Geata na Déithe

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Interlude 1
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Chapter 1

I own nothing, if you sue all you'll get is this cellphone.

Geata na Déithe - Chapter One

A soft blue glow pulsed slowly in a surrounding of deep black. The glow waxed and waned as factors from elsewhere influenced it, sometimes glowing so bright as to be almost white and other times dim to the point of only being barely distinguishable from the background. Until one day a light from above joined the light of the little bulb of blue. A slender hand extended down from above and scooped up the bulb with one feminine finger. The little bulb glowed brightly as it was hoisted upwards and brought before a pair of massive emerald eyes. The fingers of the hand squeezed the bulb as gentle wisps of material drifted off and vanished into the ether. It shined almost proudly, before being wiped off on the behind of a pair of overalls.

“Bleh, stupid mana residue.” Mirai grumbled as she carefully replaced the thick cable whose connector the blue sludge had been collected from. A large brassy construct hummed back to life as the cable was firmly reattached, a blue glow building along its sides.

“Number three, mana cannon is back online!” The redhead shouted down to an operator at the base of the wall.

A gruff looking man pressed a few switches on the console and the blue glow along the sides of the cannon brightened before it spit out a lethal spell at the roiling mass of green bodies on the other side of the wall. “Got a return of about ninety five percent!”

Mirai waved her approval to the man below and walked to the edge of the wall, as she looked down at the horde of orcs and goblins she frowned. The remains of the first battle of Dorast were hard to spot now, covered as they were in fresh corpses. However, she knew that below the ash and gore the ancient cadavers from the battle which first destroyed this fortress still remained, their warring bodies preserved eternally in stone by the desperate ritual which had brought the battle to an end.

Unfortunately it had been far too late for the majority of the ancient elvish empire. The fortress had been the only thing that preserved the tiny fraction of territory in the south that was now Eogan, and the sacrifice of its defenders had been the only thing capable of halting the greenskin advance. Not even the greenskins were bold, or stupid enough to pursue when - as far as the eye could see - all which lived had been turned to stone.

Mirai walked away from the edge and continued her work, her mood thouroughly soured. The constant reminder of the fall of her ancestor's great civilization was tough to bear, even as the wailing horde beyond the wall reminded her of the latest push to end her people. As she walked she recalled the king and how he had assigned her to restore the crumbling ruin. Telling him that the crown princess had left to fight their ancient enemy beyond the mountains and safety of Eogan had not been easy. He had been even more upset that Mirai had left her there to face her trials alone. Seemingly abandoning her to whatever fate brought the princess.

The only thing that saved her from a cell in a dungeon had been her great aunt, who had swung her sentence away from a cell and into leading the restoration of the ancient fortress. The king granted clemency begrudgingly, reluctant to upset her family, who themselves were high nobles and liable to cause quite a fuss if their heir was simply locked away.

Shaking her head Mirai turned her thoughts to happier times. Galavanting through the wastes with Assa, her pet tree, that creepy girl with the glowy eyes, and the knight they had found in a rock... It had always been so strange the way that Assa had known where to go and how to avoid dangers. The princess had never explained it but there had to be some mystery in life, right?

Her smile fell again as she recalled the reason she had left them there. Being too weak to fight, having to be protected. She was better off at home preparing Eogan for the orcs.

She turned a corner and climbed a set of freshly laid brick stairs to her next task.

“Ok number four,” she said gently to the next gun in line. “I know you aren't very happy. Why don't you tell me what's wrong?” She ran her fingers over various components before sighing and pulling out some tools and began disassembling. She had a feeling of where to look for the problem, as well she should, she designed and built them from the ground up. She laid the exterior plating aside and peered into the guts of the complicated piece of runecraft. A bit of burned metal near the control runes jumped out at her so she began the lengthy process to pull it out. As she worked her mind turned yet again to her sentancing. Her completed schematics for the guns and a few demonstrations had impressed King Crann greatly and convinced him of her qualifications. The entire art of runecraft had been long forgotten by the kingdom of Eogan and he was delighted to suddenly have access to a skilled practitioner.

The temperamental gun sparked and sputtered as she fiddled with this part or that until a sudden feedback to the control board caused the gun’s status light to read as ‘ready’. Figuring his boss wanted a test fire the man at the board flipped the switch.

Mirai opened her eyes to see a strange sitting room. “What?-” She began before she noticed a similarly red haired, green eyed woman sitting calmly across from her. “Who?-” she started before the woman held up her hand to forestall her.

“Hello dear.” The woman spoke with a soft smile. “I was hoping you would visit me under better circumstances but unfortunately I have a bit of a job for you.”

Mirai suddenly grew pale, the memory of the cannon suddenly bulging before exploding crashing into her mind. “Am I dead!?”

The woman smirked and waved a hand opening a window showing the wall at Dorast. A blue tinged crater wafted smoke into the air right where the fourth gun once sat. A frenzy of panicked activity swarmed around the fort. People called her name and looked under rubble and wreckage for any sign of her.

The woman waved her hand and the window vanished.

“So I am dead.” Mirai grumbled as she slumped in her chair.

“Not quite.” The woman said with a the gentle smile still on her face. “They certainly believe you to be but I pulled you away before the explosion.”

Mirai thought about questioning why faking her death was neccesary but raised an eyebrow at the woman instead. “So... what did you want?”

The woman stood and put both hands on her hips, adopting a huffy expression. “Well first to see one of my own daughters in the flesh for once.” She said sounding upset. “I even left instructions! But you never call, never visit your poor 'Grandma.'”

Mirai fidgeted in her seat. It wasn't everyday one got to visit their Goddess and the first thing she did was get scolded by her. “Sorry... You're books written in gibberish. ” She mumbled.

The woman smiled before pulling Mirai up into a hug. “Don't worry so much, besides you're here now.” The woman released her ‘granddaughter’ before leading her by the shoulder out of the room.

They passed through a hallway one wouldn't find out of place in any upper class manor. Mirai paid special attention to the paintings on the wall each showing a happy couple, her Goddess Melisim and her husband deity Aillil, Father of all Elves. Mirai huffed and grumbled at the pictures of the attractive blonde man.

“Oh don't tell me my daughters all still teach their children that my husband is a weak fool?” Melisim said as they turned the corner into a large library.

“Yes.” Mirai muttered as she was guided into a chair sitting across from a sofa.

“I know I told them that but at the time I was still so upset with him. Eight thousand years tends to let you forgive a lot.” Melisim pouted slightly as she conjured some tea and flatbread. “It was give up your blessings or death you see.” The goddess took a sip of tea while she contemplated her words. “He made mistakes, mistakes that resulted in the death of so many of his children.” She said, sadness creeping into her voice. “He hasn't been the same since.”

Mirai nodded, still dazed from her supposed death, meeting her goddess and being told the god who had always been a subject of mockery by her family was not a total moron like they taught her when she was small.

The sound of a door opening across the room drew both women's attention. The tall man who entered was the very picture of elvish masculinity but the slump in his shoulders and defeat in his eyes detracted from the effect somewhat. However Mirai still found her cheeks heating up, half from her natural reaction to a man of such quality and the other out of embarrassment for just having been thinking terrible thoughts about him. Aillil slumped into the open seat next to his wife and looked at her like he was expecting she would start throwing insults at the first opportunity.

“Hello dear!” Melisim said happily giving her husband a peck on the cheek. Aillil seemed to perk up a little but retained his general sad demeanor.

“H-hello.” Mirai stuttered with a little awkward wave at the creator of her entire species.

“Hello daughter.” Aillil muttered grabbing some tea and leaning back into the couch.

“Well now that we’re all present we should get to the reason you're here.” Melisim said clapping her hands together and giving her husband a nudge with her elbow.

Aillil cleared his throat and adopted a serious expression. “Mirai for a time you journeyed with Princess Assa to end the threat of the Horde.” His voice resonated with pure authority and Mirai felt herself nodding. “She will eventually succeed.” Mirai felt herself sigh with relief, above everything Assa was her friend and it was good to hear her friend would be alright. “If you hadn't left to reenforce the fortress at Dorast, the horde would have found a way past the ruins and she would have returned victorious to nothing but scorched earth.”

Mirai paled and glanced to Melisim who nodded gravely. “So we acted, pushing you toward the idea that you could do more good back home instead of continuing with the princess.”

Mirai frowned at the idea of being manipulated but held her tongue. If there was anyone with the rights to invasively influence her thoughts then it was the two people sitting in front of her now.

Aillil stood up and waved his hand, a window appearing in the air just as Melisim had done earlier to show her her ‘death’. It was a very similar scene showing the rebuilt fortress as blue streaks of light from the weapons she had designed dealt death to a roiling mass of green bodies. “With your assistance the fortress will hold for months. Assa will accomplish her mission and return. But it will not be quick enough. Eventually Dorast will be overwhelmed before she can complete her quest.” The window changed showing the same scene but with far larger green beasts pounding at the walls. Her guns having to focus fire at one target at a time to bring down the monsters before being smashed apart by a rock thrown by massive arms. A fate soon shared by the walls themselves as a truly titanic beast rent them apart with sheer strength.

“Can't you do anything?” Mirai pleaded as she watched a flood of green surge through the ruins. The thought of the fate of her friends and neighbors being at the nonexistent mercy of the beasts filled her heart with dread and sent a cold shiver down her spine.

“No.” Aillil said as he slumped back into his seat. “Even now the gods of the other races prevent me from acting directly. They mean for my children to be reduced to less than a whisper of their former selves.” He said as his expression shifted to anger and he glared down at the floor. “But that is why you're here.” He said looking up at Mirai.

“We have found a way to send you to a different world.” Melisim said, placing a comforting hand on her husband’s back. “But it will only work once and Aillil and I will be very weak for a long time afterward.”

Mirai’s eyes widened and she stood suddenly. The very idea of an entire other world sounded crazy. She paced back and forth for a time, the godly couple waiting patiently while she turned the ideas over in her mind. An entire new world was a huge opportunity but also an equal risk and not just for her but if what she thought she was being asked to do was right... then for her entire race as well. Already plans, theories, and ideas began filling her mind hashing out a clear plan of action. She would be totally alone, no hope of rescue or support and tasked with finding a way to open and stabilize the way between the two worlds. Not only would she need to do that but find a way for her people to survive, just getting them to the new world was only the first step. She would need food, water and shelter for thousands. She would have to learn the dangers and boons of the new world as well, the royal family would need a lot of information to get everyone organized once there. And what of the local powers would any of them-

Mirai’s thoughts were interrupted by a pair of arms encircling her shoulders and pulling her to a stop. “I knew we could count on you, such smart daughters I have!” Melisim said excitedly practically skipping back over to the couch to pull Aillil to his feet. Aillil even possessed a small smile making him look more exhausted than depressed. The two of them placed their hands on her shoulders and Mirai could feel the tingle of building power.

“I can do this.” Mirai said, earning her proud nods, though she wasn't sure if she was talking to them or to herself.

“Goodbye my daughter, I have faith in you.” Aillil said as the building power suddenly increased immensely and with a sudden bright flash Mirai vanished.

The first thing Mirai sensed was the sound of a breeze wafting through a forest of leaves. Next was the smell of air so clean one had to journey far from civilization to find its equal. Finally she opened her eyes to see an empty road stretching out in front of her. Trees lined both sides of the road, tall, green, and fragrant. The road in itself was strange, an obvious worn path through the countryside, very different from the hidden ways elves favored.

