Cycle: With Wings as Eagles

Chapters

From humble beginnings
To Everfree's gates
From Ashes
[In Present Day]
To Flames
Dawning
Flowers of Malice
Poison
Bitter Medicine
Beginning
of The End?
Act I Epilogue: Incomplete
Act II Prologue: Summons
Waking Up
Tearing Down
Act II: Out of Obscurity
Act I: With Wings as Eagles

From humble beginnings

Shahar 1

Aiah, a fine griffon tiercel, flew through his doorway in the town of Zair. It had been a long day, working as weather patrol for the nearby capitol of the griffon province in Equestria, Hippogria. The city was set up to govern the griffon lands, conquered by Equestria. More like force them into slave labor. They all worked grueling hours and for what? Safety, they said. The Equestrian line of Queens and Kings had been unchallenged for centuries, conquering one province after another. Even their own kind was not safe from their power as they captured the lands held by a line of religious equines over the sea.

Aiah fumed. They said to leave ancient history be and not to dwell on it. Peh, what else is there to dwell on? The way things were they had no future nor anything to hope for. So all griffons were left residing in the past, and the rain cloud discussion was normally about the darned equines and how they made their lives miserable. There was really nothing else to discuss. “Absalom, how is that cloud patch coming along?” It just doesn't happen! They would rather talk about the good days instead but... oh wait. What good days?

He stomped up the steps to his room, a cramped place with barely enough room for a bed; the room was as big as the rest of the house which was mostly empty space since he couldn't afford anything. Aiah contemplated another night of restless sleep. What else was new?

His only light in life was his wife, but even she couldn't get him out of his rage sometimes. He glanced over to the bed and saw her, beautiful as always. “Another miserable day, Shisea.” he muttered. The eagless peered at him and muttered something about his mood. She had been working all day managing things for some school. A much better job than weather duty if you asked Aiah. But then again with all the fights between the equines and the griffon children, it may not be a relaxing job, and let's not even think of the hippogriffs.

He slumped into bed and sighed. His wife wisely kept quiet, something he wished he could do. She remained calm through it all in contrast to his rather rash personality. Nothing was better than listening to her peaceful silence. Not to say that her voice speaking wasn't a joy to hear too. Sometimes he didn't see how she could press on like this. The deplorable living conditions, the near slavery, the weird creatures the equines keep as pets (dogs were they called?) Everything just vexed the griffons. But not Shisea, no, she was of a kinder sort; gifted with a kind soul and a mild temper, yet she got no reward for it. She was married to him, she had a complex and thankless job, and to make it all worse she was barren and could have no children, which was something she longed for. Life hated her. And deep down she probably returned that hatred, but if that was so, she did not show it.

Aiah rubbed his face, something not easy to do with talons, and rolled over. Day in, day out. And now tomorrow was some big celebration marking the equines' release from some tyrants. In a couple of hours he would have to rise again to clean up after the stuck up ponies strutting down the streets of Hippogria, the capitol of the griffon province. On the other talon that day is one of the only ones he felt for the ponies. Captives under a iron-fisted rule, now celebrating their release. All the children would come and make revelry and some of the older ones would happily talk to the griffons. Maybe the ponies were normally as kind as that but they never waved to him doing weather patrol. They ignored him when he came down the busy city streets of grand Hippogria.

At least he had sleep. Dreams were griffons’ release from reality; entering a world of limitless possibility. If two things could be said of griffons that aided them in life, it would be their excellent healing power and their dreams. They were all lucid dreamers and basically could create worlds in their dreams, playing God. They always returned to the same world with unlimited power, one each individual created. Dreams were a chance to make a perfect world, and live in one. but tonight would not let the couple sleep and go there in peace. Aiah saw the short flash from the capitol signaling the change of the hour, and then there was a rap at the door. Shisea muttered something about getting it and rose. She slowly descended the stairs and Aiah prepared to sleep.

“Dear!” he heard Shisea call, “Come, quickly!” Aiah bolted out of bed and rushed down the stairs. Shisea was by the door with a talon over her beak. Aiah cautiously peered through the tired haze to see two alicorn fillies huddled in a circle, sleeping. One looked slightly bigger, probably the elder, and was a extremely light pink with a thick, beautiful pink mane. The other was a midnight blue with a slightly lighter blue mane.

They slept soundly and seemed unaware of the surrounding cold. Aiah grunted, “They are just orphans. Somepony will find them and take them in, let's go to bed.”

Shisea gave him a look that told him he was being selfish and rude. She gently pushed them inside carefully, as to not wake them and ascended to the bed, taking the blanket and laying it over the two. Aiah just watched. He knew that his wife was loving to anyone or pony. He wasn't going to talk her out of it. “Alright, just for tonight.” he conceded. Shisea said nothing. The tiercel glanced at the two sleeping ponies. 'Just tonight' he determined as he turned around and headed back upstairs. He slumped into bed hoping for a peaceful sleep. Not likely. Something told him this wasn't over. He didn't feel Shisea return to bed. But he wouldn’t have known because he was fast asleep in minutes.

---Fourteen years passed---

“And that’s my story.” Shahar concluded with a sigh, her sun cutie mark blending into the chariot siding and her pink mane flying in the wind, “Mother took us in and convinced dad to adopt us. After that father was able to get off work to care for us and raise us like his own, after some stern talking to.” The pegasus colt she was talking to sat quietly in the large chariot. Livana was over to the side sleeping with a few other colts and fillies, barely distinguishable with her lunar cutie mark and dark appearance that blended into the rest, all worn from the morning. “Then this morning came... Wow, think of it, Everfree, the Equestrian capitol.” Shahar continued half-heartedly. This was the first time in her 14 years that she had left Zair. Out of the back of the chariot she saw the many trees of the forests swoop away and the mountain of the lion, at the base of which Hippogria was built, fade into the distance.

At the front twelve fine royal pegasi, dressed in shimmering gold armor the likes of which Shahar had never seen, flew carrying the heavy load full of ponies. Most were in the corners sleeping, a few like herself were up and talking to the other ponies, discussing their lives. The polished surface of the carriage was being used by some as a mirror to tidy themselves up, and well they should. The queen of Equestria was going to see them. Only a few days ago a declaration had gone out that the queen would search all Equestrians for the one who would be the royal sucessor

Livana had brought the scroll home, rushing up to father, “Oh papa, they are going to take us to the pony capitol!” she cried excitedly, waking Shahar. “Oh papa! This is so exciting!” Livana cheered, jumping up to the annexed bedroom where Shahar had lain.

Shahar rose, “Li, why must you make such a big deal?” she grumbled, brushing her pink mane out of her eyes and noticing her father examine the scroll.

Aiah’s eyes widened, “The equines must be crazy!” He looked over to Shahar, “Your sister has the right to be excited by your brethren’s folly.” He had never figured that he could be seen as insulting his daughters’ race when he said this. Aiah rolled up and tossed the scroll over to the waking pony who caught it in her telekinetic grip.

Shahar looked quizzically as she opened the parchment and read out loud, “Her Majesty, Queen Hestia, is declining in health and is searching for a royal heir. All ponies must come and present themselves for a quick examination by the queen.” She dropped the scroll, stunned.

Aiah shook his head, “You would think the royalty would make more formal announcements, especially on nice parchment! Why that’s a waste of-”

Livana dashed over to her father and cut him off, “Papa be serious! This is huge!” She looked with pleading eyes, “Please, papa, you have to let us go.”

Shahar was now wide awake and jumped down to the main room, “She is right. The tone implied that this isn’t a contest or an optional thing. I inferred that we must go.”

“I inferred that your queen was going to die. I was about to rush out and ring the bells crying, ‘The witch is dying! Let the joys be heard!’”

Livana’s eyes teared up. She was bright and braver than her sister but tended to be a bit childish. “Papa, why? Queen Hestia is a loving ruler, not like the others. She was the one who decreed you could get off work even after we were at the age they originally imposed that you would have to return!”

Shahar yawned and flicked her tail, looking in a mirror to comb her hair, “You are a bit harsh, papa. She is the lesser of the evils that have passed themselves before as kings and queens.”

“The lesser of evils is still evil, Shahar. Though I do, begrudgingly, thank her for letting me care for you two. But she did nothing for your mother who is stuck caring for brats in a school who torture her!”

Shahar smiled. Checkmate in two, white to move, “But why not let us see if we can change that! Or at least influence the one who will be!”

Aiah looked at the dark pony’s serving platter-like pupils and listened to the elder’s logic. “Girls-” he sighed and leaned his head on Livana, “The chances of this expedition being successful with you two in any position of power is just... unlikely, nay, impossible. Would you really want to go just to be let down?”

Livana opened her mouth in protest, but Shahar was quick to respond to her father’s comment, “But we must! Besides even if it isn’t for the intended purpose we get to see the capitol of Equestria! Oh, I hear Everfree is just splendid!”

Aiah snorted, “Why would you want to see the den of greed and war?”

Livana quietly waited for Shahar to respond. After a moment the light pink one smiled as the words came to her, “Why would we want to stay in a house built with prejudice?”

The tiercel cawed in retort but then paused and, after a moment of awkward silence, sighed. “By Ya’ir! I’ve taught you too well.” The younger pony’s face brightened; the elder let a satisfied grin take control of her mouth. Checkmate. Just another victory in the daily chess game of logic she played with her father. Aiah frowned but slowly smiled, as if reading Shahar’s mind, “Very well you two, I will discuss this with your mother.”

Livana’s eyes widened, “But the carriage leaves in an hour!” At this the room fell silent. The birds chirping outside whre the only thing to break the silence. Shahar swore she saw her father mouth something along the lines of ‘Shisea is going to kill me.’

Her father had given her a gift for her safety in her hasty departure. Shahar looked into the satchel her belongings were in and found that on top of everything else lay the griffon feather. She didn’t know why she had been given the white plume, but he must have had a reason.

The tallest towers of some of the major cities passed by at an excellent speed, but then the grand mountain came into view and obscured all of the earlier sights. The pegasi said that during the first years of Equestria there were three capitols, Canterlot, Cloudsdale and Ponyville, each covering a different section. Ponyville was the market city, where most earth ponies came to sell their goods. Cloudsdale was where factories were, and and it was the main recruiting area for the noble pegasi guard. Canterlot was the grandest of the cities and said to be the true capitol, where the unicorn gentry once stood and governed with pride. But about a century or twenty afterward (Shahar was surprised at the awful job they had done in keeping records) they decided that they needed to unite the three pony tribes in one capitol. Following guidance of one of the ancient races, they built Everfree in-between Canterlot mountain and Dragon’s keep.

As she passed over the great plains where they said Ponyville stood, Shahar noticed five ponies having a picnic. One was fighting with another who seemed to be yelling unkind things. Another served the rest while one helped her passively, and the last stood off to the side shouting about how childish they were being. If this was really what ponies were like then Shahar became afraid of what kind of reception she would receive. Livana’s eyes were closed but she knew that her sister had heard the commotion by the frown she wore. The dark filly rose and stepped over the sleepers. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, “I hope I don’t have to see ponies like that in Everfree. My dear, they were causing the worst racket.”

One of the pilots (‘Julius,’ Shahar remembered. She had spent a good deal of time talking with him) turned his head back and called to the others, “Wake up gals! Sorry to disturb you but we’re are a scant ten minutes from Everfree.”

Everypony rose slowly and tiredly sauntered over to the sides of the gold plated chariot. The scenery of the Everfree territory expanded rapidly into the ponies’ view. The sight was undeniably breathtaking in its beauty. It was acre upon acre of gardens of grand fruit-bearing trees and exotic plants. Julius explained that earth ponies worked the magically enriched soil with pegasi making conditions for these plants optimal. The gardens were a symbol of harmony in the kingdom and one of the six wonders of Equestria, and well it should be! Every plant seemed to be in season and bearing fruit.

Outside of the garden boundaries lay even more sights. A tall hill stood with an ornate marble statue on the top. Julius called back, “That is Solaris’ hill. The last known hero king of Equestria. He was assassinated by his half-brother in the middle of a battle with a group of renegade dragons, which they used as servants.”

Shahar trotted over to the place behind the pegasus and inquired, “But why did his brother murder him?”

Julius frowned, “Politics, my dear. Everything that’s happened since his death is the fruit of envy of the throne. His brother was next in line because Solaris didn’t have a heir. This should be of interest to you all because of what happened next. His brother then instituted the law of the Myriad. This decree said that if the king were to die without a son or daughter one of the masses would be chosen as successor. This would mean he would not have to worry about his brothers usurping him like he did his half-brother. But it hasn’t been used in many years until...”

“Now! That’s why we are all here. Thanks to...” She paled. Bloodshed. Her father was right. Her own race was one you couldn’t trot with a mile before stepping in violence.

Julius didn’t notice, “Queen Hestia wants to end that law in good faith of her race, but it would not come into effect in time of her reign. So she decided to call for it out of tradition. At least that’s what she says. We guards have our own pool to guess the real reason. Anyways, she has faith but is wary. She probably wouldn’t choose anybody with a close familial member.

“You mean?”

She couldn’t see the pegasi’s face, but in as low a whisper as he could, he murmured, “I would tell your sister to pretend to not have any relation to you. Knowing the queen it probably wouldn’t work. But it’s worth a shot. You two deserve a chance.”

The alicorn nodded and backed up, hearing Julius’ voice again shout, “Now on the left side of the chariot you will see the palace of the royal pony sisters, A memoriam to the first rulers of Equestria...”

Shahar payed no attention to the pegasus’ voice and moved her way to Livana. Leaning close, she muttered into her sister’s ear, “When we arrive in Everfree do not mention we are sisters. I will explain later but... please promise me. It’s for the good of us both.?”

Livana looked away from examining the palace and had a puzzled look on her face. But after a moment she nodded and turned back.

The gardens were wide, and after a while Julius was still calling out places, “The royal statue garden, where many symbols carved by the ponies lay.” and, “The ever tree, a majestic plant brought here from the zebra lands.” and, “The gap, a chasam in the garden created by a mining operation, the gems glitter so brightly that lightning bolts look like mere shadows.”
Finally he announced, “The palace is coming into view!” And when he said that he meant it. Everypony oohed and ahhed at the wonder. The palace was hidden by a spell! It flickered into the sight of everypony after they had passed a large tree. “Hestia created that invisible barrier in order to not overshadow the beauty of the gardens. All onlookers would see the work of harmony, not that of its ruler.” The palace was magnificent indeed. It was a colossal tower surrounded by thirteen smaller towers. The first tower in the sequence was topped with a needle-like object. It was made of wood and stone. The next had a two-pointed object like the last and was made of a dark blue stone that Shahar didn’t recognize. Livana pointed and said, “Volcanic glass, obsidian. It’s supposed to channel magical energy.”

Shahar looked in surprise at her sister, “When did you learn that?”

“Geology class silly! Weren’t you paying attention then?” Livana mocked. Shahar blushed, no she hadn’t. She didn't really care much for school. She learned everything outside class. The next tower was of brick and had what was now noticeably a three-pointed star on top. In any other case Shahar would have questioned the builder’s design choices especially in asthetics. Combining materials like this was just gaudy, but something about it was gorgeous here. Livana started listing the tower’s materials “The four point one is diamond. The next one is ruby, then steel, then silver, then gold, then glass...”

“The magic this took must be enormous. Especially the glass one.”

Livana continued unfazed, “...Titanium...”

“When did we learn to identify that?”

“...Rubber...”

“Wait, what?”

“...Air...”

“WHAT!?”

“...And marble! Wow! all of this is impressive!”

Shahar would have asked how the hay they made a tower out of air but instead focused on the main tower and gasped. It was a mix of marble and gold spiraling around the walls, twice the size of the rest and at least twice as beautiful. No sooner had she seen it that she heard the call for landing and braced herself. The unexpected soft landing was followed by Julius going around back and telling all the ponies to disembark in an orderly fashion.

Stampeding buffalo would have been disgraced at the display that followed.

To Everfree's gates

If you had asked Shahar how she felt after everypony had galloped out of the carriage and over her, the response would have been a clear, definite, resounding, “Ow.” The stampede of ponies had trampled anypony in their path, so Shahar was just one of many harmed. Livana had the fortune of being at the back of the pack that was now fighting its way toward the palace gate. She turned to face the crumpled figure of her sister, “Come on Shar!” She then remembered that she wasn’t supposed to show her relation to Shahar and amended, “I mean, ma’am.”

Shahar moaned, “No, no, go ahead. I’m going to lie here and count the pretty stars dancing over my head. Ooooh, so pretty...”

Many other ponies lying in the road joined in her sarcastic theatrics with calls of tweeting birdies and pretty lights. Julius sighed and picked up Shahar, flinging her onto his back with a swift but gentle motion. He turned and pawed a hoof in Livana’s direction. “Go on, nightkeeper. I’ll handle the victims of the excitement.” Shahar had never heard that term used to describe her sister, but, since she had a moon cutie mark, it would be suitable. It was probably a formal term for her talent.

Julius gave a shout, and the rest of the pegasi that had flown the chariot assembled. After a few commands that Shahar couldn’t understand, every guard went over and took the trampled souls off the road, depositing them in a patch of grass and assuring they would be treated by a doctor in no time. Those who were to see the queen were taken past the palace gates to a little room just inside the marble tower. The room looked like an office with a few ponies busily scurrying about. It was a white room with photos of ponies hanging everywhere.

Shahar observed one unicorn with a heart cutie mark casually approach Julius. “Another hour, another load, eh? What’s the average so far?”

To Shahar’s disgust, Julius laughed, “Fifteen to the number on average, Redcross. The most recent load brought that down a bit; I’m afraid Scarlet is going to get this round perfect yet again.”

Redcross frowned and muttered under his breath, “I’ve got to find out how that darned ‘Scarlet Sense’ works and how he wins every single darned office pool we doctors have.”

The guardspony chuckled, “Oh you know it’s just the gift of Vision. Being related to a laughter element sometimes has its effects rub off. Don’t try; it never works.”

Shahar indignantly grunted, “You are BETTING on how many of us get trampled? That’s mean.”

Julius and Redcross shared a laugh. After the two calmed down, Julius explained, “Oh, dear girl, if we can’t prevent it, and Hestia knows we can’t by now, we may as well get some fun out of it. We treat the injuries, but are we allowed to relieve the boredom of fetching you every day?”

Redcross stifled another laugh, “Julius, you seem to have picked up a fine girl, but you should know not to get attached to the hopefuls.”

After calming down, Redcross leaned over and tapped Shahar with his horn, imparting a bit of magic to the alicorn. As he did, a warm feeling covered Shahar, going from outside and slowly converging to one point. She felt the magic slowly fade and heard Julius groan, “Can you get off now? My back hurts.”

Shahar saw all the ponies slowly get off the guards that were carrying them, looking like nothing had happened. Redcross came back to Julius and saw the astonished Shahar getting off the guardspony’s back. The doctor murmured to himself, “She isn’t from here. Magic seems like a foreign concept to her.”

Julius turned to the now-healed ponies. “Hurry over to the main hall. It’s a straight trot from the castle entrance.

All the ponies rushed off again with Shahar trailing and observing the surroundings. Many ponies were hurrying back and forth with papers, boxes, and balloons. One pony ran into Shahar, sending a pile of scrolls flying. After Shahar got up, the unicorn was picking up all the parchments he had dropped. Shahar aided him. “Why the rush?”

The pony didn’t stop his work but replied, “Oh there’s a court case I need to get to. Three heinous crimes were committed, and I have the required evidence!”

Shahar picked up and stacked the last few papers, “Who are the ponies on trial?”

The unicorn snatched the papers and ran away, calling back, “An arsonist, a murderer and a bully!”

Shahar just stood there. All the ponies in this city were crazy. She heard a shout ring from behind her, “Yo, girl! Get a move on!”

Shahar figured it was Julius and decided she would need to hurry to be able to get there in time.

Inside the main tower was even more beautiful than outside. Tapestries with embroideries of many different creatures hung on the walls, and almost every offshoot room had a crest above it. Shahar recognized one as the Hippogria crest that father had hanging in the house. (Granted, this one wasn’t torn and frayed.) The halls were surprisingly silent, and Shahar could hear faint sounds coming from nearby rooms. At last she found herself at the end, facing two doors. She opened them with her telekinesis and stepped through them. The ponies that were with her in the chariot were all there, lined up in rows. Shahar causally stepped into a row and faced the podium everypony was looking at. She whispered to the pegasus next to her, “Am I late?”

The pegasus shook her head and focused on the podium. Pretty soon a large... something or other--Shahar couldn’t tell-- stepped out. Its face looked like that of a pony, but it had one large fang and lots of other things. It was like somepony had made a creature with all the leftover pieces at the creature creation factory. It stepped up to the podium, leaned on it, and began speaking in a disinterested voice, “Welcome prospects. The queen will see you individually, I hope that you all yadda yadda. You should know how to treat royalty, and you know how big a deal this is. Any questions?”

One pony raised her hoof. She was about to speak, but the... thing interrupted, “I’m a draconequus.” The pony lowered her hoof. Another raised his. Once again the draconequus interrupted, “Yes, I know I can also be called a chimera.” Another pony started but was cut by, “Yes, I am aware that something was published saying I am the last of my kind. Any questions about THE QUEEN OR PROCEDURE?” Everypony was silent. “Good, the first row may line up in front of the door to their right.”

Nopony dared to disobey. The draconequus slowly marched over to the door and stepped inside with the first pony. Shahar stiffened. She was in row three. She counted the ponies. Five to a row. That means she only had fifteen ponies between her and that door. She couldn’t find Livana anywhere.

The line grew shorter. Ponies were entering, remaining a few minutes, and leaving. Soon the next row went up. Shahar bit her lip as full awareness about what was happening hit her. She was going to see Queen Hestia soon. Worse, the queen was going to see her. Her mind tried to shift subjects to alleviate her fear, but she couldn’t take her mind off it. The declaration implied she was sick. Something about sick creatures just made her feel uncomfortable. She questioned her judgement in convincing her father to let them leave. But then there was Livana. She was ecstatic about the chance. She was amazed by everything. Shahar felt guilty. Wishing she would have never came was selfish.

By now the minutes felt like seconds as they dashed away from her, leaving but a sickening feeling as her row went up, a definite thud with each hoofstep, an awful sense that she would not leave unchanged, for worse most likely. All there was left between her and the door was one pony. The time that was whizzing past, almost as soon as the final pony entered, immediately stopped. One second became a minute of anticipation. Time was just being annoying, should it go quickly or drag on to let more questionspass through Shahar's mind like: What was the queen like? What about that draco- whatsit, was he entirely safe? Why was she asking all these questions?

“Why are you standing there with a stupid expression on your face?” a familiar voice whispered. Livana continued, “They called next.”

Shahar didn’t turn around but, as boldly as she could, strode through the door. She stepped in and looked to her left. The--oh, what was the other thing he called himself that was easier to remember--chimera stood at the right hoof of a throne. On the other side stood a beautiful flame-colored bird. In the throne itself sat something that shocked Shahar more than anything she had yet seen. The royal air about her gave no doubt that the unicorn was the queen, but she looked young and spry! She was not dying if her appearance was any indication. On the contrary, she probably in better health than Shahar had ever seen somepony in. The queen was a bright yellow and had a light yellow mane flowing in waves as if it were magically suspended. Her cutie mark was a golden apple with a bite out of it. Shahar whispered under her breath as she realized what it was, the fruit of knowledge from the griffon tales.

The queen looked at Shahar, and she seemed to be in shock as well. Her pupils constricted, and she was left slack-jawed. Both creatures at her sides looked quizzically at her. Shahar panicked; what had she done? Was there something wrong with her?

A smile crept up the queen’s mouth. She leaned toward the--oh darn it all, it’s a creature, why bother with names--thing and whispered something in its ear. The servant nodded, started toward the door, and called, “Next”

Queen Hestia now laid eyes on Shahar again. “Come at the foot and sit; I want you to see the view from here” she softly commanded. Her voice calmed Shahar a bit. Why would she want her there though? Shahar bowed and trotted forward as she came to the foot and lay. The bird cocked her head at Shahar and flew onto her back. Soon the next pony came in, Livana. Hestia’s smile grew larger still, and she spoke in the same calm voice, “A nightkeeper, how wonderful. There needn’t be any formalities, but I must say you look cut out for a certain job I have.”

Livana looked more in shock by her sister lying at the throne’s heel than anything else. She continued to stare while Shahar blushed uncomfortably. Hestia laughed softly, “Dear, my servant shall give you the way. You will be in our new princess’ personal guard.”

Shahar and Livana’s eyes shot open. She hadn’t said barely anything nor let them speak. All was happening in mere moments, and Livana had been selected for the heir’s guard while no sucessor had been chosen? Shahar inquired at the odd nature of the idea.

The bird cawed, and Hestia laughed heartily, “Oh, sweet girl, you are the princess.”

Shahar gulped; she was afraid of that. Livana was in utter shock when the servant returned. Hestia called out, “Take the girl to the training grounds, and let the others go!” The servant gave a happy grin and dashed out, yelling. Hestia rose and smiled at the two shocked alicorns. She turned to the bird and ordered, “Take her to the chamber, Philomena.”

Philomena cawed and looked at the locked-up alicorn she was resting on. The servant was back and pushing the dark alicorn, who was in a similarly frozen state, toward the door. Philomena wished that her mistress would plan these things better. The bird got up and rammed into the alicorn, who budged a few inches. Frustrated, she turned and cawed at her mistress. Hestia stood wordless for a moment. “Once you are out of others’ sight, you may.”

This would take a while.

From Ashes

Shahar trotted absentmindedly down the palace halls. The marvelous stone carvings and craftsmanships displayed among the walls and the ceiling were lost to the stunned alicorn. She could not believe it. What had she done? The queen had simply, known something, something she wasn't even sure of. But what else could she know? How did she know it? Was there a mark on her, like stories she had heard through the elder griffons? She didn't know of anything out of the ordinary.

As she walked heads and eyes shifted as they saw the new pony wandering through the halls, for news traveled fast and the whole palace knew of the new princess. 'Princess Shahar' the light alicorn thought to herself, the title didn't sit well. As her mind wandered it came upon many thoughts and worries to ponder over. She thought of Livana, and how she must be having a similar feeling as she was being briefed. She thought of her parents, how they would handle the news. She thought about how many questions she was asking and pondering over. She thought of the strange bird perched on her back that had apparently pushed her a ways out into the corridor system. She must have been strong, but now she sat without motion nor a-

“Pardon me, but I feel that we should be going up to your room now, you can pace and worry there.” a voice suggested: a female, high-pitched, yet soothing voice. Shahar wasn't concerned about what it had said, but where it had came from. Shahar quaked as she turned around, seeing the bird still perched and looking at her. All thoughts that it might be a mistake were quickly dispelled. The bird leaned in and repeated, “Let's go to your room, we'll discuss this there.”

The dumbfounded Shahar had so many questions to ask, but she instead turned and obeyed the bird's orders. “Y'air,” she muttered under he breath, “a talking bird.” She quickly ascended the stairs, eager to hear from this intriguing creature. Bounding each way the bird led, she was quickly leaping from flight of stairs to the next. She enjoyed playing with the griffon children sometimes, and they tended to chase others around in fun. Since Shahar could not fly, she learned to make use of her tall, lean build to escape them. Who knew that it would come in handy at some point. Her enthusiasm faded quickly though, as floor after floor went by, and fatigue set in. Shahar glimpsed out the window, to see the tower of air that had puzzled her so. She decided to stop and venture to ask, “How on earth does that work?”

