Rendezvous with a Batponyby GulheruChaptersPart IIPart IIIPart IVEpiloguePart IPart II: click : “Continuation of Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind. Although... we really don’t have to do this, Midnight.” “No, no, I want to continue, Twilight... I really do. I just had to... regain my composure.” :sigh: “Neskaza Lunee... I am ashamed.” “Ashamed? Why is that?” “A wampir... especially a nocferratan should never cry.” “Midnight...” “I am a warrior. Tears are not for warriors.” : silence : “Tears are for all of us.” : silence : “They show that we care. That we are not indifferent. That we love.” : silence : “And... I see that you loved her very much...” : sigh : “I did... You are right... Tears show how dear iaa dilece was for me...” “’My beloved’?” “Yes. My beloved. Iaa Waesper Strumiene. My Dusk Stream.” “That’s a beautiful name. What was she like?” “Her name was doing her justice. She was as mysterious as the first colors of night... and yet as joyful as the cold water of a mountain spring, wandering playfully amongst the rocks...” “You describe her in such a unique way...” “She was one of a kind, yes...” : silence : “I am sure Immaculate Moon found her worthy and took her amongst the stars, Midnight...” : silence : “I believe so too. Nevertheless... those words bring me great calm... Especially for they are coming from you. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.” “Don’t mention it, Midnight. I am glad that I can just be here for you.” “You help more than you think, Twilight...” : silence : “Well...” : sniff : “...I guess I wasn’t ready for everything after all. That’s one way to start an interview.” “Yeah...” “We can move on now.” “Alright. Maybe... maybe you can tell us something about your parents and relatives? I spotted a few questions about the Midnight Family in general.” “Oh, certainly. Where to start... We are one of the ruling Families, as I mentioned before. We live in Iug u Maednoc, Mountain of Midnight, one of the Seven Mountains located in the northern part of Noctraliya.” “I see. And your Lord? You said previously that you are his distant relative.” “Yes. Honored Lord Midnight Eye. If I recall correctly from checking in the Family’s archives, his grandfather and my great-grandfather from my father’s side were brothers.” “Ah, I understand. And... does your family have a ‘specialty’ of some sort? I remember you mentioned last time that the Shade Family has a substantial number of builders, for example.” “I did say that, but you also might remember that Family affiliations do not put us all in one, specific caste.” “Of course.” “Still, Midnight Family is known for having the most chroniclers and historians.” “Ah, so members of the “priesthood”, no?” “Precisely. My father, Midnight Whisper, happens to be an archivist.” “But you, yourself, ended up in the warrior caste. Like your grandfather, if I remember correctly, right? You mentioned him fighting in the last war.” “That is correct. News about me being picked for the army were received by my mother with a measure of dread. But she got over it after some time.” “And who is she?” “Her name is Garnet Hoof. She is a caretaker and, might I add, a most lovely mare.” “Oh? She is a manual worker then, being a caretaker?” “She cuts gems for the local mine, yes. I always enjoyed watching her work, I have to admit. She is very meticular.” “I think you mean ‘meticulous’, Midnight?” “Oh, yes, my bad.” “It’s fine. But, wait a moment, her name suggests she isn’t from a ruling family. Is that an issue? Your father married to a pony from a... lesser house, I guess one could say?” “She is from a local lesser lineage, yes. It is not a socially unacceptable or awkward thing. Although...” “Yes?” “The Lord of the Family can step in and object to such a relationship, having in mind the “purity” of the noble line, but it is a practically abandoned convention nowadays.” “Hmmm... Was that, throughout the history, a way of making sure that the Lord’s descendants have a proper lineage, without the addition of lesser blood, by any chance?” “Pretty much, yes. A couple of famous cases I read about. And then, there was this situation lately...” “Oh? Did a Lord stop a marriage?” “Yes. Azure Mist, the haspadre of the Mist Family.” “What happened?” “Her son wanted to marry a lowborn mare from their peak. And I think he didn’t take into consideration that, in the Covenant, his mother is known as the most stalwart keeper of tradition. Or maybe he thought that she will suddenly change her mind when it comes to some customs. Foolishness.” “So she said ‘no’.” “If only that.” “Was she that angered with him?” “An understatement. I don’t know the details, but... there was a rather grand turmoil within the Mist Family, after Azure Mist confronted her son. Strong acts, even stronger words. A rebellion became stirring, that’s what the news said.” “An open conflict between them?” “It was close to an uprising, yes. The entirety of Noctraliya was keeping an eye on the peak of Mist Family. But, not two days after the rift began to emerge, the mare that was the cause of the instability... disappeared.” : silence : “... what do you mean?” “Ewanecee w opari. ‘Vanished in mists’ as we say.” : silence : “Wait, are you actually saying...?” “That she got murdered? Well, let me put it in perspective... and explain that saying of ours properly at the same time. Azure Mist leads the majority of her Family in the noble art of subterfuge.” “... by Princess Celestia...” “It does not mean that the worst have occurred. To take the life of another noctral, personally or not, is considered one of the greatest crimes and sins, scarcely ever justifiable.” “So... you think that the mare actually lives?” “No telling.” “But what is the general opinion? Do you all think that Azure Mist ordered her killed?” “The haspadre is more clever than that. To make a blatant example out of the pitiable mare at the cost of her own good name was never her intention.” “So, what did she do?” “The uncertain fate of her son’s beloved is a trump card for her still. She gave him hope that the mare is still alive. So he remains obedient... for if he shall act against his mother...” “... he will seal his love’s fate... That... that is...” “Abominable, if quite clever. Officially, of course, Azure Mist had nothing to do with the disappearance and she simply convinced her son that this marriage wasn’t a good idea. But we all know what is really happening. Also, even if there is no evidence, there are rarely coincidences occurring if the Mist Family is somehow involved. And especially if there is no evidence...” “... the Covenant must have done something about all of this.” “Well, the remaining haspadri expressed their grand displeasure with the situation. Although there were, and still are, voices heard that the quick-thinking of Azure Mist stopped a looming rebellion within the Mountain of Mist, which would be an undesirable turn of events. Not to mention considered treacherous.” “And what did the Lords decide after they agreed that Azure Mist’s actions were too severe?” “Nothing.” : silence : “I don’t understand.” “This whole situation is an inside matter of the Family and Azure Mist has every right to conduct actions as she pleases. Nopony may object, as long as those acts are within the boundaries of her peak and the Mist Family territory. Noctrali under her rule must also remain obedient, no matter her decisions. And they did.” “But... but...” “Also, her deed wasn’t a blatant attack on the interests of Noctraliya, nor was it an act considered blasphemous against the Immaculate Moon... Those two situations allow other Families to intervene. Even if this particular decision was met with critique and animosity, it was neither of those cases.” “... I question this.” “I don’t blame you.” “This is wrong.” “It is, I agree. In my opinion, no matter what the haspadre shall make her son believe, the mare is dead. Both the Immaculate Moon... and the Judging Sun shall remember this. Especially considering that the ill-fated soul didn’t do anything wrong, her only ‘sin’ was falling in love with the son of a Lord.” “That’s not what I meant! Nopony did anything about this, aside from a faint ‘expression of displeasure’ from your Covenant?! Think about this for a second! Think about the poor family who lost a daughter!’” “What would you expect us to do, Twilight?” “I don’t know! Something! You can’t just leave it like this!” “Would it be better for us to break the precepts that kept our country running through centuries? Go to war over one life, even if it was unjustly extinguished, yet of which we have no certainty, breaking all the rules our society formed in order to preserve peace?” “No! I mean...” “Justice shall be served. In this life, or the next. The Immaculate Moon... shall see to it.” “... this...” : sigh : “... this interview is... harsh, so far...” “Agreed... Do you need a break...?” “Yes. I very much do.” : click : *** : click : “Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, recording recommencing after a short pause…” “Are you alright, Twilight?” : sigh : “Yes... I am. I’m sorry, I just... had to go outside. I needed a breath of fresh air.” “I acknowledge that the atmosphere got a bit... dense.” “Yeah... there are just... a lot of things I don’t understand about your country and your kind. And a lot of those I find... disturbing.” “I do understand you. Or...at least I am trying to fully understand. But, I told you already, Twilight. We are who we are. We are noctrali. With all our virtues and vices. And we shall not feel ashamed by it. I...” : silence : “I won’t feel ashamed by it.” “Midnight?” “I... Let us just go on with the interview, alright?” “Is something wrong...?” “Let us move on... Please...” : sigh : “Very well. We know about your parents. Do you have any siblings?” “I don’t.” “Is that uncommon? Actually, let me ask a general question. How are your families shaped usually?” “A typical noctraliu household is composed of parents and one, two children. Three happens sometimes. More than that is extremely rare.” “Why would that be? Oh... wait. Food is influencing that, yes?” “Correct. Our numbers, throughout the history, are quite stable. Population booms occurred only when we found new, more efficient ways of land cultivation. We just know that we cannot expect to possess too many offspring, for we wouldn’t be able to feed them.” “So it is a custom that was developed due to this situation... Do remind me to ask you something when we get to the part of the interview concerning your lands, alright?” “Of course.” “Now, I had a question here...” : paper flick : “Ah, here it is. ‘How did you get your cutie mark?’ Signed: CMC.” “CMC?” “Cutie Mark Crusaders.” “Wait... those three little fillies without their marks running around the place, by any chance?” “Precisely. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, who is Rarity’s sister and Apple Bloom, Applejack’s sister.” “Ah, so those are their names. I spotted them spying on me once before.” “Oh?” : giggle : “Why would they spy on you?” “I was patrolling the town one night, trying to find an efficient way around for future sentries. They were always behind me, around one corner or another. And they had a surprising amount of equipment. Binoculars and all...” : giggle : “Maybe they decided to become vampire hunters?” “They weren’t doing a particularly good job when it comes to a stealthy approach. Also, it was kind of late. Do you allow your children to stay up so long?” “No, but nothing surprises me when it comes to this trio...” : snicker : “Why the laughter now, Twilight?” “I came to think they might have just wanted to see Midnight at midnight.” : silence : “Sorry, couldn’t help it.” : giggle : : sigh : “Well, they could have just approached me, I would have answered at least some of their questions.” “Would you approach a vampire?” “A ‘nice and kind’ one like me?” : giggle : “So, how did you earn your cutie mark? It looks like three leaves blown in the wind and the Moon above them…” “That is exactly what that is. Many members of my Family possess the bright, midnight sign of the Immaculate Moon… for obvious reasons. And I earned it during my stay with the warrior caste, as you might guess.” “Finding your place amongst the community.” “Yes, like all of our young ones. I, personally, wanted to try myself in the advanced flying and scouting training while I was with the warrior caste. I felt that I might be good at it.” “I see. It involves more than just the knowledge about techniques of dealing with mountain winds, no?” “Precisely. Knowing how to fly amongst the peaks and fight snowstorms is a common thing among the noctrali, since we all go through that training. But the wampiri in our military forces know how to use those strong and unpredictable gales for tactical advantage. I cannot tell the details, though. Caste rules.” “Of course! Understandable. But, you found out that you are really good at executing those techniques, yes?” “Yes, I turned out to be a particularly crafty flier. I am not the fastest, but I know, intuitively, how to position myself so that the air movements affect me minimally.” “And that is how you ended up with the cutie mark.” “Correct, it was during one of the training sessions, when a particularly strong wind was blowing. My supervisor at the time, after seeing me deal quite easily with such a force despite my young age, decided that I shall be fit for active duty after I grow up. So I was assigned to the warrior caste, remained at the barracks, training and taking care of equipment. When I reached adulthood I officially became a scout for our peak’s armed forces.” “And when batponies decided to come back to Equestria, you were chosen for the Nightguard, is that right?” “Yes. Although it involved a lot more than just a random selection, like you made it sound.” “Oh, no, that wasn’t my intention.” “Fine then.” “So, I think this answers the Crusaders’ question pretty well, thank you. It is amazing how early you assign your children to fill social roles.” “Tradition. It makes them feel needed and teaches them that they are an important part of Noctraliya and our society in general. Actually, if I might express my opinion...” “Sure!” “I think if you had a similar assignment system in Equestria, those little ones would already have their marks. They look old enough.” “Perhaps. But don’t say stuff like that to them. They might decide on going on a trip to join one of the castes, or something.” “I do not see it ending well...” : giggle : “I will be sure to stop them, don’t worry. Another question: ‘If we can call you Midnight, how would we need to call other members of your family, if you all share that part of your name?’ Signed by Roseluck.” “Oh! Of course, a logical question. Let me explain. In Noctraliya you never abbreviate names, it is considered impolite.” “So you always have to use somepony’s full name?” “Exactly. Or, when talking to an elder or someone of revered status, you would need to say, for example... Oc u Rodine Maednoc. ‘Eye of Family Midnight’.” “So, Midnight Eye, your Lord.” “Yes. This is the most polite form, used as a sign of respect in conversations and letters.” “Alright. But, if it is considered unkind to say just ‘Wind’, or ‘Midnight’, why do you want to be called in that way?” “I spotted that Equestrians sometimes do that amongst friends. And when you wanted me to call you just ‘Twilight’...” “Oh? Oh! Of course, Midnight!” “There, you see?” : laughter : “Now, I have some little questions here... for example: ‘What is your favorite color and why black?’ Singed: Lyra Heartstrings.” : chuckle : “Is she prejudiced? I actually like dark blue the most.” “Another: ‘What do you like to do in your free time?’ Signed: Aloe.” “Nowadays, I spend my time learning about Equestria. Since I shall be stationed around Ponyville permanently...” “Do you enjoy reading in general then? You seem to know a lot from chronicles and history tomes.” “I do, yes. I guess it is thanks to my father. He showed me that knowledge can be a real asset. But I also spend a lot of hours practicing flying.” “I presume that it wasn’t your talent alone that got you amongst the Nightguard, but a lot of training as well.” “A correct presumption.” “So, are you able to fly as silently in Equestria as you claimed batponies can?” “In this aspect, I am definitely a mythical vampire, yes.” : giggle : “Good to know. Ah, Fluttershy wants to know if you have any pets.” “No, I don’t. Although I wouldn’t mind one. We often keep bats around.” “For communication, you told me that. Message carriers.” “Correct. But we grow fond of them so I guess they would fall under ‘household animals’ by your standards. We also have a number of bat-handlers amongst our warrior caste.” “Oh? Are the bats used in other ways in your armed forces?” “Not allowed to say.” “Oh, right, caste regulations. Sorry.” “No worries.” “I think that is all of the questions regarding you personally that I had for tonight, really. Would you like to share something more before we go on a break?” “No, I need to have those tiny bits of privacy left.” : giggle : “Alright then, time for a break.” “Fantastic! I got thirsty and there are delicious apples waiting for me.” “Then let me quickly switch the recording off. We know already how loud you can get whilst drinking and we wouldn’t want to gross everypony out again, hmmm?” “Tell me again, why am I even talking with you?” : laughter : : click : Part III: click : “Second half of Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind. In this part we shall be talking about your lands and aspects of your country such as economy, or culture.” “With pleasure. But, I was supposed to remind you of something when we get to this part.” “Thank you, I almost forgot! I have another question beforehand, though.” “Sure.” “I found that there is another word used when we are referring to batponies in Equestria and I didn’t asked about this in the previous recording. A couple of questions I received used it also, so I have to know if it is a correct term to be used. ‘Thestral’.” : hiss : “What’s wrong, Midnight?” “Nothing much. I just got gravely insulted.” “Insulted?! Is this word so bad? I am so sorry, I had no idea, I—“ “Now, calm down, Twilight. I know you did not mean it. Actually, I don’t believe anypony means it...” “We are using it incorrectly and it’s an insult?” “Pretty much. I am glad you asked about this, maybe if a clarification is said out loud...” “What does this word mean actually?” : sigh : “Well, first of all, it is pronounced ‘thestral’. No Equestrian ‘th’ sound.” “T’hestral? Something like that?” “Yes, exactly. Now, like in the ‘noctral’ case the ‘tral’ part means ‘dweller’. Thes means ‘cave’ in the Eldu Noctraliyar, Old Noctraliyan language.” “A cave-dweller?” “A cavepony, simply.” : sigh : “Of all the words you could remember over our thousand-year-long disappearance, you remembered how to call us ‘primitives’. And vampires.” “We didn’t mean to!” : laughter : “Oh, I am aware. Also considering it didn’t have a negative meaning that many centuries ago.” “But now it does, yes?” “We are definitely more than cave-dwellers now, so it received that negative connotation over time. Actually, perhaps I should tell you the background of the noctral term, for this name replaced the thestral.” “Oh? Do you know its origin?” “Naturally. We all do. It is the name the Immaculate Moon... Herself gave us.” “Princess Luna? She named you? When?” “When She blessed our domain with Her presence the first time, not so long after Equestrian scouts met us.” “Thus your prophecy was fulfilled, I remember you saying that. Your goddess came to find you.” “Precisely. When the Covenant and the entirety of Noctraliya bowed before the Immaculate Moon... She referred to us as Her children. Those that dwell in the night, guided by Her mysterious light. Hence we became the ‘night-dwellers’. Noctrali. It overtook the previous term instantaneously.” “Fascinating! So it is like an honorary title to you, not only a name for the species.” “Ah, you understand then. Although we don’t mind when we are just called ‘batponies’.” “Just no ‘t-word’.” : chuckle : “Yes, no t-word, as you poetically put it.” : giggle : “So, we have that covered. I hope we shall soon learn to use the correct term.” “Please do so. You put our quiet politeness to the test.” “You have a lot of it then.” “We try.” “Now, that matter I wanted to discuss. My friend, Applejack, gave me an idea when I was talking with her lately. I mentioned that batponies enjoy the taste of apples and that you have those problems with the amounts of food.” “Not really ‘problems’, since we can gather sufficient amount to survive. But I know what you mean – the fact that we cannot have viable reserves.” “Exactly! So I thought – how about we supply you with some of our surplus? Equestria has enough orchards to send some of the harvest your way and—“ “Not happening.” : silence : “Why?” “The Covenant won’t accept a solution like that.” “But... what would be their reasoning? It would allow you not to worry about harsh winters, or vermin, or anything else affecting the amount of food you can gather, if you have supplies provided from an outside source.” “You presented the problem yourself.” “Did I...?” “You see, the haspadri would see such a deal as an act of submission. And not only them, all of noctrali would feel like that.” “Submission? But how... Oh, I get it. ‘Outside source’. You do not consider yourself a part of Equestria.” “Correct. Receiving ‘aid’ like that would be dishonoring in our eyes. But, I think I might know how to make it work, in accordance with customs.” “Customs? Do tell me.” “Tu braz, tu daz. An old saying meaning ‘You take, you give.’ Noctrali always pay back. Debts, gifts, you name it.” “Oh? You are morally obligated to do so?” “Yes. And more than that – to grant somepony an item without expecting at least something small in return is a way of deeply insulting the other party.” “Wait, let me think about it for a moment, I think I got it... Either you are making them know that they have nothing of value in your opinion... or that they are themselves unworthy of giving you something back, is that right?” “You indeed got it, Twilight.” “But, if such is the social norm, who is considered generous in your society? Because not somepony who does not expect a payback.” “An act of selfless help towards others is always appreciated, even if you, in a way, bind those you helped with a repayment. So a noctral who often lends a hoof has a respected position in the society.” “I see. And what about gifts? Do you need to give a lot of them away to be recognized as generous?” “No, it is slightly different. If you want to show your noble motivation, you should take whatever you received as a payback and leave it at the local herame as an offering.” “Herame?” “A shrine to the Immaculate Moon...” “Ah! A religious sacrifice.” “That’s right.” “So, you make it known that the gratitude should be shown to the goddess, not yourself. You make your open-hoofedness visible by removing yourself from the exchange, so to speak. An intriguing social standard.” “I can say the same about some of yours.” “True. So, what do you propose? Would the Covenant be intrigued in trading then?” “Exactly! Haspadri, if they would see profit from it, would accept a deal with Equestria. But as long as we would be treated as equals in the matter, not a weaker neighbor who needs help.” “I think we could arrange such a deal. All of this makes me want to ask about economy of your lands before we move properly to the questions I gathered.” “Sure. I will gladly tell you how it looks.” “Alright. So, how do you run Noctraliya?” : chuckle : “Well, since we were talking about food, let me start with that matter first. You see, the Dalli, which generate the entirety of our crops, are out of the borders of any of the Families, thus assuring none of the lineages has a hold over this crucial area.” “Reasonable, I would say, in case of animosities.” “We think as much too. All of the Families are able to freely send their fruittenders into this region. The food we gather is kept under the orchards, in caves. That keeps it fresh for as long as we can muster.” “Considering that the food supply is so scarce, is the price of it high?” “Price? For food? Unimaginable! It is rationed for free, for each and every Mountain.” “Ah! That makes a lot more sense. Are there any specific rules for splitting it, so that each Family has enough of it?” “Yes. I don’t know the specifics, it is the fruittenders’ discretion, but we never had a situation when a peak was unsupplied.” “There was never a mishap?” “No, it is too much of a crucial matter. From what I know, the caste is always double, even triple checking the amounts before redistributing them.” “Fascinating. And presence of ponies from each of the Mountains assures a just division, right?” “That’s the plan. Even if there happens to be a war between peaks, everypony is getting supplied.” “It must take a lot of discipline and organization.” “Another reason why fruittenders are so well protected and valued.” “I see. That sounds rather incredible. What about other goods? How does this look?” “Let’s start with the fact that, minus the food, each of the Seven Mountains is self-sufficient. Local caretakers make sure that we have enough clothing, furniture and so forth.” “There is no trade between the Families?” “Oh, no, no, there is. But those deals are more about... ‘quality of life’? Am I saying this right?” “I... think so... but can you try explaining what you mean?” “Sure. Hmmm... Say you want to buy yourself some clothing. For special occasions.” “Right, a formal wear.” “Yes. You go to a local tailor from the caretakers caste.” “Okay. Let me just use the opportunity to ask about something. What are the clothes made of? I think Rarity might be intrigued.” “Wool. We have a measure of sheep on the hali beneath our dwellings.” “’Hali’? Oh! Mountain meadows, by any chance?” “Yes, that should be the expression. Each peak has some fruittenders who specialize in herding.” “Are your sheep nocturnal?” “I don’t think a sheep’s mind can grasp a concept such as night and day, let alone choose to live only during one of those...” : giggle : “So, I have the tailor who has the wool.” “You will receive a good quality product, that will meet your requirements. But, if you seek something more, say a fancier pattern or a better quality material, you trade with the Dusk Family. They are famous for skilled herbalists, farmers and animal handlers.” “Ah, now I see what you mean.” “Exactly. Their peak is the closest to the Dalli, their meadows are greener and they know exactly how to prepare wool to make it as soft as possible. Their caretakers supply even the haspadri with their work.” “Alright, I get it. But let’s get back to me paying for what I got at my own peak, without trading.” “You negotiate the price with the caretaker.” “What is the currency I need?” “No, no, you do not use money in this situation. When you are dealing with a local, you do an exchange.” “Exchange? So the tailor can, for example, ask for some furniture...? Is that it?” “Or a performance, if you are a bard. Or to carry a letter to another peak, if you are a messenger. Or, if he himself desires to trade from a source from another Family, gems.” “Ah! Are specific types of them used in this payment method?” “Just pazn. Your word for it is ‘onyx’. We carve it into flat beads and use them as money, similar to your golden bits.” “I see. But only to deal with traders from another Family, yes?” “Correct.” “So a market based on exchange of goods and services in autarkical settlements... and a monetary system between the peaks. Intriguing.” “This covers the basics, I think... if I am right to hope that the strange word you used means ‘self-sufficient’.” “Yes, yes, exactly. Though, I think I would still want to know more. But, let us proceed to questions from others.” “Oh... Do we have to? Answering you is far more satisfying.” : laughter : “Yes, we have to!” “Oh...” : giggle : “First, Cheerilee is asking about education in Noctraliya.” “Our educational system is less developed than yours, I would say. For once, we do not have schools.” “Really? So... parents teach their children themselves maybe?” “Sometimes, yes. But most of the time local tutors from the priesthood are employed to take care of a group of children from a couple of households next to each other.” “Ah! Are they holding lectures in open areas, reserved for scholar purposes, by any chance?” “That is correct, usually plazas near local libraries. How did you guess?” “It is an educational format Equestria had once, before we formed our current system.” “I see.” “What kind of lessons are there? What subjects are considered most important?” “Well, you could divide it into five classes, using your terminology. First, reading and writing in Old and New Noctraliyan language. As well as some Modern Equestrian.” “You did mention that you generally know it, yes.” “Precisely. Then there is common knowledge, history of Noctraliya, religious dogmas and appropriate, social behavior and skills.” “What is ‘common knowledge’?” “It stretches from simple mathematics, through general understanding of alchemy, to lessons about nature surrounding us.” “Ah, exact sciences. Biology, chemistry and so forth...” “I wouldn’t be taking it so far, Twilight.” “Oh? You surely don’t mean to say that you teach just absolute basics...” “Actually, I do.” : silence : “Only primary level of exact sciences? Why is that?” “We tend to value work more than theory within our society. Only those that require higher education to fulfill their role in the society are granted it.” “So... it is not provided in any way otherwise? How can this be?” “Well, you can always learn on your own. Each Mountain has an archive where you can find treaties on topics that interest you, from medicine to physics and so on. But, even then those do not cover the... ’academic’, I guess I could say, level.” “Is that knowledge, what, hidden?” “To a degree, yes.” “Why? What is the reasoning behind this? Why keep the majority educated in such important matters like biology, or physics, on but a simple degree?” “Now, now, it is not like that entirely...” : sigh : “Let me use an example again. Mine.” “Alright.” “I received education and I read some books in the Maednoca Tabulre, our Family’s fabled library.” “Right.” “When it comes to biology, I know how my body is working, why are my wings formed like they are, why is my thirst so grand, how I can keep myself healthy... I also know how to treat common injuries, how to use basic herbs and so forth... But when it comes to operations, or more complicated treatments for illnesses, it is not my ... pre... prerro...” “’Prerogative’?” “Yes, that’s the word. It is not my prerogative to know about those. Higher level biology is only for the healers from the fruittenders caste. They have their own works and books, reserved for them.’ “So... you cannot even read anything about it?” “No. Caste rule.” “But... what if somepony will need an operation, for example? You do not know how to do it!” “I do not need to. This is what specialists are for.” : silence : “You are not going to tell me that, in Equestria, you expect every common pony on the street to try and save someone without proper training, just because he was able to read about how an operation should be conducted. Or are you?” : silence : “... that is... a surprisingly valid point.” “You see?” “But I still do not agree with keeping knowledge hidden for but a few chosen to possess it.” “A noctral is expected to do one job properly – his. We do not need him to study how all others are doing their duties. Also, we do not normally feel the urge to possess a high level of education if it does not help us serve the society.” “This is a somehow puzzling approach. But, I guess it covers the question.” “That is just how…” “... you are, I know... Let us proceed.” “Very well.” “Now...” : paper flick : “... I had a lot of ponies asking about your religion of the Immaculate Moon and the Judging Sun.” “Go on, I will gladly share what I know.” “I would like to start with the organization of it. Do you have a defined clergy?” “There are three groups of the priesthood caste that could fall under that word. Effiti, antasi and arcemandri.” “Are those forming a hierarchy?” “No, they all have different roles. Effiti are our diviners, those that pray to the Immaculate Moon... and receive visions and omens. Antasi interpret the prophecies and conduct all of the major ceremonies. And the arcemandri offer spiritual aid to those that need it while dealing with local matters like marriages or death rites.” “Even with those differences, are they still all grouped around the local herame? The shrine?” “Yes, each herame has a number of priesthood caste members serving in it. And then the greatest of our visionaries gather in the Tuarie.” “What is that? A special place of worship?” “It is more than that... I really should have mentioned it before, it is a crucial place for us.” “Please, tell more then.” “Of course. Full name is Tuarie u Piarweu Noc. The Sanctuary of First Night. It is located near the center of our dominion, carved in the mountain that the legends say first noctrali came out of, answering the call of our Goddess.” “Fascinating. Do continue, please.” “It is a place serving many purposes. First and foremost, it has the main temple of the Immaculate Moon... in Noctraliya. It is also a place of gathering during the greatest events, a trading hub between the Mountains and it serves as a meeting place for the Covenant.” “So it is your capital.” “No, no. You see, from your point of view it would be considered as such, but not for us. It is more of a holy place than an administrative center.” “Oh, that also makes sense. Your leadership is meeting where they are being firmly under the guidance of the Immaculate Moon, right?” “Yes, that is exactly the case. They rule, following Her, just like our ancestors followed Her on that First Night, we