Centuries ago, we were a broken, scattered civilization. Countless wars had bled the oceans red between every known archipelago. Nopony knows what started the banal conflicts, or exactly what resources were being fought for, but in a time when the only way to live was by the spear, we very nearly reached our end with little to nothing to chronicle our bleak existence. That age turned all the more dire when the oceans froze over. A terrible winter bathed the seas, turning everything to ice. The sirens had nowhere to swim. The griffons, wyverns, and pegasi had nowhere to fly. The earth ponies and the unicorns were running out of food, and we sought out the last bastions of solid land for whatever sustenance could be afforded beneath the constant onslaught of cold.
It was in such a time, when extinction stalked us at every turn, that the Great Queen Verlaxion arrived. Our ancient forefathers wrote that it was as though she had emerged from the very blizzard itself, approaching us with outstretched hooves and offering us a shelter from the storm. She taught us the pointlessness of war, and she showed us how to live in harmony despite our various differences. What's more, Verlaxion gave us the written word—the very fulcrum of mature civilization. She taught us how to record and document the world around us, so that we might spot elements to exploit through the fine fissures in our otherwise murderous climate. That's how we discovered new forms of insulation, magic, and agricultural restoration. And only after the Six Tribes had united under her optimistic spirit of cooperation did the storm finally fade. But by then, we were ready to issue forth a new dawn for the cultures of Rohbredden.
And did Verlaxion demand our patronage? Did she issue a proclamation requiring our praise and exaltation? No. Like a caring, nurturing mother, she gave us the freedom and the liberty to make a rational choice for ourselves. Naturally, we chose to honor her for the salvation and encouragement that she salvaged our legacy with. We gave her a throne in the central mountains of Rohbredden, on the topmost seat of the world. She accepted it graciously, and she's validated our trust by governing our civilization ever since—but in a humble way, from afar, while simultaneously finding subtle ways to improve our nature, our elements, and our constitution for generation after generation. So long as we've maintained harmony, she's kept order and structure to the otherwise wild world, and even the seas bow to her majesty to this day.
“And never once has she sought to dominate or conquer the outlying colonies,” Theanim Mane said, adjusting the lens on his camera while sitting in the bobbing boat alongside Rainbow. A dozen or two meters away, the other canoe twirled in circles while Flare and Silver sought for signs of Ultimo. “Verlaxion is beyond mighty. Even the mountains answer to her breath.” He pointed towards the western horizon. “If she desired, in one fell swoop, she could bury Kihutaja and all of its neighboring archipelagos in a frozen wave of righteous wrath.”
“Uh huh,” Rainbow muttered, her eyes locked on the ocean.
“But that's not Verlaxion's way,” Theanim said, ears twitching. “She tolerates free thinking. Even if it is heretical.” He chuckled. “If the Kihutajans and other Colonialists like them wish to deny the Queen's glory day in and day out, so be it. They're simply robbing their own lives of the warmth and contentment of a proper understanding of the world that we live in.” He bore a bitter sweet smile. “I'm most certain she pities them... as I do. Ponies such as your companions, Sinrar and Nick.”
“Mmmhmmmm...” Rainbow continued staring into the seas.
Theanim arched an eyebrow at the mare. “Rohbredden has never harbored ill-will towards our distant kin. They're like long-lost foals, really. Their independence has made them strong, yes, but also arrogant. But must they continue to preach to us their... nihilistic view of this complex world? The sea's ice didn't melt so that we might freeze it all over again with heartlessness! Yes, it may truly be hard to wrap one's head around the concept of a being as powerful as Verlaxion, but science is a noble pursuit of both truth and enlightenment. And what can possibly be more enlightening than coming to understand the glorious nature of our Queen at work in the world around us?”
“Anything yet, Twilight?” Rainbow muttered, perhaps thinking that Theanim wouldn't hear her. “Mmmmff... well, keep looking... or sensing. Whatever.”
Theanim cleared his throat, leaning forward. “...has she ever issued you detailed catechisms for meritorious piety?”
