I awoke later than usual, extending my limbs in all directions and stretching as far as they could go. Smacking my jowls, I rose to a shaky stand and started my day. A cup of water, a quick shower, and then finally the slow process of donning my armor. It was perhaps a bit overkill given how calm things had become, but I wasn't going to be caught slacking if I could help it.

“Stupid buckle,” I muttered. “Now I see why knights always have squires. Another pair of hands, or hooves would do wonders.”

Thoughts of an eager young pony helping me get prepared for battle were swiftly replaced by Cadence. Magic and the tender hooves of such a dainty mare would make the process of getting ready much easier. However, something told me that the chance of getting distracted would be far higher should the alicorn be the one to help me get ready.

“Twilight never did mention what was up with her,” I remarked aloud. “I should ask her.”

Brushing that aside, I slumped back into my bed and waited for my little interrogation session to begin. Thankfully I didn't have to lay there for long, as I soon heard two sets of hooves make their way towards the basement door. A few moments later, the bars to my cell had moved, and a pair of familiar alicorns were standing before me.

“Mornin,” I greeted, nodding to Twilight and then Luna.

“Good morning, Fareeah,” Luna announced, a wide genuine smile on her face. “I hope you slept well.”

“About as well as any other night I suppose,” I muttered.

“I had a surprisingly good sleep,” Twilight added. “No nightmares, no restless rolling, nothing.”

“You slip something in her drink?” I prodded, glancing at Luna. “That mare rolls around for hours every night.”

“You can hear that?” Twilight exclaimed in shock.

“Sometimes,” I replied. “I have really good hearing and this place has surprisingly thin walls given that it's a tree.”

“Huh,” Twilight murmured.

“To answer your question. No, I did not need to aid Twilight at all last night,” Luna added. “It seems as though our young companion feels quite relieved that you have so far proved innocent of the various charges.”

“That is part of it yes,” Twilight admitted.

“And the other part is whatever talk you’ve had with Cadance?” I prompted.

“Oh right. I never did mention that huh,” Twilight exclaimed. “I guess that kind of helped, but well it's complicated.”

“Do tell,” Luna encouraged.

“Cadance attempted to patch things up with Shining Armor, but they fought again,” Twilight began, sighing. “It seems as though my brother has only grown more stubborn since this whole thing began.”

“And?” I pressed. “Don't keep me in suspense, spill the tea, sis.”

“I don't know that reference but I think I know what you're getting at so I’ll just get right to the point,” Twilight paused and took a breath. “Cadance is going to dump him. Like officially, no break, no last chances nothing.”

The room was quiet, with Twilight and Luna both looking at me expectantly.

“I’m surprised,” Luna remarked. “I’d expected a celebration.”

“Or something,” Twilight added.

“I am trying very hard to be an adult about this,” I shot back. “Stop attempting to jinx it.”

“Well get it out of your system now,” Twilight encouraged.

“No, I’m fine,” I muttered, taking a slow exhale followed by an equally as exaggerated inhalation. “Just give me a second to gather myself.”

The room was quiet once more, the silence being broken by me this time,.

“Okay. I’m good,” I declared.

“Huh, well alright then,” Twilight muttered. “So where do we go from here? We still need to cover the dragon incident right?”

“Before we get to such heavy topics I was hoping you’d shed more light on the daughters of Eve,” Luna added. “I’ve only heard rumors about their existence, and even my guard seems to know little of them.”

“Yeah would be alright if you talked a bit about them first… Fareeah?” Twilight pressed.

“Hmm, what? Sorry, I’ve been busy planning Cadance and I’s life together. I’m currently at our wedding,” I replied, grinning dumbly the entire time.

“You're ridiculous,” Twilight muttered.

“No, me Fareeah,” I retorted with a smirk.

Twilight rolled her eyes.

“As amusing as it would be to hear what you have in mind for your honeymoon I would like to get back to the matter at hoof as it were,” Luna added.

“Sure sure, just give me a second. I can't decide if I want a floral pattern for the table centerpieces or if something more monochrome would be better,” I replied.

“Fareeah,” Twilight snapped.

“Sorry, sorry. Right uh, what do you guys know about the daughters?” I asked.