believe.” “Considering it is a holy place, what ceremonies are held there?” “Anything that is not appropriate for being undertaken in a local herame. A revealing of a grand prophecy or the beginning of the rule of a new haspadr. Or when the priests decide that a grand prayer to the Immaculate Moon... is necessary. Many times during the Eclipse we gathered there, believing that we can aid our ailed Goddess by our veneration.” “A prayer of the faithful healing a deity.” “All that was left for us in those dark times now, thankfully, passed.” “I will have one more question about religion, but I propose a break.” “Alright. But maybe a short one? We have already talked for some time, you must be tired, Twilight. Staying up so late by Equestrian standards.” “Oh, no, I am used to studying until late night hours. It’s nothing, really.” “You are more of a noctrale than I thought.” : laughter : : click : Part IV: click : “Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, continuing part two after a break.” “So, you have that one more question about our beliefs?” “I found an intriguing question about some of your rites, yes. But something came to my mind during the break.” “You do know that you have a large rate of ideas per minute...?” “Oh, shush.” : chuckle : “So, you talked a lot about priesthood of the Immaculate Moon... Are there any priests of the Judging Sun?” “No! No, no, no, there never were any and there never shall be any.” “Why is that? She is a goddess too, she can’t have her clerics?” “The Judging Sun is a goddess, yes. More than that, she is the sister of the Immaculate Moon... But that does not change the fact that, while acknowledged, she shall never be worshipped. We serve but one Goddess, our Immaculate Goddess...” “But you mentioned before that you do not consider Judging Sun... Princess Celestia... evil.” “Because she is not evil. She is just an unforgiving and immovable deity. To worship her would be pointless. She cannot be placated.” “Only the Immaculate Moon can achieve this and soothe her, you said...” “Correct.” “So there are no ceremonies, or priests of the Judging Sun.” “Not even one.” “Alright, thank you...” : silence : “Seems that you are saddened by this.” “I just... I know Princess Celestia well... and she is not matching your beliefs, you know...” “To you, she might be a different goddess. Just like you perceive the Immaculate Moon... differently than we do...” “I guess you are right...” “You stay with your way, I shall stay with mine. I think this might be the best solution.” “Yeah, I guess... But now, a question that I have here, about your religious ceremonies. Can you tell us a bit about them? Do you have a said day that is considered holy? What about, for example, marriages and funerals? ‘Death rites’ you called them, I think.” “Let me start by saying that we do not have specific nights in the calendar for venerating the Immaculate Moon... We do so every night, by working and living under Her light.” “So you view your whole life as a way of praising your goddess?” “Correct. The herami are always open, if one wants to conduct a prayer. No matter the hour. Once a night though, usually around midnight, the local arcemandr shall hold a short ritual, as a form of thanking the Immaculate Moon... for Her divine guidance. You can take part in it, and many do so voluntarily, but you can pray whenever and it is not an obligatory thing to attend such service.” “How do batponies pray exactly? I remember you mentioned your ‘The Stars will aid Her escape’ prayer, for example. Do you have more of those formulas you use?” “There are a rather large number of prayers, yes, and many of those also have their melodies.” “Oh, so you have chants?” “Yes. And, let me tell you, you have to hear a choir performing some of them once.” “I might quite soon, you know...” : chuckle : “I do, yes. Aside from those, though, you can use your own words. You just have to assume a correct position.” “One reserved specifically for praying?” “Precisely.” : hoofsteps : “You have to sit down with your hind legs, extend your wings...” : swoosh : “... spread your front legs, like opening yourself to the light of the Immaculate Moon... and then raise your head towards the sky. This position shows your readiness to serve our Goddess and willingness to follow Her, no matter what She expects from you.” “Let me try.” : hoofsteps : : swoosh : “Is this correct?” “Raise your front legs a bit higher. That’s it.” “And then you start to pray?” “Yes.” : cough : “Neskaza Lunee... Tue illume iayi noci. Proda Tue wiecn.” : silence : : swoosh : “One of the shortest prayers. I use it regularly.” “What does it mean?” “In Equestrian... ‘Immaculate Moon... You lighten my nights. May I serve You eternally.’ More or less.” “I see. Short, but very meaningful.” “Exactly, Twilight.” “We’ve covered this aspect then. But what about more complex ceremonies, how are they performed? Marriages, for example.” “Well, a marriage is conducted by one of the arcemandri, but the social role of it is more important than religious, I should point out. The rite is assuring that any children of the couple shall be recognized as new members of a Family.” “Ah, I see. So it emphasizes a connection. Is it a mark of adulthood also, for example?” “No, no, nothing of sorts. It shows that two noctrali are very close, which is a natural assumption, but, mostly, it implies that they are willing to have offspring and that it shall be appearing in not too distant future.” “So it is an important rite for continuing a bloodline. Is it also a way of making a physical relationship approved?” “One could say that. Naturally, such contacts do happen before marriage, but they are considered quite unwanted. Especially if they might lead to conceiving a child out of ‘wedlock’, I think you say.” “What if it does happen? Is a child of unmarried ponies in a worse position?” “Why would we treat the little one worse for the deeds of parents? The chastising falls upon the couple.” “... are they punished somehow?” “No, but they are forced to enter a marriage immediately, for the child must formally belong to a Family. It is also a rather hurting... mark.” “Oh, a social stigma?” “Yes, that’s the word. For the rest of their lives.” : silence : “That’s a harsh penalty...” “Appropriate, if you ask me.” : silence : “... okay... Let us move on... Oh, how about you tell us what is the official opinion on relationships between two stallions, or two mares.” “Completely neutral. They happen, that’s all.” “But can those ponies marry?” “Why would they? They are obviously not going to have offspring.” “Maybe they want to make their relationship official? Show it to the community that they are taking this seriously.” “Marriage does not really serve this purpose, as I already said. Within our enclosed society, based on close family ties, we can easily tell if you have a coltfriend or a fillyfriend. And whether you are yourself the same gender does not mean one thing or the other. To give an example – Bright Crescent, haspadr of the Crescent Family has, since always, been in a relationship with another stallion from his peak, Crescent Light. And it is treated in a completely normal way.” “I see. But let’s go back to the ceremony itself – how is it conducted?” “At the local herame, as you might imagine.” “With close relatives?” “Yes. Parents, grandparents, cousins and so forth. Sometimes a Lord shall grace the ceremony with his or her presence.” “How big is the celebration then?” “Enough for two sets of relatives, usually. It has some symbolism and formulas to be repeated, so it takes a while.” “Can you give us some more details?” “Sure. It usually starts around midnight, as an addition to the normal prayers. We are always waiting for a cloudless night, so that it can all happen in the light of the Immaculate Moon...” “Oh? Are the shrines out in the open?” “No, no. But they are built in such a way that they can be illuminated. From what I know, it is a set of tunnels with mirrors in it, so that the Light of the Goddess can lighten the interior.” “Oh, clever. Is this setting needed in the ritual itself?” “Yes. The local arcemandr starts the ceremony by praying to the Immaculate Moon... for Her to shine down upon the couple. Then, he asks all of those present to witness that the Goddess Herself has picked the two noctrali to continue their bloodlines through Her silvery gaze. Then you have a long set of prayers for good fortune, guidance and prosperity.” “What marks the proper moment of marriage?” “A kiss, as you might imagine.” : giggle : “Not surprising.” “No, not really. But, the newlyweds use their wings to screen it from the gathered guests. Only the arcemandr is the witness. And the Immaculate Moon... of course.” “Oh? Why do it that way?” “Noctrali do not show affection towards their partners in public. We care for them deeply, but physical ways of expressing it, like kissing, or holding hooves, are reserved for moments of privacy.” “Intriguing. Is that forced by religious customs?” “It is more a social norm. It is in a way accentuating that the physical closeness with somepony we care about is something incredible enough to be kept private.” “Oh, that is intriguing...” “I guess we can appear ‘cold’, doing it like that, but it is something we have practiced for generations.” “I see. And in the marriage case, the priest is there to see if the two batponies really mean for their union to be real, I presume.” “Yes. You show your courage and will to continue your bloodline by doing something that you never do in front of others. And in front of a ‘stranger’, nonetheless.” “Very interesting. And what about your death rites? You said that you believe your ancestors are taken by the Immaculate Moon to the stars. Are your funerals conducted in a way to reflect that?” “Oh, yes. When a noctral dies of a natural, or unnatural cause, the close family gathers with an arcemandr at the herame. The body is brought there, covered in a black, woolen shroud. The arcemandr uncovers the head of the deceased and calls for the present to speak up, if they wish to. We believe that the soul of the dead noctral is still within the body and can hear our voices.” “Is that a ritual way of letting out any pains and grievances over the pony’s death?” “Yes. Or express our love for... one last time.” : silence : “... I understand. What happens next?” “The whole gathering, with the body on a special stretcher, goes through a carved passage from the herame to a semi-open overlook. There is a platform prepared there, on which you can place wood and the deceased.” “Ah, so it is a funeral pyre.” “Yes, a vital part of the burial. Every action conducted here has a meaning.” “Of course. Please, continue.” “Oh, I haven’t mentioned, this is the only ceremony held during the day.” “Really? It has something to do with the Judging Sun then.” “Precisely. It starts close to sunset, the time we believe the Judging Sun passes her stern judgment upon those that perished. When her scorching circle touches the earth, the soul of the deceased noctral stands its radiant trial. The platform is lit to symbolize that.” “Are you praying when this “trial” for the soul is conducted?” “Yes. We beg the Immaculate Moon... to save our brother or sister from the burning light he or she is suffering in the Peraure. This is how we call the illuminated, spiritual realm of the Judging Sun.” “How long do you believe this judgment lasts? Can you measure it in time?” “For the soul, it can be but a moment, or it might be a whole century... For us, those gathered around the platform, it is as long as the fire is raging. We wait for it to extinguish on its own.” “Can the length of the pyre burning be interpreted is some way?” “The arcemandr might judge on what does this particular length mean, but only if asked by the mourners.” “I see. Continue, please.” “When the flame is gone, we believe that the soul was saved by the Immaculate Moon... and so the arcemandr orders the stretcher to be taken from the platform and held at the edge of the overlook. Then the ashes of our beloved dead are committed to the winds. They take the spirit up towards the Argentee, the blessed realm of the Immaculate Moon... where our ancestors dwell. And when the soul reaches this sacred dwelling of our Goddess, a new star appears in the sky.” “Once more, I am amazed by the beauty of this vision... So, all of the noctrali are amongst the stars? You said previously, that the Immaculate Moon ‘decides who served her well’ and takes only those to her realm.” “The great Goddess is merciful and always sees good in us. But even She cannot overlook radiant, heinous sins, committed with cruelty and vile intentions. She can let the soul remain in the Peraure, in the burning light, for whole millennia. In the end though, She forgives all. I used this sentence you mentioned to make a distinction between a situation when the dead joins our ancestors quickly and when a longer judgment is suffered.” “Ah, I see... Thank you for this elaborate answer on your religious rites.” “Iau delec. My pleasure.” “And... I think we shall finish for tonight.” “Oh? You still have some questions there, I can see.” “I know, but it has been a long interview and I think we should draw a line somewhere.” “You might be right, Twilight. Well...” : hoofclap : “It was an utmost pleasure. I hope we shall have an opportunity to have another interview soon.” “I will be looking forward to it too! This was Twilight Sparkle’s interview with Midnight Wind, a... ‘noctral’.” “Very good.” : giggle : “Thank you. He proved once more that the batpony species are truly unique and their rich culture is a wonder to be uncovered still and still... Do you wish to add something, Midnight?” “Just a wish. May the blessing of the Immaculate Moon... be upon whomever you shall share this recording with.” “Thank you very much, Midnight.” : click : Epilogue: click : “-are you doing, Twilight?” “Listen, this is a tape I’m recording for myself only, Midnight. I have to learn one more thing tonight.” “Oh?” : chuckle : “Something not to be shared with the public? I wonder...” “Stop with this grin.” “I can’t help it. I am pretty sure I know what you are going to ask about.” “I listened to the first tape very carefully, many times. You weren’t joking at the end. That wasn’t a silly scare. That was genuine hesitation. And that can mean only one thing.” “Yes, noctrali do drink blood.” : silence : : silence : : silence : “You are real vampires then…” “Well, in this aspect, most certainly.” “Do you... do you need it to stay alive?” “No, no, no. It is consumed in a more of a... ritualistic fashion, I guess I could say.” “... you... you have blood rituals...? Now I am glad I didn’t ask about this in the interview...” “No, no, Twilight, it is nothing as grim as you make it sound.” “Not grim?! You are drinking BLOOD!” “We do that, yes. But you might want to allow me to tell all the details before you pass your judgment on us, Twilight Sparkle.” : silence : “... tell me everything.” “Naturally. As long as it remains for your ears only, Twilight. It is something extremely personal, blood-drinking. What should I start with?” “... have you ever drunk blood?” : silence : “No. Not yet, at least, I haven’t... But I shall tell you about myself later...” “... okay...” “Let me begin. All of the adult noctrali, no matter the gender, can experience something we call rubearu desader. That would translate to ‘red desire’ in Equestrian.” “Bloodlust.” “Yes, that is a surprisingly correct word in your language. Although you mostly associate that expression with rage and anger. Noctrali, on the other hoof, have a different base for our thirst.” “I... don’t understand.” “You see, we believe that blood holds everything that makes us who we are. Ver holds memories, dreams, hopes. All that makes us unique and one of a kind.” “... where are you going with this?” “To feel a ‘bloodlust’ towards another noctral is rare and many of us never experience it. I read about it, but even those that studied the topic, cannot pinpoint the cause of this phenomenon. But we all know what such desire means.” “What is it?” “Rubearu desader is the highest form of affection. It is a unity of souls, we believe, when you find that blood matching your own flows in somepony else.” “Wait... so it is love?” “More than that. It is undying loyalty towards another. You sometimes say that you ‘thought you loved somepony’. But when you feel the desire for blood of another... it is never wrong. You never get rid of it. You cannot, it is impossible. Also, you sometimes can love somepony who does not feel anything towards you. But the desader? It is never one sided.” “That... that is incredible. Such a strong bond? How can this be?” “As I said, even we do not know for sure why it happens. We just embrace it.” “You say it’s the greatest affection you can have towards another. Say you love somepony very much, will this... ‘red desire’ appear after a while?” “It often does, yes, but the lack of it is not something that takes away the beauty of love. You are truly