A pause followed with both staring out the window. Finally the bird replied, “I'm not exactly sure.”

Both glared at the oddity for a bit before Shahar uttered, “You know when it was said to me there was a tower of air, I wondered how they knew. But you know, that's just impossible to argue against.” a break in her words followed, “You know it's not invisible, not a wind thing it's just...”

“A tower of air.” her companion finished. They both marveled for a second more before the drudge up the stairs resumed. Staircase led to another before finally Shahar saw the wing guide her elsewhere. Never had she been more relived to see flat ground. Taking a stride in her step, she followed the sage directions of the bird through weaving corridors until she turned a corner, straight into a door.

After stumbling for a moment, she opened the door and the room spread into her vision. As she stepped in, she saw the pattern created in the room. At the left side a darker décor, showing a night sky draped the walls behind a bed, adorned with crescent moons. On the right, an eight-pronged sun rose dominantly over a painted morning sky with a table for a few ponies sitting in the room at that space. In front of her was a balcony behind a glass and wood door, two large needle objects hung as the leg grips. She entered and turned, closing the door to see nine scrolls on the door and walls, each on the tip of a nine-pointed star. The center of the room was a large circle of obsidian.

Shahar was agape. The room was beautifully designed. Nothing seemed gaudy or out of place, but had a natural rhythm. A magical one even. She stepped around the room as the bird flew about arranging things. After several minutes of awed gazing, Shahar asked in a low whisper, “Is this... for me?”

The bird quipped, “Well this is the princess' chambers.” She flew once more around the room and alighted on a bedpost. She smiled and looked into Shahar's eyes. “Let's get to know each other. Your name is?”

Shahar admired the room for a bit more before she replied, “Oh- I am Shahar, daughter of Ahia of Abiyhayil.” She coughed, “Ah... yeah. Shahar. And...” She leaned forward, interested, “What and who are you?”

The bird preened a few feathers as she took in the information. After a moment's delay “Well, if you insist on using the names and heritage of your land, I am the firebird Philomena, daughter of Solla of Harmonia.” Shahar felt a chill run up her back. Even if Philomena just copied what she said in the family terms, she used the older griffon term for what the equestrians knew clearly as a Phoenix. Philomena continued, “You hail from Havoth-Zair, whilst I hail from the sun itself.”

Shahar was felt like she was being mocked. She had revealed a bit too much, and knew exactly how the phoenix knew that. She had sworn with the name “Ya'ir,” and only those from her town would, as it was their founder. She lifted a wing and hid her face. Philomena jumped up and looked inquisitively for a moment before continuing, “Well I know enough about you, but you certainly don't look like either a griffon or a hippogriff. Why do you identify with them?”

Shahar looked about, figuring how much to tell the phoenix. She seemed like the type who could discover anything about you; thus, Shahar decided to tell her everything as to prevent secrets, from the beginning up until entering the throne room.

The phoenix rested in silence after the alicorn finished, apparently mulling it over. “I remember, yes. Ahia, the griffon who was allowed to take leave of work to raise two fillies.” Philomena gave a soft caw. She looked about like she was connecting something in her mind. “What have you gotten into, Hestia?” she murmured, “How much do you know?” The sinking feeling that had passed the girl ran back over over Shahar.

Philomena shook her head, “Solla knows what goes on in that girl's mind.”

Shahar hopped into the bed and lay as Philomena flittered on the bedpost. The filly was becoming a bit worried for the bird, so she decided to lead into a different direction, “Why is Hestia so keen on finding a successor?”

A short pause lingered. “That,” began the bird, calming slightly, “is an excellent question. Hestia puts a lot of stock into psychics and ponies with such powers. Recently, one of the royal soothsayers-- I believe his name was along the lines of Pollux or something-- claimed to have seen that Hestia would die in around a month's time. The strange thing is, we checked with our doctors that day to find nothing wrong. But the subsequent day, she had a fatal magic-deteriorating disease.

“Though I love the fool dearly, Hestia tends not to think things completely through. This disease wouldn't affect her too much if she simply stopped preforming magic, but she still does to my dismay. So she began this search.”

“But what about my sister? Why was she chosen for the guard?” Shahar pressed eagerly.

Philomena cawed and hopped to the alicorn's side. “That's a question for another time. But suffice to say, She probably sees something in her.”

"She probably saw something in you." Julius reassured the shaken Livana, "Hestia is a good judge of personality, and this is probably a good thing.

Livana was in a shocked state. Even after the long string of morning events, nothing matched the surprise she had as she entered the throne room. After the draconequus placed her at camp, Julius had met up with her in front of a large building that looked like a mess hall. He apparently caught wind that he had a new recruit, and was stunned to see Livana. “But I didn't SAY anything! There was nothing to JUDGE me by! How is this a good thing? Shahar isn't fit for ruling and I'm not fit for a guard!”

“The only thing that's wrong with you joining us is that you are too young. Yet, I'll run with it.” Before Livana could follow up with another question, Julius began walking away. He turned into a tent and leaned on the side of a bed. He knocked off his helmet, revealing a strong and slightly scarred muzzle clad in a scarlet coat and a tyrian mane. Julius gave a smile, the first that Livana had seen from him. He seemed like a serious person while obscured by that full-head helmet, yet a new opinion of him settled on Livana, one of a compassionate stallion.

“Okay, first I have to get your armor.” Livana prepared to give him what she knew of her measurements, but it was unnecessary. Julius took a large crate and threw out a few things onto the bed. “You have two sets of armor: one for protection, one for looking awesome. You are to wear your full-body armor whenever you are outside of Everfree, and either set for inside Everfree, except in case of a war because, you know, our greatest enemy: the Celestia-damn sand could decide to attack and we must protect the queen from its ruthless itchiness.”

Livana stifled a chuckle. “Slow years?”

Julius rolled his eyes. “Fetching prospects has been the most exciting thing that's happened since I became captain in the guard. We became a superpower right before Hestia took over the throne and it's been a lovely time since we have no enemies. Great for the people, boring for us. I don’t mean to complain, but what good are we really as the soldiers and guardsponies of the queen?” The pegasus finished sorting the two pairs of armor. One was a large, bulky set with minimal openings, obviously the one for protection. The second was a quite charming blue light helmet and small chestplate, for appearances solely; whoever charged into battle with that on either was insanely cocky or insanely stupid as it couldn't protect one from a soft breeze. She loved it.

A detail caught her eye “Wait, there's an emblem. It's... almost my cutie mark!”

Julius nodded. “Nocturna's emblem, the symbol of a nightkeeper, graces all equipment for your talent.”

Livana heard that phrase again. He had used it before. “Nightkeeper? Nocturna?”

“A nightkeeper could be anywhere from an astronomer to a moon-child, one who raises the moon and sets the stars,” The guardspony explained. “Nocturna is the goddess of night and sky. Part of the trifecta: Harmonia, Terra, and Nocturna.” He raised an eyebrow, “You don't know any of this?”

Livana stammered, “But I thought the only being like that was Aquila...”

It clicked with Julius. “Oh, the Higher, the Griffon’s God. That's philosopher's territory, religion and stuff. No, the Trifecta was real. They created many things, but they were mortal, VERY mortal.” He shook his head. “One killed by the others, the other two by Discord.”

Livana was about to ask who Discord was, but she figured it would be a rabbit trail. She donned the light armor and Julius exited the tent. Livana felt strangely comfortable in the attire. The idea of being a guard in a rich palace appealed to her. Even the prospect of guarding her sister sounded nice. It was hilarious to her, she gets the job as a guard and Shahar gets to lounge around.

Livana galloped after Julius once she got done. Stopping to glance at the ponies around her, she saw many in distinct armor types and cutie marks shown. Julius' was still concealed by his armor, but the emblem on it showed a feathered helm. When they were finally strolling side by side, Julius began giving instructions, “The only two required things are that you wake for roll call and that you train in some way. I really needn't explain too much until we go to act in funeral procedures for Hestia. Just as a side note, female guards are rare and you look-” he grasped for words, “mature. Hence I give you permission to run anypony through that makes advances on you.” The stoic way he explained this was a point of laughter for Livana, yet it died after she realized he was being serious.

“Erm, anything else?”

“You will stay in D tent. D stands for diligence. I am the captain of said tent. My second-in-command is Luz. He is either in the library debating whether or not Francis Neighcon wrote William Hayskspeare's plays, or he is in the castle.”

“The one with the two royal sisters?”

“Yup.” Julius stopped at a signpost and nodded at it. “End of the line. Seeya tonight at sundown.”

Staring at the figure of her guide moving away, Her gaze pleaded, don't go... She looked warily at the signpost and decided that she should check out the castle just to pass time first. She galloped toward the direction, noting the many different characters passing her by, on their way to different things. All were buff and looked like they could break the gold of the main palace like a twig.

She soon stood at the castle entrance, agape at the magnificent structure. She entered in and immediately saw a pedestal with five parts. Atop each sat a magnificent gem. On the walls were many banners and intricate carvings of the sun and moon; a plaque was placed in the center, alone. It read:

THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY

These are the creations of the goddess Harmonia to help the pony race. It heal all evil and binds all ponies. If these were to be forgotten, we would re-descend into the chaos that plagued the separated races. They remain in the castle of the royal pony sisters, Celestia and Luna, to commemorate their victory over Discord. As they died they proclaimed that they would be reborn in the time of greatest need.

[In Present Day]

“It's amazing,” concluded Twlight, “That we have the tight-knit social structure where we can ask any minor acquaintance if they know somepony and they can find them in a heartbeat. We have a wealth of talent at our hooves; the best of the best just a call away!”

“Twilight,” Spike groaned, “Pinkie recommended you to somepony for some menial task probably; don't read into it so much. Who knows who this pony could be? They could be some stalker or worse.”

Twi squealed excitedly, “You really think I could have a stalker? Someone who watches me with immense interest? Oh that would be a great story to write!”

“Only you...” moaned Spike. It had been a long day and now the sun was lowering over the horizon, but Twilight's daily visit from Pinkie informed her of a pony who wanted her help. There had been no rest from Twilight's constant imaginative ramblings since. Having no idea of the job's nature, She was squirming with anticipation. The unicorn was summoned to the edge of the Everfree forest for the meeting and was now approaching the rendezvous point. The closer they got, the more the suspense built.

Twilight soon spotted two figures talking to each other. She could make out that it was a mare and a stallion, unicorn and earth pony respectively. The stallion displayed a sleek build, red coat, and long gold mane; his cutie mark was hard to make out, but Twilight though she saw a dust cloud. The mare was a dark purple with a short redder-purple mane which had three red stripes that looked a bit like they were painted; she was shorter but slightly buffer than her companion. A closer look revealed a cutie mark showing a wheelbarrow, and around her neck was a golden locket. They both looked Twilight's elder.

Were these the two Twilight was meant to meet? She cautiously strolled up and bumped Spike to make him appear alert. Once they were in distance, the two strangers turned in the direction of Twilight. The mare grew a mysterious smile and approached the lavender unicorn. “Twilight Sparkle, I presume. Yes, it must be. You are the one who I seek. Listen, see. Disregard pleasantries and look into the trees behind me. Of what purpose do they serve? What is the meaning of this forest? What is the meaning of us being here?” The mare turned quickly and began slowly walking, continuing a monologue that was obviously planned and that sailed past Twilight's head.

The stallion stepped up. “I'm sorry. She tends to try being dramatic.”

Twilight shook her head dismissively and smiled. “It's fine. I guess she just wanted to prepare for the meeting. What's your name?”

“Flash Step.” Was the reply. “The one giving the insane speech is my little sis, Sunset Sky.”

“Your sister?” Spike queried, “How do you stand it?”

Twilight bumped Spike off to chide him for his comment. Spike yelped, but Flash laughed. “It's quite alright. She is a bit of a handful. Hard worker though.”

“What do you two do?”

“I race, and Sunset is a delivery mare. I heard you are the princesses' student. What's that like?” he pressed with interest.

“Aw, it's nice to be able to talk to the pony in charge of our country and see how wise she is.” They all stopped for a moment to check on Sunset's rambling. She was oblivious to the ongoing conversation. After a second Twilight continued her questions, “So, is her prose leading somewhere?”

“Erm... well. Kinda. I think she's still trying to build up her name.”

Twilight looked to the sky and realized why she was called at this time. “Cute. Twilight, Sunset.”

“Yeah, you should have seen her planning a date with a colt named Eclipse. It took her three months to work out the timing. The date would have been in fifteen years.” The three shared a hardy laugh. “He he... but she does have a reason. You see, three weeks ago she was carting a load of random stuff when a storm hit. She took shelter in the Everfree Forest and now she thinks she's found something.”

Twilight's eyes sparked. “What kind of something?”

“Some scroll. It's written in some weird scratchy language and I can't read it for the life of me. She says it's about the princesses, but I can't see how she can understand it.”

“Because I can read it, you idiot.” a voice chided. Sunset came up and smacked her brother on the back of the head. “Yeah, thanks for distracting them from my monologue.”

“You are most welcome.” Flash jokingly quipped, sparking a glare from the mare.

Spike casually strolled to the stallion's side once attention had been turned away from hi is. “Girls, eh?”

“Yours a handful too?” Flash whispered back.

“Sometimes.”

Sunset rolled her eyes and focused on Twilight. “Boys.”

Twilight mumbled, “Yours is a handful too?”

“Sometimes.”

Twilight grinned invitingly. “Well, a pleasure to meet you two. Your brother was just telling me about the scroll you found.”

Sunset nodded and pawed at the ground a bit before continuing, “Sorry for taking your time. I'll explain quickly. It's written in an old equestrian language, the one used before Luna's banishment.”

Twilight grew excited. “You mean it's a record in that tongue? The only books in that language are... well... books that teach the language. There are no records before Luna's banishment besides the Hearth's Warming story.” A bit of wariness washed over the lavender unicorn, “Besides, why would you know it?”

“Let me tell ya, carting loads of bricks is boring. You read whatever book you get your hands on. Maybe ten times... or twenty.” Sunset looked around for a moment. “Okay, maybe forty, but that isn't even related to what we are talking about. Anyways, it's pretty old so I wanted to translate it, copy it, and sell it.” Twilight nodded. “And dramatize it.” Twilight furiously shook her head.

“Dramatize it? Why? I bet it's exciting as-is!”

Sunset's golden locket shined, emitting a pure white glow and telekinetically grabbed some saddlebags on the ground. Twilight recognized this as an enchantment, but telekinesis was a simple spell, why would she charge an object? Sunset didn't pay attention to Twilight's inquisitive look. “Because if I translated it it would be a incomprehensible jumble with lines like this: 'Forsooth, yea canst know what vilest of acquaintances thou hast entered into. He is a colt! Via!' Interpreting it would alter meanings dramatically as-is!”

Twilight broke the ensuing silence. “Wow.”

“Turns out, Luna is using really informal language" noted the older mare, "She could be cursing her mouth off for all we know.”

The image disturbed Twilight to the core. “F- fine. But why do you need me?”

“She laughed.” Twilight groaned after another day of editing.“I swear Pinkie, she laughed. Maybe not out loud, but internally she did.”

“Aww,” soothed Pinkie, helping clear off the mess of papers on Twilight's desks. “You are just being a grump about it. Be glad you have the opportunity! You seemed so excited two months ago when you first told us about being able to do this. Look on the bright side of things! You see something nopony else has and you make new friends!”

Twilight grumbled. “Thanks for the advice. And also thanks for not remembering that you don't tell whatever pony you come across about me when they ask for something.”

“No problem!” chirped Pinkie, grinning ear-to-ear.

“How did you know her anyway?”

“Duuuuuuh, Twily,” Twilight flinched at Pinkie calling her by Shining Armor's pet name for her. “I know everypony in this town!" A beat, "That and she delivers my bulk orders confetti from Manehattan on occasion.”

“You buy confetti in bulk?” queried Twilight.

“Who doesn't?”

Twilight realized she fell into that one. “Okay, fine. But what am I going to do about this?” She plucked a piece of paper from the stack and let it drop. The weight of the ink Twilight had added made the paper plummet to the ground with a “Clunk.”

Pinkie looked impressed. “Wow, I didn't know there were so many ways you could misspell 'guard.' Gard, gourd, grhd, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. That takes talent!”

“Pinkie, focus! She says there's a lot more left! What am I supposed to do?”

“Make friends with her? That always seems to work for us.”

Twilight couldn't argue that point, but retorted, “Tried. Sometimes when I see her she acts friendly and sometimes she acts like the world hates her and moans at me for talking too loud.”

Pinkie pursed her lips. A flash of thought had caught her brain and she calmly explained an idea to Twilight. “Tell her to write only in the mornings. It will be slower; some random interjections may pop up, but you will have less work and there will be fewer errors.”

“What?” asked Twilight incredulously, but Pinkie had already diverted her attention to something else.

“Where's Spikey?”

“Um, I don't know. Probably at Fluttershy's helping with animals or just hanging around town. I haven't needed him too much recently so he has been helping others or enjoying free time.”

Pinkie smiled and trotted out the door. Twilight wondered why Pinkie gave her the advice she did. It seemed illogical, but Twilight trusted her friend, and Pinkie probably was right. Twilight took a scroll and quill and began to write.

“It worked.” Twilight uttered, astonished. When the lavender unicorn had gotten back from her and her friend's picnic, The papers she had from Sunset were intelligible, if a bit bland. A small stack was all the unwilling editor had that afternoon to work with, and she had only made a few word choice corrections and crossed out some weird dialogue interjections. She looked out to see the sun was still high in the sky and she had time to catch up on studies.

She took a second thought. Instead of grab a pile of books, she cleared away a pile of paper to find a scroll. She had made copies of everything Sunset had sent her way so far. Twilight looked at the scrawled notes she had made. Things didn't make sense. Why hadn't she and her friends seen the Everfree ruins when they journeyed to the castle? That could have been explained by decay, and was the least pressing of the questions.

But three crept in her mind as unanswered as she trawled the limited knowledge given. One: why is Everfree a forest? Two: why was the document in such good shape? If it really was over a thousand years old, it would have decayed by then.

Three: Why didn't Princess Celestia ever say anything to anypony?

To Flames

“Celestia and Luna.” Livana muttered. “Who were they?” She directed these words to nopony in particular. Looking at the display, the alicorn glanced at yet another note:

The nature of the Elements of Harmony represents unity among ponies. The strength of this varies, but it is most well-known as it's base five: Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, and Laughter, which all show themselves in the magic of friendship. They display themselves as the spirits of harmony in some ponies. Harmonia's magic flow through these wielders of the elements.

“Wow!” exclaimed Livana, “Wouldn't that be cool, to be a spirit of harmony?”

“Perhaps Honesty, but the rest just strike me as being too hard to keep up with the demands.” a voice commented. The dark mare whirled about and eyed the speaker. A pegasus in red decorative armor was reading a book, and only slightly acknowledged her presence with a nod. Livana scanned him: a white stallion with a yellow mane. His cutie mark was a sideways flag, and the emblem on his armor showed a strategist's table.

Livana took an interest to his book. “Full History of the Kings and Queens of Equestria.” The pegasus closed the book and held it sideways to Livana's view. It disappeared from visibility. “One page on Princess Platinum, four pages of random hero kings and queens, and half a page on Hestia.” he wryly stated.

“You guys have horrible records don't you?”

The male guardspony dusted himself off and cleared his throat. “Maybe if the scholars wouldn't make their books so susceptible to being burned. Every single king between Solaris and Hestia has had records lost to burning.” He raised his hoof. “Corporal Luz of the Everfree guard. Who are you, nightkeeper?”

There was that term again. It had a nice ring. “I'm Livana, and I got here today. Julius told me I was in his and, by extension, your company.”

Luz frowned. “Stop right there. You are a prospect that got shafted and instead got inexplicable guard enlistment while your sister got to be the princess, even though nopony knows it's your sister, right?”

Livana stood, absolutely shocked. “Ah- Ah- Yes...”

Luz spiraled up into the air, elated. “YES! I won the bet! Eat it, Julius!” There was no force in the world that would make Livana believe that he just guessed that. The pegasus beamed, then noticed his companion. His face returned to the stoic expression he had up to that point and returned to the ground. “Eh, tough luck. It ain't that bad. You get free room and board with a little pay.” He motioned toward himself. “If the strategist is wearing this piece of junk armor, you are pretty safe. So it's like a free pass to living it up with only minor discomfort.”

Livana couldn't help but crack a smile. “So... would you keep it a secret?”

Luz chuckled. “What? Tell the queen she broke one of her cardinal rules? I'm a genius, not insane!”

The stallion rose to his hooves and stretched. He ruffled his feathers and grabbed the book under his wing. “Come on, I'll show you what Julius may not have.” The strategist started out the door, followed by the nightkeeper. Luz began by pointing toward an empty area. “That's where the caer of Everfree is. In the next months, you will learn the way to the palace back and forth to the point that you could do it blindfolded from absolutely anywhere in the capital garden.” Livana had difficulty imagining that. The corporal motioned toward the guard camp. “That is your home. Complete with lodgings, magically-powered training facilities, and food.”

The pegasus began to walk again at a brisk pace. Livana almost had to run to keep up. As they approached the camp, Luz pointed out buildings: “That is the library. It is the smallest building in the entire city.”

“There is the gambling house. Pretty much all you can do with your bits around here is for extra food or gamble there. Do not under any circumstances let a red stallion with a doctor's uniform and a 'get well' balloon cutie mark anywhere near there.”

“There is the noodle house. Don't ask why we call it that.”

“There is the tavern. If you ever get bored, never step foot in there. You will get sent off by some drunk on some wild goose chase.”

Livana finally spoke up. “Do you ever have anything interesting to do?”

Luz grabbed the alicorn by the tail and yanked her back. The dark mare was about to yell when a spear was sent hurdling in front of where her head was not one second ago. A sheepish unicorn in full silver armor ran by, apologizing. “It isn't boring.” Luz deadpanned. Livana gripped her head firmly with her hooves, gulping.

Luz led her to a tent. “D tent.” he explained. Stepping inside, Livana saw that Julius and another pegasus mare were inside, making Livana question whether everypony was a pegasus in D tent. Julius waved, and the mare shook her frazzled orange mane out of the way of her yellow eyes so she could see the newcomer. She rose and lifted her hoof to shake Livana's. The nightkeeper noted that she had hoof cups which matched the white armor she bore.

“Name's Jane, or Deer Tracks if you prefer.” the red mare greeted.

Julius snapped, “Jane, use your formal name.” Livana shook the hoof, but gained an inquisitive expression that Julius recognized by now. “Kid, griffons must have had you living under a rock.”

Luz and Jane seemed a little confused at this point. The nightkeeper herself was angry. “I don't appreciate my parents being mocked. So what, I'm a stranger?”

Julius backed off, “Easy, kid. Don't take it like that.” He looked at Luz. “I see you found my corporal.”

Livana wasn't happy with him just changing the topic of conversation, but didn't feel like talking aback would accomplish much. He seemed tired of answering questions. Luz coughed. “Yes, she found me. By the way, Julie, pay up.”

Julius cringed at being called “Julie.” He picked up a bag in his mouth and tossed it at his second-in-command. “I wish you had forgotten.” he grumbled. Jane and Livana giggled.

Shahar was once again wandering the halls with Philomena guiding her. They whispered conversation back and forth. “How do you memorize this amount of rooms and turns?” the alicorn asked.

Philomena remained quiet for a bit. “I don't for most rooms. I search them all at times. Some rooms will never be touched ever again, and those are the only ones I truly know by heart.”

“Why?” Shahar pressed, passing down stairs.

The bird seemed a bit uncomfortable. “Every king or queen has met an assassins' end from Solaris up until Hestia. She is destined for a different fate. But they always die in their sleep, and their bedrooms are never used again in hopes that the assassin won't be able to find it again”

Shahar was slightly disturbed. “Wow, I never heard that.”

“Everyone who knew the complete story passes away through the march of time, save me, and the records are taken out by whoever keeps doing it. It's probably an immortal being who hates us, but I should take responsibility as another immortal and do my best to preserve their memories.” She shifted uncomfortably, signaling to the princess that the bird didn't feel comfortable discussing her previous keepers. She probably felt a little longing for them. She did add another note, though, “Hestia took her father's death the hardest I've ever seen. She never was in complete agreement with her father in terms of policy, but she loved him and respected him.” Shahar felt sorry for the queen. Having her father killed would just be like a crushing blow.

It was soon that she was halted before a door. The princess was glad that she wasn't directed to slam into it this time. Philomena hopped off and flew around Shahar a few times. “I'll be in in a minute. The queen will not be kept waiting.” Shahar wished for her mentor to guide her during her first personal meeting with the queen, but said nothing. The bird took off and Shahar was left before the door.

Slowly, she pushed it open. The room had a red carpet and a large table. At the end sat Hestia, conversing with the two guards next to her. She caught a glimpse of the princess and lit up. “Come in, daykeeper! Come in!” she enthusiastically trilled.

This made Shahar slightly more comfortable, and she stepped in. She slowly cantered up to the table. Hestia motioned for her to sit on her right. Shahar obliged, taking note of the two guards in pretty silver armor. The queen motioned for the two guards to leave. They bowed and exited. Hestia looked at Shahar warmly. “Hello, fair princess.” she saluted. Shahar felt speechless at her words. Maybe it was just the awe of being in the queen's presence. The queen blushed a bit. “Ah, I'm sure you are a bit confused about this morning. Let me explain, is that okay?”

Shahar nodded, eager to know why she was chosen so suddenly. Hestia smiled more. “Well, when you came through the door, a sixth sense triggered in me. I felt you were the one. No doubt. I was so excited, I wanted to be quick about it before I doubted myself.”

“That makes sense.” Shahar noted. “Well, you did startle me. I wasn't able to even say my name! It's Shahar, by the way.”

“Shahar, a beautiful name.” the queen commented. A door opened and two ponies entered. One was a yellow pegasus mare with a fiery mane. The other was a pink unicorn mare who bore three glasses of what looked to be wine. The servant put each glass in three places as the unknown mare sat to Hestia's left.

“Ah...” the servant timidly began, “Do you need anything else? Anything? Just tell me, I want you all to be given anything you want.”

Hestia shook her head. “Thank you very much, Selene. I think we will be fine.” The unicorn nodded and trotted out of the room, closing the door behind her. Shahar directed her attention back to the pegasus. She was oddly familiar, but she was unable to put her hoof on it.

“Caw.” the stranger sounded. The princess nearly fainted in shock, because it was so realistic...

Wait... “Philomena!” she exclaimed. “H- how?”

Philomena and Hestia began laughing wildly. Shahar wanted an explanation, but found that the two weren't exactly going to be cooperative. It struck her that the queen was laughing like anypony else. She didn't know what she was expecting, but maybe a more regal display. It was unnerving and nice at the same time. She couldn't help but chuckle too.

Philomena stopped laughing for a moment. “Well, see I- Bahaha! Your face! That came close to Hestia's reaction when I first revealed I could change.”

Hestia stopped laughing for a bit and added with an icy tone, “I would rather forget that, Philomena.” Shahar became a little worried. The pegasus stopped laughing a bit, down to a nervous fake laugh, but Hestia stared laughing again, signaling all was well.

Philomena laughed a bit, but resumed explaining. “I'm a sort of a half-breed. Me and a handful of other phoenixes were created by Solla with this ability as a sign of goodwill. I mostly use it to be able to talk openly. Else, I'm a freaky talking bird.”

Hestia finished laughing just as Shahr began to lossen up to the idea. The queen raised her glass with magic. “A toast to our new princess.”

