I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Inside the darkened room, a lone keeper of time stood at attention and waited as it counted the seconds that slowly went by. It waited ever so patiently before the time was nigh for it to get to work.
The room was then filled with the ever persistent ring of the clock that dutifully did its work to wake up its owner and get a pat on the head for its good work.
Instead, it was grabbed by a hoof and repeatedly smacked into the night stand over and over and over and over. Seeing as this was not stopping the incessant ringing, the foreleg the hoof was connected to, rose up and swung quickly to launch the clock.
With a clang, the small mechanical marvel ceased it’s noise making, causing the owner to sigh in contentment. This was short lived as a few small clicks later, the clock was back with a vengeance, giving off it’s never-ending ringing.
Next door to this home, the neighbors were woken up by a yell of frustration. They got up groggily and looked to their own clock, nodding to themselves that it was time to get up.
Back inside, a somewhat raging Roma Deluge glared down heatedly at the clock as it rang on as if to mock her. With a snort, she roughly picked it up and tapped the button on top, silencing it at long last.
Placing it on her night stand and giving it one last glare she muttered darkly, “One of these days, I‘m going to take you right to Time Turner and have you recycled for parts!”
The clock said nothing, unseemingly fazed by the threat she had given it while making her way to the bathroom for her morning rituals.
Leaning on the counter, the changeling still in pony form glared angrily into the mirror that showed her frazzled state from her sleeping habits of constantly moving. Her coat was all mussed up and her curly brown mane in tangles.
Calming down some, she focused on each detail in full, then to how she normally looked. All at once, a green fire enveloped her form, turning the once messy mare into the everyday normal pony look she had grown to love.
She stood there for minutes, going over what had happened over the course of the week. First was Applejack with that infiltrator, nearly going into interrogation methods to find out if she was a threat or not. After that was a mess with those three changelings and that mare Twilight Sparkle.
She gave a light shiver at that, still remembering those green eyes of fury Masquerade held as he brought the mare up in such a gentile manner. He certainly has the hot’s for her…wonder if she knows? She absently thought before shaking the thought off. As fun as play match-maker was for a changeling, she didn’t want to try it with an heir in the mix.
“Dat would be some scary crap.” She said to herself, shaking her head free of even trying such a idea. The only way that would end would be with her incinerated and her ashes used as fertilizer.
Finding her tooth brush, she began the tedious task of cleaning her teeth. Without the use of magic, seeing as that would be cheating to her, as she was suppose to be an earth mare.
Once she was done with that, Roma headed straight for the kitchen to get something to snack on. Though food wasn’t really needed, she had to admit that ponies were really good at making all sorts of food.
A few knocks stopped her in her tracks, making her wonder who would stop by her house this early in the morning. But thinking on it, it could have been that Durpy mare again with a package.
So turning around, she headed for the front door, grumbling slightly at being bothered so early in the morning.
Grabbing the door handle and opening the door, Roma blinked a few times to make sure she was seeing who she was and asked, “Mind telling me why you’re here marshmallow?”
An indigent splutter of words rolled from Rarity for a moment before she composed herself and tried not to glare, “I hope I didn’t bother you this morning Roma.” Almost growling the name out from the insult, “But Twilight had asked me to inform you of something she had thought up last night at the Apples.”
With only mild interest in what the magical pony was up to, Roma raised a brow expectantly while she waited. The white mare looked about saying, “It would be best in closed spaces and away from prying eyes?”
With a roll of her eyes, she motioned with her head for the ‘marshmallow’ to follow her in. Rarity smiled and gave a polite nod as she passed, missing the ‘I don’t care’ look Rome did while casting her eyes to the side.
Inside, Rarity gave Roma’s home a once over, noting all the pictures of tomato’s on the walls with silver frames. Wait a moment. Giving the frames a closer look, she could see a sharp edge around each one. With a nervous glance around, Rarity noted she was in a room filled with Roma’s Chakrams.
“This is a very…ah…nice collection of photos you have.” She smiled, doing her best to seem calm despite being in a room filled with ring knives disguised as picture frames.
