Chapter XIX – In the Name of the Goddess
Midnight Eye raised his cup high, his voice filled with joy. “Glory, my friends! Glory to all the Children of the Goddess!”
“Glory!”
The expression of pride and happiness bounced around the feasting hall. It was shared among the gathered Lords with genuine content or out of courtesy.
Azure Mist spotted Crimson Shade looking at her with a truly satisfied gaze, tipping his chalice towards her. She gladly reciprocated the gesture before drinking, allowing the burning delight to fill her mouth and heat her soul.
Dusk Harvest gave Blossom an opportunity to sample the drink before he himself tasted it, but his gestures were sluggish, reluctant. Sunfall Word and Blessed Fang looked concerned more than content.
Bright Crescent was, as per usual, flamboyant in his approach. “Perhaps we should have a song composed about this very moment? Seems appropriate, I’ll ask my dear Crescent Light to lend us his talent!” He flapped his wings and shouted. “Ha! I can hear it already!” He stomped a marching rhythm on the table. “ ‘The Princess came, her head was spun, and the little filly cried!’ ”
“Ha!” Crimson Shade supported the idea with a loud shout, reaching for an orange to devour. “She deserves all of her tears! Perhaps she shall toughen up after feeling this pain we have endured for centuries!”
“... th-this i-i-is w-wrong...”
“Pain or no pain, my friend,” Azure Mist responded to the general, paying little attention to some mumbling coming from Dusk Harvest, “we have gotten into her head and better than planned I dare say. A couple more sessions like this and we will have her eating from the sole of our hoof. Who knows,” she paused, turning to Blessed Fang with one of hair favorite stares – half-salacious and half-pious, “perhaps we could even convert her?”
The young priest frowned, exhaling. “A bold aspiration, for we have achieved precious little so far. Let us abstain from getting ahead of ourselves. And pray for our Mother to forgive us that we had to revert to such... wily ways.”
“What we do, we do for the good of our lands, our folk and so the Goddess’ domain spreads back to where it rightfully belongs,” Midnight Eye declared, having placed his cup gently on the solid, wooden table. “What is this if not serving Her with loyalty and conviction? Besides, who cares if a sunpony rightfully suffers for her kind’s radiant sins?”
“Th-this is w-wrong.”
“Our Mother wishes suffering upon nopony, child,” Sunfall Word protested, his gaze stuck on Midnight Eye. “Our claim is legitimate, but needless cruelty and rancor should abandon our talks.”
“We are not cutting off her horn, Sunfall Word!” Bright Crescent replied, huffing. “She’s not game to be mounted on the wall! Although,” he stopped to lick his fangs in a lewd fashion, “I see her being hunted by those that prefer the charms of mares.”
“Abstain from this barbarism, Bright Crescent,” Midnight Eye interceded, grimacing in disgust. “No mare from Equestria was, is or ever shall be considered worthy of a Child of the Goddess.”
Azure Mist gave him a long, mocking look. Was there a hint of worry in him about the revelations she granted him last night? Nevertheless, it was better to evade the topic for now, not to make it widely known.
“Should we mention the Testimony tomorrow, see how she reacts then? I advise we do not linger and suck if we have bitten,” she proposed instead.
“Th-this is wrong.”
“Oh, I support this idea,” Crimson Shade tapped the table in joy. “Let her see who s—”
“This!”
The room froze when a pair of forehooves slammed the table. Dusk Harvest, until now overlooked, rose up from his chair, the scream from the depth of his lungs bouncing all over the place. His eyes were fiery, even if shades of uncertainty appeared in them when all of the Lords shifted their attention to him.
His voice took note of that fact too, it seemed.
“Th-this i-i-is w-w-w—” he got stuck in his outrage, gritting his teeth while trying to push out the last word.
“Worthwhile?” Bright Crescent proposed with a mocking grin.
“Wrong!” the stallion screeched, his voice cracking in hurtful cacophony. He panted a while, Blossom nuzzling his neck loyally. “Wh-wh-what is h-happening i-is r-r-repugnant!”
“Repugnant, Dusk Harvest?” Midnight Eye shifted in his chair to make himself more comfortable. “In what way exactly?”
“Th-th-the P-Princess c-c-came h-here t-to t-talk, t-t-to n-negotiate! A-a-and w-we t-treat her l-like a-a t-tool! Worse, a-an e-enemy! W-we w-were s-supposed t-t-t—“
“Dusk Harvest, for Goddess’ sake, we don’t have all night!” Bright Crescent moaned, shaking his head.
Crimson Shade hissed at him. “Let him speak, oaf!”
“W-we w-w-were s-supposed t-to f-find a-a s-solution. C-common g-ground! L-listen t-to h-h-her and th-the w-wisdom of h-h-hers...” Dusk Harvest managed to say, his veins bulging as he fought the constant struggle against his impediment.
Midnight Eye’s brow rose. “Have we not done so, Dusk Harvest? She, herself, mentioned that she considers repayment as a fair form of negotiating. I see it as ‘new wisdom’ coming from the sunponies... It is only fair we are reimbursed for all of our losses, after all.”
“B-but n-n-not in th-this w-way.”
Azure Mist rolled her eyes. Dusk Harvest and his eternal doubts.
“Then what way do you propose, Dusk Harvest?” she inquired, deathly venom hidden beneath her words. “Would you have her dictate the terms? Absolve Radiant Glory, may his soul burn in Goldhell?”
“N-no. I j-just w-w-want to t-treat h-her a-as w-we w-would o-one of u-us,” the stammering stallion pointed out. “Y-you s-saw h-her. Sh-she d-d-did n-not know a-about a-anything. A-and when she l-learned s-she w-was d-d-d—” He got stuck again, but, after tapping the table many times and having Blossom nuzzle him constantly, managed to finish. “Distraught!”
“As she should be. The mark of treason lies upon all of the sunponies,” Midnight Eye stated with pride. “She is hardly different from the rest of their weak kind. She was granted her power and position by the Judging Sun, in this vile usurpation of rights to all of our Mother’s gifts.”
