Away from Home

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter six
chapter seven
Chapter Eight
chapter nine
chapter ten
Chapter eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter One

Prologue

"Father, I am of more use here, not at some school that teaches friendship. Have one of the dukes send their foal to Equestria. Queen Celestia would see it as an act of faith on our part, and allow me to remain here," Caecus argued, pacing back and forth in front of the throne.

King Aquila Amor Highever simply watched as his youngest son tried to come up with a reason he shouldn't go to Equestria. While he agreed that the notion of learning friendship seemed a waste of time, it was the chance to gain a much-needed ally that was the true reason behind his decision. "Nay, you are going, as it would be a simple matter for the dukes to claim they sent the foals of their own free will. So you will go as a prince of Aquinas, and represent our kingdom and family in Equestria and show them we are willing to enter into an alliance."

Caecus stopped and looked toward the throne. "But, surely I would be of more use commanding troops along the border," the prince stated, looking toward his brothers for support. Neither offered any words on the matter and simply watched the display.

The king stood and walked over to Caecus. "Son, you must have faith that I'm doing what is best for Aquinas and you. If I thought there was any other way I would take it, but you must go." Aquila placed a hoof on his son's shoulder. "I am only sending you until we have secured Queen Celestia as an ally, then you will return home."

The prince looked down at the floor. Caecus didn't speak for a long while. "I shall do as you will father," he said at last.

"Very good. Now hurry off and pack your things, as you leave in the morning for Equestria," Aquila said.

Caecus gave a weak smile and left the room.

"Father, Caecus does have a point. He is a better soldier than a diplomat," his oldest son Amor Dei said, leaning against one of the pillars in the room.

Aquila couldn't deny that fact as he returned to his throne. "That may be, however; that is all the more of a reason to send him. To teach him some diplomacy."

Aurum chuckled a bit. “Aye, Caecus does lack those skills. But I must wonder, father, would it not have been simpler to have mother arrange a marriage? I mean, both the Hippogriffs and Equestria have unwed princesses, not to mention a few petty kingdoms," his second son pointed out.

While the thought had crossed the king's mind, he found that it would cause more harm than good. If by some luck the Hippogriffs or Equestria agreed to such a deal it would lead to discourse in the nobility, even more so if the Hippogriffs were the ones to agree. As for the petty kingdoms, none held anything that would be of use. "Nay, that would just cause us more trouble later on," Aquila said, taking his seat back on his throne.

Author's Note

The first time I'm trying a story like this and would love to hear your thought on it. So hope you are enjoying it. :)

Chapter Two

Professor Fluttershy was by far the meekest so-called hero of Equestria that Caecus knew. The yellow mare no doubt hid in the background as her friends dealt with the threat, or if she had a bit more of a backbone maybe gave moral support. Either way, she was a weak mare. It had been the first thing he noticed about her.

Caecus had not heard a word of Fluttershy's lesson, in large part because kindness would be of little use on the field of valor, or in the games of rulers. The only class he was willing to hear out was Rainbow Dash's, and that was due to loyalty being prized in his homeland with only courage and honor its equal.

With a sigh Caecus started to copy down what was written on the board; it was some nonsense as always. Last time it had been on assertiveness and how to remain kind when being assertive. Something that seemed counterproductive to the goal of assertiveness. If his father was kind in dealing with other kingdoms or nobles, Aquinas would have been torn apart and would be little more than a remnant of his past glories, or a ruin lost to time.

How Caecus hated his morning classes, as the next one was with that insufferable pink mare. The way that Professor Pinkie seemed to go through life without a care in the world, and seeking to make friends with every last sentient creature, and a few non-sentient ones, was something that the prince would never understand.

Caecus could not be bothered to know which students were even in his morning class. However, by the light smell of sulfur, he could tell that the dragoness was in his class, and with the sound of talons tapping on a nearby desk that made it clear that either the griffon or hippogriff was nearby.

The prince was gazing out the window when he heard a timid voice ask," Caecus?" He looked around to find Fluttershy with a questioning look on her face.

"Aye?" Caecus replied, unsure why the yellow mare had said his name.

"Are you going to join your group?" Fluttershy asked.

The prince glanced around the room and found the students had broken into groups of three, and to his dismay, the dragon and griffon were the only group that was missing a member.

"Nay," Caecus replied.

Fluttershy unsurprisingly was not angry and did nothing to try and use any of her authority to make him join the groups. Instead, she took a seat next to Caecus while the groups went about whatever they were doing.

"Is there any reason?" the yellow mare asked in her kind tone.

"Your class is pointless to me, and the lessons would put my life and the ponies I will one day lead at risk." Caecus didn't honor the mare with a glace.

There was silence for a long moment, no doubt the professor was planning her words.

"Why do you believe that? Wouldn't your father tell you to be kind, and care for others?" Fluttershy asked.

"Aye, he said to care for your subjects, and never said a word about kindness." Caecus held back his thoughts on the matter. He could recall his great-grandfather who was said to have been kind, which was what lead to his demise. The prince had no ambitions to follow that example. Better to learn from his uncle and father and lead with the rod of iron.

"I see... So are there any you are kind toward?" Fluttershy questioned.

"Nay, it only leads to weakness and sorrow." Caecus turned as he replied.

Fluttershy looked at him with pity. She had piercing eyes that made it hard for Caecus to look at her. The professor didn’t speak for a few moments, simply studying him.

"Why do you think that?" the yellow mare asked at last.

Caecus just glared at Fluttershy but held his tongue. After a moment he turned away. After a few minutes, the yellow mare got to her hooves. "You know, for somepony who thinks that kindness is a weakness, it’s clear that you don't truly believe it," the professor said as she went back to the front of the class.

The prince just shook his head. He was ready to laugh at the notion only to feel the weight of his medallion. Caecus forced the thoughts to the back of his mind. He would not let those foolish ideas take hold again. After all, he could do far more for his kingdom if he followed the paths of his great ancestors. Each a mighty warrior who did marvelous deeds on and off the field of valor.

After the class was over Caecus dragged his hooves a bit as he made his way toward the next one. He wondered what torment Pinkie had planned today. If it wasn't for the simple fact his father would look down on failing to attend any of the classes, he would have skipped them. He stopped in front of one of the windows, not wanting to reach the class before it started.

It seemed a shame to waste such a nice day, even if Equestria was warmer then he liked. The thought of sparring and practicing combat spells filled him with longing. Caecus wanted to hold a blade or halberd in his magic as he bested opponents, wished he could be out mastering Shield breaker spells. He was getting close to damaging a master level shield before he left, only to be trapped in a class that taught laughter, kindness, and other things useless in combat.

Why any of the students at this school willingly came here was beyond Caecus’s understanding. All he knew was that if he wasn’t following his father's will he would never have set hoof in this place, and would never have talked to non-ponies without a blade in his magic and soldiers at his back. How his father had thought this a better move than finding new allies closer to home was a mystery.

Equestria had a powerful military in numbers, but they were soft, weak, and not fit to enter combat beside the legions of Aquinas. With a sigh, he turned from the window and started toward his next class that was taught by a mad mare who had too much sugar. However, Caecus did have to admit he would be terrified of Pinkie if she put all that time and energy into the art of war.

Author's Note

Well, this chapter was fun to write.

Chapter Three

Caecus walked onto one of the school's balcony gave a clear view of the moonrise, the soft silver lighting the world below. This was one of the things that didn't change in Equestria, something that Caecus was thankful for every night as it reminded him of home, which seemed a world away at times.

In Highever there would have been the changing of the guard, serving colts bringing the dinner to the great hall, and a few knights walking the royal gardens.

That was not the case at this school, as there were no knights or guards. Below there were only a few students who had yet to turn in for the night. Some of them watched the moonrise, some talked with friends, and one or two tried to paint the night sky.

That night, as he was about to leave, Fluttershy walked onto the balcony and looked at up at the moon.

"Lovely night, isn't it?" she asked, not glancing toward Caecus.

Caecus could see no reason to disagree.

"Aye," he replied, looking up at the moon once again.

"Ever heard the story of Nightmare Moon?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nay," Caecus replied but found he wanted to know the story. He sat down. "So what’s the tale?"

Fluttershy sat at the edge of the balcony.

"The ponies a thousand years ago shunned the night and the princess who watched over it. Never once did they show her any kindness, and it ate away at her mind until there was only darkness that remained," she said.

Caecus shook his head, not in the mood to learn about kindness.

"Aye, what of it?" he asked coldly.

"Just thought you would like to know. I could tell you of how Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, or how she fought her sister to bring everlasting night, or how ponies started a cruel myth that she ate foals. However, that’s something that would not bug you." Fluttershy shrugged and just looked up at the moon. "I could also tell you of how the griffons can barely stand one another, how it’s every dragon for themselves, the hippogriffs' home was taken, or the hunger of the changelings."

"Hunger?" Caecus whispered to himself without thinking. He had never heard of the hunger of the changelings. For that matter, he only knew the basics; they could change into another, had an armored skin, and were cunning. Part of him wondered if that hunger was for foals, which could be the reason they took them.

Fluttershy didn't reply and just kept looking at the moon, as did Caecus, until at last the yellow mare glanced at him.

"You know, I asked Twilight about you and your homeland," she said.

"Go on tell me what you learned of me and my kingdom and how you think me misguided, but then I'll show you can’t judge me by what others say." Caecus felt a bit of anger growing within him.

The timid mare only smiled and shook her head.

"I would ask you the same question, as you did the moment you set hoof in this school. You judge me meek and useless, and no doubt you think that your fellow students are below you. I also have little doubt you’ve already made up your mind on the non-pony students," Fluttershy said.

If Caecus had talons, there would have been marks in the balcony's railing.

"I... I did..." He could not form the words to his reply, try as he might. His anger cooled, and all he could feel was shame at what he had done. Even as he tells himself, he was right. That each one of the non-ponies belonged to a race of killers and that Equestrians had never known the atrocities those races committed.

It was then he felt a comforting hoof touch his side.

"Forgive me for my words, but you needed to hear them. I know you can be kind, I saw how you loaned those books to Ocellus without being asked," Fluttershy smiled a bit.

Caecus didn't look at Fluttershy and wondered if she had been walking by the library that day, or if he had missed her. He just sat there for some time, his eyes fixed on the moon. After a few minutes, he heard Fluttershy stand start for the door. Just before reaching it, she stopped.

"And if you are wondering about the changeling hunger, you should ask Ocellus, as I could never explain it as she could," she said before leaving him to his thoughts.

The prince just sat there and thought, watching the stars as he did. Had he been home he would have went to Lord Commander Ignis or his father or mother seeking guidance, as they would have the answers. He had never been good with matters of the mind, unlike his brothers who always seemed to know what to do.

