Fallout Equestria: Shaping Shadow - Book 2

Nor opened his eyes. He was aware he was not where he was. Everything was dark. There was no color. Things finally came into focus. He was on a low hill. The wind was whipping around him and he could feel the sand it carried with it scraping against his coat.

A noise behind him caused Nor to turn around. Everything was so real. He was where he saw he was. Where it was, he didn’t know. But he knew what he saw and felt.

A young Unicorn Filly was walking by. Stumbling against the wind. There was no cloak or clothes to protect her. Although there was no color, Nor knew her coat was like the pale moon and her mane was a pale blue. She was too young to have a Cutie Mark.

“Free,” The wind said. “Released from pain. My child, my beloved Night Mage, listen to my words. Listen to my salvation. I am what was supposed to be.”

“I am here,” Night Mage said, stumbling. “Listening.”

Her voice was soft, strong, and joyful.

“You heard my call when nopony else did. Why?”

“Because I can hear, not see. I rely on it. I must trust it. My magic can help me not run into things, but sound has always been my friend. My protector.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes. Care for me. There is nopony else to care for me. That is why I followed your voice. It is calm, while the others screech and scream.”

“Take five more steps.”

Night Mage confidently took each one.

“Turn to your right and then take three more. Turn to your left and dig.”

Night Mage’s hoof struck something. Her horn glowed, moving something aside. Night Mage grabbed the object and pulled, falling back. Something wet and sloushy landed on her.

“What is this?”

“Chaos. One who fought for me and has come back to me. Pull the bag off. There is food inside. And water.”

Night Mage drank the water and opened the package of food. She felt around the bag.

“What is this round thing?”

“He was carrying a Seed. One to be planted to uproot the evil that caused this war.”

Nor knew what it had to be. A Balefire egg. He looked around and began to see more carnage of war among the wind.

“Carry it with you, and I will make you strong. It will not be easy, but I will guide you.”

Everything faded black and he found himself standing next to a slightly older Night Mage, but still no Cutie Mark. They were facing a group of ponies, battered and torn. Etching a life out of the ruins. Night Wind had a tattered white cloak on, covering her face.

“Please,” She said. “I am tired and worn. There is no pony alive to care for me. I live by myself, listening to the Wind speak. I need food and rest.”

“Why do you cover your face?” A stallion gruffly asked. He had a long piece of rebar ready.

“I am blind. My eyes scare ponies. I do not want to be another nightmare in the dark for you.”

A mare stepped out of the group and walked toward them. “Let me see dear. I am a Unicorn like you. Perhaps I can help. I am an optometrist. Not much use anymore.”

“You may remove my hood,” Night Mage said. “But I was born blind and the best doctors in Canterlot couldn’t do anything. Nopony anywhere could. I am truly blind.”

The cloak was removed, exposing her blind eyes. But unlike when Nor first saw her, there was a golden lock dancing in her blue mane.

“You poor dear. How have you lived so long out here? May I hug you?”

“Yes,” Night Mage said. He voice was still happy. Understanding. Loving.

She was brought into a tight hug. “What happened to your parents?”

“We were in Fillydelphia. My sister wanted to ride the roller coaster. I didn’t mind. My family couldn’t do things normal families would. I wanted her to ride it more than she did. It all happened so fast. The explosion and then silence.”

“I woke up and they were dead like so many others. They were cold and stiff, but I know what my family feels like. So I listened. I do not know how long it has been since then. But I listened and followed the wind. It taught me things. Magic. It led me to water and food, and now it has led me here.”

“Dear, that was two years ago. You have been wandering alone all these years?”

“I don’t trust her!” A stallion called. “It is a trap.”

“She actually is blind, Rhythm.”

“I get it. That is what the last place said. I will listen and find another place.”

Nor was impressed at the joy she had. He voice never wavered. It didn’t convey fear, or any ill will. It was the same, soft, strong, and joyful voice.

“Come on dear,” The mare said. “Lets get you inside.”

“Wait!” Night Mage said, stopping. “Something isn’t right. I know you can’t hear it, but something isn’t right.”

