I stood in the station looking out at the night sky. A special train had been brought in to convey Princess Luna and her retinue straight to Baltimare. Once we were there, three identical ships would be waiting in the harbor. We would board one and all three would set off on slightly different courses. Nopony would know for sure which one the princess was on.
Mentally, I went through my checklist again. Twenty house guards had arrived as expected. Sixteen palace guards, too. Finally, four temple guards had arrived precisely on time, shrouded in silver cloaks with the hoods drawn. In retrospect, there was little chance I could pass them off as palace guards, but I doubted the gryphons would have any clue who they really were.
Everypony boarded the train and we were off. Princess Luna sat quietly in the private passenger car, looking out the window as Equestria went by. I couldn’t get a read on her. She seemed to be conflicted. There was pride there; this was to be her first official journey as a head of state, after all. I also think I sensed fear. Alicorns are ponies, too, and ponies can be afraid.
I took a seat next to Miley Hooves, who was sitting across from Exemplar Ferrel. She was openly staring at the unicorn temple guard, so I gave her a gentle nudge.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
The unicorn’s head turned and her blue eyes caught ours. “Why are you sorry? Curiosity for the sake of curiosity is not rude. Do I appear so different to you?”
“Staring is rude. I’m sorry,” Miley repeated before shaking her head. “No, not different. Just… different? You aren’t like most unicorns. You remind me of the princess.”
Ferrel bowed her head. “You have my gratitude. We model ourselves after our alicorns so that we may be closer to them. We seek to do as they do and spread harmony across the world.”
Miley fidgeted. “Is it true that your magic is some of the most powerful in all of Equestria?”
“That depends on how you define power. We study magic that protects and heals. Never do we stray from that. Some ponies would say that such magic is not powerful because it cannot be used for personal gain or for force,” the unicorn explained.
I chimed in, “And what would you say?”
Ferrel’s gaze shifted to me. “Power does not interest me, but our magic is quite strong. The longer a temple guard practices, the stronger the spells become. The more faith a guard has, the wider the effect.”
Miley blinked at that. “Faith? Really?” I nudged her and she looked up at me.
A smile crossed the unicorn’s face and she replied, “Yes, faith in the alicorns and faith in harmony. We believe that if we have faith in them, they will have faith in us and bestow their aid when we need it most. Thus, the spells have a wider effect.”
“Amazing,” I mused with a smile. “Though I’m intrigued, I hope I never have the opportunity to see your magic.”
“Indeed,” the unicorn replied, watching Miley. The petite mare was looking back and forth between Ferrel and Princess Luna.
“What defines a protection spell?” I asked.
“The definition is somewhat broad,” Ferrel admitted. “In general, protection spells shield ponies from some type of harm. Others may strengthen a pony and give her the ability to keep going even when injured, at least until the body is no longer capable of doing so. Others are more subjective. For instance, gravity spells.”
Tilting my head, I asked, “Gravity spells? For protection?”
“Indeed. It is tough for a pony to do harm when they feel as if they are being pulled towards the ground. It makes flying most difficult and removes the advantages a pegasus possesses,” she explained.
I didn’t like the sound of that at all, but thankfully she was on my side.
We fell silent for a moment and then Miley chimed in, “So if you worship alicorns, why don’t you go and talk to Princess Luna? Wouldn’t that be awesome?”
“Miley,” I said hurriedly.
“That would be inappropriate,” Ferrel replied.
“No it wouldn’t. I talk to her all the time.” Miley beamed.
“Miley!” My voice rose this time.
“It would be inappropriate for me,” Ferrel replied again.
“I don’t think s—” Miley managed to get out before I covered her mouth with my hoof.
“Apologies, Exemplar. Some things look a lot simpler to our youth.”
“Of course, Sergeant. Thank you. If you will excuse me, I believe I need some sleep,” she said, getting up.
I followed suit, keeping a hoof on Miley. The unicorn and I bowed and she went to the sleeper car. I glared at Miley and she squeaked, “What? What did I do?!”
“Never discuss religion with ponies! It’s rude. If she says it’s inappropriate, it’s inappropriate. For her, at least,” I explained.
Miley’s ears folded. “Sorry, boss… it just seems weird. There is an alicorn right there.” She pointed as if I was unaware. “But I promise I won’t pester her about it.”