After an hour of thought, Caecus got to his hooves headed toward his room. The halls were nearly empty with only a few students burning the midnight oil, while the rest had no doubt turned in for the night.

Caecus's room was simple: a desk, a chest that he had brought with him filled with various things, and a bed. He did not head to the bed, finding that sleep did not come easy in Equestria. Some nights it was nightmares, others dreams that made little sense to him. Sometimes he would awake in a cold sweat.

So he would sit at his desk and read, some nights of wars long past, others of marvelous deeds of arms. However, this evening he would learn of myths and monsters. Even if he had found one member of the race he was to study harmless. Though that could have been part of Ocellus's cunning plans. He pulled a book from the chest and turned to the page marked “changelings”.

He needed to know if there was any mention of this ‘changeling hunger’ in history or myths. Caecus read for hours trying to find it but was only reminded of the monstrous deeds of the changelings. The tale of the last foals of Golden Hills and the siege of Great North Gate were two events that stood out the most. He closed the book as his the witching hour came, as he needed at least a little sleep before the first class of the day.

Chapter Four

Ocellus was always early to rise to double check her saddlebags to ensure all her day's needs were ready. She neatly packed her notebooks and writing instruments before heading to breakfast.

While the dining hall was not far from her room, she would need to cross the courtyard to reach it, something that Ocellus didn't mind this time of day as it was peaceful in the early morning. It could have been due to the calmness of the time, or how the light would shine off the morning dew. Whatever the reason, she found it was one of the reasons she arose earlier than most.

The halls of the school had a crispness to them that hinted at the end of summer. The scent of applewood filled the air as it burned in the school's many heaths, fighting off the chill of the morning. There were few awake this time of day and the ones that were had sleep heavy on their eyes. A few from the warmer parts of Equestria had donned cloaks, some of which had their cutie marks emblazoned upon them or their family's coat of arms.

The fallen golden leaves had been raked into neat piles and the autumn flowers were starting to bloom, dotting the garden with orange, red, and yellow flowers. Elegant stone benches sat along the walls and around the fountains.

The garden was nearly empty save for two that were on their way to get breakfast, and Caecus, who had a plate of food and was enjoying the brisk morning air, something that made sense as he must have been sweating most of the time. From what she learned of his homeland it was much colder than Equestria. That only added to his strangeness, as his fur was not as thick as most other students that came from colder areas.

From her reading Ocellus had learned more than a little about Caecus and his homeland. Aquinas was a land of artists, warriors, and ancient honor. They sang ballads of a long-forgotten time when the world was still young before the foundations of legends were laid. They spoke of the changelings of old and of the era of warriors, kings, and mighty heroes. She couldn't help but wonder, could beings as old as Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis, and Discord even recall those times?

The “Line of Kings” had been of great insight into the culture of Aquinas. The royal line was one that Ocellus found both grand and terrifying, as at times they were closer to villains, and at others, they stood with the greatest of heroes from any nation. From the depictions of his ancestors, one could not deny Caecus was their descendant. His mane was like that of fine silver, a commanding presence even if today he seemed less imposing.

Ocellus walked over to Caecus, wanting to wish him a good morning, but as she got close she could see how tired he was. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had yet to touch his meal. "Are you okay? You seem like you didn't sleep well," she asked without thinking.

Caecus glanced up at her. "Aye... I was burning the midnight oil studying last night." He paused. "So have the books I loaned you been of any aid?"

The books had been of more help than any she could have found in the library. Ocellus could only nod. "Yes, thank you again," she replied.

"Could I ask you a question?" Caecus asked, taking a glace down at his meal, seemingly unsure if he was going to eat it.

The changeling nodded. "Sure, what is it?" Ocellus asked, a bit curious.

Caecus turned his gaze back to Ocellus. "What is the changeling hunger?"

“It’s…” Ocellus looked to her hooves, not wanting to tell Caecus or anypony. “Why do you want to know?”

The silver-maned unicorn tapped a hoof on the stone bench. “I have read many tales of changelings, none of them made a note of a hunger. If you were to tell me it could fill in a few holes as to why your race did a few things.”

Ocellus was afraid to ask what those stories entailed, having read more than a few from other kingdoms. In Saddle Arabia she was told the hives there would steal foals and replace them with young drones, whose only task was to weaken the town and cities of Saddle Arabia. Other places had similar tales. “Do you really need to know?”

The unicorn gave a slight nod. “Aye, yet as it stands I only know that changelings steal foals and hatch evil plans in their dark hives to some unknown ends. So as it stands any reason for this could change my outlook.”

The changeling rubbed one of her hooves, the memory of the hunger coming back to her. She didn't want to remember those days, but Caecus had given her those books, and maybe he would understand. "Be... Before King Thorax we needed to feed off the love of other creatures. If we didn't our magic would weaken..." Ocellus said, not wanting to recall it another moment.

For a long moment, Caecus didn't say a word, seeming to ponder her words. The silver-maned unicorn showed no emotion as he thought. "Thank you," he said at last.

"You’re welcome. Now I think I'm going to get something to eat, so have a good morning," Ocellus replied.

Before Ocellus could take her leave Caecus spoke. "I... I was wondering, would you still like to study together?" The words seemed alien to him.

The changeling was taken aback a bit but knew he could be a great help to her report. That and they were also here to make friends. "I would like that. We can study in the library after classes are over," Ocellus replied with a smile.

"Very good, however, I do believe on the morrow is a wiser idea, as I will be in need of rest," Caecus said before turning back to his meal.

Ocellus nodded in understanding. "That sounds good, I’ll look forward to it," she replied before heading toward the dining hall.

After her classes, Ocellus was on her way to met up with her friends at Sugar Cube Corner. Usually, they would have all gone together, but today she needed to drop off a few things in her room.

The path into Ponyville was a short one, and the road was well maintained. Normally Ocellus would have passed a few by now, but today she had yet to see another on the path. The changeling didn't mind as it gave her time to relax. Overhead the clouds drifted lazily along.

When she reached Sugar Club she found her friends were talking and laughing at a table near the window. Each had a few sweet treats next to them. "Hay, Ocellus," Sandbar said when he saw her.

Ocellus smiled as she walked to join her friends. After she was seated she ordered a few cupcakes with buttercream frosting. "So what were you talking about before I got here?" the changeling asked, wanting to catch up on what she may have missed.

"Well not much, only trying to make up our minds if we wanted to go for a hike this weekend," Sandbar said.

A hike did sound like fun and a good way to relax after a long week. "That sounds like a great idea, so hiking trail," Ocellus asked.

"I was thinking we take the one to the Castle of the Two Sisters," Smolder said.

"I say the one near the Ponyville lake, more relaxing," Silverstream added in.

They talked for some time about where the best place to take the weekend hike would be. After some time they all agreed on the one near Ponyville lake, that way they could cool off after their hike.

Chapter Five

The day went like any other, classes dull as they were. Caecus sat in the school library waiting for Ocellus so they may begin studying. He still was unsure if this was his brightest idea or one of great folly. Still, it was a chance to study a changeling, something that any scholar of his homeland would have killed for. Myths and facts of the ancient race had become clouded, with some believing the race of shapechangers spawned from the depths of the abyss and would feast upon the flesh of foals.

Why, he would be able to get a sense of the changeling's motives and hopefully uncover a means to better deal with the ones that dwelled near his homeland. Even if Ocellus was from a strange hive that had embraced the ideals of Equestria, she was still a changeling. The meek changeling had a kind nature if what the prince had seen was not an act. She was as caring as Lady Dawn, or like one of the cleric mothers of the Order of Lux.

However, even the cleric mothers could hold their own when they were needed. So Caecus couldn’t help but wonder if Ocellus had some form of combat training, as he doubted that changelings would let any of their young live without learning how to defend the hive.

As he waited, he tapped his hoof on the hard wooden table. Caecus’s mind went to thoughts of ancient tales and myths. If the scholars of the faith were right, then the changelings were the children of Tenebris, which made them one of the elder races, something that only Eldlings, Dragons, and Sirens could also claim.

Soon the doors to the library opened and Ocellus ented carrying a pile of books in her magic.

"Afternoon, I hope your classes went well," Caecus said upon seeing the changeling.

The changeling smiled as she sat the books on the table and took a seat. "They did, how about your classes?" Ocellus asked as she started to pull pens and paper from her saddlebags.

Caecus didn't need to think long on his classes, as they were as always a dull affair. "They went well. So what part of my homeland are you currently studying?" the prince asked.

Ocellus looked through her notes. "Um... 'the line of kings' is where I left off."

The prince couldn't help but find amusing, as that was the part he was well-versed in, being taught the names and deeds of his family even before he could walk.

"My family history. Tell me, which king are you reading about?"

"King Seraphim Highever, but I was hoping you could tell me what it was like growing up there, as we do need to compare how life is different in the kingdom we are studying," Ocellus replied.

Caecus took in a deep breath as he recalled how life was different in Aquinas. He sat back in his seat and tried to pick where to start. He could have started with his schooling, or how he was named in the light of Lux, or how he had watched from the place by his brothers' side as a pony was put death, for what he could not recall. However, his mind went to the tales he heard the servants tell.

“Life is much different in my homeland yet at times the same, and if I was to tell of my foalhood it would not be the best example.” He did his best to smile.

“I’m sure your foalhood can’t be that strange, royal or not,” Ocellus said.

“Well… “ Caecus leaned on one of his hooves. “I was named in the great temple and was schooled in the ways of war from my earliest days. So I trained alongside the Eagle Guard, learning sword and spell as my father did before me, and his father before him. I have seen ponies put to death by my tenth year and...” He was about to say more when he took note of how Ocellus had a look of understanding. She was a changeling so maybe her early were much the same, yet Ocellus seemed too timid to have knowledge of such things. “Before I continue, why is it that you don’t seem troubled by any of what I just said?”

Ocellus put down her pen and tapped her hooves together. “All young drones were trained to fight… nearly all the other nymphs wanted to be great warriors like Pharynx or as cunning as Queen Chrysalis.”

“I take it you didn’t wish to be a warrior?” Caecus asked, interrupting.

Ocellus was silent, just looking at her hooves.

“No…” she said at last. The changeling glanced nervously around the room, seemly trying to avoid looking at Caecus. “So did you have any friends as a foal?”

Caecus wanted to ask more about her early years but thought it best not to. “Nay, my days were spent training. Now, if you were to have asked my brothers than you would have got countless names.” Caecus laughed a bit as he recalled his brothers. “Amor Dei and his friends would go and woo the mares. Why, Aurum was more than willing to mess with the servants.”

“So you don’t have any friends?” Ocellus asked.

