//------------------------------// // 24: Induction // Story: A Clash of Magic and Steam // by law abiding pony //------------------------------// Talon Point. For hundreds of years the griffon fortress east of Tranquility sat isolated and abandoned.  Only a single wind-torn banner remained as a symbol of Lunaria’s conquest in ages past.  Yet as the centuries came and went, few Lunarians visited the historic site until it was left as little more than a decoration.  To Twilight Sparkle, it carried none of that baggage, and instead reminded her of her childhood home that rested on Canterhorn Mountain. A few days after Twilight and the others returned to the capital, they were riding a carriage out of Tranquility and towards Talon Point. Once the mountains were close enough to dominate the land, they pulled off the main road and found themselves in the midst of a young orchard of apple saplings.  The saplings were growing strong, and the mares spotted Big Mac and Applebloom among the trees. “Ah’ll see you in a bit, Twilight.”  Applejack leapt from the moving carriage to embrace her family. Twilight stuck her head out into the crisp autumn air and waved at her.  “Don’t be too long, we’re having spaghetti tonight!” Pinkie Pie poked out of the other window to add, “with extra Kirinian sausage!” Rainbow Dash flew alongside as escort, and made a playful rude gesture at the sailor.  “I say you stay down here, more food for me.” Applejack’s retort was lost to the winds, but both her and her family’s wave at the two nobles told them she’d be there. As the carriage pressed on, the orchard gave way to golden fields of wheat and barley that blanketed over three hundred of the four hundred acre farm surrounding the base of the mountain.  Thankfully for the inexperienced Apples, they were not alone here, as two other farming families were temporarily present to aid in growth and teach them the ins and outs of the craft. At the base of Talon Point’s mountain were all three of the farm houses, silos, and other needed buildings for the families.  The animals were kept a good ways south of the main road so the smell would not offend any future guests. The achievement that made remodeling the worn fortress affordable was the multi-tiered large open-air cargo elevators that could comfortably carry up to thirty ponies at a time, or enough freight to supply the manor for a week. The carriage came to a stop next to the elevator where some valet parking was still being built.  Mostly a housing port for the carriages and a tavern to cater to the drive ponies visitors would bring.  Ensuring it had plenty of alcohol had been Rainbow’s contribution. The sisters and Rainbow exited the carriage while the two driver stallions unhitched and helped move the last of the luggage onto the elevator.  Most of Twilight’s equipment from the training base was either already here or had been confiscated as imperial property.   Several members of the work crew along with the foreman: Mosaic Tenture, were organizing for the coming week’s efforts.  Twilight joined them to hammer out further details, while Pinkie and Rainbow waited, and ended up chatting with the Cherry family of farmers.  The day grew late by the time Twilight departed her impromptu meeting with Mosaic, long enough for Applejack to return, a bit surprised to find no one had gone up to the fortress yet. The later hour caused many stomachs to growl, so Pinkie Pie dragged them all to the elevator with promises of spaghetti.  “So, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew alongside the elevator’s upward journey.  “What do you plan to do now?” “That is the question now isn’t it?”  Twilight and Pinkie switched to the next elevator.  The old griffin fortress had been near the peak, and carved into the mountain itself.  All of it had been left to rot, but thankfully the mostly stone construct had aged well.  The next slanted elevator clanked merrily as it started its climb at a steady pace.  “I still have Gold Tressel’s idea book.  I have to admit, an oil engine sounds like a fun project.” “And profitable,” Pinkie Pie added as she dreamed of what she could sell such a thing for,  “Or any liquid fueled engine would do, really.  Think of how much easier it would be to pump oil into a ship or train rather than have to transfer it from coal barges? Ships could finally have something other than black paint for one thing.” Twilight was sinking into the possible futures just as deeply as she glanced at her armored wings.  “If I was able to shrink down Clipped Wing’s magic compatible armor, I might even go for shrinking the engine down as well.  Perhaps to use them to power carriages.” Rainbow let the pair blabber ideas back and forth until she too felt a need to chime in.  “Ya know, Twilight, I think it’d be better if you made a gun that could keep firing forever.  Like something that you just need to hold the trigger and feed it ammo until you run out entirely.” Twilight’s giddiness fell into a more serious and neutral tone.  The stark change didn’t surprise Pinkie Pie, but she mirrored it all the same.  Twilight first looked to Rainbow who pulled back a bit, fearing offense, before Twilight stood on the lip of the elevator, watching Tranquility in the distance as the sun inched closer to the horizon.  “I’m sure developing weapons would be highly profitable.” “A weapon like that,” Pinkie Pie started as she joined her sister, standing slightly behind her.  “Would certainly erase any doubts left that we stand with Lunaria.” “I’m sure it would, but…”  Twilight went silent for a long moment, her eyes closed to make it easier to think.  The last two years had been good to her.  Tight deadlines to be sure, but the thrill of making a revolutionary invention alongside like-minded ponies pulled on her far more than money ever could.  So many late nights at her desk back in Equestria had been mirrored at Fringe Point, only with Clipped Wing and other lab staff right there with her.  Even the volunteers like Ferrum stayed just as late.  Camaraderie, something Equestria was incapable of giving her, and her three close friends could not match alone.   The elevator clanging to a stop brought Twilight back to the world around her.  She turned to face her friends, and a determined partial smile crossed her lips.  “My friends, I think we need to take a bigger step than just the next invention.  I say, we found our own research center!” “Ugh, and here I thought you were going to say something awesome,” Rainbow Dash grumbled as she entertained thoughts of asking for a transfer back to the frontlines.  I’d rather face off against the Equestrians than waste away watching a bunch of scholars figure out how a ball rolls. Applejack scratched the back of her neck, a placating forced smile tried to look genuine, but the mare couldn’t manage it.  “That’s a tall order, boss.  Won’t it be easier just to get in with one of the universities?” “True, but if the army taught me anything recently, it is that I don’t want my research to be restricted. We were fortunate to make a working prototype by the end of the two year period. Any longer and we’d be right where we are now, but without it.” “I say it’s a grand idea!”  Pinkie Pie cheered.  “You’re already a respected name for your boiler design, and I’m sure when the right ponies hear about how you married magic and machines, you’ll be swarmed with patrons.” Applejack shrugged in defeat. “Ya got a point about that.” The idea of having a research institute tickled Twilight’s fancy so strongly; she was practically giddy. “Then let’s get settled in. We have a lot of work to do.” Talon Point was utilitarian to a fault, save for wind-worn griffin statuary which had survived the siege so long ago.  