“Good,” I replied before sitting back down. I leaned over on the small mare, putting my weight against her.
“What are you doing, Sergeant?” she whined as she struggled to hold me up.
“Your punishment is that you have to be my pillow. That way I’ll know exactly where you are.”
Miley huffed. “Rude!”
☾
The rest of the train ride went without incident and I discovered that once she stopped squirming Miley actually made a pretty good pillow. I filed that away into my mental ‘useful information’ storage when I woke up. Most of the other ponies, other than the ones on duty, were still asleep. I got up and went to check on those who were awake. They had nothing to report.
Princess Luna was still sitting in her seat and I went to her. “It will be time for you to sleep soon, won’t it?” I asked. The sun was due up and usually the princess was in bed just after.
“I suppose so… though I am too anxious to sleep,” she admitted.
“Are you worried something will happen, Princess?” I asked as I felt the hairs of my coat standing up.
She shook her head. “No. I have not been part of royal proceedings for quite some time. My sister has handled it all. Now I am finally taking my rightful place, but I am uncertain. Failure here may lead to aggression with the gryphons.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. Nerves again. We'd already had one pep talk about this. “I see. Princess, you are not your sister, nor should you try to be. You are an alicorn in your own right and one worth emulating. I have faith in you to do the right thing. You will not fail.”
Princess Luna smiled slightly and said, “I am glad thou hast so much confidence in me. I hope it won’t be misplaced.”
“Never,” I said and patted her hoof. The train started to slow and it was clear we were pulling into the station. “We should get ready to transfer to the ship, Princess.”
She nodded in agreement and we got on our way.
☾
There is one thing in life I had never experienced up until that point: being on a ship. As a foal I had loved stories about pirates and swashbuckling. Those stories didn’t mention anything about being seasick. Sailing may be for some ponies but it was not for me.
Every day I spent as much time in the air as I could. I flew patrol around the vessel until I dropped with exhaustion. Once that had happened it wasn’t long before the seasickness took me. It really made doing my duty difficult, but thankfully the lieutenant seemed to be unaffected. He kept ordering me on patrols so we could try to hide the fact that I was a mess.
By the time we reached Nordanver, I was exhausted… exhausted and exceedingly thrilled to see it. It took all of my self discipline not to dive off the deck and fly to the land. I wanted to roll around in nice, immobile grass, but I had a job to do. It was time to get serious.
I supervised the princess’s disembarkation and the security of her carriage. We had requested there be no fanfare or welcoming parade and that wish had been honored.
We were met by a unit of gryphon soldiers under the command of Captain Alastair. He watched us like a hawk and it felt as if he was counting my ponies.
“You look ill, Sergeant,” he called to me as I sat on top of the carriage.
“Green is the latest in guard fashion,” I replied as seriously as I could.
His guards formed up in front of and behind ours and we marched our way to the palace that sat in the heart of Margull. Tomorrow, Princess Luna would meet with Duke Cassius’s brother, King Ranald. Until then, I planned to sleep as long as I could once we got to the palace.
☾
King Ranald was a very gracious host. He set Princess Luna up with an entire wing of his palace. It came complete with a place for her to sleep, work, and relax. There was also a reasonable supply of nearby bedrooms for us. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough beds for everypony but we made do with that.
Ponies on opposite shifts shared easily enough. That solved most of the problem, but there were still a few too many of us due to my respecting common procedures and hierarchy. I set Exemplar Ferrel up with her own room and did the same for the lieutenant. I’m all for equality, but ponies like them have appearances to keep.
Orchid, Iridescence, and I shared one room with two beds. We figured at any given time at least one of us would be up and awake. I did the same for the sergeants in charge of the palace guards that were supporting us. All in all, it was a workable situation. I was glad the lieutenant had rejected the idea of bringing even more ponies.
After I had worked all of that out, I put Orchid in charge and collapsed into one of the beds. I had not had a good night’s sleep in days and if I was going to keep my wits about me, I would need it. If I were to guess, I’d say I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.
I woke up much later, some time in the middle of the night. Iridescence was gone and Orchid was sound asleep in the opposite bed. Shift change had clearly happened without my involvement. I was still pretty groggy and could have used more sleep but decided it would be best for the first sergeant to get up and do some rounds. I was stiff as I dressed myself, but I finally got ready and made for the door to leave.
