“Wait, wait, wait, you actually snuck into the Goddess’ chambers?!”
Moonwarden kept his batpony audience, a garrison of ten, in anticipation for a while, looking over them carefully. An entire unit, clad in dark armors, focusing their full attention on him, listening to his every word with proper excitement on their faces.
Oh, having so many eyes on him, he was fighting fierce, internal battles.
And not only because the word was “sneaked”.
“That I have, indeed...” he finally admitted, causing the Nightguardians to exhale in their strange way, showing their cheer.
Telling that story was not really a shaming confession to make for the sake of befriending the group. Well, perhaps for the Royal Guard, as they had let somepony infiltrate the Royal Sisters’ personal wing and living quarters, and with relative ease. Then again, what chance did they have against him?
“The fact of my conversion might have been enough to approach Her Majesty... but I did not want to seem just like another regular, albeit noble, pony from the streets wishing to gain her favour. I chose a more... avant-garde way, I wanted to show both my devotion and my possible usefulness.”
One of the batponies, her name might have been Cranberry, for it matched her mane, leaned further forward, trying to pierce Moonwarden with her enthusiastic gaze.
Tempting him.
“And what did the Goddess say to you appearing like that?”
“Well, her first reaction was rather... spontaneous, I would say,” the stallion admitted, shrugging. “A mixture of prominence and vexation. I had bent my knee before her, in reverence... and her powerful magic petrified me in an instant a second later. I could not move one muscle, I could not even blink.”
A murmur of worry and awe passed over the table set with oranges and other fruit.
Honestly, it was like telling a fable to a bunch of foals...
... aged, armored and fanged foals.
“What then...?” one stallion asked, not withstanding the dramatic pause. Larchleaf, if Moonwarden recalled.
“She demanded explanation to my presence rather... vehemently,” the unicorn admitted, cringing a little. He was almost certain it damaged his hearing at the time. “And, thankfully, I managed to quickly convince her that I am not an assassin, or worse.”
The batponies hissed in revulsion over such an idea and Moonwarden had to concur. The very thought of somepony daring to raise their hoof against Her Majesty... approaching Her with ill intent...
But, this was not the time to enjoy deliberating mental tortures.
“Thankfully, I was a courtier, serving as an analyst for the Chamber of Internal Affairs and the Chamber of Justice...” he told them. It was not a lie, per se. Simply a... stretch of the job title. “I might not have been so lucky and so... unscathed otherwise,” he concluded, stretching his back, nicely and fully covered by the elegant morning dress.
Sunfall Ordain, who was a leader in both rank and amazement, shook her head.
“Ha! That’s one way to gain favor! What happened next? Have you sworn an oath before Her? In blood?”
How feral.
“Not anything quite so vivid, however, I have given the Immaculate Moon...” The entire chamber lowered their heads. “... the vow of my utter loyalty, as I have seen proper. I am Hers to command, use and spend as She wishes... I am Hers.”
Wishful thinking.
The room rumbled with affirmations and hoof-stomping. Moonwarden even got a, rather potent, pat on his back from Sunfall Ordain, which caused him to clench his teeth and try not to make a face. Scar tissue was not pat-friendly.
“Ha! We are so happy to have you here, among us! Ha!” she told him, flashing him a brilliant, sharp smile. “If only more sunponies would see the glory of the Goddess and not only Her divine Sister!”
Moonwarden nodded, somewhat sympathetic to the notion, even if Princess Luna was not met with... quite so much distrust anymore. Nor was Princess Celestia so... judging, as the batponies believed.
However, this sentiment was useful to advance his influence.
And feed his ego. It was gorging itself tonight!
“Thankfully, more sunponies do.”
The entire garrison held its breath, which almost caused Moonwarden to burst into laughter. They were... expressive.
... genuine...
“Yes, as I have said. As it happens I know a group of ponies that serve the Goddess just like me... I am the one responsible from bringing them into the Immaculate Moon’s... fold.”
Talk about surprise and wonderment! The batponies exchanged glances and joyous smiles. Sunfall Ordain might have been the most cheerful of them, but her subordinates did not stay far behind in their inquiries about “who” and “how”.
Moonwarden was not going to give up too much information, that would have been... unprofessional. However, he was more than glad to weave a small tale for his own sake.
“One of my tasks is the constant search for ponies that might see things another way. A better one. The Goddess’ one,” he claimed, looking over the gathered almost imperiously. They were drinking from his every word. Delicious. “Letting them know that they are welcomed by Her Majesty. That their lives can have a greater meaning, one that, perhaps, they were bereaved of before.”
Considering the approval he was receiving, trying to make his words pious, Moonwarden considered that he had missed his calling. He should have been a priest. He was already taking... confessions, so to speak.
Another batpony stallion, Stillfang, leaned almost across the table. “The Goddess, most merciful, is showing Her Light to other ponies through you! Ha!”
