Starlit Skies - The thieves masqueby The_Other_KhorneChaptersMeeting the thiefFriday night/On Rota 1RavenFollowingCouncilMeeting the thief[A 'HUMANISED' STORY] A lone figure sat perched upon the roof of the many noble households of Canterlot, his face pale and drawn as the moon began to reach it's peak, pulled through the skies by the concentrated magicks of Princess Celestia herself. His chin was covered in stubble, his face covered in small scars and cut marks, most prominent among them was a long cut running over his right eye and reaching the start of his stubble. A glass eye sat in the socket. A mullet reaching down the back of his neck before stopping between his shoulder blades, where a simple marking rested. His attire was simple, black work shoes, dirt covered black trousers, a formerly white shirt and a tattered brown duster, with two large tears where ebony feathered wings flared out. Currently, the pegasus, one Starry Skies, was contemplating how to break in. At current he was thinking the unorthodox - the chimney was underrated, the window was cliché. The door was just plain stupid. He resolved for cliché. As he shuffled along to the edge of the roof above the nearest window, he tightened his grip before shoving off, allowing his wings to flare mid-fall and letting him hover near the window sill. Alternatively, he could have jumped onto the balcony at the front of the house, but that would count as a door. The latch was down, locking the widow in place. He resorted for the balcony. (_/'Ponyville market, earlier that day'\_) Of the seven farmhands at Sweet Apple Acres, few worked with the dedication of Quick Work. To him, it was more devotion to his friend and employer Applejack than to the acres themselves. Whereas the majority of his family preferred to prowl the streets of Canterlot, hunting for some poor noble to fraud and give half of the spoils to the commoners, he lived honestly, plying his muscles to pulling an apple cart to and from town. The horses having disappeared inexplicably, leaving anyone near Big Mac's strength (he was capable of pushing a plow across a field with ease) to act as a temporary workhorse. He found it a most unusually enjoyable experience. Laughing heartily as he pulled said cart. Today was no different, with him laughing and grabbing drinks every so often. On one such drinks trip he encountered one of his adopted brothers friends - First Aid. The doctor, like his elder brother, worked honestly, like a doctor should...though occasionally he did partake in the odd Canterlot con, being unable to betray the trust of his patients "Mornin' ice pop." he said jokingly, waving over at the wand holding doctor, who merely growled at the childhood nickname "How're you and Redheart?" "I'm fine, the relationship's stable, please stop calling me ice pop." the younger brother replied hastily, grabbing the glass of lemonade in front of him on the lemonade stand counter "We all know Starry was responsible for me having the popsicle stuck to my head. Thanks Lemon." Lemon Drop merely nodded as she got her bits before looking to Quick "Another round big guy?" "That'd be appreciated Lemon." the farmhand nodded "Awfully warm out, ain't it?" his brother merely nodded "So, where do you think Starry is?" "Pursuing my dream of being the Raven King, perhaps, dear brother?" a calm voice, the veiled icy undertone distinctive of the ragged form stood behind them. First Aid turned around so fast the world was momentarily a blur "Surprised to see me day walking? I'm not on serving rota till Friday, that's dance class. Hilarious." 'Dance class' was the term the thief used to describe the average shift of a Lunar Servant, a job he'd gained by accident, Never regretted it. He got paid well, lived well, and got free access to the castle in case of rota shifts. The thief, for most part, remained amiable as First Aid wandered back to his work place, his lunch hour having finished. Leaving only him and Quick work, who remained suspicious "I thought you'd be on your way to the capital, be there by sun fall, all that." the farmhand said, expression blank, "After all, we know about the Masquerade." "As do I, brother, after all, I hold the tickets." Starlit reached into his duster and pulled out a raven feather "You wouldn't believe how hard it was to grab the thief behind Gold Nuggets missing shoe...I told her he fell off the mountain. The silence was delectable." his brother merely curled his lip in disgust "You really should be going now, brother, enjoy your masque while we prepare for closing time. Thanks Lemon." his adopted brother merely nodded before taking his leave, the raven feather floating to the ground as he took flight. Quick Work merely sighed before heading off with the glasses "I'll never understand you, Star, none of us will." (_/'Canterlot, rooftops'\_) The thief was running once again, the small sack attached to his belt was half full, his usual night time tithe complete. The moon shone down upon him and the pursuing guards, the usual game of cat and mouse having escalated when the bat winged night guards having joined the pleasantries. All he could do was laugh as he approached the edge of the last house on the streets roof, his wings flaring as he leapt over the edge. Wind taking his wings he flew back up, the guards having pursued him to the edge of the roof when he leapt, they took flight as he appeared above them, a grin on his features as he spotted one familiar face "Ah, Shadow Dancer!" he called with a friendly wave, glass eye glowing in the moon light "How pleasant 'tis to see your face in this most glorious of hunts!" the captain was, as per usual, silent behind her visored helm, the moon shaped jewel on her breastplate similarly gleaming in the moonlight as she sought to catch up to him, one of the lesser guards detaching and making his way towards the castle. Starlit merely ignored him as he beat his wings faster, a happy grin on his face as he followed, leading the guards on the 'merry hunt' as he called it was an easy thing to accomplish, as very few of them were fit enough to fly as fast as most thieves, their armour not helping matters, but if the guard was heading towards the castle... ...Oh, the fun would double like the number of guards on his tail. (_/'Ponyville, two and a half weeks earlier'\_) Stood watching the dawn rise were seven men in a line, their faces a mixture of grim, to a single smile. In the middle of the group stood Starlit Skies, around him were his adoptive brothers, whose family originated in Canterlot and who had taken him in when they thought they would never have a child. Stood either side of him were the eldest of the six blood brothers - the twins Discordant Notes and Tapper, a pianist and dancer respectively. Minutes earlier a most peculiar accident had occurred. Starlit Skies had been requested for a job interview by the princess herself. The brothers had shared his perplexed expression when he was told to meet the castle's head servant on Sunday. All he'd done was make the returning lunar deity welcome by saying the night sky'd be look far better with her 'fabled skill' with the stars, then walk around giving out drinks. Five minutes later and he was given a job offer by a god...dess. The incident would probably be the subject of laughter for a while yet. (_/'Sky above Canterlot'\_) He'd been right about the number of guards doubling the fun. Now all he had to do was the usual routine of dumbfound and, ultimately, losing them. With this in mind he descended into the lightly crowded streets of the capital itself, the guards following him as he began to weave through the trees that lined the streets. Still they followed, mimicking his airborne dance with the skill of veteran fliers, each one trained to fly as true as an arrow. As they neared the end of the street his movements became more and more erratic, with him performing a variety of manoeuvres before weaving away through a side street, followed up by him entering a side alley, still they pursued. Pressing him to hurry in his attempt to lose them. As the alleyway came to a dead end he tilted upwards rapidly, beating his wings faster and faster to gain altitude before flying straight upwards. Still the guard followed, and if he had bothered to look behind him he would have noticed that the captain had departed, as had her personal squadron of elite guards. As he reached the apex of his flight the raven could feel the strength in his wings begin to deteriorate as he entered a dive into the most crowded part of the city - the bars, stores , and various common houses. Among them was the Bonbon au citron, a favourite of his hunting chases. His wings flared as he landed, breaking into a run as he did so. The doors opening themselves as he sprinted through them, managing to wave cheerily at a dining couple "Evening Fancy, Fleur!" he called as he ran past, heading towards the kitchen doors, the guards having begun running in like a tide. The dining couple merely continued with their meal after they waved after him. Fancy Pants merely gave a sigh "I suppose he'll be at the pre-Gala masque as well..." he muttered before continuing with his meal. The mare opposite, a tall white mare with a pinkish mane merely remained silent and continued to eat her meal. The kitchen doors banged open as he ran through, bobbing and weaving through the crowd of chefs and various waiters carrying meals. In the distance he could spy an open window, the open sky proving the perfect getaway. He took his chances, nearly burning his hand on a stove as he ducked under a platter being carried towards the door by a waiter, just as the guards poured through the doors he was already at the window. Clapping solemnly, his face straight "Dear me, I can but merely think about what her lunarship must think of her prize guards, losing a humble thief in a kitchen, of all places!" he scolded them, shuffling towards the window frame as they began running "dasvidaniya!" and with that he dived out of the window, leaving the sack behind as he undid the binding, as his wings flared, he chuckled lightly at was in the bag. A bag of nothing bearing any value. (_/'Back in the kitchen of the Bonbon au Citron'\_) Shadow Dancer sighed as she lead the less-than-happy band of night guard. In the bag he'd dropped on the window sill there was a variety of been bags, and various cuddly toys, and attached to one such bean bag was a note reading 'Try harder'. The guards remained stoic in visible appearance, their faces straight as the solar guard. Though she knew they were grumbling beneath their breath at the servant whose job was to make their