Storm of Feelings

by Tom Juraszek

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Sad, Dark, Romance
Length: 46467

Two brothers, the same feelings for one mare. A Storm of Feelings is about to be unleashed.

Over a millenium ago the Black Death visited the once huge Equestria. After it turned out that it was of magical nature it lead to a great seperation and with it the Land of the Free Marshes was born. During the last thousand years enourmous hate towards the *Horned Ones* lead to many riots, rebellions and a political breakdown.

Princess Luna is send on a diplomatical missions alongside with her personal guard Corvus to the town of Marehime where she hopes to support the so called Unicorn Friends and help secure the peace in those dark times.

But things will turn out to be far more complicated than expected because her first love Artemis, who was assumed to be dead, will cross her path with his own. What she does not know is that her mate Corvus has a history with Artemis; a history as old as the pandemic itself.

My english is not the best and I am a simple hobby writer. I do know that shippings with the main characters is not really liked but this is only a story that will never come true; so no need to waste words aboue it hehe. Anyway I hope you will enjoy it as I did since the very first chapter ^^

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-19 17:34:44 UTC

Return

The task was done…

The creature that was lurking in the sewers of Marehime was no more. I was on the way *home*, constantly trying to avoid the main street; even if I knew that nopony would be outside during that late time. The stain of the sewers follows me like it would be a fellow companion, while I was walking through the alleys that did not smell any better. Pain spread all over my body, paying the tribute of the flask I have used before the fight.

My sight started to get worse but gladly my *home* was not far away. With the remaining power that was still in my weaken body I entered the wealthy building, that was outstanding others that were surrounding it. As expected the servants were already asleep, what was a good thing because I would not like them to smell that odor. Slowly it started to become a verry annoying burden for my sensitive senses. My own steps sounded surprisingly loud on the wooden floor while I move towards the public bath, which was in the lower section of this building. The door was locked with a solid padlock: I cursed silently and sigh:

‘’ She will kick me out through the window…’’

The way up to the second floor was never easy after a fight with a Moloch, especially if that darn thing injured your shoulder. Once I left the last step behind me I moaned and lean against the wall for a moment. My destination was at the other side of the corridor that leads to the only door that was on its very end. I did not remember that it was so long last time I was here! My groans fill the air even if they were not really loud, followed by me fellow sound of my hooves and the odor of the sewers. Once more I leaned against the wall breathing heavily.

Only few more steps and I finally made it. The door was not locked but I knew that a small magic field was surrounding it. I touch the solid door with my horn on three different spots then I entered the apartment. The door behind me closed on its own, and once I heard the clack of the lock I’ve let out a relaxed sigh. I turned around and watch the creamy blue silhouette that was brushing her long hair that had the color of the night sky. Its glittering always made me think that starts have been inbound into her lovely hair. She continued to brush her hair while she was looking at my reflection in the mirror, but at one point I thought she was only focused at herself. I was about to move on but her crystal clear voice made me motionless:

‘’ Oh by the Elements you stink…’’

I look back at her and was about to say something but she interrupted me.

‘’ Don’t come closer! Go take a bath’’

‘’ The public bath is closed already’’ I answered with a weak voice, trying to smile at her but it failed badly. Luna’s horn starts to shine with a slight blue aura, a phial that was filled with a yellow liquid levitated through the air and stop near my head. I grabbed it with my magic and look at her a bit confused.

‘’ I expected that. I prepared the bath tub for you in the next room’’ While she was talking she did not bother to turn around to me, nor she look at my reflection. She simply focused on her work a thing I was already used to. I moved on to the nearby door that leads into her private bath room, that she rarely shared with me. After thinking twice and smelling the odor, which lasted on me like a parasite, it was not a big surprise.

‘’ Use the entire phial Corvus.’’ Was the last thing I heard from her. Mumbling something under my nose I closed the door behind me. With the kind help of magic I started to put off the worn out leather rags, once they fall on the ground with a loud splash I move towards the tub groaning all the time. The effort to enter it was enormous because my muscles were all unnaturally tense, another unpleasant side effect of the flask, mixed up with my injury on the right shoulder. Eventually I finally made it.

I remained in the bath for quite a while. The content of the phial somehow killed the stain and free me of it for good. Once I was ready I went back to the room I was sharing with her. The time she needed for her hair brushing was sometimes outrageous, but the result was always breathtaking. Right now the scent of her perfume filled the air, the smell of moon lilies that was her favorite one as it was mine too. The final check was at hand while she was looking at her appearance.

‘’ What did you find in the sewers?’’

‘’ I have been told that it was a Ghoul that was lurking down there. But instead of that I found a Moloch’’

Finally I caught her attention; she turned around and look at me with big concern.

‘’ And how did things turn out?’’

‘’ The Moloch is no more.’’ I suppressed a moan and look into her turquoise eyes. ‘’ I will demand a higher reward from the governor.’’

‘’ Do you have any proof that it was a Moloch?’’

‘’ Yeah… I took one of its eyes with me. Ghouls do not have eyes... everypony with a good education knows that.’’

A smile appeared on her face, a smile that was worth dying for. She turned around and looked at her reflection with big satisfaction.

‘’ I told you that you would find some work to do while I will get bored with some senators ’’ While she was saying it I levitated new wood into the chimney, that has been shrouded by the fire nearly immediately. The dance of the fire was always an interesting thing for me, a thing that I could watch for hours.

‘’ You know... Artemis claims that each creature, that dies out in the woods or swamps, is nearly always replaced by a new species. A species that adapts to the new environment, that is brought forth by the pony folk.’’

Once I heard the name Artemis my body become fully tense, a thing she always noticed even though she did not look at me directly. I turn away from the fire and looked at the pony that meant everything to me. Her turquoise eyes were penetrating me as usual after she saw my *state* as she called it herself.

‘’ What’s wrong? Artemis is right you can’t deny it’’

Finally I found my balance and my tense posture was gone.

‘’ The thing that Artemis has found out in his dusted tower is nothing new to me, nor my kind’’ While I was speaking those words I was on the way to our bed. I lie down on it and searched for a comfortable position.

‘’ Why do you always pick on him? Artemis is studying the reality, constantly doing extensively experiments. His knowledge might not be something new to you, but not everypony knows as much you Corvus. You are simply different’’

Her last comment was like a hit into the face. I knew that I was different than the ponies or alicorns; damn I was even different than my own kind… I would never get used to things like that. A terrible pain went out of my belly. I moan through my close teeth and pushed my head against the pillow. Luna gasped and went over to the bed, a thing I did not notice due the pain that was boiling in me, until I felt how she touched my cheek with her nose. A gentle act of care which relaxed and help me to endure the pain. Once I looked into her turquoise eyes the pain was barely noticeable.

‘’ You really should stop to drink your flasks. They are slowly killing you’’

‘’ They are necessary Luna. Otherwise even the smallest scratch would be mortal.’’

‘’ Allow me I will check if everything is alright’’

I nod and with her help I sat on the bed. Once more her horn started to glow with its slight blue shine, Luna was touching the edges of my body with it, sending energy into my weaken organism. It was like a cold shower, I shiver but sigh relived once the spell starts to work. After she saw the wound on my shoulder, that I was desperately trying to hide from her, the princess hit my ribs stronger than a ordinary stallion could do.

‘’ Why didn’t you tell me that you have been injured?’’

‘’ It is only a flesh wound.’’

‘’ Idiot… I think you have a ripped muscle.’’

‘’ Healing magic has its own tribute. I… I don’t want you to endure my pain. Besides that you need your energy to lower the moon...’’

I fell her breath on my skin; she hugged me and lean her head against my back.

‘’ We both know that I have enough energy for your treatment and for my task. Besides that you do know that I am on Royal Business, Tia was kind enough to take the responsibility over the night while I am here. Please allow me to do it.’’

I gave up right away because I knew how stubborn she could be. Once I said yes I prepared for my treatment, her horn touch the wound directly and starts to send its energy into my body. We both groaned slightly, gladly that procedure was very short and right away the pain together with the wound has been removed. My body literally fell down on its own and with a big relief I welcomed the soft pillow and Luna that was lying behind me.

‘’ Please let’s leave Marehime Luna. It is a bad city…’’

She sighed and start to massage my tense shoulders.

‘’ I told you that it would take some time till we will be able to leave this city. Besides that I still have some business that I have to attend to.’’

‘’ Business with Artemis.’’ I regretted those words but in the same way I did not, because I knew that once something was between them. What she did not know was the old hostility between old friends, friends that were once close as brothers could be.

'' Artemis... I hate you brother...'' I thought and cursed my past.

‘’ Do you know the local story of the Frost Mare?’’

‘’ Yeah I heard about it… apparently she appears together with a mighty blizzard or something like it.’’

‘’ While she flies over the city she spreads tiny ice shards, that are very sharp. If a shard hit an eye or a heart of a stallion the poor soul will find no rest… he will leave everything behind him, following his dream, his love to his damnation.''

‘’ It is hope that makes him go on’’

I hear how Luna chuckled behind me, somehow though I felt her sadness before she continued.

''This is a bad love… because his heart will turn into ice. It will become emotionless and very cruel.''

‘’ What about the Frost Mare?’’ I turned around and once more I lost myself in her eyes. Gently I strok her cheek with my hoof. ‘’Does she enjoy it? Does she play with his feelings? Is she completely made out of ice?’’

‘’ Maybe, maybe not.’’ She noticed that my eyes were closing alone against my will, she smiled and kiss me.

‘’ Find some sleep Corvus you really need it’’

She was about to kiss me again but I look away from her even if it pained me to do so.

‘’ Luna… I do not know who I am’’ I stopped for a moment and closed my eyes. ‘’ I do not know what I should do...''

The Princess of the Night kissed me once more but this time I join it. I fell into a dreamless sleep, knowing that she was at my side all the time. After two hours of sleeping I have been woke up roughly.

'' Royal duty calls my dear *Ambassador*''

With a curse on the lips I left my lovely bed, that seemed to desperately call after me.

Memories

With big effort I manage to suppress a loud yawn. Since my rude awakening I was listening to the filthy democracy speeches between Luna and some senators. As usual I was wearing the Royal Canterlot Armor, which represented my status and confirmed that I was on Royal Duty together with the Princess. Even though it was a wonderful piece of craftsmanship, I deeply despite to wear it, but because of the fact that I was representing Equestria I had to do it.

The armor would not find any kind of use in open combat, because its true purpose was only to look good, at least it was my opinion. The entire remarkable item reminded me of a saddle but instead of comfortable cloth or leather, the wearer receive rather heavy plates. The biggest issue, that was deeply bothering me, was the incapability of scratching the places, that started to itch under the armor. And don’t even make me start to complain about the sounds while I move…

Right now we were in an audience chamber, where we have been welcomed by several senators that were expecting our arrival. Once the introductions have been left behind, the democracy has started with the highest standards. As usual Luna was handling the complex speeches with grace and perfection. She was wearing an impressive gown, a gown that was reflecting her personality and love to the night.

The most interesting thing about it, besides the fact that it hugged her body tightly, was the constant color switch. The enchanted silk was the reason why it was happening in the first place, a very expensive kind of silk but it was surely worth every spend Bit. The constant switch between the colors of the night sky was a wonderful sight for a sore eye, but for me it was Luna that remained the most beautiful.

While she continued to speak at the old stallions, that were literally penetrating her with their greedy eyes, I remembered our first encounter. A thing I would never forget.

<  I have been attacked by marauders and bandits during my journey through a mountain pass. My warnings have been ignored even if I tried to reason with them more than two times. I killed two of them after that I simply ran away, not because I was afraid… I was in hurry and did not have time for things like that. Eventually I have been forced to kill the remaining bandits, but I was not careful enough and one of the assumed dead ponies, stabbed me with a dagger.

Wounded I continued my journey. The fighting made me lose my orientation, with my bad luck a land slight occurred under my hooves and with a loud curse on my lips I fell down into the nearby forest. Once I regained my conciseness it was already dark, the bandana that I used as a bandage was soaked with my blood. Without any choice I’ve deiced that I had to stay in the forest, look for some healing herbs and hope that my unnatural organism would hold out. If it would not be for the land slight I would have never meet Luna…

I found her in a very bad shape. She has been injured by a Manticore, the marks of the claws told me more than a book could do. Broken branches, countless leafs were scattered around her body, what made me think that she has been attacked in the air. Besides the injury on her back she had a broken wing, many cuts and bruises that decorated her body. I knew what she was and her mere presence frightened me… but I simply could not leave her like that.

The wounds were gladly not infected, but without any treatment it certainly would happen eventually. The herbs I have gathered were a big help but she needed professional treatment. Without any choice I levitated her on my back, and I carried her to the nearest town. The journey was not easy with the extra weigh on my back. The injury and the immense loss of blood were not helping either, but somehow I managed to reach the edges of the city, before darkness shrouded the world around me.

The first thing that greeted me was a long white beard, which was tickling my nose in the most unpleasant way. I knew that pony for it was not my first state in this hospital, the old stallion cried out of happiness after he saw that I came back to the reality.

Unable to talk I groaned forced to listen to my friends voices, which was thundering like mighty bells of a cathedral in my poor ears. We have been found by a local shepherd, who brought us right away to the hospital, saving us from certain death. I asked if the mare was okay. Once I mentioned her Strong Heart asked me if I knew who I’ve been caring all the time long. Completely thrilled he said that I have saved Princess Luna one of the rulers of Equestria, the nearby Kingdom that was being ruled by two sisters. Way too weak to understand those words back then I simply fell asleep.

Apparently I woke up after sleeping through two days. The ugly colored wall, which appeared in front of me, helped me to remember where I was. Maybe it was fate or simply a coincidence, but next to me, in a far more comfortable looking bed, I’ve spotted Luna. Back in the wilds I did not focus on her appearance due her wounds, but once I saw her beauty I could not stop watching her. Eventually she woke up too and for the first time our eyes have meet, bounding our fates together. >

Pain went through my body. It was an expected pain, because that negative effect of the flask usually goes on for several hours. Expected or not I did not manage to suppress it, right away the gathered ponies look at me, surprisingly Luna turned away from them to check on me.

‘’ I am sorry that I’ve interrupted that debate.’’ I said with a weak voice and smiled at the old stallions, trying to hold out the worst part of the side effect.

‘’ Is everything alright Ambassador?’’ Asked one senator that had a name I could simply not remember. ‘’ You look sick to me. Shall we call a medic?’’

‘’ It is not a surprise that he looks sick my friend’’ said Lord Solitaire and pointed at me. ‘’ Didn’t you hear what our guest has accomplished? He killed the beast that was dwelling in the sewers’’

‘’ By my monocle! These are truly great news for our glorious city. Your deeds shall not be forgotten Mr. Corvus but I will ask once more, shall we call a medic?’’

‘’ There is no need for a medic my lords… the pain will pass on its own, but I am really thankful for your concern. Please don’t mind me and continue the debate’’

‘’ Indeed I agree that a medic is not is required.’’ I was not sure who was talking now but I did not like his tone. ‘’ Not that our medic would help a Lesser One in the first place’’

A loud gasp went out of the gathered ponies behind us, all of them rich and probably very substantial in the city of Marehime. My eyes narrow slightly after I heard one of the ponies calling me Lesser One, Luna was speechless for a short while but right away she hit the marble ground with her hoof, damaging it like it would be made out of thin ice.

‘’ This is outrageous! How dare you to call him like that?!’’

‘’ I will not allow racism within those halls! Guards! Take that pony into custody!’’

‘’ His kind is a disgrace for the great pony folk! ‘’ Were the last words of an old looking pony, that has been taken away by two mountains of meat.

‘’Please Princess Luna ignore that old fool’’ said Lord Solitaire with a slow headshake. ‘’ I ask you for forgiveness Mr. Corvus…’’

‘’ There is nothing to apologize for My Lord’’ I interrupt him roughly what unleashed whispering behind my back. ‘’ I will not deny it nor I intend to do so’’

‘’ Ambassador you have proven that inside of you lies courage, that does not exist in everypony. I have seen others who abandoned their true identity, only to save their skins from meaningless gossip. But you had the guts to stand for who you are, even if we all know that your heritage is not an easy one. You have earned my respect. ‘’

The ponies started to hit the ground with their hooves and the typical ‘’Aye’’ filled the air, for the first time in my life a pony has spoken words like that to me.

‘’ I feel ashamed, that you had to experience one of our main political problems on your own skin Ambassador.’’ It was the senator who was wearing a monocle on his left eye. The pony that had a name I really could not remember.  ‘’Since the death of our old king, may he rest in peace, racism, rebellions, riots and any other pestilences have spread around like a wild fire. Our Kingdom has been divided, we are afraid that a civil war is at hand.’’

I was always wondering how Equestria could be so peaceful, while the world around it was dark, full of cruelty. The meeting with Luna freed me of the grasp of this dark world, I have been accepted for what I am, and for some unknown reason I started to show signs of feelings. A Lesser One that was capable of showing feelings…

The tense atmosphere was gone, the debate continued at the point where I have interrupted it and while I was massaging my temple I recalled my memory once more.

< Our recovery went on impressively well, thanks to the skilled hooves of Strong Heart and soon we were allowed to walk on our own. During this time we slowly started to get known to each other. I have to admit… it was a nice change to have a pony I could talk to. A time I really enjoyed but eventually it had to end, and it was about to end after Princess Celestia arrived at the hospital.

I went out of the room, gave the sisters some privacy and went over to the small garden that was at the back of the hospital. I was not sure what was going on with me. The thought that our paths would separate, that I would not see her again, simply hurt me inside. But then the two sisters appeared together with the old doc, he could not stop a grin that has been announced by his lifted beard. As usual he did not hold his mouth shut, what was the reason the princesses found out what really happened.

‘’ Why didn’t you tell me, that it was you who saved me?’’ Asked Luna, came closer to me and once I we established eye contact I was trapped within its ban.

‘’ I’ve done something that everypony would do on my place. Why should I brag about it?’’

‘’ Modesty is a very rare attitude in those times.’’ Said Princess Celestia and took her place next to her small sister. ‘’ But there is something that I would like to know’’

Somehow I managed to look away from Luna, what was indeed a very hard thing to do, and I face her sister with growing tension.

‘’What would you like to know your highness?’’

‘’ I am sure that you know my question already.’’ Her horn started to glow and everypony that would be looking at me would see that my *appearance* was blurring. She knew that an illusion was hiding my true form.

‘’Your selfish actions saved my sister, for that you have my gratitude… but I would like to see your true form Corvus.’’

My ears went down as did my head after I hear what she was asking for. I could not say no to them for it would be against my nature, I hid my face with my shaking hoof trying to avoid eye contact with them, but eventually I gave up and nod.

‘’I will do it only in a secluded place’’

‘’Follow me then’’ said Strong Heart, right after that I felt his hoof on my shoulder. I looked into his eyes that were telling me that everything would be fine. The old doc was the only friend I had in this city, hell he was like a father to me. Only few ponies knew my secret, my burden, and now my secret would be revealed to two new individuals, individuals that were Alicorns…

After a while we entered Strong Heart’s private observatory he used for star gazing in his free time. He closed the door behind us, turn on the lights because of the closed dome of the observatory, which did not let through the shine of the sun and once he checked everything he said:

‘’Nopony should disturb us now boy.’’

I turned around to the Princesses that were waiting for the inventible. Once more I looked at the old doc who nod at me. I sighed loudly, my horn starts to glow with its barely noticeable shine, which started to shroud my body till I look like a living light beacon. The illusion has been dispelled with a blinding flash that revealed my true form to the royal sisters. >

The debate ended several hours later, ending in the same way as did the other meetings during our long state in Marehime: Fruitless. Luna was moving constantly though the room, from point A to point B, complaining about the lack of Order in these lands. Her bad mood was understandable. The effort she put in those debates was far beyond ordinary, but I knew the true reason why she was angry.

While she continued to complain about everything, I scattered special weapon powder over the blade of my sword, which was levitating in front of me. After that I soak a piece of rice paper with rose oil, and with big pressure I polished the powder away till it was completely gone. I examine the blade that was made out of Moonshine Metal; pleased with my work I was about to put it back into its stabbard but before that I saw my own reflection on the surface of the blade.

I mumbled something in a foreign language, put the blade where it belonged and with noticeable hesitation I move towards the mirror. I watched my own reflection with big detestation that came deeply from the inside. Luna saw what I was doing; she moved towards me and took her place on my side. She leaned against me, smile and watch our reflection: oh how I cursed the armor I was wearing now… I could not feel anything!

‘’ You look smashing while you wear that armor Corvus.’’

‘’ You better watch out or I might outshine you.’’ We both chuckled, but right away I stop to laugh after I saw myself again

‘’ We will leave Marehime soon I promise.’’  Her troubled facial expression was one of few things I could not stand. With some effort I managed to open my wing, which has been hidden under the armor. Not a standard feathery wing of a Pegasus or Alicorn, more like a dragon wing.  I pulled her closer to me, touch her cheek with my nose, what brought for the smile that could outstand every jewel hidden under the earth.

‘’Once we go back home I expect you to do some Luna muffins’’

Luna laugh hearty after I mentioned her famous muffins, she once baked for me.

‘’ Last time I made those muffins you were grounded for a entire week’’

‘’ Yeah but they were still tasty’’

‘’ I will think about it’’ She touched my horn with hers and send some energy into it. As usual it caused an uncontrollable laugh attack from my side, what have been always abused by her. Even if sometimes I really hate it, this time I welcomed the sudden change of humor that made me forget what was bothering me. She finally stopped *teasing* me and joined my laughter that went on for quite a while.

Once more I looked at my reflection. Even if many would say that we are a weird couple, we were happy with each other.

< Luna finally regained her sight after the sudden flash, which has blinded her and Tia. Doctor Strong Heart seemed to have expect what would happen; he came by and gave us some eye drops that stopped the unpleasant burn in the eyes. She looked back at the place where the male Unicorn was few seconds ago, but once she saw what was standing not far away from them made her simply speechless. It was a male Alicorn that has appeared out of the illusion, the illusion she did not notice until Tia came by.

‘’Oh how long has it been since I saw a male Alicorn? ‘’ thought Luna with growing excitement.

Corvus sat down on the cold ground; his ears went down once he noticed that we could see his true form. The stallion had a fur that had the purest black color she has ever seen; he did not look old but his mane seemed to be completely white. After a second look though, she noticed that his mane color reminded her of the barely noticeable shine of the moon. His horn had a broken tip, signs of scratches were nearly all over its surface, and as any Alicorn he had wings too but they were different than her own.

‘’Corvus is that really you?’’ She ask and move towards him, followed by Tia and the old doc. Once she reached him she noticed that his right eye did not have any iris, that it was completely white while his left eye was normal. His eye had the same color the illusion has presented: an interesting nut brown color. Besides the hidden eye, he hid his frackles too: frackles on a Alicorn... very unusal. Not that he looked bad with them! Corvus felt really uncomfortable once they came closer to him, nearly all the time he was avoiding eye contact especially with her.

‘’ Stand up Corvus.’’ Said Tia and offered him a hoof. Without any choice he did as she said and stood up showing them his true size. He was a little bit bigger than Tia, with a very muscular body that right now was very tense. Right away Luna noticed the missing Cutie Mark on his flank, realizing that he was not a ordinary Alicorn.

‘’ Now I understand why you have hidden your true form… poor soul’’

‘’ As do I…’’ said Luna that still could not believe that a so called Lesser One was standing in front of her.

‘’ It makes the life a bit easier once you get used to the illusion…’’ Luna has expected that his voice would be different but it remain the same, maybe it was a little bit deeper but it was not really a noticeable thing. The stallion found some courage, looked at her and smile once their eyes have meet.

‘’ What will you do once you will leave the hospital?’’ Asked Tia after she saw what have occurred.

‘’ I do not have any work here… I will be forced to leave this city.’’

‘’ My boy I told you that you can stay with me.’’ Said Strong Heart with a sad sounding voice. ‘’ I will even give you a job at the hospital.’’

‘’ I appreciate everything you have done for me… dad… but I am not made for such life. We both know that.’’

The old stallion sighed loudly and nod. ‘’ I guess that you are right… but if you will ever need help again, you will always find it here my boy.’’

‘’ You have saved my sister from certain death and as I already said I am very thankful for it. Would you like to come with us to our Kingdom?’’

