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                Guardian of the Hearthfire                 
                       -by Hingard-                        
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                Ch1: The Crime of Existence                
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Ch1: The Crime of Existence
Guardian of the Hearthfire
Ch1:  The Crime of Existence
Crystal sat by a small forge in her workshop, holding a thin tube of glowing steel in front of her with her cyan-colored magic. Her white coat was covered in sweat and soot from hours of shaping the metal just the way she wanted it. With delicate deliberation, she began to bore minute holes in the tube with her magic. She wiped the sweat from her mane so it wouldn’t drip in her eyes; the slightest break in her concentration could ruin the whole piece. Finally, she etched her name on the inside in the flowing letters of the old Equine alphabet and lowered it into a nearby pail of water. Steam billowed up from the pail, and Crystal took a moment to feel the warm vapor on her face before lifting the tube out again. She placed it next to five others, each a different length, then stood back and took a deep breath to clear her mind.
“Mommy?” came a small voice from the back of Crystal’s workshop.
She turned from her work to see her four-year-old filly sticking her head into the room. Splotches of red and blue paint dotted her white coat and she had a long streak of yellow in her silver mane.
“Ophelia,” Crystal said. “What happened?”
“I wanted to paint you a picture.” She replied drawing her hoof across the floor.
“And you got a little carried away, huh?” Ophelia nodded sheepishly, and Crystal beckoned her into the room. “Come here, you’re just in time to see the final step.”
Ophelia stepped through the door, but stayed well back.
Crystal lifted the six rods in front of her to eye level with her magic. One by one she searched them for any defects in the metal. Finding none, she began to weave her spell. First one rod, then another shimmered, shook, and with a flash, turned into pure crystal. Time passed quickly as the process was repeated with the remaining rods. Finally, she let the magic fade and inspected her hoofwork, then looked back at her foal.
“What do you think Ophelia?” Crystal levitated the crystal tubes in front of Ophelia.
“They’re beautiful, Mommy,” said Ophelia gazing at the crystallized metal with awe.
“One day, when you’re older, I’ll teach you my Crystal spell. Now run along and clean yourself up.” Crystal nudged Ophelia gently on her rump, and the filly scampered out of the workshop. Once she was gone, Crystal took a spool of thread and hung the crystals and a wooden disk from a frame, creating a wind chime. She hung it from the ceiling alongside a dozen others she had made, then left the workshop.
She found Ophelia in the living room, trying to lift a brown book as big as her body out of the bookcase with her magic. She didn’t look any cleaner.
“Ophelia dear, what are you doing?” Crystal asked.
“Practicing, so I can be just like you.” Ophelia glared at the bookcase in frustration, then redoubled her efforts.
Crystal smiled proudly and lifted it herself. “Ophelia, why don’t you have a seat on the...” Crystal paused, looking at the paint in her foal’s coat and remembering the state of her own, “floor, and I’ll show you what’s in here.”
Ophelia nodded, and hunkered down in front of the couch. Crystal cuddled up next to her, holding her close with a foreleg and setting the book down in front of them with her magic.
“This, Ophelia, is our family album.” Crystal opened the book to the first page. ‘The Chime Family,’ it said in firm calligraphy.
“It has all our memories from when your father and I were foals,” Crystal explained, showing Ophelia images of when Crystal was a filly. She stopped on a picture of her and Silver’s wedding day.
It showed them at the altar about to say their “I do’s.” Crystal wore a white dress with a long train embroidered with flowers. Her mane was done up in a bun and set with a rose behind her right ear. “You look pretty, Mommy,” said Ophelia.
Crystal smiled. “Yes I did. That was the second happiest day of my life.”
Ophelia looked up at her mom. “What was the happiest day?”
“The day you were born, silly,” Crystal said, nuzzling Ophelia’s cheek and turning the page. The next picture showed Crystal holding a newborn foal in a hospital room.
“Is that me?”
Crystal nodded. “You were only a few hours old. Your father had left the camera at home. It was raining, so when he finally came back with it he was soaking wet. He looked like a walking carpet with his mane plastered in front of his eyes! I think it was the funniest thing I’d ever seen,” she said smiling at the memory.
“What was the funniest thing you’d ever seen?” questioned a new, deeper voice.
Crystal and Ophelia looked up from the photo album. In the doorway stood an earth stallion, his silver coat sooty from blacksmithing and his short brown mane a frazzled mess.
“Daddy!” Ophelia leaped up and ran to her dad, who picked her up and swung her in the air.
“Hello my little angel.” He gave Ophelia a quick peck on the forehead.
“Hello dear, how was work?” asked Crystal.
“It was fine, though I did get an unexpected visit from Iron Luck. He wants to meet me tonight at the Inn. He didn’t say why, just that it was important.”
“Why don’t you come join us? I was just showing Ophelia our family album.”
“How about you and I start dinner, then we can look at it while we eat.”
“That sounds fine. Ophelia, why don’t you head up stairs and wash up? We’ll call you down when dinner’s ready.”
“Okay, mommy,” Ophelia replied, heading upstairs to the bathroom.
Crystal followed Silver into the kitchen. “So, what should we have?” Crystal asked.
“I was thinking just soup and sandwiches,” Silver replied.
Crystal nodded and opened the pantry where they kept the canned soup, while Silver took a loaf of bread and some greens out of the icebox.
“So when do you have to go see Iron Luck?” asked Crystal, working the can opener with her magic.
“Right after dinner I’m afraid.” Silver opened a cabinet and set three plates and bowls on the table.
“What do you think he wants to talk about?” Crystal poured the soup into a saucepan and set it on the stove to cook, then handed Silver a knife.
“I’m not sure,” he said, cutting slices from the loaf. “I hope its just an update on the Phoenix Order’s movements. The way he sounded when he wanted to meet me though, I fear it’s something much worse.”
“You don’t think she knows about the amulet, do you?” Crystal began stirring the soup with a wooden spoon.
Silver shook his head, “I don’t think so. We would know if she had.”
“Just be careful when you meet him,” said Crystal, looking into his eyes. “He’s not the same friendly pony he once was. I fear that Scarlet may have gotten to him.”
“No way,” Silver shook his head vigorously. “I’ve known Iron Luck since we were foals. I trust him with my life.”
“Okay, Silver. I’m just a little anxious, that’s all.”
Silver ran a hoof through her light blue mane. “Don’t worry I’ll be careful. Now let’s get dinner finished.” Crystal smiled and turned back to the stove, while Silver finished putting the sandwiches together.
As the soup came to a boil started, Silver called Ophelia down. “Supper’s ready!” while Crystal carried the dishes into the living room and set them down around the still-open photo album.
“All clean, mommy,” Ophelia said, smiling at her parents. “But you’re not,” she chuckled, covering her mouth with her hoof.
Silver and Crystal looked at each other’s soot-covered faces.
“You better get washed up for dinner,” said Ophelia in a squeaky voice that sounded like Crystal at her most stern. She scowled at them, but could keep it up for only a few seconds before bursting into laughter. Silver and Crystal couldn’t help themselves: as they gave into the foal’s infectious laughter. They were still chuckling when they came back from the kitchen, their faces and hooves scrubbed white and silver while their bodies faded into mottled, sooty gray.
They gathered around the photo album lazily munching on their meal while, Crystal and Silver took turns telling Ophelia the stories behind the pictures. One picture, showing over a dozen ponies wearing blue uniforms and caps, caught Ophelia’s eye. She pointed at it with her hoof.
“When was this?” she asked.
“That was the third, annual Manehatten PD reunion,” explained Silver. “Your uncle Iron and I were partners when we were younger.”
“Yes, and you two spent the whole day bragging about how you caught the notorious Thuderwing,” said Crystal, nudging Silver playfully in the ribs. “You foals were lucky.” she turned to Ophelia. “Iron and Dragon Lily brought their daughter Moonbeam, and you played together in the park all day, remember?”
Ophelia shook her head, and looked back at photo. “Where are you, Daddy?”
“Right there.” Silver pointed to two stallions, a silver earth pony and a brown pegasus with a black mane, sitting in the middle of the front row. “Uncle Iron’s the one next to me.”
There were only a few more pictures before they finally reached the end of the book, and Crystal put it back in the bookcase. “Ophelia, I think it’s time for bed,” she said.
“Aww, but Mommy, I’m not tired!”
“I’ll sing you a lullaby,” Crystal offered, tantalizingly.
“Okay,” said Ophelia, bounding up the stairs to her room a wide grin on her face.
“I’d better be going then,” yawned Silver heavily, lifting himself up from the floor. “Don’t want to keep Iron Luck waiting.” He grabbed a cloak from a peg and opened the door.
“Be careful dear,” said Crystal, following Silver to the door.
He turned around and gave Crystal a quick peck on the cheek. “Don’t worry I will.”
====SSS====
A cold north wind blew through the town of Nightingale, the first sign that a major storm was approaching from the Everfree Forest. The moon was hidden by the storm, casting a shroud of darkness over the town. The lanterns that lined the streets did their best to combat the encroaching darkness, acting as beacons to those ponies still wandering home. The rumbling of thunder could be heard from the Everfree forest as the storm drew closer to the town.
Any pony that wasn’t tucked in their bed, fast asleep, was busy trying to get home before the storm hit: closing up their shops, lugging carts to safety, or stumbling home from the bar. Throughout the town, Mayor Scarlet’s guards could be seen making their nightly rounds.