jobs a living hell. Then again, none of them could complain, the practical exercises served as a fairly decent means to gaining muscle. There was also the fact they were sworn to silence unless spoken to or when inside the barracks. There was always next time. (_/'Ponyville, the following afternoon, library'\_) Starry Skies merely stood there, reading calmly through a cook book, the third that day. Admittedly, it would still be a few months before he would be called up to scurry around with a plate on hand, but he wasn't kitchen staff anyway. While Miss Sparkle was running about town trying to have a moment to think over who to share the Gala ticket with. His brothers didn't particularly care, nor did most of his friends. Most. During his time visiting Ponyville he had made acquaintances with those his brothers worked with or paid rent with. His Twin brothers, Discordant Notes and Tapper, had made a living working in the music trade, though Notes lived under rent at carousel boutique, somehow managing to sleep in an empty cupboard. Tapper...he didn't know where he lived, didn't want to know either. He went back to quietly reading the book. The silence didn't last long before Twilight raced inside. Sensing his quiet time was over he snapped the book shut and placed it back on the shelf. He turned to face the libarian, a smirk plastered across his rough features "Madame Sparkle, this is a public library." he muttered, loud enough for her to hear "Slamming the door shut and dashing around like a loon goes against rules! Now, I must be going, I'm on rota tomorrow." "You don't want the ticket?" she asked, flabbergasted. He took the moment to examine the young scholar, as was usual she was wearing her hair long, the highlighted streak ever prominent against the black hair. She was also wearing a lavender shirt, black trousers, and another lavender item - the jumper. After that he merely shook his head, ignoring the crowd of people banging on the door "Goodness no, Twilight." he said, hands clasped together behind his back as he walked - almost prowled - around the room "Why would I want a ticket? I work for your teacher. Now, farewell." And with that he walked out the door, shutting it promptly so as to not let anyone else through. He smiled as he stretched his wings from their cape like state for the first time in hours. A grin spread across his features as he wondered whether or not to hitch a ride on the train roof, though he decided against it as he patted the small bag of bits, wading through the mob and heading towards the edge of town. Chapter I - Fin Author's Notes Please, don't be too harsh on me. This is the first 'humanised' fiction I've done in a while, and I could do with some pointers from veteran writers. Either way I hope you've enjoyed reading. I also know it's shabby around the edges, but until I can get my confidence for writing back, it's the best I can do. After all, where's the fun in not pushing your boundaries? Till next time. Friday night/On Rota 1(_/'Canterlot castle, Friday, sun fall, three weeks later'\_) The sound of beating wings alerted most of the servants of the wayward son. Though he looked almost unrecognisable from the rugged thief the night before. His hair was trimmed to acceptable serving standards, his glossy white glass eye was replaced with one that looked more like an actual eye rather than an ice block, and his face was clean shaven. The sound of clapping could be heard from the back of the room, soon spreading into a quiet applause. Starlit merely bowed humbly "You're all too kind." he said, face blank for a few moments before breaking into a grin "She got humiliated. Platter! How many times this month?" sat by the door was a pale lad with silvery hair, this was Silver platter, who had a rather fitting name considering his profession, he was also the smartest among Starlit Skies' friends. Silver looked up from the cleaning of his shoes and dusted himself off "I'd say fifth time this month, if you count that one time...." "Don't go on about that! It was the wrong bag!" Starlit interjected, much to the chuckling of the other servants waiting to be laboured with platters of various foodstuffs. He rested a hand on his brow "Besides..it was a Monday....I was drunk...Don't you dare laugh at that!" at this point the doors to the kitchen burst open, revealing a solitary figure clad in the usual white chef garments. This was Fine Dining, who was indeed named after the food term "Grab a plate!" he called "Grab a plate! We're not going to be late now!" the echoing chorus of twenty pairs of fine shoes, standard issue to the castle servantry, hitting the floor in unison as twenty servants rose from their seats and wandered into the kitchen, grabbing a white cloth and draping it over the right fore arm, and a plate of the finest quality. The ornamental plates was only used on special occasions. This wasn't one of those occasions (_/'Ponyville library, sun fall'\_) "Again, you have my thanks miss sparkle." Tapper, the half brother of Starlit Skies, managed to say, his voice weary beyond imaginable levels, and his face showing signs of massive lack of sleep "It's not a problem, Tapper." the librarian said kindly "Now, you said something about a book?" "Book? Oh, The Raven King!" he said quietly, the title of the book almost a whisper "Aye...that's the one. Now, I take it you read the book?" Twilight shrugged "I finished reading it yesterday." she said, he'd told her about the book a week back, when Applejack had been refusing all help in getting apples until she nearly collapsed from exhaustion "Biggest pile of garbage I have read." "And if I told you it was true? The shadow council? The Masquerades held at midnight? The Raven King itself?" "....Then I'd call you insane. As in Pinkie Pie." "Then you'd be a bigger fool than I could ever be." the dancer stated "The Stalliongrad theatre is known to begin fine tunes in the middle of the night, once every full moon. Thirty individuals are avoided every time they meet in The Iron Horse once a week. A single thief is terrorising the land, leaving a single black feather at the scene of each burglary." "The theatre is also well known to show The Phantom of The Opera every full moon. Repetitive, yes, but also incredibly well enjoyed. Those thirty individuals are the Forgemasters Union holding their weekly stock take. That 'one thief' is probably an entire group of thieves." Tapper merely sat back and folded his arms, a tired grin upon his face "Touché, madame Sparkle." he said "Despite the fact that no-one is seen entering or exiting the theatre. The Forgemasters Union leadership is made up of only thirteen individuals, and no-one has silver tipped raven feathers." "The theatre is known to cater only for high class nobles on midnight showings, they arrive through a private top floor entrance. The extra seventeen are the heads of the union's sub-directory, and those feathers are false." "Then how come, madame Sparkle, I am in possession of this?" the dancer held up a single steel coloured kerchief, bearing the hammer and anvil symbol of the union in black. He flipped it, revealing a black mask, set at forty five degrees beside a masque mask "This was the property of Steam Gearheart, the third member of the council of thirteen. Every one of the union leaders has the exact same handkerchief." "A counterfeit." the librarian said dismissively, Tapper put away the kerchief, stashing it into the pocket of his trousers "Stalliongrad is a workers city. It can't stand nobility of any calibre." he said, leaning forwards "The theatre was infamous for chucking nobles out of the door. Nobles cannot bear the sight of the city anyway." "Then why would they accept this Raven King if they cannot stand nobles?" "Because the King is anything but a noble. Every bit from his pilfering go to the city, handing it out to the poor and working class. The same applies to the union." (_/'Canterlot Castle, dinner'\_) By the time the princesses entered the dining room alongside the nights assorted guests of varying noble status, the table, the usual noble table, an incredibly long deal, had already been set with cutlery and the night's dinner. Salad. In the wings, prepared to hurry out and do as ordered, be it refilling glasses or taking and fetching dishes, were the waiters. Each servant was assigned to a noble, with the highest ranking servantry dealing with the princesses. The 'royalty' roster consisting of: Beck, who was the head of the day-shift servants, and last of them at work Call, who was the night-time counterpart to Beck, and also his sister. Two Prench servants who were assigned to Blueblood and the visiting Cadance, who was soon returning northwards to finish a course on foreign babysitting techniques. Silver Platter and Starlit were assigned to two ambassadors, one was the ambassador to the further northern reaches where the people were more...uncivilised, named Stellan. The other, Pelagia, was from Gryphonia, affectionately referred to by nobles as their 'barbarian' neighbours, where the culture was stricter. This, of course, meant they were more violent and had to be tempted off of the path of violence as much as possible. Platter had gotten Stellan, who, contrary to popular belief, was more favourable and level headed to the servants than the majority of Canterlots noble population. Starlit had, with a good amount of displeasure, been left to serve Pelagia, who was the more Spartan in terms of mannerisms. She seemed to not enjoy his displeasure either, and possibly shared the feeling. When his eyes darted about the room, he saw that the gloom was entirely mutual across the room., and quietly turned to Call, whom he was stood alongside in the shadow of the torchlit walls (any other forms of lighting having been removed for renovation in the event of the upcoming Gala) "Have you noticed the gloom, miss?" he asked quietly, barely audible enough for her to hear him, even then all he got was a look that would probably melt the ice caps "Obviously," she replied, returning to wait patiently for the night goddess "Now, return to your post." "Of course." a few seconds later saw him emerging from the shadow of the wall and heading towards his assigned ambassador "How may I be of assistance?" "Water." was all she said "I hold no desire for the prissy drinks of nobles." he quickly bowed out, skirting along the edge of the table, followed by several other attending servants before disappearing through the (relatively) small side doorway to the kitchen and headed to one of several taps, filled it with water, and sighed as he returned to the dining hall. It was