//------------------------------// // Chapter Three: Under The Veil // Story: Known Gods // by Teeemu //------------------------------// The 10am train arrived on schedule at the Canterlot station. Its commuters all sitting patiently with their belongings at the ready as the train made its final approach for the platform. Coming to a halt with a hiss, the doors slid open and everypony began to filter out of the cars and towards the station exits. Some had been greeted by friends and loved ones while others simply made their way alone to the busy streets of Canterlot’s financial district. Nopony had paid heed to a young filly almost nearing the age of attaining her cutiemark sitting nervously near the back of one of the cars. She was plain white with an electric blue mane with dark purple streaks and bright violet eyes. She had never been to Canterlot before and now that she came to think of it, she had never even been to any of the major cities. All she had to her name was a small saddle slung over her back containing nothing more than a few trinkets from her past life. This was it. She had reached the end of the line and the only thing that mattered to her was finding the pony she knew would lead her in the right direction. Whoever that was. The last of the car’s commuters had now trotted out, leaving the filly rooted to her seat with her tail in her hooves. She stared out of the window wondering how she was going to do what she came here to do. All she had as assurance was a small piece of paper sealed in an envelope that she was instructed not to read. She only knew that it needed to be given to a guard outside the palace. “Excuse me, miss,” said a quiet and nervous voice from behind her, making her jump. “Oh… I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just… You’re all alone and I thought I’d ask if everything was okay.” A bright yellow pegasus stood behind her with a pink mane and the cutiemark of three butterflies on her flank. She had a concerned look on her face yet seemed as if she was on the brink of having a nervous breakdown herself. The filly stared up at the pegasus with a worried look. “Um, yes… I’m fine. I thought I was the last one left.” “Oh… I prefer to wait for everypony to leave before getting off myself. It’s less crowded and safer for Angel.” The filly looked at a small cage strapped to her side. Inside was a little white rabbit with a dour expression on its face. “He’s been a bit under the weather. I thought maybe taking him with me to Canterlot would cheer him up a bit.” “Oh… okay, well. Thank you for asking, but I’m fine.” The filly smiled. “Again, so sorry I scared you.” The pegasus turned to leave and trotted a few paces a head of the filly. “Come, Angel, we can’t be late for our visit to the palace.” The filly looked up at the pegasus again. “Wait. Did you say you’re going to the palace?” “Yes… I’m visiting my good friend there.” She turned to look back at the filly, smiling weakly. “Oh, well. I need to see somepony there and, well. I have no idea how to even get there.” “Why don’t you come with me?” the pegasus offered tentatively. “I can show you the way if you like?” “Yes! Please!” The filly stood up and trotted over to the pegasus. “Um, what’s your name?” “Fluttershy,” she said, watching the filly trot past her outside of the train car. “And you?” “Veil,” replied the filly. “Misty Veil.” “That’s a lovely name,” said Fluttershy, following her out of the car and trotting beside her down the platform. “Thanks!” Veil was feeling a little more comfortable now that she had somepony to guide her to the most influential building in Equestria. With Fluttershy beside her, Veil stepped outside of the station and into the heart of the financial district. No amount of detailed descriptions could have prepared her for just how lively the city was. Dozens of ponies trotted in and out of the buildings that towered over her. The crowds on the lavishly decorated pavement and the number of pony drawn chariots in the streets seemed almost alien to her. There was something about the type of pony here that seemed distinctly upper crust in comparison to anywhere else she had been. These ponies seemed to walk with a sense of entitlement. Most of them quite literally had their noses in the air as they trotted past. “It’s a very big and sometimes scary place,” said Fluttershy, noticing the stunned look on Veils face. “I prefer the gardens of the Canterlot palace. It’s quieter.” Fluttershy lead Veil down the pavement towards the ever visible palace in the distance. The rabbit on her side began to draw attention from ponies that they passed causing the yellow pegasus to become more insecure about standing out more than she’d liked to. “Are you okay?” Veil asked, noticing her companion’s uncomfortable demeanor. “Oh… I’ll be okay. Not everypony loves animals as much as me. I’ll be happier once we get to the palace.” Fluttershy forced a smile that looked more like a grimace and began to quicken her trot. “Really, though. I wish I had been able to come sooner so I could see Rainbow Dash’s performance yesterday. But poor Angel needed my attention.” “Oh.” Veil’s eyes drifted to her surroundings