Esquestria: The House of the Sun - A pony cultist experience

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Tally

[X] Plan: Prisoner Chomping
-[x] (Free) Sell Edge 3 artifact
-[x] (Detectives) Follow Up: Dodge City
-[x] (Constables) Follow Up: Tall Tale
-[X] (Commissioner) Introduce Lore: Forge
-[x] (Director) Lantern
-[x] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Spoiled Rich & Filthy Rich
-[x] (Biedde) Channel an Edge Influence
-[x] (Baldomare) Channel a Lantern Influence
-[x] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[x] (Rarity) Focus on her work
-[x] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry x 2
--[x] Target: Easiest Level 7 book to acquire
--[X] Target: Easiest Forge 6 reagent to acquire
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Acquire a prisoner, preferably not an innocent civilian
-[X] Build a prison
-[X] Obtain a dead body
-[X] Perform the Attention of the Laws (Edge) (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-2 Follower AP, +1 Velvet AP)

You are Velvet Covers.

And this... is one of the rare moments you have where you can think about things.

And you really mean think about things.

This is not one of the quiet periods you have in your office, back at the Bureau, where you can ruminate on the decisions you should make. This is not one of those peaceful afternoons, usually during the weekend, where you can relax without a care in the world. None of that.

Instead, this is one of those rare moments where you can ponder the... the depth of what you are doing. The profoundness of the things you want to, have to, get done.

And for better or for worse, the only conclusion you can reach is that...
...well, you just need more power.

But "power" is such a broad term, isn't it? Because what gives a pony more power? And when you think about it, what doesn't give a pony more power?

Bits can make a pony feel powerful. Having friends, or servants, can make a pony feel powerful. The ability to kill somepony. The means to ensure that somepony stays alive.

All of those things are, in a sense, a manifestation of power.

So yes, you need more power. But so does every maid and butler in your estate, and every pony you ever saw in the streets, and even your youngest daughter. Everypony wants to be able to do something, and once that's done they realize they want to do more.

So what is it that you really want?

...

You ask yourself that, as you look down at the empty scroll parchment you have in front of you.

You know that writing your thoughts down is a little foolish. After all, magic and other means exist to restore even destroyed paper. And if you have the means to spy on others through the Lores, then those same means could be used against you. Still, you couldn't resist the urge to pick a scroll and a writing pen. You couldn't pass on the opportunity to get this multitude of thoughts out of your head and onto somewhere you can look at.

But when you ask yourself what you really want, and light up your horn to try and figure out an answer, the only word that you manage to write is...

GLORY​

... but of course. What else would it be?

...

Not long after, you begin to write other things on your scroll.



- - -

"I have a new guest, in my house. Or should I say that an old guest has turned into a resident?"

"She is callous. She is rude. And quite frankly, I think she goes out of her way to be unpleasant."

"... but my daughter likes her. And more importantly, despite my misgivings, I am coming to believe she likes my daughter back."

"And ever since she moved here more... permanently-"

"-or at least I cannot really feel binds between us anymore-"

"-she has been more... amenable to my requests. Even if she remains as unreasonable as ever."

"Or, if nothing else, she has made me more promises in the last few days than she had in the prior months."

"And given her abilities, I cannot help but think that... cannot help but wish that..."

"I need more of that."

"Even if only so that the others who are like her will commit to not becoming my foes."



- - -



"The old stallion terrifies me. Not because I fear him, but because I can't bring myself to fear him."

"The greatest part of me insists to think of him as a tool. As a knife. There to be used when needed, and ignored when not."

"But that is the thing. He is not a knife. He thinks, and he wants, and most of all he acts."

"The fact that I do not fear him just means that he has learned to hide his deadliness so well, that I can't help by be calm around him."

"And what better trait could an assassin have... than the ability to seem entirely harmless? To be able to get as close as needed, and then some more?"

"Perhaps it would be better for me to think of him as a knife. If only because that would remind me his only purpose is to cut."

"As long as I do not forget that he is a knife, yes, but one that does not belong to me."

"..."

"I have made financial arrangements, to keep his services for a little longer. But only until the end of the month. And I have made plans to learn his lessons this month, as dangerous as that may be."

"I have not yet decided if that is the best, or even the sanest, option."

"But I must be ready for the case in which he is no longer around... or if he turns against me."

"It is either that, or to remain stagnant with the Cutting Lore."

"I just hope I do not make a decision I will come to regret."



- - -



"The other guest, the one that I have forbidden from entering my house..."

"I suppose I do not want to write her name either."

"Still, she is..."

"..."

"I want to think of her as a problem. I want to think of her as wrong."

"Because problems can be solved. Wrongness can be avoided."

"But as I think about her, I can't help but wonder..."

"Am I the problem?"

"Because she has not caused me any problems."

"She has not done anything wrong."

"The only thing she has done so far is offer me to do something with her."

"If I was biased against her, perhaps I would say she was tempting me."

"If I was enamored by her favor, perhaps I would say she is instead presenting me with gifts."

"But at the end of the day, she remains a question."

"And over the last few days, I must admit that I... I have thought a lot about that question."

"For a moment, I even considered... inviting my own father, to partake in her invitation."

"..."

"Whatever I will do, I should decide quickly. Her demands for my attention have become more voracious, even if they remain subtle."

"And we both know that, come the end of this month, she will once again ask for an... offering, or a guarantee that our relationship still remains."

"Still, despite all that, I can't help but entertain the thought that maybe, just maybe, she is more eager for me to accept her invitation that I could ever be."



- - -



"My other guests are no less complicated, but I also think they are a little more straightforward."

"Cherenkolt is, by his very nature, a problem to be solved. I have yet to spend enough time with him to form an opinion. But to be blunt, I know him inside and out."

"Or at least I did while I was assembling him."

"Still he has made his wants and needs clear. That being that he has no wants, and needs more adequate fuel."

"Even if the cost to acquire it is prohibitive."

"As for Baldomare..."

"Well, we both know you are reading this. Right now."

"Not a single word can be penned in this house that you are not aware of."

"Your opinion on these matters would be greatly appreciated. But I can already hear you sighing in your room, and reaching for another bottle."


​

- - -



Unsurprisingly, Baldomare never appeared in your room to give you her opinion.

Still, you read over your notes, three times over, and then you got rid of them. You burned them, you separated the ashes into small piles and mixed each of them with the ashes of different substances. And you put them all aside to dispose of them in separate locations. And even then, you knew that would not be enough if somepony really wanted to retrieve them.

But that helped you center yourself, even if only a little bit.

...

Well, you have other things to take care of, now.

Your uncle would still like you to make some time for him. You promised to do something with Soft Sweeps. And of course, you have a cute-ceañera to plan.

Time to get to work.



- - -

VELVET'S PHASE​

This turn's available bits: 105


You have FOUR personal actions, ONE (free) social action, and ONE free Mansus Exploration action. (Four personal actions, plus one from "Cover your bases," minus one for summoning Cherenkolt).

Spoiler: Things to keep in mind

Additional notes:
-All your Fleeting Opportunities this turn may be performed with your free social action.
-Please check your character sheet's "Inventory" for the list of summonings that will expire at the end of this turn. (There are quite a few of them).
-If your followers successfully dig a body, you will automatically turn it into a Risen (since you have no other uses for dead bodies).

"My sister… Celestia, that is. I visited her dreams the most, and I saw…"

Selene has been keeping an eye on Princess Celestia. She has correctly informed you that Princess Celestia will have reached Lantern 2 by the beginning of Turn 22.

Click to shrink...

-You must not let Celestia's Lantern level reach your Moth level.

-[] Do something about your opponents

Spoiler: Opponents

"They might not be your enemies, but they are definitely not your friends."
(Knowing, or at least suspecting, an opponent's location is vital for a non-ritual action to succeed. Otherwise, the pony sent will spend their action investigating an opponent's whereabouts)

Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Participate in an assault against this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Try to locate or spy on this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN which)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact or parlay with this opponent this opponent (WRITE IN what to talk about, if you locate them and they are willing to talk)

You also have the free time to…

Spoiler: This won't take long

These personal, non-Mansus actions are free.

-[] Before this month starts, you will perform a ritual to draw the attention of [SPECIFY LORE] (This is a free action to summon "The Attention of the Laws")

-[] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about… (WRITE IN)

-[] The delights of subservience (Leash currently targeting: NO TARGET)
--[] Change Leash to another target. (Write-in who)
--[] Un-Leash the current target.

Pick ONE social/teaching action, for your free time at home.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Mayor Mare, the de-factor ruler of Ponyville.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy businesspony.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Spoiled Rich, who seems awfully interested in spending time with you.
-[] [SOCIAL] Spend time with Applejack, daughter of the Apple Clan and older sister to your daughter's friend.
-[] [SOCIAL] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.

-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Rarity, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Jade. (Already a Seeker)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple. (Forbidden)
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach your family the Lores. (Requires "all Lores" to be Level 4 or higher, affects your entire family)

No more running, no more hesitation. If you don't do this, somepony else will, and that thought sometimes terrifies you.

Spoiler: The Dreams come, whether you like it or not

You must pick a single action. You will suffer a malus if there are no new locations to explore.
Using this action to change Ash's focus risks aforementioned malus.

-[] [KNOCK] Focus your hatred. Give Ash new instructions.

-[] [KNOCK] The Ashen Wastes
--[] [KNOCK] Tarrying in the Wastes is always a poor idea… but there is no other way to discover what this place holds.

--[] The Blank Plains (Blank Plains fully explored)

-[] [KNOCK] The Shattered Stairways
--[] [KNOCK] A labyrinth of stairs. A monument of a gone age. A sprawling ruin. See where the many paths might lead you.

-[] [KNOCK] The Ruined Church
--[] [KNOCK] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church (Mansus Expedition)

-[] [KNOCK] The Summit (Summit fully explored)

-[] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus. (Actions towards your possible Sacraments)

Spoiler: Sacramentum means a Solemn Oath

--[] Towards that cold Winter that awaits us all
---[] Investigating the End (Costs 30 bits. May be done multiple times per turn. Somepony, somewhere, will die.)
---[] Beg for knowledge of the End, so that you may learn of its necessity. (Will also provide you with an Edge Sacrament) [THIS IS A REGRETTABLE ACTION]
---[] Invitation? No Winter Names summoned

--[] Attempt, even if foolishly, to untangle the webs of the Secret Histories
---[] Investigate your current skills. To try to understand them, if nothing else. (Current progress 1/3) (THIS IS A DANGEROUS ACTION)
---[] Follow Baldomare, towards a place Beyond the Map's Edge (This is an Expedition action) (this requires Baldomare to be set "to participate in an expedition", ONE Velvet action, and 40 bits)

--[] Take that terrifying leap, into the abyss we call change
---[] Don the mask, shear your mane, pick the only pony who will notice it. Snip snip snip (WRITE IN a CONFIDANT to be permanently lost) Requires Moth 4/4
---[] Invitation? No Moth Names available

--[] But what might we learn, when we fulfill out desires?
---[] "The Act" (WRITE IN three minion-equivalent ponies) Requires Grail 4/4
---[] "An invitation to dinner" (WRITE IN a minion-equivalent pony, or a prisoner, to be destroyed)

--[] You must learn more. Always, always more. The higher you rise, the more you see!
---[] "The Conversation" (WRITE IN a minion-equivalent pony, or a prisoner, to be destroyed) Requires Lantern 4/4
---[] Pay Baldomare her fee. (WRITE IN FOUR followers, or equivalents, for Baldomare's expedition) Requires Lantern 4/4

--[] Learn of that bright Edge, that lives within us all
---[] "I see you my enemy" (WRITE IN who you will challenge)
---[] Be blessed by that Wound, which never ceases to grow. (Will also provide you with a Winter Sacrament) [THIS IS A REGRETTABLE ACTION]
---[] Challenge Biedde to a spar… this will surely hurt.