going to be one of those boring nights. (_/'Ponyville, Long Shanks House, the previous morning'\_) "And you're certain this'll work?" Long Shanks inquired, holding a blueprint against a wall with his free hand as he passed a paint pot up to his employer "After all, remember last time we tried to get away from the baker girl?" "Aye, I remember that, she found us, all twitchy..." Hammer Smith (It was indeed the names of Ponyville's resident handymen) muttered, before shuddering violently "Why'd ya' have to bring that up? I'd put that behind me!" they never cared to take notice of the gentle wingbeats behind them, nor the extra three sets landing about them "Gentlemen." the first of the four Pegasi greeted, his voice hard, and yet gentle. Hammer Smith looked up briefly, twisting his head in order to look about him "Oh by the creator...." he murmured, looking up into the face of the man stood above him, the two sharing for the briefest of moments before sliding back down to the ground, the three pegasi following him "Wha...what does the Raven King require?" he found himself nursing the right side of his face "Silence, you fool." Acksel (his own, preferred way of spelling acceleration, which he referred to himself as) stated bluntly, retracting his outstretched arm to his side. Of the four pegasi surrounding them, it would have to be the group (or 'Talon', according to any Gryphonians within the elaborate masquerade) leader, a silent figure whose only defining features were the silvery eyes behind long black hair "None say his name aloud!" "Then perhaps you should keep your insolent mouth closed." A fifth set of wingbeats announced the presence of Starlit, who walked between them and stared the group leader in the eyes, having to lower his point of view a tad on account of his being a head taller "Is there a reason you are harassing a citizen?" "Who are you to tell me to keep my mouth shut?!" Acksel demanded, only to be sent backwards by a combined glare from Starlit and the leader "Well?" "He had not paid a tithe to our men..." a back hand sent him to the dirt "Stand up...and repeat that." Starlit said "Of course,.. He had not paid a tithe-" Whack, the man was on the floor once again, his nose bleeding profusely from the blows "Why was he paying a tithe? They do not pay us. Who gave you the orders for tithes?" "The Princeps in charge of this area." Starlit blinked in a moment of clearness. It was a title bestowed among only the best thieves, short for Princeps Fur, prince among thieves. The leader merely stared at him "We were only carrying out orders, Magistratus." Magistratus was the rank bestowed upon thieves who answered only to the Raven King, who himself was Princeps of Canterlot. In turn, the Magistratus resided mostly in the capital. Seceral were in various positions of servantry in the castle, Beck and Call both among them "Who is the Princeps of this area?" "Gearheart, magister." "Cease the tithe gathering....idiots, in broad daylight." he turned to Acksel "And for you, you can consider this a dismissal, until the king revokes it." "Y-you can't do this to me!" "I can, and just did, on account of your blatant incompetence." he turned to the two painters "Continue with your work, you witnessed nothing." "O-of course! Sir..." "In daylight it remains my given name, Hammer." [Author's Notes] This was mostly just a filler chapter to allow people to see a bit deeper into this version of an alternate universe. Before people ask, I employ Latin and musicals and the like (Particularly Phantom of The Opera) into a lot of my writings. I decided to make the organisation Starlit would have mentioned in his introduction (In the kitchen of the restaurant, the line was taken out for some reason.) and expand upon the idea. The result was a 'mirror Equestria', and the process of writing it was rather fun. Characters you can expect next chapter Steam Gearheart, Starlit Skies, Beck, call, and Discordant Notes. Yes, the one Starlit believed to be sleeping in an empty cupboard. I'd found myself in need of a chuckle and just created a character on the spot, stuck him with Tapper, who had a longer creative thought time, and left him in. I now feel bad and spent a week contemplating how to improve the character. Raven([Canterlot Castle, Night Courtroom]) The sight of little over two hundred nobles bickering over who would get to speak with her lunarship annoyed Call to no end. All she needed to do was find one noble in particular, and she'd be scot free of having to watch over Star. Milling through the first few groups proved to be more of a hassle than anything else, with most of them throughing miniature tantrums at her telling them she served only Luna, while others merely tutted and heckled some other poor sap. Of the lot of them only two had actually accepted she only took the orders of the lunar princess, and left her to carry out her job. As she scoote around the last of the nobles cluttering the area around the dais she found the Raven King... Leaning against the side of the throne, talking quite casually with her highness. Apparently the look on her face was easily seen, as the master thief caught sight of it with a slight grin visible beneath his hooded brow. As he calmly skulked away into the shadows, emerging without a word beside her, and pointed to a corner of the room hidden in the shadow of the dais and away from the light of the chandlier high above. With a nod she complied and hurried over, to find him leaning against the pillar supporting that particular part of the cieling "Well?" he asked, his voice gentle and quiet, yet somehow intimidating "What brings one of my finest back to me?" the Procuratio - a higher standing among the Magisters, acting as the Raven king's mouth compared to the eyes of the Magistratus and the ears of the common thief - remained still for a moment before taking a deep breath and relaying what she had heard "A Magistrater has uncovered evidence of corruption amongst the princeps, sir." she informed him, to say he was surprised was an overstatement, instead, he remained calm, a slight raise of the eyebrows at most, though it was impossible to tell due to the hooded cape worn over his dress clothes. Uncrossing his arms he removed himself from the pillar and proceeded to pace "Which of my magisters? Which of my council? Which form of corruption?" "The magister was Starlit Skies, sir. The princeps was Steam Gearheart, and it was the most frequent form of corruption amongst us." at this she thought she heard a chuckle, though her lord's face was still "Starlit? Ah yes, my newest rendition. High hopes for him... Gearheart? A loose cannon at best, willing to sell the entire masquerade out to the highest bidder. Greed? Its within a thieve's nature to be gripped by it." he responded, continuing to pace before stopping and started to murmur "Yes... Can't have the masque endangered.... He's an old friend.... he's willing to sell us all out.... Gearheart's been around far longer than any other..." "Is something the matter, lord?" Call inquired, attempting to decipher his quiet ramblings. The Raven King's head darted up, the hood flying upwards slightly to reveal two silvery glints and skin with a sooty pigment "I'll take the report into consideration, Call." he said, before beginning to move back towards the shadowy joint where the dais met the throne room "Now, I must finish my conversation. You'll have a response by tomorrow evening, and you had best hope the young Magistratus' evidence is correct." and as he steped into the shadow he faded away. Looking back to the throne, which was illuminated by some form of moonlight, she found him in a resumed conversation. Shaking her head slightly she departed from the room. ([Ambassador Pelagia's lodgings]) Starlit was situated in a chair, half asleep, in the ambassador's lodging, nigh oblivious to the world as he rested. The next second he found himself upside down, hanging from a coat hook, looking into the eyes of a very annoyed Griffonian "Anything...I can help with?" he inquired with a small dosage of sarcasm, the ambassador merely growled before taking his seat "No. No... No..." Pelagia murmured, tears starting to well "They... They can't be.... Can't be de-dead.... Not, not mama..." at this, the serbant felt a pang of sorrow. The servants dreaded working under Pelgia, and yet here he was feeling orry for her loss. He resolved to finding the drinks cabinet. Even if she was a bit of a tyrant with the servants, even she deserved a drink for loss. ([Stalliongrad Theatre]) "Ladies, and gentlemen of the council, it is with regret that I must inform you..." the aged man stated as he entered the Stalliongrad theatre, many heads turning to face him "...that you're services are no longer required within the council. From here on out, a new day shall dawn for us, where thieves can be what they were born to be, and not some shadow organisation for their majesties. Kill them." as he had been talking, to the bewilderment of the council, several men had gathered behind the renegade element, and as he gave the command, leapt amidst the startled councillors. Steam Gearheart's face remained stoic as he watched his brethren die, knowing their exploits would go unremembered by all Equestrians save a scarse few. Within minutes the last of them was dead, and he walked out of the theatre with a heavy heart. Not that the men needed to know that, nor did anyone else. Unbeknownst to him, a small, grey rune glittered into existence upon his forearm, flecked with yellow and red. Author's Note A/N: I know I promised you more characters, but I've had a large deal on my shoulders, after all, I have had some rather...dour business to attend to recently. Having been unable to think clearly I have had next to no choice in the matter but to peform some rather unusual writing manouvers. You'll note that the chapter focuses rather heavilly on Call, rather than Starlit. This is because I've had a case of writer's block with him, yet I needed him in the fiction, otherwise I'd have put the main character on a bus. Nobody wants to be put on the bus, do they? Guest starring Princess Luna, as herself. And no, the Raven King is not an alicorn. I'm none too fond of oc Alicorns, too much god mode sue. He's just good with shadows. FollowingWithin the heart of the royal archives the Raven King paced about the small, somewhat circular room that served as his quarters. Rather than actual walls and a cieling there were just the bookcases, arranged in such a fashion that instead of a crossroads there was just the circular area where he had laid claim. His hands were clasped behind