//------------------------------//
// Of Pawns and Plans 
// Story: Lines and Webs 
// by Airstream 
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Twilight sat on the ground, staring at the sky where Tarantella had disappeared, trying to piece together what had just happened. She had heard that term once before, when a drunken Rainbow Dash, in a moment of uncharacteristic romantic fervor, proclaimed that her then-new marefriend Stormchaser was her "Other Wing". Twilight later found out that it was more than an endearing name for somepony that was loved by a Pegasus. To be called somepony's "Other Wing" implied that they loved you and you alone, that they were so sure of their devotion to you that they would gladly give up flying to be with you. Pegasi went their entire lives without using the term to describe another. And this mare that Twilight had only met a few days ago, one she had only just gotten to know, had used the term to describe her.

She thought Spike might have been saying something, but she couldn't hear a sound over the rapid beating of her heart, a feeling that was far less romantic than she remembered. What was she going to do? Twilight couldn't even talk to the Pegasus, and she had no idea where to go from here. Twilight's brain suddenly came back online, exposing her once more to all of the detail and noise of the world.

The whispers of the Pegasi surrounded her, wondering at the behavior of their leader and the mare she loved. Twilight searched herself. Did she love her back? Did she want to love her back? And if not, what would that do to Tarantella? Twilight knew that she came from a culture that was basically Equestrian, but different in so many ways. Clearly she was more upfront with her feelings. Twilight had known that from the start. What was the way to handle this? How did she react, what was her plan? Twilight gazed at the fire. Suddenly, she knew what she had to do. Shutting her mind off, she did what felt right, and took off into the woods after the mare.

Dark branches whipped by as she blew past the sentries, hooves thundering loudly on the packed earth of the path. Twilight didn't know where she was going, exactly, but she knew that the last she had seen of Tara had been her flying in the general direction of the Castillo, and that was where she would go. She had no time to think, lighting her horn to illuminate the path in front of her, nimbly leaping over rocks and holes, weaving through thick brush and low hanging boughs. She ran without a plan, having no idea what she was going to say when she found the Pegasus. If she found her. Twilight pushed that from her mind. She had to find her.

A few times, only a very few, she stumbled and almost fell despite the horn lighting her way. Twilight realized that she was very alone in a very strange place, and she slowed for an instant, considering abandoning her pursuit. Wouldn't it be better to wait for morning, or get somepony to come with her? The unicorn shook her head, redoubling her efforts. Tarantella had been brave for her, now it was Twilight's turn to be brave for Tarantella.

On she ran, the inky black of the sky broken by a few points of exquisite light, twinkling gently in a beautiful symphony of cold brilliance. The mare ran beneath the darkened heavens, chest heaving with exertion as she broke from the tree line, bolting past the mirrored surface of the lake and heading for the Castillo. Up the path she raced, legs burning as she scaled the steep grade, winding around the hill once more. Rushing through the main gate, she headed straight for the house. A small fire flickered in the courtyard, and Twilight made a beeline for it. She saw the leather clad form of Tarantella sitting nearby, huddled against the cold wind blowing over the top of the mountain, looking out over the valley.

Twilight slowed her pace, not wanting to startle her. As calmly as she could, she approached the mercenary, who flushed upon seeing her. The Pegasus struggled to hold her wings down, a gesture that betrayed the fact that she was panicking at the approach of the mare she loved. Twilight simply sat down beside her, sharing in the warmth of the fire. A million questions presented themselves in her head, but they gradually distilled themselves into a single word. "Why?" she asked, gazing into the wavering flames. 

Tarantella was quiet for a moment. The fire crackled, and she watched a spark travel up, reaching for the sky. At last, she spoke.

