I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Pre-read by Crystal Static
The trip back to Canterlot took nearly four days by wing, as the package Rancor had was slowing down their progress some. But if Fleet Foot was truthful, the hunter showed his strength and endurance by carrying the contained changeling so well without complaint.
Turning her eyes back to the land around her, the wonderbolt figured them to be about a few hours from the capital of Equestria. From the sun's position it was just after noon, meaning Celestia was still holding her day court for about three more hours. Four if no other pressing matters called for the monarch's attention.
Casting a look around at her current team, Fleet Foot called out, “Before we reach Canterlot I want to point out a few things.” Knowing she had their attention from the slight spike in their feelings. “While we’re there, I want you both to show the upmost respect for the Princess.”
Rolling his eyes form his position, Rancor called, “Come now sheila, I might take risk’s, bu’ I’m not suicidal!” Slightly readjusting his grip on the covered cocoon in his arms. “How far out are we anyways?” The hunter asked, not being too familiar with his current surroundings.
“One or two hours if no weather teams sends any storms our way.” Fleet Foot replied crisply, Keeping her eyes open for such storms that were pushed to drift over the land.
While the two chatted over things, Occult just scanned the bright and lively greenery below him, take it all in. Being a mage usually meant he spent a good amount of time in the clan hive, stewing away at some new or old spell and picking apart it’s inner workings.
Though the Lue clan had many exotic, and often tropical, plants that were appealing, they still weren't like the plants of the above-ground. These plants were grown in bright sunlight and rested in moonlit nights, changing their appearance during each time of day. They changed color by season and seem to change shape as said seasons come and go.
It was a refreshing sight.
“Enjoying the view from here Occult?” Fleeting’s voice called from the mage’s left, almost making him snap his head around. All the reaction Occult gave was a twitch of his ear and a slow nod. He would tell the pegasus how beautiful Equestria looked from here in the sky, if only he could speak.
Gaining a smirk, Fleet Foot told, “You know, if we have some time later, I could take you around Canterlot some. Maybe get you into their large library.” That last bit actually made the stallion turn his head in her direction with newfound interest.
Snorting at the two, Rancor grunted, “Blimy Fleeting, don't try an’ tease the mage on stuff like that. Ya’ know how they get with spell books.”
Glaring in return, Fleet Foot snidely said, “And I suppose you have a much better one, one that involves wine and beer?” Not noticing Occult shake his head at her.
Looking slightly affronted at the mare’s words, Rancor said shortly, “Oi, it takes a certain taste t’ appreciate brewed drinks, sheila.” Once more fixing his cargo in his grasp, “It is a fine and elegant art in itself, one I appreciate from our pony neighbors.”
Occult only rolled his eyes, doing his best to ignore his two fellow team mates own squabbling. He questioned to himself why they had to do it so much, and with him always nearby to hear it. He started to wonder if there was a way to cast a silencing spell without a horn. Make the other two mute for a change, and spare his ears from their nonsensical verbal matches.
One can wish, Occult thought, looking over to the ranger and hunter, whom both carried on with their squabbling.
One can not help but give a nod of admiration to what the swarm can do when united and given direction. Even with their distrust towards the changelings, even the misgivings to their intent, Cadence could see the respect some ponies gave to them.
Though not all fixed up, Canterlot had been repaired greatly, no small thanks to the changelings of the Lue clan, who had worked day and night. It had amazed the alicorn of love at how tenacious the changeling drones showed to be when given a single minded task. In this case, fixing each and every building in their path, even the ones that didn't need it.
Admittedly, despite their willingness to work near each other, ponies and changeling commons were always nearby. Both making sure the drones didn't get carried away or forget to do a step. Seeing how much the changelings worked, Cadence —and a good portion of pony kind— wondered if changelings ever really slept.
Apparently they did, it was merely hard to tell as drones looked so strikingly similar to their other drone brothers and sisters of the clan. There was also the point that some could be seen laying about in trees, overhangs, or any elevated area. She had even see a few try napping on lampposts, funnily enough.
