir’ Island to get to Ahndahbuhckah ‘n back! Add on the toim ‘n we can behrly make it back ‘ere befoh’ the day en’s! Can yew look ‘nta tha’?”. With a surprisingly calm Crimson simply responding with “Oi’v tried tah sor’ tha’ out. T’s all cahmin’ from the Pen’adiamond Isles. The mos’ Oi would be able teh dew is advois tha’ more ships ehr mayd’ teh tackle the cuhren’ probl’m”.
“Dad, yeh know Oi can sor’ tha’ aht, roi’t?” Stardew then asked. With Crimson laughing slightly before responding. “Yeh, yew sor’ aht this unnat’rul phenomenah tha’ cuhd kill yeh. Wuhd dew wondehs for yeh body!” as Stardew sulked and looked away slightly as he added on to what he had said. “Oi meant, con’ayn it. If oi add ontah yeh powehs- “but before Stardew could even think about finishing, Crimson replied with “Aw’reday troid usin’ weathah mahgic. Can’ ge’ the stuff teh wehk feh mey. Yoh’s ain’ powehful enough. Comboinin’ ou’ mahgic wouldn’ dew much gewd. If oi weh’ tah compahe eh’ tah somethin’, oi’d say it’s loik a glass ah wadah tha’s ‘alf full. Yew’d add a few toiny drops. Tha’s eh’” as he shrugged, leaving Stardew even more upset. But he held it in for the most part.
After hearing what Crimson had to say, Sail sighed as he looked out to the Pentadiamond Isles in question. They were just barely visible to the southeast from where they were. Looking like tiny bumps. “Wish eh’ wuhs ah’ leas’ consisten’ weathah” he muttered to himself. Crimson caught onto what he’d said, as he got up and put his hoof on Sail. “Oi’m sohry. Bu’ oi’v triod wha; oi can” he then said as Sail nodded in slight disappointment. Covet didn’t pay attention to any of this conversation, however. Sail’s problem was tiresome to him. Add in the fact it was an Earthpony who brought it up, and he was completely disengaged. He never saw any value in a stallion or mare that wasn’t capable of flight like a Pegasi, or capable of magic like a unicorn. He couldn’t talk though. He didn’t have too many spells to his name. Still. He never did seem to give Earth Pony’s the credit or respect they deserved. In fact, he recalled a few moments where he took jabs at Earth Ponies and bullied them back in his more social days. Nowadays, he’d calmed down with that behaviour though, given he rarely spoke to anypony at all.
Covet was simply staring into the ocean. Almost transfixed. It wasn’t as if he was in danger, he just seemed to be lost in the waters. The deep blue always resonated with him. Which was something he could never seem to explain. He only snapped out of his transfixed state after he felt the ship move a few minutes after Sail and Crimson had wrapped up their conversation. With Stardew taking passive note of it as he watched from the corner of his vision. He was slightly concerned. But brushed it off since Covet always did this. Every year. So, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for him.
didn’t take too long in retrospect to get to Trottnest island. It was a journey that only lasted thirty minutes. But in that entire time, Covet couldn’t stop looking at the ocean on the horizon. Completely uninterrupted by land. It was as if nothing existed beyond their continent. It got him thinking. There HAD to be something beyond that, right? He’d asked his father a few times, but all he could surmise is that there used to be something out toward the far west. But it disappeared around one thousand years ago. His father had tried to see if a magical spell was cast, but he claimed he could never detect any magic. Which didn’t sit quite right with Covet. How could an entire landmass… Disappear? It didn’t make sense. But he couldn’t do anything about it in the present. He figured he could investigate it once he became the next King of Manestralia. But for now, he’d have to wonder in his mind what was over there. His mane being blown by the wind passing by the ship as it sailed through to Trottnest Island. The island getting bigger and bigger as it arose from the horizon more-so than it was back at Coltney Port.
It took no more than five minutes for the ship to sail itself in a smaller area of what Sail called Trottnest port after shouting out “Bahnd fer Tro’nest Por’! Playes’ gatheh yeh luggash’ ‘n prepeh tah disembahk!”. But this time there was only two areas in this port. One for the Trottnest Starshine, and one for the Trottnest Comet. Getting a closer look at the Comet, Covet saw that it was slightly bigger than their own boat. With ponies boarding as another captain could be seen very slightly on the top floor. The hull having white lines instead of red and the Comet having a horseshoe decoration in silver. Which was much like the Starshine’s star in size. Luckily, they managed to dock into the port as the Comet set sail back for Coltney Port. With ponies trying to get a glimpse of the Starshine whilst being on the Comet.
Once they were fully docked, the guards immediately got off first. With Stardew and Covet trotting on a moment after them. Using their magic to levitate their luggage off of the Starshine. Crimson however, stayed behind as he and Sail continued to talk once Sail came down from the ship’s control room. “Yeh kno’, yeh woif’ ‘ud be prahd ah they’m tew. Almos’ sad tha’ this’wl be the las’ toim yew three’ll be cahmin’ ‘eah tugethah” Sail commented as Crimson chuckled to himself. Simply replying with “If only yeh knew wha’ they act’d loik tawohd eachah’thah on a regelah ba’sees” as their conversation continued. Covet and Stardew meanwhile, made their way out of the smaller port. The crowds that tried to surround the pair were smaller, but still somewhat large. Both trying to not succumb to the urge of signing various items that ponies were trying to show them. It took a few moments, but once Covet and Stardew made it slightly further from the port and started trotting north, Crimson arrived with a bright flash of red. Teleporting in with his luggage, much to the surprise of the guards and even Covet and Stardew, even if it was much lesser than the guards' surprise. The crowds around the three started to dissipate for a moment as the ponies around the guards and the three seemed frightened. But, as soon as they saw that Crimson was with the pair, the crowds came back in full force.
