Journey with a Batpony

The next night came quickly and quietly, and Twilight greeted it with a smile.

She knew that she would have to leave the Mountain of Dusk earlier than planned, yes, but she was already leaving it much better than she had found it. And that was giving her an incredible boost of confidence. Not every day, or every night, did one save the breadbasket of a country from an ancient spirit and then repaired a noble marriage.

And yes, Twilight was heading out to deal with another, potential crisis. But she couldn’t continue to worry about everything all the time, she had to take her time to celebrate her achievements. More achievements in these exotic lands, if she could vaingloriously point that out before herself.

The meal she was offered that evening was more than decent, in preparation for departure, but also had some additional honey and assortment of various fruit, which Twilight associated with her yesternight’s actions. Those that led to a rather… well, passionate reunion of the Dusks’ leadership, if the ‘wind’ was telling it correctly.

And speaking of wind, Midnight appeared at her door just as she finished eating, bringing news that, with Rowan Berry overseeing it, the servants would be taking care of the luggage in a few moments.

“I have a feeling they were looking at me a little strangely, but at this point I am uncertain whether it is due to the Lesy situation, yesternight or anything else,” the stallion pointed out as he sat by Twilight’s table for a moment, checking his armor. “Perhaps I just look dashing once again, now that my wing isn’t in a sorry state.”

Twilight chuckled, rolling her eyes a little. “I do see that you are feeling much better. Also, you looked quite happy having ‘contained’ the sentinel on the floor below, yesternight. Did he hear the Lord and wanted to trot up to check on him?”

“Very much so,” Midnight admitted with a fanged grin. “I gave him a chance to stop on his own, but he was adamant. I mean – good for him, loyalty like this is appreciated, especially when you are ready to clash with a Nightguardian over it. But a proper block, shove, and then a few stern words were enough to get him to stay put.”

“Good, though I hope you didn’t do too much or, you know, insult his dignity as a wartownec,” Twilight remarked, but the warrior just shook his head.

“Trust me, when it comes to these things, we are a tough bunch, a few firm words isn’t enough to get us to keel over or nurse a grudge. Otherwise I would have to plot revenge on most of my trainers and commanding officers,” he explained with the self-assured expression of a stallion. “I mean… He saw the results in the end. Heard them too. Ab Bogine, I wasn’t expecting that and I almost burst out laughing. In a respectful way, of course.”

“I mean… it was the wind, right?” Twilight reminded him, but she knew better even if he solemnly nodded at her words. “I’m… well, I am not necessarily surprised, though I wasn’t expecting the Lord to suddenly… you know. It seemed… almost unlike him.”

“That ‘s very true, with him constantly looking down and stammering through every sentence,” Midnight replied, though in a tone that was stating facts rather than mocking anypony. “Though, you know… Despite what sort of an oger he is and the rift keeping them apart for long, certain things just… are there, right under the surface. Gathering, bubbling up, waiting very impatiently…”

Twilight nodded, as that was her thinking too. Almost unfortunate thinking, as she had to try and avoid focusing on, well, her own ‘things’ being there. Truth be told, there was a dosage of… envy in her, regarding yesternight’s happenings.

“I’m surprised just how deep did the Honored Lord complexes lie,” she commented, trying to distract herself a little. Though she realized that her choice still had her dwell on the topic. “I mean, with having a mare like Dusk Flight as a wife? And gifting him with such love and loyalty? Did you hear what she was saying?”

“I did, with both of them. Though, you know, I am pretending that I didn’t. That being said, you’ve pushed them quite a lot, to reveal the right secrets,” Midnight commented, leaning on the table a little, and with a sly smirk no less. “You cruel mare, you.”

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smile of her own. “I’m not sure if you are teasing me or actually enjoying the prospect of me possessing such a quality.”

“Cannot it be both?” the stallion remarked, giving her a wink. “You are unique in how kind and generous you are. But I must say that I find the certain cunning you are developing at this point to be most gripping.”

“Charmer,” Twilight remarked, waving her hoof at him, though it was mostly to distract him from her face, which was becoming a little reddened. “Although, I cannot deny that it worked splendidly. And I have myself to praise for it,” she teased back.

Especially when she decided to turn in place, with her head held as high as she remembered Lord Consort Midnight Iris doing it. Not to mention that she had just tried to put on that haughty accent that she had heard enough at the Mountain of Midnight.

The very member of that bloodline chuckled heartily hearing it and stood up from the table. “As I said – a cruel mare,” he commented in a way that was as loving as wistful, actually. He wanted to say more, but closed his mouth before that.

“… what’s wrong?” Twilight asked outright, dropping the vain pretense and stepping closer.

“It’s… I mean, it’s silly but not,” Midnight told her, looking deep into her eyes with a sad smile. “Do you have any idea how envious I am of the Lord and Lord Consort right now? I would want the ‘wind’ to sing about us, once again…”

Twilight had an idea about that. She had that idea for a while now, just keeping it contained with everything going on. But the last nights? Yes, they managed to remind her of some things and, what was more important, push back those dark memories about the Count Brother’s maddened advances. What was more important – Twilight realized that this wasn’t mere teasing from Midnight. This was serious, as serious as she could remember their previous conversations about the future. And the sheer notion that there could be a future, well… it was making her heart aflutter anew.

But she remembered what he had told her. And she remembered what she had promised him in return, so she approached the topic with seriousness and solemnity.

“But you are reluctant, Midnight. Because we still need to talk, like you wanted. This is that uncertainty in you.”

“Yes. And believe me, that is the only reason,” the stallion replied, and honesty was oozing from his words. “After what we had just been through? What happened at the Iug u Kwadr? Challenging the Lesy, though we don’t know recall the details? Yesternight? Twilight, my body is boiling for you and my mind is aflame,” he declared with intent which was making him show his fangs in a predatory and loving fashion. “But I need to withstand it, and I shall. So that first there is nothing more between us, no wall and no veil.”

“After everything… Yes, I still most appreciate that,” Twilight stated and encouraged him simultaneously.

“I’m glad. And so the last few nights were a torture, for my mind is made up and won’t change, and the fact that I need to wait is…” Midnight told her, shaking his head. “Perhaps this is what I need to suffer through yet, because I was an idiot earlier,” he berated himself, then straightened up and met Twilight’s gaze with firmness that soon filled his declaration. “So… we go to the Mountain of Sunfall. You are greeted, invited to a feast… if they even will offer anything like that,” he clearly allowed himself the comment.

“I expect at least one bowl,” she remarked in reply, to which the stallion chuckled sourly.