The fortress was still a recent purchase, the ink on the deed was still wet in some regards.  The receiving area had to be carved out and expanded outward into a balcony.  Stone carving tools dominated the supplies being prepared for the work crews soon to arrive.  Now that Twilight was no longer busy out of town, she could help expedite the work.  Besides, now that I’ll live here full time, I can make sure the work crew’s not going to slouch off. Perhaps Applejack’s renowned work ethic set too high of a bar for Twilight’s tolerance of on-the-clock laziness, but the prospect of living in a fortress, rather than the manor it would become, was unappealing.  Ah well, it’s not like it can’t be corrected.  Perhaps I could get the work crews to focus on the bedrooms first. The rest of the day was spent unpacking everyone’s personal affects which had arrived before them.  Thankfully, the hallways had all been plenty wide enough for griffins to fly through, so moving furniture around was easy enough.  All the place really needed was knocking down a few unimportant, non-loadbearing walls to merge rooms, and furnishing carpet and the like.  However, Twilight would not get much time to settle in. Three days later, it was bright and early as Twilight looked over Gold Tressel’s notes while idly eating her breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast.  Applejack was at her side, leaning over to review them as well. The sounds of chisel on stone echoed all throughout as work crews toiled away, leaving the dining room, which had once been a barracks, alone for the time being.  The table was a cheap one, barely a few pieces of wood notched to fit together, but it was a good enough stand-in until a better one could be commissioned.  Twilight was in no hurry to demand the finer things outside of a comfortable bed and chair.  Her work was more important, and ever since arriving at these shores, she had eaten more meals in an office or workshop than she ever did at a dining table.   “I say we go for the oil train engine to start, Twilight.  We can see about shrinking it to carriage size later.” Chewing her toast, Twilight rocked her head back and forth a bit as she mulled it over.  “Perhaps you’re right.  I’ll go into town today and see about acquiring some holding tanks and transport wagons if you will see about getting some tools.  I’m sure Pinkie Pie knows where we can go about acquiring the quantities we’ll be needing for testing.” Jotting down some ideas in a journal, Applejack spoke as she wrote.  “Ya know, boss, ya might be able ta make a pegacorn engine too.” Snorting playfully, Twilight shook her head as she took a bite of bacon.  “Making individual armor was one thing, but these engines will have to be available for everypony to use one day.” “True, but it’s like this.”  Applejack stretched to get a crick out of her back.  “A lot of a ship’s power is spent just pushing through the water, right?  But if you make a second type of engine where it doesn’t weigh as much, then it can go faster or spend less fuel getting wherever.” The wheels started churning in Twilight’s mind.  “That’s certainly true… Now that I think about it, doing that could make the engines stop interfering with magic like the armor does.  Ha, wouldn’t it be crazy to see motorized carriages driving along a pegasus cloud city?”  Her daydreaming came to a halt as reality reared its head.  “But that would require far more aluminum than is refined in a decade.” “Don’t mean we can’t figure out other alloys,” Applejack offered.  “Remember, the kind ‘a stuff makin’ up your armor wasn’t the only types that allowed your magic to do different things.” “You’re right!” Twilight cheered.  She pushed her plate away and started furiously scribbling notes down on several pieces of paper.  Not only could she see roads filled with motor carriages, but the respect her name would have on everyone’s lips.  The mountain of slips she’d be rolling in also didn’t hurt one bit.  Last, but certainly not least in her eyes, was the revolution in logistics it would bring.  If she did this right, not even Equestria could escape her technological revolution.  Ha, wouldn’t it be priceless if the Inquisition had to eat crow and drop all charges? She slid the first piece of paper towards Applejack.  “Here, see about the proper tools and throw in an extra twenty percent for yourself. We have a world to change.” A knock on the door did not stop Twilight from scribbling down more plans, but she responded all the same.  “You know you don’t need to knock, sister.” A blushing pink face poked out.  “Sorry, old habits.  Anyway, Rainbow spotted a yellow coach coming in. As far as I know, the work crews’ coaches are all unpainted.  Whoever it is, it isn’t one of them.” Twilight sensed a note of concern in Pinkie’s expression, making her abandon the table. “I take it you’re not expecting a visitor of your own. Could it be Clipped Wing?” Shaking her head, Pinkie had to use a hoof to move some curls off her eyes. “Nope on my end. It might be CW, but I don’t think he’s the type to arrive unannounced. At least not until he accepts your wedding proposal.” “He’d have said yes by now if he were,” Twilight sighed with forlorn melancholy at the prospect of receiving more propositions she wouldn’t accept even if she was destitute. Shaking it off and using a nearby mirror to primp her hair and dress, Twilight made for the door. “Well let’s see who it is.  Could be Gold Tressel welcoming us as neighbors.” Applejack followed after the sisters with worry coloring her tone. “If it is, Ah hope he ain’t bringing another Grey Hunter with him.” The mares filed through the fortress, weaving around the newly arrived work crews who all stood and bowed to Twilight and Pinkie, as was proper. Twilight largely ignored it all, while the gestures still felt odd to Pinkie, who would have been more comfortable being the one doing the bowing at a noble’s passage.  They arrived outside at the top of the elevator. A temporary extension of the balcony extended out so they could safely watch the lands below. The black stage coach was being towed into the parking area while two guests were already on their way up. Rainbow Dash and one other security member were flying to keep pace with the elevator.  Twilight tilted her head in curiosity as she noticed the prismatic soldier was moving erratically in a pattern Twilight could only see as her being excited with talking to the unknown ponies. She was going so far as to spin in place, bob up and down as if she kept forgetting to keep flapping her wings, or doing quick figure-eights just to control her energy. “Landsake, you’d think she was talk’n ta Luna herself.”  Applejack chuckled while holding her flat cap down against the mountain wind.  “Or Daring Do,” Pinkie Pie added with some giggles. The elevator was nearly close enough to make out what Rainbow and the visitors were saying when Twilight stepped back and gestured for the others to do the same. “Whoever it is, is a guest of some esteem. We should play our part.” Pinkie was quick to stand to Twilight’s right and one step back whereas Applejack took her place on the opposite side of the platform.  As the elevator closed in, Rainbow remembered she was on the clock and raced up to the top to announce the guests’ arrival.  In the few moments waiting, she barely contained herself trying to keep the secret for a second longer. Silent questions from the other mares were answered with a zipped lip from the faux-stoic soldier.  