Blessed Fang leaned forward, addressing both Midnight Eye and Dusk Harvest. “She was chosen by the Sun, indeed, yet even the noble Guardians of the Shrine did not contest her intentions. Caution is a constant necessity, no matter what tactic we choose. She—”
“Our demand stands,” Crimson Shade interfered, putting both his forehooves on the table. “Peacefully or not, through coercion or persuasion, these lands are bound to return to us and return to us they will!”
Azure Mist shifted in her seat. All of this politicking was making her satisfied, yet thirsty. She grabbed a pear for herself.
“I agree with Crimson Shade, whatever happens, our repayment is due. Equestrian forces in Shades’ Hollow are meager. The sunponies’ attention is bound to be distracted by our Maretonian play. We would need but one word of acceptance from the Princess and we take what’s ours. And the clock is ticking.”
“We’ve discussed the repercussions.” Sunfall Word opened his eyes after a long moment of thought. “You seem to have forgotten, children, that we have considered them dire. Even if the Testimony binds the Judging Sun, we would still fly into a great peril if we were to acquire these lands through direct action.”
“Not if the Princess stands by us,” Midnight Eye protested, raising his hoof. “The Judging Sun cares about her disciple dearly, that much we’ve learned for certain. Her young champion’s judgment shall sway her. And even if it doesn’t, we need but a few days to assure our success, do we not?”
His question was aimed at Crimson Shade who smirked with tactician’s satisfaction. “If we move on the same night as a declaration is made, we can cover and secure Shades’ Hollow and the Gloomwoods whole in two nights. And when we dig in throughout the cavern systems underneath as I’ve proposed to you, we shall not only be able to withstand an assault by greater forces, but deal them hefty losses with minimum effort, using both the tunnels and the dense foliage.”
“Pits and spikes underneath, claws and crossbows above,” Bright Crescent mumbled. “I know it’s warfare, but it feels so outmoded. So lacking creativity. We could use some flair for such a fight, no?”
Azure Mist huffed. “Be silent, jester,” she scolded the fool. She then placed her hooves on the legrests and smiled. “A fact more important than our strategy is that Equestrians shun from war nowadays,” she began, smiling widely. She tossed her long mane back, wishing to steal the full attention. “It makes them susceptible. Our forces have the training to withstand them and even a standstill with their army would favor us. If they do not dislodge us from the forests, if they lose a couple battalions to ambushes, the internal pressure from their population wishing to avoid further bloodshed will defeat them.”
“That’s the optimistic scenario,” Blessed Fang judged in return. “Our Mother is with us, that is for certain, but Her decision to stay among the Equestrians, to teach them and guide them from the shadows and dreams... to keep vigil over the Judging Sun, Her sister-goddess...” he paused, closing his bright eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, there was deep emotion hidden under their calm surface. “She wants to give the sunponies a choice, a second chance.”
“And if we encounter ponies that have accepted it, they shall not be harmed in any way. More so, I say, let us welcome them into the fold. Even if feeble their races are...” Midnight Eye declared.
Bright Crescent chuckled. “Oh, how generous of you. I suppose that if we find an entire town of non-believers, though...”
“... then we shall have an entire town of ponies for barter,” Crimson Shade finished the sentence with grim joy in his voice.
“H-h-how c-can you?” Dusk Harvest asked of him, shaking his head in admonishment.
“Forgive me, friend,” the general replied, his words genuine, “but there shall not be a better opportunity. We all want to see the glory of our domain restored. And how better to achieve our growth than by acquiring lands that we can cultivate?”
“B-by w-warfare? T-taking p-prisoners? A-a-are we n-not b-better than t-that?”
Crimson Shade never responded, giving Dusk Harvest a look tired and stern alike.
The stage was set, the timing was perfect. And so Azure Mist giggled.
It caused Midnight Eye to shift his attention to her. “Why the glee, Azure Mist?”
“Oh, nothing, nothing. I just came to the conclusion that you are all making a small miscalculation right there,” she answered, pleased with herself. She stood up from her seat, her gown shifting as if it was the extension of her rich, long mane. “My idea, the one I’ve remarked about... My proposed change to our ploy is exactly addressing this issue.”
Blessed Fang cocked his eyebrow. “Are you finally revealing your scheme, Azure Mist?”
“Yes, I am. Treat it like a...” she paused theatrically, searching for the word, “backup plan.”
She decided to stand up and trot around the table, taking her place behind Midnight Eye. He did not look particularly satisfied with having her muzzle appearing on his right, but she went with it anyway. She squinted her eyes and smiled tenderly.
“We do not need to become partisans. We do not have to act with haste and count on Fate, for we can shape it on our own. And we have absolutely no need for a hamlet full of hostages...”
She looked over the gathered, her tone as sweet as possible. But she allowed her eyes to betray her true intentions.
“... for we have our own, little, mulberry bargaining chip in our very hooves.”
Oh, she got the reaction she had hoped for. The eyes of everypony widened. And Midnight Eye sprang up from his chair to face her, his cape swooshing across the tablecloth when he turned around, toppling his chalice.
“Azure Mist, you propose kidnapping the Princess?!”
“No, Midnight Eye. She is already here, no?” she replied, bringing disarming honesty to her words.
“An outrage!” Sunfall Word suddenly shouted with all of his elderly strength in his voice, trying to rise up. “You would... trample over... the ancient rules of.. h-hospitality—”
He clutched his chest, coughing and wheezing, the outburst coming with a hefty price. Bright Crescent and Dusk Harvest got up immediately, approaching him. They helped him sit back down and checked whether he needed any further aid. Blossom was flying around the group, panicked over what was occurring.
After Sunfall Word had finished convulsing and breathing hoarsely, Bright Crescent glared at the mare with distrust. “So much for being a defender of tradition, Azure Mist. First you use it to justify opposing your son and assassinating his beloved. Against customs and our faith. Now you abandon it completely because you believe it suits us better... and you plan to kill poor Sunfall Word as well!” he added mockingly, but his accusation stood.