“I suppose that’s just enough to anticipate from those asketi… Regardless – you are inquired about what happened here. And then, promise me, please…” he paused, deliberately, to give his words weight. “Let us meet at their shrine. They surely won’t be against you showing respect to the Goddess there, quite the opposite if it is presented properly. And then I tell you everything, all that is weighing on my heart.” He stopped, closing his eyes briefly. A shudder passed through him, some remnant of doubt and fear over the prospect. “In the confines of the nave, in a hushed voice, so that you know of what’s rotting inside me. And Bogine Herself shall be my witness, when I unburden myself of it all.”

Twilight nodded solemnly, recognizing the importance of such a declaration, and feeling proud of Midnight that he had had this change of heart from his previous, conspiratorial ways.

“Of course. That will happen, I promise,” she swore.

Hoping that the entire situation at the Mountain won’t make it impossible. It depended on the seriousness of Lord Sunfall Word’s condition, of course. Actually, Twilight considered whether a possibility of presenting her visit to the shrine could be wreathed with an intent to pray for the haspadr’s health and survival. But… that felt very distasteful in her mouth. Unless, of course, she would really do so, which she wasn’t entirely opposed to. There was nothing wrong with offering supplications like that, especially in a good cause. It wouldn’t hurt, at least, even if it would not be entirely helpful…

Besides, there was something about Noctraliya after all, wasn’t there? Something mystical, beneath the shrines, the silver on the altars, the prayers, and even the fonts of magic which were granting prophetic visions through sheer arcane power. Something resonating with every denizen and even with her. Something…

… echoing…

She blinked. The thought felt almost intrusive, as a strange clanging sound and then a manifold whisper spoke it in her mind. But she dispersed the notion a moment later, catching Midnight smiling and nodding at her recent promise.

“Thank you, Twilight, I mean that. And… I need this. We need this, if there is to be a chance at ‘we’,” he revealed, looking uncertain about mentioning it, however. “Unless, of course, you… I mean…”

“You do know that I would like that very much, no?” she told him, in accordance with her heart. “Yes, there’s a lot to digest and… you’ve warned me that you want to touch upon more yet. I will keep all options open, but… that does not mean that I cannot prefer some of them, you know?”

“Yes, I understand. Same here, obviously,” Midnight admitted with a sad smile. “But… I leave the choice in your hooves, in entirety. I don’t want you to be pressured into making whatever decision. I will… I will humbly accept everything and anything. This is the only way I can do good by you.”

That was the profound end of that particular conversation, as soon after Rowan Berry appeared at the threshold, with servants in tow. Since everything was prepared and the transport had been organized, there was no reason to delay, and so Twilight locked her thoughts and desires in her heart and prepared for other challenges.

Well, the first one wasn’t really a challenge, as she was about to meet the send-off committee. Which this time meant both Lord Dusk Harvest and Lord Consort Dusk Flight, and the moment that Twilight’s eyes landed on the pair, which was awaiting her in the open cavern that housed her transport, she could tell that things had changed and had done so profoundly.

For they were standing together, finally.

Not next to each other, but together. The Lord Consort’s presence, already otherworldly, was practically beaming with that daunting power of confidence and underlying happiness. It was hard to describe how a dark, lithe figure like hers, charming stares and robbing of breaths, could also fill one with so much joy and hope with her sheer attendance.

And the Honored Lord himself? Twilight had to look again to make sure she was witnessing the same pony. Of course, his regalia, ensemble and his features hadn’t changed, but the way his goldenrod eyes were shining, especially when he was glancing at his wife? That stance, which had been ever so uncertain and skittish gaining that little bit of confidence? Even the way that he reached out to Blossom, who was flying from one to the other batpony, perching on their shoulders, it all spoke of a shift that had happened after yesternight.

And when Dusk Harvest’s gaze landed on Twilight, he greeted her with a smile that she had never before seen from him, and one filled to the brim with fanged gratitude.

“Hwalba knaze, N-Neskaza Lunee… welae tueu n-noc illum,” he offered the traditional greeting in a clear voice, nodding with just that little bit of his usual, fidgety energy.

“I welae Neskaza Lunee… illum tuyiu noc tez, hwalbu haspadr, hwalba haspadre hitve,” Twilight replied in kind, including the Lord Consort. And Blossom, who gave her a little, bat bow of her own. “I’m honored you are here to see me off.”

“How could we not be?” the noblemare responded, with a thankful expression that nearly melted Twilight’s heart. “I feel like we would both need to declare ourselves in your debt yet again,” she pointed out, glancing at her husband who agreed without delay.

“Yes, w-without a doubt. For yesternight, w-we wish to thank y-you from the bottom of o-our hearts,” he spoke. Was it Twilight, or was his stammer a little better already? “You’ve done s-so much in the space of b-but a couple of n-nights. The Goddess is w-with you, hwalba knaze, let nopony c-contest that.”

“I hope Her blessings shall be with you now, actually,” Twilight expressed the wish and was somewhat convinced that it would come to pass. “I think the two of you were long overdue some conversations, the open ones. And some good things to come to your lives.”

“You are very right, on both accounts,” the Lord Consort admitted with a knowing expression, and the Lord agreed with that, too.

“I suppose it w-would help in c-conversing if I didn’t have this p-problem,” he stated in a tone that could very well be considered jocular, especially as he pointed at his own mouth. “Th-thankfully, I do have another way of c-communicating what I t-truly feel towards my w-wife. And I a-am planning on l-leaning into that for some t-time, now that certain m-matters are finally clear, B-Bogine grata.”

Twilight reminded herself that the Dalli were ‘windy’, and there was nothing more to that. Still, she also spotted that Dusk Flight, for all of her presence and charisma, sent a glance the haspadr’s way that made her look just a little bit like a bashful maiden. Blossom, perched on the mare’s shoulder at the moment, hid her muzzle behind one of her little wings.

It nearly made Twilight giggle. Then she actually took a step closer and lowered her volume. After what she had delved into with the two of them already, she didn’t think it particularly intrusive and crude to comment and wish them both the best, also in that regard.

“If that is so, then I am hoping to hear brilliant news soon.”

The Lord blushed just a little, but it was the sort of embarrassment that every adult pony instinctively understood. “Well, I am actually th-thinking that we might t-take a few nights off. Go to o-one of our more remote p-peaks, on a non-official v-visit. Just to take a m-moment away from e-everything.” He looked at Dusk Flight and received a supportive nod. “If the s-situation allows so, which I h-hope it will. Sometimes o-one has to count on things b-being better than they a-appear.”

That sounded to Twilight like a valuable lesson that the haspadr had learnt. And, as it was also a reference to what only the two of them knew so far, she responded. “Here’s hoping, hwalbu haspadr, here’s hoping. Sometimes we need to reach out and cling to what’s good in life, however small and seemingly unimportant. And despite what stones the world is throwing at us.”

