//------------------------------// // Tailing Behind // Story: Unforgotten // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic With mornings rise did Twilight wake from her slumber, leaving her bed and heading for the bathroom to ready herself for the day ahead. After brushing her mane and her teeth, as well as taking care of a few other things, did the lavender mare head down for food, waking her assistant as she did. The morning was seemingly quiet to the learned unicorn, readying herself some coffee and slicing up a few apples to munch on. Carrying the food and beverage to the table, Twilight gave the library shelves a quick look over, wondering what book she should get for a little light reading. Spike was the next to come down the stairs, starching and yawning at being woken up only minutes prior. He too headed straight of the kitchen, mumbling out a small ‘morning’ to Twilight as he past. Moving away from the table to browse her collation of books for a bit, Twilight eventually settled on one with basic magic theorems. She felt that it would be the best to look at during this time, as she will be dissecting changeling magic the next chance she got. This made her lift her eyes up and look over the cluttered corner that belong to Masquerade, making the mare wonder what he was up to now. She knew he was doing a mission, one from Luna herself, but otherwise she had no clue where he was or what he would be doing. Shaking the thought away and moving back to the table, she set the book down and opened the first page. Taking a seat and starting on her still hot coffee, Twilight began to skim over the books contents. Flickering her gaze back up to the corner, Twilight couldn't help but feel some tinge of concern, hoping Mask stayed safe. As of that moment, Masquerade was staying hidden in the foliage of the forest, keeping low and as silent as possible. Life in the forest served as a perfect background noise to keep him from being noticed too greatly. His black coat served to help hide himself in the more shaded areas, and his feather light steps from making too much noise. More than once he had considered changing into a panther, as the form of the large cat would not only be more effective at moving around, but help hide his identity further. He had long since reconsidered the idea, as he would have to change form at some point in time, and a flash of emerald fire would just give him away. Also, his swords would still show, and panthers don't carry swords, which would also hider his movements some in the cat form. Oh the complications with carrying equipment, the faux unicorn lamented in thought while he continued to creep among the shadows. He had yet to come a cross any patrols from any changelings, and had yet to sight any trails they might make. Stopping a moment to look around and take in his surroundings, the changeling infiltrator had to admit the forest was acting as a great place of hiding the Salient clans hive entrance. If he didn't have the information from Opulent, then it would have taken months to find the entrance, not counting the patrols he could follow. Getting in would still be a challenge though, as the entrance will more than likely have a number of hidden sentinels ready to stop any invaders. Which meant he either searched out these guard dogs and eliminate them, or find an opportunity to sneak in without being noticed. Masquerade had settled for the second plan as the first one would set off the alarm that somepony had infiltrated their ranks. It wouldn't have happened immediately, but after they either woke up, or the next shift finds out their comrades are gone. So when he found the entrance, he was not going to try sneaking in. Instead, Masquerade planned to wait for a patrol or scouting group to leave and shadow them. With this, he would watch and observe their actions before replacing one of their numbers. The more days either type of group was out, the more the infiltrator could use to play his part. The only complications in this plan was he had to not only single out one changeling from the group, but hide the body and make sure the changeling he was impersonating had some wiggle room to use. The higher up the ladder they were, the more influence he could use on others. Just as Mask finished running these thoughts through his head, did he stop at a outcropping of stone slabs sticking out of the ground. Nearby was a weeping willow tree, partly obscuring some of the rocks, and a stream running under it. According to his information, this was what he was looking for. Back when Opulent’s father still lived, he had marked down where their enemy lived, making sure that if they ever rose to power, they knew where to strike. The Salient were apparently somewhat prideful, and never left their current location because they were able to beat back other clans that dared attack them. That would soon be there undoing. Taking in a breath, Masquerade knew he was in for a long wait before a scouting group or a patrol came out. Information was key at this stage of his mission, which meant he had to do a