Chapter XLII – Masked Behind
Twilight and Midnight were making their way back to the Mountain in a very reasonable pace after sunset. They wished for it to appear like a natural return, after all, and not one that started with the batpony having just experienced what could have only been explained as a miracle.
Or, at least, that is what he was stating all the time on the way, much to Twilight’s joy and surprise. She was hoping her idea would be to his liking, but...
“I suppose I, well... I’ve not given it that much thought, surprisingly,” she admitted as they were approaching the gravel road, leading up towards the city’s main gate. “After everything, when we were in the pond I just had the idea that... that you might like it, seeing a bit of what I’m used to seeing usually. I guess, from your perspective, I’m seeing quite a lot!”
Midnight laughed out loud, closing his again saffron eyes for a breath. “Iau lumn, it was an incredible idea! To finally know the world as it is in the light of the harsh goddess? It’s a favor like no other, you really did not realize it?”
“Not... really, no.”
“Well...” His grin turned properly salacious. “I suppose you had a lot of other things on your mind lately. And on yourself, as well.”
“Midnight!” She pawed at him with a giggle and a blush. “Somepony might be nearby.”
“Not as far as I could see and you took back your spell,” he assured her outright.
Then she felt his hoof suddenly reach for her, pulling her to the side, behind one of the rock formations. His kisses found their way right onto the crook of her neck.
She had to bite her lip to stay quiet, though both the surprise and the jolt of pleasure were justifying letting him know just how good that felt. Let him know well.
“M-Midnight, this... this is careless,” she managed to somehow utter anyway.
“Yes, you’re right, I couldn’t care less,” he replied, whispering straight to her ear and making her shiver in the best possible way.
“Oh, you’re so much trouble...” she whimpered... then allowed herself to let go for the moment and just enjoy his ministrations. He knew her buttons well already, she couldn’t lie. Still, she was trying to keep herself as quiet as possible. The gusts of wind could muffle her a little, but she wouldn’t like the treacherous echo to give them away.
Thankfully, Midnight had just enough self-control to stop after a few minutes. Not that she did not want him to continue. For much longer. But there was a time and a place for everything, especially after their, not even yet finished, escapade involving the aforementioned pond and... a lot more.
“You are insufferable...” she chided him a little, checking the collar of her dress... and whether her cheeks still felt like they were on fire. “You were the one advocating caution so far and now look at you!”
He grinned a little, helping her getting again presentable and removing a strand of mane from her forehead. “Perhaps, but I cannot let opportunities just slide... Especially since we will need to be back to the, uhm, ‘prim and proper’?”
“That’s the expression, yes,” Twilight affirmed, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Though... I hope your opportunism will serve us well, especially if things would again become very tense... as I am expecting them to become.”
Midnight gave her a self-assured look. “I will do my best, even with limited chances. And if there won’t be any at all, know that my mind is always full of you.”
She tilted her head and smiled. “You’re thinking dirty thoughts right now, aren’t you?”
“Yes. A hundred times dirtier than you’re imagining.”
His deadpan delivery did cause her to chuckle and reward him a small peck on his cheek.
Just a few minutes after that Midnight was rapping at the steel wicket of the imposing gate of the cavern city. One of the local militiaponies checked outside cautiously through a secure viewer. No words were exchanged, at least not any that Twilight could hear, but the passage was soon opened. She entered first, embracing the stillness of air and the warmer temperature of the Mountain of Midnight, which was earnestly welcoming them back from their adventure.
As it happened, it wasn’t purely a metaphor.
Twilight almost immediately spotted a stallion approaching them. One of the Lord’s Sentinels, whom she did remember from assisting Midnight Eye before. His blue, ornate tabard shifted just as orderly as his powder blue mane as he saluted upon coming closer.
“Greetings, hwalba knaze, Nocferratan.”
“Sentinel,” Twilight addressed the stallion warmly and with a kind expression, though she did glance her own guardian’s way just after.
“Well met, wartownec Pale Midnight,” came Midnight’s own response. “We’ve been expected to come back at this hour, as I understand?” he inquired somewhat mindfully.
“Tac, Nocferratan. Hwalbu Haspadr Oc a Rodine Maednoc did request for you to be immediately contacted. Due to the newest weather predictions, the transport to Tuarie must be organized and leave as soon as possible.”
“Which means?”
“Within two hours from now. At the latest.”
That was not a lot of time at all, Twilight judged, but she would be the last pony to object to the haste. “We shall not keep the Honored Lord waiting. We will take care of our belongings and meet him post haste.”
“Wald ben, hwalba knaze. The carriages are being prepared, the first meal is provided in your chambers and lupule Yazembe Acine has been instructed accordingly. I will inform hwalbu haspadr of your arrival, he shall meet you in the transport cavern,” Pale Midnight announced with yet another salute.
“Ipia grati tu, wartownec,” Midnight responded, gesturing back.
... did Twilight imagine it, or did his expression tensed for a moment there? And not from just assuming the right, military position. It was almost as if he suddenly caught a whiff of something unpleasant, which wasn’t the local bats house neither.
She had her chance of asking him about just that as he led her through one of the tunnels offering the shortest route to the Lord’s palace. The candles lit alongside the chiseled walls did reflect in his keen eyes well enough to betray his gaze being... cautious. Steeled.
“Is... everything alright, Midnight?” she inquired when they turned the corner and found nopony before nor after them. Which gave her just the right opportunity.
But he only nodded in reply at first. Which was not enough at all.
And so she pressed on. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, iau lumn. Other than having to put on a passive mask again and, I suppose, not having a chance to say proper goodbyes to my parents before leaving, yes, everything is fine.”
She blinked. It truly didn’t sound fine, as far as she could tell. His reply was but an attempt at calming her down. A distinctively poor attempt, nonetheless.
“No... I don’t think that’s true. You got very uneasy when Pale Midnight spoke about preparations for some reason... If this is again about what you told me in the cave, I’ve already assured you, I—”
Midnight’s chuckled interrupted her. He gifted her with an assured smirk even. “It’s really not. I might not be as transparent to you as you’d like, but, please, everything is fine.”
His tone couldn’t quite back up his grimace. Besides Twilight knew that... pitch of his rather well already. The one that was to suggest to her that she shouldn’t dwell on the topic and leave things to him.
Well, it wasn’t just him for some time now. It was them. Especially after what had just happened between them. Another very, very good reason for them being... them.
However peculiar that logic did sound in Twilight’s very own head.
“You know, I don’t want to have to read through you, Midnight. I want you to trust me with everything that bothers you,” she told him.
Adamantly.
Stopping dead in place.
It forced him to do the same and he closed his eyes doing so. It wasn’t irritation that caused it, though he did take a deeper breath than was necessary. “We shouldn’t delay,” he said, trying to sound equally confident himself.
Yet his words shook on his lips.
“Midnight, that will be quite enough.”
Twilight found audible reproach in her voice. She realized it and accepted it. Maybe not with joy, but at least convinced about her stance.
Midnight heard that dangerous tone as well, no doubt. It caused the muscles on his neck to tense visibly, almost as if they wanted to desperately reveal all the feelings inside the stallion. Twilight gave him a moment longer, as he inhaled a few more times. As if he was preparing for something he dreaded.
Ultimately, he gazed straight into her eyes... causing her to arrive at a sudden observation.
When she had enchanted his sight, just a couple hours before, there was brightness and joy in it. Even when his irises had been turned into that deep, wonderful and rich amber, they had become almost radiant. With his astonishment and wonder. With his love for her. At the moment, however, again being the color of piercing, keen saffron that she so adored, reflecting well the candlelight of the passageway, Midnight’s eyes still appeared... shrouded. By something she couldn’t name. All of what she always wanted to see in his gaze was hidden.
He worried about so much, she knew it well. He had her well-being in mind, of course. And he showed her just how much he cherished her, with everything he had. Mind, heart, soul and body. And yet, there was more in those eyes. Something that she couldn’t yet decipher...
Something she felt afraid of, not being able to unravel it.
“... are you going to tell me what is the matter?”
She asked again. That time more gently... and that, at least, got her something of a straight response.
“We’re getting back into the thick of it, my light. After a threat by haspadr Aldatu Kiel no less. I remember what happened last time the Cowene presented their revelations to you. And... I keep thinking on what I could and couldn’t say back then. I made you... vulnerable.”
She pursed her lips. He didn’t have to remind her.
He continued. Or at least tried to, constantly looking left and right for possible witnesses.