An unexpected weight on her back made her rock slightly as she became more aware of herself, prompting her to feel around her back with a hand. Surprised Mirai hoisted the packed travel bag off of her back and sat it at her feet. This led her to noticing the very clothes she wore were different, being that of her familiar green tunic and leather cuirass. On further inspection it all appeared to be her gear that she had used during her adventure with Princess Assa which brought a smile to her face.

Her attention turned to the packed bag at her feet and she quickly set about taking inventory. Food, water and writing supplies were chief as well as a satchel filled with her old tools. A few bandages and bottles of potion were sequestered here and there but were quite few, Mirai was unconcerned, her own ability with Life magic would easily see to most wounds. Finally a rolled thick blanket perched atop the bag would be her sleeping arrangement for now.

Her belt pouches were next, four of them clustered around her sheathed silver dagger. In the first pouch she found a tightly coiled piece of parchment with copper ends. Mirai grinned at the magic storage device of her own make. The next two pouches contained the same but the last pouch contained a handful of seeds.

“Yes!” Mirai cheered as she gingerly picked a seed out. She held up a small acorn before placing her hands around it and channeling her mana into the seed. Minutes passed before twisting roots and reaching green sprigs burst from her hands. Dropping the rapidly growing plant Mirai watched as it grew to knee height within seconds. The tiny oak tree scratched at the ground before it’s roots found purchase on the worn path.

Out of breath from the exertion, Mirai grinned at the newly born treant. “Now at least I’ve got some company! Now what to call you...” her fingers found her chin as she tapped her foot. Thinking of names for treants was always so hard... Well the thing was meant for companionship and utility... “Got it, you are ! Well, just for short.”

The tiny tree paused in its movement, Mirai got the feeling it was somewhat upset with her. “Oh, just live with it!” She groaned, nudging with her foot.

Mirai looked around, the next step in her journey would be to find food water and shelter, maybe take a few notes on edible plants or something along the way. “Hmm, well the road means there's obviously some kind of civilization around. So we could follow that to whatever place it leads. What do you think ?” Mirai look down at the tiny tree only for it to stay totally motionless. She rolled her eyes and picked a direction down the road and started walking.

The walk was an easy one, the surface of the road was free of stones and mud puddles. Mirai took to scribbling on a blank book she had retrieved from her pack, various bits of trivia she could observe from the road quickly found their way into a neat font on one of the blank pages. scrambled along behind her serving as lookout while Mirai’s head was buried in her work. So it was a sudden lash to the ankle that pulled Mirai out of her thoughts. “Ow! That hurt you little pile of compost!” Mirai shouted only to be drawn to the raised root pointed further down the road.

Mirai squinted and spotted some kind of small creature pulling a cart behind it. Mirai took a step to one side of the road as the creature neared. The little thing was some furry quadruped with huge eyes and a striking color scheme of blues. Its body was a pale shade of blue while the longer hair coming from the top of its head was darker. Such a creature would have never survived in Eogan, the surrounding country was filled with murderous creatures that would easily have devoured something so defenseless. Mirai quickly returned to scribbling notes in her book, the discovery of this creature boded well for the rest of the world, for if such a thing could survive then the land had to be noticeably less hostile than her home.

Slowly the sound of wagon wheels grew louder while Mirai wasn't paying attention before they slowed and finally stopped. Finally noticing this Mirai looked up to find the creature staring at her with wide eyes. Strangely the cart was piled with bricks but was bereft of a rider. Frowning, Mirai wondered if the creature was smart enough to make deliveries on its own, or if it had somehow gotten away from its owner loaded down with such a heavy load. Mirai took a moment to scribble a few more words before taking a few curious steps toward the cart.

The creature pulling it took a nervous step back and suddenly shouted something at her. Mirai halted and took a step back, the creature calming slightly. The sounds that came from the creature almost sounded like language...

“Hello.” Mirai said calmly as she took a slow step toward the strange animal.

She felt a little odd talking to a quadraped but she couldnt exactly make assumptions about an entirely new plane of existance now could she?

Brisk Venture took a nervous step back as the red maned creature took another step towards him. He had just been on his way to deliver a load of bricks to a nearby farm when he had spied an odd being on the side of the road. It was tall enough to just be a young dragon so Brisk didnt think much of it right up until he got close enough for a good look. It was an odd thing with its dragon like stature and long, slightly droopy ears. It had been standing and writing in a book. At least the stuff it had with it and the writing meant it was probably a civilized being.

“Y-yeah just stay right there.” Brisk said when the creature eased away from him again. What was he supposed to do? The words that came out of the creature’s mouth were completely unknown to him and just compounded the fact he had no clue what he was supposed to do with a totally unknown... thing. He brought a hoof to his chin in thought. Just continuing with his delivery was out since the thing seemed to be interested in him somehow and he didn't want it following him to end up scaring some poor family. He could take it back to Vanhoover... but that had the same problem as the first idea... then again city ponies were pretty used to weird things... to a point anyway.

“Ok, you wanna follow me to town?” Brisk said as he turned around and pointed back the way he came.

The creature just stared him until he began walking then it began to follow along. “Great I'll just get the guards or mayor or something to deal with you.”

They journeyed in silence, until a sudden yank on his harness and an additional weight had him turning and glaring at the red maned... thing. It returned a cocky grin and waved back as it made itself comfy on his load of bricks. Strangely the creature was holding a little oak sapling in its lap that it had apparently yanked out of the ground at some point. “Damn freeloader.” Brisk muttered as he continued down the road.

Mirai was a happy elf. Not only had she made amiable first contact with a local race but she found a ride! She felt justified in proclaiming her first day a resounding success. A fact she was sure to note in her writings.

As they created the next hill Mirai glanced up and froze, her book falling out of her hands to land on a rather irritated <Companionable Twig>. In the distance a collection of spires rose into the sky gleaming with glass and metal. Small colored dots flit this way and that among the gigantic buildings. Large paved streets filled the gap and formed a few major thoroughfares out of the city and into the distance. It was all a bit much for the elf maiden whose only exposure to architecture of such scale was a single stone fortress that blocked a mountain pass.

Mirai was brought back to reality by a certain blue creature who was looking over his shoulder and laughing at her expression. She turned her head and pouted as a blush burned on her cheeks. Unfortunately this only made the creature’s laughing increase in volume.

It took another two hours to finally make it to the city and Mirai's notes were now filled with detailed descriptions, and even a few sketches of the wondrous city. She was surprised to see that the other creatures they passed were mostly shooting them curious glances. Those that weren't were ducking into buildings or finding hiding spots that Mirai often found hilarious. Like the creature who hid under a metal can with the rear half of it's body still exposed.

When they finally came to a stop it was in front of a highly decorated building made of white stone. Mirai hopped down from the cart and placed on the ground.

All around them creatures who appeared to be wearing various bits of clothing stopped to gawk. Mirai didn't mind, in fact she was happy to return the favor as she noticed the odd dress that the creatures had adopted. A creature wearing nothing but a collar portion of a shirt was of particular interest.

The creature that had pulled her here on her cart cleared its throat and when it had her attention pointed to a large pair of glass doors. Mirai nodded and started following the creature in when the gathering crowd gasped. Turning to find out the issue all she saw was scrabbling its way up the steps after her. Stifling a giggle she lowered her arm to allow the treant to climb up and onto her pack. The crowd murmured and she waved at them before heading inside.

Mayor Snow’s eye twitched as some kind of strange thing with a tree growing out of its back disassembled his light switch. He calmly placed his snow white hooves on his desk and shot a burning glare at the delivery stallion who dared to waltz in without an appointment and drop all of his problems in his lap. “Now, Mr. Venture I don't know why you felt the need to bring such an... exotic visitor to my office on my lunch hour... so why don't you tell me what you think should be done about this...”

“Uh..” Brisk mumbled glancing around nervously. “I don’t know, I just thought that you’d know, or at least know who would.”

“Hmm... I see.” Mayor Snow muttered as the light flickered. Both stallions turned to watch as the creature experimented with the wires. The red maned thing seemed quite fixated on what it was doing as an occasional burst of sparks flashed blue in the flickering light of the office.

“Well, I guess I could pass it onto my secretary...” Mayor Snow mumbled. “Excuse me, Amendment could you come in here for a moment please!?” He shouted while pressing a small button on his desk. A few moments passed before a brown, unicorn mare stepped into the office.

Amendment's face remained neutral as she trotted up next to the mayor, paying no mind to the office’s strange occupants. “Need I remind the mayor that he doesn't have to shout when he uses the intercom?”

Snow grumbled an apology. “Right... anyway, Amendment can you please see to the needs of these two. Shoot that thing with a translation spell and ask it why it’s wandering around.” He said waving a hoof at his guests.

“Yes mayor.” Amendment said, picking up the strange thing in her magic and carrying it out of the office, much to the fascination of the creature.

“So... do I just?” Brisk vaguely waved after the two.

“Don't know, follow them if you care to, but in either case get out of my office.” Snow said as he waved a hoof dismissively.

“Right.” Brisk mumbled as he quickly walked out of the office to go find the mare and creature.

Mirai was far too interested in the purple halo of magical energy surrounding her to protest being moved into a small room filled only with a short metal table and some cushions. Her hands waved through the cloud of magical energy, attempting to determine its properties. Already she could tell that it wasn't actually gaseous despite its appearance and that it seemed to be form fitted around her entire body as stretching limbs out as far as she could didn't result in the field dissipating. She felt no pressure on any part of her body nor any feelings of restriction or confinement, she floated along behind the latest quadruped like she was a mote of dust trapped in its wake.

Almost too soon the field vanished as she was settled onto a cushion. The brown creature across from her cleared it’s throat and summoned a stack of papers and writing material in a flash of light. Mirai stared, teleportation was a very rare skill, in fact the only time she had seen it done in person was when a pair of gods decided they needed her help. The creature’s horn flashed brightly again before, to Mirai’s great surprise she began speaking in clearly understandable language.

“Hello there.” The creature said.

Mirai stared for a moment more before scrambling to retrieve her own note taking materials.

“Hello!” She said as she almost slammed her book down on the table and began scribbling.

“Uh... Ok, My name is Article Amendment, what's yours?” Amendment asked seemingly thrown off by Mirai's show of scholarly enthusiasm.

“My name is Mirai Si’Maire of House Ancea. Maire is my mother’s name and Ancea would be my family name. The ‘Si’ prefix denotes that I am the daughter of my mother.” Mirai answered easily, already having anticipated a need to explain her naming conventions. “Is your name really meant to describe the altering of a written piece or is that a translation error?”

Amendment was momentarily thrown off by the flood of information but quickly remembered her notes and began writing. “Yes, It does in fact mean that. There is no problem with the translation that I can see.”

“Great.” Mirai said as she made a few more scribbles. “This spell, does it translate spoken words into a specific language or some kind of universal format?”

“Err, I’m not sure, I would have to ask the pony who invented it.” Amendment said, taken off guard by the sudden technical question.

“Interesting, an established school of magic not requiring absolute knowledge of a spell’s inner workings for any particular piece of magic to be used. Tell me, is there a magical institution of some kind or are spells passed down within hereditary lines?” Mirai paused to look up at the stunned Amendment. “I’m sorry, did I go too fast?”

Amendment shook herself free of her sudden mental freeze. “Uh, no, it's just that I wasn't expecting so many technical questions.”

Mirai nodded. “I’m sorry about that; I get over enthusiastic sometimes.”

“Oh no! It’s quite alright. I was just expecting a bit more of a basic discourse.” Amendment said with a nervous grin. “I’ve dealt with foreign visitors on occasion, but I’m still new at it. Um, if you don't mind, could we perhaps discus your visit and why you decided to come to our city despite not knowing the local language?”