and Fluttershy’s tiny voice began to filter away. There were so many things here in this city that Veil had never even heard of let alone seen. Mane salons, fashion boutiques and trendy restaurants offering a wide variety on their menus were things she had never thought necessary. Yet, seeing it all in real life made it all seem so tempting to explore further none the less. Fluttershy, however, was paying more attention to her rabbit than anything else and ended up bumping into a vendor selling various perfumes. This caused her to give a tiny yelp and knock a few of the vendor’s inventory off the counter top. “Oh Celestia have mercy, girl!” The vendor cried angrily. “Look at the mess you've made! Who is going to pay for this?” Fluttershy spent the next ten minutes apologizing profusely to the point where the vendor was no longer interested in anything but wanting her to just leave due to her rabbit “scaring off the customers.” Veil found the whole fuss about the rabbit to be unwarranted since Angel had hardly moved in his cage. Fluttershy stepped back almost tearfully and began to trot briskly away causing Veil to have to canter after her to keep up. “Hey… Slow it down.” Veil finally caught up with her, “are all ponies in the city this mean?” “Oh… They can be. I just wish I wasn't so clumsy sometimes.” Fluttershy wiped her hoof across her face. “I shouldn’t let it get me. Rainbow Dash always says I should be a little more assertive but… I hate fighting.” Veil regarded her new companion curiously. Fluttershy was a mixture of emotions, a strange pony with a strange outlook on life. Yet despite all this, Veil really liked her. She was nice and kind to her. A pony she felt that she could trust. “Should we get going?” Veil asked, pointing towards the castle. “Oh… Yes, of course. I’m so, so late as it is…” The pair spent the remainder of their journey to the castle in complete silence. Not out of lack of anything to say but purely out of mutual respect for each other’s preference for silence. A lot can be said without having to say anything at all. Veil enjoyed Fluttershy’s company because in many ways she was like her, misunderstood and looked down upon. But in her eyes she saw a certain unbeatable strength masked by a genuine kindness. The gates to the palace came into view and Veil became more and more nervous with each step she took. Her task was simple; hand the envelope to a guard and wait. But wait for what? She was placing her life in the hands of an unknown party and it was becoming daunting. The two guards flanked a gate that bore the insignia of Celestia and Luna encircled together around the sun and the moon. Both wore gold lined helms, gilded armor and held lances that stood twice their size. Although at first they tensed up at the two ponies heading towards them, they relaxed as soon as they recognized Fluttershy. “Good day to you, Fluttershy,” one of them greeted. “Princess Twilight Sparkle has been expecting you. We were given orders to let you pass and ask that you meet with her in the palace library.” Fluttershy hesitantly stepped closer to the guards, still a little shell shocked by her encounter with the street vendor. “Um… thank you,” she murmured. “But, you see, I have a friend with me who really needs to see somepony in the castle. Could you please let her through, too?” “Unfortunately not, miss,” said one of the guards. Fluttershy seemed to harden at this, showing a little bit of that strength Veil had seen in her eyes. “I can’t leave her out here,” she said, Veil noted it was the first time she heard the pony speak with more audibility than a whisper. “She’s come all the way from… from…” “Fluttershy, Its okay. I don’t really know who I’m supposed to meet.” Veil reached into her saddle bag, produced the envelope and passed it to one of the guards. “I was told to give this letter to a royal guard. That’s all I know.” “Told by who?” asked one of the guards. “I… I was told not to say.” Veil shifted awkwardly, “please, just read it.” The guard used his magic to open the sealed envelope and extracted a single piece of parchment. He studied its contents, frequently looking at Veil with suspicion before finally placing the parchment back in the envelope and floating it back to her. “Miss Fluttershy,” said the guard, turning his head to her. “Please proceed to the library.” Fluttershy, however, remained fixed where she stood. “Will Veil be allowed to enter?” The guards looked at each other then back to Veil. She felt herself holding her breath, waiting for the right response. She had no way of knowing what these two were thinking and she had a feeling that if it weren't for Fluttershy, she would probably be on her way back to the train station. “The letter says we are to escort her to Her Royal Majesty, Princess Luna,” the guard informed them. “I will send for an envoy to see you to her.” The news struck Veil as rather odd. Yet considering who gave her the message to deliver, it kind of made sense. Besides, the pony who sent her here was of high standing. It stood to reason that the contact he sent her to meet was also one of high standing, if not higher. But somepony as high up as the