I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Canterlot was certainly the jewel of Equestria’s cities, being made of the strongest ivory stone and held by the strongest of magics. Truly it was a city to behold from it’s spot on the high cliffside of the mouton it hanged off of, a form of art by those long past.
This was not the case now, as buildings that had taken damage laid in the stress or burnt with black residue from magical attacks. At this point in time, Canterlot was damaged from a recent invasion, one that had been witnessed by many. It was also the day that many were able to put a name to this new group that had seemed to appear from out of no where: Changelings.
Creatures that could take on the faces of others and walk on by without any being the wiser. At first the idea of such beings existing would send the ponies into panic and begin searching for any in their mist in a mad scramble of guards.
That was to say, if they were not also defended by more changelings.
The Lue Clan is what they were known as, and during the past week they have been repairing Canterlot. They were not only ones, as another changeling clan, the Gem Clan, put forth their own help in the form of bits and materials.
Together with the ponies, Canterlot was being brought back to it’s former glory as the shinning city it was.
It was a sight that seemed to encourage hope to Celestia, who was watching this from her own tower. Since the invasion, her ponies had been both frightened and uncertain about their new allies, mostly because of how little they knew.
The alicorn wanted to heave a sigh at such a thought, knowing that if she tried to tell her little ponies of the changelings past history, they would only fear them ever more so. It was with this line of thinking that she, along with her sister, chose to keep the changelings history quite until the ponies got use to them. The changeling clans with them, seemed to have the same line of thought, and not mention anything on their past just yet.
“Things have certainly changed, have they not sister?” Luna’s voice seemed to drift in quietly, as the darker alicorn made her way next to her sister and overlook both ponies and changelings.
Celestia did not hide the smile that creeped onto her features as her sister sat next to her, and saying in return, “That they have Luna, that they have.” Letting off a content sight while telling, “I still have a hard time believing that things have come to this.” Recalling how this would have not happened if it were not for her student and the changeling infiltrator.
Nodding at that, Luna agreed, “Tis hard to grasp at times, knowing that our once great foes would become such strong allies.” Even now as she watch a number of drones helping one of the mares in her duties in constructing a new building; Luna could not contain her amazement at how well they got along, considering what had happened recently.
“Indeed.” Celestia smiled while overlooking her home. But it soon slipped away from her face when she thought about the changelings being in their capital, allies or not, as not all her ponies liked or trusted them. This was not including the other kingdoms that were beyond Equestrian boarders.
There were only two groups she had to worry about the most, being the militaristic Griffin Kingdom and the mining diamond dog higharcy. The minotaur’s would be more understanding, if only because of the peace Celestia herself had established with them. The dragon lords of other realms were another matter all together, as they nearly ignored everything that did not threaten their hordes or lands.
The United Islands were possibly going to want to know what was happening as well, only in a more suitable way without being offensive. Those from Saddle Arabia were no doubt going to have a heyday with finding new trade partners in the changelings and expand their own treasures. Truly this was a vexing situation to think about.
This did not go unnoticed by the younger sister, who glanced at her elder sibling with a slightly scolding tone, “You worry yourself too much sister.” Turning her gaze back to the city that was being repaired, “Things will work out in time, your sole reign has shown this to be true.”
Celestia wanted to wince at what her sister said, but also could not deny the fact. Over the years, she had become extremely good at political maneuvers and making horrible situations turn out for the best. It was how she kept peace for so long after all, with her gained wisdom from mistakes in the past.
“I still wish you were there for it all Luna.” Celestia said with a slightly somber tone while she watched her guard patrol the walls with Shining Armor’s guidance. With a sigh she admitted, “There were Times I wished for you to aid me in matters that you knew how to handle more then I. Even now I sometimes question my reasons, if not due to my own age.”
Draping a wing over her sister, Luna assured with a smile, “You might have aged in mind sister, but you are not senile.” Feeling a slight twitch of her mouth, the darker alicorn added, “Yet.”