his back, his head bowed and his wings furled painfully into a cape. His mind raced at the betrayal, the news having only just reached him and the messenger that had brought said news dispatched to bring him the magistratus Starlit Skies. The sound of boot heels echoing throughout the mostly deserted halls caused him to startle and slip into the shadows that dominated the surrounging area, the overhanging lamtern that provided the only source of light there burning purple rather than its normal warm orange. Scarce moment later he reemerged, wings unfurled and clinging to the bookcase nearest the origin of the sound, watching as his guest entered. "Starlit Skies?" the messenger, a pegasus named Chasseur, asked, landing just outside of a gaggle of disgruntled nobles leaving the night courtroom. The aforementioned servant looked at her inquisitively, an eyebrow raised as he waited for her to elaborate. She moved closer, away from the nobles, who looked at her scornfully before sloping away in their usual haughty manner "The Raven sent me to fetch you." at this Starlit's eyes opened in dull surprise "What does he expect of me?" he inquired in turn, extricating himself from the wall and clasping his hands behind his back "Its about the incident in Ponyville, isn't it?" at the messenger's nod he sighed "Thought so. I take it he'll be joined by his usual council?" the messenger shrugged "I don't know ser, I'm just a messenger." she answered, turning away from her fellow servant and spreading her wings "All I know is that he wants to speak with you, now." at this Starlit grunted quietly before spreading his own wings and taking flight, joining a small band of pegasi drifting through the upper echelons of the hallways. The Raven King watched quietly from the shelf he was gripped onto as the large group who had just entered passed underneath him, one of them having conjured a flame in his hands, and was now leading the way towards his den. They were thirty in number, each one wearing a steel coloured kerchief barely visible in the darkness. The Raven King gave himself a slight smile as two more figures entered before slipping away into the shadows. Moments later he was situated back in his quarters, a dorrway having opened in the floor, he himself having gone down it to await them in the caverns below the magnificent citadel. Each of his footsteps echoed as he headed deeper and deeper, towards the heart of the mountain, before turning away from what those under the Thief's Masque called the 'Crystal Caverns', instead leaving a lit torch outside of a large grate - a side pipe from the sewers. Soon enough the group followed, and found themselves heading down a singular corridor down the thankfull dry pipe, before ending up outside of a finely carved door to the right of the tunnel, a simple sign reading our in prench 'Hermit's home'. They entered. Starlit had never been so confused, not since the time he had managed to inhale a gas from a plant with halucogenic properties without actually realising he was breathing it in. It was a quaint little bar, in the middle of a dried up sewer pipe, in the center of a mountain. His mind was all but shattered at how that worked, and yet he found it too...out of place. And then the illusion shattered, and he found himself and the princeps he was accompanying, on the threshold of asimple square room, with nothing to it save thirty one chairs situated above shallow pit. It was what he saw occupying two of the chairs that spooked him. Sat opposite each other were his master, the Raven King, and his employer. The legendary thief folded his wings, the silver tips of his feathers glinting briefl in the light, and he turned his head to face the newly arrived group "Magister, Princeps." Author's Note The appearance of Princess Luna is a continuation of the previous chapter's establishment of some form of connection between her and the Raven King. Again, this will be further expanded upon next chapter, along with the princeps names, appearances, and overall role in this...unusual hierarchy. Once again, Starlit is left alone for the most part, but this is because he'll be speaking a good deal next chapter. Also introducing the messenger, chasseur, as a favour for a friend. Council"Surprised, Magistratus Skies?" the Raven King inquired, his voice courteous, yet melancholic as the princepes bowed politely, only to be waved into their seats when they went to bow to him "There is no need to bow before me, Princepes, merely heading to your seats will suffice." with a collective nod they quickly dispersed and took their places, whilst Starlit felt himself being tugged towards the shallow pit. He noticed a faint purple glow behind one of the Princeps' seats. Evidently at least one of Luna's night guardsmen had accompanied her, as was usual. He opted to walk into the pit, and one Princeps spoke out "Lord, may I inquire as to why her highness is gracing us with her presence?" he asked, his voice almost timid in comparison to the gentle chuckle that was the reply. Scarce seconds later the legendary thief had a straight face and had returned to his courteous tone "I would explain the whole story, but it would take too many lifetimes to explain." he answered, leaning back and placing his hands in a steeple position above his chest "We'll leave it as 'she created the masquerade'." at this the young Magistrate's eyes opened, and the Raven continued on "But enough of that, now Magistratus, please explain how you knew of this... corruption." Starlit gulped, his eyes darting about the room before he faced the wall opposite him, not noticing the scribe stood in plain view between the two chairs in front of him "Well sir, I was enjoying the last of my off days before I returned t my normal job as a servant here in the castle.... Needless to say I was taking the time to have a contemplation walk, when I stumbled across the Bark twins and Charger, harassing two of my friends while they were replacing the old slates on.... Cherry Blossoms' house. I went over to investigate, seeing as they were violating the Masquerade right there in broad daylight "Thankfully the Park was empty, and when I went up to them they backed away, I asked which one was their leader, and they pointed out that Prenchman on dish washing duties - Chapardeur, I think. I asked why he was violating the Masquerade, and he told me he wasn't - he was following Princeps' Gearheart's orders, and I - couldn't control myself, sir." the Raven King began to lean forwards, and Starlit could barely make out the whites of his eyes "You lashed out, Magistratus?" Starlit gulped again. There was more than an icy touch to the question, and he tried his best to not to show he was intimidated "Yes, sir." he admitted, bowing his head in shame "I couldn't help it, sir. However, he did tell me that he was only following orders. I'm sorry sir, but that's all I can tell you." The master thief leant backwards again "That is all that transpired, Magistratus?" "Yes, sir." at this the sound of chuckling could be heard, and as Starlit look up, he found that the Raven King was laughing about something, before suddenly returning to a more serious state of mind. He went to open his mouth to say something when he was interrupted "In many ways, Magistratus, you and I are very much alike... Now go, wait outside until we have thought about what to do with you." it was a plain and simple order, with next to no emotion in his words, Starlit nodded and hastily clambered out of the hole before departing. Time passed quickly, and yet seemed to stand still, for Starlit. Dozens of thoughts went through his mind, had he done something wrong? He knew violence was worth a fine and some time behind bars when carried out, but had he done anything else wrong, other than what he, as a thief, was supposed to do? The door opened again, and he saw a member of princess Luna's Night Guard. Nodding he went back inside and returned into the shallow pit, at which point he noticed that the Princepes had disappeared from their seats. Her highness as well, and as he noticed this he also noticed that the Raven King was stood right in front of him "Magistratus, it appears that I owe you my thanks." he informed him, stepping into the shadows in one corner of the pit and emerging sat in his chair, one leg resting on the other "Had it not been for you walking across the harassment of my eyes then this corruption would have gone unchecked and spread." he tapped one arm of his 'throne' - in truth just plush armchair - revealing a shaft of light that shone down into the pit. He gave a silent nod and Starlit took to the air, slowly ascending from the darkness and into the light. The Raven himself merely sat there, waiting quietly before the light disappeared as Starlit managed to get out of the passage. He chuckled quietly to himself, to say a thief needed a plan to survive their career without being caught was an understatement. He had taken his career to the extreme, and that was the way he intended it to stay. He rose to his feet and tapped the arm again, the shaft of moonlight greeting him s an old friend as he took flight, wings propelling him towards the surface. He had other matters to attend to, and thanks to give out before the dawn broke, in particular a unicorn and some friends amongst the guards. "My people," Steam Gearheart called from the great stage within the Stalliongrad theatre, the crowd of various people of varying dispositions, from the cutpurses to the courtesans who resided in the bawdyhouses in the shadier districts "For too long we have been forced to reside under this so called 'Masquerade', but no longer. I will not have us under the watch of zealots, where our skills are labelled a danger to society, its time for us to be free of bondage to this tyrannical rule of a false goddess. Our time is now! Our liberty is nigh!" the crowd had taken an audible breath at the words 'false goddess', but they quickly began to cheer. Most of them cheered at the idea that wouldn't be charged with jail time or heavy fees to ply their trade, whereas Gearheart's men cheered simply out of loyalty. None were aware of the two men stood on the balcony opposite the stage, clad in the same uniform of Gearheart's men until they had stepped into the shadows, the subdued red and blue flickers of their magic fizzling away in moments as they departed. Author's Note I know the chapter's seem to get shorter, but at least the plot's going somewhere. The subplot with how a pegasi manages to manipulate shadow's has been pushed back. I will, however, explain it alongside the relationship between the masquerade and Luna. Also, the Gearheart plot makes a triumphant return.