The grey unicorn bowed his head. “Seems I have been seen fit for this.”
Sunfall Ordain raised her hoof and addressed her comrades. “Speaking of seeing... Luneestraz here can use his magic, the Goddess found him worthy of this Gift...” The murmur of further marvel passed through the room.
Moonwarden lowered his head humbly, hiding glints of pride in his gaze.
Talk about a power rush!
“... and he can see at night with ease thanks to it!”
Oh dear.
“Well...” the unicorn responded, met with the mare’s intense stare. “I happen to find it very, very useful.”
“Come on, show them!” she encouraged him, looking at the others with glee. “Most amazing thing I have ever seen!”
Now, that was a dilemma. Moonwarden was in two minds about it. Which meant four, at least.
Using his power like that felt... unfulfilling. It was meant to bend minds and wills, not provide cheap, common entertainment! It was an utterly serious and profound art, mentalism, and one that was for a very good reason considered illegal in Equestria.
With a few, clandestine and abstruse exceptions...
He observed the gathered. Ten pairs of thirsty eyes, just waited to be captivated. It was almost... seductive to him.
But were they all resistant like Sunfall Ordain? Frustratingly and inexplicably?
He hoped not. But he had to be careful. Last thing he wanted was suddenly hypnotizing the entire garrison. Multiple victims could prove tricky in organizing. As well as causing a lot of unnecessary questions.
Ones like: “Where am I?”, “What happened?” and “Why are you doing this to me?!”.
That last one was specifically superfluous.
“I can show the spell, of course, just give me a moment,” Moonwarden assured, closing his eyes briefly. He also took off his monocle. He did not wish its help right now. He only had to check if any mental connections would form, not create a unit of entranced puppets.
He flared his horn briefly, focusing on the arcane currents, then formed them around his eyes, letting the flow converge through them. When he looked back up, they were shining with his silver magic, mercurial aura that seemed to gently pulsate and shimmer.
He began with Sunfall Ordain, but the only reaction from her was that amazed, wide smile. Nothing more. Nothing.
Curses. Way to become an entertainer.
He started to turn his head to each and every of the present warriors, meeting their expectant stares with the lucidity of his hypnotic glare.
And, one by one... his frustration and chagrin grew. Accompanied by something even worse. Disappointment. Angst.
Insignificance.
Despite his art, despite his expertise, despite the caution he exercised, he did not get even a tether of connection. A hint of access to the minds of those batponies. The magic was flowing past their minds, as they offered impenetrable resistance.
Back in Canterlot, when Princess Twilight was leaving with her entourage of two, he allowed himself to probe for their minds. And he felt them being strong and resolute, he could tell that much.
Right now, he started having trouble even recognizing if he was sensing ten or eleven individuals! He ended up arriving at a conclusion which was grim and distracting indeed as, one by one, the warriors were cheering and exhaling in wonder at his infamous power rather than submitting to it.
They did not know arcane magic. And yet they were shielded against mentalism.
Racial immunity.
A shudder traversed through him, down to his very core, but none of them spotted it, busy praising the fancy light show.
“I think our guest deserves something special!” Sunfall Ordain declared, beckoning Cranberry. “Let’s see if he handles it better than the Princess!”
Moonwarden would react, but found himself to be preoccupied within his own mind, as he deliberated with himself how to proceed. The assumption he had come to was downright discouraging.
And yet... he had one more trick up his sleeve. If for the sake of certainty, he was going to use it.
He just needed an opportunity. Alone. With Sunfall Ordain. Which he was going to be granted soon.
Before he noticed, a solid cup was placed in front of him, filled with a transparent substance that smelled faintly of oranges. And potently of alcohol.
“What might this be?” he asked, glancing at the captain, burying the pressing, mental matter deep inside until later.
“This is gozalke, our traditional drink for celebrations!” she told him, grinning as never. “You’re our guest and a pony of the Goddess! You deserve to partake!”
The warriors whooped in unison, raising their own cups, but waiting for the unicorn to start.
“I see...” He eyed the intoxicant. “Well, I am not stranger to liquor, even though I hate to overdose...”
... especially while frustrated beyond measure, as he was under the polite mask.
“Is there a toast I should be performing?” he asked, taking the drink in his hoof.
“We usually drink to glory, the Goddess’ and ours through Her,” Sunfall Ordain instructed him. “You might have heard me saying it when we met the first time. Hwale.”
Moonwarden vaguely recalled her saying that back at the Broken Stock, though he did not pay that much attention to it then.
“Well, let us be proper then!” he declared, standing up and lifting the cup. “To the Goddess, Her Majesty, and all of Her loyal servants! Hwale!”
“Hwale!”
As the liquid hit his throat, he felt his eyes widening and his mane standing on end. Drinking this in one go was not a good idea. Not at all. But it was too late to stop now.