lot of waiting and watching. Half an hour later, Masquerade hunkered down more deeply into his hiding place as a returning patrol flew over his position. He was glad for their arrival, as a few sentinels came out of their own hiding places to interrogate the patrol. After a small exchange of words and pleasantries, the sentinels let the group pass on in. They then preceded to look about their surroundings some before going back into their hiding positions once more. Things once again fell into mostly silence, leaving only the wildlife to give any sort of entreatment. It was nearly an hour later five changelings came out, each branching off to a different spot. Five more revealed themselves as soon as these new ones came. Apparently these were the replacement sentinels for the next shift. As most of them went into hiding, some lingered a bit, exchanging a few words and jokes before leaving. Masquerade stayed planted in the same place, only shifting a bit to get himself comfortable once more. He never did like the waiting part of his job, as it was rather boring to do. If he had a choice, Mask would have taken up any mission involving him to stalk a target and eavesdrop on them. He’d at least get some entertainment from that! But all I have right now are trees, some birds and a few squirrels. The infiltrator let out a controlled sigh, making sure it came out silent. Though he was hiding his emotions and closing them off, the most tinniest of boredom seemed to nag at him. Six hours and two replacement sentinels groups latter, did a scouting party come out. Patrol groups and scouting groups were easy to single out. The patrol groups required at the very least six changelings. Two of them would be scouts, while there other four were knights or guards. Scouting groups were required to be small and nimble, so no more than three are sent out at a time and all were scouts. That is what Mask was looking at now. From first glance, he could tell the group was going to be gone a few days at the vary least. This was due to the large packs they had on hoof. Taking a moment to think, Masquerade considered his options. He could follow this scouting group, but who knew how long they would be away. By the looks of their baggage, they might be away for some time. There was also the possibility they were going to be scouting out some other areas beyond that of their clan boarders. That actually might not be a bad thing, the infiltrator reasoned, it would give me more information as to what they might be planning. As good as that sounded, it might take a huge chunk of his time to trail them and stay hidden. Scouts were tricky at times, as they could move about at a speed he had trouble with at times and leave little trace. If he waited, then a patrol might come out at some point, and unlike the scouts, they would be guarantied to return at least three days later. They would also be a bit slower, because of their numbers and needing to check out as much of their territory as they could before returning. Masquerade soon found his choice being made for him when the scouting group went into their disguises. When the green fire cleared up a moment after it started, two griffons and one pegasus pony stood in the scouting parties stead. Now this interested the infiltrator. The packs made it obvious they were going to be gone for some time, and disguises weren't too bad of an idea. But to take on the form of one pegasus and two griffins with some heavy packs. What are you up too? Masquerade mused to himself, watching as they opened their now feathery wings to give a few test flaps. Giving nods around, they began to depart by ground. They were smart to walk away from their clan hive before taking flight, where anypony would spot them in the air. Keeping them in his sights, the faux unicorn began to stalk them from any shadows he could. He kept himself behind the forests provided flora as well, making good use of his black coat and dark mane color. As the day wore on, the forest progressively got darker and darker, allowing Masquerade to move around with more and more freedom. Even when the moon rose for the night, it only served to cast more shadows to hide in and use, and hinder his targets own night sight. The infiltrator smirked in his new hiding place as one of the scouts stopped for a moment to check their surroundings. For somepony like Masquerade, it felt like he was playing a game. One that required cunning plans, silent moves, mind games, good acting and maybe some manipulative backstabbing. And he reveled at the thought of it all. The wind whistled through the surrounding evergreen trees, while branches creaked and snow thumped to the ground in piles. It was the third day away from the hive, and for one changeling looking the part of a maroon pegasus, it was still all so new to her. She opened her amber eyes to the open sky above where she laid, trying to take in the endless blue expanse over head. It was so foreign for the fake pony to see such a large expanse of space overhead, when she was used to always seeing a ceiling above herself. It