Meeting the thief[A 'HUMANISED' STORY] A lone figure sat perched upon the roof of the many noble households of Canterlot, his face pale and drawn as the moon began to reach it's peak, pulled through the skies by the concentrated magicks of Princess Celestia herself. His chin was covered in stubble, his face covered in small scars and cut marks, most prominent among them was a long cut running over his right eye and reaching the start of his stubble. A glass eye sat in the socket. A mullet reaching down the back of his neck before stopping between his shoulder blades, where a simple marking rested. His attire was simple, black work shoes, dirt covered black trousers, a formerly white shirt and a tattered brown duster, with two large tears where ebony feathered wings flared out. Currently, the pegasus, one Starry Skies, was contemplating how to break in. At current he was thinking the unorthodox - the chimney was underrated, the window was cliché. The door was just plain stupid. He resolved for cliché. As he shuffled along to the edge of the roof above the nearest window, he tightened his grip before shoving off, allowing his wings to flare mid-fall and letting him hover near the window sill. Alternatively, he could have jumped onto the balcony at the front of the house, but that would count as a door. The latch was down, locking the widow in place. He resorted for the balcony. (_/'Ponyville market, earlier that day'\_) Of the seven farmhands at Sweet Apple Acres, few worked with the dedication of Quick Work. To him, it was more devotion to his friend and employer Applejack than to the acres themselves. Whereas the majority of his family preferred to prowl the streets of Canterlot, hunting for some poor noble to fraud and give half of the spoils to the commoners, he lived honestly, plying his muscles to pulling an apple cart to and from town. The horses having disappeared inexplicably, leaving anyone near Big Mac's strength (he was capable of pushing a plow across a field with ease) to act as a temporary workhorse. He found it a most unusually enjoyable experience. Laughing heartily as he pulled said cart. Today was no different, with him laughing and grabbing drinks every so often. On one such drinks trip he encountered one of his adopted brothers friends - First Aid. The doctor, like his elder brother, worked honestly, like a doctor should...though occasionally he did partake in the odd Canterlot con, being unable to betray the trust of his patients "Mornin' ice pop." he said jokingly, waving over at the wand holding doctor, who merely growled at the childhood nickname "How're you and Redheart?" "I'm fine, the relationship's stable, please stop calling me ice pop." the younger brother replied hastily, grabbing the glass of lemonade in front of him on the lemonade stand counter "We all know Starry was responsible for me having the popsicle stuck to my head. Thanks Lemon." Lemon Drop merely nodded as she got her bits before looking to Quick "Another round big guy?" "That'd be appreciated Lemon." the farmhand nodded "Awfully warm out, ain't it?" his brother merely nodded "So, where do you think Starry is?" "Pursuing my dream of being the Raven King, perhaps, dear brother?" a calm voice, the veiled icy undertone distinctive of the ragged form stood behind them. First Aid turned around so fast the world was momentarily a blur "Surprised to see me day walking? I'm not on serving rota till Friday, that's dance class. Hilarious." 'Dance class' was the term the thief used to describe the average shift of a Lunar Servant, a job he'd gained by accident, Never regretted it. He got paid well, lived well, and got free access to the castle in case of rota shifts. The thief, for most part, remained amiable as First Aid wandered back to his work place, his lunch hour having finished. Leaving only him and Quick work, who remained suspicious "I thought you'd be on your way to the capital, be there by sun fall, all that." the farmhand said, expression blank, "After all, we know about the Masquerade." "As do I, brother, after all, I hold the tickets." Starlit reached into his duster and pulled out a raven feather "You wouldn't believe how hard it was to grab the thief behind Gold Nuggets missing shoe...I told her he fell off the mountain. The silence was delectable." his brother merely curled his lip in disgust "You really should be going now, brother, enjoy your masque while we prepare for closing time. Thanks Lemon." his adopted brother merely nodded before taking his leave, the raven feather floating to the ground as he took flight. Quick Work merely sighed before heading off with the glasses "I'll never understand you, Star, none of us will." (_/'Canterlot, rooftops'\_) The thief was running once again, the small sack attached to his belt was half full, his usual night time tithe complete. The moon shone down upon him and the pursuing guards, the usual game of cat and mouse having escalated when the bat winged night guards having joined the pleasantries. All he could do was laugh as he approached the edge of the last house on the streets roof, his wings flaring as he leapt over the edge. Wind taking his wings he flew back up, the guards having pursued him to the edge of the roof when he leapt, they took flight as he appeared above them, a grin on his features as he spotted one familiar face "Ah, Shadow Dancer!" he called with a friendly wave, glass eye glowing in the moon light "How pleasant 'tis to see your face in this most glorious of hunts!" the captain was, as per usual, silent behind her visored helm, the moon shaped jewel on her breastplate similarly gleaming in the moonlight as she sought to catch up to him, one of the lesser guards detaching and making his way towards the castle. Starlit merely ignored him as he beat his wings faster, a happy grin on his face as he followed, leading the guards on the 'merry hunt' as he called it was an easy thing to accomplish, as very few of them were fit enough to fly as fast as most thieves, their armour not helping matters, but if the guard was heading towards the castle... ...Oh, the fun would double like the number of guards on his tail. (_/'Ponyville, two and a half weeks earlier'\_) Stood watching the dawn rise were seven men in a line, their faces a mixture of grim, to a single smile. In the middle of the group stood Starlit Skies, around him were his adoptive brothers, whose family originated in Canterlot and who had taken him in when they thought they would never have a child. Stood either side of him were the eldest of the six blood brothers - the twins Discordant Notes and Tapper, a pianist and dancer respectively. Minutes earlier a most peculiar accident had occurred. Starlit Skies had been requested for a job interview by the princess herself. The brothers had shared his perplexed expression when he was told to meet the castle's head servant on Sunday. All he'd done was make the returning lunar deity welcome by saying the night sky'd be look far better with her 'fabled skill' with the stars, then walk around giving out drinks. Five minutes later and he was given a job offer by a god...dess. The incident would probably be the subject of laughter for a while yet. (_/'Sky above Canterlot'\_) He'd been right about the number of guards doubling the fun. Now all he had to do was the usual routine of dumbfound and, ultimately, losing them. With this in mind he descended into the lightly crowded streets of the capital itself, the guards following him as he began to weave through the trees that lined the streets. Still they followed, mimicking his airborne dance with the skill of veteran fliers, each one trained to fly as true as an arrow. As they neared the end of the street his movements became more and more erratic, with him performing a variety of manoeuvres before weaving away through a side street, followed up by him entering a side alley, still they pursued. Pressing him to hurry in his attempt to lose them. As the alleyway came to a dead end he tilted upwards rapidly, beating his wings faster and faster to gain altitude before flying straight upwards. Still the guard followed, and if he had bothered to look behind him he would have noticed that the captain had departed, as had her personal squadron of elite guards. As he reached the apex of his flight the raven could feel the strength in his wings begin to deteriorate as he entered a dive into the most crowded part of the city - the bars, stores , and various common houses. Among them was the Bonbon au citron, a favourite of his hunting chases. His wings flared as he landed, breaking into a run as he did so. The doors opening themselves as he sprinted through them, managing to wave cheerily at a dining couple "Evening Fancy, Fleur!" he called as he ran past, heading towards the kitchen doors, the guards having begun running in like a tide. The dining couple merely continued with their meal after they waved after him. Fancy Pants merely gave a sigh "I suppose he'll be at the pre-Gala masque as well..." he muttered before continuing with his meal. The mare opposite, a tall white mare with a pinkish mane merely remained silent and continued to eat her meal. The kitchen doors banged open as he ran through, bobbing and weaving through the crowd of chefs and various waiters carrying meals. In the distance he could spy an open window, the open sky proving the perfect getaway. He took his chances, nearly burning his hand on a stove as he ducked under a platter being carried towards the door by a waiter, just as the guards poured through the doors he was already at the window. Clapping solemnly, his face straight "Dear me, I can but merely think about what her lunarship must think of her prize guards, losing a humble thief in a kitchen, of all places!" he scolded them, shuffling towards the window frame as they began running "dasvidaniya!" and with that he dived out of the window, leaving the sack behind as he undid the binding, as his wings flared, he chuckled lightly at was in the bag. A bag of nothing bearing any value. (_/'Back in the kitchen of the Bonbon au Citron'\_) Shadow Dancer sighed as she lead the less-than-happy band of night guard. In the bag he'd dropped on the window sill there was a variety of been bags, and various cuddly toys, and attached to one such bean bag was a note reading 'Try harder'. The guards remained stoic in visible appearance, their faces straight as the solar guard. Though she knew they were grumbling beneath their breath at the servant whose job was to make their jobs a living hell. Then again, none of them could complain, the