Twilight had been at a lot of negotiating tables lately, she realized that very moment.
Some more grandiose. Like the heptagonal one at the Seat of the Covenant, surrounded by the thrones of the seven Lords of the batponies. Covered in the rich, dark cloth and illuminated by the wondrous chandelier of silver and sapphires.
And some of the “tables” were more private. Like in the case of her conversations with Midnight Eye or Blessed Fang. Because sometimes, a small chamber or even the interior of a carriage was more than enough to get one’s point across and reach a deep, new understanding.
That very night, there was no table once more. Not literally, at least. Though the situation warranted entering talks and finding a way out of an unpleasant matter.
As it happened, Lord Dusk Harvest had proposed just the place to have a little conference with Twilight and Count Brother Ebony Crescent. Almost in the middle of the Sanctuary’s cavern, actually, and yet secluded enough to have an honest exchange without too many witnesses.
The great, stone columns of the noctrali’s holy site were monumental and remarkably designed, creating the image of a great, petrified wilderness. Illuminated by the moss-like clusters of minerals, giving off a delicate, blessed aura to the whole place. But, as Twilight was surprised to find, several of those trees of rock did house small niches in themselves. Carved in them with diligence and style, designed for rest, relaxation and meditation quite likely. With stone seats placed in a way to freely talk, facing one another if necessary.
Twilight had never before found herself in such a rocky gazebo, but she had to concur that it was yet one more wonderful aspect of the local architecture to cherish. If she didn’t know better, she would expect the carved vines all around the place to come alive and sway, with the flower reliefs letting out wonderful aromas for all to enjoy. Yet the niche wasn’t just filled with stone and still simulacra of nature. A convenient drinking fountain in the middle of it was both decorative and a source of cold, refreshing life to the still space.
Twilight imagined that she would enjoy the time here much more were it not for having to tackle the visible conflict between the other ponies present. Well, at least they could talk in relative privacy, their respective retinues patiently waiting outside and making sure that there would be no interruptions.
Twilight, herself, didn’t want to cause one, even if she had decided to take a little moment to think in the middle of the ongoing negotiations. It helped her focus anew and continue her previous thought.
“As I understand,” she spoke, wishing to clarify things even further, “there are no objections to me visiting either of the Mountains, am I correct?”
“N-n-none whatsoever,” Dusk Harvest assured, with Blossom nodding fervently from her perch on his shoulder.
“In truth,” Ebony Crescent also confirmed, leaning back in his seat a little. “The issue lies in the timing, should we say. For reasons that cannot be grasped on our end of this... discourse, the Honored Lord Dusk Harvest is insistent on not allowing you to first enjoy the luxuries of the Crescent Family. My uncle and Lord finds it perplexing. And, truth be told, straining the natural understanding between our bloodlines.”
Lord Dusk Harvest didn’t answer immediately. So Twilight decided that perhaps encouragement was actually necessary.
“If that is, indeed, the case... do you think, Honored Lord,” she suggested, trying to sound as conciliatory as she could, “that clarifying that might help resolve this issue? I’m sure the Count Brother could convey it to Honored Lord Bright Crescent in a clear way.”
“Of course. I would just first need to understand the reasoning here,” Ebony Crescent assured, sending Twilight a kind smile.
It made her mind return for a brief moment to that recent kiss of her hoof, but... there wasn’t time for such frivolous thoughts. She, instead, focused to Dusk Harvest entirely. She knew deep inside that the noble stallion needed a certain level of understanding and support, considering his impediment. She didn’t want to pressure him in any way, after all.
He, indeed, turned his goldenrod eyes her way before replying aloud. Perhaps hoping that his gaze would tell her something that he would find hard to get out otherwise.
And not just due to his stammer, as Twilight almost immediately realized. He was very successful in conveying his intention, she had to admit.
For something about Dusk Harvest’s gaze spoke to her more than clearly. He was indubitably attempting to let her know that utter transparency would not be his choice... which was most worrying.
No less than his words. “I-I see no r-reason to e-explain. Y-you have v-v-visited the M-Mountain of Midnight and M-Mountain of F-F-Fang, H-Honored Princess. While h-haspadr C-Crimson Shade is r-r-reluctant, th-the natural n-next destination is m-m-my domain. Bright C-Crescent’s s-sudden i-i-i—”
Blossom was trying to comfort the Lord, whilst Ebony Crescent simply glanced at Twilight in the meantime, with a mixture of understanding and hard to ignore annoyance. Though hardly caused by the other stallion’s impediment, at least that seemed clear.
“Insistence!” Dust Harvest finally managed to shout, exhaling in effort afterwards. “Is n-nothing more than a v-vile o-o-obstruction for th-the sake of i-it.”
The Count Brother’s gaze only hardened after that declaration. “Honored Lord, I urge you to discontinue,” he stated, his voice retaining its polite quality, but only just. “I have nothing but the greatest of respects for the Dusk Family, for its constant contribution to the well-being of our nation and its vigilant stewardship over the Dalli. And I am in awe when it comes to your, personal beneficence and diligence in your duties, despite the difficulties you are facing.”
Was it Twilight, or did Ebony Crescent mean something else than the stammer? The way he utilized that word didn’t sit well with her at all, despite his courteous tone.
And she could still remember the knowledge that both Midnight and Rowan Berry had imparted on her, regarding the matter of the Dusk Family’s lack of heir to the circlet...
“But I shall not,” the Count Brother pointed out, with enough strength to cause Blossom to hiss at him just a little, “due to more than just the familial relation, make myself endure discrediting my Lord right to my face.”
“In that regard,” Twilight had to interject, picking a side for the moment, “I think I would have to agree with the Honored Count Brother, Honored Lord. I do not think it would be discourteous to point out that the Honored Bright of Family Crescent is an... individualist...”
She used the word with full intention and found Ebony Crescent nodding and shrugging just a little, accepting the fact.
“... yet I wouldn’t necessarily accuse him of foul intentions. If for the sake of maintaining a reasonable level of discussion in the matter of my travels.”
She tried to be as delicate about the matter as possible, but Dusk Harvest only exhaled, looking somewhere to the side.
Why was he so focused on this situation that he would go so far as to insult Bright Crescent? Well, one could argue that the milky-maned Lord deserved at least some criticism for his frequent quips and making fun of Lord Dusk Harvest, but... Twilight thought better of the stallion before her. What was on his mind to make him appear so unnaturally biting that night?
Ebony Crescent, having let out a long sigh himself, decided to engage in the moment a bit more. Perhaps also curious about his opponent’s behavior.
“Honored Lord, as much as you are inclined not to believe me, I can assure you that my uncle holds no ill intentions in this... ‘insistence’ of his,” he spoke, leaning in a little. His pear eyes were almost drilling into the batpony opposite, but his tone was still soft and contained. “I would... find it within myself not be against reaching a solution that would work for both sides, but I would really need more... context, I presume. What we are offering to the Honored Princess right now, is having a moment to actually enjoy her stay in Noctraliya. It has to be said that she was very busy so far...”
That was one way to put that, Twilight thought. And, having met the Count Brother’s gaze, decided to speak up again.
“The thought is appreciated, even though I well understand that I have not come here for the sake of leisure,” she declared and Ebony Crescent accepted it with a nod. Then, Twilight turned once more to Lord Dusk Harvest. “Honored Lord, I take it that you view my presence at the Mountain of Dusk as vital in regards to the last happenings at the Seat of the Covenant.”
She stated more than asked, prompting the brownish stallion to glance at her and nod.
And the Count Brother reacted immediately to that declaration. “If... there is a need to discuss matters that were touched upon beyond the doors of the Kezpont, I shall step out for a brief moment. I know when things aren’t meant for anypony else’s ears...”