Caecus thought on the matter. Did he have any he called friends? There was Titan, but could he call a pony bound to his family, whose duty it was to serve the crown, as a true friend?“Nay. As I said, I only had time to train. I’m the third born son so my life is meant to serve my family and kingdom, be it by commanding troops, holding lands, or marriage to another kingdom.”

Ocellus didn’t reply and to Caecus’s surprise seemed to have a look of understanding. She glanced at her notes.“Um… so any festivals or anything?” she asked.

“Well, there is the Feast of Lux, the spring and autumn fairs, tournaments that are held in honour of important days, or by one of the great lords who wishes to host one. Other than those only days of fasting and prayer, and mostly those are held for the honoured dead.” Caecus answered.

“I see.” The changeling seemed a bit lost in thought. Ocellus’s eyes seemed to have a hint of deep sadness when she looked at Caecus. This was something he took note of.

“What is it that vexes you?” Caecus asked.

Ocellus glanced at her hooves, then to Caecus.

“It… it’s just you seem like you could use some friends, and…” The changeling seemed to be fighting agest her shy and timid nature, looking to her hooves more than once. “So would you like to join my friends and me on a hike this weekend?”

‘Well I have nothing better to do, so it couldn’t hurt. That and it would be pleasant to have somepony to talk to.’ Caecus thought. “Very well, I see no harm in joining you and your companions on this hike. For now, let us focus on this project.”

The changeling smiled a bit, as she took hold of one of the books in her magic. “Okay, so how much do you know on Okahaven?”

Caecus laughed a bit, “Well, it seems I’ll need to find a book, as I never had reason to learn much of Okahaven or the family that rules it.”

Author's Note

Sorry, this chapter took so long.

Chapter six

Ocellus had set out right after her classes for the day had finished, as she was in need of new quills. A few of her friends had wanted to get some rest for the hike in the morning so had not tagged along. Silverstream and Sandbar had said they would meet her in the market after they got a few things for tomorrow, leaving her to head to Quills and Sofas alone.

The streets of Ponyville were always bustling with ponies going about their daily lives. At times Ocellus felt like she was back at the hive, with all the faces and chatter. Other times she felt out of place, like when the town was preparing for a holiday. The lights, colors, and sense of merriment and unity made her feel a calming peace in those times of the year.

Most of the buildings of the town were simple, made of wood cut from the Everfree and stone. A few had been passed down from the original settlers, while others had no doubt been sold to ponies who had moved to the small town. A few wealthier ponies had torn down or replaced the humble stone and wood houses for more elegant ones. The buildings in the town square were close together and reminded Ocellus of the forums of her hive.

Most of the ponies of the town paid her little mind as she strolled the streets, though there were a few that still looked upon her with mistrust and hate. It could not be helped as the wounds that her hive had inflicted on Equestria would take countless years to heal. All she could hope for was for the ponies of Equestria to one day see past all the wrong her race had done and to no longer fear them.

Ahead was her reason for coming into town today, Quills and Sofas. Her supply of quills was nearly depleted. With the shop was an assortment of sofas, some with elegant curving and silk cushions. Part of her wondered how soft they were. The other side of the shop had quills made of phoenix, eagle, and countless other feathers. Some had colors so vibrant they seemed to glow. Ocellus made her way down the rolls of quills picking out the ones that caught her eye.

There were a few others in the shop besides her. One stallion seemed to watch Ocellus closely, while the other didn’t seem to take note of her. The stallion had a short-cut mane and tail, and he wore a small silver pin of owl. The changeling could feel the weight of his gaze and sense the hate. Not wanting to stay longer than she had to, Ocellus headed for the counter, paid for the quills, and left. Ocellus did her best not to think of the stallion in the shop as she walked.

The market was filled with ponies buying and trading goods. Her friends were near a stall that sold odds and ends from all around the world. Some of the items were from exotic places like Saddle Arabia or the Moonlit Isles. A few bits of pottery and an old helmet she recognized as being made by changelings. Near the back of stall was a tapestry that was woven of fine silks of bright vibrant colors and showed a tall, proud tree. If Ocellus recalled the tree was one of the steel woods from Aquinas.

“Hey guys,” Ocellus said once she was next to her friends.

Silverstream and Sandbar both greeted her.

“So, you get the things you needed?” Silverstream asked.

Ocellus nodded. “So what are you looking at?”

“Nothing in particular, we were just looking around till you got here,” Sandbar said, tilting his head and looking at a painting. It was of a castle upon a high mountain, with a few ponies working a field as armored ponies with wings on their armor marched by. Each one of the knights were painstakingly painted by a pony who clearly revered them.

Ocellus started at it for a few moments until she recalled her study session with Caecus. Oh, it’s a painting of Dawn’s Reach Tor, and that must be what the famed knights of the region look like, the changeling thought.

“Well, I could go for some hayburgers before we head back to the school,” Silverstream said.

As they made their way toward the restaurant Ocellus had a feeling of being watched, however each time she glanced around she spotted nothing. A few times Sandbar had asked what was wrong, to which she would simply say, “It’s nothing, just seeing if I can spot anypony from the school.”

After they had reached and ordered they found a place to talk. Ocellus had been the one to ask, “So how are your projects coming along?”

“Oh, Griffons are so interesting. Well not the part of being greedy, but in the ways they are like us hippogriffs,” Silverstream said as they waited for their food.

“Mine is coming along fine as well, how about yours?” Sandbar asked Ocellus.

Ocellus thought of the mountain of notes and things she had learned so far. “I think I’ll be done sometime next week. Really, it’s not that hard when your study partner is from there.” The changeling smiled.

“Hm, so you’re studying with Prince Caecus?” Silverstream asked with an interested, nearly playful look on her face.

“Yes. Oh, and I hope you don’t mind, but I asked him if he wanted to join us on our hike tomorrow.” Ocellus took note of how Silverstream seemed to grin as she spoke.

“So, you like Caecus?” Silverstream asked.

“Um, yes, he’s really nice once you get to know him,” Ocellus said, tilting her head a bit, finding the question odd, as if she didn’t, why would she invite him on the hike?

Silverstream shook her head a bit. “I mean, do you really like him?”

Ocellus stared blankly at her friend until it dawned on her, turning her face a shade of red.

“Oh… I… Well…” She wasn’t sure if she didn’t like Caecus in that way. After all, he did have a lot of traits a changeling looked for in a mate: he was no doubt trained as a warrior and carried himself as one. He was strong and if the tales of his family magic was true was also not weak when it came to the arcane, though she had yet to see any cunning from him. However, as she thought the realization come to her: those are traits she would have looked for under Queen Chrysalis. “I don’t know…”

Before Silverstream could reply their meals arrived. The hippogriff and Sandbar seemed to simply enjoy their meals, while Ocellus just stared at the hayburger. Do I like Caecus, and if I do how do I show I’m interested. Even if he was a changeling I wouldn’t know what to do… the changeling thought taking a bite of her meal. Ocellus glanced at Silverstream. Surely her friend could aid her? “Um, if I did like Caecus what… what do I do…. I mean, how do I show an interest?”

Sandbar simply listened while he ate.

Silverstream tapped a talon on the table as she thought. “Well, that is a tough question. I could tell you hippogriff courtship… but I doubt there would be much overlap with Aquinas’. Even Equestria’s is different, so this may be a better question for Professor Rarity.” The hippogriff smiled.

Ocellus glanced at her hooves before looking toward her friends. “Okay, I’ll ask her for advice next week. For now, do you mind if we talk about something else?” the changeling asked, wanting to change the subject away from her.

“Well, Nightmare Night is in a few weeks. Any idea what you're going as?” Silverstream asked.

Author's Note

A happy new year to one and all.

chapter seven

Ocellus had donned her lightweight cloak, but it was more suited to keep the sun’s rays off than to fight off a chill. The halls of the school were nearly empty with the other students either in town or visiting the nearby city of Canterlot. At the main door of the school, her friends stood, most with their cloaks on. Sandbar and Gallus had the simplest, being made of cotton, and held no grandeur to them. Smolder’s was light, but with the dragoness’s inner fire, it was no doubt far warmer than it looked. Silverstream’s was a pale blue with two hippogriffs holding a shield, while Caecus’s was red and emblazoned with a crowned gold eagle.

“Morning Ocellus,” the group greeted her as she reached them. Afterward, they started for hiking path.

The spot the group had picked for the hike was alongside the lake. A few trees were along the path and a few leaves fluttered in the wind as they strolled. There had not been much said up to this point. Ocellus knew it was due to her friends being uneasy around Caecus, as he did come across as cold at times. She knew she would need to start any conversation.

Well, Caecus is a warrior, a prince, has a good bit of knowledge of myths, and has two older brothers, she thought, hoping to find anything to start with. “Smolder, are you still looking for a pony to spar with?” Ocellus asked.

“Yes, but I doubt I’ll find anypony willing. It’s a bit dull without any serious competition.” Smolder sighed a bit.

Ocellus glanced back to Caecus who seemed unsure if he should say anything. “Caecus, did you tell me you missed being able to spar?” she asked, hoping he would catch the hint.

Caecus didn’t reply at first, seeming to think it over. “Aye… just never sparred against a dragon. However, I have gone over fighting techniques that my ancestors wrote down.”

Smolder laughed a bit. “What, worried you won’t be able to beat me?” the dragoness taunted. “I mean, only a few great ponies have ever won against my kind.”

“Just come with the time and place,” Caecus replied with a hint of a smile. “Then we shall see which of us is the better warrior.”

“Next weekend, near the lake. I hope you can handle a bit of fire.”

Most of her friends whispered who they thought was going to win, and nearly all agreed that Smolder would. Silverstream didn’t say either, and instead glanced toward Ocellus. “How about you, Ocellus? Who do you think will win?”

Ocellus bit her lip a little. She didn’t want to favor either of her friends. “I… I think Caecus has the better odds, but then again, Smolder has flight and armored skin. So I really can’t say either way,” she replied, trying not to take sides.

Caecus glanced around the group of friends and the area they walked, he had fallen behind the others, with only Sandbar still walking at his pace. The earth pony seemed a friendly sort, however, lazy he appeared. Had Sandbar been from Aquinas he would be an apprentice or had joined the legion.

“So, any interests?” Sandbar asked in a laid-back manner as they walked.

The prince thought for a few moments. “Well, I have taken part in a few melees and entered into the joust a few times. Other than that, strategy and mastering swordponyship,” Caecus said, leaving out the more foolish things that nopony would care about.

“Ever win any?” Sandbar asked as they want along the dirt path, the others talking just ahead.