Mirai nodded and sighed. “Sorry to derail the conversation so quickly. Um...” She paused as she thought of the proper way to word things. “I’m from an elven kingdom named Eogan. I was sent by our leaders to learn more about your land before... Um, more intensive talks.”

Amendment’s eyes went wide. “An Ambassador! Oh, I’m so sorry about this mix up. Would you like me to send a letter to the princess? I’m sure they would love to speak with you.”

Mirai paused to think. If she were to meet with this princess with the added clout of being Eogan’s ambassador she could no doubt learn a lot of things very useful for her mission. On the other hand it would entail a lot of official attention. Then again it's not like it wasn't true... She could even consider herself Aillil’s champion if she really wanted to but the idea of inflating her own importance that much left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Before she could answer the door opened and the blue pony from before poked his head into the room. “Uh, Excuse me am I interrupting anything?”

Mirai raised an eyebrow. “You're the pony...” She paused, shooting a look towards Amendment who nodded. “Who gave me a ride into town.” She finished with a smile.

“Yep, that's me.” He said with a laugh. “I’m Brisk Venture.”

“Mirai.” She replied. “Thank you for that by the way.”

“Oh it was no trouble. Glad to see you're getting sorted out.” Brisk replied with a widening smile as he fully entered the room.

“Mirai is an ambassador from a kingdom named Eogan.” Amendment interjected. “You’ve done us a big favor by finding... um, excuse me, you are female correct?” Mirai nodded with a giggle. “-Her before anything disastrous happened.”

Brisk laughted awkwardly for a moment before nodding “...No problem.”

Mirai waved for Brisk to take a seat before looking back toward Amendment. “I think I would be interested in speaking with your leader if you wouldn't mind Amendment.”

The brown unicorn nodded and quickly made her way out muttering something about the ‘good stationary’.

Mirai tapped on the metal table for a moment with her fingertips before her attention turned to Brisk. “So forgive me but you are a male right?”

Mirai stirred awake after an incredibly restful night. The gentle hum of an engine melded delightfully with the lack of greenskins screaming in pain as they were vaporized and made for one of the best sleeps she'd had since leaving home. Of course a soft bed when one had expected sleeping on the cold ground was also a bonus.

Stretching her back by reaching up to touch the low rafters Mirai stumbled out of bed. The swaying of the floor beneath her gave away the fact she was still in transit, much to her delight. Walking over to the large set of windows that dominated the back wall of her cabin, she was met with a magnificent view of green countryside far below. Indeed the Equestrian airship the land’s ruler had sent to retrieve her had truly captured her imagination. An entire chapter of her book had been dedicated to notes, sketches and an occasional schematic about the rather large zeppelin.

also rested in a nearby flowerpot, rooted in place and generally enjoying the sun the huge window provided. Mirai smirked, the ponies back in Vanhoover had shared a lot of extremely valuable information about their culture and species as well as treating her to a large variety of foods in the short two days she had spent there. But by far the most entertaining part of that stay had been spooking ponies with ’s seemingly frightening presence.

Mayor Snow, who had been very apologetic for some reason, had nearly jumped out of his skin when had skittered off of her pack. As it was he was a shade or two brighter whenever the tiny treant was around, something she was not very sure was healthy for the poor ma-stallion.

Turning away from the window she saw to cleaning herself up. The airship’s facilities were limited in comparison to the ones she had briefly enjoyed in Vanhoover, but it was in her best interest to attempt to appear as fresh as possible for the Equestrian princess.

Almost as soon as she was done a loud thump and tremor shook the entire vessel. It was no surprise that they were going to be arriving so early but the last time she looked they were still quite high up. Confused, Mirai exited her cabin and walked out onto the deck. To her great astonishment the airship had moored to a massive city built into the side of a mountain. The tall spires, glittering white topped with gold were impressive but not as impressive as the multi-thousand foot drop she saw just by peering over the side.

She wasn't afraid of heights but that height would strain anyone's sanity.

Mirai quickly ducked back into her room to grab her pack and kick her roommate awake. “Rise and shine you lazy houseplant we're here.” pulled himself from his pot with great reluctance and followed after her silently contemplating revenge.

Emerging back onto the deck she was met with a pumpkin colored pony she only knew as Cabotage. “G’mornin Lady Ambassador.” He said removing his fancy hat and bowing. Mirai had to wonder what factors had led to him having such a strange accent. Perhaps something intrinsically linked to flying a ship? It was possible since all the ponies aboard seemed to be afflicted with the same mannerisms.

“Good morning Cabotage. We’re there already?” Mirai asked shooting glances off to the side and the gathering ponies moving supplies and other cargo on and off of the ship. Somewhere beyond them she thought she saw a fancy looking carriage.

“Aye, that we have. Best get a move on Lady Ambassador, don't want to keep the royals waitin.” He said plopping his fancy hat back on.

“Thanks, goodbye Captain.” Mirai said as she headed down the gangway, which was thankfully equipped with safety lines.

“Farewell Ambassador!” He called as Mirai finally stepped foot on solid masonry.

Looking around Mirai was met with a single pony in the most complete outfit she had seen walking towards her. He was dressed in very dark fabric with a white undershirt, he even had a little red ribbon tied in a bow on his neck... it was adorable!

“Lady Ambassador?” He asked in another strange accent.

Mirai took a moment to gather her wits and bite down on the inside of her cheek to keep herself from reaching out and scratching his head. “Yes that's me.” She said quickly, averting her eyes so she would no longer be tempted to embarrass herself.

“Very good, the carriage is right this way madam.” He said gesturing to a pearl colored carriage with quite a lot of gold here and there. “The princess is expecting you.”

Nodding Mirai went to pull her pack from her shoulders only to find it already missing. Suddenly panicked she looked around for it until she spotted it already being carried and loaded into the carriage by the pony with the black outfit. How he had managed to get it from her was an absolute mystery. Shrugging she lifted from the ground and climbed into her overly ostentatious ride.

The trip to the palace was interesting. As she rode through the streets in her carriage, which was strangely enough being pulled by even more ponies instead of pack animals, she was treated with the sight of buildings that if it were not for their overly clean and overly decorated appearance would be right at home in the capital. The various comings and goings of the inhabitants were also fairly interesting, especially their strange propensity to suddenly burst out into song... in large groups... with fitting music coming from somewhere.

When they finally arrived she was met with a pair of almost identical white guards in golden armor. The two of them stood very still as she was climbing out of her latest ride but somehow managed to make a quadruped walking with a spear look perfectly normal as they escorted her into the building.

Inside the palace was notably cooler than outside and the decor would make the palace in Eogan look like a house of paupers. Mirai took particular note of the prolific sun symbolism on the banners, rugs, and large doors she was about to be led through.

The doors were pulled open by her pair of escorts who then motioned for her to enter. Inside the throne room was a long red carpet that led up to a huge white pony with a pastel rainbow mane that seemed to float in nonexistent breeze. The golden regalia and crown left little doubt that this was the princess of Equestria.

Mirai pondered on bowing before finally settling on a curtsy, as even with the lack of a skirt she was still the heir of a highborn noble family. The pony princess smiled and gestured her closer.

“Hello and welcome Mirai Si’Maire of House Ancea, ambassador to the kingdom of Eogan.

Mirai returned the smile somewhat nervously before replying “Thank you Princess Celestia for allowing me this audience.”

“I have been looking forward to this meeting since I received the letter from Vanhoover. It's so rare I get to meet beings I haven't had any past experience with.” Celestia said, her grin widening slightly revealing her true enthusiasm for the event. “If you don't mind let us adjourn to a sitting room so we may discuss matters in comfort.”

Mirai blinked, slightly taken off guard by the princess’ request. “Oh, yes that would be great.” She finally said, her cheeks reddening slightly from making herself look like an idiot. The princess stood and Mirai was surprised by her sheer height. If she were to guess she would probably only come up to the princess’ chin. Of course this wasn't an entirely new experiance for her, she was rather short for her age and many had often mistaken her for being younger than she was.

As Celestia descended the steps leading to her throne she seemed to be distracted by something. Pointing a hoof at the floor behind Mirai she asked “Who's this?”

Looking behind her Mirai realized she hadn't introduced . “Oh, I'm sorry I forgot, this is . He is a treant, a nature spirit.”

Celestia’s eyes brimmed with interest as she bent to examine the tiny tree. “?” She asked.

“Yes that's right: .” Mirai replied. “I call him for short.”

Celestia seemed confused for a moment, sitting back and placing her hoof under her chin. “Hmm ... did you name him?

Mirai nodded. “Oh yes I created him for company on the trip. I don't think he really likes the name but I think it may be growing on him.”

The princess stared at for another long moment before looking back to Mirai. “Why does his name keep coming out so strangely?”

Mirai shrugged “I dunno. Treants are weird like that.”

“Here we are!” Celestia said, gesturing to the comfy looking room with one of her enormous wings.

Mirai stepped inside of the poshly decorated room and glanced around at the various furnishings. “Its... um, very nice your Highness.”

The princess settled into a plush couch and gestured at a nearby chair. “Celestia while we are in private, or would you rather I constantly referred to you as Ambassador?”

“I see your point.” Mirai muttered as she slid into a chair that then promptly tried to eat her with its ridiculously soft cushion.

“Now, why don't you tell me about this mission of yours?” Celestia said as a maid entered the room. They seemed to have a very quiet conversation for a moment before Celestia asked if she would like some tea. Mirai politely refused and the maid bowed and left.

“Um...” Mirai pondered over what she was going to say for a moment. “As you were already informed in the letter before I was sent by my people to learn about your land and to prepare for... umm, further relations.” She finally said.

“Yes, I had read as much in the letter from Amendment. So tell me, how did you hear of my little kingdom?” Celestia asked with a tiny smirk.

“Oh, um... we didn't.” Mirai said uneasily. “We just knew there was something here so they decided to send me.”

“And why did they decide to send you specifically?” Celestia said with an expectant look.

“I was the best qualified out of the people who were available?” Mirai said nervously. “I was a companion to the crown princess for a while. We adventured together.”

“Ah, visiting dangerous ruins in search of ancient secrets and treasure. Fighting deadly enemies with your life on the line.” The princess said with a wistful sigh. “It’s been many years since my sister and I did such things.”

Mirai returned a wide grin. “It was the secrets for me. Though the treasure never hurt and I’m sure if Fearghal was here he’d have some lecture about greed to bore us with.”

Celestia tittered, hiding her smile behind a hoof. “Was this Fearghal another companion of yours?”

Mirai nodded. “Yes, he was um... a knight.” Mirai suddenly hesitated at the thought of going into detail about the ghostly man.

Celestia narrowed her eyes, an urge to tease threatening to override propriety but the sound of a soft knock and the door opening drew both of their attentions. A soft purple mare stuck her head into the room. She was shaking so hard Mirai thought she could hear her hoofs vibrating against the marble floors. “Y-You called for me Princess?”

“Come in Twilight, I wanted to introduce you to someone.” Celestia said gesturing toward Mirai with a wing.

The little mare stepped fully into the room and walked toward the elf with a sudden look of fascination, her earlier fear totally forgotten. Mirai used the opportunity to scrutinize Twilight just as closely as the pony was examining her. She was a light shade of purple with a darker hue making up most of her mane. The only portion that wasn't dark purple was a bright streak of pink running through her mane. The pony propensity for odd hair color variation as well as the strange pictograms on their sides was a total mystery to the studious elf.