"I suppose I should start by saying that our meeting in the forest several days past was not our first encounter. I was in Canterlot to renew our contract with Celestia in my name during the Summer Sun Celebration. I saw you as your litter was borne to the hospital by a flight of Pegasi, and again during that wonderful procession. I felt my heart skip a beat when your chariot passed. I thought you fair then, though I realized that it could not be when I saw your kiss, showed for all of Canterlot to see. At the lucantur, I was a competitor, and though you probably do not remember me, I found myself oddly proud of the support you showed for me. And when I was eliminated, and sat in the stands, I watched in awe along with the rest of the crowd as you proved why you were so honored as a hero, defeating a master of battle magic in single combat where your brother had failed.

I walked on the same street as you by chance, when you and your faithful companion met with a Minotaur and spoke with one of the Gryphons, something I would give most anything to do. My heart went out to you when you were brought from their Embassy later, and I don't think I ever truly got it back. Whether or not what happened to you was intentional, I knew then that you were a truly extraordinary mare. And I knew that I felt for you when you collapsed at the height of your mentor's triumph. I departed that city both strengthened and diminished by you, Twilight Sparkle. I returned to my camp, and my family, and my company. I convinced myself that it was simply infatuation, nothing more. I had almost succeeded by the time summer had become fall. I told myself that I was being foolish, that you were surely much happier with that colt than you could ever be with me.

And then, a terrible miracle happened, one that I can't help but wonder if it was brought on by my idle wishing. Luna herself appeared to us, and told us of your flight from Ponyville, the death of your lover at your own hooves, that he had been an agent with some terrifying purpose in mind. And we were to find you, and bring you here. For Honor and Glory we flew, but it was for you that I went. The whole way there, I told myself that it was wrong of me to think of us together. You had just experienced loss, and I wanted nothing more than for you to be happy before I told you of my feelings. My spirits fell when we saw the damage done to Fillydelphia, and I had surely given you up as lost. But among the chaos, we found tracks. No one pursued you, as far as we could tell. Swiftly we flew, and at last we found you all, beaten and battered and exhausted beyond all reason.

I told myself that I must remain professional, as a leader only. But as you slept, I distracted myself with thoughts of what you might actually be like. And when you woke up, you surpassed every expectation I had of you. Not only were you competent and intelligent, you were kind, and cheerful, and I could see how much you cared for those around you. You took to the skies like you were meant for them, and you have suffered through much more than I ever will. Though I told myself no, I felt my feelings for you grow, Twilight. It was a mistake on my part to invite you to the lake, for it was there that I had made my decision to tell you how I felt. 

It was not my place to do so, certainly not before you are set to return to Canterlot, to retrieve an Element on a mission you may very well not return from. I just...I could not bear the thought of you not returning without me letting you know how I felt for you. I confessed knowing that it would be sudden, knowing that it would most likely come at an unwelcome time for you. My plan was to wait for another day at least. But you looked so beautiful, dancing by firelight, that I simply could not contain it any more. And for that, you have my deepest apologies."

Twilight was surprised by the news, as well as a little unnerved. "Why didn't you bring up the fact that you saw me in Canterlot sooner?"

"I was not sure how to approach the situation. I am...quite new at this. I did not want to seem like I was worshipping you, and I could well see how you might be disturbed by the revelation." she replied, furling her wings as the cold wind swept over the mountaintop once more.

"Tara, I would never have rebuked you for something like that. What I don't understand is how you could be so sure of me as to name me your Other Wing. I know Pegasi who have never used that term. You hardly even know me, Tarantella. Why did you choose me, instead of one of the mares in camp?"

Tarantella finally made eye contact with Twilight, wind whipping at her mane. "We in my family, we are very certain about those we love. My mother, and hers, and hers. My father's side as well. It is inconvenient for us both, I know. Would that it was not the case, or that I had known you better. But it is, and I do not know you well, that is true. I feel it, though. The feeling Zia described, whenever I look at you. I feel like a piece of me I did not know was missing is near once more. And even if you do not feel the same way for me, I wish only to be there for you, to help you be as happy as you have made me."