“Let’s get to our hotel. Quickly” Covet simply said a moment later with exhaustion. With Crimson and Stardew trotting onward with him along with the guards. Covet wasn’t too big on these crowds that formed around him anytime he so much as stepped into the sunlight. He’d kept himself mostly composed, but after the ship ride all of his composure had left. Partially as an add-on from what happened earlier that morning, but mostly from just losing himself in his own head from staring into the oceans. Stardew, who’d noticed the exhaustion meanwhile, wanted to speak up and ask if Covet was at least alright. But Crimson was ultimately the one to speak up. Saying “Don’ wor’ay boyo, once we ge’ teh ah hotel, they won’ be bothahrin’ us no moh’” as Covet simply, and subtly, eyerolled. With the three of them then managing to reach their hotel some twenty minutes later. North of Trottnest Port.
When they reached their hotel, Covet saw a familiar white brick building with the beige doors and pristine windows on the first floor. Behind on a higher cliff, he saw the familiar Trottnest Lighthouse that oversaw the northern part of the island. With its equally white bricks and incredibly light grey lighthouse top. He also saw three separate, smaller buildings just behind the main hotel. Each almost identical in appearance to the hotel that stood before the three Alicorns. Opposite the hotel, a beautiful, azure, blue ocean and golden sand beach sat. With the waves casually swooping toward and away from the coast. Above the beige doors that stood before them on the main hotel building, sat a sign. Titled Northern Sapphire Shore Resort: Founded 650 CS. Crimson then spoke up as they entered, saying to Covet “Su’n it’ll goh frum CS tah CD. Id’wl be jus’ loik tha’ alifes’ yeh had with Stahdew. Eh, wha’ wuz i’? Moduhn Vuhsus Classic uh sumthin’ loik tha’” as Covet eyerolled and Stardew tried to not think about what he’d just heard Despite knowing that he’d won the Modern versus Classic Alifest which had Covet representing modern forms of entertainment such as movies and music players (Which included CD’s of course!). Whilst Stardew represented classic forms of entertainment such as books and board games. In terms of time periods, CS stood for Crimson Sunrise; or the time period in which he took over as ruler. But in a months’ time, it would go to 0 CD. Also known as 0 Covet Dawndrop.
To Covet, this wasn’t particularly important to note, but he couldn’t admittedly ignore what his coronation would mean to his continent. Memories from years past starting to enter his mind as he looked around. Meanwhile, on the other hoof so-to-speak, Stardew couldn’t really do anything but think about it. It was still a sore spot for him after all. To have lost the throne to the likes of his brother? Absolutely outrageous. Especially given his brother wasn’t exactly keen on being the next in line for the crown and given Stardew was the eldest of the pair. It irked him immensely to think about. But, as they both stewed on their feelings as they often did, they entered the hotel building proper; with the door shutting behind them.
Upon entry, they made their way to the reception. Covet seeing two doors on either side behind the reception that presumably led to the other two buildings, with two more doors on either side of the room that presumably lead to other integral areas such as a kitchen. At the reception, a Pegasus mare stood, greeting the three. Herself being dressed up in a professional blazer, which was black and contrasted her pale blue coat colour along with a nametag that showed her name being Salt Seas. Her light grey mane being tied back, and her wings being folded. Despite her name, she seemed rather friendly, saying “Welcuhm tew the Nohthurn Sapphoih Sho’h Resoh’ yeh majestayes!” as Crimson then spoke. “We’d loik ta’ che’k in” he said, nice and simple, as Salt looked through some of her paperwork that she grabbed from one of her desk drawers. It was presumably easy to know exactly the three Alicorns were infront of her, so she didn’t ask for any identification from the three and instead got straight to the paperwork.
“Ah, yes! Stayin’ the wahekend in the cliffsiod base buildin’! Comple’ely booked tew! Tha’ explayns the straynj’ lack ah custahmehs” she laughed as she subtly caught the gaze of Covet, who seemed largely disinterested in the whole process. Managing to catch onto this, Salt then flew over to grab a rather large, golden key that sat next to two other golden keys. Then flying over and handing it to Crimson, eager to not disappoint. “I’m shuh yeh alreaday know thees, bu’ tha’ key is feh yer buildin’ in the fah back ah the hotel. The beach ah’ fruhn’ is privah’ly resehved feh the hotel, hence why whe’h cawl’d a resoht, so feel free teh head ovah the’h whilst ah’ bellhop drops yeh suitcases off teh yeh buildin’!” she then explained, with a smile as Crimson used his magic to carry the key, and then opened his suitcase and grabbed three towels. One red, one pink and one orange. Covet wanted to grab his own, as did Stardew, but they elected to not once they saw Crimson grabbing the three towels. Looking at their suitcases as an Earthpony stallion then came in from one of the doors behind the reception.
Earthpony was evidently smaller than the average stallion, with a tightly buttoned red jacket covering the torso of his plum-coloured coat. His Phthalo blue mane and tail being neatly styled. Crimson watched momentarily as the Earthpony stallion rolled the three suitcases out: After hoisting them onto his bellhop trolley. Just to make sure that this Earthpony could even manage given his smaller stature and ready to jump in to help if he needed it. With Covet sighing and eyerolling very slowly given the Bellhop was an Earthpony, but couldn’t manage a simple few suitcases. Stardew noticed this, and gave Covet a gentle shove as Covet glared at him.