Rainbow Dash flung him a twisted look. “Buh?”
Theanim smiled. “This 'Twilight' whom you're so keen on communing with?”
“What?! Pffft!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Twilight's no goddess—er... I mean... dang it.” Rainbow face-hoofed. “Grnnfff...” She glared off into the wavy horizon. “Pay me no mind.”
“It's hard not to,” Theanim said. “It's alright. I promise I won't judge. I'm simply curious. Is 'Twilight' a deity where you're from?”
“Uhhhh...”
“There are outlying archipelagos so remote across the ocean that their inhabitants attribute deification to the most remarkable of natural elements,” Theanim orated. “It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's written that the Queen Verlaxion finds flattery in such theologies, for they are inevitably tied to the immortal legend that carries her name—”
“Look, dude... no offense...” Rainbow groaned. “I'm trying to spear me a giant behemoth fish monster thingy. Your constant religion talk is a tad bit friggin' distracting.”
“Yeah!” Kaji spat, sharpening his spear. “Not to mention a total buzzkill, Thunker Meat!”
Theanim gave the Nealender a double-take. “Really?! You would label the topic as such?!”
“It's only because you complicate it so much with your blasted landwalker words!” Kaji growled. “The Queen of All Things gives us fish everyday!” He shrugged. “Simple as that! No need for such big whoop!”
“What he said,” Sora said, chuckling.
Theanim frowned. “Well, forgive me for contemplating the natural day to day realities of our struggle with the elements! She has blessed your lagoon with a piece of her frosted might! Surely that's a sign that Verlaxion matters in all facets of the Atoll!”
“Look, trust me, Ebo—er... I-I mean Theanim.” Rainbow groaned, then turned to face him with an exasperated expression. “I've trotted these circles before... and barely lived to tell about it.”
“Oh?” Theanim smiled. “Then by all means, Ms. Dash, do tell about it.”
“Yes!” Sora smirked. “This I wanna hear! Ultimo's certainly not blowing his hole anytime soon!”
“Hah!” Kaji barked.
Rainbow glanced to the side, as if a pony was occupying that space. At last, she muttered, “There was a place I once visited... a place even more remote than this Atoll. It was called 'Durandana,' and it was populated by a bunch of pegasi. They were... kinda like the ponies who live here, only they were waaaaaaaaay more into their religion... erm... no offense.”
“None taken,” Kaji said, smiling. “I've been known to skip prayers over morning fish.”
“Among other morning activities,” Sora muttered. “At least a proper musician knows to thank Verlaxion before tooting his horn.”
“Grrrghhh... I'm tossing you the first moment we spot Ultimo break the waves, brother.”
“You're on!”
Rainbow smirked, then continued, “Well, anyway, the Durandanans had their wholllle society built around this super detailed belief system. And, y'know, it was pretty schnazzy... except for one thing.”
“And what was that?” Theanim asked.
“I... uh...” Rainbow avoided his gaze. “...I-I sorta knew more about what they believed in. Like... I came from a place with a detailed history that proved that their entire faith was based on a gross misinterpretation of really basic facts. Like, if I wanted to, I could have systematically taken their creed apart, thread by thread, right before their very eyes.”
Theanim stared at her. He gulped and said, “What did you do?”
Rainbow leaned back with a solid expression. “I left them the way I found them.”
“You didn't attempt discrediting their theology?”
Rainbow shook her head.
“And why not, if I may ask?” Theanim gestured. “If your friend Sinrar was here, I'm certain he'd say you allowed these Durandanans to 'drown in ignorance.' Heh.”
Rainbow shook her head. “Oh, hardly, dude. I left them the Sword of Solstice so that they could communicate w—” She stopped in mid-sentence, grimacing. “Ahem... I left them something that would allow them to... uh... pursue other ways of embracing the world. But I chose to leave it at that. I had every reason to tear their belief systems to shreds. And in some ways, perhaps I kinda did. But I stopped before I went too far. At least, I like to think so.”