almost felt like she would just fall up there, into some endless abyss... Her ear, lined with such soft fur that was also a fairly new feeling, twitched as the fire nearby snapped. She could hear shuffling and a tiered groan. Then a new set of snaps and cracks followed, making her skin feel funny along her back. “I see your awake.” Yawned a tiered voice belonging to a griffin, who seas stretching and twisting her back, “Sleep well?” Moving her legs under her body and pushing with her fore-hooves to sit, she replied, “Better than the first day.” Moving her head around to help loosen up her neck, “Honestly, how do you put up with all these sensations!” Snapping her wings out and flapping them to get rid of the wired feeling along her back. The golden colored griffin that was before her and stroking the fire, only laughed good-naturedly saying, “Still getting used to have skin and fur, Iota?” Ruffling her feathers some and giving them an irritating glare, the pegasus grumbled, “I’d rather not, thank you very much!” Spreading a wing out to start preening the out of line feathers. While she fixed a few, she continued to grouse, “Gossiper wings are much better! No need to straighten them much, no need to pick out bad feathers—” The changeling that was in griffin form only continued to smile in amusement at the younger changelings little woes of having a stage-2 disguise. Though it was true the second stage unlocked the ability to actually take on the physical form of another being, changelings found out that it wasn't the most pleasant of things the first time around. Having a new body meant they had to get use to such a thing, and one of the biggest things was skin. While most would not find this a big change, one must remember that changelings had chitin. This exoskeleton of theirs helped protect against many things, and their gossamer wings were light and flexible, while tough enough to handle being moved at speeds that made them buzz. But skin was soft, stretchy and much, much more sensitive then a nice shinny black shell they had. It was no wonder the younger changeling was complaining so much, as she was experiencing things like: chills, crawling skin, goosebumps and a plethora of other sensations that one got with skin. This was not including the feathery wings that had to be flapped at a slower speed for flight, the difference in maintained the wings, or the fur all over a ponies body. Even then, one that started using a Stage-2 disguise had to get use to the new muscle structure in the body for a few days. “—And don't get me stated on these things you call manes!” Iota continued to rant, using her hooves to fruitlessly try and straighten out the mess on her head. “I know our manes can be a mess, but this hair is a bigger pain than the silk that makes up out manes!” Growling as she tried to remove a knot that had formed. “If you think that’s bad, wait until you have to use claws and paws…” An exasperated voice dully said, as a grey griffin wondered into the little camp site. Giving the faux pony a slightly tiered look for a moment, he looked up to the other griffin and asked, “How are we on supplies Ventral?” Watching the other changing in griffin disguise make his way over to the fire she was poking at, Ventral said, “Well, we still are good on food, but we should scavenge for some later.” Looking up and commenting, “We don't need anyling stopping by and asking why we aren't carrying any provisions for ourselves.” Looking back down she asked, “You got the water we need from that stream Cleft?” Throwing what was left of her poking stick into the fire. Lifting up a claw to show three canteens hanging by their straps, he smirked, “Did you think I came back for nothing?” Taking one to toss to the false golden griffin. He then passed the second to the still struggling rookie, who took it with one hoof and set it down before attacking her mane again. The three sat in silence for a time as the fire crackled and snapped. The two girls eventually struck up a conversation, while Cleft flicked his lion tail a bit and looked about. Currently they were on the side of a cliff in a shallow cave. A good place to rest when predators like wolves, manticore and maybe the occasionally temperamental bear roamed about. Looking down the cliff side, he could not help but ask, “Ever get the felling your being followed?” Using his griffin enhanced vision to scan the trees and bushed below. The other two only gave strange looks, with Ventral saying, “I haven’t noticed anything, and I doubt Iota would either, as she still new to this.” Iota nodded to Ventral’s words, trying not to move her head too much, as the fake griffin was using her claws to help comb her blond mane. Admittedly, it felt nice having another groom her mane. Maybe that’s why ponies like brushes so much, Iota thought to herself as she recalled a few conversations other changeling scouts have at times. Scanning his surroundings for a bit longer, Cleft eventually stopped his searching and sighed, “I could be just a little irritated because of Iota’s complaining—” At this the mentioned