With some help from another bellhop stallion, the Earthpony managed. That one being a unicorn with the same sort of attire as the Earthpony. Although this unicorn was not only taller than the Earthpony, but he also had an autumn orange coat with a deep red mane and tail. Satisfied, and partially relieved on unbeknownst behalf of the Earthpony stallion, Crimson then started trotting off to the beach. With Covet and Stardew following closely behind. Towels following behind as Crimson levitated them in the air next to him, with Crimson chirping out “Roi’t then! Off the the b’ech!”. Salt staying at the reception and waving at them as most of the guards that had followed prior started to enter and check themselves into the remaining two buildings the hotel had. Given the three royal Alicorns were staying there, security had to be tight after all.
Heading back outside into the sun, Covet was relieved to see that some guards were blocking the way to the hotel. Sighing in relief and immediately galloping toward the ocean. His flannel shirt and sunglasses immediately being thrown backward toward Crimson. Stardew seemingly also seemed relieved, although it was lesser. Galloping away to the ocean just like Covet, although notably slower and actually having the decency to hand his father his shirt and sun visor with Crimson tutting and using his magic to pick up Covet’s clothes. Making a small pile on one of the towels he had, unwrapping it and placing it on the ground. Crimson had already decided to hang back and just set his towel down on the sand once he managed to get to the beach. Laying the key from the hotel down with the clothes. Guards coming out of the hotel a few moments later to keep access to the beach limited, with some swapping with the guards on the road so that those guards could check in themselves. With a splash, Crimson watched Covet fly up into the air, before cannonballing himself into the cool blue waters. Whilst watching Stardew a moment later slowly slide in. Thankfully for him, he was far enough away from the ocean to not get splashed when Covet cannonballed. But he still jumped somewhat. He wasn’t a huge fan of the ocean whatsoever. He more-so loved the sunshine and warm weather compared to the cool waters surrounding the islands he ruled over. In a mere moment, he took off his clothing, laid on his stomach (with his back facing the sky) and unfurled his wings so he could catch as many rays as possible.
Meanwhile, in the oceans, the two younger Alicorns began to enjoy the deep blue. Keeping to themselves at first, until Covet accidentally splashed Stardew whilst swimming past him. Stardew took this as an invitation, since he used his magic to gather a large mass of water. To which, he then dumped it all over Covet as his head became drenched. Covet returned this in kind as the pair began playfully launching water-bombs of sorts at each other. With Stardew being able to make much bigger water-bombs than Covet given his magic was greater than Covet’s. But Covet still put up a good fight. In the end, both were practically soaking wet. From head to hoof; quite literally. It was at this point that Stardew then suggested something. On a whim, he asked “Yeh wanna rayc’?” as Covet looked slightly intrigued. “From where to where? I’ll put your in your place any day” Covet then asked back, with some attitude inserted into his question. Stardew chuckled slightly as he pointed to one end of the shoreline, to the other. Without any hesitation after Stardew pointed, Covet sped off, eager to win. Stardew didn’t rush, however. Instead, he used his magic to charge the wind behind him. It took a moment or so, but just as Covet reached the first end of the shoreline, Stardew came blazing past. Almost becoming one with the winds themselves. Covet was awestruck as he watched his brother speed off past him and in desperation, he began swimming as fast as he could.
With the pair of young Alicorns swimming laps across the ocean from one end of the coast to another however, they didn’t really notice that there was something wrong. For the first few laps, Covet and Stardew managed to keep relatively close to the shoreline. But the more laps that had passed, the longer it seemed to take to complete the laps. It took so long by the end, that Stardew’s wind boost that he had given himself had all but faded. With him looking toward the shoreline as he let out a gasp. Knowing what had happened. “Coveh’, oi think wey shuhd ‘ehd back befoh we toih of exhaustiahn ‘n drahn” he then said, with Covet eyerolling. “We can swim back at any point! Stop worrying!” Covet then retorted. However, Stardew was having none of what Covet was about to throw out, since he tried to use his magic to lift Covet out of the water. Covet immediately breaking free in anger. “We don’t need to head back!” Covet shouted, with his wings flapping in the air as a result of his anger. “Buh’ it’s a Rip-Toid’ Coveh’! Yeh know wha’ ‘appens teh ponies tha’ stay tew long in a Rip-Toid!” Stardew snapped back. With the pair of them entering a heated argument. What was unknown to the pair of them, however, was that someone was slowly surfacing from the depths. Their hollow, eyeless face eyeing the pair as a spectral smoke came from the place where their eye sockets should’ve been. Their deep purple mane and cracked horn poking out along with their eyes.
Without warning, they launched a quiet, and sly spell. With a faded orange beam hitting Covet as he fell into the water with a yelp. After witnessing him splash back into the waters, the attacker quickly sunk back into the depths. A small speckle of glimmering magenta light residing where they were very briefly before fading. Stardew darted his eyes in the direction of where the beam was launched, but by the time he turned his attention to the attacker, they had long disappeared. Only seeing the glimmering light very slightly before it disappeared. Covet, thankfully, managed to get to the surface. Trying to get back in the air before realising what had just happened. “M-my wings…!” he shouted out as he looked at them. Frantically, he tried to unfurl them to flap into the air. However, they remained folded. No matter what he tried. He almost sunk back into the ocean from the attempt's multiple times, before Stardew used his magic to get him out of the ocean. Both of them trying to yank Covet’s wings to see if they would unfurl. Covet even tried to use his own magic to unfurl them, only to find out that his magic had seemingly been locked off. As in, it was no longer working for him. Every time, he tried, he felt his horn almost short circuit. Much to his dismay and upset.