There is certainly a lot we still don't know about them… Cadence had reminded herself, even if she knew a good amount most didn't. She knew their past history, and she knew tidbits of their customs from Twilight Sparkle. Cadence even knew a little of how they worked in fights, getting firsthoof experience from both of her aunts who were able to fight many in battle.
But there was one striking thing she had come to realize about changelings and their more protective nature. In point being that since her last foalnapping before the wedding, the head to the Lue clan had told his underlings to make sure it never happen again.
So now whenever she roamed through the streets of Caterlot —with armed guard or not— there would always be a dozen set of eyes watching her and her guard, and anything else they thought might be a threat to her. It was both touching they cared, and slightly annoying as she had nearly no privacy when outside the castle.
Making her way into one of the many parks in Canterlot, Cadence sat herself in a cleared grassy spot with a tree in bloom, over watching families and nobles. Leaning lightly on the tree, she watched on as families and their foals relaxed or played about in an almost carefree manner. There were a few places they avoided, mostly where a few changelings had taken up napping places in a few trees.
Looking up into the branches of the tree she was under, Cadence could spot out a few random changelings. All were sleeping and hanging about the branches, with no apparent care of their own. Another thing she had wondered, how do they keep from falling?
“Excuse me, princess Cadenza.” A ponies voice rung out nearby, calling for Cadence to turn her head and spot the pony. Who was in her sight was a mare that held an excellent figure that was lean, and a white coat in pristine shape. Likewise, her pink mane and tail fluffed, having slight curls at the ends, showing their own well maintained care.
With a smile, the princess waved over, “Fleur, it’s nice to see you again.” Patting the grass next to her, “Please come and join me, and no need to call me Cadenza. We’re friends.” Smiling at the end to ease the other mare.
Fleur gave the princess a slightly doubtful look, but eventually rolled her eyes and made her way over saying, “Honestly Cadence, I realize you do not like being set on a pedestal, but you are a paragon to most of the… populous…” Stopping her advance when she drew near the shade of the tree and looked up.
Confused at her friends pause in movement, Cadence looked up as well and quickly assured, “It’s alright Fleur, there’s no need to worry.” Casting her eyes back up saying, “They’re just napping. You’ll forget that they are even there.”
Casting one last cautious gaze up to the sleeping changelings that seemed blissfully unaware of them both, Fluer slowly nodded telling, “Pardon my hesitance, I just find it difficult to get close to them since…well, since your wedding.” Nearly tip-toeing over to Cadence to take her seat.
Giggling lightly, Cadence nodded, “I can understand, there appearance alone doesn’t do anything to help ease nerves.” Having a slight flashback to when she ran along with Twilight and her friends trying to avoid the changeling swarms. There was a certain touch of fear the buzzing, flash of fangs and hundreds of leering blue eyes that just hinted for her to run.
Casting one last look up, Fleur asked, “Are you sure they are sleeping?” Squinting at a few of the changelings up in the tree branches, “I keep hearing rumors they like to play opossum.”
Slightly looking up again, Cadence dryly said, “Yeah, there pretty good at low tricks like that.” Looking around the group overhead, “It wouldn't surprise me if a few of them were acting asleep. Since I was foalnapped, they have been acing like guard dogs around me.”
“Speaking of guards.” Fleur quickly began to change subject, “How is your new husband doing since things got so… exciting around here?”
“Rather good actually.” Cadence smiled, “Despite the change in control on who would be the next guard Captain, he’s been working on reorganizing the guard more.” This was no small part to how the advance planing to the invasion had mixed up who was where. Since they had come back, Shinning Armor had been throwing himself at his work, making sure things would go smoothly when he gave command over his replacement.
With her own curious look, Cadence asked, “How about your husband, dear Fleur. What has Fancy Pants been up to?” Giving an expectant look to one of Canterlot’s elite mares.