Corvus was shocked by that question. For a longer while he remain motionless, like somepony have casted a spell on him.

‘’ You would really take me with you?’’

‘’ Of course.’’

‘’ Why… why would you offer something like that… to a creature like me?’’

‘’ Why would you ask me a question like that?’’

His ears went down; once more he avoided eye contact with any of us.

‘’ Isn’t that obvious? I am a Lesser One’’

‘’ I am aware of the differences beyond the borders of Equestria, but be assured that we do not hate you for being what you are now. Which is why I ask you again: Would you like to come with us? I am willing to offer you a job as a Guard; of course only if you are interessted.’’

‘’I… I don’t know what to say…’’

‘’ For goodness sake accept it boy!’’ Said Strong Hurt and punched his shoulder.

‘’ You honor me with that offer your Highness. I gladly accept it.’’ >

And so I left my old life behind me. Since then I have been a personal bodyguard of Princess Luna, what in the end brought us together after few years. Luna stroked my leg with hers, got free of my wing and move towards the bed:

‘’ It was a very long day. I suggest we relax on the bed.’’

Once I hear that the weakness vanished and I was about to take off my armor, but I encountered a very persistent problem, that I simply could not handle on my own. I started to despite my *uniform* even more and more.

‘’ Luna…’’

‘’ Yes?’’

‘’ Help me to get rid of this darn thing’’

Luna giggled lovely, went back to me and started to help me to take the armor off.

‘’ Don’t worry I will not allow that some piece of metal interferes with our plans.’’

Grim Message

< Indeed, there is nothing more repulsive than the creatures known as Unicorns and Alicorns. They are the offspring of foul sorcery and witchcraft, which brought fourth misfortune and corruption to our lands. But none of them defy nature with its mere existence as the Lesser Ones. They are unscrupulous abominations without virtue, conscience or scruple, creations of the foul Alicorns, fit only for killing. They have no place among decent and honest pony folk. >

Blight of the Alicorns – by anonymous

Over the night the side effects of the flask finally stopped to trouble me. The annoying muscle soreness was the only thing that I had to endure; lucky me I still had some fire berries in stock. I took a deep breath, swallow the red berry and started to chew it. Once the impressively hard skin finally gave up under my teeth, the juice came out and ran down my throat. It was like eating a chilly pepper… the prank she once play on me was still burned into my mind.

Tears filled my eyes while the fiery juice burn inside of my belly. The sad thing about the fire berry was the fact, that if you would drink water you would make things worse. The muscles relaxed, the pain starts to vanish together with the fire and once it was gone I let out a relaxed sigh. As usual Luna was busy with her hair, that has been ruined during our *relaxing*. I stretched my body and enter the bath to get my leather rags.

Funny as it may sound now, the law did not allow anypony to walk on the streets without proper attire, not that I had a problem with that because usually I always wear my rags. The stain of the sewers has not been completely removed. It was ripped on several places and to be honest; it was falling apart. I threw it away, went back to the room and started an insane search through the wardrobe, which was mostly filled with Luna’s stuff.

I could not find my cloths in that big mess until she helped me out. I even allowed her to choose for me what I should wear, because the things that would soon land on my body have been bought by her. Each piece was very expensive, due my hard life I was not used to soft silks, most of the time I could not stop thinking that it was a big waste of money. Her choice was interesting I had to admit that. It was a long creamy blue jacket, with stripes of silver thread that were creating an interesting pattern. Once I was dressed, the sword was on my back, I turn around to Luna, that was wearing a surprisingly simple dress that matched her completely.

‘’ I am hungry as a wolf… do you want to go to a restaurant? ‘’

‘’ I am not hungry and I don’t feel well today.’’

I sat down on the ground next to her. ‘’ I saw that you barely sleep since we are in this cursed city. Shall I get you something from the herbalist?’’

‘’ No you don’t have to. I am only tired nothing more… but I do know that you don’t sleep often too.’’

I nod and grab her hoof.

‘’ The growing racism against the Unicorns and your kind is really troubling me. I am really concerned about your safety in Marehime Luna.’’

She did not say anything. It seemed like she has fallen deeply into her thoughts.

‘’ I will go to the tavern. After that I will get my reward from the governor, but he is a really busy pony. I am not sure how long it will take to reach him… please don’t leave the apartment till I will be back.’’

She smiled and rub her nose against mine.

‘’ Okay. Just please be careful out there.’’

With a strange feeling in my chest I left the building and enter the crowded city. As expected the most ponies I have encountered were Earth Ponies and Pegasi, only few Unicorns were on this street. The ponies of these lands were far bigger than the ponies in Equestria; I assume it had to be the colder environment that caused that difference. The way the citizens of Marehime were gawking at me let a cold shiver run down my spine.

Since the first meeting with Celestia, I stop to use my illusive abilities on my body; the only illusion I was creating was the iris of my right eye. Gladly the tavern I was looking for was not far away. Soon I stood at the entrance of the tavern called ‘’The Twin Knights’’, I opened the door and enter the building. Surprised I notice that I was not the only guest right now, a group of four young Pegasi was drinking beer at this early time. With a head shake I looked through the door that leads to the kitchen. A rather fat pony was standing next to a cauldron, which seemed to be thinner than him: a delicious smell went out of it.

‘’ Greetings ’’

‘’ The usual? ’’ He did not look at me while he said it.

‘’ Yes please ’’ I moved towards the table that was not far away from the chimney. I put the sword off my back, made myself comfortable, and in the end I watched the fire dance on the wood.

‘’ I tell ya mates somethin’ stinks here. ‘’

My eyes narrowed barely noticeable. I looked at the young ponies that were looking at me like I would be an animal in the zoo.

‘’ That is the natural stain of a Unicorn.’’

‘’ Smells like shit to me. ‘’

‘’ Because it’s simply the same. ‘’

The drunks laugh heavily at the last statement, one of them pointed at me and said:

‘’ You there horned one! Unicorns are not allowed to enter the tavern.’’

‘’ Silence! ’’ yelled the fat pony and went out of the kitchen. ‘’ Or that was the last round you will ever get from me. He is an ambassador and under protection of the governor. ‘’

‘’ He is an ambassador? Bah ambassador up my ass. ‘’

‘’ Please just ignore them Mr. Corvus. Youth and beer simply don’t go along these days.’’ He went back to the kitchen and brought a plate filled with his delicious rague. Before he placed it at the table he sniff few times. ‘’ I have to admit that I smell something too, but it does not stink… it reminds me of lady perfume.’’

With a lifted eye brow I watch him go back to his cauldron, in the end I sniff my attire and notice that he was right. I ignored it and was about to start my meal, but one of the Pegasi move towards me. He sat down on the other side of the table; the stain of beer mixed up with onion hit me right away.

‘’ Ambassador… Bah! Ya look like an ordinary stallion whore. ’’

‘’ Indeed that is true, otherwise you would not stand here right now.’’

‘’ What did ya say? ‘’

‘’ Go away whipster, quickly and quietly. ‘’

‘’ Look at him mates! Ya stinkin’ proteus! Ya think ya can speak like that with me? Get out of here Unicorn! ‘’

He grabbed the plate and threw it on the ground, wasting the work of the cook, wasting the food: a thing I really hated.

‘’ Eat from the ground dog! ‘’

I stand up, look at the wasted meal and with a calm voice I said:

‘’ I think you have no idea who you are dealing with. ‘’

I slapped his throat with my hoof, yes slapped; if I would have hit him properly it would have kill him. Right now it only block his respiratory for a moment: coughing he grabbed his throat. I put one leg behind his and with my wing I pushed him away, sending him roughly to the ground.

‘’ And now I will listen to your opinion about the Unicorns *mates* ‘’ My horn started to glow with its barely noticeable shine. The sword glide out of the stabbard, and with an immense speed it flew towards the other Pegasi, stopping only few inches away from a nose.

‘’ What do you smell? That’s blood! I killed it in the sewers... the stain was grotesque down there. Do Unicorns smell like that!?! ‘’ I did not see the fat pony standing next to me; I was completely focused on the racist ponies.

‘’ N.. no’’

I calmed down and summon my weapon back to its stabbard. I sigh, took few Bits out of my purse and gave it to the innkeeper.

‘’ I am sorry for the mess.’’ Again I gave him the same amount, grabbed my stuff and went out of the tavern. After that meeting I defiantly lost my appetite and I had an overwhelming urge of taking a bath. I went back to our apartment to check on Luna, the poor soul was sleeping right now, quiet as possible I closed the door behind me and went down to the public bath.

The servants prepared a rather big wooden tub for me. Once I was in the refreshing warm water I asked for a cold towel. I was not in the best mood after the incident in the tavern; the cold association cooled my temper down and relax me a bit. This entire section was like a sauna, stallions searched for free places at the warm walls.I listened to their conversations and with a big surprise I hear how many of them were concerned about the growing racism in this land.

I looked at those ponies and notice that one of them was a Unicorn, but he was bigger than his colleges and like me he had a towel on his head. Once the unicorn looked to the pony that was on his right, I saw his face and only with extremely effort I did not curse loudly. It was Artemis! My muscles tensed automatically while I pull the towel completely over my face, shrouding it from the outside world.

Through my closed teeth I’ve let out a dampen hiss of anger, old memories that I have always tried to forget came by: all of them filled with pain, anger and death. The time pass by extremely slow while I wait till he would leave the room with his colleges. I heard the voice of young boy who enter the public bath, telling his master that he is being called by some unknown ponies. Once Artemis thanked his friends for the conversation, he left the room together with his small servant. I sigh relieved and glide completely into the water.

With a beating heart I ran back to our quarters, only to find her sleeping peacefully. I closed the door, strengthen the field that was protecting it and ran out of the building. With a painful heart I left her alone in our apartment, but I still had a meeting with the governor of Marehime and I simply could not let him wait longer than needed. While I was moving through the main street I was thinking of Artemis.

He did not change at all even after all this years, that bastard looked the same. His presence in the public bath could not be simply a coincidence, I was sure of it. Totally concentrated on those thoughts I went on, pushing everypony out of my way without noticing it. Once I finally free my mind of those distractive thoughts, I found myself at the trade district of Marehime: my destination was the tower like building that was the governor’s home and town hall.

I was about to knock on the door, but sudden yelling and cursing got my attention. I turn around and see how a Unicorn mare was running away from apples that were thrown at her. The ponies were not hunting her, they only scared her away. With a head shake I knocked at the door and wait for a respond.

‘’ Hey you!’’

I look to the left, and saw that a very big stallion was moving towards me. He was wearing plate armor and a ridiculous looking helm. An sword was hanging on his belt, while on his back was a round wooden shield.

‘’ What do you want from the governor? ‘’ He came closer and look at my face. ‘’ Ah I know you! You are the one who accepted to kill the ghoul in our sewers. ‘’

‘’ Exactly.’’

‘’ Follow me then. Governor Jerold is not in the town hall, he has a meeting with some important traders… but I am sure he will find time for you.’’

I follow the armored pony quietly, while he was talking to passing ponies he seems to know. After a while we reached the end of the trade district. Stairs lead up to a nearby hill that had a small podium on its top. The pony took off his helmet, showing how he looked like. A pair of completely white eyes was looking at me; I curse loudly what made the armored pony grin brightly.

‘’ The local ponies call me Cleaver. We share some similarities Mr. Corvus… do you know what I mean? ‘’

‘’ There are no similarities... you are a completely evolved abomination. Ponies instigate you with money… you disgust me. ‘’

The grin on his face disappeared. If *eyes* could kill I would probably be dead now.

‘’ The governor awaits you. ‘’ I was about to make a step but he lifted his leg and stopped me. ‘’ You will have to leave your sword here. ‘’ This time it was me who grinned brightly. With my magic I pull the sword out of the stabbard and levitated it into his waiting hoof.

‘’ Oh look what an unexpected nice cooperation.’’ He looked at the blade with big fascination. ‘’ I would like you to ask me to hand over a sword one day’’

Still grinning I answered with a quiet noise: ‘’ Don’t worry I will. ‘’

I passed him by, following the stairs till I reach their end. At the small podium a bunch of wealthy looking ponies gathered around a small throne. Governor Jerold listened to some of their complaining with a bored facial expression, but once he saw me he lifted his hoof and said:

‘’ Please my dear friends make place for the Ambassador. ‘’

The ponies mumbled something under their noses but they move away, leaving us alone.

‘’ Don’t worry about Cleaver; he only attacks if I order it. ‘’

‘’ Is it really that dangerous around here, that you need a creature like him? ‘’

‘’ I pay my tribute to those that might become a threat, but I prefer to be prepared for everything. Anyway… did you kill the beast? ‘’

I levitated a small bloody sack into his hoof. He opens it a let out a disgusted noise, I was afraid that he might start to puke but I was lucky this time.

‘’ I see… that our ghoul was not a ghoul at all. ‘’

‘’ Instead of a ghoul I found a Moloch. I demand a higher price for that. ‘’

‘’ I will pay you seventy golden bits. ‘’

May the games begin.

‘’ It was a Moloch not a giant snail. One hundred golden bits. ‘’

Jerold chuckled, showing his dirty teeth to the world and sadly to me too.

‘’ Did you drink a mug before you came here? Yes it killed several ponies, but they were small minorities. Eighty golden bits.‘’

‘’ One hundred golden bits! Why would you put out a contract like that, if you have Cleaver under your command? ‘’

‘’ None of us is willing to swim through shit like you only to earn money. My last word ninety golden bits. ‘’

I came closer, bowed down a bit so he could hear my whisper: ‘’ One hundred. ‘’

‘’ CURSE UPON YOU! NINETY FIVE! ‘’

‘’ I gladly accept it.’’

Once more he chuckled at me, showing off his disgusting teeth. Stupid asshole…

‘’ I hope you will choke on something. Hehe. Would you like to join up with me? I am sure we would be good partners. ‘’

He opens a rather big chest that was filled with purses. Once he counted the established amount of bits, I was counting too of course, he gave it to me.

‘’ I am not like Cleaver, nor I intend to follow his path. Besides that we will leave Marehime in few days. ‘’

‘’ So be it! Before you go let me warn you: I do not wish any kind of quarrel in this town. Artemis is a very important citizen, I do know that you both have a dark past and I know few more things that might affect this unpleasant situation. Why do you look at me like that? Information is power and I am a very good at gathering information. ‘’

I left the grumpy pony behind me and went down to get my weapon back.

‘’ My sword. ‘’

‘’ One moment pal, I really like your weapon. Great craftsmanship… I would like to buy it. ‘’

‘’ Listen to me you worthless trash… ‘’

I spoke in a language that only we the Lesser Ones could understand. Once Cleaver heard it he was about to strike me with my own weapon, but the governor was watching us from above:

‘’ CLEAVER! ‘’

He stopped and put my sword into my hoof.

‘’ We will meet again, I promise.’’

I put my sword back into the stabbard and vanished in the crowds of Marehime. I was on my way back home, but I saw Luna leaving the building. I was not sure what was going on but she always honored my biddings, even if she was a princess and I had no authority over her. I followed her on a secure distance with an unpleasant pain in my heart, which knew where she was going right now.

After a longer time Luna stopped at the entrance of a tower, the tower Artemis called home. The door open on its own, and my beloved Luna disappear inside the building. I let out a painful sigh, turn left and entered one of many small alleys, which were creating an impressive labyrinth. I was simply walking forward, probably running in circles several times but I felt like I needed a longer walk. The sound of hooves hitting the paved ground echo through a small tunnel that connecte two individual alleys. An earth pony ran out of it with impressive speed, once I saw him I recognized a friend that I have not seen for many years.

‘’ Bronze Lute! ‘’ He passed me by like I would be made out of air, suddenly four ponies armed with wooden maces ran out of the tunnel. My appearance seemed to have shocked them, I charge at them with an angry battle cry. As expected they ran away in fear, throwing their weapons on the ground. With the kind help of magic I threw their trash back to them.

‘’ By my ancestors! Corvus is that you? ‘’ Asked the lavender pony that did not have the guts to move closer to the tunnel.    ‘’ They wanted to kill me! ‘’

I laughed quietly because I knew his impressive talent of getting into trouble.

‘’ What are you doing here? ‘’ I asked while I moved towards him.

‘’ I will explain everything. But please let’s find a secure place first… ‘’

Once I was at his side I pulled him closer to me with my wing:

‘’ Come with me to my apartment.’’

Still gasping Bronze Lute nodded hectically, constantly looking behind us.

.

Once the door of the apartment has been closed, Bronze Lute sigh relieved and sit down on the ground.

‘’ Are you injured?’’ I took of the sword of my back and threw it on the bed.

‘’ I am fine don’t worry about me. Not for the first time my swift legs saved my butt! A swift bard is a living bard.‘’ Right now he look at me with a concerned and worried look. ‘’ What is going on here? ‘’

‘’ I can only surmise what is going on. Rumors of upcoming riots against the Unicorns spread like fire and I am afraid that everything is being manipulated by somepony.’’

‘’ Does this apartment belongs to you? ‘’

‘’ It belongs to Luna and me. We share it. ‘’

‘’ Hoho! Not bad my friend not bad.’’ He took a deep breath. ‘’ I was running away from those brutes because accidently I heard what they were talking about. Corvus… this night the streets of Marehime will turn red… red with the blood of Unicorns. ‘’

Meeting

The solid door closed on its own with a very loud bash. I groaned slightly due the headache that was bothering me during the last days. As expected a small foal waited for me not far away from the stairs, which leads into the lower and upper sections of the tower. He looked cute in the robe he was wearing but his constant sad expression did not match his attire. Artemis told me what happened to this poor soul half year ago. His small village has been attacked by a riot of fanatics who hated the Unicorns beyond everything. The foal witnessed how his father and his brothers have been tortured to death, while his mother and sister…

I let out a sigh, came closer to the foal and hugged him. His traumatic experience took him his voice, his childhood… it was a miracle that he was still among the living. I knew Artemis for a very long time. A great and powerful Magi but he simply was not a good material for a father. Love, compassion, care, the feeling of being safe and not alone this were the things the child desperately needed. It was quiet common that the mares were better in showing feelings than the stallions. The foal hid his face in my dress, hugging my leg with an astounding strength: I could feel that he started to cry. I sat down on the ground, cradled him against my ample chest and let his emotions float out of him.

‘’ Let it out my poor boy. Let it out. ‘’

During my reign I have encountered sadness and happiness equally but since the arrival in Marehime, everything I knew has been put upside down. The air was literally filled with the negative emotions of the inhabitants of these lands. I look down on the small fur ball that was crying silently.

‘’ The pain you are enduring now is far bigger than mine… ‘’ I thought and pulled the foal closer to me. After a while the crying stopped and adorable snoring announced his presence in the land of dreams. I influenced his sleep with my magic, so no nightmares of his past would disturb his sleep. Once I was completely sure that the child’s dream was safe I stood up, holding him with my telekinesis close to my heart, and with a dampen sigh I began to walk up the stairs.

Soon I started to gasp for air, while the stairs seemed not to lose their numbers. The construction of the tower did not allow me to use my wings due the lack of space, if it would not be for the law that forbid flying in the city, I would have simply entered the tower through its balcony. After an unpleasant long time I finally reached the end of the stairs. Those who are not familiar with magic would find a dead end in front of them, but I knew better than that.

The foal landed gently on my back, because for what I was about to do, required total concentration. With closed eyes I started to focus my energy, but before my horn started to glow, a strange sounding clack went out of the wall. The bricks separated from each other, whirling around in all directions, what always reminded me of complicated clockwork mechanism. Brick after brick started to vaporize in the air, till the hidden passage has been revealed.

The act was not ready yet, because a very strong field surrounded the edges of the entrance: In the form of a marvelous composition of light, for those who could see them. A white line ripped through the middle of the filed, disturbing the composition, what made my ears go down. The field has been completely ripped in two pieces, creating a gap that was big enough for two Alicorns.

I took a deep breath and went in with growing hesitation. The rip in the field disappeared after I pass through the gap, and the sound of stones hitting against each other echoed on the other side. I found myself in a very large room. Its size has been manipulated with magic, otherwise it would not match the construction of the tower: somehow it made me feel like I am back in Canterlot.

Artemis was well known for his simplicity, what was a very rare thing among the Alicorns. The room setup was proving it: everything in this room has been created by his skilled hooves only for one purpose. Multi tasking!

A strange smell was in the air. I could not really indentify what it was, and to be honest I would not like to know the details. On a round alchemy table I saw Artemis working on some potions. Right now he was levitating two phials over his head, while he was writing something down on a manuscript.

‘’ Please give me a moment my dear… I am about to end it. Make yourself comfortable. ‘’ Said Artemis and added the content of the phials into an Erlenmare Flask. The chemical reaction ended in a loud hiss and with a small blue cloud, that flew out of the container only to disappear in the air.

‘’ Where shall I put the boy? He is asleep right now. ‘’ I asked and levitated the child back at my chest. A warm feeling filled my heart after I saw the smile on his face: whatever he was dreaming now, it was granting him some peace.

‘’ Put him on the sofa a servant will take care of the rest. ‘’

Trying to not make loud sounds with my shoes, I moved on silently to his sofa. Carefully I put the child on it and in the end, a kiss on his forehead granted him my blessing. Artemis was still busy with his work, while I approached him with growing hesitation and a faster beating heart. He was wearing his typical silken robe that has lost its true color long time ago. Like me he had a creamy blue fur.  A short cut mane showed signs of burns of an unknown origin… he did not change at all.

‘’ What are you doing? ‘’ I asked and look over his back.

‘’ The governor’s daughter is ill and I have been asked to make her medicine. ‘’ He inspected the blue medicine and nod satisfied with the result.

‘’ And why would he ask you to do that? I know that the owner of the herbalist shop is a Unicorn... but his products are simply superb. ‘’

‘’ This are very difficult times Luna. During my long state in Marehime, I managed to get the trust of the inhabitants of this city. His daughter has been poisoned a longer time ago… it is a miracle that she is still alive. Since that I’ve been brewing the medicine for the governor’s family. ‘’

‘’ I thought the Alicorns share the same fate as the Unicorns…’’ I thought of Corvus and let out a dampen sigh.

‘’ That is not entirely true. Right now we have a crisis, that has occurred countless times in the history of the Free Marshes. This is a cycle that cannot be stopped… if I am not mistaken it is the fifth time I experience it. ‘’ He put the flask on the alchemy table and turned around to me. ‘’ But during the last crisis the Princess of Equestria was not among us. I am sure that your presence will affect this entire situation.’’

The way he looked at me made me take some steps back from him. Unable to suppress it I blushed and fell that my cheeks were glowing hot. I looked away but I could feel his eyes on me.

‘’ My work is done… May I offer you something to drink?

‘’ A cup of tea would be nice…’’

His horn started to glow with a turquoise color but it stopped nearly instantly. The door on the other side of the room has been open and two young mares walked in: both of them Unicorns. They bowed down and wait for the orders.

‘’ Lora please prepare some tea for both of us you know what flavor. And you Matilda please take the boy to his quarters.’’

‘’ Of course.’’ They answered in the same time. While Lora was already on her way out Matilda approached the sofa, and very gently she levitated the child into the air. I could not resist. She froze after she saw that I was moving towards her. Once my magic was holding the small foal, I rubbed his tiny soft nose with my own as any mother would do to her child.

‘’ Please take good care of him. ‘’ I said silently to Matilda, who was watching me with her pretty eyes, and hand over the small fur ball.

‘’ I will milady. ‘’ She bowed before me, pull the boy closer to herself and left the room. If I was not mistaken, I could hear how she was humming a very old pony lullaby, before the door closed behind her.

‘’ You always had a good attitude for children. ‘’ I did not notice that he was next to me. ‘’ Since you started to visit my tower his state rapidly changed. ‘’ He look at one of his many tables that were all over this place, grabbed a page with his magic and levitated it towards us. It was a picture of me looking down on the small filly, the creator of this emotional picture.

‘’ The poor boy did not sleep through countless nights… crying silently till the dawn. His first meeting with you changed something in him, he started to sleep peacefully, he even draw pictures.’’

Artemis sighed and close his eyes while he continued to talk.