Shahar blushed and looked at her glass, raising it. Philomena shook her head, not chidingly but rather politely. The princess put down her cup and watched as Philomena took her cup and clinked it with Hestia's. They took a drink and looked to the young mare. Shahar took her cup and stared at it. She couldn't drink this, she knew that much of Equestrian law. Philomena chuckled. “Go ahead, drink.”

The princess sheepishly raised her glass and took a drink. It didn't taste unfamiliar. It was... “Not fermented.”

Hestia nodded, “A few more years, child. Till now, have the sweet stuff.”

Shahar downed the glass of the juice. It was definitely some of the most delicious drink she had ever put to her lips. Soon though, the maid Selene returned with three plates. On them was a large amount of various fruits, flowers, and vegetables. It was absolutely mouthwatering, not like the dishes made at home.

Selene laid the plates in front of the ponies and checked if there was anything else they wanted. Once again, Hestia assured them what they had was all they needed. Shahar bowed her head to thank Aquila. When she looked back up, the other two had started. Hestia looked over, “You hail from the griffon lands, don't you?” The princess quickly caught why she was able to guess it.

“Yes, ma'am. My-” She quickly caught a glance from Philomena. She was close to possibly revealing who she was and that she had a sister. Something the phoenix said was brought back to Shahar's mind. Hestia can read lies, not minds. So she couldn't lie, but couldn't tell the truth. The cogs in her brain began turning. “My parents lived and interacted in griffon society.”

“I see you picked up their religion.” Hestia commented. It wasn't chiding, just a statement. Shahar appreciated that. The next question threw the princess on her toes again. “I assume the nightkeeper I called in after you was a friend? I didn't expect that.”

How to get around this one? Philomena looked like she was racking her brain along with Shahar. The princess spoke first, “I have nopony any closer to me than she is.” Philomena nodded in approval. Her half-truth skills were apparently up to par. She felt a little bad deceiving the queen, but it may be necessary.

The rest of the delicious meal was spent with small talk. At the end, Hestia explained that she and Philomena would be giving her crash courses on mannerisms. “I wish we had more time.” Hestia mournfully stated, “Due to my unfortunate state.”

Philomena cawed. “If you would give up your magic it would be longer.”

“I can't change fate, Philomena.” She smiled in spite of it all. “I have had a longer life than my predecessors. I take that as the greatest sign of approval if my enemies haven't killed me yet.”

Shahar bowed and trotted out of the room in respect to her superior. She began to make her way up the stairs. Soon, she was followed by Philomena, still as a mare. “Good job, S'ar.” she complimented.

'S'ar?' the princess thought. 'That's kinda new' “I don't like deceiving ponies.” she muttered.

“You have to sometimes.” the phoenix admitted. “I wish we didn't have to either, but I hope we can keep it to a manageable level at least.” She put a wing around Shahar. “You have had a long day. Go rest.” The princess would admit, her new bed sounded like a well-deserved treat right then. She thought of her empty bed at home, and her father and mother worrying that their children had not returned.

“Philomena?” Shahar queried.

“Yes?”

“Could you send a message to my parents? Now? To let them know I'm okay.”

Philomena was slightly off-guard for this request. She wavered for a moment before replying. “Yes. I guess.”

When they returned to the room, Shahar penned a missive and gave it to her companion, who was now a bird again. When she finished, the princess collapsed into bed, exhausted. Philomena smiled, then took to the night sky.

Dawning

Philomena swooped over Havoth-Zair. By now, it was the dead of night and all the houses beneath were dark and silent. A few were sitting around the town square, talking, cursing the Equestrians. And well they should. The phoenix swooped down and alighted in the center, casting a light from her plumes. The griffons turned their eyes toward the bird as she began to shine and take form of a pony.

All those gathered in the dim light of the center of town knelt toward Philomena. “Don't.” she ordered, and they all hesitated before lifting their gaze. This was true adoration, that which not even Hestia would receive from the ponies in her dominion. Philomena felt a little happy; it felt good to be worshiped as a hero.

She came close to a old tiercel and asked for the residence of Aiah. The griffon gave a very happy indication that he lived only a few blocks down, delivering very specific directions. As the phoenix thanked him, she overheard someone in the square mutter: “Praise to the Roc, the firebird, the traitor.”

Philomena gave a small turn and finished, “May her soul rise from ashes to lead us from ours.” She gave a warm smile that was responded in kind—though with a little surprise in the expression—by the griffon who had said the blessing.

She approached Aiah's house and gave a few short taps. A clamor arose and shouts rang out. Soon, Aiah has nearly torn off the door and was waiting with anticipation. When he saw Philomena, his smile lowered slightly, but not completely. He gave a bow, but it was short. “What occasion,” he asked, “is it that a roc might visit me?”

Philomena decided to toy with the griffon. She strode in without a word and whirled about once inside the cramped space. 'Dear Solla, this is why Shahar was so awestruck by her room. It's three times the size of this house' “Is this the treatment a roc should receive from you griffons?”

Aiah's smile fell. “I should give you no more. I respect you and your kind, but you cannot expect more than I can spare.”

Philomena gave a screech that pierced the ears of the griffon. From a loft upstairs, a second figure bounded down, quickly alighting in line with her husband. “Oh, dear, I'm sorry if my dear idiot husband has offended you at all. Miss roc, may I ask that you stay for a little meal?”

Aiah shot Shisea an evil look as his wife quickly scrambled in the confinement to prepare a meal. Philomena, not being able to stand the cramped quarters any longer, took to her phoenix form again and starting flying about the room, laughing. The two griffons stopped in their tracks as she alighted above the pantry. “I'm kidding, good griffons. Don't worry so much.” Shisea looked quite relieved. “I am Philomena.”

Shisea still went about cooking in case her guest still was expecting food. Aiah leaned his lion half against the wall, “My name is Aiah, and my wife is Shisea. We have two adopted equines-” a nudge from his wife. “Daughters, I mean. And they're on the way back from Everfree.”

Philomena landed and tapped her talons on a pantry, “Well... no they aren't.” Both the griffons's eyes widened. “You see, I was sent here by your daughter, Shahar. She has been chosen to be the princess.”

Aiah collapsed. Shisea gave a quiet caw of joy before inquiring, “But what about Livana?”

“Ah yes... well- she's part of the royal guard.”

At this Shisea collapsed and Aiah stirred. “Ya'ir, equines must be crazy.”

“You have a knack for stating the obvious.” deadpanned Philomena.

Aiah clenched his talons and got up. “Roc, these are my daughters and I know them well. The idiot Hestia has seemed to confuse their personalities. The younger is the smarter. The elder is the stronger-willed.”

Shisea moaned and rose to her paws and talons. “Livana is a bit too impulsive, and Shahar refuses to learn. There has to be a mistake.”

Philomena stared down from her perch for a bit. ‘Griffons seem to faint and rise easily.’ “Hestia has a reason. Griffons, I am no fan of the ponies, but Hestia is one of the wisest beings I have ever conversed with. Her instinct should be sufficient.” Silence. “I do not know why, but her instinct has never lead her wrong.”

“First time for everything, and perhaps the last time.” Aiah quipped.

Philomena spread her wings out in a bit of indignation. “She is the only queen that has been good to griffons, low-class ponies, avians, and other conquests since Solaris.”

“She has been the only queen that has not had their records burned since Solaris.” corrected Aiah.

Philomena was quite through with talking to Aiah. She honestly couldn't stand him much longer. “I am immortal. I know who was good or bad. They all deserved their fate.” She went to the door and used her talons to open it. “It was enlightening, griffon. I hope to see you again when Shahar is queen. Then we shall see if any ruler is fit in your eyes.”

As she flew away, she heard Aiah cry, “Send regards to my daughter, roc. Make her a queen I won't want to see dead!”

Philomena loved a good challenge.

Shahar looked out over Everfree from her room's balcony. She watched as the sun bathed the palace grounds in a deep orange. The gardens outside the palace walls sprang to life, creating the feeling of an orange forest filled with fruits and flowers of unknown kinds.

“It's too early,” muttered Philomena, slowly flapping her way out to where the princess was. “Why the blazes would anyone wake at this hour?”

“The beautiful sunrise, the cool air, the serenity-- all of this is reason enough, don't you think?”

Philomena shivered and looked out, only to return her gaze to Shahar. “I feel weak and helpless at sunrise. I don't like it.”

Shahar shrugged. “It gives you a sense of your place. For me, it shows what my responsibility will eventually be. To make sure beautiful sunrises come to every pony.” She yawned, “It is early even for me, though. But I wouldn’t miss this overlook even for a few more hours of sleep.”

“Such are the ramblings of a daykeeper,” Philomena muttered. “The sun is my motivation to do anything, and at sunrise and sunset it is at its weakest. The moon's reflected light is gone, and the sun is low in the sky.”

“That's an issue with attitude,” Shahar pointed out. “You must wait through times when you feel weak, and you will then exchange your strength from something greater. It's an old proverb, not that anyone pays any attention to it.”

Philomena took in what she had just been told. 'The nightkeeper must be a genius if she is the wiser one.' She gave a low caw and started hopping around the balcony railing. “We birds are a whole lot more straightforward: We are always seeking power and safety, and if we don't have control of a situation, then it isn't worth pursuing.”

Shahar shook her head. “No wonder your species has good standing with the griffons. You think alike: always needing control.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn't exactly a compliment.”

A low singsong note. “Thank you even more.”

“Yet,” Shahar noted, “I know many birds are kept as pets. How does that let you have control?”

“We can fly away, but it would be stupid. Ponies give us food and shelter. I could jump ship on Hestia any moment, but I eat from her table and I have the chance to influence you. Abandoning this would be beyond moronic.”

“Taking advantage of people isn’t right.”

“Morals of that sort are for equines.” Shahar stepped back, seeing her father in the place of the phoenix for a half-second. The world truly was full of people like him. A shout resounded from the gardens below. Shahar rushed to the edge to look out, but saw nothing.

The princess frowned, and opened the balcony doors to return to her room. As she opened it, a powerful smell hit her nose. She looked at the table in the day section of her room and saw that it was loaded with pastries, fruits, vegetables, and everything that was a rare delicacy to her before. The phoenix flew into the room and alighted at one end of the table. Shahar placed herself on the other cushion, flabbergasted. “How did--”

“I assume one of the servants saw you out on the balcony and decided to bring you your meal now. It was probably Selene.”

Shahar looked about all the food. “Wasn’t she the lady who served us last night?”

“Mhm” Philomena confirmed. She slid out a piece of watermelon and started munching on the seeds. Shahar bowed and thanked Aquila. She took a look upon the delicacies and began selecting what looked the best. She wanted to try it all, but if dinner was to tell her anything: it was that the food was rich.

Philomena took the liberty of eating the seeds from Shahar’s plate. “But you ate the same food I did at dinner last night,” the princess pointed out.

“Eh. I feel like seeds today.” Philomena responded. She flitted back to her perch and began preening out feathers. Shahar, in the meantime, had become quickly full of the food. She stretched and wandered back to her bed, collapsing.

“Oh no you don’t,” the phoenix ordered. She swooped down and clasped Shahar’s mane, tossing her to her hooves with surprising strength. Shahar yelped as she was thrown to standing. Philomena alighted on the floor in front of the princess, transforming into a mare. “We have lessons to learn.”

A chill went up Shahar’s spine. The display made her think of something. What was it? It was like one of the lessons she slept through in school. Eh, not important. “What do you mean?”

Philomena paced around the princess. “We have a busy week. I have to go through a crash course in everything with you. History to magic to politics to physical training. Trust me, this will be one week you will not be resting easy in. Hestia croaks in six days. In seven will be your crowning.” The matter-of-fact way Philomena explained this brought that nagging part in Shahar’s brain back. “And I will have your undivided attention, or else.”

Shahar was about to retort the same what she did with her father when he used that ploy, but one glance into Philomena’s eyes reminded her that she had one disadvantage on the phoenix: She wasn’t her daughter. The heiress nodded slowly, hoping to escape from this situation.

Livana was combing her hair when the bugle sounded. She took a peek out her tent and saw a pegasus bathed in sunrise light high above the camp sounding the morning call. In a few moments, pegasi stormed the bugler’s position and attacked him. They soon had the object of their ire wrapped up in his own instrument and began hauling him off to some other part of camp. She heard the tune and lyrics of a song being sung: “I’ll cut out all his revelry and stomp upon it heavily and spend the rest of my life in bed.”

She hoped that she would never have that job.

Luz was the first in her tent to head out. Already in his decorative armor, he gave a tired nod to the nightkeeper. Julius soon followed, then Jane, then a unicorn stallion named Marcus, then an earth pony stallion named Celos. Their small group of five soon fell in a line, and Livana quickly fell beside the others.

”Soldiers, ” Luz shouted. The three under his command saluted half-heartedly. Livana followed suit, and figured it would be wise to always do so. Luz swiftly moved and placed blindfold over each of their eyes, save Livana. He then placed one over his own face using a bit of prowess, then shouted: “Move out!”

The four began galloping ahead into the Everfree gardens. Livana was about to follow when Julius placed a wing on her. “Just walk with me. It’s the first day.” The nightkeeper smiled, glad to not having to keep up with the rest. They began trotting swiftly where the others had charged before. “So, kid, I suppose yesterday was enough time for you to at least recover from the shock?”

“Well, not really. I mean, it is sudden.” Livana admitted, matching Julius’ brisk pace.

“Can’t be helped. Sorry you had to join under these circumstances.” Julius gave quick turns and curves in the garden. “You made an impression with the others.”

Livana remembered her comrades. Jane was nice, and even gave Livana one of her blankets last night when she was shivering. Celos was quiet. His telescope cutie mark probably spoke for him more than his words. Marcus, on the other hand, was very brash and loud. He was yelling at the cooks for serving “junk” (which Livana found to be quite tasty) and was giving Livana a hard time. “Well, most seem nice.”

Julius quickly nudged Livana away from some blue plants before resuming conversation. “That’s good.” He looked around him and stopped suddenly. Livana skidded to a halt and began looking for what he was staring at. Julius raised his hoof in the direction he wanted the recruit to see. There, on a balcony, stood Shahar and the bird from the throne room. “The princess and Philomena.”

Livana took note of where her sister was, if she could perhaps get to her at some point or another. “The bird” Julius continued, “is Hestia’s left wing, so to speak. Both a phoenix and pony, but that’s a secret amongst us commanders, and now you I guess.”

Livana quickly asked: “Oh! It’s a roc!”

Julius barked, “NO,” and Livana jumped back, frightened. Julius’ rage settled after a bit. “Never mention that name within this country if you wish to keep your life.” Livana saw the wisdom in this.

In griffon legends, during the Griffon-Pony war, there was a traitor on their side. It was a creature with the dual nature of a pony and a phoenix, and she was called “The Roc.” Amongst ponies, she was known as “Hellfire,” as that was what was what the ponies she confronted would see. She would rise above the approaching armies and blind them all, before swooping down and obliterating more than one entire detachment of griffons could. Her origins were unknown, and her motive was uncertain as well, but she fought for the griffons, and that was all that mattered.

The Roc was what helped the griffons last as long as they did against the invading ponies, but she was captured and killed. Her body was found and buried by the griffons under what would now be the square of Havoth-Zair. But more of her kind existed, and the griffons honored them and called them “rocs.”

Mentioning her name would, of course, be insulting, and in the presence of the equestrian guard no less. Julius had, by then, shaken it off, looking a bit sorry for the outburst. Livana could only stammer out, “Yes, sir.”

The commander motioned to keep walking. “Well, now that we have THAT out of you, let’s discuss something completely different.” As he spoke: a long, slithering being flew across the sky magically. Livana took it all in and recognized it to be the draconequus. Julius took note. “Ah yes, Metis. He’s Hestia’s right-wing man. Slippery character, with a bit of a temper. He tries, bless him, to hide it but it doesn’t work always. Very powerful, what being a spawn of chaos and all.”

“Draconequui,” Livana mused, “Weren’t they Discord’s soldiers?”

“Correct, fashioned in his image, they were his army; and he was their king. After Discord was defeated, Metis rose as their king and led them in one last desperate charge, but we took them captive.”

“Typical.” Livana muttered under her breath.

“The other draconequui were ready to fall fighting even in their chains, and ended up dying trying to break free. Metis, on the other hand, was offered a servant’s position to the unicorns and he gladly accepted. He was seen as trustworthy and loyal, so he became the main advisor to the monarchs. He was the one who suggested creating Everfree, and uniting the tribes even more. I guess not everybody can be judged by their species.”

‘Toldja so, dad.’ Livana decided to hasten the pace, but Julius effortlessly matched her. Not breaking a sweat, not flinching. He whirled around and started walking backwards, keeping up with Livana and still turning left and right, in a seemingly aimless pattern. It wasn’t long before the other passed them coming the opposite way. “Is there anywhere we are going?”

“Everfree’s southern gate and back. The garden is a maze, and I’m showing the fastest way through, bar flying or magic, or trampling stuff..” Julius answered. Livana struggled to go even faster while pacing herself. “Okay, I guess this is a good a time as any to tell you your schedule. Wake up when we did today, do this, have at least one training regime, then hit the sack whenever. Sounds cushy, right?”

A trick question. “No, I’m certain there will be plenty of challenges to get in my way, and I’ll overcome them all each day.”

The stallion gave a wide smile. “That’s the spirit, recruit.”

“First.” Philomena called out, flitting up to the room’s door and guesturing with her wing, “are these.” Behind here were nine scrolls at the tips of a somewhat familiar nine-pointed star.

“And what might.” Shahar flipped open her wing and mimicked Philomena’s gesture, “these be?”

Philomena once again flinched. Something was bothering her. “Ahem, these are the tenets of Equestria as taught to everypony as foals.” She coughed. “The Griffon Territories are exempt from this, so I have to start here.”

‘Good thing, I wouldn’t have remembered them.’

“There is: The creation of Equestria, the magic theorem, the gods and goddesses, the prophecy of salvation, the prophecy of the celestial sisters, the prophecy of chaos, the prophecy of time’s end, the Element’s of Harmony--” Philomena took a deep breath in. “and the heaven-sent mana.”

“The heaven-sent what?”

“It’s a cupcake recipe. If I remember right, some queen proclaimed for it to replace a fulfilled prophecy because they were really good cupcakes.”

“And this is a foundation of Equestria?”

“They are really good cupcakes. I can’t argue with her.”

“A TENET OF EQUESTRIA?”

“You really HAVE to try them sometime.”

Well, there was one thing she would change. Wait, was she really thinking that? It had been one day and she was ALREADY thinking about what she would change? ‘I hope this doesn’t keep up, else I’ll be re-organizing everything by the time I’m... not a princess.’ She couldn’t think of herself as a queen, not yet.

Philomena nudged a cushion to in front of the door and motioned for Shahar to sit. The princess plopped down and prepared for a boring school session.

The phoenix took down the top scroll and smoothed it with her hooves. “Ahem. A history to Equestria, Geno, and the Equine race.”

‘Snoozefest ahead.’

“A condensed version of the condensed version.” Philomena blew a few strands of mane out of her hair to get a good look of Shahar’s somewhat hopeful face. “Condensed.”

“Once upon a time there were three mares. One named Terra, one named Nocturna, and one named Harmonia. Terra helped stuff grow and taught earth ponies about giving the earth life. Nocturna ruled the moon and covered the sun to give coolness to the ponies, as well as teaching Pegasi how to blot out the light for shade. And Harmonia taught magics and made the Elements of Harmony.”

The phoenix paused to make sure Shahar was awake. Once the princess made some indication that she was alive, Philomena continued. “The Elements of Harmony were being used on some threat which I don’t bother mentioning when it reacted to a little bit of chaos in Harmonia and got rid of it from her, creating a mix-match of almost every being: Discord. Discord to proceed to wreck the ponies-” a cough. “Harmonia and Terra were conquered, but Nocturna was able to use the Elements on Discord. Doing so, she split as, and the result was Solla, who controlled the sun.”

Philomena kicked Shahar to wake her up. “And then Solla and a bird god of life made the most important person in all the world, Philomena, from the suns rays.”

An incredulous eyebrow was raised. “Just you? And this all sounds like a bunch of mythological nonsense to me.

“Okay, they made a whole bunch of phoenix/ponies from the sun. I was just one. And yeah, it is. Some things just are when you live in a world like this. Anyways, Nocturna and Solla ruled in the land of Geno and the ponies there.

“Then, one day, Discord came back and wrecked Nocturna and Solla’s--” Another cough. Philomena muttered under her breath, “I need better phrases.”

Shahar decided to speak up. “I’m not following.”

“You don’t have to. I just have to read this and I can go back to tossing you around. Where was I? Ah, yes: Discord reigned for who-knows-how-long and the world was in despair. He made draconequui as little hims, creating chaos everywhere they went. Then two ponies named Celestia and Luna found the elements and wrecked-- I mean-- turned Discord into a statue. They united the tribes under a temporary peace and conquered the draconequui. Then, Celestia and Luna ruled the ponies under day and night until unicorns realised that THEY could control the sun and moon. Then they were framed wrongly as impostors and killed. Big winter, they moved to Equestria, sappy friendship stuff, a few good kings, and then records started getting burned.”

“zzzzzzzzzz.”

Philomena rolled her eyes. “And that’s how I killed three-hundred dragons with a frying pan. Maybe one day I should tell you how Equestria was made.” Although, Philomena admitted, it was kinda boring, but fitting it all on one scroll meant information instead of exciting detail.

And all the books with exciting detail were burned so she had to rely on memory for anything worthwhile.

Philomena shoved the sleeping princess awake. “By Solla, your father said I would have trouble.”

Shahar stirred, “Uhh... draconlestuna.”

“Great, here’s the gist: sun and moon wreck chaos guy and create harmonious society, thrice.”

Shahar felt a little annoyed at being woken up, but she was a bit more distracted by a name Philomena had said right before she dozed off: Celestia. Why was that name familiar? It was like she knew that name all her life, and knew who it belonged to, but couldn’t figure out how she knew them. “She was the elder of the two sisters, right?”

Philomena nodded, “Yes, she was. The opposite of Solla and Nocturna... where did you hear that?”

“I don’t know... I just-- know.”

Philomena frowned deeply. “Very well, then. It probably came from a traveling storyteller or something.” She transformed back into a bird and flapped about “I’m done teaching you.”

“O- okay.” She was still pondering the name Celestia. “You know, all those goddess names have an -a at the end.”

“And?” Philomena asked. “An odd coincidence. Perhaps it’s some female naming thing they had.”

“Oh, so you noticed too.”

“I notice a lot of odd things. Now tell me, is this going anywhere?”

“No.” Shahar finally conceded. She looked over to the table in her room and noticed a chessboard. “Hey, do you want to play a game of chess?”

Philomena cawed, “I’m ready to beat you, yes.” She swooped ahead and was at the table before Shahar could get there. The bird chose the black side, an odd move off the bat. Shahar sat down and checked the pieces, nothing was too odd.

Shahar made the first opening move. “So, you alluded that Hestia was your favorite monarch. Why’s that?”

Philomena countered swiftly, as if playing a opening she knew by heart. “She is the kindest, wisest, and most charismatic ruler I have met in the past thousand years.”

“Yet, you seem uneasy about some things she does. I’ve noticed.”

“She... is a bit hasty, and a bit too diplomatic. She is prepared to meet someone at half-ground even on issues that shouldn’t be met at that point. She is white and gray, never seeing anything as bad. there are some things that you just shouldn’t do that with.”

Shahar noticed that the opening gameplay was quickly withering down. Only a few pawns had been exchanged. “How old is she?”

“Over one-hundred years old.” Shahar nearly dropped her queen from the telekinetic grip. “What? No way!”

“Magic keeps her looking young. Of course, her vanity is her downfall.“

Shahar surveyed the board, which was in an utter state of confusion. Her pegasi knights were blocked in with her queen, her unicorn priests were just coming across uncapturable piece after another, and her earth pony chargers were in each other’s way. “Well, what if I became like Hestia? Would you approve of that?”

“No.” Philomena firmly stated, “Hestia is good, but we can’t have two impulsive queens after another. I hope you can learn to focus and focus, and that’s what I’m going to try to train you to be.”

“Maybe I’m just focusing on other things, Philomena.” The two players looked over to see that Hestia had silently entered. Shahar felt a little embarrassed, but Hestia didn’t mind. She took a third cushion and sat down to watch the game.

Philomena chuckled. “Never played chess with her, Shahar. I swear she cheats somehow.”

Hestia giggled. “You are just sore that you have never won.”

Shahar focused back onto the game. She made a quick move and suddenly Philomena snuck out and took out a pegasus. The princess fumbled and ended up losing a earth pony to the black queen. She noticed an opportunity, though. She placed her queen in front of her king and subsequently forced a queen trade due to the black king blocking the way. Then a pawn threatened by the black queen was able to easily advance to promotion, making another queen. It was all over, and in a few moves Shahar was the victor.

Hestia nodded her head in approval. Philomena just huffed. “Yeah, luck.”

“There is no luck in chess.” Hestia corrected. She turned her attention back to the princess. “Do you want to try to beat me?”

Shahar felt that no amount of playing with griffons in Havoth-Zair would prepare her, but somehow stammered, “S- Sure.” She quickly re-organized the pieces and gave Hestia control of white.

The queen then turned around. “e4.”

Shahar was confused, but then realized that she had seen this before. The queen was playing by memory. The princess moved the piece forward as dictated then made her move, announcing it. Play continued.

“So, highness.” Shahar began, but was interrupted.

“Dear, please call me Hestia. You are not my subject. Pegasus a3”

“Sorry, Hestia. Do you have a close family?”

Hestia gave a deep sigh, “I have a great niece, but she and I are at odds almost always. My sister is dead, sadly. Now, Queen f6.”

Shahar was able to take Hestia’s queen with utter ease. It was like she WANTED that piece off the board. “Well, who do you talk to most of the time?”

“Philomena, or any of the guards. They are somewhat like my family. Now, Unicorn c5”

Shahar mulled her moves and words over. “I don’t know what I would do without mother or father.” She fiddled with a piece. “I kinda miss him even now. I was always arguing, debating, or generally being mad at my dad, but I respect and love him.”

Even with the queen’s face hidden from Shahar’s view, she could tell there was a bit of sadness on it. “I could have said the same about my father. The things he did were despicable, and his ideas were beyond insane, but he was my father and deep-down I cared for him. a5.” The queen shuffled in her seat. “The night he was killed, I had just had an argument with him.”

“It is done.” King Kama proclaimed, joyfully reading a missive from his commander. He rose to his hooves and began to exit the throne room. It was time to set Hestia straight. Kama strode into the stairwell and quickly bounded up several floors to his daughters’ room. As he got off on the floor he wanted, he immediately came face-to-face with Hestia.

“Father.”

“Girl.” Kama mimicked. He showed his letter to Hestia.

The princess batted it away, quite furious and a little teary. “I heard about it, monster. Your commander sent a copy to me as well. How? How could you?”

“Freya was an insurrectionist. She was setting the cervids and zebras against us. I did what had to be done.”

“She was HELPING them, father! She gave them food, supplies: everything you hadn’t sent in weeks!”

“As punishment for their slowing of the book copying project.” Kama snarled.

“Well, I hope you are happy!” Hestia screamed, barely holding back her tears. “You had someone executed. This is the cruelest thing you have ever done, and if you think this stopped a uprising you’re WRONG! The reserve library is BURNT. Just as the proclamation to kill her was given they BURNT the library”

Kama was taken aback. Burnt? All of it? All that work? All of his deeds!? Kama screamed in rage and bucked a decorative table into a wall, splintering it into pieces. “Out of my sight, girl! I don’t want to hear of this any more!” Hestia obeyed, galloping into her room, bawling. She slammed the door and collapsed in her bed. A shadow flickered from her balcony, but she didn’t pay attention.