It did cause Azure Mist to lose some of her composure. She hissed at him, even though she felt the eyes of all of the Covenant upon her. She cleared her throat.
“Hospitality is for friends and guests. The Princess is, instead, a rival, we have to agree. A rival in our talks and in our plans. Please, be seated, and I shall explain myself thoroughly.”
“You speak as though you believe we shall listen,” Blessed Fang retorted.
It earned him a kind, murderous glance.
“I think you shall, for what I propose benefits us all...” Azure Mist declared, looking over the gathered. Despite everything, they took their places. Good. She began pacing around the table, behind their backs, presenting her reasoning in this fashion. She had some arguments they were bound to support.
Starting with that pompous buffoon.
“Midnight Eye, you believe Equestrians to be beneath us and rightfully so. Think of how can they be humiliated by this. Having one of their royals captured and being forced to bow down to our demands or else? Does that not sound like a one-of-a-kind opportunity of showing them their place?”
Her voice turned into a whisper, the hissing of a snake. And her venom, sweet, intoxicating, seeping into Midnight Eye’s ears did cause his lips to shudder in a smirk.
“Blessed Fang,” she moved on, “you think that Equestrians deserve a second chance? Let them prove it then! Let them first admit their mistakes, give us back what is ours. Should conversion not begin with repentance? And should it not sometimes be forced by the threat of just punishment to be considered?”
The priest wished to say something but stopped himself abruptly, frowning. Azure Mist took notice of that, her voice gaining in its tranquil power when she moved behind Crimson Shade.
“The Shade Family is the one who suffered the most during the Holy War. This is high time to aid them. We all differ, we contest among ourselves, but when the Domain of the Goddess was threatened, we stood together. Let us stand together now as well. Together, Dusk Harvest,” she turned to the stammering stallion as she was passing behind his chair. “You told me once that you would like to negotiate with the Princess. How about you do so with Equestria instead? Lend us your knowledge of the land, show us how we need to utilize these territories, where must we push our claims so that our children shall never be hungry. You do not wish war and blood? Then help us out!”
Her plea caused Blossom to look curiously at her master, who was biting his lower lip. His eyes were darkened. He was deliberating what he had heard, Azure Mist knew it. And she would guess that she was striking true with the stallion, despite their recent argument.
“None of us would wish death upon our brave warriors, even if their conviction is stalwart and their souls would venture straight into Silverheaven. But the sorrow of loss, the pain of parents, children, spouses is unavoidable, even if joined with pride for the ones that die in the Goddess’ service. So... perhaps let us evade the cause entirely?”
She went past Bright Crescent, smiling. “And who knows how much Equestria would be willing to give for their beloved Princess. Maybe they would relinquish some of their precious cultural artifacts to top the deal, hmmm? Oh, and the tales weaved about this moment, the songs...”
A shiver of excitement coursed through the stallion as he let out a satisfied sigh. Azure Mist turned finally to the eldest member of the Covenant.
“Sunfall Word, you are a judge and a diplomat. Is it not better to bet on one life of a sunpony, than dozens, hundreds of our loyal soldiers? Does my solution not benefit us? Is this not worthier in the Goddess’ eyes?”
The elder did not reply, his eyes filled with the remnants of tears of his coughing attack.
Having done nearly a full lap around the table, Azure Mist sat down in her chair with a victorious glint in her eyes, even if the smile she used was that of a gentle maiden.
“Consider what I have told you and do so well. Is it not a solution better than the present one? Offering more opportunities? Oh, and,” she couldn’t help but chuckle, “here’s the clincher... who says the Princess is to know that she is actually kidnapped? She has other things on her mind, hasn’t she? We can grant her a distraction. But as long as Equestria believes that she is in peril... Just imagine how much we could achieve... All in the name of the Goddess.”
Azure Mist’s eyes ventured towards Midnight Eye, whose stare was that of deep, thorough thought.
Silence reigned for a while, the Lords looking at one another. Tension became palpable and was about to begin crushing the room with its gravity. Then Crimson Shade stood up.
“You have my support.”
The mare graced him with a wide, yet timid smile of gratitude. She wondered whether it was the soundness of her logic, or the memory of their... tender negotiations during their last meeting that managed to convince him entirely, despite some of his misplaced reservations.
Blessed Fang was the next one to get up. “The thought behind this is grand and cunning, indeed, but I propose we wait for longer. The Princess will have inquiries, doubts, questions. Who says she won’t stay on the side of reason and fairness on her own?”
“I... can second this idea, even if I am giddy at the prospect of getting my hooves on some more Equestrian trinkets,” Bright Crescent declared with a happy grin. “And I think little Princess Twilight Sparkle, the damsel in distress, would be an intriguing addition to our tales in the long run, oh yes!”
“We wait,” Sunfall Word whispered throatily.
“We wait,” echoed Midnight Eye. “Let us observe her tomorrow. We can still have that little concert for her, if your nephew is up to the task, Bright Crescent.”
“He is for any, you should know! He is like my son to me, after all. And you know that I don’t shun from anything.”
“Well said...” Crimson Shade shook his head, a smirk coming over his muzzle. “Ha... Of all of us, I’ve never expected you to have children... so to speak.”
“Surprise!” the flamboyant stallion shouted. “And we still tend to argue with Crescent Light which one of us is the mother.”
As a silent agreement had been reached, Azure Mist payed little attention to that ridiculous banter. Other than looking in Dusk Harvest’s direction, that is, as she imagined that talking about having children would spawn at least a hurtful expression from him. However, his face was still pensive. He was not even paying attention to Blossom pulling at his mane. He was stuck in thought and the mare could not discern what was going on through his head. Had she actually made him consider her proposition?
After a minute or so, Dusk Harvest suddenly awoke. He blinked, tapped Blossom on the head to stop her toothy affection, then reached for an orange to suck on. His eyes slid across Azure Mist’s muzzle.
She would raise an eyebrow, but that would give away the fact that she recognized that kind of gaze. Short, quick, as if you were taking swift aim at somepony.
