//------------------------------//
// Fine to Dine 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Twilight slightly fidgeted in her place as she sat at the long table in the dinning hall while next to her, one rather happy Masquerade calmly had his apple pie in peace. All around them were the same fifteen solar guards, each now looking towards the re-disguised changeling with apprehension.

Just on the other side of her and her coltfriend sat her brother, glaring at the black unicorn as if he was an escaped convict that needed arresting.  Just at the head of the table and to the right of both Twilight and Masquerade sat the celestial sisters, who also eyed Masquerade with some wariness.

The changeling was fully aware of his predicament at the moment, using the really delicious pie before him to hold them off so he could have a moment to think and plan. What he had was a golden opportunity to make a potential alliance with the princesses themselves, and boost the relations with the ponies much quickly.

This also came with risks, as they would have to actually believe his words and think of him as trustworthy. Being changeling didn’t help in that area, nor did the fact his ancestors did cause all sorts of trouble in the past.

What a mess. He sighed internally while looking to them all saying, “Aren’t you going to eat?” Using his fork held in his magic to gesture to all the food on the table.

Nearly all eyes snapped down to the table lined with food of all sorts, snapping back up a moment later as if worried that changeling was going to try something.

Composing herself, Celestia told, “I think we are not as hungry as you are…” Dragging off as if searching for a name.

Giving the princess a strange look, Masquerade said, “You already know my name, why ask for it again?”

“Because Masquerade was the name of the colt that once walked these halls.” Luna spoke while taking some food onto her plate, “We have reason to believe you took his shape after he for no reason vanished six years back.”

With realization coming over her, Twilight said, “Actually, Masquerade here is the same colt.” Garnering the whole rooms attention as she told, “He told me it was a type of traditional training done for young infiltrators.”

Now with all eyes trained on him, Masquerade gulped down his latest helping of pie saying, “It was Mothers idea, and I can‘t say I didn’t like it because I met Twinkles not weeks later.”

Celestia stared at the fake pony for a long while before saying, “You are saying your mother let you stay near ponies as a means to train you, without supervision?” Partially scared of the idea of changelings being able to get so close and appalled at the idea of leaving foals in hostile areas.

“Changelings learn by adaptation that would invoke change and result in benefits.” The heir told while taking another bite and smiling in satisfaction. Gulping that bit down he further told, “She was admittedly scared of leaving me so close to you, but felt it was also the safest place, being right under your nose.”

With a slight scowl, Shinning Armor asked, “I personally what to know what your reason is for being here.” Sending a glare in the changelings direction, “I also want to know what you actually see my sister as.”

With a somewhat scornful glare, Twilight scolded, “Shinning Armor, I already told you what we are.” And moving closer to the stallion next to her, “We have been staying together since his confession, and I plan to keep it that way.”

Masquerade also piped up, “Same here, I chose to be with Twilight because I see much in her, and only wish for the best for her.” Throwing a hoof over her shoulder. With a grin he added, “It also comes with teasing privileges!” Know that Twilight was a tad flustered at his statement.

Shaking her head, Luna told, “I believe you have exercised that right a lot during your visit.” Giving the couple a piercing gaze, “I suppose that you both will continue courting, despite what my sister or I might say?”

Twilight went to say something but found herself cut off by Masquerade who said, “Courting…courting…” Rolling the word over and over in his mouth, then said to Twilight, “I think we should just drop the term dating and go with what Luna said!”

With a surprised look Twilight stuttered, “W-what?” Feeling her blush start to return as the actor went on--

“Twilight and I are courting…yes, it has a nice ring to it!” Masquerade said again, turning to Luna telling, “So yes, Twilight and I will continue to court one another.” Receiving a smack upside his head.

“Your not going to use that in public.” She told sternly to the rambunctious stallion, “I get enough attention as it is just by dating you.”

With a pout, Masquerade said, “But it sounds so much better, c--”

“Don’t you even finish that word.” Twilight threatened with a red face, doing her best to keep her flustered feelings controlled. It was a little embarrassing when telling her teacher, and a little bit with others knowing-- but this was a new level of embarrassment she wasn’t ready for!