He forced the burning down his body, though the inferno cleansed everything in its path with scorching flame, indeed. Even the aftertaste of ripe fruit was not enough to quench the flames that danced all the way down the stallion’s throat and wreaked havoc in his stomach.
He stood still, battling the tears that formed in his eyes. The batponies were again, all looking at him, after shaking, stomping their hooves, or shouting on top of their lungs, like Sunfall Ordain did.
He and himself agreed. Conflagration or not, a noble had to be polite to the hosts. Even if they tried to unwittingly set him on fire.
“... it’s good...” he forced out a mouse’s squeak through the clenched throat and the chamber erupted in laughter.
Sometime later, as Sunfall Ordain was leading Moonwarden to her quarters, she still had the echo of that joy on her lips. “Oh, that was a great evening!”
“I can agree, yes...” the unicorn calmly replied, glad that his throat was back on board. He was not keen on cheeping through the rest of his life, as it was unbecoming of an Advisor. “I see that noctrali live life to its fullest. At least, they drink in such a fashion!”
The mare chuckled, looking at him impishly. “We simply rejoice using the Goddess’ gifts! Gozalke is a special liquor, indeed!”
“It makes you feel... exceptional,” Moonwarden agreed, hiding a shudder. “Though, I usually prefer something slightly more suave. Good grape extract, like Botrytized Nectar. They are less direct.”
The batpony just kept giggling as they approached a set of doors. “I think this might be the difference. You’d rather ‘gentle’ through things, right? Whilst we...”
“... ‘litter’,” Moonwarden finished for her, equally impishly, which resulted in a melodious, cheerful laughter.
The more he heard of it, the nicer it sounded.
And the more vexing. Especially after what he had learned tonight about batponies and their impenetrable minds! And how... livid it made him feel.
Despite what he might have expected from a centure’s quarters, Sunfall Ordain’s office was revealed as rather plain. ‘Austere’ was the word. A desk, a bookshelf serving as a cabinet for scrolls, a table, two chairs, a wardrobe and a bed with a single quilt. Even the candelabrum looked... basic.
“As opposed to the drinks, your place is more abstinent...” Moonwarden pointed out, looking around in curiosity. The chamber, otherwise, looked rather fine and secure. And far enough from other rooms.
The mare nodded. “I am not one for luxuries. My Family’s tradition. We care more for the Goddess and the riches of our faith than the riches of our homes.”
“Indeed...” the grey stallion responded, finding the office good enough if he were to... conduct one last test to address his growing displeasure.
But something caught Moonwarden’s eyes. Right next to a quill on her desk, Sunfall Ordain had a petite, star necklace laying there. Done in silver and twinkling in the candlelight. “However, I see you have a soft spot for jewelry?” Before she replied he had approached the desk. His eyebrows rose. “This is Equestrian craft. Jewelers of Canterlot make such pieces,” he commented, having recognized the style. He shot the mare an intrigued glance.
“It is a gift from Princess Twilight Sparkle,” she revealed, looking a bit abashed. “She wished to express her gratitude for the accommodation and a little souvenir I granted her...”
Moonwarden nodded, his expression softening into a warm smile. “I knew you were a unique pony, Sunfall Ordain. You have brought honour to your kind, Family and position by hosting Her Highness on her travels.”
Sunfall Ordain grinned, giving him a little salute. “Very good to hear, sir! Now, I wish to help you!”
Hopefully. First and foremost he needed to... unwind.
“Very well, but I would not like to ruin the atmosphere of the evening by this, nor keep you away from duties for longer, so let us make it quick...” He allowed himself to take his place by the table. “I simply need the example maps of the region, ones that were shared with the mayor and the lumberyards, to have them attested.”
“Of course! I have copies made, for safety and regulation reasons, would those be alright?” the mare asked, trotting towards the stacked bookshelf.
“That would be optimal.”
He needed her distracted by something, he needed her not looking at him. That way, he could gather his magic without giving her any chance of responding.
If probing the thoughts had not worked, if a hypnotic glare was ineffective... well, there was the more direct method of getting into that bright, alluring mind. A bit more intrusive and... unpleasant, but worth it.
He took a deep breath. Sunfall Ordain was looking through the scrolls, humming to herself. He would feel bad about ambushing her like this tomorrow, with the headache and the cold.
Though, it was not like he would allow her to remember any of it, so... was it really something to feel bad about?
His horn shone gently. For once, he was not going to... give her a rehab. Just a little... analysis.
He focused. He aimed. He exhaled.
My children are important to me.
A sudden memory brought him to a halt. Something about his chest suddenly felt a hundredfold heavy, as his own voice in his head addressed him.
... what would She say to this, Moonwarden?
He paused. He lifted his gaze, watching Sunfall Ordain, unaware, pulling out more scrolls from the bookshelf, checking their markings. His horn was still lit, but his anger at the resistance, at the preposterous, the insufferable, the outrageous idea that his craft, his skills, that he, Moonfred Nebulus Warden, was unable to break into another’s mind and crush their willpower by the might of his art, that anger...!