“Do I detect a hint of remorse in your voice?” Theanim said. “You strike me as a mare of integrity, Rainbow Dash. Surely if you were convinced of a righteous truth, you would have done your best to convince others of it.”
“The Durandanans have been living in harmony for years and years.” Rainbow shrugged. “Who am I to have bucked all of that to dust just because I believed differently?”
“Even if you're convinced they didn't believe in the truth?”
Rainbow stared squarely at Theanim. “We all live in ignorance, Mr. Mane.” She shrugged. “Even if we can prove everything scientifically, or if we've got the Goddess herself on our shoulders, we're all in this crazy world to learn more than what we're capable of... and what we're incapable of. Anyone who figures they've got it all figured out is either lying or demented or just really scared of being honest with herself.” She gulped. “I can tell you're chomping at the bit to have me figured out, dude. Well, get in line, cuz I'm trying to figure it out too. Whether it's Durandana... the Nealand Atoll... or Rohbredden, it's all just bumps along the ride. It so happens that this Ultimo is a really nasty bump and I'd very much like to smooth him out, ya feel me?”
Theanim gazed at her in silence, his muzzle agape.
“Ugh... see? This is why I hate talking for no reason.” She flapped her wings and took towards the air. “I'm gonna give the waves another flyby. You guys... er... do your 'whoop' thing if you see so much as a single scale. Okay?” Fwooosh! “Cool beans.”
...Hmm...years of discord, followed by sudden freezing and starvation, then everything suddenly fixing upon realizing Harmony...Durandana...
Forgive me if I may have misremembred a detail somewhere in the past chapters/book, but I have strong hunch that Windigoes are involved in this history somehow...
WELP.
Also, well said, Rainbow.
Cool beans.
Griffons wyverns, and sirens. That'll be interesting.
Also, am I the only one who thinks Verlax conjured up the giant blizzard, then took it away to become their savior? I mean, it's not like any other Matriarchs are conniving *cough*Axan*cough*
Wow. Rainbow is incredibly articulate. It's almost kind of alien, yet at the same time sensible. I mean, she's always been pragmatic, but I've never seen her explain herself so well before. Usually she's just like, "because it works". But this is a whole new level of "because it works".
I never expected her to butt heads with a philosopher so competently. I'm incredibly impressed.
And maybe a little turned on.
5990048 Yes, our first hint of the other three races.
I am detecting hints of the wendigoes.
So that answers the question of why Rainbow hasn't blabbed about Verlax, or at least why she hasn't felt the need to speak openly about what she knows. at some point it may come out, but when it does, it will probably be Verlax who reveals herself.
So it was Windigos. I still stand by what I said in the previous chapter on Verlax's endgame. If anything, even more so, now.
media.moddb.com/images/members/1/369/368475/llamas_with_commissar_hats_by_velgarn-d76wq37.jpg
5990052
Twenty five cents say Twilight was giving her tips while she was speaking.
5990052
Yes, well, perhaps Twilight has had a great deal more influence than just 'surprise! pocket ghost' on Rainbow Dash. Whether it's an emotional or psychological change, Twilight's appearance changed how she views the world. I mean-
Oh, well, nevermind.
I'd say you need Jesus, but I don't want Jesus anywhere near you. You'd get ideas.
Somewhere I saw the phrase "blue beans" used as the female equivalent of blue balls. (because ovaries look like beans?)
Now phrases like "cool beans" are ruined.
Well that answers my question.
Verlaxion is an Alicorn? A dragon+alicorn hybrid?
I dunno why, but I really like Rainbow's speech. :3
Pretty much this.
5990146 Just goes to prove that Rohbreddenites don't know what Verlax really is.
5990146 I think it more likely that Theanim doesn't know his goddess is a Divine Dragon. He assumes she's a pony. And by pony, I don't mean an alicorn, because he doesn't know they exist.
