//------------------------------// // Chapter XXIV – Alliances // Story: Journey with a Batpony // by Gulheru //------------------------------// The last rays of the sun were nothing but a memory and the nip of the night had already taken its hold over the town. Moonwarden felt rather pleased by this circumstance, however. It was not anything to look forward too, biting cold, but he much preferred freezing on the outside than on the inside, like he had been through most of that day. Thankfully, Nettlie’s hideous remedy proved to be outstandingly effective in his struggle against the Exertion. “Tell me,” he began, attempting to make the trot through the hamlet more engaging than ‘dull’, considering that the streets were pretty empty already. “Will you finally disclose what have you been stuffing me with, now that it seemed to have worked, Nettlie?” The mare, bringing forth a coy smile, giggled quietly. “You wouldn’t believe me even if I were to tell you, sir...” Moonwarden rolled his eyes. “Clearly you have no idea of the extent of things I do believe in... Speaking of which. Agent Jade Wind?” “Yes, sire,” the crystal stallion following the two replied, lifting his gaze towards the unicorn a bit reluctantly. “Something has been perturbing me since we spoke. You mentioned that the fluctuations of magic around the Alps seem to be rather profound, no?” “Indeed, sire,” Jade Wind confirmed, pulling his cloak over him tighter. “The only effect I have ever felt that would be comparable to it is that of the Crystal Heart in near vicinity. However, that is due to our crystal kin’s population and the sheer nature of our relic...” he paused briefly. “What exactly is plaguing you about this Tramplevanian phenomenon, sire?” “First of all, I began strongly considering whether the batponies are even aware of it in entirety...” Moonwarden revealed, looking at his companions intently. “They, as far as we know, have no knowledge of arcane arts and no way of performing them.” “None whatsoever,” Jade Wind confirmed with conviction. “I would safely bet that they are oblivious to this peculiarity.” “Indeed. Even so... I am intrigued about another aspect of this matter. Would it be possible for such massive fluctuations to, in theory, affect somepony inherently attuned to magical energies, say...” Moonwarden paused theatrically, “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Jade Wind stopped dead in his tracks. He closed his faceted eyes and his brow soon furrowed. His answer was patiently awaited by the two other ponies, exchanging curious looks. “H... hypothetically,” the crystal stallion hummed, his eyes still closed, “considering that these type of anomalies do not occur in Equestria... and that their volume is significant... I could foresee somepony of a powerful magical affinity being quite facilely influenced by them, if unaware to the magnitude of waxing and waning of the currents.” Jade Wind opened his eyes, looking sharply at both Moonwarden and Nettlie. “And I do not have in mind only arcane abilities, but also emotional states, or even cognitive skills. If the flow of magic would become suddenly concentrated, say, due to the abundance of minerals present in the mountains...” he did not finish, leaving space for free implications. Moonwarden knitted his brows. Princess Twilight had managed to withstand luneeit’s arcane-dampening effect back in Canterlot, but what about a prolonged exposure? Especially unintentional? How would that affect her? “This is... very concerning, come to think of it,” he muttered to himself. “And exceedingly interesting,” himself replied, considering the usefulness of such knowledge. “It seems mostly troubling, sir,” Nettlie stated, then shifted her attention back to the crystal stallion. “Jade Wind, might I ask you something about the time... before the Crystal Empire’s disappearance?” Jade Wind squinted his eyes. “... yes?” “You say that batponies have no ability to use magic, or no knowledge on these ley lines.” “That was, and I believe still is, the academic cognizance regarding the bat kin.” “Indeed,” Moonwarden affirmed, however granting the mare all of his attention, as she was clearly up to something. “What are you attempting to deduce, Nettlie?” “One moment, sir,” she replied, biting her hoof in deep thought, staring at the crystal stallion still. “And... you know this via Equestrian sources, or...?” Jade Wind blinked. “I truly need the context.” “What I mean to ask is, did the Empire pursue any kind of, you know, relations with the batponies all that time ago?” she inquired, giving Moonwarden a glance. “Trade? Scientific exchange? Anything? Any books on them, or treatises, or works?” Moonwarden’s eyes widened. “What superb thinking, Nettlie!” he praised her genuinely. “An imperial source on the batponies would actually be more ‘recent’, treating about the time before their sudden departure from Equestria, due to the time skip caused by Sombra’s curse.” Jade Wind, however, inhaled and shook his head. “I fear I cannot provide you with any such information on the matter... Our Luminous Empire stood as a singular bastion in the North, not as... tightly bound to Equestria as nowadays,” he mentioned with a touch of disdain in his voice. “We were aware that the Diarchy had made some sort of arrangement with the mountainous bat kin, considering a form of vassalage, but their kind was but a single step beyond tribal confederacy, really. Even behind Equestria. And we were seldom curious of what was occurring amongst the less civilized.” Nettlie’s eyes widened while Moonwarden gave Jade Wind a cold, unimpressed stare. “The ‘less civilized’, you say?” The crystal stallion didn’t even flinch. “Yes, sire. Among the highborn of the Empire, Equestrians were often viewed as... primitive.” It did not take mentalism to deduce that Jade Wind considered himself sympathetic to the notion, even if he tried to hide it. His eyes escaped towards Nettlie. “And some more than others.” “Careful now, worm,” Moonwarden lowered his voice to but a whisper. “A ‘primitive’ is deciding whether your life shall face an abrupt, if inventive, end.” At the tone of his voice, Jade Wind raised his hooves in protest. “Oh, no, I meant no disrespect, of course, sire. I was merely—” The unicorn let his horn spark with silver, unwilling to listen to excuses. “Indeed? It did not cross your mind at all? Should I ascertain myself?” he asked grimly. “N—” the crystal stallion began, but stopped himself when his eyes ventured towards