Journey with a Batpony

by Gulheru

Chapter LXXIX – The New Normal

Twilight was gazing outside through the carriage window, though she had no idea if she even had it in her to appreciate the sights. Noctraliya might have been a beautiful country due to its geography and vistas, but the inhabitants were proving... challenging to Twilight, and that was the mildest she could put it. Still, she had to occupy her mind with something, now that she had found herself so on her own, despite the two batponies sharing the flight with her.

At least what she was witnessing outside carried with itself a certain honesty, for nature’s beauty was something constant, reliable and sincere.

The dale’s beneath weren’t as teeming with greenery as the Valleys, but Twilight had to conclude that the lands of the Crescent Family were still rather pleasant, especially taking into consideration Noctraliya’s inhospitable standard. The forests were lush, the lakes were crystal clear. The peaks, protruding proudly from this land, created a sharp contrast with the forests beneath, their guardians and protectors, but also their embellishment. Those weren’t claws digging into the sky above, but elegant columns of stone, bringing a touch of firm sophistication to the country around them.

If Twilight recalled, this particular range or region was known as the Quartz Panorama, and the view was scenic in its own, elegant way, different from the rest of Noctraliya. She could also remember that the climate around here was not as harsh as in the other parts of the land, which was the explanation as to why the Crescent Family was considered not so firmly challenged by the elements and rather ‘soft’ as the stereotype claimed. They were supposed to be the artists and artisans of Noctraliya and Twilight, for all that had happened recently and taken away her joy, was at least looking forward to checking how much of that was based on the truth.

She wanted truth. Perhaps artistic expression was the way about it for some time.

Actually, now that she thought of it, she was desperately hoping that she could find a distraction for herself, through her stay at the Mountain of Crescent. Perhaps the place, if it could present to her the height of batpony cultural identity, would provide her the respite she needed so much.

Not that she wasn’t going to be healthily cautious, she reminded herself. She had received quite the cold shower when it came to being trusting and open. She couldn’t let that wariness limit her, however, she was coming to visit the Mountain not only for sightseeing, but for more serious, political and diplomatic reasons.

Twilight realized she was grinding her teeth a little. She was getting stuck in her dark thought, but she had so much to do and achieve still. She felt herself wanting to look Midnight Wind’s way, as it had been his presence that could calm her anxiety usually, but now? After what had been uttered in this very carriage, she was afraid that she would only feel nauseated. Not to mention that she did not want to deal with her eyes being even more wet and reddened right before arriving at her destination.

They would be landing soon enough. Among the great peaks to the north, Twilight spotted an interesting feature which had emerged from behind a mountainside like a flash of lightning.

Spanning right between two, natural stone summits, a bridge of glinting illumination shined, adorned with the reflections provided by the Moon and countless stars. Even without the enchantment on her eyes, Twilight would have seen this marvelous sight immediately and from miles away, as a kaleidoscopic fanfare of hues was welcoming one and all to the Mountain of Crescent. And it was, just as she had learnt before, rather distracting, if not blinding, as the colors were vivid, numerous and most dazzling.

The structure simply must have been that arcade which Lord Bright Crescent had decided to have constructed right between the twinned peak of the Mountain, the gallery featuring the tales of Noctraliya immortalized in stained glass form. Twilight sincerely hoped that she could enjoy it, as the place surely was as breathtaking as it was depriving of vision.

A few minutes of silence and staring outside later, the carriage flew into a short tunnel, leading to the Iug’s landing cavern… or, it should have been said, a landing couch house. What could be seen outside was nothing short of a majestic display of wealth and elegance. Twilight had no idea whether the Crescent Family was necessarily the wealthiest by the local standards, but the presentation certainly spoke volumes already. The sheer fact that the transports themselves, surely not all belonging only to the Lord, were crafted meticulously, embellished with silver and even adorned with gemstones was one thing, but the cave itself featured not just landing spots on the ground, but ornately carved niches in the walls, where the individual transports were housed.

Twilight wouldn’t have thought to give so much of artistic attention to a solution that surely was more utilitarian than anything, and yet there it was. What was even more amazing, the carvings that she could spot so far were so unbelievably light, that one could easily mistake the floral motives for actual, grey plants, calmly swaying in the indiscernible wind, despite that their nature should have been as stoic as the mountains themselves.

When the carriage came to a full stop, Twilight managed to spot the welcoming committee, which was that much easier due to the local servants, dressed in flowing, delicate attires, putting up an actual carpet for her arrival.

She welcomed the gesture, and she had a pretty good idea as to who was the pony responsible for organizing such a reception.

Not giving even a glance to her ‘companions’, Twilight focused and brought forth her best behavior and self-control. Yes, her emotions were raging inside of her still, but that was not the fault of her hosts, so they didn’t deserve to feel her irritation and her hurt. She just hoped that she was good enough of an actress to hide those before the heads of the Crescent Family.

All of them were present, as it appeared, though Lord Bright Crescent’s enthusiastic approach occupied most of Twilight’s attention right away. Quite a lot of her vision, too, since the stallion came close enough one might have thought he was getting ready to hug her and greet her like she was a missed Family member.

His enthusiasm was very ostentatious. “Honored Princess, finally, finally, finally! I am so glad to welcome you in the esteemed caverns of the Iug u Kwadr, obviously the soundest place to visit in our lands!” he greeted her, flashing his white fangs and giving her a bow that could have been deemed as both deferential and mocking, depending on the onlooker’s presumption. “To think that you have decided to wait for so long to visit my ‘neck of the woods’, tsk, tsk,” he teased in his usual fashion, though there was also genuine joy in his tone over Twilight’s presence.

She definitely wasn’t in the mood to fight against his excessive style, so she took a second to respond, not to blurt out something unkind. Especially since she found another detail which captured her attention almost immediately, other than the haspadr’s overbearing demeanor.

Twilight was, at this point, at least somewhat well-versed in the local fashion, especially the official dress code, like those gowns that she had seen on the male Lords of the Covenant. However, Bright Crescent was brandishing something that could have only been described as a ‘loose’ local variation, a far more liberal and delicate garment. A gown of milky white, clearly to correspond with the hue of his mane, held together mostly by pins, and one leaving much of his torso exposed. It was allowing a rich pendant of quartz to rest proudly below his neck, to summon attention and awe, which was clearly Lord Bright Crescent’s intention. Twilight found it additionally intriguing that, whilst still equipped with the circlet on his head, the haspadr had left behind the dark, overbearing cloak, most likely because it would clash with the look he had chosen.

Still, for all of her observations, Twilight couldn’t just avoid a conversation with her host, regardless of how tired and distraught she was feeling.

“I’m likewise glad that I have finally arrived at your Mountain, Honored Lord. Neskaza Lunee… welae tuu noc illum.”

“I welae Neskaza Lunee... illum tueu noc tez,” Bright Crescent replied, shaking his head a little right after the customary bow. “So official, Honored Princess! No need, absolutely no need. As opposed to my esteemed colleagues of the Covenant,” he said, his tone showing all that he really meant and more, “I find all of this official conduct a little tedious. Yes, I partake out of necessity, but it’s like when one’s at a boring party. Just looking for a way out, preferably to where there is something truly captivating happening. And, speaking of which!”

With a dramatic flair, the Lord turned around, nearly sweeping the carpet with his mane, pointing widely towards the rest of the gathered, especially that closest pair of ponies.

“Come closer, my fireflies, shyness is unbecoming of you!” he teased the twins, as they were the ones patiently waiting for him to finish the greeting.

Well, maybe ‘patiently’ wasn’t the right word, considering how Countess Ivory Crescent resolutely trotted forward, with a laugh on her lips. “Dearest Uncle, there is ridicule and then there’s outright misleading our guest!” the mare chastised the Lord with a playful tone.

Twilight had an opportunity to also examine her robes, and had to conclude that she was beginning to understand why, for example, Lord Consort Dusk Flight had sounded a little apprehensive when she had spoken earlier that night of the Mountain of Crescent. Ivory Crescent was a comely mare, without a doubt, but the dress she was wearing that night was not only cradling her athletic figure enticingly, it was woven in a way to make it slightly see-through in all the places that would make a mare look even more irresistible.

Thankfully, Twilight’s mental state made her entirely uninterested in gawking, but a fact remained a fact. The Countess was brandishing a most liberal wear, especially when she came closer so that the difference between it and Twilight’s own dress became glaring.

“Good night to you, Princess!” Ivory Crescent said, smiling widely. “I realize that we have already met at this point, but I have a feeling that it was not enough for me,” she pointed out, her Equestrian accent close to immaculate. “I hope your stay will allow me to familiarize myself with an esteemed guest like you!”

Twilight couldn’t tell how honest those statements were. Her mind was plagued with doubt, even if her instinct didn’t warn her of anything duplicitous coming from Ivory Crescent, the mare’s pear, bright eyes flickering with joy.

“Thank you, Honored Countess, I will gladly occupy your time, if that would be your wish,” she replied, but the mare only laughed melodiously.

“Who am I to wish anything of you? I’m hardly a despot. I’m just training to be one, under the illustrious gaze of my dear Uncle,” she responded, causing her foster father to put his hoof against his chest in indignation.

“A ‘despot’, really? Here I thought I would at least make you a ‘tyrant’, it has a bit more weight to it, you know.”

Twilight found the edges of her lips twitching as if to smile. She wouldn’t normally fight that, were it not for the turmoil she had just gone through.

Ivory Crescent giggled in the meantime, theatrically rubbing her chin. “No, I don’t feel like a tyrant yet, no. Perhaps I will write a squib against myself, just in case, that could be an interesting exercise. Speaking of squibs – bratr, are you hiding behind me somewhere or have you decided that you are the shyest one with the Princess’ arrival after all?”

Ebony Crescent, who definitely wasn’t hiding, certainly grew red on the muzzle, trotting forth with a huff of indignation to stand right by his twin. “Would you please contain yourself, dear sister? You’re making a scene in front of our cherished guest.”

The Count’s words, for the most part, sounded both genuine and were laced with satisfaction. Considering the moments Twilight and him had shared at the Sanctuary, she could believe that the stallion was overjoyed by her presence. That small smile spoke of it, too, though she took note that Ebony Crescent behaved a little less strongly this time around, especially with how he was standing, rubbing one of his legs with the other.

Was the company of his uncle and sister making him reluctant, for some reason?

“Greetings, Honored Count Brother, I’m glad to meet you once again,” Twilight told him, and her words did perk him up quite a bit, though she also recognized that flicker in his eyes with her addressing him so officially.

“Likewise, it is an honor, hwalba knaze.”

The stallion bowed before her elegantly, though it only caused his sister to snicker behind her hoof when she turned to Twilight. “Don’t let him fool you, he was bouncing off the walls upon learning you would be arriving soon.”

That was an amusing thought, one that almost made Twilight smile while turning Ebony Crescent’s muzzle even redder. “Can I not appreciate that a worthy and unique guest is coming to visit our Iug, sostre?”

“Sure you can, you can appreciate that as much as you can,” Ivory Crescent retorted in that biting tone known only to siblings.