blessed by the Immaculate Moon... if you find that you desire the blood of one you care about already.” “So it can happen without love too?” “Not really, since the great urge of being near another noctral and share blood pretty much feels like love. I would put it this way – you can’t have ‘bloodlust’ without love, but you can have love without ‘bloodlust’.” “Ah, I see. So... it really isn’t as bad as I suspected it might be... maybe...” “... ‘maybe’?” “You still didn’t mention anything about the drinking of blood itself.” “Ah, yes. Well, for us, fulfilling the desader is the peak of physical intimacy. It is even more satisfying than the tender moments between lovers. When both ponies sink their teeth into each other’s necks... I read it is like being in Argentee, by the side of the Immaculate Moon... while still living.” “I’ve never read about anything even vaguely resembling this. Such a powerful sensation sounds... impossible.” “Trust me, I am not lying.” “I believe you... I just have hard time imagining such a strong feeling.” “Never-ending thirst. That can be but temporarily sated with the beautiful, crimson torrent of ver filling your mouth...” : silence : “Forgive me, I might have described too much of a vivid picture.” “I-It’s alright. I have a hard stomach...” “No, you don’t. Once more, I am sorry.” “Really! I’m okay! So… you never experienced this ‘bloodlust’.” “No. Not even towards my beloved Dusk Stream.” “Do you feel bad that you never had?” “No, not really. We all would wish to find the rubearu desader and share in blood, but we know only some of us shall. But it is not something that makes us lose sleep at day.” “Then you claim that this ‘desire’ is nothing to be considered bad, or immoral?” “I can’t see it being viewed as ‘evil’, or ‘vile’, or 'twisted'. It is a shared, incredible bond. Still... I would really want you to make sure nopony else but you listens to this tape..." "Of course." "Good. For I told you about the most sacred and intimate bond that we can have in our lives. To say that you know the taste of one’s blood is to reveal a most private connection with another noctral. So... we do not really talk about this topic, even amongst ourselves, aside from sporadically mentioning its existence...” “I see... So... why have you told me all of this, Midnight...?” “First, let me have an answer. To a question I mentioned I shall have at one point during this night.” “... yes?” “Are you considered an Equestrian goddess now?” “Uhm... no, no I am not... Why...?” “Hmmm... No, this is not the cause then...” : silence : “... the cause of what...?” “Me wondering..." : hoofsteps : "... what is the taste of your blood...” : click : THE STORY CONTINUES IN Journey with a Batpony Part I: click : "Recording number two. This is Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, a batpony of Ponyville. Neskaza Lunee welae tuu noc illum." "Ah! And may the Immaculate Moon... lighten your night too, Twilight Sparkle." "I see you still bow your head respectfully every time you refer to your goddess." "And I hear you still remember my little language lesson well, your pronunciation is quite solid." : laughter : "Thank you. And I sure do remember it well. Even if it has been quite a while since our last meeting." "It was far, far too long, in my opinion. And many things have changed, haven’t they? Should I begin by bowing down, Princess Twilight?" "Please, Midnight, don’t. I am not really into all this etiquette... and I don’t think I ever shall be. I am still Twilight Sparkle, just like you remember me." "Oh, yes, I remember very well. The library illuminated by candlelight and the two of us." "Uhm... yes, exactly! But this time we are meeting in a different place, so first let me specify, for the sake of the recording. The location is Midnight Wind’s house in Ponyville." "A little, humble dwelling of mine, yes. Courtesy of your mayor." "It is really cozy, Midnight. If dark." "I am and shall always remain a 'night-dweller', you know." : silent laughter : "Before we move onto the questions, I would wish to know what you have been up to since the last time we talked, if that’s okay. We really didn’t have an opportunity to meet before tonight." : chuckle : "To be honest, Twilight, I think me asking you about what happened since our last meeting would make for a far more interesting story..." : laughter : "You might have a point, Midnight, but it is an interview with you, not me!" "Fine. But you shall tell me later if I am talking to an Equestrian goddess right now." : giggle : "I shall. So, how are you doing?" "Quite well, Twilight, thank you. As you might have spotted, I haven’t been around Ponyville too much since our interview." "Yes, I did learn that you left Ponyville about two weeks after we talked." "I wanted to contact you before I had to depart, but it was too short of a notice for me to do anything but to go straight to my headquarters. Official order." "It’s alright, I understand. But you came back about a week ago, you visited me on the same day." "Yes, so I did. I am now officially and permanently assigned to Ponyville area. And I am glad, I grew rather fond of this town..." "It’s wonderful, isn’t it? I was quite skeptic myself when I came to live here, but now I cannot imagine another place to be." "Understandable, with your friends living here also. I still miss iaa dileca Noctraliya badly though." "Homesick, Midnight?" "Like every noctral away from our lands, as you might imagine." "And you didn’t visit your homeland throughout these months?" "No, I didn’t have an opportunity, I was in Canterlot all this time. But I am managing, I kill the longing by focusing on my duties. And, when everything else was failing during those months, I was helping myself to the delicious supply of Ponyville’s apples, if our quartermasters managed to acquire those..." : giggle : "Oh? So you like our town mostly because of the food?" "Nonsense. I have far, far better personal reasons. Apples remain tasty nonetheless though." : giggle : "So, what was the reason for your stay away from Ponyville?" "Business of the Nocferrat. Did I tell you my purpose here in the previous interview?" "No, you didn’t. I listened to it at least twenty-seven times through the first month and I returned to it at least a dozen times lately, so I would recall you saying that." : silence : "... I'm sorry...?" "I think it might have been fourteen times during the last week actually, come to think of it. First time after we met and managed to set up the date of the interview, then the next day, right in the morning, then..." "Pardon for my interruption... why?" "Hmmm?" "Why did you listen to it so many times, before and now? Seems... overzealous." "Oh! I wanted to remember all of the details! You were sharing so much valuable information and knowledge! Besides, I love the way you talk about your race and country. I can tell you are very proud of your heritage and origins." "Ah, I see now... Interesting..." "... why do you have that look, Midnight?" : laughter : "Just a funny thought crossed my mind, it’s not important." "Oh, okay. So, what is Nightguard’s business in Ponyville then?" "Well..." "Wait, let me guess!" : chuckle : "Alright. Go on." "You... are planning to have an outpost here!" "W desat." "Pardon? 'Desat' means 'ten', if I remember the numerals you told me..." "Yes. This expression literally means 'in the ten'. I think your equivalent is 'bull’s-eye'?" "Oh! Yes, it is. So I was right!" "Yes, you were. The Nightguard wants to strengthen its presence, so that we can, alongside the Royal Guard, assure the safety of the population, in service of the Immaculate Moon..." "Just like before the Eclipse." "Precisely. Your mayor and my commander are still discussing the placement of the station and some logistic details. And those outpost plans are the reason why I had to be present at my garrison in Canterlot personally." "Why is that? Do you have something to do with it?" "Well... I am considered the leader of the future local squad." "That’s a promotion! Congratulations, Midnight!" "Thank you, it’s very kind of you..." : silence : "You do not sound too excited about it..." "Hmmm? Oh, no, I am rather happy. Maybe I’m just not showing it too well." "Is there something troubling you?" "Not really, no. I am just slightly tired with all this process of acquiring leadership." "I understand that this can be a bit straining." "Yes. I spent long, long hours preparing. Also, as a future head of the outpost, I already have reports that are to be sent to the Covenant quite often. Even if we serve under the Immaculate Moon... herself, we answer to the haspadri still." "Tons of paperwork?" "Not that much, actually. But the Nocferrat is also viewed as a testimony to Noctraliyau strength." "So you have to prove that you are doing your work properly." "Correct. Also, the Lords were asking about you quite often." "Oh?" "Yes. As you remember, you are considered a hero and the one who lead the saviors of our Goddess..." "I remember you telling me that, yes." "As such, the Covenant at least a dozen times asked whether you, or your friends, finally considered visiting Noctraliya..." "Oh my! I completely forgot about this proposition! But... wait, they could have messaged me personally! I would be delighted to exchange letters with them." "I don’t see that happening. You see, the Covenant is quite... how to say it... distrustful?" "Distrustful?" "Yes. Not of you, in particular, the fact that they allowed me to share information with you proves it." "You did mention that you normally don’t talk about yourselves..." "Correct. The haspadri just do not trust Equestrians in general. They never personally contacted anypony from here, aside from the Immaculate Moon... herself." "You do realize, Midnight, that it is not easy, welcoming batponies back into the society, if your leadership acts like they do. Are they posing for leaders of a secret organization? If so, I hope they quickly drop their attitude." : sigh : "I do see your point, Twilight. But, in my opinion, you visiting Noctraliya personally seems to be the only solution. To discuss the matter of greater cooperation between Equestria and our Lords. Would you consider such a possibility? The savior of the Immaculate Moon... would be listened to very carefully, you know..." "You might be right, it seems like a proper way to finish this impasse. I shall talk to Princess Luna about it." "Thank you, Twilight." "I suppose you had to come up with a lot of excuses for my lack of plans concerning this trip..." "It wasn’t too hard, really, considering the amount of weird situations you were entangled with quite often over these months. Ah, I should have started with it... you have the thanks of Noctraliya yet again." "Oh?" "Once more you brought our Goddess back to us. Night and day at the same time was a rather moving sight. May the sky never be shared like that again." "We are all glad we got Princess Celestia and Princess Luna back quickly." "You are truly an incredible mare, Twilight Sparkle..." "Oh... Thank you, Midnight." "You are masterful with your magic, you rescue Goddesses themselves... You even..." : chuckle : "... create vampires." "Ugh, so you heard about that. Yes, but it was just a mishap, you know..." "I learned this was the case, yes. I just think it was a pity I wasn’t around at the time. I guess you could have used this opportunity to make a pony-to-pony comparison between me and Fluttershy, the Kind in her bat form..." : giggle : "Some similarities were visible, you know." "Oh, I am aware of those. It is amusing, really. I thought one needs one thousand years of gossip to create a tale of such an incredible, fantastical creature and yet you created a living, breathing example that was pretty close to this legendary perfection. With one spell. Over the course of, what, two nights?" "Very funny, Midnight." : silent laughter : "Now, now, Twilight, don’t be mad, I just find it quite... ironic, I guess the word is?" "To some extent at least, yes. Actually, that matter intrigues me. Do you have vampire fruit bats in your country?" "Eternal praise to the Immaculate Moon... we do not. I heard that they help the trees grow stronger in the long run, but even one season of such an infestation would mean a disastrous famine..." "You do not possess a surplus in case of a ruined harvest?" "No. We already use every possible scrap of land, but our needs are too grand." "And you cannot keep fruit fresh for too long, no?" "Exactly. Not even the fruittenders’ caves under the orchards can keep supplies drinkable for a long time. It’s enough for us to survive until another harvest, but an actual storage? Impossible." "Do shortages happen?" "No, not really. Although they did in the past. I remember reading in the history books about a particularly vicious winter that struck Noctraliya a few centuries before our contact with Equestria. The blizzards covered the Dalli in snow and the frostbitten ground gave us no fruit. The consequences were... almost fatal." "By the Princess..." "Thanks be to the Immaculate Moon... it never happened again. Some of the chroniclers state that a manner of evil spirits from the north were responsible for the disaster, but they do not give more specific information... Alright, anyway, I think we wasted enough of your tape by now!" "Oh! No, no! Don’t worry, it has plenty of capacity. Besides, talking to you is never a waste! Especially not a waste of tape." : silent laughter : "Feeling better then. So, what do you wish to learn tonight?" "Actually, I am not alone tonight." "Hmmm? What do you mean? I don’t want to share those moments with anypony else." : laughter : "Stop with this silly grin! What I mean is – I took the pleasure of asking around Ponyville and gathering some questions from my friends so I can ask them alongside my own." "Ah, I see. Did you get a big number?" "Quite big, actually. I do not have to tell you, the whole town was intrigued with your presence from the very start. And you are still quite peculiar to everypony." "Tell me about it. I got my measure of terrified stares and quickly closed windows already." : giggle : "You should talk with Zecora then, she was in a similar situation once." "Oh, the lupule?" "Pardon?" "The witch?" "Midnight!" : laughter : "Forgive me, Twilight. A fruittender who specializes in herbal medicine in Noctraliya is called in such a way and your “witch” concept was the closest comparison I could think of." "Oh, I see! Still, not a kind way of referring to somepony." "I shall behave from now on." : giggle : "So, I figured out that if the rest of Ponyville is allowed to learn more about you directly, aside from what I gathered in the previous recording, everypony shall feel even more at ease with a “vampire” living around. Especially if you are meant to stay for good." "Fair enough. Although, I cannot lie, it pleases a noctraliu wampir to be a bit intimidating." "Maybe your appearance has such an alarming effect, but, in reality, you are nothing but nice and kind." "If you don’t mind, I shall take that as a blatant compliment." : laughter : "Alright..." : paper flicking : "... I put those in order. We shall start with those concerning you in person, then those about your race and country. Of course, we can do them in whatever way you wish, if that would make them easier to answer." "Ready for anything you throw at me, Twilight. Ask away." "Good, let’s begin! First, I have somepony who desires to remain anonymous." "We are off to a good start, I see..." : giggle : "Well, I find this question rather amusing, because I think I see the hidden... implication of it." "Do enlighten me." "Our unknown inquirer wishes to know whether you are married, Midnight." : silence : "I was." "Oh...?" "She died. Three years ago." : sigh : "Neskaza Lunee... risunae ad tue wiecn, iaa dilece." "I... I’m so sorry, Midnight. I... I had no idea, I didn’t mean to..." "It’s alright, Twilight... She is amongst our ancestors now..." "What happened to her...?" "An accident... Even though we know our mountains well, they can claim lives too..." "An avalanche...?" "Yes. She was venturing to the Iug u Waesper... the Mountain of Dusk, to visit her Family, when a rockslide came down. A warrior unit assigned to keeping the crossing clean found it blocked and proceeded to clear it... That’s when they found her... underneath." : silence : "I had no idea she was... dead. When she didn’t return for the day, I thought she stayed at her parents a bit longer. Or she just didn’t want to venture back on the same night, there were signs of an upcoming snowstorm. Next thing I knew was a messenger coming to me, bearing news..." "I... you have my sympathy, Midnight..." "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle... I just..." : snivel : "... I wish I was there... I wish I was there, digging through the rocks, even with my bare hooves. Maybe then... Maybe if the other squad had known somepony was underneath, they could have... Maybe she would still..." "Midnight... Do you want us to stop recording for now...?" "I... yes..." : click :