Celestia level a light glare at her sister, and huffed “Where do you get the idea I would be going senile?” Turning away with, “I may have advanced in age some, but I must remind you that we will never advance that far in age.”
Slight giggles could be heard, making the day princess turn her head to find the night princess holding a hoof to her mouth and trying to hid her amusement. With a new smile, Celestia openly laughed with her sister with a shake of her head, “I have missed these sort of times with you Luna.” Basking in the feeling of warmth she gained with her sisters presents.
“The feeling is mutual sister.” Luna agreed, sitting up more properly and folding her wings back into position while donning her regal mask, “Such jesting with words will always be a welcomed change in times of stress.”
“That they are.” Celestia nodded, putting on her own mask of a motherly smile and scanned her home with hawk like eyes. By her estimation, the sun alicorn figured that Canterlot would be fixed up in a week or so, mainly due to all the drone workers. It was still surprising to know just how many changelings truly lived under her nose for such a long time, and never be noticed once.
With a sudden narrowing of her eyes, Celestia caught sight of something out of place, even without a telescope to see it properly the alicorn could see it. Extending a wing to nudge her sister, she told, “Luna, look down there at the main street leading to our gates.” Not once taking her eyes off the anomaly.
Focusing on the street her sister mentioned, Luna spotted five black spots in the large crowds of ponies below. This would normally be brushed aside as nothing, if it were not for the fact four of those spots were in a protective formation. Another oddity was that both pony and changeling gave wide breadth from the five, making a empty space where they moved.
Quirking a brow, Luna surmised, “It appears we have guest in our home.” Leaning forward a bit as if to bring them closer for her eyes to see. With a slight smile she told, “I believe it is Opulent, she had sent a message of her coming.” Standing up and opening her wings asking, “Shall we go and prepare for her Grace’s arrival?”
Tilting her head from side-to-side with a slight hum, Celestia told, “It would be best if we did.” Nodding while telling, “After all, we will be the hosting party, no need to leave our guest waiting for her needs to be catered too.”
Canterlot was truly a wondrous sight for the visiting changeling leader, as she cast her gaze about the ivory city. Guarded by four of her best, Opulent had little worry about the ponies that parted for the strangers to pass. Letting her green eyes wonder too and fro once more, the visiter was not sure how she should feel about being in the open like she was now.
All around, ponies and their guards watched with distrusting eyes and tense bodies, ready for a fight or flight response. But it was the changelings around her —mostly made up of their work force of drones— watching her entourage with uncertainty that made her wary. For her part, Opulent didn't show them any sign of weakness with their leering glares, but she was certain some of the changeling commons could feel her slight anxiety.
“The palace is up ahead your Grace.” One of her changelings slightly buzzed, keeping his blue compound eyes on his surroundings, not wishing any harm to come to his clan leader.
With a nod of acknowledgment, the more taller mare focused her green cat-eyes before herself. Reaching into the sky was the castle of Canterlot, where two of the most powerful ponies —if not beings— made their home and living. Surrounded by stone walls and a number of towers to help safe guard these two, it was a most impressive and imposing sight that almost mirrored her own home.
Bringing her sights back down to the gates themselves and preparing herself for what was to come. The clan leader took a few calming breaths, reminding herself that she was with allies, despite their uncertainty.
When they reached the gates to the palace, the clan head was surprised to find a pony guard in purple armor seemingly waiting for them. The stallion in the armor stood tall and strong, eye forward at all times and awaited their approach.
Did they become aware of my coming here? The clan leader asked herself while stopping before the apparent high ranking guard. She didn't give the guard time to tell her to halt or say anything, cutting him off with, “I am here to seek audience with both princess Celestia and princess Luna.”
Blinking at the changeling heir's forwardness, the guard cleared his throat to shake off his surprise, telling, “I was told to come lead you to them, so there is no need to ask.” Turning around and beaconing for the heir and her fellow changelings to follow, “I am Shining Armor, current Captain of the royal guard.”