“Aye, the melee once or twice, the joust nay. I lack the motivation to do so, as gold and fame is nothing, and I have nay a mare in my life of whom to win the favor.” Caecus recalled how Lord Redhoof had bested him in the third round, only for Aurum to beat Redhoof in the final round.

Sandbar chuckled, “I’m sure you’ll find one, not like you’re a prince or anything.” This time she heard both of them laugh. “So are we bad as you thought?” the earth pony asked.

Sandbar glanced ahead toward the rest of the group. “So are we bad as you thought?” the earth pony asked.

“Nay, though I don’t know enough about most of you to say either way,” Caecus replied. Even if he found them the oddest group of friends he had ever met, and he has seen many strange parties come to his father’s court.

Sandbar smiled a bit. “Well, you seem to like Ocellus,” he pointed out.

“One could call it that, but respect would be a better word.”

Sandbar titled his head a bit, “Well, what do you respect about her?”

“She’s smart, kind, eager to learn, and would nay doubt make a fine scholar, keeper of wisdom, or even ruler of a piece of land,” Caecus replied. I could call her a friend as well, he thought.

They passed by the lake, the wind making small waves over the water’s surface. Ocellus could feel her cloak flap a bit in the breeze, the cold making her shiver. She would need to get a warmer cloak before winter, as she was not looking forward to the snow this year. After a bit, they started up a hill that seemed steeper than it was, and after reaching the top they rested. Sandbar handed out a few snacks he had bought for everypony.

Ocellus enjoyed the cupcake, but she could feel a strong chill carried by the wind. She missed some joke that Gallus told but seemed to get a good laugh from the rest of the group. As she looked toward her friends Ocellus felt a warm, soft cloak placed around her. The changeling could only glace at Caecus.“But, don’t you need your cloak?” she asked.

“Nay, this is nothing to Autumn in Aquinas,” Caecus replied before going over to Smolder. The pair seemed to both be trying to one-up each other in their boasting.

Ocellus loved the softness of the lamb’s wool cloak, and couldn’t help pulling it tighter around herself. She couldn’t help but study Caecus, using a bit of her early training to remain inconspicuous while doing so. She had never taken note of his bright gold eyes, unlike those of other ponies she had seen. There was a warmth to them behind the coldness.

It was not long before they started down the hill and passed close to the Everfree. The forest still gives her a feeling of dread and forlorn feeling that came as they walked along the outskirts. Some said it the battle between the royal sister that had cruse this place, other than some ancient war was waged with spells of unspeakable power. Either way, the place could take the heart of the bravest warrior.

With a smile and a glance back Ocellus could see the nervousness of Caecus as they passed by the forest, and his relief once they were on a path back to town and away from the cursed forest. The wind seemed to pick up as they went along, and it made Ocellus thankful for the cloak, yet she also wondered if Caecus was putting on front and hiding how cold he was.

They stopped for another break by the side of the lake. Smolder and Gallus skipped stones across the face of the water. Sandbar, Yona, and Silverstream watched the rock jump over the water, while Caecus paid little mind to the skipping stones. “I think I’m going as a zombie this year for Nightmare Night, what about the rest of you?” Sandbar asked.

“Oh, a siren… no wait, a mummy! Then again…” Silverstream seemed a bit lost as to what to be.

“Skeleton dragon for me. What about you, Ocellus?”

Ocellus wondered if she should use her changeling magic or dress up like the rest of her friends for the holiday. “I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I still have time,” she replied.

“Okay, and what about you, Caecus?” Smolder turned to face the prince.

“I will not be partaking in the festivities, as the whole thing seems strange to me. That and I’m unsure if a follower of Lux should celebrate a night dedicated to a demon,” Caecus replied.

The group gave him strange looks. “It’s just a night to have fun and goof around, it’s not like we’re doing anything wrong,” Gallus spoke up. “If anything, the whole night is meant to keep the nightmare away.”

Caecus shook his head. “Be that as it may, I’ll stay far from the festivities all the same.”

“Your loss. More candy and games for the rest of us,” Gallus replied.

After an hour the group made their way back toward the school. The town was busy as ever with ponies going about their day. Once back inside the halls, the warm felt odd after hours in the cool autumn air. Ocellus was about to return Caecus’s cloak when he said, “Nay, keep it. I have a few more.”

Ocellus blushed a little. “No, I couldn’t keep it,” she said meekly as she offered it back.

Caecus smiled a bit. “Nay, I insist it. As a gift for a new friend.”

He sees me as a friend, Ocellus thought happily. “Thank you.”

Author's Note

I really need to think of a cover art for this story. :twilightoops:

Chapter Eight

Sandbar looked over his score on his report. While not as good as some, he did get a passing grade on it. Ocellus and Silverstream were the ones who had gotten the highest scores, while Caecus had managed to somehow get the same grade as Sandbar, something the earth pony had a hard time understanding as the unicorn had studied with Ocellus and was even from the Kingdom of Aquinas.

Sandbar strolled down the streets of Ponyville, wrapped in a cloak. The weather had grown a bit colder, but it was still a month away from the first scheduled snows of winter. That had not stopped the students from donning their winter cloaks.

The earth pony was still unsure of what to think of Prince Caecus Amor Highever. At times he seemed cold, distant, and unwilling change his mind, other times he seemed unsure, with fears and worries like any other pony. He could see some of what Ocellus no doubt did. While the prince could use more lessons on kindness, he was not without a kind of caring. He had started training with Smolder in the combat arts. Sometimes he lost, others he won, but either way, the two seemed to get along. Silverstream, Yona, and Gallus had yet to make up their minds on Caecus.

A few of the shops had put up their Nightmare Night decorations, and a few—like the Cakes—had set up haunted houses. Others just put covered pumpkins on their doorsteps with a few fake spiders on webs. Sandbar knew his family would have already set up fake bones, tombstones, and put out ragged old cloth made to look like a ghost. Part of him wanted to be home helping with the holiday and taking his younger siblings trick or treating.

He stepped inside a shop that sold all manner of costumes. There he found Silverstream pacing back and forth looking at all them. The hippogriff had yet to make up her mind on what to dress as. So far she had thought mummy, siren, ghost, zombie, and countless others. Doubtless, if there was a way for her to go as them all, she would.

“Um, still can’t make up your mind?” Sandbar asked.

Silverstream smiled as she glanced over to him. “Nope, but I’ve decided against going as a mummy siren pirate,” she replied. “I’m liking the sound of a vampire ninja.”

Sandbar did his best to imagine what those costumes would look like but failed horribly. “Well, I’m sure you’ll make up your mind sooner or later. Oh, seen any good masks?”

Silverstream nodded and pointed toward the back of the shop. “There are a few good ones over there.”

Sandbar went to where his friend had pointed. A few of masks were made to look as if they had a missing eye and bit of the jaw missing. Each one had a uniqueness to it, but the earth pony settled on one with more of a rotting flesh look. As he turned to head back to Silverstream in hopes of helping his friend make up her mind, he ran into a stallion with a short mane and tail, with a silver owl pinned to his cloak. “Excuse me, I should have been watching where I was going,” Sandbar said.

“Nay, no need. I was admiring those fine masks and costumes,” the stallion replied. “A shame some races wear masks that put these to shame.”

“Yes, changelings do have an edge when it comes to costumes,” Sandbar replied, finding himself becoming more uneasy as the stallion seemed to study him. Sandbar looked over to Silverstream. “Excuse me, but my friend is waiting for me to return.” He started to back away from the stallion.

Once Sandbar reached Silverstream he glanced back to where the stallion had been and found he had seemingly disappeared.

“Something wrong, Sandbar?” the hippogriff asked.

“No, just was talking to a strange stallion.” Sandbar glanced over his shoulder.

“How so?” Silverstream replied.

“I don’t know, just something was off about him.” Sandbar turned back to face his friend.

“Well, I’m sure he was harmless.” Silverstream thought for a moment. “But I do have something I would like your help with.”

“Sure, but if it’s helping you pick a costume, I’m not sure if I’ll be much help.” Sandbar rubbed the back of his head.

“No, but come on, do you know how hard it is to pick just one!” Silverstream replied. “But the thing I was hoping you could help me with is getting Caecus to join us on Nightmare Night, and maybe see how he feels about Ocellus.”

“Um, why me?” Sandbar asked. “And if you haven’t noticed, Caecus is a huge stick in the mud, so it won’t be easy.”

“I know you’ll think of something.”

The day seemed to fly by as Sandbar went about his day, but he was finally back at the school. The hall was still, as most of the students were still out in Ponyville or studying. He would have looked for his friends but he knew that they were tending to other things. Smolder was hanging out with Spike, and Silverstream was still trying to find the right costume. Yona and Gallus were busy with homework, and Ocellus was helping Professor Rarity. That left only Caecus, who was more of an acquaintance, as Sandbar was not sure if they were friends.

As Sandbar passed by Caecus’s room he could hear a strange tone. The door to the room was open do his curiosity got the better of him. Inside the prince sat at his desk, writing something on parchment, while at his side was a blue music box. The song it played was sweet, yet had a sorrow to it. Caecus hummed along to the wordless tune as he listened.

Working up his nerve, Sandbar knocked at the door.

“Enter.” Once Sandbar was in the room Caecus turned to face him. “So, what brings you to my door?”

“Nothing, I just heard music and was wondering what it was.” Sandbar looked at the music box.

After a long moment, Caecus sighed. “It’s called the Song of Highever, but I doubt that music brought you here.”

Sandbar thought back to earlier, and how Silverstream had asked him to help. “Well, I was hoping you would join us for Nightmare Night. I know you said you didn’t want to join in the festivities but it is a fun night, and I doubt you have any other plans.“

Caecus stared at Sandbar. “I have nay reason to partake in Nightmare Night. It has nay meaning to me and could be argued that it is honouring a nightmare. My time will be better spent reading.”

“I know, but will you at least think about it?” Sandbar tried to think of a reason for him to join. “I’m sure Ocellus and the others would love if you joined us. After all, you are our friend.”

The prince leaned on his hoof and didn’t speak for some time. Only the music box made any sound. After the tune was done, did Caecus reply. “Fine, I’ll consider it, but I’ll hear nay more about it.”

Well, it’s a start. Now with luck Caecus may well join us for Nightmare Night. “Thank you,” Sandbar said, taking his leave of Caecus’s room.

chapter nine

The last time Ignis had been to Novus Flumen, he was but a newly orphaned colt found by Ordermaster Ironfaith. The city had been smaller then and had little in the way of proper walls and temple. Now the temple's wall towered overhead and shined with the glory of Lux, with a mighty wall of stone where once was a wooden palisade. The midday bells filled the city with their music, and the chatter of ponies filled the air.