With a shrug Roma said, “It‘s a hobby.” Going straight for the kitchen, “Hungry, was about to grab some grub.” Moving right passed Rarity like she wasn’t there.
Following along the unicorn admitted with a sheepish smile, “Well, I did miss my morning meal, so if it‘s alright with you then I would be delighted.”
“Help yourself.” She told her guest with a slight shrug, “It‘s not like I need the stuff to live.” Walking pass the open door way and right to a cabinet where she got out a pan.
Rarity watch curiously as the changeling mare set to work making her meal, setting the pan on the stove and putting some butter on it while it heated. Without turning around from her task she said, “Go on, snoop around, grab what you want.” Cracking an egg and pouring its contents on the heating pan.
Looking around and spotting a few fruit sitting out she asked, “Are you really fine with that, I don’t wish to impose--”
“See food, take it, eat it.” Roma cut off while flipping her eggs over with a found spatula, “Not like it‘ll last forever.”
Seeing as her host didn’t have any problem with it, the unicorn lit her horn and floated over a nice red apple. Taking a nice bit out of it, she smiled happily at the amazing taste of the Apples produce.
As if remembering something Roma said, “Oh, before you do take anything, you might want to skip on the fruit.” Stopping Rarity from chewing further.
“Ya, they‘ve been there for a while, and I think some bugs got into them.” A horrified look came a crossed the white mares face and she looked to the apple and rushed to the trashcan, spiting out the chewed up bits of apple.
She went to scrape her tough with her hoof, but came to a halt at the up roaring laughter coming from Roma who said, “I-I can‘t believe you fell for that!” Almost falling over as the pranked mare gave a dumbfounded look.
Her laughing stopped when the same apple bounced off her head as Rarity huffed, “Ruffian!” Looking away in a very offended manner. This only seemed to start Roma’s laughter up once again while scooping up her eggs onto a plate.
Looking back to the mare, the unicorn sniffed, “Somehow, your even worse than Rainbow Dash when it comes to behavior.”
With a smirk, Roma told, “Hon, I‘m can be pared with some thugs down in the slums, behavior means nothing to me.” Taking easy bites from her breakfast.
Keeping an eye on the pouting ‘lady’ the tomato vendor said, “Wasn’t there something your purple friend wanted you to tell me?” Taking time to savor the last bits of her meal.
With a suffered sigh Rarity told, “Twilight thought that since the changelings here in town seemed to know some others, that we could throw a party to hopefully bring them together.”
Time passed and Roma did not make a sound. Looking to the mare to see why, the seamstress could see that the other mare was holding back her emotions before they broke like a overfilled dam.
“Y-you mean she--” And lost herself to laughter for a moment, “--she thinks that we can just, what, toss ‘em all in one room and the‘ll be all buddy-buddy!” Continuing her laughter like she was told the best joke.
Seeing Rarity’s unamused look she said, “Oh, your serious.” And sat there for a moment before saying, “Dang, that brood’s got guts, especially after what just happened to her.”
“Yes well, Twilight can be strong willed when it comes down to it.” Rarity smiled, knowing that the lavender mare was tougher than she sometimes looked, “But, I was told to tell you and get your vouch for this gathering.”
Roma sat in thought, rolling over the idea of squishing an unknown number of changelings all in one room and not knowing what would happen. After some consideration she nodded, “I‘m in.”
“Wonderful!” The seamstress beamed, getting up to leave but was stopped by a hoof. Seeing that Roma still had more to say, she sat back down and waited.
Polishing off the last of her eggs, she placed the plate aside and said, “There‘s only two reasons I‘m doing this.” Holing up a hoof she told, “Number one, if this works out, I have to congratulate that mare for doing something this gutsy.”
And slammed her hoof down, saying with a glint in her eye, “Number two, if this falls through badly, then I get a few heads to knock together.”
Rarity mutely nodded, not sure if she should feel relived to have Roma’s willingness to fight for them if things go bad, or disturbed the mare seemed to entertain the idea of causing bodily harm to others.