He snuffed out his horn and closed his eyes, his expression relaxing.
... She always dispelled his nightmares. Even though She did not know it...
“Moonwarden? Hello?”
He glanced up. Sunfall Ordain was looking at him with an amused expression. “Have you fallen asleep on me?”
The unicorn shook his head, chuckling. “Not really, I was just... contemplating.” He took note of the couple of scrolls in her hooves. “Is this all?”
“All that we have done, yes!” she told him, presenting the parchments on the table. “If I could help you out more with this, I will gladly do so! You can count on me!”
Moonwarden smiled, his ire having subsided, pushed back by the feelings of...
“Thank you, Sunfall Ordain. I’m glad to know I have a friend amongst the Nightguard,” he just said. There was no place nor time to grow unrequitedly sentimental. “I hope that Princess Twilight’s mission will bring our races and nations even closer. And I hope I will be able to learn about it from you first.”
The batpony beamed, her brilliant smile, even fanged, becoming more familiar to him. “By the Goddess, let it be so!”
She hugged him tightly in her typical, over-affectionate way.
And he sighed inwardly, accepting the gesture.
Perhaps sentimentalism had its place and time.
***
Twilight could not help but feel let down.
It was a strange mixture. A dash of disappointment and worry, with a pinch of anger and a smidgen of confusion, all simmered in bemusement.
Or maybe she was thinking like that because the breakfast had come to a rather abrupt halt.
Midnight Eye was not quite so autocratic as to punish Rowan Berry for bringing forth bad news, but his expression and words as he stood up from the table and ordered a unit of Sentinels to prepare for departure did not spell anything merciful.
“Honored Princess,” he turned to Twilight when he fixed his long robe and cloak, looking truly imposing despite the facet of his persona that he had revealed when the meal started. “We will clear up this situation at once. The priests invoking a prophecy is not a matter to overlook, I hope you understand that,” he claimed, staring at her with a mixture of authority, outrage and pious reverence.
“Of course, Honored Lord!” she immediately replied, having stood up when he did. “This situation is very sudden.”
The Lord nodded. “Indeed... Dearest wife and daughter, I would wish this situation not to spoil the breakfast. However, I need to address it immediately.”
Midnight Iris bowed her head, though her expression fell noticeably. On the other hoof, captain Midnight Valor saluted properly from his place by the Countess.
“My Honored Lord Eye of Family Midnight, can I be of service to you in this?”
Midnight Eye smirked, despite the obvious irritation. “You, indeed, can. Make sure that my daughter smiles more today, even if my duties are calling me away.”
The young stallion saluted with all seriousness, but Bright Midnight’s blind eyes shined with youthful glee. “Don’t worry, father. I understand. Thank you.”
Twilight glanced at Midnight, who took his place at her side as her personal bodyguard. She was hoping that he would have a chance of making her smile more each and every moment, without all this fear of being discovered or persecuted. One day, perhaps.
Midnight Eye cleared his throat, stepping away from the table. “Rowan Berry, was the Archcurator present at the Tabulre?”
“Yes, Honored Lord, alongside other archivists. Wisokantase refused to let them in. She claims that it will last until she reveals the prophecy to you and the Honored Princess!” the healer diligently replied.
Twilight felt a shiver go down her spine. She recalled that older mare from yesternight, a member of the Assembly, mentioning that Twilight’s arrival had been ‘foretold’. Only now did these words sink in, bringing forth... something.
It felt like... a warning? A dream of one? There was... no, but...
Something about a prophecy was dancing on the edges of her memory, and yet...
“Honored Princess?” Midnight Eye’s voice reached her ears, and she quickly shook her head.
“Yes, forgive me, Honored Lord,” she explained her momentarily distant expression. “I was just pondering the gravity of this.”
The Lord gestured towards the exit, where a unit of four Sentinels was already prepared, their armors and tabards most stately. “We will, hopefully, learn how grave it truly is together. Nightguardian.”
“Yes, Honored Lord?” Midnight’s salute was immaculate.
“You have your orders, you come with me and the Princess. Rowan Berry, you will serve me again. Make haste and inform the Archcurator that I am arriving to assess this situation.”
The healer, without delay, rushed out of the room, while Midnight Eye beckoned and lead the group out of the dining chamber in an orderly fashion.
The armored hooves of the Sentinels and Midnight echoed through the corridors, giving Twilight a feeling of authority, even if she was not the one truly emanating it. Lord Midnight Eye as the leader of this group, his gaze focused forward, his cloak and dark wings draped over his back, his silver circlet reflecting candlelight and adding to his splendor like a mercurial aureole. Twilight had to agree to that leadership, despite feeling often uneasy in this stallion’s presence and hurt by his words. Midnight Eye had the aura of a monarch. And, from what she could tell, it was an aura both inspiring and imposing alike.
