//------------------------------//
// Chapter 29 - The Coven 
// Story: The Code's Apprentice 
// by Lapis-Lazuli and Stitch 
//------------------------------//

~~~~~~Ponyville, That same morning.~~~~~~

"And pull!" bellowed a strong female voice.

A dozen or so earth ponies, plus a fair number of guards hauled on the thick rope as hard as they could, slowly pulling the pre-constructed wooden roof up into the air. Once it had been lifted, a half dozen pegasus slowly pushed the crane into position over the house. Within, a heavily sweating unicorn projected her magic into the frame and held it steady.

"And down!" Yelled the same voice, and slowly the roof was lowered onto the house frame, where it settled in perfectly. A whoop of cheers went up from the earth ponies, and the guards ponies nodded in satisfaction. Hoofbumps were exchanged, and as the unicorn emerged from the house, a torrent of cheers went up for her.

Applejack swung down from the platform she'd been standing on, and trotted over to the unicorn, grinning slyly. Never thought I'd see the day, but i gotta admit - she's grown up a mite. Applejack adjusted her Stetson and hoofed over a thick fluffy towel to the sweating unicorn, who floated it daintily up and began to wipe away the sweat. "Now lookit that. All that cheering and not a single magic trick in sight. Sure beats the alternative, don't it Trixie?"

The Great and Powerful Trixie sniffed a little at Applejack as she mopped up the sweat from her brow. "Trixie does admit it is quite satisfying. The pay certainly doesn't hurt either."  Trixie smirked a little,  her magic rubbing the towel all the way to her flank, before tossing the sodden thing over a railing. 

Applejack had to grin at that one. Who'da thunk I'd end up liking Trixie of all ponies? Oh certainly, it hadn't hurt that in the past three days Trixie had really helped out around town. Applejack was almost ready to overlook all of the stupid crap the mare had done in the past. Almost. Still gonna keep an eye on her though.

A Shrill whistle went up, and Applebloom's voice rang out across the block. "LUNCH-TAAAHM! SOUPS ON EVERYPONY!" Another general cheer went up and the various workers and guards ponies quickly trotted off towards the lunch line, breaking out into conversation as they went.

Trixie flounced her mane and began to trot down the street herself. "Well, Trixie supposes she should go see what the esteemed chef has prepared today."  Applejack stifled laughter at the sight of the unicorn gracefully working her way down the wrecked street.  Once she was sufficiently far enough away, Applejack stopped stifling it and just let out a hearty guffaw.

"Really, darling. Don't laugh. She's obviously trying to make amends, and I think we ought to give her the chance." Rarity's smooth tone interjected, a flutter of a silk fan emphasizing her words. In the previous day or so, Rarity had hardly gone anywhere without the thing. Applejack thought it odd, but then - she herself had taken to the sleek leather jacket Rarity had made for her like it was her hat. Rarity snapped the fan in the air, like she was snapping her hoof. "Besides, she's done good work in the Queen's absence."

Applejack glowered at Rarity for a moment. "Do ya gotta call 'er that?" She grumbled softly. "Still don't get how it ended up like this. Ah wish they'da let us stay up there." Applejack was far more sore about the second part than the first. They were her closest friends, consarnit!

Rarity tsked aloud and gently fluttered the fan towards herself in a coy manner. "Darling, it's a military fortress. I'm certainly not worried in the least, the Queen is in the very best of hooves." She smiled slyly. "And yes, dear - I do have to call her that. She's our monarch now, and it behooves us to show proper respect." Rarity smirked and gently bopped Applejack with the fan. "Besides, darling - think of the possibilities for us all. You have a Queens ear now, after all - and she's going to have no small amount of power. Can you not just imagine what she could do for the Apple family?"

Applejack blinked at that one. To be honest, she really hadn't considered what royal connections might do for the family. Seemed like taking advantage of somepony to her, but still she had to admit the prospects were mighty enticing. Could mean a big business boom for the farm. Even bigger'n when Filthy Rich started buyin' up the Zap Apple jam. Not to mention the prestige! We'd be able to slap one'a those 'By Royal Appointment' stamps on the apple bushels! Applejack was no fool, she knew those products which had the much-sought after stamp commanded big bits.

Rarity giggled softly, and Applejack had to wonder if the look on her face was so obvious. "There, darling - you see? Now, we must be off." Rarity swayed her tail to one side, smiling at Applejack. "The rest of the girls are going to be waiting for us."  Rarity began to trot down the street, swaying her hips from side to side in a very distracting manner.

Even distracting to Applejack, who felt a little blush creep into her cheeks as she snagged her hat and ran off after her. "Hold up there, Rarity! Whaddya mean they're waitin' fer us?"

