Twilight gave a light yawn as she trotted around crystal filled caverns. The sound of construction filled the caverns, making it hard for her to hear anything, but she still tried to focus on Pinkie and Rarity talking.
With the increase in the size of the gala, finding a new location to host it had been difficult. At first. But then after a few weeks Nightmare Moon had informed them of the great crystal caverns hidden under the castle. Construction had begun quickly under the two ponies and now large, beautiful chambers of glimmering crystal were being created.
The best part, though, was the fact it meant Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack had all temporarily relocated to the castle in order to maintain work on the gala. Sometimes they'd had to leave, for tasks, but she got to spend a lot more time with them now. She was even expecting Fluttershy and Rainbow to come by soon, the first time she'd see Fluttershy since she’d left Ponyville. She was looking forward to seeing how the young mare was adapting. The others swore she was doing mostly fine, but she wanted to see it for herself before she got too excited.
She let out a low whistle when they stepped into a massive room filled with towers of crystals. The dance floor, so to speak. Tables of crystals lined the hall, constructed with magic and normal tools. A few lights were already being set up in the room and whenever they were turned on, rainbows of light would flash out from the crystals, turning the entire room into a dazzling light show.
“This gala is definitely going to be unique,” she mumbled, looking around the massive chamber. It was almost three times as large as the ballroom of the castle. “Don’t you think this is a little extreme? I don’t think ballroom dancing needs this much space, even with all the guests we have. I mean, according to my research, each pony only needs about--”
“Your research?” Rarity interrupted.
“Oh, I have a minor in Equestrian dance.”
Pinkie giggled. “Oh, maybe not for ballroom dancing, but we’re not going to be ballroom dancing! We’re just going to have… a ball!” Pinkie said with a giant grin.
Twilight stared at her. “W-what?”
“I got DJ-Pon3 to dj the party! She owes me a favor after the whole duck incident.”
Twilight blinked. “W-what?”
“Oh, well, you see there was this duck and minotaur, well, and a hydra. So the duck--”
“Not the duck incident, nopony cares about the duck incident,” Twilight said quickly, shaking her head. “I mean the no ballroom dancing. It’s the Grand Galloping Gala! You can’t have a Grand Galloping Gala without… well, grand galloping!”
“I… find I have to agree with Twilight on this one,” Rarity said with a nod. “What do you mean, no ballroom dancing?”
“It’’s a party, sillies!” Pinkie said with a nod. “Trust me, I know exactly what I’m doing to make this the BEST! GALA! EVER!”
Twilight stared, her mouth falling open. She was going to be banished. And imprisoned. Probably in a hydra filled swamp. There was no doubt about it. “You… you mean...”
Pinkie just gave her the biggest grin. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I know exactly what I'm doing. Besides, Nightmare Gloomy wanted something unique, right?”
Twilight stared for a moment and then face hoofed. “You know what? Fine. Just… fine. I’m putting my faith in you, so please don’t let me down.”
“Hey, Twilight!” a voice echoed through the chamber. She blinked and turned back. To her delight, Rainbow was there. At least, she assumed it was Rainbow. The Shadowbolt uniform made her hard to identify, but she didn’t know many ponies with rainbow colored manes. Or who had yellow bat ponies besides them who looked distressingly like Fluttershy.
Twilight stared, her mouth falling open. “W-what happened? Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Twilight asked, racing over, her eyes wide. Rarity and Pinkie followed a moment later.
“Y-yeah, uhhhh, funny story,” Rainbow said with a light chuckle. “Turns out the whole… turning into a bat thing? Has some side effects.”
“O-oh… oh dear,” Fluttershy said nervously. “Is it… that noticeable?”
Twilight stared. The mare’s once soft wings were now bat wings. Her mane was a bit wild and ragged. Her fangs could clearly be seen whenever she talked. Her eyes were blood red. “N-no. Not at all. I mean, the wings are a bit obvious, but if I didn’t know you before, I’d have thought you were just another bat pony. Or… or just a very unique looking pegasus. Really.”
“Really?” Fluttershy asked, looking to the others.
They all shared looks, before nodding rapidly. “T-though, I must say,” Rarity said quickly. “You MUST let me design your gown for the gala. I know I’ve made dresses for you before, but this… this could be something new! With all your new features, I could create something completely original, like you’ve never worn before!”