“I don’t want you to be vulnerable again. I love you and I wish to protect you and be here for you as best I can, being as faulty as I am. It’s just that... that... prokleyitu iau ver, kirwe,” he swore under his breath. “It’s hard to say ‘what is the matter’ sometimes!”
“Why?” she asked him the most obvious of questions.
“Because—!”
His ears flickered as he rapidly glanced to where they had come from. He extended his foreleg immediately.
“This way, if you please, Honored Princess,” he declared with professionalism which could have fooled anypony into thinking nothing strange was happening before a Nightguard and the guest he was protecting.
“Of course,” Twilight replied outright, keeping the pretense and following him for a while through the candlelit corridors.
He kept a brisk pace, likely to gain some distance from whomever going the same way as the two of them. Or maybe from the topic at hoof too. Twilight couldn’t really tell. However, they soon were safe enough to continue, she thought, and she was not going to squander any opportunities herself. Just as she had asked Midnight not to, though having something completely else in mind.
“Please, Midnight. Whatever it is, you can tell me,” she encouraged him, trying to keep her voice as low as possible, but still to sound convinced.
The metallic clang of his hoofshoes was reminding her of a frantic heart’s beat. He inhaled once more. Shakily.
“I am still ashamed,” he but whispered back, yet she couldn’t misinterpret the regretful tone he used.
“Of what?”
“My... my brothers and sisters. And myself.”
“Midnight, how many times I’ve told you already? You’re not responsible for how your brethren are,” she assured him, glancing his way. “We’ve had this conversation.”
“Maybe so, but... but... Bogine, you don’t understand... My Twilight, do you know just how deep some ways run in our ver? How, as you say, ‘bent’ we are on some matters? What we have to do, just like we have sworn? What we cannot do, just as we have vowed?” he asked, barely hiding his disturbance.
It caused her brow to furrow in concern... and confusion. “But... what that has to do with what Pale Midnight told us?”
Midnight took a second to reply. Which definitely worried her even more. Not any less than the words he uttered.
“Too much.”
She really wanted to again stop, take a moment and have this conversation in peace. After all, it turned their amazing evening into... this. Whatever it was.
But they were in a hurry. And she, as understanding as she was, had to know what exactly caused her beloved to suddenly lose all the joy she granted him.
Before saying something she would later very much regret.
“Too much...” she repeated the phrase after him, though the tone of her voice must have been quite specific, considering yet another, worried glance she received. “He only told us a couple of sentences, but it was ‘too much’...”
“Yes... Listen, Twilight, what I need to tell you I need to express—”
“No, Midnight. You’re often trying to be cautious with your words and mindful with your observations. I tolerate it, I even accept it, it’s a facet of who you are. But, right now, I need you to speak plainly. To trust me.”
She tried to control her breathing and stay calm. Waiting for his response to this declaration and in the meantime considering what could have caused that strange reaction from him.
The news of the sudden travel? No, not really, since that had been planned for a couple of nights already. Meeting the Lord again? Well, considering the cavern and the pond and... everything, that could have been problematic. Yet they were cautious and she trusted none of them would spill even one word about what was unmentionable. So that wasn’t it.
Which meant...
Twilight nearly missed his next sentence...
“I trust you, I do, it’s just... it’s not really something that a straight answer will help with.”
... but no great loss would have happened. She wasn’t going to receive the reply she wished for.
Too bad.
“It’s about Rowan Berry,” she declared instead of listening on. “And that she’s an Occultane.”
A sudden, metallic shrill echoed up and down the corridor and Twilight felt her coat standing on end.
Something terrible had just happened, she knew it.
She glanced around, ready for anything... though as it turned out, it was but Midnight, who seemed to have literally tripped over his own legs, causing the steel claws to assault the stone below him. He was now a few steps behind her, in a weird, unbalanced stance, one of his wings steadying him against the wall.
Shock was painted all over his muzzle.
“You... you...?” he tried to stammer through a question, but she didn’t need him to do so.
“Considered? Acknowledged it?”
“Twilight, I—”
She let out a long sigh. Was that what he found so hard to tell her?
“You know what was one of the first things that occurred to me when I met Rowan Berry?” she continued, although making sure to use but a low whisper. For his ears only. “You have just been summoned by Lord Midnight Eye and I was uncertain of your fate. A lot had happened just before, with the Covenant, the map, your prayers through the whole day and all... And here comes a new member of my retinue. To help me, by the grace of the Lords.”
“So, you...?” he tried to ask, but she just lifted her hoof, silencing him immediately.
“Of course I thought that she could be a spy, even all the way back then. With a clever disguise. An enthusiastic healer. I was clearly not doing well in the Covenant’s eyes and a personal physician is allowed to be very close with anypony. It’s not only about the profession, but the trust, after all. I remembered well your claims that the Occultani are skilled and insidious... usually. I suppose Deep Mist’s blunder was more of an exception than the rule. So, Rowan Berry, who has been performing remarkably so far, fits what one would expect from an infiltrator...”
Midnight didn’t dare interrupt her.
“Naturally, back then I considered that I was not only being but actually showing borderline paranoia. True, I go overboard about a lot of details and even small matters, I am trying to work on that nowadays... ‘nowanights’, whatever. And one could say that at that moment I wasn’t of the soundest of minds. But if one would take into consideration how often lately was she going on her own, what glances I have spotted from her from time to time... Yes, that would add up pretty well to this conclusion.”
She saw that Midnight’s lips were moving as if to form words, but no sound was coming out. And when something resembling a phrase finally tried to...
“What I mean is—”
... she simply continued, though watching him intently.
“And you know what I thought? Right there and then, in the Sanctuary? That I am the Princess of Friendship. Who has become like I am because I believed in and tried to master that strange and mystifying power. Bringing this magic to ponies always involves taking a risk. That your good will shall be leveraged against you, that others will not follow the tenets you observe and deceive you, outwit you, doing things you would never dare. I might have allowed myself to be pushed onto the defensive lately, assessing the situation, taking my time, but that does not mean I have forgotten why I am here.”
Midnight finally managed to again assume something more akin to a proper stance, though his expression remained strained.
“Twilight... but...”
“Rowan Berry can be an Occultane all she wants, if that is what you were trying to figure out and warn me about. I have nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. If she is a spy, she can tell this to the Lords – they will gain nothing by threatening me, nor by trying to trick me, or... or anything else. And they can gain everything by listening and giving me, giving Friendship a chance,” she finished, being very careful about her volume but desiring to make her point clear nonetheless.
A moment of silence followed. Tense one. Heavy one. It gave Twilight a chance to regain her composure. She didn’t shout, she didn’t rave, yes, but she felt as if she had just let go of a huge burden from her mind and heart. Her breathing was far deeper than she thought it would need to be.
Midnight approached her after a few more seconds. He did not look as relieved as she was. “I... just don’t want you ever to be threatened again. By anypony. Unlike me and... and like me. Even me.”
She shook her head. She was trying to smile gently, but... it didn’t happen.
“I know, Midnight, and I appreciate it. I know you will always try your best to protect me.”
“I will, Twilight, you have my solemn promise. It’s just... it’s...”
“I know. Please, don’t torment yourself with everything.” She quickly looked about and thankfully found no onlookers still. “If anything, you are forgetting about two things.”
“What would those be?”
“I have a horn on my forehead... and a blade in one of my hoofshoes.”
Midnight exhaled in something that resembled a forced laugh. Even if still a laugh.
Twilight turned around to continue on their way to the palace, deep in thought. She wasn’t happy about how that went... There was clearly something more which was wrong, something she didn’t know about. Or overlooked so far... She just couldn’t yet discern what. But whatever it was, it was... serious. A matter of trust.
Or lack thereof.
Unlike just before, that time Twilight didn’t manage to spot a weird grimace. Midnight gritting his teeth in helpless regret.
The rest of the walk was quick. None of them felt like having much of a conversation, it seemed. Sooner rather than later they found themselves in the rich hallways of Midnight Eye’s palace, where soft blankets covered the floor, rich chandeliers guided the path, retainers awaited their arrival.
Well, one specific one.
Rowan Berry, positioned right outside Twilight’s chambers in her healer’s garb, bowed her head in deference, her blue mane sweeping the stone below.
“Hwalba knaze, I’m very glad to see you after the trip.”
“Greetings, Rowan Berry. I trust you’ve been informed that we need to leave post haste tonight?” Twilight asked her in return, wishing not to keep the Lord waiting. And not to mention anything that the said trip involved.
Also keeping an eye on the mare, of course. Midnight had been borderline frustrating in beating around the bush, but... his worries couldn’t have been entirely unsubstantiated, right?