“The royal guard seems to believe that they are either an all-female group of domestic terrorists or a couple of homeless mares lost in the Everfree. Opinions are kind of divided,” Twilight answered.

“My night guard is leaning to the latter rather than the former,” Luna added. “Though they have halted logging operations in the past the majority of those were undertaken illegally.”

“Ha. That's hilarious,” I exclaimed. “I can't wait for those girls to hear all about your little theories.”

“Well, what's the truth then?” Twilight pressed.

“Somewhere in the middle, I suppose,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. “Most of them are orphans, or runaways slash exiles. Willow and Lilly Ironhoof got booted out of their village because they had what their elder considered cursed blood.”

“Cursed blood?” Twilight muttered.

“Shapeshifters, right?” Luna inquired.

“Got it in one,” I declared, snapping my clawed fingers at Luna. “It didn't help that Lilly’s father and Willow’s husband died in an accident only a few months earlier. Well-liked in the village, his death prompted the small town to search for answers, even where there weren't any, to begin with.”

“There is something uniquely maddening about discovering someone died for nothing, with the only thing at fault being fate itself,” Twilight remarked.

“Yeah so they drove them out, and not long after they joined up with Green Tide who had been wandering the entirety of her adult life,” I continued. “Together they continued to travel Equestria, settling only after finding a home in the Everfree. It was there that they met three other creatures with similar talents to them.”

“Two zebras and a diamond dog, right?” Twilight murmured, clearly unsure of herself.

“You are correct, or at least mostly correct” I replied. “Zig Zag is half zebra, though she certainly doesn't look very ponylike, save for the name.”

“So what are their stories?” Luna gently inquired.

“Zig Zag left home when she was young, with her parent's blessing. Zuri, the other zebra if you couldn't figure that out,” I added, much to the irritation of Twilight and the amusement of Luna. “Took it upon herself to personally maintain the balance of nature and finally Rip was just happy to find like-minded individuals that didn't force her to work in a mine.”

“They seem like an interesting bunch,” Luna remarked.

“Fascinating bunch of gals,” I agreed. “Half of them can turn into animals while the other half have some affinity for druid magic.”

“Druid magic? Is that related to earth pony magic?” Twilight inquired.

“Ponies of today have forgotten so much of the old ways,” Luna remarked, disappointment heavy in her voice. “Druids are creatures of any race or tribe who have a special connection with nature. They use this connection to change their shape, or use a kind of magic that no unicorn could ever hope to replicate.”

“I’m sorry?” Twilight murmured.

“It's not your fault. I just wish my sister had put as much effort into preserving non-unicorn magic as she did in unicorn magic,” Luna replied.

“I’m sure there is some reasonable explanation for that,” Twilight declared.

“Ya’ll can talk about this with Celestia sometime. For now, I think we should stay on topic,” I added.

“Right, yeah. So I think that's enough about the daughters for now,” Twilight began again. “Maybe we should move on to this dragon thing.”

“Agreed,” stated Luna. “Twilight, would you like to do the honors?”

“Sure,” Twilight agreed.

I watched as Twilight began casting the usual spells. Things seemed normal, but after the first flash of light, I felt like something was off. My ears twitched, and I sniffed the air unprompted, seeking out a mysterious smell that tickled my nostrils.

I wasn't sure what had set my senses off but I got the distinct impression that someone was listening in on us. My danger sense told me that there was someone unseen nearby, but no matter where I looked I couldn't find the source of this sensation.

“Are you alright?” Luna asked.

“Just, stop the spell for a second,” I murmured, holding up a hand. “I got a weird feeling.”

“Gassy already?” Twilight prodded.

“This is not the time for jokes. I think we’re being listened on right-”

My ears perked up and I was able to pick up the distinct clip-clop of metal-clad hooves coming from upstairs. Straining the limits of my unnaturally powerful ears, I quickly deduced that the pony approaching the basement stairs was the one alicorn I had yet to meet. Sure enough, the tall, imperious face of Celestia appeared on the landing, the door being thrown open to reveal her frowning face.

“Celestia? What are you doing here? I thought there was some diplomatic issue that required your attention in Canterlot,” Twilight exclaimed.

“You should not shirk your duties so easily, dear sister,” Luna prodded.

