The Castle was still as impressive as ever. Even with all of it's technological improvements, it was still a colossal work of ancient equine architecture. The new, modern details were seamlessly fitting into the old marble-like stone structure, and everything retain it's old charms, while giving off an impression of contemporary, tasteful modern art had been given to the old, now mundane part of the Canterlot decor.

We made our way to the large reinforced alchemical glass doors, glass so resilient it was stronger than steel and held quite a lot of interesting scientifical properties- but most of all, it was sturdy, and let nearly 100% of the light spectrum through, meaning it was quite bright indoors, with only hidden spotlights to shine a light in the darkest of corners, otherwise the castle relied a lot on the natural light of the sun. Many skylights had been added over time, and many sported colorful glass decorations, depicting either equestrian history or scenes of striking realism, and beauty. Only the best artists in the realm were awarded a chance to expose a piece of work in the Castle, as such everything was beautiful and quite a sight to look at.

It made waiting in line less painfully boring, at least, and let nobles window-shop the best, latest tastes in art the Royals were interested in- and as such, what they were interested in too. Something about the sheeple following tastes not their own was slightly revolting to me, as if ponies weren't able to think by, and for, themselves. It was jarring me quite a bit, in fact, and i could feel a feeling not unlike anxiety built up within me. Only, it wasnt asking me to turn around and leave

It was pressing me to ask for trouble.

As I walked to the desk with the Unicorn Officer in charge of the Security checkpoint, my senses picked up many unfamiliar presences. Another batch of dignitaries from some other, foreign country? Likely, but my senses were telling me to be careful. With a twinge into my mindscape, I beckoned Silence to emerge into physical view- and a mote of light shone from my forehead, and came to float before my snout. Focusing on it, I asked her to go investigate the signatures i had picked on. She obliged with a 'nod', and left in the direction of the Throne room.

I had a peculiar feeling, and darting an eye towards my father, he had picked up on it too. It sure didn't look like it, but in my earliest life, I had adventured quite a bit with a certain pegasus with a peculiar alchemical symbol for a mark, not unlike mine- turns out he became my father in this life.

Yes, sometimes living my life can be pretty confusing, borderline awkward. The gruff pegasus i sometimes remember wasn't anything like the birdbrain of a Father I have now, and so I've come to believe it's merely an act to hide his more bloodthirsty, savage nature. It was best kept in the past, after all, seeing as he grown up quite respectfully despise coming from the farthest reaches of a large, forgotten cloud kingdom. I had found him when he was nothing but a shivering colt, unable to even speak or read. i had groomed him into a scientific mind. Into a gentlestallion.

Father flexed his knees slightly, and unruffled his feathers. I took that as a sign we won't be waiting in line today, and with a twinge into the astral realm, winked us a few feet west, into the throne room.

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''I'm surprised to see you here, Queen Rhydaelle. It's been decades since we last spoke. Please, make yourselves at home. I'm sure the journey was long and harsh, If you would follow my assistant Raven, she will lead you to your lodgings. We can talk later, in private.'' Twilight sure had grown into a fine ruler. For all the bitterness I held towards the fact that she snatched my opportunity, I was glad it was her that got the job, in the end.

It would make for a slightly smaller target on my back, i suppose.

Looking at the Deer dignitaries- and the huge one leading them, for rulers always had to be twice the normal size of species anywhere, I couldnt help but feel a familiar feeling. Some of them looked more than tired- they looked frightened, half-starved, and quite a few of them were obviously grieving a relative of some kind. It was more than visible in their expressive eyes- even the queen's were filled with a deep sadness. Silence was hovering over the Queen's stubby antlers, and a quick telekinetic exchange confirmed my suspicions.

There was going to be a lot of work to be found in their native forests of Cervidas. It might only be a hunch, but i was rarely wrong. As the Queen and the dignitaries made their way out the throne room, I brazenly stood before the next in line, flashing him an intimidating toothy smile full of pointy teeth, making him back off a bit, and changed my expression into something a little more innocent, before facing Princess Twilight's gaze.

''Again? Wait, don't tell me- you need more money for Research. I don't know how many bits I've sunk into your "project" lately, and I don't want to hear it.'' Twilight waved her commanding hoof at us, and I knew i could make two of my interests coincide if I played my cards right; Summoning my confidence, and radiating an aura of positive energy, I attempted to bluff the Lie Detector of Princesses.