When I opened it, I found a figure standing there staring at me. I reared back on instinct and settled into my battle stance. It took a moment to dawn on me that I was not in danger.
Exemplar Ferrel never moved and finally said vacantly, “Be wary, Silent Knight. Be wary.” And, just like that, she turned and walked off down the hall.
“What in Celestia’s name?” I asked out loud before stepping out of the room. I looked down the hall but the unicorn was gone. That unnerved me and I hurriedly went to check on my guards.
Iridescence asked the moment I walked up, “Are you okay? You look… I don’t know how you look.”
“I just saw a ghost,” I replied and then motioned with a hoof. “Status?”
She blinked. “All is well at last check. The next check is in a quarter hour. What do you mean you saw a ghost?”
“Exactly what I said. I saw the temple guard Ferrel outside of my door. She told me to be wary and then disappeared.”
Iridescence shifted my helmet so she could get at my forehead. “Are you sure you weren’t dreaming? Do you have a fever? That ship did a number on you, after all.”
“You’re probably right,” I replied, starting to come down. “Still, I’m going to stick around for the next check and then get back to bed unless you need to be relieved.”
“I think you’d best sleep,” Iridescence said. “You clearly need it more than I do. If I get stuck I’ll go get the lieutenant. He won’t mind.”
That was true. The lieutenant wouldn’t mind at all. “Alright. Let’s get to that check… and start staggering the intervals a bit. I don’t want to be too predictable. Sleep deprivation or not, we shouldn’t make it easy.”
“Yes, Sergeant,” she replied and we went to check the guard posts together.
Ooohh... shit's about to get real. You tease me so with your cliffhangers and your foreshadowing, I just don't know what to do anymore. This is two chapters in a row now that I've been waiting for the other shoe to fall and I don't know if I can take much more of this.
Awwww yeah :3
Huzzah another chapter, things are starting to heat up, and you are blossoming into a very talented writer, I'm on the edge of my seat. Interpret that as you will.
Why? Can't he watch like a gryphon?
Sorry, not sorry mandatory joke. XD
I think someone might just potentially shoot up on my top characters list. Gravity Abilities are always cool.
Now I am even more convinced Silent Knight has Thestral roots! It would fit why Ferret intrests herself with him!
Keep going!
I seriously need to talk to that Exemplar... gravity magic is very rare, and if all the temple guard have it, then I would not want to fight one.
Well, I'm very relieved that Ferrel clearly wasn't actually there, there's not actually any reason to be wary, and this entire trip will go off without a hitch with everyone happy forever. I'm so glad Iridescence put those fears at ease.
also eee we're finally in griffon land it feels like I've been waiting forever for this arc
Wooo I feel spoiled today, an update to this and to crystal wishes story on the same day? Oooo much excitement. anyway I liked this chapter, it really did well on building up anticipation for what happens next. The cliffhanger is a nice touch.
5718323
He watches like a hawk and flies like an eagle. He is a gryphon of many talents, you see!
Unrelated, I feel it appropriate now that we find someone willing to illustrate Silent Knight at the end of this particular arc, during which he will undoubtedly pick up a level or two of paladin.
WoahFerrel was right at his door when he walked out, tells him what sounds very much like an ominous omen, and the dissapears...dis gonna be gud!
Now I want to see a Miley-pillow pic!
I'm really stoked you're all enjoying this chapter so much. It has taken a long time to get here and I've been so thrilled to start into this arc. There is one slightly spoiler thing I didn't mention. Don't let it color your expectations too much but I felt it was fair to know: This is sort of a big deal and not drawn out for the sake of "drawing it out." That said, this arc is and always was in 7 parts.
5718967 That would be a very cute pony picture =D
5718758 Well... funny you say that. I'm not not saying that there isn't going to be a new cover after this arc.
5718579 Thank you thank you! Everyone really responded to the cliff hanger. Now I'll deliver to the best of my abilities.
5718559 That is it exactly! I mean he was really tired and sick after all.
5718530 5718429 5718354 I'm not going to say that Ferrel isn't a super cool pony. She's one of my favorite OCs in existence but didn't have a role to play until now. She is a permanent addition to the cast!
5718323 Silent Knight would never give gryphons credit for good eyesight ;D
5718254 ^_^
5718248 Good things come to ponies that wait!
5717966 I'm so glad you've been reading and thank you for taking the time to drop a comment. I'll do my best to keep you entertained!