Getting up again while giving an uncomfortable smile, Rarity excused herself and made for the door saying, “It‘s in three days at the Apple‘s barn. See you soon!” Leaving out the door with some hast.
Now alone in her kitchen, Roma twiddled with her plate a bit before smirking to herself, “You know, I might like this whole crazy idea that backstabber came up with.” Already planning a visit to Rarity’s home to help with preparations for the party.
Rarity took her time to sew the magenta fabric that would be the stage curtain and hummed happily to herself. In the next two days would be the party, so she had plenty of time to finish her part of the work.
A small rumble of hooves made her ear flick slightly as her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, trotted in saying, “Rarity, somepony’s here to see you.” And looked behind herself saying more quietly, “Somepony strange…”
Turning to her younger sister she said, “Now Sweetie Belle, it‘s unbecoming of a young lady to make such comments about guests.” Taking her glasses off and setting them to the side.
“Sorry.” She apologized, only to quickly point out, “But she just seems so…” Dragging off to find the right word.
Holding a hoof up she said, “hush now, I don’t want to hear it.” And moved passed the younger sibling, “I‘m sure they are just here to find some wears to…” Slowly coming to a stop when she spotted who her sister had met.
Looking away from one of Rarity’s dresses, Roma smiled saying, “Hey Marshmallow, I have to say, some of these look pretty fancy.” Poking the artistic creation with some curiosity.
Giving a look to her sister she whispered, “I retract what I said, this pony is a different matter.”
Looking back to the fashion designer, the vendor asked, “Why, are you talking about me with my back turned?” Smirking as she did.
“Roma, what do I owe this…surprise visit?” Rarity smiled, walking over to the more rougher pony in a welcoming way.
The changeling wasn’t fooled, but gave credit to the mare for trying to hide her feelings with the pleasantries. Walking up to the other mare, she told, “Oh nothing really, I just happen to be around and thought to maybe give a hoof with helping with your part.”
Darting her eyes about she said nervously, “There is no need for that dear, I have everything perfectly under control here.” Trying to politely turn down the help.
Now close enough, the mare nudged Rarity with an elbow, “Come on now, we‘re friends right, I‘m sure there’s some sort of help ya need?”
The seamstress could only look on in uncertainty at the other mare before her. It was true they got along, but she didn’t recall reaching friend status with her. Then again, why am I so reluctant to have her as one? She questioned, not finding a reason but for the… lack of decorum and mannerism the mare had.
“Well.” Rarity started, coughing into her hoof to clear her throat, “I can’t say I need any aid at the moment, perhaps later when I’m moving the curtain?”
With a raised brow, Roma looked to a almost forgotten unicorn filly saying, “Your sis isn’t much for being helped, huh kid?” The older mare watched Sweetie Belle only shake her head, seeming to thinking it better not say anything at the moment.
“I would ask that you don’t mix Sweetie Belle with a young goat.” The elder sister sniffed, felling a tad offended.
With a roll of her eye Roma told, “Foal, kid, does it matter?” Shrugging as she did, not in the least caring what the two thought, “Both are younglings in the same sense to me.”
Poking her sisters side, Sweetie Belle asked, “Rarity, what’s a youngling?” Not recalling the word form the dictionary she liked to brows through every now and then.
Not giving the mare a chance, Roma told, “Basically, a foal.” Deciding to go look around the shop a bit more.
With a glare Rarity told, “It is considered rude to answer a question given to another, Roma.” And watch the mare give a amused smirk.
“Kid got her answer in the end, didn‘t she?” Heading for the door, “Well, I don’t seemed to be welcomed her for now, later.” Leaving with a airy wave of her hoof.
After she left, Rarity played with the idea of going back up and finishing the curtain she had been tasked with. But the final words Roma left with did make her feel a little bad for being…less par then usual.
Huffing in frustration, she headed for the door saying, “Now that I think of it, I might go and do some shopping.” Walking out the door to find one smirking Roma.