--[] Reach for the skills that permits one to enact change
---[] Experiment, Craft, Create (Costs 50 bits per action, current progress 0/300) (WRITE IN if any reagents or sacrifices will be used) Requires Forge 2/4
---[] Set up a Workshop, under the direction of Cherenkolt (Costs 200 bits) Requires Forge 4/4

-[] A fleeting opportunity (rumor mills spin, opportunities come and go. These actions might never be available again)

Spoiler: Another moment, and they will be gone

-[] As promised, you will let Soft Sweeps help you. So, you will accept her invitation for... (Not picking this option risks "Dire Consequences" from Soft Sweeps' side)

-[] Uncle Steppes has been... distant, this month. But now, he asked for a moment of your time. "Just making sure everything is in order" he said, saying he has a gift for you. (Not picking this option will still net you his gift, but without your imput)

-[] On the treasures that bits may buy (actions where you search for things to purchase)

Spoiler: Bits and Buyings

--[] There are books that could be of use. You should start looking for them.
---[] In Ponyville, and its… great assortments of libraries? (HEART, FORGE)
---[] In the great libraries of Canterlot… the ones that are open to public access, that is (LANTERN, GRAIL, SECRET HISTORIES)
---[] In the many small bookshops that dot the side streets of Manehattan (MOTH, EDGE, KNOCK)
(Due to SECRET HISTORIES 3, now you have a better idea of what you are more likely to find in each city)

--[] Although you are personally judicious about such habits, you are still a noble. Searching for "peculiar items" to "add to your collection" is certainly not out of place… right? (Search for an artifact to buy)

--[] You have ingratiated yourself with the merchants of Ponyville. Tap into your sources and procure an artifact. (Specify LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. It will be added to your available list, but will be more expensive than normal)

--[] You haven't forgotten about it, you just put it on hold until a more convenient time. (Purchases done here will arrive/be completed at the end of this turn.) (Does NOT cost an action)
---[] NO ARTIFACTS AVAILABLE

On furthering your interests

Spoiler: In Ponyville

-[] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should… (Forge-aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
--[] You need a place where you can safely, and discreetly, store items. Use the upper level of her house for it.
--[] You might need a place to… "store" your enemies. Alive. Dig a small prison under her house.

On planning an Expedition.

Spoiler: Out into the World

(All options involve a test, and can fail, Secret-Histories aligned ponies are better suited at attempting these tasks)
-[] [EXPEDITION] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] [EXPEDITION] Search for a place that is recent in its ruin, whose History is decided. Mundane as it might be, it might still bear treasures. (Search for an "easy" expedition)
--[] [EXPEDITION] Search for a place that is old in its History. Where the influence of the Mansus is but an echo, but that can still be heard in the wind. (Search for an intermediary expedition)
--[] [EXPEDITION] Search for a place that should be better left forgotten. According to the powers of this Era, at least. Finding it will be hard, though, and uncovering its secrets even harder. (Search for a very hard expedition)

-[] [EXPEDITION] Sally out and lead an expedition (will open an "Expedition planning" vote later this turn, with you as the leader)
-[] [EXPEDITION] Scout out a known expedition yourself. (Write in which)

On furthering knowledge. Yours, or somepony else's.

Spoiler: The allures of Power

-[] [TEACH] Write a Manifest. It will not benefit you directly, but it will certainly benefit anypony else with whoever you allow into your library. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [TEACH] Teach Rarity, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [TEACH] Teach Jade. (Already a Seeker)
-[] [TEACH] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple. (Forbidden)
-[] [TEACH] Teach your family the Lores. (Requires "all Lores" to be Level 4 or higher, affects your entire family)

(You may study three books, OR two artifacts, OR one book and one artifact. Studying/developing a ritual costs an entire action.)

-[] [LEARN] There is something about this… thing, and you must learn what it is
--[](Write in which Artifacts

-[] [LEARN] It doesn't have to be just during a leisure weekend evening, you can fit a few minutes of reading even when walking between rooms if you really get into it!
--[] Write in which books

-[] [LEARN] It all fits together, somehow… or so you hope.
--[] [LEARN] "Unknown Ritual – A Memory of Light" Step one (Progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)

On scaling the Mansus (Pick TWO options for every action spent)

Spoiler: The House without walls

-[] [MANSUS] The Wastes

--[] [MANSUS] You hate him, and he loves you so. Visit Ash, and tell him who else you wish to suffer. (Give Ash new orders)

--[] [MANSUS] Stalk the Ashen Wastes. The alternative is to be stalked.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Hunting Grounds, and pray that tonight you are the huntress rather than the hunted.
--[] [MANSUS] Tarrying in the Wastes is always a poor idea… but there is no other way to discover what this place holds. (Search for a new area)

-[] [MANSUS] The Blank Door
--[] [MANSUS] Explore the Blank Plains, the first afterlife of ponykind.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Lodge of the Sage Pony. You may not be able to talk to Baldomare, but you surely can listen very well.
--[] [MANSUS] Visit the Garden of Mirrors, where the Mares attend the glassy flowers.
--[] [MANSUS] Explore what lies beyond the Garden of Mirrors, behind that pale veil of fog Requires a Winter Sacrament
--[] [MANSUS] Reach for The Tower, at the impossible edge of the Blank Plains, and meditate on what you are lacking. (Gain one scrap of Secret Histories Lore) This option will not net you any gain.

-[] [MANSUS] The Shattered Stairways
--[] [MANSUS] Wander through the maze of broken stairs. Perhaps you will stumble upon something.
--[] [MANSUS] Reach for the Valley of Keys, where the snakemare of the Mansus once toiled for her freedom.
--[] [MANSUS] Seek audience with the Wolf-Divided (you will be given a useful gift. Gifts will always be increasingly more precious and useful. There is no risk of receiving any maluses or wounds) [This is a Regrettable Action]
--[] [MANSUS] There are other markings to be followed within this maddening labyrinth of stairs. Follow them. (Search for a new area)

-[] [MANSUS] Beyond the Tribal Door
--[] [MANSUS] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church (Mansus Expedition)
--[] [MANSUS] Visit Biedde on his post, and gaze upon the Worm Museum
--[] [MANSUS] What remains of the heart of the Mansus is but a tortured maze of glass and dead ends. Wander through its corridors.

-[] [MANSUS] The Summit
--[] [MANSUS] Ponder upon the Final Gate.
--[] [MANSUS] Ponder upon that ruined Workshop, where Cherenkolt's remains lie scattered.
--[] [MANSUS] Ponder upon the Broken Gate of hateful glass.

On more personal matters

Spoiler: Home and heart

-[] Of course you love your family very much, but you could always spend a bit more time with them.
--[] Just another pleasant day that you will spend with them. Perfect for cooling your head off.
--[] WRITE IN (other ways to spend time with your family, or anything else)

-[] Go into town and try to meet somepony interesting.

-[] Much to your own satisfaction, you now have a personal life outside of your maids, immediate family and business related meetings. You could choose to spend some time with…
--[] Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher
--[] Mayor Mare, the de-facto ruler of Ponyville
--[] Filthy Rich, a well-to-do and wealthy bussinespony.
--[] Spoiled Rich, who is so very glad you are here today.
--[] Applejack, daughter of the Apple Clan and older sister to your daughter's friend
--[] WRITE IN (arrange to take your daughter to meet some of your younger acquaintances, or plan something else entirely)

On invoking the Lores (see RITUALS for more information, as well as CD and cost. SPECIFY if you will offer SACRIFICE)

Spoiler: The old ways

Write-in any sacrifices you plan to use.

-[] [FORGE] It's actually a lot simpler than it sounds, now that you know what you are doing (produce a reagent, write in which Lore/combination of Lores.
(You cannot produce a reagent with a Lore level superior to your own.) (Producing a single reagent is a FREE ACTION, producing 3 costs 1 action, 5 costs 2 actions, so on.)
--[] [FORGE] Level 1 reagent (5 bits)
--[] [FORGE Level 2 reagent (20 bits)
--[] [FORGE] Level 3 reagent (45 bits)
--[] [FORGE] Level 4 reagent (80 bits)

-[] It's grim work, but needs must.
--[] Acquire a dead body from the local cemetery.
--[] Acquire a live pony. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)

-[] "The proper things, in the proper manner, in the proper order. God help us all." (Perform a Ritual)
--[] "The Attention of the Laws" (specify Aspect)
--[] "The Forge's Redemption"
--[] "The Incision of the Heart"
--[] "The Path Through Nightmares" (specify target)
--[] "The End is Beautiful" (specify target)
--[] "The calling of Influence" (specify Aspect)
--[] "The Reflection of the Tapestry" (specify subject)
--[] Invoke a Risen (SPECIFY dead body used as source. ONE Risen is a FREE ACTION)
--[] Create an Ash-Ghoul (Write in how many sacrifices)
--[] Invoke a Windigo
--[] Invoke a Mare-in-the-Light
--[] Invoke Baldomare Already summoned
--[] Invoke the Daugher-of-Axes Already summoned
--[] Invoke Mareinette, Our Lady of Wires
--[] Invoke Biedde Already summoned

--[] To be performed at your own home, where you will... hopefully not leave many trails
--[] To be performed in Jade's old house (only up to Two-Circle rituals)
--[] To be performed on another location (you do not yet know or own any such location)

-[] Something else? (WRITE IN. Anything, but I will have to consider it, and it might make the voting period a bit longer)





Remember that write-ins for anything may be suggested. I'll do my best to answer if they are reasonable in a timely manner.

We just got back from a very long pause, and I am sure there are options here that are either missing or incorrect. Please observe a TWENTY-FOUR hours moratorium. For people to get the message, get their bearings, and then get to bashing me to fix things.

I hope you are all doing well.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

It doesn't really matter. Not now, at least. Not for you.

You are Velvet Covers.

And today is a momentous day.

It is a day you have planned for, even though nothing you prepared would ever truly be enough.

A day you always knew would come, even though you would never truly be ready for it.

A day you will never forget, even though the very purpose of today is to leave a certain something behind.

Yes, today is… your daughter's cute-ceñeara!

And by the sun and the stars, you vow that this will be the greatest one in history, recorded or not.

However, despite all your opinions, and all your emotions, and all the tears you are trying to hold back…



… even you don't really understand how momentous this day truly is.





- - -
- - -
- - -





Today is a particularly noisy day at the Velvet Estate.

Even from inside the central mansion, one can still hear all the commotion going on. All the screams, and the music, and the occasional zip-bang explosion of a firework.

In fact, it is so noisy that a pony would be forgiven if they said that "it sounds like every last foal in Equestria is playing outside."