The castle of Novus Lapis had grown from a humble timber keep to a mighty stone fortress. There were five towers whose points shone in the sun's rays, each a testament to the glory of Aquinas. The Flumen flowed alongside the north side of the castle and through the heart of the city. A few boats moved down the waters carrying ponies and goods.

Along the street, ponies and griffins went about their days. Some traded goods, while others looked for work. The Ordermaster spotted a few hired swords guarding some of the finer shops. Most were griffins seeking to earn some coin, a few earth ponies and the odd unicorn. He had never been fond of mercenaries but knew there was little he could do about it.

Once he reached the keep he was led down the halls toward the study of Novus Amore Highever, the sister of the king. Novus was a mare of great beauty, from her elegant great horn to her feathered hooves. The lady of Novus Flumen laid on a couch near the hearth, sipping at a glass of wine as she read some letters. Once she spotted Ignis she motioned for him to take a seat on the chair near her.

The Ordermaster did as he was bid, and sat waiting for Novus to finish reading the letter she had in her magic. Once she had she set it on a nearby table.

"I trust the journey from Aquinas was uneventful?" she asked.

"Aye, only the riff-raff of a few inns and taverns. Could have avoided most of them altogether by spending the night within a local Order Hall." Ignis watched as Novus motioned for one of her hoofmaidens to pour him a glass of wine.

“My thanks.” Ignis took a sip of the wine and found it too sweet for his taste. He much preferred the strong red of Tor. “May I inquire as to the reason you summoned me, your majesty?”

Novus dismissed her hoofmaidens before she spoke. “I’m beset by bandits, disorder, and most importantly, rumors of dark forces at work. Also, I have to deal with daily suitors, and a few of those I have rejected have taken to slander, which I’ll not give any attention to.”

Seems I’ll need to summon more of my order here. “I see. Have you tried seeking the aid of your brothers? I’m sure Prince Shadowhoof could spare a few legionaries or his grace King Aquila could lend some of the Eagle Guard." Ignis placed the wine on a nearby table. “Though I am more than happy to help call for more of my order if that is your wish.”

“It is, as I need ponies I can trust.” Novus sighed before taking another sip of her wine. “As for asking aid of my brothers, I will most certainly handle this without them. Otherwise, I will be seen as nothing more than a figurehead with no real power. Tell me, do you know what a challenge it is to rule over griffins?”

“Nay, I never had to deal with them under my command.” Ignis glanced outside the vaulted windows. On the wall was a mix a griffins and unicorn archers, and in the bailey were a mixed number of each race. The Ordermaster had not noticed this when he entered Novus Lapis.

“Some are the cubs of the old guard that had the sense to kneel before my grandfather, while others are lowborns seeking a warm bed and meal,” Novus said, glancing to where Ignis was looking. “So more than a few would break at the first sign of a fight.”

Ignis regarded the griffins for a moment. He could use one of his knights to find the disloyal and craven ones. “I’ll see what I can do about that, but this is nay a simple task and could very well take months.”

“I’m well aware, which is why I asked a pony of skill to aid me in this matter.” Novus smiled. “That and the fact those griffins and bandits need to learn of the faith.”

“Very well, I’ll see to this matter, as well as your outlaws.” The Ordermaster turned back to face Novus.

“Thank you, I’ll have my servants prepare a room for you at once.” Novus called for one of her hoofmaidens to see to the room before she turned back to Ignis. “I’ll also have my master of arms informed you will be acting on my behalf.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“Ah, before you go, tell me: do you think my nephew will fall prey to the ideals of Equestria?” Novus asked before Ignis could take his leave.

The question had crossed his mind, but he had known Caecus for most of the young prince’s life so doubted they he would succumb to the false ideals of Queen Celestia. “Nay, he is loyal to Lux, Aquinas, and his family,” Ignis replied before being lead to his room.

The room was more luxurious than he was accustomed to. The bed sheets were silk, and the wood engraved with gold. The drapes were emblazoned with the royal eagle. Near the window was a desk. Ignis moved to the window and found his room overlooked the garden. He sat at the desk and sighed as he pulled out a long pipe and lit it.

The Ordermaster meditated, blowing smoke rings as he was accustomed to after a long day. His mind wandered to many things, the task at hoof heavy on his mind. Which of his knights should he summon to aid him? Sir Fire Heart and Sir Ferrum were the first two that come to mind, as both were highly skilled and loyal. Ferrum was bolder than Fire Heart so he may be a better pick.

Ignis glanced toward the bed, his bones were weary after his long journey here. He knew the bed would be overly soft as all royal beds tended to be. He preferred a firmer bed, but still he needed his sleep so in the morning he would see about getting one more to his liking.

As Ignis sat there he couldn’t help but think that he was no doubt being watched by any number of spies from countless lords, and a few of the queen’s.

Early the next morning Ignis met with Master of Arms Burnwall in the courtyard. He was as one would imagine a griffin of rank to look; large, powerful wings, spare talons, and a few scars that marked his face. Burnwall was the son of the former captain of the old guard, which did little to put the Ordermaster’s mind at ease as it was unclear where his loyalty would lie. “Your Lordship.” Burnwall bowed as he greeting Ignis.

“Sir Burnwall, I trust that Princess Novus has informed you that I’m acting in her name?” Ignis asked.

“Aye.” Burnwall seemed less than happy about it.

Ignis had thought about the matter most of the night, as he had found that sleep didn’t come easily. “I want you to move your guards to patrol the main streets of the city along with the side, as judging by what I've seen so far most of them are green.” The Ordermaster didn’t need to look far to find ponies who were more fitted to work a shop than man the walls.

“I would ask about the outlying village and hamlets, but I trust you will have your order to deal with them. However, would it not be more of a benefit to smoke the rats from their holes?”

That would work in dealing with smaller groups, but doubtless, the larger ones have friends in the nobility. “Nay, that would only lead to more cunning ones. Best strengthen our presence before we strike at them,” Ignis replied. That and I do not trust you yet.

“Very well, I’ll order my stallions to patrol the streets.”

“Good, now I must take my leave as I have many things to tend to,” Ignis said before starting for the temple district.

Ponies clothed in robes tented the gardens of the temple, as other stood before statues of the honoured dead. Some left flowers at the hooves of the statues, other slight preys. Along the streets, a few shops were busy with making bread and other goods, while a few want long the streets sweeping the stones clean for the day.

Ignis bowed his head as he passed the temple, his goal the small order hall nearby. The building had the holy symbol of Lux on the door and stained glass windows. It was nowhere near as grand as the ones in the heartland and held only a small group of his order, but it was a start. Within, the cleric-mother was seeing to the cooking of their morning meals. She was an older mare, with streaks of grey in her golden mane. “Ordermaster.” She bowed upon seeing Ignis.

“Morning.” Ignis smiled as he looked around. The Knights of the order hall were out along with the paladin.

The cleric-mother moved to place a plate at the head of the table. “Forgive me. Had I knew you were coming I would have set a place for you, Ordermaster.”

“It’s fine. Few know where I tend to journey and how long I stay.” Ignis took a seat at the long table. “Tell me, what is your name and who is the head of this hall?”

“Paladin Ice is our orderlord, and I’m Mother Ember Heart.”

Paladin Ice was a name Ignis had heard before, a loyal member of the order but not overly brave. “Very well, I’ll need to speak with him once he returns. I’ll need a quill, parchment, and a messager candle.”

Mother Ember bowed and went to retrieve the requested items. While she was away Ignis took the time to look over this order meal hall. It was clean and simple like many others, and the windows filled the hall with lights of many colours. The hearth was lit and filled the hall with warmth and the aroma of burning oak. Along the side of the room were a few tapestries and a pair of spires above the hearth.

Ignis began to smell the salmon cooking as Mother Ember appeared with parchment, quill, and candle held in her magic. “Ordermaster, here are the items you requested.” She smiled as she placed them on the table in front of Ignis.

“Thank you.” Ignis started to write up an order of Sir Ferrum to bring his soldiers and join him at once. After the order had been written up he placed it over the candle. “Oak Heaven,” he said before the parchment burned and a cloud of smoke left out through the hearth towards the Heartland city.

Mother Ember hummed as she finished setting the table, then rang a bell that told the others that the meal was ready. There were twelve in all. Paladin Ice was a middle-aged stallion, his surcoat worn in places, and the grail emblazoned upon it showed his rank within the order. The others were a mix of stallion-at-arms and colts.

Even before they greeted Ignis, the Ordermaster knew his plans would have to wait until Sir Ferrum arrived. Till then he would work on dealing with matters in Novus Flumen, even if the outlying towns would be left defend themselves for the time being.

chapter ten

Caecus watched from the upper window of the school as the other students talked and joked. A few kicked a ball between themselves and seemed to be trying to get it into a bucket. They were in two units; both had an earth pony, one had a pegasus while the other a bat pony, and unicorns used their magic to hold the bucket. It seemed queer to Caecus as he watched, as he had never seen a game that seemed to serve no use other than enjoyment. Then again, he had never spent much time outside the walls of Highever, and when he had it was always with father, mother, or uncle. Both teams laughed as one got the ball in the bucket before starting the whole thing over again.

The prince had learned a few of the players’ names like Rose Heart and Silent Night from his classes, but the others he didn’t know. Caecus turned from the window and started down the long hall with not heading anywhere in particular.

I wonder if Father has started preparing for the winter festival and if my brothers will partake in the joust this year. How I wish I could instead of enduring this kingdom’s Nightmare Night, he thought as he made his way down a flight of stairs.

As the days had grown closer to Nightmare Night, the school had begun to prepare for the night. The teacher told the stories of Nightmare Moon, even if they were more myth than fact. The other students were eager to make plays with their fellows, even the ones Caecus could stand seemed anxious for the night. How can they look forward to a holiday that is not their own… he wondered.

In the main hall of the school, ponies worked to decorate the great hall. Spiders, bats, and other things that ponies feared were hung from the rafters by unicorns and pegasi, as others used ladders to place webs along the sides of the hall. A few of the students helped by carrying boxes of decorations. Sandbar and Silverstream were two that worked on the great hall, the hippogriff was busy hanging a few spiders on cloth webs, while Sandbar was carrying one of the boxes.

Part of Caecus wanted to point out how they should place a few of the fake cobwebs along the windows, as he had seen a few abandoned castles and buildings over the years. Lakestad had been the creepiest of all if he recalled Aurum’s tale of how the lord of the castle had gone mad and killed all that dwelled within, with some saying the lord was found and still walked the halls seeking to kill more ponies. A foal’s tale he later learned, but still, Lakestad was surly hunted by something.

Nopony spoke to him as he walked across the hall. Once outside in the courtyard he felt the chilled air blow agest his fur. There was little doubt that winter would come soon. He started for the town, not heading anywhere in particular. The town was alive with ponies setting up for the holiday, and each shop had bats or spiders in the windows. Foals played all manner of games, and a few seemed to be playing warriors.