“Yes, hwalba knaze. The meal is prepared, my belongings are packed and the everypony notified. Would you like for me to aid in assembling your luggage, Honored Princess, after you eat?”
“Unnecessary, Rowan Berry, but thank you for the offer.” Twilight’s smile was met with what seemed like a genuine expression in return. “I will not delay. Make sure to have everything ready in twenty minutes,” she ordered of the healer and Midnight both.
“Tac, hwalba knaze,” he replied with a salute and Rowan Berry followed with another bow of her head.
Twilight nodded and ventured into her chamber. A meal of local fruits was, indeed, prepared and she should have helped herself to it outright. She was a bit hungry, yes, but considering that she already had some oranges this evening, that could have waited at least a moment. So could packing, actually.
Already focusing, Twilight approached the rocky wall of her chamber. As she had reminded Midnight, she wasn’t without her own assets. Though in this case, she did not mean the hidden blade. Nor even the magic, though she was planning on using it.
Something was not right. Deeply not right. And if Midnight had his reservations about trusting her enough to speak plainly, though it was nothing short of infuriating, then perhaps he counted on her discovering something on her own. Maybe it was a matter of a taboo, like the... the dread “katorge”.
She still couldn’t stop herself from shivering at the mental images that word invoked.
But she quickly banished away those thoughts. The room serving as her retinue’s quarters was just behind the rocks before her. A solid mass of ancient, mountain stone. Yet, considering how the doors were positioned across the corridor, the thickness of the obstacle couldn’t have been tremendous. Which meant that with a correct application of power...
Twilight closed her eyes to better feel the nearby currents of the arcane field. They surrounded her in abundance, flowing in their own, local, mystic ways. Ones she’d love to study, but didn’t have time at the moment. She simply embraced their presence and captured them in her own, raspberry grasp, directing their chaotic flow straight towards the chiseled surface.
“Careful now...” she whispered to herself.
She, after all, wasn’t going to break the wall apart by force. Instead, she conducted the drift gently, in a slow, meticulous and ethereal dance. Right through the rock. Trying, at the same time, to masque its passage to the best of her abilities as it was to reach the other side.
It wasn’t a perfect technique, especially considering she had to be as cautious as possible, not to reveal her magical... chicanery. But in but a minute or two, in reds, in violets and in pinks, a vision of the neighboring chamber appeared right before her eyes, projected on the solid wall. Soundless, but vivid enough to see details from this particular, magical perspective.
The place was well furnished, though in no way it could compete with Twilight’s own room, she pondered. It had two, separate plum beds, an eggplant coffer by each of those and a raisin table to sit at.
And two, discolored batponies.
An amethyst Midnight was calmly unpacking the bag he had with them on their trip. His moves were precise and professional as he took out item by item from it, placing them on his bed in a most organized fashion. Without any unnecessary motions or pauses.
Twilight felt her brow furrowing. It was... actually still unsettling for her to witness her beloved purely a warrior. Nothing more than a soldier, getting ready to travel on short notice. What they have had just shared, the way Midnight looked at her, with love and warmth, with joy and passion... That Midnight was not the one she was witnessing right now... nor the one in the corridors just before. This one’s expression was cold, colder than the stone that Twilight was using as her scrying surface. And his eyes, like two, deeply seated spinels, appeared almost lifeless.
Especially when they sharply gazed straight in her direction.
At least that was what she thought at first, with a sudden, sharp inhale and her heart skipping a beat. She was ready to cut the spell there and then, yet the grim glance of Midnight but passed her...
... instead seeking Rowan Berry. The mare in question, her mane the color of faint blush rather than the usual pale blue, sat motionlessly on her own bed, having her backpack at her hind hooves. She wasn’t moving, she wasn’t even staring back at Midnight, instead seemingly transfixed by the chiseled, mauve tiles of the floor. At that moment, she reminded Twilight more of a statue of pink granite than a socially uncertain healer.
And her expression was... forlorn. For whatever reason. It created a truly perturbing contrast with Midnight’s own borderline merciless look.
Those weren’t the same ponies that had been accompanying her so far. Not those she had around her as her retinue.
She pursed her lips. Something was not right. Definitely not right.
***
“Greetings, Your Lunar Majesty.”
Raven’s voice was polite in tone and mindful in volume, which was most astute. The meeting that was supposed to be taking place behind the doors of one of the smaller audience chambers was meant to be, after all, furtive. Or, at least, as furtive as it was possible within the premises of the Royal Castle.
“Good evening, Advisor Raven,” Luna replied regally, looking about and, as expected, seeing no witnesses. “I trust that everypony is present and already inside?”
“Her Solar Majesty shall be here in a matter of minutes, but Their Highnesses, Princess Cadance and Prince-Consort Shining Armor, are awaiting,” the mare informed her.
“And Moonwarden?”
“Also inside, Your Majesty.”
Luna felt her eyebrow arching in a very specific way.
“You have left Moonwarden inside... on his very own... very much on purpose, have you not, Raven?”
“To wait for you here, Your Majesty,” the mare replied officially.
Luna could swear she spotted the sparks of devilry in her cider eyes, even though their last interaction did make her bashful enough to try and hide just that.
“Indeed?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, as protocol dictates. Leaving Advisor Moonwarden in there to tend to the guests, especially, all things considered, Prince-Consort Shining Armor was a... small, necessary evil for the greater good of maintaining propriety. He surely understands my motivations.”
“Of that I am certain.”
Leaving Raven behind to wait for her sister, Luna took a moment to assume perfect composure. She wasn’t certain if she should have snickered at that deep-seated enmity towards her own Advisor, or chastised the mare for such tomfoolery.
Nevertheless, as was befitting a royal, she calmly entered through the door of the smaller, but opulent chamber of marble that served as the gathering place. Her arrival was accompanied by the sound of chair legs scraping the polished floor. Instead of an official announcement, yes, but that particular evening there was far less time for decorum and decidedly more for decisions and actions.
As Luna could have expected, the atmosphere inside was... tense. Though in a very selective manner, one could say. For once, her “honorary” niece was gifting her with a most honest and bright smile.
“Aunt Luna, how wonderful to see you again!”
Cadance was, definitely, the one to have good humor in the room and Luna was keen on addressing her and this positive feeling with priority.
“And it is wonderful to see you as well, Cadance,” she replied with a most friendly expression of her own. “Celestia and I are profoundly grateful that you have agreed to the meeting just after your arrival. The travel had to be tiring.”
The Crystal Princess only shook her head, her smile never losing its authenticity. “Not at all! The train compartment was very accommodating, there’s no need to worry about that. We had a chance to freshen ourselves up before we arrived in Canterlot too. We can rest fully after we deal with the matters at hoof.”
Cadance, indeed, was wearing a most stylish ensemble, even if designed more for travel than splendor. Though, being of Crystal Empire origin, it did feature just enough of jeweled embellishments.
“Your diligence is most cherished, dear niece. Woe are the circumstances we are under, however.”
“Oh, I don’t know, I could think of worse.”
It was hard to miss that a twinkle in Cadance’s eyes, though a bit different than that of Raven’s gaze just before.
“Why would you say that, dear niece?”
Instead of a response, Luna was granted only with a glance to the side. Towards Shining Armor, there in a more classical, Equestrian military jacket, one certainly befitting his stature. What wasn’t necessarily so fitting, was the guise of suppressed exasperation on his muzzle.
Luna wasn’t really astonished by that. Both him and her Advisor had welcomed her as it was required and even cordial. Nevertheless, she was surprised not to find an entire snowstorm of agitation between the two, right over the mahogany table. After all, as legends rightly suggested, animosity and tension could actually manifest in such a way in extreme circumstances.
She wondered what sort of words had already been exchanged in this very room.
“Well met to you as well, Prince-Consort,” she nevertheless greeted Shining Armor with regal kindness.
The stallion responded to that, as it was to be expected, with utmost diligence. “Greetings, Your Lunar Majesty.”
“As I understand from my niece’s silent suggestion,” Luna probed the... obvious matter with care, “you possess insight on the topic of other threats to be befalling us?”
Luna could have sworn she spotted in the corner of her eye a grey leg, in a black sleeve of a morning coat, rising up from the opposite side of the table.
Shining Armor confirmed her observation somewhat. At least when it came to the cause of his discomfort. “Not necessarily, Your Majesty. As long as the well-being of my beloved shall not be endangered by anypony ever again.”
“If I might, and with all due respect, I believe to be a bit more than an ‘anypony’,” came Moonwarden’s reply.
