//------------------------------// // Mothia // Story: The Outlands of Equestria // by CloverStarshine //------------------------------// Moria was certainly way better than Torrid's village.Mothia was certainly way better than Torrid's village. When they approached its gates, they were met by two bug-like stallions. They had armor on but had a brown coat on though it was soft and somewhat sticky. They wore metal armor and held spears. And they had wings of a moth. Like back at Torrid's village they had stopped them and inspected them carefully. Especially Twilight. "Hmm haven't seen alicorns for quite a long time," said the first guard. "State your business," said the second. "We're here to retrieve the—" started Twilight. But then she thought, should she share her details and quest with these guards? Or should she talk to the ruler of this village in private like last time? Then again Torrid had told them to stay away from anyone. But what choice did they have? Stay in the forest where the dangers were worse? Sure they had Discord, but then she remembered the chains Torrid's group had used to immobilize him. What if the same happened to them? Plus, these moth-looking ponies did look friendlier. She made up her mind. "We'd like to talk our business with your ruler," said Twilight. The guards exchanged glances but then nodded at each other and opened the gates to Mothia. The village had hives instead of houses appeared to be those, like hives, some were caramel colored, while others a bit darker and some had flowers or plant life growing on them. They watched the group for only a second as they flew, some stared at the group while others were too busy to mind the new visitors. The ponies soon approached a castle, it was caramel colored and had tall, thin holes for the windows. The gates were brown with golden nobs and the castle also held a balcony at the center of it. The castle had plant life growing on as well and guards surrounding the castle. They entered the main hall, which had high ceilings and muddy looking walls. Soon they approached the throne room where another half moth half pony approached them. She was taller than the rest, had a caramel coat, only it wasn't fur but more like an exoskeleton. She had a chocolate brown curled mane and slit purple eyes but only friendlier. Her moth wings were larger than the rest and had holes, some were circles while others were crescents. And based on her crimson golden crown, Twilight knew she must be their ruler. "Why, good evening, Equestrians," said the moth ruler. Apparently she had no cutie mark. "I am Queen Harmony, ruler of the moth ponies and Mothia." "Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle," said the lavender alicorn. "These are my friends Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow, Rarity, and Spike." She pointed to each as she said their names. "Nice to meet you, Queen Harmony. And I'm sure you're pretty friendly by your name." "Oh you don't know how 'friendly' I am," sneered Queen Harmony. "And I don't suppose it's Princess Twilight Sparkle?" "Oh, uh, yes?" said Twilight. "Yeah, but you should always be addressed that way by your lower equines," said Queen Harmony glaring at the others. "Now what is it that you came for?" "Well I would really want to talk to you in private," said Twilight. "Oh sure," said Queen Harmony. "You wouldn't want these idiots to listen to our regal conversation. Guards, why don't you scamper off now will you all?" The guards then left the room. "Oh, you six as well," said Queen Harmony pointing to the others. "Hey, we're with Twilight!" said Rainbow. "Yeah, by private I meant—" started Twilight but Queen Harmony interrupted her. "I'm sorry, but this is a regal conversation not meant for smaller equines," said Queen Harmony. "Now scamper you servants, and let the rulers talk." Rainbow was getting tired of the moth pony's attitude and wanted to head back to the forest with Discord. But she wouldn't leave without a comeback. "Oh shut up you bug queen! I have to let you know we're-." Twilight put a hoof on Rainbow. "It's okay," she said. "Don't worry, it'll be over soon. Why don’t you guys get some rest, find a hotel, okay?" Rainbow looked at her. Then she whispered, "You’d better know what you're doing Twi. I don't trust these outlanders around you by yourself any more than them telling us the truth. She then left the throne room along with the others. "Finally those low lifers are gone," said Queen Harmony. "Now, what is this business you speak of?" Wow, for having a name like Harmony, you really are spoiled, thought Twilight. "Well our homeland is dying and me and my friends have been asked to retrieve the Reviving Seed." She didn't mention Discord, because as far as she knew, this queen was too spoiled and would probably use him for herself. Or worse. "What do you mean asked?" asked Queen Harmony, looking perplexed. "Aren't you a princess? You shouldn't be doing things your little servants should." Servants? How dare you call my friends servants?! thought Twilight angrily. Now she really wished Discord was here so he could take her mouth off. "Well, I wanted to because I enjoy a little adventure." Twilight faked a smile. "Listen, we just want to rest here and we'll be gone first thing tomorrow." Queen Harmony turned to her. Oh she'll make perfect bait, thought Queen Harmony. "Oh sure, why don't you just take a room here?" "Actually, I want to be with my friends," said Twilight. No way will I stay with you, she thought. Queen Harmony gritted her teeth at this. But did it to herself so no one saw. "Well then," she chuckled. "Go ahead, be with your low-life servants. Hope everything comes at hoof" "Thanks," said Twilight. She then left gladly thinking, glad she's out of my way. Calls herself Queen Harmony huh? I think Queen Spoiled would've been best. She then left the castle. From her window sill, Queen Harmony chuckled. "With that mediocre little princess I can finally leave this place. Guards! Prepare the chains! I have a little date with a little alicorn."