Sugarcube Corner had all kinds of seasonal sweets in the window, a few Caecus was tempted to buy. Inside the shop, he could see the Cakes and Pinkie busy at work. All seemed happy as they want about their day.

He walked until he came to the Everfree. The forest seemed even more haunted this time of year. Many of the trees were bare, and the others’ leaves had turned gold and brown. The ground was blanketed in leaves that had fallen to the earth below and smelled of mold and decay. He stayed only a moment before he started back toward the town.

Would it do me any harm to partake in the festivities of this kingdom? Caecus wondered as he walked. After all, if he was here on a royal visit it would have been a must, as he had witnessed his father take part in the holiday of Tenebrae on their visit. Even now Caecus could still see the beauty of the caves they entered and how the crystals shone with a dark light. How his father had sat next to King Noctis as the bat ponies of Tenebrae sang and danced.

Just ahead Caecus could make out the forms of Smolder and Spike as they flew through the air. Now and then one would blow a ring of fire. Smolder was the better flyer of the two, but Spike had the more unusual colour of the two, being green over the common reds and whites of other dragons. After some time had passed the pair of dragons moved out of sight, even if a cloud of smoke could be seen every so often.

Once back in the town proper surrounded by ponies going about their day, Caecus had never felt more alone. At Highever he had his family, loyal guards, teachers and the faith but here he found himself more isolated. The prince knew it was his own doing. “Caecus? Is everything okay?” The prince nearly jumped as he heard Fluttershy’s voice.

“A...Aye just taking in the sights,” Caecus replied. Fluttershy was carrying bags filled with all manner of food. If he was to guess it was for her many pets.

“You should see the Apple Family corn maze once it’s finished. Last year I hear that Apples themed the maze after the Castle of the Two sisters, one even dressed as a pony of shadows.”

Caecus was unsure how a maze made of corn would be either terrifying or difficult to found one’s way through. It seemed more in line with entrancing foals than grown ponies.“Not my thing. I plan on staying well clear of Nightmare Night.” Caecus looked at back at the ponies setting up.

“Any reason? I mean, I know I like spending the night at home, but I’m also not the bravest and I don’t like scaring ponies.”

That doesn’t surprise me, Caecus thought as he looked back at Fluttershy. “My reasons are my own.” He said knowing his reasons were fairly weak if they were even that. He had no duties to perform here or any assignment to complete and he doubted he could find a reason of faith to avoid the holiday.

Fluttershy didn’t speak for a moment. “A shame I would join my friends if I could, as the idea of Nightmare Night is enjoyable. Even if the whole Nightmare Moon will gobble you if you don’t leave a candy offering is a bit strange.”

And therein lays one of the reason, why most it be a Nightmare. Caecus wondered. Even if it was all in good fun, he still didn’t feel right about the idea of offering anything to a demon. “I don’t know, the whole of idea of having a day celebrating a monster seems queer to me.” Along with vail in many ways.

“Oh, no if anything it was a way of remembering an event that shock Equestria. However, it has changed from its roots as a night to dread and mourn to become a night of fun for all. Most towns hold fairs with dancing and games, it really just a night to have fun with friends any more.” The shy mare smiled a bit.

While odd Caecus had read of other holidays that had changed in that way. “I’ll think about it, but I will not give me word either way.”

“Well, I’m sure your friends would like you to join them. Also if you need a costume I’m sure Rarity could help you.” The shy mare smiled.

Caecus looked down at his hooves, then to ponies around. Would it be so wrong of me to take part, even if I find the whole holiday misguided? he thought as he turned back to Fluttershy. “I’m not sure if I should…” The prince not knowing if it was right or wrong not too. He had been invited to join his friends for a night of merriment.

Fluttershy glanced around. “Would you want your friends to take part in your holidays?”

The shy mare spoke truly and the prince was well aware of it. “Aye… and if they should ever be in my homeland they would have a prince’s invite…” Caecus could see the hypocrisy in saying that.

The shy mare could only smile. “Then you’d best head to Rarity’s or find a costume. For now, I’d best get back to my cottage as I need to tend to my pets. Have a nice afternoon,” Fluttershy said before taking her leave.

After the shy mare had departed it left Caecus alone to think. If a pony would ask him a year ago if he would ever be friends with a Daughter or Tenebris, or a dragon he would have called them mad. Now, however, he could image being friends with both, how close of friends he was not sure of yet.

Caecus could only think as he walked back to the school. There were so many things he would invite his friends to take part in, but would it be right to ask them if he would not join them even for a night? He could see Smolder, Yona, and Gallus taking part in the Feast of Iron, even giving a few of his countrystallions a challenge. Sandbar and Silverstream would enjoy the Day of Lights, and with Ocellus loving each holiday of his homeland maybe his father would even allow her to sit at the king’s table.

As the prince reached the school he found ponies decorating the courtyard, and Twilight was the one assigning groups of the ponies who volunteered. Hesitantly he walked over to the Headmare. “Headmare, do you need another set of hooves?”

“Of course we could,” Twilight smiled.

At nightfall, Caecus made it back to his room and wound his music box. The music always put his mind at ease, even if he never knew what the song was called. The box had been a gift from nan when he was just a colt. His mind wandered to Nightmare Night and what he should dress as. He could simply find something at the shops, or ask Professor Rarity. However, a thought crossed his mind.

He turned his focus to the chest in front of his bed. As he opened it he moved around a few books and other things he had bought till he found the chainmail hauberk and his surcoat. Not really a costume, but it would be nice to have a reason to wear it here, Caecus thought. After he had laid out his armor and surcoat he went to his desk and listened to the music.

Chapter eleven

Night had fallen and the world was cast in a blanket of black. Lights shone from Ponyville and the moon and stars decorated the sky in their brilliant majesty. Sandbar knew he should be in bed resting for the day to come, but he always found it hard to sleep the day before a holiday. Once he had stayed awake for two days for Heartwarming.

How his mother tried to get him to sleep, warm milk and herbal teas, but she was unable to, so let it be. He had eaten so many cookies those two days that he could still imagine the taste of them. However, the thing that he still could not understand was how time seemed to move slower when you're waiting for something. After the day had come and gone, Sandbar had slept most the next day.

The night was crisp but he didn’t mind as he gazed up at the night sky. I wonder if they all have names? Sandbar wondered as looked for the constellations he knew. The mare, Orion, Dragon King, and the Alicorn were the ones he could spot and name. The only sound he could hear was that of the crickets and the rustling of leaves in the cool night air. After some time had passed Sandbar got to his hooves and started for the school.

The path to the school was lit only by the light of the moon, but the peaceful night made it an enjoyable walk for Sandbar. He had never been afraid of the dark. Even as a colt he would sneak out at night to watch the sea and how the moon would reflect off the water. Despite this, as he looked into the darkness he started to feel a sense of unease as if he was being watched. He stopped a few times and stared into the darkness, but spotted nothing.

“Is somepony there?” he asked, with no reply. It could have been some colt or filly having a bit of fun before Nightmare Night, but something felt off about it.

Sandbar picked up his pace as the school’s lights came into sight. Once in the light of school the earth pony turned and looked into the dark once more. This time he spotted a shape moving in the darkness, carefully staying out of the light. He thought about telling one of his friends or one of the professors, but with Nightmare Night so close it was more than likely somepony trying to scare him.

There were only a few ponies up this late and nearly all of them were focused on their studies or spending time with friends before Nightmare Night. Ocellus was part of the former, while ponies like Clover and Rose Heart were in the latter. He went to see if his changeling friend was indeed still awake or if maybe she had turned in early.

Unsurprisingly, Ocellus was nose deep in a book in the library, called Tales of Tor.

“Evening Ocellus,” Sandbar said, walking up to his friend.

The changeling glanced up from her book and smiled.

“And a good evening to you as well Sandbar.” Ocellus studied him for a moment, before asking, “Is something wrong? You seem a bit off.”

“No, just had somepony trying to scare me on the path toward the school.”

“Well, it is that time of year. That’s normal, right?” Ocellus asked.

“True, though most wait until Nightmare Night itself before scaring others.” He sat next to his friend. “So what are you reading anyway?”

“Oh, just some stories from Aquinas. A few of them would make great Nightmare Night stories.” Ocellus glanced at her book and turned a few pages. “Like this one. It’s about a stallion who was walking home one winter's day when he came upon a mare weeping dressed all in black and pale as a ghost. When the stallion asked what was wrong, the mare turned. At first, she was lovely and fair but as she stood, the stallion was gripped with fear as the mare towered over in him and had become a hag. He ran once she opened her mouth and let out an ear piercing scream. It ends with the stallion running all the home and hiding in his pantry until sometime the next day.”

“That’s interesting. Does this monster have a name?”

“It would be called the banshee. From my understanding, it’s seen as an ill omen.” Ocellus glanced back at the book and turned a few pages, then showed an image of the monster to Sandbar.

“Planning on going to as one for Nightmare Night?” Sandbar asked.

“No, going to be a wizard.”

Sandbar knew his friend could be anything she wanted with her changeling magic, but she had made up her mind to dress up in a costume like everypony else. “Just a wizard, or some famous one?”

“Just an everyday wizard,” Ocellus replied.

A wizard, zombie, undead dragon, a famous yak warrior whose name he couldn’t recall, a pirate, and of course Silverstream’s vampire ninja, Sandbar thought as he imagined what their group would look like.

“Who do you think is going to get the most treats?” the earth pony asked.

Ocellus thought it over for a moment. “Well, if we make a competition of it then I would have to go with Smolder.”

“I don’t know, Yona could give her a run for her bits.”

The pair talked for an hour or two before Sandbar departed to his room for a night of rest. The next morning come with the sound of ponies chatting in the courtyard. Outside his room come the sounds of yawning and hooves walking down the halls. Once the earth pony was out of bed he started for the great hall to break his fast. Once in the hall, he had a bowl of warm oatmeal and honeyed milk.

After he was done with his meal Sandbar went to have a walk along the path where he had felt uneasy the night before. Once he reached the spot where he started to feel watched and left the path. Some of the grass had been bent by something far too large to be a colt or filly, and under one of the trees along the path, the leaves had been moved to one side. Under one of the trees, the earth pony took note of how the leaves seemed to have been freshly laid.

Sandbar slowly pushed the leaves to one side and found the dirt had been recently disturbed. He glanced around, unsure if he should check to see if something was hidden there. Curiosity got the better of him and he started to dig, and after a few moments, he found a bag. He opened it and found a journal, pen and ink, and a dagger made of some strange metal.