“Twilight this is Ambassador Mirai from a distant kingdom called Eogan.” Celestia said with a gentle smile. “Mirai this is my student Twilight sparkle. If there is anypony who could assist you with learning about Equestria then it would be Twilight.” Mirai watched in awe as a quill and parchment appeared in a flash of light and without interruption began autonomously taking notes. Mirai burned with a sudden feeling of jealousy. If there was only one thing she could learn from unicorn magic after her mission then it would have to be their amazingly dexterous ability to levitate and control objects.

Twilight blushed and shrank back from her close examination, jarred out of her trance by Celestia’s compliment. “Oh, um YES! That’s right, a-and anything I don't know I can find for you in the archives!”

A dangerous looking glint entered the eyes of the elf and that in combination with a sudden frightening grin gave both ponies present pause. “Archives you said?” Mirai’s arm slowly wrapped itself around the terrified looking Twilight and pulled her closer. “I think you and I are going to get to know each other very well. Now, I'm very interested in seeing this archive.” Twilight stuttered, attempting futilely to protest as the elf dragged her out into the hallway.

Celestia watched after them until the door clicked closed with an air of finality. “Oh dear...” Celestia said, summoning a hot cup of tea and taking a calming sip. “I don't know if Canterlot can handle two of them.”

Chapter 2

I own nothing, if you sue all you'll get is this cellphone.

Canterlot Dinner Party- Chapter 2

A humongous stack of books teetered precariously on a sagging table. Each book selected for it’s age and air of ancient knowledge.

Mirai eyed the stack hungrily and selected a particularly old, venerable tome and cracked it open, the ancient binding complaining noisily. “You look like a good place to start,” she cooed. Her eyes flew over the words, drank in their glory before she shut the book with a snap. “I can't read...”

Mirai muttered in despair as she sank back into the voluminous cushion she was sitting on. Her eyes fell upon Twilight running here and there with a roll of parchment and a quill, rapidly cataloguing the places where the elf had taken books. Presumably so she could return them without having learned a single solitary morsel of ancient unicorn magic. An idea suddenly came to the elf and she grinned and stood to follow the purple unicorn. Twilight never noticed a thing until Mirai snuck an arm around her and pulled her to a stop. The pony froze and started to shake in fear. “Twilight.” Mirai said evenly from right next to her.

“Y-yes Ambassador?” Twilight squeaked.

“I've discovered something just terrible Twilight.” Mirai said with only partially fake sorrow in her voice. “I-I can't read pony.”

“GAAAH! What!?” Twilight gasped. “That's horrible! Everypony should know how to read!”

Mirai grasped Twilight’s head pulling her closer, the mare’s cheeks reddened both from the embarrassment and from her cheeks being mashed. “Twilight, you have to teach me pony words!”

“Of course I will!” Twilight said, writing supplies appearing out of thin air. “I'll have you reading before I have to go oversee the Summer Sun Celebration!” The mare practically bled determination. “I’ll write up a schedule right away!”

“Excellent.” Mirai said with a diabolical grin.

Early the following morning Princess Celestia trotted along the hallway that led to the archives. She had grown a little worried when she had received a message from her staff that the Ambassador never visited the room they had set aside for her last night. That and perhaps continue their discussion that had been interrupted yesterday. Celestia had to hoof it to the elf, she was the only one to date that appeared to match Twilight’s zeal for knowledge.

As she turned the corner she was met with Twilight’s companion and assistant Spike, the tiny treant and a small gaggle of various maids and guards all watching something through the slightly open doors to the archives. Curious, she snuck up behind them and peered through the gap thanking her convenient height for not needing to disturb them.

Inside was a strange sight. Twilight flashing back and forth, teleporting basic reading materials here and there as needed. All the while giving a lecture to an elf that was scribbling madly on a piece of parchment, one of many scattered around her seat. Both of them looked disheveled but neither one looked the least bit tired.

As Celestia watched the two she could feel a strange vigor seep into her bones. Her surroundings sharpened and she could feel her mind taking it all in. With her sudden boost she could see in far more detail the scene in front of her. The tiny copper ended cylinders on the table next to Mirai stood out, two laid over on their side with another standing on end as if waiting to be used. As if on cue the elf snatched the waiting cylinder in her hand and without even pausing in her writing held it to her chest. Magic flowed out of the little object and into Mirai's chest and hand, apparently refilling her mana pool.

The situation clicked in Celestia’s mind and she suddenly felt concerned. Artificially boosting mental functions was very advanced and delicate magic and to hold it for any extensive length of time would rapidly result in mental fatigue.

Celestia nudged Spike with a hoof causing him to lethargically turn to look at her. “Spike, how long has this been going on?” She asked the dazed looking drake.

“Princess?” Spike mumbled, rubbing his eyes before looking at her again. The Princess frowned at his lack of coherent response. A little further prodding finally got her an answer of “all night.”

Suddenly not only concerned but angry She stepped through the doors. Celestia felt the sudden stirring of the crowd behind her as if they hadn't realized they had been stationary for so long. They moved around and muttered confusedly before splitting off to continue their work. The exception to this was young Spike and who followed her into the room.

“Hello Ambassador, Twilight.” She said coming to a halt next to Mirai's table. The girls continued on without acknowledging her until she waved a wing in front of the elf. Mirai jerked back and looked around as if dazed before the feeling of unnatural vigor faded. Twilight kept on talking for a few seconds before coming to a slow, halting stop.

“Wait... what was I doing?” Twilight muttered.

Mirai glanced down at her notes. “You were explaining conjugation.”

“Oh right, so the proper use of the Imperial comma comes after the-” Twilight continued before a loud cough from Celestia drew her her attention.

“Oh, umm... hello Princess.” Twilight said quietly as she suddenly shrank down to cower on the floor.

“Hello Twilight.” Celestia said with a serious look on her face. “What are you two doing?”

“Oh... um... teaching the Ambassador how to read?” Twilight said uncertainty. “We just started to cover Ancient Imperial.”

Celestia's raised a brow at that. “Why were you teaching her a dead language?”

Twilight stuttered for a moment before managing to answer “W-Well I already taught her Equestrian a-and she wanted to know the oldest language n-next.”

Spike elbowed the small tree next to him. “Yeah that sounds like something Twilight would do.” The tree next to him remained silent and perfectly still. Spike watched it for any signs of a response before giving up and rolling his eyes. “Yeesh, tough crowd.”

Celestia's other brow joined the first. “You taught her two languages in one night?”

“One and a half.” Mirai muttered.

“And that spell you were using?” Celestia turned her eye to the elf.

Mirai waved a hand around as if trying to physically grasp errant thoughts. “It's my personal variation of the royal family’s ‘Revitalize’ spell, which I modified to focus the mind in addition to alleviating fatigue and curing minor wounds. It makes staying on task really easy and you get a lot more done, but when you’re inexperienced with the effects-” Mirai gestured to Twilight, “-it takes you some time to reorganize your thoughts whenever you have to change focus. I call it ‘Scholar’s Focus.’”

Celestia blinked. “How do you-”

“Teach me!” Twilight suddenly shouted, appearing in a flash of magic mere inches away from Mirai's face. The little mare shook the elf by her shoulders, the hairs of her mane beginning to look even more out of place. “In the name of books you must tell me your secrets!”

“I can't!” Mirai shouted as her head was whipped side to side. Finally Twilight was pulled away by a yellow glow.

Celestia, horn alight, placed a hoof on her temple to try and ease her building headache.

“Why not!” The unicorn demanded as she hung upside down.

“Because you have to have an affinity for life magic!” Mirai said as she regained her bearings. “A strong life affinity to get any effect worthwhile.”

“But my affinity is magic!” Twilight said as she slowly spun in circles. “It's my special talent.” She pointed to the pictogram on her leg.

Mirai took a moment to admire Twilight’s sheer flexibility before her mind caught up with her. “Wait what!?”

Celestia nodded her head.“While my student is being somewhat... over enthusiastic, it's true. Twilight possesses a great aptitude for any magic she puts her mind toward.” Celestia's face fell even further. “And what of young spike and the castle staff that were compelled to stare at you for hours?”

Mirai looked over her shoulder but failing to find anyone, the staff having long left, turned back to the princess. “Sorry about that. The truth is this is actually the second spell I got out of modifying the Revitalize spell. The first was Nocturnal Vigilance, which lets you go without sleeping and also boosts your perception to draw your attention to anything that changes in your environment. I got Scholar’s Focus after that by pushing the spell farther. Unfortunately this means the effects of one spell sometimes bleed into the other when I'm not paying attention while casting it. So if you're not already focused on something when I make that mistake, or used to the effects... well your mind finds you something to focus on.”

Celestia nodded. It sounded like a fairly easy mistake to make for what sounded like a will based magic system. “Any other negative effects?” She felt somewhat rude for grilling the ambassador so thoroughly but the health of her subjects was worth a potential political faux pas.

To her great relief Mirai shook her head. “None. I've used these spells to stay awake for months before with no noticeable ills.”

Twilight nodded in satisfaction and the Princess imagined that within Twilight was rubbing her hooves together diabolically.

Celestia sighed before leaning down to nuzzle her student leaving Twilight a blushing wreck. “Very well. I'll request you exercise more caution the next time you decide to use wide area magic. It could have unforeseen effects.”

Mirai bowed her head in acquiescence, it would be extremely stupid to fail her mission because she found it inconvenient to use a little more vigilance. “I will. Thank you for your forgiveness.”

“Twilight I am about to raise the sun, would you, Spike or the Ambassador like to watch?” Celestia walked over and open the door to the gardens before looking back over her shoulder.

“Y-Yes I'd love to princess!” Twilight said, nearly hopping after her mentor.

“Alright!” Spike cheered. “I always love watching this! Come on lady you don't want to miss this!” He said, scampering after the two.

Mirai stared after them for a long few seconds before her mental processes restarted. “What!?” Rapidly getting up and nearly tripping herself to do so Mirai chased after them. When she made it outside she was nearly blinded by a bright light that filled the courtyard.

When the light lessened there stood Celestia, the light coming from her horn still intense as the giant burning orb that was the sun climbed into the air. Twilight and Spike were silent as they watched the event with familiar awe. Once the light faded the warm light of the sunrise filled the world and Mirai suddenly felt she had made a grievous error.

“Woo! That was a great show, as usual Princess.” Spike said jovially. “I can't wait for the Summer Sun Celebration!”

The comment earned a smile from her as she leaned down to nuzzle him. “Thank you, young Spike. I think you have learned the art of flattery well. I'm sure your etiquette teacher will be happy to hear.”

“But Princess... you're our etiquette teacher.” Twilight said with a confused look.

Celestia’s small smile grew just the tiniest bit.

The ponies and Spike missed seeing the sudden terrified expression that overtook Mirai’s face as her own thoughts presented one frightening scenario after another. “Excuse me.” She said suddenly as she turned back around and walked quickly back into the archives leaving two confused ponies and a drake behind.

“Wonder what's eating her?” Spike muttered, earning a hushed “Spike!” from Twilight.

Celestia stared after the retreating elf with concern in her eyes. Had she scared the poor girl? Her eyes narrowed as she went over their few short interactions for anything specific that would explain the look of sudden terror that had come over the face of the Ambassador but... eventually came up with nothing. Perhaps she had simply been overwhelmed? Sometimes the realization that the sun was under the control of a single pony was a bit much for some beings. A distant memory of a similar occurrence the first time she had met with the zebra all of those centuries ago crossed her mind and she cursed herself for her forgetfulness. New races were bound to have sensitivities and it was amateurish of her to have forgotten that.

