//------------------------------// // Respite // Story: The Elder Sign // by Mithos //------------------------------// “What’s the deal with that Stonehoof guy?” I asked Hex when he returned and I had finished smashing him over the head with my hoof. He wiped the blood from his face and replied simply, “He’s just an ass.” “Hex! I hoped you would approach the situation more delicately,” Luna admonished. Hex sighed and said, “Fine.” He turned to me and said, “Stonehoof is a captain of the Royal Guard. He’s pretty high up, and is on good terms with the princess. He IS kind of an ass though.” Before Luna could chastise Hex again, I interrupted, “What’s up with the two of you?” “Well, Stonehoof has a little problem with me. He’s probably attracted to me and doesn’t know to reconcile those feelings. You’d be surprised how often that happens,“ Hex explained with a smug grin on his face. I rolled my eyes. I’m guessing it never happens. “Ok. Different topic. You and Luna. How are you two connected?” “What do you mean, connected? We just met a little-“ “You two know each other. Princess Celestia said her sister invited you personally.” “Well, I am famous-“ “You’re her ‘second-in-command.’ You know each other!” “I think you just misheard…” Why is he still fighting this? “I’m surprised Hex. I thought you would have told him, being friends and all,” Luna cut in. Hex let out a deep sigh and groaned, “Luuuuuuuunaaaaa! What happened to the whole, ‘secret agency’ thing?” Luna smiled, “Secrets between friends? I’m sur-“ Before Luna could finish, a mighty crash from the ballroom droned her out. I jumped three feet in the air and immediately dropped low to the ground. What the hay was going on?! “C’mon Emerald!” Hex shouted as he galloped away. I felt the tug of his magic as he dragged me into the ballroom. Inside, the ballroom was in a state of absolute chaos. Guests were running around, being chased by exotic birds and other odd animals. Royal guards were flying left and right to catch them. In addition to the animals, I also noticed a large sculpture had fallen over, and several of the columns were also toppled. Several ponies began fleeing the ballroom through a door on the opposite side. It was pretty funny to watch. “Man, we miss the best parties,” Hex whined next to me. I scratched my mane and asked, “Uh…should we be doing something?” Hex shrugged and said cheerfully, “Not our jurisdiction!” He puffed up his chest and said in a gruff voice, “The castle is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Guard! How dare you do anything! I’m an inconsiderate ass who thinks too highly of himself blargablargablarga!” I found it hard not to stifle a chuckle at Hex’s little impersonation. But what he said only increased my curiosity about Stonehoof and Hex. A cardinal landed on my head and began chirping loudly. “He says a yellow Pegasus has been harassing them and the other animals in the gardens.” Luna had arrived in the ballroom and stood beside me. I looked up at the cardinal (or tried to) and asked, “You speak bird?” Luna smiled and said, “Over time, you pick up these things.” “Princess! I’m not sure it’s safe for you to be here!” Hex shouted. “So it’s safer we leave her alone on a terrace?” I asked. “I am quite fine defending myself, Hex,” Luna sighed. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Hex sneered, swatting a few birds away with his hoof, “It’s just, you know, MY JOB.” So it’s Hex’s job to protect Princess Luna? He’s not part of the Royal Guard, judging by what Stonehoof said. So who is he with? Does this have to do with what that mare said? Is he of the Keepers? Keepers of what? “Uh…you ok Emerald?” Hex waved his hoof in my face. I snapped out of my inner monologue. The guards were finally calming down the ballroom, and the animals were being taken back to the gardens. Many of the guests were shaken; such high-class ponies rarely see such chaos. Luna had disappeared while I zoned out, having been summoned by her sister. ‘You alright? You’ve been acting out of it all night,” Hex asked. I rubbed my eyes and said, “You know why I’ve been weird.” Hex stayed silent. He was looking at me curiously. He only makes that look when he’s trying to figure out a problem. The night had been nowhere near what I had expected. Between the mare, Stonehoof and Luna, I was exhausted. “I hope you don’t blame him,” Luna said as she appeared by Hex, “All will be explained, in due time.” “I don’t mean to offend, but I’d really like to go home and go to bed,” I sighed. So Hex knew Princess Luna. Is that really a big deal? Of course it is! I never knew he led an organization. I thought he was just a writer. That reminds me…what about that mare I ran into earlier? How was she connected to Hex, or his organization? She mentioned a letter…the same one I got weeks ago, perhaps? What does- “What is that?!” I muttered. One last incident to round out the night. Best night ever indeed.