The old world

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As the sun started to rise on the now calm waters of the sea, Cadence knocked on Twilight’s room to find nothing but the sound of soft crying. It was that of a filly.

“Sparkling, are you in there?” She already knew the answer but did not want to upset the filly by breaching her privacy.

“Go away, no-one needs me!” It was the response the princess expected so she just sat by the door and talked softly.

“Shining Armour told me about what you did.” Cadence also knew what Twilight had said, but deliberately omitted that information. “It was very brave of you; you saved a great number of ponies last night.” It was all true, but she hoped that it would have an impact on the filly. There was just silence…“I also heard you got your cutie mark.” Cadence tactfully opened the door at that moment. “May I see it?”

“Yes…It, It’s a sailing cutie mark, I just know it is.” The filly’s obvious excitement elicited a smile on the princess as she remembered finally getting her own cutie mark.

“Right you are Sparkling. It’s a very good talent to have, your mother must be very proud.”

“No, mum hates me…why does she hate me?” Cadence hoped up onto the bed which Sparkling was sitting on, from the red in her eyes it was obvious that she had been quite frightened and upset by the ordeal. She draped one of her wings over the shoulders of her niece trying her best to comfort her.

“She doesn’t hate you little one, she was scared for you. She thought you would get hurt.” Cadence remembered the first time she had made her parents angry, it was one of the most frightening moments of her life.

“But I didn’t get hurt, I didn’t. I didn’t want to upset anypony, I just wanted to help.”  She started to cry into Cadence’s feathers.

“I know, just remember that Mummy loves you, Shining loves you … and I love you.” Cadence meant every word of it. “You are so loved little one…I am going to find your mother so you can tell her all about your special talent.”

“Ok…ok” Sparkling sniffled and hung her head down in thought.

Cadence stepped of the bed, hooves hitting the deck with a resounding thud. She slowly walked out of the room, giving Sparkling a smile before she left.

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Twilight kept dreaming of the same moment again and again. She was trying her best to hold up the sail whilst everyone was drowning in the water.

“I can do it mamma!” The thing she treasured most in life, her baby was climbing on the roaps, then she slipped, she was falling.

“No! Sparkling, hang on; I’m coming to get you!” But Twilight couldn’t reach, she ran to the side of the ship, only to see her child disappear into the deep. And she saw it again and again like a series of horrible memories, each seeming worse than the next.

Her eyes slowly started to open, the first thing she felt was a pounding in her head where she had struggled to hold the beam up the last night.

“Miss Sparkle can you hear me…Are you ok?” As Twilights vision slowly came into focus she saw the brown pony Cavalier leaning close to her, calling her name. “Twilight, do you need any help?”

“Hmm, no thank you I’m fine.” Twilight mumbled her response a bit embarrassed to have slept the whole night in a pile of ropes. She struggled to stand up but fell back onto the deck.

“It doesn’t look like it to me” Twilight blushed as she felt her colleague’s red mane under her neck, the larger earth pony helping her to her feet.

“You could have caught hypothermia being out here all, night, what were you thinking?” The barrage of questions did nothing better to help her already foul mood.

“Well, I didn’t did I. And anyway, Cav, shouldn’t you have work to do?” It was a stupid comeback and Twilight knew it, but she hated the idea of being outsmarted by somepony else.

“Not at the moment no, look…I know it’s none of my business, but, where is Sparkling, I saw what happened and….well, you were pretty rough on her about the cutie mark thing.”

“Yes I was a bit surprised by that too!” Cadence walked up the steps onto the stern deck. “That filly risked her life to save the ship and got her cutie mark and all you could do was shout at her? What would you have thought if your parents had gotten angry at you after you found your special talent?”

The words hit Twilight like a pile of bricks. She knew it was true, she had acted horribly as a parent, but she was scared, she hadn’t known what to do. “Ok, I’ll go talk to her…” She walked down deck, her head hanging low.

“Twilight wait” Cavalier held a hoof out to call for her but it was too late.

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“Sparkling, sweetie, are you in there?” Twilight gently pushed open the door with one leg.

