//------------------------------// // Diplomacy // Story: MLPU: Twilight Sparkle: Princess of Thunder // by TheInvincibleIronBrony //------------------------------// Twilight strode through the halls of her home with confidence, with Shining following close behind. She had the messengers of the palace ask each of her comrades to meet her in a dining hall reserved for their personal use. “Twilight, I do not doubt that your intentions are noble, but I fear asking our friends to join you would be a grave insult to their loyalty,” Shining advised. “They swore their loyalty to me. It is my choice what to do with it,” Twilight replied. “Only while you have it,” Shining said. “Once they feel you have taken advantage of them, they may not be so kind to you.” Twilight stopped for a second. “They are warriors of this realm. It is their duty to protect it as much as it is ours. They should be proud I have asked them to accompany us,” she told her brother. Shining gave her a sad look. “That may be so, but mother doesn’t seem to think there is a threat. It was she who defeated Frostmourne all those centuries ago. If she believes we are not in danger then why do you question her?” he asked. “Because she is wrong. The Windigos came into our realm somehow and if they did it once they will try again,” Twilight answered, as she started walking again. “And if mother refuses to see that, then it falls to us to stop them.” “Twilight, I would follow you into any battle,” Shining began as they arrived at a pair of doors, “but this is madness,” he finished, the doors opening, revealing their comrades inside. “What madness?” Blossomforth asked, a confused expression on her face. Twilight stepped inside with a determined expression. “Two guards lost their lives today in defense of our home,”Twilight announced. Raindrop and Blossomforth looked at each other in surprise. “My mother would have us sit by and ignore the fact that the Windigos have found a way into Equinsgard without being detected,” she continued. “I tell you this is folly.” “If the All-Mother does not fear them why should the rest of us?” Spike asked, everyone in the room looking at him. “Because they pose a threat to us. Mother believes that simply because this invasion was stopped that this is the end of it, but common battle strategy dictates that the first few waves are only to test the enemies defenses,” Twilight said, logically. The pegasi nodded in agreement and Spike didn’t seem to have anymore questions. Even so none of them seemed entirely convinced that this was the correct course of action. Twilight looked at her brother for a moment, sharing a look with him. “You have all followed me into battle and given me your trust. You have all saved me and for that reason I trust you implicitly with my life. I ask that you trust me on this matter,” Twilight spoke, with confidence that seemed alien to her. “I can not force you into this expedition with me, but it is my intent to travel to Jotunheim and find out exactly how those murderers got into our home and prevent it from happening again,” the alicorn spoke with authority. “I will follow you,” Spike said, stepping forward. “As will we,” Raindrop spoke, both she and Blossomforth sporting confident grins. “Well far be it from me to let you all wander into battle without me,” Shining said stepping up to his sister’s side. Twilight smiled. “Then it is settled. We are going to Jotunheim.” ///////////////////////////////// Twilight and her companions marched through Equinsgard in full armor. They were mostly using the back streets to make sure no guards saw them and told Celestia. It didn’t take them long to reach the bridge extending out and leading to the Bifrost. Twilight cursed as she spotted two guards standing watch at the end. “Do not worry little sister, I will handle this,” Shining said as he approached the guards. Twilight saw her brother exchange words with the soldiers and before long they walked away. Twilight smiled and stepped out of hiding, the others close behind. “Good work brother,” she said smiling as she started walking out onto the bridge. At the end of the bridge stood a spherical construct; the Bifrost. In front of the Bifrost stood the gate keeper. A massive, armored owl called Owlowiscious. The owl didn’t seem to be paying attention to the warriors approaching them until they stood before him. “You aren’t dressed warmly enough,” he said before Twilight or her companions could react, catching them off guard. Twilight regained her confidence quickly. “We seek only to protect this realm before war breaks out,” Twilight informed. Owlowiscious regarded Twilight for a moment. “In all my years serving your mother, never has an enemy evaded my sight. I wish to know how that happened,” he told them, seemingly agitated by the invasion. Twilight smiled. “Then let us pass and do not inform my mother of our trip. We will find the answers to all our questions,” she assured. Owlowiscious nodded and lead the group inside. “Understand that my duty as gatekeeper is to protect this realm from all who threaten its safety. If your return would put Equinsgard in danger I will not open the way home,” he told them as he flapped his powerful wings and landed on a pedestal in the middle, his talons fitting into several slots. The walls of the room began to spin and bolts of energy shot from the pedestal to the walls, powering the contraption. “Couldn’t you just leave it open for us?” Blossomforth asked, slightly worried. “And unleash the full power of the Bifrost, thus destroying Jotunheim with you upon it,” the great owl asked, curiously. Blossomforth gulped at this, but Shining gave the owl an interested look. “We are not blazing a path of war. This expedition is to