Following the instructions on the note that Wanda provided made it easy for the ponies to at least find the general area of the Nymph Grotto, or at the very least, the area where the entrance is supposed to be located. They stood before a crystal blue lake, surrounded by a mystical mist, "We're here, where are the Nymphs and Mavis?" Cadence wondered.
"I'm not sure. I made doubly sure that we were heading in the right direction," Twilight said, looking at the parchment. Shining Armor looked out onto the lake, seeing nothing.
"Maybe they were trying to throw us off?" he theorized.
"Impossible. They said that they wanted to talk to us about something regarding Mavis. They must know how worried we are for her," Cadence countered. Just then, the mist started becoming thicker. It was then, the ponies saw something swimming through the waters at blinding speeds. Whatever it was stopped in the waters in front of them. From the depths of the lake, emerged Marina, as she looked towards the three ponies.
"Are you the rulers of the Crystal Empire that Mavis told us about?" Marina asked.
"We are, at least. Are you one of the Nymphs that rescued my baby?" Cadence asked.
"Indeed. I am Marina, the Water Nymph. We took Mavis into our Grotto after she washed up on the shores of the beach," Marina explained.
"Could we see her? We'd like to know that she's alright," Shining Armor asked.
"The two Alicorn's may come with me, but you must stay here. Nothing personal, but the magic of the grotto prevents males from entering," Marina explained.
"Well, I guess if those are the rules," Shining Armor sighed.
"Don't worry. We shouldn't be long," Twilight said, as Marina led them across the lake.
Back in the Nymph Grotto,
"So, are there any activities you particularly like doing?" Dana asked, as Mavis sat on the counter of the kitchen, while the busty nymph was making cookies.
"Well, other than swimming, I do like rubber duckies and gothic Lolita dresses," Mavis replied.
"Hmm. I've only seen dresses like that in the Seeing Pool," Dana said, as she placed the cookies into the oven, and used her fire magic to start baking them.
"Quelle est la piscine de voir?" Mavis asked.
"It's this mystical pool we have that let's us peer into the society. Mainly we use it to see what's going on in the world," Dana explained, as she used her magic to prep the rest of the ovens, and put cookie sheets inside them, and then stoked the fire.
"I see," Mavis replied.
"Anyhow, once we get the ok from the princess, we can begin your training as soon as possible. So you'll be seeing more of us for a while," Dana said, as she pulled out the first rack of cookies, "Would you like one? They're fresh!" Dana offered. Mavis seemed hesitant, but knew she could handle sweets thanks to Raiden's medicine.
"Oui, but I would like just one," Mavis replied. Dana then used a spatula to scrape off a cookie, and put it on a smallish plate before giving it to her new student, "Merci," Mavis said, as she took a bite out of the cookie. She couldn't believe how sweet it was.
"Looks like you've taken a liking to my recipe," Dana commented, as she chomped down on five cookies herself.
"Dana, I hope this is not rude, but how do you not get chubby when you eat that much?" Mavis asked.
"It's quite alright sweetheart. And the answer to your question is Nymph Magic. Thanks to that, my sisters and I can eat all we want, and all the fat we would normally gain would go to 'other' places," Dana said. Mavis' attention went directly to Dana's humungous chest and her wide hips, "And if you're wondering, yes, the Nymph Magic we'll be bestowing on you will give you the same type of body as us, when you're older," Dana said. Mavis couldn't help but try and imagine herself with a body like her new teachers. Just then, Tabby came in.
"Mavis, the princess and her friend have arrived," the medical Nymph said.
"Ok Tabby. Merci for the biscuit, Dana," Mavis thanked the food nymph, and went with Tabby, leaving Dana to continue her baking. As she was led by Tabby, Mavis got a chance to look around the temple some more. Looking around, she could see what looked to be a fountain, and a mini library. She saw a sign above one of the doors that said "Bathing Room" on it. Mavis assumed that was where they wash up. Her thought train was interrupted as she bumped into Tabby.
