[FWM] Game of Ponies

[Grif]

My Little Pony: Friendship Was Magic

In Equestria, the monsters are kept in safe places, and can be beaten off with hugs and clothing and angry stares.
In Equestria, a benevolent goddess raises the sun and the moon, and keeps the world in harmony.
In Equestria, the concept of danger is barely understood.

This is not that Equestria.

The heroic Moon Goddess, and her student, overthrew the Burning Hate of the Iron Hoof, saving Equestria from the searing, unending summer that raged for years. Even now, she tries to hold against the monsters, the literal armies of feral species that attack.

This is not the Equestria you know. Friendship has power, love may yet triumph. But evil is not just a word. Go out into the woods today, and be sure to take an axe, or make sure you have that fireball spell on a hair-trigger. If you want to keep your life... you'd better work for it.


=-=-=

On Canterlot, a brief description
The Capital City. The bustling heart of Equestria and the New Lunar Republic. An ancient city that has stood as long as the land knew the Princesses. A metropolis where ponies could live their wildest dreams. A city that hides a darker side few has seen, but many have whispered.

Canterlot.

When one first approach Canterlot, the very first thing one would notice would be the magnificent gate that guarded the massive entrance. Flanked on both end by massive towers of flawless pearl white stone, the delicately wrought wooden and steel doors guard the entrance to the capital. The smooth, stone road that runs underneath the massive arch was capable of handling up to ten wagons abreast. Raised by the Princesses themselves, the gate is known as the Royal Gate. There are two other gates that allow entrance into the city: the Moon and Sun Gate respectively. Smaller than the Royal Gate, but equally well defended, they allow access into different districts of the city.

Canterlot itself can be broadly divided into several distinct sections, each with their own distinct characteristics and features:

Royal Castle/Royal District - Home to the royal castle, occupying the highest point of Canterlot. Also now serves as the administrative centre for Canterlot and Equestria. The Royal Guards maintains a small garrison here.

Harmony District - Wealthy elite district. Famous for most of the graceful spires that marked the skyline of Canterlot. The Royal Gate leads here.

Platinum Square - One of Canterlot's premier commercial area. Named after Princess Platinum of yore. Of notable landmarks, Rarity has a boutique here.

Cliffside Street - One of the several working class districts. This particular one was named after its location at the very edge of the city, overlooking the valley below.

Starshield Street - Named after a former Captain of the Royal Guard. One of the several working class districts. Notable for the presence of the barracks for the city garrison. The Sun Gate leads into here.

Lunar Avenue - Entertainment hub. Has a lively nightlife, and is host to many bars, pubs and nightclubs serving the ponies of the city. Some unsavoury elements might also lurk here. The Moon Gate leads here.

Canterlot Campus - Home to most educational institutions of Canterlot, including the School for Gifted Unicorns and Canterlot University.

Skytrack - Home to the famous Canterlot Skytrack, where pegasi races are held.

Previous Main Thread Links
FwM Plot/Recruitment Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209474)
SoftLight Out of Character (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198923)
SoftLight Recruitment (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192140)
Main Pony Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11050271#post11050271)
FwM - Thread 1 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200312)
FwM - Thread 2 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204691)
FwM - Thread 3 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11439751#post11439751)
FwM - Thread 4 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209857)
FwM-Thread 5 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212519)
FwM-Thread 6 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218173)
FwM-Thread 7 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222561)
Thread 8 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228358)
Thread 9 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235541)
Thread 10 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240645)
Thread 11 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246172)
Thread 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13598028#post13598028)
Thread 13 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255343)


Thread 14 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265127)

FwM OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273786)

FwM Plot/Recruitment Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209474)

Miscellaneous Forbidding Adventures Threads (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210597)

[Grif]

A selection of noble houses and important organisation active in Canterlot.

House Solace
“As long as there is scorched earth, festering pain, rampant disease, simmering discordance...so will we be there, mending it.” - Lord Clemence Solace, spokespony and leader of House Solace

During the Age of Peace, Celestia's branch of house Libros was mostly known for their advances in medical research and energy conservation. During the period when Luna was banished, however, they also took on a larger role in Equestrian law. Rather than enforce new tyrannical doctrines, less 'fiery' members intended to lessen the impact of the new state of affairs as a sort of passive apology. For example, many instances of immediate execution were, by law, relegated to mere incarceration due to the sort of laws they had control over.
While they do not have as much say in modern times, Solace's law instructors, lawyers, and funding to law schools still make them a viable presence in matters that require an attorney.
Despite not funding warfare aspects of the Equestrian army, Solace being the foremost name in health care even after the long centuries has made them a disturbing group to contemplate attacking or moving against. Armies have, after all, been lain low by less frightening phrases than 'pulling the funding out of your medical facilities'. While military action is still very possible without their support (or, Princesses forbid, their outright hostility), it can be made very difficult without a drop of blood being spilled directly.

House Lunatic
“I don’t deny that we have created institutions for the purposes of espionage. However, I do deny that they are being used for anything other than the betterment of Equestria.” - Lord Sanctified Eclipse, leader of House Lunatic

For nigh on a thousand years, Luna's branch of house Libros has been connected to exploration, discovery, and magic. They have produced numerous scholars, teachers, and magicians of reknown, and due to careful spending and construction, are favored backers of quite a few institutions of note, including the Pathfinder's Guild and legendary School for Talented Unicorns.
During times when eliminating opponents quietly was popular, Moonstone also began funding of a new breed of 'counter-assassination' outposts across Equestria. Kept a very closely-guarded secret to avoid staining their reputation, rumor has it that some of them still exist, producing some of the best cutthroats available for defense. Their motto, if they had one, would most likely be 'what better pony to fight off a ninja than another ninja?'. Kept rigidly devoted to an oath of violence by necessity, each graduate tends to be more of a devoted defender than an assassin, as only very few of them have ever actually assassinated anyone.
As a fringe benefit to being so closely tied with Luna, Lunatic keeps a close hold on their connection to her personal guard, a majority of which are of the houses' bloodline.

Needless to say, Libros, and the houses that came after, have also nearly revolutionized the 'faith boom' that occurred shortly after Celestia and Luna took control of Equestria from Discord, and ties from temples and shrines are closely held to the houses even in modern times. It goes without saying, however, that neither house supports fanatics from either group, despite the hardline survivors of Moonstone and Summer Wake having actually founded several fanatical sects.

House Hurricane
“Peace can only be achieved through power. And we, House Hurricane, are that power.” ~ Lord Vindication, House Elder.

House Hurricane claims to be one of the oldest noble houses in Equestria, tracing the origins of their house all the way to Commander Hurricane of the Dark Ages of yore. There are two things that defines House Hurricane, peace through power and the supremacy of the pegasi race. House Hurricane has gone so far as to only admit pegasi exclusively into its ranks, (one of the few pegasi-only noble house) and fraternisation with earth ponies or unicorns are actively discouraged. Because of this, House Hurricane remains a small, insular noble house.

It comes as no surprise then that House Hurricane displays an extreme militarist streak, and is well known to starting feuds with other noble houses that it perceives to have insulted it in some manner; feuds that often end in bloodshed and in some cases, elimination of the entire house. Only the tacit disapproval of the Princesses themselves (and the implicit threat behind it) has restrained their conduct. House Hurricane mellowed over the centuries of peace, and maintains an outward facade of genteel nobility that the aristocrats has come to espouse. Even so, it is generally considered unwise to cross House Hurricane. A single blue feather laid on one’s doorstep was enough to send an entire family scrambling to beg for mercy.

Such an extreme militaristic zeal is not without benefits. House Hurricane are extremely well-regarded for the quality of the soldiers they provide; going so far as to supply the bulk of the fliers for the elite commando branch of the Equestrian Air Force, the Wonderbolts. It is often said that any Hurricane pegasus flier is easily worth five fliers in the air. The strength of their aerial military prowess has stood Equestria, and now the Republic in good stead time and again, though it remains unclear on how long they intend to stay loyal to a weakened Princess.

The Fetlock Nobility
Separate from the normal factions that fire for either princess are the noble families that once made up and funded the bulk of Equestria's army. Made up of unicorn pryomancers, draconic fire ponies, and specially bred dragons; these high ranked officers were charged with defending the country from outside forces. Years ago, the battle between the princesses split the group into two and sent half of them into "self-imposed exile".

Descendents of Flashfire
These are the ponies whose ancestors allied with Celestia and remained in Equestria. They are mostly unicorn nobles and hold great control over the Equestrian army. Slightly in favor of Celestia, they are more concerned with maintaining the quiet status quo.

Followers of Wildfire
The children of the forces who left Equestria upon Luna's defeat. Luna has recently convinced them to return for their financial backing. There military force are almost as large but are generally less worried about the status of the nation. Dragon-like fire ponies make up most of their forces.

House Flamestrong
One of the richer Fetlock families, the Flamestrongs hold major power or the military decision of Equestria. The Flamestrongs can trace their lineage to the legendary Flashfire, who led the Celestia aligned nobles during the first civil war. They are headed by Fire Flower Flamestrong, a tough, ruthless, and cold unicorn who runs the nearby fort. Leadership of the Descendents of Flashfire has been passed down the Flamestrongs family line for centuries! Sparkle Sparkle.

House Scald
Scald had been recently allowed back into Equesatria after the the self imposed exile of Wildfire's forces back in the civil war. They are a regrettable major financial backer of Luna with all the funds raised during their time controlling the trade between the Camels and Zebras. Although having no relations to Wildfire, this weaselly clan has the most members in the council that leads the Followers of Wildfire.

House Gumdrop
The Gumdrops are mercenaries. They fight for whoever pays them the most. They are just as rich as Flamestrong or Scald but lack the allegiances. Gumdrops will work for anypony and attack any other pony, as long as they aren't other Gumdrops. They hoard their bits, using it only for weapons and the medicine to treat their mental disorders. They are led by the probably insane Rainbow Jimmies and his brother Sweet Tooth.

House Stoutheart
Equal parts loved and feared; such is the state of House Stoutheart.

Were it not for their tireless working of the fields and constant upkeep of Equestria's roads, Luna's Republic would have long since been paralyzed by starvation. Some entire towns - such as poor, cursed Applelousa - rely on them for their entire food supply. Even the most poverty-stricken Equestrian can find a loaf of fresh bread, a bowl of clean water, and a warm bed at House Stoutheart.

The knowledge that it all could be taken away in an whirlwind of spite keeps all walking on eggshells around them.

Their "Earth Ponies only" practices are tolerated.

Their stubborn anti-Celestia paranoia goes without direct challenge.

Their ancient grudges are left alone.

And they are always thanked for their impeccable service.

Such is the state of House Stoutheart.

Princess Luna

“The nobles think I’m a fool. But little do they know I still watch the night... and their dreams.” ~ Princess Luna

She has been called many names. Goddess of the Night. Nightmare Moon. The Dream Walker. The Usurper. The Liberator. All true. All only managing to encompass a small facet of her personality and her duty to the nation.

Princess Luna always stayed in the shadow of her elder sister, preferring to work behind the scenes where possible. Where her sister always preferred blunt and direct action, even brute force, like the day she represents, Princess Luna instead preferred guile, subtlety and indirect action. That is not to say she is weak. Far from it, for the power of the night flows through her. Princess Luna wields her powers like a snake, striking with maximum force where the enemy is the weakest.

One could only speculate Princess Luna’s exact emotional state when her sister betrayed her and exiled her to the moon. But whatever it was, the incident and the ensuing civil war changed the Princess. Once shy and reclusive, the Princess matured into a leader of her own right, rising to lead the revolt personally and delivering the coup-de-grace with the Element Bearers to banish the Iron Hoof to the sun.

Once the deed is done, the Princess seemed remorseful at the damage wreaked in the once peaceful country. Declaring that the power to rule was no longer hers to wield, she elected to abdicate and devolve that power to the ruling nobility in the Edict of Canterlot 1090, her final royal proclamation. In the new Republic, the princess has elected to remain as a ceremonial figurehead, in view of her ongoing duty to raise and lower both the moon and sun. It remains to be seen whether or not the decision was wise, as the country lurched from one crisis to another. Still, Luna remained steadfast, though how long that state of affairs would last, only time will tell.

Currently, the Princess still holds court in Canterlot Castle, though a much smaller affair than the royal proceedings of old. Ponies continue to seek her audience on a variety of things, her popularity undiminished despite some missteps attributed to her. She has made known her feelings on the current regime led by Blueblood occasionally, ranging from ambivalent to veiled scorn. Rumours that the Princess sometimes quietly solves problem behind the ruling government’s back is often whispered.

Griffon Duchy
In practical terms, there are really two blocks of time to talk about. Early in history, the griffon kings (and Queens) were vague trade allies to early Equestria and the predecessor nations. The Last King tried to throw that away in an ill-advised territorial war with Equestria. Instead of seeing the lands be brought to ruin, his eldest daughter lead a stunningly successful revolt. Since then, the protectorate has been ruled by the same line, holding what the Griffons living in the duchy call the Third Crown. There is a senate put into place, but it is mostly ceremonial.

The first Duke-consort (which oddly enough history forgets to mention was a pegasus, making the ruling line non-pureblood) formed an order of warriors loyal to the lands and those who live on it. These Harbingers answer only to the current Duke/Duchess and their chosen High Protector. In a long age of peace, these warriors eventually settled into a role of keeping the Roc population in check, taking out griffons driven mad, and being a pool with which the princesses can pick to aide in her personal guard.

After the death of the most recent Duke, his High Protector attempted to seize power for himself. His name struck from history, The Traitor was defeated. Unfortunately, the coalition of loyalist forces were themselves split. A short rebellion followed. The end result is that Protectorate forces are diminished and rebuilding, and the rule of the Duchess is unquestioned. In the past years the Duchess has begun a series of reform including ending 'mixed-blood' discrimination.

Trade League
“Everything has a price.” ~ Green Thumbs, Trade League founder.

This was the maxim this humble organisation of traders was founded on. Originally named the Trottingham Trade Union, it was first founded when the merchants of Trottingham decided that a common face was needed to represent their business interest. Thanks to the industrious and capitalistic nature of its founders, this organisation grew rapidly, quickly becoming the sole representative of the business community of Trottingham.

Under the leadership of one Green Thumbs, the Union, renamed officially the Trade League of Equestria, soon decided to spread its wings to the other cities in Equestria. After all, the cold logic of the market dictated that the more members the hold under their sway, the better placed they will be to influence it in their favour. Ruthless politicking, veiled threats, promises of cold, hard bits and a few mysterious disappearance soon had the League controlling or overseeing a significant chunk of Equestria’s economic activity. The League had also actively cultivated their underground connections, and developed some of the best information network in this side of Equestria. However, the League also has consistently avoided undertaking the business of assassination, viewing it as distasteful.

Today, the League is best described as something of a confederation of business interests, united in the singular motivation to earn bits. Contrary to public perception, the League actually actively encourages competition amongst its members. Anypony unable to keep up with their peers are often shunned and quietly encouraged to seek a more suitable profession, leaving only the best and the brightest working for the League. Whatever a pony wants, chances are that a League members provides, at a very reasonable cost. Many a noble house found it convenient to deal with the League when something is needed, rather than trust to unpredictable market forces.

The League maintains (and enforces) a strict policy of neutrality. No member of the League is allowed to consort with any political factions, on the threat of expulsion and confiscation of all their properties. Throughout the civil war, the League maintained trade relations with both sides, selling food, weapons, medicine and even hiring out mercenaries. All at a handsome profit to themselves. This policy of strict neutrality has continued on into the era of the Republic. Though some quarters have accused the Trade League of profiteering from the situation, their reply has always been, “It’s just business.”

[Grif]

[Council of Lords]

The large chamber was silent. All eyes in the room was fixated at the majestic figure standing before the wooden podium in the centre. Despite the tension in the air, Princess Luna seemed serene, almost relaxed; a thousand years of practice serving her in good stead. Clad only in her traditional nightsilver tiara and chestpiece, the Princess nevertheless exuded a powerful presence despite the lack of ornate garments.

“Fillies and gentlecolts. I assume you have been briefed on the emergency session of the Council of Lords today,” Princess Luna intoned calmly, her aquamarine eyes studying the crowd before her. “It is not my intention to delay proceedings any further, but a word, if I may.” She let the sentence hang in the air, before continuing on, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I hope to see the councilmembers act as befit their rank and status. I do not wish to see a repeat of last week’s altercation.” Again, she let the words sink in. Murmurs cascaded through the room, despite the apparent breach in protocol. It was not usual for the Princess to speak so openly about the affairs that went on in Canterlot these days. After all, she had sworn to not interfere in the fledgling democracy.

Then, Princess Luna stepped off the podium and nodded at a while-maned, beige earth pony stallion nearby. “Mr Speaker, you may begin,” she said, retreating to her usual position behind the main podium. Sharp observers may note the Princess was still keenly following the proceedings.

“O-Of course, Your Highness,” the Speaker said, as he scuttled to take his position at the podium. He took sometime to adjust his collar, before speaking. “Fillies and gentlecolts. We’re gathered here today on the request of Lord Burdock of House Stoutheart. He has proposed a motion to sanction House Solace in accordance to the Land Laws, to which he claims that House Solace has violated multiple times. This will be our topic of debate today.” Another wave of murmurs rippled across the room, particularly among the known Celestia-aligned House.

"Lord Burdock, if you please?" the Speaker continued, gesturing at the Stoutheart bench.

[Kelvin360]

Aside from a raised eyebrow at the nature of the proceedings, the Solace representative in attendance, none other than Lord Clemence himself, wearing his finest white attire with gold and flaming orange trims, his gold mane tied back behind his ears, raises no comment, waiting patiently for Burdock to speak.

By his side, Lady Moonshine has apparently been assigned as Lunatic's representative in Lord Eclipse' stead (not at all an uncommon occurrence). In contrast to her political ally, she wears ceremonial (but still obviously functional) plate, the design not unlike that of Luna's own guard, but streamlined to accent her surprisingly (but not necessarily overly noticeably) pudgy figure. The message of the outfit is clear - she's there as a diplomatic peacekeeper, not a diplomatic negotiator, today. Her dark purple eyes study the room calmly, her only expression a soft smile as Luna speaks. Like her companion, she waits for Burdock to have the first word.

Behind them, the traditional two silent guards of House Solace (sans weaponry, as per the everpresent terms of the meetings) stand with their heads held high. By comparison, House Lunatic apparently deigned not to send any guards as backup for Moonshine, though given the not-at-all-secret rumors about her, it's likely they simply deemed an armed guard unnecessary as backup for an experienced paladin. That, or there's a ninja or two in the room somewhere.

[MCerberus]

Among the usual royal and parliamentary guards present for this little trial were a few members of the Oathguard. If any of the nobles here do decide to cause trouble, it's not likely their personal guards will be able to object to their ejection. The three are silent, standing still and observing everything going on. An errant motion from the assembly attracts a quick gaze until they're sure everything is normal.

Those who have frequent dealings with the security arm of Canterlot would recognize the 'griffon' larger than the other two. Even in standard armor and feathers glamored grey, there is no mistaking a Hippogriff. For her part, the guard known by her pony name, Riposte, to the nobility is playing up the "big intimidating peacekeeper" role.

Considering the desire to keep out of scandal and the emotions rising up recently, the Duchy ambassador is missing from the proceedings. Lobbying for the Duchess to have a voting appointment to the chamber will have to wait for another day.

[TheAmishPirate]

Lord Burdock stepped to the podium, restraint written plainly across his violet face. In contrast to the other nobles in their fine armors and exotic clothes, he wore a simple, black suit, with his graying mane neatly combed into place. In a quieter life, the clothes might've been his Sunday best. In a quieter life, it also wouldn't have been made of some of the most expensive material bits could buy. Still, he wore his finery with a quiet, respectable humility. Behind him, two burly earth ponies in equally humble finery stood guard. Rumors abounded of Stoutheart guard ponies, with bucks so hard that no tree could withstand their might. Though weapons were not permitted in the chamber, nopony could take their mighty hooves away. Should a brawl erupt, Lord Burdock held a clear advantage.

"Assembled members of the Council," he intoned, his deep, homely voice echoing in the grand hall. "I come before you today to ask only that the very laws of our land be upheld. You all know the territories east of Dodge City have always been the pride and joy of the Stoutheart family. Such has it been since the days of Lord Oakheart, and such it will be for my children's children's children. And yet, House Solace saw fit to ignore these boundaries and skulk into Stoutheart lands, without so much as a 'how d'you do?' And lest you think that the hospitality of our House has grown cold, we gave the intruders due warning of their foolishness. Thrice we told them to come to our Stoutheart inn instead of lurking about our grounds, and thrice they ignored us!"

"And when we extended our kindness a fourth time..." His hooves gripped the stand until the wood audibly creaked and groaned. "...these...these invaders slaughtered our Lord Goldenrod and his servants, and fled for their lives! Crawling back into their hiding holes, and refusing to pay for their crimes!"

Lord Burdock hammered his giant hoof on the bench. "House Stoutheart demands justice for our slain kin!"

[PurityIcekiller]

[The Not-Grey Council]

Lord Glory of Lightfoot, who seemed to have been distracted since the meeting began, straightened up at the sound of Burdock's shouts and hoof-slams. Few of the assembled lords and ladies would likely recognise him due to his low prominence and being new to the council, but he stood out somewhat due to his gaudy purple-and-red outfit and golden jewellery. Whoa! I think he's a little angry about this.

He was about to speak up when his guard nudged him, reminding him that it wasn't his place to interfere at this time. Instead, he started actually paying attention to what was going on.

[Kelvin360]

Moonshine and Clemence exchange a brief glance. The former edges almost imperceptibly away, letting Clemence take the actual 'stage', as it were, but also pays close attention to the manners of those present, while she has the opportunity to keep an eye on things.

"Lord Burdock, you and your house have our condolences and our cooperation. We will begin an investigation immediately. Do you have names or descriptions at your disposal to aid in the process?"

[Grif]

[Council of Lords]

Deep in the shadows of a corner, keen observers might spy a trio of pegasi sitting silently in their bench, watching the proceedings with a bored, disinterested air. Most would recognise them as House Hurricane delegation, and Lord Highwind as the Hurricane representative. Dressed in the colours of House Hurricane, storm grey with sky-blue trims, Lord Highwind was a true-and-true scion of Hurricane. His two guards wore similar, though less ornate, livery.

Although they were dressed for the occasion, the trio seemed more at home in the sky than the stuffy chamber they found themselves today. Still, not a trace of discomfort could be seen from their faces. Occasionally though, Lord Highwind shot the hippogriff representing their allies with a distasteful glance.

[MCerberus]

The various royal guards are still scanning the crowd looking for somepony about to make a move... while looking stoic and moving the very smallest amount possible. Some of them are also fighting the urge to wonder why they're letting the nobles investigate what happened... to the nobles.

Riposte is having more practical thoughts about where the brawl could potentially start. The Stouthearts are in the driver's seat and seem stable. Solace might scream 'slander' and defend their honor. The Lightfoots and Hurricanes seem antsy. And above it all, all the ponies with their banners, finery, and barding look like Post-Modern Rainbow Explosion... the rather oddly-colored heavy metal band her daughter likes.

[TheAmishPirate]

[Council of Lords]

Lord Burdock glared fiery daggers at Lord Clemence. "Why should we tell you what we've found out? So one of yours can hide away the murderers while we're stuck jumping over hurdles? We already paid dearly for our trust, and we ain't about to give it back. Not while Goldenrod's grave lies freshly-dug. Stoutheart wants full control of the investigation; our ponies, our information, and no closed doors."

A deeply anti-Celestia house having full access to everything Solace?

What could possibly go wrong?

[Kelvin360]

Celemence merely raises an eyebrow. "I did not ask for my benefit. Why would a house raise an investigation to their own? That would be absurd.

House Lunatic will conduct the investigation."

At, at last, the bear in the room speaks. "If it would be helpful to you, Lord Burdock, I may ask Lord Clemence to leave the room. Or, you could inform me of the circumstances in private. Either way, I am certain that you understand how Stoutheart alone undertaking such a matter will raise suspicion. Without more information, these claims are unsubstantiated, and given your House's attitude towards Solace, it would even look in such a manner as an unnecessary raid only to inflict political harm upon them."

She holds up a hoof to forestall an immediate counter-argument. "I do not think that your are lying, nor that this is only an attempt to tarnish the name of Solace. However, including House Lunatic in this way can only strengthen your position. Lord Clemence is incorrect only in that an investigation would be a joint one. Your ponies, our ponies. Your information, our information. No closed doors."

She pauses a moment. "Our interest in this matter is that of truth seekers - murder is intolerable, and justice must be swift. If you have concerns as to our affiliation, know this; While Solace is our ally, they are also a part of our House in an official capacity. This means that, for such a matter as this, we are not their friends in regards to the terms of the investigation. We are their parole officers."

Clemence doesn't look overly pleased at all of this, but he keeps quiet for now.

[MCerberus]

The guard are stone-faced and have the continued uncaring facade as before. It seems as a matter of procedure at this point that somepony is going to be assigned to tag along with the investigation to give the faintest glimmer of impartiality to it.

But still they don't move.

[TheAmishPirate]

[Council of Lords]

"If getting an impartial house involved would get Stoutheart justice for Lord Goldenrod, then so be it. Only question is, are you sure House Lunatic is as impartial as you say?" growled Lord Burdock. "Loose lips let murders slip. And if yours are loose enough to let slander fly against us so freely, then how do we know the rest of your House won't be so chatty with your...prisoners?"

[Kelvin360]

"The only pony in this room letting loose with slander, presently, is yourself." Moonshine remarks dryly. "If you desire, I can cease pointing out when and how your words will be misconstrued. If you take issue with our involvement, I find myself wondering if, perhaps, you misunderstand the policies of our interrelations? Solace is our vassal house, and therefore, we must be involved. Basic terms do not change simply because you demand them to, no matter how little you think of our integrity."

She lets that hang in the air a moment before continuing in the same polite tone of voice. "Perhaps you have also forgotten our history? I do not think I need to elaborate on it, not here, though obviously I could be mistaken. If you trust in nothing else, then at the least, trust in what I say now: Lunatic has even less reason to abet them than you do. I feel I must ask, now, when it occurred to you that we are so untrustworthy that we would compromise a mission of justice purely to defend a house sprung from the ashes of a group that annihilated hundreds of our number?"

Another pause, this time even more pointed, complete with a half-glare. Unnoticed by Moonshine, Clemence' ears are flat against his head, and he appears to be looking anywhere in the room except at her and Luna. "Calm yourself, Lord Burdock. If there are two ponies in this room you have no reason to fear the intentions of, I am one. And, by extension, so is my house. But if you insist on ensuring that you allow no allies of yours to remain, then even I cannot help you."

[TheAmishPirate]

Stoutheart? Forget?

Stoutheart never forgets. A dire lesson every house eventually learned.

Lord Burdock - all hooves firmly planted on the ground - weathered Lady Moonshine's quiet thrashing. His guards looked to each other in confusion, but without a movement from their Lord, they waited. "...House Stoutheart is enduring trying times," spoke the earth pony finally. "Our trust, once so freely given, is shattered, thanks to the ponies of that one behind you. Warnings ignored, and then kindness spat upon with our own blood. We barely don our funeral garb before we abandon it in favor of the mantles of our office. Coming to seek justice in the only way we can. And what do we find? What are we - Stoutheart, that trusted our neighbor until it cost us our kin - treated with?"

He shook his head in disbelief. "Rumors and hearsay against our motives, our hospitality, and the very spirit that moves House Stoutheart. And when we try for once to defend ourselves, to speak up lest Lord Goldenrod should die amid a dishonored house, we are accused of slander." His voice raised as he addressed the company. "Is this Equestria? Is this the land whose armies we feed? Whose ponies we nourish? A land where a cry for justice cannot ring out, for fear of being accused for disturbing the peace?!" Burdock bowed his head in disappointment. "Maybe House Stoutheart takes such heavy blows because we were unprepared to even face such a world. Maybe the only ponies Stoutheart can rely on...are themselves."

He let the note hang a few, pointed moments.

And then he raised his head, all gracious congeniality once more. "But Stoutheart will continue to endure. For the sake of justice, for the sake of our kin, and for the sake of Equestria, Lord Goldenrod's murderers won't be allowed to roam free." He looked to Lady Moonshine. "Stoutheart and Lunatic will have their truth...just as soon as I have your official apology for any accidental besmirching of our name. To lay the notion to rest among my House that our allies mean any ill will at all, and to ensure only the highest level of cooperation amongst all involved."

The faintest hint of a smile glinted in his eyes. "It can only strengthen your position, Lady Moonshine." echoed Burdock, niceties dripping from his words.

[Kelvin360]

"Absolutely. Where and when, may I ask?" She states immediately. "Though if I may make a suggestion beforehoof, I would prefer it be as soon as possible."

At this, Clemence's guards look at each other confusedly, breaking form for a moment. Clemence himself follows suit, but looks at Moonshine like she just declared she was surrendering during a war.

[TheAmishPirate]

Lord Burdock gestured to the surrounding company, eyes glinting with a trace of mollified satisfaction. "Here's good. Now's fine. One less obstruction on the road to justice." The earth pony nodded to his secretary/notekeeper to get this all down in writing.

No harm in a personal copy. Trusting all the records to the Council stenographer could be a foalish mistake.

[MCerberus]

Now that ponies are getting upset, the guard start carefully observing who may make the first move. This is, of course, all mental. Almost all of them make no movement whatsoever.

Riposte, however, looks towards the Princess. All this talk about nobles making accusations and nopony seems to want to have the investigation involved with anypony above the fray. It may be time to tell both sides to shut up and let the grownups look around.

[Kelvin360]

"You have my deepest apologies in regard to the carelessness of my words. I assure you, offense was not my aim." She bows her head to him slightly, firmly back in a calm state of appearance. "I know, and House Lunatic knows, that to mistrust the values and intentions of House Stoutheart or yourself is foolhardy. I pray that, despite the miscommunication, our alliance might remain strong in these trying times." With that, she waits on both the secretary to finish the record and for Burdock to continue.

[Grif]

"How touching." A leathery voice rang throughout the chamber. Eyes quickly turned to the new speaker that had entered the fray. Most nobles would recognise him as the mercurial head of House Obsidian: Lord Glassblower. An elderly unicorn, with ochre coat and blond mane, dressed in slightly ostentatious sea-green coat, he seemed unperturbed at being at the centre of attention. In fact, the unicorn seemed to enjoy it. "Should I offer my congratulations on such a historic occasion?"

"But it still doesn't address the fact that any such investigation by either of the parties would be both grossly biased and liable to lead to further troubles. Troubles which—" His cyan eyes swept around the room. "—our Princess has explicitly warned against." Princess Luna seemed to stiffen a little at the remark, before relaxing again.

"I propose that neither of the affected parties, including House Lunatic should be included in this investigation. An unaffiliated party, like the Royal Guards, or even the Princess herself. After all," He smiled thinly. "We wouldn't want a repeat of the House Sol debacle, do we now?"

(As to the debacle he was referring to, the Sol Incident, as it was named, ended inconclusively due to rampant politicking, destroyed evidence and just plain incompetence on behalf of the team that was appointed to investigate it. Suspicions are all abound as to who the real culprit was.)

[PurityIcekiller]

[Council of Counselling]

Golden Glory listened, taking note of interesting behaviours. They're very easy to calm down in this place. Maybe they're acting? Oh! Now... Glassmaker, was it? He's talking, and something about... Hey!

He leapt up at that moment. "Lord, how about me? I'm not affiliated - in fact, I barely actually know these ponies at all."

[TheAmishPirate]

Burdock's jaw set in a hard line. "I am at a loss as to which insults me more; that one attends these proceedings and yet knows nothing of our fair House, or that somepony felt the need to dredge up that incident again."

His gaze turned upon young Golden Glory, and the noble found himself staring into the eyes of a mountain given flesh. Unyielding, titanic, and above all else, dangerous. Burdock snorted once in what sounded a bit like approval. "At least the young Lord appears impartial enough to be useful, but what do you get at by talking about this unrelated case? Stoutheart moves that mention of this frivolous fact be stricken from the record!"

[Kelvin360]

"Oddly worded as it was, Glassblower has...something...of a point." Moonshine remarks dryly. "I do not believe anypony here thinks that Stoutheart or Lunatic would intentionally sabotage this investigation, but an unaffiliated face could work in our favor. Incidentally, I second the motion that such a comparison be stricken from record."

She addresses Glory. "Might I inquire as to your experience?"

[Grif]

Glassblower held up his hooves in mock surrender. "If you two think that is best." He glanced over at the Speaker, who then gestured at the stenographer. "Just thought a cautionary tale would help focus minds on the real goal of this investigation."

Another unicorn spoke up, this time a mare. "Lord Glassblower, enough. We know you're still unhappy over how your daughter's untimely demise. No need to keep rubbing that unpleasant fact into everypony's noses every single time," Lady Daisy of House Blossom commented. A member of a minor house, Lady Daisy is something of a rarity, a all-around nice and generally well-liked pony.

Glassblower seemed to bristle at the gentle rebuke, before snorting and resuming his seat. His gaze turned to studying the young upstart who had so willingly thrown himself into the fire.

In his corner, Highwind rolled his eyes a little at the obvious charade.

[PurityIcekiller]

Burdock's jaw set in a hard line. "I am at a loss as to which insults me more; that one attends these proceedings and yet knows nothing of our fair House, or that somepony felt the need to dredge up that incident again."

"Oh, Lord Burdock, I said I barely know you, not that I don't know your house." Glory chuckled. "So I'd say the second one."


His gaze turned upon young Golden Glory, and the noble found himself staring into the eyes of a mountain given flesh. Unyielding, titanic, and above all else, dangerous. Burdock snorted once in what sounded a bit like approval. "At least the young Lord appears impartial enough to be useful, but what do you get at by talking about this unrelated case? Stoutheart moves that mention of this frivolous fact be stricken from the record!"


"Oddly worded as it was, Glassblower has...something...of a point." Moonshine remarks dryly. "I do not believe anypony here thinks that Stoutheart or Lunatic would intentionally sabotage this investigation, but an unaffiliated face could work in our favor. Incidentally, I second the motion that such a comparison be stricken from record."

She addresses Glory. "Might I inquire as to your experience?"

"Right. Let's let bygones be bygones."

Glory gave Moonshine a little bow. "I, of course, would be honoured to aid you. I don't have actual experience yet, but I know what to do, and I figured what better way to get experience than to actually do things?"

[TheAmishPirate]

Burdock's gaze yeilded no clear verdict as he weighed the upstart young noble. "If your experience and knowledge are at such odds, then tell us; what should you do if you are given the opportunity to aid this investigation?"

[PurityIcekiller]

Burdock's gaze yeilded no clear verdict as he weighed the upstart young noble. "If your experience and knowledge are at such odds, then tell us; what should you do if you are given the opportunity to aid this investigation?"

"Simple. I'll search everywhere for clues about who did this and why, find out everything I can, and help everypony come to a agreement." Glory struck a heroic pose. "I'll have the victims repaid, stop the fussing and fighting, and bring honour to us all!

"Oh, and I'll use this as a learning experience, of course."

[Kelvin360]

"It seems a dangerous task for a pony to undertake alone, nevertheless. If you are open to a suggestion, your task may be somewhat easier with a partner." She looks around the room, though her gaze settles on the watchful hippogriff slightly longer than any of the others. "Two sets of eyes are, after all, better than one."

[Orzel]

"Ladies and lords, children of all ages. I, Lord Jimmes would to announce and offer of House Gumdrop's assistance in this matter. Though we are simply creamers, cheesemongers, and candy makers, we have sympathy." A tall pony in a vibrant red suit with golden tufts on his shoulders and waist. It clashed with his yellow coat and multicolored beard and mustache.

His voice boomed. No magic, just raw loudness. "Of course at a price as my family would lose helpful hooves which would be at the drop pressers and taffy pullers."


A young stallion snorted. He was surely not fully grown but he was big as an adult. "Drop pressers and taffy pullers, indeed." stated Lord Roaster Flamestong in his coltish voice. "I suggest not paying for aid. Or taking aid which may be paid."

[MCerberus]

Alright, this was starting to get ridiculous. In the first movement from the guards that can be noticeable, Riposte sends a guard up towards the throne with a note. All of the different noble houses wanting to muscle in, not cooperate with each other, and claim secondary motivations.