Celestia felt torn while watching this, knowing that underneath the outer form of the stallion before her was a changing threat that could be even worse then she had faced. She also felt amusement and somewhat happy at the interaction, showing that they possibly did truly feel for the other.

Clearing her throat, Celestia told, “To get back on subject, I believe Captain Armor had a good point in asking why you are here Masquerade.” Sitting a bit higher as she said this.

Turning a few thoughts over in his mind, Masquerade said, “Well, I‘m here mostly because Twinkles told me I should come.” Then rounded on the said mare saying, “Also, I told you so.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and conceded without any effort in defending herself, “Fine, you win, there was something up and I didn’t see it.”

Giving a nod, the changeling turned back to the white alicorn saying, “There are a number of reasons I am here, one of them being the unification of changelings and ponies.”

“And of the others?” Luna quickly questioned, trying to make sure the changeling didn’t divert away from anything more important.

All waited for Masquerade to say, watching as he just took a moment to think before he told, “Another is that I had an argument with my Mother and my sister, who is the current clan head to the Malek.” Giving a slight look at Twilight before looking back to the sisters he continued, “The other I wish to discuss with Sham, but am wondering if it will be possible.”

With some interest, Celestia asked, “Who is this Sham, and why did you not come to me if you wished to build relations?” Knowing the latter had more then to do with how she and Luna had acted just fifteen minutes beforehoof.

Gesturing around Masquerade told, “I think we know why I didn’t come to you.” Mainly pointing out all the nervous guards that were watching him like hawks. Getting another slice of apple pie, he said, “As for Sham, I‘m sure you all know the Gem Clan?”

With a suspicious look Celestia nodded, “I do, they help keep the economic balance fairly well. I have had the pleasure of working with Midpoint Gem more then once.”

With a smile, Masquerade told, “Congratulations, you know the head of one of the five prominent changeling clans!” Getting shocked looked from all the ponies in the room, “Sham is a first heir, and will be taking up his fathers position at some point in time.”

With wide eyes, Luna asked, “Are you saying that an entire clan of changelings travel our lands daily without our notice!” Seeing the situation even more out of control than she thought.

Seeing the rising panic, Twilight cut in, “The Gem‘s are a clan of traders, working with economics more than anything else…they seem to like us.”

Masquerade nodded while adding, “The Gem clan is more interested in keeping the bits flowing than invasion.” Thinking back to the treasury that had been made by the changeling clan, “Their rich, but are careful in it‘s use.”

Thinking it over, Celestia said, “As much as I find this intriguing, I must ask why you would seek out the Gems for your other matter?” It may have not been her business, but with changelings Celestia knew that all information was better than none. She didn’t want to run the risk of this changeling knowing something that would threaten her little ponies. 

Again the changeling went silent, looking unsure if he should answer or not. He looked down towards his plate, eyes moving about quickly as he thought things out and the options before him.

While the other ponies looked on in some confusion, Twilight knew what he was doing and put a hoof on his back saying, “Mask?” Slightly concerned he was putting so much thought into what to say.

Just glancing to the princesses for a moment, Masquerade turned to Twilight and asked, “Who do you trust, and how much do you trust them?”

Seeing the look of confusion on his mares face, Mask repeated more clearly, “Who in this room do you trust, and how much do you trust them?”

Now understanding that he apparently had something to share with her, and by extension the whole room, Twilight told, “Mask, you can trust my brother and the princesses, what ever it is I‘m sure they will keep it secret.”

Looking about the room of guards, the Malek asked, “And what of them, will they leak anything?” Scanning the guards that stood still as stone.

“If we order it, they will not say a word.” Luna stated, “They are loyal guards, and are professionals in doing as told.”

Giving the room one last once over he asked, “Can anypony hear us in here?” And got a shake of Celestia’s head. Looking to Twilight, the mare nodded for him to go on. With a deep breath he said, “When Sham got back to Pinyville, I was going to talk to him about some clan matters and how they were going…”

Masquerade leaned on the table on his elbows, folding his hooves over the other continuing, “If things got sour, I planed to take drastic measures and inform Twilight and her friends about the situation.”

“What sort of situation?” Twilight asked gently, feeling it was best if she asked rather than the others that could make the stallion back out.

