Interlude 2: Silver Scroll
Silver Scroll POV:
The room was in silence as the High Mage, Evening Sparkle, performed a battery of magical scans on the strange animal carcass that one of the Night Guard Commanders had brought in.
He had asked for absolute silence from those in the room as he went about his examinations. As the highest ranking Court Mage, his order was not one that was easily ignored. The room watched on with trepidation, awaiting the results. Each pony, already envisioning their next set plans or contingencies based on their own conclusions and what information they think the High Mage will deliver to them soon. Tensions ran high as each party grappled with the enormity of the unknowns that this situation had presented them with.
It was only due to years of practice in professionalism that allowed Silver Scroll to keep still and wear a calm face. It had been a demanding night from her as she tried to handle the fallout from the single worst animal attack that had occurred in years.
She had only heard snippets of what had transpired barely three hours earlier, but it had painted a grim picture in her mind. Some sort of creature had snuck into the town and had managed to ambush and kill at least 4 ponies before it had been interrupted and stopped by a patrolling Night Guard, during its fifth attack.
The abomination was like nothing Silver had ever seen before and she immediately ordered the High Mage to study the creature, as well as asking the Solar Captain to mobilise the Solar Guard and secure the town.
As the only senior aide to Celestia available at this hour, it had fallen to her to instil some semblance of order to the chaotic situation, at least until the Princess arrived. She wasn't trained for this, but spending 16 years as a Royal Secretary had at least given her enough experience to keep calm and do what she could to keep the crisis under control.
Silver Scroll lamented the awful timing of the incident. A flaring up of civil tensions in Cloudsdale had urgently required the Princess's attention and she had quickly departed the previous day. This had left only her and Princess Luna to manage affairs at the castle and with the younger Alicorn nowhere to be found at this hour, only she had the authority to organise any sort of response to the crisis.
'Although some had not wasted the opportunity to try to exert their own power.' Silver thought distastefully as she stared with disdain at one of the more lavishly dressed ponies currently occupying the room.
If she could say anything positive about Council Lord Gold Standard, it would be that he had an excellent nose for opportunity. He had been at the doorstep of the castle less than half an hour after the attack and had promptly inserted himself into the situation by any means that he could manage.
Even though, by all rights, she should have been in charge of the crisis response, Gold Standard had insisted that all information and decision making should be funnelled through him and obfuscated the integrity of her leadership whenever possible. He made full use of Princess Celestia’s absence to seize control of the situation, presumably to take credit for any positive outcome.
As one of the most influential Lords on the Council as well as having many allies within the Equestrian bureaucracy, it was not difficult for him to challenge her authority in the absence of the Solar Princess.
The worst part was that he had likely already concocted whatever scheme he was currently trying to execute, before Princess Luna was even known to be absent. It wouldn’t be the first time that the Council Lord had tried to undercut the younger Princess and position himself as the perceived second most powerful pony in the kingdom.
Silver Scroll seethed at the audacity. As a consummate administrator, Silver did not think very highly of Princess Luna's emotional and sometimes erratic behaviour. Especially her tendency to antagonise foreign representatives and Equestrian nobles, but despite her faults, she was undeniably royalty. Her authority was unimpeachable and the fact that a mere Lord would position himself as an equal or even a superior to one of their rulers was an absolute outrage.
Though as loathsome as he might be and as much as she might want him to get his comeuppance, Silver could do very little about him with her focus consumed by her task to manage the castle. His position as a court power-broker, as well as having a large support base, usually kept him from facing any severe consequences. The mare had half a mind to simply let him try to organise the crisis response by himself and suffer the humiliation of spectacularly failing at a task that he was utterly unqualified to perform. It was only a fleeting temptation however, she would never so blatantly derelict the duties that Princess Celestia had entrusted her with.
Hopefully either Princess would return soon. A dispatch flyer had been sent to Cloudsdale almost as soon as the attack had been brought to her attention. They should have reached the city by now and with good fortune, the Princess is already on route back. She didn't know how much more she could tolerate of Gold Standard.
Silver was roused from her musings by the magical aura fading from the horn of Evening Sparkle.
"And?" Gold Standard interjected, before Silver or anypony else could speak. "What have you discovered, Mage?"
Evening gave a slight irritated frown at the Lord before answering. The Court Mage was canny enough of a political player to realise exactly what Gold Standard was attempting to do by inserting himself into the centre of the proceedings. Though ultimately, he didn't care enough to do anything other than proceed with his report, but with a slight sharpness to his tone.
"The creature is not a manufactured construct. It was not artificially made or created in any way, by anyone. Of that, I can be certain." The High Mage began to explain concisely.