The note from Riposte reads.

My princess, I respectfully request the opportunity to remind the assembly of the crown's jurisdiction as an impartial party.

[Grif]

Alright, this was starting to get ridiculous. In the first movement from the guards that can be noticeable, Riposte sends a guard up towards the throne with a note. All of the different noble houses wanting to muscle in, not cooperate with each other, and claim secondary motivations.

The note from Riposte reads.

Princess Luna took the note solemnly, giving it a brief glance, and scribbling on it before nodding at the guard to take it back. An action that might not go unnoticed by the observant in the chamber. Fortunately, most of them seemed to be too busy speculating the potential bust-up between Solace and Stoutheart to take much notice of innocuous note-passing.

The note would return with an addendum at the bottom, in the Princess' own cursive:

"Patience. If they wanted the crown to assist, they will request it on their own accord.

Of course, a gentle reminder to certain parties is not unwelcome.

L."


Meanwhile, Lady Daisy eyed Glory with somewhat sympathetic eyes. "I hope you know what you're getting into, young one. This is not a game." Lord Glassblower and a few others gave a loud snort at the remark.

The Speaker quickly brought down his gavel to silence the assembly. "Order, order!" he declared. The noise soon subsided to a somewhat more dignified humdrum. "Lord Burdock, Lady Moonshine, are you in agreement that Lord Glory will head the investigation committee that will look into the matter?"

[MCerberus]

In other words, keep her beak shut. Riposte isn't exactly the most patient being in the room to say the least, but she can hold her peace long enough to 'advise' whoever is handed the investigation by the parliament.

Intuition says that there's something not right here though. There are too many moving pieces for it all to be accidental.

[TheAmishPirate]

Too easy?

Well we can't have that, now can we?

"House Stoutheart...does not agree." Lord Burdock shook his head gravely. "You all heard it; by his own admission, Lord Glory lacks the...experience necessary to head such an important matter. His education will not be paid at Stoutheart's expense. Give him a more...senior pony to co-lead the investigation, and Stoutheart will approve the motion gladly."

"And Flamestrong speaks the honest truth; for a day when a grieving father must pay to see his son's killer brought to justice will be a dark one for us all." The taffy-pullers get nothing but a disapproving glare. "And any who think they can turn a profit from grief and desperation deserves the same as the murderers."

[Kelvin360]

Ironically, I have an entire list of 'senior ponies', but their neutrality would be suspect at best. Moonshine wonders, weighing her options. Not a lot of them seem entirely favorable.

So, she simply does what some have suspected her house of doing for some time. "House Lunatic calls upon the crown for assistance." Insert witty pun about trump cards and a royal flush here.

[Grif]

Ironically, I have an entire list of 'senior ponies', but their neutrality would be suspect at best. Moonshine wonders, weighing her options. Not a lot of them seem entirely favorable.

So, she simply does what some have suspected her house of doing for some time. "House Lunatic calls upon the crown for assistance." Insert witty pun about trump cards and a royal flush here.

Princess Luna just serenely gazed down from her vantage on the throne, her eyes coming to rest on Lady Moonshine. "What would you have the crown do, Lady Moonshine?" she intoned calmly, glancing over to Lord Burdock briefly. "You know full well it would be unseemly for me to be involved in such a... personal matter."

In the years since Iron Hoof, the nobles might remember how Princess Luna has always politely declined to interfere in the matters of the state, unless she deemed it detrimental to Equestria as a whole.

[Kelvin360]

"I would not be so presumptuous as to demand that you involve yourself personally, Princess. However, you alone are not the only facet of the crown's might, be it political, martial, or investigative. Aside from even that, the crown is, by definition and action, an impartial body. Therefore, I humbly suggest an experienced proxy, to oversee the investigation on your command. The Council gains an intermediary without noble ties, Lord Glory gains a partner and guide, and you attain, shall we say, a birds-eye view of the situation as it progresses."

Three guesses who she's looking at when she conveniently uses the term 'birds-eye'.

[Grif]

"I would not be so presumptuous as to demand that you involve yourself personally, Princess. However, you alone are not the only facet of the crown's might, be it political, martial, or investigative. Aside from even that, the crown is, by definition and action, an impartial body. Therefore, I humbly suggest an experienced proxy, to oversee the investigation on your command. The Council gains an intermediary without noble ties, Lord Glory gains a partner and guide, and you attain, shall we say, a birds-eye view of the situation as it progresses."

Three guesses who she's looking at when she conveniently uses the term 'birds-eye'.

"Ah." Princess Luna's eyes glinted with amusement, as she looked up and towards Riposte. "Very well then. I do believe I know just the candidate for the job." She paused, before announcing. "Miss Riposte, if you would please step forward?" The very name of the hippogriff sent the chamber rumbling anew, and the delegation from House Hurricane shot very dark looks at Riposte. None however, voiced their objection outright... yet.

[MCerberus]

"Ah." Princess Luna's eyes glinted with amusement, as she looked up and towards Riposte. "Very well then. I do believe I know just the candidate for the job." She paused, before announcing. "Miss Riposte, if you would please step forward?" The very name of the hippogriff sent the chamber rumbling anew, and the delegation from House Hurricane shot very dark looks at Riposte. None however, voiced their objection outright... yet.

And with that the glamor around the hippogriff's body fades reverting to the natural green mottled feathers. She's still dressed for the occasion, and nothing on her body is strictly ceremonial. Now that she's called for and able to temporarily abandon the stoic unmoving watcher routine Riposte moves forward.

First order of business is to state some bit of logic while disarming the 'they're running to the crown to cover up' accusation before it happens.

"Esteemed representatives, one of the charges of the royal guard is to mediate these conflicts as a truly neutral party. All of our members hold no stake in this but to see Equestrian justice fulfilled."

She looks over to the Stoutheart camp for a moment before continuing. "It would serve all our nation and ease the grieving family if one of our number would be assigned to prevent corruption and find the murderer."
As it would occur to many in the chamber that selecting an Oathguard would likely ensure the investigation isn't going to be the most peaceful and restrained.

[TheAmishPirate]

Lord Burdock's guards tensed their legs in readiness, but a subtle flick of their Lord's tail set them back at ease. "My Princess, you give our house a grand honor by your appointment. That one of your own personal guard should aid in bringing these murderers to justice will be no little comfort to our grieving hearts." He bowed his head to the throne respectfully.

Rather pointedly, he failed to mention any personal qualities of the candidate. Must have accidentally slipped his mind.

"Without further delay, I motion that Lord Glory and the Royal Guard Riposte be made the official heads of this investigation, that they be granted power to inspect the crime scene and any relevant information from House Stoutheart and House Solace."

[Kelvin360]

"House Lunatic seconds this motion." Moonshine glances at Clemence and almost imperceptibly nods.

"House Solace too concurs."

[PurityIcekiller]

"Splendid, splendid!" Glory bowed to everypony he could think of. "It is an honour to work with such a fine po- That is, individual, as Miss Riposte. Together, I'm sure nothing will stop us from finding the truth!" He gave Riposte a wink. "And I look forward to getting to know you, too!"

[Grif]

"Very well then. If it is to the satisfaction of both parties, then the proposal shall now go to the floor for approval," the Speaker said, visibly relieved that nopony got unruly and thought to settle their grievances with the sharp end of a sword. It took several days for the cleaners to scrub the last stain out of the expensive carpetery.

The chamber rumbled, but this time more of the general underlying curiosity rather than anything malicious. One by one, the nobles nodded their assent, most having rather better things to do than provoke either Stoutheart or Solace and Lunatic. A notable few abstained, like Glassblower and Highwind but otherwise, the motion passed unanimously.

The speaker nodded once the general hubbub of the voting settled down. "Very good." He cleared his throat. "Lord Glory, you're hereby appointed as the head of Council's Committee investigating this distasteful matter, with Miss Riposte being your assistant. As such you'll be given the necessary authority in order to facilitate your investigation." Many a noble glanced at Glory; the powers theoretically in his hooves would definitely disturb many in the wrong places. "I trust you needn't be reminded about the penalties of abusing the powers now entrusted in your hooves," the Speaker said as he peered at Glory. Incidentally, Princess Luna seemed to be glancing at Glory as well.

[TheAmishPirate]

"Nor need I remind of the severe disappointment of Stoutheart should Lord Goldenrod's killers go unpunished." spoke Lord Burdock, his proclamation carrying a rumbling undercurrent of might temporarily held in check.

His secretary was already noting down the abstaining votes. Strong words would need to be penciled in for later.

[MCerberus]

Was that a vaguely threatening boisterous political BS? That's not something Riposte is going to let stand as the last word. "The Oathguard is not known for its failures, Lord Burdock."

It may be considered a little rude to not exchange pleasantries with the seemingly friendly Glory, but this is the fire required for her position. Another brief consideration is that her cubs get to escape her ever-watchful glare. They're sure to pop up somewhere getting into trouble.

[TheAmishPirate]

"And Stoutheart is not known for doubting the wisdom of our Princess." Lord Burdock quipped back idly. "It would do you well to realize, Guard Riposte, that we are all on the same side here."

[PurityIcekiller]

"Yes, we're all on the same side! We're all honest, honourable sorts, aren't we?" Glory flashed a wide grin to the surrounding ponies. "Thank you, everypony, for giving me this splendid opportunity. And never fear, for I would never abandon my duty or misuse my power - that would be just plain discourteous!" He then gave another dramatic bow.

[Grif]

A few sniggers followed Glory's little speech, and Lady Daisy actually shook her head sympathetically out of his sight. Clearly the little lord has a lot to learn and unfortunately, he'd be learning them soon enough, whether he liked it or not.

At any rate, the Speaker banged his gavel again. "If there's no other pressing matter, I think we have finished our session for today. Good day, gentleponies." The portly unicorn quickly retreated to his sanctum, while Princess Luna similarly turned and disappeared.

"Quite so. The Canterlot Bolts Races are about to start and I have good money on Lightning Dust today," one of the nobles sniffed, as he and several others made to leave the chamber.

"Hah, Lightning Dust? I hear a new unknown is making waves..." the sound of their conversation was soon drowned out by the general din of the chamber.

[MCerberus]

Riposte is fighting the urge to shrug off what Glory's going off on. Either it's manufactured to sound all patriotic glory or they've got a filly-scout on deck here. In the latter case the hippogriff may end up babysitting more than anything.

So the assembly wants to go off and not govern, so Riposte goes over towards Glory once the crowd dies down a bit.

[Kelvin360]

"Quite so. The Canterlot Bolts Races are about to start and I have good money on Lightning Dust today," one of the nobles sniffed, as he and several others made to leave the chamber.

"Hah, Lightning Dust? I hear a new unknown is making waves..." the sound of their conversation was soon drowned out by the general din of the chamber.

"They usually do." Moonshine murmurs softly as the pair follows the crowd in an exit.

"It goes without saying that I'll be confined to House Lunatic until the investigation officially commences, yes?"

"Indeed."

"Mm. There are worse places to be placed in for house arrest." He looks around to make sure they're not being overheard, then lowers his voice. "Frankly, I'm impressed. How quickly you calmed Burdock down, relatively speaking...I don't think it's been done that well before. If you don't mind my asking, how did you manage it?"

For the first time since the session began, Moonshine grins softly, a knowing look in her eye. "Why, Lord Clemence, haven't you heard?

Friendship is magic."

[MCerberus]

Well then it seems the crowd is dispersing rather well. Riposte takes a moment to observe who's dragging their hooves on the way out before starting the conversation with Glory. "I need to know first, do you have anything in your past that IS going to get in the way of this duty?"

[TheAmishPirate]

Lord Burdock and his contingency retired to the Stoutheart offices, the other nobles either giving them a wide berth, or falling over themselves to offer their heartfelt sympathies for their loss. The sycophants were generally shoved aside; abstaining voters wouldn't reprimand themselves, after all.

[Orzel]

Lord Roaster of House Flamestrong

The young stallion stepped out the meeting room proudly. Inner focus steeled the young warrior's face. He was not a politician like his uncle who was off doing mandatory generalling as all Flamestrongs must do from time to time. And politicing was now also mandatory. His grandmother said this. It was now part of their history. And it was his turn to live in Canterlot.

The stares stabbed him greatly. He was young, the youngest representative of House Flamestrong ever. Roaster felt the disrespect but his warrior spirit flared as he burst through a group of lingering nobles. "One side. The interest of a third of the Equestia's might waits for none. Contracts to sign."

Lord Jimmies of House Gumdrop

Lord Jimmies was one of these nobles. "Contracts? How about a few Gumdrop tradeponies and cooks in your forts?" The message was well hidden in his words.

"But there are no conflicts to require such ponies." said the puzzled colt.

"Wars happen. And soldiers get hungry. And they often need relief. Relief my House can provide for your ponies. Cutting food and clensing the way for grand marches." The weird suited stallion marched in place and drew all attention to himself.

[PurityIcekiller]

Glory was a little surprised by the reception of his speech, but took it in stride. "At least it made a positive impression."


Well then it seems the crowd is dispersing rather well. Riposte takes a moment to observe who's dragging their hooves on the way out before starting the conversation with Glory. "I need to know first, do you have anything in your past that IS going to get in the way of this duty?"

"Oh! No, not at all! My past is something that never got in my way," replied Glory. "I prefer to focus on the future. It's much more exciting.

"So, do you wish to talk about something right now, or should we discuss matters further in a less public place?"

[MCerberus]

"Oh! No, not at all! My past is something that never got in my way," replied Glory. "I prefer to focus on the future. It's much more exciting.

"So, do you wish to talk about something right now, or should we discuss matters further in a less public place?"

The way that was said... seems to leave an opening for the past to get in the way in the future. Anyway, Glory did get the right idea of having a place for this discussion away from schemers. She sort of shrugs towards an exit that eventually leads to the garrison. It shouldn't be too much of a stretch to get a conference room or something.

"You have safe lodging for however long you're staying in Canterlot?"

[PurityIcekiller]

The way that was said... seems to leave an opening for the past to get in the way in the future. Anyway, Glory did get the right idea of having a place for this discussion away from schemers. She sort of shrugs towards an exit that eventually leads to the garrison. It shouldn't be too much of a stretch to get a conference room or something.

"You have safe lodging for however long you're staying in Canterlot?"

"Indeed! My brother left me his place in Harmony District. I've been staying there with Primrose and Whisk." Glory beckoned. "Come on, I'll show you."

He led the way outside, followed by his guard. If Riposte had any questions, she would have time to ask him on the way. Eventually, they would arrive at a large, grand, but somewhat disused-looking building.

[MCerberus]

"Indeed! My brother left me his place in Harmony District. I've been staying there with Primrose and Whisk." Glory beckoned. "Come on, I'll show you."

He led the way outside, followed by his guard. If Riposte had any questions, she would have time to ask him on the way. Eventually, they would arrive at a large, grand, but somewhat disused-looking building.

Harmony District... an interesting choice. It won't be long before they leave and are shoulder-deep in political mess. Riposte follows along, although she's not quite as perky as her company. The hippogriff does have one comment on the way.

"I didn't ask about a safe place idly. You're very publicly a target of whoever wants to keep this mess in the dark."

[PurityIcekiller]

Harmony District... an interesting choice. It won't be long before they leave and are shoulder-deep in political mess. Riposte follows along, although she's not quite as perky as her company. The hippogriff does have one comment on the way.

"I didn't ask about a safe place idly. You're very publicly a target of whoever wants to keep this mess in the dark."

"Oh, it can't be that bad, can it?" Glory laughed. "And I've still got a couple of tough ladies watching my back, so even then, I'm not worried."

His guard looked at Riposte and shrugged, but said nothing.

Inside the building was a massive room, empty save for the round table at the centre. Beyond this was a hall with closed doors scattered throughout. Two staircases, one on each side of the room, led up to the balcony of a second floor. The only sign of movement throughout was a single maid, polishing one of the banisters frantically.

"Do you like it? I admit it's a bit unused, but that just means I can do more with the space." Glory took a seat at the table and beckoned for Riposte to do the same. "So, shall we discuss the matters at hoof?"

[MCerberus]

"Oh, it can't be that bad, can it?" Glory laughed. "And I've still got a couple of tough ladies watching my back, so even then, I'm not worried."

His guard looked at Riposte and shrugged, but said nothing.

Inside the building was a massive room, empty save for the round table at the centre. Beyond this was a hall with closed doors scattered throughout. Two staircases, one on each side of the room, led up to the balcony of a second floor. The only sign of movement throughout was a single maid, polishing one of the banisters frantically.

"Do you like it? I admit it's a bit unused, but that just means I can do more with the space." Glory took a seat at the table and beckoned for Riposte to do the same. "So, shall we discuss the matters at hoof?"

Nobles. Nothing to polish in a mostly empty building and they still manage to overwork the help. Riposte is tempted to call into question the guards' combat history, but that may make things awkward and the stallion seems sure of himself.

The extra room is something nice to have though. Most pony structures are a bit cramped compared to where she grew up. This is doubly bad considering she's larger than the griffons they were built for. Business at hand though...

"Indeed. I'd say the first course of action is to leave for the scene of the crime, flash our talons, and get to the heart of things as quickly as can be done."

Hopefully Glory can figure out the turn of phrase that means 'violent coercion'. Oh yes, this plan has all the subtlety.

[PurityIcekiller]

Nobles. Nothing to polish in a mostly empty building and they still manage to overwork the help. Riposte is tempted to call into question the guards' combat history, but that may make things awkward and the stallion seems sure of himself.

The extra room is something nice to have though. Most pony structures are a bit cramped compared to where she grew up. This is doubly bad considering she's larger than the griffons they were built for. Business at hand though...

"Indeed. I'd say the first course of action is to leave for the scene of the crime, flash our talons, and get to the heart of things as quickly as can be done."

Hopefully Glory can figure out the turn of phrase that means 'violent coercion'. Oh yes, this plan has all the subtlety.

The maid glanced up in alarm upon hearing the word "crime", then groaned. "And another employer lost," she muttered.

Glory looked thoughtful. "So you suggest that we arrive with a bit of flair?"

His guard nudged him, then made a thrusting motion with an empty hoof.

"Oh!" Glory nodded. "So you mean showing them our strength and skill in battle? That could be good. Let them know that we're fully prepared to take on the villains who have done this dastardly deed! Show them that we are ready and willing to take action!"

"And get yourself killed by being a reckless fool," the maid commented.

Glory laughed, still looking towards Riposte. "Oh, don't mind Whisk too much. She's just stressed out from all her work. So when shall we embark upon this mission? I say it would be best if we began fairly soon, but still took some time to prepare."

[MCerberus]

The maid glanced up in alarm upon hearing the word "crime", then groaned. "And another employer lost," she muttered.

Glory looked thoughtful. "So you suggest that we arrive with a bit of flair?"

His guard nudged him, then made a thrusting motion with an empty hoof.

"Oh!" Glory nodded. "So you mean showing them our strength and skill in battle? That could be good. Let them know that we're fully prepared to take on the villains who have done this dastardly deed! Show them that we are ready and willing to take action!"

"And get yourself killed by being a reckless fool," the maid commented.

Glory laughed, still looking towards Riposte. "Oh, don't mind Whisk too much. She's just stressed out from all her work. So when shall we embark upon this mission? I say it would be best if we began fairly soon, but still took some time to prepare."

"Tomorrow if we can," Riposte responds. "I don't keep track of the train schedule. We'll need to catch a free ride on a military or civil government car since they didn't give us a budget for this matter."

The hippogriff shakers her head after looking at the maid for a moment then takes stock of the guards. "We'll have the chance to show our skill, but we don't want to intimidate the wrong being too early."

[PurityIcekiller]

"Tomorrow if we can," Riposte responds. "I don't keep track of the train schedule. We'll need to catch a free ride on a military or civil government car since they didn't give us a budget for this matter."

The hippogriff shakers her head after looking at the maid for a moment then takes stock of the guards. "We'll have the chance to show our skill, but we don't want to intimidate the wrong being too early."

The singular guard was definitely a problem. While she looked to be in good shape and fairly loyal, there was only one of her. Evidently, downsizing had happened.

Glory nodded. "Right. So be diplomatic as well, and get there on the first train that's convenient. Sounds like a plan!

"So, I think we'll take Primrose with us and leave Whisk to watch this place. Then we'll just need to pick out supplies. What do you believe we will require, Miss Riposte? Money? Food? Weapons? Tools? Books? What do you say?"

[MCerberus]

The singular guard was definitely a problem. While she looked to be in good shape and fairly loyal, there was only one of her. Evidently, downsizing had happened.

Glory nodded. "Right. So be diplomatic as well, and get there on the first train that's convenient. Sounds like a plan!

"So, I think we'll take Primrose with us and leave Whisk to watch this place. Then we'll just need to pick out supplies. What do you believe we will require, Miss Riposte? Money? Food? Weapons? Tools? Books? What do you say?"

"Arms, armor you can wear comfortably, basic provisions, and anything that suits your skills," The hippogriff replies. She takes a mental note to consider the one guard situation. It actually works better that way, unless an army for some reason shows up.

"It's still a crime for a house to refuse housing and aid to an agent of the crowns, but we'll still need our purses."
That would be interesting though. They get there and the ponies that seem to gain the most from finding this killer shut them out in the rain.

"I don't suppose you have anypony that can check the train schedule while I arrange childcare this evening?" she adds in the same, normal intense tone.

[TheAmishPirate]

Before the discussion can fully turn to the grave matter at hoof, a knock on the front door suddenly rings out. A firm, insistent reminder of the outside world. Not to mention persistent; the knocks repeat roughly every minute if left ignored.

Looks like Lord Glory has company...

[PurityIcekiller]

"Arms, armor you can wear comfortably, basic provisions, and anything that suits your skills," The hippogriff replies. She takes a mental note to consider the one guard situation. It actually works better that way, unless an army for some reason shows up.

"It's still a crime for a house to refuse housing and aid to an agent of the crowns, but we'll still need our purses."
That would be interesting though. They get there and the ponies that seem to gain the most from finding this killer shut them out in the rain.

"I don't suppose you have anypony that can check the train schedule while I arrange childcare this evening?" she adds in the same, normal intense tone.

"Sure! I can send Whisk to handle it. I'm sure-"


Before the discussion can fully turn to the grave matter at hoof, a knock on the front door suddenly rings out. A firm, insistent reminder of the outside world. Not to mention persistent; the knocks repeat roughly every minute if left ignored.

Looks like Lord Glory has company...

"Oh, come in, whoever you are."

[TheAmishPirate]

"Oh, come in, whoever you are."

The door opened, and the party was greeted by the sight of a off-white unicorn mare on their doorstep. She was clad in an exquisite dress of white and gold, and her mane was long, flowing, and pink. Grace and poise marked her steps as she approached - clearly a mare of good breeding - as did a deep interest in her surroundings. Her deep, pondering eyes never left the pony and hippogrif before her, but often they would wander past them, drinking in the scenery intently.

When she reached Lord Glory and Riposte, she curtseyed elegantly. "Lord Glory, Guard Riposte, it is a pleasure to meet you. I come with a message from Princess Luna." She straightened up and produced a sealed scroll from some hidden pocket, which she offered to Lord Glory.

Dear Lord Glory,

To further assist in your investigation, I'd like to recommend the bearer of this letter to join your team. I'm quite sure you'd find her insights and skills... most useful, among other things.

Of course, you're free to reject her services if you wish.

I wish you all the best in your investigations.

~Luna

PS: Do remind Riposte not to prematurely end another pony's life, if possible.

(The bottom of the scroll was affixed with the royal seal.)

[MCerberus]

Investigators Assemble

Riposte, meanwhile, is doing the normal quiet stern look as she silently waits for whatever information to be passed on and shared. The first size-up told the hippogriff that they have another political pony on their talons. Odd that she'd be delivering a royal message without armed escort.

[PurityIcekiller]

The door opened, and the party was greeted by the sight of a off-white unicorn mare on their doorstep. She was clad in an exquisite dress of white and gold, and her mane was long, flowing, and pink. Grace and poise marked her steps as she approached - clearly a mare of good breeding - as did a deep interest in her surroundings. Her deep, pondering eyes never left the pony and hippogrif before her, but often they would wander past them, drinking in the scenery intently.

When she reached Lord Glory and Riposte, she curtseyed elegantly. "Lord Glory, Guard Riposte, it is a pleasure to meet you. I come with a message from Princess Luna." She straightened up and produced a sealed scroll from some hidden pocket, which she offered to Lord Glory.

Glory stared for a moment in amazement, then bowed. "Ah! What an honour! Thank you very much, miss." He carefully unrolled the scroll and read.

"Magnificent! An offer of assistance!" He smiled at the mare. "I would be most pleased to have such a fine mare as you serving by my side in this matter, with your permission."

"Oh, look, Team Pretty-Face is recruiting," grumbled Whisk. "Shall I get some flowers for you to pin into your manes, my lord?"

"No, thank you, Whisk," replied the young noble, apparently having missed the sarcasm. "Anyway, perhaps you can tell us more about yourself, Miss...?"

[TheAmishPirate]

"Solar Eclipse. I am a close associate of Princess Luna, well-versed in the history of many great noble houses, and trained in the healing arts among other magical interests." Solar Eclipse curtseyed in gratitude. "And thank you for accepting my offer of assistance. I greatly look forward to working with you both. Perhaps you could summarize your investigation thus far, and how you plan to proceed?"

Associates of the Princess were uncommon, but not unheard of. Princess Luna kept many odd ponies at her side - for reasons most nobles could only guess at - and none questioned her judgement in her choice of close allies. Even if some of those close allies had an alarming tendency to hurl parties about at the drop of a hat.

[MCerberus]

"Solar Eclipse. I am a close associate of Princess Luna, well-versed in the history of many great noble houses, and trained in the healing arts among other magical interests." Solar Eclipse curtseyed in gratitude. "And thank you for accepting my offer of assistance. I greatly look forward to working with you both. Perhaps you could summarize your investigation thus far, and how you plan to proceed?"

Associates of the Princess were uncommon, but not unheard of. Princess Luna kept many odd ponies at her side - for reasons most nobles could only guess at - and none questioned her judgement in her choice of close allies. Even if some of those close allies had an alarming tendency to hurl parties about at the drop of a hat.

Well they have a mage, a warrior and... Glory's slightly roguish right? Point being at least Solar is somepony with a different skill set. On the other talon, this kind of appointment means twice the high-profile royal loyalists on the case. That may lead to some more attention.

"Tentatively, we're making plans to head out by rail," Riposte states stepping forward and making eye contact. "Likely we'll end up riding with government cargo because it's free. Once there, start with the guards and pick up the trail."

The hippogriff takes another glare at Solar. "We're going to be alone, so go armed and protected."

[TheAmishPirate]

Well they have a mage, a warrior and... Glory's slightly roguish right? Point being at least Solar is somepony with a different skill set. On the other talon, this kind of appointment means twice the high-profile royal loyalists on the case. That may lead to some more attention.

"Tentatively, we're making plans to head out by rail," Riposte states stepping forward and making eye contact. "Likely we'll end up riding with government cargo because it's free. Once there, start with the guards and pick up the trail."

The hippogriff takes another glare at Solar. "We're going to be alone, so go armed and protected."

The gruff, glaring half-griffon fails to even ruffle Solar. "A wise plan. Have you considered your points of contact? Word of your arrival and investigation will reach the scene long before you do, after all."

"And you needn't worry on my behalf." Her horn glowed in readiness, and both pony and hippogrif would swear the temperature in the room rose a hair. "I am well prepared to take care of myself."

[PurityIcekiller]

[Quest For Glory]

"Such talents are wasted on His Foppishness," muttered Whisk.

"Excellent!" Glory gave a short bow. "I believe we can work together most splendidly, Miss Eclipse. I admire a mare of talent and prestige.

"And Miss Riposte, you seem to have the makings of a plan already! We won't need to tarry too long, then. Soon, I will be able to prove my mettle, whether with words or with blades. With the three of us, I am sure we can resolve this matter with ease!"

Primrose started to look a little dejected.

[MCerberus]

Pre-Quest

Riposte rolls her eyes not sure if that was supposed to be flirting or just being a weird noble... or both. Nobles like to do both.

"The plan, as you've probably figured it out, is most just normal investigation. I hope you're as sure of your magic as most would be of steel, the houses are usually stupid enough to stick their noses where they shouldn't be."

[TheAmishPirate]

[The Quest Continues]

Our trio of nobles and ponies employed by nobles experienced the richness of Canterlot nightlife in preparation for their journey.

Which is to say, they spent the next several hours besieged by courtiers, offers of assistance, bribes subtle and otherwise, veiled threats, veiled compliments, and a thousand and one other distractions and delays. But by the evening's end, they'd secured the name of their contacts from Houses Stoutheart and Solace, and an additional offer of rooms and safe food from Stoutheart.

Tempting.

But with the night falling fast, the three of them had little time to ponder their answer if they wanted to catch a train and arrive by sunrise. They hurried to the train station just in time to load their bags - and themselves - into a government cargo car bound for the countryside. Those who chose to sleep slept fitfully, the cold, wooden floor hardly the luxurious beds they'd come to know.

Here's hoping they'd have the energy for the task ahead...

[The following morning...]

The train whistle sounded.

Less than a minute until arrival.

Solar Eclipse was already awake, silently watching the sunrise through the thin window-slits of the car.

Whatever final preparations and plans they meant to do, they'd best do them quickly.

[MCerberus]

Morning of Questing

Riposte didn't lose much sleep. She's not exactly the "soft" sort. The other two were left to deal with the storm of nobles the night before though. The hippogriff had things to settle before then. Hopefully the two ponies didn't promise anything they'd regret.

The Oathguard gets up and stretches a bit. A bit, because it would be an act of skill to stretch her wings out without hitting anyone. Riposte doesn't say anything but starts putting on her armor. Not the ceremonial fancy-looking thing, but the breastplate from her battle armor. It's not the full set, but the reticulated wing guards would just be too heavy. Besides, soulforged steel should stop anything they come across.

[PurityIcekiller]

[I Like Trains]

Lord Glory did most of the manoeuvring through the crowd of courtiers that night. He was surprisingly not as bad as might be expected at it.

He woke up bleary the next morning, not being much of an early riser. "Oh! Here already." He struggled to get his mane and clothes in order, making sure he looked nice before he had to get out of the car.

Not a promising start.

[Meanwhile]

Whisk was pacing around the hall and muttering angrily to herself. "Idiot. He's going to get himself killed out there, mark my words. If that pony isn't a spy..."

Primrose the guard stood still and silent nearby. Both were stuck taking care of the place while His Lordship was away. Whisk hadn't taken it well, and while Primrose wasn't objecting, she hadn't said anything in favour of it either.

[TheAmishPirate]

[Train Station]

Instead of reviewing any last-minute plans or strategies, the crack team of investigators chooses to perfect their appearance.

Given the fickle nature of nobility, might not be the worst idea.

And so, the train pulls into the station and the locks on their car's door magically unlock. A quick push later, and they'd find themselves at a small boarding platform, way out in the Equestrian countryside. In stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Canterlot station, the grand majority of ponies they can spy are workers, steadily unloading cargo onto waiting trollies. A few travelers disembark, but only a few. The platform itself is dull, cracking, and generally bland. Apparently they didn't have time to clean the red carpet, much less roll it out.

A welcoming committee, however, is a different story. A silver-coated earth pony, dressed in a well-pressed and tidy suit, stands tapping his hoof at the platform entrance, flanked by two of the largest earth ponies any of the three had ever seen. Both were clad in light padded leather, emblazoned with the seal of House Stoutheart. One of them chewed upon a stalk of wheat, grinding it into dust between his tombstone teeth. As soon as they came into sight, the silver-coated earth pony quickly trotted towards them with purpose, stopping only to give a short bow. "Welcome t'Kenbucky, travelers. Might ya'll three be the team from Canterlot?" he asked, polite but terse.

[MCerberus]

((might as well get this rolling between holidays if at all possible))

Well for one of the party it's more about not getting stabbed than presentation. Riposte takes a few stretching flaps on the ground to get the kinks out. Also she takes stock of the 'greeting party' in the usual harsh 'kind of makes ponies uncomfortable' sort of way.

Glory and Eclipse seem to be more amenable to the formality of this whatever kind of greeting they want to go with.

[PurityIcekiller]

Instead of reviewing any last-minute plans or strategies, the crack team of investigators chooses to perfect their appearance.

Given the fickle nature of nobility, might not be the worst idea.

And so, the train pulls into the station and the locks on their car's door magically unlock. A quick push later, and they'd find themselves at a small boarding platform, way out in the Equestrian countryside. In stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Canterlot station, the grand majority of ponies they can spy are workers, steadily unloading cargo onto waiting trollies. A few travelers disembark, but only a few. The platform itself is dull, cracking, and generally bland. Apparently they didn't have time to clean the red carpet, much less roll it out.

A welcoming committee, however, is a different story. A silver-coated earth pony, dressed in a well-pressed and tidy suit, stands tapping his hoof at the platform entrance, flanked by two of the largest earth ponies any of the three had ever seen. Both were clad in light padded leather, emblazoned with the seal of House Stoutheart. One of them chewed upon a stalk of wheat, grinding it into dust between his tombstone teeth. As soon as they came into sight, the silver-coated earth pony quickly trotted towards them with purpose, stopping only to give a short bow. "Welcome t'Kenbucky, travelers. Might ya'll three be the team from Canterlot?" he asked, polite but terse.

"Absolutely!" Glory gave a low bow to the new pony. "Lord Golden Glory of Lightfoot, here for the investigations. My companions are Miss Riposte and Miss Solar Eclipse. And who might you be?"

He took a moment to look around, as in getting around to looking around took a moment in his bleary state. A little shoddy here, it seems. Perhaps I could give some tips on how to make it nicer.

[TheAmishPirate]

"Absolutely!" Glory gave a low bow to the new pony. "Lord Golden Glory of Lightfoot, here for the investigations. My companions are Miss Riposte and Miss Solar Eclipse. And who might you be?"

He took a moment to look around, as in getting around to looking around took a moment in his bleary state. A little shoddy here, it seems. Perhaps I could give some tips on how to make it nicer.


Solar Eclipse curtsies politely when introduced, but leaves the speaking to Lord Glory.

"Equerry Sterling Silver to th' House Stoutheart. These gentleponies are Sirs Buckwheat and Dandelion." The ponies flanking the manservant shift their considerable builds into some form of a courteous bow. The trim and tidy manservant continues, "Canterlot honors us by its swift answer to cries for justice. If you three will come with me, I am instructed to take you straightaway to our base of operations at the local inn where th' full details of this here...assassination will be made most clear."

A flash of anger sparks across his face, before it is hidden behind a mask of professional indifference. "We have a luxury carriage waiting outside. I am also instructed to field any questions you may have while we ride."

[MCerberus]

((hey forgot it was my turn http://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.png))

Riposte keeps her vaguely-threatening silencee while she mulls over what was said. The inn is a choice she wouldn't have made. There may be a motive behind that. She hasn't heard of an inn or tavern that would be secure enough outside of The Bat Wing back in Canterlot.

"And have you ensured nopony will be listening in once we're there?"

[PurityIcekiller]

Solar Eclipse curtsies politely when introduced, but leaves the speaking to Lord Glory.

"Equerry Sterling Silver to th' House Stoutheart. These gentleponies are Sirs Buckwheat and Dandelion." The ponies flanking the manservant shift their considerable builds into some form of a courteous bow. The trim and tidy manservant continues, "Canterlot honors us by its swift answer to cries for justice. If you three will come with me, I am instructed to take you straightaway to our base of operations at the local inn where th' full details of this here...assassination will be made most clear."

A flash of anger sparks across his face, before it is hidden behind a mask of professional indifference. "We have a luxury carriage waiting outside. I am also instructed to field any questions you may have while we ride."

Glory put a hoof to his chest. "Ah, no, it is I who am honoured! I am proud to assist compatriots in need and see their gratitude."

[TheAmishPirate]

Glory put a hoof to his chest. "Ah, no, it is I who am honoured! I am proud to assist compatriots in need and see their gratitude."

