A half-hour's trot West of Zekora's? That walk seemed much more trecherous before... but it was as if the wall of trees that once existed behind the voodoo zebra's home had now moved apart. That's impossible though... right? After walking for a much shorter time than it seemed, a thick fog spread through the forest. It clouded the view of the surrounding area, and made everything even darker than it originally was in the Ever-Free Forest. Looking around, Ivy could hear the groaning of the forest as it seemed to shift in place... and through the darkness, he could see a pair of golden eyes. At first, one would think it might be Zekora, but a deep male chuckle emminated from behind them. "Well, you're not exactly who I expected... but I suppose you've read my letter, then?"
"Hmm, and does anypony know you're here? They might get worried. Who knows what could happen in our little game. Ahh, but your greatest dreams and desires await you at the finish line." The fog towards Eight Star parts, and he stands with his chest puffed a little bit. A black cloak dramatically blows behind him, and he wears a talisman around his neck that looks like an eight-pointed star in gold. His horn os glowing a gentle yellow color, and behind him, Ivy could see a stone structure with a single door. It couldn't be bigger than a tool shed.
Ivy shrugged a bit. "I told them I'm going to look for some stuff in the Everfree. I never said what."
"I suppose prying into other pony's mail is normal too." He winks and sticks out his tongue. "Anyway, come, step into the building." Eight Star steps to the side and waves a hoof towards the entrance. "Then we can get this under-way. Did you have any questions? There's quite the risk factor associated with this, so a little knowledge can go a long way."
He seemed shocked, and scoffed. "What? Didn't you read the letter? I'm Eight Star, resident sorcerer and I can make any wish you want come true. However, you have to convince me and the powers of the forest that you're worthy of your wish. So you need to play our games. It's a test of skill and brainpower." He paused and thought a moment. "Mostly brainpower."
Eight Star thought for few moments, then nodded. "Well, nothing that'll kill you. The worst you'll experience is a loss of bits of your soul. Then you'll return home with a few less emotions... at least for a while - you'd have to re-develop them. However, most of the game is up to the power of the forest... chaos."
Ivy Shrugged. "I think I know all I need to know. Except, what would the knowledge questions be about?"
Seemed like Eight Star was unamused by the question. What's the point of a test if you know what answers are coming at you? "Stuff... now go." He points at the entrance again, grinning slightly.