It actually resonated well with Twilight, making her think of that healthy amount of bickering she had been going through with Shining Armor, which memory put some of her troubled spirit at ease. Still, she wondered how Equestria was doing, and perhaps for the first time since she had arrived in Noctraliya, she felt homesick enough to actually considering returning.

Lord Bright Crescent spotted her moment of melancholy quite likely, even if he didn’t fully grasp the reason for it. “I say, you look a little worn out, Honored Princess. Indeed, all that flying around the place can be a bit tiring. Especially after a stay with the Dusks,” he commented with a mischievous smirk. “I’m surprised I don’t see any soil in your delightfully combed mane, I wouldn’t be astonished to... Actually, I would be most likely terribly disappointed, to learn that they have told you to help out in the Dalli, citing a lack of workforce, supplies, or other nonsense…” the haspadr commented, rolling his eyes as if Noctraliya’s greatest problem was not even worth mentioning. “I hope you don’t have any experience with gardening equipment, Honored Princess, that would be rather mundane from your regal self.”

Twilight furrowed her brow a little. “I’m not against helping around, even in simple things, especially in the town I have my residence in. And—”

Bright Crescent waved his hoof about, as if in panic. “Please, Honored Princess, none of that! You’re no gardener, you’re a royal, and here we will make you feel the part, and no part else! Just one more thing!” The Lord turned and beckoned another pony closer. “ ‘Thing’, darling mine, come, come!”

Twilight’s gaze followed the haspadr’s gesture, finding the stallion he had in mind. The pony was actually dressed in an officer’s gear, in direct contrast to the rest of the gathered, and his bearing was not giving way to opulence, not entirely. The warrior carried himself with the right presence, and looked more than willing and prepared to perform his duties rather than simply bear a fancy dress. The ornamental quality of his clothing was not taking away any of the sharp, ‘vampiric’ practicality he was showing. The pony’s coat was in the lighter shade of grey, his dusty pink mane wildly curled around his head, and his golden eyes had seriousness in them, showing quite the contrast with the rest of the noble crowd.

He saluted Twilight properly, with the conduct not inducing any commentary from the other batponies. “Hwalba knaze,” the stallion spoke in a deep, bass voice which corresponded with the strength of his presence.

Bright Crescent exhaled, not ashamed even a little to trot next to the warrior with a loving appreciation in his topaz eyes. “This dashing stud, his tender heart hidden somewhere between those rippling muscles of his, is my dear general and my dear, Crescent Light. Don’t you worry, Honored Princess, he just loves that stoic and dour façade of his, but he’s nice, very nice once you get to know him.”

The warrior said nothing at that, just looked at the haspadr and then back at Twilight with a mighty sigh of somepony that was being thoroughly embarrassed by his significant other, but had grown used to it quite some time ago.

“Well met, general Crescent Light,” Twilight greeted the stallion, not really intimidated by his aura, but neither convinced about it being simply an act. Before her stood a warrior that knew his craft and there were no doubts about it.

And, if she could make such a comment, he was quite the partner for Bright Crescent. She wasn’t imagining somepony looking so strong and stoic to be a chosen pony for the haspadr. She wondered what was the key to this relationship, considering that the Lord’s way of being was quite demanding of the ponies around him, as she imagined.

Speaking of which, Bright Crescent wasted not a second more on the greetings, clapping his hooves. “Right then, the necessary, humdrum part out of the way, let us get you acclimatized, Honored Princess. By which I mean, we’re going to show you your quarters, give you the appropriate time to freshen up, and make sure you enjoy a proper meal before the day’s rest. I suppose that you have found our diet at this point to be boringly repetitive?”

“Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say that—”

“It is very nice of you to lie like that, but there’s no need. How many oranges can one endure in one’s lifetime?” the haspadr asked rhetorically, pointing for the servants to take care of Twilight’s belongings while he was already prepared to lead her from the landing cavern. “Health benefits and all, yes, but you know what is good for one’s haleness, Honored Princess? A little dietary flourish here and there.”

Twilight wouldn’t really object, not that she felt especially adventurous that particular night. She was going to diligently follow and accept things as they would happen, feeling that it was the most she could do at the time.

She spared but a glance behind her. Her entourage was patiently waiting for the group to move, left to their own devices by both Twilight and the local servants. She didn’t really care, nor further paid any of them her mind. Honestly, she preferred to accompany the Lord, who was already leading the way and providing more colorful commentary of his.

“We know that your cuisine in Equestria varies quite dramatically depending on region, resources, all that. While our little, most glorious and blessed corner of the world cannot really provide everything, despite our wishes,” he spoke, and Twilight found it hard to discern where lay the ridicule, “I think you will be satisfied with the selection, I’ve made sure to do my homework!” he paused for a second to chuckle. “Well, I ordered the kitchens to do that for me, of course.”

Of course. To think that Twilight really felt more comfortable listening to Bright Crescent than having anything to do with the two ponies loyally following her was agonizing.

Not that the Lord knew that, more than overjoyed to play the part of a host with almost overbearing zealotry. “However, food itself is only a portion of what creates an unforgettable memory. I believe that ambiance is also very vital.” He paused to create a dramatic effect, just as they were exiting the landing cavern and taking a rather short tunnel. “And nopony does ambiance like us.”

That one note of boundless confidence in his voice caused Countess Ivory Crescent to laugh briefly, and Ebony Crescent to exhale, both supporting their uncle’s stance wholeheartedly.

Twilight soon understood why. Even with her tired mind and galloping thoughts, wishing to return to musing on what had happened during the flight, she found herself stopped in her tracks, and then almost physically dragged further forward, struck with awe at the sight awaiting her.

The Mountain of Midnight had its organized, geometrical propriety, the Mountain of Fang issued sharp warnings and sharper blessings through markings and woodwork, the Mountain of Dusk promoted harmony with the world around. But the Mountain of Crescent? Was it a Mountain still? Or had Twilight been taken back outside when she was not looking? Because this couldn’t possibly have been a cavern.

The space all around her was not rock or stone, it couldn’t have been. And if it were, it had been carved, shifted, changed all around. So that the stoic granite, the solemn quartz, the somber limestone, they had all been converted, convinced, compelled to abandon their inhibitions and be freed from their heavy and bulky quality, and embrace the ethereal touch of art, instead. In this ephemeral space dedicated to what was above mundane and prosaic, architecture had been elevated to another level altogether, alongside the entire cavernous home of the Crescents.

Archways and platforms, buttresses and fountains, plazas and spires… Marvels of craftsmanship and elegance, taking breaths away and luring gazes upwards and upwards, towards the realm of the Immaculate Moon, whilst making the same eyes rejoice throughout the whole journey. Everything around Twilight felt so light, so delicate, and yet so monumental, she completely forgot where she was for a moment, and that she was being accompanied by the leadership of the Mountain. The place itself called to her, invited her, prompted her to look for more and more wonderful details, embellishing every inch of these elaborate constructions.

She realized she had trotted forth on her own, clearly allowed to do so by the hosts, so she could drink from the surroundings to her heart’s desire. The platform she was on didn’t mark the cave’s bottom, no, and looking down it was hard to spot, in a beautiful weave of stone and design, where the place ended. To her right, a mighty archway brandished flowers, both natural and those made of stone, blooms of flora and gemstones, inviting to take solace and respite near a crystal clear pond, surrounded by chaises longues of marble. To her left, an artificial waterfall was falling from basin to basin, on each level guarded by many, lifelike stone depictions of batponies in many, sometimes sensual poses, unashamed to show their granite features to the curious onlookers. Below Twilight’s hooves, bridges and staircases emerged at many angles, almost maddening to look at, luring everypony to descend and find themselves in a place of countless marvels and possibilities. And far above Twilight’s head hung lanterns of delicate candlelight, but accompanied by wondrous displays of colored glass or maybe even thinly cut gemstones, sending rainbow-like reflections all over this magical space.

In this, multicolored, dream-like light the denizens of the Iug moved about like ethereal wraiths, caring not for anything in existence, but instead free to experience the extramundane pull of arts and instincts. Twilight felt her eyes widen when she spotted that many of the local ponies were wearing gowns that strayed far from the conservative approach of the nation. This clothing was light and breezy, inviting to take wayward glances and drink from the bodily features, leaving very little to imagination. Yes, Twilight hailed from a nation where clothing was optional, used mostly for practical reasons or official celebrations. In the world of batponies, were far-reaching modesty was the norm, the Crescents teetered on the brink of indecency, but in a way that was nothing but appealing, for it made the mind warmly curious about what was left hidden away, the wonders concealed by the final scraps of cloth.

Twilight could have sworn, in trying to understand the many marvels of the place, that she could spot at least one couple, on a platform below, that was definitely inspired by some of the local sculptures to be less than demure. They were sharing a loving kiss that they were only somewhat interested in disguising from the onlookers.

Bright Crescent’s voice reached Twilight and pulled her from the enthrallment that she had found herself lost in.

“You! You have truly made my night, Honored Princess!” the Lord declared, pointing at her as if he had found a muse, then coming close to her with a bright smile. “To see somepony genuinely overtaken by our Iug, seeing it for the first time? Oh, why haven’t I ordered a painter to be present?!” he criticized himself, but only a little, shaking his head. “I take it you find the place most inspiring?”

“It… definitely subverted my expectations after what I have witnessed so far,” Twilight admitted, earning a laugh from the haspadr that echoed through the nearby arches.

“I’m afraid that what you have witnessed so far was, for the most part, lacking a certain, artistic touch,” he commented, spreading his forehooves wide and almost spinning in place. “Here! This is a place of expression and imagination, given form through countless sleepless days of passion and creation!”

Twilight was forced to agree, for the cavern must have taken generations to be designed in such a convoluted and yet harmonious way. After a moment, she could spot motifs and design choices she could recall from the Sanctuary, but the Crescent Family was not letting anything, and definitely not moderation, stop them from creating a true tangle of architectural expression which was strikingly beautiful.

Bright Crescent’s laugh again called Twilight back to the present. “Come, come, Honored Princess, this is only how our home looks. You need to learn how it tastes, how it sounds, how it feels…” he accentuated the word with an artist’s passion. “Let all your senses abandon their timidity, it’s a crescent moon tonight!”

The haspadr happily let that sentence resound, then continued forth, with Ivory Crescent following diligently, her own expression jubilant and her eyes gladly taking in her own home. Twilight felt herself left behind a little, actually, trying to tear herself from the omnipresent sights and grasp the Lord’s meaning at the same time.

“Kwadr Lunee hacnoc,” a voice reached her ears, and she found Count Ebony Crescent standing by her side, giving her a supportive smile. “It’s an old expression. It means to enjoy life and all it brings, and let go of worries at least for a while.”

“Oh. Thank you, Honored Count Brother. I admit that I am still lacking quite a lot of knowledge of Noctraliyar,” Twilight tried to explain herself, but that only caused the stallion’s expression to turn more delicate and understanding. “It’s an interesting sentence. I know the meaning of the Sign of the Goddess and I’ve seen it shown in your art usually in its full form.”

“You are very correct,” the Count praised her. “Yet we bare the name of the Crescent, because sometimes even the Goddess decides to show us her more spirited, whimsical nature. Yes, She is our Mother, our protector, our strength, but also our inspiration and our drive. I, honestly, think that when Her Sign is partially hidden in the night’s sky, it is almost as if She is winking towards us. Letting us know that there is joy to be had in life. That there is more to it than just tradition and decorum and all of that,” he explained with a smirk on his lips and a glint in his eyes.