“N-no...” Dusk Harvest finally spoke up and gestured for the other stallion to stay. “B-but your r-r-readiness is a-acknowledged...”
Blossom didn’t seem too convinced herself, still giving Ebony Crescent an unpleasant look, but the Lord focused more on Twilight for the moment, rather than the young stallion.
“Y-you know of m-my r-r-role, H-Honored Princess. And of my ch-charge. O-over the V-Valleys.”
“Naturally, Honored Lord,” she assured him. Hoping that, perhaps, she would catch at least a glimpse of Dusk Harvest’s reasoning.
“S-so, i-it is v-v-vital for you t-to understand what th-the stakes a-are here. I-I don’t b-b-believe an informed d-decision a-about... th-the current p-predicament can be m-made without w-witnessing the o-o-o—” The Lord closed his eyes in effort, with Blossom nuzzling his neck loyally, as was her sworn duty. “Orchards!” he screamed the word, annoyed that he had to. He shook his head before continuing. “And a-all the f-f-farmland we h-have managed t-to o-organize. F-further n-negotiating without u-understanding the m-matter, the n-needs w-we have and the ch-challenges we are f-facing c-c-could be h-hollow.”
Well, that was at least a certain, logical explanation, though Ebony Crescent looked at least a little unconvinced when Twilight glanced his way. He decided to voice it, nonetheless.
“I do not wish to sound impertinent in any way, Honored Lord. But... I’m certain that the Honored Princess is aware of the vital importance of the region and the state of our crops. It’s not really a surprise, nor is it a mystery, that our lands are harsh and require great effort to bear fruit, literally,” he pointed out, tone calm though strong. “And, with all due respect, not the trees nor the problems are going anywhere anytime soon. Is an immediate visit so crucial, then?”
That remark perhaps wasn’t entirely courteous, but Twilight grasped the notion behind it. So did Dusk Harvest, considering his gaze.
There was more to his stance still. He simply hid it behind more harsh retorts. “N-nor are y-your p-p-parlors g-going to f-fall into ruin if y-you wait a b-bit longer, h-hwalbu hrabiy b-bratr. N-not that R-Rodine Kwadr is known f-for p-patience,” he remarked, receiving support from Blossom’s fervent nodding.
Well, Twilight knew such a level of exchange would not get anypony anywhere, so decided to step in outright. Especially before Ebony Crescent had a chance to retort and, quite likely, worsen the situation.
“The life expectancy of orchards and establishments aside, this is a matter of a proper timing,” she reminded, deciding to omit the discourteous comments. “Which begs my question – for how long am I required to stay at each of the Mountains?”
She didn’t necessarily mean for that inquiry to be so direct and maybe even firm, but it definitely had managed to focus the stallions back on her. Both willing to immediately explain.
Yet it wasn’t like it was just a provocative question. There wasn’t really a time table when it came to Twilight’s travels. She had simply been given an opportunity to visit and witness the different Families’ lands, if allowed, without being told that she was in a massive rush. There was a feeling of tension when she considered the visits, but that had less to do with their length and definitely more with having to deal with the possibility of an open conflict if things were to go hideously wrong.
Ebony Crescent’s voice pulled her back into the conversation, its tone definitely aimed at addressing the matter. “Honored Princess, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish, our Family guarantees the calm and safety of it. We understand your desire to explore all of our lands, but surely a number of nights could easily be spared,” he declared. Then smirked a little. “True, not enough to witness all of the joys and wonders of our Mountain and the surrounding lands, but I think I can understand and accept a little hurry in these, specific circumstances.”
That was, at least, a position easy to accept, so Twilight acknowledged it with a nod before turning again to the Honored Lord opposite.
And his response came, but only after a moment of delay. Was he rethinking matters? Or was he preparing himself for the additional effort of speaking aloud and trying to contain his stutter?
Likely, a bit of both.
“W-while I would a-ask you, H-Honored P-Princess to... n-not l-let things l-linger. Nor w-wait too l-long to m-make your d-decision,” Dusk Harvest claimed.
And something about his tone spoke of tremendous seriousness, despite the... enigmatic factor.
Twilight looked at him askance. Then checked whether Ebony Crescent had anything in mind, considering the Lord’s adamant stance. But the Count Brother’s expression looked unchanged. A little miffed and somewhat confused, at most.
So... she had to try and discern things on her own. Which, actually... gave her an interesting idea.
She was the guest of honor. And her time was worthwhile, despite how she had been received before and what opinion some of the local rulers held on her presence. Yet, as Midnight had put it, she could request to travel in whatever capacity she would see fit. And she did not have to be “optimal” in her requests.
Perhaps that was exactly what was necessary there and then. Something out of place, uncommon, to convince both parties to actually agree and move on from this sudden clash.
Not to mention... now she was really intrigued what the Lord of Dusk Family had thought of, that it required Twilight’s immediate presence. Because there must have been something, even beyond the natural idea of witnessing the famed Valleys, the breadbasket of Noctraliya.
Only one filled with fruit as the staple food, rather than wheat products.
“Then, I have but one course of action...”
Twilight declared loudly and she could see that both the Count Brother and the Lord looked at her with mounting expectations. She would try and meet them, though perhaps not in the way they both were anticipating. And, on top of that... she had her own curiosity to address and take into consideration, offering this solution.
“Honored Lord Harvest of Family Dusk requires that I am present at the Mountain of Dusk outright, as I understand.”
“I-I-I am n-not—”
Twilight felt horrible, raising her hoof to interrupt. However, she didn’t want to give a wrong impression by not explaining her entire reasoning.
And it suddenly seemed that she had an ally in that endeavor. Blossom, usually rather antagonistic towards anypony who would agitate her master, this time nuzzled into Dusk Harvest’s neck a little, as if to let him know that he should focus on listening and things would be fine.
Smart one, wasn’t she? Enough so that the Lord actually stopped trying to explain things further and closed his mouth.
So Twilight continued, allowing herself a small smile even. “I understand that you don’t want to be seen as ordering me about, Honored Lord. And you are not, I assure you, I’m not feeling commanded. However, I recognize that you wish to preserve a certain approach to these visits and so, I shall allow myself to declare for your direction and your Mountain...”
She looked at Ebony Crescent and spotted some clear annoyance in his gaze, before he was able to mask it. Still, he kept silent. As if expecting to hear something to his liking after all.
And, as far as Twilight could help it, the Count Brother wouldn’t be disappointed. She just secretly hoped that the he would not go for another, perfectly allowed Equestrian gesture which would be seen as audacious around the place.
“That being said,” she added, trying not to think about that possibility, “I wouldn’t want to ignore the kind invitation and the proposition coming from the Honored Count Brother, in the name of the Honored Lord Bright Crescent. As such, my proposition is as follows.” She put her hooves together, hoping to give the impression of both confidence and understanding. “I shall first stop at the Mountain of Dusk, to adhere to the Honored Lord’s will and witness the Dalli in their splendor. Discuss their role and, I presume, learn of certain expectations from the Honored Lord, in regards to the diplomatic negotiations. Then, afterwards, I shall head to the Mountain of Crescent. After a few nights, let’s say. To have a chance to rest and see the luxuries that the Crescent Family wishes to share, as well as conduct talks with the Honored Lord Bright Crescent.” She paused for just a moment, to catch her breath and conclude with poise. “And then, finally, I will return to the Sanctuary, before my next destination, through the Mountain of Dusk once again.”
Twilight would think that a most reasonable solution to the impasse. Now it was the matter of it finding proper purchase. At first, she couldn’t really tell, as neither of the stallions reacted with outright excitement nor even agreement.