“Yes mummy, I’m here, I’m sorry for making you scared mummy, I was only trying to help everypony.” Her daughter trotted straight to Twilight and nuzzled her neck. “Do you still love me?”

The question came as a surprise to Twilight; she hadn’t thought that Sparkling had been so shaken by her outburst. Immediately regretting what she had done to the confused filly, she pulled her into a tight hug. Sparkling just sat, and hugged in return, finally realising the truth, that her mother had been just as frightened as she was.

“Of course I love you silly filly. You are the most important pony in the whole world to me, never forget it. I will always love you.” She instantly felt her daughters heartbeat against her chest as they sat there, embracing, the filly obviously overjoyed that she had her mother back. Breaking the contact Twilight inquired about the new cutie mark. “So what’s my little babies special talent then, huh?”

“It’s a sailor’s cutie mark. I’m gonna become captain of a ship one day and I will work with the princess.” Sparkling kept spinning around in circles trying to get a better look. Chuckling silently to herself, Twilight pulled a mirror from the wall of the cabin and let her daughter look deep into her reflection. “I know what the anchor is, but what’s the round thing on top of it?”

“That’s a compass sweetie”

“A what?” As she asked, an idea formed in Twilights mind.

“It helps you find places” She then knelt down and looked into her eyes. “It means that if you’re ever lost and you have given up hope, it will help you find your way home.”

“Really! That’s awesome, can I go show Uncle Shining, pleasepleaseplease pleeaasse!”

“Of course you can, I love yo…” Before Twilight could finish her sentence Sparkling had disappeared, the sound of her hoof steps waking many of the other officers, much to Twilights amusement.

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“Very well Admiral, I will grant your request to ask for repairs on the damaged ships from the ponies of Marilus, you cannot spend over 12000 bits though is that clear?” Luna’s stoically serious tone was not something that one ever got used to, but Shining knew that she was only maintaining an air of suitable authority. “Oh and Captain Armour, Cadence told me about your niece earning her cutie mark.”

“Yes your highness, that is correct, we are all very proud of her.” Shining hoped that she wouldn’t bring up Twilights actions after the event.

“It seems congratulations are in order, please send Miss Sparkle and Miss Seas my regards” The ancient alicorn gave a smile and then looked down, a look of joyful remembrance followed by a deep scowl. “You are both relieved”

“Thank you princess” The captain and admiral took their leave immediately. Once outside both ponies headed to the small boat they rowed in on. The admiral started to blush slightly which surprised Shining somewhat. “Luna sure is something huh Shining?"

“Excuse me” Shining thought he knew where this was heading but he avoided looking directly at the admiral. Instead he looked directly ahead towards the island on the horizon.

“Luna, she is so majestic, and humble, having to live in the shadow of another. She is quite literally the most amazing mare I have ever met.” Whitehooves eyes were glassed over and, not concentrating where he was going, tripped on an ore carelessly discarded, falling flat on his chin. Shining just rolled his eyes and helped his superior off the deck.

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That afternoon as Celestia’s sun started on its downward path to the horizon, plans were made to scout the small port which boarded the sea.

“I’m sorry to send you away from your husband again, but I need you to deliver a message to the colony on Marilus. Take Sorrin and Swift with you, they are our fastest fliers. The sooner you return the better.” As the admiral finished delivering his orders, Cadence nodded and gave her leave, she wanted to talk to Twilight before she left. The climb down to Twilight’s cabin was treacherous as many ponies were scampering about this way and that, preparing the landing team for tomorrow. Cadence gave a soft knock on the door when she reached her destination.

“Come in.”

Opening the door with her magic, Cadence quickly walked in and sat on one of the chairs in the cabin. Twilight was just opening a tined can of peaches which she poured into a small wooden bowl. She continued to watch as her sister in law gave it to her daughter who smiled at Cadence before she started eating.

“Could you step outside please, I would like to have a quick word.” Cadence said quietly, so as to avoid attention being taken by the filly eating her food.