rookie made a sound of protest, “—but I still think we need to keep our senses open.” Glancing out and a cross the forest of evergreens covered with bits of snow. Ventral nodded to this and suggesting, “Once we get to the first griffin settlement we can start using the local authorities to keep an eye out for any tails following us.” Now that her main was flowing and not filled with knots, Iota went about braiding it, calming her nerves as she asked, “Think that whoever’s following us are from a rival clan of ours?” Turing her eyes out and over the snowy land that belong to the Griffin Kingdom. “Maybe.” Was all Cleft gave out to them. Looking back to the only pony in their group getting close to finishing her braiding, Cleft used his claw to scope up some snow nearby and throw it on the fire. With a loud hiss, the fire cooled and began to die down from the cold snow that began to melt and soak the wood. Putting the canteen he had into his pack, Cleft told, “Let’s pack up. I don't want to stick around an find out what’s following us, if there is something there.” Sorting trough his bags as he did. “Sounds good with me, mr. paranoid.” The female griffin replied, taking a quick swig of her canteen before packing it up. Turning to the maroon pegasus, Ventral asked, “How about you pinky?” With the slightest twitch of her eye, Iota almost shouted, “My coat isn't pink, it’s maroon!” Throwing her saddlebags over her back and calmly saying, “Also, I’m ready to move when you are…” Casting a stink eye to Ventral finishing, “Turkey.” Cleft only gave another suffering sigh, knowing this was going to be a long flight. Like the day before that…and the one before that… Ancestors preserve me... The only male in the group sighed, opening his wings and taking off into the sky, the other two scouts close behind. Off in a shadow near the cave, a single black pegasus had the urge to snicker aloud at the group he was following. Truly these scouts were fun to follow. Not only were they entertaining, but they were very open with their actions. From what Masquerade could gather from the last three days, this was a scouting group meant to poke around some outer griffin settlements before heading back. Cleft was apparently the most experienced of the three, always aware and always keeping his eyes peeled. More than once Mask had to go stock still because the scout almost spotted him. He was effectively their leader. Confident in his skills, but was also a no nonsense the of guy. Apparently his job was more leaning towards keeping an eye on the new rookie in their ranks and getting her up to standards. Making sure she was use to handling her new role and the challenges it held. That rookie was the Pegasus, Iota. She was not just new, but green as grass. Her apparent uncomfortable actions with her new pony form made it easy to spot. She wasn't use to this more advance form of shape shifting, and was still just breaking into it. The scouting they were doing was to most likely get her use to the new form and testing it out in more harsher conditions. Then there was the third member, Ventral. She apparently was there as Iota’s morality support, acting the part of the elder sister. She was most likely another changeling that grew up with Iota a bit, or maybe took care of her some when she was a nymph. What ever the case, taking her form or Iota’s would be best. Once I study them more that is, Mask nodded in thought, knowing that if he took form of those closest and acted right, he had an extra body to hide behind. This was also risky, as any wrong actions would make him suspect to any foul play. Masquerade watched as the scouting group began to depart, Cleft taking the lead with both girls following close behind. He let them gain some distance before opening his own black wings and flying low, just skimming over the tree tops. For now he would continue to tail them until he found the right time to strike. He still had more studying to do on the three. During the flight to the settlement that would soon be just over the horizon, Cleft, Ventral and Iota kept their eyes peeled for any tails. While the leading scout was sure of something following them, Iota couldn't see how. Even with the enchanted sight that came with being a pegasus, she had yet to spot any stalkers. Ventral almost showed the same thought, looking about, but not with the same zeal as before when they had first started flying. Instead she spent more time scanning the area and making notes of the area, such as streams, caves and bushes that still produced berries even in such cold conditions. A particularly strong gust of wind washed over the three, making each one shift as they regained their control. Iota shivered from the cold wind that nipped at her being. She almost wished she was given a task in her warm and humid home, rather than out in this dry and snowy realm. After Iota shook off another chilly wind that made her shiver, Ventral took notice and shouted over, “How you holding up Iota?” Wondering if she could persuade the faux pegasus to change into a griffin form to help combat