“M-maybe dad’ll know wha’ teh dew” Stardew then said a few moments later. With him taking both himself and Covet to the shoreline. Which, in itself given the distance, took a few moments. When they got to the shoreline, Covet was plopped gently on the shore, with him then galloping over to Crimson. Stardew following right behind. Crimson got up slowly as he heard the pair galloping toward him. The sand making it hard to not be noticed as the water they’d swum in mixed with the sand. Almost making a squelch sound with each hoof step they took. It was uncomfortable to hear for Crimson, so he threw Stardew and Covet’s towels at them. Expecting the pair to catch their towels. One did, but one simply had to let it flop in his face. Scowling at Stardew momentarily as Stardew nervously chuckled. Before picking it up for him and laying their towels out. Covet meanwhile, got to the point before Crimson could make even one singular joke.
“My magic’s gone, and my wings are paralysed in one position!” Covet screamed out in a panic. Stardew quickly trying to get him to quieten down as some guards looked at the three Alicorns in curiosity. Thankfully, Covet wasn’t so loud that the guards heard everything, but it piqued their interest enough. Crimson simply looked puzzled. He’d been soaking in the sun and hadn’t heard anything from the oceans. Say for the faint splashing that the two Alicorns made when they rushed into the ocean. “We thoh’ tha’ maybe yew cuhd fix eh’” Stardew then said, with Covet looking at his father with immense desperation and concern. Crimson however, seemed to shrug at first. Not really being concerned until he used his magic to try and unfurl his wings. For a few moments, Covet felt like his body was being stretched. Pain bubbling up as Crimson seemed to nearly pluck them straight off. With Covet shouting “stop!”, which garnered some of the guards to look in their direction.
“Oi’l Admih’, This ain’ no spell oi’m famihliah with” Crimson then finally said to the two younger Alicorns. There was a certain curiosity in his voice. One that he’d never really displayed before. To him, this was the first truly new thing he could dive right into revolving around magic and such for the first time in one thousand years. Although, he’d have to wait to properly try and break the spell. His priorities immediately shifted. Picking up the golden key, and the other things he’d left on the beach, Crimson started trotting toward the hotel. With Covet and Stardew exchanging glances at one another. Covet’s expressions being that of worry, whilst Stardew’s being that of mild concern. He was relieved deep down, to know that his brother was at least alright; beside the wing and magic issue.
It only took about five minutes to properly reach their hotel building. But by this time, the sun had shifted into the late afternoon. It wasn’t quite sunset, but it was nearing that time of day. Seemingly, only Stardew really took note. Muttering “Can’ belayv’ we weh eh’ tha’ long”, which made Covet’s head turn toward Stardew. Asking “What’d you say?” before Stardew simply responded with “Nuffin’” as Crimson opened the beige doors of their building with the golden key. Guards now also following suit and stationing themselves around and patrolling. There were some guards already doing this, but now that the three Alicorns were in their hotel building proper, the guards turned their attention toward the main hotel area. With a few still stationed at the front, on the street.
Inside the hotel building itself, sat a ground floor and a first floor. The stairs to the first floor seeming almost rustic. With their deep oak shade and wood railing. On the floor, a nice and soft carpet laid. On the ceiling, a rather basic light hung. With an off-white drum shade covering it. There were no fancy patterns on the ceiling lampshade, instead it was simply one colour. It wasn’t as if it had to be, but Covet thought that maybe a basic stripe or two in a contrasting colour wouldn’t have hurt to have added. Heading to the deep brown linen sofa, both Covet and Stardew plopped themselves down and sat on it. With Crimson taking the adjacent armchair. Then placing the golden key on the dark oak coffee table infront of the three. Whilst placing the towels and clothes over on a corner table which was made of the same dark oak that the coffee table was made of. With a floor lamp rising above it like a tower. The metal offering a slightly jarring contrast to the room. Although, there wasn’t really much more to comment on in the room itself. Say for the flatscreen television hung on the wall. Which Stardew quickly flicked on with the remote he managed to rescue from the aforementioned end table; before Crimson could break it by dumping wet clothes on it (blame Covet for that!).
On the television screen, that Stardew decided to on, a news report was playing. Crimson seeming largely disinterested in its topic. Whilst Covet and Stardew listened with curiosity. It was about a band they liked. One that they’d worked with when Alifests were a thing a few years back, and one that Covet in particular had a sort of friendship with. The name of the band being Start ‘N Sax. The band appearing onscreen for an interview. Start ‘N Sax was comprised of two members specifically. Much like Covet and Stardew’s own duo. Which they named Drop of Light. In Start ‘N Sax two Pegasi composed the music. The group’s music sounding like chiptune rock with jazz fused in with it. Their hit song this year seemed to undoubtedly be Sink ‘er ‘N Swim ft. Rough Tide. All their music incorporating the middle letter on it’s own to stay true to their bands namesake. In particular, Covet recalled two they used to play very often during Wave Racing matches. Sax ‘N Go, and Rush ‘N Race. They were still used, but given the extra eight songs they had made, alongside the two other prominent bands Waveplay and Coarse Crew, those particular songs were featured less and less.
In terms of Start ‘N Sax, the two pegasi were different in size. There was the rather slim, but tall stallion called Saxbit, and then the small and chubby mare called Polygon Phonic. The stallion had a rather messy mane, with an unkept tail. Both being purple to black in their gradient. Something that was magically kept in check. Whilst the mare had an almost unnaturally long magenta mane and tail. Secretly, the mane and tail had fixed extensions. But it still looked neat to most in Manestralia. Her eyes differed from her co-member though, with thick eyeliner making her look like she was consistently crying. She liked the aesthetic, but her co-member didn’t. Though, he was able to mix her love of the aesthetic into a few of their songs. Notably Broke ‘N Screen; which was a more melancholy sounding piece compared to every other song; and was her favourite.