‘’ I have no right to ask you something like that Luna… but could you please take care of the boy? At least for a while until you have to leave Marehime... I was trying to be there for him as good as I could, but your presence is far better than anything I can offer to him. ‘’

I did not expect a question like that coming from a stallion like Artemis. The news that I helped the poor child at least a little bit filled my heart with happiness. I could help him even more if I would take him with me but there was still Corvus… it was unclear how he would react to the presence of the child.

‘’ I will have to think about it… ‘’

Lora came back with two heavy looking plates a bit above her head. She went over to a table, that was surprisingly not covered with papers, and any other stuff Artemis needed for his experiments.

‘’ Thank you Lora you are free to go. Please make sure that nopony disturbs us now: if I will need anything I will call after you.’’

‘’ Yes Master Artemis.’’ She bowed down and went out of the room.

‘’ I suggest we sit down and enjoy the tea. ‘’ He went on my side and offered me his wing. Without any choice I put my own wing on his, and followed him to the table. A very beautiful tea set that was made of ivory awaited our arrival, as did a delicious looking strawberry pie. I sat down on a comfortable pillow while he was filling the cups with tea. Once the aroma was in the air I could not believe what my nose smelled right now.

‘’ Is that what I believe it is? ‘’

With a bright grin on his face, he served me my cup and answered my question.

‘’ Moonberry tea! The best tea the Alicorns have ever invented. ‘’

‘’ I did not drink this tea since… ‘’ My ears went down and I remained silent.

‘’ Let’s leave that topic behind us. ‘’ He grabbed his with his magic and smiled at me.‘’ Let’s enjoy the tea while it’s still warm.‘’

I smiled back, grab my cup and try the delicious tea, which brought forth memories of my childhood. Right away the mood changed and we started a nice conversation we both enjoyed. The time passed surprisingly fast as it always did with pleasant things: What a shame isn’t it? Artemis started to act differently, his posture was very tense and he was wriggling on his pillow like he would have fleas.

‘’ Luna I can’t hold it any longer… we have to talk. ‘’

I was afraid that this would come up eventually. It was the reason why I was visiting him in the first place. I had to know the truth…

‘’ Artemis all these years I thought you were dead… why, why didn’t you contact me? ‘’

‘’ I was dead until you have come back into my life.’’ He stood up and move towards the nearby window. ‘’ Many thought that I’ve died during the outbreak of the Black Death. I’ve been infected while I was aiding its victims… I don’t know how I’ve survived it.’’

I stood up and came closer to him, while he continued his story.

‘’ Nearly my entire family has been eradicated by the disease… only my adopted brother and I survived this horror.’’ His head went down and he touched his heart with his hoof. ‘’ I was mentally broken… I saw all of them pass away. I was fighting for their lives… I was trying so hard but nothing helped! Then I heard the rumors… that Equestria have lost the Princess of the Night…’’

The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in pony history. I still remember how the messengers ran into the throne room, with the news of the spreading disease among Equestria. With a broken heart I found out that the disease started on the very borders of my Kingdom, in the region where Artemis was living back then. Once I received the message of his death something in me died, and few weeks later I turned into Nightmare Moon.

So many things have changed since I was banished into the moon. According to the old scripts the Black Death has been caused by an Alicorn warlock, Equestria has been divided because of it and so the Free Marshes have been born.

‘’ Despites the fact that I’ve lost my home, my family… my friends… and my love… in the end I lost my brother because…’’

He stopped.  A single tear ran down his cheek and he let out a painful sigh.

‘’ I left Equestria behind me. Cut all bounds that were holding me there and since then I was living here in Marehime.’’ Artemis turned around and smile shyly. I could see the pain in his eyes, but once he looked upon me pain has been pushed away by happiness.

‘’ You came back from the land of the dead, and with your return my heart started to beat again.’’ He came closer to me and touched my nose with his own. I could do nothing. I was stunned by the overwhelming feelings. My body was shaking and my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

‘’ I am so sorry Luna… so sorry. I… I wish to leave this miserable life behind me. Please… please let’s start all over again… I cannot imagine the life without you for the second time. ‘’

Then it happened. My eyes open wide once I felt that his lips touched mine, without any control I joined the kiss, closed my eyes and I enjoyed the moment.

‘’ What am I doing!? ‘’ I thought and quickly moved away from him. My voice sounded broken, once I regain control over my body and feelings.

‘’ Artemis… so many things have changed, so many things happened… You have no idea what I have experienced during the last thousand years.’’

I did not have the guts to look directly at him. I still could feel his taste on my lips what was very distracting. I explained him what happened to me, what I have become and how I returned to normal life.

‘’ I thought you were dead. Within some time my heart finally accepted it, and I focused on my role as Princess of the Night. I found somepony… no he found me. He saved my life and won my heart… you have to understand… I can’t do it Artemis. ‘’

I expected anger, complaining even crying but Artemis remained awfully silent. I gathered all my courage left in me and I finally faced him. Even if there was noticeable disappointment he seemed to be happy. His voice did not change at all, but even after all this years I could sense the hidden pain in it.

‘’ We cannot decide where the seams of fate lead us. Sometimes we have to give up the things we want the most, even if it deeply pains us. ‘’ He sat down on the ground and grabbed my hoof. ‘’ At least you have found happiness Luna I cannot ask for more. Knowing that you are happy is like a remedy for my poor soul. Whatever might happen in the future, whenever you will need help you will always find it here. ‘’

‘’ I am so sorry… ‘’

‘’ You don’t have to be. I enjoyed every second spent with you… I only ask you to never forget it. ‘’

‘’ I will never forget it. ‘’ I sat down myself and hugged him. ‘’ Thank you for your understanding.’’

Artemis joined the hug and we remained silent and motionless for quite a while.

‘’ You said that you have been saved by that somepony. What happened? ‘’

‘’ It happened nearly ten years ago. I have been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom. Shortly before my journey started I had a fight with Tia, we separated in anger… you know how I am once I get angry. ‘’

‘’ Mhm. ‘’

‘’ My anger passed once the cold wind cool me down, and I felt really bad about everything I’ve said. Without noticing it I left the secure route… a Manticore attacked me. After its claws strike me down darkness surrounded everything. In the end I woke up in a hospital of Flankfurt. Later I found out that the pony who was sharing the room with me, actually saved my life… and so I have meet him.’’

‘’ I would like to meet him personally. Without him I would have never see you again… did he come with you to Marehime? ‘’

‘’ Yes he did. He is my *Ambassador* even if he really don’t like to be called that way. ‘’

‘’ What is his name? ‘’

‘’ His name is Corvus.’’

Suddenly his entire body became extremely tense but only for a while. As fast as it came as fast it was gone, Artemis let go off me and stood up.

‘’ Corvus… I will try to keep it in mind. I hope we both will meet personally, of course if we will find the time to do so. Sadly I have to end this meeting my dear… I will have to go to the governor right now. ‘’

My ears went down while he helped me to get up on my hooves.

‘’ Can’t a servant do it for you?’’

‘’ I am afraid that this will not be possible. The governor will accept this medicine only out of my hoof, besides that I am the one who serves the medicine to the poor girl. ‘’

‘’ We will stay in Marehime for few days maybe a week who knows. I will talk with Corvus about the boy, but I am sure he will not have any problem with that.’’

‘’ Let’s hope for the best...’’

‘’ I will not delay you any longer Artemis… will we meet again? ‘’

‘’ I look forward to it.’’ He smiled and bow before me. ‘’ Please be careful out there… regardless of the good intentions of the citizens of this city, you can only be considered safe once you pass the borders of the Free Marshes.’’

‘’Good bye Artemis…’’

‘’ Good bye Luna… ‘’

Artemis watched her walking towards the door with growing pain in his bleeding heart. Once the solid door of his home bash behind Luna, he closed his eyes and fought against his feelings that were boiling in him right now.

‘’ What kind of game is it you are playing with me fate? ‘’ He started to talk to himself. ‘’ Why do you have to be so cruel?! ‘’

He let out a painful cry and pushed the nearby table with the tea set on it. The expensive ivory scatter on the ground while the rare Moonberry tea have been absorbed by the carpet. Ungentle he fell on his knees and cursed his own fate and his deeds of the past.

‘’ Corvus… why are you haunting me again after all this years? ‘’

Fire

<  ‘’ How do you feel my dear? ‘’ Asked Virgo and grab his wife’s hoof. An unexpected land slight blocked the main street leading to Trotterdam, forcing them to take a longer trail through the nearby forest. Nova his wife was in a very advanced pregnancy. Since the beginning he was against her wish to travel with him, but she was very persistent; in the end she persuaded him after a very long discussion.

The mare smiled at him and put his hoof on her belly. He could feel how his child was moving in her womb, announcing his presence with few kicks what made his chest swell with pride.

‘’ We both are alright honey don’t worry too much.’’ She looked out through the window. A thick wall of trees shrouded everything around them, while the shine of the moon created a twilight atmosphere. ‘’ It has been quite a while since we were here the last time. ‘’

‘’ During all these years this forest did not change at all. ‘’ He chuckled after he felt his son again.

‘’ Forgive me if I am overreacting with everything… I just want the best for you and the child. ‘’

‘’ We both could not ask for a better father and husband. ‘’

Virgo smiled and lean his head carefully against her belly, gently stroking it with his hoof.

‘’ I love both of you. ‘’

Nova was about to say something but suddenly her ears went up like they would have spot something.

‘’ Virgo do you hear it? ‘’

‘’ Hear what? ‘’ He tried to focus but the sound of the wheels made it nearly impossible to hear something.

‘’ Stop the chariot! ‘’ Yelled Nova and right away the vehicle stopped. She stood up and very carefully she was about to leave the chariot.

‘’ Wait I will help you. ‘’ Virgo stepped out of the chariot first. He was helping his wife as good as possible and once she stood on solid ground both of them listened to the sounds of the old forest. It took some time till they hear a foreign sound that clearly did not belong to this environment. Eventually they recognized it as crying: crying of a baby.

‘’ By Celestia a child is in the forest. ‘’

‘’ Nova stay here I will look around. ‘’

‘’ Just watch out… ‘’

Virgo’s horn started to glow with a turquoise light that lit up the environment around him. Without hesitating he moved forward, following the sound of the crying child. The forest was incredibly thick in this part what was slowing his search in a very annoying way. Eventually after a longer time he finally found the source of the crying: In a small basket in the middle of a glade he found a new born Alicorn baby.

It was very cold outside and the poor child did not have any protection from it, what caused all the heart ripping crying. Virgo bowed down to have a better look on the foal, once his horn was close enough he saw how the baby looked like. A loud gasp scared the small fur ball, making it cry even more.

Nervously Nova waited for her husband’s return. The time passed slowly while her nervousness grew stronger. Her child kicked her surprisingly strong what made her chuckle happily.

‘’ Don’t worry daddy is on his way back I am sure of it. ‘’

As if he has heard this message Virgo’s light announced his return long before he left the thick wall of trees behind him. With a big relief she sighed at his sight. Virgo held something near his chest; once he was close enough Nova recognized it as a small basket. She hugged him and was about to look into the basket but with a head shake he said:

‘’ Let’s go back to the chariot first.’’

She lifted her eye brow but she did not ask any questions. Once both of them entered the chariot Virgo close the door behind him and gave the signal to continue the journey. Since he came back from the forest he was very tense, something was bothering him.

‘’ Is everything okay my heart? Did something happen?’’

‘’ I am fine Nova… a little bit shocked but fine. ‘’ He levitated the basked towards here. Carefully she grabbed it with her own magic, and with growing excitement and curiosity the mare look into the basket. Covered with Virgo’s cloak a baby Unicorn was lying in it. Its fur had a mahogany color while his mane was dark blonde. The child was asleep but it seemed like it was looking for a comfortable position.

‘’ Ahw aren’t you the cutest thing I have ever seen. ‘’

The baby heard her voice, open its eyes and yawn sleepy. Nova suppressed a gasp after she saw the eyes of the small fur ball. One eye did not have an iris and was completely white, while his other eye had a pretty nut brown color. With her magic she separated the cloak from the foal. The assumed Unicorn was in truth a Alicorn; the outline of tiny, downy wings was visible against the foal’s minuscule body.

As expected, she saw that the lower part of the boy’s body, had the purest black color she has ever seen. The line between mahogany and black grew smaller, slowly spreading the black color over the entire body. The foal smiled at her and wave happily with his tiny hooves.

‘’ This can’t be… ‘’ Said Nova and look at her husband. With a sad facial expression Virgo came closer to the basket and put his hoof near the child. Right away the small fur ball grab his hoof and inspected it with big interest.

‘’ This poor small soul is about to transform into a Lesser One… ‘’

‘’ The foal is a Alicorn! Lesser Ones among our kind have not been spotted for millennia.’’

‘’ Yes I know. ‘’ He sigh and smiled right away after he saw the baby playing with his hoof. ‘’ I searched the area where I have found him. Not far away from the basket I’ve discovered old hooves tracks… I think the foal was left to die in the wilds. ‘’

Nova touched her belly and performs a head shake. How could a mother do such terrible thing to her own child? Unlike normal ponies the Alicorns were not blessed with fertility of the mortal folk. Both of them were trying to become parents for a very long time, her heart was overflowing with joy once she found out that she was pregnant. A child is probably the greatest gift a Alicorn could achieve in this life. Full of sadness she looked on the foal that was still holding Virgo’s hoof.

‘’ Poor boy… you’re at the beginning of your long journey, and already you have such big burden on your small back. ‘’

Carefully she levitated the child out of the basket right into her hooves. Once the foal was close to her soft ample chest, it yawned sleepy and cradle against it. She chuckled quietly, brushed the foal’s fur and downs, ruffling them a bit; the fur ball was already asleep and did not notice it.

‘’ This is truly a wonderful sight for a sore eye. ‘’ Said Virgo and smile at her happily but the smile faded away. ‘’ I am not sure what to do now my dear… ‘’

‘’ We both know what to do Virgo; we will keep him. He has been abandoned once I will not allow that it will happen again! ‘’

‘’ I share the same thoughts Nova… yet this child is about to become a Lesser One. We will take care of him for a while, but we really should inform Princess Celestia about his existence. ‘’

She knew that he was right, but once the foal fell asleep in her hooves, he won a place in her heart.

‘’ I agree on that. ‘’ The foal started to wriggle around till it found a comfortable position. The time passed surprisingly fast during their conversation and without noticing it they left the forest behind them. The lights of Trotterdam appeared on the horizon but it would still take at least two hours to reach their estate.

‘’ I think it was faith that brought us together Virgo. ‘’ said Nova who simply could not stop watch the foal in her hooves. The dark color spread incredibly fast, already reaching the chest of the boy.

‘’ We should give him a name. He can’t be introduced to the princess without a name. ‘’

‘’ Do you have any suggestions? ‘’ asked the stallion and suppressed a yawn. He did not find any sleep since he was watching the rare blue comet that appeared on the sky. Once they would reach their home, she would make sure that he would sleep, because she knew that he could be foolish enough to continue his star gazing. A sudden thought went through her mind and she looked out through the window. The sky on this night was crystal clear, presenting the starts and the moon with all its glory. Right away she spotted a small constellation of starts: Virgo’s favorite one. With a smile on her face she answered:

‘’ Corvus. ‘’

Virgo was deeply surprised by that, but as fast as it came as fast it was gone. His grin showed that he likes the idea:

‘’ Only few ponies had the privilege to be called after a constellation, but I am sure the princess will agree with this choice.  ‘’ he came closer to her and the foal. Gently he touched the child with his nose. ‘’ Even if you are not my blood I will treat you like you would be my own child. ‘’

‘’ Welcome in the family Corvus my little boy. ‘’ She pulled him closer to her heart smiling happily.

A strange sound went through the air. With wide open eyes they noticed that something was going on with the foal. The black color started to vanish till it was completely gone; Corvus woke up and let out an adorable sneeze. Right away he closed his eyes and once more he entered the land of dreams. Even if it was only for a short time, both of them have notice that the missing iris of his right eye appeared out of nowhere.

‘’ I think we have been blessed with a new son Nova. ‘’ >

I was following Bronze Lute through the Alienage of Marehime. It was incredible how many Unicorns were living in the small alleys, somehow fitting in places I would barely find refuge. Bronze Lute was surprisingly familiar with this part of the city and the ponies seemed to know him, what was a good thing because they would rather listen to him than to a stranger like me. The presence of an Alicorn seemed not to bother the Unicorns; in fact I could have sworn that they were somehow happy to see me.

‘’ You are not for the first time here friend aren’t you? ‘’ I asked and watch how three small fillies passed us by playing with a ball.

‘’ You are right… Marehime is like a second home to me. Those kind ponies offered me help in the time of need and since then I was supporting them as good as possible. ‘’

‘’ We need more ponies like you. Politics are only good if they work; sadly most of the time they don’t. ‘’

We reached the end of the Alienage. Every single alley leads into this place, a plaza that was big enough to fit in nearly all the Unicorns in the alleys. This place was far more crowded than the alleys; moving forward was quite a challenge because of the fillies that were running all over the place between the legs of the adults. The buildings, if somepony could actually consider them as buildings, were in a very bad shape.

My heart started to pain me once I thought what a nice and cozy apartment we have received, while they were living in a place like that. My old friend moved towards the biggest building that belonged to the *leaders* of the Unicorn community, at its very entrance two big stallions have been post as guards.

‘’ I will have to enter alone Corvus. ‘’ Said Bronze Lute and pointed at the nearby building. ‘’ You might be a Alicorn but you are still a stranger. ‘’

‘’ Do not worry about me friend I am used to it. Now go make haste! ‘’

Bronze Lute nod at me and ran towards the building. The guards stopped him only for few seconds; with their magic the solid door has been open for the bard. Once the door closed behind him, I made myself usefully to those that were in need. Luna was defiantly the better healer, but I was able to perform it too; not to mention that I could endure more pain. At the very edge of the plaza, there was a Red Cross tent: a huge line of Unicorns were waiting for treatment.

Moaning, coughing and crying filled the air. A unpleasant stain of blood, mixed up with some unknown odor, hit my senses right away. I entered the tent, followed by the complaining of the waiting ponies, but once I explained what I was up to I’ve been sincerely welcomed. It took some time till Bronze Lute came back; gladly I helped as many ponies as possible. Groaning and with an unpleasant sting in my lungs I followed the bard:

‘’ How did the things turn out? ‘’ I asked through my closed teeth. The fee for so many patients was bigger than I thought.

‘’ Riots are nothing new to them. ‘’ Said Bronze Lute and sigh loudly. ‘’ But this time they have been warned from the upcoming threat. Their mages will create a barrier, that will shroud the entire Alienage if a riot might have been unleashed upon them. ‘’

‘’ What about the Unicorns that live outside the Alienage? ’’

He did not answer. I did not ask more questions. After a while we were back at the main street of Marehime, melting together within the colorful crowd, that seemed to not have an end. While the traders tried to yell louder than their competition, what was truly annoying, Bronze Lute offered to go for a mug to the ‘’ Twin Knights ‘’ tavern.

‘’ No better not. ‘’

‘’ Why not? Don’t tell me it is because you get drunk way too fast. ‘’ he chuckled hearty about this statement.

‘’ I beat up some whipsters this morning. I do not want to start the same scene again. ‘’

‘’ Since when are you afraid of fights Corvus? ‘’

‘’ I am not afraid. ‘’ I answered with a rather annoyed tone. ‘' As I already told you we are on a diplomatic mission… I do not have the privilege to act like a simple ruffian. Besides that Luna has some business she must attend to... We might get kicked out of the city if I will play the bad boy. ‘’

‘’ In that case I will get us some good old Marehime Scotch! I have a friend who is selling the best alcohol in the city. ‘’ Bronze Lute licked his lips once he recall some memories.

‘’ I do not have anything to pay with… I gave everything to the Unicorns. ‘’

‘’ Don’t worry about it my dear friend! Old debts are truly useful… if he will not pay in Bits then in Liters. ‘’ Both of us laughed and continue our journey.

Once I left the tower the weight on my heart and shoulder vanished, and I let out a loud sigh. Even after all those meetings a part of me still could not believe that Artemis was still alive. The well healed wound has been open, once he stepped back into my life, but I could not give him what he desired. Maybe things would turn out differently, if I would not be together with Corvus, but such thinking would not change anything. I looked at the sun. Due its position I found out that I was in the tower longer than I thought.

‘’ You really did it this time girl… ‘’ I thought while I enter the main street. The ponies recognized me, even if I was wearing my cloak: some of the bowed before me, others simply pass me by. Eventually I managed to reach our apartment, leaving the streets behind the locked door. Gladly I did not meet any servants on the way to the second floor what made me let out a relieved sigh. Before I reached the door to my apartment I heard that Corvus was not alone. Both of them were singing a song that was quiet popular among my subjects.

‘’ Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong.

Oh Equestria, Mountain mama

Take me home, country roads! ’’

The other voice was strangely familiar, but I simply could not remember who he was. The fact that Corvus was singing with him worried me. He was not the type of stallion who joins up to a song, regardless if it was nice or sad. With a beating heart I opened the door and enter the apartment. The singing stopped long before the door was open, what could only mean that he knew that I was close all along. Once I close the door behind me, I saw the Earth Pony, and right away I recognized him as Bronze Lute; a very old friend of Corvus.

‘’ Greetings oh beautiful Princess of the Night. ‘’ said Bronze Lute and bow down before me. ‘’ It was quite a while since we have seen each other. ‘’

‘’ Bronze Lute it is nice to see you again. ‘’ Even if I really like the sympathetic bard, I always hoped that he would not cross his ways with Corvus. Every time they meet trouble was at state. The smell of alcohol was in the air, scotch if I was not wrong.

‘’ Bronze Lute my friend… ‘’ the sadness in his voice made my heart stop to beat. ‘’ Please leave us alone. ‘’

The pony did not say anything. Once more he bow before me, patted Corvus roughly on his shoulder, and left the room quietly. The sound of his hooves echoed on the other side of the door. A tense atmosphere was in the air. Corvus stood up, his eyes and body language showed me that he was drunk.

‘’ Corvus I… ‘’ I did not end because he pass me by. Not far away from the entrance, there was a small casket where he was hiding his flasks. Its existence was being hidden with a spell, which granted invisibility, only Unicorns and Alicorns would be able to spot it. The spell has been removed, his horn started to glow with its barely noticeable shine, and with the simple telekinesis spell he pull out a phial, that contained a white substance.

Without any hesitation he drank the white flask. Regardless of the amount or the ingredient in a flask, it always caused the following effect: his veins were visible through his fur. Most of the time they had a purple color but right now it was white. As fast as it came as fast it disappeared leaving no trace of its existence. Corvus turned around to me, sober and with clear eyes.

‘’ Why did you not listen to me Luna? ‘’ He asked still with the same sad voice. ‘’ If something would have happen to you… what were you thinking!? ‘’

‘’ You do not have to yell at me. ‘’ I said with a broken voice, trying to avoid eye contact with him. ‘’ I am not a helpless filly who cannot protect herself. Listen Corvus… I visited... ‘’

‘’ I know where you have been Luna. I saw you leaving the building and I followed you… ‘’

‘’ I had to talk with him you have to understand… ‘’

‘’ What am I supposed to understand? ‘’ I did not like the sound of his voice. ‘’ That you were doing more than talking? Do not look at me like that! ‘’ He came closer to me and look directly into my eyes. ‘’ I can smell it Luna… I can smell him on your lips… ‘’

His sharp senses once more surprised me and made the entire thing look bad. Very bad.

‘’ It is not like you think… we were… ‘’

A thundering sound of a mighty horn ripped through air. We both came closer to the window to see what was going on: ponies were running in all directions yelling in a chaotic way. The door of our apartment has been open, and Bronze Lute charged in.

‘’ The Town Hall is on fire! ‘’

Corvus looked at me one more time, then he ran out of the room.

His rights

Bepbepbepbepbepbep

We were gawking at each other like we would be statutes. Pain encountered hate, hate that was boiling in me for the last thousand years, a hate that has been born because of him. My eyes narrowed, I hissed through the closed teeth like a wild creature. Artemis sighed once he saw my broken horn. He sat down on the nearby chair and hid his face with his hooves.