“Kwadr Lunee... h-hacnoc,” Twilight repeated the sentence, musing on the interpretation. “An interesting idea, I must say. I wish I could grasp those and your tongue more firmly, Honored Count,” she mentioned, having in mind that such insight would have already been very, very useful a long time ago.

“Fret not. If you wish, I could be of help in that... Twilight Sparkle,” Ebony Crescent offered, in a whisper which had a very concrete meaning.

“I haven’t forgotten,” Twilight told him back.

Realizing only when she saw his lips purse just a little that the tone she had used was decidedly not courteous. This was exactly what she had been worried would happen, due to her sleepless days and all the piling stress! She was becoming snappy, and she definitely couldn’t afford to do so towards ponies that had at least some good will towards her!

“I… I’m sorry. I’ve had a long flight, and—” she tried to explain, but Ebony Crescent only shook his head.

“No worries, no worries,” he told her, the tension from his muzzle disappearing as quickly as it had manifested. “You have a lot on your plate, it is understandable that nerves can sometimes be a little… tied. But, I take no offence. And more so, I propose, just like my dear Uncle did, that you use this time at our Mountain to forget your troubles for a while.”

Twilight didn’t know if she could truly do that, considering that said troubles were a couple of steps behind, waiting to follow her as her entourage.

Ebony Crescent was relentless in the kindest way possible, however. “I will personally make sure that your time with us is pleasant, dignified and a respite from your mission. Yes, I am aware, you are here on official business also, this embassy you are taking around the country serves a noble purpose,” he told her, keeping his voice down the right amount. “Trust me when I say that my Lord and Uncle is a reasonable stallion underneath all that pizzazz…”

The Count’s tone almost made Twilight chuckle and, for all her plights, she was glad he nearly succeeded in making her do so. “So… I can hope for a few pointers from you, Ebony Crescent?”

“Your wish would be my command,” he gallantly told her, motioning for her to proceed as they both wouldn’t want to say behind.

Twilight’s awe would not lessen throughout the trot to the Lord’s palace. Not only was she subjected to the marvels of architecture, luring her gaze over and over again, but also to what she had been mentally commenting on not so long ago, beneath the verdant Valleys. That being entertainment, for she soon learnt that the Crescent Family was most appreciative of artistic expression, and providing that in spades. For example, just like Ebony Crescent had done at the Sanctuary, various performers could be seen showing off their skills and crafts in different parts of the cavern.

A sculptor mare, who had decided to work on her newest piece out in the open, to the pleasure and commentary, sometimes biting, of the onlookers. A musician, showing the appreciative audience his skills on what looked to be some form of a very thin violin, making Twilight doubly impressed about the player’s hoofwork. And, even without the presence of a crowd, a vast number of ponies, both stallions and mares, were calmly painting, writing, practicing all around the marvelous place, one which was bringing them inspiration aplenty.

Twilight still couldn’t believe that she was in a cavern! Even the steps underneath her hooves were polished and sculpted to the point when she could have sworn that her hooves would sink in a delicate material rather than hard stone. She looked up when that feeling struck her, and found herself eye to eye with a sculpture to the staircase’s side, that of a mare in an enticing pose giving her an incredibly lifelike look of enticement and hidden ridicule. Pretty much every corner of the place hid curiosities and crafts, betraying the Family’s specialization and particular focus.

Bright Crescent continued his commentary at some point, wanting to make sure that Twilight was properly appreciative of the place he called his personal domain.

“I will have you know, Honored Princess, that our Mountain offers, aside from its beautiful interior, a selection of pastimes that you might appreciate. As a royal, as a scholar, as a mare, all at the same time, take your pick!” he assured her with a wide smile, tossing his milky white mane back with practiced grace. “Of course, I could make that choice for you, since I know exactly what places I want you to see, but I also recognize that every pony has their own… drive inside of them, their own desire for beauty and stimuli. You need only to ask, we will do our very best to accommodate your tastes.”

Twilight was going to touch on the subject, without a doubt, even out of sheer curiosity, though her question came out as more technical than anything else. “I see a tremendous amount of artists about. Are the caretakers the biggest caste in the Family?”

“By a noticeable margin some would say,” the haspadr explained, though it was obvious he spoke of such mundane matters with phlegm. “We are the talented ones in the ‘great family of batpony’, or however that could be said, and we take care of more than just the everynight needs for food and shelter. Well, we care about that as well, we just give it a flair.”

“Are you the richest Family, then, Honored Lord? I imagine that what I see about is some indication,” Twilight asked out of curiosity, earning a polite laugh from the haspadr.

“If one can put a price tag on art, Honored Princess. But,” the Lord interrupted himself, and with a roll of his eyes, “our works are a rare and worthy commodity, so we can assure our affluence with them. That and a good amount of gem mines, that can help, as you might imagine.”

That explained what Twilight could spot all around, and could also point out as to why the atmosphere felt so drastically different for her. This was a place of luxury, refined tastes and delights, unlike the Mountain of Dusk, were everypony looked busy with crucial duties instead of leisure and pleasure. It was somewhat unfair, from Twilight’s perspective, though she didn’t know if she had enough strength to dwell on the topic there and then.

Bright Crescent spoke again, as if he could read her thoughts. “There is nothing wrong with enjoying oneself in life. It’s not all about toil, trouble, temperance and finally termination, and only then pleasure. Sounds like a misguided interpretation of the Goddess’ desire for our kind,” he commented almost nonchalantly, though Twilight felt the underlining seriousness of his stance. “I hope that I can show you what I mean, if you are ready to see a place that I enjoy quite a lot, actually.”

His palace was what the haspadr meant, naturally, and it most definitely looked the part.

The section of the cavernous expanse which housed the residence was slightly lower, or it had been excavated like that, allowing for a most remarkable view of the palatial complex from its access point. And the vista could have been taken right from an old fairy tale, that spoke of one descending down into a magical, hidden kingdom of fable and fantasy.

The whole structure, from its very foundations, had a lightness and openness to it. A visible, palpable spirit, one that it wanted to confidently show to all of the stunned onlookers. Great windows of stained glass surely marked the spacious halls inside, countless terraces provided other, remarkable views to appreciate, and of all the things Twilight was expecting to see, she wasn’t ready to witness an actual garden, housed in one of the palace’s sections. It included a pond into which a waterfall descended, a pool surrounded by a selection of various trees, though she had no idea how the batponies managed to actually grow them underground! Still, they added to the idyllic corner, perfect for relaxation and creation.

Even more than that, the residence featured a collection of sharp spires, ones that Twilight had only spotted about the Crescent Family’s architecture. They looked as ephemeral and delicate as everything about the place, and were joined by many bridges done in marble and draped with flags of the amethyst hue of the noble, local bloodline.

The entire palace screamed opulence and luxury, and the colorful light coming from both the inside and provided by the abundant lanterns of the cavern around gave it a temperamental quality. Twilight wasn’t the kind of pony to get envious about a place’s splendor, but she could easily imagine herself being begrudging about it. Her crystal castle had been created through magic. This residence had happened through, surely, years and years of toil in service of a beautiful vision, vision that was brought to reality perfectly. And yet one that made everypony question their perception with its singular design and lavishness. Twilight felt like she would be descending into the demesne of a long-forgotten, eccentric royal, a prince of whimsy, appetites and passions.

The stallion next to her certainly wanted to play the part.

“My humble abode,” Bright Crescent allowed himself the fake words while beaming with pride. “Maybe I could still expand it, I can see another gallery on the left… or maybe a game room? Haven’t decided yet,” he mused, rubbing his chin and envisioning another grand project before his mind, though he changed the topic quite fluently just afterwards. “Just so you know, Honored Princess, those spires you see are not just for show. You will be occupying the one on the right there, we have the guest quarters ready for you, equipped and furnished with anything you might need.”

“Wait, Honored Lord... a whole spire? For myself?” Twilight asked, feeling like she hadn’t heard him right.

She did, and he made her almost painfully aware of that. “Oh, what were you expecting, Honored Princess? Some little cubbyhole, given out of courtesy? You are a guest! Rodine Kwadr treats our guests properly, perhaps unlike are less refined cousins,” he allowed himself the biting commentary. “You will have a chamber of your own, with all the luxuries and more, but that shall be explained in a while. And even your entourage shall be given enough space not to be crammed into some wardrobe or a broom closet.”

Twilight actually felt happy about that arrangement, though not because of some inner critique of the previous accommodation. And definitely not due to any care shown for her entourage. She wasn’t glad that she felt like that, but her staying away from the two batponies felt for the better. She wouldn’t have to endure them staying right next door to her.

“That is very thoughtful, Honored Lord, thank you.”

Bright Crescent beamed with self-confidence, though something about his gaze spelt that he might have spotted how bleak and flat that gratitude sounded.

“Oh, please, think nothing of it, Honored Princess. You never know when or if there will be another chance for an Equestrian to visit. You know how my esteemed colleagues can be,” he pointed out, summoning the looming threat of a conflict with Noctraliya to the forefront of Twilight’s mind, but then immediately happy to push it away from her thoughts. “For the moment, you are in my realm and in the Crescent Family’s power. Let us be the hosts to grant you an unforgettable stay.”

Bright Crescent’s theatricality was slowly burning away at Twilight’s patience, but she kept a straight face. Especially since she was getting supportive smiles from the batpony twins, who were ready to back their uncle in his lofty declarations.

“I’m sure you will enjoy yourself,” said Ivory Crescent, pointing at the spires. “Mine is the one closer to the garden, I like the proximity. If you want, you can watch me practice by the pond sometimes from your balcony. I don’t mind a public, especially a refined one!”

“Practice… what exactly, Honored Countess?”

“Everything,” the mare replied with a wink, though she quickly followed it with a chuckle. “I happen to be… oh, how not to sound too pretentious, a ‘warrior-poet’ I think the expression could be in your tongue.”

Twilight knew the tales of noble figures from Equestrian history who were both the defenders and protectors of common ponies, and left behind a selection of works and tales praising valor and kindness. She found herself fascinated that Ivory Crescent would name herself as a mare following such a refined tradition.

“That’s quite intriguing, Honored Countess,” Twilight openly admitted, following the group when they began descending down the majestic steps and into the great palatial complex. “I… don’t believe I have ever met a pony that called themselves one of those, or even aspired towards the ideal.”

“That’s quite a pity, I think,” Ivory Crescent told her, her tone warm but her gaze thoughtful. “There’s something rather thrilling about grasping both what’s strong and what’s soft, what’s deadly and what’s delicate. I could slay a pony with a blade of metal or ink, I could protect them with prowess both physical and mental. I think the joy lies in being free like that.” She spared a quick glance towards her uncle, then brother, then her gaze was right back at Twilight. “Spare a moment for me, Honored Princess, I’m certain you will understand my meaning.”

“I think I already do, to a point, but it will be a joy all the same,” Twilight assured, though Ivory Crescent only grinned.