On the television, a unicorn reporter stood next to the pair, where they were situated in a lounge of sorts. The interviewer being a mare with a pink mane and tail that was tied back into two twin ponytails, that contrasted well with her grey coat colour. It let her pink mane and tail be that much more vibrant in colour. Her outfit being all white and her microphone being blue and having a large four on it. Her first question in the interview coming out after her introduction. She asked “I’s grea’ teh have yew both ‘ere! Firs’, oi HAVE tah ask wha’ eh’ wus loik wuhkin’ on thih’s nu’ song! Oi mean, ih’ must’uhv been grea’, roigh’?” in an intrigued tone. Reminiscent of Covet and Stardew’s own curiosity. That’s when Saxbit spoke, responding with “Yeh, I’ wuz! Ih’ tewk ah long toim teh troi ‘n foind suhmfin’ new, bu’ afteh speakin’ with Ruf’ Toide ovah ah’ Woyveploy, we mahn’gd teh incohpohrayt the’h stah’ff inteh ah’s!” with Polygon adding on “Yeh, Ruf’ wuz greyh’! ‘Ey’s sah’ch ah softey! Don’ le’ ‘is naym’ ge’ yeh sceh’d! Ey’s ree’ly poloi’ ‘n noyc’! We can’ wai’ teh ‘ave eh play ah’ the Maynstrayl’an Wayv’ Raycin’ National Tuh’ney this ye’a!”.
Covet thought about that last part. The Manestralian Wave Racing National Tournament. Specifically, the one-hundredth and forty-sixth. He recalled the one he and Stardew competed in. On the Manestralian national leader boards, they were both in the top one-hundred. Covet being ranked thirteenth place and Stardew being ranked twenty-eighth overall. They did come relatively close to winning that year. But the reigning champion Harmonial Tide swept them both up in the end. They both came in a pitiful fifth and sixth place out of six racers. Bringing down their team, which had the third best ranked competitor Blossoming Nova. Ironically, the second of four Waveplay members. Although she’d stop racing after that one. Sticking strictly to music. Stardew blamed himself and Covet for that one. But Covet simply chocked it up to her being a sore loser.
When the reporter began asking the next question about possible upcoming projects, Crimson simply said “Oi’m gunna geh’ ah sew’caysis” as he trotted upstairs. Covet barely nodding in acknowledgement and Stardew using his wing to wave his father off as he trotted upstairs. With the pair being able to listen to Saxbit answer. With him saying “Well, with ‘eh cohrahnayshun ah Drop ah Loit’s Cahvet, we weh’h hopin’ tha’ they’d leh’ us pehfohm feh ‘im. Bu’, i’s tew infohmal… Appah’en’ly. So, we wan’ed teh collabahrate with Drop ah Loit’s Stahdew instead! If ‘ey’s intehrehst’d ah cohs’!” as Covet looked away somewhat in displeasure. Stardew, noticing this, seemed to be stumped as for what to say. He wanted to try and cheer him up, but everytime he thought of the start of a sentence, the rest wouldn’t follow. The moment only lasted a short while however, as a couple of minutes later, a loud shouting was heard upstairs. Directed at Covet. Simply shouting one sentence.
“COVEH’ DAWNDROP. IF YEH DON’ GEH’ YEH FLANK UP ‘ERE ROI’T NEH AN’ EXPLAIN WHY YEH ‘AVE ONE AH MY BOOKS WITH YEH. FRUHM MY PRIVA’ STUDY AH ALL PLAYC’S…”
The silence from downstairs Alicorns was deafening. Covet’s book was found. Although, he didn’t realistically know how he was going to keep it hidden given his magic was gone. He was simply going to keep it buried under his things until he got some time to himself. Come to think of it, maybe he should’ve done that from the start. Still, he got off the sofa with some hesitation, before trotting upstairs a moment later. He was intimidated to say the least when he got upstairs and saw his father’s viscerally furious face. Slowly, and lightly trotting properly to his father as he lowered his head slightly. Crimson wasted no time as he simply said “Explain” in a scarily calm, but equally as angry tone. Covet started stuttering as he responded. With him nervously laughing whilst responding with “O-oh! Musta A-accidentally fallen in!” as Crimson’s eyes twitched slightly. “Oh ih’ JUS’ fell in? Tha’ is the bigges’ buckin’ loi an’ yew know ih’ boyo” Crimson then responded, slightly raising his voice to normal as Covet seemed lost for words.
Crimson then sighed, putting the book away in his own suitcase as he continued to speak to Covet. “Hones’ly, yeh need tah stop wastin’ yeh toim on Fairies. They don’ exis’-“ but before Crimson could continue, Covet had the foolish idea to interrupt and ask a question. “If Fairies don’t exist, why is your entire study filled with literature, history and more on these so-called non-existent creatures?!”. This set Crimson off once more, as he shouted out “IF YEH’D BUCKIN’ LE’ ME FINISH YEH WASHED UP BUFFOON!” which silenced Covet for a few moments. Enough for Crimson to make his point once again. “As oi wuz SAYIN’, yeh always waste yeh toim lewkin’ inteh Fairies. Ih’s takin’ away fruhm yeh toim tha’ yeh need teh use teh geh’ used teh yah role as king! It’s all nonsense!” he then finished. Making Covet frown and almost stand off against his father. Firm in whatever stance he had. Although Crimson was unmoving, making the standoff feel like an inextinguishable firestorm fighting with an eternal hurricane of silent fighting.
