MAR 12 Sunday.

The past two days have been both fun and refreshing.

First and foremost I've done some reflecting on what happened a few days ago. I realized pretty quickly that I probably went a little overboard. I still think my plan was fine, it worked and I'll get to the results in a minute, but I think I let my anger and annoyance get the best of me.

It's just the fact that my last three trips had something happening to me and I really was hoping this would be peaceful, but I guess I can only find peace at home. I ended up spending a few hours calming down that day and trying to have a better mindset, but that takes time.

I'll probably get annoyed at something again, but I just need to not be so violent, or at least save those emotions for training and practice. With all this in mind, I spent yesterday doing nothing but relaxing and finding places around the city to eat and draw different views.

As for training, I decided to join in on the morning run with the rest of the guard today and yesterday. The rhythmic thumps of my hooves and heartbeat help me work through my thoughts and help me relax before the meeting I'll be going to later today.

Most of the guards stopped running before me while I just kept pushing my body to its limit, at least Stone will be happy about my suffering. Back to the first topic though, the black market I was shown is probably real. I've walked past the outside and swept my spatial senses inside to make sure.

The market seems to be inside of a large building, a warehouse of some type from the looks of. I haven't gone into the black market though as I'm still trying to relax for the time being and treat my vacation like an actual vacation, or at least as much as I can with how I train and plan.

I've also put more thought into my plan for actually going into the black market, first I need a disguise. The spell I made for Celestia to make Cadance look like her is a perfect solution to this particular problem. I'll just modify it to make me look completely different while casting another spell to change my saddlebag color and pattern.

It's a bit much probably but it should make it very hard to recognize or track me, and that's all that really matters. As my lungs burn I finally stop and take a moment to nearly empty my flask of water, I choose to ignore the looks a few mare guards sent me as I was running and just head inside for a shower after that.

The healing spells work quickly and the cold water refreshes me enough to head down to breakfast to grab some food with Entropy on my back under an illusion. The dining area is a large hall that was fitted with several long tables to sit at while another table holds food from a kitchen behind a doorway.

Today is the official start of the diplomatic meetings so almost everyone is in the room talking and eating food. All the tables are pretty full so I just sit at one randomly before digging into my food. Something positive I've learned is that our food is also made by a few Griffons along with some ponies so there is some decently seasoned meat on the menu.

I make sure to feed Entropy well and I get a few surprised looks from any of the Griffons that see her with me. It's something I still don't have context for as most seem to simply have some respect for crows, but I have a feeling I'm about to get some answers.

I only get halfway through my meal before a certain Griffon walks into the room and gets some food before spotting me. Viridis Everfalls, turns out the last name of Everfalls is from an old noble family in the city, it's a large family though so it's a not very unique name to have.

Considering that Viridis is a diplomat for a far-off country that hasn't meant much to them up until recently, I don't think she's an important member of the family. All this brings to mind the political structure of Feather Falls, but I have to cut those thoughts short as Viridis sits down next to me without any fanfare.

"Hello Shade, how has the city been treating you? I myself find it lovely to be home again, it's an amazing place don't you think?" Her tone is friendly enough but stays fairly formal overall. She seems pretty relaxed though and more confident than on the train, and more careful too.

She looks intrigued as I take a bite of meat. I nod after eating a bit more. "Well enough, and I'll agree with you there, this city is certainly something interesting. A bit dark though, you could use a window." I try to relax more even when around her and make a stupid joke.

She looks a bit taken off guard at the sudden joke and my change in tone from our last meeting, but she's able to push past her surprise quickly. She lets out a soft and polite chuckle but it's clear to me that she was prepared for something less informal. "Well, I suppose we could put in a skylight, it's only a few thousand feet of stone above us after all." She jokes back after a moment.

I take this moment to cast a silence spell around us from under the table. "I like a good verbal spar as much as the next pony, but let's stop all this. What can I do for you and why should I do it?" I ask with a blunt and relaxed tone. I acted carefully the last time we met but I think I have a good feeling for her now and I'm not changing who I am and how I speak just for someone I barely know.

That seems to throw her through a loop completely and it's several long moments before she finally speaks again. "You really aren't who you seem to be. Did you know I tried to get your file? I'm supposed to have access to all of the files for the diplomats and scribes on this trip, curiously they rejected showing me yours." She spills out some information to try and make me slip up probably.