Nor heard a stone flip over. It was a long was away from them in the ruins. He was not hearing it with his ears alone.

Night Mage turned around to face the ruins behind her. “Come out! I know you are there. Why won’t you leave me alone!”

Three big unicorns stepped out a ways away. “Because you carry something we want.”

“You can’t have the Seed! She gave it to me!”

The Unicorns addressed the ponies. “We don’t care about you and won’t harm you. We want what she calls the Seed and that is all. We will be on our way.”

“Come and get it then,” Night Mage yelled, setting herself in a fighting stance. “I am sick of you stalking me. You can’t kill me and you know it!”

“It’s useless to you. Just give it up. You don’t even know what it is or what it can do.”

“Just because I am blind does not mean I am deaf, dumb, or stupid!”

Nor heard things shift and the Wind spoke. “Breath. Think hard for a shield. Lift the stone around you like we trained and let them loose. You know where they are. Protect us.”

The stones around Night Mage slowly levitated up. She yelled, releasing them in a fury on the targets. One dove for cover but the stones punched right through it. Another put up a shield, yet the stones just slipped right through. The third opened fire with the split second he had left. Night Mage put up a shield that stopped the bullets.

Night Mage dropped to her knees, exhausted. She was picked up by the mare and brought into the group.

Nor was taken to another stamp in time. It was another place he didn’t recognize. This one was in a city that still was together, somewhat. He could smell the salt on the air and there was the sound of seagulls. Nor had no way to know that is what seagulls sounded like, he just knew.

Night Mage was older. A young mare. She wore a white cloak with gold trimming and a gold clasp. It was up like she usually had it. The Mare who had helped her was with them.

“I don’t buy your filth,” A grumpy Earth Pony growled. “You defile the Goddesses with your tongue!”

“You can not see what is right in front of you,” Night Mage replied in her normal voice. It hadn’t changed with age. “You can not hear what is right beside you. Who is really the blind one?”

“You spout nonsense and your mother there needs to correct you!”

“She is not my mother,” Night Mage calmly replied. “My family died when the spells were unleashed. When the land was reminded what it meant to be free. Jeweled Tear is a friend. A sister. She helps me, but I am not helpless.”

“Let her babble on,” Another mare said. “Let the two of them waste their breath.”

“Go,” Night Mage said to Jeweled Tear. “Find work. I will talk to any who will listen.”

Jeweled Tear left to find work in the city. Night Mage walked over to a fountain that had ceased working. There was still water in it and benches to sit on.

“I wouldn’t drink that,” A young Unicorn stallion warned. Nor could tell that his mane was a dark ice blue and that under his thick clothes was a burgundy coat. The clothes were covered in gray dust.

“It may not spout water like it used to, but its still connected. It is bad water. Tainted by radiation.”

“It does me no harm,” Night Mage replied. “Thank you though.”

Night Mage levitated a cup out from her bag and filled it with water. She drank the sweet liquid. Nor could feel it quench her thirst.

“You really did just drink that?” He asked coming over.

“Of course,” Night Mage smiled. She pulled her hood back “Like I said, that stuff does me no harm.”

“I am inclined to believe you,” He smiled back. “Your coat and mane look better than anypony else. It is like the poisons have not touched you.”

“They don’t,” Night Mage giggled. “Didn’t you listen when I spoke. The real mother of Equestria speaks to me. The wind is her voice. I am blessed by her kiss and safe from all that harms and that try to bind her.”

“I’m Spiral. I make pottery as a living. Its a useful skill that keeps me fed. Ponies need bowls and plates. Cups too. Metal goes to other things. More important things. But clay, clay isn’t good for building houses, or walls. It makes poor bullets and can’t hold up a bridge. But clay makes good tableware. I even make a good spoon.”

Night Mage giggled. “Show me a spoon. Let me feel it and how it is different from my metal one here.”

“Alright. Let me go get one. But you know, that spoon is actual silver. It will sell for 20 caps here. Easily. My spoons only cost 2.”