Luna glanced at him sharply. She was ready to chastise him, but the tone he used caught her attention. The unmistakably weary stare of his silver eyes was letting her know that he was sick and tired of that old topic being brought up yet again lately, but his voice carried with itself a certain... sadness. Guilt, even.
How divergent of him! She was going to observe the game he wanted to play, though again turning to Shining Armor.
“I sincerely hope my closest servant’s presence will not influence our discussions this evening,” she expressed in a tone to make it a requirement, rather than an expectation.
“I mean absolutely no disrespect to your Advisor, Your Majesty,” the Prince-Consort assured. “I simply remain somewhat vigilant. Justifiably, considering past experiences.”
“That might be so, Prince-Consort, but I do not consider there to be any case of vigilance necessary here. My Advisor did apologize for his daring stratagem.”
“Profoundly and extensively,” she heard Moonwarden’s assurance. Laced with melancholy, again.
Remarkably, being the alleged princess in jeopardy of that particular scenario, Cadance had always been far more at peace with the topic than her husband. That time, however, her gracious expression turned almost sympathetic.
“As I’ve assured Advisor Moonwarden already, all has been forgiven. If there was even something to forgive. I have to say, I was quite astonished at first to be threatened so intently... but I don’t hold a grudge over but a ruse.”
That declaration, though, as Luna could spot, didn’t do much to improve the mood of any of the stallions present. Cadance must have felt that too.
“It actually proved to me how much my dear husband cared for me, even back then, organizing the pursuit so vigorously in my defense, so I suppose I should let my appreciation be known.”
That at least did make Shining Armor look somewhat more like a proud and devoted spouse, though considering his wife’s words, he kept a beaming appearance at bay.
“I am heap glad to have allowed such reaffirming of devotion.”
Luna turned her head in record speed, to witness a soft, almost heartfelt smile on Moonwarden’s muzzle. One that she definitely did not remember seeing ever before and one she’d mark as remarkably convincing. She could imagine herself believing in its honesty, if only she had blissfully forgotten who exactly was using it as their mask.
“You certainly do look ‘heap glad’, my servant,” she still pointed out, gazing at Moonwarden with interest and some amusement.
“Something merry out of my... preposterous gambit. I was never actually going to put Her Highness in any sort of true danger, Your Lunar Majesty, as I would never dare such a thing. Still, I have paid the necessary price for this misdeed...” He stretched his back a bit and she recognized that grimace of pain crossing his muzzle. “But if, by the will of the Prince-Consort, I am to be once more scorched and scourged so that the talks might proceed, I submit to it...”
Luna immediately spotted Cadance’s pleading look as she put her hoof against Shining Armor’s side, to try and make him step back from the matter entirely.
What a scheme! Moonwarden had been duly instructed not to let animosities between him and Prince-Consort impact the meeting in any way. So why not by tugging on heartstrings? He was doing his best, Luna would honestly applaud him. Cadance knew very well who she was dealing with, she definitely wasn’t buying it all, and yet the act was still good enough to have her pacify her dearest.
And Luna was more than certain that her Advisor would still try his equal best to have the last word tonight, when only an opportunity would arise, the grey spider.
Well, at least they could, indeed, leave that unfortunate issue behind for the time being. And so Luna trotted around the table to find her seat by its top. Surprised that she didn’t find any web spanning the side she chose. After everypony took their places, she spoke again.
“My sister shall be joining us soon. I trust that all the findings are prepared for assessment, my Advisor?” she inquired of the grey unicorn. Her official tone was to let him know that she hadn’t been charmed by his little performance, though still appreciated his wily routine.
Moonwarden’s depressed appearance quite quickly morphed into cold professionalism, after all.
“Naturally, Your Majesty,” he affirmed, levitating the maps to be displayed on the table from the chamber’s side, where they had been awaiting in secure tubes. “These... are the cartographic wonders of the batponies, one from the lumberyards, one from the Nightguard captain Sunfall Ordain. And these...” He produced a dossier from a personal, black briefcase and put it before himself. “... are the notes compiled by our operatives.”
Cadance, despite her previous gentle appearance, leaned in with a more stoic expression herself as soon as the documents appeared. “Anything that can be shared before we delve into details with everypony present?”
Moonwarden checked his monocle, taking a collected breath and glancing towards Luna. “I believe it depends on a few decisions regarding... transparency.”
It was easy enough for her to catch onto what he was referring to. And more, but perhaps even he was missing it.
She inhaled deeply herself. “It was not really my decision before, I don’t believe it prudent to make it myself this time. Though I have my own secrets to divulge when the time comes. For the moment, let us deal with the... bureaucracy, my servant.”
“At Your Majesty’s command.” Moonwarden nodded, focusing purely on the papers, their white and beige tinctures standing out against the rich mahogany. “And so... We are definitely dealing with a, one could say, remarkable study of the Eastern Woods. In terms of terrain, traversing it and logistics. The obtained maps are of superb precision and quality, down to even lesser landmarks, like distinctive trees and other woodland features, Your Majesty, Your Highnesses,” he explained thoroughly, pointing out a couple of said markers in dark ink. “It definitely serves as more than just a most generous support for the local lumber production, we presume that such a level of detail and clarity was to create a... certain trustworthiness when it came to Nightguard’s aid and to sedate any suspicions.”
“And what was that supposed to achieve for the batponies instead, exactly?” Cadance asked with interest.
“Saying anything more really depends on the outlook His Highness, your husband, could grant us.”
Though Moonwarden gazed Shining Armor’s way just afterwards, the Prince-Consort’s stare was, instead, locked on the dossier resting on the table’s further side.
“We aren’t working just on the maps, though,” he stated.
“No, thankfully. After thoroughly examining them, the Royal Office’s own military expert did present an interesting theory that I believe might be valid.”
“Who would that pony be? Does he work for the Royal Office directly, or does he belong to... another unit?” Shining Armor further asked, with an unpleasant squint of his eyes, causing Moonwarden to assume a more authoritative position in his seat.
“Do forgive me, Your Highness, but that information is classified, unless Her Lunar Majesty allows me to share name, credentials and so forth, for the sake of the meeting.”
Luna pondered for just a heartbeat, especially considering Shining Armor’s keen stare. “We all know this information shall not leave this chamber. Besides, I would guess the Prince-Consort already has a decent idea about the said expert.”
“Of course,” the white unicorn pretty much huffed in annoyance. “I might be staying in the Crystal Empire, but I’m still keeping an eye out on the Royal Guard and what’s happening with it. I had a feeling Brass Plaque would fit right in under Advisor Moonwarden’s... direct supervision.”
Cadance, interestingly, shuffled in her seat, immediately looking worried. “As in... Lieutenant Brass Plaque? The one you told me about, Shining? On that caused two recruits to—”
“The very same,” Moonwarden confirmed with something akin to satisfaction.
It caused the other stallion to grimace. And fiercely. “To think he was allowed to remain in the Royal Guard. I would have never allowed such an arrangement to be made. It’s a stain on the unit’s honor!”
The grey unicorn simply took off his monocle to clean it in a casual fashion before responding. “One unit’s dishonour is, I would say, less crucial than assuring Equestria’s gain... and, well, another important unit’s advantage. Though, I do admit, I could be very biased...”
He looked up towards the rich chandelier to examine his work. The light that shone back on his muzzle most ponies would deem perfectly normal, but Luna easily spotted a thousand, piercing reflections, organized with impeccable precision into a kaleidoscopic pattern. Having restored his eyepiece, Moonwarden glanced between the Crystal Royalty once more.
“I would say the lieutenant fits right in with a hoofful of sundry criminals and even a treasonous Imperial Thaumaturge. Speaking of which,” he addressed Cadance directly, “I am joyous to inform that Jade Wind’s performance so far has been passable. He even begins to show promise and initiative, actually.”
“Does he?” she inquired, though even her stature could not necessarily hide her trepidation.
“Indeed, Your Highness. I can have a whole report prepared for you before your return to the Crystal Empire, if you so wish.”
“That... would be prudent,” Cadance reluctantly admitted, pursing her lips. “I regularly receive motions from Imperial citizens regarding his fate and punishment...”
“I do understand, Your Highness. Some well-meaning ponies tend to continuously brood over old and exhausted topics of judging others for their past misdeeds, it is simply pony nature.”
So much for “heap glad” and all that, Luna thought. With a practiced pacing she cleared her throat a little, causing Moonwarden to nod almost undetectably and change the topic as if nothing happened.
“Lieutenant Brass Plaque, with the help of another operative cursed with impeccable deduction skills did theorize that the—”
This time, however, something did happen to stop him and render him immediately silent.