However, Ebony Crescent glanced at the stallion opposite and then back at her. He held a breath in for a moment, as if containing something within. A single drop of sweat traveled across his coat, down the side of his neck, before he finally spoke up.
“That... I could get behind. As long as our Mountain shall not have to wait night after night for your arrival, Honored Princess, then my uncle and Lord shall not oppose. And I will also do my best... training my patience,” he pointed out, with a small, slightly forced smile.
“That’s not a bad thing to master,” she told him in return.
Almost feeling like she wanted to prod him a little. After all, the Count Brother himself had told her that he knew well the stereotypes. He accepted her reply with a small chuckle, before almost casually swiping his neck to deal with the perspiration.
Then it was time for Dusk Harvest, who also found it in himself to comment on her proposal. “Th-that would s-s-satisfy me a-as well,” he admitted, looking relieved. Undeniably so. “I-I assure y-you, H-Honored Princess, y-you shall b-be w-welcomed with h-h-honors. And I p-p-p—” the Lord tried to say, glancing Ebony Crescent’s way already. “Promise! N-not to k-keep our h-honored g-guest about just b-because.”
The Count Brother took a moment to answer, his expression almost inscrutable. Yet finally embellished with a kind smile. “On that I can safely bet, Honored Lord. I know you to be a reasonable stallion of your word. Were it not the case...” Ebony Crescent leaned back with a chuckle. “... I would so push for being allowed to come along the Honored Princess on that little trip.”
Twilight didn’t know what to think of that idea... especially after what had happened. She wouldn’t think she would mind it entirely to have the stallion about... but, at the same time, she already had a “complex” retinue, she could say. With one pony infatuated with her and another being a secret operative.
Could the Count Brother make it any more convoluted by adding one more pony to the mix?
However, she could almost definitely tell what Ebony Crescent was expecting to hear in reply to his words. For it seemed almost natural and instinctual for Dusk Harvest, as a haspadr and the next host, to say a word or two about such a possibility. Likely prompted to grant a symbolic invitation to the Count Brother, even for it to be politely turned down.
But nothing like that happened, with the Honored Lord not even acknowledging the subtle sentence with a grimace or gesture.
And, as much as Twilight could tell, Ebony Crescent’s expression did shift ever so slightly at not receiving what he wanted. Moreover, her instinct was trying to convince her that not only would have the stallion accepted such a gesture, but also wouldn’t have any scruples about doing so, despite its token nature.
Yet, with that moment of silence and subverted expectations, the meeting seemed to be ultimately finished. Despite the will of some.
So Twilight allowed herself to speak up. “I’m so glad that we have found common ground after all, I need to admit. As long as that continues, I believe that all the issues can be duly addressed. Honored Lord?”
“Y-y-yes?” Dusk Harvest asked, almost as if startled.
“Should I prepare for departure tomorrow, then? Would that suit your request?”
The Lord nodded, before grabbing the side of his cloak to stand up properly and without stepping on it. “Th-that would be o-optimal, h-hwalba knaze. Th-the weather shall b-be g-good enough for t-t-travel.”
“Of course. I shall be ready, then,” Twilight promised as she got up from the stone chair herself, receiving a nervous smile from the Lord and a far more confident and toothy one from Blossom.
Then the haspadr turned around, granting a passing nod to the Count Brother, who returned it without delay and without enthusiasm alike. And finally did Dusk Harvest trot out of the niche, leaving Twilight alone with Ebony Crescent for a brief moment longer.
The young stallion’s pear eyes followed the brownish pony intently, then switched to her immediately when the Lord was out of hearing distance.
“I cannot claim to be entirely pleased... but I have a feeling that reaching a compromise is exactly about such an outcome. So I shall ‘get over it’, I imagine,” he pointed out, his lips smiling again. “It has to be said, though, Twilight Sparkle, that your negotiating skills are remarkable. As is your quick thinking.”
“Thank you, you are too kind, Ebony Crescent,” she replied. Really thinking that, since she didn’t particularly see any achievement here.
But the Count Brother continued and insisted. “No, I do not think so. You spotted clearly that the Honored Lord is adamant about your presence, you quickly deduced that you couldn’t deny him, not without worsening your situation... but still found a way to make it work. And in a way that does not let me leave entirely empty-hoofed. I would call that remarkably prudent.”
“Please. I couldn’t possibly ignore the offer coming from you as a representative of your Family,” she told him.
Something flickered in Ebony Crescent’s eyes before he spoke again. “Oh, is that so? Well, now I need to hope that my role is not the only thing that is making my words hard to ignore,” he joked.
“No, not at all! That is not what I meant!” she immediately explained, trying not to giggle. “But, since that point was brought forth... one cannot, especially in official matters, forget the titles and positions, despite any and all cordial relations. These distinctions are of even grander importance in the lands of Noctraliya.”
“To a degree, yes,” the stallion confirmed. He checked the buttons of his gown before turning to her again. “But there’s still a pony underneath them all. One that, alas, has to bid you farewell for at least a while, Twilight Sparkle,” he spoke, giving her a polite nod and a long, piercing stare. “Yet I do hope that I won’t have to wait for too long to meet you once again. I shall now make doubly sure that the Mountain of Crescent dazzles and charms you with its many wonders.”
“Please, Ebony Crescent,” Twilight retorted, almost defensively waving her hoof, “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience Honored Lord Bright Crescent in any way. I’m not having any sort of undue, demanding expectations when it comes to my stay!”
Ebony Crescent only grinned. “I’m so very sorry, Twilight Sparkle, but, to me, that just sounds like you need to be reminded of your own value. As a Princess, yes... but also as a mare,” he told her outright.
And Twilight had to again fight a little blush at his tone. Where was that slightly nervous energy she could remember from before, when they had met for the first time? The stallion before her, with his charm and suave declarations, could really put her on the back hoof!
And without kissing her hoof!
“Rest assured,” Ebony Crescent continued, with that warm smile, “I shall not be pushing my uncle into anything unreasonable. But I simply want to assure that your stay is something to remember. To cherish in memory. After all, not everything about your mission has to be stress, worry and ruthless diplomacy. And, before you deny anything, Twilight Sparkle, I shall remind you that I am, at least in some parts, a count. I know how things work between our Lords.” He gave her a wide, confident smile. “So I hope I can be absolved from taking it upon myself to make your burdens and worries disappear, at least for a while.”
“You are most courteous, Ebony Crescent. I’m not sure what I have done to earn such a boon and benevolence from you,” Twilight told him, in accordance with the truth.
“Please, Twilight Sparkle. It is simply my pleasure,” the Count Brother told her, giving her a deep and almost reverential bow, which caused the tips of his mane to sweep the stone floor.
And Twilight’s muzzle to give her a hard time, combating a crimson blush.
The two of them left the niche a moment later, with Ebony Crescent bidding her farewell once more, before then trotting away. Accompanied loyally by the pair of his bodyguards, giving last glances towards Twilight and her retinue.
And that departure meant that she finally had a chance to confer with her companions. Unburden herself of everything on her mind. Well, at least partially. A lot had been going on that particular night up until this point.
Apparently... Twilight started with an exhale, first and foremost. She didn’t know that she had been holding one in. And it wasn’t a batpony one. Just one of tiredness.
“So... first things first. We shall be heading to the Mountain of Dusk. For a couple of nights, at least,” she declared a moment later.
Rowan Berry, with her coral eyes following the Count Brother, nodded, but took her time to look away still. When her gaze finally rested on Twilight, it had some strange, dying embers of annoyance in it.
“Seems like a better choice, if I can offer input. Though the ‘couple of nights’ is an interesting comment on the destination.”