But Baldomare is not a pony who works with idioms.

She knows that not every last foal in Equestria is right outside her temporary abode. However, she knows for a fact that every last foal in all of Ponyville is, indeed, currently playing on or around the central garden right now.

However, she is not… annoyed by that.

Granted, Baldomare has no love for foals. But she bears no ill will for them either.

And besides, despite what some of the servants think, she is not a…

… how did that maid phrase it in her mind again?

Ah yes, she is not a "dejected spinster who spends all day reading and drinking in her dusty old room."

Because first of all, her room is not dusty, thank you very much.

And second, she does not spend all day drinking and reading.

She also does plenty of gossiping! Because who in their right minds would not jump at the opportunity to learn more tales from all the distinguished guests in this house? Why, Baldomare is keenly aware that if her host dies, then all her guests will inevitably go their separate ways and tear the world apart as they do so.

So, she also spends plenty of time socializing.

Now, regardless of what that uneducated maid thought that day (and regardless of how she is now chronically afraid of lighthouses, after all the nightmares), Baldomare is not currently in her room.

Of course, she is not in the middle of the festivities either. Hours no. It is already hard enough for her to dodge the flying-tackles of the one filly who is currently being celebrated. She definitely does not want to brave an entire jungle of them.

Still, she recognizes today for what it is: an unusual event. One that deserves to be given more than just her passive attention. Something that justifies leaving her room, and her drinks, and her books, so she can go sit on the balcony and look down at the ongoing festivities.

And to her eyes, the scene that is taking place is actually…

"What do you think of all this?" she asks. Not taking her eyes out of the garden below her, even as her words reach her company.

"I wouldn't presume to know what you are referring to, exactly." Her unlikely, but not unwelcome, companion answers. A soft plume of smoke escaping his lips, as he takes another drag from his pipe. "Could you possibly elaborate?"

"This system. These new rules. The thing that is happening to all those little ones. You saw her daughter, before this happened. And there she is now. How do they look like to you?" she asks.

But something in her tone makes it clear that she is not done speaking. And in truth, despite the amicability shared between those two creatures, they are not the kind that would expect something without first giving in return.

"Because to me, they look like flowers," she continues, offering her half for this deal of knowledge and perspective. "Before it happened, her daughter looks like a little seed, or maybe an egg. That is, if seeds and eggs could go wherever they pleased, and could choose where to burrow or where to nest and where to grow and hatch. She looked like potential itself, shining in any direction that pleased her. But now?"

She waves a hoof at them. All of them. At the foals playing tag around the garden, and at the unwinged younglings climbing on the trees, and also at the adults gathered here and there as they enjoyed the chance to speak to their friends.

"Now they look like flowers that bloomed. They are not Branded, of course. But only because it does not look like their mark was burned into them." She says that as the reason for this entire gathering, the little winged filly, notices one of her newcomer friends and rushes towards her. "But she, and they, look more focused than they were, before their mark. Their thoughts have less potential, but more intensity. They are not Branded, but the blank canvas they were has certainly been painted upon..."

She stops for a second, if only to reflect on the irony of her words.

The irony that she just called the unmarked foals blank canvases, when she already heard they are referred to as "blank" flanks in this Era.

The irony that for all that a Brand was seen as a point of pride, she couldn't help but describe it as being burned into their flanks.

The irony that, in truth, she could not tell whether the current system is a better alternative or not, and much less which one she would rather have been subjected to.

"And a painted canvas implies the existence of a painter," she continues, with a curiously inquisitive expression. That is, before she shrugs and leans back on her seat, being satisfied that she gave enough for this transaction to continue. "So, do tell me. How do they look like to you?"

To which the old soldier, who could only see ponies as pieces on a board, and thought of the world as a game with a set of rules, begins to answer.

"They look like clay. The ones without the marks look malleable and soft. The older ones look baked into their final shapes," he says, thinking about his next words for a few more moments. "But I agree. I too have been thinking about this, during my time here. And I have heard of marks whose purpose remained unknown until later in their lives. One that no flight of fancy from a foal could have conjured."

He rolls his pipe around his mouth, once, before giving the mare at his side an agreeing nod.

"I cannot see as far or as deeply as you can, nor do I want to. But I too see a hoof upon the pottery wheel."

He says that, and the two of them return to their own thoughts and their own silence.

But in truth, both of them shared the same unspoken curiosity. And both of them had their eyes upon one specific mark, whenever they could glimpse it as its owner flew here and there.

Because if there is a painter behind these symbols, and if there is a hoof molding this clay, then what is the significance of that mark, that imprinted so auspicious a symbols upon such innocent a filly?





- - -
- - -
- - -





Today is a particularly chaotic day at the Velvet Estate.

Everypony knew this day would come. And once the date had been set, everypony had prepared in advance.

But even then, the Estate's resources had been pushed beyond their limits.

The servants were all mobilized. They knew what to do, when to do it, and who to report to when something unexpected inevitably happened. And yet, even the experienced staff of the Lady was quickly overburdened.

Security was, well, a practical impossibility. The event did not have a guest list, as much as it had a "you must be this tall or shorter to enter" criteria. And despite the complaining, then the begging, then the threats of resignation from the Commissioner's security detail, in the end the Estate was flooded by a horde of unverified ponies.

However, if there was one place in the entire Estate where things had gone badly… if there was one cog of the cute-ceñeara that was tested, found wanting, and the summarily shattered… it was definitely the kitchen.

Yes. They knew this day was coming several weeks in advance. They were told of the Lady's exacting demands, and they were given unlimited funds to stock the larders and the pantries and the root cellar. And they already knew, from the previous cute-ceñeara of the Lady's adopted daughter, how sorely they would be tested.

But despite the foolhardiness of the head chef, and the gallantry of his team of cooks, he could not stem the tide. No.

The ravenous hordes of hungry, energetic, and sugar crazed foal that descended upon the food tables like locust was too much. And for every treat, snack and dish that was shipped out, three more desperate maids returned to the kitchen begging for more, the hems of their uniforms torn by the bites of voracious fillies and colts.

It is no secret that, to the chef's great shame, the cute-ceñeara was on the brink of collapsing.

Or at least… that would have been the case, if they had not been saved.



"[GRAIL]!"



"You heard the lady! More flour!" the chef barked, "and more coal for the bread ovens!"

But at the center of the kitchen, personally attending no less than four tables of pastries, was fair Mareinette. Yelling orders and taming the living storm that was the Estate's kitchen with her sheer presence.

Yes, she arrived at the chef's darkest hour. And, although he would never admit it to another soul, he struck a great and terrible bargain with her. One whose full gravity he couldn't even rightly comprehend.

Still, he gave away the authority Lady Velvet herself gave to him over the Estate's kitchen (and thus, the ability to enter them), in exchange for fair Mareinette's services during that day of days.

But alas, until his dying breath he would consider that bargain well struck. Because now that the Estate's kitchen is under the tight grip of that most esteemed of ladies, the event is saved from certain disaster. Never mind that the recipes that are being cooked by her decree are some he never heard of, and never mind that the delicacies being shipped out by the endless stream of maids have names he cannot even comprehend.

Because under Mareinette's marinations, the crushing tide of foals right outside the kitchen is finally subsiding. And thanks to Mareinette's ministrations, the returning servants now speak of compliments to the chef rather than desperate pleas for yet more food.

And that is all thanks to her, of course.

That is all thanks to Mareinette, and the curious cooking utensils she has been using thus far. Because although the chef has not seen her reach for any of the tools available in the kitchen, he swears that the same ladle she is currently holding was also used to apply frosting to the cakes, and to cut the vegetables, and to reach into the hot ovens to pull out a fresh batch of doughnuts.

In fact, he thinks the stress is probably getting to him.

Because the chef swore to himself that, just now, he heard fair Mareinette talk to the ladle she has on her hoofs.

Spoiler: Surely, he must be mad!

The little one, what are your thoughts on her?

I… have not been in the Wake for long enough to form an opinion.

Nonsense! You have not been here long enough to draw comparisons. But surely, you have an opinion.

I fail to see the value of my opinion. Does her Brand not make her purpose obvious?

That is not a Brand.

I may not be Branded, but I have eyes to see. You may be great, but you are mistaken.

That is not a Brand.

…

But we are in agreement that it whispers at her purpose. It is your thoughts on the implications that I bid you share.

Well, if you must know, her alliance with the snake surprised me. But not so much in hindsight.

Not alliance. Friendship.

And the lamppost's patience with her is intriguing. Especially given her circumstances.

Not patience. Endearment.

I do not follow…

And I do not blame you. But let me offer you another gift then, as a sign of our alignment. You have much to learn about this Era, but here is an opportunity plain for you to do so.

If you are offering me knowledge, I will gladly accept your patronage.



Clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack



Not me. Not yet. But your mentors await you, and your chosen form will make them jump at the opportunity to teach you their ways.

I do not underst-

NOW BE A GOOD COLT AND GO PLAY​

Moments later the chef witnesses something that will certainly justify his next request for vacations. Because at the same time that he watches fair Mareinette respond to yet another kitchen crisis, he swears that she just whispered something to her magical ladle just now.

She whispered something, then she laughed, and without any explanation she throws it towards the door that leads out of the kitchen.

But he never sees her ladle, or whatever utensil it was, hit the ground. Because the moment his view is blocked, as his view of the ladle is blocked by a rushing butler, he watches as a foal falls face-first on the ground where the ladle should have landed.

It is a colt with bright orange fur and no cutie mark on his flank. A colt that looks confused, and maybe even a little scared, as one of the passing maids quickly shoos him away from the kitchen, saying something to the effect that he shouldn't be there. A colt who, during the glimpse the chef gets of the outside world before the door closes again, is immediately swarmed by other foals as their new playmate.

A colt who he had never seen before in his life.

But a perfectly normal colt nonetheless.

Still, before he can think about that any further-


"[HEART]!"


-another barking order fills the kitchen, and his exhaustion is once again overcome by his desire to cook.

"Right away my lady!" he yells, feeling like the young and energetic sous-chef he was maybe twenty years ago. Safe and confident under the command of his betters.

And the cute-ceñeara marches on.





- - -
- - -
- - -





Today is a particularly humiliating day at the Velvet Estate.

At least as far as she is concerned.

All because of those hatchlings! Broods upon broods of them! So many that she can barely make their individual scents. And more than once, she picked up one that she thought had a familiar scent, only to realize she was looking at a hatchling she had never seen in her life.

But that wasn't the true reason for her indignity. Oh no.

Because at some point, one of those damned younglings let spill that she didn't have a Brand herself. And snake or no snake, even she couldn't escape from the living wave of tiny horses that fell upon her.

And then they brought the crayons, their hyperactive minds deciding that her resplendent flank was a wrong to be corrected, and then…

Well, at this point there isn't a single scale in her entire body that isn't somehow marked or colored over. To the point that rather than just washing it off, it will probably be easier to just shed her entire skin later on.

Plus, her robes are nowhere to be found.

Oh the pain… the sheer ignominy she is under right now!

…

If only her little friend hadn't been so delighted while it all happened. Giggling in delight as she mistook public degradation for an attempt to join in their games.