‘’ It has been a full millennium since our last encounter brother… ‘’

‘’ Do not call me brother! ‘’ I yelled at him and got up on into a sitting position. I pointed at my horn:

’’ Did you already forget… ‘’

‘’ I will never forget it… ‘’ Artemis shivered and his body became incredibly tense. ‘’Oh Corvus you have to believe me! It was not my fault… I was mentally broken… I …‘’

‘’ Do you think that your pathetic excuses will change anything!? You have the blood of countless innocent ponies on your hooves! You have her blood on your hooves! ‘’ A terrible pain spread across my body and I moan loudly.

‘’ Corvus I…. ‘’

‘’ Enough… I do not feel well. ‘’

‘’ So be it then… ‘’ Artemis stood up but he still did not intend to go.  ‘’ Once you will get out of the hospital, I want you to come to my tower. ‘’

‘’ And why would you think I would bother to do it? You have no command over me… ‘’

‘’ I have to talk with you about Luna. This should be reason enough. Get well brother… ‘’

I hissed once more and lie down on my back, while I watched how the door close behind him, leaving me alone with the annoying beeping of the heart monitor.

As fast as possible I ran back to the hospital. Gladly the crowd made space for me after I have been noticed. The hospital was not far away from our apartment yet the way leading to it was nearly always crowded. At the very entrance I nearly bumped into somepony. A bit dizzy I noticed that it was Artemis. He looked at the small casket and if I was not wrong he even sniffed two times.

‘’ I suggest you hurry… he really need his flasks. ‘’

He did not say good bye, he simply passed me by. Without hesitating I ran to the third floor, avoiding the staff, patients, beds and everything that was in the way. The door that leads into his room was open but besides him there was nopony. During my rather short absent his appearance changed dramatically. Eyes red, the iris of his left eye wide open, blood was running down his chin, the veins were visible through his black fur.

The sight was simply grotesque because it looked like worms were moving under his skin. The heart was beating with high intensity; the breath was not natural either. I could not watch his painful face expression. Corvus was able to endure many things without showing it; the pain he was feeling now must be terrible. Once he saw me he tried to hide what I’ve already seen, with a very bad result.

‘’ If only the post office back in Equestria would be as fast as you… ‘’ He did not end because he started to cough heavily. Right away I came closer to him and touched his cheek gently with my nose, but he grabbed the casket with his magic and look away from me. I realized that he probably still could smell Artemis…

‘’ You are aware what will be happening now? ‘’ He asked and look back to me. I always liked his nut brown eyes, even if I knew that one of them was an illusion. Behind the serious mask I could see pain maybe even anger, but they were merely shadows of greater feelings. His ears went down and he placed his hoof on mine, pulling it on his chest so I could feel his heart beat. I smiled at him what actually made him smile back; sadly the smile vanished once he looked at his casket.

‘’ Yes… I did not forget the last time… ‘’

‘’ I will repeat the same words I told you back then. Regardless how much I will scream, regardless the sounds that will fill the air… by goodness sake do not enter the room… ‘’

‘’ I will shroud your room with a spell… nopony will hear anything… ‘’

< Besides me…>

‘’ So be it… I am sorry but there is no other way. ‘’

We looked at each other for a longer time, till his coughing cut through our silence and the beeping of the heart monitor.

‘’ I will not delay it any longer Luna. The pain is too much for me… Please leave the room. ‘’ He kissed my hoof and let it go, while he was opening his casket with magic. I was trying to say something but after he looked at me again I honor his wish. I left the room, touched the door with my horn and casted the spell. I could hear how he removed the cork of the flask…

‘’ I am such an idiot… ‘’ He took a deep breath and drank the content of the flask. Corvus let out a disgusted sound, followed by something I could not really identify. For the next five minutes nothing at all happened, only the beeping was noticeable. Till something that reminded me of breaking wood filled the air. He started to gargle loudly, the beeping of the monitor changed rapidly, mixing up with the sounds that made me shiver inside.

Corvus was trying to hold it out as long as possible; I always wondered where he took the strength to do something like that. Soon the gargle has been replaced by painful cries, that were being dampen by his closed teeth but eventually he gave up and started to yell out of pain. A tear ran down my cheek once I heard that, unable to help him. Oh how I wished to go there and simply pull him closer to me… but he would not allow it. A nurse ran towards the room, quickly I wiped the tear away and open my wings.

‘’ You can’t enter this room good mare. ‘’

‘’ Something bad is going on with the patient! The monitors… ‘’

‘’ I am aware of what is happening inside… but both of us won’t be able to help him now… ‘’

‘’ But… ‘’

‘’ There is no but sister. The only thing we can do is to hope for the best… ‘’

< I ran as fast as possible. Sweat was running down my entire body, mixing up with the dirt and old blood that was ruffling my fur. The smell of smoke and burned flesh filled the air with its heavy stain, what nearly made me puke. My heart was in conflict with my mind, which was already aware of what I would see soon. Finally after a time that could have been a full millennium I arrived…

I could not let out a sound of my throat; my ears went down, the body tensed to its limits and I hardly stopped my tears. There where should be a beautiful village I saw huge piles of ashes, pieces of once solid wooden bars went out of them like bones out of a forgotten sand grave. I moved forward though I was afraid of what I might find. The very old oak has been spared by the fire, I came closer to it and saw the old scribbling on the harsh bark; it has been created by magic without harming the tree.

S + C

It was surrounded by a heart. A strong wind came from the east; my ruined mane embraced it and has been ruffled even more. Something strange caught my attention; I looked up and let out terrified sound. On the very strong branches of the oak small fillies and foals have been hanged. Their eyes open wide, while they swollen tongues came out of their mouths. I fell on my butt and crawled away from the tree, without holding it back I puked once I saw that some of them have been hanged upside down. Left to die a slow death, while the blood went completely down into the brain. I stood up not able to look away from the children. As fast as possible I ran away from the oak deeper into the village, only to see more grotesque images…

The faces of ponies I once knew were looking at me; all of them have been placed on a pin, while their headless bodies were left on the ground. Everything was red of their blood; the stain of rotting meat hit my face nearly instantly. Not far away I saw bodies of mares all of them showing signs of cuts and kicks. You do not have to be genius to know what the raiders have done to them, before they finished them off.

Unable to understand how a pony could be capable of such cruelty I moved on, trying to avoid stomping on the bodies. I found no survivors and with each passing minute my hope was fading away, with the wind that was constantly switching its direction. Then I saw her…

I yelled out of pain in my heart and ran towards a light blue silhouette. Once I arrived I saw what they have done to her. She has been raped, tortured and left to die and like others she did not have her horn. I fell on my knees, levitated her with my magic right into my arms and pulled her close to my chest. Unable to cry I started my silent lament, swaying the body of my beloved Sagitta.

‘’ Co.. Corvus? Is that you? ‘’ I nearly let her fall on the ground.

‘’ By everything that is holy! ‘’

‘’ I was waiting for you… ‘’ She started to cry and with her remaining strength in her body she hugged me.

‘’ Who… who is responsible for that! ‘’ I yelled at her without noticing it.

‘’ Ponies… from the Riverwatch…  Corvus I am so weak… it is so cold… ‘’

‘’ Hold on! I will take care of you! ‘’ I ripped my leather vest off me and placed it on her back.

‘’ I am so sorry… I did not want to end it like that… ‘’

‘’ No! Don’t do it to me! Fight! YOU HEAR ME!? FIGHT! ‘’

‘’ I love… ‘’ I could feel how she stopped to breath, how the life slip out of her desecrated body. Never in my life had I felt such hatred, such pain… I yelled as I have never yelled before. >

Beep…Beep…Beep…

With a loud gasp I woke up. I lost my orientation, my eyes were moving in all directions trying to find anything I could hold on. The shock faded rather fast and I remember that I was in the hospital. Gladly the only thing that was attached to me was the heart monitor. Nopony was in my room, there was no clock either…

‘’ How long have I been gone… ‘’ I thought and tried to get up. A stinging pain in my chest made me motionless for a while, one of the side effects of the flask. Once it was over the tummy started to rebel like a small child, demanding food in big portion. I pressed the button and called after the sisters. It was impressive how fast a nurse arrived; she actually looked like she was sprinting to get over to me. How nice of her!

‘’ It is a big relief for my heart to see you finally awake Mr. Corvus. ‘’

‘’ Corvus is enough… titles of any kind make my fur crawl. ‘’

‘’ How do you feel? Can I help you with something?’’

‘’ How long was I gone? ‘’

‘’ You were in some sort of coma for nearly four days. ‘’

Four days… shorter than last time. But even if I am rather happy with those news I was worried in the same time. What was Luna doing during this time? I trust her but…

‘’ Artemis… ‘’ I thought and fletched my teeth without noticing it what scared the poor nurse.

‘’ Oh I am sorry… could I get something to eat? I am starving… ‘’

‘’ Of course… but I have to know what I will be able to serve you Corvus. ‘’

‘’ I can be treated normally now good sister. I will be a bit weak for a day maybe two, but I can eat normally. ‘’

‘’ And how about medicine? ‘’

‘’ I do not need any… to be honest I am not sure if it is safe to use it now ‘’

‘’ I understand. I will bring you something to eat. ‘’

With something she probably means the typical hospital food… yuck! While she was on her way out I looked around and noticed that my casket was missing. Deep in my heart I hoped that it was Luna who took it, otherwise it might end in a disaster. After a while the nurse came back but I could smell the food long before she came in.  As expected it was the typical hospital food, I tried not to shiver in front of her once she smiled at me.

Four days have passed since Corvus took that cursed flask. Once he lost his conscious I entered the room and did not leave his side for as long as I could. Gladly any meetings with the senators have been moved, due his current condition but the truth is that it was Lord Solitaire who arranged everything. I was surprised how many ponies were visiting him during his coma. Artemis, the governor with his family, several ponies I did not know and of course Bronze Lute.

But the last pony who visited him was the mare he was carrying out of the fire. We had a small enjoyable conversation that has been suddenly stopped by the stallion that seemed to have a very bad dream. I could not imagine what he was dreaming; I did not dare to search his mind for any clues afraid that I might hurt him. It was not the first time he has been haunted by nightmares… the only thing I could do was to watch over him and listen to his voice.

On the third day my weaken body gave up and I was about to fall asleep but Artemis came by. He persuaded me to go back to my apartment so I might find rest, while he would watch over Corvus. I took the casket with me and was about to leave the room but then I noticed how Artemis was looking at him. Full of pain and sorrow… maybe I was just tired. I left the hospital and went back to my apartment.

I found some sleep through the night though it was not really long. After a while I was on the way to the hospital, trying not to attract attention but it was nearly impossible to do. Without knowing that Corvus was on my side I felt vulnerable and very lonely… Back in Canterlot many guards were calling him Shadow, because he was nearly always following me. Finally I left the streets behind me; once I entered his room I noticed that he was gone. A note was left on the bed; right away I levitated it towards me:

< Wait for me at the apartment.

Corvus >

I left the room and went over to the reception of this station.

‘’ Where is the patient from room 312? ‘’

‘’ Mr. Corvus woke up very early this morning. He ate and left the hospital regardless of our warnings… but we do not have the right to hold our patients here against their will… ‘’

‘’ Thank you. ‘’

Oh Corvus… where have you go?

The last experiment was a success! With big excitement I jotted down several notes in the same time with my levitation spell, while the new mixture was floating in front of me still boiling a bit. My mood was simply great right now; I even started to hum a song till I heard that somepony was knocking on the door, what was odd because most of the time I ordered not to disturb me, while I am down in my laboratories.

‘’ Who’s there? ‘’ I asked a bit annoyed but it faded nearly right away once I saw the pink mixture again.

‘’ It is me Master. ‘’ It was Matilda who answered with a rather scared tone.

‘’ What is it Matilda? Why are you disturbing me? ‘’

‘’ Master Artemis… he is here. ‘’

I nearly let the phial fall on the ground; luckily I regained my balance as fast as it has disappeared.

‘’ Where is he now? ‘’

‘’ You can guess two times… ‘’

My heart started to beat unnaturally fast once I heard the voice of my brother. I closed the phial with a cork and placed it into a secure place among other mixtures and flasks.  I checked my attire and open the door with my magic, removing the spell that was protecting it from being open violently… though I was aware that Corvus could easily break through it.

He looked terrible.

The side effect of his flask was still nagging on his body; the usually pure black fur lost its shine and color making him look like an old pony. Corvus smelled like he did not take a bath for at least two weeks… by Celestia I could not stand that odor! I casted a spell on him that removed the unwelcomed smell, his body tensed a bit but he recognized the true nature behind the spell and do nothing to stop it.

‘’ I did not come here to be treated like an old stallion in a rest home. ‘’

‘’ I am aware of that… I’m glad that you actually listened to me. ‘’

Corvus entered the room and close the door behind him, surprisingly not with his magic.  With an unexpected kindness he thanked the maiden for leading him down here, before the door shut behind him. My brother looked around my rather small laboratory, my private sanctuary of controlled chaos and a place where I could research for days! Corvus seemed to be disgusted by the sight of things I was keeping down here, on each shelf on each free space. A creepy grin appeared on his face that made me shiver inside.

‘’ What is so funny brother? ‘’ I did use the word brother as a small repayment for his *amusement* on my personal stock. He did not react aggressive as he did back in the hospital what was a big relief for me.

‘’ Sometimes I am wondering if it would be possible to study magic, without all those disgusting things. ‘’ He did answer that while looking at small deformed embryos and other things that I will not describe.

‘’ The true deep magic demands wisdom and countless research. ‘’ I moved towards a sarcophagus that was not far away from me. With my magic I removed the coat that was hiding what was within. A corpse of a dead mare, which was surrounded by special ice blocks that were keeping the body intact.

‘’ Is it disgusting you? Do you think medicine could expand without it? ‘’ Corvus looked at the mare then he switched back to me. ‘’ To be honest it is a matter of *taste* as a matter of getting used to it.’’

‘’ Artemis… let’s stop this nonsense. Leave Luna alone. ‘’

‘’ I will not delay this anymore then… ‘’ I put the coat back at its place and turn around to him. ‘’ I know Luna longer than you Corvus… the distance between us was a big burden for both of us. I will not recall the history you already know. Once she came back to my life my feelings for her has been resourced, like a phoenix that is reborn out of ashes. I will not lie to you. I am about to offer her a marriage, a offer that has been destroyed by the Black Death. Corvus I ask you to depart, I ask you to disappear out of her life… it would be the best if you would do it quietly, without saying good bye. ‘’

‘’ Wizards are known for their secrets Artemis. What is leading you, besides the unexpected honesty that is so rare among your kind? Why are you telling me all of this? ‘’ His tone changed slightly but noticeable.

‘’I do not take a decline into the account. ‘’

‘’ Oh really? Listen carefully to what I will say now. I spit on any offer you might give me. I only wish that you will not stand between Luna and me. You had enough chances to offer the marriage long before the Black Death while she was still with you. Luna is with me now… I will not make it easier for you Artemis. ‘’

‘’ You do not have the right to refuse… not you. ‘’

‘’ What do you take me for? ‘’

‘’ You are a fleeting affair, instantaneous fascination, a small adventure. She was in time of need while you came out of the shadows Corvus. ‘’

‘’ You did not understand the question… ‘’ He said and shook slightly with his head.

‘’ Oh I did! I mentioned her feelings intentionally to you; because you are Lesser One… you are not able to have feelings Corvus! You would not follow my wish because you think you care for her. That what you actually feel are projections of her emotions, her interest towards you! Buck! Corvus you are a mutant! I do not tell it to humiliate you… I just tell the truth. Your transformation took you any chance of having feelings! What you take as feelings is in fact cellular memory… if you know what I mean. ’’

‘’ Oh imagine that I do know what it means. ‘’

‘’ Good. ‘’ I took a deep breath and continued my speech.

‘’ I ask for something that I can only ask a Lesser One, not a normal pony. I am honest with a Lesser One because I could not allow such honesty with a normal pony. I want give Luna stabilization, understanding, love, safety and… children. Tell me Corvus; do you think you are able to give her that? No, no you can’t. Those words are meaningless for you. You are like a small child that is enjoying the sympathy it receives; you are like a wild cat that has found somepony that is not afraid to pat it. As you can see you do not have the right to refuse… while I am asking kindly. ‘’

‘’ I have the same right to decline as you have to ask Artemis. With that we are back at the start. And the point is; Luna does not care for my heritage and its results. She is still with me. You want to ask her to marry you? It is your right Artemis. You keep asking because you are afraid that my presence might affect her choice. Oh well that is my right Artemis. ‘’

‘’ Listen… ‘’

‘’ NO YOU LISTEN! She was once with you… but what makes you think that you were not a fleeting affair, instantaneous fascination, a small adventure to her hmm? ‘’

I did not move at all. I did not react as others would react. Yet his argument was an aimed shot what was confirmed by the longer silence. During that time though I prepared a bit.

‘’ You play with words brother. With those words you want to replace the feelings of a normal pony, feelings you do not have. Those words do not express feelings… they are only sounds, like a sound of hallow vase that has been hit. You are hallow as that item Corvus; you do not have the right… ‘’

‘’ Stop! ‘’ He interrupted me sharp, very sharp. ‘’ Stop denying my rights Artemis! I have enough of it! I already told you… our rights are equal. Buck! My rights are even above yours.

‘’ Oh and what makes you think so? ‘’ I did not expect those words… I am sure I became a bit pale because I could see it in his eyes that he was enjoying it.

‘’ What makes me think so? ‘’ Suddenly he trembled. Darn flask of his was taking its tribute on my eyes. A thing I could not watch…

‘’ She is sleeping with me not with you… ‘’

That was a hit below the belt. It took me all my effort to not fletch my teeth at him, he saw that I did not react at his statement what made him feel insecure. There was no other choice than to improvise a bit…

‘’ And you think that this gives you any rights?

‘’ It gives me the right of conclusion. ‘’

‘’ Aha… so be it then! I was sleeping with her last night; this is my conclusion. ‘’ I despite it deeply that I had to lie but there was simply no other choice. The silence was long, very long. Corvus was deeply shocked; I could see that he was desperately looking for words. But he did not find any.

‘’ Artemis what are we doing? We can’t decide for her… this conversation does not have any sense. I am leaving. ‘’

He left the laboratory and closed the door behind him. I was motionless for who knows how long.

‘’ Go to hell Corvus. ‘’ I thought and left the laboratory myself.

Caelen

Nothing could have prepare me for what I was feeling right now. During all this years I have been constantly reminded by scholars, mages even fanatics and racists that my kind could not have feelings; that the Lesser Ones have been purged or cleansed of those things that a *normal* pony possesses. Despite everything that had been told to me, despite all those years… that made me think that I am a emotionless being… I was feeling pain, terrible pain that I did not feel since Sagitta's death.

I hit the nearby wall with my head. The echo of the hit cut through the air, small loose fragments of the wall fell down on the ground while dust have been caught by my long mane. The mare, that was behind me, yelped and jumped back.

The stallion who was carrying the name Corvus suddenly hit the wall with his head. It scared me so much that I yelped loudly and jumped back surprisingly far.  Once the shock faded I watched the black silhouette who was biting his lips till blood stared to drip down on the ground, followed by the blood that was floating down his forehead, nose and neck.

I indirectly saw the pain in his eyes, pain that had not been caused by the hit against the wall. Many times I witnessed Unicorns in that state in those troublesome times. Though I did not know what the conversation between him and my master was about… it must have been a very hard thing for both of them; especially for the visitor. Master Artemis told me who he really was for him and it simply filled my heart with grief and pity for the being in front of me.

I completely forgot that I was being followed by the mare that showed me the way to Artemis but right now I did not really care about her presence.  Yet once I saw how she was looking at me…

I had to get out of here… I had to leave that cursed tower! I apologized for behavior, the red spot on the wall and a hole that had been left by my broken horn.

Quickly I turned around and ran as fast as I could, leaving the mare alone in the corridor. I welcomed the cold wind like an old friend. It cooled me down a little bit, the unpleasant ache in the head vanished and a numb feeling took its place. My sudden appearance attracted the eyes of ponies who were passing me by.

I could only imagine what they were thinking now; the blood on my fur scared the most of them away and to be honest I was glad about it. The unpaved ground around the tower was wet and filled with puddles and soon my hooves started to sink in the mud. To avoid more gossip and unwanted attention I decided to use the alleys and walk around the main street.

The stain that hit my sensitive senses made me let out a dampen curse. Wondering how the citizens could live with it I moved thought the complex system of alleys. Gladly I had a rather good memory besides that even if I would get lost I was able to feel Luna. We have established a secret bound between us after my confession to her.

In all it was a very deep bound that only lovers could web together. I still remember her smile once she told me that she shared my feelings. First she was not sure if that what I said was true but once I allowed her to look through my very soul, that apparently Lesser Ones do not posses, she allowed me to do the same.

And then it happened. A bound had been established after I connected with her. To allow another being to look through the soul was a sign of trust towards him or her. The sudden connection could be compared with mating. It affected both of us in that way. I smiled after I recalled that I had to carry her all the way back to Canterlot.

The nice memory has been corrupted by the words of Artemis that were still echoing in my thoughts. I stopped to move and remained motionless. Could she really betray me after all this? After the bound of soul and flesh? After so many nights where she was crying in my arms?

My head started to hurt again and though I could not see it I felt that my illusion of the eye was weakening. Small blood drops mixed up with the rain water beneath me and have been flushed down into the sewers. My body was still paying its tribute and the brute act of mine did not make it any better.

The groan that echoed through the alleys scared some ponies on the very edges of the main street. Standing around with the wound on my forehead was bloody dumb which is why I kept going on; trying not to think about Luna… but it was simply not possible. Many times I was fighting against something that was lurking in me, which helped me to survive the challenges that have been thrown at me by the wilderness of this cursed land.

A thing that kept me alive for so long… and now it was rebelling in me since the bound have been established. What could it possibly mean? I could not think about it for the pain in my heart and soul was overwhelming any other thoughts. Without realizing it I completely lost the illusion spell and my eye became fully white.

Those thoughts made the time pass by like a wild fire and soon I realized that I went too far into the alleys. Annoyed I turned around and kept going forward until I was back at the place where I found Bronze Lute. From here on it was easy to find the way back. My movements became slower once our apartment was nearby.

I could feel her as probably felt me; even if it was something that could be only a small echo. The cold and often wet weather made the streets slippery, not to mention the fact that the blood on my fur and attire remained fluid because of it. To avoid any attention I decided to fly to the balcony, despite the laws of the city that kept those rules for generations.

Once I was sure that nopony could see it I flew up to the balcony. The sound of the hooves sounded unpleasantly loud on the wooden floor but something different caught my attention. A quiet yelp came from the inside but I could not see anything through the glass that was covered by a thin frost.

I nearly knocked on the window but it was not necessary for I felt how Luna was already on her way and soon, once the balcony door was open I was standing in front of her. I did not say anything. My ears went down once I saw her shocked face. Through her eyes I saw how I looked like… it shocked me too.

''Corvus… '' She came closer and nuzzled me and right away she started to inspect my wound. ''What happened?''

I was not sure how I should answer but I was sure that I would not do it on the balcony.

'' Let me in. I will explain it after I clean myself up… ''

I expected to wake up her stubborn side but she simply nodded and let me in. The warmth was a nice and a very welcome change; while my body adapted to the new temperature I started to open the buttons of my attire with magic but all of the sudden I stopped. A bothersome feeling of being watched let a shiver run down my spine and I was completely sure it was not because Luna was with me in the room.

'' Luna… after I landed on the balcony I've heard a strange noise. Now I literally feel that something is watching me. ''

Luna chuckled behind me and helped me to take the attire off my back; those darn wings were sometimes a real pain in the flank.

'' Because you are being watched right now my dear *ambassador*. ''

I was about to ask her but she cut in and kept talking.

'' I've just came out of the bath. The water should be still warm… '' she said it with a barely noticeable disgusted tone once she saw my soaked mane. Luna placed herself in front of me and gently moved the mane away so she could inspect the forehead. I hissed once some parts of my hair got loose from the wound.

'' Sorry… that does not look good. Allow me to heal it. ''

With a nod I gave in for I lacked the will to argue with her now. Carefully she place the tip of her horn  on the wounded place; starting the healing process and the unpleasant pain for both of us. I never liked it when she had to endure my pain. During the treatment I placed my hoof on hers what brought fourth her pretty smile.