"Gratitude will be yours in plenty once these murderers are brought to justice." Sterling Silver responded impassively. "Were this a less civilized time, House Stoutheart would have carried out their sentences most swiftly. However, th' senior Lords and Ladies recognize the need for...impartial judgement, and have seen fit to place their judgement in the hooves of your team."

Here his brows furrowed, his eyes turning sharp and piercing. "We have th' utmost confidence that our trust in you has not been misplaced."



((hey forgot it was my turn http://i.imgur.com/KwcDX.png))

Riposte keeps her vaguely-threatening silencee while she mulls over what was said. The inn is a choice she wouldn't have made. There may be a motive behind that. She hasn't heard of an inn or tavern that would be secure enough outside of The Bat Wing back in Canterlot.

"And have you ensured nopony will be listening in once we're there?"

"Since the time of the incident, House Stoutheart has increased its presence in Kenbucky. Not a pony comes and goes without our knowing; much less a spy. We could not forgive ourselves if we allowed an accomplice to the murderers to escape their just reward."

[MCerberus]

"Gratitude will be yours in plenty once these murderers are brought to justice." Sterling Silver responded impassively. "Were this a less civilized time, House Stoutheart would have carried out their sentences most swiftly. However, th' senior Lords and Ladies recognize the need for...impartial judgement, and have seen fit to place their judgement in the hooves of your team."

Here his brows furrowed, his eyes turning sharp and piercing. "We have th' utmost confidence that our trust in you has not been misplaced."




"Since the time of the incident, House Stoutheart has increased its presence in Kenbucky. Not a pony comes and goes without our knowing; much less a spy. We could not forgive ourselves if we allowed an accomplice to the murderers to escape their just reward."

That gets a questioning look from the hippogriff. "I hope you aren't also interfering with the rights of legitimate travelers then."

Riposte then starts moving towards the provided mode of transport. "I look forward to ensuring you do not need forgiveness then."

[PurityIcekiller]

"Gratitude will be yours in plenty once these murderers are brought to justice." Sterling Silver responded impassively. "Were this a less civilized time, House Stoutheart would have carried out their sentences most swiftly. However, th' senior Lords and Ladies recognize the need for...impartial judgement, and have seen fit to place their judgement in the hooves of your team."

Here his brows furrowed, his eyes turning sharp and piercing. "We have th' utmost confidence that our trust in you has not been misplaced."

"I assure you, sir, your trust is not misplaced! Instead of revenge, which would just lead to more revenge, we will bring justice, which will ensure that this incident does not happen again."


"Since the time of the incident, House Stoutheart has increased its presence in Kenbucky. Not a pony comes and goes without our knowing; much less a spy. We could not forgive ourselves if we allowed an accomplice to the murderers to escape their just reward."

Glory nodded. "We appreciate your concern. When we're through, we want to make sure the guilty do not get away and the innocent are safe."

[TheAmishPirate]

"I assure you, sir, your trust is not misplaced! Instead of revenge, which would just lead to more revenge, we will bring justice, which will ensure that this incident does not happen again."



Glory nodded. "We appreciate your concern. When we're through, we want to make sure the guilty do not get away and the innocent are safe."

Sterling Silver nodded approvingly. "It is most reassuring t' hear."


That gets a questioning look from the hippogriff. "I hope you aren't also interfering with the rights of legitimate travelers then."

"Such travelers are few and far between. Kenbucky is not a well-traveled area by any standards." Sterling Silver explained with the barest hint of annoyance.

"But what few there are travel freely, yes?" Solar Eclipse spoke up with the barest hint of imminent disapproval.

"Of course, Madam. Of course." He explained, his tone falling back to its usual restraint. "House Stoutheart will not remove its hospitality, though th' times be trying ones. A record of their travel is all we take, then they are free to leave."

"And what of the ones who seem suspect?"

"...there have been no others, yet. The primary suspects are already in custody."


Riposte then starts moving towards the provided mode of transport. "I look forward to ensuring you do not need forgiveness then."

With that, the group of ponies leave the modest station. Awaiting them is a luxurious carriage - fashioned in the country, homey style that Stoutheart ponies adore - complete with reinforced sides, triple-locking doors, and faintly glowing runes of protection and anti-eavesdropping. In another life, it may have been an armored stagecoach, but today it was their personal ride.

Sterling Silver moved to open the doors, while his guards took up their positions in the harnesses. With impeccable manners, he held the doors open for the guests of honor, assisting Solar Eclipse and Riposte with the steps.

[MCerberus]

Stagecoach Ride

Ever not the dainty flower, Riposte rebuffs the assistance. That's something that always confused her, how "gallantry" is based around making absurd stereotypes around gender. Regardless, the hippogriff has been a soldier her entire life and not prone to fainting if ignored by stallions.

Luxury usually meaning "big" would be a good thing, though. Mixed parentage means taking up a lot more space. Riposte then waits for everypony to get inside before conversation resumes.

[PurityIcekiller]

[Quest of Glory]

"Ah, so you have ideas already! I shall have to speak with you of them."

Glory carefully stepped aboard and gave a nod to Riposte. "I do think they could extend that kind of courtesy to the lords at times as well."

[TheAmishPirate]

[Stagecoach Ride]

The small group of ponies bounced along the Kenbucky countryside. Unfortunately, secrecy demanded the curtains be pulled on their stagecoach; only the steady rumble of their cart's wheels told them they were traveling at all.

"I trust you've all been properly introduced to the particulars of this case. House Solace trespasses on Stoutheart lands, Stoutheart orders them to leave, they offer their objection by murdering the young lord Goldenrod." Sterling Silver recounted the tale with bitter dispassion. "I have been instructed to answer any detailed questions you might have about the incident. Anything to bring these ponies to their just end."

[MCerberus]

[Stagecoach Ride]

The small group of ponies bounced along the Kenbucky countryside. Unfortunately, secrecy demanded the curtains be pulled on their stagecoach; only the steady rumble of their cart's wheels told them they were traveling at all.

"I trust you've all been properly introduced to the particulars of this case. House Solace trespasses on Stoutheart lands, Stoutheart orders them to leave, they offer their objection by murdering the young lord Goldenrod." Sterling Silver recounted the tale with bitter dispassion. "I have been instructed to answer any detailed questions you might have about the incident. Anything to bring these ponies to their just end."

As much as Riposte wants to tell Sterling where to shove that obviously wrong story... and also Glory's preference towards being dainty... the hippogriff holds her tongue on that. After a moment to think, the oathguard manages to object in a more appealing way.

"More ponies would likely be sure that justice has been served if we first disprove that there's more to this. Tell me about your kin."

[TheAmishPirate]

As much as Riposte wants to tell Sterling where to shove that obviously wrong story... and also Glory's preference towards being dainty... the hippogriff holds her tongue on that. After a moment to think, the oathguard manages to object in a more appealing way.

"More ponies would likely be sure that justice has been served if we first disprove that there's more to this. Tell me about your kin."

A subject the good butler knew all too well. "Lord Yarrow and Lady Chrysanthemum preside over Kenbucky from Stoutheart manor. Everything in a day's gallop belongs to them."

"Is it not said that this is the very land that the Princesses bequeathed Stoutheart in addition to their noble title?" Solar Eclipse chimed in.

"Indeed, you are right ma'am. Though the main line of Stoutheart refused to leave its home on what was the borders of Equestria, a contingent of close relatives took up the Princess' offer, and settled in these lands. The Lord and Lady of the manor trace their lineage to these very ponies, and treat their stewardship with the utmost of respect. Were these shades drawn, you would see nothing but fertile, worked farmland. They let no acre go to waste, be it for crops, for homes, or for business."

"Of course, so many acres cannot be worked by one family alone, though Stoutheart ponies pride themselves on running vast farms in addition to their noble duties. Good growing makes good ponies, as it is said in Stoutheart. The remainder of their land is rented off to farmers and their families at a good price. A share of their profits and crops go to Stoutheart, and they are free to live off of what remains. Land unsuitable for growing is used for inns, waystations, and other amenities to aid weary travelers, all on the Lord and Lady's coin. Stoutheart is proud to call them their own, and all ponies in Kenbucky are glad to be in their care."

"Lord Goldenrod was their eldest son, heir...and my personal charge." The seat creaked as the aging pony pressed his hoof hard into the fine wood.

[MCerberus]

Sterling is pretty lucky he's not in the Duchy. That sort of failure is usually legally bad news, unless they can rapidly "solve" that "problem" with "murdering the perpetrator". Riposte doesn't mention this however, as this is one of those odd cultural notes.

Still, the hippogriff didn't quite get the answer she was after. Her mind is running through ways to say it without offending...

"Is there anything of note about his final days? Unusual actions, plans, or ponies he met with?"

[TheAmishPirate]

Sterling is pretty lucky he's not in the Duchy. That sort of failure is usually legally bad news, unless they can rapidly "solve" that "problem" with "murdering the perpetrator". Riposte doesn't mention this however, as this is one of those odd cultural notes.

Still, the hippogriff didn't quite get the answer she was after. Her mind is running through ways to say it without offending...

"Is there anything of note about his final days? Unusual actions, plans, or ponies he met with?"

"I kept the young lord to his schedule, excepting his...usual digressions." The butler's marble face hardened. "My charge was a passionate soul, full of the fire of youth. Not a day passed when he did not insist on personally overseeing some work or settling some matter. But he was fully occupied with affairs at the Manor these last weeks, and I never once left his side. Nothing unusual happened until we stormed out on that cursed meeting with those...rats."

[PurityIcekiller]

"I kept the young lord to his schedule, excepting his...usual digressions." The butler's marble face hardened. "My charge was a passionate soul, full of the fire of youth. Not a day passed when he did not insist on personally overseeing some work or settling some matter. But he was fully occupied with affairs at the Manor these last weeks, and I never once left his side. Nothing unusual happened until we stormed out on that cursed meeting with those...rats."

"Ah, what a shame he was lost, then. He sounds like a nice, responsible fellow who cared about his subjects..."

Glory perked his ears up at the last bit. "A meeting? I don't recall that part being mentioned. Perhaps that is where the key lies! Could you elaborate, sir?"

[MCerberus]

"I kept the young lord to his schedule, excepting his...usual digressions." The butler's marble face hardened. "My charge was a passionate soul, full of the fire of youth. Not a day passed when he did not insist on personally overseeing some work or settling some matter. But he was fully occupied with affairs at the Manor these last weeks, and I never once left his side. Nothing unusual happened until we stormed out on that cursed meeting with those...rats."

Glory seems to have a line of questioning lined up at the moment. Riposte keeps silent and goes with the "observation" course of action. At least their host is getting away from the eulogizing and onto actual useful information.

Of course, she'll have some followups ready if Glory doesn't poke at the right areas.

[TheAmishPirate]

"Ah, what a shame he was lost, then. He sounds like a nice, responsible fellow who cared about his subjects..."

Glory perked his ears up at the last bit. "A meeting? I don't recall that part being mentioned. Perhaps that is where the key lies! Could you elaborate, sir?"

Sterling Silver paused thoughtfully, then nodded slowly. "Of course, my lords and ladies. You must have already heard the basics from Lord Burdock, but I will elaborate to the best of my knowledge."

"Three days ago, some of our tenants found Solace ponies trespassing on our lands. And in spite of repeated warnings, they refused to leave. Word spread back to the manor, and, eventually, the late Lord Goldenrod. He wasted no time in rallying up a posse of our finest and storming out to meet the invaders; either to bring them back to Stoutheart Manor for a proper tour of our lands, or to chase their skulking hides back to their holes."

He shifted his weight, and for a moment they might spot an expertly-tied swath of bandages underneath his sleeve. "They chose the latter. We drove them off, but in their retreat they shot and killed my Lord Goldenrod." A vein pulsed on his forehead. "They tried besting him in combat, but found the young Lord more than a match for their steel. So the cowards waited until we let our guards down, then sniped him with a crossbow as they fled."

The elderly pony breathed a bitter sigh. "And that's what happened. I saw the whole affair with my own eyes."

[MCerberus]

Sterling Silver paused thoughtfully, then nodded slowly. "Of course, my lords and ladies. You must have already heard the basics from Lord Burdock, but I will elaborate to the best of my knowledge."

"Three days ago, some of our tenants found Solace ponies trespassing on our lands. And in spite of repeated warnings, they refused to leave. Word spread back to the manor, and, eventually, the late Lord Goldenrod. He wasted no time in rallying up a posse of our finest and storming out to meet the invaders; either to bring them back to Stoutheart Manor for a proper tour of our lands, or to chase their skulking hides back to their holes."

He shifted his weight, and for a moment they might spot an expertly-tied swath of bandages underneath his sleeve. "They chose the latter. We drove them off, but in their retreat they shot and killed my Lord Goldenrod." A vein pulsed on his forehead. "They tried besting him in combat, but found the young Lord more than a match for their steel. So the cowards waited until we let our guards down, then sniped him with a crossbow as they fled."

The elderly pony breathed a bitter sigh. "And that's what happened. I saw the whole affair with my own eyes."

Whether or not this story is true, and to what degree is something that needs thinking on. Surely nopony would act this way, not seeking permission to be in the land, but equally odd is that the military forces nearby didn't immediately respond to the offense properly the first time. Still, thinking of the future, Riposte asks about some evidence. "Did you recover any of the weapons involved?"

Of course, even seeing them means that her mistress can have them identified due to the unusual nature of the hippogriff's 'status reports'.

[PurityIcekiller]

Sterling Silver paused thoughtfully, then nodded slowly. "Of course, my lords and ladies. You must have already heard the basics from Lord Burdock, but I will elaborate to the best of my knowledge."

"Three days ago, some of our tenants found Solace ponies trespassing on our lands. And in spite of repeated warnings, they refused to leave. Word spread back to the manor, and, eventually, the late Lord Goldenrod. He wasted no time in rallying up a posse of our finest and storming out to meet the invaders; either to bring them back to Stoutheart Manor for a proper tour of our lands, or to chase their skulking hides back to their holes."

He shifted his weight, and for a moment they might spot an expertly-tied swath of bandages underneath his sleeve. "They chose the latter. We drove them off, but in their retreat they shot and killed my Lord Goldenrod." A vein pulsed on his forehead. "They tried besting him in combat, but found the young Lord more than a match for their steel. So the cowards waited until we let our guards down, then sniped him with a crossbow as they fled."

The elderly pony breathed a bitter sigh. "And that's what happened. I saw the whole affair with my own eyes."

"Huh! Well, that wasn't very civil. I wonder why they might have done that? I mean, surely ponies of honour would have listened to reason."

[TheAmishPirate]

Whether or not this story is true, and to what degree is something that needs thinking on. Surely nopony would act this way, not seeking permission to be in the land, but equally odd is that the military forces nearby didn't immediately respond to the offense properly the first time. Still, thinking of the future, Riposte asks about some evidence. "Did you recover any of the weapons involved?"

Of course, even seeing them means that her mistress can have them identified due to the unusual nature of the hippogriff's 'status reports'.

"We recovered all we could from the scene of the crime, and searched the trespassers thoroughly. Anything we don't have, their remaining guards must've took with them."


"Huh! Well, that wasn't very civil. I wonder why they might have done that? I mean, surely ponies of honour would have listened to reason."

"That is what you've come here to establish. Why a group of brigands would saunter onto our lands, kill our kin, and expect to get away with it."

[MCerberus]

"We recovered all we could from the scene of the crime, and searched the trespassers thoroughly. Anything we don't have, their remaining guards must've took with them."

"I will need to find these weapons then, regardless of whose custody they are in," Riposte states without any of the previous hedging or political niceties. In fact, if they were to suddenly disappear or have something bad happen, there's a VERY limited group of ponies hearing what she just said. Her tone seemed to imply the hippogriff isn't asking.

[PurityIcekiller]

"We recovered all we could from the scene of the crime, and searched the trespassers thoroughly. Anything we don't have, their remaining guards must've took with them."



"I will need to find these weapons then, regardless of whose custody they are in," Riposte states without any of the previous hedging or political niceties. In fact, if they were to suddenly disappear or have something bad happen, there's a VERY limited group of ponies hearing what she just said. Her tone seemed to imply the hippogriff isn't asking.

"Yes, the weapons. An excellent idea. If we knew where they came from... Well, it could help."

Clearly, Glory wasn't very good at this deduction business.


"That is what you've come here to establish. Why a group of brigands would saunter onto our lands, kill our kin, and expect to get away with it."

The young lord was aghast.

"But you said yourselves that you had some of them in your custody! Have they said nothing in their own defence?" He shook his head. "If you please, I would like to speak with the suspects. Perhaps I can persuade them to cooperate."

[TheAmishPirate]

"I will need to find these weapons then, regardless of whose custody they are in," Riposte states without any of the previous hedging or political niceties. In fact, if they were to suddenly disappear or have something bad happen, there's a VERY limited group of ponies hearing what she just said. Her tone seemed to imply the hippogriff isn't asking.

"Of course. House Stoutheart will surrender whatever evidence we have." Sterling recited.


The young lord was aghast.

"But you said yourselves that you had some of them in your custody! Have they said nothing in their own defence?" He shook his head. "If you please, I would like to speak with the suspects. Perhaps I can persuade them to cooperate."

"They deny everything, of course. They claim they were nowhere near the scene when the young Lord was killed. And yet, we discovered a crossbow among their 'researcher's' possessions. The only crossbow we recovered from their party." Sterling huffed indignantly. "You are more than welcome to interrogate them yourself, but you will be wasting your breath."

(Going to be moving on soon, get in last questions while you can.)

[PurityIcekiller]

"They deny everything, of course. They claim they were nowhere near the scene when the young Lord was killed. And yet, we discovered a crossbow among their 'researcher's' possessions. The only crossbow we recovered from their party." Sterling huffed indignantly. "You are more than welcome to interrogate them yourself, but you will be wasting your breath."

"Surely they can at least say something in their own defence? If they are innocent, they must have an explanation for what they were doing, and if they are guilty, every lie has holes in it... Come to think of it, they could have a legitimate explanation if they are guilty, too."

Glory (assuming they were sitting, as it has not been clarified) stood up. "Show me to the prisoners. I must learn what they have to say."

[MCerberus]

"Surely they can at least say something in their own defence? If they are innocent, they must have an explanation for what they were doing, and if they are guilty, every lie has holes in it... Come to think of it, they could have a legitimate explanation if they are guilty, too."

Glory (assuming they were sitting, as it has not been clarified) stood up. "Show me to the prisoners. I must learn what they have to say."

The material evidence situation seems settled in an acceptable manner, Riposte turns her attention to the matter of this whole "due process" thing with the prisoners. Glory... did not handle this well. The hipogriff comes up with a way to make it more acceptable for their host.

"We must remember that it's not for their sake we need to investigate. The skeptics will not accept the conviction and execution until all winds are flown against."

[TheAmishPirate]

"Surely they can at least say something in their own defence? If they are innocent, they must have an explanation for what they were doing, and if they are guilty, every lie has holes in it... Come to think of it, they could have a legitimate explanation if they are guilty, too."

Glory (assuming they were sitting, as it has not been clarified) stood up. "Show me to the prisoners. I must learn what they have to say."


The material evidence situation seems settled in an acceptable manner, Riposte turns her attention to the matter of this whole "due process" thing with the prisoners. Glory... did not handle this well. The hipogriff comes up with a way to make it more acceptable for their host.

"We must remember that it's not for their sake we need to investigate. The skeptics will not accept the conviction and execution until all winds are flown against."

"Well-said." Sterling nodded approvingly at the hippogrif. "This isn't the time for political games and useless maneuvering. This here's about a family who's lost a fine son. The last thing anypony here needs is a long, painful investigation by ponies who won't accept the truth." The elderly pony's expression was unyielding, but his eyes betrayed a weariness borne from experience.

But before he could elaborate further, the carriage slowed to a stop, and the pullers knocked loudly on the door. Sterling Silver straightened up and smoothed his uniform, erasing the traces of his few outbursts. "We're here. The prisoners are being kept in the cellar; our ponies have converted it into makeshift holding cells. I can take you there to start questioning immediately."

Before they could ask, Sterling Silver opened the door and bade for them to follow.

(Will have a scene change up in the next day or so.)

[MCerberus]

Ripposte keeps silent for the moment. Their host is already saying enough, betraying inexperience with these sort of affairs and an odd lack of necessity for real prisoner cages. Of course, another reason to keep quiet is to not bring more attention to herself. A hippogriff squeezing through an awkward pony-sized carriage door is not exactly the most dignified thing ever.

[PurityIcekiller]

Glory, not seeing what else to do, followed.

[TheAmishPirate]

The team emerged from the carriage to find themselves on the lawn of one of Stoutheart's famous inns. Although every true Stoutheart swore by the healing powers of good, old-fashioned, homestead hospitality, most true Stouthearts would recommend their inns as a solid backup. And an inn on Stoutheart land was a sight for weary eyes to be sure. The building had obviously been built by Earth Pony hooves, with solid logs forming the walls and sturdy planks the ceiling. A stone chimney puffed out smoke, calling all tired travelers to enjoy a warm hearth within. SOMETHING SOMETHING THE SIGN. It had a covered porch with rocking chairs, a fine, homely garden, and flags of Equestria and Stoutheart flying proudly in the breeze.

Really, the only thing ruining the atmosphere was the score or so of armed guards patrolling the grounds.

Everywhere they looked, Earth Ponies - most with a good dose of Draft in their blood - stamped about the grounds, wearing enormous suits of plate armor and carrying bulky polearms. They were stationed on the road, patrolling the exterior of the inn, and they could just make out a patrol heading out into the nearby woods. They saluted to the group as they trotted inside, whispering a few words of "encouragement." Those mostly involved highly creative suggestions of what to do to the brigands responsible. Once inside, they were led through the main dining hall, which had been re-purposed as a command post for the investigation. Maps were strewn across all the tables, and servants scurried to keep up with the reports flowing in. Nobles poured over information, desperately searching for something, anything to vent their righteous anger upon. A rat couldn't have squeaked without getting five crossbow bolts between the eyes. Fortunately for our team, they didn't stay long enough to witness such rage-induced marksmanship. Sterling Silver gave a series of whispered pass-phrases to some guards, and they let them pass down into the cellar.

Downstairs, by contrast, the mood was tense and gloomy. Stone floors and walls echoed with steady drops of liquid. A pair of cells had been hastily erected with stacks of kegs and some cobbled-together doors; let it never be said that Earth Ponies were not industrious in a pinch. Upstairs there was fire and action, down here there was waiting and stillness. And possibly mold.

Sterling Silver nodded for them to go ahead, choosing to wait by the stairs and watch.

(Leaving the introductions to Kelvin, who will be playing our two prisoners.)

[Kelvin360]

Each cell is occupied by a solitary unicorn, both with significant differences in their mood despite their similar appearances.

In one, a stallion wearing a simple, if ruffled, gardeners tunic, sits low to the ground, eying a small patch of moss with a singularly intense curiosity. His short and very irregularly-cut magenta mane and tail barely cover his stark white coat, his beamed-quarter-note cutie mark, or his abnormally elegant horn, which has a slight sheen to it that makes it look more glassy than an extension of a bone-like substance. Clasped to it is a small disc.

The mare in the cell adjacent to him is pacing with a fervor that only barely contains her outright anger. She shares a magenta mane, turquoise eyes, and more than a few physical features with the stallion, but certainly not his reserved calm. She walks gingerly and is naked, but based on how disheveled she is, it's doubtful whatever regalia she was wearing was removed entirely by choice. Her horn, too, is in a vice, and her only response to her visitors is to lock eyes with them and emit a low snarl.

The stallion glances up unconcernedly and smiles at them, clearly pleased to have visitors. "Oh, hi. Are you here to ask questions or kill us?" He asks this with an incredible level of casuality, as though either answer is of equally little concern.

The mare looks about ready to pounce on something and beat it with her bare hooves at that. "I'd like to see you try! You have no right, none at all, when the nobility hears of this-"

"I'd start with me in either case." The stallion raises his voice so as to be heard over the din of his sibling, whose tangent is growing less comprehensible with time. "Aria's not feeling very cooperative right now. Can I ask your names first? Mine's Harp."

[MCerberus]

The guards are in heavy armor. With pikes. In other words, they'd be useless at anything resembling keeping the peace. The grounds have been completely militarized. Or, possibly, their host has given their entire policing to militarization. That's a possibility given the times. Riposte kept her eyes mostly forward not acknowledging any reaction from the guards, appearing as neutral as possible. It did take some reaction to the freeflow of smoke coming from the inn's chimneys. For obvious reasons, griffon cities require great care in stopping air pollution like that. One never gets used to the ponies' general non-concern about that sort of thing.

The cells, as expected, were something of a joke. Wood can be sawed through with a talon, and the metal rings on a keg provides medal to make the process easier. It's more likely the threat of immediate death is the driving force behind the prisoners still staying.

The cheerful nature of the stallion is something interesting to consider. Resigned to death? Optimistic due to actual innocence? A game?
The mare though, is challenging them.

Riposte approaches the cell of the angry unicorn.
"We ARE the parliament's response." The hippogriff snaps back. "And I may be the only thing keeping you alive or your execution painless. If you don't wish to cooperate, I can tell your host to start sharpening an axe"

[PurityIcekiller]

Glory was taken aback by Riposte's aggressive words. I thought we were here to talk, not to kill them! Why is... Wait, wait. He considered some more, then drew a conclusion.

"Stay calm. I'm here to find the truth. My name is Golden Glory, from House Lightfoot. Officially, I'm an Investigator for the Crown, but if you prefer, you can simply think of me as a friend. Now, can you tell me more about yourselves? For instance, what kind of things you do?"

I'll just be the "good cop" while she plays the "bad cop". I've heard that works well.

[Kelvin360]

Harp winces at Riposte's opening and tries to intervene. "Please don't open with a-"

A wee bit too late, that remark. If anything, the threat seems to make Aria's temper flare to the point of an almost tranquil fury. "Hilarious. If you expect me to be cowed like some brainless foal by more threats, then clearly you have-"

Harp frowns. "Aria, if you want to say mean things at the nice hippogriff mare, please do it in H Major."

Her manner is still patently furious, but her tone softens to an almost impossible degree from a moment ago when Aria addresses Harp. "Harp, that chord doesn't exist."

"I know. But you do, and I like it when you exist. Can you keep existing?"

With what seems like a massive effort, Aria shuts her mouth, but her upper lip trembles slightly, and she stares silent daggers at Riposte through her cell door. Harp looks to Glory, then. "I'm sorry. Her cadence is discordant right now, and there aren't many words that help that. Cookies, butterscotch, grammar and nostril all would, but I don't think any of us were about to use those in a real sentence." Oddly, though, the assurances seem to make him sorrowful, a rather significant turn from his previous neutral manner. "Friendship is a bad idea here. Its magic has been tainted by the deep crimson chord that we all brought with us. It hasn't left - we keep singing it, maybe because we hope that if we keep the tempo going, we won't have to see how far away we are from how the song was supposed to be sung."

He grimaces, eying Glory and Riposte as though they've caught a terrible disease. "It's covering both of you now, whether you realize it or not. I suggest a bath and a lullaby. Not necessarily in that order." A pause, then, as he considers the question. "I'm not sure if...is that code? Do you mean what you want us to do, what we do now, or what we have done? Or all of them? What we do is our actions, and right now, what we do is afraid and confused, and still. And...there...there's no music here. Just silence and blood-colored half-notes I can barely make out from above." It's quickly becoming clear that the more he thinks about his situation, the more unbalanced he becomes, tears beginning to brim in his eyes. "W-we...we can't sing in here. But that's important, or it should be, shouldn't it? W-was it always this quiet above?"

For the first time, Aria drops her anger in favor of fear and a concern that seems positively maternal. "Harp? It's going to be okay. Just breathe. Do your scales, remember? Up and down."

At this, Harp closes his eyes and begins half-singing under his breath. "D-do re mi fa...so la ti..." He repeats the scales up and down again several more times, his voice steadying after each repetition.

Aria lets out a deep breath, meeting the eyes of the investigators again. All the fight seems to have gone out of her. "I assume they thought we'd plot our way out if they put us in the same cell, but they're idiots. If he's alone in there for too much longer, he's going to lose it and probably end up hurting himself. I'm just glad he managed to find some moss. To answer your question: My brother here, Guarded Harp, is a botanist working under the catalogers in House Solace. I'm his guard, and, I suppose, interpreter? But then, you've probably just been subjected to a solid hour or more of hearing how we're assassins, frothing at the mouth and trying to whittle down the honest, hard-working earth ponies under orders of the evil Sun Empire. That's how the spiel goes, isn't it? That, I assume, hasn't changed in the last few...uh, decades.

For the record, they only got us by way of border management. If this dispute had been on our territory, the positions would be reversed. I hope you're halfway decent at your jobs, because when word gets out that Stoutheart killed one of our attaches and put us down here, solar-powered, noble manure is going to hit the fan."

[TheAmishPirate]

Solar Eclipse - who had, for the most part, faded into the background in recent memory - sat down beside Guarded Harp's cell, and began to hum. First in time with the stallion's scales, then down a half-step, then flowing gently between notes in a soothing melody, all done so subtle even a trained ear would be shocked to suddenly hear a tune. Even with bars between them, she accompanied the stallion in song. Together, their little melody brought a touch of light and warmth to the dank basement.

[Merellis]

The guards doing their rounds of the immediate perimeter for the town of Kenbucky soon encountered a strange sight on the northern edge of the territory. A large falcon had landed on the halberd of the lead guard with a sharp squawk, giving them a bit of a start. The white-feathered bird with various gray plumages had a leather strap around its neck that bore the crest of House Stoutheart. Their avian company gestured to the north with another cry.

As the guards turned, they noticed a long figure limping towards them in the distance, wearing a cloak of dark gray and the tell-tale signs of a rather large bow strapped to the pony's back. They raised their own crossbows, wary of this stranger heading towards them. Caution gave way to frustration and anger as the noticeable bump on the hood of their new trespasser shed light on the fact this one was a Unicorn!

A sharp whistle emanated from the pony and the falcon responded by flying towards its master, only to return bearing a set of metal tags and a letter. The guards give them a look over before waving the stranger over.

"Yer late, Branch." One calls with a sneer as the unicorn soon joins the group with an obvious limp. "Shoulda gotten here last night on the train."

The voice that responds is obviously feminine, but it's a rough tone. "Was handlin' a nest of Manticores for the last week, didn't get the message till late last night." She removes her hood, revealing a green coat covered in scars and a messy mop of reddish-brown mane, as well as showing the edges of bandaging at the base of her neck.

She's obviously covered in dirt, grime, sweat, and her armour and cloak have the distinct look of being covered in blood. "Had to rush out 'fore dawn to get here this early. Now iffin you'll excuse me, I got some bandages to change, and I need to report to Sterling."

Her horn flares up and the items the guards had been looking at float back into her saddlebags, the gyrfalcon hops onto the mare's back with a happy little squawk. The dirty little ranger pushes past the guards and heads towards the Inn, hoping to perhaps clean her wounds, wash off the sweat then get started on whatever was left of the tracks.

"Just get your job done, Slightheart. Sooner you're gone the better for our noses." The other guards snicker as Branch flinches from the name, almost looking like she intended to turn back around. Instead, she raises her hood and stalks towards the inn, her companion glaring at the armoured buffoons who began to continue their rounds.

"Sooner we're done, sooner we're back in our forest, Nest. So don't do anything dumb like pecking out eyes." She mutters towards the falcon in a harsh tone. "With all these idiots stompin' around, doubt we'll find any decent tracks out there anyway."

Branching Paths soon enters the Inn, heading straight to Sterling Silver.

[MCerberus]

Unfortunately, Riposte isn't going 'bad cop'. It's more of one of those cultural differences, 'the exchange' it's often referred to. Meant to both gauge states of mind, confidence, and other states of mind. Long story short, starting a conversation with a confrontation is a common occurrence. The broken state of mind of the unicorn pair didn't really play into this though. It does imply, and the rambling seems to back it up, that they haven't been treated properly though. No matter the crime, there are standards. Riposte is going to have to have a discussion about that with their hosts.

"I am a servant of the three crowns. Here to remove the politics from the truth." A response fully taking into account that there are more than the accused and investigators listening in right now. "The first thing I need to know is what weapons you've raised even in defense in these lands."

[PurityIcekiller]

[The Cells]

Glory was a bit overwhelmed by Harp's ominous speech, and took some time to gather his thoughts.

"Well... I'll do whatever I can not to be corrupted. Now, let's see... I thought the Stoutheart ponies said you attacked them, and not the other way around. Could you tell me the sequence of events? I'd like to clarify what this inconsistency is about."

[Kelvin360]

Solar Eclipse - who had, for the most part, faded into the background in recent memory - sat down beside Guarded Harp's cell, and began to hum. First in time with the stallion's scales, then down a half-step, then flowing gently between notes in a soothing melody, all done so subtle even a trained ear would be shocked to suddenly hear a tune. Even with bars between them, she accompanied the stallion in song. Together, their little melody brought a touch of light and warmth to the dank basement.

Even though he appears to be in no position to perform a harmonic activity just yet, his body apparently knows what it's doing even if his mind is overwhelmed. Solar may or may not be surprised to suddenly find her notes not only being accounted for, but somehow blended, the rhythm on his end altering subtly to produce a flawless tonal harmony even though one of them isn't vocalizing. Moreover, as he begins to calm, he seems to take the alterations as a game of sorts, and he starts 'countering' each note with a different piece that wouldn't go together on paper, but like most works of art, is certainly pleasing in practice.


Unfortunately, Riposte isn't going 'bad cop'. It's more of one of those cultural differences, 'the exchange' it's often referred to. Meant to both gauge states of mind, confidence, and other states of mind. Long story short, starting a conversation with a confrontation is a common occurrence. The broken state of mind of the unicorn pair didn't really play into this though. It does imply, and the rambling seems to back it up, that they haven't been treated properly though. No matter the crime, there are standards. Riposte is going to have to have a discussion about that with their hosts.

"I am a servant of the three crowns. Here to remove the politics from the truth." A response fully taking into account that there are more than the accused and investigators listening in right now. "The first thing I need to know is what weapons you've raised even in defense in these lands."

"One we've raised or ones we've used? You know what, nevermind. Harp, Apocalypse and I don't use conventional weapons in combat. I make force patterns that act as legs and armor. I gave Harp a crossbow halfway through the fight that I'd scavenged after I tied its owner to a tree, but it was more ornamental than anything; I doubt he even knows how to fire one. Oasis had an axe-and-board combo, nothing fancy. Sonnet had...probably a few dozen knives at any one time. Probably a good thing she didn't get held along with us - they'd never have been able to find them all, and she isn't as nice as I am."


[The Cells]

Glory was a bit overwhelmed by Harp's ominous speech, and took some time to gather his thoughts.

"Well... I'll do whatever I can not to be corrupted. Now, let's see... I thought the Stoutheart ponies said you attacked them, and not the other way around. Could you tell me the sequence of events? I'd like to clarify what this inconsistency is about."

Aria snorts sardonically. "Is that what they told you? I suppose that makes sense; for us, though, they hit us apropos of nothing. Lieutenant Apocalypse lost control of his powers when things started getting tense. He does that often enough to where we've gotten used to it, but I guess the sudden flash of light was supposedly a magical assault. It doesn't help that Stouthearts can't tell the difference between a minor light spell and full-out blood magic - and they always assume it's the latter. All I know is, we're having a heated discussion, I hear Apocalypse light up behind us, and all of a sudden their crossbowmares are laying down suppressive fire. Sonnet and Oasis are gone, Apocalypse is wounded and running off into the brush, and it's all I can do to keep Harp by me while we run for it. We had two pursuers. One crossbowmare I told you about earlier, the one I tied up with my magic. The other was a pikepony that Harp sang to sleep midstride. I nearly tripped over Oasis on the way out - I didn't exactly stick around to perform an autopsy, but since his face and neck arteries were ripped off, it's safe to say he didn't make it.

I knew that there was no chance we'd be able to mount a runaway in the middle of Stoutheart territory, but we had to try something. So I ditched the flashing lights, told Harp to his the bow unloaded, and we made a run for it. Next thing I know, we're halfway up the road, surrounded, and they're alternating between trying to beat us down and accuse us of murder."

