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// Sights ans slights 
// Story: Entwined 
// by janushyde 
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Three, weeks it had taken three weeks but it had finally happened her power had regenerated enough to allow Nightmare Moon to make use of her new host’s senses. Before her power had strengthened enough to allow this she had to make do by waiting for the mare to fall asleep or be otherwise distracted from events so see could view her most recent memories. While she could not directly communicate with her host she decided to exorcize cautiion just to be sure she couldn’t be detected on the off chance they both wanted to view the same memory at the same time.

This isn’t to say that she was idle during that time span. Far from it in fact she had spent that time delving into and exploring the memories of her host learning all that she could about Twilight Sparkle the mare with the honor of being her newest vessel.

There was far more to this mare then Nightmare had first thought. When she had confronted twilight she was under the impression that Celestia had spent years prepping the young unicorn for the confrontation. However this turned out to be false. Twilight was no hardened battle mage raised to wield the Elements of Harmony so as to purify Luna and return balance to the kingdom. Instead she was merely an over egot scholar who had blundered upon the knowledge needed seemingly by accident. 

Still This unicorn had a keen mind and incredible potential not just as a wielder of arcane power but with the proper training she could be an excellent advisor maybe even a vizier or chandler as well. While the possibility of turning her into a tactician is there that would take far more subtle manipulation. As enticing as plans for her future position by her Queen’s side were Nightmare had to remind herself that it would be months yet before she would even have the ability to interact with her host in the necessary ways to sway the young mage to her side. For now her best option is simply to observe her hosts’ day to day behavior to see what that would reveal about the mare. While she already knew how much of Twilight’s self worth is wrapped up in Celestia’s opinion that could be changed with carefully chosen words and subtle action when the time was right. So she decided to let Twilight herself show her what she needed.

“Come on Twilight that’s Twenty-five kinds of magic tricks and counting!” Spike declared his excitement and pride clearly visible with the energy he put into the statement.

Oh yes an impressive list of spells yet none of them see terribly useful to me. I think I’ll have to start nudging her to expanding her repitware as soon as possible. Nightmare mused to herself as the two left the library to find their friends and show them Twilight’s progress. Shortly after the two left they were greeted by two rather young looking colts that began to babble excitedly about some stage magician who had set up in the town square. The duo decided to see what all the fuss was about and headed to the square as well soon falling into place near the rest of their friends. Oh wonderful watching some overhyped performer alongside the beings who caused my downfall I cannot contain my boundless joy. She deadpanned as the stagechoach began to expand into a small portable stage.

As the performance of “the Great and Powerful Trixie” wore on Nightmare soon changed her attitude as Twilight’s conversation with her friends revealed so rather pertinent information to her. Oh-ho how lovely herself imposed solitary life has made her so very insecure about how her new found friends see her. I can make use of this oh yes I can. Nightmare chuckled to herself hearing the fear creep into her host’s voice as she discussed the performer and her arrogance with her friends.

Moments after this Trixie brought up her supposed besting of an Ursa Major to the crowd further enthralling them with her commanding stage presence. Oh do shut up you useless mortal had you any real talent for the art that is magic you wouldn’t be so reliant upon smoke and mirrors. Though I must admit I do find it odd to be agreeing with the bearers of the Elements of Harmony about anything, she groused to herself as she continued to observe through Twilight’s eyes. What happened next however came as a delightful treat to the mare of darkness. Three of the bearers took turns challenging the ability of Trixie and each of them was humiliated by the show mare.

While this was a most cathartic experence for Nightmare it was also somewhat insulting to know that she had been bested by those ponies herself and here were they were being shown up by a lowly street performer! The true blow to her selfworth however came from her host refusing to challenge the mare. Fool! Have you no pride, no dignity! Get back there and FACE HER! Nightmare raged her cries echoing unheard through the mind of her host. As Twilight retreated back to her home,

Upon returning to the library Twilight had grabbed a book off the shelf and immediately headed up to her room with it. Oh yes, take confort from a book why don’t you THAT’S healthy! Nightmare snapped as Twilight opened the book and began to study its contents. Studying about ursa’s are we? Well it’s a start I guess maybe she’ll try and tame one to show up that worthless filly who dares to adorn her cloak and cap with my beloved stars and moon! Once I am free I’ll have to find this mare and put her in her place for attempting to co-opt my creations. Nightmare mumbled to herself as she watched her host read up on the cosmic creature.

It was hours later not long after nightfall when Spike burst into the library clamoring for Twilight’s attention. He’s a persistent little whelp I’ll give him that much you’d think have the door literally slammed in his face would clue him in on her final decision. Nightmare mused to herself as the two talked then a loud roar echoed across town and with a quick confirmation from Spike twilight was off to investigate the matter. Moments later they arrived in the town square to see the situation first hoof.

I had thought that a town so close to the Everfree would have been better prepared for a situation like this. Though foresight never seems to come easy to mortals much less the coddled foals that Celestia has been overlooking for so long, Nightmare noted as she watched the ponies panic at the sight of the giant bear. Much to her own amusement the show mare attempted to prove her tall tail true and was soon uncovered for the fraud that she was. Still points for trying at least, that thundercloud looked big enough to kill had it been used on a pony. she chuckled to herself then to her amazement her host moved forward to attempted besting the creature herself. Fool what are you doing! You’ll kill us all! She raged once more her shouts going unheeded. 

What transpired next shocked Nightmare Moon to her core. Through careful and cleaver use of the spells she had practiced earlier that day, along with rather interesting new spell Twilight was able to pacify the Ursa Minor and send it back to its home deep in the Everfree Forest. Credit where credit is do my host I will admit you have impressed me this night. While you lacked the spells needed to slay the beast you showed the ability to do so while also avoiding a far more deadly situation in the process. Lulling the cub to sleep and returning it home was truly the wise move. Still those two foals nearly got the town destroyed when I’m free I think I’ll give them a good scare along with the show mare. Nightmare applauded twilight as the unicorn and her friends talked among themselves after the crises had passed.