An earth pony stallion lurked in a dark alleyway across from the town inn. He waited patiently for the guards to pass before he quickly crossed and slipped inside. Turning away from the door, the earth pony took stock of his surroundings. The main foyer was warm and inviting, hosting a decorative fireplace in the corner with a roaring fire burning in its hearth to provide ample heat to the room. Sitting at the main desk was a light blue earth pony. Putting his paper down, he looked up to greet the new arrival.
“Welcome sir, are you here to rent out a room?” asked the clerk.
“No, just here to meet a friend,” explained the earth pony before moving into the main dining hall. The room was spacious, and finely decorated. He noted that it was colder here than in the foyer; the fireplace dark, save for a few smoldering embers. A hooded figure sat in the far corner, looking across the room and making eye contact with the newcomer.
“Guardians protect you, Iron Luck,” said the earth pony removing his hood.
“And you, Silver,” replied Iron Luck removing his hood to reveal a brown pegasus stallion with a black mane.
“What news do you have, my friend? Your summons sounded urgent.” Silver asked taking a seat paralleled to Iron.
“None that’s good I’m afraid." Iron luck paused for a moment scanning the room, looking for anypony who might be eavesdropping. Satisfied that no one was around he leaned in close and whispered, "Scarlet knows about Ophelia’s gift, and the Hearthfire amulet.”
“How?” Silver replied leaning closer to Iron Luck.
“I’m not sure, but she plans to raid your cabin at the stroke of midnight.”
Silver’s eyes grew wide with fear as he said, “I need to warn my family.” Silver turned to leave when the door to the inn burst open and two unicorns in red cloaks galloped into the foyer. Before Silver could react, Iron Luck was on him, pinning him to the ground.
“Iron! What are you doing!?” Silver grunted as he struggled against the pegasus.
“Sorry, Silver, but I have my own problems to deal with.”
Silver continued to struggle, trying to get the pegasus off his back as the two unicorns approached. He knew that if he was trapped by their magic, it would all be over. Silver promptly struggled to his hooves and bucked Iron Luck off, sending him flying towards the unicorns. He collided with them, sending them toppling in a heap back towards the door. Not wasting a second, Silver dashed out the back of the inn. The unicorns quickly recovered and gave chase. Silver bobbed and weaved through the empty town streets trying to lose his pursuers. No matter what he tried, he could not shake them, and he was running out of town to hide in. Soon he was forced to head out of town, galloping towards home.
The storm hit: the rain coming down in sheets that quickly drenched Silver as he galloped down the muddy dirt road. A bolt of lightning streaked past him as he galloped. Another bolt flashed above him, revealing the two unicorns still in pursuit, their horns lit as they primed another lightning spell. One of the unicorns released his magic, sending a bright white bolt of energy at the fleeing pony. The bolt missed by a hair, discharging harmlessly into the ground.
Startled, Silver increased his pace. The unicorns continued their pursuit, increasing their speed in an attempt to match their quarry. The chase lasted only a few minutes before the unicorns began to slow down, exhausted both mentally and physically. Silver continued at a breakneck pace, unaware that he’d left behind his pursuers. After a minute, he noticed a distinct lack of spells crashing into the ground around him and chanced a glance behind.
To his relief, the unicorns were no longer pursuing him. Seeing that the danger had passed at least temporarily, Silver slowed to a brisk trot as he continued down the dirt road. Looking around at his surroundings through the rain, he could make out the silhouette of a cabin in the distance, and just beyond that was the Everfree Forest. Even from here the forest gave off a dark and ominous feeling enhanced by the storm raging above him. In the sunlight, Silver could imagine the meadow and pond that rested just outside the forest’s border. He returned to his gallop, closing the distance in a few minutes. Silver burst through the door and galloped into the living area, water dripping down his cloak and his mud covered hooves as he searched around the house.
"Crystal! Crystal! Where are you!" shouted Silver, his eyes darting around the cabin. A loud thud sounded from above him. He moved to the bottom of the stairs and called up. "Crystal we need to go now!They're coming." A white unicorn came trotting out of one of the bedrooms, a white unicorn filly standing next to her.
“Ophelia, head to the back door and wait for us there.” said Crystal
“Ok mommy,” Ophelia replied. She was clearly confused, but didn’t question her mother.
“Silver, what’s going on?” Crystal asked worriedly once Ophelia was out of earshot.
“You- were right, Iron Luck- sold us out, and Scarlet’s guards- are on their way. I managed to- outrun two of her unicorns, but they’ll- be back and with more guards.”
“Ok. Silver, you go get the saddle bag from the kitchen, I’ll get the amulet from our room.” Silver nodded his understanding before quickly crossing to the kitchen. Once he was through the door, he moved to the cabinet on the far side where they kept the saddlebags. Silver slung the bag over his back and exited the kitchen, finding Crystal headed down the stairs with the amulet floating beside her. He quickly undid the clasps on the bag so that she could put the amulet inside.
“Ok, we should get out of here before Scarlet’s guards get here,” said Silver. As they started towards the back door, a heavy knock was heard. They all  immediately fell silent.
Silver once again indicated towards the back of the house, and the two of them crept silently to the back door where Ophelia was waiting for them. Silver quickly opened it and slipped out as Crystal levitated Ophelia onto her back and followed him into the rain.
No sooner had their hooves met the soil than they were in a full gallop across the plains. It only took a few moments before the ponies that had been at the front to take up the pursuit. A quick glance back allowed Silver to see that it was a group of seven stallions, all earth ponies, clad in red armor. Hovering above them was Iron Luck. The fleeing ponies made a beeline for the Everfree Forest, a dark place that they hoped would shelter them from their pursuers. As they drew closer to the forest’s edge, a sense a dread and fear washed over them. However, there was no turning back. The two ponies only thought of protecting their daughter as they charged headlong into the forest and were immediately swallowed in the darkness. Crystal lit up her horn, illuminating the area as they continued their mad dash deeper into the forest.
The dark grove did not hold their pursuers back however, as they also plunged into the forest hot on their tails. Crystal looked behind her, and could see nothing past the light of her spell. However she could hear the maddening sound of the stallions’ hoof beats as the forest amplified the sound, giving the illusion that a thousand guards were right behind them.
“They're... not... slowing..." Crystal panted as she increased her pace.
"Guess ...means...gasp...more...scared...," Silver grunted, putting every ounce of energy into galloping ahead.
The two ponies continued their charge through the forest, Crystal’s spell illuminating their path as Silver crashed through the underbrush. Behind them, their pursuers continued to gain ground as their training and endurance quickly overcame that of their fleeing prey. The stallions were only a few feet from Silver and Crystal when the air around the pursuing guards turned cold, the guards’ breaths becoming visible as puffs of white vapor.
Suddenly the forest was filled with sounds of cracking wood, and just moments later two large trees collapsed in the path of the pursuing ponies. The crimson clad stallions reared in surprise, stopping quickly before running into the fallen logs. Silver and Crystal continued on at full speed, oblivious to what had happened behind them. The only thing on their mind was escape.
“Crystal... hold up." Silver slowed down to a brisk trot when he noticed the lack of pursuers.
"What's... wrong... we have to keep going." She looked around the forest, expecting the stallions to leap from the shadows at any moment.
"I think... they finally... gave up," Silver stated, a smile on his face, trying to remain optimistic.
“I don’t think so... If they... follow us this far... into the forest I doubt they... give up,” Crystal replied between labored breaths.
“You’re... probably right,” Silver replied wearily. The two ponies continued to move ahead, though now at a brisk trot.
“Mommy what’s going on?” asked Ophelia.
“Don’t worry Ophelia everything’s fine,” said Crystal her head moving from side to side, looking for anything that might leap from the shadows..
“But why were those ponies chasing us?” Ophelia asked as she tightened her grip around her mother's neck.
“Because...because we're playing tag, and those ponies are ‘it.’ So we have to run away from them,” Crystal stated, a forced smile on her face.
“Oh, well then we better start running, because they’re right behind us,” said Ophelia, as she looked off into the darkness behind them, though Crystal and Silver couldn't see anything beyond the light from Crystal’s horn. But the sound of the hoof beats returned, sending Crystal and Silver into a gallop once again. As the pair continued to head deeper into the forest, the light from Crystal’s horn started to waver. Despite this, they pushed on, until Crystal suddenly collapsed. Silver stopped quickly, noticing that his wife wasn't by his side.
“Daddy! I think mommy’s hurt!” Ophelia was in a panic pacing nervously around her mother.
She was down on her belly, her hooves spread out, and at the edge of her light was a root. She managed to get back up but a hiss escaped her lips as she put weight on her back hoof , causing her to collapsed once more. Crystal winced as she tried to get up. "Silver! I think I broke my leg." Silver came up beside her, seeing a dark, purplish bruise on her back leg.
“Do you think you can walk?” Silver asked bending down next to Crystal.
“I think so, but they'd catch us at that pace,” pain lacing her words as she tried to stand once more.
“Then what are we going to do?” Silver bent down, and helped Crystal to her hooves.
"We... can’t let Scarlet get her hooves on Ophelia... We have no choice but to go to plan B,” said Crystal through clenched teeth. Wincing every time pressure was applied to her injured hoof.