~~~~~~

Mayor Mare had to admit, it felt odd to wear the collar with its token out and about in public like this. Yet in the two - make that three, now - days since the Nightmare Queen had triumphed over Celestia,  the faithful had begun to wear the signs of their allegiance to her openly. Most of the local townsfolk who didn't understand the significance had simply written it off as a fashion trend, honoring the new Mistress of the Moon. 

The Mayor had to smirk at that one. I knew she was intelligent, and I had guessed she was canny. Still, I must admit she pulled off a truly magnificent coup.  Unseating both of the Tyrants, and replacing them with herself and the Crystal Princess had been a stroke of pure genius. Even Mayor Mare knew Cadence was sympathetic to their cause.  How on earth Twilight had realized all of that and then capitalized upon it, the Mayor could not fathom. To think, I presumed to teach her about politics. Ha! She is a veritable Marechiavelli. 

The Mayor was overseeing the restoration of Town Hall, which luckily had not begun before the incident had nearly demolished the entire structure. Even standing here now, where the final confrontation had taken place - the Mayor felt a chill of power. The Mayor had already decided a monument would be built here, commemorating the long awaited fall of the Sun Tyrant. 

The Town Hall would be expanded as well, of course. Something more fitting to what would surely become one of the great cities of Equestria in the coming years. Already, there was talk of repealing the race-laws - and the Mayor was primed to ensure the newly-minted citizens of Equestria were to be made welcome in her city. And all of the considerable economic and political advancement that shall come with it. she thought quite smugly.

After two decades of languishing in the shadows, she would have her moment of glory. Who needs Canterlot? I shall build my own city, my own legacy - and write it into the very foundation stones. Even now, Ponyville was undergoing a transformation. Thatch roofed cottages and wooden farm houses would be replaced with brick, stone and slate roofs. The Crown was paying for all of the damages to the city, and the Mayor had already convinced many of the locals to use the opportunity to improve. The roads were being paved with flagstones, and the rail station was receiving a significant upgrade.

All in All, the Mayor felt quite satisfied with her work. Her only regret was not knowing the ultimate fate of Celestia or Luna. The Royal Guard had been extremely tightlipped, and none of her agents were on board I presume they must have survived, no bodies. She sniffed softly. Still, having lost their connection to the sun and moon is sufficient.  She was certain that the Queen would ensure further punishments. I do hope she allows me to participate. she thought wickedly. 

Mayor Mare stopped at the edge of Mane Street, and gazed down it at the many clumps of workers sitting around picnic tables.  She smiled slightly, already imagining a bigger and better Equestria built from such a wonderful foundation. It would take a long time for the place to become a truly great city, but the Mayor was still young enough to see the job through. Hmm. We won’t be a mere village for very long I think. The Queen shall have to think of a more suitable name for this place. Marestown, perhaps.