“Quite r-right,” the haspadr agreed, knowing something about the topic. “In the m-meantime, I will also ponder on that p-proposition you presented b-before me. Perhaps do some s-scouting, I think I-I could find ponies that would be s-sympathetic to such a c-concept. Those that c-could also use certain ch-channels to reach my esteemed c-colleagues,” he proposed, keeping his voice silent enough only for the two of them.

“That would be great, Honored Lord. I hope to reiterate the offer at the next meeting in the Tuarie, with some additional insights from you and the Overseer General, maybe?”

Dusk Harvest nodded with a smile, clearly behind the idea. Then his gaze fell on Twilight’s entourage and he actually lifted his hoof, ordering both of them to approach. When they did so, the haspadr met their gazes in a show of renewed confidence.

“I know n-not just how much you h-have learnt, participating in the hwalba k-knazeu plot. But since you h-have taken part in it, I w-will trust that you will not sh-share any information about what t-transpired with anypony.”

Rowan Berry was the first to respond to this firm request. “Hwalbu haspadr, I know not of what you are speaking. I took part in no plot and heard no conversations.”

“Likewise,” Midnight reinforced such a stance, earning a nod from the Lord.

“Then I think w-we have all been made b-better by the presence of hwalba k-knaze,” Dusk Harvest spoke and the belief in those words made Twilight feel almost abashed. Especially since her entourage definitely looked at her as well, and in their eyes she could see the same kind of gratitude.

Dusk Flight’s voice followed that encouraging moment, granting Twilight even more than she had already received. “Your help was insurmountable. And I think I can speak openly that, for as long as my Lord and husband rules and I remain by his side, hwalba knaze, this Iug is open to you and you are considered a friend and a savior. Forget not about our little corner of the world on any of your journeys,” the mare did request, and it was something that was all too easy to acquiesce to.

“My darling w-wife speaks the truth,” the Lord supported the declaration, truly showing a change of heart. Or, rather, the reappearance of it.

Not to mention that Twilight had to add yet another accolade to her growing collection soon after. When she heard that small sound of flapping and then found Blossom perching herself on her very shoulder, being very careful about damaging with her little claws the travel gown Twilight had chosen. The bat then leaned in and nuzzled Twilight’s neck, in a gesture of gratitude and sympathy that was particularly enjoyable.

Twilight lacked the abilities of Fluttershy and Dusk Flight, but she could read into the moment well enough. “Thank you, Blossom. And thank you for helping, too,” she uttered and the pet squealed once, pressed her nose to Twilight’s coat one more time almost as if in a friendly kiss, then returned to join the noblemare opposite who gave the bat a small, loving scratch.

It was time to go, however, so Twilight bid warm farewells to her hosts and ventured towards the carriage which had been chosen for her. It was slightly different than the previous one, actually, looking like it had at some point been designed for transporting goods but now lived a second life as an official mode of transportation. And it wasn’t hard to deduce why something with a more sturdy frame had been assigned for Twilight’s further travels.

Even if the chance of a Lesy attacking once more was rather unlikely at this point. Though she was uncertain why she felt so assured of it.

When the doors were closed, Twilight waved through the window towards the Dusk Family leaders. She could now see in them a picture of a couple which had rediscovered their mutual affection, and she couldn’t be more jubilant about it. And so she sat back with a smile and closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh when the transport began moving.

“… is something wrong?” Rowan Berry asked with a healer’s instinct, but her question was quickly addressed.

“No, nothing of the sort. Quite the opposite, I think. Something of a… well, satisfied sense of relief just washed over me,” Twilight admitted, making sure that she wasn’t smothering her outfit against the quite comfortable seat. “I think I… did good. Yes. I think we all did,” she stated, smiling at her companions.

“I can definitely get behind that,” Midnight agreed, also sitting back a little and taking a nice, deep breath. Not fearing that any latent wounds would make him uncomfortable. “If you were to tell me that we would give the haspadr a chance at strengthening his position, fighting back against his misfortune… Well, let’s just say that the Cowene might be in for a surprise next time around. It seems that Dusk Harvest can be much, much more charismatic than anypony would give him credit.”

“Agreed,” Rowan Berry spoke up, checking if she wasn’t leaning against her satchels too much as the wind above the Valleys started to buffet the carriage. “I’ve been so used to knowing, for all of those years, that Waesperi lack an heir that a different scenario is hard to imagine. But… actually quite probable, and sooner rather than later.”

“You’ve overheard what the Lord Consort said when we conversed, no?” Twilight asked out of sheer curiosity.

“No,” the mare’s reply was, garnished with a small grin. “I’ve heard of such issues affecting some mares, especially of her stature and features. An internal imbalance of their bodies. But if the main source of their worries passes and the organism has a chance at calmly following its natural rhythm, well… We will hear of an outcome quickly. No way somepony won’t make such news leave the Iug. And, I mean… good for the two of them!” she added, with a refreshing tone of a mare’s solidarity.

Midnight snorted a little.

“What?” Rowan Berry asked, giving him a little look.

“Yeah, about that – just watch them name the foal after Twilight,” he quipped.

The lupule grinned and giggled, shaking her head, and Twilight herself couldn’t quite stop herself from laughing, looking at the stallion in kind shock and embarrassment. Though, when she met Midnight’s gaze, there was something… sobering in it. Deep and serious, though perhaps even he hadn’t thought of it when he had made the joke.

There… had been a conversation. Long ago, or so it felt to Twilight. When her eyes had taken on the aspect of batpony irises, and a particular topic had been breached. A matter which had been, albeit briefly, discussed. There had been warm feelings shared. And nightly visions revealed, those that could have been considered both hopeful and daring.

Without realizing it, Twilight placed her hooves close to her barrel.

She… wasn’t against such a premise. Not even now. And yet she smothered the feeling inside of her, even if for but a little while longer. There were things to hear still, things to say.

As it appeared, Rowan Berry didn’t catch that moment between the two other ponies, as she had just been looking outside, at the Mountain of Dusk which was remaining behind. With an exhale she turned her gaze towards Midnight again.

“It would be a beautiful and meaningful gesture, without a doubt. But I don’t think it would follow their veins’ convention, don’t you think? I believe that the haspadr will actually push for a powerful name, like… what would be the translation, Dusk Glean? For a filly maybe, I think it sounds nice in Equestrian too!”

“Not a bad idea. But,” Midnight responded, apparently ready to make a little face, “did anything we have witnessed in the last few nights followed any conventions whatsoever? So, to me, that would be the least surprising thing to happen.”

Rowan Berry pondered for a while and then nodded with a fanged grin, her coral eyes laughing. She then turned to Twilight, her tone clear and most transparent, especially for an operative.