Truth is I just don't care in the slightest at this point, she already knows there is something odd about me, and trying to hide will just make her dig even more. It's better to simply admit I'm odd while stonewalling any questions and just get to the bottom of what she wants from me.

There is a long moment as she looks for any reaction from me, but I refuse to give a single fuck. After a while, I finish my food and she sighs slightly, "How much do you know about the current political situation right now?" She's now trying to rattle me with complex words and questions.

I shrug a little without really hiding my slight smile. "Enough to do my job." I don't give her a thing and start to enjoy teasing her with my lack of clarity and care of the situation. Messing with her is proving to be more fun than playing along with the intrigue and politics.

At this point she lets a little annoyance slip into her tone a little. "And I suppose if I were to ask you, you'd say your job is being a translation scribe and nothing else?" I don't even nod to that. "Fine. I'd like you to hear me out, but I think somewhere more private is preferable, yes?"

I think about that for a moment. I could just make her talk here, it's not like others could hear us right now. But if I'm going to even try and hear her out and even vaguely get involved in this I'd like as many aces up my proverbial sleeves as possible. As for why I'm even thinking about hearing her out?

Well, like I said I would like some peace and quiet on my trip, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out she might not just give up easily, and I really don't want to deal with that. She's desperate enough to want to talk with me, a completely unknown pony with no background and many secrets, to help her achieve something.

After a long moment of thought I nod slowly. "Sure, just don't try and ambush me, it won't go well." My tone is a bit less relaxed but still completely informal. She looks pleased and confused at that and stands up without even bothering with her food at all, what a waste of decent food.

"Thank you for hearing me out, I have an office we can use." She turns and we walk out of the room a moment later. After we're out of the room she turns to me and keeps talking. "You didn't really answer my question, so I'll give some context so you know what's going on." She makes it sound like a favor for me.

I stay silent so she talks as we walk through the hallways. "The current King, King Adosis, has ruled for three terms, almost thirty years, and thus can not be elected again. So, he's nominating a niece of his, she is the head of diplomatic efforts and my boss." She explains with some patience, that I think she thinks I'm not very politically savvy, which is not wrong.

I didn't know about the nomination, but I did know about the current king. The election system of Feather Falls is an odd mix of royalty and democracy. Districts of the city elect a noble to govern them, and then those nobles along with other powerful individuals elect a ruler.

Most of these individuals who can vote are the elected nobles, who also have ten-year terms but the rest are different, some are merchants, others are guild leaders, and a few are simply old and powerful family heads. As you'd imagine, a system with both elected and inherited positions along with an elected monarch is a massive clusterfuck.

I chose not to research the government here more than that and have no idea what the details of the situation are like. But I now know why she needs my help at least, her boss getting elected could be big for her, really big. Eventually, we arrive at an office and she lets me in before closing the door behind me and activating an object on the desk. "No one will be overhearing us now."

I am curious about the magical item, but leave it be for now and just sit down. "So, why do you think I can help you do anything? In your own words, I'm just a scribe. And why do you want it secret? Is this going to be illegal?" I tease her more with a relaxed tone and try to not get too entangled in this.

She sighs again and looks me over before looking at Entropy. "No, this is not illegal, but it would look bad for me so it's best we're not overheard. And normally? No, you're not of much help, but your friend here changes things. King Adosis is very known for his love of crows, and if this new trade deal were to go well then my boss would look very good to the nobles." She drops a lot of pretense and just starts to lay it all out.

I listen silently. "Now this is where you come in. Out of the three translation scribes here, one is for the Zebra language and the other is like you working with the Griffon language, they are planned to be at the table with us while you are going to be sitting in the back with the paperwork." I know all of this so just nod waiting for her to get to the point.

"I'll be sitting on the side offering information to both sides of the negotiation and I want you to join me at the table with my boss, doing your work in full view of the king, and I want your friend to come with us. Along with talking to the king at the party afterward if he approaches you and trying to make a favorable impression." I'm starting to put the plan together myself.

