//------------------------------//
// The twin plots of Raven 
// Story: Inkwells across Equestria 
// by Keyslam 
//------------------------------//

The Alicorn Raven raises her brow. "The Chamber of Raven?"

Raven gives a slight nod. "Yes--though, it is better known as the First Chamber; a nod to its purpose and origin."

"You speak of the First's private chambers?"

Another nod, though more enthusiastic than before. "Yes! Well... in a sense. It is well-known among us Inkwells that our originator's family home was destroyed long ago, but have we ever once checked to confirm such an assumption?"

The Alicorn pauses to rack her mind. "...No, I don't believe we have. I suppose it is within the territory of what is now the Crystal Empire, yes?"

"Yes, yes! I figure that due to the passage of time, nature has likely taken its toll on the structure. I have heard rumors during my travel to Klugetown that there is little that remains of it, and that it was sealed by Starswirl himself following his adoption of the First! Do you--"

"You appear to be rather excited by the prospect." The Alicorn Raven sighs. "Sister, do you miss our childhood home this much? You are acting rather unnatural for one of our bloodline."

Raven chuckles. "Yes... I admit that I have been speaking rather hastily to deliver you the news. The seal that Starswirl has placed on this chamber--do you think it was placed for the sake of preservation? Or do you suppose there is something more sinister being locked away?" She turns away, letting the shadows disguise her true demeanor. "Perhaps, it may hold a clue as to how you may further extend the limits of our immortal bond to the Sisters."

"It is a plausible theory, knowing Starswirl." The Alicorn Inkwell rubs her chin. "However, we mustn't yet focus our full efforts on something that, so far as we are aware of, exists only in rumors. We have a more urgent duty to focus on."

"Oh?"

"Dirtying our own hooves in the elimination of the Princess of Friendship will lead only to ill-will toward our bloodline, and I do not wish such a fate upon future generations of our sisters. The act must be performed indirectly, and by ponies that would otherwise have no connection to the Inkwells of Equestria. This we must put our full attention into planning for the time being."

Raven remains silent.

"I am aware that the act of assassinating a Princess of Equestria may be cause for concern for you, sister. It is another reason why I believe we must use hired hooves to commit the act, rather than our own."

Raven finally looks up again, determination written across her face. "You say that this is a more important topic to focus our attentions on, yes?"

"Affirmative."

A smile forms on Raven's lips. "Then you shouldn't fret over this, sister. Do not forget that we both descend from a Raven who has access to weaponry unknown to all but the most powerful ponies in Equestria. I will handle the assassination. You, in the meantime, may seek out the chamber of the First, if you so wish. When my duties are complete, I will join you in the effort of unsealing the chamber."

"You seem rather quick to take up the task. Again, I must ask--you do not plan to betray me, do you, sister? We stand on nearly-equal ground, and in my mana-drained current state, it wouldn't be hard for a sufficiently-equipped Inkwell to end my life right here. I will have placed my future... our future in your hooves if I am to entrust you with a portion of the duties I have assigned to myself."

"No. I will not. Sister, though we descend from the same incarnation of Raven Inkwell, I, unlike you, refuse to allow my sisters to come to harm." She lowers her head. "This includes you, the Alicorn who will lead our bloodline to a renewed immortality."

"Very well then." The Alicorn Raven lays down on the rooftop beneath them and closes her eyes. "Rest now, sister. I can assure you that it will be well worth the time."





A check drifts down to the Eh's feet. He picks it up, leaning against the dimly-lit siding of his inn. He raises a brow as he notices the written amount on the check. "My, Raven. Where'd all this moolah come from?"

"Pocket change." Raven drops down from above and lands beside him. "You're my only contact with the proper connections. May I arrange to have a message relayed to my sisters in my home country? I am not asking for you to return my sisters in your basement, if you are curious. They have been long-since been assumed to be deceased."

Eh looks around before giving a silent nod. He gestures for the unicorn to follow as he paces into the alleyway.

"Make haste, Eh. I do not have much time to carry out this task. I fear that my sister may already be aware of my disappearance."

"Ooh, bein' sneaky now are ya?" Eh pushes open the side door and steps inside. "Figured you were up to somethin' when you started kissing up to your sister's--"

"Quiet, please. Disturbing the peace is the last thing I wish to do tonight."

"Ahem. Yeah. Okay then." Eh fumbles for his keys. A quiet jingle rings through the empty room. Finally, he finds the correct one and opens the door. "Go inside. It's my private office. I have a phone. You need it?"

"Yes."

"'Kay. Make it snappy then. Long-distance ain't cheap around here."

Raven picks up the receiver and begins to dial in a number. She pauses before holding the receiver to her head.

"Hello? Yes. This is she. Night has fallen, and the journey begins. Ready my papers."

She hangs up, giving a solitary nod of gratitude to Eh. "Do not speak of what has occurred tonight. You are already aware of what may happen if you are to breach your Equestrian contract any further."

"Yup."

Raven vanishes in a flash of mana, leaving Eh standing alone in his office.