"Bu' really? Wot's the poin' in anne of this?" she says out loud, more so she can grumble than for any other reason.

However, much to her surprise and annoyance, somepony answers her.

Or at least, somepony tries to answer. But he seems to choke on his words, and needs to loudly clear his throat, before he can actually say anything understandable.

"Because she is finally growing up?" he says, although his insecure and (for some reason) flustered tone makes it sound more like a question than an answer.

But of course, she thinks to herself, it just had to be him. The little biting pony with gold for a mane. He might pay well, yes, but she is most certainly not in a mood to uphold her end of their bargain right now.

Still, she feels even less motivated to just walk away. Partly because she doesn't want to parade her tarnished scales right now, but also because she fears that if she moves, the hatchlings might remember she exist and tackle her again.

So, she elects for the lesser evil that is to hear the small horse next to her yap.

And she even throws him a few answers every now and then. If only to buy herself some reprieve from the sound of his voice.


"The little pega-… I mean, Silky seems to be really fond of you, don't you think?"
"S'only right tae take care of th' younglins."
"Have you… *ahem* ever had foals of your own before?"
"Well, ae had tae raise one so many times I might as well hav'. Evr'y time we moved aroun' an' she had tae shed, et was tha' all over again."


Granted, he wasn't entirely unbearable. Although she had to hiss at him when, for some reason, he tried to offer his coat to cover her scales up. She didn't want his stinking smell all over her!

Still, for all that he wasn't hatchling-sized, some of the things he said made her wonder if he was just a youngling who had undergone a growth spurt.

And besides, the gold-maned pony for some reason could attract the food-carrying maids, so she had some benefit for putting up with his presence.

So, all things considered, she could have been stuck with worse company. Like her previous summoner, for example.

"Ye saed sumthin before," she says during their conversation. "Sumthing stupid, aye? Ye saed this es all because th' hatchling es finally growin' up. But she's been growin' up all 'er life! Th' fok is th' difference now?" she asks.

To which, for some reason, the noble takes a few seconds before answering. As if he was repeating the words somepony had told him long ago, and he was making an effort to remember them just right. And maybe something, perhaps the pony who told him that or maybe the words themselves, were precious to him, so he wanted to make sure he passed them along to her correctly.

"You see, the thing about cutie marks is… Before you get a cutie mark, it feels like you are going to be a foal forever. Like the entire world is a playground. A place that exists outside of your home, and that you visit to play and have fun."

He has a funny way of referring to Brands, she thinks. Just like all the other ponies. But she is past trying to correct them at that point.

"But once you get your cutie mark, something changes. You are still a foal, of course. But when you get your cutie mark, it finally feels like one day you will stop being one. It feels like you become a part of the world, and that you have your place in it, rather than the world just being this place you live in."

He said that and, naturally, she had her misgivings with his explanation.

Because Brands are stupid. And they shouldn't let themselves be defined by them. She certainly doesn't need one to be herself.

And yet, there is something about her words that give her pause.

To the point that, as she watches her little friend fly here and there over the garden… as she once again takes a good look at the symbol painted on her flank…

"Do ye think tha'… ye ever think if th' world also has moments like tha'?" she asks with a thoughtful voice. "Ye think th' world ever has a moment tha'… et doesn' really change, bu' et finally decides wo' direction et's gonna go?"

She asks that.

But unfortunately, even if predictably, the small pony sitting next to her doesn't offer any insightful answers.

What the heck, judging by the look on his face she can't even be sure if he understood half of her words!

Oh, what rotten luck she has. Even the partying younglings would have made for better conversation partners!

So, resolute in not wasting any more time sitting next to this oversized colt, she gets up and leave.

And she only has to hiss at him two more times before he finally gives up on chasing her.





- - -
- - -
- - -





In the end, your daughter's cute-ceñeara is a success.

Part of you feels hollow, or maybe a little lonely. Because for all that your little filly is not yet a mare, the day she becomes one now feels that much closer.

But another part of you, one that is thankfully greater, is positively thrilled by the idea of what comes next.

And of course, there is still plenty of work to be done. Today, you need to organize the servants to make sure the cleanup goes smoothly. And your daughter will still be a filly tomorrow and on the day after, so you are sure there will be plenty more to do then as well.

The circumstances might be different. The challenges she face might be different. And heavens, even the gifts she received are already different. Because as it befits a cute-ceñeara, the celebrating foal is supposed to receive instruments, books or tools for them to practice the calling of their cutie marks, not dolls or toys.

So yes, things will certainly change moving forwards.

But as long as the smile she has on her face doesn't change, you don't really mind.



Perhaps I wiped my mouth. Perhaps I licked my lips.

The sands of the hourglass keep falling. The sun chases the moon in the sky. Time moves forward.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
-[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
-[X] Join the Assault on Tall Tale
-[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde

[X] Plan: Prisoner Chomping
-[x] (Free) Sell Edge 3 artifact
-[x] (Detectives) Follow Up: Dodge City
-[x] (Constables) Follow Up: Tall Tale
-[X] (Commissioner) Introduce Lore: Forge
-[x] (Director) Lantern
-[x] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Spoiled Rich & Filthy Rich
-[x] (Biedde) Channel an Edge Influence
-[x] (Baldomare) Channel a Lantern Influence
-[x] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[x] (Rarity) Focus on her work
-[x] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry x 2
--[x] Target: Easiest Level 7 book to acquire
--[X] Target: Easiest Forge 6 reagent to acquire
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Acquire a prisoner, preferably not an innocent civilian
-[X] Build a prison
-[X] Obtain a dead body
-[X] Perform the Attention of the Laws (Edge) (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-2 Follower AP, +1 Velvet AP)

You are Lady Velvet Covers.

And soon, very soon, you will be thrown back into your busy life. Back to the Bureau, and to the problems and intrigues of Canterlot, and to all the problems and concerns those things entail.

Not for the first time, you consider just quitting. Let somepony else be the Commissioner. Or just stop making any official decisions and let Shining Armor take over.

Because why should you keep going there? Why should you, you of all ponies, have to spend so much time and effort with all that?

Especially considering all the other more important things you should be doing. Silky's cute-ceñeara, as joyous as it was, also served you as a slap on the face, reminding your little filly won't stop growing and that you have been spending less and less time with her.

And it isn't just your family. There is also… there is also that thing that waits you, in your dreams… there is also GLORY and…

You shake your head, pushing those thoughts away. This wasn't the first time they occurred to you, and you know this won't be the last time either. However, just like every other time, you shove them into a drawer inside your mind and close it shut.

After all, you do have other reasons to go to Canterlot. Cadance couldn't come to your daughter's party, so you promised the mare you would tell her all about it. And besides, as much as it pains you to think about it, your daughter will finish growing up one day. So, it is better for you to find other things to keep you busy, for when that happens, and your current job suits that just fine.

And besides. This is still the Lunar Bureau you are thinking about. Quitting may sound tempting, but are you really willing to let somepony else take the reins of something that important?

…

Yeah, you didn't think so.

Still, your newfound determination doesn't stop you from letting out a small sigh.

Well, nothing you can do but keep moving forward.

With that in mind, you go back to your preparations.

You will be taking several books and items to study in Canterlot, during whatever time you have at night once you are done with your work. Plus, you already arranged with Biedde and Baldomare for them to give you their aid, before the old stallion leaves for his trip and the mare disappears in one of her flights of fancy.

But you will not be reaching out to them right now. Not yet, at least.

Because although you will be leaving for Canterlot soon, there is one last thing you will be doing here in Ponyville. And you definitely do not want whatever "blessings" that the Names might give you interfering with your own judgment.

Yes, that's another reason for you to keep what you are doing. Watching your daughters grow up and spread their wings may be painful at times.

But at times like this, like when Softy surprised you with her invitation to a certain event, you can't help but feel another smile coming to your face.

You should figure out what to wear for that.





- - -
- - -
- - -



A few weeks prior.



- - -
- - -
- - -





It is late in the afternoon, and the sun is fast approaching the horizon.

And today isn't just any day, it is the last day of the week. So, it is no surprise that every face on the street, most of them going back home after a full day of work, is tired and ready for weekend's rest.

Especially here. Especially in this growing village called Ponyville, whose streets are slowly becoming more and more filled with newcomers, and whose once-quiet corners are now being filled by the sounds of new voices and new endeavors.

Still, despite the understandable exhaustion every grown mare and stallion is feeling right now, today is also a very special day for a particular group of ponies. Today is a day that justifies them pushing back against the desire to rest and gathering what little focus they have left.

Because today, for a very particular group of ponies, is the day of their weekly meeting.

Today is the day they can get together and see the friends they made along the way, who helped them through the painful journey of their own loss. Today is the day they can ask for help, or provide it to those who are in need. Today is the day they get to remember who they were, and tell themselves that they didn't really leave anypony behind, but instead chose to keep moving forward.

But more importantly, today is also they day they can…



"I'm telling you, we need her to tell us more! I could keep going if I felt like I was making some progress. But so far, it's just been ash! Ash and dust as far as the eye can see. And that's when I get lucky and something worse doesn't find me instead."

"Don't be stupid. You know the rules. We all do."

"She is right. We need to keep waiting, as much as it hurts. And look, I understand your impatience. We all do. But if you think about it… waiting has worked, hasn't it? I mean, it has been months, and something new comes up… basically when she decides it's time, no?"

"No, no, no. You're all wrong, I'm telling you. This here is a test. She taught us to reach that place, didn't she? Well, ya'll saw what happened to Butters. The ash-lung nearly killed her! The Miss is testing us, so we gotta keep trying to reach higher. Without her help, that is."

"He's right! Miss Sweeps doesn't need us. So how can this not be a test? So far she's done everything for us, and we didn't do anything for her. What if these dreams are just a way to prove who can be useful to her or not?"



… today is also the day they can gather, and talk about what really matters.

Today is the one day of the week, the few hours that they get, when they can remind each other that they are not insane.

Because every other day, they have to live around the other ponies of Ponyville. Every other day they are forced to live with… with their neighbors, and their coworkers, and everypony else they see on the streets, who somehow have these smiles on their faces like nothing is wrong. Every other day they have to see other ponies who, somehow, are happy without any effort or reason.

And sometimes, that makes them almost lose their minds.

But here and now, in this gathering, they can be themselves. They can speak without fear of censure or ridicule. More than that, they can speak about their pain and be met with understanding rather than pity.

And thanks to Miss Sweeps, they can also speak about their purpose.

Even if they do not fully understand it themselves.

"Hey. Hey! Everypony!" A voice cuts through the room, silencing most of the discussion.

And although some of them look at the speaker with annoyance, everypony realizes the one reason why they would be interrupted like that.

"She's on her way. I can see her and Whacky coming down the street. Time to pack it up," the lookout says, letting out a sigh and a few more whispered words, "unless we get lucky today."

Still, despite the initial wave of disappointment that swept through the room, everypony got to work.

Large maps, of endless ashy wastelands with tentative paths drawn on them, were rolled up and stored out of sight. Bottles with dark samples, of oily blood or dry dust, were shoved into suitcases and pushed out of sight. And the several chairs that were spread here and there were gathered into a welcoming circle.

Of course, nopony was really angered by the warning they received. On the contrary, for some of them this would be the highest point of their week, to be able to see and listen to their precious Miss Sweeps.