“But there must be another way!” Silver pleaded.
“There is no other way! Scarlet must never get Ophelia or the amulet,” Crystal shouted with the last of her strength, making her sound angrier than she actually was. Silver sighed in defeat as he reached into the saddle bag and pulled out the Hearthfire amulet, an important relic from a bygone age.
Silver brought Crystal next to one of the trees so that she could lean against it. He then looked over at Ophelia and said, “Ophelia, come here please.”
Ophelia’s face was a mixture of confusion and worry as she approached her dad. Silver waited until Ophelia was directly in-front of him before placing the amulet over the filly’s neck almost like he was bestowing a crown to a queen. It was a simple piece of jewelry, a gold chain with a small pink stone in the shape of the heart set into it. The jewel that was dark before began to glow with a soft red light as it was placed around Ophelia’s neck.
“What’s this daddy?” she asked admiring the jewel.
“It’s a family heirloom, it-it will help protect you.” A single tear trickled down his muzzle as he moved to Crystals side.
“Look mommy, isn't it beautiful?” Ophelia asked oblivious to what was going on around her.
“Yes...Yes Ophelia it is,” Crystal smiled even though she was on the verge of tears.
"Mommy?" Ophelia cocked her head to the side as she drew closer to Crystal.
"Yes, little one?" Crystal managed, struggling to keep her voice strong.
"Why are you crying?" asked Ophelia, confused as to why her mother was shedding tears.
"Be...because I have to send you away Ophelia," Crystal’s heart shivered as she spoke. She didn't want to do it but she knew it was the only way.
"Wha...Why?!" tears began to well up in the corners of the filly’s eyes.
"It’s...it's the only way to protect you," her voice cracked.
"Crystal, they’re almost here. If you're going to do it, it needs to be now!" Concern was etched into Silver’s face as the sounds of the their pursuers grew louder.
"I will find you little one... One day," Crystal whispered comfortingly to her daughter as the light of her horn began to intensify. She put every ounce of strength she had into it. She brought her horn down upon the filly’s head, and in a bright flash, the filly was gone.
====SSS====
Fluttershy was finishing up dinner when a bright light flashed through her window, startling her into diving under a nearby pillow. She poked her head out from behind it when she heard crying coming from outside the door. Fluttershy's caring instincts quickly took her to the door. Opening it a few inches Fluttershy quickly found the source of the crying. On the doorstep was a white unicorn filly with a silver mane. Fluttershy looked around and, seeing nopony in the area, slowly approached the filly, attempting not to frighten her.
"Umm...Are you alright?" asked Fluttershy, her voice just above a whisper. The filly jumped at the voice and dashed into a nearby bush.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you,” said Fluttershy, inching her way closer.
“You’re...You’re not?” replied the filly, unsure of the yellow pegasus.
Fluttershy nodded, the filly stepped out of the bush and sat down in front of her. Ophelia’s cheeks were damp from the tears and her sapphire eyes seemed to glisten. And in the next moment, Ophelia was bawling her eyes out, cradled in Fluttershy’s arms. She wrapped her hooves around the filly, hoping to calm her. As the filly continued to sob, Fluttershy could feel that she was just a scared, lost, and confused filly.
"There, there little one. Everything’s going to be alright," Fluttershy cooed as she stroked the filly’s mane.
"I want my mommy!" Ophelia cried, "why did she have to send me away?!"  Ophelia continued to cry into Fluttershy's chest, as Fluttershy continued to comfort the filly. A few minutes passed before the filly’s hysteria passed.
Fluttershy set the filly down in front of her and wiped a tear from Ophelia’s cheek then in her most gentle tone asked, "Why don't you come inside, and I’ll make you something to eat."
The filly nodded and followed Fluttershy into her cottage, her head low. "Why don't you have a seat on the couch? Is there anything in particular you would like?" Ophelia shook her head as she moved over to the couch and sat down next to one of the pillows. Fluttershy quickly put together a simple dandelion sandwich and brought it over to where the filly was sitting.
"Now, what is your name?"
"O...Ophelia," said the filly, munching on her sandwich.
"Ophelia, that's a nice name. Can you tell me what happened?"
"I-I-I don't know. We were running from some ponies th-then... then my...." Fresh tears began to roll down Ophelia's cheeks as she buried her head in a nearby pillow.
Fluttershy sat beside the crying filly saying, "Oh... please don't cry, you don't have to talk about it anymore if you don’t want to." she began to stroke the filly’s mane. After Ophelia calmed down once again, Fluttershy offered her the sandwich, but Ophelia simply pushed the plate away. "Ok maybe later then. Why don't you rest. Tomorrow we'll go and talk to my friend, Twilight. Maybe she can help you find your parents."
"Ok," Ophelia said weakly, curling up beside a pillow and drifting off to sleep: exhausted from the day’s events.
====SSS====
Iron Luck found himself outside of Scarlet’s chambers. After the capture of Silver and Crystal, Scarlet had requested his presence immediately upon his return. Calming his breath and steeling his nerves, he pushed on the door and entered.
Scarlet’s quarters were simple yet elegant: across from the door there was a fireplace, above which was the order’s crest - a scarlet phoenix on a black shield, its wings spread. Engraved above the phoenix was the order’s motto: Sicut Phoenix, resurgemus renascentis. Iron Luck learned that the motto was written in an old form of Equestrian. It roughly translated as “Like the Phoenix, we shall rise reborn”.
Finally, his eyes landed on a scarlet unicorn with a light red mane and tail looking over Lake Luna on the balcony.
“You summoned me, mistress,” intoned Iron Luck, bowing before the unicorn
“I’m very disappointed in you Iron Luck. I’ve come to expect more from my lieutenant.” Scarlet’s voice was laced with anger as she stepped out of the balcony and came to rest in front of Iron Luck.
“I’m sorry, mistress, I will find...”
Scarlet stomped down her hoof.  “Silence you worm! I gave you one job: to capture the filly and retrieve the amulet! You dare return to me without either. I should throw you into the dungeon for your incompetence,” Scarlet’s eyes flared with rage as she spoke.
“Forgive me, I will capture the filly and retrieve the amulet.” Iron Luck dropped even lower, his snout touching the ground.
Scarlet relaxed slightly saying, “You have your chance Iron Luck. But if you fail me again, you won’t need to worry about protecting your family.” Scarlet glared at Iron Luck, making sure her point got across.
Iron Luck trembled at the thought. “Of-Of course, I-I understand.” He was tripping over his words as he backed away towards the door. Scarlet returned to the balcony as Iron Luck left the room.
Once he was well away from Scarlet’s chambers did he breathe a sigh of relief. He had expected to be killed on the spot, or worse that his family would be hurt. What he feared now was facing his friend. Shaking the thoughts from his head, he had one last chance, and he wasn’t going let it slip away. Hanging on to that one thought, Iron Luck started towards the dungeon.
====SSS====
The dungeon was at the lowest point of Nightingale manor, only one way in or out making escape impossible. The two red-clad earth ponies standing guard stepped aside and opened the door. Iron Luck quickly descended the stairs. The air grew colder and colder as he came to the bottom of the spiral staircase.
The main room of the dungeon was lit by two lanterns that hung just above the staircase exit. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but soon he was able to see the rest of the room. The walls were made of a reddish stone, brought from the Unicorn Range. Despite the cold Iron luck could see and hear, droplets of water seeping through the cracks. Along the far wall opposite the staircase there were five cells placed directly next to each other. The bars were made of normal cast iron, and were assembled in a checkerboard pattern. He also learned that the bars were enchanted with multiple spells, to keep them from rusting, and to weaken a unicorns power.
Opposite the cells there were various torture instruments of all shapes and sizes. Some were pointed, others were curved to look like a sickle. Iron Luck shuddered, he hated looking at the awful instruments. Returning to what he came here for he crossed the stone floor to the last cell in the room where Silver was being kept.  He found him and Crystal asleep on their cots, knocking his hoof against the bars, the prisoners awoke from their slumber.
“Where did you send her?” Iron Luck asked, showing no emotion.
“Why would we tell you,” Silver spat at Iron Luck’s feet. “To think I called you my friend.” Silver turned away.
“Watch your tongue; the only reason you haven’t been beaten to death is because of me,” Iron Luck snapped back.
“What happened to you, Iron Luck? I know you would never let Scarlet change you,” said Crystal.
“It’s none of your concern Crystal. Now tell me where did you send her?” Iron Luck asked, in no mood to explain himself.
“She has your family, doesn't she? I can see it in your eyes,” Crystal replied; her gaze never leaving the pegasus.
Iron Luck’s anger melted away. He regarded the exhausted mare with admiration. Crystal had always been good at determining what troubled ponies.
“She captured them shortly after I infiltrated the Phoenicians. It’s how she keeps her commanders in line. I tried to stay strong, but she threatened to hurt my daughter if I didn't tell her everything I knew, so I did.”
“Iron Luck, we can help save your family and get Ophelia back if you just let us go,” said Crystal.
“I’m sorry Crystal, but I can’t risk my family getting hurt. Now please tell me where you sent her. I’ll do everything I can to make sure she’s not harmed.”
“I’m sorry Iron Luck,” said Crystal, “but you know we can never let Scarlet have Ophelia or the amulet-”
“And I can’t lose my family,” Iron Luck interrupted. “Now tell me where she is.”