“Princess Celestia?” Came the concerned voice of Twilight. “Is the Ambassador alright? She seemed... upset.”

Celestia met Twilight’s gaze with a reassuring look. “I’m sure she will be fine Twilight. Sometimes the raising of the sun, while an everyday occurrence to ponies, is an overwhelming experience to beings who are unfamiliar with me.” She tucked Twilight and Spike under a wing to reassure them. “I’m sure there is nothing to worry about.”

A door in one of the diplomatic suites was very nearly implanted in the wall if not for being caught by a slender hand. Mirai Si’Maire entered the room, huffing to catch her breath. After nearly giving a maid a heart attack she had, politely, asked for the location of the room she had been given. After running most of the way the fear she had felt had lessened greatly but a smoldering anger had taken its place.

“You are such an idiot!” she hissed quietly to herself. “You made an assumption and it dumped you right in the lap of the local deity!” She paced back and forth in the spacious suite, anger fueling her steps. “You chose the easy route, not the safe route. You jeopardized the mission and for what? A soft bed and a room in a palace?!”

Her pace slowed as her anger faded, replaced by sadness. She wilted as the consequences of failure crept back into her mind. Images of her friends and family dead - or worse - infected her thoughts like a disease and Mirai shivered and wrapped herself in her own arms in a vain attempt to ward them off. A quick glance around the room had her going to her pack that had been helpfully leaned against a nearby wall and pulling the thick blanket off of the top. More than anything the thought of being wrapped up in something from home eased her mind. She grabbed the edge and flicked the blanket to unroll it but a loud clatter distracted her from the waiting warmth and comfort. Against the far wall lay a long, intricately carved, tube of brassy metal with a wooden grip. Various delicate parts were welded to the exterior, all leading back to the chamber that held a fourth mana storage device.

Mirai recognized it immediately as the original inspiration for the huge cannons that now lined the walls of Dorast that she had used as a personal weapon for years before returning to Eogan. Reaching down and gently lifting it from the floor she closely inspected it for damage. After finding none her hands clenched tightly around it. Her mind raced and a clear course of action emerged.

First she would learn as much as she could from Twilight and the archive. These ponies seemed to have a firm understanding of teleportation and that was a much better place to begin than trying with nothing. Fortunately she had some time before the next phase of her plan, plenty of time to study and if she had to trade Twilight a few spells to get any help she needed then it was just something she would have to do... An image popped into her mind of Twilight, mane wild and crazy eyed flinging around Famish sent a cold chill up her spine. “Ok, maybe not every spell.” Mirai muttered as she wrapped her blanket around herself and sat on the edge of the bed. She stared sightless at the other wall as the next piece of her plan took shape.

Then, she would ask to accompany Twilight on her business. This Summer Sun Celebration sounded like some kind of festival and Twilight said she had something to do with it soon. Once away with Twilight on her errand she would make her excuses to not return to Canterlot, something along the lines of ‘Needing to experience Equestria first hand.’ should do.

Lastly, find a way to do what she had to do. Do it. Save everyone.

Mirai swallowed a lump in her throat. “Ok I can do this...”

After a few extra hours of wallowing in the closest thing she could get to assurance and a nap Mirai was awakened by a knock on the door. Rubbing her eyes she answered it still wrapped in her blanket. A maid waited on the other side and looked up at her with a smile.

“I’m sorry to interrupt if you were sleeping ambassador but the princess asked me to invite you to dinner.” The maid said, the little brown mare fidgeting with her uniform.

Mirai paused, food sounded nice, she thought as a rather unladylike grumble echoed in the marble hallway.

“I'll tell them you accept!” The little mare said as she pranced away down the hall.

Mirai watched after her with a dumb expression on her face until the maid turned a corner. Shaking the sleep out of her mind Mirai retreated back into her room to wash up.

When she finally did feel elvish enough to attend dinner with a princess she left her room and walked out into the hallway. A few moments passed as she just stared at the opposite wall... Then turned left and looked down the marble corridor before doing the same to the right. “I don't actually know where the dining room is.” She muttered as frustration welled in her mind.

Deciding to follow the only clue she had she headed left after the maid who came to get her. She walked for a while, turning here or there as dead ends or came up or something looked particularly interesting caught her eye but ultimately ended up wandering aimlessly. After nearly ten minutes of exploration she heard the sound of hooves clicking against the marble.

Down one of the branches she saw a white pony dressed in the top half of a very ornate looking suit. As he neared Mirai waved a hand to get his attention. “Excuse me.” She said as he came to a stop to look at her. “Would you happen to know where the dining room is?”

“Certainly.” The pony responded in a haughty voice before continuing on his way. Figuring that he was leading her, Mirai followed after. A few long moments of silence stretched between them as they walked before the well dressed pony spoke up. “You must be the ambassador I've heard about.” He said without even turning his head.

“Yes I am, my name is Mirai Si’Maire of the house Ancea here from the kingdom of Eogan.” She replied formally.

The pony drew himself up taking a deep breath before speaking. “I am Prince Blueblood of Equestria.” He spoke with as much authority as he could muster. “Tell me, what purpose does Eogan have contacting us?”

Mirai shot him a look out of the corner of her eye, her mind working quickly to add more detail to the excuses she had already used. “At the moment we wish to learn about your monarchy and your surroundings Your Highness. If all goes well there may be trade talks in the future. I have seen a great amount of exotic foods and goods the merchants of my home would likely be quite interested in.” None of which was a lie... Though the circumstances would be wildly different then she let on.

The pony swelled up even more as he walked. “It is good to hear you know the proper way to address your betters ambassador.” He said with a smug lilt to his voice. “I would assume your kingdom had the sense to send a noble daughter as their representative?”

Mirai’s rolling eyes were thankfully unnoticed by the Prince. “Yes Your Highness. The house of Ancea is very well acquainted with the royal family. Once many centuries ago we were even offered the kingdom in the aftermath of a great calamity, though we declined.”

“What?!” Blueblood suddenly yelped, whipping his head around to look at her. “Why would you ever decline?!”

“Self Awareness.” Mirai said with a smirk. “My family is known for... Extreme personalities. It is likely we would have driven the kingdom into the ground before the decade had been out. But then a much better candidate showed up soon after that anyway so we were quite happy to dump the entire thing in their lap.”

“Humph” Blueblood turned back and continued down the hallway. At the far end of which were a pair of large double doors with stylized sun symbols etched in the surface.

“So...” Mirai began uneasily. “Are you really related to Celestia by blood or...?” She left the question hanging.

Blueblood sighed and picked up the pace slightly. “No.” He said, bitterness on full display. “I am a direct descendant of Princess Platinum. Ancient unicorn royalty from before the founding of Equestria. My title is mostly just ceremonial.” He hissed, face twisting into a countenance of fury.

Mirai glanced off to the side as she broke out in a sweat. “I didn't mean to upset you Your Highness.” She said as they neared the doors. The guards standing there saluted and went to pull them open.

“It's quite alright, tis a millennia old grievance.” Blueblood said as he checked his mane with a hoof. “It was nice to speak with someone who shows me the respect I deserve for once.”

Mirai caught the guards who stood next to the open door rolling their eyes.

“But dinner awaits, let us not keep Aunty waiting.” Blueblood said as he gestured to the table, a certain purple unicorn already seated alongside a certain Goddess.

Mirai grimaced as she nodded and followed him in.

Dishes clinked in silence as the various beings sitting at the table ate in silence. Occasionally a look was shared between an eager looking Twilight and a Princess that was obviously keeping her under control.

“So...” Celestia began, the eating all pausing at once. “I see you have already met my nephew ambassador.”

“We spoke after meeting in the hall.” Blueblood said, holding a spoonful of soup aloft in his magic.

“He helped me find the dining room.” Mirai said quietly.

Celestia smiled at Blueblood who paid extra attention to his food.

The slightly awkward atmosphere continued as the meal progressed until the Princess cleared her throat. “*ahem* Ambassador, would you mind if I posed a question?”

Mirai glanced around the room, seemingly looking anywhere but at Celestia. “I wouldn't mind Your Highness.” She finally said, looking intently at the various artworks that hung here and there around the room.

“Demoted me back to ‘Your Highness’ have you?.” She said narrowing her eyes. Mirai broke out into a sweat as the look bored into her composure. Celestia held the glare for just another moment before brightening again. “I was wondering if you would be willing to tell us a little about your homeland? This Eogan must be an interesting place being so far from here.”

Mirai’s sweating intensified as she glanced around the room in a panic. What was she going to tell a deity that wouldn't be caught out in a lie? “Well...” She began, taking a moment to clear her throat. “*ahem* Eogan is the name of the country and the capital city, but I have only rarely visited. I lived in a village nearby named Aran.” The elf looked up to see all present looking at her with interest. She closed her eyes and tried not to think about who was listening and more on what she was going to tell them. “Unlike my army of cousins I was always a bookish girl.” Mirai let herself smile as she calmed and began to remember the carefree days of the past. “I stayed inside and read... Unless there was knowledge to be had at the end of whatever adventure my cousins proposed. We always got in a lot of trouble for those but me especially as the heir.”

“So you were being groomed for the responsibility.” Blueblood spoke up, nodding his head. “Your family knows how to raise their offspring.”

Mirai nodded with a smile. “Yes, my mother Maire was always very strict. She had to be as the Matriarch.”

“Your mother’s name was Bitterness?” Twilight said with a grimace. “She sounds kind of scary.”

Mirai boggled at the fact they already knew the meaning of her mother’s name before Celestia spoke up to clear the miscommunication. “It's the translation spell, please continue.”

“Right...” Mirai said, scolding herself for forgetting about that. “Anyway, apparently I was a handful but I was happy to get childhood out of the way. We have this marriage tradition where when the children of the family reached the proper age they would leave home and search for a spouse. I was particularly excited for it because it meant I got to leave Aran and see the rest of the kingdom.”

“You had to get MARRIED?” Twilight nearly shouted only to be hushed by Celestia.

“There are many cultures that practiced something similar in the past.” Celestia whispered to her.

“No.” Mirai said with a giggle. “The very first thing I did when I got out of Aran was forget all about that and go visit an ancient dangerous ruin in search of arcane secrets.”

Blueblood huffed. “You acted irresponsibly.” He said drawing himself up. “It should have been your top priority to ensure your family’s line of succession.”

Mirai shot him a sour look. “That's probably what mother would have said but instead I met Princess Assa and saved her life... After being the reason she fell down some stairs in the first place.” Mirai glanced toward the corner, unwilling to meet anyone’s eyes. After a few moments, feminine laughter filled the room. Turning back towards the table Mirai was surprised to see the source was Celestia.

“You... You...” Celestia fought to get herself under control. “You really ended up adventuring together after you almost killed her with a fall down the stairs? That's how you met?”

Mirai nodded, shamefaced. “To be fair she was the one who over reacted and tripped herself.”

Celestia took a deep breath and get herself back under control. “Well, this was certainly an enjoyable dinner.” She said standing up from the table. “I haven't laughed like that in quite some time. Thank you for that Mirai.”

The elf grinned and waved it off, happy she was able to avoid anything sensitive.

“Now I feel we must be getting to bed. Twilight, you especially, you have a very big day tomorrow and you'll need your sleep.” Celestia hurried along a protesting Twilight who seemed to want to stay and ask more questions. The princess was having none of it though and quickly had her out in the hall.

“Indeed, it was certainly entertaining.” Blueblood said as he also stood and walked over to stand in front of Mirai as elf also vacated the table. “I think I see now what you meant earlier. Your kingdom would have certainly perished with a royal family like you.”

