Dawn Wings trotted a few steps behind Raven through the corridors of the castle. Normally, she’d be chatting up the unicorn, seeing what sort of info she could get out of her, or just making small talk to get a sense of what she was like as a person. Sadly, now that she was out of the translation circle, the language barrier had come crashing down between the two again, making it impossible for the corax to subtly interview her.

So, instead of talking to her companion, she mulled over her situation. She had a feeling that the interview with the royals hadn’t gone as well as it could have, but that was to be expected. She was an outsider to these ponies, and one that wasn’t even native to their world. Of course they’d be leery of her. Add to it that she really didn’t know how to handle them, and she was basically firing blind.

Then there was that little freak-out she had near the end. Completely justified, mind, but it was a freak-out nonetheless. But in typical corax fashion, her mouth had gotten ahead of her, and she’d called out Luna on her fall to the Wyrm. From the way the lunar princess had reacted, Dawn Wings new that she’d crossed a line.

She only hoped that she’d made at least a good enough impression that they wouldn’t try to toss her into prison for disrespecting royalty. She doubted that they could keep her if they tried it, but it was the principle of the thing. And she didn’t want to show her hand by just vanishing into thin air. She’d been careful to omit most of her actual capabilities when she told her story, particularly her capacity to travel to the umbra. After all, while the ponies clearly didn’t trust her yet, she didn’t trust them yet either. Especially with something as powerful as her ability to step sideways.

Despite her thoughts churning like water under a waterfall, Dawn Wings kept her senses sharp. She could still feel the subtle chill telling her that the hidden guards were nearby, following her.

Sighing, Dawn Wings realized that the corridors Raven was taking her down were not the same ones that she had used to arrive. They were simpler, more sparsely decorated and significantly less showy than the one’s the princesses had used. Servant’s corridors, she concluded. Still, they were headed in roughly the same direction, and so long as they got outside without incident, she’d be happy.

*****

“She’s dangerous.” Shining said calmly to the alicorns. “I don’t know how she did it, but the moment she walked in, she knew where all of my Mistknights were hiding. The fact she was so unconcerned about making it known that she knew is almost more troubling.”

Shining sighed before he continued. “However, to answer your question Princess, no, I don’t believe she’s an immediate danger to us. Still, it would be a good idea to handle her carefully.”

“Agreed Captain.” Luna said. “From what we saw in her dreams and what she has told us, she is more than willing to commit violence against those she considers a threat. There is also the issue of the powers she did display in her dreamscape, yet curiously omitted from her narrative. With what little we know of her abilities, it would be folly to assume they were simply flights of the fantastic.”

“Not to mention that she ‘conveniently’ knows the whereabouts of a changeling in Ponyville.” Cadance said with mild distain. “Why didn’t she tell us earlier?”

“It was a cunning move on her part Cadance.” Luna said, “Consider. Now we have a reason to keep her around. Truth or no, we are now compelled to investigate her claims. And as she gave no detail, we are going to have to rely on her.”

“So what, she gets to roam free to do Faust knows what to our ponies?” Cadance hissed. “I say we lock her up and get the information out of her.”

“Cadance… that’s enough.”

Everypony in the room turned to Celestia, who had remained silent until now.

“We’re going to help her.”

“Auntie, you can’t be serious.” Cadance exclaimed. “At best, we should be working to send her back to that pit of a world she comes from, not asking her to settle down here. I think she’s made it pretty clear that she doesn’t want to.”

“Niece Cadance, we can not return her to her old world.” Luna said firmly. “How would we even start? Nopony aside from Starswirl or Discord has ever succeeded in harnessing dimensional travel without splattering themselves across Equestria. And do you want to release the latter just to remove Dawn Wings from our world? No, I think not.”

Princess Luna paused before continuing.

“Besides, from what we learned, she did not actually travel here in any normal sense. She was subjected to an ontogenic paradox that was meant to remove her from reality, but that fate was avoided by her quite literally being forced into existence in our world. We suspect that the feedback we felt twas reality bending to accept her existence in Equestria instead of her own.”

Cadance and Shining Armor both looked at Luna. “What?”

Celestia cleared her throat, drawing the others' attention.

“The short of it is she’s stuck here. And as to why we’re going to help her, we’re doing it because its what’s right.” Celestia said, “Think about what you’re saying Cadance. You want to imprison her? For what? Reminding you of the changelings? I expected better from you. She’s done nothing wrong, other than be rude. And honestly, I’m willing to overlook that given her circumstances. This time at least.”

Cadance looked away, unwilling to meet the gently disapproving glare of her aunt.