At this, her face alights with a smirk that's something a good deal less savage than any of her expressions so far. It's more like a trickster's guise. "I'm pretty sure a few of them gave themselves ulcers. They were shouting, giving raw sonic energy to Harp to fuel his powers, and I put up a transparent steel dome. Nothing they did could break through the combined barriers. They probably would have gotten siege engines and the other eight yards, but I negotiated a surrender on the third hour. Didn't make them any more gentle, though. If I hadn't talked them down, good money is they'd have killed us both the minute our magic faded. At this point, I'm fairly certain they made up the murder charge just to have an excuse to do us in."

"A song comes always from an inspiration." Harp puts in softly, still singing as he does.

Aria sighs. "He's right. Somepony's dead. From their side and ours. At least one each. But whoever dealt out those final blows, it wasn't either of us. I'm not an Unceasing Dawn bannermare, and neither is Harp - we don't murder during peacetime."

[TheAmishPirate]

Branching Paths soon enters the Inn, heading straight to Sterling Silver.

Sterling Silver could be found at the bottom of the stairwell, a little ways away from the cells. Branching Paths would have to come to him, as he was loath to leave the prisoners alone with the delegation from Canterlot, regardless of their credentials.


Even though he appears to be in no position to perform a harmonic activity just yet, his body apparently knows what it's doing even if his mind is overwhelmed. Solar may or may not be surprised to suddenly find her notes not only being accounted for, but somehow blended, the rhythm on his end altering subtly to produce a flawless tonal harmony even though one of them isn't vocalizing. Moreover, as he begins to calm, he seems to take the alterations as a game of sorts, and he starts 'countering' each note with a different piece that wouldn't go together on paper, but like most works of art, is certainly pleasing in practice.

Solar matches him tit for tat, allowing him to improvise with her notes while building the song after whatever else he may think up. The two of them make quite the duet.


Aria sighs. "He's right. Somepony's dead. From their side and ours. At least one each. But whoever dealt out those final blows, it wasn't either of us. I'm not an Unceasing Dawn bannermare, and neither is Harp - we don't murder during peacetime."

Though here, her spirit falters and the notes waver out of tune. She soon recovers, though noticeably more on edge than before. For now, she seems content to listen in, with no questions of her own at the moment.

[MCerberus]

Well then. It seems that blades were mentioned earlier concerning the murder. It seems that there's already one blatant lie sitting in front of them. One way or another somepony is playing somepony. In the meantime though, Riposte is silent. Glory made them particularly chatty. Whatever he did, the pony played off the exchange well. It gives the hippogriff leave to attend to something else.

Particularly the condition of the prisoners. Not only does the 'insane from imprisonment' lead to some ethical badness, but executing a mad pony would make another mess. Riposte goes over to a guard, or if available their host.

"A moment, if you will."

[Merellis]

The door at the top of the stairs creaks open as Branch trots down to report to her current superior in this matter, Sterling Silver. She takes a quick look in the room, noting that there are other unicorns, prisoners, and even a hippogriff. Her rough voice chimes in just after Riposte's, as there was no real sense in waiting too long to let him know she had arrived.

"Rangewalker, Branching Paths reportin', sorry 'bout the lateness but there was a mess o' manticores up north that were a mite too stubborn about crossin' into Stoutheart lands. Didn't meet the messenger till after sundown the evening past."

[PurityIcekiller]

[The Cells]

Glory perked up. "Ah, we have a possibility! It was mentioned that you were found to have a crossbow, but not ammunition! Hopefully, they still have the bolt that struck down their lord, so we can find out whether it could have been fired from your weapon. If there's a mismatch, we know we have more searching to do... Do you use particularly distinctive quarrels? Does anypony use particularly distinctive quarrels? That might be a problem if it's ambiguous enough, but it's a possibility."

[TheAmishPirate]

Well then. It seems that blades were mentioned earlier concerning the murder. It seems that there's already one blatant lie sitting in front of them. One way or another somepony is playing somepony. In the meantime though, Riposte is silent. Glory made them particularly chatty. Whatever he did, the pony played off the exchange well. It gives the hippogriff leave to attend to something else.

Particularly the condition of the prisoners. Not only does the 'insane from imprisonment' lead to some ethical badness, but executing a mad pony would make another mess. Riposte goes over to a guard, or if available their host.

"A moment, if you will."


The door at the top of the stairs creaks open as Branch trots down to report to her current superior in this matter, Sterling Silver. She takes a quick look in the room, noting that there are other unicorns, prisoners, and even a hippogriff. Her rough voice chimes in just after Riposte's, as there was no real sense in waiting too long to let him know she had arrived.

"Rangewalker, Branching Paths reportin', sorry 'bout the lateness but there was a mess o' manticores up north that were a mite too stubborn about crossin' into Stoutheart lands. Didn't meet the messenger till after sundown the evening past."

Both ponies reach the servant at roughly the same time. Sterling Silver hardly has enough time to nod his assent to Riposte before he's greeted by the unicorn. "Paths. Good to have you finally on board," he replies with practiced neutrality, before turning back to the hippogrif. "This is Branching Paths; one of our more...experienced woodsponies. Since I cannot join you in your fieldwork, she will go in my place. Branching Paths, this is Riposte of Canterlot."

[Kelvin360]

[The Cells]

Glory perked up. "Ah, we have a possibility! It was mentioned that you were found to have a crossbow, but not ammunition! Hopefully, they still have the bolt that struck down their lord, so we can find out whether it could have been fired from your weapon. If there's a mismatch, we know we have more searching to do... Do you use particularly distinctive quarrels? Does anypony use particularly distinctive quarrels? That might be a problem if it's ambiguous enough, but it's a possibility."

Aria shakes her head. "None of us were carrying crossbows, period. Solace doesn't even use them - they prefer regular bows. But we didn't have any of those, either. Arrows are longer, have smaller heads, and more pronounced feathers than bolts do. You're going to compare the injuries to the 'lord' and find out that the death blow came from a Stoutheart weapon. The murderer's likely walking around unimpeded up there right now, all pleased with themselves for managing an intra-house assassination and using us as scapegoats." Her face twists up in disgust. "My telling the truth here probably won't help my case, either. They'll just deny even the faintest possibility that their blessed infallible forces could be anything less than angelic and pin it on us against because I salvaged an unloaded crossbow from our attackers and gave it to Harp. Probably spin a story about how I used 'dark magic' to pull a facsimile bolt out of my plot and fired it through time and space."

[MCerberus]

Both ponies reach the servant at roughly the same time. Sterling Silver hardly has enough time to nod his assent to Riposte before he's greeted by the unicorn. "Paths. Good to have you finally on board," he replies with practiced neutrality, before turning back to the hippogrif. "This is Branching Paths; one of our more...experienced woodsponies. Since I cannot join you in your fieldwork, she will go in my place. Branching Paths, this is Riposte of Canterlot."

Well there is something to be said about correcting these sorts of things. While not technically correct, there's a lot of tradition and implication in her proper title that's generally good to keep sorted out. "Of Moltsese or Highrock is more accurate, though I am in the service of the crowns," the hippogriff states before extending a talon. "A pleasure to meet you."

[Merellis]

Well there is something to be said about correcting these sorts of things. While not technically correct, there's a lot of tradition and implication in her proper title that's generally good to keep sorted out. "Of Moltsese or Highrock is more accurate, though I am in the service of the crowns," the hippogriff states before extending a talon. "A pleasure to meet you."

Path gives a grunt of approval to the servant and turns to face the hippogriff addressing her with a polite nod of acknowledgement. A hoof caked in mud rises up to meet the talon and Paths gives Riposte a firm and sturdy shake that doesn't usually come from a unicorn. "Likewise. I hope to be of use for yah in this mess, but it's been a good few days with my kin stompin all over the place so I won't be able to get as good a read as I'd like."

[TheAmishPirate]

Well there is something to be said about correcting these sorts of things. While not technically correct, there's a lot of tradition and implication in her proper title that's generally good to keep sorted out. "Of Moltsese or Highrock is more accurate, though I am in the service of the crowns," the hippogriff states before extending a talon. "A pleasure to meet you."

"My apologies, madam. I'll ensure you won't be introduced improperly again." Sterling replies, legitimately regretful at the lapse in manners. "Is there something I might help you with?"

[MCerberus]

Path gives a grunt of approval to the servant and turns to face the hippogriff addressing her with a polite nod of acknowledgement. A hoof caked in mud rises up to meet the talon and Paths gives Riposte a firm and sturdy shake that doesn't usually come from a unicorn. "Likewise. I hope to be of use for yah in this mess, but it's been a good few days with my kin stompin all over the place so I won't be able to get as good a read as I'd like."

Unlike the nobles Path probably has to deal with a lot, the hippogriff doesn't seem to be allergic to dirt, and doesn't say anything regarding it. "I hope you found your quarry then."


"My apologies, madam. I'll ensure you won't be introduced improperly again." Sterling replies, legitimately regretful at the lapse in manners. "Is there something I might help you with?"

And then things got back to one of those 'tread lightly' scenarios. The prisoners' state of mind wasn't conductive to anything good, but Sterling may see insult or other motive in what Riposte suggests. "When is the last time your prisoners have seen daylight? They seem effected by the dark," she asks and comments. "It would lead to uncomfortable questions about their keeping if they were lead to the gallows babbling and blinded by the sun. Remember that we must both have justice and show it to the entire crown-lands."

Of course, she avoided the whole 'you're treating the accused like this without trial and that's completely unethical' point of view.

[TheAmishPirate]

And then things got back to one of those 'tread lightly' scenarios. The prisoners' state of mind wasn't conductive to anything good, but Sterling may see insult or other motive in what Riposte suggests. "When is the last time your prisoners have seen daylight? They seem effected by the dark," she asks and comments. "It would lead to uncomfortable questions about their keeping if they were lead to the gallows babbling and blinded by the sun. Remember that we must both have justice and show it to the entire crown-lands."

Of course, she avoided the whole 'you're treating the accused like this without trial and that's completely unethical' point of view.

"It would also lead to uncomfortable questions if they somehow escaped." Sterling countered. "Or, if a particularly hot-blooded guard decided he was tired of waiting for justice. The cages are there for their protection as much as they are to detain them." His face hardened, though it appeared to be less directed at Riposte and more towards the situation as a whole. "Stoutheart will not be robbed of justice either way. I don't suppose you have an idea of how to give them sunlight without compromising security?"

[MCerberus]

"It would also lead to uncomfortable questions if they somehow escaped." Sterling countered. "Or, if a particularly hot-blooded guard decided he was tired of waiting for justice. The cages are there for their protection as much as they are to detain them." His face hardened, though it appeared to be less directed at Riposte and more towards the situation as a whole. "Stoutheart will not be robbed of justice either way. I don't suppose you have an idea of how to give them sunlight without compromising security?"

An interesting conundrum. On one end, this would be better solved with a small bit of rune magic in important cases in the protectorate. Voluntary compulsion is supposedly easy for those magi. However, Riposte was never sure the prisoners weren't just playing along.

"Magic suppression and the threat of a bolt would do wonders for them. The threat of the old justice to keep them safe. How many would be willing to pay for both the dishonor and the killing. It would also go a long way in loosing their tongues if they don't feel... I believe your phrase is 'railroaded'. "

[TheAmishPirate]

An interesting conundrum. On one end, this would be better solved with a small bit of rune magic in important cases in the protectorate. Voluntary compulsion is supposedly easy for those magi. However, Riposte was never sure the prisoners weren't just playing along.

"Magic suppression and the threat of a bolt would do wonders for them. The threat of the old justice to keep them safe. How many would be willing to pay for both the dishonor and the killing. It would also go a long way in loosing their tongues if they don't feel... I believe your phrase is 'railroaded'. "

"I beg your pardon, but I don't think you understand the stakes you're proposing I gamble with." Silver's brows furrowed deeper. "We aren't deaf out here; everypony who's anypony knows who'll get the blame if anything happens to these two outside of official channels. Unfortunately, there simply aren't enough of those ponies to run the investigation and do guard duty. All we have are the Stoutheart faithful; able-bodied farmers capable of wrestling a Cragodile into submission, but not guards, and certainly not soldiers." He recited his facts gravely and efficiently. "You ask me to risk not only the standing of our house, but our one route to justice for our fallen Lord, on the hope that not a single guard will act hastily? That, I will not do."

[Kelvin360]

[Canterlot City Streets - Near the Golden Gate]

"-and furthermore, no more filibusters in line at dessert carts." The guardspony finishes his speech severely.

Feathergrin chuckles as he nods at the list, handing over his bow, arrows, and a few knives. "I'll be on my best behavior as always, sir."

Static Gauntlet sighs. "Your best behavior...doesn't exactly reassure me, but I've done my part."

"Pardon me, siiirs..." A high, reedy voice interrupts the two stallions, revealing a slight, nondescript page bearing a letter. "A missive for his Lordship Feathergrin of Lunatic."

Feathergrin shivers as he takes the letter. "Putting 'lordship' and 'Feathergrin' in the same sentence feels so wrong...oh, bugger."

"Warrant out for your arrest already?" Gauntlet asks sardonically.

"Worse," Feathergrin states dramatically. "An invite to tea."

"I'll notify your next of kin." At this point, the page must be wondering if Gauntlet's special talent is sarcasm. "Does this mean you can't take us out for drinks?"

"I'd sooner dive off a cliff than renege on that tradition, Sergeant, but it seems it'll have to be postponed." Feathergrin slides the missive into a saddlebag and nods to the page. "May I humbly suggest I accompany you back to your master's estate?"

No sooner have the pair vanished from sight, long among the glowing streets of Canterlot, than Gauntlet has pulled a recruit to close proximity. "You'd better send a letter to Lady Moonshine. Let her know Feathers is back...and already a part of The Game again.

"I'm getting too old for this."

[Grif]

[Canterlot City Streets - Near the Golden Gate]

"-and furthermore, no more filibusters in line at dessert carts." The guardspony finishes his speech severely.

Feathergrin chuckles as he nods at the list, handing over his bow, arrows, and a few knives. "I'll be on my best behavior as always, sir."

Static Gauntlet sighs. "Your best behavior...doesn't exactly reassure me, but I've done my part."

"Pardon me, siiirs..." A high, reedy voice interrupts the two stallions, revealing a slight, nondescript page bearing a letter. "A missive for his Lordship Feathergrin of Lunatic."

Feathergrin shivers as he takes the letter. "Putting 'lordship' and 'Feathergrin' in the same sentence feels so wrong...oh, bugger."

"Warrant out for your arrest already?" Gauntlet asks sardonically.

"Worse," Feathergrin states dramatically. "An invite to tea."

"I'll notify your next of kin." At this point, the page must be wondering if Gauntlet's special talent is sarcasm. "Does this mean you can't take us out for drinks?"

"I'd sooner dive off a cliff than renege on that tradition, Sergeant, but it seems it'll have to be postponed." Feathergrin slides the missive into a saddlebag and nods to the page. "May I humbly suggest I accompany you back to your master's estate?"

No sooner have the pair vanished from sight, long among the glowing streets of Canterlot, than Gauntlet has pulled a recruit to close proximity. "You'd better send a letter to Lady Moonshine. Let her know Feathers is back...and already a part of The Game again.

"I'm getting too old for this."

In most parts of Equestria, an invitation to tea would be a straightforward affair. A chance to socialise. Perhaps share the latest downtown gossip. Partake in mutual appreciation of good tea. Or simply a friendly gesture to pass an afternoon. Not in Canterlot.

Here, in Canterlot, an invitation to tea have multiple layers of meanings. The most superficial is a base need to display the sender's exquisite taste in tea; the more exotic the tea, the better. An altogether important part of keeping one's reputation in high society. The more astute would recognise it as an unofficial venue to discuss the more odious aspects of noble politics, bargains, favours and perhaps even a temporary alliance. A select few might even use this innocent occasion to pass on hidden messages and warnings.

Feathergrin's invitation came in an envelope gilded in an intricate flowery pattern that ran across the seal and edges, a sure sign of wealth designed to impress. The seal itself bore the design of House Illuminati: a stylised book with an open eye for cover. The message itself was written on specially chosen scented paper, the faint scent of summer lavender filling the air as it was pulled out. Gold ink spelt out a simple request for Feathergrin to meet the Lord for tea at his estates at four hours after the noon bell tolls, with Lord Bookworm's own hoofprint completing the message.

Whatever his reasons, it must have been urgent enough for the lord to ask for Feathergrin's presence. How odd.

[Kelvin360]

In most parts of Equestria, an invitation to tea would be a straightforward affair. A chance to socialise. Perhaps share the latest downtown gossip. Partake in mutual appreciation of good tea. Or simply a friendly gesture to pass an afternoon. Not in Canterlot.

Here, in Canterlot, an invitation to tea have multiple layers of meanings. The most superficial is a base need to display the sender's exquisite taste in tea; the more exotic the tea, the better. An altogether important part of keeping one's reputation in high society. The more astute would recognise it as an unofficial venue to discuss the more odious aspects of noble politics, bargains, favours and perhaps even a temporary alliance. A select few might even use this innocent occasion to pass on hidden messages and warnings.

Feathergrin's invitation came in an envelope gilded in an intricate flowery pattern that ran across the seal and edges, a sure sign of wealth designed to impress. The seal itself bore the design of House Illuminati: a stylised book with an open eye for cover. The message itself was written on specially chosen scented paper, the faint scent of summer lavender filling the air as it was pulled out. Gold ink spelt out a simple request for Feathergrin to meet the Lord for tea at his estates at four hours after the noon bell tolls, with Lord Bookworm's own hoofprint completing the message.

Whatever his reasons, it must have been urgent enough for the lord to ask for Feathergrin's presence. How odd.

Few of the subtleties inherent in the local nobility are apt to faze Feathergrin any longer, and not because he has a good deal of experience in court. Barely holding in vindictive laughter every time he makes the connection, he recognizes early and often that such 'face value' clandestine affairs seem to be very similar whether one is sitting on a gilded chair or commanding a group of street thugs. The time was, an invitation to tea would have sent Feathergrin running to the other side of the country, for fear of his life. Now, after years spent working the underworld like hammer to railroad spikes, he can afford to be curious. What most mobsters fail to realize about secret meetings, after all, is that they often betray their own intentions to a much greater degree than they can extract information.

As they walk, he chooses to reflect in silence, gauging the alleyways that they pass with a wistful eye, remembering a simpler time. A time of traps, double-crosses, and a good deal of screaming. And now he was being led straight into another unknown. One that he could well have refused, even if it might cause a political headache. And yet, his gut said go. Good ol' gut. Always keeping him on the right path. Always tossing him into the fire. Stupid gut.

When they begin to enter the nicer districts, he quickly falls into step directly behind the page. With no small effort, he relaxes himself; just another daytime stroll, his body says. He lies a schmuck who doesn't know a thing. As an afterthought, he begins whistling an old marching tune. The one Moonlight said grated on his ears, which was why he used it as a casual signal. He called it the 'don't hug me I'm scared' warning. Assuming his numerous spies had even been told of it. He resisted the urge to sigh.

He goes through the motions, the how-do-you-dos as they pass into House Illuminati, and allows his pace to take a backseat to his senses once they cross the threshold. Trip wires? Loose rocks? Exploding chickens? Time (and his eyes) would tell. He allows the page to meander off and restricts himself to the entry hall, certain that somepony will come to collect him once they know he's arrived. He doesn't react to the guards. They expect to be viewed as stationery, and that's an expectation he'll play to.

Sooner or later, the truth comes out, and there's always a song to keep the walls from coming down. It doesn't start until the tails begin to twitch, and it ain't over until the archer sings.

I'm not entirely sure about the procedures on this, but basically, I'm gonna make a Bardic Knowledge check on House Illuminati and Bookworm.

[Grif]

Few of the subtleties inherent in the local nobility are apt to faze Feathergrin any longer, and not because he has a good deal of experience in court. Barely holding in vindictive laughter every time he makes the connection, he recognizes early and often that such 'face value' clandestine affairs seem to be very similar whether one is sitting on a gilded chair or commanding a group of street thugs. The time was, an invitation to tea would have sent Feathergrin running to the other side of the country, for fear of his life. Now, after years spent working the underworld like hammer to railroad spikes, he can afford to be curious. What most mobsters fail to realize about secret meetings, after all, is that they often betray their own intentions to a much greater degree than they can extract information.

As they walk, he chooses to reflect in silence, gauging the alleyways that they pass with a wistful eye, remembering a simpler time. A time of traps, double-crosses, and a good deal of screaming. And now he was being led straight into another unknown. One that he could well have refused, even if it might cause a political headache. And yet, his gut said go. Good ol' gut. Always keeping him on the right path. Always tossing him into the fire. Stupid gut.

When they begin to enter the nicer districts, he quickly falls into step directly behind the page. With no small effort, he relaxes himself; just another daytime stroll, his body says. He lies a schmuck who doesn't know a thing. As an afterthought, he begins whistling an old marching tune. The one Moonlight said grated on his ears, which was why he used it as a casual signal. He called it the 'don't hug me I'm scared' warning. Assuming his numerous spies had even been told of it. He resisted the urge to sigh.

He goes through the motions, the how-do-you-dos as they pass into House Illuminati, and allows his pace to take a backseat to his senses once they cross the threshold. Trip wires? Loose rocks? Exploding chickens? Time (and his eyes) would tell. He allows the page to meander off and restricts himself to the entry hall, certain that somepony will come to collect him once they know he's arrived. He doesn't react to the guards. They expect to be viewed as stationery, and that's an expectation he'll play to.

Sooner or later, the truth comes out, and there's always a song to keep the walls from coming down. It doesn't start until the tails begin to twitch, and it ain't over until the archer sings.

I'm not entirely sure about the procedures on this, but basically, I'm gonna make a Bardic Knowledge check on House Illuminati and Bookworm.

Just ask here or OOC, and I'll attempt to provide information best I can. Feel free to seek clarification for any points you think your character should know.

Common knowledge of House Illuminati was sparse, even by the standards of noble houses. But Feathergrin should be at least aware of a few salient facts. They were a secretive house, for one. Few are aware that libraries throughout Equestria are owned by House Iluminati, usually through intermediaries. Their members are known to prize knowledge above all else and guard their secrets jealously. Rumours often swirl that they secretly practice dark magic, though this has been debunked multiple times. They have an ongoing rivalry with House Sparkle, though more of a friendly one rather than acrimonious.

As for Lord Bookworm himself, he's a relative newcomer to the political scene, having succeeded the late Lord Radiant, his uncle, just a few years ago. The young lord was reportedly more social than was usual for a member of his house, and seemed to be in favour of loosening up the noble house notorious secrecy.

The House Iluminati estates is tucked away in a quieter, less visited section of Harmony District. While not as palatial as some of the larger house, it still commands the respect of all those who enter. Instead of a typical mansion or palace as was the fashion for noble houses, the main building of Iluminati was one of the towers that loom over the rest of the city. Feathergrin would find himself at the very bottom of the tower, in a stately hall that was adorned with various paintings, art and decor typical of the nobility. Interestingly, a significant portion was also made up of archaeological artefacts and bookshelves lined with dusty old manuscripts.

He would not however, find himself waiting for long. Another earth pony soon appeared in the hall, from a side door, and bowed. Another servant, apparently. "Lord Feathergrin. The lord is anxious to make your acquaintance. Please follow me." With that, the servant turned towards a set of doors at the end of the hall. Beyond, was a series of staircases that led upwards. Looks like it might be a long climb up.

[Kelvin360]

Common knowledge of House Illuminati was sparse, even by the standards of noble houses. But Feathergrin should be at least aware of a few salient facts. They were a secretive house, for one. Few are aware that libraries throughout Equestria are owned by House Iluminati, usually through intermediaries. Their members are known to prize knowledge above all else and guard their secrets jealously. Rumours often swirl that they secretly practice dark magic, though this has been debunked multiple times. They have an ongoing rivalry with House Sparkle, though more of a friendly one rather than acrimonious.

As for Lord Bookworm himself, he's a relative newcomer to the political scene, having succeeded the late Lord Radiant, his uncle, just a few years ago. The young lord was reportedly more social than was usual for a member of his house, and seemed to be in favour of loosening up the noble house notorious secrecy.

The House Iluminati estates is tucked away in a quieter, less visited section of Harmony District. While not as palatial as some of the larger house, it still commands the respect of all those who enter. Instead of a typical mansion or palace as was the fashion for noble houses, the main building of Iluminati was one of the towers that loom over the rest of the city. Feathergrin would find himself at the very bottom of the tower, in a stately hall that was adorned with various paintings, art and decor typical of the nobility. Interestingly, a significant portion was also made up of archaeological artefacts and bookshelves lined with dusty old manuscripts.

He would not however, find himself waiting for long. Another earth pony soon appeared in the hall, from a side door, and bowed. Another servant, apparently. "Lord Feathergrin. The lord is anxious to make your acquaintance. Please follow me." With that, the servant turned towards a set of doors at the end of the hall. Beyond, was a series of staircases that led upwards. Looks like it might be a long climb up.

Feathergrin elects to accompany the servant with little enough fuss, taking on the challenge of the staircase with as much poise and grace as he can manage. He wonders briefly how many softer nobles' lungs have met their demise on this route. Perhaps there was a magical elevator somewhere that only the librarians knew about, as a joke.

Almost as an afterthought, he examines the edges of the stairs, gauging on the spot whether his grappling hook would stay mounted to a side, or perhaps a torch bracket, if there are any, in the event he needs to make a hasty downward exit. Paranoid? Of course. But if I need it, it's nice to have the option.

Be it in context from Starbeam or Moonshine, what's the relation between Illuminati and the Academy for Gifted Unicorns? Also, do they contract out for archeological finds or use their own resources to dig?

[Merellis]

While Paths was not one who enjoyed entering a situation that required diplomacy and fancy words, a growing argument about the treatment of suspected murderers wasn't going to let her leave the town any sooner. The green unicorn clears her throat loudly so she can cut into the conversation.

"Ah agree with keepin them locked tight for now." She speaks in a low tone, gesturing to the cells with only a few twitches of her eyes. "As loose as the sun would make their tongues, Ah'm not too keen on spillin' the blood o' my kin to keep these ponies breathing, or lettin the name o' Stoutheart be tainted on account of our lack of control."

The bird that had been perched contently upon her back gives a little squawk and begins to butt her head against Branching Paths horn with gusto.

"Ah'll take yah out soon enough yah glutton, just gotta wait a bit till Ah'm finished." She says with a surprising amount of affection and a slight smile playing on her lips.

The bird gives another cry but goes back to her perch upon her master's back and settles down.

[Grif]

Feathergrin elects to accompany the servant with little enough fuss, taking on the challenge of the staircase with as much poise and grace as he can manage. He wonders briefly how many softer nobles' lungs have met their demise on this route. Perhaps there was a magical elevator somewhere that only the librarians knew about, as a joke.

Almost as an afterthought, he examines the edges of the stairs, gauging on the spot whether his grappling hook would stay mounted to a side, or perhaps a torch bracket, if there are any, in the event he needs to make a hasty downward exit. Paranoid? Of course. But if I need it, it's nice to have the option.

Be it in context from Starbeam or Moonshine, what's the relation between Illuminati and the Academy for Gifted Unicorns? Also, do they contract out for archeological finds or use their own resources to dig?

None. Despite their inclination to knowledge, they're not in the business of actually distributing it. They regard knowledge as a currency to be used and bargained for. You may guess why House Sparkle or Twilight herself doesn't really like them.

As for archaeology, they mainly just sponsor whatever archaeological teams that show an interest, with plenty of caveats, of course. Caveats like forwarding any interesting finds to the house directly.

Considering the stairs are stone, and they're climbing a stairwell surrounded by stone walls, any hasty escape seems unlikely. And set among those walls, in regular intervals, are unmarked wooden doors. Presumably, they lead the way into the each floor of the tower. What they contain, one could only guess.

At least Feathergrin need not strain his legs for too long on the seemingly endless steps. The servant came to a stop in front of a door. The only mark on the door was the crest of House Illuminati. He bowed and gestured at the door. "The lord awaits within."

[Kelvin360]

Considering the stairs are stone, and they're climbing a stairwell surrounded by stone walls, any hasty escape seems unlikely. And set among those walls, in regular intervals, are unmarked wooden doors. Presumably, they lead the way into the each floor of the tower. What they contain, one could only guess.

At least Feathergrin need not strain his legs for too long on the seemingly endless steps. The servant came to a stop in front of a door. The only mark on the door was the crest of House Illuminati. He bowed and gestured at the door. "The lord awaits within."

What sort of knobs/handles do those doors have? And what provides light in the staircase, or have we been walking in the dark?

Cursing his lack of foresight, Feathergrin pauses at the top, panting dramatically. He reaches into his saddlebag and makes a show of accidentally finding his monocle instead of what he's looking for, but slides it on to get it out of the way. He retrieves a handkerchief and wipes his brow with it, taking a moment to both make himself look presentable and examine the crest with his magic-detecting eyepiece.

[MCerberus]

"I beg your pardon, but I don't think you understand the stakes you're proposing I gamble with." Silver's brows furrowed deeper. "We aren't deaf out here; everypony who's anypony knows who'll get the blame if anything happens to these two outside of official channels. Unfortunately, there simply aren't enough of those ponies to run the investigation and do guard duty. All we have are the Stoutheart faithful; able-bodied farmers capable of wrestling a Cragodile into submission, but not guards, and certainly not soldiers." He recited his facts gravely and efficiently. "You ask me to risk not only the standing of our house, but our one route to justice for our fallen Lord, on the hope that not a single guard will act hastily? That, I will not do."

It seems at some point Riposte has done the rather common mistake of projecting her own culture into a general sense... again. While she would admit to taking fault for that, there's something completely offputting about this whole situation. How sure they are about the guilt of the prisoners when they admit that they're in some ways incompetent.

"I must apologize for any stress I've caused with the suggestion. But, to be blunt, the state of one of the prisoners is past useless. The one seems... to have some sort of connection to the outside severed. An outside pony would not know them, and they'd naturally just assume that the prisoner has been..."

Riposte cuts off the sentence without finishing.

"We must not just find guilt but convince the other nobles. If this fails, there will be revenge from houses that aren't naturally peaceful. A whiff of air, a beam of sunlight, a potted plant. SOMETHING to bring him back to equestria."

[Grif]

What sort of knobs/handles do those doors have? And what provides light in the staircase, or have we been walking in the dark?

Cursing his lack of foresight, Feathergrin pauses at the top, panting dramatically. He reaches into his saddlebag and makes a show of accidentally finding his monocle instead of what he's looking for, but slides it on to get it out of the way. He retrieves a handkerchief and wipes his brow with it, taking a moment to both make himself look presentable and examine the crest with his magic-detecting eyepiece.

Heavy brass handles, only minimally decorated to show some amount of decorum. The walls of the stairwell are lit by various windows set into the walls itself, which in the daylight, provided plenty of illumination for anypony using the stairs. One might even be able to look out on the bustling city of Canterlot if they craned their neck out enough.

As for the crest, it seemed plainly unmagical. Probably a disappointment to the high adventure-minded Feathergrin. :smalltongue: Though interestingly enough, he could make out various wards, some extremely powerful, woven into the walls of the door on either side.

[Kelvin360]

Reinforcement for the door without there actually being anything off with the door, I'll bet. Clever, I'll give them that.

Coming up short on reasons to stick around (though driving the servant up the wall has some merit), he pushes open the door and strides within at a measured pace. One eye out for Bookworm, one eye out for traps, one ear out to see whether the servant closes the door behind him and 'sets the mood'.

[Grif]

Reinforcement for the door without there actually being anything off with the door, I'll bet. Clever, I'll give them that.

Coming up short on reasons to stick around (though driving the servant up the wall has some merit), he pushes open the door and strides within at a measured pace. One eye out for Bookworm, one eye out for traps, one ear out to see whether the servant closes the door behind him and 'sets the mood'.

[Tower of Enlightenment, House Illuminati]

Ah, of course. The door does indeed shut quietly behind him, as with the wont of all servants. But what should interest Feathergrin lay ahead.

A short antechamber lay beyond the heavy wooden door, leading into a what appeared to be a library of a sort. A pair of unicorn guards stare at Feathergrin as he strode on in, watching his every move.

Tomes of various age filled the bookshelves that lined the wall from end-to-end. A pair of heavily stained glass windows that only reluctantly allowed light to filter through provided much of the room's lighting, along with a roaring fire that had been lit in the ornate fireplace that lay between the two window.

And in the middle, he'd notice a dusky red unicorn sitting serenely on a cushion, sipping on a cup of tea as he flips the page of a book hovering in front of him, his back turned towards Feathergrin and facing the fire. Another empty cushion was set out beside the young lord, evidently for the visitor, along with an elaborate set of chinaware. "Do come in. Have a seat," he said, as the door closed.

[Kelvin360]

[Tower of Enlightenment, House Illuminati]

Ah, of course. The door does indeed shut quietly behind him, as with the wont of all servants. But what should interest Feathergrin lay ahead.

A short antechamber lay beyond the heavy wooden door, leading into a what appeared to be a library of a sort. A pair of unicorn guards stare at Feathergrin as he strode on in, watching his every move.

Tomes of various age filled the bookshelves that lined the wall from end-to-end. A pair of heavily stained glass windows that only reluctantly allowed light to filter through provided much of the room's lighting, along with a roaring fire that had been lit in the ornate fireplace that lay between the two window.

And in the middle, he'd notice a dusky red unicorn sitting serenely on a cushion, sipping on a cup of tea as he flips the page of a book hovering in front of him, his back turned towards Feathergrin and facing the fire. Another empty cushion was set out beside the young lord, evidently for the visitor, along with an elaborate set of chinaware. "Do come in. Have a seat," he said, as the door closed.

Suddenly grateful for his years of practicing 'the walk' that indicates to observers that you're not guilty of anything, honest, Feathergrin purposefully moves to the cushion and bows his head courteously to his host, not really seeing a reason to be impolite. He seats himself in a single flowing motion, careful to form his posture in a manner that is calm and assured and not anxious or egocentric. "Your invitation came as a surprise, Lord Bookworm, he remarks coolly. "Though not an unpleasant one. Your designers certainly know how to make an impression."

[Grif]

Suddenly grateful for his years of practicing 'the walk' that indicates to observers that you're not guilty of anything, honest, Feathergrin purposefully moves to the cushion and bows his head courteously to his host, not really seeing a reason to be impolite. He seats himself in a single flowing motion, careful to form his posture in a manner that is calm and assured and not anxious or egocentric. "Your invitation came as a surprise, Lord Bookworm, he remarks coolly. "Though not an unpleasant one. Your designers certainly know how to make an impression."

"You can thank my ancestors for this. I merely continued the tradition." Lord Bookworm's voice was silky smooth and refined, appropriate for a noble of his stature. He gestured expansively at the seat next to him. "Please, take a seat. Tea?" Oddly enough, the young lord opted to pour the tea himself for his guest, instead of having a minion to do it. Feathergrin could almost see an elderly servant grimacing at this break of tradition. :smalltongue: In any case, he offered the gently steaming cup politely to Feathergrin.

[Kelvin360]

"You can thank my ancestors for this. I merely continued the tradition." Lord Bookworm's voice was silky smooth and refined, appropriate for a noble of his stature. He gestured expansively at the seat next to him. "Please, take a seat. Tea?" Oddly enough, the young lord opted to pour the tea himself for his guest, instead of having a minion to do it. Feathergrin could almost see an elderly servant grimacing at this break of tradition. :smalltongue: In any case, he offered the gently steaming cup politely to Feathergrin.

"Of course," he says, accepting the cup gracefully. "It's been too long since I've been treated to a cup of tea in pleasant company. The common graces here are so often lost on the road. Your house seems to be thriving, if I may say so, despite the troubled times. Though, if there's one thing I've never accounted knowledge with, it's the possibility of it going out of style." He takes his minor filibuster as an opportunity to see if Bookworm takes a sip of his tea first.

[Grif]

"Of course," he says, accepting the cup gracefully. "It's been too long since I've been treated to a cup of tea in pleasant company. The common graces here are so often lost on the road. Your house seems to be thriving, if I may say so, despite the troubled times. Though, if there's one thing I've never accounted knowledge with, it's the possibility of it going out of style." He takes his minor filibuster as an opportunity to see if Bookworm takes a sip of his tea first.

