One week. Six days. 168 hours. That doesn't seem like that long a time for most, but for our intrepid pioneers, it was eons. Adventure, death, betrayal, Daemons, scorn, mystery. All contained within a span of one week. In that time, our pioneers made new friends, and new enemies. They parlayed and fought. They bargained and discovered. But the adventure is just beginning.
Even now, the ring convenes, discussing possibilities and electing prospective adventurers to fill in the gaps. The Royal Court grew tired of the ring's squabbling, and needed placation. The Arcani had been missing for several weeks. Even the Illustrious Eighth had low morale. The ring needed a victory. If not for their own sake, for Equestria's. If not for Equestria, for the very foundation of the Pioneer. Out of thirty-six prospectives, six were chosen. Six beings who each brought their own special talent to the table. There was a semblance of hope, of unspoken but implied expectation that some of these six initiates would push the boundaries of Equestria's understanding of the outside world further, and to bolster the morale of Pioneers everywhere. No pressure.
EQUESTRIA, CLAN HALL WAITING ROOM
A familiar sight, no? Aurora, Sam, Basayen; Sasha, a griffon; Autumn Switch, a Swift Dog; and Mead Mix, the Equestrian, all sit in the anteroom that precedes the clan ring chamber. Each was told to 'wait for the scribe to call them'. One could only guess what was going on behind those doors. More arguing, perhaps? That seemed to be the trend as of late. With the trial of Tipped Scales coming up, and the recent conflict between Endless Hurricane and Regal Silver, the ring looked quite the mess. Confidence in their ability to lead the city was waning, and the once concrete confidence in the Pioneers was cracking and chipping away. Could any of these initiates really make a difference?
Each was already told of the details of their initiation. Half of these prospectives would become pioneers, and be placed in the newest Band, the Far Walkers. Teleported miles and miles away, deep into the Farlands, they would embark on a quest of discovery. It was a great honour to become a Pioneer, but perhaps some of the significance is lost on these foreigners? Only one of them was Equestrian. The rest came from other tribes, cities, even entirely different continents.
This was the first time they've all been in one place, and not a word has been spoken. The mood was tense. Each of these beings was competing for a prized position and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Who would be the first to speak up?
NUMBRA, LORD XAVUS' MANOR
The Pioneers made their purchases, Borak buying a scroll of barrier and a scroll of forced blink for 80 pelee and Flame Flipper buying a scroll of fire rain for 50 pelee, and returned to the manor. As they entered, a servant informed them that dinner would be served soon. Edjane nods, and turns to the group.
"Alright, you're dismissed for now, Mouri. The rest of you, follow me." Mouri nods and takes his leave wordlessly. Edjane leads the group to the dining room door, but before she enters, she turns to face the Pioneers.
"What you say and do here at this dinner will determine if my husband will allow you to pass through his lands. You will meet my fellow wives, the Body, Helen the Black; the Mind, Melesa; and the Heart, Lady Esse. Of course, Marrin will be here too. Do you have any questions before we enter?"