For many minutes she lay there, weeping. She didn’t want to follow in her father’s footsteps. She didn’t want to obey him... that monster.

Monster? That was her father she was calling a monster. What would Mother say to that? Or Ginger, her half sister? What would they say to her calling her father a monster?

“I don’t care.” and she went to sleep.

She awoke that night from a nightmare. She saw her, executing her father, and hearing his screams of her being a monster. It disturbed her. She was wrong, her father was wise, if cautious and cruel. And more importantly, he was king and her father. though she hated it, she had no business calling him a monster.

Hestia quietly crept down from her chambers, and began making her way towards her father’s chamber. She had to apologize. Her mind was made up. As she tiptoed her way to the door, she heard no snoring. Kama was awake, and Hestia could apologize.

She opened the door and began. “Father, I- I’m sorry for yelling at you, for calling you a monster. I was angry, and I don’t agree wit you, but... I still love you. I hate what you did, but I don’t hate you.”

She saw her father in bed, silent. Too silent. “Father?” Hestia called making her way to his side.

That’s when she saw the blood. The liquid dripping from the bed. She wanted to scream and run away, but the second she turned, she saw a hooded pony. She got a glimpse of its eyes: reckless, cold, murderous. But they were... almost sorry. Like they had some compassion. Hestia would have called out but it ran and dove out the balcony. When she got there, the assassin was gone.

Tears filled Hestia’s eyes and she stomped her hoof, turning to her father’s body. She choked, walking mournfully toward it. The dead king held in his hoof the last letter his wife had written before she died, and the blankets, where not bloodstained, were tearstained. She knew he cried for her each night, and he was crying for her in death. Poetic, almost.

Queen Hestia rested her head on her fathers’ and wept. Below her, the records of his deeds were burned, casting him into the realm of memory.

Flowers of Malice

They all sat in silence. “I wish I could have told him I loved him. I wish I could have let him die knowing that.” Hestia gave a low sigh. “a7.”

Shahar moved the monarch’s piece. By now, the game was almost over. She still had a bishop and two pawns, and Hestia only had one pawn. Her next move was to capture it. “Unicorn takes a7. But... why? My father isn’t that bad. He only talks about his hatred and what he wants to do, not goes and kill people. With all respect, why do you still love him?”

“Because deep-down... he was good. He was very likeable and very just. Only, he was... scared. Scared of being lost to time like his predecessors were. Wouldn’t you be? King, a4”

“a1 promotes to queen, checkmate. I guess.”

Hestia turned around, and smiled. “Good job, Shahar.”

Philomena was thoroughly impressed, and seemed to be thinking something over. Hestia quickly took this opportunity to divert the conversation off her father. “Tell me, Shahar, why does the game end in checkmate, and not the capture of the king?”

Almost from memory, Shahar replied, “Because the rules of chess say that you cannot move your king into check or leave him in check. Thus, there is no legal move at checkmate.”

“And so the king will never die, it will just be held there until the next game begins.” Abruptly, Hestia rose. “Well, I am a bit hungry. Would you two like something to eat?”

“Didn’t we just have breakfast?” Shahar asked.

Philomena gave a screeching laugh, “Girl, time flies. It’s already noon!”

Shahar looked outside to discover that the sun was high up in the air. At that point, she fervently hoped that the week wouldn’t be over this quickly.

After her walk, Livana decided to take a break. There was the entire day to use, so training could wait until she recovered from the brisk trot. Wandering camp, she began to piece together the hierarchy. Those in purple armor, like Julius, stood aside as commanders. Those in white armor were trackers and scouts. In red armor were the tacticians, and in silver were the grunt soldiers. Those in golden armor were like her sister, daykeepers, and in midnight purple were nightkeepers like herself. A scarce few strutted about in robes and black armor, but these were few and far between.

She looked about to find the mess hall, and realized that she hadn’t had breakfast. She wasn’t too worried, as going without it wasn’t much to her, but with the new regime--if such laxness could be called that--it would be wise to pick up a bit to eat.

She trotted in to see that the mess was somewhat empty. Only a few tables were full, but there were still some that had nopony and some with only one or two. At one such table was Marcus, the colt from D tent that she was a bit brushed off by. He was in his decorative white armor, and busy staring evilly at his food. His dull yellow coat and his light blue mane seemed to cast a hateful air toward the, at least to Livana, delightfully made sandwich.

The alicorn took a plate and a sandwich from the mess counter and decided to take a floor space across from Marcus, just to see if she could figure out more about him. When she approached, Marcus gave her a half-second glare that was quickly directed back at his food. The nightkeeper sat down and placed the plate on the table in front of her, taking the sandwich and giving it a few bites. It was a bit strange-tasting, she would grant him that, but he hadn’t even nibbled.

She swore Marcus gave a sadistic smile then, but it passed unnoticed for the time being. In-between mouthfuls, Livana asked, “What did the sandwich do to you?”

“It exists.” Markus dryly replied, nudging it away. “Hope you enjoy it, these things are poisoned.”

Livana choked, almost spewing out what she had eaten, but a quick look around revealed that nopony had collapsed. Some seemed to have been there for quite a while. “Oh, you’re joking. Well, ha-ha.”

“Ha-ha, you’re quite observant to have noticed that.” the unicorn said flatly. As he spoke, Livana saw a griffon exit the kitchen and slowly meander about the mess. When he arrived at the table, Livana gave him a wide grin that was responded in kind. Marcus, on the other hoof, had a few choice words. “Griffon, what do you expect in serving me this filth?”

The chef frowned, smacking the sandwich. “I don’t plan the meals around here. If you have a problem with petunias, take it up with the head chef.”

“Take a bite,” Marcus coldly demanded, staring the griffon straight in the eye. “Go ahead, Galon. Taste your own medicine.”

“I don’t eat flowers,” the tiercel stated.

“Well you will, eat it. Taste the rubbish you are serving us.”

Livana turned her attention to the soldier. “Marcus, you’re being overly rude.”

“It’s okay, new recruit,” Galon grunted, “He’s often like this.” The griffon swiped the sandwich with a talon and took a good-sized bite, obviously having problems swallowing. After he had finally finished, he gave a stern look to Marcus. “Tastes like something pulled out of the ground and slapped in bread, like every flower does. Eat the sandwich.”

“I’m not eating any sandwich,” Marcus insisted.

The chef shrieked. “Look, I don’t care if you give it to somepony else, but now you have forced me to take a bite; and by Aquila, you will EAT the rest.”

Out of nowhere, a magical bow and arrow manifested next to the unicorn, drawn completely back and aimed at Galon. “Say that again, griffon.”

Before Livana could intercede, a spear was lobbed in her direction. She yelped and ducked, letting it continue toward Marcus. The unicorn turned his head at it smashed into the telescope emblem on the front of his armor, making a small dent and knocking the unicorn back with a yelp of pain. Livana looked behind her to see a unicorn soldier in silver armor standing next to a large, grey stallion earth pony in purple. “Marcus!” the captain shouted.

The unicorn groaned and attempted to rise to his hooves, but was apparently recovering from the spear to the chest. The earth pony captain trotted over and kicked him. “Caius, Delion, take him to the prison.”

Two ponies who had been eating peacefully rose to their officer’s orders. “Yes sir, Cinna!” they shouted in unison before hauling off a cursing Marcus. Cinna looked at Livana and Galon.

“Nightkeeper, associate yourself more carefully.” Livana nodded. “Get your commanding officer and tell him to meet me at the prison. As for you, griffon, that was an excellent meal.” The tiercel gave a satisfied nod before swiftly heading to the kitchen.

Livana decided that seconds could be forgotten, and quickly rushed out of the mess. She hastily charged toward the barracks, swerving in ways she thought were shortcuts, yet she arrived no sooner than normal. She flung open the tent door and searched for Julius, but the only one she found was Luz, reading a book. The stallion didn’t even look up to greet the entering alicorn. “May I help you?”

“Luz, where’s Julius? Marcus is in the prison and a commander named Cinna wants him.”

At this, Luz hesitantly closed his book, giving a deep sigh. The pony rose to his feet and approached the exit. “Don’t worry so much. Marcus is smart yet foolish. He’ll be alright. I’ll get Julius. For now, occupy yourself. I may need you later.” He stuck his head out and gave a sharp yell. “Celos!”

In no less than five seconds, the bluish earth pony was barreling toward the tent in response to his officer. He finally made it into D tent, gasping for breath, “Ah, ah, yes, Luz?”

“Sorry to interrupt whatever you were doing, but could you please take Livana to some training course? I need her to be in-sight for when she’s required.”

Celos enthusiastically nodded his head, stepping aside to let Luz exit. The tactician swiftly left and took to the sky. Once he was gone, the yellow-maned colt that was left gave Livana a wide smile. Livana hadn’t seem much expression from him, as he seemed a bit shy, but he seemed to be quickly warming to the pony he was assigned to. “Well, madam, what are you interested in doing?” he asked in a deep, vivid voice.

Of all the ponies in Livana’s corp, Celos was probably the nicest in appearance. He appeared quite kind, and Livana couldn’t help imagining him kicking someone down who attacked him, then asking if they were okay. “Well, what is there to train with?”

Celos used a hoof to open up the tent flap, letting Livana step outside first. “Well,” he began, “as a nightkeeper you could train in moonlight focusing. Or, if you want something fun, you could train in combat.”

“But isn’t this about learning to defend, not what’s fun?”

“Nah, we have all the time in the world to learn everything we need. It’s about finding what you’re good at and then training everything else.” The earth pony enthusiastically started off toward the gardens.

“So what are you good at?” Livana asked.

Celos glanced back to his flank where a portable telescope showed, “Everyone in D tent is a scout, and I am good at getting information. Jane is the best tracker of us, and Marcus is decent at spying details.”

“Well, I’m not sure I’m any of those.” the alicorn admitted, a bit unsure of what part she could play in this scouting team.

Celos lifted one leg in a shrug. “I dunno. You look like you would be a very good planner, or perhaps a leader.” He gave a friendly smile. “We can find out what you aren’t good at together. So take a look around.”

He led Livana through the camp, letting her take in all around for herself. Many stallions and a few mares briskly sped through the camp from one place to another. This placed seemed so relaxed, but the ponies seemed in no way to want to spend it idly. Many were playing different sports—hoofball being a favorite—and more were training various martial crafts.

The nightkeeper had the idea that she should first learn how to properly fight. Her reflexes seemed to be sufficient, shown by her dodging the spear earlier that day, but she didn’t know how to return any blows. When she saw a open dueling ring in the corner of her eye, she gestured to Celos.

The earth pony gladly strode over to the dueling area, he expertly plucked a white helmet off the weapons rack, knocking his off and flinging the new one on. It was full facial protection, and had a blade at the top. Livana carefully checked the weapon. To her dismay, all seemed to be real and well sharpened. “Isn’t this dangerous?”

“Not if you know what you’re doing,” Celos casually explained, taking a set of armor with blades protruding out each side. “Most of us here know how to use a weapon non-lethally.”

“But I don’t,” Livana said, worriedly.

The earth pony gave her a slightly mocking look from between the eye slits, “You will have to even be able to hit me before I consider myself in danger. Get some armor on and choose a weapon.” Livana obeyed, picking armor without blades, as per Celos’ instruction, and took out a long, fine sword. “To be fair,” Celos conceded, “Unicorns have a distinct advantage in being able to use weapons not attached to themselves.”

“But from what I hear earth ponies outmatch unicorns in strength.”

“By far. If I were to buck you, you would probably sail out of the ring,” Celos stated as he readied himself, “But if you bucked me, I’d barely flinch.”

“I doubt that.” Livana challenged, a bit indignant, “I could buck you away.” Celos grunted and turned to the side, he raise his front hoof as if saying, “Just try.” Livana looked at him like he was joking, but he seemed serious. After a bit of hesitation, the alicorn readied herself. She took a few steps back and set off in a gallop. She clamped her hoof down, swiveled into position, and bucked.

Livana felt her hooves hit metal, and a fierce grunt emanate from Celos. The earth pony was tossed to the side a few inches. Livana whirled back around, hooves a bit sore to survey what she did. The scout was a bit surprised. “Not bad, for a unicorn,” he happily admitted, “Perhaps even very good.” At that moment Celos seemed to have an idea. “Unicorns don’t normally train hoof-to-hoof, but we can see if you’re any good.”

“Uh...” Livana stuttered, “I don’t know. My hooves hurt after that buck.” Celos seemed to not mind and removed his bladed armor, groaning. When it was off, Livana saw two huge red imprints where she had kicked. The nightkeeper gasped. “Doesn’t that hurt? I’m so sorry.”

The earth pony gave a hearty laugh, “Not at all! I say you did quite a good job! I wouldn’t see why you wouldn’t train, even if your hooves are a bit sore. The pain’s a little part of it.” He placed his hoof lightheartedly on Livana. “So, whatcha say?”

Hestia and Philomena led the princess through the corridors of Everfree after lunch, till they reached a bustling ground level. Guards, doctors, lawyers, and nobleponies all bowed at the queen’s passing, and a friendly smile from most was given to Shahar herself. They were heading to the open session, where the queen would answer the ponies’ concerns, questions, legal matters, and disputes.

Shahar was able to pick out a few faces she had seen the day before, but only very few. She saw the doctor pony, Redcross, running to and fro, and she thought she caught a glimpse of a servant that looked like Selene. The princess still wanted to thank her for delivering the early breakfast.

Eventually they reached the throne room. Shahar noticed that the throne was in a different place, and instead faced a large door that led into the open. Beyond the door was a large line of ponies eager to see the queen. Philomena took her position on the left side of the throne, and Hestia carefully placed herself onto the throne itself. She motioned with her head for Shahar to sit at the base of the throne. When Shahar did, a trumpet sounded, followed by an all-too-familiar voice.

“Ponies of Equestria, you may now see your ruler!” the voice called, it’s speaker being the drago... dranco... whatsit. The mish-mash beast opened the gates, letting the citizens move into the court and palace itself in an orderly fashion. The thing took place at Hestia’s right, and began whispering to her. “Guess who’s first in line?”

Hestia groaned. “By Harmonia, will she ever let me be Metis?”

Metis, a much easier name to remember, joked, “Six days, your majesty.”

Hestia chuckled, even though Shahar thought the quip was in bad taste, handling the imminent doom of somepony so lightly. Soon the pony being discussed clopped up to the throne with a fiery look in her eye. She was a golden yellow with a smooth creamy mane that was cut relatively short. Her cutie mark contained a single apple, closely matching her own body color. “Aunt Hestia.” She icily spat.

“Niece Spire.” Hestia jokingly mimicked. Shahar remembered Hestia saying something about her and her niece not getting along.

“You still run an empire.”

“I am still aware. I am also still unable to do anything about this issue.”

“And you still lie!” Spire barked. “You are an idiot, queen or not. You have searched and poured through the laws, finding more ways to fix the problem than you can fill an entire book with, and you refuse to use any of them. Why? For no apparent reason other than you ARE just another backwards queen.”

Philomena leaned in close to Shahar. “This is Golden Spire. At least once every week she comes to Hestia and demands that Equestria return it’s territories to freedom.”

“Quite persistent,” Shahar noted.

“Well, she’s the element of honesty and seems to embrace it excessively, even being brutally honest.”

“So, why doesn’t Hestia bar her from the palace?”

“Because Spire is right. Hestia has myriads of ways to free the territories, but she has legitimate reasons not to. If another war-hungry monarch followed her, she couldn’t prevent them from recapturing a weak nation.”

Shahar felt mildly hurt. “So she thinks I could be war-hungry?”

“No, no. But because she is at death’s door, anything she wants to proclaim has to have both her and Metis’ seal since he is her adviser, this is to prevent insanity decrees. Hestia trusts you, Metis isn’t sure.”

Hestia sat in silence. Spire shouted again: “Well?”

“So why doesn’t she explain that to Spire?” Shahar asked.

“Hestia... feel it is an excuse. She knows she should have freed the captured provinces but was afraid of what would happen. The one I just told to you is her most justifiable reason, but that doesn’t mean she likes it.” Shahar watched Hestia avert her eyes away from Spire, a bit shamed. “In truth, she is a little bit of a coward, even though she tries not to be.”

“Answer me, Hestia!” Spire ordered.

“I cannot. I most simply cannot, and through all my life I have avoided it.” Hestia mournfully answered, “And here on the last day you have to present your case, I have to leave you with nothing done. I hope my successor can, because I have failed being your queen, niece.” She rose and stepped down the throne steps, giving enough time for Shahar to move. Philomena and Metis looked rather shocked as the queen gave a bow toward her niece.

Spire wasn’t having any of it. “Oh look, Miss high and mighty is trying to soften me up. Well, aunt, don’t count on it. You still have failed all these years. Don’t expect me to forgive you. May the Black Death dance on your grave.”

Shahar looked at Spire with a indignant stare. Philomena gritted her teeth and muttered. “Likewise, missy.”

“Wait, she’s an Element of Harmony? Harmony must be pretty different from my definition,” Shahar angrily grumbled to Philomena.

“She’s an element spirit. That doesn’t mean she is exactly that nice a girl.” Philomena responded. Shahar couldn’t agree more. Though Spire was brutally honest, Shahar thought the little part of her that she had seen was revolting: not caring for her aunt or the people waiting to see her.

Spire curtly turned around and started out the palace door. She shouted to Hestia: “‘Alae aquilae,’ Queen Hestia. You still have time, I know you do.” She said so pointedly, but Shahar couldn’t help but hear sincerity.

Hestia rose and quietly returned to her throne. Shahar took her place up again as Metis leaned toward the queen. “Shall we stop?”

“No.” Hestia firmly said. She obviously loved Spire, and the mare’s words hurt. She was crying a litte, though attempting to hold it back.

Thus, Metis called the next in. The next one was a light blue, yellow-maned stallion and his wife. They began talking about a few property disputes, but Hestia and Shahar were both still thinking about Spire.

“Are you alright?” Celos asked Livana. The nightkeeper gave a nod, but she was really hurting rather badly. It had been a strenuous day-long with Celos insisting they train, constantly appearing to be legitimately impressed at the nightkeeper’s strength and pressing her to go on. It had only been interrupted by Julius a few minutes ago to be brought to testify against Marcus.

Luz popped his muzzle out. “New recruit, you’re up.” The nightkeeper placed a hoof toward the door, but Luz interrupted her. “First, tell only what you saw and not what you thought.” Livana nodded and proceeded through the door. Inside, alongside Luz, was an unidentified earth pony guard; Julius; Cinna, the capitan from earlier; and, behind bars, Marcus. The prisoner looked fairly calm for being locked up, and Cinna seemed furious.

“Julius!” he shouted, “You have to take responsibility for your soldiers’ actions. You have been far too easy on Marcus time and again after pulling so many stunts! Your persistence is insane!”

Julius grunted. “I would punish him more if it weren’t for my blasted corporal. He brings up the valid point that Marcus, though highly volatile, is one of the most skilled in his craft we have!”

“It is YOUR troop and it is YOUR responsibility. We aren’t even in any danger for Hestia’s sake!”

“I know.” Luz interjected. “But could you risk taking your finest scout out of commission even in a time of marginal peace?”

“You just don’t want any of your friends in jail, and I know how that is.” Cinna stomped his hoof. “But this has gone too far. He deserves a punishment!”

“Quiet! Livana is here,” Julius ordered. He directed a stern face toward the nightkeeper. “Come on, get closer.”

Livana quickly stepped into line next to CInna, facing Julius and Luz. Marcus only scowled at the new recruit. “Nightkeeper!” Cinna directed, “We just need you for a few quick answers, and a small task.” Livana nodded in understanding. “Tell us, maiden, what happened before the marksman assaulted Galon?”

You do have to give Livana credit; It had been almost two days in Everfree, and she had kept a straight face. She was only fifteen after all, and the pressure had to crack her at some point. Trying to speak, she ended up choking on tears. Between the strenuous drill, the general confusion, the fear that had invaded her since she was before Hestia, and the nerve-wracking situation she was in, her brain collapsed. Julius rushed to her side in a heartbeat. “Kid, it’s okay. Just relax...”

As Julius tried to soothe the weeping filly, Cinna and Luz carried a barely audible conversation. “Hestia needs to pick her recruits better.” Cinna murmured.

“Leave her alone.” Luz retorted. “She can’t help the situation.”

“Corporal Luz, my remark was at Hestia, not the girl.”

“You implied.”

“You inferred.”

“You’re both nuts.” Marcus spat. The guard kicked the bars, knocking Marcus away from them.

Livana tried to hold back the tears. “I- I don’t know what you want... I was j-just there.”

Julius stroked the nightkeeper’s mane. “Yes, but did he say anything before or after anyone was around?” He brushed a little bit more. “Take your time.

“N-nothing.” Livana choked. “I don’t remember anything...”

“Fruitless, then.” Cinna sighed. “Thank you, Livana. I now ha-”

Julius shook his head at Cinna. “I have a different idea for her.” He moved his head around in a locker in the room, removing a few pieces of paper with his mouth. Livana took them after being nudged to. Between tears, she could hear Julius ask: “Take these to the twentieth palace floor, room seventeen. The small slips are for the guards at the room and the large one is for the room’s occupant. You alright with this, kid?”

Livana nodded her head amidst her sobs and slowly cantered out the door. “Come back here when you are done. I have one more thing for you to do afterward. It will be easy, I assure you,” Cinna called.

“Room seventeen?” Livana muttered after finally reaching the desire palace floor. It had been a long walk and she still couldn't believe how she had performed in front of the others So juvenile, crying out of nowhere.

At last, she saw two guards in front of a door, and it was door seventeen. The nightkeeper straightened up and tried to rub her dry face from the crying. “M-messages from commander Julius.”

The two guards took the notes and scanned them. “Permission granted,” they uttered in unison., leaving the door and going down toward the stairs.

Livana took a deep, cleansing breath before giving three sharp knocks on the door with a hoof. After a moment of delay, the door opened and revealed a yellow mare with a fiery mane. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “Come in, Livana.”

“Livana?” a familiar voice called.

“Shahar?” the nightkeeper squeaked, rushing in and nearly bowling over Philomena. Inside was none other than her sister on her bed, jumping up in delight and racing toward her.

“Li!” Shahar exclaimed, overjoyed to see a familiar face, as she quickly placed her legs around her sister. “How did you find I was here?”

“I didn’t!” Livana happily squealed, “Julius–the guard you were talking to yesterday–found out where you were and sent me! I didn’t even know–and oh how happy I am to see you!”

The two fillies laughed, happy to be in each others' company. Philomena took her phoenix form and flew over to her bedside perch. “Ah, quite nice to have a happy ending to a day, isn’t it?””

“Livana, it’s been an... interesting day.”

“Tell me about it,” the nightkeeper muttered. “It’s definitely nice to be here, but it’s hard!”

“Did you have to listen to pony after pony come in with a problem that needed fixing?”

“No, but did you have to fight bare-hooved for hours?”

“No, but did you have to sit through a long-winded speech about some boring history?”

“I resent that.” Philomena muttered.

“No, but did you watch one of your troop almost attack a chef?”

“No, but... ah you win!” Shahar admitted, sending them both into giggling fits.

“Dear Queen Hestia,” Philomena sarcastically whispered. “Today I learned why you should pick rulers over the age of eighteen.”

“Oh, lighten up Philomena. You were young once.” The princess chuckled.

“No she wasn’t.” Livana corrected, giving a nod toward the phoenix. “She’s a roc and they were made adults.”

“Thank you!” Philomena cawed, “You at least know when you are in the presence of an immortal.”

“Immortally dry and humorless.” Shahar lightheartedly quipped. “And do they teach you silly stuff like that down there too?”

“No... they taught us in school. Remember?” the nightkeeper laughed, “Of course, you wouldn’t know.” They both gave a good laugh, remembering Shahar’s tendency to doze off. “But tell me, what’s it like?” Livana asked.

Shahar gave a long and thoughtful hum. “Well, I should start from the beginning, little Li. You see, last night I was brought into the dining hall...”

Poison

Livana skipped back to the prison late at night. She had probably spent hours talking to Shahar about absolutely anything they could think of so that they didn’t have to leave each other, much to Philomena’s dismay. But they eventually ran out of things to say, so Livana had finally left.

Inside the prison, she was immediately greeted by Cinna, who looked very tired. “A letter takes four hours to deliver?” Cinna muttered, but shook it off. “Come, new recruit.” he ordered, entering into Marcus’ room. Inside, the same guard stood with watch directed to the prisoners’ cell. Cinna picked a sword off the ground and let Livana take it in her grip. “I want you to just sit here tonight and listen for anything Marcus may say in his sleep.”

Livana gave a yawn. “But what about my own sleep?” she asked.

“I have a little drink that will pick you up.” He hoofed a cup in the nightkeeper’s direction. With that, the captain left, leaving the guard, Marcus, and Livana.

Marcus was curled up in an angry little ball at one end of the cell. At the opposite end, a familiar sandwich rested peacefully on a plate with a beak-shaped bite in it. The markspony glared at it as if he hoped it would combust. “Has the sandwich offended your mother?” Livana asked, jokingly. Marcus sneered, keeping his attention at the bread and flowers.

The nightkeeper decided that drinking the cup Cinna had given her would be a wise idea. She took a long swig, tasting something somewhat funny. It was something foreign in the already not too pleasant drink. She heard a slump and saw that the guard with her had fallen over. She looked over into the cell to see Marcus giving her an evil smile.

She didn’t have time for words to escape her lips.

When Livana finally awoke, she was still in the room. A quick check revealed that nothing was out of place from last time. The guard was now sleeping in a curled-up position, and sucking his hoof. Her sword was still where she was when she fell and Marcus was...

Still in the same position much to the nightkeeper’s surprise. He looked at Livana as if anxiously awaiting her to do something, and something she did.

She quickly unsheathed the sword and rose to her hoofs, clanging the steel on the metal bars. “What have you done?” she shouted.

Or, would have shouted. What came out was a very quiet whisper, barely audible to even her. She screamed, but all there was was a muted, high-pitched squeaking. Marcus finally got up and moved forward to the bars. “Well? Aren’t you going to yell at me?”

“I can’t!” Livana tried to shout, the whisper being all there was again. “You poisoned me and took my voice!”

Marcus gave an angry grunt, hearing what Livana had whispered. “Blame it all on me, will ya?”

Livana leaned in close. “Don’t try and fool me, I saw your evil grin last night.”

“I added a sleeping solution to your alertness potion. You two seemed determined not to go to sleep so the other poison could affect you.”

“Oh, other poison? You just admitted it!”

“I admitted I knew of another poison.” Marcus countered, flicking Livana’s muzzle away from his face. “Yeesh, if I didn’t know better I would say your curse was bad breath.”

“What other poison?” Livana murmured, placing her sword at Marcus’s head. “Or else.”

Marcus rolled his eyes and powered his horn. Before Livana could act, the familiar magical bow took place at the stallion’s side and fired, sending a magical projectile at the sword in Livana’s telekinetic grasp. The force of the hit knocked the steel away from the nightkeeper. “It’s not polite to point.” Marcus deadpanned, giving a cruel, satisfied smirk.

Livana went for the sword again, but another bow came about and shot it even further away. “Will you stop moving and listen?” Marcus demanded. Livana turned to the prisoner, scared. “Thank you, you seem to have a brain after all.”