Part II: click : “Continuation of Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind. Although... we really don’t have to do this, Midnight.” “No, no, I want to continue, Twilight... I really do. I just had to... regain my composure.” :sigh: “Neskaza Lunee... I am ashamed.” “Ashamed? Why is that?” “A wampir... especially a nocferratan should never cry.” “Midnight...” “I am a warrior. Tears are not for warriors.” : silence : “Tears are for all of us.” : silence : “They show that we care. That we are not indifferent. That we love.” : silence : “And... I see that you loved her very much...” : sigh : “I did... You are right... Tears show how dear iaa dilece was for me...” “’My beloved’?” “Yes. My beloved. Iaa Waesper Strumiene. My Dusk Stream.” “That’s a beautiful name. What was she like?” “Her name was doing her justice. She was as mysterious as the first colors of night... and yet as joyful as the cold water of a mountain spring, wandering playfully amongst the rocks...” “You describe her in such a unique way...” “She was one of a kind, yes...” : silence : “I am sure Immaculate Moon found her worthy and took her amongst the stars, Midnight...” : silence : “I believe so too. Nevertheless... those words bring me great calm... Especially for they are coming from you. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.” “Don’t mention it, Midnight. I am glad that I can just be here for you.” “You help more than you think, Twilight...” : silence : “Well...” : sniff : “...I guess I wasn’t ready for everything after all. That’s one way to start an interview.” “Yeah...” “We can move on now.” “Alright. Maybe... maybe you can tell us something about your parents and relatives? I spotted a few questions about the Midnight Family in general.” “Oh, certainly. Where to start... We are one of the ruling Families, as I mentioned before. We live in Iug u Maednoc, Mountain of Midnight, one of the Seven Mountains located in the northern part of Noctraliya.” “I see. And your Lord? You said previously that you are his distant relative.” “Yes. Honored Lord Midnight Eye. If I recall correctly from checking in the Family’s archives, his grandfather and my great-grandfather from my father’s side were brothers.” “Ah, I understand. And... does your family have a ‘specialty’ of some sort? I remember you mentioned last time that the Shade Family has a substantial number of builders, for example.” “I did say that, but you also might remember that Family affiliations do not put us all in one, specific caste.” “Of course.” “Still, Midnight Family is known for having the most chroniclers and historians.” “Ah, so members of the “priesthood”, no?” “Precisely. My father, Midnight Whisper, happens to be an archivist.” “But you, yourself, ended up in the warrior caste. Like your grandfather, if I remember correctly, right? You mentioned him fighting in the last war.” “That is correct. News about me being picked for the army were received by my mother with a measure of dread. But she got over it after some time.” “And who is she?” “Her name is Garnet Hoof. She is a caretaker and, might I add, a most lovely mare.” “Oh? She is a manual worker then, being a caretaker?” “She cuts gems for the local mine, yes. I always enjoyed watching her work, I have to admit. She is very meticular.” “I think you mean ‘meticulous’, Midnight?” “Oh, yes, my bad.” “It’s fine. But, wait a moment, her name suggests she isn’t from a ruling family. Is that an issue? Your father married to a pony from a... lesser house, I guess one could say?” “She is from a local lesser lineage, yes. It is not a socially unacceptable or awkward thing. Although...” “Yes?” “The Lord of the Family can step in and object to such a relationship, having in mind the “purity” of the noble line, but it is a practically abandoned convention nowadays.” “Hmmm... Was that, throughout the history, a way of making sure that the Lord’s descendants have a proper lineage, without the addition of lesser blood, by any chance?” “Pretty much, yes. A couple of famous cases I read about. And then, there was this situation lately...” “Oh? Did a Lord stop a marriage?” “Yes. Azure Mist, the haspadre of the Mist Family.” “What happened?” “Her son wanted to marry a lowborn mare from their peak. And I think he didn’t take into consideration that, in the Covenant, his mother is known as the most stalwart keeper of tradition. Or maybe he thought that she will suddenly change her mind when it comes to some customs. Foolishness.” “So she said ‘no’.” “If only that.” “Was she that angered with him?” “An understatement. I don’t know the details, but... there was a rather grand turmoil within the Mist Family, after Azure Mist confronted her son. Strong acts, even stronger words. A rebellion became stirring, that’s what the news said.” “An open conflict between them?” “It was close to an uprising, yes. The entirety of Noctraliya was keeping an eye on the peak of Mist Family. But, not two days after the rift began to emerge, the mare that was the cause of the instability... disappeared.” : silence : “... what do you mean?” “Ewanecee w opari. ‘Vanished in mists’ as we say.” : silence : “Wait, are you actually saying...?” “That she got murdered? Well, let me put it in perspective... and explain that saying of ours properly at the same time. Azure Mist leads the majority of her Family in the noble art of subterfuge.” “... by Princess Celestia...” “It does not mean that the worst have occurred. To take the life of another noctral, personally or not, is considered one of the greatest crimes and sins, scarcely ever justifiable.” “So... you think that the mare actually lives?” “No telling.” “But what is the general opinion? Do you all think that Azure Mist ordered her killed?” “The haspadre is more clever than that. To make a blatant example out of the pitiable mare at the cost of her own good name was never her intention.” “So, what did she do?” “The uncertain fate of her son’s beloved is a trump card for her still. She gave him hope that the mare is still alive. So he remains obedient... for if he shall act against his mother...” “... he will seal his love’s fate... That... that is...” “Abominable, if quite clever. Officially, of course, Azure Mist had nothing to do with the disappearance and she simply convinced her son that this marriage wasn’t a good idea. But we all know what is really happening. Also, even if there is no evidence, there are rarely coincidences occurring if the Mist Family is somehow involved. And especially if there is no evidence...” “... the Covenant must have done something about all of this.” “Well, the remaining haspadri expressed their grand displeasure with the situation. Although there were, and still are, voices heard that the quick-thinking of Azure Mist stopped a looming rebellion within the Mountain of Mist, which would be an undesirable turn of events. Not to mention considered treacherous.” “And what did the Lords decide after they agreed that Azure Mist’s actions were too severe?” “Nothing.” : silence : “I don’t understand.” “This whole situation is an inside matter of the Family and Azure Mist has every right to conduct actions as she pleases. Nopony may object, as long as those acts are within the boundaries of her peak and the Mist Family territory. Noctrali under her rule must also remain obedient, no matter her decisions. And they did.” “But... but...” “Also, her deed wasn’t a blatant attack on the interests of Noctraliya, nor was it an act considered blasphemous against the Immaculate Moon... Those two situations allow other Families to intervene. Even if this particular decision was met with critique and animosity, it was neither of those cases.” “... I question this.” “I don’t blame you.” “This is wrong.” “It is, I agree. In my opinion, no matter what the haspadre shall make her son believe, the mare is dead. Both the Immaculate Moon... and the Judging Sun shall remember this. Especially considering that the ill-fated soul didn’t do anything wrong, her only ‘sin’ was falling in love with the son of a Lord.” “That’s not what I meant! Nopony did anything about this, aside from a faint ‘expression of displeasure’ from your Covenant?! Think about this for a second! Think about the poor family who lost a daughter!’” “What would you expect us to do, Twilight?” “I don’t know! Something! You can’t just leave it like this!” “Would it be better for us to break the precepts that kept our country running through centuries? Go to war over one life, even if it was unjustly extinguished, yet of which we have no certainty, breaking all the rules our society formed in order to preserve peace?” “No! I mean...” “Justice shall be served. In this life, or the next. The Immaculate Moon... shall see to it.” “... this...” : sigh : “... this interview is... harsh, so far...” “Agreed... Do you need a break...?” “Yes. I very much do.” : click : *** : click : “Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, recording recommencing after a short pause…” “Are you alright, Twilight?” : sigh : “Yes... I am. I’m sorry, I just... had to go outside. I needed a breath of fresh air.” “I acknowledge that the atmosphere got a bit... dense.” “Yeah... there are just... a lot of things I don’t understand about your country and your kind. And a lot of those I find... disturbing.” “I do understand you. Or...at least I am trying to fully understand. But, I told you already, Twilight. We are who we are. We are noctrali. With all our virtues and vices. And we shall not feel ashamed by it. I...” : silence : “I won’t feel ashamed by it.” “Midnight?” “I... Let us just go on with the interview, alright?” “Is something wrong...?” “Let us move on... Please...” : sigh : “Very well. We know about your parents. Do you have any siblings?” “I don’t.” “Is that uncommon? Actually, let me ask a general question. How are your families shaped usually?” “A typical noctraliu household is composed of parents and one, two children. Three happens sometimes. More than that is extremely rare.” “Why would that be? Oh... wait. Food is influencing that, yes?” “Correct. Our numbers, throughout the history, are quite stable. Population booms occurred only when we found new, more efficient ways of land cultivation. We just know that we cannot expect to possess too many offspring, for we wouldn’t be able to feed them.” “So it is a custom that was developed due to this situation... Do remind me to ask you something when we get to the part of the interview concerning your lands, alright?” “Of course.” “Now, I had a question here...” : paper flick : “Ah, here it is. ‘How did you get your cutie mark?’ Signed: CMC.” “CMC?” “Cutie Mark Crusaders.” “Wait... those three little fillies without their marks running around the place, by any chance?” “Precisely. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, who is Rarity’s sister and Apple Bloom, Applejack’s sister.” “Ah, so those are their names. I spotted them spying on me once before.” “Oh?” : giggle : “Why would they spy on you?” “I was patrolling the town one night, trying to find an efficient way around for future sentries. They were always behind me, around one corner or another. And they had a surprising amount of equipment. Binoculars and all...” : giggle : “Maybe they decided to become vampire hunters?” “They weren’t doing a particularly good job when it comes to a stealthy approach. Also, it was kind of late. Do you allow your children to stay up so long?” “No, but nothing surprises me when it comes to this trio...” : snicker : “Why the laughter now, Twilight?” “I came to think they might have just wanted to see Midnight at midnight.” : silence : “Sorry, couldn’t help it.” : giggle : : sigh : “Well, they could have just approached me, I would have answered at least some of their questions.” “Would you approach a vampire?” “A ‘nice and kind’ one like me?” : giggle : “So, how did you earn your cutie mark? It looks like three leaves blown in the wind and the Moon above them…” “That is exactly what that is. Many members of my Family possess the bright, midnight sign of the Immaculate Moon… for obvious reasons. And I earned it during my stay with the warrior caste, as you might guess.” “Finding your place amongst the community.” “Yes, like all of our young ones. I, personally, wanted to try myself in the advanced flying and scouting training while I was with the warrior caste. I felt that I might be good at it.” “I see. It involves more than just the knowledge about techniques of dealing with mountain winds, no?” “Precisely. Knowing how to fly amongst the peaks and fight snowstorms is a common thing among the noctrali, since we all go through that training. But the wampiri in our military forces know how to use those strong and unpredictable gales for tactical advantage. I cannot tell the details, though. Caste rules.” “Of course! Understandable. But, you found out that you are really good at executing those techniques, yes?” “Yes, I turned out to be a particularly crafty flier. I am not the fastest, but I know, intuitively, how to position myself so that the air movements affect me minimally.” “And that is how you ended up with the cutie mark.” “Correct, it was during one of the training sessions, when a particularly strong wind was blowing. My supervisor at the time, after seeing me deal quite easily with such a force despite my young age, decided that I shall be fit for active duty after I grow up. So I was assigned to the warrior caste, remained at the barracks, training and taking care of equipment. When I reached adulthood I officially became a scout for our peak’s armed forces.” “And when batponies decided to come back to Equestria, you were chosen for the Nightguard, is that right?” “Yes. Although it involved a lot more than just a random selection, like you made it sound.” “Oh, no, that wasn’t my intention.” “Fine then.” “So, I think this answers the Crusaders’ question pretty well, thank you. It is amazing how early you assign your children to fill social roles.” “Tradition. It makes them feel needed and teaches them that they are an important part of Noctraliya and our society in general. Actually, if I might express my opinion...” “Sure!” “I think if you had a similar assignment system in Equestria, those little ones would already have their marks. They look old enough.” “Perhaps. But don’t say stuff like that to them. They might decide on going on a trip to join one of the castes, or something.” “I do not see it ending well...” : giggle : “I will be sure to stop them, don’t worry. Another question: ‘If we can call you Midnight, how would we need to call other members of your family, if you all share that part of your name?’ Signed by Roseluck.” “Oh! Of course, a logical question. Let me explain. In Noctraliya you never abbreviate names, it is considered impolite.” “So you always have to use somepony’s full name?” “Exactly. Or, when talking to an elder or someone of revered status, you would need to say, for example... Oc u Rodine Maednoc. ‘Eye of Family Midnight’.” “So, Midnight Eye, your Lord.” “Yes. This is the most polite form, used as a sign of respect in conversations and letters.” “Alright. But, if it is considered unkind to say just ‘Wind’, or ‘Midnight’, why do you want to be called in that way?” “I spotted that Equestrians sometimes do that amongst friends. And when you wanted me to call you just ‘Twilight’...” “Oh? Oh! Of course, Midnight!” “There, you see?” : laughter : “Now, I have some little questions here... for example: ‘What is your favorite color and why black?’ Singed: Lyra Heartstrings.” : chuckle : “Is she prejudiced? I actually like dark blue the most.” “Another: ‘What do you like to do in your free time?’ Signed: Aloe.” “Nowadays, I spend my time learning about Equestria. Since I shall be stationed around Ponyville permanently...” “Do you enjoy reading in general then? You seem to know a lot from chronicles and history tomes.” “I do, yes. I guess it is thanks to my father. He showed me that knowledge can be a real asset. But I also spend a lot of hours practicing flying.” “I presume that it wasn’t your talent alone that got you amongst the Nightguard, but a lot of training as well.” “A correct presumption.” “So, are you able to fly as silently in Equestria as you claimed batponies can?” “In this aspect, I am definitely a mythical vampire, yes.” : giggle : “Good to know. Ah, Fluttershy wants to know if you have any pets.” “No, I don’t. Although I wouldn’t mind one. We often keep bats around.” “For communication, you told me that. Message carriers.” “Correct. But we grow fond of them so I guess they would fall under ‘household animals’ by your standards. We also have a number of bat-handlers amongst our warrior caste.” “Oh? Are the bats used in other ways in your armed forces?” “Not allowed to say.” “Oh, right, caste regulations. Sorry.” “No worries.” “I think that is all of the questions regarding you personally that I had for tonight, really. Would you like to share something more before we go on a break?” “No, I need to have those tiny bits of privacy left.” : giggle : “Alright then, time for a break.” “Fantastic! I got thirsty and there are delicious apples waiting for me.” “Then let me quickly switch the recording off. We know already how loud you can get whilst drinking and we wouldn’t want to gross everypony out again, hmmm?” “Tell me again, why am I even talking with you?” : laughter : : click :
