~~~

White stone buildings surrounded Tia as she walked behind her parents.

Of course this was nothing new to the pink maned white Unicorn filly. She had lived her life on the road with the blue stallion and lilac mare. They brought her with as they traveled from town to town. By day, either one of her parents would be away for a while, but the remaining one stayed behind to take care of the young filly. When they came to a town, they would go straight for the local inn to stare at a strange board that was nearly always covered in parchments of paper. Tia's Mom and Dad would then whisper quietly to each other, pointing at one or two of the papers. They would then rip it off the board.

The one of them, usually Mom, would pick Tia up and they'd all go talk with the innkeeper. Mom and Dad would discuss adults things like 'payment', 'principle', or some such thing like that.

Frankly it all went over Tia's head.

All she wanted to do was run around and look at all the interesting things in the inn.

Then when they finished their adult discussion, and depending on what time of day it was... They would go to a new room for the night, or one of her parents would disappear for a time while the remaining one played with Tia for the day.

Today was no different.

The only thing that stuck out to Tia, was how many more Ponies, and how much taller the buildings were.

She followed the two older Ponies in almost a daze, openly gawking at the busy sights around her.

"Tia?" Mom asked, drawing the small filly's attention. "Are you getting tired? You're slowing down."

Truthfully, Tia wasn't tired. But she nodded her head anyway to get a ride on Mom's back.

"Up you come then." The large mare stated gently, lifting the three year old filly in her magic.

With a soft plop Tia was deposited on the older mare's withers, whom then sped up a little to match Dad's pace.

"If memory serves..." The blue stallion said to the mare. "There should be another inn around that corner." He pointed down the street.

"If they haven't closed." the lilac mare agreed.

Tia continued to stare at the bustling city, awed that there could be so many Ponies at one time!

Her parents however ignored everything around them, and seemed intent to get to their destination.

The three turned around the corner, coming into view of another bustling tavern.

Tia could only stare wide eyed at the plethora of Ponies dressed similarly to her parents. Traveling cloaks, leather bound books, swords, knives... And plenty more her parents didn't have. Ponies with full suits of armor, shields and pikes... Staves and bows. The sheer amount of exciting looking Ponies was mind boggling.

"If anything looks like business has gotten better." Mom murmured softly to Dad.

"I guess the famine is good for business." He replied with equal softness.

They made their way through the crowd, gently and slowly prodding their way towards the door to the tavern.

"Alright Tia, I need you to stay near me in there. And don't talk to anypony." Mom whispered to Tia as Dad opened the tavern door.

"Yes Mommy." Tia chirped.

"Good." Mom nodded as she followed Dad.

The tavern was even busier than it's outside. Ponies bustled to and fro with large wooden tankards. A group of stallions off to Tia's right started to laugh uproariously at the silly voice of somepony telling a story. A mare sat quietly in a dark corner, a purple lizard resting across her withers.

The atmosphere was alive and full of comradery.

As always, Mom and Dad made a beeline for the ever present board. Ponies moved out of the way to allow the three access. The two older Ponies stopped in front of the paper filled oddity.

"How about this one?" Dad asked.

"No, that'll bring the attention of my family." Mom shook her head.

"Hm." Dad hummed. "How about that? We can do that in an afternoon."

"Maybe if we can't afford Reaver's fee." Mom tapped her chin in thought.

"Come on... There has to be something here... This is Unicornia for crying out loud!"

"Keep your voice down!" Mom grumbled. "I see that twit Cold Iron! If he hears we'll be-"

"Well well well." a stallion's voice sounded, drowning out the entirety of the noise within the tavern.

"Damnit." Mom cursed quietly.

"Look over here lads! We've got a right hard ass over here!" cried a stallion who stood behind the counter, wiping a dirty glass with a rag.

"Cold Iron!" Mom greeted as she turned towards the stallion, suddenly cordial. "Didn't see you over there! How's business been?"

"Well enough I suppose." The rough looking Unicorn admitted. "But you already knew that didn't you?"

"What can we say?" Dad responded. "Everypony's gotta eat."

"Tell that to my boys you put in the dirt." 'Cold Iron' replied.

"You know as well as we do it's all part of the business." Mom replied. "If you can't accept that, get out while you can."

"Aye. Which I reckon is a mighty strange thing to say while babysitting a filly." Cold Iron nodded grimly.

"Well that depends." Mom snarked. "Are any of your boys on the board?"

Cold Iron smirked with a snort.

"Naw. They're all contracted with a merchant as a guard detail. Totally above board."

"Then you don't have to worry about me then do you?" Mom replied. "It'd be a shame to lead an old stallion on a merry chase again."

"Now you say that, but I wonder what your mum would say?"

"Don't know, don't care." Mom replied with a dismissive snort. "Is Reaver in today?"

"I'd wager she'd say differently." the stallion rebutted.

"Is. Reaver. In. To. Day?" Mom repeated slowly.

"Fine fine. Don't get your knickers twisted..." The stallion then leaned back and shouted into the kitchen. "'Ey Reaver! Got a familiar face out here that wants to see you!"

Tia watched all of this with wide innocent eyes, uncomprehending of what the adults were talking about.

The sounds of somepony moving in another room echoed, before a batwing door opened, revealing an aged but strong looking stallion whose back right hoof was a peg leg.

"Oh blimey!" He exclaimed in happy surprise. "Ain't seen yer ugly mugs 'round here for a good long while!"

It was only then did Mom and Dad smile.

"Hello Reaver." Mom replied. "Long time indeed."

"Hold on for a second, I'll be right out." The old stallion stated, walking around the counter to get closer. "Ya gotta be desperate if you're coming here." He said as he drew near.

"Could we discuss this at a table? Where every ear isn't turned to us?" Dad asked.

"That bad huh?" The stallion asked. "I'll see what I can do."

The stallion then turned and began walking down one of the rows of tables, looking for a an open table.

"Hm hm hmm..." he hummed as he searched. "Excuse me miss! Are you done for this evening?"

He was talking with the mare with the purple lizard on her withers.

"Hm? Oh yes, I've just finished." The mare stated, hopping from her chair.

"Thankee kindly miss. I hope our hospitality was warm this evening." He said with a genuine smile.

"Well enough." The mare nodded. "Have a good night."

"You as well miss!" Reaver replied. The stallion then turned back to Mom and Dad. "Shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the table.

Mom lifted Tia off her withers as she took a seat, setting Tia in her lap.

"So who's this little filly?" Reaver asked, nodding at Tia.

"This is Celestia." Mom replied, bouncing Tia gently in her lap. "Say hi Tia."

"H- Hi..." Tia said shyly.

"Aw... Cute filly." Reaver said, booping Tia's nose.

Tia's small hooves snapped to her snout, clutching her nose in surprise.

"Hahhahaha!" Reaver laughed good naturedly. "Oh she's a keeper alright." He then turned back to Mom and Dad. "Which is why I'm guessing you're here. This ain't no place for any filly."