The door to the chamber opened once more and in walked Princess Celestia, with Raven in tow, her presence illuminating the place with the strength of her aurora mane. It was something that Luna definitely tried to learn from her at one point, but found out that her own regal appearances caused more tremors, than thrills, bar some notable exceptions.
Speaking of which, her sister’s expression was that of kind benevolence and whatever worry was there underneath it, Luna couldn’t spot it outright.
“I do hope I’m not too late,” was the unofficial greeting, as Celestia trotted towards Cadance and her husband. “So sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s nothing, aunt, I’m glad to see you!”
Pleasantries were exchanged and a few words about the state of affairs in the Crystal Empire did happen between the two. Luna was not directly interested in those. She instead took the moment to focus and balance herself.
Ever since the matter of Radiant Glory and his crimes had become known to her, she found herself growing more and more restless. Whatever conclusion this meeting would soon have, it would be about her children. She could only hope that their plans and schemes, their goals and aspirations, were not dominated by the desire for revenge. That her guidance, bestowed so many centuries ago and built upon the foundations of their traditions, predating even her first visit to Noctraliya, was not warped and perverted to encourage vengeance and repayment of old tragedies. Or, as Moonwarden had rather accentuated, old losses.
She glanced his way after a moment, spotting that he was indeed checking in on her state covertly, utilizing this moment. She tried to grant him silent reassurance by gaze alone.
She tried to reassure herself as well. For if things would spiral out of control, she would be forced to take direct action. And once that would begin... she wasn’t sure where it would end.
“Are we ready to proceed, dear sister?”
The sudden question from Celestia awoke Luna from these dark ruminations. Her sibling took place nearby, on Raven’s and the Crystal Royalty’s side of the table.
“I do believe so, sister. Moonwarden was just about to present our own findings regarding the maps.”
“Then I arrived just in time,” the other alicorn deemed, turning to the grey unicorn. “Let us not delay then, the hour grows late and we shouldn’t tire out our guests. Advisor, if you please.”
Moonwarden stood up with a deferential bow. “Naturally, Your Solar Majesty.” He took a deep breath, recommencing. “As I was saying, two of our operatives possessing the necessary qualifications did spend a considerable amount of time studying the maps. Their proposed theory for their creation was deemed novel enough to divulge.” He spread his hooves over the two parchments. “The charts we possess are essentially identical, minus the moment of creation. The Nightguard, for their own use, did not make maps any different from the ones granted to the lumberyards. Let us then suppose that the batponies desired to ‘help out’ the timber industry by providing them with the easiest way of transportation. Their pathfinders did a marvelous job, resulting in everypony utilizing their routes and increasing the productivity by a tremendous amount...”
“That,” Luna decided to interject, “was what caught our attention in the first place, actually. Thirty percent of a difference was simply too significant to overlook.”
“Your Lunar Majesty is correct. That and the fact that the charting was done outside of official channels and without proper approvals. Captain Sunfall Ordain did apologize for that mistake, claiming that the Nightguard simply wanted to be of aid to the local population.”
“That would be noble of them,” Princess Cadance added, leaning forth. “But we know what happened in Maretonia, correct? We’re not taking chances?”
“Precisely,” Moonwarden affirmed, again pointing to the maps. His right hoof ventured alongside one of the new routes. “Transportation of goods through these does make most sense, one of my operatives, working in the Eastern Woods as of late, spoke of them avoiding hazardous terrain and thick vegetation.”
Shining Armor too decided to actively participate. “Which is also optimal for quick and efficient troop and equipment transportation, in case of a planned military action.”
“Quite so, Prince-Consort. But our specialists did ask this question, instead.” Moonwarden paused a little for added effect, looking over everypony gathered. “What if the batponies wished not to find passageways for all of us, but rather only us? What if they desired to keep everypony away from certain areas? As the maps showcase, vast expanses of the Woods, even those with older pathways which had been previously utilized by the lumberyards, are now completely devoid of pony presence. Or, at least, Equestrian presence.”
Raven leaned in, though as Luna spotted, she did look unconvinced. As was her want when it came to dealing with her own Advisor. “So your ponies simply reinforced your own theory, yes? We are still pursuing the worst case scenario, that of military invasion.”
“I did keep in mind your reservations, Advisor Raven, but considering what... has been discussed already,” Moonwarden replied with great caution, glancing Celestia’s way.
Luna could more feel than see her sister letting out a small sigh. She supposed that, whilst their positions were very different in the matter of Shades’ Hollow and that part of forcefully forgotten history, Tia simply must have been as apprehensive about telling Cadance and Shining Armor about what happened as Luna herself was when sharing her plights with Moonwarden.
And as apprehensive as herself was about telling Shining Armor about... another detail of this situation.
Still, when Celestia spoke, her voice showed none of the disturbance. As was befitting a royal alicorn.
“Let us not overlook any possibilities. Especially since we would not wish to influence your judgment in any direction, Shining Armor,” she declared, smiling cordially at the Prince-Consort. “Your insight shall be invaluable.”
He acknowledged the praise with a polite nod. “I hope to be of service to you, Your Majesties, and to Equestria. I’ve spent some time in the Eastern Woods, even back during my Royal Guard training. Whatever experience I possess, I shall use.”
“That pure, nondiscriminatory experience is the one, exact thing what we are in need of, Your Highness. The map is yours,” Moonwarden declared, with the argent push of his magic sliding one of the charts, the one obtained from Sunfall Ordain, across the table.
And here Luna thought one tactical jab at Shining Armor would sate her Advisor’s appetite for petty malice.
The Prince-Consort let the prod slide, as it seemed. Instead, he supported himself with his forelegs on the polished surface, focusing his entire attention on what was before him. Luna could easily spot his eyes darting between any and all markings he wanted to quickly familiarize himself with.
“Here’s the village, here’s the Nightguard outpost... the lumberyards are spread like this...” he murmured to himself. “Winding paths... If I remember right here’s an overhang and here’s a cave, right by that big tree, pinpointed here... alright...”
Cadance leaned towards him. “Take your time, dear,” she whispered in encouragement.
“First assessment is invaluable,” he simply responded, not taking his eyes off the parchment, though turning it a little to the side. “Our training camp was here, here’s where we were doing the marching... Here was the second camp, yes, on those two, marked hills, precisely... Those are very accurate,” he spoke a little louder, before closing his mouth entirely.
“Indeed, Your Highness. Remarkable work. Which concerns us even further,” Moonwarden told him.
Everypony was now waiting patiently for Shining Armor. Luna would dare say that nopony wanted even a breath to impede him, considering the deafening, petrified silence. She found herself essentially locked between the grey granite statue of her Advisor and the marble monument of Celestia, were it not for her shifting mane...
A few minutes later the Prince-Consort sat back down, taking a deep breath.
“It’s quite interesting, what I’m seeing here, Your Majesties... Aside from all those landmarks that sometimes make little sense, those new roads are, well... They do take the best directions, but if I were to consider actual military actions, I’d say they are lacking proper tactical value.”
“Could you elaborate, Shining Armor?” Celestia inquired, squinting her bright eyes a little.
“The batponies would be the aggressors. And if I were planning to take over a certain region, I would prefer to use such an opportunity to limit my enemies’ movements. Bottleneck them, if possible.” He lead his hooves down all showcased roads, one at a time, continuing. “The paths showed here cut the Woods into swathes, leading from the lumber areas to Hollow Shades directly. It would be far easier to make them connect as soon as possible, close to the logging sectors. The bulk of civilian movement and then military forces would be lured to go through one, major thoroughfare.”
“Easier to ambush?” Moonwarden guessed.
“Easier even just to monitor. We know through where the foe is moving, we don’t need to track him across various, optional routes.”
Luna spotted her Advisor leaning back in his chair, conjoining his hooves against his muzzle, which twitched just a little in pain.
“That is a significant point to make,” he admitted, glancing at the other map right before him. “And you would claim, Your Highness, that this could have been done in this terrain? Make all the roads connect at some point?”
“I... believe so,” Shining Armor stood up again, searching for a proper place on his chart. “During our training in the Eastern Woods we were also studying the local topography. There are vast amounts of caverns in the area, hillsides that are harder to traverse, not to mention the plant life itself, but nothing that would stop creating such a passage... here.” He pointed at a point that was almost in perfect distance from all of the lumberyards. “Then everybody would use this road. I doubt the sheer amount of timber transports would cause a blockage.”
“Ah!” Raven lifted her hoof with eagerness before adding to the discussion. “So... they’ve given up a strong, tactical opportunity for no reason?”