With a heavy clang of gears locking into place, Twilight could finally see her guests face to face. “Lady Twilight Sparkle and Lady Pinkie Pie of House Sparkle,” Rainbow Dash called out, having regained her military bearing. “I have the honor to introduce: Bearer of the Eclipse Blind Speaker and his grandson Silver Vein.” A fleeting sense of déjà vu struck Twilight at his name, before realizing Pinkie had stepped up to take the lead. Pinkie was as always, all smiles and friendly, doting on her speaking partner’s every word. “Honored Speaker, this is a great - well - honor! I doubt you knew, but I attended your rally last spring at the Moonlit Plaza.  Your tale about Breezie Ridge was quite inspiring.” “It seems my reputation precedes me,” Blind Speaker answered with a tired laugh. His fatigue was heavy, visible through his priestly robes, and the high mountain air wasn’t helping.  Pinkie Pie gave a salesmare’s smile and a nod. “It is always a good business to know about new customers before they walk through your door.” “Merchant’s Creed rule one ninety four,” Twilight replied automatically. She blinked a bit and remembered herself. She bowed in the pegasus fashion, earning a curious lifted eyebrow from the younger thestral stallion who accompanied Blind Speaker. “My apologies,” she said upon rising. “I wish I knew you were coming so I could have greeted such an esteemed guest properly. I don’t have anything better than salt pork and salad on offer.  Let alone any choice accommodations.” “Do not concern yourself with such trivialities.”  Blind Speaker stated with his signature confidence and force of voice. “We are at war, my ladies, and it is a welcome sign of solidarity with our soldiers that you have done away with frivolous luxuries so that food could better serve the rank and file.” Though Twilight decided to take it as a compliment and voiced her gratitude for his accolades, she couldn’t help but sense a warning in it as well. Must be his way of telling me to abide by the rationing mandate.  “Duly noted.”  She looked to the stallion behind him. “I can at least offer tea for you and Silver Vein?” “Ah!” Blind cried out with embarrassment. “How rude of me.”  With a foreleg, he ushered the young thestral forward. Unlike his elder, the stallion was in the prime of his youth. He was strong and his navy blue fur was partially covered by a well tailored brown jacket. “We would be delighted.”  Twilight was smitten by his sharp amber eyes that betrayed a keen mind. His deep red mane looked freshly cut, as if done purely for this meeting. Though she controlled herself well, due to her upbringing, Twilight did allow a welcoming smile to shine through. “A pleasure, Mister Silver Vein.” The young stallion was decidedly uncomfortable being practically shoved into a noble’s personal space, which was typically quite large between aristocrats and commoners. Even so, he had learned a thing or two from his grandfather and managed to eek out a smooth bow to hide him swallowing the lump in his throat. “The pleasure’s all mine, my ladies. I’m sorry for the intrusion, but grandfather is used to such allowances among your peers.” He’s well spoken.  Pinkie Pie was the first to notice Twilight’s instant infatuation. Her hair curled even more densely as oh so dark thoughts made their way into her head. He’s the first one who got love at first sight, and he’s kin to somepony famous enough that marrying him would not debase Twily’s station. I better make sure he’s got a good head before making a move though. Twilight’s thoughts were far less long term at the moment. And she accepted his apology with a good natured laugh. “I can imagine. So, please, please come inside out of the cold. We’ll get some tea to warm you both up before we talk about your visit.” “Some Earl Grey sounds lovely,” Pinkie Pie offered as Applejack resigned herself to briefly play the part of the butler and ran off to the kitchens.  Rainbow Dash had been to enough upper crust social gatherings to know that’d be no fun. Eh, I already got him to sign my Daring Do book anyway.  She flew off to wake the rest of the security detachment to demand them to pull a double shift.  The group arrived at what used to be an armory. The weapons and racks were long gone, but the grooves still remained in the stone. More importantly was the air vent, which now served to give the warming fire somewhere to cast its smoke. Pinkie Pie had briefly separated from the group to collect some pillows and had returned in time while Twilight shared meaningless small talk. “Applejack assured me some tea will be ready shortly.”  Pinkie distributed the pillows with Silver Vein setting his grandfather’s down so everyone was close enough for easy conversation.  “You’re a treasure as always, sister.”  In a way, of all the high profile guests to be surprised by, Twilight was grateful it was a blind one. I'm sure his hearing is picking up a grim picture though. I could have turned him away on these grounds, but he must have a good reason.   The empty crate Twilight had centered everyone around to serve as a table was the last thing she wanted to use. Nothing for it though.  Thankfully, Pinkie managed to pick up some tea cookies along the way so there was at least something sitting on the table besides a loose nail.  Off to one side, a unicorn worker had charged a fire stone, giving the room a flickering orange glow and comfortable heat without the smoke. Aside from Twilight’s clothing and armor it was likely the most expensive item in the fortress.  “I must say,” Blind Speaker began as he settled his old bones closest to the fire stone. “You’ve captivated my interest. It’s not everyday somepony unites magic and machine.” Glowing a bit in pride, Twilight flexed a wing, idly inspecting the armor for any imperfections. “I don’t deserve as much of the credit as Clipped Wing does. He’s the one who got the math to work.” Nodding sagely, Blind Speaker tapped the crate-made-table.  “While it is wise of you to give credit where it is due, ask yourself this. If Clipped Wing was capable of bridging what is possible in a book and what is possible in what you demonstrated last week, do you believe he would have asked for your help?” Grimacing, Twilight briefly shot Pinkie Pie a worried look, one which her sister matched. “No, I don’t believe so.” “Not many would want to,” Pinkie Pie added tactfully. “Bridging magic and machine is going to be as important in the future as steam engines are today.” “And lucrative,” Twilight commented dryly. Can't say I blame the stallion. If nothing else he’ll go down as the father of magical machines. “Indeed.” Blind Speaker paused as the sound of ratting plates and the waft of hot tea reached his senses.  “My point being, I believe he saw in you a mark of greatness that is rare in the world.”  He paused just long enough for Applejack to put the kettle and some cups down.  “A mark unfortunately shared by your brother.” The implications of the statement blunted whatever compliment had been there. She nervously watched Pinkie pour tea for everyone before answering. “I take it the war is not going well.” “It certainly isn’t going as well as the emperor was led to believe it should be.”  Blind Speaker’s sour tone shifted to appreciative as he tasted his beverage. “My my, you make quite the cup of tea, my dear.” “Mighty nice of ya ta say.”  Applejack wasn’t sure if she should sit at the table. There was a spare cushion, but this was not a private gathering between friends.  “How’s about Ah wrangle up something better than biscuits.” Blind Speaker turned to his grandson while Applejack bit a hasty retreat. “Why don’t you fill them in on the crisis, my boy.” “Me?!” Silver Vein started sweating profusely. “I just graduated from RSU. I don’t know anymore than what the papers say.” “Is that so?” Blind Speaker replied with well-faked surprise. “Then it wasn’t you who's been eavesdropping the palace’s war room with the excuse of gathering information for my speeches. Should I put out a notice for a spy somehow matching your exact description?” Shooting to his hooves, rattling his barely touched tea in the process, Silver Vein cleared his throat. “No no, I remember now.”   Whether it was Pinkie or Rainbow’s influence, Twilight smirked in good humor over the grandfatherly blackmail.  “From what I remember, we’re doing well on the high seas. Equestria’s fleet was smashed three months ago just off of Luna Bay.” “I remember that,” Pinkie spoke up. “I was in Baltimare at the time looking to hire a ship captain.  The sky was more lit up than the city at night.” “I’m sure it was a sight to behold,” Blind Speaker stated dryly. “Skip to the relevant part, my boy.” “Right, yes. Well, as pa here put it in the past, the army is having a crisis of faith.  Any theater General Shining Armor touches turns to a rout in short order unless fresh troops are cycled in on a monthly basis.” “A crisis of,” Twilight stopped. A cold sweat took hold. “Cadence is fighting on the front?!” Giving a shaky smirk, Blind Speaker had to keep a calm tone. “I suppose only the sister in law to her holiness could speak of her so casually.” Pinkie Pie wore a concerned look as images of the regal alicorn leading troops into battle was unsettling. “She used to visit the Light Estate and play with my sister when she visited Shining Armor.” Silver Vein was shocked into sitting back down. “You were that close to her holiness and still fled here?” “I didn’t believe Cadence had the clout to make what I did go away.”  Twilight sighed as regret tried to take hold, but she cast it aside to pull Pinkie Pie into a side hug. Guests or not, Twilight always felt safe around the earth mare. Pinkie in turn roped a foreleg around Twilight as well to hold her close. “I don’t regret coming here. If nothing else, I was allowed to adopt Pinkie Pie as my sister.” “And gained flight,” Blind Speaker added while presenting a false toast with his cup. “Quite the accomplishment indeed. But back to the matter at hoof, no Mi Amore Cadenza is not fighting with spell or shot.” Halfway across the world, it was the dead of night as a contingent of Lunarian soldiers prepared to attack the Equestrian position less than a mile away. There were fifty of them, all armed and ready, only awaiting the lieutenant to give the final order. The air was tense with pre-battle jitters. They knew it was Shining Armor’s soldiers they were going to hit, and they had been battered all week, but they pressed on with prayers to Luna granting them strength.  The officer checked his soldiers, and upon seeing them tense and ready, he prepared to waved them forward, only for a strong light to appear directly in front of them behind a tree.  Everyone leveled their weapons at the light. “I mean you no harm, soldiers of Lunaria,” a strong feminine voice called out with the power of magic.  “I wish to parley with you.” “Parley?” The lieutenant said more to himself than the voice.  “Wait, it can’t actually be her.”  His soldiers looked to him for orders, but none were given by the time a bright figure walked out from the trees. Even from a distance, the pink mare with a mane of yellow, raspberry, and purple locks flowing down to her legs was transfixing.  She slowly flared her wings, further causing the soldiers to lower their weapons.  Some might have tried to think the figure was a pegacorn, feathers could be faked, but her features were all wrong.  She was too tall, her wings and horn too long.  She stood taller than even most stallions. “Is that her holiness?!” one soldier said in amazement.  Whispers of bewilderment ripped through the soldiers like a lightning bolt. As she approached alone and unarmed, even the most hard-lined soldiers didn’t dare fire the first shot, not on the only alicorn seen in a millennia.  Ultimately it was the lieutenant who got her to speak once more as he stepped in front of his soldiers, his rifle pointed at the sky.  “So it’s true, you have been talking to us on the front.” “If you know that, then you know why I’m here,” Cadence said at she stopped in front of him.  Her light was dimmed so it wouldn’t be painful to look at her.  Several soldiers backed away out of ignorant respect, unsure of how to treat the Equestrian ruler.  She looked first at the officer, but then addressed everyone who was visible.  “I am Queen Mi Amora Cadenza.  I have come to ask you all to please, stop fighting us and join Equestria.” Had anyone else made such a request, they’d have been laughed at or shot.  But Cadence was not just anybody nor just a queen.  An alicorn was to be heeded, as both the solar and Lunar churches expounded on.  It was ultimately the lieutenant, who spoke for the group.  “We can’t do that, and you know why.”  Though his words were sharp, even he couldn’t bring himself to put any iron behind them.  This was the same Cadence who so many believed was being deceived by the Equestrian elite, just as Celestia had been.  “You’re a puppet to your advisors and the like.  If anything you should come with us!”  Many of the soldiers proclaimed their agreement.   By now, Cadence had done this, and heard such arguments many times.  She gently shook her head and focused on the ranking soldier.  “I am not blinded as Celestia was.”  She gauged the crowd, seeing surprise in many of their faces that she would admit her predecessor was flawed.  “Equestria has faults, and I would see them corrected, enstripement core among them.” Further shock ripped through the soldiers and even the hardliners felt pulled to listen closely.  One of them however, marched up and only remembered to bow a bit before speaking.  “If you wanted to get rid of slavery, then do so.  You’re an alicorn queen are you not!?” “What is your name, good sir?” The soldier puffed up his chest.  “Sterling Steel.” Nodding, Cadence focused on him exclusively.  “Sterling Steel, tell me, was the fabric of Lunarian society the sole creation of Luna herself, or did she have others help shape the law while she focused elsewhere?”  If Sterling Steel could have thought of a reply, he didn’t voice it in time before Cadance continued on.  “With my blessing, any who joins me will never be striped.  In fact, I have already decreed that for every Lunarian soldier who sides with Equestria one slave will be freed.”  Again, her words carried weight no one else’s could have.  Even Sterling Steel was left conflicted.  “My goal in this, is that if enough Lunarians join Equestria, then I will not be the only voice calling for enstripement’s dismantlement, but I will have you all as my chorus.”    Sterling Steel suddenly developed a deep scowl of anger and stomped his hoof, silencing what chatter was beginning to happen.  “I don’t believe you!  If you truly wanted to be rid of slavery, then you’d just do it.  You’re either weak, lying, or naïve enough to think your masters would enforce such a change!”   The rest of the hardliners echoed him with enough ferocity to make Cadence take an unconscious step back.  She realized it the moment it happened though.  I’d better quit while I’m ahead.  “Actions will speak louder than your words,” Cadence regally shot back. She turned to the others, and saw the ground she had gain was dwindling fast.  “My husband commands the army here, and if anypony wishes to accept my offer, his soldiers will abide.” “See?” Sterling Steel shouted triumphantly.  “She can’t even guarantee the other generals would obey her.”  