Once the pain was gone she looked into my eyes and leaned forward trying to kiss me. In that very moment the words of Artemis came back out of the shadow of my mind and I hesitated. She thought that I was teasing her which is why she started the kiss and once our lips found each other I joined it; despite those painful words I joined the kiss.

We both relaxed and enjoyed the moment until I separated our lips and tongues.

'' Thank you… '' I passed her by with a rather heavy heart for I knew that she noticed that there was something lasting on my heart. I entered the bathroom and closed the door, instantly hiding my face in my right hoof. The horn started to glow with its slight shine and I took off the remaining parts of the attire that had been given to me by the kind nurse back in the hospital.

Right away I leaped into the bath and let out a relieved sigh. Though the water was still warm and the entire building was properly adapted to the cold and rough climate, I had to warm it up. It did not take long and soon the temperature was on my favorite level but once I looked for a comfortable position pain went through my body.

The effort for the heating was unexpectedly high what weakened my body even more. For a moment I was considering if I should call for help but my unnatural organism somehow strengthened up on its own as it always did in such situation.  The smell of the herbal bath calmed me down, relaxed my tense muscles and granted my spirit some peace but after I sniff again I realized that I would carry that smell on my fur… It was sure that it was not designed for stallions.

Once my mane and fur were cleansed out of any dirt and blood I came out of the bathroom without wearing anything. A slight shiver went through my body. On my way to the wardrobe I heard some slight movement on the wooden floor that did not come from me or Luna. The never ending search through the tons of cloths started till I managed to find a warm jacket and leggings.

While dressing up I levitated some wood into the chimney that was surprisingly not being used; what usually meant that a spell was heating the room. My eyes open wide and flames shrouded the wood nearly instantly. Though the bane of the dancing flames usually easily got my attention something different managed to overcome it; a surprised gasp behind me.

As any pony would do on my place I quickly turned around and saw *nothing* yet I was able to grasp some smell, I could hear its breath and if I was not wrong I even heard a heart beat; a very fast one. It was clear that a living being was shrouded by magic. But why would it do it? What was it doing here? I did not hesitate.

I moved forward and pushed my hoof against *nothing*. The same yelp filled the air and the invisible individual started desperately to free itself of my hoof. In all it looked like I was pushing against the air.

'' Corvus! '' I did not notice that Luna left the room while I was bussy with the search. She came back with an small basket that was filled with freshly baked bread rolls. '' Stop it! You are hurting him! ''

I did what she demand and I lifted my hoof, freeing the invisible individual. It ran towards the Princess yet before it reached her it started to reveal its true form. Seems like I broke *his* concentration what in the end caused the spell to be undone. A small foal… it was a small foal!

How could he possibly know an invisibility spell at such young age? Luna kneeled down and hugged the small fur ball who was shaking in fear. A Unicorn foal… Once the spell has been broken the well known stain filled the air. My wings opened on their own and I suppressed a hateful hiss.  No… this could not be. Did she really visit him while I was in the hospital? My eyes narrowed while I watched the small foal.

'' Stop that! You are frightening him! ''

It seemed like my hiss had not been suppressed… I kept looking at the foal that was literally penetrating me with his big grey eyes. I let my wings go down in their proper position and turn away from them. While she was calming him down I was fighting against my boiling blood.

'' Why did you act like that? '' asked Luna. Though I could not see it I could feel her eyes on me that in a way reminded me of a stab of a dagger.

'' I… it was my instinct. ''

'' Moron… '' I heard her quiet mumble despite the distance and the quite volume. '' Where have you been? ''

'' I should be the one asking that question. ''

'' What? ''

'' Where have you been while I was unconscious? '' It was sure that both of them could see that my body tensed once I asked that question.

'' I was at your side nearly the entire time.''

'' Then tell me… '' I turned back to them what made the boy yelp quietly. '' What is a foal with *his* stain doing here? '' Only with extreme effort I did not hit the ground with my hoof.

'' His smell is on him because he was living in his tower. He is an orphan! One of countless riot victims! ''

As fast as my unleashed anger appeared as fast it started to fade away. Though I felt pity for the child… I know it might sound heartless but I was so used to those things that it simply did not affect me at all. Or perhaps was it my heritage? I feel so lost in all of this.

'' Welcome to my world… such things are considered common. ''

'' I know… and it fills my heart with grief.''

'' Grief will not help at all… nothing can. ''

'' That is not true! With a lot of effort everything can be changed. You only have to believe in it. ''

'' I believe that it is already too late for any kind of help.  '' She was about to say something but this time it was me who cut in. '' Do you really believe that the effort of an Alicorn will be of any use in this land? Where our kind is being hated for simply existing in this world? To make a difference you would have to slaughter those who are spreading madness among the folk. Time? The subjects of those days will be long gone while their hatred will be continued by their children. No Luna… nothing can cure this land. Nothing! '' Right now I noticed how my tone changed and ashamed for it I turned back to the fire.

His sudden outburst surprised me deeply. Since he was living with me only one time he has yelled indirectly at me. I knew that right now shame took over the place of anger and he was about to sit down…

'' Won't you introduce yourself to our guest? ''

'' I admit the beginning was a failure… but he should be the one who should introduce himself first. ''

'' I am sure he would have already done that… but he lost his voice. ''

For a moment he was motionless, like a statue that has been placed where it does not belong, until he turned around to us. Corvus looked at the boy and his ears went down. The missing illusion of his iris made me think of a painting that was about to be finished.

I did lose my voice as well in the past… after the horrors of the turning. Yet back then I was in the age of adulthood. My steps were unsure while moving towards them but once I was in front of my beloved Princess I kneeled down establishing a eye contact with the boy. My parents always told me that it was a very important aspect for a child to have the feeling of being on the same level:

'' My name is Corvus little one. Please forgive me for my rude behavior. '' I tried to smile at him but the smell of the tower, mixed up with Artemis and… the herbal bath. What a little lucky fellah! He was carrying her smell on him and it was sure that it was not because of a simple hug.

The boy though smiled at me, completely ignoring my appearance and offered his tiny hoof. I sealed the old greeting and moved back to the chimney… surprisingly followed by our small guest. He sat down next to me and inspected my wings with a big curiosity.

'' Aren't you afraid of me?

He hesitated with the answer but then he shook his head rather fast, nearly losing his balance. Though I did not see it I was sure that Luna was smiling at us.

'' Do you know his name? ''

'' Sadly no… not even Artemis knew it. ''

'' Can you write? '' I asked and actually smiled at him. His nod was expected for he was living in a tower of a mage. Despite his age where he was supposed to play and have fun, he was learning things that would normally start probably in a year maybe two.

'' Could you write down your name? '' The foal nod again what made Luna gasp behind us.

'' I asked him the same question two days ago… he did not react to it. ''

With a slight shrug I levitated a blank scroll and an ink bottle, which was already holding a feather in it, towards him. He grabbed the items with his magic without having any problems, quickly he grabbed the quill and jotted down his name. Several times our small guest looked at us then back on the scroll.

Once he found the guts to hand it over to me he quickly pulled it back to himself. I lost the count at ten times but we both granted him time he needed to break the wall. It was not a big surprise that it was the Princess who got to see the scroll first. With a smile on her face she read what has been written.

'' Caelen. His name is Caelen. '' She kneeled down and nuzzled the fur ball. '' You have a very pretty name.''

Caelen blushed and smiled shyly at her; what I did not expect was the way he looked at me after her compliment. Expectance was written in his small eyes.

'' Caelen… there was once a Unicorn called that way. Caelen the Explorer who discovered the land of the Zebras: Zebrica. You are called after a great pony boy.''

It seemed like he knew the answer already but his small chest swelled with pride. Luna chuckled and ruffled his mane a little bit. Caelen pointed at the scroll again and after he grabbed it with his magic he wrote down something with surprisingly speed. This time he brought it to me.

The slightly color of my magic stated to surround the scroll. Once my magic surrounded the edges of the scroll I saw the very perfect looking letters… yes Artemis was teaching him. My silence and a rather grim look made the boy worried that have been right away noticed by Luna.

'' What did he write to you dear? ''

I blinked and read his message loudly.

'' Definition of Corvus: Raven. You are called after an star constellation Mr. Corvus? ''

'' Yes! Yes he is called after a constellation. ''

My eyes were focusing on the scroll but in fact my thoughts were somewhere else. The scroll went down as did my ears. Luna was too busy with Caelen who right now was enjoying her attention. Who would not to be honest? Of course I was impressed that in such young age he knew so much already.

But being reminded that I was called after a star constellation always brought fourths many memories that were nice yet far more painful to me. During the struggle of feelings Luna was questioning our guest to find out how many things he knew about the night sky. Though it took him some time, not to mention the ink and scrolls, Caelen answered every question in a remarkable way, showing his knowledge of the 88 known start constellations.

Gladly the pain vanished and with it the memories. I let out a relaxed sigh that have not been noticed by the two ponies. In a way Luna was acting like a little girl who got a new toy; between the constant praising of his knowledge she prayed to the Elements for more students like him and to be honest I wished that those prayers would come true.

She puts a lot of effort into her classes and far, far more love and passion. Since our arrival in Marehime I did not see her so happy for quite a while. Luna's smile mixed the happy face expression of the boy cheered me up and I think…. At least for a moment I felt like a normal pony and not as a Lesser One.

Actually I realized that I should check my equipment; what was not much in fact. While I was looking for my casket I did not realize that Caelen was watching me. Despite the flask I used in the hospital everything seemed to be at the right place… but my training made me check the flasks and their position.

A simple security measure for if I would drink a wrong flask in the moment of need… let's say it would be like asking a cutpurse to stab me in the back. Once everything has been double checked I noticed the boy standing next to me. A curse echoed in my mind and as fast as I could I closed the casket and sealed it with a spell. Only with extreme effort I did not let out an angry hiss at Luna who just realized what the foal just has seen.

'' Listen carefully Caelen for I will not repeat it twice… Do not dare to look for the casket for it contains very dangerous things. Do you understand me? ''

A quick yet very shy nod was his answer. The casket has been cloaked with a spell and levitated away from us but in that very moment I noticed something. Caelen was looking at the casket like there would be no spell at all. To be sure that I was not only my imagination I moved it to the left and right.

As expected Caelen was following the movement like he would be watching a match of tennis. The casket landed on the top of the wardrobe:

'' Look at me boy. '' I said and kneeled down but nearly instantly he looked away. '' Look at me… '' I repeated with a slight annoyed tone what scared him a bit but he did not follow my bidding. The Lesser One in me had enough of this game which is why I grabbed him with magic what caused a panic attack.

'' By the Elements what are you doing!? '' She was about to free him of the grip but with a direct look into her eyes and a wide open right wing I stopped her. Gladly she understood that my own action was not pointless.

'' Caelen… relax boy I will not do anything bad to you. '' This time the foal listened to me and relaxed a bit but his tiny chest was moving up and down in a rather unnatural way. I looked into his eyes and inspected them. At the very first sight both of them looked normal but if we would focus completely on them all of us, even those not gifted with magic, would notice the pattern that was melting together with the natural color of the iris.

A magically improved eye simply called the *third eye* that allowed to see through illusions and other magical security systems. A forbidden spell in those lands for many thieves abused it. To make it even worse… it allowed another pony to look though that eye. I placed the boy back on his hooves and moved towards Luna.

'' The foal has a third eye my Princess. ''

'' Are you sure? '' asked Luna and looked at Caelen who right now started to play with a ball, which he probably brought with him.

'' Quite sure of that… and I am sure that he is watching us. ''

'' He would never… ''

'' I know him good enough to be sure that he will go so low and use a child as his third eye! ''

'' You keep telling me that you know him but you never told me where you met him Corvus.''

'' As there are things you wouldn't like to talk about, I have my own things I would not like nor wish to talk about… ''

'' One day you will have to let it out dear… ''

'' This day is not today… and now I will have to deal with Caelen's eye. ''

'' You can't be serious! What if he lost his sight in that eye? What if Artemis granted him the third eye so he can see with it again? You want to dispell it and blind the boy? ''

'' Of course I had it in mind that Artemis might have done that for him… but I will not allow that he will spy on us.''

'' Since we are here you became very paranoid. ''

'' Being paranoid allowed me to survive in this blasted land! ''

'' You do not have to be like that anymore! You are under royal protection and you have political immunity. ''

'' Do you really believe that… '' I stopped to talk for a moment. '' We will never be safe in this country. '' I thought but kept it for myself.

'' What shall we do then? ''

'' I will not allow you to do anything that could harm him. ''

'' And I will not stand by and let him watch or listen to us! ''

'' In that case… I might have a solution that will satisfy both of us. '' Luna moved towards the wardrobe. The door open wide and as always I've been amazed by the speed she was inspecting and moving the cloths with magic. It did not take long until she pulled out a black cloak… that belonged to me.

Before I realized what she was up to the Princess cut into one of my favorite cloths I brought with me; believe me my friends… it is a very rare thing that I actually like something.

'' Hey! ''

She did not pay any attention to me for she concentrated in the former peace of my cloak. My shout caught the attention of Caelen who sit down next to me, holding his ball with a levitation spell in front of him. While the foal was following the movement of the piece of cloth, that slowly started to change its form, with a curious yet confused look I understood what she was up to.

The Princess of the Night smiled but did not look at any of us, what actually caused that we look at each other. Trying not to think of any possibility that the third eye really existed, I smiled at him even if it was a forced smile.

'' It might take a while till she will be ready with her work. '' I touched the ball with my hoof. '' Want to play a bit? '' Caelen seemed to be surprised by that offer of mine, as was Luna too for she stopped her work for a couple of seconds. He started to jump in the place and was about to throw the ball to me but I interrupted him quickly before he would cause some damage.

'' Not here Caelen. Let's go to the park. ''

Like the country itself Marehime was a very pretty city, despite the bad smell that was especially noticeable in the alleys.  The nearest park was one out of four big parks that were doting the city of Marehime in all cardinal points. The west park was the biggest and prettiest one, showing the well known skill in botanic and architecture.

If a pony from Equestria would walk here he or she would feel like they never left it. I have to say that it was a very strange yet surprisingly nice to go to the park. The streets were crowded as always and I was afraid that somepony could stomp on the boy which is why I levitated him on my back.

He was holding on my tightly but even tighter he held his ball. I did not remember when the last time I was involved with children and to be honest I would not like to think about it. Caelen enjoyed the ride and smiled brightly. Of course I could not see it for he was on my back but the ponies that were passing me by actually smiled at me; or better said at my small guest.

Nopony would ever smile at me like that in this city. In this cursed land. Gladly I was used to it though deep in me my soul and heart there was pain as old as the shell I call a body. While our journey through the crowded street continued I recalled the surprise that was written into Luna's eyes and face.

She did not expected that a stallion like me would take time for a kid, especially a kid connected to Artemis, but I realized that he should not be involved into that very old fight between brothers. He was still a child after all… a child that did lose everypony he knew, he lost his home, simply everything that was of importance for a foal.

It was a very astounding thing that he was holding out like that but it was obvious that Caelen learned to show the world a mask he was wearing in that very moment. While he was alone… this mask would be replaced by a other one that was showing his hidden feelings and pain.

Playfully I jumped a bit, Caelen, though he was a bit surprised smiled brightly and if I was not mistaken… I heard a quiet chuckle. After a while and some traffic problems we managed to leave the main street. It was always nice to leave the chaotic behind; my poor ears were still ringing from all the shouting and swearing.

For a moment I was forced to use a spell on Caelen's ears so he would not have to listen to a mare, who was throwing out some cloths and belongings of a stallion that apparently cheated on her. The melancholy of curses, mixing up with her teary yet angry eyes and broken voice was proving that the local mares had sharp tongues and strong backbones.

I did not realize it first but soon I had the feeling of being followed. I turned around and saw Bronze Lute moving towards me. Actually it was a miracle that he was able to move; the bard was a moving pile of cloths, which was trying not to bump into ponies that did not intend to help him or even let him pass by.

Once more I use a spell on the boy who seemed not to have a problem with it. Bronze Lute was openly cursing back to those who started to curse around in the first place. It did not take long and he reached and bump into me.

'' I hope you will land in the sewers! ''

'' Meh… I visited it one time… one time to often if you ask me. ''

'' Corvus my friend! '' the pile of cloths jumped happily. '' Please forgive me… ''

'' I am used to worse things. What happened over there? '' I took some of his cloths with my magic wondering what story was about to be told.

'' I am quite sure that you heard or even saw that I've been thrown out… ''

'' I would use a different term for… ''

'' Never than less… '' he quickly interrupted me and put his hat where it belongs. '' She claims that I was cheating on her… because I was playing a ballade for a group of mares. But look at that! '' He pointed at the big pile of cloths. '' More than a half of it does not belong to me! ''

'' Seems like the roles have changed. '' I chuckled and clap his shoulder with my wing. His affairs were nearly always a reason why he got into trouble. During our many pointless journeys through the last remaining marshes in the south, we were traveling in the company of a Minotaur called Swifthorn; a sword for hire but a great companion who would never put friends above money.

While we were smoking some good and strong Minotaur tobacco, we often joked about the bard; creating fictional stories about his death with some colorful details that were explaining how it could look like. After a night of pleasure beyond the ability of comprehension, in the biggest tower of a rich city, where Ale and Cider were floating in rivers, the partner of a cheating mare would bump into the room and throw Bronze Lute out through the window, the very window through which he saw the pretty and lustful mare, into his death and only a small towel would hide his manliness from the face of the world.

It seemed like the bard was aware of my thoughts and he simply rolled with his eyes.

'' Sooo… '' I wiped a single tear away not paying attention to Caelen who was wondering what was going on. '' Why did you take those cloths with you? ''

'' They are clean and in a very good shape. Not all Unicorns in the Alienage are able of buying something to wear… and the days are about to get colder. '' He let his ears go down for a moment. '' I know that they can protect themselves with magic but you know the local rules… you have to wear appropriate attire in the city. ''

'' I am aware of that. '' for some reason I had my representative equestrian armor in my mind. A shiver went through my body only by remembering how a pony was not able to scratch himself under the thick plates…

'' Oh… who do we have here? '' Bronze Lute stood next to me and looked at my small guest. Of course the boy did not hear anything which is why I removed he spell from his ears. The bard saw that my horn was glowing for a few heart beats and blushed slightly, realizing why I did use a spell on the boy in the first place.

'' This is Lu… our small guest. Caelen is his name. '' Caelen smiled shyly and waved at the bard who introduced himself right away.

'' What are you both up to? ''

'' We go to the park. I offered to play with him ''

My old friend looked at me rather surprised maybe even shocked… what actually annoyed me.

'' Do you want to join us? '' I was trying to hide my annoyed tone as good as I could but the lavender pony knew me way too long to not notice it.

'' Errr… I would like to do it… but I have to deliver those cloths to the Alienage. '' He scratched the backside of his head and grabbed the levitating cloths. '' Maybe we could catch up later? ''

'' I am looking forward to it… I need to talk with you my friend. But this time no alcohol! ''

'' Sure thing. I will try to find some good tobacco. '' he smiled at us. '' Have fun… '' he was looking at Caelen but my glare was more than enough for him to end the sentence in that way:

'' … both of you. '' With this words he left them and turned left, taking a shorter way to the Alienage; starting a new cacophony of curses. Once I lost him in the crowds I moved on, following the way that was supposed to lead to the park. While there were not many problems with the moving forward, because the ponies were avoiding me like I would have the Black Death itself, my mind was filled with old thoughts and memories.

Caelen literally pulled me out of them by pulling my mane surprisingly strong. We were passing some stands that were selling all kind of stuff but there was only one stand of importance for the small Unicorn. One of the vendors was selling sweets and other stuff that was desired by kids, bah by everypony!

With a smile on my face I moved towards the stand and took a place in a small line of customers. Most of them were mares with their children and some wealthy but incredibly round ponies that could not wait for their turn. While the children were watching me with big fascination and a wide open mouth, that was being constantly closed by their mothers, I listened to a nearby fruit vendor, a older mare who was warning the ponies that candies were bad for the teeth and most importantly none of them could ever beat the sweetness of her fruits.

The line grew smaller while the comments of the vendors became more colorful what made it sound like a good spectacle in a theater. After many comments and some foal fights our turn has finally arrived. Caelen was inspecting the sweets with wide open eyes, unable to decide which candy he should choose.

Gladly for me and a stallion behind me, my small companion decided to take a round and big red lollipop. I was about to pull out the required amount of bits but suddenly the vendor looked at us like he would watch a deformed and ugly abominations.

'' I am not selling my good to horned ones! Be gone you worthless scum! ''

My eyes narrowed slightly but my attention did not belong to him. Caelen, who only few moments ago was happy as any child should be, let his ears go down, hiding his face in my mane while his small body started to shake. The ponies behind us and the surrounding vendors rebelled once they heard the racist statement; especially the fruit vendor was outraged about it.

'' Shut up you old hag! And you! What are you still here? Be gone before I will call the guards! ''

With a dampen growl I turned away and left the sweets stand as did the other customers. The poor boy was at the verge of tears but somehow he managed to suppress it.

'' It 's okay if you will cry… my boy. Be assured that it's not your fault in any way. '' The Unicorn cradled against me and relaxed a bit my ears went down on their own. I was deeply bothered that he had to hear that… monster. Something pulled my tail so I turned around. It was a small Pegasi filly, probably in the same age as Caelen.

She had an interesting green fur and a simply yet nicely styled mane that had the color of a flawless blue sapphire. Shyly she smiled at me and lifted her tiny hoof that was holding two lollypops. A bit surprised that she was alone I looked around for a adult pony that should be with her. Right away I saw how the older mare form the fruit stand waved at me. With a bright smile I looked at Caelen:

'' Our little friend here have something for you. ''

The quiet sobs ended once he saw the Pegasi who came closer to me who stood up on her back legs, hoping that it would help him to get the lollipop. A very cute performance. I was about to kneel down but the foal already grabbed the lollipop with magic, what made me shake the head slightly while the filly laughed about a simple common spell. The Unicorn waved at the filly showing her his gratitude in the best way he could perform. Then she looked back at me:

'' This one is for you. ''

I smiled and levitated my small bit purse into her hoof.

'' Thank you for your kindness little one. Keep the lollipop and give it to your grandmother. ''

'' How do you know that she is my grandma? ''

'' You have her wings. '' I answered but it was kind of obvious that on my place everypony would think the same. She smiled at me and ran back to the fruit stand. We kept going on.

Leandra watched how her grandchild Elizabeth ran back to their stand. The older mare witnessed everything from the distance but once the filly came back she noticed a round purse of a small size but it seemed like it was full with bits.

'' Grandma! The strange stallion gave me this purse and let me keep the lollipop! ''

The older mare smiled at her grandchild and pat her gently.

'' Because a pony looks strange it does not mean that he can't be kind. This is why nopony should be judge by their appearance. Did you say thank you? ''

'' Ups…''

'' I am sure that next time you will not forget it. '' She looked at the purse and took it from Elizabeth.

'' It is heavy grandma… ''

'' Indeed it is. '' She opened the purse and nearly had an heart attack. It was filled with pure golden bits! Quickly she looked after the stranger but he was already gone… lost in the crowds of the Marehime.

'' Whoever you are Lesser One… thank you… '' She thought and hid the purse that would help her to pay off her debts.

'' As long such ponies are among us… I still have some hope left for this land. '' I thought and hit the ball with my wing towards my small yet happy guest.

Fatherly Behavior

The day was long gone and the beautiful night shrouded everything with its cloak. The nice warmth of the fire spread across the room and slightly lit up the environment around it. Various things were shyly jutting out of the shadows, including myself, while watching the very old dance of fire.

The body, still affected by the flask, slowly regained its strength and vigor what have been announced by few interior changes in my organism. I would have never expected that playing around with Caelen would make me sleepy. The head was constantly going down, the eyes were closing on their own and only with some effort I was suppressing many yawns.

“I did not see you so tired since your last…”

“Let’s not talk about it.”  I never really liked to interrupt her but her sudden appearance behind me without being noticed only confirmed how much the events of the last past days affected me. Still a bit shocked I turned away from the fire. The incarnation of the Night smiled and let a fire blaze in my heart that would surely melt metal with ease.