"Correct." Mom nodded. "We're... Looking for something." She said cryptically.

"Lots of Ponies are. But what are you lookin' for?" Reaver replied.

"A job." Dad said simply. "One with a big pay day."

"That all?" Reaver asked with a raised eyebrow. "Hell we got plenty! How about the one with-"

"Those aren't enough." Mom interrupted. "We need a lot."

"... You two didn't get mixed up with any less than reputable organization have you? Bein' in debt isn't great, but surely you haven't taken that-"

"It's not like that." Dad interjected. "We've-" He shared a glance with Mom, who nodded. "We're planning on moving South. Take what supplies we can and leave before this famine gets any worse."

Reaver leaned back in his chair.

"I see..." He said gravely. "I suppose that makes sense... With the price of food going up all the time..."

"So you'll help us?" Mom asked hopefully.

"I can try. But I don't think anypony is willing to give out that much scratch. For any job. Only one I can think of is The One." His voice dropped into a whisper at the last two words.

To Tia, it felt like a cold breeze swept through the tavern. And barely, just barely, the various candles, lanterns, and the roaring fireplace didn't seem all that inviting anymore.

Mom and Dad shared a worried glance.

"We... See." Dad said slowly "Is it still in the same place?"

"You're not actually thinking about taking it are you?" Reaver asked.

"For now, no." Dad shook his head. "But we might be forced to. It'll be good to go get a look for a refresher."

"I can see you're desperate." Reaver replied. "But I have to ask you to think about your filly."

"It's because of her we want to leave." Mom snarled softly.

The old stallion sighed softly.

"Then all I can do is wish you the best of luck. Just remember..." He lowered his voice. "Trust nopony. You know how things stand."

"We know." Dad nodded.

"Then fortune be with you." Reaver said, pushing himself to his hooves. "And may the Alicorns bless your fate."

And just like that he was gone, disappearing into the crowd of Ponies.

Mom and Dad looked at each other.

"So the palace board eh?" Dad asked.

"I can go." Mom insisted. "If you don't want to."

"And risk your family recognizing you? I don't think so missy." Dad replied.

"Alright fine." Mom relented. "Do we want a room here then?"

"Nah, Reaver's a good stallion, but Cold Iron is liable to try something."

“I’d like to see him try. Finish what I started as a filly.”

“Easy girl.” Dad laughed. “We’re supposed to be good parents now.”

“Whatever.” Mom groaned. “Let’s just get out of here.”

With that, she removed Tia from her lap with her magic and slid out of the chair. Tia however was swiftly placed on Mom’s withers as Dad joined her in standing up.

“Just a bit more Tia, and if you’re a good girl we can get a treat later!”

“A treat?” Tia asked, her tiny ears perking. “What kind of treat?”

“We’re just going to have to see aren’t we?” Mom grinned as they made their way out of the tavern. The street was perhaps even more crowded now, as the evening sky began to dull into a bright orange.

“We better get a move on if we want a room tonight.” Dad said.

“Right.” Mom replied with a nod. “How about the Pickled Manticore? If we’re lucky we can get our old room again.”

“Sun’s sake mare… She’s right there!”

“Oh she’s too young to know what we’re talking about. Besides, when she’s down for the night and if we’re quiet…”

“You’re insatiable.”

“Is that a no?”

“Aren’t you nervous about being here? At all?”

“A bit.” Mom admitted. “But these are our old stomping grounds. While I don’t think I’d be able to fit into half the places I used to, I’d bet we’d still get away with a ruckus if we needed to.”

“I swear, Tia here will be a right and proper rogue if you get your way.”

Mom giggled at that but didn’t otherwise reply.

The two then walked in comfortable silence, allowing Tia to observe more of the city.

They eventually came to another inn, this one much more dingy and much less populated.

Even to Tia's young eyes it looked like it was falling apart.

Wordlessly, Mom and Dad entered the inn.

The smell of smoke filled Tia's nose as she was brought inside.

The occupants of the inn weren't like the cheerful inhabitants of the other inn. They wore their grimy and hole filled cloaks and the hoods were still up, mostly hiding their faces as they drank their 'forbidden juice'.

Mom and Dad went to the counter, where the barkeeper was pouring a drink for one of the customers.

"Excuse me." Mom asked after she drew the barkeep's attention. "Would you happen to have a room available?"

"Not sure ye'd want ta bring a filly here youngin." He grumbled, gesturing at Tia. "Pretty things like her tend to... Disappear around here."

"If you value the continued use of your testicles... I wouldn't recommend that." Dad replied mischievously. "Those sort of things tend to... Disappear around my wife." He grinned.

"Heh. Dun blame me if ye never see 'er again... Yeah, I've got a room fer ye."

"We'll take our chances." Mom said grimly, putting a few bits on the counter. "That'll be enough for you I think."

"... That'll do well enough." The barkeep stated, quickly scooping the bits underneath the counter. "Here's the key."

A key was slapped onto the counter, which Dad swept up with equal swiftness.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Mom smiled grimly.

"Not on yer life..." The barkeep growled softly as he turned away.

Mom ignored him as she turned and began walking away, heading towards a dark hall to the back of the bar.

"Not the same room." Dad reported, examining the key.

"Shame." Mom sighed. "Ah well. Can't win them all."

They swiftly came before a door that Dad stuck the key inside and turned the lock. The door opened with a creak, revealing a dark and musky room. Both older Ponies lit their horns as they peered inside; Mom a silvery lavender, and Dad a gleaming orange.

Cautiously they slipped inside, shutting the door behind them with a click.

"You check under the bed, I'll start the wards." Mom stated.

"On it honey." Dad said as he bent down and began searching under the bed.

Tia was used to this by now and hadn't moved from her place on Mom's withers.

"Bed's clear." Dad said as he stood straight. Mom's horn strobed as she continuously wove spells around the room.

"There." Mom said as she finished her ritual. "Nopony getting inside here now. Alright Tia, you can hop off if you want."

Despite permission being given, Tia instead yawned.

"'M tired..." She said, snuggling into Mom's coat.

"Aw, watching all of the strange Ponies sure was exciting huh?" Mom asked with a coo. "Okay then, we'll get you to bed then."

"Mkay..." Tia yawned again, snuggling further into Mom's coat.

The familiar warmth of Mom's magic wrapped around the filly, gently lifting her and placing her squarely in the center of the only bed.

Tia didn't open her eyes as the familiar weights of her parents pressed onto the bed besides her.

"So no good boy reward tonight then?" Dad said with a mirthful tone.

"With that comment, you're lucky you're not sleeping on the floor lover boy." Mom teased.

"Oh you wound me Neb!" Dad replied with mock hurt. "Besides. Weren't you the one who suggested it?"

"That was before I knew this place went to Tartarus. This place has always been cheap but damn, didn't know it had gotten this bad..."

"Do you want me to keep watch?"

"Nah, I'll stay up for a bit."

"... You want to stare out the window at the palace don't you?"

"... I do miss them sometimes." Mom admitted.

Tia finally fully succumbed to sleep.