“I doubt it, though it’s no fault of yours,” came the unforeseen reply, though insult was neither taken nor dealt through it. “But you also look like the kind of pony that might prefer a poet-poet to spend time with, actually. In which case, I’m sure my one-dimensional bratr will suffice.”

“Must you be so insufferable tonight, sostre iaa?” Ebony Crescent complained, looking redder in the face once again. “We’re not foals anymore.”

“I’m certain the Princess doesn’t mind some levity,” the mare responded, looking for Twilight’s opinion. Actually, looking for her support, considering that playful, pear gaze.

“No, I really don’t,” Twilight did admit, though she also didn’t feel like participating in it too much. She felt too tired for it.

“There, you see?” the Countess told her brother. “Now cheer up. Your spire is right by the Princess’, I’m sure that, if you feel so derided, you can pay her a visit and explain that you are not as droll as I am presenting you to be,” she teased a little more, then rubbed her chin. “Actually, I think I could sing loud enough for the Princess to hear one more sonnet about you as you will be doing just that.”

“Goddess, for what misdeeds…?” Ebony Crescent complained with quite a serious tone, which nearly made Twilight giggle again.

“Don’t worry, Honored Count, really. I understand siblings’ mischief, even if my older brother was never interested in that,” she tried to calm the stallion down, with some success.

“Relieved to hear it, then. Though I also wouldn’t count you among those that pay attention to such ridiculous statements. You seem much more insightful than that.”

Twilight smiled politely in gratitude, though that was only a mask. She wasn’t insightful enough to even realize that her entourage had been harboring so many secrets, in plain sight.

The spacious hallways of Bright Crescent’s personal ‘lair’, as he called it upon entering, brought with themselves even more luxury and opulence. Soft carpets, gemstone chandeliers, countless sculptures and delicate craftsmanship, everything spoke of the Crescent Family’s status and sophistication. The vast courtyards housed wonderful fountains of crystal clear water, vine and flower motifs created whole copses and gardens among the walls of the palace, and the feeling of being in a fantastical castle of a fairy-tale ruler was persistent. The courtiers that made way for Twilight and the Family leadership bowed and curtsied properly, clad in their delicate gowns and adorned with jewelry, but behind their gestures of loyalty there was unmistakable scrutiny, especially for Twilight as the newcomer and a soleerane.

However, and quite refreshingly, it seemed to have nothing to do with her heritage, but instead with the quality of her gown and the worth of her regalia. Of course, being judged like that wasn’t entirely pleasant, but Twilight had at least some experience with that, having been raised in Canterlot.

It also meant that she had experienced, at least to some degree, the luxurious lifestyle as Princess Celestia’s protégé, and the quality of her current chambers not only matched, but pretty much exceeded what she could recall from her younger days. Her Ponyville castle gallantly withstood the challenge, but by the margin of familiarity and the connection to the Elements of Harmony. What was before Twilight’s eyes, however…

“This… This is really too much, Honored Lord,” she told Bright Crescent as the servants opened her suite, secured by an ornamental door of rich, dark wood.

“Nonsense, that expression holds no sway over us,” the haspadr responded with a cheeky smile, pointing throughout the place. “The dressing room is behind that door there, you can safely unpack all of your ensembles, and there’s an access to the bathroom from there, as well as through these doors. The loft has your bed prepared, I’m sure you will find it most delicate and of an appropriate size for your majestic plumage. This whole living space is for your disposal, the writing desk, the sofas, and everything can be personalized further, just say the word.”

“You know, Honored Lord…” Twilight began, though she faltered midway through the sentence, realizing that it wouldn’t be quite proper to utter it.

“Oh? Please, speak plainly,” the Lord encouraged her, nonetheless.

She bit her lip a little, hoping it wasn’t her tiredness talking and forcing her to make a silly comment. “It seems almost… too kind for you to host me like such. I really wasn’t expecting anything so extraordinary.”

“First of all, please, you should see my chambers, or those of my dear fireflies, not that yours are lacking in any way,” Bright Crescent claimed in his usual, overbearingly playful way. “And, second, I’m really worried that you are valuing yourself so little, Honored Princess. You deserve the luxury, by your sheer station. Or is Equestria a little stingy when it comes to treating their leadership? Isn’t Our Mother there in the flesh? I do hope you remember to keep the divine standard with Her about!”

“We do,” Twilight told him… again letting that tired, biting tone to manifest, but Bright Crescent didn’t seem to spot that, or perhaps didn’t care, convinced as he was of his opinion.

“Well, you are here now, and all the amenities are yours,” he told her, motioning for the servants to bring in her luggage, which they had been loyally transporting up the spiral staircase that led to these opulent rooms. “Take your time to settle in after the flight, freshen yourself as you see fit, Honored Princess, then I would invite you to the main hall, where we shall have a feast. Oh, just so you know, that won’t be the only time when you can enjoy both our food and our performers, for a performance is prepared!” he assured, giving a little, theatrical flick of his foreleg, as if he was ready to summon a show right there and then. “Anytime your heart or gut demands anything, let my servants know. You have limitless access to nourishment for the body, mind and heart in these caverns!”

“Again, that is very generous, Honored Lord, and—”

“Of course it is!” Bright Crescent didn’t let her finish, already sated with the gratitude. “Now, come along, dearies, let us give our guest some privacy. Ta-ta for now. The floor... is yours!”

The haspadr gave her a little, playful curtsy as he said those last words, giving them some strange, deeper meaning that Twilight couldn’t discerned at first. He then trotted out to join general Crescent Light, who was stoically waiting outside and sparing the winking Lord but a glance. Meanwhile, Ivory Crescent and Ebony Crescent both approached Twilight politely.

“And there you go!” the mare declared with a smile and a wink of her own. “With that playful hoofover by our dear Uncle, this is now your spire for the stay, Honored Princess. I would call it... hmmm... the Tower of Twilight has a nice ring to it, though I wouldn’t want to shorten your noble name.”

The way the Countess had said all that made Twilight cock her eyebrow. “I... don’t think I would be in a place to actually label a part of the palace, right? What do you mean by ‘my’ spire, Honored Countess?”

“You could be surprised,” Ebony Crescent replied at first, and with a wide grin, but it was his sister that elaborated after all.

“It is an old tradition, dating back to our little dwelling being fashioned with these protruding seats of power, for the purpose of the Lord and the closest members of the Family. Exclusively at first, yes, but now, as a guest hosted in one of our spires, you have your own little fiefdom in the Mountain. Congratulations, you’ve made it!”

There was both seriousness and teasing in those felicitations, so Twilight decided to accept them in earnest, though still somewhat confused. “Th... Thank you, Honored Countess. I... take it that it is exactly why the Honored Lord told me that things around here could be ‘personalized’?”

“Precisely,” the mare replied, her tone being most encouraging. “As per our rules, everything is your will and nopony, absolutely nopony, can usurp your authority within your spire. It’s quite the thrill. For example, you could ask my dear Uncle, as long as he would be in your presence and in this room, to flip around the place like a mad sheep. He would be expected to obey,” Ivory Crescent assured, that last word carrying with itself additional weight. “Traditionally, you wouldn’t be held accountable by anypony, no judge, no priest, no Count nor Lord. Maybe the Goddess, but that’s a different story. Though, as you might understand, it might not make anypony like you more, or at all.”

Twilight could actually imagine Lord Bright Crescent going through with such a ridiculous request, but the hidden gravity of that rule made itself immediately obvious to her. It sounded like one of those bygone praxes with no place in the modern times, yet respected when properly executed and enforced. Something of a common agreement, to partake in a theatrical play.

“I take it that there is a natural expectation not to abuse one’s power like that, even if it could be done?”

“Your insight is sharp, Honored Princess,” Ebony Crescent praised her with an elegant bow of his head. “Yet, at the same time, it is a recognition of one’s nobility and rank, so do utilize it. Order food, summon musicians, request to be treated well. It will be in good taste to show your regal bearing, however undeniable it is already.”

Twilight perhaps wasn’t in the mood for power plays such as these, not that she had cared about them in the first place, but something about the stallion’s words allowed her to be momentarily playful, however exhausted she was feeling.

“Your praises are valued…” she paused, glancing Ivory Crescent’s way, before finishing just slightly quieter, “… Ebony Crescent. I will make sure to summon you when I will need your assistance. You may leave now, both of you.”

The stallion’s eyes flickered as he, too, understood what she was doing, giving her a proper curtsy and with a smile. “As you wish, Honored Princess.”

“Oh, I like you even more already,” his sister participated too, genuinely merry about Twilight playing along. “Honored Princess,” she added with a teasing tone.

The twins then bid her farewell and trotted out of the chamber, leaving Twilight to unpack and take a moment to herself. Well, almost, as she had two more ponies to deal with, who were standing by the doorway loyally and silently.

She had to establish some new boundaries with them. Nothing else would do for the moment, if she valued both her dignity and her sanity.

She approached the two, giving them a stoic, frigid look. “You will be using the rooms on the floor below, they look sufficient. Close enough for an entourage, far enough for comfort,” she told them, ordered them, as a Princess of Equestria would do. “I expect you to accompany me to all of the official meetings, as it shall be proper, though I am also planning on not paying attention to your presence at all.”

“Honored Princess—”

Midnight Wind tried to say something, he dared to say something, and something less than official considering the tone of his voice. Twilight wasn’t interested in that at the moment. She didn’t even know when she would be again. For now, she had to make things clear as she raised her hoof to immediately silence him.

“You will do as I say,” she declared, though doing so was tearing her heart apart. To think the warmth she associated with talking to the stallion would turn into this biting cold, that realization was exactly what was cutting her up so viciously inside. “Do not think that I haven’t thought of dismissing you both after what I have heard in the carriage. I could barely think of either of you on the way here, and having to address you right now, even that simple thing, is taking a toll out of me. I cannot afford that right now, with my mission continuing despite the ‘aid’ I have received from the two of you.”

She swore that Midnight Wind mumbled something under his breath, but she cared little about that. Rowan Berry, for her part, was taking things much better, though she was a servant of Azure Mist and, for all intents and purposes, she must have endured the Lord’s humors many times in her life. Not to mention that the healer wasn’t the one who had romantic ties with Twilight.

Still, her deference was making things a little smoother. “As you wish, hwalba knaze…” she acknowledged the orders, bowing her head. “May I speak?”

“No, not right now.” Silence followed, which was a thing as positive as horrible. “Be ready for the feast.”

Midnight Wind tried again to express himself, maybe pathetically explain something. Twilight spotted it immediately with that deep inhale he took, one that could only be followed by some convoluted plea or an excuse. She had no patience nor strength to listen to any of that, so she simply raised her hoof again, then stepped back and closed the doors to her chambers.

Twilight was tired. She was so very tired. She managed to take a couple more steps into the room, then collapsed onto her haunches on the soft rug, finding her hoof pressed to her lips. Apparently, some part of her wanted to desperately hold in the surfacing anguish, instead of falling into wails and pained sighs if only to find an outlet for all the pain. She shuddered all over, allowing herself this moment of weakness, one that she couldn’t possibly show to the world around. She didn’t have that luxury in Noctraliya.