Mirai laughed and nodded. “The scary thing is, my relatives are worse.”

“Worse?” Blueblood looked at her incredulously.

“Worse.” Mirai said with a nod. “Grandmother Metrea set her own house on fire so the man she liked would come and sweep her off her feet... And put out the fire.”

Blueblood stared at her for several moments before turning and trotting out of the room before turning and shouting back at her. “Mad! Your family, all mad!”

Mirai giggled to herself before walking off to find a spell book.

Chapter 3

I own nothing, if you sue all you'll get is this cellphone.

Ponyville oh Ponyville- Chapter 3

An endless see of countryside fanned out beneath Mirai but unlike her trip on the airship her current circumstances were not fascinating, they were terrifying. So terrifying her fingers were beginning to come close to denting the rim of the chariot that was being pulled through the air by a pair of winged guards.

Her current predicament started when Twilight had left to perform her duties exactly as planned and Mirai had quickly made her excuses and tagged along. The thing she hadn't anticipated was Twilight’s epic freak out the day before, bursting into the archive and roaring through book after book in a frantic search for something. So here she was, staring down at the passing countryside in a death trap that was little more than a small wood and gold platform and all without having learned even the basics of unicorn magic. To put the cherry on top of the misery cake, Twilight and Spike had spent the entire trip arguing about some letter and giving the poor elf a headache to go along with her heart attack.

“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying. So I’m sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location Ponyville.” Spike read off of a scroll shooting a smug look at Twilight. “And I have an even more essential task for you to complete, make some friends.”

“Ugh,” Twilight moaned. “But we don't have time for this Spike. I feel bad about telling the Princess I couldn't oversee the Celebration but the fate of Equestria is at stake!”

Spike smirked and waved the scroll in front of her nose. “Sorry Twilight but orders are orders.”

Twilight grumbled before turning to the elf, a contemplative look on her face. “So Ambassador, you came to observe the day to day life of ponies in Equestria right?.”

Mirai moaned an affirmative as her stomach decided on that moment to start doing back flips.

Twilight’s face slowly went from contemplative to a smirk. “Then what better way then seeing for yourself how our festivals are put together. If, you’d like I can let you oversee the preparations today.”

Before Mirai could answer the chariot set down at their destination with a small thump, jostling the sick elf and prompting another moan of misery. Ponies turned to watch as Mirai and her tree flung themselves out of the chariot the moment it slowed to a stop.

“Great!” Twilight said as she hopped off the contraption. “Then I leave today's proceedings in your capable hooves.”

“I don't know Twilight.” Spike said with a skeptical look. “Didn't you have to actually be taught how to oversee the Celebration?”

Twilight frowned for a moment before perking up. “Yes I did, but you were there too Spike, so you're going with her.”

“What?!” Spike shouted. “Come on Twilight, you can't just push your job off on us.” Spike motioned to Mirai who was shakily getting herself under control.

Twilight sighed and averted her eyes. She really did feel guilty for this but there was no way she was going to just let the Nightmare Moon situation go. “Your right Spike. I would normally never do this, but this is the fate of Equestria we’re talking about!” She said stamping her hoof for emphasis. Lighting her horn Twilight levitated a scroll over to Spike. “This is the checklist I wrote up. Help the ambassador and I’ll go try to find anything on the Elements in the Library.”

Spike snatched the scroll with a grumble of malcontent and marched over to stand beside Mirai who was contemplating her need to hurl into someone's shrubbery.

Twilight nodded, “Alright, see you later Spike.” As she turned around she bumped right into a pink pony. “Oh excus-”

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” The pony gasped and had some kind of midair spasm before zooming away.

Twilight, Spike and a recovered Mirai all shared a look between themselves. “Well that was weird...” Twilight mumbled before walking off to find the Library.

Mirai finally pulled herself up from where she had been getting her stomach under control and walked over to Spike, grabbing her pack out of the chariot as she passed. “So, I didn't really catch all of that. What happened?”

Spike snorted, a green burst of flame coming from his nostrils. “Twilight bailed and left us her job,” he whined.

“Wait, so we have to oversee your festival?” Mirai asked pointing between herself and Spike.

“Looks like it.” Spike mumbled while he kicked at the dirt in irritation.

Mirai turned a confused look to where the purple pony was walking away from them down the street. “Well, aside from it being kind of rude I don't mind.” She really didn't plan on getting anything really important done today anyway. She had to make her excuse look legitimate after all. So spending the day following Twilight around had been all that was on her agenda anyway. “Did she say why she had to leave?”

Spike snorted again before taking off walking and unrolling the scroll Twilight gave him. “She's been on this kick about an ancient prophecy. Something about an evil mare trapped in the moon escaping tomorrow.”

Mirai “hmm’d” in thought as she followed along behind him. “Well, if she really thinks there's something to that prophecy then it’d be worse if she didn't look into it. If something does happen tomorrow, you’d feel terrible knowing you stopped someone from investigating.”

“I guess.” Spike grumbled as he read the scroll. “Looks like our first stop is Sweet Apple Acres to check on the food.”

Mirai rubbed her stomach, still a little queasy from the ride. “Alright, just so long as I don't have to eat any of it, I’m still a little sick.”

The trip to Sweet Apple Acres was a thankfully pleasant one. Mirai still couldn't quite get over how safe this entire world felt. The ever present danger of the roads and lands she had traveled was completely absent here and she relished it.

Inhaling deeply Mirai closed her eyes as they walked, feeling out her surroundings with her other senses as she went. ‘This world is great!’ She thought to herself as a smile crept onto her face. She didn't have to constantly be on high alert, didn't have to keep herself awake for months on end to avoid being dragged away in the night to a fate worse than death. She shuddered slightly as the few close calls she had reared up in her memory. But the quiet near solitude of the road quickly soothed her worries and she was soon back to having a content smile on her face.

“Well someone is relaxed.” Spike muttered as he walked along, his foul mood having only gotten worse.

Mirai focused a lazy eye on him before sighing and coming to a stop. If the little dragon was just going to pout the whole way then she was going to do something about it before he ruined her day. “Come on.” She said gesturing towards herself with her hands.

“What?” Spike grumbled.

“You're used to being carried by Twilight right? I saw you two around the castle all the time.” She made the gesture again and the little dragon finally caught on.

He walked forward with a curious look on his face before being picked up. “Woah!” He cried in surprise as he was grabbed and lifted onto her shoulders.

“There.” Mirai said continuing on their way. “Now will you stop being so grumpy? The walk is too nice to let it be ruined by having to listen to a bad attitude.”

“Sorry.” Spike muttered doing his best not to scratch her forehead with his claws as he held on tight.

The rest of the walk was done in silence until they came to an arched gate with Sweet Apple Acres emblazoned across it alongside a carved apple motif.

“YeeeeHawww!” An orange mare in a strange hat called out as she violently kicked one of the plethora of trees that stood around in rows. Mirai winced and glanced down to . The treant seemed to curl in on himself with sympathetic pain. The fruits that hung in the tree were shaken loose by the kick and all happened to fall perfectly into waiting baskets.

The mare smugly cocked one leg over the other and stared at her handiwork until she spotted them coming up the path to her home. She watched Mirai warily as she walked up and set Spike at her feet.

“*ahem* Hello.” Mirai called, waving at the mare. “I’m ambassador Mirai Si’Maire of the house Ancea. I’m in Equestria as the representative of the Kingdom of Eogan, but I’m here as a favor to a mare named Twilight Sparkle, who was supposed to be overseeing the Summer Sun Celebration. Something came up and she asked me to fill in for her.” Mirai smiled nervously down at the orange mare who kept up her scrutinizing gaze.

Suddenly the mare’s face brightened before she held out a hoof in greeting. Mirai looked at it for a moment before grasping it and giving it a shake. “Well that was mighty nice of ya ambassador! It's a pleasure making your acquaintance; I’m Applejack.” The mare said gesturing to herself. “We don't get you fancy schmancy, government types visitin tha farm very often. If there's anything ah can do to help just let me know.”

The elf’s smile lost its trepidation. “Actually I needed to check on the food for the festival tomorrow.” Mirai said waving a hand towards the rows of fruit trees.

“Ah, sure pumpkin...” Applejack said as her eyes followed Mirai’s hand with interest, the anatomy fascinating to the farmer. “If’n ya don't mind me askin, what are ye anyway?”

“Elf.” Mirai answered simply pointing to one of her prominent ears. Not that a pony would really understand that her ears were her most distinctive feature, at least out of the ones that were even visible. Sadly even among her own kind the slight droop to her ears was uncommon and was seen as a hit to her attractiveness.

AJ nodded before dashing off to ring some kind of metal triangle with a rod, generating a loud clanging. “Soups on everypony!” She called. A heartbeat passed before a herd of ponies seemed to come out of everywhere, running hard for the only table. If it wasn't for Mirai’s quick reflexes snatching Spike and leaping to the side, they would have both been flattened by the stampede.

“Whew.” Mirai exhaled in relief, wiping sweat from her brow. As she turned to follow the ponies she spotted a trampled tree lying in the path. “Oh no, !” The treant sluggishly pulled itself from the path and weaved drunkenly as it tried to walk towards her. The ponies from before watched with nervous fascination as the tree seemed to snap itself out of its stupor and scrabble across the ground.

“Is that a walkin’ tree?” AJ asked as she nervously backed up a step. “Mighty unsettling, like somethin outa the Everfree.”

“He’s a treant.” Mirai said as she channeled a bit of magic into the abused plant. “He’s a nature spirit. We use them for protection back home.”

The ponies seemed to calm and a tiny voice exclaimed, “Wow, that's so cool!” before an equally tiny pony dashed forward out of the crowd and right up to .

Mirai, as suddenly dumbstruck as she was by the sheer concentrated adorable that was the little pony with her yellowish coat and red hair bow, had the presence of mind to mutter, “Be nice!” To before the temperamental treant could make an ass of himself. The little pony waved a hoof at the treant and, largely thanks to Mirai’s warning, it replied with waving a root in the air.

“Now don't pester tha poor thing Apple Bloom.” AJ said, pulling the little pony back by her tail. “It t’aint polite. Sides, foods gonna get cold.”

The ponies all seemed to settle down after the elf and Spike took their seats at a low table covered with a yellow plaid tablecloth. “Now why don't ah introduce ya’ll to tha Apple family!” AJ said with a wide sweeping hoof gesture. What followed was a series of ponies coming up to the table and having their name called out before depositing a dish on the table. The heap of food reached towering proportions as the list went on till it finally seemed to wind down. “Big Macintosh, ya’ll already met Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Up and at em Granny Smith, we got guests!”

Mirai was momentarily surprised when a grey, green, and shriveled pony walked up on creaky legs mumbling. “Soups up ah’ her- ah’ comin.” The truly ancient Granny Smith was the very first elderly pony she had seen and the elf could spot many of the same maladies that only the most ancient of humans had to deal with. Of course it was only thanks to Ailill that elves stayed young until their bodies gave out and Mirai wasn't sure why she had expected ponies to be similar.

“Ya’ll are welcome at Sweet Apple Acres any time Ambassador!” Applejack said with a smile. “Why, it's almost like you're already part of the family...” Applejack spared them another glance. "...well sorta.”

The elf couldn't help but smile at that. “Thank you AJ, this is certainly one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever had.” Mirai snatched up a fritter and took a bite as the gathered Apple family let out cheers. The elf chewed once, twice as she gained a far away look in her eyes.

AJ shared concerned glances with her family as the fritter dropped out of Mirai’s hand as she stared off into space. “Uh, ya’ll alright there sugar cube?”