~~~

Tia awoke with a twitch as she smelled something delicious. She lifted her head and took a sniff.

"Good morning sleepy head!" Mom called excitedly, sitting on the bed next to Tia. "Your father got us these." She said, waving a honey glazed bun in front of the filly's nose. "Because you were such a good girl yesterday." She smiled kindly.

Tia gasped as she took the treasured honey bun in both hooves.

It was still warm!

"Thank you daddy!" she squee'd adorably. But then her expression fell as she realized Dad was not there. "Where is daddy?" she asked.

"He has things he needs to look into." Mom replied easily. "He'll be back tonight."

"Oh..." Tia's ears drooped.

"Hey don't be like that." Mom cooed gently, cupping Tia's face with a hoof. "We've still got a new city to explore! We can go look at all the silly suits the well-to-dos are wearing, or we can go draw mustaches on all the important looking statues!" she continued, poking Tia in the tummy. "Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Tia giggled in reply.

"Yeah!" she squee'd bouncing in excitement.

"Then come on!" We don't have all day!" Mom smiled cheerfully, lowering herself so her withers were even with the bed.

"Yay!" Tia cheered, gleefully taking her usual place. "Onwards! To adventure and mustaches!"

"Yes! Mustaches!" Mom giggled as she fully stood up.

The trip back through the inn was uneventful, save for Mom stepping cautiously around one of the local drunkards... Otherwise the inn was quite unlike what it was the night before. Without the gloom of the night, all the dirt, grim, and various stains were on full display.

The street however was an entirely different story. Ponies bustled about in the fresh and bright morning air, going about their lives as they always had.

"So the trick to the mustaches Tia..." Mom began to explain. "It's not that you don't want to be seen, but you've got to be in a decent place to escape when you are spotted."

"Hmhm." Tia nodded, only half listening.

"Ideally, on the other side of a bush or fence, but in a tree works too."

"Hmhm." Tia nodded automatically.

"Normally you can get away with ignoring any regular Pony when they tell you to stop, but you've got to watch for the guard... They'll usually sound big, mean, and intimidating. But that's all for show. They're mostly a bunch of pushovers."

"Hmhm..." Tia's gaze began to wander.

"They'll chase you if they see you, but that's also when they're at their worst. That armor is heavy, and the academy mostly focuses on spellwork rather than physical prowess..."

Tia's ear flicked.

"Hm?" The small filly hmmed as her attention was grabbed.

"What is it Tia?" Mom asked.

"I... I don't know..." Tia admitted softly.

It was... A sort of music that tickled her small ears. Like a village of Ponies were singing. It was so beautiful and mesmerizing that she had difficultly turning her attention elsewhere.

But still, Tia being the good filly she was did her best to ignore the strangely magnetic noise. No matter how much she tried however, she kept wandering back to the singing that rose and fell as Mom walked through the streets.

It was when the music was at it's loudest when Tia broke.

"Mommy, what's that sound?" she asked.

"Hm? You mean the town crier?" She asked, pointing at a Pony who was loudly ringing a bell.

Truth be told, Tia didn't even notice the loud obnoxious brass bell.

"No." Tia replied. "It's like singing."

Mom cocked her head and swiveled her ears to listen.

"... I'm not entirely sure I understand what you mean." She confessed after a moment. "Do you mean the auctioneer?" She gestured up the street to a market square, where even here a fast paced voice was trying to sell something.

"N- No. The-" Tia tried to hum along with the distracting music, and to her surprise found it incredibly easy to keep in time with the notes.

Mom was silent for a moment as her ears swiveled again.

"... I'm sorry sweetie but I don't know what you're talking about." she apologized.

"Why not?" Tia asked with a whine. "It's so loud! How can you not hear it?!"

"I don't know what to tell you sweetie, but I don't hear anything."

Tia was silent for a moment before she frumped.

"... Fine." She relented, keenly focusing her gaze on a brick wall on the other side of the street.

"If I hear it I'll let you know Tia." Mom soothed, turning her head to give Tia a brief nuzzle.

Reassured Tia, met Mom’s nuzzle. But her frown returned as the larger mare went back to walking.

The singing… It was so attention grabbing!

How could anypony else not hear it?!

Even now as Mom walked calmly on, the music rose.

Tia felt her ear twitch in irritation as Mom began to steer away from the song, making it go slightly quieter.

It was when Mom took the completely wrong turn that Tia had enough!

She leapt to the ground decisively, and galloped away with the impulsiveness of youth!

“Tia! What’s gotten into you?! Come back here!” Mom yelled behind her.

Tia ignored Mom, focusing only on getting closer to that beautiful music!

She dashed past Ponies and carts alike! Squeezing through what ever she had to! One notable example was between a mare’s legs, or even disrupting a game of tag between other foals!

“T- Celestia!” Mom exclaimed. “Get back here at once!”

Again, Tia ignored mom.

The music was practically calling Tia’s name.

Things came to a head when the music came from inside a large iron banded door.

Tia was about to try forcing it open when familiar warm magic wrapped around her barrel.

“Gotcha!” Mom exclaimed in triumph, breathing heavily. “Little scamp!” She clutched Tia to her chest as she caught her breath. “Sun above… Now I know how my Mom felt…”

“Ma’am?” Asked the strange voice of a stallion.

Tia - who wasn’t struggling in Mom’s embrace looked up to see a Unicorn in golden armor, regarding her and Mom with a curious expression.

“Sorry sir, my daughter here just decided to scamper off! She didn’t mean anything from trying to enter the Cathedral.”

Indeed, as Tia looked around her surroundings, she was now at the base of a tall building, one who’s spire reached high above the already impressive door, carved out of intricate stone work.

“Just keep your foal under control ma’am.” The Unicorn stated. “The Sun Priests are performing a delicate ritual today and shouldn’t be disturbed."

“Yes sir.” Mom nodded. “Thank you for being understanding.” She continued keeping Tia clutched to her chest as she backed away.

It was the next street over before Mom sat on her haunches and lifted Tia to her face.

“What has gotten into you young lady?” She asked. “You know better than to run off in strange places.”

“Yes’m.” Tia mumbled, throughly chastised already.

Mom’s face softened.

“No harm done I suppose… But I will be telling your father about this.”

“Yes’m.” Tia repeated.

“Now what do you have to say for yourself?”

“‘M sorry…” she mumbled dejectedly.

Tia wasn't sorry for running away, she was sorry for scaring Mom. Even now, those heavenly notes called to her.

Mom clutched Tia to her chest again, this time in a hug.

"I'm just glad you're alright..." She said softly.

Tia returned the hug, clutching at the older mare's barrel with her short arms.

And yet... The small filly could not help but glance longingly as she pressed her face against her mother's chest fluff, in the direction that the music was coming from, faint now... But undoubtedly present.

"Alright Tia, come on up." Mom urged gently. "I want to show you how to quietly pry open barrels."