Seeing where this was going, the clan leader also introduced herself with, “And I am the clan head to the Quasi clan, Opulent.” Then gestured with her head to her bodyguards, “These are my knights, acting as my guard during this time.”
Looking back at the mentioned 'knights' and looked them over carefully, Shining Armor took note of their more sleeker armor and equally sleek weapons that were barely concealed with slight capes draped over their sides. One seemed to have a sword, while another a mace, another with a hatchet and the last with a hook shaped weapon.
Shinning Armor would not say he felt fully comfortable around the changeling group, even with the extra guards posted about the halls they soon began to walk. This was mostly due to the fact these knights were armed, while Opulent herself carried a saddlebag with some books and scrolls.
Turning his attention back to the halls, Shining Armor let himself relax some as he lead the group. Going up some stairs that lead to up to two large doors, leading to the thrown room where the two celestial sisters awaited. Shining Armor nodded to either guard at the sides of the doors, letting them know they were free to pass. Even with the nod, both guards kept a close eye on the changeling entourage while they opened the doors and allowed them passage.
This did not escape Opulent’s ever watchful gaze, keeping tabs of every emotion she picked up during her short walk trough the castle itself. Everypony was on edge with her presents, and she could not fault them with what had happened recently.
Stepping inside the large room, the guard caption moved ahead and bowed before the princesses. Followed closely behind the unicorn stallion, the changelings fell in beside him, but only stopped before the two alicorns and stood in place.
“You are excused Captain Armor, you may return to your duties.” Celestia informed pleasantly, mostly keeping her eyes on the new changelings in front of her.
Still holding his bow a little longer, Shining told, “By your leave princesses.” Getting up crisply and exiting out, leaving the two parties to just stare at the other for a time.
The silence hung in the air for a while, only interrupted by the closing of the two large doors the guard caption left out from. Before long, Luna spoke up saying, “I must admit, we did not expect your grace to visit Canterlot so soon.” Holding a formal air towards the clan head, “When we received thy letter from one of your curriers, we expected you to come in three days time, not half that.”
Glancing to either side of herself, Opulent gave a slight hum of her wings, signaling for the two front knights to fallback to the other two. Steeping forth, Opulent lit her horn and opened one of her bags, bringing out scrolls and telling, “I felt that it be prudent that I could finalize some more finer details in our agreement, princesses.”
Giving the slightest glance to the other, both sisters nodded to this, as Celestia spoke, “That would be most acceptable.” Rising from her seat and opening her wings while telling, “Do you wish to discuss these details over early supper, your grace?”
Over time, Celestia had found that changelings enjoyed discussing some matters over meals. When asked, it turned out as a way to keep both parties relaxed and mostly stress free. Though stress helped in pressuring others during negotiations, the same tactics did not have the asme effect with changelings mindset. After all, if one gets worried in a safe environment, then you know something was wrong and should be ready for trouble.
With a slight bow, the changeling heir smiled, “I would be honored to join the both of you, your highnesses.” Waiting for both alicorns to walk down from their respective thrones. Opulent then placed the scroll back into it’s place before following the two alicorns, her knights closely following.
It was thankfully another short walk to their next destination, and gave view to the large dinning hall where many have come to feast or have small parties. On the right side of the room had large windows, giving a pleasant view of the Canterlot gardens just outside. Large red curtains were pulled open from the windows, ready to be closed for any privacy needed.
Opulent’s eyes scanned over the long rectangular table in the center of the room, already lined with foods and prepped for her arrival. Or they were about to eat when I got here, she also reasoned, but shrugged the thought away. To the left was the location of the kitchens, shown to be as a few servants came and went with some food trays.
Giving another once over, Opulent had to ask, “Were you both really not expecting me?” Doubt evident in her voice, “Because all of this food set up for us, tells me otherwise.” And shot a look to both celestial sisters while the doors to the dinning hall closed.
Now with some privacy, Luna admitted, “We actually spotted thee from our tower, Opulent.” Stretching her wings some before folding them fully down, “And felt that we should ready a meal for such far faring guests.” Using her magic to close the window curtains for further privacy.