the cold. She was a little reluctant on doing so, as Iota would need to learn how to use claws for the first time, or get use to the size difference. “I’m fine.” Iota called back, putting more power into her wings to speed up and keep pace, “That last gust just took me by surprise.” Giving the younger scout a concerned look for a while, Ventral went to speak, but was stalled when Cleft shouted, “The settlement is just ahead, keep close.” Going into a decent. Following his lead, both Ventral and Iota kept a controlled decent that wouldn't pass their lead up or fly too far off. The settlement they were going to be landing near wasn't that old, only having a few buildings, most recently built or still being made. Not far off to the south of the settlement was a number of freshly made fields with newly growing trees and bushes for crops. Above that south area were homes and store houses, farmers and their work hands could be seen moving about and preparing their next harvest. The inner part of the settlement seemed to have a town hall, a pub and a small postoffice surrounded by homes made with wooden logs from the surrounding trees. On the east side one could find a number of small shops, some having homes built into their second floors so their owners could live where they worked. All of this was surrounded by a thin wall for minor defense against possible raiders and bandit groups that still existed even during this time of peace. One could not say the same on the west side, where it was surrounded by much more thicker and more fortified wooden walls. Inside held one of the more notable features of the Griffin Kingdom, their military barracks. Inside those walls were neatly rowed houses, each holding troops ready for a moments notice of deployment. Safe houses and some warehouses for food and supplies were dug into the ground for defense a gained magical artillery strikes unicorns were known to do at times. Though she was confident in her current skills and training, Iota still felt a familiar shiver of fear run down her spine at the sight of a heavily fortified fort. Even if it wasn’t using stone like most fortresses, the idea of hundreds of troops of griffin soldiers ready to follow orders to fight still scared her. The pegasus focused on calming her nerves as her hooves touched down upon the frigid ground, making her once again shiver at the icy touch. Feeling a wing be put over her body, Iota looked over her back to find a golden wing held in a comforting way as Ventral soothingly said, “Calm down lil' sis, there’s no reason to get worked up.” Getting the young scout to look up at her Ventral continued, “Just remember your background story. Your a pony that was curious about the Griffin Kingdom and I’m one of your friends taking you to see my home.” And gave a reassuring smile to the mare. Nodding her head to the older and more experienced scout, Iota breathed, “Right, right…” Taking in a deep breath and nodding once more. “Ready to move?” Cleft asked from where he waited, getting a little impatient at all the stops they had to do. Though he couldn't blame the rookie for their slow progress, as it was her first time out on the field. Personally he didn't know why he was paired up with the new scout for such a long term mission, but it wasn't his place to question the clan head. Turing a curious gaze to Iota, Ventral asked, “I don’t know, are we ready to move Pinkie?” Smirking at the pout the pegasus pony gave. Giving the ‘turkey’ an irritated look, Iota agreed, “Yeah, I’m ready.” Ruffling her wings at Ventral’s smug expression. “Good.” Cleft gave an affirming nod and once more took the lead by heading for the settlement. The other two scouts followed along with no complaint, while Cleft once again spoke, “Our task is to find out if this settlement has the potential for being a feeding ground.” Reaching the outer entrance to the settlement, Cleft continued, “Ventral, you take Iota with you and teach her what we’re looking for and meet up at that pub we spotted, later tonight.” Stopping a moment to glance at the fortified barracks, he told, “I’m going to take a look at this place’s defenses in the meantime, then try booking us at a Inn.” Giving a nod their leader for the time being, Ventral said, “Then I guess we’ll see you later tonight.” And took the lead saying, “Come along ‘Status Que’ we have a whole day to check out the sights” Deciding to give the young scout her false name. The newly named 'Status Que' gave the griffin a passive look, rolling her eyes with, “Sure thing ‘Golden’ I cant wait to see this place you told me about.” Cleft let the two go on their own, turning away and finding another entrance to enter through. He soon paused and took another glance around his surroundings. He still had the feeling something had followed them, but no mater where he looked or how long he felt his surroundings, he couldn't find anything. Giving a grunt in irritation, Cleft only decided it was the last three days of unrest and traveling getting to him. The settlement he was at would give him and the other two some time to