She chuckled brightly at the thought, and trotted down the street - It was never too early to ensure the locals knew who was in charge around here. And perhaps find a few converts for our glorious Queen.

~~~~~~~

Although The Great And Powerful Trixie would never admit it in front of Twilight Sparkle, she'd gotten a great deal of satisfaction out of playing the hero. The locals had certainly not been shy about showing their appreciation at the soiree a few nights ago. Especially that handsome red coated stallion the size of her old cart. 

In fact, despite her nemesis suddenly and inexplicably rising to royal heights Trixie was rather happy with this week’s successes. Her time in Hallow Shades had been invaluable to her, allowing her to come to terms with the limits of her magic. But far more importantly, it had taught her how to make the most out of the talents she did have.

She had never before imagined her skill with pyrotechnics would be such a handy combat spell in a scrape. Nor that the very same illusions she'd spent a lifetime mastering could hold off entire armies, with a little help of course. And now all those years of setting up her stage by herself were turning into a nice pile of bits just from using a little telekinesis. All in all, it had already been a thoroughly profitable week for The Great And Powerful Trixie.

Trixie reminded herself to thank Princess Luna for the opportunities she'd reaped from the Hollow Shades adventure. Word had it she was in town, and Trixie never failed to glad hoof those with bits and status. Perhaps with a few more such opportunities she might finally get her just dues amongst the peasantry. And wouldn't that be a stick in the eye of the high and mighty Twilight Sparkle. Trixie thought smugly.

Luncheon today was simple, but very excellent. Trixie had to admit the local bakers and chefs had a knack for making even something simple like oatmeal and apples, or cheddar biscuits with broccoli truly delightful. Today it was the classic dandelion sandwich, and a pile of potato crisps. The bread was superb, and the greens fresh. Not precisely haute cuisine, yet even Trixie could not complain.

"I thought ya said yeh didn' do hard labor, Miz Trixie." a gravelly voice proclaimed, as a one eyed pony in a blacksmiths apron thunked down into a chair next to her. "S' good ta see even an old warhorse like me can be proven wrong bout somepony." the Ponyville guard Captain Struggle growled out. 

Trixie smirked at him, delicately nibbling on a crunchy bit of potato before speaking, "Trixie truly has no idea what you are talking about, Captain," she scoffed softly. "Yet Trixie shall accept your compliment gracefully. So, they have you hammering out nails and the like, eh?" Trixie smirked at him. 

The Captain chuckled and grabbed his own grub enthusiastically. "Yeh, well with tha' Royal Guard prancin' about, ain't much work fer me t'do." He grinned around a mouthful of food for a moment, before swallowing in satisfaction. "Rumor has it yeh got tapped by th' Prince. Ya gonna take 'im up onnit?"

Trixie frowned and pushed the crumbs around her plate. "Trixie has been thinking about it." In truth, she'd been very seriously considering it. The Royal Guard did not just make offers to anypony. Forget about the show business, Trixie could end up leading her own team of Battle Mages. 

'The Great and Powerful' might become more than a mere appellation,  but a genuine title. Known far and wide by all the ponies of the land.  Trixie knew the coming days would not be calm and quiet ones. It would be a time when legends were forged in the fire of adversity. Names would be made that would live on for centuries to come.

And wouldn't it be something if Trixie Lulamoon was right on hoof for it all? "Yes, Trixie has been thinking about it quite seriously."

~~~~~~~

"... Yanno, Cadence is a really lucky mare." Pinkie observed, grinning a little. "I mean, I knew Shiny was talented - but I hadn't guessed he was that talented!" Pinkie giggled, and Rainbow dash found she couldn't help but join in. Fluttershy blushed, and joined in with a soft laugh of her own, even though she was blushing a bright red.

Dash cut in, gesturing with a held slice of egg-and-spinach pie. "So come on, Shy! Fess up! What was Twilight like?" Pinkie Pie nodded enthusiastically, and leaned in with a leer. Dash grinned again, leaning in herself. "C'mon Shy! You promised!"

The three mares sat at one of the outdoor tables still surrounding Sugarcube corner - Though the shop itself had sustained a fair amount of damage from the out of control spell, it had been untouched by the Changeling attack. As such, it was still intact enough to continue serving its legions of loyal customers.

Fluttershy blushed a bright red, and tapped her hooves together. Really, she had promised to tell them. "... Well, um..." The two pushy mares leaned in, watching with lazy and sly looks. Fluttershy squeaked and blushed again. Mistress would tell you to keep your promises, Fluttershy. So Fluttershy gulped softly. "She's very commanding. And um... Forceful." 