Bookworm sipped his tea without paying Feathergrin much mind, seemingly savouring the fragrant scent. "Ah yes. Thank you for your kind words. We do try our very best to survive..." He paused, as if considering his words. "... and to serve, of course." His amber eyes swung over to Feathergrin. "You must be wondering why I called you here, yes?"

[Kelvin360]

Bookworm sipped his tea without paying Feathergrin much mind, seemingly savouring the fragrant scent. "Ah yes. Thank you for your kind words. We do try our very best to survive..." He paused, as if considering his words. "... and to serve, of course." His amber eyes swung over to Feathergrin. "You must be wondering why I called you here, yes?"

"Not with as much insistence as another might," Feathergrin notes mildly, drinking from his own cup carefully. "Your information, your motives, your time."

[Grif]

"Not with as much insistence as another might," Feathergrin notes mildly, drinking from his own cup carefully. "Your*information, your motives, your time."

Feathergrin would find the tea to be exquisite, the very faint aroma of lavender teasing the edge of his tastebuds, all while filling his senses with the sweet scent of summer. Definitely one of the best he tasted.

In response to Feathergrin's answer, Bookworm simply waved his hoof. The same servant who grimaced earlier stepped forward deferentially. "Rize, please bring the book I requested earlier."

The servant's voice was full of unspoken questions. "My lord, are you certain? It... ah... it has been kept safe for a good reason."

Bookworm's answer was calm, but with the resigned air of one who has faced this question many, many times. "Rize, am I not the head of this house at this moment?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then please, trust my judgement. Bring the book."

"Yes, my lord." The servant retreated quickly. A note of disappointment hung in the air.

Bookworm glanced at Feathergrin again. "You'd have to forgive their reluctance. Our house has a tradition of insularity, and we do not share easily."

[Kelvin360]

Feathergrin would find the tea to be exquisite, the very faint aroma of lavender teasing the edge of his tastebuds, all while filling his senses with the sweet scent of summer. Definitely one of the best he tasted.

In response to Feathergrin's answer, Bookworm simply waved his hoof. The same servant who grimaced earlier stepped forward deferentially. "Rize, please bring the book I requested earlier."

The servant's voice was full of unspoken questions. "My lord, are you certain? It... ah... it has been kept safe for a good reason."

Bookworm's answer was calm, but with the resigned air of one who has faced this question many, many times. "Rize, am I not the head of this house at this moment?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then please, trust my judgement. Bring the book."

"Yes, my lord." The servant retreated quickly. A note of disappointment hung in the air.

Bookworm glanced at Feathergrin again. "You'd have to forgive their reluctance. Our house has a tradition of insularity, and we do not share easily."

"So I've come to recognize. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but what makes me of all ponies worth shifting that tradition for?"

[Grif]

"So I've come to recognize. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but what makes me of all ponies worth shifting that tradition for?"

Lord Bookworm took another sip of his tea, rather than answering directly. He allowed a few moment of silence elapse, letting the crackle of the fire fill the room, before finally speaking again. "Unlike my predecessors, I'm rather more open to ... things which are considered unorthodox to my house." He set this cup down gently. "Did you know I'm actually fourth in line for the succession of the head of this house just a year ago? Of course, you wouldn't know that. House Illuminati keeps even the issue of succession a secret. Truth be told, we're still quite a traditional house. The title of Lord of House Illuminati is passed down through primogeniture. My uncle and his sons looked set to be the next lord of Illuminati. As for me..." Bookworm chuckled. A rather wistful sound. "I was considering a quiet career in the Trotingham University. I'm rather fond of insects. Planned on studying them even."

A noise behind him indicated the return of the servant. Bookworm gestured towards Feathergrin. "Ah good, Rize. Hand the book over to Lord Feathergrin here, if you please."

Feathergrin would be presented with a large black tome. The title "Artis Magicae" is embossed in dull bronze on the cover. It looked ancient, the black leather wrinkled and showing the usual sign of wear, but otherwise was extremely well-preserved. One could sense that this book might even predate the lordly house itself.

"A fine specimen isn't it? One of the three known treatise of forbidden arts by Starswirl the Bearded himself." Bookworm sipped his tea again. "And all highly illegal under royal law." Bookworm was probably understating things here.

[Kelvin360]

Lord Bookworm took another sip of his tea, rather than answering directly. He allowed a few moment of silence elapse, letting the crackle of the fire fill the room, before finally speaking again. "Unlike my predecessors, I'm rather more open to ... things which are considered unorthodox to my house." He set this cup down gently. "Did you know I'm actually fourth in line for the succession of the head of this house just a year ago? Of course, you wouldn't know that. House Illuminati keeps even the issue of succession a secret. Truth be told, we're still quite a traditional house. The title of Lord of House Illuminati is passed down through primogeniture. My uncle and his sons looked set to be the next lord of Illuminati. As for me..." Bookworm chuckled. A rather wistful sound. "I was considering a quiet career in the Trotingham University. I'm rather fond of insects. Planned on studying them even."

A noise behind him indicated the return of the servant. Bookworm gestured towards Feathergrin. "Ah good, Rize. Hand the book over to Lord Feathergrin here, if you please."

Feathergrin would be presented with a large black tome. The word "Artis Magicae" It looked ancient, the black leather wrinkled and showing the usual sign of wear, but otherwise was extremely well-preserved. One could sense that this book might even predate the lordly house itself.

"A fine specimen isn't it? One of the three known treatise of forbidden arts by Starswirl the Bearded himself." Bookworm sipped his tea again. "And all highly illegal under royal law." Bookworm was probably understating things here.

"Good to know," he remarks dryly, choosing to maintain a grip on his tea instead of taking the book. "I doubt you'll be very enthused if I decide to continue playing the fool. That said, you'll need to lay a few more cards on the table; the conversation is completely failing to make me comfortable. I will, however, phrase a few guesses as questions. Namely, where do you want it taken, who's after it, and where are the other two?"

I doubt Feathergrin knows anything about the book even by proximity. But the thing about a tradition is that if you do things the exact same way for a long period of time, a pattern uncovers itself by definition. How many other houses know about the lines of succession, and/or which ones would be the most likely to pay attention for the purposes of gaining an advantage? Are the uncle and brood still alive? What race is the servant? Are there any windows? Does Bookworm have any unusual latent magic present on his person? Am I correct in assuming that the book glows like neon through the monocle? What's the servant's cutie mark? Mane and coat color? Is the room adorned with banners? Are there windows? What kind of glass is used in the windows, if any? How many beats-per-minute does a unicorn heart manifest under duress? Does anything in the room smell like almonds?

And, unfortunately, all of those are serious questions.

[Grif]

"Good to know," he remarks dryly, choosing to maintain a grip on his tea instead of taking the book. "I doubt you'll be very enthused if I decide to continue playing the fool. That said, you'll need to lay a few more cards on the table; the conversation is completely failing to make me comfortable. I will, however, phrase a few guesses as questions. Namely, where do you want it taken, who's after it, and where are the other two?"

I doubt Feathergrin knows anything about the book even by proximity. But the thing about a tradition is that if you do things the exact same way for a long period of time, a pattern uncovers itself by definition. How many other houses know about the lines of succession, and/or which ones would be the most likely to pay attention for the purposes of gaining an advantage? Are the uncle and brood still alive? What race is the servant? Are there any windows? Does Bookworm have any unusual latent magic present on his person? Am I correct in assuming that the book glows like neon through the monocle? What's the servant's cutie mark? Mane and coat color? Is the room adorned with banners? Are there windows? What kind of glass is used in the windows, if any? How many beats-per-minute does a unicorn heart manifest under duress? Does anything in the room smell like almonds?

And, unfortunately, all of those are serious questions.

"Of course. All in due time," Bookworm said calmly.

"First, this book is not the actual item I wish to bring to your attention." The young lord takes the book with his magic, and holds it carefully in the air. "It is just one small part of our house's extensive collection." He shot Feathergrin a smile. "As far as I know, no one outside you, me, the Princess and her inner circle, and all the trusted members of my house knows this volume exists. Speaking of which, we also hold the other copy, while the Princess keeps the third in the Royal Archive."

By now, he'd probably have invited even more confusion. But the young lord simply continued, turning the book over in the air, studying it. "In any case, I'm sure this is ample enough demonstration as to the seriousness of the matter." Bookworm stopped, then chuckled. "Ah right. I haven't actually said what the matter was. It's simple really. Another tome of similar value has been stolen very recently." His expression lost all semblance of mirth. "So far, our attempts to retrieve the volume have been fruitless."

He turned again, and gazed distantly into the fire. "And incidentally enough, my uncle, the former head of the house, was one of the few ponies who knew the location of said book. Officially, he was found to have suffered an unfortunate heart attack. Even more tragically, his two sons perished in a carriage accident on the same night. Interesting, is it not?"

I doubt Feathergrin knows anything about the book even by proximity. But the thing about a tradition is that if you do things the exact same way for a long period of time, a pattern uncovers itself by definition. How many other houses know about the lines of succession, and/or which ones would be the most likely to pay attention for the purposes of gaining an advantage?
It can be assumed that House Illuminati keeps a traditional primogeniture succession. But it's quite rare for them to actually disclose their entire line of succession if the obvious successor dies. Gives them a bit an air of mystery when an unknown member becomes lord.

Are the uncle and brood still alive? What race is the servant?
Answered above. The servant is also a unicorn.

Are there any windows?
Two.

Does Bookworm have any unusual latent magic present on his person?
A personal medallion he keeps in a pocket. One might assume it's a keepsake and probably a ward.

Am I correct in assuming that the book glows like neon through the monocle?
Indeed. One would recognise them as simple spells to preserve the books, rather than any actual curse.

What's the servant's cutie mark?
A cup of tea.

Mane and coat color?
Blond, with grey-blue coat. Blue eyes.

Is the room adorned with banners?
Banners of the house, yes.

Are there windows?
Answered above.

What kind of glass is used in the windows, if any?
Reinforced glass.

How many beats-per-minute does a unicorn heart manifest under duress?
For the sake of simplicity, same as a human. Not about to speculate further.

Does anything in the room smell like almonds?
No.

And, unfortunately, all of those are serious questions.

[Kelvin360]

"Of course. All in due time," Bookworm said calmly.

"First, this book is not the actual item I wish to bring to your attention." The young lord takes the book with his magic, and holds it carefully in the air. "It is just one small part of our house's extensive collection." He shot Feathergrin a smile. "As far as I know, no one outside you, me, the Princess and her inner circle, and all the trusted members of my house knows this volume exists. Speaking of which, we also hold the other copy, while the Princess keeps the third in the Royal Archive."

By now, he'd probably have invited even more confusion. But the young lord simply continued, turning the book over in the air, studying it. "In any case, I'm sure this is ample enough demonstration as to the seriousness of the matter." Bookworm stopped, then chuckled. "Ah right. I haven't actually said what the matter was. It's simple really. Another tome of similar value has been stolen very recently." His expression lost all semblance of mirth. "So far, our attempts to retrieve the volume have been fruitless."

He turned again, and gazed distantly into the fire. "And incidentally enough, my uncle, the former head of the house, was one of the few ponies who knew the location of said book. Officially, he was found to have suffered an unfortunate heart attack. Even more tragically, his two sons perished in a carriage accident on the same night. Interesting, is it not?"

Feathergrin takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. When he speaks, it is in a tone of forced calm. "Lord Bookworm, I respectfully assume that, with only a year under your belt, some of this is quite new to you. Thusly, I would like to offer some advice, some applicable to meetings as a whole, some to me specifically."

He takes another sip of tea. "You assumed, I believe, that I would need to be convinced of the urgency of my task, one I haven't been actually assigned. In turn, I would need to realize the stakes in a similar vein. Fair enough. However, you picked two things that don't worry me in the slightest: magic and illegalities. I have a belt buckle in one of my saddlebags that is also illegal under royal law, and as for magic...well, begging your pardon, but I'm an earth pony. Further, if the volume you've just shown me was only tangentially related, that tells me...absolutely nothing."

He takes another deep breath, then continues. "Regardless of whatever portions of my reputation may have caused you to seek me out, one thing I'm sure you've noticed is that I rarely get involved directly with houses and their schemes. Not for lack of trying on their part. Not because I find anything untoward or difficult, but they take absolute ages to get to the point. I enjoy the Grand Game as much as the next pony, Lord Bookworm, but it has its place in the courts, not over tea. If you've already weighed the risks of contacting, meeting with, and hiring me, then it behooves you to ensure that I have at least some idea of what's going on without needing to tap into a deep wellspring of extrapolation."

He finishes his cup and sets it down. "And, finally, since this subject apparently veers where the courts would consider 'untoward', you forgot the all-important topic of dirt. Namely, dirt on me. I'm willing to overlook this part as a refreshing change, but you're really supposed to threaten me somehow to ensure my cooperation. It has a sort of...classical elegance. Unless that last bit was a threat, in which case you need to do...better."

He gives Bookworm a dry sort of look. "So! In conclusion: what exactly am I looking for, what makes me more qualified than your agents, pull out a nice ominous threat of some kind, as much miscellaneous background information as you can muster, and two final questions of utmost importance.

Firstly, during your tenure, have you made any decisions that go against the grain of your house's tradition, in any way?

Secondly, do you have a personal manestylist? Because that look really works for you."

[TheAmishPirate]

It seems at some point Riposte has done the rather common mistake of projecting her own culture into a general sense... again. While she would admit to taking fault for that, there's something completely offputting about this whole situation. How sure they are about the guilt of the prisoners when they admit that they're in some ways incompetent.

"I must apologize for any stress I've caused with the suggestion. But, to be blunt, the state of one of the prisoners is past useless. The one seems... to have some sort of connection to the outside severed. An outside pony would not know them, and they'd naturally just assume that the prisoner has been..."

Riposte cuts off the sentence without finishing.

"We must not just find guilt but convince the other nobles. If this fails, there will be revenge from houses that aren't naturally peaceful. A whiff of air, a beam of sunlight, a potted plant. SOMETHING to bring him back to equestria."

The manservant's face softens. Which still comes out to a disgusted scowl, but progress was progress. "That is a much more reasonable suggestion. I suspect the Lord and Lady would like to use this cellar when all is finished, so a window is quite out of the question. But I can have one of our ponies fetch a potted plant that can thrive in this environment."

"...and perhaps we'll see about drilling a small hole for fresh air. I can promise nothing more at this time." That was, it seemed, likely all the concessions Riposte was likely to get out of their host on the matter.

[Grif]

Feathergrin takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. When he speaks, it is in a tone of forced calm. "Lord Bookworm, I respectfully assume that, with only a year under your belt, some of this is quite new to you. Thusly, I would like to offer some advice, some applicable to meetings as a whole, some to me specifically."

He takes another sip of tea. "You assumed, I believe, that I would need to be convinced of the urgency of my task, one I haven't been actually assigned. In turn, I would need to realize the stakes in a similar vein. Fair enough. However, you picked two things that don't worry me in the slightest: magic and illegalities. I have a belt buckle in one of my saddlebags that is also illegal under royal law, and as for magic...well, begging your pardon, but I'm an earth pony. Further, if the volume you've just shown me was only tangentially related, that tells me...absolutely nothing."

He takes another deep breath, then continues. "Regardless of whatever portions of my reputation may have caused you to seek me out, one thing I'm sure you've noticed is that I rarely get involved directly with houses and their schemes. Not for lack of trying on their part. Not because I find anything untoward or difficult, but they take absolute ages to get to the point. I enjoy the Grand Game as much as the next pony, Lord Bookworm, but it has its place in the courts, not over tea. If you've already weighed the risks of contacting, meeting with, and hiring me, then it behooves you to ensure that I have at least some idea of what's going on without needing to tap into a deep wellspring of extrapolation."

He finishes his cup and sets it down. "And, finally, since this subject apparently veers where the courts would consider 'untoward', you forgot the all-important topic of dirt. Namely, dirt on me. I'm willing to overlook this part as a refreshing change, but you're really supposed to threaten me somehow to ensure my cooperation. It has a sort of...classical elegance. Unless that last bit was a threat, in which case you need to do...better."

He gives Bookworm a dry sort of look. "So! In conclusion: what exactly am I looking for, what makes me more qualified than your agents, pull out a nice ominous threat of some kind, as much miscellaneous background information as you can muster, and two final questions of utmost importance.

Firstly, during your tenure, have you made any decisions that go against the grain of your house's tradition, in any way?

Secondly, do you have a personal manestylist? Because that look really works for you."

Bother. I hope I covered everything.

Bookworm looked mildly amused at the long tirade. He sipped his tea while Feathergrin replied in turn, nodding thoughtfully. Finally when he was done, the young lord deigned to speak. "Very well. I may be inexperienced in this, but I'm certainly not uninformed about it. I can thank my late father for that."

"Firstly, the main reason I sought you out was simply because of said non-affliation with any great houses, save House Lunatic, which you hail from. And even then, your distaste for politics is well known, and thus is actually a favour in your point." He looked directly at Feathergrin. "I'll spare you the threat. I value honest dealing, and I'm sure you do as well. No need for threats. And yes, I shouldn't belabour the point any longer." He took a deep breath, and began.

"This matter should be serious enough to warrant your undivided attention in any case. The tome that was stolen was the Book of Alicorn Summoning written by the infamous magus Black Geld himself. That alone should give you a clue as to why I'm personally concerned. The entire book is supposed to be a theoretical treatise on the various steps needed to personally grant one the powers of an alicorn."

Another sip of his tea. "Again, why you, you might ask. My agents are capable indeed, but I suspect we're dealing with something far more sinister. Although I'm assured time and again that this was just a matter of simple theft and the book would be found soon, certain facts do not add up. The fact that this book was specially targeted from our secret archive. The fact that my uncle was the last to check it out of the archive personally. The fact that he was soon found dead, ostensibly of natural causes and his progeny dead in similarly suspicious circumstances. The fact that no one made any demands in exchange for the return of the book, or some sort of blackmail as is the wont." Bookworm paused. "All speculation, mind. Perhaps it is true this is all unrelated. Simply a series of unfortunate circumstances, and the book would be found soon, one way or another."

He drained the last of his tea. "You, Feathergrin, have the appropriate connections with the commoners. Networks that we do not possess. You're also one of the few I trust can keep any inquiries you make discreet. Perhaps you can uncover more clues as to the whereabouts of this book. Perhaps you may also be able to glean more information on the death of my predecessors. And just perhaps, you'll be here to tell me I'm a fool for ever involving you, and I'll be glad for that."

Another momentary pause. Then a wistful smile. "As for my mane, well, I'll heartily recommend Coco's Salon here in the Harmony District itself. She does fine work."

[Kelvin360]

There is a brief moment wherein the Feathergrin who was invited to tea remains present, slowly finishing his drink as he listens. When the cup reaches the ground and the words cease, he has all but disappeared. In his place is a stallion who means to see beyond sight, who is well aware - mistakenly or not - that he is being toyed with, and who, above all, does not like that one bit.

"I never knew my mother," he begins in a low tone. "All I have of her is a single phrase, a cliche, I'll admit, but one that has always served to me as a reminder of the dangers my life poses. 'Be careful what you wish for'. I'll give you a choice. A very simple set of immediate demands. If you elect not to follow them, then our business can be concluded and you may trust - for however much that is worth to either of us - that this conversation may as well have never happened. But if you do...then you place this matter in my hooves. You place yourself, your house, and for all I know the whole of Equestria under my scrutiny. Your task will be accomplished. But I know this story; this is the one where the end result is absolutely nowhere near either of us can expect or comprehend. If I make this sound dire, that's because it is. This is no contention of nobility, no confederacy of dunces. This is the Game of Ponies, and all the players will lose something in the end.

If you feel you can accept the consequences, then here is my request. First, send your steward and guards out of the room. Second, as an insurance policy, encase me in a telekinetic barrier. This is the point at which trust becomes a lovely little daydream, and both of us need to cover our bases.

Now...shall we begin?"

[Grif]

There is a brief moment wherein the Feathergrin who was invited to tea remains present, slowly finishing his drink as he listens. When the cup reaches the ground and the words cease, he has all but disappeared. In his place is a stallion who means to see beyond sight, who is well aware - mistakenly or not - that he is being toyed with, and who, above all, does not like that one bit.

"I never knew my mother," he begins in a low tone. "All I have of her is a single phrase, a cliche, I'll admit, but one that has always served to me as a reminder of the dangers my life poses. 'Be careful what you wish for'. I'll give you a choice. A very simple set of immediate demands. If you elect not to follow them, then our business can be concluded and you may trust - for however much that is worth to either of us - that this conversation may as well have never happened. But if you do...then you place this matter in my hooves. You place yourself, your house, and for all I know the whole of Equestria under my scrutiny. Your task will be accomplished. But I know this story; this is the one where the end result is absolutely nowhere near either of us can expect or comprehend. If I make this sound dire, that's because it is. This is no contention of nobility, no confederacy of dunces. This is the Game of Ponies, and all the players will lose something in the end.

If you feel you can accept the consequences, then here is my request. First, send your steward and guards out of the room. Second, as an insurance policy, encase me in a telekinetic barrier. This is the point at which trust becomes a lovely little daydream, and both of us need to cover our bases.

Now...shall we begin?"

Bookworm simply chuckled in response. It wasn't out of mirth. His voice was calm and collected as he spoke. "Lance. Cobalt. You heard the gentlepony. Out the door. Rize, you too." The guards voiced their assent.

"Sire? Are you... certain?"

"Yes. Take comfort. If you find me dead in the hour, at least you know who the perpetrator is. And I bet you Master Stuffybook would rejoice at my untimely demise."

"Sire, that's no way to speak of Lord Librum!"

"It was just a harmless jest, Rize. Now be off with you."

"Yes, sire." The servant bowed, and glided out of the room, together with the two guards in tow.

Bookworm simply refilled his cup and then offered it to Feathergrin. "More tea?"

[Kelvin360]

"You're not making this easier for either of us," Feathergrin sighs, waving one forehoof for more tea and reaching into a saddlebag with the other...rather deeper than one should actually be able to reach into a saddlebag, in fact. He pulls out a small knife, likely part of a throwing set, and hands it to Bookworm hilt-first. "You may not care to use it or even know how, but it makes me feel better knowing you have the visible capability of dealing me injury if I turn out to be a berserk sleeper agent, as crazy as that sounds."

He allows himself a small, grim smile. "I'd keep that sense of good humor around, by the by. At least one of us should avoid being hyper-serious. Now for my moment of exposition, because princesses know we haven't had enough.

First off, there's a good chance your house has at least one traitor in it, but you probably knew that. They're probably feeling awful cocky right now, too, and I can't say I blame them. You...aren't coming off as quite paranoid enough to be a threat to them. Your willingness to trust me out of hoof, for example, is, ah, odd. Let's go with odd. Thusly, I'll err on the side of caution in regard to who among your house I entrust with...just about anything, including this conversation. You're probably thinking something along the lines of 'there is one among them I trust above all others'. Well, they're probably the traitor in question. Unless it's you. But aside from that being a very long con, I don't take you to be quite stupid enough to organize this and then hire me on just to get rid of me just as I dramatically discover the truth. We both know that wouldn't end well.

As for your uncle, it strikes me that there are two major possibilities. I'm sure we agree that this reeks of an inside job, especially considering your house's legendary level of security over your rarer stocks. The question is whether he meant to use the tome himself, or whether he was a delivery colt. Either way, he had an accomplice who turned on him and stole the book, which brings us back to the traitor, or more likely whoever controls the traitor. This long of a wait implies that whoever means to use the tome only discovered its existence recently, or else they'd have taken it the instant it was first found by you.

As for the tome itself, I can tell you right now, it doesn't do what I believe you think it does. The name and how you describe its purpose don't add up. If it was that simple, Black Geld would be ruling the kingdom right now. No, I'd wager a hefty sum that it actually places an alicorn that already exists under control of the user. I have some experience in dealing with virtually that exact same plot, actually. Oh and also, unless Twilight Sparkle is the culprit, my guess is that if they try to use the magical energies without an army of unicorns at their back, it'll blow up in their face; this kind of magic always does. We'll have to credit them with some kind of low cunning, though, so let's assume they have a plan to work past that. The only alicorn they can feasibly reach is Luna, mostly because everypony is already expecting Celestia to come back with a vengeance, so her sister probably has a contingency and a half to keep that from happening. That said, it'd be foolish to not keep an eye on her, too.

Allow me to recap. An unknown force, who we can assume is either a unicorn or the stooge of a unicorn, means to use a book they stole with the help of your uncle and an unknown traitor to your house that, with the help of a singularly powerful force of magic or many minor sources, intends to bind Princess Luna to their control. You'll have noted, I presume, that every inch of that is an assumption, but I like to operate under a worst-case scenario. So our goals are, at present, to ensure Luna and Celestia's status, check for any hostile feelers looking to recruit sources of magic, probably under the guise of a cult or an uprising, and try to figure out who that traitor is. I can put out a few tentative feelers for the first and second jobs, but to be honest, I don't know enough about your house to spring for the third.

A task which segues nicely into my final point. You're in danger, obviously. The only thing keeping you alive is the assumption that you are nonthreatening. If the traitor thinks you know they exist, your life is basically forfeit. More importantly, if they get confident, they'll slip up. So my advice is to not make any internal inquiries. Act like nothing's wrong at the homestead. Their thinking that you don't know what's going on is a thin shield, but it's cover nonetheless.

And now, I take a moment to breathe, have another drink, and allow you to process the eight billion questions that my self-assured blabbering has just conjured, mm?"

[Grif]

"You're not making this easier for either of us," Feathergrin sighs, waving one forehoof for more tea and reaching into a saddlebag with the other...rather deeper than one should actually be able to reach into a saddlebag, in fact. He pulls out a small knife, likely part of a throwing set, and hands it to Bookworm hilt-first. "You may not care to use it or even know how, but it makes me feel better knowing you have the visible capability of dealing me injury if I turn out to be a berserk sleeper agent, as crazy as that sounds."

Bookworm viewed the knife with visible distaste. He did take it with his magic and carefully laid it to one side on a nearby cushion. "I do not, no. I do not care for weapons. I'm a scholar by nature, and such implements do not interest me the slightest."



He allows himself a small, grim smile. "I'd keep that sense of good humor around, by the by. At least one of us should avoid being hyper-serious. Now for my moment of exposition, because princesses know we haven't had enough.

"I try my best. With all the rumbling of the Stoutheart affair, one tries not to think too hard of the possible fallout." Bookworm takes another sip.



First off, there's a good chance your house has at least one traitor in it, but you probably knew that. They're probably feeling awful cocky right now, too, and I can't say I blame them. You...aren't coming off as quite paranoid enough to be a threat to them. Your willingness to trust me out of hoof, for example, is, ah, odd. Let's go with odd. Thusly, I'll err on the side of caution in regard to who among your house I entrust with...just about anything, including this conversation. You're probably thinking something along the lines of 'there is one among them I trust above all others'. Well, they're probably the traitor in question. Unless it's you. But aside from that being a very long con, I don't take you to be quite stupid enough to organize this and then hire me on just to get rid of me just as I dramatically discover the truth. We both know that wouldn't end well.

"I like to think that simple honesty and forthrightness is sorely lacking these days. Plus, what I heard of you is enough for me to reasonably know that you're an honourable pony yourself, and quite unlikely to engage in the distasteful skulduggery of noble politics. Certainly, you know enough to avoid it for most part. An option, unfortunately, isn't available to me." Bookworm seemed to let out a wistful sigh at this point, looking like he wanted nothing more than to curl up in a library and lose himself in a book.




As for your uncle, it strikes me that there are two major possibilities. I'm sure we agree that this reeks of an inside job, especially considering your house's legendary level of security over your rarer stocks. The question is whether he meant to use the tome himself, or whether he was a delivery colt. Either way, he had an accomplice who turned on him and stole the book, which brings us back to the traitor, or more likely whoever controls the traitor. This long of a wait implies that whoever means to use the tome only discovered its existence recently, or else they'd have taken it the instant it was first found by you.

As for the tome itself, I can tell you right now, it doesn't do what I believe you think it does. The name and how you describe its purpose don't add up. If it was that simple, Black Geld would be ruling the kingdom right now. No, I'd wager a hefty sum that it actually places an alicorn that already exists under control of the user. I have some experience in dealing with virtually that exact same plot, actually. Oh and also, unless Twilight Sparkle is the culprit, my guess is that if they try to use the magical energies without an army of unicorns at their back, it'll blow up in their face; this kind of magic always does. We'll have to credit them with some kind of low cunning, though, so let's assume they have a plan to work past that. The only alicorn they can feasibly reach is Luna, mostly because everypony is already expecting Celestia to come back with a vengeance, so her sister probably has a contingency and a half to keep that from happening. That said, it'd be foolish to not keep an eye on her, too.

"My uncle always struck me as an honest, if proud gentlepony. I'm not quite convinced he's the traitor, if there's indeed such in the house." Bookworm seemed troubled nevertheless.

"On the subject of the tome, my archivist assures me that the book was nothing more than the scribbling of a madpony on the precise process of turning oneself into an alicorn. A madpony, whom I might add, was found sacrificing a dozen ponies in his personal bedchamber for some sort of bloody ritual that resembles the one he had penned in that very book. Unfortunately for him... and fortunately for us, that particular experiment did not end well. I do not know the exact details of the affair, but I was led to assume that the details are best not known. Besides, the only living witness of that scene today were the two Princesses and I doubt the Princess would divulge such frivolous details."

"It is interesting that you brought up the subject of trying to control an alicorn. I'll have to check with Lorekeep again, but from what he told me, the book does deal with it as an aside, but never in exhaustive details. Among other grisly things that could be done to subsume alicorn powers, at any rate. Black Geld was terribly obsessed with power."




Allow me to recap. An unknown force, who we can assume is either a unicorn or the stooge of a unicorn, means to use a book they stole with the help of your uncle and an unknown traitor to your house that, with the help of a singularly powerful force of magic or many minor sources, intends to bind Princess Luna to their control. You'll have noted, I presume, that every inch of that is an assumption, but I like to operate under a worst-case scenario. So our goals are, at present, to ensure Luna and Celestia's status, check for any hostile feelers looking to recruit sources of magic, probably under the guise of a cult or an uprising, and try to figure out who that traitor is. I can put out a few tentative feelers for the first and second jobs, but to be honest, I don't know enough about your house to spring for the third.

A task which segues nicely into my final point. You're in danger, obviously. The only thing keeping you alive is the assumption that you are nonthreatening. If the traitor thinks you know they exist, your life is basically forfeit. More importantly, if they get confident, they'll slip up. So my advice is to not make any internal inquiries. Act like nothing's wrong at the homestead. Their thinking that you don't know what's going on is a thin shield, but it's cover nonetheless.

And now, I take a moment to breathe, have another drink, and allow you to process the eight billion questions that my self-assured blabbering has just conjured, mm?"

Bookworm silently refilled Feathergrin's cup, and allowed another few more moments of blessed silence, before speaking again. "I'm afraid my goals aren't so lofty. My first priority is to make sure this is contained. If word gets out that such a rare tome was allowed to be lost... well, our enemies will have quite the day. And we have many. That's why I asked for your help. You're potentially a neutral party and one that could be trusted to be discreet. If we end up somehow managing to save the Princess as well, I'd consider it a well-deserved bonus, and you can be sure all credit will go to you. I know this sounds petty, but I have my responsibilities as the master of the house now."

"As for your last point... if you and I cannot conduct inquiries, then how would we find the traitor? If one exists to begin with."

[Kelvin360]

"My uncle always struck me as an honest, if proud gentlepony. I'm not quite convinced he's the traitor, if there's indeed such in the house." Bookworm seemed troubled nevertheless.

"On the subject of the tome, my archivist assures me that the book was nothing more than the scribbling of a madpony on the precise process of turning oneself into an alicorn. A madpony, whom I might add, was found sacrificing a dozen ponies in his personal bedchamber for some sort of bloody ritual that resembles the one he had penned in that very book. Unfortunately for him... and fortunately for us, that particular experiment did not end well. I do not know the exact details of the affair, but I was led to assume that the details are best not known. Besides, the only living witness of that scene today were the two Princesses and I doubt the Princess would divulge such frivolous details."

"It is interesting that you brought up the subject of trying to control an alicorn. I'll have to check with Lorekeep again, but from what he told me, the book does deal with it as an aside, but never in exhaustive details. Among other grisly things that could be done to subsume alicorn powers, at any rate. Black Geld was terribly obsessed with power."

"Honesty and pride go extremely well together if you're looking for a pony to use to your own ends without their being aware of it," Feathergrin points out. "That ritual is about what I expected. The energy has to come from somewhere; blood makes a better substance than most, since even passive magic from earth ponies and pegasi have to go through it, and therefore you can use members of any race.

As a point of order, when a pony says that the details are 'best not known', that usually means they are absolutely best known, it just doesn't suit their interests. Lunatic could probably get something out of Luna about the event, but I'm not certain I want to try just yet. Either way, that many ponies disappearing means a trail we can follow, likely from among the common folk - which, as you pointed out, is my specialty."




Bookworm silently refilled Feathergrin's cup, and allowed another few more moments of blessed silence, before speaking again. "I'm afraid my goals aren't so lofty. My first priority is to make sure this is contained. If word gets out that such a rare tome was allowed to be lost... well, our enemies will have quite the day. And we have many. That's why I asked for your help. You're potentially a neutral party and one that could be trusted to be discreet. If we end up somehow managing to save the Princess as well, I'd consider it a well-deserved bonus, and you can be sure all credit will go to you. I know this sounds petty, but I have my responsibilities as the master of the house now."

"As for your last point... if you and I cannot conduct inquiries, then how would we find the traitor? If one exists to begin with."

"Hah! What wonderful irony this is. If all should go well, neither of us would find laurels a pleasant reward. I won't go singing about this after all is said and done, and I'll make sure my friends don't either. Best no one knows that such a thing may be possible - most of what protects Luna is the assumption that she is untouchable. I shan't endanger her by making a rescue, if it's necessary, public.

You shouldn't investigate your own house on my word. I, however, wouldn't raise any eyebrows if I were to engage in, ah, subtleties. It's well known how 'paranoid' I can be. But namely, if there is a traitor and they suspect you know of their existence, they'll become leagues more difficult to catch. Better they think you in the dark, only to have you reach out and drag them to the light when the time comes."

[Grif]

"Honesty and pride go extremely well together if you're looking for a pony to use to your own ends without their being aware of it," Feathergrin points out. "That ritual is about what I expected. The energy has to come from somewhere; blood makes a better substance than most, since even passive magic from earth ponies and pegasi have to go through it, and therefore you can use members of any race.

As a point of order, when a pony says that the details are 'best not known', that usually means they are absolutely best known, it just doesn't suit their interests. Lunatic could probably get something out of Luna about the event, but I'm not certain I want to try just yet. Either way, that many ponies disappearing means a trail we can follow, likely from among the common folk - which, as you pointed out, is my specialty."

Bookworm's expression turned to one of mild distaste. "That makes me want to know even less. This sounds like an affair best left to the royal guards to know and deal with."



"Hah! What wonderful irony this is. If all should go well, neither of us would find laurels a pleasant reward. I won't go singing about this after all is said and done, and I'll make sure my friends don't either. Best no one knows that such a thing may be possible - most of what protects Luna is the assumption that she is untouchable. I shan't endanger her by making a rescue, if it's necessary, public.

You shouldn't investigate your own house on my word. I, however, wouldn't raise any eyebrows if I were to engage in, ah, subtleties. It's well known how 'paranoid' I can be. But namely, if there is a traitor and they suspect you know of their existence, they'll become leagues more difficult to catch. Better they think you in the dark, only to have you reach out and drag them to the light when the time comes."

"I see. In that case, I'll just play the part of an idealistic young lord who appears way out of his depth as the new master of the house." Bookworm lifts his cup in a mock gesture of cheer and drinks again. "I pray your efforts in investigation would be much more fruitful than my own."

[MCerberus]

The manservant's face softens. Which still comes out to a disgusted scowl, but progress was progress. "That is a much more reasonable suggestion. I suspect the Lord and Lady would like to use this cellar when all is finished, so a window is quite out of the question. But I can have one of our ponies fetch a potted plant that can thrive in this environment."