practical exercises served as a fairly decent means to gaining muscle. There was also the fact they were sworn to silence unless spoken to or when inside the barracks. There was always next time. (_/'Ponyville, the following afternoon, library'\_) Starry Skies merely stood there, reading calmly through a cook book, the third that day. Admittedly, it would still be a few months before he would be called up to scurry around with a plate on hand, but he wasn't kitchen staff anyway. While Miss Sparkle was running about town trying to have a moment to think over who to share the Gala ticket with. His brothers didn't particularly care, nor did most of his friends. Most. During his time visiting Ponyville he had made acquaintances with those his brothers worked with or paid rent with. His Twin brothers, Discordant Notes and Tapper, had made a living working in the music trade, though Notes lived under rent at carousel boutique, somehow managing to sleep in an empty cupboard. Tapper...he didn't know where he lived, didn't want to know either. He went back to quietly reading the book. The silence didn't last long before Twilight raced inside. Sensing his quiet time was over he snapped the book shut and placed it back on the shelf. He turned to face the libarian, a smirk plastered across his rough features "Madame Sparkle, this is a public library." he muttered, loud enough for her to hear "Slamming the door shut and dashing around like a loon goes against rules! Now, I must be going, I'm on rota tomorrow." "You don't want the ticket?" she asked, flabbergasted. He took the moment to examine the young scholar, as was usual she was wearing her hair long, the highlighted streak ever prominent against the black hair. She was also wearing a lavender shirt, black trousers, and another lavender item - the jumper. After that he merely shook his head, ignoring the crowd of people banging on the door "Goodness no, Twilight." he said, hands clasped together behind his back as he walked - almost prowled - around the room "Why would I want a ticket? I work for your teacher. Now, farewell." And with that he walked out the door, shutting it promptly so as to not let anyone else through. He smiled as he stretched his wings from their cape like state for the first time in hours. A grin spread across his features as he wondered whether or not to hitch a ride on the train roof, though he decided against it as he patted the small bag of bits, wading through the mob and heading towards the edge of town. Chapter I - Fin Author's Notes Please, don't be too harsh on me. This is the first 'humanised' fiction I've done in a while, and I could do with some pointers from veteran writers. Either way I hope you've enjoyed reading. I also know it's shabby around the edges, but until I can get my confidence for writing back, it's the best I can do. After all, where's the fun in not pushing your boundaries? Till next time.
Friday night/On Rota 1(_/'Canterlot castle, Friday, sun fall, three weeks later'\_) The sound of beating wings alerted most of the servants of the wayward son. Though he looked almost unrecognisable from the rugged thief the night before. His hair was trimmed to acceptable serving standards, his glossy white glass eye was replaced with one that looked more like an actual eye rather than an ice block, and his face was clean shaven. The sound of clapping could be heard from the back of the room, soon spreading into a quiet applause. Starlit merely bowed humbly "You're all too kind." he said, face blank for a few moments before breaking into a grin "She got humiliated. Platter! How many times this month?" sat by the door was a pale lad with silvery hair, this was Silver platter, who had a rather fitting name considering his profession, he was also the smartest among Starlit Skies' friends. Silver looked up from the cleaning of his shoes and dusted himself off "I'd say fifth time this month, if you count that one time...." "Don't go on about that! It was the wrong bag!" Starlit interjected, much to the chuckling of the other servants waiting to be laboured with platters of various foodstuffs. He rested a hand on his brow "Besides..it was a Monday....I was drunk...Don't you dare laugh at that!" at this point the doors to the kitchen burst open, revealing a solitary figure clad in the usual white chef garments. This was Fine Dining, who was indeed named after the food term "Grab a plate!" he called "Grab a plate! We're not going to be late now!" the echoing chorus of twenty pairs of fine shoes, standard issue to the castle servantry, hitting the floor in unison as twenty servants rose from their seats and wandered into the kitchen, grabbing a white cloth and draping it over the right fore arm, and a plate of the finest quality. The ornamental plates was only used on special occasions. This wasn't one of those occasions (_/'Ponyville library, sun fall'\_) "Again, you have my thanks miss sparkle." Tapper, the half brother of Starlit Skies, managed to say, his voice weary beyond imaginable levels, and his face showing signs of massive lack of sleep "It's not a problem, Tapper." the librarian said kindly "Now, you said something about a book?" "Book? Oh, The Raven King!" he said quietly, the title of the book almost a whisper "Aye...that's the one. Now, I take it you read the book?" Twilight shrugged "I finished reading it yesterday." she said, he'd told her about the book a week back, when Applejack had been refusing all help in getting apples until she nearly collapsed from exhaustion "Biggest pile of garbage I have read." "And if I told you it was true? The shadow council? The Masquerades held at midnight? The Raven King itself?" "....Then I'd call you insane. As in Pinkie Pie." "Then you'd be a bigger fool than I could ever be." the dancer stated "The Stalliongrad theatre is known to begin fine tunes in the middle of the night, once every full moon. Thirty individuals are avoided every time they meet in The Iron Horse once a week. A single thief is terrorising the land, leaving a single black feather at the scene of each burglary." "The theatre is also well known to show The Phantom of The Opera every full moon. Repetitive, yes, but also incredibly well enjoyed. Those thirty individuals are the Forgemasters Union holding their weekly stock take. That 'one thief' is probably an entire group of thieves." Tapper merely sat back and folded his arms, a tired grin upon his face "Touché, madame Sparkle." he said "Despite the fact that no-one is seen entering or exiting the theatre. The Forgemasters Union leadership is made up of only thirteen individuals, and no-one has silver tipped raven feathers." "The theatre is known to cater only for high class nobles on midnight showings, they arrive through a private top floor entrance. The extra seventeen are the heads of the union's sub-directory, and those feathers are false." "Then how come, madame Sparkle, I am in possession of this?" the dancer held up a single steel coloured kerchief, bearing the hammer and anvil symbol of the union in black. He flipped it, revealing a black mask, set at forty five degrees beside a masque mask "This was the property of Steam Gearheart, the third member of the council of thirteen. Every one of the union leaders has the exact same handkerchief." "A counterfeit." the librarian said dismissively, Tapper put away the kerchief, stashing it into the pocket of his trousers "Stalliongrad is a workers city. It can't stand nobility of any calibre." he said, leaning forwards "The theatre was infamous for chucking nobles out of the door. Nobles cannot bear the sight of the city anyway." "Then why would they accept this Raven King if they cannot stand nobles?" "Because the King is anything but a noble. Every bit from his pilfering go to the city, handing it out to the poor and working class. The same applies to the union." (_/'Canterlot Castle, dinner'\_) By the time the princesses entered the dining room alongside the nights assorted guests of varying noble status, the table, the usual noble table, an incredibly long deal, had already been set with cutlery and the night's dinner. Salad. In the wings, prepared to hurry out and do as ordered, be it refilling glasses or taking and fetching dishes, were the waiters. Each servant was assigned to a noble, with the highest ranking servantry dealing with the princesses. The 'royalty' roster consisting of: Beck, who was the head of the day-shift servants, and last of them at work Call, who was the night-time counterpart to Beck, and also his sister. Two Prench servants who were assigned to Blueblood and the visiting Cadance, who was soon returning northwards to finish a course on foreign babysitting techniques. Silver Platter and Starlit were assigned to two ambassadors, one was the ambassador to the further northern reaches where the people were more...uncivilised, named Stellan. The other, Pelagia, was from Gryphonia, affectionately referred to by nobles as their 'barbarian' neighbours, where the culture was stricter. This, of course, meant they were more violent and had to be tempted off of the path of violence as much as possible. Platter had gotten Stellan, who, contrary to popular belief, was more favourable and level headed to the servants than the majority of Canterlots noble population. Starlit had, with a good amount of displeasure, been left to serve Pelagia, who was the more Spartan in terms of mannerisms. She seemed to not enjoy his displeasure either, and possibly shared the feeling. When his eyes darted about the room, he saw that the gloom was entirely mutual across the room., and quietly turned to Call, whom he was stood alongside in the shadow of the torchlit walls (any other forms of lighting having been removed for renovation in the event of the upcoming Gala) "Have you noticed the gloom, miss?" he asked quietly, barely audible enough for her to hear him, even then all he got was a look that would probably melt the ice caps "Obviously," she replied, returning to wait patiently for the night goddess "Now, return to your post." "Of course." a few seconds later saw him emerging from the shadow of the wall and heading towards his assigned ambassador "How may I be of assistance?" "Water." was all she said "I hold no desire for the prissy drinks of nobles." he quickly bowed out, skirting along the edge of the table, followed by several other attending servants before disappearing through the (relatively) small side doorway to the kitchen and headed to one of several taps, filled it with water, and sighed as he returned to the dining hall. It was going to be one of those boring nights. (_/'Ponyville, Long