Dilapidation.
From a distance, Damarescus appeared as a mess of dusty brown buildings, some small, some large, scattered about with no clear planning. Closer however, they were the same brown, but it was clear that most of the “buildings” were in fact large stones. Some as big as houses, others slightly bigger than the average pony.
It what looked to be the center, a broken spire towered above all else. Clearly destroyed, by time or battle, it was still a remarkable feat of building. Radiant was nearly screaming at the sight.
“I’m guessing this is exciting, Radiant,” Mist teased.
“Are you kidding?” She looked shooked. “This is amazing! This is a pony city that has been unexplored for centuries! Just look at the carvings on those stones! And the façade on that building over there! That was once a trade house! And look! Little homes! Oh-”
Mist switched off, unable to follow the pink pony’s ramblings. The group walked carefully, letting Radiant take the lead. She suddenly stopped, gasping, looking at a carving on a nearby wall.
“What is it, Radiant?” asked Starlight.
“The Princess!” she exclaimed.
The group, Luna included, uttered a collective “What?” But sure enough, looking at the incredibly faded relief, stood an image of Luna, a full moon above her, and ponies bowing on front of her.
Each pony looked at Luna, who was unable to speak. “Princess? Can you tell us about this?” asked Starlight.
“I- I cannot…” the night pony replied quietly.
“I’m guessing they worshipped you at some point! Fascinating! I wonder if Princess Celestia is carved somewhere!” Radiant took to running along the wall, studying it intently. “Meh’ta!” she screamed.
“Gesundhoof. What?” said Mist.
“Meh’ta! She is Meh’ta!” Radiant declared, looking at Luna.
“Sweetie, that’s the Princess. We just said that,” said Starlight softly.
“Well, yes. But she’s also Meh’ta! The ancient Moon Goddess!” Another collective “What?” went through the group. Radiant groaned, then began a very fast speech, “Ugh! Before the founding of Equestria, ponies existed as city-states and tribes. Each had their own mythology and beliefs, but there were a few constants: The Sun, the Moon, the Stars, Time, Life, and Death. Then there were minor deities like Chaos and Order, or plants, or water, or pretty much anything under the sky or in it. Each had their own names and their own followers. The ‘major’ gods were almost universal. And at one point, the Moon Goddess was named Meh’ta. And this is what the carving say! They show Meh’ta! And she looks like the Princess!” She took a breath.
The group stood silent for a time. Then Runner spoke, awkwardly breaking away from the topic, “Are there any ponies here? Any still living here?”
“Probably.” Radiant nodded, placing a hoof on her chin. “We saw the newer-looking areas, so yeah.”
“Might want to hide, Majesty,” Runner suggested to Luna. “No telling what they’d do if they saw you.”
“Fine idea, Runner.” Luna’s body glowed white, changing form. A moment later, she was a little blue mare, only slightly taller than Radiant. Mist remembered that form. “Alright, shall we?” she said, pulling on a cloak to hide her wings.
The group pressed on, winding through the streets, headed for the tower. Signs of life began to appear, noises up ahead. Runner motioned, and Chaser took to the air, landing on a roof. The earth pony dipped around a corner, looking ahead.
Returning, Chaser gave a brief report, “Densely populated, but there’s no pegasi, and way too few unicorns.”
Runner looked at the others. “Alright, no way we’re hiding the unicorns. Those with wings, cover them up and stay on the ground.” Chaser obeyed, covering her like Luna had. “Good,” Runner continued. “Now, move as a group, don’t leave anypony behind.”
The team moved out, around a corner. The street was busier than they had guessed. Ponies trotted to and fro, between buildings and the stalls that lined them. The citizens looked broken and disheveled, as if the city had been struck with famine and drought.
Those who saw the group rushed away quickly, speaking in hushed tones to each other. There was a whistle that pushed through the air, and several armed ponies appeared from the little side streets. Spears pointed at the group, ushering them close together.
Runner drew a spear, ready to fight. The others took battle stance. Mist was sure of impending bloodshed, before a voice called out, not angry, but very stern: “Back off!”
Two of the guards parted, the gathering crowd watching intently as a robed stallion walked briskly to meet Luna and the others. Upon reaching them, he put on a smile that unsettled Mist.
“Welcome! Apologies for our rude behavior, but we are weary of strangers. Especially ones who make it so far into the city without first announcing themselves to the entrance guards. But you are here now, so… what brings you to New Damarescus, our fine city?” He looked over the group, holding that smile.
Luna stepped forward, bowing. Mist twitched slightly, but remained composed. “Honorable sir, we come to your city seeking answers. We ask that we be allowed brief lodging here, and to be able to explore the ruins.”
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The stallion looked around, then back at Luna. “I assume you are the leader? Then I suggest you take your party and leave us. I feel you will not be welcome here.”