the mercurial mist gathering around Moonwarden’s horn. He hung his head instead of defending himself. “Whatever is your wish, sire.” “Oh, look here, you can respect authority after all,” the unicorn remarked sarcastically. He then glanced at Nettlie, who was standing to the side with a particularly distraught expression. Yes, a firm point simply had to be made. “I care not for your vile tongue, agent, as I have heard far worse insults than just ‘primitive’. And from ponies of greater importance than a dishonored academic. But somepony else here does need to be apologized to.” Moonwarden stepped closer to Jade Wind, almost pressing his muzzle to his. “While I shall be talking with the Nightguard captain, you shall tell Nettlie that you are very, very sorry that your misbegotten pride made you insult a pony that has proven her worth a hundredfold. You, oh noble Imperial Thaumaturge, shall make amends to this mare from a simple, farmpony family that made her journey all the way up to become one of the Lady of the Night’s most trusted operatives. And you shall do so from the bottom of your rotten soul.” Jade Wind, faced with Moonwarden’s piercing gaze and bared teeth, swallowed, the remnants of his confidence evaporating swiftly. “I—” he tried to speak, but the unicorn raised his hoof in front of his muzzle. “Nettlie will tell me later whether you have complied. And it is to be sincere. Or a ‘primitive’ shall remind you to what exact horrid extent is your race vulnerable to arcane arts.” Without another glance, despite a part of him wishing to already give Jade Wind an idea of what he was up against, Moonwarden turned around to continue the journey to the town hall. “Nettlie, dear, come along.” The mare, her mouth ajar from witnessing what had just occurred, quickly regained her composure, skipping to catch up with Moonwarden, her glasses almost falling from her face. “I-I-I... Thank you, sir...” she mumbled to him, glancing back at Jade Wind who was shambling far behind them with a blank, defeated expression. “But... you didn’t have to...” “Nettlie...” The unicorn sent her a polite smile. “I meant what I have said. You have gained our Princess’ trust and mine. That is quite the accomplishment for a daughter of a simple wheat farmer.” “I... once more thank you, sir, this means a lot...” she responded, trying to hide a blush so blatant on her face. “I do not need an apology from Jade Wind, though...” “Well, if that’s the case, consider this a form of training for our recruit. He needs the stick aplenty before he ever receives the carrot.” Moonwarden chuckled to himself. “Besides, I would like the eventual carrot not to be poisoned. We need him healthy and not suffering from any excruciating abdominal pain and worse, like the last ponies who took a jab at your heritage.” “Oh, not even a small dysentery?” she inquired innocently, giving the unicorn a sad look. “Agent Nettle Leaf! How uncouth!” Moonwarden tried his best to hide a sincere laugh. “Since when have you become so wicked?” “I blame spending my time with you, sir.” The unicorn let out of grand sigh. “And so I corrupt another innocent mare!” Despite meaning to simply make a vainglorious joke, he suddenly felt the weight of the pocket portrait in his vest becoming... unbearable. He stopped his face from falling somehow, turning to the empty mask of a sly smile. “I hope my abilities shall not fail me tonight. Which reminds me! Nettlie, is there any sort of a... ‘watering hole’ in this here hollow?” He looked around meaningfully, abandoning all hopes for a place of leisure that would even remotely match his standards. “Uhm, well... There is the local inn, usually a meeting place for the lumberjacks... It can be a bit... rowdy,” she revealed, clearly uncertain whether this place would be in any way appropriate. “There is no other... establishment of this kind here.” “Consider me unsurprised,” Moonwarden commented. “Where exactly is that den of revelry and does it happen to have a name, or...?” “Oh, it’s near the northern edge of the town, you just have to follow the main street to get there. And it’s called ‘The Broken Stock’.” “How charming...” the unicorn muttered, rolling his eyes. Then again, what was he expecting? A refined restaurant like the “Aqua Vitae” of Canterlot? “Oh, very well,” he conceded, seeing as they were closing in on the town hall already. “Make sure that the two of you secure a table for me and my dear companion. I want to have you nearby, just in case, but out of view.” “Yes, sir. Naturally, sir,” Nettlie replied with a little bow of her head. “And do tell me later whether Jade Wind was honest enough,” Moonwarden added when she was ready to venture away. “Maybe I will let you give him an annoying rash regardless...” Leaving Nettlie giggling, he went straight towards the town hall building, quickly making sure whether his official ensemble was flawless. Oh, of course it was! This was supposed to look like a “casual coincidence”, finding this Sunfall Ordain here, but it was meant to be anything but that. Moonwarden was about to knock, when from the inside he heard a rather enthusiastic, colorful, mare’s voice. It had a pleasantly exotic vibe to it. “By the Moon, I have never seen the mayor working quite so lively!” A respectful tone, belonging to Quill Driver, replied to her. “Yes, indeed... We have been granted new instructions by a representative of the Royal Office. The mayor took them to heart.” Did Moonwarden hear a note of distress? He sighed, raising his hoof. If it were only possible to somehow change a pony’s heart... He knocked on the door firmly, bringing forth a cold look on his muzzle. A quick trot later Quill Driver was in the doorway, looking outside curiously. Met with Moonwarden’s piercing gaze, he quickly lowered his head. “My lord, welcome!” he exclaimed with enthusiasm that was only there to hide gathering concern. “W-we are about to start closing, my lord, but how might we be of service?” he quickly uttered. “I only wanted to check on the state of things,” Moonwarden let him know, trotting inside confidently. “As I wish to—” he reverted to the preplanned pause when his eyes landed on the batpony present inside. Although, he couldn’t be entirely sure whether the halt had not been genuine. Sunfall Ordain’s coat was reminding him of swirly ash of an extinguished bonfire and her mane was that of rust, orange and sunset. She presented herself accordingly to her position, Moonwarden thought, with the Nightguard armor and the cloak