“I have to say it again, hwalba knaze – the reason for our satisfaction is nothing short but your remarkable work. That was an intrigue and a half and, honestly, it was handled extremely well by you. A simple set-up, an intricate execution, the expected outcome. An occultan couldn’t hope for more, believe me.”

Twilight met the mare’s gaze and allowed herself a little grin. “Thank you very much, Rowan Berry, but… now I’m actually worried.”

“How so?”

“I’m turning cunning. And, if the Lord Consort’s words are to be trusted – cruel,” she explained, giving Midnight a glance that recognized what he had called her himself this very evening. “I think I need to be more careful. This place is getting to me.”

The stallion chuckled, repaying her grin with one of his, and he was far more proficient in making them look roguish and smug. “I would say it’s not that bad of a fate, but… I think I get it. Still, if we tally everything up, you are getting to this place more than the other way around,” he pointed out. And then actually pointed at Rowan Berry. “Just look at her. She was insufferable before, wasn’t she?”

“Oh, speak for yourself,” Rowan Berry responded with a hiss of faux indignation. “But, Midnight Wind does have a point. I… would even dare say his ‘point’ is sitting right opposite him. With all due respect, hwalba knaze,” the operative remarked, giving them both that slightly cheeky look of a turning traditionalist.

“… who are you, and what have you done with Yazembe Acine?” Twilight asked with a laugh, trying to hide her positive shock over putting things so directly.

“I could ask you the same thing, hwalba knaze,” the mare told her, and with a quite solemn nod. It was followed by a moment of sudden silence that foretold something pivotal. “May I… May I actually ask for a favor?”

“Oh? From me? Please, speak plainly,” Twilight encouraged the healer, spotting that Midnight leaned in a little, also intrigued about the sudden shift in the situation.

Rowan Berry recognized his interest and gave him a look that was almost by itself a question and an attempt at an explanation. It was hard to discern what was the exact idea behind this glance, but it felt very important.

Nevertheless, the healer spoke in Twilight’s direction again. “I’ve been… Well, I’ve been thinking—”

“More? That’s dangerous,” the stallion squeezed an interruption in, but only flashed a grin when the healer met his eyes once again, this time with a tired and chastising look.

“As I was saying,” the mare began again, trying not to chuckle at first but then returning to a most serious tone, “I’ve been… considering a few things. What’s been going on, my role, your role in the things happening all around us. And while it is all too easy to enumerate what already happened, well, it is hard to say what shall occur. What I can definitely be a witness and attester for, is that your cause is just. Your attempts at helping us are most genuine, hwalba knaze,” Rowan Berry claimed, then shook her head a little. “I’m still almost surprised at myself for declaring that, especially with how I was seeing you before.”

“I believe I understand, and I know what you mean,” Twilight remarked with a nod and a smile. “Please, go on.”

“Well, I grasp the vital importance of your visit and the repercussions that might follow it. I don’t have to be well-versed in diplomacy or know of the extent of your talks with the Cowene to be aware of just what might await us. It’s hard to say what the Honored Lords of the Covenant shall decide ultimately, about our relations with you, with Equestria,” the operative pointed out. “And while at this point I would like to see a more peaceable scenario play out, one thing is clear for me – I do not see my hwalba haspadre being easily convinced to go through with something like that. If even.”

“Do you feel that she could actually stand against a common consensus? That she would threaten civil war if she is so outnumbered?” Midnight asked with a sharpness in his voice that wasn’t at all directed at the healer.

“I hope not, for the sake of our wampiri. Not that I don’t believe that they could bloody up even some of yours, but I find it a waste of time and ver…” she told him with utmost honesty. “Hwalba haspadre… still might decide for it, however. There are matters that, in her mind, are blatantly clear, and also those blatantly unaddressed even by the Honored Princess’ attempts at finding common ground with us. Even reconciliation,” Rowan Berry remarked, seriously musing on the issue as she met Twilight’s eyes once more.

And something was different in the lupule’s coral gaze. Something had changed and shifted when Twilight hadn’t looked, something had grown and borne fruit already. Those eyes that had once looked at her with disgust and distrust aplenty were now much more open, clear and even amicable.

Twilight was about to be informed of it, it seemed, as Rowan Berry continued, maintaining that gaze. “I… regardless of anything, I am finding myself in a position that is both very simple and very convoluted. Simple, because I see a way out. Convoluted – since it isn’t a path that I would have previously considered, were it not for unique circumstances and happenings that I was a witness to. Besides, I…” She paused, gathering herself. “I have already done things that would mark me traitorous. Even if I still feel an obligation towards my haspadre. For she has given me, a low-born mare, a chance at playing my part on the grand stage of the world.”

“Have you enjoyed your role?” Twilight dared to ask, as it felt prudent to do so. Especially since the operative opposite her seemed bent on revealing something crucial.

“I… Yes. No. Both? But… not particularly, no. I mean…” Rowan Berry clearly struggled to offer a proper answer. “I believed and still believe in the cause of the occultani. A world that is dangerous needs ponies that can be even more dangerous than it is. And those traditions are clandestine but venerable, I feel. And I cannot deny that there is something incredibly intoxicating in carrying out intrigue. At the same time,” she spoke up, looking at Midnight whose eyes weren’t leaving her at all, “I don’t mind just being a lupule. Fixing the world, rather than drugging it, testing it, cutting it up if that would be required. Though, I guess saying that could make me sound a little hypocritical. I have… held certain views and still hold some.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to make the world a better place by actually helping, rather than making matters more convoluted for some to the benefit of others,” Twilight told the mare, hoping that she was even partially addressing those trepidations the healer was having.

It wasn’t obvious, as Rowan Berry’s expression remained slightly discouraged, perhaps focused on some persistent memories, and Midnight also didn’t seem to react in any way to it. But that was surely because of just how adamant he was about observing the mare, and it was remarkably hard to discern what was happening in his head.

As if he was somepony else, somepony different, for a moment.

Rowan Berry’s voice shifted Twilight’s attention away from the thought.

“Perhaps it is that. Perhaps it is me simply having to put some things before myself. Or, maybe even, I am reminded by Our Mother that duty is important, but we need to remember that there are… levels of it. Priorities. And when one begins to mix priorities…” There was another, grim pause from the operative, another glance at Midnight and meeting a heavy, serious stare. And then came the inquiry about that favor. “If things progress in a way that would make me… What I want to say is, remembering my Lord’s words about you, hwalba knaze, but having now witnessed the real you… Could I hope to find shelter by your side, where I to question the motivations and priorities of iaea haspadre…?”