She and her boss want this deal to go smoothly, so having a scribe with a pet the king likes could be useful, but really? This seems like a lot of work for something so small. "Really? All this, buttering me up, seeking me out, just for that?" I ask levelly with a blank face while thinking this over in my head more.

She smiles a bit. "When I said he likes crows, I really meant it. He's literally famous for owning several dozen expertly trained crows. A little odd but he is the king." Her tone is more relaxed. "As for you though, I'll pay quite well for your time, especially considering the small efforts on your end." She's being vague about her reasons now and trying to dangle money over my head.

I stare her down for a moment. "You didn't answer my question, so I'll be more blunt. I'm no one, so how does this help you?" I ask without any pretending or beating around the bush as I'm tired of even trying to be stubtle right now.

She stares dryly at me a little amused at the bluntness. "I was honest when we first met, I was curious about you, nothing more, but after talking I thought you could prove useful in some way. You seem to be just a scribe, but a few powerful individuals do not want this deal going through, I do. And I'm willing to pay well to up the chances, even just a little bit." Her tone is enticing and she's trying to appeal to my greed again.

I'll give her this, it's not a horrible plan, and it's pretty simple too. She stands to gain if this deal goes through, so spending a few hours trying to up the chances a bit makes some sense. The whims of rules can be implosive and detached, I don't know this king, but if he's like that this could work well or not at all, but there is little overall risk for me.

As for me? Honestly, I'm tempted, not by the money, and certainly not by the attention. But, we came here to make a trade deal, form new connections, and get better sources of information on the situation in the Wild Lands. Feather Falls works very well for all of that.

It's a big trade route from the coast into the inner continent because of its location. This city is a nightmare to try and attack and it is a large weapon producer. The plateau the city is inside has abundant mines that are used for metal production, the city's main export.

This is why I'm thinking of accepting it, this could be a good connection to gain information in the future. And while doing this is going to be a little uncomfortable, I'm not exactly doing anything that complicated or dangerous. It will probably suck, especially the party I was planning to skip, but I think it's worth it.

After a long moment, I nod slowly but stop her from speaking. "I don't want your money, I want a favor." She raises a brow slightly. "Nothing big, but something I can call on if needed." I could have just asked for information but a favor is more flexible, and having a favor from a family like the Everfalls could prove useful someday, even if it's just a small favor.

She looks intrigued but nods after a moment. "Clever, but this is a little small for payment like that normally. But sure, why not? I can't and won't promise anything big, but I can promise something small. Within reason of course, because if it's not you'll have far less than a favor." A slight threat is thrown in much to my amusement.

She holds out a talon and I shake it. "And if you back out, we'll be having words in less pleasant circumstances." I threaten a little right back. "Have a good day Miss. Viridis, and see you at the meeting" I give her a short nod walk outside the office and quickly walk off to my room to clear my head a little.

But when I get there I see Shining waiting for me. "There you are, you kept me waiting, for a while, you owe me a drink." He jokes before nodding in greeting. "Cadance wants to talk to you about the meeting. Now come on, you're keeping me from my work." Shining's friendly and relaxed tone is a welcome change in the mood.

I roll my eyes. "Well excuse me for being in a secret meeting with a nosy negotiator to earn us a favor," I say back a little blandly and he looks at me like I've grown a second head. "What? I can play this game of politics just like others." In response, he just laughs in my face without a second of hesitation.

"You- Oh, Cadance will love this! After she's done with you of course." He says vaguely before we enter a guarded room. Once the doors are closed I look around, It's a pretty plain-looking bedroom with Cadance waiting at a table. "I found the troublemaker, he got into more trouble, somehow. See you soon." He nods and chuckles again before walking out of the room in a hurry.

I'm just confused about what is happening and turn to Cadance with a raised brow at the events. "Ok, so what trouble am I in, and why?" I ask a little humorously and take a seat at the table. Her expression looks amused but also curious and concerned.

She smiles at me. "Well, apparently while at a bar a few guards were listening in to rumors and the like, doing their job." I nod as that's not too surprising, we did partly come here for information. "Then a Griffon started to talk about their friend almost getting stabbed by, and I quote, 'some crazy bucking pony.' Mind explaining?" She asks a little more seriously and it seems I'm now in trouble.