on her back. It was actually a welcome addition to her slim musculature, showcasing years of rigorous training regime. She was staring at him with a curious expression, her eyes a pleasant shade of vibrant, merry yellow. There was something inexplicably honest in this stare. Something sincere. Sunfall Ordain turned out to be quite an attractive sight to behold... ...if anypony would be swayed by the more ferocious standards of beauty, of course. “My, what a pleasant surprise!” Moonwarden allowed his voice to be fueled with polite mirth. “Captain Sunfall Ordain, I presume?” he inquired eagerly, smiling a suave, calm smile. “Greetings!” the batpony responded, her expression beaming. She quickly scanned Moonwarden’s garments. “And you must be the representative of the Royal Office, sir.” The trilling in her voice was adorable. Also, her observation was quick and on point. “Indeed, I am. Mister Quill Driver, can I ask you for a formal introduction?” The secretary eagerly nodded his head. “Naturally. Standing before you, sir, is the leader of Hollow Shades’ Nightguard division, Captain Sunfall Ordain,” he exclaimed, to which the mare grinned and saluted orderly. “Captain Sunfall Ordain,” Quill Driver pointed at the unicorn with esteem, “deputy of the Royal Office, Advisor Moonwarden.” “A pl—” Before Moonwarden could say a word more, he found himself almost muzzle to muzzle with the mare, whose expression was a mixture of disbelief and joy, leaving him confused for a second. “Wait, wait, wait! ‘Moonwarden’?” she inquired, a merry glint in her slit pupils. “As in ‘Moonwarden-Moonwarden’?” Good, very good! The stallion took a calm step backwards. “Well, I presume so.” She was more right than she realized, actually. “But, could I ask for an explanation, Captain?” “Well,” her voice turned to a whisper, “I have heard of you... and...” She glanced cautiously at Quill Driver. Her eyes betrayed concern. How intriguing... Was his supposed conversion considered secretive? Or, even more curiously, stigmatizing? “Oh, yes... Perhaps we should not continue this discussion here, Captain,” he agreed, himself giving Quill Driver a frigid glance. “Might I offer taking our conversation to another place? That is, if your business with the Town Hall is concluded for tonight.” Sunfall Ordain waved her hoof. “I was merely checking whether we could be of any assistance to the town. But I see that the mayor decided to take matters into his own hooves!” She looked at the locked door of Stamp Duty’s office. Using the opportunity, Moonwarden smirked vilely, swiftly glaring at Quill Driver. “I might have given him a piece of my mind.” The secretary’s face lost its color, nearly causing the grey unicorn to burst out in laughter. “Ha!” Sunfall Ordain shouted, satisfied. “Good supervision is a key to success!” She reverted her gaze back to Moonwarden, who had managed to return to a kind expression. “Yes, if this is not a problem, I would very much like to talk with you for a while, Advisor Moonwarden.” “ ‘Just’ Moonwarden shall be enough, Captain,” he suggested openly, making his smile grow. “Alright. But it has to be ‘just’ Sunfall Ordain then!” she riposted, grinning. Moonwarden said nothing in response, simply gestured towards the exit door, letting the mare pass before him. Then he managed to swiftly turn his gaze to Quill Driver, who appeared thoroughly confused by what was occurring. Beneficial. Moonwarden’s eyes flashed with silver, granting the secretary a steady reference point in his bemusement. “Think nothing of it,” he suggested, and Quill Driver’s abruptly vacant expression and hazy stare lingered until he closed the doors of the Town Hall. Sunfall Ordain was impatiently waiting outside, granting Moonwarden with a very polite grin and true curiosity in her eyes. “So, Moonwarden,” she began when he closed in, “you are that Moonwarden, yes?” The stallion chuckled. “Could I still have a frame of reference, Cap—pardon, Sunfall Ordain?” he made a mistake on purpose. It granted him a playful glint in the mare’s eyes. “Well... you are the one soleeran that actually converted to venerating the Goddess, yes?” she inquired, lowering her voice. “There were some rumors around when I was stationed in Canterlot. So... is that-Moonwarden and you-Moonwarden the same Moonwarden?” The density of his name being mentioned was becoming ridiculous. Yet it was far from unpleasant. On the contrary! He only just managed to make his voice humble. “A loyal, unworthy servant of the Goddess...” he muttered, closing his eyes and bowing his head. “Ha...” a gasp escaped Sunfall Ordain’s mouth. “Wow, Luneestraz... That Luneestraz!” “Pardon?” “That’s your title in our language! The Moonwarden. Luneestraz.” How... extrinsic. “I am sorry to say,” the unicorn wished to clarify, “but it is not a title. It is my name.” Sunfall Ordain’s jaw dropped. She leaned forward, her eyes widening almost enough to become round. “The Goddess baptized you?!” Only extensive years of training stopped Moonwarden from facehoofing. Instead, he snickered under his breath and sent the batpony a kind smile. “I have not received quite such an honour. It is simply the name I have from birth. Now with just a greater meaning, I suppose...” The batpony shook her head in understanding. “Oh! I see. So... you do serve the Immaculate Moon?” she inquired before her head bowed down. Moonwarden quickly participated in this batpony gesture of piety and respect, which only seemed to make the mare more excited. Her wings flapped around and her grin was bound to remain wide for good. “A soleeran that saw the Light of the Goddess!” she exclaimed, her eyes venturing upwards towards the lunar discus ruling over the sky. “It simply must have been Her Luminous Will, for your parents to name you like they did!” Very unlikely. Moonwarden cocked an eyebrow. Never mind his opinion on the matter, the certainty in the mare’s voice was pretty overwhelming. Was she that pious? How could he use it? He coughed lightly before proceeding. “Well... I have never believed in fate or providence. That is, until I have witnessed the Goddess Herself, back from Her exile,” he revealed, the images in his mind swiftly following. “If I forget that day, may She forget me...” he declared, bringing forth an expression of deep devoutness that came to him strangely easily. “What was it like?” Sunfall Ordain trotted slightly closer, a kind, almost benevolent look on her muzzle. “To see Her? To take in Her divine glory and majesty? To suddenly