| 4 |
Now that the mood has lightened up again, you finish your second cup of tea, and find that most of your questions have been answered. You thank Lexicon Anathema once again for sharing her extensive knowledge with you, and invite her to visit Equestria sometime — if not your home in Hoofington, then perhaps the welcoming town of Ponyville.
Lexicon Anathema: "Perhaps..."
Despite her blank stare and monotone voice, you know that kind of evasiveness all too well: the kind of thinly veiled dismissal a younger Honourshine was prone to offer when asked to attend any kind of public event. You surmise that the hermit is not keen on travelling, to which she nods, and gestures to her bookshelf nearby.
Lexicon Anathema: "Nh. I can always experience the world from the comfort of my own home."
In response, you clarify that your invitation was intended to express your desire to see her again moreso than for her to leave her house. The filly grows bashful at that.
Lexicon Anathema: "... I see... I... wouldn't mind seeing you again, either. There's a spell I could teach you, but... casting it isn't without a cost."
Curious, you ask Lexicon Anathema about the spell. She uses her magic to pull another book from the shelf, this one bound in black cloth. Upon the book's dark pages are red glowing symbols the likes of which you've never seen before. The hermit draws a glyph above them with her hooves, and it imprints itself into your mind.
You learn Door to In-Ja No Ie!
Lexicon Anathema: "It shows you the way to my house, so to speak. You can use it to come here from anywhere in the world, then return to where you were before once you leave — not unlike how you got here today."
Honourshine: "And the cost...?"
Lexicon Anathema: "It's Dark magic, so there's a chance it can darken your soul with every use. Temporarily, and likely not so much as to change your form, of course, but still enough to have an influence on your mind."
Moonflower: "What kinda influence?"
Lexicon Anathema: "The kind that drives selfish desires."
Moonflower: "Ohh... I mean, that doesn't sound so bad!"
On the subject of selfish desires, you try asking Lexicon Anathema if she won't indulge you in at least a hug before you leave. You figure that while she is disinclined to leave her home, it must be lonely living in here all by herself.
Lexicon Anathema: "I... um..."
At the sight of the filly avoiding your gaze and shifting in her seat a little, you decide to meet her halfway around the table, and open your forelegs invitingly. After a moment's hesitation, she slowly closes the distance, and wraps her hooves around you. You hold her close and affectionately nuzzle her mane.
Moonflower: "Awww!"
Lexicon Anathema: "This is nice... but embarrassing."
Moonflower: "Heehee! Sorry!"
Your companions busy themselves with packing up their items and finishing their cups of tea while you and Lexicon Anathema enjoy each other's warmth for a while longer. Eventually, the hermit pulls back first, even if a bit reluctantly.
Lexicon Anathema: "Thank you. Um... daylight's burning in Nan Yunjishan; you should make good use of it if you intend to travel."








Enter a comment
That said it has a side effect albeit we don't know how bad said side effect is. Overall I think we should be careful using this spell. Not just because of that but because we shouldn't take if for granted and abuse Lexicon's hospitality for our own convenience.