Princess herself made Veil feel more nervous than ever. Fluttershy seemed to know what Veil was thinking and smiled at her kindly. “The Princess is nice. She’ll take care of you, I promise. Do you want me to wait with you?” “No. I’ll be okay,” veil replied, although not entirely sure she meant it. “Okay… Farewell, Misty Veil.” Fluttershy turned and trotted with one of the guards through the gates and up the cobblestone path towards the main entrance. Veil planted herself on the ground and waited under the gaze of the remaining guard. Princess Luna, formerly known as Nightmare Moon. The name struck fear into the hearts of almost everypony in Equestria, even as far away as where Veil was from. For a thousand years she was imprisoned in the moon. A thousand years she spent encased in its celestial form and slowly going mad as the eons passed. Now everypony had to bow to her once more and, according to the Princess Celestia, she was once again pure of heart. Veil found the prospect of meeting with such an infamous goddess to be more worrisome than being sent away by the guards. It was a hurdle she was willing to face, none the less. She had come this far. “Your envoy is here,” said the remaining guard, pointing towards a pony trotting briskly down the path to the gates. Veil stood and readied herself, taking a deep breath as she watched a chestnut stallion with a white mane and a pair of spectacles hanging loosely of his muzzle trot to the guard. “I am told she is the one,” he said to the guard, motioning to Veil. “Are you sure the missive was authentic?” “It was, sir.” “Good. Your companion will return soon.” He turned his attention to Veil, “come. The Princess is waiting.” Veil stepped up and was guided through the gates by the envoy. She felt her hooves touch the ornate cobblestone path that was flanked by perfectly manicured hedges and up towards the main entrance of the palace. The double oak doors opened by themselves as she and her guide stepped into the main entrance. The palace foyer was truly a sight to behold. A giant carpet of gold and burgundy lead towards a grand staircase that headed towards the doors to the throne room and two hallways leading left and right. The bohemian room was lavishly decorated with white marble pillars, priceless vases and marvelous life sized paintings of the Royal court and its Princesses. The feeling that one stood in the residence of two goddesses was in no way underplayed. “This way, please,” the envoy said shortly, guiding veil up the stairs towards the throne room. “Are we going in there?” Veil inclined her head towards the double doors at the landing. “We are going to Her Royal Majesty’s private quarters. If you please.” He steered her to the left side hallway once they reached the top of the stairs. She was now following her rather serious guide down a narrow hallway decorated with high rising windows stained with almost mosaic like murals. The light from them cast a multitude of colorful glares onto the floor, making the hallway feel as magical as it looked. Some of the windows bore images of the Princesses, others of Cadence and her Prince, Shining Armor. Then Veil passed a window that bore the unmistakable image of the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Veil had never known their names, but she knew they were somehow special and that they were key to maintaining the harmony of Equestria. She stopped and took a closer look. They were all so majestically depicted. They were- wait, was that Fluttershy? Veil inched closer, recognizing the bright yellow pegasus with the pink mane and her distinctive cutiemark. The detail was impeccable. She was one of them. And Veil had unknowingly walked beside her. Truly such ponies were as noble as this scene projected, for as Fluttershy was said to be the bearer of The Element of Kindness, so too had she reflected it in her nature. Veil smiled. “Miss? We need to keep moving.” The envoy had waited enough and was starting to look impatient. “Sorry, I…” Veil followed suit, passing the last image of a dragon like creature with mismatched arms and legs. Something about this particular monster had struck fear into Veil. They continued on towards a spiraling staircase that most likely lead towards Princess Luna’s chambers. The hike up these oddly elongated stairs lead them down a narrow hallway to a heavyset door with a darkened symbol of the moon embedded in the center. The door was guarded by two more guards that stood aside when the envoy approached. Veil took a deep breath as the doors slowly opened, allowing her to stand over the threshold. Luna’s quarters were circular in shape and splendid to behold. A stone fireplace was alight opposite the entrance, casting the room into a warm glow. The windows were covered with large satin curtains that were shut tightly, blocking the sunlight from shining on the teak wooden floors and a giant, king sized, four poster bed sat on a raised dais in the middle of the room. The ceiling above was adorned with the most intricate mosaic of the night sky, the moon and the stars encrusted with what appeared to be real crystals . Veil could only imagine at how beautiful it would look