Shining Armor took a moment to ponder. “Y... yes, I’d say so, Advisor. In case of any initial scouting parties, or preparatory actions, it would leave them far more maneuverability around the Woods.”
“You do not believe they could possess it at the moment?” Moonwarden asked from behind his hooves.
“Many roads, many wood shipments to be on the lookout for, if only not to stumble upon them by sheer mistake. And it’s not like any military contingent can pass through such a dense woodland without leaving any tracks at all. Disturbed ground, broken branches, stomped grass...”
“What about flying over the canopy and landing in marked spots? Would that be doable?” Raven chimed in again.
“Far too easy to spot. Not to mention that the tree cover in the Woods is so dense we had a hard time not only to find places for our pegasi soldiers to make it to the sky but to tell what hour exactly it was.”
“We’re dealing with batponies, could they not try this at night anyway?” Moonwarden retorted.
“Too risky and too obvious, since we know who the enemy might be. They would have to swoop around one by one. Not to mention that this only covers troop movements. What about all the other equipment? A full military assault is not only soldiers, but also supplies. Whole carts of them. And despite heroic feats of logistics I learnt of not everything can be taken through air without involving huge and quite noticeable effort. Even magical.”
“Which they do not possess,” Raven judged with some satisfaction in her voice, glancing at Princess Celestia. “Your Majesty, could that rule out direct hostile intent, then?”
The alicorn did not reply, still resembling more a statue than a pony, though Luna spotted her sister considering matters fiercely, behind that keen stare if hers. Did she want to tell the whole truth to Cadance and Shining Armor at that very moment?
Before anything like that happened, however, the Crystal Princess decided to speak up herself.
“I have a feeling like there’s more to what we are discussion here, but... The situation in Maretonia was caused by batpony espionage. Is it possible that they are simply, well, probing Equestria in the same way? Or that and genuinely trying to be useful?”
Luna heard Moonwarden’s sour chuckle. “I can confirm from experience, Your Highness, that nothing stops one from being simultaneously helpful and self-serving from time to time...” Immediately, however, his expression again turned ice cold as his eyes sought Shining Armor. “If we were to assume that the experience of their highest military commanders can equal your own, Your Highness, why would they make such a blunder?”
“I had the chance of meeting and conversing with Commander Ardent Fang personally, Advisor. The leader of the Nightguard. As much as I can tell...” He paused to think, leaving the room in another bout of tense silence. “It’s impossible. They wouldn’t.”
Moonwarden’s brow furrowed as he leaned over the map again, fixing his monocle. “Then we are missing something crucial. But what?”
Luna turned over to him, feeling that she would soon hear a quick dialogue from the unicorn’s lips. “Any other, even insignificant ideas, that our ponies proposed?”
He just shook his head. “I would have taken them into consideration, Your Majesty... We are overlooking something. Something crucial. Where is it? You tell me. I am trying...”
Shining Armor did seem a little confused, experiencing Moonwarden’s stream of sentences, but Luna calmed him with a little gesture.
Meanwhile, Advisor Raven took a deep breath, dismissing her lunar counterpart’s self-deliberations. “If these maps have less tactical value than we considered, perhaps continuing this exchange about a direct military action is folly. We have to accept that they possess information regarding a portion of our lands, very... specific portion, and simply observe what happens next.”
“Can we do just that?” Shining Armor responded with a question. “I agree with my wife, I too feel there’s more at stake than the two of us know about, but I can say this – the only insight we possess on batpony forces comes from our dealings with the Nightguard, which is just a part of their military. Elite, but still a part. Aside from a couple of times, they haven’t participated in any real, conjoined maneuvers as far as I’m aware. We’re not even certain of their military doctrine. Or, for that matter,” he turned straight to Celestia, “what the Nightguard itself will do in case of any animosities! Do we have an enemy stronghold right near the capital?”
Luna felt herself tensing up at those words, as hearing her children being labeled as Equestria’s enemies... hurt. But before she could say anything, her sister straightened in her chair, gathering the chamber’s full attention. Bar Moonwarden’s, who was still occupied with the map before him, mumbling to himself.
“We have allowed the Nightguard to return to their traditional outpost and we haven’t been investigating them, as that would be seen as a sign of deep distrust. Their performance in safeguarding Canterlot and the nearest lands from threats lurking in the nights has been nothing but exemplary,” Celestia declared in a clear voice. “However, perhaps we have falsely hoped that their intentions are strictly honorable.”
Luna was hoping she would hear something encouraging, but instead felt an unpleasant shiver down her spine. Yes, her charges were problematic at the moment, but they were still hers! She was ready to defend them and, as much as she wanted to avoid it, discipline them, as their Goddess!
And so she assumed a proper, regal position herself, wishing to interject.
“Luna, please...” she heard her sister’s pleading voice. “This stains my conscience. Allow me to start atoning.”
Those words... mattered.
“... very well.”
Celestia continued, though her tone was far less regal now. “There are matters and old grievances that should be revealed. Ones that could very well explain their actions. I... have kept them away from the public eye and memory, as I believed it best. Perhaps I have falsely hoped that my own intentions were righteous.”
“I... don’t think I understand, dear aunt. Grievances?” Cadance spoke up, looking as confused as her husband. “As far as I remember from history, thestrals left Equestria willingly after aunt Luna’s...”
She stayed her tongue out of respect, but there was no reason for avoiding the topic. Especially considering Luna’s own conscience.
“Banishment, let’s not dread the truth,” she sternly proclaimed. “What my sister speaks of I have been made aware of recently myself. Though I did not desire to reveal anything, as I don’t believe that to be my prerogative. However, just for clarity’s sake, my children prefer the term noctrali. Night-dwellers. It’s a distinguishing mark of honor for them, to be called such. Thestrali is an outdated term that meant ‘cave-dwellers’ and they... they...”
She was going to finish the sentence. She really was. But a sudden realization hit her just potently enough to sidetrack her.
“Mark... Cave-dwellers...”
She immediately turned her head to her servant, who had just parroted her. With a look on his face not unlike her own, as they both realized what had been uttered.
“Moonwarden,” she heard her own alarmed voice.
“At once.”
Without explanation, for none was needed between them, the unicorn lit up his horn.
“What is—?” somepony tried to ask.
“Shades’ Hollow,” Luna mouthed, her eyes glued to the map.
A small trickle of silver began moving around the parchment. Like sparkling mercury, it danced and weaved, in a mystifying way. A mountain stream, reflecting moonlight, splitting in two, then four. It could have followed the roads, the obvious banks for its flow, so blatant on the chart, but it refused. Instead it filled the Eastern Woods around, limited only by those pathways... and the abundant, natural landmarks, sprouting from the map in peculiar places.
Soon the stream formed argent lakes... in a very distinctive set of shapes.
“Rotten Tartarus...” Moonwarden swore under his breath, keeping up the spell.
“What... what are those?” Cadance asked, transfixed by these new figures displayed on the chart in brilliant silver.
Raven’s glasses reflected the arcane glimpses remarkably, but still could not hide the shock widening her eyes. “That’s... is that a settlement?”
Shining Armor was already with his hooves on the table, examining this new clues, vigorously pointing at each of the shapes. His voice growing more spirited by the word. “Inner ward... curtain wall outline... outer baileys... and outposts. That’s the Nightguard’s tower!” He stared right at Moonwarden. “How is this possible?!”
The grey unicorn glanced at Luna first. And she had to give him a little nod, assured that he arrived at exactly the same conclusion.
Hidden beneath.
“These are batponies we are talking about,” Moonwarden began, as if stating the obvious. “Night-dwellers, cave-dwellers... And this is their cave.” He encompassed the shapes with his hoof. “Shades’ Hollow. Right before our eyes... We were just not looking deep enough.”
“They have a town there?!” Shining Armor couldn’t hide his astonishment, causing Princess Celestia to interfere.
“I shall explain it all... Continue, Advisor,” she stated. Almost blankly. As if she too remembered what seemed plain. Were it not for a millennium.
Moonwarden removed his eyepiece completely, shaking his head. “A batpony town, right under our very noses. They simply made sure we were not going where we were not supposed to. Those caverns you mentioned, Prince-Consort? The ones my operative also found? They must be a part of a complex. One complex,” he stated and... actually chuckled. “So obvious, so devious! Simply out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind.”
He slumped down onto his seat, with an incredulous look on his muzzle, though still keeping up the alarming, silver shapes.