“Sir, we have traveled far, and only seek respite. May we have but two nights to rest before moving on?” Luna had a pleading look on her face.
The stallion considered for a moment. “Very well. You may stay at our inn, The Broken Wall. You may stay within the confines of the city. You may visit our shops, our library, our temple. But you may not enter the ruins.” He drew close to Luna, who stood motionless. “And we will know if you do.”
The stallion then then walked through that crowd. The guards let the group pass, eyeing them suspiciously. The crowd shied away, almost terrified. Luna approached a guard. “Good sir, could you tell us where we might find The Broken Wall inn?”
The guard gave an unamused snort and pointed just down the street. A hanging sign, depicting a cracked wall, swung over a large wooden door.
Luna looked on and nodded. “Thank you, sir.” She ushered the others to follow her.
Moving together, they reached the inn and walked inside.
It was spacious, but not huge. A barkeep stood at the end of the room, cleaning a tankard. The few patrons all looked at the group, but soon went about their business, as if choreographed.
That wasn’t weird.
Odd folks. This city has seen better days, so I guess it’s understandable.
Care to share?
There was a slight laugh. Not really.
Mist snorted. They pressed on, Luna talking to the barkeep. “How many to a room?”
“Three, maybe four of the little one,” he gruffed, looking at Radiant, making her shrink slightly. “Well, maybe even five.”
“At what rate?”
“Ten a head. Unless it’s one a room, then twenty per.” The barkeep didn’t seem especially interested.
“Will this do?” Luna pulled out a small sack of bits, tossing a few bits on the bar top.
The barkeep looked at the coins, squinting at them. “Those aren’t proper currency. Won’t do.”
“What do you mean?” Luna inquired.
“The symbols are all wrong. Those aren’t Marks.”
“Marks?”
“Oh!” Radiant piped up. “Marks are old Damarescus currency. Haven’t been in use for ages. And never in Equestria, though they might be precursors to bits. Same gold.”
“Equestria? You all folks from up north? Hurmph…” the barkeep said, trailing off.
“Is that a problem?” continued Luna.
He shrugged. “Not so much as not having the right coin.”
“Radiant, how much does a Mark weigh?”
“Around half as much as a bit. Give or take a little.”
“Would you accept these bits?”
He shook his head. “No. Not lest I test the weight.”
“Alright…” Luna reclaimed the bits, leaving one.
The barkeep ducked below the counter and pulled out a single coin. It was thinner than a bit, but otherwise very similar. On one side was a tower; on the other, a wreath of some kind. The pony weighed the two in his hooves, comparing them. After some muttering to himself, the pony looked up.
“This’ll do. But I’d suggest getting some Marks. Most merchants won’t take your coin. The smithy should be able to help you.”
“Thank you, you are most helpful.” Luna smiled.
“Just part of the job, missy. Now, I’ll get your rooms ready.” He moved around the bar counter and headed up the stairs. A mousey-looking filly took his place, standing on a tall stool just high enough for her to reach some glasses and the wooden kegs.
Luna looked down at the filly, her small brown body balancing precariously on the stool. She offered a slight smile to her as the group waited. The filly did not respond, watching the patrons carefully.
Starlight approached the bar. “Hello there, little one.”
No response.
“Are you the barkeep’s daughter?” she asked sweetly.
She shook her head slightly, never taking her eyes off of the patrons. A group of earth ponies were chatting amongst themselves before one rose from the table and walked to the counter.
“Hey, gimme an ale!” he said, slurring.
The filly nodded silently, and climbed down the stool, a little too carefully. She prodded around at the lower parts of the counter, opening a door. She felt around and pulled out a glass, taking it to the nearest keg. She bumped into it, almost surprised.
“Clumsy one, isn’t she?” remarked Chaser quietly to Runner. Starlight and Radiant shushed her.
She began to pour a glass when the stallion interrupted her. “Wait, I’ve changed my mind.” The filly turned, looking ahead, waiting. “I want a spiced wine.”
The filly’s head dipped slightly. She pulled on the stool and clambered up, reaching for the countertop. In her deftest moment, she hopped to the small shelf behind the bar. In a small alcove, a bottle sat gathering dust. She struggled up, reaching for it. With her grasp firmly upon it finally, she pulled it down, shaking on wobbly legs.
She very nearly tumbled to the floor below, but caught herself. The group collectively lurched forward. The filly stabilized herself and headed back for the bar counter. An empty glass waited to be filled, and she reached out seeking it with her hoof. Never once did she look anywhere but forward.
Radiant nudged the glass toward the filly, who grabbed it. She carefully lined up the glass and the mouth of the bottle. Keeping a small part of her hoof inside the glass, she poured until the liquid touched her.