Twilight felt her eyes widening just a little as she kept looking at Rowan Berry. The lupule’s words were echoing in her ears. The look towards Midnight didn’t help in discerning reality from delusion, for the stallion had his own stare focused solely the other mare, as if nothing else existed.

“You…” Twilight finally replied to the words she was pretty certain she had actually heard, though she had to clear her throat when her voice came out more hoarse than she expected. “You want to… serve me? Or… am I understanding right? Are you asking to come and find shelter in Equestria, rather?”

“I… want to assure myself that I have a place in the world. A proper place,” the operative revealed, lowering her head a little, her glaucous blue mane falling on both sides of her muzzle and giving her a quite humble look. “I have done regrettable things in the employ of my haspadre. Believing them to be wicked but necessary, serving a purpose. But… But now I am in the presence of a mare that does more. More with better, if that makes sense. And one that sees me as more than just a clandestine tool, one whose actions show prudence which I have not seen before, and I… I…”

“And I…” came Midnight’s voice, in a very stern tone. But one that wasn’t singularly cold or chastising. “… am going to pretend that I’m not hearing a word of this.”

“You’re free to hear it all. I wanted you to hear that. So you know that I mean it,” the mare told him, but he just shook his head.

“I’m aware, Yazembe Acine. And I am, too, in a unique position, with a simple but convoluted way to follow,” the warrior remarked, giving Twilight a uniquely loving look, actually. “And a position that, honestly, would be forcing me to both keep my dumb mouth shut and to let specific ponies know of such a direct declaration,” he spoke, and there was something deathly serious in his words.

“I’m aware,” Rowan Berry replied, and for a moment Twilight could have sworn that she was putting herself fully in Midnight’s power.

“I know that you are. And you know that were it not for specific circumstances that make us all…” He waved his hoof to encompass the interior of the carriage. “Actually, ‘work together’ seems like a very shallow way of putting it, but nothing better comes to my mind right now, I would be obliged by my oath and more to say something. And say even more to other, very specific ponies… Which is why, for the sake of my own, false calmness of conscience, I am going to not be here until this talk concludes,” Midnight claimed, giving Twilight a little nod of recognition and then turning his muzzle away, looking outside the transport’s window.

But just when Rowan Berry was about to speak up again, the stallion briefly turned back to her and spoke up with a smile. “Good choice.”

The healer nodded as some tension left her muzzle, then looked expectantly at Twilight, awaiting her words with bated breath.

And Twilight believed that she understood at least some of the recent exchange. A Nightguardian witnessing an occultane asking whether she could switch ‘employers’? Yes, in any other setting that would require an immediate action from Midnight. But here and now? He refused to entangle himself in it. There were, after all, much bigger and more complex tangles connecting him and Twilight already, ones that reached far, far into both of their cores.

Twilight took a moment longer, so that she could reach for the right words. “Rowan Berry… Despite a rocky start to us knowing each other, I think you have shown to be a dependable mare, of many positive qualities. I see in you a passionate healer, definitely, as well as a crafty pony in general… which helps in many lines of work, not just the cloak-and-dagger one,” Twilight told the other mare with a smile. “If you would ever feel that your place is no longer by Lord Azure Mist, then know that it can be found by me.”

She was so glad to see the healer smile, and for that little glimmer of hope to manifest in her coral eyes.

Still, Twilight spoke up again. “I know you are not listening, Midnight, but let me express hope that, when all things are said and done, ponies of Noctraliya will be free to come to Equestria in whatever capacity they like,” she pointed out. Reminding herself of the complexity of the matter just a breath later. “Of course, I am aware that many won’t like to, or will be keen on retaining your culture and ways. But that’s alright. Equestria wants to be open to all, nevertheless.”

Rowan Berry accepted those words without hesitation, even with a dosage of eagerness. “I… I thank you so much, hwalba knaze. Still, with all due respect, I’m not saying the final word. Perhaps… Perhaps there is still hope that my haspadre will see things your way. But of that I cannot be sure...”

“Just so you know, Rowan Berry, I hope for that too,” Twilight remarked, considering all that had transpired so far. “I wish not to criticize her in front of you, as I think it would be still a little unkind, recognizing the ways of Noctraliya. I believe that she believes that she’s doing the right thing, wishing to protect your country, your traditions, and seek repayment from us for past misgivings. If only she could see that we have goals which are actually aligning, that there is something we could agree on. And that it is not just some ‘sunpony trick’,” Twilight invoked the words she considered accurate.

“I would dare to hope so. I won’t deny that I do feel that loyalty towards her. However… ” The healer looked aside, biting her lower lip, easily becoming a picture of shame and regret. “I have seen what she is capable of. I… enabled some of it, through my craft, and…”

“Ponies can change,” Twilight responded to that, leaning in and wishing to install yet more courage in the mare. “Just look at yourself, Rowan Berry. Don’t you welcome the chance you have taken? Who says that the same thing cannot happen with the Honored Lord Azure Mist? I promise that I will do my best to convince her.”

“Thank you, hwalba knaze. I’m just…” The mare shook her head and her gaze shifted just a little. “I find it astonishing. You really don’t believe in anypony being past redemption,” she stated, and it wasn’t too hard to hear that completely natural doubt in her voice.

So Twilight just leaned back again, assuming a calm, collected pose. “I suppose I do. I have a few examples I can think of. And the process, well… I believe it is within everypony’s reach,” Twilight mused with a small smile. “To see the error of one’s ways, be genuine in one’s remorse. Repair or repay for one’s mistakes, if possible. It’s quite a clear way forward, and I think going down it gives everypony a chance. But… actually, that’s a strange statement coming from you. Don’t you believe in such opportunities?”

There was a moment of silence, so Twilight continued unabated.

“As much as I understand, the ways of the Bogine are about mercy, granting everypony a chance in her motherly care,” she explained, thought it felt weird to make such remarks to ponies adhering to this very religion. “And, as far as I was told, even if their punishment in the fires of the Judging Sun is to last for a great deal of time, everypony is finally forgiven. Which means it is just about a proper repayment for one’s sins, misdeeds... So, why cannot one begin repaying already, in one’s life, to reach the blessed Argentee without delay?”

She heard a little laugh coming from Midnight, who still definitely wasn’t eavesdropping, and definitely wasn’t participating in the discussion.

“I believe I understand why Rowan Berry said what she said. Sometimes when one dealt with much wickedness and malice in their life, or blames themselves for causing it, it… is easier to just cast oneself onto the pyre. Accept that there’s no hope,” Midnight declared, and Twilight knew he grasped the extent of that, considering his own story of mistakes and loss. Experience, dark experience, was talking through him. “It feels simpler than trying to crawl out of the deep hole one has dug.” He then turned his head and met Twilight’s gaze. “I think we’ve all touched upon such darkness in our lives. But you? You are bringing light with your words, with your presence. It banishes this gloom.”