“When I visited the Nightguard outpost it did strike me as rather large in comparison to the garrison’s number, though I did not make a specific mental note of it... but now it makes sense. They have not built it from scratch when they returned, they took back their own tunnels, maybe simply repurposed them for the moment. And they began searching for others. Those landmarks, that we thought just superb work, they must signify other possible entrances, maybe even just boundaries, it matters little...”
Raven was pressing hard on her temples, her expression betraying that she was trying to wrap her head around what had been just revealed. “Ever since they were... were allowed to return there, they were searching. They could have settled this entire place again! And we wouldn’t know a thing about it!”
Moonwarden shook his head, almost chuckling again. “Not in ten Nightguards strong... or eleven, that could explain things... But what if they planned this move from the very moment of Her Lunar Majesty’s return? And with correct preparations?”
Luna... just gave him a stare. All the most unsettling scenarios that had been playing in her head became that much more unbearable. For more probable.
Shining Armor was still examining the outlines of the underground town, though he could barely contain his own agitation.. “If... if this was here before, for whatever reason, it would still take significant effort to prepare and occupy such a keep! Transportation of supplies for such a project alone would be impossible to hide!”
“Above ground...” Moonwarden pointed out, with a tone so absent it could freeze blood in the very veins. “We have been notified of an increased garrison at the Border stronghold. We presumed they might have been there for just intimidation factor regarding the talks... but if they were there to tunnel...”
Once more that evening deathly silence encompassed the chamber.
Luna could hear her own heartbeat in her ears. Her children’s intrigues were one thing, but there was still another reason altogether...
Reason that Shining Armor was beginning to ask about.
“Talks? What talks? Who’s conducting diplomacy with them?”
Luna stood up. “I presume Celestia and I both need to start atoning for our choices...”
***
“Make sure that the quarters are prepared! If the order comes in at any time, we are to be ready! I won’t have you, peel-nibblers, embarrassing me before our Homeland’s own troops!”
“Ma’am, yes, ma’am!”
“Then what are you still here for?! Dismissed!”
Sunfall Ordain watched those more worthwhile members of her garrison scrambling to leave her office as she took place behind her desk again, ready to dive back into missives and supply lists. Everything was supposed to be spotless and set for the possible arrival of warrior contingents. Any night now. And, as a captain of the Nightguard, she was not going to display anything less than perfection. The unit’s fame demanded it!
She was expecting the doors to close, leaving her alone with her work, but one straggler seemed bent on stopping her from returning to her duties.
She took a deep, threatening breath. “Bat-handler Cranberry, I believe I’ve given you your orders already. What are you so impertinently waiting for?”
The called mare shook her head with an actual chuckle, the wild brambles of her maroon mane shifting all over the place. “One more matter to discuss, captain, ma’am. But first, I suppose I’m waiting for you to drop the mean act and let me give you a soft kiss to brighten your night.”
Sunfall Ordain would have loved to feel the sides of her lips twitch just a little, trying to contain laughter, as it was destined to happen with Cranberry around her, but...
“Should I have you flogged for delinquency and fraternization?”
“Not sure any of us is into that. I’ll just stay here, looking at you hungrily until you decide to stop being a perfect officer for at least a moment.”
What a nice tease... though the mare did not get a hysterical giggle in reply, as she was surely hoping for. Only a sigh.
As it turned out, that one exhale was the only barrier between Sunfall Ordain and a headache that caused her to grip the bridge of her muzzle. She let out but a miniscule hiss, but it was enough for Cranberry to almost fly her way to the other side of the desk in worry.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”
“Don’t worry, please, it’s just... It’s nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me, dearheart, it’s even less convincing than your style of command.”
“Ha-ha...”
“Talk to me, please. Another rough day?”
Cranberry guessed correctly. Deceiving her wouldn’t be regarded well in the eyes of the Goddess, Sunfall Ordain was certain of that.
She let out another sigh, more tense and pain-ridden. “Barely caught any sleep, actually...”
“Batshit... Let’s get you more comfortable. I’ll help you up, come on.”
The captain gladly followed another’s lead that particular time. She managed to, thanks to it, get out of her chair and rest for a brief moment on her bed. While, by itself, it provided just enough comfort, a cherished one’s closeness and caring was a greater luxury.
Sunfall Ordain still never really cared for those, bar some exceptions. Like a reassuring grip on one’s hoof and some tender nuzzling, working wonders against the pressure in her head and the tightness in her chest.
“You had nightmares again?” Cranberry asked, not moving away for even a breath, which danced, warm and soothing, between their muzzles.
“The same... It keeps coming, again and again...” Sunfall Ordain confessed, trying to keep her voice from breaking. “He keeps sending me away, telling me that he has no daughter anymore... That I mean nothing to him...”
Cranberry stayed silent and close, making sure to let her dearest get it all out of her heart. Again. As many times as needed.
“I shout and scream and... and I beg him to reconsider... I plea grandfather to help me, but he... he lets it happen. I know he did what a Lord could have done, but in the dreams... It’s like I stop being a night-dweller... Like they sentence me to—”
“Don’t say it... Don’t even say it. Please...”
Sunfall Ordain felt herself shaking her head, fighting the images. “I pray to the Goddess to take this away. To give me a sign of Her will and aid... Every night... Have I really transgressed that much?”
“Because you didn’t want to marry that decrepit gelding-of-a-stallion? And for what, for politics?! Of course not!” Cranberry assured her, stroking her side to try and calm her down.
“You know it does work that way exactly, right?”
“Even if it does, the Count had no right to treat you like he did! Sending you away?! Batshit, I could think of a few places I’d send him to! The lower the mine the better!”
Sunfall Ordain, despite the pain weighing her down, did find herself smiling at the intensity of those declarations. She cleared the edges of her eyes from tears. “You could get in trouble for saying things like that...”
Cranberry, ironically, blew a raspberry. “Oh, and who is going to report me? My captain? The one with soft lips and even softer rump?”
She got a playful shove for that. She, naturally, returned the favor. There was a reprisal. And then another. Until they quickly changed the prods into delightful kisses, lasting for a good moment before both of them had to catch their breaths.
“... I swear, I will get you flogged,” Sunfall Ordain warned her, though playfully. “Thank you.”
“I do it for myself too, you know,” Cranberry jested, though looked like the most diligent and satisfied mare under the Moon. “Even a scroll-perfect officer needs somebody to look after the real them, no? Ever since we started preparing you appear more and more on edge.”
“Would you blame me?”
The warrior didn’t respond at first, simply content with more nuzzling for the moment. “When it causes you to be so overburdened, dearheart? Yes.” She leaned in to whisper very, very softly. “Perhaps you’d want some company for the day? I promise, I’ll make the bad dreams go away...”
It was... enticing enough to invoke a blush on Sunfall Ordain’s muzzle. “You know I’d like that very much, but... I don’t think it makes a good example for anypony. A captain fooling around with one of their subordinates is definitely not a perfect standard to follow...”
“For me, you are perfect...” came the most beautiful reply. Before a most roguish grin. “It’s your choice, ma’am. I certainly wouldn’t mind being ordered around again in private.”
“Minx...”
Cranberry got up to leave, but not before she was given a little nibble on the ear. Just to get them both something that would definitely help the night go by.
“Oh!” Sunfall Ordain remembered something at the last moment. “You said you had another matter for me?
“Left it on your desk. Came in with one of the highest priority bats and I know those go further only through you,” the mare replied quietly, before opening the door. “My offer always stands...” she remarked with a wink, leaving the office this time.
Sunfall Ordain took a deep breath, trying to focus her mind away from certain, pleasant images from the past, then trotted over to the desk. A special message? The casing definitely didn’t betray that. She sat down and quickly opened it, retrieving a considerable parchment.
The marking on the wax seal was definitely exotic, though... she could have sworn she had seen it before. But there was a note attached, sender information included.
“Honored Princess Sparkle of Twilight...” she whispered to herself.
Yes... that was her symbol, then.
Sunfall Ordain bit her lip, turning the parchment in her hooves a few times. She had been hoping for this not to happen. The Princess seemed like such a nice, amiable mare. She had a beautiful smile too... But, orders were orders. She wasn’t going to drift away from her duty, a romance with a subordinate notwithstanding.
She couldn’t be a perfect daughter and successor of her bloodline... she would at least be regarded as a model officer.
The nearest candle flickered in readiness as Sunfall Ordain reached out towards it with the scroll. The best way to assure the message never reaching its destination, instead crumpling in flames and burning away. Fulfilling her duty as it was required.