"Careful, precious. Don't let your attention wander too much," the medical nymph said.
"Oui. Sorry Tabby," Mavis apologized. It was then she saw Marina walking in with Cadence and Twilight in tow, "Maman!" Mavis exclaimed.
"Oh, Mavis, you're ok!" Cadence exclaimed, as she scooped her daughter up into a hug, "We were so worried about you!" the Crystal Princess said, hugging Mavis even tighter. Mavis was relieved to be reunited with her mother.
"Speaking of which, how were you able to escape Sombra?" Twilight asked. Mavis, after Cadence eased up with the hugging, then explained to the two alicorn princesses about her gorgon heritage, and what happened with Sombra, "You're..... part gorgon too?" Twilight asked incredulously.
"Oui, but it only happens when I am, how do you say, stressed," Mavis replied nervously.
"Well, as long as you're away from that awful Sombra, that's all that matters," Cadence replied.
"But the thing is, mon gorgon eye thing doesn't last very long. It may not be long before he is free," Mavis brought up. This didn't sit well with any of the adults.
"Well, we shouldn't worry too much. Sombra is as smart as he is evil. He would know better than try the same thing twice," Marina commented.
"So he won't come after Mavis again?" Cadence asked.
"No. At least, not directly," Tabby replied.
"No doubt he would try to get someone that has just as much evil to do his dirty work for him," Sky said, suddenly joining the discussion.
"But that would take some doing. The only other one I can think of that just as evil as Sombra is Tirek, but he was banished back to Tartarus a while ago," Twilight commented.
"Well, how long does your gorgon eye trick work?" Cadence asked Mavis.
"I honestly don't know. This was the second time I used it," Mavis replied.
"Hmm. We can probably help you to control your gorgon powers," Tabby offered. Mavis was reluctant to do so, but she knew that she would need to learn how to control to keep her new family and friends safe.
"By the way, what was this 'offer' you made Mavis?" Cadence asked.
"Ah, yes. Come with us into the main room," Marina invited the princesses inside the temple.
One explanation later,
"... And that's pretty much the gist of it," Wanda explained.
"Hmm. I could see how this would benefit Mavis immensely, but I'm a bit leery about leaving her here with that mad stallion on the loose," Cadence voiced her concern.
"I understand your worries. But you needn't worry. The Nymph Grotto, as well as the mountain it resides in are protected with pure light magic. Evil forces like Sombra can't enter, even if he wanted to," Wanda reassured.
"So Mavis is safe with us. That is, if you'll allow her to train under us," Dana added. Cadence thought about it for a moment, before turning to the girl in question.
"Mavis, would you like to train under the Nymphs?" Cadence asked.
"I would, but that is if you are ok with it maman," Mavis replied.
"Whatever helps you feel more comfortable. When can Mavis be back at the Crystal Empire?" Cadence asked.
"Well, the sessions we will go over with her will take roughly an hour and a half each. So, if she keeps her focus on her lessons, we'll be able to bring her back this evening," Cosmo projected.
"Well, much as I don't like the thought of Mavis being away for very long, this does seem like the best course of action for her sake. Please, just make sure she comes home safely," Cadence pleaded.
"You have our word. Mavis will be in much better shape when she comes back," Wanda promised.
"Thank you. Alright Mavis, be sure to pay close attention to them. We'll see you later this evening," Cadence said, planting a small kiss on Mavis' forehead.
"I will maman. Au revoir," Mavis said, hugging the pink alicorn.
"I'll see you soo too Mavis," Twilight said, giving Mavis a hug too. With that, the two Alicorn's left.
"Alright Mavis, are you ready to begin?" Wanda asked.
"Oui," Mavis said, taking a deep breath.
"Then let us begin," Wanda said, as her eyes glowed green. The other nymph's eyes glowed the same colors of their outfits as well, as a bright light filled the room.