But still, they couldn't help but feel some level of… restlessness. The biting sensation that they should be doing something, but they didn't know what.

However, they all agreed that even that bleeding itch was better than the ignorance they once lived with.

So, they all got to their places before the doors were finally opened.

And despite the wave of emotions that washed over them, as soon as the last two mares entered the room-

-the hate that some of them, the quiet ones who stayed close to the corners, felt for the earth pony mare-

-the relief that some of them felt as the pegasus mare came to their sight-

-the tension that some of them felt as they wondered if today would see another revelation-

-and all the other things that were stoked in their hearts and whispered into their ears and shoved down their throats…

…they all joined in smiling at precious Miss Sweeps, as the quietly sneaked into the room as if she was the least important pony there.

"Good evening everypony, sorry we're late," she said, to which every last ear in the room perked up in attention.

"Not at all, Miss Sweeps. Most of us just got here," one of them, some lucky sod who was closest to her when she said that, says in return.

And with that, another meeting begins.



- - -



It was, all things considered, a normal meeting.

Some of them shared a few things, some of them brought up a few points for discussion, and more than a few talked about some good news that could help their peers brighten their own days.

Because for all that theirs was a grieving group, it stands to reason that Equestria (and especially Ponyville) was not exactly abundant with grieving. New members were exceedingly rare, and most of the members of the group had been able to move past their own traumas in some capacity.

It would be a lifelong journey, they knew. But nowadays it was rarer for somepony to burst into tears than it was during their first meetings.

However, just when everypony was about to get up and leave, one of their members hesitated. As if she wanted to say something else.

If it had been anypony else, she would probably be heard by some of her fellow group members, while the others excused themselves to leave. If it had been anypony else, most of them would lend an ear, but also think about how late it is getting, and how they should go home and rest.

But the pony who hesitated, and clearly considered whether she should raise her voice, was not "anypony else".

So, for some reason or the other, everypony suddenly became very interested in staying on their seats for a little longer. Everypony suddenly found something else to discuss, with their nearby fellows, or thought about something they had in their saddle-bags that needed their immediate attention.

And despite the mixed reactions many of them had to such a thing, they all patiently waited as Whacky leaned into her and dropped a casual, unsolicited remark.

"All good, Sweeps? Or is there something else you'd like to bring up?" she says, getting so blasphemously close to her she was almost whispering in her ear. "You look like you have something on your mind, ever since we left the mansion. Anything the matter?"

She asks that, and not for the first time everypony else agrees that the little troublemaker does have her uses.

Because sure enough, Whacky Amor's words seem to be enough for the precious pegasus to decide to speak up.

"Actually…" she says, first with a low tone, and then loud enough for everypony to speak. "Um, I've been thinking about… well, about our meetings. And I-I definitely don't mean to say I don't like coming here. I do! But I was worried that… that maybe some of us don't really need to come here anymore?"

She says that, and the first thing that grips most ponies in that room is terror.

Sheer, unadulterated terror.

That they wouldn't be able to see their Soft Sweeps anymore.

That she wouldn't be there to guide them anymore.

That they would be left alone, with their thoughts and with their nightmares and with the things they found in them.

But then, hope.

Because Miss Sweeps did say she wasn't sure if some of them needed to come anymore.

But she also said that she wanted them to. That she enjoyed their meetings, and their conversations, and the everypony in that room, who she had grown to think of as her… friends.

So, wouldn't it be nice if they found another reason to gather?

And since they had so much success in helping each other, wouldn't it be nice if they found a way to help even more ponies? Maybe all of Ponyville? Maybe even all of Equestria?

"I-I mean… you all know I work as a nanny, right? Well, the filly I work with just got her cutie mark. And that's the point that most nannies are dismissed. I'm not going to be fired, I think, b-but well…"

They all needed something to keep themselves busy, she said.

They all needed a place to belong, she said.

And she recently had an idea of what they could do next.

"She's, um, like a mom to me. I know I talk about her all the time, a-and I'm sorry if I'm just repeating myself! Oh, and please, I am not trying to take advantage of her or anything, especially given how important she is. But… would anypony mind if I brought her here? Sometimes I feel like she knows the answer to everything, and she definitely knows how to do things that matter. So maybe if she comes, she could…?"

Yes…

Yes.

Yes.

Their encouraging nods turned into encouraging smiles. And their gentle expressions slowly started to brim with excitement.

Because yes, that's what comes next.

Her motherly figure, who she talks about all the time. The one who kept her going. The one who always knows what to do.

This was, without a doubt, the next signpost they were being given by their precious Soft Sweeps.

She would finally give them a moment of the time, even if it was just a word, from the one who guides her as well.

Discussions on what they could do, and how to prepare, began immediately, and went well into the night.

Much to the delight of Soft Sweeps, who was just glad that her silly idea was so well received by her friends.


"Nothing too formal. Maybe a party?" somepony suggested casually.


And just like that, a group of grieving ponies, determined to help as many as they can, started planning a meeting with a very important figure.

And just like that, a group of grieving ponies, united in purpose and seeking the truth, started planning an audience with the one who gifted them purpose.





The next threadmark is a previously-written omake, who has been voted into canon.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
-[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
-[X] Join the Assault on Tall Tale
-[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde

[X] Plan: Prisoner Chomping
-[x] (Free) Sell Edge 3 artifact
-[x] (Detectives) Follow Up: Dodge City
-[x] (Constables) Follow Up: Tall Tale
-[X] (Commissioner) Introduce Lore: Forge
-[x] (Director) Lantern
-[x] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Spoiled Rich & Filthy Rich
-[x] (Biedde) Channel an Edge Influence
-[x] (Baldomare) Channel a Lantern Influence
-[x] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[x] (Rarity) Focus on her work
-[x] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry x 2
--[x] Target: Easiest Level 7 book to acquire
--[X] Target: Easiest Forge 6 reagent to acquire
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Acquire a prisoner, preferably not an innocent civilian
-[X] Build a prison
-[X] Obtain a dead body
-[X] Perform the Attention of the Laws (Edge) (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-2 Follower AP, +1 Velvet AP)

You are Whacky Amor.

You are Lady Velvet Covers.​

And you can already tell that today will be…

And you can already tell that today will be…!​

A HORRIBLE/WONDERFUL DAY​

- - -



Most days are… bearable. The other maids don't really like you, you can tell. But you are just good enough at pretending to be good at your job that they just have an uncanny feeling of wrongness about you. Like they don't consciously know that you are a fraud, but can't really silence the voice inside their heads that insist otherwise.

Still, you have a job now, and a place to sleep. Which already makes this better than your previous arrangement.

So again, most days are… bearable.

The repetitive tasks and motions that must be done, to stop the house from rotting and dying.

The repetitive stress of following rules, and putting on a smile, and mewling out an apology when you inevitably do something wrong.

The repetitive agony of hunger, before it is finally time for the next meal.

But you can endure all of that. Not just because you have to, but because this entire arrangement keeps you so close to her.

Yes, you will keep doing whatever it takes, put up with whatever pain and humiliation… to stay close to your very best friend.

Because it is no longer enough to see her just once a week. You are no longer satisfied with just walking her to and from the meetings, and chatting with her for however much time she has available during those so very short evenings.

No. You need more of her. You must have more of her.

And here, you can have just that.

On a good day, you can see her flying overhead. Taking the little nobles to school and then coming back, doing this and that errand around the house, or just fussing around the areas that a maid of your station can't really enter. Yes, you have already learned about all her tasks. You have already committed her schedule to memory. And whenever you think your supervisors (or that damn butler) aren't looking, you will do your best to sneak towards a window or go outside, just to catch a glimpse of her flying.

And whenever you manage to do that, you know it is a good day.

On a better day, she will notice you back. Yes, it always makes your heart flutter when it happens. On a better day, when she isn't as busy or when you sneak out to a spot that is particularly easy for a pegasus to see, she will notice you. She will notice you and, if you are lucky, she will even address you.

A wave of a hoof, a mouthed "hello". Sometimes, she will even land and exchange a few words with you. And for all that it takes every last ounce of your willpower to answer her like a normal pony because what wouldn't you give for a sniff or a taste or the opportunity to wear her maid dress and feel her warmth you still cherish the rare opportunities when that happens.

Whenever that happens, you know you had a better day.

But other than that, most days are… bearable.

Other than that, most days are just that: another day. You get up, you do what you are told, you get paid bits you have no use for, and you get fed so you can do it all again tomorrow.

It's not ideal, but it could be worse. It used to be worse. And here, you at least have a better chance of something good happening, to counteract the bad.

So, you will keep working here. You will keep a smile on your face, and you will keep fumbling through your job.

You will stay here, even though… even though you know about the risks.

You will stay here, even though you feel like you might go insane, at how nerve-wracking it can get.

You will stay here… even though this place terrifies you.

Because…

…

Because of…



- - -

You almost skip down the stairs as you make your way to the first floor.

Because again, today will be a wonderful day!

Well, a wonderful evening. Or a wonderful night? Ah, what the hay, you won't get caught up in semantics. Instead, you will just enjoy yourself!

After all, you are about to spend some quality time with one of your daughters.

And what makes it even better is that she has a surprise planned for you!

"Soft Sweeps dear, are you ready to go?" you ask, as soon as you reach the door to her room.

Of course, you already know the answer to that.

You know that her door is not locked. And you can smell that she is right in front of her mirror, probably taking one last look at herself. And you know and you know and you know what her "surprise" is to begin with.

But still, Softy asked you to spend some time with her. No, it's not just that. Softy said she wants to help you, or be more helpful to you, and according to her she planned this evening with that in mind.

So, you cannot wait to see how things will turn out! In fact, you are feeling something quite curious right now. Part of you feels giddy, as if you are about to watch Silky make a school presentation in front of a crowd. While another part of you feels proud, the same way you feel when Selene tells you about something serious she is working on.

And all of that puts a very big smile on your face.

"One more minute! Let me just…!" you hear her answer through the closed door, followed by a very low rustling noise. But true to her word, she heads towards the door and opens it right after.

And you are treated to the sight of your Softy wearing a darling saddlebag on her back, filled with what looks like a few scrolls and other items.

"Mrs. Velvet…" she says, for some reason very embarrassed. "There's… there's nothing special about this saddlebag? R-really, like I told you, we're not supposed to be wearing anything flashy or…"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say that out loud?" you ask. But none the matter, you shake your head and start making your way to the entrance hall. "Well, I still think that saddlebag looks wonderful on you, dear."

You hear her mumble something, but you don't think anything of it. And with that, the two of you make your way out of the mansion and towards the central garden.

"So, you did mention you wanted to introduce me to your friends?" you ask, looking at her as you walk to gauge her reaction. "I take it we won't be late even if we walk? Or would you like me to take a carriage?"

"No, no, we will be fine," she says. But more importantly, she barely even noticed how you referred to her group as her friends, and just gave you a casual nod as you talked.

Which is, of course, a wonderful sign! You realize Softy started going to that group so… well, to help her. But you are honestly glad that she thinks of them as her friends now.

And of course, that makes it all the better now that she is comfortable enough to introduce you to them.