realize that She is the Goddess?” Moonwarden could not stop his lips from smiling softly. “Life-altering...” he whispered, staring at nothing in particular. He remained still for a moment, wrapped in the memory that was as clear as the moonlight. Vivid and cherished by him. Wake up. He shook his head. Damnation, he got himself distracted. He shot Sunfall Ordain an apologetic look, but her expression was nothing but understanding. “It must have been quite a moment,” she commented like an older sister in faith would. Despite the natural age discrepancy that made it peculiar, Moonwarden played along. “It is a feeling difficult to describe properly, Sunfall Ordain. When your entire world becomes focused on somepony just like that.” “Ha, indeed!” the batpony agreed, once more glancing upwards. “But if the Goddess is on the first place in your heart and mind, then everything else is in its right place.” “Quite so,” the unicorn affirmed, sympathetic to that notion. He smirked on the inside. He had found a perfect approach with Sunfall Ordain. One that he could utilize in fullness. “Might I ask, would you mind us sitting down somewhere to continue this much pleasant exchange? Of course, if your duties are not forcing you to return to your outpost...” “Oh, I would not mind at all!” the mare beamed. “It is a pleasure meeting a pony like you! I will be happy to talk, if you are not worried that I shall bore you to death with questions!” “Worry not about that.” Moonwarden smirked, subconsciously stretching his back a little. “I have found myself to be particularly unwilling to die.” *** “We are leaving soon, Princess,” Midnight coldly reported, keeping up his salute. “The Honored Lords shall be departing in about an hour and they have expressed their will to bid you an official farewell until the next congregation.” “Thank you, Nightguardian,” Twilight responded equally calmly, holding to the emotionless pretense. She still felt like a fool after yesternight. She actually believed that everything between her and Midnight was ending. For a moment she was on the brink of utter despair, from which only his passionate embrace and declaration managed to save her. First the world was ending, being consumed in darkness of apathy... and then she felt like she had just experienced pure, untainted bliss. It was weird. Like, really weird. What was happening to her? Was this mission affecting her so much? To have her swing from the peaks of love to the abyss of madness like a pendulum? She had to take hold of herself. Lest she risked a nervous breakdown, like the one she had been falling into yesternight. It did not help that Midnight put up such a convincing act! “Anything more?” she asked of him, checking if the luggage was properly secured. “No, Princess,” he exclaimed, although his gaze was telling her that he would want to say a lot, lot more. “With your permission, I shall notify the Lords and bring your escort here.” “Thank you. Do so,” she ordered, coming closer. “Let us not linger if we are to reach the Mountain of Midnight tonight.” “At once!” Midnight replied, his armor clinking. There was hesitation in his eyes, but he managed to force his body to turn and leave the chamber. Twilight knew that he wanted nothing more than to kiss her, or simply embrace her. But, whatever happened during this meeting between him and Midnight Eye, it had put Midnight on the defensive. His goal now was to avert any suspicion, she understood, and for his safety she was ready to go great lengths and keep to this act constantly. Even if it meant a certain dosage of... inner frustration. The sheer act of prolonging her sight spell Midnight deemed to be risky enough. The two did so only after he had double checked whether nopony was in the immediate vicinity of two closest corridors! Twilight sighed, left alone in her room. She always considered love to be a little complicated and convoluted idea in general, yes, but it seemed that she and Midnight had encountered labyrinthine levels of difficulty from the very start. Why couldn’t it be simple? She loved him, he loved her, end of story! Why all the drama, all the hiding, all the furtiveness?! Couldn’t their story be a simple, short one...? Twilight sighed and once more checked her luggage, looking around the room for anything she might have left behind, when a knock on the door made her arch her eyebrows. Midnight was back already? Or was that Rowan Berry maybe? She was meant to join them in the landing cave, no? Twilight carefully opened the door, her gaze meeting an arcemandr waiting on the other side. “Yes? Can I help you?” she asked, caution filling her immediately. “Might I enter?” a faint whisper replied to her. She could have sworn that she had heard its silken tone before somewhere. “Might I ask who you might be first?” The batpony raised his hoof to lift his hood a little, which caused Twilight to catch a glimpse of a golden gaze and mane the hue of pure, celeste ice. Her eyes widened. “... Count Mistlock?” she inquired in a whisper, indeed recognizing Azure Mist’s son underneath the habit. She quickly made way and the stallion shifted inside the chamber with almost no sound. Twilight checked outside for anypony else, then swiftly locked the doors. “To what do I owe this visit, Count?” she asked, befuddled by the circumstance. Mistlock removed his hood entirely, gazing at Twilight with a calm, even cold stare. “You have friends in high places, Princess,” he replied enigmatically. His eyes examined the chamber she occupied. “Not the most exclusive apartment, I have to say. Blatant, even. But, perhaps that is for the better? The walls are thicker here than in the Cowenea quarter...” he commented nonchalantly, looking around. Twilight blinked, feeling impatience gathering in her. What was the meaning of this? “I hope the reason for your presence and the secrecy, Count, is not solely to comment on my accommodation.” The stallion shook his head. “Of course not. I’m simply pointing out the obvious benefits of simpler housing,” he retorted with a dosage of irony. “But, enough of that, I want to believe that we have at least a moment of... utterly unsupervised conversation, now that your warden left your side, Princess.” The obvious hint of enmity in Mistlock’s voice did nothing to change Twilight’s darkening mood. When he took his place by the table, asking her to join him with a practiced motion, she did so reluctantly. “What brings you here tonight then, Count?” she inquired, staring right into