She was wearing one of her favorite and most comfortable gowns that seemed to be made out of the sky itself. Like her mane it seemed to be floating, making the shapes and different zodiacs look like living ethereal beings that were caught within the silk. No jewelry was being worn and to be honest it was not being required at all.

Her natural beauty did not require any of it yet I will not deny that many of her necklaces, tiaras, rings and other accessories were not only representing the wealth of Equestria; it represented also the skill and craftsmanship of her subjects. I was breathless for a moment that surely has been noticed by the smiling princess.

She took her place on my side and make sure that her mane had a secure distance from the fire that seemed to blaze stronger; could it be a sign of jealousy?

“Caelen is asleep.” The fire caught her attention while she kept talking. ”I’ve made sure that no nightmares will disturb his sleep.”

“He was already asleep while I was carrying him back to our apartment.” Quite impressive that the loud streets of Marehime did not wake our small guest. No spells were required to keep the foal asleep.

“You look definitely better since you left the hospital. But you really should go to bed now and find some sleep.” Since we both returned from our small trip she constantly kept an eye on me. Luna’s concern for my wellbeing was most certainly welcome since my turning not many ponies were bothering about my fate. I smiled at Incarnation of the Night and placed my wing on her back.

“I will my Princess. I will.” Once more a yawn has been suppressed followed by the stretching of wings and the neck. For a while we both were watching the dance of the fire that seemed to enjoy our attention but it did not take long until I realized that something was bothering her.

My nose gently rubbed against her cheek, nearly instantly making it pleasantly warmer. The mare rewarded me with her pretty smile.

“What is it you wish to hear Luna?”

Our eyes met once again and surely not for the last time. The turquoise eyes seemed to try to read something out of mine while my own reflection tainted their beauty. My belly rebelled especially after the missing illusion of my right eye has been revealed.

“Where did you go after you left the hospital? I was worried about you...” I looked back to the fire that was greedy devouring the wood with its tongues leaving her question unanswered.

“You were in his tower didn’t you?”

My silence continued while I closed my wing and wrapped it around my body what made it look like I was wearing a strange cloak. Luna’s ears went down after my wing left her back but she kept looking at me. By everything that is holy it was crushing me from the inside.

“Why did you do it?”

“ Before you came back with my casket I had a small conversation with Artemis… he asked me to visit him once I would feel better.”

“What were you talking about?”

“Oh we did talk about arcane arts while enjoying a cup of tea and a very interesting match of chess.” Her smile turned into a slight glare that I gladly did not see.

“I did not ask you about your conversations with him. To be honest…” I looked back at her with a noticeable hesitation. The words I intended to say remained unspoken but something was telling me that she knew what I just went through my troubled mind.

“It is a personal matter.” < A very personal one. >

Unable to keep looking at her I pretended that the fire caught my attention. A move she already knew. As always I expected that her stubbornness would make her persistent but Luna simply leaned against me. I sighed without controlling it, gladly it did sound like that I was tired not bothered.

What she was thinking right now in that very moment remained a mystery. None of us broke the silence. There was only the sound of the fire in the chimney, the howling winds outside, the slight whisper of conversations of the servants below us. Our hearts started to beat their own symphonies beating only for the one special somepony.

It was a very enjoyable moment for both of us but it did not last forever because shame for my behavior filled my heart. Unable to control the overwhelming feeling of shame started slight changes in my body. Together with those changes the colors of the world that was surrounding us turned into a delicate twilight.

My ears went down but gladly Luna’s eyes were closed. She was simply enjoying both the heat of fire and body. The Princess of the Night was about to nuzzle me but I’ve made the mistake of looking away in a very fast and nervous way. A reaction as old as the Heritage itself that was burned into my veins and all the others who were unlucky enough to be born with it.

Luna realized what was going on since my eyes were close tightly, nearly childish one could say. To make it even worse the tension in my muscles came back and the heart started to beat in an unnatural fast way.  Not sure what to expect I remained motionless until she gently placed my head on the front legs so I could lean against her ample chest.

She leaned her own head against my neck and shortly after that, though only for a moment, I could smell the plains and winds of Equestria. So many things were going on in my head. A search for courage so I could say something, thoughts mixing up with experiences, reawakening of feelings I thought a Lesser One could not posses. And the words of my brother in my mind like a echo shouted into a cave. This was not fair…

The scholars and mages who were not afraid or disgusted of me constantly repeated that the fate of every Lesser One have been sealed a long time ago. Their theories and explanations were mostly correct which is why I simply kept going on with their wisdom in my heart despite the teaching of my elders.

My eyes were showing me many things. One thing they have shown me... ponies limitations are set and unchangeable. Only a fool would waste his time trying to become something he can never be. During the last millennium those words shaped me into a being that lost any kind of hope for a life he once had.

Everything have been crushed within the years of my servitude for the land of Equestria. For Luna, Celestia and their beloved subjects. Not sure if that what I was feeling was true… but the new beginning, the new life given to me by the merciful princesses was more than many of my brothers will ever receive.

New established bounds, forgotten experiences, the feeling of having a purpose in this life and my feelings for a mare, feelings that were supposed not to be possible were threaten. By this cursed land and my former brother Artemis. Since we arrived in the Free Marshes the feeling of being vulnerable grew stronger with each passing day.

Fear was spreading its seeds ruthlessly and very efficient waking up the feelings that have been burned out by the Heritage. To make it even worse the conversation with Artemis could not get out of my head. Could it be true? Could all this be only a reflection of Luna’s interest towards me?

Without realizing it I pressed my head tighter against her. Hearing her breath and the beat of the heart relaxed me. The tension was already fading but right now it disappeared nearly constantly. With the unpleasant tension gone the awful feeling of weakness took its place and a loud yawn went through the air.

His sudden yawn was expected yet its volume was simply surprising. I stretched my wings and neck and looked down at Corvus who was peacefully leaning against me. Only a few times I saw the stallion in such state of exhaustion. A few years ago he was secretly studying as much as possible about the Equestrian history, traditions, ethic, literature, art, new developed technology, medicine, magic…

I could go on like that for quite a while. The wisdom he was seeking back then has been provided by the rich Libraries of Canterlot. A few royals caused all that by making fun out of his lack of this knowledge. While performing his duties on my side till Celestia raised the sun the fool learned during the day; completely avoiding sleep for who knows how long.

His exhaustion could no longer be hidden and he was really bad liar. Pretending that it was time to rest I followed him into his small hideout and found him sleeping on a huge pile of books. The organism was still recovering from the extremely toxic flask he used days ago.

Without realizing that a Moloch would be lurking in the sewers Corvus used the wrong flask that has been specifically created for Ghouls and other Abominations.  The claws of a Moloch are tainted with some kind of fluid that is supposed to kill its victim if they would manage to escape its claws.

The Heritage protected him from the grasps of death but the tribute was quite high and was still affecting him. His recent injuries he suffered during the fire were not making things any better for the stallion. In the end a young energetic foal gave the Lesser One the rest; something that many ponies could have ever achieved.

The stallion’s heart beat finally normalized while my own was beating faster for him. I remained silent till it was sure that he has fallen asleep. Using this opportunity I started to inspect him. First of all it was about time to cut his mane that was already way too long in my opinion.

< My mane is too long? You can’t be serious Luna… compared to your mane mine is short. >

His words echoed in my thoughts.  Never than less his mane will get cut in the morning. Of course I could do it right away but last time I did that he was complaining about it for hours. Corvus is not a fan of cutting hair what would surely end in complaining anyway. Thinking about it though… it was fun to run after him with scissors.

A slight movement of his wing caught my attention. My eyes lay upon the wings that seemed so unnatural, rough and fragile. For some reason I could not recall I always thought that they were slimy. Later it turned out that they were stronger than expected, surprisingly soft in the touch and fully adapted to the night.

There where the glass cut through the leathery weave of his wing a scar went from the middle nearly reaching the very end of his wing. The native Unicorn medics and doctors melted the flesh together with a slight healing beam; better than I could ever do. Gladly there were no serious complications during his state in the hospital.

The bones remained untouched by the fall what was simply remarkable yet frightening in the same time. Gently I touched the barely noticeable scar with my nose. The shine of the fire was dancing on his silhouette, moving along it like shades or small fire spirits that were chasing each other like small children in the fields.

A spark jumped out of the chimney and landed directly on his nose what made him sneeze through his sleep. He moved his nose and nostrils in his typical way and started to snore quietly. While listening to his quiet spectacle I kept looking for something he might have hidden, either by purpose, a thing he did very often, or because of his pure black fur that was hiding things quite easy.

Once he claimed that the fur of a Lesser One adapts to the weather on its own or if he wishes it. Besides that it was possible for them to let the fur grow on the places where a scar have been inflicted to the body; of course everything depended how and by who the scar has been inflicted.

Hidden under it were various scars of different nature, each telling its own story that always ended up in pain. Bite and claw marks, scars that I’ve recognize as a wound inflicted by a beak… even a horn. During our conversation about it Corvus told me that compared to the scars of his blood brothers or elders he could and SHOULD be glad that his body was not that harmed further.

A few years back in the time when I discovered those scars by accident he told me that most of those scars have been inflicted by Abominations; which is why it was not possible to remove them. Foolish as I was I did not believe it…

At the very beginning of our relationship I seeked him out during his sleep and casted a healing spell directly at the biggest scar. He woke up with a scream that chilled the blood in my veins… the scar started to glow through his fur what in the end lead to a pain he could not suppress nor endure.

Corvus had all rights on his side to be angry yet the only thing he did was to apologize for not warning me properly. The scar I intended to heal was located on his neck, nearly reaching the knee of his left hind leg. Because of my foolishness he could not move for two weeks... two weeks the nurses spend time on aiding the glowing scar.

Nothing new have been found and I sighed relieved about it. The stallion was sleeping peacefully, the fire was consuming the wood and… I felt a slight pull on my tail. As expected I found Caelen standing behind us tightly holding a small and very old looking plushy. His ears were already down as our eyes met openly showing me that something was wrong.

“Caelen sweetie…” I carefully let Corvus’s head slide down on the carpet and levitated the boy onto my legs. “Is everything okay?”

Once he hugged me tightly, tighter than his own plushy, I could only assume that another nightmare haunted him. The emotions of it were probably stronger than I thought what in the end undone the spell. I hugged back and gently wrapped my wings around him, holding Caelen with them.

“Do not worry my boy… I will make sure that you will sleep peacefully I promise.” I looked down on Corvus who continued his sleep in a rather uncomfortable looking position. “You can sleep with us if you want.” His answer was a very hectic yet happy nodding. After he finally stopped to nod he lifted his plushy that turned out to be a Duck. I saw slight signs of fire on one of its legs… I could only think of one certain thing.

“Of course Ducky can join.” I answered with a chuckle and stood up. The quick and sudden change of Caelen’s mood was not really a surprise. In one of his dreams I found one happy and strong memory among the dark nightmares; him sleeping with his parents. My sigh has been suppressed and my full attention belonged to our small guest who right now was pointing at Corvus.

The way he showed that Corvus was too heavy to lift nearly started a laugh attack. With a bright smile I grabbed Corvus with my magic, surrounding the shape of his body with its color levitating him slowly through the air towards the bed.

“This is life…” said the stallion with a dampen voice. “A mare brings me to the bed” Once he was above the bed I simply let go off him and let the physics do the rest. With a slight groan he looked for a comfortable position fully ignoring the fall.

“The world shall find out that you brought me to the bed Princess.”

With a slight head shake and a smile I move towards the bed, taking my shoes off on the way. Before I stepped into it though I let the fire die out in the chimney through my magic. Corvus gave us more space than required, mumbling something unrecognizable under his nose.

As usual he was lying on his side because he was not able to sleep on his back. I followed his example while Caelen took his place between us together with Ducky. The quilt has been pulled over us as did Corvus’s wing. Once again a slight yawn announced how tired he was followed by the silent yawn of the foal who surprisingly cradled against my special somepony.

Corvus opened his eyes widely and looked down at the small guest and his plushy. For a while he remained motionless but soon he very carefully pulled the boy closer to himself and hugged him. I was not really sure what I’ve just saw but something changed in him. His eyes, his body language were suddenly emitting a pleasant warmth, the feeling of security and happiness.

Right in front of me Corvus was acting like a father! Back home in the magical land of Equestria I’ve rarely seen him around children. Only a few times I saw how Corvus helped a group of small fillies to get their ball back that landed in a tree but most of the time he seemed to avoid them.

Still surprised by his behavior I simply watched how the small foal fell asleep against the chest of a Lesser One without any fear. Our eyes found themselves in the slight shine of the moon that send its shine through the window. I felt how he pulled me closer to them with his magic.

My horn touched Caelen’s head, established a strong spell that would withhold the nightmares and secure his sleep. With a gentle Good Night kiss the spell has been sealed. The entire time the stallion remained silent but I could see in his eyes that like me he was surprised about his own behavior.

The silence has been broken by the howling wind and his relaxed sigh. Corvus nuzzled me and for the very first time since we were here he smiled happily.

“Don’t try anything inappropriate Mr. Corvus.”

“I was about to say the same Milady.” Right away our hind legs touched and I pushed my head under his. Before I fell asleep the last thought that went through my mind was:

“We look like a young family” My eyes closed and I entered the land of dreams.

Never again

The connection was lost once Caelen fell asleep; cradled against a Lesser One I consider family. With a great regret I woke the child up with the sudden reconnection to the “third Eye”. Many would be against the methods I was using… to be honest I personally thought that the entire spying around using a small foal for it was way below the low state. But I simply could not act differently. Not after both Luna and my brother came back into my life. To make it even worse… they were together now.

“Is this one of your punishments brother?” I thought and sigh heavily releasing some of my frustrations with it. Somepony knocked on the door, Already aware of who it was I took a deep breath and rapidly changed my posture, the mask I was wearing for the meeting with the folk has been removed and I allowed to enter one out of many private chambers. The door opened on its own with a very annoying scratching sound; as old as it was and as often I forgot to let somepony repair it I was not really surprised by it. But the shame about it that I was feeling now hurt a small part of my pride as a host and as a mage.

A stallion of average age watched how the door swung open for him in a very unimpressed way. A wealthy attire suited his grey fur quite well. Wonderful patterns were decorating the expansive silk with its curves and form shaping a symbol that was known only to few ponies in this land. The common folk would probably assume that he was serving either the crown or a noble house. In fact the stallion was serving the two mentioned things, plus myself. But he was not consider as a mere servant oh no.

“I did not see you for quite a while Lorenzo! Being busy as always aren’t we?”

“You know my profession Artemis.” He grinned and bowed very formally. “Being busy is a relative term if I think about my duties… but I am glad that so many mares are involved in it. Makes the entire profession a bit more enjoyable though even that can be called a relative term.”

“ I hope that with enjoyable you do not mean only mating my dear friend.” We both chuckled and I placed my wing on his shoulder. “ Welcome in my tower friend, Please take a seat; you must be tired”

“My butt is tired from all the sitting around at my desk and in the chariot… but as long you still have the blue comfortable pillow I am willing to ignore my backside for the meanwhile.”

“Don’t get used to comfort Lorenzo. The things in the south do not look so good… and I am quite sure that my enemies know that we both are friends. Do you know what…”

“Yes I sadly do… “He interrupted me and sat down on the blue pillow he praised so much. “They impaled the Governor of Hoofhime for being a Unicorn friend. To make it worse they burned his family in front of his eyes.”The Pegasi sighed loudly. “Brothers are killing brothers… the riots continue and are about to reach our regions.”

“The gates of Marehime will not stand open for those blinded fanatics. Be assured of that.” I went over to a picture of a wine cellar and whispered the code:

I will not get waisted in the old Alicorn language. The line of the picture became transparent and bottles of different sizes, shapes and even age flew out of it; creating a perfect line between me and my guest.

“What would you like to drink old bagger?” I asked and the wine bottles slowly swirly around his head. As usual Lorenzo took his time and with great fascination he inspected the wine that was nearly as old as I am… who’s the old bagger now eh?

“A wine from the north is quite seductive right now. If possible I will gladly drink the wines of the north-east.”

“North-east? Can it be that you miss your region despite or last colorful conversation about it?”

“Things have changed… I started to realize the value of things I posses. My service for the crown made me wealthy and my own personal company brought fourth more than expected.” He sighs and point at a bottle with his wing. “It made me arrogant nearly selfish. I forgot the true meaning of value until the day the devouring flames of hatred nearly destroyed the things I care for.”

While he was talking I let the remaining wine bottles fly back into the picture. The glasses have been filled and levitated on a already prepared table that was nearly as old as our friendship.

“I want to leave this life behind me Artemis. I’ve met a wonderful mare who managed to free me of its grasp; just through smiling at me. I-I feel in love.”

“These are wonderful news!” To find love with our positions in the society was never easy. Many times I saw him drinking his sorrow away after his first love betrayed him with a wealthier pony. For years his heart was frozen and did not allow that such emotions would ever again blossom in it. But I could see it in his eyes that the ice melt away, In fact I was able to understand it because my own heart melted its cold shell away once I saw Luna among the living. “Who is the lucky mare?”

“Her name is Holda.” Once he spoke his name it seemed like his mind faded away into another realm. A thing I knew as did everypony that found love in this world. “The most beautiful mare I have ever laid my eyes upon. Her beauty outshines every jewel at the Queen’s crown; makes the stars turn pale and even the Lights of the North look like a joke.”

“If she really is so beautiful, I am quite sure she is…” I quickly said before he could stare at me with his eyes. Believe it or not he was able to make them look like the eyes of a dead fish; just the mere thought made me shiver. “Then I would keep an eye on her and the possible competitors”

“We know each other for a longer time and, thank the Elements, I managed to win her heart.” His chest suddenly swelled with pride. “I already asked her to marry me. She accepted”

I would have cheer at him loudly… but the sting I suddenly felt in my heart took me my voice. The two glasses that were levitating in front of my chest were shaking. If somepony would have seen me right now they would probably think I am in delirium; what Lorenzo was probably thinking right now according to his facial expression. Though I was happy that one of my few best friends was about to put a step into a new life his sudden information about his upcoming marriage opened a very old wound that never healed during the last millennium.

The pain came back and with it the memory that showed me the biggest mistake of my life. Lorenzo was one out of few who knew my story. Bah! We were like brothers. He did not ask for forgiveness but his eyes were talking for the mouth instead. I simply smiled at him. Not with the smile I was using while meeting important ponies no. It was a smile that I could afford to show only ponies I trust or care for. The glass flew slowly towards the Pegasi and as always he grabbed it with his wing; quite a characteristic thing of Lorenzo often called the Illusive.

“I wish you and your future wife Holda all the happiness and wealth the life can offer.”

“My dear friend…” He raised his wing slightly while he kept speaking. “May you finally find the peace you are looking for.” The sound of hitting glasses filled our ears and we both sipped on our wine. The sweet taste spread on the tongue slightly granting me a pleasant warmth in the body; one of the most impressive attitudes of the wine produced in Lorenzo’s land.  The guest enjoyed the sensitive effect of the wine but soon the small glimpse of happiness I saw in his eyes has been pushed away by something.

“Sadly I have to ask you for your help Artemis.” The way he said *help* made me slightly shiver inside.

“What is it you need?” Lorenzo rarely asked for help but once he did then most of the time it was something very important, hard to acquire or simply both.

“This time it is a very delicate matter… in fact I considering it dangerous even deadly.”

“As I said… how can I help you?”

“I want to leave this land and move to Equestria together with Holda and her remaining family.”

“Remaining family? Oh dear…” I started to realize what was about to be told. “She is a…”

“She is a Unicorn yes…” He ended the sentence and placed the glass on the nearby table. “I want a family as anypony else Artemis but I do not intend to let my future family live in this land.”

“I do understand it but we both live in the part of the Free Marshes that allow the subjects to marry Unicorns despite being a different breed.”

“The shadow of hatred might be fading away but the situation here is too unstable… this imitation of peace might last for a few years but I will not allow that my future children will suffer for being what they are!”

Deep in my heart I was glad that despite the history of this former part of Equestria there were still thousands of ponies who were like Lorenzo. Thanks to our efforts the situation for the Unicorns and Aiicorns has been improved even if it is slightly noticeable; especially while one would walk through the alienage. I sipped on the wine and made myself comfortable on my own pillow.

“In that case Equestria or lands beyond it are the best option given to your family. But I know you long enough to know that this is not the real reason why you ask for my help. What is it you want Lorenzo?”

The Pegasi chuckled quietly and touched a rather deep cut on the edge of the table he was responsible for; to be honest partially it was my doing as well. At the very beginning of our friendship we got drunk in the end starting a childishly wrestling; the result was me cutting into the edge with my horn. The memory let me feel the unpleasant pain on my horn; I was not able to cast magic for a week.

“Before I will come to this point I have to tell you some important news.” Rapidly his facial expression became very serious making him look surprisingly older. “The rumors of the “Colorful Mob” turned out to be true. They are gathering in the Ashwoods of Hoofhime preparing for a massive purge.”

My lungs stopped to breath, my heart stopped to beat and I could swear that cold sweat appeared on my back. This could not be possible! How could such thing remain unseen to me!?

“A massive Purge?  There were no purges for nearly five hundred years Lorenzo! How did you acquire this gruesome information?”

“I have my eyes and ears everywhere Artemis; especially in places where your kind is not welcomed at all.” He suppressed a sigh and rubbed his temple with the free wing. “You cannot imagine what I had to pretend to be to find this out… never than less the Purges are about to start again. When is not certain but I am sure that nothing will stop this uprising.”

It seemed like he was expecting some comments from my part but the silence that was literally echoing in the air was broken by Lorenzo; after he nipped his wine a few times.

“Since the coronation of King Dawnstar III racism and fanatism have been reignited in the heart of the ponies. As you probably know on your our beloved king, may he rest in peace, was a Half Unicorn…  For nearly a millennium, not since the terrible outbreak of the Black Death, there were no Alicorn , or more insulting, any “Horned One” leaders.

“Unicorns and Alicorns nearly faced extinction in  the Free Marshes. The Black Death took its tribute but the real eradication started once the plague vanished from this world.” Oh if that would be true… “Not many survivors can be found from those dark times.”

“You are one of few who have survived those horrors; including your brother.”

“Are you sure that he has survived it?” I thought and withstood the urge of drinking the entire content of my glass at once. Not that I could do it in the first place with the gross taste on my tongue.

“Let us not talk about this matter.”

“As you wish…” Lorenzo was watching his own reflection in the wine while he continued his story. “During the reign of Dawnstar III the first preachers entered the streets, warning the subjects about the growing that started to shroud their land. That the shadow of Death itself was once again upon them. You can realize what have been reborn in the hearts of the ponies and other intelligent living beings.”

“The king feared that any actions against those preachers would make the things worse but he could not simply let it grow stronger. Wise as he was Dawnstar III used the rules established by the old rulers against the mad preachers, stopping their preaching for a while. Sadly they returned in greater numbers and with twice as strong speeches.

“I know our story Lorenzo. Riots were consider as a punishment back in the old days, unjustified punishment for filled by ponies that were mad and blinded by hatred.”

“Even you will have to agree that the riots became rare during the last 500 years. The Unicorns repopulated as did the Alicorns; sadly in far less numbers. They started to adapt, find new ways to live among the new rulers and soon they returned into the society. Very slowly they became involved into the world of trade and politics as in the old days before the blasted plague. Many will not agree but ponies like us know that thanks to the Unicorns the financial crisis has been breached and that the Free Marshes earned their status as the best in- and exporter next to Equestria. The Unicorns grew stronger… I am quite sure that many were watching their progress with disgust and anger; maybe even fear.”

“Motive enough to start aggressive actions against the Unicorns… but would they really…” I did not end this sentence realizing that whoever was behind all this would consider to start massive Purges in the cities and villages.

