I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
The time had finally come.
The changeling troop of forty-seven strong had moved out and traversed the lands, lead by their leader to the land where their most greatest of foes stayed. Those that were part of this were slightly frightened at what they were to do, while others stood strong and resilient, certain of their own success, even if they might not see home again.
At the head of them all was the single Clan Head to their people, standing tall and looking onwards without the barest hint of hesitation. While many would deny it, they were slightly unsure of their leaders decision on this whole situation. To be ordered to leave home and to stay in a strange land with even more strangers than they did of fellow clan-members. It was further disconcerting when they thought about who was going, a mostly mix-matched group that secretly were unsure of their clan head.
Sardonic himself continued his march, his disguise down and not a single hint of fear in his stride. Most would think of him being extremely arrogant for even considering that none would try and attack him or his large group. They would only be partially right, seeing as his confidence stemmed more from his belief of being invited to Equestria granted safe passage for such a meeting to be held, and also the fact his clan had plenty of fighters on his side.
It did not mean he was underprepared, hidden fighters among those in his ranks, always keeping an eye out, and a few scouts mimicking some wildlife to keep watch. Nothing was truly left to chance when one considered the full implications to what this coming meeting held.
One of them was Ebon himself, one of Sardonic’s proclaimed best Knights, knew what meaning this might hold to his Clan. To potentially, become allies with the ponies, a race that held a leader of such power, they still fear in even to this day. He would admit that outside of a fight, he was not that smart, and his reasoning on subjects that did not pertain to leading a group of warriors, was less then sub-par for his liking.
This time however, he could not help but place some focus on such thoughts. He wondered as to why they were taking such a risk, why they would do it with such a feared and arguably hated race of people they would regard more as food than friends. Or the fact, that Sardonic himself, wanted him to be prepared to fight, as if he knew the ponies would betray them in the furtrue at some point.
He would admit, it was possible given what history they had left of those times, a history mostly forgotten with the passage of time.
This still is strange. The Knight continued to muse in thought, I can understand sending most of us…but why the Mages too? He gave a sparing glance to the mentioned cast of changelings and slightly….frowned. Why risk his only few magical experts on this? He told us himself, none of us might come back from this. It was a troubling thought, and one he did not like. Even less when he thought about who else was coming. Caretakers, Scouts, some Scholars, and a few fresh groups of Knights. To him, something was…worrying about this.
Shaking his head, he reminded himself, Sardonic knows what he’s doing. If it protects the Clan, I really shouldn’t be worried. Feeling confidence at his internal thoughts on the subject and refocused to the task at hoof.
As they marched on though, he could not help but give glances about the ever changing environment and….slightly give a happy buzzing at the warmth. Yes it wasn’t noticeable before, but over time, and further they got from the boarders of the Griffin Kingdom where their Hive sat next to, the more pleasantly warm it got. He internally mused that, at the very least, it will be nice to move around outside.
There was a slight tinging of alarm and worry, not from him or those around him, no it was a sudden spike of emotion that made a few clan brothers and sisters to ping off their own curiosity. With a single glance to the side, they found the source to the emotions. A group of traveling ponies, looking on with shock and slight bits of fear. He figured it was due to not just their numbers, but possibly never having seen a changeling before.
Though when their curiosity was sated, he and the other traveling changelings went back to moving on and more-or-less, ignoring the other travelers. They were nothing to be worried about, an in all honesty, all they were focused on was the castle that was said to rest on the side of highest peek in the middle of Equestria itself. That was where their objective, job and life was. Though it made him wonder, what will it be like to life next to ponies of all things?
There they are. Celestia thought mildly with a somewhat grim face. From up on high in one of her castles towers, and looking through a spyglass, she could see the large and rather bold march of forty strong all heading for Canterlot. The Princess of the Sun had slightly hopped that the Salient Clan and it’s leader, would at the very least keep a low key when coming with this many. It would appear Sardonic has chosen to test my good grace.
It wasn’t the fact she was complaining about showing her merciful side and allowing rather safe passage for these changelings. In fact, she was somewhat pleased with this choice, though with some taken precautions in place if they had less than honorable intent. No, what was concerning her was the panic that might occur with how many changelings, armed, armored and lead by an imposing Heir would cause to any passing Pony.
Or in this case, to her city with it’s commoners and nobility. She was sure it would make even a few of her guard somewhat jumpy.