"...and perhaps we'll see about drilling a small hole for fresh air. I can promise nothing more at this time." That was, it seemed, likely all the concessions Riposte was likely to get out of their host on the matter.

Small steps. Likely that small concession isn't going to be appreciated by anypony, but Riposte has a long, storied career of thankless tasks. Anyhoof, her compatriots are probably better for continuing the questions right now. The prisoners probably see her as... stern... at the most polite.

"And I thank you for such considerations. Now, there is the matter of the captured weapons that needs addressed."

That should be done soon. If she can lay eyes or talon on the weapons, she should be able to remember them even if something happens to the evidence. At that point the information can be transferred back to Canterlot securely via lucid dream if it's important enough.

[Kelvin360]

Bookworm's expression turned to one of mild distaste. "That makes me want to know even less. This sounds like an affair best left to the royal guards to know and deal with."

"You say that like the royal guards don't turn into wet paper when a legitimate threat comes along. They're just there to get stepped on to show who the real boss is. And that's just their actual job description. Keeping a handle on information like this? I'd sooner place my faith in a rock."




"I see. In that case, I'll just play the part of an idealistic young lord who appears way out of his depth as the new master of the house." Bookworm lifts his cup in a mock gesture of cheer and drinks again. "I pray your efforts in investigation would be much more fruitful than my own."

"I don't know if I need the divine attention, but I appreciate the thought."

[Grif]

"You say that like the royal guards don't turn into wet paper when a legitimate threat comes along. They're just there to get stepped on to show who the real boss is. And that's just their actual job description. Keeping a handle on information like this? I'd sooner place my faith in a rock."

"That doesn't quite reassure me. But then again, I'm not privy to the inner workings of the military, so forgive my ignorance," Bookworm said.


"I don't know if I need the divine attention, but I appreciate the thought."

"Indeed. In these dark days, one would need every sort of advantage they could get." Bookworm gazed into the crackling fire. "So, Lord Feathergrin. Have you questioned me enough? Is there anything else you would like to know?"

[Kelvin360]

"Not for now. I'll follow up with you when something new comes about. I'm going to take the investigation slowly, though, at least at first. I'll let them accelerate if they feel threatened, and that will give me some sense of how close I can get. As for you...it'll feel awfully useless if I tell you something silly like 'be careful' or 'don't worry', so I'll go with 'take notes'. Mental ones, if you please. We'll be in touch."

---

Canterlot City, Commons District Interior

"You want me to do what?"

"Just move that ear you've got to the ground a little for me," Feathergrin informs the librarian gently, offering up their joke about her missing ear. "I know your book club is exotic, and all I need is to know about ripples."

Principal Principle massages her forehead with a hoof, feigning exasperation. "Can I ask why? ...Wait, no, of course I can't. All right, fine. Anypony comes calling here or with the others, you'll be first to know. But I haven't forgotten you promised to set me up with Sergeant Gauntlet!"

"I'm working on it!" He says, stifling a laugh. "So far I have 'digs scars' and 'long walks on the beach'."

"Oh, the buck outta here with that greeting card junk!" She calls out to him as he exits.

With an aside-glance to the interior of the library, Static Gauntlet begins with a tone of surprise. "She wants to date me?"

"Of course! Dark sense of humor, very little social life, high risk of bodily harm in your day job - you're like doppelgangers of one another."

His brow creases. "And you haven't acquiesced becauuuuse...?"

"I want her to get frustrated enough to ask you personally, of course. It's one of the first tricks the Open Hearts teach you - setting up a date is an absolute last resort. If we could focus a moment, though..."

The guardspony nods sharply. "I get the drift. Ripples. The issue is, our three little circles already give you updates on the unusual."

"Aye, Static, but repetition is the bane of all good operations. I'm not saying to keep an eye out...I'm saying that the now is particularly crucial. You, Principle, and Barkeep are all excellent at decoding the zeitgeist for me, and I love that about all of you, but this is less the public and more..."

Gauntlet groans. "Private sector. Is this what the tea was about? You want us to be your socialite ninja crew?"

Feathergrin snorts. "As if I'd loan out my network like a Red Lantern filly to that buffoon even if he did ask. You know how Star and I feel about Illuminati. Let's say my visit has stirred up some branches. Moony, um...doesn't know I'm here."

At this, Gauntlet's expression softens. "I'll do it right. Ironically, you trained us for pretty much this exact circumstance."

"Not just gathering whispers, mind you."

"Hmph. The archery bits didn't hurt either, fine. And I hear Barkeep still plays a pretty mean tune. But you know what I mean. That all?"

Feathergrin nods. "For you. For now. For me..." His gaze finds the castle above them, allowing his heart to jump a few inches forward, pulling him forward. "I have somepony else to see."

[Kelvin360]

Canterlot Castle - Interior - Entry Hall

"It was NOT a failure."

Moonshine stops in place in the middle of the hall, eyes locked with her superior forbiddingly. In front of the royal guards and a few passing minor nobles, she refuses to make this a private audience; if Eclipse wishes to berate her, let it be here...unlike him, she has nothing to fear from ponies on a lower social ladder.

The gesture does not pass unnoticed. Sanctified turns on all four hooves at stares at his inferior with an expression of recrimination that would lay low any lesser pony. "Really? Clemence describes the debacle very differently."

Her mouth sets into a hard line. "I do not deny that it was a debacle, Lord Eclipse, but-"

"One thing, Moonshine. One thing that we never do. Just the one! We have resources and resources, but you saw fit to go begging to the crown for help?" He allows the accusation to hang icily before continuing. "Do you have any idea how long it will take us to recover from that? We will be a laughingstock for months!"

Eyes unmoving, she reaches a forehoof slowly towards Eclipse's front, and he flinches noticeably. When she completes the motion, it is to adjust the neckline of his suit, apparently no more and no less, and yet there has been a drastic shift in the power dynamic. "We have had this discussion before. While you could not have anticipated that Burdock would bring this matter to the council so suddenly, the fact remains that you are hardly one to criticize my methods. You appointed me knowing who and what I am. If you desire to uphold the political power of our house over the true justice of a given matter, don't. Send in. The paladin."

This elicits an awkward pause.

"...Clemence tells me you went over his head."

"As is my right. I was not speaking in hyperbolic terms when I described myself as his parole officer by extension. Nothing he could have said would have benefited us aside from 'yes sir', 'no sir', and 'how may I prostrate myself before you sir'. His misguided attempt at initial reparation nearly gave Burdock a spot at our throats that many would kill for. Luna's breath...I pray Burdock is lying or misguided. If we have to launch another Inquisition on account of some noble brat, on either side..."

"I will...forward you a report."

Another pause.

"You knew."

"It is my job to know. The barest of details foisted themselves on my desk before they appeared on Burdock's, but it was precious little to go on. You know how much incomplete information irks me."

"I must know...were they ours?"

"...no. But...they were not Solace's, either."

Moonshine makes a small choking noise. "Wh-...why would she...? Why would they?"

"Excellent questions, ones I expect your gamble to answer. It should be easy enough. Burdock has the same low cunning that I do not miss from the old days, but the rest of his house is more like Solace than they want to admit. Most likely this is a simple misunderstanding that some idiot brought out of proportion and will result in a war we can't afford. That is how they always start, I believe. As for you...do not allow the Code to blind you. We have too many ponies putting out their eyes as it is."

He trots off, huffing to himself, leaving his diplomat to find a relatively comfortable wall to lean against. She closes her eyes, well past any concern that passersby might see her and mistake fatigue for weakness. "Let us find justice and closure, Luna," she murmurs. "Let us dream tonight of a better world. And by the light of a new day, may we find ourselves living in it."

[Grif]

He trots off, huffing to himself, leaving his diplomat to find a relatively comfortable wall to lean against. She closes her eyes, well past any concern that passersby might see her and mistake fatigue for weakness. "Let us find justice and closure, Luna," she murmurs. "Let us dream tonight of a better world. And by the light of a new day, may we find ourselves living in it."

"Ofttimes, I find myself dreaming of the very same. But dreams are not reality, as I found out many times over the centuries." Moonshine might find herself coming face-to-face with none other than the Princess herself. "What troubles you, young one?"

[Kelvin360]

The paladin opens her eyes and breaks into a comfortable smile. 'My Lady', she mouths softly, as though it were a part of the prayer. "I...often find myself feeling...hopeless is the wrong word. Confused? No, discomfited. By the politics of our age. Several ponies are dead, but it seems that the pain of their passing is drowned out by the consideration of how one might use the event to strengthen their own position. Was there ever a time before these twisting houses, I wonder? A time when we all would bow our heads in equal mourning for the loss of life?"

She snorts in a show of mild self-mockery. "I just realized how naive of me that sounds. I suppose it is merely another shade of gray." She glances up to meet turquoise eyes with purple, allowing her tone to relax back into relatively calm understanding. "Historically, as I'm sure we both note, those suit The Cloth ill."

[Grif]

The paladin opens her eyes and breaks into a comfortable smile. 'My Lady', she mouths softly, as though it were a part of the prayer. "I...often find myself feeling...hopeless is the wrong word. Confused? No, discomfited. By the politics of our age. Several ponies are dead, but it seems that the pain of their passing is drowned out by the consideration of how one might use the event to strengthen their own position. Was there ever a time before these twisting houses, I wonder? A time when we all would bow our heads in equal mourning for the loss of life?"

She snorts in a show of mild self-mockery. "I just realized how naive of me that sounds. I suppose it is merely another shade of gray." She glances up to meet turquoise eyes with purple, allowing her tone to relax back into relatively calm understanding. "Historically, as I'm sure we both note, those suit The Cloth ill."

"Ah. Yes, I understand that feeling all too well." Luna gave Moonshine a sad smile and gestured for her to follow with a brief flick of her wings. Her Night Guard glided silently behind them as they walked.

The Princess allowed a few moments of silence, broken only by the steady clip-clop of their hooves on the marble flooring, before speaking again. "I remember the days when ponies were united by more than just tribal loyalties to their chosen organisation. When there was a genuine drive to help thy neighbours. To selflessly devote oneself to community projects for the betterment of all. When my sister was..." Her voice trailed off. "... well, when we were ruling side-by-side." She shook her head. "There are times I wonder if we ponies permanently lost something magical when the civil war forever divided our nation."

[Kelvin360]

"Ah. Yes, I understand that feeling all too well." Luna gave Moonshine a sad smile and gestured for her to follow with a brief flick of her wings. Her Night Guard glided silently behind them as they walked.

The Princess allowed a few moments of silence, broken only by the steady clip-clop of their hooves on the marble flooring, before speaking again. "I remember the days when ponies were united by more than just tribal loyalties to their chosen organisation. When there was a genuine drive to help thy neighbours. To selflessly devote oneself to community projects for the betterment of all. When my sister was..." Her voice trailed off. "... well, when we were ruling side-by-side." She shook her head. "There are times I wonder if we ponies permanently lost something magical when the civil war forever divided our nation."

Past the hastened breaths she is trying to hide as she matches pace, Moonshine is quick to respond. "It is not lost; I know this for a fact. I have seen ponies perform acts of selflessness almost too unbelievable for legend, and I know you have as well. Our souls remains pure in essence. But we have...erred, in our priorities. Before, we could rest easily in the knowledge that our friends and neighbors would help us with anything, and we could trust a stranger freely. The war showed us that there is a possibility for betrayal, and that brought with it the line of thought that whispered in our ears: 'you would be better suited to count only on yourself'.

I would like to believe that selflessness is reliant only upon oneself, but if you cannot trust a pony, how can you be expected to provide for them? That instinct, the drive to provide regardless of whether that providence is accepted or tossed aside, is what we have misplaced. And I have faith that, in time, we will come to see that trust may be made a reality again. The war may have pushed utopia beyond our reach, but we can still see it, and strive for it, if we but have the will to do so."

She blushes, although that could easily be a factor of the exertion. "It occurs to me that I may be preaching a sermon you have already heard."

[Grif]

Past the hastened breaths she is trying to hide as she matches pace, Moonshine is quick to respond. "It is not lost; I know this for a fact. I have seen ponies perform acts of selflessness almost too unbelievable for legend, and I know you have as well. Our souls remains pure in essence. But we have...erred, in our priorities. Before, we could rest easily in the knowledge that our friends and neighbors would help us with anything, and we could trust a stranger freely. The war showed us that there is a possibility for betrayal, and that brought with it the line of thought that whispered in our ears: 'you would be better suited to count only on yourself'.

I would like to believe that selflessness is reliant only upon oneself, but if you cannot trust a pony, how can you be expected to provide for them? That instinct, the drive to provide regardless of whether that providence is accepted or tossed aside, is what we have misplaced. And I have faith that, in time, we will come to see that trust may be made a reality again. The war may have pushed utopia beyond our reach, but we can still see it, and strive for it, if we but have the will to do so."

She blushes, although that could easily be a factor of the exertion. "It occurs to me that I may be preaching a sermon you have already heard."

Luna chuckled, her turquoise eyes glinting with amusement. "Worry not, little pony. It's heartening to hear such ideals from you." Their brisk walk now took them into one of the many conservatories that the royal castle sported. Only a lone gardener could be seen tending to his plants in a corner. "Tell me, Moonshine. What do you think of the latest debacle currently unfolding in the House of Lords?" the princess asked conversationally, as if the topic was nothing more serious than the weather.

[Kelvin360]

Luna chuckled, her turquoise eyes glinting with amusement. "Worry not, little pony. It's heartening to hear such ideals from you." Their brisk walk now took them into one of the many conservatories that the royal castle sported. Only a lone gardener could be seen tending to his plants in a corner. "Tell me, Moonshine. What do you think of the latest debacle currently unfolding in the House of Lords?" the princess asked conversationally, as if the topic was nothing more serious than the weather.

On this point, she takes a moment to think and catch her breath, eying a patch of dandelions so as to allow their beauty to accentuate her mental cohesion. "I think...that the wrong questions are being asked. I do not doubt that one of Burdock's housemates was murdered, not that Solace appears to be guilty of the crime. But both sides are too focused on the 'who' and the 'whether or not'. I find myself wondering why it happened. My blade having been forced in the past has given me...perspective on the matter, and I am loathe to describe any kind of killing as entirely pointless. Therefore, what was the purpose behind it? What was the intended gain? I feel that shedding such light on the matter would not only give us insight into the more common queries, but we may be able to stop a matter of this like from happening again."

"Burdock..." her nostrils flare angrily, and her eyes briefly give off a faint glow in time to a shining star in Luna's nebula mane. "His entire house infuriates me. They do not desire friendship or cohesion, but bitterness, vengeance, and isolation. He is bound and determined to find slights where none exist and to twist them into personal attacks so as to justify his vendetta against...what, the world? And to insult Lunatic so blithely, as though we of all houses were not so tightly bound to his own? As though we have less right than he to be outraged? Forgive me, but had you not been present, I cannot guarantee that I would not have punted him across Canterlot instead of apologizing."

She inhales deeply, and continues in a calmer tone. "And yet I cannot fault them for who and what they are. They simply took a...different path. Were our positions reversed, I doubt Lunatic would have taken any such matters quite so well. In fact, I shudder to think what our...particular armada would be capable of if our leadership were so...angry. The hypocrisy in this statement notwithstanding, I tire of anger very easily. We seem to have too much of it. I seem to recall Lady Pie having said that pastries were invented to change that, and I trust her judgment on the matter, so we shall see."

[Grif]

On this point, she takes a moment to think and catch her breath, eying a patch of dandelions so as to allow their beauty to accentuate her mental cohesion. "I think...that the wrong questions are being asked. I do not doubt that one of Burdock's housemates was murdered, not that Solace appears to be guilty of the crime. But both sides are too focused on the 'who' and the 'whether or not'. I find myself wondering why it happened. My blade having been forced in the past has given me...perspective on the matter, and I am loathe to describe any kind of killing as entirely pointless. Therefore, what was the purpose behind it? What was the intended gain? I feel that shedding such light on the matter would not only give us insight into the more common queries, but we may be able to stop a matter of this like from happening again."

The Princess listened intently, slowing her steps to a more sedate pace as they traversed the lush greenery that permeated the large room. "That's the great mystery, is it not? Why was the young lord so tragically slain, and in such a way that left two great houses at each other's throat. One has to admire the sheer ruthlessness of the act."



"Burdock..." her nostrils flare angrily, and her eyes briefly give off a faint glow in time to a shining star in Luna's nebula mane. "His entire house infuriates me. They do not desire friendship or cohesion, but bitterness, vengeance, and isolation. He is bound and determined to find slights where none exist and to twist them into personal attacks so as to justify his vendetta against...what, the world? And to insult Lunatic so blithely, as though we of all houses were not so tightly bound to his own? As though we have less right than he to be outraged? Forgive me, but had you not been present, I cannot guarantee that I would not have punted him across Canterlot instead of apologizing."

She inhales deeply, and continues in a calmer tone. "And yet I cannot fault them for who and what they are. They simply took a...different path. Were our positions reversed, I doubt Lunatic would have taken any such matters quite so well. In fact, I shudder to think what our...particular armada would be capable of if our leadership were so...angry. The hypocrisy in this statement notwithstanding, I tire of anger very easily. We seem to have too much of it.

"House Stoutheart is stubborn and proud. They do not take kindly to any insult, real or imagined. Yet, do not mistake that for malice. I'd call it misguided pride more than anything else." Luna sighed and stopped to lift a night lily gently from its cradle with her magic, and studied it. "I can only hope time will mellow their hearts, and soften their bitter bile they have been harbouring."


"I seem to recall Lady Pie having said that pastries were invented to change that, and I trust her judgment on the matter, so we shall see."

Luna lets out a little chuckle at Moonshine's last line, looking up at the skyglass. "Yes. Lady Pie has a lot of wise things to say. Even when you think she's merely making another jest, or is part of her exuberant personality. A most misunderstood character, if nothing else." Luna seemed to muse at this thought, then glanced at Moonshine. "Do you think I am guiding the country in the right direction, Moonshine? Am I hopelessly besotted by long-lost ideals, doomed to failure by the tides of time?"

[Kelvin360]

Luna lets out a little chuckle at Moonshine's last line, looking up at the skyglass. "Yes. Lady Pie has a lot of wise things to say. Even when you think she's merely making another jest, or is part of her exuberant personality. A most misunderstood character, if nothing else." Luna seemed to muse at this thought, then glanced at Moonshine. "Do you think I am guiding the country in the right direction, Moonshine? Am I hopelessly besotted by long-lost ideals, doomed to failure by the tides of time?"

The reply to this question is not as immediate as one would expect. There is no shock, no awe, no 'all glory Princess'-ing, merely a moment of serious deliberation. "I think...abolishing the regency was both the best and worst thing you could have done for us. But it is for those who now rule where you and Celestia once did to decide which of those it will be. Our days seem blind, painful, and full of unsatisfactory answers to incomprehensible questions, but I seem to recall that I was the same way when I first learned...anything. Walking, speaking, reading, flying, and yes, even acting in your name. This is the way of things, of allowing one's children to grow on their own. You had centuries to learn how to govern Equestria. Our lifetimes mark in the mere decades, and even if you count us all as a part of the same being, we are but newborns. Such is the way of power. Those unprepared for it must learn how to use it properly, but it is a process. It is easy to cast blame, to become angry with their failures, but it is much more rewarding to have hope that they will improve, and feel the thrill of vindication when they..." she places an absent forehoof on her belly. "Grow up."

"That said, it is still comforting to know that you are watching over us if we...cut ourselves playing with knives, as it were."

[Grif]

The reply to this question is not as immediate as one would expect. There is no shock, no awe, no 'all glory Princess'-ing, merely a moment of serious deliberation. "I think...abolishing the regency was both the best and worst thing you could have done for us. But it is for those who now rule where you and Celestia once did to decide which of those it will be. Our days seem blind, painful, and full of unsatisfactory answers to incomprehensible questions, but I seem to recall that I was the same way when I first learned...anything. Walking, speaking, reading, flying, and yes, even acting in your name. This is the way of things, of allowing one's children to grow on their own. You had centuries to learn how to govern Equestria. Our lifetimes mark in the mere decades, and even if you count us all as a part of the same being, we are but newborns. Such is the way of power. Those unprepared for it must learn how to use it properly, but it is a process. It is easy to cast blame, to become angry with their failures, but it is much more rewarding to have hope that they will improve, and feel the thrill of vindication when they..." she places an absent forehoof on her belly. "Grow up."

"That said, it is still comforting to know that you are watching over us if we...cut ourselves playing with knives, as it were."

Moonshine may or may not notice that her words were bringing a small, slight smile to the Princess' lips. "This is perhaps the first time I heard it put quite that way. I appreciate your sincere thoughts, Moonshine." Luna brought the night lily to her muzzle and savoured the fragrance delicately, its violet petals waving ever so delicately. "Did you know the night lily only blooms once a year, and under the full moon? It's fragile petals only last for a day at most before it wilts away into nothingness. But for that brief few hours, it reigns as the most beautiful flower amongst its peers." The princess smiled and offers the flower to Moonshine.

[Kelvin360]

Moonshine may or may not notice that her words were bringing a small, slight smile to the Princess' lips. "This is perhaps the first time I heard it put quite that way. I appreciate your sincere thoughts, Moonshine." Luna brought the night lily to her muzzle and savoured the fragrance delicately, its violet petals waving ever so delicately. "Did you know the night lily only blooms once a year, and under the full moon? It's fragile petals only last for a day at most before it wilts away into nothingness. But for that brief few hours, it reigns as the most beautiful flower amongst its peers." The princess smiled and offers the flower to Moonshine.

The paladin accepts the flower gently and inhales its scent, the smile of reminisce crossing her face. "I remember these...my father kept a whole garden of them when I was a filly, collected over the years. He used to say that if we planted enough, when they blossomed under your moon, you would be able to see their light, and know that we still had faith, even if we...did not know where you were."

[Grif]

The paladin accepts the flower gently and inhales its scent, the smile of reminisce crossing her face. "I remember these...my father kept a whole garden of them when I was a filly, collected over the years. He used to say that if we planted enough, when they blossomed under your moon, you would be able to see their light, and know that we still had faith, even if we...did not know where you were."

The Princess laughed, mirth ringing in her voice. "Ha, that sounds like old Moonlight, alright. He always had a weakness for the romantic and the symbolic. The latter is to be expected of someone of his rank... the former, not so much." Luna winked and resumed her slow trot.

[Kelvin360]

The Princess laughed, mirth ringing in her voice. "Ha, that sounds like old Moonlight, alright. He always had a weakness for the romantic and the symbolic. The latter is to be expected of someone of his rank... the former, not so much." Luna winked and resumed her slow trot.

"He is usually more reserved and...rigmund, appropriately enough. But he has a soft spot for, well, you." A blush tinges her cheeks.

[Grif]

"He is usually more reserved and...rigmund, appropriately enough. But he has a soft spot for, well, you." A blush tinges her cheeks.

"So I have heard," Luna says with a chuckle. "And perhaps heard from the stallion himself when he found the opportunity to relax and drink one too many cups of wine." Is that another suggestive wink from the Princess?

[Kelvin360]

To her credit, Moonshine doesn't lose her composure entirely (she doesn't even look very surprised), but she stops in place and opens her mouth uselessly to respond a few times.

"Now now, usually dumbfounding her with well-placed innuendo is my job."

So of course that's the dramatically appropriate time for Feathergrin to make an appearance. Moonshine's expression changes in a heartbeat; she immediately puts on a paladinic demeanor that Luna can see through like glass. Not only is she unpleasantly surprised to see her husband, she's equal parts P.O.'ed and terrified.

The bard approaches, apparently blissfully unaware of her inner turmoil, and offers the pair a polite bow. "Good afternoon, m'ladies."

"You're here," Moonshine says tonelessly. "How did you find us?"

"I was able to track your shadow displacement with a telescope, from fragments of iridium, and a dash of sparkling water on the cobblestones."

This is met with a pause ad tightening of pegasi jaws. "And the real reason?"

If he didn't know something was wrong before, he does now. His eyebrows only drop fractionally, but clearly her mood is spreading. "The gardener told me...am I interrupting something deeper than I thought?"

[Grif]

To her credit, Moonshine doesn't lose her composure entirely (she doesn't even look very surprised), but she stops in place and opens her mouth uselessly to respond a few times.

"Now now, usually dumbfounding her with well-placed innuendo is my job."

So of course that's the dramatically appropriate time for Feathergrin to make an appearance. Moonshine's expression changes in a heartbeat; she immediately puts on a paladinic demeanor that Luna can see through like glass. Not only is she unpleasantly surprised to see her husband, she's equal parts P.O.'ed and terrified.

The bard approaches, apparently blissfully unaware of her inner turmoil, and offers the pair a polite bow. "Good afternoon, m'ladies."

"You're here," Moonshine says tonelessly. "How did you find us?"

"I was able to track your shadow displacement with a telescope, from fragments of iridium, and a dash of sparkling water on the cobblestones."

This is met with a pause ad tightening of pegasi jaws. "And the real reason?"

If he didn't know something was wrong before, he does now. His eyebrows only drop fractionally, but clearly her mood is spreading. "The gardener told me...am I interrupting something deeper than I thought?"

Luna glanced at Moonshine briefly, her mirth rapidly disappearing from her eyes, before turning towards Feathergrin. Moonshine would do well to heed the sudden air of concern radiating from the Princess of the Night. "No, you're not, Master Feathergrin. It is a pleasure to see you. What brings you to the palace?"

[Kelvin360]

Luna glanced at Moonshine briefly, her mirth rapidly disappearing from her eyes, before turning towards Feathergrin. Moonshine would do well to heed the sudden air of concern radiating from the Princess of the Night. "No, you're not, Master Feathergrin. It is a pleasure to see you. What brings you to the palace?"

"I...I came because I was told to stay away." His features harden, and he moves closer, concerned more with Moonshine than the princess towering next to her. "And to ask the whys of it, I suppose."

She sighs hopelessly. "It would have been too much to expect that you heed me, then?"

His confusion, it seems, is growing by the second. "I would have. But Snow told me everything. You thought she wouldn't? We've never kept anything from one another. You had to have known I'd come, so why?"

"I had hoped...that you would stay, and do your duty." Voice in danger of breaking, her head lowers itself in shame.

Throwing all caution to the winds, Feathergrin steps directly in front of the pair and raises her head with a hoof, forcing their eyes to meet. "Listen to me. You are my duty. I didn't come running halfway across Equestria to tell you I felt betrayed or that you were wrong; I did it because I knew you needed me." He moves he hoof downward, placing it on the side of her belly. "I knew you both needed me."

[Grif]

"I...I came because I was told to stay away." His features harden, and he moves closer, concerned more with Moonshine than the princess towering next to her. "And to ask the whys of it, I suppose."

She sighs hopelessly. "It would have been too much to expect that you heed me, then?"

His confusion, it seems, is growing by the second. "I would have. But Snow told me everything. You thought she wouldn't? We've never kept anything from one another. You had to have known I'd come, so why?"

"I had hoped...that you would stay, and do your duty." Voice in danger of breaking, her head lowers itself in shame.

Throwing all caution to the winds, Feathergrin steps directly in front of the pair and raises her head with a hoof, forcing their eyes to meet. "Listen to me. You are my duty. I didn't come running halfway across Equestria to tell you I felt betrayed or that you were wrong; I did it because I knew you needed me." He moves he hoof downward, placing it on the side of her belly. "I knew you both needed me."

Luna tilted her head as the exchange continue. Then glanced at Moonshine first, then at Feathergrin. "It seems like you two have a lot to talk about." She smiled a little. "One that even a Princess has no business in overhearing. Now, if you'd excuse me..." She straightened herself, and gestures at her Night Guard to follow her.

[Kelvin360]

Comforting folds of shadow appear to follow the princess of the night down the stone paths and lengthy hallways that make up this portion of the palace, encroaching at a generous pace and enclosure matched only by her guards, ever silent and ever watchful, on either side. If she finds her gaze drawn to the floor, her eyes would sight upon a very interesting phenomenon. Pieces of the dark to her side appear to be melting off from their places, coalescing into a full form at her hooves. The image manifests as a hoof-sized reverse crescent moon, a perfect color- and photo-negative of her cutie mark, and the calling card for a shadow-message from a very particular lunar priest.

Trading off with the light streaming in from the windows, it pulses in place three times and splits into five equal fragments, dispersing back into the depths of darkness like a pitch-black river of glass. A brief message that is traditional enough, in some circles, even for someone so...functionally non-traditional as Moonlight. It's common enough to Luna's eyes, and possibly those of her guards, for there to be little mistake to the gesture.

If you aren't in a suitable location for a conference call, find one - will contact in fifteen minutes.

[Grif]

Comforting folds of shadow appear to follow the princess of the night down the stone paths and lengthy hallways that make up this portion of the palace, encroaching at a generous pace and enclosure matched only by her guards, ever silent and ever watchful, on either side. If she finds her gaze drawn to the floor, her eyes would sight upon a very interesting phenomenon. Pieces of the dark to her side appear to be melting off from their places, coalescing into a full form at her hooves. The image manifests as a hoof-sized reverse crescent moon, a perfect color- and photo-negative of her cutie mark, and the calling card for a shadow-message from a very particular lunar priest.

Trading off with the light streaming in from the windows, it pulses in place three times and splits into five equal fragments, dispersing back into the depths of darkness like a pitch-black river of glass. A brief message that is traditional enough, in some circles, even for someone so...functionally non-traditional as Moonlight. It's common enough to Luna's eyes, and possibly those of her guards, for there to be little mistake to the gesture.

If you aren't in a suitable location for a conference call, find one - will contact in fifteen minutes.

Luna tilted her head to one side, pausing only briefly to read the message, before dispersing the shadows with a quick flare of her horn. "Curious," she spoke to no one in particular. The moon princess continued her thoughtful strides, but instead of the right that would take her back to the bustling core of her palace, she strode forward instead to the observatory; one of her favourite hangouts when she sought peace and quiet.

Princess Luna raised her hoof as she passed the double doors, signalling to her faithful bodyguards that she should be left alone. Her Night Guards needed no further instructions, and took up positions outside the room, their stoic expression never wavering. The oaken doors swung shut with another brief flare of the princess' magic.

Now alone with her brooding thoughts, the Princess wandered over to her telescope, gently running her hoof against the lovingly polished wooden rim, reminiscing about the days long past. Then she pushed those fleeting memories, and closed her eyes. A tendril of thought pulsed through the shadows, and towards Moonlight. "What is it?" Her tone was warm, curious, despite the terse message.

[Kelvin360]

Luna tilted her head to one side, pausing only briefly to read the message, before dispersing the shadows with a quick flare of her horn. "Curious," she spoke to no one in particular. The moon princess continued her thoughtful strides, but instead of the right that would take her back to the bustling core of her palace, she strode forward instead to the observatory; one of her favourite hangouts when she sought peace and quiet.

Princess Luna raised her hoof as she passed the double doors, signalling to her faithful bodyguards that she should be left alone. Her Night Guards needed no further instructions, and took up positions outside the room, their stoic expression never wavering. The oaken doors swung shut with another brief flare of the princess' magic.

Now alone with her brooding thoughts, the Princess wandered over to her telescope, gently running her hoof against the lovingly polished wooden rim, reminiscing about the days long past. Then she pushed those fleeting memories, and closed her eyes. A tendril of thought pulsed through the shadows, and towards Moonlight. "What is it?" Her tone was warm, curious, despite the terse message.

"Any luck, Sir?"

Moonlight holds up a hoof to silence Striker, still peering intently into the pool of shadows undulating slightly with each of his breaths, sucking in the meager light provided by the candles of his tent. "Make sure I don't die by some incredibly unlikely circumstance."

He dips his head into the pool, and miles away, a shadow facsimile, pitch black in color but sharing every detail with the unicorn to whom it belongs, slides out of a patch of darkness a few meters from Luna. It opens its eyes, displaying grayed-out irises, and like a knife slicing through silence...

"...Damn it, hang on."

The shade disappears, and the moon priest slides his head out of the shadows, murmuring a few choice recriminations against stacked magic. His horn glows softly, and when the simulacrum returns to the observatory, its eyes have returned to Moonlight's natural blue. He clears his throat softly. "Forgot to add the prism display. Incidentally, you're very hard to see in black-and-white."

He takes a seat casually, aligning himself near the telescope. Unfortunately for his countenance, the bags under his eyes have also transferred through to the shadow image. However, he manages a slight smile, as though just being there is making the week better, which it probably is. "I wanted to give you a status update. Wasn't sure if that was Rose and Stormshield with you, so I decided to sidetrack you into a room where we could be alone with no witnesses, and I'm positive that sentence would hold up out of context.

We're about nine miles from Canterlot. No word of change from Justified about Coconut or Joyous. But...we just got word about Stoutheart and Solace. Bad news travels fast. Should we adjust? I'm not sure we want anypony using the Motes as part of this."

[Grif]

"Any luck, Sir?"

Moonlight holds up a hoof to silence Striker, still peering intently into the pool of shadows undulating slightly with each of his breaths, sucking in the meager light provided by the candles of his tent. "Make sure I don't die by some incredibly unlikely circumstance."

He dips his head into the pool, and miles away, a shadow facsimile, pitch black in color but sharing every detail with the unicorn to whom it belongs, slides out of a patch of darkness a few meters from Luna. It opens its eyes, displaying grayed-out irises, and like a knife slicing through silence...

"...Damn it, hang on."

The shade disappears, and the moon priest slides his head out of the shadows, murmuring a few choice recriminations against stacked magic. His horn glows softly, and when the simulacrum returns to the observatory, its eyes have returned to Moonlight's natural blue. He clears his throat softly. "Forgot to add the prism display. Incidentally, you're very hard to see in black-and-white."

He takes a seat casually, aligning himself near the telescope. Unfortunately for his countenance, the bags under his eyes have also transferred through to the shadow image. However, he manages a slight smile, as though just being there is making the week better, which it probably is. "I wanted to give you a status update. Wasn't sure if that was Rose and Stormshield with you, so I decided to sidetrack you into a room where we could be alone with no witnesses, and I'm positive that sentence would hold up out of context.

We're about nine miles from Canterlot. No word of change from Justified about Coconut or Joyous. But...we just got word about Stoutheart and Solace. Bad news travels fast. Should we adjust? I'm not sure we want anypony using the Motes as part of this."

Princess Luna chuckled a little. "You were always the cautious one, Moonlight. Some might even call that paranoia."

In response to the question, Luna shook her head. "It has already been taken care of. Still, it would be wise not to engage with either side for the moment. Stoutheart looks to be out for blood, and inflaming that in any manner is folly. Solace can take care of their own, and they already have Lunatic sniffing around on their behalf. What they don't need is more attention, which is what the Moon Motes will draw if they openly declare support." She paused, her brows creasing as she searched for any other options. "No. Let's play this safe. Report directly back to me in the palace. We'll see how this pans out over the next few days."

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna chuckled a little. "You were always the cautious one, Moonlight. Some might even call that paranoia."

In response to the question, Luna shook her head. "It has already been taken care of. Still, it would be wise not to engage with either side for the moment. Stoutheart looks to be out for blood, and inflaming that in any manner is folly. Solace can take care of their own, and they already have Lunatic sniffing around on their behalf. What they don't need is more attention, which is what the Moon Motes will draw if they openly declare support." She paused, her brows creasing as she searched for any other options. "No. Let's play this safe. Report directly back to me in the palace. We'll see how this pans out over the next few days."

"Understood. Should we take Tunnel 5 or wait until dusk to move in? And I don't know why in Your name I'm forwarding this, but Glister wants to know if there's going to be any wine. Apparently we ran out three days ago when Hammerfall said something about accelerating our bonfires.

...On an unrelated note, they also need more tents."

[Grif]

"Understood. Should we take Tunnel 5 or wait until dusk to move in? And I don't know why in Your name I'm forwarding this, but Glister wants to know if there's going to be any wine. Apparently we ran out three days ago when Hammerfall said something about accelerating our bonfires.

...On an unrelated note, they also need more tents."

Luna shook her head. "Tell him..." The Moon Princess had to suppress an untimely giggle. "... tell him, that I'll personally open a bottle of wine for him when he reaches the palace. I'm sure he'll enjoy the vintage I choose. Oh, and Hammerfall is invited as well. We can discuss the matter of tents there." Moonlight might discern a mischievous glint in her eyes, even through their shadow link.