It was all too easy to blush at such a profound praise, and Twilight wasn’t necessarily better at withstanding the urge than anypony else, despite the uniqueness that Midnight was praising about her.

“Thank you, Midnight, I just… I’m saying it as I’m feeling it. I, too, believe in redemption and my journey so far showed me that it is a right belief to hold. Who knows, maybe the future will prove me right even further…? Who can tell those things…”

“I don’t think even the effiti could be certain, but here and now, hwalba knaze?” the healer spoke up, nodding. “The present is definitely supporting your cause. And your words do awaken hope in me, I confess.”

Twilight smiled in gratitude, and that peculiar warmth that she could remember from many times before returned. It filled her chest, it reinvigorated her body and it made her mind that much more clearer.

“Let us then have hope for the future, all of us,” Twilight found it a good enough conclusion. “I will keep saying it, as much as I need to – Noctraliya and its denizens are also worthy of better times to come. Who says that it cannot be exactly our efforts that could assure them?”

“No pressure, whatsoever,” Midnight quipped with a grin. “But… I think we are already playing our parts. I think we’ve been playing them for quite some time now. Perhaps now it is just about, I don’t know, cleaning up our lines, making our gowns more pristine for the role?”

“Not a bad way of putting it,” Rowan Berry admitted, looking at the stallion. “Let’s hope this play is not a tragedy in the end.”

“That rests on our shoulders,” Twilight added to the exchange. “We might be a part of a grand design, of the Goddess’ plan if we want to call it so, but we still choose how we go about it. Those are still our choices, our responsibilities pushing us on. I’ve chosen to be helpful, in the best way I can.”

“And we are with you, Twilight Sparkle,” Midnight promised with a solemn nod. “And, if I may say so, if you will get Lord Sunfall Word to eat a whole, honeyed orange before my very eyes, I will believe in anything!”

Twilight had to smile, though she was sadly reminded of the convoluted situation she was just flying into. For all of her good will and eagerness to help, there were matters which were beyond her power. The only thing that she could do is… hope. Exactly that.

Who knew what the future could bring? But one could steel themselves, and do their best. Perhaps the world didn’t need much more than that?

The room was dark and cluttered.

That pretty much made it perfect for staying in if one was seeking solitude, with only one’s thoughts as companions, for better or worse.

Of course, one would think that in a tightly organized place like this fortress it would be difficult to find chambers which had been practically abandoned, but there lay the surprise. This section of the warehouse, positioned to the side and hidden behind a section of crates containing spare equipment, was visited so infrequently by anypony, it might have as well not existed. It would be an utter surprise to see a warrior venture here just by accident, and an even greater one to find a stallion already sitting behind the small, secure door, at a table which had been left in this place Goddess’ knew how long ago.

The said pony shook his head, trying to get the lock of mane out of his vision, though that couldn’t really be helped when he was hunched like so, overlooking some old reports and notes. His eyes felt strained even if there was but one small candle by him, but he would blame the analyzing, checking and re-checking, instead.

He rubbed his muzzle and hissed at the now all-too-familiar feeling of a missing fang.

He would soon be missing another, if he wouldn’t find a way to deal with his current predicament. And the previous, grievous blunder.

That cunning, resourceful sunpony! Curse him and his magical arts.

Deep Mist’s hoof shuddered about the blade he was holding in it. His touchstone and his symbol, and one which he had failed to deliver into the target’s heart.

Inconceivable. How could it all have gone so wrong?

Just how many times had he already replayed the entire night in his mind? How often had he been considering where things had gone wrong and what better approach he could have utilized? And yet it still didn’t make sense.

He had struck true, but something had blocked the blade’s path, he felt it deflected to the side. He had chased with vicious intensity, even reckless abandon, but things had never fallen into place, as if by design. A slice at the neck had been stopped by a stumble. A strike to the chest had failed at the last moment due to an improbable dodge. And a broken leg would not be a cause of death!

And then there had been this abominable art, one that had made all of the slumbering sunponies in the vicinity awaken and come to the aid. Not to mention the same power striking him as if a silver, vicious punch.

He dreaded the very coloration of that magic. But he also had already felt a blow, just like that one. When the Princess’ attack had robbed him of his warrior’s dignity…

Deep Mist shook his head, moving aside another missive, though it felt more like he was organizing the very thoughts in his mind. The truth was blatant and searing – despite his preparation and experience, he had been unsuccessful. And, what was even more perturbing and even confusing, despite having received the mark meant to represent the will of his Lord, the will of a representative of the Immaculate Moon… he had learnt that the Goddess Herself had been and was still overlooking his target’s recuperation.

It simply… It didn’t make sense.

When they had talked right before departing with the Princess it had been clear that Royal Advisor Moonwarden was a sunpony touched by the Immaculate Moon… and Her presence, in the flesh, right at the hospital, wasn’t it proving it? But hadn’t Deep Mist’s orders been clear, too? The mark had been and still was dark and gruesome and necessary.

That stallion had been meant to die, by Deep Mist’s hoof. But he hadn’t. Death had been there, stalking, Deep Mist had felt it. He still had no idea how, but… being an operative for so long had only heightened certain senses and instincts. He had thought that he had seen somepony, actually. Like a little filly in the corner of his eye? But that could have been his adrenaline and his rage making him imagine things.

So, with everything being considered, if the Advisor was still alive… then who was responsible for that, exactly? Deep Mist and his failure? Or was there more to it? Much more…?

He felt his ear registering something, and this time it was not just his imagination.

Somepony was coming. And for some reason he believed that they were coming right into this very chamber.

He left the candle lit, as blowing it would only make things more difficult for him, and would not hide his presence – the smell would be too telling anyways. Instead, with the training he had, he stood up from the chair and trotted back, without as much as a sound, taking with himself the blade and storing it away. He positioned himself in a way that would have the door screen him at first, and he awaited to see if his hunch was correct.

It was, bless an operative’s sense. A few seconds later the handle moved down in a steady motion. Then it stopped at a precise point. Two seconds after that the simple but specific locking mechanism clicked, and only then did the arrival continue inside. Which meant that it was somepony instructed in how to gain access to this hideout. But whom?

Deep Mist held his breath in, watching and listening with great care.

“Don’t show your eyes nor hide them from me…”

The young voice from the other side of the opening doors was all that Deep Mist needed to hear, though it also caused his invoked eyes to widen in surprise. He stopped the door from opening all the way, the pressure letting the entering pony know that the room wasn’t empty, and then slowly showed his muzzle and eyes, to spot the newly arrived…

“… Blackbranch? What are you doing here?”