Heaving a sigh and waving the thought away from the forefront of her mind, Celestia turned away from the spyglass and moved back inside her tower, knowing she had to preparations to make.
Already had the changelings in Canterlot gone into hiding— donning disguises of pony, guard and even a few ‘pet’ animals. They were all coiled like vipers in tall grass, ready for what these new changelings might have in store. In contrast, the Royal Guard was prepared and thankfully brought up to speed since the incident with the Blood Caster Changling. In no part thanks to the Elder Intrusive and his vast knowledge on changelings.
A shame of how blindsided we were. The alicorn reflected, horn alight and opening a door to allow her passage down a winding flight of steps. Millennium past and I never thought to ever prepare my guard for something like this. Though, her regrets were only shallowly kept in mind. In a sense, she had no way to prepare for what had happened weeks ago. Blood casters, as she now knew them, never existed during the crusades to eliminate the changelings of the past, nor the new abilities the common channeling now held.
She let out another sigh, feeling her age slightly tug at her nigh immortal body. As young and beautiful as she looked, many still forgot just how old she was in mind. Though, she still took what flattery she could. This little thought and all the nice bouquet of flowers over the years by many a interested young stallions made a slight smile to tug at her lips. It did help the elder Alicorn to feel slightly younger like Cadence.
Upon reaching the final steps and touching down to the floor, Celestia turned her eyes to those that were waiting for her. To the right and staining tall was Shining Armor, attentive and ready as always. Beside him, her niece Cadence was waiting with the same level of attentiveness. Turning her gaze a bit more to the left, she could see her nephew, Blue Blood, also awaiting for her to speak. Just off to the side and with a complement of Solar Guards stood next to Evening Harvest, the mare also awaiting her own set of orders to later carry out.
Though, idly and almost out of sight was Intrusive, seeming to slightly hide in a shadow. He was far from hiding himself, but he almost appeared to be passively hiding himself behind all the awaiting bodies before him. The solar princess slightly wondered why he had taken to this, but brushed it aside for not to address those before her.
“Captain Armor.” Those two words made the Unicorn snap to attention, ears forwards to hear each and every command about to be issued. “I want you and a contingency of guard to meet the Salient Clan halfway to Canterlot. I do not want to panic the populous any further.” Seeming to give a stern look as she told, “Make sure to have a few of the newer guard assist you." Knowing the Captain would understand her hidden words over the equally hidden allies among their numbers.
With a crisp salute, Armor spoke, “By your orders, Princess.” Only sparing a second to give a loving look to Cadence to express a quick goodbye before about facing and leaving to carry out his orders.
Not giving pause, Celestia turned to Evening Harvest, and ordering the Warrant Officer, “Warrant Officer Harvest.” Seeing that she too, stood tall and ready as Armor had been, while ordering, “You are to re-deploy the guard into the previously arranged defensive positions that I had discussed with you. If anything is out of place by even the slightest of margins, you know what to do.” Then added almost as an after thought, “Alert the Lunar Guard of this change as well.”
“It will be done, Princess.” The mare confirmed, turning and moving away with most of the Solar Guard by her side, a few remaining and awaiting the Princess herself.
Nodding mentally at this, Pricess Celestia then turned her attention to Cadence and Blue Blood, telling them, “Princess Cadenza, I would like you to keep out of sight for the time being and be ready to raise the alarm if things are to go astray.” While addressing her nephew, “Prince Blue Blood, I trust you will keep the nobility sedated while we have a small incursion of changelings in our walls?”
Having an assured smile, Blue Blood assured, “Do not worry, I can keep them steady while the infestation comes around.” Drawing a slightly discouraging glare from Cadance, though the pink Alicorn ignored her 'cousin' to also speak up to Celestia.
“I will be sure to keep a carful watch on Captain Shining Armor and for the signal, Princess Celestia.” Though she wanted to be somewhat apart of this all, Cadence understood why Celestia was keeping her away. At the moment, the Salient Clan head was not aware of her existence. It was doubtful they were aware of Princess Luna’s own, due to how old the stories were of her Aunts in the eyes of the changelings. By Opulence admittance at one point, the Quasi Clan had forgotten Luna was even around, so it was not a far-gone thought that the Salient Clan didn’t know of her or Luna. Though as Masquerade had proven, not all changelings were unaware of her.
Giving a single nod, Celestia spoke while dismissing them, “Than go. Now that Sardonic is here, we need to make sure everything is in place.” Allowing for them both to turn and go to prepare for the exchange to come.