"You cannot mean to tell me that this beast is natural!" Gold Standard scoffed in incredulity at the Mage's assessment. "Normal animals are not made from wood!"
"You doubt my abilities?" The Mage questioned with a deepened frown.
"A fool can see that the creature is not natural." Said the Lord, oblivious to the extraordinarily powerful unicorn's darkening mood.
"I did not say that the creature was natural, merely that it was not purposely created." Evening clarified curtly, not rising to Gold Standard's antagonism.
"You speak in paradoxes, Mage." Interjected the Council Lord. "A creature is either natural or constructed. If you cannot properly analyse the beast, then say so and I will call for a more qualified wizard to do it instead."
The insult to the abilities of arguably the most powerful unicorn alive, went over about as well as expected. Even though ponies were in no way a predatory species, the low growl that emanated from the back of the unicorn's throat would not be out of place coming from a griffon or diamond dog.
Though Evening held occupational professionalism in high regard and usually had the patience of a Kirin Monk, it was obvious to the Secretary that Gold Standard was wearing his tolerance extremely thin.
"Are you implying that the creature has unnatural origins, yet was created by accident or chance?" Commented Silver on the subtext in the Mage's words, before the lord could further antagonise Evening.
As much as the mare would like to see Gold continue to make an enemy of the High Mage, the reason for their meeting was too important to be derailed by warring egos.
The Mage looked relieved that his explanation was not lost on at least some ponies in the room. The change of topic also looked to take the edge of his temper.
"That is correct. Generally, artificially created magical constructs have very structured and rigid magical cores as a byproduct of their creation."
He turned to address Silver directly and with a much softer tone. "The creature before me has a very organic and chaotic structure to their magical core. Much closer in nature to highly magical species such as Breezies."
"Could the creature have migrated from an otherworldly realm, like the Breezies or perhaps be a mutated member of an existing species." Commented Silver, trying to apply what little she could remember from her studies in magical theory.
Evening Sparkle simply shook his head. "Realm travel and biomancy leave very distinct magical auras. Both of which are absent in this case."
Silver frowned in confusion at what the wizard was telling her. Though before she could ask for clarification, Lord Gold Standard interjected.
"So it's not natural, nor created, nor summoned, nor foreign, nor mutated? So either you are wrong or this thing violates the very laws of magic." Said the noble with incredulity. "Unless you mean to tell us that a collection of magical energy spontaneously coalesced, for absolutely no discernable reason, into a giant wooden wolf?"
"That is precisely what I mean to tell you." Said Evening with a grim expression.
Gold Standard opened his mouth as if to retort, but no words came out. He opened and closed his mouth several more times wanting to reply, yet still struggling to digest what the Mage had told him.
"And what sort of magic has the ability to create such a phenomenon?" Silver asked with a rising sensation of dread.
"Chaos magic."
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looking forward to the next chapter. keep up the good work but dont overwork yourself
I was hoping for Celestia reaction to the letter and how bad things are without her sister.
The plot accelerates, Luna has excellent timing, ducking out right before this mess hit.
11579742
You can already start to see the results of Princess Luna's absence. Lots of infighting between the nobility and the centralized Equestrian bureaucracy. Equestria is stuck in a limbo between a feudal kingdom and a proper Nation State. Its a very dangerous position to be in, especially with a sudden power vacuum.
It's ok to explore all the ideas you can create. I wonder if turning Discord to stone was a bad idea with also not returning the elements to the tree? Maybe the loose chaos magic was hidden away till both Discord and the change of the Tree of Harmony let it free.
11579751
Well in any government there those who don't like the other guy simply because of some position. The American government has 2 parties and they hate each other and even when they dislike one of their own party loyalty will keep their mouths shut. Plus if it is chaos magic they would have get both princesses back in order to save their butts because the elements work for Celestia and Luna. Of course they probably have to do some begging with Luna and bribing as well. Celestia will come back if she gets her sister back .
Is the secretary really the first one to notice her absence?
It has Begun....prepares the Popcorn.
11579749
I believe it likely somepony will notice the timing and assume Luna is directly responsible, or at least use that to attempt a power grab even if that pony themselves doesn't believe that is the case
11579765
More likely one of the night guards, but the secretary would probably be the first pony of importance being informed about it. Though they currently seem to be unaware of her absence being not a short-term affair, like a spontaneous visit somewhere close-by. Otherwise, Silver would probably have commented on it. Or started panicking and sending a much more strongly worded letter to Celestia about her sister suddenly abdicating.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
11579808
If anyone tried to accuse Luna of using Chaos magic anywhere in earshot of Celestia, I don't think Sunbutt would allow that kind of slander. Both she and Luna know first-hand the kind of danger Chaos magic can create.