"We won't need a carriage. Oh, but we can't leave just yet. Somepony is coming with us, if that's not a problem," she says, looking around the garden and searching for somepony.

Although you can't sense anypony. And soon enough, Soft Sweeps' eyes narrows as she comes to the same conclusion, realizing that there is nopony else in the garden other than you two.

"That's strange. She is usually waiting for me here," she says, tilting her head slightly. "Do you mind waiting here for a bit, Mrs. Velvet? She works here in the mansion, and she sleeps in the servants' quarters. I'll go check on her and be right back."

She says that, part confused and part apologetic for her friend's absence. But you are already waving a hoof at her, telling that it is alright, before she even finishes her sentence.

"It's quite alright, Soft. I'm sure she just got caught up in something. And really, I'll join you. I don't think I've visited that part of the estate since it was renovated, so let's go check on your friend together."

You say that, and the encouraged smile your daughter answers you with is all that you need to see.​

- - -



Staying here… working here, and living here, is for the best, you tell yourself.

Catching glimpses of her, and even talking to her more often, is worth it, you tell yourself.

The benefits outweigh the risks, even if the risks are so horrifying, you tell yourself.

But still… despite all that… despite all the encouragements, and the motivations, and the lies you try to bribe yourself with…

Despite all of that…

There hasn't been a single week where you worked here, and did not fear for your life.

There hasn't been a single night where you slept here, and did not have a nightmare.

There hasn't been a single hour where you have been here, and did not have the impression that… that the walls, and the doors, and even the reflections on the mirrors looked like a set of fangs, that were about to sink into you.

Your very best friends is here, yes. Your one and only friends lives in this place. Your very own reason to live calls this place her home, and you wouldn't be able to leave any more than you would be able to rip out your heart and walk away.

However, you still know…

Even though, somehow, nopony else notices it…

Even though, for some unexplainable reason, nopony else ever points it out…

You are still aware that…

You are still aware that this mansion is the lair of a monster.

One that you know all too well in your nightmares.



- - -

You follow Soft Sweeps into one of the side buildings. Not the larger one where your brother lives, but instead another one that is closer to the front gate.

You can't really remember when was the last time you have been to this building. But you do remember that, back then, this was just a collection of storages and the odd workshop used by the servants. Definitely a building that had more rooms than use, and one that was meant to accommodate more than you could provide during your lonely stewardship.

But now that your brother is here, and the estate has twice as many nobles and many more times the work, you can see how this building was elevated to its full potential.

"The mess hall and the servants' kitchen are that way. The maids from your side of the estate come here for lunch, sometimes. But I hear things are still a little tense with the newcomers. Oh, and those stairs lead to an underground storage, which is entirely new. And over there…"

Soft Sweeps seems to be very familiar with this place. And even though it is evening, and there is very little activity going on right now, she treats you to a little tour.

You are also impressed by the renovations themselves, and you are glad that your brother's servants have access to these facilities. After all, your own staff is mostly from Ponyville, so they get to go home after work. But most of your brother's servants are from Canterlot. So, you are glad they have this place as their home away from home.

"And she sleeps in the dormitory, which is that way. So, I suppose we should look for her there first?"

"I suppose. But now that I think of it… I can go wait outside, if you prefer. Wouldn't it be bad if I just waltzed into their dormitory at this time, Soft?" you ask, pursing your lips slightly at that thought. After all you are a noble, so you wouldn't want to stir up the maids in a place they would consider personal, and at a time they would be resting. "I wouldn't want to cause a fuss or anything like that."

"Oh, it's alright Mrs. Velvet. It's the last day of the week, and it's not that late. I expect the dormitory to be mostly empty. I hear that most of the maids have gotten used to spending time in Ponyville after their shift is done, so I don't think there will be that many ponies there."

You answer her with a nod. And indeed, you can tell the building is mostly empty.

So, you continue to follow her, deeper through the corridors.

"And who is this friend of yours we are looking for?" you ask.

To which she answers with a rather complicated smile. As if she is about to tell you something that she is slightly embarrassed of.

"Do you remember a few weeks back, when I told you about a friend who was looking for a job…?"​

- - -



It's happening again.

Oh, no. It is happening again.

IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN.

You hate it.

You hate it, you hate it, you hate it.

Your heart is pounding so hard inside your chest it is actually painful.

Your limbs… your muscles, and your bones, and your blood, and even the wings you wish you had during times like this, all start begging you to run.

Your lungs start seizing up. Yelling at you that you need to breathe, and also that if you breathe you will die.

And you start to feel…

You start to feel that…

…

You don't even how to describe it, this feeling that you have.

…

All that you know is that you hate it.

You wish this felt like a pressure, inside your skull. Like that strange sensation your kind has, when the plants are ready to sleep and the ground begs to be covered in snow.

You wish this felt like some kind of nausea. A sinking feeling inside your gut, as if you had just eaten something bad and was about to feel sick.

Hay, you wish this felt like pain. You wish you could describe it like having a knife pushed into your ears, or like a branding iron being jabbed on the back of your head.

Because pain is something you know. Pain is something you can deal with. And if it gets too bad, pain is something you can escape from. That anypony can escape from.

But this is not pain.

This is so, so much worse.

It feels like… this feels like you know, you just know, that there are fangs closing in around you neck. Because sometimes you can feel a stinking breath against your fur, right over your jugular. And sometimes, but only sometimes, you can feel the thinnest prick of a sharp tip brushing against your coat.

It is maddening. Because you know it is right there. You know that jaw can snap shut at any moment, and that those fangs will sink into you any second now, but it never happens.

It feels like that, but so much worse.

It feels like black clouds are about to appear in the sky to block out the sun, forever.

It feels like the very air will suddenly burst into flames, but that nopony will ever really die anymore.

It feels like a perverted imminence. Like the split second between a spark flying and a flame igniting. Like the moment right after a plate hits the ground, and it is already broken, but the shattered pieces have not yet flown in all directions. The very last moment that the world will ever retain its current shape, before breaking apart forever.

But that next moment never comes.

And you are just stuck with this knowledge, this certainty, that something horrible is just about to happen.

It is agony.

And you are stuck with it.

And you hate it.

But worst of all, you know what the cause of this thing is.

You have known it all along, ever since you stepped hoof in this distant village called Ponyville.

It is…

---

"Mrs. Velvet Covers?" your daughter's voice comes to you again.​

It is that Lady they call Velvet Covers.

"Yes Soft?" you answer her, as you look around the empty corridor, just as your daughter returns from the servant's dormitory.​

But you know the truth. You know better. You know that in reality…

There is no Lady Velvet Covers.

"I couldn't… she isn't in the dormitory. Or at least I couldn't find her," she says, awkwardly scratching a foreleg as if somehow she is to blame for it.​

This… this whole arrangement… this job, and this mansion, and this entire system they have in place. It is all a façade. It's all just a big, elaborate lie.

"Maybe she went ahead without you? You did say you two go to this meeting every week," you say, trying to find an answer that would make her feel better. "Who knows, maybe she left earlier to do something in Ponyville, and decided to head straight to the meeting once she was done."​

It's all just a lie, like this entire world is a lie.

"That's the thing. There were two maids in the dormitory and I asked them… They said she was here just a few minutes ago, and that she left in a bit of a hurry."​

But you know why that lie is there. You know why everypony goes along with it, and why nopony ever tries to think too hard about it.

Because you know what isn't a lie?

"Do you mind if I look for her around the building a little more?" Soft asks. And well, who are you to deny her?​

Evil isn't a lie. Paranoia isn't a lie.

"Not at all dear, go ahead. I'll wait by the entrance then." You answer.​

And everypony knows that as long as you go along with their wishes, then you will be spared their fangs.

But of course, you set to work yourself. It won't do for Softy to think this evening won't be perfect, just because this friend of hers decided to disappear. And really, looking for something is already trivial for you, which means that looking for somepony will be even easier.​

So that's why everypony goes along with it. That's why the maids work, and why the house is swept and dusted, and why the noble of this house pretends he has a "sister" who he can't really push against.

That is why the central mansion is kept all prim and proper, like a temple or an altar. And that is why every time, every time, every time this so called "Lady" returns from her "trips", everypony bows down and looks towards the ground as she walks by.

That is why everypony closes their eyes as tightly as they can.

You watch as Soft Sweeps makes her way down the corridor, and disappears into another door right after. Once she is gone, you sniff the air a few times, and you parse through the few ponies that are still in this building, until you find the one you are looking for.​

But you have been singled out. Like with everything else in your life, ever since that day, you have been singled out.

Because who knows, maybe everypony else does see a noblemare, when they look at her.

Maybe they do see the lies that they chose to believe in.

Or maybe, just maybe, that thing just chooses not to hide from you so it can torment you.

Tracking her scent is an effortless task for you.

So, you start making your way towards this friend of Soft who decided to disappear.​

And oh sun please help me she's coming this way.

Curiously, the scent-trail brings you to… a broom closet? It doesn't really make a lot of sense. But following the trail you picked up on leads you to a lonely side of the building, far from the dormitory and closer to the workshops. And without a doubt, the pony you are looking for is currently hiding behind a closed door, in a room so small that could only be a broom closet.​

You can feel it. There is a great, horrible and overwhelming presence coming towards you.

So, with a curious tilt on your head, you make your way towards the closed door.​

You can feel it. You can't hear it, and you can't see it, but you can feel it. As if a hurricane was raging right outside the door. Barreling against the walls and pulling the very ground from underneath it.

Step by step, hoof after hoof, you walk towards the door until you are right in front of it.​

And the smell, oh the smell, it is overpowering. That smell that isn't quite ozone and isn't quite blood, but that is something else that is equally rotten and putrid.

You can feel it, coming from under the door. From under the door and from behind the walls and from inside your very skull. You can smell it, and you don't think you will ever be able to smell anything else for the rest of your life.

And now that you are right in front of the door, you can tell that... well, it is not locked. But it is barred, in some way. You can only assume that the door is either very old, and jams easily, or that the pony behind it is somehow blocking it.​

You don't dare to move. You don't even dare to breathe. You are so terrified that you aren't even shivering anymore. Your back is pushed against the door, as if that could help you, but your muscles are so tightly locked you wouldn't even notice if they started cramping.

But… but why would this friend of Softy ever do that? This makes no sense. Part of you considers calling Soft Sweeps here, but you quickly dismiss the idea. This is the mother-daughter evening you planned spending with her, so you don't really feel like dragging this mystery into your schedule.​

You can feel your end approaching.

But not the true, final ending that would release you from any of this. Oh no.

You feel something approaching, and you understand that it will break through this paltry and thin door on your back, and that it will spell the end of your current life and the beginning of what happens next.

Still, you feel like you should at least try to talk to her. So, you raise a hoof towards the door. And you give it a gentle trio of knocks.



Knock​

BANG

Knock​

BANG

Knock​

BANG



The door spams behind you. It spams, and it groans, and it nearly breaks. And you know the only reason it did not fall is because… the thing behind the door is mocking you.

You hear a small whimper coming from somewhere far away. Maybe from your mouth.

You feel something wet trickling down your face.

And the moment your heart is about to give out-

"I think we should go? Maybe she is waiting for us at the meeting or…"​

-you hear her voice.