Thankfully, she had enough reason to look about. The windows of her chambers, tall and designed in that arching style, provided for ample sights all around the spire. But that could work both ways, of course, especially with the nearby tower residence being quite close, a hanging passageway connecting the two some floors below. Regardless of who that particular ‘domain’ belonged to, Twilight could not allow herself to project her gloom around the palace. Thankfully, the windows could also be completely covered by rich curtains, something that she then immediately did with a potent spell, only hoping that she didn’t tear the rich material at the rings and hooks up above.

How could things have collapsed so terribly around her?

If Twilight had a choice, she would have much preferred to stay in, work through all the pain of the fresh and bleeding revelations. But that wouldn’t be the proper thing to do. Yes, she felt like a wounded mare, having learnt of the infidelity of her beloved, and the dark secrets harbored between him and Rowan Berry. She was excruciatingly aware of them now, feeling the wounds still forming inside her, but... she had to be a Princess. There was no other option. As Countess Bright Midnight had told her, it was a regal duty to give an impression of certainty, and direction. Twilight had to keep the turmoil contained, as she had already slipped twice, or at least two times that she actually had noticed.

This was... This was simply another challenge she had to face on her long journey, and this time, she had to do it all alone. Usually, she would find solace in Princess Celestia’s wisdom, or her friends, or... or Midnight, but that option was closed, perhaps definitely. At this point, even Discord’s presence would have helped Twilight more, but...

She shook her head. She had to endure, regardless of anything.

Looking proper for the coming celebration would definitely help, so Twilight pulled herself together enough to get up, get out of her dress, flinging it towards the nearby sofa, then trot into the room that Lord Bright Crescent had told her was the bathroom. It turned out to be that, but also much, much more, because the bath pocket by itself could have fit at least half a dozen ponies comfortably. The selection of soaps, all of them still in the form of the green-black jelly, actually had different smells to them, and a couple of silvered flasks on the nearby shelf contained some form of herbal perfumes. Not to mention that, to Twilight’s peculiar surprise, there were two silver faucets right by the pocket.

It was a small, simple thing, but after so many nights when she had had to use her own magic, finding out that the Crescents provided warm water for, at the very least, their leadership was such a relief. Twilight wasted no time to set a perfect temperature for her bath and sink right into it.

Actually, that was exactly what she did, glad that the pocket’s depth was allowing her to go fully underwater for a brief moment. To find herself in this strange space, seemingly removed from the world around, cradling her in the liquid’s embrace. It would suffice for what she felt that she needed to do.

To open her mouth and... scream.

Twilight screamed, right into that understanding, muffling embrace all around her, as she put all of the hurt and all of the pain into that one, furious and mournful shout which rang in her ears and attempted to purify her thoughts. She felt like she just had to do it, to stop herself from descending deeper and deeper into the much more dangerous fathoms of her own mind. For, as far as she could tell, a part of herself, a dark and pained part, silently whispered to her, in a voice that was like her own, but felt burdened and cursed.

It told her to remain, to stop struggling, to find an escape from the dark thoughts. Something inside of her wanted to make her think that staying exactly where she was, chest emptied of air through this volatile eruption of her pain, would help her soon enough. That there was a way for her never to return to the suffering that had racked her being, and it just involved a grim and dark acceptance, and just a little bit of time...

For a brief moment, grasping the extent of her plight, Twilight understood its pernicious point.

Yet she opened her eyes, for she wouldn’t accept that fleeting and treacherous suggestion.

She held herself underwater for only a moment longer, for it was all she needed to collect herself. She expressed her protest at the pain of life, and once that weight was off her chest, in the aching of her throat and lungs, she felt… peaceful. But it wasn’t that false sense of serenity on the precipice of oblivion, no. She was stronger than that, and once she had realized that, the sensation building in her core became refreshing.

When she accepted the suffering, like when one would accept an offering of a drink one had no intention of ever enjoying, the taste of her emotions turned... sweet. Twilight dug deeper into herself and grasped that simplest realization one could reach, yet one so often forgotten in the throes of one’s pain.

That she was still there.

She was alive. She was awake. She was living… and with a mighty gasp of air as she resurfaced, that she was breathing.

The hurt didn’t vanish, but it didn’t crush her. It couldn’t if she didn’t allow it to, for the pain wasn’t who she was. She was much more than it, even if it arrived with a terrible force. Yet that piercing sensation in her chest, that searing discomfort of truth and disillusionment, though staying where it was, wouldn’t mean the end of all things. If anything, something more was manifesting right beside it, something warm and filling. Like a balm, spreading right from her core to her whole body, filling it with new strength. She had her right to feel betrayed, deceived and wounded, but she could stand up from that.

She just had to remember that there was hope. There was always hope.

Twilight sighed loudly, the sound echoing around the marble room. It was a shame she wasn’t sharing it with another, for she enjoyed a warm bath with company, she reminded herself with a melancholic smile. Yes, it was tragic that she couldn’t feel safe and protected on her quest anymore, not in the way that she had grown used to, but… it wasn’t the end.

And who knew what future held?

Cladding herself in that thought, and holding to the hope inside of her, Twilight made a choice of clothing, braided her mane and put on her jewelry, to once again present herself before Lord Bright Crescent and his relatives. She had a good feeling about her attempt at fitting in more with the Crescents’ approach to fashion and, though still tired and not feeling at her best, Twilight knew that she could enjoy herself for at least a little before the night’s end.

She acknowledged her entourage being ready to accompany her, spotting especially in Rowan Berry’s eyes that the choice of wardrobe was both surprising and a proper one for the Mountain they were in. And when, with the help of one of the local servants acting as a guide, Twilight made her way to what turned out to be a massive dining hall, she received yet more encouragement for her choice of style.

“And there we have our guest of honor and, ab Bogine,” Bright Crescent didn’t fail to publicly express his opinion, even if his audience was just his niece and nephew, and his partner. Still, his voice carried around the spacious chamber, from the tall windows to the vaulted ceiling. “I wanted to ‘acclimatize’ you, yes, but you are a natural! Let me see you around!”

That was a peculiar request, as Twilight definitely didn’t feel like a model of any sort, but she didn’t mind turning in place so that the Lord could assess her choice. Besides, the haspadr’s evaluation did wonders for her self-esteem, which feeling she gladly welcomed.

“I say, that color suits you well, it really brings out your coat! And the jewelry, how fitting, you have an immaculate sense of style!” he declared, then turned away from her towards Crescent Light. “That is exactly what we are talking about, are you seeing this?”

Twilight wasn’t exactly sure if the General would be the one to support her gown and bearing, considering his stoic look, but it was at least clear that the haspadr valued his insight.

“The Honored Princess fits in,” came the officer’s judgment and, all things considered, it was a high praise coming from the warrior.

Twilight allowed herself to enjoy the compliments. Having left behind her Equestrian, regal dress, she had opted for a much more plain, yellow piece, one that she was certain that Rarity had included in her selection just because it fitted Twilight’s coat. What was even more important than the fashionista’s unparalleled color sense, was that it corresponded nicely with the idea of the much less formal wear that the Crescent Family seemed to go with. Twilight definitely didn’t go for anything daring, even if the gown was a bit more breezy than her other ensembles, but she considered it striking a nice middle ground between her preferences and the local tradition.

A vital place to hold, as it turned out, because both of the batpony twins also looked very supportive of Twilight’s choice.

Ivory Crescent was vocal about it, too, herself having changed into a very loose garment pinned by her neck, which fell down her toned body like a cloud whimsically making its way down the side of a mountain. “Now you definitely look far less like a visiting envoy and much more like somepony that want to have some fun and is a visiting envoy. I’d say it is a step in a most proper direction, wouldn’t you say so, bratr?”

Ebony Crescent didn’t reply right away, visibly taking in Twilight’s choice. Admiring it, even, so intense was his pear stare. Perhaps he was making a direct comparison to his own choice, or at least its style. Twilight had to admit that the Count presented himself quite attractively, in a garment similarly loose to his sister’s, though his choice was granting most attention to his fit chest. When the stallion did finally speak his tone was most deferential.

“Definitely, without a doubt, this is a wonderful choice,” he uttered, looking right into Twilight’s eyes and offering her a polite bow. “Actually, I think that it is a stunning look, as I believe the expression could be in Equestrian.”

“Thank you, that is most kind,” Twilight told him back with a smile, which only made the stallion appear more appreciative of her presence.

Meanwhile, Ivory Crescent looked past Twilight and towards her entourage, which presented itself far more seriously and professionally, with neither of the ponies going beyond the gear reserved for their professions.

“You two are really out of place right now,” the Countess teased them both with a cheeky smile. “A Nocferratan and a lupule trot into a dining hall... Isn’t there a joke that starts like that? I think a lighthouse was involved?”

Lord Bright Crescent shook his head dramatically and with a laugh. “Now, now, the Honored Princess needs her lackeys to be presentable, there has to be some propriety left,” he said at first, then waved his hoof. “I’m pulling your chains, of course. You are most welcome to attend, both of you, as is required.”

Twilight could tell that the haspadr also shared his niece’s and heir’s opinion on the official look, but he was tolerating it, especially since general Crescent Light also hadn’t abandoned his choice of gear, though left behind his breastplate for this festive occasion.

The massive table that all would be feasting at was taking a large portion of the hall, which made Twilight think that the Lord was not against enjoying his meals in a greater company. However, the choice of seating also forced the furniture’s size, as there was an actual choice given, between a comfortable chair and a chaise longue, this one created from a much more soft material than stone, but looking equally soft and cozy.

Battling her preferences for a second, Twilight actually chose the long chair, perhaps subconsciously wanting to enjoy a much more relaxed way of sitting. Actually, it reminded her of some of the options she had back at Ponyville, when she wanted to enjoy an evening with a book, or two, or seven.

She had to actively stop herself from stretching, feeling so much comfort against her body, but that would be a little inappropriate in such a space, right? Not that Lord Bright Crescent seemed to care, laying down and then turning around on his rich and purple seat like a lackadaisical cat, and almost purring like one.

“Mmmm... Ha, nothing makes me more appreciative of this than the exotic circumstances, so let us make them even more extraordinary,” he declared, clapping his hooves together twice.

Soon enough, local servants arrived bringing in food in spades. The local options were present, even alongside honey, which Twilight knew wasn’t a popular option, but the Lord found it proper to provide it anyway. But, among the fundamental choices, there was especially one portion that surprised her a great deal.

“Excuse me, Honored Lord...” she wanted to ask of the haspadr, but the stallion was already sending her a smile of conformation when one of the servant placed the bowl in front of her.

A bowl of hay, wheat, oats and corn, displayed quite artistically on silver.

“I’ve figured out that, among the many choices from our homeland, you could be craving something closer to the basis of your, Equestrian diet,” the haspadr explained with full confidence. “I hope this small selection shall be sufficient for now?”

Twilight did nod, watching the dish with surprise, as if she had been presented with a lavish gift. “I... must say, this is most astounding, Honored Lord, I wouldn’t think that this can even be found in Noctraliya.”

“No, it cannot,” Bright Crescent told her, making himself more comfortable on his seat and giving off a nonchalant vibe, very much on purpose. “I have gone a little... extra length to make sure I can serve you something that might break your culinary monotony among our peaks.”