The glance subconsciously granted to a pony schemed against.
***
Twilight could not recall the rest of the night.
After she had accused Midnight of not being sincere with her. After he had left her without a word. There was... there was vaguely anything to remember...
She simply sat on her bed. Staring forward. Perhaps at something. Perhaps at anything. Maybe at nothing, actually. She wasn’t exactly certain.
Somepony brought her food. Not Midnight. An arcemandre. Her coral eyes glimpsed from under her hood. She put a platter on the table, then left.
Twilight had taken a bath at one point. At least she thought so. She recalled her face being wet. That could have been tears though. She remembered them. Thirty four dropping on the floor, at least. Then she lost count. It was kind of hard to keep up... With everything going on, counting wasn’t her forte.
She deserved to cry, she thought. She had to. She simply had to cry. For... for everything... For what she had learned. For what she had said in anger. For... for... for how weak she felt.
This had been... a harsh lesson. In diplomacy, in trust, in patience... Twilight’s head was still spinning. Questions. Lots of questions. Doubts. Ideas.
About past. About present. About future.
When she finally lied down, her eyes blank and full of tears, she was hoping for the grasp of sleep to grant her a temporary relief, at least. She had to rest. For a moment. For a heartbeat. Slow, painful heartbeat. She had enough for one night... she could not bear to... could not bear to... She could... not...
She knew not when exhausted sleep took her. Only that it could hardly be called “sleep”.
Strange visions stretched before her eyes. Empty towns, with long, hollowed out shades staining their streets. Orchards trampled, reduced to ash and soot. Searing light advancing forward, only to be consumed by regal darkness. Wind was tossing her around an empty, arched hall. Snowstorms and avalanches reigned. Ancient maps were shredding. Finally, there were warm breaths, warmer motions... then glistening fangs dropping blood into an enormous pool.
She shuddered when she realized she was submerged in it fully, trying to catch her breath in fear and desperation.
She tried to swim upwards, through the sea of crimson. She felt her muscles protesting, her lungs asking, pleading, begging for air. She broke through a scarlet curtain, but her mouth would not open to invite the glorious respite into her body. Even though she could swear she could hear her own, raspy breathing.
She needed to open her lips, yet it felt as if a hoof was pressing on her muzzle. She needed help! She needed air! There was an unseen force constricting her mouth tight. It felt almost too real, it—
Twilight’s eyes shot open.
A figure was standing above her bed, dressed in armor, wrapped in a long cloak and shielded by the murkiness of the chamber. It was keeping its hoof on her mouth, forbidding her from screaming in fear. She wriggled, trying to get away desperately. She felt feeble, still tired after her recent breakdown. The intruder’s strength, as he attempted to stop her struggles, was greater. There was one thing left to do for Twilight. She had to flare her horn, cast a spell to fight against her assaulter, who was looming above her menacingly!
The light of her magic glimpsed, flickered and danced, but then subsided, like a blown-out candle. Despite her efforts her art abandoned her in her dire moment! How was this possible?!
Horrifying thoughts rushed through her mind, as she tried to scream through her sealed lips.
The figure remained above her for a while longer, keeping her mouth closed and keenly observing her reactions. It leaned down a little bit, Twilight could feel the hot, throaty breath on her muzzle. A weird, metallic stench overcame her nostrils. And she caught a glimpse of the silhouette's eyes.
She knew them. From somewhere. Somewhere recent. But... no, her mind could not tell. Yet this feeling of the figure’s gaze felt almost... too familiar.
Focused on trying to remember whose eyes had such a glint in them she must have stopped fighting back. The intruder nodded at her when she had done so. It stepped back from the bed, lifting its hoof off Twilight’s mouth.
Under normal circumstances she would cry for help immediately, but this one time she did not think of it as a good idea. Why? Because having a better chance of assessing who had sneaked into her chamber in the dead of... of day, actually, she recognized the gear that this stallion was wearing.
And it was quite the shock.
“A Tuarian...” she whispered, scrambling up from underneath the woolen blankets. Her eyes lacked their enchantment, but the one candle she left lit in the chamber was enough for her right then. The pony’s long cloak was like a stretched, flowy shadow in the murkiness and his resplendent armor looked like a stain of solid, impassable darkness, with the circle of luneeit resting in it confidently.
What was the meaning of this? Why was a Sanctuarian here? How had he gotten in?
“What...? Why...? How...?” Twilight tried to ask, but her mind could not decide which question was more important, turning her inquiries into gibberish.
The Tuarian raised his hoof to silence her, then reached for his hood and removed it. A pair of golden eyes was revealed to Twilight, its gaze keen, but strangely fatigued. The warrior’s mane was well-combed, the color of deep sea, and yet thin, feeble. Parts of the pony’s muzzle were reddened unpleasantly, as if he had some kind of rash or inflammation. Despite his impressive, armor-enhanced physique, the Tuarian looked... ill. Seriously ill.
“Who are you, Tuarian? What is your name?” Twilight finally managed to ask coherently. Her curiosity was achieving new heights, but she had to start with something mundane first. Lest she risked a complete, mental overdrive.
The stallion shook his head slowly. He reached for the piece of dark cloth, wrapping his muzzle tightly. He began to untie it and there was almost veneration in his moves, Twilight spotted. It made her recall custodian Lichen mentioning that the Tuariani took an oath of silence for when they were performing their tasks.
Was this stallion going to actually... talk to her? After first revealing his mouth?
The piece of cloth that he was using, surprisingly long, soon began swaying from his moving hooves. Its motion was peculiar. Heavy. As if its weight was greater than that of wool, which it should have been made out of. The stallion folded the material gently before placing it in some sort of satchel on his belt with great care. Then he faced Twilight, causing her to raise her eyebrows. His fangs were... odd. They looked greenish in the shade. Unwell, most surely. And his lips, his lips were on their own broken, dried, in the color unhealthy greyish-pink.
The stallion took a long, raspy breath. His mouth moved in something that Twilight interpreted as quiet prayer. And then his voice finally sounded.