But before you can do anything else, you hear your daughter call out from behind you.​

And maddeningly, impossibly, the mocking presence behind the door begins to recede.

And once again, for a moment, you consider telling Soft about who is hiding inside this broom closet. Or, if nothing else, you think about sneaking a whisper into the closet, just letting her know that she is in there, or that you will be leaving with Soft now.

But you decide against that.

And without further ado, you leave with your daughter towards Ponyville.​

Leaving you alone… Alone and, not for the first time, wondering if it is you who are mad.

Because later, hours later, when you finally open the door, you don't see any signs of the destruction you know took place.

There are no signs of a storm, no burned pawprint on the wooden floor, and not even a trace of stinking fur on the corner.

Only the mocking emptiness of a predator who decided to toy with its prey.

…

You don't stop shivering until you see your one and only friend, on the next day, and you remind yourself who you are doing this for.





- - -
- - -
- - -





In the quiet village of Ponyville, yet another evening fades into night.

And as far as anypony was concerned, nothing particularly important took place that day.

The sunset was not especially beautiful. The night wind was not too warm or too cold. The wildlife and the surrounding forests were not really that noisy. And everypony seemed quite ready to forget about that night once it was over.

Except for one group of ponies.

In one of the larger rooms of the Town Hall, a group had gathered for their weekly meeting. But that meeting would not be like the others. Quite on the contrary.

Because that meeting would have a special guest. A very important guest, of whom everypony had been told about weeks in advance, and for whose visit everypony worked hard for the last month.

And from an innocent pony's perspective, everything went fine. Introductions were made, hoofs were shaken, and awkward giggles were extracted from a particularly nervous pegasus mare.


"Lady Covers! We hear so much about you from her."
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Miss Sweeps!"
"She's so precious, we would just about do anything for her."


Wholesome jokes. Unabashed praises. Sincere appreciation. The mares and stallions present that night all knew the importance of their visitor. But more importantly, they also understood that their group was formed for a particular reason. So, instead of boring their visitor with one of their regular meetings, they instead hosted a party of sorts, where they could all reminisce on how far they have come, and give no small amount of thanks to the young pegasus mare who they say kept them together.

And as it usually happens with parties, especially when a distinguished guest is present, conversation inevitably shifted towards certain topics. The older ponies confiding with her about their worries, for their foals and their community and the future. The younger ponies asking for advice, about how they should think about the past and how they should prepare for the future.

But all in all, that night felt like a success. And despite the absence of one member of the group, everything proceeded like it was supposed to.

…

Or at least, that… is what an innocent pony would see. That is what the young pegasus mare saw, as her guest mingled and talked and laughed with the ponies who helped her through such hard times.

But from the perspective of a more knowledgeable pony… well, a more knowledgeable pony would also say everything went as planned, that night.

It would just be a matter of whose plan that was.


"Lady Covers! We hear so much about you from her."
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Miss Sweeps!"
"She's so precious, we would just about do anything for her."


Because everypony, with the exception of the young pegasus, saw it. Everypony saw it, the moment their guest stepped into the room.

With their eyes, they could see a mother and a daughter, yes.

But in their hearts, they could see the Mother and the Daughter.

And their guest, in turn, saw them for what they truly were.

Because more than lies, or robes, or any trickery that could be weaved, the ponies there gathered were wearing the greatest disguise of all.

They were wearing their own faces.

And they were delighted and honored to see that, on that night of nights, they were being graced by the one who had gifted them their guiding brimstone. The fire that cast the shadows they followed. The answer to the questions they were still learning to ask.

They could see her for what she really was.

And she, in turn, could see them for what they really were.

Because her daughter had called them a group, and a gathering, and most importantly she called them her friends.

But the guest knew that, in truth, they were her followers. Her servants. Her… cult.

And innocent Soft Sweeps didn't even realize it.

Maybe that is why a smile came to the guest's face when, by the end of the night, she cleared her throat and asked for everypony's attention.



The innocent Daughter had a delightful night with her loved ones. The knowing Mother is generous with those who treat her foals well. And the Followers, behind masks of calm smiles, await with rapt attention.

What Gift will be given tonight?



[] Gift her inspiration.
-"There is a reason why "Caput" is the first word in His invocation."
-Velvet Covers will come to understand the effects of Regrettable Actions on the world, as if she had performed a fourth Regrettable Action and crossed the "midway point".
-Velvet Covers will gain the Trait [XVI:18-19], which will have the following effects:

Spoiler: XVI:18-19

Soft Sweeps will narratively begin to act as if she has "one more Stain than in the current counter". However, mechanically, she will continue to have the same number of Stains Velvet Covers has.

-She will understand exactly what it is that you want. And you will be so proud of her.
-This is NOT a Regrettable Action.


[] Gift her tools.
-"Whatever it is you desire to do, these are the means to do it."
-Soft Sweeps (and through her, her congregation) will learn all the usable rituals you currently know.
-Rites that can no longer be used, or that have not yet been fully researched, will not be taught.
-You will not give her any directions of what to do, exactly. And she will understand that you trust her, and that this is a test.


[] Gift her influence.
-"Ponyville is growing. I would like the right hoofs to take the reins before it grows too much."
-Soft Sweeps (and through her, her congregation) will gain power and influence over Ponyville.
-Mayor Mare will be… "negatively affected" if she does not become a "Close Friend" to Velvet Covers by the end of Turn 23. (Leashing her from Friend to Close Friend is fine)
-You will tell her that you hope Ponyville turns out "the right way". And as much as it scares her to have this much responsibility, she will try her best.


[] Gift her freedom.
-"Now this is quite a fine group of friends you have made Softy. Would you mind if I joined you next week as well?"
-Velvet Covers will permanently lose one Action Point per turn.
-Velvet Covers will assume control over Soft Sweeps' nascent "gathering," and will be given options to direct it each turn.


[] Give her nothing.
-"You regret this, you regret all of this."
-You will not be refunded your action point for this.
-"Dire consequences" will ensue, as if you had chosen not to spend time with Soft Sweeps and fulfill your promise.
-But oh, the inspiration this will give your daughter.
-This is NOT a Regrettable Action.





None of the options presented are Regrettable Actions. That fact was only pointed out in some options to be doubly clear about it. But again, nothing offered here is a Regrettable Action.

Even if you grow to regret them.

This is a previously-written omake, giving a "glimpse" at one of the possible votes for the turn, which was voted into canon.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan: IM FROM PONYVILLE AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Knock) Explore the Ashen Wastes
-[X] (Social) Fleeting Opportunity: Soft Sweeps
-[X] Study (2x), by priority: Moth 5 book, Lantern 4 artifact, Winter 4 artifact, Manehatten book
-[X] Join the Assault on Tall Tale
-[X] Sacrament: Challenge Biedde

[X] Plan: Prisoner Chomping
-[x] (Free) Sell Edge 3 artifact
-[x] (Detectives) Follow Up: Dodge City
-[x] (Constables) Follow Up: Tall Tale
-[X] (Commissioner) Introduce Lore: Forge
-[x] (Director) Lantern
-[x] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Spoiled Rich & Filthy Rich
-[x] (Biedde) Channel an Edge Influence
-[x] (Baldomare) Channel a Lantern Influence
-[x] (Selene) Soothe the night
-[x] (Rarity) Focus on her work
-[x] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry x 2
--[x] Target: Easiest Level 7 book to acquire
--[X] Target: Easiest Forge 6 reagent to acquire
--[X] At Jade's old house
-[X] Acquire a prisoner, preferably not an innocent civilian
-[X] Build a prison
-[X] Obtain a dead body
-[X] Perform the Attention of the Laws (Edge) (x2)
-[X] Cover your bases (-2 Follower AP, +1 Velvet AP)

You had expected Baldomare to be dismissive of your request.

Dismissive, or annoyed, or maybe even hesitant. You expected words of warning, at how you might endanger yourself by doing this. Or words of caution, musing that you could very well "turn out like her" if you continued on your path.

What you didn't expect was for her to smile.

It was the smile of a mare who knew this would happen.

It was the smile of a mare who, by the very nature of your request, had just been proven right.

And it was also the smile of a monster.

Even though it was no different from the expression she always had, whenever she was in a good mood.

"I know you will arrange to be delivered the soldier's blade, not long from now. Just don't use these to look directly into that weapon," she said, like a merchant explaining a minor detail of a product. "The sight will blind you. Permanently."

She said that, and then she took off her glasses, placed them inside an eyeglass case, and gave them to you.

And for a reason you knew very well, but did not wish to name, you immediately regretted your decision.



- - -



You arrive at the Royal Castle late at night, or perhaps early in the morning. With your chariot touching the marble-wrought ground just as the moon touches the west horizon. And thankfully, your arrival in Canterlot is mostly uneventful. At least by your standards.

The Bureau was warned of your presence, of course, and the messenger-on-duty is waiting for you when you reach your room. He does not have any urgent messages for you, and you can't think of any business that you want to dispatch right now. So, you dispatch him with your decision that you will be returning to the Bureau tomorrow, rather than today.

The Secretariat already knew of your daughter's cute-ceñeara. And in all honesty, the ponies who work closer to you even expected you to stay home for a little longer, or maybe even take the whole week off. But duty calls, and you know the Bureau will be particularly busy this month. So, you will be in Canterlot starting today, in case something requires your urgent attention, and you will be back at your office tomorrow.

However, unlike what your secretaries will probably think is happening, you will not stay cooped in your room because you are tired, or homesick, or just need some time for yourself after an entire weekend dedicated to your family.

No, you have… other plans. You have some long-overdue reading that you need to catch up with, and then some other things besides.

…

You sincerely wish you could just call this some "light reading". But as the harsh reality of the world once again pierces into your eyes through Baldomare's glasses, you prepare to delve into a book that, truth be told, nopony alive has any business trying to read.



[Study actions]



The first item you remove from your luggage, carefully secured for the trip, is an old tome made out of crumbling paper. A stack of bone-dry sheets, whose original bindings probably rotted away long ago, kept together by a number of rusted iron rings.

The scrawling on its face is indecipherable. You wouldn't even think it was some kind of language, if not for the symbols that are repeated here and there. Furthermore, you can't even know for sure if the pages are in the correct order, or if the "tome" you have on your hoofs is even complete to begin with.

However, there is an air about this "book" you just placed on your study desk. Something about it feels… like it is calling to you. Not as a sharp challenge to be conquered, and not as a bright treasure to be deciphered. But instead, you feel like these crumbling sheets of paper are inviting your eyes to hurl themselves against them, like a colt might invite his troublemaking friends to tumble down a steep hill for fun.

Reading this feels… erratic, counterproductive, and maybe even unsafe. But there is a part of you that just wants you to do it.

Or at least that is what you feel, until you put on Baldomare's glasses.

Because now… now the pages before you make a little more sense. But you also feel like you have just dissected a joke, and for all that you understand it now, you will never be able to laugh at it again.

Knowledge is never kind you suppose.



[Moth Book, Level 5. "Ancient Beyond History, -50 per roll". Current progress 0/100]

[Roll = 96 + 14 (Learning) + 5 (Well Read) + 20 (Lantern application) + 11 (SH Artifact) + 40 ("A Splendour") – 50 ("Ancient Beyond History") = 136]

[Book successfully deciphered]



You can sense something in the words. Something that a corner of your mind can't help but interpret as "camaraderie" or perhaps "mirth".