Twilight didn’t let that sentence go over her head, for she truly wondered what exact channels had been used by the haspadr to acquire this food. It looked as fresh as it could have been expected for a celebratory feast. Of course, those weren’t confectioneries made by Pinkie Pie, Applejack’s family dishes, or even a good hayburger, but Twilight wasn’t going to look down on such an offering.

“This is very kind of you, Honored Lord, wholly unexpected,” she admitted, to which the Lord waved his hoof.

“Please, Honored Princess, the pleasure is entirely mine. Yet, the inspiration lies not with me,” he revealed, pointing to his nephew.

Ebony Crescent, who had taken his place to Twilight’s right, was smiling kindly when she looked at him. His voice was also very warm. “I... figured it would be a show of generosity and kindness from our Mountain, to offer you something like this. And...” he paused, summoning a servant who poured him and Twilight a chalice. “... I think you might like this a bit more than our gozalke, unless, of course, you would like to partake anyway.”

Twilight wasn’t a connoisseur, but she had spent enough of her life in Canterlot to recognize the beverage. This wasn’t just some local grape juice. “Grape liquor?”

“Equestrian, yes. Are you used to diluting it?” Ebony Crescent asked with politeness, offering her a silver pitcher of water.

“I don’t partake often, honestly, but I wouldn’t mind,” she admitted. There would be nothing wrong with a little bit of indulgence. And the smile she offered to the Count clearly made him even happier.

The feast then began in earnest, with everypony having a chance to enjoy the food at their leisure. Well, everypony that Twilight felt fine to pay attention to. What struck her most, just after a minute or so, was the approach to the dining etiquette for the Crescent Family. Yes, batponies relished their times of eating, but even Crescent Light, who happened to be the most reserved of the gathered, was fully embracing the ‘feral’ aspect of the local customs. It created an incredible dichotomy in Twilight’s mind, seeing those sophisticated ponies in delicate, airy clothing, in a hall of unparalleled architectural beauty and thought, devouring their fruit in a manner that involved sighs, slurps, grunts and other, both visceral and rather suggestive sounds, far exceeding what she had so far experienced.

Perhaps it was the vampire myth talking, but there was definitely something salacious, one could even risk the word ‘erotic’, in the way that the Lord and his closest ponies drained the fruit. It wasn’t necessarily ruining Twilight’s own joy, especially since she was truly appreciative of the Equestrian food brought to the table, but it was definitely summoning her attention again and again. Seeing an attractive pony like Ivory Crescent exhaling deeply after disposing of an orange was one thing, but when her twin finished his fruit of choice and ran his tongue all over his fangs in a slow, methodical motion, and with a low, guttural growl, Twilight felt the need to look away, lest she would feel some very strange feelings rapidly build in her.

She almost jumped in her seat soon after, for just when the first hunger and thirst had been tended to, a loud, piercing thrill of an instrument resounded in the hall. The far doors opened and, as she quickly realized, a performance started abruptly, and in a manner that was most uncommon in the caverns of Noctraliya. While it was the societal norm not to resort to flying while inside, two ponies made their way into the dining chamber gliding through the air in an effortless way.

A mare and a stallion, of wonderful features and unmistakable grace, wearing long, white, ribbon-like gowns that trailed behind them like a ripple through a lake’s surface. They made their way right above the grand table, flapping their wings only when it was necessary for altitude, but otherwise moving through the air without one, unnecessary motion, to the vibrating sound of a string instrument. Like two mountain spirits dancing on the wind, they twisted and turned, bent and pirouetted, enchanting onlookers in their carefree, whimsical frolic.

Twilight allowed herself to be enthralled, enjoying this aesthetic addition to the feast. Though she had to admit, following a certain warning that she had received from Midnight Wind, that the performance was beguiling also in another, less artistic way, not that it damaged its cultured quality. It was simply very, very sensual, especially whenever the two ponies would come close together, as if to embrace, kiss, caress one another, but without allowing even a shortest of touches to happen, no matter their proximity. The lack of contact was actually making the act much more tragic, but also much more compelling, all to the heartrending strings resounding from somewhere in the background. The attraction between the two performers was not only believable, it was palpable. In a poetic way, their trailing gowns entwined and crossed paths, but the dancers were destined to build and build on their longing and denied desire, until their very faces showed anguished disquiet at their tragic fate.

Twilight heard a whisper from her side, when Ebony Crescent decided to comment. “How do you find the dance, Twilight Sparkle?”

“It is certainly sensational... and sensuous. I can feel the tension between the two,” she quietly responded, to the Count’s thoughtful nod.

“They are one of our most talented fliers. They pour their very hearts into their performances,” he explained, doing his best not to take Twilight’s attention away from the aerial dance, though she spotted his eyes fixed on her, rather than the artists. “Is there a more calamitous fate than not being able to fulfill one’s longing?”

She didn’t answer, taking a moment to consider the question. It was definitely a burden to carry, but—

An agonizing shrill of the strings then announced another detail introduced in the performance. Though Twilight missed how it was done, the gowns that the two fliers were wearing suddenly began changing color. Right from the chests of the pair, crimson began to run down the white trails, and with that shift, chasteness turned into requited yearning, and longing into unbridled carnality. The two embraced in a quick and powerful way, spinning in the air so that the material began to entangle them, wrapping them together as one. The dance, reaching its peak high above the table, became a desperate plummet, as the gowns took away the pair’s ability to fly. It was convincing enough to have Twilight’s heart jump to her throat, especially since the performers seemed not concerned with their safety at all, only caring for finally consummating their needs, in a borderline salacious display of passion, their nuzzles and unashamed sighs witnessed by all.

However, just before they would crash into the giant table, to the piercing, triumphant tone of the instrument, the two extended their wings mightily. They ripped through the material, sending maroon straps falling around the two like bloodied confetti, leaving the batponies barely clothed but content in their passionate embrace, slowly twirling in the air and sharing a last, strangely chaste kiss.

Twilight could not stop herself from clapping in awe, following the Lord and the rest of the Crescents. Despite the decadent nature of the performance, especially by local standards, she couldn’t deny the ponies’ craft. They accepted the praises without a word, bowing in the air before again gliding away, leaving the hall and the gathered as if nothing happened, though the slivers of red material remained spread across the table as a vivid reminder.

Bright Crescent spoke, visibly pleased by the dance. “Ha! Nothing like a little display of dramatic passion, for that one last thrill before the day comes knocking. How did you find it, Honored Princess?”

Twilight took a moment to formulate and answer, not to make her response feel too quick and dishonest. “I’d say, Honored Lord, that this was definitely not something I am usually experiencing when it comes to arts. Quite... daring, I would say,” she commented, causing the Lord to grin. “Still, I have to acknowledge the dancers, and the player, it was a breathtaking piece.”

“Fear not about the ‘daring’. Let’s just say that we, Rodine Kwadr, find that there is a bit more space for artistic expression, not to mention one’s many preferences and cravings, than our strict society might at first suggest. Within good tastes, naturally,” he told her, his gaze quite intense. “Let this be a prelude to your stay, Honored Princess.”

If this had been a prelude, Twilight would have to brace herself for what was to come.

Soon enough the feast came to an elegant end, wishes for a good day’s sleep were shared, and she found herself back at ‘her’ spire. Having freshened herself a little before bed, she found herself sinking into truly magnificent sheets, and indeed able to stretch her wings fully.

Twilight felt the caress of sleep taking her almost immediately. While what had happened to her shook her to the core, perhaps the stay at the Mountain of Crescent was what she needed. A relief, maybe only a frivolous distraction, but perhaps worthwhile.

That dance... Now that she thought about it, though her consciousness was falling into slumber, she couldn’t quite shake how primrose it had been. She also realized that, behind the curtain of awe, she had felt eyes on her during the performance... Keen and piercing... She could almost feel them on her now...

In the soft bed, feeling her whole body growing heavy and her mind surrendering to tiredness, Twilight slipped into sleep.

Feeling that she would finally find her rest.

Comments

[Frazikar]

"Hard work is its own reward," can also apply outside of the artistic community. (Don't tell Rarity or she'll come looking for a 'new' summer line.)

Hmmm, wonder if Twi found a 'small' package of (zap) apple cider that AJ slipped in yet ... (better yet, DIscord slipped in in during his visit) ...

Perhaps it was the vampire myth talking, but there was definitely something salacious, one could even risk the word ‘erotic’, in the way that the Lord and his closest ponies drained the fruit. It wasn’t necessarily ruining Twilight’s own joy, especially since she was truly appreciative of the Equestrian food brought to the table, but it was definitely summoning her attention again and again. Seeing an attractive pony like Ivory Crescent exhaling deeply after disposing of an orange was one thing, but when her twin finished his fruit of choice and ran his tongue all over his fangs in a slow, methodical motion, and with a low, guttural growl, Twilight felt the need to look away, lest she would feel some very strange feelings rapidly build in her.

Am I the only one to hear " (Stop the) Bats" floating in the background??

Battling her preferences for a second, Twilight actually chose the long chair, perhaps subconsciously wanting to enjoy a much more relaxed way of sitting. Actually, it reminded her of some of the options she had back at Ponyville, when she wanted to enjoy an evening with a book, or two, or seven.

The return of the book Princess !!

[Gulheru]

11574338

In some things, Twilight never changes.

[redmar]

The mountain of Crescent certainly has no lack of luxury and in contrast to the Noctraliyan traditions aren't shy about showing off their wealth at all. It also looks like Twilight is working on dealing with her feelings about the recent revelations. There clearly is more going on around Ebony Crescent than appears but it's not yet clear what exactly.

[Gulheru]

11574375

He definitely has an agenda, that much is certain.

[Fluffy_Wing]

I have a guilty conscience of wanting twilight to end up with ebony crescent, dear god, this ship makes me weak in the knees 😫 thank you for the update btw, this is dramatically heavy but this story keeps me going in life 🥺

[Gulheru]

11574449

Now that's a vote in an interesting direction. We shall see what will happen. And, yes, it is a heavy moment for our dear Princess, but... it was bound to happen with the unfortunate choices of those around her.

[Telos4]

Why do I get the feeling that the crescents have organized as many aspects of this visit as possible to try and have twilight wind up in bed with ebony, like hell if memory serves in that scene we got between him and rowan berry a while back wasn't it confirmed that alot of the persona he displays around twilight is completely fabricated?

[Gulheru]

11574602

It's a theory. It's a believable theory.

[Bregon]

I'm sooo glad that the Crescent were very welcoming. Twilight really needed that after the horrible discovery of the previous chapter, also

“Do not think that I haven’t thought of dismissing you both after what I have heard in the carriage

64.media.tumblr.com/7498ca8a3f44d074ec795ff454ee5f5d/188d0e1332e18bb1-65/s540x810/cb8c9f54991a1ccd67969ae3b800335887e40eb6.gif

[RangerOfRhudaur]

“Oh, please, think nothing of it, Honored Princess. You never know when or if there will be another chance for an Equestrian to visit. You know how my esteemed colleagues can be,” he pointed out, summoning the looming threat of a conflict with Noctraliya to the forefront of Twilight’s mind, but then immediately happy to push it away from her thoughts. “For the moment, you are in my realm and in the Crescent Family’s power. Let us be the hosts to grant you an unforgettable stay.”

Definitely not menacing at all...