Closing the door with control calm, she gazed at the mare before her stating, “You planed this, didn’t you.”
“Maybe.” Was all the tomato vendor gave while turning around, “Now get your butt in gear, I‘ve got plenty to say.”
With a suffering sigh, Rarity followed along saying, “Fine, but I have a few stops to make.”
“That’s not what happened!” Rarity nearly shouted to the mare next to her, “You didn’t come to my shop to help, you barged the door in saying you were there to annoy me!”
All the changeling at the party looked on in both fascination and confusion of the interaction of the two mares before them. Roma was just telling them what she and the mare next to her had been doing for the last three days with enthusiasm.
Rarity kept interrupting with actual facts that made sense.
“Fine, so I came in to bug you, so what?” She said, taking a large gulp of her punch, “Not like you mind, I don’t think you heard half the words I said.”
Giving a pointed look, the unicorn told, “I would disagree, after all I did take up your suggestion on these golden accessories.” Holding herself up more to show off the golden rings that adorned her head, neck and hooves. This got the oh’s and ah’s from the surrounding changelings that seemed to like the fashion idea.
Rolling her eyes, Roma spotted something worthy of interest to her. With another smirk working its way onto her muzzle she told, “Whateve‘ just don’t let the glamour go to your head, okay Marshmallow?”
With wide eyes, Rarity turned around and yelled, “I thought I told you to stop calling me that!” Quietly seething to herself as the mare walked off towards the food table.
Composing herself, she turned back around to the shocked faces of all the changelings and pleasantly saying, “Now do tell me, what is changeling fashion like?”
Roma gave a snort of amusement at that last bit before getting to far to hear. She liked to be around Rarity, if not for the company then to tease her.
She now understood why that infiltrator did it so much with that unicorn of his, it was so fun watching a pony’s reaction. Granted, she was implying something about the mares looks, but this only further showed how vain the mare was and furthered her own amusement.
Seeing her target in sight, she picked up her pace and circled around the table. Once in position, she waited for her target to get close enough. She smiled at the young teen that was sneaking away from the infiltrator and his mare as they talked to two commons she didn’t know. Apparently Masquerade was tracking him but didn’t seem to show any indication of trying to stop the smaller heir.
His eyes flicked up to her and then to the youngling before turning back to his current conversation. Apparently the big bug wants me to keep an eye on the kid. Rome thought, looking down at the scrawny teen that was doing his best to seem incognito as he was. That’s sad…so sad it’s not even funny.
She waited patiently for the heir to come closer to her, all the while he was casting a look back to the group to make sure he wasn’t spotted, “Hey kid.” And yelped in shock with being addressed.
Scrambling a bit and trying to cover up his embarrassment, he looked up and scowled some at the changeling before him saying, “What do you think your doing common?”
With a board look and a raised brow she said, “I should be ask‘n you the same thing kid.”
“I am not a small goat!” He snapped hotly to the mare before him.
With a shrug she told, “Your words, not mine kid.” Only further adding to his growing irritation that came off him. True it didn’t taste all that great, but it felt good to finally talk down to an heir. This was a golden opportunity she could not pass up.
With a glare he said, “I will have you know, common, that insults to me will have consequences.” Puffing up his chest and looking the part of nobility.
Brats got a pair to be all superior like that, Roma thought with a risen brow. Or stupid, could be he’s that too, another part of her mind worked out.
Poking, or rather shoving the small heir she challenged, “Then back it up pipsqueak, words aren’t going to cut it.” Striding past the now subdued heir that looked on a gap.
“You would dare talk to me like that!” He called to her, trying his best to keep his composure at being brushed away.
With a roll of her eyes she said, “I just did, genies.” Making her way to Daisy and leaving a grumbling heir who looked on in disdain.
She didn’t make it five steps before she felt someling tug at her tail to make her stop. With a patricianly angry look, she rounded on who would of done it, only to stop herself from yelling when she didn’t spot the offender instantly.
“Down here you common!” Came the now annoying voice below where Roma could see the tip of the young heirs horn.