“A compromise, more than just a comment, actually,” Twilight was eager to explain. “To avoid the continuation of this disagreement,” she claimed, almost casually pointing after the Count Brother, “I have promised that we shall continue on after that brief stay. To visit the Crescent Family and their Mountain properly, before coming back to Lord Dusk Harvest’s domain in earnest that time.”
Midnight, who managed to banish most of that unpleasant glare that Twilight had seen from him before, nodded. “Ah, I see. Trying to bite two fruits at the same time?”
“More or less,” she admitted, shaking her head. “Lord Dusk Harvest was rather... unwavering about me heading to his lands straight away, to witness the Dalli. But he didn’t mind a shorter first visit,” she additionally pointed out and the other ponies both looked at each other with curiosity. “You must have seen the Lord leaving before we did. Did he look pleased with the outcome, by any chance?”
“As pleased as his usual nervousness allows,” Rowan Berry judged, squinting her eyes a little. “He seemed more in a rush from some point on, actually, before disappearing between the pillars. I saw that pet of his almost clinging to his shoulder and flapping her wings to keep herself steady. Are we leaving tonight still, then?”
“No, actually. Tomorrow,” Twilight replied, which made the other mare look even more interested.
She even voiced it. “Intriguing... He wishes to see you at the Mountain, rushes out to get things finalized in such a rush, though waits for tomorrow to travel? We could still make the trip tonight, before sunrise...”
Midnight gave the healer a side stare. “Your second calling is on display, Yazembe Acine. I wonder, will this be in your immediate report to Lord Azure Mist?”
She rolled her eyes. Hard. “If you think that pestering me will make you feel any better, Midnight Wind, go right on ahead. I saw you trying to stab the Count Brother with your very eyes. Very much on display yourself there.”
Twilight lifted her hoof up without delay. “That will be quite enough. If we absolutely have to discuss some things, like performing one’s duties or having murderous intentions...” she pointed out, causing at least Midnight to furrow his brow. Hard. “... then I’d rather we do it someplace less exposed. And I really don’t want to see any dis—”
A flash.
It made her blink and interrupted her immediately.
A sudden light. And a sound like... she wasn’t sure. A rumble? An impact? A thud?
Whatever it was, it definitely had an effect!
Twilight felt that she had bounced up a little bit from the scare. And both Rowan Berry and Midnight immediately turned and lowered their stances. Surprisingly, keeping Twilight in between them both. Instinctively guarding her.
Were it not for the fact that she was being so cautious about breaking the local taboo, Twilight would have definitely lit up her horn, creating quite the unit with her retinue. All of them keenly scanning their immediate vicinity.
Especially Midnight, for he must have also recognized this strange phenomenon. His gaze was jumping from one to the other rocky tree, putting literally every jewel embedded in them under scrutiny.
“Kirwe, what is the meaning of this? You’ve seen that too, didn’t you?”
Twilight wasn’t sure if he meant her or Rowan Berry, but the latter was quicker to reply after all, automatically almost.
“I did. Or, I think so, because I’m not sure what I saw. It was like... munye? But... lightning inside a cavern?”
“Not hearing any thunder,” the stallion pointed out, but Twilight reacted to that immediately.
“Not thunder, no, but I think I did hear something. But it was more like... I don’t know, a thud of some sort?” She was still looking about, hoping that maybe their collective efforts would tell them anything. “Other than... this was exactly like the one in the evening, wasn’t it?”
“Seems like it,” Midnight replied, which caused Rowan Berry’s ears to perk up.
Twilight addressed that. “This is the second time we encounter this flash. Me and Midnight... Wind,” she added, for the sake of maintaining some decorum. “This seems like the same thing from before, the last one happening in my chamber.”
Rowan Berry was still keeping an eye out, though her attention seemed a little broken by agitation at that point. “In your chamber, both of you. Of course,” she commented and Twilight heard a small hiss from Midnight.
And felt a sting of a blush. She wasn’t going to say anything about what they had been doing there.
But now was not the time to dwell on that, even the operative realized that. “But... what is this supposed to be? A new sign... or a warning from the Bogine that we don’t understand properly?”
“May She be blessed,” Midnight uttered, “but I have my doubts. I’d think an omen would at least give us a partial understanding of it, to guide us. We’re just perplexed at this point.”
Twilight thought so as well, intuitively almost. She wouldn’t cite her incredible knowledge on the matter of the Immaculate Moon’s way of communicating, but this particular occurrence was strangely... familiar in another way? Though she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. Or was that just her trying to grasp the nature of these happenings much too strongly?
Well, despite all three of them trying to find the source of this sudden influx of short bursts of light, no luck came to any of them. There were no signs, no indications as to what had really happened. More so, it didn’t look like any of the other residents had taken note of something that resembled a lightning strike right in the middle of the stone forest. Nopony appeared around to check for the source, no echoes of worry happened that could be heard.
Twilight felt doubly confused by that, but... nothing could be done without anything to hang onto in order to figure this mystery out.
“Sign or not, it definitely tells me that we should head back to our quarters for now. We need to pack up, prepare for travel,” she ordered, though not trying to sound too regal after all. “Also, I’m pretty certain that Lord Dusk Harvest shall send word to the Custodian about our departure, but it wouldn’t be bad to let him know about it from my end as well. As a courtesy. If one of you could help with that...?”
“Of course, hwalba knaze. I could do so,” Rowan Berry promised after finally letting go of her practiced stance.
Midnight, who also allowed himself to be at ease, hissed a little. He stretched his hind, bandaged leg, probably strained from rapidly assuming the right position. Then he spoke up.
“Will you, Rowan Berry, also rush to let your Lord know where she can try and spy on us more in the next few nights?”
The operative gave him a long look, but said nothing. A “nothing” which sounded like a very clear confirmation.
Twilight knew it to be so. And also... she was getting seriously concerned about her beloved’s confrontational stance. Which he had no qualms about showing.
It had to be addressed. She owed that much to... well, to all of them. To him, to remind him that he could be better than this. To herself, as she was the Princess of Friendship, not constant strife.
And to Rowan Berry. For both of those reasons.
“Midnight Wind, Rowan Berry has told us that she shall be keeping to her task. In a way not to make things worse, simply. And keeping Honored Lord Azure Mist updated on my travels and whereabouts is one of the ways to make it so,” Twilight declared.
Quietly, but sternly. Very much so.
Midnight grimaced just a little, though she wasn’t exactly sure whether he was recognizing the volume of his unkind comments that night or was just upset that she was pointing it out to him.
While the healer... just shook her head. Though, at least, Twilight couldn’t find derision at her declarations in her eyes. Maybe just confusion.
“You are not wrong, hwalba knaze... but the fact that you are the one explaining how the work of an operative should be conducted I find... perplexing. And somehow ironic.”
“It does not mean that I’m entirely supporting it, considering the circumstances and my opinion on the matter. You are correct in realizing it,” Twilight clarified, keeping her voice low. ”But I trust you to do the right thing, following what you have told me. I think you are, after all, a reasonable mare. You will not allow anything to escape your attention, especially when it comes to the Honored Lord’s further decisions. And for that, a certain façade has to be kept intact.”
It was Rowan Berry’s time to make a face. Though her expression had less to do with annoyance than it could, Twilight thought.
“How inexplicably right you are, hwalba knaze,” the mare claimed. It was also clear that she wouldn’t mind saying more, but found it undesirable at the moment.
Which pleased Twilight to some extent. Sometimes it was better in the long run to stay silent, rather than say the wrong, biting thing.
She would have a discussion about that soon.
“Very well. Do what you have to, Rowan Berry. Then return, please,” she ordered. Politely.