acquire answers only. Equinsgard will remain safe, so long as I have anything to say about it,” Twilight told the owl with conviction. Owlowiscious regarded the mare for a moment. “Very well,” he said applying his full weight to the pedestal, activating the bridge and pulling all other occupants of the room to their destination. ///////////////////////////////// Twilight felt the rush of wind through her outspread wings as she and her companions flew through the bridge. In mere seconds they arrived on the cold wastes of Jotunheim, the Bifrost’s energy dissipating around them as they landed. “Alright,” Twilight called out to the others as they reoriented themselves,” we are officially in hostile territory,” she announced. “Blossomforth, Raindrop. I want the both of you to follow from a distance. Make sure you aren’t spotted. If things don’t go as planned I want to have a surprise for the Windigos,” she told the pegasi, who nodded in return. “Understood Twilight. Should we knock out any guards that look troublesome?” Blossomforth asked. “Only if they pose a threat to any of us. Other than that stay hidden. Spike, Shining you’re with me. Keep an eye out for hidden enemies. It wouldn’t do us any good to fall prey to an ambush,” Twilight told her brother and the dragon. “Let’s move,” she ordered. Blossomforth and Raindrop slipped into the darkness, beyond Twilight’s sight. Twilight, Spike and Shining Armor began walking towards the only structure the world seemed to have. A massive frozen palace, that seemed to crumble every time the wind hit it. Twilight kept her eyes on the blizzard around them and her ears open. The wind seemed to push against them, as though telling them not to press on and the faint sound heavy footsteps kept them alert. The noises only grew as the alicorns and dragon grew closer to the desolate castle. The main doors appeared to be frozen shut, denying passage to visitors. “Should we knock?” Spike asked, smoke trailing from his mouth. As soon as he finished his question a loud cracking sound could be heard and the doors creaked open. “Seems somepony is expecting us,” Shining commented as Twilight pressed on. “Twilight, be careful. I don’t like that the Windigos are feeling hospitable. It’s unlike them,” he warned. “And yet we seem to be invited,” Twilight replied as she looked above the inside of the door. A Windigo stood by a lever that she guessed opened and closed the door. Twilight’s suspicion was confirmed as the creature pulled the lever again and the doors shut behind them. Spike tensed at the sight of the frosty giant, but relaxed when it made no move to attack them. It simply glared at them as they delved further into the castle. As they walked through the halls Windigos stepped out of the shadows, usually to block a passage and direct them to the throne room. However some seemed to simply sit in doorways along the passages eyeing the visitors. Spike and Shining kept an eye on the creatures, ready in case any of them decided to attack. Twilight however kept her eyes on the path before them. Occasionally she would notice a shadow flit by the windows outside, assuring her Blossomforth and Raindrop were ready to turn the tide in case of an attack. Spike looked to Twilight as the number of Windigo began to increase the further they went. “Twilight, maybe we should turn back. The odds are tipping out of our favor with every step,” he whispered. “It’s too late now. We’re much too close to turn back now,” Twilight replied stoically. “Besides, it may be taken as an insult if we spit in the face of such kindness.” “Kindness?” Shining sneered. “I feel like we’re being put on trial,” he finished, eyeing a particularly large Windigo. “And considering how the war went for them, that may well be the case, but we will not leave until we have our answers. Let me hear no more on the matter,” Twilight told them as they turned another corner. At the end of the hall was a large set of double doors, covered in ice and frost. “This must be it,” Twilight told them. “Let me do the talking,” she said to her companions. “No complaints here,” Spike whispered to Shining as a pair of Windigos pushed the massive doors open. A cold wind blasted the Equinsgardians, chilling them to the bone. The throne room was much like the rest of the palace. Cold, covered in ice and giving one the feeling it would fall apart at any moment. “And what have we here?” a voice asked from the far end of the room. Sitting on a throne of ice was King Frostmourne, ruler of the Windigos. “Has the All-Mother sent her children to me as a gift?” he asked, grinning at the thought. Twilight glared at the king. “We have come only to learn how a small force of your subjects came to be in our weapons vault,” Twilight answered. Frostmourne gave a look of feigned shock. “Did they now? I’m afraid I haven’t the slightest clue as to how that happened. Perhaps not all of your subjects are as loyal as one would think,” Frostmourne mocked. Twilight frowned at the insult. “Petty insults will not deter me. You know something about this incident. I demand you tell me,” Twilight said, with all the authority she could muster. Shining stepped forward. “Forgive my sister, King Frostmourne. She only fears for the safety of our people,” he said, trying to placate the monarch before them. “Have care how you speak Twilight. We hold no authority here,” Shining advised. Twilight glared at Shining for his intrusion on her conversation with the king. “I apologize for my bluntness King Frostmourne, but we only wish to know how your warriors came to be in our realm. Please cooperate so we can avoid a war before it starts,” Twilight said, more humbly than before. Frostmourne smiled at the mare’s change in attitude. “You