“Greetings and salutations to you, Envoy, Disciple of the Sun, Sparkle of Twilight.”
Twilight’s jaw dropped.
Not because the stallion’s tone was so throaty. Firm... and yet anemic and monotonous.
And not because he said her name in this strange, honorific she presumed, fashion.
It was due to the fact that he was speaking to her in Noctraliyar. She heard the harsh consonants, the melodious vowels, that rolling “r” of the local accent.
And yet she understood every word.
“I-I-I... How...?”
That was not the most eloquent of questions, but the Tuarian seemed to have grasped her intention.
“You can understand me for I speak not to your mind, but to your heart. And those understand any language, no matter the creatures that bear them,” he declared with undeniable conviction.
Oh, was that how Fluttershy could talk to animals?
Twilight shook her head. She was getting herself distracted and this explanation was not scientific in the slightest. Then again, she had no intention of contesting this... convenient circumstance right now. There were, clearly, other matters to be tended to first.
A Tuarian was in her chamber... somehow... speaking to her in a foreign tongue she felt suddenly capable of understanding... Not the biggest shock lately, but definitely up there with the others.
Had she begun losing her mind finally?
“Do you wish to... sit down, perhaps?”
... had she really just asked that? Were there no finer questions, really?!
Well, she supposed that the stallion’s... unwell look caused her to revert to general hospitality. Whatever illness he had, it left him appearing frail, even considering his sheer size. And, despite everything, he was standing tall before her backed by something akin to... divine authority.
“My time is short, so no. Yet my body appreciates the gesture,” he replied enigmatically, remaining where he was.
“Who... can you tell me your name, Tuarian? Why are you here?” Twilight pressed on with some of her questions, attempting to dam the remaining twenty from escaping her mouth simultaneously.
“My name is of no significance...” Of course he would say that, she thought. “I am here to aid you, Sparkle of Twilight. In the name of the Goddess.”
... what.
“Aid me?” Twilight inquired, feeling confused beyond saving. “Uhm... Ah... I mean... why, exactly?”
The stallion tilted his head, a confused spark in his eyes shining through the shadow. “What means this question?”
“I... well... everything!” she admitted, as this was the only reasonable answer that came to her mind. “Why would you consider helping me?”
“Why would we not?”
How could he say that so casually?!
“Well, I-I am a... a foreigner... a s-soleerane... I don’t really believe in the G—”
She bit her tongue. This was probably not the smartest thing to admit openly to a member of a dreaded and respected group of zealous servants of the Immaculate Moon that were causing fear in the hearts of their own kin.
“We are aware of your unbelief, Sparkle of Twilight,” the Tuarian confirmed. One, singular note in his otherwise calm voice caused a shiver to pass through her. “You are a sunpony. And not just any sunpony. The Disciple of the Sun in fact.”
“Disciple of the Sun?” she asked. She had more honorific titles now? Or was this actually a stigma?
The Tuarian squinted his eyes in the murkiness. “Was not the Judging Sun herself your mistress and teacher?”
“Well, yes,” Twilight could not lie. She had no reason to, as well. It wasn’t exactly a cause of shame for her. And it shouldn’t have been, even in front of the Tuarian! “Her Majesty, Princess Celestia—”
The stallion stopped her, his voice imperturbable and yet threatening. “She taught you. Nurtured you. Bestowed upon you all the Lost Gifts of Our Mother. Gave you the Divine Aspect by her radiant, scorching will.”
Twilight blinked. Divine aspect...? Was that how the batponies perceived alicornhood? And what did he mean by his words exactly? That Princess Celestia was directly responsible for her transformation? Back in the Border... was that what general Adamant Fang meant when he told her she was marked by the Judging Sun? Twilight’s ascension was a bit of a mystery to everypony. And now the Tuarian’s words... for some reason, she felt that there was accusation hidden in them. Against Princess Celestia!
She wished to contest him. With all her might. And yet... something told her that this would only spawn more difficulties for her. The last thing she needed.
She swallowed. Princess Celestia would have to forgive her for the... unwillingness to defend her good name right then...
“Nevertheless, my question still stands, Tuarian. Why do you wish to help me?” she asked, trying to gather her tact and hide her vexation.
He moved forward, his sluggish step muffled by the carpet and yet nearly echoing in the chamber with its weight.
“The Goddess extended Her hoof towards you. We felt it. Her gaze rests upon you. Your mission shall lay the foundations of our renewal,” the stallion declared, bowing his head in great piety. “This had been foretold.”
“Renewal? What do you mean by—” Something in Twilight’s mind clicked. “Wait, ‘foretold’?”
“Yes. The vision of our seers, the foretelling of your quest which was granted to us by Our Mother, the Immaculate Moon... A prophecy of a new future for our kind.”
Usually Twilight would take words like these for a strange joke, but the sheer certitude in the Tuarian’s voice made it anything but a jest. She recalled learning about prophecies from Midnight. They were supposed to be granted to the batpony seers, the “effiti”. Like the one about stars aiding in Nightmare Moon’s escape. Portents from the Goddess, so that the noctrali would be prepared for the perils and trials to come.
That’s what their belief was. Now, Twilight found herself tossed head first into that particular dogma.
“I’m... confused?” she mumbled. “I’m mentioned in one of the omens?”
She had no idea whether to feel honored or concerned.
Or resigned. Because, as she realized, this had to be a dream. There was no way that—
The stallion stared deep into her eyes, his undeniable authority forcing her to focus entirely on him. Then he spoke, his voice suddenly melodious and strong.
“The Moon and Sun shall duel above, look to that and prepare,
The land shall give you all its gifts, not to hurt it beware.
A debt long due, to unseen might, you will have to repay,
An envoy comes, one called by you, heed to what she will say.
Listen well, children, be aware, for wisdom new she brings,
Yet careful be of sweetened lies and deviously weaved strings.
Stay faithful, strong and, in your hearts, this truth well comprehend,
Deceit and treason lurk around. The world you know shall end.”