Spiral returned with a spoon. He also brought a bowl, plate and cup.

“A spoon can hold liquid and pin. All you really need is a spoon and I knife. I can not make knives, but I can provide you with everything else.”

Night Mage held the spoon. It was wide and deep. Much deeper than a metal spoon. It had to be in order to give it strength. Its handle was softer; a smooth curve.

“You make a really good spoon,” Night Moon said. “Solid and sturdy. This wont break easily.”

“Thank you. I was training to be a master sculptor, but that obviously is useless.”

Night Mage let out a giggle.

Spiral got serious. “You said your family died in the attack. Was that what made you blind?”

“No,” Night Mage replied. “Ponies automatically assume that. I was blind before. From birth. It is why I listen so well. I had to in order to get around. My magic helps, but it is not perfect. I do not rely on it. It is tiring.”

“What is your Cutie Mark?” Spiral asked. “I know it’s blunt. Mine is a vase with three dots in a triangle on it. Those dots are my mark. My signature I put on all of my pieces. Yes, even the spoons.”

Night Mage let out a laugh and then sighed. “I was so young when everything happened. I listened and followed the Wind for two years. That is when I met Jeweled Tear. Its been another year at least. Bouncing around. Ponies only tolerate me for so long.”

“So, you don’t have one?”

“Not yet. It will come. The Wind will tell me when it happens.”

“Where did your sister go? Wait, you said she was your sister, but you said they all died.”

Night Mage laughed a bit. “Yes, they died. Jeweled Tear is a sister in heart, in mind, in spirit. And she went to go find work. We need to live and eat.”

“Come on, I know where she can find work. Nopony knows Strut could use help. He doesn’t talk much.”

“Wait, she will return when called,” Night Mage said, not letting him lead her away.

Night Mage took a deep breath and then whispered, “Come. I have somepony you need to meet.”

Her horn never glowed, but there was magic in her words.

“Okay,” Spiral said trying to figure out what to talk about. “What do you want your Cutie Mark to represent?”

“I don’t know,” Night Mage shrugged.

“What are you doing?” Spiral asked, as she was frozen, head cocked to the side.

“Your name,” Night Mage said. “It’s not Spiral. Not your given name. No. Your given name is much sweeter. Softer. Prettier. Musical.”

“And what is the Wind, is it, telling you?”

Night Mage giggled. “It says it’s Veiled Harmony. A perfect name for the heart I see. A beautiful name.”

“That is way creepier than your eyes,” Spiral chuckled. “I never like my name. It just never flowed into my ears as right. So Spiral was given to me. I used to draw spirals in the dirt. Or really, on anything.”

“You have a way about you that exposes ponies. You know things you should not. You see things that can not be seen. You are a soothsayer. A speaker of truth.”

“I just listen,” Night Mage sighed. “It gets boring and worse, it weighs on me. Knowing but not being able to tell. There is only so much one can say, and there is even less one should say. But there is no Cutie Mark in that.”

Spiral put his hoof on her shoulder. She jumped from the unexpected touch, but let it stay. “They say the truth will set you free.”

“Sure, but ponies do not want to listen.”

“Jeweled Tear listened. I am listening. Others listen but do not do anything with it. Truth can be ugly. It brings light to the shadows. It forces one to account for your actions. It also inspires you to be better.”

“So, I guess I am asking, do you want to inspire ponies?”

Night Mage let out a chuckle. “I do. I want to light up the world and let them know the truth about Balefire. About her gift. He love. That she sets us free! I want to be that light in the dark. I am trying, but.”

“No buts,” Spiral stated. “No buts. The world is a big place. You will try in one place, and fail. But others will listen. Where have you tried?”

“Well, this is the second place I have been able to speak fully. The first was where I met Jeweled Tear. The rest kick us out or block our entrance.”

“This is a big place. Most ponies haven’t even heard your message. Your light still has plenty of places to shine right here.”

Night Mage shivered. A great big shiver.

“Light.” She panted. “Candle. Dark. Speak. Truth. Unveil.”

