//------------------------------// // Preparation // Story: Chessboard Gambits // by Ebonysdagger //------------------------------// A large withered husk, easily dwarfing the others in the room with it, begins to move as if in response to the sound of someone entering the room. Its bleary green eyes straining to focus on the new arrival hoping its appearance would herald food and escape in that exact order. Unexpectedly the eyes settle on a familiar mare who is smirking down at it. “Hello Chrysalis. I suppose I forgot about you all didn’t I? How would you like to be free? Hm? It will only cost you a little.” The green eyes begin to close once more before their owner knows nothing but darkness once again for a time. The last thing she notices is that her visitor has both wings and a horn. Twilight hummed to herself cheerfully as she and Spike tidied up the library. It was just the usual routine for them after they had returned from a short trip out of town as Twilight could not resist taking an accounting of her books to make sure they were alright and if that happened they may as well clean while they were doing it. The two were just finishing up as a pink blur bashed itself into their door. That was surprising given that the door was open so they could sweep out the dust. “Pinkie, any reason you decided to slam yourself into my door this morning?” “Oh Twilight, I was just so happy to know you were back in town and I had to rush over but I guess I got my head stuck on going through your door and you know what it is like when you get so centered on a single idea that you go through with it even if you find you no longer need to especially when you are going at speed and have no time to process the ….” Pinkie’s line of random was cut short by Twilight using a bit of magic to muffle her voice. “Good to see you too, Pinkie. Anything happen in town that I should know about?” “Nothing really interesting to be honest Twi. The only thing unusual was Vinyl Scratch and Octavia have come to town and seemed to have been looking for you since they came here to the library at least twice everyday while you were gone.” “Oh? Ah, I suppose they wanted to see me about those new music sheet collections that just came in. If you spot them before they swing by let them know I’m back, will you?” “Of course Twi. Well, I have to get back to the bakery before they realize it’s just a shadow clone doing all the work. The work still gets done but the food doesn’t taste quite the same.” With those words said it was as if Pinkie had evaporated as she was no longer there in the entranceway. “Twilight, if those two are here then that means something is up.” Spike turned to her after Pinkie had left and Twilight had shut the door. “I know. This could be a good thing though. I need to get a message back home that I don’t have to worry about anyone intercepting and they were the best bet. Too bad the guard can trace your fire or I would have already sent it. Oh well, secret family business must be tended to.” It was around noon just as most ponies were settling down to a nice lunch that the two expected mares made their way into the library. Twilight was finishing up reading a book and lamenting to herself over the lack of readership in this town. “Heya Twilight. We thought we could swing by and pick up some music for Octy here. She’s been in a mood for some of the more transitional stuff between classical and the modern for some reason.” Vinyl, as always, entered a room and somehow centered all the attention on herself and her behavior. “Vinyl, do restrain yourself a bit. Hello Princess Twilight. We were wondering if you had any thing interesting here and if we could take a moment of your time.” Octavia, too, seemed to be in usual form of prim, proper, and polished. “Yes, I do believe I do.” Noticing that they had closed the door Twilight cast a subtle spell that would prevent anyone outside hearing what was discussed. “Alright you two, what message from my parents do you bring?” Vinyl’s brash stance and attitude disappeared as she stood to attention even as a predator’s smirk developed on Octavia’s. These two agents of House Star, the last noble house of the Lunar Court of old, had very different personas when at work on their real jobs. “Lady Velvet has sent us to check up on you and ask if you really are going to ‘demonstrate’ the limits of our current defenses.” Vinyl answered in a manner not unexpected of a very serious messenger. “And Lord Light asks that we make arrangements to stick with you should you need us. We are to be at your disposal for the next while.” Octavia delivers her part of the message. “Excellent. Are you two set up to stay in town for awhile?” At getting an affirmative nod from the two she continues with her own message. “Could you let them know that the plan is coming along well and already the first few pawns are being put in place even as we speak? By this time next week I should be ready to start our little game.” The two nod in response. “Of course. Any message for your brother?” “None. I don’t think he would like what we are planning and I don’t want him being pulled into it. You two are dismissed. Oh and here is your book.” Twilight levitates over the requested book from before as she dismisses the spell and sees the two out. “Spike, I want you to send a letter to Zecora. I’m going to need something for headaches soon I believe.” The little dragon salutes and sets about drafting a letter and sending it on its way. “Alright, it’s away. So what do we do now?” “Now Spike, we set out to the Everfree. I’ve got a zebra to see about some medicine and a castle to study.”