Fluttershy’s cheeks went scarlet. “W-what? O-oh, I-I could never ask you to do something like that, I-I--”
“Nonsense, darling. You’re my friend. I consider it my duty to ensure that all of my friends look absolutely as fabulous as possible for this event!” She paused for a moment. “As a matter of fact, how about I design all of our dresses?”
Twilight blinked. “Isn’t that a bit much, Rarity? I mean, you’re already creating all the decorations for the party as it is, isn’t designing dresses on top of it asking for trouble?”
“Of course not, darlings. I’ll merely need your measurements and then I should have them ready before the gala, with ease.”
Rainbow shrugged. “Eh. I’m actually supposed to go as a Shadowbolt, so you can ignore mine.”
Rarity made a pouty face.
“What? I need to be recognizable! Oh, uhhh, speaking of which...” She gave a nervous grin. “Can you guys all keep an eye on Fluttershy for a week?”
“What?” Twilight asked.
Fluttershy sighed. “I’m fine, Rainbow. I don’t need to be watched all the time...”
“I’m not leaving you alone,” Rainbow said firmly. She looked to the others. “I’ve got a Shadowbolt boot camp thing coming up. You know, practice and the like. I need to get to know the others and all. But uhhhh… I really don’t want to leave Fluttershy home all alone. You know? She needs somepony to keep an eye on her, keep her out of trouble. Things like that. Think you guys could handle it?”
“I’m not a child,” Flutershy mumbled.
“I know that. You’re not a child. You’re my best bud,” Rainbow said before wrapping a wing around her. “And I know this is tough for you. If I could, I’d stay by your side the entire time.”
“I’m fine!” Fluttershy finally shrieked, drawing every mare’s eyes to her. She then eeped and covered her mouth, looking off to the side. She then gulped, looking around nervously before sighing. “Rainbow I… appreciate what you’re trying to do. But I’m fine. Truly, I’m fine. It was… scary at first. But I’m over it. It’s really not so bad. If you have to go for a week, I’ll be okay. I promise. And I’ll be right here when you get back.”
The pegasus looked down. “But… what if something… happens again? If I’m not there?”
“Nothing is going to happen,” Fluttershy said with a nod. “It’s going to be okay. I promise. You just need to trust me...”
Twilight gulped and looked to the others, before nudging off to the side. “Let’s uhhh… go make sure the fountain is getting set up right.”
“What?” Pinkie asked. “But I want to wat--” Rarity covered her mouth and dragged her off.
Twilight sighed and let out a sigh of relief when she saw Applejack standing by one of the tables, covering it with rocks. “Applejack, what are you doing?”
She glanced over. “Us Apples don't really believe in light snacks. Ah gotta make sure the tables ain't gonna fall over when ah fill 'em with a buncha our apple treats. A lotta good food has been lost over the years from that.” A look of solemn regret came over her face and she lowered her hat to her chest. “Poor ol' apple brown betties. They never stood a chance. So, what yah all doin'?”
“Fluttershy and Rainbow just got here, but they're... well... having a moment,” Twilight said with a sigh. “We'd best leave them alone for a bit. We were talking with Rarity and... oh. That reminds me. About the dresses? Maybe--”
“Oh! You're absolutely right!” Rarity said with a nod. “Applejack, how about I design your dress as well?”
“Mah dress? What now?”
“For the gala?”
“Ah was jus' plannin' in comin' in mah boots. Yah know, they're pretty fanceh an'--”
“NO!” Rarity said, her voice filled with horror. “I will make your dress for you! Please!” the unicorn begged.
Applejack stared. “Ah... ah guess? If it means that much tah yah. I'm not sure--”
“Well, I AM sure,” Rarity said with a look of horror. “Boots, to the gala? The shame...”
Twilight gave another sigh. “Rarity, are you sure you can do that? I mean, all those dresses seem like a lot of extra work, even without Rainbow’s. Won't you be overworked?”
“Oh, it’ll be fine,” Rarity said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “I’ll make the greatest dresses Canterlot has ever seen! Just you wait.”
“Oh? The greatest dresses in Canterlot?” a voice said. The three ponies turned in time to see Nightmare Moon.
“Hey Black Snootie!” Pinkie said with a happy wave.
The alicorn paused, a look of confusion on her face. She then looked to Twilight, who just shrugged. Finally she gazed down at the pink pony. “Are you mocking me?”