Opulent allowed herself a small smile and nodded her head telling, “Then I thank you for your hospitality.” Turning back to the table where a number of fruit were just waiting for her. Turning to see where her knights were, she was pleased to find them all lining the walls.
“It is no trouble your Grace.” Celestia begun to say—
“Opulent.” The head to the Quasi clan cut Celestia off, “As long as we are in privet, I would prefer if we drop the formalities.” Walking forward to claim herself a seat at the table.
Despite her surprise, the solar princess did not lose her mask of calm and acknowledged, “Of course, if that is how you wish to be addressed.” Giving her sister a sideways glance as if to ask a question while taking her own seat.
Taking her place next to Celestia, near the head of the table, Luna told, “I doth not think she shall mind, sister.” Casting her eyes to the changeling heir saying, “Opulent has shown she detests formalities or any high standards for herself.”
Not seemingly waiting to be told, Opulent helped herself to the food, taking up an orange into her magical grasp saying, “I find them an unnecessary thing.” Peeling the fruit quickly and splitting it, “Talking to others on equal standing or in a forward manner can get the results I need sooner.” Then popped on of the slices into her mouth.
“Of course.” Luna seemed to say, rolling her eyes in a good naturally way while collecting some food for her own plate.
While each gathered their own plats full of their preferred meal, Celestia asked, “Where would you like to start on the details my sister promised you?” While taking up a choice amount of bread, cherries and cheese onto her own plate.
Taking a moment to think, Opulent told, “I would like to start on the trade agreements, as we couldn't touch on the subject last time.” Looking to the night princess and asking, “I believe you mentioned something about another changeling clan?”
Taking a sip of the wine she had poured herself, Luna relished the taste of the drink before nodding, “Yes, the Gem clan.” Setting the glass down on the table telling, “Masquerade has informed us that the Gems will be ready to set up trades as long as they have a location they can meet your people at.”
With a slight tilt of her head, Opulent thought back to the changeling known as Masquerade, humming in thought, “Yes, how is the infiltrator?” Noting the slight curiosity the two gave off, “Last I saw he and that one mare, Twilight I believe, were seeing one another?”
Celestia smiled was more pronounced as she told, “They were, and still are.” Using her magic to grasp a pitcher of the same wine her sister had filed her glass with, “I am immensely glad for it too, as it has been doing my student some good.”
The changeling heir gave off a small laugh, nodding, “I can imagine so.” Clearly recalling how the two acted around the other. But she just as quickly shook the thought off, reminding herself of her current task.
“Is something troubling you Opulent?” The question snapped the changeling mare out of her slight musing and to Luna’s inquiring gaze. It was beyond the Quasi clan head’s own experience how a pony could get an idea how other were troubled without the aid of sensing emotions.
Taking a second more to think, Opulent told, “I will admit that my short arrival to Canterlot is more delicate then I wanted to share in the letter I had sent.” Sitting up a bit more straighter as she talked. “Since the attack on your city, the knowledge of our existence is now out in the open, and changelings are hardly bothering to hide anymore since your rather passive actions.”
Both sisters traded looks while they listed, wondering where the changeling was going with this. Celestia was the one who spoke up first, saying, “I felt passive actions would keep any changelings from panicking and possibly muster themselves into an aggressive stance.”
Waving a hoof, Opulent explained, “It is not that, it’s the fact they are hardly hiding anymore.” Looking back down to her plate to rip a small bit of bread for herself, “They are confused, and are becoming stressed over their next actions pertaining to ponies— or any race for that matter.”
“Should we be concerned over any raids or attacks?” Luna questioned, knowing she didn't need to peek past the curtain windows to know they weren't ready for much conflict. Even if the gardens were protected by most of the attack, they were still damaged.
“None of the sort.” The changeling shook her head, “They are either between hiding deeper, cowing other clans into following them, or opening negotiations.”