The mare bowed her head as was proper, though it would be foolhardy to try and seek reverence in that gesture. Her healer’s gown gently swept the floor as the operative took her leave, her expression a mixture of perplexity and surprise.
But maybe a positive one, for once.
Twilight wasted little time to motion for Midnight to follow her, as she wished to return to her quarters. Perhaps quicker than she had thought, but with a clear destination in her mind. Besides, there might have been some time before the day’s rest to venture to the shrine or some other place in the Sanctuary still. Yet preparations for tomorrow’s leave took precedence.
Though not before the exchange which Twilight simply had to have with her beloved.
“Listen, must we have this talk again?” she inquired when it was safe to do so. Trying her best not to look like an annoyed marefriend to the world around. “Why are you so keen on prodding Rowan Berry so much?” she added another question.
Yes, she didn’t want to cause any ruckus while they were in the main cavern, but some things needed to be touched upon whilst they were still fresh.
Midnight, diligently following her, appeared unmoved. But even more diligently replied, showing that his impassiveness was due to them being in the open and not caused by disinterest.
“I’ll be honest and open, as you would want me to be,” he told her and, thankfully, there wasn’t any sarcasm to be found in his voice. “The fact that she is still nearby bothers me. For many reasons. And I want her to know that, while I shall be tolerating her continued presence out of respecting your decision to keep her about, I most definitely am not pleased about it.”
Well, Twilight couldn’t accuse him of being in any way ambiguous. And she could understand his vexation. Yet one would think that there was a better way about this situation than what he had been showing.
“Thank you for saying that, I really do. But... would it hurt you to be a little less harsh about it?” she inquired, hoping to prod him in the right direction. “I’m pretty sure that Rowan Berry is well aware of your stance. And I’m pretty sure I am aware of it, you don’t have to keep showing it for my sake.”
“I’m uncertain about that last part,” he retorted, shaking his head just a little, to avoid drawing too much attention. “I want some things to be clear. Entirely and absolutely, as the Goddess’ very light.”
“Alright, then... what do you think you’re doing, exactly?”
“My light...” he spoke back, lowering his voice further, not to have anypony hear them even by happenstance as they entered the priesthood’s tunnels. “... that mare, though she seems subdued at least for the moment, is still an occultane. One that I failed to contain and... put in her place, I suppose could be the expression. And I want her to remember her place well,” he declared, his eyes keener than normal. “She’s not to be a threat to you with her actions. She’s not to be a nuisance to me with her affections. And she’s definitely not to be a critic of our love, that is our thing to cherish and protect. She... is an exposed operative, at best. One which might prove somewhat useful if we shall not be naïve about it.” He paused for a moment, than hissed a little. “Disgraceful, come to think of it. It’s like a Nocferratan taken prisoner. Her situation should not come to pass.”
Twilight furrowed her brow, but... Midnight was harshly and directly honest. She might have argued about the intensity, but he wasn’t necessarily... wrong to hold his position. However...
“She’s agreed to help... well, she agreed not to hinder at the moment, which is already helpful. It wouldn’t hurt to show her at least some gratitude for that, despite everything,” she tried to be at least partially as insistent as he was. “I understand where you are coming from. Or at least try to. Though...”
Midnight gave her a glance, his expression not losing focus when she hesitated for a breath. “Speak, my light. I’m sure you want to say what I think you shall.”
“You have gotten agitated and you are still. It’s because of the Count Brother, isn’t it?”
She didn’t even need to phrase it as a question. They both were very aware of the fact.
“My love, I don’t think there’s a reason to deeply explain why I have found him... annoying. You can call it jealousy, if you wish, I won’t deny it...” His next sentences he spoke with absolute conviction. “And to Peraure with him trying to be ‘charming’ and ‘friendly’ towards you. The only pair of lips allowed to caress your body are mine.”
Twilight... well, she couldn’t deny that she felt an almost overwhelming surge coursing through her and manifesting in the form of a blush. It might have seemed a little possessive to some, but such a sentiment, spoken with that sort of strength...
Well, it really tickled her the right way.
“It’s... very nice to hear such a thing from you...” she told him, trying not to sound too meek.
And he did his best not to smile victoriously. “It’s nice to have somepony worthy of those words. But... I am not making this topic shallow by using them, that’s not my intention. I do recognize that I had a hard time containing myself with Ebony Crescent about and talking to you so... directly. And not only due to him breaking, how do you call it, ‘societal’ norms?”
“Yes, that works...” Twilight confirmed and then turned to him a little more as they were trotting on. “I know that you recognize the issue here, but... you surely realize that it was only a polite gesture for me, nothing more.” She paused for a breath. “You do know that you have no competition, right?”
“A stallion without competition is a worthless one, I would normally say, but... of that I am aware,” Midnight told her, sounding a lot calmer. “But, I suppose, I need to tell the rest of myself to cold out.”
“No, that would be ‘chill’ out.”
“Ugh...” he groaned, shaking his head in annoyance. “A trap after a trap, that language of yours...”
“Right back at you,” Twilight retorted, causing him to finally chuckle. “The Count Brother is acting the part of a gentlecolt, yes... which is quite surprising, come to think of it.”
“Oh? What would you mean, iau lumn?”
“I... honestly thought him more timid and shy. Especially after we’ve talked the last time. Yet it seems that he is full of surprises,” she admitted. “But you can be assured that I have no intention of falling for his guile.”
Midnight didn’t react for a brief moment, as if locked in thought. Then, ultimately, shook his head.
“I shouldn’t be worried about that, no. You seem like a one-stallion type of mare, after all.”
“Very much so,” she admitted and gladly so. She even nudged him a little, since nopony was present in the corridor they had taken. “Especially when the stallion is a handsome warrior,” she added in a low voice.
But soon got extremely certain that he had heard her well.
When they crossed the threshold of Twilight’s chamber, her beloved waited not a breath to block her way, pin her to the closed door and convince her with a few, well-placed kisses and delightful nibbles that she had already made the perfect choice.
***
“What do you think you’re doing, exactly?!”
Rowan Berry was not worried about the volume, nor the accusation in her voice. And not even about those two guardians of the pony before her, staying in the antechamber of his personal lodge, which had been prepared as if he was the Lord and not his uncle.
But Ebony Crescent was still out of line and out of order and had to be harshly reminded of his place. He wasn’t a rambunctious colt, after all! He was, or at least was supposed to be, a professional! A member of a special unit, an elite force! And that little stunt of his in the main cavern had definitely spoken otherwise. It had been nothing short of foolhardy, even if, thank the Goddess, without more witnesses than those that would more than surely keep their mouths shut!
Not that the delinquent colt seemed to mind much the fact that he was being reprimanded. Looking at Rowan Berry with a measure of disinterest, which very much reminded her of Lord Bright Crescent himself.
“I do beg your pardon, but... what am I doing?” Ebony Crescent inquired back, almost nonchalantly.
At least she was aware that this sort of tone, used often by him and his twin sister, could mean anything but indifference. It was their way of creating some safe distance.
Not that anypony was interested in playing such a game of disregarding pretense.
“Are you really that monumentally reckless?! I thought your last feat of derangement might have been a flight of fancy, but this!” she chastised him and firmly. “You want to tell me that you’ve set your lecherous sights on her? Have you taken leave of your senses?!”
“I... truly prefer terms like ‘daring’ and ‘ambitious’ and ‘adventurous’, actually. Recklessness does suggest a certain... erratic lack of preparation and foresight,” Ebony Crescent all but confirmed, that soft smile of his making Rowan Berry’s own lips shudder. He took a moment to stretch on his soft chaise longue, only adding to her anger. “But, aside from that... one conscious of the beauty of mares simply cannot deny that the Princess is absolutely adorable. And easy on the eyes with all that purple. It’s very regal. Sunpony mares seem to have a certain, colorful pull to them, wouldn’t you say?”