5990048
Well, Chryssie certainly is in agreement with your line of thinking. Me, yeah, seems a little too convienent for her to show up to save them considering she's the divine of ice or whatever, but Windigos could still explain it as someone pointed out. Or maybe she made the wendgoes do their freeze thing and then she saved them. Who knows (besides IC of course)
5990048
Oh, that's heavily implied. Verlaxy is supposed to be the most conniving of all of the Divines.
Also, confirmed Theanim is Ebon Mane 2.0.
I think Theanim is also nervous that RD is going to do the whole "dismantle belief system" to him as well. Honestly, I eagerly await it, because blast those Divines.
5990146 Didn't Chrysalis say Verlax was a master shapeshifter even better than she was? If so it's very possible that she appeared as some breed of equine to appear non threatening.
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Philosophical Dash... I never would have taken you to have such deep thoughts. Nice to see Thunker knocked down a peg or two. Maybe that will tame his, admittedly minor zealotry.
-Memories given light, ease a lonely flight. Ynanhluutr.
That is the best argument I have ever read.
It's going to make Theanim even more pushy, isn't it?
I had a heretical thought this lack of sleep.
"IC" is pronounced close to "Icy", and we hardly ever see him in the comments either.
(Fortunately, there isn't that much else to go on in that direction, though I think I might figure out more if I actually tried.)
Somehow I don't think Theanim's done just yet,
If Rainbow Dash ever does make the full trip around the world back to Equestria, she could easily pursue a career as a motivational speaker. For some reason, I find myself really enjoying reading sections where RD gets philosophical.
Poor Theanim, he just wants to understand Rainbow Dash, too bad that's never going to happen.
Well, I got part of a summarized history in this chapter, so my inner Twilight is appeased. Now to wait for inevitable bloody conflict to purge my mind of all the philosophical and religious debate these past few chapters.
On that note, this atoll they're all stranded on seems to have parallels to our comment section: it's full of a few people who wanna talk about things in an intellectual conversation, a few people who want to figure out some deep mysterious something in front of them, and a whole ton of people who are just waiting for the next headbutt to occur.
The more you know the more you realize you don't know.
There's a big difference between 'honor' and 'worship''.
Almost makes me want to see what'll happen between Dash and Verlax sooner.
It would appear that I was (semi) correct on the Durandana part of my last comment. Also, gotta hand it to Dash, she, despite preferring action to thinking, has a lot more tact than when the journey first began.
What? No, no, no, no, Theanim isn't Ebon! Ebon was lovable!
5990030 The queen of them all, in a sense.
5990052 I take offense in using the term 'philosopher' here.
Wonder how the Durandurans are coming along with BattleCumuloNimbus Yamothertoo.
Man occasionally stumbles over the truth, but often picks him self up, dusts himself off, and carrys on as usual.
Winston Churchill.
Isnt it usually teh evil villain that does all teh monologing? Then again, Ultimo, as far as we know, doesnt, or more likley cannot speak.
Be intresting if it has last words. Curse you Nealanders and your flying butt monkey too.
When does Dash point out that Theanim is a changeling?
I also feel Windigoes might have something to do with this. Maybe they're related to the chaos strips?
Cool beans is not awesome, Rainbow Dash. Not awesome.
-Spirit (Yeast and Treacle)
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from Yaerfaerda, ch 152:
5990249
Looks like she can. Could make for some interesting plot points. What if someone in her party is Verlax? To cliche?
She has taken on the form of Twilight Spookle.
Every time I look back at previous chapters, I become more convinced that Verlax is indeed testing Rainbow Dash. She could take on the form of each challenge in hopes of testing her strength, ingenuity, resourcefulness (whatever stereotypical heroes test she wishes) in hopes of deciding if Rainbow is truly worthy of the mantle of "Austraeoh". Currently, she has taken the form of Ultimo, and dismanteled her own Shard ass a means of seeing if Rainbow can find a solution, even if it means headbutting a ferocious chaos beast. Granted, for this test to work, she won't reveal herself until after all the tests have been completed: after the final Seed has been discovered and she begins to take the plunge over the edge.