“We don’t know. I simply sent her away. She could be anywhere.” Crystal turned away from Iron Luck and joined her husband at the back of the cell.
“Fine then, you leave me no choice,” Iron Luck said motioning to the guards standing by the exit. “Separate them. You have my permission to do whatever you like to get the information, so long as you don’t kill them.”
The two guards saluted, moving towards the cell with twisted grins. Iron Luck trotted up the stairs, the screams of Silver and Crystal echoing as he left the dungeon. a single tear trickled down his cheek.
“Gather my captains and have them meet me in my quarters.” Iron Luck turned to the one of the guards at the entrance.
“Yes sir,” the pony replied before galloping off.
Iron Luck stomped off to his quarters, furious at his friend. “That foolish Silver.” He continued his frustrated march all the way to his quarters, all the while trying to justify his actions. He hated having to betray his friend, but what other choice did he have? He would not jeopardize his own family just so the world might still be at peace. When he opened the door to his quarters, he found all his captains waiting patiently inside. There were ten of them, many of whom were earth ponies, all of whom were loyal to Scarlet.
When he was fully in the room they all saluted him. Returning the salute, he moved towards the center of the room. Taking a deep breath, he looked about his quarters, The walls were made of a birch wood. The ceiling was high allowing a chandelier to rest several feet above the floor providing light to the whole room. For furniture there was only the necessities a bed, a desk and a drawer, each made out of oakwood. By his bed resting on the nightstand was a battered old picture frame: His most prized possession.
Iron luck closed his eyes as he remembered that day him and his family were having a picnic outside of Nightingale, in the Whispering Meadows. Iron luck sat to the left sitting up straight and tall. Next to him was his wife, Dragonlilly, a blue coated earth pony with a light pink mane. She was a florist dealing mainly in the selling of exotic flora. In between them sat Moonbeam, their daughter, to the surprise of both of them she was a unicorn, her coat was white and her mane was a light blue. She had a goofy grin on her face as she held up a plush doll that looked exactly like her. He had given it to her earlier that day as a present for getting good grades in school.
A smile spread across his face as he opened his eyes, the memory already beginning to fade. He returned his attention to the center of the room which had a large area rug covering up much of the wood floor underneath. It was primarily red, with the order's seal and motto, stitched into the the fabric. His captains were arranged in a semicircle around the order's seal. Iron made eye contact with each one of them before speaking,
“Men, we have a difficult task ahead of us. Mistress Scarlet wants the Hearthfire Amulet. Unfortunately we do not know where the prisoners have sent it. Therefore, I am sending you out; you will search all of Equestria if you have to. Do not return until you have found the amulet and captured whoever may possess it.”
The captains saluted and left Iron Luck’s chambers, leaving the pegasus to his thoughts and his internal torment.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                Ch2: Hiding in plain sight                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Ch2: Hiding in plain sight
Guardian of the Hearthfire
Ch 2: Hiding in plain sight
Ophelia awoke in a dark, unfamiliar room. Her back felt stiff, but she clambered to her hooves and looked around. It took a while for her eyes to adjust, but she could tell she was no longer in the yellow pegasus’ house. She could see no doors nor windows. The floor beneath her felt like stone, but it was hidden by a thin layer of mist. Ophelia stood in the middle, cold and shivering, her breath coming in white puffs.
She could only see one other thing in the room, just at the edge of her vision. She rubbed her eyes to see it better, and when that didn’t help, started walking towards it. It was within hoof’s reach before she knew what it was: a pink orb the size of her head, sitting on a gray stone pedestal. Ophelia nudged it gently with her hoof. It was cool to the touch, and clinked like glass when it moved against the stone. Acting purely on instinct, Ophelia wrapped her forelegs around the orb and lifted it off the pedestal.
Suddenly, Ophelia felt a sharp pain in her chest. Hearthfire, whispered a rough, deep voice brimming with implicit power. It seemed to come from the orb.
Startled, she dropped it. It shattered when it hit the ground, and a pink flame blazed to life and hung above the shards. The voice didn’t stop; instead it now came from the flame.
Hearthfire... Hearthfire... Hearthfire! The voice grew louder with each repetition. Ophelia tried to cover her ears with her hooves, as she tried to scuttle away from the strange chanting. It was too late. The voice was inside her head now. “Stop... Please... Go away... ” Ophelia whimpered, dropping to her belly. The voice, heedless, kept chanting louder and louder. “STOP!” she screamed. A blinding light burst from her horn, illuminating the room. There was silence.
“I have awakened,” proclaimed another voice. It echoed against the grey stone walls, which Ophelia realized she could see even though her horn had stopped glowing, but unlike the chanting this voice sounded like a pony.
“Who was that?” said Ophelia, looking left and right for the source of the voice.
“Do not worry Ophelia. I am a friend,” it replied. It was soft and comforting now. It reminded her of how her mother talked when Ophelia was afraid.
“How... how do you know my name?” Ophelia barely got the words out.
“I know many things about you.” She could follow the voice now. It was coming from the pedestal where the orb had rested. Above it pulsed a pink point of light, illuminating the walls but making itself hard to look at.
“I am Winter. I was once the Guardian of the Hearthfire.” The light began to move towards Ophelia.
"Wh... what do you want?" she said, terror in her voice.
“Do not be frightened, little one,” said the light in the same soothing tone. “By breaking the orb, you have awoken an ancient power. It has dwelt deep within you since you were born.”
“I don’t understand. Where am I?”
“Your body remains in the care of the Daughter of Kindness.”
“I’m... I’m dreaming?
“In a sense. You are also more awake than you have ever been. And in waking, you have also awoken me from my slumber within your amulet.”
“I still don’t understand,” said Ophelia, her head beginning to hurt.
“One day you will. For now all you need to know is that I am here to guide you as your power begins to manifest, and to... teach you.” The light began to dim.
“What... what do you mean?” Ophelia stood up again, worried that she would be left alone in the dark.
“I’m sorry little one... but your questions will have to wait ‘til another time... I’m still too weak, and it is not a full moon tonight.” The light flickered fitfully. “I’m sorry, but I must leave you for now. Sleep well, Daughter of-” The voice died before it could finish, taking the last of the light with it.
====SSS====
Fluttershy awoke to thin golden sunbeams peeking through her window and falling on her bed. A pair of blue jays hopped out of their birdhouse and whistled sweetly at the new day. Fluttershy slid out of bed, sang along for a few bars, then headed downstairs.
She found Ophelia on the couch, still asleep but fidgeting and moaning. Concerned, Fluttershy placed a hoof on Ophelia’s forehead. The filly’s eyes popped open, then darted around the room in surprise and fear. Fluttershy hugged her trembling body close. “Shh, everything's alright. You just had a nightmare,” she whispered into Ophelia’s mane.
It took a while, but her fears finally melted away in Fluttershy’s warm embrace. “Why don’t we go over to Twilight’s house now?” she said, leading Opelia to the door and putting her hoof on the latch. “We can get some breakfast while we’re there.”
====SSS====
The Neighagara-Everfree Limited blew its whistle, its brakes screeching as it pulled into the station. The small platform was crowded with dozens of ponies waiting for family and friends. An orange and brown banner charged with a white pony running through falling leaves hung from the portico. The doors opened and two earth ponies sporting brown hooded cloaks and black saddlebags emerged from the rear carriage.
“Why do you think the amulet is here, Tracer?” said one, taking his hood down and running a light blue hoof through his brown mane.
“Because, Hawk,” said Tracer, adjusting the golden clasp on his cloak with a lime green hoof, “before we left I pulled all the info we had on our prisoners. This was the last place they lived before moving to Nightingale.”
“That doesn’t mean anything, Cap’n. She could have sent it anywhere. And take that hood off! We want to blend in.” Hawk playfully snatched Tracer’s hood off his head, revealing his commander’s blue mane.
“That is true,” replied Tracer, ignoring the small prank, “but I have feeling that she sent it here. Call it instinct if you want.” He stepped out onto the narrow, crowded platform.
“Fine, but can we check in at least before we start looking? Maybe scrounge some grub?” wheedled Hawk, weaving through the crowd to catch up with Tracer.
Tracer gave his head an exasperated shake. “Always thinking with your stomach,” he muttered.
For a small town, Ponyville was surprisingly busy. Ponies of all shapes, sizes, and colors filled the streets. A brown and orange banner hung from a tall, round building that might have been the town hall, and strings of red and yellow leaves graced just about every doorpost. The trees in front of the Ponyville Inn had been stripped almost bare to decorate the building.
Tracer pushed open the door and he and Hawk entered the inn. The delightful aromas of pancakes, muffins, and coffee greeted them. Hawk’s stomach growled, but Tracer rolled his eyes and walked to the front desk. A unicorn stallion with a red coat and a yellow mane sat behind the counter with a copy of the Ponyville Express gripped in his red magic. Tracer cleared his throat, and the clerk folded the paper and placed it on the counter.
“Hello,” he said. “Can I help you?”
“Yes,” said Tracer. “We have a room reserved here.”
“Oh, you must be Tracer and Hawk. Right this way.” The clerk levitated two keys from under the counter. “Here let me get your bags as well.” He came out from behind the desk and lifted the bags from Tracer’s and Hawk’s backs with his magic. They followed him up the stairs and down a short hallway.