Whatever the source of this prophecy was... Whether this was reality or but a fantasy... The significance of these words itself caused Twilight to back away. Was it the sudden strength of the stallion’s voice? A divine power? She even sat down on her bed, her mind was racing, her heart going crazy.
“An envoy called... new wisdom...?” she whispered, echoing the words she had just heard. She knew this expression from before. “I’m... I’m supposed to grant it? A debt long due... and then deceit? What... what does this even mean? I cannot tell, who—”
“You shall find out the meaning, Sparkle of Twilight.” The pony’s voice was again fatigued, anemic even. “In due time. And you shall have the strength to fulfill the prophecy.”
The Tuarian meant well, or so Twilight would think, but a spark of anger lit in her heart anew despite the fact she knew better.
More secrets. More mysteries. More forces at work than she had thought. She was at the verge of bursting. She was through with intrigues, schemes, with spooky stallions appearing out of nowhere in her chamber!
“Well, I hope this ‘due time’ is soon! Because I need some help now!” She let him know. Loud. Her gaze, as she stared the Tuarian down, was almost accusatory.
She found understanding in the pony’s tired, deep gaze. “My mind grasps your anxiety. To serve the Goddess is to sometimes doubt even oneself. But being faithful to Her is right and just. It is, in itself, the greatest reward.”
Twilight couldn’t care less about pious justifications at the point. She needed a plan, an idea, not religious coaching! She wished to let him know of that, but ultimately just sighed and lowered her head.
“Could I have any saying in the matter? Whether I’d like to be a part of the Goddess’ plan?” she asked, allowing her fatigue to speak through her.
When he did not reply, she lifted her gaze... only to find him towering above her out of a sudden. She would scream in surprise, but her throat clenched at the sight of his stoic yet frightening expression. Behind his gaze hid something fierce and unsettling, something that caused Twilight’s mane to stand on end.
“You always have a choice, Sparkle of Twilight. Everypony does.” His tone was cold and grim. Deathly grim. Just enough to make her pale and sweat simultaneously. “But...” He placed his hoof over her chest. Twilight could not protest... and she could swear that she recalled such gesture from... somewhere. “...I know that your heart knows better. And the Goddess always grants one with the strength to carry out Her plan.” His expression brightened, just like when the night is made lucid by silver moonlight.
Yet Twilight doubted his words. She had not felt particularly empowered since the beginning of her quest. If anything, this constant pressure, the weight of her mission’s importance, the welcoming she received, it was all pressing down on her mercilessly.
“Well...” she whispered, more uncertain than before. “I... I could use some of that... that strength right now. I cannot feel it...” she admitted. She didn’t care whether he would approve, even understand, she just had to let it out in front of somepony. Anypony.
And... and Midnight was not around for the moment...
“Fret not. The Goddess is with you.”
Great, one more zealous proclam—
Twilight gasped when the stallion slammed his hooves together, sending a rippling, vibrating sound of metal all around the chamber. Before she could react, she felt the Tuarian’s armored touch on the top of her head. He was gentle and careful, and still his gesture caused her neck to bend down. There was a might backing his moves, one that she could not contest, even with the strength of her own, royal stature.
She wished to ask about what exactly was he doing, but something... something strange began happening... The... this vibration was... it was creeping through her... through her mind... She felt... dizzy.
“You shall have the strength of will and the courage of heart. You will best the trials before you, you will share in the Goddess’ triumph,” the Tuarian began muttering a strange benediction.
Twilight could swear that... she heard not one voice, but multiple... coming from his mouth. Or was... was it that peculiar... that sound... that sound that... embraced her mind and... did not wish to... leave...
“Her gaze silvery upon you. Her glory spreads through your mission. May the purity of moonlight cleanse your doubts and banish your fear. May the music of Her tears move your heart and open your mind.”
His... his words made no sense... but... but it was hard... not to focus on them... only on them...
“You are not alone, for the Goddess is with you. Embrace the truth...”
Twilight felt her lungs breathing in.
She became calm. She knew tranquility again. She felt a... a strange force growing inside of her. Sudden. Divine. Just like...
... just like during her Test of Faith.
Her eyes widened when the stallion’s hooves left her head. A curtain was lifted from her mind! She remembered! She knew! The Test!
That’s where she knew his eyes from!
“I... I remember now,” she mumbled. “I remember you!”
He smiled briefly. It looked strange, coming from a dreaded knight of the Goddess. But it was also... so genuine.
“A brief glimpse, Sparkle of Twilight,” he admitted. “So that you know that you are never alone. Those serving the Goddess stand by your side.” He lowered his head humbly.
These words... they caused Twilight’s body to shiver. This strange sensation, that peace inside of her, bestowed upon her during the rite. She felt it now, again, with full power. Why was this wonderful feeling shrouded in her memory?
She pointed at her heart. “I felt this during the Test of Faith. Why could I not recall this earlier? How is this possible?”
The Tuarian’s eyes glinted. “What happens to Gifts that become common and are taken for granted?” he presented her with a question instead of granting her an answer.
She pondered. And came to the solution quite quickly. In the form of the memory of the sermon she had heard, delivered by Lord Blessed Fang. “They aren’t appreciated. Or they become misused. At least... is that the lesson I was supposed to learn from the scriptures?”
“Your mind serves you well. The Tale of the Lost Gifts tells an important truth, although...” A shade passed his face. “There are also some who would use the Words of the Goddess as a tool to advance their point and not a source of the most holy law.”
Twilight... believed she understood what he meant. She had felt it almost too well lately.
“But,” the Tuarian continued, “this Tale also omits something crucial. And the reason behind it is great.”
She cocked her eyebrow. “Omits something? What is it?”
“We believe that three Gifts of the Goddess were lost, but a secret was bestowed still upon those that follow the Goddess and those that reject Her...”
Twilight still had absolutely no idea what he meant, but something came to her mind.