“So then what do you propose your highness?” Shining said calmly. “Integrating her into Equestrian society would be difficult. The language barrier could be overcome with enough time. It’s the cultural issues that I’m more worried about. Even with what little she’s told us, adjusting to our way of life will be… trying for her. I can see it in her eyes. She’s accustomed to conflict, violence and strife."

Shining paused as his face screwed up in through.

"No… it goes past that. She craves it. I've seen that look on old soldiers. Honestly, she’d be more at home with the Griffons or Zebras than in Canterlot.”

“That might be true Captain, but consider this: do we want somepony with her abilities turned over to a foreign power?” Celestia replied. “You said it yourself: she’s dangerous. If her shape changing powers were the only thing we needed to worry about, I still wouldn’t be willing to hand her over to the Griffons or the Zebras. And like my sister, I’m sure she didn’t tell us everything she’s capable of. Whatever magic she’s using to communicate with us is evidence enough that she’s more than meets the eye.”

“I’m not sure I follow.” Shining said.

“Consider this: what did she say to my sister?”

Shinging and Cadance turned towards Luna, who’s face was scrunched up in disgust.

“She had the gall to bring up our disgraceful fall to the Nightmare.” Luna hissed.

“Yes, she did. Now, why is that so important? Think about it for a moment.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t follow auntie.” Cadance replied, “Its common knowledge what happened to auntie Luna…”

Cadance froze.

“…she’s only been here a week.”

“And if she doesn’t speak our language, and was sticking to the Everfree, there’s no way she could have known about Nightmare Moon’s return!” Shining concluded.

“Exactly.” Celestia hummed, nodding her head, “Somehow, she knew of things that by all rights she couldn’t have known. That’s why I want to keep her here, with us. Whatever she’s capable of, I don’t want it in the hands of a foreign power. Especially ones as opportunistic as the griffons. She’d be far to dangerous.”

Celestia paused, taking a sip of her tea before continuing.

“Besides, I never said I wanted her to stay in Canterlot. I’m thinking somewhere a little less formal, much more rural and a lot more prone to excitement.”

“You’re talking about Ponyville, aren’t you?” Shining said flatly.

A very slight smirk tugged at the corners of the solar princess’s mouth.

“Good catch captain. Of course, I’m also going to request that she help find the changelings. Don’t give me that look. Where there’s one, there’s bound to be more. And if they’re in Ponyville, three guesses why.”

“They’re probably out for revenge over what happened in Canterlot.” Shining said coldly.

“That’s very likely. Another likely scenario is they’re after Twilight, since she’s the lynchpin that keeps the Elements empowered. Besides, I know Crysallis, and she’s not going to let such a humiliating defeat go unpunished.” Celestia said. “But, if Dawn Wings can figure out who’s a changeling…”

“Then she’s our best change to root them out, and keep my sister safe.” Shining concluded.

“Provided she really can figure them out.” Cadance huffed.

“Do you have any other ideas Cadance?” Luna said, “Other than unjustly holding her?”

“Shiny, you can’t be seriously considering letting her near Twily, can you?” Cadance plead.

“She’s already been near Twilight, and no harm has come to my faithful student.” Celestia sighed, “In fact, it was Twilight that helped track her down in the first place. So she’s already involved.

“Besides, I’m not going to ask her to move in with Twilight. I’m going to ask Twilight and the Elements to help her adjust, learn the ins and outs of Equestria, and above all else, make her feel welcome. And since Twilight will so dutifully keep me apprised of Dawn Wings’ progress, we’ll know exactly what she’s doing at all times.

“So, here’s what I propose…”

*****

Dawn Wings languidly stared up at the clear blue of the sky. Normally, she’d enjoy such a view, since it would have reminded her of the Mojave during the summer. Open skies as far as the eye could see. Knowing that there were so many thermals that would give her lift and take her above the mostly unspoiled desert landscape. The hot, clean air that would whip across her face as she flew high above the creosote and salt-brush scrub prowling for lizards and ground squirrels to catch. The relatively low population of filthy monkey-beasts stinking up the place. She loved the mountains, but she also loved the desert. And the open skies of the desert were always something she looked forward to. It was primal, wild, and untamed. It was a wonderful reminder of all that was still right in the world.

This clear blue sky, however, was nothing like that. Instead of the rain-shadow of a mountain keeping the clouds at bay, it was packs of marauding pegasi. Like a gang of thugs, would instantly descend upon any clouds that dared to drift near the capital and shatter them with whatever strange powers they had. There was no natural, untamed beauty to this sky. It was artificial and contrived, as though the very thought of everything not being micromanaged and carefully controlled was just wrong.

The sight made her blood boil.

