The Tragedy of Noctem

Chapter Four: The Aftermath and Beforemath

Sounds of the nearby forest came into presence.

The rushing of water; tweeting of birds; leaves rustling.

Nyx perceived his consciousness...

The sounds of scratching wheat sung in his ears.. The smell of smoke... Drifted through the air...

Nyx's eyes slowly opened.

The sun had flooded the land with its beauty and grace. Not a cloud in the sky.

Nyx breathed out.

the world shifted into focus.

Nyx blinked.

he was laying on his back, looking toward the cloudless sky.

What a beautiful day...

The sounds of wrinkling paper filled Nyx's conscious. Nyx tilted his head. a parchment rolled up with the seal of a sun lied near him. Nyx started to reach for it but immediately gasped in pain.

My arm... shit... fucking shit that hurts...

His arm was an absolute mess. it laid there, useless, even a small piece of jagged bone stuck out. to make matters worse it seemed, his arm wasn't really, but instead looked like the leg of an animal... like a horse's...

fearing the worst for what was to come later, Nyx slightly twisted his body so he could reach with his right arm instead.

no fingers... oh this is going to be interesting...

Nyx dragged the parchment near him, and with the help of his mouth, he ripped off the seal.

'To Nyx the Great' it was addressed,

'Due to your exploits in our innocent kingdom and land besides, your punishment will be as follows: you are to embark in our land and help recreate and fix what you've destroyed. you will also be subject to UNDERSTANDING the consequences of your decisions and actions, by cooperating with my subjects, and learning from their suffering. I will also expect you to become knowledgeable with their ways, their communications, how they treat each other, the magic that they use, and the integrity that all my subjects share. My subjects have learned how to harness their magical abilities through their actions of giving, telling the truth, laughing, not to mention being kind, and especially being loyal to their beliefs. failure to learn this will result in YOUR failure to complete your side of our deal. Tartarus is always waiting in case you either fail or decide to rebuke my requirements. you are not required to make any friends, engage in any of their activities besides learning from your mistakes. then again, you may need to do some of the things "not required" in order to pass my test.

finally, I request that you write to me. I prefer the way of "Hotmail." if you are confused, go to the local library in the village. mention writing to me, and she'll take care of it. I think you will be amused by her methods of sending me the letters.

money clearly will be an issue, but since you are who you seem to be, no doubt you will have no care of how you obtain it. this is unacceptable, I will not under any circumstance, accept thievery. therefore, you must find other means of locating your foodstuff, drink, water, and other commodities (including writing the letters). I will visit from time to time to see how the regrowth is commencing. do not embarrass me with an unkempt appearance. if you have any questions, find ways to communicate with me.

Good luck Nyx. My deepest hopes you learn.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia