I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Masquerade sat in place, glaring down at the cup on the table with some impatient anger. Just above him was the libraries second floor, where upon Twilight, her friends and the drone were now.
To his right, Toe-Tapper calmly took a sip of his cup filled with fruit juice, sparing only a small glance to Masquerade and commenting, “Your looking awful tense over a drone.” Getting a slight glare from the heir.
With a smirk, Roma played with one of her chakrams saying, “Give the guy a break, he‘s just worried about his brooder.” Spinning the circular blade on the tip of her hoof.
Feeling two eyes on her, Roma looked over to the heir that was glaring at Toe-- was now glaring at her with disproving eyes. With a light gulp she added, “I‘m sure she‘s fine, you taught her a lot about us after all, right?”
Keeping his two eye on the mare a bit longer, Masquerade let out a sigh nodding, “Your right, Twilight can take care of herself.” Taking up his own cup of fruit juice saying, “Especially with her friends, a drones no match for all six of them.”
With a light snort, Roma told, “I can agree to that, especially after the whole Nightmare Moon fiasco.”
Masquerade absently nodded, looking at his floating cup thinking, so the reports were right, and the elements do have bearers. He recalled Celestia mentioning the Elements of Harmony during their meeting, but not mentioning how they could be used. Twilight never really touched on it, either thinking he already knew, or was told to keep it secret. The latter of which, seemed less likely as most of Equestria had something about ‘Element Bearers’.
The real question he kept asking himself was how he missed such crucial information. Possible that it was there, but never bothered to seek it out, he admitted, knowing that he had plenty of chances to do the same when seeking combat magic. But I always seemed to have something more ‘important’ to do… He would ask Twilight about the Elements later, but for now Masquerade would wait.
All heads soon turned to the stairs as Rarity made her way down and headed for the kitchen, a pleased smile on her face while she passed the three changelings. Looking to one another as the mare passed them up, Roma asked the one question on all their minds, “Hey Marshmallow, how‘s things working out up there?”
Masquerade hid his amused smile by taking another drink, Toe-Tapper apparently doing the same to keep from laughing at his fellow pony-tone. Rome however, did nothing to hide her smirk, taking in bit of Rarity’s irritation as she did.
With a well made façade, Rarity pleasantly told, “Rather swimmingly actually, things were rocky at the start, but Quip is warming up to us.” Going into the kitchen and missing the traded looks the changelings gave one another.
“You were able to get the drones name?” Masquerade questioned aloud before glancing up at the ceiling saying, “Maybe things can work out.”
Peeking out from the kitchen she was in, Rarity told, “Don’t be so pessimistic darling, things will work out just fine.” Going back in as a whistling from a teapot was heard.
Putting his cup down and moving some to look into the kitchen, Toe-Tapper said, “Sorry, but you have to understand that drones like this Quip, often panic easily when alone.”
Rarity soon came back out, using a tray to help carry a few cups, the tea pot and some snacks, telling, “That maybe Toe-Tapper, but that does not mean things will not work out in the end.” Passing the trio of changelings.
Making her way up the stairs, the mare stopped and added, “Also, Twilight asked for more time with Quip, the poor dear seems quiet shaken after Masquerade‘s actions.” The mentioned heir didn’t look bothered by the mares words, apparently being indifferent about the situation.
Seeing as she got no reaction form the stallion, Rarity went back to climbing up the stairs, leaving the three changelings to themselves as she delivered the tea and treats. The seamstress frowned at the stallions lack of reaction, apparently not caring what happened to Quip.
I hope he does not hold this grudge for too long, can’t have him scare Quip any more than she already is. Shaking her head some at her thoughts on the matter. When she came to the next floor, Rarity put on a smile calling, “I‘m back girls.” Setting the tray down on the table.
The white mare, along with her friends, watched as Pinkie Pie teach pat-a-cake to Quip. The changeling had taken an interest in the small rhyme, enjoy how it sounded like a song, as well as playing with another.
They soon started their game, clapping their hooves with the other while saying each line. “Pinkie‘s talent for making others happy seems to work wonders.” Rarity observed, as the two repeated the rhyme at a more faster pace.
Rainbow nodded to that, watching as Fluttershy went on and joined the two, making a more complex three-way game, “I have to say, half an hour ago she was more terrified than Shy, but now she‘s like…” The pegasus couldn’t seem to find the word, watching as the changeling quickly adapt to the changing game.
“She‘s like a little filly, is what she‘s like.” Applejack told, trying to keep pace with the three in their clapping game, “Willin‘ t‘ trust ya fully once they give it.”
Twilight thought about that, recalling Masquerades telling about drones in general and saying, “That‘s because mentally speaking, they are.” Getting a number of confused looked from her friends.
Seeing as she needed to explain further, Twilight told, “According to Masquerade, changeling drones lack the ability to be more mature like commons or heirs. But this allows them to be more creative, and some times learn more quickly.”
What the lavender mare had said seemed to be reinforced as Fluttershy stopped playing with the two, as Pinkie Pie made more complex and faster clapping motions. Despite the sudden changes, Quip seemed to keep pace, laughing along as she went about the challenge with excited fun.
“They might not be as strong or smart as a changeling common, but with their quick adapting --coupled with their huge numbers-- drones make an excellent work forces.” While saying this, Twilight did her best to keep track of her pink friends motions, finding them near random and rarely with a pattern. “Mask also told me that because of their childlike demeanor, they will more than not, get along with others very well.” Twilight added, almost as an after thought.
Watching the drone play with Pinkie Pie also made Twilight question something about the invasion that was to come. She knew the changeling drones attacking would be adults, and be somewhat familiar with battle. But seeing Quip and her actions right now, Twilight questioned the idea of putting them through that.
Another cultural difference? She questioned to herself, not sure how to take the information in her mind. Before, she was indifferent about it, trying not to be base about changeling culture in general. This was shaken as she watched the changeling drone before her act so… Innocent… like a foal.
Deciding to put the thought in the back of her mind for the time being, Twilight told the two mares and drone, “Pinkie, Fluttershy, Quip, why don’t you both join us for some snacks?” This snapped the three from their game, giving smiles and getting up so they could join the group for some tea and snacks.
Giving a look around the room with the six ponies, Quip could safely say she trusted them enough. They didn’t push for any information, and spoke softly and sincerely. She liked Fluttershy a lot from her soft speech, and like Pinkie Pie more because of the joy she gave off. And the games, she added with a smile, taking up a tea cup offered to her, I like Pinkie’s games.
Quip could not say she liked the one named Rainbow Dash, but that was only because of her more forward actions. She quickly got use to this though, remembering that some commons acted the same. Applejack was nice enough too, she supposed, and definitely felt she could trust.
Quip wasn’t sure what to make of Rarity though, being polite and using very drawn out words. She didn’t see the reason to use so many different words to explain something or a situation. It makes my head hurt a bit, the changeling concluded, not use to the fancy words the mare used.
Then there was Twilight Sparkle.
Turning to look at the mare, Quip was not sure how she should feel about the mare in question. While it was safe to say the lavender unicorn didn’t hate her, but was at least wary. Quip wasn’t sure if she should be sorry or not, after all, ponies that knew of changelings were a high risk and had to be dealt with.
But was it wrong to do it the way Spite had asked us? It was a question she had asked herself more then once after Flick had cocooned the mare. She was further unsure when Spite continuously fed off her, to the point Flick yelled at his fellow common at one point. Then Spite went on to remind them both, that he was in charge of their scouting group, not her or Flick.
Feeling a hoof rap on her shell, Quip was pulled from her thoughts as Pinkie Pie called, “Pinkie to Quip, Pinkie to Quip, do you come in Quip?” Turing to give Pinkie Pie a confused look, unsure how to take the action.
Giggling at the changelings confused face, Pinkie said, “Something on your mind Quippy?” Tilting her head and smiling innocently.
Blinking and looking around, she could tell all the ponies were looking towards her, apparently aware of her staring at Twilight. Bowing her head, Quip said almost as quietly as Fluttershy, “Sorry.” Embarrassed at being caught staring.
“What ever for?” Rarity asked, taking a small sip of her tea and continued, “Staring maybe a bit impolite, but its nothing to be too ashamed over.” Giving a warm smile to the changeling and telling, “You obviously have something on your mind, perhaps sharing it might relive your mind of it?”
Nervously looking about, the drone told, “I don’t know…I don’t want to get in trouble.” Knowing that sharing information of any sort could be considered bad. If Spite found out, he would lash me twice over! She thought with a slight whimper at the thought.
With a gentle hoof place onto Quips shoulder, Twilight told, “We wont tell anypony outside this room, right girls?” Turning to the assembled ponies around the table. With their own smiles, they all nodded in agreement in hopes to help the changeling relax a bit more.
Quip shuffled in place, looking at the collective of friendly looks and already knowing they meant it. Still, the changeling shrunk down some saying, “It‘s about how we first met.” Feeling the rise in apprehension forming from Twilight, “And how Flick tricked Twilight…”
Despite her own feelings on the subject, Twilight knew it had to be talked about. None of them really knew the reason for the three changelings being in Ponyville in the first place, so this was a good time as any to find out.
“I know it had to be done, but I don’t know if it was right, even if the Flick said it was right to cocoon Twilight.” Quip kept her head down, already able to feel some anger or disappointment from the others, while saying, “But when Spite started to take more from her then necessary, Flick complained.”
The drone shivered in place, recalling the lead changelings challenging voice, “He reminded us both he was in charge, and if we didn’t listen to him, we would get punished.”
“Your confused if it was right holding me against my will?” Twilight asked, seeing the changeling nod with some fear. With a sigh, the mare told, “No, it wasn’t right, but you had a reason to do it.”
Her friends gave surprised looks at Twilight, wondering why she would even accept anypony doing such a thing. Twilight however, stayed firm and said, “Masquerade is the one who rescued me from the cocoon I was in, and he had explained to me more then once your reasons.”
With everything she had learned from Masquerade and the history she had gotten from the princesses, Twilight completely understood why Quip would be confused, “You were scared of being found out, of losing your friends, family and clan. This is why it would be seen as right, because you were protecting your people.”
“But that’s where it also is wrong, as your also possibly taking a pony away from their friends and families.” Twilight sadly said, wondering how many ponies were taken away in such a manner, “It was further wrong for you, Flick and no doubted this Spite to drain away what made me who I was.”
Quip shrunk again at the firmness in Twilight’s voice when she mentioned the draining process. She didn’t understand it too much, but knew that taking too much from a pony was bad. She didn’t think it would change them, but also didn’t think it would make them less then they were.
With both hole-filled ears plastered to her head, Quip lowered herself to a more submissive position saying, “I‘m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you!” Feeling the need to be surrounded by her fellow drones.
Twilight was taken back but the sudden submissive behavior being shown, and felt a little unsure on how to proceed. As much as she knew, this was sill the lavender unicorns first time dealing with a changeling drone, and one that was supposedly unfriendly.
Thinking back to what she did know, Twilight chose a new set of actions and moved from her seat to Quips side, lowering herself next to the changeling, calmly telling, “I‘m not angry at you Quip, just upset at what had happened. So I‘m sorry if I scared you.” Rubbing the drones back like the changeling was a filly instead, “But I accept your apology anyways.”
“So, your not angry at me?” Quip asked to be sure, not knowing how to take in the calmness Twilight was giving off.
Feeling another hoof gently rub her back, the changeling turned her head to find Fluttershy smiling down and tell, “You did what you did to protect those you love, so I can agree with Twilight that you had your reasons.”
Rubbing the back of her head, Applejack looked to the drone and told, “I know where Twi‘s goin‘ with this too.” Gathering everyponies attention, “Ivory an‘ Ebony keep tellin‘ us the clans everything t‘ them, just like how family‘s everythin‘ t‘ us Apples.”
So with a smile, Applejack told, “So you don‘ need t‘ worry none ‘bout tha‘. We understand.” And gestured to all her friends in the room.
With a slight frown, Rarity could not help but say, “I don’t mean to out a downer on things, but what about Masquerade?” Remembering how the heir acted both before in the first floor, and when he was tending to Twilight. He has made it explicitly clear that he loathes these other changelings for what they did.
From her place next to Quip, Twilight could feel the slight shakes in the changelings body, telling the mare that she was still very much scared of the heir. Continuing to rub her hoof on the chitin back and carefully over the gossamer wings, Twilight said, “I‘ll deal with Mask, so don’t worry about him.”
Still shaking, Quip asked, “But wont that get you in trouble?” Knowing that heirs usually took the position of being in charge. The idea of a pony being in charge of an heir confused her.
With a giggle, Pinkie Pie told, “Nope, not one bit!” Giggling further at the changelings confused look, telling, “Twilight is Masquerades fillyfriend, so she‘ll be ok.”
When Quip heard this from the pink mare, her jaw dropped, already trying to make sense of what she was told. Fillyfriend, as in, together! She would understand if the heir was protective of Twilight as a food source, or maybe something to use to gain something, that what most infultrators did. But this was not what she would think one of them would do!
When she went still, Twilight poke the drone, not receiving any response from her actions. With a snicker, Rainbow said, “I think you broke her Pinkie.”
Masquerade was no stranger to waiting. Being an infiltrator called for patients so they could play the waiting game when they had targets to eliminate. He had done this on multiple occasions, always stalking his targets and waiting for the right time to strike.
This time, however, he had somepony close to him talking to their once foulnapers. It was understandable he was a bit antsy with knowing what was happening upstairs, and how the situation was playing out. Twilight assured him she would be fine, and the changeling commons also assured him things would be fine.
Still didn’t stop him from being worried.
Though Masquerade had closed off his emotions, Roma could tell by his focused gaze at the stairs that he was still worried. Rolling her eyes, Roma told, “Glaring at the stairs aint going to speed things up for your mare, love bug.” Tapping the table saying, “Join me and Tappy here in our talk.”
Making only the slightest glance, Masquerade told, “No thanks, I‘m good with glaring at the stairs.” Intensifying his gaze saying, “I think it‘s about to combust into flames soon.”
“Don’t you go causing fires in my library too, having a dragon around is hard enough.” Twilight’s voice called form the top of the stairs, being followed by her friends.
With a smile, Mask told, “I‘d put it out after it starts.” Noting the changeling drone trailing behind them, “If nothing else, I‘d stomp it out.”
Shaking her head, Twilight told, “Then I would have to treat your burns, seeing as you are afraid of hospitals.” Smiling some at the stallions slightly darker face.
“It‘s not a fear!” Masquerade denied quickly, “But a trained thought process to avoid medical staff that could revel the existence of changelings.”
With a sideways glance, Roma asked, “I thought stage-four infiltrators didn’t need to worry about that sort of stuff.” Suspicious that the changeling was not telling the full truth.
Looking to the mare, Masquerade told with a slightly amused smile, “One can not be too careful Roma.” Sticking with his last statement to the bitter end. Looking away from the vendor and to the drone, Mask only asked, “So, how is our…guest?”
Quip tensed up at being mentioned, keeping herself near Fluttershy who was in the back of the group. “Quip is doing fine, Mask.” Twilight said, slightly emphasizing the drones name.
“We came down because she wanted to see…Flick?” Turning back to Quip to be sure she had the name right. Getting a nod from the changeling, Twilight continued, “We‘ve talked, and she thinks she can convince Flick to let us talk to the Quasi Clan.”
“I doubt it.” Roma interjected before Twilight could say more, “There is no way a changeling clan would willingly let anypony, let alone changeling, get close to their caln hive for a chat.”
Pondering on it a little himself, Toe-Tapper agreed, “Roma‘s right, even my clan, as peaceful and corroborative as we were, never let others close to our hive.” Also doubting the drones ability to convince a common to do this task.
Looking past them all and straight to Quip, Masquerade asked, “What makes you so sure this common would even consider your request…Quip.”
The changeling drone felt herself freeze in place at the black pony’s stare. She knew from the actual ponies that this unicorn was the changeling that took her group out. And they said he was an heir too, that thought scared her the most, knowing that he had the power to end her quickly.
Seeing as he was still waiting for her reply, Quip quickly told, “Flick would listen, he always listens to me and the other drones, he would help.” Feeling unconformable under the stoic face and lack of feelings he had.
Almost as if to pick this up, Twilight told with a firm voice, “Mask, I know your angry with her and her group, but I need you to let go of that if this is to work out.”
She was right, and Masquerade knew she was right and wanted to go about this in a logical way. But changeling instinct always seemed to rule him at time like these. He looked to Twilight to find the same firmness in her eyes, knowing she was willing to fight him on this if he tried to argue about it.
Swallowing down his feelings, Masquerade nodded, “You‘re right, I‘ll try and put a cap on my feelings.” Getting a satisfied nod from the mare. Looking back to Quip, Masquerade thought for a moment before he looked back to Twilight saying, “Your telling the Princess about this, right?”
With a confused look, Twilight told, “Yes, why wouldn’t I?” Knowing the situation had to be made known to both Celestia and Luna.
Keeping quiet for a moment to go over his thoughts, Masquerade told, “I think I might know how to get audience with the clans head if this Flick is willing to take us there.”
Inside one of the many rooms located inside of the Canterlot castle, both Princess Cadence and her soon-to-be husband Shinning Armor, stood with ten of the royal guard. Also with them was the changeling elder Intrusive, who had taken up the task of teaching some of the guard to defend against changelings. With the elder stood ten changelings, all drones by his telling. They all had a pony disguise, if not simple and basic in looks.
Walking before them, Intrusive gave the solar guards a look over, wise old eyes scanning the ranks as he said, “Changelings, as you have come to find, like to use disguises and deception to win fights.”
“In a straight on fair fight, most of you would have no trouble holding off a changeling with no combat skills.” Intrusive told, feeling the pride roll off the guard, rather then show it. He very much like the discipline used, but knew it would not help, “But what a changeling see‘s as fair is different for you all.”
Using his pipe to point to a pegasus guard he ordered, “You, on the mat.” Referring to the padded blue mat that was set down for this training season. As the guard made his way over to it, Intrusive then pointed over to one of his own saying, “On the mat youngling.”
Like most around him, the drone took on a more younger form that was much like a teen colt, just under the age of being considered a stallion. With a quick nod, he rushed over to the mat, facing the guard that was absent of his golden plate armor.
Nodding to this, he told the two, “When I give the signal, the two of you may begin the spar.” During this, Intrusive glanced at either combatant, easily noting the guards calm demeanor, and feeling the drones nervousness. “You may begin.”
All watched with some interest as the one drone tried, and most definitely, failed at trying to pin the guard down. By using a combination of his natural strength and strict training, the solar guard easily pinned the drone down in a few moves.
Intrusive would then switch the drone out with another one, and begin the spar again. All the while, Shinning felt a smile from on his muzzle at seeing his guard doing so well, even if it was apparently against the weakest of the changeling types.
After the tenth changeling drone was pinned down with the same ease and sent back into the group, Intrusive told the group, “As you have seen, one guard can take on a drone multiple times alone, no challenge.” Patting the stallion as he did.
However, a devilish smile seemed to form on the elders lips as he told, “But this will not be what you all will be facing.” Turning to the guard he asked, “Do you think you can handle them all again?”
With a crisp reply, the guard told, “I can take them all on again, sir.”
“All of them?” Intrusive asked again, his smile only growing.
A little concerned, but not enough to feel worried, the stallion told, “Yes, all of them.”
With a pleased nod, Intrusive turned to the rest of the guard telling, “Observe carefully class, for I will ask the drones to use their greatest skill in combat.” And looked back to the assembled drones saying, “Sick‘em!” Stepping away from the guard.
As one, all ten drones rushed the guard, giggling and laughing as they did. Seeing the wall of faux teenaged ponies charging him, the guard went into a strong stance. This did nothing for him as he was swept away by them all, being rolled and jumped on.
Walking around the pile of ponies, Intrusive said, “It is not their skill, that one must fear from the drone.” Ignoring the stallion that tried to escape, only to be pulled back into the pile. “It is their numbers that you must fear, for even the mightiest can fall pry to greater numbers. ”
During the elders speech, the group watched as two of the drones run off for a moment, coming back with a wooden barrel and opening it’s lid. Once ready, the remaining eight all but stuffed the stallion inside, before putting the lid on it. With that done, they tipped the barrel over, rolling it about the room with glee.
From within the wooden container, a number of ‘oof’s’ and ‘help’s’ came out as the drones got their little bit of revenge for such rough treatment. Hearing the commotion behind him, Intrusive also added with a sigh, “They also are a rambunctious lot when unsupervised.”
Wile the elder went on to yell at his drones to stop traumatizing their victim, Shinning Armor looked to his guards, seeing some nervousness on their faces. They were no doubt unsure how to face a force like they just saw.
Even if it this is a demonstration, it’s one with what the Lue clan consider workers, not actual fighters. Most would have not seen it, but as captain of the guard, Shinning Armor could see the drones worked best as a group. It was painfully obvious during the one-on-one matches they were unsure and easily beaten.
This changed when their elder gave an order for them to all attack. Despite their mob like charge, they all did so as one. None rushed ahead of the others, staying close to maximize their force. Then after they took down his guard, they proceeded to some how plan an idea, sending two to do the task while the rest held his guard down.
“How effective are changeling drones in groups, apposed to being alone?” Shinning called out, wanting to know a little more.
With his attention drawn to the captain of the guard, the wise elder told, “A drone alone is just one bee, easily handled and harmless after one good sting.” Finally able to separate the ten drone and one dizzy guard from a barrel, “But just like bee‘s, they grow in strength with each drone added to their group.”
Having his changelings stand in a line, Intrusive said, “A single heir is said to be worth three hundred drones, some say.” Looking over his rambunctious group of drones, patting one of them on the head with a slight smirk, “But one must ask, would you rather face one powerful heir, or hundreds of drones?”
Caption Armor knew the answer to that, even if it wasn’t one he liked to think about. Masquerade had shown that he easily outclassed them when it came to fighting. But during that confrontation, the changeling used a number of tricks to evade him and the guard, only fighting back when he had an opening.
Still, we outnumbered him easily, and he could hardly fight half the time. Even if he was tricked a number of times, both princesses had assured him that he did rather well when fighting the first changeling in centuries. Would that be still said if it was three hundred drones instead? This line of thought was rather disconcerting to him, as it meant he and those fifteen other solar guards, plus five lunar guard had to face number greater than their own.
With thoughts of how his one guard was taken down with just ten drones tackling him, Shinning Armor knew that he would constantly be on the defensive for his troops while they fought. This was assuming the drones didn’t use their shape-shifting to mimic one of them and cause confusion.
“The one powerful heir sounds more easy to face than hundreds of drones.” The guard captain admitted aloud, “If it wasn’t for your ability to become us, the idea of facing so many would seem more manageable.”
The princess also showed concern over the idea and voiced them with, “Professor Intrusive, would their be any way to avoid this problem?” Using the title most changelings from the Lue clan used around the elder.
Giving a please smile at being addressed with his old title, the elder told, “Luckily, there are a few ways your highness.” Waving for one of the drones to step up. He did the same fore another guard, and had them stand side by side.
After a nod, the drone took on the guards appearance, looking identical and even holding a stony face. Back into lecture mode, Intrusive said, “Changelings can take on your looks, and make you paranoid of who is friend and foe.” Looking between the two and saying, “Bumfuzzle.”
While one remained still as stone, the other, broke his façade and did his best not to laugh. This was met by a whack from Intrusive’s pipe, braking the drones concentration and losing his disguise. The other drones openly snickered at this, finding their fellow changelings failure from a word rather funny.
Turing his eyes to them all, the elder said, “Would any of you wish to aid in the next demonstration?” Effectively shutting them all up.
He sometimes reminds me of my old languages teacher, Cadence thought with amusement, recalling the old mare and her strict but respective teaching methods.
Soon enough, Intrusive was waving for all the guards to join them and play a little spotting game. Cadence held back her giggles of amusement as she watched the guards and her Shinny try and figure out who was changeling and who was pony.
She found it rather interesting that changelings preferred doing their exercises like a game. I wonder if Twilight knows that? She asked herself briefly, deciding to ask the mare the next time she saw her.
“How fairs the training of our sisters guard, Cadence?” A voice spoke, making the pink alicorn jump slightly at the sudden arrival of her aunt Luna. The alicorn of love could not help but notice the eerie similarities the night mare had with changelings when it came to sneaking about.
With a calming breath, Cadence told, “It could be going better, but they have been making some progress.” Looking back at the group, just in time to see another guard being rolled in a barrel.
Luna wasn’t sure how to take that answer right after a guard was rolled about inside a wooden container. The night princess shook her head as the elder changeling once again began to shout at his subordinates for their antics.
It is still hard to grasp how much they have changed. Luna thought, watching the changeling drones continue their foalish games with the royal guard. During her and her sisters time, drones were seen as fiends, a hoard of imps that would follow their demon like leaders, the heirs. But now, they are but innocent foals, only seeing the world with curious eyes.
With a curious glance, Cadence said, “I‘m surprised your up so early aunty, your usually not up until dinner comes around and the moon needs rising.”
Giving her niece a look, Luna smiled some and lit her horn it’s indigo glow to grasp something. Opening her wing some, to pull out a navy-blue scabbard that held a sheathed sword in it. Taking hold of the hilt, Luna deliberately pulled the sword out slowly to showcase it smooth silent removal.
When free, Cadence let her eyes roam over the beautifully made sword. Starting at the rounded pummel, one would find a sapphire gem that seemed to glow with Luna‘s magic, and held by fast by silver metal around it. The hilt was wrapped in a black material, one that was not of cloth she was familiar with but-- Leather, Cadence came to realize, feeling some hairs rise on her back.
Moving past the hilt quickly and to the guard, she was shown the metal worked into the shape of a crescent moon that went up with the blade. The blade itself shined a silver gleam, ever so little tinted a blue shade and seem to glow the slightest bit like moon light.
“The head of the Lue and his brother had asked me to see the finishing results of our work.” Luna told, giving the sword a light swing that left a smooth magical trail, “This sword is that result, and I am most pleased with it.” Giving a snort while adding, “They insisted I give ‘her’ a name.”
With a smile of her own, Cadence looked the magically powered sword over saying, “Another one of their traditions I take it?” Wondering if the two changeling heirs did decretive sword work.
A small laugh came form the lunar princess as she said, “Indeed it is, but verily, I would have done so anyways.” Looking over the sword that was now her own saying, “A weapon is the extension of the wielder, so most give a name to their ever faithful weapons.”