“No, I'm teasing you, silly. There's a biiiiig difference!” Then she booped her nose. “Don't worry, you'll come around eventually, I know.” She hopped back with a big grin. “Wanna try one of the cupcakes for the party?”
Nightmare Moon just stood there, her eyes wide with shock. Before looking back to Twilight who, again, just shrugged. She stared down at the pink pony. “We are not hungry. We merely--” She leaped back suddenly when Pinkie pulled out a pointer. “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?! PUT THAT AWAY!”
The pink mare stared. “What? But I was going to show you where we were going to set up the party cannons!”
The alicorn blinked a few more times, her cheeks going bright red. “A-ah. Party cannons. O-of course. Those will be... party cannons will be more than... fine. Where ever you wish to have them.” She gave another shudder, her eyes never leaving the pointer until it was put away. Then she turned to Rarity, who eeped. “And you.”
“Y-yes, your highness?”
“You believe yourself capable of creating the greatest dresses in all of Canterlot?”
“P-perhaps. I-I mean I--”
“Then you will design ours!”
“Your... your highness?” Rarity asked, her mouth falling open. “Design... yours?”
“Indeed. Design ours. Do you not believe yourself up to the task?”
Rarity gulped nervously, before shaking her head. “I... I believe I could make something... f-for you, your highness. But... but I couldn't guarantee that it would... errr... b-be sufficient for your, ummm, r-radiance. Are you sure--”
“Nonsense!” Nightmare Moon said, shaking her head. “We believe as long as you try your hardest, it will be sufficient. And we will not throw you into the dungeon if you fail.”
“That's... slightly... calming,” Rarity said softly, staring up at the mare.
“Is there something wrong, little one?”
“What? Wrong? No no no, no. Nothing wrong. No.”
The ruler glared down at them.
“Hey, Twilight! Guys! Was wondering where you had--” Rainbow's voice came, but was cut off when she walked up behind them. She stared up at the ruler. “O-oh.”
The alicorn stared down at them before her eyes fell onto Fluttershy. Anger, annoyance and then sorrow flashed across her features before she gave a sigh. She slowly walked forward and then, gently, knelt down to look the pegasus in the eyes. The pegasus gave a frightened squeak.
“Dear... Fluttershy,” Nightmare Moon said softly. “We... have harmed you, greatly.”
“... What?” all of the gathered ponies said at once.
“While we had no intention for such a fate to befall you and for you to become one of the creatures of the night, it was our lax judgment and own... distrust that led to this fate for you. And for that, we are sorry. While we can never make it up to you, do know that if there is ever anything that you require, we will give it gladly.”
Fluttershy stared and then gave a nod. “O-okay? Ummmm... I could use a new bird house for the canaries. The floor in it is starting to give out...”
The alicorn blinked a few times before nodding. “Very well. Thou will have the most glorious of bird houses for thy pets!” Her wings spread out, enveloping the chamber and making the others duck.
Fluttershy squeaked and nodded. “T-thank you.”
Nightmare Moon gave a quick nod and closed her wings up, slowly walking away.
Rainbow stared. “That... that was... interesting. Is that the same mare I met before?”
“She's a lot more friendly when you haven't just bucked her in the face,” Twilight said flatly. “Though... I was hoping she'd go in person to apologize.” She was tempted to tell the alicorn off for ignoring what she'd said, but she suspected now wasn't the best time. Especially not in front of the others.
The pegasus cringed, giving a weak nod. “O-oh yeah. I guess that... heh. My bad.” She rubbed the back of her head. “So, wanna go get some hayburgers?”
“Hayburgers? Truly?” Rarity asked, shaking her head. “We're in the very capital of Equestria, the home of the greatest restaurants the world has ever known. And you want to go. To Hayburger.”
Rainbow glared. “Yeah? So what? It's cheap and they make stuff just as good as the fancy shops around here! A lot cheaper, too.”
“Ah hate tah say it, but ah agree with Rainbow. Every time yah drag us off tah one of them fancy shops yah barely get half a mouthful of grub an' they charge yah four hooffuls of bits,” Applejack said with annoyance.
Rarity gave a sigh and rolled her eyes, before looking to Twilight. “You. You're a well established author of Canterlot, truly you must have better tastes than these... philistines?”
The earth pony gave a meek grin. “A-actually... I uhhhh, I usually need something quick and filling so I've spent a lot of time at Hayburger over the years.”