“Here you are, room 105.” The clerk nudged open the door and placed the keys on the nightstand and the saddlebags on the nearer of the two beds. “If you need anything just come find me.”
“Who should we say we want?” said Hawk.
“My name’s Hingard,” he said, bowing and closing the door. Tracer and Hawk could hear the clopping of his hooves as he descended the stairs.
Hawk sat down heavily on the far bed, claiming it for his own. “So, what’s our next move?” he asked.
“Our ultimate goal is to find the Hearthfire amulet,” said Tracer, not moving from his spot in the middle of the room. “I think the best way to do that is to observe the townsponies and to get to know them.”
“Okay,” said Hawk, a chuckle building in his throat. “So when do we start operation ‘Needle in a Haystack?’”
“We'll start right—” Tracer’s stomach gurgled even louder than Hawk’s had downstairs. Hawk spluttered in amusement. “Right after we get something to eat,” Tracer finished lamely.
“Good idea. I'm famished,” said Hawk, licking his lips. The two ponies plucked their keys from the nightstand and Hawk put his in his cloak pocket. Tracer locked the door behind them, and they headed down to the dining room.
====SSS====
After weaving their way through the crowded town, Fluttershy and Ophelia arrived at the Golden Oaks Library. Fluttershy knocked softly on the oaken door, which swung open almost immediately to reveal a baby purple dragon. “Oh, hi Fluttershy,” he said, opening the door wide for her and Ophelia. “Come in!”
“Thank you Spike,” murmured Fluttershy, nuzzling his cheek.
Spike blushed slightly, “Aw, you're welcome Fluttershy. You’re here to see Twilight?” She nodded. “She’s upstairs,” he said. “I’ll go get her. Twilight!” he shouted, climbing the stairs while Ophelia and Fluttershy made themselves comfortable. Ophelia was drawn to the books, remembering the stories her mother would tell her, while Fluttershy cooed over Peewee.
It didn’t take Spike and Twilight long to return. “Hello Fluttershy,” said Twilight. She sounded mildly surprised to see her friend, but Fluttershy could feel Ophelia duck behind her and out of Twilight’s sight as if she had said something scary. “What can I do for you?”
“Oh, I was wondering if you could help this filly.” Fluttershy nudged Ophelia forward with her wing. “Ophelia appeared on my doorstep last night, but she wants to go home. I was wondering, if it’s not too much trouble, if you could help her?”
“I could try,” said Twilight, looking Ophelia over like she was an interesting problem that needed solving. “Where does she live?”
“I’m not sure,” said Fluttershy, turning her head to hide behind her hair.
“I live in Nightingale,” said Ophelia reluctantly, taking a few steps away from Twilight.
“Nightingale? I’ve never heard of it.” Twilight sounded troubled at the thought, and pulled half a dozen rolled up maps and atlases off the shelves with her magic. She set them floating around her, unrolling scrolls and flipping through pages until she found what she was looking for. “Aha!” she said, letting everything but one scroll fall to the floor. Spike quickly set about picking them up and placing them back on the shelves. She unrolled the scroll on the table, and pointed to Neighagara Falls. A small black dot a few miles south of the Falls was marked “Nightingale”.
“I don’t know if I can teleport that far,” Twilight admitted, “especially since I’ve never been there before. But I have been perfecting my long range teleportation spell. You remember the one we used to escape those teenage dragons?” Spike and Fluttershy nodded, and even Peewee chirped.
“Would you be able to send Ophelia home?” asked Fluttershy.
“Maybe,” said Twilight, with a detached air like she was doing calculations in her head. “I want to try a shorter distance first though, maybe to the far edge of Sweet Apple Acres.” Twilight stepped up to Ophelia, “Are you ready?”
Ophelia nodded. She was scared, but excited at the thought of getting to go home. Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. There was a bright flash of light and a pop, but instead of appearing on Applejack’s farm, Twilight reappeared where she started, staggering as if she’d drunk too much of her friend’s cider.
Spike ran over to her, clearly concerned, but she opened her eyes almost immediately and shook her head vigorously. “That’s odd,” she said. “When I tried to teleport, something fought back.” Ophelia stood still, shaking a little at the thought she might have done something wrong as Twilight paced around her. She looked away when the older unicorn started looking intently at her amulet.
“Ophelia,” cajoled Twilight, “would you mind if I try a few spells on that necklace of yours?”
Ophelia’s jaw hardened, and she looked back at Twilight defiantly. “No,” she said, covering the amulet with her hoof. “my daddy gave me this necklace.”
“I promise nothing will happen to it. I just want to try a few simple spells.” Twilight crouched down to eye level with the filly. “You can trust me, Ophelia.”
She smiled wide, and Fluttershy nodded her agreement in the background. Finally Ophelia said, “okay.”
“Thank you.” Twilight closed her eyes and her horn began to glow again. “I’m going to try a simple levitation spell.” It didn’t look simple at all. Soon the unicorn was gritting her teeth and straining her neck with effort. The glow of Twilight’s magic grew more and more intense, until everypony had to look away. The amulet did not move. Finally she grunted triumphantly, and Ophelia felt a tug on her neck, but then there was another crack and Twilight was battered against the wall of the library, her coat and mane singed black and smoking. Books scattered around her from the force of the impact.
Fluttershy was the first at Twilight’s side, helping her to her hooves. Spike was next, gathering the fallen books and asking her if she was alright. Ophelia was petrified by what had happened and the possibility that she might have caused it.
Twilight groaned and blinked her eyes, then looked searchingly at Ophelia. She backed away and turned her head. “What is that?” Twilight walked slowly but purposefully to Ophelia, and knelt down in front of her again to get a good look at her necklace. “Hmm... a heart shaped jewel with an anti-magic spell woven into it. Where have I seen this before?” Twilight mumbled. A moment later, Twilight was halfway around the room tearing books off shelves with her magic, scanning the titles, and tossing them aside.
“Um, Twilight, I was wondering if Ophelia might get something to eat?” said Fluttershy, dodging a book with a maroon cover and a bronze title plate. “She hasn’t had any breakfast,” she explained.
“What?” she said, not pausing in her search. “Oh, yeah sure. Spike, get her something to eat. I need to do some research on Ophelia’s necklace.”
Spike led Ophelia into the kitchen, but Fluttershy stayed behind. The book that almost hit her looked familiar. She turned it over with her hoof and looked at the title: Amulets, Gems, and Magical Charms. “Um, Twilight,” she said, nudging it away from the growing pile of discarded books, “maybe you could look at this one again, if that’s alright?”
Twilight groaned, picked up the book again, and starting turning the pages. She was going almost too fast for Fluttershy to see, but she recognized the picture of an amulet with a pegasus’ wings and a unicorn’s head. Eventually, Twilight seemed to find what she was looking for, and Fluttershy settled down to wait. She did not have to wait long, however.
“Ophelia, can you come in here please?” said Twilight, setting the book down, open, on the floor. “I may have found something. You can bring your breakfast with you.”
The filly and Spike returned from the kitchen, the dragon carrying a plate full of blueberry pancakes in his claws. The three of them clustered around Twilight to get a good look at the book. On one of the pages was a sketch of Ophelia’s amulet, the thick gold necklace and the crystal heart proportioned exactly right.
“It’s called the Hearthfire Amulet.” Twilight said matter-of-factly. “Unfortunately that’s about all the book says about it. Apparently it belonged to somepony called Winter. The book calls her a guard, but doesn’t say what she was guarding.” She sighed in resignation and put the book back on the near-empty shelf. It looked lonely and forlorn. “The book says the amulet protected her from harm. I think it also protected her from spells,” she winced.
“So if Ophelia takes it off, can she can go home?” Fluttershy asked.
“I suppose so. Ophelia can you try taking your necklace off?”
“Okay,” said Ophelia. She tried undoing the clasp, but couldn’t get a grip. She tried pulling the necklace over her head, but it wouldn’t budge. “It... it won’t come off,” she said, fear in her voice.
Twilight stroked her chin with her hoof. “It must have some sort of locking spell that stops anypony from removing it.” Her eyes widened in wonder. “Even Trixie’s amulet let the wearer take it off.”
“So what do we do?” asked Fluttershy
“We need to figure out why she appeared here in the first place.” She looked at Ophelia, concern in her eyes. “If you were sent here to escape from danger, we don’t want to send you back. Wait!” she said, clearly struck by an idea, “Who are your parents?”
“My dad’s name is Silver, and my mom’s name is Crystal.”
“Oh, I remember Crystal,” said Fluttershy, smiling at the memories of her old friend. “She sold bells and wind chimes. I still use them to wake critters up for spring. She moved away several years ago.”
“That must be why Ophelia appeared outside your door, she probably trusts you to look after her daughter. Though why she sent her here is still a mystery.” Twilight pondered the thought for a moment, then looked up at Ophelia. “I need to do more research. Ophelia, would you like to stay with Fluttershy in the meantime?”
“I guess so.”
“Well then it’s decided,” proclaimed Twilight. “You’ll stay with Fluttershy, and I’ve got a new project.” She clapped her hooves with glee.
====SSS====
Scarlet lay on her bed, a cup of cold tea on her nightstand. Scattered around her on the bed were various books, scrolls and journals. She picked up one of the books with her magic and began flipping through the pages. The spine proclaimed it to be the third of Redcliff’s Journal. Finally she found the passage she was looking for.