"Milles Excuses, Your Highness. I do come for more financing... But i believe, in exchange for all the help you've benevolently lent us in the last few years, with our increasing funding needs- that you are due a little something in return.''
I awaited a sign to continue, so as to not impose my will on Twilight. With a nod, she got hooked, and i knew it would turn out in my favor some way or another.

''Your humble servant, as well as my devoted Father, would like to offer you a deal- one for a continuous financial support to our research, until completion. With the breakthroughs we have achieved, we believe it fair that such a deal can be reached. But before any of that...'' I inched closer to the Princess, and she scooted closer on her seat, a sign that there was no backing away now- i had more than her attention. I had her curiosity. If there was one thing us Immortals agreed on, it was that life was boring- and anything interesting is worth pursuing. Anything to stave off the boredom.

''And, I suppose you already have something in mind, Knowing you, Apokryphes. Every time you barge in here, it's never without a plan in mind.'' My eyes and mouth betrayed me slightly, and my lip quivered as my eyes narrowed. She had seen through my bluff, but obliged me anyways. What a kind Princess.

''Indeed your Grace, Votre Éminence, I do have something in mind. With my longstanding relations with the Cervideans, I believe you don't have to look far, in order to send an emissary help in the Native Forests. I would be glad to take that matter out of your hooves, and will expect compensation only when I'm done lending a kind help to those good Deer folk.''
With a little wiggling of my beard, and a smooth look right into the purple orbs of the Princess before me, i anxiously awaited- The Regal Deity before me took her sweet time contemplating my offer- And you would too, if you knew about my history working for the crown. My success rate was high, but so were the casualties. On the other hoof, the Cervideans were a proud, noble people, and they were pretty secluded. Not many ponies in Equestria knew of their customs and how to properly interact with them- And they weren't exactly trusting of outsiders. The fact that they came here for help suggested a dire situation indeed- one that needed the proper. immediate response by capable hooves.

The Princess sighed under her breath, and showed a tentative smile to ease off the tension in the Courtroom- it had fallen eerily silent after my proposal. Ponies were even more afraid of upsetting Twilight then they were about Celestia, and that's saying something. What i had just did, although very politely, could be perceived as pushing my own agenda, or worse, imposing my will on the Royals. ''Taking into account the high opinions Celestia has of you, I will trust you to do good by us, and act with the Crown's interests in mind. I will allow you to help the Cervideans with their problem... But do you even know what that problem is? You might be biting off more than you can chew here, no offense.'' She said that last bit a little low, while holding a hoof to her chest as to know she sincerly didn't mean anything by it.

But i did perceive it as an insult. Though, to be fair, she didn't know who i really was, unless Cadence had slipped off a little something after one of our many therapy sessions... I know she has regular meetings with Twilight coinciding with the end of our sessions. Some of them left her particularly vulnerable, and she has sobbed into my neck more than once. Knowing her, she might've said a little about me to Twilight, her own confident.

And I wouldn't mind... Much. I know Twilight can be trusted. But will she want to make her friends ascend too, would she hold my knowledge? Would she make them immortal, as to hold them by her side forever? Those with the greatest potential for good, also hold the greatest potential for evil.

''Milles Mercis, votre Altesse. I shall await until you're more available, and join in on your talks with the Cervideans later on- And afterwards, we can discuss the deal for the financing. I shall leave you to your duties for now, and will await your official summons." Bowing, I pulled my Father with me, and we left the Throne Room through the back exit.

''I can't believe you, Sonny. How... You really think you can handle this? Some of theses Deer looked... Devastated. I can't even begin to imagine what happened out there.'' My Father pulled me close, into a stallion's hug. ''It reminds me of my adventuring days. I don't want you to run into what I've been through. Please promise me you'll be careful.''
He locked eyes with me, and i could see intense regret, pain, and other conflicted emotions through his eyes. I knew what he went through... What we went through, all too well.

"Trust me Dad. I'm the perfect pony for the job.'' Pushing him away to avoid getting my own eyes misty, i proceeded to take the lead, and walk out of the Castle.
I still had to face Mother with the news, and will anxiously await the meeting with the Cervideans.

Author's Note

Slightly shorter chapter, Cutting in later would only break the pace.