"... Okay Momma..." Tia said looking up at the older mare's face.

~~~

Night found Tia laying on the hotel bed, playing with an interesting knot she had liberated from a wooden barrel that had come loose earlier that day. Mom paced the room as the sky outside drew dark.

"Come on Astral... Where are you?" She muttered.

Tia hummed happily, making the hunk of wood hop across the bed.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

The two Ponies froze.

Tia didn't know why Mom did, but she did because she always did when somepony knocked on their room in a tavern.

Mom crept towards the door on silent hooves.

"Who is it?" She called.

"Best student in the academy!" A familiar voice called.

Mom sighed and opened the door, revealing Dad.

"In your dreams." She responded, before enveloping the stallion in a hug. "Missed you ya big lug."

"Missed you too." Dad said, nuzzling her shoulder.

"Did you find it?" Mom asked.

"No... Had to forge a few papers to get a new license." Dad replied, pulling away from the hug.

"Damnit." Mom cursed, stomping a hoof.

"Just a few days... Just enough to get a few rewards under my new belt."

"That's dangerous Astral..." Mom warned.

"Hey." Dad grinned. "It's me we're talking about."

"That's precisely why I'm worried." Mom retorted.

"You worry too much." Dad defended, turning towards Tia. "Oh there's my little girl!" He cooed. "Have you been a good filly today?" He asked.

"Pf. No." Mom snorted. "She decided to run off and tried to get into the Cathedral."

"Aw! Already looking for the good stuff! She's a natural rogue for sure!"

"What's a rogue?" Tia asked innocently.

Mom gave a rueful snort.

"Now you've done it." She stated as she leapt onto the bed and lay next to Tia.

"Have not." Dad replied, shedding his cloak and throwing it over a chair. He then joined the mares on the bed opposite Mom with Tia in the middle.

"But what's a rogue?" Tia asked again.

"Don't worry about it." Mom said, kissing Tia's forehead. "Just get some sleep sweetie."

"But I'm not tired!" Tia protested.

Mom smiled knowingly.

"Hush quiet now It's time to lay your sleepy head..." She began to sing, her voice sweet and melodious. "Hush now quiet now it's time to go to bed..."

Tia was out like a light.

~~~

The next day found Tia and Mom wandering the streets of the giant city again.

"So Tia, was there anything you wanted to see today?" Mom asked.

At first Tia was about to say something along the lines of 'I dunno', but right at that moment a few faint notes of the siren song from the day prior whispered in her ears.

"Mommy? What is a cath-e-dral?" She pronounced slowly, trying to get the word right.

"I should've seen that coming..." She sighed. "A cathedral is a grand building that Ponies go to worship at."

"What is... Worship?" Tia asked.

"That's..." Mom paused. "That's something I'll tell you when you're older."

"Ah come on Momma!" Tia whined. "What is it?"

"You're really taken with the Cathedral aren't you?" Mom asked, sounding tired.

"Uh huh!" Tia nodded.

"... Fine." Mom sighed. "We can visit the Cathedral."

"Yay!" Tia cheered, bouncing in place on Mom's withers.

"Ow!" Mom winced. "Could you not do that sweetie?" she asked.

"Sorry Momma." Tia apologized, stopping immediately.

“Thank you dear.” Mom replied. “Do you want to walk there yourself? You seem awfully excited for this.”

Instead of replying, Tia hopped down and started prancing in place.

“Can we go now can we go now can we go-“

“Very excited.” Mom said with an eye-roll. “Yes we can go now.”

“Yay!” Tia squee'd, running in the direction the music was coming from.

“Whoa! Slow down Tia! We have all day!” Mom protested as she cantered to keep up.

The Cathedral was much the same as it had been the day prior, except this time the large doors were wide open and the guards allowed Ponies to enter and leave freely.

“Ok Tia, remember-“ Mom said, having finally reigned in the rambunctious filly. “No running, and no shouting. You are to be on your best behavior.”

“Yes Mommy!” Tia chirped.

“Good, I’ll hold you to that.” Mom said sternly as she herded the small filly through the doors.

The Grand Cathedral was grand indeed. A high vaulted ceiling, featuring a mosaic of a grand crème colored winged Unicorn, his wings forming a circle directly at the highest point in the ceiling. In his hooves, was a large ball of light that he was offering down to the multitude of Unicorns that rimmed the entire room.

Colonnades then traveled down the walls, forming alcoves in which stained glass windows were set into the wall letting in shafts of daylight fall onto the ground below. The windows depicted various scenes that Tia had no context for, although they all prominently featured the cream colored winged Unicorn stallion.

Of the floor itself, Tia couldn’t see much, as two spiral staircases rose before her, leading from a low entrance to a higher yet open floor.

Tia stared up with awe at the architecture, flabbergasted that such things were even real. She even forgot for a moment the enchanting music that drew her here.

“Tia?” Mom asked, already ahead and looking back at the white filly. “Are you coming?”

Tia nodded and scampered to rejoin the older mare.

“Those Ponies in the robes are the priests, they take care of the place.” Mom pointed out. “Watch out for the orange and yellow robes though, they tend to be… Just point them out to me if you see one.”

“Okay momma.” Tia nodded, glancing around and taking everything in.

Ponies of all sorts filled the Cathedral, ranging from the extreme poor who sat on various wooden benches, to Ponies like Mom who looked like they could handle themselves. The third and final sort of Pony was one that Tia had always known existed, but had never met in person before. A Pony dressed in crisp, clean, and flamboyant dress strolled past, attended by what appeared to be three personal servants.

Tia however kept at her mother’s heels, making sure to keep close regardless of the angelic music that filled her ears.

“Come on Tia, let’s go look at the windows.” Mom encouraged.

Tia nodded, quickly catching up with the older mare.

The windows were indeed magnificent, little shards of multicolored glass were arranged, forming a picture. There was that horned Unicorn flying over all the other Unicorns! And there was the same Pony! This time sitting in a throne! At his sides were more winged Unicorns! Letting the regular Unicorns bow below!

The next one Tia saw... Confused her.

It was a hooded Pony standing on a cliff, with their hoof pointing towards what Tia could only describe as a 'swirl'. Blue, green, and purple shards of glass formed to what Tia would call a flower, but was held high in the air, like the Sun would've. Below the hooded Pony, the winged Unicorns marched, their heads bent sorrowfully as the Unicorns looked on and wept.

Her confusion only intensified as her face was suddenly filled with the dusty smell of red cloth filled her nostrils and eyes.

"Aah!" She jumped, bouncing backyard in fright.

The Pony she had accidentally walked into glared at her from underneath his red hooded robe.

"Oh I'm so sorry Father!" Mom exclaimed, jumping between them with startling speed. "This is her first visit to the grand Cathedral! She doesn't know the proper decorum yet!"

"Hmf." The red robed Pony grunted. "That is no excuse to be letting your filly be off her leash." He stated testily.

"That is my fault I admit." Mom said pleadingly. "I'll be sure to watch her closer in the future..."

"See that you do. If she had run into one of the cardinals, or light forbid his excellency... This conversation would be a very different one indeed."

"Thank you for your kindness and benevolence!" Mom bowed deeply.