When they were away and leaving only her, the personal guard and Intrusive himself, did Celestia ask, “Professor Intrusive… are you certain your kinsmen will be able to keep themselves hidden from this clan?” Turning her attention to the elder changeling that held the body of a old earth stallion. Though they had prepared for this day, things still tended to not always go as planned.
Though the old pony gave a sagely nod, and said, “I am certain, your Highness.” Seeming fully confident in his clansmen. “The Lue may not have the same level of skill in the Cloak as the Veron, nor the strength bestowed to the Willed, but we preserver through our intellect and knowledge to out wit others.”
There was an almost whimsical smile on his features as Intrusive told, “The Salient Clan are not truly expecting changelings to be hiding amongst the ponies, nor would they expect the off-sending troops of this exchange to be of changeling decent.” Then gave a look of certainty at the Princess as he spoke, “I understand you do not hold this deception in high regard. But we both know that the Lue is much better suited to this task than your own soldiers whom are less than adequate to handle this task.”
It was futile to actually hide her emotions from a changeling, but Celesita still held face as she said despite her concerns, “And I realize this. I just feel slightly ashamed that you must place your clansmen in harms way. They are, for lack of better term, walking into a deathtrap.” Knowing very well that was what this ‘peaceful exchange’ meant. To form any sort of ‘trust’, both sides had to relinquish those of their ‘clan’ to the other. In a way, it was like making a peace treaty by marriage and mixing of blood. The difference was they were trading military strength with the other in the form of garrisons to have a presents with the other, and get used to knowing who their new allies were.
The trouble was, Celestia knew that the soldiers she were sending were not her own, but the Lue, and that this alliance was more of a ruse than anything. It was to get close to the heart of what was potentially their enemy and being ready to strike at a moments notice. If it wasn’t for Opulence’s venomous nature towards the Salient Clan, she would have pressed for peace more vocally.
But by the sounds of both Quasi Clan head and the reports Luna had received from Masquerade, or even Ventral and Iota’s own admittance to most of their clans traditions— she was admittedly swayed to follow the possibility of causing bloodshed or being forced to fight this Clan. It sounded like it was inevitable no matter what she did.
Intrusive gave a hum and a nod, not fully away of Celestia’s inner thoughts of the situation and merely assured, “Those that are going were trained for this, your Highness. They know the risks and understand their duties.” Then motioned to the Day Alicorn to get moving, and telling, “Please, your Highness. I advise that you prepare Iota and Ventral for the coming meeting.” A slightly distrustful glint in the elder’s eyes, “We might be prepared, but who knows what this Sardonic might truly have planned. He might be a warmonger like his father before him, but he is still channeling. Tread with what caution you can muster, your Highness.”
Giving a visible nod, Celestia assured, “I will Professor Intrusive.” Knowing how true his words have become over the last few months when dealing with the deceptive nature of changelings.
There were many things to expect from the city on the mouton, and what it might look like. Many a time had Sardonic heard tales of the white ivory city of the ponies from the Griffins, and how the great construct of enchanted stone held on the mighty peak. Told were the stories of it’s high towers and arcing bridges, it’s freely falling waters and the radiants during the day or night.
For him, it was almost a alien sight to see. For Sardonic, who had lived most of his life either among the Griffins in their Kingdom or the confines of his hive— the sight of the city to the Celestial Sisters was an… odd one. Each side rounded and curved, holding a form of elegant to it, and the water that fell off it’s edge added an almost enthrall or mystical feel. The spires trimmed with gold seemed to light up their hight and show off their grandure. Even the purples mixed in here or there just told of the royalty of the city and it’s full meaning to it’s inhabitants that were royalty or nobility. A place of recognition and high standing.
It was an admittedly wondrous sight, even if it did not agree with his changeling nature that called for more darker, blacker and even sharper appearances. It even slightly ires him that the city seemed to show nothing but a form of peace, of tranquility and calm. As a warrior, the mer concept of not showing strength when you could nagged at him.
But I will not let it deceive me. The Heir stubbornly thought. He still had not forgotten the stories of the Alicorn Princess and her might, and even if it had been a millennium since her crusade, he was not a fool. Immortal beings had time to grow and become more powerful, even if it was not with open show. But rather, the use of the tongue and how to battle with the ready pen that would define how victory would rise today.