Grumbling and looking down from her perch at the top of the cottonwood tree she’d flown into, she regarded her escort for a moment, and the fuchsia maned, rose pelted pony she was currently trying to calm down. She assumed that this pony was another of the gardeners, since she was unarmored, and had gotten riled up when the equus formed corax had flown up into the tree’s branches to composed herself. If she’d been able to shift back to corvis form without being seen, she doubted there’d have been an issue. Unfortunately, she hadn’t had the opportunity, and she really hadn’t felt like staying on the ground. So, she’d found herself a branch where she could brood in peace.

Which the pony in charge of this section of the garden clearly took issue with. Loud, irritating issue with.

Crossing her forelegs across the branch and resting her head on them, she regarded the pair below her. All she wanted was a little quiet to wait out the royals’ judgment. The thought of just stepping sideways and bugging off was very tempting, but that’d probably get Raven into trouble. Sure, she didn’t exactly know Raven just yet, but she seemed nice enough.

For a mage.

As much as she disliked the meddling these creatures did with the natural world, she wasn’t going to be petty. With a weighty sigh, she spread her wings and leapt from the tree, gliding down to the ground and landing by the pair. Both Raven and the gardener looked at her suddenly as she landed. They were stunned for only a moment before the gardener started chewing her out. Dawn Wings turned to Raven, who sheepishly smiled at her and chuckled.

‘I wonder what fresh pony eyes taste like.’ Dawn Wings thought as briefly fantasized about shifting to crinos and pinning the gardener to the ground, driving her beak into the pony’s eye socket and yanking out the tasty treat. She brushed the thought aside as soon as it came into her head. No reason to get herself into actual trouble with the royals.

Sighing, Dawn Wings turned away and began to trot off. As the gardener continued to shout at her, she could hear Raven following close behind. As soon as they rounded a corner, Raven spoke to her, her voice apologetic, though there was a slight hint of annoyance as well. Dawn Wings stopped walking and looked at the unicorn in a way that conveyed rapidly growing frustration.

“Have we forgotten that I don’t understand a word you’re saying, stick head?” Dawn Wings said sweetly, though her tone was dripping with venom.

Even without understanding the worlds, Raven covered her mouth and gasped, clearly remembering the currently impenetrable language barrier that Dawn Wings was stuck behind without the princess’s translation spell. Dawn Wings solemnly flicked her own upraised hoof as if she were shooing away a insect, trying to convey to Raven that she wanted the unicorn to drop it. After a moment, Dawn Wings pointed a her hoof at Raven, then gesticulated in the direction they were headed, followed by pointing at herself, made the same gesture, then pointed at the unicorn. Raven nodded, and took the lead, with Dawn Wings falling in just a little behind her.

Hopefully Raven would at least take them somewhere that she wouldn’t get yelled at for trying to decompress. Because she was seriously considering just ditching the unicorn and heading back to the forest via the umbra, damn the consequences to Raven or herself.

As they trotted, the path turned towards the walls of the castle, until the hedges opened up onto a large courtyard covered in a luxurious lawn and dotted with several large benches. At the center there was a large fountain, one with a marble and onyx sculpture of the two incarna rearing up in the center, their backs to one another and their wings entwined. There were several other ponies in the courtyard, almost all of them unicorns, either sitting on the benches or on the grass.

Raven trotted over to one of the benches, and, climbing up onto it, folded her legs under her body and settled down. Dawn Wings regarded her for a moment before trotting over and settling down on the opposite side of the bench from the unicorn.

Dawn Wings looked out over the plaza, regarding the ponies and the elaborate fountain in the center. Sure, it was pretty, but the setting wasn’t exactly her type of space. Though, she supposed that Raven brought her here because it was a spot she found relaxing. Well, she was at least trying. And that did count for something.

Unfortunately, it was close to the last place Dawn Wings wanted to be. Not because the setting itself was unpleasant. The whole area was beautiful, in an anal-retentive, super orderly sort of way. No, it was because there were lots of other ponies all around her, and most of them were holding conversations. The sight and sound of which was torture to the corax, like she was stuck in a cage, but could see other ravens outside, flying freely in the sky.

Closing her eyes, Dawn Wings sighed through her nostrils before resting her head on her forelegs. She could feel Raven’s concerned stare on the back of her head, but didn’t open her eyes or even acknowledge the pony. She just turned her head away and focused her mind on reliving a happy memory of flying over the mountains with Cloud Chaser. Thinking about him still stung painfully, but she did her best to focus not on the heartache, but on the bit of joy it was colored with. And right now, she needed it.

Author's Note

Short-ish chapter this time.

I feel its important for this chapter to emphasise something about Dawn Wings and her mentality: she's a corvus breed corax, meaning she was born a bird. Therefore, her ethical and mental perspective is more avian than human.