“Your presence here is unique and singular, Honored Princess, but I have not anticipated it involving such signs from the Goddess...” the Lord spoke as they made their way out of the complex and down the great, marble stairs. “A prophecy is no laughing matter, especially concerning recent events...”
Twilight glanced at him, having a strange feeling about the way he said ‘such’, aside from everything else he mentioned. “I have heard about the portents before, especially one regarding the return of the... Corrupting Darkness. Do they happen often?”
The batpony squinted his eyes. “The effiti receive many visions, some of those small and almost insignificant. But they are all recorded and interpreted. Greater prophecies happen only when a vital moment of our history approaches...”
The mare bit her lip. Was this one of those? She might have not been religious, even after being subjected to a lot through her journey, but the sheer amount of happenings all around her since she left Equestria...
It... kind of made sense that there would be some sort of a prophecy regarding the visit of the first sunpony in the lands of the Goddess.
First peaceful visit. The previous one, well, Twilight was still hoping to learn about it tonight.
What she witnessed before her as the group reached the Midnight’s Library was not foreseeing her having that chance.
The place was, first and foremost, located in what appeared to be a natural, enormous, cylindrical stalagnate that supported this side of the cave. Throughout the entire structure, windows and terraces sprouted, carved in the solid rock, not leaving even a sliver of stone raw and wasted. Over a massive entrance, a grand tome of knowledge rested in the granite, supporting the lunar discus – the greatest yet sigil of the Midnight Family. However, this particular tome was also marked with a lot of text in the batponies’ alphabet, telling a grand fable that Twilight was not able to learn of just yet.
Before the massive rock formation shouts and hisses reigned. A significant number of ponies congregated there, mares and stallions, all dressed in loose, ink blue robes not unlike those worn by Midnight’s father.
Speaking of whom, Midnight Whisper was, indeed, present, gesturing and explaining some matters to an elderly stallion of long, graying and frazzled mane. Clearly worried stallion, if his hairstyle was of any indication. Rowan Berry stood by too, on the lookout for the Lord and Twilight approaching.
The sound of the Sentinels’ hoofsteps and the healer’s warning quickly silenced the crowd, which was now bowing in reverence before Midnight Eye. The venerable, anxious pony stepped forward, his gesture even deeper than that of his colleagues. His robes were marked by stylized, silver letters.
“Hwalbu Haspadr...!” he declared, his fatigued voice cracking. “Ia nye... Wisokantase...”
“Archcurator, recognizing the presence of a guest among us, we shall converse in Equestrian,” Midnight Eye commanded in a tone that knew no objection.
“T-tac, I... I mean, yes, Honored Lord...” the pony muttered, his accent holding strong. “Honored Princess...” he glanced at Twilight briefly, his eyes not any calmer as he crossed gazes with her. “The... the Wisokanantase, uhm, the High Priestess, she declared the Library inaccessible. Nopony can come in!”
To say the Midnight Eye looked displeased would be an understatement. His eyes were keen and focused, and although still betraying hints of his piousness in the face of a Goddess’ alleged sign, overtaken by vexation quite profoundly.
“I have been informed that Honored Princess Twilight Sparkle and I have to be made aware of a recent prophecy before the High Priestess allows anypony to enter, is that correct?”
The Archcurator nodded fervently.
In the meantime, Midnight Whisper and Midnight exchanged stares and Rowan Berry stepped between the Sentinels to stand behind Twilight as a part of her entourage. She looked a fair bit winded, acting as a temporary courier all this time.
“Have you tried to reason with her, Star Vellum?” the Lord inquired in the meantime, his voice firm.
“Yes, Honored Lord, but she remains adamant, despite our joined efforts...” he pointed at Midnight’s father, who nodded rather profoundly.
“Is that right, dear cousin?”
“Indeed, Honored Lord,” the archivist spoke with no less firmness than the haspadr. “Midnight Litany refuses to back down and allow us in, claiming a prophecy concerning Princess Twilight Sparkle and her access to the Testimony.”
Twilight blinked, confused and discouraged alike, but Midnight Eye was having none of that, as it appeared.
“Make way,” he ordered and the crowd parted in no time, everypony passing on the command further down, until a clear path between them was visible, all the way to the Library’s entrance.
The Lord glanced at Twilight, then began trotting, forcing her to quickly follow behind. She felt out of place for the moment, but Midnight Eye was the ruler here and his anger was almost palpable. And that made his presence a force to be reckoned with.
The rest of the entourage, most notably Midnight and Rowan Berry, accompanied them within reasonable distance.
The source of the Lord’s vexation, as it happened, was sitting down in front of the Library’s massive doorway, her eyes closed, her staff of office, a dark oak cane adorned with silver and crowned with a discus, propped on her neck. Her two companions, local monks no doubt, had their hoods on, but they were observing the gathering with cautious eyes.