February 17, 800 AU
After months of searching the Arctic North, my student Silver Wing and I may have finally found something related to the Hearthfire. It's not much, but we've managed to find a stone tablet with words in ancient Equine carved into it. It seems to be some sort of prophecy or warning. The writing is badly eroded but from what I can make out it says
When the moon is full...
The year of fire...
The corrupt...
While this tablet does not shed any light on the whereabouts of the Hearthfire, it has allowed me to ask new questions about an old story I once heard. Could this have something to do with the white pony? Next to the tablet we found a gold amulet, set with a gem with the appearance of a fire ruby in shape and structure. It cannot be one, however. It is dull, and while I am not a unicorn, I can feel strong magic emanating from it. Silver Wing and I will return to Canterlot and review our findings.
February 20, 800 AU
On our way to the train station, Silver wing and I ran into The Hearthfire Knights. The cult has tried to keep me from my work before. They say it’s for my own good, but they really just want to keep the truth about the Hearthfire a secret. Silver Wing and I managed to elude them and catch our train. This proves they’ve been watching me, and that I’m getting close.
Scarlet skimmed through the next few pages, which Redcliff had filled with technical descriptions and drawings of the jewel. She finally stopped when she found the start of another journal entry.
June 5, 805 AU
I have found another amulet in the Southern Desert. It is nearly identical to the one I found in the north, but it is silver instead of gold and its magic is stronger. It feels different too: cold, dark, and evil. Nevertheless there must be some sort of connection between this amulet and the one I left with Silver Wing back in Canterlot. I will return there as soon as the next carriage arrives.
July 9, 805 AU
The gem from the north is gone! I returned from the desert to find my study ransacked. Silver Wing has also mysteriously disappeared. I fear that the Hearthfire Knights may have foalnapped Silver Wing and stolen my research. Thankfully all is not lost. I still have the gem from the desert and my journals. As for my assistant, I have told the police and sadly there is nothing more I can do. He was a good lad, and I will miss him, but I can not let this distract me from my work. I am so close to unlocking the secrets of the Hearthfire!
Scarlet had to flip through several mysteriously blank pages to reach the next and final entry. It was smudged and hard to make out.
December 23, 810 AU
This may be my last journal entry. The Amulet’s hold over me grows stronger each day. Its maddening voice echoes in my mind. I can’t stop it. To any of my descendants who read these journals, the second Amulet is the key, the key to saving this world from the maddening voice. They must not meet. It wants the world. My will is weakening. It will take control of me soon. The Hearthfire Knights, seek out the Knights they will...
The writing trailed off into the meaningless scribblings of a mad pony. Scarlet looked down at the thick silver necklace she wore. The heart-shaped jewel set in the pendent pulsed with a blood red light.
"Such a weak pony,” a voice emanated from the darkness in the corner of the room. “He was not worthy of the future I promised him.”
“My great-grandfather was a visionary,” Scarlet shrieked. “He founded the Phoenix Order to free this land from the royal pretenders!” It took her a few seconds to regain her composure. Once she did, she slipped off the bed, being careful not to disturb the books and scrolls scattered around her. She opened the doors to her balcony and stepped outside. The landscape before her - the tall peaks of the Unicorn Range, and their reflection in the shimmering waters of Lake Luna - formed the perfect image of tranquility and peace. “Will you show yourself this time?” she inquired of the cool morning air. said, her voice calm.
Scarlet could feel a presence pushing at the boundaries of her mind. She complied with the pressure, moaning as it rushed through her being. “I will reveal myself when the time is right.”
“What do you want?” said Scarlet.
“I've come to check on your progress,” whispered the voice. “Have you retrieved the amulet?”
“No, the Hearthfire Knights managed to keep it from us,” Scarlet said, glancing down at the lake.
“Your time is running out. You have until Hearth’s Warming Eve to retrieve the amulet. If you do not, I cannot help you cast out the Princesses.”
“I will retrieve that amulet and bring the Phoenix Order to the throne.”
The presence pulled away from Scarlet, leaving its parting words echoing in her mind. See that you do.
Scarlet took one last glance at the landscape, then returned to her bed: to her journals and to her books. She had work to do.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
        Ch3: Fall Friendships (Changes made 3/4/13)        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Ch3: Fall Friendships (Changes made 3/4/13)
Guardian of the Hearthfire
Ch 3:
Fall Friendships
The streets of Ponyville were nearly empty. Many of the shopkeepers were closing their stalls early, to watch the Running of the Leaves. The only shop still open was Sugercube Corner which continued to get a steady stream of customers. Ophelia stayed close to Fluttershy, her head hung low, too preoccupied to wonder where everypony had gone. So much had happened that day that she didn’t really know what was going on. All she did know were her mother’s final words, which echoed through her head.
I will find you little one...one day.
Why can’t it be now? All Ophelia wanted was to have everything to go back to normal, to be with her family, to play with Moonbeam in the pond near her house. She wanted to hear her mom’s singing again, to hug her daddy and have him spin her around. Overcome with memories, Ophelia plopped down in the middle of the street. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. Her life felt like it had been turned into a raging river, and she was just struggling to keep her muzzle above the water. The welling tears spilled silently from her eyes. She didn’t know how long it took, but just as Ophelia felt like she could cry no more she felt a hoof raise her head. She looked into Fluttershy’s blue eyes and saw soft kindness there. She sniffled as Fluttershy wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Everything will be alright, Ophelia. Twilight will figure it out, and you’ll be home with your family in no time,” Fluttershy assured her, as she wrapped Ophelia in a warm embrace.
After a moment, Ophelia slowly returned the embrace, her fears and troubles washing away. She really is the Daughter of Kindness, whatever that is, she thought. She still wished her mommy hadn’t sent her away, but she was grateful that it had been to Fluttershy. For the first time since appearing on the yellow pegasus’ doorstep, Ophelia smiled. She looked into Fluttershy’s blue eyes and breathed a silent “thank you”. The pegasus returned the smile, then let her go so they could stand up. The two of them continued through the market. Feeling a little more secure, Ophelia strayed a small distance from Fluttershy to look at the fall decorations. “What is the town celebrating?” she asked.
“The Running of the Leaves,” Fluttershy replied, hesitating a little.
Ophelia cocked her head. “What’s that?”
“It’s a Ponyville tradition,” Fluttershy said, her voice fast and high. Ophelia thought she might be nervous about something. “Ponies race through the woods so the leaves will fall.”
“Oh.” Ophelia said, looking back at the decorations.
“Don’t they have a Running in Nightingale?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don’t know,” said Ophelia, shuffling her forehoof against the ground. “My mommy and daddy keep me at home. They clear the trees near our house with magic,” she added.
“Well then, will you watch the race with me?” Fluttershy smiled down at the filly.
Ophelia smiled excitedly and scampered down the road.
====SSS====
Iron Luck sat at his desk, two large stacks of paperwork flanking him. A single sheet sat in front of him, a report from an operative in Manehatten. He had been trying to read it for the past ten minutes, but couldn’t concentrate. He was about to try again when a knock rang at his door. “Go away,” he said, pulling another report down from the stack on his left. Maybe it would be easier to read. Nevertheless, a voice came from outside. “Um...Sir, may I come in?”
Iron Luck barked at the door. “Can’t you tell I’m busy, I have a lot of work to—” the door swung open and an earth pony mare poked her light blue head into the office. Iron Luck coughed contritely. That could only be Night Lily. “Sorry...please come in,” he said. She looked around the room, then did as he had asked.
“Are you all right?” Night Lily asked, taking a seat across from him.
“No, I’m not,” he said, shaking his head. “Though I’m glad you came.”
“What’s wrong, Iron Luck?” she asked.
“I feel awful, Night Lily. I don’t know what to do,” Iron Luck sighed, massaging his brown temples with his hooves. “Scarlet has Dragon Lily and our daughter, and she used me to capture my best friend,” he whispered.
Night Lily gave him a long look, her deep purple eyes unblinking. “Well,” she said quietly, “are you going to do anything about it?”
Iron Luck shook his head, “it’s impossible.  Too many ponies here are loyal to Scarlet.”
Night Lily took Iron Luck’s chin in her hoof and made him look at her. “There must be something we can do. Dragon Lily’s my big sister. I’m not giving up on her, and I’m not letting you give up on her either.”
“No!” Iron Luck tore his head away and slammed his hooves on desk. He breathed deeply then continued, fighting to keep his voice low. “Stop that kind of talk! What if we’re overheard?”
“We won’t be,” Night Lily replied laying her hoof on top of his. “I’m tired of being afraid, tired of wondering if my sister is even alive. We have to do something.” The blue earth pony’s eyes burned with a fierce defiance. “Or Scarlet will have us running in fear for the rest of our lives.”
“Silver and Crystal are in the lower dungeon,” whispered Iron Luck, Night Lily’s passion spurring him to action despite his doubts, “but I don’t know where Scarlet is keeping Dragon Lily and Moonbeam.”
“Leave that to me,” she said, smiling confidently. “I’m Scarlet’s messenger, so I know all the secret passages in this house. I’ll just have to keep my eyes out for anything I don’t recognize.”
“What if you get caught? I can’t come to your rescue, no matter how much I want to.”
“I won’t get caught,” she said as if it were just that simple. She jumped out of her chair and slipped out the door before Iron Luck could protest.