Oh, and an interesting aside: Whom, or what, are the guards swearing fealty to? I'd assume there'd be some kind of oath and swearing upon the nation itself is a rather modern concept, so I wouldn't be surprised if the guards where swearing upon either the dual thrones—or their respective princess. Which, in the latter case, would lead to some interesting consequences.
After all, if the night guard were sworn to Princess Luna, what happens with them once there is no more Princess Luna? Are their oaths still binding and they are now, essentially, a private army? Would that break any laws? Or would their oaths be seen as having been fulfilled and the entire night guard, atleast from a legal standpoint, just spontaneously stopped existing the moment Luna renounced the crown?
Nice some lore behind why the Everfree will properly be abandoned
Well, seems all that strenthening of the nobility to get support against Luna will backfire on Celestia.
That was a good chapter.
So it's only been about a day since Luna left right? Just trying to put a timeline in my head
Another great chapter, can't wait to see more.
That includes when shit is going to hit the fan...
11579908
Flew in the morning, flew, found an old tower and later destroyed it, while a тimberwolf appears at night
11369170
My teachers said it's a skill called 'cutting' and you can practise it by trying to condense 2000 words into 500 words.
Starting with 2000 to 1000 is good for beginning
11579939
What part about the Saddle Arabians do you wish was different?
I like this, the first Interlude wasn't bad by any means, now having read this one i'm more onboard the wordlbuilding and substance they added as to just following Luna.
Thanks for writing, will be looking forwards to the next chapter. :)
11579973
oh man i wasn't expecting an immediate response. I guess it;s just weird that religious differences play a part in politics when there are physical beings that control nature, so how would there be different ideas about how nature ought to be run.
but i guess in retrospect there wouldn't be any other reason for people to care about something like meteor showers enough for it to become a plot point
11579908
11579934
Timeline:
Day 1 Afternoon:
Celestia leaves the castle urgently to go to Cloudsdale. She does not inform Luna.
Day 1 Night:
Luna finds the diary and has an emotional breakdown.
Day 2 Morning:
Luna makes preparations and departs.
Day 2 Noon:
Luna finds the tower, retrieves the caravan and departs again.
Day 2 Night:
Storm Singer interrupts the Timber Wolf attack.
Day 3 Very Early Morning:
Celestia is summoned and Evening Sparkle examins the Timber Wolf.
Hope that this clarifies things.
Below is a typo for your editing pleasure:
their next set plans or contingencies - their next set of plans or contingencies
11579860
Well in chapter four Luna did comment on leaving letters to Celestia and the Commander of the Night Guard. So depending on the timing of all of this. The Commander might know, and is just keeping quiet about it until Celestia returns.
11579899
Yeah, something tells me that Celestia is about to have a very unfun time with the nobles. Especially with the timberwolves showing up? The nobles are going to be like a pack of piranha closing in on Celestia.
Thank you for taking the time to write this story.
Now they have even more reason to bring Luna to their side, but I am sure the nobility will try to hamper their means or even ostracize Luna. This may force Celestia to choose once and for all between the Nobles or her Sister.
This is great! It expands the story and sets up how much Luna’s absence will make a difference.
Looks like Discord left some marks on the world. Now I know where Prince Blueblood gets his personality
Good call on deciding Evening Sparkle over Evening Nebula. It just sounds better than having a name that contains the sounds "ning-neb" in it.
11579765
I hardly think she is the first to know but the disappearance of a monarch would not be a small thing, without a doubt it is information that they would want to hide as long as possible, therefore she must be one of the few ponies who know it for sure and not only because of rumors .
Many nobles sent their daughters or gifted maids to serve in the castle to serve as sentinels so they could pick up on classified information the government wanted to hide, and believe me a little inside information can go a long way in the right ears.
I think that is why the councilor found out so quickly and is jumping at the opportunity.
11579808
In fact, it would be the logical move and that coincidence can easily be used to put himself as the best option for the position before someone who was honestly not well liked and the masses could easily agree to blame him for everything.
And unfortunately it is too common for politicians to redirect the blame to any nonsense and people just believe it that way, they say that common sense is the least common of the senses.
11579863
I don't agree, although it would be a risky move, you don't know the pressure that the noble and wealthy can put on the rulers, they can't go against celestia directly (that would be stupid) but they can spread the information and once the pony common finds out, if Celestia tries to silence them they would validate it as she wants to defend and hide what her sister did, but if she does nothing they would take it as an admission of guilt.