Though, he did reflect that in a sense, this would not be a battle to be won. It was a skirmish that would determine the victory gained later on. He truly had to be carful on what he said and how he said it. Anything could tip the elder Alicorn off if he wasn’t carful. But even more, he needed to be wary of how he controlled his situation with those that would be coming into his own hive. That, was a tricky business of it’s own. To actively control which he could not as freely order as his own Clan.
It would be a challenge he would accept and over come.
There was a slight anxiety that floated in the air. It was almost thick, mixed with controlled concern, worry and anticipation. It was really the first thing that tipped off both Ventral and Iota of something going on that evening, and it slightly concerned them both. Though what concerned them more was the fact that the changelings that, not even days before buzzing about, were now gone in hiding.
It sorely reminded Ventral of when she first came to this city, and how she was caught completely unawares of the changeling clan that was just hiding in plain sight. It was with this thought that she had figured, her clan was most likely on it’s way. And that alone had slightly drawn up a feeling of both excitement— and dread. Dread that once Sardonic reached the castle and spotted her, that he would reprimand and punish her for being discovered.
She sorely hopped against hope that he would let it slide in the light of possible peace. The Princesses were more than fair— even if they were in all technicality their captives. It more than not, didn’t feel like it. If anything, they were treated more like guests and Ventral had to say, she enjoyed the ponies as of yet.
Granted, the guard had, on more than once occasion, eyed them like they were convicts or the local changeling Clan watch them like vultures waiting for a dying animal to keel over. The later was the most unnerving. But despite that… they were welcomed. The nobility could be handled if you ignored them enough, and love was in plentiful amounts. The ponies kind enough were very accommodating and could even be relatable at times when they opened up!
It was admittedly strange. All of it. But for Ventral, she could only see this ending in a stable source of food for her clan and a very powerful alliance against any rival clans. But that all depended on Sardonic… and supposing that all this anxiety and worry was actually the Clan Head coming to meet with Princess Celestia, or another clan of changelings she didn’t know about.
Whichever the case, Ventral felt a bit anxious herself, as Sardonic could still deal out punishment, or the possibility of a new clan being not so friendly with the Salient Clan.
That sadly brought up the fact of the Quasi Clan being allies with the ponies. Ventral felt a shiver go through her body, knowing that she balancing on a knife. She knew, just knew, that if she teetered to one side too much, she was going to get a rather harsh response. On one side was her own clan and their reactions to how familiar she was with the Quasi. The other, was the Quasi and the entirety of pony kind if things did not turn out for the best for Sardonic, leading to their clans possible genocide.
The worry the scout felt was pliable, and easily felt by Iota, whom at this point had been looking out their rooms balcony widow to see what was going on. She had seen a large mass of guards, lead by one purple spot she knew to be Shining Armor. Glancing back at her clan sister and trying not to think too much of how the changeling was worrying or slightly pacing to calm herself, Iota spoke up.
“Ven?” This seemed to be enough to make the older scout stop and turn all focus to Iota, whom gave a slight glance outside and spoke, “What do you think is going on?” Slightly wondering was really was going on. Part of her hoped it was her clan finally coming. If anything, she hoped for this because as nice as the ponies were… they wen’t her clan. they weren't her brothers, sisters or even elders.
Thinking of what to say to the forlorn looking scout, Ventral eventually settled with shaking her head and telling, “I don’t know Iota. Could be anything really.” Though she was still fairly sure it had something to do with changelings. It was the only reason she could think of for the Lue to go into hiding so suddenly. Well… unless they are scared of something else.
Whatever the reason, Ventral took a moment to breath deeply and say, “It could be anything Iota. Maybe it’s a pony thing.” And in all truth, it could have been. There were still some… occasions the ponies would do something rather odd, even if it had reason. Weird pony reasoning maybe, but reason in the end.
Hearing a knock on their door, both changelings exchanged glances before Ventral moved to the door, Iota not too far behind as it was opened. A guard stood there, stiffly standing before them and telling, “Your presents is required, and I am to escort you both to the thrown room at once.”
He did not show it, but both of the scouts could feel just the tinges of worry in his controlled emotions. He was anxious, like so many of the other ponies. Still, they gave confirming nods and moved out of their private room, taking up their places behind the guard that lead them down the halls that were being filled or hidden with armored and watchful eyes.
It was admittedly a bit unnerving and worrying with how guarded all the ponies felt. Just the feel of how tightly bound and restricted their own emotions felt were only telling the two that something truly had them on edge. When they reached the thrown room though, they glanced up towards Princess Celestia, sitting on her ivory thrown and giving them a warm smile.