his eyes, hoping to find a hint of an answer to this peculiar situation. “An opportunity, Princess. An opportunity for both me and you to achieve what we are after,” he replied with a smug grin, withstanding her stern gaze with ease. “Oh? How so, Count?” “Via collaboration, Princess. I was given a chance to meet with you because I have an offer for you, concerning your talks with the Covenant.” Twilight still wore the mask of indifference, despite Mistlock’s self-satisfied tone. “Do continue, Count.” “Of course.” He leaned forward in his seat. “First of all, let me make one matter clear. I am well aware that you know of the recent... turmoil at the Mountain of Mist, concerning me and my mother, Azure Mist.” The name sounded like an insult and a curse in Mistlock’s mouth. Twilight, considering everything, chose to pretend like she had no idea of the conflict’s details after all. “I have heard rumors, yes, however—” The Count hissed lightly. “Let us not waste time on pretense, Princess. I have seen how you looked at me when we were being introduced,” the stallion countered, his expression hardening. “You know exactly what my mother did.” He was observant. Twilight berated herself. Of course he was observant! He was Azure Mist’s son. And if the Family expertise was anything to go with... He was not giving her a good impression thus far, but she could well understand why. “... I do know what happened,” Twilight hesitantly admitted. “For what it’s worth, I am very sorry for you, Count. You have my condolences.” Mistlock huffed. He stayed silent for a moment, his jaw clenched. “Now I wonder whether my mother is the only pony believing in her own lies... For I never have.” When he looked at Twilight again, his gaze was as frigid as the ice his mane’s hue was attempting to imitate. “My beloved is dead, Princess. She is with her ancestors and I am gazing at her amongst the stars every night. I have accepted that. But I have never acquiesced to how it came to being.” Twilight remained silent and motionless, allowing the Count to reach his point. “I am still here. Feigning obedience and acceptance. But I seek not pity from you, Princess, no. There is something else that you could grant me. A repayment for what happened.” “Justice?” she guessed, but it only made Mistlock grimace. “... justice? I have left justice to the Judging Sun.” He shifted in his seat, his gaze deepening and his nostrils flaring. “I seek vengeance, Princess. And you shall enable me to exact it.” Twilight leaned back, crossing her forelegs on her chest. Despite empathizing with Mistlock she felt... outraged! No matter what had happened to him, this stallion truly considered that she would participate in an intrigue against a Lord of a Family?! And in one with such a dark reason behind it? “This is pretty brazen, Count. Approaching me with such a revolting proposition,” she stated firmly, leaving no place for misinterpretations of her displeasure. “Why would you think that I would aid you in such a scheme?” Mistlock smirked. “It is obvious, Princess. Because I wish to give you an offer you won’t be able to refuse.” “How about I tell you that I have no interest in even hearing out an offer like that?” Twilight riposted, standing up to make a further point. The Count furrowed his brow. “Come now, Princess. I believe you to be more reasonable than that. At least,” he smiled again, “I presume so. You want to achieve at least something during your negotiations with the Covenant, yes?” “Not by subterfuge!” Twilight protested without delay. “I might be surrounded by political maneuvering and backstabbing, but I shall not partake in it! If it’s all, Count, I—” “As long as my mother is on the Covenant you will not succeed in your mission, Princess.” Mistlock lifted himself from his seat as well, planting his forehooves on the table. “No matter your impractical beliefs, no matter the trust you put in your Equestrian philosophy. My mother will not relent. She will not listen to you and she will do everything she can to see you fail!” “How are you so certain?!” Mistlock did not reply, simply stared deeply into Twilight’s eyes. His aching gaze made a valid point. Twilight took a few deep breaths, composing herself. She occupied her place again. She was not going to abandon what she believed in for the sake of vengeance, especially somepony else’s. One thing was certain, however. As far as she knew, Azure Mist was a rival for her in the negotiations. Quite possibly pulling a lot of strings amongst the Covenant. She had begun considering that it was her who was fueling both Midnight Eye’s aversions and Crimson Shade’s anger. If Mistlock would grant her at least an insight she could work upon, it would be beneficial, without a doubt. “Very well,” Twilight conceded for the moment. She could always decline, despite his certainty in her cooperation. “I shall hear your proposal. But make no mistake, Count – I shall not go against my conscience, no matter what you tell me.” Mistlock bowed his head in acceptance. He sat down again and quickly got to the point. “Princess, you are well aware that reaching a full consensus between the Lords is necessary to pass any new law or agreement unto Noctraliya... Then you must also be aware, that my mother shall not allow that to happen. Period.” “But why?” Twilight could not understand. “Why would she not want the negotiations to succeed? A treaty between our countries would benefit us all. Considering the... common past, it would be an achievement to go down in history!” “Ah, w desat, w desat, Princess!” the Count responded, his celeste mane shifting as he leaned forward. “Achievement. Accomplishment... Glory. That is what matters here. That is what my mother is after.” Twilight blinked, furrowing her brow. “Do you wish to say, Count... that your mother is seeking some sort of... personal triumph?” she inquired, not bothering to hide her confusion. That was supposed to be Azure Mist’s motivation? Mistlock nodded his head profoundly. His eyes quickly turned to the doors. “I don’t have much time, but I will hopefully provide you with the context, Princess. You see, it all starts with my grandfather, Honored Lord Roiling Mist, may he dwell in Silverheaven,” the Count paused for a moment. “He was one of the greatest haspadri ever to lead our Family. He was charismatic, stern, cunning, he embodied what it means to be a Mist... And he strove for perfection, demanding it from all others around him.” Twilight listened attentively, feeling an