“Three Marks,” she said quietly.
“Of course,” the stallion replied, looking back at his friends.
He pulled out a bag that jingled when it moved. He pulled out two gold Marks and carved piece of stone. He made a point to make as much noise as possible.
“There you go. Three Marks.”
She looked ahead, gaze unmoving, not meeting the stallion’s own. “That’s two Marks. And a bit of rock.”
“I say it’s three. Dare you call me a liar?”
“I’m saying it sounds like two.”
“Your hearing’s off. It’s three. See?” The stallion picked up the coins, letting each drop, save the stone one. He picked up a real Mark and dropped it a second time. “See? Three. Now, go back to your tending.” The stallion walked back to the table with the others.
Starlight waved a hoof in front of the filly’s face. She didn’t move. A small gasp escaped the mare. “You’re blind,” she said quietly. “Oh, those brutes, taking advantage of you.”
“Runner…” Chaser said eyeing the table of thieving stallions. Radiant had moved on, trying to talk to them. The two guards departed for the dishonest gathering.
“- mind yourself. Wouldn’t want to get hurt.”
“Just give her the money!”
“Move on little filly,” the stallion said dismissively.
“Hey!” Chaser announced, “Give that filly her coin!”
“Mind yourself, stranger,” one of the stallions said without looking up.
“We’re minding our own here, I suggest you take your friend and do the same,” one of the group threatened.
“Pay up, or get out.”
“Strong talk from a mare.”
Runner took the foreground, his deeper voice rumbling. “Then listen to this. Give the filly her coin, and you walk away intact.”
For the first time, the stallions looked up, seeing Chaser and Runner in their armor. The table reeled back slightly. Chaser hovered overhead, and Runner looked at the stallion from the bar, leering over him. “Give her the coin.”
“W-what are y-you?”
Runner’s cat-like eyes stared long and hard. “Not your friend, now pay up.”
The stallion reached into his coin purse and pulled out a Mark. “H-here, take it.”
Runner snagged it, growling. They turned back, heading to the rest of the group.
“I’d advise against making a scene,” Luna muttered. “While I admire your nobility, we’re on unfamiliar ground, in an unfriendly city.”
“Of course, Majesty.” Runner bowed slightly before moving to the counter top and placing down the coin.
“Thank you…” the filly muttered.
Runner offered her a slight smile, a rare thing that shocked Mist.
After some time waiting, the barkeep walked down the stairs toward the group.
“Rooms are ready. Have a good night now.”
Thanks were offered, and the party departed upstairs to find their respective sleeping areas, claiming beds and choosing rooming partners. Mist, not really paying attention, was saddled with Bleedingheart, Radiant, and Luna. He grimaced as he watched the princess remove her saddlebags.
The barkeep had provided a thin mat of straw and linen as a makeshift bed on the ground. He decided on the floor, letting the others have the beds. Shrugging his bags off, he collapsed into the mat, coughing as the dust swirled around him.
He looked over at his roommates, watching as they went about their business with little talk. His gaze eventually fell on Luna again, and he watched, missing her. Sighing, he closed his eyes.
You may have to confront that sooner or later, mused the voice.
What?
Talking to Princess Luna might be a wise decision.
I really wouldn’t know what to say. Besides, she’s not interested in talking. Every time I try, she shuts me out. It’s like she’s not the same mare I knew. Mist huffed.
Have you considered that might be truer than you know?
How do you mean?
Well, never take what you see as truth. Most of the time, what lies beneath, under the skin and through the cracks, is what is true. The present is not truth, but the past is. And don’t mistake reality for truth either.
Mist rolled his eyes. Now you are just being cryptic.
Perhaps, but how else will you find the answers you seek?
You could just tell me what I want to know. You seem to know everything.
Ha! Hardly. Besides, watching you figure out the puzzle has become a source of entertainment to me. In lieu of your anger and hatred – which I miss greatly by the way – I must resort to frustration.
Well, I’m happy to provide, he said, chuckling slightly.
No! Don’t say that! It ruins it!
Good. I hope it tastes sour.
I hate you.
Well, that’s a first. Usually it’s the other way around.
Mist, I’ve always hated you. Always hated everything. That’s what I do.
Mist frowned. That’s… actually kind of sad…
I don’t think so, but I can understand how you might. It doesn’t matter to me, anyway. I just hope things come around soon. You are living on borrowed time after all.
What? Borrowed time?
Oh yes. Not much longer for you, actually.
Until what? I die?
Better make peace and find happiness. Maybe even love again.
Yeah, not much chance of that, he scoffed.
Mist opened his eyes. Radiant and Luna were talking quietly. Mist watched them both, sight darting between them. After settling on the smaller mare for a time, Mist rolled over, fighting wakefulness.
Maybe there is a chance.