====SSS====
Ophelia balanced precariously on Fluttershy's back, trying to get a better view of the racers warming up. A cool north breeze blew through the trees, knocking a few of the brown and yellow leaves from their branches. They tumbled by Ophelia on their way to the ground. Somewhere, a bugle called out a fanfare.
“Do you know any of the racers, Fluttershy?” she asked.
“Applejack and Rainbow Dash are two of my very best friends,” she said, wincing slightly as the filly’s hooves dug into her back.
“Which ones are they?” asked Ophelia, craning her neck.
Ophelia grabbed Fluttershy’s neck to keep from falling as she flapped her wings and rose off the ground. Fluttershy pointed her yellow hoof at a blue, rainbow-maned pegasus and an orange earth pony wearing a wide-brimmed hat. “They both take the Running very seriously,” Fluttershy said, as Rainbow smiled and thumped Applejack on the shoulder. Having introduced her friends, she sank back to the ground, careful not to let Ophelia fall.
“So, when does it—” The clanging of a bell cut her off and set the racers running. Ophelia grabbed onto Fluttershy’s neck as their hoofbeats shook the ground. She did not have to hold on long; the racers quickly disappeared around a corner, followed by a billowing dust cloud. Ophelia hopped off of Fluttershy's back and landed on a few of the newly fallen leaves. She looked up at Fluttershy. “So what now?”
Fluttershy smiled warmly at Ophelia. “Now we go to the finish line and wait.” They were stopped, however, by a polished voice from behind them.
“Fluttershy, dear, how are you?” Ophelia turned around to see the speaker: a unicorn whose stylish purple mane bounced while she walked, her white coat gleaming in the sun. Trailing behind her was a unicorn filly about her age, white like the older mare but with a purple and pink mane.
“Oh!  Hi, Rarity, I'm fine,” Fluttershy said, sounding surprised. “Did you come to see the race?”
“Yes, I promised Sweetie Belle I would take her since she didn’t get to go last year,” said Rarity. “Unfortunately, I got so carried away designing my fall fashion line this morning that we missed the start.” Rarity grinned sheepishly at Sweetie Belle, who had her head down, pouting. “Anyway, who’s this little darling?” Rarity asked, crouching down in front of Ophelia.
“Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, this is Ophelia. She’s staying with me for a while.”
“H-hello,” she mumbled, her head bowed, afraid to make eye contact with the newcomers
“Ophelia, what a lovely name,” said Rarity. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She waved her hoof at her companion. “This is my sister, Sweetie Belle. I can tell you’re going to be the best of friends.”
Sweetie Belle’s dour mood vanished as she looked up and the other filly. She bounced up from the ground and took Ophelia’s hoof, surprising Ophelia with the sudden contact.
“Hey, do you wanna meet my other friends?” she asked, still grinning as though this was the best idea she’d ever had.
“Sure!” Ophelia replied, excited. Her cousin Moonbeam had been her only friend back home.
Sweetie Belle looked up at Rarity, her eyes wide. “Can I take Ophelia to Sugarcube Corner to meet Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?”
“But Sweetie,” said Rarity, sounding shocked and disappointed, “I thought you wanted to watch the race.”
“I do, but we were going to meet there after the race started. we’ll meet you at the finish line!” Sweetie Belle grabbed Ophelia by the hoof and the two ran off into the crowd.
“Ophelia seems like an absolute gem,” said Rarity. “But Fluttershy, why is she staying with you? Doesn’t she have parents?”
“I'll tell you on the way to the finish line,” said Fluttershy.
====SSS====
Ophelia followed Sweetie Belle to what looked like a giant gingerbread house. “That’s Sugarcube Corner?” asked Ophelia.
“Yeah,” said Sweetie Belle, leading Ophelia inside. The sweetshop was just as sugary inside as out, the walls lined with baked and boiled treats for sale. “And these are my friends,” said Sweetie Belle, pointing a white hoof at two fillies, indicating a yellow earth pony and an orange pegasus seated at a table across the room.
“Hey Sweetie Belle! Who’s that?” asked the earth pony, the pink bow in her red mane flapping a little as she turned her head.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders,” said Sweetie Belle, her a voice as formal and pompous as her sister’s, “Please let me introduce Ophelia!” The two fillies listening clopped their hooves on the table. “She’s staying with Fluttershy.”
“Nice to meet'cha Ophelia. Ah’m Apple Bloom," said the yellow filly.
“And I’m Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash’s biggest fan,” said the orange pegasus.
“Nice to meet you, both of you,” said Ophelia, smiling despite tripping over her words. “How come you aren’t at the race? Isn’t Rainbow Dash running?” she said, looking at Scootaloo.
“Yeah,” said Scootaloo, a faraway look on her face. “But it’s too crowded to plan our next crusade by the racecourse.”
“Crusade?” Ophelia asked.
“Yea, we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders. We’re on a quest to find our cutie marks!” said Apple Bloom. “Have you got yours?”
“Um, no...” said Ophelia, embarrassed by Apple Bloom’s directness.
“Then it’s settled!” said Sweetie Belle. “You’ll come crusading with us!”
“Sure, but we’ve got to think of something we haven’t tried first,” reminded Scootaloo. “We don’t want to get our cutie marks in...what was that word you used yesterday?”
“Redundancy,” said Sweetie Belle, with evident pride.
Listening to the three talk made Ophelia a little dizzy, but Sweetie Belle showed her to a seat and soon she was resting her head on her hooves like the others, trying to think of something to do. “Sorry, Ophelia, we already tried that,” said Sweetie Belle, when Ophelia suggested snorkeling. “Oh, I know, how about we show you our clubhouse!”
“Yea, then we can think of some awesome stunts in our thinking spot,” said Scootaloo, hopping off her chair, her wings buzzing. “But first we’ve got to see Rainbow Dash win the race!”
“Nah you’re wrong,” said Apple Bloom, dismissively dropping to the floor. “My big sister’s gonna win for sure.”
“No, Rainbow Dash is going to win!”
“Applejack!”
“Rainbow Dash!”
“Who’s that?” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stopped their argument to look where Ophelia was pointing. Standing at the door was an earth pony filly with a silver tiara pinned in her pink mane. Looking around the store the earth pony looked in
there direction and started towards them.
“She’s trouble,” rumbled Apple Bloom.
“Why, who is she?” Ophelia asked.
“Diamond Tiara,” said Sweetie Belle, nodding at the pink filly. “A big bully at our school.”
“Morning, blank flanks,”said Diamond Tiara, a smug look on her face. “Have you made a new friend?” she asked, pointing a hoof at Ophelia.
“Leave her alone Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom yelled, jumping in front of Ophelia.
“You touch me,” huffed Diamond Tiara, “and I’ll tell my daddy.” She stepped around Apple Bloom, who seemed rooted in place, and gave Ophelia a searching look. “That’s a pretty necklace,” she said, eyeing the jewel in the center.
“Thank you, my daddy gave it to me,” said Ophelia, wondering what her friends were talking about. Diamond Tiara didn’t seem that bad.
“Is he important?” the pink filly asked. “I haven’t seen you before, so you must be from out of town.”
Ophelia nodded and looked away. She didn’t want to talk about her daddy.
“Did he come to Ponyville with you? Did your mom?” Diamond Tiara drew closer. Ophelia shook her head and backed up a few paces.
“I guess they abandoned you, then.” Diamond Tiara laughed. “I can’t say I blame them, blank flank.”
Suddenly, Ophelia’s horn lit and a powerful wind began to swirl around her. Silver magic jerked Diamond Tiara’s body into the air, cutting off her laughter. Her eyes shrank to the size of pins. Ophelia’s eyes opened wider than ever, burning with a blinding white light. “My parents would never abandon me!”
Ophelia, whispered a sweet voice. Let go of your anger Ophelia. Calm your heart.
I-I-can’t, she thought, tears streaming down her face. Help me.
Ophelia felt a soothing presence wash over her. Now, calm your heart Ophelia. You must not let the power control you.
Ophelia took a deep breath. The glow around her horn faded, letting Diamond Tiara sink to the ground, then winked out as she touched down. Ophelia staggered, but felt somepony catch her shoulder and lower her gently to the floor. She could hear the sound of galloping hooves.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she whimpered, looking up at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Diamond Tiara was gone. “I couldn’t control it.”
“She deserved it,” snorted Scootaloo.
“You okay to go to the race?” said Apple Bloom.
Ophelia nodded and clambered upright. Silently, she followed her friends to the finish line.
====SSS====
Tracer slowly climbed up the stairs to his hotel room, exhausted after working the ovens at Sugercube Corner. He nudged the door open, then looked up to see Hawk lying on his bed, flipping through a magazine.
“Have you been up here all day?” Tracer asked, falling heavily on his bed. “That’s the same spot where I left you this morning.”
“No,” Hawk said nonchalantly. “I just couldn’t find any work in town, so I came back here.”
Tracer could tell he was hiding something but decided not to bring it up. “You could at least have looked for the amulet.”
“I could have, but then that would have required effort,” said Hawk, turning another page. “Besides we just got here,” said Hawk turning the page. “So, how was working at that bakery?”
Tracer rolled onto his back, “Exhausting. Seemed like the whole town was in and out of there with orders.”