Twilight's introduction to the Mountain of Crescent was interesting, especially the proverb about the crescent moon. The contrast between it and the previous Mountain of Dusk is also interesting; the Dusks were simple, humble, but they were true in their humility, whereas the Crescents appear artistic, cultured, refined, rich, but beneath the surface there's either pride or nothing. To quote one of my favorite sources, "there's no *there* there." Bright Crescent is the performative aspect of leadership separated from the practical aspects, best symbolized by his stained glass arcade; it's brilliant, the monument of a fantastically creative leader, one who understands how such a work can serve as a symbol of genius, wealth, and nobility. It's also hideously impractical, virtually blinding those who pass beneath it according to Rowan Berry's testimony from Chapter 39 - Wrong and Different. Bright Crescent is a master of monarchy's symbols and signs, but seems half-incompetent at the rest of his duties. The contrast with Dusk Harvest could not be clearer; Dusk Harvest has a stammer, is shy and slow of speech, but is utterly devoted to his duties as Lord, and appears quite good at them. Dusk Harvest is monarchy without good PR, Bright Crescent is monarchy with nothing except good PR.

However, something I feel I must critique is Twilight's realization of hope, or rather how little it feels it impacts the rest of the chapter. This,

The hurt didn’t vanish, but it didn’t crush her. It couldn’t if she didn’t allow it to, for the pain wasn’t who she was. She was much more than it, even if it arrived with a terrible force. Yet that piercing sensation in her chest, that searing discomfort of truth and disillusionment, though staying where it was, wouldn’t mean the end of all things. If anything, something more was manifesting right beside it, something warm and filling. Like a balm, spreading right from her core to her whole body, filling it with new strength. She had her right to feel betrayed, deceived and wounded, but she could stand up from that.

She just had to remember that there was hope. There was always hope.

this is truly brilliant, a realization of a truth that shakes the world. Twilight, in these few sentences, robs the slings and arrows of the world their sting, rendering herself almost invincible. Even Marcus Aurelius, I feel, would applaud the wisdom in her words. And yet, it feels like they play little role in the rest of the chapter; they almost fade away, effervescent as Bright Crescent will prove to be. This, to me, is a huge missed opportunity, as, again, they are earth-shatteringly powerful when properly understood. I hope we'll get to see Twilight take another look at them in future chapters.

[RangerOfRhudaur]

11574617
Dismissing them would, I believe, be a very, very, very bad idea. Ivory Crescent's statement here

“You two are really out of place right now,” the Countess teased them both with a cheeky smile. “A Nocferratan and a lupule trot into a dining hall... Isn’t there a joke that starts like that? I think a lighthouse was involved?”

strikes me as almost a threat, a warning from the author to Twilight to keep her protectors close, regardless of how she feels about them at the moment. Maybe I'm just on edge, but a lot of the Crescents' dialog this chapter seemed unnerving, as if they knew something Twilight didn't... like an alliance with Azure Mist, for instance.

Now, I know that's reaching, but ever since Dusk Harvest directly tried to stop Twilight from going to the Mountain of Crescent (his debate with Ebony Crescent), I've been thinking that he had a reason for doing so; she was going to reach the Mountain of Dusk eventually, why try to cut in line? Perhaps because an ally of his (Mistlock) had brought him news, warning him that Azure Mist was planning something, something that Twilight needed to be warned about?

Of course, this isn't to excuse Midnight's cowardice, I'm simply saying that Twilight would be wise to keep her paladin nearby, even if he's an Oathbreaker.

[Numinos]

That was a much needed change in scenery for our poor Twilight. But also a way to nudge her from listening only to her mind to acknowledge her heart too : )

Great chapter as always!

[Snuffy]

She also realized that, behind the curtain of awe, she had felt eyes on her during the performance... Keen and piercing... She could almost feel them on her now...

Hope Twilight has the mindfulness to put up some wards. She may well wake up to find a salacious bat sharing her bed if she’s not careful.

[Legiondude]

11574617
Nah, the last chapter was just setting the stage for Twilight to get whiplash from people she thought she trusted betraying that trust, only for people who genuinely plan to betray her trust to make her realize how close she was to the guards in the first place

[Gulheru]

11574617

You're unforgiving about that, aren't you?

11574671

Hmmm, I get your point. I woven that in as such, between her tiredness and the "distractions" given by the Crescents, as a powerful point but maybe one scratched on its surface for now. Maybe it was a little too little, but I am definitely not leaving it hanging just because.

11574690

Thank you. It's a convoluted moment for her, one that she will have to work through more.

11574697

Hah, now that's a scenario. Worrying one, isn't it?

11574793

Interesting way of putting it, I like it.

[Piemaster128]

The stay at the mountain will certainly be an interesting one. I just hope Twilight and Midnight can reconcile after what happened, and that the mountain residents don’t accidentally make things worse.

[Gulheru]

11575153

No promises, you know.

[Bregon]

11575009

11574793
I know I know, Twilight has every good reason to be angry and I was just hoping she could take a break from those two sick ponies, say send them back to the Mountain of Dusk and just enjoy her stay at the Mountain of Crescent

[Bregon]

11574677
Ah, I'm glad Ranger that you quoted that fragment, because it caught my attention as well.

Meanwhile, Ivory Crescent looked past Twilight and towards her entourage, which presented itself far more seriously and professionally, with neither of the ponies going beyond the gear reserved for their professions.
“You two are really out of place right now,” the Countess teased them both with a cheeky smile.

Here I think he is simply referring to their clothing, they, unlike Twilight decided to stay in their traditional clothes.

“A Nocferratan and a lupule trot into a dining hall... Isn’t there a joke that starts like that? I think a lighthouse was involved?”

This sentence, on the other hand, made me wonder: how does Ivory know about the lighthouses? There aren't any in Noctraliya because they don't have a sea and then the batponies can see well at night. Then I remembered that surely Ivory, Rowan Berry and the other Occultani who participated in that mission in Maretonia must know what lighthouses are

For example Rowan Berry from chapter XXXIX:

“The illumination, considering the positioning, is spreading around the nearby valley so strongly during the day, it can blind couriers, travelers, shepherds... It’s as bright as one of those Ekwestriyayi farusi, the lighthouses at the shores of your seas!” the mare righteously complained. “Makes just as little sense here, between the Sem Iugi.”

Well, now if you remember correctly we know that there were 6 Occultani and we know the identity of 5 of them, which are Deep Mist, Rowan Berry, Ivory Crescent, Ebony Crescent and Blackbranch from chapter LXV:

“Instead,” he pointed out before Rowan Berry could find an opportunity to comment, “I come back to find that you were apprehended for vagrancy beyond the trade quarter! You had left the rest without explaining your intentions, even. Ivory Crescent did tell me, were it not for Blackbranch and his skittish surveillance...”

“He was sent after me by—”

“And good thing that he was, somepony in charge had their head on their nape, because things would have gotten much grimmer if they hadn’t!” Ebony Crescent interrupted her. Rather strongly too. But his voice was cracking. “Also a good thing that Deep Mist is adept at taking a hit! And dear sister mine knows how to work the blades and dagger!”

Now I didn't understand why Ivory joked about the phrase "A Nocferratan and a lupule trot into a dining hall, I think a lighthouse was involved?" but then it dawned on me: there is another batpony who seems to know what lighthouses are! From Chapter LXIII:

“I forgot for a moment that we’re in the mountains, you know?” she admitted without shame. “I take it speaking of seas and oceans can be a little exotic. Not to mention those are giving quite the different vistas from your usual ones.”

Midnight chuckled heartily. “Indeed. But I know what ‘waves’ and ‘tides’ do, I just needed to make sure I heard those expressions right. And, yes, that skyline I mentioned I find to be just so... bland. Even the night’s sky just touching the sea’s surface looks... wrong to me. So flat. Like somebody put two giant planks of wood against each other...” He smirked, his eyes glinting a little. “But our Mother’s Sign reflecting in the morez actually is quite beautiful...”

“Didn’t know that you’ve had a chance to be on one of the coasts,” Twilight spoke, feeling a smile of her own. She really had no idea Midnight had experienced such an opportunity... and for the obvious reason it brought her great joy that he had!

“One time properly, actually. Didn’t have too much time for sightseeing. You know, duties,” the stallion explained, gently putting his bandaged hoof out and making a horizontal motion. “But this... is ridiculous to me still.”

“I can understand why you would think so,” she let him know, hiding a giggle behind her own hoof. “Aside from that, did you enjoy it?”

Midnight thought for a brief moment, his expression betraying his consideration quite clearly. “It’s a strange thing to see... I heard that when one of the big storms is rolling over, the sea can look like it has mountains appearing and disappearing, made entirely of water. But that’s just an imitation of the real, stoic beauty, you know?” She did grasp that and he continued, invoking more sights from his memories. “I remember the waters looking very clear, but that clarity was... different from a lake among iugi. Or a potalk, weaving itself between the rocks, like a silver sash. There’s depth to it... and I don’t even mean the actual depth.”

“I would say, from the way you’re presenting it, that you might have found it strange, but undeniably fascinating,” Twilight pointed out, but Midnight just shrugged.

“I would definitely not mind supporting my opinion on more touring about, were it not for having other things to do, you know,” he revealed. “But I saw some clearly interesting things. Those... lighthouses of yours, farusi, are quite a curious idea to help you navigate your trade vessels at night. At some point we were watching a couple of them coming into port, trying to avoid the rocks of the shore on the way.”

“You know, funny thing is,” Twilight mentioned, perking up a little, “each part of Equestria has a very different style of doing those! I actually read a book about that at some point. I bet I could tell where you were just by the description, if you would give me some details!”

Midnight laughed again, shaking his head. “I’m a stallion, my light, how many details are you expecting me to give? I’m happy when I can think of names for sixteen different colors!” he pointed out

So Midnight Wind also knows about lighthouses, also this could be a hint that he is the last Occultan and leader of the mission in Maretonia! In fact look at what an excuse he uses to deflect Twilight's question when she asks him to describe the lighthouses, otherwise she would have realized he had been in Maretonia!
Now I understand what Ivory was referring to with that line, she was joking about her mission to Maretonia, what do you think?

[RangerOfRhudaur]

11575378
I think that your realization about Ivory Crescent's knowledge of lighthouses is an interesting one, though if Maretonia also lacks a sea border (Gulheru, would you mind either letting us know if it does or telling us where in the story we can find out if it does?) that makes it less useful as a way to determine who was on the Maretonian mission. It is possible that Noctraliya teaches its children about lighthouses when they learn about Equestria (perhaps as a show of noctrali superiority; they don't need to waste time and materials building and maintaining massive structures to light the way for ships, they can simply see in the dark), though I will admit we have no evidence of that.

However, I don't believe that Midnight is an occultan, for one main reason:

“Instead,” he pointed out before Rowan Berry could find an opportunity to comment, “I come back to find that you were apprehended for vagrancy beyond the trade quarter! You had left the rest without explaining your intentions, even. Ivory Crescent did tell me, were it not for Blackbranch and his skittish surveillance...”