Heaving an overly dramatic sigh, Fleur told, “Fine I suppose, but my dear love can be vexing at times.” Shaking her head, making her mane wave about, “Honesty, I do love how he can be so optimistic and willing to try new things, but I don't know how he thinks changelings will like being part of social gatherings.”
The laughter Cadence began to have made Fleur look to her friend in some surprise, wondering what was so funny. Seeing her friends confusion, Cadence calmed down saying, “Changelings are surprisingly social, but not in the same why you might think.”
Lifting a delicate brow, Fluer motioned with a hoof, “Please do tell, maybe I can use it to dissuade my husband from making a potential disaster.” Rolling her eyes at the end.
Nodding to that, Cadence explained, “I had found out that changelings are a very close knit type people. They like to see their clan as their family, and practically share everything with one another.” Stopping a moment to tap her hoof on her chin, “Or, that is how Masquerade made it sound like, from what I can understand.”
Shaking her head, Cadence said, “What I’m getting at is that they seem to act more friendly with one another. I don't know if that will be the same here. Canterlot ponies aren’t really much into showing affection too publicly.”
Continuing to give the princess before her a long look, Fleur just shook her head, “I’m afraid you have me at a loss Cadence. I don't know how to take that, or if I fully understand.”
“Don’t worry.” Cadence assured, “I’m still trying to figure them out too. They can be really confusing at times.” Wanting to once again look to the changelings that were napping over head.
Fleur only gave a single nod, “Agreed.”
Cadence did eventually make her way back to the castle after having talked over a few different subjects with Fleur. Be it over charity events, connections in trottingham or just what the latest line of fashion was, they were enjoyable things to go over with her old friend.
Though Cadence did try to work over Fleur’s little dilemma with Fancy Pants on having a gathering with changelings involved. She didn't have much to say, as she didn't know what changelings would think of such a concept. She wasn't even sure it they cared for the same gatherings the Canterlot elite enjoyed.
From what little experience she had with changelings in general, drones wouldn't be able to stay still for such an event. Commons may be able to act properly, but their personalities so far haven't shown to be like any nobles in Canterlot. As for the heirs, she’s only met four. One being a lazy genius, the other a carefree musician/smith, a witty and secretive infiltrator, with the last being an elderly but respectable professor. Out of all of them, only the professor would consider going to such a gathering on his own.
With a small smile, Cadence thought, though, I’m sure Masquerade would go to one too, if Twilight was there. Knowing his acting skill, the stallion would also be able to blend into the crowed nicely. If he decided not to act out for the sake of ruffling the nobilities feathers.
I wonder if I should set up a small party, just to see if that would happen? Cadence thoughtfully hummed for a bit before dismissing the thought. No, that would be foalish and immature of me to pull all the nobility away for a silly social experiment.
Nodding to a few guards as she made her way inside Cadence thought, instead I’ll have Twilight bring him during one of the more boring parties. Aunty would at least appreciate having Twilight around and having a show from Masquerade’s little escapades.
The line of thought sounded good enough to the pink alicorn, who made a small reminder to herself that she needed to check up on later plans. Best to prepare for such a time then inviting her sister-in-law on short notice like aunt Celestia did. She was starting to think the older alicorn enjoyed sending her student on a mad scramble to get things done. It was either that or she was trying to break her students panicking nature when unexpected things happened.
While she was musing in thought, Cadence almost missed a most peculiar sight in front of the thrown room doors. A griffin with two ponies stood awaiting at the doors, waiting for their chance to enter in. The nobility around them gave them plenty of room, most looking at the trio with some displeasure. A quick glance about showed that there were more guards standing in the room than normal. All of them were keeping a closer eye on the three, each one showing their own detest of them in some form.
It was easy to see why, as the griffin looked more like a mercenary with the heavy pelts on his back, bone neckless and bow fix securely to his body. The quiver and arrows were also there, which was strange as she would be sure the guard would have removed such weapons.
The pony next to him was a unicorn stallion, covered in robes she had seen a few spell casters use before. The style had long died out, but apparently this mage still followed such traditions, while his hood overshadowed his eyes.