Downstairs, Stardew had heard everything. The hotel building wasn’t big, after all. In a sigh, he turned off the television and headed up the stairs. Seeing the stand-off and groaning a little. Which made Crimson shoot his eyes in Stardew’s direction. Stardew took a deep breath, before attempting to mediate the situation. “Coveh’, pahps ‘s roit. Bu’ pahps, Shuhly yew cuhd-“ is what Stardew started off with, in a rather calm tone. Until Crimson interjected. With him sternly saying “Yew stay ahtta ih’” which made Stardew frown, before stopping himself from retaliating like Covet would. It took about a moment for anything else to happen, at which point Crimson shooed Covet and Stardew back downstairs. Covet being more resistant but ultimately going along with it. Once Crimson had shooed the pair downstairs, he headed back upstairs. With the pair slightly confused until Crimson came down a few moments later. Throwing two smart shirts in the direction of Covet and Stardew. One deep blue and one pale pink.
“Pu’ ‘em on. Oi ain’ abah’ teh ‘ave the pair ah yeh go ah’ undres’d” Crimson then said. Stardew catching both shirts just before one of them slapped Covet in the face. That was when Crimson remembered Covet’s situation. “Ah, roit. We’ll ge’ tha’ sor’uhd when we geh back teh the cas’l” Crimson then said, trying to cheer Covet up; who looked miserable at this point given the conversation from beforehand added onto the incident in the ocean. It didn’t help though, with Crimson seemingly standing awkwardly before heading back upstairs to get his own shirt. Stardew putting his on and helping Covet on given the fact he’d temporarily unfurl his wings usually for shirts; but couldn’t do so given the current predicament. Once both of their shirts were on, Crimson came down with his own on. A very dark red one in particular. Seeing that Covet and Stardew had put on their shirts, Crimson grabbed the key on the coffee table and headed off. Covet and Stardew following right on after. All three trotting out of the hotel with guards following behind and going ahead just in time for them to witness the first parts of sunset on their way to a nearby restaurant. Covet stared at it for a moment as he simply took in the moment. Despite what had happened earlier that day, he still managed to appreciate the sun setting. It was a joy to watch anywhere near the coasts after all. “Stardew, if we have another Alifest I want it to be Sunset versus Sunrise. Got that?” Covet then said, turning toward Stardew. Stardew seemed surprised, replying with “Oi thogh’ we end’d ‘em with the one whe’h we wen’ agains’ eachothah. Annahncin’ ANAHTHAH one? The whole con’inen’ll geh confus’d!” as he thought of the possible consequences. “But surely we could bring it up to the others? Sax and Polygon perhaps? They’d make-“ but before Covet could finish, Stardew simply said one word. “No”. which made Covet eyeroll and stop the conversation. Sulking the rest of the way to where they were headed.
Crimson, who’d been hearing the exchange and who was infront of the two at this time, smiled to himself. His little idea of them spending time together did seem to pay off. He wanted to agree with Covet, since Covet seemed excited and interested in doing another. But then he thought of Stardew’s counterpoint. Added in with the fact that Covet was to become King in a month’s time, and Crimson dismissed any encouragement at all. Covet had to get used to his role before anything else. He needed to be a King; not a singer, or an idol. Still, he hoped that maybe the pair wouldn’t completely abandon activities together.
By the time Covet had finished sulking, the three had made their way fully to the restaurant they were headed to. The sun having set fully at this point and the night sky showing the loose bundle of stars in the sky. The guards that followed behind stationing themselves around the restaurant that Covet saw was named the Trott N' Roll, as the three entered. With the inside of the establishment having a very overwhelming deep red and gold theme. The tables and chairs using both colours and contrasting well with one another. The chairs being red, with the tablecloth that was presented being white and gold. The walls were a mix of red, with white indents that made a pattern of sorts. Curtains being gold. The lights hanging above were few, but looked stunning. Chandeliers of crystal that expelled an orange-gold colour that made the place feel comfortably warm; even with the red and gold already being there.
After a moment of looking around, the three were greeted by a unicorn waitress. Her coat colour being lilac coloured. With a mane and tail that were neatly tied back into a manebun and tailbun. On her body, she wore a tuxedo. With a bowtie and white shirt underneath. With a nametag showing her name to be Delicate Detail. Upon greeting them, she said “Welcome yeh majahstois! Plays’, follow me. I’ll get yeh tew the taybl yeh resehv’d” as Covet seemed slightly more enthusiastic at the fact a Unicorn was showing them to their table. Stardew scoffing at Covet’s enthusiasm as he looked around. With Crimson ultimately trotting forward to ask Delicate a simple question. “Ha’ ma’hch orahnj’ ‘n app’l whiskay can oi ohdeh befoh oi’m kicked out? This playc is new ‘n awl”. With Delicate seeming surprised at first, but masking it with a smile. “Oh don’ wo’ray abah’ tha’! As long as yew can control yeh’self yeh can ‘ave as much as yew loik yeh majahstoy!” she then replied, making Crimson very eager to get straight to the dining as he then looked at her as he replied to her response with a “Geh mey ah beeg, BEEG boh’l ah the stahf. Oi want some feh when oi geh back teh the hotel ‘s well!”
Covet frowned at this slightly, Stardew seeming slightly concerned himself as he asked “Ah yeh shu’h tha’s a gewd oidea?” as Crimson eyerolled. Crimson then turning around vaguely as he then asked “If yeh wahn’ed the troi sahm yeh cewda jus’ asked”. Covet snickered at this, with Stardew glaring at him in annoyance for a second before he brought up what he thought was a very valid point. “Yeh lewz yehself when yeh drink. Remembeh las’ toim?” he then asked after he stated what he intended to state. The last time being a fairly long time ago. Back when Covet and Stardew had entered their teenage years. Crimson was still mourning at that point. His wife had been dead for a number of years. Recalling this made Crimson frown. Before saying “Oi’ll modeh-ray’ Moyself” as Stardew sighed. Praying in his mind that Crimson did. Covet simply saying aloud “Oh come on. Surely you can let yourself go over your self-imposed limit for a few hours?” as Stardew glared with some anger this time. Stomping down on Covet’s forehoof with some firmness. Moreso to tell him to cut it out rather than to hurt him. But it did hurt slightly. As Covet yelped slightly and shook his hoof in the air. Seeming angry at Stardew as the pair almost entered a standoff. Before they both looked at Crimson, who seemed to be awaiting the moment to jump in and stop them when they would try and fight eachother.