5717445 It is possible they are related =D Everything will be revealed in time.
5716201 Thank you very much =D
5719038 I have to agree with everyone about Ferrel. She has alot of potential to be an awesome character. She has an aura around of that says she knows and sees alot more than she will ever let on, I see her as being a good compliment to Silent in this arch.
That's just a little slice of life from the military. So don't worry, the tags are still on point!
5719038 The time has come!
Miley is best pillow
this feels like the ghost scene from Julius Caesar
5719038
Well... funny you say it's funny I say that. I think.
5719160 I'm going to go ahead and take credit for that even though that honestly wasn't the inspiration =\ Very high brow though!
5719150 Evidently this is true!
5719132 Soon... soon...
5719086 This is true. I do get a little adventure tag now and then but you make a VERY good point. Military slice of life would include military stuff!
5719062 I think folks will like her and the role she'll be playing. =D
5719297 Muwhahah indeed. ;)
I never cease to be amazed!
Those Gryphons better not give them too hard a time, or I swear... I believe dragon fire is quite potent...
Keep up the brilliant job!
Though, i think perhaps what is interesting here is perhaps what our resident templar isnt saying, Protecting someone can mean that you know how spy and scry to be forewarned of future threats.
5718354 its certainly a heavy topic to break. I mean look at it, one moment the conversation has you soaring higher than a kite, and then brings you down faster than a boulder on a rockslide.
5719038 So Ferret will stay. Haveing a hardcore nun here would be cool.
5719038
I'm waiting for all of this build up to be a giant troll-scheme and nothing's going to happen during the visit. Also, I'm horribly impatient, so I'll be over here rattling the bars of my cage until the next update.
Let's hope things don't get to unmanageable.
5721249 5720532 I find your lack of faith disturbing.
5720780 Luna has the best ponies around to keep it all manageable!
5720460 Ferrel ;) and I agree!
5720179 Indeed. Knowledge is power!
5719834 Gryphons are, in fact, flammable.
5721255 Gi Joooooe!
I enjoyed this.
5721255 Her codename: The Bloody Canoness!
fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/167/0/d/inquisitor_pony_with_an_oversized_hat__by_carmine96-d7mlzk9.png
I've been following this story for a while now, and I liked a lot of the first chapters and arcs. Now, I don't mind a serious tone, but part of what I enjoyed about this was that it was simply a decently done OC slice of life. I'll be straight up at this point, I'll be leaving this story, adding it to my disappointments bookshelf, and downvoting it.
While the writing in this fic is decent, I rather despise the headcanon that's been pushed into this fic in recent chapters. Obviously, this is my problem, not yours, but having invested time in reading this, I neither feel appropriate leaving a like on this fic nor simply abandoning you and disliking without giving a reason.
As for the headcanon specifically, the temple guards are the most egregious example, though I'm not a fan of non-alicorn Cadance and Twilight. The fact is that this stinks of organized religion and fanaticism, something I find myself repulsed and horrified by at the best times. I also have minor complaints about Luna's characterization, and while I'm glad that you did not go the route all too many go and make her and her guards crazy military obsessed beings, she seems all too much the wilting flower, and her lack of knowledge on military matters that she has recently sought to rectify annoys me, simply because it presumes ignorance on the part of a being of high intelligence, great age, and a position of power which almost certainly would have exposed her to military situations.
So, I'm leaving this story, having found it disappointing in many ways, most especially in this recent chapters. I suppose that's the gambit you run with OC-centric/Oc heavy stories, that you'll lose the people along the way who aren't invested in your characters as much as you are.
5722174 I applaud you for airing your grievances with the story to explain your down vote. That is certainly appreciated. Given your strong reaction it is unlikely that your mind will be changed and I'm disinclined to attempt to do so or really debate. I did have a few thoughts on some of the points.
The religious thing seems like a more personal topic to you. The mention of it existing in Equestria is hardly forcing it on someone or fanaticism. It was just a mention that it exists and there is a religious OC. I'll leave it there though.
One I did actually want to address was Luna. I've had a few other comments about Luna's knowledge of war, so this is something I want to talk about for everyone. Personally I don't follow the logic that she'd understand it and the fact that people call it "canon" that she would. What do we actually know about ponies for sure? They're pretty sweet and loving. They have guards, not soldiers. There are villains but there are no mentions of any wars. Why would the average pony, in general, have any knowledge of war?