The old mare in her flowing robe of a priest appeared to have been sleeping deeply, but her golden eyes darted open as soon as Midnight Eye and Twilight came closer, having left the retinue with the rest of the crowd at the Lord’s behest.
“It is good you have come, Twilight Sparkle...” the High Priestess spoke, her voice leveled and almost warm, though her gaze was strange. Not vile, but definitely not good. “I am glad we have a chance to speak...”
Midnight Eye, since he was the one standing closer, was first to reply. “Wisokantase, as the Lord of the Family and your sovereign, I demand to hear your reasoning. You have forbidden anypony from entering the Library tonight, claiming that a vision needs to be first revealed to the Honored Princess and myself. You shall provide me with an explanation of your actions.”
Twilight watched as the priestess only chuckled under her breath, not in any way bothered by the tone of these words.
“Have you not just answered yourself, Honored Lord?”
Midnight Eye blinked, his expression quickly morphing into a frown. He was about to speak up, but the old mare interceded.
“You might wish to search for answers in your own logic, before demanding it from others, Honored Lord.” Her vision turned to Twilight, who almost took a step back. There was much intent in this stare from underneath a grey-blue mane. “We have not had a chance to talk yesternight, soleerane.”
As Twilight found little to no words to reply to that, considering the uniqueness of the situation, she remained silent.
“I have warned you, your arrival was foretold. The Goddess sees us and learns of us as She sees us...” the priestess spoke, her tone growing eerie. “Her prophecy forbids you from seeing more tonight, as She needs to see what you see as well...”
All of that repeating was not truly helping. Fortunately, Midnight Eye attempted to try and reason with the elder again, trying to keep his voice low-key.
“High Priestess, with all the respect due your wisdom and position, by forbidding the Honored Princess from seeing the Testimony, you are standing against the will of the entire Covenant...”
The old mare but waved her hoof. “Oh, child, who is standing against whom here? Has the Covenant forgotten who they are led by? Or are you doing so right now?”
Twilight stopped herself from swallowing loudly, for Midnight Eye looked like he had been just smacked across the muzzle. He was keeping his composure, but she spotted with relative ease the level of insult this meant for him.
The priestess just smiled. “Think on that, Honored Lord, for the Goddess wished for the Princess to be the one guided by this omen, not you.”
“I am here now, High Priestess...” Twilight replied to that, taking a step forward.
What circumstances! A religious leader had just scolded a local ruler, the entire staff of the largest library Twilight had had the pleasure of hearing about was standing behind her, without a doubt observing the situation with engrossment. And she was about to receive some sort of direct advice from the Goddess.
Twilight could not lie. Considering everything, she could be feeling rather small and insignificant.
But she was not going to.
Those mentions of prophecies and portents had awakened something in her. A power. Conviction that things would be, in the end, for the better.
“I am ready to hear what the Goddess demands,” she declared with a stern voice, meeting the old mare’s gaze, which softened a little.
“The Goddess does not ‘demand’, young Princess. She guides, offering us a choice. But your preparedness pleases Her...”
Midnight Eye’s frown subsided a little, but he still stood next to Twilight like a black shadow ousted from the conversation, despite the circlet and all of the authority. She was going to remedy that, if only for the sake of fairness.
“As a guest of the Honored Lord, I will listen, High Priestess, but with Eye of Family Midnight as my witness.”
She could hear the whispering of the archivists behind her, her words no doubt reaching them all, either directly or conveyed further.
Midnight Eye did not reply to her declaration, just glancing at her and then focusing again on the elder.
The priestess smiled a knowing, faint smile, pointing at Twilight with her feeble hoof. “You should listen, and listen carefully, Princess... For this is the guidance of the Immaculate Moon...”
Everypony around lowered their heads, Twilight included. The old mare stood up with the help of her monks and grabbed her staff firmly in her hooves. And though her form was frail, her words sounded with might, power that must have come from a source far greater.
“From the guidance of the Sun and the mercy of the Moon, Evening arrives. But what she seeks shall not be revealed, until the light of faultless Judgment casts anew the lapsed shadows of fault. Come cyan and violet, fall in droplets. Come wisdom new.”
It was as if the entire cavern had fallen silent, as the words reverberated all over it, reaching every pair of ears. Such was the power of the prophecy that had been revealed by Midnight Litany, the High Priestess of the Goddess.
Twilight withstood the revelations bravely, though she understood little of those. Light of faultless Judgment? Lapsed shadows? It sounded ominous.
... had it anything to do with...
“You will not enter tonight, Honored Princess,” the old mare declared, tapping her staff to emphasize her words. “Tonight is not the night.”
Twilight felt another pang of disappointment in her heart. And a strong one. She never considered herself impatient... in matters other than books and scrolls! And this was very much about books and scrolls! Whole Library of them!