Cadence winced, making Sterling Steel taste victory.  “And our offer still stands as well, your holiness.  Join us in Lunaria and you’ll be served by ponies who see more eye to eye with you already.” “You would have me forsake those who already pledge themselves to me?”  Cadence replied sternly.  “I wish to reunite all ponykind, without the slavery or the blindness of the past.  I could do that much more quickly with ponies of Lunaria standing side by side with my Equestrian citizens.”  She gave up on Sterling Steel to focus more on the rest of them.  “My offer remains, even if you decline today, the next day, or the next year.  Think on it before you face Shining Armor’s soldiers again.”  Her husband’s name weighed heavily upon the soldiers, a few of the less brave ones shivered.  “Help me, help you.” With that, Cadence turned away back to the trees, confident that no one would try to shoot her with her back turned.  No one, even those most loyal to Luna couldn’t bring themselves to even train their weapon on her.  “She’s been doing this up and down the line wherever your brother campaigns,” Blind Speaker finished with concern wrinkling his face.  “It’s been taxing beyond anything in the past.  There aren't any official reports of defections, thankfully, but desertions are much higher than the last three wars.  Morale along Shining Armor’s theater is plummeting between his successes and Mi Amore Cadenza’s offer playing upon the church’s own teachings.  No pony ever thought another alicorn would emerge.  Without Luna or at least an alicorn of our own, we stand to lose the heartland.” She’s certainly a lot stronger than I ever thought.  I guess Shiny helped her get that strength.  Pride filled Twilight while idly stirred her tea, carefully watching both thestral’s faces.  “You’d only be telling me this if you already assumed I wouldn’t try to take up her offer as well.” “As well as presenting an alternative,” Blind Speaker replied with a nodding smile.  “You’ve brought flight to the flightless, married magic and machines, doing the impossible seems to run in your family.” Worry eroded Twilight’s confidence, and she tried to hide it by sipping her tea, which left an opening for Pinkie to chime in.  “I hope you’re not asking us to try and convince Cadence to join Lunaria.  If she was even remotely open to such a thing, she’d have never been the one to declare war in the first place.” Thoughts of the Tain surfaced for Blind Speaker, and his hoof lingered on the tea cup for a few seconds before he eventually pulled it up.  “I don’t think it was really up to her, but that’s not why we’re here.” “We’re here about freeing Luna,” Silver Vein blurted out, earning stunned faces out of the mares.  “And potentially Celestia if need be.” Blind Speaker sighed in exasperation.  “So much for breaking it easy.” Pinkie Pie recovered first.  “Free the Sisters?  The Sisters?  From what exactly?  They ascended to Elysium after the Schism War.  If they wanted to or could have come back, they’d have done so by now.” “To suggest otherwise is skirting blasphemy,” Twilight added.  “But I suppose I’ve already committed that too in the eyes of the Solar Church.  What’s one more, right?” “Twilight,” Pinkie hissed, shooting the stallions a troubled look.  “You shouldn’t joke about that.  This feels like a trap.” The thought had not occurred to Twilight, yet before she could backpedal, Blind Speaker firmly placed a book on the table.  “I did not come to the idea of the Sisters being trapped on my own.  Luna’s own wartime journal explains much.” “Her - wartime journal?” Twilight asked as she reached for the book.  As soon as her hoof touched it, Blind Speaker let it go.  Twilight scooted over so Pinkie could look at it with her, although Twilight suspected what she was going to see.  “Unless your eyes are more magical than you let on, there’s not a pony in the world who can read this.” “Not anymore,” Silver Vein stated with fire in his eyes as he placed a folder on the table.  “My grandfather’s translation manual.” “Really now?!”  Twilight snatched it with a wing, the tip of her armor scratching the wood with her excitement.  Pinkie Pie’s intrigue nearly matched her sister as both of them pressed against each other to study them both.   Pinkie Pie whistled as the folder was opened to reveal the translation took the form of thirty pages.  Even to her untrained eyes, she could see this would be far beyond a simple word swap.  “This translation is really…” “Overwhelming at first glance, so I’ve been told.”  Blind Speaker placed a second book on the crate and slid it forward.  “Here is an already translated copy.  You can have it all in case you’d prefer to translate it yourself.” In her excitement, Twilight stretched a wing out to grab it, but stopped just short of touching it.  She put the journal and translation folder back down before folding her wing back in place.  “What’s your angle, if I may ask?  You’re obviously trying to recruit me, but why?  A stallion like you can have his pick of ponies far wealthier or more influential than me.”   “Not to mention somepony without questionable loyalty,” Pinkie Pie added with an irritated huff.  “You’d be surprised how freely ponies speak ill of Twilight straight to my face.” Weathering it with a mask of stoicism, Twilight seemed unfazed.  “It’s half the reason I settled here rather than inside Tranquility.” With a sad hum, Blind Speaker sipped his tea, actually enjoying the beverage.  “Come now, Lady Twilight Sparkle, a highborne such as you should not be surprised at how many of those very same ponies would rather Luna stay as she is: lost.  Between those that make excuses of heresy or are naked with their greed, very few want Luna to make a return.”   “No… I suppose I can’t say I’m surprised at all.” Twilight commented while weary rubbing her head.  “Ponies like the status quo, and we’ve gotten used to ruling ourselves without alicorn meddling.  As much as I believe Equestria will be loyal to Cadence, I can’t imagine how she could have established herself without Queen Corona shielding her.  Celestia rest her soul.” Silver grew uncomfortable with Celestia being spoken of reverently, but masked it most quickly enough for Pinkie Pie to miss it.  “My Lady, the reason we need you is because we believe that if given the chance, you’d see about the Holy Sisters’ return.” The mares kept their reactions in check and gave nothing away.  Blind Speaker continued on with a nod of agreement.  “You clearly still hold Celestia in your heart, and you also have reason to seek solace in Luna’s protection.  Both Luna and I have need of you.  Not just because of your dual loyalties, to the Sisters at least, but also because you can live for an age, whereas I am beset by Father Time.  I fear this might be my last war, and when I pass, the weight my name carries will die with me.”  He faced Silver Vein, and rested a fatherly hoof on his shoulder.  “My grandson here believes the return can happen, unlike his father, but he’s too young and not a soldier.  This is why I need you to take up this cup, if you would have it.” The much more mundane sisters shared puzzled looks before Pinkie Pie broke the silence.  “I think I speak for Twilight as well when I say seeing the Sisters return would be monumental indeed.  Yet what in here makes you think the Sisters still walk the earth in the first place?” she asked while tapping the journal. Silver Vein flashed a bit of excitement as neither mare showed signs of dismissal, so he leaned in, the voice of a true believer passing through his lips.  “The last entry in Luna’s journal.  