This book, you suppose, was written for a friend. Or by a friend. Or for the sake of a friend.

You wouldn't know. You do not have enough information to draw a conclusion.

Still, you have gleaned enough from it.

The pages, you could tell, were in the same order as they were written. However, perhaps as a prank or perhaps as a code, it was meant to be written in another order. And while you could understand most of it, you also realized that some words had two, or three different applicable meanings. While some words simply no longer have an equivalent or translation in this modern era.

But the contents were intriguing enough, you suppose. The book seems to be a missive of sorts, and for all that the meaning of the message seems to change depending on which interpretation you use for certain words, you have decided that too was intentional from the writer.

"There will come the [day/scandal/plan] when we must be [forgotten/hidden/conserved]. Like [undecipherable] on a jar, awaiting [a feast/death/the birth of the recipient of a gift].
Our [best/worst/only] solution will be to use the rivers to [hide/die/drink].
Fortunately, our [patron/enemy/other party of a contract] has already [planted the seeds/painted the rivers/distributed herbs used for poisoning].
Will she betray us? Of course she will betray us. That is [what makes it fun/the only guarantee we have/the sole regret of a widowed wife].
But that is [a/the] [bargain, in the sense of a deal/bargain, in the sense of a bet/bargain, in the sense of a low price] that I am willing to take.
That is my [hope for a peaceful death/hope for a fruitful life/lack of hope, when something goes wrong]."​

You could learn much from this confusion. As well as from the intriguing implications this letter has, considering when it was written and where it was found.

Furthermore, this missive seems to be surprisingly safe and tame, considering how old it is.

You should not expect this from other pieces of writing of this age.



…



Your studies are interrupted by a knock on the door. A maid asking what you would like for dinner.

Which in turn makes you realize you have missed lunch. And breakfast.

But the food is enough of an excuse for you to put the old missive, and your attached notes, away.

After you are well fed, you resist the urge to further offend the book by shedding more light on it. And instead, you carefully pull another item from your bags.

The instrument you have on your hoofs, or at least the thing you assume is an instrument, is in surprisingly good condition. It is entirely made of metal, and it has a vaguely cylindrical that makes it easy to hold on a hoof.

You do not yet know how to operate it, or even what it does, but you can see the hallmarks of an ergonomic design. And what is more, this item is not a singular cylindrical shape, but is instead comprised of several interconnected parts that you are sure must unfold somehow.

However, like a puzzle or a particularly eccentric piece of art, you cannot seem to be able to twist or turn it in any way.

And then, of course, there was the problem that as soon as you put on Baldomare's glasses you almost went blind.

Not in a metaphysical or eldritch sense, no. You literally almost went blind. Because through the lenses of the glasses, the instrument shone. And for the split second before you dropped it and yelled out in pain, as you looked directly at it through the glasses, you felt like you were looking at the sun.

But the instrument, and its natural glow, was a lot more agreeable once you turned off all the lights and began to study it in total darkness.



[Lantern Artifact, Level 4. CD 90]

[Roll = 14 + 14 (Learning) + 20 (Lantern application) + 8 (SH Artifact) + 40 ("A Splendour") = 96]

[Success]



It takes you far longer than you are willing to admit for you to completely unfold this instrument.

But an instrument it is, that is for sure. An intricate, beautifully crafted instrument the design of which is nothing less than inspiring. You might even call it genius.

Because the first few joints and prongs you untwisted revealed several measuring devices. Delicate pliers with intricate markings telling you its current angle of opening. Extensible rulers with different scales and runes. Even a small rod that vibrated curiously when you submerged it in a bottle of water. All of that, and several others besides, many of which you don't really know the purpose of.

Upon further untwisting, which necessitate the joining and connecting of most of the measuring devices, you found yourself holding what looked like a rather large compass. Or at least it looked like a compass, given how the greater part of the cylinder unfolded into a surface of sorts, and several of the measuring devices connected together into what would be a needle of a compass.

However, unlike a regular compass, the central needle wouldn't stop spinning. It did so very slowly, but no matter how long you waited it wouldn't stabilize itself. Although the movement of the needle was not regular enough for you to think of it as a clock.

And finally, when you completely unfolded the device, it turned into something resembling a globe, or a trio of rings forming a sphere. All of its other parts were connected on its inside, in such an intricate way that disassembling it back into its "compact" version would be a puzzle on itself.

Despite your methods, you truly have no idea what this final configuration is for. Although, as you looked at its internal workings, you were vaguely reminded of a gyroscope.

Although you are mostly certain that it is safe enough to use.



…



Your studies were interrupted by a day of work, and then by another. Still, the Bureau is at times lightning-quick and at times bureaucracy-slow, and these days seem to be the latter. So, as your orders trickle down and results trickle up, you are able to continue your studies during the night period after you are done with your work.

The next item to receive your attention is one of the items that were pilfered by Mareinette, during Selene's foray against Copper Secateur.

It doesn't look old, but it doesn't look new either. From its appearance alone, it could be a century-old item that was carefully kept, despite constant use. Or a decade-old item that was left abandoned, after its previous owner passed away. Which feels somewhat poetic, given how you can feel the subtle presence of Winter about it.

In some ways, the thing you are looking at feels more like a memory of an item, rather than the item itself.

It is also fitting, you suppose, that the item itself is a candle snuffer. A long metal rod, with a hoof-grip, which has a cone-shaped cap on its far end, meant to smother down the flames of an overhead candelabra or perhaps a candle that is just out of reach. An item favored by earth ponies, who have neither magic nor the wings to reach more inconvenient places, but not an uncommon item by any stretch of the imagination.

So, you are somewhat curious about why (and how) it became so soaked with the Silent Lore.



[Winter Artifact, Level 4. CD 90]

[Roll = 50 + 14 (Learning) + 20 (Lantern application) + 14 (SH Artifact) + 40 ("A Splendour") = 138]

[Success]



…

…

…

The irony of this situation is not lost to you.

This item, you can tell, is usable. It is usable, and it has a legitimate pall of Winter about it.

But it is also ironic that, as far as you can tell, it is also cursed.

It is a pony curse. A magical curse. Not a curse from the Lores that you would fear due to its age and unpredictability. But a curse nonetheless.

A curse of unluck, of all things.

You wonder if this item became cursed because its previous owner died, or if its previous owner died because of this curse.

Whatever the answer may be, the irony of the situation is still not lost to you.

Because of course Copper Secateur would find a way to remain a thorn on your side. Even after her passing, and by means of a Winter-soaked artifact.



…



The final item you brought with you is not much of a book, as much as it is an assortment of reports, letters and maps that were taken from Copper Secateur's hideout.

There is too little of it for you to truly consider it the "paperwork" of her organization. But there is just enough of it for you to suspect there is something interesting there. And besides, considering the pon… considering the creature that acquired it, you suspect she also reached the same conclusion before hurriedly grabbing them.

It is quite a lot of information, yes.

But under normal circumstances, your hoofs would be enough for you to work over them, even if it took you a few days.

So, given the additional understanding you have, you might as well be reading from a report, as your bespectacled eyes roll over the pile of papers you have on your desk.



[A Book of no Lore levels. CD 50]

[Roll = 75 + 14 (Learning) + 5 (Well Read) + 20 (Lantern application) + 10 (SH Artifact) + 40 ("A Splendour") = 164]

[Success]



It is not the juiciest of blackmail materials, but it is not useless paperwork either.

It is not a map of hidden caches, but it is also not just a pamphlet of Manehattan.

Instead, what you are looking at is… potential.

You knew Copper Secateur. Or at least you think you knew her. You knew her as the pony she was, before the Master became more active and Copper's tendencies and talents became a greater influence in her actions.

So, you know that she was already an… ambitious mare, even before her predilections began to push her even harder.

Which means the information you are looking at is… well, her plans to expand her operation, or perhaps her influence, over Manehattan and beyond.

Something for you to look into later.

But for now, that seems to be it.



- - -



You will revisit your notes, and your tentative conclusions, over the course of the next several days and weeks. You will need time to reduce your findings into writing, and you will triple-check the Lantern instrument-thing before sending it back to Selene for her use.

Of course you will. You wouldn't be caught dead giving Selene a cursed item for her to use in her upcoming tasks.

But for now, you think you have a good enough understanding of what you are dealing with, and what you stand to gain if you continue studying these items.





You have deciphered and ancient book of Moth. Gained one scrap of Moth Lore, and the equivalent Manuscript. Given where it was found, you suspect it was surprisingly tame and safe, despite its age.

Your Moth Lore is now at Level 4, with 4/4 scraps of progression attained. You will no longer be able to gain any scraps of Moth (they will be "wasted" if gained) until you attain Sacrament.

You have successfully studied a book without any Lore levels. Three Expedition sites have been added to your expedition pool.

You have successfully studied a Lantern Artifact and a Winter Artifact. You have gained one scrap of Lantern and Winter Lores, and your information on those artifacts has been updated. Both artifacts are now available for use.

Under a fair reading of your actions, you have used one Study action to study two artifacts (2/2 artifacts for a dedicated action), and one Study action to study two books (2/3 books for a dedicated action). Thus, you can still study a third book (roll one study-dice for a single book) under your book Study action.

A vote on what book you would like to study will be held later this turn.

You are now under the effect of "A Splendour" (+40 for all Lantern rolls).

Because your Lantern is not yet Level 5, and this is your first time under this Influence, you have gained two scraps of Lantern Lore.

And if you would like a more in-depth view of how another Adept could react to Baldomare's "blessings", you can check it out here!

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Voting is closed.

Wow this was close. And less than 50% of people voted for the winner.
But we have to call it at some point, so here it is.

Adhoc vote count started by OurLadyOfWires on Nov 27, 2025 at 4:16 PM, finished with 235 posts and 34 votes.

• ---

  15 people have voted

  [X] Gift her influence.

  • Potdl
  • Biowolf
  • Earth-Destroyer
  • Sk1lz3r
  • Arrkhon
  • spiderhellian
  • Nevermort
  • IronHydra
  • Limabot
  • des-pair-2
  • Cochimetl
  • SilentPencil
  • AuthorTransient
  • jelloloaf
  • Shaper47

  14 people have voted

  [X] Gift her freedom.

  • ses
  • Greymere
  • DelightedOne
  • Random Anon
  • Venerable Ro
  • Talon Tiger Dino
  • Uruguayan spider
  • Limabot
  • des-pair-2
  • Cochimetl
  • SilentPencil
  • AuthorTransient
  • jelloloaf
  • Oblex

  12 people have voted

  [X] Gift her tools.

  • Rafuki22
  • Sintonir
  • keykigdom
  • Anjaxis
  • Portec
  • Solace2117
  • Absinthe69
  • Pittauro
  • Limabot
  • des-pair-2
  • Shaper47
  • Oblex

  10 people have voted

  [X] Gift her inspiration.

  • Pittauro
  • Arrkhon
  • spiderhellian
  • Nevermort
  • IronHydra
  • Bakkasama
  • Darkday
  • Witherbrine2671
  • Cochimetl
  • Shaper47

Good day everyone. Ill sit down to write later.