Yet something caught her eye at the last moment, leaving the calm blaze hanging. A sparkle of reflection, right on the edge of her desk, next to the quill and ink. She glanced there, stopping in place as she did.
A small, star necklace. A sign of good will and gratitude for aid.
She felt her lips parting... then closing again.
Her hoof trembled just a little when the parchment’s edge caught fire.
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You are a horrible, horrible tease with that cliffhanger, you know that? Will the letter burn? Will she change her mind? Will the bat-ponies stop being duplicitous bastards for five minutes!?
I can't keep reading. That waste of good pony flesh was again in most of a chapter. Unless Moonwarden is killed cupcake style i have no reason to keep going.
How many chapters long will this story be?
Thank you for the chapter!! Seems things are coming to a head, can't wait to see what happens next!
Thanks for the update and the bat ponies are really going to get lunas wrath soon man they are so stuiped
10353313
I'm the best kind of horrible, horrible tease, right?
10353335
Ah, well. Not everybody is a fan of the bad ponies doing the dirty work. Though, who knows what terrible fates await them.
10353372
Honestly, I have no idea.
I have an outline and a plan, but it's hard for me to count that in any way.
10353531
Let's watch the earthquake and see if the tension just keeps rising.
10353720
I'm glad to provide!
Me reading Twilight finally showing some initiative and Midnight opening up more:
So far she's been all talk, no walk. The noctrali have at no point even considered involving Luna in the decision making process. Much earlier I made a point that, to the noctrali, functionally, their god remains in the moon. And Luna has done nothing to correct this. She is more than willing to put others in danger than go and clean up her mess.
I'm curious to see Ardent Fang's and his detachment's role in all this. As far as I'm aware, the Nightguard came to Canterlot before the reports of the crop failures and subsequent invasion plans came about. Are they planning on buttoning up and prep for a siege? The noctrali haven't done sieges before so this seems unlikely. Will they just accept becoming POWs/Hostages? Have they even been informed of what's going on?
10354106
That scene was pre-planed at the time of the previous chapters, which is why I was silently hoping it would be the, at least initial, answer to your and some other people's worries about Twilight's passive stance. I might work slowly, but perhaps this can reinforce the belief that I'm doing it reasonably right.
As to the rest... there are other pre-planed events so... I suppose "stay tuned" are the best words here.
This is probably the longest and the most beautiful chapter of the Journey, so many things have been uncovered: Twilight finally understood that Rowan Berry is a spy, the princesses finally discovered the batponies’ true intentions and then there is Sunfall Ordain! Her moment with Cranberry was the cutest ever
they kinda remind me of Octavia and Vinyl. Ben Robite Gulheru!
Nopony:
Shining Armor:
Me: i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/020/565/ByakkxZCcAAfhGt.jpg
10354212
I'm so glad it was worth the wait. I wanted to make it as close to my vision as necessary. I think it can be agreed it is one of the more crucial chapters.
10354250
It is one of the more crucial and cutest
10353335
Uhm, have you realized that the chapter was mostly focused on Luna?
10354463
Oh, that would be telling!
I bet Twilight communicates through burning scrolls. So?
10354688
With the correct spell and dragon fire, maybe. Here? Who knows?
10354463
His current hesitation seems to be more about Rowan Berry, especially with his growing love for Twilight. He is making all these promises to Twilight about how faithful he will be, but he made the same promises to his previous love as well and Rowan still managed to pull him astray, no matter how briefly. It's likely weighing very hard on him that he is making such weighty promises when he knows he already broke them once before in the past, especially with the pony responsible being right there.
Oh I see. I see. This whole time, and he said, ah yes. I understand. And Sunfall Ordain, let's see what you decided to do.
10355218
The thought processing is strong here!
10355613
Me and my brain reading an incredibly in-depth, politically complex story:
nods pretending to know what's going on.
10356052
Oh, wow, it's just like me and my writing process! "Hmm, yes, that... That... should work? I don't know, we'll see."
10356101
HAha, yes of course. A classic method.
10353313
I'm afraid that Sunfall Odain didn't change her mind, even if she felt very guilty
Well, I think that now Midnight Eye is in big trouble, do you remember what did the High Priestess Midnight Litany say to him in chapter XXXVIII?
10367530
Oh... do tell?
10367680
Oh, just pick whatever chronicle regarding historical aristocracy.
10368875
Oh I am sure that there are families who approach the subject with care and respect, but Lord Eye makes me think of the Malfoy Family from Harry Potter, cold, sneering, absolute disgust towards anything regarding the accursed Sun Spawn, if it wasn't for desperate times and the prophecy (not to mention other influences) I doubt Twilight regardless of her role in Luna's salvation, would have been given even the time of night.
As far as Lady Azure (the aforementioned other influence), her actions and overall personality remind me of something I read about in a historical fiction recounting the destruction of a city by the name of Pompeii, there was a practice in Ancient Rome in which a newborn would be placed on the floor in front of the "lord" of the household and if they picked up the child it was considered to be a sign that they accepted the child as their own, if not, the infant would be taken away to outside the city gate and left to fend for itself. Lady Azure might appeal to the immaculate moon, but I get the impression that her only true love is power. To use the words of the prophecy about being wary of sweetened words, she is the metaphorical beehive, full of sweet words, a hub of many intricate plots and schemes she is always busy, and finally, if you try to get in her way or fail her, you will undoubtedly get stung.
10369231
I am very much enjoying your insights! And not only from the author's standpoint.
10369269
My pleasure, although I should note that after reading the most recent chapter that I've read where Twilight meets Midnight's family and we get to see Lord Eye behind closed doors, I can freely admit that I was perhaps a bit harsh/hasty in judging him. He still is a cold and haughty individual, and should get a stern talking to by his Goddess but he is less like Lucius Malfoy and perhaps more like Don Corleone from "The Godfather" a hard, powerful, and dangerous stallion, but when it comes to family, he genuinely wants to take care of his own. Now as far as Rowan Berry and Lady Azure Mist, I don't trust them and even if her Ladyship's tragic background is true, that doesn't excuse what she's done.
By the by, how is the dictionary coming along? And Hormonal Princesses
Ohhhh! Thank you for this.
10369594
My honest pleasure! And more is coming as soon as I finish it.
Well, that’s not good. I don’t think Luna will be happy if she finds that they are burning Twilight’s letters.
More please.
10370848
And more there shall be!
I'm certain that burning that letter will come back to bite her in the rump. I also have the impression that there is great division among the lords concerning what they should do. Twilight is also rightfully paranoid of what's going on.
10375480
A certain prophecy shall surely help, right?
10477578
Where did you hear that?
10478023
I think he means Vietnam, you know.
10478025
Uh right, that's obvious
10481757
Mhmm I don't think so. Rowan Berry and Deep Mist would have denounced immediately Twilight to the Lords.
I think that only Midnight Wind has notice it, very clearly.
10483546
It's been a millenium and the stories about vampires are ripe in Equestria... who can tell?
10483748
Oh, by the Moon, that wouldn't make any sense.
10485277
What do you mean? As a story apart from the setting?
10485290
I think I'm happy with how this is right now.
Out of the setting, I believe I would have made some things quite different.
10541533
Or maybe because he is a touchy guy
10541601
Alright lord Azure mist should be the second mare on the right. -Another of the Lords, the only mare present at the table, smiled indistinctly at the fang-baring batpony and leaned forward, her azure mane sweeping the cloth and her opulent earrings jingling-
And I think that the third pony on the right could be lord Midnight eye -on her right, a middle-aged batpony with the mane of deep cobalt conjoined his forelegs on the table after he was done massaging his temple in an expression of displeasure.-
Dunno about the two mares at the top though. As for Spike, I think it could be actually a good idea not bringing along with her since he fainted when he saw Midnight wind.
10542763
Also Latin languages? Man, you have done a hell of a job!
10542848
Well I think that it doesn’t matter. If you are an isolationist race or an open minded race, you can’t serve in the armed forces of another country without providing the basic information/resume of the soldiers. I don’t get it why the authorities in Equestria responsible for the return of the night guard didn’t ask for that.
Oh don’t worry about the map, it was just a curiosity of mine.
10542942
I have a pretty good hunch, also considering the material about Equestria provided by the show and all, that you and me and a vast number of people are far, far more reasonable when it comes to such matters than our dear ponies.
10543131
Thank you!
Oh boy, I've caught up right as the flaming ball of crap is going to hit the fan, didn't I?
10544472
Seems so! Now it's just a matter of me finishing the next chapter... I hope soon, but the local and general World situation is not helpful in that regard.
10544688
You have no idea how much I'm enjoying your story