“UGH! FINE!” Rarity said with a dramatic flourish. “We will eat at your... burger of the hay. But I refuse to be happy about it!”
Rainbow snorted and started trotting off. “Come on then, your uptightedness.”
Twilight snickered and shook her head. “Okay, but let's pick up Spike first. I'd rather not risk leaving the castle without him.”
------
The seven trotted through the city. To Twilight's delight, she was only getting the occasional passing glance. Likely because she was with others now. Or maybe ponies didn't recognize her now that she wasn't alone. Either way, nopony threw anything at her and she didn't have to dive for cover this time.
However, when they turned down a side street, all of a sudden something blew over their heads, scattering all of them and sending them flying to the side. Twilight looked around in confusion, before she realized something. “Rainbow!” she yelled, before looking up. Her eyes went wide when she saw a brown figure turning the corner into an alley, a hint of blue disappearing with her. “Come on!” she yelled before galloping after them.
However, when she and the others turned the corner, they found it completely empty. “Where'd they go? Rainbow!” Twilight yelled, panic rising in her. “Rainbow, where are you? Come out!”
“What was that?” Rarity asked.
“I don't know, I think it was a vampire! Maybe it was--” Her words died and she looked to Fluttershy. “It... it might have been...”
“Wait!” Rainbow's voice echoed out. A moment later the pegasus landed in front of them, shaking her head. “It's cool, it's all cool.”
“W-what? What happened?” Twilight asked, looking confused. “What was that?”
“I'll show you. Hold on. Gilda, come on out, it's cool! They're my friends, they won't do anything!”
There was a moment of silence, then a large, brown figure leaped from the nearby roof and glided down. Twilight's eyes widened when she saw it. A griffon. A full grown griffon. She landed a few feet from them, glaring angrily. “Hey. Sup?”
Twilight took a step forward. “A griffon? Are you an invader? Are you--”
“No! No no!” Rainbow said quickly, stepping forward and shaking her head. “This is Gilda, she's an old buddy of mine from flight school. Trust me, she's awesome. Not quite on par a flier as me, but then who is?”
The griffon snorted. “Oh please, you're like a half drowned duck in the air.”
“I can still out fly you any day of the week,” Rainbow said with a grin.
“Oh ho? Race, then?” Gilda asked with a smirk.
“You're o--”
“Need I remind you two that we are in the middle of the city and drawing a crowd?” Twilight hissed.
They both looked up and then nodded.
“Right. Let's go... somewhere else,” Rainbow muttered. “Away from prying eyes.”
The earth pony nodded. “Follow me. I know a place.”
Gilda snorted. “Really? Getting directions from an earth pony? Come on, Rainbow, let's just get out of here.”
“Come on, Gilda,” Rainbow said with a smile. “If Twilight says she knows a place, she knows a place.”
There was another sigh. “Ugh, fine. Whatever.”
The group, now eight strong, trotted off down the streets with ponies staring. Twilight hoped whatever this griffon wanted would be fast, if Nightmare Moon found out there was no telling what would happen.
------
Twilight looked around nervously, before nodding. “Looks like we're all clear.”
“Really?” Gilda asked, looking around the park. “This is your great hiding place?”
“We're not really trying to hide,” Twilight said. “And this isn't the parks normal hours, all the lights are off after all.” She motioned to the fountain of a royal guard, turned off completely and dry. “So, you're not an advanced invasion force? Or a scout?”
The griffon snorted. “Right, like I'd do anything like that. Listen, grounder, I'm not here for you, I'm here for Dash over there,” she said before looking to the pegasus. “Listen, I've been hearing all kinds of rumors of ponies getting torn up in the streets and executed left and right. I came to get you out of here.”
Rainbow stared, before snickering into her hoof. “Really? Executed? They haven't been...” She paused and looked to Twilight. “Err...?”
“Nopony has been executed,” Twilight said quickly. “Trust me, I'd know. There haven't even been any whippings since I came back to Canterlot.”
“There, see?” Rainbow said with a smile, but then the smile wavered. “How's Griffonstone doing? I heard about... well...”
Gilda sighed and put a talon to her forehead and shook it. “It's been... things have been... well... horrible.”
Rainbow sighed. “Planning for war?”
The griffon laughed. “War? What war? If you ponies invade, you'll slaughter us.”