only came for answers?” he asked, receiving a nod from Twilight. Frostmourne waved a hoof to his right. A pair of his guards appeared from the shadows, shoving Raindrops and Blossomforth into the middle of the room. Twilight glared at the pair. Dammit. They were supposed to stay out of sight. How could they let this happen? Twilight thought. “Forgive me. I was only trying to be cautious. I meant no disrespect,” Twilight said, bowing her head. “Oh of course not,” Frostmourne replied as the pegasi joined their companions. “Why in all the realms would a member of the Equinsgardian royal family ever do anything to disrespect the defeated king of the hated and feared Windigos,” Frostmourne continued. “It’s not like you tell your foals stories of us to get them to behave is it?” he accused. “Those are only stories for foals. The royal family does not condone their use,” Twilight defended. “They don’t try to stop them either,” Frostmourne spat. “Perhaps if you were kinder, we would have different stories to tell,” Raindrops said, glaring at the king. “Be silent,” Twilight hissed at the pegasus. “I was onl-” Raindrops was cut off. “You were only making things worse,” Twilight, said angrily. Frostmourne laughed. “Oh by all means, let your companion speak her mind. She may be right. If only we were kinder to the ponies that destroyed our home and robbed of us of our greatest treasure, than maybe they would tell good stories of us,” he sneered. “You brought that on yourself,” Blossomforth spoke up. Twilight turned to reprimand her, but was interrupted. “We did not strike a blow to any of your people until after they struck us. We were justified in our retaliation,” Frostmourne argued, beginning to grow angry. “But your invasion of Midgard wasn’t,” Spike countered. Twilight turned to the dragon and glared at him. “That world was made to be conquered!” Frostmourne shouted. Twilight was fed up with this argument. “ENOUGH!” she shouted, gaining the attention of all present. “This is not what we came here to discuss,” she said, glaring at her comrades. She then turned to Frostmourne. “I apologize for my subjects disrespect. They forget their place,” Twilight told him, earning glares from the pegasi. Frostmourne regarded the alicorn. “You wish to know how my warriors escaped the detection of your gatekeeper?” he asked. to which Twilight nodded. Frostmourne grinned at this. “Then it would benefit you to know that there is a traitor in your midst,” he said, with reserved glee. Twilight glared at him. “Who then? Who is this traitor?” she asked. Frostmourne chuckled. “I do not know, but they seem to sympathize with us a great deal,” he said happily. “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “We were never asked for payment. Somepony in your realm gave us a free pass and a chance to reclaim what belongs to us,” Frostmourne informed. Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise. Who would betray us in such a way? she thought, racking her brain for a suspect. “Thank you,” Twilight spoke. “I apologize for our intrusion. We will take our leave now,” she told the king as she turned around. The doors at the end of the hall were slammed shut. “No. You had the audacity to come here, have your warriors sneak about my palace and to top it off you brought one of those fire breathing monstrosities with you,” Frostmourne accused, rising from his throne. Twilight looked at Spike and cursed her own forgetfulness. She should have remembered that the Dragons and Windigos were natural enemies. “I apologize for my lack of foresight, but I promise you Spike means you no harm,” she spoke as a group of Windigos began to approach Spike. The rest of group formed a protective circle around the dragon. Smoke began to pour out from between Spike’s lips “Oh I don’t doubt that, but what do you think your mother would be willing to give up in return for her children and most loyal warriors?” the cold king asked, with a frosty grin. Twilight stood her ground. “I will not let you capture us. If you do not let us leave we will force our way out,” she threatened. Frostmourne’s smile widened. “And then the war can begin anew. I’m sure your mother would be so proud of her arrogant little daughter following in her noble footsteps,” he taunted. Twilight’s anger spiked at the mention of Celestia. “Have care how you speak of my mother. You may insult me as you wish, but it is my sworn duty to protect the All-Mothers honor,” Twilight said, dangerously. Frostmourne’s smile faded. “You dare threaten me child? In my home? You are but a filly, trying to stand with the adults. Go back to your whore of a mother, before I send you back in pieces,” the king threatened, stepping closer to Twilight. Twilight raised Mijolnir threateningly. “I will not warn you again. Do not insult my mother,” Twilight said between gritted teeth. Shining approached his sister, his eyes on the advancing Windigos. “Sister I believe it best we make our exit hastily,” he advised. Twilight regarded him with a glare, but nodded and started backing slowly towards the door, the rest of her companions forming a circle. The Windigos began clearing a path as the group made their way to the exit. Frostmourne watched them closely, searching for a good place to strike. Just as the small band of warriors was nearing the door one of the Windigos smirked at them. “Cowardly little alicorns. Must have learned it from their mother,” he said, laughing. Shining and Twilight both froze at the insult. “Damn,” Shining cursed quietly. Twilight raised Mijolnir and swung, catching the offending Windigo in the jaw and sending him flying into the wall. “Attack!” Frostmourne shouted as soon as Twilight had separated herself from the rest of the group.