Beyond that, why would Princess Luna be schooled in the art of war? Being a monarch doesn't immediately make you a general. As to Luna being older, I don't see how that is relevant. She is 1,000 years old at least but she spent 1,000 years alone without anyone to teach her anything. No one to talk to. No library, internet, or source of knowledge. For all we know she was banished when she was 30 years old. Therefore I don't get the thought that she is a knowledgeable, skilled, and accomplished warrior and/or general.
That was just one that others asked so I felt it was appropriate to answer. With that said, it may be common or polite to say I'm sorry the story didn't go in a direction you enjoyed. Unfortunately I don't feel that way. I recognize that Memoirs won't please everyone, all the time, in all arcs. That is just the way things work out. I'm proud of what I've done, I enjoy writing the story, and will continue to do so as I deem appropriate.
yeah, cause that's not unsettling at all. also, calling it now, those cloaks have invisibility enchantments. i'm liking ferrel more and more.
5718967 someone make this happen!
5722174 while i don't agree with you particularly, i must nonetheless give you props for giving sound reasons for your downvote. and i don't understand why people downvoted your comment.
5723406 Yes indeed! Another sub-plot (Ferrel). To answer your question... Iridescence was bi from the outset of the story. Not just bi but 90/10 in favor of mares. Silent Knight was close and sweet so she decided to do something different and try dating him. She kept the mare potion because, loosely, she thought why not take the pony she liked and occasionally make him a mare. Best of both worlds. Obviously it never came to that.
5722850 I'm glad you're liking Ferrel. She is turning out to be very popular =D
You know, I'm not sure I'd use as a pillow someone who is literally a walking (and sometimes just sitting) disaster area. Seems like a good way to wake up to something exciting and detrimental in-progress.
Hmn. Sounds like Ferrel has a bit of the gift of prophecy to her. I wonder if that's how the Temple knew about this trip?
5731666 Out of curiousity, why do you keep deleting your comment? Stand by your words. Remain firm against the silly morality and ethicality of the ignorant masses. When they naysay you or attempt to deny your rightful claims, hold your head up high and refuse to compromise on your principles! You are no coward! You are a hero amongst all the others, destined for greatness and fame! You shall not let the others pass you by!!
But seriously, why do you keep deleting your comments?
5731666
I try to stay out of the comments for this story because as a pre-reader, I simply know too much! However, I'd like to ask you a question. I've quoted your comment below because you've deleted some of your earlier comments and I want to retain some context just in case.
I have to be honest. I would like to know about the predictable path of Iridescence and Winterspear. Could you please (preferably with spoiler tags) elaborate why you are so deeply bothered that you've left several comments about this? I'm confused and I'd like to understand.
Thanks!
words cannot describe how hard I laughed at this!
Also, unicorns can teleport. I don't see why he freaked out so bad...
It should be "convey"
5937610 It's that strange and fancy unicorn magic he gets wingboners over.
Hmmm. This seems like it might just be a psychosomatic thing, but given the whole weird magic thing with Nocturna's old places I'm not as confident on that as I might be.
Okay yeah. Ferrel is spooky awesome.
Okay, so, the story is moving along and if I don't carpe some diem this essay I'd said I'd give you will evaporate, so:
It's more a product of the last chapter than this chapter, but here I am. Edit! It's a product of lots of chapters. All the chapters!
One - Carrying Winterspear around was hilarious visually. You've a real knack for balancing depth with good humour without cheapening either. It's great.
Second, and this is the thought born of that encounter -
Winterspear and Silent are products of their family. That much is obvious. Everyone is a product of their family. But obvious things, I'm thinking, are the things we take as given, and so overlook the nuances of. In fact, there's a lot of drawing on my earlier comments here:
I've said before Winterspear is notably playful and silly. I've said before that Silent had all these other qualities that weren't seen because, like seeds under snow, they were dormant. I've said before, at an early point, that it was worth making note of the strange contradiction in Silent's thoughts on his father: the misalign between the worship of the hero-guard and the resentment of a relentless father. I've mentioned that Winterspear is vulnerable and heartbroken, and how easily that fades from memory. She mentioned early on that she barely feels any dissapointment about her father anymore, just resignation. There's in-story talk about Silent being angry, angrier than we know maybe. There's more than enough mention that Winterspear is the relative dissapointment and Silent the good boy, for lack of a better term.