Twilight blinked, her mouth falling open. “W-what? But... but I've heard of the griffon armies! They--”
“There hasn't been a military since we lost the Idol of Boreas. Buck, the closest we have to leaders are those who scrape together enough bits to buy their way into positions like that diplomat you sent back to us in a cast. Half the griffons are prepping for an invasion, the other half are fleeing for their lives!”
Twilight's mouth fell open. “Lost the Idol of... But that's... that's impossible... there's... w-we've heard the stories. They...”
“They’re nothing that made up myths we tell ponies! What, do you think we’re going to go out and advertise, hey, we’re kind of disorganized and can’t fight any. Come on, invade us, it’ll be fun?” Gilda snapped, before sighing. “No. There’s nothing like that. It’s just been… horrible. We’ve been trying our hardest to prepare but… if we’re invaded?” She shook her head. “That’s why I came here, Rainbow. To get you out of this festering hole. Before you got hurt. Now come on, let’s go.” She grabbed Rainbow’s hoof.
Rainbow yanked back. “Gilda, I’m not going anywhere. Even if things WERE that bad here, which as bad as they are they aren’t that bad, there’s no bucking way I’d leave my friends behind.” Her eyes wandered towards Fluttershy for a moment. “None.”
Gilda growled. “Dang it, come on, Dash! You’re going to end up getting yourself killed, or worse! I don’t want to see you get hurt!”
Rainbow shook her head and glared up at the griffon. “I’m not going to get hurt! I’m handling myself pretty well, here. Besides, I just got in with the Shadowbolts, I don’t know if you’ve heard of us, but we’re pretty much the newest, coolest fliers like, ever. So there’s no way I’m leaving now.” She shook her head.
Gilda glared. “Oh, so that’s how it is. You’ve got a bunch of new flier friends and now you’re just ditching me, huh?”
“What? No! I’m not ditching you! What is wrong with you? You haven’t even been by here in ages! Listen, Gilda, if you need to go, that’s fine. I’m not going to stop you, keep yourself safe. If you need somewhere to hide, I’ll--”
Gilda held up a claw, her eyes narrowing behind them. “What’s that?” she asked.
They turned around, but there was nothing there. “What’s what?” Rainbow asked.
“There was like… a weird pony over there. But they just disappeared and...” She shook her head. “I’m imagining things now. Great,” she muttered.
Twilight stared, then her eyes went wide. “W-wait. Like… a great, shadowy pony? No face? Kinda hard to make out details?”
“Yeah, why? What? Why’s everypony looking at me like that?”
The ponies all shared horrified looks before ghostly figures began to appear throughout the trees. “Oh no...”
------
Twilight stared up at the great ruler of the night. The alicorn stared down at them, her eyes resting firmly on the griffon. “So, your once great kingdom is now little more than broken and battered remains.”
Gilda gulped and gave a nervous nod, her eyes looking over the alicorn and the guards that surrounded the room.
Twilight took a step forward. “I-I don’t… y-your highness, please. She’s just a--”
“She is an invader from their people, at best. A spy, at worst. Hoping to gain what secrets she can of our people.”
Gilda let out an indignant squawk when she was picked up in magic and brought before the alicorn. She then whimpered and stared at the mare, her eyes going wide.
“You heard what we had done to the last griffon to come before us, have you not?”
She gave a weak nod. “Y-yes.”
“And what we would do to those who threatened our people?”
Gilda’s wings tightened against her side and she gave a nod. “Y-yes.”
Nightmare Moon nodded, before glancing to Twilight. “Very well, bard. As you are oft one to talk of these decisions, what would you have us do? This griffon has trespassed onto our lands and their last diplomat has offered nothing but insults and threats.” She reached out and put a hoof on Gilda’s beak. “This creature has neither the mind nor beak of a diplomat, so she cannot speak for her people. So then… what would you have us do?” Her cold eyes focused on the earth pony.
Rainbow gulped and glanced back, giving Twilight pleading eyes. The earth pony struggled to think of something, anything. Finally her eyes lit up. “A-allegiance.”
“Oh?” Nightmare Moon asked.
“She, uhhh, she didn’t come to invade. She came to help a friend. Perhaps, ummm, she could stay? As a… member of Equestria? Griffons becoming citizens of Equestria are rare, but not unheard of. I think it would be the first one you approved, but Cele-- errr… but your predecessor had done it a few times.”