Spiral caught her as she collapsed.

“What happened?” Jeweled Tear asked running up.

She had been watching off to the side, letting them talk.

“I don’t know. We were just talking. Then she started shivering.”

Night Mage gasped back to life, sitting up. Her head collided with Spiral’s.

“Thanks,” Night Mage panted. “Thanks for showing me the light.”

“What?” Spiral groaned.

Night Mage pulled back her cloak to reveal her flank. A single candle with a flame.

“Well,” Spiral stammered. “I just helped spin you in the right direction. To tell yourself what you really wanted.”

“You called for me?” Jeweled Tear asked, unsure what else to say.

“Yes Sister. Spiral here said he knows of work.”

“Right,” Spiral nodded. “Let me show you. Strut never asks for help, but he needs it. I help when I can.”

They moved to some mountain or hill. It was steep, but the rocks provided plenty of climbing platforms. There was light from a campfire or two down the slope. Night Mage was not climbing it alone. Spiral was with her. She was ahead of him and knew where every rock and stone was.

“I didn’t say I didn’t believe you,” Spiral said gasping for air. “I said its hard to follow a blind Unicorn who is climbing a mountain faster and easier than you are. It is hard enough following anypony who is blind. We like our sight and to know what is happening.”

“Stop wasting your breath. The Wind called you to join me for a reason. Let’s hurry up.”

Night Mage was at a wall. There was no way for her to get up without seeing. Her horn was glowing, searching, but it was no use. Spiral caught up to her.

“All I need to do is boost you up.” Spiral said. “After I catch my breath. Then you will lay down on your belly and extend your hoof. I can grab it and you can help pull me up.”

“Okay,” Night Mage said. “I trust you.”

Everything worked according to plan and they were on the top of the plateau. Bones and metal scraps were scattered about. A creek was running through the area.

Night Mage immediately bolted forward to her destination. She expertly dashed around or jumped over the obstacles until she came to container. She ripped it upon and pulled out a round object like she had found when the Wind first called her.

“Another Seed,” She marveled. “Gaze upon it. I have shown nopony the first Seed.”

“What? Sorry,” Spiral said. “I was examining the clay here. It is prime clay. But that, that is beautiful.”

Spiral joined her side. “May I hold it?”

Night Mage nodded and carefully passed it off to him.

“It tingles,” Spiral said. “Like radiation.”

Night Mage took it back and wrapped it in cloth before slipping it into her bag.

“Yes, it would. It is one of her seeds. To be planted when the time comes.”

“Does it tingle when you hold it?”

“I feel warmth, hope.”

“Right, you are blessed. I am not.”

“You said clay?”

“Oh, well the clay by the creek is good material for making pottery. But we have more than enough for our group.”

Night Mage moved towards the sound of the creek. She drew out her cup to get some water. As she dipped it in, she smacked it into a rock. It shattered.”

“We can make a new one,” Spiral said warmly. “It just takes a little clay.”

Night Mage drew her bowl to use instead. The water shattered it and she sighed. She used the largest piece to get some water and drink from it.

“I am the one who keeps breaking every piece you make,” Night Mage sighed.

“Its okay. Those were made from good clay, but not the best. Not like here.”

“Then make me ones from here.”

“That would take a kiln and a long time.”

“Can you do it here?”

Spiral looked around. There was plenty he could use to make a kiln and keep a good fire going.

“Yes, but it will take hours. A lot of hours. You will have to tell Jeweled Tear we will be a while.”

Night Mage whispered to the wind. “Sister. We have more to do than realized. Make camp.”

“I am the one has been breaking most of them, I should be the one to make them.”

“We can do that,” Spiral smiled. “I can teach and guide your hooves.”

Time skipped forward until the kiln was built and a proper fire going. Nor watched as Spiral began instructing her on how to work the clay. They worked in minerals to change the color. One set green, the other yellow; just like the Seed. Night Mage was making the green ones.

“Lets start with a kylix, a special drinking bowl,” Spiral said. “If you are going to make it, lets make it special.”

