SOMBER: Outlands

Chapter 1

The stars above me twinkled one after another as I lie on my back, surrounded by the only small patch of grass out here.

Past that, all that I could see was dirt, rocks, and hills spread out in every direction.

I let out a gentle sigh and pulled my small blanket over my body, shivering as a chilly breeze blew against me. The covers only barely covered my body.

This was my fault. Even I knew it, but what else was I supposed to do? The Blade of Fate wouldn't be powerful enough to protect our kingdom, nor do I believe Arim would ever be ready
to wield its full potential.

I rolled onto my side, my thoughts going to him. What is he going to think when he finds out I've been banished? I hope he's not reckless enough to try tracking me down. I slowly closed my eyes, ignoring the wind as I think back to him— his goofy little grin.
Gods, I miss him. I would do anything to feel the warmth of his presence again.

For hours, I just lay there, thinking back to the life I once had until I ultimately realized I wasn't going to be sleeping tonight. Slowly, I got up and packed all my things, beginning my long walk towards the nearest city.

Fortunately, my sisters weren't uncivilized enough to neglect to give me a map of what they had charted. Having looked over it myself, I knew there would be a city several miles away that I could stop at and rest, but I knew if I wasn't careful out here, bandits were certain to notice me. I am an alicorn, after all.

I swiftly pull out my cloak and slide it one, pulling my hood over my head and horn before continuing my walk further into the night.

Hours of trotting later, I gradually happened upon a cliff which towered over me, casting a deep shadow across my body and the area around me. By the time I had arrived, the sun had just started to rise over the hills, bathing everything in a powerful light.

All except that which lay behind this cliff.

Slowly, I started making my way along its edge, keeping close to the shadows before coming across a gaping trail that leads deep into the cliff. Tentatively, I trotted down the trail, seeing bushes, flowers, and even trees started to appear at the trail's edge as I moved further in.

Eventually, after a long walk, the trail opened up into a large clearing, littered with plant life of all kind— an oasis.

My eyes went wide at the site.

On the other end of the oasis, I could see a large river with waterfalls at its end.

Without hesitation, I galloped for the water, skidding just before it and dropping my saddlebag and cloak then leaping in, bathing myself it the cold, refreshing liquid.

"Oh yes, I needed this," I whispered to myself, diving then jumping back out of the water repeatedly.

After a few moments, I finally trotted my way out, shaking the water off before falling onto the ground with a loud thump.

"Looked refreshing, Princey." Griffan squawked, spawning and landing restfully on a nearby tree branch.

Rolling my eyes at the darkly colored bird, I then rest my head in the grass, taking a deep breath. I'm pretty sure I told him to stop appearing at random.

"Yeah, yeah, no need to throw shade through thought." Stretching out his wings, he then glided down by my side, before rest his body next to mine. "I got tired of staring at your imagination. Creativity can get tiring after a while." Gently, he nuzzled his beak against my side before completely relaxing against me. "Besides, now that we're banished, what reason would I have to hide?"

"You draw a lot of attention to us, of course," I retorted, wrapping my hoof around him and starting to scratch behind his neck with the other.

In response, he let out a very low purr. "Oh yeah, that's the spot!"

"but since we're completely alone right now, I don't see any reason to keep you all enclosed."

"Woah, wait! Please don't tell me that means big boy can join us!" He shot up above me, firmly flapping his wings in disapproval. "You and I both know that ain't a good idea!"

Closing my eyes, I gave him a sly wink, stretching my hooves out in all directions. "Wouldn't be fair if I didn't. What, are you afraid of getting snatched up by him?"

"Yes! Exactly that!" He glared down at me, slowly trying to distance himself.

"Well, you better start running, Griffon," I shouted, jumping up onto my hooves and taking a threatening step towards him. "because here they come." Just then, I let the dark energy inside me loose, letting my familiars flow out of me.

"'bout damn time, Somber!" Slithered Simon, flying out and landing in the grass before coiling up, giving me a nod. "I agree with Griffan, your imagination is fun for the first few times, but gods can it get repetitive."

"Shush!" I shot back.

"No need to be rude, Simon." Sitra purred, moving out from behind my forehoof before flicking her tail against it, now standing between my legs and licking her paw. "I rather fancy her imagination."

"Yeah, well you're quickly pleased!" Griffan landed and began perching on another branch, glaring again.

Sitra chucked, before gazing up at me. "Or maybe I just love seeing her little fantasies of romance? I've unquestionably been enjoying her engagement ideas with Arim."

I could feel my face burn like wildfire, before leveling a glare down at her, stepping out from over her.

She just smirked back up with her little pompous kitty teeth.

We all quickly stopped, listening as the leaves behind me cracked and rustled before Lio finally stepped up next to me.

Quickly, I turned to the lion, staring into his eyes. He simply stared back into mine, giving me a calming expression. I understand, friend. Don't let others get on my nerves for what I like.

A few moments later, he gently nodded, closing his eyes as he does, before turning to the river and slowly made his way over it in silence.

"Greeeeat, the buzzkill is here." Snarked Griffan, scoffing behind his wing.

"Hey, don't be rude!" Sitra, Simon and I said in unison, them both hissing afterward.

"Woah, Woah! Calm down, kitty!" Quickly he jumped up into the air before Sitra could suddenly pounce on him, now landing on the branch.

"What did I say about calling me kitty, bird!" Sitra tried again, only to get halfway up before falling back down.

"And what did I say about trying to pounce on me!"

"Both of you cut it out before I put you in timeout!" I shouted, giving them an impatient stare.

Perhaps next time, my princess. I wish to be alone for now.

I stopped, staring.

"Pff, whatever." Sitra sighed, sitting down on the branch with an annoyed humph. "You probably taste like dirt, anyway."

What do you mean you want to be alone?

"Uh, Somber?"

I simply do not desire to be surrounded by noise at this time. I do hope everyone enjoys themselves.

"Princess Somber?" Griffan suddenly landed on my head, bending over to look me in the eye. "Is something wrong?"

"Huh?" I blurted out, blinking the bird into focus. "Oh, uh, nothing. The big guy says he would rather stay inside for now."

"Well," Griffan sat back up, stretching his wings. "that's unusual of him."

"Yeah, well if he'd rather not join us, that's his choice." Sitra laid down gently before letting her legs hang off the edges of the branch.

"Well, I'm glad he won't be chasing me around." Griffan suddenly shot up off my head, knocking me back slightly before I managed to find my footing again to look up. "I'd rather stretch my wings at my own pace!" He shouted, quickly making his way further into the sky.

"Well, don't go too far!" I shouted back at him before sighing. Now that everyone is out and about, I should see about setting up some kind of camp for tonight.