If she doesn't want the world to be consumed by the chaos and darkness that surrounds the plane, then she would have to rely on the prophecies of the Austraeoh. But in order to accomplish such a monumental task, the Austraeoh would need to be ready to face any challenge.
On taking over the world:
eeyup.
Waiting for Austraeoh
"And tell me, miss Dash. Are my belielfs based off a misinterpretation of facts, too?"
Wow, of all the reactions to Theanim's prodding I imagined Dash would have, I never would have guessed she would hit back with an eloquent (and awesome) philosophical argument.
I wonder what Theanim's reaction will be. He may be extremely misguided but with how fast he saw through Dash's ruse about being an agent of Verlaxion he doesn't strike me as a complete idiot. I'm betting he'll draw the parallels between Rainbow being tight lipped with the Durandanans and her reluctance to share information with him fairly quickly. I'm curious if he'll still be insistent on learning everything about Rainbow knowing it could shatter his entire worldview.
5990560
Fin. Noggin. Duuude.
5990803
But who are we to dictate who is or isn't loveable?
Also, those comment stats must have revved you quite a bit, I don't remember you being this active in the comment section since way back in Yiffy.
I'm not quite sure what to think of Verlax. On one hand, she's shown she can be manipulative and ruthless (just look at the changelings). On the other hand, she seems to have done genuinely nice things for the Rohbreddenites. I guess I'll give her the benefit of the doubt for now.
5990560
That is an absolutely brilliant summary. I think I'm actually going to save a screenshot of it.
5991102
I'm really worried that you might be right.
Oh hey! I caught up! After finishing Odrsjot Friday night after at least a year of putting it off, it only took reading Urohringr on Saturday and Yaerfaerda on Sunday. Then Ynanhluutr today.
There seems to be a severe lack of explosions lately.
5991849 I am the queen, that's who I am to dictate whatever the hell I want.
Also yes, I had been commenting for every chapter since the late Eljunbyro ages, then stopped during Yaeferda's 150s, wanted to get back to commenting on stuff for a hundred chapters but constantly thought 'What the hell, it's not like you ever wrote anything worth reading anyway', started drinking and injecting heroine, had an epiphany, went on a journey of self-discovery, built my own house from scratch, redefined relativity, ate a bowl of strawberries with whipped cream and then saw those stats and decided that during all this time I could've done something important with my life instead - by becoming #1 commenter in quantity at least, if I have nothing else to show for it. And thus begins another epic adventure.
5992357
But you're dead, though.
And I just realise I'm enabling you by replying to you.
Bad Nevvy, don't rope me into your new addiction.
5990086 5990333 5990530 5991102 5991188 5991899
So is no one going to point out that Twilight Spookle is a ghost, and Theanim has a camera?
Theanim wants to figure out Dash, but seeing Twilight will only bring out more questions...
Oh dear, I hit the end of my ~220 chapter sprint I started a week ago. I'm back beeches.
5992646
Oh, hush, I'm waiting for the perfect moment to make a Fatal Frame reference, don't spoil it for me.
Wow Rainbow, that speech was crazy good. Her intelligence has vastly leveled up since the beginning of this journey.
On a side note, Theanim sucks. Hope he doesn't stick around
Its impressive how many comments in this series on any given chapter are 'I caught up'...
Then again, for something that basically permanently in the featured box...
Finally... I caught up.... again.
Lets see how long I can stay caught up before I stop reading for a few months and end up down another 150 chapters.
5992475 And it's working! The comment section shall be mine! MINE!
Rainbow finally landing a blow with her philosophy chat.
I have a sudden craving for edamame.
Mmmmmmm... cool beeeeaaaanns..
Verlaxion sounds almost like Celestia in ways, but I'm still suspicious from what else we've been told of Verlax in Yaerfaerda.
Wow Dash, that reply was... damn impressive, if I'm honest. I'd say it's even bordering on warranting being described as awesome.
5990686 Wise men know they know nothing. Of course, I don't know that