Then as quickly as it appeared, her mirth dissipated. "On more serious matters, I'll let you use your best judgement. Try not to get into trouble along the way. And if any noble give you lip, you have permission to invoke my name."

[Kelvin360]

Luna shook her head. "Tell him..." The Moon Princess had to suppress an untimely giggle. "... tell him, that I'll personally open a bottle of wine for him when he reaches the palace. I'm sure he'll enjoy the vintage I choose. Oh, and Hammerfall is invited as well. We can discuss the matter of tents there." Moonlight might discern a mischievous glint in her eyes, even through their shadow link.

Then as quickly as it appeared, her mirth dissipated. "On more serious matters, I'll let you use your best judgement. Try not to get into trouble along the way. And if any noble give you lip, you have permission to invoke my name."

"How nice of you to note how much I deeply enjoy invoking your name. But I doubt it'll be necessary; there aren't many with the status or the heart to question what I do with the Moon Motes. If I had to pick a group to infiltrate the palace...it wouldn't be them, but they'll do well enough."

[Grif]

"How nice of you to note how much I deeply enjoy invoking your name. But I doubt it'll be necessary; there aren't many with the status or the heart to question what I do with the Moon Motes. If I had to pick a group to infiltrate the palace...it wouldn't be them, but they'll do well enough."

"Very good." Princess Luna smiled again, and looked up into the sky, staring absently into the distance for a few moments. "Is there anything else that requires my attention?"

[Kelvin360]

"Not directly, but you should know that I'm pretty sure Feathergrin is coming back to Canterlot. He dropped off the divination just before we left Bridle Shores." His eyes scan the room one, slowly, and he sighs. "I never thought I would miss the palace so much. But I'm glad to be coming back to you." Whether the slip was intentional or not, he doesn't make a show of correcting himself. "Sanctified must be going mad without somepony to put him into time-out."

[Grif]

"Not directly, but you should know that I'm pretty sure Feathergrin is coming back to Canterlot. He dropped off the divination just before we left Bridle Shores." His eyes scan the room one, slowly, and he sighs. "I never thought I would miss the palace so much. But I'm glad to be coming back to you." Whether the slip was intentional or not, he doesn't make a show of correcting himself. "Sanctified must be going mad without somepony to put him into time-out."

Princess Luna did not bother correcting that little slip as well, oddly enough. Instead, she replied, "Well, the palace could do with more poines that actually have their head screwed on right, that's for sure. Also, I just met Feathergrin. Moonshine has some unresolved issues to work out with him at the moment."

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna did not bother correcting that little slip as well, oddly enough. Instead, she replied, "Well, the palace could do with more poines that actually have their head screwed on right, that's for sure. Also, I just met Feathergrin. Moonshine has some unresolved issues to work out with him at the moment."

Dead silence and stillness. In fact, one could be forgiven for assuming that the connection stalled for a moment. "I see. Well, I hope she doesn't break him; bards are hard to replace. Did he seem more oblivious than usual when you saw him?"

[Grif]

Dead silence and stillness. In fact, one could be forgiven for assuming that the connection stalled for a moment. "I see. Well, I hope she doesn't break him; bards are hard to replace. Did he seem more oblivious than usual when you saw him?"

"Not that I noticed, but I wasn't particularly paying attention. Though you probably should be assured that Feathergrin will be fine, given that you'll be a grandparent soon," Princess Luna chuckled. "Mothers don't break their husbands this early. At least in my experience."

[Kelvin360]

"Not that I noticed, but I wasn't particularly paying attention. Though you probably should be assured that Feathergrin will be fine, given that you'll be a grandparent soon," Princess Luna chuckled. "Mothers don't break their husbands this early. At least in my experience."

The image of Moonlight phases out, leaving the room empty. Several minutes pass before the shadows part to reveal his simulacrum again, and apparently he forgot to renew his ocular prism spell in between bouts of what must have been, based on his rate of breath, particularly strenuous calisthenics. "I...need to go. We'll be in touch, and I'll see you tonight, at the latest."

When he fades out again, it is to Striker and Cover eying him with perplexed expressions. "I don't think I've ever heard some of those before. Might write them down; never hurts to diversify your curses."

"We get naps, and then we march. This tent is as permanent as it gets. I need to...walk."

Both Motes watch the Moonbringer pace away. Striker grunts confusedly. "Well, you heard him. We're out by dusk - spread it."

[Grif]

The image of Moonlight phases out, leaving the room empty. Several minutes pass before the shadows part to reveal his simulacrum again, and apparently he forgot to renew his ocular prism spell in between bouts of what must have been, based on his rate of breath, particularly strenuous calisthenics. "I...need to go. We'll be in touch, and I'll see you tonight, at the latest."

When he fades out again, it is to Striker and Cover eying him with perplexed expressions. "I don't think I've ever heard some of those before. Might write them down; never hurts to diversify your curses."

"We get naps, and then we march. This tent is as permanent as it gets. I need to...walk."

Both Motes watch the Moonbringer pace away. Striker grunts confusedly. "Well, you heard him. We're out by dusk - spread it."

Princess Luna stared at the empty space that the simulacrum once occupied, her brow again slightly creased in thought. "Interesting..." she mouthed out loud. Then she straightened, taking one last wistful look at her telescope and the afternoon sky, before opening the double doors to the observatory and showing herself out.

A long night awaited the Princess.

[Kelvin360]

It was not an unfamiliar realm that Moonshine found herself in when she drifted off to sleep that night, nor some frightening apparition hissing portents of dire warning in her ear. Instead, her eyes closed and opened again, and she beheld the interior of a simple cottage, moonlight streaming through a solitary window to cast a dim glow over a dripping candle that adorned the table. That she was dreaming didn't surprise her. What was peculiar was that she knew it was a dream at the time of the event itself. She had skills, some of them magical, but falling into nocturnal lucidity was never one of them.

"Have a seat." Moonlight's voice is brusque as his face appears from shadow, already sitting down next to the table.

"This is our old house..." the paladin murmurs. "I haven't been here since...father, am I in trouble?" Her voice takes on a tone of honest incredulity.

"Yes." Apparently the moon priest doesn't have it in him to lie tonight.

Moonshine holds her ground. "Are you upset because it is his, or because I didn't tell you?"

Moonlight sighs and reaches under the table, pulling out two glasses and a bottle of, appropriately enough, her namesake. Well, she doubted that the illicit beverage was what he had in mind when he named her, but the suitability of the choice wasn't lost on her. "Confused, not upset."

She eyes the drinks he pours warily. "Will that work in here?"

"It's a state secret, but yes. Alcohol, opiates, anesthesia, congress..."

"Father!" She blanches in shock.

"They're all replicated in the dream state," Moonlight continues as though nothing had happened. "Depending on how rough you are, some function might slip in the conscious world, but the positive effects of those are all mental, anyway."

"I...would argue against some of the positive effects of that last one being purely mental..." Moonshine nickers, still blushing.

Moonlight shrugs. "Conceded. Point is, have a blast. No addictions or poison tonight."

Moonshine surprises herself when she reaches for the glass and downs the contents in a single gulp. The drink tastes like sour corn, and she's tipsy almost immediately. "Eurgh...how s-strong izzis?"

Moonlight's eyebrows hit his mane. "As strong as you want or expect it to be...what's your experience with this?"

"Ahhh...celebrashuns before my vowsh." Moonshine admits anxiously.

"You mean before your liver or your divine resistance to toxins was fully developed? Figures." He sighs. "Which of your friends talked you into that? Was it Mullfield? I should have a stop by his mind and-"

"Father..." Her repetition of the identified, while sterner, is somewhat diluted by the slurring of speech. "It was twelve yearsh ago. I don't think Mullfield even remembersh my mane." She pauses and hiccups softly. "Erm, name. Ughh...why are you here?"

"I want to know why you didn't tell me. This isn't exactly the kind of situation a father dreams of experiencing. I had to find out from Luna, and I'd much rather that situation had been reversed."

"I only knew jusht before you left..." Moonshine's ears flatten and she sits defeatedly down on the ground. "But the...time wasn't right, I...wanted us all to be here, to have time and mind to be happy."

"I think we would have been happier to know you weren't hiding anything from us." Moonlight states flatly. "I don't have sympathy for Feathergrin at the best of times, but that must have hurt. Especially since Snowstorm had to give him the five-minute version."

Her eyes fill with tears, and she can't bear to look him in the face. "How did you...?"

"You weren't the first one I visited tonight. You tossed and turned for a good hour before I finally got you in here." A pause. "Incidentally, he has wildly unrealistic expectations of what you'd look like in lingerie."

Dark-hued cheeks turn scarlet. "You didn't hit him again, did you??"

He shrugs. "Like I said, it's all mental; the bruise won't take."

She finds herself downing another glass of liquid to see if it will make the embarrassment go away. It doesn't. "Whyyyyyy..."

"It gets worse. I'm coming back to Canterlot with the Moon Motes."

"You shtopped to get me an honor guard?!"

"Hm? Oh, no, they're incidental. I'm not going to foalsit you, Moonshine. I make it a point to not act down to anypony who could beat me in a fight."

Moonshine furrows her brow. "You look over Sunshinesh shoulder all the time..." At a brief 'ahem' from her father, her eyes align themselves back into place and she snickers despite herself. "Ooh."

"We understand the whys. And you have better pattern recognition than Feathergrin, so it won't happen again. Just make good use of us; whatever duties you may think we have were just usurped by your wellbeing."

Maybe it's the alcohol. Maybe it's bitterness. But her tone becomes spiteful against her will. "You're sho shoft with your wordsh shumtimesh."

The priest stands, and the table evaporates into mist. For a drunken moment, Moonshine fears she's gone quite too far. But then she smells night lilies, feels a warm presence around her barrel, and realizes that she's being embraced.

"I'm not easy to love, or to know." He murmurs, and she feels a wetness slide down her shoulder. "I run on...calculations. But I do love you, Little Moon. Both of you, now. That never changes."

She feels a kiss on her brow, and he takes a step back. "Father..." she whispers.

"I'll see you in the morning. Sleep tight." With a wave of the hoof as sudden as her appearance, he is alone. The cottage fades away in place of an open field, giving him a perfect view of an everfull moon. A better place. A peaceful place.

It is a long time before he finds the strength to speak again, and this time he can't keep the abject weakness out of his voice. "Are you there...?"

[Grif]

It is a long time before he finds the strength to speak again, and this time he can't keep the abject weakness out of his voice. "Are you there...?"

As if on command, the air around Moonlight darkened perceptibly, as if a veil of shadows descended on him. He suddenly find himself wrapped in warmth, as if there was somepony who had reached out from behind to hug him. Then just as quickly it disappeared, just as Princess Luna herself strode up beside Moonlight, seemingly appearing out of thin air. "I am always here, my faithful priest" the Princess said softly. The alicorn paused and gave him an apologetic nuzzle on the cheek. "I suppose I should apologise for that slip of tongue. Alas, my haste in wanting to congratulate you on your new family member seemed to have backfired."

[Kelvin360]

As if on command, the air around Moonlight darkened perceptibly, as if a veil of shadows descended on him. He suddenly find himself wrapped in warmth, as if there was somepony who had reached out from behind to hug him. Then just as quickly it disappeared, just as Princess Luna herself strode up beside Moonlight, seemingly appearing out of thin air. "I am always here, my faithful priest" the Princess said softly. The alicorn paused and gave him an apologetic nuzzle on the cheek. "I suppose I should apologise for that slip of tongue. Alas, my haste in wanting to congratulate you on your new family member seemed to have backfired."

Her presence seems to strengthen his composure, if only slightly; he appears less weary, but leans gratefully into the contact nonetheless. "Positions reversed, I probably would have done the same. It may not be easier, but it feels...safer when it's from you. Gave me time to brace myself, too." He gives her a playful smile. "This will sound especially foalish to you, but I can't help feeling that I'm too young and...unreliable to be a grandfather. I don't know whether I can give them the support they deserve from me. Sunshine is better at familial tasks than I, by far."

[Grif]

Her presence seems to strengthen his composure, if only slightly; he appears less weary, but leans gratefully into the contact nonetheless. "Positions reversed, I probably would have done the same. It may not be easier, but it feels...safer when it's from you. Gave me time to brace myself, too." He gives her a playful smile. "This will sound especially foalish to you, but I can't help feeling that I'm too young and...unreliable to be a grandfather. I don't know whether I can give them the support they deserve from me. Sunshine is better at familial tasks than I, by far."

Luna chuckled softly. "Nopony is prepared when it's their time to be a grandparent, dear Moonlight. I seen it all too many times. Some put on a brave face, some panic, some cry happily... but never prepared." She paused, her ears lowering slightly. "And then there are times when I wonder if I would ever get to experience that joy..."

[Kelvin360]

Luna chuckled softly. "Nopony is prepared when it's their time to be a grandparent, dear Moonlight. I seen it all too many times. Some put on a brave face, some panic, some cry happily... but never prepared." She paused, her ears lowering slightly. "And then there are times when I wonder if I would ever get to experience that joy..."

He gives her a slightly amused side-eye. "I seem to recall volunteering to take you halfway once or twice. You're right, though - it's not something you really make plans for, especially since it's entirely out of your hooves. I can't very well blame Moonshine for it, and I can't watch the foal as closely as I watched her. I'm...support. At least when I was raising her I could default to protectiveness when I didn't know what I was doing. ...Oh, by Your horn, Feathergrin is going to be a father."

[Grif]

He gives her a slightly amused side-eye. "I seem to recall volunteering to take you halfway once or twice. You're right, though - it's not something you really make plans for, especially since it's entirely out of your hooves. I can't very well blame Moonshine for it, and I can't watch the foal as closely as I watched her. I'm...support. At least when I was raising her I could default to protectiveness when I didn't know what I was doing. ...Oh, by Your horn, Feathergrin is going to be a father."

Princess Luna let out a very unprincess-like giggle. "Fear not, dear Moonlight. I think he's actually taking it better than you. Poor stallion is actually looking forward to it. Bardic instincts is no substitute for experience, I fear." Then Princess looked up at the moonlit skies, her turquoise eyes gazing at the field of stars that now filled the sky. "You're marching tonight, yes?"

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna let out a very unprincess-like giggle. "Fear not, dear Moonlight. I think he's actually taking it better than you. Poor stallion is actually looking forward to it. Bardic instincts is no substitute for experience, I fear." Then Princess looked up at the moonlit skies, her turquoise eyes gazing at the field of stars that now filled the sky. "You're marching tonight, yes?"

With safety comes comfort, and with comfort comes relaxation. Secure in the dreamscape, next to his Princess, years of bitter escape the priest like a gunshot in an empty room. "He doesn't understand the concept of responsibility period. Zaros is the only one of his siblings who isn't an implement of chaos, and he's the one that tried to kill you. And regardless of anything I do, my grandchild is going to spend most of their life under the hoof of that...criminal."

He sighs softly, a muscle in his jaw still twitching. "I...I can't hate him absolutely. That he tries to be better for her is...comforting. It means more than he thinks it does. But I don't know if she'll keep him in line.

Did I...pass over a question? I know I do that when I rant; I'm sorry."

[Grif]

With safety comes comfort, and with comfort comes relaxation. Secure in the dreamscape, next to his Princess, years of bitter escape the priest like a gunshot in an empty room. "He doesn't understand the concept of responsibility period. Zaros is the only one of his siblings who isn't an implement of chaos, and he's the one that tried to kill you. And regardless of anything I do, my grandchild is going to spend most of their life under the hoof of that...criminal."

He sighs softly, a muscle in his jaw still twitching. "I...I can't hate him absolutely. That he tries to be better for her is...comforting. It means more than he thinks it does. But I don't know if she'll keep him in line.

Did I...pass over a question? I know I do that when I rant; I'm sorry."

Note, I'm going by the notion that chaos isn't inherently bad. It's the extremes of both chaos and order that should be avoided.

"Yes... yes you did," Princess Luna said with an small, amused smile, glancing down at her high priest. "Moonlight, perhaps your fixation on the his inherent talent for chaos is getting a little... how would I put it, unhealthy. Has he not served the Crown well since he joined? Perhaps a number of regrettable incidents, but I'd think his contribution overall are a net positive, yes?" Luna's voice was soothing, trying to reassure her old friend. "Have faith in your son-in-law... and your daughter. They would thank you for that."

[Kelvin360]

"Yes... yes you did," Princess Luna said with an small, amused smile, glancing down at her high priest. "Moonlight, perhaps your fixation on the his inherent talent for chaos is getting a little... how would I put it, unhealthy. Has he not served the Crown well since he joined? Perhaps a number of regrettable incidents, but I'd think his contribution overall are a net positive, yes?" Luna's voice was soothing, trying to reassure her old friend. "Have faith in your son-in-law... and your daughter. They would thank you for that."

"He hasn't served the crown," he growls through gritted teeth. "He's served himself. That Moonshine happens to be an extension is a happy coincidence. Everypony seems willing to forget that he's spent most of his life learning how to lie. He could burn half of Canterlot down around our ears before we thought to looks his way, unless we're wary. And if no one can be impartial, then someone has to be biased in the other direction."

[Grif]

"He hasn't served the crown," he growls through gritted teeth. "He's served himself. That Moonshine happens to be an extension is a happy coincidence. Everypony seems willing to forget that he's spent most of his life learning how to lie. He could burn half of Canterlot down around our ears before we thought to looks his way, unless we're wary. And if no one can be impartial, then someone has to be biased in the other direction."

"Straight and narrow as always, dear Moonlight." Princess Luna said with a little sigh, flicking her starry tail. "Sometimes I wonder how you ended up serving me, and not my sister. Your forthright attitude would suited the Sun well enough." Then she gave him a lopsided grin. "But still refreshing, nonetheless. Perhaps you are right. Feathergrin is indeed pursuing his own goals. But thus far, he demonstrated he, at the very least, considers service to the Crown to be perfectly aligned with his own interests." She looked up again, at the moon. "And I'm quite willing to ensure he continues to hold that view."

[Kelvin360]

"Straight and narrow as always, dear Moonlight." Princess Luna said with a little sigh, flicking her starry tail. "Sometimes I wonder how you ended up serving me, and not my sister. Your forthright attitude would suited the Sun well enough." Then she gave him a lopsided grin. "But still refreshing, nonetheless. Perhaps you are right. Feathergrin is indeed pursuing his own goals. But thus far, he demonstrated he, at the very least, considers service to the Crown to be perfectly aligned with his own interests." She looked up again, at the moon. "And I'm quite willing to ensure he continues to hold that view."

A hoof finds its way to the side of the princess' face and nudges it gently aside and down, guiding it to oversee Moonlight's smirking face. "I saw what I wanted to become in you. Somepony I could aspire to walk beside. I'm not the best suited for the task, and I'm...lucky to be where I am now. But I didn't get here by being powerful, or flawless, or idealized. I'm fairly sure I'm none of those things. But I can say that I'm devoted to you, and it's that strongest piece that led me down this path. Even if I were blinding gold, a master of light magic, put on a pedestal as the perfect fit for the Church of the Sun, I'd still be with you. Otherwise...it wouldn't be me. I can't change that any more than I can change my cutie mark...in fact, it is my cutie mark.

If I seem straightforward, it's because I'm comfortable here. If you tried to tell Eclipse what you just told me, he wouldn't be able to process it - I didn't serve as one of your spymasters because of my good looks. But I've never held anything back from you and I don't plan to start. I owe you more than honesty, but it's a good facet to maintain. It's...surprisingly exhausting, having to spend most of the day hiding something, if not outright lying. I can't deny being...'straight and narrow' once in a while doesn't feel right."

[Grif]

A hoof finds its way to the side of the princess' face and nudges it gently aside and down, guiding it to oversee Moonlight's smirking face. "I saw what I wanted to become in you. Somepony I could aspire to walk beside. I'm not the best suited for the task, and I'm...lucky to be where I am now. But I didn't get here by being powerful, or flawless, or idealized. I'm fairly sure I'm none of those things. But I can say that I'm devoted to you, and it's that strongest piece that led me down this path. Even if I were blinding gold, a master of light magic, put on a pedestal as the perfect fit for the Church of the Sun, I'd still be with you. Otherwise...it wouldn't be me. I can't change that any more than I can change my cutie mark...in fact, it is my cutie mark.

If I seem straightforward, it's because I'm comfortable here. If you tried to tell Eclipse what you just told me, he wouldn't be able to process it - I didn't serve as one of your spymasters because of my good looks. But I've never held anything back from you and I don't plan to start. I owe you more than honesty, but it's a good facet to maintain. It's...surprisingly exhausting, having to spend most of the day hiding something, if not outright lying. I can't deny being...'straight and narrow' once in a while doesn't feel right."

Princess Luna looked right back, a warm smile gracing her regal lips. "Of course, young Moonlight. That I understand. Sometimes I forget I juggle so many masks that it just comes naturally to me, these days. Only in dreams... well, sometimes not even in dreams, do I actually let down my guard." Her eyes seemed quite distant for a moment, before she blinked.

"Now where was I... oh yes, you were going to march tonight, yes? I'm getting reports of unusual disappearances all around Canterlot. Would appreciate if you keep a lookout on the way."

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna looked right back, a warm smile gracing her regal lips. "Of course, young Moonlight. That I understand. Sometimes I forget I juggle so many masks that it just comes naturally to me, these days. Only in dreams... well, sometimes not even in dreams, do I actually let down my guard." Her eyes seemed quite distant for a moment, before she blinked.

"You can always let your mane down in mine."


"Now where was I... oh yes, you were going to march tonight, yes? I'm getting reports of unusual disappearances all around Canterlot. Would appreciate if you keep a lookout on the way."

A moment of disappointment crosses over his face, but he quickly and dutifully shifts his demeanor toward a more businesslike bent. "From what sources? Usually 'disappearances' just mean some young roans decided to sneak out of the estate with a rival house's 'liaison'."

[Grif]

"You can always let your mane down in mine."

A moment of disappointment crosses over his face, but he quickly and dutifully shifts his demeanor toward a more businesslike bent. "From what sources? Usually 'disappearances' just mean some young roans decided to sneak out of the estate with a rival house's 'liaison'."

Luna did notice the flicker of disappointment, from the corner of her eyes. But as always business intruded. "Various. Canterlot Guards. Noble houses. Concerned citizens who voiced concerns of neighbours not showing up for work. Rumours swirling about amongst socialites. No pattern as far as I can discern, but the sharp spike in the number of cases lately is troubling. Just... keep an eye out, if you will, especially since you're travelling in the night. Above all... keep safe." A note of worry tinged her last words.

[Kelvin360]

Luna did notice the flicker of disappointment, from the corner of her eyes. But as always business intruded. "Various. Canterlot Guards. Noble houses. Concerned citizens who voiced concerns of neighbours not showing up for work. Rumours swirling about amongst socialites. No pattern as far as I can discern, but the sharp spike in the number of cases lately is troubling. Just... keep an eye out, if you will, especially since you're travelling in the night. Above all... keep safe." A note of worry tinged her last words.

The mention of guards being among the disappeared seems to conjure of a storm of fury. "Eclipse should have been sending me letters weeks ago. Not that he'll be able to write after I'm through with him. I'll put more eyes on the rounds, but did they at least increase security in the palace?"

[Grif]

The mention of guards being among the disappeared seems to conjure of a storm of fury. "Eclipse should have been sending me letters weeks ago. Not that he'll be able to write after I'm through with him. I'll put more eyes on the rounds, but did they at least increase security in the palace?"

"Not openly. From what I discern, there were only two disappearances from the Guard, both known to have... issues with discipline. It was assumed they had deserted their post and fled the city." Princess Luna frowned. "But it seems strange one could would just disappear without a trace one day, without any warning of any sort. Even those who were dissatisfied with the Guards shouldn't be so abrupt in their departure."

[Kelvin360]

"Not openly. From what I discern, there were only two disappearances from the Guard, both known to have... issues with discipline. It was assumed they had deserted their post and fled the city." Princess Luna frowned. "But it seems strange one could would just disappear without a trace one day, without any warning of any sort. Even those who were dissatisfied with the Guards shouldn't be so abrupt in their departure."

"Hn. I'm going to need to get my hooves on their records. That connection seems a little tenuous unless they had some kind of personal experience with one another before. I'll be yelling at Eclipse anyway; you want me to bring up why we have discipline issues among the guard? It's not in his job description, but I like watching him twitch."

[Grif]

"Hn. I'm going to need to get my hooves on their records. That connection seems a little tenuous unless they had some kind of personal experience with one another before. I'll be yelling at Eclipse anyway; you want me to bring up why we have discipline issues among the guard? It's not in his job description, but I like watching him twitch."

Princess Luna shook her head, a gentle reproach in her mannerisms. "Perhaps not. As amusing as that can be, there are certain limits we should content ourselves with. After all, he isn't in charge of the Guards, so there's no reason for him to be involved in any case. Just... keep an eye out for now. See if anything strikes your sharp mind. I feel like we're missing a large part of the picture here."

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna shook her head, a gentle reproach in her mannerisms. "Perhaps not. As amusing as that can be, there are certain limits we should content ourselves with. After all, he isn't in charge of the Guards, so there's no reason for him to be involved in any case. Just... keep an eye out for now. See if anything strikes your sharp mind. I feel like we're missing a large part of the picture here."

"You, too," he says seriously. "I'm safer on the road with your spec ops team than you are in Grabs-For-Power Central. I'm sleeping easier with Rose and Stormshield near to you, but...I'm sorry, I probably sound like a patronizing father. I'll just...focus on tomorrow. To getting back home, and we'll go from there."

[Grif]

"You, too," he says seriously. "I'm safer on the road with your spec ops team than you are in Grabs-For-Power Central. I'm sleeping easier with Rose and Stormshield near to you, but...I'm sorry, I probably sound like a patronizing father. I'll just...focus on tomorrow. To getting back home, and we'll go from there."

"Hah, don't you worry. One does not stay a Princess of the Moon for a thousand years without picking up a few tricks along the way." Luna winked consiprationally, before rising to her hooves. "And you need not apologise for anything; your concern is gratifying to hear, to say the least. Alas, I think our time here is at its end." She stepped in front of Moonlight, and held up his chin with a silver-shod hoof. "Stay safe, and may the moon always light your path." A gentle nuzzle, just the barest touch, before a cloak of shadows wrapped her form and whisked her disappearing form away.

[Kelvin360]

"...It could have been worse, really. He might've walked in on the one with the domineering trumpets."

"I haven't heard of this one."

"The reason being is you...really don't want to."

Morning sunlight, darkened by the window panes of Lunatic's house, (a good deal more contemporary a design than its fellows, owing to its relatively recent construction) illuminates the filled breakfast table, a normally subdued, if not entirely dour, locale this time made a bit brighter by their present company. The higher echelon of the house present would rather have Lord Eclipse remove their tongues than say it aloud, but Feathergrin's infrequent visits tend to put them in higher spirits, and it's usually more a measure of Moonshine's better mood than his influence.

Not that, in this case, she'd have needed the help. Wearing a simple brown-over-cream tunic with her symbolic necklace (from which hangs a crescent moon over a claymore, much like her own Cutie Mark) instead of a more typical platemail assortment of some kind, she looks positively radiant, and doubtless if she served another church, she would actually be glowing. She and her husband sit between Gutter Flame and Firehooves who, along with the rest of the Moon Motes aside from Striker (who elected to accompany Moonlight to the Palace instead of eating), arrived through a series of hidden passageways into the house proper barely an hour after dawn, in good spirits regarding their progress. Due to the sensitivity of their missions, this meal takes place in the upper levels, with the spymasters and investigators most trusted from among the flock. A few of the vampires there in between other tasks squint uncomfortably at the beams of light, but for their sake the construction of the windows prevents the beams from actively harming them so long as they remain inside.

To say that this group aren't morning people is an understatement, but they've managed a gathering for the sake of gossip and a cup of coffee if nothing else.


Barely a mile away, three ponies stand in attendance at a predetermined location, exchanging talks in the silence of the meeting room, waiting for their superior to attend. As befits such politically powerful folk, their words are of utmost importance.

"...It's not in the interest of our 'merits of organization' to say if Justified and Coconut are engaged in an active relationship, Lord Eclipse."

"Are they at least being safe? The Moon Motes do not stop at waystations every five miles, I know, but surely plans are-"

"I remember a time when you'd mastered the fine art of brooding silently, Sanctified. What happened to those days?"

[Grif]

"...It could have been worse, really. He might've walked in on the one with the domineering trumpets."

"I haven't heard of this one."

"The reason being is you...really don't want to."

Morning sunlight, darkened by the window panes of Lunatic's house, (a good deal more contemporary a design than its fellows, owing to its relatively recent construction) illuminates the filled breakfast table, a normally subdued, if not entirely dour, locale this time made a bit brighter by their present company. The higher echelon of the house present would rather have Lord Eclipse remove their tongues than say it aloud, but Feathergrin's infrequent visits tend to put them in higher spirits, and it's usually more a measure of Moonshine's better mood than his influence.

Not that, in this case, she'd have needed the help. Wearing a simple brown-over-cream tunic with her symbolic necklace (from which hangs a crescent moon over a claymore, much like her own Cutie Mark) instead of a more typical platemail assortment of some kind, she looks positively radiant, and doubtless if she served another church, she would actually be glowing. She and her husband sit between Gutter Flame and Firehooves who, along with the rest of the Moon Motes aside from Striker (who elected to accompany Moonlight to the Palace instead of eating), arrived through a series of hidden passageways into the house proper barely an hour after dawn, in good spirits regarding their progress. Due to the sensitivity of their missions, this meal takes place in the upper levels, with the spymasters and investigators most trusted from among the flock. A few of the vampires there in between other tasks squint uncomfortably at the beams of light, but for their sake the construction of the windows prevents the beams from actively harming them so long as they remain inside.

To say that this group aren't morning people is an understatement, but they've managed a gathering for the sake of gossip and a cup of coffee if nothing else.


Barely a mile away, three ponies stand in attendance at a predetermined location, exchanging talks in the silence of the meeting room, waiting for their superior to attend. As befits such politically powerful folk, their words are of utmost importance.

"...It's not in the interest of our 'merits of organization' to say if Justified and Coconut are engaged in an active relationship, Lord Eclipse."

"Are they at least being safe? The Moon Motes do not stop at waystations every five miles, I know, but surely plans are-"

"I remember a time when you'd mastered the fine art of brooding silently, Sanctified. What happened to those days?"

Their undoubtedly important conversation was interrupted with the clacking of armoured hooves resounding in the hallway outside. The heavy door opened, allowing a pair of the ever-watchful Night Guard to file in and take up stations on each side of the door, their bat-like visage betraying not a hint of emotion. A moment later, in strode the Princess herself, looking somewhat worse for wear. Her traditionally sparkling mane of softly twinkling stars seemed dulled, a rare strand escaping its place and trailing down the side of her face. Following the Princess was an extra large mug, filled with gently steaming liquid, its pungent aroma combined with the worn look on her face leaving no doubt that this was probably her third or fourth cup of coffee.

Princess Luna was most definitely not a morning person.

"No. No need for formalities. How many times I have to tell you that?" she said with a exasperated sigh as the inevitable bowing commenced. "Sit." The princess took a long draw of her mug, sipping the dark liquid gratefully, before setting it down on the table and looking at each of the participants in turn. "Now, speak. How fares Bridle Shores?"

[Kelvin360]

Their undoubtedly important conversation was interrupted with the clacking of armoured hooves resounding in the hallway outside. The heavy door opened, allowing a pair of the ever-watchful Night Guard to file in and take up stations on each side of the door, their bat-like visage betraying not a hint of emotion. A moment later, in strode the Princess herself, looking somewhat worse for wear. Her traditionally sparkling mane of softly twinkling stars seemed dulled, a rare strand escaping its place and trailing down the side of her face. Following the Princess was an extra large mug, filled with gently steaming liquid, its pungent aroma combined with the worn look on her face leaving no doubt that this was probably her third or fourth cup of coffee.

Princess Luna was most definitely not a morning person.

"No. No need for formalities. How many times I have to tell you that?" she said with a exasperated sigh as the inevitable bowing commenced. "Sit." The princess took a long draw of her mug, sipping the dark liquid gratefully, before setting it down on the table and looking at each of the participants in turn. "Now, speak. How fares Bridle Shores?"

Moonlight almost gets out a chuckle when Striker and Eclipse, Sr. begin to bow, but manages to keep his composure for the task at hand. While the latter two appear a bit shaken at her tone, the lack of deific grace doesn't necessarily cause the batting of any eyelashes; after all, they only just left a house where almost everyone looked exactly as she did now. That is to say, wondering when in Tartarus the sun was going to start going back down, already.

"Holding, ma'am, but not particularly well. They didn't seem ready for the attack, and their response was sloppy when it was rushed or ineffectual when it came too slowly."

Moonlight is quick to defend them. "Which would matter if it was a citadel. It isn't. That it isn't in ashes was the best scenario we could hope for. The opposition knew it, too; they didn't exactly apply overwhelming force, given what we know of their numbers."

Eclipse gives both of the other stallions a scowl. "Your unit hardly deserves shining praise, Colonel. Three injuries, you said, and two severe?"

Striker's eye twitches. "One severe, one crippling. We...don't know what to do about Boon-"

Eclipse shakes his head. "Against a force intended to sabotage, not to sack, by your own admission. And, if I read your report correctly, you had to be dragged out of the loss of two objectives by a retired Shadowbolt of all things. Is this really what we're training the Moon Motes to do?"

"You would do well to leash your vitriol, Sanctified," Moonlight growls, softly, before Striker hauls of and smacks him (an act he looks more than willing to perform). "By absolute rank, I was acting commander of the force. Casualties are on my shoulders. Of which there were exactly ONE. An enemy held prisoner. The objective wasn't to route them; I elected to hold the town instead of pressing an offense, because in case you've forgotten, the Moon Motes are supposed to protect Equestrian citizens, not carry out on-the-spot vendettas. The Shadowbolt in question took that upon himself as he was trained to do."

Eclipse holds up a hoof. "Be careful what you take credit for, "Moonbringer". This shows a clear lack of-"

This causes Moonlight to snap, "just shut the buck up already, Eclipse. Colonel, continue your report before the Princess runs out of coffee and I run out of patience."

Striker shifts uncomfortably. "Yes...ahem. The population is stable. I believe a...doctor of some repute-"

The mention of his friend brings a certain light to Moonlight's eyes. "You can call him a Morninglord, Colonel. His status is known to and allowed by the Crown."

"...Right. A Morninglord in charge of treatments, including on our members. He noted that he would take it upon himself to escort them back to Canterlot when they were ambulatory, which should be less than a week's time."

Eclipse starts in shock. "A week?? How 'injured' were these ponies, exactly?"

"Lieutenant Coconut suffered from multiple crushed ribs, a punctured lung, perforated large intestines, a cranial fracture, shattered hind legs, a chipped forehoof, and various internal bleeding. Private First Class Boon lost half his liver and both wings...I think he was to be discharged from intensive care the day after we left."

Eclipse scoffs harshly. "Preposterous. You're exaggerating. Those injuries can't be cured in a week."

Moonlight speaks through gritted teeth, but with surety. "It's Doctor Sunshine. Yes they can. Continue, Colonel."

"A POW on our side was killed in action before he could be utilized for the purposes of information. A rescued captive from what used to be a neighboring village but is not apparently an enemy stronghold was also targeted, but remains intact. The area suffered moderate infrastructural damage by our standards. The rebuilding process should take several months, during which time they'll be vulnerable to another strike.

But...if I may speak plainly, ma'am, the issue doesn't sit well with me. Why launch an attack of any kind on, frankly, a nowhere-spot just to assassinate two ponies? And they used highly-trained agents of espionage, an attack from within, and what some of us are fairly certain was a magical bomb. They sustained heavy losses, and for what? If they try again, I'm not sure what's left could stand in their way."

[Grif]

Meeting Room, Royal Palace

Princess Luna continued to sip her coffee as they started the briefing, nodding at all the right places, but electing to hold her comments until it was clear Striker was done. A few times, she seemed to perk: during the mention of the Shadowbolt, and again when the casualties are brought up. Both times, she subsided after some thought, but it was quite clear she had her own thoughts on the matter.