“Wait... You believe that... that the strength and connection with earth and soil... the power over weather and skies... and the mastery of arcane arts are the three gifts of the Immaculate Moon...” She bowed her head, unknowingly. It caused her to look down, as if she could spot the source of this strength, this warming heat emanating from her chest, granting her the certainty that everything shall be well. “There is a fourth Gift of the Goddess.”
“Indeed. Given to all and everypony, but hidden, sheltered away,” the Tuarian answered and smiled, actually taking his seat by the mare on the bed. “Those that venerate Her not, alongside those who do, all have a chance of finding it, of course. Uncovering it when they need it. However, the faithful of the Goddess are presented with a clearer path to reaching for this Gift inside of them.”
“I... don’t think I understand...” Twilight admitted, abashed.
“Fear not, it is a mystery hard to grasp. For even those of great faith sometimes overlook where their piousness leads them,” he answered cryptically, then his eyes looked forward, towards something distant. “Sometimes we, the Goddess’ humble, unworthy servants are sent to remind ponies of this Gift. And to make sure that their hearts are worthy of keeping it.”
Twilight was drinking from his every word. There was something incredible in this feeling he was mentioning, indeed. Something divine. Surpassing mortality. She could not put her tongue on it, though.
“Is this why you hold the Tests?” she inquired instead. “To see if ponies are... pure enough to hold this hidden Gift?”
“Indeed, Sparkle of Twilight. And your heart I, myself, have found most deserving,” the stallion admitted, smiling once more. “It knows honesty and loyalty, kindness and generosity, even laughter. It emanates with friendship. And lately, it seems to have found love...”
Considering the recent situation, if anypony around Twilight would say those words she would absolutely panic, knowing she was utterly compromised with her feelings towards Midnight.
But... but this power locked inside of her made her impervious to fear, somehow. Why was she not concerned? Why was she so assured that nothing wrong could happen to her, to him and to that feeling between them? Even after what had happened last night?
The Tuarian continued. “I know not towards whom this affection is directed, but it is unwavering. And let it be nurtured by the Goddess’ Gift.”
“Thank you, Tuarian...” she expressed her gratitude, uncertain whether he knew how much those words meant to her. “Might I know your name? So at least I know who am I thanking?”
“You might.” The stallion smirked mysteriously. “Constellation. House Star of Crescent Family, Sparkle of Twilight.”
“Then... thank you, Constellation,” she replied.
Then a warm expression bloomed on her face.
“This fourth Gift you mentioned... It is what I am experiencing right now, no?” she wanted him to ascertain her.
“Indeed.”
“I feel as if... as if no matter what, I shall find a way. That I will succeed. That there might be trouble along the way, but, in the end, everything shall be alright...” she explained this sensation, perhaps more to herself than to the Tuarian. “I know what this is. It’s hope,” she stated, surprised it took her so long to realize the nature of this phenomenon.
The stallion revealed his teeth in a wide smile. Twilight did not mind the fact that they were sickly green, even. “Yes. Hope is the beautiful Hidden Gift of the Goddess. Placed in all of the hearts of ponies. Everypony can drink from this secret font, even if those venerating the Moon are lead to it directly by Our Mother. Just like sheep, guided to a spring by their shepherd.”
“So you find hope to be a divine blessing? I... that actually is quite beautiful,” Twilight admitted, his metaphor speaking right to her mind. “Your beliefs are even more fascinating than I thought, Constellation.”
“Those words lead me to the hope in my heart.”
She giggled. For a member of a fearsome group, Constellation was a very nice pony.
His eyes glinted after a moment of silence. “I must be gone. May you help others reach for this Gift, Sparkle of Twilight. And may it serve you well, stored within you. For the Immaculate Moon...” he paused and they both lowered their heads.
Why? Twilight had no idea. It felt... appropriate.
Before he stood up, she asked the obvious question.
“This is all a dream, isn’t it?”
The Tuarian let out a small chuckle, then brought his armored hooves together with a small, vibrating clink. “It shall be just like it. Farewell,” he replied, touching her forehead.
“What do y...”
Her eyes closed involuntarily and she fell backwards, into the oblivious embrace of sleep.
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Twas reality, but shall be remembered as if in a dream. The ending he stated, if Twilight remembers those words she will know the Truth of the 'dream'.
Well sir, you've done it again, awesome chapter.
I think that the Tuarian is suffering from mercury poisoning , the symptoms match up and I wouldn't put it past Azure Mist to stoop to that level.
I also look forward to the council's reactions when they realise that the most zealous and pious of the Noctrals stand behind the one favoured by the Judging Sun.
These Batpony leaders are pretty arrogant , aren't they? Better hope nothing happens to Twilight because if Celestia finds out I feel she would drop a 10,000 ton burning hammer down on the Batponies heads, and Luna might not be able to stop her.
6976998
I'm glad you clearly enjoyed it.
6977230
Why, thank you very much.
6977263
I admit, I love to thicken the plot on all sides. Also, I applaud you for recognizing the symptoms. Well spotted.
6977887
Sun falls, everypony dies. Well, perhaps not. Stay tuned.
6978708
Oh, dear friend, you are at the beginning of a grand adventure. Welcome aboard!
6978395
I sort of meant an actual 10,000 ton burning hammer, not the Sun. I mean it could be made from magic from the Sun I suppose. To be honest what use is it being the Judging Sun if you don't have a giant flaming hammer? I guess what I am getting at is that Celestia's wrath would be upon the Batponies if something happened to Twilight.
The greif at the lose of Twilight could very well worm it's way into Celestia mind. I mean Twilight is the pony she saw grow from a filly into a powerful and intelligent princess. I mean hells bells she was there when Twilight became an Alicorn. I feel Celestia would be very fond of Twilight, like she was her daughter. If Twilight were to be harmed, or worse, killed in the land of the Batponies and Celestia found out later it could drive her over the edge.
Princesses can go insane, and are not perfect no matter what ponies say. I feel a grieving Celestia would be susceptible to going down a dark path, like Nightmare Moon. If Celestia got a power boost like Nightmare Moon did then I don't think Luna could stop her.