Spike waved a claw in front of her face to no effect. “Um, I think the food broke her Applejack.”

The Apple family murmured worriedly and tried fruitlessly to wake their guest.

“Foods all taken care of. Next is weather.” Spike said as he walked, his nose buried in the scroll.

Mirai followed close behind, still in a daze as she devoured the last piece of apple pie out of a pie pan. When it was gone she proceeded to lick any of the delicious filling she could get out of the bottom. She was fully aware of how she looked but her mind refused to let her think about it at this particular moment. Sugary treats were few and far between in Eogan. The plants that produced it were rare and after that most of the farmland had to be used for staple crops. Frivolities like the pie or any of the other deserts she had just inhaled were extremely rare and she was determined to enjoy every sweet sweet crumb.

Spike sighed as he watched her make herself look like an idiot before turning back to the scroll. “There's supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds...” He glanced up at the sky, noting the numerous puffs of cloud that still marred the sky. “Doesn't look like she's done it yet though.”

“What?” Mirai asked as her mind began to actually work now that her sweet treat was no more. She held out the pie pan and searched for any missed morsel with a sad look in her eyes. Spike was just turning around to tell her to cut it out with the pan when there was a loud ‘whoosh’ and a resonating ‘CLAAAAAAANNNNNG’.

Spike closed his eyes as he turned around, hoping that what he thought had happened was, in fact, his imagination but no such luck as when he opened his eyes he was greeted with an unhappy elf covered in mud from the puddle she had fallen into. Not to mention an unconscious rainbow maned pony, her face buried in a perfect impression of it in the pie pan.

“Ugh,” Mirai moaned as she tried to get the muck off of her clothes and out of her hair. She stood up out of the puddle and turned an angry glare at the unconscious prismatic pony. “Oh no, your not getting out of this that easy!” She pulled the mare’s head out of the dented pan and tossed her back to the ground, casting one of her more powerful healing spells.

The mare stirred with a groan, getting to her wobbly feet. “Oh my face!” She moaned, clutching at her bruises.

The elf ‘humphed’ angrily. “You’ll get a lot worse if you don't get off your backside and get those clouds cleared.”

The mare got a challenging glint in her eye as she lifted into the air to glare at Mirai. “Oh yeah? And who are you to tell me what to do you... you... thing!”

Mirai took a step forward, getting right up in the mare’s face before holding her hand out to Spike. Figuring she wanted the scroll in his claws he handed it over. The elf let the scroll unroll as she smirked at the pony. “Are you one ‘Rainbow Dash’?” The elf asked as she looked over the paper.

The mare snorted in anger and hovered up higher. “That’s me! Fastest flyer in Equestria!”

Mirai smirked as she turned the paper around so that the pegasus could see. “Well then ‘Rainbow Dash’ as of this morning and until the start of the Summer Sun Celebration I am your boss!”

“What?!” The mare paled and drifted down to get a better look at the scroll. “That's just... what?!”

“Now.” Mirai said rolling the scroll back up and handing it to Spike. “Get to it, I want to see you working immediately and no stopping until the sky is completely clear.”

“Aww come on, I was practicing for the Wonder Bolts!” Rainbow complained.

“Now~,” Mirai said with a suddenly sweet lilt to her voice. “Or I’ll see if I can beat this pan back into shape-” The elf lifted the pan so that Rainbow’s face imprint was clearly visible. “-the same way it got dented in the first place.”

Instead of replying Rainbow Dash made a quick exit and started clearing clouds.

Mirai planted her still mud covered hands on her hips and shot the fleeing mare a smirk.

“You’re scary, do you know that?” Spike deadpanned.

“Yes, and thank you for the compliment Spike.” Mirai said in that same creepily sweet tone. “Now, I think I saw a river somewhere, I need to wash off.”

Twilight entered the library with a huff of relief. Looking around in the dark she found a light switch and flicked it on. Rows and rows of shelves covered in books lined the wall. Twilight could only hope there was something here that could tell her how to find the Elements of Harmony.

“Elements, Elements.” Twilight muttered as she levitated various books to glance at their table of contents. Each one came back a negative. Twilight groaned with frustration as the books kept coming and each time, nothing. “I'll search this entire library if I have to!” She shouted to absolutely nopony. “Even if I have to hunt all night!”

“Wow really? Sounds important.” Came a voice from behind her.

“It is very important. The fate of Equestria could rest on me finding any information on the Elements.” Twilight said as she moved on to another shelf. “One of these books has to have something!”

“Oooooh, you mean like this book?” A book was passed under Twilight’s nose.

“Yes... That is a book, the information could be in any one of these!” Twilight said pushing aside the offered book.

“What about this one?” Another book found its way under her nose.

Twilight pushed this one aside too. “It's not in that one either.”

‘What about this one, oh! oh! or this one. This? Thisthisthisthisthisthisthisthisthisthisthisthisthis.”

Twilight was suddenly buried by a huge flood of tomes. It took her mind a moment to catch up to the situation and when it finally did she felt anger boiling up within. She shook off the books covering her head and looked around the library until she spotted the perpetrator; The pink pony from before. Twilight summoned the harshest glare a pony could manage, somewhere around mildly scalding, but before she could put it to use the pink pony held up a golden bound tome.

“The Elements of Harmony: A reference Guide.” The pony said reading off the cover.

Twilight froze looking at the book before leaping out of the pile of books she was buried in and lunging for the pony. “Give me that!”

The pink pony bounced away still holding onto the precious book. “Nope, not until you ask nicely~.”

“AHHH!” Twilight shouted a war cry before running at the pony again. “Give that to me you pink menace!”

The bouncing pink pony frowned before grinning and zooming out the door. “Nope, you have to catch me first!”

Twilight charged after her, leaving the library empty.

A loud splash echoed over the quietly babbling stream, a thrown rock having momentarily disturbed its serenity. Spike groaned and leaned back on a boulder, painfully bored. “Are you done yet?” He called to the dark area beneath the small footbridge that provided a way across the stream.

“NO!” Came an irate voice from the shadows under the bridge. “And you complaining isn't going to make this go any faster!”

Spike rolled his eyes and rolled over on the sun-warmed rock. He was beginning to doze by the time he heard footsteps making their way through the water. Spike perked up a little at hearing their unique rhythm, not many creatures had a similar gait to himself and it was a little interesting hearing the difference. Turning his head he was met with his eleven minder for the day... or mindie, he wasn't really sure on that detail, drying her hair on her blanket and wearing a set of small white garments. Her skin was a mostly uniform pale color with the only major variations being a pair of dark blue marks close to the center of her chest just above the upper white garment and a series of angular markings down the center of her back. He was momentarily confused when she began putting her damp green tunic on over the other clothes but he eventually just snorted and decided questioning it would take too much energy.

“What's next on the list?” She eventually asked as she slipped on the thick brown outer layer of her outfit. Spike grumbled and pulled out the scroll without rolling over. “Decorations.” he mumbled lazily.

“Well Let's hurry.” Mirai muttered, hoisting Spike onto her shoulders and taking off back towards town.

The walk was just as peaceful as she’d come to expect from this world and she was surprised when a few of the ponies around town actually waved to her as she passed. She was confused about the sudden friendliness of the town folk until she spotted a few ponies from the Apple family who had come into town to chat with the ponies here.

Their destination finally loomed into view at the end of the street. The town hall was covered in banners and ribbons giving it a festive air. “Well the outside seems good... I think. Spike, how's it look?” Mirai said, giving her shoulder a little shake to rouse the snoring dragon. Spike mumbled something and gave a drowsy thumbs up. Mirai grinned, restraining herself from laughing at the poor kid and walked in.

The interior of the Hall was even more ostentatious than the exterior. The place was decked with ribbons strung between every rafter in a geometric design that made the hall feel much more grand than it probably did otherwise. Mirai shook the sleeping dragon again to get his attention but he seemed content to sleep on. Frowning, Mirai picked him up off of her shoulder and set him on his feet. Spike immediately tipped over and smacked face first into the ground. “Wahzzat?” Spike shot to his feet and looked around in a daze before his eyes fixed on something on the other side of the room.

Mirai grinned and gestured around the room. “Welcome back to the land of the living. Now, how's the place look Spike?”

“Beautiful...” Spike muttered, swaying as if in a daze.

“I don't know about beautiful, it's not really my style.” Mirai said, slowly twisting a lock of her hair, searching for the right words. “I suppose it must be good though if you like it so much.”

“Not the decorations; Her!” Spike said pointing towards a white mare with a stylish purple mane.

Mirai swore she could see tiny hearts in his eyes as he stared. The elf smirked and painted a scowl over her face. “Spike!” She cried angrily. Spike looked up from his ogling and eyed her warily. “I can't believe you staring at a pony like that. Didn't Twilight ever teach you how to respect a lady?” Her scowl morphed back into a smirk. “Or that acting all lovesick is not how you're going to impress her.”

Spike looked at her like she had just grown another head, and that head just started contradicting everything the first one said. “What?”

“Well you want to impress her right?” Mirai whispered, pulling Spike into a conspiratorial huddle. The little dragon glanced from side to side, nervously searching for eavesdroppers before nodding vigorously.

“Well then you have to act the right way.” Mirai said, turning Spike around so he was facing the white unicorn. “You have to be confident.”

“Yeah, confident.” Spike said, drinking in everything the elf said with an excited look in his eyes.

“And you have to be smooth.”

“Smooth! Wait...” Spike tried in vain for a few moments to get his spines to lay flat but eventually just shrugged at Mirai helplessly.

Mirai just shook her head, trying hard not to laugh. “And last but most important you have to flatter her. Women love to be flattered.”

Spike looked excited. “I’m good at that one!” He whispered back at her.

Mirai grinned and, seeing as how the mare had spotted them and was on her way over She patted Spike on the back. “Then go get em!” She said with a thumbs up.

Spike curiously returned the gesture before looking back towards the pretty pony and walking forward in an exaggerated swagger.

“Why hello madam.” Spike said boisterously, dipping at the waist in a bow. “I just happened to notice how beautifully decorated the hall was. Did you do all this yourself?”

“Why yes.” The white unicorn said as she looked up and swelled with pride in her work. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rarity, Ponyville’s resident fashion designer.” She said with the pony version of a curtsy. “How can I help you this afternoon?”

Spike looked side to side, thinking of something to say before glancing back to Mirai and perking up. “Well might I just say that you have done a fantastic job.” He said with an easy smile. “But we are here on business, I am Spike, royally appointed escort to the ambassador while she is visiting Ponyville.” Spike stepped aside and gestured to the elf.

Mirai shot him a surprised look before the smirk returned to her face. ‘Making yourself look better by associating yourself with someone important, clever dragon.’

Rarity gasped and took a half step back, her eyes shifting between Spike and the elf.

Figuring she’d play along Mirai returned Rarity’s curtsy with one of her own. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Rarity. I am ambassador Mirai Si’Maire of the house Ancea. Representing the kingdom of Eogan while in Equestria. But today I’m filling in for the overseer of the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Oh goodness! A real ambassador here!” Rarity straightened up so quickly all four of her hooves left the ground for a moment. “It's marvelous to meet you, oh to think of the exotic places you must have been! The glamour of meeting royalty all over the world! Why you must have seen so many different fashions!” At this Rarity’s eyes fell to examine the elf’s outfit, her face falling as she took in the, travel pack, the damp faded green tunic and finally the leather armor that covered the ambassadors barrel, and feet. “Oh my. Your current... Ensemble does not do your station justice.”