Luna’s attempt at humor fell on deaf ears, as Celestia strode down the stairs in silence, staring at me all the while. For the first time in a long time, I felt weirdly naked, the alicorn’s stare boring into me like a drill, going straight for my soul. Despite the unpleasant sensation, I rose to meet the challenge, and sat a little straighter, smiling back at Celestia.

“Twilight would you mind dispelling that recording spell?” Celestia asked, though her tone made it sound more like a command than a simple request.

“Oh uh, sure,” Twilight sputtered before doing as the elder princess demanded.

“What brings you here, sister? Don't tell me you think it necessary to have three alicorns on this case,” Luna prodded, clearly annoyed.

“I apologize if it seems as though I am treading on your hooves,” Celestia replied. “Though I am here for the same reason you are. I will not be intruding on your inquiries.”

“Ooh how mysterious,” I remarked, smirking all the while. “You even answer questions without answering the question.”

“I will be judging this case,” Celestia stated, shooting me a small glare. “Normally I would not do so given that this issue is being handled directly by the crown. However, it seems as though Shining Armor has managed to curry the favor of my top generals as well as more than a few major politicians.”

“Wow, your bro has quite the machiavellian bent to him,” I remarked, glancing at Twilight.

“I wasn't aware he had such pull in high society,” Twilight admitted.

“Neither did I,” Celestia murmured.

I raised an eyebrow at that remark. It was clear to me that Celestia was less annoyed at me, and more perturbed by getting blindsided in such a manner. She had not foreseen Shining Armor’s apparently considerable political acumen and was not thrilled at being put into this situation. That didn't mean I enjoyed her showing up all glares, and spite but that at least I could forgive.

Eventually. Not right at that moment, however, as I was feeling incredibly petty.

“The strength of the crown fades apparently,” I exclaimed. “I was under the impression that you all were monarchs and were not servants of the common folk.”

“We are not,” Celestia retorted, her voice strained but still carrying a polite edge to it.

“And yet here you are,” I declared.

“Not helping, Fareeah,” Twilight half whispered, half spat.

“Right, sorry,” I murmured, holding up my hands in defeat.

“I am not obligated to inform you of this change, nor am I required to mention that the trial itself will be in the pre-discordian style, but I am also not barred from doing so,” Celestia continued. “I am supposed to inform you that the trial will be held in three days time.”

“Well that’s nice I guess,” I whispered, mostly to myself.

“Yes well. Although Shining Armor made a fairly convincing case it is still my opinion that you are more innocent than the guard seems to believe you are,” Celestia cooly declared.

“Hold on. Prediscordian?” Luna asked. “If I remember correctly that's one judge, one accuser, one defender, and the legal council for both sides.”

“It is,” Celestia answered.

“Shotgun Twilight being my lawyer,” I hastily proclaimed, prompting Celestia to raise an eyebrow curiously.

“Provided Twilight agrees she could serve in such a capacity,” Celestia replied.

“Wait, hold on,” Twilight exclaimed. “You can't be serious.”

“Twilight you are honest to a fault, and seek fairness in all things. It is my genuine belief that you would do the best possible job given the situation,” I stated with an uncharacteristic amount of seriousness.

“Okay, I appreciate the compliment but are you sure about this?” Twilight murmured in confused admiration.

“Though it does kind of make me feel bad to put you up against your brother like this I think with you on my side, I think together we’d find the most equitable solution to this entire debacle,” I replied after a short pause.

“I… wow. Alright, I’ll do it,” Twilight muttered, still slightly baffled.

“Then I have done what is required of me,” Celestia concluded, a small smile crossing her stiff features. “For what it's worth Fareeah I do wish our first true interaction was not under such circumstances.”

“We gotta stop meeting like this. Next time I hope there is more tea and crumpets, less threats and handcuffs,” I replied.

“Hmmm, agreed,” Celestia murmured, before turning suddenly to her sister. “From what I’ve heard you’ve handled this affair more than adequately. I apologize again if it seems as though I am doubting you.”

Luna leaned in, and hugged the other mare, holding the embrace. “It's okay,” she remarked in a soft tone. “I know you aren't here purely of your own volition.”

“Still. I do not want you to think as though I don't trust you,” Celestia whispered.