Six ropes were made and then wound around each other in a spiral. They were making the same bowl he had used to drink from their pool. The bowl was glazed and then set into the kiln. Spiral took a few extra minutes to make a few more pieces. A chalice, alternating in colors. A high rimmed bowl using the same rope technique. And lastly, a small plate, again, roped.

With all of them in the kiln, Spiral settled down next to Night Mage.

“You have something to tell me?” Night Mage asked. “Something is weighing heavily on you. It has for a while.”

“Well if I do, then you already know.”

“It takes a lot to listen to somepony in that way. A deep listen. I do try and keep privacy. There is so much to hear, and most of it should not be heard by me.”

Spiral sighed, working up his courage. “Yes, well, I do. And have. It’s just… I love you and you are the most beaut.”

Night Mage threw herself at Spiral to kiss him but missed. He caught her in time before her head slammed into a rock.

“You know you are not supposed to do that,” He said softly. “You will hurt yourself, again. You are not invincible.”

“Sorry,” Night Mage whispered.

She tried to kiss him on the lips but missed. He chuckled at her frustration.

“Let me,” Spiral said guiding her head. “Let me care for you in the ways that only your other half can. Let me love you. The deepest parts of you that can not be strong.”

“Yes,” She said to him. “Yes. I saw how special you were back when we first met. I only wish that I could actually see you. I know, it is superficial and I have gotten to know the real you. Its just…”

“It would be odd if you didn’t want to see my face, even once,” Spiral said.

He guided them into a deep kiss.

Time skipped again. Their private life was of no concern to Nor. It was not a big skip. Spiral was pulling the pieces of of the kiln. They were perfectly made, shining beautifully. He let them cool a bit and then passed off the kylix they had made together to Night Mage.

“I can really feel this,” She said. “Every bump and divot. Every imperfection. It is beautiful to feel. Let us seal our union by drinking from the creek with this bowl.”

Night Mage filled the bowl and passed it to Spiral.

“Veiled Harmony, You are mine, forever,” Night Mage said. “Drink this to seal our union with eternity. You will receive her blessing, the same as I have.”

Spiral took the bowl. “I pledge my life to yours. To be yours, no matter what. Helping guide you and keep you strong. To be your eyes.”

Spiral tipped the bowl back, drinking every drop. He filled it up and passed it back to Night Mage.

“Night Mage, many call you Soothsayer, a prophetess. Others call you crazy. I call you the light of my eyes. Forever to hold your beauty. And to share in each other’s blessings. Drink this to seal our union forever.”

Night Mage drank the water and then Spiral led her into a kiss.

“That feels right. Nice. Perfect,” Night Mage sighed.

Nor was taken away from the Plateau and watched several scenes play out. Angry mobs forcing them out. Closed doors and locked gates. Other groups opened fire, knowing who they were. They traveled all of Equestria.

Along the way they picked up others, including two Balefire Phoenixes. A male and female. More ponies followed them, leaving friends and family behind. They drank from the kylix to seal their commitment. Some received the blessing, others didn’t. Foals were born and others died of old age. Sister Jeweled Tear was one of them.

Spiral wanted a foal, but Night Mage could not bare one. He loved her anyway. He never wavered in his love for her. And his eyes were always for her.

Spiral was in pain as his time was nearing the end. Night Mage was alone by his side. In her fear and anger she unleashed her magic. Two spheres were formed from clay. They were hardened and smoothed out. She touched her horn to his and a light flashed. A wisp floated from the tip of each of their horns and found a home in one of the orbs. One turned pale as the moon, the other burgundy. They were infused with their souls.

“Together we shall always be,” Night Mage cried.

Spiral held her one last time. It wasn’t the first time she had shed her tears all over him. When it was over, he faded to dust and was swept away by a sudden wind.

Night Mage continued to lead the others. None new her by Night Mage. She was Soothsayer. Mother. But not Night Mage.

The Wind spoke for the first time in many years. “I have been searching far and wide. There is a place that can accept the first Seed you found. It is called the Hollow Shades. Equestria has lost it’s grasp there. There you will be safe.”