if the curtains weren't drawn closed. And there she was, the Princess of the moon, sitting by the fire with her back to Veil. She was taller than any pony Veil had met, her mane, that usually flowed ethereally, lay flat down her neck. Veil found her eyes drifting towards her flank and her cutiemark. The dark emblem of the moon made her feel uneasy. “Your Royal Majesty, may I present the young Misty Veil,” said the envoy. The Princess turned her head to the side. From the first time Veil laid eyes on her face, she would never forget just how beautiful Luna was. She found herself at odds all of a sudden. Something in Luna’s turquoise eyes made her feel safe and secure. “Thank you, Silver Star. You may leave Us.” The Princess’ voice flowed eerily. The envoy bowed his head so low it almost touched the floor and backed out, closing the door behind him. Alone now, Veil stood still, watching the Princess. Luna turned slightly to survey the filly with a an oddly perplexed look on her face. The crackling fire was all she heard for over a minute before Luna finally spoke. “Misty Veil, your presence is most welcome here, child.” “I…” Veil couldn't seem to find the right words to address a monarch of her stature. Luna smiled. “We trust you understand, to some degree, that who you would be meeting with was kept secret from you?” She slowly stepped towards Veil. “You are very, very important to Us, child. We see into your eyes and see the pain that you have suffered.” Veil remained quiet. “The Director Black Hooves is one of Our sister’s closest advisers,” Luna continued. “When it was revealed to Us what had happened to your… Family, that you were the sole survivor, We were approached by him to give you sanctuary. And here We shall grant you your Canterlot citizenship.” “I don’t… I don’t understand,” Veil stammered. Luna was now face to face with Veil, gazing at her with slight concern. “What is there to understand? You are safe now.” Veil looked up into those piercing eyes. Citizenship? The pony who had given her the letter was indeed Black Hooves, well not him personally but who else would have had such influence? For years after Veil’s whole family was mutilated by that… monster, she had been kept in some cold facility. Unable to leave and kept from even seeing day light. The only pony she had any contact with was that dark coated stallion. At first she resented him for holding her prisoner, then she grew to trust and love him. He was the only contact she ever had with anypony. Then 3 months ago she was released to a secure location in Appleoosa. It was dead, quiet and Black Hooves had left her there with a family willing to look after her. The catch was that she would have to disguise herself. Black Hooves didn’t want anypony to know where she was from or where she had spent her last few years. No matter how much she fought against it or how unwilling she was, it was already decided. She was now a filly nearing her adolescence in a town she hardly understood. Black Hooves constantly said that nopony knew her like he did and that he would visit her weekly. But he never came and Veil lost all faith in him entirely. Then late last night a pony showed up at her new home and demanded that Veil come with him. She didn’t recognize this pony but she knew straight away that Black Hooves had sent him. Because of this, she didn’t like this pony. He gave her the letter, marched her to the train station and instructed her to come to the palace. “I don’t understand why I’m so important… Why anypony would bother with… some p-pony like me.” Veil felt as if she should have held her tongue, “sorry, Princess. I didn’t mean to question you.” Luna regarded Veil and chose her words carefully. “It is in our very nature to question the unknown, child. We do not begrudge you your question, but We ask that you simply trust in Our wisdom.” Veil was unsure of whether or not this answer was just Luna’s usual cryptic way of speaking or whether she was simply refusing to tell her the truth at all. Either way, Veil knew not to push the subject. “Okay, I’m now a citizen of Canterlot. But I have no home or money or… or anything.” A smile appeared on Luna’s face. “We have thought of this and We know of a pony who is willing to take you in and look after you.” Once again Veil found herself being carted from one ‘guardian’ to the next, nopony truly forthcoming about anything. “I don’t know Canterlot very well, where would I find this pony?” Asked Veil. “Our envoy will escort you to her home,” Luna said, inclining her head towards the door. “She will be expecting you. And We must ask that you do everything she tells you.” “I- I’m… grateful Your Majesty,” Veil finally said. “For everything.” Luna nodded her head in acknowledgement and turned around towards the fire. Veil watched her and finally decided it may be safe to ask just one more pressing question. “Your Majesty?” She asked tentatively. Luna turned her head to the side. “Yes, child?” “Why did you want to see me? Why didn’t I simply go straight to this other Pony?” Veil asked as delicately as possible. “We needed to see you with Our own eyes,” Luna answered tersely. “To know you were