Moving her food around on her plate, Opulent admitted, “The clans surrounding the Quasi territories are acting this way because the Griffon Kingdom is now aware of possible changelings in their mist.” Then heaved a tiered sigh while thinking about the mess, “It’s put unease into some of the clans, and causing them to make mistakes where upon others can find their clan hives.”
With some confusion of her own, Celestia asked, “I wont claim to be an expert in your ways, but don't changelings try to stay away from territories of other changelings?” Trying to recall some information given to her by her student, Twilight Sparkle.
“On most occasions, yes.” Opulent nodded, “But when we face the threat of losing our feeding grounds, or said feeding grounds become dangerous… We start to look for other options.”
“In other words, the raiding and pillaging I mentioned.” Luna surmised, getting a slightly guilty look from the changeling guest who kept eating. Taking another sip of her wine and thinking over it, Luna said, “I suppose when one is scared or confused, rash actions are taken.”
Pouring herself another bit of water for herself, Opulent told, “The other clans I’m not too worried about, they seem to know we are somehow familiar with you ponies and might ask for diplomacy later on.” Using her magic to pull out a new scroll to give the sisters, “It is the Salient clan I am worried about most.”
Celestia used her magic to grasp the document and read over it, while her sister asked their guest, “Are they not the clan that once fought against thy father?”
After taking another sip of her drink, Opulent confirmed, “They are, and my scouts are reporting they are starting to probe our territories outer edges.” The slight buzz of her wings were the only sign of the clan leader’s agitation on the subject. “I don't feel comfortable with their sudden interest, or understand how they could be thinking of attacking since losing so much three years back.”
“Are you asking of us to help defend against them?” Celestia asked while she read through the document that mostly held reports from scouts and patrols. “Because I do not think our ponies are ready for another conflict after what happened recently.” Casting her gaze up to the changeling heir, “Unless I can organize a few guards that would be able to handle the situation.”
“No, nothing like that.” Opulent shook her head, “I was actually going to ask if you are willing to spare that infiltrator for this.”
Raising a brow, Luna clarified, “You ask for Masquerade?” And thought over the heir’s request for a moment. But after some thought, the night princess could only conclude, “The only things we can think he could offer you are his tricks or skills in spying.”
With a slight smile on her lips, Opulent said, “That’s what I need, a spy that can get in and out and is not connected to the Quasi clan.” Gesturing to her knights who stood guard telling, “I don't have the infiltrators, or even assassins in my ranks for this task anymore. Only knights, scouts and sentinels are what I have left, and even then they have the wings we Quasi are known for.”
That part both celestial sisters could understand. Unlike most changelings they had seen, the Quasi clan seemed to have more slimmer and longer wings with less holes. Their bodies also carried the same shape of being slightly slimmer as well.
Looking back down at the document before passing it to her sister for her to read, Celestia nodes in understanding, “You want plausible deniability during this investigation on a possible hostel force.” But turned to her younger sister telling, “But it is not my place to command another under my sisters command.”
Without looking up from the document before her, Luna told her sister, “I have no quarrel with Masquerade undertaking such a task.” Gaining a ghost of a smile while saying, “In fact, he might find it a relief to get away from the peace and quiet for a time.” Recalling a few words Twilight had expressed during one of her letters. Apparently, the infiltrator was a little bored and was now joining her friends on their pranking sprees.
Both Opulent and Celestia gained amused looks while the changeling told, “I do not doubt it, we changelings are not always the most Idle of creatures.” Only to feel a sudden spike of amusement from her words. Gaining a rigged brow, Opulent asked, “Did I say something…?” Letting her words hang off to show her confusion.
With a shake of her head, Celestia told, “We, being my sister and myself, can tell you of one changeling that would like nothing more than to be idle at all times.” Thinking of a certain clan head to the Gem clan.
Regaining some composure, the solar princesses called to a guard to have a servant fetch some writing supplies, then turned to Opulent telling, “But that is for another time. For now, let us focus on the problem before us while we wait for the parchment so my sister might gain the infiltrators aid.”