They finally found the Hollow Shades. The first building erected was the cathedral. Night Mage christened it Harmony Cathedral. Nopony knew that Spiral’s name was actually Veiled Harmony.

Nor was now in the back, where they had set up living quarters for Night Mage. The place had not changed much over the years. Nor watched Night Mage set the two Orbs on the table and then one of the Seeds she had found.

The kylix they had made together was placed on the left side of the table, next to the burgundy sphere. The chalice, was placed on the other side. The other pieces that were made during their union had broken well before then.

“Mother Soothsayer?” A young mare said entering.

“Yes my child?”

“They are ready.”

Night Mage took a deep breath in. “And so am I. Are you ready, Silk Stream?”

“I am ready, Mother Soothsayer. The Wind has spoken to me. I know what you must do. I know I must intercede like you did. But I am to take a new name. Confessor. High Confessor. To intercede for them.”

“Good child. You know how to watch over our flock.”

Nor followed them out of the cathedral. The city was not the same. Like they had said, much of it had changed from the growth. The ponies gathered around the pool. It was clear water.

“The time has come,” Night Mage declared. “We have found and made our home. Do not mourn, but rejoice! For it is time for me to join with Balefire. I go to join our brothers and sisters who have passed before us.”

“Silk Stream is to be your intercessor. To listen to her voice and lift up yours to her. To break through this curse for you. She drinks of this water to stand before you all as witness. To take on the blessing.”

Night Mage took the kylix and dipped it into the water. Silk Stream drank the water. Night Mage unwrapped the first Seed.

“I go now, to her. But I leave my blessing, the Glow, for you to always see and have. I plant this Seed so that you will always be protected.”

Nor watched Night Mage wade into the water. She didn’t try and keep her muzzle up above the water. She didn’t try to swim or take a deep breath. She just walked under the water. A green light flashed from deep within the center of the pool.

From the flash, tendrils of Glow began to swirl out of and around until the water glowed green like Nor had first seen it.

Nor saw Silk Steam pass on the role of High Confessor to Sand Lilly. He saw every succession after that. High Confessor Mountain Promenade passed on the High Confessor role to Starry Dream.

The scenes faded slowly away into darkness.

“Nor’easter. Can you hear me?”

“Yes,” Nor replied. “I can hear you. I have heard your voice before. You were called Balefire.”

“That is my name for these generations. I am old, much older.”

“If all that you showed me is true, it has to be much older. Foundation of Equestria old.”

“You fear me?”

“I fear what you want with me. For I do not know. I listened. I drank. I saw and I felt. What more do you want?”

“You saw each generation receive the intercessor. You saw that none has experienced me like Night Mage. But not even to you have I show myself fully to.”

“You want me to carry your message back with me.”

“Your friends and family shun me and keep away the sun and moon. They block the stars from those below. They keep things unnatural.”

“I am not sure I can carry your message,” Nor sighed. “Can you guarantee that I will make it back? That any of the four of us will make it back? I can give a report and tell the others, but you know that there is too much uncertainty. Equestria seems bent on destroying us.”

“No, I can not. I will do all I can, like I taught Night Mage magic. But will you be my prophet to the Pegasus Race? However long or short it is?”

“I will. I will go. I will tell my friends and my family and strangers. All who will listen. We make it back above and they will laugh. They will say the radiation screwed with my head. I will be looked down upon, like I was hurt from below. Pitied. Then again, they are right. I drank water from a pool that is fed by a Balefire Egg. That is a lot of radiation. It will only prove them right in their eyes.”

“But, yes. I will. Night Mage was afraid, but she trusted you. I have seen and felt. I know you scientifically. I will be your prophet, Balefire.”

“Balefire serves me well. It was the name the Zebras used for the spell and their bombs. It tears apart the unnatural magic that Equestria was bound to. I was known, long long ago, as Rhea. The mother of this world. You must keep my secret.”

“I will keep them all. Anything not known, hidden, I will keep.”