“Greed has poisoned the hearts of the subjects. Bits, gems, jewels, silver and even copper… have overcome the value of a living being long before the Black Death. Would the subjects really start massive Purges to gain power, wealth or simply pleasure? Of course! Why should they not? Despite everything that the Unicorns and Alicorns did achieve with their sharp minds and magic they were and still are consider as trash and scum. Besides the fact of being what they are… it was their success that brought doom upon them. Loaning bits in their banks, companies overtaking those that were not able to keep up, companies of “decent” ponies I am talking about! Jealousy and desperation are born alongside of hate. Why should they not start to Purges in the cities? Why should they allow that the Horned Ones would overtake their places? Many see a opportunity in it. Those who owe a huge amount of money will gladly see those who lend them a credit burning on a pyre. Others will overtake the banks and their finances, houses and farms, lands and mines, ships and shipments… I could mention more but I am quite sure that you see the entire picture on your own. In the end, besides the already mentioned facts, other will simply enjoy to watch how the Horned Ones are being wiped out. The far more powerful individuals would watch everything from above, enjoying what their eyes see while drinking wine.”

I was about to nip on my wine but a gross taste in my mouth snared my throat and belly. The last time I had such taste in my mouth was in the time when the plague was ruling the land. In the time where I slit open the black spots on the skins of the infected; hoping to squish the deadly disease out of their bodies.

“Why should they not let it happen? They don’t have to get their hooves dirty. They will simply pull the strings; watch how the dolls dance for them. Here and there they will push a slight rock that will start a entire avalanche. Their influence and power will grow and will be secured and strengthened. The wealth will increase rapidly and along with everything good for them… the filth will be gone from the world of politics, trade and the cities. Surely many subjects will be happy about this outcome while those responsible for everything will be filthy rich. Yes… a Purge seems to be a wonderful solution; for those who have not a soul at all.”

“This is sick and beyond disgusting!” I suddenly yelled. The glass that was levitating in front of me broke from the pressure my horn created but gladly my mind was clear enough to grab the fluid in the air; making it float like in a place with very low gravity. Lorenzo was looking at me, waiting till I managed to calm my sudden outburst that was nothing new to him. While he was waiting he grabbed his own glass with both wings trying to protect the precious content from being spilled over the floor.

“We were once fighting monsters… we still do. But even the old Abominations are dying out and new monsters replace them. Monsters in form of ponies… monsters we cannot openly fight against.”

My friend lifted an eye brow and kept looking at me a bit irritated about the spoken words. It was not a easy thing to do but mages tend to do so quite often; mostly without being aware of that.

“I heard these words long ago while I was traveling from town to town. I’ve met many various individual beings on this wretched travel that seemed to not find an end.  One of them was a Lesser One called Nazan. It was in the beginning of a very short autumn. The days were unnaturally cold and slowed me down. I found him in a tavern, sitting at a table that could fit two big families all alone by himself. I was the only pony who had the courage to take a seat at this table; since he was a Unicorn of a size of a fully grown Alicorn.”

I chuckled at the memory of the pony who suddenly smiled at me, happy about the fact that I decided to grant him some company in a town full of Earth ponies. In the same time I summoned the wine bottle out of the picture and to Lorenzo’s great joy I refilled our glasses. This time the bottle remained on the table and I decided to continue my own story.

“Together we have been thrown out of the tavern. The hay, table and the wooden dishes we were using have been burned at the outskirts of the town while a small mob of the citizens shoo us away with stones and wooden bats. I offered Nazan to accompany him for a while. I have to say Lorenzo… listening to him was like listening to a professor of my old university.”

“I assume it was either boring as hay or incredibly fascinating.”

“It was something worth to not be left forgotten. After he spoke the very words he vanished while I was sleeping. Two days later I end up in Hoofhime.”

Nazan was a companion to me for two full months until our ways separated. A very characteristic pony who was unlucky enough to be born with the old Heritage. Suddenly I realized that my own story was longer than expected. The memories have been pushed away into the corners of my mind for those things were not relevant now. How unkind of me to let him listen to me while he came here asking for my aid.

“I am sorry Lorenzo. You are a very busy stallion my friend… I do not wish to steal more of your time.” I smiled at him sincerely. “You should be with her now not in the tower listening to a Alicorn about his journeys.”

Lorenzo kept looking into his wine until he placed his glass on the table. In that very moment he bit his lower lip and puffed out loudly. Oh, oh… this never was a good sign.

“You know me Artemis. Probably better than anypony do. The thing I am asking for is very difficult and surely not safe; especially for you. My future wife is right now being hold as a prisoner in the Headquarters of the Order.”

“What?” I asked surprised and lean a bit forward to him. “The Order is holding your beloved? Pardon me but this is hard to believe.”

“I was not believing it myself until one of my servants brought me a sealed letter that has been delivered by a eagle of the Order.” He sighed and without saying something he intended to nip on his wine but the glass was already empty. While trying to understand why the Order would take Holda into custody I refilled our glasses and tried to remain patient while Lorenzo nipped on his wine.

“I will try to make it quick. My dear Holda is one of servants of the Governor who survived the “accident” that occurred a while ago. Among two other Unicorns she was serving the Governor’s family living in the estate that right now is a pile of ash.”

“I see…” It was true. The Governor was a good stallion who was willingly offering jobs to everypony regardless the race; but his choice was often affected by his wife and his daughter, especially his little treasure who was ill and needed ponies she would like to have on her side. It seems that Holda managed to win the fillies heart what surely helped her to find her place in the society of Marehime. “I might have seen her in the company of the Governor’s daughter. Still… why would the Order take her in? And what was the content of the letter?”

“I was about to go on Artemis…”

“Pardon me…”

“As you know the great Order is not always dealing with small things that are usually dealt with by the City Guard. Marehime is a very large city and often the City Guard is not always able to deal with everything at the same time. Though the Order is associating with the City Guard they are dealing with things that are beyond the City Guard’s reach.”

As usual I nod at the thing I already know but one cannot be weary enough in those times; everything could be of vital importance. Slightly I nipped on my wine though it did not taste the same way as it did in the beginning. Lorenzo was quite good an ruining ones taste or appetite if it was intention but this time it was not the case.

“The investigation of the late fire in the Governor’s estate, which is also the Town Hall of Marehime, has been declared as an act of violence against the entire city and its citizens. Of course the investigators are searching for the one responsible for this violation. My poor Holda is being accused for burning down the estate, for an attempted murder on the Governor and his family, for murder of the victims who died in the flames and even worse... she has been accused for endangering the heavily populated area of this city.”

“You can’t be serious!?” My sudden outrage surprised me far more than Lorenzo. “The fire that has been unleashed was something that required special materials to combine into a proper powder. Besides that there is no possibility that she could have ignited the powder! Normal flames would simply devour it like a dry leaf. The necessary spell for this is a very complicated… not to mention the fact that only a few ponies are able to cast it. Gah! I personally know three ponies who can do it; two of them are no longer among the living for more than twenty years!”

“You are the third then? Aren’t you?”

“If I would not know this spell it would be impossible to extinguish the devouring flames.”

Lorenzo stretched his wings and started to play with the buttons of his vest.

“Do you think… that the Governor is involved in this tragedy?”

The sound of the glass breaking filled the air and only with extreme effort the wine has been stopped from tainting the white rug with its red fluid. The Pegasi noticed it right away, grabbed his own glass and tasted a part of his old Homeland.

“Why would you come up with that Lorenzo? I asked and let the floating fluid refill the glass that has been melted together into its old shape through the kind help of magic.

“I have eyes and ears everywhere Artemis; starting with the lowest parts of Marehime where all the scum is drinking their money away to the very estate of Lord Solitude. Only your tower is safe from my eyes.”

“I would not be surprised if it would not be free from your ears.”

“Pointless talk among the citizens might be interesting to listen to but gossip is often twisted in a way that not even a child would believe it. But I have to say my friend… the visits of the Princess did start quite a chatter here and there but the Ambassador leaving your tower with a bleeding wound did catch a lot of attention.”

“Let’s leave gossip to those who have nothing better to do than chat about others.”

“Straight to the point as always hmm?” He smiled and surprisingly drank the wine in a way a commoner would do not a high class citizen. “This is why I like you so much! But I have to say Artemis… that the Equestrian Ambassador not only won my full attention but also my gratitude and trust.”

< It slipped out of my mind… Corvus you dragged Holda out of the flames.> I thought and looked back at Lorenzo who seemed to know what I was thinking about right now.

“Anyway… I had an eye on the Governor after my servants spotted him with some nasty individuals. Belive it or not he got into something big; willing or not the time reveal everything eventually.”

He stood up and suppressed a yawn. “I am sorry… I did not sleep since they took her.”

“This is completely understandable… I would look even worse if I would be in your shoes.”

“I shall go then… I already stole you enough of your time.”

He bowed formally and was about to turn away…

“Wait. You still did not tell me how I could help you out.”

“Oh by the Elements…” He hoofpalmed and looked back at me. “ I would like to ask you… no I beg you Artemis represent her in the court and clean her name of everything she is being accused of.”

“My friend…” I came closer and place my wing on his shoulder. “I will make sure that you and her family will leave this land with the fastest chariots this land can offer.”

Lorenzo suddenly showed something he was rarely showing. He closed his eyes and leaned against my chest with his forehead; the shoulders going up and down. It seems he was holding this in himself for quite a while and now he was releasing it.

“If you will succeed then I will always be in your dept.” He managed to recover his posture and nerves. Swiftly he wiped away the tears with his wing and became the pony that I once met years ago. “But you have to watch out… Your knowledge about the flame might be used against you. In the end you might end up being accused for planning all this.”

“I am aware of that… but I was accused of worse things in my life.”

The Pegasi nodded and sigh loudly. Before he opened the door once more he looked at me; the sparks of hope glowing in his eyes.

“I can only wish you luck. I-I would not say such thing to another pony but… if you might not help her I will take her out of the custody violently.”

“Everypony would do it. Find some rest Lorenzo… you will need a clear mind.”

Once more the Pegasi bowed formally and left the room leaving me alone with the bottle of wine that was nearly empty. I was about to refill the glass but with a slight curse I grabbed the bottle with my wing and drank everything with one swing. Trying to focus my mind and control the fear that was growing in my heart; a fear that was planted by his words.

I was afraid not for my own sake but for the sake of the Princess and her Ambassador for this might be used against them as it was used against the poor Holda.

Since we woke up I was busy with cutting Corvus’s mane shorter. The progress was slow for his mane was stronger than it looked like. A simple scissors had problems with cutting through them and for some unknown reason magic was simply going through them like they would be made out of thin air. While the white hair was slowly falling down on a ground similar as snowflakes Crovus remained suspiciously quiet.

He simply kept looking at the chimney at the remains of the wood that has been burned by the falmes. Here and there small embers were still visible but the magic securing the chimney was making sure that nothing would go wrong. This city seen enough flames lately so did I. Calen was playing around with his ball constantly pushing it towards the stallion but he was lost in his thoughts so he did not feel the ball touching him at all; he was probably not feeling how his mane was being cut short. Soon the foal simply started to play on his own with noticeable disappointment.

I looked back at Corvus who was acting like a statue. Unable to read what was going on in him I simply continued my work bothered by the fact that I was not hearing his complains. As quiet as possible I sighed and was about to continue but suddenly my mate hid his face in his wings. First I thought he got bored and was about to complain that I was cutting his mane but a shiver went though his body and then his shoulders started to move up and down.

The scissors flew back to my desk and gently I placed my wing on him while with the other I revealed his face from his own wings. I barely could describe what I could see. It seemed like Corvus wanted to cry but he couldn’t. Rarely his eyes were filled up with the sadness I was seeing in him right now. Like a small child he pushed his head against my chest and kept trying to cry but it did not happen.

I was trying as much as possible to keep my own tears away but soon I lost for it was breaking my heart to see him in such state; feeling how desperately he tried to let something out made it only worse. I was simply crying for him… the only thing I was able to do for him right now. Whatever caused this it must have been something terrible.

< “What’s that my dear?” I asked and took a rolled letter that was levitating in front of Sagitta. She was smiling and emitting a wonderful aura of joy as she always did but today it seemed to be stronger. The mare tried to say something but she seemed to lack any words but I could see in her eyes that she desperately tried to tell me something. I rolled the letter open and looked at the letter that had a weirdly big size. My eyes opened wide once I read them. Shocked I looked back at Sagitta but before she managed to nod at me with a happy smile I looked back at the message that now was shaking in front of me.>

Congratulations… You are a Daddy

This memory came into my mind right away after I woke up and saw Calen cradling against me. Since I stood up I was trying to push it away but it came back and back. Then it simply overwhelmed me and right now my beloved moon was shedding tears instead of me. I was not even good enough to cry for myself... knowing that never again I would be able to be called Daddy.

< You are right Artemis… you are right. >

What we both did not notice was Calen who was no longer playing with his toy. The foal was looking at us without knowing that right now somepony else was watching  at us through his very eyes.

When you fall in love...

With each new hour given to us things started to become more complicated. The meetings with the councilors were constantly being moved despite the effort of Lord Solitude who was trying to help us as good as he could. To make it worse it has been confirmed that our state in the Free Marshes would be longer than expected.

Long before our departure Corvus was stubbornly telling me and my sister that our titles would mean nothing to the Subjects of the Free Marshes who managed to separate our great Kingdom. Not that we would not be aware of it. Since me being banished into the Moon Celestia tried to reunited the two great lands into its former glory but she never succeeded.

I reported her everything and with great sadness in my heart I looked upon my sister who seemed to be tired, very tired. As always she insisted that she was fine but I knew better. Soon we had to cut the connection we have established through my mirror for our duties stood above our personal feelings or matters. For a moment I remained on my seat trying to maintain order in my mind and heart.

Soon I returned into the reality and with some hesitation I looked at the ponies that were near the chimney. Corvus was showing our small guest how to ignite and extinguish a fire of small size. A lesson that was being taught to the youth by their parents once they were sure that his or her time has come. The stallion explained everything calmly, slowly repeating step after step to Caelen who wanted to start right away. Each time our guest stared to cast a spell Corvus broke the foal’s concentration simply and most importantly gently with a push of his wing.

The annoyed facial expression of Caelen let me smile and forget the problems surrounding us. It took a while, and many pushes, until his time has come. With some fascination I was watching how the boy was trying to maintain the spell. It looked like somepony placed a heavy and invisible rock on his small back. With closed teeth he slowly started to reignite the wood in the chimney. After a few tries pleasant warmth spread across the room and the small foal fell on his flank exhausted but happy about his successful spell.

< You found a promising student of the arcane arts Artemis. > I thought and cheered at the exhausted Caelen. Clumsily he tried to stand up but the hook of Corvus’s wing grabbed the boy around his body and helped him to get up on his hooves. The stallion said nothing. He simply ruffled Calen’s mane and smiled at him. Since his sudden outburst of feelings he looked older. The black color of his fur lost its shine and it seemed to even lose its natural color. Behind the honest smile I could see signs of exhaustion and even sickness. While he kept explaining the basics to the boy I started to mix up a few herbs, roots and leafs that were delivered by the local herbalist. Alongside of them were the herbs that have been brought with us.

As expected Corvus caught the delicate scent of the grinned herbs but he did not turn away from Caelen who, as every young colt or filly, did the mistake of trying to cast more than he could handle. While I kept adding the herbs in the right order I kept watching them. What the stallion was doing right now was taking over the role of a parent who was preparing his or her child for the magical kindergarten. It was a new experience for me to see a male Alicorn tend to a small foal especially because he was not his father.

He was not his father… and sadly I was aware that he would never be able to be one. This realization came into my mind right away once he tried to shed tears in my arms. For the sake of my subjects I had to wear a mask that would grand them the feeling of security and trust. But despite the many years when I saw him in that state… the mask broke right away. It must be horrible to know about things one has been stripped off. It was against the nature to take ones fertility in the most gruesome way like the turning.

But this was the very nature of being a Lesser One. It was abnormal as the corruption that overcame the Draconequis. Without noticing it first I realized that the herbs were ready and with a quick spell I let them dry. After that I poured them into three cups and added boiling water into it. The result would be a very rare green tea that my mother used to do for me. Once more my eyes lay upon the two ponies who right now were simply watching the fire dance on the wood.

While I moved towards them I saw that the fire was being manipulated by a spell. The shapes of Griffins, Minotaurs, Diamond Dogs, Buffalos, Dragons, Phoenixes and many other creatures started to come out of the fire. Caelen was watching the spectacle with a wide open mouth. In the very end the fire took the form of the castle of Canterlot. A small image of Celestia raising the sun appeared then the sun, alongside with my sister, went down and myself appeared in the chimney; performing one of the most important duties of my life.

The small foal turned around and with his tiny cute hooves he pointed at my fiery reflection.

“Yes this is me.” I said and sat between the boys. The cups have been hand over to them but I had to watch out after Caelen; afraid that he was weak and could hurt himself with the hot tea. Corvus took his cup and tasted it.

His voiced went through my mind in the old Alicorn language.

To make sure our small guest would not be harmed I cool his tea a little bit down. Caelen tried the tea and shivered right away pulling his tongue out in disgust. I chuckled and pulled him gently closer to myself with the wing.

I answered and right away I felt his wing touching mine. Slightly blushing I looked at the stallion who seemed to be looking for the right words.

Caelen managed to slip out of my wing and ran directly to the bed where he started to jump up and down. I assumed that Artemis would not let him do that which is why I let him roam around a bit; of course under my watchful eyes.

The cup that was about to touch my lips stopped in the air. Slowly the cup started to levitate down until it was close to my chest. A bit shocked about his words I did not realize how close my hair was floating into the chimney but gladly Corvus grabbed it with his wing before it could catch fire. He had no courage to talk about it? Unable to understand what was going on in his mind and heart I simply touched his wing with mine. The weave of his leathery wings was rough and I could swear that I could feel the flow of the blood in its small veins.

The stallion’s chest started to move up and down a bit faster. With a noticeable hesitation he looked away from the fire and let his hook touch my heart. My body reacted on its own and for a short moment I allowed myself to look away from Caelen. Before our eyes meet some memories rapidly appeared in my mind. Corvus shaking in front of me after he confessed his feelings, feelings he was supposed not to have and yet they were there.

I could confess it to anypony… after all he allowed me to embrace the feelings he was talking about, after he let me see that it was not just a illusion or a lie. The old way of showing that one loved another… let the beloved pony touch his or her very soul. After I let him embrace my own feelings the bound has been created; the bound of love that only Alicorns could establish… besides the long extinct Draconequis. Our secret relationship started and since then it remained hidden for we were afraid that such relation would not be welcomed.

After the bound has been established Corvus touched my heart exactly the same way. He could feel how it was beating for him faster and faster. The way he was looking at me right now was breathtaking, stunning and even revitalizing. We both lean forward like we would be one body and we nuzzled each other. While for many the stallion in front of me seemed to be rough, ungentle maybe even fierce I knew his sensible and peaceful side that was being hidden behind the black.

No words have been spoken for none were necessary. The eyes were speaking loudly for him but also the connection let me feel that he was thankful for my words. It did not take long and soon our lips found each other and as always they brought us both away from this troublesome world. A cute yet a silent and gross sounding *yuck* brought us back. We both knew who was the source of the cute sound but it remained a mystery how Caelen managed to return at our side without us hearing or realizing it. The small guest looked at as with the typical “Why would you do that!?” facial expression.

All the years of training could not handle this sight and happily I started to laugh. Ponies claimed that my laughter would bring forth a smile even on the crankiest being. Corvus was the living example and probably the only victim that was being always affected by it. My cup levitated towards the table, followed by the already empty cup of Corvus, while I placed Caelen on my front legs.

“Watch and learn sweetie. Soon you will be doing it yourself.”

As expected the young colt answered with a very fast and hectic headshake. I kept laughing and bowed down my head to nuzzle him but surprisingly quickly he jumped on the stallion’s legs. The surprised look of Corvus and Caelen’s defensive position made me lose any control over the laughter so in the end I started to cry. While being busy with wiping away my tears I listened how Corvus was telling the boy this was something a stallion could not run away from but he promised that he would protect him from the incoming kisses; of course by taking the fire.

Suddenly somepony knocked on the door followed by a rather loud zap of the spell that was protecting our small sanctuary. On the other side an annoyed yelp echoed through the wall, complaining about being slightly electrocuted. I took a deep breath and calmed myself. My posture changed, I made sure that my attire looked well and once more and surely not for the last time I wore the mask of a ruler. Corvus levitated the boy to me and went to the door. Before he opened it we all heard various languages that were focusing on one thing: Complaining about the enchanted door.

As always Corvus tipped three different spots with his horn. Since he was lacking a big part of his horn he had to stand on his back legs to reach the highest placed ward. After the effort was done the door opened on its own and a mare of unknown age was standing in front of the stallion that was simply huge compared to her. His size seemed not to impress her at all which was actually quite impressive in my eyes; but to be honest it was easier to scare stallions than mares.

“How may I help you good mare?” Asked Corvus and he bowed formally. The mare inspected him while she seemed to be chewing on something.

“Let’s skip the formalities. I see enough hooflickers in the main hall of Lord Solitude’s hold.”

Though I could not see it I was quite sure that Corvus lifted his eye brow a little bit only to replace it with an honest smile.

“I understand what you mean good mare. Equestria seems not to be any better at this point.”

“We are made out of the same material Ambassador… after all we are standing on its ground though it wears a different name.” She took something out of her rather old looking saddle bag. It was a sealed letter with the symbol of the house of the family Solitude. “I have been asked to deliver it to your estate.”  The mare managed to peak behind Corvus only to see me holding Caelen in my front legs. She smiled at our sight but especially the sight of the child. She waved at him with a smile of a grandmother looking at her grandchild. The small foal hid a part of his face behind my knee but shyly he waved back.

I could only assume what the old mare was probably thinking about this sight.

“Where are my manners… please come in.” Said Corvus and with a gesture of his wing he invited our guest into the apartment. “The weather is cold today and nothing will warm one better than a freshly made tea.”

“Thank you Ambassador but…” She rapidly stopped to talk and rubbed her temple with her hoof. “Ah thinking about it… I may actually need a small break. And yes the weather is really annoying today.” She entered our small apartment and bowed in front of me. I recognized the old traditional way of greeting a Princess from the time before my banishment. Gently I let Caelen get on his hooves and gracefully I bowed back.

“Welcome and be our guest.”

“Thank you Mylady” She smiled at Caelen who kept hiding behind my legs. Corvus closed the door and swiftly he reactivated the seals that were protecting us. In the very moment a slightly noticeable spark of magic went through his broken horn. With clenched teeth he grabbed his head with the hook of his wing. The pain the stallion must be feeling now must be great for it directly attacked his nerves…

So many times I tried to convince him to let his horn be treated because indirectly it was a threat not only to his own health but it also could be dangerous for everything in his surroundings. But every time Corvus declined my offer… One time he lost the control over himself and without intending to do so he yelled at me to watch my own business. Though we know each other for years now the story behind his broken horn remained a mystery to me.  I kept thinking that he had a terrible accident or that he lost it in the time he started a life of a Lesser One… but with each day I started to think that something more than an accident was hidden in the thick fog of his mind.

Otherwise why would he not tell me the truth? Corvus knew that I saw it but with a smile he tried to hide the pain that was probably still affecting him.

“Eh… the weather gets worse and worse…” The mare looked through the window and watched how drops of rain started slowly to cover the surface of the window. “I miss the time when the Pegasi were taking care of the weather…”

“The nature was taking care of everything long before the pony race started to play around with it.” Corvus took his place next to me. Caelen decided to stay between us looking at me with his weary eyes; in the end he even stood closer to Corvus than to me.

I smiled and levitated a pillow for our elderly guest. Thankfully she sat down on it and let out an exhausted sigh. While Corvus brought her some food and drinks we had a nice chat between mares. Many times the stallion lifted his eye brow or rolled with his eyes when he heard this and that but so far I was sure that my beloved companion got used to it already. Though we both enjoyed our chat the full attention belonged to Caelen who, as every child in his age, was either simply ignoring our chat or playing around with his new toys.

“A lovely boy you got here my dear.” She gave Caelen a small treat that seemed to be caramel bonbon which won the foals heart right away.

“May I ask how to call good mare?” Asked Corvus who sat next to me of course with a certain distance. The gap between us always made me feel bad and often I had to fight the urge of stretching my wing towards him.

“Oh my… please excuse the old mare. Here in the city of Marehime everypony does know my name. I got used to it but this is not an excuse for the lacking manners.” She chuckled lovely and bowed as much as her elderly body allowed it. “My name is Mira Oakhoof. The last of the house of Oakhooves and an old servant of the family Solitude. The common ponies tend to call me Mira the Runner… but I already outlived this title.”