“Just talk.” Livana demanded.

“Don’t order me around,” Marcus barked. “I will tell what I know as I please.” He paused, waiting for Livana to object. When she didn’t the markspony continued. “Thank you. Now, I had to watch you all night to make sure I could get one of you two to prove my theory. Cassius here,” Marcus nudged the sleeping stallion, “woke up screaming like a foal. I sang him a lullaby to get his baby flank back to sleep because he was useless.”

“The point?” Livana shouted, wishing she hadn’t.

Marcus gritted his teeth. “Shut the hay up, or I will shut you up. I had to stay awake all freaking night for you, so be happy.” After he calmed down, he began again. “The sandwiches were poisoned, like I said and you so rudely doubted me.”

“You said it like you were kidding!” Livana pointed out. In a flash, she felt a magic arrow graze her front right knee. She screamed, though all that came out was a squeal, and collapsed to the floor in pain. She was bleeding slightly, but the superficial wound hurt quite a bit.

“Kneecaps shatter into irreparable fragments when hit with an arrow, and I never miss if I want to. Keep that in mind, mouthy.” Livana was stunned speechless, and didn’t need the encouragement. The markspony’s evil yellow eyes bored into her’s and made sure she didn’t think about speaking up. “Now, as I was saying. The poison was the flowers themselves. They weren’t petunias, they were a type of plant called Poison Joke.

“I noticed blue flecks in the flowers while inspecting it. I imagined the flowers blue, alerting me to what was going on, but I didn’t know why. Poison Joke plays a physical prank on the one who is poisoned, and is in no way lethal. But then I realized: it’s not to kill us, it’s to knock us out of commission. Any questions?”

Livana was still stunned from Marcus attacking her, so the guard decided to play her part for her. “Why would they do such a thing?” he mocked in a bad falsetto. “Why would rotten, no-good Griffons do th-”

Livana, outraged at Marcus, lashed out with magic creating a dark, pulsing with green blade that slashed at the markspony. He caught a glimpse in his eye of what was happening, and jumped away, but was still caught by a bit of the magic blade. He screamed and fell to the ground, in quite visible pain. “Damn you!” he screeched, loading and firing an arrow from his bow.

He must have been disoriented, because his shot missed. Livana became scared again, making the blade vanish. She saw Marcus reload his bow and get ready to fire. Livana squealed, and watched as the magical bow let loose its projectile, but Livana tried swiping across with her magic. Again, the black and green blade returned and sliced in front of her. It hit the magical arrow and exploded, blowing open the bars with the magic blast.

When the light went away from Livana’s eyes, she saw that the jail gate was no more along with quite a bit of the walls. At the far corner of what once was the cell was Marcus, a gash down his side where the blade hit. He was drained, yet laughing still.

Livana tried to rise and limp over to the beaten prisoner, but resorted to dragging herself. She got close to him to see that the wound wasn’t bad, just large. Yet the markspony still seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. He looked at the nightkeeper. “Get on my back.”

Livana wasn’t expecting a command. “No! I wouldn’t do that if-”

“If it would mean helping this camp get the cure? If it would mean NOT getting locked up for life?” Livana’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, yeah. Guess what, your little void magic stunt was highly illegal, and we got proof all around.”

Livana still was wary, but looked out the holes in the walls, seeing quite a few ponies rushing toward the prison, all having some ailment, all having purple armor. She hopped onto Marcus’ back; and not a moment later, Marcus rose and took off into the camp. The gash he had was bleeding a bit, and he looked to be in great pain, but perhaps the guard training was worth it after all as he still was able to carry Livana at a brisk pace while shouts and other noises of captains flew their direction.

Through twists and turns they galloped, into the thick gardens and out of Everfree altogether. The captains’ numbers waned as all of their ailments caught up to them. By the time they had fled the Everfree’s gardens, the last captain looked on in defeat. The pained expression on Marcus’ face gave way to a smug grin as he turned one last corner, galloping into a small wood outside Everfree.

He slowed to a trot, but quickly sped up when the adrenaline left him and the pain really started to hit. He wanted the dead weight on him off, and he wanted to be able to treat his wound. Livana lifted her wings and flapped a bit, trying in what she knew was vain to lighten herself. All it accomplished was make a “Whoosh whoosh” sound that ticked off Marcus, big surprise.

Soon, they reached a clearing, and Marcus tossed Livana off, scuttling to a tree. “Okay, thanks to THAT stunt, we have to hurry.”

Livana groaned. “For what? Everyone has stopped chasing us and you seem to have no re-”

“Idiot! Have you listened to ANYTHING I have said? We’re going to find out a cure for this and by Hestia we are going to do it QUICKLY.” The markspony took out a box hidden amongst some brush and opened it, revealing a set of supplies.

Among them were some little tokens, which Marcus took out and placed around Livana. He gave a little magic spark to each and began glowing with a powerful white light, making Livana feel better. “What are these?” Livana asked.

“Enchantment holders with healing spells, stupid. Do they not have them under the rock you were born in?” Marcus spat. He lifted another out and used it himself. The glow seemed to close the wound a little bit, and Livana assumed it did the same for her. The markspony looked at the way they had came intently.

“What?” Livana asked, turning about to see what he was.

Marcus either didn’t hear the hushed voice or didn’t pay attention, as he was still fixed on the path. “Damn, she’s here,” he swore.

“Who?” Livana asked.

Marcus looked genuinely scared. “The supreme commander of the Equestrian army. I hoped she would have better things to do.”

“She? I thought most guards were male.”

“You of all ponies, should know why she got chosen.”

Livana heard the beating of wings, and felt a slight warmth about her. A story about a certain warrior climbed into her mind, and Livana figured out exactly what it was pursuing her.

She became terrified. And the second a large crash sounded from above the trees and the glint of a blade shone in the sunlight, the question as to WHO it was was moot.

The commander landed in the middle, her wings outstretched and the two blades they hid were deployed. Marcus gave a bow, but Livana couldn’t take her eyes off the golden armor she wore.

Shahar was in no rush to wake up that day, and took her sweet time getting out of bed. Shahar had never had better sleep after that exhausting day. Listening to the ponies’ plights and seeing Hestia wisely act was interesting, but it took much too long. She would have to have more than just a week to get used to THAT.

The princess pried open her eyes and saw that Philomena wasn’t in the room. Shahar slowly rose from her bead and scuttled about the room feeling what it’s like to have nothing to do. It was boring. She thought of last night with Livana and how nice it was to talk to a familiar face.

But this didn’t last long, as soon there were knocks resounding from the door. Shahar turned her head over. “Come in.”

Through the door entered Selene, the maid. She ever so quietly stepped in with a plate and slipped the door closed. “Princess, I hope you don’t mind the late breakfast,” she squeaked.

“I’ve only been awake for a few minutes, ma’am,” Shahar responded, eagerly eyeing the platter filled to the brim with delicious fruits. Selene placed the dish upon the table and scooted the chair back for Shahar.

The daykeeper said a short prayer before diving in. As she did so, Selene began saying a few thing Shahar only half payed attention to. Something about being honored to serve such a lovely princess.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I do not appreciate flattery.”

“But I am not flattering you!” The servant countered—a bit shocked, “What I say is true!”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Shahar left that hanging.

“But, erm. Mistress Philomena asked me to come here to teach you as well.”

Shahar suddenly grew interested. “Why would Philomena leave?”

“Well, you see, there’s a bit of an emergency down in the royal guard’s camp, and she went to investigate. She wanted somepony to teach, so she placed me in charge.”

Shahar already felt full, so she rose and strode to the side of the door, plopping herself down and waited for the lecture, but none came. “So... are you going to teach me anything?”

“What do you want to learn?”

Shahar took a gander at the nine-pointed star on the wall, recalling what each point meant according to Philomena. “Well how about those prophecies?” She suggested. ‘Probably a short lecture.’

The maid seemed rather happy. “Well, that’s a great idea. Well, you see, in the schools here we think of them and the fulfilled parts as one big prophecy, and we even have a little poem that tells them all. Want to hear it?”

Shahar was by now a bit interested, and realized a poem couldn’t be too boring. She nodded her head, prodding Selene to say it. The unicorn gained a wide smile and took in a deep breath:

“Through Love unchained the kingdom split. (This is the prophecy of the lovers)
Through Ice the cracks will ‘gain be sealed. (The prophecy of renewal. With a great holiday to celebrate!)”

“Hearth’s Warming?” Shahar asked.

Selene smiled, nodding her head before continuing.
“While mortals upon the throne shall sit,
Chaos’ servant will be revealed. (The prophecy of chaos)
Through Tyrants’ fist the world enslaved.
Through Eagle’s wings we shall be saved. (The prophecy of salvation)

Outstanding Flame and Mirror’s Light
Shall be divided in conflict great.
But Equestria’s Soul shall end the fight, (The prophecy of the celestial sisters)
Till Chaos—through time—Hope shall take. (Nopony really knows what this means)
Though Solar Seed tyranny return,
Solar Muse shall Harmony earn. (Prophecy of the solar war, but philosophers think this is far off)

But in the end all will cease.
The world itself will be done.
The last heirs of life will once more meet.
And be in stalemate at the setting sun.
The King of All with no throne.
The Queen of None shall Chaos own. (The prophecy of the end times)”

Shahar felt a considerably lesser urge to fall asleep. “Wow, that was pretty cool!”

Selene blushed. “Well, it’s just what I was taught. Since I was a little filly and my mom was serving Hestia.”

Shahar was more interesting in the pony speaking than the lesson she taught. “Your mom was a servant here too?”

“My family has been serving here since my great great grandfather served Hestia’s grandmother,” she boasted. “And I know how wonderful all of the kings and queens were recently.”

This quite starkly contrasted what Hestia, Philomena, and her father said. “Quite wonderful?”

“Oh yes, all have been wise and generous. Equestrians have truly great rulers!”

“They are dead, you know. You don’t have to keep flattering them. I’ve heard of things.”

Selene, again, insisted that her words were true. “And what sort of things have you heard?”

Shahar racked her brain for any story, and recalled one Hestia alluded to yesterday. “King Kama and Freya. How she was put to death for aiding the deer and zebras.”

Unfaltering, Selene persisted, “But she also started an uprising, causing unrest that eventually resulted in the burning of his archives.”

“...After she was killed. Her followers had no violent intent beforehand. I’ve heard stories from zebras who were actually there.”

“Then they must have lied.” Selene said, not trying to be rude but seemed firmly convinced the king had not been wrong in that situation. Shahar didn’t say anything, just searching to find a reason behind it all, like she tried to daily with her father.

“So,” Philomena began, staring intently at Marcus, “I see we are adding attempted murder, jailbreak, poisoning, AND abduction to our already-unsavory repertoire, are we, Sure-Fire?” The roc’s eyes bore directly into the markspony’s, and Marcus’ eyes were averted. The cocky shell was obliterated by the commander’s presence, and Livana could tell exactly why.

The Roc wasn’t the only warrior: almost all of her kind were, and history tells she wasn’t even the best. No matter how good a warrior you were, matching a roc solo was unthinkable. Marcus was now pressed to face down one of the most deadly things you could possibly face, and that’s nigh impossible no matter who you were.

“Are you going to respond, criminal?” Philomena mercilessly questioned.

“He didn’t kidnap me! Or poison us!” Livana shouted. Marcus turned toward her, but Philomena remained unfazed.

“Listen to the rookie, commander.” Marcus choked out.

Philomena grumbled, “I have a name, Marcus.”

Under his breath, Marcus muttered, “Yes and it’s a rather ugly one is it not?”

Philomena had a bird’s hearing, and quickly responded. She almost casually placed her blade into the open wound. There was a slight reaction that Livana didn’t recognize immediately: a white aura around the blade. Marcus’ face contorted. The would-reopened, negating the magic healing that had taken place. “Marcus, I am not to be played. And don’t try to hide your wrongdoings.”

The markspony’s eyes matched Livana’s in a plea. Livana almost wanted to let it continue, but her conscience got the better of her. “Ma’am, he didn’t do all the things you said!”

The roc paused her trot around her captive. “Do you hear something?” Philomena asked. “It was like a bit of wind for a little bit.”

“That’s the rookie, commander.” Marcus pointed out. “She’s got a bit of a speech problem.”

“Oh for Solla’s sake, did it get her too?” Philomena trotted over, keeping an eye on her captive.

“He didn’t poison us. Or kidnap me. Someone put poison joke in the sandwiches.” Livana defended. The markspony gave a half-smile.

Philomena raised her head and stared at Livana for a bit. A few seconds ticked by as she studied her. “I can’t believe what I’m about to say,” the roc muttered. She stood firmly in the center of the two, eyeing them. “You have five hours. I can only buy you that much time.”

Marcus became wide-eyed. “Captain, you’re letting us off that easy?”

The roc cawed. “I trust the girl.”

Marcus looked at that moment like he would explode in rage. His eyes burned holes into Livana’s, but he didn’t say a word. Philomena grumbled, and quickly took off through the trees again.

“I still don’t understand why you would defend them! The slavery, cruelty-”

“Spoken like an ungrateful servant,” Selene deflected. Shahar had been knocking heads with her for quite a while now. She had no answers that the princess liked, and a casual conversation had turned ugly quickly. Selene maintained calmness and respect, while Shahar was struggling to convince her of the former monarch’s bad actions. Unlike her father, who played chess in his logic, Selene had been checkmated several times, but didn’t understand that she had lost.

“You would stand up for murder and tyranny?”

Selene looked like she had grown tired of this conversation, and her brow furrowed. “Your persistence in hating them shows how malleable you are to any suggestion. Any word you hear is taken as undeniable fact. A true monarch must view from many points. Consider that my lesson.”

Shahar felt like she was punched straight in the face. “Well... you’re one to talk.”

“My role is a servant. I thought the same as you when I first heard those words, but my mother showed me different.”

“Oh, so as long as the flock of blind sheep you are following isn’t the majority, you’re so much better?” It was crazy, but Shahar almost wanted to laugh. She was standing in front of somepony, acting like her father. She was one to talk about choosing the unpopular side.

“You show disrespect to your predecessors.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing.”

“They were what let you be heir.”

“I was under the impression I got here with my dashing good looks.”

“So was I.” A voice replied. On the balcony stood a mare in golden armor, firmly fastened to her spot. “Because you sure as Nocturna didn’t get here with diplomacy. By Hestia, I have never seen Selene get into an argument.”

Philomena knocked off her helmet. “Dear Hestia, you really have gotten the two mixed up” she muttered. The roc nodded her head at Selene in dismissal. The unicorn bowed and exited, not without a little hesitation. “Princess, I was sent to find a traitor and who do you think was his accomplice?”

Shahar tensed, it couldn’t have been Livana. Philomena saw her apprehension. “Yes. Meanwhile I return to see that you are corrupting an incorruptible heart.”

“Incorruptible?” Shahar scoffed, “She was defending those evil ponies.”

“She has respect for them, and although she may be misguided her personality itself is sweet. I can’t believe you got her to say even a WORD in contradiction to you. I expect it from somepony like Marcus, but by Solla!”

Shahar tensed, expecting a lecture. “You’re amazing!” Philomena screeched with happiness, transforming into a bird. The golden claws glimmered in the room’s light. “You aren’t one to compromise. Ha ha! You may have some hope yet!”

Shahar cocked her eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Shahar of Zair, I may have some hope yet.”

Author's Note

Here's a piece of candy. it will be important later.[/endchaptersummary]

Bitter Medicine

Marcus hadn’t said a word since. He had kicked Livana up and swiftly trotted to the forest’s outskirts, looking back into Everfree. They had made their way back around to the camp, slowly, silently, surely. Every time Livana had asked what they were doing, Marcus paid no attention. She had by now given up as they stood behind the castle of the royal pony sisters. On the other side of the corner they crouched at stood Cinna and Galon, the griffon chef.

“I’m sorry, again. We can’t find that traitor. But we need to know how that poison joke got in the sandwiches,” Cinna inquired.

From around the corner, the two spies saw Galon shake his head and lift one arm up as if to say, “I don’t know.”

“Cat got his tongue?” Marcus quipped, prompting a bit of inaudible chuckling from Livana.

Cinna fumed. “I don’t believe it! There had to have been one suspect outside Marcus. He couldn’t have done it alone, and especially not without touching the flowers himself.”

“He seems fine.” Livana screamed, the words barely reaching Marcus’ ears.

Marcus shook his head. “Imbecile. And the supreme commander trusts you over me?”

“I just got here! You expect me to be perfect?” Livana shouted, suddenly wishing Marcus would shut up again.

Marcus voice took a fiery tone. “I AM perfect, yet nopony trusts me and for no reason. You should be even more perfect if you have their trust.”

Livana could she his horn flare every so often, as if he was trying to hold back from killing Livana with his magic bow then and there. Marcus’ normal ice returned as he pointed a hoof gently at Cinna. “His legs. Look at them.”

The nightkeeper took a close look at the commander’s legs. She noticed they were shaking. “Cinna prides himself in being strong,” Marcus elaborated, “but now he can hardly support himself. Poison joke is nice like that. Made you shut up.”

“But I can still talk.”

Marcus gritted his teeth. “Sadly, your annoying voice is still within the range of any good soldier’s hearing, ergo only mine and the supreme commander’s. The flowers played a prank on me without touching them. Now, are you going to stop interjecting random thoughts like a three-year-old or are you going to listen?”

Livana obeyed, though not because he told her to. She heard more of the conversation: “I don’t trust the girl no matter what you say.” Cinna interjected.

“Who is she talking about?”

Marcus smacked Livana with his hoof. “Three clues: she’s annoying, stupid, and the only pony with me when I broke out.”

Livana’s eyes grew quite a bit. She was a suspect. Cinna continued, “She could have been raised by DRAGONS for all I care! And I don’t really think it matters whether she likes you or not! She’s highly suspect!”

Cinna stormed off, tripping and shaking, determined that she wouldn’t get more information out of Galon. The tiercel waited till Cinna was out of sight before walking towards the two hiding. Marcus quickly sprinted behind the other corner and dragged Livana along. The grass beneath them dampened the hoofsteps enough that the griffon didn’t hear them as he turned the corner.

He looked behind him, and by came another griffon. The second cawed at Galon a few times, mixed with a bunch of roars.

“I can understand him,” Livana told Marcus.

Marcus’ face brightened. “Oh, my! You can? Well that's great, awesome, brilliant. Just tell me one thing...” Marcus with his big freakish grin leaned into Livana’s face. “WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY SAYING, IDIOT?” Marcus couldn’t have possibly whispered any quieter yet still manage to make Livana reel like he was yelling.

“Ahh... well... the second griffon said something about cure and joke. Old Griffon isn’t spoken often so the only words I know really well are curses from my father.”

“I like that griffon already. Hard to believe he didn’t use more than that if he lived with you.” He leaned in to see the griffons slowly walk away from the camp. He signaled for Livana to follow and they slowly ducked into the gardens around the camp, making their way through the exotic flowers, slowly stalking the two griffons.

Hours passed. They had made it to a small abandoned building just inside the walls of Everfree, and had been waiting for a long time. Marcus eyed the two griffons through a crack, and he had been staring there for a long time, never blinking.

Livana was bored out of her mind. Marcus had ordered her to keep an ear out for the two speaking, but that was so long ago, the nightkeeper could barely remember it. She had expected her first guard stunt to be exciting, fighting and running and capturing bad guys, but not sitting at the wall of a crumbling building watching one griffon take a bath for what had to have been hours.

The boredom was eating away at her, and she plucked a blade of grass with her magic. She remembered the black blade she had made while fighting Marcus. The gash down the markspony’s side looked like it hurt him a lot, but Marcus never showed it. She wondered if she could do it again. “Void magic” Marcus had called it.

She concentrated into making it. Just a little to cut the blade of grass. A little sliver. But nothing came. Livana tried harder, but there wasn’t anything new. The grass remained uncleaved, and the magic blade unseen. But Livana didn’t quit, and pushed herself harder. She strained over and over, becoming more frustrated and more determined each try.

Suddenly, she had enough with the elusive black magic and the blade of grass. She angrily started to throw it away, but saw the black blade come down and slice the grass, but not only that, it completely vaporized it.

“Don’t do that,” Marcus ordered, not even looking away from the crack.

Livana had had enough of him. “Why? It isn’t hurting anypony.”

“Yes it is, it’s hurting yo- actually, keep doing it.”

Livana became a bit nervous. “What do you mean ‘it’s hurting me’?”

“It’s healing you, what do you think I mean, stupid? Void magic eats away at your soul whether you use it...” He turned away from the peephole and with a disgusted look on his face stared at his side. “or receive it. Just being touched probably took away five, maybe ten years of my life, thank you very much.”

“I’m so sorry.” Livana apologized. She almost didn’t mean it.

“Sorry doesn’t cut it, whisper.” Marcus spat, turning back to the crack. He had taken to calling Livana “Whisper,” that is when he wasn’t using an insult or curse, which was rare.

“Keep your ears peeled.” He ordered. “The griffon is getting out.”

Sure enough, the griffons bothe began squawking and roaring up a storm. Livana pressed her ear tight and racked her mind to figure out the meaning.

“They’re talking about a plot.” Marcus and Livana both stepped back, and faced each other. behind Livana, pressing his ear against the wall was Luz. The corporal had his eyes closed and was listening intently.

Marcus cursed, “How did you find us?”

Luz opened one eye. “Marcus, you may outmatch me in almost every way but I equal you in logic at least. I knew you would hide in the forest outside Everfree, and after seeing the supreme commander take off there we decided to track you.”

From behind a wall stepped Jane. “You left quite an easy trail to follow.”

Livana shouted at them, “We’re trying to help! Marcus didn’t do it!”

The two raised their eyebrows, but Marcus relayed the faint whisperings to the other two. “Oh yes, we know.” Jane confirmed. “Luz saw your presentation yesterday and decided to check out the flowers. Sure enough, he found they weren’t petunias either.”

Livana was impressed, but Marcus was rather angry that he was tracked. Luz closed his eyes. “They have a book they got the cure from, but they are already working out a plan for the afternoon.”

Marcus’ frown softened. “Finally somepony who isn’t useless.”

Luz shook his head. “That’s it. I really don’t know much of the Griffon language either. I can only pick up a few words that are the same in Avian.”

Marcus growled. “I spoke too soon. You’re just going to alert everypony that we are here.”

Jane started to go. “I’ve done enough. I can leave. I have my own things to do during the panic, but I’m just glad I could help.”

Luz looked over at Jane. “But... we need help.”

Marcus shook his head. “No, I and the girl are the only ones needed. You’re just distracting us. She feels good for helping the camp, now let her go, and I suggest you go too.”

“Guys.” Livana said, her ear on the wall again. “They’re talking about an assassination.”

Marcus swiveled about, and Luz looked at Livana, leaning in close to have a chance of possibly hearing anything she said. Livana searched her mind for any words she could connect. After a while, she started being able to understand. They were discussing the assassination. Of who? She tried and tried to understand until the word finally came:

“The assassination of mishpacha—family—but it’s used as a name.”

“Hestia,” Luz realized, “it’s a rough translation, but it’s the only one that makes sense. They’re going to assassinate Hestia.”

Marcus grinned. “Well, that’s a pretty smart move.” He turned to Luz. “You’re going to have to stay here to help get the cure ready for the others, I’ll go-”

“Wait!” Luz and Livana both interjected. Marcus impatiently tapped his foot, waiting for one to explain. Luz finally offered up a reason. “Livana is... err... friends with the princess, and the supreme commander trusts her. She could alert them. Besides...” Luz fished around for some excuse, “Your brains will help me here.”

The compliments seemed to have stoked Marcus’ ego, but he snapped down. “Whisper here couldn’t get there in time.”

Livana stepped up. “Yes, I can. I can go the fastest way.”

Luz eyed the nightkeeper. “You were only shown it once.”

Livana felt smart for a second after a morning of verbal abuse. “Yes, but there's something else that shows it.”

Marcus smiled for once at the nightkeeper. “The worn dirt from all the ponies going that route. Whisper, I think that’s the only intelligent thing you have ever said.” Close enough to a compliment for Livana. But Marcus peered into the room. “They’re getting ready. We’ll go in and look for the book and start preparing the cure, but you have to gallop NOW.”

She didn’t need another incentive. She took off like a madpony, racing into the everfree outskirts, she had to get there quickly,and she could only hope it would be in time.

“My mother came home and found the feathers everywhere, and just kept on walking like she didn’t notice a thing!” Philomena—as a bird—and Shahar shared a good laugh. After seeing her argue with Selene, Philomena had opened up. Like she needed to see some headstrong dominance in the princess before she could really connect.

“Oh, Shahar, I remember Solla being like that. Some days, she’d come back after some big mishap in the palace and ignore it altogether! I think she said something like: ‘If it’s over, there’s no real need to wonder what happened.’ Oh I didn’t completely agree, but it was rather funny seeing her just ignore what may have been a hurricane rampaging through her bedroom, and just tidy up.”

The two giggled again. After they settled down, Shahar pressed to know more about Solla. “Oh, she was... almost perfect. She was a fantastic warrior and leader—and very interested in mythology—while her sister was very tolerant and very smart. They both had a role to fill in the kingdom and their rule was perhaps the second best in pony history.”

“What was the first?”

“I would say it was the reign of Anima and Ocellus, the first beings.”

Shahar recalled them from an old Griffon tale. “Yes, they were created by Aquila to give life to the earth.”

Philomena wavered, “They came from something, and Nocturna told me that Anima knew whether there was or wasn’t a higher being, but was very coy in not telling anyone for certain. It downright drove everything mad. But their reign ended when Ocellus disappeared. He had vision of the future, and Animae was lost without him. Their children—the changelings—began fighting over what species was to blame for the disappearance and... well the rest is history.”

“The demon rose from the chaos.” Shahar recalled, “Discord. He confused the nature of every race.”

“Made ponies very racial. Though, he didn’t hurt us birds much. We remain perfect as ever.”

Shahar gave an evil grin. “Oh really? From what I recall the curse he gave to birds was to make them a very proud and independent race, fighting for your freedom no matter the... other costs.”

Philomena chuckled, “Like I said, no harm there.”

“Says who?” a soft voice asked. Again, Hestia had appeared from nowhere at the front door. “Full freedom is dangerous in the wrong hands, as I recall the majority of wars were started by those of your kind ‘Acting with freedom.’”

Shahar raised her eyebrow in a satisfied way, and Philomena cawed. “Well, Hestia. I’ll at least grant you that you haven’t changed your mind on that, even though you two are wrong. The wars were deserved.”

“Historical politics is a different lesson, Philomena.” Hestia chuckled. “I’m here to tell you two the hearing session is about to start.”

Shahar eagerly jumped out the door. Talking with Philomena had given her new vigor, and she raced down the steps. For a brief second she stopped to admire the worksponyship on the tower of air. First thing she would do as queen: Find out what the heck made that work.

Philomena flew up beside her and landed as she raced along. “Excited, are we? Just yesterday you were apprehensive.”

“Because now I have a goal! Be the best queen of Equestria, and I have a close model!”

Philomena laughed, proud in her pupil. Now that she had her excitement, she could perhaps begin getting through to her. They bounded down the stairs, leaving Hestia far far behind them both. The unicorn queen slowly made her way down, taking all the time she thought she would have.

The princess and the roc slid down a corner and started toward the throne room, laughing and smiling. They entered a door in the side of the room and saw the room spread out. One thing caught Shahar’s eye though: There weren’t any guards. The only one there was Metis, arranging each and every rug and tapestry meticulously. The alicorn noted the unintentional pun there.