I said before that, in Silent's case, some traits were encouraged and nourished, and some weren't. But I only thought of that as an external molding influence before...
Now... if I can combine these different threads into a theme... If I do words good enough...
A lot of the Knight's childrens' personalties is developed almost in diametric opposition to the flaws in their childhood experience. And this makes perfect sense to me. Let me explain if I can without too much rambling:
Winterspear and Silent have done an identical thing: they've developed and grown in and of themselves the specific positive personality traits that best counteract the worst of their experiences.
Winter first - She's been subject to discouragement and parental dissapointment. Just being born dissapointed. Winter is and is not a Knight, after all. Her taste in 'very good friends' is another stab with a familiar weapon, the one that says she is inherently not right. Winter broke down and cried at the thought of being alone again, she proposed to a mare who called her a fling. There's so much raw potential for outright depression here. Of just withdrawing from anymore risks, or turning to apathy, because she wasn't going to be good enough or what was right by default The resignation and distance from her family speaks to shades of that influencing her already. Everyone is a collage of all their colours, after all.
But that's not all she is, this doom and gloom. What we see almost always is this really playful, flirty, silly, poking-fun big sister. Silliness invites questions and dissapointments: you're not supposed to be carried around like a sack of potatoes, among other, earlier examples. But these are dissapointments that Winter can work with, because they're not important. Better still, they're not reflections on her, they're reflections on them. On anyone who really would have issue with the silly little things that make her and those around her happy.
And that's how it's so good to her: it's almost like practice for grappling the bigger, gnarlier issues. Practice the small stuff enough, and maybe she can uninternalize some of that junk inside: Winter hasn't failed her father's (and to an extent, her mother's) expectations, they've failed to have expectations that give her a fair chance. If she's affectionate and good for humour, it's because she know's acutely what it's like to be without, and this is better. If she's fond for poking fun and doing silly things that would invite questioning looks, it's because she knows what it's like to be a dissapointment even when she tried doing everything like she was supposed to, and this is better.
Winter has, in short, done exactly what we all hope to do: take the version of ourselves we are by default and, conscious to the process or not, cultivate that being into someone better. Better for ourselves, better for those around us.
This is, I'm thinking, what they mean by the difference between accepting your experiences as part of you and letting them define you.
The negatives are part of Winterspear, but she defines herself by the positives.
And oh my god this is just the halfway point I have yet to do Silent
I might keep the Silent half for now, actually. This was an exertion, this comment is large, and he's not going anywhere the story won't follow . A lot of it is the same points, just with different traits and examples.
7894955
QnB characters are really damn likeable.
Some very abridged thoughts on Unicorn Temple stuff, because I wore myself out with Winterspear but you gotta run a cool down lap.
Bullet points because mercy:
- Alicorn Deism is casual at best in Equestria. Celestia has had time to encourage it and normalize it, and she decidedly hasn't (Luna's been absent for some time) This is either for a given strategic purpose, or that Celestia would really rather Equestria didn't treat her like a god on personal grounds.
- Unicorn Temple ergo would be, at best, in friction with the alicorns. The religious vestige that culture holds onto (other than occasional half-prayers and curses we hear from the laiety, for lack of a better term.)
- Overly simplified, the Temple worpships the idolized images of the alicorns, them in only their best qualities, not them as their whole selves. See Winterspear comment Might explain the inappropriateness thereof - the reality might pollute their carefully maintained vision. Also alicorns probably prefer actual worshippers respect their personal space.
-From above; alicorns might actually be goddesses incarnate, a la the Christian Jesus - fully the god and fully the man, as opposed to the Islamic Jesus (that's a thing, look it up) fully and only the man, albeit one with divine favor.
Simple example - the alicorns might be the Avatar (Kyoshi, Aang, Korra) - embodiments and bridging two worlds.
Possibly ties back into the purposeful seperation of mundane self and ideal self the UT uphold: they're only interested in the otherside
-Maybe they're massive voyeurs and gossips in the Temple anyway. Spying on the muggles sort of thing. Can't be meditating, praying, training and tending gardens all the time.
I'm really worn out.
If Stratus Knight ever gets a story of his own I'd read the hell out of it.