“Ventral, Iota. Thank you for coming.” She spoke smoothly and with that ever present motherly smile. It was nearly opposite of how she felt at the moment, they somewhat knew. They could feel the edges of concern around the Alicron, but it seemed to be eclipsed by determination and focus. Her smile though, was a bit welcoming to the two changelings as it held a calming quality.
“Princess Celestia?” Iota decided to speak up, trying to keep her voice even, though it still belayed some of her nervousness, “What… what’s happening?”
Softening her smile to the scouts, Celestia told them both, “Today, one of the scouts had seen a large entourage of changelings coming this way.” Informing them with a hint of anticipation, “By your descriptions, Sardonic has finally arrived.”
Both changelings felt a jolt go through them at this news, and though excited at finally seeing their clansmen again— there was a undoubtful feeling of worry of how the Clan head was going to take it. Ventral worried the most, knowing that in a way, she made a huge blunder and he might not take too kindly to how big her mistake was in getting captured.
Taking a calming breath, Ventral asked the day matriarch, “And you want us to… be here when he comes in?” Trying to not show any of her nervousness, but knowing why the Princess would want this.
Seeming to follow her line of thought, Celestia assured, “I felt it best for your Clan head to be aware that we have treated you both fairly, and that this alliance will benefit us both.” Then told in a calming manner, “I will keep his focus on myself during these talks.” Then gave a almost mischievous wink, “Give him more to think about than a couple of scouts that got lost in a snow storm.”
Getting the hint, Ventral smiled and figured to let Celestia explain what happened and take the heat off of her. By some chance, she might not get in as much of trouble if the Princess made things out rightly. Still, the aspect of lying to Sardonic wasn’t something she wanted to do, but she didn’t want to face his ire over what she felt was her responsibility to uphold for her clan sister.
“Come.” The white Alicorn soon beaconed to the two, “Seat yourselves near me. Sardonic will be along in time, and we can all wait here and talk pleasantries for a while.” That disarming yet kind smile inviting the two to just relax and talk.
It was a welcoming sight, and the sincerity in the Princesses tone and emotions helped relax the two changelings even further as they made their way over and sat near her. The personal guards around the Thrown room were soon pushed to the back of their minds, as Celestia asked them small and hardly important questions.
It seemed to do the trick for the tense air around them though, as the two soon jumped into conversation of what they had enjoyed the most so far from the grand city. Honey Biscuits, the nice servants, Princess Cadence— but most of all the allowance to feed off of any ambient love and emotions they could easily feed off of. That was still a big highlight for them both. Though Iota had trouble figuring out if she liked the guardians better, or this new thing she discovered called 'chocolate', that Cadence had let her try.
Celestia had to retain a small bout of laughter later on, when Iota began detailing how she had apparently walked in on a guard and a maid having a rather intimate moment. Apparently the love had drawn the young common and had on accident, interrupted the small shared meal they were having.
Shining Armor would have a few words with the guard for fraternizing with the staff. Celestia thought with amusement, Even more in a romantic light… I wonder if Cadence knows? Having a small inkling her niece was up to her old matchmaking tricks. The Pink Alicon did know a few places that were private at the right times.
Any more pleasantries and funny little tie bits came to a screeching halt when the large doors opened. Celestia quickly sat up straight and donned a more retail and controlled mask. Though it still retained that kind motherly smile, it had a slightly showing edge of steel, more so in her eyes. She could slightly sense the tension now forming in the air— not just from the two changelings by her side, but from all her little ponies.
It was not in question as to why either. Sardonic’s mere presents held a air of forceful aggression and intimidation, and looked very powerful and demanding of respect. Beside him were a few private guards, Rangers more than likely. Still, Celestia felt the need to slightly steel her own resolve at the sight of the somewhat imposing Heir and his height that nearly reached her own. Ventral had once turned into the Heir once, so she and a few scouts knew what to look for when the Salient came. Despite looking the same, Ventral certainly lacked the air Sardonic truly holds. Celestia thought out carefully as she slightly eyed the tall changeling.
In turn, Sardonic eyed his surroundings with a hint of disapproval. Each stride he made was with purpose and a singleminded goal held in his eyes. When he turned his green cat-eyes to Celestia herself, the Alicorn could see a district tension and readiness in his powerful broad form.