Indeed, it was the young stallion, his eyes almost screened by his black mane, which corresponded well with his rarer, brown coat. His lips were pursed, but revealed a little smile.

“Deep Mist. Nice to see you again, sir,” the youngster responded in a leveled tone and with a calm expression. Something that showed that being a loyal aide to general Adamant Fang had done wonders to slowly cure him of his skittish nature.

“I would say ‘likewise’, but you haven’t answered me,” was the only response that could be given in such circumstances.

And the reply to the original question still didn’t appear. “Glad I remembered about this place. Ivory Crescent told me you and Midnight Wind had a small alcove for doing business… Well hidden, I would have needed too much time to find it without the knowledge,” Blackbranch judged as he closed the door behind him, waiting for the lock to assure secrecy and privacy, and smiling as it did so.

Deep Mist didn’t speak up again, waiting for the information he had already demanded. Blackbranch was young, but he was showing great promise, and surely was not overlooking the inquiry just by mistake. It was more likely that he was pacing the answer for some yet inexplicable reason.

The strange silence didn’t last too long, thank the Goddess. The young stallion made his way to the opposite wall and leaned against it, his eyes purposefully avoiding the papers on the table. It showed the proper amount of prudence.

“I’ve been ordered to deliver some mail, sir. Official one, for the Commander’s hooves,” he began explaining the reason for being present, his eyes never leaving Deep Mist. They remained cold and motionless even with the candle’s flame dancing in them, in a great contrast to the stallion’s usual disposition. “I’ve also decided to deliver some other mail. The less official kind, as you might expect, sir.”

Deep Mist nodded, remaining vigilant considering the vagueness of his words. “I see. I also can tell that you are somewhat thrilled by the prospect,” he allowed himself the cynical tone.

“I wouldn’t say that at all,” Blackbranch remarked, reading into the sour notes of the sentence while reaching into his official, aide’s garb. He produced a letter from it, with a symbol that Deep Mist had no trouble spotting. Even thought the wax seal had been broken. “Feel free to admonish me, sir.”

“I definitely would… but I’ve learnt enough about you during our Maretonian mission,” was the response. “You’re young… and somewhat jumpy, but you’re not impulsive. You have that scout’s mentality, which prompts you to lunge forward when you sense it necessary. Am I wrong to assume that something bothered you about the message?”

“I’m rather thankful for my talent, indeed, yes. Tonight especially,” Blackbranch commented, passing the letter to Deep Mist’s hooves, though quickly returning to his spot afterwards, almost as if the closeness to the other stallion could burn him. “I’ll explain in a moment. But first… do you want me to explain what’s inside or simply sum it up, sir?”

“I can imagine the contents,” Deep Mist remarked, already spotting the curvature and intensity of his Lord’s hoofwriting, with the strokes almost piercing right through the material.

“I can imagine the contents,” the other stallion told him with that young spirit that he hadn’t quite lost yet despite their occupation. “I mean – heard of what happened here, and since I have sent a message your way lately, I… connected the dots. And, actually, I got more dots than I thought. Which is why I allowed myself this breach of conduct.”

Deep Mist looked from over the missive he had begun skimming over, already having found a few expressions which were making his heart thrash in his chest and his dignity feel thoroughly assaulted. However, Blackbranch was holding two more letters in his hoof now, similarly opened.

“Now that is going too far, Blackbranch,” Deep Mist found it in himself to say, in a tutor’s tone. “You’re supposed to oversee the passing of our correspondence from the Motherland, not monitor it in regards to contents!”

“A fortuitous exception,” the youngster claimed, and there was something very serious about those words. He didn’t even flinch at the raised voice. “I seem to have a knack for sensing something big coming. For these also came from Honored Lord Azure of Family Mist. They just weren’t meant for you. Though… they are regarding you, I’m sorry to say.”

Deep Mist’s brow furrowed, especially when he reached out for Blackbranch to pass him those letters too, but the other stallion’s hoof moved up and away. And it was a far more controlled gesture than usual.

“I thought Ebony Crescent was the theatrical one among us,” Deep Mist pointed out with a grimace.

“I just need to be certain of your reaction first, sir,” the younger pony said, looking back with very serious intent. “Finish the letter before we continue, please.”

That was, begrudgingly, what Deep Mist was about to do, though he had been imagining the contents of it for some time now. And had been mostly correct in his assumptions. The Honored Lord was expressing her deep sorrow and, even more vividly, her furious anger over what had happened. She was demanding the situation dealt with, threatening not only Deep Mist’s other fang, but also his reputation in the whole Mountain and among the Family. Especially concerning…

Deep Mist closed his eyes and sighed. It wasn’t unlike the Lord to make a threat, but a threat to her? Oh, but why was he surprised?

The Honored Lord wanted immediate action about rectifying the blunder. By any means and any personal sacrifices necessary.

The situation was clear, however many doubts Deep Mist was carrying. The Lord was making it perfectly obvious – it was either the Royal Advisor or him.

Actually, the way she had written that part in particular—

There was a very faint, but very distinctive sound in the room.

Deep Mist wasted no time to swiftly produce his blade, since what he had just heard had been Blackbranch taking his weapon out of his ensemble. The delicate whine of metal moving through air was a shrilling call to anypony who had ever dealt in subterfuge and carried its tools, even the most dreaded ones.

The youngster wasn’t pointing the weapon at him, however, but still held it at the ready, in a stance that could at any moment turn into a preparation for an actual attack. His hoof was shuddering just a little.

“… you have a mark. For me,” Deep Mist stated rather than guessed, remaining ready for anything.

“Not ‘me’, precisely, sir. You could probably guess the two names mentioned right here, however…” He waved the letters he still brandished in the other hoof, though Deep Mist wasn’t going to look at them. They could simply be used as a distraction. “Always nice to perish at the hooves of ponies you know, and play dice or whatever else with, right? But, honestly, those are worded in a way to make sure that you are not returning to Noctraliya, sir. A-and it does not matter who accomplishes that.”

There was a shaky tone. Deep Mist was not going to overlook it.

He might have failed and blundered terribly, but he would never consider himself utterly foolish, so he understood his situation outright. Not that he was in any way happy about it.

“I am to kill the Advisor… and then be killed, just in case. So that I’m not tracked and captured by the sunponies, give away any information. And so that I feel, in my very last moments, the Honored Lord’s displeasure.”

“So it seems, yes,” Blackbranch remarked, still holding both the marks and the blade. “I… I find it very much unfair. And sinful,” he added, trying to remain calm despite the weakness of a younger mind, still struggling with pushing emotions away. “I have to assume that I was inspired by Somepony to check those letters. I’m glad that I did, I must say. And I wish to pay that grace forward.”