“When shall the time come, then?” she asked, instead of showing her true feelings, her voice and expression as stoic as she could muster.
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the night of truths and shadows...” Midnight Litany disclosed enigmatically.
That Twilight could not understand. What difference did one night make? This knowledge was locked away from her, from Equestria, for years, centuries most likely. One night made it all matter so much more?
Or was there more to it? Was this just another one of the plots that were trying to choke her with devious strings all around her?!
But Twilight knew one thing. Despite all the emotions, there was but one good move to make in this situation.
She bowed her head. She took a deep, thoughtful breath, then spoke, her words clear as silver moonlight.
“Will of the Goddess be done.”
The murmur of the crowd became far greater and even Midnight Eye appeared moved by the declaration, his eyebrows arching, though he was trying to control it to the best of his abilities.
The High Priestess, in the meantime, smiled, nodded, then gestured at her subordinates to help her trot. “The Word of the Goddess has been spoken!” she shouted, which was followed by a chesty cough.
The crowd of archivists, all observing the by-law leader of their priesthood caste, allowed Midnight Litany passage, though many ponies were looking left and right in confusion and concern over what had been said.
Midnight Eye looked ready to forbid the old mare from leaving and tell her a few prophecies of his own, but remained where he was, his gaze... somewhat distant. Twilight could tell that the augury caused him no small distress. And only after the source of it had vanished behind the crowd did he exhale profoundly.
He looked over the gathered, his stare gaining focus as he invoked the power of his position.
“The Goddess has given us guidance, through the lips of her priestess! We have heard the prophecy and its understanding ! Let us remember this lesson and return to our tasks!” he commanded, regaining his authority.
The crowd started rapidly shifting, with the Archcurator Star Vellum and Midnight Whisper approaching Midnight Eye without delay.
“Honored Lord,” the venerable stallion began, his voice shaken, “we... we shall make sure that the Library is back to work and prepared for... for you and the Honored Princess, but...”
The Lord silenced him with a firm gesture. “I have heard the Goddess’ will, Archcurator. Make do. I expect everything to be ready tomorrow,” he pointed out, and it was not hard to spot that he, like Twilight, found this sudden change to be peculiar, if not redundant.
The old librarian scrambled away, tailed by Midnight Whisper who bowed his head to all in passing, then lead the rest of the archivists into their liberated workplace.
Which made Twilight felt pretty envious. She had to wait another night to see the marvels inside this gigantic study!
She crossed gazes with Midnight Eye... and something incredible happened.
They both looked at one another for that one moment. Twilight knew that her gaze was betraying that disappointment and vexation. He was fighting his own ire over being treated like an unruly child by the priestess.
And, much to Twilight’s surprise, it felt like they formed a momentary connection over the annoyances of that night.
Midnight Eye, his breathing leveled, nodded finally, as if recognizing the same phenomenon. “It seems that the Goddess had Her counsel for both of us, Honored Princess. Though we might have found it distinctive.”
Twilight thought about a hundred ways of responding. In sadness over the delay. In frustration because of the enigmatic prophecy. In confusion.
But, would those really help her?
“Her will be done,” she just declared. And the glint in Midnight Eye’s gaze showed that, at least, he did not find her words wanting.
“Indeed, Honored Princess.” The Lord glanced at Midnight and the others, still within respectable distance, allowing the ponies back to the Library. He took a step forward, speaking clearly if quietly to her, even though his gaze was directed to the side, towards the tide of his subjects. “Your declarations might not have that much faith in them...” he pointed out, “but I can respect that you are attempting to emulate what you observe and use it to your advantage.”
It was Twilight’s time to furrow her brow. Again, this was a battle of wits against this imperious haspadr. “I meant my words, Honored Lord. I am here by the Goddess grace. Could I object to Her guidance?”
“Ha...” he exhaled, not continuing this exchange, for the retinue of their finally reached them.
Twilight crossed gazes with Midnight. He could have been as perturbed as anypony else, but in his eyes she saw a note of pride over how she had handled the situation.
A greater sign and guidance for her than all of this divine business, indeed.
She quickly had to look away, though. Midnight Eye was right next to her, after all. And that was a danger she could not overlook for the sake of her love.
The Lord, however, was more keen on his Sentinels. “Pale Midnight, you will remain at my side. Others are dismissed. Return to the palace.”
The rest of the unit saluted and did as ordered, with one stallion of fair, powder blue mane standing his ground.
Afterwards, Midnight Eye addressed Twilight, his voice polite. “Our plans have changed, it seems. I have expected that the reading of the Testimony and studying the contents would take most of the night, and I was going to offer you my assistance afterwards, as well as the Archcurator’s, if you were to have questions... However, that will have to occur tomorrow. This night, I am willing to offer you other entertainment around our Mountain, though I am afraid it will not serve as a consolation prize instead of seeing the Maednoca Tabulre...”