"Quite... I- Say... Have I seen you before?" The robed stallion asked.

Mom froze in fright.

"Ha- Ahah... I don't see why you would- I'm just a merc from the outer country showing her filly the grandeur of the Light while we're in the city on Business... I have been able to visit once or twice in my years... Perhaps you have a good memory for faces?

"Celestia..."

Tia turned her head, surprised at the voice that sounded directly in her ear.

"I thank you for the compliment madam... But I don't think that's it... I see so many Ponies a day I can't keep track of them all."

Nothing. Only the rustle of a passerby's cloak several lengths away...

""Come Celestia..."

Tia looked around, searching for the voice she could hear so clearly.

"I guess I just have one of those sorts of faces! Everypony thinks they recognize me!"

"Follow my voice..."

That time the strange noise seemed to float away, swiftly disappearing amongst the bustle of Ponies.

Tia walked forward.

"No that's not it..."

The conversation Mom was having faded out of Tia's ears as she listened for the musical voice.

"From light to life..."

Tia dodged Pony, focused solely on her task.

"From life to death..."

Tia came to a wall, which was closer than she thought.

"From death... To Darkness."

The voice was moving quickly to her left, along the wall.

"All must one day give up their light, and return to the fires in which we all came."

The voice seemed to stay still, as several red and a single orange robe fluttered past, letting a door close behind them.

"But the torch must be renewed..."

The voice continued, quickly fluttering between the closing door and the wall.

Tia dashed quickly, narrowly getting her tail in at the last moment before it closed with a heavy thump.

"The light must be reignited."

The voice continued to zip strait into a dark and foreboding hallway only occasionally lined with candles.

Tia huffed as she followed, her small hooves making slight clicks against the stone floor.

"Yet the renewal cannot happen with the old."

The voice turned, leading Tia into a dark shadow as a door opened somewhere in front of Tia, light spilling in from a window.

The quiet mutterings of the passing priests dulled the voice somewhat, but it remained clear to Tia as she listened.

"To make room for new growth, the garden must be trimmed." The voice murmured in Tia's ear, directing her to be quiet.

"But the garden will not give up it's soil."

The voice began to move again, prompting Tia into action.

"From Light to life."

The voice repeated, turning into a corner.

Tia followed dutifully.

"From Life to Death."

The voice stopped, causing Tia to skid to a halt on the floor.

"From Death to Darkness..."

Tia didn't know why the voice had stopped, for nopony came to see Tia as she stood plainly in the open.

"From Darkness..."

The voice started to move again, but to Tia's amazement, it instead faded into the wall.

"-Light!"

Tia was confused.

She had to get past this wall... But didn't see a way how.

While she couldn't ordinarily open a door anyway, she could wait for somepony to open one if she needed.

But this was bare wall.

There wasn't even a window or tapestry.

It was just wall.

Tia tapped on the wall, wondering if this was one of those... Trick doors Mom and Dad sometimes talked about.

She tapped a few, but grew frustrated with every tap.

The voice was moving ahead! She had to hear everything!

But the wall didn't open up to allow her through.

Upset, the small filly began to push on the wall.

"Tia!" called a voice.

Tia turned to see Mom galloping down the hall, Ponies in red robes and golden suits of armor behind her.

"Tia!" Mom exclaimed, all but tackling the small filly in a hug.

"Momma?!" Tia shouted in surprise.

"Oh I'm so glad to see you!" Mom assured Tia. "But don't you ever walk away like that again young lady!" She admonished in the next breath.

"Momma I-"

"You two are under arrest for violating the inner-" A guard stated, thrusting a spear in front of the mare and filly.

"Enough Flame Fury." A quiet but solid voice interrupted.

A mare in an orange robe approached, the crowd of Ponies clearing the path to allow her easy passage.

"Can you not see this is merely a mare collecting an innocent foal?" She asked the guard, gesturing at Tia and Mom. "A foal whose only crime is doing what foals do?"

"Thank you milady. Thank you-" Mom thanked the Pony in orange.

"If I may ask however," The mare asked, leaning around Mom to address Tia directly. "What would excite a filly in such a dreary hall as this?"

"I uh..." Tia searched, looking for an answer that didn't sound like a lie.

"Chasing an imaginary friend perhaps?" The mare asked.

Tia froze in astonishment.

"Yes..." She said slowly, nodding her head.

"I see." The mare said rather sharply. "Would the words 'From Light to Life' mean anything to you?"

Tia was more astonished.

"From Life to Death..." She nodded.

"From Death to Darkness." The mare intoned solemnly. "From Darkness-"

"Light." Tia finished.

Mom glanced between the two uncertainly, utter confusion on her face.

"... Um?..." She asked slowly.

"Worry not dear madam." The mare explained. "There is no harm done. I would however, like to invite both of you into my sitting room for tea."

"O-Oh!" Mom gasped in shock. "I'm flattered your eminence Really, But I am just a humble-"

"Leave us." The mare interrupted, turning to her gold armored lackeys and her fellow priests.

"Y-Your eminence?" The guard who had just been threatening Mom with a spear asked. "Are you sure that-"

"I said ‘leave us”.” The mare insisted testily.

“A-as you wish.” The guard stammered, he and his ilk backing away.

Silence fell as the other Ponies shuffled back out if the hall.

“Apologies.” The mare stated, turning back to Mom and Tia. “My name is Cardinal Morning Glory. And I’d like to discuss a few things with you.”

“… Oh… kay?” Mom replied slowly. “Thank you for the offer you eminence. Really. But we need to get moving. My husband is waiting for me and-“

“Don’t lie to me Nebula Glow.” Morning Glory interrupted.

Mom froze again.

“Yes I know who you are.” The mare nodded.

“… What do you want?” Mom asked, all pretense of friendliness gone.

“From you? Nothing at all. I won’t even tell your family you’re in the city.” The mare stated with a smug smirk. “I merely wish to speak with the filly.”

“… You want to speak to my three year old filly…?” Mom asked slowly.

“Oh I don’t care if she’s yours or just some wretch you found on the street. By all the rules of the land, she is what she appears to be. A peasant.” Morning Glory brushed past Mom, stepping to the wall that Tia still was leaning on. “Let me help you little one.” She said to Tia, her horn glowing a rosy pink.

Cluck.

Tia jumped back in surprise as the wall started to move!

“Whoa!” She gasped as a portion of the wall slid back to reveal a dark corridor.

Morning Glory shot Mom another smug smirk.

“After you.” She stated.

Mom shot the mare a glare and picked Tia up.

“We are leaving.” She growled.

“Those words your filly spoke.” Morning Glory interjected before Mom could turn away. “Do you know what they mean?”

“You know I’ve never been the greatest student in theology.” Mom muttered.

“Quite. Let me explain then.” The mare said fully turning to address Mom. “Those words are ones my order consider sacred. You will not however find them in our holy books.”

“Then what’s so special about them?” Mom asked.

“Come in and find out.” The mare gestured into the opening in the wall.

“No. You tell me here and now.”