Shanks House, the previous morning'\_) "And you're certain this'll work?" Long Shanks inquired, holding a blueprint against a wall with his free hand as he passed a paint pot up to his employer "After all, remember last time we tried to get away from the baker girl?" "Aye, I remember that, she found us, all twitchy..." Hammer Smith (It was indeed the names of Ponyville's resident handymen) muttered, before shuddering violently "Why'd ya' have to bring that up? I'd put that behind me!" they never cared to take notice of the gentle wingbeats behind them, nor the extra three sets landing about them "Gentlemen." the first of the four Pegasi greeted, his voice hard, and yet gentle. Hammer Smith looked up briefly, twisting his head in order to look about him "Oh by the creator...." he murmured, looking up into the face of the man stood above him, the two sharing for the briefest of moments before sliding back down to the ground, the three pegasi following him "Wha...what does the Raven King require?" he found himself nursing the right side of his face "Silence, you fool." Acksel (his own, preferred way of spelling acceleration, which he referred to himself as) stated bluntly, retracting his outstretched arm to his side. Of the four pegasi surrounding them, it would have to be the group (or 'Talon', according to any Gryphonians within the elaborate masquerade) leader, a silent figure whose only defining features were the silvery eyes behind long black hair "None say his name aloud!" "Then perhaps you should keep your insolent mouth closed." A fifth set of wingbeats announced the presence of Starlit, who walked between them and stared the group leader in the eyes, having to lower his point of view a tad on account of his being a head taller "Is there a reason you are harassing a citizen?" "Who are you to tell me to keep my mouth shut?!" Acksel demanded, only to be sent backwards by a combined glare from Starlit and the leader "Well?" "He had not paid a tithe to our men..." a back hand sent him to the dirt "Stand up...and repeat that." Starlit said "Of course,.. He had not paid a tithe-" Whack, the man was on the floor once again, his nose bleeding profusely from the blows "Why was he paying a tithe? They do not pay us. Who gave you the orders for tithes?" "The Princeps in charge of this area." Starlit blinked in a moment of clearness. It was a title bestowed among only the best thieves, short for Princeps Fur, prince among thieves. The leader merely stared at him "We were only carrying out orders, Magistratus." Magistratus was the rank bestowed upon thieves who answered only to the Raven King, who himself was Princeps of Canterlot. In turn, the Magistratus resided mostly in the capital. Seceral were in various positions of servantry in the castle, Beck and Call both among them "Who is the Princeps of this area?" "Gearheart, magister." "Cease the tithe gathering....idiots, in broad daylight." he turned to Acksel "And for you, you can consider this a dismissal, until the king revokes it." "Y-you can't do this to me!" "I can, and just did, on account of your blatant incompetence." he turned to the two painters "Continue with your work, you witnessed nothing." "O-of course! Sir..." "In daylight it remains my given name, Hammer." [Author's Notes] This was mostly just a filler chapter to allow people to see a bit deeper into this version of an alternate universe. Before people ask, I employ Latin and musicals and the like (Particularly Phantom of The Opera) into a lot of my writings. I decided to make the organisation Starlit would have mentioned in his introduction (In the kitchen of the restaurant, the line was taken out for some reason.) and expand upon the idea. The result was a 'mirror Equestria', and the process of writing it was rather fun. Characters you can expect next chapter Steam Gearheart, Starlit Skies, Beck, call, and Discordant Notes. Yes, the one Starlit believed to be sleeping in an empty cupboard. I'd found myself in need of a chuckle and just created a character on the spot, stuck him with Tapper, who had a longer creative thought time, and left him in. I now feel bad and spent a week contemplating how to improve the character.
Raven([Canterlot Castle, Night Courtroom]) The sight of little over two hundred nobles bickering over who would get to speak with her lunarship annoyed Call to no end. All she needed to do was find one noble in particular, and she'd be scot free of having to watch over Star. Milling through the first few groups proved to be more of a hassle than anything else, with most of them throughing miniature tantrums at her telling them she served only Luna, while others merely tutted and heckled some other poor sap. Of the lot of them only two had actually accepted she only took the orders of the lunar princess, and left her to carry out her job. As she scoote around the last of the nobles cluttering the area around the dais she found the Raven King... Leaning against the side of the throne, talking quite casually with her highness. Apparently the look on her face was easily seen, as the master thief caught sight of it with a slight grin visible beneath his hooded brow. As he calmly skulked away into the shadows, emerging without a word beside her, and pointed to a corner of the room hidden in the shadow of the dais and away from the light of the chandlier high above. With a nod she complied and hurried over, to find him leaning against the pillar supporting that particular part of the cieling "Well?" he asked, his voice gentle and quiet, yet somehow intimidating "What brings one of my finest back to me?" the Procuratio - a higher standing among the Magisters, acting as the Raven king's mouth compared to the eyes of the Magistratus and the ears of the common thief - remained still for a moment before taking a deep breath and relaying what she had heard "A Magistrater has uncovered evidence of corruption amongst the princeps, sir." she informed him, to say he was surprised was an overstatement, instead, he remained calm, a slight raise of the eyebrows at most, though it was impossible to tell due to the hooded cape worn over his dress clothes. Uncrossing his arms he removed himself from the pillar and proceeded to pace "Which of my magisters? Which of my council? Which form of corruption?" "The magister was Starlit Skies, sir. The princeps was Steam Gearheart, and it was the most frequent form of corruption amongst us." at this she thought she heard a chuckle, though her lord's face was still "Starlit? Ah yes, my newest rendition. High hopes for him... Gearheart? A loose cannon at best, willing to sell the entire masquerade out to the highest bidder. Greed? Its within a thieve's nature to be gripped by it." he responded, continuing to pace before stopping and started to murmur "Yes... Can't have the masque endangered.... He's an old friend.... he's willing to sell us all out.... Gearheart's been around far longer than any other..." "Is something the matter, lord?" Call inquired, attempting to decipher his quiet ramblings. The Raven King's head darted up, the hood flying upwards slightly to reveal two silvery glints and skin with a sooty pigment "I'll take the report into consideration, Call." he said, before beginning to move back towards the shadowy joint where the dais met the throne room "Now, I must finish my conversation. You'll have a response by tomorrow evening, and you had best hope the young Magistratus' evidence is correct." and as he steped into the shadow he faded away. Looking back to the throne, which was illuminated by some form of moonlight, she found him in a resumed conversation. Shaking her head slightly she departed from the room. ([Ambassador Pelagia's lodgings]) Starlit was situated in a chair, half asleep, in the ambassador's lodging, nigh oblivious to the world as he rested. The next second he found himself upside down, hanging from a coat hook, looking into the eyes of a very annoyed Griffonian "Anything...I can help with?" he inquired with a small dosage of sarcasm, the ambassador merely growled before taking his seat "No. No... No..." Pelagia murmured, tears starting to well "They... They can't be.... Can't be de-dead.... Not, not mama..." at this, the serbant felt a pang of sorrow. The servants dreaded working under Pelgia, and yet here he was feeling orry for her loss. He resolved to finding the drinks cabinet. Even if she was a bit of a tyrant with the servants, even she deserved a drink for loss. ([Stalliongrad Theatre]) "Ladies, and gentlemen of the council, it is with regret that I must inform you..." the aged man stated as he entered the Stalliongrad theatre, many heads turning to face him "...that you're services are no longer required within the council. From here on out, a new day shall dawn for us, where thieves can be what they were born to be, and not some shadow organisation for their majesties. Kill them." as he had been talking, to the bewilderment of the council, several men had gathered behind the renegade element, and as he gave the command, leapt amidst the startled councillors. Steam Gearheart's face remained stoic as he watched his brethren die, knowing their exploits would go unremembered by all Equestrians save a scarse few. Within minutes the last of them was dead, and he walked out of the theatre with a heavy heart. Not that the men needed to know that, nor did anyone else. Unbeknownst to him, a small, grey rune glittered into existence upon his forearm, flecked with yellow and red. Author's Note A/N: I know I promised you more characters, but I've had a large deal on my shoulders, after all, I have had some rather...dour business to attend to recently. Having been unable to think clearly I have had next to no choice in the matter but to peform some rather unusual writing manouvers. You'll note that the chapter focuses rather heavilly on Call, rather than Starlit. This is because I've had a case of writer's block with him, yet I needed him in the fiction, otherwise I'd have put the main character on a bus. Nobody wants to be put on the bus, do they? Guest starring Princess Luna, as herself. And no, the Raven King is not an alicorn. I'm none too fond of oc Alicorns, too much god mode sue. He's just good with shadows.