“No,” she told him. Vehemently. “And it’s not even the matter of my personal preferences, it’s the matter of tradition and—”
“Tradition,” the stallion interrupted, shaking his head, “is very much important, but I think that there is no harm in some... sensible sensuality, even if with a sunpony.”
His voice was so disgustingly genuine that Rowan Berry found it hard to contain herself. Yes, irritation was following her lately like a dark shade. But this... she felt like she was already wasting her time by just having come to him. And his “beliefs” only made her realize that fact more bitingly.
But... all in all, she had made a promise. For... some reason. She didn’t know exactly why, the nature of her decision actually escaping her to that moment. But the part about the crushed rowan berry in the Fangs’ shrine had definitely worked as an incentive for her actions.
Rowan Berry had given her word. That she would do her part to stop things from taking a worse turn, even if only to buy herself some time to... figure the same things out. And Ebony Crescent’s approach could definitely complicate matters. For more reasons than the varlet even knew!
Not to mention his intentions being as repellent as Midnight Wind’s misplaced affection. Though... at least the latter seemed genuinely invested in his... relationship. She shuddered at the thought, but refashioned that shiver into more just criticism instead. Towards the one that did not have any sort of real, emotional attachment in mind. Only pleasure-seeking.
“Your approach is revolting, Ebony Crescent. The way that you see these things in general, first and foremost. That you are having her in mind... is another issue. Not to even mention – do you honestly think that you will utilize your ‘sheltered academic’ coyness, then act in a more direct and seductive way and she will suddenly eat out of your hoof?” she lambasted him, looking him dead in the eye. “A simplistic approach. Of a mind too preoccupied with the misplaced callings of his flesh, rather than being a proper operative, even when not following an assignment.”
The insufferable colt looked at her with a cocked eyebrow. His gaze changed visibly. As if he was examining a... a strange, curious being which had arrived before him to provide a fun pastime. Rather than realizing that a trained and trusted agent was giving him the necessary earful!
His tone switched ever so slightly as well. “Rowan Berry, you really do sound like an ornery priest sometimes. You always had a... dogmatic approach, but isn’t this taking it too far?”
“You are the one to talk, you—”
“Let’s leave the name-calling for a more rowdy revelry to come one night perhaps,” he interrupted her, his expression still polite... but just that little bit tense. “Otherwise, well... I might think that this isn’t truly a meeting between one pair of Eyes and another. Instead a case of a plebeian from a different Family barging into my temporary quarters and grossly overstepping.”
Rowan Berry would definitely not let him intimidate her. He was a spoiled brat with a twisted agenda. But... she could be less volatile, that much was true. Though it was hard to remain collected, witnessing yet another example of Ebony Crescent’s dreadful proclivities.
“No, I have not come here to trade blows, true. I have come to caution you, above everything else. Though I have a feeling that only expressing it through raised volume can actually make you see any reason at all,” she told him.
At least he didn’t laugh at her, though his tone betrayed a certain, tiresome amusement. “You know, if only you’d have the voice to sing it I might have been moved.” He sighed, then got up from his resting place. He left the top two buttons of his gown undone as he trotted over to his side table, with two silver pitchers already prepared. “Thirsty?”
“Not particularly,” she retorted, watching him intently. And for a good reason, it seemed.
“I could contest that, I have a strange feeling... And I do not only mean this,” he added.
And she spotted that the liquid he was pouring was not orange at all, but dark red. More so, he was diluting it with... water?
“Are you sure that I cannot tempt you? I promise I don’t use poison casually.”
“No, thank you.”
“A shame, then,” he declared, taking a sip, then smacking his lips and exhaling with visible joy. “I have to say, our seldom grape products can be delightful, but Equestrian extracts... Oh, when properly served, they are to die for. You sure you aren’t interested in any way?”
Rowan Berry furrowed her brow. “What’s your true point here?”
“Drinking from all the delights of life, I thought you knew already,” the stallion claimed, smiling. “But... I think it is worth ‘pointing’ out that you also seem to be paying a lot of attention to me enjoying what the lands beyond ours have to offer... so I thought I’d be a little generous.”
Rowan Berry wanted to reply, but he glanced back at her, those pear eyes of his glinting with ridicule that pierced even his polite guise.
“Isn’t it why our last mission together was almost a grand fiasco? Due to you and your... obsession?”
“Obsession. Of course,” she told him, feeling like she wanted to shout again... but keeping herself in check just so. “Sticking to the mission parameters and keeping to the code of conduct is a form of madness in your eyes.”
“Then there is a definite method to my madness,” Ebony Crescent claimed, leaning back against the side table, chalice in hoof. “I know what I can allow myself to do without it being detrimental to others. Unless, of course, those others decide to be... overzealous.”
Of course. Rowan Berry had known where this “conversation” could go. And, ultimately, would. So she steeled herself for what was to come, deciding that her silence would speak louder than any counterarguments.
“I still find it... boundlessly amusing,” the stallion declared, taking a slow and mindful sip that had nothing to do with thirst. Rather with dramatic timing. “Here I am, returning to our cozy, Maretonian hideout at the brink of dawn. After just having enjoyed the graces of an incredibly passionate... and truly alluring, noblemare of blood...” He paused. Perhaps to see if Rowan Berry would comment or grimace.
But she wasn’t going to be his amusement, like that sunpony trollop had been.
“No... no, that makes her sound so old. And she was such a delightful filly,” he continued in earnest, berating himself as if genuinely caring for his lecherous deeds. But there was something hiding in his tone, something that Rowan Berry could not yet discern. “So fresh, so silken... Mature already and yet only waiting for her time, so vividly fantasizing about finally tasting the forbidden passion fruit. You know... one could really feel like a charming monster from Equestrian fables. Arriving in the dead of night, mysterious and beguiling, to claim... what they wish. Being asked to do so in a yearning voice, nonetheless...”
“And you’re expecting that from the Princess? Just how deluded are you?” Rowan Berry asked him, trying not to look at him with utter disgust.
“Not deluded, come now...” The stallion rolled his eyes. Then pointed with his chalice at her, careful of the contents. “You see, that is your problem, I believe. You’re, metaphorically, guarding the orchard without ever enjoying the fruit yourself, I feel. And you guard it so fiercely, as you know, that you got yourself caught by the ducal guards, trying to ‘extract’ me.” He took another sip and chuckled into the goblet. “Quite ironic.”
There was accepting a blow for the sake of counterattacking and then there was standing idly and taking unnecessary hits. Rowan Berry believed she knew the difference.
“How very appropriate of the almost-heir of a Family to graciously remind me of all of that. Haven’t you had enough of your cheap fun already?”
Ebony Crescent pressed his hoof against his chest, as if physically struck. It was theatrical... but something about it seemed genuinely tense.
“Cheap fun? No, my fun is always luxurious.” He shook his head and sighed. “Verily, Rowan Berry. You might not agree with my life’s philosophy... and you’re warranted to do so. I can accept that without resentment, I am aware of how our culture sees these things. But why must you be so Goldhell-bent on this prudish campaign of yours? And against me right now?”
She didn’t feel like replying to such questions, feeling her lips forming a straight and narrow line.
The stallion, for his part, took another sip. Then trotted closer, passing by her to again lay down on his couch.
“Let’s be frank and honest in both of our deceitful lives for a second. You know I wish to harbor nothing but deep respect for you. All of you, we’re a special cadre after all. I deeply and sincerely appreciate your skills as Eyes—”
“You have a very strange way of showing it.”