“If you insist on being difficult I can easily call the guard back. Your mother would reward the clergy for your capture.” The mare informed. “I hear she’s dying to meet you again.”

Mom looked conflicted.

“… Fine. But I won’t suffer any funny business.” She relented, stepping into the opening and lighting her horn.

“I wouldn’t dream of it for this.” Morning Glory replied bluntly.

“… What is your game Cardinal?” Mom asked warily, glancing backwards.

“My ‘game’ is what it always has been Nebula.” The orange robed mare stated. “The preservation and safe keeping of the light.”

“If this is some convoluted attempt to ‘convert’ me -“

“Do you want to know why your filly is attracted to this wall or not?” Morning Glory huffed.

Mom put her hoof down with a clop.

“Fine.” She repeated. “I’ll play along for now.”

With that, Mom finally plunged into the darkness with Tia.

Tia’s ears flicked as the slight echoes of hoof steps surrounded her. The next thing she knew however, was that she was in a dimly light room. Illuminated by gently glowing yellow crystals that were mounted in candlesticks. There were shelves full of books and jars full of different things that Tia recognized from various alchemy shops.

The center of the room however held her attention.

There were several overstuffed armchairs, all surrounding a small table and a lectern.

The lectern however was the centerpiece of the room, for a gently glowing book rested on top, waiting for somepony to open.

The room was stuffy, but cozy.

Mom froze as she laid eyes on the book.

“I-is that-?” She stammered.

“It is.” Morning Glory said, sliding past Mom and Tia. She quickly busied herself with one of the cabinets. “If you would be so kind as to take a seat please.”

Mom approached the nearest armchair, but did so as she expected something with teeth to jump out of the glowing book.

“You and your filly are perfectly safe.” Morning Glory said appearing next to the table with a tray of over turned teacups, a plate of some sort of dry pastry, and a large sort of mug that had a bent spout reaching from it’s side. “You should know as well as I do that you need to open the cover to be in any danger.”

At the mare’s side, a strange metal ball that was filled with holes now hung, which made a soft clunk as the mare sat on the opposite side of the table.

“All you need to do is look away and flip the cover open for Tia and I to die.” Mom retorted.

“Not today I’m afraid.” Morning Glory smiled, righting the cups and beginning to pour from the strange mug and its bent spout.

A gently steaming stream of a clear brown liquid emerged from the spout and fell into the small cups.

“Oh do sit down Nebula, at least act like a civilized Pony.”

Mom glared at Morning Glory, but slowly sank into the chair, transferring Tia to her lap with her levitation.

“What is this about?” Mom demanded when she settled.

“Straight to the point then? Very well…” Morning Glory sighed. She picked up the hole filled metal ball and set it on the table. "Do you know what this is?"

"It's a censer." Mom stated, rolling her eyes. "Everypony knows that."

"Does your filly?" the Cardinal asked.

"I- No she doesn't." Mom answered quietly.

"What is it?" Tia asked, looking up at Mom.

"It's-"

"It's an incense burner young one." Morning Glory interrupted. "By fire we are made, and by fire we send our prayers up to the Sun."

"If you're going to interrupt me explaining things to Tia, could you at least use smaller words?" Mom asked testily.

"My apologies." Morning Glory amended. "We burn certain herbs in the censer so the smoke rises and takes our prayers with it."

"Oh." Tia replied, slightly disappointed.

"While new to my daughter, this doesn't explain why you wish to speak with her." Mom stated, growing more impatient by the moment.

"Yes indeed. An excellent question." Morning Glory nodded. "There are several mixtures we use as incense. But there is one such mixture that we guard jealously." Morning Glory then produced a small velvet bag and placed it next to the censer. "While it may seem like a common incense, this mixture has a secret effect to it."

The mare then opened a part of the curious metal sphere and the bag, and began to feed several pinches into the ball.

"Get to the point." Mom practically growled.

"It is an open secret that our order is gifted with foresight." Morning Glory continued. If she had heard Mom speak she had made no sign of it. "Ponies come to those of the cloth for advice, and we oblige... There are... Certain individuals amongst us however who are true oracles."

"The point." Mom repeated, actually growling this time.

"If you'd allow me to explain like a civilized Pony we would've already been done with this conversation." Morning Glory snapped.

Mom looked like she was about to explode. But she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Continue then." she breathed out.

"Thank you." the strange mare nodded before she continued. "How do you suppose we find such individuals?"

"I'm certain you'll tell me." Mom replied bluntly.

"This is where our special incense comes in." Morning Glory smiled smugly. "If I were to light this censer, you in particular Nebula would only remember the scent. From your coming of age ceremony. But for those certain few - including myself - we would see glimpses into the beyond."

"... You parade this drug in front of everypony just to see if they hallucinate?!" Mom asked, disgust evident on her face.

"How else would we search for those amongst us who will achieve great things for the Light?" Morning Glory asked.

Mom pinched her nose in frustration but was otherwise silent.

"... Presuming you aren't trying to abduct my filly, what does this have to do with Tia?" she finally asked.

"Oh come now." Morning Glory rolled her eyes. "There's no need to be droll."

"You lot have had a feud with my family for generations." Mom stated. "Don't deny it. Even if Tia didn't smell your incense, you'd have plenty of reason to keep her as a hostage."

"I believe I already made it clear that I do not care who her mother is Nebula." The Cardinal replied coldly. "Do you know how many of my order find themselves standing before that hidden door?" she asked, pointing to the dark hallway where they had entered.

"Four." She stated before Mom could reply. "Four Ponies in the thousands of years since our Lord left us. Each and every one was an oracle of great renown." She then pointed at Tia. "And now I find a mere filly of three years old pawing at our sacred wall! Do not think me to be so crass as to suggest you leave her here! You know what this city is like! Once word gets out everypony and their mistress will be wanting to have a 'helpful' word with her! I do not care what you do or where you go, all I'm asking is to make sure I'm correct in my assumption." She gestured at the censer.

"... You're trying to protect her." Mom realized.

"Yes." Morning Glory nodded.

"Why?" Mom asked bluntly. "If you were to weasel her away from me, she would be on your coat tail."

"Because of my own vision I had when I was first exposed to this mixture." Morning Glory stated. "I remember it like it was yesterday... A tiny filly who emanated light, but who I knew must remain uncorrupted by my, or anypony else's designs." The mare informed, a far away look in her eyes.

She shook her head.

"But I must know." she reiterated, now picking up the censer from the table and holding it forward.

Mom looked between Tia and Morning Glory, uncertainty on her face.

"... Alright." she relented finally after several tense moments. "But if you harm one hair on her head... I will rip you in half and your order will never see that thing again." Mom pointed-

-at the glowing book on the lectern.

"She will never leave your arms." Morning Glory reassured her. "I swear my life on the Element of Honesty."

Mom looked the mare up and down.

"... Very well." She said finally, apparently finding no deception.

"Thank you." Morning Glory dipped her head in thanks. She then flicked her horn, sending a single ember into the strange ball. The mare then closed the lid, and stood up. "It will take a moment to take effect." The mare informed, gently swinging the censer back and forth.