The changeling Heir looked ready to fight, and by the intricate royal armor and two large maces that were just hidden under a short cape, Celestia knew what she was dealing with. Proud, strong and confident. A warrior in a full sense. He wasn’t scared of her, but wary. She could see his eyes going over her body, evaluating just how much of a threat she was from appearance alone.
After what felt like a very tense moment, the doors finally closed with a almost defining ‘clang’, making all those inside —baring one Heir and Alicorn— slightly tensed further as they watched their respective leaders stare the other down.
For what seemed like an eternity in the gripping silence and suffocatingly thick air, was the quite broken by Celestia’s ever serene voice. “Welcome, Sardonic of the Salient Clan.” Her smile and sincerity… somewhat blindsiding the changelings that had just arrived, and no doubt made Sardonic slightly eye the Alicorn with suspicion. “I hope your trek here was without any difficulty?”
Despite what Sardonic had prepared for, he wasn’t so… prepared for how calmly and almost self-assured the white Alicorn would be. He somewhat expected some form of sharpness when dealing with him after being escorted by a small troop of her gaurd, but instead he was getting a rather warm welcome.
Even with this, Sardonic refused to let his guard down, and spoke in a somewhat steely tone, “Nothing my Clan can’t handle.” Giving a glance to his two scouts, still sitting near the pony ruler and looking… comfortable around her. There was a slight seething inside go the heir, and he could see the two scout shuffle and shrink in on themselves at his intense glare and slightly leaked feelings.
Turning his gaze away from the now unnerves scouts, Sardonic went straight to the point. “Princess Celestia…” Almost saying her royal title with a slight undertone of distaste, “Before we get on with business… I would like to know.” Then pointedly looked at the two scouts that slightly shrunk back once more, feeling the accusation in his otherwise level tone. “How did you come to have my Clansmen in your care?”
Iota slightly scooted close to Ventral, seeking out any comfort she could from Sardonics rather angry glare and harsh emotions being sent twords them. Ventral herself was feeling the need to hide herself, and only able to think, Oh ancestors, he’s furious! Trying her best not to gulp… though she was fairly sure he was fully aware of how worried they felt.
Giving a slight glance to the two changelings that had shrunk in on themselves, Celestia frowned internally and looked to Sardonic and spoke in a more stronger tone that drew attention straight to herself. “We found them.” And in turn, made Sardonic look to her. “An agent of ours traveling through the Griffin Kingdom had found them and decided to bring them back here.” She gave a kind smile to the two, recalling the reports she and her sister had gained from Masqurade to… stretch the truth. “Ventral in particular was nearly frozen to death while trying to keep Iota safe during a blizzard. The two had a rather difficult time, and might not be here today if not for the aid of our agent.”
An agent found them? Qestioned Sardonic, not believing it in the least. Turning his gaze between both his scouts, and Celestia herself. The Alicorn, for all intents and purposes, was telling the truth. He couldn’t find a lie in her, and only a minor amount of deceit. Probably hiding what the Agent was out there for. He told himself, and had a feeling that the scouts captor might have been more of a mistake if they were in disguises, the Agent presuming them to not be changeling before they were somehow discovered.
Still, he turned to the two scouts, mainly Ventral, and demanded, “Is this true?” His eyes on her like a hawk and senses fully aimed at the poor mare that slightly gulped nervously.
“Y-Yes sir. It’s all true.” Ventral felt like she was, more or less, lying through her fangs. Ventral knew he would know something might be off, but at the moment, she was so shaken up by that unnerving gaze that she was hardly able to keep her mind straight while trying to tell the slight-lie.
Sardonic narrowed his eyes at her, and Ventral slightly tensed again. For a moment, many had to wonder what the heir was thinking before he seemingly dropped the matter and spoke, “If that’s so, then we should continue on with more serous matters.” Making his guards give very slight and nearly unnoticeable wondering looks at their clan head, and confused ones by Ventral and Iota.
And so begins the game. Celestia thought in an almost grim manner. Most of her guards had not caught the tell, but she had. Sardonic was suspicious, and knew something was up. From here on out, it was a game of carful and well placed moves.
When the talks began and Sardonic met Celestia’s eyes, there was a slight moment in time that the other could see into the intent and mind of their opponent. For the slightest of moments, both knew the other was hiding something and plotting something that neither could confirm. Yet in that same moment, both could only see one thing in the others eyes.
The assurance they would not lose to the other in this deadly game.