I just stare blankly for several long moments realizing I've been caught. Not many would do something like I did, let alone a pony, and she knows me well enough to connect the dots. I sigh after a moment. "Well, I'd ask what specifically you heard. But would it make you feel better if I said they drew a knife first?" I don't even try to deny anything as that will just get me in more trouble.

Her brows raise further and she looks even more concerned now. "No, they didn't hear much beyond that. So explain, NOW." She demands with concern in her look as she looks at me a bit. I feel a little relieved at her answer as I really don't want to talk about trying to find a black market, although I don't think that Diamond Dog is dumb enough to talk about that in any story she tells, I'm also guessing this unnamed Griffon is one of her lads.

I just nod. "Ok, so. I went for a walk and found a bookstore, bought two books, and then someone followed me. I knew they were following me so I tried to lose them in an alley, but they caught up and tried to rob me." I lie at a few points and hope she doesn't notice while trying to keep my story mostly truthful. Every word seems to make her look more concerned though.

"Wait! Why did you not tell us about this!?" She loudly demands while utterly confused by everything and a little angry at me.

I open my mouth and then close it. "It's just not how I work, and I really am sorry for that." My apology seems to confuse her more but it also seems to cut off her anger as she looks more worried about me than anything. "Look, it's complicated. But I like to try and fix my own problems, and I tend to ignore help as I don't like relying on others." I admit honestly.

Cadance doesn't really know what to say to that for a few moments, she takes a few deep breaths and lets out a long sigh. "Ok, sorry for shouting. But, please tell me in the future, magic forbid this happens again. And I'm telling Aunty about this, now keep going because you still have explaining to do." She smiles a bit and seems surprisingly willing to let this go.

I was expecting a talking-to as I got from Celestia last time I did something stupid, things are different now though. I didn't actually do much harm to anyone for starters, and she knows I can take care of myself, while I'm also basically an adult, unlike last time. I give her another apologetic look and nod. "Please do, I need another good kick in the flank from her."

Despite the mood, she smiles and takes the opportunity I unwittingly gave her. "Hmm, I didn't know you were into that sort of thing." My burning face is all she needs to laugh a bit and lighten the mood to something less serious. I really am thankful she's this calm about this, even if it means being teased more.

"There's not much else to say really. I took their weapon, threatened to remove their limb with my dagger, and they ran for it." I give a vague summary and lie a bit more. I really need to get better at not lying so much. "And before you ask, I didn't go to the city guard because I didn't really get a good look at the thief and trying to track them in this city?" I answer the most obvious question before it can be asked.

She rolls her eyes. "I would rather you did anyway, sadly I do agree with you though, knowing this city I don't think it would do much good." She speaks with a little disdain. I guess she is like most ponies and doesn't really like how much crime is around here. "Please stay safe Shade, I do not want to deal with Aunty flying over here." She pleads a little.

I don't really like that idea either, so I nod. "Sure, but Hey! This is not really my fault, I just defended myself." I verbally defend myself but she looks unconvinced.

She just throws a ball of paper at me that I catch without even flinching. "We both know they wouldn't have gotten away unless you let them, at least there's no paperwork. Now what is this new trouble? Because if I get into more danger I'm just assigning you a pair of guards." She sounds both amused and frustrated while bringing up Shining's words.

I actually smile at that. If nothing else I can enjoy causing her a headache. "Well, you remember Viridis Everfalls? The diplomat?" She raises a brow and nods. "She just made a deal with me to help the trade deal go through by sitting at the meeting table with Entropy, apparently the king likes crows, along with going to the party and talking to him if he approaches me there. I think she's desperate to even bother asking me. Oh, and she now owes me, and by extension you, a small favor in return." I admit with a little pride.

I chuckle a moment later as her mouth hangs open a bit in complete shock. "You- What?" I full-on laugh as her reaction is almost the same as Shining's. My words seem to sink in a few moments after the shock wears off and she starts to laugh with me. "Ok, I NEED to hear this." She takes out a few papers. "Aunty will love this." She teases and laughs more as I just sigh.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. :D
Current year is 995

I don't really know what to say here. So, have a lovely day. :]

PS, I've never really tried to write about politics, so sorry if this comes off as stupid. I hope you enjoy it if nothing else.