“Certainly…Sparkling, could you stay here for a moment? Mummy has to talk to Auntie Cadence” Twilight asked.

“Sure thing mum.” Sparkling then proceeded to consume her food.

Stepping outside the room Cadence gave Twilight an apologetic look before asking, “How did things go this morning, is she alright?”

“Yes, she is very proud to have gained her cutie mark.” Twilight then became more serious. “I also worked out that you came in and talked to her without my knowledge.”

“I was only tryi…” Before she could finish Twilight drew her into a hug.

“And I am glad you did” Twilight let go and smiled, “You would have made a great mother.”

Cadence could not fathom how to express how grateful she was that Twilight bore her no ill will. Instead she just said thanks and headed above deck.

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“You will be carful won’t you honey? I don’t know what I would do without you.” Nuzzling his wife Shining made sure to say goodbye before Cadence’s potentially dangerous outing.

“I’ll be fine, I can look after myself.” She gave him a quick kiss before stepping back to put on her saddle bags.

“I know, I love you, be safe.” The princess and two guards walked to the edge of the ship before Cadence replied “I love you too.”

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The sun was beginning to set and Cadence made every effort to make it to the town before sundown. She could see several figures running away from the shore, which confused Cadence as she did not think her envoy looked at all imposing. When they landed, everypony was gone. The mysterious creatures had not entered any of the buildings; they simply disappeared into the shadows.

“Something is not right, why is there no-pony out here.” Sorrin a white Pegasus with dark brown mane looked about himself worriedly while Swift who was blue with a grey mane kept his back to Cadence guarding her left flank. The trio passed under a bridge, when suddenly from the corner of her eye, Cadence spotted a flash of blue feathers and a red muzzle unlike any she had seen before. She turned to face the beast as it crawled out from the underside of the bridge and stalked into the sunlight. It was at least twice as long as a pony, half of which was taken up by its tail, but was only half the height. The top half of its tail and body was covered in differing shades of blue and it angular reptilian head was covered in purple feathers with a bright red snout. It lunged forward, claws outstretched, letting out a fearsome screech like that of a vulture. Just before it reached her, Cadence shot a beam of magic at the creature, sending it flying into a nearby wall. It gave a hideous shudder and then remained still. Another of the creatures attacked Sorrin on his flank causing deep wounds. With a grunt he bucked it off his side and then kicked it into an alley way.

“Swift, get him into the house with the green door, I’ll hold them off!” Cadence shouted as another creature appeared from the gloom, this one held a sword in one of its three clawed hands. She shot it with magic as well but it got back up advancing towards her as more of its kind crawled out from the shadows.

“Yes my lady, come on Sorrin, we’ve got to get you outta here!” Swift helped the pony onto his feet and kicked open the door to the house, shoving his companion inside. “My lady, the door is open, we have to leave.”

Cadence nodded and sent a shock wave out against the two dozen creatures which were now trying to tare and bite at her from all sides. She raced quickly inside and shut the door, moving a large book case in the way.

“Ok, that should hold them for a little while at least.” As she turned around she noticed that Swift had cleared a space on a kitchen table and was treating Sorrin’s wounds. He had a nasty gash on his left flank which went from his tail down to where his leg joined his stomach. It was not fatal but his left cutie mark would be irreparably damaged. The next thing she saw was a family of ponies huddled into a corner. She approached the four of them but stopped abruptly as they flinched at her advance, pushing themselves away.

“It’s ok I won’t hurt you, I’m here to help, are you alone here?” Cadence did her best to sound kind and approachable. It worked.

The youngest member of the family, a small Pegasi colt, ran up to her and nodded vigorously. “Yes, please help us, the monsters are everywhere!” The young pony started to sob into the Princesses mane. She lifted him up gently and returned him to his family. As she placed him down she noticed flecks of blood on his orange coat but disguised against his blood red mane. When she looked at his ‘parents’, she realised they were not related. Sorrin’s wound had been properly bandaged by then and he was getting up off the table. Swift was in the corner of the house, opening a window on the other side of the house.