“Spread my truth. Listen for my voice. And take my blessing.”

Everything grew silent and then white. Nor’s eyes fluttered and he groaned back into reality. He was looking at a mare he didn’t know.

“How long was I out?”

“Four days,” She smiled. “Your friend is still here.”

“That sounds about right.”

Nor tried to sit up but was gently pushed down.

“How has my friend been handling himself?”

“More than fine,” She smiled. “He has been causing trouble with the Zealots.”

“Causing trouble?” Nor asked, raising and eyebrow.

“To our east is an old military checkpoint. The Steel Rangers hold it. We have tried to take the supplies in there before, but have failed. We could use the radiation medications. They got the job done.”

“Right, not everypegasus is blessed,” Nor groaned.

“How do you feel?” She smiled.

“Stable. Go tell the High Confessor. I know she is concerned.”

“Alright,” She smiled.

The High Confessor came in smiling.

“Well, we have had a lot of swaying and swooning and plenty of topples. Lots of crossed eyes for a few hours, but nopony has been unconscious. Especially as long as you have.”

“I hope Thunder didn’t freak out.”

“He was concerned, but behaved. He never blamed us.”

“What about visions?” Nor asked. “Have ponies seen visions?”

“What did you see?” The High Confessor asked excited.

Nor sighed. “What didn’t I see. I saw her alone, called by the Wind. When she found the first Seed and connected with Balefire. And the second Seed. I saw her get her Cutie Mark. I saw her meet the first sister, Jeweled Tear. I saw her meet, Spiral.”

“I saw the making of the kylix, the ceremonial bowl, with her very hooves. And I saw her first kiss. Their wedding of sorts. I saw this place get built and I saw her plant the Seed in the pool. I saw her give you all the Glow. I saw the first High Confessor, Silk Stream, take her place. And then every other High Confessor ceremony after it. Even yours, when you took over for High Confessor Mountain Promenade.

The High Confessor had no words. She was shocked.

“I can answer the follow up,” Nor stated. “I have a family, a job. I can’t stay. Yeah, I saw it. Yeah, I believe it. Yeah, I will talk. But I can’t stay. I have her blessing. I will take her truth to the Pegasus Race as she has asked me to.”

“She asked you?”

“Yes,” Nor nodded. “I have accepted her blessing and will take her words to the Pegasus Race, my home. Every time they laugh at me and mock me, I will remember watching them mock Ni… Soothsayer.”

“You know the Soothsayer’s name?”

“I am not allowed to reveal the secrets given to me. Only speak what you know.”

“You know all the High Confessor’s names?”

“I know you have a list,” Nor chuckled as he listed them off. “And, bonus. During your ceremony, the Phoenixes did a beautiful fly over.”

“You really did see it all,” She stammered.

Nor just nodded.

“I know who Jeweled Tear is, the legendary first Mother to the wandering group. But Spiral.”

“I am surprised that name didn’t live on,” Nor stated. “Spiral was one of the others. Third to join I think.”

“Oh, you mean Father Clay. He worked the dirt and made pottery for the group to use. Metal was valuable. Still is. But back then, ponies were hoarding it more than they were now. When they could, he would sell them and trade for food and goods. Whatever they needed.”

“I never saw that,” Nor stated. “I knew he worked with the clay and that he made those items. I knew he was important.”

“He is where we got the Father from. Many times, that role falls to the husband of the High Confessor. And they focus on pottery. The Foals make it and learn our heritage. Among the other school things they need to learn. It makes them feel good and have purpose.”

“That is an amazing idea. Just don’t be afraid to call more than one Father, or Mother. It can take a few to lead the foals at times. They are a hoof full.”

“There has been more than one at a time?”

“And High Confessor has not always been mares. You know that lineage, you figure that out.”

“I can’t believe we lost those.”

“You didn’t fully lose them,” Nor smiled. “I will let you sort through your records and rediscover that history. But now you know. And you might want to find out fast. I know you have not found a successor yet. And that you need to, soon.”