“Hello, Princess, Commander Philomena. The guards are still ill.” Philomena gave a slight frown, not a particularly easy task with a beak. And just like that, the draconequus slipped out the door.

“He has a few things to attend to, so we’ll be alone with Hestia today.” Just as she said that, there was a ruckus outside. There were shouts from men and-

“Li’?” Shahar exclaimed. She scrambled to the large door and peeked outside, seeing the large line of ponies and near the front, two ponies in armor dragging Livana to the front. Philomena pulled the princess back. “My sister’s being dragged here.”

“I’ll handle this.” Philomena muttered, transforming into a mare. She still had on her armor from earlier, though it had somehow changed form alongside her.The door opened a bit as ponies yelled about how unfair the girl going first was, as it wasn’t even time yet. Livana and a bulky stallion with... wings for ears? Shahar glanced at them, but couldn’t decide to focus on how tired Livana looked and the wing-ears

“Commander, Princess. This rookie-”

“I know what she did, Corporus,” Philomena said, sternly “and she was acting in self-defense. She did nothing wrong, and was only abducted by the traitor. Leave her here and I will brief her on regulations, but but she is not guilty.”

Shahar stepped back. She hadn’t seen Philomena act like this. She didn’t even know she was a commander until a few minutes ago even. The guard seemed similarly stunned at being snapped at, but bowed and went back out into the boos and jeers of the crowd.

Philomena looked at Shahar. “Erm... there was a bit of an odd poison of sorts. That was what was with the wing ears and... well your ‘friend’ is speaking very softly.”

Shahar hugged Livana and looked straight at her. “How are you?”

Livana mouthed some words that Shahar didn’t hear. “What?” She asked, leaning closer.

“Thersrssusus.”

“What?”

Philomena facehooved. “Let me near her.” She stepped up to Livana and put her ear to the nightkeeper’s mouth. “She’s fine... ish. Marcus has the cure.”

“Marcus?” Shahar asked.

“The traitor I mentioned, but he isn’t. Anyways... oh... WHAT?!”

Philomena tuned to Shahar. “Two griffons are coming in for the hearing, and they plan to assassinate Hestia.”

Shahar searched the floor for her jaw. “Dear Aquila, WHAT?”

Philomena frowned. “Well, we’ll be ready for em. We can’t just arrest them due to... procedures that should have been done away with ages ago. We have to wait until they make their move.”

“You’re acting like this is nothing! They’re going to KILL her!”

“Not if we can stop it. We have to act natural. The second they move, I spring into action and nab them. Piece of cake.” Philomena was sweating though.

“No.” Shahar deducted. Livana seemed to sense it too. “You can’t fight two griffons, can you?”

Philomena stammered, “Y-yes I can. It’s not... like they are pretty much acquainted with my species’ attacks and could tear me apart in an instant.” She tried to put on her straight face. “I have a healthy respect for them in battle. You know... my sister THE Roc and all.”

Hestia finally walked into the room and saw the three jabbering. “I feel rather left-out.” she joked. “I see that the new recruit has come to tell us something. I heard about the poison joke incident at camp.”

Philomena breathed and signaled for the two to be quiet. Livana gave the roc a look, but she wasn’t paying attention. She turned to address the queen. “She was brought for a minor incident, but it was in self-defense and she wasn’t aware of protocol. She was just abducted for a bit by a bigger issue.”

It wasn’t a lie, but wasn’t the whole truth, and Hestia didn’t seem to see much further. “Very well. Why doesn’t he stay here, we don’t have any other guards in this room after all.”

Metis slipped back in and eyed the two hidden sisters. He slipped outside the door and started announcing things. Shahar and Philomena both took positions, and Philomena told Livana where to stand. She silently slipped her a short sword as well. “Not designed for unicorns,” she whispered. “But in a pinch, it’ll do.”

And the three silently watched as the first pony came in. He had a dispute with his neighbor over a orange tree and the mess it was causing.

And so they came. Every so often, Philomena would crane her bird neck out to check how far down the line the griffons were. It was rare to see them in the hearing, so it was easy to find the two that must have been them. It was a waiting game, and the sisters could barely take it. Livana seemed to be silently panting, anxiously awaiting the end of this nightmare. Shahar was nervous that she would be stuck in the middle while the scene unfolded.

And so, the griffons finally came into view as the next in line, and Livana confirmed that it was them. The last pony had a minor issue, as there were a few crops in her field mysteriously dead, and Hestia deducted that she had accidentally not watered them. The earth pony walked away, a bit embarrassed.

The two griffons stepped up, and Shahar remembered to act natural. But it was hard. They were the first griffons Shahar had seen in days, and she wanted to hug them. If it weren’t for... you know... assassinating Hestia.

Galon cleared his throat. “My name, your majesty, is Galon. My friend is Aman. And we serve in your court.”

Hestia smiled warmly. “Well, it is wonderful to have such good servants as you two. But—tell me—what do you need?”

Aman smiled. “We need something that you can very simply provide.”

Livana wanted to jump right there, but cautiously reached for the blade Philomena gave her. Galon opened his mouth. “We need a new queen.”

Aman and Galon leaped at Hestia, but Philomena intercepted Aman, while Shahar placed her horn directly in Galon’s path, but the griffon steered clear and to the side of Hestia, shere Livana waited to match steel to talon. The queen was shocked, and Philomena turned to her, “Run!”

Hestia tried to get Shahar to come too, but the princess was determined to stay and aid the others. The ponies in the line for the hearing were scattered, and the unaware poisoned guards were occupied.

Philomena tossed Shahar a blade that she gripped firmly in her telekinetic hold and charged Galon to aid her sister.

Livana almost had had enough of this day. the running, the hiding, and now for the second fight of the day. She was beaten, and the griffon was barely being kept at bay with her steel. But she made a mistake and swung at the griffon, who caught the blade in the armored talons and tossed it away. Livana thought of the black blade. She thought of how this griffon was giving them all bad names by attacking the queen.

She thought of how Marcus dragged her all the way across Everfree, insulting her every step of the way.

And she lashed out with those thoughts. The black blade appeared and slashed at Galon, who didn’t get away in time. He was caught by the magic and shrieked so loud probably the whole palace could hear it. In one swoop, he knocked Livana halfway across the room.

And from Shahar’s perspective, he put out the green and red energy pulsing from her sister’s eyes. She was concerned for Livana, but also very angry. She got to Galon and started slashing at him like mad. The griffon was in pain and slowed, but not enough that he couldn’t dodge or block the swipes with his talons. He roared and went for Shahar, and she reacted defensively.

A yellow bubble surrounded the princess and Galon smashed into that, reeling from the hot surface. Shahar tried again, thinking of her sister and how she had to protect her. She shot a yellow light from her horn, and this time it kept going to Galon. He was hit and knocked back, yelling.

Philomena was matched. Though she was making very slow progress, it wasn’t enough to help the struggling Shahar.

But she didn’t need to. The doors were slammed wide open, and in the doorway was Luz and a cloaked figure. Luz stepped up. “Need help, Commander?”

“No, but give it anyway!”

The two ponies rushed in. The cloaked pony reached into their cloak with their mouth and pulled out a bottle with a mysterious substance. He tossed it at Aman, and the griffon started screaming as the liquid began to bubble his skin. It was enough of an opportunity for Philomena, and one decisive slice created one less enemy.

Shahar was glad to see the two strangers, and the pegasus in guard’s armor quickly flew over to her aid, brandishing two retractable blades. Shahar shot another bolt at Galon, and Luz handled the rest.

The throne room had bloodstains, but all the ponies were alive. At this point, several servants—Metis included—popped in. Two doctors (Redcross from the first day being one, Shahar noted) helped Livana to her feet, though they had problems talking to her. She caught sight of Luz, Shahar and Philomena.

And they all laughed in relief.

Livana sat in a medical tent, being treated for minor wounds Galon had given her. She had had the curing bath, and was very happy to be able to talk again. She and Luz had been chatting like crazy. Julius and Jane had also stopped by. Jane had said she was sorry for the injury, but complemented her bravery.

Julius... had a few choice words. He was emphasising that what she did was stupid and reckless, but it worked and she was brave. But he wanted to make sure she got training before pulling a stunt like that again.

But the most surprising visit of all was from Marcus. Luz, Philomena and Shahar vouched for his innocence (the last mostly because of the other two,) and he was let off with minimal warnings about not taking things into his own hooves. He wasn’t there to commend bravery, though.

“You got knocked out.”

“Yes,” Livana said, already dreading the rest.

“Yet you are being hailed as a hero.”

“N-no. Not really.”

“Don’t lie. Don’t be modest. Modesty is weak. You have to know you deserve something.”

It was Livana’s turn to snap. “Like you? Mr. I-am-perfect-and-you-are-an-idiot-for-not-being-a-genius?”

Marcus snarled, and showed his side. It was bandaged, but still looked awful. “You do this to me, and you are loved and respected. I get questioned and punished.” He choked, starting to cry. “I used to be the commander. I used to be the supreme commander. I did nothing.”

He started screaming even louder than Livana could manage when she could barely be heard. “I did nothing! One false rumor spreads about me, that I mistreated a servant, and I’m out. The phoenix forcibly takes my position, and no one respects me! I got demoted, and now I’m treated like dirt while you get lauded for what I did! You would have been NOTHING. All of you would have FAILED.”

He ripped off his white armor and smashed it to the ground, stomping on the metal. He was half screaming and half bawling, as if she had been the tipping point in this already broken stallion.
“Tell me, Princess Livana. How is that fair? How is that any less a horrible act than badmouthing a few people for getting praise that THEY. DON’T. DESERVE.”

Livana reeled. He had called her princess. Marcus’ impossibly deep frown got even bigger. “What? You expect that to be a secret from me? You’re the second princess. And your royal majesty, your secret leaves with me, don’t worry. If that matters to you more than an injustice, if that matters to you as much as a doomed mare's life over a living and destroyed one, I hope the Black Death comes for you!”

Livana choked a few tears. He knew she had no answer. And he was done. He left just as Luz entered for the first time, but Luz quickly left to talk to Marcus. When he returned, he said that Marcus had left. He had gone to Julius and resigned, his days as a guard long since done and staying of his own will.

They had talked it through, and Luz had finally gotten her to cheer up. But Livana could tell that, though he did disagree and often dislike Marcus’ attitude, he didn’t want him to leave.

“Was what he said true?” Livana asked.

Luz bit his lip as he pawed the armor. “He exaggerates, vilifies others, and nopony knows if he really did what he was accused of.” He paused, a few tears of his own welling up. “But yeah. He’s pretty bitter. And... I believe him. He doesn’t show remorse.”

The nightkeeper thought, still thinking about how he had mistreated her. “Hestia would have stopped it. I heard she could read lies.”

Luz looked up. “No. She can’t use it as proof. It’s possible to fool, many honesty children have been fooled. No matter how much she was convinced... she couldn’t fight the evidence. I was there, there was a lot of evidence. Not the least of which being... a bit of a spitfire attitude that was brought out in court. Everypony viewing was convinced he was guilty due to... well him doing exactly what he was accused of during his trial.”

Livana still didn’t feel very sorry. It was one thing to hold a bit of resentment, another thing to blow up at everypony. Luz looked up, a few tears still left on his face. “Well, we... need to try to forget that. You did well, and... I think-”

“You’ll be more than ready within the next four days.” Philomena concluded happily. She and Shahar were back in her room alongside Hestia. Shahar had been absolutely mobbed by nobles and servants in Everfree. Her room was pretty much the only private place in the palace.

Hestia beamed on the princess. “You are very brave. A little reckless... but you did it with help. You wanted to protect your friend, and you did so going outside your own duty.”

Philomena piped up, “She saved you too.”

Hestia shook her head. “I’m not going to die before my time, she and her friend were just what the fates used.” She turned back to Shahar, who herself was feeling pretty proud by now. “The next days should be easy, as long as you realize everything is important, and while it is good to be determined, don’t let your own thoughts blind you.” She leaned in close. “I think it comes from staring into the sun too long.”

Philomena rolled her eyes, but Shahar chuckled, that sounded like something her father or sister would say. “Thank you, your highness.”

Hestia nuzzled the princess’ mane. “How many times do I have to say it, call me Hestia. Now, I want you to have a nice supper tonight, so get ready. And I’ll call for your friend. After what I’ve heard about what she’s been through, she deserves it.”

Author's Note

Hmm... this is the first really action-ey chapter. I need something to talk about... Marcus. I might as well talk about him. I didn't like the character, I didn't like the archetype, and I hated to have to make anyone care about him. Darn you characters that sympathize with others.

I actually originally marked him up to have Luz's role as second-in-command, and had a similar character in the current role that became Celos. But I wanted the ass to have a reason for being so... well... so much of an ass. So up until this chapter, I had him as a character who thought he was perfect and was jealous of ponies being over him, and it boiled. But that wasn't believable either. And so I struggled, until finally I came to when Marcus entered the tent.

Then the story came. The reason came. A story that certainly would have happened several times in the course of history. A story that many military leaders could probably relate to. And suddenly, it clicked: I absolutely HATED him. I don't form opinions of characters that I write, but this pony was so shallow, so self-centered.

So real to me. Too real, in fact. I keep thinking I dip into him over and over. Writing his dialogue was a cinch, and it's because when I put myself in his shoes, I WAS him. If given a very strict reason to be calm, I was calm. The second that crumbles, I would begin to act like him.

Dear Nocturna, I'm a douchebag.

OH! Little note. Erm...

I'm almost done. I mean it. There are literally two chapters and a short epilogue between this and act II where all this buildup and exposition pays off. And trust me, the epilogue will... be pretty predictable. Yeesh, gimme a break, I'm working with the base story of Esther here. It really can end only one way, I just have to tie it to the present.

I'm not predicting any dates cause I'll jinx it.

Beginning

Philomena pecked at a solitary seed left in a bowl by her perch. “Shahar, I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you. You’ve shown complete attention to my lessons and respect of everything I’ve taught you for the past three days. Now, on the eve of your coronation: I have to say, dear princess...” She swooped down to the alicorn’s muzzle, staring straight into her wide-open eyes. “You’ve gotten very good at sleeping with your eyes open.”

“Zzz- *snuck*” Shahar stirred, shaking her head and knocking Philomena off. “Eh?”

“Yes, sure.” Philomena sighed. “Dear, you can’t be ignorant forever. You have a country to rule, and this info-”

The princess tried to piece together a coherent argument in her waking state. “This information is stupid! Why do I need to know the exact names of all five types of magic!”

Philomena gave frustrated caw. “Because if you don’t, you won’t be able to help those with a problem that involves them.”

“We have doctors to learn that useless information!” Shahar had very nearly reached the end of her rope, having this same conversation day after day. “I will never use one HUNDREDTH of the facts you spew at me.”

Philomena sighed. “How many times do I have to tell you? Everything is important. Like... oh I don’t know. Give me something stupid.”

“Magic contains a trace of the user in it.”

“BAM! Used several times in the Cervid-Equestrian war. The deer picked off our officers by capturing their magic and performing mind-exchange spells, then killing them in their own turf. Come on, gimme something super dumb.”

“Solaris’ great grandnephew was Leon.”

Philomena laughed. “Leon the conqueror? Hellooo, Ms. Griffon? He was the one who finally won the Griffon war. It shows how quickly good can turn to bad. Only three generations from a king I’m praising to a pony who you probably hate.”

“I don’t hate any monarch. They are to be respected, but firmly disagreed with.”

Shahar lay on her bed as Philomena stopped laughing. “Seriously?”

“No, but Selene scares me when she argues, so that’s what I tell her.” After a pause, the two began to laugh, finally dispelling the tension.

“If anything, you’ll be the most amusing queen in a bit.”

Shahar looked at Philomena. They definitely had a good relationship, but something was striking to her. Why didn’t Philomena and Hestia have the same bond? Philomena had cited only one thing against Hestia: that she gave in too fast. Griffons had a phrase for excuses like that: a load of crap. Well... maybe it was a little stronger.

She hadn’t noticed it, but over the past few packed days of learning court manners and boring trivia she had learned to focus more on the ponies around her to remain on top of things. She had learned who it was Livana’s guard friend brought in with him three days ago during the assassination attempt: a castle mage called Hex. Talking to him (well, talking being relative. He was pretty reserved and only really answered her questions because she was the princess.) Shahar had learned about the castle mage order. They even had earth ponies--like Hex--and pegasi in it. They were mostly potion brewers but the occasional talent would come by like an earth pony caster. Their cloaks were to hide... accidents.

Servants like Selene had their own interesting lives. Most lived in the glass tower in the inner court, but a few higher ranked or generational ones like Selene lived in one of the giant palaces’ quarters. They were almost nobles, but less stuck-up.

Oh, yes. The nobles. If there was only one thing that being out in public with her father taught Shahar, it would be how to not punch someone when they are being a jerk, and boy did she use it. When she had arrived, she was seen as “that foreign filly” by the nobleponies. Once she had helped save Hestia’s life, however, everything turned around. She was then called: “That brain-dead foreign filly who’s going to get killed doing something stupid.”

What the hay were they even nobleponies of? They just sat around all day pretending to be important. She had asked Philomena, and she said at most they were descendants of some important pony and owned a lot of land.

“Golden Spire is technically a noble,” the roc had noted.

Shahar had laughed, remembering the rather pushy pony. “I can’t imagine her in this place. Then again, I can’t imagine myself in this place.”

Philomena had frowned. “You seem to be rather at home though.”

“I don’t know.” Shahar had said as she shrugged. “After the whole ‘I’m a princess’ thing found its way in, I really came to like this. My sister says I’ve always been a bit of a leader.”

She often saw herself referencing her father and life in Havoth-Zair. But each day made it seem like those times were years ago. She had only been here almost a week, but she was constantly thinking about “the old days.”

Now here she was in a cycle of sleeping through a lecture, arguing to Philomena, laughing with Philomena, and being lectured again. School never seemed to stop. The best part is that she had been promised to continue her education even AFTER becoming queen.

Philomena swooped down to a chair in front of Shahar and transformed into a mare, lazily eating a few grapes suspended by a magic holder. “Okay,” she said between grapes, “what are your questions from yesterday’s exploring?”

Shahar loved this part of the morning. For the past three days Philomena had been using something to get her to pay attention to her while she was feeding Shahar information by letting her get aside the questions she had. It hadn’t worked spectacularly in Philomena’s eyes, but she was at least learning something. “Well, for starters, Incendia in the kitchen told me that all the food in Everfree is grown in the gardens, but don’t plants need different environments for growing?”

Philomena took another grape. “Everfree is built on a kind of middle-ground. To the west we have some boggy terrain, the south has those deserts, the north-east has fertile and rocky land. Lump that in with earth pony magic, strategic irrigation, and pegasus weather control; and you got plants in Equestria that can’t be grown anywhere else in the country.”

Shahar thought the truth was a whole lot less impressive than her idea: That Everfree was able to magically move places. Oh well. “Next question, when do the servants get time to eat and have fun?”

Philomena seemed pleased by the easy questions. “The queen’s personal servants like Selene are numerous enough that they rest whenever they can find another servant to do the jobs. The nobles’ servants just depend on how much demand there is.”

“So they never get a break.”

Philomena nodded. “Hestia has tried to set restrictions and encourage doing some work their own selves. But again, squishy resolve let them just pressure her a bit to get their slaves back.”

“Then that’ll be my four-hundred and sixty-ninth thing to do when I’m queen,” Shahar determined.

“What was the four-hundred and sixty-eighth?”

“Get the mages to work on area teleporting spells.” Philomena rolled her eyes as Shahar chuckled.

“I think that you’ll need that list pruned by tomorrow.”

“Cheers!” Celos called, raising his mug of frothy haysludge. Jane and Livana were not in a “Cheers” mood.

“The griffons used poison joke. This is just plain poison,” Jane muttered, poking the mug like it was a bomb that should’ve exploded long ago. Livana took a sip, but could barely stomach it. A starving rat wouldn’t drink that stuff. She had to admit he quality of food was definitely... worse since the plot. But she didn’t expect each MEAL to get worse. She almost wanted the petunia stew flambé from yesterday’s lunch.

Almost. Not quite. She was desperate, not stupid.

Luz and Julius came up to the group and sat down with them. They had something that resembled food: a nice big plate of beans. The three lower-ranked members eyed the plates jealousy. Julius prodded it. “Mmm grass-’n-grapes in a “‘special sauce’ that smells a whole lot like last night’s Chef Surprise, which was solid.”

Livana found her haysludge a whole lot more appealing. That wasn’t saying much, though. Jane slid away from the table and stood from her cushion. “Where are you going?” Luz asked.

“I’m a horse. I think just plain old grass will work for me.” In a hurry she left, leaving the four to their “breakfast” (really, it was nearly lunchtime, they had just been staring at the food for so long without eating.) A minute passed and Jane firmly strode back to the table, plopping back down. “I found out where they’ve been dumping the ‘waste’ part of the toxic waste they’ve been serving us.”

“Lucky,” Livana muttered, trying to hold down another sip. Celos didn’t want to say anything. He was smiling as always, but Livana noticed a green hue to his face. “I know this is in bad taste-” the nightkeeper began.

Julius looked Livana in the eye expectantly. “Can I have it? Bad is at least edible.”

Livana gave him a stern look. “I mean what I’m about to say. We can at least be expecting a funeral banquet soon.”

The other four grimly chuckled before returning to their “food.” Suddenly, they all took one big slurp of all their food and tried desperately to choke it down. It worked, barely. Julius tried to say something but almost threw up in his mouth. “From now on, I’m giving you full access to my money to buy imported snacks. Maybe you can talk the princess into getting some griffons--or better yet--Griffonkin-”

Livana cawed in anger, but remembered quite quickly that she was a pony and couldn’t caw. “Knee-jerk reflex. THEY are never to be spoken of.”

Julius opened his mouth to ask why when Luz put his hoof in his commander’s face. “Ah, yes. He’s so terribly sorry.”

Livana eyed her commanding officer, who looked pretty stunned himself, but nodded along with his corporal. She didn’t really feel like staying to chat, so she stood and marched off, not really sure where to, as she had already done her required training. She and Jane had done an obstacle course, and Livana didn’t to altogether well. But Jane had seemed to slow too, as to not let Livana lose by too much.

Livana saw a female griffon carrying a few bags, so Livana decided to help her. She grabbed the bags telekinetically and lightened the others’ load. “Thanks.” The griffon muttered, walking slightly quicker.

“Where are you going miss...”

“Lavi. Well... I guess back home.” She paused talking for a moment, continuing to stride forwards. “What’s your name?”

The nightkeeper became puzzled. “My name is Livana.”

Lavi seemed a bit interested as well. “Well, that’s not an Everfreean name. What’s your real name?”

“Livana,” she pressed “that’s my birth name.”

The eagless chuckled through her grim countenance, “‘Moon,’ that’s a griffon name, a little bit of Everfreean in there but common for our names nowadays.”

“Yes, I know. I was raised in Havoth-Zair.”

“Were you?” Lavi asked. “That’s my hometown. By Y’air it’s a rather small world.”

Livana smiled. “But, why are you going back?”

The eagless grew rather cold again. “Oh, you have to know.”

“I really don’t, I’m sorry.” Lavi didn’t answer, but something clicked in Livana’s head. “It’s about the incident, isn’t it?” The griffon nodded. “Oh. But... I thought there was just questioning going on, and they wouldn’t let someone related just leave. You’re innocent, right?”

“Yes.”

“They why are you leaving?”

Lavi sighed and stopped moving. “Royal orders. Every griffon in Everfree has been ordered to leave on account of treason.”

Livana was shocked. “WHAT?!” She stumbled around, “ROYAL orders? Surely Shahar would have more sway than to let that happen.”

Something clicked in Lavi’s head. “Wait, you’re the princess’ friend. The one who helped stop the assassination attempt.”

Livana regained some composure. “Erm... I didn’t do that. It was really thanks to Marcus.” She shook her head. “But yes! This can’t be possible. Shahar has a heart for our people, and at first word of this she would talk sense into Hestia.”

Lavi raised her talon. “So she must not know.” The griffon gave a low roar. “I think that maybe the assassination should have happened. She’s a dead mare walking anyway, and the only thing that stopping it did was THIS.” She started talking in a low voice. “Most of us don’t have homes to return to, or a cent to our names. I’m lucky as I’ve got a few bits saved here and there and can probably last. But most... most won’t.”

Livana couldn’t help but slightly agree. Not so much as to say Hestia should have been killed, but this wasn’t deserved. The gears in her head began doing overtime work. “Where did this get proclaimed?”

Lavi showed the nightkeeper a slip of paper. “On this. It has the royal seal.”

It took a few seconds, but Livana took the paper from the griffon’s talon. “I’ll show this to Shahar. You need to stay here.”

“I appreciate your sentiment,” Lavi began, “But there’s little you can do.”

“I beg to differ.” Livana argued. “Shahar told me today was the first day she was granted small power for this evening’s open session.”

“She can have all the power in the world, she can’t change it. And the open session only can resolve minor disagreements at MOST. But there’s another law: No law can be overturned until a period of one-thousand years has passed.” Livana was rather stunned, she didn’t know that. “And no, Hestia already has looked into repealing THAT law. It still has five-hundred years to go.”

“Aquila on high!” Livana cursed. She thought for a moment. “We-we’ll think of a way. For now, tell your friends to go nowhere. There has to be something to do.”

Lavi shook her head. “We can’t stay here.”

Livana turned around and around, trying to think. “Okay, do you have a piece of paper other than this?” The griffon shrugged and handed her a termination of employment notice. Livana took it and concentrated all her magic, putting all her desperation into it.

Slowly, a pen of light started to form with her magic controlling it. Lavi took a step back as Livana very very lightly touched it to the paper and started writing. It charred the paper like ink, but it wasn’t enough to burn. Carefully, Livana made a map, and released the energy. The pen flashed with searing heat, and it was gone.

“I- I didn’t know you could do that.” The griffon stammered.

“Neither did I.” Livana admitted, handing the map to Lavi. “Magic surprises me. That’s not important. The mark on the map will lead you to a secret place with a small amount of resources. Only three ponies know about it, and the one who would go there is on your side. Hide with your friends until I come back.”

“This won’t-”

Livana tossed Lavi a glare that a griffon would envy. “Better try than starve.”

Lavi smiled. “You know what, go ahead. You have a griffon’s spirit, kid. Good luck!”

Livana returned the grin and started galloping towards the castle. Oh, if only she could fly.

“And so I said, ‘Jay, not jay!’” Philomena gave a laugh. Shahar was a bit confused. “Err... bird joke.”

“I’m getting the sense ALL of your jokes are.” The princess took another bite of her lunch. She had gotten more accustomed to the rich food than at first, but she still only ate some.

Philomena grumbled. “Well, sue me for you not knowing the difference between a robin and a cardinal.” She took a pear and bit into it as a knock came at the door. “Yeah?”

“Private Livana here to speak with princess Shahar.” called one of her guards.

“Send her in! And go have some lunch, we’ll be fine.” Shahar eagerly replied.

“If it’s all the same.” replied the other guard. “We’re more likely safe if we DON’T have lunch.”

“They’re right.” Livana called through the door. “It’s cranberry and petunia enchiladas with leftover haysludge sauce.”

Shahar leaned over and whispered in Philomena’s ear: “Four seventy-five.” She called out. “Erm... Here, come in and take some of mine, then go your way.”

The two guards rushed in and snatched morsels of lunch here and there and left calling back “Yes ma’am!” Philomena and the princess shared a laugh, but Livana entered with a very dour expression.