He placed the bag to one side and opened the journal, and was greeted by an unknown language. Sandbar place the bag and its contents back where he had found them and forget all about it. As he feared who or whatever hid it would come seeking later, and he was unsure what would come of it if the owner did.

Author's Note

I really need to think of a cover art for this story :derpytongue2:

Also seeking an editor so if intrusted let me know.

Chapter Twelve

Ocellus took a small black crystal from the chest at the foot of her bed. It was late in the evening but it was the day she always talked to her family. If she was closer to hive she wouldn’t have needed a hive mind amplifier, but it was the most effective way of keeping in contact. She placed the amplifier on her desk and forced her magic into the crystal. After a moment she could feel the hive mind, yet it felt more distanced than the other times she had used the amplifier.

Normally the feeling of distance would pass quickly once she started to hear others, but today their voices seemed muted. Even her mother, father, and siblings were difficult to find. It could have been she was tired or her mind was wandering to thoughts of the Nightmare Night. The first voices she could hear were those of her siblings, then her mother’s and father’s.

So how was your week? Ocellus asked her parents.

Well, other than a bit of confusion over how this Nightmare Night works, it’s been normal. We are still unsure how to get the spiders to stay on the webs. Good news is Prince Pharynx finished his gauntlet of fright. So how are your studies going?

Ocellus laughed a bit. She really needed to look over the instructions that Princess Twilight sent them on the holidays, but then again the misunderstandings did lead to them finding their own traditions, something her hive needed. They are going well as always.

That’s great! Oh, how are those friends of yours? I bet you’re all looking forward to Nightmare Night? her father asked.

For a moment Ocellus couldn’t feel the hive mind, but it could have just been her imagination as she had a long day.

They’re doing well, and most have made up their minds on what they’re going to be. Silverstream has come up with one of the strangest costumes of our group. The changeling was still unsure what her friend was to supposed to be.

Sounds like it would be fun to see, her mother answered. Maybe next year we will all be able to celebrate together. I know your siblings would love that.

Ocellus liked the sound of that, but knew that she would have to take a break from classes for that to happen. It’ll take some planning, but I should be able to.

The talk went on for some time with more questions, about how she was doing and things about the hive. A few times her brother and sister started to speak over the hive mind, going on till finally the changeling had to wish her family goodnight and headed to bed.

The next day she was busy going about town, getting last minute things she needed. She had forgotten to get a wizard's hat and hoped she would be able to find one. She was still unsure how she had overlooked the hat, although she might have been too focused on her studies or the holiday itself.

Ponyville was fully decorated, and every one of the townhouses had cobwebs hanging from the windows. Spiders, ghosts, and all manner of monsters were around the town hall, with booths with games, food and drinks filled the town square. It made the town feel full of life as pony tented to last-minute shopping and reparations. Ocellus looked forward to playing a few of the games and trying some of the seasonal food.

She reached one of the shops that dealt in hats of all kinds and went in. There were a few older ponies talking over all the kinds of hats, and how each style felt for different faces and body types. Along the back wall, she found a few hats that would work for a wizard. She opted not to pick the blue one with stars, or the red one with golden leaves, but instead picked a simple grey hat, as her robe was a similar colour. She planned to use the cloak Caecus had given her to added colour to her costume. Also, the cloak was warm and soft, so that was a benefit as well in the cool night air. After the hat was paid for Ocellus started back toward the school.

As day started to give way to night Ocellus had dressed in her costume and waited for her friends to met her at the door to the school. Sandbar was the first to arrive in a great zombie costume but seemed a bit distant. Next, were Smolder painted as an undead dragon and Yona as Mug the Mighty last Silverstream in her black cape with red trim, her face was partly hidden with her beak showing with a set of vampire's teeth. Gallus had dressed as a ghoul.

Before she could say anything the changeling was shaken as she spotted Caecus coming toward them. He was clad in chainmail, with his family coat of arms on a red surcoat. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you at the last moment,” the prince said with a nervous smile.

“Of course not!” Silverstream exclaimed.

Caecus looked at the group, “Hm, interesting. Monster slayers and monsters. This holiday has the queerest costume ideas.” The prince smile at Ocellus. “Hm, not the first wizard to wear those colours, yet certainly one of the fairest.“

No, he’s just being nice. Ocellus knew that it was doubtless he was just being courtly, but that didn’t help with the light blush that came to her face. “Tha… Thank you,” the Changeling replied.

“So what changed your mind?” Sandbar asked.

“I… may have been too quick to make up my mind, and I do ask forgiveness if I came across a bit cross.” The prince bowed a bit.

“It’s fine.” Sandbar looked closer at Caecus’s costume. “Is that real armor?”

“Aye, t’was the best I do on short notice,” Caecus replied. “So what’s the plan for the night?”

Gallus was the one who spoke up. “Well, there’s the Apple Family corn maze, followed by games and fun in the Town Square.”

Caecus nodded in understanding, and the group was off.

As they walked along the road they told a few scary stories. “The headless Pony,” “The Pony of Shadows”.

“Hey Caecus, you know any scary stories?” Smolder asked.

The prince looked in thought for a moment. “Aye, I do know a few.”

“Well, any you’d like to tell us?” Gallus asked.

Caecus seemed unsure at first, but eventually decided on a tale.

“Once around the time King Virtus, there was a member of my family that become known as the Forsaken Eagle. His real name is lost to time, but his deeds are not. It is said that he took joy in the skinning of enemies alive, and plucking the feathers of winged creatures.” The prince thought for a moment before he started again.

“Now, the Forsaken Eagle had many enemies, including his own brothers. However, the Forsaken had built a momentous fortress on what became known as the Midnight Isle, so named because the Forsaken had cast a spell over that made the sunlight never shone, nor the moon over the isle. It is said that the Midnight Fortress had walls one hundred feet high and nearly as thick, with iron spikes dotted with the skulls of his enemies, and a few pelts.

“His brothers gathered their armies and formed a mighty fleet, but when they reached where the isle should have been they found only open water cast in shadows. Some sailors claim to have seen it over the centuries, which is seen as an ill omen. They say that one most never dock on the isle, for the Forsaken still delights in deeds most foul.”

The sun had set by the time they reached the corn maze, and the moon was hidden behind clouds, making the night seem darker. Granny Smith sat at the entrance of the maze, slowly raking back and forth, dressed in a ghostly gown. A few foals ran out of the maze in a mix of screams and laughter.

“Beware the pony of shadows,” the old mare warned as they entered the corn maze.

The maze was long and lit only by the dim moonlight. Ocellus nearly jumped as something brushed by her legs. The first good scare was when Applejack burst out of the corn in a ghoul costume. Silverstream jumped a bit, as did Sandbar, being right next to where Applejack had jumped out at them. Yona was a bit frightened, as was Gallus. If Smolder was startled, she hid it well. Ocellus, despite being farther back, found she acted much as Sandbar and Silverstream.

Once the group had moved on, Applejack went back into the corn to wait for the next group. As they walked the path they passed under cobwebs with spiders hanging from them, and by fake heads on poles. Every now and then they would feel things move by their hooves or hear the corn move along their sides. Once or twice the sound of ghostly wails echoed through the maze.

The wind started to blow through the maze, and bolts of lightning streaked across the sky as a dark figure flew overhead. Then came the massive stallion charging down the side path, clothed all in black and eyes shining in the moonlight, bits of torn cloth flowing behind him. Sandbar, Gallus, and Silverstream ran down the main path in fright.

Caecus had moved into a defensive position in front of Ocellus.

“Right, all fake,” he said under his breath, letting his guard down.

Once the stallion reached them he reared up and gave a maniacal laugh. Caecus seemed unimpressed, while Smolder smiled. “Almost had me, Big Mac, but that laugh doesn’t really sound evil enough. Maybe a roar instead?” the dragoness suggested.

The stallion laughed a bit. “I reckon I could give it a go for the next group.” Big Mac smiled. “Now you all have a good Nightmare Night.” He returned to the side path to wait for the next group of ponies.

Smolder, Ocellus, and Caecus started down the path to find where the rest of their friends had gone. They were nearly out of the maze when they heard the rest of friends laughing. Once they were back together they started for the town square.

As they went along Ocellus could tell something was on Caecus’s mind. Part of her wanted to ask what it was, but she knew it would be best to ask later away from everypony else. That and the prince had a brooding nature to him, so it was likely he wouldn’t tell her anyway.

The prince looked over the game. It seemed a simple matter to get a ring around the pole in one throw. However, he was starting to believe that the wooden pole had some black magic around it. He had tried to get a ring around it well over twenty times.

Maybe it’s fixed so the ring can’t go over the pole, he thought as another ring bounced off the wooden pole. He could feel his eye twitch as it did so.

“Will that be another try, good sir?” one of the ponies running the game asked. Caecus glared at the two ponies, clearly brothers. One was busy counting his coins while the other tried to get him to spend more.

A simple foal’s game, I said. You just need to toss the rings better, I said, Caecus recalled telling Sandbar and Gallus, who had left around the tenth try. Smolder and Yona had gone to the pumpkin catapult game while Silverstream left to toss spiders. Ocellus was the only that remained to watch and see if he would be able to get a ring around the pole.

Caecus placed another coin on the table and was given another ring. The prince took hold of it in his magic and tossed. The ring-spun around the pole a few times.Come on! Caecus thought as he watched. Once the ring spun off to the side of the pole, the prince could only rub his temples.For the love of Lux! I can hit moving targets and cast spells that pierce armor, but I can’t win this damn ring game.

“Caecus, we can try another game,” Ocellus suggested, glancing around.

The prince was about to agree and count this as a loss when one of the ponies running the game piped up. “Oh, come now. Surely one more try will net you a win, sir.”

Fine. One last try, then on to another of those games. At this rate, I’ll need to send word for more coin. Caecus placed one last coin on the table. “Last try.” The pony running the game smiled as he placed the ring in front of Caecus. He took hold of the ring and tossed, knowing full well that it was doubtless going to bounce or spin off the pole.

“And we have a winner! Pick your prize, sir.” The pony running the game waved a hoove toward the wall of items. Most of them were brightly colored wooden toys, and a few dolls all which Caecus had no interest in.

Maybe Ocellus sees something she likes in those prizes. He turned to the changeling. “Go on, pick one.”

A light blush came to Ocellus’s face and the best she could do was a point to one of the dolls, which the pony running the game gave her. After that, they went to find their friends at the other games.

Author's Note

Sorry for taking so long between posting chapters.

Chapter Thirteen

As a colt, Caecus had loved fairs: the music of the flageolets, fiddles, and lutes had always been a joy to hear. There was singing as well; normally they were songs of the faith or of great heroes, some of whom he was related to. His father was one to invite random ponies to set at the table and feast with them. Some were lords and knights, others smiths and woodsponies. All had stories to tell, some more interesting than others.