Cadence nodded to that, recalling a few times she had talked to some minotaur ambassadors when she was more younger. They said something similar when talking about their forges and how they were making more then just a weapon. It was a minotaur’s saying that the steel molded, held the crafters feelings and thoughts, before giving the weapon it’s name.
Giving the sword another look over, the younger alicorn asked, “So, what is ‘her’ name?” Gaining a small teasing smile.
The night alicorn smiled some at her nieces slight antics and telling, “Lunar Eclipse, for the sword I posses has surpassed any sword of it’s kind.” And for Luna, it certainly has. She and the Lue brothers had spent four days making the sword, with Bard working the special metals, while she and Yellow Jacket worked on the magic and enchanting. All to create a battle mage sword --or as the two liked to call it, a ‘spell-slinger’-- unlike any other.
Sheathing the Lunar Eclipse, the night princess told, “I have put her through her paces, and found my new blade to be…what is the word ponies use this age?” Dragging off in slight thought while tapping her chin.
With a smile, Cadence told, “Awesome?” Unable to hold in her laughter at her aunts next set of antics.
“Yes, I have found this blade to be ‘Awesome’!” Pointing her hoof ahead with a pleased smile, as her niece laughed at her side. Though acting like this was foolish, Luna could not help but enjoy the laughter of her niece. Even if it she is not fully of our blood, it is still nice to have family such as her. The lunar monarch smiled to herself and continued to watch the rather amusing training.
With the day nearing it’s ending, Celestia could not hold back the smile of relief she had for the days end. The meetings and open court she had that day were stressful to say the least.
Manehatten wishing for an increase on taxes for construction for more buildings, treasury being revaluated thanks to my nephews vigilantes-- It was all that seemed to drone on in the eldest alicorns thoughts as she reviewed the day and work on a few more documents. She was glad her sister had help take some of the burden off once up to speed with current day laws, but sometimes she still needed to do most of the leg work.
In a year or two, she should be completely caught up, she told herself, knowing her sister was rather good at learning detailed things. It was a skill she lacked some, stumbling a the few centuries of ruling as she could not keep up with some ponies that would learn new tricks. But now I am too old and wise for such nonsense. Celestia smiled, laughing at the few attempts to overthrow her ruling position in the past.
Why doesn’t anypony do that anymore? She asked herself lightly, as it was the only fun thing that seemed to happen for her. Granted, a coup to overthrow her is nothing to laugh over as it threatened the nations integrity, but they are so much fun to stop!
While the white alicorn reminisced over the last attempt to overthrow her, a letter materialized before her, almost dropping before being caught. Now surrounded by golden magic, Celestia brought the letter before her, unsealing it to read its contents.
Dear Princess Celestia
I am sure you recall the events that I have reviewed to both you and Princess Luna obtaining to the incident I had with the aggressive changelings nearly a month back?
Yesterday, I had asked Masquerade about talking to them and we both formulated a plan as to how to go about this. I am now sending you this letter, moments after talking to one of them, a changeling drone by the name of Quip.
With my friends help, we have made an accord with her clan, the Quasi, but will need to begin talks with another one of the changelings that had attacked me. Masquerade also asked if Princess Luna would be willing to represent Equestria for when the clans location for talks be reviled.
I would like to come with, but Masquerade has insisted that I remain here while he and a few select other changelings go with Princess Luna and a few of her own guard to proceed with talks with the Quasi clan.
From your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
Celestia reread the letter again, being sure not to miss anything by mistake. She would admit, she still wasn’t sure how much to trust Masquerade at times with his shady actions. It was true that Cadence had assured both her and Luna he would be loyal through Twilight, as he harbored great feeling for her student.
Her current focus however, was fixed on the possibility of gaining another changeling clans help. With the coming invasion, more resources would be best, and took up a quill to make a quick letter to her sister to come to her chambers.