Nor rolled out of bed and walked out of the room. He left her to think on what he had said. As he walked outside, his presence was noticed. Mostly because they had seen the High Confessor head inside. There was plenty of talking between ponies. He couldn’t hear what they were saying about him.

Nor walked up to the pool and looked into it’s depths. Somewhere down there might be a Balefire Egg. It might have been detonated when the Seed was buried. If it was still there, it was safe. Safe enough.

“Is it gone?” Nor whispered to the Wind.

There was no response so he walked over to the cathedral. Thunder met him at the doors, helmet off.

“It is good to see you awake,” Thunder smiled.

“It is good to be up. But I haven’t exactly been asleep, to me.” Nor chuckled. “I heard you had some fun.”

“I made myself useful,” Thunder grinned. “But we can talk later. You are obviously trying to do something. And I have never been inside. Out of reverence. These ponies are nice, but I have a chill in my bones. Especially approaching here.”

“It is okay,” Nor smiled.

The High Confessor had caught up to him. Nor walked into the Cathedral and to the back. He looked at the table.

“What is it?” The High Confessor asked.

“I just saw these placed here,” Nor replied. “That is all.”

Not picked up the kylix. On the underside, the yellow spirals had a divot in them, making three triangles. Veiled Harmony’s mark. He had made the yellow ropes. He set it down and checked the chalice. It bore the mark underneath.

Nor gingerly picked up the moon yellow orb. The High Confessor gasped. Nopony had touched them since they were placed there. Nor felt the warm hum. He set it down in the same spot and picked up the burgundy one. It too had a warm hum. The hum was different from the yellow one.

He set it down and focused on the Seed. He dared to pick it up.

“Do you know what this is?” Nor asked. “Any of it?”

“No,” The High Confessor stated. “Relics. Connected to the Soothsayer. She owned them all. The bowl has always been for drinking water during the ritual. The others we know nothing about. The only thing on that table ever touched or moved, until now, was the ceremonial bowl.”

“They are all beautiful relics. Keep them here, safe. They have their purpose. Time will let that purpose be known. Are the Phoenixes still here?”

“Yes,” The High Confessor smiled. “The roost on the top of the Cathedral.”

“I hope I can see them,” Nor replied. “Outside a vision.”

“I can take you up to the top where their roost is. Right now if you wish. They may not be there. They have to hunt for food after all.”

“That would be wonderful. Because, I know it’s not late, but we need to head back to our outpost where the rest of the group is. I think tonight has to be our last night here.”

“Well, I could not ask for a better stay than what you have had. You have experienced us to the greatest degree possible. And taught us some lost information.”

The hatch opened to the roof. There was not much to stand on. It was there for emergency repairs, that was all. The nest was there, but only one Phoenix sat beside it.

“That would be Sparkling Might,” The High Confessor said. “He is a real sight to see. So regal. So elegant. And Powerful. He has been known to aid us the few times we have come under attack. Star Iris is the female. I do not know where she is.”

Nor just marveled at the beauty and the power of the creature. Few could match it, if any. It was green and gold, changed by the Balefire. But it lost nothing when it was compared to the unchanged Phoenixes. Nor’s studies had gone over the birds.

A screech came from above them and Star Iris circled down, diving at them. Nor held still and she pulled up, gently landing on his back.

“Nopony has had physical contact with them in ages,” The High Confessor marveled.

“Eh, us winged guys like to stick together,” Nor replied.

He was face to face with the Phoenix. “I wish I could take you above. They would kill you and me for it. You belong below here, watching over these ponies, for now.”

Star Iris flapped over to Sparkling Might. Two chicks popped up from the nest. The High Confessor gasped. They had not known they had laid eggs.

“Bright Radiance,” Nor called.

One of the chicks hopped over to him. Nor extended his hoof and the chick hopped on.

“And Swift Shimmer,” Nor smiled. The other chick joined her brother.

“Important names?” The High Confessor asked.

“Important, yes. Just like their parents.” Nor took a deep breath. “They were the Soothsayer’s family. Before the bombs fell. I just know it. The vision never gave that information. I just, listened.”