Part III: click : “Second half of Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind. In this part we shall be talking about your lands and aspects of your country such as economy, or culture.” “With pleasure. But, I was supposed to remind you of something when we get to this part.” “Thank you, I almost forgot! I have another question beforehand, though.” “Sure.” “I found that there is another word used when we are referring to batponies in Equestria and I didn’t asked about this in the previous recording. A couple of questions I received used it also, so I have to know if it is a correct term to be used. ‘Thestral’.” : hiss : “What’s wrong, Midnight?” “Nothing much. I just got gravely insulted.” “Insulted?! Is this word so bad? I am so sorry, I had no idea, I—“ “Now, calm down, Twilight. I know you did not mean it. Actually, I don’t believe anypony means it...” “We are using it incorrectly and it’s an insult?” “Pretty much. I am glad you asked about this, maybe if a clarification is said out loud...” “What does this word mean actually?” : sigh : “Well, first of all, it is pronounced ‘thestral’. No Equestrian ‘th’ sound.” “T’hestral? Something like that?” “Yes, exactly. Now, like in the ‘noctral’ case the ‘tral’ part means ‘dweller’. Thes means ‘cave’ in the Eldu Noctraliyar, Old Noctraliyan language.” “A cave-dweller?” “A cavepony, simply.” : sigh : “Of all the words you could remember over our thousand-year-long disappearance, you remembered how to call us ‘primitives’. And vampires.” “We didn’t mean to!” : laughter : “Oh, I am aware. Also considering it didn’t have a negative meaning that many centuries ago.” “But now it does, yes?” “We are definitely more than cave-dwellers now, so it received that negative connotation over time. Actually, perhaps I should tell you the background of the noctral term, for this name replaced the thestral.” “Oh? Do you know its origin?” “Naturally. We all do. It is the name the Immaculate Moon... Herself gave us.” “Princess Luna? She named you? When?” “When She blessed our domain with Her presence the first time, not so long after Equestrian scouts met us.” “Thus your prophecy was fulfilled, I remember you saying that. Your goddess came to find you.” “Precisely. When the Covenant and the entirety of Noctraliya bowed before the Immaculate Moon... She referred to us as Her children. Those that dwell in the night, guided by Her mysterious light. Hence we became the ‘night-dwellers’. Noctrali. It overtook the previous term instantaneously.” “Fascinating! So it is like an honorary title to you, not only a name for the species.” “Ah, you understand then. Although we don’t mind when we are just called ‘batponies’.” “Just no ‘t-word’.” : chuckle : “Yes, no t-word, as you poetically put it.” : giggle : “So, we have that covered. I hope we shall soon learn to use the correct term.” “Please do so. You put our quiet politeness to the test.” “You have a lot of it then.” “We try.” “Now, that matter I wanted to discuss. My friend, Applejack, gave me an idea when I was talking with her lately. I mentioned that batponies enjoy the taste of apples and that you have those problems with the amounts of food.” “Not really ‘problems’, since we can gather sufficient amount to survive. But I know what you mean – the fact that we cannot have viable reserves.” “Exactly! So I thought – how about we supply you with some of our surplus? Equestria has enough orchards to send some of the harvest your way and—“ “Not happening.” : silence : “Why?” “The Covenant won’t accept a solution like that.” “But... what would be their reasoning? It would allow you not to worry about harsh winters, or vermin, or anything else affecting the amount of food you can gather, if you have supplies provided from an outside source.” “You presented the problem yourself.” “Did I...?” “You see, the haspadri would see such a deal as an act of submission. And not only them, all of noctrali would feel like that.” “Submission? But how... Oh, I get it. ‘Outside source’. You do not consider yourself a part of Equestria.” “Correct. Receiving ‘aid’ like that would be dishonoring in our eyes. But, I think I might know how to make it work, in accordance with customs.” “Customs? Do tell me.” “Tu braz, tu daz. An old saying meaning ‘You take, you give.’ Noctrali always pay back. Debts, gifts, you name it.” “Oh? You are morally obligated to do so?” “Yes. And more than that – to grant somepony an item without expecting at least something small in return is a way of deeply insulting the other party.” “Wait, let me think about it for a moment, I think I got it... Either you are making them know that they have nothing of value in your opinion... or that they are themselves unworthy of giving you something back, is that right?” “You indeed got it, Twilight.” “But, if such is the social norm, who is considered generous in your society? Because not somepony who does not expect a payback.” “An act of selfless help towards others is always appreciated, even if you, in a way, bind those you helped with a repayment. So a noctral who often lends a hoof has a respected position in the society.” “I see. And what about gifts? Do you need to give a lot of them away to be recognized as generous?” “No, it is slightly different. If you want to show your noble motivation, you should take whatever you received as a payback and leave it at the local herame as an offering.” “Herame?” “A shrine to the Immaculate Moon...” “Ah! A religious sacrifice.” “That’s right.” “So, you make it known that the gratitude should be shown to the goddess, not yourself. You make your open-hoofedness visible by removing yourself from the exchange, so to speak. An intriguing social standard.” “I can say the same about some of yours.” “True. So, what do you propose? Would the Covenant be intrigued in trading then?” “Exactly! Haspadri, if they would see profit from it, would accept a deal with Equestria. But as long as we would be treated as equals in the matter, not a weaker neighbor who needs help.” “I think we could arrange such a deal. All of this makes me want to ask about economy of your lands before we move properly to the questions I gathered.” “Sure. I will gladly tell you how it looks.” “Alright. So, how do you run Noctraliya?” : chuckle : “Well, since we were talking about food, let me start with that matter first. You see, the Dalli, which generate the entirety of our crops, are out of the borders of any of the Families, thus assuring none of the lineages has a hold over this crucial area.” “Reasonable, I would say, in case of animosities.” “We think as much too. All of the Families are able to freely send their fruittenders into this region. The food we gather is kept under the orchards, in caves. That keeps it fresh for as long as we can muster.” “Considering that the food supply is so scarce, is the price of it high?” “Price? For food? Unimaginable! It is rationed for free, for each and every Mountain.” “Ah! That makes a lot more sense. Are there any specific rules for splitting it, so that each Family has enough of it?” “Yes. I don’t know the specifics, it is the fruittenders’ discretion, but we never had a situation when a peak was unsupplied.” “There was never a mishap?” “No, it is too much of a crucial matter. From what I know, the caste is always double, even triple checking the amounts before redistributing them.” “Fascinating. And presence of ponies from each of the Mountains assures a just division, right?” “That’s the plan. Even if there happens to be a war between peaks, everypony is getting supplied.” “It must take a lot of discipline and organization.” “Another reason why fruittenders are so well protected and valued.” “I see. That sounds rather incredible. What about other goods? How does this look?” “Let’s start with the fact that, minus the food, each of the Seven Mountains is self-sufficient. Local caretakers make sure that we have enough clothing, furniture and so forth.” “There is no trade between the Families?” “Oh, no, no, there is. But those deals are more about... ‘quality of life’? Am I saying this right?” “I... think so... but can you try explaining what you mean?” “Sure. Hmmm... Say you want to buy yourself some clothing. For special occasions.” “Right, a formal wear.” “Yes. You go to a local tailor from the caretakers caste.” “Okay. Let me just use the opportunity to ask about something. What are the clothes made of? I think Rarity might be intrigued.” “Wool. We have a measure of sheep on the hali beneath our dwellings.” “’Hali’? Oh! Mountain meadows, by any chance?” “Yes, that should be the expression. Each peak has some fruittenders who specialize in herding.” “Are your sheep nocturnal?” “I don’t think a sheep’s mind can grasp a concept such as night and day, let alone choose to live only during one of those...” : giggle : “So, I have the tailor who has the wool.” “You will receive a good quality product, that will meet your requirements. But, if you seek something more, say a fancier pattern or a better quality material, you trade with the Dusk Family. They are famous for skilled herbalists, farmers and animal handlers.” “Ah, now I see what you mean.” “Exactly. Their peak is the closest to the Dalli, their meadows are greener and they know exactly how to prepare wool to make it as soft as possible. Their caretakers supply even the haspadri with their work.” “Alright, I get it. But let’s get back to me paying for what I got at my own peak, without trading.” “You negotiate the price with the caretaker.” “What is the currency I need?” “No, no, you do not use money in this situation. When you are dealing with a local, you do an exchange.” “Exchange? So the tailor can, for example, ask for some furniture...? Is that it?” “Or a performance, if you are a bard. Or to carry a letter to another peak, if you are a messenger. Or, if he himself desires to trade from a source from another Family, gems.” “Ah! Are specific types of them used in this payment method?” “Just pazn. Your word for it is ‘onyx’. We carve it into flat beads and use them as money, similar to your golden bits.” “I see. But only to deal with traders from another Family, yes?” “Correct.” “So a market based on exchange of goods and services in autarkical settlements... and a monetary system between the peaks. Intriguing.” “This covers the basics, I think... if I am right to hope that the strange word you used means ‘self-sufficient’.” “Yes, yes, exactly. Though, I think I would still want to know more. But, let us proceed to questions from others.” “Oh... Do we have to? Answering you is far more satisfying.” : laughter : “Yes, we have to!” “Oh...” : giggle : “First, Cheerilee is asking about education in Noctraliya.” “Our educational system is less developed than yours, I would say. For once, we do not have schools.” “Really? So... parents teach their children themselves maybe?” “Sometimes, yes. But most of the time local tutors from the priesthood are employed to take care of a group of children from a couple of households next to each other.” “Ah! Are they holding lectures in open areas, reserved for scholar purposes, by any chance?” “That is correct, usually plazas near local libraries. How did you guess?” “It is an educational format Equestria had once, before we formed our current system.” “I see.” “What kind of lessons are there? What subjects are considered most important?” “Well, you could divide it into five classes, using your terminology. First, reading and writing in Old and New Noctraliyan language. As well as some Modern Equestrian.” “You did mention that you generally know it, yes.” “Precisely. Then there is common knowledge, history of Noctraliya, religious dogmas and appropriate, social behavior and skills.” “What is ‘common knowledge’?” “It stretches from simple mathematics, through general understanding of alchemy, to lessons about nature surrounding us.” “Ah, exact sciences. Biology, chemistry and so forth...” “I wouldn’t be taking it so far, Twilight.” “Oh? You surely don’t mean to say that you teach just absolute basics...” “Actually, I do.” : silence : “Only primary level of exact sciences? Why is that?” “We tend to value work more than theory within our society. Only those that require higher education to fulfill their role in the society are granted it.” “So... it is not provided in any way otherwise? How can this be?” “Well, you can always learn on your own. Each Mountain has an archive where you can find treaties on topics that interest you, from medicine to physics and so on. But, even then those do not cover the... ’academic’, I guess I could say, level.” “Is that knowledge, what, hidden?” “To a degree, yes.” “Why? What is the reasoning behind this? Why keep the majority educated in such important matters like biology, or physics, on but a simple degree?” “Now, now, it is not like that entirely...” : sigh : “Let me use an example again. Mine.” “Alright.” “I received education and I read some books in the Maednoca Tabulre, our Family’s fabled library.” “Right.” “When it comes to biology, I know how my body is working, why are my wings formed like they are, why is my thirst so grand, how I can keep myself healthy... I also know how to treat common injuries, how to use basic herbs and so forth... But when it comes to operations, or more complicated treatments for illnesses, it is not my ... pre... prerro...” “’Prerogative’?” “Yes, that’s the word. It is not my prerogative to know about those. Higher level biology is only for the healers from the fruittenders caste. They have their own works and books, reserved for them.’ “So... you cannot even read anything about it?” “No. Caste rule.” “But... what if somepony will need an operation, for example? You do not know how to do it!” “I do not need to. This is what specialists are for.” : silence : “You are not going to tell me that, in Equestria, you expect every common pony on the street to try and save someone without proper training, just because he was able to read about how an operation should be conducted. Or are you?” : silence : “... that is... a surprisingly valid point.” “You see?” “But I still do not agree with keeping knowledge hidden for but a few chosen to possess it.” “A noctral is expected to do one job properly – his. We do not need him to study how all others are doing their duties. Also, we do not normally feel the urge to possess a high level of education if it does not help us serve the society.” “This is a somehow puzzling approach. But, I guess it covers the question.” “That is just how…” “... you are, I know... Let us proceed.” “Very well.” “Now...” : paper flick : “... I had a lot of ponies asking about your religion of the Immaculate Moon and the Judging Sun.” “Go on, I will gladly share what I know.” “I would like to start with the organization of it. Do you have a defined clergy?” “There are three groups of the priesthood caste that could fall under that word. Effiti, antasi and arcemandri.” “Are those forming a hierarchy?” “No, they all have different roles. Effiti are our diviners, those that pray to the Immaculate Moon... and receive visions and omens. Antasi interpret the prophecies and conduct all of the major ceremonies. And the arcemandri offer spiritual aid to those that need it while dealing with local matters like marriages or death rites.” “Even with those differences, are they still all grouped around the local herame? The shrine?” “Yes, each herame has a number of priesthood caste members serving in it. And then the greatest of our visionaries gather in the Tuarie.” “What is that? A special place of worship?” “It is more than that... I really should have mentioned it before, it is a crucial place for us.” “Please, tell more then.” “Of course. Full name is Tuarie u Piarweu Noc. The Sanctuary of First Night. It is located near the center of our dominion, carved in the mountain that the legends say first noctrali came out of, answering the call of our Goddess.” “Fascinating. Do continue, please.” “It is a place serving many purposes. First and foremost, it has the main temple of the Immaculate Moon... in Noctraliya. It is also a place of gathering during the greatest events, a trading hub between the Mountains and it serves as a meeting place for the Covenant.” “So it is your capital.” “No, no. You see, from your point of view it would be considered as such, but not for us. It is more of a holy place than an administrative center.” “Oh, that also makes sense. Your leadership is meeting where they are being firmly under the guidance of the Immaculate Moon, right?” “Yes, that is exactly the case. They rule, following Her, just like our ancestors followed Her on that First Night, we believe.” “Considering it is a holy place, what ceremonies are held there?” “Anything that is not appropriate for being undertaken in a local herame. A revealing of a grand prophecy or the beginning of the rule of a new haspadr. Or when the priests decide that a grand prayer to the Immaculate Moon... is necessary. Many times during the Eclipse we gathered there, believing that we can aid our ailed Goddess by our veneration.” “A prayer of the faithful healing a deity.” “All that was left for us in those dark times now, thankfully, passed.” “I will have one more question about religion, but I propose a break.” “Alright. But maybe a short one? We have already talked for some time, you must be tired, Twilight. Staying up so late by Equestrian standards.” “Oh, no, I am used to studying until late night hours. It’s nothing, really.” “You are more of a noctrale than I thought.” : laughter : : click :