Tia watched in confusion at the adults.

There was much about the conversation she didn't understand.

Adults were wei-

~~~

Tia found herself in an open field, buffeted by a violent and cold breeze.

She blinked in confusion.

Wasn't she just in a warm and slightly stuffy secret room? How did she end up here? She didn't remember leaving...

What do you see child?

"I..." Tia stammered, answering the strange voice without question. "I see a..."

What did she see?

The wind whipped at her mane! Forcing her to squint as she looked around the strangely dark field.

What do you see?

Ponies... A crowd of Ponies shuffling forward! Devouring the dry grass with every step! They were so gaunt and their eyes were so maddened with hunger, that Tia saw more than a few shovel whole clumps of dirt into their mouths as they ate at the sparse grass.

"I see Ponies... Ponies who are starving." Tia stated.

Anything else?

"No I- Wait." Tia stopped herself as the Ponies disappeared.

While the wind persisted, Tia now found herself standing on a smooth stone floor, with black, white, and grey patterned tiles.

Before her, lay a mare who faced away from the filly, dressed in exquisite finery that was worth more than Tia had ever seen.

A golden crown lay besides her head, dull and unpolished.

The mare wasn't moving.

"I see a Queen, who is dead. But I don't know how..." Tia stated.

Can you go further?

"No I-"

A mare in an orange robe approached the fallen Queen, exchanging her orange robe for a yellow one before she knelt respectfully before the corpse.

The mare was startlingly familiar...

"I see the Cardinal Morning Glory... Putting on a yellow robe and mourning the Queen..."

Good... Good... Is there anything else?

Again Tia's surroundings changed. But rather than stone, she stood in a field of snow. Ahead, a crowd of Ponies clamored.

But above them all... Stood a white Unicorn with a pink mane, speaking over the crowd even as they quarreled.

"I see a mare..." Tia began.

But as she spoke, the Ponies before her faded away, leaving a dark void in their wake.

A dark shadow of a mare stalked out of the darkness, aggressively drawing a sword as the mare's eyes gleamed in the darkness.

"A shadow... Who's drawing a sword..." Tia stammered, shocked, but not horrified by this shadow despite it's disturbing nature.

Again, without her input the scene shifted. But she found herself back in the desolate grass land, the thunder of hooves approaching.

Tia turned to see a living tide of Ponies, angry and holding weapons of all kinds.

Above them, the shadowy mare orchestrated the tide like a puppeteer. But their was no malicious glee on her face, only grim determination.

"A rising tide... Controlled by the shadow..." Tia gasped.

The living tide of Ponies disappeared, fading away into the ground before they drew close to Tia. In it's place however grew a mountain, dark and tall. However, it was split in half... Like a giant had taken an axe to it and split it open like a melon, causing it to leak a river of fire from it's heart.

"A sundered mountain..." Tia said in awe, unable to think of another word to describe what she saw.

The mountain became enveloped in a raging storm, which roared and shook with fury as it covered and swallowed the mountain. But as Tia watched, chains shot up from the shadowy mist, surrounding the storm and dragging it down into a waiting cage.

"A storm brought to heel..." Tia said in wonder, her eyes reflecting the silent thrashing of angry lightning.

As quickly as it came, the storm cloud shrank, now forming the shapes of two Ponies.

One was the mare of shadow. The other was a faceless Pony, but one who wore the crown that was previously on the ground.

The Queen was kneeling.

"A humbled Queen..." Tia said quietly.

A bright light pierced the darkness, drawing Tia's undivided attention.

The mare was gorgeous. While her face was hidden in her own shadow, brilliant light illuminated her shape from behind.

Soft pink hairs surrounded a long and brilliantly white horn, which in turn sat in front of a gleaming crown of gold, appearing perfect and almost divine on her head. The mare's white coat looked pure, spotless, and extraordinarily well groomed.

The mare calmly regarded Tia, her facial features remaining utterly hidden in her sillohette.

"A... A mare of Light..." Tia said in awe as she met the figure's gaze. "Who will be Queen..."

~~~

Tia jerked awake!

"Huh? Where am I?!" She asked as she hysterically searched her surroundings.

It was the hidden sitting room, with it's soft crystal lights and dusty books.

Morning Glory had taken a seat, her mouth wide open in shock.

"What happened?" Tia asked, now calming down when she felt the familiar warmth of Mom behind her.

Mom's face matched that of Morning Glory's.

"What?" Tia asked. "Why are you staring at me?"

"Uh... Ahem!" Morning Glory cleared her throat with a cough. "Tia was it?" She asked,

"Y-Yes...?" Tia responded uncertainly.

"How... How clear was your vision? How 'real' was it?" She asked.

Tia took a moment to remember what was going on.

"Oh. Oh right!" She said excitedly.

But then she remembered the exact shocking experience, causing her ears to droop.

"It was... It was like I was there..." She muttered quietly.

"Hm." Morning Glory hummed, before sliding the plate of dry cakes towards her. "Here. I believe you may need some cheering up little one."

Tia looked up at Mom to see if it was fine.

Mom only had eyes for Morning Glory.

"What was that?!" She all but shouted. "I thought you said it would be harmless!"

Morning Glory jumped at the sudden noise.

"I'm as surprised as you are!" She defended herself. "Everypony else sees one maybe two things! I didn't think we'd be getting a whole prophecy!"

"Momma, what's a prophecy?" Tia asked, quickly grabbing one of the cakes but not eating it.

Just in case Mom said no.

"Don't worry about it honey." Mom replied, sparing Tia a quick glance before she rounded on the orange robed mare again. "I don't care what it is! You're very lucky she doesn't seem hurt!"

Tia quickly shoved the cake in her mouth while Mom wasn't looking.

It was the best thing she had ever tasted.

She wasted no time grabbing another.

"Look I'm a mare of my word!" Morning Glory said, standing up and standing aside to lead them away. "Not a hair on her head! She's yours to do what you wish with!"

"You're damn right I'll be doing what I want!" Mom exclaimed, standing up as well and rearranging Tia so she was once again on her withers.

Tia's horn sparked, and the plate of cakes became enveloped in a cheery yellow glow.

"I am going to leave! I am going to go find my husband! And we are all going to leave and never darken your doorstep again! But I swear to the Sun, if you try to push any of this 'prophecy' shit on us I will be very willing to put everypony who you send to the torch!" Mom exclaimed angrily, brushing past Morning Glory, but not before rudely smacking the Cardinal's nose with her tail.

The plate of cake followed, still held firmly in Tia's newfound magic.

Her hooves were moving rapidly, shoving the delicious cake into her champing mouth.

"I don't need to Nebula! Nopony escapes fate! Not you! Not me! And not whatever is in store for your daughter!"

Mom didn't reply, instead she huffed and marched quickly through the dark hallway. Her horn sparked, and a crack of light appeared before her as she stomped forward.

Once more Tia found herself in the hallway that started this all, now seeming bright and airy compared to the stuffy room they were just in.