The last was a pegasus mare, constantly keeping her head low and pulling her hood more around her face. She only fixed her rather baggy like cloths little, more concerned of revealing her face, as her cutie mark was hidden under all the clothing.
What really got her attention was the large package wrapped in a ratty blanket and tied down with rope. The griffin was holding it closely to himself, guarding it from any who got too curious about its contents.
The only conclusion the princess could draw was that those three were mercenaries of some sort. What they were doing in Canterlot, and with such a strange looking container, was beyond her though. Curiosity getting the better of her, Cadence moved forward, nearly ignoring the respectful bows the nobles around her gave.
If they are mercenaries, why are they here, did Aunty Celestia hire them? This thought was easily thrown away as soon as it had started. Cadence knew Celestia wouldn't do such a thing, having the upmost trust in her ponies subjects.
What about Aunty Luna, she’s not nearly as refined as her sister and would be willing to still employ outside help…maybe? Cadence wasn't sure if her darker aunt would go and do such a thing. True mercenaries were an expendable resource used in the past, but Cadence somewhat doubted Luna would use them during this time and age. There was also the Lunar guard to consider.
As she drew nearer, one of the mercenaries took notice of her, being the pegasus. When Cadence was close enough, the pegasus bowed like the nobility, while her compatriots didn't even look her way.
Slightly looking up from her place, the mare gave a slightly annoyed grunt, lifting a hind-hoof to kick the closest one, hissing in a nasally voice, “Princess, respect, now!”
The stallion that was kicked looked back to Cadence with his hidden eyes. With a small tilt of his head, he gave a respectful nod, then went back to gazing at the large doors.
Likewise, the griffin gave Cadence a fleeting glance, light ruffling his wings and gifting a gruff, “G’day t’ you princess.” Leaving it at that.
With a suffering groan, the mare picked herself up some and stood up rigidly saying, “I apologize for my teams ruddiness your majesty, they aren’t use to more strict conduct.” Being as professional as possible.
“Tha’s because where not part of any bloody military like you are Fleeting.” The griffin stated with some annoyance, “I’m a freelancer an’ Occult’s a spell crafter. What do you want from us, stoked t’ see royalty?”
Grounding her teeth slightly, Fleeting shot back, “If you would just try and be polite, Rancor, then we might not get thrown out.” Turning back to Cadence, once again bowing, “I am really sorry for this, princess Mi Amor Cadenza—” Turning a stink eye to both males, “—their both being stubborn idiots at the moment.”
Giving the mare a strange look, Cadence told, “It’s alright, I can tell you’re not really from around here. I came to actually ask where your from.” Though part of Cadence didn't want to put her nose where it shouldn't, she was still curious who these three were.
Once more taking up a more rigid stance the princess was familiar the royal guard to have, Fleeting simply told, “You would have to take that up with princess Luna or Celestia ma’am.” Convincing the princess that the pegasus wasn't just some mercenary by her actions.
Almost getting suspicious, Cadence said, “If it were that important, then shouldn’t have you three try a more personal meeting?”
A small snicker came from the griffin, Rancor if Cadence recalled right, as he said, “We tried sheila, but those guard said we can wait in line like the rest of these blokes.” Gesturing around with a free talon.
With a rough sigh, Fleeting nodded with, “I was barely able to get us in because somepony wouldn't let go of his weapons.” Casting another glare at the griffin.
“I ‘ave a right to protect myself!” Rancor said indignantly.
“And it’s their job to keep all threats away from the princesses!” Fleeting argued back.
“Woot does she ‘ave t’ worry ‘bout? she juggles the blasted sun an’ moon like one of ‘em circus acts!” Rancor threw his only free talon up, slightly raising his voice.
Slightly off to the side, Cadence noticed that out of the three, only one of them had yet to make a noise. The unicorn stallion in mage robes just sat off to the side of the two, letting out a silent sigh of apparent misery. Eventually, Occult looked back at Cadence through his shadowed features.