Nightmare Moon eyed the earth pony for a few moments before glancing back to Gilda. “There is… wisdom in what she says. Then, tell us, griffon. Who do you swear allegiance to? Griffonstone or Equestria?”
“W-w-what?” the griffon asked, before letting out another squawk as she was dumped, unceremoniously, on the ground.
“A simple question, griffon,” Nightmare Moon said, her wing moving out so the tip was under Gilda’s beak, forcing her to look up. “You have brought us information and… one way or another you will bring us more. However, our bard has spoken on your behalf and begged for you a most… gracious gift. Will you take it, or will you spit in the face of our servant?”
Gilda gulped and processed her options. Then, slowly, lowered her front knees. “I… I will… swear allegiance to Equestria. Not like I owe those pains back home anything.”
Nightmare Moon nodded. “A most wise decision, griffon.” She then turned to Rainbow. “You.”
“Urk!” The mare quickly stood at attention.
“This creature has come to Equestria at your behest, has she not?”
“W-well… s-sorta. She’s my friend and--”
“Then she will be your responsibility, young Shadowbolt. See to it that she doesn’t cause any problems. I will have my soldiers come to you soon, to question you. You’re dismissed.”
Rainbow let out a sigh of relief before quickly trotting to Gilda’s side. “Come on, let’s go before she changes her mind.”
The griffon nodded, before walking up besides her. “I thought she was supposed to be… nuts,” she whispered as she passed by Twilight and the others.
“She is. Trust me. Just don’t buck her in the face.”
“Who’d do something like that?”
“Eh heh heh...”
The others turned to walk with them, but Twilight stopped and looked back. “I’ll catch up with you in a moment,” she said quickly, before looking back towards the ruler. “Your highness, may I speak?”
“Mmm? Indeed?”
Moondancer glanced between the two of them, looking a little nervous.
“What do you intend to do with Griffonstone?”
“Do?”
“I mean, if they’re vulnerable and… I mean...”
The ruler nodded. “You are asking if we intend to go to war?”
“Y-yes.”
“Of what would be the point?”
Twilight blinked. “I-I’m sorry?”
“The point. What would it be? The griffon lands offer us little we cannot gain here. Even without a full military, wiping them out would be a long, arduous task. Their species can be quite… brutal when backed into a corner. Our ponies would likely not enjoy a war.” She then admired her hoof. “Besides. We were already quite… suspicious of how capable the griffons were. While we did not know for certain, this has merely confirmed our suspicions and our soldiers shall investigate to ensure everything they’ve been told is true.”
Twilight stared, her mouth falling open. “W-wait, you KNEW?”
“We suspected. Our sister did as well. Even in our time, the griffons were rarely organized, little more than barbarians that made their homes out of necessity, rather than any unified goal. This glorious empire of their's was likely nothing more than a myth they concocted in order to seem more powerful than they ever were.” She gave a light snort. “In the end, though, it is little more than the bawing of helpless sheep. However, they are useful sheep. Our ponies do enjoy trading with those that offer themselves to such things. A few have become citizens, as you have said. But there is no need to expend considerable resources exterminating them to the last chick, when for only a fraction of the hoofpower and energy we can monitor them and ensure they don’t try anything foalish. Especially now that our suspicions have been confirmed.” A low grin spread across her lips. “We should thank you, bard. It has proven to be quite difficult to find a griffon in our lands in these past weeks, since that… foul mouthed creature had been removed. And here you bring us one that is so pliable to our door.”
Twilight stared, her mouth open with horror. How much did she know? How closely was she being watched? How closely were they all being watched?
“Ah, we have a gift for you, as well. Or, rather, your pet.”
“Huh?” the earth pony asked, before gasping as a large comic was deposited before her. Power ponies anthology.
“That is what you’ve been reading him, is it not?”
Twilight nodded sheepishly and took the book, sliding it into her saddle bags. “T-thank you for your generosity. May I be dismissed?”
“Of course. Go, bard. Make more… friends.”
Twilight nodded, her eyes glancing to Moondancer for a moment before she turned and walked out the door. Her eyes glanced suspiciously over the shadows in the halls as she walked.
Just how closely was she being monitored? Had Nightmare Moon just had what she requested from the library brought to her? Or was she being watched at night? Could there be shades in her room right now? She gave another shudder and shook her head, hoping not. She’d have to be more careful if she was going to find any sign of Celestia.
A new chill went down her spine. What if Nightmare Moon knew that she knew the princess of the sun was here?