Twilight answered him with a smile, first and foremost. “While I would be most disappointed, I shall not allow myself that.” She met his stare with conviction. “One should not feel downhearted if obeying the Goddess...”
She was playing a dangerous game, for she risked the Lord considering her dishonest, or even mocking the batpony conviction. However, Midnight Eye seemed placated by her attempts, if not believing in her utter willingness to adhere to the local principles.
“Well said, Princess. Your stance is praiseworthy as well. Let it be known to you that I find these words promising, above everything else.” For a moment, Twilight could have sworn that he was not addressing only her. “This still, however, leaves us without a proper conduct for this night.”
“Honored Lord...” Midnight stepped forth and saluted. “As per your suggestion, the Honored Princess had the chance to sample the hospitality of our Mountain yesternight. However, there is still much she could see around. Our shrine, the artisan quarters and the Glacier Overlook come to mind first...”
Twilight listened attentively to Midnight. That last place sounded interesting, whatever it was.
The Lord stared him down. He squinted his eyes a little, nodded in deep thought, then his eyes ventured towards Rowan Berry, who stood humbly behind Midnight. He was deliberating the idea, indeed, Twilight observed. More than she would think necessary, even.
“I presume you have not forgotten our Family’s ways around the Mountain, Nightguardian...” Midnight Eye finally spoke up, a faint smile coming to his muzzle. “You don’t need to be reminded?”
“Not at all, Honored Lord, you do not have to worry,” Midnight replied diligently. “I can even show healer Rowan Berry around too, as she is of the Honored Princess’ retinue, of course...”
The Lord nodded, turning to Twilight. “Would that be fine with you, Honored Princess? Seeing and learning more about our home and present, instead of our past?”
“Of course, Honored Lord!” she replied, a polite expression on her muzzle. “It shall be a pleasure to learn more of your Mountain. It is a most splendid place. It rivals Canterlot with ease!” she said, deciding to give him something to feel proud about.
And he looked like he took the bait, his expression growing. “Your words honor me, as the sovereign of this demesne...” He looked to Midnight, then at the young healer.
“Rowan Berry, you are free to go with the Honored Princess and the Nightguardian... but I think you should be reimbursed for all this galloping around that you did this eve,” he spoke clearly, to showcase his magnanimity, as Twilight suspected. “I do not believe the Honored Princess will need your safeguarding tonight, so I propose you enjoy some rest in the palace, to regain your strength.”
“Your offer is most generous, Honored Lord Eye of Family Midnight,” Rowan Berry replied in a deep bow. She did not look fatigued any more, but there were obvious signs that her mane had been matted by sweat at some point earlier. “I have to admit that I would like to catch my breath a little...” she disclosed. Then, she turned Twilight’s way. “Honored Princess?”
Twilight did not really wish to show that she felt... maybe not “happy”, because it would be disrespectful to the lupule, but definitely preferring to spend some alone time with Midnight, if she could not see the famed Testimony that night.
Alone time with Midnight sounded even better than dealing with that document.
“You are free to rest, Rowan Berry, if you so desire...”
“She deserves it, she should desire it,” Midnight Eye added with a generous gaze.
The healer just bowed her head, stepping back from Twilight, but awaiting for the Lord to dismiss her properly.
“If it is permissible then, Honored Princess,” the haspadr spoke in the meantime, “I leave you in the apt hooves of your bodyguard. Make sure that our guest is taken care of, Nightguardian. She is your responsibility,” he stressed that to Midnight, but the warrior did not look in need of a reminder, his expression focused and his stance firm.
“I will serve!” he declared, strengthening his salute further.
“That you will...” the Lord replied. “Enjoy your night then, Honored Princess. When you return to my palace, notify any of the servants and you will have food brought to you, as well as anything you might wish...” he informed Twilight, who graced him with a wide smile.
“That is most generous, Honored Lord. Thank you.”
Midnight Eye shot Midnight one last glance, then beckoned firmly at his Sentinel and Rowan Berry and the trio ventured back through the cavern.
Leaving Twilight alone with her beloved, at last... As alone as that could be, in the middle of a busy, batpony city.
But Midnight, whilst keeping his composure, looked like a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. And his eyes shined brightly.
“Greetings, Honored Princess. I am Midnight Wind and I will be your tour guide for tonight.”
Twilight giggled, herself feeling a lot better, finally with another chance of having at least a semi-relaxed interaction with him.
“There’s a lot to see around here!” she told him, hoping her eyes were conveying all that she desired. “I would be glad to see that Glacier Overlook, very much. But, I would not wish to impose, Nightguardian. Do you think there is a place about that we could both enjoy spending time at?”
Midnight glanced left and right stealthily, trying to hide a smile. But his gaze spoke volumes.
Warm, affectionate volumes.
“Ha, I think I have just the idea...”