Twilight sat in silence for a moment. To be honest, she hadn't really thought of Tarantella that way. She hadn't thought of anypony that way, really, since she met Morning Star. "And you'll notice how well that turned out, Twilight." she chided herself, keeping those emotions firmly under lock and key. "The first and last time you open your heart to somepony, and he turns out to be the one sent to rape and essentially murder you." Would it make any difference at this point? Twilight recognized the validity of Golden Radiance’s advice. She was in no way qualified to make any sort of emotional decision right now. Until this was settled, she wouldn't risk losing somepony close to her, or leaving behind a loved one. Not until her business in Canterlot was settled.

But Twilight needed somepony, somepony who could do something, anything at all to fill the massive hole in her heart. She had herself locked down tight, but there was going to be a reckoning one of these days, and Twilight was going to need somepony who could offer more than a shoulder to cry on. That was in the future, though. Tonight, there could only be one outcome.

Finally she spoke. "Tara, I'm not in the right kind of place to answer you. This is a lot to think about, and I can't accept your love or reciprocate it right now. I'd never forgive myself if I let something happen to somepony I love. That includes losing you, or making you lose me. I appreciate your honesty, but right now, I can't afford to love you."

Tarantella smiled bitterly. "I understand, Twilight. I had thought that you might not love me, and I accept that."

Twilight leaned in close, following another impulse. Catching her in both hooves, Twilight kissed her roughly, pulling away. "I can't afford that right now, Tara. When this is over, you and I are going to have a talk, and we'll get this sorted out between us, I swear. Don't give up on me, Tarantella Allegretta. Because I am sure as Tartarus not going to give up on you. Until then, I need you by my side. Every ally I can get is important, and I'd be honored to count you among them. Will you still stand beside me?"

Tarantella looked at her dazedly, before her eyes cleared once more, the hawk-golden irises flaring fiercely. "You need only ask, and I shall follow you into the darkest corners of the world, Twilight Sparkle. I am yours, as friend and ally."

The unicorn smiled. "Good. A storm's coming, Tarantella. I'll need someone who can dance through it with me."

The two of them spent much of the night enjoying the company of the other, and though the bitter winds of winter began their slow reclamation of the land, they were far warmer together at the top of that mountain than they ever would have been separate in the camp below. Twilight would carry that memory with her always, the memory of feathers resting on her back, the whistle of wind, the crackle of a defiant flame, and the faintest memory of a kiss that tasted like berries.


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On another mountain top, looking at the same moon, were two Alicorns, one the brilliant white of the noonday sun, the other the rose of morning's first light. Canterlot, shining capital of all, rested beneath them, and from here one could easily see the edges of the Everfree, the mighty river that flowed through it, and the sea beyond. In daylight, ponies with sharp vision would be able to see perhaps past the Whitetail, or down to the beginnings of the desert even now being tamed by Equestrian industry. The smaller towns gleamed in the darkness, and if one were to turn their eye to the south, they would see the faintest glow of Manehatten's lights. The stars stretched across the sky, blanketing the night in beautiful wonder from horizon to horizon.

It was to the north and west that these two goddesses were looking. Reports from the city of Fillydelphia were final. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and the strange construct had been responsible for one thousand, four hundred and sixty eight deaths in total. Less than two hundred had survived with injuries. Damage to the city would require inordinate amounts of money and the better part of a year to repair. The Fifth Fleet was at forty seven percent of its normal strength. The Regulars had taken heavy casualties, and the late arrival of the Guard was surely causing a public affairs disaster of epic proportions.

Cadance continued her reading. "The College itself was actually fairly undamaged, a byproduct of the large open space the fight was started in before it progressed to the streets. We have that construct to thank for the damage to nearby shops. Thanks to evacuation efforts, most of the civilian populace was unharmed. We are still investigating the disappearance of Professor Antiche and his...house."

Celestia sighed. "Call him the Doctor. If I remember correctly, that's his true title anyway."

Cadance frowned. "You knew him?"

Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. "Yes, I did, a long time ago. That's not important. What I want to know is if the patrols have been able to track down Twilight Sparkle, or at least give us a general idea of her direction."