Looking between the stallion and the two arguing filers, Cadence made a small motion with her head to maybe do something. In response, the stallion shook his head and tapped his throat, trying to convey his inability to speak. Thankfully for him, Cadence understood, but also gave him a slightly pitted look, less to his muteness and more to suffering through the arguing.
Before a shouting match could spark in full, the two large doors to the throne room opened, letting out a few ponies, all working away on some-notepads. They didn't even spare the three strangers or the princess a glance, walking on by and focused on their work.
Glancing just past the three exiting, Cadence could make out princess Celestia’s form on the throne, awaiting her next subject to speak their mind.
With a quick look about, Cadence unfurled her wings and announced, “I must ask you all to please wait a bit longer.” Catching the eyes of those around her, “Official royal business.” Casting her eyes over the three telling, “Come along now.” Leading the three in.
Trading slightly confused looks, the three followed the princess in, wondering what had just happened.
It was only by having princess Cadence leading them in that the guard didn't stop their entrance into the larger room where Celestia patiently awaited them to come closer.
“Princess Mi Amor Cadenza.” Celestia nodded to her niece before casting her eyes over the three following her, “What might I do for you this evening?”
With a slight gesture of her head, Cadence told, “I was hoping you could help shed some light on my acquaintances here.” Moving to the side to make sure they were in full view.
While Celestia gave the three a slightly curious look over, Rancor shoot a almost questioning look to Cadence. He considered speaking, but Fleeting beat him to the punch, standing before Celestia and removing her hood.
Giving her standard straight stance and crisp salute, both Cadence and Celestia could only look on at the now recognizable wonderbolt, Fleet Foot. Holding her salute, the wonderbolt told in her professional tone, “Fleet Foot, Rancor and Occult reporting in, Princess Celestia.”
Raising her slippered hoof to signal the wonderbolt to relax, Fleeting set down her her forelimb telling, “Due to the nature of our mission, I humbly ask for the removal of any who might leak this information.” Sending a fleeting look to Cadence.
Catching the motion, Celestia merely smiled telling, “It is alright, my little pony. This room is sealed off, and I trust princess Cadenza to keep silent on these matters.” Then turned her attention to the younger alicorn asking, “Am I correct my niece?”
Looking about and figuring she might have stubbled onto something a bit more than she expect, Cadence nodded back with, “Of course aunty Celestia.” giving her word to keep quite.
Hearing a voice being cleared, Rancor set his load down, saying, “Right, all good. Now, t’ business.” Getting to work on removing the ratty blanket.
Sighing at Rancor’s behavior, Fleet Foot continued in her military fashion, “We have found hints to Masquerade’s plans after entering the griffin settlement, after which we had to leave to pick up his trail from a left behind letter. While it gave us his directions, it also stated about how the Griffin Kingdom knows of changelings, and Masquerade has expressed worries over their discovery."
"Worries?" Celestia Intoned, wanting the wonderbolt to further explain.
"They are trying to flush out any changelings in their borders, and Masquerade worries that this may spark panic in those clans." Fleet Foot told, getting Celestia to look down in some thought.
It was a rather big concern to have and she knew they, and the rest of the world in turn, would know of changelings soon. But the actions being taken would cause greater problems, if what Opulent had told her and Luna.
This must be dealt with quickly, else we may have another invasion happening someplace. Humming in thought, Celestia motioned for Fleeting to continue her report.
Getting the message, Fleet Foot continued, "We then found evidence of his being in a forest nearly a day’s flight away. After investigating two bodies, we have concluded that Masquerade could not wait for us and is now infiltrated the changeling hive.” Wrapping up her report quickly.
Undoing the last rope, Rancor smirked, “O’ course, he didn’t leave without leavin’ us a little present to bring home!” Pulling the blanket away to show the resin cocoon and the changeling contained inside.
Cadence look on in shock, while Celestia continue to hold her warm facade and slowly rise from her throne. Making her way down the steps, she watched as the griffin —whom she believed to be changeling now, much like Fleet Foot was— back away some. His eyes looked wary of her, not distrusting, but cautious.