“That’s pious of you. And kind, if you really mean it,” Deep Mist remarked, earning Blackbranch’s slightly nervous smile.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, sir. We’ve been on a mission together, a complex one. I thank you all for the chance, granted to an apprentice. And we’ve achieved a potent success, even extricating Rowan Berry when things took a bad turn. I… consider that a good sign of camaraderie. One that should be preserved, if possible. Hard to do so with a dead pony.”

Blackbranch allowed himself that remark, finally putting the letters on the table. He then slowly and methodically hid the blade away, at least for the moment proving that he was not going to go through with anything.

Deep Mist was observing him diligently, however, now that he knew that he was the said dead pony walking.

The younger stallion maintained the distance, perhaps also as a sign of respect. “You know, sir, I was aware that Lord Azure Mist could be ruthless. And ruthlessness is known to our bloodline, it courses in our veins. Still, everypony heard that story about the Count Mistlock’s love, and shook their heads over such… cruelty. Those are two very different beasts, I think,” Blackbranch remarked, showing considerable insight. “I remember well what you’ve been saying about your Misthue. Your aspirations and… your hope for a shared future. It’s atrocious to me that there would be two ruined relationships. One was already too much for my tastes. And this? This is wicked.”

“You’re a foal, Blackbranch. Our fate lies in the hooves of our Lords, that is our destiny,” Deep Mist scolded the youngster, feeling like the age difference suddenly became much bigger than it really was. “Wickedness and atrocity are entwined with our line of work. Some even say that our eyes are hidden so that no other pony needs to see the burden showed by their lack of luster.”

“Is this really the only way? Cannot we retain some of our light?” Blackbranch asked, and it was hard to tell whether it was a sign of a makeshift rebellion against the old tradition of the Eyes, or simply a tease.

Deep Mist was sure of one thing, however. “Your tone makes you sound like a sunpony with a tummy ache.”

“If you think so, sir, perhaps you should have opposed to taking a young, impressionable pony with you on that assignment,” Blackbranch remarked, and Deep Mist almost chuckled at the cheek coming from him. “I know the sort of commitment this work requires, and I’m ready to carry my burden. But I’m definitely not ready to let a fellow pony perish. To spill the blood of another of our kin is a transgression against the Goddess Herself. Which is why I am here, to give you some time, at least. Do you want to read those two?” he asked, pointing at the letters he had just left on the table.

“No. I know what they say, what words the Honored Lord used,” Deep Mist remarked with a sour smile. “I don’t blame her, my failure in carrying out such a vital assignment is… great. Seems almost just to pay for it like so.” He paused briefly. “Can you reseal them both the right way?”

“Without an issue,” Blackbranch told him, already taking them with himself. “I can also hold onto them for a couple of nights longer, sir.”

“Thank you. You’re proving to be a very bad operative… but a decent pony,” Deep Mist responded, mixing admonition with praise. “I will definitely need a moment to consider what to do. Although I know what has to be done.”

“From your tone alone, sir, I can read that you will attempt to finish your assignment anyway.”

“Professional pride, I suppose,” Deep Mist commented, looking aside for a while and considering everything in but a few seconds. “My performance lately was dreadful. That is as blatant as this,” he declared, reaching up and moving back his upper lip to show the youngster the price of failure. “Death is more merciful than dishonor, at least. But resigning to it is not our way, no.”

“Could I… Could I help you in any other way, sir?” Blackbranch asked with an almost compassionate tone.

“Definitely. Start with not being so stupid in the future… or making sure that you are really good at keeping your tongue behind your teeth and resealing messages, if you cannot help yourself and your curiosity,” Deep Mist decided to impart some knowledge, trotting closer to the table. Suddenly everything gathered on it seemed almost insubstantial. “I suppose you will soon get other messages, to the Honored Lord and from her. About me having been ‘reassigned’ in some way, she will definitely find a way to explain matters to Commander Ardent Fang.”

Blackbranch reluctantly nodded, as he was close enough to the chain of command to know the nuances. “And… would you like a message passed to your closest relatives, or Misthue?”

“Don’t be stupid, colt, I can read that tone of yours,” Deep Mist replied, barely stopping himself from outright shouting. “You’re suggesting that I hide, maybe feign death, and then let only them know about it? Way to endanger everypony possessing that knowledge. Trust me, Lord Azure Mist will definitely keep tabs on things like that, even from the sheer, paranoid impulse… There is no way that I put anypony that I care about in danger, and you suggesting it is a deep insult to me.”

“I’m sorry, sir…” Blackbranch apologized, looking down in genuine shame.

But Deep Mist wasn’t going to be tormenting the poor colt. He wasn’t a bad pony, just inexperienced and somewhat soft. “You’ll learn and toughen up. Don’t worry about it,” he told him, placing the dagger on the table and looking at his own reflection in the black stone embedded in the hilt. “I won’t let myself get captured by the sunponies. But I also don’t feel like giving anypony the satisfaction of being the one to collect the mark. And committing an atrocity. May it be, rather, on my head and soul,” he stated, his own likeness manifesting a grim conviction.

“… I understand, sir. May the Goddess help you…” the younger stallion spoke, and the candor in his voice was praiseworthy.

“May She help us all, Blackbranch. There are difficult times ahead,” Deep Mist remarked with a quite appropriate expression of a pony already doomed. “You’ve done well in Maretonia. And you’ll keep making us proud, I’m sure. I’ll let you know when I am ready to make my move, it won’t be long,” he promised, leaning over the table and musing.

Blackbranch recognized that it was a goodbye and saluted, then approached the door to leave.

“May we meet again in a better world.”

It was Deep Mist who offered this last piece of encouragement to the youngster, before he was again left alone, the small click from the door assuring privacy that suddenly felt like… abandonment.

Actually, the entire room resembled a tomb at that point, and being interred in one was a bleak fate for a follower of the Immaculate Moon…

Deep Mist actually found himself briefly listening in and smelling, wondering if it would be possible for Blackbranch to set a trap for him, maybe start a fire right outside the door. But that felt like a thought born out of the momentary emotional disorder. The youngster was still in those formative year when idealism won against expediency and intrigue. And, besides, it wasn’t like Blackbranch had been telling him not to go through with the Lord’s will. Receiving such an order was sacred to any operative.

Deep Mist sat down again, holding his head up on his hoof. There wasn’t a good way out of this situation. Mostly because every choice would make him do wrong by somepony. And, more than that, there would be ponies that would be hurt, regardless of his course of action.

He took a deep breath. He took care of that annoying lock of mane once again, and pondered on his priorities.

Maybe the Goddess would help him, after all...