Rainbow dash rolled her eyes a little. "Sheesh, Shy - even I could figure that much out. Gimme details!" Dash tapped the table impatiently. "Rarity isn't going to be gone forever!"

Sure enough, at just that moment Rarity rounded Sugarcube Corner with Applejack in tow. Dash sighed miserably and Pinkie Pie just patted her friend on the back in consolation. "There there, Dashie - You'll get your chance."

Rarity smirked as she approached the table, wafting her fan at herself slowly. "Rainbow Dash still trying to get us to talk about that lovely evening?" Dash glared at her and she giggled. "I told you before, darling - If you want to find out, you could just go ask her. Queen or not, there is a hunger in that girl." Rarity shivered softly. "A delicious hunger. But I digress." She tapped the table. "Everypony sit, we have much to discuss."

Applejack half glared at Rarity, before hopping up on a stool next to Rainbow Dash. Rarity daintily hopped up onto a separate bench and tapped her fan gently against the table. "Now, as to why we are here. I have been quite recently informed that Twilight has awakened, and been crowned as the new Queen of the Moon." The other four mares' eyes went wide, some with excitement, others with concern. Rarity smirked, flaring out the fan to hide her smile. "Commander Spitfire has graciously informed me that things ought to be calmed enough for her to come see us soon."

Dash glared at Rarity. "Did she explain why the buck we were excluded in the first place?" Dash was still angry at Spitfire. Not as angry as she'd been two days ago, but she was still pissed. "Because I'd like to bucking know that myself."

Rarity tsked. "Celestia and Luna wished to ensure she was safe and undamaged. A silly concern, but we have all had a great deal to do here as well." She snapped the fan at Dash. "I understand none of us are very happy with that excuse, but it is what it is. She has not forgotten us, nor any of the events that transpired. Her mind is whole, Luna has assured me through her letters."

Exhalations of relief were universal, and smiles wreathed the other faces all around the table. Rarity nodded in satisfaction. "As to why we are here, I think we must now accept that the situation has changed amongst us." The smiles slowly faded, but not completely. Each of the five friends were nodding, or eyeing each other in some way. Rarity continued to speak, glad that she had maintained control so far. "Our Queen will need us, and our talents more than ever before. She will need us to not merely be her closest friends, but those she can trust implicitly with any task." 

Applejack crossed her hooves over her chest and nodded slowly. "Hmm. I can't say I disagree. She'll be needin trustworthy ponies to keep an eye on her back." Applejack cocked an eyebrow at Rarity. "And an eye on the backs of those who might wanna hurt her."

Rainbow Dash smirked. "She'll need an eye in the skies she can trust, too." she smiled softly, her hoof hooking around Fluttershy's shoulder. "And somepony who can keep watch on the forest, since that's where all the dark folks are gonna come from."

Pinkie Pie smiled lazily. "And of course, somepony to make sure the rest of us don't go completely Oatmeal." Everypony stared at her, and Pinkie Pie laughed. "Sorry, I had to say something silly! It was getting too serious around here." She smirked and gave all of them meaningful looks. "So what does that make us? Some kind of special friends club or something?"

Rarity smirked. "Well I had thought perhaps a slightly more intimidating sounding name." She wafted her fan over her face, as if in thought. "I have been speaking with the Mayor, apparently Dissonance sorceresses are known to gather something called a 'Coven' around them. Apparently such groups serve as the sorceress' personal advisors and agents. I propose we form a similar such group."

Applejack frowned a little. "Coven sounds a mite dark, don't you think Rarity?" Fluttershy had squeaked at the word, and was now partially hiding behind Rainbow Dash. "Ah mean we are still the good folks, right?" Applejack asked somewhat pensively.