It is not about going directly and openly against the crown but about controlling how certain people receive and react to information and once that is done you have 3 options.
1 Present yourself as someone who, if given the proper authority, could take care of the problem.
2 Feed the problem so that while behind the scenes while your target is distracted, start conspiring (alliances, bribes, blackmail, ECT)
3 Weaken the target's appearance of power or influence, sell the idea that the current leader is weak or ineffective to adequately deal with the situation or find a solution.
The joke here is to introduce yourself with a smile as a friend and an ally while in the back you sharpen the knife with which you will stab them and if you are skilled enough they will not realize that it was you who stabbed them.
11579873
Personally I like the idea that their allegiance is sworn to the princess they serve, defend, represent the values, vision and desires of their beautiful lady.
That effectively makes them a source of discord and power for whoever can first fill the gap in government if accepted by said guard or at worst a possibility of revolt or civil war.
There is a kind of rivalry-hate between the different branches of the army I want to believe that the same would apply to the moon and sun guard, celestia cannot directly take command of the moon guard because the moon guard would push to know the whereabouts and recover Princess Luna, if someone was able to manage and finance that discontent she could take over half of Equestria if she wanted (politically speaking of course)
The celestia options would be
1 Integrates her in her own forces
2 removes her
The options would be a nightmare. I think it's one of those situations where you have to choose the lesser evil because there's really no solution to this.
Great chapter quite entertaining, although honestly I felt it was somewhat short, almost incomplete, maybe I just get used to having longer chapters, I feel that apart from the gloomy revelation, it was necessary to establish the preamble of who is going to panic about the situation, who is going to is going to be angry about what happened and who is going to try to take advantage of this event and we only got one of those 3
Obviously the civilian population is going to panic after all they are pack mentality ponies and all, but exactly who how and why? And who is going to get more angry, the solar or moon guard, or perhaps the nobles?
To quote a really old proverb I can't remember where I read it.
Celestia is going to get everything that she ever wanted and more.
11579751
I see that you are slowly making my predictions come true. 😊
11580039
It’s obvious what the result will be. I hope that Celestia enjoys being alone and at the mercy of complete strangers that don’t care about her one bit.
It will be interesting to see what other strangeness the chaos magic/mage will cause, and what the breaking point will be before the ponies abandon the city. While the threat of the Timberwolves is not insignificant, it is a straightforward threat, just hit it hard enough. Something less direct will likely be the final straw. Poison Joke, for example, would be terrifying and could absolutely cause panic if a cure can't be found quickly.
It's generally better to write out numbers under 100 in a sentence. Not technically wrong, but not writing them out can be a bit jarring.
11580216
Celestia’s options will be one of the following:
1.) She becomes a figurehead for the nobility.
2.) She becomes Queen Celestia.
3.) She becomes Daybreaker.
4.) She abdicates and leaves Equestria.
If I was a betting man, I believe that Option One is going to be most likely.
Only one gripe you don't describe any of the ponies here I can't tell who was who.
I really like how you included chaos magic to raise the stakes. It adds strong tension and makes total sense for the time frame. I’m kinda surprised I haven’t really seen anyone explore the concept more. Seems like Celestia is about to be the sole ruler of a powder keg.
Time’s ticking like a powder keg
11579808
I'm sure Celestia will have so much fun with that. It's certainly not Luna's concern anymore, "not her circus and not her clowns", as the saying goes.
11580369
Describe as in coat colour, mane colour, cutie mark, etc?
11580543
Yeah that it helps to know who's who because I couldn't really tell I had to read it twice to tell that there were three ponies in the chapter but a description would be kinda helpful.
11580439
Well, it's chaos magic. Luna was known to fight against Discord. However, having observed IRL politics, it is absolutely plausible a society that already shits on Luna would decide to blame her and assume she's at fault with no one doing anything to defend her.
11580685
Aye, that's definitely true. That really would be a horrible catch-22, the more she fought the rumors the more verisimilitude they'd accrue. It'd be downright nightmarish. Assuming, of course, that she was trying to maintain that position.
Since Luna has instead left the building as the man said, I honestly wonder how long it's going to be before she even hears about any of this.
Forgiveness is less than what somebody deserves punishment is exactly what somebody deserves and revenge is more than what somebody deserves I like to think.
usually wooden wolves are considered an ordinary enemy and in Canon they were relatively easy to destroy. But if the first individual was able to cause so many problems, then what happens when stone crocodiles fit into the case? (Stone does not burn and is harder to break than wood.)