“What’s wrong?” Shahar inquired.

Livana showed her the decree. “This is what’s wrong.” As Shahar scanned the document, Livana started to choke. The past few days had been rough, but she knew it was part of training to help her. It was something good, but stressful. And there was her sister, staring down a problem with as much ease as she stared down her father in a fit. She saw her elder sibling’s face fall, and for a second she lost hope. Her sister was shocked: what hope was there? And so she choked back a sob that just came from nowhere.

Shahar held Livana tight as Philomena took a glance at the paper. Livana whispered in her sister's ear, trying to keep from crying. “They need you. Most have no homes to go to.”

“Shh,” the elder soothed. “We’ll think of something. We always will. I can help them.” Her mind raced, but was drawing a blank. “I just can’t believe Hestia would do this. It’s overreacting.”

Philomena was flying all about the room as a phoenix, looking for something. Once she found her golden claws, she swooped back down to the paper and watched the two sisters. Time passed, and she started growing impatient. They just kept whispering soothing words back and forth. Eventually, Shahar led her sister to the bed. “Are you done?” Philomena asked, but the princess shot her a look.

“This is why they don’t allow teen girls in military.” Philomena muttered under her breath, inaudible to the sisters. “Well, get done. It’s time for three short lessons--your final ones as a princess.”

“Philomena!” Shahar shot. “This is not the ti-”

The roc ignored her. “Lesson one. The royal seal contains no magic. Lesson two, some things--like my claws and armor--can completely reverse spells.” She took the piece of paper and flew over to the bed. Shahar was just about to chide her when Philomena gave the seal on the paper a quick tap. The imprint started dissolving, and a white light was absorbed into the golden talon.

Both the sisters looked up at the phoenix. “Now are you going to listen to my last lesson?” Both quickly paid her heed. Philomena took on the form of a mare--in full armor for some reason--and started running her hoof through her mane, until she realized her mane was obstructed by a golden helmet which she quickly removed. “I’ll try to keep this a brief as ponily possible.”

“One day, in Geno, there was an argument between Harmonia and Anima--the mother of all. But Harmonia represented harmony, and that wouldn’t do. Her creations--the elements of harmony--tore all that wasn’t good out of her. And from this was formed Discord. He confused races, civil war broke out, I already went over all this. Discord was imprisoned by Nocturna in stone.

“Fifteen-hundred years later, Discord rose, and dragons killed Nocturna and Solla. To prevent another downfall, Discord created more like himself. The draconequui were not perfect copies, but still created chaos. Then, Celestia and Luna rose to put a stop to his tyranny. The draconequui didn’t go down without a fight, and only the last of them surrendered. This was Metis.

“Discord’s statue was placed far under Everfree, in a sacred place under heavy guard. Metis seemed to be relatively safe, but I’ve always had suspicions. He’s been acting oddly lately. Actually, it started fourteen years ago: the fifteen-hundredth anniversary of Discord’s imprisonment. Any questions, or do I make my suspicions clear?”

Shahar looked like she was having a hard time staying awake, but nodded. Livana looked fascinated, and raised her hoof. “Why didn’t you say something to Hestia?”

“Metis has her under his spell, and that’s a major reason I have for suspecting him.. There have been a lot of decrees like this, but much more minor. Strange things, like banning void magic to loosening guards around the statue, and she knows and pays no attention to it. This has gone a bit far, and I’m starting to worry.”

“Will any of this help us save the griffons?” Shahar mumbled.

Philomena rolled her eyes. “Yes. If we can confirm Metis is Discord in a new body, we can do something about him.”

“So can we stop with the stupid history lessons now? What was the POINT of telling us half of that stuff?”

“You never know what may be important.” Philomena and Livana answered in chorus. “Maybe dragons are the answer. Discord and dragons aren’t the most friendly of couples and they could probably get rid of him.” Philomena offered. “Maybe we have to surprise kill him--that’s the only way to kill someone with chaos magic. Kill the body he’s in before he can make a dumb joke about it and be alright. Who knows?”

“We don’t know it for sure. We’re getting ahead of ourselves. What options do we have?”

Philomena chuckled. Maybe their father was right. Shahar would make the better guard while Livana was the better princess. “Use the elements of harmony. Frankly, killing him is too hard to be a first resort. But we would need the six element spirits.”

Livana spoke up. “Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, and Magic.”

Philomena smiled. “If you were to repeat that to anypony else, they would tell you yes. But I see ms. action here is getting impatient. But we only know where two are: One is far away and one is in the hospital, dying. There’s another way: they can be wielded by somepony highly in tune with the elements, like say a unicorn child of one of the previous spirits.”

“Hestia!” Shahar exclaimed. That had been one of her questions the previous day: what Hestia’s cutie mark meant. Philomena had explained it meant she had a talent for telling when ponies were lying and then launched into a boring explanation. Okay, for once maybe the boring stuff was important.

“Did someone call me?” Suddenly, the queen was standing at the door with another of her “surprise” smiles. Shahar almost expected it by now. Without fail the second the subject drifted to her she appeared. “I’m sorry to interrupt the little party, but it’s time for the hearings.”

Shahar got up and Philomena returned to bird form and perched on the princess's back. “Caw” the roc said, using the onomonopia. “Let’s see how horribly you do.”

Hestia rolled her eyes. “She’ll be fine.” Livana rose and stood by her sister’s side as the four exited the room and proceeded to the main throne room.

Once they arrived, Livana whispered something into Philomena’s ear. The roc nodded and dismounted Shahar. “I’m sorry, I have a little bit of business to attend to,” she explained, transforming into a mare in armor again.

They stepped out into the crowd of ponies and pushed their way through. Philomena tried her hardest to not lift her wings to fly and accidentally gore a few ponies, and Livana realized that even decorative armor hurts when being banged into you. Eventually, they escaped the crowd and found themselves in the gardens, galloping at full throttle.

Livana finally explained why Philomena needed to be called out. “We need some way to help them. Some don’t have a place to call home.”

“Well, we’ll fix that.” Philomena confirmed, switching to a more authoritative tone. “First, we need to get rid of the individual kicking them out. If we expose fraud now, any number of innocents could be tried. Or Discord could forgo plans and do whatever he’s building up to. No, we have to get a little help from our fine-feathered-feline friends.”

Livana hung her head, like she hadn’t heard that tired joke before. “Well, could we hurry? They won’t wait forever.”

Philomena saw how Livana was galloping ahead, always keeping her eyes on Philomena. Twists and turns led them through the garden as the roc’s smile grew only wider. “Hey, nightkeeper,” She called ahead. “Remember how I asked you how you got to the palace to warn us last time?”

“Yeah.” Livana said, picking up the pace slightly. “I follow the tracks because I don’t know the way, why?”

Philomena smiled profusely, at Livna, confusing her a bit. Possibly, Livana never noticed that she had not once glanced at the ground.

It was no time at all--if you count fifteen minutes as no time at all--before they were galloping just out of Everfree’s border and into the forest. Philomena sneaked one last peek behind at the gates and the now-invisible palace as she slid into the forest. Livana hurriedly navigated the dense trees, and it wasn’t long before they both heard whispering. Livana slowed down and motioned for Philomena to get behind her.

As soon as she entered the clearing, the nightkeeper realized just how many griffons there were in Everfree. HUNDREDS were all packed in there, some in trees and some just floating around, waiting patiently for her. Lavi came forwards to greet Livana, but when she caught sight of Philomena, she quickly stepped back and bowed. A lot of murmuring came, but it was hushed by seeing the roc.

Livana leaned over and whispered to Philomena. “Yeesh, you sure do have a few fans.”

The mare just smiled. “Stardom, baby. Goddess amongst griffons.” She raised her voice. “Now, what are you all bowing for? I’m the one who should be apologizing for not getting here sooner.”

Lavi spoke. “We... weren’t expecting you to come.”

“Well, I’m all ya got to command you, thanks to Livana here, and I have a few ideas to share with you.”

“Can’t you just get something done immediately?” One griffon shouted down from a tree.

Philomena shook her head. “No, and at most Shahar could have an unofficial order go out when she comes around to it tomorrow, but there’s a snag. I don’t want any of you to panic-”

“A sure sign we should panic,” a wisecraking griffon noted. Both the ponies gave the joker a glare.

“Anyways, we may need your assistance with... force. All of you need to stick together somewhere. Stay near Hippogria so word can reach you the second it needs to. Wait for an “all-clear,” then all of you come back.”

Lavi piped up, “And if not?”

Philomena put stress on the next words. “If ANYTHING else comes through not relating to Hestia’s death, get back here. Also get back here if we don’t say anything in three days. This allows tomorrow, and two days for other things.”

“Wait,” one of them noted, “we come back either way?”

“If we call for you with an all-clear, come back and be ready for your regular lives. If not...” she paused, very obviously relishing the attention she was drawing, “gather griffons sensitive to your cause and come back ready for battle.” A murmuring rose. Some with anticipation, some with fear. “There will be the fall of a regime either way, and order will prevail, leaving nothing between you and freedom”

Livana was absolutely stunned at how Philomena could rally the griffons to her aid. Suddenly, even the cautious ones were talking like warriors. The roc leaned over to her. “Take note, girl. Each race has their own ‘key words.’ Mention them, and you’ll get them rallying to your side. ‘Freedom’ is the griffons’.”

Livana smiled as she saw the griffons take wing, crying thanks to the roc and herself--despite doing practically nothing. One by one, the griffons left sight until eventually only Lavi remained. “Should we tell everyone about this?”

Philomena confirmed the question with a nod. The nightkeeper stepped forward. “When you get back, go to Havoth-Zair and find Aiah, my dad. He’ll be up in arms in a heartbeat if I know him.”

Lavi smiled. “We all would, kid.” The eagless took to the skies, pausing only to shout down: “Thanks, and we’ll see if we can help you!”

“My cows aren’t eating!”

“Why don’t you ask them what’s wrong?” Shahar would find such an answer somewhat mocking herself, but apparently that didn’t occur to the genius farmer in front of her, who began to stare at her like she had turned in fire and solved griffon hunger.

Hestia had explained during the first open court that there was a legitimate reason for the answers being... simple. Those who tried normally solved their problems on their own, and all major problems were often taken to court. This was mainly a morale booster to see the queen deal with... absolutely inane problems, and princess Shahar was already impressing ponies with her “wisdom.”

Throughout the session, the alicorn kept glancing back to Metis who showed absolutely no emotion. She couldn’t read him, but in a way that betrayed that his mind was elsewhere. Every so often he would grin at absolutely nothing, which was rather suspicious admittedly, but she just couldn’t convince herself that someone with fifteen-hundred years loyalty would suddenly just snap.

Really, the most suspicious was Philomena, but Shahar had no reason to doubt her other than being quick to pick up and cast blame. The thought haunted the princess: what if Philomena was just trying to remove Metis from the equation to have more influence?

The battle of fears waged internally as ponies upon ponies marched on. “I have dedicated my child in your honor.” “I hope you take care of us farmers!” “Why do we not rid ourselves of the many foreigners occupying our businesses?” (The only thing that stopped Shahar from throwing that stallion somewhere dark, dank, and rat-infested was the lack of dark, dank, and rat-infested places nearby.)

The only question she didn’t have an answer to was actually from a filly on a class trip to see and ask the queen questions (they settled for second best.) The pink and yellow filly had asked why everypony around Everfree had such weird names. Shahar notice anything like that, but Hestia was ready with a long, dry answer involving an ancient language of nobles that made Shahar sorry for the poor filly that had asked. Still, it was rather embarrassing to be upstaged by a eight-year-old in anything that wasn’t an adorableness contest.

But the line grew short quickly, and at the end Shahar had yet to see anything from Metis. Her time was running short, and she had to act quickly. Hestia rose to her hooves with a warm smile that said more than her words ever could. Disarming her, it cleared the princess’ mind and gave her the idea she needed.

Laughing with relief and watching Metis begin to stride out the door without so much as a word, Shahar yelled, “Hey, Metis!”

He turned around, but obviously was still off in his own thoughts. Shahar continued regardless “I want to invite you to breakfast tomorrow. You too, Hestia.”

The queen chuckled. “I may not have that long.”

“Exactly” Shahar added, beginning to put some emotion into her voice, “So I invite you early in the day, to let me have the most chance to talk to you. I...” she tried to sound on the verge of tears, but didn’t know how to pull it off, “I want to learn from you on your last day. I want to know more.”

Hestia seemed thoughtful and glanced at Metis, who was as stoic as ever today. “If I can, dear, I will come. I cannot promise you, but if I can I will come and answer whatever you need to know.”

That was all the hope Shahar needed, and nodded toward a hidden Philomena. Time to put it into action.

Philomena swooped down to the guard’s encampment to where a group of commanding officers stood alongside Livana. They were ready for a time to march, and tomorrow would not be a day of rest.

Tomorrow was war.

of The End?

((Don’t read this without reading the epilogue too.))

Breakfast came, and everything seemed normal. Hestia didn’t look bad at all, and Metis had actually showed up, but was standing at the balcony away from the others. Philomena’s eyes were darting all over the place excitedly. Quietly, Shahar whispered for Philomena to distract Metis. She agreed and trotted over to chat, which was quite like talking to a brick wall.

Shahar hurriedly leaned toward Hestia. “Metis is Discord and trying to supplant you and your power!”

“What!” Hestia cried, and Metis swerved to attention. Swiftly, Shahar yanked the elements out of her hiding place and Hestia blasted Metis, who turned to stone and fell to the ground.

The ponies rejoiced, but later that day Hestia died. Shahar rose to power and said, “I want to promote my sister, Livana with me! And our names will be Celestia and Luna like those old chicks in your history.”

And they lived happily ever after.

The End

Act I Epilogue: Incomplete

Twilight was barely able to sleep that night. Months of work, months of transcribing, and months of keeping this project secret were about to end. Sunset had promised the final part that morning, and she said it was going to be... interesting.

Her heart pounded out her chest as Spike made breakfast nonchalantly, like today wasn’t the most important day of their lives! Okay, maybe it wasn’t, but by the stars if this wasn’t one of the most exciting!

And soon, there was a rapping at the door. Twilight scurried to it and flung it open, tacklehugging a very startled Sunset Sky. “Ouch! Since when did you get a dog?”

Twilight came to her senses and got up. “Oh... sorry.”

Sunset winced. “It’s- fine. I’m sorry for being snarky.” Twilight flipped the other mare to her hooves and excitedly waited for the papers.

What Sunset brought out was a solitary page, but Twilight didn’t care, snatching it like a whirlwind and zipping through it.

When she looked up, she didn’t know how to feel. Confusion? Anger? Frustration? It all came out in one: “Ugh!”

Spike walked over to take a look at the paper while Twilight scurried for her red pen. Sunset nonchalantly stepped in and took off her saddlebags. She used her locket to bring out another page, looking it over quickly. Once Twilight came by in one of her hurried sweeps, Sunset put the page in front of her face.

Twilight read it over, and her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh.”

“And that’s where it ends. I don’t know what comes after it.” She gained a devious smile that told Twilight that she had a plan that she wouldn’t like. “Somepony out there has to know. Somepony who has been preserving this scroll. So we make it obvious that we hid something, and it’ll tip them off that we know, and maybe share the rest of the story!”

Twilight immediately saw the flaw. “What if nopony knows? What if this was all wrong?”

The elder raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t we ask someone who was there when they invite us?” Twilight caught her meaning, but still didn’t like it. Sunset noticed the grim expression on Twilight’s face, but switched the subject, bringing out two party poppers with her locket. “But let’s not focus on that! We should be CELEBRATING! It’s the end of months! I’m sure your dragon would love it!”

Spike, who had been listening to the two, smiled wide. Alright! I’ll go get breakfast and some ice cream!”

Twilight couldn’t really deny that a celebration was in order. She placed the actual copy on her lobby’s table and took a popper, blowing it open alongside Sunset.

Philomena cautiously crept over to Metis, whispering that the two needed to bring something up. The draconequus nodded his head, flying down from the balcony alongside the roc. Shahar wasn’t convinced of Metis’ guilt yet, but she didn’t have another chance. If Hestia could dispel her fears, it was now.

She scooted back. “Hestia, we have su-”

“Shh.” Hestia soothed, looking back at the star on the door.

“Hestia! We think Me-”

Hestia glanced back with an expression that felt like a kick in the head. It was a knowing expression. “Experience the now. Love what you know. You and your sister will have battles to fight that don’t involve blades. So cherish what few moments you have.”

Your sister. She had known all along. And something told Shahar she knew about Metis too. How could she be so calm! She should be in action!

“I was not meant to be the one ruling yet. I’m not the one to take the threat. I enjoy each second of my borrowed time. I live by prophecy, and I die by its fulfilling and by no other means.”

Shahar recognized resignation in her voice, but she wouldn’t stand for it. “You have the power!”

“I don’t have the right.”

“What are you talking about!” Shahar slammed her hoof into the table.

Hestia stared out to the star once more. “The golden apple shall pour her life. The servant to rise in her stead. With eagle’s wings we shall be saved, but not without much painful death.”

Shahar wanted to respond, but she was caught off-guard by a flash of light. Metis stood in the room with them, and held a limp Philomena. Still breathing, but obviously beaten-up. She almost shouted at Hestia, but noticed her absolute calmness, as if she knew what would happen next.

That was the last the princess saw of her.

And then there was darkness.

Act II Prologue: Summons

Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The train ride from Ponyville to Canterlot seemed a whole lot longer when you didn’t know what you were being summoned for. It had been the middle of the night when she received the letter, interrupting a heavy study hour. She had managed to get through all of her books, but not with a peace of mind.

It was a summons, short and simple, by Princess Luna. Without any given reason or pretense, she was being called to Canterlot that evening, and Luna had asked for her to come without attracting any attention. It was that line in and of itself that scared Twilight. Whatever Luna wanted her for, she didn’t want anyone knowing what it was.

Being one of the most recognizable unicorns in the city did not help things. On the train ride alone four ponies had said “hello” to her, and there was a long group of very confused paparazzi. They kept clicking cameras and acted like whoever they were pestering had simply disappeared. The file kept moving down the train, thankfully.

“Fame must be awful with all those ponies following you around.” Twilight expressed out loud.

“Tell me about it.”

Twilight jumped six feet. That voice had come from absolutely nowhere. “And they all want something. An autobiography, who you’re dating, how did you become famous, a candid picture. I wanted fame and fortune, not sixteen-thousand shutterflies... though I do appreciate the fame and fortune still.”

This time, Twilight recognized the voice. “Sunset?”

“Shhhh. Throw this on.” At that, a little round disk went flying at Twilight, who caught it a mere inch from her nose.

She looked it over and started it for a second. Instantly, she lost sight of herself. But she turned it off in a moment, tossing it back. “Magic holders are unstable and antiquated. There’s a reason nopony uses them.”

“They don’t have as good luck as I do.”

Twilight shook her head and simply cast the invisibility spell herself. “Me and my friends save Equestria twice and YOU got famous?”

Sunset chuckled. “Equestria needs saving every other week, ever notice?” Twilight frowned, that was something Pinkie would say. “Besides, I unleash a dubious history, refuse to show my sources, and have it be refuted by Princess Celestia herself. You never had so much scandal!”

“I can’t tell if you’re joking.”

Sunset became visible for a half-second to show her disheveled appearance. Her eyes were practically carrying purses, and her mane was messy and coated with orange flecks. The grimace on her face showed that her brilliant plans were not really going as she had hoped. “Apparently, sunglasses make you invisible but a mane dye doesn’t.”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “Well a spell works too.” Both chuckled for a moment before both realized that it wasn’t all that funny.

“So, how’s your life goin’?” Sunset asked.

Twilight shifted. “I’ve been nervous. Mostly because I haven’t heard any news from the princess. There was also a whole fiasco with Applejack and her not wanting to return to Ponyville from a rodeo.”

“Oh? I’ve been... not in Ponyville for a while. What happened?”

“She had promised prize money to fix the town hall, but she didn’t win first in anything.” Twilight giggled. “Her pride was stopping her from coming back, but you should have seen the amount of ribbons she won!”

Sunset hmmed thoughtfully, and stood with a large amount of rattling as they began to pull into Canterlot. “Well, come on. Here’s our stop.”

Twilight got up and started walking down the train, trying not to trip over her own invisible hooves. “Well it was nice to talk, Sunset. Maybe we should say hello some other time.”

“Who says we aren’t going to the same place?”

Twilight laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think we are.”

She passed through the crowd of frustrated cameraponies and gossip writers, walking straight to the palace.

“You’re going to Luna to discuss unspecified matters that invariably relate to the book which has YOU publicly recognized as ‘Editor’”

Twilight jumped again, but knew not to scream. She realized that Sunset was still right beside her, but more worrisome was that she KNEW where she was going. “How did you guess THAT?”

“You were nervous, and going to the same place I was at the same time. The only reason I would ever be called on by royalty is that blasted book--unless I misread the law code regarding the statute of limitations.”

“Statute of limi-?”

“It’s been eight years! That’s more than enough time to make my record clean enough to be handled by a city court, and let’s leave it there because I think I should shut up.”

‘Yes’ Twilight thought, ‘that would be a good idea.’

The two trudged on, silently making their way through Canterlot. Twilight was not at all relieved to know why she was being called. She was walking to a meeting with somepony she may have offended by putting out false information about. Or maybe she had revealed sensitive information and would be tried for treason!

“Stop worrying, you’re leaving a trail.” Twilight looked behind her to see sweat mystically appearing on the ground in her wake. Sunset sighed. “There is nothing to fret about. Trust me.”

“You’ve had days to experience this from just newspapers. This is the princess!”

Sunset didn’t respond as they approached the palace. A royal guard walked by, and Sunset immediately tackled Twilight out of his sight. “Shh. Lose the spell.”

Twilight thought the idea was to NOT be noticed. “Why?”

“This is the royal friggin guard. If somepony could walk through with an invisibility spell, we would be in poor shape. Being visible is less conspicuous than being invisible... somehow... I guess.” Sunset materialized on top of Twilight, who followed suit.

Sunset gave a smile before scuttling back into the street that was slightly less than comfortable for Twilight being under her. Leisurely, Twilight rose and strode alongside the mare, who was rifling through her saddlebags to pull out the letter she had received from Luna. Twilight took a peek inside. “It would be easier if you cleared out these knick-knacks. Clovers, scarab tokens, sneakers... is that a painting of Clover the Clever?”

Sunset snapped the bags shut. “No, I refuse to clean it out! And yes, Clover is the patron of unicorn travelers. I need all the karma bringers I can get.”

“Luck. Good luck. None of those charms affect the superstition of karma, they affect the even sillier belief in luck.”

Sunset waved the letter’s seal in front of a guard who began to ask for identification. “To-may-toh To-mah-toh. It wards off lady karma so she doesn’t come a-calling.”

Twilight became mildly irritated as they began to ascend the steps. “It is not the same! Luck is happenstance, and karma is when you get repaid what you do. And the correct pronunciation is ‘To-may-toh.’”

Sunset put her foreleg around Twilight’s middle. “Hear that Sparks?” There was nothing. “That’s the sound of nopony caring. And do you hear THAT?” Again, no noise. “That’s the abused and unwitty retort police, so let’s hurry.”

Twilight grumbled, shuffling her hooves up the stairwell. At the top, the mage stopped in her tracks. “I- I don’t know where Luna would be.”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “Luna sent the message to you, Celestia’s student. Therefore, Celestia isn’t in on it. Hence, she would be where Celestia isn’t in the broad daylight: in her room doing absolutely jack... squat.” Her locket levitated the summons to Twilight. “Actually, I just got that off of the letter. Didn’t you see the P.S.?”

Twilight squinted to see a tiny note: “Please find us in our sister’s chambers.”

“I guess my vision was bad at 3 o’clock.”

“You get used to it.” Sunset gave a sly smile and began to ascend to the next level of the main tower. Twilight took over a ways up and began walking almost subconsciously to her teacher’s room. Sunset noticed how little attention she was paying to the path. “Come here often?”

“Ha ha,” Twilight grumbled. The mare was getting rather irritating. The chamber doors didn’t come soon enough. Surprisingly, there were no guards at the doors, and Twilight was able to walk right in. Inside, she saw the room in a bigger mess than she had ever seen it. Papers were scattered to and fro, and news reports about the book dotted the area.

By the fire was Luna, who was reading an actual copy of the book. Twilight stepped into view and bowed. Sunset didn’t follow suit, and just smugly looked at the princess of the night.

“Dramatized, inaccurate, and insulting,” stated the princess of the night. Twilight began to quake in fear. The princess looked up from the book. “Oh, sorry. I was reading this.” Luna levitated a page into Twilight’s view that wasn’t from the book.It was about how Luna and Marcus probably were secretly lovers.

“Pfft,” Sunset grunted, “Tabloids.”

Luna groaned too. “Anyways, ‘inaccurate’ also describes the book. Remarkably inaccurate, but I’m glad for that.”

“Really?” Twilight puzzled, “Why would you be glad?”

Thinking deeply, the princess heaved a big sigh. “Because it’s let Shahar keep her mental barriers.”

Sunset looked like she could die right then. The miserable-looking mess of her face was overflowing with joy at hearing Celestia be called “Shahar.”

“So, it is somewhat true?” Twilight was less enthused. “Then why lie?”

Parting the sea of papers, Luna stepped into the middle of the two ponies, and breathed deeply. As she did, she began to shrink, and her mane began to lose some of its power. Twilight recognized her as the Luna who had emerged from Nightmare Moon, but some magic power still remained in her young form. Her light blue mane occasionally sparkled, and her wings were still large and developed.

“Because,” Luna sighed, “Shahar wants to escape the truth. She doesn’t want power, she wants love. She doesn’t want majesty, she wants harmony. She knows what it does to a pony, and she knows what comes of it.”

Sunset nodded. “Nightmare Moon.” Luna and Twilight both looked at her in a bit of shock. “Ugh, again. All records of you two before your transformation, Li, are shattered, burnt into ashes. It’s only you and scattered warnings that even let us know of Nightmare Moon, hence that’s when Celestia saw the light so to speak.”

Luna frowned. “Are you going to do that all the time we are here?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “If what she’s been up to so far are any indication...”

“Alright alright,” Sunset sighed deeply, “I’ll shut up and let you give exposition.”

That said, Luna turned back to Twilight. “In any case, Shahar has... evaded it in several ways. And thanks to your intentional muddying of the proverbial waters, it hasn’t broken her yet.”

“How do you know it was intentional?” Sunset leaned in with a smirk.

Luna frowned. “Because there is no way Twilight Sparkle would let that AWFUL last chapter by, and you have shown no remorse about adding unneeded detail.”

Sunset winced. “Ouch.”

“Princess,” Twilight interrupted, “the thing is, we don’t know what happened. It just says Shahar was caught and Metis won.”

Luna nodded. “And that’s why you’re here, Twilight Sparkle.” She strolled to the fireplace and removed a single stone near the top. It was sealed, yet Luna removed it with ease. Twilight watched in awe as Luna pulled a midnight black box out. Carved with runes and writings in the ancient language before Nightmare Moon.

Luna slowly lifted the lid, letting a green light blast out, filling the room with an eerie luminance.

Out of that light rose a scroll. The paper was obviously made a long time ago, but it looked perfectly preserved. Luna closed the box, ridding the room of the green glow, and gently levitated the scroll to Sunset, who took it eagerly, unraveling it. It took a while of scrolling, but she finally found something that made her smile grow even bigger. “This is the end of the first scroll, but it’s not even close to the end.”