FollowingWithin the heart of the royal archives the Raven King paced about the small, somewhat circular room that served as his quarters. Rather than actual walls and a cieling there were just the bookcases, arranged in such a fashion that instead of a crossroads there was just the circular area where he had laid claim. His hands were clasped behind his back, his head bowed and his wings furled painfully into a cape. His mind raced at the betrayal, the news having only just reached him and the messenger that had brought said news dispatched to bring him the magistratus Starlit Skies. The sound of boot heels echoing throughout the mostly deserted halls caused him to startle and slip into the shadows that dominated the surrounging area, the overhanging lamtern that provided the only source of light there burning purple rather than its normal warm orange. Scarce moment later he reemerged, wings unfurled and clinging to the bookcase nearest the origin of the sound, watching as his guest entered. "Starlit Skies?" the messenger, a pegasus named Chasseur, asked, landing just outside of a gaggle of disgruntled nobles leaving the night courtroom. The aforementioned servant looked at her inquisitively, an eyebrow raised as he waited for her to elaborate. She moved closer, away from the nobles, who looked at her scornfully before sloping away in their usual haughty manner "The Raven sent me to fetch you." at this Starlit's eyes opened in dull surprise "What does he expect of me?" he inquired in turn, extricating himself from the wall and clasping his hands behind his back "Its about the incident in Ponyville, isn't it?" at the messenger's nod he sighed "Thought so. I take it he'll be joined by his usual council?" the messenger shrugged "I don't know ser, I'm just a messenger." she answered, turning away from her fellow servant and spreading her wings "All I know is that he wants to speak with you, now." at this Starlit grunted quietly before spreading his own wings and taking flight, joining a small band of pegasi drifting through the upper echelons of the hallways. The Raven King watched quietly from the shelf he was gripped onto as the large group who had just entered passed underneath him, one of them having conjured a flame in his hands, and was now leading the way towards his den. They were thirty in number, each one wearing a steel coloured kerchief barely visible in the darkness. The Raven King gave himself a slight smile as two more figures entered before slipping away into the shadows. Moments later he was situated back in his quarters, a dorrway having opened in the floor, he himself having gone down it to await them in the caverns below the magnificent citadel. Each of his footsteps echoed as he headed deeper and deeper, towards the heart of the mountain, before turning away from what those under the Thief's Masque called the 'Crystal Caverns', instead leaving a lit torch outside of a large grate - a side pipe from the sewers. Soon enough the group followed, and found themselves heading down a singular corridor down the thankfull dry pipe, before ending up outside of a finely carved door to the right of the tunnel, a simple sign reading our in prench 'Hermit's home'. They entered. Starlit had never been so confused, not since the time he had managed to inhale a gas from a plant with halucogenic properties without actually realising he was breathing it in. It was a quaint little bar, in the middle of a dried up sewer pipe, in the center of a mountain. His mind was all but shattered at how that worked, and yet he found it too...out of place. And then the illusion shattered, and he found himself and the princeps he was accompanying, on the threshold of asimple square room, with nothing to it save thirty one chairs situated above shallow pit. It was what he saw occupying two of the chairs that spooked him. Sat opposite each other were his master, the Raven King, and his employer. The legendary thief folded his wings, the silver tips of his feathers glinting briefl in the light, and he turned his head to face the newly arrived group "Magister, Princeps." Author's Note The appearance of Princess Luna is a continuation of the previous chapter's establishment of some form of connection between her and the Raven King. Again, this will be further expanded upon next chapter, along with the princeps names, appearances, and overall role in this...unusual hierarchy. Once again, Starlit is left alone for the most part, but this is because he'll be speaking a good deal next chapter. Also introducing the messenger, chasseur, as a favour for a friend.
Council"Surprised, Magistratus Skies?" the Raven King inquired, his voice courteous, yet melancholic as the princepes bowed politely, only to be waved into their seats when they went to bow to him "There is no need to bow before me, Princepes, merely heading to your seats will suffice." with a collective nod they quickly dispersed and took their places, whilst Starlit felt himself being tugged towards the shallow pit. He noticed a faint purple glow behind one of the Princeps' seats. Evidently at least one of Luna's night guardsmen had accompanied her, as was usual. He opted to walk into the pit, and one Princeps spoke out "Lord, may I inquire as to why her highness is gracing us with her presence?" he asked, his voice almost timid in comparison to the gentle chuckle that was the reply. Scarce seconds later the legendary thief had a straight face and had returned to his courteous tone "I would explain the whole story, but it would take too many lifetimes to explain." he answered, leaning back and placing his hands in a steeple position above his chest "We'll leave it as 'she created the masquerade'." at this the young Magistrate's eyes opened, and the Raven continued on "But enough of that, now Magistratus, please explain how you knew of this... corruption." Starlit gulped, his eyes darting about the room before he faced the wall opposite him, not noticing the scribe stood in plain view between the two chairs in front of him "Well sir, I was enjoying the last of my off days before I returned t my normal job as a servant here in the castle.... Needless to say I was taking the time to have a contemplation walk, when I stumbled across the Bark twins and Charger, harassing two of my friends while they were replacing the old slates on.... Cherry Blossoms' house. I went over to investigate, seeing as they were violating the Masquerade right there in broad daylight "Thankfully the Park was empty, and when I went up to them they backed away, I asked which one was their leader, and they pointed out that Prenchman on dish washing duties - Chapardeur, I think. I asked why he was violating the Masquerade, and he told me he wasn't - he was following Princeps' Gearheart's orders, and I - couldn't control myself, sir." the Raven King began to lean forwards, and Starlit could barely make out the whites of his eyes "You lashed out, Magistratus?" Starlit gulped again. There was more than an icy touch to the question, and he tried his best to not to show he was intimidated "Yes, sir." he admitted, bowing his head in shame "I couldn't help it, sir. However, he did tell me that he was only following orders. I'm sorry sir, but that's all I can tell you." The master thief leant backwards again "That is all that transpired, Magistratus?" "Yes, sir." at this the sound of chuckling could be heard, and as Starlit look up, he found that the Raven King was laughing about something, before suddenly returning to a more serious state of mind. He went to open his mouth to say something when he was interrupted "In many ways, Magistratus, you and I are very much alike... Now go, wait outside until we have thought about what to do with you." it was a plain and simple order, with next to no emotion in his words, Starlit nodded and hastily clambered out of the hole before departing. Time passed quickly, and yet seemed to stand still, for Starlit. Dozens of thoughts went through his mind, had he done something wrong? He knew violence was worth a fine and some time behind bars when carried out, but had he done anything else wrong, other than what he, as a thief, was supposed to do? The door opened again, and he saw a member of princess Luna's Night Guard. Nodding he went back inside and returned into the shallow pit, at which point he noticed that the Princepes had disappeared from their seats. Her highness as well, and as he noticed this he also noticed that the Raven King was stood right in front of him "Magistratus, it appears that I owe you my thanks." he informed him, stepping into the shadows in one corner of the pit and emerging sat in his chair, one leg resting on the other "Had it not been for you walking across the harassment of my eyes then this corruption would have gone unchecked and spread." he tapped one arm of his 'throne' - in truth just plush armchair - revealing a shaft of light that shone down into the pit. He gave a silent nod and Starlit took to the air, slowly ascending from the darkness and into the light. The Raven himself merely sat there, waiting quietly before the light disappeared as Starlit managed to get out of the passage. He chuckled quietly to himself, to say a thief needed a plan to survive their career without being caught was an understatement. He had taken his career to the extreme, and that was the way he intended it to stay. He rose to his feet and tapped the arm again, the shaft of moonlight greeting him s an old friend as he took flight, wings propelling him towards the surface. He had other matters to attend to, and thanks to give out before the dawn broke, in particular a unicorn and some friends amongst the guards. "My people," Steam Gearheart called from the great stage within the Stalliongrad theatre, the crowd of various people of varying dispositions, from the cutpurses to the courtesans who resided in the bawdyhouses in the shadier districts "For too long we have been forced to reside under this so called 'Masquerade', but no longer. I will not have us under the watch of zealots, where our skills are labelled a danger to society, its time for us to be free of bondage to this tyrannical rule of a false goddess. Our time is now! Our liberty is nigh!" the crowd had taken an audible breath at the words 'false goddess', but they quickly began to cheer. Most of them cheered at the idea that wouldn't be charged with jail time or heavy fees to ply their trade, whereas Gearheart's men cheered simply out of loyalty. None were aware of the two men stood on the balcony opposite the stage, clad in the same uniform of Gearheart's men until they had stepped into the shadows, the subdued red and blue flickers of their magic fizzling away in moments as they departed. Author's Note I know the chapter's seem to get shorter, but at least the plot's going somewhere. The subplot with how a pegasi manages to manipulate shadow's has been pushed back. I will, however, explain it alongside the relationship between the masquerade and Luna. Also, the Gearheart plot makes a triumphant return.