Fleet Foot had not moved however, staying rooted in place and letting the princess walk up to her with little worry. Occult himself, stood off to the side once more, enough to be out of the way, but close enough to show his curiosity.
A very interesting group, the Lue had assembled for this. Celestia lightly thought while looking down to inspect the cocoon before her. Inside was a changeling common, female if she made out the body shape correctly. She next to floated inside the liquid like gas inside, asleep and unable to see what was happening in the outside world.
A slight ping of pain ran through the sun alicorn, getting slight flashes of memories of seeing her ponies trapped in the same prison. Unlike this one however, they were all awake, banging their hooves agains their confines and pleading for freedom.
With a blink of her eyes, those memories vanished away as she looked up at the assembled changelings in their disguises, saying, “I am to assume she is asleep, a subdued prisoner and a means to acquire information as to the Salient clans plans?”
Getting nods all around, Celestia once more looked down to the sleeping changeling and nodded, “Very well. Return to your clan head, Bard, as your end of the job is finished. You are all dismissed.”
Once more saluting, Fleeting acknowledged, “By your leave, your highness.” Returning to her original stance and turned to leave.
“What about my bloody pay?” Rancor complained.
“Stow it Rancor, you can ask Bard when you get home.” Fleet Foot reprimanded the griffin.
“When I get home? What abou’ you sheila?” Rancor questioned the pegasus who snapped out her wings.
“Incase you have forgotten, I have responsibilities to attend to back with the wonderbolts!” Fleeting glared at the hunter, who was also shooting back his own thoughts.
Shaking his head, Occult gave one last bow to the princesses before following the two arguing fliers towards the door. Before the doors would open, Celestia cast a glance down to the cocoon, lighting her magic to put the ratty blanket over the container. As the changeling group left and a new pony began to enter, Celestia whispered, “Cadence, might I ask that you take this one somewhere safe until we might deal with it, without any interruptions?”
With an understanding nod, Cadence lit her horn and picked up the now concealed container, making her way out of the back of the throne room and someplace more hidden.
Watching her niece leave, Celestia breathed in a calming breath and turned her attention to her next guest. Making her way back to her elevated seat, the day alicorn once more sat down and readied herself for the next onslaught of needs to be catered to, or gently refused.
She also had to take time to consider what to do about the situation on the Griffin Kingdom, and what it might mean. Celestia knew she would have to make a summit at some point, to help ease the neighboring nations about the changelings as a whole; but she did not think it would be this soon.
I have much planning to do Celestia sighed internally, while listening to the pony farmer before her telling of a small crop problem in the area.
The sun began to set in full, while the moon rose to take it’s place and preside over the night that had come. Luna looked up at the inky blackness of the night, only doing a slight flick of her head to make a cascades of stars flow over the night sky. They danced and swirled about, painting the heavens above with Luna’s art and truly making a new night sky to bask under.
When she was finished, the princess of the night looked over to the sister tower to her own. Out on the balcony stood Celestia, standing peacefully and gazing up at the night sky, My night sky. Luna smiled to herself.
Next to her, Luna heard the clopping of hooves on the stone floor, as Cadence’s voice said with awe, “I still can’t believe how beautiful you can make the night Aunty Luna.” Taking in a breath of the cool night air and gazing up at the clear sky with it’s shinning moon.
Draping a wing over her niece, Luna smiled, “Thank you Cadence. We try with all our might to make each night something to be in awe of.” Then cast her eyes over a glowing Canterlot murmuring, “Tis something we love to give our subjects, even when we began to resent them.”
Dragging a hoof across the floor some, Cadence told, “Aunty Celestia also needed you for something.” Gainning Luna’s attention, “A small group of mercenaries— I mean, changelings from the Lue clan had brought back a changeling from the Salient clan.”
Looking pleasantly surprised, Luna nodded, “So, we now have accesses to our foes knowledge.” Removing her wing from the pink alicorn and trotting inside, “Tis a boon we must exploit while we can. Come Cadence, show us where this changeling is being held.”