Rarity smirked again, leaning back a little in her seat. "In case you hadn't noticed darling, we are working for the dark side now. We shall need a name that will let the other predators know we are not to be trifled with." Her silk fan fluttered a moment, before she stilled it in front of her face to hide her wicked smile. "Besides, the Coven of the Nightmare has a nice ring to it, don't you girls think?"

Looks were exchanged amongst the five friends. A long silence ensued, until Rainbow Dash spoke up. "I'd say that sounds pretty awesome." Dash's grin was wicked. "Sure to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked!"

Applejack looked dubious and sighed. "I s'pose I can go along with it. Ah ain't gonna like it, but I see where yer comin from, Rarity." She smiled a little from under the hat. "Count me in. Someone's gotta keep y'all honest."

Fluttershy shivered a little, but nodded slowly in agreement. Pinkie pie predictably, had her mouth shaped like a little 'o' - "Oooooooh.." She breathed out. "Does this mean we'll get to dress up in scary costumes all the time, and not just on Nightmare Night?" Pinkie sounded incredibly excited about this prospect.

Rarity blinked, and then had to smile a little. "Well I suppose dressing appropriately would be part of the image, darling. No chicken costumes though, I must insist." She smirked at Pinkies look of disappointment, which suddenly vanished into a wicked grin of her own. 

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, and Rarity smiled slowly before speaking. "Very good. This shall also make it easier to induct new ponies who earn our trust into our little circle of friends." She smiled slyly. "And ensure that nopony outside of the Coven learns of our Queen's plans or secrets."

"We'll need to talk to Shining Armor right away then." Applejack grunted, looking around at her friends. "He's a part of this whole bucked up thang too."

Rarity tapped her fan against her lips. "Hmm, true. Though I'd rather leave Queen Cadence out of things for now. She's going to be busy enough with her own new duties as it is." Rarity suddenly smiled, eyelashes fluttering coquettishly. "Which will have all sorts of its own benefits, come to think of it."

Fluttershy tentatively raised her hoof into the air. "Um, is it alright if i tell Angel Bunny?" she asked softly "He's been very worried about me lately. I wouldn't want him to think I didn't trust him." she tapped her hooves together a little nervously. "I mean if that's okay with you girls." 

Rarity gave a soft smile, gently squeezing Fluttershy's hoof. "I think that's just fine dear. Angel Bunny has been a real hero to us both." That got a snicker out of Dash and a smirk from Applejack, but Rarity pretended not to notice. "Now are there any more matters we need to immediately discuss?" Rarity inquired. 

Silence met the question and Rarity smiled at them. "Well then I propose we adjourn for the moment. Shall we meet tonight for dinner to discuss our duties in more detail?" nods from all around, and smiles too. There was a powerful unity amongst them already, and Rarity knew it would only get stronger.

Rainbow dash interjected before Rarity could speak again though. "Hey! We're gonna need some kind of cool phrase to close out our meetings!" Dash declared, as though it was obvious. "I mean, that’s how it always works in the Daring Do books!"

Pinkie pie was still nodding with enthusiasm, her eyes bright. "Yeah! Something cool and scary sounding like.." Pinkies voice suddenly deepened, and her eyes seemed to go a little darker. "May the Nightmare be eternal!"

Rainbow dash rolled her eyes. "That's seriously lame, Pinkie." Dash tapped her chin, and then grinned. "I got it!" She held out her hooves. "C’mon, everybody grab hooves and repeat after me!"

The other girls joined hooves with one another, forming a circle around the table. Dash's face went suddenly solemn, and she bowed her head. As one, the other friends did the same. Dash's voice was soft, almost gentle. "In the name of our Queen, and the bright moon above."

Each of the other friends repeated after her - and Dash felt suddenly moved to speak again, the whispers of power flowing through her... 

"In Victory." Spoke dash, with a quiet ring of triumph.

"In Truth." Said Applejack, stern and determined. 

"In Power." proclaimed Rarity, command echoing in her voice.

"In Passion." intoned Pinkie Pie, with a wicked smile on her face.

"in Obedience." Whispered Fluttershy, as soft as a spring breeze.

"So do we serve." They spoke as one.