idea beginning to form at the back of her mind. “As far as I am aware, my mother, being an only child and destined to take the circlet, was prepared from the very start not only to continue in my grandfather’s hoofsteps, but to surpass him. Become a Lord greater than even he was,” Mistlock revealed, his gaze glued to Twilight. “A monumental task, in my opinion. She could never meet Honored Lord Roiling Mist’s expectations...” Twilight felt her eyes widening. “And my grandfather was making her realize that. A lot.” “Wait, Count, wait... You’re saying that she wants to prove that she is a worthy Lord? Is that it?” Twilight asked, not entirely convinced. “That she is just like your grandfather and better?” “Yes. That she is worthy of her position.” “And she needs a... success for that...” Twilight whispered to herself. That was... an intriguing theory. Mistlock spread his hooves on the table. “But do not allow her act to sway you, Princess. Under that mask of intricate intrigue lies fear...” His voice grew cold. “She is uncertain. Full of doubt. Wondering if she has the strength, whether she ever had it.” “You do not think so,” Twilight stated the fact. “A true leader does not revert to sin to have their way... Does not revert to murder,” Mistlock responded blankly. Despite her heart opposing delving deeper into this topic, Twilight’s mind had other plans. She bit her lip. “Hypothetically, what would you require of me then, Count?” A shade of a smirk flashed through the stallion’s muzzle. “Not much, Princess. My mother is attempting to show that she is in control. That she knows what she is doing. Simply show her the truth.” He leaned back in his chair casually. “Taunt her. Provoke her. Insult her, I care not. Make her lose her constraints and do something unwise...” “Like what?” “There is a lot of possibilities, Princess. I trust in your creativity.” Twilight grimaced despite her best intentions, but Mistlock did not seem to mind. “Suppose I do so... then what?” she asked, feeling more and more of the creeping disquiet in her heart. “The other Lords are tired with her, Princess. The heads of the castes at our Mountain secretly consider her inept and unfit to rule... bar my father, but that is understandable.” He shrugged. “Yet nopony will truly cry after her.” “What are y—” “Not anything she would dare to do, Princess,” Mistlock immediately interrupted. “Yes, we are the Mists. We swing our blades in scorching sunlight and we lace your drink with poison. But there are laws never to be broken. Rules that the Goddess put before us. And I shall not damn my soul, no matter what my mother deserves. Her judgment shall come, I am certain of it, but through the searing light of the Judging Sun, and not the actions of mine.” There was strength and piousness in the Count’s voice, even when he was tackling topics that were making Twilight’s mane stand on end. She was not sitting in front of but an heir of the Family Mist. She was sitting before a stallion who had everything to gain and nothing to lose, she realized. For he had already lost everything he cared for. Was this how... how Midnight felt when he lost his wife? Is that what she had pulled him out of? She shook her head. “What happens if your plan bears fruit, Count?” “You mean: ‘What’s in it for me?’, don’t you, Princess?” Twilight shot him a mean glare, but he only chuckled. “With my mother out of the picture, I become the Lord of the Family. And I shall gladly declare myself your ally. It is the only fair exchange.” Mistlock smiled broadly, his fangs revealed in fullness. “More so, I happen to be a good friend of the Family Sunfall. And I have visited the Mountain of Crescent on some occasions, spending time with hrabiye Ivory Crescent and her brother, hrabiy bratr Ebony Crescent. If it shall be necessary, I can act as an intermediary in your talks with them.” He paused for a moment, to let his words ring in the silence of the chamber. “How does that sound?” Twilight was trying to breath calmly, although her heart was beating frantically. What Mistlock was proposing had... merit. Azure Mist could prove more and more problematic. And securing an ally within the Covenant, especially one that could sway others... It felt wrong. It felt inappropriate, devious. It stood... it stood against what she believed in. But it was tempting nonetheless. “May I ask you something, Count?” she decided to buy some time. “Naturally. As long as we are quick, Princess. I cannot stay for longer, it would be dangerous,” he warned her, once more gazing at the doorway. “Of course. Answer me this then, Count. How come you trust me so much, as to let me know of your plans of committing high treason...?” Mistlock’s lips quivered, as if he barely stopped himself from falling into laughter. “Princess, please, trust has nothing to do with it. I doubt you would be foolish enough to warn a murderer and sinner, even if it would prompt my mother towards you...” Then his eyes darkened. “Besides, you have conversed with a Count on supplanting a Lord of the Family. That is already treasonous enough to ruin all of your chances, even with more sympathetic Lords. And I would not want my tongue to loosen in case of you turning to silly ideas, Princess...” Twilight stared at him grimly. “You dare to threaten me, Count?” “By the Moon, never. Simply explaining to you, Princess, what did I mean by ‘an offer you won’t be able to refuse’,” he replied with a victorious smirk. Twilight sat deeper in her chair. "If I so desire, my refusal shall be in the form of me making you forget we have ever had this conversation, Count." The stallion squinted his eyes, remaining silent. He was trying to discern whether she was capable of truly going through with her warning. She didn't want him to have an answer. She took a deep breath. “I need to think on this, Count. Once again, I won’t do anything against my heart.” “Understandable,” Mistlock agreed coldly, lifting himself up and putting on his hood. “I am a patient stallion, willing to give you as much time as you need. My offer stands and I promise on my honor and the Goddess’ Light that I shall fulfill my part if you decide to help me. Tu braz, tu daz.” Twilight stood up as well, coming closer to the Count. She simply had to try and say one more thing before he would disappear. “This is not the way, Mistlock. This is not how one should deal with the pain inside.” His figure petrified under the robes. The glint in his eyes intensified. “Feel your love turn into nothingness, experience