It stated that she planned to use an incomplete collection of artifacts she called the Elements to trap Celestia in stone.  Presumably so Celestia was out of the way until Lunaria’s freedom was accepted or maybe so that she could defeat the Equestrian army and force Celestia to see reason later on.” “A few years into the war, she kept bouncing between ideas,” Blind Speaker explained with a second wind to his hope.  “Petrification is what she settled on in the end.”  He started to say more, but held back.   Not knowing much about advanced magic, Twilight didn’t try to suss out any deeper meaning for the moment.  “Artifacts can have fickle natures, but it doesn’t seem like Luna succeeded since both of them went missing.” “True,” Silver Vein admitted with no apparent lapse in excitement.  “But we only have half the puzzle.  During the last few months of the war, Luna became aware that Celestia was coming up with much the same plan.  Who copied who is irrelevant, what matters is that if Celestia’s journal could give both sides of the lead up to the final battle, we could piece together what the Sisters did to disappear.” “I don’t want to sound presumptive,” Pinkie Pie started while holding up the translation sheet.  “But what makes you think this translation would work on Celestia’s journal? Surely she would have used a different spell.” “That’s what I thought too when my associates started making real headway in the translation.”  Having already prepared for that question, Blind Speaker gestured to his grandson who took the translated journal and flipped through the pages until landing on the right one.  “Here,” Silver slid the entry towards the mares who leaned in to get a closer look. “Luna mentioned the irony of both sisters making use their father’s encryption spell after one of her defectors-turn-spy managed to steal some letters from Celestia, only for it to be useless. To put it briefly, the decryption spell only works for a particular pony or two.” “Considering how long it’s taken to make a full decryption…”  Twilight skimmed the passage from Luna’s journal then moved on to the untranslated copy. “I can see why it was a pointless effort.” “A pity they never kept some of those letters,” Blind Speaker added with a forlorn sigh.  “Though I trust Luna’s words, having some of Celestia’s writings could have given concrete proof they used the same spell.”   He drank the last of his tea.  “We were hoping you’d know where a copy of Celestia’s journal might be found.  Given the war, acquiring a copy could prove… easier than peace time.” Easier indeed.  Giving up nothing, Twilight sipped her tea.  “If a copy of Celestia’s war journal was all you needed, any spies you have could easily find one, they’re sold to the aristocracy for a pittance.  I dare say all you need to do is find the manor of some noble who pays more than lip service to Celestia to find one.” “It’s that common?” Silver Vein scoffed while rocking back in his cushion.  “I was half expecting you to tell us to raid a church, but that’s been done and no journal was ever found, at least that’s the official word that gets back to the emperor.” “I’m sure any church who believed for even a moment they were going to be attacked would burn the book,” Pinkie Pie added while pouring more tea for both herself and Blind Speaker.  “Given who Celestia is, the act would be more akin to returning the journal to her, rather than destroying it.” “A fair point.”  Blind Speaker smiled broadly, glad to see he was one step closer, even with that bit of information alone.   Pinkie Pie rubbed her chin, not demonstrating much enthusiasm.  Within however, she was deeply intrigued.  Knowing Twily, she’s already convinced.  Still, Pinkie had not garnered as much wealth for the family as she had by jumping at anything that sounded too idealist, and she was still left with concerns of her own.   Such concerns were mirrored by Twilight Sparkle who idly stirred sugar into a new cup of tea.  A tangent thought wondered why Applejack had not yet returned.  “If I may, Blind Speaker, while this mission of yours is an honorable one, unless or until the deed is done, I’m under the impression it won’t inspire much cooperation from anypony, potentially not even the emperor himself since Luna’s return would force him to abdicate.  We’ve played it safe politically so far, but going into this will paint a target on my back.” Silver Vein looked to his grandfather while tapping his wings against his barrel.  “Come on.” It was not said as a desire to leave or defeat.  Blind Speaker tilted his ears to Silver for a moment then bundled up his wits.  “I can offer you the means to conduct this search without others being able to legitimately question your allegiance to the Throne. As for the Emperor’s thoughts on the matter, you needn’t concern yourself.” It was too cryptic for Pinkie Pie’s liking, and she had difficulty masking her displeasure. “As respected as you are,” Pinkie Pie cut in.  “An endorsement wouldn’t mean much in this.  Especially in a time of war.” “My thoughts exactly.”  Blind Speaker waved a hoof at his grandson.  “Which is why I am suggesting that you marry Silver Vein.” “What?!” both mares cried out. “It was my idea,” Silver said quickly.  “Think about it.  You’d be marrying not just a thestral, but marrying into my grandfather’s family.  No pony in the world would question your loyalty, not even the Emperor!” Blinking as her brain caught up, Twilight still had bewilderment written all over her.  “You’re serious about this?” Blind Speaker nodded sagely.  “Serious as ever.  Don’t worry about his father.  He’ll be cross that his personal chemist won’t be joining the family business, but he’ll get over it.” “Ahhh…”  Twilight pulled Pinkie Pie in close to whisper, not knowing just how good Blind Speaker’s hearing truly was.  “What do you think?” “Well, if you were going to marry outside of the nobility, he’d be one of the few that shouldn’t cause a stink.  Then again, Speaker is not a name that gets thrown around in business circles. So I can only broadly guess.”  Pinkie Pie gave her a leering smirk.  “But if you want to jump off that cloud of yours, he’s quite fetching.  If you don’t want to, I’ll marry him instead.” Scoffing, Twilight rolled her eyes.  ”Oh come on, you and I both know he’d have to marry the head of house for it to mean anything in the eyes of others.” “Who said anything about it being anything more than having a fine husband?”  Pinkie Pie shrugged, thoroughly enjoying a moment of teasing.  But deeper, she was actually thrilled by the offer.  Business was adventure, but this hit Pinkie differently. It was touching the goddesses of the pony world.  “Just saying, that’s all.  Jesting aside.  If you happened to bear a thestral foal from Speaker’s line while he still lives…” She left the statement hanging, letting Twilight’s active imagination fill in the blanks.  “And if I produced a pegacorn?”  Twilight asked rhetorically. Deciding to answer anyway, Pinkie Pie hugged her.  “With that armor of yours, it wouldn’t matter.  Besides, don’t act like you don’t want to have at least five kids before you’re forty, so you’ll get one.  You dictate your diary to me sometimes, so don’t bother denying it.” “You already read me like a book, there wasn't any sense in not letting you write some of the pages.”  Twilight squeezed her sister tighter before letting go. The thestrals awaited their reply.  While Silver was pensive, Blind Speaker was outwardly stoic enough to hide his triumph.  Good.  Now no matter how long it takes, the day will come when Luna is with us again. Twilight pulled away from Pinkie Pie to fix Blind Speaker with a firm, demanding frown. Realizing the act was lost on him she turned to her prospective fiancé.  “First things first, I don’t care how useful this marriage might be.  If all you plan to do is put an heir in me and spend my money, you can leave right now.  I won’t tolerate a wastrel for a husband.” Ultimately, it was Silver who reacted better as he was already pensive, while his grandfather was actually caught off guard.  Pinkie Pie noted the older stallion’s reaction with satisfaction. So I was right, his hearing is too good to whisper in the same room. Silver Vein managed to keep from nervously tapping his forehooves together.  “Well, I - I don’t really like to drink, for one thing.  So at the very least I won’t be raiding the wine cellar.  As for pulling my weight, I was raised in a mining town,” he said as if that should be enough of an answer. Having recovered, Blind Speaker would have chided the young stallion for selling himself short had he been anywhere else. “The boy also graduated from Rock Salt University with high honors in chemistry.” A disbelieving frown crawled its way onto Twilight’s face and stared at the old stallion. Blind though he was, she was convinced he could see her expression somehow. “Is that right?” Shrugging, Blind Speaker allowed the barest edge of his lips to curl up. “You are a mare with vision, and my son is in need of focus to hone his considerable talents. But if your heart is set on a military husband, you can blame his father. I wanted him to join the Air Corps for that exact reason.” Wilting at the presumed cowardice on his part for not joining the military, Silver Vein chewed on his lip. Is he trying to sabotage this?!  “Well, you see, my ladies, I just wanted to help the family business and with Pa here already being…”  He stopped himself and slumped, already expecting to be thrown out of the fortress.  Twilight’s heart went out to the dejected thestral. While Twilight had little doubt Silver was being genuine, she couldn’t help but to think this was orchestrated to generate sympathy by Blind Speaker.  “My boy, among the aristocracy,” he explained politely. “Glory through military service is not the only way to demonstrate value. What you bring to the table is everything. Please, my ladies, correct me if I am wrong.” “You have the right of it, Blind Speaker.”  Twilight decided to ignore the scheming for a moment to focus on the wavering stallion. “Tell me, Mister Silver Vein. Why did you become a chemist?”  She leaned over to see his destiny mark was that of a pickaxe striking a silver rock. “You don’t seem the type.” I need to know if he actually enjoys his work, or if he’ll end up being resentful of it. When Silver was slow to respond, riddled with nerves, Blind Speaker gave him a swift, yet harmless kick. “Go on, son.” “Y-yes sir.”  Straightening, Silver Vein took a long breath before focusing on both sisters. “To be honest, it wasn’t my first choice. My father is a competitive stallion to a fault. He wants my older sister to take over the mine when he retires, as if he’d actually do that before death claimed him,” he huffed while casting a glare at his wizened grandfather. “My middle brother was sent off to learn metallurgy to one day start his own foundry. Father tossed me into chemistry directly because of new… flavors of steel out there. My brother would be the one to run the foundry while I ensured the steel’s quality.” Twilight ruffled her wings and her horn crackled as she mused over some things as Gold Tressel’s oil engine came to mind. “How about chemicals?  Could you aid me in refining oil into things? Fuels and the like?” Courage and hope returned Silver’s smile and he barely contained himself by nodding excitedly. “Oh absolutely. Metals, fluids, give me time and I can either make what you need or find out how to do it!” Pinkie Pie shared a knowing like with Twilight.  “My sister and I would like to discuss the matter in private.” Twilight got up first and inclined her head. “Excuse us.” “Please, please take all the time you need,” Blind Speaker offered as if he had the power to do so.  Out of old habits, Pinkie raced to the door to open it for Twilight, only to find Applejack trying to sneak out of sight in the hallway. The sound of Twilight groaning made the sailor stop dead. By the time she slowly turned around, Twilight and Pinkie were already fully in the hallway. She bore a wholly unamused scowl while Pinkie had a mischievous silent laugh going. “Forgot the biscuits?” the Pink one asked with amusement her sister wholly lacked.  “Applejack, do tell me what you were doing outside our door?”  Twilight’s ire deepened the more the sailor sweated.  “Yeah, lie to us,” Pinkie added with growing mirth.  Utterly unwilling to even consider that an option, Applejack stepped up to them while averting her gaze and rubbing the back of her neck. “Sorry, boss. Ah just wanted to know what coulda brought Blind Speaker of all ponies here.” Pinkie tilted an ear as Twilight let off a quiet growl as her temper started to flare as her horn crackled wildly. Uh oh. She’s going Twilinanas over this. Pinkie intervened by rubbing her sister’s shoulder. “No need to apologize, Applejack, you were just keeping your ears open.” Having heard that somewhere before, Applejack clicked her tongue as she mentally switched gears. “That’s right, just as it says in the Merchant’s Creed.” “Is that so?”  Twilight's anger threatened to morph into amusement if she wasn’t careful.  Even if it wasn’t a full lie, Applejack’s poker face was as subtle as a thunderclap. “If you can tell me what number that rule is then I’ll believe you.”  Pinky mouthed “seven” behind her sister. Applejack sweated and looked overwhelmingly sheepish as she answered, “seven?” Twilight shot a knowing glare at Pinkie who bore an innocent smile. Even with the blatant lie, with Pinkie defending Applejack so much, Twilight let go of her anger. There was just something about her sister’s smiles that always managed to drag Twilight into a better mood. She faced Applejack once more with a thin frown. “All is forgiven.”  With a wing, she dragged the sailor to a side room.  All while Applejack gave Pinkie quiet gratitude.  Once Twilight felt they were far enough away to not be overheard, she rounded on the two other mares. “Applejack, how much did you hear?” “Ahh… all of it.”  A worried side-grin tried in vain to hide her shame.  “Well at least we won’t have to fill her in,” Pinkie commented cheerily.  “True enough,” Twilight said dryly before purposefully shaking off her irritation. “To be honest, I’m a bit torn about the offer. Marrying Silver Vein would certainly solve some issues, but being unwedded has its advantages as well.” “At least this will stop families trying to throw their useless or unlikable sons at you,” Applejack stated tentatively gauging how much meddling Twilight would tolerate while also trying to earn some points back. “Ain’t been three a’ them who had an honest bone in their bodies.” Twilight arched an interested eyebrow. She’s always been a good judge of character.  “What is your take on Silver Vein in that regard?” “Kinda wish I could have seen him talk ta answer that, but he sounds like he believes what he says. Ah get the feeling’ Speaker is hidin’ something but isn’t really lying though.”  