truly… You.” “Wh-” “And We would ask you, Misty Veil,” Luna cut across her. “That when you are away from your guardian that you remain… Hidden.” Luna inclined her head towards the door, a clear sign that the conversation had ended. Veil decided that it would be appropriate to bow quietly as the door opened and the envoy came back in. “Your Royal Majesty,” he said, bowing to her as well. “Shall I take her now?” “Yes. We are done now,” Luna replied, moving back towards her fireplace. “It would be best that she reaches Miss Firefly as quickly as possible.” *** It was around midday when Hat arrived at the Canterlot Library. Although he had never bothered going inside it he probably knew the buildings layout better than its own staff. This was because every Sunday, without fail, Rainbow Dash would be here. He never quite knew why a pony such as her would come to visit a place so unbecoming of her almost jock like nature. Perhaps it was a form of escapism for her or maybe it was the last place anypony would expect to find her, allowing her peace and quiet from her adoring fans. Whatever it was, she had been coming here for over a year now. Obviously, he knew of her fascination with the Daring Do adventure books but to his knowledge she had already read them all. Even if she reread them over and over, there was no reason why she wouldn't have her own copies at home anyway. Hat trotted into the lobby, smiled at the librarian and headed towards the building’s main athenaeum. The library was empty except for a small group of students at a table to the back and a staff member alphabetizing the history section. Rainbow Dash wasn’t here yet. Hat found himself a rather old book on the history of pony family trees and sat himself down by a table with a clear view of the entrance. He opened the book and scanned the words, his mind fully focused on other things. Fifteen minutes had passed and no Rainbow Dash. Hat noted that some of the students had packed up and left and also noted the arrival of a rather large unicorn with a jet black coat. Hat watched as the unicorn silently made his way towards the history section and disappeared behind one of the aisles. Finally, the cyan coloured pegasus arrived in the lobby and strutted her way towards the librarian at the front, greeting her with a wide smile. She must have said something funny because the librarian began to laugh rather loudly before catching herself and blushing. This seemed to make Dash giggle before she turned and headed into the athenaeum and towards the fiction section. Hat watched her and began to lose focus as he unwittingly began to fantasize about her. She brimmed with confidence and sex appeal. She was simply an extraordinary pony and he would be the first to tell anypony this. Hat had to shake himself out of his own thoughts so he could watch her objectively. The black unicorn poked out of the aisle he was in and began to make his way towards the fiction section. Hat immediately began to analyse him. He was large, unusually large now that Hat was paying more attention. His muscles began to tense up as the unicorn moved closer and closer to Dash’s aisle. Could he just be another fan? The unicorn had now entered her aisle and was out of his view. Hat knew not to get involved unless the unicorn meant her any direct harm but his curiosity got the better of him. Closing his book, he stood up and silently made his way towards her aisle, listening for anything that may require his direct attention. However, the voices he heard were rather excited, even playful. Hat stopped himself and decided to head down the adjacent aisle. Finding a place where he thought they would be, he lent closer and began to listen. “You’re late,” said the deep voice of whom Hat assumed was the large unicorn. “I almost thought you weren't going to come.” “Aww, c’mon… It was ten minutes!” said the sassy voice of Rainbow Dash. “You’re just being too time sensitive.” “You decided on the place. It had to be private and it had to be believable. I guess that makes you too place specific,” the unicorn chided her playfully. “Besides, I was hoping for the place to be more… private?” Hat inched closer, poking his muzzle into the book case to try and get a clear view of them. “You’re being dramatic,” said Dash, placing a hoof on his chest. “I come here every Sunday so I thought it would work perfectly. I’m sure nopony even noticed you come in here. See how empty it is?” “I realize this,” the unicorn said in a hushed voice as he inched closer to Dash. “But, being in public is not something I’m… accustomed to.” “You’re doing fine!” Dash grinned up at him cheekily. “Did ya see me yesterday? Wasn't I just awesome?!” The unicorn grinned back at her. “What makes you think I would miss something as important as that?” “’Cause I’m a big unicorn that’s scared of public places!” Dash replied in a mock tone trying to imitate his voice. Hat stifled a chuckle. She was so cute. No! Stop thinking these thoughts. He shut his eyes and tried to remain focused. Obviously Dash knew this pony well enough to have had a standing relationship with him. But how did Hat miss this? He knew everything about her. How could he have