the warmth of your heart turning to ice, know the wound of betrayal festering deep within you and then tell me how to deal with the pain...” His whisper could freeze blood in one’s veins. Without a word more, Mistlock turned away and headed to the door, opening it with no sound. He turned to Twilight one last time, seeing her standing still, distraught. “May you never learn that...” With a bow of his head he left. Twilight’s heart continued to palpitate for a longer while. She sat down, thoughts rampaging across her mind. What was there to do? What was she supposed to do? What was necessary to be done? She felt like burrowing her head in her forelegs, faced with this dilemma. Would she find the strength to oppose this idea? Or would she have the cunning to see it through? Was it better to listen to Mistlock and assure that her quest was successful? Or was risking that to remain truthful to the ideals of Friendship more right? But achieving nothing with the Covenant would leave the batponies separated from Equestria and the magic of Friendship for who knew how much longer... Yet agreeing with the Count was participating in an intrigue that was against everything Twilight believed in! What was right? What was wrong? When Midnight returned with two warriors ready to take care of Twilight’s bags, they found her staring blankly forward, unable to tell. *** “So, once again. Your name is... uhm... ‘Sole-eced Na... Nakaze’?” Moonwarden asked, trying to imitate the seemingly random strain of consonants and vowels. “You’ve got it!” the mare clapped her hooves, happy. She raised her cup, enjoying some local brew that was served as the “spécialité de la maison”, but would pass as a cheep plonk anywhere civilized. “Well done! Ha!” She toasted him and he participated only due to courtesy. His throat had filed in an official protest at the very start. “I could do a lot better than that, Ordain of Family Sunfall,” he replied, winking at the batpony. “Well, you are better at repeating names than me, Manfred,” she admitted, giggling like a schoolfilly. Moonwarden shook his head. “It’s ‘Moonfred’. Moonfred Nebulus Warden, House Warden of Trottingham.” “Can I just not even try and stick with Moonwarden?” she inquired innocently, forcing the stallion to smile. “You have my permission, Sunfall Ordain,” he stated semiofficially, chuckling. He looked around. Nettlie and Jade Wind picked a nice spot in the establishment. Away from other tables, in the corner. A cliché, but an efficient cliché. “The Broken Stock” was of a pathetically low standard, with robust interior and simplistic décor, but it must have served its purpose among the lumberjacks. Some of local stallions were present, enjoying drinks and laughing boomingly at some coarse jokes. They were sometimes curiously glancing at him and his batpony companion. And it looked like he was more of an object of interest than she was, in accordance to what she told him of her sometimes dropping by, keeping an eye out for rowdy patrons in need of pacifying. Moonwarden found Sunfall Ordain being quite the dutiful officer so far, as much as their friendly banter about nothing in particular was considered. She was very, very energetic, to the point that it was becoming tedious, but the unicorn could not deny the fact that she was good company. Even when she was asking him all the questions about how he felt with his “faith”. “Trottingham is quite the way from Canterlot, no?” she suddenly asked, looking into his eyes intently. “Indeed. Why do you ask?” “What made you decide to move to your capital?” Moonwarden took a deep breath. How could he approach that topic other than “destiny guided me”? Truthful, maybe? “Personal reasons mostly...” he revealed, joining his hooves on the table. “I have decided to pursue my natural talents and staying in Trottingham was not really allowing me to do so. Not enough opportunities. Besides, my parents were not really... supportive of my interests.” That was putting it mildly, but it would have to suffice her. Strangely, Sunfall Ordain sighed. “Ah, I see,” she mumbled, reaching for her cup again and drinking slowly. Moonwarden decided to play the kindness card. “Is something the matter? You got sad suddenly...” The mare did not register his question at first, staring down at the table. When she looked up, she shook her head clean of the stupor. “Oh, forgive me, caught myself remembering,” she said plainly, but the subtle tone in her voice told the unicorn that he had found perhaps another opening with her. Other than his alleged conversion. “Hmmm... No, I do not think that is truly it,” he stated, leaning forward a little. “Come now, I cannot bear seeing such a face sad. Is something wrong? Have I said something wrong?” “No, no!” Sunfall Ordain quickly declined, waving her hooves. “It is not you, it’s...” she paused, gathering thoughts. “It’s a Family matter.” Moonwarden smiled a calm smile. “Do not worry. If you would like to talk about it, I am always willing to lend my ear. I am a good listener...” he assured. He tried to make his expression as friendly as he could. “And I know a thing or two about estranged family.” The mare looked him deep in the eyes, her expression tensed up, irked even. “Oh, do you?!” she queried, making it sound like a rebuke. The unicorn did not even flinch, keeping eye contact with her until she must have spotted something in his calm stare. “... you really do...” she mumbled. She lowered her gaze. “Sorry. It’s just... not a simple topic for me.” “They seldom are, indeed,” Moonwarden admitted, once more conjuring up a sympathetic expression. “But, that is what friends are for, right? Tackling hard topics together?” She looked up at him, a smile creeping on her muzzle. And he chuckled on the inside. Bingo. “However, I do not think a place like this is optimal to discuss such matters,” he began. “Oh, goodness, that reminds me!” he faked distraction. “I actually wish to talk about something more official, now that we have met.” Sunfall Ordain tilted her head. “Yes, what is it?” “The reason I was sent here,” Moonwarden continued, sensing a perfect opportunity, “is because we have took notice of the local lumberyards performing above expectations. We were trying to find the reason and I have learned that it is due to the aid of the Nightguard. So, first of all, allow me to thank you, Captain, for providing support to the local community!” He raised his cup, dreading the contents. Sunfall Ordain giggled and shrugged. “It’s