However, it was on his ninth that all changed. It was at the fair held in Oakhaven that some words were said between his uncle’s soldiers and the Griffin band that was known as the Silverlight at the time. It may have been over the old griffin king or just some hatred over the conquest of the Golden Rock; either way in ended in a fight. One of the griffins had thrown a knife toward the king table, doubtless meant for either his father or uncle, but had caught Caecus in the leg.

That was the first time Caecus had ever seen his father truly angered. His father could forgive many things, but an attack on his family was one of the things he couldn’t. In his wrath his father called down the Power of Lux on the terrified griffin, leaving only a shadow where the griffin stood.

However, he would not think of it this night, for the sake of his friends. That and he had a challenge to win against Gallus, to see who could get the most spiders on a web.

It was far from the ring toss game, but without the aid of his magic, Caecus had five while Gallus had ten.

“And that’s eleven!” the griffin boasted.

Caecus shook his head. He knew when he was beaten.

“It seems you have bested me.” He had learned from his brothers that it was best to admit when you have lost.

“Ah, if you had used your magic it wouldn’t have been close,” Gallus replied, throwing another spider.

“Very true my friend, yet the challenge forbade it. For now, I think I’ll join the feasting,” Caecus said, throwing his last spider and missing by a bit. With a glace around for Ocellus and Silverstream but was unable to in the crowd.

Gallus looked around but his eyes fell on a stall selling all kinds of fish. “As that smoked fish smells delicious.” Most of the food smelled wonderful, but most of it was doubtlessly far too sweet for his tastes.

“That it does,” Caecus couldn’t help but agree.

The pair want over to the stall that was selling smoked fish and placed their order.

“Nay a need, I’ll pay,” Caecus said, paying the stall owner for both meals.

“Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” Gallus said as they took their meals and started for the tables.

Caecus smiled. “It’s the least I could do, and you did beat me in a test of skill.” The prince was looking for his other friends, who couldn’t have been far.

“True, but we didn’t bet.” Gallus took note of how Caecus seemed to be searching for somepony. “I think Ocellus and Silverstream said something about being closer to the music and dancing.”

“Ah, aye, I see them now.” Caecus spotted the pair at one of the long tables by the dancing near the center of the town square, across from them were the musicians. The music becomes louder as they neared.

“So think you’ll ask Ocellus to dance?” Gallus asked.

I may, but should I? Caecus thought. He knew friends could dance together, and he had danced with a few high-born mares at feasts. Yet, he felt strange at the thought of asking Ocellus to do so. “I don’t know. I mean, would she even want to?”

Gallus looked confused. “Um... You have seen how she looks at you, right?”

“What?” Caecus hadn’t taken note of any strange looks.

The griffin shook his head, “Okay, just watch when we sit down.” Gallus seemed to say something to himself.

“Very well.” Caecus could only shake his head at the ridiculousness of the suggestion. He would have taken note if Ocellus had feelings for him other than that of a friend. However, that thought changed once they sat across from their friends. When he took note of how Ocellus seemed to light up when he sat down, the way she smiled and looked at him the way Nightwind looked at his brother. While he was unsure of how to react, he had to admit that Ocellus had gentle and beautiful eyes. He prayed he was misreading her, but at the same time hoped he wasn’t.

Being friends with a changeling is one thing, but courting one would lead to scandal, in no small part due to his title and bloodline. The lords of Aquinas would all mutter of changeling magic and treachery, and the faith would believe him under Ocellus’s spell. She could doubtless win over a few of them, but could he put her through that? Would his father even allow him to court a Daughter Tenebris? Caecus’ thoughts raced, but they calmed a bit as he looked into Ocellus’ eyes.

Silverstream nudged Ocellus a bit. The changeling glanced at her hooves and tapped the tips together.

“Um… Caecus, would you like to… d… dance?” she asked with a hopeful smiled and a light blush.

Caecus wanted to say yes, but first, he needed to talk with her alone. “Ocellus, could I have a word with you alone?”

Ocellus’ face took on a nervous look. “Okay,” she replied, getting to her hooves as Caecus got to his.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad just… just need to tell you a few things.” The pair left the main festivities.

Ocellus walked beside Caecus, his face like a wall, and while the prince was hard to read even on a good day, his feelings were buried deep. This made Ocellus feel all the more uneasy as they walked down the streets of Ponyville, passing foals seeking sweets.

Caecus led her to the side of the same river that runs through the town, there he sat in gazed into the dark water. It was there he let his guard down a bit, and Ocellus saw just how conflicted Caecus was. After what felt like hours his face softened and he spoke up. “You have read enough to know how my kingdom feels about changelings, but I would be lying if I said my mind hadn’t been changed on the matter. Still, it is already dangerous for you and me just being friends, more so if you do indeed hold deeper feelings than that.”

Ocellus looked at her hooves. She had learned much about Aquinas and of the myths and legends of the land. The stories of the changelings and how they would steal away foals, kill and take the place of ponies.

“I know, but maybe we could change that. I mean, King Thorax did that here. So why can’t we do the same for your homeland?”

The prince didn’t speak as his brow furrowed in thought. “Mayhaps we could, but it would be challenging, and I fear that it could cost you your life...” Caucus seemed to want to say more as he turned to face Ocellus.

Ocellus could see his pain clearly, as well as a longing. Ocellus could only think to do one thing; she embraced Caecus with a hug. The prince stiffened at the touch, but soon relaxed and returned the embrace. A few moments passed before Caecus pulled away.

“Um, we should return to the others. I believe you wanted to dance?”

Ocellus smiled and nodded in agreement.

Chapter One

Prince Caecus strolled alone down the halls of the School of Friendship toward the dining room. His father had forced him to attend this school in hopes of improving relations with Equestria, something that the prince found a waste of skills in the art of war. He should have been leading troops and governing land in his father’s name.

Caecus entered the dining room which was as loud as thunder. So many students chattered and laughed at one another's jokes that the prince prayed for a silence he knew wouldn’t come.

After he had gotten his meal, Caecus looked for a seat. The only place he could spot was by the non-pony students, of which one of the most talkative students was a member. With a deep breath, he took the empty seat next to the changeling. As much as the thought of sitting next to one made him uneasy. One or two of the group glanced at him, but other than that paid him no mind.

The prince bowed his head and closed his eyes in silent prayer, thanking Lux for this meal he had been given. Upon opening his eyes, he started to eat.

"Say Ocellus, do you think I could get a copy of the notes from Professor Applejack's class?" the Griffin asked.

"Sure, I’ll get them to you after school," Ocellus replied.

Caecus listened to the conversation more out of training than wanting to know what this group was doing. That was one of the first things his mother had taught him, to hear everything. It was also part of the reason he hated the noise so much. He tried to pay them no mind.

"So what’s your name? I’ve seen you around and been wondering," the earth pony asked Caecus. "Oh, I'm Sandbar." He stretched out a hoof.

The prince thought about not replying, yet could already hear his mother scolding him for forgetting his manners. So he reached out and shook the hoof. "Caecus Highever, and it’s a pleasure to meet you." He gave a fake smile.

Caecus sat back down and glanced around the table, hoping that none of the others would want to make small talk or introduce themselves. All paid him little note and went about chatting about classes and plans for after school. The quietest of the group was Ocellus, who was happily reading.

"So what kingdom are you doing your report on for Professor Twilight's class?" Sandbar asked.

Caecus had picked the easiest one for him to do. "Aquinas," the prince replied.

Sandbar glanced toward the changeling. "Awesome, that means Ocellus and you are both doing a paper on the same nation."

Ocellus looked up from her book. "Hm, what’s that, Sandbar?" she asked.

"Just pointing out that Caecus here is doing his report on Aquinas like you," the earth pony said.

The changeling meekly looked at Caecus. "Well, it seems we're going to be competing for the books in the library if we don't study together," Ocellus said timidly.

"I truly doubt that," the prince replied, inching away from Ocellus, wondering what game she was playing at by acting meek. Her kind always had a scheme in their actions, so he cared not to be part of it.

“Well if you change your mind, I wouldn’t mind a study partner,” Ocellus said.

The rest of his meal was peaceful other than the noise of the others in the hall. Afterwards was his next class that taught one of the core values of countless knightly orders: honesty. When he was a colt this was something he would have admired in a pony; now all he could think of were his mother’s lessons on the matter. Let the fools cling to virtue while we rule, always hide your true motives, and never show your hoof till you have already won, Caecus recalled.

After Professor Applejack dismissed her class, the prince found the next two to be just as dull and pointless. Kindness had no place on the battlefield, and laughter would do little when your enemy slaughters a whole village. After all his classes for the day were over, he went to his room and retrieved a few books he had brought and went to the library.

There he found a seat by the window and started to read up on ‘The Duchy of Tor’, which he had been meaning to do. To his luck this played into the report he needed to write anyway, so he was killing two birds with one stone. As he read he took note of students coming and going. He didn’t know any of their names, nor did he wish to.

As he reached the end of formation of the ‘Knights of Tor’, he noticed Ocellus enter the library and walk over to one of the bookshelves, pulling a number of books off them. Then she sat at the table across from him. He could see the titles of a few of the books she had taken. ‘Common Myths of Aquinas,’ 'Early Customs of Oakhaven,’ and ‘King Highever.’ If those three were any clue, the other two books were just as unless to her research.

After a bit more reading Caecus took the medallion from around his neck. The royal eagle emblazoned upon it always reminded of him of home and his family. As his eyes fell on the grail under the eagle he was reminded of his faith and glanced toward Ocellus. He had the means to help her, yet he didn’t wish to study with her. He tapped his hoof on the table.

While he had forsaken many things from his foalhood, his faith had not been one of them. Even if he had strayed from it—he would like if he needed to and he held little compassion for his kingdom's enemies—he still felt the need to help others. So he got to his hooves and took a few of the books he knew inside and out and placed them near Ocellus. “Here, those are more relevant. Just be sure to return them once you’re done.”

“What?” The changeling glanced over before her eyes fell on the titles. “Thank you, and I’ll be sure to.” Ocellus smiled as she eagerly took the books he had given her.

Caecus wordlessly returned to his seat and picked up where he had left off in ‘The Duchy of Tor’, every now and then writing down a note, or picking something that the teachers at this school would like. Such as how the Knights of Tor hold loyalty as a virtue, something that Head Mare Twilight Sparkle would no doubt give him a pass for using. Then again, he could use this report to show how some of those ideals had led to countless deaths.

Author's Note

Hope this chapter is as good as the last chapter and that you are enjoying the story so far.