restock and relax before heading back to the hive. He intended to use that time to it’s fullest, in both his job and for himself. Though the settlement was small in comparison to her own home, it still was a sight to Iota. All around her were buildings made of wood and logs, covered in snow and ice from the surrounding climate. But even more were the griffins, actual griffins that lived in the settlement itself. The place was flowing with emotions of all sorts, each coming from the inhabitants that gave them off in waves it seemed. It was certainly a new and astonishing feeling to be nearly swimming in emotions from all sides. Ventral only continued to smirk at Iota’s amazed expression, jokingly saying, “If you keep your mouth open, your tongue might freeze in place.” Snapping her mouth closed, Iota lowered her head in embarrassment as Ventral laughed. Soon the pegasus’s cheeks began to burn for some reason, but only served to make the griffin by her side to roar in laughter. “S-shut up you turkey!” Iota stuttered out, but only got more laughter from her fellow scout. The surrounding settlers only gave passing looks to the two, some shaking their heads at their antics and other smiling. A few young males gave the two girls a few look overs, talking amongst themselves about the new comers and taunting each out on who should talk to them. The feeling of all the surrounding emotions was surreal to the young scout, who was trying to keep track of her own feelings and the overwhelming amounts around herself. There was a shout somewhere, and the following spike in fear hit Iota like someling had just smacked her face. Reflexively, she turned in the direction both sound and emotion came from. What she saw was a group of griffins mixed with a few pegasus ponies, but both groups were laughing. One of the griffins was buried in a pile of snow and looking lost as to what had happened, while his pals laughed at his predicament. Above them, a pony and a griffin where both snickering to themselves, both holding the branches of a tree that once held the same snow. Sighing, Iota relaxed her body, only now noticing her wings were standing wide open from her surprise. Folding them back down, Iota gave Ventral an imploring look, asking, “How do you put up with all these distractions, Ven?” Looking back over to the group who were now freeing their friend from his snowy prison. “You’ll get use to it in time.” Ventral simply stated, also watching the group of friends dig their buddy out. Thinking back to her first time out on the field, she smiled, “You’re doing better then I did when I started.” Chuckling as she told, “I nearly gave myself whiplash every few minutes with all the things going on around me.” Still with her smile, Ventral said, “But if you want some advice, just relax and let things flow around you.” Using a claw to stop the pegasus. When Iota halted at her touch, Ventral then motioned with her head over to a store telling, “Let’s sit over there for a while. Let you get use to all this commotion.” Once more leading the younger scout. Following, Iota cast her sights over the settlement and those that lived in it. By the looks of it, the settlement would become a town in a few more months time. This was mostly evident by the building still being constructed around the area. As both girls took a seat on the wooden floor to the shops deck, the young scout couldn't help but whisper to the older one, “Why do you think our clan head wants us to scout this place out?” Catching sight of a few guards making their patrol on the dirt road. With a carless shrug, Ventral only said, “Beats me why the boss whats us here.” Patting the younger scout’s back telling, “Just do your job and let the higher ups do the rest. Less work for us.” Giving a light nod to the faux griffin’s words, Iota then refocused on relaxing herself. With so many emotions ragging all around her, it was hard to feel much of anything around herself. It was much like a thick fog over her sixth sense. Not too far from the two scout’s position, a griffin with a grey coat and white specks rounded the corner of the same building. He passed the two up with a friendly nod, making his way into the shop. Inside, the owner gave the intruder a dull look before looking back down to the paper in his claws. Ignoring him, the griffin went about looking over the stores wares, looking for a object in particular. Once found, he took it up with a few other choice items he spotted, and brought them to the desk to be payed. After that, he left with his perches of some parchment, a spool of black ribbon and a few green candlesticks. Exiting out of the same door, he once again nodded to the two females that had taken up their place on the wooden deck and left for his next destination. He headed for what appeared to be an abandoned house, one that was incomplete. It was not a huge surprise, as it was partially burnt, possibly from an accident during its making. He made sure to keep himself hidden when he entered in, and went for the most concealed place he could locate. Once he was sure he was out of