Twilight realized what it was, but Luna beat her to it. “My copy. All my records, but this time intact. Below the end of your story lies what happened next.”

Sunset glanced at Twilight in excitement and realized it was an invitation to read it. “Umm... wow! I mean... WOW!” She scrolled a few lines down to see what was next, and read out loud, adding her own dramatized flair

“Shahar awoke to her body being dragged across rubble...”

Waking Up

It was not an experience she'd recommend ponies have. Shahar’s body felt like fire, and with each bump the fire became even more intense. She wanted to scream, but she had no right to. Every muscle in her body cried, but her mind stopped her mouth from following suit. Somehow, she was alive and couldn’t believe that.

She tentatively opened her eyes, and at first saw nothing. Dark blurs flashed in her view. But the second she tried to adjust herself, the movement stopped. Shahar tensed, afraid of what would happen.

“You know, it’s normally common courtesy to only make someone have to drag your limp form once a week.”

Ahh, yes. Philomena, still snarky as ever. Glad to hear she was okay. “Well, this isn’t exactly common.”

Philomena grunted, and went around to Shahar’s side. The pony could easily make out her golden armor, dented and torn. Shahar stirred and looked at her face. “Did Livana make it out?”

“Nopony is here.” Philomena said with a hint of relief. “I had the emergency removal spell activated. We’re the only ones I’ve found that were still around.”

Shahar felt relieved. The ponies--and most importantly Livana--had made it out. Philomena didn’t end there, sadly. “Anyone not emitting a magic signal at the time--read: unconscious--at the time of activation would still be around. So we need to think of this as search and rescue. Find anypony still around and get them out.”

Stiffly, the daykeeper tried to restore life to her extremities. “Wouldn’t it be best just to get out?”

“No.” Philomena firmly stated. “You have a duty to your subjects as queen during wartime.”

“Ugh, yeah, forgot. Sorry, just woke up after being dragged across rubble.” Shahar tried to rise to her knees. “Forgive me for thinking my first day would be a bit more ‘ceremonies’ and ‘mourning.’ Not ‘passing out and being briefed by a talking bird.’”

The roc huffed. The daykeeper opened her eyes again, but couldn’t see much. Philomena took a moment to read the queen’s expression but began to glow after a bit. “Yeah well, I don’t think there’s much of a place to be ceremonious AT.”

The glow off Philomena’s body illuminated the sheer wreckage that now was Everfree’s palace. It looked like it had been destroyed for ages, trees crushing the stones beneath them and ivy crawling up the caved-in structure. Then, the rest of the area came into view. Where there once were gardens and beauty, there were now trees and thorns. It had become a forest of danger with all varieties of poison.

It was heartbreaking.

“Did you find Hestia?”

Philomena became very somber. “Hestia is dead. Discord killed her, pouring out her blood in some evil ritual.” She gestured around her. “Discord’s chaos powers grew, letting him do all this. She died as was foreseen.”

Shahar clenched her teeth in anger. “Then we need to find another way of stopping him. We can use... the elements of harmony a different way!”

“That’s unlikely.” Philomena sighed softly. “Again, we only know two spirits.”

“Then take me to them. Two is better than NO hope.”

“We can kill him.” Philomena raised her eyebrow. “An unexpected, mortal shot could-”

“Philomena, realize that if that were possible somepony would have done it long ago.” Shahar snapped, finally injecting sense into Philomena’s “facts.” She rose to her hooves, feeling her cut side ache as she did. “Take me to the elements.”

Philomena looked like she wanted to disobey that order, but glanced away. “One is hundreds of miles away: Golden Spire. The other...” She cut off and began to walk where her gaze led.

“The other what?” Shahar asked, turning alongside Philomena. The daykeeper trotted alongside the cryptic roc. “The other WHAT, Philomena?”

She didn’t answer. Again, the question was asked. Again, and again, Shahar demanded to know, but Philomena kept walking around the ruins of the palace. She stepped over a titanium plate that lay on the ground, rusted and cracked. The floor squished as rubber pieces padded their hoofsteps.

Shahar felt something solid, yet not all there in front of her. Somehow, the air tower was less intriguing when it was in pieces.

At the end of the tower parade stood crushed marble intermingling with the palace’s marble and gold. Shahar demanded one last time: “Where is the other element?”

Philomena gestured at the rubble. “His tombstone.” The queen didn’t quite understand for a bit. “He and his cousin moved here: into the hospital because he was very ill. His cousin became a nurse, and he recently passed into a coma.”

Shahar now saw why Philomena kept the information. In the ruins of the giant marble hospital, anypony inside would have been crushed. “Scarlet,” related to the element of laughter. She had heard of him, but not known his cousin.

She almost lost hope then and there.

But then there was a groan.

One glance at Philomena told her that the roc was as stunned as she was. There was somepony ALIVE in that mess, and any chance was good enough. Shahar tried to telekinetically lift the rubble above the groan, but she just couldn’t. Philomena was ahead of her. “Use your hooves. I’ll explain later.”

The young queen didn’t waste a second after that, tossing the ruins away from the sound. “Hang on!” she called. “We’re coming!”

It felt like an hour, but soon a rock flew away to reveal a red mane with a few pink stripes. Philomena hesitated, but kept digging. Finally, a small slab stood between the body and the rescuers. In a joint effort, the two mares flung the rock away.

And there, shifting in the rubble was a white unicorn with a heart cutie mark. Shahar’s and Philomena’s hearts fell, as they both knew who this was.

“Redcross.” They both said, dejected.

The doctor flipped over onto his hooves like nothing had happened. “Oh, great. I get rescued and it’s not ‘YAY! The doctor is safe!’ or ‘Yay, Redcross, you deserved to live!’ No, I get ‘Redcross.’ Not even ENTHUSIASTICALLY! You two sound like you WANTED me to be killed.”

Both mares’ eyes widened. Philomena was the first to speak. “I- I’m sorry, you- I mean- We’re glad you’re safe! But, we expected somepony else.”

“Oh? Well, the plot gods gave you me,” Redcross huffed. “Oh, I’m sorry if that confused you. Here: ‘Fate’ and ‘Destiny’ let me live. I survived when whoever you’re looking for is probably dead. I’ve obviously been promoted to important if I survived a building crashing on me from the fifth floor.” He reached into the hole he had been trapped in and pulled out two rocks with the words “Fate” and “Destiny” on them. “Surprisingly cushy!”

Shahar glanced back at Philomena, but the roc’s expression was no longer confused, but rather ecstatic. “Highness, I think this is the luckiest we'll ever get.”

Livana didn’t exactly know what was happening when she caught a glimpse of Metis. It had happened in a second. She and Luz were waiting for Shahar to give the signal and go alert the camp, then Metis appeared, then the pain started.

Ouch, her face. She had blacked out immediately, but when she awoke the pain came back immediately. She yelped, and started coughing. The air was damp and coarse, not like the rich, fresh air she had been breathing before.

“Awake.” A voice murmured. It took Livana a while to recognize that the voice belonged to Luz, as it sounded nothing like his firm, solid self.

“Ergh...” Livana tried to open her eyes, but they hurt like fire. “Wh- wha?”

The sound of hooves approached her, and slowly groomed her mane, “Rest. We were caught by Discord. I am not sure where we are.”

Livana was terrified, and began to quiver. “I-I’m-”

“Scared. Do not be. It will be alright.”

Livana tried to open her eyes again, but they were firmly clamped shut under the pain, so she just lay there. Tenderly, Luz cleaned her mane and coat as if handling a doll. “Rest, Livana, and do not rush getting up.”

Livana shivered, and began to feel her legs return to life. “Where is Shahar?”

“I do not know.” Luz admitted. “She and the supreme commander never gave the signal. I-” he trailed off, not finishing the sentence.

Swiftly, Livana shot to her hooves and instantly regretted it, almost collapsing. “We- we have to find them.”

“I doubt they are here.” Luz objected. “Just relax, and we will walk out when you are ready.”

“I’m ready!” Livana shouted, not wanting to waste a second. “We have to go!”

Reluctantly, Luz answered. “Very well, lead on.”

Livana tried to open her eyes again, but squealed in pain as she tried. Inquisitively, the guardspony came close, his breath sweeping Livana’s muzzle. “Open your eyes.”

She tried again, but the pain didn’t want to go away. Sucking it up, and bracing herself, she ripped her eyelids open. She saw nothing. It was all black. With that realization came a rush of pain she never knew was possible. “AUUUGH!”

Luz‘s hoof touched her mouth. “Shhhh. What do you see?”

“AAHHH! Oweugh! I- I can’t see anything!”

There was no response from Luz as Livana cried for a while more in pain. Slowly, her wails became quieter and quieter, and he pain softened, but her eyes and face still hurt. Softly, a humming noise emanated from a few inches in front of the nightkeeper. The pain dulled more and more, but didn’t completely go away.

“When Metis came, he dispatched you first, and I saw how he did.” Livana felt Luz’s hoof run up her face to between her eyes. There, the pain became worse as he touched, and Livana felt like he was ficking a flap of skin.

Then she got it, it was a scratch. A scratch that ran to...

Oh Aquila... “He- went over both my eyes...”

Luz sighed heavily. “Yes, he did. I am sorry I have to tell you this soon.”

Strangely, Livana took it better than she would have expected herself to. Simply more screaming, and kicking, and wailing. Luz didn't react outside gently moving her from time to time. Probably because I almost ran into something because I'VE LOST MY BIGGEST SENSE!

Luz seemed to read her mind. "Feeling is your most vital sense. Without feeling, you die of hunger or infection. It could be worse.”

Livana couldn’t believe the nerve of Luz. “I’M BLIND AND IN A DANGEROUS AREA! TELL ME HOW THIS COULD BE WORSE!”

There was no response. The silence was able to convey the corporal’s message: You could be alone. Still sobbing, Livana felt her horn activate. She was angry, sad, confused, and she was about to vent it.

“Ahh...” Luz said with mild concern, “what are you doing?” Livana didn’t feel like listening. “Private Livana, Stop!” He commanded, switching from his gentler, kinder tone to a much more authoritative one.

Livana thought she heard one last “STOP” before she blacked out.

Philomena could say she probably had better days... no, weeks... no, MONTHS. Like that one month where she was about to regenerate but simply couldn’t, ending up like a pathetic featherless chicken or an ailing old coot for an entire month. Yeah, that rocked.

This had been her second lucky break in the past four weeks. First it was getting a friggin DAYKEEPER as her apprentice, and then it was finding out that the paraplegic laughter element had kicked the bucket, and they got a smarter, younger version. Okay, despite the fact that he was ONE of SIX was irrelevant. She would take any freaking good fortune she could get.

Well, at least she was going to until Redcross kept on talking.

“Dear HESTIA, what are you two STILL gawking at? Don’t you have some masterful quest? You have had no problems going about your tasks like everything going on is NOTHING before! You’ve had an entire ACT to gawk and react to absurd situations, you can’t start NOW. And that’s ano-”

*Clunk*

Philomena wasn’t exactly sure what happened. One second she was listening to Redcross yammer, and the next he was on the floor with her legs implanted into his face. Shahar was dumbstruck, what else was new? “Help me carry him.” Philomena ordered, hoisting the front half of the unconscious doctor onto her back.

“Was that necessary?” Shahar cried out.

“No,” Philomena grunted, “but I would have kicked harder later.” Philomena tossed the doctor’s hindquarters on the young queen, sliding his front onto her own back, finding it uneven with the slight size advantage Shahar had. “I’d prefer to keep THIS one alive until we can figure out any others.”

“Figure out?” Shahar groaned under the pressure of the full-grown stallion on her back, but kept up her half, trying not to drop the doctor.

“The other spirits.” The roc glanced over to Shahar. “I left out one or two things in your lessons because I couldn’t fully trust you with it, but you need it now.” The mare took a long breath, finding her nerve to explain. “The elements are never far from each other for extended periods of time. They all have to be around the same place, and whenever they are around, they stay together. Forces make them stick around each other. So, it would be reasonable to say that all four others were in Everfree, and not unlikely that they are still here. That’s who we are rescuing.”

“What.” Shahar punctuated. “So you’re saying we may already KNOW the other four? Why didn’t you tell me? And for that matter, why don’t you know who’s who if you’re oh-so prepared?”

“Call me a lot of things, queen, but approachable is far from one.” Shahar gingerly led Shahar down a ruined wall and into the forest proper. “I can’t really get to know ponies if they are always putting on masks in front of me.”

Shahr grunted, about to reply when both heard a fierce explosion, and just through the treetops in the distance, they could see a black-and-green mass writhe against the moonlight.

There weren’t any more words exchanged as they ran to it.

Tearing Down

Livana felt herself wake up, light flooding her eyes. She wasn't relived that she could see, but instead even more frustrated than she thought she could ever be. She knew what was happening: she was dreaming. It was a sixth sense she had: when she was dreaming or not, and by Aquila she hated it sometimes. The most torturous curse Livana could ever think of was to dream about something better than what she had.

And instantly, she took off from the confused mess her subconscious was creating. She had better things to do than lie around in a dream while she was lying down, maybe bleeding to death. Using a spell she had long ago discovered, she exited her dream, stepping out into a forest. Wait... forest?

She whipped around and saw a humongous cliff behind her, pebbles plinking down it. At the base, she saw crumpled figures of herself and Luz. Both breathing at least. She bounded up, opening her wings and taking to the skies in her astral projection.

Dear Aquila, she loved flying. As an alicorn, it was impossible to fly, with wings being a vestigial “genetic mishap.” Someone tried to explain it to her once, but it confused the nightkeeper despite her trying to get it. But in her dream self, she could fly with grace, and it was awesome. She swooped down over the forest treetops, trying to get bearings on where she was.

Surely, The nightkeeper had never seen this place, and it seemed like every sort of plant grew here. Exotic trees, flowers she swore she only ever saw in Everfree. She even saw an Ever Tree poking up, even though the house-sized plants never naturally grew, and no sign of life was anywhere.

She glided up more to get a general view of the forest, and in the moonlight, she started seeing odd little things here and there. She could swear that the mountain nearby was Canterlot mountain, and that the clearing she could see in the forest looked almost identical to Solaris' hill with a broken statue. Or how in the center you could see...

Ruins. Big ruins.

After only a few seconds, Livana registered it. “SHAHAR!” She yelped, zipping down into the remains of the castle.

And then she woke up.

Nope, nope, this pain on her eyes and... well the rest of Livana's body was a lot worse than having a fakeout regaining of sight. She growled in absolute pain, but then felt Luz beside her again, caressing her face. “Are you alive?”

“Y-yeah,” the nightkeeper choked, uncomfortable with the way Luz was treating her. But suddenly, she felt the leg violently throw her away into the cliff Livana had seen in her dream.

“Well, maybe you should THINK so you can STAY THAT WAY!” Luz harshly grinded Livana into the wall again, and the pain in her body grew exponentially. Rapidly reacting to her pain and anger at Luz, she flared up her horn, but felt a small tap on it, and felt the tap again down at one of her bottom legs.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the pain she felt down at her leg from the tap made every other part of her body feel like it was taking a WARM BATH. She felt her voice crack trying to scream louder than she already did, her body seemed to lock up, and she crumpled to the ground, feeling rocks dully slice any non-cut part of her left. And all the while, her leg felt like it was cut off and placed in Hell.

Luz didn't seem to have any sympathy. “That is your own magic you are feeling. That is what you almost did to me. That is what you DID do to Marcus.” It was hard to think through the pain and anger, but Livana felt horrified. “I want you to survive this, but your actions have consequences. You nearly killed both of us with your outbursts. So you will shut up, calm the hell down, and learn to live with what you got. I will get you out of this, but it is your own fault if you are worse for wear.”

He placed his hoof on Livana's forehead, checking to see if she could hear him through her pain. “I want to be nice, but I am your commanding officer. You do not seem to have common sense, so welcome to the proverbial school of hard knocks.”

Livana didn't have the strength to cry, or fight back, let alone yell at him. So she lay there feeling blood soak her leg, but her body cruelly staying conscious.

She heard some faint sounds far above her, but the pain took precedence, and Luz didn't seem to notice.

Things you don't want to really see in a dark forest: Giant spiders, your sister's dead body, and magic arrows, not exactly in that order. Thankfully, Shahar only saw the last of those while galloping to the site of the explosion. She and Philomena had neared a cliff where Philomena thought she had pinpointed the blast, but an arrow whizzed from nowhere right to the roc. The warrior sprang into action, taking the full brunt with her armor, and changing to phoenix form, setting fire to the surrounding area to light it up.

Shahar tried to use her own magic, but it completely failed once again. She felt rather helpless without a light, and bearing the full load of Redcross was no easy task while a firebird and a series of arrows whizzed past her. Quickly, Philomena dived at a point, changing into her mare form with blades fully deployed. A silhouette emerged, and even though he was in full firelight, he was completely black and unrecognizable. Not even Philomena looked like she recognized him, somewhat throwing her off.

But she charged full force at the assailant, watching as a magic bow appeared and notched an arrow, firing directly at her armor, but it was immediately absorbed. The punch was enough to make Philomena miss the target, though. All the same, the roc smiled, getting ready to slice up and end it, when another shadowy figure jumped from the trees, swiveled about mid-air, and landed with a firm buck to Philomena's head, sending the pony flying into a tree in a crumpled heap.

Shahar was now inches from the two, but felt like... energy was just all around her suddenly. In reflex, she made a huge light blast from her horn, and it worked! The two stumbled back, apparently blinded enough for Shahar to give two quick bucks to them both with enough force to knock them off the cliff.

A final shadow intercepted them in their fall, whisking them away, and Shahar rushed to Philomena's aid. The roc seemed more surprised than hurt, even though blood poured down the side of her face. “I- I couldn't even see the second one. H-how?”

“I think Discord may have a few more tricks than we thought.” Shahar guessed.

“That-” Philomena gasped for air, “wasn't Discord. The two had aura magic. Your magic. They may have had a bubble of magic both they and you tapped into. Discord has no control over that. I- I don't even know.”

Shahar pieced what she was being told together. “So, there's someone else besides Discord here?”

The expression on Philomena's face was legitimate fear. “Oh Solla, no. No, no. I hope not.”

Philomena picked herself up and took her half of Redcross again. They quickly left the area, not stopping to look around what had caused the explosion.

Luz told Livana that after she had stopped bleeding horribly, he hoisted the filly onto his back, and began to wander. He wanted to fly so much, but the trees were impossibly dense. Getting on top of them would be impossible, so he was forced to walk. Just in one direction, not really knowing where it would take them, but twisting around would get them lost even faster.

He thought he heard Livana mutter various things at different points, normally when she had just stirred. She later told him she was passing in and out of consciousness, trying to get anything she could while she had her uninjured astral projection whenever she was out. Sadly, she never found anything because she kept going back and forth. And even if she did, she couldn't have spoken.

But the point was they just walked. Eventually the plants, critters, and odd rocks began to blend together in a slurry of sensory overload. There was no way he would admit it to Livana, but he was very very hurt from the fall and blast. His armor had an magic quality that absorbed Livana's black outrage, but he felt the black-and-green fire lick his face, and the damage it did to the cliff was enough to say how much sheer force went into it.

He wasn't in near as much pain Livana was, though, but he felt a certain amount of happy revenge in doing it. She had done this to Marcus, and now she could feel the pain herself. He didn't like the stallion all that much, but he didn't like anyone hurting his squad, especially not the hot-shot trainee.

And he could only imagine the pain she was really in. In his research he had read about the effects of void magic. The book said only to imagine the worst death you could think of, but is over quickly. And then imagine if you didn't die, and had to suffer that pain on and on and on. Despite himself, Luz would have probably killed himself by then if he was in Livana's horseshoes.

Livana said it was an idea she wasn't really opposed to at the time, but she couldn't even power her horn enough to do that.

It wasn't a fun journey for the either of them.

But soon, they began to enter a darker, thicker portion of the forest Even Luz felt like he couldn't see anything in the pitch darkness of the forest. Staying on course became harder when trees scraped you back and forth, impeding your way at every step. Thorns scratched the unprotected backs of Luz's boots, and he started to wish he had his full armor.

Then, he heard a cry. It was faint, but there was a distinct yelp. Even Livana seemed to twitch as if she heard it. Marking their direction, Luz crept slowly through the thorny vines towards where the noise came from.

Livana twitched again, and Luz heard what she had a mere few seconds after that. It was hushed discussion between two mares, and Luz could swear he knew at least one. “Track!” He called out to his comrade.

For a second there was no reply, before finally: “Luz? Careful where you step!”

“Thorns, I noticed.” Luz gingerly trotting toward the voice. “Who is with you?”

“A palace servant.” She called back

“I have a name.” The other mare chided.

A grunt. “So do I, but you refuse to use it.”

“I use your formal name, Jane. The place of any servant of Everfree.”

Deer Tracks huffed. “Can the pleasantries. it's the end of the world, I think calling me by my actual name isn't going to kill you, Selene.” Luz decided not to interject himself into this. He was happy to know they were both... marginally okay. “Wait, Luz, your steps are heavy. What are you carrying?”

Luz started to hear the voices closer. “An overgrown filly with around twenty pounds of armor that looks like she took a bath in a river of Tartarus. If you ladies are any better for wear, I could use your healing reserves.”

Luz felt a warm limb touch his front, stopping him. Soon, there was a dim light from a healing charm that revealed the four.

Track gasped, and Selene looked squeamish. “Oh, Hestia,” Selene cried. “What happened to you two?”

“You do not want to know.” Luz assured them, feeling the magic heal him. “Use your healing charms on the girl, she is not doing very well.” Enchantment holders went flying out of special places in Jane's armor and Selene's robe, scanning Livana for wounds.

They both pinpointed the void wound. “What did this?” Selene shot, seeing the pained expression on Livana's face and her quiet rasp.

“Herself.” Luz icily stated. “She became enraged when...”

Track saw the scratch across the alicorn's eye, starting to look green in the muzzle herself as she emptied her holders into the void wound. “This... cut looks like it won't heal fully, even with our first aid kits. She'll feel less pain, but she'll be limping. Not good if we want to get out of this forest.”

“E-ver-free.” Livana rasped with her burnt-out voice. “We-'re i- in Ev-er-fr-ee.”

The three looked confused. “Everfree?” Luz asked. “No, we are not in Everfree, dear.”

“E-ve-rfr-ee g-gard-ens.” Livana continued to explain. “Ever-fr-ee For-est. Ca-castle be-hi-nd us.”

“She's delusional.” Selene argued, stopping her magic. “She thinks we are still in Everfree, when this is obviously an ordinary forest.”

Luz placed his own hoof on Selene to silence her, and nuzzled Livana's side, though turning his neck that far was hard. “How do you know, Livana?”

Livana didn't want to have to explain anything with her hoarse throat, but she had brought it on herself. “Dr-eam. Walk ar-ound. Saw... ruins.”

Track was very quiet, watching Selene's impatience grow. “Oh, she's telling us stuff from her DREAMS now?”

“I would be hard-pressed to believe her myself, if not for three things:”

“What would those be, Corporal Luz?”

“She is a Nightkeeper, for one.” Luz seemed a bit irritated himself. “She is taught by griffons, the masters of dreams.”

“So?” Selene shot. “She has awesome dreams. You're expecting me to follow her hunch because of THAT?”

“Third—and listen closely servant,” Luz huffed, “She is blind. I hope you noticed that much. She hasn't strayed off any clearing. I have not described her surroundings. And she has been in too much pain to register any other touches. She has no way of knowing this is a forest.”

Selene looked like she wanted to deny that, but Track stepped in. “Also, Luz, the plants don't go together in any natural habitat. It looks like it's from the northeastern part of Everfree, simply overgrown.”

“Overgrown!” Selene countered. “Everfree is not overgrown, and for it to grow this bad would take hundreds of years.”

“Or chaos magic.” Luz finally clicked. “Metis used his power to overgrow this place.”

“With all due respect, this is idiocy!” Selene barked, calling attention back. “Metis is perfectly trustworthy! Plus, when I was last with Metis, he was with the Supreme Commander, the princess, and the queen. There is no way he could have done anything. We're going off a few plants, accusations against a loyal servant, and a blind and delusional girl instead of accepting that we need to get out.”

“Dis-cord.” Livana rasped. “Metis. Dis-cord. Me, Philo-mena, Sha-har. Dis-cover-ed.”

Selene groaned and returned a magic holder to Livana's throat. “Speak full sentences, girl. If you're going to be delusional, don't waste my time.”

Livana felt her throat moisten. “Uhh. Philomena told me and Shahar that... Metis was Discord. That's why she had the queen over.”

Selene didn't seemed fazed; track looked suspicious, and Luz didn't feel like explaining would get them anywhere. Finally after a bit of silence, Selene turned around, “We need to get out then. We have no chance.”

“NO!” Livana cried, “We need to find Shahar!”

“Honey,” Track sympathized, “if this is Discord, your friend is likely dead. We need to get out and find a plan.”

Luz looked at Selene, and how she gained a smug smirk. Livana cried out again as the two started to walk out. Quickly thinking, Luz stared out after them. “Servant,” the corporal finally called, “Who are you under the command of?”

Selene swiveled about. “I serve only the royal family. I don't respond to your orders, and I think the queen and princess both would want me to not die looking for their desecrated bodies.”

“So you would be under the command of the nearest kin to the deceased princess?”

“Yes.” Selene confirmed, raising an eyebrow. “Why?”

Luz turned to Livana, who realized what the corporal had done for her. She gained a bit of a snarky attitude. “Well, then. You're coming with me to find my sister, alive and well.”

Selene's jaw dropped, and Track seemed to sense that Luz wouldn't leave the filly behind.

Livana didn't know if it was having a painful cut dulled, or being able to get the best of Selene, but she felt great.

Act II: Out of Obscurity

CYCLE
Act II: Out of Obscurity

Rated Teen for occasional language and violence.
Tags: Adventure, Dark
Main Characters: Celestia, Luna, Philomena, OC.

If the cloaked figure running through Canterlot's palace was supposed to be quiet, they weren't being very good at it. Her sobbing and clip-clopping were enough to wake anypony dense enough to not be awake. The door to the princess' chambers were slammed shut, and Celestia lowered her hood, smashing the nearby vanity to pieces in her anger. She yelled in absolute despair, but quieted afterwards.

She had noticed the box sitting right in the ruins of glass. She picked it up to examine, and opened it to reveal the scroll.

She yanked the paper up and split it clean in half, burning one in magic flames, and throwing the other half onto her bed. She picked it up just to throw it again. And again and again and again. About the fourth time she came to her senses and picked it up again, staring at the parchment that she and Luna had written at Luna's insistence. It detailed their time at Everfree.

It reminded the princess of her sister too much.

She had to do something with it.

Act I: With Wings as Eagles

CYCLE
Act I: With Wings as Eagles

Rated Teen for occasional language and violence.
Tags: Adventure
Main Characters: Celestia, Luna, Philomena.

A lone figure slips into the Everfree Forest, just a few feet away from its border. The silhouette is tall and slender, but the forest's thick brush hides even this fact. A yellow light dimly bathes the area as she pulls out a scroll from a small satchel she carries. There is a bit of sobbing before the scroll is violently tossed far from where she stood, and the pony bolts from the scene, trying and failing to hold back torrents of tears.

Inside the forest, there is the battering of quickly-fluttering wings, and yet another figure appears from the trees' shadows. It follows the path the scroll flew until finding it in a small patch of tall grass. A green light appears, but it doesn't illuminate anything. A field of magic appears around the thrown parchment, and sound of a spell being finished resonates.

It will last long enough to be found.