overlooked a giant unicorn? “Some things are worth the risk. You were stunning,” said unicorn, placing his hoof to her cheek. Hat felt a sudden urge to reach through the book case and strangle him. Dash giggled slightly, closing her eyes and placing her hoof to his, holding it in place on her cheek. “I know it’s risky coming her, but I just needed to see you again. Aaannd maybe ask you to come back… home… with me?” “I think… I could oblige.” He smiled and leaned in closer, touching his muzzle to hers and kissing her lightly. Hat had seen enough. As silently as he had crept to the shelf, he made his way to the end of the aisle and back towards the table he was sitting at. There wasn't anything he could do. It wasn't the fact that Rainbow Dash was involved with another pony that bothered him. Okay, yes it did bother him. Not that it should have. It wasn't as if he was able to approach her. Even if he could, she was Rainbow Dash and he was a simple field agent. No future there. What really bothered him was the fact that this unicorn was so concerned about being in the public eye. Who was he really And why was it that Dash felt she had to keep her relationship with him a secret? Hat spied the unicorn exiting the aisle alone and trotting towards the exit. Moments later, Dash came out too, carrying a book and heading towards the table Hat was sitting at. Hat quickly opened the book he had left on the table and buried his nose in it. Dash trotted past him and sat herself down at the table to his right, opening her Daring Do book and starting on the first chapter. He closed his book and took a quick glance at her before standing up and putting the book back in the aisle he found it. It was time to leave. It may not be important but a giant black unicorn with a phobia for public places was somepony he would need to do a background check on. Then again, perhaps he was just being too paranoid after what he saw at the stadium yesterday. He needed a pony to bounce ideas off. He needed to see Firefly again. *** Firefly’s loft was on the top floor of a smartly designed apartment building in the heart of Canterlot’s most affluent district. Just a few blocks from the palace, Firefly was never too far away from her charge, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight had become far more involved in her royal duties and had found herself living once again in Canterlot on a more permanent level. Firefly had watched from afar how busy the princess had become, how she had seen less and less of her friends and how insular this had made her. Twilight hardly left the palace these days and although this made Firefly’s job easier, she couldn't help but become increasingly concerned about her charge’s well-being. Firefly sat in her office going over the files she was sent earlier this morning. A young mare to take care of for an indefinite period of time would be a nice change from her insular life. But as she read through the files of this filly's rather interesting background, Firefly couldn't help but find the last minute notification from a boss who is usually very thorough and well organised to be rather concerning. Then again, how much preparation does one need to look after another pony? Just make up a bed and buy more groceries. She was shaken from her thoughts by the sound of the doorbell. Well, at least they’re on time. Stretching all four legs, Firefly stood from the chair she had been sitting in for the last 3 hours and trotted out her office and into to a sleek and modestly decorated living area. Her home was the complete opposite to Hat Trick’s. Where his apartment was small and badly looked after, hers was large and impeccable well kept. Firefly arrived at her door and peered through the peephole. Seeing a pony she recognized, she opened the door and greeted him. “Hello, Silver Star,” she said warmly before lowering her eyes to a small pre-adolescent filly standing next to him. “And you must be Misty Veil?” The filly nodded weakly. “Good day to you, Firefly,” said the envoy, Silver Star. “As per the princess’ instruction I present to your charge.” “I see that,” said Firefly, keeping her eyes fixed on the filly in front of her. “Thank you for bringing her here. You may go.” Silver Star blinked in apparent shock of being dismissed so abruptly but bowed his head rather irritably and took his leave down the hallway towards the elevator. “Now then,” Firefly began. “Why don’t you come inside?” Veil nodded again and followed the dark yellow unicorn in to her apartment, viewing the surroundings with awe. “Am I… Going to live with you, now?” asked Veil, trying to sound casual. “For the time being. It’s my job to keep you safe. Oh,” Firefly extended a hoof to veil. “I’m Firefly, by the way.” She smiled at Veil as the little filly lightly shook her hoof then turned to the window to gaze at the palace. “I know everything there is to know about you, Veil. You don’t need to hide who you are from me. So no more silly questions or pretending to be who you’re not.” “Then you know about… What I am?” Veil inquired nervously. “Indeed.” Firefly turned back around to face Veil but the filly that stood before her was now no