“Well, what am I supposed to do to finally make you stop acting like we’re enemies in some shape or form? Are you waging your little war against the world entire?” he protested, spreading his forelegs wide, though mindful of not spilling even a droplet of his drink.
Something about that last question... resonated with her, but he continued before she could ruminate on that any more.
Besides, the tone of his voice was getting a little... wobbly. And a strong drink had nothing to do with it.
“I had everything under control, I swear it by the Goddess. I had declared it before myself that I would,” he claimed and there was a strange shimmer in his eyes as he did. “I would have visited that sweet thing and returned before the brink of dawn and none would have been any wiser. One beautiful, if single night of a titillating tryst to cherish in memory forever, two ponies reaching the heights of euphoria, guided by their natural instinct. What’s better in life? And all of that with performing above and beyond surreptitious expectations for our mission.
“Instead,” he pointed out before Rowan Berry could find an opportunity to comment, “I come back to find that you were apprehended for vagrancy beyond the trade quarter! You had left the rest without explaining your intentions, even. Ivory Crescent did tell me, were it not for Blackbranch and his skittish surveillance...”
“He was sent after me by—”
“And good thing that he was, somepony in charge had their head on their nape, because things would have gotten much grimmer if they hadn’t!” Ebony Crescent interrupted her. Rather strongly too. But his voice was cracking. “Also a good thing that Deep Mist is adept at taking a hit! And dear sister mine knows how to work the blades and dagger!”
“That has little to do with—”
The stallion hissed. And viciously. Bolting up from his casual position, gripping the chalice in one hoof and the edge of the chaise longue with the other.
“If you have already achieved your goal of making me lose my temper, I might as well get my, sunscorched, ‘true point’ across!”
Rowan Berry had seen Ebony Crescent in many ways before... but visible anger was definitely one of the least prevalent emotions coming from him. So much so, that, for the briefest of moments, she couldn’t really find a way to respond to him, ceding initiative to her own shock.
Not that the stallion wanted to take it. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to contain himself for a good few seconds. He swiped his forehead, leaving a trail of matted coat and strands of mane stuck together due to an immediate surge of sweat.
“Do forgive my shouting, it was unkind of me,” he told her.
And meaning it as well. But he certainly wasn’t done. Not be a long shot... which didn’t appear necessarily pleasant even for himself, considering his utterances.
“I mustn’t get worked-up, I need to be calm...” He swiped his forehead again then found Rowan Berry’s gaze, reluctantly pressing on. Almost against his will. “I simply... I find it hard to understand you. I know what I am doing. I know that I’m going against tradition, one that I still respect, even if I breach it occasionally. But not in a way to affect the lives of others. I’m discreet and responsible when I take what I desire.”
He took another gulp of his drink, but this time his hooves were shaking so much he nearly spilled it all across his chin. His inhale was likewise compromised, as if he couldn’t contain whatever surge of emotions he had began going through.
“And yet... you barge in here, shout in indignation. For what reason? To deny me something because you think it would be better for me? Or our tradition? Or Goddess knows what... No. No, no, no, that’s impossible, nopony would be that petty. That is surely not what prompted you to come here, to go after me in Maretonia.”
Rowan Berry listened to him with enough patience to find her opening. “And since when are you so good at reading true intentions, Ebony Crescent?”
“Since—!” His volume rose again, but he mitigated himself. He took another deep breath. “No, I won’t lower myself to this. I am a noble, I am a Count Brother,” he again reminded himself, but his stately demeanor was crumbling, piece by piece. “But neither of those things hid my eyes in the first place,” he pointed out. “I didn’t go with you on that assignment because I had manipulated my uncle to let me and Ivory Crescent go. He’s more than eager and happy to indulge our whims, true, and we know how to convince him if he isn’t. But that mission was no whim. It was... a test.”
Having said that, Ebony Crescent looked somewhere behind Rowan Berry. Or, actually, she would describe it as “beyond”, actually. His form suddenly freezing up for a brief moment.
“Yes... a test. A challenge, but... not only for myself and my ambition... For everypony, no? For Ivory Crescent’s prowess, for Blackbranch’s perception and competence, for Deep Mist, for... for you... you and...”
The stallion had to stop at that point. It did look like he got winded for a moment and that brought him back to the present. He tried to even his breathing for some time before attempting to continue on. And he took out his handkerchief to take care of the heavy beads of sweat making their way down the sides of his head.
Rowan Berry thought she would again have a chance to speak, to perhaps address the stallion’s sudden state, but Ebony Crescent wasn’t done, despite his momentary enfeeblement.
“I used to look up to you, you know, when we began working together? You’re not much older, come now, but still, you... you were the tried and tested of Lord Azure Mist. Along... alongside Deep Mist. And, of course...”
He wished to speak more, but had to catch his breath again. He opted to shake his head and change his speech’s momentum ever so slightly. Not that it was helping him, it looked like, his strange state only becoming more profound.
“Though I found your particular conduct to be most inspiring... The prim and proper purveyor of poisons, but with so much gusto and that glint in your eye. You were like the enticing mare from cautionary tales, how exhilarating. And then... then...”
He hissed again. He managed to put down the chalice beside the couch only just, before grabbing the sides of his head. Looking down a the floor for a few, agitated breaths, then once more finding Rowan Berry’s eyes.
His pear gaze was now intense and piercing. She would deem it almost... hysterical, even.
“Oh, to Goldhell with this...” he swore, looking deep into her eyes and, allegedly, letting go of something inside him.
Pretense? False politeness? Rowan Berry wasn’t sure, but she could recognize that he wasn’t pleased with that choice. He simply could do nothing about it.
“What was the matter with you? What still is?”
His questions were somewhat biting, though not leading. Leaving her to wonder what the colt truly meant. And realizing that she was going to hear it whether she spoke back or not. For he was willing to tell her. With a most unpleasant tone of voice. One of antipathy that he... surprisingly, had issues with feeling. And letting out, considering his shaky tone.
“I took every precaution. Every single one. And everything would have been fine. I would have had a splendid time and the entire operation would go down in history, however confidential, as a perfect performance by me. Flawless,” he paused only to take another, shallow breath. “Clandestinely sound and personally gratifying. The stuff of legends, something to look back to and be proud of. Exemplary.”
He paused to take more, haggard breaths. Then deeming it prudent to finally stand up, though his legs were more unstable than a forest buffeted by mountain gales. And his eyes were soaked, no less than his forehead.
“What success it would have been... Finally something to truly cherish and be cherished for. An accomplishment, an accolade...”
“... what are you talking about?” Rowan Berry asked of him, weary of his dramatic presentation... but now genuinely curious. What exactly was she witnessing...?
“What?” he inquired back, as if presenting the question to himself. He waited for a breath, before stretching his wings wide, doing a small spin that almost made her reel back, avoiding a wayward swat. “Something greater than what an adoring crowd can give, as loud as their praises are, when I am right among them.” He stopped abruptly, one of his forelegs following the contour of an invisible partner. “Something more fulfilling than bliss, as sweet as it is in an embrace of another.” He laughed to himself, but the laugh was shallow, empty, like during a performance going dreadfully. “A challenge, which I had thrown against life itself! To prove before fate that there is such a thing as pure and unfiltered excellence... and I can reach it.”
Ebony Crescent claimed so, standing on his back legs, indeed lunging out towards the unseen sky, in a motion that was as practiced as vivacious and exaggerated. He was locked for a brief moment in something that Rowan Berry could describe as rapturous desperation... much to her genuine, mounting worry.
She heard him speak once more, eyes closed and throat constricted. “And I would have succeeded... in my own, unique, flawless way. I would have had my perfect performance. Like that one that... that he hoped to have and was robbed of so cruelly. By those... aberrations. One that he... he would be proud of.”