Looking down with faux surprise she said, “Oh, their‘s the perv who pulled on my tail.” Smirking at his flustered feelings, “Didn’t see you there at first pipsqueak.” Those feelings quickly turned to scorn as he scowled up to her.
Breathing out a overly angered air from his nose, he ground out, “I am first heir to the Frisk Clan, Trace.” And gave the most anger filled glare he could muster, “And I demand that you show me the proper respect--”
Shoving a hoof to his mouth she interrupted, “And I‘m Rome of the Deluge Clan, bla-bla-bla, was there a point for you tug on my tail brat?” Still irked that the younger changeling had the gall to actually pulled on her tail.
Gritting his teeth he told, “I‘m challenging you!” Letting his cat-eyes glow fiercely as he could get them to.
He waited for what seemed like forever as Roma just stared at him with a few other changelings that were in earshot. The tense moment was short lived, as the older changeling began to snicker before it turned into full out laughter.
“This is serious you brood, I’m challenging you!” He stomped his hoof, trying to show some form of control over the common before him.
Still laughing at the turn of events she said, “You, challenging me?” Still in a fit of giggles, “How old are you pipsqueak, because I don’t think your old enough.”
Thinking for a moment he decided to try playing on her pride, “What‘s wrong, scared of being beaten by someling younger than you hag!” To his increasing annoyance, this only seemed to increase her laughter.
“Scared of you?” She question calming down, “Listen hun, your cute with the whole tough guy act, but there are others more scarier then you in this place.” Seeing a disbelieving look she said, “Don’t believe me huh?”
Shaking his head, the vendor sighed and looked around before spotting both Ivory and Ebony in their changeling bodies and hanging next to Mac. Pointing to the she said, “See those two?”
Looking in the direction of her pointing hoof Trace asked, “The two lovely heirs right?” Eyeing them some.
Rolling her eyes at him she told, “Ya shorty, those two lovely heirs.” Then added a warning tone to her voice, “Though, you better not try anything with them kid, they are pretty attached to that stallion.”
Ignoring his look of shock she went on, “But that’s not the reason I pointed them out.” And gave him blank look, “Thing is, just one of them is more scarier then you are, and they aren’t even the big-bad-bug here.” To this she looked past the small heir to the more taller one with Twilight.
Following her gaze, Trace spotted the heir from earlier that had caused him some discomfort to be around, “You mean the walkin‘ scarecrow?” Not that he would admit it, he had an image to keep.
Looking down at Trace, she smirked a bit saying, “Scarecrow?” Then back up at the heir saying, “Fit‘s him, don’t it?” And chuckled some, “Oh, I think I‘ll keep that one, thanks for the idea pipsqueak.”
With an indignities yell he demanded, “Stop calling me that!”
Giving his head a rough noogie, she told, “But it fits you so well!” Getting another idea in her head, “But if you hate it so much I can always call you shrimp, shortcake, cupcake, tinny, flea--”
“Are you deaf as you are old!” He yelled, finally losing all patients with the mare, “So are you going to take up my challenge or not?” All this had was the desired result to pull in every changeling or pony that could hear them, and then some as others followed the curious crowd.
Roma gave the smaller changeling a disapproving look and shook her head, “Listen kid, you have guts I‘ll give ya that, but I don’t think I could even if I wanted.”
Trace narrowed his eyes and continued to glare, tiring to intimidate the stubborn common, “And why, pry tell, is that?” Advancing to seem more threatening.
“Because I would not allow it.” Trace’s advance came to a stop at the voice of the taller heir who also had a disapproving face. Next to him was Twilight, looking on with some curiosity and concern for the younger heir. Close by stood Ivory and Ebony, each ready to move at the signal given by their cousin.
Walking towards the younger heir with Twilight trailing slightly behind, Masquerade said, “I have been talking with your guardians and have come to realize that they don’t know how to tend to an heir, only protect.”