sight did he burst into green fire, revealing a unicorn Masquerade, who now deposited his new items onto the floor. Looking at his gathered supplies of parchment, candles, ribbon and some scrounged up coal, did he get to work. Taking up the bit of coal and using his magic to make a rounded tip, Masquerade poised it to be ready as he lifted the parchment and began to write. To my current employer. I have been tracking a scouting party that had left the Salient Clan three days prior and am keeping tabs of their actions. They have so far stopped at a griffin settlement on the boarders of the Griffin Kingdom, and show to be scoping the place out. I don't know what they want from here, be it for a later foothold situation or feeding ground, but I intend to find out. When they leave, I have plans as to how to infiltrate the clan hive, via means of one of the scouts. But I have come to a potential option as to acquire more information besides my infiltration alone. I will be writing up a second note for the Lue Clan, it will be the letter with a ribbon in a bow and a seal with their clan mark. I will be needed some assistance later on, and I think they can provide. There will also be a third letter, this one is for Twinkles and letting her know how I am doing. It will be the one with a ribbon crossing itself and have a seal with her cutie mark. Until another time— “—Double Take.” Luna soon finished reading aloud, looking over the two additional scrolls that had come in the mail just hours ago. It was currently early morning, and she herself was having ‘dinner’. Celestia was however having breakfast and had paused in her meal to listen to the letter her sister had gotten. It was obvious to the two who the letters came from, as they were all bundled up in aback ribbon held by a green wax seal marked with a mask. As the letter had said, the other two letters had one seal depicting a gem, while the other had a six-pointed star. The one in Luna’s magical grasp use to have a single ribbon and marked with a seal containing her own cutie mark. Placing her eating utensils aside, Celestia said, “It seems Masquerade, or Double Take at this time, has been busy tailing these scouts.” With a nod, Luna reread the letter saying, “And for three days without being noticed. Tis something I did not foresee him doing on a whim.” Rolling the letter up and placing it near the other two. She briefly considered sending a letter to Opulent herself, but decided other wise. The changeling heir wanted to be as little involved as possible until the deed was truly done, this way no leaks would happen. “I don’t think it was on a whim my sister.” Celestia lightly chided and thought aloud, “Perhaps he needed other means to get into the clan hive without being noticed.” Taking up her silverware once aging to eat her morning meal. Looking down to her own food, which was a breakfast meal much like her sisters, Luna agreed, “Yea are perhaps correct.” Using a fork to cut into the pancake on her plate and dip it into some sirup, “I doubt he can turn into massless vapor like I, and sneak in unnoticed.” Taking a bite of the sweet food. Swallowing, Luna returned to the prior subject with, “But I digress, what does thou think of this incursion into the Griffin Kingdom? Or what this infiltrator of ours plans to do with aid from the Lue Clan?” Casing a look to the mentioned letter. Celestia considered things for a moment, trying to puzzle what she could from what they knew. After a moment she voiced her thoughts, “I think Masquerade plans to replace the scouts with himself and two members of the Lue Clan.” Tapping her fork on her lips a bit before asking, “What do you think, sister?” Wondering what the darker alicorn thought. Doing as her sister did, Luna said, “I think he plans on capturing a few of the scouts for interrogation.” Running over each line of the letter in her minds eye continuing, “He then would have the Lue Clan help cover his tracks as he comes back with a fresh well of information.” Both sisters considered the others thoughts, trying to puzzle out what the infiltrator might do next. But one thing was for sure, the Lue clan needed to be let in. It was this line of thought that Luna polished off her food and lifted the both letters for herself and for the Lue clan. At her sisters questioning gaze, the night princess simply told, “We will have one of our guard take this straight to the outpost for the Lue clan.” Turning to leave for the door to her sisters room telling, “We will then seek rest until the matter can be discussed later tonight, after finding a place for this letter Masquerade sent.” With a smile and a nod mostly to herself, Celestia said, “Then I will be sure to send this letter over to my student while you do that.” Taking up the last letter in her magic. Before Luna could leave, Celestia called out, “Have a restful sleep sister, I will watch the day while you do.” Stopping at that, Luna softly smiled and returned with, “Thank you sister, I will be sure to be up early later tonight.” And left without another word, closing the doors as she did.