“We’ll talk more later,” Luna retorted.

The pair gave one another another soft squeeze before parting. Celestia took a step before stopping and giving Twilight a small appreciative nod before leaving completely. The rest of us just kinda stood there, watching her go and only moving after Celestia had completely left the building.

“So… That just happened,” I remarked.

“You just had to say it,” Twilight muttered.

“What? I can't help it. The tense atmosphere was getting to me,” I whined.

“Girls,” Luna interrupted, her voice stern. “Let's focus on what just happened, shall we?”

“Right. Yeah,” I murmured, scratching the side of my head. “So uh what exactly does this change in venue all entail anyway? Please tell me we can settle this with a trial by combat.”

“You are not fighting my brother,” Twilight exclaimed. “He may be an idiot but I will have to hear about it for the rest of my life. You will not.”

“There is no trial by combat here,” Luna proclaimed. “Only twenty-four grueling hours of you all being locked in a room together.”

“What?” I spat.

“In three days you five will go into a room just before dawn and there you two will defend Fareeah and her actions from the accused,” Luna explained. “You will not be able to leave until the light of the sun rises on the next day.”

“Brutal,” I muttered. “Do we have to pack a piss jug and snacks or are we just expected to fast and resist the urge to defecate for the twenty-four hours.”

“I’m fairly certain they’ll allow you the use of the facilities,” Twilight declared, bottom lip curled in disgust.

“And food will be provided though there will only be two meals,” Luna continued. “Furthermore you will not be told what accusations they will be levelling at you. So I implore you to give us every detail you can think of. No matter how relevant you believe it to be.”

“That is… wild,” I murmured, baffled by this sudden change.

“I don't know how, but Shining Armor must have bribed, threatened, or strong-armed nearly half the politicians in Canterlot as well as at least a few of the royal guard’s generals,” Luna concluded.

“This isn't just him. It can't be,” Twilight murmured. “His influence in the guard was waning and he was starting to come off as-”

“Unhinged?” I interrupted.

“I was going to say not quite as charismatic as he used to be, but that also works,” Twilight spat, frowning the entire time.

“So he has some other faction working with him then,” I offered. “Normally I’d ask what other enemies I may have but it really is just Shining Armor. And I suppose Fluttershy’s gardener but that's about it.”

“I will have to investigate how exactly he was able to get so many high-ranking individuals to go along with this little plan. However given the time constraints I doubt we’ll be able to deduce much before the trial starts,” Luna added.

“I bet he's counting on that,” I growled. “The bastard.”

“I’ll have you know my parents were happily married when he had him,” Twilight countered.

I blinked, my anger interrupted by a small chuckle that slipped past my lips. “Good one Twilight,” I admitted somewhat reluctantly. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“No problem,” Twilight dismissed.

“Right so. Let's focus on the dragon story,” I began, only to frown. “Actually I’d really appreciate a moment alone. I need to piss and just think if that's alright with you two.”

“Let's take five, and get some proper breakfast,” Luna stated, glancing at me. “Fareeah. Would you like anything?”

“Something greasy served alongside something that's terrible for my cholesterol. Please,” I added.

“I think we can do that. Right Twilight?” Luna prompted.

“What? Oh uh yeah. Yeah, we can do that,” Twilight repeated.

“See you guys in a bit,” I murmured.

I didn't wait for them to respond, and walked over to my cell, stepping inside and pulling the privacy curtain. Thankfully it was mostly unnecessary, as the pair hastily left, turning off the light after they had departed. The only light that remained was the thin bands of illumination that streamed in through the barred window of my cell.

I fell into my bed deflating with a long sigh as I did so.

Thoughts, worries, and nagging considerations all warred within my troubled mind. The confidence that had carried me through the last few days had been hamstrung, and for the first time in a while, I felt powerless. Sure I trusted Celestia to be as impartial as possible given the circumstances but the unknown force allied with Shining Armor was concerning, to say the least.

“How the heck do I get out of this one?” I whispered to myself.

It was then that I could hear the sound of someone sawing at something close by and I looked up to find I was not alone. My friend, Merry Mead had a hacksaw in their hooves and was hastily attempting to remove one of the bars of my cell.

“Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse,” I muttered.

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