With another deep breath he said, “The clans have become divided on a situation that would spell disaster for the changelings if pull through with it.” Lighting his hirn to cast a light illusion of the five circles that represented the five clans he told, “The Gem and Lue clans are against this decision, while the Willed, Veron and my clan, the Malek, are for it.”

Looking down he told, “It went against my beliefs of a few things, and I argued with my Mother and sister about it.” Staring down at the reflective plate that showed his green eyes peering back through the crumbs of crust from the pie, “I left, telling them I could not be part of something that I would only regret greatly later.”

“What was the decision?” Twilight pushed, trying to ignore all the eyes on her and Masquerade as he told another secret that had yet to be told.

With a sigh he told, “With the constant attacks of the surrounding minor clans, the Queen with the support of Malek clan, the Veron clan and Willed clan, are going to invade Equestria in three months. This will allow them to rebuild their food supplies and hopefully gain more resources and a reputation for being the strongest power in the region.”

The silence that followed was deathly quiet, nopony able to speak at the information just given to them. Despite the shock Shinning was in, he could not help but ask, “Where?” Trying to regain control of his mind that seemed to be in slight panic.

Masquerade shook his head in irritation saying, “I don’t know, that‘s why I need to talk to Sham, to know where they will strike, with how much force and when.” Using his magic to calmly get another slice of his favored pie he told, “For the last two months, I have been trying to make a good impression for changelings.”

Nudging the mare beside him, Masquerade smirked, “Turns out that all I needed to do was let Twilight into my little secret of being changeling to get things moving.”

“I didn’t do much.” Twilight bowed her head a little at the stallions comment.

Shaking his head, the changeling heir told, “On the contrary, if I didn’t bump into you, I wouldn't be here talking to the princesses.” Then tapped his chin also saying, “And Daisy would still be an unknown, just like Roma and Toe-Tapper…And lets not forget the party you threw and gained a number of other changelings respect.”

Celestia blinked to herself, wondering when the surprises for the day would stop as she asked, “Twilight was able to gain the respect of some changelings during a party?” More than curious to know how her student had done that.

Trying to compose herself, Twilight said, “Well, when Masquerade had found out there were more changelings in town we didn‘t know about, he went about making contact with them and being sure they were safe to be around.” 

Taking her coltfriends lead, Twilight took some food herself and started to eat continuing, “After a failed attempt due to some…unforeseen circumstances, I went with Mask to help sort things out. Later on, he would go to a chosen changelings home with one of my friends and make contact. The party was an idea that I had worked up with Applejack, thinking we could get to know them all at once during it.” 

This was when Mask cut in saying, “The bottom line is that none were hostile, and would actually defend the town if they weren’t scared of being hunted down when spotted.”

Both ruling sisters gave looks to the other, almost asking a silent question with the other before Luna said, “We would like to know, why would changelings willing defend our ponies after what has happened?” She and her sister only remembered changeling kind being more savage and at times sadistic with their manipulative skills.

“In the most basic sense, ponies are unlimited source of food and setting up a home with them makes the area their territory.” Masquerade told while playing with some of pie, “It should also be pointed out that if a lone changeling with no clan makes friends with a pony, that pony is the closest thing they have to a clan.”

Holding a hoof up, Shinning Armor asked, “Wait, what does that have to do with defending us ponies in general?” Not understanding the concept completely.

Twilight decided to answer this, using what knowledge she had gleaned form the second heir, “Changelings form into family's that we know as clans, and for a changeling, the clan is everything.” Tapping the faux unicorn beside her, Twilight told, “For example, if Mask was not part of the Malek clan any more, then I would fall into his line of thinking that I was part of his clan because he loves and trusts me so much.”

Masquerade played with the idea of saying something that would be fun to say, but chose otherwise and let Twilight continue on, “Because of this, most changelings form a pseudo clan with a number of friends around them.”

Celestia was quick to put together what her student and the changeling had said together nodding, “Meaning any time those friends are put into danger, the changeling will more then likely come to their defense no matter what.” And turned her gaze to Masquerade asking, “Is that why your looking for this Sham, to find those who might help us when the time comes?”

Masquerade nodded saying, “If you promise not to hunt them on sight, then I might be able to convince the Gem clan to come and help.” Then grinned when saying, “I‘m sure the Lue clan would be more than willing to talk with you.”

With a raised brow, Luna gulped down some food she had taken in while asking, “You have mentioned this Lue clan, but not of who they are.” Wanting to know a little more of their ‘neighbors’ that were in hiding.

Masquerade nudged the mare next to him to talk, taking his time to eat his pie. Twilight gave a small huff, but talked anyways saying, “The Lue clan is a clan of builders, inventors and spell crafters.” Tapping one of the sheaths on Masquerade’s belt, the stallion rolled his eyes and nodded, letting Twilight take up one of his swords.

They all watched as Twilight drew out a sword with blunt sides and a sharpened tip, six holes going up it’s length with a indented line following them. Holding it before them, Twilight told, “Mask made this sword with the help of the Lue clan, crafting it so it can focus and cast magic.”

Shinning Armor eyes scanned the blade asking, “Can I take a look at that?” Directing the question at the changeling that shrugged and went back to his pie.

Seeing as her stallion didn’t seem to care at the moment, Twilight floated the sword over to her brother, who took it up in his own magic. He stood up and stepped away from the table, giving the swords a few swings while also flipping it around. The captain tilted his head, trying to understand how to use magic with it.

Getting up from her own place, Luna walked over to the captain of the guard and nodded to the blade, “May I?”

Complying with her and passing the blade on, Luna took it up by its handle and inspected the sword herself. Adding her own magic to the first hole in the swords, everypony in the room watched as the magic traveled up the length of the sword and fill each hole while filling up and down the indented line.

Luna gave it a swing, watching as her magic trail behind the blade and leave indigo glow as she said, “We have not seen a battle mage sword since our time a thousand years back…” Giving another swing and feeling the hum of magic inside the blade that felt harmonious to her, “Our own blade has grown old and useless during my absence, and I have longed to feel a blade like this…”

“I can always ask Bard and Yellow Jacket to help you make a new one.” The words form Masquerade snapped Luna away from her musing and look to the stallion in question who shrugged, “Their both first and second heirs to the Lue clan, and love making new things.”

Cutting the flow of magic to the blade, Luna sent it back to Masquerade who took it back and asked, “We can understand why the Gem clan would help. But why would this Lue clan help?”

Masquerade sounded completely unsure when he said, “That is a question the other clans have asked, but never found out.” Tapping his chin again while saying, “The Lue have all but integrated themselves into your society to the point that I think their almost willing to show themselves.”

Blinking, the older alicon said, “But if this invasion happens as you say, then that wont happen, will it?” Able to see the same scene play out in the court room again if the Lue clan ever did try to make piece after the invasion happening.

With her mind quick at work with that line of thought while the changeling nodded at her query, Celestia once again asked, “What would it take to ask both the Gem and Lue clan to come here?”

The question made all in the room just stare at the day princess as Masquerade said, “Wait, you want to meet them?”

Giving a stern look to the changeling that made his shift in his place, Celestia told, “You have just told me that my ponies are in danger of an attack, and that there are two possible allies that could help keep them safe.” And looked to Luna saying, “Both I and my sister would agree that measures, risky or not, must be taken to keep our subjects safe.”

Luna added in her own two bits saying, “We would of course be keep our guard around and be wanting to know everything that can be provided.”

Looking between the two, Masquerade said slowly, “I don’t know, I have no clue where the Gem‘s caravan is at the moment, and the Lue will be cautious of even showing themselves.” Taking a some time to formulate a plan that would gather the two clans, “I can get them here, but I would have to go to one of the Lue‘s scouting posts here in Canterlot.”

“I‘m coming with.” Shinning Armor said, “As of right now, I don’t completely trust you.”

Twilight once again went to reprimand her brother, but felt a hoof be placed on her shoulder. Casting a look towards Masquerade sporting a smirk, he told, “Fine by me, trust is earned and not given.”

All seemed to go back to their meals before them, taking that time to think over everything that was learned and how to possibly deal with it. Celestia took a glance at Twilight and Masquerade, watching with some mix of sadness and joy as they seemed to lean into the other while eating.

Just off to the side, the day princess could see her captain giving a disproving look, looking ready to charge in at any given excuse. She could not blame the white stallion, she too didn’t like the situation any more than he did. But, she supposed that a changeling willing to talk and even be honest --for all she could tell-- was better then the silver tongued liars she once knew.





After they all had their fill, Shinning Armor nearly demanded Masquerade to get the message out to the Lue about the meeting both princesses wished for. With some prodding from Twilight, the changeling did as asked and told the captain that only he could come. When asked why, Masquerade told that any more pony guards would just scare the drones working at the scouting post.

Right now, Twilight was walking beside both princesses to head for one of the more lavished chambers to catch up some. But she was constantly asked questions all the while. “And he hasn’t used any magic on you, or maybe try hypnotism?” Luna pressed on her end while thinking back to the mares dream.

With an exasperated sigh, Twilight said, “No Princess Luna, Mask has been very open with me and hasn’t tried to extort me.” Then turned towards her teacher saying, “He might be a bit rude at times, but he does mean well.”

With a somewhat tired look, Celestia nodded, “I am starting to believe you more and more when you say he does care for you.” Putting a wing over her student saying, “But you also can not fault either of our worries for you when dealing with something of his likes.”

Twilight nodded in understanding, knowing that they were right to be at least a little worried. After all, she didn’t do any better the first time Masquerade showed himself. It really did scare me knowing that he wasn’t all that he at first seemed.

“Aunty, their you are!” A voice spoke out and catching mainly Celestia’s attention as a white unicorn stallion with platinum mane and black caller held by a blue bowtie. He made his way up to her saying, “I had just had a chat with a few of the nobles down in the treasury and found that some funds have been misplaced.”

Using his magic to pull up the rolled up document he told, “I came to you to make sure these funds were being moved purposely, or some twit forgot to document their movement.” Taking his eyes off her to find Twilight and Luna. With a small bow he said, “Twilight Sparkle, I certainly didn‘t expect to see you this evening.”

Twilight cringed slightly when she saw the stallion eyeing her some saying, “It wasn’t planned Blue Blood.” Smiling a little, “I was invited here with my coltfriend to come and visit some.”

Giving  a nod, he went to say more but found the document he had being hoofed back as Celestia said, “Thank you for showing me this nephew, I would ask you to make sure there is a proper counting when you get back to the treasury today and locate the funds if you can.”

With a bow to Celestia, Blue Blood turn on the spot while telling Twilight, “If you wish to catch up some, I will be either in the treasury or out in the guardians.” Walking away with a pleasant smile.

Twilight held her own smile until the stallion was no long in sight before dropping it with a sigh of relief. Luna gave the lavender mare a look saying, “Is something wrong Twilight Sparkle?” Turning her attention to where Blue Blood had left, “You normally don’t show to be uncomfortable around our-- or rather my sisters nephew.”

With a nod Twilight told, “Before I read books on how to tell a stallion like a mare or not, I would have thought nothing of his actions.” Shaking off the mental image of her and Blue Blood.

With an amused smile, Celestia told, “Now Twilight, my nephew isn’t that terrible bad, just has some issues to work around.”

With a snort Luna said, “By issues, you mean his ego and stingy attitude when dealing with those of the lower class.” Still a little peeved how he would talk down to some of the servants in the castle. They do not deserve any scrutiny with all the work they do for him. She nodded in thought while they started moving again.

With a thought, Luna asked Twilight, “Does Masquerade treat you well Twilight, we both have seen that he can be…very caring if not a little touchy.”

With a small giggle, the unicorn told, “True, but that was before we started dating.” Smiling while she thought back on his actions saying, “Before that, he would keep his distance a good amount of the time.”

With a smile of her own, Celestia remembered, “I recall that he would look so shy every time you would caudle up to him after you read some large book.” Getting Twilight to blush some and Luna to grin, “Do you have any idea why he let you use him as a pillow back then?”

With a light shrug Twilight told, “I don’t know, he lets me do that even now and doesn’t complain about it…” Scratching her head absently saying, “It could be that it helps him feed off some love and relax when I‘m close…I know that a good kiss makes him go drunk.”

“A kiss can make him go drunk?” Luna asked with a large smile, “Do tell!”

Now feeling her face heat up at her slip up, Twilight looked to Celestia to hopefully deny anything, but found the same spark of interest in her teachers eyes. With a gulp, Twilight said, “Well, the first time it happened was after he confessed to me about his love, so using what I knew of changelings, I kissed him to tell him how I felt.”

She smiled a little as she blushed and told, “He completely lost it and stumbled all over the library while I sent Spike to get some changeling to help with Mask because I thought something was wrong with him.” Giving a small laugh she explained, “It turns out that a strong enough amount of emotions can overcharge a changeling, love causing them to go drunk.”

Both sisters gave giggles themselves while Celestia told, “I remember more then one time I could make a stallion become dazed from a kiss, but this takes it to a new level.”

With a laugh, Luna told, “It seems you have passed on your skills in lovemaking to your student sister!” And making Twilight blush deepen.

With a smile the solar princess agreed, “She is a good learner, so I am not surprised she has learned something more from me.” Leaning her head down some she cooed, “And to improve on it, I‘m so proud!”

Both sisters found themselves smiling at Twilight’s expense, as the young mare bowed her head down to hide her red face from the two older mares. Though she was dating a changeling and was wiling feeding it her love, they still could not help but take advantage of teasing her about her first kiss.

This evening shall be most entertaining! Luna smiled widely as they reached their destination, knowing that the following conversation will be very much fun for them.





The streets of Canterlot were more then not filled with upper-class ponies making their way around the area for fine dinning or better wares. Lampposts lined the sidewalks, having their glass doors opened and closed as their candles were lit for the night that would soon approach.

Shinning Armor, now out of his armor, walked beside Masquerade while looking about for any suspicious looking buildings. The captain of the royal guard felt a little uneasy with the knowledge that a race he did not know of, lived so close to him and never knew about it. It didn’t help his feelings with the knowledge that he was walking right next to mentioned race, yet nopony even batted an eye at them.

Shape-shifters that could be anywhere in sight, and I wouldn’t know it until it was too late. The demonstration Masquerade gave during the scuffle was proof of that, taking the form of one of his guards and making a good disappearing act.

Feeling a nudge to his side, Shining gave an annoyed look to the stallion next to him who said, “Your still not sore over out little fight, are you?”

“No, I‘m not.” Shinning Armor told curtly, only a little angered at being outwitted by the slightly smaller and mostly skinnier stallion next to him.

Rolling his eyes, Masquerade told, “I know your lying, I can literally feel your anger you know.” Seeing an unamused glare, he told, “It‘s true, all my kin can feel emotions from others.”

With a snort the taller stallion said, “So your saying you know what my sister is feeling at all times?”

Looking around himself, Masquerade told, “Only when she‘s close by, but other wise, who knows?” Shrugging to himself adding, “She‘s a special mare you know, doing what she does.”

Seeing the white unicorns questioning look, Masquerade explained, “They trust her. All those at the party have respect for her, but also trust her.” He looked about his surroundings, noting as many things as he could while saying, “She visits them, talks to them and knows them in that sense.”

With a grin he said, “My kin can't do that you know…we see another clan and we see a threat.” Shaking his head as he did, “Twilight might be the key to all of this, not me or the other clan heads, but her.”

Shinning Armor blinked at that, feeling even more confused and asked, “I know my sister is special, but why are you saying she‘s the one that will bring this all together?”

Looking around to see if anypony was looking, Masquerade said in a hushed voice, “I am unlike you Captain Armor, I don’t use shields, honor and chivalry.” Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a raven picking at a stand, being scared off by the owner who was trying to protect his produce. “I use the tricks, backstabbing and deceit to get my work done. But Twilight isn’t like either of us, use to talking than fighting.”

“So your saying that because my sister uses words more then action, she will help things get better?” Shinning Armor said while thinking about it, “I‘ll admit, she can be persuasive at times.”

With a nod Masquerade said, “Point is, your sister is an amazing mare and will get things to work out, with or without my help.” Making a turn on the next road, knowing they were getting close to their destination.