Ebony Crescent laughed briefly again... then it was almost as if he only now realized what he had just done. He landed back on all of his hooves, then stepped away a little, as if in distress over just how much he had allowed Rowan Berry to see. He almost tripped on his own couch, actually, stumbling a few steps to the side in a daze. Sweat pouring down his head and his entire body shaking as he uttered in her direction.
“Marred. Tarnished. Woe became all of it.” He pointed an accusatory hoof at her. “You ruined it. You ruined it for me.”
Rowan Berry wasn’t going to be on the receiving side of this... meltdown. She would find it tiresome and annoying normally, yes, warranting another castigation, but... One like this, especially like this... sparked her interest.
She had been forced to stand her ground many times lately. Even against the wrath of her Honored Lord. But this... this wasn’t just another lambasting to receive. This was more.
Yes, she could testify, there was some resentment among them all after Maretonia. She had dealt with Deep Mist’s quickly enough, repaying her debt to him for his direct help. But the mission, in general, was a success! Not a perfect one, no, and she could assign blame to herself for it, perhaps. But Ebony Crescent’s... bitterness, especially since he seemed genuinely upset to be carrying it, seemed an even more complex matter than what she had been exper—
“And now you want to blight my appetites again?” the stallion asked in a cracking voice, summoning Rowan Berry’s attention once more. “Enough that Lord Dusk Harvest had already intruded and intercepted me. Not even inviting me to come along and accompany the Princess out of politeness, how dared he? I am denied what I desire, I have to wait...”
The way he said that made Rowan Berry squint even more. She came here to stop things from getting worse and this... “exchange”, if it could be called that, only proved to her that she needed to be on her guard even more.
But... no, that wasn’t it. It wasn’t her operative’s training, it wasn’t even her... somewhat misbegotten promise she had given to the Princess which was drawing her mounting curiosity and focus.
She was, after all, a healer. She always wanted to be a healer first. She just... sometimes tended to forget. And what she was witnessing right there and then was something that definitely required her attention. She had previously had no idea that Ebony Crescent held so much... unresolved tension, clinging to him after Maretonia. More so, what she was seeing before her eyes showed a lot more than just nervous restlessness from the stallion. This was deeper, it felt deeper.
And it wasn’t actually the case that he was completely unaware of his current actions. Everything about his expressions, his gaze was telling her healer’s instincts otherwise. He just couldn’t—
“What, you have to trail others, those seeking their passions? Out of what? Sick, nostalgic satisfaction from watching ponies being living, breathing, torrid creatures because you don’t even have that much yourself?” Ebony Crescent remarked in her direction, shaking across his entire being.
He was visibly unnerved. On the verge of hysteria. The muscles in his neck were tensed, his nostrils were flared and sweat was pouring down him, soaking the edges of his gown and changing their color. It was like the entire lake of nervousness and anxiety decided to burst its dam and pour out of him in an instant.
... he was sick.
And Rowan Berry realized that she was simply the unlucky witness of it. Not that... that these words, from Ebony Crescent’s shaky, manic self, were in any way pleasant to her. Quite the opposite. They were hitting a note inside of her that she was trying actively to drown. Had been for some time now...
But she had to do what was her duty. Her calling. Regardless of that umbrage.
She took a step forth, because she had to do something. Not as a fellow agent.
As a fruittender, as a herbalist. As her. The original her.
“Ebony Crescent. Listen to me. Focus on me. It’s alright...” She lifted up one of her hooves in a calming gesture, as best as she could. “Close your eyes. Focus on breathing. You—”
But the stallion didn’t seem to care for her words. Or maybe was unable to do so, his pear eyes wide and burning.
“You dare come here, demand of me that I change my ways? You think I’m not worthwhile, not attractive enough or skilled to have any mare I choose?”
“I did not say that,” she replied to him clearly, but softy. She took another, cautious step forth. “You need to calm down, Ebony Crescent. Breathe. Focus on me. Focus on here and now. You’re having some sort of—”
“I know, Goddess damn it!” he shouted, he screamed. Stomping away, his wings flapping, his face twisted with... not anger, but distress. “Are you happy now?! Why did you have to rile me up?! And for what reason?! It disgusts you so that I’m a comely colt that does not fear to luxuriate in what’s carnal?! What’s wrong with it?!”
Rowan Berry wanted to approach a bit more, but he turned her direction fully, baring his fangs and pointing another accusatory hoof at her.
“And what is wrong with you?! Has it cost an innocent life for you to sleep with the wrong pony or have another, phantasmagorical scenario made you the bitter bigot that you are?!”
... everything stopped.
Rowan Berry stopped dead in her tracks. Hearing this condemnation.
And also because, right behind her, the doors to the chamber opened at a rapid pace.
Ebony Crescent’s two sentinels made their way in, clearly summoned by his loud outburst. While their muzzles retained a solemn look, required by their station, their eyes, taking in the scene then focusing immediately on the Count Brother, betrayed genuine and deep concern.
The stallion, upon witnessing the two, took a few more deep breaths, pressing one of his hooves over his heart. He folded his wings ever so slowly and managed to get his muzzle under control, hiding his sharp fangs a moment later. Looking like he had, a few moments before, finished a race. Or, rather, a terrible struggle.
One that he wasn’t victorious in at all.
Not that Rowan Berry cared anymore.
But she watched as he sat down on his haunches, heavily, right where he was standing. He took his handkerchief and covered his mouth with it for a brief moment, as if struck by a sudden nausea. One would think that it was also shame which had caused that gesture... and maybe it was. But, right afterwards, did Ebony Crescent take care of his reddened and wet eyes in an almost casual way, letting out a long, pregnant sigh.
And he spoke, as clearly as he could, having just gone through something akin to a bout of delirium.
“I... did have an unfortunate moment of... weakness, yes,” he admitted, his demeanor going through a shift which could hardly hide how shaken and jittery he still was, despite appearing spent for the moment. “Caused, inadvertently, by my guest. It’s not her fault, I have been... a little stressed out lately. And I am, indeed, deeply sorry. I hope this can remain... a private matter,” he expressed his expectation. Regal, despite his disheveled look. “But now... would you... kindly escort my company out? I need a moment to restore my bearing fully...”
The guardian stallion with the crimson braid nodded sharply, before turning to Rowan Berry.
“I’m sorry, the Count Brother will have you leave now,” he ordered her. His tone was politely soft, but carried with itself a hidden threat.
She heard him. And she didn’t have to be told twice.
Yes, she had wanted to help. Felt the natural, proper urge to, but... that claim from Ebony Crescent, it... it had...
The colt had no way of knowing, and yet...
Without a word, Rowan Berry turned. Or, at least, felt her legs moving and taking her away from the place and the scene.
The last thing she had spotted before she left the room, was that other guardian, the mare with the sapphire eyes, approached Ebony Crescent and nuzzled him tenderly, as the stallion ran his hoof across her muzzle with no less fondness. Letting her presence calm him down, as he longingly stared at his other warden as well.
But... what did any of that matter?
It was only on the corridor outside that Rowan Berry felt like she could regain at least some of her senses. Not that she wanted to, not entirely... Whatever caused that dreadful outburst, whatever was the reason for the Count Brother’s... episode...
... it had hit her squarely in her heart. In a way that she didn’t think possible anymore.
She thought she had buried that guilt. That she had already suppressed it, erased it, hid it in herself so deep that nopony would ever find it. That no confession would ever be necessary, that she could make it up, by herself, to the world, to the Goddess, even to... to...
Was that just another one of her misjudgments? Just one more time when she wasn’t cunning enough, smart enough?
... one more thing she wouldn’t ever have a chance at fixing?