Applejack toyed with her braided hair, unsure if she was going too far. “If Ah may be honest here for a bit, boss, but marryin’ a commoner is probably for the best anyway.” “Surely you jest,” Twilight began with an almost insulted tone. “Half the reason I keep you around is your honesty.” Applejack’s first reply caught in her throat, giving Pinkie time to add, “the other half is your Apple fritters. Truly a snack worthy of Luna herself.” Blushing furiously, Applejack covered her face with her hat. “Shucks, ‘is what Ah’d be doin’ anyway.” “I’d still like to know why you think a commoner would be the best husband though,” Twilight asked in a tone that left her dubious of the idea at best. Even Pinkie’s lighthearted expression slide into tentative curiosity. “While I would adopt Pinkie Pie a thousand times over, the number of suitors I had dropped significantly after news of it got around.” “Some still don’t see me as a real noble,” Pinkie added with some of her curls flattening.  “Ain’t that exactly the reason right there, boss?” Applejack remarked as if she was a chess player after making a winning move. “No disrespect to ya Pinkie, but Silver Vein is both kin to Blind Speaker and a thestral. That alone should make up for him benin’ a commoner. But, more importantly, because he’s a commoner, there ain’t a pony on this good earth who’ll think he’s the head of house just because he’s a native born Lunarian.  If they want the final word with House Sparkle, they gotta go through you,” she ended by pointing at Twilight.  If she was honest with herself, that had been part of Twilight’s fear of marriage since arriving on Tranquility’s shores.  From her first words to the day she left Canterlot, Twilight had grown up expecting to become the head of House Light. It had only made sense to her to start her own house upon swearing fealty to the Throne. A native borne noble husband threatened her station. Not to mention there was always the possibility they could just wait until I had a daughter to assassinate me and be done with it, Twilight thought bitterly. But, Silver and Speaker seem naked in their motives.   “I have to say, you make a good case. A pity you didn’t become a lawyer.” Applejack went pale at the thought. “Luna protect me, Ah’d off myself if Ah had to do that.” Taking little amusement in the playful ribbing, the ever-present grin on Pinkie faded to concerned fretting.   “I’m more worried about this quest Blind Speaker is trying to give us. Marrying his son kinda makes you stuck to seeing it though.” Nodding in agreement, Twilight’s ears wilted a bit. “ I can think of worse things to marry into.  Debts, horrific in-laws, family drama, a husband that wants to take control of the house, finding out the family’s a bunch of criminals…” “Kinda running things together there, boss.” “Point is, Silver’s not insufferable, has a good education, is well connected for a commoner, and he’s quite handsome.” “Do you think it’s possible to bring the Sisters back?” Pinkie asked, pressing her point harder. It was a sticking point that left all three of them conflicted.  “Ah can’t rightly say.  Ah always thought Blind Speaker was a straight shooter, but claiming the Sisters are trapped and didn’t ascend to Elysium is down right heretical.  If he were just about anypony else Ah’d smack him upside the head.” “I think you’d do more than just knock some sense into him,” Twilight added with a partially amused huff. “But if he’s as respected as you two make him out to be, I can’t see him believing this theory of his without good cause.  Whatever is in that journal must be something the church either forgot or doesn’t want ponies to know about.” “Could it be a trap,” Pinkie directed at Applejack. “Maybe bring Twilight down for heresy to use her as a scapegoat for the war turning against us?” Applejack was incensed and violently shook her head. “Uh uh, no way!  Blind Speaker doesn’t do that. Ah ain’t never heard a him callin’ ponies out like that or dragging’ them through the mud. At least no Lunarians anyway.”  Seeing the implications of what she just said, Applejack cut in to clarify. “Ah still don’t think he’d do that to ya.” Twilight felt like she could do nothing but trust Applejack’s account. “Alright. But that still leaves us with the heresy itself.” “The journal then,” Pinkie replied with a worried hum. “After all, who would you believe? The church or Luna’s own words?” The answer didn’t even need to be said. “Maybe he translated it wrong,” Applejack offered, almost grasping at straws. “Somethin’ that complex might be tricking him. Somehow.” “I’m no codebreaker,” Twilight began as she started to think. “But I doubt it. An incorrect translation might get a few sentences sounding right, possibly a page or so. But the whole journal?  There’s no way.” “Not that any of this’ll matter though,” Applejack said with a tone of finality. Assumin’ he’s got a perfect translation a Luna’s journal, if that’s all we needed to find her, he’d have done so already.” Pinkie shot her sister a sly grin. “What do you think, Twilight? Would the translation work on your copy of Celestia’s war journal?” Applejack paused out of suspicious surprise. “ You’ve had a copy of Celestia’s journal this whole time?”  Twilight shrugged and smirked, leaving Applejack utterly flabbergasted. “There ain’t no way. Deck Flog had me be the one to inventory your books.  Even if I missed it then, Ah woulda seen that when we were moving’ all your property off the ship.  Rut, Ah’d’ve seen it anytime we moved at all!” Tapping her nose with a wingtip, Twilight replied with an oily grin, “Merchant’s Creed two thirty nine: never be afraid to mislabel a product.  I traveled with it as my symbol of faith. Around here, anything else would be frowned upon.” Laughing out of bemoaned surprise, Applejack recovered her wits quickly enough.  “Well, boss, Ah guess the only thing left is if you want to go looking for the Sisters.” Mulling it over a while longer with her sister, Pinkie eventually found her answer.  “It certainly would be an adventure.  I’ll back you no matter what.” “Shucks, Ah’ll go to. And there ain’t a rowboat’s chance in a squall that Rainbow would miss this.” “Thank you, Pinkie, Applejack.” There had been no question in Twilight’s mind that would be Pinkie’s stance, but it was nice to hear it all the same. “I want to start translating the journals right away. Pinkie, do some digging into Blind Speaker and Silver Vein, if they’ve been telling the truth about Silver’s education, then he’d be perfect. Applejack, I’m sure you’re eager to help with the harvest.  If the journal clues us in on going out of town, we’d best be ready.” Relief warmed the blonde earth mare’s face at not being asked to help. “Thank ya kindly. Can’t say Ah’d stay sane transcribing a book, holy scriptures or not.” Having her plan sorted out, Twilight gave a firm nod. “With that settled, nothing else but to give them the news. Come along, Applejack, you’ve heard everything so far, no sense in making you stand by the door a second time.” Sweating a bit from embarrassment, Applejack jumped after them. "Thanks, Twilight." Upon re-entering the room, both stallions stood up out of respect, albeit Silver helped his grandfather rise. “Thank you for waiting, good sirs,” Twilight opened with.  “Silver Vein, I would be delighted to accept your hoof in marriage.” “You would?”  Silver nearly toppled over, and would have brought his grandfather down with him had he not let go.  “I - I oh my. I - I don’t know what to say.” “'I do’ is traditional.”  Such a failure of words was not present in his grandfather.  “You have my eternal gratitude, my ladies.  Perhaps we can arrange a time to talk further about the details.” Deciding to take the reins, Twilight sat down and sipped her forgotten cup of tea, ignoring how cold it was now.  “There’s no time like the present.  We’re all busy ponies are we not?” Giving a halted, tired laugh, Blind Speaker nodded his agreement and gestured for Silver Vein to sit back down as well.  “I suppose that would allow me to return to the heartland sooner.  Where shall we begin?”