more. Instead, she looked into the eyes of a skeletal and thin looking equine creature. It had a dark grey coloured exterior and a wispy pale green tale. “Changelings aren't a welcome sight in this city,” said Veil, sadly. “Sometimes I enjoy just simply blending in.” Firefly stared at the strangely small changeling, unable to speak. Veil immediately regretted changing into her true form. “Do I… scare you?” Firefly quickly recomposed herself. “It’s just that I've never seen one of you’re kind up close before.” The changeling Veil shifted awkwardly and began to switch her form back into the body of the filly she previously inhabited. Firefly watched in awe as her color and fur began to lighten and her body began to bulk up once more. The filly reappeared in front of her, staring awkwardly at the floor. “I’m sorry,” Veil stammered. “I don’t know why I did that.” Firefly stepped closer to Veil and rested a hoof on her shoulder. “No, sweetie. I should be apologizing. I don’t mind if you maintain your true form around me… I’ll just need to get used to it.” “In a way, this is my true form,” said Veil pensively, staring at her white hooves. Firefly gazed at Veil for a moment before strolling past her and towards a black leather couch in her living room. She climbed on, sat herself down comfortably and motioned for Veil to come join her. “When you say your true form,” began Firefly, watching as Veil slowly took a seat next to her. “You mean your pony form, don’t you?” Veil quietly nodded. “I wasn't always a changeling.” “No. You were once a pony like me, weren't you?” Firefly smiled. “You were a young filly, ravaged by a disease that almost killed you. But she saved you, didn’t she? She used her magic to breath live into your frail body. However, in exchange, she made you a changeling and one of her own children.” Veil remained silent, unsure how to respond to this pony’s strange knowledge of her shrouded life. She had never told a soul about her past because, in truth, she knew nothing of her life before her transformation. She was a simple unicorn filly, saved by the grace of a changeling queen who took her in. She would always be a filly, however. Not in mind but in body. That was the catch to her salvation, her stunted form would serve as a reminder of who she once was. And yet, it was her very size and origins that would prove to save her once again. “My queen saved my life, I owed her everything,” Veil replied flatly. Firefly sat silently for a while, wondering if now would be the best time to press the young filly further. They had only just met, after all, and coaxing such personal information of her queen’s demise wouldn't be prudent at this time. “I’m glad you've been so candid with me, Veil,” said Firefly, climbing from the couch. “I didn’t mean to enter into such personal topics. I just want you to think of me as your friend and that you can come to me about anything.” Firefly beckoned for Veil to follow her towards a room down the passage from the living room. “Thank you for having me.” Veil murmured softly, unsure of how to respond to her appropriately. Firefly magically open the door for veil, revealing a bedroom made ready for her. A comfy bed and a view of the mountain backdrop to the city of Canterlot greeted her. “This is you, sweetie… and you’re quite welcome,” said Firefly. “I don’t usually have guests so a little bit of company is quite refreshing.” Veil smiled up at her before trotting into the room and standing next to the bed. “I’ll give you some time to get settled. I’ll have dinner ready by seven.” With that, Firefly closed the door and trotted away. Leaving Veil alone in her new room. Veil finally unlatched her saddle bag and let it slump to the floor before flopping onto the bed and staring up at the ceiling. A wave of exhaustion swept over her as her mind drifted into her thoughts. Firefly’s questions had brought back a few unpleasant memories. Veil missed her queen, her family of changelings. She recalled with a knot in her stomach how quickly they had all been stolen from her. She shut her eyes and tried to block out their screams and tormented faces as that monster came for them, systematically whipping them all out from existence. And then she saw it. Those horrid green eyes and that blade shaped horn. It moved like water, violently cutting through her brothers and sisters with an unrelenting will to exterminate. Its massive form encroaching on her queen and ending her life with a slash of its green magic. And then, in an instant, it was gone. Ignoring Veil as if she hadn't even been in the same chamber as her queen. Veil turned over and gripped tightly on to one of the pillows. What was it the queen had called the monster? She recalled an evening when the queen had once warned them of some kind of forgotten evil stirring in Equestria. When Veil had questioned further she could only remember one phrase. “Oh, we do not speak its name, my child,” the queen had warned. “We refer to it only as The Ancient.” A tear streamed down her muzzle as she tried to find solace in the memory of her beloved queen. Her thoughts began to lighten as she found herself drifting into an uneasy sleep.