Both green eyes burrowed into Trace’s own, giving the young changeling a distinct feeling of being plucked apart by the older heir, like some would to a fly’s wings, “You are the first and only heir to the Frisk Clan, yet you do not know how to behave as proper candidate.”
Roma deciding not to be part of this, began to back away from the two. She came to a complete halt when his eyes turned to her, freezing her in her place, “Though I have no authority over you, I suggest you at least use some manners while in public like this, Roma.” She nodded but didn’t move from her spot.
Turning back to Trace he asked, “Tell me first heir Trace, why do you keep falling to Roma‘s taunts?” Walking up so he was towing over the young teen, “Is it self worth, a chance to prove yourself, to show your superiority over others?”
The first heir didn’t know how, but he had soon found himself cowering under the stern look the more older heir was giving him. The only time he was ever under such a scrutinizing gaze was with his parents, his original parents before their death. He looked around for help for his two guardians help, but didn’t see them in sight.
Where are they? He panicked, still darting his eyes around, why aren’t they doing anything! And looked back up to the still waiting Malek that only had a blank…everything. It scared the smaller changeling to know he couldn’t taste any emotion from the tall heir, giving him nothing to go by.
The tension was high as the currently strongest heir was looking down on more weaker one. Both guardians wished to intervene, but were scared of the consequences that it would cause. It was obvious to them that Masquerade was not to be crossed, and only seemed reinforced with how he seemed to demand respect from just being in the area. It did not help to know he was part of one of the five prominent clans.
“Masquerade.” A lone voice pierced the silence that had fallen in the room, “I don’t think this is the way to go about this.” As Twilight walked around Masquerade and stood next to the smaller heir.
Turning his cat-eyes to Twilight, he said with a warning tone, “Twilight.”
Flinching, but holding her ground at his piercing gaze she asserted, “He‘s lost his clan, you said yourself that it can‘t be easy.” Looking down to the surprised Trace she went on, “Can you blame him for being scared, for missing his parents and trying to hold on to what connect him with them?”
Trace looked away, trying to hide the fact he wanted to cry at that, or show any sort of what he thought was weakness. After all, he was a first heir and had to hold the appearance of being one. But why defend me? He questioned to himself at the mares actions.
“That is no excuse.” The changeling heir told coldly, “He needs to get it into his head that he can‘t just strut about like he owns everything he see‘s.” Letting his wings open up beside him to add some more intimidation on instinct.
It had the desired effect on Twilight, as she felt the urge to back away. But once again she surprised him by holding her ground and further saying, “That maybe true, but maybe helping him would be better than bullying him!” And took a step towards Masquerade, body shaking with adrenalin rushing through her body and giving he the urge to run.
All changelings looked on in shock that this mare, a pony for that matter, was willingly going toe-to-toe with an heir. In their numbers, the other element bearer’s shoved, moved or flew over the changelings to get to Twilight’s side, worried for their friends safety around Masquerade for once.
Rainbow Dash was the first to get through, having a distinct advantage with her wings, “The eggheads right you know.” Crossing her hooves and hovering closer to them, “You can‘t just bully others into behaving and stuff.”
Turning his gaze to the flying pony, Rainbow’s confidence seemed to plummet on the spot and drift back some as if hit by a physical blow. She now understood why Rarity and Applejack said looking at him scared them. Both eyes that always held some form of mischief or amusement were now filled with some form of malice that told her to either back away, or suffer the consequences of making him even cross.
“Mask!” The unicorn called, bringing the heirs cat-eyes to her adrenalin shaken body, “I‘m asking you to please, just take it easy.” And took a breath to calm herself, “I don’t know if this is some tradition or your way of living, but even you must see this can only make things worse.”
Masquerade stared at Twilight, trying to puzzle out how correct she was. On one hoof, this youngling needs discipline and be taught to not be arrogant with his potential power. This was his first thought, the one dominated by natural instinct of how a changeling conducts teaching methods to the younger heirs.
On the other hoof, I can’t make an example that power is what is required to achieve success, but sometimes careful control. The was his more logical mind at work, reminding him that any hostility can not only reflect badly on him, but cause all the changelings to fear him rather then trust.