Tia didn't dare drop the plate of cakes.

Mom continued heedless of the red robed priests happening to pass by, almost pushing one over as said Pony didn't get out of the way fast enough.

Mom continued her angry march all the way to the initial door, which she tore open with a snort.

The gold clad guard on the other side of the door jumped in surprise at the sudden disturbance.

He stared wide eyed and mouth agape at Mom.

"What?" Mom asked irritably, steam coming out of her nose.

"N-Nothing Ma'am!" The guard saluted.

"Good." Mom growled before she once more began her march.

The crowd split before her, unwilling to irritate the mare who had so easily cowed on of Unicornia's finest.

Before Tia knew it, the Grand double doors to the Cathedral itself slammed shut behind her.

It wasn't until she had joined a crowd of passerby and the Cathedral disappeared out of sight before she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Whew..." She sighed, wiping her brow with the back of her hoof. She then sat on her haunches and levitated Tia into her hooves to hold the filly. "Are you alright Tia? You're not hurt are you?" she asked tenderly.

"Cake!" Tia chirped, holding up the now empty plate.

Mom's gaze drifted down to Tia's now bulging belly.

"... Oh your father's going to kill me..." She sighed.

~~~

Tia stood in darkness.

But she wasn't afraid.

Mostly because it wasn't total darkness.

Above her, the golden Sun and a silver orb circled each other.

Perfectly in balance.

It made Tia's heart happy beyond words to see this, although she couldn't explain why.

But she did find herself giggling at the display.

But it wasn't to last.

The silver orb flickered before it fell, landing a few lengths away from Tia.

Confused, Tia looked between the now dull orb and the golden one up above.

She cocked her head in confusion before she got to her hooves and approached the dull orb.

"Hey!" She squeaked. "Hey you're supposed to be up there!" She admonished the orb as she walked closer.

It was only when she drew within a single length did Tia hear the orb sniffling. She stopped in surprise.

Since when did orbs sniffle?

"Hey... Are you alright? Why are you crying?" Tia asked, approaching slowly.

And suddenly the dull orb wasn't an orb, it was a Pony who lifted her head, and her coat was no longer grey, but jet black.

The mare rounded on Tia so fast that the filly could barely blink before the mare was in her face!

The shadow's teeth were sharp like a wolf's, her mouth twisted into a furious snarl. Her eyes were a blazing teal, burning with utter hatred.

I WILL END YOU CELESTIA!

~~~

"Gah!" Tia exclaimed as she sat up.

"Hm? What's wrong sweetie?" Mom asked, jolting at Tia's sudden movement.

Tia's heart hammered in her chest as she came to the present.

It was the next morning... She was in the inn her family had been staying in these past few nights...

All was well.

But that didn't stop her heart from running it's race.

"I... Nothing." Tia stammered. "Bad dream."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Mom asked.

"Do I have to?" Tia asked timidly.

Mom looked like she was about to reply when somepony chose that moment to knock at the door.

Mom held a hoof to her lips to indicate Tia should be quiet, but Tia found herself shutting up regardless.

Cautiously Mom approached the door.

"Who is it?" She called innocently when she reached the door.

"Husband to the second best student at the academy!" Came the cheerful voice of Dad.

Mom rolled her eyes but undid the locks anyway.

The door opened to reveal the tired, but smiling form of Dad.

"Did you get it?" Mom asked.

"Got it!" Dad replied with an excited nod. "Just like we thought!"

"Oh thank the Sun..." Mom sighed, pulling him inside and relocking the door. "You'll never guess what happened yesterday." She continued.

"Depends." Dad replied. "What hornets nest did you still your nose into this time?"

"I didn't do anything." Mom said, before she produced Tia's former cake plate. "But Tia here is definitely going to be a rogue."

"Whaaaat?" Dad asked dramatically, taking the plate from Mom and examining it. "This is one of the Cathedral's! How'd she manage that?" He asked, looking at Tia who was still gathering her bearings.

"That's were the hornets nest comes in..." Mom admitted pulling Dad down to sit on the bed. "Tia wanted to go to the Cathedral... Y'know to see the building."

Dad nodded in understanding.

"Turns out... Tia here is... I don't know how to say it... Like an Oracle or something? A really damn good one at that." Mom stated.

"... So how-?" Dad asked, holding the fancy plate up.

"She got that because the Cardinal we were talking to gave her an entire plate of oat cakes for what she went through as an apology... She just didn't return the plate as the Cardinal and I were arguing out the door."

"What'd she go through?" Dad asked, the plate drooping in his grasp.

"She gave a full prophecy. The real deal kind." Mom insisted.

"Was it about-?" Dad gestured between him and Mom.

"No I don't think so." Mom shook her head. "But you know how those get, vague and cryptic and all that. She was going on about shadows and dying Queens and goodness knows what else."

"That's certainly a damper on our plans..." Dad said quietly.

"Yeah... I can't imagine the big guy dying without one of those big deal sort of prophecies." Mom nodded before scooting back to sit comfortably on the bed.

"... We don't have to kill him." Dad said after a moment.

"What are you on about? Of course we do! That's what the bounty is for!"

"It isn't actually! I saw the sheet as plain as day! Any information at all is worth it's weight in adamantium!" Dad said excitedly. "All we gotta do, is poke around, see what we find, and come back. Damn near nothing is known about him, so it's a literal gold mine waiting for the first prospector!"

"It's dangerous and you know it!" Mom replied. "While a bounty that big and nothing is known about him? Hello? That means every poor sap who's found the edge of his influence has been squashed!"

"Oh come on, we're two of the best mages around!" Dad rebutted. "We can deal with a few minions at the edges!"

"I'm not worried about us!" Mom replied. "I'm worried about her." She gestured with her head at Tia, who was watching with interest, but unknowing of what they were talking about.

"Okay. Not a problem." Dad replied with a nod. "You take Tia to our place in Queensford, lay low for now. I'll go start an early investigation. It'll be easier for me to travel and get in and out if we don't have to watch both our backs and for our filly."

Mom looked between him and Tia.

"Ugh... Damnit. I don't like it, but you're right." She groaned, putting her head in her hooves. "I hate it when you're right..."

"Look on the bright side." Dad replied with a smirk. "It's early spring, you'll have all Summer to get settled in for the long haul, and if I'm quick I can be back in your arms before Autumn."

"I'm holding you to that." Mom said, perking up and pointing a hoof in Dad's face. "If you don't I'll-"

"You'll what?" Dad smirked. "Hug me and love me even more?"

"Sun above I hate you sometimes."

"Love you too dear." Dad replied, leaning over and laying a gentle kiss on Mom's forehead.

The two held each other for a moment.

"... So do you wanna sell this to the barkeep downstairs? I doubt he's ever set hoof in the Cathedral and may not know where it came from."

"I knew I loved you for a reason." Mom replied with a giggle.

Author's Note

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Fuck this chapter took me a long time to write!

As for why there's barely any names used, keep in mind this story is drawing from Tia's knowledge, so things in the beginning will be... Slightly childlike.