“He was sent after me by—”

“And good thing that he was, somepony in charge had their head on their nape, because things would have gotten much grimmer if they hadn’t!” Ebony Crescent interrupted her. Rather strongly too. But his voice was cracking. “Also a good thing that Deep Mist is adept at taking a hit! And dear sister mine knows how to work the blades and dagger!”

The last Occultan saved Rowan Berry in Maretonia. If it was Midnight, this presents two main problems:

1) Why hasn't he referenced it when speaking with her (for example, at the end of Chapter XXXIX - Wrong and Different), even if just as a vague "Don't you remember what I did for you?"

2) At the time the story starts, Midnight loathes Rowan Berry. Would duty truly be strong enough to drive him to rescue Rowan Berry despite that loathing? And even if it was, looping back to problem number 1, why wouldn't he try to use what happened as leverage against her? Would Azure Mist be as trusting of her agent if she knew just how close her actions drove the Maretonian mission to disaster? What would Bright Crescent think of somepony who almost ruined his nephew's performance?

The character dynamics just do not make sense for me.

[Bregon]

11575430
Mhmm I think because Midnight, as a leader of the mission, couldn't just jeopardize it because he hates Rowan Berry. There was a big diversion to create in order to trick Equestria and it couldn't fail because of a personal vendetta.

But we'll see when the last Occultan will be revealed...

[Gulheru]

11575430

I can say outright, mostly since the show's official maps became so flexible at some point, it just doesn't make sense to try and stably base one's own creation on them, that Noctraliya doesn't have sea access.

[RangerOfRhudaur]

11575747
Sorry, I was asking about Maretonia.

[Revel Montaro]

Midnight deserved every ounce of that cold bucket of ice water poured over him. Still. One is in the most danger when they feel completely at ease.

Funny thing about people(ponies) who regularly indulge in all the guilty pleasures. They ALWAYS want more.

[Gulheru]

11576095

Oh, my bad. Yes, Maretonia, as I imagine it, is a trading hub with an access to sea.

11576126

Always. Once you cross a certain border, it's usually just a downwards spiral.

[Bregon]

11576271
Mhmm interesting....

[RangerOfRhudaur]

11267271

“Good. Then stop worrying and do your job instead, child...” Midnight Whisper said, smirking, a sudden glint and fire to his gaze. “You know, your old stallion still knows a few tricks... and will not be taken down that easily.”

Perhaps this familial relation?

[Gulheru]

11576806

I welcome all bets, I think it makes the situation interesting.

[Leventego]

11574449
on god, i know he's a two faced psycho but I love characters like him soo 🤷

[Fluffy_Wing]

11576973
My toxic guilty pleasure is thinking Twilight can change him 😫

[Gulheru]

11577032

Oh, the ever so rare "I Can Fix Him" ending...

[Fluffy_Wing]

11577037
Well, you've got to admit if anyone has a sliver of a shot in changing someone mentally deranged it would be Twilight! I even ship her with Sombra 😭

[Gulheru]

11577038

Fair, I see the point, but in this case... I don't know, friend. We will have to wait and see what might happen.

[Mister Morden]

Midnight has really made a mess of this. Sooner or later, the truth comes out. Now Twilight is paying the price.

Hopefully she doesn't let her guard down too much here. Because I don't trust anypony here to have her best interests at heart.

[Gulheru]

11577765

Why not? It's just art and indulgence, surely nothing wrong comes with that.

[Mister Morden]

11577797
She is definitely safe in the land of pride, indulgence and decadence!

[The Great Derpsby]

11574671
I think you're judging the Crescents too harshly. And prematurely. The glittering front does not mean there's nothing behind, we'll only see that once we get to the actual underbelly. Moreover, I think this chapter shows quite well that House Crescent knows Equestria better than most, if not all other Batpony realms. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ebony Crescent wasn't the only member of that House who finds the bright, cheerful sun-lovers strangely invigorating.

At the very least, the Crescent siblings' exploits in Equestria might have given them a better understanding of what an Alicorn Princess is. And just how powerful an enemy Twilight Sparkle could be... or an asset, if they play their cards right. They're certainly trying to wow and woo her very hard.

[Gulheru]

11579221

A vote of confidence towards the Family, how notable!

[Backlash91]

Intriguing...

[Gulheru]

11586942

Yes, quite.

[BLUWAILS]

Genuinely if i was a bat pony i'd be in mountain of crescent. Theyre bombastic and fun loving and i find it so hard to think they might be conniving in any way. I know for a fact rarity would've been absolutely smitten with the place. their fashion gives very Greco romantic vibes.

As terrible as it sounds, I am overjoyed and so proud of Twilight for putting her foot down on needing space between Rowan berry, Midnight and herself after the blow they dealt. She's hurt and she's letting them know it! Go Girl! It's 100% on midnight's head in my opinion. Rowan Berry does harbor some of that guilt but it's midnight, the guy in the relationship that need to voice he knew Rowan berry before and why/how.

I totally understand wanting to put your best foot forward when it comes to a new relationship. and show the best parts of yourself to them to assure they made the right choice in partner. but come on Midnight went above and beyond to show its not fling (in more ways than one). went to meet the parents, let her learn about his past, they met his Ex's father for celestia's sake and he still held out that very important information. Youre not gonna tell your 2 week old boyfriend or girlfriend why you dont talk to a certain family member, but Midnight made it more than clear he sees twilight as more than that and still hid it. there's a saying from where i am from that goes "the hen will cover its ass until the wind blows." meaning you can hide something but it will eventually come to light.

[Gulheru]

11591851

So glad to have you about still! And I'm very much enjoying your stance. We shall see what else shall come of that situation.

[BLUWAILS]

11591948
Still happy to be here. I've always looked forward to reading every new chapter. And I'll be here till I see "The End" grace the final chapter. This fiction is going to be 9 years old this July! Congrats on that BTW. 👏🏾

You can't help but feel for Twilight in that situation. And the many viewpoints we were given helped solidify my judgment.

Keep up the great work can't wait for more

[DopplerEffect]

This was a place of luxury, refined tastes and delights, unlike the Mountain of Dusky, were everypony looked busy with crucial duties instead of leisure and pleasure.

Mountain of Dusky

A visible, palpable spirit, one that it wanted to confidently show to all pf the stunned onlookers.

show to all pf the stunned onlookers.

And with that out of the way, this has been a very interesting chapter to read, its tone clashes hard with the previous events, but in that way that life has of just... Not caring for the turmoil you're going through, making you just have to grin and bear what comes your way. I loved the descriptions of the environment, yet another thing to steal... ahem be inspired by... I don't know why it keeps doing that. Although, this would be for my DnD game and not fanfic.

[Gulheru]

11642436

"Dusky" really does ruin it.

As a person with years upon years of D&D experience, I absolutely understand.

[bkam]

“ I welae Neskaza Lunee... illum tueu noc tez ,” Bright Crescent replied, shaking his head a little right after the customary bow. “So official, Honored Princess! No need, absolutely no need. As opposed to my esteemed colleagues of the Covenant,” he said, his tone showing all that he really meant and more, “I find all of this official conduct a little tedious. Yes, I partake out of necessity, but it’s like when one’s at a boring party. Just looking for a way out, preferably to where there is something truly captivating happening. And, speaking of which!”

Bright Crescent strikes me as the Pinke Pie of the lords.

Ebony Crescent, who definitely wasn’t hiding, certainly grew red on the muzzle, trotting forth with a huff of indignation to stand right by his twin. “Would you please contain yourself, dear sister? You’re making a scene in front of our cherished guest.”

Given recent events between Twilight and Midnight, Ebony is about to make things really interesting. I can only hope that Twilight continues to stick to her morals.

Of course. To think that Twilight really felt more comfortable listening to Bright Crescent than having anything to do with the two ponies loyally following her was agonizing.

Yeah, kinda sad to be honest.

“ Kwadr Lunee hacnoc ,” a voice reached her ears, and she found Count Ebony Crescent standing by her side, giving her a supportive smile. “It’s an old expression. It means to enjoy life and all it brings, and let go of worries at least for a while.”

I've got a bad feeling about this...

“Fret not. If you wish, I could be of help in that... Twilight Sparkle,” Ebony Crescent offered, in a whisper which had a very concrete meaning.

Yeah, I've definitely got a bad felling about this.

Twilight actually felt happy about that arrangement, though not because of some inner critique of the previous accommodation. And definitely not due to any care shown for her entourage. She wasn’t glad that she felt like that, but her staying away from the two batponies felt for the better. She wouldn’t have to endure them staying right next door to her.

“Your praises are valued…” she paused, glancing Ivory Crescent’s way, before finishing just slightly quieter, “… Ebony Crescent. I will make sure to summon you when I will need your assistance. You may leave now, both of you.”

With all the emotional whiplash that Midnight has been though over the past few days, I really do want to give him a hug.

She approached the two, giving them a stoic, frigid look. “You will be using the rooms on the floor below, they look sufficient. Close enough for an entourage, far enough for comfort,” she told them, ordered them, as a Princess of Equestria would do. “I expect you to accompany me to all of the official meetings, as it shall be proper, though I am also planning on not paying attention to your presence at all.”

“Honored Princess—”

Midnight Wind tried to say something, he dared to say something, and something less than official considering the tone of his voice. Twilight wasn’t interested in that at the moment. She didn’t even know when she would be again. For now, she had to make things clear as she raised her hoof to immediately silence him.

“You will do as I say,” she declared, though doing so was tearing her heart apart. To think the warmth she associated with talking to the stallion would turn into this biting cold, that realization was exactly what was cutting her up so viciously inside. “Do not think that I haven’t thought of dismissing you both after what I have heard in the carriage. I could barely think of either of you on the way here, and having to address you right now, even that simple thing, is taking a toll out of me. I cannot afford that right now, with my mission continuing despite the ‘aid’ I have received from the two of you.”

She swore that Midnight Wind mumbled something under his breath, but she cared little about that. Rowan Berry, for her part, was taking things much better, though she was a servant of Azure Mist and, for all intents and purposes, she must have endured the Lord’s humors many times in her life. Not to mention that the healer wasn’t the one who had romantic ties with Twilight.

Still, her deference was making things a little smoother. “As you wish, hwalba knaze…” she acknowledged the orders, bowing her head. “May I speak?”

“No, not right now.” Silence followed, which was a thing as positive as horrible. “Be ready for the feast.”

Midnight Wind tried again to express himself, maybe pathetically explain something. Twilight spotted it immediately with that deep inhale he took, one that could only be followed by some convoluted plea or an excuse. She had no patience nor strength to listen to any of that, so she simply raised her hoof again, then stepped back and closed the doors to her chambers.

camo.fimfiction.net/dIExuDAjeOIR37Ke7i6nVPQC83knTNz4eGpyvT-Il6Y?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgflip.com%2F53qf9x.jpg

I feel like I've just been kicked in the kidneys, hard. I really, really hope Twilight gets over this sooner rather than later.

This was... This was simply another challenge she had to face on her long journey, and this time, she had to do it all alone. Usually, she would find solace in Princess Celestia’s wisdom, or her friends, or... or Midnight, but that option was closed, perhaps definitely.

If this had been a prelude, Twilight would have to brace herself for what was to come.

I think we all are.

---

[Gulheru]

11729325

Stay strong, my friend!

[bkam]

11729342
I will try.