Looking down at the young heir, he noted that he had moved himself more towards Twilight, perhaps feeling it was safer near her than anywhere else. He is still young despite being at a teen age, and it would only be natural for him to try and assert his claim as first heir. He sighed, softening his gaze as he looked up to Twilight.
The mare in question could hear her heart beating at a fast pace, preparing her body for the fight or flight response that would occur at a moments notice. She would be at admittance that she was scared of her old friend now. She may had faced threats on varying levels, but she hadn’t faced one the likes of him, being a trained killer and assassin by his own admittance.
So when he looked at her, she felt her body relax a little at his much softer gaze saying, “I suppose your right.” And nodded slowly while the surrounding changeling observers eyes seemed to bug-out at the scene, “Mercy and kindness needs to be exercised just as much as discipline and strictness.”
Training his eyes on Trace, he told, “I may not take any action because of Twilight‘s intervention.” Watching as the changelings body relax some, “But know that the Malek did not come to be known as great leaders because we are born to be, but taught to be.”
Looking back up to Twilight, he gave a smile and nodded to her, turning around and leaving them so he could think on what had just happened. Putting up his disguise, he made for the smaller barn door and exited out, closing the door behind himself.
As soon as it clicked closed, he could hear and feel the buzz of amazement and wonder inside, knowing that Twilight had just effectively put the ponies in an even greater light and possibly secure an alliance of sorts. After all, defending one of their own kind earned points, but defending one of their own kind while fighting against something they feared gained respect.
You truly are an amazing mare Twilight, worthy of being called a Malek. He stopped walking after reaching the first hill past the main gate, sitting down and looking up to the clear sky full of sparkling diamond like stars. With a smirk he thought, you are like a north star really, guiding others to what is right, than what should be done.
He sat there in thought for a time, just admiring the night sky in all its glory. It wasn’t sudden or fast, but he felt the steady growth of emotions draw near to as a voice spoke out, “I wanted to thank you for hearing me out.” And seated themselves next to him, “I was a little scared you wouldn’t listen.”
With an amused, yet soft smile Masquerade said, “It should be I that be saying thank you Twinkles.” Turning his gaze back down to the world around him, particularly to one lavender mare, “If anything, you might have stopped me from making a mistake.” Looking back up to the sky. Ever since the night princesses return, the night sky has never looked better, he absently thought to himself.
Twilight looked to the infiltrator who was admiring princess Luna’s work asking, “Why do you say that?” Wondering why he would say such a thing.
“If I did what I was thinking, I might have put a wedge into them, make them fear me and possibly each other.” his face morphed into one of remorse saying, “I could have made things worse and driven them in trusting each other out of fear then in unity.”
Looking to her with a smile of gratitude Mask told, “Then you came in, scared but willing to stand up to somepony you knew had the ability to harm you.” And put a hoof on her shoulder, “You became a beacon to them.” Then grinned to himself, “A north star to follow, as you were willing to put yourself in harms way for another.”
Twilight felt her cheeks flush some at the praise that he didn’t seem to stop on, “You did what I nearly wrecked, unite them through trust, and gained their respect because of it.”
With a curious look he asked, “By the way, why are you out here with me? The only reasons I‘m here is because I‘m no party pony and needed to think.” And tasting her feelings to decipher the reason for her being outside.
With another blush Twilight told, “I‘m not exactly big on the whole praising thing.” Scuffing her hoof in the grass as she did, “And I wanted to see if you were okay after that…”
Humble and caring, is there nothing that I can’t seem to like about you? The black unicorn thought amused, “Well, as you can see I‘m fine and fit!” giving his signature grin as he did. Looking up he said, “Also, it‘s a rather nice night. I think I might just stay out here and stargaze.”
With a smile of her own she asked, “Do you mind a little company?” Looking up to the breathtaking portrait made in the heavens.
“Not at all Twinkles.” He told, feeling her lean on him and relax some to enjoy the sky with all the creatures of the shadowy night, “Not at all…”