Stygian couldn’t quite remember a time where one of the pillars had asked about his interests, at least in the past. When he joined Rockhoof on his journys, he hadn’t expected to be asked much about his hobbies. It was a pleasent surprise when Rockhoof proved that otherwise. 

As they walked, Stygian spoke of his finds and studies of sea shells and other ocean related things. He did come to wonder how long he prattled on about this, but Rockhoof didn’t seem disinterested. Even so, Stygian couldn’t bring himself to even look the larger ponies away as he found himself becoming flustered. He had admired Rockhoof, or perhaps he admired Rockhoofs strength? Either way his view of him seemed to take a new form. One he wasn’t sure he was prepared for.

He’d grown much too fond of the earth pony, and it was probably best for his health and heart to split off and go back on his own way. Yet, no matter how many times he told himself this, he never did. Today would be the day he should split. His musings were aburptly cut off when Rockhoof had asked why he went silent. Blinking, Stygian glanced upwards at him. The other pony held a concerned, but bright smile. He should tell him that he was planning to leave. But no words of that nature came to Stygian, instead he only said;

“…Oh it’s nothing, I seem to have run out of shells to talk about.” 

Whatever Rockhoof said next was lost on him, but he did take note of how great it is to see Rockhoof truly beam like he did then.

Maybe he could endure a little more suffering just to bask in Rockhoof’s own brand of radiance. 

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Yup, a little bit of something for my new ship Stygian/Rockhoof. I absolutely adore these two, and wanted to incorporate them in my nextgen. Anyways, story stuff:

Stygian had decided to take a look around Equestria, as most of the pillars decided to do. He traveled around for awhile, expirencing quite a culture shock. Eventually, he ended up meeting Rockhoof in Appaloosa which lead them to spending time together. Originally Stygian had only decided to join him for a few days before continuing on his way, but days turned into weeks and a few months. 

Stygian eventually found himself falling for the large stallion, even though it made him nervous because he never believed Rockhoof would feel the same. Although fate seemed to have a different idea, and it came to light Rockhoof did indeed return those feelings. 

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Ok so for starters, yeah I gave Stygian a different haircut. I hate his canon hair, it’s cuck hair- he deserves better than a bowl cut.

I also made his cutiemark the coin people would give the ferryman in the underworld, in greek mythology. This is because the word Stygian, while meaning dark and gloomy, has connections with the river of styx.

I didn’t feel like drawing a background.

Also Stygian’s interest in shells and the ocean come from the comics, and uhh I think that’s about all I have to say.