Part IV: click : “Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, continuing part two after a break.” “So, you have that one more question about our beliefs?” “I found an intriguing question about some of your rites, yes. But something came to my mind during the break.” “You do know that you have a large rate of ideas per minute...?” “Oh, shush.” : chuckle : “So, you talked a lot about priesthood of the Immaculate Moon... Are there any priests of the Judging Sun?” “No! No, no, no, there never were any and there never shall be any.” “Why is that? She is a goddess too, she can’t have her clerics?” “The Judging Sun is a goddess, yes. More than that, she is the sister of the Immaculate Moon... But that does not change the fact that, while acknowledged, she shall never be worshipped. We serve but one Goddess, our Immaculate Goddess...” “But you mentioned before that you do not consider Judging Sun... Princess Celestia... evil.” “Because she is not evil. She is just an unforgiving and immovable deity. To worship her would be pointless. She cannot be placated.” “Only the Immaculate Moon can achieve this and soothe her, you said...” “Correct.” “So there are no ceremonies, or priests of the Judging Sun.” “Not even one.” “Alright, thank you...” : silence : “Seems that you are saddened by this.” “I just... I know Princess Celestia well... and she is not matching your beliefs, you know...” “To you, she might be a different goddess. Just like you perceive the Immaculate Moon... differently than we do...” “I guess you are right...” “You stay with your way, I shall stay with mine. I think this might be the best solution.” “Yeah, I guess... But now, a question that I have here, about your religious ceremonies. Can you tell us a bit about them? Do you have a said day that is considered holy? What about, for example, marriages and funerals? ‘Death rites’ you called them, I think.” “Let me start by saying that we do not have specific nights in the calendar for venerating the Immaculate Moon... We do so every night, by working and living under Her light.” “So you view your whole life as a way of praising your goddess?” “Correct. The herami are always open, if one wants to conduct a prayer. No matter the hour. Once a night though, usually around midnight, the local arcemandr shall hold a short ritual, as a form of thanking the Immaculate Moon... for Her divine guidance. You can take part in it, and many do so voluntarily, but you can pray whenever and it is not an obligatory thing to attend such service.” “How do batponies pray exactly? I remember you mentioned your ‘The Stars will aid Her escape’ prayer, for example. Do you have more of those formulas you use?” “There are a rather large number of prayers, yes, and many of those also have their melodies.” “Oh, so you have chants?” “Yes. And, let me tell you, you have to hear a choir performing some of them once.” “I might quite soon, you know...” : chuckle : “I do, yes. Aside from those, though, you can use your own words. You just have to assume a correct position.” “One reserved specifically for praying?” “Precisely.” : hoofsteps : “You have to sit down with your hind legs, extend your wings...” : swoosh : “... spread your front legs, like opening yourself to the light of the Immaculate Moon... and then raise your head towards the sky. This position shows your readiness to serve our Goddess and willingness to follow Her, no matter what She expects from you.” “Let me try.” : hoofsteps : : swoosh : “Is this correct?” “Raise your front legs a bit higher. That’s it.” “And then you start to pray?” “Yes.” : cough : “Neskaza Lunee... Tue illume iayi noci. Proda Tue wiecn.” : silence : : swoosh : “One of the shortest prayers. I use it regularly.” “What does it mean?” “In Equestrian... ‘Immaculate Moon... You lighten my nights. May I serve You eternally.’ More or less.” “I see. Short, but very meaningful.” “Exactly, Twilight.” “We’ve covered this aspect then. But what about more complex ceremonies, how are they performed? Marriages, for example.” “Well, a marriage is conducted by one of the arcemandri, but the social role of it is more important than religious, I should point out. The rite is assuring that any children of the couple shall be recognized as new members of a Family.” “Ah, I see. So it emphasizes a connection. Is it a mark of adulthood also, for example?” “No, no, nothing of sorts. It shows that two noctrali are very close, which is a natural assumption, but, mostly, it implies that they are willing to have offspring and that it shall be appearing in not too distant future.” “So it is an important rite for continuing a bloodline. Is it also a way of making a physical relationship approved?” “One could say that. Naturally, such contacts do happen before marriage, but they are considered quite unwanted. Especially if they might lead to conceiving a child out of ‘wedlock’, I think you say.” “What if it does happen? Is a child of unmarried ponies in a worse position?” “Why would we treat the little one worse for the deeds of parents? The chastising falls upon the couple.” “... are they punished somehow?” “No, but they are forced to enter a marriage immediately, for the child must formally belong to a Family. It is also a rather hurting... mark.” “Oh, a social stigma?” “Yes, that’s the word. For the rest of their lives.” : silence : “That’s a harsh penalty...” “Appropriate, if you ask me.” : silence : “... okay... Let us move on... Oh, how about you tell us what is the official opinion on relationships between two stallions, or two mares.” “Completely neutral. They happen, that’s all.” “But can those ponies marry?” “Why would they? They are obviously not going to have offspring.” “Maybe they want to make their relationship official? Show it to the community that they are taking this seriously.” “Marriage does not really serve this purpose, as I already said. Within our enclosed society, based on close family ties, we can easily tell if you have a coltfriend or a fillyfriend. And whether you are yourself the same gender does not mean one thing or the other. To give an example – Bright Crescent, haspadr of the Crescent Family has, since always, been in a relationship with another stallion from his peak, Crescent Light. And it is treated in a completely normal way.” “I see. But let’s go back to the ceremony itself – how is it conducted?” “At the local herame, as you might imagine.” “With close relatives?” “Yes. Parents, grandparents, cousins and so forth. Sometimes a Lord shall grace the ceremony with his or her presence.” “How big is the celebration then?” “Enough for two sets of relatives, usually. It has some symbolism and formulas to be repeated, so it takes a while.” “Can you give us some more details?” “Sure. It usually starts around midnight, as an addition to the normal prayers. We are always waiting for a cloudless night, so that it can all happen in the light of the Immaculate Moon...” “Oh? Are the shrines out in the open?” “No, no. But they are built in such a way that they can be illuminated. From what I know, it is a set of tunnels with mirrors in it, so that the Light of the Goddess can lighten the interior.” “Oh, clever. Is this setting needed in the ritual itself?” “Yes. The local arcemandr starts the ceremony by praying to the Immaculate Moon... for Her to shine down upon the couple. Then, he asks all of those present to witness that the Goddess Herself has picked the two noctrali to continue their bloodlines through Her silvery gaze. Then you have a long set of prayers for good fortune, guidance and prosperity.” “What marks the proper moment of marriage?” “A kiss, as you might imagine.” : giggle : “Not surprising.” “No, not really. But, the newlyweds use their wings to screen it from the gathered guests. Only the arcemandr is the witness. And the Immaculate Moon... of course.” “Oh? Why do it that way?” “Noctrali do not show affection towards their partners in public. We care for them deeply, but physical ways of expressing it, like kissing, or holding hooves, are reserved for moments of privacy.” “Intriguing. Is that forced by religious customs?” “It is more a social norm. It is in a way accentuating that the physical closeness with somepony we care about is something incredible enough to be kept private.” “Oh, that is intriguing...” “I guess we can appear ‘cold’, doing it like that, but it is something we have practiced for generations.” “I see. And in the marriage case, the priest is there to see if the two batponies really mean for their union to be real, I presume.” “Yes. You show your courage and will to continue your bloodline by doing something that you never do in front of others. And in front of a ‘stranger’, nonetheless.” “Very interesting. And what about your death rites? You said that you believe your ancestors are taken by the Immaculate Moon to the stars. Are your funerals conducted in a way to reflect that?” “Oh, yes. When a noctral dies of a natural, or unnatural cause, the close family gathers with an arcemandr at the herame. The body is brought there, covered in a black, woolen shroud. The arcemandr uncovers the head of the deceased and calls for the present to speak up, if they wish to. We believe that the soul of the dead noctral is still within the body and can hear our voices.” “Is that a ritual way of letting out any pains and grievances over the pony’s death?” “Yes. Or express our love for... one last time.” : silence : “... I understand. What happens next?” “The whole gathering, with the body on a special stretcher, goes through a carved passage from the herame to a semi-open overlook. There is a platform prepared there, on which you can place wood and the deceased.” “Ah, so it is a funeral pyre.” “Yes, a vital part of the burial. Every action conducted here has a meaning.” “Of course. Please, continue.” “Oh, I haven’t mentioned, this is the only ceremony held during the day.” “Really? It has something to do with the Judging Sun then.” “Precisely. It starts close to sunset, the time we believe the Judging Sun passes her stern judgment upon those that perished. When her scorching circle touches the earth, the soul of the deceased noctral stands its radiant trial. The platform is lit to symbolize that.” “Are you praying when this “trial” for the soul is conducted?” “Yes. We beg the Immaculate Moon... to save our brother or sister from the burning light he or she is suffering in the Peraure. This is how we call the illuminated, spiritual realm of the Judging Sun.” “How long do you believe this judgment lasts? Can you measure it in time?” “For the soul, it can be but a moment, or it might be a whole century... For us, those gathered around the platform, it is as long as the fire is raging. We wait for it to extinguish on its own.” “Can the length of the pyre burning be interpreted is some way?” “The arcemandr might judge on what does this particular length mean, but only if asked by the mourners.” “I see. Continue, please.” “When the flame is gone, we believe that the soul was saved by the Immaculate Moon... and so the arcemandr orders the stretcher to be taken from the platform and held at the edge of the overlook. Then the ashes of our beloved dead are committed to the winds. They take the spirit up towards the Argentee, the blessed realm of the Immaculate Moon... where our ancestors dwell. And when the soul reaches this sacred dwelling of our Goddess, a new star appears in the sky.” “Once more, I am amazed by the beauty of this vision... So, all of the noctrali are amongst the stars? You said previously, that the Immaculate Moon ‘decides who served her well’ and takes only those to her realm.” “The great Goddess is merciful and always sees good in us. But even She cannot overlook radiant, heinous sins, committed with cruelty and vile intentions. She can let the soul remain in the Peraure, in the burning light, for whole millennia. In the end though, She forgives all. I used this sentence you mentioned to make a distinction between a situation when the dead joins our ancestors quickly and when a longer judgment is suffered.” “Ah, I see... Thank you for this elaborate answer on your religious rites.” “Iau delec. My pleasure.” “And... I think we shall finish for tonight.” “Oh? You still have some questions there, I can see.” “I know, but it has been a long interview and I think we should draw a line somewhere.” “You might be right, Twilight. Well...” : hoofclap : “It was an utmost pleasure. I hope we shall have an opportunity to have another interview soon.” “I will be looking forward to it too! This was Twilight Sparkle’s interview with Midnight Wind, a... ‘noctral’.” “Very good.” : giggle : “Thank you. He proved once more that the batpony species are truly unique and their rich culture is a wonder to be uncovered still and still... Do you wish to add something, Midnight?” “Just a wish. May the blessing of the Immaculate Moon... be upon whomever you shall share this recording with.” “Thank you very much, Midnight.” : click :
Epilogue: click : “-are you doing, Twilight?” “Listen, this is a tape I’m recording for myself only, Midnight. I have to learn one more thing tonight.” “Oh?” : chuckle : “Something not to be shared with the public? I wonder...” “Stop with this grin.” “I can’t help it. I am pretty sure I know what you are going to ask about.” “I listened to the first tape very carefully, many times. You weren’t joking at the end. That wasn’t a silly scare. That was genuine hesitation. And that can mean only one thing.” “Yes, noctrali do drink blood.” : silence : : silence : : silence : “You are real vampires then…” “Well, in this aspect, most certainly.” “Do you... do you need it to stay alive?” “No, no, no. It is consumed in a more of a... ritualistic fashion, I guess I could say.” “... you... you have blood rituals...? Now I am glad I didn’t ask about this in the interview...” “No, no, Twilight, it is nothing as grim as you make it sound.” “Not grim?! You are drinking BLOOD!” “We do that, yes. But you might want to allow me to tell all the details before you pass your judgment on us, Twilight Sparkle.” : silence : “... tell me everything.” “Naturally. As long as it remains for your ears only, Twilight. It is something extremely personal, blood-drinking. What should I start with?” “... have you ever drunk blood?” : silence : “No. Not yet, at least, I haven’t... But I shall tell you about myself later...” “... okay...” “Let me begin. All of the adult noctrali, no matter the gender, can experience something we call rubearu desader. That would translate to ‘red desire’ in Equestrian.” “Bloodlust.” “Yes, that is a surprisingly correct word in your language. Although you mostly associate that expression with rage and anger. Noctrali, on the other hoof, have a different base for our thirst.” “I... don’t understand.” “You see, we believe that blood holds everything that makes us who we are. Ver holds memories, dreams, hopes. All that makes us unique and one of a kind.” “... where are you going with this?” “To feel a ‘bloodlust’ towards another noctral is rare and many of us never experience it. I read about it, but even those that studied the topic, cannot pinpoint the cause of this phenomenon. But we all know what such desire means.” “What is it?” “Rubearu desader is the highest form of affection. It is a unity of souls, we believe, when you find that blood matching your own flows in somepony else.” “Wait... so it is love?” “More than that. It is undying loyalty towards another. You sometimes say that you ‘thought you loved somepony’. But when you feel the desire for blood of another... it is never wrong. You never get rid of it. You cannot, it is impossible. Also, you sometimes can love somepony who does not feel anything towards you. But the desader? It is never one sided.” “That... that is incredible. Such a strong bond? How can this be?” “As I said, even we do not know for sure why it happens. We just embrace it.” “You say it’s the greatest affection you can have towards another. Say you love somepony very much, will this... ‘red desire’ appear after a while?” “It often does, yes, but the lack of it is not something that takes away the beauty of love. You are truly blessed by the Immaculate Moon... if