With another look, Shinning Armor asked, “Out of all the mares, why do you go for my sister?” Still suspicious of the stallions reasoning.

Without any thought or hesitation, the black unicorn told, “She‘s the only one I trust.” While the older brother blinked at the answer, Masquerade went on, “She‘s also caring and humble, despite her power and position. She looks at me and doesn’t see a monster, but another pony.”

Giving a grin the smaller stallion also added, “You could say I got a taste of her love then became addicted to it.”

Shinning Armor let out a sigh at the joke while the disguised changeling snickered to himself. He couldn't say he liked the stallion next to him, but he also couldn’t say he completely hated him. I just hope Twily knows what she’s doing. He thought to himself while looking for the scout outpost.

The guard captain could not help but look about the area they had gone into, feeling the atmosphere slowly change into something more energetic. Pubs and inn’s became more noticeable as they reached the main entry way for Canterlot.

“Ah, here it is!” Masquerade called and pointed before himself.

Looking ahead, Shinning Armor felt his eyes widen and hissed out, “Your scouting post is a brothel!”

Raising a brow at the caption, Masquerade said, “What, you thought we‘d hide in something more suspicious?” And waved over to the building, “You can get a lot of information from guests here, and we can get free meals at the same time!”

With a upturned head, Masquerade told, “It‘s both logical and practical.” Making his way towards his destination.

Shinning Armor stood in place, looking about before hanging his head and rushing up to Masquerade saying, “If anypony asks, you tricked me into this place!”

With a grin Masquerade said, “You were drunk and thought you were going to a guy‘s party, while in actuality I was getting you to do some embarrassing poses to use for blackmail.”

While the white stallion glared at him, Masquerade said, “Come to think of it, we better do that just so if anypony asks, we have undeniable proof!”

With along suffering sigh, Shining said, “I hate you.”

The infiltrator snickered to himself and the guardsmen glared ahead of himself while they both entered the establishment





Inside a seemingly old wooden room that was lined with a number of equipment, swords, ax’s and a few instruments, sat one green pegasus stallion leaning on his desk. Before him was a number of papers, some important, and others, not so impotent. He gave a long yawn craned his neck about, getting a number of snaps and cracks before looking back down.

He lifted his hoof to scratch his dirty blond mane while also giving his wings a quick stretch. Relief seemed to wash over him when the door opened and let in two ponies.

One was a withered old grey stallion with small rounded glasses on his face and a braided white mane as well as a red buttoned shirt. The other was a brown stallion, who gave a lazy look over the room before setting his eyes on the pegasus.

With a broad smile, the pegasus cheered, “Sham, my stag, how have you been dude?”

With an irritated look in his eyes, Sham grounded out, “Fine, until I had to stop here.” Unwilling to say ‘it’s’ name or acknowledge knowing the changeling-in-pony-form before him.

Putting a hoof to his chest, the green stallion shook his head saying, “That‘s harsh stag, I worked real hard to make this place all homey and… stuff.” Scratching his head as he tried and failed to find a better word.

With his own suffering sigh, the elder stallion said to Sham, “I know that you want to finish your business with my great grand son, but there is a reason I asked for you to be present when we got here.”

While Sham rolled his eyes impatiently, the other stallion leaned back in his chair saying, “What needs one head of the Lue and first heir to the Gem‘s, gramps?”

“Head of the Gem‘s, Bard.” Sham corrected the pegasus, “My father has been conformed dead, so I‘m now head of the Gem Clan.”

Blinking his eyes slowly, Bard lowered his head saying, “Whoa…sorry dude…that‘s brutal.”

Sham just sighed and said to the older stallion, “Intrusive, please just tell us why you need us both here, I have trades and exchanges to make before I leave for Ponyville.” Not wanting to waste time standing around and get back to Masquerade to give his report.

Lifting a more longer than necessary pipe up, the elder gave a few puffs of smoke saying, “I have received a message from our scouting post in Canterlot just today.” Looking to both clan heads to be sure he had their attention, “Apparently the second heir to the Malek has made contact with the princesses and has gain audience for us to open up talks.”

Both heirs stared at the elder in complete shock and remained silent at these words. Slowly, Bards lips curled into a smile saying, “That is far out!”