6979021
Why, thank you. I hope you shall enjoy all of them.
Luna gon be pissed if they invade, don't they realise she co-rules Equestria, and they're invading her country?
Okay, (most) of the Lords have now gone completely over the deep end. Treating diplomats as weak, stupid, worthy of only being toyed with. Putting a Mark of Cain equivalent on an entire race just for the supposed actions of one pony over a thousand years ago. Breaking their own traditions to try and kidnap Twilight, and having every intention of going to war with their own mother just so the failing crops problem can conveniently stay under wraps and they can stay in power and continue to look down upon the
untermenscher-sunponies. These guys are bad at diplomacy, and probably be even worse at warfare, considering the Royal Guard has actual recent experience in combat and the batponies are about as green as they come.Except for Dusk Harvest, keep on rockin' dude.
Also, something that's been bothering me for a few chapters,
No mention has been made of even attempting to exhume the bodies and give them a proper burial (as far as I'm aware at least). Really? When they made their raids throughout the millennium, no attempt was made? When Luna returned and the bat ponies came back into the public eye, did they not even tell her that two Houses of her children were massacred out by Hollow Shades? They were content to let the souls of their so called "brothers and sisters" remain trapped forever and only brought this up when they could serve as a useful tool?
6979610
The batpony perspective differs diametrically from Equestrian...
6979970
Stay tuned, for there shall be a lot more revelations coming still. Hopefully they shall answer all of your questions and doubts.
Dusk Harvest just became my favorite leader. Because hes the one who catches on that what they are doing is wrong. Now as for Constellation, I believe hes working against the council as well, due to their actions, and I doubt the Sanctuarian's are not aware of Azure mist's actions and those of the others. This was a good chapter, and I cant wait for the next. I just hope Midnight and twilight work things out lol.
At this point, I just want to lock the Council, Luna, and a large novelty squeaky hammer in a room.
Religion isn't a very good backing for politics when your deity is physically present and not in agreement with you.
6983330
Good to have another one of your comments, thank you.
6983377 Your welcome! I just hope Im completely in left field with them haha
6983336
To stop, one would have to first realize just how much against the will of the deity are one's actions.
I wonder if Twilight would remember that...
...
Awesome story! Keep it going!
If you can...
6986260
I can and I shall!
6986409 YAY!
Also, i like the language in the story, i need to learn it
just thought id say it now 
Dusk, tell Midnight what's going on. He'll never listen to any of the Haspadri again, except you. Not even Midnight Eye.
And I can't help but feel that finding Mistlock's lost love would destroy Azure's power over him, and over much of her people and all of the other Haspadri. It's too bad no one can find her...right?
6986985
Now, now, you don't really expect me to answer that here, do you?
6988178 No, I want it answered in the story. Love it, by the way.
6988743
Thank you very much, I appreciate it greatly.
As per usual, every time you update I must immediately stop what I am doing and read the next chapter, your writing is absolutely divine, as if guided by the goddesses themselves (wink wink) this is absolutely brilliant and i cannot wait for the next layer of your story. it is amazing how well you write a d bow well you can command my attention. very well done. and yeah, that last part was great. scary yet immeasurably calm, and I believe that this batpony "magic" that constellation uses has to do with vibrations, the doors, Azura mist's voice, the "test" and now this chapter. using sound waves and vibration for a point of persuasion perhaps? I have no idea, It is mystical and undefined. I love it. thank you and I cannot wait for your next chapter!
6989216
So good to see a comment from you, my friend! I was afraid you have lost interest in the story! Thank you for your words.
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You Must be kidding! i read every chapter and enjoy it! I just haven't commented in a while. sorry dude
6993761
No worries, I'm just glad you're still around.
This was a good chapter I wonder how long it takes before the Noctrali have pay for their racism.
Holding Twilight hostage is a terrible idea. Luna would get so angry she'd be willing to give Discord a carte blanche.
The lies and deceit in the prophecy refer to Azure Mist and her plans probably.
7000851
Perhaps... perhaps not... who knows?
can i just state i cant wait for celly to blow her top when she finds out what luna did
The truly ironic thing is, this story's Luna is hardly worthy of worship. A goddess, she is not. And no, I don't believe any of those things are her gifts, or from her sister either. If it turns our they are... I think I'll be really disappointed.
why does this remind me of 'the night will last forever' routine?
10187132
Oh, I think many would be reminded of that.
Hmm, it occurs to me that 'The land' may not necessarily have to represent actual land but could refer to a nation like Equestria as well.
Also, what debt? You could say the land taken by equestrians but this quote seems directed towards the batponies themselves. If anything I've learned from politicians is that they will present their case as favourable to themselves as possible, yet Celestia too knows something as she refused to send an envoy as stated by Luna.
It is getting quite obvious the sweetened lies and deviously weaved strings are not from Twilight.
*Analysing as I go, might get answers or hints further down.
10477578
Before Pearl Harbor there was a general sentiment to stay out of the world war. After, it wasn't a question anymore. The batponies should take care not to rely on something as fickle as public sentiment.
I read the last two chapters in a row, damn this story is like a magnet. I have no idea what to say, Twilight isn’t ready for this level of diplomacy. It is like listening to a child who believes in the idea of friendship and later she faces the crude reality.
I am truly astonished that the lords are planning hostile actions against the nation of their Goddess…… not even considering the consequences that their soldiers serving in the night guard will suffer.
The plan of the lords is very astute. Causing that diversion in Maretonia in order to encounter little resistance in the occupation of the hollow shades. However, the plan of Azure mist seems a little dull to me. I mean, who will they contact in Equestria to announce that their princess is their prisoner? It will make the lords look like a bunch of low class criminals instead of nobleponies of a nation.
Wonderful chapter nevertheless, probably the best so far. It also gave me so much hope reading that the tuariani support Twilight.
<3
twilight got hope
hope for all of this to work out
i wonder if Constellation being sickly is a metaphor for the corruption of bat ponies (like Luna and Nightmare Moon)
11291800
It's a little symbolic, I would say, yes.