Only slightly taken back at Luna’s rather jaunty mood at the news, Cadence moved to catch up and lead on. They both moved to the more lower parts of the castle, meeting up with Celestia on the way, who also wanted to be around when things took place.
Reaching a room that was guarded by four guards, they all entered in and given sight to a single cocoon with changeling inside. With the door closing behind them all, Luna approached the cocoon, Looking it over and saying, “Doth she slumber?” Casting a curious look back to he sister.
“According to those that had brought her back, yes.” Celestia nodded, walking next to her sister, “This changeling is in deep sleep, and I was hoping you could use your dream walking abilities to find out what we needed.”
Giving a serious expression and looking back at the contained changeling, Luna told, “We shalt try. Changeling dreams have always been elusive to locate in the dreamscape. With this one so close, it shalt be a more simple task.” Lighting her horn and starting to focus her spell.
Nodding to this, the elder sister turned and made her way for the door saying, “Then allow me to take your place for a while. I will be sure some business is delt with while you work on the changelings dreams.” Stopping at the door and adding, “Cadence, could I trouble you to make sure Luna remains safe, incase something were to happen?”
Looking over to Luna who had seemed to zone out, Cadence nodded, “Of course Aunty Celestia. I’ll be sure Aunty Luna will be fine.”
Stretching out a wing, Celestia gave a small hug telling, “Tis all I ask.” Before letting go and leaving the room.
Turning her attention away from the door, Cadence watched as Luna’s body slowly slide down to the floor and seem to drift off into a zoned out state. Both of her eyes remained open, but clearly showed to be unfocused and not seeming to look at anything in particular.
Awkwardly, Cadence shifted her balance side to side, keeping an eye on her aunt and the contained changeling.
The dreamscape would always have a certain beauty to Luna, one that she felt should never be blemished by things such as nightmares. Even now, floating among all the stars the represented the hundreds of dreams, like her ponies, Luna could not help but sigh in contentment at their pure looks.
Any further marveling or appreciation was pushed aside though, mostly for what was before her now, the reason for her being her so early. The dark bluish and green fog that was so dark and shadowed, it nearly blended into the natural beauty of the dreamscape. It was also very thick, not allowing the night princess any sight into it.
With a calming moment as if readying to enter the eye of the storm, Luna opened her eyes and slowly flew herself into the deep fog. She felt very blind and constricted in the fog that always surrounded changeling dreams, as if trying to scare her away from going any deeper. Still she pushed on though, wanting to get to the changeling in it and know the secrets she was hiding.
Luna remember the times she had found such dreams belonging to changelings in times long past. They were so elusive, it was a great challenge to even locate one when she and her sister found out about their existence. Even when she found those few dreams and entered them, they were never pleasant to view.
This dream was going to be the first changeling dream in a thousand years that would be viewed by one such as herself. And truthfully, Luna wasn't sure how she should feel about it.
After searching the thickness of the surrounding fog for a while, Luna finally located the dream in it. If Luna was willing to admit it to herself, changeling dreams were shaped rather elegantly. They had the look of tainted glass, always an array of colors and taking many shapes of insects or arachnids, while the fog surrounding it gave it a nebula like appearance.
Make’s one wonder about a changelings true nature, despite their craven ways Luna thought, slowly moving to the tainted purple glass structure that looked much like a damselfly in flight. Placing a hoof on the outside of it, Luna took one last moment to ready herself for the possible horrors or thoughts to come.
Then, the defender of dreams pushed her way past the outer protection of the dream and invaded into it. When she landed on the inside, Luna was ready for the dream to be much like the few she had entered before. Instead, she was greeted to the sight of hundreds of vines, all covered in a rainbow of flowers, mostly in violet's purples or even amethyst colors.
Looking down, she could see herself standing on a floor covered in these vines, also growing flowers of many kinds. Walking forwards through the vines, Luna kept herself highly aware of her unfamiliar surroundings. Keeping both her eyes open for the dreamer who had crafted this world, Luna had to wonder what this changeling was like.