nothing, really. We are glad we can do our duty!” Heartwarming honesty. Really. “We are very appreciative. However, this matter spawned a little issue that I know you shall help me deal with, Sunfall Ordain!” “Oh! I will help to the best of my abilities! What would be necessary?” she quickly asked, ready for whatever. “You see,” Moonwarden leaned forward, “by law, the maps which are used by the lumberyards have to be checked and attested by the government. A safety regulation, coming from labour enactments. I know, it is wearisome by its very nature, but necessary according to those decrees.” The mare nodded her head. “No, I understand. Perhaps I shouldn’t have jumped into helping without checking that first...” Ah, so sweet. “No worries, Sunfall Ordain, I am here to set things straight,” Moonwarden assured politely. “I will need a copy of at least one of the maps to provide to our High Council for approval. Can I hope for being granted such aid from you?” “Yes, of course!” the batpony responded without hesitation, grinning. “I feel bad you had to take such a long trip just for that!” “Think nothing of it! I would not have met such a lovely mare otherwise,” Moonwarden gladly pointed out, but it did not earn him that little, shy blush he was hoping for. Pity. “Actually, how about this – would it be a problem for me to visit your outpost, say, tomorrow night? I could grab myself the map, as well as meet more faithful of the Immaculate Moon...” He bowed his head. When he looked up again, Sunfall Ordain was beaming. “Yes, that would be quite permissible! And I think our wampiri would love to get to know you as well!” Too easy. “Fantastic! Would you like to meet before the Town Hall at dusk, or...?” “Yes, that would be fine. I can set up our schedule so that we have time for a little meet-up!” The mare giggled. “I want to see the look on their faces when they learn you are that Moonwarden-Moonwarden.” The unicorn laughed. “I am a source of entertainment, superb...” he commented under his breath, giving her an impish look. She giggled further, grabbing the cup and emptying it. “I would love to chat more tonight, but I have my duties to return to.” “Of course, without question,” Moonwarden replied, straightening his posture. “I hope I have not taken too much of your time already!” “Nonsense!” Sunfall Ordain protested. “It was a real pleasure!” She stood up and the unicorn followed her. He caught a glimpse of more staring from the locals whilst he was checking his monocle. Had they never seen a noble before, verily? When the two of them went outside, the cold air was a welcomed difference from the stuffy atmosphere of the inn. Moonwarden looked up at the Moon, its light gently and benevolently bathing the town. “A great pleasure, becoming acquainted with you, Sunfall Ordain,” he told the Captain, bowing his head a little. “I hope to see you tomorrow night.” The mare grinned widely again. “My pleasure as well, Luneestraz!” She moved closer and embraced Moonwarden in a tight hug, which wrung the breath from his lungs and made the scars on his back sting. He withstood the sudden gesture gallantly, despite the discomfort of her keeping so close, perhaps even greater than the squashing. “May the Light of the Goddess guide you, friend!” Sunfall Ordain wished when she let him go, closing her eyes in piety. “And you as well...” Moonwarden watched her leave down the town’s main street with full attention. He was carefully observing her throughout the evening. Positive, confident, pious, straightforward. She was a unique mare, for certain, and she could prove invaluable when it came to learning about Twilight Sparkle’s doings. He felt the presence of her mind without trouble. She had a strong personality, resonating and radiating around her, which made her stand out in comparison to the bland auras of other ponies present. Brilliant. Minds like these were so satisfying to inquest... He focused, staring straight at the back of her head, feeling the arcane net close to her. He sparked his horn for a moment, wishing to traverse the ley lines and close in. He desired to ascertain himself whether her enthusiasm and willingness to aid him in acquiring the maps were completely genuine. Distrust shielded better than an armor of steel... The reading of somepony’s intentions was a simple matter. The flow of superfluous thoughts could not hide anything from a skilled mentalist. Moonwarden reached out through the currents, sending a small, invisible spell Sunfall Ordain’s way. Her mind seemed like such a treat. He would not mind exploring it for a while, sating his curiosity. Tomorrow could turn out to be very, very rewarding. For the moment, a small peek was all he needed and— There was nothing. The unicorn blinked. What...? Did he miss? Really? Ha, he needed to stop daydreaming and— Nothing. Moonwarden felt his jaw dropping. One more time. He was certain he was reaching out accurately, what was the meaning of this?! He kept full attention on the sensation he was hoping to acquire. He experienced clearly his spell going forth, reaching the outskirts of Sunfall Ordain’s mind and then... then it was supposed to sink into it and transfer the notion of intentions straight into Moonwarden’s own consciousness. It was supposed to. But it was doing nothing. Staying there before melting down the borders of her mind and dissipating. Nothing. ...the mare was blocking him. How? Impossible! Only the most skilled mentalists could keep up a passive Mind Ward! And a spell of such delicate, subtle nature needed an active Thought Occlusion to be halted! Nothing. Moonwarden, despite focusing and focusing, could only watch as Sunfall Ordain, without taking any notice of his struggle, disappeared behind the bend of the road. A minute longer and he lost track of her mind’s pattern. Nothing. He stared blankly forward. “Impossible. What is the meaning of this? I do not know! How?” he started mumbling, when he and himself entered a fierce debate. “How could she do that? It cannot be, it should not be! She cannot stop me! This makes no sense!” He felt two presences approaching. He quickly turned, witnessing Nettlie and Jade Wind coming closer from the shadows. “Sir, how did it go?” the mare asked. Witnessing his gaze, her eyes widened, concerned. “Sir? Are you alright?” Jade Wind was, as well, observing Moonwarden with careful curiosity. The stallion took a deep breath. “It is nothing,” he replied casually, glancing after the void left by Sunfall Ordain. “Nothing...”