“The Oakhoof family…” I said a bit surprised that the mare in front of me was a member of a very honorable family who once served my sister and myself in the times before the plague. “I thought your line died out years ago.”

“We faced extinction yes… the plague nearly wiped my family out. Gladly we survived and now we do what we do best.” She smiled yet everypony in the room could see the slight glimpse of sadness hidden behind her lovely smile. The sadness ended after Caelen started to play again not far away from her. “A lovely child you have here. What’s your name cutie?”

After the foal realized she meant him he swiftly ran for the scroll where he has jotted down his name. Mira realized that he was not able to speak but as every good mare in her age she comforted the boy with praises about his name.

“How old is your son now hmm?” She asked and pat the boy who enjoyed her attention. The question was unexpected but also expected in the same time; at least for me… Corvus reacted like somepony has slapped him in the face but he quickly recovered from it. He was pretending that he was going to fill his cup but we both knew that it was still full.

“Caelen is not our son… but I wish I would have one like him.” I said and smiled at the two ponies in front of me. Too late I realized the bad choice of words and for that I was angry at myself. But I could not blame a lonely mare like me for having a dream of a family… It was something normal to think about such things and I sincerely hoped that Corvus would understand me. After all I did not see a Lesser One in him. I see a wonderful stallion who took my heart with his honest smile which he sadly did not show as often as I would like to see it.

There were things one have learned to live with and yet a simple sentence was enough to rip open a wound that would mark us forever. My heart ached badly after I heard what she wished to have… no what she desired. Could I blame her for it? No I could not for once such desire was in me as well a desire that nearly came true until the dreadful day of my Turning.

I could not blame her for desiring something everypony eventually wanted once his or her path crossed ways with the one special somepony. I could not blame the old Mire Oakhoof for a simple question I would probably ask myself if I would have been on her place. I could only blame myself for having some hope despite knowing that such hope was never to become true. Yes… this was something I could blame myself with and yet I could not simply push it away and forget it.

Mira noticed my strange behavior, my tense posture and the way Luna looked at me for I could feel her eye that was cutting me like a shard of a broken crystal.

“I am sorry…”

“You do not have to be Mrs. Oakhoof. Pity and kind words will not change anything in this matter… and good words often can only make things worse.” I said in a rough tone. The sound of the bouncing ball stopped right after Mira’s question but I did not hear it at all.

“Indeed good words are not always a helpful thing. But this will not change the fact that I feel sorry about my words. I should have known better and keep my old mouth shut.”

“Please don’t say that.” Said Luna while I was wondering if she was smiling or not. “I suggest we will change the subject for now. Corvus… could you please give me the letter?”

“Oh… yes but of course mistress. Pardon me I forgot…”

I did as she ask me and hand over the letter to her but as always I kept a certain distance a guard was supposed to keep from the one he served. Luna smiled at me sincerely while she grabbed the letter with her magic. As always this very smile mend the pain a bit and not for the first time it made me smile as well. Mira eyed us with her old and surprisingly inspective eyes for a short moment while we were lost in ourselves. The Princess broke the seal and opened the letter. While she was reading its content I made sure that our elderly guest did not lack anything.

After a short while Luna rolled the letter together and hid it in one her pockets of her attire.

“Thank you for bringing us the message Mrs. Oakhoof.”

“Nothing to thank for your Highness. I am only performing my duty and the duty of my predecessors.”

“I am sure that they are pleased with your work.” My respond has been rewarded with a very honest smile of an old mare that was deeply thankful for being praised for her duty but also being not useless in our eyes. I looked back at Luna who seemed to be lost in her thoughts. As usual she kept moving the object in front of her from left to right. If there would be nothing to hold on she would probably play around with her wondrous mane using her wings for that. Celestia often pointed it out that she was doing it but never than less her words never really had a effect on Luna about this matter.

Said Luna in my mind a bit too loud for what I was blaming her being lost in her thoughts.

I tried not to scratch my ear with the hook of my wing. Caelen was busy with his toys again which he was showing to Mrs. Oakhoof like it would be great treasures he has taken from a dragon’s lair.

Luna stood up and smiled at our guest. “Once again I thank you for delivering this message. As much I enjoyed our chat I am forced to perform my duties. But I sincerely hope that we will meet again.”

“I look forward to it Princess. I hope your hard work will be rewarded with ripe fruits; especially for the poor Unicorns.”

“I hope it as well…” As always she gracefully bowed and turned around moving towards the dressing room which she has been using only while we were not alone. Just the thought of the other wardrobe filled with clothes made me shake my head slightly but the other more pleasant thoughts brought forth other reactions.

Caelen intended to go with Luna but I quickly grabbed him with my magic and placed him next to me. He did not like that at all but after hearing that Luna would smooch him Caelen quickly ran to the nearest pile of paper and started to draw pictures. After the Princess closed the door behind her I felt like I should not leave her alone like that. I knew that the windows could not be broken with stone and other objects… but I was not willing to place my trust into them.

“It is time for me to go now. Before I will reach the estate on my own a half day will pass.”

“Does it mean you reached our apartment on foot? I am impressed. But there is no need for you to tire yourself with it good mare. I will send you back with one of our chariots.”

“I am not a big fan of chariots… especially in crowded cities. Thank you for your offer but I will go back on my own.”

“If you insist Mrs. Oakhoof I shall no longer bother you with chariots. I might have taken you for a short flight but the local rules do like to spoil the fun.”

“I like to fly with zeppelins but in my age I prefer to remain on the solid ground.” She smiled and looked at the door where Luna has entered. Right now the most depressing search for proper attires was in motion. A thing I preferred to avoid but with my bad luck I never managed to do it. “I do not wish to push myself into your private business Ambassador… but would you like to talk?”

A bit surprised about this question I remained motionless for a moment. The sound of the Caelen’s pencil filled the air while he eagerly drew creatures that seemed to not come from this world.

“Talk about what good mare?” I could have leave the question be for my feelings were telling me what she was about to say.

“I might be old but my eyes work fine. Besides that we the older ponies are not only good at annoying younger generations with our stories and tales oh no. We are very good listeners.”

“You sound like a very old friend of mine.” Indeed she did remind me of the old Dr. Strong Heart. Somehow he always seemed to look through the mask I was wearing since I have turned. What an interesting coincidence that another elder pony was able to do so as well.

“But I am not sure if I want to talk about it.”

“The reactions of both of you say something different. The way you looked at each other, even if it was only for a moment tells me more than a book could ever do.”

I looked at Caelen and make sure that nopony was spying on us. Gladly I could not feel anything that could have give me a slight hint of the “Third Eye” being used by Artemis. At least I hoped so… my broken horn became a burden with each day that passed in this city.

“I am scared Mrs. Oakhoof… I really am.”

“Scared to lose what you thought was lost?” My eyes met hers. Desperately I was trying to read something out of them but the only thing I was able to see was my own reflection. The eyes went down automatically as they always did once my refection appeared on the surface of a mirror I did not shatter. Deep in my heart I knew that my guest knew more than other ponies did… and now since I heard her words I realized that she was right. I needed a pony I could talk to.

“I will not be able to give her what she desires. I know what she wants… she wants something every mare and stallion wants. Happiness, the feeling of security, love and care… but most importantly a family.” Somehow I managed to look into her eyes again. “Children. Things I wish I could give her. I would die only to see her smile in the time of sadness. How am I supposed to give her things that have been violently taken away from me?”

“Many ponies shared your fate long before you have been born Mr. Corvus and not all of them are Lesser Ones. I can only imagine how it must have been for you… it must have been terrible. I have lost a lot. My family was nearly wiped out from the surface of the earth while the Black Death visited our land. But we had to go on. We mourned our dead and kept doing what we were meant to do.  The loss of yours blinded you as did the things you must have heard from others. Oh I do know how cruel ponies can be… and I do not mean those who take life with steel. I can see that she is happy despite of your play. I can see that she feels safe with you around and I can see that you are more than an Ambassador or a Guard.”

“Nothing will change what has been done to me good mare… words come and go but for now they have filled me with some peace. But soon this peace will pass and the cruel reality will take over me again. I am afraid of losing her more than I am afraid to die. I am afraid that our… relation will not be accepted.”

“I will not bother you with many words boy. I know how it feels like to be afraid of losing something but there are things that we cannot control neither manipulate. If you will try to do so you will only lead to the loss and pain. But I have learned something very important and I wish that like me you will realize it that…” She stood up and went over to the door. She touched the door with her hoof on the places where the seals have been placed. I heard the loud KLACK that opened the door. She turned around and moved her mane a bit away showing me something I have not seen before. A small horn that was going out of her forehead; shorter than my broken horn. Her body build was not one of a typical Unicorn but right away the realization of who she really was appeared in my mind. She was a half Unicorn.

“When you fall in love… EVERYTHING is possible.” She hid her horn very well between her mane and bowed gracefully. “Good bye”. Mrs. Oakhoof spoke those words in the old Unicorn language which I have heard before the time of the Black Death. There I was… standing without knowing what should be done.

Caelen kept drawing his pictures while Luna… was leaning against the door. A thing I could see the way only a Alicorn could do. I could see that some kind of hope has grasped her heart and for the first time I wished I could not see things the way I was seeing them now. For deep in my heart I did not believe in the words of the old mare.

Small Brother

< The Lesser Ones… pitiful creatures of a long forgotten age. How many ponies can claim, to know something about the colts and stallions, who sacrificed everything for the greater good? Long before the first Alicorns have been created, the Draconequis were the first inhabitants of our world. The duty of maintaining order has been given to them, but something unexplainable happened, and the Draconequis have been corrupted.

Soon after that the first Alicorns put step on Earth. They tried everything in their power, to free the once peaceful race of the filthy corruption: nothing helped. Once it was sure that they were lost, a bloody war has been unleashed between the two major races, decimating their numbers on both sides. The Alicorns were at the edge of extinction, while the Draconequis refilled their numbers due the better fertility.

Everything seemed to be lost, but something unexpected occurred in the darkest hour. During the long bloody struggle, many Alicorns died because they have been infected with the corrupted blood, but one young Alicorn did not die. His body and organism adapted, in the end mutating him into the first known Lesser One: The slayer of the Brood Mother.

At this point the old scrolls end. With the death of the Brood Mother, the Draconequus race lost their so called *Hive mind*, what in the end brought forth their inevitable annihilation. It is not certain how the things really looked like back then, but it is sure that without the first Lesser One, the pony race would have never raise out of the ashes of the old world. During the big hunt new individual Lesser Ones have been born, and under the leadership of the first of their kin, they nearly completely eradicated the Draconequis.

After it the Alicorns started to rebuild the destroyed world, and once everything was ready, the first ponies have been created. Peace was at hand but once more it was threaten, threaten by the long gone Draconequus corruption. It turned out that not only the Alicorns could survive it: the local fauna, flora and even some ponies have been mutated. While the ponies remained intelligent creatures, the animals turned into mindless abominations, monsters that had to be put down.

During the last centuries the most monsters died out, but eventually even the Lesser Ones faced a new problem. Their offspring started to mutate even more. The mares were way too afraid to mate with the Lesser Ones, what in the end nearly ended their existence. The corrupted gens remained in the new generations of ponies, what in the end secured their survival. It is not sure how many Lesser Ones are still alive, but one thing is certain: for more than five thousand years no Alicorns showed signs of the old heritage.

Let’s change the topic and talk about the mutation. First of all, it has sharpened the senses of the individual, who has survived the torture of the mutation. They have a very sensitive smelling sense, can hear things where our ears are failing, they can see in the dark and they possess extremely fast reflexes. The most fascinating thing, at least in my opinion, is their very strong immune system.

It granted them some resistance against poison and diseases of any kind. Each mutation changes the color of their fur into a pure black; surprisingly it is not the only thing that has been changed. Like the Draconequis they evolved fire immunity, what was a main key to survive a fight against a Draconequus. In all, they have earned the abilities of a dead race, but for what price?

As I already mentioned it before, during the last centuries the mutation has evolved, taking them their fertility, the ability of showing feelings and remorse. In the end, the mutation killed everything inside of them that could have been considered a pony. Till this day no cure has been found, and it seems like it will never be found at all.

How can somepony recognize if he or she deals with a Lesser One?

First of all a Lesser One does not have a Cutie Mark, for an unknown reason, but the most noticeable thing about them are their eyes. The missing irises confirm their true identity, besides that if you would encounter a mutated Pegasi, you would notice that they do not have feathery wings. Instead of that they have bat or dragon like wings.

The once humble Lesser Ones are now merely shadows of far greater ponies.

After the devastating sprawl of the Black Death in Equestria, many ponies started falsely to accuse the Alicorns as the creators of the Lesser Ones, while the Lesser Ones have been accused as the spreader of the disease. I can assure you, in the name of my former teacher, that this is not the case. >

Forgotten Ages – Star Swirl the Younger

The sound of the horn once more ripped through the air, while Bronze Lute and I ran towards the trade district. The smoke of the burning Town Hall was already visible, after we’ve left the building. Three small fire brigades were fighting against the fire, but the water seemed not to affect it at all. It was not a natural fire. Not far away I spotted the governor, who was holding back a mare that was crying and yelling at him.

‘’ Our girl is still in there! Let me go! ‘’

‘’ We can’t do anything! Calm down woman! ‘’ His wife cried out painfully and cradle against him. Bronze Lute watched the burning Town Hall with wide open eyes. Once he looked at me, I realized that he had exactly the same thoughts as I did. Quickly I took of my attire, what caused a small outrage behind me, and without any hesitation I charged towards the burning building. The world around me has been shrouded by fire and smoke.

It took some time, till I finally manage to catch up with the stallions. While I was still running towards them, I saw that Corvus started to take off his attire. Right away I knew what he was about to do. I yelled at him, but it was already too late. He jumped into the burning building, ignoring the firefighters who tried to stop him. I was about to run after him, but Bronze Lute stopped me:

‘’ Where do you think you’re going your highness? ‘’

‘’ Out of my way Bronze Lute! We have to help him!’’

‘’ If we put ourselves in danger, we will not help him at all! Corvus knows what must be done, but he has to do it on his own! ‘’

Even if my heart did not agree with the bard, I knew that he was right. With a painful feeling in my chest, I watched how a firefighter tried to enter the building with a special uniform. The fire burned through the uniform like it would be made out of paper, the pony inside barely got out alive. The fire was not natural, what only increased my growing fear for Corvus.

I ran directly thought the fire, ignoring its presence that was barely noticeable for me. Though the fire was not affecting me at all, the building itself became a deadly trap. Several solid wooden bars nearly fell down on me: my time was slowly running out. With a spell I’ve learned in Canterlot, I checked if there was a living life form in this section. No trace of life was here, nor did a corpse have been revealed.

Avoiding everything that was in the way, I ran up the stairs. Once I was on the second floor a wild chase against the fire started. The rather enormous building structure did not help at all, door after door I checked after the girl, or at least for her remains. My search was fruitless; the fire grew stronger while my hope for the girl’s survival rapidly fell down. Then I saw it! On the other side of the wall, a cloud like thing revealed its presence.

The still active spell showed me, that the girl was still alive but surprisingly she was not alone. A body slam opened the door, and I found myself in the ruins of a former child room. The life forms were hidden in a wardrobe; a weak energy field was protecting it from the flames and smoke. Carefully I went through the field and open the wardrobe. Cradled tightly against a Unicorn mare, I saw small Earth Pony female: probably the daughter of the governor.

‘’ We have to leave this building immediately! ‘’ I shouted as loud as I could.

‘’ The fire will kill us! ‘’ Yelled the mare back at me. Somehow she was surprisingly familiar…

‘’ I can protect you from the fire! We do not have much time! ‘’

The mare nod at me and stood up, holding the girl with her magic. I was aware of her fear for her life and the life of the girl, with my own magic I levitated her at my back, and shrouded them with my wings. Slowed down by the extra weight, I ran as fast as possible towards the stairs, only to find out that the lower floor was already completely on fire. The tongues of the flames were reaching after everything like a greedy child, I could have survived the trip, but the females would perish if I would do so.  A curse echoed in my mind, while I searched for an alternative way out.

‘’ Where is the balcony!?’’ I shouted and move away from the blazing stairs.

‘’ Third door on the left… hurry I can barely breath… ‘’

Right away I ran towards the door, followed by the flames, which was acting like a living creature, burning everything in its path. With a might kick I open the door and entered it. It seemed like I was at the governor’s office. Behind a solid table there was a door that was made out of glass, leading out to the balcony. There was simply no other choice… though I was aware that once I would open the door, I would unleash a fiery inferno. I took a deep breath, passed the solid table and jumped right through the door.

The time passed slowly, while the relentless fire spread and spread all over the building. Several times I tried to simply run towards the building, but Bronze Lute was very persistent and surprisingly strong for his small posture. One of the firefighters yelled something to his comrades, pointing at the big balcony of the burning town hall. Even if I had my distance I could see a silhouette fleeing from the flames.

I recognized Corvus and gasp loudly, once a mighty blast went out of the building, only few inches away from him. With special ladders the firefighters tried to reach after him, one out of three has come in contact with the fire from the lower section, and started to bend nearly right away. The situation did not look good.

I ran towards a place where the flames did not reach yet, leaving a trail of blood that was dripping out of my injured wing. With a curse on my lips I suppressed a moan, and came closer to the crash barrier. While the ponies below me placed their devices on strategic good points, I open my wings a bit, levitated the filly through the air right into the hooves of a firefighter. The crowds that were watching the entire situation cheered loudly.

I was about to levitate the mare towards the ground, but I felt how something heavy crashed right on my left back leg, burring me under it. I cried out of pain, what nearly caused a fatal fall for the mare; luckily I did not lose the connection with her. Once she was on solid ground, the fight for my own life started. Once more the barely noticeable shine appeared at the edges of my horn; I lifted the part of the roof that fell down on my leg and threw it away from me. Not able to stand up I tried to lean over the crash barrier.

‘’ Corvus! ‘’

I heard Luna screaming at me. She ran towards the building, followed by Bronze Lute who did not manage to hold her back. Then it happened… my instincts assumed direct control over my body.

‘’ No… not now… ‘’

I ran as fast as possible, ignoring the ponies who were trying to stop me. A needle went through my heart, once I heard his painful cry and saw his desperate fight for his life. I felt that something grabbed my back leg. While I was falling down to the ground, I cursed the bard for his interference. Corvus looked at us from above with a terribly tense posture, his ears went, and if I was not wrong he even smiled at me.

A terribly loud sound of breaking wood, crumbling rocks went through the air. The lower part of the building exploded from the inside, hurling unidentified burning objects in all directions.  Instinctively I protected my head with my hooves, while I look back at Corvus who was right now watching the roof. The building overturned, collapsed with a thundering sound, burying my heart alive.

‘’ Corvus…! ‘’ Nopony could hear my yell. A dust cloud shrouded everything, but the unnatural fire was still visible through the thick walls of dust. I felt magic in the air. A wide open mouth descent from the skies and hit the burning ruins of the Town Hall. The fire has been extinguished nearly instantly, while a strong magical blow removed the dust. On the other side of the streets I noticed Artemis, pointing at the building with his lifted hoof.

With growing fear I stood up and ran towards the remains of the Town Hall. Completely disoriented, with the feeling of emptiness and loneliness I tried to find the place, where Corvus might have been buried alive.

‘’ For goodness sake, please be alive! ‘’ I thought and started to levitate big parts of the Town Hall, throwing them away, without caring for ponies that might be behind me. I heard a crumbling sound nearby. A big pile of rocks and wooden bars was moving up and down. Without hesitation I was about to go there, but something drip out through small cracks on its own. A dark fog flew high into the sky, slowly materializing its form into a shape of an Alicorn. It was Corvus.

Before everything has been shrouded with the parts of the collapsing building, I lost the control over my body and darkness took me my sight. There was only silence. I was not sure how long I remained in that state, but I felt that some kind of magical energy hit against my spirit. The silence has been ripped apart by a sound, which reminded me of an incredible strong wind blow.

My sight came back and I found myself high in the air. I panicked first, because the world has been put upside down. The first logical and probably instinctive reaction was to open my wings. But with my bad luck I forgot that my left wing was injured, and with a loud groan I pulled it back on its place. With one remaining wing, I desperately tried to slow down the incredible speed of my fall.

The ground came closer and closer while I made peace with the inevitable. One, two, three, four, five… only five times I managed to swing with the wing. My body tensed nearly to its limits, before I reached the roof of a building. My heart stopped to beat before I hit against the hard bricks. The air has been completely pushed out of my lungs; I did not even have the time to moan. I was rolling down the roof till I reached its end; the world has been put upside down again, while I saw how the paved ground came closer and closer.

I managed to control my fall a little bit; I fell on my side with an incredible loud bash. My eyes open widly, a strange sound went through my closed teeth, before I lost my consciousness and the world has been shrouded by a dark cloak.

Beep… beep… beep

‘’ … ‘’

Beep… beep… beep

The incessant beeping continued, causing an incredible headache. With big effort I open my eyes, only to get blinded by a bright light source. My head was pounding; I could feel how a stinging pain went through nearly each part of my body. While I tried to realize where I was the annoying yet familiar beeping continued.

Beep… beep… beep

I was about to rub my temple with my hoof, but once I was about to lift it, I felt that something was bound to my wrist. My eyes were still sensitized, while I take a look at my wrist, but once I got used to the light, I saw that some sort of belt was attached to me. The eyes open wide, my heart started to beat with an incredible speed.

Beepbeepbeepbeepbeep

I fought against my bounds with all the strength I still had in my decimated body. It did not take long till the belt ripped apart. With an extreme effort I managed to get into a sitting position. It was clear that I was in a hospital. The beeping, the silly white hospital attire and cabe… All sorts of cables, patches were attached to me. Something was implanted directly into my veins, but the most disgusting thing was the device in my nose. Right away I started to rip everything off me, till I was completely free of anything that was not welcomed inside my body.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I grabbed my head and groan loudly. A door has been opened and two nurses enter the room.

‘’ Stay… stay away from me!’’ I yelled at them. The nurses noticed that my horn was glowing; they stopped and took a few steps back.

‘’ Please calm down good sir! You are in a very bad condition; stress will only make things worse! ‘’ Said the younger looking nurse. I noticed that she had a horn coming out of her forehead.

‘’ We only want to help but you have to cooperate with us. ‘’

‘’ You don’t understand… ‘’ I was breathing heavily. ‘’ The only thing… that can help me… ‘’ I groaned loudly and cough without any control. Small blood drops appeared on the white quilt, the entire situation was worse than I thought.

‘’ Sister! He needs an extra dose right now!’’

Electric energy went out of my horn and moved along the body for a moment.

‘’ STAY AWAY FROM ME! ‘’ I did not remember when I had this state the last time… but I knew that any kind of medicine would be deadly for me right now.

‘’ What is going on?!’’ My ears went up once I heard her voice. Luna ran into the room and gasp loudly at my sight.

‘’ Corvus what are you doing!? ‘’

A slight blood line ran down my cheek, gladly my black fur did not reveal it to the ponies.

‘’ Luna listen carefully… Go back to our apartment and bring my casket… make haste. ‘’ I coughed a big amount of blood.

She was about to say something, but she nod at me, and with an impressive speed she ran out of the room.

‘’ And you two… don’t give me anything until the Princess will come back… ‘’

‘’ Please… at least allow me to attach you to the heart monitor. ‘’

‘’ Okay… ‘’

With noticeable hesitation, the mare did what she has asked for, without any interference from my side.

‘’ I want to be alone… ‘’

The nurses nod at me and were about to leave the room:

‘’ Thank you… for everything… ‘’

‘’ We only do our duty sir. ‘’

The door closed behind them. I let out a very long sigh and lie down on my back, listening to the beeping of the monitor. Somepony knocked on the door three times.

‘’ I kindly asked to be left alone.’’ I said with a rather annoyed tone. The pony on the other side ignored it though and entered the room.

‘’ Are you deaf? I… ‘’ I stopped to talk once I saw who was moving towards me.

Bepbepbepbepbepbepbepbep

‘’ Did you lose any kind of dignity? How dare you to face me…’’

‘’ It is nice to see you again… big brother… ‘’ Said Artemis while he reached my bed.

The well known turquoise glow surrounded his horn, what closed the door that has been left open.