“Anything interesting happen? According to these,” Hawk said, waving his hoof at a pile of discarded newspapers and magazines, “this town sees a lot of action.”
“Come to think of it, something did happen at the bakery today.” Tracer rolled over onto his belly and rested his head on his hooves, recalling what he had heard earlier today. “I didn’t see it myself, but from what I heard from the customers a white unicorn filly levitated another filly for a short time.”
“What’s so unusual about that?” asked Hawk, setting his magazine down.
“Well, for starters they said she didn’t have a cutie mark and that she looked no older than four or five. So either this filly is magically gifted or she drew upon a powerful source of magic.”
“So you think she might have the amulet.” said Hawk walking over to their dresser.
“It’s a possibility. At the very least we should keep our eyes peeled for her.”
Hawk mumbled something as he went looking through the dresser. After a few moments he pulled out a black dress shirt. “Perfect,” he said to himself.
“Where are you going?” asked Tracer as Hawk began to pull the shirt over his head.
“I’ve got a date,” said Hawk smiling.
====SSS====
“I can’t believe she pulled it off!” Scootaloo said looking at Apple Bloom,
“Ah know, it was a great race,” Apple Bloom replied, then turned to Ophelia. “And Ah’m real glad Fluttershy let you come with us.”
Ophelia smiled. “Me too,” she said, looking around at the rows of apple trees. “But where’s your clubhouse?”
“You’ll see soon enough,” said Scootaloo. “But first you need to close your eyes.”
Ophelia did as she was told. One of the others took her by the hoof and guided her along a firmly-packed path. Eventually, however, her hoof landed on something wooden.
“Um...can I open my eyes now?” she asked.
“Not yet,” said Scootaloo. “Just keep walking till we tell you to stop.”
Ophelia took a tentative step forward and caught her hoof on something sticking up from the planking. She slipped, yelped, and nearly fell.
“Okay, so maybe you should open your eyes,” said Scootaloo sheepishly.
She did and looked down. The wood underhoof was the bottom of a ramp. what she had tripped on had been one of many slats placed horizontally along the boards. Ophelia followed it up with her eyes, and found the nice, little clubhouse nestled in the crown of a nearby apple tree. The roof was as brown as the trunk and the walls were the color of nectar. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom bounded up the ramp to the porch that wrapped around the clubhouse, and beamed with pride.
“Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse!” they shouted.
“Wow,” said Ophelia, amazed. “You get this all to yourselves?”
“Yup,” said Apple Bloom. “Come on up and we’ll give you the tour.”
Ophelia scampered up the ramp, stopping in front of a wooden door. Apple Bloom pushed open the door and they entered.
“Well ya saw the outside,” she said, “now here’s the inside. Let’s get ya acquainted.” She stepped into the center of the room. “Over there is where we do roll call,” she said, pointing to a large white piece of paper with lines next to simple portraits of the Crusaders.Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle dashed over to a table with place settings. “Over here is where we eat our lunch,” they started pretending to eat lunch. “And sometimes we stand over here and think up great crusading ideas!” said Apple Bloom pointing at Sweetie Belle who was standing in the middle of a red and white target.
“So, now that you’ve seen our clubhouse,” she continued,
“And you know what were about,” chimed Sweetie Belle,
“We’d be real happy if you joined our club!” they said in unison.
Ophelia barely gave it a moment’s thought. “I’d love to!”
The three fillies beamed as they quickly collected three red cloaks from the wall. They threw them over their heads, revealing the emblem sewn onto the side: a blue shield with a rampant, cape-wearing yellow pony.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle walked over to a tall, wooden podium. The unicorn nodded solemnly to the pegasus, who pulled a pair of large drums from behind the podium. She began to beat them as Sweetie Belle intoned, “Ophelia, step forward.”
She looked at each of the three Cutie Mark Crusaders in turn, then took a tentative step forward, then another, until she stood just in front of the podium. Sweetie Belle looked down at her. Scootaloo began to beat faster and faster on the drums til her wild flailing created a frenzy of percussive sound that shook the walls. Just when Ophelia thought she could take no more, she stopped and the silence was louder than the heaviest beat. Sweetie Belle continued, holding up a piece of paper.
“We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Ophelia to join us as a sister, friend, confidant...”
Apple Bloom sighed and proffered a second piece of paper. “You grabbed the old one,” she whispered.
Sweetie Belle’s cheeks turned a rosy red. She cleared her throat and started over. “We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Ophelia to join us as a sister, friend, and fellow Cutie Mark Crusader. You are hereby sworn in here this day in witness of your fellow sisters and friends. We hereby welcome you to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Sweetie Belle ducked behind the podium, then reemerged carrying another red cape like those the other three fillies wore. She threw it around Ophelia’s shoulders and tied it around her neck. As she finished, Ophelia was showered with confetti and streamers from the ceiling.
“Thank you so much,” she managed to say. “You don’t know how much this means to me.” A tear slid down her cheek, though she promptly wiped it away.
“No sweat Ophelia,” said Scootaloo. “You’re a cool filly, almost as cool as me!”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom echoed.
“Now let’s get to some crusading!” said Scootaloo, rearing up on her hind legs, and kicking her hooves out.
The others nodded, and soon they were all huddled around the thinking spot. Just a minute later, a deafening shout of “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER LEAF RAKERS YAY!” was heard across Sweet Apple Acres as the three fillies scampered towards the White Tail Woods.
====SSS====
Crystal and Silver lay down on the cold stone floors of their neighboring cells, their bodies horribly bruised and beaten. Fighting through the pain, Crystal shifted onto her side so she could look at her husband.
“S-Silver,” she said weakly.
Silver opened his eyes and grunted halfheartedly.
“Do you think Ophelia’s al-alright?” she said, clenching her teeth as she tried to raise her head.
Silver met Crystal’s gaze. “She’s a—” his head dropped back to the floor. He lay still for a moment, catching his breath. “tough girl...She’ll be fine. They still don’t know...where to find her.” With great difficulty, he pushed himself towards the rusty iron bars separating the cells. Crystal joined him. “We should...think about...escape,” he whispered.
“How?” she asked, wincing at the pain of lying on her belly. “I-I can’t even stand.”
“Ophelia’s...still in danger. Her caretaker...doesn’t know...who she is.”
“I trust her,” Crystal replied.
Silver didn’t seem convinced, and Crystal supposed he had the right, but he dropped the subject. Instead, he nudged the bars with his nose. “Can you...teleport?”
Crystal looked resignedly at the floor. She could see every bit of grit and gravel. “I already tried. The bars are enchanted.”
Silver smacked the stone floor with his hoof. “Must be...something.”
“We’ll just have to wait for an opportunity,” Crystal said, her eyes beginning to droop.
“Sleep?” Silver sounded disappointed, but his eyes were already closed and he was beginning to breathe deeply.
Crystal smiled sadly. She closed her eyes and started to hum softly.
A twinkle in the night sky far far away.
A golden star I gaze upon in my dreams.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone,
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone.
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream
“Good night, little one.” Crystal quickly fell into a restless sleep.
====SSS====
“Thanks for walking me back,” Ophelia yawned, leaning against Sweetie Belle as they approached Fluttershy’s cottage
Apple Bloom yawned too, and smacked her lips. “It’s no problem. Well, good night.” She and Sweetie Belle waved good bye and headed back towards Ponyville.
Ophelia waved back tiredly, then stepped into the house. Fluttershy was on the couch, petting a little white rabbit. The yellow pegasus looked up to see who had come in. “Hello Ophelia, did you have a fun time with your friends?” Ophelia yawned again and nodded. “Oh, you poor thing,” cooed Fluttershy, leading Ophelia upstairs. “You look exhausted! Follow me. I prepared a cozy little bed for you.”
Ophelia was surprised by what was in the loft that she stepped into, a large bed sat between two windows, a trunk at its feet and a red area rug underneath. Birdhouses hung from the rafters, and there was a fireplace set into the wall for warmth and light.
Ophelia started towards the big bed, but Fluttershy guided her off to the side. “Oh no, that’s where I sleep. Your bed’s over here.” It was circular and low to the ground, with woven sides and plenty of room for a filly to stretch out. Ophelia was about to lay down when something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. Looking over to the window she could see a large twinkling star. Slowly she walked over to the window, put her front hooves on the sill, closed her eyes, and began to sing
A twinkle in the night sky far far away.
A golden star I gaze upon in my dreams.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone,
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone.
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream
Fluttershy quietly came up beside Ophelia. “That’s a lovely song.”
“My mommy would sing it to me when I had trouble getting to sleep,” Ophelia explained.
Fluttershy smiled and looking up at the star, then closed her eyes and began to sing the same tune.
A twinkle in the night sky far far away.
A golden star I gaze upon in my dreams.
Ophelia smiled as she joined in.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone,
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream.
Tomorrow I’ll sing with you on the wings of a dream.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone.
On a sleepless evening I sing alone.
Tomorrow I'll sing with you on the wings of a dream.
Tomorrow I’ll sing with you on the wings of a dream
“Good night mommy,” Ophelia whispered. “Thank you Fluttershy.” Ophelia wrapped her hooves around the yellow pegasus. “Thank you for being so kind.”
Fluttershy returned the embrace, and kissed Ophelia on the head. “You’re welcome Ophelia.”
The two broke the hug, Ophelia went to her bed and curled up under the covers. Soon she was fast asleep.