“We have to get these poniesof here my lady.” Sorrin trotted up to the family and started directing them to the window. Swift jumped out first followed by the rest of the family. The young orphaned colt looked back at Cadence with a worried look on his face. Smiling warmly Cadence encouraged him to make the leap. Finally Cadence climbed out following Sorrin. Once outside they made their way towards the street.

“If we can get right down to the beach I can teleport the family back to the fleet, but we will have to fly back ourselves.” The guards nodded in understanding. “Alright then, ponies, when you start galloping don’t stop; don’t look back, just gallop to the beach. Let’s move.” Cadence sprang from her hiding place and sent a continuous beam of magic against the group of creatures on the street. She proceeded to strafe left and right until the other ponies had a large head start. Turning around she made an effort to catch up.

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The flashes were visible from the fleet where the last shades of sunlight passed below the horizon. Just as Luna began to raise the moon, a group of earth ponies appeared on the deck in front of where Whitehooves and Shining were standing.

“What…what happened, where are we?” The female earth pony looked around the deck and then back up to the unicorn and large earth pony standing before them.

“Where is Cadence?” Shining feared the worst but was not willing to give out hope. He knew that she was strong and highly capable of looking after herself and those under her command. None of the ponies on the deck replied, instead they pointed out towards the dock. Looking out to the shore, he saw Cadence with Sorrin and Swift take off, flying desperately towards the fleet.

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Every muscle in her body was strained, wing flaps pushing the air behind her. Cadence’s breathing came in ragged gasps until, finally she crashed onto the deck and darkness enveloped her.

When she came to, Cadence found herself back in her cabin, Shining was asleep on a chair beside her. Not wishing to disturb her husband, she left the room as quietly as possible, deliberately leaving the door as it was. When Cadence reached the top deck she found the Admiral looking out at Marilus thoughtfully.

“Admiral.”

“My lady, your awake…Shining never left your side you know, he had watch duty tonight but I let it slide.” Whitehooves then went on to elaborate about the expedition. “The four civilians you brought back are highly traumatised, but their descriptions of the…um, creatures were consistent. Can you add any other details?”

“Well, they had weapons.” Cadence knew that they must have been a sentient species, evidenced by their understanding of tactics and tools.

“Really? Swift and Sorrin did not mention that. What kind?” Whitehooves face turned downcast at the prospect of fighting an intelligent enemy.

“Don’t blame them, I ordered the pair out of the fray after Sorrin was wounded. A few of the larger ones had swords and small shields. One of them had a pistol, their leader by the looks of it.”

“And what of their numbers?”

“At least sixty, but I estimate the enemy to number closer to a hundred. Admiral, there are probably many civilians still alive on the island.” Cadence remembered the family she had saved, and most of all, the young colt who had been orphaned. She resolved to talk to him later.

“I am aware of that my lady, go get some sleep; we will send a few companies to land on the beach tomorrow morning.” Admiral Whitehooves was just as worried about the innocents as her, Cadence could tell by the look of determination in his eyes.

“Thank you Admiral.”

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As Sorrin stared up at Luna’s stars he heard familiar hoof steps behind him. His comrade and long-time friend nuzzled against his neck and asked softly. “How is your flank?”

A smile crept upon Sorrin’s face as he nuzzled Swift back. He quickly inspected his damaged spear and shield cutie mark and then Swifts pair of crossed swords. “It’s fine, thanks to you” he replied softly.

Swift smiled sheepishly and blushed. “It was nothing really.”

“You saved my life, if it weren’t for you I would still be out on that street, probably in several pieces” Sorrin moved closer to the other stallion. He stopped though when he saw Swift’s expression.

“Sorrin….would you have done the same for me?” Swift looked down at the ground in slight worry, but it faded instantly at the reply.

“Of course I would.”

For Sorrin, time seemed to stand still as Swift lent forward and their lips met. The kiss seemed to both go on forever and end too quickly for him. As they parted they both sat on the deck, content in each other’s company.

“I love you so much Swift, I would do anything to protect you.”

Sorrin smiled as the two stallions drifted off to sleep under the beauty of the night. “I love you too.”