you find that you desire the blood of one you care about already.” “So it can happen without love too?” “Not really, since the great urge of being near another noctral and share blood pretty much feels like love. I would put it this way – you can’t have ‘bloodlust’ without love, but you can have love without ‘bloodlust’.” “Ah, I see. So... it really isn’t as bad as I suspected it might be... maybe...” “... ‘maybe’?” “You still didn’t mention anything about the drinking of blood itself.” “Ah, yes. Well, for us, fulfilling the desader is the peak of physical intimacy. It is even more satisfying than the tender moments between lovers. When both ponies sink their teeth into each other’s necks... I read it is like being in Argentee, by the side of the Immaculate Moon... while still living.” “I’ve never read about anything even vaguely resembling this. Such a powerful sensation sounds... impossible.” “Trust me, I am not lying.” “I believe you... I just have hard time imagining such a strong feeling.” “Never-ending thirst. That can be but temporarily sated with the beautiful, crimson torrent of ver filling your mouth...” : silence : “Forgive me, I might have described too much of a vivid picture.” “I-It’s alright. I have a hard stomach...” “No, you don’t. Once more, I am sorry.” “Really! I’m okay! So… you never experienced this ‘bloodlust’.” “No. Not even towards my beloved Dusk Stream.” “Do you feel bad that you never had?” “No, not really. We all would wish to find the rubearu desader and share in blood, but we know only some of us shall. But it is not something that makes us lose sleep at day.” “Then you claim that this ‘desire’ is nothing to be considered bad, or immoral?” “I can’t see it being viewed as ‘evil’, or ‘vile’, or 'twisted'. It is a shared, incredible bond. Still... I would really want you to make sure nopony else but you listens to this tape..." "Of course." "Good. For I told you about the most sacred and intimate bond that we can have in our lives. To say that you know the taste of one’s blood is to reveal a most private connection with another noctral. So... we do not really talk about this topic, even amongst ourselves, aside from sporadically mentioning its existence...” “I see... So... why have you told me all of this, Midnight...?” “First, let me have an answer. To a question I mentioned I shall have at one point during this night.” “... yes?” “Are you considered an Equestrian goddess now?” “Uhm... no, no I am not... Why...?” “Hmmm... No, this is not the cause then...” : silence : “... the cause of what...?” “Me wondering..." : hoofsteps : "... what is the taste of your blood...” : click : THE STORY CONTINUES IN Journey with a Batpony
Part I: click : "Recording number two. This is Twilight Sparkle’s second interview with Midnight Wind, a batpony of Ponyville. Neskaza Lunee welae tuu noc illum." "Ah! And may the Immaculate Moon... lighten your night too, Twilight Sparkle." "I see you still bow your head respectfully every time you refer to your goddess." "And I hear you still remember my little language lesson well, your pronunciation is quite solid." : laughter : "Thank you. And I sure do remember it well. Even if it has been quite a while since our last meeting." "It was far, far too long, in my opinion. And many things have changed, haven’t they? Should I begin by bowing down, Princess Twilight?" "Please, Midnight, don’t. I am not really into all this etiquette... and I don’t think I ever shall be. I am still Twilight Sparkle, just like you remember me." "Oh, yes, I remember very well. The library illuminated by candlelight and the two of us." "Uhm... yes, exactly! But this time we are meeting in a different place, so first let me specify, for the sake of the recording. The location is Midnight Wind’s house in Ponyville." "A little, humble dwelling of mine, yes. Courtesy of your mayor." "It is really cozy, Midnight. If dark." "I am and shall always remain a 'night-dweller', you know." : silent laughter : "Before we move onto the questions, I would wish to know what you have been up to since the last time we talked, if that’s okay. We really didn’t have an opportunity to meet before tonight." : chuckle : "To be honest, Twilight, I think me asking you about what happened since our last meeting would make for a far more interesting story..." : laughter : "You might have a point, Midnight, but it is an interview with you, not me!" "Fine. But you shall tell me later if I am talking to an Equestrian goddess right now." : giggle : "I shall. So, how are you doing?" "Quite well, Twilight, thank you. As you might have spotted, I haven’t been around Ponyville too much since our interview." "Yes, I did learn that you left Ponyville about two weeks after we talked." "I wanted to contact you before I had to depart, but it was too short of a notice for me to do anything but to go straight to my headquarters. Official order." "It’s alright, I understand. But you came back about a week ago, you visited me on the same day." "Yes, so I did. I am now officially and permanently assigned to Ponyville area. And I am glad, I grew rather fond of this town..." "It’s wonderful, isn’t it? I was quite skeptic myself when I came to live here, but now I cannot imagine another place to be." "Understandable, with your friends living here also. I still miss iaa dileca Noctraliya badly though." "Homesick, Midnight?" "Like every noctral away from our lands, as you might imagine." "And you didn’t visit your homeland throughout these months?" "No, I didn’t have an opportunity, I was in Canterlot all this time. But I am managing, I kill the longing by focusing on my duties. And, when everything else was failing during those months, I was helping myself to the delicious supply of Ponyville’s apples, if our quartermasters managed to acquire those..." : giggle : "Oh? So you like our town mostly because of the food?" "Nonsense. I have far, far better personal reasons. Apples remain tasty nonetheless though." : giggle : "So, what was the reason for your stay away from Ponyville?" "Business of the Nocferrat. Did I tell you my purpose here in the previous interview?" "No, you didn’t. I listened to it at least twenty-seven times through the first month and I returned to it at least a dozen times lately, so I would recall you saying that." : silence : "... I'm sorry...?" "I think it might have been fourteen times during the last week actually, come to think of it. First time after we met and managed to set up the date of the interview, then the next day, right in the morning, then..." "Pardon for my interruption... why?" "Hmmm?" "Why did you listen to it so many times, before and now? Seems... overzealous." "Oh! I wanted to remember all of the details! You were sharing so much valuable information and knowledge! Besides, I love the way you talk about your race and country. I can tell you are very proud of your heritage and origins." "Ah, I see now... Interesting..." "... why do you have that look, Midnight?" : laughter : "Just a funny thought crossed my mind, it’s not important." "Oh, okay. So, what is Nightguard’s business in Ponyville then?" "Well..." "Wait, let me guess!" : chuckle : "Alright. Go on." "You... are planning to have an outpost here!" "W desat." "Pardon? 'Desat' means 'ten', if I remember the numerals you told me..." "Yes. This expression literally means 'in the ten'. I think your equivalent is 'bull’s-eye'?" "Oh! Yes, it is. So I was right!" "Yes, you were. The Nightguard wants to strengthen its presence, so that we can, alongside the Royal Guard, assure the safety of the population, in service of the Immaculate Moon..." "Just like before the Eclipse." "Precisely. Your mayor and my commander are still discussing the placement of the station and some logistic details. And those outpost plans are the reason why I had to be present at my garrison in Canterlot personally." "Why is that? Do you have something to do with it?" "Well... I am considered the leader of the future local squad." "That’s a promotion! Congratulations, Midnight!" "Thank you, it’s very kind of you..." : silence : "You do not sound too excited about it..." "Hmmm? Oh, no, I am rather happy. Maybe I’m just not showing it too well." "Is there something troubling you?" "Not really, no. I am just slightly tired with all this process of acquiring leadership." "I understand that this can be a bit straining." "Yes. I spent long, long hours preparing. Also, as a future head of the outpost, I already have reports that are to be sent to the Covenant quite often. Even if we serve under the Immaculate Moon... herself, we answer to the haspadri still." "Tons of paperwork?" "Not that much, actually. But the Nocferrat is also viewed as a testimony to Noctraliyau strength." "So you have to prove that you are doing your work properly." "Correct. Also, the Lords were asking about you quite often." "Oh?" "Yes. As you remember, you are considered a hero and the one who lead the saviors of our Goddess..." "I remember you telling me that, yes." "As such, the Covenant at least a dozen times asked whether you, or your friends, finally considered visiting Noctraliya..." "Oh my! I completely forgot about this proposition! But... wait, they could have messaged me personally! I would be delighted to exchange letters with them." "I don’t see that happening. You see, the Covenant is quite... how to say it... distrustful?" "Distrustful?" "Yes. Not of you, in particular, the fact that they allowed me to share information with you proves it." "You did mention that you normally don’t talk about yourselves..." "Correct. The haspadri just do not trust Equestrians in general. They never personally contacted anypony from here, aside from the Immaculate Moon... herself." "You do realize, Midnight, that it is not easy, welcoming batponies back into the society, if your leadership acts like they do. Are they posing for leaders of a secret organization? If so, I hope they quickly drop their attitude." : sigh : "I do see your point, Twilight. But, in my opinion, you visiting Noctraliya personally seems to be the only solution. To discuss the matter of greater cooperation between Equestria and our Lords. Would you consider such a possibility? The savior of the Immaculate Moon... would be listened to very carefully, you know..." "You might be right, it seems like a proper way to finish this impasse. I shall talk to Princess Luna about it." "Thank you, Twilight." "I suppose you had to come up with a lot of excuses for my lack of plans concerning this trip..." "It wasn’t too hard, really, considering the amount of weird situations you were entangled with quite often over these months. Ah, I should have started with it... you have the thanks of Noctraliya yet again." "Oh?" "Once more you brought our Goddess back to us. Night and day at the same time was a rather moving sight. May the sky never be shared like that again." "We are all glad we got Princess Celestia and Princess Luna back quickly." "You are truly an incredible mare, Twilight Sparkle..." "Oh... Thank you, Midnight." "You are masterful with your magic, you rescue Goddesses themselves... You even..." : chuckle : "... create vampires." "Ugh, so you heard about that. Yes, but it was just a mishap, you know..." "I learned this was the case, yes. I just think it was a pity I wasn’t around at the time. I guess you could have used this opportunity to make a pony-to-pony comparison between me and Fluttershy, the Kind in her bat form..." : giggle : "Some similarities were visible, you know." "Oh, I am aware of those. It is amusing, really. I thought one needs one thousand years of gossip to create a tale of such an incredible, fantastical creature and yet you created a living, breathing example that was pretty close to this legendary perfection. With one spell. Over the course of, what, two nights?" "Very funny, Midnight." : silent laughter : "Now, now, Twilight, don’t be mad, I just find it quite... ironic, I guess the word is?" "To some extent at least, yes. Actually, that matter intrigues me. Do you have vampire fruit bats in your country?" "Eternal praise to the Immaculate Moon... we do not. I heard that they help the trees grow stronger in the long run, but even one season of such an infestation would mean a disastrous famine..." "You do not possess a surplus in case of a ruined harvest?" "No. We already use every possible scrap of land, but our needs are too grand." "And you cannot keep fruit fresh for too long, no?" "Exactly. Not even the fruittenders’ caves under the orchards can keep supplies drinkable for a long time. It’s enough for us to survive until another harvest, but an actual storage? Impossible." "Do shortages happen?" "No, not really. Although they did in the past. I remember reading in the history books about a particularly vicious winter that struck Noctraliya a few centuries before our contact with Equestria. The blizzards covered the Dalli in snow and the frostbitten ground gave us no fruit. The consequences were... almost fatal." "By the Princess..." "Thanks be to the Immaculate Moon... it never happened again. Some of the chroniclers state that a manner of evil spirits from the north were responsible for the disaster, but they do not give more specific information... Alright, anyway, I think we wasted enough of your tape by now!" "Oh! No, no! Don’t worry, it has plenty of capacity. Besides, talking to you is never a waste! Especially not a waste of tape." : silent laughter : "Feeling better then. So, what do you wish to learn tonight?" "Actually, I am not alone tonight." "Hmmm? What do you mean? I don’t want to share those moments with anypony else." : laughter : "Stop with this silly grin! What I mean is – I took the pleasure of asking around Ponyville and gathering some questions from my friends so I can ask them alongside my own." "Ah, I see. Did you get a big number?" "Quite big, actually. I do not have to tell you, the whole town was intrigued with your presence from the very start. And you are still quite peculiar to everypony." "Tell me about it. I got my measure of terrified stares and quickly closed windows already." : giggle : "You should talk with Zecora then, she was in a similar situation once." "Oh, the lupule?" "Pardon?" "The witch?" "Midnight!" : laughter : "Forgive me, Twilight. A fruittender who specializes in herbal medicine in Noctraliya is called in such a way and your “witch” concept was the closest comparison I could think of." "Oh, I see! Still, not a kind way of referring to somepony." "I shall behave from now on." : giggle : "So, I figured out that if the rest of Ponyville is allowed to learn more about you directly, aside from what I gathered in the previous recording, everypony shall feel even more at ease with a “vampire” living around. Especially if you are meant to stay for good." "Fair enough. Although, I cannot lie, it pleases a noctraliu wampir to be a bit intimidating." "Maybe your appearance has such an alarming effect, but, in reality, you are nothing but nice and kind." "If you don’t mind, I shall take that as a blatant compliment." : laughter : "Alright..." : paper flicking : "... I put those in order. We shall start with those concerning you in person, then those about your race and country. Of course, we can do them in whatever way you wish, if that would make them easier to answer." "Ready for anything you throw at me, Twilight. Ask away." "Good, let’s begin! First, I have somepony who desires to remain anonymous." "We are off to a good start, I see..." : giggle : "Well, I find this question rather amusing, because I think I see the hidden... implication of it." "Do enlighten me." "Our unknown inquirer wishes to know whether you are married, Midnight." : silence : "I was." "Oh...?" "She died. Three years ago." : sigh : "Neskaza Lunee... risunae ad tue wiecn, iaa dilece." "I... I’m so sorry, Midnight. I... I had no idea, I didn’t mean to..." "It’s alright, Twilight... She is amongst our ancestors now..." "What happened to her...?" "An accident... Even though we know our mountains well, they can claim lives too..." "An avalanche...?" "Yes. She was venturing to the Iug u Waesper... the Mountain of Dusk, to visit her Family, when a rockslide came down. A warrior unit assigned to keeping the crossing clean found it blocked and proceeded to clear it... That’s when they found her... underneath." : silence : "I had no idea she was... dead. When she didn’t return for the day, I thought she stayed at her parents a bit longer. Or she just didn’t want to venture back on the same night, there were signs of an upcoming snowstorm. Next thing I knew was a messenger coming to me, bearing news..." "I... you have my sympathy, Midnight..." "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle... I just..." : snivel : "... I wish I was there... I wish I was there, digging through the rocks, even with my bare hooves. Maybe then... Maybe if the other squad had known somepony was underneath, they could have... Maybe she would still..." "Midnight... Do you want us to stop recording for now...?" "I... yes..." : click :