Mirai looked down at herself and frowned. “These are my traveling clothes. I did have to journey here alone.” She said, running a finger along the edge of her belt buckle. A silver plate glinted in the light, its surface expertly carved with the four pointed black star, a symbol of her family and her Goddess.

“Of course, of course.” Rarity said politely. The unicorn averted her gaze for a moment until the stitching in the leather caught her eye. Through the middle of the garment was an artistic depiction of a river with waves forming a ribbon of texture. Around the margins of the river were strange geometric shapes formed, not out of stitched thread but gouged out of the leather and then filled with a dark material. The garment in all was incredibly simple, consisting of two very wide and very thick pieces that wound over the shoulder and then over the side. The two pieces crossed in the middle giving the barrel a double layer of protection. “Such detail for traveling clothes... What do those shapes mean?” She asked, pointing a hoof to the strange characters along the edge.

Mirai looked down where Rarity was pointing and grinned. She passed a finger over the row, channeling a bit of magic into the one at the end. “These are my own addition.” She said as she pulled her silver dagger out of its sheath. Along the blade were a set of similar carvings that went unpowered. “Watch.” Mirai plunged the dagger towards her own chest with a sharp movement causing Rarity to gasp in horror. The point of the knife was stopped dead about an inch above the leather for a few seconds before the spell sputtered out. Mirai smirked at the look on the unicorn’s face before replacing her dagger. “Shield runes, though they only last for a short time.”

“Amazing!” Rarity said, an excited glint in her eye. “You said you added these yourself?”

Mirai nodded. “This is a very early design. My later works have much better capabilities.”

The unicorn tapped her hoof in thought, an idea brewing in her mind. “I have the most wonderful idea!” Rarity hopped on her hooves again. “Perhaps we could spark a bit of a partnership between you and I? I’m sure a great many ponies in dangerous occupations would scramble to have garments both fashionable and protective!”

Mirai “Hmm’d” at the idea. A great deal of money would surely help with her mission. Materials never came cheap and could sometimes be quite rare but the time she might have to put in to make so many pieces might be too demanding. The elf’s foot tapped as she thought before she finally held out a hand to the unicorn. “Ok Rarity, it's a deal.”

Rarity’s smile grew wider and she took Mirai’s hand and shook it enthusiastically. “Oh thank you, I know this will go over just beautifully!”

Mirai’s face remained serious as she held up a finger to stop the unicorn’s celebrations. “On one condition.” Rarity’s eyes narrowed slightly as she waited for the other horseshoe to drop. “They are single pieces by custom order only. My methods are intricate and time consuming, and I won't have the time to do large runs.

Rarity’s smile returned though tempered. “Of course, that is perfectly reasonable. Will you be staying in Ponyville? How would you like me to contact you when we have an order?”

Mirai nodded. “Oh I’ll be around, just come and find me when we have work.”

Mirai stepped outside to let the little dragon do his thing. Spike cleared his throat and bowed. “Farewell madam Rarity. I’ll look forward to seeing your work on display tomorrow.”

The unicorn smiled and brushed his spines back with a hoof. “Oh thank you, you're quite the little gentleman.”

Spike seemed to float out of the door with hearts in his eyes and the goofiest of all grins on his face. When he finally touched down next to Mirai the elf looked at him with a sad look in her eyes.

“What?” Spike asked, his euphoria wearing off and a look of concern coming over him.

Mirai just shook her head and turned to walk away. “Friendzoned...”

“What's that mean?” Spike asked, following after her.

Mirai just shook her head and sighed.

“Seriously... what's it mean?”

The elf continued to ignore him, walking away morosely.

“What’s it mean!?”

“Uuuuugh”

“Come on Spike it's not the end of the world.”

“Says you...”

Mirai frowned at the suddenly very depressed little dragon draping himself over her shoulders like some kind of shawl. The entire trip from Rarity’s to their next destination had been filled with complaining ever since Spike had figured out what ‘Friendzoned’ meant.

“I’m not going to keep carrying you if you're going to moan the whole time.”

“Fiiiine...” Spike groaned before sighing and pulling out the scroll to check on their next pony. “Next is music, should be just over there.” He pointed off towards the edge of town behind a hedge before curling up to take a nap.

Mirai nodded and set off searching for anything that sounded vaguely like a tune.

Only a few minutes passed before Mirai’s ears perked at the sound of a melody being chirped out by chorus of strangely coordinated birds. It was almost eerie how the creatures held time well enough to performed a musical piece. The behavior seemed to be thanks to a butter yellow Pegasus with a pink mane that, as Mirai watched, flew up and delivered the kindest critique imaginable to a bird that had been out of tune.

Mirai stepped forward, the bushes giving away her approach and causing the pony to... Mirai didn't have any other word for it... squeak in fear.

“Uh... Hi.” Mirai said, raising a hand in greeting.

“Oh, goodness you frightened me.” The mare said, turning around.

Mirai blinked. The little butter colored pony, as cute as all the ponies were, had to be the most adorable thing she had ever seen.

The mare looked up at her, at first with a timid expression but that was quickly overrode by curiosity. “Oh my, I’ve never seen anything like you before... can I ask what you are... that is... if you don't mind?”

The little pony hovered up into the air to give Mirai a looking over, putting her hooves this place and that. She seemed particularly interested in her hands, the way they bent and flexed. “I’m an elf.” Mirai finally answered, giving her the same scant information she had given Applejack earlier.

“Oh, I’ve never met an elf before.” The pony said, running Mirai’s messy hair over one of her hooves. Mirai shot the pony a questioning look at the somewhat intimate contact but the mare seemed ignore her trepidation to continue her examination.

The dragon picked this moment to uncurl himself from his napping spot around her shoulders and look the hovering pony in the eye. “Hey-” Spike began, about to tell the pony to cut it out when he noticed how her face lit up when she looked at him.

“Oh my gosh a baby dragon!” The pony said as she seemed to begin to buzz with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to see a baby dragon!” The mare snatched him from the elf’s shoulders and held him out to be inspected.

“Uh... Hi.” He said, unknowingly mimicking his temporary mode of transportation.

“Oh, he talks! I didn't know dragons could talk!” The mare drew him in closer making him blush at the sudden closeness. “I’m Fluttershy, what's your name?”

“Uh, Spike.” He answered lamely.

“Oh, that's such a cute name!” Fluttershy gushed reddening the dragon’s cheeks further.

Spike’s mental processes ground to a halt as they processed the ideas now running through his mind. The mare was beautiful and had an extremely appealing air of all encompassing kindness about her. But on the other hand he was still kind of hoping Rarity would change her mind and give him a chance.

Mirai shot the dragon a smirk, “Looks like someone found an admirer~.”

Spike shot the elf a warning glare when Fluttershy seemed to suddenly clam up. “Come on Mirai! Don't mess this up for me!” he hissed.

“Alright alright, I promise I’ll leave you to your business.” The elf waved him off before turning back toward the town. “Now that our job is done I’m going to go see Twilight about her prophecy thing. Come and find one of us when your done.”

“Alright.” Spike said a little hesitantly as he was hoisted a little higher in Fluttershy’s hooves.

Mirai walked a little ways waving over her shoulder before she turned around with a smirk on her face. “Oh, and Fluttershy was it?” She called back.

“Umm... yes?” The timid pegasus answered in an almost inaudible voice.

“Don't break the dragon, he's on loan.”

The mare eeped and nearly dropped Spike as Mirai turned away and resumed her walk back towards town giggling to herself.

“There you are!” Twilight shouted at a seemingly cornered pink pony. The unicorn advanced on the pink menace slowly, watching for any tricks or the strange illogical ability to seemingly vanish from anywhere only to reappear in the strangest places. But she was trapped in an alley now and there was no way Twilight was going to give her the chance to disappear again.

The pony mumbled around the book in her mouth waving at something behind Twilight. “Oh no, you’re not getting away that easy. Do you really expect me to fall for that one?”

The mare mumbled some more before bolting into a flying leap over the top of the unicorn. Twilight’s horn flared, there was no way she was letting her escape with that book!

Twilight vanished in a flash of light only to reappear directly in the path of the pink menace’s landing.

“HA!” Twilight shouted in triumph only to be bowled over by the very mare she was trying to catch.

The pink one scrambled to her hooves first,making a break for the alley entrance and blowing right by a surprised elf.

“Woah!” Mirai shouted hopping backwards to avoid the speeding pony. “Watch where you're going!”

Twilight drug herself to the entrance and flopped down onto the road totally out of breath. ‘What happened to you?” Mirai asked earning her a stink eye from the exhausted unicorn.

“I found the book.” Twilight wheezed. “But that pink mare stole it and has been leading me all over town. I’ve never run this much in my life!”

The elf turned to look around but couldn't see any sign of the book thief. “Well it looks like you lost her for now.”

Twilight ground her teeth in frustration. “Oh if I ever catch her I’ll... I’ll... say something rash!”

Mirai smirked at the pony before shrugging and putting her hands behind her head, relaxing as she looked around at the street full of ponies. “Well, we aren't likely to find her now.”

“There has to be a way to find her! I need that book!” Twilight got back to her hooves and started towards the library. “Maybe the library has got extras in the basement or something.”

Mirai followed behind Twilight as she muttered to herself about various “backup plans” that slowly increased in complexity and absurdity as they went. She was in the middle of something involving a trebuchet and sleep potion laced muffins when she paused and looked toward her eleven companion. “Hey where's Spike? Didn't I leave him with you?”

“Hmm?” Mirai hummed in response. “I left him to be babied by some pegasus who thought he was cute. Little guy spent nearly the whole day crushing on various ponies. Little lady killer that one.”

“What!?” Twilight shouted looking alarmed. “You just left him? He’s just a baby!”

Mirai shrugged. “He sure didn't act like a baby. Anyway, I told him to come and find us when he was ready.”

Twilight tumbled about irresponsible elves until they reached the library. The unicorn pushed open the door with a hoof only to be met with darkness beyond the narrow beam of light the open door allowed in. “That's strange.” Twilight said as she took a few steps in and fumbled for the light switch. “I’m sure I left the light on earlier.”

Mirai took a few steps into the room and just as she was opening her mouth to speak the light flicked on and a horde of ponies leapt out from behind various furniture. “Surprise!!!”

Twilight and Mirai both yelped in fear at the sudden loud noise and ended up tripping on their own appendages. Both mare and elf lay in a pile on the floor when the pink pony from before hopped up to them.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie and welcome to your very own welcome to Ponyville welcome party!” She cried happily, throwing her front hooves up in the air.

Twilight plastered a nervous smile on her face as she got to her hooves. “Ah ha ha, that's great. You happen to have that book you took earlier? It's really important.” Her smile twitched in a concerning manner as Pinkie hopped up and down on her hooves.

“That's right!” Pinkie said, pointing a hoof over toward a gold bound book sitting sedately on a table. “Sorry I had to take it earlier but how else was I supposed to set up the party?”

Twilight’s smile twitched again at the idea that the pink pony had kept her on a chase through Ponyville all day while somehow simultaneously decorating the library for a party. She pushed the thought out of her mind and quickly made her way over to the book and levitated it upstairs.

Mirai watched after her with a concerned look before a certain blue and rainbow mare huffed from somewhere near the ceiling. “Humph, what was her problem?”

“Oh, just researching the only way to save us all in case an ancient evil mare who has been sealed in the moon for a thousand years happens to decide to crash the festival tomorrow.” Mirai answered casually.

“Oh...”

Chapter 4

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Interlude 1

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Chapter 5

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Chapter 6

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