“Oh, yeh both came tew yeh senses befo’h oi had teh smack yeh both outta ih’” he then remaked, vaguely relieved as he, along with the other two, made their way to their table. With Delicate’s help of course. Delicate then trotting off to attend to a family of rich ponies after saying “Jus’ lemme know when yeh’ve decoid’d wha’ the ohdah!”. Sitting down, Stardew used his magic to subtly give Covet his own menu, Covet swiping it without even saying thank you. Crimson noticed this, frowning as he then said “Yeh know, yeh cewd benefi’ fruhm bein’ noice”. Covet simply glared as Stardew and Crimson then eyed eachother. Both mutually seeming slightly annoyed, but keeping themselves together. Simply gazing upon the menu to decide what they wanted to order. Covet asking one last question in intense annoyance, glaring at the family who’d also come in for a moment. “I thought you booked this place out JUST for us. What’re they doing here…”. Crimson frowned as he stared sternly this time. Simply saying “Doan’ be rewd” as Delicate came over with the Orange and Apple Whiskey. Grabbing it and thanking her as he was also handed three glasses. They were square, and small. Instinctively pouring some for Covet and Stardew, but frowning when both of them rejected it. Covet sliding it back over as Stardew simply said “Thanks, bah no thanks”.
This refusal didn’t really bother Crimson, as one might’ve expected. Himself simply muttering out “Mo’ah feh muh’ey” as he started drinking from his own glass. Keeping the other two close as the dining continued. Properly kicking off once they’d ordered their food. Digging in as the restaurant filled up with two more families. Covet seeming to hate it. But ultimately focusing on his meal as he dug in. It was a fine dish. The dish being a stuffed salmon, various delectable things such as fine, grated garlic and cheese dripping out of the salmon that smelled absolutely divine with the lemon that was drizzled over it. With some salt lightly sprinkled over very strictly. Covet’s mouth oozing with some delight as he dug in. Despite looking improper, Covet enjoyed every bite he took. With Stardew giving him a bombastic side eye as he received his own version of the dish. But he’d requested the salmon to be replaced with a barramundi. Both fish being found around the coastlines of the northern island they came from.
Whilst Covet had waffled his down, Stardew was refined. Using the cutlery he had to finely cut the fish up into slices. Eating one bite, before he moved onto his plans for the future. Mainly about one thing he had in mind. Clearing his throat as both Crimson and Covet looked in his direction (Crimson still drinking), Stardew then spoke. “Afteh the Alifest’s, oi wuz asked teh joyn the raydeah an’ stah’ moy own raydeah show. Oi wuz gunna cawl ih Stahdew’s Sahnseh’ ‘ah”. The name being Stardew’s Sunset Hour made Covet snicker to himself as Crimson noticed, the whiskey hitting him slightly as he simply replied with “Oi think ih’s good” as he seemed to lack any food. Stardew seeming concerned as he seemed to point it out in his stare. Crimson noticing, but dismissing it. With Covet then replying to Stardew as he finally gathered his thoughts. However stupid he felt it was. “I find it ridiculous. You’re going to spend your life on some silly radio show? Absolutely preposterous” Covet then muttered out. Causing Stardew to frown.
Ih’s MOY sha’h. No’ yehs”. Stardew firmly said, defending his future idea as Covet simply turned away with a sly grin. He knew that would upset Stardew slightly. Not caring about whatever Stardew had planned. Instead, he basked in his own future. That being the Second King of Manestralia. His mind delving into thoughts of admiration and vanity as the three, or rather just Stardew and Covet, continued dining. The dinner ending an hour later as they left. Crimson holding onto the bottle of whiskey as he seemed to slump in his trotting. Clearly having downed too much of it like Stardew feared. Carefully, both Covet and Stardew guided him back to the hotel, with guards following as they began to start their nightly patrol around the hotel. Being able to lump him into his bedroom and making sure he managed to get in bed. With Crimson giggling to himself as he slurred out a “Oi lahv yew both” with a drunken smile before both younger alicorns parted ways for the night, albeit with an awkward stare. With Covet wandering off to quietly trot outside. Stardew keeping an eye on him very slightly as he watched him from his own room’s small balcony.
A few moments passed as Covet simply sat down. He’d headed slightly further away than he wanted to. Knowing Stardew was watching as he could sense him watching him. Annoyed, but ultimately feeling introspective. He’d longed for the crown. Moreso than anything. But there was a slight air of fearing loss. Specifically, the loss of his immature life. The life filled with stage presence. With connection. With his cousin. Perhaps that’s why he found Stardew’s little project stupid. Alongside Stardew’s apparent dismissal of the continuation of the Alifest’s they ran together. It pained him, to know that Stardew was so ignorant to them nowadays. Wanting to leave them in the past. Alifest’s had been the most fun he’d had in his life! The platforms he and Stardew performed on as it followed the racers intensely. Their singing, motivating their teams with their common lyrics. Recounting them, he hummed out the beginning. Mimicking the static before he tapped his hoof to the rhythm.
“One, more night, awaits.”
“Waves beckon you to fight, and win, you need to grasp the stakes.”