As she continued wander about the vine filled paradise she seemingly was in, Luna began to notice something rather off. Everything was so calm, so still and not having any large changes most dreams had. There were no grand escapades of adventuring, no want for praise, no delusions of ones self— all there was peace. The kind of peace only content dreamers had she they felt they nothing more to ask of life.
Gingerly stepping over another patch that was thick with flowers and around a curtain of the hanging vines, Luna was given sight to something new. A small pond with some cascading waterfalls falling into it, and with a small island with a single willow tree the center of t all. Soft humming came from inside the veil of vines from the tree, causing the princesses ears perk in interest at the vibrating echo the melody made. Cautiously, Luna ventured closer to the pond, opening her wings to fly over it and reach the island. Inside, the humming did not stop, giving a feeling of comfort and familiarity to the dream.
Now close enough, Luna could peer past the green veil, able to see a single body of a changeling, laying on the ground humming to herself. In her hooves were weaved crowns, made from the vines and flowers of her dream world.
Though she did not wish to intrude on such a moment of peace, Luna pushed her feeling on that aside and walked through the vines. Apparently still unaware, the changeling did not move or stop her humming, giving the small flower crowns her full attention.
Stopping about a few feet away, Luna stood in place, unsure how to continue on. Thinking for a moment, Luna decided to go with, “Those look wonderfully crafted.” Speaking softly as she could, so not to surprise the changeling too much.
Still, her unannounced presents made the changeling slightly jump and snap her attention around to the princess. When spotting the dark alicorn, the changeling scrambled away, panic evident on her face and dropping her work.
“I—” She tried to say, stopping at the sound of her voice and looking down at her body. With even greater panic, she backed away some, stumbling on her words out of fear. Almost as if harmony itself was disrupted, the dream darkened, reflecting the dreamers distress on what was happening and trying to find familiarity to hide in.
Luna noticed the signs as they happened, tentatively stepping forward saying once more, “Fear not, for we have come with intent of peace, not strife.” Trying to calm the changeling.
Still, the world remained darker than before, and the changeling looked ready to run for her life. It was her slight curiosity that shown in her eyes that stopped her from running, as she quietly asked, “You’re…you’re not going to hurt me?”
When she had entered this dream, Luna was expecting a much more harsher mind, and even a dreamer that would be hostel to her. What was before her now was much different, a somewhat young mind that still had the touch of curious naivety.
“Nigh, I am not.” Moving forward with slow and non-threatening steps and using her magic to rise the weaved crown up. Looking it over, Luna spared a small glance to the changeling, who was currently rooted in place. Using more of her magic, Luna took her current crown off and placed the new one made of vines on, smiling, “Tell us, doth this look fine on us?”
Shyly and not trusting her voice, the changeling nodded, making circles on the ground with her holed filled hoof. Seeing the confusion being shown on the changelings face, Luna decided to continue showing gentleness, laying onto the ground.
Placing her crown onto the vine covered floor, Luna smiled up to the changeling, “Come.” Patting the space in front of her with a hoof, “Still your fears, for we only wish to speak to thee.”
Looking around, The changeling slowly approached, with the dream slightly lighting up more with the rise in her calmness. Laying before Luna, the princess nodded, using her magic to lift some vines and gently break them away from the floor. With her hooves, she carefully began to weave with them, trying her hoof at making the flower crowns, much like when she use to with her sister.
calming down to this, the changeling slowly began to once more weave crowns made of vines and flowers, glancing up now and then a the alicorn. Slowly and over time, she gained confidence, relighting the dream once more.
Seeing as she had calmed some, Luna spoke, “We art Luna.” Making the changeling almost flitch slightly, “May we know thy name?”
Still hesitant, the changeling softly told, “Iota…my name is Iota.” Almost jumping way when a flower crown made up of vines were placed on her head.
Looking to who had put it on her head, Luna smiled, “It is a pleasure meeting you, Iota.”