"A POW on our side was killed in action before he could be utilized for the purposes of information. A rescued captive from what used to be a neighboring village but is not apparently an enemy stronghold was also targeted, but remains intact. The area suffered moderate infrastructural damage by our standards. The rebuilding process should take several months, during which time they'll be vulnerable to another strike.

But...if I may speak plainly, ma'am, the issue doesn't sit well with me. Why launch an attack of any kind on, frankly, a nowhere-spot just to assassinate two ponies? And they used highly-trained agents of espionage, an attack from within, and what some of us are fairly certain was a magical bomb. They sustained heavy losses, and for what? If they try again, I'm not sure what's left could stand in their way."

"Doth was never one to do things without purpose, if previous reports of him did not deceive." Luna hummed, her cyan eyes coming to rest on Moonlight. "It could be just an attempt to probe the town's defenses. In which case, by your own words, they were wildly successful and found them to be quite lacking. But I suspect things are not that simple." Another sip. "These POWs are also clearly important to him. Possibly they know something he doesn't want us to know. The kind that even the mere possibility of leakage might derail whatever that he was planning." She glanced at Striker. "I certainly hope all precautions are made to protect the other survivor. It wouldn't do if she falls as well."

"Still, she's not the only concern at this point. The town still needs to be held, if only to maintain our tenous hold on that region. I'll have a word with Blueblood, but with our bulk of our forces tied up in securing the borders against the Moose and escalating tensions between both Solace and Stoutheart threatening the fracture the nation again, I'm not optimistic we can spare any ponies of any meaningful number. Perhaps we can..." Her words trailed off, apparently derailed by another line of thought. "Yes, that might work. In any case..." She tapped her hoof on the table thoughtfully. "That Shadowbolt... was it the one who loved poetry by any chance? I always felt it was a shame that he decided to retire." The two Moon Motes might not recognise Prose, but Eclipse would definitely know of the infamous rep this particular Shadowbolt gathered amongst the nobility.

[Kelvin360]

Meeting Room, Royal Palace

"Doth was never one to do things without purpose, if previous reports of him did not deceive." Luna hummed, her cyan eyes coming to rest on Moonlight. "It could be just an attempt to probe the town's defenses. In which case, by your own words, they were wildly successful and found them to be quite lacking. But I suspect things are not that simple." Another sip. "These POWs are also clearly important to him. Possibly they know something he doesn't want us to know. The kind that even the mere possibility of leakage might derail whatever that he was planning." She glanced at Striker. "I certainly hope all precautions are made to protect the other survivor. It wouldn't do if she falls as well."

This is met with a sharp nod. "The barracks, jails, and hospitals took some damage, but she was relocated to an unobtrusive location and placed under the protection of the Guard Captain, Commander Eclipse, a paladin I can't recall the name of, and a...court wizard, if I remember correctly."

"Those last two names are Dawnstrider and Starbeam. Knight-Commander Blueshield of the - how many does Saddle Arabia have now, one hundred thousand? - knights also claimed partial custody, since she found the informant. A surprising number of independents also noted that they would join the task force."

Eclipse narrows his eyes. "So, only one of our own."

"Half of our own, actually. St-"

"Ah, yes, I remember now." Eclipse's eyes flash dangerously. "The...'Lightbringers' you place so much of your faith in. This Starbeam has crossed my desk. Wasn't she removed from the Academy of Gifted Unicorns on account of magical instability? Dawnstrider sounds like a member of the Sun Orders, although the name isn't familiar to me. In either case, they are proxies of Celestia at worst and House Solace at best, making them by very definition not 'one of ours'."

"Dawnstrider's name hasn't crossed your desk because he's above your pay grade." Moonlight flashes a quick glance at Luna to check if she remembers the moniker. "And anyone working for the interests of Equestria is 'one of ours', whether or not they look good in black. If that was a prerequisite, you'd have been kicked out years ago."

Eclipse rolls his eyes. "Cute. If this is a matter of national security, I want a dozen Shadesteppers at their back, NOT a few of your old friends from the country club."

Seemingly unsure how best to respond, Striker addresses Luna again. "We believe that Doth's forces are using the informant's hometown as a primary base of operations. She knows where it is, thus her importance."


"Still, she's not the only concern at this point. The town still needs to be held, if only to maintain our tenous hold on that region. I'll have a word with Blueblood, but with our bulk of our forces tied up in securing the borders against the Moose and escalating tensions between both Solace and Stoutheart threatening the fracture the nation again, I'm not optimistic we can spare any ponies of any meaningful number. Perhaps we can..." Her words trailed off, apparently derailed by another line of thought. "Yes, that might work. In any case..." She tapped her hoof on the table thoughtfully. "That Shadowbolt... was it the one who loved poetry by any chance? I always felt it was a shame that he decided to retire." The two Moon Motes might not recognise Prose, but Eclipse would definitely know of the infamous rep this particular Shadowbolt gathered amongst the nobility.

Moonlight nods. "Inquisitor Purple Prose, yes. I didn't-"

"Oh, Luna's Feathers, not him." Eclipse takes a moment to realize that the subject of his oath is actually standing right there, and a faint blush tinges his features before he continues. "When I was told he'd been retired, I assumed that word had quotation marks around it. What is a walking security breach doing in Bridle Shores, of all places?"

Moonlight's lips twitch. "Searching for the perfect adverb, presumably."

"I'd as soon shove a vampire up his plot and kick him into the nearest Changeling warren."

"So you still haven't gotten that limerick out of your favorite suit, then?"

"Oh, shut the buck up, Moonlight."

This draws an honest-to-moonness chuckle out of the priest. "That does remind me, though. You remember the Cirrus? Apparently they ran a purge of a vampire den in Bridle Shores, and they kept the released thralls on their vessel. Most of them are citizenry, and while I reached out, most of them are still too deep in post-release trauma stages to consider relocating. Worse yet, someone leaked the knowledge to the other townsfolk, and it's...making waves."

"Is this the same Cirrus with a history of no concept regarding subtlety or safety? I'm surprised they didn't post a massive 'Adopt-a-vampire' sign on their ship."

"...Actually..."

[Grif]

This is met with a sharp nod. "The barracks, jails, and hospitals took some damage, but she was relocated to an unobtrusive location and placed under the protection of the Guard Captain, Commander Eclipse, a paladin I can't recall the name of, and a...court wizard, if I remember correctly."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather eclectic bunch."



"Dawnstrider's name hasn't crossed your desk because he's above your pay grade." Moonlight flashes a quick glance at Luna to check if she remembers the moniker. "And anyone working for the interests of Equestria is 'one of ours', whether or not they look good in black. If that was a prerequisite, you'd have been kicked out years ago."

Only a very slight nod to Moonlight. But Luna otherwise refrained from comment.



Seemingly unsure how best to respond, Striker addresses Luna again. "We believe that Doth's forces are using the informant's hometown as a primary base of operations. She knows where it is, thus her importance."

Princess Luna seemed content to ignore the bickering going on right in front of her. It wasn't the first time these two butted heads, and it wouldn't be the last. Nor was it even the most fractious she encountered in her long rule. All in all, this was pretty mild by her admittedly low standards. She sipped her coffee again. "I'm willing to wager she knows more than just the location of her hometown. Rusty Falls isn't exactly unknown before this."




Moonlight nods. "Inquisitor Purple Prose, yes. I didn't-"

"Oh, Luna's Feathers, not him." Eclipse takes a moment to realize that the subject of his oath is actually standing right there, and a faint blush tinges his features before he continues. "When I was told he'd been retired, I assumed that word had quotation marks around it. What is a walking security breach doing in Bridle Shores, of all places?"

Moonlight's lips twitch. "Searching for the perfect adverb, presumably."

"I'd as soon shove a vampire up his plot and kick him into the nearest Changeling warren."

"So you still haven't gotten that limerick out of your favorite suit, then?"

"Oh, shut the buck up, Moonlight."

"Well, while we're on the topic, consider the Inquisitor redrafted for the purpose of defending that town so long Doth remains a threat. I'd imagine he won't be happy, but one must make do with what we have."



This draws an honest-to-moonness chuckle out of the priest. "That does remind me, though. You remember the Cirrus? Apparently they ran a purge of a vampire den in Bridle Shores, and they kept the released thralls on their vessel. Most of them are citizenry, and while I reached out, most of them are still too deep in post-release trauma stages to consider relocating. Worse yet, someone leaked the knowledge to the other townsfolk, and it's...making waves."

"Is this the same Cirrus with a history of no concept regarding subtlety or safety? I'm surprised they didn't post a massive 'Adopt-a-vampire' sign on their ship."

"...Actually..."

"Do tell, Moonlight." Princess Luna appeared curious, if a little weary.

[Kelvin360]

Luna raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather eclectic bunch."

"I agree, m'lady." Perhaps because his organization can be summed up rather nicely by those words, Striker treats the comment as a compliment.



"Well, while we're on the topic, consider the Inquisitor redrafted for the purpose of defending that town so long Doth remains a threat. I'd imagine he won't be happy, but one must make do with what we have."

Both Eclipse and Moonlight reply with "I advise against that." simultaneously, but with wildly different inflections.

Moonlight is the first to recover. "He's already serving their interests of his own volition. Personal investment is more powerful than acting under orders, and in this case one might cancel out the other. You don't need to blackmail somepony if they're already sending you bits."

"He's also an arrogant, disrespectful prig."

"...And we won't have to hear Eclipse complain about him for the next four years."



"Do tell, Moonlight." Princess Luna appeared curious, if a little weary.

"They've moved them to a supposedly 'secure' warehouse inside the town's borders, under a guard that I would describe more as a courtesy. And there were talks of re-integrating some of them. From the standpoint of an experienced hoof, they're treating the vampires like novelties, even pets. The only sensible ones are those against, but they want to burn the warehouse to the ground. It's a clusterbuck, ma'am."

[Grif]

"I agree, m'lady." Perhaps because his organization can be summed up rather nicely by those words, Striker treats the comment as a compliment.

Both Eclipse and Moonlight reply with "I advise against that." simultaneously, but with wildly different inflections.

Moonlight is the first to recover. "He's already serving their interests of his own volition. Personal investment is more powerful than acting under orders, and in this case one might cancel out the other. You don't need to blackmail somepony if they're already sending you bits."

"He's also an arrogant, disrespectful prig."

"...And we won't have to hear Eclipse complain about him for the next four years."

Luna seemed a little disappointed. "As you will. Though I would think a little royal acknowledgement of his efforts wouldn't go amiss."



"They've moved them to a supposedly 'secure' warehouse inside the town's borders, under a guard that I would describe more as a courtesy. And there were talks of re-integrating some of them. From the standpoint of an experienced hoof, they're treating the vampires like novelties, even pets. The only sensible ones are those against, but they want to burn the warehouse to the ground. It's a clusterbuck, ma'am."
"Mmm... while not exactly encouraging, at least they are taking steps to ensure the safety of the vamponies. A courtesy not many else would extend," Luna said with a sigh, and draining the last of her cup. She looked at it forlornly for a moment, before setting it aside. "I trust we have someone advising them on at least how to proceed?"

[Kelvin360]

Luna seemed a little disappointed. "As you will. Though I would think a little royal acknowledgement of his efforts wouldn't go amiss."

Moonlight is the quickest to catch on to her implication. "Privately, yes. But not publicly. He isn't an outcast looking for redemption; he retired by his own choice. Giving him laurels might look like we were trying to rope him back into service, and I can tell you that ex-shadow operatives in particular hate that."



"Mmm... while not exactly encouraging, at least they are taking steps to ensure the safety of the vamponies. A courtesy not many else would extend," Luna said with a sigh, and draining the last of her cup. She looked at it forlornly for a moment, before setting it aside. "I trust we have someone advising them on at least how to proceed?"

Moonlight nods. "I left a dossier for the Captain of the guard and a shadow beacon outside his office if he needs to contact us. I also reached out to a novice local shadowcaster who's willing to act as a diplomat between the groups. Prose knows about these kinds of situations from his training. I don't think we could expect very much more even if we had a battalion stationed there...in fact, that might make it worse."

[Grif]

Moonlight is the quickest to catch on to her implication. "Privately, yes. But not publicly. He isn't an outcast looking for redemption; he retired by his own choice. Giving him laurels might look like we were trying to rope him back into service, and I can tell you that ex-shadow operatives in particular hate that."

Luna chuckled a little. "Believe me, I know as well as he that he isn't quite welcome back into service. Not after the stunt he pulled. But I suppose you're right."



Moonlight nods. "I left a dossier for the Captain of the guard and a shadow beacon outside his office if he needs to contact us. I also reached out to a novice local shadowcaster who's willing to act as a diplomat between the groups. Prose knows about these kinds of situations from his training. I don't think we could expect very much more even if we had a battalion stationed there...in fact, that might make it worse."

"Very good. That sounds perfectly adequate. Now..." she pressed her hooves together. "Anything else that should be brought to my attention for the day?"

[Grif]

[Canterlot]
The capitol city of Equestria woke up this morning to disturbing news. Well, more like a series of disturbing news.

The first is that the latest victim of what the press dubbed the "Bloody Jack" was found in the house of an well-regarded blacksmith home. The poor blacksmith was found dead in his living room, his front door unlocked and unbarred for all to see. Already, the Royal Guard had sealed the crime scene and called for their forensic team to help deal with the latest crime spree.

The second was the news that a griffon delegation was on the way here, which sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Why the sudden visit? What were they hoping to achieve? Who would they meet?

The third was the shocking defeat of the Canterlot Coursers against the Baltimare Breakers, a veritable minnow in the National League. The newspapers were already mourning the fall of the giants, and as the Canterlot Tribune put it "the disgrace of the decade".

[Kelvin360]

The morning brings with it feelings most unanticipated and guests most unexpected. If those gathered found the milling investigators and grim-faced police to be an unwelcome sight, given the circumstances, then it was nothing compared to the impression of leftover darkness and the smell of copper on the air. Dimly, the realization spreads that such a nightmarish thing, such a tragedy, should not be possible in the center of the world, the capital of civilization. This feels wrong. This isn't supposed to happen.

But then, the mists part, and some semblance of sanity returns to the world.

Lady Moonshine has decided to forego the plates of her ceremonial armor that covered her belly, which is now beginning to show a good deal more of her pregnancy as she enters her second quarter, but she has lost none of the quiet strength that made her an impressive figure before. She stops at the police line, looking unflinchingly at the scene before her, taking in the open door, the smell of blood, and the silence of shattered peace.

She glances at the primary investigator on duty, no doubt bearing a cup of coffee, some sort of mustache and an 'I'm too old for this' expression. "What can you tell us?" She speaks with a reserved tone, indicating herself and the Royal Guard accompanying her.

[MCerberus]

Canterlot

Riposte is currently being shoved out the door to smooth things over and ensure there's no big scandal before the delegation gets to Canterlot. Essentially making the questionable parts of town quiet for a while. It being early in the morning, she's not quite in the best mood. At least the cubs get off to school without much input at this point. Of course, since she's acting officially at this point, the hippogriff is armed and in full regalia. If they weren't all going to bed, some of the Shadowbolts are going to be joking about going on the street in dress for a while.

Another fun wrinkle, she's supposed to get this done, but is not acting with any law enforcement authority. Good for bashing some heads if need be, but for now Riposte is sort of just there, being conspicuous. It seems the royal detachment is here already, so the Oathguard's mouth is shut to listen in on the report.

Manehatten

The good news is that the investigation has at least some time to get a handle on things. Manehatten being a major port, the Duchess' party is going to need to take some time to Schmooze. Meet with the harbormaster, the mayor, and of course there may be some obligated visits to fine art establishments. The griffon delegation is officially under protection of city PD and whatever royal guards are there, since it's somewhat traditional for them to go unarmed in the mainland.

Their usual guards are then busy keeping an eye on the luggage moving to the train station. In particular there's some valuable gifts.
In some cases are top-of-the-line rifled pistols with expensive and new breech-loading mechanisms. Nickel plated and shiny.

[Grif]

The morning brings with it feelings most unanticipated and guests most unexpected. If those gathered found the milling investigators and grim-faced police to be an unwelcome sight, given the circumstances, then it was nothing compared to the impression of leftover darkness and the smell of copper on the air. Dimly, the realization spreads that such a nightmarish thing, such a tragedy, should not be possible in the center of the world, the capital of civilization. This feels wrong. This isn't supposed to happen.

But then, the mists part, and some semblance of sanity returns to the world.

Lady Moonshine has decided to forego the plates of her ceremonial armor that covered her belly, which is now beginning to show a good deal more of her pregnancy as she enters her second quarter, but she has lost none of the quiet strength that made her an impressive figure before. She stops at the police line, looking unflinchingly at the scene before her, taking in the open door, the smell of blood, and the silence of shattered peace.

She glances at the primary investigator on duty, no doubt bearing a cup of coffee, some sort of mustache and an 'I'm too old for this' expression. "What can you tell us?" She speaks with a reserved tone, indicating herself and the Royal Guard accompanying her.


Canterlot

Riposte is currently being shoved out the door to smooth things over and ensure there's no big scandal before the delegation gets to Canterlot. Essentially making the questionable parts of town quiet for a while. It being early in the morning, she's not quite in the best mood. At least the cubs get off to school without much input at this point. Of course, since she's acting officially at this point, the hippogriff is armed and in full regalia. If they weren't all going to bed, some of the Shadowbolts are going to be joking about going on the street in dress for a while.

Another fun wrinkle, she's supposed to get this done, but is not acting with any law enforcement authority. Good for bashing some heads if need be, but for now Riposte is sort of just there, being conspicuous. It seems the royal detachment is here already, so the Oathguard's mouth is shut to listen in on the report.


Contrary to popular belief, detectives do not come prepackaged with a world-weary face, fedora, and a perpetual cup of coffee. In fact, this one seemed to strive to buck the trend as far as he could.

For one thing, the sandy-coated unicorn seemed exceptionally young for a detective. For another, he seemed to be vibrating with almost maniacal intensity, pacing back and forth and occasionally stopping to bark orders or scribble furiously in a worn notebook. On Moonshine's greeting, he looked up with a slightly quizzical look.

"Who are you?" he demanded brusquely, his sharp sky-grey eyes gazing at Moonshine with suspicion. A fellow officer quickly leaned into his ear and whispered urgently. The stallion listened, his expression softening, then waved the officer away. "Apologies ma'am. Too many times I had to deal with outsiders disturbing the delicate crime scene. Often without warning." He gestured at the door. "At least the civvies had the courtesy of leaving the crime scene intact."

"Anyway, you wanted to know what we know right? Well, we know it seems to be the same killer that had been working around Canterlot. I'm sure you know the details by now: no forced entry, potential eyewitnesses murdered with surprisingly precision, and the victim seemingly the target of a grusome blood ritual." The officer spoke loudly enough that Riposte probably would be able to hear almost all the juicy details.

[MCerberus]

Contrary to popular belief, detectives do not come prepackaged with a world-weary face, fedora, and a perpetual cup of coffee. In fact, this one seemed to strive to buck the trend as far as he could.

For one thing, the sandy-coated unicorn seemed exceptionally young for a detective. For another, he seemed to be vibrating with almost maniacal intensity, pacing back and forth and occasionally stopping to bark orders or scribble furiously in a worn notebook. On Moonshine's greeting, he looked up with a slightly quizzical look.

"Who are you?" he demanded brusquely, his sharp sky-grey eyes gazing at Moonshine with suspicion. A fellow officer quickly leaned into his ear and whispered urgently. The stallion listened, his expression softening, then waved the officer away. "Apologies ma'am. Too many times I had to deal with outsiders disturbing the delicate crime scene. Often without warning." He gestured at the door. "At least the civvies had the courtesy of leaving the crime scene intact."

"Anyway, you wanted to know what we know right? Well, we know it seems to be the same killer that had been working around Canterlot. I'm sure you know the details by now: no forced entry, potential eyewitnesses murdered with surprisingly precision, and the victim seemingly the target of a grusome blood ritual." The officer spoke loudly enough that Riposte probably would be able to hear almost all the juicy details.

Well that seems like a natural in-point for Riposte to make herself known. Of course what she's about to say isn't helped by being in full uniform.

"And to make things worse, the royals have started a countdown to get this settled."

Riposte steps forward, careful to not overtly cross any tape lines or step on anything. Whether the officers have herd of the delegation or not, there's now added pressure. They may not like it, Luna knows Riposte doesn't.

"I'm here to keep an eye on things and potentially act extra-judiciously to get things settled faster. Act as a liaison to the guard corps, get whichever forces involved that can settle this matter quietly."

[Kelvin360]

"Regardless of how important the pony is who asks, one cannot clap their hooves together and wish something resolved because they establish a time limit," Moonshine says, her voice a gentle reprimand, but not necessarily directed at anyone in particular. "Indeed, that rarely leads to anything more than ill regard and simmering enmity. We all agree that this has gone on too long, and justice must be served. Thus, I would say that we are here to aid you in your progress, detective, not to put gray in your mane and pain in your flanks." She takes a moment to internally recite a piece of the Code of the Shrouded Eclipse; 'The good of the ponies before the good of the throne.'

[Grif]

Well that seems like a natural in-point for Riposte to make herself known. Of course what she's about to say isn't helped by being in full uniform.

"And to make things worse, the royals have started a countdown to get this settled."

Riposte steps forward, careful to not overtly cross any tape lines or step on anything. Whether the officers have herd of the delegation or not, there's now added pressure. They may not like it, Luna knows Riposte doesn't.

"I'm here to keep an eye on things and potentially act extra-judiciously to get things settled faster. Act as a liaison to the guard corps, get whichever forces involved that can settle this matter quietly."


"Regardless of how important the pony is who asks, one cannot clap their hooves together and wish something resolved because they establish a time limit," Moonshine says, her voice a gentle reprimand, but not necessarily directed at anyone in particular. "Indeed, that rarely leads to anything more than ill regard and simmering enmity. We all agree that this has gone on too long, and justice must be served. Thus, I would say that we are here to aid you in your progress, detective, not to put gray in your mane and pain in your flanks." She takes a moment to internally recite a piece of the Code of the Shrouded Eclipse; 'The good of the ponies before the good of the throne.'

The detective eyed the both of them. Then shook his head and turned again to face the crime scene. "Let's hope we don't step into each others' hooves then. Anyway, we're still gathering evide—"

One of the officers shouted from inside the house. "Sir! We found something!"

"Huh, talk about timing. Let's see what it is." Without waiting for the pair to acknowledge, the detective turned and disappeared into the house.

Should the pair and their entourage choose to enter the house, they'd find a nice cosy house that exemplified the typical middle-class Canterlot artisan home. Most of that cosy feeling was marred by the blood stains across the wall and the covered corpse that lay in a side room.

When the pair finally caught up, they'd see the detective holding up and staring quizzically at what seemed to be scraps of burnt paper stored carefully in a clear plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, some writing is still barely visible on the paper. It wasn't in standard Equestrian, that was for certain, but more akin to classical Equestrian that was more typical found in ancient tomes. "Well, never seen this before. Where'd you find it?"

"Near the primary victim, sir. Seems like the killer tried to burn it but the flames went out before the job was done."

The detective glanced at the two when they wandered in. "So what do you make of this?"


[Royal Library]
Dusty Covers normally wouldn't venture into this section of the library in this time of the day. It is, after all, usually deserted even during the library's opening hours, save for the few regulars he knew by first name. Since they were regulars, he trusted them enough to not need his supervision, unlike the rowdies that often populated the young adult fiction section. But the royal guard that showed up earlier was remarkably insistent that he deliver this message personally to one of the aforementioned regulars. So insistent, in fact, that he somehow managed to find his way into his personal sanctum and politely glared at him until he reluctantly acquiesced. Of all the job description of being a head librarian, passing messages like a lowly aspirant wasn't one of them.

Yet here he was, standing behind the off-white unicorn who was presumably engrossed in yet another impressively thick tome of Equestrian history. He cleared his throat politely. "Miss, you have a message."

[MCerberus]

Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

[TheAmishPirate]

[Royal Library]
Dusty Covers normally wouldn't venture into this section of the library in this time of the day. It is, after all, usually deserted even during the library's opening hours, save for the few regulars he knew by first name. Since they were regulars, he trusted them enough to not need his supervision, unlike the rowdies that often populated the young adult fiction section. But the royal guard that showed up earlier was remarkably insistent that he deliver this message personally to one of the aforementioned regulars. So insistent, in fact, that he somehow managed to find his way into his personal sanctum and politely glared at him until he reluctantly acquiesced. Of all the job description of being a head librarian, passing messages like a lowly aspirant wasn't one of them.

Yet here he was, standing behind the off-white unicorn who was presumably engrossed in yet another impressively thick tome of Equestrian history. He cleared his throat politely. "Miss, you have a message."

Solar Eclipse's ear twitched; just about the only sign she'd even heard the frustrated librarian. Her horn lit up as she flipped through the tome's pages with impressive speed and care. "This book states unequivocally that the war with the griffons was started when the griffons - under cover of night and cloud - invaded the Hippogriff March and put the town of Engorged Gorge to the torch."

She turned, book and all, beholding the pony with the same soft, gentle expression she always seemed to wear. "Sir, what do you think? How did the War of the Griffons start?" she asked demurely.

[Grif]

Solar Eclipse's ear twitched; just about the only sign she'd even heard the frustrated librarian. Her horn lit up as she flipped through the tome's pages with impressive speed and care. "This book states unequivocally that the war with the griffons was started when the griffons - under cover of night and cloud - invaded the Hippogriff March and put the town of Engorged Gorge to the torch."

She turned, book and all, beholding the pony with the same soft, gentle expression she always seemed to wear. "Sir, what do you think? How did the War of the Griffons start?" she asked demurely.

I had to read up to ensure that I didn't miss any details. Kudos for reminding me that that section of history remained unfilled as of yet. I actually found a lengthy draft in my old folders as well. Some of that may appear here.

Dusty Covers blinked; he hadn't expected that question. He suddenly felt like he was being tested. "Ah, miss, that's not quite my purview, but from what I remember of my studies, there was some sort of turmoil in the Griffon Empire. The Last King had accused Equestria of poisoning his predecessor, and the griffons were being increasingly anti-Equestrian. They even sent a list of ridiculous demands. I believed that war was inevitable at that stage."

"At any rate, I believe I have a message. Princess Luna requests your presence at her court at your leisure."

[Kelvin360]

The detective eyed the both of them. Then shook his head and turned again to face the crime scene. "Let's hope we don't step into each others' hooves then. Anyway, we're still gathering evide—"

One of the officers shouted from inside the house. "Sir! We found something!"

"Huh, talk about timing. Let's see what it is." Without waiting for the pair to acknowledge, the detective turned and disappeared into the house.

Should the pair and their entourage choose to enter the house, they'd find a nice cosy house that exemplified the typical middle-class Canterlot artisan home. Most of that cosy feeling was marred by the blood stains across the wall and the covered corpse that lay in a side room.

When the pair finally caught up, they'd see the detective holding up and staring quizzically at what seemed to be scraps of burnt paper stored carefully in a clear plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, some writing is still barely visible on the paper. It wasn't in standard Equestrian, that was for certain, but more akin to classical Equestrian that was more typical found in ancient tomes. "Well, never seen this before. Where'd you find it?"

"Near the primary victim, sir. Seems like the killer tried to burn it but the flames went out before the job was done."

The detective glanced at the two when they wandered in. "So what do you make of this?"


Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

A light comes on behind Moonshine's eyes, pulling her expression into a very Lunatic-esque visage of calculation. "I advise making several photos. Hiding that it exists is less important than making sure we have access to it right now. There may be some court mages who could repair the original. I simply don't know if the ones I could call on are trustworthy enough for this, but there could be more among the royal guard." This precedes a knowing look cast in Riposte's direction. "As for rattling cages, I'd like the opportunity to speak with those who knew the deceased more intimately. Involving the crown could frighten innocent leads and warn malevolent ones."

[Grif]

A light comes on behind Moonshine's eyes, pulling her expression into a very Lunatic-esque visage of calculation. "I advise making several photos. Hiding that it exists is less important than making sure we have access to it right now. There may be some court mages who could repair the original. I simply don't know if the ones I could call on are trustworthy enough for this, but there could be more among the royal guard." This precedes a knowing look cast in Riposte's direction. "As for rattling cages, I'd like the opportunity to speak with those who knew the deceased more intimately. Involving the crown could frighten innocent leads and warn malevolent ones."


Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

The detective gestured at a nearby officer. "You. Get this photographed. I want a dozen copies ready on my desk by noon." The officer saluted and quickly hurried off.

"If you're looking for family, ma'am, I'm afraid you just passed by them on your way here. Killer was thorough, if nothing else." The detective sighed heavily. "And the victim himself... well, I could read you his file: he has none. He's been a good upstanding citizen as far as Canterlot's concerned. Let's see..." He turned and hooked a file off the other officer that had brought the evidence earlier. "Name, Iron Worth. Married to one Green Stalk. Owner of a small smithy shop down in the Cliffsides. Nothing very notable, aside from the occasional vacation to Baltimare. Both parents are deceased. Brother is in Manehattan, and we're still trying to get in touch." The detective looked up. "As ya can see, there's practically no motive. Nothing to suggest why he has been targetted."

[Kelvin360]

Her eyebrows rise, not in shock, but in concern. "His lack of connection makes a perfect motive. If the killer simply wanted a pony, or ponies, dead for reasons we cannot surmise, then targeting those with few contacts makes for a smaller trail to follow. A celebrity would have followers that saw something. A recluse has no one except us. That he was a shopkeeper gives both us and the killer an advantage - it increases the range of suspects, but I might hazard a guess that his assailant was a former customer. Otherwise somepony else would be dead."

[MCerberus]

Riposte, meanwhile, is not squeamish about corpses, for obvious reasons. While Moonshine is going after some sort of escalation of murder theory, the hippogriff is starting to think it's information that was meant to be destroyed. There's a question that can confirm this.

"Was anything else burnt?"

[Grif]

Riposte, meanwhile, is not squeamish about corpses, for obvious reasons. While Moonshine is going after some sort of escalation of murder theory, the hippogriff is starting to think it's information that was meant to be destroyed. There's a question that can confirm this.

"Was anything else burnt?"

"Not at all," the detective answered.

[MCerberus]

"Not at all," the detective answered.

"Then the whatever was on the paper was meant to be kept silent."

Riposte takes a moment to think.
"Whoever did the killing may be thinking rationally. An actually scary thought."

[Kelvin360]

"Rationally? Perhaps. But not rationally enough to note that the best laid plans of mice and ponies often go awry. The blacksmith's body looks as though it was mutilated slowly, almost ritualistically, but his wife was killed in a fairly standard fashion and the note wasn't given a closer eye as it burned. Something caused the job to be rushed. And that means the assailant has holes in their planning, however minute.

I'm hesitant to place words in your beak, but it sounds hauntingly as though you are suggesting we leave the message alone. For the purposes of absolute secrecy? 'Leave it alone' is a thought that, historically, aids only a perpetrator."

[TheAmishPirate]

I had to read up to ensure that I didn't miss any details. Kudos for reminding me that that section of history remained unfilled as of yet. I actually found a lengthy draft in my old folders as well. Some of that may appear here.

Dusty Covers blinked; he hadn't expected that question. He suddenly felt like he was being tested. "Ah, miss, that's not quite my purview, but from what I remember of my studies, there was some sort of turmoil in the Griffon Empire. The Last King had accused Equestria of poisoning his predecessor, and the griffons were being increasingly anti-Equestrian. They even sent a list of ridiculous demands. I believed that war was inevitable at that stage."

"At any rate, I believe I have a message. Princess Luna requests your presence at her court at your leisure."

"Is that so..." The unicorn hummed to herself, lost in some secret thought. "The book seems to imply that the griffon's accusation was false, but never outright states as much. And with just a quick war, Equestria's borders grew larger and safer. What say you, sir? Did the princesses poison the troublesome griffon king?" she asked curiously.

[Grif]

"Then the whatever was on the paper was meant to be kept silent."

Riposte takes a moment to think.
"Whoever did the killing may be thinking rationally. An actually scary thought."


"Rationally? Perhaps. But not rationally enough to note that the best laid plans of mice and ponies often go awry. The blacksmith's body looks as though it was mutilated slowly, almost ritualistically, but his wife was killed in a fairly standard fashion and the note wasn't given a closer eye as it burned. Something caused the job to be rushed. And that means the assailant has holes in their planning, however minute.

I'm hesitant to place words in your beak, but it sounds hauntingly as though you are suggesting we leave the message alone. For the purposes of absolute secrecy? 'Leave it alone' is a thought that, historically, aids only a perpetrator."

The detective coughed. "So what are you suggestin' we do, ma'am?"


"Is that so..." The unicorn hummed to herself, lost in some secret thought. "The book seems to imply that the griffon's accusation was false, but never outright states as much. And with just a quick war, Equestria's borders grew larger and safer. What say you, sir? Did the princesses poison the troublesome griffon king?" she asked curiously.

Dusty Covers looked slightly incredulous at the question. But his voice was firm when he spoke, "Absolutely not, Miss Eclipse. The Princesses would never do such a... such a heinous thing." He paused fractionally, before continuing in a more uncertainly. "At least... not back then." He cleared his throat and pushed up his spectacles again. "I wouldn't keep the Princess waiting if I were you, Miss."

[MCerberus]

The detective coughed. "So what are you suggestin' we do, ma'am?"


"Not at all," the hippogriff responds to Moonshine about leaving the message alone. Whatever is going on with it is likely at the center of the mess. Lots of convenient distractions on top of it though. "We ensure the evidence gets to a discreet researcher at the library, and then I'll see about getting more appropriate resources available."

[TheAmishPirate]

Dusty Covers looked slightly incredulous at the question. But his voice was firm when he spoke, "Absolutely not, Miss Eclipse. The Princesses would never do such a... such a heinous thing." He paused fractionally, before continuing in a more uncertainly. "At least... not back then." He cleared his throat and pushed up his spectacles again. "I wouldn't keep the Princess waiting if I were you, Miss."

"No. Princesses do not care much for waiting." Solar Eclipse said quietly, closing and replacing her book. The mare offered no more questions, nor much else beyond short pleasantries as they headed out of the library.

[Kelvin360]

"Not at all," the hippogriff responds to Moonshine about leaving the message alone. Whatever is going on with it is likely at the center of the mess. Lots of convenient distractions on top of it though. "We ensure the evidence gets to a discreet researcher at the library, and then I'll see about getting more appropriate resources available."

"Who were you planning on setting to guard them?" There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Riposte had planned for this the moment it was mentioned, and she wanted to be in the loop. "When you investigate Iron Worth's records of transaction, Detective, I humbly request for a copy. It may give me something to do." The 'me', naturally, being shorthand for 'Lunatic spymasters', but Riposte might be the only other individual in the room to catch on to that subtext.

[Grif]

"No. Princesses do not care much for waiting." Solar Eclipse said quietly, closing and replacing her book. The mare offered no more questions, nor much else beyond short pleasantries as they headed out of the library.

Outside, a lone royal guard stood by the large double doors of the library. The guard stirred as the pair emerged from the doors, and gave a bow. "My lady. I'm to take you to the Solar Conservatory. The Princess awaits there."

Dusty Covers let out a visible sigh of relief, and nodded at Solar Eclipse. "Well, Ms Eclipse. This is where we must part. I wish you luck for your audience. No doubt the Princess has something of import to discuss with one as knowledgeable as you." The librarian actually only knew Solar Eclipse for a few months, if that, but breadth and scope of her knowledge astounded the crusty librarian time and again. He offered her a bow, then shuffled back into the library.

"Miss. Shall we?" the guard said, once Dusty Covers was gone.


"Who were you planning on setting to guard them?" There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Riposte had planned for this the moment it was mentioned, and she wanted to be in the loop. "When you investigate Iron Worth's records of transaction, Detective, I humbly request for a copy. It may give me something to do." The 'me', naturally, being shorthand for 'Lunatic spymasters', but Riposte might be the only other individual in the room to catch on to that subtext.

"As you wish, ma'am," the detective replied turning again to study the crime scene. "It should be done by the night, if not sooner. I'll pass it on to... ah... one of your house paladins, if that's okay?" He presumed the first question was directed at Riposte rather than him, since they seem to be planning to be taking charge of that particular bit of evidence.