Cadance set down the scroll. "The only thing we found was tracks, two days after the event. Twilight headed east, straight east from the city. Trackers followed her signs to a grove several hours away from the city, saying that she sprinted all the way. They reached the camp she had made around noon, and discovered quite a few other hoofprints, as well as several shed feathers, and a lucky break netted some dried blood that tested positive for Twilight's brand of magic. Eyewitness accounts from the area place a flight of Condottieri Pegasi in the general vicinity about two hours before our trackers arrived, flying with a larger creature they believed to be a dragon. Unfortunately, there are three Condottieri Pegasi tribes up in the mountains, and they took to an altitude too high to be seen before heading off. We were unable to confirm any specific direction. Do you think Twilight went to ground in the Khanate?"

Celestia shook her head slowly. "I know each of the Condottieri tribes well. Two of those Pegasus tribes answer to me directly, and would not do anything but bring her directly to me. The third is the most likely candidate. They call themselves the Gale Dancers, and they specialize in flying at high altitudes and in rough weather. They also live in the valley where you were born, and have ever favored independence as opposed to my rule. They would be the most likely to be swayed by Twilight. I'd bet my crown that she's resting there."

Cadance rose to her hooves. "I'll get a squad together. We can hit them tonight and take Twilight back."

Celestia smiled, staring at the northern mountains. "That would merely be a waste of good ponies. I'll not have any more of them hurt unless absolutely necessary. What I have in mind is a bit more subtle, and will require a bit of patience. Put the Guard on alert, and tell them that if Twilight is detected, to leave her alone. She'll come to me directly."

Cadance looked at her monarch curiously. "How do you know that?"

Celestia rose, preparing for the trip back down to the city. "I know that mare. I raised her. If she has a problem with me, she'll come to me with it. Speaking of ponies that raised Twilight, how is your husband? Did the operation take?"

The Dawn Alicorn nodded, shaking a light coating of snow off of herself. "Yes. He's up and ambulatory, though still fairly slow. We're taking it easy with him, and he's confined to quarters until further notice. Presumably they'll have him run the usual fitness test, and once he passes he'll be back on active duty."

Both Alicorns took flight, spiraling gracefully towards the gleaming ivory of the Castle. Celestia spoke calmly as they descended. "I'm glad to hear that. I know it's not much, but he can look forward to a major promotion soon. Our old Guard commander will undoubtedly be retired after that debacle in Fillydelphia, and I can think of nopony better suited."

Cadance smiled broadly. "I know he'll be pleased to hear that. So long as he isn't cooped up behind a desk, he will be happy to serve."

The goddesses landed softly on the balcony of the Astronomy Tower, heading inside. Celestia acknowledged a bow from one of the ponies on night watch, and the two of them ducked into a secret passage leading directly to Celestia's private chambers. "He'll be in the field plenty. Commander of the Guard isn't the same as some stuffy general. Tradition dictates that if they fight, he must march alongside his men. I'll have them stationed at a safe distance from the palace until needed."

"And myself?" Cadance asked.

"I've need of you in the Vault. I need as much power as you can spare going into the Catalyst of Magic. It'll take a fairly powerful strike to bring down Twilight. I shall alert you when you are needed elsewhere."

Cadance bowed, as they had reached the branch leading to Celestia's chambers. "Of course. Good night, your Highness."

"Good night, Cadance."

And so Celestia retired, weaving a new web to ensnare her pupil, who she felt sure would walk into her grasp once more, and quite happily.


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All of our resources are consolidated?

Yes, Princess.

Very well. Understand that no aid is to be given to Twilight Sparkle from here on. You may begin withdrawing from your positions.

I obey, Princess.

Excellent. I must report back in to Celestia. Maintain silence. And let them all know that I am very proud of their dedication. They have served me well.

Highness, you promise that you shall be alright?

Hardly. But do not fear, my loyal servant. Once Twilight falls, our victory is all but assured.

Luna broke off contact. Turning to the chessboard in the dingy room she occupied, she placed her hoof on one single pawn, moving it from a protected position to one directly at the feet of the White Queen. 

Checkmate, little pawn. Checkmate.