In the heart of the Everfree Forest, still wild but less and less outright corrupt with the passage of time, stood the ruins of the ancient capital from whence the Forest’s name came, separated from the former royal castle by deep fissures in the ground. This area, still devoid of trees, allowed the afternoon sun to shine down unlike anywhere else around.
A semicircular central plaza paved with weathered cobblestones sat next to what might once have been homes or businesses, all built of similar stone, but had long since weathered and crumbled, though a few walls appeared to have been blasted by a powerful magic force.
At the exact focal point of the plaza stood the remains of a basin, or perhaps a fountain given its central riser and broken pipe. Its statue was long gone, though tiny bits of white marble scattered about gave a hint of what might once have been.
Near the plaza’s edge sat a small yurt protecting its its occupant from the near-constant winds which blew dust through the few corpse-weeds able to stand the environment.
Discord floated down and knocked on its flap, somehow making a fist-on-wood sound despite the canvas material. “Come in,” replied a female voice that sounded at once youthful yet possessing a weariness that only comes with age.
He entered and immediately knelt down, not yet making eye contact with the being inside shrouded in shadow save for the glinting of a platinum brooch emblazoned with a relief of the moon in crescent plus four stars.
“I have completed your request, madame,” he said with utmost respect. “Though to be honest, it felt anticlimactic.”
“Meyer’s back at her post? Apple Bloom is safe?” she asked, businesslike.
“She is safe. I made certain. She did nearly burst my bubble though,” he said.
“Always curious. Jus’ like me at her age,” replied the voice. “I’m glad to know this ordeal’s over.”
Discord looked up, confused, finally making eye contact. “Over?? That daffy chancellor is still out there causing more chaos than I could ever hope to, caring nothing about the art-form!”
“Wouldn’t be the first time one of Celestia’s over-engineered plans went haywire,” she quipped with irritation. “I’m at the point in my life cycle, such as it is, that I shouldn’t care what he does, but Orangeglow put my dearest filly and my home in danger. I can’t forgive that.”
“Shall we deal with him?” Discord asked.
The owner of the voice shook her head. “Not yet. A moth dealt a poor hand in life can flame out too soon, but an overinflated ego risks gettin’ popped. For now, observe. I’ve got work to do here before I can meet the Princesses to discuss this. I’ll keep ya informed.”
She stepped into the light. Discord acknowledged the green Alicorn with blonde mane and orange eyes who placed her forehoof on his shoulder. “Thanks for your help,” she said softly.
Discord nodded. “Always a pleasure, Lady Antonovka.”
Then he was gone.