“The sea, the sky, all stirring with the vision we hold dear in our hearts as the power courses on to show the way.”
sung it in a quiet tone. Trying to keep the energy up, but that particular song required true passion. Something he just couldn’t muster without Stardew. If he just had him there, even just in a recording or something simple as that, he could’ve sung the rest. But his voice dropped off at the last word. Unable to complete their Fae Spell as his face seemed to long for those days once again. Trapped in the past. Stardew meanwhile, heard this very slightly and seemed to feel the same, longing for those times. But instead of being trapped in the past, he yearned for change. For them to let go of those times as he began to mumble out his own tune. One he’d written all by himself. His signature song that he’d comprised for the final Alifest. Hues of a Blued Sunrise. Carefully, and slowly, timing his own taps on the floor as he sung out quietly.
“Who cewda seen the tuhbulence, moy hah’t aches foh yew.”
“Na’ we stan’, so fah apah’t. Ih’ makes the aching gleh’ all tew true.”
“Togetheh, ah loits ‘ave tuhn’d dim, as I send out a mehlonchohly plea.”
“Oh what cewda been? Oi guess oi’ll nevah see...”
that was all he could muster as he stopped himself. Feeling the saddened emotions tugging at his own heart as he looked down at Covet. Deciding to call it a night as he retreated. Deep down, he missed those Alifests and the songs they made. He hoped that they could’ve continued that venture. But life, and their father, had other plans. Remembering their fragile, but strong relationship that the pair had spent years rebuilding, collapsing as he realized (and had realized for a while) that his own upset had partially caused that collapse. Also acknowledging Covet’s attitude as being a component as he simply tucked himself in his own bed. Trying to forget that time as he sunk into his own dreams.
Unbeknownst to the pair however, two figures bitterly stared at the scene before them. Far above, ontop of the lighthouse that loomed over the hotel site. One seemed slightly taller than the other. Reflecting his own slightly older age as the moon shone down on them. One seemed to be a deepish blue. With a deep, dark blue mane that naturally seemed frozen in an eternal wave. With the younger of the two seeming to be a lavender pony. With features that resembled Covet immensely. Truthfully, both of them seemed to be similar to Covet in their manes and tails. Although the lavender one had a messier type of mane. With three colours. Those being deep, greyed purple, grey and a more vibrant purple. Both seeming annoyed at the display as the older one sneered.
“To think, he’s so sentimental…” the older one then said, mockingly. As if to make fun of the two brothers’ distant and fractured relationship. Magically being able to hear both of them with a simple eavesdropping spell. The younger one meanwhile, looked away. Out of a slight longing of his own as the older then turned his attention to him. “Oh stop being so sad. You were the one who requested we waited. What was it if I recall? ‘Surely he can at least become a full-fledged stallion before we kill him?’ I remember the beating you received for even THINKING of that. Although I’m surprised your request was… Granted”. The older one then snapped. His expression both mocking when recalling the younger one’s words, and annoyed with how hard the younger one seemed to be taking things.
The younger one looked back, simply glaring for a moment before seeing the older one seem to lose his patience. “At least I have some mercy. You seem to lack any. The one weakness of you. Impatience and a lack of understanding” the younger one then snapped back, with an equal amount of annoyance as the older one seemed to flicker in his expression with anger. Although, he eventually conceded. Simply saying “If it weren’t for that Crimson… He would’ve been ours. You don’t think I’m not upset about that? And that ‘brother’ of his? Goodness, it’ll be a treat to have him in eternal sorrow and grief. It’d be a mercy to snuff Bounded’s life out, surely you can see that?” he then asked the younger one. With some concern subtly making itself known. The younger one sighing, as he simply stared down at Covet. His eyes yearning to speak to him. To connect with him. If only Crimson hadn’t intervened and just let the three of them…
No, Crimson had intervened. There was no point in dwelling on the mistakes that were made. Growing distant as he shook his head and looked up to the older one, saying “I can see it. But, Arcane, you and I both want him back. Why, oh why did things have to turn out like this?” as his eyes seemed to reflect sadness. The older one, being Arcane, sighed as he seemed to also feel some sadness. Something akin to a melancholic distance as he then spoke again. “Listen, Dallasite, you know why we have to do this. Bounded’s fate was sealed by Crimson. We mourn the loss. But we relish in sweet revenge. Knowing that Crimson will feel the pain we have. The anguish we felt and the sorrow we’ve kept hidden until Bounded’s supposed coronation. This is mercy on Bounded. To let him grow up like you wanted, and to let him live for as long as he has… That’s enough torturous and deceitful false living for him”. Under Arcane’s words, bitterness and hatred surfaced. But it was mixed with the anguish and pain he had spoke about. Looking away as he took another deep breath in, before sighing.
Dallasite took in every word as he eventually nodded in agreeance. Knowing that Bounded, or at least who they presumed Bounded was, had far been removed from them both. A tear forming, before he brushed it off with his wing. His turquoise eyes glistening in the moonlight. Arcane then got up a moment later. Simply muttering “We should make our way back. Wouldn’t want to upset him” as he coldly unfurled his wings. A few scars being evident from some kind of battle it seemed. As Dallasite also got up. His own body also held scars of some unseen violence. But his were less so. Unfurling his own wings as he thought about Stardew for a second. Bitterly saying “When I get my hooves on that supposed ‘brother’ of his, he’ll feel everything”. As Arcane smirked, knowing that Dallasite wouldn’t hesitate to kill Stardew when the time came; although he didn’t know that Dallasite had other plans. With a final glance, the pair flew off. The night ending as Covet retreated to his own room that he shared with Stardew. Staring and frowning. Before he tucked himself in bed for the night. Although, he had some trouble. Given his magic was locked. He usually used his magic to sink into bed, but he had to resort to common ways. Something he didn’t like as he let himself glaze over into his dreams. Unaware of the things to come that would change his life…
Forever.